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Pop Culture Pipe Bomb Is NOW LIVE!!!

The team at Skatronixxx are proud to announce that for 2017 we have had a re-brand and we are now POP CULTURE PIPE BOMB.

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Head over to www.popculturepipebomb.com now for our new updated site.

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Dynasty Warrior 9 finally announced

It’s finally be announced that Dynasty Warrior 9 is in development. There is not a lot of information that has been given apart from that the gameplay will be revisited to a point the game will be more enjoyable and also for the first time, we will finally have an open world instead of point A to B. 

You’ll still have a big roaster of 85 playable characters from each factions you’re choosing but I do hope the multi player will be considerably upgraded to another level compare to the other titles. 

Koei Tecmo and Omega Force are planning to do big this but haven’t in which platforms it will be lunch ( probably Playstation 4 if I’m honest ) but for sure, they will need to do big to bring back the game to the top level of pleasure as it used to since the 5th Dynasty Warrior!! 

Stay tunes with us to have more info about it when it will be available.

Peace out.

Final Fantasy XV is getting free Holiday DLC!

Final Fantasy XV is already a huge game with a lot to do, but it looks like there will be even more to come. On December 22nd we will be receiving Holiday DLC!

Included in this DLC are new costumes, special equipment and even a pass to a limited time Carnival event which will happen in January.

The biggest thing of all has to be New Game Plus which will allow you to replay the game. Though currently we don’t know all that we can transfer from save files, it still is exciting if you have been itching to replay the game.

The two costumes are for Noctis and are rather funny. First he is dressed up in mariachi style for the Carnival Style costume. Then in the spirit of Moogles and Chocobo he dresses up in their image.

There are also items that stop leveling up and items that increase AP. Though if you don’t have the season pass you will only get the Ring that stops experience gain. Plus if you have enjoyed Prompto’s pictures then you will surely enjoy the new frames coming to make them shine even more.

This should be a nice update to the game and will be just a taste of what is to come. In the future we will also see the arrival of Gladiolus’ DLC where in the story he faces an old Final Fantasy enemy Gilgamesh.

Are you excited for this DLC? Will you play the game again with New Game Plus? Does this DLC make you want to get the Season Pass if you don’t already have it?

The Final Fantasy Holiday DLC comes to PS4 and Xbox One on December 22nd just in time for the holidays!

Final Fantasy XV is a solid bro-tastic adventure!

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Final Fantasy XV was recently released and I played through the story from start to finish. I really enjoyed playing through this game and thought it was something rather magical. Different from its predecessors Final Fantasy XV is a more modern yet still fantastical tale.

From the outset of the game there is a sense of brotherhood, four friends going on a road trip to see their best friend and the Prince get married to his lady love. These four guys are very different from each other but all feel strongly about making the world better. There is a brotherly love that flows through the group that only grows as the game progresses.

All of these four guys have different wants and desires plus different skills they bring to the table. Noctis can fish which offers a nice diversion from monster hunting and other activities plus helps Ignis cook excellent fish dishes to help the party. Gladiolus is the muscle and a survivalist which helps since they often have to camp outside. Prompto is the exuberant photographer always taking pictures even in battle.

I don’t want to spoil the story so I will speak lightly about it. The four travel around the world in the Prince’s special car the Regalia. The Regalia is a beautiful customize-able machine with the ability to play every Final Fantasy Soundtrack once purchased. They meet a variety of different people and even gain the aid of fantastic summons and help from powerful friends.

Noctis and co face off against countless foes from the neighboring kingdom of Niflheim along with monsters who roam the world. With hunts for monsters, a huge branching skill tree, and so much character interaction there is always a lot to do.

The story is absolutely brilliant even though some may argue it isn’t. I honestly did feel like I was the fifth member of this group and that we were all the best of friends. You meet these great characters and twists and turns occur that change how you view these characters. Sometimes you are sure your meeting a villain when you are actually meeting a stalwart companion.

If you haven’t played this game I would suggest you give it a shot. While it might not be as fantastical as its predecessors this game is worth playing. Plus the ending is something you have to see to believe.

Final Fantasy XV is out for Xbox One and PS4 right now, with loads of DLC planned for the future!

 

 

My Top 10 Games of 2016 and the games coming in 2017!

2016 was certainly a year of great games. Many have even called it the year of RPG’s and I do love RPG’s. Thinking about this year in gaming I do definitely remember mostly RPG’s as the best games I played this year.

Now this list may not actually be in order as honestly depending on the day my thinking fluctuates. But these games are definitely my top 10.

Final Fantasy XV

Now this game was certainly just a great game in my opinion. Now I haven’t played a ton of Final Fantasy but I have always been interested in its lore and characters. Final Fantasy XV was one of those games that hooked me with the story. I haven’t played much more since I have been busy but I did play this game so much I beat the main story in around 26 hours.

Some people might not like this game but I thought it was pretty spectacular. By the end I saw the four as my friends and was sad to see them go. I will certainly delve back into this game next year especially with the DLC they have planned.

Pokemon Sun

As a true blue Pokemon Trainer since Kanto of course I jumped into this game. This game really was one of my favorites in the series. The battles in game were harder than they have been in the past. I remember getting wipe a few times because my team was under leveled or the fact that my Pokemon friends didn’t have the best typing.

When I play any Pokemon game I really work to pick Pokemon I enjoy. They become my friends and even if they don’t have the best types I keep them because I do care.

Pokemon Sun may be a great beginning for newbies but it was also a revitalizer for us oldies. I have never stopped loving the series but it is cool seeing it change and I can’t wait for more.

Bravely Second End Layer

I really enjoyed Bravely Default. Though for a while I stopped playing it. Then on when Bravely Second End Layer was coming I finished the Bravely Default in 2 days after starting over.

This game was really beautiful to look at and I really enjoyed the characters. While it was odd seeing Tiz alive I think it worked.

The ending of this game is part of the reason it is on this list. I literally cried playing it and I think that is a special thing.

Tokyo Mirage Sessions

When they announced Tokyo Mirage Sessions it was a Fire Emblem and Shin Megami Tensei crossover. But what we got was this crazy idol game. I really enjoyed this game and thought the characters were great.

The story was quite cohesive and I really felt connected to the characters. This game also pumped me up for Persona 5 which is coming next year!

Yokai Watch 2

Yokai Watch is definitely a series that is working to be Pokemon’s rival. This series is certainly worth playing. You might think it’s too childish but it really isn’t.

There are many interesting Yokai and the battles can actually be difficult. If you haven’t played it because it is like Pokemon, you are mistaken. Yes you do befriend monster like entities but there are things you must do in battle. Plus with the wide variety of toys that unlock coins to use in the Crank-a-Kai this game could really keep you playing for a while. Plus it has this super intense meta game now that there are online battles, which so many people probably would enjoy.

World of Final Fantasy

The characters of Final Fantasy have never looked cuter. In this game chibi versions of Final Fantasy characters populate the world. Playing as Reynn and Lann was just too much fun and I had no idea stacking monsters would be so intricate. There are so many possibilities for stacks and playing like you want.

I really enjoyed seeing characters that while I may not have met in game had read about. This game certainly has made me want to play the games though.

Fire Emblem Fates
Truly I found this game to be a blast. I loved that there were three different story lines with different events happening in each. There were sad moments in both and happy ones as well. So many great characters also come to mind as I think back to this game.

I might not have completed all this game has to offer but that just means I have more to play in 2017!

Zero Time Dilemma

Finally the Zero Escape series draws to a close. The chaotic and dangerous world wrapped up rather nicely. But it could have been better. I really enjoyed this game and thought it was interesting how it all wrapped up.

Obviously I don’t want to spoil this series but if you like Gorey puzzle games, you should probably play it. Though it is your decision.

Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth
A RPG set in Tokyo and in the Digimon world? I was hooked from the get go. I definitely enjoyed this game for the nostalgia and my team of Digimon certainly were of earlier seasons. Though I did slowly bring in others with the fantastic Digivolution system.

Dragon Quest VII
A classic RPG cleaned up that I had never had the chance to play. This game was certainly worth the time playing it. Though the story might have dragged on a little more than it should have, I enjoyed journeying with these characters.
It is always interesting trying a new RPG series especially when you have really only played a Game Boy game in the series.

I am very excited for next year’s Dragon Quest VIII and think that it is really cool that there will be voice acting!

As 2016 draws to a close it is always good to look to the future. In 2017 I foresee many hours spent in new gaming worlds. Excited already for Persona 5 and Horizon Zero Dawn. Tales of Berseria looks interesting too. The Nintendo Switch is on the horizon with untold treasures and Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild. I’m also excited to finally play through Kingdom Hearts with both 2.8 and the 1.5+2.5 collection. Who knows, maybe Kingdom Hearts 3 will also be out this coming year.

All I know is I love gaming. To experience worlds and stories as a gamer is something that I never want to give up. Here is hoping in about a year I have another list like this one. Thank you 2016 for being a blast at least when it comes to gaming, 2017 it is a pleasure to meet you.

The First Global Mission for Sun and Moon was a Failure

In an effort to bring the world closer together Pokemon Sun and Moon have Global Missions. I find this idea to be a brilliant one and I think it did do something great because now we can all cry together.

The first even was for all of the Pokemon players to catch 100,000,000 Pokemon in Sun and Moon. We didn’t do that but fret not as you can get either 100 or 200 Festival Coins based on if you synced your game or not.

I have to say I think it was great that we managed to catch around 16 Million Pokemon. 

The next event which starts on December 27th will have us using Island scan. They are even going to re-evaluate the goal so it is reachable. Hope we can complete this one!

Nintendo Switch Presentation Time has finally been announced!

The Nintendo Switch presentation is a month a way. We are so close we can basically touch it.

It looks like the presentation will be occurring rather late for people outside of Japan which is having it at 1pm on the 13th.

Personally I’m okay with the presentation being at 11pm. I’ll be awake and ready to see all the goodness that awaits us. 

Super excited for this announcement which might seem like it came to early. I think it’s good that it came early as it will obviously make people all the more excited.

In a month we will learn so much about this system. I cannot wait! 

Remember to keep checking back on Skatronixxx for more pop culture news!

Welcome To Super Nintendo World! – Nintendo Theme Park To Open In 2020

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Nintendo have released the first concept art for their new theme park, Super Nintendo World. The park is set to open in Universal Studios Japan in 2020 to tie in with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, with Nintendo-themed areas to follow in Universal Studio’s Hollywood and Los Angeles parks.

The concept art may seem very Mario-orientated but the park is also set to feature other Nintendo properties.

Universal Studios Japan stated in a press release:

 “SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™” is coming to Universal Studios Japan and will be the first such opening in the world, featuring globally renowned characters and game worlds from Nintendo. Super Nintendo World is targeted to open in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. While Universal Studios Japan will be the first location to open, Nintendo themed areas are also coming to Orlando and Hollywood as announced by Nintendo and Universal Parks & Resorts on November 29, 2016.

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 Super Nintendo World will be comprised of expansive and multilevel environments filled with unprecedented, state-of-the-art rides*2, interactive areas, shops and restaurants, all featuring Nintendo’s most popular characters and games. Development cost at Universal Studios Japan is currently expected to exceed 50 billion Yen. Super Nintendo World will be developed mainly using the park’s current parking area and part of an area designated for future expansion. Katsuhiro Miyamoto, Professor Emeritus of Kansai University estimates that Universal Studios Japan — after opening Super Nintendo World — will bring economic benefits following its opening of approximately 6.2 trillion Yen for the Kansai region, 11.7 trillion Yen for Japan as a whole, and will create approximately 1.1 million jobs in Japan within a decade after opening*3. Universal Studios Japan will introduce the wonder of the world-class, Japan-based entertainment brand of Nintendo not only to Japan but to the world.

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Super Nintendo World will feature characters and themes from the “Super Mario” series, which has continued over the years to win the hearts of devoted fans around the world. The attraction area will also feature a variety of other globally popular Nintendo characters. Nintendo characters and the worlds they inhabit will be re-created at the highest level of quality through the strong partnership between Mr. Shigeru Miyamoto, Creative Fellow at Nintendo, and Mark Woodbury, President of Universal Creative, renowned for creative and technical excellence. Super Nintendo World will allow guests to fully immerse themselves and all five senses in the worlds of Nintendo, and is expected to attract guests from Japan and the world over.

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So what rides could we see at Super Nintendo World? Here are a few suggestions:

Mario Kart: Double Dash

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Mario Kart games usually feature one racer per kart, but obviously that would result in very long queues for a Mario Kart attraction…so why not make one based on Mario Kart Double Dash: the only entry in the franchise to have two racers in a kart?

A real life Mario Kart would be a lot of fun, especially if Nintendo were to use holographic technology for items such as red shells and invincibility stars. In this scenario, I would imagine the first passenger in the kart would be the driver, whilst the second passenger chucks holographic shells in the back seat. Maybe the kart could even spin around if a shell hits your kart? A Mario Kart ride would have countless possibilities, especially one based on Double Dash.

It is possible that Universal Studios are already planning to make Double Dash one of the attractions, given that a recently released patent is eerily similar to the concept of a real life Mario Kart:

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Yoshi’s Island

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Many have speculated that there could be a Yoshi’s Island dark (indoor) ride, given that the mountainous area with the iconic end of level flag pole contains different coloured Yoshis running around. Personally, I think it would be a pretty cool idea.

I love the notion of being able to ride Yoshi, even if I’m not quite sure how it would be achieved. If Nintendo and Universal Studios could find a way to simulate real leg movement as though you’re actually riding a real life dinosaur, it could provide a memorable attraction for the theme park similar to how many associate  Disney Parks with It’s A Small World. Even better if Yoshi actually jumps whilst you’re riding him. Given that Yoshi is a species of anthropomorphic dinosaur, you can have many different coloured Yoshis also (as seen in the Yoshi’s Island series).

Real Life Donkey Kong

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This is an admittedly insane idea. Imagine being able to play the original arcade Donkey Kong game in real life…with an animatronic Donkey Kong actually throwing barrels at you.

Wouldn’t that just be huge amounts of fun?

Obviously the barrels would have to be fairly light in order to keep on the right side of health and safety but even so, who wouldn’t want to play the arcade Donkey Kong in real life?

Zelda’s Dungeons

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I’ll confess, I’m not really a fan of Legend of Zelda. But the series’ dungeons could make a good ghost train. Maybe not a typical ‘ghost train’, but a slow vehicle that takes you through the various dungeons with iconic enemies from Legend of Zelda lurking within. Maybe the ride could even be located inside Hyrule Castle?

Codename S.T.E.A.M. Laser Tag Ride

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Codename S.T.E.A.M. isn’t one of Nintendo’s most well-known properties but it is a hugely addictive game and would make for an incredible laser-tag ride. In my mind, a Codename S.T.E.A.M. ride would be similar in style to Disneyland Paris’s Buzz Lightyear: Laser Blast; at Buzz Lightyear: Laser Blast, each ride vehicle carries a maximum of two passengers through a dark environment with various animatronics to shoot at with laser guns.

In this case, riders of Codename S.T.E.A.M. would be shooting at aliens from the game whilst strategically making sure they don’t use too much steam. If they run out of steam, it’s game over. As with Buzz Lightyear: Laser Blast, the aliens could be shown to fight back, with the kart spinning when it is successfully attacked by the enemy. The players with the highest score during a ride session win.

Do you like my ride suggestions? Let me know in the comments below.

This is Sean Bassett, writing for Skatronixxx.com. You can find me on Twitter at @WhoPotterVian, as well as on the blog sites Dalekbuster Screen 5 Reviews (www.dalekbusterscreen5reviews.blogspot.co.uk) and The Representation of the Disabled In Film And TV (http://y3603032disabledfilmtv.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1). Please like the Unlucky Fred Facebook and Twitter pages (@unluckyfredfilm), a student film where I am working as the Production Designer.

Please donate to Unlucky Fred by following this link: spsr.me/XiKb

I’m neither a Whovian or a Potterhead. I am a sandwich of both: a WhoPotterVian if you will.

 

 

 

Yooka-Laylee is coming out on April 11,2017!

Yooka-Laylee continues to get closer and closer. This game will certainly be a classic as the former workers from Rare are working on it. They famously made games such as Conker, Banjo-Kazooie, and Donkey Kong 64.

I am excited to see what this game has to offer. It will be great going back to a time when these games were prevalent. Hopefully this game is just the beginning and we get a new Banjo-Kazooie game in the future.

The Wii U version of the game was cancelled in order for the group to make a Nintendo Switch version. It will also come out on all other platforms so everyone can play this sure to be amazing game.

If you pre-order it you gain access to the Sandbox mode which will allow you to try out the duo’s moves. So, if this game looks interesting and you want to get it, then it might be a good idea to pre-order it!

Yooka-Laylee comes out on April 11, 2017 on PS4, XBox one, Steam, and eventually Nintendo Switch!

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