My Time In Tokyo: Let’s Talk About Tekken 7

This is it people, I am in the city of my dreams. I have been waiting for years to be able to travel to such an interesting and different place but not everything started like I was hoping though.

I’m here with my friend Leo as he wanted to see what this city as to offer to geeks like us, and at the moment after 4 days, I can tell you we haven’t been disappointed at all.

We’ve been visiting a few places already as:

• Akihabara
• Ginza
• Shibuya
• Harakuju

But I think to me the best one that I have enjoyed the most is Akihabara, if you are a geek like me, you will certainly love it, especially that this district is known as the electronic district of Tokyo. Meaning… arcade games of Sega Club or Taito Station, each of them contains a good numbers of different type of games from Gundam to Tekken 7, but actually I’m going to talk especially about this game.

Tekken 7 is taking his time to finally be released on new console generation since TTT2 on PlayStation 3, but only in Japan for 2 years they had it in their arcades to be honest. I was starting to grew really impatient as no news of release was announced until this E3 2016. By coming to Tokyo, I gave myself the chance to finally play it and I can tell you that my patience as been rewarded when I finally reached it. The first time was in Sega Club with Leo as we were playing against each others, we were straight away blew by the change of the graphics as it still in 3D but you could a bit of cell-shading mix with it. The gameplay as changed to make it harder for veterans players like us as the combos in the air are done and dusted, which I am grateful for it since Tekken Tag Tournament 2. But the thing that you will see straight is the Art Rage used since Tekken 6 but in a manner that will make you remember about the series Street Fighters.

• Fights more dynamic than the precedent games
• Damaged on health bar revisited to make fights more enjoyable
• Rage Art can be use in two different way and each characters got their unique move for it
• Better graphics mixed up with cell-shading
• Akuma from Street Fighters series available to play and part of the original story…

And there’s more to talk about in it’s pro’s side, the only con I have found is that I pretty suck with a arcade stick unfortunately so it was really rare to see me win against my friend using Kazuya…

But nevertheless we had so much fun playing as we stayed over a hour and spent 1000¥ just on one madness game.

Tekken 7 will be released in 2017 on PlayStation 4 and Xboxone , no specific date unfortunately from Bandainamco but we are hoping that it will come before spring. So you better ‘ GET READY FOR THE NEXT BATTLE’.

Pokémon GO Rockets To The Top Of The App Store

As most will probably now know, Pokémon GO is the new Augmented Reality game from developer Niantic, and is available for all mobile devices. The game was originally released in Australia and New Zealand then very shortly afterwards the US, taking the number one spot in less than a day on iOS, and in just four days on Android.

Nintendo have always been cautious about going into the mobile gaming market, but with the massive success of Pokémon GO, the company have now had a glimpse of the potential growth the mobile market can offer.

As well as hitting the number one spot in record times, the game has been making some serious money via in-app purchases, and the incredible surge in Nintendo’s share prices gave a 36% bump in just two days. This is the largest increase the company has seen since 1983 with the initial release of the Famicon (Family Computer) in Japan.

The new app has gained so many users in such a short space of time, that it’s now getting close to overtaking Twitter, in terms of daily activity. The continuing spike in players hasn’t been all good news for everyone, as most are experiencing serious issues with the servers going down every few hours, and what many have reported as a “lack of Pokémon” when out in the wild. Niantic have kept people updated via their Twitter account, and as of a couple of hours ago Tweeted –

With the new update available we should now see less of the major issues, but the firm have said they will continue to work on it. All this being said, one issue for many is that the app still isn’t available in all territories like the UK, and a delay has been confirmed till they are satisfied with the games stability. As well as fixing certain issues, CEO John Hanke confirmed they will be adding new features such as trading your monsters with friends, and said “It’s kind of a core element”.

The app has been out for a little over a week, and has already become a part of my daily ritual, with it’s unique go-out-to-play experience, and the need to “Catch em’ all”.

SNIKT!

San Diego Comic Con 2016 Funko Pop Exclusives! Wave 7

Let’s face it, everyone loves Funko Pops, they are this generations version of the Beanie Babies. They are cute, collectible and there seems to be no end to them. I started collecting them for Skatronixxx Jr but stopped after realising that I’d never be able to collect them all. Would I still continue collecting them? Sure if I had the money, but alas I have temporarily put my Funko Pop collection on hold, it doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy looking at them though!

There are however hardcore Funko fans out there and  the company knows this, that’s why they are aiming to bombard those lucky people who are going to San Diego Comic Con or SDCC with at least nine waves of exclusive figures.

What’s more having the ‘Funko Limited Edition 2016 Comic Con‘ sticker is a prize possesion for any serious collector and a cool trinket for the causal fan.

On Skatronixxx.com I’ll be bringing you updates about the Funko Pop waves this time it’s time for WAVE SEVEN.

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Funko 1 – Pop! TV: Game of Thrones – 6″ Mag the Mighty

Initial Thoughts? He’s kinda cute considering he’s meant to be ugly and a giant haha.

Funko 2 – Pop! Disney: Pete’s Dragon 2-pack – 6″ Invisible Elliott with Pete

Initial Thoughts? Both me and Skatronixxx Jr would love this!

Funko 3 – Pop! Movies: Suicide Squad – Underwater Batman

Initial Thoughts? I’m Batman.

Funko 4 – Pop! TV: Peanuts – Patriotic Snoopy

Initial Thoughts? Have you been in the shed again Snoopy?

Funko 5 – Pop! TV: iZombie – Olivia Moore

Initial Thoughts? Is it wrong to think a Funko is kinda hot? Let alone one to do with zombies?

Funko 6 – Dorbz: Stan Lee

Initial Thoughts? I’m still gutted I missed the Stan Lee Funko from LFCC *sighs*

Funko 7 – Book: World of Pop! Volume 5

Initial Thoughts? I want it, I want it, I WANT IT!!!

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That was the seventh batch of Funko’s SDCC 2016 exclusives, what did you think? Let us know, sound off on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram or comment below.

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ICYMI – This Week in Skatronixxx!

Hello Skatronixxx followers and Occasional Readers!

For your reading pleasure this week we have started to cover the run up to the San Diego Comic Con – the literal Mother (and Father!) of all Cons taking place this year from July 20 to 24. In our daily posts we will bring you breaking and confirmed news and all the juicy rumors of what to expect from this years SDCC.

So far, some of the news includes Funko Pops SDCC exclusives. The Bossman will be keeping us updated on those, since he has a deep-seated love for the little critters.
concreteshawzee did up an article on Alex Ross Art Exclusives.
awesomect98 has found out that OUAT will be doing a panel, featuring the members of the cast.
Alexmi6 posted some news about upcoming SyFy show Van Helsing.
FranPan shares what she has found out about upcoming Netflix series Luke Cage.

In regular Skatronixxx articles, this week saw:

Pokémon GO – The Fun Continues

The new Pokémon GO app for Android and iOS has been stirring up quite up a storm with some users travelling far and wide in hopes of finding their next catch.

Over the last few days, people have been sharing some incredible shots on various social networks, some more Gastly than others:

Recently, a trainer on Instagram found that, like many famous buildings in New York, Trump Tower has been tagged as a Gym. This means people can battle Donald Trump’s 58 story skyscraper and leave one Pokémon to defend it as theirs. Here’s how the building looks in game:

Interestingly, the Pokémon on top of the building appears to be a rather grumpy looking Pinsir, so, who knows how close you’ll have to get to take on the Gym here.

Another “keen” trainer shared his experience of catching a run-of-the-mill Pidgey, whilst his wife was in labour. Jonathan Theriot posted the below picture on Imgur with the caption: “When your wife is about to have a baby and a Pokemon shows up and you have to low-key catch it…”

The new father said to BuzzFeed: “As soon as it popped up, I was like, oh my gosh, there’s a Pidgey sitting on your bed! So, I screenshotted it, then caught it and showed it to her.”

I’ve been playing the game for the last couple of days and have found myself taking walks to get to my local Gym or to get better Pokémon. I’ve also found myself walking around the house or garden in hopes of making a new discovery on the mini map. This truly is a unique experience and a brilliant way to get people up and out.

SNIKT!

Indie Games Part 4: Maruta 279

This time we will be introducing to you BUSAN SANAI Games and their upcoming title Maruta 279. Maruta 279 is a stealth game that takes place in a dystopian future world where human clones are experimented on. The game will be released for iOS by this year’s fall, and it should be coming for Android and PC later too. The game does look like fun and it’s ambiance and music reminds me a little of the classic Shadowrun game. I myself love puzzles, stealth and dystopia so I really hope the game will be released for Anrdoid soon so i get to try it out! You can check out the game play trailer  I put here for you.

Here is the inspiring interview with BUSAN SANAI’s Sean Shin.

Where did you get the idea for your game, and how did you start?

I was inspired by a short story that my friend, Alex Park, wrote. His story ‘The Anomaly’ is about a psychologist who works at a cloning facility, and is in charge of monitoring clones’ mental health. We originally set out to make a narrative-heavy 2D side scroller, but it eventually evolved into an isometric 3D stealth game.

What are your expectations for the game?

Maruta 279 is still in development – I’m planning on releasing this game to the iOS App Store in the Fall this year. It’s hard to say what my expectations are, since I look at this game as a learning experience more than anything. I’ve made simple 2D games before, but only as a programmer. This is my first 3D game, and this is also the first game where I’m doing everything – 3D modelling, animation, UI design, etc. It would be amazing if some people like it when it comes out, but I’m just happy to have learned all the things I’ve learned while making this game.

What is/was the hardest part in making your game? How about the most fun part?

Programming is the hardest part of making this game. Mobile optimization is a pain. Feature creep is also an issue. I’ve added some features that I didn’t have in the plans initially, which has made the code more complex and broke some old features that I had to fix. It’s hard, but I love problem solving, so I enjoy the challenge. The most fun part is getting out of my comfort zone as a programmer and learning new skills. When I started making this game in January, I only had basic ideas about 3d modelling and lighting. I still have lots to learn, but the game is getting closer to how I envisioned it from the beginning. Feeling like a total beginner in a new area is scary, but it’s also very exciting.

Is making games a hobby, or do you want to earn your living with it?

I would love to earn my living though making games. That would be the dream!

Do you have any other game projects at the moment?

I’m also working on a music-based game with a music producer, namoo nara (who is also working on sound design for Maruta 279). It’s still in early stages of development, and it may turn into more of an experience than a game, but it will definitely be have trippy visuals with sound-reactive and procedurally-generated elements. Preview here:

 https://vimeo.com/152047353

Anything you’d like to say to people who dream of making games?

Anyone who dream of making games should start making games now! The tools are easier than ever to learn, and there are tons of resources to get you started. More people making games can only lead to good things.

BUSAN SANAI Games has received these awards and recognitions:

• “Finalist in 2016 AFK Game Development Symposium” – 28 April, 2016
• “Selected for the Very Big Indie Pitch at Pocket Gamer Connects Vancouver 2016” – 28 June, 2016
• “Selected for The Indie Prize Showcase at Casual Connect USA” – 18 July, 2016

Play with passion!

auburn.geek

The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Edition Coming!

Bethesda is releasing The Elder Scrolls online: Gold edition for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC on 9th of September this year. The upcoming edition will give access to the complete story with no barriers, including the whole game with all it’s DLC content, namely Imperial City, Orsinium, Thieves Guild, and Dark Brotherhood. Gold edition buyers will also receive 500 crowns to use in the game, and a Palomino horse, so you’ll have a cute companion in your adventures. The Elder Scrolls: Gold Edition will cost around 60$ and it is available for pre-order. This pack will be perfect for gamer who hasn’t yet played the game, or who hasn’t bought all the DLC content already.

Here’s the official description of the Gold Edition: Own the complete ESO story plus the first four DLC game packs with the newly announced The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Edition. From Skyrim to Daggerfall, this pack allows you to explore the vast world of Tamriel in one package. Travel to Abah’s Landing to master the art of thievery with the iconic Thieves Guild, become a deadly assassin of the Dark Brotherhood in the Gold Coast, or ride to Wrothgar and aid the Orc King Kurog in rebuilding Orsinium.

There is also something new to look forward to in The Elder Scrolls universe. Three new DLC are in production right now, Shadows of the Hist being the first to be released in August. Sadly the new DLC are not going to be included in the Gold Edition. Maybe we will get another edition  later that’ ll include the upcoming add- ons too? Seems like The Elder Scrolls Online is getting a bit too much like every other money sucking mmorpg, but that might just be me.

Play with passion!

auburn.geek

Red Dead Redemption Sales Up A WHOPPING 6,000%

Following the confirmation that the Xbox 360 version of Red Dead Redemption will backwards compatible on Xbox One, sales numbers have jumped over 6000 percent.

Sales of the original 2010 release and the more recent Game of the Year edition, have seen a huge spike on Amazon.co.uk after it was confirmed they would be playable later this week.

At the time of checking, the regular copy of the game rose from a sales rank of 1,082 to 17, whilst the Game of the Year edition climbed from 775 to 36.

Rockstar announced yesterday that every Red Dead Redemption Xbox 360 owner, will be able to play the game directly through their Xbox One, regardless of the version they own (Red Dead Redemption, Game of the Year Edition, or Undead Nightmare)

Those who aren’t able to beat the Amazon rush, or sold theirs (me), will be able to download it via the Games Store via the Xbox One.

SNIKT!

Dynasty Warriors Coming For iOS And Android

The legendary tactical action game is making it’s way into the mobile game market. The upcoming Dynasty Warriors will be free to play and totally designed for mobile gaming so it’s not a conversion of some older title. Nexon Korea is producing the new app in cooperation with Dynasty Warriors publisher Koei Tecmo and developer XPEC Entertainment, the new Dynasty Warriors should be available later this year.

The game looks pretty sweet, and if you are not familiar with the franchise yet, this should be a perfect way to see if you like it. It should also be great for the old time fans, at least this is what the developers believe.

Nexon Korea’s Jiwon Park  has been reported saying:“Dynasty Warriors is a beloved and fan-favorite franchise that has endured for nearly two decades and gives Nexon Korea another triple-A title for audiences around the world to enjoy,[…]Fully enhanced for mobile while retaining the feel of the console versions, Project Dynasty Warriors will immerse hardcore gamers and deliver everything that made the Dynasty Warriors series a beloved global masterpiece.”

Play with passion!

auburn.geek

 

INSIDE Review (Xbox One & PC)

Playdead is a company that I’ve personally taken an interest in ever since their first game Limbo, originally released back in 2010 on Xbox Live Arcade. It did so well, that in the following years to come it would be released on numerous different platforms.

Their latest release ‘Inside’ follows Limbo’s success on so many different levels, and brings some fascinating new ways to play.

Like with Limbo, you start off as a young boy in a forest with no explanation as to why, or what the end goal is. The only part that is clear, is that you must progress along the 2D platformer by running, jumping and grabbing – the only 3 controls given. You quickly reach a building/warehouse where you spend the rest or your time questioning what this grotesque, oppressive place is.

During the course of the 3 – 4 hours length, you’re tasked with an array of different puzzles in interesting and unique levels, each one designed in such a way that feels fresh from the last. It’s unlikely that you’ll be stuck for hours on a particular puzzle, as the solutions are logical and can be solved with a bit of trial and error.

You’ll die fairly often during your play through and the animations are quite alarming, one such case was being mauled by a pack of dogs for being a second too slow, another was being dragged under water by what I can only explain as the little girl from 2002’s ‘The Ring’. That being said, this isn’t your usual punishment for failure that most games express, but a life lesson on how you proceed next time.

The world of Inside is uniquely beautiful, giving you 2D movement with a 3D backdrop that you can’t help but stop and gawp at every so often. The colour is muted and the people are without definition, giving you the feeling that this is not a place of happiness for anyone. The music occasionally plays in a significant places, and you can’t help but get shivers in awe of the gorgeous art style and dramatic themes.

Inside is a 2D masterpiece that does a lot with a little, and for £15.99 ($19.99) it’s a great investment. The experience will leave you and friends talking for hours and feeling like you’ve been on one of the most intense adventures in a game to date. If you have a spare few hours, this is one game I urge you to experience for yourself before someone spoils it for you.

SNIKT!