Batman Arkham VR Teases Death Traps And New Villains

In a little over a month, PS4 owners will finally be able to jump into the world of VR and more importantly become the Batman. There’s little to no gameplay of what we can fully expect when we literally step into Gotham, but who cares it’s Batman in VR!

From what we know, this won’t take place in Rocksteady’s Arkham series, but instead will have you solving some harrowing murder mysteries as the Dark Knight. Rocksteady also showed some behind-the-scenes video, with creative director Sefton Hill stating, “You’re going to meet some different super villains as you play through. You’re gonna get stuck in a deathtrap that you need to figure a way out. We wanted to create a series of different scenes that all felt unique when you played through it, unraveling what’s happening is all part of the mystery.”

From what can be seen in the video below; there’s no mind blowing never-before-seen gameplay, as most of what we can see takes place in the Batcave and is very short, but there is a very small glimpse of Knightwing taking on what seems to be a new adversary. Let’s hope his appearance means there will be some interesting mechanics brought in like they had with the Arkham series.

It’s been reported that this will be a short experience lasting around 2 – 3 hours as it’s intended to give people the sense of being Batman in a way that no Halloween costume or comic book collection ever has.

This may be a short game but after that amount of time in VR, most will welcome the break from having a screen that close to the face and constantly moving. The price doesn’t seem to reflect this short experience, with pre-orders around the same as most triple A titles, but lets face it, that’s a price worth paying to become the Bat.

Batman Arkham VR will available at the launch of the PS VR on October 13th worldwide, and we here at Skatronixxx will be keeping a close eye on all things VR.

SNIKT!

The Film Future Of “Uncharted” Is A Little, Well… Uncharted

As someone who finally got a PlayStation and then proceeded to binge all four Uncharted games in a week (who needs sleep?), I have a deep and abiding love for the fantastic characters of the games. From the disaster-prone and clever Nathan Drake, to the brilliant and bad-a Elena Fisher, to the snarky and loyal Victor Sullivan, I grew invested in their crazy adventures and intricate stories.

So when I heard that Sony was planning to make a live-action Uncharted film, I lost my mind. In late July, Joe Carnahan (The Grey, writer and director) was confirmed as the writer for film, although his current production schedule prohibited him from directing it. Other people attached to making the film happen are producers Charles Roven (Man of Steel) and Avi Arad (The Amazing Spider-Man).

However, don’t get your hopes up. Recently, Sony took the Uncharted film off of their production schedule. The film was originally slated to be released June 30th, 2017, and has been in the works since 2009. But rather than just get a “TBA” or be moved to a different release date – because, even if they got all their ducks in a row today, it’s extremely unlikely that they could have a completed film in less than a year – like other delayed major motion pictures, Uncharted was removed from the production schedule altogether.

Some speculate that this could mean that the film was cancelled entirely.

Insert Pac-Man dying SFX here. Sony's video game adaptation of UNCHARTED, set for 6/30/17, has been removed from their release calendar.

— Exhibitor Relations (@ERCboxoffice) September 1, 2016

But wait! I have some (admittedly weak) evidence to the contrary. The same day that the removal was announced, writer Joe Carnahan tweeted that he had just finished the opening scene in the script – and that it was “REALLY GOOD.”

It would be really odd to announce something like that the same day as a cancellation, right? So, maybe, the film is just being postponed for a long time, and so they just decided to take it off the production schedule until they figured everything out? Maybe? Hopefully?

So I guess you can sorta kinda get your hopes up. I don’t know. It’s kind of an emotional roller coaster at this point.

The opening scene for UNCHARTED…at least in script form, is really, REALLY GOOD.

— Joe Carnahan (@carnojoe) September 2, 2016

So don’t be disappointed. But don’t get your hopes up too high, either. Maybe keep them at a reasonable level (or a wee bit lower), so that, if a later release date for the film is announced, you’re pleasantly surprised (and if it remains cancelled indefinitely, the pain won’t hurt so much).

Personally, I’m going to be crossing my fingers and knocking on wood everyday until I hear that the film is back on track. If they keep to the video game formula of incredible visuals, engaging story, and brilliant and dynamic characters, they’ll have a truly fantastic movie. If Sony accurately captures the relationship between Nate, Elena, and Sully, they’ll easily capture themselves a box-office hit.

So here’s hoping that they’re just pushing the release date back until 2018.

But until I find out for certain, in the words of Victor Sullivan, I’ll be “sweatin’ like a hooker in church” (but for different reasons, obviously).

 

Image Credit by: Brink

Pokemon Sun and Moon Demo?!

It has been announced through the Korean rating board that a demo for Pokemon Sun and Moon will be released. This is great news for Pokemon fans as even though it hasn’t been announced for anywhere but Korea, everyone else should probably get this demo.

When they released Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire they also had a demo which was great. It let you jump into the Pokemon world and do a little battling gaining items and even a mega stone to mega evolve either Glalie or Steelix.

This was a great way to build excitement for the game as it was something you could play up to ten times and get different rewards. Chances are this Sun and Moon demo will be in the same vein and I am excited to see what they have come up with in terms of the demo.

Keep checking Skatronixxx for news about Pokemon Sun and Moon!

Nintendo Brings In The 3DS Big Guns With Today’s Nintendo Direct

The first Nintendo Direct in a long while is today. I was so excited and rightfully so, this was a splendid direct.

So much news was revealed and I love it.

Obviously Pokemon Sun and Moon is coming on November 18th of this year. They even showed off Alolan Rattatta.

There will also be a special Munchlax given away at the release of the game. This Snorlax is equipped with a special Z move Pulverizing Pancake. It looks like a pretty righteous move for the big guy.

The smash hit Mario Maker is coming to 3DS for Mario making levels on the go. With 100 levels made by Nintendo included and medal missions to complete this should be the start of a new world for Mario Maker. This version may not have costumes but that’s okay it is really focused on creation. You can share your courses locally or through street pass, and even collaborate with a friend on a level!

Mario Party Star Rush launches November 11th. This game will also launch with new Amiibo including Waluigi who is a high demand Amiibo character. Plus Glow in the Dark Boo is also released then.

With eight different game modes, multiplayer and all the characters you know and love this could be a good Mario Party.

After being released in 2012 Animal Crossing New Leaf is becoming new again. Finally this game is adding Amiibo compatibility. With 50 new amiibo cards featuring new characters and their mobile homes.

Street Pass is getting an upgrade. If you are a premium Street Pass user you can gather 100 people via Street Pass, 10 times the normal amount. There will also be a stream lined version of the plaza which will make it all go so much quicker.

Plus with 5 new games coming out for the plaza there is even more incentive to play around there. Plus, you get either Slot Car Rivals or Market Crashers for free!

Tank Troopers which is coming out this Winter looks to be a fun and frantic Tank battling game. With a zany cast of characters, it could be quite the game.

Picross 3D 2 is also on its way with a demo out today.

There are also new Amiibo launching for The Legend of Zelda’s 30 the anniversary. These include an 8 bit Link, Ocarina of Time Link playing his ocarina and Wind waker Zelda and Link. Today also marks the release of the spirit tracks and phantom hourglass pack in Hyrule Warriors Legends for 3DS. With Toon Zelda joining the fray it makes sense for her to get an amiibo.

Skyward Sword the Wii U edition is out on the Wii U’s eshop today

Today also marks the release of the spirit tracks and phantom hourglass pack in Hyrule Warriors Legends for 3DS. With Toon Zelda joining the fray it makes sense for her to get an amiibo.

Ace Attorney Spirit of Justice comes out September 8th.

Dragon Quest VIII has been delayed to 2017 and it still looks like it will be a glorious remake.

Also announced was the remake of Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Lost City

Yokai Watch is going Pokemon style with Bony Spirits and Fleshy Souls. There is even a physical medal that unlocks a  special move for Jibanyan. This game is a sequel to the first one but ends up taking place half in modern Springdale and half in old Springdale.There is also a demo coming in mid September!

Disney Magical World 2 comes out  on October 14th. I’ve heard the first one was rather good, so this one should be even better. All of your favorite disney characters live here and you can play with them. You can even fight monsters.

There is a new Galaxy styled 3DS coming out. It looks really cool. Also you can get the Super Mario 3d Land bundle for 149.99$

Sonic Boom Fire and Ice is coming out on the 27th.

Shin Megan Tensei IV Apocalypse is coming out on the 20th. The first round of release will include a metal badge.

Yoshi’s Wooly World is also coming to 3DS. This is a updated version of the Wii U edition with Pooch levels and Finding lost Poochy pups

Ever Oasis is also coming out next year. I think it looks like a charming game as you have to make your oasis the best. Who doesn’t want to help people living in a desert?

Super Mario Sport Stars is coming out later this year

Pikmin is coming to 3DS! It holds the charm of the console game in a smaller more Pikmin like size.

Wow, they really did pull out all the stops. The end of 2016 is looking bright for 3DS as is the beginning of 2017. Can’t wait to find out what is coming for Wii U and NX in the future!

 

What Are Ya Playin? September 1st 2016

Hello all, I’m Stark and I’m here to introduce a new part of the gaming side of Skatronixxx. Even though we are a news site we are also out to share our own insights on the world. Thus we are bringing in this new idea where us gamers will tell the public what games we are playing periodically. If you haven’t gathered, the title of this series is a twist on the Weapon Merchant from Resident Evil 4’s speech.

As a gamer I enjoy a wide variety of games, and currently am playing quite a few while also waiting for more games to come out.

Currently I am playing Rhythm Thief and the Emperor’s Treasure which I just bought as it was on sale on the Eshop. It is a rather charming game that is partially voiced and animated. I think it really is a good game even though I’m not usually a rhythm gamer.

I also took the opporotunity to buy Conception II: Children of the Seven Stars as it was also on sale. This game is an anime style RPG that tells the story of a world where monsters have begun appearing. It is up to young people from the age of 17 and 18 to take out these beasts. But there is something that makes this game different, the main character and the ladies he works with make children. Now these aren’t normal children, they are magical star children born surprisingly from a matryoshka.

I’m also playing Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch which is a splendid game from 2013 created by Level 5 and the wonderful Studio Ghibli. It tells the story of Oliver who after a loss is transported to another world to save it from evil. I am enthralled as I am a big Studio Ghibli fan, and was never able to play it as I didn’t have a PS3.

I also played the Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Spirit of Justice demo which was a great introduction to the new ideas in the upcoming game which comes out in a week.

I’m excited for September as Yokai Watch 2 also comes out and Pokemon Sun and Moon comes out in less then three months.

I hope you enjoyed this little dive into my gaming world and that you will look forward to reading about the other gamers here on Skatronixxx. Happy Gaming!

 

Nintendo Is Finally Directing Our Eyes To The Future With A 3DS Based Direct On September 1st!

I love Nintendo, and I love hearing about new games coming out on their systems. I also really do love their Nintendo Directs which we have not gotten since March. Now I know we got footage on the E3 Floor but that was not a direct.

A direct is a magical thing in that it shows the people behind the games, the ones championing them and their reactions. When I see Bill Trinen or Reggie Fils-Aime or any of the greats including Aonuma or Miyamoto I smile. These guys work with and love games. They love Nintendo and I know they love their fans.

Watching directs is something I look forward too, they are like random gifts because usually they aren’t announced until they are literally coming.

September 1st at 10am EST I will be covering this direct and all of the goodies that come out of Nintendo’s treasure chest. I cannot wait to see and hear what they have in store for us and I hope you can’t either.

Warcraft Knightly News Ep 2: Breaking News Demons Invade

The count down is on for the Legion drop LIVE. So Warcraft Knightly News gets invaded by a guild member and 2 Major announcements this week. Make sure you stay tuned for all the Invasion news and subscribe to keep up to date on all the World of Warcraft News and other great shows we have on KoDGaming!

New Pokemon Extravaganza For Sun Moon

I have been trying to catalog the new Pokemon for Sun and Moon and give my thoughts on the new Pokemon, but with every week it seems like they reveal something new. So, as it is quiet on that front I will endeavor to go through all the Pokemon that have been revealed since E3.

 

This little beast of a Pokemon is Gumshoos and is the evolved form of Yungoose. It is clearly an attempt at creating a detective Pokemon as it is classified as the Stake out Pokemon. I think it does look like it is wearing a trench coat. People have noticed that these two Pokemon look a little like a certain Presidential candidate, but of course that’s ridiculous right? Gumshoos is far more formidable then its pre-evolution, as it can stay standing for hours and not get hungry. This Pokemon is also said to be a totem Pokemon and thus is strong.

 

This little cutie is  Stufful and is the pre evolution to Bewear. Stufful may look cute but like its evolution one hit from a Stufful can cause serious damage to any unsuspecting Pokemon. People love this little bear because it is so cute, but really you need to watch out for its Herculean strength.

This big bruiser is Bewear and he is the evolution of Stufful. This thing may look weird but they are vicious beasts known for hugging. He doesn’t look like he could do much with his odd appearance but being a bear clearly has its advantages. It is up to the trainer to teach Bewear how to exert less strength because it loves hugs and doesn’t know its own strength.

This little baby is Bounsweet, and clearly is a baby. Bounsweet is a troubled Pokemon as it smells so sweet that it draws its foes in all the time. It is always freaking out even though it looks so happy. You’d never think this little sweetheart was actually scared for its life. Poor baby.

In the same vein as other Pokemon before it this Lei Pokemon is called Comfey.  I actually think Comfey is quite cute even though it is similar to other inanimate object based Pokemon before it.

This little horse is Mudbray and is the first form of Mudsdale. Clearly less majestic than its evolution but quite cute, this little guy is also ground type.

This is Mudsdale the evolution of Mudbray. I think this is cool because it is a ground type that reminds me of the Trojan horse of myth actually. This Pokemon really is something to look at it, as while we may have had horse pokemon before this one is far different from Ponyta or Rapidash.

This cool looking Pokemon is called Minior and it actually has two forms.

 

Fomantis is the pre-evolution of Lurantis and is also of the Grass type. This little Pokemon uses photosynthesis to gather energy and even can use the powerful move Solar beam. Though this little cutie doesn’t use it often because of how long it takes to charge it up and how much energy it uses.

Lurantis is the evolution of Fomantis and is the mantis Pokemon. Despite it being pink in color it is actually quite formidable. This Pokemon is the Grass Sickle Pokemon and is of the Grass type.

Oricorio is special in that this little bird has 4 different forms based on each of the islands. This little bird is either Fire, Electric, Psychic, or Ghost type with the typical Flying type attached.

Salandit is the toxic lizard Pokemon clearly its name is a Portmanteau of Salamander and Bandit. This lizard may just be a member of my final team as he looks awesome. A poison/fire type this thief is ready to cause some trouble. Clearly those eyes indicate that he is up to no good.

This Pokemon may look a little familiar as Mimikyu the ghost type is mimicking the mascot of Pokemon Pikachu. We put so much love into Pikachu that this little guy disguised himself as the Yellow Mouse Pokemon to feel a little love. Though its true form is nought more then a shadowy beast it clearly tried hard to embody Pikachu‘s look.

Wimpod is a cool looking Pokemon who is actually quite the wimp. This Pokemon will run away from a fight and actually cause damage to his foe.

This Pokemon is something that I’ve wanted for a while a ghost sandcastle Pokemon called Sandygast. This Ghost/Ground type is a super cool because it is actually used as a test of courage. If a child puts their hand in its mouth the little sandcastle can control them and force them to make it bigger.

Sandygast evolves into this giant castle known as Palossand. Palossand‘s name is hilarious because it close to Pile of Sand. This thing is dangerous though as it can enslave adults into building onto it and making barriers to defend it from attackers.

This little fish may not look menacing and with a name like Wishiwashi you might not expect much. I mean look at him his eye even looks like tears. I feel sad for this little guy, in this form though…

But watch out Wishiwashi changes form and becomes its school form, which really does look quite awesome. It clearly is based on the idea of fish swimming in schools, but going to a new height as it becomes a monster in its own right.

Pyukumuku here is a weird looking Pokemon for sure. His mouth opens up and he sends out a white fist similar to green lantern’s power ring. People of the Alola region are not fond of this little guy and based on recent video there is even a short side quest where you get rid of these guys.

M0relull is another cute Pokemon but seriously he looks like he’s going to cause some trouble.

Turtonator was released recently in a video at Gamescom in Germany. This turtle Pokemon is clearly not trusting of anyone and always watches his back which is monstrous already.

Crabrawler is a crab Pokemon clearly and he likes to get into scuffles.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics Elation: Japan’s PM Shinzō Abe Flares Inner Mario

Image taken from http://bit.ly/2bQEoUo

Just a few days ago, on the 21^st of August, the Closing Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games was held at the Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, amidst a few good showers and, despite all, great enthusiasm. Fortunately, and putting aside a few incidents, this year’s Olympics have not been stricken by any major terrorist attacks, a possibility that, together with the Zika virus threat, worried both athletes and visitors alike and caused much less participation overall than Brazil would have desired.

Nonetheless, during the ceremony the Maracanã sparkled with wondrous fireworks and held a gorgeous visual and musical performance that joined together hundreds of enthusiastic dancers on the arena, in a Carnival-themed festival joyously shaken with a plethora of colourful parades, technological light effects, frevo, and the live songs and music by eminent samba myth Martinho da Vila, Brasilian singer Mariene de Castro, and Norwegian superstar DJ Kygo, amongst many others. Towards the end, the Olympic flame was slowly put out under a light, artificial drizzle, amongst much solemnity.

But one of the moments that have sparkled more interest worldwide during the ceremony has been the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games’s presentation. Already on September the 7^th, 2013, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that Japan was the winner bid to host the XXXII Edition of the Summer Olympic Games, in 2020. The great news were received with much thrill on the part of all the Japanese community, and since then the Japanese Olympic Committee, led by Tsunekazu Takeda (who has also been/is involved in the organisation of the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano and the 2010, 2014, and 2018 Winter Olympics), is totally immersed in the planning and presentation of the best Olympic Games ever – a bet that could spectacularly benefit Japan as regards not only tourism, financial gains and product, infrastructure investments, but cultural openness and wide-reaching societal promotion; principally as regards their particular idiosyncrasies and overly hi-tech lifestyle.

The Tokyo 2020 presentation has already given us a tasty appetiser. Japan is not afraid to uphold their best and most demanded national products in front of any international audience, be they highly advanced technology props or their most cherished pop or mainstream fiction. Following the moment in which Rio Mayor, Eduardo Paes, after waving it for one last time handed the Olympic flag to the President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, Tokyo’s Governor, Yuriko Koike, dressed in a gorgeous and discreet traditional, golden-coloured kimono, graciously received it from Bach’s hands and gently bowed in appreciation. The Japanese national anthem, Kimi Ga Yo, was then played while a group of robotic-like performers gradually formed the shape of the Japanese flag on the arena, filled with expressions of gratitude, first to Rio and Brazil and subsequently in all the languages in the world. And then the funny part began:

After a promotional video showing Japanese athletes “warming up” in the crowded and orderly streets of Tokyo, portraying both images of the most emblematic buildings and anime and videogame characters from Captain Tsubasa, Pacman, Doraemon, and Hello Kitty, the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzō Abe, finally catches a red ball with which the athletes have been playing around. Still in Tokyo, and realising he’s not going to make it to Rio on time, he decides to release his inner Mario, from Nintendo’s Super Mario videogame series. With the red ball in his hands, and aided by a flying Doraemon who produces a green pipe for him, the 3D Mario representing Shinzō Abe goes through the center of the earth until the real Shinzō Abe finally arises, “at the other side of the green pipe”, in the middle of the Maracanã Stadium, still carrying the red ball (which clearly represents the Japanese flag) and the Mario cap on top of his head.

What’s so attractive about this? In our Western culture, we’re not used to seeing high-rank politicians dressed-up as fictional characters, even not many grown-up celebrities. Actually, although much less than years ago, it is still considered by many as a flaw of character to indulge too much in fanboying or fangirling over works of fiction, particularly after reaching adulthood. By contrast, for Japan leisure, fantasy and pop culture they are able to produce and export globally are considered a hard-earned and well-deserved success, the fruits of their work, and as worthy of display as a well-groomed Western suit or a traditional dress. Thus, we can see a 62-year-old Prime Minister at such an important event flashing the symbols of a videogame with which many of us we’ve played as kids. For us otakus and hi-tech geeks, it’s a powerful, enticing symbol of what’s to come during Tokyo 2020.

And it’s mouth-watering.

https://tokyo2020.jp/en/faq/

The XXXII Summer 2020 Olympic Games will be held from the 24^th of July to the 9^th of August. We are already talking about “Olympics 2.0”: there’s no doubt the next Games will be filled to the brim with classy technology and many other amazing surprises. Who knows what the Japanese will arrange for such a great occasion? A new, spectacular stadium packed with the newest and most amazing equipments? Huge, robotic sculptures portraying exemplary characters from their pop culture, like the 59-feet-high Gundam on display in Odaiba, Tokyo, since 2009, to celebrate its 30^th anniversary? Augmented reality of such a high quality that we might get the feeling, with just a computer or a phone and a pair of technological glasses (or even less than that), that we are virtually talking to a series of computer-made characters while we walk through the streets of Tokyo?

Whatever it is, what’s for sure is that it’s going to be very tough to wait for four more years, starting from now, until we finally see it.

---

Sources:

http://news.nationalpost.com/sports/rio-2016/rio-2016-closing-ceremony-live-follow-along-as-the-olympics-come-to-an-end

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3752157/Rio-s-parade-rained-one-time-Olympics-closing-ceremony-hit-torrential-rainstorm-Brazil-brings-curtain-half-stadium.html

http://thediplomat.com/2014/03/how-japan-could-truly-benefit-from-the-2020-olympics/

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2016/08/24/tokyo-gears-up-host-dazzling-and-futuristic-olympics-2020/89251522/

https://www.olympic.org/tokyo-2020

Marvel Avenger’s Academy Daredevil Event

Marvel Avengers Academy is a fantastic game in which it makes the Marvel characters College Age. This game is constantly bringing in new characters from the Marvel universe.

The next event is the Daredevil event and it is bringing in quite the cast of characters. Of course this event stars the one and only Daredevil and the big bad Wilson Fisk. Though the character additions don’t stop there as the residents of Hell’s Kitchen are coming to play. We have the fantastic Jessica Jones, the wild Hellcat, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Elektra, and even the Punisher come in hot.

This event will last a solid 28 days and that is a lot of time to collect as many of these heroes as you can.  Some will be pay to play but you will still get a few gems just for playing.

I am excited to see what characters will be given and what will cost gems, from the outset Jessica Jones is only recruitable by spending either gems or real money. Which is understandable as she is quite popular especially after her show’s success.

I really wonder what will happen in this update as I think the story telling in this game is actually pretty good. I really enjoy seeing what these versions of the characters will look like out of costume as you level them up they change form until they reach their true costume.

If you haven’t played this game, I suggest you do it. If you like Marvel it may be another fun diversion, but as it is Freemium it may not be for everyone. I am into games like this where you get to build a town or something like that, and collect characters, with a little story thrown in for good measure.

This event has started so head on over to the academy and help Dardevil take down the Kingpin!