Kotaku Sunday, February 12, 2023 6:35 PM  Programming and gameplay be damned, sports games live and die on their licensing. It's why Madden was able to crush NFL2K, and it's why EA's FIFA (now known as EA Sports FC) has been able to grind Konami's PES into the dust. Not because they're better games, but because they paid to be the only games to feature the… |
Kotaku Sunday, February 12, 2023 4:20 PM Another new trailer for the upcoming Super Mario Bros. movie has been released today, part of the onslaught of expensive and lengthy Super Bowl commercials, and while that's usually enough to rot the brains of even the most online among us, I can assure you, this one is fantastic. |
Twinfinite Sunday, February 12, 2023 7:29 PM New Guardians of the Galaxy trailer has dropped thanks to the Super Bowl |
Twinfinite Sunday, February 12, 2023 7:08 PM A speedy glimpse at the action to come. |
Siliconera Sunday, February 12, 2023 6:00 PM
JRPGs typically have very grand stories that translate well in adaptations such as anime and manga, and the Tales series is no exception. Ever since Tales of Phantasia came out in 1995, the worlds that Namco (now Bandai Namco) created have captivated audiences from around the world. So it stands to reason that there are several anime series that use the same stories, settings, and characters as the games. Here are all of the Tales games that have received animated adaptations:
Tales of PhantasiaA 4-part OVA for Tales of Phantasia ran from 2004 to 2006. Though the show closely followed the game's plot, it mostly focused on Dhaos, the Tree of Life, and the Elves. Therefore, those who have only experienced Phantasia through the OVA did not get the entire story. Despite the multiple cuts to the story in order to create a more cohesive show for anime-only fans, there are several scenes and dialogue lines that are exclusive to the OVA.
Tales of EterniaSaying that the Tales of Eternia anime was an adaptation of the game is like saying the Ghost Stories dub is a faithful localization of the original. It ran for 13 episodes in 2001. Though Tales of Eternia had the same name, setting, and four main characters, it mostly focused on an original story. Fans of the characters may enjoy it, but for those who have never played Eternia before, it is definitely not a substitute for the game.
Tales of SymphoniaTales of Symphonia, like Phantasia, had OVA adaptations rather than an anime series. There are eleven episodes in total, providing a much more complete re-telling of the story than what Phantasia had. There are some elements that are different, such as Marble not being in the OVA. However, the main plot remains the same. Both fans of the game and those new to the series can enjoy the Tales of Symphonia anime, and still be able to discuss it afterwards.
Tales of the AbyssUnsurprisingly, Tales of the Abyss (one of the most popular Tales games in multiple regions and the game for the 10th anniversary) also had an animated adaptation. It was a weekly series and not an OVA like Symphonia. But it also covered more or less the entire plot of the game. It did have to cut out or combine various sub-plots and skits, and the Japanese dub had to recast several characters. However, the Tales of the Abyss anime provides non-Tales fans a complete overview of the story, and is enjoyable for those who played the game as well. The whole series is actually available for free on the official Tales YouTube channel.
Tales of VesperiaSimilar to the anime for Tales of Eternia, the animated adaptation of Tales of Vesperia did not cover the events of the game. Instead, it served as a prequel. Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike is the first (and only, so far) theatrical film for the Tales series. Though it covers Yuri's time with the Knights, as well as Flynn's childhood, one should consider it non-canonical. There are several changes to the characterization, such as Flynn's strangely skewed moral code. However, it does have Repede as a puppy, which more than makes up for it.
Tales of ZestiriaGee, Tales of Zestiria! How come Bandai Namco let you have two anime adaptations? Don't get me wrong – Tales of Zestiria has a story with lots of potential. But it is very interesting how it is the only one to get two separate adaptations. The first one was a TV special that came out before the game: Tales of Zestiria: Dawn of the Shepherd. This details the start of Sorey and Mikleo's journey, ending with them actually leaving Elysia. The second one was Tales of Zestiria the X. As a ufotable production (like Dawn of the Shepherd), Tales of Zestiria the X is beautiful to watch and covers the entire game, albeit with some changes. Alisha has way more screentime than in the original, which is great for Alisha fans. There are also two episodes showing Velvet's jailbreak from Tales of Berseria, which aired shortly before Berseria's release date. So technically speaking, one can consider Tales of Zestiria the X to be an animated adaptation of Tales of Berseria as well.
Tales of CrestoriaThe ill-fated Tales of Crestoria received several concept movies that are available on Crunchyroll. They are on the Tales YouTube channel as well. There are four episodes in the Tales of Crestoria -The Wake of Sin- ONA, and it covers Chapter One of the game. There are several differences, but most of them are fairly minor. In terms of the animation style, Crestoria differs from all of its predecessors in that it uses 3D animation rather than 2D.
Tales of LuminariaThe equally ill-fated Tales of Luminaria had two episodes in the Tales of Luminaria: The Fateful Crossroad OVA. It follows the events of the Third Lunne Battle, and features characters like Leo, Celia, and Lisette. You can watch it on Crunchyroll as well. As more Tales games appear in the future, more anime adaptations may show up as well. Bandai Namco might even adapt older titles, such as Xillia, for special anniversaries. Until then, these are all of the shows that both Tales novices and diehard fans can watch until Bandai Namco releases more. The post Which Tales of Games Got an Anime Adaptation? appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Sunday, February 12, 2023 5:00 PM
The British Lostbelt is getting its time in the limelight, as the majority of the Fate/Grand Order figures that appeared during Good Smile Company's WonHobby 36 depict characters that hail from the Sixth Lostbelt. These figures and Nendoroids are all in various stages of development, so some figures will come out earlier than others. Good Smile Company's upcoming Fate/Grand Order figures and Nendoroids, according to WonHobby 36 announcements, are: https://twitter.com/GoodSmile_US/status/1624615288615346177 https://twitter.com/GoodSmile_US/status/1624615542584750080 https://twitter.com/GoodSmile_US/status/1624605976081956864 https://twitter.com/GoodSmile_US/status/1624614782589337600 All of the characters are in different Ascension stages as well. For example, Oberon is in his Second Ascension whereas Morgan is in her Third Ascension. When Good Smile Company officially announces them and opens them for pre-order, we will be able to see what face plates and optional parts they will come with. As mentioned earlier, three out of five of these figures are characters who debuted during the British Lostbelt. Oberon, Melusine, and Morgan are all prominent figures in the story, as well as popular characters for players to use and Grail. Morgan was actually the character that players leveled to 120 the most after Lasengle increased the level cap. Fate/Grand Order is readily available on mobile devices, and Lostbelt 6 will go live in the global server soon. The Fate/Grand Order Nendoroids and figures that Good Smile Company announced during WonHobby36 will come out in the near future. The post 5 Fate/Grand Order Figures Appeared at WonHobby 36 appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Sunday, February 12, 2023 4:00 PM
Several Demon Slayer Nendoroids appeared during Good Smile Company's WonHobby 36. This online event showcases upcoming merchandise that collectors can expect to see, though there are no precise release windows. These figures all vary in their production cycle, so some will come out sooner than others. Demon Slayer is a widely popular anime and manga series that is gearing up for its third season. It follows the story of Tanjiro Kamado, who becomes an eponymous Demon Slayer after demons massacre his entire family, with his sister Nezuko transforming into a demon during the same attack. Unsurprisingly, the massive popularity of the series also means there are lots of figures of its characters already on the market. Upcoming figures, as shown during WonHobby 36, from Demon Slayer, are:
[gallery columns="6" ids="950789,950790,950791,950792,950793,950794" link="file"] While Akaza and Kyojuro Rengoku were prominent figures in the Mugen Train Arc (which was originally a theatrical release), Mitsuri and Muichiro will be the main stars of the upcoming Swordsmith Village Arc. That arc, which will be the third season of Demon Slayer, will appear as animated adaptations from April 2023. The large majority of the figures will come out far in the future, as they are only in the concept art stage of development. More information on their release windows will come out later. The post Demon Slayer Nendoroids Unveiled During WonHobby 36 appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Sunday, February 12, 2023 3:00 PM
When a Switch port of a game originally designed for PCs arrives, there can be all sorts of issues. The font size could be a problem. It might not run properly. The controls might not adapt well to a controller, due to being made with a mouse or keyboard in mind. A lot can happen! With PowerWash Simulator, we have a once-PC game turned Switch title that does function quite well! Which is great, as it means there's a new relaxing option for people to play. If you haven't heard of it, the concept is simple. You just opened a powerwashing business. Your first task is to clean off your van to take you to jobs. This is a tutorial, as you'd imagine, to prepare you for different sorts of surfaces and dirt. From there, you take on other jobs, like cleaning off homes, playground or park equipment, and vehicles. Free add-ons are also appearing, with the first sending people to Croft Manor to clean up Tomb Raider heroine Lara Croft's place. Your sprayer has different size nozzles, each with its own degree of intensity. You can spray vertically or horizontally. There are various cleaning liquids. You can pick up and place certain items in the environment. There are also accessibility measures, like the ability to keep a crosshair "on" or lock in place to dissuade motion-sickness and a button to highlight dirt still on surfaces.
Which is the first reason why all this works so well on the Switch. The button mapping is impeccable. Every toggle or option gets to be second nature. It's quite intuitive and easy to play. Yes, there are certain times when I could see PC control options being helpful. For example, getting the pond liners areas hidden by the rocks in the second mission or certain statue segments at Croft Manor, would probably be easier with a mouse around. But it is admirably handled on the Switch. It isn't like the Switch port of House Flipper, which left me sometimes fumbling to find the right area to click or address to perform certain actions or finish a painting job. Speaking of which, that brings up another thing that is good about PowerWash Simulator on the Switch: the font. Now, it is still small. Don't get me wrong. Trying to read some things for too long will get to you. But it isn't entirely illegible, which can be a problem in so many other Switch ports. I don't feel like I need to be like my older relatives, who keep magnifying glasses next to their tablets or laptops so they can read the things on-screen. I feel it is on the right side of the cusp of being "a little too tiny," which is appreciated.
Also, and this is a big one, PowerWash Simulator ended up being a Switch port that works well. Given the constant streams of water and the sizes of some spaces, I expected lag or hiccups. But no! It just works. There are no delays when seeing water rinsing away dirt. It's fine. Which is especially a relief after what I experienced with Wobbledogs. I only cleaned the playground and the golf cart with another player, but even co-op seemed like it functioned well enough. It's always reassuring when a game that started out on other platforms heads to the Switch and is not only functional, but works really well. That's the case for PowerWash Simulator and its Switch port. It might cut it a bit close with some font sizes, but it really is a good adaptation and still a relaxing diversion. PowerWash Simulator is available on the PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC. The post PowerWash Simulator Switch Avoids Port Pitfalls appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Sunday, February 12, 2023 2:00 PM
Hatsune Miku, the mascot behind the popular voicebank, was a prominent figure and Nendoroid during Good Smile Company's WonHobby 36. Eight ones of Miku, all with different outfits and hairstyles, are in development. Since they are all in different stages of production, more information on their individual release windows will appear in the future. The Hatsune Miku figures and Nendoroids that appeared during WonHobby 36 are:
[gallery columns="4" ids="950803,950804,950805,950806,950807,950808,950809,950810" link="file"]
For those who do not know, Racing Miku is the mascot of the Hatsune Miku GT Project. Good Smile Company, or Goodsmile Racing to be more precise, is the owner of the Studie GLAD Racing motorsports team. The first Racing Miku figure appeared in 2010. As for the SEKAI Mikus, they use designs from Project Sekai, or Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage. You can collect them in-game as cards depending on the player's starting unit. More information on the release dates and prices for the various Miku merchandise from Good Smile Company will appear in the future. The post Here Are the Newest Hatsune Miku Figures and Nendoroids appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Sunday, February 12, 2023 1:00 PM
Good Smile Company teased a large amount of Nendoroids and figures of video game characters during WonHobby 36. All of them are in different stages of production, which means they will all come out at different times. More information on their release windows, prices, and optional parts (if applicable) will appear in the future. These are not the only games with figures and Nendoroids coming out, as Good Smile Company has also announced ones for video games such as Tales of Arise, Sonic the Hedgehog, Tsukihime, and Danganronpa 2. The video game figures and Nendoroids that appeared during WonHobby36 are: Azur Lane
Blue Archive
Diablo 3
Elden Ring
Ghostwire: Tokyo
Halo Infinite
Helltaker
Kantai Collection - KanColle -
Little Nightmares
OMORI
Overwatch 2
Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby
Undertale
[gallery columns="8" link="file" ids="950816,950817,950818,950819,950820,950821,950822,950823,950824,950825,950826,950827,950828,950829,950830,950831"] As mentioned earlier, more information on the video game figures and Nendoroids from WonHobby 36 will appear in the future. Quite a few of them, such as the Phat! Company figure of Twin Turbo, are already at the end of the production cycle. Meanwhile, figures such as the Kiriko Nendoroid have not even undergone sculpting yet. The post Here Are the WonHobby 36 Good Smile Company Game Figures and Nendoroids appeared first on Siliconera. |
Gamer Empire Sunday, February 12, 2023 4:27 PM Nexon reveals in its 2022 financial investor presentation that Maplestory crossed $4 billion in lifetime revenue in 2022. While the company does not provide exact […] |
Tabletop Gaming News Sunday, February 12, 2023 6:00 PM One of the enduring images of the Horus Heresy is Contemptor Dreadnoughts smashing their way through the front lines with contemptuous ease. These mighty war machines are clad in the colours and livery of their Legion – and you'll soon be able to upgrade the awesome plastic Contemptor with sculpted heraldry of your choice. First to release are resin torso-and-head upgrade sets for six Legions – the Sons of Horus, Imperial Fists, Dark Angels, Emperor's Children, White Scars, and Iron Warriors. Veterans of the Horus Heresy may recognise these adornments from the resin Contemptor Dreadnoughts currently available from Forge World. They've been rebuilt and retooled to work with the new plastic model in all its versatile glory. However, this does mean that the original resin Legion Contemptor Dreadnoughts – which have Legion-specific shoulders, legs, and other details – are not long for this world. They'll soon be marked as Last Chance to Buy, and after that will disappear for good, so if you want one before the upgrade set becomes available, you'll need to order it soon. Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear when the Legion upgrades arrive, and join us next week as Heresy Thursday slinks into the shadows to stalk prey in the Warmaster's name. The post Heresy Thursday – Armour Up With Contemptor Dreadnought Legion Upgrades appeared first on Warhammer Community. |
Tabletop Gaming News Sunday, February 12, 2023 5:00 PM The popular tabletop game Kill Team is introducing a new expansion called Soulshackle. This expansion will allow players to take on the role of Space Marines as they battle against Genestealers in the depths of a Space Hulk. Players will be able to blow up walls and barricade doors to gain tactical advantages, as well as use new weapons and abilities to defeat their enemies. The expansion also includes new rules for playing with larger groups, making it perfect for those looking for an intense cooperative experience. |
Tabletop Gaming News Sunday, February 12, 2023 4:00 PM The Gnarlwood is full of two things – carnivorous plants that will eat you if you get too close, and warbands from across the Mortal Realms beating the snot out of each other for a chance to pilfer that sweet Seraphon loot. The latest expansion is Bloodhunt, which brings a whole new level of fury to the forest when it hits pre-order this weekend. Monastic vampires are stalking the swamps to slake their thirst on the nastiest beasts they can find, but they may find themselves settling for mortal cultists – the Claws of Karanak are pretty beastly themselves, and they're hungry for a scrap. These savage hunters seek to embody the strength of Karanak, the Hound of Vengeance, greatest guard dog of the Skull Throne – and it's left them barely recognisable as human. Clad in furs and fanged masks, some even rush into the fray on all fours, and the most far-gone must be bound between battles with great brass chains. The stench of a craven soul is intoxicating to these canine cultists. When they catch the heady scent of an enemy on the retreat, they will Bay for Coward's Blood – calling the whole pack to have a taste. The beating heart of each warband are the Hounds of Wrath, mortals who have managed to overcome a Flesh Hound and feast on its flesh, losing their sanity and becoming little more than instruments of Khorne's will. Twisted by the hellish power within, these loping daemonkin have an unmatched instinct for vulnerable prey that guides their mortal brethren on each hunt. Even the lowly Blood Whelps who follow in their tracks are skilled Pack Hunters. Together they harry enemies with uncanny synergy, akin to the daemonic dogs they seek to emulate. Creatures and cultists alike are kept to heel by Packlords, barbarous chieftains who hack and slash with inhuman ferocity. Elite predators in their own right, each Packlord proves their worth by forming a mental bond with a Flesh Hound – then beating it to its chosen prey. These top dogs assert their dominance in displays of bloody excess that cow even the blood-drunk, vision-plagued Brutalisers of the warband. Especially notable kills attune the pack to the Scent of Weakness. Very soon, you can find out who the real predator is… and who gets to be the prey. Warcry: Bloodhunt will be available to pre-order tomorrow – alongside other individual warbands, including the Hunters of Huanchi and the Jade Obelisk. The post Here's How the Claws of Karanak Go for the Throat in Warcry appeared first on Warhammer Community. |
Tabletop Gaming News Sunday, February 12, 2023 3:00 PM TT Combat, a tabletop gaming company, has announced the upcoming release of their new model, Attila the Trackwalker. This model is part of their Wild West Exodus range and is a heavily armored steam-powered robot. The model is designed to be used in tabletop games and comes with a variety of weapons and accessories. It is expected to be released in the near future and will be available for purchase online. |
Tabletop Gaming News Sunday, February 12, 2023 2:00 PM Cryptozoic Entertainment has released a new Batman Designer Series Batmobile Statue. The statue is based on the design of the iconic vehicle from the classic Batman: The Animated Series and features a detailed sculpt with intricate paint applications. The statue stands at 8.5 inches tall and is made of polyresin. It also includes a base that allows it to be displayed in multiple positions. Fans of the classic series will be able to add this unique piece to their collection. |
Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Sunday, February 12, 2023 3:59 PM Its eShop listing states that the game will have a file size of 18.2 GB. The post The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the Largest Switch Game appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism. |
Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Sunday, February 12, 2023 3:14 PM To run the game at 1080p 60FPS, players will need a GeForce RTX 2070 Super or Radeon RX 6700 XT GPU. The post Atomic Heart Full PC Specs Revealed appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism. |
Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Sunday, February 12, 2023 2:28 PM The trailer showcases "all sorts of strange Anomalies" The post Pacific Drive Gets New Gameplay Trailer appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism. |