Jenni Lada | Siliconera https://www.siliconera.com/author/mariye/ The secret level in the world of video game news. Fri, 12 Jul 2024 19:05:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.5 https://d3la0uqcqx40x5.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/cropped-cropped-favicon-new-270x270-1.jpg?fit=32%2C32 Jenni Lada | Siliconera https://www.siliconera.com/author/mariye/ 32 32 163913089 Tokyo Babylon Vol 3 Shows Subaru and Seishirou’s Strength https://www.siliconera.com/tokyo-babylon-vol-3-shows-subaru-and-seishirous-strength/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tokyo-babylon-vol-3-shows-subaru-and-seishirous-strength https://www.siliconera.com/tokyo-babylon-vol-3-shows-subaru-and-seishirous-strength/#respond Sat, 13 Jul 2024 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1041258 Tokyo Babylon Vol 3 Shows Subaru and Seishirou’s Strength

In early Tokyo Babylon manga volumes, we get a good balance of seeing Subaru Sumeragi at work in various situations, but we don’t get to see as much of Seishirou Sakurazuka. However, in the third volume, the storyline focuses entirely on a single, harrowing case. As a result, we get to see more of what sets Subaru apart, as well as a hint at Seishirouo’s true power.

Editor’s Note: There will be some mild spoilers for the setup of volume 3 of the Tokyo Babylon manga, but the conclusion and major spoilers aren’t discussed.

Volume 3 of the Tokyo Babylon manga consists of two parts of the same story: “Call A” and “Call B.” It’s a continuing case in which three women calling in on a specific Dial Q Party Line, determining themselves to be warriors protecting against the end of the world by using magic against “bases” at phone numbers ending in 19■9. (Yes, it’s 100% referencing X/1999.) However, these are complete amateurs with no awareness of what sutras and the supernatural can actually do. So they’re causing tremendous damage to the people at those locations, as well as backlash to themselves that actual practitioners like Subaru are aware of. The storyline involves the tracking down of the trio and handling of the situation.

A great part of both “Call A” and “Call B” is that we’re seeing all sides of Subaru as an onmyoji. There’s the investigation portion, which involves him using actual detective-style footwork and his supernatural skills. Then, there’s the execution of handling the curses and spells the inexperienced practitioners are weaving. We are seeing him both informally and formally handling things in one of the most substantial and life-threatening situation so far, and it’s handled so well throughout both parts of this case.

What’s really important is the part Seishirou plays in Tokyo Babylon volume 3 and how it hints at his relationship to and power compared to Subaru. CLAMP did a great job of leading up to the reveals surrounding him. We have a general idea in the first two volumes. There are suggestions he possesses a strength that compares to Subaru’s. But it’s in the “Call B” portion that we really get the first real idea of what could be going on. It’s so satisfying, and it also means that the volume really helps make the wait for what happens next in the fourth one harder.

Two things constantly propel Tokyo Babylon forward, and both of them are at the forefront in volume 3 of the manga. One is seeing how Subaru deals supernatural situations. The other is the constantly evolving situation between Subaru and Seishirou. We get both of that here, and in each case the stakes and reveals are even greater than before. It’s a great showcase that helps build the tension on all fronts and leaves the reader wanting more.

Tokyo Babylon volume 3 is available now, and Yen Press will publish volume 4 of the manga on August 20, 2024.

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Dragon Ball Daima, Sparking Zero at SDCC 2024 Booth https://www.siliconera.com/dragon-ball-daima-sparking-zero-at-sdcc-2024-booth/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dragon-ball-daima-sparking-zero-at-sdcc-2024-booth https://www.siliconera.com/dragon-ball-daima-sparking-zero-at-sdcc-2024-booth/#respond Fri, 12 Jul 2024 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1041945 Dragon Ball Daima, Sparking Zero at SDCC 2024 Booth

Bandai Namco announced Dragon Ball Daima, Dragon Ball Sparking Zero, and the Dragon Ball Super Card Game Fusion World will all appear at its SDCC 2024 booth. This will be free to enter if you go to the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina Terrace at West Harbor Drive in San Diego, California from 9:30am to 7pm PT between July 25-28, 2024. However, a preview night will also be open there between 6pm-9pm PT on July 24, 2024.

Both the Dragon Ball Sparking Zero and the Dragon Ball Super Card Game Fusion World elements of the SDCC booth will involve a demo. The new fighting game will be playable. Those who try it will get a lanyard with the game’s logo that proclaims the person who wears it played the title. In the case of the card game, people who take part in the tutorial event will also get the 2024 trial decks with demo cards. A Vol. 1 Promotion Pack will also be a part of the booth giveaways.

Here’s how those bonuses look:

The Dragon Ball Daima elements involve free items tied to the new anime. Two of the booth giveaway bonuses are a bag and fan featuring that version of Goku and the show’s logo. However, people who visit the booth also get a lanyard that can have ribbons attached if you visit different zones tied to things Bandai Namco is promoting. If you collect all the ribbons, you can trade them for an acrylic stand of Goku inspired by the show. 

Here’s how those items will look:

A number of figures and models will also be there. The Figure-rise Standard part will include a Son Goku Model Kit Trial Version for people to build. 

Dragon Ball Sparking Zero will be on the PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC on October 11, 2024. The Dragon Ball Daima anime will begin airing in Fall 2024.

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Hololive Vtuber Nanoblock Sets Include Pekora, Marine, Korone https://www.siliconera.com/hololive-vtuber-nanoblock-sets-include-pekora-marine-korone/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hololive-vtuber-nanoblock-sets-include-pekora-marine-korone https://www.siliconera.com/hololive-vtuber-nanoblock-sets-include-pekora-marine-korone/#respond Fri, 12 Jul 2024 22:30:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1041972 Hololive Vtuber Nanoblock Sets Include Pekora, Marine, Korone

Cover and Kawada announced that the 10 Hololive Vtuber Nanoblock sets are now available. Each one costs $14 and is available via the Hololive Production Official Shop, which does ship worldwide.

Each of the Nanoblock sets features the same standard building block as other kits. The number of bricks in each one wasn’t confirmed. While Kawada typically notes the difficulty of each build on the box, Cover’s storefront didn’t state them for the 10 Vtuber sets available. Each one will stand at between 65 and 75mm when fully built, depending on whether or not the character has accessories like animal ears or a hat. 

Only members of the Japanese branch appear in this initial set, with no English or Indonesian performers represented. All four members of Hololive Gamers and the third generation show up. A few of the earliest performers who are a part of the company since before they had generations, like Miko and Suisei, also are a part of the collection.

Here’s the full list of initial Hololive Vtuber Nanoblock sets available at launch:

  • Hoshimachi Suisei
  • Houshou Marine
  • Inugami Korone
  • Nekomata Okayu
  • Ookami Mio
  • Sakura Miko
  • Shirakami Fubuki
  • Shiranui Flare
  • Shirogane Noel
  • Usada Pekora

Here’s how all of those look when fully built:

Prior to this wider release, a Pekora Nanoblock set also appeared in 2023. It was a part of her Human Rabbitality Project and sold out.

The Hololive Nanoblock sets are available now and are shipping worldwide. There is no news yet about additional sets featuring more Cover Vtubers.

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Densetsu no Starfy 1-3 GBA Games Join Nintendo Switch Online https://www.siliconera.com/densetsu-no-starfy-1-3-gba-games-join-nintendo-switch-online/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=densetsu-no-starfy-1-3-gba-games-join-nintendo-switch-online https://www.siliconera.com/densetsu-no-starfy-1-3-gba-games-join-nintendo-switch-online/#respond Fri, 12 Jul 2024 21:30:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1041969 Densetsu no Starfy 1-3 GBA Games Now on Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo announced that the first three Densetsu no Starfy GBA games are a part of the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass. All three are platformers featuring the star prince on various adventures, and they never appeared outside Japan until now.

In each Densetsu no Starfy game, the Pufftop Kingdom prince finds himself in the oceans below on a quest. In the first game, he’s trying to return home following a storm. In the second, he’s trying to save his kidnapped mother. In the third, he and his sister Starfy deal with new and old villains

Here’s the official trailer showing how all three games work. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOmRE_dcCf8

There are five Densetsu no Starfy games total. The first three appeared only on the GBA in Japan. The fourth was also a Japanese exclusive, and it mark the first time the series appeared on the DS. The fifth game was released as The Legendary Starfy worldwide. However, there have been references to the character following those releases. A costume and Event Course featuring the character appeared in Super Mario Maker.Starfy is also an Assist Trophy and Spirit in Super Smash Bros Ultimate.

Densetsu no Starfy 1-3 are available on the Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack on July 12, 2024. All three games are also on the GBA in Japan.

Densetsu no Starfy, Densetsu no Starfy 2, Densetsu no Starfy 3, Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo, Tose, 

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Akuma Topped Street Fighter 6 Ranked Character Usage Charts in June https://www.siliconera.com/akuma-topped-street-fighter-6-ranked-character-usage-charts-in-june/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=akuma-topped-street-fighter-6-ranked-character-usage-charts-in-june https://www.siliconera.com/akuma-topped-street-fighter-6-ranked-character-usage-charts-in-june/#respond Fri, 12 Jul 2024 20:30:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1041956 Akuma Topped Street Fighter 6 Ranked Character Usage Charts in June

At the end of May 2024, Capcom added Akuma to Street Fighter 6, and he went on to dominate the most played character charts for June 2024. In Ranked Matches, he was the most used character in almost every category. The only exceptions were the Rookie and Iron divisions, as Juri took first place there.

As usual, the official Character Usage Stats page on the Street Fighter 6 site going over Ranked Match data broke most played stats down by control type and rank, with Akuma placing at or near the top for each. When control type is set to all, Akuma is showing as placing in first for overall, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Master. If you set the control type to only Classic, Akuma is in first for all categories except for Rookie. (Juri takes first place there for Classic.) Should the Modern control type be highlighted, Akuma slips out of first in multiple categories. Juri is then in first in Rookie, Iron, and Bronze, Ken ends up in first for Silver, and Luke takes first for Master.

Here are the top 10 most used characters in Street Fighter 6 Ranked in June 2024 when all tiers and control types are considered:

  1. Akuma
  2. Ken
  3. Ryu
  4. Zangief
  5. Juri
  6. Cammy
  7. Ed
  8. Jamie
  9. Marisa
  10. Luke

M Bison debuted in June 2024 and, while he didn’t top the charts, he did appear. In the “all” section with the control type “all” selected,” he was in eleventh place.

Street Fighter 6 is available on the PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC.

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Review: B-Project Ryusei Fantasia Is for Fans https://www.siliconera.com/review-b-project-ryusei-fantasia-is-for-fans/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=review-b-project-ryusei-fantasia-is-for-fans https://www.siliconera.com/review-b-project-ryusei-fantasia-is-for-fans/#respond Fri, 12 Jul 2024 19:00:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1040971 Review- B-Project Ryusei Fantasia Is for Fans

B-Project Ryusei Fantasia is a fascinating sort of visual novel. It’s not an otome game, though you do get to spend time with and send messages to 14 single young men who seem to adore your character. It’s not like most visual novels, as many of the choices are tied to earning stories for the singers in the group and there aren’t many decisions influencing the endings. Also, while it involves an idol group, there’s no rhythm gameplay like in Jack Jeanne. Add in the fact that you really do need some awareness of B-Project to really enjoy it, and you’re left with one of the most niche games I’ve played in a while.

In order to really understand how big of a deal B-Project Ryusei Fantasia is in a way, you have to understand exactly how big the whole property is. It’s been running since 2016, after all, with Mages starting it with an anime and manga. Since then, there have been CDs, multiple games, and stage shows. A lot of it hasn’t been localized! Though if someone wants to prepare and get familiarized with the world and its characters, Crunchyroll does have B-Project: Zeccho Emotion and Passion Love Call streaming on the service.

Image via PQube

Simply put, it’s a lot to take in. The best advice I can recommend going in, if you aren’t familiar, is to know the general premise. Haruhi and Yuduki Teramitsu, Akane Fudo, and Miroku Shingari were in a group called Killer King. Ryuji Korekuni and Tomohisa Kitakado performed as a duo called KitaKore. The group Moons consisted of Hikaru Osari, Kazuna Masunaga, Mikado Sekimura, Momotaro Onzai, and Tatsuhiro Nome. Finally, Thrive was a trio made up of Goshi Kaneshiro, Kento Aizome, and Yuta Ashu. Gandara Music decided to bring them all together as one big group, and the player character is essentially in charge of them. The visual novel follows you helping them prepare for more shows, while also offering a brief flashback at the start to help familiarize players with the situation.

You’re going to know in the first hour of playing B-Project Ryusei Fantasia if it is for you or not, which makes it a blessing that a PC demo is available on Steam. I’m not the biggest fan of the execution, but feel like it might work better for fans. Basically, it begins in the thick of things. You watch as four boy band idol groups called Killer King, Kitakore, Moon, and Thrive perform as the supergroup B-Project. As you celebrate with a number of young men who all are praising you, an artist & repertoire expert who worked with them come together, you flash back to the beginnings. It’s honestly throwing a lot at you at once, with no introductions to the characters or groups immediately, which may put off people unfamiliar with it. I watched some of the anime on Crunchyroll ahead of time to prepare, and I had trouble following and recognizing some people. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_7RRyKkBS4

I will admit that there are some minor production decisions for B-Project Ryusei Fantasia that started to get to me the more I played and added to the issue, with some being on Mages part and the other a result of a means needed to make the game work. While in the CGs and certain segments, you can really see how each member of the cast stands out, there are times when the portraits for characters have this uniformity that feels a little off-putting. Like if someone dragged and dropped pair of eyes A and hairstyle B in certain colors onto a sprite to create one person, and then pair of eyes A with hairstyle D for another. Characters are distinct, but when dealing with such a large cast I started to notice commonalities.

The other involves the text boxes. There are times when the font is a perfect size and there are two or three lines in a box. Things look fine! But then, there will be an especially wordy explanation or long-winded response. Since PQube is working within certain confines, it means getting three lines in a box and it gets difficult to read. 

Image via PQube

However, aside from that, the execution of B-Project Ryusei Fantasia is quite fun. Using the heroine’s cell phone as the UI works well. Especially when you get Join text messages, calls, and voice mails. It helps with the immersion in the moment. The general art direction is very crisp. While some music can feel a bit generic, actual B-Pro songs sound great. The pacing of the story, once you get past the introduction and flashbacks, is also good. I’d even say once you get to personal stories, it feels a lot stronger.

B-Project Ryusei Fantasia is one of those games that is ideal for what it is for those who are aware of B-Pro and the many projects tied to the series. If you “get” it, you’ll love how it handles things and the chance to more closely interact with your favorite characters. For those who aren’t aware of this Mages project, the entry barrier is pretty high! Not impossibly so. I think it feels like PQube was aware of this and released the demo so early ahead of launch as a result to help people prepare. For those who love the series, it’s a lot of fun. I do think people curious about it should give the free trial and anime a chance, as both would really help you when it comes to deciding to pick it up.

B-Project Ryusei Fantasia will come to the Nintendo Switch and PC on July 15, 2024. 

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See the Honkai Impact 3rd Songque Jovial Deception: Shadowdimmer Battlesuit https://www.siliconera.com/see-the-honkai-impact-3rd-songque-jovial-deception-shadowdimmer-battlesuit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=see-the-honkai-impact-3rd-songque-jovial-deception-shadowdimmer-battlesuit https://www.siliconera.com/see-the-honkai-impact-3rd-songque-jovial-deception-shadowdimmer-battlesuit/#respond Fri, 12 Jul 2024 18:30:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1041923 See the Honkai Impact 3rd Songque Jovial Deception: Shadowdimmer Battlesuit

Ahead of the 7.6 version of Honkai Impact 3rd, HoYoVerse offered a better look at the Songque Jovial Deception: Shadowdimmer Battlesuit. While she previously appeared as an AstralOp ally, this marks the first time she’ll properly join the fight as an S-Rank unit.

The introduction to the playable version of Songque begins with her calling out to the player. She offers to tell their fortune after leaping down from a bridge. (This is because she’s working as a fortune teller in Langqiu.) From there, we get to see a gameplay clip showing her in battle and attacking with a Trick Staff. After that, the developers and voice actress Zhao Shuang talk about the Shu of Deception. They also talked about her Taoist elements in her designs, her form change, and how she was designed to be more like a mage or summoner.

Here’s the full Jovial Deception: Shadowdimmer Honkai Impact 3rd trailer. If you turn on closed captions, English subtitles are available.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKRZtGRi7pw

This Honkai Impact 3rd Battlesuit arrives following a Part 2 boss fight against Perception, who masqueraded as Songque. That appeared in the 7.5 update. HoYoVerse recently shared a cutscene from it, showing Lantern and Songque fighting back against Perception’s attacks.

Honkai Impact 3rd is available for PCs and mobile devices, and the Songque Jovial Deception: Shadowdimmer Battlesuit will appear in the 7.6 update.

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FFXIV Visa Debit Card Payment Method Being Fixed in July https://www.siliconera.com/ffxiv-visa-debit-card-payment-method-being-fixed-in-july/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ffxiv-visa-debit-card-payment-method-being-fixed-in-july https://www.siliconera.com/ffxiv-visa-debit-card-payment-method-being-fixed-in-july/#respond Fri, 12 Jul 2024 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1041964 FFXIV Visa Debit Card Payment Method Being Fixed in July

After issues starting on May 2024, Square Enix announced that FFXIV Visa Debit cards will be fixed and again a payment method option. People will once again be able to use that kind of credit card to pay for related items and services starting on July 23, 2024.

Square Enix first reported the issue on May 1, 2024. This came after a new payment processor was added. Typically, credit cards that can be accepted as a payment method for FFXIV include American Express, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, and Visa. However, after the update Visa Debit cards weren’t working. Once the company realized the issue at the end of May 2024, it announced a July 2024 window for the fix. 

While waiting for the final fix, Square Enix again offered the same alternatives to people who have a Visa Debit card and can’t make purchases. It suggested buying game time codes from its official storefront, which does accept that payment method, or using Amazon Pay and PayPal whenever possible to buy the Crysta currency. 

This issue came up in FFXIV ahead of Dawntrail. However, a number of other problems came up alongside the expansion and update to 7.0. Free game time is being distributed as a result, with Xbox Series X players getting more due to an issue that pops up when moving between areas.

Final Fantasy XIV and the Dawntrail expansion are available now for the PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, and the Visa Debit card payment method will be available again on July 23, 2024. 

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Build-a-Bear Fuecoco Pokemon Plush Can Wear a Fiery Shirt https://www.siliconera.com/build-a-bear-fuecoco-pokemon-plush-can-wear-a-fiery-shirt/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=build-a-bear-fuecoco-pokemon-plush-can-wear-a-fiery-shirt https://www.siliconera.com/build-a-bear-fuecoco-pokemon-plush-can-wear-a-fiery-shirt/#respond Thu, 11 Jul 2024 19:30:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1041682 Build-a-Bear Fuecoco Pokemon Plush Can Wear a Fiery Shirt

Build-a-Bear announced it is now selling the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet starter Fuecoco as part of its plush collection for the series. The online-exclusive bundle costs $69 on the US storefront, and the UK one is £55. Should you happen to see the plush at a store, it will be $34/£26.

The Fuecoco Build-a-Bear stuffed animal will be a fairly standard size. It is about 12 inches tall. When purchased in the online bundle, you also get a five-in-one sound chip with the cries it would make from the anime series. It also comes with a black Fuecoco shirt that features flames and Poke Balls on it. A purple Fuecoco sleeper, which also has a Poke Ball pattern and white accents, rounds out the bundle.

Here’s how all of those new Build-a-Bear items look:

This is the second Pokemon Scarlet and Violet starter to show up at Build-a-Bear as a plush. The first was Sprigatito. That appeared at the store back in July 2023. This means Quaxly is the only one of those three to not appear in the collection at the retailer.

The Fuecoco Pokemon plush is now available at Build-a-Bear in the US and UK. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available on the Nintendo Switch. 

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Puella Magi Madoka Magica SMT Liberation Dx2 Event Begins https://www.siliconera.com/puella-magi-madoka-magica-smt-liberation-dx2-event-begins/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=puella-magi-madoka-magica-smt-liberation-dx2-event-begins https://www.siliconera.com/puella-magi-madoka-magica-smt-liberation-dx2-event-begins/#respond Thu, 11 Jul 2024 18:30:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1041657 Puella Magi Madoka Magica SMT Liberation Dx2 Event Begins

Atlus and Sega announced that the Puella Magi Madoka Magica SMT Liberation Dx2 event is now live until July 24, 2024, bringing Madoka Kaname, Homura Akemi, and the Witch Walpurgisnacht to the game. This is tied to the new, fourth Madoka Magica movie Walpurgisnacht: Rising, which is due to appear in 2024.

First, there are events tied to Madoka Magica showing up in the game. One is a login campaign. That started alongside the event on July 11, 2024. If people log in for ten days total, they get 50 Madoka Magica Summon Files for the gacha and five Time-limited Monster Dews to recover stamina. In addition, "The power of hope, and a cursed destiny..." two-part event is now running, with Part 1 going until July 17, 2024. Part 2 will last July 17-24, 2024. Going through quests and missions during it can net you Auto-Turning Cogs for the event exchange. There are also special Event Genome Cubes with special Skills to earn and other rewards for completing quests like Madoka Magica Summon Files or the An Existence that Negates All title. 

As for the three Madoka Magica SMT Liberation Dx2 event characters, all of them are Grade 90 five-stars. Some of Madoka’s highlighted abilities are the passive unique skill My Prayer, which is notable due to one of its effects giving all allies a 2,000HP Bulwark with Fortify while boosting the party’s attack and defense while the Bullwark is active. Her active unique skill It’ll Be All Right. Homura’s passive unique skill Time Traveler increases her Phys damage and adds Phys Pierce, increases her hit and critical hit rate, increases battle speed, adds Null Charm, and keeps her from dying from killing blows twice. Her active unique skill is called I’ll Finish Up Alone. Finally, Walpurgisnacht has the Play’s Editor passive unique skill that, among other things, gives her a Bulwark that is 100% of her HP and decreases damage by 100% when it is active. Her active unique skill is called Great Calamity.

Here’s the trailer for the event, which shows Madoka, Homura, and Walpurgisnacht SMT Liberation Dx2 gameplay.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKe7MX4Vg5M&t=3s

Anime crossovers aren’t uncommon for SMT Liberation Dx2. Berserkand Ghost in the Shellboth appeared in the game. 

SMT Liberation Dx2 is available on mobile devices, and the Puella Magi Madoka Magica event and banners for the game are live until July 24, 2024.

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Nintendo Emio Australian Rating Mentions Suicide, Violence https://www.siliconera.com/nintendo-emio-australian-rating-mentions-suicide-violence/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nintendo-emio-australian-rating-mentions-suicide-violence https://www.siliconera.com/nintendo-emio-australian-rating-mentions-suicide-violence/#respond Thu, 11 Jul 2024 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1041646 Nintendo Emio Australian Rating Mentions Suicide, Violence

Nintendo teased a new game with a trailer called “Emio” on July 10, 2024, and the Australian video’s rating mentioned suicide and violence as being in the project. This came up in that teaser, rather than in others, due to the ratings and descriptors showing up before the footage appeared on YouTube.

The ratings at the bottom of the image both note that the Nintendo game that the “Emio” teaser is hinting at is a “Mature” rated title, with the recommendation being for over 13 and 15. Both of the boxes note that violence is present They also both note suicide, with one mentioning “suicide references” and the other “suicide themes.” The OFLC one, which mentions it being restricted to people ages 13 and up, also cited cruelty and domestic abuse. 

Nintendo still hasn’t mentioned anything more about “Emio” yet. The Japanese teaser site for the game is live. If you leave it up for a while, the background will change. When it does, the expression on the person in the background’s paper bag mask will change. 

The new “Emio” game or project is currently in development. Nintendo hasn’t revealed any more details about it, beyond the latest Australian ratings that suggest some of its expected themes.

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Passion Mermaid Tifa Joins FFVII Ever Crisis https://www.siliconera.com/passion-mermaid-tifa-joins-ffvii-ever-crisis/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=passion-mermaid-tifa-joins-ffvii-ever-crisis https://www.siliconera.com/passion-mermaid-tifa-joins-ffvii-ever-crisis/#respond Thu, 11 Jul 2024 16:30:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1041638 Passion Mermaid Tifa Joins FFVII Ever Crisis

Square Enix often releases themed costumes for characters in FFVII Ever Crisis, and the latest Tifa gear is a Passion Mermaid outfit. It is designed to match her new Shell Knuckles weapon, which is a part of the new featured draw banner alongside the Barret Sharkslayer gun arm.

The Passion Mermaid Tifa gear, Tifa Shell Knuckles weapon, and Barret Sharkslayer gun arm all join FFVII Ever Crisis around the 2024 Summer’s Here: Fireworks event. The Passion Mermaid gear has the Sun’s Favor and Flameblade Arcanum R. Abilities, with the former affecting her HP and Phys. Defense and the latter boosting her Fire Ability damage. This ties in with the Shell Knuckles’ C. Ability, which is Spinning Fervor. That deals Fire Mag. damage to one enemy, which will be stronger if her HP is above 70%. That also boosts her Fire Ability damage and MATK. 

Meanwhile, Barret’s Sharkslayer has the Dorsal Fin Shot that hits one enemy for non-elemental Phys. damage, can reduce Fire and Water resistance, and destroys Sigils. That also boosts his HP and makes buffs and debuffs last longer.

Here’s the official reveal with art of both weapons. It noted that this banner will end on August 1, 2024 as well.

https://twitter.com/FFVII_EC_EN/status/1811218854212952574

Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis is available for the PC and mobile devices.

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Evangelion Summoners War: Chronicles Crossover Event Begins https://www.siliconera.com/evangelion-summoners-war-chronicles-crossover-event-begins/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=evangelion-summoners-war-chronicles-crossover-event-begins https://www.siliconera.com/evangelion-summoners-war-chronicles-crossover-event-begins/#respond Thu, 11 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1041622 Evangelion Summoners War: Chronicles Crossover Begins

The Evangelion Summoners War: Chronicles crossover event is now live, giving people a chance to summon versions of Shinji, Rei, Asuka, and Mari in their school uniforms and plugsuits. There will also be a “A.D. FIELD!” quest, Shinji-Obot Port and Rei-Mirror Lake dungeons, and a Ready for Battle! Stop the Angel Invasion! event.

Some of the events and activities don’t necessarily start alongside the collaboration’s beginning. The Ready for Battle! Stop the Angel Invasion! one that involves defeating Angels with Evas using Energy Coins is available immediately, with Energy Coins able to be collected via missions. Asuka's Energy Gift is already ongoing, doling out 100 Energy and 10 Quick Battle Permits per day until someone collects the bonus for seven days. However, the announcement revealed that the two locked dungeons that are part of the Shinji-Obot Port and Rei-Mirror Lake ones and tied to Asuka and Mari won’t open until July 18, 2024. The five-star Water Shinji unit will be a collab dungeon reward.

As for the Evangelion Summoners War: Chronicles summon banner crossover units, there are some that are available now, and others that appear on July 18, 2024. All of them are five-star “monsters.” You can pull to try and get the Water Shinji, Wind Rei, Dark Shinji, and Light Rei immediately. The Water/Dark Shinji both feature Lance of Longinus Skills, to connect to the series, and a Synchronization Skill. Meanwhile, the Wind Rei has Heat Resistant Light Wave Shield and Unit 0 Pilot skills, while Light Rei has abilities like A.T. Field Deployment and Even If I Die, I Can Be Replaced. The Fire Asuka, Fire Mari, Dark Asuka, and Light Mari art is available ahead of their banners’ July 18, 2024 debut, but their skills are not.

Here are how all the Evangelion characters will look in-game.

A developer video also showed some of the units in-battle and their skills.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4cEVaVo2u0

Another teaser acted as a reveal for the event:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0m86i2wNQQ

Summoners War: Chronicles is available on PCs and mobile devices. Evangelion is streaming on Netflix, and the Rebuild of Evangelion movies are on Amazon. The Summoners War: Chronicles Evangelion crossover event runs July 11, 2024, and it ends on August 10, 2024.

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Zenless Zone Zero Has a Bad Pacing Problem https://www.siliconera.com/zenless-zone-zero-has-a-bad-pacing-problem/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=zenless-zone-zero-has-a-bad-pacing-problem https://www.siliconera.com/zenless-zone-zero-has-a-bad-pacing-problem/#respond Wed, 10 Jul 2024 19:00:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1040784 Zenless Zone Zero Has a Pacing Problem

For a game about encouraging fighting and battle encounters, HoYoVerse spends a lot of time in Zenless Zone Zero keeping players away from or limiting their time with the combat that is the best part. The pacing in the tutorial and campaign feels flawed. Not to mention the movement methods to “explore” the Hollow detract from the experience, given the execution and only occasional opportunities to witness the space firsthand.

I think it hits hardest because this is going on from the very start. While other HoYoVerse games like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail wall off elements like multiplayer opportunities or certain events until you reach certain ranks or complete specific tutorial missions, neither feature the flawed and extended pacing of Zenless Zone Zero. The time it takes to finally meet our protagonists Wise and Belle, isn’t too bad. However, getting to a point when you can freely explore Sixth Street and access every facility involves actual hours of playtime. It’s quite a shock. 

Screenshot by Siliconera

This isn’t helped by the actual mission-based and Hollow-exploration experience. Whereas other HoYoVerse games like Honkai: Star Rail and Genshin Impact involve exploration, unique environments, and opportunities to engage with the world, Zenless Zone Zero… doesn’t. Quests involve moving along a “map” of monitors, occasionally solving block-pushing puzzles, only to go into battle in the same sorts of bite-sized spaces repeatedly. While these enemy encounters eventually start to be a bit more varied after about five hours of play, early on it does feel like you’re spending most of your time moving along the screen grids or seeing comic panel cutscenes to take part in between two and five 2-3 minute battles. 

The way in which Zenless Zone Zero handles its characters also can result in awkward pacing, given each person controls differently. So unlike games like Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail, where we have versatile protagonists that can adopt different roles in teams due to shifting their element or path, we don’t have a main character who can be a Jack of all trades to help us ease into it. This is a game where who you manage to own matters more than ones where having teams of certain paths or people with certain weapon types means you can generally be fine. If you don’t like how the first few free characters you get in Zenless Zone Zero work, you’re in trouble. 

Screenshot by Siliconera

Worse, the pacing means you’re forced into using initial free characters that aren’t exactly great or easy to use. The free pre-registration bonus character Corin is a slow DPS character very dependent on fellow Victoria Housekeeping allies and additional Mindscape unlocks to be viable. Of the free Cunning Hares characters, Nicole is the only potentially viable one due to her crowd-control abilities. It is very possible you won’t even find a character you like using until you unlock the ability to use the gacha and pull someone else, which can take a few hours based on your luck. I personally didn’t start to really enjoy combat until I got a random-luck Rina from Ellen’s focus banner within my first 10 pulls and got Nekomata from Star-Studded Cast guaranteed launch five-star. 

Zenless Zone Zero didn’t start clicking for me until I helped the Cunning Hares and Nekomata with their case. By that point, I’d already been playing for at least an hour each day for five days since the July 4, 2024 launch. If I hadn’t been doing so for work, I’m not sure I would have stuck with it. All the while, I kept thinking that there are elements of a good game here! The character design is fantastic. I like the bits of lore that come through. Once I started using a team made up of Nekomata, Rina, and Anton, I even really got into the combat. However, the pacing for the campaign got me every time, and I worry that it could affect the game’s success unless HoYoVerse makes some adjustments.

Zenless Zone Zero is available for the PS5, PC, and mobile devices. 

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See Metaphor: ReFantazio Character Concept Art for Your Allies https://www.siliconera.com/see-metaphor-refantazio-character-concept-art-for-your-allies/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=see-metaphor-refantazio-character-concept-art-for-your-allies https://www.siliconera.com/see-metaphor-refantazio-character-concept-art-for-your-allies/#respond Wed, 10 Jul 2024 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.siliconera.com/?p=1041390 See Metaphor: ReFantazio Character Concept Art for Your Allies

Atlus shared an array of Metaphor: ReFantazio character concept art pieces on social media, with most showing our allies in the game. In the case of the protagonist, Heismay, Hulkenberg, and Strohl, the pieces are especially effective at getting a closer look at their faces and expressions. 

The first batch of three images appeared on July 5, 2024, during Anime Expo. That focused on the first three major characters, which are our player character, the fairy ally Gallica, and the warrior Grius. However, on July 10, 2024, Atlus followed that up with a look at other allies. That’s when we got to see Heismay, Hulkenberg, and Strohl again.

Here are all six pieces of Metaphor: ReFantazio character concept art so far:

We got a chance to see more of Metaphor: ReFantazio and different character roles earlier in July 2024. Atlus shared a story trailer during Anime Expo 2024. It highlighted the motivations for the hero and Gallica, as well as their allies, to take part in the tournament for the throne.

Metaphor: ReFantazio will come to the PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC on October 11, 2024.

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