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Review: DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia

Developer – Idea Factory, Compile Heart, Sting Publisher – Idea Factory International Platforms – PC (reviewed), PS4 Review copy given by Publisher What would you wish for if you had three wishes? That’s the scenario that DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia chooses to investigate with several heroines. When the main protagonist comes across a box with a heroine, they open the box. At first, nothing is inside but they dream of someone who can grant their wishes. What they wish for, the consequences, and what that means for the future are investigated. DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia is a visual novel that takes place after a thirty-year long conflict. The protagonist, Shido, is settling down into regular life and enjoying his time with friends. But it becomes apparent that Shido’s life is anything but ordinary thanks to the women in his life. One day, Shido wakes up and discovers a strange box. He opens it with one of the heroines and nothing happens. But later, the heroine is visited by a strange wish-granting entity and the story begins. There are nine characters whose stories you can investigate and fifteen different endings. That’s lots of replay value with the story, spending hours on each path. Each story is also unique despite starting with the same premise. Characters have their own desires, wants, and goals, giving you nine different stories with the same premise. While that may seem excessive, the visual novel does its best to make each story stand out. While heroines sometimes mix with each other’s stories, you only focus on one heroine at a time. After choosing them at the start, you are locked into their route for the remainder of the story. This means each heroine gets a “What If?” scenario-type story instead of seeing the same story from different perspectives. The variety prevents the visual novel from getting stale too quickly by providing unique takes on the wish-granting scenario. Unfortunately, the variety’s advantage disappears if you are not familiar with the DATE A LIVE world. The story makes few attempts to provide exposition, only giving you a library to read on your own time. The library also doesn’t clarify much, being a quick guide that glosses over crucial story details and events. This means you could go into the story blind or miss the significance of what the characters talk about. It’s possible to mitigate the lack of exposition if you view the novel’s events as a separate story. But there are still too many details missing and characters talk as if you already know. This makes it difficult for players new to the series to jump in. It’s easy for you to get confused or miss out on crucial aspects. This normally wouldn’t be a big deal but all characters have multiple endings. Sometimes it’s not exactly clear what triggers a good or a bad ending. The clues are subtle and depend on the personality of the heroine. What you say to a heroine can drastically change their fate but there are few opportunities to decide. That makes it hard to reload and establish what went wrong because you might not be sure. Thankfully, there is an option to skip text you’ve already seen to speed through scenarios. You shouldn’t use it too much on newer stories because you can miss crucial details. It’s best to experience each story as it goes well with the voice acting. The designs of each character shine when you sit down and go through the novel like you were reading a book. It’s not an action-packed game despite the mentions of combat, but something you play at your own pace. Fans of DATE A LIVE will enjoy Ren Dystopia and the stories it has to offer. If you aren’t familiar with the franchise at all, reading the library might help get you up to speed. But it’s a visual novel that’s hard for new players to jump into and that takes away some of the appeal. If you ever do become familiar with the world of DATE A LIVE, jump back to Ren Dystopia. You will find the enjoyment grows and you won’t feel lost half the time.

Review: #Drive Rally

Developer – Pixel Perfect Dude Publisher – Pixel Perfect Dude Platforms – Xbox Series S|X,Xbox One,Nintendo Switch,PS4/PS5, PC (reviewed) Review copy given by Developer Rally racing, to me, stands out as one of the most intense and thrilling forms of motorsport. The sheer skill required for drivers to maintain control of their cars at breakneck speeds on narrow, ever-changing surfaces is astonishing. Rally drivers have to master everything from gravel to snow, often with little margin for error. The 90s era of rally racing was particularly wild, a period marked by death-defying stages and blisteringly fast cars that pushed the limits of what was possible. Watching a rally event during that time was nothing short of exhilarating; the drivers’ precision and bravery left you in awe, constantly on the edge of your seat. So, when I first came across #Drive Rally, it instantly grabbed my attention. The game’s art style and the concept of an arcade-based rally racing experience were an immediate draw. During my first experience with the game’s physics, I found myself struggling to stay consistent, often feeling frustrated as I couldn’t put down a solid time. Each lap felt like a challenge, and it seemed like I was constantly battling to maintain control. However, as I continued to practice and familiarize myself with the handling, I began to improve. My laps became smoother, and I found myself getting faster with each attempt. Don’t let those initial struggles discourage you—once you master the mechanics and learn to control your vehicle, the payoff is immense. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of nailing a perfect handbrake turn right after barreling through a flat-out section, especially on tricky surfaces like snow. When you finally pull it off, the sense of accomplishment is incredibly rewarding, making all the practice worth it. There are multiple stages to conquer across three distinct locations: Dry Crumbs, with its bright, sandy hills; Whispering Woods, a hilly forest terrain; and Revontuli, a snowy wonderland. Plans are already in place to introduce a fourth location, expanding the variety of environments and challenges even further. Currently, there are 12 vehicles available to help you on your quest to become the rally champion, each coming in three versions with different performance upgrades and kits. These vehicles also offer unique customization options that can be unlocked by progressing through the championship mode. The cars themselves are inspired by legendary rally icons from the 80s and 90s, such as the Lancia Delta, Audi Quattro, and many more. The customization mainly focuses on altering the look of your vehicles with different bumpers, hoods, wheels, and liveries to give your ride some flair. The vehicle sounds are impressively done and do a fantastic job of keeping you hyped, especially when you’re maxing out the rev limiter, tearing down a long, sweeping dirt path, weaving between trees, and dodging cones. As I mentioned earlier, the physics can be a bit tricky to get the hang of in the first 30 minutes, but they stay true to the arcade feel. It reminds me a lot of Sega Rally—the two games share a similar vibe, especially in terms of core concept and physics, though this one has a more modern touch. You can easily sink hours into shaving seconds off your time, constantly chasing the leaderboards and fighting for those coveted top spots. The thrill of beating your personal best becomes addictive as you keep pushing for a faster, cleaner run. But what’s rally racing if you’re doing it all by yourself? Luckily, you’ve got a unique Co-Driver by your side, tailored to each racing location. They’re there to guide you through every twist and turn, calling out directions so you can stay focused on driving instead of constantly worrying about what’s ahead. The real question is: do you trust your co-pilot? Their guidance is crucial, and relying on them can be the difference between setting a new record or crashing out. One feature I always love using in any game that offers it is Photo Mode. In #Drive Rally, it’s simple and straightforward, making it incredibly easy for anyone to capture stunning shots of both the landscapes and the vehicles. The game itself is visually gorgeous, with an art style that adds a unique charm—it strikes a nice balance between cartoonish and semi-realistic, which really complements the arcade racing vibe. Running on ultra settings, the game performed flawlessly for me at well over 150fps on a 1440p monitor, with no performance issues or frame drops. I’m a huge fan of the visuals, the concept, the sound design, and the overall replayability, which makes this game an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a fun, arcade-style racing experience. My only hope is that one day we’ll get an online mode, which would truly elevate #Drive Rally to the next level, turning it into the ultimate rally-based arcade game. In conclusion, #Drive Rally puts you right in the driver’s seat, giving you a taste of what it was like to be a rally driver in the 90s, racing across some of the most challenging terrains imaginable. The game is all about speed and precision, as you navigate your rally car up and down twisting roads and rough paths while maintaining complete control. #Drive Rally captures the essence of 90s-era rally racing in a compact yet powerful experience. The question is: do you have what it takes to become a rally legend?

Platinum Games has acquired The Wonderful 101 from Nintendo

Platinum Games has officially acquired The Wonderful 101 franchise from Nintendo as of August 19, 2024. It was first spotted by Reddit user Joseki100, who noticed a document submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, requesting the transfer of the trademark from Nintendo to Platinum Games. Below is a copy of the relevant information from the document: OWNER SECTION (current) NAME Nintendo of America Inc. MAILING ADDRESS 4600 150th Avenue NE CITY Redmond STATE Washington ZIP/POSTAL CODE 98052 COUNTRY/REGION/JURISDICTION/U.S. TERRITORY United States PHONE 206-682-8100 EMAIL XXXX OWNER SECTION (proposed) NAME PlatinumGames Inc. INTERNAL ADDRESS Umeda Sky Bldg, Tower West 8th Floor MAILING ADDRESS Oyodonaka 1-1-30, Kita­ ku CITY Osaka-shi, Osaka ZIP/POSTAL CODE 531-6108 COUNTRY/REGION/JURISDICTION/U.S. TERRITORY Japan PHONE EMAIL XXXX What is Wonderful 101? The Wonderful 101 is a 2013 action-adventure game developed by Platinum Games and published by Nintendo. It was originally released for the Wii U and it was later remastered for the Nintendo Switch in 2020. Platinum Games has not given out a statement regarding this news. Do you think there will be a strong future for the Wonderful 101 series?

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble Adds Axel & Beat

Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble has received a fresh set of costumes and two of the coolest icons as part of the latest Sega Pass DLC. The crazy taxi driver Axel and renegade graffiti artist Beat will be playable across Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble’s Adventure Mode and Battle Mode. Axel and Beat have their own unique stats to help them through the stages. For Beat, all in-game bananas will switch to spray cans for Beat in homage to the franchise, and for Axel, bananas will become coins so you can make some crazy money. The Sega Pass DLC also brings 15 different customization items in this latest update to dress your monkey. Some of the costumes include Shadow the Hedgehog, NiGHTS, Gilius Thunderhead, and Majima. The Sega Pass, individual character packs, and costume sets are all also available as separate purchases. If players upgrade to the Digital Deluxe Edition, they will save on the entire bundle. Sega has also released a new multiplayer mode, Gem Heist, that is part of the free v1.20 update. In this new game mode, players engage in a fast-paced battle to collect the most points. The objective is to carry gems to the team’s area while trying to make members of the opposing team drop their gems by bumping into them. Different gems, such as the Star Diamond, have varying weights and point values. Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble is only available on Nintendo Switch.

Monster Energy Supercross 25 – The Official Video Game has been announced for all platforms

Over the weekend during the Super Motocross World Championship Final in Las Vegas, Milestone and Feld Motor Sports revealed Monster Energy Supercross 25. The teaser trailer that aired during the competition is only 30 seconds long and gives players just a glimpse of what will come. It has been two years since the last installment and Monster Energy Supercross 25 is rebuilt from the ground up to offer Supercross fans the most authentic and engaging gaming experience yet.  For the first time, players will get to live the thrills of the current season and even anticipate the official schedule by racing with the 2025 official rosters, tracks, and bikes alongside the course of the real 2025 championship season. Making the most out of Unreal Engine 5, the game will feature unprecedented graphics as well as a new physics system to deliver a whole new level of realism and simulation. Meeting one of the strongest requests of the community, Monster Energy Supercross 25 – The Official Video Game introduces a dynamic terrain deformation system with evolving ruts. Beyond visual evidence, these will add a fresh layer of dynamism to the gameplay, as tracks will now change at every lap with dirt accumulating on the terrain and creating banks and ruts. A release date for Monster Energy Supercross 25 – The Official Video Game has not been announced yet. However, it is planned to be released on all major platforms says Milestone.   

Sega To Host Sonic Central Showcase On Tuesday

This year remains a monumental time for Sonic the Hedgehog. In October, its upcoming new release Sonic x Shadow Generations launches. Offering the classic 2010 experience alongside an all-new Shadow the Hedgehog campaign as well. As for other contents, it is confirmed that Chao Garden will not be included. However, the developer did state it could return to the beloved feature in a future release. As for other projects later on, it appears that Mario Vs. Sonic at the Olympic Games will not be part of the equation. One of the lead developers confirmed this during the recent event held in Paris, France in July. Additionally, studio head Takashi Iizuka also hints at one of his desires. In one interview, he expressed hope to work on a Sonic RPG at some point before the end of his career at Sega. In a new reveal on Monday, Sonic Team reveals a new Sonic Central showcase will be taking place this week – September 24th. This marks over a year since the last presentation which took place back in June 2023. Sega indicates that the reveals held will include plans for Sonic the Hedgehog extending well into 2025 next year. And, this is not the only planned announcements from Sega this week. In that, Tokyo Game Show is taking place this week. As part of its reveals for the event in Japan, Sega’s RGG Studio is to host a presentation then. It will be on some future plans for Like a Dragon. One likely appearance is the trademarked ‘Yakuza Wars’ title. Atop of that, the newly revealed Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will probably attend as well. That is now the only presentation to take place on September 24th. On Monday, Sony Interactive Entertainment shared a new PlayStation State of Play will be held this Tuesday as well. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you interested for new updates for Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic Central will be held on September 24, 2024 at 9 AM PST / 12 PM EST.

New PlayStation ‘State Of Play’ Showcase Coming This Tuesday

The current state of PlayStation right now sits in its most shaky moment for the entire PlayStation 5 lifecycle. For one, the PlayStation 5 Pro reveal that took place has left many dissatisfied with the mindset harbored at Sony. What’s more, even the price tag does not guarantee the results many anticipate. Digital Foundry chimed in to suggest the CPU for the Pro doesn’t suffice 60 fps in the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI release. Elsewhere, the events on PlayStation’s software side of things are another thing. Earlier in September, Sony Interactive Entertainment canned its highly-anticipated hero shooter Concord just two weeks following its release. Atop of that, many are confused what PlayStation has in mind for future game as reports suggest that 2017’s Horizon Zero Dawn is the next prepared remaster from PlayStation Studios. Although Astro Bot did offer a nice change of pace – we scored it a 9.5/10 – fans are looking for more reassurance moving forward. On Monday, Sony Interactive Entertainment revealed that a new PlayStation ‘State of Play’ showcase is prepared to be held this Tuesday, September 24th. The details are light, but discloses to be at least a half hour in duration. “State of Play is back tomorrow, September 24! Tune in live for news and updates on more than 20 upcoming PS5 and PS VR2 games from studios around the world,” Sid Shuman, Sony Interactive Entertainment senior manager of global content communications says. The brief PlayStation Blog article does not press on what IPs exactly will be present at the showcase scheduled for this week. While there are no confirmations on attending games, there are some previous reports on upcoming plans for PlayStation. One that has not been manifested is a remaster for Gravity Rush 2. In March, it was reported that the 2017 game is in the pipeline to release for PlayStation 5 & PC. You can read the full report by heading here. What are you most hoping to see from the State of Play? State of Play will be held on September 24, 2024 at 3 PM PST / 6 PM EST. Source: PlayStation Blog

Review: Bloomtown: A Different Story

Developer – Lazy Bear Games, Different Sense Games Publisher – Twin Sails Interactive Platforms – PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 (reviewed) Review copy given by publisher Indie games are a dime a dozen, so it’s rare for one to catch my eye these days. But one that sparked my interest is none other than Bloomtown: A Different Story, a cozy looking, narrative driven JRPG that immerses you in a seemingly idyllic 1960s American town with a dark underside. If I were to describe it in just a few words, then I’d say think Persona combined with Earthbound and you’ll have a good idea of what this title has to offer. Get ready to dive into addictive turn-based combat, social links, monster taming, and a splash of life sim! So what the heck is Bloomtown about? The narrative follows twelve-year-old Emily and her younger brother Chester as they spend their summer in the seemingly mundane Bloomtown with their grandfather. However, the peaceful facade quickly crumbles as the two siblings uncover a sinister undercurrent of child disappearances and supernatural occurrences. The story itself draws inspiration from popular media like Gravity Falls and Stranger Things, creating an engaging blend of small-town charm and otherworldly mystery. Accompanying the siblings is Ramona and the cutest talking Corgi ever named ABC. When it comes to gameplay, you can expect a multifaceted mix of turn-based combat, demon taming, and social interactions. The combat system plays like a Persona title, giving you the option to melee attack, guard, or use a demon ability at the cost of mana. Chaining together different elemental spells can trigger combos and deal tons of damage. Every character levels up upon defeating enemies and can equip various weapons and gear to make them stronger in battle. Most of the combat takes place in the Underside, the demonic version of Bloomtown, and is often filled with treasures and treacherous monsters. Level design is brilliant, often tasking you with areas you can’t yet enter until later on. There’s even a demon fusion system that adds depth to the monster-taming aspect, and provides countless combinations for you to experiment with. Of course you need to weaken them before even attempting to capture them. Visit the Velvet room equivalent in this game to do all your fusion needs. Every party member has an innate Guardian demon they start off with, but you can then attach an additional demon on top of them and inherit their skills and abilities. Then there’s the social simulation elements, also reminiscent of the Persona series, allowing you to build relationships with various characters and improve Emily’s personality traits, such as Charm and Guts, which in turn affect dialogue options and their success rates. These are presented with a dice roll, like what you would expect from a Dungeons and Dragons game. When you’re not too busy dungeon crawling in the dangerous Underside, you spend your time in sunny Bloomtown doing life-sim related activities, such as working a job to earn money, farming crops, hitting the gym, and even fishing! Exploring Bloomtown is super fun, and definitely gives that small town vibe, so take your time getting to know its inhabitants. Visually speaking, the game impresses with its sharp pixel art graphics that effectively contrast the peaceful town with the ominous Underside. This art style not only captures the essence of classic JRPGs but also heightens the juxtaposition between the cozy surface and the lurking supernatural threats. The audio design complements the visuals, with a bombastic soundtrack that is clearly inspired by the Persona series. I literally sat in a battle for minutes just to listen to the music. For JRPG fans, the music alone should be enough of a selling factor. The energetic and rhythmic compositions incorporate a mix of orchestral and electronic elements, providing a modern twist to the classic JRPG battle music formula! In terms of technical performance, Bloomtown performs spectacularly on the PlayStation 5. Coming in at a tiny 712.7 MB, it takes a mere 4-5 seconds to load in from the main menu. There are no performance modes but the game runs at a flawless 60 frames per second at all times. Unfortunately there are no manual saves, which is a bummer, but the auto saves are more than generous as the game saves each time you enter a different room. You can change between Normal and Hard difficulty in the settings at any time and there are a total of 9 text languages to choose from. No voice acting in an indie game of this budget! That being said, I would like to see some quality of life features added in future updates. Currently you cannot escape or run from a battle if you enter one, nor can you fast forward the combat. After time, menial battles become monotonous and dragged out, so adding either feature can greatly increase the enjoyment of the game. Secondly, adding a teleport option between areas would be nice, as running around town can get quite a bit tedious as well. Don’t be discouraged by these critiques here as this is a fantastic experience that breathes some fresh air into the indie scene. There’s even a free demo out on Steam if you’re on the fence, so go check it out! Different Sense Games and Lazy Bear Games have created a captivating indie JRPG experience that wears its influences proudly on its sleeves. If you’re into cozy pixel art titles with an engaging narrative, an addicting soundtrack, and strategic combat, then Bloomtown: A Different Story should definitely be your next to play title.

Review: EA Sports FC 25

Developer – EA Canada(Vancouver) & EA Romania Publisher – Electronic Arts Platforms –  Nintendo Switch,PS4/5,Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X,PC (Reviewed) Review copy given by Publisher NOTE: If you haven’t already read my First impressions of my time during the FC 25 Producer’s Showcase back in July I highly recommend you read over it for a more in-depth of all the new features. When I was in elementary school in Canada (or primary school, for my UK, EU, and Australian readers), soccer (football) was a huge part of my life. As I’ve mentioned many times in my reviews, sports and video games were my comfort zone—a place where I felt safe and in control during my youth years. Soccer, in particular, became a key part of my social life. It was on the soccer field that I made many of my friends, which was especially meaningful for someone like me, who didn’t form friendships easily during that stage of my life. Not only was I passionate about playing soccer, but I also had the amazing opportunity to visit the iconic EA Sports soccer field at their headquarters in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada(Pictured Above), on several occasions. For those who may not know, I was born near Vancouver (Yes I was actually born in Canada for those who think otherwise), so these trips were especially memorable for me. Being able to see such a stunning, professional-grade field in person, as a fan of both soccer and EA Sports, was an experience that left a lasting impression, and coming full circle to review FC 25 and be invited to the FC 25 Producer’s Showcase back in July has been a surreal experience for me. Jumping into it, FC 25 is the second installment in the EA Sports FC series and the 32nd overall installment of EA Sports’ football simulation games (FC being the direct successor to their former FIFA series, which was discontinued following the termination of EA and FIFA’s licensing agreement). Most people are likely familiar with the FC series or at least have a good idea of what it’s about, so I won’t dive too deeply into the intricacies of soccer history or gameplay mechanics. Instead, I’ll focus on the key changes, improvements, and potential issues in FC 25 that set it apart from previous years. This year’s edition brings some notable upgrades, and I’ll break down what makes FC 25 stand out and why it offers a more refined experience compared to last year’s version. One of the most noticeable upgrades in FC 25 is its revamped physics and animation system. The gameplay feels smoother and more responsive, with players moving more naturally thanks to the introduction of a new AI system, FC IQ. This AI, alongside HyperMotionV and PlayStyles, forms a core foundation that enhances the depth of match tactics and player positioning. Ball physics has also been fine-tuned, creating a more dynamic flow where passes, shots, and deflections are less predictable, resulting in organic, sometimes chaotic moments. The overall realism has been significantly improved, making each match feel more immersive than in previous iterations/versions. of the game. Building off what worked in previous titles, Career Mode allows for deeper managerial and player career experiences. As a manager, you can now create custom tactics, focus on long-term player development, and even design your club’s facilities. In Player Career, the addition of new progression paths and perks gives players more control over the growth of their virtual athlete. Ultimate Team, arguably the most popular mode in the franchise, returns with a few notable tweaks. While the core mechanics remain intact, FC 25 introduces new cards and challenges that keep the mode fresh. A new feature this year is the inclusion of “Legacy Players,” where users can unlock legendary players from the past, adding an extra layer of nostalgia and excitement to the game. However, the mode’s reliance on microtransactions remains a contentious issue, as it continues to lean toward a pay-to-win structure that might frustrate players who are unwilling to spend real money. Graphically, FC 25 is a standout game, the stadiums are more detailed than ever, with lighting effects that react to real-time weather changes. Player likenesses have been updated, with facial animations and body movements that look incredibly lifelike, especially for top-tier athletes. However, the game does fall short when it comes to lesser-known players, as many still feature generic models and faces. While the visual upgrades are appreciated, the disparity in attention to detail between star players and lesser-known ones can break the immersion at times. In the end, EA Sports FC 25 delivers a solid Soccer(Football) experience that balances new features with the series’ tried-and-true formula. Its refined physics, improved career modes, and fresh takes on Ultimate Team breathe life into the game, even if it doesn’t drastically revolutionize the genre. Fans looking for major innovations may be left wanting, but those who appreciate steady improvements will find FC 25 to be an enjoyable and immersive step forward in EA’s post-FIFA era. While not without its flaws, especially regarding monetization in Ultimate Team, FC 25 remains a must-play for football enthusiasts.