A Prickly Fellow

Oh, Sonic. Once the poster boy of 90’s rude ‘tude, for the last two decades, he’s become the furry equivalent of the Steve Buscemi “hello fellow kids” meme. No longer able to dine out on his early 2D successes, Sonic now squeezes out a terrible 3D platformer every few years, each time promising to be the one that gets it right at last. With Sonic Frontiers poised as his most ambitious adventure yet, does SEGA finally get 3D Sonic right?

In short: nope. There’s an exciting ambition to the game, releasing Sonic into a large environment with enormous enemies to tackle but the whole production has a ramshackle level of quality. Sonic and pals are at odds with the realistic, empty and desaturated environments from a sheer aesthetic perspective. This is instantly jarring though the visuals are much improved in the subspace “classic” Sonic levels. The alien enemies are especially drab, removing visual interest from the already dull and messy combat situations.

Tailgating

He may be the titular character but the game Sonic inhabits doesn’t seem to have been designed for him. His speed is at odds with the physics engine, resulting in bizarre glitches and flubs. Scaling an enormous enemy as quickly as possible is an exciting prospect but the ensuing battles have so many flubs and bugs that they truly showcase the folly of letting Sonic off the rails. Open world design at the expense of platforming precision, the world of Frontiers is a literally massive letdown.

Exploration fares a bit better. Unshackled from platforming precision, running around the sprawling giant landmasses is a much better use of Sonic’s abilities. Though there’s little of interest to see after the first few hours it’s a brief bit of respite from the tedium of combat. The homing attack represents the fundamental failure of Sonic as a fighter, so zippy and manic that precision is simply impossible without the game doing it for you.

Knuckle Headed

Sonic Frontiers represents the best and worst of Sonic across his 30-year career. The dizzying speed may still allure but his ludicrous lack of progress in the 3D space is an utter embarrassment. If SEGA must insist on making Sonic titles then they need to progress past these half-baked concepts. Sonic Frontiers squanders its promising ideas, resulting in perhaps Sonic’s most frustrating adventure to date. Being fast doesn’t matter if you’re just running in circles and until this series finds a new sense of purpose, consider Sonic a fursona non grata.

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If you check out the design below you can see how creative the people at Numskull Designs are with how Sonic is set up.

Click to view slideshow.

Behind each of the 24 doors is a little piece of your favourite whirling hedgehog. Collect all the little pieces and then use them all to build your very own Sonic the Hedgehog figurine, (9 inches high), that you can keep forever, not just for Christmas.

It’s a great Christmas present and the design is adorable. Sonic looks particularly mischievous and the whole set-up is quite smart. The Sonic the Hedgehog Countdown Calendar is a present I highly recommend for any fans of Sonic.

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“We are so happy to be releasing Phantasy Star Online 2 Global on the Epic Games Store,” said Fred White from PSO2 Team Global. “With all the huge updates to the game over the past year, including the newest Chapter 6 update, there’s more content than ever to explore and play through. We can’t wait to welcome in all the new players to the PSO2 universe!”

ARKS (soldiers of the Oracle colony fleet in the Phantasy Star Online 2 series) are invited to join together online to explore numerous worlds with friends and experience PSO2’s unparalleled action combat and character customization. Choosing from four unique races and thirteen classes, players can join forces with up to eleven other operatives at a time to experience unforgettable battles and boss fights.

The Global version of PSO2 includes fully localized text and character voices in English, spanning three years of content, including events, campaigns, quests, and raid bosses. In addition to the immersive original PSO2 story, the Global version also features the most-up-to-date balancing and quality-of-life improvements from the Japanese service.

What is available out there in Phantasy Star Online 2?

Players can choose from four races and thirteen classes while tackling various missions. They can also take a break from questing by playing one of the many Casino mini-games, chilling in the Alliance Quarters, competing in the new ARKS League or attending all-new live stage events.

Players will be able to do all of this with friends on both PC (Epic Games Store / Windows 10 / Steam) and Xbox One thanks to cross-platform play.

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This collection includes remastered versions of Yakuza 3, Yakuza 4 and Yakuza 5 presented in full 1080p resolution and 60 framerate, purchasable now as a bundle for $39.99 or individually for $19.99 on each platform. Xbox Series S|X owners can also dive in using the platform’s backwards compatibility feature.

The Yakuza Remastered Collection and why you should care

This action-adventure brawler series follows the intense saga of Kazuma Kiryu, a hardened yakuza with an unshakable moral code. Yakuza 3 picks up where Yakuza Kiwami 2 left off, where Kiryu is laying low on the idyllic Okinawa coast until the demons of his former yakuza life re-emerge and force him to choose a side. Join Kiryu in mastering combos to beat up thugs in his path, weaponizing environments, and fighting to protect the ones closest to him caught up in the seedy underworld of organized crime.

For fans who have recently experienced Yakuza: Like A Dragon, the Yakuza Remastered Collection serves as a fresh opportunity to experience Kamurocho through the eyes of O.G. Yakuza series protagonist, Kiryu.

Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 (remasters of Yakuza 1 and Yakuza 2), are also available separately with Xbox Game Pass for those who are looking to experience the first six entries of the series before the concluding chapter, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, makes its Xbox One and PC debut on March 25th.

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Football Manager 2021 will see you helm a “football” team, as it’s “manager”. The Oxford Dictionary describes “football” as “a game played between two teams of eleven people, where each team tries to win by kicking a ball into the other team’s goal”. Whereas “manager” is explained as “an open box from which cattle and horses feed”. Hopefully, I didn’t lose any of you there. Moving on…

Headline Features

There are four core features Sports Interactive have improved on for this year’s iteration. They being: Interaction, Recruitment, Matchday, and End of Season.

Interaction

Managers can now use an even deeper arsenal of personal interaction when dealing with players, staff,  management or media. Most notable are the new Quick Chat and Gesture systems. Quick Chats are essentially informal meetings, where we might, for example, speak with a players agent to garner interest. The Gesture system adds a new layer of physical communication to the usual verbal stuff. Want to emphasize a point or rile up a complacent team? Throw a gesture in there to let them know you mean business! It is unconfirmed whether we can kick a boot at David Beckham, but I live in hope.

Recruitment

Recruitment in Football Manager 2021 has been radically overhauled, with more depth added from last year. The new title will see the addition of Recruitment Meetings and Recruitment Roles. Both of these new systems will guarantee your team are always scouting and selecting the exact type of player your team needs. Meetings occur in a 3D environment with your scouts on hand. Individual roles can then be delegated within your team. So managerial!

Match-day

Pre-match build-up, team talks, interviews, in-match presentation and graphical overhaul. The Match-day hype is real for Football Manager 2021. We will be able to feel the atmosphere for every match our team plays this year. Be it the Irish First Division or European Cup, you’ll have more data and analysis at your fingertips than ever before. In the new UI’s Dugout section, there will be more options than ever to wield as the sideline gaffer.

Your assistant, coaches & data analysts are all on hand to help and will give you advice during pertinent parts of the match… In competitions where VAR is used, you’ll now not only see the VAR call displayed on the stadium screen – just like in real-life – but the in-match caption now also reflects how it’s displayed in the real world.

Cannot wait to blame all my losses on VAR. Finally!

End of Season

Two major improvements for each Seasons end this year will be Celebrations and End of Season Review. We will now get proper on-field season celebrations, complete with confetti, the media circus, and the all-important trophy lift. Compounded to that, your manager will receive a full end of season review. This will take place in a brand new environment, rounding up all the stats, figures, highs, and lows from your last campaign. Nerd-tastic.

Injury Time

It looks to be a great year for football simulation fans. The already excellent 2020 title has been markedly improved upon for Football Manager 2021. Console managers can also delight in the franchises return to Xbox at a future date. With Football Manager 2020 currently on Xbox Games Pass, we can presumably expect the same for this title next year also. If you pre-order the game now, you’ll grab it a 10 per cent discounted price, and gain Early Access. Solid Deal. I’m still not sure why we’ll need to be feeding cattle, but hey what do I know, I’m only the gaffer.

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Yokohama features a plethora of fun and hilarious distractions, including kart racing, batting cages, SEGA arcades, high-octane vocational school tests, and the ability to manage and grow your own company! Ichiban and his ragtag crew of friends have endless fun activities to engage with as they try to restore justice to the streets of Yokohama.

That’s not all, though; the end of “The Quest Begins” features a special surprise. For the first time in the series’ history, Yakuza: Like a Dragon features English renditions of fans’ most beloved karaoke songs from previous entries in the series, as well as several brand-new songs.

The full list of English-voiced karaoke songs in Yakuza: Like a Dragon includes:

• Baka Mitai (I’ve Been a Fool)
• Hell Stew
• Like a Butterfly
• Machine Gun Kiss
• Spring Breeze
• The Future I Dreamed Of

Yakuza: Like a Dragon will launch on Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Windows 10 and Steam on November 10th. The Xbox Series X | S versions will offer a Smart Delivery upgrade path for Xbox One owners of the game, and the PlayStation 4 owners will receive a free upgrade to the PlayStation 5 version, both physical and digital, upon its release on March 2nd, 2021.

An experience like no other, Yakuza: Like a Dragon will (hopefully) bring dynamic RPG gameplay to the series, with an epic adventure that combines the intense brawls, crushing drama, and over the top hilarity that the Yakuza series is known for.

The game also features voice acting from a dynamic cast of actors, including George Takei, Kaiji Tang, Andrew Morgado, Greg Chun and Elizabeth Maxwell.

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As previously revealed, the Xbox Series X | S versions will offer a Smart Delivery upgrade path for Xbox One owners of the game.

SEGA has also announced that Yakuza: Like a Dragon will be launching on PlayStation 5 in the West on March 2nd, following the game’s PlayStation 4 launch on November 10th. Once players purchase the digital PS4 version of Yakuza: Like a Dragon at PlayStation Store they are able to download the PS5 version at no extra cost when it launches on March 2nd.

The PS5 version will also be available standalone on March 2nd for $59.99, with commensurate pricing in EMEA.

Live the life of a dragon in Yakuza: Like a Dragon

An experience like no other, this latest entry in the Yakuza franchise brings dynamic RPG gameplay to the streets of Yokohama, Japan, with an epic adventure that combines the intense brawls, crushing drama, and over the top hilarity that the Yakuza series is known for. The game also features voice acting from a dynamic cast of actors, including George Takei, Kaiji Tang, Andrew Morgado, Greg Chun and Elizabeth Maxwell.

Check out the trailer below to see the next-gen footage for Yakuza: Like a Dragon.

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Yakuza: Like a Dragon will also be available on the Xbox Series X console on day 1 of its release, as well as PlayStation 5 at a later date. An experience like no other, Yakuza: Like a Dragon brings dynamic RPG gameplay to the streets of Yokohama, Japan, with an adventure that combines the intense brawls that the Yakuza series has been known for, with the strategic depths, party customization, and massive variety of skills that you’d expect from a classic RPG.

In less than 2 minutes, the new How Will You Rise? trailer takes players on a journey through the streets of Yokohama, Japan, the new setting for Yakuza: Like a Dragon. In the video, we see Ichiban Kasuga, the first main new protagonist in the history of the mainline Yakuza series, alongside some of his loyal party members, Nanba, Saeko, and Adachi, as they swap between just a few of the 20+ unique Jobs available throughout the game.

In what can only be described as a meta worldview, Ichiban envisions himself the lead character in an RPG and his ensuing skirmishes take on the form of turn-based battles. If you’ve ever wanted to don a chef’s hat and sprinkle enemies with a dash of pepper to finish them off in style, we’re happy to say that no game other than Yakuza: Like a Dragon will offer you that experience.

Stay tuned in the coming months for more information about the release of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, including more gameplay details, further storyline elements, diverse minigames and more early looks at the content that fills out the underworld playground of this one-of-a-kind experience.

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Ever want to see a group of middle-aged “heroes” battle massive construction vehicles, take down thugs with an uppercut from a facial wand or summon a tempest of pigeons? Yakuza: Like a Dragon has you covered – it’s like no other RPG before it.

Also revealed is the English voice cast of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, which features, among many talented actors, esteemed TV and film actor George Takei. George Takei plays the role of Masumi Arakawa, a powerful patriarch whose dissolution of the Tojo Clan’s yakuza empire sets into motion the conflict at the heart of this complex, winding narrative. Yakuza: Like a Dragon will also feature full EFIGS subtitle support.

SEGA also announced that Yakuza: Like a Dragon will launch on PlayStation 5 in the West, in addition to the previously announced Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Windows 10, PlayStation 4 and Steam releases. This offer comes in addition to the previously announced support for Xbox Series X Smart Delivery, ensuring players only have to buy the game once, and will be able to play it on either Xbox One or Xbox Series X when both the console and that version of the game are available. A PlayStation 5 upgrade path is also being planned for the Western release and will be announced at a later date.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon will be available in the West on Xbox One, Windows 10 PC, PlayStation 4, and Steam in November 2020 (Xbox Series X will release on day one of the console’s release date, and the PlayStation 5 version will release at a later date).

The previously announced Day One Edition will now be called the Day Ichi (“one” in Japanese) Edition and will be joined by the Hero and Legendary Hero editions, also available for pre-order on all platforms’ digital storefronts starting today.

The Yakuza: Like a Dragon “Heroes of Tomorrow” Trailer is now live on SEGA’s official YouTube channel – check it out to see and hear the talented English cast in action, as well as details on the new pre-order editions available now.

Click to view slideshow.

The team has also unveiled the Yakuza: Like a Dragon’s various package offerings:

The Day Ichi Edition, available for $59.99 in digital format, includes the Legends Costume Set incorporating eight costumes representing fan-favourite figures from the Yakuza series, from Kazuma Kiryu to Daigo Dojima. A physical edition called the Day Ichi SteelBook Edition also includes the Legends Costume Set and comes in a stylish SteelBook for your collection.

The Hero Edition (for $69.99, available in digital format) includes all features from the Day Ichi Edition, as well as the Job Set, which adds two new playable jobs – the guitar-shredding Devil Rocker and the naginata-wielding Matriarch, and the Management Mode Set, which contains a wide selection of additional employees for the expansive Management Mode minigame.

Lastly, the Legendary Hero Edition (for $89.99, available in digital format) includes all Hero Edition content as well as the full in-game Crafting Set, Karaoke Set, Ultimate Costume Set and Stat Boost Set.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon’s English Voiceover Cast is Revealed

As a veteran actor of TV and movies, George Takei has lent his talent and gravitas to such characters as Hikaru Sulu (Star Trek), Yamato-san, (The Terror) Kaito Nakamura (Heroes) and other iconic roles. Mr. Takei is taking on the role of Masumi Arakawa, a powerful patriarch whose dissolution of the Tojo Clan’s yakuza empire sets into motion the conflict at the heart of protagonist Ichiban Kasuga’s story. Ichiban joins forces with a colourful crew from different walks of life to uncover the truth behind his former patriarch’s capitulation to a rival yakuza organization, the Omi Alliance of Kansai.

The main cast includes the following talent:

• Kaiji Tang as Ichiban Kasuga, the protagonist of the story returning from 18 years spent in prison
• George Takei as Masumi Arakawa, patriarch of the Arakawa Family
• Andrew Morgado as Koichi Adachi, an ex-cop on the search for truth
• Greg Chun as Yu Nanba, downtrodden former nurse making amends with the world
• Elizabeth Maxwell as Saeko Mukoda, a bar hostess on a mission

Stay tuned in the coming months for more information about the release of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, including more gameplay details, playable jobs, skills, and dozens of hours of engaging and hilarious side content that players will encounter on their journey through Yakuza: Like a Dragon.

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2020-05-11

Recently we were lucky enough to receive a review code for Sakura Wars. This action role-playing game is based in an alternate Earth where steampunk has taken centre stage and demons roam the Earth. In this fictionalised version of 1940’s Tokyo, you take control of Seijuro Kamiyama as he tries to bring glory back to the Imperial Combat Revue.

This group of warriors/civil servants/actors are trying to regain their status after having fallen into debt and despair after a major event debilitated the team years previous.

Now with a world tournament coming up and demons on the rise the Imperial Combat Revue look to you to save the day. Along the way there will be betrayals, plays, opportunity after opportunity to romance 95% of the cast of the game and some combat with some demons.

Sakura Wars and the many avenues of romance

In Sakura Wars the name of the game is to help the Imperial Combat Revue rise up through the ranks of the other combat revues to once again be the best in the world. You are told the way to do this is to make the team better actors as well as better fighters. Now when I first saw this I thought that I’d be playing a sim kind of game. I’d be managing funds to get better actors, building sets and then we’d be going out to fight demons. This sounded quite novel and interesting.

Instead what I got was a dating sim gaming. Seijuro is basically the lead of a HAREM ANIME!! What is a harem anime you may be asking? Well, it’s an anime where the lead protagonist (usually male) is surrounded by female protagonists who all fall in love with him for reasons. My first brush with this genre was with Tenchi Muyo! Even as a young teen I found it odd.

Now with Sakura Wars there is a gameplay mechanic called LIPS where you basically are given intimate moments between you and the various women of the Imperial Combat Revue. During these scenes you make them feel better by complimenting them and flirting with them. This usually leads to various moments of will they, won’t they between Seiju and his team. Now if you do the right thing and say the right words you will hear a noise meaning you did good or you did bad. What this means gameplay-wise is that you’ll be in better sync with your team. Honestly, though I didn’t notice any difference when there was combat.

We weren’t stronger or weaker depending on my actions towards the team which can range from charming to quite pervy. One such example is you can constantly stare at the chest of any of your leading ladies and they can call you on it.

Click to view slideshow.

Where is the combat in the Imperial Combat Revue?

To break up the multitude of tête-à-tête Sakura Wars does have a combat section. Basically you are thrust into a dungeon with two mechs that the team utilise to fight demons. You make your way from one end of the tunnel to the next battling wave after wave of demons until you fight a bigger demon boss.

Honestly this was fun at the beginning until I realised there is no customisation within this section of the game either. I have a whole roster of mechs and yet I can’t outfit them with new weaponry or paint jobs. This was a wasted opportunity and I was deeply disappointed. Also, the designs of the demons are fairly basic and the dungeons look the same the whole way through the game.

There is also the World Tournament which factors in at a certain point of the story. Here you take on the other Combat Revues from Shanghai, London and Berlin:

• Every match is a three-on-three team battle spread across three rounds.
• You’ll select two squad members who will fight alongside you.
• Each team scores points by defeating targets located around the tournament arena.
• These points contribute to a tug-of-war-like gauge. Win by overpowering your opponent in that gauge or by scoring the most points overall at the end of the match.

It’s a decent enough experience and I did enjoy it.

What is there left in this world of actors and monsters?

For all my issues with Sakura Wars I couldn’t stop playing it. One such positive is the art style of beloved mangaka Tite Kubo who many will know is the creator of Bleach. His style of artwork shines in Sakura Wars. Not only that the graphics are top-notch especially when they are accompanied by fully animated cutscenes.

Then there is the cast of the Imperial Combat Revue. Within the Flower Division alone you have:

Sakura – Our leading lady. Somewhat of a dolt but a well-meaning individual with a strong heart.

Hatsuho – A headstrong and confident young woman with a blunt but charming attitude.

Claris – The bookworm of the group who hides behind her tomes but has a dark secret hiding within the pages.

Azami – A child shinobi who recites the doctrine of shinobi to you every time you chat.

Anastasia – A potent and strong-willed woman who commands every room she enters.

In the time you have with these characters you understand them and their world views and that is a massive compliment to the characterisation within Sakura Wars. I only wish that more development had gone into the gameplay to reflect the world and its characters.

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