The new Castlevania series on Netflix actually looks good

Castlevania is coming to Netflix on July 7th. What’s more, the new animated series actually looks like it could be good…

We know from the past that video game adaptations don’t always work out that well, cough, see Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Super Mario Bros., and the latest attempt in Assassin’s Creed, to name but a few. In fact the only good video game adaptation that comes to mind was the Ace Attorney movie in 2012.

So, you can imagine the equal hope, excitement and worry when something like Castlevania is announced for Netflix. Even the producer, Adi Shankar, had to reassure fans:

‘I personally guarantee that it will end the streak and be the western world’s first good video game adaptation’.

Strong words, but can it deliver? I guess we’ll see shortly. Check out the new teaser trailer and the synopsis below:

The last surviving member of a disgraced clan fights to save Eastern Europe from Dracula. Inspired by the classic NES game.

LEGO Marvel Superheroes 2 Unveiled With Full Trailer

Until recently comic-book devotees had assumed they should ‘only’ expect a PS4 exclusive Spider-Man title and a genre parody with South Park: The Fractured But Whole this autumn, but evidently that’s far from the case.

Enter LEGO Marvel Superheroes 2, the de facto follow-up to 2013’s LEGO Marvel Superheroes which, unlike recent franchise spin-off LEGO Marvel Avengers, looks set to embrace the sheer lunacy of the superhero world via a gleefully ridiculous original plot.

Whereas Avengers kept its focus firmly on the various MCU movies released to date – from Age of Ultron to The Winter Soldier to Ant-Man – this long-awaited sequel will bring together characters and events from across Marvel’s printed lore as classic and modern heroes and villains team up to wage war on the open-world plane of Chronopolis.

The action won’t be limited to one period of history either; the 23rd major LEGO licensed console effort since 2005’s LEGO Star Wars will let players deploy time-warping mechanics to battle Kang the Conqueror across multiple settings – including Sakaar, NYC and the Wild West – in the campaign as well as in four-player competitive arenas to boot.

If that premise didn’t already sound bonkers enough, then the first full trailer ups the ante considerably, initially playing with fans’ expectations via a neat homage to MCU blockbuster Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2‘s opening set-piece before throwing in waves of comic-book characters from myriad alternate realities for good measure.

Indeed, from Spider-Man 2099 to Spider-Gwen, from Captain America to Captain Texas and from Groot to the ever-adorable Baby Groot, the array of caped (or branched in Groot’s case) crusaders seems staggering at this point and knowing TT Games’ past LEGO rosters, what we see here will probably represent but the tip of the iceberg.

LEGO Marvel Superheroes 2 will assemble worldwide on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC this November 14th. Until then, be sure to follow the mantra ‘Keep Mine D-pad’ and stick with us for further details on the crime-busting sequel.

Injustice 2 is top of the UK charts

Injustice 2 has taken the UK by storm. The game has ‘beaten’ all others to the top spot this week in the UK charts.

Other notable entries include Farpoint in second place, and Fire Emblem Echoes in fifth. GTA 5, as ever, clung to the charts and still managed third place after all this time.

Here’s the full list:

  1. Injustice 2
  2. Farpoint
  3. GTA 5
  4. Prey
  5. Fire Emblem Echoes
  6. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
  7. FIFA 17
  8. Ghost Recon Wildlands
  9. Rocket League
  10. The Surge

Did you treat yourself to any of these games in the UK?

New, third gameplay style introduced to Sonic Forces with “Custom Hero” trailer

With two new Sonic games releasing this year, one being the rebirth of the classic 2D side-scroller, Sonic Mania coming this summer, and Sonic Forces, a hybrid of the classic era and modern era Sonic games, more info is surfacing about the latter. Just announced is the third gameplay style for Sonic Forces, allowing the player to create their very own hero with hundreds of customizable clothing and accessory options.

Each new character in the game comes equipped with a new, unique and powerful gadget called a wispon. Giving offensive abilities to the character as well as making platforming through levels quicker, the new items don’t stop there. Each hero also comes with a grappling hook allowing you to swing through certain areas of levels, quickly gaining ground while traversing across the zones.

Customizing your hero will give you seven different animal types, each coming with their own unique ability, effectively giving a small boost in one way or another. Each animal type and its corresponding ability is as follows:

  • Wolf: Rings are automatically drawn to the player
  • Rabbit: After receiving damage your invincibility time is increased
  • Cat: Instead of losing all your rings after being hit you keep one
  • Dog: After the player dies you restart with 5 rings
  • Bear: Uses a homing attack to blow enemies away
  • Bird: Equipped with a double jump ability
  • Hedgehog: When getting damaged you collect rings

These bonus abilities feature throughout the main game. Your hero is also a major part of the story and is crucial in helping Sonic save the world from Eggman once again.

Be sure to stay posted for more on the next two installments from the Sonic franchise up until their release, this summer for Sonic Mania, and this coming holiday for Sonic Forces on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.

Catch the “Custom Hero Trailer” below!

Nintendo’s E3 2017 plans – a summary of what they’re up to this year

Nintendo announced its plans for E3 2017 a few days ago. As we all know, they like to do their own thing at E3… and to be honest, in general. So in case you missed it, here’s a summary of what’s going on this year:

  • Nintendo will not have a big E3 stage presentation again, instead they will deliver their news via the ‘Nintendo Spotlight’ online video presentation on June 13th
  • This video presentation will focus on Switch games coming out this year, as well as an extensive look at Super Mario Odyssey – playable for the first time on the show floor as well
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ARMS, coming out June 16th
  • Nintendo Treehouse: Live at E3 will return after the video presentation, it will focus on both Switch and 3DS games
  • Nintendo will also host two game tournaments: ‘The 2017 Splatoon 2 World Inkling Invitational’ and the ‘The 2017 ARMS Open Invitational’ that will take place on the 13th and 14th of June respectively

Are you annoyed that Nintendo won’t be holding a big E3 stage presentation, or are their online video presentations becoming the norm?

Let us know in the comments below.

NBA Playgrounds officially launches on PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch

The newest title from Saber Interactive called “NBA Playgrounds” has officially launched on all major platforms. The highflying, fast-paced gameplay and street ball aesthetic will instantly bring back the classic vibes of NBA Street vol 2, and NBA Jam. From the looks of “NBA Playground” Saber is trying to resurrect the long lost arcade basketball games from years past. Will they be successful? Well, it’s too early to tell at this point, but the game has launched to mostly positive reviews.

Although, there should be a day one buyer beware sticker for this game. Depending on the console that you purchase “NBA Playgrounds” for, the game will be missing certain features at launch. For example, the Xbox One, and PS4 versions will be missing the ability to play with your friends over Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network. Which is a disappointment, but that’s a whole lot better than what the Nintendo Switch version is launching with.

NBA playgrounds will launch for the Nintendo Switch with no online compatibilities of any sort. Additionally, all versions of “NBA Playgrounds” will be missing the online tournaments feature at launch, as well. But, if you decide to take the dip on “NBA Playgrounds” at launch then fear not, Saber has said there is a plan in place for all these missing features.

According to a spokesperson from Saber, these missing modes and features for all consoles, will be added in a future update. Apparently they’re coming “a few days after launch.”

Unfortunately, games coming out without promised features is becoming a common trend. Just last month, “Sniper Ghost Warrior 3” from CI Games, launched on PC, PS4 and Xbox One. None of these versions had the promised multiplayer mode at launch…

NBA Playgrounds launched on 9/5/17 digitally for all major consoles at the price point of $19.99. Will you be buying it?

Breath of the Wild DLC Details Revealed

The Nintendo Switch has been breaking records and making headlines all over the world. Much of this wouldn’t have been possible without the launch day release of the popular sword swinging elf-like hero, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

With a huge, beautiful open world to explore and gorgeous graphics to accompany a tugging storyline, the new DLC, The Master Trials, gives players an even more engaging experience with more hours to pour into the massively successful title.

The new additions, the first of two DLC’s to be released for the game, include an all new Hard Mode, a new challenge known as Trial of the Sword, and for the completionists there’s “Hero’s Path” mode, a few new items and new equipment pieces. The only option to purchase this DLC is to buy the bundle pack of both DLC’s at the cost of $19.99. Let’s take a look at what you’ll receive with the new add-on content releasing this summer.

Hard Mode: If you’ve played through Breath of the Wild multiple times, getting your fill of the immense land may start to seem a little lacking of challenge. Changing the ranks of enemies and even a few high-ranking enemies you wouldn’t normally stumble upon, hard mode speaks to the thrill seekers and anyone looking for a true challenge in the realm of Zelda games. With a more combative healing structure giving enemies a health recovering system and a better detection system making Link harder to sneak around, this mode is sure to raise the bar. Finally, adding floating platforms throughout the game with hidden treasure, naturally guarded by tough enemies gives players even more to discover.

HardMode

Trial of the Sword: Bringing in a new enemy wave-challenge series, Trial of the Sword brings 45 trial rooms to complete in succession with an ultimate reward. In each room there are waves of baddy’s to defeat and once each room is cleared, it’s on to the next one. The Master Sword will awaken to its true power once all rooms have been cleared, also granting a constant glowing powered-up appearance.

Hero’s Path Mode: Something a lot of other open-aired game makers could get behind is Breath of the Wild’s soon-to-be released Hero’s Path, which highlights every path you’ve taken for up to 200 hours of gameplay. Included is a slider bar that’s attached to the game’s timeline to give easy access to find where and when you’ve visited a certain area.

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This will help players reveal parts of Hyrule they might have missed previously, including any Shrines not yet encountered. Additionally this will work retroactively meaning any previous steps you’ve taken before the DLC release will appear on the map as well, once the Hero’s Path is installed.

New Items: “The Travel Medallion” and “Korok Mask”. In a new treasure chest there lies a new item called The Travel Medallion which allows easier access to previously visited areas. Placing a travel blip on the map wherever you’re currently standing, this allows the player to be transported back to that point at any time, but only one blip can be placed at one time. A handy feature useful for remembering important areas you’d like to return to later.

The new Korok Mask can also be found, which when equipped helps you find more Korok locations. When near-by a location the mask will begin to shake making it easier to pin-point any undiscovered Korok areas.

Alas, equipment themed from previous Zelda games and characters will also be available to unearth throughout Breath of the Wild. Fan-favorites such as Tingle, Phantom, Midna and Majora’s Mask are all included in the DLC coming soon.

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More information will be released later this year about the second DLC which is scheduled to release this holiday season. Both the Switch and Wii U versions are available for the additional content, with the first release gracing Zelda fans everywhere this coming summer.

The adventure isn’t coming to a close yet – it’s gearing up for a long haul well into next year.

RiME – Upcoming puzzle-adventure coming May 26th

From the creators of Deadlight and GodEater 2 comes a new adventure/puzzle game, RiME.

In RiME you play as a young boy who is washed up onto a mysterious island containing wild animals, old ruins and a mysterious tower. With nothing but the clothes on your back, your intellect and wit, you must traverse the island, solve puzzles and reach the island’s tower and unleash its secrets. Oh, have I mentioned that you are accompanied by a helpful fox who guides you throughout the island?

fox

From the trailer and images, the game takes a cartoon-style approach to the graphics with bold colours and textures.

The enemies, from what we’ve gathered, are imaginative yet terrifying. A winged creature with a porcelain mask seems to chase the boy whilst he traverses the island.

enemy

Puzzles seem to be a crucial part of RiME, so if you’re into puzzle games or just want to test your mind, this game is for you.

puzzle

Adventure. Action. Puzzles. Mystery. It seems as though this game has it all.

RiME is due for release on 26th May 2017 on PC, PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch in the Summer.

Developers: Tequila Works, QLOC

Publisher: Grey Box

Nintendo randomly announces the New 2DS XL

Nintendo has confirmed the release of their newest handheld, the New 2DS XL. Taking the spotlight just a few months later than their newest home console/handheld, the Nintendo Switch, the New 2DS XL will show off features fairly placed in between the 2DS and New 3DS XL with a lighter but powerful 2D experience.

Ditching the stereoscopic 3D graphics, the New 2DS XL will have the larger New 3DS XL screen and the power that comes with it all tucked away in the traditional clamshell design. Also coming with built-in NFC (near-field communication) support, all Amiibo cards and figures will not go to waste if you plan on upgrading to the 2D addition.

The estimated retail price is said to be $149.99. An affordable price and an already stacked library of over 1000 games (3DS, New 3DS and DS games are all compatible), the New 2DS XL will release on July 28th alongside 2 other big Nintendo releases: Hey! PIKMIN and Miitopia.

Here’s everything we know about it:

  • XL size screens
  • Two colour options: Black + Turquoise and White + Orange
  • Launch July 28th
  • Price: $149, UK unconfirmed
  • New folding design (which looks much better)
  • C-Stick returns from the New 3DS models
  • Amiibo support
  • Increased processing power

Ghost Recon: Wildlands top in weekly UK all formats chart – 22 April 2017

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands hit the top of the UK all formats chart this week, beating Grand Theft Auto V (still performing well after all this time) and FIFA 17 to the top spot.

Horizon Zero Dawn jumped up 5 places while Breath of the Wild slipped back a single place. Battlefield 1 stayed secure in the same place it was last week and Mass Effect: Andromeda jumped three places forward.

You can check out the full list below. Did you pick up any of these games in the UK recently?

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Source: Chart Track

Story changes, new stages, characters and bug fixes come to Super Bomberman R in free update

Well it seems that Konami does care after all: a new update has been released today for Super Bomberman R on the Nintendo Switch that adds lots of additional content, and fixes quite a few bugs too.

Update version 1.3 adds and changes the following for early Nintendo Switch adopters:

  • Four new VS stages have been added to the shop (White Cross, Lagoon, Max Speed, Power Zone, seen below)

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  • Two new series of accessories have been added to the shop (Crowns and Bombs)
  • The frame rate of the entire game has been improved. Konami also made slight adjustments and has improved the controls as well
  • Less lags are likelier to happen when every participant in the Online Battle mode has a good network connection. (If you want to find opponents with a good connection, set Other > Basic Settings > Network Settings to the very left)
  • They have made it possible to press L/R to change the inclination of the map in the Story Mode. Other > Basing Settings will also allow you to fix the camera position as well
  • You can now choose the strength of the COM on the Multiplayer Battle Mode
  • The strength of the Five Dastardly Bombers on the Story Mode have been adjusted (phew)
  • The difficulties of Beginner and Normal have been reduced, making it easier to beat them
  • They have adjusted the heights and slopes on some maps to improve the visibility
  • If you continue a certain number of times in the Story Mode, you will be able to continue without paying anymore gems
  • Changed the BP (Battle Point) increase/decrease rate for the League Battle
  • Fixed other various small bugs

That’s not all though, as Konami has promised to continue supporting the game with free DLC down the line. Next up are some new characters based off famous Konami franchises, including:

  • Vic Viper Bomber (from Gradius)

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  • Belmont Bomber (from Castlevania)

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  • Pyramid Head Bomber (from Silent Hill)

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We assume these awesome characters will be coming in a few months time.

It’s great to see the game actually get supported after launch. For early adopters, does this tempt you to jump back in?