Tech specialists at Digital Foundry (DF) have expressed confidence that the recently leaked images of the rumoured Nintendo Switch 2 are “almost certainly real.”

The photos reportedly originated from a Chinese site before appearing on Reddit, and display what seem to be prototype elements of the next-generation console. Digital Foundry discussed these images in a YouTube video and a Eurogamer post, describing them as “our first hard evidence of what form the machine may actually take.”

According to DF, past leaks related to shipping documents from Taiwan have provided strong support for the authenticity of last week’s leak, which date back to October 2023 and could represent an early prototype.

The leaked images include views of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) modeling and details such as an eight-inch LCD screen, a larger form factor, and redesigned Joy-Cons that connect using magnetic rails. Other features shown include dual USB-C ports at the top and bottom, speculated to support accessories like an external camera or enable charging during tabletop play. The photos also reveal a Micro-SD card slot and cartridge support, “with strong hints that original Switch media is also supported,” says DF.

Technical specs of the Switch 2 were also talked about by DF, which boasts 12GB of RAM and a maximum bandwidth of 102GB/s — significantly upgraded from the original Switch’s 4GB.

Faking the motherboard to this degree would demand an advanced level of technical expertise, far beyond what would be required for a simple 3D-printed case, according to DF’s chief Richard Leadbetter. “It’s right to have a degree of scepticism about this leak because there’s nothing to stop someone 3D printing up a fake casing,” he said. “However, faking a convincing motherboard would require a degree of technical knowledge that I’d put beyond even the most elaborate hoax. It would be easier simply not to fake a board at all and to make the printed components look a lot more genuine.”

“Then there’s the fact that everything shown on that board is a match for the latest and most accurate leaks based on Taiwan shipping manifests, accumulated by the ardent sleuths on the Famiboards forum,” he explained.

Though Nintendo has yet to officially verify these images, and they remain unconfirmed, sources have told Video Games Chronicle (VGC) that the images align with what the company has communicated to its partners regarding the console’s design.

The images are included in a thread by Andy Robinson from VGC on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

Nintendo has previously stated that it will reveal its next-generation console by March 2025, with a launch planned after the end of the current fiscal year. The buzz around the Switch 2 continues to build, with some developers already planning to release future titles on the upcoming platform. Nintendo also anticipates having ample stock available at launch, which could help prevent scalping issues.

Kaylyn Lim

Kaylyn is usually geeking out over gacha games or the latest updates in a manga, and can talk all day about them. She’s also an avid collector, and really needs more space to store her game merchandise, utaite CDs and manga books.

The post Nintendo Switch 2 Prototype Leak Gains Credibility As Industry Weighs In appeared first on Geek Culture.

Persona 3 Reload has dropped an exciting reveal during Gamescom 2024, adding to the long list of highly anticipated updates. Featured during the event was a teaser for the much-anticipated DLC, Episode Aigis, which is set to be the final content release for the game, which built up to a familiar battle theme and an unexpected twist – the inclusion of Persona 5’s iconic protagonist, Joker.

Instead of being a playable character, Persona 5‘s Joker will be facing off against the S.E.E.S team as a formidable boss character. Fans of the series can look forward to the confrontation with one of the most memorable characters from the franchise’s history.

The newly released teaser for Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis offers a glimpse of Joker’s dramatic entrance, setting the stage for an intense showdown. The encounter with Joker is expected to add an exciting layer to the 30-hour storyline of the epilogue expansion, making it a standout moment in the game. 

The potential level of challenge posed by this battle is also something that has piqued interest among fans.

For fans who are eager to experience the epilogue as soon as it becomes available, the Expansion Pass can be pre-purchased for US$34.99 on the website. This pass grants access to all Persona 3 Reload DLC, which includes exclusive soundtracks from Persona 4 Golden and Persona 5 Royal, Velvet Room-themed costumes, and the comprehensive Episode Aigis content.

The Persona 3 Reload DLC, Episode Aigis, is set for release on 10 September.

Kaylyn Lim

Kaylyn is usually geeking out over gacha games or the latest updates in a manga, and can talk all day about them. She’s also an avid collector, and really needs more space to store her game merchandise, utaite CDs and manga books.

The post ‘Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis’ DLC Gets Surprise Fight Against Persona 5’s Joker appeared first on Geek Culture.

Since Genshin Impact’s launch in 2020, the game has blessed its fanbase with countless gorgeous soundtracks and pieces that always leaves us more excited for the next. After having the music numbers presented in an unforgettable orchestral experience for the first time last year, the Genshin Impact Concert Tour is returning to Singapore once again. 

Officially announced on Genshin Impact’s Twitter/X account, this year’s tour reveals 11 stops across 10 countries, with the Singapore leg scheduled to be held on 20 September, 8 pm SGT (GMT+8) at The Star Theatre. Once again, the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra and conductor Thanapol Setabrahmana will be conducting the performance for approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Early bird ticket sales for Singapore will be held on 19 July from 12 pm SGT to 11 August 11.59 pm SGT on SISTIC, with the prices as follows.

Public sales will begin on 12 August from 12 am SGT onwards. Other locations that the concert tour will be held in this year include Yokohama and Osaka (Japan), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), London (United Kingdom), Bangkok (Thailand), Seoul (South Korea), Jakarta (Indonesia), Berlin (Germany), Paris (France), and New York (United States).

Genshin Impact also dropped hints of the music setlist, confirming songs from all five currently available regions in the game (Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma, Sumeru, and Fontain), with beloved pieces such as “Rex Incognito” and Fontaine’s combat music, “Lamentation et Triomphe”.

While last year featured seven characters across Mondstadt and Liyue, this year’s tour spotlights Fontaine favourites Lynette and Navia, with concert-related merchandise featuring them both. 

Each ticket comes with a Genshin Concert 2024 Collector’s Set to be collected at the event venue, which includes 

• 1x Character Transparent Card
• 1x Physical Commemorative Ticket
• 1x Commemorative Ticket Holder

Custom concert-themed merchandise and other Genshin Impact merchandise will also be on sale at each venue featuring the two highlighted characters, including badges, acrylic stands and a mouse mat of the two highlighted characters in their concert art.

Last year’s concert encore gave audiences a surprise as the orchestra performed out a few pieces from Fontaine, so it’s not a stretch to say that pieces from the upcoming region of Natlan, estimated to be released on 28 August, may pop up this year too.

Aside from dropping news of the concert, developer Hoyoverse has also hinted at HoYoFEST 2024 in Singapore on HoYoLAB. While further details are yet to be known, it’s slated to be held at Suntec City Mall L1 Atrium (Tower 1 & 2) from 12 to 18 August. Hoyoverse also recently rolled out its newest RPG title Zenless Zone Zero, which surpassed 50 million global downloads in just three days.

Kaylyn Lim

Kaylyn is usually geeking out over gacha games or the latest updates in a manga, and can talk all day about them. She’s also an avid collector, and really needs more space to store her game merchandise, utaite CDs and manga books.

The post ‘Genshin Impact’ Concert Tour Returns To Singapore Sep 2024 appeared first on Geek Culture.

Details of the much-anticipated reboot of Marvel Studio’s Fantastic Four are finally seeing the light of day. President Kevin Feige confirmed that the movie will embrace a 1960s setting in an alternate universe, with filming set to commence at the end of July.  

“The day after Comic-Con [International: San Diego] is the first day of filming on Fantastic Four,” Feige stated during the debut episode of Marvel’s new podcast series, The Official Marvel Podcast. 

He also commended the keen observations made by fans who speculated the new setting even before the official announcement towards the back half of the podcast. Theories of the reboot’s setting first came from a poster sporting a retro design in the announcement of The Fantastic Four cast, where fans had spotted discrepancies in the depicted cityscape as compared to 1960s New York.

“Absolutely, it’s set in the ’60s,” Feige affirmed. “There were a lot of smart people, who noticed that that cityscape didn’t look exactly like the New York that we know, or that existed in the ’60s in our world. Those are smart observations, I’ll say.” Feige applauded. 

This upcoming film will be the first time The Fantastic Four officially enters the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), though the characters have been previously portrayed in films produced by 20th Century Fox, including the 2005 version Fantastic Four and its sequels. The MCU introduction comes after a brief appearance by an alternate version of Mister Fantastic, portrayed by John Krasinski (A Quiet Place, Jack Ryan), in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

In the podcast, Feige expressed his enthusiasm about integrating these iconic characters into the MCU. “I’m extremely excited by it because I think those characters are mainstays, are legendary pillars of the Marvel Universe that we’ve never gotten to play with or explore in a significant way outside of Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness and a few fun teases before, in the way that we’re doing it in that film. So I’m extremely excited for that.”

Directed by Matt Shakman (Cut Bank, WandaVision), the upcoming reboot features Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian, The Last of Us) portraying Reed Richards or Mister Fantastic, and Vanessa Kirby (The Crown, Pieces of a Woman) bring to life Sue Storm or The Invisible Woman. Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things, Catherine the Great) will be taking up the mantle of Johnny Storm or The Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Punisher, Andor) has been tapped for the role of Ben Grimm or The Thing.

Additionally, Julia Garner (The Assistant, The Royal Hotel) will appear as The Silver Surfer and Ralph Ineson (Chernobyl, The Green Knight) as Galactus. John Malkovich (Death of a Salesman), Natasha Lyonne (Russian Doll), and Paul Walter Hauser (Cruella) will also be featured in the film, albeit in yet undisclosed roles.

More of Kevin Feige’s interview can be heard on the The Official Marvel Podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and other platforms.

Fantastic Four is slated to hit theaters on 25 July 2025.

Kaylyn Lim

Kaylyn is usually geeking out over gacha games or the latest updates in a manga, and can talk all day about them. She’s also an avid collector, and really needs more space to store her game merchandise, utaite CDs and manga books.

The post ‘Fantastic Four’ Reboot Heads Back To 1960s, Begins Filming In July appeared first on Geek Culture.

Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment is collaborating with A24 to bring James McBride’s (The Color of Water, The Good Lord Bird) bestselling 2023 book, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, to the screen. According to Deadline, the adaptation is currently in the early stages of planning, with Spielberg reportedly producing it.

So far, A24 has not issued any statements about the new adaptation. While Spielberg is primarily known for his directorial roles in blockbuster hits such as Jaws and Jurassic Park, he will be taking the reins as a producer this time.

The book takes place in the year 1972, centring around the Chicken Hill neighbourhood in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, a place where immigrant Jews and African Americans coexist. The story is told through the lives of its residents, revealing the hidden layers of the community as it grapples with the uncovering of a skeleton in a well. Themes surrounding those on the fringes of mainstream American society are explored in the novel. 

In addition to making former U.S. President Obama’s list of favourite books for 2023, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store has been highlighted by major publications like The New York Times and The Washington Post as a “Must Read for the Summer.”

Best known for his memoir The Color of Water, James McBride has had his works taken to the big screen in the past. His debut book, Miracle at St. Anna, was turned into a film by Spike Lee (Inside Man, Da 5 Bloods) in 2008, with McBride himself writing the screenplay. The Good Lord Bird, for which he won the 2013 National Book Award for fiction, was also adapted into a limited series on Showtime with Ethan Hawke (The Coast of Utopia, Moon Knight) playing the lead role.

Spielberg’s latest production efforts include his role as an executive producer on Netflix’s Life on Our Planet, a 2023 nature-focused documentary series, and Apple’s Masters of the Air. He will also make his return to science fiction with a new UFO-themed project, working with Jurassic Park screenwriter David Koepp (Premium Rush, Mortdecai). However, details regarding this upcoming project remain under wraps with no release date.

Kaylyn Lim

Kaylyn is usually geeking out over gacha games or the latest updates in a manga, and can talk all day about them. She’s also an avid collector, and really needs more space to store her game merchandise, utaite CDs and manga books.

The post Steven Spielberg And A24 Developing NYT Best-Seller, ‘The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store’ appeared first on Geek Culture.

Nintendo announced that The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has surpassed 20 million copies sold, placing it among the top 10 best-selling Switch games since the console’s launch. Currently, it comes in as the ninth best-selling game on the platform, despite its recent release in May last year.

The announcement came during Nintendo’s recent financial report, where Tears of the Kingdom topped the list of first-party Nintendo games released in 2023, outpacing other major titles. 20 of Nintendo’s first-party titles surpassed one million sales during the last financial year, with other strong titles including Super Mario Bros Wonder and Pikmin 4, selling 13 million and three million copies respectively.

With the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the Super Mario franchise saw a surge in popularity, as seen from the eight-million sales mark for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This has further solidified its status as the best-selling Switch game, with cumulative sales reaching 61 million.

According to Nintendo’s list of its 10 best-selling Switch games to date, Animal Crossing: New Horizons comes in at second with 45.36 million copies sold, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate at third, with 34.22 million sold. Alongside Tears of the Kingdom, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is also on the list at fourth, selling 31.85 million copies in total.

Nintendo’s net profit has seen a 13 percent increase over the previous year, reaching 490 billion yen in the most recent fiscal year. Despite this success, Switch console sales have seen a slight decline, dropping from 17 million units sold in between 2022 to 2023, to 15 million in the latest financial year. However, Nintendo has assured fans that a successor to the Switch is in development and will be announced within the current fiscal year.

Kaylyn Lim

Kaylyn is usually geeking out over gacha games or the latest updates in a manga, and can talk all day about them. She’s also an avid collector, and really needs more space to store her game merchandise, utaite CDs and manga books.

The post Nintendo’s ‘Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’ Hit 20 Million In Sales appeared first on Geek Culture.

The culture of creating fan merchandise blasts ever stronger in Singapore as the explosive growth of anime, game and comic (ACG) conventions each year is clear to see, with an increasing number of events year-round for communities to indulge in fandoms as proof that the scene is highly loved and treasured.

As one of the pioneers in the scene, Doujin Market – better known as Doujima – continually enhances the visibility of the space they’ve created to support creator culture. As the event marks its 10th anniversary, Doujima 2024 celebrates by setting this year’s fair on a staggering scale. Spanning across three halls and boasting over 600 artists from 15 countries and expanding grounds beyond art and illustration, this year sees a larger indie games showcase along with a diverse range of creators, which means two days may not seem enough for fans to immerse themselves into.

Larger numbers are a testament to the ever-growing passion of creators, but tracking for merchandise of your particular favourites becomes trickier. This year, the Singapore artist community Merfish Artists is hosting a spreadsheet for exhibitors to input their merchandise fandoms, alongside social links and payment methods, making the surplus of information easier for fans to digest. An original character (OC) trading card event and creator-organised stamp rallies are giving the community even more ways to delve deeper into the fun, as fans are treated to specially created merchandise for completing rally cards.

To further condense that, we’ve also shortlisted the creators we’re keeping an eye out for, ranging from the up-and-coming to established creators, while shining a special spotlight on the strongly emerging craft creators.

Up-And-Coming Creators

Leafcat (Leafcat, taotaotuzi, Azulean_, ArachnidLegs) (A47)

Offering a wide range of merchandise across fandoms, from stickers to trinkets like charms and keychains, Booth Leafcat presents nicely designed selections for fans. The booth’s participation in the Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) Dawntrail Express stamp rally has them offering more FFXIV products at their table, so fans can swing by to find items to their liking while adding a stamp count to their cards.

Creators at this table, Leafcat, taotaotuzi, azulean_ and ArachnidLegs, have uploaded their catalogues for an early look at their merchandise.

Mbol Circle (Charoncreates, Devonazure, Nekogitan, Wabisabi ID) (I-13)

The four creators at the table give a wide selection of fan merchandise created – Baldur’s Gate 3, Goddess of Victory: Nikke, Pokémon, Virtual YouTubers (VTubers) from Nijisanji ID, such as Miyu Ottavia and ZEA Cornelia, and Hololive ID and EN, like Moona Hoshinova and Airani Iofifteen, and many more. With the artists’ styles that catch the eye, and goods that cater to fans looking for various types of merchandise, fans can visit to perhaps find items to their liking. Lanyards, sticky notes or enamel pins, just to name a few.

All four creators, Charoncreates, Devonazure, Nekogitan and Wabisabi ID have uploaded their catalogues for fans to view.

 Axioru (C9) 

With a focus on games like Valorant, Arknights and MapleStory, and their chibi style combined with memes that fans of the featured games will know, make it hard to resist this booth. While having stickers and prints, a range of merchandise with a focus on interactivity such as squishy badges or changing charms is a charming point of this creator’s booth. 

Various sticker giveaways on varying levels of fun will also be hosted, and fans can view Axioru’s catalogue for more information.

John Moniker (B-60) 

Cool enamel pins, T-shirts and stickers abound, John Moniker’s booth brings cutely and stylishly designed creations to their table. Their Dog Poop merchandise makes a Doujima debut with a tale for “neighbours to be responsible pet owners and to pick up after their pet”. Striking colours and catchy illustrations make this a standout booth – if you like fun items, that’s what their merchandise shouts at you.

Their catalogues can be found on their Instagram profile.

RattanHwee (G-03) 

Beautifully detailed landscapes of calming pastel, sometimes interspersed with dreamy animals in the form of prints, keychains and artbooks, RattanHwee’s works are a sight to see. Silly animal stickers are also in the mix, giving a great mix of merchandise that one will find hard to resist. 

RattanHwee’s catalogue is up for fans to view, and they will also be offering portrait drawing commissions at this year’s Doujima.

Crafted Goods

DyingWorkingCult (Insomicdragons, Mdmdotty, Wynscoptia_art, Ven.Arkular) (F57)

A group of four creators are together at this booth with a variety of offerings, and on the crafts side, creator Ven.Arkular presents both original, Genshin Impact, Honkai Star Rail and more fandom-inspired handmade keychains, handphone straps, and trinkets. Presented with well-matching multicoloured precious stones and beads, and silver or gold ornaments matched with mini charms, their booth is one to check out.

The group’s catalogue has been uploaded to their Instagram page, including details of a D&D-inspired dungeon finder game for interested participants.

BUNBUN.CO x UNIVERSE (Alzonerie and Zazaa) (D3-4)

The two creators are sharing a booth with a large range of goods across many fandoms, and creator Zazaa brings FFXIV-related trinkets such as themed resin job stones, convocation crystals, summoning coasters and keycaps. A sign of handicraft, each item has its unique flair and is all one-of-a-kind.

The booth is also participating in the FFXIV Dawntrail Stamp Rally, so fans can consider getting some handmade crafts symbolising their favourites for a stamp. For a full range of the booth’s catalogues, creator Zazaa has uploaded their catalogue for viewing, and a preview of Alzonerie’s can be found on their online store.

Sherrscrochet (H-24)

All things crochet and amigurumi, creator Sherrscrochet presents a selection of adorable dolls for fans to take home. Designs from varying fandoms and icons, the overpowering urge to take these squishy and friend-sized plushies home may manifest in you. 

A preview of dolls they’ve made and possibly found at Doujima can be viewed on their Instagram page.

Goof-arts X Cookieologic (F-11)

A pair of creators with varying items up for fans to grab, the handmade craft featured in this booth are exquisitely designed kanzashis (Japanese hair ornaments), made by creator Goofy. Each design is inspired by various characters in fandoms like Genshin Impact, Love and Deepspace, Baldur’s Gate 3, and more, with beautiful matching colours and ornamental designs.

Teasers of the works offered by creator Goofy can be found on their Instagram page, and Cookieologic’s catalogue is also up for viewing.

ChibikoNails x Hira Icigocha (G-16)

With the wide range of merchandise up for grabs by the two artists, ChibikoNails offers handmade and reusable stick-on nails of a multitude of themes. Each set of nails is meticulously crafted to display various themes and fandoms, such as Taylor Swift songs or One Piece, that each is inspired by.

ChibikoNails’ Instagram Page gives a look at their previous works, and Hira Icigocha’s catalogue has also been uploaded.

Established Creators

The Sovereign Team (D7-8)

As they engage in their first international conventions, The Sovereign Team brings elegant and exquisite designs of characters in Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail in varied redesigns, and has acquired a strong fanbase. Their sheer range of polished designs and merchandise will have their many fans captured, and rare would it be that viewers are not tempted to buy any.

While their catalogue for Doujima has yet to be released, fans can find a preview from their collective Twitter/X page.

Nao (F-33)

Chances are that you recognise this creator from other conventions, and this time they bring their warm bakery to Doujima for fans to bask in. Homely and comforting illustrations of food and everyday scenery paint a rich colour of a cosy afternoon, which fans can never resist taking a bite of their merchandise home.

Nao’s toasty catalogue is up for fans to plan their haul.

SoiHeo (F-21)

SoiHeo is taking their charming and adorable Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail range to Doujima this year, with pastel and uplifting merchandise that gives many chances for fans to play around with. From interchangeable dress-up character sets, 3D buildable standee backgrounds and even mini bread wallets, SoiHeo’s indulgent goods will be all too enticing for fans of both fandoms.

Their range of merchandise can be found on their Twitter/X page.

Mochiakawoo (F-30)

The adventures of Mochiak and AhWoo will be landing in Doujima this year! Hosting an extensive range of charming merchandise that can be used on the daily, such as bucket hats, stationery and pouches, you’ll find yourself grabbing one before you know it. If you’re feeling lucky, why not try their lucky kuji, also known as lucky draw, as well? 

Their full range of goods can be found on their Google Drive. They will also be participating in the Doujin Bento stamp rally, filled with cute art, and getting a stamp at their booth is a chance not to be missed.

Tsunobaka (H-15)

Tsunobaka comes with their gorgeous array of goods, with an abundance of merchandise types from Dungeon Meshi, FFXIV, and more to choose from. Their exquisite interplay of colours within both their detailed and chibi art entices fans to grab them, even more so with their scope of items available. Glass cups or a booba mousepad, anyone?

Up on their Twitter/X account is their catalogue for this year. They will also be taking part in the FFXIV Dawntrail Stamp Rally, and it’s a great chance to get your stamp card filled at their booth!

BONUS

Comic Toranoana (3)

For the first time ever, the world’s largest Japanese otaku, a term for people with an interest in pop culture, item shop is coming to Singapore. Comic Toranoana, with 30 years of history behind them, also leads in the retail of doujinshi, also known as self-published print works.

Bringing with them their showcase of products and a look into their website for creators, Fantia, their booth will be a point of excitement at this year’s Doujima.

Creator-led Stamp Rallies

This year, more stamp rallies across a larger range of fandoms are being held, giving fans and a list of creators from which they can find merchandise of their fandoms.

Alongside the FFXIV and Doujin Bento rallies listed above, other stamp rallies include Yakuza/Like the Dragon, Holostars, Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint and more. A list of them and participating artists can be found in the spreadsheet with a compilation of exhibitors.

Doujima 2024 will be held from 11-12 May at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, across halls 403 to 405. Tickets are on sale on Eventbrite, costing $10 for a single day pass on Saturday or Sunday, and $18 for a two-day weekend pass. An event wayfinder has been created by Doujima for a clear overview of booth locations. 

Promising two days packed with everything pop culture and more, Doujima once again brings together a place for creators, fandoms and communities to bask in each of their passions.

Kaylyn Lim

Kaylyn is usually geeking out over gacha games or the latest updates in a manga, and can talk all day about them. She’s also an avid collector, and really needs more space to store her game merchandise, utaite CDs and manga books.

The post Doujima 2024: Celebrating 10 Years & Things To Look Out For At This Year’s Show appeared first on Geek Culture.

Hollywood has and will continue to have a problem with sequels – they don’t know when to stop and many, meant to cash in on the success of the first movie, tend to fall flat. But Tinseltown keeps churning them out, because you never know when something good might come out of it and once in a long while, there is a sequel that surpasses the original. In fact, audiences have had a reason to celebrate with the recent release of Dune: Part Two, Denis Villeneuve’s follow-up to his 2021 hit, Dune: Part One.

Faster-paced and more tightly executed, the second of the two-part adaptation of Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel of the same name is a reminder that a seminal literary work, in the hands of a brilliant film auteur, can be turned into a cinematic masterpiece. 

But even without powerful source material, there have been the occasional sequel that not only lives up to, but surpasses the brilliance of its predecessor – and we don’t simply mean when the second movie is better than the first as there have been instances where the fourth film can be stronger than the third, or even the first three. 

Case in point – Brad Bird’s Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011), surpasses the first three Mission: Impossible films that it followed, and while the following entry, 2015’s Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, did not, it can be argued that 2018’s Mission: Impossible – Fallout is the strongest of the franchise. And while no one will defend any of the Fast & Furious films as cinematic masterpieces, there’s no denying that 2011’s Fast Five remains the high point for the series. 

These sequels work because they masterfully expand on the foundation built by their predecessors, either by lore-building, or carving out great villains that grip the attention of audiences. As fans of great films, we present to you our list of 15 great geek movies, in no particular order, where its sequels shine brighter than the ones that came before.

1. Dune: Part Two (2024)

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Greatly developing beyond its original worldview set in Dune: Part One, Dune: Part Two has resonated deeply with both die-hard fans and newcomers to the universe. Director Denis Villeneuve’s (Blade Runner 2049) visionary direction crafted a gripping narrative rich with themes of fanaticism and corruption, motivated by his admiration for author Frank Herbert’s Dune. Building upon its predecessor’s foundation, Dune: Part Two intensifies the emotional and political stakes, weaving a grandiose yet intimately personal story of ambition, betrayal, and destiny on the desert planet of Arrakis.

The impressive story aside, the cherry on the cake? It has epic sandworm rides, intense battles, and stellar performances from its ensemble cast. Grappling with power and destiny, Timothée Chalamet (Call Me by Your Name, Wonka) shines as Paul Atreides, Zendaya (The Greatest Showman, Spider-Man: Homecoming) brings depth to her role as Chani, and the rest of the cast adds layers upon layers to the story. With breathtaking set pieces and an expansion of combat sequences, Dune: Part Two has set a new benchmark for sci-fi epics. As Villeneuve reaffirms his status as a modern cinema maestro, audiences eagerly await the next chapter in this captivating saga.

2. Star Wars: Episode V –The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Director: Irvin Kershner

The original 1977 Star Wars film, subsequently retitled as Star Wars: Episode IV –  A New Hope, established itself as a cultural phenomenon, and its sequel, The Empire Strikes Back further elevated the Star Wars saga to new heights. While captivating with its emotionally gripping narrative and universe created by George Lucas, the sequel further captures the deeper dive into the complexities of its characters. Both main and side characters were written more purposefully, and the story’s progression was much more tied to the development of its characters, giving much more emotional depth and raising the stakes of the series’ ongoing struggle against the Empire. 

We won’t forget how The Empire Strikes Back gave birth to some of the most iconic moments from the series – Darth Vader’s revealing his true identity, Yoda’s masterful lines, and some of the best action scenes. With its unforgettable cliffhanger ending, seamless integration of visual effects and battle sequences, and the masterful performance delivered by its actors, The Empire Strikes Back has undeniably solidified its status as both a worthy successor to the beloved original film and a cinematic masterpiece.

3. The Godfather Part II (1974)

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

It’s been hailed as one of the greatest sequels of all time, and for good reason. Expanding upon the epic narrative of its predecessor, the sequel delved deeper into the complexities of power, family, and betrayal. Director Francis Ford Coppola (The Conversation, Apocalypse Now) masterfully weaves together two parallel storylines: the rise of Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro, The Untouchables, Goodfellas) in early 20th-century New York, and the reign of his son Michael (Al Pacino, Scarface, The Devil’s Advocate) as the new Don in the 1950s. Through these interwoven narratives, the film weighs in so much on its thematic gravity, crafting an unforgettable philosophical narrative and story sequence. Undeniably, the sheer profound impact of The Godfather Part II lasts even to this day.

The compelling scenes performed by their actors further enraptured us in its narrative, proven by the Academy Award won by De Niro’s role of young Vito. For years, The Godfather Part II had held the distinction of being the only sequel to win Best Picture, a feat eventually matched by The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King in 2003. 

4. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Director: James Cameron

Terminator 2: Judgment Day redefined the action genre with its thrilling blend of spectacle and storytelling. Director James Cameron (Titanic, Avatar) transformed Arnold Schwarzenegger’s evil cyborg character into a heroic figure, resonating with audiences worldwide. Building upon its predecessor’s foundation, the film explores themes of destiny and humanity, with Schwarzenegger returning as the T-800 to protect John Connor from the advanced T-1000. With groundbreaking effects and pulse-pounding action, Terminator 2 cemented its status as a sci-fi classic, surpassing its predecessor.

Cameron’s 1991 sequel recaptured the original’s essence while introducing new elements in story and production values, standing tall among sci-fi action movies. The film’s groundbreaking CGI  remains impressive to this day, especially the T-1000’s effects, creating memorable action sequences. Terminator 2 effectively balances humour with intense action, offering levity without breaking immersion. From quotable one-liners to memorable scenes, the film demonstrates Cameron’s skill in crafting a cinematic experience that endures.

5. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Director: Taika Waititi

A one-of-its-kind movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe when it was released, Director Taika Waititi’s (Jojo Rabbit, Next Goal Wins) Thor: Ragnarok revitalised the franchise with its fresh, irreverent take. Under Waititi’s comedic vision, Ragnarok bursts with colourful visuals, witty humour, energetic pacing and compelling characters, and transforms Thor into a more relatable and dynamic character. Chris Hemsworth (Star Trek, Extraction) also delivers a hilarious and endearing performance as the God of Thunder, embracing the film’s comedic elements with aplomb. 

Navigating a plot that explores themes of arrogance, redemption, and brotherhood, Hemsworth’s chemistry with Tom Hiddleston’s (Archipelago, Midnight in Paris) Loki elevates the film. The film’s blend of action, humour, and heart, along with its introduction of compelling new characters and captivating action sequences, makes it a must-watch for fans of the Marvel universe. It stands as a testament to the power of creative filmmaking and solidifies its place not only as a sequel better than Thor: The Dark World, but also as one of the MCU’s most beloved and entertaining movies.

6. The Dark Knight (2008)

Director: Christopher Nolan

Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight stands as a groundbreaking achievement, redefining the superhero genre with its gripping narrative and Heath Ledger’s (Candy, I’m Not There) unforgettable performance as the Joker. Ledger’s portrayal of chaos and anarchy elevates the film to new heights, pushing the boundaries of what a comic book movie can achieve. The exploration of morality, justice, and heroism transcends its genre, delivering a thought-provoking cinematic experience that remains unmatched in the superhero canon.

While Batman Begins laid the foundation for Nolan’s dark take on the Caped Crusader, The Dark Knight emerges as the definitive Batman classic. Ledger’s twisted portrayal of the Joker, coupled with the film’s complex characters and intense action sequences, sets a new standard for comic book adaptations. With its malicious zest and gripping narrative, The Dark Knight captivates audiences, leaving a lasting impact on both the superhero genre and cinematic storytelling as a whole.

7. Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Director: Sam Raimi

Spider-Man 2 had swung into theatres as a sequel that not only surpassed its predecessor but also redefined the superhero genre. Building upon the success of the first film, Spider-Man 2 delved deeper into the emotional journey of its titular hero, Peter Parker. Director Sam Raimi (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) expertly explores Peter’s internal struggles as he grapples with the weight of his responsibilities as Spider-Man while navigating the challenges of his personal life. The introduction of Doctor Octopus, a villain fueled by devastating loss portrayed with tragic depth by Alfred Molina (The Normal Heart, Three Pines), served as a mirror to Peter’s inner turmoil and amplified the narrative’s emotional depth. 

Spider-Man 2 strikes a perfect balance between thrilling action sequences and heartfelt character moments, transcending the conventions of the superhero genre. The film’s standout scenes, such as the iconic subway rescue sequence, showcase Peter’s unwavering determination and selflessness and capture the essence of his character’s journey. Raimi’s direction navigates themes of sacrifice and redemption with precision, earning acclaim for its character development and memorable set pieces.

8. Captain America: Winter Soldier (2014)

Director: Anthony and Joe Russo (Russo Brothers)

Seamlessly blending superhero action with political intrigue and espionage, Captain America: Winter Soldier set its position as a core film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Directors Anthony and Joe Russo (Avengers: Endgame) craft a taut and suspenseful thriller against the backdrop of a government conspiracy, that gives its audience higher investments into the story than The First Avenger. 

Diving into themes of surveillance, freedom, and the price of security, Chris Evans (Knives Out, The Gray Man) delivers a standout performance as Steve Rogers, depicting the struggles between Captain America’s convictions and allegiances. When faced with Sebastian Stan’s haunting portrayal of the Winter Soldier, the narrative unveils its complex emotional layers that further captivate its audience. 

Core moments of the film that still burn fresh in the memory of many include the iconic elevator fight and Steve Roger’s first encounter with the Winter Soldier. Captain America: Winter Soldier stands out as a masterful blend of action and suspense that engages its audience more than its prequel, earning praise for its engaging plot, dynamic character dynamics, and gripping portrayal of paranoia in a world of superpowers.

9. High School Musical 2 (2007)

Director: Kenny Ortega

In High School Musical 2, the beloved characters of East High return for another musical adventure, navigating the challenges of summer jobs and newfound responsibilities. Director Kenny Ortega (Hocus Pocus, Descendants) had a tall order to surpass the legendary status set by the original High School Musical, and successfully conquered it. The sequel expanded the series’ recurring themes of friendship, loyalty, and self-discovery through more conflicts, capturing the spirit of adolescence outside of their high school setting. 

Its musical pieces also highlight the film’s peaks, with renowned pieces ‘Gotta Go My Own Way’ driving emotions through the peak, and Sharpay’s ‘Fabulous’ bursting the flamboyant charts. With catchy musical numbers and heartfelt storytelling, the sequel further amplifies the characters’ relationships and dilemmas, resonating with audiences through its focus on loyalty versus ambition through Troy’s decisions (Zac Efron, Baywatch, The Iron Claw). High School Musical 2 emerges as the definitive entry in the franchise, highlighting the true essence of the Wildcats’ spirit and camaraderie.

10. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

Director: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers and Justin K. Thompson

A bold new adventure that surpasses its predecessor in many ways. While both Into the Spider-Verse and Across the Spider-Verse hold a special place in the hearts of Spider-Man fans, the sequel takes the multiverse concept to new heights. From introducing more Spider-heroes, to creating an enthralling multiverse of grief and anxiety that captivates from start to finish, and diving deeper into the emotional complexities of its characters. 

Visually, its mesmerising animation style pushes the boundaries of animation and reaches new levels of creativity and detail. Each dimension boasts its own unique aesthetic, creating some of the best animated scenes we’ve seen.

The sequel shines in character development, particularly with Miles Morales (Shameik Moore, Let It Snow, Cut Throat City), who grapples with personal struggles and longing for connection. The film’s focus on Miles, Gwen Stacey (Hailee Steinfeld, Pitch Perfect, The Marvels), and Spider-Man 2099’s Miguel O’Hara (Oscar Issac, X-Men: Apocalypse, Dune) adds a personal touch to the story, their conflicts and compromises tugging at the heartstrings of its audience. Across the Spider-Verse marks a significant evolution in the Spider-Verse saga, masterfully balancing its ambition with a compelling narrative depth and emotional resonance, resulting in a timeless classic that promises an exciting future for the franchise.

11. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Director: Denis Villeneuve

While the original film laid the foundation for its iconic world-building, director Denis Villeneuve’s (Arrival, Dune) highly anticipated sequel to the 1982 Ridley Scott classic captivates with a gripping narrative. Centred around K (Ryan Gosling, La La Land, Barbie), on a quest for authenticity in a society of replicants, his journey has crafted a cinematic experience through poignant storytelling and worldbuilding that transcends its predecessor, resonating deeply with its audience.

Moreover, Blade Runner 2049 excels in narrative propulsion and musical ambience, drawing viewers into a captivating journey with a haunting score. The film honours the visual style of the original while delivering breathtaking art design and seamless special effects. Villeneuve’s meticulous attention to detail, coupled with stunning cinematography, creates a riveting and immersive world. Despite its lengthy runtime, Blade Runner 2049 stands as a remarkable achievement in filmmaking, solidifying its position as a groundbreaking sequel.

12. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Director: Joseph Kosinski

While many legacy sequels falter under the weight of nostalgia, Top Gun: Maverick deftly navigates the challenge, delivering a thrilling narrative that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers alike. The film seamlessly integrates elements of the original Top Gun while forging its own path forward, elevating the story with a compelling plot centred around Maverick’s journey to train a new generation of pilots, keeping audiences fully engaged from start to finish.

What sets Maverick apart is its clear and compelling storyline, which propels the narrative forward with a laser-focused purpose and urgency, unlike its predecessor which occasionally meandered in its plot. Director Joseph Kosinski (Only the Brave, Spiderhead) expertly captures the essence of Tony Scott’s direction while infusing the film with moments that pay homage to the legacy of the franchise, and Tom Cruise’s (Mission: Impossible franchise, The Mummy) return as Maverick propelled the aerial action sequences to breathtaking heights. Overall, Top Gun: Maverick not only exceeds expectations but also cements its status as a modern classic in the action genre.

13. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

Director: Joel Crawford

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish resurrected the much beloved feline adventurer with renewed vigour and charm from its rather unnecessary 2011 film, Puss in Boots, itself a spin-off of the popular Shrek series. Set against the backdrop of Puss grappling with the prospect of death, the sequel delivers an extremely captivating storyline with profound character development, expertly blending humour, emotion, horror and action, while enchanting audiences with its vibrant animation and engaging narrative. Each member of the ensemble cast is given their time to shine, including Puss, Kitty Soft Paws, and the endearing Perrito.

Complemented by its stunning visuals and compelling themes, alongside beautifully animated frames that set new ceilings in the realm of animation, the movie delivered a cinematic experience that resonated deeply with viewers of all ages. Antonio Banderas (Desperado, Spy Kids) once again excels as the voice of Puss, infusing the character with new layers and complexities as he navigates an existential crisis. The Last Wish has delivered a powerful cat punch on themes of morality, mortality, and the importance of cherishing life’s simple pleasures, carving itself as a standout in the history of animated films.

14. Shrek 2 (2004)

Director: Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, and Conrad Vernon

Shrek 2 emerges as a rare gem in the world of animated sequels, following the same path built by the original Shrek and setting a new standard. Directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, and Conrad Vernon, the film dives deeper into the swamp on themes like self-acceptance and unconditional love. The complexities of Shrek and Fiona’s relationship in achieving their ‘Happily Ever After’ offer a reflection on sacrifice and growth in marriage and family dynamics.

What sets Shrek 2 apart is its ability to take everything great about the first film and elevate it to new heights. From the introduction of beloved characters like Puss in Boots and the Fairy Godmother to its memorable musical moments, the sequel captivates audiences with its wit, fast-paced humour, and infectious charm. Moreover, the movie seamlessly blends fairytale parody with rom-com elements, sprinkling in hilarious references to pop culture, and constructing a narrative that feels fresh, engaging, and downright entertaining.

15. Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (2003)

Director: Peter Jackson

Director Peter Jackson’s (The Hobbit trilogy, King Kong) cinematic odyssey through J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth reached an apex with The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, a film that surpasses its predecessors and stands as a testament to the power of storytelling on the grandest scale. Unlike The Two Towers, burdened with the task of introducing new cultures and characters, The Return of the King propelled the story forward with relentless momentum, delivering a sweeping epic that resonates emotionally and visually. 

With incomparable action sequences, unforgettable moments and a highly rewarding conclusion, the film delivered a satisfying yet logical ending to every character’s arc, rewarding viewers for their investment in the journey. With its blend of heart-stopping action, emotional resonance, and thematic richness, The Return of the King stands as the pinnacle of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, which also showcases Peter Jackson’s mastery of the cinematic form. A cinematic masterpiece, The Return of the King joins The Godfather Part 2 as one of the greatest sequels ever made.

BONUS: Cobra Kai (2018 – Present)

Director: Peter Jackson

While it’s a television series, we can’t miss this chance to highlight how spin-off series Cobra Kai surpassed the movies of The Karate Kid franchise. Offering a more nuanced and engaging narrative that captivates both longtime fans and newcomers alike, Cobra Kai elevated the much cherished franchise to even greater heights with its complex characters, deeper exploration of themes, and impressive action sequences. And it did so simply by asking audiences to relook at the events of the films, and reframe them.

Multiple twists and developments keep viewers at the edge of their seats, along with ambitious action sequences thanks to impressive fight choreography and heightened tones, are all part of the big recipe that heightens excitement. Furthermore, it injects its magical touch of humour into the right moments, which balances out drama with moments of wit and charm.

But the greatest strength of the series truly lies in its character development, which the movies lacked, particularly with the central figures of Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka, Where Hope Grows) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio, The Outsiders), and legacy characters introduced in The Karate Kid sequels. Rather than the franchise’s usual hero-versus-villain dynamic, the moral ambiguity of all its characters are fleshed out, with Johnny cast as a tragic figure grappling with his past, and Daniel facing his own flaws and shortcomings.
 
As the series prepares for its final season, it’s clear that Cobra Kai has cemented its status as a worthy successor to the beloved story of martial arts and redemption.

From captivating storytelling to breathtaking visuals and unforgettable characters, each sequel showcases the creative evolution of its respective franchise. As we continue to crave for continuations of beloved movies that sweep us off our feet or capture our hearts, these sequels serve as shining examples of how a beloved story can still be elevated to new heights. Sometimes, sequels can truly be better than the original, and we’re living for it.

Kaylyn Lim

Kaylyn is usually geeking out over gacha games or the latest updates in a manga, and can talk all day about them. She’s also an avid collector, and really needs more space to store her game merchandise, utaite CDs and manga books.

The post 15 Movie Sequels That Surpassed Their Predecessors appeared first on Geek Culture.

NU: Carnival. The erotic boys’ love (BL) social simulation RPG game that set the BL-loving fandom on fire at launch, starts off extremely strong with a threesome animated cutscene in full view. Players drown more as every sexy male character has unlockable scenes with the same treatment: uncensored intercourse.

Safe to say, these scenes are core to the attractiveness of this R-rated BL game, which led to conflicting views when NU: Carnival-Bliss, the safe for work (SFW) version of the game was announced.

With certain elements like intense movements or crotch shots without clothing taken out, the PG version of the Taiwanese BL game is at an appropriate level to launch on mobile platforms strictly against R-rated content, Google Play Store, and Apple App Store.

Passionate motions are captured in stills and private parts are cropped out or faded to black. While fan-favourite explicit content is not available, this has made the game more accessible to a larger audience of all ages. Before the launch of NU: Carnival-Bliss, players had to go through various steps to install the R-rated game, and minors could install the game despite various warnings on web pages leading up to the download.

Both NU: Carnival and NU: Carnival-Bliss follow the same timeline of in-game events, and as a celebratory perk, players can now pull for otherwise unobtainable event characters in a limited banner.

Now for the elephant in the room as to why there’s so much lovemaking. The storyline follows the main character sex toy maker Eiden as he is teleported to an alternate world, and to save the world, he must maintain magic crystals with the help of a harem of hot and sexy men. How do they get their magical essence? Through copulation, hence the sheer amount of scenes that get the game’s fandom racing through the night.

While this move has been polarising for the fanbase of the game, this is not a new move for explicit games. Even in the past, games such as Dramatical Murder and Sweet Pool have also released both the R-rated and all-ages versions of their games to cater to Steam’s stringent censorship protocols. Yet, the playability of both games has differed drastically in the all-ages version, where Dramatical Murder still had great flow but Sweet Pool’s pacing was jarring due to how certain suggestive scenes that have been taken out were tied to the reactions of characters.

As of now, the moments of characters intertwined together are quite linked to the appeal of the game itself, and in some of the intricacies of the relationship between the harem and Eiden. It does remain unclear if NU: Carnival-Bliss will be able to entice and keep players without the adult content, or if the developers are able to make sure the quality between both games is maintained.

For now, though, NU: Carnival-Bliss is still a great window for the game’s developers to further spread the word about BL and their well-loved game.

NU: Carnival-Bliss is available to download on the Google Play Store and App Store.

Kaylyn Lim

Kaylyn is usually geeking out over gacha games or the latest updates in a manga, and can talk all day about them. She’s also an avid collector, and really needs more space to store her game merchandise, utaite CDs and manga books.

The post PG Version Of R-Rated Boys Love Harem Game ‘NU: Carnival-Bliss’ Now On Android & iOS appeared first on Geek Culture.

It’s back-to-back excitement for fans waiting since 2022 for news on Ninja Kamui, the latest anime-in-the-making under Jujutsu Kaisen director, Park Sunghoo.

Just four days after confirming Ninja Kamui’s premiere on 10 February, programming block Adult Swim made a surprise attack on the fandom by unveiling the series’ official trailer.

An original action series produced by E&H Production and Sola Entertainment, the official description of the series (given by Adult Swim) is as follows: 

“Ninja Kamui follows Joe Higan who is a Nukenin – a former ninja who escaped his clan and is hiding from his violent past in rural America with his family. One night, he is ambushed by a team of assassins from his former organization who exact a bloody retribution on Joe and his family for betraying their ancient code. 

Rising from his seeming “death,” Joe will re-emerge as his former self – Ninja Kamui – to avenge his family and friends. Kamui is a 21st century ninja, a shadowy anachronism who pits his ancient skills against high-tech weaponry with brutal finesse. He must face off against trained assassins, combat cyborgs, and rival ninjas to bring down the very clan that made him.”

A stunning lineup of staff is working alongside Park on this series, including Okazaki Takashi (Afro Samurai) who will be shaping character designs, and Yann Le Gall (No Game No Life) who will be helming the art direction of the series.

While no official announcement of other staff or voice actors has been made, the intensely heart-racing preview is giving us high hopes and anticipation for what’s to come.

Ninja Kamui is now set to air on Adult Swim in the Toonami programming block at 12am and 3am EST (GMT+7), the first time slot airing the English dub, and the second airing the English-subtitled version respectively. The episode will then be available for streaming on Max the following day.

Accompanying the anime is the release of a video game adaptation titled Ninja Kamui: Shinobi Origins, set for release in spring 2024, although details have yet to be released.

Kaylyn Lim

Kaylyn is usually geeking out over gacha games or the latest updates in a manga, and can talk all day about them. She’s also an avid collector, and really needs more space to store her game merchandise, utaite CDs and manga books.

The post ‘Ninja Kamui’ Anime Unleashes Official Trailer, Headed By Jujutsu Kaisen Director appeared first on Geek Culture.

We’ve been no stranger to boys’ love (BL) anime series as of late, with almost every season containing at least one title in the genre. That may be why the anime industry is finally waddling into the depths of what the genre has to offer, with the first ever omegaverse BL anime hitting the scene in Spring 2024.

Tadaima, Okaeri, a slice-of-life BL series officially translated on Crunchyroll in English as “Welcome Home”, has just hit the fandom with its first trailer and confirmation of its release next season. Alongside details of key voice actors and staff, Studio DEEN, who is in charge of the anime’s production, confirmed the series will air on television streaming services such as Crunchyroll.

Voicing Fujiyoshi Hiromu is Morikawa Toshiyuki (Julius Nova Chrono in Black Clover, Yoshikage Kira in Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable), and Fujiyoshi Masaki by Tamaru Atsushi (Yoshida Mikihito in The Irregular at Magic High School). Tanezaka Atsumi (Anya Forger in Spy x Family, Frieren in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End) will be voicing their biological son, Hikari. Yes, their biological son! 

If you’ve never encountered omegaverse or A/B/O, a brief rundown is that this subgenre is set in an alternate universe with three secondary genders: Alpha, Beta and Omega. Betas are normal humans, but omegas can get pregnant, while alphas can impregnate omegas easily, all regardless of their first gender. Every omega has a “heat cycle” where their bodies produce pheromones that attract alphas to induce pregnancy in them. Omegas and alphas can “bond”, where an alpha bites the neck of an omega in heat, creating a lifetime connection that makes the latter physically unable to connect with anyone else.

As such, many social constructs have been formed within the world of omegaverse, in which Tadaima, Okaeri will go in-depth should the story follow that of the manga. As the series description on Crunchyroll reads:

Masaki lives as a househusband in the Fujiyoshi household with his loving trophy husband and breadwinner Hiromu and their two-year old Hikari, who is too cute for his own damn good. Full of doubt, the support of his family in their day-to-day lives carries Masaki through to a place of accepting himself for who he is. 

A feeling, family-oriented BL between a Mr Right and a male beauty who feels like he doesn’t size up. 

Embracing the good times and the bad, all to be a better today than they were yesterday.

While a happily bonded pair with a child is seen in the trailer, interactions among the family and the people around them will pave the way for a nuanced delivery of the joys and struggles in A/B/O. Undeniably, these tribulations and the love between pairs that triumphs those hardships are what makes omegaverse so enthralling for fans. The preview doesn’t give much away, but it’s safe to say the heartwarming vibes will lay a comfortable path for viewers who are new to this sub-genre. 

Helming the series at Studio DEEN is a veteran in directing anime and BL series, Ishihara Shinji (Sasaki and Miyano, Fairy Tail). Nakamura Yoshiko (Sasaki and Miyano, Re: Zero, Starting Life In Another World) will be writing the script, and Ōsawa Mina (School Babysitters, Given) is in charge of the character designs.

The manga was first published in 2016 under THE OMEGAVERSE PROJECT e-book anthology, headed by Fusion Product Inc, and published in hopes to introduce a general worldview of omegaverse and a fresh take of the BL genre. Tadaima, Okaeri currently has four volumes published. Accompanying the news of the anime adaptation, manga author Ichikawa Ichi released an illustration commemorating the anime, and also announced the continuation of the manga series along with an upcoming fifth volume.

Kaylyn Lim

Kaylyn is usually geeking out over gacha games or the latest updates in a manga, and can talk all day about them. She’s also an avid collector, and really needs more space to store her game merchandise, utaite CDs and manga books.

The post First Boys’ Love Omegaverse Anime Series ‘Tadaima Okaeri’ Shows We’re Ready For A/B/O appeared first on Geek Culture.

It’s impressive enough for a mobile gacha game to enjoy continued popularity and success, and HoYoverse has delivered time and time again and going for a hat trick, with its upcoming fantasy role-playing game (RPG), Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ), which looks to complete the trifecta of mobile miracles shaped by Honkai: Star Rail and Genshin Impact. 

A free-to-play action, semi-roguelike title, it catches the eye with its striking visuals and fast-paced combat mechanics that feel similar to Honkai Impact 3rd, another HoYoverse darling, and its larger-than-life mechanics. Despite the influence, it still holds many distinctions of its own – its core gameplay lies in its puzzle-solving 2D platformer board constructed from TV sets, stylish real-time combat and game progression influenced by both in-game stamina, named Battery Charge, and an in-game day/night cycle. 

For starters, the world of ZZZ is set in the post-apocalyptic city of New Eridu, which exists alongside “Hollows”, abnormal “portals” that lead to dimensions infested with monsters called Ethereals. The game follows sibling duo Belle and Wise as they undertake Proxy jobs that guide people through Hollows using rabbit-like creatures called Bangboo. After you pick one sibling as your chosen protagonist, the other sibling becomes an unplayable character that assists in story quests. 

Having spent some time in the funky world of Zenless Zone Zero with its second closed beta, here are some impressions.

Game Exploration

There are three currently known areas that players can explore, one of which is the main area where the Proxies mainly conduct their business, Sixth Street. Players are able to fast travel to stores or areas under the Travel function and accompanying the visuals are funky soundtracks that change according to which store players visit.

Sixth Street mainly holds essential shops related to upgrading combat-related items and attaining buffs for commissions. For example, the Music Store exchanges materials for Tune Drive Discs, the equivalent of artifacts in Genshin Impact. The Coff Cafe and the Waterfall Soup noodle stall also give you Battery Charge and buffs for quests respectively. NPCs of the stalls also have some stunning animations when performing an action to boot!

Similar to Persona 5, the map has a limited range that can be explored and has different levels of interactivity depending on the time of day. Players are limited to their chosen Proxy when walking around, unable to use their summoned agents to walk around, or jump. Despite the limitation, a lot of commissions and hidden things can be found by talking to the agents and NPCs around the city. Of course, there’s a suspicious trash can to be found in this world too…

The heart of the core gameplay lies in the Proxies’ store, Random Play, a videotape rental store and the secret base for their Proxy activities. Players access many functions here, including the Hollow Deep Dive System (HDD) where all Hollow exploration happens, a VR Testing Machine to grind for materials, game archives, and a trusty sofa to rest on and change the time of day in-game. Stay on the HDD interface for too long, and the Proxies’ trusty AI assistant Fairy will start showing off their sense of humour.

Players aren’t able to freely explore the Hollows, but instead navigate them through a Bangboo visual on a 2D platformer board made of TV sets. Most commissions involving the Hollow are conducted on this board, each consisting of different brain teasers and mechanics. Players can obtain materials, in-game currencies called Dennies, and more by interacting with different TV screens, but can also run into unavoidable battles, marked in red.

In terms of presentation, ZZZ has pulled off an extremely stylish retro look with its streets and elements filled with striking colours, while still managing to add that apocalyptic flair through hints of destruction even outside of combat. If you look even in nooks and crannies, you’ll find intricate details that really highlights the polished quality of the game. Each area stands out with their own distinct elements like Brant Street filled with construction items, but everything comes together as a cohesive whole through that slightly dusty-grey filter, reminiscent of a dystopian film.

Game Combat

In ZZZ, combat can only be encountered within the Hollows or VR Testing Machine, reminiscent of Honkai Impact 3rd’s fighting mechanics. Players select three agents to face off against enemies that freely roam around an area, defeating them using Basic, Special and Chain Attacks, as well as Dodges and Ultimates.

Basic Attacks build up energy for Special Attacks and Ultimates, and some characters have charged Basic Attacks for stronger power. Special Attacks are more potent attacks that can be activated at any time, but the stronger EX Special Attacks can only be activated once a character has enough energy.

Combo Attacks are triggered when agents stun an enemy after hitting it with enough heavy attacks, usually Charged or EX Special Attacks. The game will prompt players and give two seconds to choose another agent to swap with, who will then perform a special combo attack.

Dodges give agents invulnerability when activated, and players can trigger Perfect Dodgewhen dodging just as enemies attack, prompted by an orange glint. A counter attack can then be performed through a Basic Attack. Through all the above attacks, players can increase their Decibel Rating to 3000, which allows agents to perform their Ultimates. Note that Decibel Rating is shared amongst the team.

We say three agents in a team, but there’s actually a fourth member – Bangboos. They can’t be controlled by players however, serving more of a support role by having special skills during combat or giving agents a boost in stats.

Players familiar with Honkai: Star Rail or Genshin Impact will be able to immediately grasp the concept of elements, known as Attributes in ZZZ, and categorised into Physical, Electric, Ice, Fire, and Ether. Unlike its sibling games however, ZZZ favours attacking an enemy with one type of Attribute damage to encourage Attribute Buildup in enemies, which results in various debuffs and hence, mono-Attribute team compositions are currently favoured.

Three types of enemies also exist in the game – Ethereals, Mechanical, and Humanoids, and each have its own countering Attributes, where Ether counters Ethereal enemies, Electric counters Mechanical enemies, and Fire counters Humanoid enemies.

Additionally, agents are categorised into three different attack types as well – Pierce, which are fast and usually involve guns or drill attacks; Slash, commonly knife or sword attacks with relatively fast speeds; and Strike, heavy attacks involving punches, hammers and more, that are slower than the other two types.

While the above is a list of core combat mechanics, playable agents themselves have many other aspects to their kits, offering a large variation of gameplay. Players can continually test to see which attack type or attributes best matches their own playstyle. With how attractive and polished the character animations are, we won’t be surprised if you pick a team based on how stylish they look on screen.

Most levels of combat early to mid game don’t actually need much thinking, and rely more on reaction time to keep agents’ health from going down. End-game content, however, provides staggering levels of difficulty that will urge players to memorise enemy attack rotations, and fully strategise agent team compositions.

In the closed beta, it’s clear that ZZZ has catered from the beginners to the theory crafters when it comes to combat. Even without all the details, just mashing attacks and pressing skills when prompted is satisfying to watch, as combat animations and tag-team combos are fun to watch and come in smoothly.

For those who find it complicated to translate text to combat, just using the agents in combat will be enough to grasp the feel of how they work. At the same time, each character’s skill set ties in with various combat-related stats or certain attack sequences, which opens up multiple layers for players to plan and maximise each character’s effectiveness. 

While it will take awhile to get used to the controls and dodge timings, ZZZ proves to be beginner-friendly, providing quite a generous dodge window and sufficient time to execute combos and tag-team combos. As for players used to Hoyoverse’s non-real-time combat games like Honkai: Star Rail, ZZZ will be a new experience, but equally fun to get into. With most of their titles holding real-time combat, HoYoverse has years of experience behind crafting enjoyable and heart-racing combat gameplay.

Game Characters

ZZZ currently has 14 playable agents, evenly split between S-Rank and A-Rank. A handful of A-Rank agents can be obtained by playing through the story and hitting certain in-game goals. As one of HoYoverse’s games outside of the Honkai franchise, all characters in ZZZ are original, but it might not be surprising to see some familiar faces from other HoYoverse games like Genshin Impact.

After clearing the starting commissions, players are provided with starter characters, namely the Cunning Hare trio introduced in the first story: Anby (Electric-Slash), Billy (Physical-Pierce), and Nicole (Ether-Strike). Just like HoYoverse’s other RPGs, players can level and upgrade agents with various EXP materials, and promote them to the next level cap every 10 levels. Skill levels can also be raised with the appropriate skill materials, which currently can be bought from Convenience Stall 141.

Of course, there’s no escaping the gacha system in a HoYoverse game, and  agents are obtainable through pulling on the standard and event-exclusive Signal Search banners using Films. For first-timers, an S-Rank is guaranteed after 50 pulls on the standard banner, after which the pity – a mechanic that promises a high-rarity item after a certain number of unsuccessful attempts – is increased to 90 pulls. Players can exchange Residual Signals gathered from pulls to exchange for more Films or agents in the 24-Hour Signal Shop.

Currently, it’s relatively easy for players to gather enough standard banner pulls to hit S-Rank pity through progressing the story, so players who do not wish to spend can still obtain agents rather easily.

Players can also pull W-Engines, a wearable core that gives agents additional stats and passives, and Bangboos from the gacha. For players of Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, W-Engines function similarly to weapons and Light Cones respectively. Duplicates of W-Engines and Bangboos will be converted into cores that can be used to ”update” a W-Engine or Bangboo of the same type, increasing their basic stats up to four times.

As a whole, the character designs are different enough to stand on their own, with each reflecting their distinct personalities. For example, Billy pulls off a loud red and black look that accompanies his energetic and simple-minded lines, while Corin has a cutesy but dangerous looking maid outfit, contrasting her shyness with her big timber saw weapon. ZZZ crafts both the individual personalities and found family dynamics of each faction so well too, it’s difficult not to get attracted to the characters through the story.

Their personalities also translate well into their skillset, like simple Billy who rapidly and wildly fires his gun flashily or scared Corin who uses her giant chainsaw-like weapon to slowly, but strongly slash and grind through enemies. As mentioned earlier, each attack type has different strengths, and lends its own unique feel to the combat experience.

At least in the current beta, Pierce-type attack characters feel more dynamic and fun when it comes to attacking enemies, as the auto-targeting feature generally allows for every attack to hit. While A and S-ranked agents all have their share of fun, the S-ranked characters give more flexibility in teams and higher damage output. This comes especially for Ellen, the limited banner character, who is fast paced, has a good damage output and brings a few different ways of attacking, offering a lot of fun playing. ZZZ has once again proven Hoyoverse’s ability to create extremely well-built and fun to play characters. 

Other Gameplay Features

Completing commissions in the Hollows or gathering materials in the VR Testing Machine always requires the usage of Battery Charge. One Battery Charge regenerates once every six minutes, and players can hold up to 180. 

Commissions in Hollows and combat takes up most of ZZZ’s gameplay, but there are various other aspects for players to uncover and have fun with. Side commissions range from light-hearted to heavier stories, unveiling additional layers of the game’s narrative landscape. 

Just as Honkai: Star Rail has integrated various game modes such as the Simulated Universe and Forgotten Hall, ZZZ introduces Rally Commissions and Hollow Zero, rewarding players as they conquer stages of different difficulties. Rally Commissions are combat-only modes that can also serve as gameplay tutorials. As players’ Inter-Knot Level increases, more difficulties will be unlocked, and more rewards will be given. Mini Cargo Trucks can also be found within which can be opened for bonus rewards.

Hollow Zero strikes some similarities to Honkai: Star Rail’s Simulated Universe, where players explore multiple floors to a Hollow through the 2D platformer board and gain multiple buffs named Resonias along the way. Only one agent can enter the Hollow at the start, and more agents can enter the team as you progress. There are currently four increasing levels of difficulty: Edge, Interior, Heartland, and Core, each with more floors to explore than the last. 

After gathering four or eight Resonias, there will be an extra advanced Resonium generated that grants extra buffs. Clearing Hollow Zero stages rewards players with various items, including upgrade materials and Films.

If you need something fresh from Hollow explorations or combat, you can head to arcade stall Godfinger to play retro minigames. Currently there are only two: Snake Duel, battling to be the longest snake, and Soul Hounds III, which involves clearing blocks as a mini dog while avoiding collapsing blocks above. Here’s a quick tip – complete the achievements, and you’ll get Films. 

As a fun daily tidbit, players can also test their luck in a lucky draw scratch ticket at Howl’s News Stand, which gives players Dennies or Films.

Final Verdict

Zenless Zone Zero puts forward polished visuals, combat animations, cutscenes and music that are unquestionably a cut above the rest. However, at least in the beta test, the first few hours of gameplay had more 2D grid minigames than combat, which despite the interesting variety of puzzles, made the experience a bit flat at the start due to its predictability. 

Yet as more content is unlocked as players level up, ZZZ starts to delve into deeper, multifaceted gameplay. The game’s addictive combat becomes more prominent, and strategy and observation will become key in challenging end-game content. Even its later-stage 2D grid minigames are more thought-provoking and fun, which changed our initial perspective of that puzzle concept being dull.

Kaylyn Lim

Kaylyn is usually geeking out over gacha games or the latest updates in a manga, and can talk all day about them. She’s also an avid collector, and really needs more space to store her game merchandise, utaite CDs and manga books.

The post Geek Preview: ‘Zenless Zone Zero’ Engages With Stylish Retro Vibes, But Roguelike Gameplay Slashes Away Excitement appeared first on Geek Culture.

Director Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day, Freaky) recently revealed his departure from Scream 7 on X/Twitter, citing the job as a dream turned nightmare. Landon expressed his disappointment for everyone involved with the movie, and emphasized his respect for Wes Craven’s legacy.

The news was dropped on his X/Twitter account on Christmas Eve. “I guess now is as good a time as any to announce I formally exited ‘Scream 7’ weeks ago. This will disappoint some and delight others. It was a dream job that turned into a nightmare. And my heart did break for everyone involved. Everyone. But it’s time to move on.” 

“I have nothing more to add to the conversation other than I hope Wes’ legacy thrives and lifts above the din of a divided world. What he and Kevin created is something amazing and I was honored to have even the briefest moment basking in their glow.”

Before Landon’s exit, the “Scream” franchise was already facing upheaval with the firing of Melissa Barrera (All The World Is Sleeping, Carmen), who also starred in the fifth and sixth installments of the movie, due to her controversial social media posts related to Israel and Palestine. Spyglass, producer of Scream 5 to 7, clarified that her dismissal was based on concerns of antisemitism rather than her support for the Palestinian cause.

A spokesperson for Spyglass provided a statement. “Spyglass’ stance is unequivocally clear: We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech.”

Landon tweeted out on X/Twitter “Everything sucks. Stop yelling. This was not my decision to make.” responding to Barrera’s exit, although the tweet has since been deleted. Subsequently, Barrera’s co-star Jenna Ortega (Stuck In The Middle, Wednesday) left the franchise due to scheduling conflicts with “Wednesday” Season 2, unrelated to Barrera’s firing and planned before the SAG-AFTRA strike.

The 2022 Scream reboot featured both Barrera and Ortega, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, and fresh additions to the series Mason Gooding Jr. and Jasmine Savoy Brown. Campbell had declined to return for Scream VI over a pay dispute, marking it the series’ first without her. Scream VI concluded positively for characters Tara and Sam Carpenter, played by Ortega and Barrera respectively, who triumphed over the Ghostface killer and reconciled in the film.

Kaylyn Lim

Kaylyn is usually geeking out over gacha games or the latest updates in a manga, and can talk all day about them. She’s also an avid collector, and really needs more space to store her game merchandise, utaite CDs and manga books.

The post As Stars Depart, ‘Scream 7’ Has Also Lost Director Christopher Landon appeared first on Geek Culture.

Baldur’s Gate 3 doesn’t shy away from its inclusion of nudity or sex scenes. Naked bodies are censored or out in full glory only if a player wills for it, through a nifty toggle for explicit content. However, its Japanese release out just on 21 December comes entirely without this toggle due to the country’s strict rating system, but players can still admire the human’s natural form – thanks to a rather handy leaf.

This move comes from Spike Chunsoft, renowned for its diverse portfolio of RPGs, visual novels, and handling of localised versions of big-name western games for over a decade. Some reputable works include The Witcher 2 and 3, Cyberpunk 2077, and the Divinity: Original Sin series created by Baldur’s Gate 3 developer Larian Studios. 

In fact, Spike Chunsoft often incorporates dark and edgy elements into its own games which leads to various run-ins with Japan’s rating system, known for having various strict guidelines for video game content. One recent example is the release of Cyberpunk 2077, which was unsurprisingly hit by these same regulations.

To run by these restrictions, content coverage happens not only with the convenient leaf above, but even extends to sexual content and certain instances of violence in the game. While more leaves for censorship would rake in attention, these scenes are instead presented differently or left out of the game entirely to adhere to the Code of Ethics set by Japanese rating board CERO. This includes the removal of the chance to torture NPCs in Act 1’s goblin camp, or changing the look of how innards spill out of bodies. 

Most recently, Baldur’s Gate 3 has also won five awards at the most recent The Game Awards 2023, notably the Game of The Year Award. For such a highly acclaimed game, these changes may feel like a damper to its experience, but they are not likely to significantly impact the overall gameplay. In fact, it may become interesting for players to see for themselves what exactly the boundaries are like in Japan for a game like Baldur’s Gate 3.

Despite these alterations, Spike Chunsoft’s Japanese release of Baldur’s Gate 3 is poised to broaden the game’s audience, albeit with certain compromises. For now, Japanese players can continue choosing to launch their avatar as such and shield them with just that essential bit of natural armour.

Kaylyn Lim

Kaylyn is usually geeking out over gacha games or the latest updates in a manga, and can talk all day about them. She’s also an avid collector, and really needs more space to store her game merchandise, utaite CDs and manga books.

The post ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ Finally Out In Japan, Leaf-ing Privates Censored appeared first on Geek Culture.

Fans can finally have a look at the first trailer and new visuals from follow-up series Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture, three years after news of the series first emerged.

Watch the first trailer below:

The two new characters revealed in the trailer, Rozé and Ashe, will be voiced by Amasaki Kōhei (Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury, Tomo-chan Is a Girl!) and Furukawa Makoto (One Punch Man, Honkai: Star Rail) respectively. Playing throughout the trailer is the opening theme song, “Running In My Head” by MIYAVI. Additionally, the series was announced to be screened in theatres in four parts, starting May 2024.

Initially named Code Geass: Z of the Recapture, these details were first teased to be revealed at a special production presentation of the series during Lelouch Lamperouge’s 15th birthday celebratory screening, which happened on 18 December.

No details of the story has been released, but a brief overview is given on the official website, which reads:

The new protagonists, Rozé and Ashe, and the two brothers’ unfolding story of “recapture”, will open up a new era!

The upcoming project’s trailer reveals even more talent onboard. Renowned art director Obata Kazuhiro (Long Riders!) brings his vision to life, while Aketagawa Jin (Maboroshi, The Eminence in Shadow) ensures top-notch sound design. BUEMON Inc. crafts the stunning 3DCG, led by director Shuji Shinoda (Backflip!!). Chiba Hiroyuki (High School DxD) takes the helm as Director of Photography, Sakamoto Kumiko (Dr. Stone) masters the editing, and Kawai Kenji (Ranma ½, Mob Psycho 100) delivers the unforgettable soundtrack.

Heading the project at Sunrise Studio is Director Ohashi Yoshimitsu (Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans), who also directed the original series. The screenplay is written by Kimura Noboru (Solo Levelling, Kemono Jihen), and new character design drafts created by CLAMP, re-designed for animation by Kimura Takahiro (Blood+)and Shimamura Hidekazu (Yu-Gi-Oh!).

Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture will premiere May 2024.

Kaylyn Lim

Kaylyn is usually geeking out over gacha games or the latest updates in a manga, and can talk all day about them. She’s also an avid collector, and really needs more space to store her game merchandise, utaite CDs and manga books.

The post ‘Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture’ Anime Teases Fans With Trailer, Premiering May 2024 appeared first on Geek Culture.