Metaphor: ReFantazio feels like a love letter to everything Atlus has become known for in the role-playing game (RPG) genre, while simultaneously blazing a bold path forward. Developed by Atlus subsidiary Studio Zero — comprising of industry veterans led by Katsura Hashino, the director and producer of the modern Persona games — this fantasy RPG arrives in celebration of Atlus’ 35th anniversary.

The plot centres on the protagonist who ends up a candidate in a major tournament to become the king of Euchronia. With only a few months to rally support from the kingdom’s people, players are tasked with traversing its regions, forging bonds, and facing monsters while building a movement strong enough to claim the throne.

Notably, the game wears the familiar armour of Atlus’ beloved Persona series, complete with turn-based combat, social links, and a calendar system (certain sound effects are even reused from Persona 5). That said, it also draws inspiration from several other games, including ones from Atlus’ own catalogue. For example, characters can move between front and back rows during turn-based combat to mitigate physical damage, similar to the Etrian Odyssey series (Ariadne’s Thread even shows up as a fun easter egg). Furthermore, an extension of the Press Turn system from the Shin Megami Tensei series is expertly combined with Metaphor: ReFantazio’s take on ‘Personas’ — Archetypes.

The Archetype system is a refreshing spin on job classes which allows party members (instead of just the protagonist) to take on distinct roles in battle. This system offers extensive customisation and strategic options, such as summoning a powerful knight’s skill set or combining spells from other classes. Despite the obvious Persona comparisons, the end result is something more akin to Dragon Quest or Final Fantasy, elevating traditional turn-based battles by giving each playable character the flexibility to experiment with different classes, skills, and combos.

For those concerned about the grinding nature of turn-based combat, Metaphor: ReFantazio introduces Fast Battles — an option to quickly dispatch lower-level foes in real-time on the overworld. This quality-of-life addition ensures that the action doesn’t slow down, while maintaining the excitement of strategic encounters. This can also be used to stun tougher enemies before engaging in turn-based combat, which can prove to be a useful strategy especially later in the game.

The level of challenge the game presents is a satisfying one, where more formidable opponents may require full-party strategies, which involve exploiting enemy weaknesses and pairing up party members for Synergy abilities, without being too punishing. Of course, the level of difficulty can be adjusted on the fly for more hardcore players.

Atlus has always excelled at world-building, but Metaphor: ReFantazio might be its most ambitious attempt yet. The world of Euchronia feels alive, thanks to a wide variety of non-player characters (NPCs) and diverse lands to explore. In fact, the game’s lore is richly detailed, with a compendium covering the world’s various races, their history, and social hierarchies. While the politics may feel surface-level at times, it doesn’t shy away from encouraging deeper conversations, such as debating philosophies and moral dilemmas.

Meanwhile, players may strengthen their bonds with key characters using the Follower system, a familiar mechanic drawn from Persona‘s social links. The process is streamlined here, as the protagonist gains the ability to zip around previously-visited locales and teleport directly to buddies worth talking to. Unlike typical Atlus protagonists, the hero of this story is given a voice, a decision that adds humour and humanity to the weight of the story.

Every ally’s backstory offers a window into the game’s broader themes of social strife, vengeance, and redemption. Each exchange is warm and genuine, turning these moments from straightforward game mechanics into meaningful conversations. In addition to benefits associated with the Archetype system, spending time with companions may yield rewards that boost social stats, opening up new dialogue options with NPCs.

Instead of being contained to a single environment, Metaphor: ReFantazio maintains deft pacing by changing up the scenery just often enough, regularly providing new NPCs and side activities for the player to interact with to keep things interesting. The rate at which new features are doled out lends a certain friendliness to the time management aspect of the game. While there are still defined deadlines to complete main objectives, players can freely engage with these different elements without feeling like they’re sorely missing out if they don’t commit to certain tasks.

Visually, Metaphor: ReFantazio is striking and Studio Zero has stepped away from using a single colour palette (frequently employed in the Persona games) to convey its themes. Instead, menus and environments are splashed with a vibrant mix of styles and colours, giving a clear sense of variety when navigating between them. Though the anime cutscenes don’t always impress, the sharp character designs and in-game graphics more than make up for it with their attention to detail, texture, and atmosphere.

It’s worth noting that patches have mostly resolved the initial performance problems from the PC demo. Even if there might still be slight hitches in the frame rate in denser places, locking the frame rate to 30 can help alleviate the issue.

Shoji Meguro (Shin Megami Tensei series), a long-time Atlus composer, makes a magnificent return on the soundtrack. From soothing melodies to energetic, frenetic chants, the music is as dynamic as the world itself. Religious and political themes are woven into the soundscapes, evoking a sense of reverence and urgency and amplifying the emotional impact of both combat and exploration.

At the end of the day, Metaphor: Refantazio takes established and well-loved RPG components, such as a vibrant world with multi-faceted characters, a layered combat system, and emotional storytelling, and pushes them to new limits. It’s not afraid to ask important questions or tackle challenging topics, but it does it with hope and a true affection for the genre.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

Edwin Teo

Edwin has been writing about gaming and entertainment news for almost a decade, and has loved video games, comic books, and movies longer than that. He loves interesting stories, immersive world-building, and adorable monsters.

The post Metaphor: ReFantazio – Review appeared first on Geek Culture.

Remember Sisyphus? The king from Greek mythology was condemned by the gods to painstakingly roll an immense boulder thrice his size up a hill for all eternity, only for it to roll back down every time it neared the top. It’s the ultimate exercise in futility and Diablo IV’s first annual expansion, Vessel of Hatred, is a stark reminder of what the Diablo franchise has always been about – an endless cycle of strife. There’s a reason why last year’s Diablo IV has been heralded as one of the best-ever action role-playing games (ARPG) that defined the genre as it coaches players to embrace the loot-grinding, class-building journey, rather than the outcome.

Vessel of Hatred continues immediately after the cliffhanger that the base campaign left us at, with Lilith (Daughter of Hatred, one of the three Prime Evils, Queen of the Succubi, etc) now dead, and a brave young friend Neyrelle kayaking down a sinister-looking creek, gripping on to a soulstone that contains the trapped essence of one the top most-wanted demons – Mephisto. Last seen in Diablo II (2000), the Lord of Hatred and another Prime Evil is trapped but exerts his ungodly influence throughout the roughly six-hour expansion campaign, where players will observe a familiar cycle of doom-and-gloom, mixed in with manifestation of pure evil and hopeless circumstance, along with glimmers of hope and an inevitable resurrection – basically Joseph Campbell’s The Hero’s Journey on steroids, culminating into yet another cliffhanger ending chapter (for now), after pulling up short rather unceremoniously. As an entry in a long-running serialised story, there isn’t nearly enough depth to dig your weapons deep into when it comes to the campaign though admittedly, it is challenging to top Diablo IV’s superstar villain Lilith, who is arguably one of the best aspects of the base campaign.

That said, the new trials and tribulations that you get up to during and in-between the expansion’s main campaign is heaven-on-earth for long-time fans of the Diablo franchise, or even ARPGs in general. Think of Vessel of Hatred as more than just Diablo IV 2.0 as it pulls the best environment and world of Diablo II, and combines it with the slickness and interface of Diablo III (2012), which was something that Diablo IV came close to achieving. The world-building, lore, plot developments, and characters we meet as we trudge through thick jungles and tropical marshlands reminiscent of Far Cry reminds us of what the Diablo series was always meant to represent.

On top of this, there’s an enduring sense of humanity through Diablo IV’s debut DLC. You’ll hear this motto echoed throughout your adventures in the region of Nahantu, “Where help is needed, help is offered.”. The people you stumble upon along the way are not fanatics or unbelievably passionate individuals – they’re just humans like the rest of us but also humans that come into direct conflict with their intrinsic need to help and be altruistic, especially in the face of evil.

It’s hard not to wax lyrical about Vessel of Hatred’s main stomping ground, the lush jungles of Nahantu in the Sanctuary, without mentioning Kurast, the city at the heart of Nahantu. Rather than just a token city for some much-needed respite, visiting players get moss-covered rope bridges chained to damp wooden houses, Aztec-inspired step pyramids and grandiose sculptures weathered with mould and cracks highlighting the majesty of a time long passed. Specifically, it’s non-playable characters that aren’t just vendors, but also interesting personalities that paint a captivating picture of selflessness and colour in a world that is largely selfish and monotonous.

Dungeon-wise, you’ll soon realise that there is a persistent and rather repetitive theme of forgotten ruins, limestone, and dense foliage, but it still serves as a breath of fresh air after years of dark and doomy caves filled with blood-soaked torture chambers. It’s the attention to detail and realism that truly makes you feel immersed in this new environment, especially when you’re deep into fights that involve you diving into tiny crevasses and spaces to avoid hordes of underlings. No two fights are the same but you’re likely to grow absurdly large finger muscles after just a few hours, from frenetically mashing your computer mouse, so it might be worthwhile to get a game controller, or one of those advanced gaming mice with buttons on the side.

But what good is confronting evil alone? If you want to play with your friends but none of them are online, Vessel of Hatred has a new mercenary system that allows you to recruit NPC (non playable characters) heroes to join you on your adventure. This fills the void for solo players who are feeling rather lonely, while plugging the gaps for small groups to complete bigger and grander adventures as well. You get introduced to a quartet of characters, each with their own unique stories and histories to faithfully be by your side as you stride forward. What’s more, the longer you spend time with your faithful companions, the more XP they’ll gain to unleash new abilities and rewards. Ultimately, it’s a nice touch to make the experience more personable and incentivising for those who are more utilitarian.

The expansion’s premise also perfectly complements a spanking new customisable character class, a rarity from Blizzard, the Spiritborn. It was a no-brainer to select this tribalistic specimen entrenched in mythical and magical roots for this playthrough, and it is loads of fun. You rely on your connection with ghostly animals imbuing you with godlike elemental powers, each with its own sets of unique strengths and weaknesses. Think of it as a Druid 2.0, but not really (apologies in advance to all Druid mains out there). Animalistic in nature, the Spiritborn revolves around four main beasts. The gorilla spirit is a physical, brute beast that makes you a tank, while the offensive and strike-first nature of the jaguar allows you to build a Dynasty Warriors-esque hack-and-slash melee DPS (damage per second) machine. The eagle is all about soaring above your foes and being mobile, allowing you to show up where your enemies least expect you to make you incredibly hard to track and take down, and the centipede, which employs poisonous splash damage that’s coupled with vampiric life-stealing properties.

The best and worst part about it, compared to existing character classes, is that the Spiritborn class is flexible and modular. Although it may be more ideal and easier to just devote your skill points to one or two of these four spirit animals, you can mix and match any combination of the abilities that the animal quartet offers. It’s uncharted territory for Diablo, where you can actually create a build that is a jack of all trades and a master of none, or you could ignore this option entirely and create your very own King Kong. Not to mention that as a Spiritborn, you can easily reassign your skills, put on some new clothes, and instantly go from King Kong to The Flash.

Granted, there are still great advantages to playing as the old classes when focusing on depth rather than breadth, but the Spiritborn is perfect for those who want a buffet-like experience, especially for beginners that are just dipping their toes into the Diablo universe and don’t know where to start. Maybe the slight knock would be the daunting amount of in-game currency involved that come with a skill respec, which may make newcomers cave and frantically search for what the best Spiritborn build is on Google instead of experiencing it for themselves.

Perhaps one of the biggest additions to the Diablo co-op experience is the Dark Citadel, a demanding battle circuit that requires you and your best mates to overcome complex and seemingly unbeatable bosses, all while wrapping your brains around raid-like puzzle mechanics in a trio of corridors within a crumbling fortress – fending off wave after wave of double exclamation marked high-level enemies throughout the process. It was hard to spend too much time here given that the experience was largely solo in nature for the early build of Vessel of Hatred, but it could live up to the potential of one of the best endgame activities Diablo has ever had, synergising together with your friends to overcome insurmountable foes and the pot of gold at the end that makes it oh so sweet. 

For now though, it seems like the raid mechanics are somewhat rudimentary, and doesn’t require heavy coordination or strategic planning to complete. Still, it’s looking good for the Diablo community longing for an engaging and meaningful way to come and play together.

Above all, this expansion really feels like Blizzard has finally listened to its community. Its small changes like capping out the levelling at 60 instead of 100, which makes for a truncated and accelerated climb to the business end of Diablo that makes it less of a grind, especially when you want to mess around with new characters and builds after every season. It takes away the sense of being stuck on plateaus midway into the game, making it easier for everybody to enjoy the all-encompassing Sisyphean nature of Diablo IV. Another way this is manifested is the return of Rune words, allowing you to cast enchantments onto your equipment, adding yet another layer to the already rich build-crafting aspects of the base game. Lastly, it’s great to see Vessel of Hatred top it off with a new matchmaking functionality called Party Finder, which given the group nature of the game, has inexplicably never been part of the franchise until now. The ability to easily band up with a bunch of fellow demon slayers is more than welcome, especially given the inception of the Dark Citadel.

All things considered, Vessel of Hatred feels like the quintessential Diablo experience. Despite a relatively lacklustre expansion campaign and a surprisingly high amount of crashes and a mix of bugs, ranging from frustrating quests that won’t complete, or NPCs hilariously blazing across the map on foot matching your speed on horseback (which is something that you wouldn’t expect from an expansion that took a year and a half to come to fruition), you’ll end up spending most evenings glued to the character inventory and ability screens, calling up your friends on voice chat to run Dark Citadel for the umpteenth time.

Yong Le

Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.

The post Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred – Review appeared first on Geek Culture.

Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis serves as a poignant and emotionally complex epilogue to the main game, exploring the aftermath of grief and the search for closure. A remake of The Answer, the epilogue chapter of 2006’s Persona 3, which was remade as this year’s Persona 3 Reload,  it may not be a gameplay revolution, but it masterfully ties up loose ends and expands upon the story of Persona 3 Reload, giving players more time with the beloved SEES crew while shining a spotlight on the android Aigis as she grapples with loss and leadership.

From the get-go, it’s important to note that while Persona 3 Reload is required to access this DLC (downloadable content), Episode Aigis is a standalone experience that can be launched without having completed or even started on the base game. However, diving into it before finishing the main story is ill-advised, as this DLC directly picks up where it ends, filled with significant spoilers and a continuation of its story.

At its core, Episode Aigis isn’t just about the dungeon-crawling role-playing game experience (though there’s plenty of it), but about how the characters process their grief. In fact, the story beats in Episode Aigis are the DLC’s strongest elements — Aigis, the female android, and her companions are stuck in a time loop, forced to confront their sorrow again and again, until they can finally find the answers they seek. The story unfolds through cutscenes at the end of each dungeon block, offering glimpses into critical moments from the characters’ pasts.

Placing Aigis in a leadership role provides a fresh perspective on the SEES team’s emotional journey. Aigis’s arc is especially compelling as she wrestles with the weight of her loss while simultaneously stepping up to guide her comrades. In addition, her relationship with Metis, a mysterious android newcomer, adds layers to the narrative. While Metis herself remains somewhat underdeveloped, her role as a foil to Aigis helps drive home the DLC’s emotional stakes, showcasing the internal conflict of grief in a deeply personal way.

While the narrative is moving, Episode Aigis is not without its flaws, particularly when it comes to the gameplay. The turn-based combat system remains largely the same as in the base game; the calm and cool Mitsuru muses about a couple of hours into Episode Aigis, “It’s like Tartarus all over again,” referencing the expansive dungeon from the main game.

Battles are still enjoyable and appear to be more challenging than the base game, catering to players who enjoyed the turn-based mechanics but craved a higher difficulty. However, the monotonous grind can feel repetitive, especially without the time management or social sim elements that balance out the combat in the main game. As a result, the dungeon-crawling can sometimes feel like padding to extend the game’s runtime. That said, the emotional payoff in the final hours is well worth the effort, delivering some of the series’ most powerful moments.

Visually, Episode Aigis shines thanks to Persona 3 Reload’s upgraded graphics and quality-of-life improvements. The art is crisp with fluid animation, even on the pause screen. The dungeons are beautifully rendered, battles are slick and dynamic, and the new remixes of the original soundtrack breathe fresh life into familiar tunes. The presentation elevates the story’s emotional weight, making the experience all the more immersive.

In the end, Episode Aigis is a fitting conclusion to Persona 3 Reload’s already bittersweet ending. It may not revolutionise the gameplay, but its deeply affecting narrative, strong character development, and emotional resonance make it a rich experience for fans. Those willing to push through the repetitive dungeons will be rewarded with a moving and meaningful story about grief, healing, and finding a way to move forward.

Edwin Teo

Edwin has been writing about gaming and entertainment news for almost a decade, and has loved video games, comic books, and movies longer than that. He loves interesting stories, immersive world-building, and adorable monsters.

The post Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis – Review appeared first on Geek Culture.

After a one-year wait, Final Fantasy XVI is finally ready to take players on a fresh journey on PC next month. They won’t have to bide their time until then to get a taste of the action, however, as a free playable demo of the game is now out on Steam and the Epic Games Store.

Ahead of its official launch on 17 September, the latest numbered entry in Square Enix’s long-running franchise has prepared the opening sequence and a “Eikonic Challenge” mode, which serves as to showcase game mechanics and combat through a dungeon quest and boss fight, for the demo. Save data will carry over the the full game, available in two versions — the standard release, and a Complete Edition that includes The Rising Tide and Echoes of the Fallen expansions.

Pre-orders for both editions are now live, and in usual fashion, include bonus goodies like The Cait Sith’s Charm accessory, the Sixteen Bells Orchestrion Roll, and the Brave Blade weapon. The base title retails for S$67.90, while the latter is priced at S$97.90.

As for system requirements, Steam lists the following:

MINIMUM

• OS: Windows® 10 / 11 64-bit
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 1600 / Intel Core i5-8400
• Memory: 16GB RAM
• Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 5700 / Intel Arc A580 / Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 170GB available space
• Additional Notes: 30FPS at 720p expected. SSD required. VRAM 8GB or above.

RECOMMENDED

• OS: Windows® 10 / 11 64-bit
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5700X / Intel Core i7-10700
• Memory: 16GB RAM
• Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT / Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 170GB available space
• Additional Notes: 60FPS at 1080p expected. SSD required. VRAM 8GB or above.

To recap, Final Fantasy XVI features segmented open environments, an action-based combat system, the ability to turn into Summons, and more. It follows Clive Rosfield, guardian to his younger brother Joshua, who witnesses the destruction of his kingdom and becomes involved in the growing conflict between Valisthea’s nations and a secret power driving the war.

A PC port was confirmed to be in the works last year, reaching the final stages earlier in March. Final Fantasy XVI hits PC via Steam and Epic Games Store on 17 September.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post Final Fantasy XVI’ Summons Sept Launch On PC; Demo Out Now appeared first on Geek Culture.

Anime titles are a dime a dozen, and a new competitor is stepping into the field as Strinova, the free-to-play 5v5 anime-style shooter from developer iDreamSky, will open time-limited testing in Europe, Southeast Asia, South America, and South Korea from 21 to 25 August.

While not officially launched overseas, the game has already attracted widespread attention in the global esports community, making its debut at Esports World Cup this year alongside well-known heavyweights like Apex Legends, Overwatch 2, PUBG, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and more. The game touts the core characteristic of free switching between 2D and 3D forms, as well as familiar mechanics involving dodging bullets and traversing narrow spaces.

Each character in Strinova is bound to a primary weapon, an active skill, a passive skill, and an ultimate skill, with the choice of a secondary weapon that includes grenades, long swords, flamethrowers, and more. Players can accumulate resources, unlock attribute enhancements, and even change the effects of the ultimate skill during battles, which has made the game a lot more strategically attractive and playable.

Coupled with the “Stringify” feature, which changes a character’s attack surface and movement pattern, the tactical shooter looks to spice up close combat and adds more depth to the traditional shooting and navigation experience. The longer time-to-kill (TTK), referring to the time it takes for a player to eliminate an opponent in a game, also opens up more options outside of shooting, such as gathering information, occupying geographical advantages, and directly rescuing teammates.

Interested parties may sign up for the closed beta on the official website and gain access to Strivona from 21 August, 8pm (GMT +8). The network test will end on 25 August at 8pm.

The Baroness

Passion and love mean little to the Baroness. No man can ever be her master. Where there’s terror to be sown and coin earned, that’s where she will be with guns akimbo.

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Zombie shooters continue to be a crowd favourite, and it’s easy to see why. The adrenaline rush of racing against time while mowing down the undead never gets old, especially if there’s a sense of real danger present. But moderation is always key, and oversaturation can be a joy killer, which is why Dead Rising was a fresh breath of air when it debuted on the Xbox 360 in 2006. 

Positioned as a “system seller” of sorts, the Xbox-exclusive title showcased the console’s technical prowess and its ability to handle multiple hordes without a hitch. Not only did it allow players to experience a zombie apocalypse in a setting reminiscent of 2004’s Dawn of the Dead movie, where a group of survivors was trapped in a shopping mall, it combined multiple endings with photo-taking elements. 

The game established itself as a trailblazer in the genre, with its innovative and novel gameplay winning over a cult following. In 2016, it received a 4K HD remaster on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC, which added up to five save slots – up from the brutal single save slot in the original – and modernised visuals. 

Eight years on, Capcom is back to bring it back to life with the Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster. This second remaster promises more polished touches, from revamped graphics like improved character facial expressions, textures and glorious blood splatter powered by the RE Engine, to various quality-of-life improvements that include auto-save, refurbished controls, improved UI, and more.

Fans of the original will be delighted to know that the challenging gameplay and its (in)famous 72-hour mode will remain intact. As for newcomers, here’s a quick primer – the action-adventure title follows photojournalist Frank West after he becomes trapped in a zombie-infested shopping mall in Colorado. The player, stepping into his role, must survive by scavenging for items to fight the undead and hostile human enemies called psychopaths, while rescuing friendly survivors. The catch? The story needs to be completed before 72 hours.

Now, let the fun begin! While Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster boasts plenty of features, these are the new things that got us all excited to uncover the mystery behind the outbreak once again.

#1. PC Ultrawide Native Support!

Sure, the ultrawide aspect ratio (21:9) is pretty much standard with modern-day AAA releases on PC, but it’s also common to find black bars on the sides whenever a cutscene kicks in. This won’t be the case for Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, which keeps the same 21:9 aspect ratio throughout, from menu navigation to in-game and cutscene transitions. 

Thank you Capcom, for delivering on what matters to gamers.

#2. New Save Functionality

Having a single save slot was the norm way back in the day, so it made sense for the original game to share the same mechanic, especially with its intention and effectiveness in creating tension and stress. However, the feature was also a double-edged sword – progress could only be saved by visiting the safe room or bathroom, resulting in frustration over restarting and doing the same things again after dying. 

In Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, both returning and new players will have five save slots available on top of auto-save functionality. The bump is certainly welcome, proving useful for individuals who don’t always have time to get to a safe room or bathroom to save the game’s progress, and eliminating the need to retrace their steps leading up to a crucial point in the story, such as psychopath boss fights.

#3. Shoot While On The Go

Everything can be a weapon in Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, but sometimes, some old-fashioned shooting is the way to go. Frank could already do so in the original, but he’ll be able to move, aim, and gun down enemies simultaneously here, lending a more dynamic touch to the static gameplay.

Although some may lament the loss of authenticity (the photojournalist isn’t a trained weapons expert who can do all of that at once, after all, despite his experience with war coverage), it’s a neat feature that reduces some of the artificial difficulty and time pressure, particularly for newcomers.

#4. Fully-voiced NPC and Survivor Interaction

Immersion is getting an upgrade in the upcoming adventure, and not just visually. Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster introduces fully voiced dialogue for Frank and other non-playable characters, including mall janitor Otis, so players won’t feel disengaged when reading their dialogue. A total of nine languages will be supported, with the original English performer, T.J. Rotolo, replaced for this outing.

#5. Have Fun Dressing Frank Up As Your Favourite Capcom Characters

Part of the fun with the Dead Rising franchise is how it doesn’t take itself too seriously despite being set in a zombie apocalypse. The Digital Edition looks to amp up the fun factor by dressing Frank in the most ridiculous and outrageous outfits amid his zombie-bashing business, including 17 costumes that feature a host of characters from various Capcom games.

We had a taste of eight of them, including the three pre-order DLC bonus costumes for Frank West 2006 (Dead Rising), Willamette Parkview Mall Bee (Dead Rising), Chuck Greene (Dead Rising 2). The other five options are Leon S. Kennedy’s R.P.D. uniform from Resident Evil 2, Creepy Rabbit, Mega Man, Rikuo (Darkstalkers), and a Licker (Resident Evil 2). It should be noted that the Licker design isn’t quite a costume, but a full reskin of Frank, complete with walking/running sound effects.

Check them out at the 16:30 mark on our gameplay video below:

Although the hit and collision detection can be a little finicky at times, we’re pretty sure it’s something that can be easily addressed and improved upon leading up to its release in September.

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster releases digitally on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam on 19 September 2024.

Yonk

Yonk is a geek who is fortunate enough to have an equally geeky Star Wars fan for a wife, who owns a LEGO Millennium Falcon encased in a glass coffee table as their home’s centre-piece.

The post Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster: 5 Things That Got Us Excited + PC Ultrawide Native Support! appeared first on Geek Culture.

It’s no simple feat to establish a middle ground between young and mature audiences. Much like tightrope walking, the act requires a delicate sense of balance – too little, and the work may end up being too watered down; too much, and complexity will stand in the way for an intended audience.

The Cat Quest series has always leaned into former territory, oozing a special brand of charm that just as easily extends to older ages. Cat Quest III, releasing on 8 August — aptly, International Cat Day — continues in the same spirit, featuring a blend of charm, adventure, and a heaping dose of cat puns. At the same time, this latest instalment from Singapore-based studio The Gentlebros also carves out a new venture that takes players on a pirate sea-faring adventure, marking a departure from previous settings while maintaining its signature endearingly playful flair. 

The narrative opens with a voiced cinematic, telling a legend about the North Star falling from the sky, marking a spot filled with untold treasures. This myth sends pirates across the Purribean in search of riches, with the Pi-Rats, led by their formidable leader, the Pi-Rat King, being the most aggressive (yes, those are actual names from the game). 

You play as a pirate cat named Hero, found as a baby by the spirit Captain Cappey, who embarks on a quest with the Star Rune—a magical relic guiding you to the treasure. Like its predecessors, there’s an arsenal of puns that adds to the overall fun, though the plot itself isn’t groundbreaking and relies heavily on genre clichés. But that’s not a gripe here, because fans of the first two games already know that the fun lies in the journey and whimsical world rather than a deep, intricate plot.

Visually, Cat Quest III continues the series’ tradition of charming 2D character models and environments with a quaint, traditional map aesthetic. The delightful visuals make exploration a pleasure, accompanied by an equally enchanting soundtrack that delivers a rich auditory experience. Each overworld track has versions for both land and sea, transitioning seamlessly depending on your activity. 

For example, The Milky Barrel, the game’s main tavern, is manned by the iconic Mama Milka, and greets players to a bright tavern song as soon as they enter. A series of nefariously cartoony wanted posters of other pirates are plastered on the inside, setting up a fun way to introduce new characters and towns. The curiosity makes players eager to keep moving on to the next area, just to see what other quirky characters they might bump into. 

Cat Quest III maintains the series’ action RPG roots while introducing new naval mechanics. Players navigate both land and sea, engaging in real-time combat with swords, guns, and magic. The addition of ship combat—steering ships and firing cannonballs—adds a fresh twist, but mastering its controls can be tricky on mouse and keyboard, so be sure to hook up to a controller, as the game emphasises multiple times.

This new mechanic is exclusive to the action role-playing title, keeping in line with the well-executed pirate theme. Sailing and engaging in sea battles are highlights, and while it’s surprisingly fun to drift on the seas, the novelty of ship combat may wear off over time with the lack of variety. Still, there are a host of settings waiting to be discovered, including tropical beaches, creepy caverns, and even a rock concert. 

The deceptively simple combat remains a core element here, offering depth through weapon swapping and spell casting. Each weapon type features unique dodge abilities; wands teleport, while claws allow for effective evasion. Experimenting with different builds reveals the combat system’s nuance, though the lack of complexity might disappoint hardcore RPG fans.

Potent equipment combinations, like the Clawford & Dratcula set— Dratcula heals when you damage enemies, which triggers further damage from Clawford, which damages when you heal. Another favourite is the Dragonclaws and Meowtallika’s Pick, where the former has a special final hit that slashes four times, and the latter, has a lightning bolt attack for every final hit. Combine these two, and bear witness to a devastating flurry of lightning bolts!

Discovering these various equipment combos provides a sense of accomplishment, joining the rewarding payoff that comes with finding them through hidden treasure chests or challenging optional dungeons. The need to level up equipment to unlock abilities encourages experimentation, even if some may find the reliance on gear for combat effectiveness restrictive. 

Between islands, caves, and treasures, the open world in Cat Quest III  promises plenty of room for discovery. Exploration is both vast and structured, with  ‘Lightmouses’ (a bad pun on lighthouses) guiding players towards objectives, preventing aimless wandering. Along the way are a variety of puzzles, from simple logic challenges to more complex brain teasers, that add to the engagement factor.

For those worried about getting lost, the game has plenty of markers and characters to guide you towards where you need to go. There’s also a very handy side quest indicator on the map in case you lose track of where you’re supposed to head next, which is very likely considering the sheer amount of content that can be accessed. Completionists won’t have to worry about missing out on any loot, either – there’s an indicator that keeps track of yet-to-be-opened chests in an area. 

An interesting strategy in Cat Quest III involves exploiting the open-world design to gain high-level rewards early. Players can intentionally venture into higher-level areas, which are visually indicated by a darker-coloured environment. By avoiding combat, it’s possible to reach and open treasure chests containing powerful gear that would normally be inaccessible until later in the game. This strategy can be even more effective in subsequent playthroughs, opening up new possibilities for gameplay and character builds once the locations of specific weapons and equipment are locked down. 

Adding a fun dimension to the game is co-op mode, which allows a second player to join the adventure at any of the many Rest Beakons scattered across the map. The second player will immediately spawn in at the Rest Beakon with you and can help you out in combat. There’s something nostalgic about struggling with a particular boss or area and asking a friend to grab a controller and help out that adds to the charm and cosiness of the game as well. Do note, however, that the second player has to use a controller if you’re running a keyboard and mouse setup. 

For a touch of replayability, Cat Quest III includes a New Game+ mode and multiple endings, allowing individuals to explore different paths and outcomes. Future updates, including the Mew Game mode, promise additional challenges and ways to spice up the base experience, which requires around 7 hours to complete. The longevity is welcome, though the core gameplay may not appeal to everyone for repeated playthroughs.

Cat Quest III captures the essence of its predecessors while introducing new elements. Its visual and auditory appeal, combined with engaging gameplay and a lighthearted story, make it a worthy addition to the series. However, it doesn’t revolutionise the action RPG genre and may not satisfy players seeking depth and complexity. As a casual adventure, the game’s charm, humour, and depth do ensure an enjoyable experience – minor control issues aside. 

Cat Quest III launches on 8 August 2024 and will be available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 & 5​, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S, retailing for S$24.99.

Marcus

When Marcus is not trying to full combo a song on his favourite rhythm games, he’s either reading or watching some obscure Japanese mystery show/novel. Don’t ask him how much his Arkham Horror collection costs either, it’s his most closely guarded secret.

The post Cat Quest III — Review appeared first on Geek Culture.

Attention, Maplers! Get ready for an electrifying gaming experience as MapleStorySEA presents the DREAMER update, featuring the much-anticipated remaster of the iconic Idol of the Battlefield, Angelic Buster. This update promises to reignite your passion for the game with stunning visual upgrades, comprehensive skill enhancements, and captivating new content designed specifically for the Nova class Angelic Buster character, and fans can discover all the details of this thrilling update. Join the adventure now.

In this latest update, Angelic Buster receives a dramatic makeover, sporting a brand-new hairstyle and face designs, all available through an enhanced Dress-Up system. This update allows both new and existing Angelic Buster characters to experiment with these fresh aesthetic options. Players with existing characters can access the new looks via hairstyle and face coupons provided at special remaster events, ensuring everyone can participate in this visual refresh.

With a boost from Eskalade’s newfound strength, Angelic Buster’s abilities have been thoroughly revamped. The remaster introduces a significant overhaul of Angelic Buster’s abilities, transitioning from the old Recharge system to a more fluid MP-based skill casting system. This change enhances the gameplay dynamics, making combat sequences more engaging and responsive. Key abilities, including Soul Buster, Grappling Heart, and True Heart Inheritance, have been upgraded with impressive new effects and clearer descriptions. 

A new skill, On Stage, allows Angelic Buster to perform a surprise concert that changes the background music for nearby players, adding a unique interactive element to the game.

The update extends beyond aesthetic and skill changes, with improvements across all job tiers from Beginner to 6th Job:

• Beginner: Increased attack and magic attack, visually enhanced spells, and the ability to wield Eskalade’s full potential.
• 1st Job: Smoother gameplay through adjustments to Star Bubble, Feather Hop, and Melody Cross.
• 2nd Job: Enhanced damage and utility with overhauled skills like Lovely Sting, Pink Pummel, and Power Transfer.
• 3rd Job: Improved combat efficiency with new skills and updates to Soul Seeker, Star Crash, and Dragon Whistle.
• 4th Job: Greater attack power through significant changes to Celestial Roar, Trinity, and Finale Ribbon.
• Hyper Skills: Bolstered Soul Seeker, Finale Ribbon, and Trinity for optimal battle performance.
• 5th and 6th Jobs: New abilities like Energy Burst, Spotlight, and Grand Finale, along with enhancements to existing abilities to maximise their impact on the battlefield.

The remaster also breathes new life into the Angelic Buster storyline, with the introduction of new quests that delve deeper into her backstory and heroic adventures. These additions are complemented by updated NPC illustrations and in-game items, enriching the overall narrative experience and immersion in the game world.

Another exciting feature of the remaster is the inclusion of Angelic Buster’s in-game performances, featuring tracks like Shining Heart, Fly Away, and Star Bubble. These songs capture the essence of Angelic Buster and are poised to become favourites within the Maple World.

MapleStorySEA’s DREAMER update is a not-to-be-missed event that revitalises one of its most beloved characters. The update invites both longtime fans and new players to explore the refreshed and enriched world of Angelic Buster. 

For more detailed information and to experience the update firsthand, download MapleStorySEA and visit the official patch notes for a comprehensive guide to all the new features.

This update marks a significant milestone in MapleStorySEA’s ongoing evolution, offering a richer, more engaging gaming experience that celebrates both innovation and nostalgia. Join the legion of Maplers in welcoming back Angelic Buster in her most stunning form yet!

Natalie

Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.

The post MapleStorySEA’s Angelic Buster Remaster: New Skills, Looks, & Story In DREAMER Update appeared first on Geek Culture.

First impressions carry weight, and it especially rings true for new launches or releases riding on high levels of expectations. After all, looks are what first catches the eye in a fast-growing, ever-changing landscape, where a strong visual identity offers the advantage of standing out and getting ahead of the pack. 

It’s a sentiment that extends to the gaming scene, and which Zenless Zone Zero, or ZZZ, embraces in its entirety. The upbeat romp has established a reputation for being a visual knockout even before launch, soaked in a snazzy flair that wouldn’t be out of place in a Persona game. Flashy combat finds a home amid the bold, lively strokes of an urban-dipped brush, lending futuristic polish to a post-apocalyptic world. 

Yet, it also clings strongly to nostalgia. The old-school arcade machines, payphones, and VCR tapes of yesteryear are a welcome trip down the memory lane, but the retro-modern blend is perhaps a parallel to its place in the real world. Hailing from HoYoverse, of Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail fame, Zenless Zone Zero has big shoes to fill, tied down to the studio’s consistent track record. 

Together with its strikingly forward presentation, this action role-playing game represents a collision between the past and future – though one wouldn’t be able to tell from the neoteric-tinted onset. The distinct identity breaks away from the company’s mould, bringing a fresh and enthralling experience that won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. Give it some time to steep, however, and pockets of charm will surface.

Set in a post-apocalyptic futuristic haven called New Eridu, the urban fantasy puts players in the role of a Proxy, a character who aids other characters in exploring Hollows, alternate dimensions used by foreign entities known as the Ethereal to travel out into the human world. Having wiped most of humanity out, these hostile invaders are the common enemy of the remaining population, who survived the onslaught by extracting their technology and resources.

Joining in the continued fight against the Ethereal and other enemies is a roster of companions that can be recruited into the Proxy’s team. Similar to Honkai Impact 3rd, which came before Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, Zenless Zone Zero features a three-member party system and a more action-heavy combat approach. Combo chains, dodging, and tag-team attacks are all par for the course, forming the basics of gameplay.

The first thing to note is that enemies are only encountered within the Hollows, accessible via the Hollow Deep Dive System (HDD). Upon deployment, agents will have to defeat free-roaming foes in a fixed area and complete objectives along the way. These event sequences unfold differently based on their categorisation, of which three are included under the combat banner: Rally, Challenge, and well, Combat.

For starters, Rally Commissions (as they are called in-game) involve navigating continuous mini-open-zone stages, fending off enemies in waves, and entering Special Fissures that unlock hidden paths or a boss showdown. The former offers a chance to earn bonus rewards by detouring players to various challenges that range from Coin Races, Joint Assault, or One Punch, where commission features and perks, picked up en route to the final destination, can prove advantageous. 

The boss encounter, available at the Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert difficulty levels, ends the current activity immediately once all enemies have been defeated. Unlike the usual horde, these hostile forces are armed with unique combat styles and attacking patterns, so it’s recommended to exercise some caution. Meanwhile, the Challenge and Combat listings are standard, more straightforward battling fare – pop in, cleave through enemies, and emerge victorious in the shortest time possible. 

As an action RPG, Zenless Zone Zero inherits various mainstay elements from the genre, such as Perfect Dodge, hack-and-slash mechanics, and stun effects. But it also brings its own spin to the system with Perfect Assist, Assist Attack, elemental weaknesses, and more, which elevates gameplay beyond just button mashing and an added layer of strategy. 

Here’s how everything comes together. A Basic Attack comprises a string of strikes (usually three to five), where executing full combos maximises energy recharge and damage. With each successful hit, enemies accumulate Daze and become stunned when the bar is full, rendering them immobile and more susceptible to damage.

Players are free to switch between agents at will, but should especially do so after landing a heavy attack on foes to trigger a chain attack. It will automatically run its course when there are two or more agents in the party, dishing out fairly devastating damage and contributing to Decibel Rating buildup. The latter can be filled up by carrying out all combat actions, including dodge counters and Assist Follow-Ups, and is used to unleash an Ultimate at full charge. There’s a catch, though – the gauge is shared between allies, so it’d be best to save it for the one member whose attacks are most impactful. 

Then, there are the special attacks. These are unique to each character, and can be activated at any time without cooldown, though there’s little value in using them as they are. The situation changes when it enters an enhanced state (EX Skill Variant) after building up enough energy, bringing a heavy attack effect that launches into a chain attack once used on a fully dazed enemy. 

Perfect Dodge, meanwhile, will prove familiar to genre veterans, triggering when agents avoid a strike at the right time. Following up with an immediate Basic Attack prompts a Dodge Counter with a heavy attack effect, but it isn’t the only counterattack available in Zenless Zone Zero. Switching characters right before some enemy attacks – indicated by a flash of gold – hit segues into a Perfect Assist, in which the substitute agent consumes an Assist Point to execute a Defensive or Evasive Assist. 

Think parrying in action contemporaries such as Devil May Cry or even Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, but with the flourish of the Assist feature in Marvel vs Capcom and the difficulty dialled down for accessibility. A total of three consecutive Perfect Assists can be pulled off within a certain period, and a Perfect Dodge will be automatically performed in the case of insufficient Assist Points. 

In play, the combat system works great. Chaining up combos feels fluid on the battlefield, accompanied by a crisp, satisfying sensation that follows each successful maneuver. There’s a steady rhythm to the display of clean, crunchy blows, reminiscent of fighting games (the influence of Street Fighter pulses strongly, indeed), nimble dodging, and the slick, near- instantaneous transition between team members. 

Keeping in line with the title’s striking aesthetics, character animations unfold in a flashy and stylish manner, making tag-team and Ultimate attacks a gloriously fun sight to behold. It’s easy to be drawn in by the thrill of the battle, with higher difficulty levels promising an enjoyable, high-octane experience. More notably, each brawler feels distinctly different to control, boasting a skill set and attack style that matches their design.

Ben the Bigger, for instance, moves and swings slower than most, but can take more hits, just as his tanky statue would suggest. Similarly, Nekomiya’s high-speed claw attacks reflect her cat-like tendencies, while Billy Kid’s far-ranged expertise aligns with his signature dual guns. Every agent is assigned to an element, known as Attribute, and a fighting style, the former of which comprise Electric, Fire, Physical, Ice, and Ether. Meanwhile, the latter pairs Support, Attack, Anomaly, or Stun with Strike, Slash, or Pierce.

The Attribute system is a concept that Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail fans will find comfort in, serving as counters to the Ethereal, Mechanical, and Humanoid enemy types. Unlike its cousins, Zenless Zone Zero favours mono-Attribute teams, though players are encouraged to play around with the team synergies and see which best suits their play style. 

It’s worth noting that there’s an evident strength difference between S and A-rank characters, especially since Zenless Zone Zero, in classic HoYoverse fashion, features gacha elements. However, the power creep will likely be less of an issue here, as the action-heavy lean puts more emphasis on reaction time. Clearing higher difficulty stages is entirely possible with a full A-ranked team; it just takes more time and effort.  

As noted during the latest closed beta test, the combat experience is highly manageable in the early to middle stages, to the point where some may find it too easy. But that’s the point – the upcoming adventure is designed to be beginner-friendly and easy to pick up, delivering accessibility in spades. In fact, a fourth companion can be brought into battle for additional aid: the Bangboo, an adorable rabbit-thing robot capable of dealing damage, healing allies, boosting stats, and the like, depending on type.

Two particular characters stood out in the review build, Zhu Yuan (Ether, Attack-Pierce) and Ellen Joe (Ice, Attack-Slash). Combining sleek, hard-hitting gun-fu moves with ranged attacks, Zhu Yuan is the only S-Rank with an Ether Attribute, cementing her value as a whirlwind of athleticism on the field. Ellen Joe, meanwhile, proves to be similarly fleet-footed and combo-stacked, bringing impressive damage output and gameplay flexibility. 

Zenless Zone Zero will launch with 15 playable agents at launch, with the pair featured on the first and second half of the limited-time banner, respectively. Like all of HoYoverse titles, the game introduces standard and event-exclusive banners, guaranteeing an S-Rank after 50 pulls for first-timers. W-Engines, equippable cores that grant additional stats and passive abilities, and Bangboos are included in the pool as well. 

For all that combat is well-executed, there are some minor points to highlight. Firstly, the default key for member-switching is bound to Shift, typically used for sprinting, instead of a more intuitive button like the Space Bar, which would be assigned to ‘jump’, a feature missing in the game. The mapping system is also very basic, so non-keyboard assignments, including M3 and M4, or the side buttons on a mouse, won’t be available for PC users.

Additionally, there’s no stopping combo attacks but they can be interrupted by enemies; this may cause slight frustration during busier stages, especially on mobile. Having tried both platforms, the difference in gameplay is prominently felt, with the smaller display on smartphones and reduced field of vision presenting difficulty in tracking the fast-paced action on higher difficulty levels. It’s possible to play the game on the go, of course, so long as performance expectations are adjusted. 

As insignificant as it may appear to be, Zenless Zone Zero could afford to do better in the quality-of-life department. The lack of a ‘next’ or ‘previous’ button means an inability to cycle through menu offerings and navigate the UI easily, so individuals will need to manually click into and out of them. It’s a tedious way to upgrade weapons, characters, stats, and more at one go, and a quick access feature would certainly be welcome. An option to save team compositions could be handy too, instead of having to reassemble one from scratch every time.

While combat is likely to ensue in most cases, what makes Explore and Story Commissions different from Combat tasks is the use of a 2D platformer board held together by TV sets. Players will have to traverse the grid and accomplish objectives, triggering various special events, mechanics, and unavoidable battles along the way. For example, a commission in Chapter 2 incorporates tower defense-esque gameplay, where players have to fend off waves of enemies without losing too many lives. In another, their memorisation skills are put to the test, and answering correctly progresses the stage. 

The experience draws comparison to the Simulated Universe mode in Honkai: Star Rail, with these roguelike elements serving as a fresh breath of air. This extends into the main story quests and character backstories, handsomely packaged into a video archive format, that also reveal quest-specific features. Where Grace’s Agent Story sees players gathering battery charges to power up a heavy machine, Soldier 11’s mission tasks them with pdeploying three transmitters at different areas in the Hollow. 

The novelty doesn’t always work, however. Depending on the stage, exploration can turn into a time-consuming affair if individuals get stuck in the process of problem solving – and a linear path to the finish line certainly exacerbates matters, since there won’t be a workaround. The constant pop-in-and-out, too, can break immersion, especially when it takes place in short bursts (looking at you, fetch quests).

In contrast, the presentation of its content proves effective in holding attention. Zenless Zone Zero may go a little hard on the exposition at times, but compensates for it with stylish manga panels and animated sequences that unravel, bit by bit, the overarching plot. A special mention is reserved for the voice acting here, coming from a hands-on preview held in Singapore devoid of voice work – then, the characters came across as colourful with a strong sense of individuality, but lacked a personal connection. The review build stoked the flames of affection, offering a second chance to experience their stories through a more emotional and humanised lens. 

Despite the futuristic, technologically-forward sheen, Zenless Zone Zero is partially rooted in a sense of normalcy. New Eridu oozes a comforting mix of cyberpunk-ish modernity and nostalgia, allowing players to explore an area within a fixed range. Sixth Street is where Random Play, a videotape rental store and the Proxies’ store can be found, serving as the main base of operations.

The game limits exploration to a two-dimensional plane and their chosen Proxy, Belle (female) or Wise (male), with a day divided into four periods: Morning, Afternoon, Evening, and Midnight. From eating ramen and drinking coffee, both of which can restore energy or grant buffs, to playing games at the arcade, the lived-in hub buzzes with various activities, side quests, and places of interest to visit.

Take remodelling shop Turbo for instance, catering to all Bangboo needs by offering and unlocking upgrades. Apart from interacting with NPCs and familiar agents, individuals should keep an eye out for Missing Mini Cargo Trucks, the game’s version of treasure, hidden details, broken Bangboos that can be repaired by solving a simple puzzle, and cats, of course.

Completing side quests leaves players with a reward from Officer Mewmew, while texting agents – upon completing their Agent Story and meeting a list of prerequisites – prompts a meet-up, which increases the friendship metre.

The environment design of Sixth Street is intricate, and the detail bleeds into other areas as well. Where the former is vibrant and bustling with life, Scott Outpost, a military camp with Hollow Zero access, oozes a more serious air and adopts a dreary, dystopian look. Brant Street, filled with construction items, gives off the feeling of constant activity, and it’s these distinct traits that allows each location to stand out in their own cohesive way. 

Quick travel in Zenless Zone Zero is convenient, if a double-edged sword. While players are able to hop from one place to another with the Travel function, the lack of an open setting and the limited movement may dull one’s interest and incentive for exploration. Still, credit must be given where it’s due – the fantasy romp continues to deliver the HoYoverse musical guarantee, dishing out upbeat, head-bopping soundtracks that weave distorted instrumentals into an electronic sound fabric of EDM, rap, and synthwave.

Perhaps the biggest gripe are the lull periods. Mirroring the early-stage experience in Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, story progression is locked behind level requirements, opening up a window to complete more commissions, challenges, and other game modes. Some of them come with hidden or unlisted prerequisites, though, and won’t be accessible immediately, limiting options to daily or mundane tasks. Unsurprisingly, this sense of repetition grows old quickly, sullying the rinse-and-repeat cycle with dull monotony.

Due to its live-service nature, the extent of its narrative potential cannot be accurately determined. As of Chapter 3, the story has picked up in a way that sparks a little curiosity, though not enough to warrant a commitment, leaving behind an air of cautious optimism. There are traces of the HoYoverse spirit (“You slay, girl! The last move ate it up,” says an NPC in Zhu Yuan’s Agent Story, preserving the modern, Gen Z-type humour that spans all of its titles), and relentless grinding, alongside item farming, will almost certainly be present. 

At its core, though, Zenless Zone Zero represents a commendable, bold leap into new territory.  There’s plenty to praise about its aesthetic language, from the urban streetwear influence and the crisp animation, to the way everything blends in so effortlessly. A combination of substance and style, the game has proven it possible to look and play good, taking off with a strong and promising start. The action-focused experience may be less of a motivating factor for some, and that’s fine – it just means plenty more stylish combat for fans to soak in.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post Zenless Zone Zero – Review appeared first on Geek Culture.

When it originally launched in 2021, Shin Megami Tensei V marked a significant growth in the franchise’s role-playing game (RPG) formula, placing a heavier emphasis on platforming, exploration, and discovery. Yet, there was more that could be done to progress the series in terms of improving upon archaic design choices such as confusing map layouts, cumbersome navigation, fixed save points, and poor difficulty pacing. These elements highlighted the need for further refinement to fully meet modern gaming expectations.

Thankfully, developer Atlus recognises the value in fine-tuning and enhancing their titles, as seen in games like Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse and Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux. This commitment is also evident in the polished iterations of Shin Megami Tensei’s sibling series Persona, with Persona 5 Royal and Persona 3 Reload and following this trend, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is an updated and expanded relaunch of the 2021 classic, and introduces a wealth of quality-of-life improvements, new plot points, and fresh mechanics. 

Collectively, these advances make Vengeance the definitive way to experience the latest chapter in the Shin Megami Tensei series.

One of the biggest additions to Vengeance is the Canon of Vengeance story path, which can be followed right from the game’s earliest moments. If this is your first dive into Shin Megami Tensei V’s world of Da’at, fret not — the original Canon of Creation story is still available. However, Vengeance takes the original story and blasts off into something completely different, including new characters, as well as a bunch of fresh endings to chase.

This new path introduces Yoko Hiromine, a student from another school trained in exorcism, who harbours a grudge against her institution. She appears early on and actually becomes a character you can control in your party for a big chunk of the game. Plus, old pals like Tao Isonokami get more involved too, joining your crew earlier and sticking around for the ride.

Vengeance cranks the difficulty of Shin Megami Tensei‘s classic turn-based combat way up, even though the game is still all about figuring out enemy weaknesses and building your demon team to exploit them. But things get more brutal in Vengeance, even on normal difficulty, and enemies can demolish you in a single turn if you’re not careful. It’s punishing, but that’s what makes the combat addictive — it pushes you to master the system, making the victories feel more rewarding.

Vengeance has also thrown in a bunch of awesome features that make the game smoother and more enjoyable. For instance, the new Demon Haunt hub area at save points allows you to interact with your demons (complete with unique dialogue for each demon), sometimes receiving items or stat boosts from them. This hub also grants free bonus stat points to boost the player character’s attributes as you progress.

When it comes to exploration, the massive, maze-like overworlds become easier to navigate with a handy bird’s-eye view so you can plan your route and find those hidden areas. Shortcuts called Magatsu Rails have also been sprinkled throughout the world, allowing players to zip across the map or reach secret spots faster. And the best part? You can now save anywhere, so no more losing hours of progress after a brutal enemy encounter.

Overall, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a substantial upgrade to the original, offering almost an entirely new experience. This expansion builds on the original with a completely new story path featuring fresh characters and a deeper dive into the world. The combat still tests your skills, but quality-of-life improvements make exploration less frustrating. Whether you’re a fan or a newcomer, Vengeance offers a compelling reason to return to (or discover) this dark and rewarding RPG world.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.

Edwin Teo

Edwin has been writing about gaming and entertainment news for almost a decade, and has loved video games, comic books, and movies longer than that. He loves interesting stories, immersive world-building, and adorable monsters.

The post Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance – Review appeared first on Geek Culture.

Originally released for the Apple II back in 1989, side-scrolling platform action game Prince of Persia turned into a massive franchise that has since spawned a reboot, a modern reimagining, a movie and now, a game that shares visual and gameplay elements, along with a name to the original, but with no actual connection to the original whatsoever. Developed by Evil Empire (a development team that spun out of Motion Twin, the studio behind Dead Cells) and published by Ubisoft, The Rogue Prince of Persia leaps into the early access scene with the kind of gusto that demands attention, even if it did look before leaping.

Initially scheduled for release via Steam’s early access programme on 14 May 2024, the launch was postponed to avoid conflict with the surprise release of Supergiant Games’ Hades II on 6 May. However, The Rogue Prince of Persia is a different beast. Like Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown earlier this year, this game harkens back to the franchise’s 2D side-scrolling platformer roots, but instead of Metroidvania elements, The Rogue Prince of Persia opts to go down the roguelike/lite route instead, and the Dead Cells DNA is readily apparent.

From the moment you step into the shoes of the titular Prince, The Rogue Prince of Persia throws you into a labyrinth of procedurally generated levels teeming with deadly enemies and captivating corners to explore. It’s a testament to the game’s slick level design and tight controls that moving around the environments never feels boring. Indeed, one of the most satisfying moments of the game comes from using a combination of wall running and jumping to scale up a level while dispatching enemies in one swift acrobatic motion.

Notably, players can occasionally find traversal rooms that they can enter. These self-contained rooms present more challenging obstacles and platforming puzzles to overcome, with a reward waiting at the end. The game’s responsive and fluid movement mechanics mean that every perfectly timed run, swing, and lunge is within your grasp — if you have the skill.

Combat feels equally engaging, offering a bunch of ways to tackle the various enemies that litter a level. In addition to short and long-ranged weapons, the Prince can dodge and kick enemies, sending them flying off ledges, into other enemy groups, or into environmental hazards. Each weapon and power-up discovered along the way offers unique advantages and strategies, encouraging players to experiment and find their perfect playstyle.

Visually, The Rogue Prince of Persia is a wonderful treat. Its detailed comic book-like art style breathes life into a mysterious world with vivid colours and smooth animations. The game employs a striking contrast of hues enhanced by the unique thick-and-thin black outlines characteristic of cel-shaded artwork. Each biome is meticulously crafted, offering distinct aesthetics that build upon the game’s expansive world and narrative. The atmospheric soundtrack, featuring frenetic strumming and synth beats reminiscent of Middle Eastern streets, perfectly complements the visuals, setting a lively mood fit for the adventure.

Being in early access, The Rogue Prince of Persia is not without its rough edges. There are noticeable loading times, of between four to six seconds between each level, taking away from the game’s momentum. In addition, the framerate dips significantly during loading screens such as when entering the first biome and after a death. Thankfully, these take place at the bookends of a gameplay session, so it doesn’t really affect the actual meat of the game.

Furthermore, the game could certainly benefit from more variety. The touted procedurally generated levels are designed to keep the gameplay fresh and exciting, pushing players to adapt and refine tactics with each attempt. Yet, there were instances where levels in a new run felt familiar and repetitive. While the game currently features eight main weapons, six long-range tools, and 30 trinkets, which grant and enhance the Prince’s abilities, there’s a similar yearning for more diversity when the same few weapons and trinkets tend to appear a bit too frequently.

Other quibbles include the inability to save in the middle of a run and the lack of a meaningful story. The Rogue Prince of Persia sees the Prince on a fairly straightforward mission to defend his people from the shamanic Huns. Interacting with non-player characters, particularly across runs, very quickly hits a wall and leads them to repeat the same dialogue.

Moreover, as a roguelite, there aren’t many opportunities to power up your character outside of runs. Sure, you can craft new weapons and tools that will show up in your journey, as well as pick between two paths to start your run, but there’s little else to do in the hub area that the Prince awakens in after each death. The progression comes from mastering the controls and simply getting better at the game.

Overall, these are minor hiccups, and Evil Empire is committed to expanding the game with regular updates. If the extensive content and responsiveness to player feedback seen in Dead Cells are any indication, there’s a bright future ahead for The Rogue Prince of Persia. It will be interesting to see how the game evolves throughout its time in early access as it progresses towards its full release.

Edwin Teo

Edwin has been writing about gaming and entertainment news for almost a decade, and has loved video games, comic books, and movies longer than that. He loves interesting stories, immersive world-building, and adorable monsters.

The post Geek Review: The Rogue Prince of Persia (Early Access) appeared first on Geek Culture.

Three years after its debut on the Epic Games Store, the Kingdom Hearts series is finally due to hit Steam. The beloved meeting of Square Enix JRPG and classic Disney characters will be available on the platform for the first time starting 13 June — and with multiple games to boot.

According to the official announcement post, this collection includes the entire “Dark Seeker Saga”, namely Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind. There’s also an option for the Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece bundle, comprising all of the above compilations.

But as those in the gaming community would know, the series is notorious for its convoluted uh, almost everything, from story to naming conventions. To keep track of the list, here’s what comes in each collection:

• Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX
  • Kingdom Hearts Final Mix
  • Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories
  • Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days
  • Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix
  • Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix
  • Kingdom Hearts Re:coded
• Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue
  • Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD
  • Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A fragmentary passage –
  • Kingdom Hearts X Back Cover (movie)
• Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind
  • Kingdom Hearts III
  • Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind DLC

Notably, Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX features “textural updates to its graphics”. Those who purchase Kingdom Hearts III + ReMind DLC or the Integrum Masterpiece bundle will additionally receive a Steam-exclusive Keyblade called Dead of Night. A trailer featuring a newly recorded version of the series’ theme song, “Simple and Clean” is set to premiere on 21 May at 8.01 am PT / 11.01 am ET (11 pm SGT), which can be viewed below.

The long-running JPRG debuted on the PlayStation 2 in 2002, and currently spans 13 titles across multiple platforms. A fourth mainline entry is in the works, with the previously announced Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link mobile game slated to launch on iOS and Android devices in 2024.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post ‘Kingdom Hearts’ Saga Gets 13 Jun Release On Steam appeared first on Geek Culture.

The reign of God of War on Steam has come to an end. Less than a week after its arrival on PC, Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Tsushima is now PlayStation’s biggest single-player title on the platform — and second only to multiplayer juggernaut Helldivers 2.

According to Valve, the feudal Japan-set title peaked at 77,154 concurrent players on Steam, above the latter’s all-time high of 73,529. Arrowhead’s co-op shooter continues to top the chart with a 458,709 concurrent player count, becoming the fastest-selling PlayStation game to date after selling 12 million copies across PS5 and Steam in just 12 weeks.

Still, it’s still an impressive feat for Ghost of Tsushima, considering that it’s unavailable in countries and territories with no PlayStation Network (PSN). This comes after Sony introduced a a PSN account-linking requirement for online multiplayer and the PlayStation overlay on PC, resulting in a “beta” label for the game’s cross-play functionality. In turn, its co-op online multiplayer mode, Legends, won’t have automatic cross-play.

Following the release of the PC version, Sucker Punch took to X/Twitter to thank Nixxes Software for “their outstanding work” on the port. Your technical expertise has been invaluable in making our first-ever PC release a reality,” said the studio. “We couldn’t possibly have asked for a better partner.”

Other notable successful Sony titles on PC include Marvel’s Spider-Man, The Last of Us Part 1, and Horizon Zero Dawn. God of War: Ragnarok will reportedly join the list next, with no word still on a Bloodborne PC port.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post ‘Ghost of Tsushima’ Topples ‘God of War’ As PlayStation’s Biggest Single-Player Steam Launch appeared first on Geek Culture.

This summer, MapleStorySEA will roll out a suite of updates that promise an exhilarating experience for players, alongside a celebration of its 19th Anniversary. Starting this May, fans can dive into a variety of new features designed to enhance gameplay and provide hours of entertainment.

The excitement begins on 29 May with the much-anticipated return of Shining Idol Angelic Buster in a remastered version, enhancing the character’s playability and introducing an exclusive collaboration with Lucid for players in Southeast Asia. 

This update revamps outdated skills, strengthening the concept of utilising Escada’s power and transforming her into the ultimate battlefield idol. The MapleStorySEA in-game celebration will also integrate K-Pop elements reminiscent of Angelic Buster’s promotional activities in Korea with her Shining Heart single, offering a unique blend of gaming and music culture.

Concurrently, MapleStorySEA will host a vibrant summer festival featuring the beloved character Lucid from 29 May to 20 August. While details remain under wraps, the event promises to be a joyful, sparkling celebration lasting 12 weeks.

New Features

Another major highlight is the Hyper Burning+ system, which allows players to accelerate their leveling process dramatically. 

Starting 29 May, the Tera Blink – where newly-created characters after Level 10 gain two extra levels for every level up until Level 200 –  combined with Hyper Burning+ systems will enable players to quickly reach up to Level 260. The initiative includes an updated tutorial and special hunting missions to facilitate rapid progression effortlessly through early levels, accompanied by Spiegelmann’s Growth Guide, which offers exciting content missions to further boost player development.

On 10 July, MapleStorySEA will introduce new 6th Job Skills, adding two new skills per class to expand combat capabilities and promote significant growth in character development.

• 6th Job Mastery Skills: Each class will receive a second Mastery skill to further enhance their combat prowess.
• 6th Job Common Skills: The first universal skill available to all classes, which provides a significant boost to overall growth and character development.

The same day will also mark the debut of the Union Artifact System, a groundbreaking feature that enhances the growth of multiple characters simultaneously. By completing daily and weekly missions, players can unlock extraordinary rewards, leveraging the collective strength of their characters to improve overall combat effectiveness.

19th Anniversary Offline Event In Kuala Lumpur

To celebrate a momentous 19 years of MapleStorySEA adventures, an exclusive offline event awaits in Malaysia. From 21 to 23 June, the IOI CITY MALL in Kuala Lumpur will host the celebration, featuring trivia challenges, art booths, a themed photo booth, and numerous stage activities. Attendees will also have the opportunity to acquire exclusive merchandise and in-game items.

These updates and events underscore MapleStorySEA’s commitment to delivering a rich, engaging summer experience for its players. For more detailed information and updates, players are encouraged to visit the official MapleStorySEA website.

Natalie

Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.

The post MapleStorySEA 19th Anniversary Celebration: Shining Idol, Burning-Fast Leveling, New Events & More appeared first on Geek Culture.

As competition continues to heat up in the growing handheld PC space, ASUS is looking to bring things up a notch. The ROG Ally proved to be a worthy contender to the Steam Deck, and it’s ready to level up with new revised iteration: the ROG Ally X.

Teased in a brief ROG stream, the successor will be available in a new black colourway. It’s not a ROG Ally 2 — the device is set to ship with the same AMD Z1 Extreme chipset and seven-inch 120Hz display, but battery life has been upgraded. Additionally, users can expect some tweaks to storage options, redesigned joystick modules, and a more repair-friendly design.

“Not everything is changing but there are significant improvements across the board,” said ASUS employee Jake Kulinksi. “The battery has been improved, and it’s not a small battery improvement. Improvements to storage, RAM, ports and maybe other physical changes to the device itself.”

Details are light for now, with a full reveal scheduled for 2 June. According to The Verge, the ROG Ally X will start at a higher price than the original. The SD card slot has also reportedly been moved.

Meanwhile, a new version of Armoury Crate is expected to launch sometime in July. Apart from some new tabs and navigation tools, the software will allow users to share controller mapping profiles, similar to the Steam Deck.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post ASUS Teases Revised ROG Ally X Handheld PC With Bigger Battery And Tweaks, But No Performance Upgrade appeared first on Geek Culture.