Siliconera

Review: Ultros Is a Psychedelic Trip With a Familiar Formula

1 month 2 weeks ago

Ultros review

I'm a very visual person. The first thing I notice about any kind of medium is how good it looks. I've put down comic books, games, and movies I otherwise liked because the art didn't hit right. Inversely, I've also enjoyed things I otherwise may not have because I love the style. Although, of course, the ideal would be good art and something enjoyable. Luckily, Ultros fell on the high end of that spectrum.

Ultros is a psychedelic sci-fi Metroidvania that takes place inside something called The Sarcophagus. The main character seemingly crash-landed on this entity or vessel. As a result, she becomes entangled in the overarching narrative of events unfolding there. From a storyline perspective, that's really as in depth as I feel I can go without starting to spoil things.

The instant appeal of the art style cannot be overstated. I don't think I've ever seen a game lean this heavily into a psychedelic aesthetic like Ultros. The world, the characters, and the UI all stand out and are simply dripping with style. Such excellence is unsurprising given Niklas Åkerblad, also known as El Huervo, spearheaded the art direction. For those unaware, Åkerblad did the critically acclaimed cover art for both Hotline Miami games. However, there are accessibility options to turn down saturation or blur the background. This way even if you feel the colors and everything on screen is too much, you can adjust to your taste. I always appreciate when devs include this sort of forethought when designing their games.

Author
Cory Dinkel

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Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Edward, Alphonse, and Winry Nendoroids Coming

1 month 2 weeks ago

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Edward, Alphonse, and Winry Nendoroids Coming

As part of the WonHobby 38 announcements, Good Smile Company showed the Winry Rockbell Nendoroid, the Edward Elric Nendoroid Doll, and revealed Ed and Alphonse Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood “Final Episode” Nendoroids. All four are in various stages of development. 

We first learned about the Ed Nendoroid Doll back in November 2023. The version of it that appeared at the event is much farther along in development. It was a fully painted prototype, with the outfit complete as well.

Here’s how that looks:

Author
Jenni Lada

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Here’s the Story of Seasons Nendoroid of Harvest Moon Staple Claire

1 month 2 weeks ago

Here’s the Story of Seasons Nendoroid of Harvest Moon Staple Claire

Good Smile Company offered an update on its first Story of Seasons Nendoroid of classic Harvest Moon protagonist Claire at WonHobby 38. This time, the character appeared as an unpainted prototype at the event. 

The official update essentially recreates the concept art shared back in July 2023. That showed the farmer avatar holding a turnip, one of the series’ most iconic crops. The figure is wearing her overalls, has a smiling expression, and has the turnip in her hands. No farm animals, like a cow or chicken, appeared alongside the prototype in the photograph. 

Here’s how Claire is looking so far:

Author
Jenni Lada

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See the Fate/Grand Order Prototype Figure of Usada Pekora

1 month 2 weeks ago

See the Fate/Grand Order Prototype Figure of Usada Pekora

Back in July 2023, Aniplex announced it’d release an Usada Pekora figure that put her in the Shielder Mash Kyrielight outfit from Fate/Grand Order. Now following Wonder Festival 2024 Winter, we have a better idea of how that may look thanks to a figure prototype that appeared at the event. 

Aniplex took to social media to share a first shot of it. It only showed up as an unpainted prototype. Pekora will be wearing a replica of Mash’s outfit and carrying her shield. There will also be a Pekomon mascot alongside her. The Pekomon seems to look like it normally does.

Here’s a closer look at the Fate/Grand Order Usada Pekora as Mash Kyrielight figure prototype:

https://twitter.com/aniplex_plus/status/1756503319177011672

Author
Jenni Lada

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What Do You Think Is the Best Shonen Jump Manga of All Time?

1 month 2 weeks ago

Hunter x Hunter Nen x Impact Fighting Game Teaser Trailer Revealed

Shonen Jump manga series are icons, with stories like Dragon Ball, One Piece, Naruto, Spy x Family, Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer, and others telling some of the best stories people can see in the medium. It's difficult, and perhaps impossible, to play favorites. So this week, we felt it'd be a good time to consider some of the titles we feel are the best of all time to us personally and recommend them to others.

While Yu Yu Hakusho is iconic and tremendously influential, I can't in good faith choose that over Hunter x HunterHunter x Hunter is amazingly written, with so many great fights and interesting characters. The Chimera Ant Arc was, admittedly, ridiculously long. But the payoff? Oh my God. I've never read or felt something like that ever from a Shonen Jump manga and I probably never will again. That, for me, ranks it higher than other great series like Gintama. And before the One Piece fans mob me in the comments: yes, I'm sure One Piece has amazing story arcs too but I just can't get past Skypeia, okay? -- Stephanie

Author
Jenni Lada

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See You in My 19th Life Is a Fascinating Reincarnation Manhwa

1 month 2 weeks ago

See You in My 19th Life Is a Fascinating Reincarnation Manhwa

There are certain manga and manhwa series that have grown in popularity over the last few years, and the reincarnation genre is one of them. In these, typically the hero or heroine is reincarnated, aware of their past, and use that knowledge to move forward. With Yen Press’ See You in My 19th Life, we get a story from Lee Hey that expresses the exhaustion of such a thing, as well as a reignited desire.

See You in My 19th Life actually begins with Juwon Yun’s 18th reincarnation, rather than the 19th we’re hearing about in the title of the manhwa. It sets the stage by showing the detachment that comes from living so many times and remembering each experience, as well as it making her rather well known for her maturity and intelligence. She seems fine with coasting through things, especially as this time she is a daughter in a wealthy family. However, when she’s 12 she meets a spirited little boy named Seoha Mun, as her mother is friends with his terminally ill mother and she’s brought to spend time with him in the hopes her maturity rubs off on him.

Author
Jenni Lada

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No Nijisanji Figures Appear on English or Chinese WonHobby 38 Sites 

1 month 2 weeks ago

No Nijisanji Figures on English, Chinese Good Smile Company WonHobby Sites

Both the English and Chinese versions of the Good Smile Company WonHobby 38 sites don’t show any Nijisanji figures, while the Japanese version and social media account account for the new Nendoroids. Six of them were announced at the February 11, 2024 event in Japan. 

There are six Nijisanji Vtubers from the Japanese branch getting their own Nendoroids in Japan. Of them, two are from the same generation. They’re Ange Katrina and Inui Toko. The other four are Fuwa Minato, Kagami Hayato, Kaida Haru, and Kenmochi Toya

Here’s the gallery featuring the announcement images Good Smile Company shared in Japan. 

Author
Jenni Lada

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See New Hololive Ina’nis, Lui, Iroha, and Kanata Vtuber Figures

1 month 2 weeks ago

Vtuber figures See New Hololive Ina'nis, Lui, Iroha, and Kanata Vtuber Figures

As usual with the WonHobby 38 announcements, Good Smile Company showed a bunch of Hololive Vtuber figures. This time there was an Amane Kanata Pop Up Parade figure, Takane Lui and Kazama Iroha Nendoroids, and a Ninomae Ina’nis figure.

Some of these new figures appeared further along in development than others. For example, both the Lui and Iroha Hololive Nendoroids appeared as painted prototypes. Each one looked nearly completely done. The Iroha one also appeared holding a sword. Both are part of the Secret Society holoX generation in the Japanese branch.

Here’s how those two Nendoroids are coming along:

Author
Jenni Lada

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There’ll Be a Nendoroid of the Shark from Jaws

1 month 2 weeks ago

There’ll Be a Nendoroid of the Shark from Jaws

One of the more unexpected Nendoroid announcements from Good Smile Company at WonHobby 38 is that one of the shark from Jaws is in the work. It appeared as a painted prototype at the event.

There are honestly very few details about what this shark Nendoroid could look like. This is because the only photo shared is a recreation of the movie poster. It shows the shark rising out of the water, with waves around it, and its gaping mouth heading up. The initial image does show that it will come with a background image of a woman swimming in the water and the movie’s logo at the top. It is known if there will also be a full shark Nendoroid to go with this, or what sorts of possible other face plates or accessories could be paired with it.

Here’s the sole image of the upcoming Jaws figure Good Smile Company shared with us all at the event:

Author
Jenni Lada

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New Kirby and Waddle Dee Nendoroids Ready to Work in a Cafe

1 month 2 weeks ago

New Kirby and Waddle Dee Nendoroids Ready to Work in a Cafe

At WonHobby 38, Good Smile Company showed off Kirby Cafe Nendoroids of Kirby and Waddle Dee. However, these two figures only show up on the Japanese version of the website, with the English version only showing the Pop Up Parade “Karby” version of Kirby as a car from Kirby and the Forgotten Land.

First, here’s how the two Kirby Cafe figures look. Kirby is wearing a chef’s hat and holding a large fork in the unpainted prototype. It also appears it will function like the other Nendoroids based on the character, which means magnets will be in his arms and legs to allow various poses. As for the Waddle Dee, it is holding a dish that looks like another sleeping Waddle Dee under a blanket. It also wears a hat and apron.

Author
Jenni Lada

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Nana Manga and Anime Heroine Nana Osaki Getting a Nendoroid

1 month 2 weeks ago

Nana Manga and Anime Heroine Nana Osaki Getting a Nendoroid

Good Smile Company showed it still remembers the Nana anime and manga by announcing a Nendoroid of heroine Nana Osaki. It appeared at WonHobby 38 on February 11, 2024 in Japan. 

This figure of Nana is still early in development. It only appeared as an unpainted prototype. However, the figure’s pose suggested a more active design. In it, she’s holding a microphone. The face plate used also makes it look like the Black Stones member is singing. 

Here’s a closer look at it.

The announcement only mentioned the one Nana. It didn’t show Nana Komatsu, so it is unknown if “Hachi” could also end up appearing eventually.

Author
Jenni Lada

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See Good Smile Company’s New Street Fighter Chun-Li and Jamie Figures

1 month 2 weeks ago

See Good Smile Company’s New Street Fighter Chun-Li and Jamie Figures

At WonHobby 38, Good Smile Company showed off Street Fighter Chun-Li and Jamie figures. Both of them showed up as unpainted prototypes, suggesting it could be a while before they actually appear for sale. 

The Jamie figure is the latest in the Street Fighter 6 Pop Up Parade line. That collection also includes standard Chun-Li and Juri models and Luke and Kimberly ones that only showed up in a collector’s edition. He’s wearing his standard costume and is in a pose that features him possibly walking toward the viewer. As with all Pop Up Parade figures, it will probably only be 17-18 centimeters tall.

Here’s how that one is starting to shape up.

Author
Jenni Lada

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Next 3 Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Figures Are Figma

1 month 2 weeks ago

Next 3 Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Figures Are Figma

Among the WonHobby 38 reveals of figures were Good Smile Company announcements of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom figma based on Link, Ganondorf, and Zelda. All three are at various stages of development.

The one closest to being done is the Link figma. It appeared as a painted prototype. In it, he’s wearing his blue champion’s tunic, holding the iconic shield, and wielding the Master Sword. This is our first update on it since it was revealed at Anime Expo 2023 in July 2023.

Here’s a closer look at how that’s turning out:

Author
Jenni Lada

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Next Five Nights at Freddy’s Figure Is a Freddy Fazbear Nendoroid

1 month 2 weeks ago

Next Five Nights at Freddy’s Figure Is a Freddy Fazbear Nendoroid

At WonHobby 38, Good Smile Company showed off a Five Nights at Freddy’s figure, highlighting its work on a Freddy Fazbear Nendoroid. It is rather far along in development, as it appeared as a painted prototype at the event.

This latest look only offered an initial example of what to expect from this take on Freddy. He’s wearing a black top hat and bow tie for the figure. The animatronic is also holding a black and silver microphone. As only the one face plate appeared in the example photo, it is unknown if it could come with any jumpscare face plates or accessories.

Here’s a closer look at how the figure is turning out so far:

Author
Jenni Lada

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Marry Yotsuba With the New Quintessential Quintuplets Nendoroid

1 month 2 weeks ago

Marry Yotsuba With the New Quintessential Quintuplets Nendoroid

At WonHobby 38, Good Smile Company shared that people will get to “marry” another Quintessential Quintuplets character, as a Yotsuba Nendoroid in a wedding gown is on the way. She joins a number of her sisters in a line of figures first announced back in November 2023

The Yotsuba Nendoroid will be wearing a pearlescent wedding dress. It is a shorter one that comes to about her knees and has a halter top. She’ll have a flower crown with white roses around her head and no veil. The one face plate shown in the example shows her smiling and blushing.

Here’s a closer look at the upcoming Quintessential Quintuplets Nendoroid.

Author
Jenni Lada

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Yakuza Nendoroids Update Shows New Art for the Like a Dragon Figures

1 month 2 weeks ago

Yakuza Nendoroids Update Shows New Art for the Like a Dragon Figures

While Good Smile Company still hasn’t shown prototypes for the upcoming Yakuza figures, it did offer an update on the Like a Dragon Nendoroids at WonHobby 38. New art for the Kazuma Kiryu, Goro Majima, and Ichiban Kasuga figures appeared.

As a reminder, we already did know all three of these figures are on the way. Good Smile Company first brought them up in October 2023. The announcement came at WonFes 2023 Shanghai. However, at the time it only announced the three were in the works. The reveal included stock art of the character renders for Kiryu, Majima, and Kasuga

What we’re seeing now are the first indications of how the Like a Dragon Nendoroids of the classic Yakuza characters figures could actually look. The new announcements featured concept art for all characters. Kiryu is in his standard grey suit with red shirt. Majima has his snake skin shirt open, as usual. Kasuga’s suggests he’ll wear his red suit with white shirt and come with a barbed wire baseball bat as an accessory.

Here’s the full gallery.

Author
Jenni Lada

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New Persona 5 Royal Joker Nendoroid and Panther, Noir, and Arsene Figures Teased

1 month 2 weeks ago

New Persona 5 Royal Joker Nendoroid and Panther, Noir, and Arsene Figures Teased

Good Smile Company revealed four Persona 5 Royal figures at WonHobby 38, with one being a new Joker Nendoroid and the others being Panther, Noir, and Arsene Pop Up Parade figures. Joker is furthest along in development, as the other three were only just revealed

First, here’s the Joker Nendoroid, which is billed as a more casual School Uniform Version of the Persona 5 Royal protagonist. He’s shown with a neutral, smiling expression in the prototype. One of his pose options will apparently allow him to hold his glasses in his hand, rather than wear them. 

Author
Jenni Lada

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NieR Automata Scale Figure and Nendoroid Dolls in Development

1 month 2 weeks ago

At WonHobby 2024 Winter, Good Smile Company showed a NieR Automata figure of 2B and Nendoroid Dolls of 2B and 9S.

We already knew when WonHobby 38 rolled around, more NieR Automata figures would appear, and now there’s a new scale figure of 2B and 2B and 9S Nendoroid Dolls to see. Good Smile Company showed off all three at the event.

 First, here’s a closer look at the 2B scale figure. It features her standing atop some rubble, with a shattered machine lifeform head on the base. Pod 042 is beside her. It also looks like she might be wielding the sword Virtuous Contract. It only showed up as an unpainted prototype at the event.

Author
Jenni Lada

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Shylily Nendoroid Is One of Good Smile Company’s Next Vtuber Figures

1 month 2 weeks ago

Shylily Nendoroid Is One of Good Smile Company’s Next Vtuber Figures

Good Smile Company once again brought up its Shylily Nendoroid, this time showing how much further along this latest entry in its Vtuber figures is. It appeared at WonHobby 38, this time as a painted prototype.

The company first revealed that Shylily would join its collection back in November 2023. At that point, the figure was still early in development. As such, it only appeared as an unpainted prototype, with people getting a vague idea of how her face plate and attire might look. 

This latest update reveals the figure is much further along in the process. It is now a painted prototype. Everything is done, and people can see it is based on her original Vtuber outfit, which is common for Good Smile Company figures based on performers. It also showed one of her face plates will be a smiling one, in which her two fangs can be shown.

Here’s how the Shylily Nendoroid is coming along.

Author
Jenni Lada

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Next Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Figures Are of Eunie and Mio

1 month 2 weeks ago

Next Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Figures Are of Eunie and Mio

Good Smile Company offered an update on two Xenoblade Chronicles 3 figures at WonHobby 38, with one being the Eunie figma and the other the Mio scale figure. Mio’s painted prototype appeared, while Eunie showed up as an unpainted prototype

We’ve seen this Mio figure before. It first showed up at WonHobby 47 Summer in July 2023. Back then, it was only an unpainted prototype. Now the official website showed how the painted version is coming along. 

Here’s a closer look at Mio.

Author
Jenni Lada

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March 7th Honkai: Star Rail Nendoroid Joining Dan Heng Figure

1 month 2 weeks ago

March 7th Honkai: Star Rail Nendoroid Joining Dan Heng Figure

As part of WonHobby 38, Good Smile Company revealed a new Honkai: Star Rail Nendoroid of March 7th will be the next figure it makes in the series. An unpainted prototype of the character appeared alongside the reveal. 

The official website for the event showed the first art of the figure. March will be wearing her standard outfit for the figure, and not one of the more elaborate ones like the costume that appeared during the Belobog celebration during the story. She’ll also come armed with her bow and arrow as an accessory. Only one face plate was shown in the first photo. 

Here’s a closer look at how the March 7th Honkai: Star Rail Nendoroid is shaping up.

Author
Jenni Lada

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KEMCO’s Knights of Greyfang Offers an Interesting Take on Vampires

1 month 2 weeks ago

KEMCO’s Knights of Greyfang RPG Offers an Interesting Take on Vampires

An occasional KEMCO RPG can be a guilty pleasure of mine from time to time, and I’m always pleased when I find one that sometimes stands out a bit. While Knights of Greyfang might most attract attention from one character’s appearance, I appreciate it for its commitment to making its vampires sort of actually act like vampires.

There’s a fight between humans and monsters in Knights of Greyfang, a common theme for KEMCO RPGs. Except this time around, it isn’t ordinary humans fighting back against the monsters. In an attempt to fight back, the king of the humans gained the ability from their god to turn humans into vampires. Those who have that additional strength can tap into blood from other ordinary people to access greater skills. Now, of course that measure means monsters are now resorting to their own new means of escalating things. Which means Princess Leticia sets out alongside her vampire knight Lise and vampire sorcerer Mylene to save the day. 

Author
Jenni Lada

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Handyman Saitou in Another World 3 Artfully Blends 2 Stories

1 month 2 weeks ago

Handyman Saitou in Another World 3 Artfully Blends 2 Stories

The Handyman Saitou in Another World manga does some interesting things narratively, and volume 3 is no different. This time, it involves Kazutomo Ichitomo artfully blending in two seemingly unrelated stories together.

As usual, one of the storylines involves our trusty party. We see Saitou, Raelza, Lafa, and Morlock leaving the Fortress of the Great Labyrinth after the revelations of the previous volume. After a heart to heart between Saitou and Raelza, it seems like it is back to business as usual. Except… after Saitou, Raelza, and Lafa go on another errand, they come back to find Morlock is dead from an Armored Serpent’s Venom. 

So on that side of the story, we have this new “questline” for them that deals with Morlock’s death and potential revival. It features the sort of humor, heart, and team-building moments as we’ve seen in past chapters. It’s generally a great read, while also offering insight into how revival and magic works in this other world.

Author
Jenni Lada

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VTuber Eilene Defrauded of Over 20 Million Yen, Posts Will

1 month 2 weeks ago

eilene vtuber

VTuber Eilene posted her will on YouTube, explaining that her business partner (H) defrauded her for over 20 million yen (around $134k). She explains in a statement that she is telling her story in hopes that she can prevent someone else going through what she did in the future, and that she wants someone to help her family after she is gone.

The whole message and story is available on both Eilene’s YouTube account and her Twitter (X) account. To summarize, Eilene explains that she created a certain VTuber agency (H) in 2022 and sold her company after she became sick. She sold it to a Chinese person (G) with powerful connections and a lot of money. However, G refused to pay the livers in the agency, as well as insulted VTubers in the company. For a year and a half, Eilene had to work for free and pay the livers out of her own pocket.

Author
Stephanie Liu

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Silent Hill: The Short Message Producer Explained Why It’s Free

1 month 2 weeks ago

Silent Hill: The Short Message Producer Explains Why It’s Free

In a recent interview with Famitsu, Silent Hill: The Short Message Producer and Director Motoi Okamoto talked about the decision to release the game for free. [Thanks, Famitsu!]

During the interview, Okamoto revealed that the original purpose of creating the game was for research and development, and so that younger audiences unfamiliar with the series could access the game easily and without reservations. The developer also said that, while the series has a well-established popularity it hasn’t received a game for more than 10 years, so even if people know the game a lot of them have not played a game.

Additionally, Okamoto mentioned that had Silent Hill: The Short Message been a paid title, the developers might have needed to add more conventional elements to the title such as combat mechanics, or include various different endings.

Author
Daniel Bueno

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Persona Magazine Returns After 5 Years for Persona 3 Reload

1 month 2 weeks ago

Persona Magazine Returns After 5 Years for Persona 3 Reload

Atlus will release a new issue of the Persona Magazine for the first time in 5 years to celebrate the release of Persona 3 Reload. The last issue of Persona Magazine came out in 2019 with the release of Persona 5 Royal. [Thanks, PR Times!]

The main focus of the new magazine is the P3 series, including the latest Persona 3 Reload. Some of the issue's features include interviews with the development team of the latest remake, a new Tartarus Theater four-panel comedy manga, and various appendices with information on the games. A smaller section of the magazine will also include an art gallery for Persona 5 Tactica.

The Persona Magazine #2024 Spring issue is set to be released on March 22, 2024, in Japan, and pre-orders are now open. The regular edition costs 3,300 yen (or about $22.) Meanwhile, the limited edition Ebten DX Pack costs 5,500 yen (~$37,) and it can be pre-ordered from the Atlus Ebten online store. The limited edition includes a tapestry featuring the illustration cover art of the P3R Famitsu issue drawn by Shigeki Soejima.

You can check out the cover for the new issue as well as the tapestry here:

Author
Daniel Bueno

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Dolls Nest Story Trailer Shows Mecha Girl Actions and Customization

1 month 2 weeks ago

Dolls Nest - mecha musume girl customization example

Nitroplus published a new trailer for Dolls Nest. Even though the trailer is officially titled "Dolls Nest Story PV," it also includes a sneak peek of the customization and action gameplay in the upcoming mecha musume/girl action game. The Japanese game publisher has also opened a Steam page for the title.

When Nitroplus uploaded the first teaser trailer in late October 2023, it barely provided any details about Dolls Nest other than that it is slated to appear on Steam. With this new trailer, the studio also announced a 2024 release window for the game.

Users on YouTube and X/Twitter have been comparing Dolls Nest to Armored Core, and the newly published trailer further reinforces that idea. The character customization examples shown in Dolls Nest so far include the spider-like quad legs and tank-like caterpillar treads. Meanwhile, the action gameplay footage features sideway boosts that are used frequently by Armored Core players. The video also teases battles against gigantic machines in a similar fashion to Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon.

Author
Kite Stenbuck

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Bandai Making Splatoon 3 Bath Bombs With Smallfry Figures Inside

1 month 2 weeks ago

Bandai Making Splatoon 3 Bath Bombs With Smallfry Figures Inside

Bandai announced that it will release a new line of Splatoon 3 toys, which consist of Golden Egg Power Egg bath bombs with Smallfry figures inside them. They will debut in Japan on February 26, 2024 for ¥495 (~$3.30). [Thanks, Game Watch!]

In Splatoon 3, there will be times when people will collect Salmonid Power Eggs and Golden Eggs. They feature prominently in Salmon Run. Someone could consider the bath bomb “hatching” when placed in water. It features a chamomile scent as it dissolves. 

Inside the bath bomb will be one of seven different Splatoon 3 Smallfry figures. Each one is designed to resemble the mascot character that accompanies the player during the campaign, right down to the different possible hairstyles a person can set for them. Each one also comes with a green, purple, or yellow ink splatter that can be used as a stand when displaying them. 

Here’s a closer look at all the upcoming figure options:

Author
Jenni Lada

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Interview: Turning Jujutsu Kaisen Into a Fighting Game With Cursed Clash

1 month 2 weeks ago

Interview: Turning Jujutsu Kaisen Into a Fighting Game With Cursed Clash

Given the nature of the series Jujutsu Kaisen, a fighting game based on it only seemed to make sense. And so, now there’s one available worldwide. Siliconera spoke with Jujutsu Kaisen: Cursed Clash Producer Misaki Kai to learn more about how characters were picked and gameplay was implemented for this latest take on the series.

Jenni Lada: When did work start on Jujutsu Kaisen: Cursed Clash?

Misaki Kai:We have talked with Shueisha, the IP owner, for a while regarding the project, but the development itself took around two and a half years.

How familiar were you with the series before you started working on the game?

Kai: Personally, I was already a fan since it was still serialized in JUMP GIGA. I remember how happy I was as a fan when it was later serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump.

There are 16 playable characters in Jujutsu Kaisen: Cursed Clash. How did you determine who would and wouldn’t make it in for this first fighting game?

Author
Jenni Lada

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Ride Kamens Reveal Trailer Shows Multiple Characters and Teams

1 month 2 weeks ago

Ride Kamens reveal artwork

Bandai has published more details about Ride Kamens. The new Kamen Rider-themed mobile game will be available in early summer 2024. Ride Kamens will feature sixteen characters split into five groups.

The company also revealed the game's world setting on the Japanese official website. The player will take the role of an Agent who supports the Kamen Riders while managing the Kamen Cafe and Rider Station as bases of operations.

The characters who can transform into Kamen Riders will be grouped into five different class groups, with each group having its own primary activity area. So far, Bandai has revealed five out of the sixteen total characters. One of them is the character featured in the initial teaser, and he shall now be known as Saigo Mikami.

Here are the Ride Kamens characters known so far—along with their voice actors and affiliations—as listed in the image from left to right:

  • Taiten Takato - Voiced by Jun Fukuyama - Affiliated with Tower Emblem - Residing in Corporation District
Author
Kite Stenbuck

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Pokemon ‘Tadaima’ Anime Short Shows People and Pokemon Heading Home for New Year’s

1 month 2 weeks ago

Pokemon ‘Tadaima’ Anime Short Shows People and Pokemon Heading Home for New Year’s

Ahead of the Lunar New Year, The Pokemon Company International and Hanmu Chunhua (HMCH) shared a new Pokemon anime short called “Tadaima.” The over two and a half minute short features lots of people and their Pokemon heading home to spend time with family and friends for the holiday. 

Every “story” in the Pokemon “Tadaima” short is told entirely without dialogue. For example, around the three second mark we see a young man boxing with a Lucario. At the 1:06 point, that same character reunite with his mother, who then embarrasses him with her concern over a boxing injury to his face. The first portion of the video covers people getting ready or heading out, followed by them all traveling back in different ways. After that, we see folks reunite, all before everyone starts celebrating the Lunar New Year with fireworks, festivals, and loved ones. 

Here’s the full Pokemon “Tadaima” short:

Author
Jenni Lada

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Hololive EN Vtuber Kiara Takanashi Returns Next Week

1 month 2 weeks ago

Hololive EN Vtuber Kiara Takanashi Returns Next Week

Kiara Takanashi, a member of the Hololive English Myth Vtuber group, announced on social media that she expects to return to her activities on February 13, 2024. She went on hiatus in the middle of January 2024. 

Back on January 18, 2024, Kiara noted she’d been taking her first major break to “detox” for the sake of her mental health and well being. At the time, she said it would last for “about 3 weeks.” In her latest update, she said she actually expected to perhaps return between February 10-11, 2024. However, she noted that a technical issue got in the way.

Here’s the Kiara Takanashi tweet teasing her return. She also showed an image showing that she’s also around “watching” ahead of her return.

https://twitter.com/takanashikiara/status/1755673571249004618

Author
Jenni Lada

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Persona 3 Reload Elizabeth’s Compendium Book Appears as Pouch

1 month 2 weeks ago

persona 3 reload elizabeth's compendium pouch

Atlus is selling a pouch that looks like the Compendium book Elizabeth holds in Persona 3 Reload. You can get it from Amazon for around 3,190 JPY (~$21.35).

The pouch is fairly small, with its dimensions clocking in at 135 x 200 x 40 millimeters. You can use it for items like your stationery or make-up. The pouch looks like a book, with an Arcana card charm on the zipper. When you open it inside, there are two main compartments, as well as a sleeve on one side. It’s got a dark blue interior, complete with a pattern of the Velvet Room V and the Arcana mask on the back of the Persona 3 Reload Tarot cards.

Here's a closer look at the book Elizabeth from Persona 3 Reload holds recreated as a bag:

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Stephanie Liu

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Ibuki-Douji Stars in New Fate/Samurai Remnant DLC Trailer

1 month 2 weeks ago

fate/samurai remnant dlc

A new trailer for the first DLC of Fate/Samurai Remnant appeared, with Ibuki-Douji taking the main stage. The DLC “Record’s Fragment: Keian Command Championship” will come out on February 9, 2024.

You can watch the trailer here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOE8StiXRMo

The trailer starts with setting the stage. Gilgamesh has organized a competition for all Masters and Servants to participate in. You’ll be able to play as the other Master teams aside from Iori and Saber, with them interacting with each other and fighting each other in a tournament. Ibuki then shows up as an enemy.

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Stephanie Liu

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Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch Will Add More Romance for Valentine’s Day

1 month 2 weeks ago

Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch Will Add More Romance for Valentine’s Day

Larian Studios announced the next Baldur’s Gate 3 patch will offers some tweaks to the romance options. The developer specifically noticed that kissing will be better when the update arrives the week of February 11, 2024.

There will be three specific additions in the update. While one involves an additional update for people who are building relationships, the other two don’t. If someone is going through the permadeath Honor mode, they will have new Legendary Actions they can get and use. Also, while the kissing will be updated at the camp, there will also be other new actions. These will be idle animations for people you recruited who are hanging around.

While there is no full trailer showing what to expect from the next Baldur’s Gate 3 patch, Larian shared a brief clip showing how the new kissing option looks for romance options. That announcement also confirmed we’ll see bugs squashed in the update as well.

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Jenni Lada

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Foamstars Experiencing Season Pass Bug

1 month 2 weeks ago

Foamstars Experiencing Season Pass Bug

Square Enix took to the official Foamstars social media account to alert people to a Season Pass bug. It’s currently broken, which can keep people from getting items they earned.

To take full advantage of the Season Pass, which is Starry Pop this first season, someone needs to pay $5.99. By going through it, people can earn the ice cream-themed character Melt and an array of cosmetics. However, buying the pass immediately gives someone the character. 

Square Enix didn’t note which tier of the Foamstars Season Pass is broken, but explained the team is working to fix the bug. It also offered an initial solution to potentially repair it. Essentially, it is to exit the game, then start it again. In some cases, this allows someone to get the items they earned and couldn’t before. However, someone can also go into the in-game Options menu and select the Contact option. People go select it in Other can report if they are experiencing the issue.

Foamstars launched on February 6, 2024 for PlayStation Plus subscribers as part of the Essential tier. It is playable on the PS4 and PS5. It will then appear afterward outside the service following that launch in March 2024. 

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Jenni Lada

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FFVII Yuffie, Vincent, Cid, and Cait Sith Bring Arts Action Figures Revealed

1 month 2 weeks ago

FFVII Final Fantasy VII Bring Arts of Vincent and Yuffie

Square Enix revealed new FFVII Bring Arts action figures modeled after Yuffie Kisaragi, Vincent Valentine, Cid Highwind, and Cait Sith with Fat Moogle. The company also opened pre-orders for all four figures on its Japanese web store. It will gradually release the figures between October 2024 and February 2025.

Each action figure will come with an attachable weapon and multiple exchangeable hand parts. Yuffie and Cid's Bring Arts sets will also include an alternate facial expression plate. But despite the varying compositions, all four figures will be available with the same price tag of 13,200 yen (~$88).

Here are some of the sample images for the upcoming FFVII Bring Arts Yuffie, Vincent, Cid, and Cait Sith figures:

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Kite Stenbuck

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Kingdom Hearts Destiny Island Trio Dolls Look Cute

1 month 2 weeks ago

kingdom hearts dolls

Square Enix has opened up pre-orders for little dolls of Sora, Riku, and Kairi from the Kingdom Hearts series. All three dolls will come out on June 8, 2024.

The dolls stand at around 165 x 155 x 200 millimeters. While the pictures on the website are prototypes, which means they might not look exactly the same when they actually come out, the dolls have a very simplified design. With their big eyes and lack of a visible mouth, they actually look quite similar to a Funko Pop. All three dolls seem to use the Kingdom Hearts designs for the characters, with Kairi’s look being the most obvious that it’s from the first game.

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Stephanie Liu

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Street Fighter 6 Ed Gameplay Trailer Shows Boxing With Psycho Power

1 month 2 weeks ago

Street Fighter 6 gameplay - Ed vs Ken

Capcom has published a new Street Fighter 6 gameplay trailer featuring Ed, who will be available in late February 2024. The video begins with a continuation of the event shown in the January 2024 teaser trailer before it goes to the main course. It shows Ed's Psycho Powered boxing style in the Ruined Lab stage.

While Ed had some kicks during his debut in Street Fighter V, the new gameplay trailer suggests that he will change his fighting style to a purer form of boxing by only using punches. However, he will still retain the Psycho Power feature where he ties and pulls his opponent.

The trailer also revealed Ed's alternate costume. The iconic hoodie that he wore in Street Fighter V's storyline served as an inspiration, but there are numerous changes made to Ed's Outfit 2. For example on the top side, the hoodie is now separated with a zipper, and Ed also wears a red tank top inside.

The gameplay trailer is available to watch via the official Street Fighter YouTube channel:

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Kite Stenbuck

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Palworld Developer Pocketpair Is Hiring New Staff Members

1 month 2 weeks ago

Palworld Developer Pocketpair Is Hiring New Staff Members

Developer Pocketpair is now hiring staff to continue development on Palworld. The company shared a social media post calling developers to apply to the company.

Pocketpair shared the hiring post on the Japanese X (formerly Twitter) official account for Palworld. The post is accompanied by a gif of the Depresso pal. The creature appears to be in a 3D rendition of the Pocketpair offices, using a pickaxe on a pile of rocks. Here is the English translation of the post in question:

There are many things we want to do with Palworld, however we are severly lacking in on staff!!!

We are recruiting staff to fill all positions, but we are particularly interested in planners and engineers!

No matter what engine you have experience with, if you are interested in creating a completely new game, please send your application!!

You can also check out the original post here:

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Daniel Bueno

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