Jason enjoys blogging, conservation, hiking, fundraising, reading comics, watching anime, gaming and of course creating terrific content. On a side note, hobbies he loves but just plain terrible at include building Gunpla.
Absolute Carnage #5, written by Donny Cates cover artist Ryan Stegman
One of the most enthralling events surrounding the two symbiotes you’ve read about, Cates has done something special here.
While readers are left to explore the complex exposed relationship between Eddie Brock and Kletus Kasady, there is no clues for what we can expect from the symbiote god Knull and Carnage being a byproduct of a much darker sickness in the Marvel universe. Cates choosing issue 5 to highlight the escalating danger that Dark Carnage poses not to just Eddie but the Avengers and earth gives us a sense of overwhelming momentum for this series. You can expect a spectacular fight between the old rivals as the duality of the two symbiotic hosts is poised in a magnificent send off. Ending on a slice of father son closure you’ll be happy you took the time. Unable to contain the joy of soon getting my hands on Venom issue #25 fans of Cates work need only be patient if anticipating the next step in the symbiote god Knulls plan.
The series will leave you wanting more but in the best way, a good read definitely worth the $5.99. You can buy the complete series here on Amazon.
With the pandemic keeping most of us isolated to a couple of walls and a roof many businesses have seen a surprising boon. One being the gaming industry, from PCs to mobiles people everywhere are discovering stories, competition and camaraderie through gaming. As a lifetime console player I myself have been pushed to the boundaries of familiarity and have been branching out towards mobile titles. Disney Sorcerers Arena was my first expedition into mobile gaming, what a pleasant experience it has been thus far warranting more time and respect than I thought was possible for a game you play on your phone.
Screenshot from Samsung S20+
Disney Sorcerer’s Arena allows you to take your most beloved Disney icons and square them off in an intense RPG turn based strategy game. Refreshingly difficult especially after advancing into the latter stages, players will have to perfect their combat and play style if they hope to complete the rich storyline. Multiple campaigns allows players the option to play as both a hero and villain, a multitude of rotating event campaigns ensures constant free content. Without a doubt a grind is to be expected when advancing characters through the star tiered system, luckily the debs have chalked the game full of XP and character unlock events to speed up the process while expanding your hero/villain collection. With pvp options the battles take place real time and you can expect an even greater challenge squaring off against real opponents.
Screenshot from Samsung S20+
Far from being a repetitive button masher the campaign allows you to keep your character in the later stages with level advancement, equipping/upgrading gear that is unlocked via missions. In Terms of re-play ability, ad intrusion and difficulty you have a mobile game with 100’s of hours of free story/event content the standard advert placement for a mobile game and scaling system that makes advancing a continuous challenge. Nothing can be said is put in place preventing you from being a top level player in terms of pay to play. On the other hand if you have the cash to spare the packs available to purchase allow you to unlock more characters, expand slots and gain the items needed for improving equipable gear.
Screenshot from Samsung S20+
I would say the title is worth the download and a popular one at that with millions of downloads on the Google play store alone. Initially I thought it would be more of a Disney gimmick that wouldn’t last a day in my phone’s storage space, how wrong I was. After a week still downloaded and has somehow wormed its way into a part of my routine, wake up, autoplay a few campaign levels, eat lunch and open my free chests, complete my daily quests. I’ve become a part of the Disney machine that missed me as a child, if it means I keep seeing great content and continued game support like this then I’m fine with it.
A score of ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars means I would definitely recommend to a friend maybe even a vaguely known acquaintance. If you have had a Chance to play Disney Arena please leave your experience in the comments section below albeit good or bad we’d love to hear about it.
Disney +’s long anticipated series original The Mandalorian is finally shifting fan focus from the Jedi and Sith cyclical cycle to an arguably cooler profession, bounty hunting. Throughout the years Star Wars films, games, shows and books have given glimpses of some of the galaxies most impressive bounty hunters. Non as recognizable as the infamous Boba Fett dressed in his menacing custom Mandalorian armor. Boba Fett is without a doubt one of the best things to come from Star Wars culture but as a clone from Jango Fett he was raised as such and has little ties to the Mandalorian traditions. The Mandalorian will feature a separate bounty hunter from the Fett’s, taking place during the galactic chaos that ensued following the fall of the Empire. A very different galaxy is on the horizon, Mandalorians have always been a big part of Star Wars lore but there is so much more to them than just jet packs and cool outfits.
Side shot of Mando’s outfit
Before becoming one of Star Wars most iconic races, Mandalorians were among the most fear and skilled soldiers in the galaxy. In a time far far away Mandalorian might opposed the Jedi Order of the Old Republic, even challenging Darth Revan one of the most powerful Jedi to live. During Mandalorian history a group known as the crusaders devoted themselves to battle and conquest over a millennia before the Separtist war. Desire for battle soon turned into a period of conquest and advancement for the Mandalorians, branching out from their home world of Mandalore to many other planets. Mandalorian desire for war could not be satisfied and it was a matter of time before the looming challenge of the formidable Jedi knights would be answered. Mandalorians engaged the republic across the outer rim in hopes the Jedi would respond with war. Eventually they would, warriors quickly adjusted to fight this new enemy that wielded the awesome power of the force. Great technological advancements of the time and improvements to a new altered fluid combat style soon closed the gap between a Mandalorian warrior and a force using opponent. Mandalorians rightfully developed their reputation even further as warriors capable of fighting and even defeating Jedi Knights in battle. The Mandalorian Jedi war almost destroyed the Mandalorian race but couldn’t quell the fighting spirit of the Mandalorians. They would continue a similar march of war for the majority of their following years. The homeworld of Mandalore was ravaged by constant battles from warring clans and was slow to recover following the Jedi war. It wasn’t until the Mandalorian civil war preceding the invasion of Naboo that a group of reformed Mandalorian pacifist would rise up to oppose the constant militaristic values imposed in their society. Until this point much like Spartan society a Mandalorians worth was measured by his accomplishments in combat.
The Mandalorian on the left and Mandalorian mercenary Boba Fett on the right
After the civil war, many mandalorians that would not choose sides or were among the losing side (militarist) found themselves a drift among the stars. Lifetimes of warfare and in fighting had created a clear schism between the two groups. With a new pacifist regime in power many Mandalorians set in the old warrior ways were left to fill out dangerous mercenary jobs and hunting down anyone with a big enough bounty. Mandalorians who wouldn’t conform to the new Mandalorian pacifist ways now had to make a new place in the galaxy for themselves. Notable numbers of Mandalorians had been left to scratching out a living as hired guns, thugs and mercenaries there were even those who sold their sword in service of the Empire. A warrior society from the beginning with a few hold outs for progressive change makes it is clear any Mandalorian doing bounty hunter work is not to be taken lightly.
The Firespray-31-Class patrol ship used infamously by Mandalorians Jango and Boba Fett
Mandalorian equipment and gear is certainly nothing to scoff at, Our mystery character in The Mandalorian will have more than skill to rely on retrieving a bounty. Descendant from generations of combat prowess that came before, you won’t find this gear on a stormtrooper. After hundreds of years many Mandalorians prefer to wear the traditional armour and T shaped helmet visor from the time of Mandalore himself. Usually made of Beskar alloy the armor a Mandalorian wears is certainly capable of protecting its wearer from typical blaster fire and stabbing weapons. As a set this armor would consist of a helmet, pauldrons, vambraces, a breastplate, codpiece, knee pads and leg guards. From the helmet wearers are equipped with a macrobinocular viewplate, several tactical displays a comm link and rage finder. Sporting more than a simple wrist rocket a Mandalorians vambraces could contain any number of weaponry; repulsors, paralyzing darts, grappling line, flamethrowers, lasers, rockets and a portable shield. As an added measurement for battle mobility and countering armored vehicles Mandalorians also utilize a number of jetpack models that are typically tipped with anti vehicle or explosive ordnance. Don’t expect a Mandolorian bounty hunter to be traveling by jetpack or a run down tie fighter, in the past have utilized a number of starships; Firespray-31 class patrol ship (Boba Fett ship), M22-T Krayt Gunship, Crusader class corvette, StarViper Assault fighter, Verda Kot and the immensely powerful Keldabe class Battleship.
Words of a Mandalorian are never something to be taken lightly, Jawajoey has a great video on their YouTube channel of Mandalorian Canderous Ordo describing to Jedi Revan his initiation as a Mandalorian warrior. The following clip was shot on one of the single greatest accomplishments in the Star Wars gaming universe, Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic.
“I remember it well, orbiting high above a placid world, its defenses just stirring. As was tradition, I would go ahead of the first wave to find enemies in the thickest fighting. I remember sitting there in my armor, linked directly with the Basilisk thrumming beneath me. My heart racing with fear at the coming battle. The doors opened in front of me and the air was sucked out of the drop bay, scattering crystals of frozen vapor across my path. I can’t describe what it feels like to look directly down at a world, falling continuously as you circle it, with barely fifteen centimeters of armor plating protecting you. When the magnetic locks disengaged on my droid I plunged out of the drop bay towards the battle that waited below. The exhilaration, the euphoria, I felt as I streaked into the atmosphere, dodging self-guided projectile and beam weapons, was unmatched. An 80 Kilometer plunge through the atmosphere, dodging and weaving, the outside of my armor glowing like the sun with the heat of reentry. And with barely thirty meters to spare, I twisted and skimmed the surface, firing at the giant beam generators that were in my path. The explosion form that sent shockwaves that leveled the entire complex. It was the moment of my entire life. I’ll never forget those times. But… things are different now. We can’t go on fighting the way we had. There are too few of us left now. But I don’t really want to talk about this anymore. I trust I’ve satisfied your curiosity for now?”. – Canderous Ordo
Canderous Ordo as the Mandalorian leader Mandalore
The Mandalorian will release on 11/12 in the Disney + streaming library under the UI’s Star Wars content section. If you are fortunate enough to own an Xbox One you can even opt in to changing your geo location to the Netherlands and start streaming now! As anticipation builds for the new streaming service, Disney has all the groundwork needed from Star Wars content efforts to create an amazing original base on a Mandalorian setting. There must be some Star Wars lore master out there who knows a thing or two about Mandalorians we missed, or maybe you just really know your stuff whatever the case leave a comment and remember Mando’ad draar digu – A Mandalorian never forgets.
Apex Legends, battle royale shooter credited with reinvigorating the idea behind dropping your character head first into a shooter loot grab. Apex Legends debuted a huge 50 million monthly player sign on in March of 2019, not a monthly static figure Electronic Arts has stated Apex averages around 8 to 10 million players monthly. Respawn has recently announced another milestone after reaching 70 million players, Apex has quickly become publisher EA’s fastest growing title ever. No end in site Apex continues to release new maps, Legends, skins and content there is even promise of a playable mobile platform. Free to download playable on Xbox One, Playstation 4 and Origin on PC, what may be tugging at any newbie or veteran battle royale players mind: who are the best Legends, who is most effective, what skills are useful and which ones are the equivalent of using a fork for soup. Luckily we had just enough hours to throw away grinding out an Apex Legend play rotation to help answer.
It is worth mentioning the Legends stats and abilities are not static, likely to change and update as player feedback comes in. No Legend is a one size fits all, you may find what works for some doesn’t quite suit you and that is perfectly ok.
Artwork from Visual Cocaine
Life Line (Ajay Che), the Combat Medic. Ajay Che, aka Lifeline, isn’t someone you would expect to find in the Apex Games. Once the child of wealthy war profiteers, she left home when she learned of the damage her family had caused and enlisted in the Frontier Corps, a humanitarian organization that aids Frontier communities in need. She’s since devoted her life to helping others and joined the Apex Games to fund the Frontier Corps with her winnings. EA.com
“Takes a lot to take me out” -Lifeline
No surprise seeing the combat medic make our list, the surprise is that she is currently the only medic class. Physically one of the smallest playable characters (second to smallest) her minimal gear appearance gives you a hit box that requires a steady aim to hit. Having a small hitbox is an afterthought when you are the only shimmering ray of hope for your incapacitated squad, Lifeline’s passive ability combat medic allows revival of a downed teammate in just 4 seconds. What she may lack in firepower she makes up for in support, Lifeline has a passive shield when reviving a downed teammate that acts as an essential barrier creating crucial gaps in combat. Raining down loot goodness her ultimate ability care package is a godsend when limping through a match with low level gear. Double edged sword the Lifeline drop is easily spotted and sure to catch the attention of nearby enemy squads. Sporting the D.O.C heal drone tactical ability this drone can heal multiple squad mates at once (at a cost of reduced healing) this ability can be the only thing that saves you from scavenging for health. D.O.C however doesn’t differentiate between friendlies and enemies, heals any enemies close enough. Lifeline is also one of the low profile legends that receives the added passive ability low profile that increases incoming damage by 5%.
Be vigilant that your medic isn’t inadvertently used as an enemy asset. While Lifeline’s ultimate ability is an obvious dead give away for other squads no one said you can’t use this to your advantage and stage a trap. Without another medic option Life Line is an easy choice for some, no matter what the situation a medic is a welcomed sight in any match.
Artwork from Visual Cocaine
Bangalore (Anita Williams), the Professional Soldier. Born into a military family where she, her parents, and her four older brothers all served in the IMC Armed Forces, Bangalore has been an exceptional soldier since she was young. She was top of her class at the IMC Military Academy and the only cadet who could take apart a Peacekeeper, equip it with a Precision Choke hop-up, and put it back together in under twenty seconds – blindfolded. EA.com
“No cluster foxtrots on my watch” -Bangalore
Bangalore is the rough and tough soldier, not a legend to tango with capable of dishing hard to counter offense with a great fall back defense. Surgical with a G7 Bangalore uses some of the most useful abilities in Apex. Beware of engaging a Bangalore in the open field she is capable of calling in the ultimate ability rolling thunder, artillery strike that rains down ordnance chewing through shields and health bars. Since the Apex Legends season 3 update her ultimate now deals twice as much damage. My personal favorite is the passive ability double time, under fire Bangalore receives a significant speed boost of 130% for a brief period. Tactical abilities don’t get better, her smoke launcher contains two smoke canisters that can blanket an area with thick smoke for 15 seconds. Landing a direct hit with a canister will even dish out lite damage throwing off your opponents response. Thick smoke screens and increased speed allows Bangalore to play hit and run defense or act as a hard hitting attacker that engages multiple enemies then disappearing in seconds.
Combining a versatile offense and easy to learn defense Bangalore is best paired with an aggressive play style. Accept early on that you will often be the leading offensive force on your squad, nothing causes more entropy then some smoke and a rolling thunder drop. A force when part of your squad and a harrowing opponent in solos.
Artwork from Visual Cocaine
Octane (Octavio Silva), the Adrenaline Junkie. One day, Octavio Silva was bored. In fact, he was bored most days. Heir to the preoccupied CEOs of Silva Pharmaceuticals and wanting for nothing in life, he entertained himself by performing death-defying stunts and posting holovids of them for his fans to gawk over. So, this day, he decided to set the course record for a nearby Gauntlet by launching himself across the finish line – using a grenade. EA.com
“Don’t worry about my legs getting tired! I made sure that would never happen again!” -Octane
Adrenaline does not encompass this half bionic speed machine, Octane has a level of mobility that is seldom seen on two legs (robot or not). Addicted to the thrill of danger and drawn to the Apex games Octane may be in front of you one moment only to reappear on the opposite end of the field behind you. Technically tied with Bangalore at a 30% speed boost when factoring in abilities, Octane is the true speed king since he can maintain this speed boost. Deploying a launchpad with the ultimate ability derivatively named launch pad Octane’s ultimate allows you to rocket yourself into the air and over obstacles, greater momentum for bigger jumps. A clever escape device or deceptive ruse to lead your enemies to their demise you decide. Stim, a tactical ability for Octane will allow the aforementioned speed boost for a small cost of your health. Stim will not kill you so feel free to stim up as needed to create or eliminate distance between targets. Match made in heaven, the swift mend passive ability will allow players to self heal on the go, avoiding incoming damage Octane restores 1 health every 2 seconds, (keep your peasant bandages).
Glass cannon comes to mind when taking the Octane speed train out for a spin, gliding across the field you will find it rare to actually have a full health bar, stim can be an Achilles heel if used poorly. Many sad loot goblins have fallen prey to the woes of over stimming to snatch up higher tier loot before enemies and squad mates. Finding a delicate balance between speed and health diminishing can determine if you are the guerrilla fighter that fuels battlefield chaos or the glass Legend that keeps pinging respawn stations.
Artwork from Visual Cocaine
Wraith (Renee Blasey), Interdimensional Skirmisher. Wraith is a whirlwind fighter, able to execute swift and deadly attacks and manipulate spacetime by opening rifts in the fabric of reality — but she has no idea how she got that way. Years ago, she woke up in an IMC Detention Facility for the Mentally Ill with no memory of her life before. She also began hearing a distant voice whispering in her mind that would keep her awake for days on end. Despite nearly driving her insane, once she started to listen and trust it, the voice helped her harness her newfound power of void manipulation and escape the facility. EA.com
“Pain… death… nothing phases me” -Wraith
Arguably one of the most popular Legends, there is no denying Wraith has all the skills to end any champion. Essentially 11 from stranger things but all grown up and pissed off Wraith uses the tactical ability into the void to literally disappear from the map. Disappear is a little misleading you are still able to be followed by a faint energy trail when Wraith activates her ability, running through the void you will be unable to interact with any objects for 3 seconds but are completely invulnerable. Anyone else hearing a spectral voice in their head may want to get a second opinion but when it’s Wraith it means her passive ability voices from the void is warning you of approaching danger. Wraith’s Demeanor may scream lone wolf but the ultimate ability dimensional rift screams friends fast travel through my wormhole. Placing the dimensional rift will assign a 25% speed boost and allow 11 seconds for players to place the other portal end. You might even consider it a fourth hidden ability, Wraith has the smallest hitbox by a significant margin. Players will even notice her crouched/hunched run style helps to further minimize the target area for enemies. Wraith is also another Legend that receives the low profile passive ability buff.
Capable of transporting herself and others across map the Wraith playstyle can be one of the hardest to master but comes with it a level of versatility few can counter. Viable options are playing it safe and hugging the edge, picking off stragglers maneuvering behind more aggressive players. Acting as living bait luring unsuspecting victims into dimensional rifts to be hailed with gunfire on the other side.
Artwork from Visual Cocaine
Pathfinder (MRVN), Forward Scout. Pathfinder is the picture of optimism, despite his circumstances. A MRVN (Mobile Robotic Versatile eNtity) modified to specialize in location scouting and surveying, he booted up decades ago in an abandoned laboratory with no idea who created him or why. With only his MRVN designation to hint at his identity, Pathfinder set off in search of his creator. EA.com
“Watch out or I’ll grapple you” -Pathfinder
If you can handle hilarious dialogue Pathfinder might be the Legend for you, this optimistic cynical robot is good for more than laughs, a support class entirely capable of tipping the tide in a fight. Other than the four legged monstrous Leviathans Pathfinder is Apex’s most obvious acknowledgement to their Titanfall roots. Using the grappling hook tactical ability players are given more than just the option of closing distance between point a and b. Taking into account your grappling surface, strafe and look direction Pathfinder can use his grapple to swing grapple from points and even slingshot vast distances, you will find more information regarding the grapple mechanics here. You have undoubtedly heard the phrase ring is coming, Pathfinder’s passive ability insider knowledge eliminates this stress all together. By linking up to survey beacons you are able to access information regarding where the next ring safe zone will be. An added boon, the next ring location is made available to the whole squad via the mini map. If you have ever wanted to clean up a post squad engagement and can’t possibly get there in time, you simply need Pathfinder to deploy his ultimate ability zip line gun. Zip line deploys a large grapple tower that can be angled to cover greater distances, the zip line is permanent and can be used by anyone while zip lining players can view their surroundings and shoot.
A scout play style may be the best option when utilizing Pathfinder staying ahead of your teammates alerting them of incoming danger. Grapple adds a unique mobility that when done correctly can make chasing down a Pathfinder a fruitless effort.
Artwork from Visual Cocaine
Your play style (or lack of it) will always be the main factor when choosing a Legend: there are plenty of characters to choose from but identifying your role can make or break your win record. Not much point in playing a medic, gunman or scout role if you have none of the tools to succeed in it. Do you have a favorite legend that we missed, a play style strategy that leaves your friends and competitors decimated? Leave a comment about what you thought, something we should have been mentioned or anything you think expands on the content.
All of the mentioned Legend’s biographical information (italicized paragraphs) is available courtesy of the hardworking folks at EA games, here you can find even more information and Apex Legend lore https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/about/characters. Piff.game.blog does not own or claim rights over any of the mentioned content.
2019 has been many things, the year after 2018 it was also the year many gaming fans felt the stinging let down from some of the years most anticipated titles. With exponentially improving game standards, new console releases and a growing market: gamer’s have come to expect consistent improvements in everything from post game release content, anesthetics to story depth and of course value. Below we discuss some of this years titles that had droves of people wishing they save their receipts. A unifying factor for all these titles is the pattern of rewarded customers with underwhelming game play
Read Dead Redemption 2s’ Multiplayer
Xbox One screenshot
Now if you raised an eyebrow and spat at your screen when you noticed Rockstar’s baby make its way to the list please cease all raging, this is based on the multiplayer only. Sequel to one of the most impressive open world games of all time Red Dead Redemption, the world held its breath as the release of one of the most awaited titles of the decade became available.
A campaign so immersive it makes you go out and buy a pair of cowboy boots is surreal, RDR2 delivers in full in regards to the solo experience. That does little to satisfy a hungry multiplayer community awaiting the sequel since 2010. RDR2 multiplayer remained in beta for months after release and the logical theory that followed was, big things were coming to the Red Dead online community. Reality often disappoints, a multiplayer release with a scant amount of content (missions, items, gear, mounts weapons etc), free roam became the go to for anyone willing to level/gain gold by briefing other players or skinning three star animals in quick re spawns. Most of the bare bones repetitive activities mentioned and things like hunting, map roaming, train conducting and brief NPC missions became a monotonous trudge. Small and large showdown series along with territory captures comprised the bulk of the online multiplayer at first with rotating modes like most wanted and make it count to add map/ play diversity. New multiplayer modes continue to rotate as available play options but it would seem Rockstar is still searching for that special, cowboy shooter online market. Competitive multiplayer soon proved to be a hollow shell of what was promised, instead of a new trailblazing multiplayer community with all the polished bells like GTA5’s online mode, players may wait years for RDR2’s multiplayer to develop. Rockstar experienced minor trouble keeping players engaged in the following release months. Several loot events, game rewards, new modes and economy fixes have helped to support fan and community interest but evades the long-term fix. Adding more to do in both the multiplayer competitive and free roam modes will allow players the chance to do more than mosey around Valentine.
Credit where credit is due the devs have focused considerable effort in the beta phase and post release fine tuning the play experience, debugging and focusing on a more immersive approach compared to GTA5. Although RDR2 has had a rough reception following its premiere release it is certainly in the hands of very talented people; updates like the bounty hunter, trader and huntsman roles are on the way and part of a larger plan releases 09/10/2019.
Jump Force
Xbox One screenshot
Jump Force is one of the dream universal mash ups that had the gaming and anime community heaving with anticipation. I mean who couldn’t help but let out a high-pitched squeal when the Jump Force trailer premiered and highlighting Goku taking on Naruto, the intro fight being the very beginning of endless match up possibilities. Anime has become a huge market in the U.S especially shows based on the Shonen manga, tons of fans were rightfully excited to see a game attempting to bring anime characters out of their respective universes and into close digital contact.
Once in the death grip of eager anime and gaming fans, new and veteran gamer’s would soon learn some of their most iconic characters (Goku, Freeza, Yugi etc.) underwent a animation process that did not justice to the original artwork. Hit characters like Ashta, Ichigo and Midoriya received a nice polish and looked impressive but majority of the characters that drove sales (Goku, Freeza, Yuske etc) looked like McDonald’s toy plastic. What felt unfinished and empty however wasn’t the animation but the game setting. While your character waits for their next fight you spend most of your time in an in between area, apart from wandering around players can use this down time to change items, appearance and accept a set number of missions. It feels the dev’s goal was to create an area similar to the Time Patrols pocket dimension from Dragon Ball Xenoverse. Jump Force misses the mark and leaves you with a watered down world that feels somehow incomplete. At first the fighting system is so simple you almost wish your fighting team roster could be extended to five, after a few hours it is clear there is no need for a combo master to beat both the AI and online players. A simple fight style is a good plan to help players jump into the thick of fighting quickly, until you fight the third opponent who keeps their distance and spams a ranged attack prolifically. Or my favorite the match up against a speedy berserker that rushes you with a furry of bland combinations so relentless you might not even get the chance to counter. Playing in pvp it is obvious that powerful lengthy combos are now replaced by the relentless button mashing of your younger sibling. Watching Saiyans kamayamaya a Hidden Leaf Ninja is a surreal experience, Jump Force boasts not just dream anime match ups but a campaign that attempts to explain the melding of all the universes. The end product is a confusing mess that is again similar to the multiverse time crisis campaign in Xenoverse but a lot less fleshed out in terms of writing and enjoyment of play.
Hope is on the horizon, Jump Force is far from an abandoned project and has a rumored total of 9 DLC characters coming in 2019. Even though the story is a heap, the clever brains that had the idea to watch Lofi Gum Gum punch Goku; are giving slew of additional characters to keep us coming back. I highly recommend giving Jump Force a chance, no where else can you see Dark Magician take a full force Detroit Smash from Midoriya.
Fall out 76
Almost too easy to mention Bethesda’s hyped Fallout 76 release flop but it will done for the good of anyone duped into spending $60 on a rushed title. Fall Out 76 was a game that many people were looking forward to since the exciting E3 trailer featuring an old-time raspy cover of John Denver’s “Take Me Home”. Fallout 76 is an online based prequel that promises to introduce a impressive open world that allowed you (one of the first emerging vault survivors) to carve out their own wasteland adventures on a live server.
Mere hours into playing the Fallout 76 release the monotony of killing either a ghoul, dark claw, Mr. Gutsy or bandit had eroded conviction of even the most determined gamer. Referencing Bethesda’s previous success with Fallout 4, players are accustom to a lengthy fluid story, engaging NPC’s, ample side missions and a world built on Fallout’s wasteland apocalyptic lore. Release of 76 meet a host of criticisms such as; lack of NPC’s , repetitive mundane missions and a not so friendly online community all made the play experience overwhelmingly unpleasant. Finding a group to play with in co-op proved difficult since most random players interest lay in either loot jacking or griefing at the expenditure of your ammunition. Of course there is always the online feral player shooting at you senselessly until you respond. Player’s seeking player vs. player action had mixed feelings towards the in game rules , pvp mode could only be initiated by attacking another player and the attack being reciprocated. This solves problems seen in similar online survival games with pvp griefing, sacrificing the entire stealth element of Fallout. A pvp fight in 76 is more like taking off your white glove, slapping another player and seeing if they accept your challenge to duel. Putting all complaints aside, being able to actually play the game can make or break a release. Fallout 76 is certainty no stranger to deal breaker game glitches and bugs. Issues affecting the use of Power Armor, fast traveling, building and general play. As the dust settles many loyal Bethesda fans have failed to make their way back to 76 since the release of the new battle royal mode Nuclear Winter.
It could be argued that Bethesda’s recent tale spiral with 76 might of been avoided by cater to either the Fallout fan base or the hardcore survival game fan basis, maybe even both. Cries from unsatisfied customers are not met with complete inaction, the new Morgantown Nuclear Winter map is out next week, included in Patch 13 which will drop next Tuesday September 10.
Anthem
Anthem is the story of a game developer that sorely needed a win . It is no secret that Bioware has recently been plague with employment issues ranging from losing some of their most veteran designers due to stress, depression and staff fatigue to workplace burnout. Anthem has some good ideas and does dabble into a hybrid role play looter shooter that could be great but in its current state of affairs needs major attention
An Anthem story play through can be summarized into a few short words, “what was that all about”. Within moments of the game opening narration players are assaulted with vital information ; Cyphers, Free Lancers, Cataclysms, Striders, Heart of Rage and the list goes on. Optional game dialogue gives the player the feel of controlling the outcome or direction of the story but in reality does little to affect the story line. Lack of variation in character travel is limited to running and flying, there are no vehicles or any exoskeleton upgrades that allow for say environment exploration like deep water diving, or subterranean exploring. The only vehicle in the world is a massive strider that minus a few cinematic scenes is never actually seen in action. With the familiar fallen advanced civilization theme in place, Anthem’s weapons and equipment need a touch of variation. Players are given the traditional, rifle, pistol, shotgun, grenade launcher options, a refreshing change might of been some type of ordnance integration into the Javelin tech since how it is a Freelancers livelihood. Not knocking the unique experience of soaring through the sky like Iron Man, this feature is actually insanely overpowered when used against a dumb AI. There is actually no enemy with the same combat maneuverability (excluding some pushover rouge Freelancers), restricting practical fights to ground based confrontations. A number of the enemies are almost a running joke, with the bulk of threats being Skarrs (Anthem’s version of a Halo grunt). Players can easily overcome almost any situation in the game by using fly and run tactics. With a lack of any puzzle or problem solving elements in the game the only critical thinking you will face is navigating the mini map.
Anthem is a visual masterpiece and is a load of fun to play when drifting away from the story line and having a buddy who is equally willing to lend artillery fire and lose themselves in a looter shooter.
Who knows maybe in the coming months these titles will finish strong or even surpass our now dismal expectations with some great updates or DLC. Did you think one of these titles was the greatest thing since sliced bread? How about any games you felt had a poor release, don’t forget leave your suggestions and comments below.
The series will leave you wanting more but in the best way, a good read definitely worth the $5.99. You can buy the complete series here on Amazon.
NERD CHUM 
