Beyond: Two Souls Release Date Aoonunced

Sony announced that Beyond: Two Souls will be released on October 8th.  Also, actor Willem Dafoe will star in the game as Nathan Dawkin, a government scientist who's interested in Jodie and her supernatural behaviors.

Here's a trailer with Dawkin:

I'm glad that the game is coming out in October.  For a moment there, I thought the game is not coming out until PS 4.  It's good that I don't need a reason to get PS 4 until a better bundle deal is out later. 

One Piece: Pirate Warriors 2 confirmed for U.S.!!!!

Update 3-01-2013: The newest trailer for the game is out today!

This video confirms that all the previous playable characters such as Whitebeard, Ace, Hancock and Jinbe are all going to be playable again.  It also seems like Buggy the Clown, Mihawk and Crocodile are going to playable as well.  I kind of lost count of how many characters there are now, but it's safe to say that there's easily about 30 playable characters.  This totally puts the first game to shame, and we should agree to called that game a "beta" now.

The trailer also shows the game mode where all the Straw Hats are controlled by a mysterious dial.  Enjoy.

***

Update 2-19-2013: It was announced that all three Admirals and Garp are going to be playable characters as well!

This put the total confirmed playable character to 18!  It also reveals some of the new characters attacks:

There's also going to be an extra mode in the game where the Straw Hats Pirates are controlled by a mysterious Dial.  To rescue his crew members, Luffy has to team-up with some past enemies.  

***

Update 2-05-2013: The newest image for the game reveals that both Trafalgar Law and Smoker are going to be playable characters in the game as well.

This game really is a lot better than the previous game already.  I still remember how disappointed I was when I found out that the only playable characters are the  Straw Hat Crew plus Ace, Whitebeard, Jinbe and Hancock only. 

*** 

Update 1-31-2013: A new trailer for the game just got released in Japan.

A lot of information is revealed.  All the Straw Hats have new attacks, Chopper uses Monster Point, Robin uses her cone technique, Franky uses General Franky (and Franky nipple lights) and Usopp uses Pop Green.  I'm really looking forward to this game now.

The trailer also shows that Hancock, Magellan, and Mihawk are going to be in the game as well.  Jinbe is going to be in the game as well, but in his two years later outfit.  Hopefully everyone in the previous game will be in this game, and as playable characters.

*** 

Update 1-25-2013: It just confirmed that Gekko Moriah and Perona (2 years later ver.) are both going to make appearances in this game.

It is also confirmed that Perona is going to be a playable character, but Moriah is just going to be a boss so far.

There's also an image showing General Franky, and all different types of Haki plays in the game.  This is going to be epic.

***

Namco Bandai announces that One Piece: Pirate Warriors 2 is coming to U.S. this summer!
Late last year, One Piece: Pirate Warriors 2 was announced for Japan for March 2013 for PS3 and PS Vita.  Now it's really exciting that American One Piece fans are going to get this sequel too.  However, it is unknown that if the game is going to be a digital download only, or the game is going to get the Vita counterpart as well.
For the sequel, Namco Bandai confirms that both Enel and Bartholomew Kuma are going to be playable characters alongside the nine Straw Hat Pirates.  Also, both Kuzan (Aokiji) and Blackbeard is on the game box, so they're most likely going to make an appearance as well.

I'm getting a Japanese physical copy no matter what.  And I will also get US version physically or digitally.  That's how much I love One Piece.
At the end, here's the announcement trailer.  Enjoy.

SimsCity Closed Beta Reviews

I pre-ordered SimsCity on my Origin, so yesterday I received an opportunity to try the closed beta of the game from 5 pm 9 pm!  And like any normal humans would do, I dropped all the works I have and dived into the game when clock strikes 5.  After playing a couple of hours, I have to tell you that I'm glad I pre-ordered the game- it is one of the well detailed and  "constructed" game I ever played.

When first enter the game, it offers a very easy to understand tutorial process that allows players to learns the mechanic of the game.  I admit that this is the first time I play the SimsCity series, but I have past experience with city building games such as Machi-ing Maker series.  However, the moment I go through the tutorial  I know I was out of my league.  SimsCity game is very sophisticated that players not only have to make their citizens happy, they also have to worry about utility problems such as electricity and water...etc.  Then the game goes ahead and becomes more detail by asking players to get rid off city's waste and sewage problems.  These are all something that the Machi-ing Maker series doesn't have, and I really appreciate the sophistication.

The tutorial than informs me I can somehow in contact with others players' cities and share our products with each others.  Like supplying them electricity, or import products that they specialize.  The rest of the tutorial is pretty straight forward- police station, school, fire fighter, hospital... etc.  Cool.  A long, but well-informed tutorial comes to an end and I should be good to play the game, right?  RIGHT?

I start a new game by creating a region I want to build the city on.  Since this is a beta game, there's only one region to choose from.  I name the region Skyrim cause I'm awesome like that- and I screw-up the moment the game starts.  I place roads all over the place until I learn that no one can enter my city, because the roads aren't connect to the freeway.  So I delete all the roads to build new one just to find out I ran out of money already!  It turns out that it cost money to build roads in this game!  This is the first time that I play any city building games that it costs to build roads.  Now I'm stuck in a situation without roads, without citizens to make me money for roads and an empty game.  So I delete the game and start a new one.

It's easy to build buildings in the game.  All you have to do is zoning the street you build into one of the three categories ( residential, commercial and industrial), and buildings will be built automatically.  While this might be handy to most players, I find this kind of lame.  One thing I like the most about Machi-ing Maker series is the fact that you get to place your favorite stores in the city.  I want to see my citizens go to a TGIF, or buy thing from Target.  I know it's a stretch for America games to place actual stores in them without causing some kind of copyright problems, but shouldn't a game like this gives you  freedom to place any stores and anywhere you want?  Same can be say about the housings as well.  All the housings start off as small residential house, and through the game they rebuild into skyscraper apartments.  Why can't I decide what kind of housing I want so I can create a residential neighborhood and a metropolitan area?  This is really a big issue for me, and hopefully it's only a beta thing.  The real game will be better.

Another big issue I have with the game is relocation, which is something that it doesn't seem to have.  For example, I built a sewage plant at a place where it doesn't make sense anymore as the city expands.  But I don't want to bulldoze the place and rebuild it, I just want to relocate the plant so I don't waste my money.   It seems like such a simple thing to have, but maybe I just don't know how to do so.

It's satisfying to accomplish something in the game and see the smiley faces on citizens houses.  It's also satisfying to get rid off the problem for the citizens.  One thing I enjoy the most about this game that others don't have is the government feature.  In this feature, you can see details on how much your city is earning, and how much it spending.  And you can also increase or decrease taxes accordingly.  It's also fun to expand public facilities such as hospital or police station.  Adding extra rooms for patients or garage for patrol cars are just some charms this game has for letting you become a better mayor.

The multiplayer system can be fun if you have good neighbors.  As I stated earlier, neighboring cities can do trade for you, or provide services.  However, it only works when you're playing with fun players.  When I was playing, not only my neighbors never answer me back, I even go ahead and provide them water!  Ungrateful bastards!  Also, I have no idea how the game find me neighbors, cause they just pop out of thin air.  It's is my proximity?

One thing I have mix feelings with is the disasters.  During the two hours I was playing, I encountered a tornado, alien invasion and Godzilla!  While tornado makes sense, but alien and Godzilla?  It's fun to see things happen, but it's sad and bizarre to see my city being destroy by such out of the world situations.  I guess I will feel better if I can do something to prevent them.  There's a section that wasn't unlocked for beta and hopefully in the real game I can do something to prevent it.

Overall, the game is fun and it has great playing values.  Of course there're problems I picked on, but hopefully all these problems will go away in the real game.  I'm planning on review the real game when it comes out as well.  If you haven't pre-order the game yet go ahead and do it because it's totally awesome.

8.5/10                                         

Comics Reviews 2-27-2013

Hello blog readers, due to time management, I decided to only review the comics that I really want to review.  Also, it's a way to guarantee quality reviews.  Here goes:

Batman Incorporated issue 8

So DC gone and one it- the first major death in New 52.  There was a  rumor for the longest time that Damian Wayne was going to die in The Death of The Family event, and when no one died people thought  Damian was safe.  Little do they know that he's going die a few weeks later in Batman Incorporated instead.  To be honest, I already know that Damian can't die in Death of The Family event, because Grant Morrison always says that he has things planned for Damian.  So it would be really screw-up if someone other writer killed him off instead.

This is actually not a very strong issue despite the eventful death.  The fight between our heroes and the enemies is a rushed one, and it feels like that Morrison just wants to force the story to the final confrontation between Robin and his evil clone.  The confrontation is of course, a sad and tearful one with Robin pleading his mother to stop the evil clone.  Not to overlook that the only reason Robin would die is because he tries to save the girl from being killed in the first place.  This character really comes a long from a troubled assassin boy to a kind-heart superhero.  Especially in the recent issues of both Batman Incorporated and Batman and Robin, we get to see how much he is trying, and how much he just wants his father's approval and love- something he can't get from his mother.

Let's not forget that Nightwings also shares a moment with Damian as well.  Remembering the days when Damian was the Robin to Nightwing's Batman.  It really was a time when Damian first started to grow in many readers' hearts.

From 2006-2013, we will always remember you, Damian Wayne.  And hope you make a return one day.

8/10

One Piece Chapter 700

The big 700!  With past experiences, One Piece usually has big revelation in their "hundreds" titles.  "His Own Pace" is no different than others.  While the revelation might not be as strong as past ones, this is still a superb chapter.

We learn a lot of things this chapter.  First of all, there's a freelance reporter named Absa in the series.  And from the little Easter egg in the panel, we can guess that Absa is actually Absalom.  it seems like he's finally using his fruit power to good use.

Second, the confirmation that Buggy the Clown is a Shichibukai.  Well, it's not too much a revelation to most people, because all the good One Piece fans already guessed Buggy is a Shichibukai now.  It would be a surprise if Buggy is not.  Anyway, Doflamingo's epithet is also revealed to be Ten Yasha- Sky Demon.  It's probably referred to the fact that Doflamingo can "walk" in the air.  One Shichibukai is still remain unknown, and there're rumors that Wapol will be the final Shichibukai.  While I'm not a fan at all to this theory, it would be kinda fun to see that happen.  But still, I'm not a fan at all.

Last, it's revealed that Doflamingo is in possession of Ace's Devil Fruit- The Flame-Flame Fruit.  We already know that once a Devil Fruit User died, the closet fruit next to him/her will become the Devil Fruit with the same power.  However, there's still the possibility that the Devil Fruit is synthetic.  A point I have to make clear is that I don't believe Luffy will be affected by this at all.  He will feel something at first of course, but he will not break the alliance with Law.  He's man like that.

Now Straw Hat Crew and friends arrived the next island, I can't wait to see what's in store for them next.  Can't wait for next week.

8/10

Uncanny Avengers issue 4

I'm actually very disappointed with this series.  This is the flagship title for the entire Marvel Now moments, and it can't keep itself being interesting.  While New 52's flagship Justice League is still strong as ever.  I really don't see how Marvel gets to make fun of DC at all sore loser.  

The fight between our heroes and Red Skull feels like a lazy one with too many repeated actions.  Red Skull is killing Rogue, so Havok comes out to stop him.  Now Havok is being controlled by Red Skull just to have Captain America to come out and stop him again?  The final speech Havok gives to the brain-washed civilians are lazy as well.  Shouldn't a speech like this make people feel like "yeah, thing are going to be alright."  I don't feel that at all.  All I feel is "hey, this guy is running away from his problems."

The art is getting really bad, too.  I do not like the way he draws his characters, and the little homage to Days of Future Past is just a desperate cry for me.  We all know that the next X-Men movie is based on Days, so to me this is an unnecessary way this title tries to milk the money out of it.  Next month is a brand-new story, so I will give that a try.  But if things don't pick up by then, I will stop reading this series.

5/10 

***

While I'm going to review other titles, there are some interesting things in them.  The Flash issue 17 finally shows a glimpse of Reverse Flash in the final panel.  Also, Uncanny X-Men issue 2 is setting up a big fight between the Avengers and Cyclops' X-Men.  It seems like the Avengers is getting busy with X-Men, cause they're set to appear in next week's All New X-Men as well.              

My D&D Adventure part 6

It's the next morning after Leo's death.  Near wakes up and sees the room is empty but Derk sleeping a few feet away.  Near goes up to the deck and sees Alfredo and Vespa working on a coffin.  Other than Leo's corpse, there are three body bags not too far.  Aries is standing away from the group.  Not knowing how to deal with the grief, Near decides to go fishing.

Derk wakes up and looks for booze.  He takes a sip and heads up the deck as well and approaches Aries.  He asks Aries the simple questions like what she's doing here and why she helped.  She says it was just right place at the right time.  Near doesn't trust Aries at all, and he yells at her.  The situation is tense, and it was really uncomfortable.  Near storms off the help Alfredo and Vespa, while Derk wonders off to drink by himself.

After the coffin is completed, the group has a water funeral where they set the coffin on fire.  They wait until the see the coffin burns to ashes.  Derk follows Vespa back to captain's quarter where they have a private conversation.  They're talking about the possibility that Argo was mind controlled, and Vespa's desire to find both Argo and Gullas.  Derk expresses his distrust of Argo, and plans to kill him when he sees Argo.  This worries Vespa.  Derk leaves the quarter and goes talk to Alfredo.  He tries to talk Alfredo into being on his side, but Alfredo wouldn't do so- he's too loyal to Near.  Suddenly Near pulls a crossbow on Derk.  It turns out Vespa wants Near's help in taking Derk down, because he's acting too untrustworthy.  Derk empties his pockets along with the amulet and Near ties him up in a room below deck.

A shriek of a bird and the same falcon returns with a letter.  The Ministry is not happy with Near not showing up in his previous work, and he needs to come talk to them.  Near talks to Vespa about it, and she thinks it's okay for them to stop by the coast city for Near to go talk to his Ministry.  Meanwhile, Alfredo go checks on Derk.  Once again, Derk tries to convince Alfredo to help him, but Alfredo wouldn't budge.  Near approaches Aries, and apologies to her for being hustle.  He explains that his friend just died, so he can't help it but feel grumpy.  Aries understands and tells Near that she's on a mission to free her family from the cult- the cult has the ability to mind control people.

The ship comes to the port city, and they decide to go their separate ways- Near needs to go to the Ministry, Aries is going her own way, Vespa is going to look for clues and she asks Alfredo to keep an close eye on Derk.

Derk and Alfredo decide to go to a bar in town for more information.  Derk somehow ends up talking to a big buy named Bruno doing a job for him in exchange for information.  On the other side, Near arrives the Ministry to talk to the leader- Caelum.  Near explains the reason not to do the work, and Caelum understands.  He also warns Near that bounty hunters are looking for him.  That's it.  Near thanks Caelum and leaves the area.  Outside the Ministry, Near spots some hooves tacks, but he doesn't see anyone suspicious.  He leaves the area.

Derk's job requires him to sneak into a house and places a jewelry box in it.  However, Derk's curiosity comes over and he decides to pick the box and sees some powder substance in it- he has no idea what this is.  After the job, Bruno tells Derk what he knows about Gullas- he last saw him up some cape in the mountain, and he draws a map for Derk.

The group reunite on the boat.  After sharing information, Vespa decides the group should head out to the cape to find Gullas.        

Batman Inc.'s Big Spoiler Ahead!

NY Post announced today that Damian Wayne, the current Robin and Batman's son will die on February 27th, 2013 in  Batman Incorporated #8.  Apparently, Batman will be too late to save Robin.  Again.  Just like how he did with Jason.

So this will come to an end with Morrison's run on Damian Wayne.  Does this mean that Harper Row will be the newest Robin after all?  Only time will find out, and you can make dam sure that I will review the issue this Wednesday.   

WCF J-STARS series!

This is actually an old news news already, and I just always forget to blog about it.  To celebrate 45 years of Shonen Jump, Banpresto's World Collection Figure series (WCF for short) is releasing a line of figures called J-STARS, stands for Jump stars, to celebrate the event.  The figures are famous characters from Shonen Jump series.  Since I'm late on this news, there're already five waves announced for this series.

First Wave:

The first wave is releasing in May.  It has Ryotsu from Kochikame, Goku from Dragon Ball, Ultimate Muscle, Arale of Dr. Slump, Saint Seiya, Naruto, Toriko and Gon from Hunter X Hunter.

Second Wave:

The second wave is coming in June.  It has Midori Makibao, Reborn from Hitman, Kuroko, Ryuk of Death Note, Bossun of Sket Dance and Jotaro Kujo from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. 

Third Wave:

The third wave coming in July.  It has Kenshi from Rurouni Kenshi, Killua from Hunter X Hunter, Luffy of One Piece, Luckyman, Sai of Hikaru no go and Fuusuke of Ninku.  There's are still two unknown characters.

Fourth Wave:

The fourth wave is coming in August.  It has Gintoki from Gintama, Nura form Rise of the Yokai Clan, Saiki Kusuo from the new series Siaki Kusuo no Sainan, Switch of Sket Dance and few unknow characters.

Fifth Wave:

The fifth wave is coming in September.  It has Ace from One Piece, Yusuke of Yu Yu Hakusho, Kakashi from Naruto, the dude from Sakigake!! Otokojuku, and Mashiro from Bakuman.

There's a rumor that the series is a promotion for an upcoming game with Shonen Jump character mash-up like DS game Jump Super Stars and Jump Ultimate Stars from few years ago.  Hopefully that's true cause that would be totally awesome!  The figure I'm looking forward the most is Saiki Kusuo from the fourth wave because it's such a great upcoming new series.  Let me which ones are you most looking forward to.