Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

“Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a triumph, weaving a captivating narrative that honors the legacy of the original while forging a bold new path”

Get ready to revisit a beloved world reimagined! Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the much-anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Final Fantasy 7 Remake. This time, Cloud Strife and his companions must defy fate as they journey beyond the boundaries of Midgar. New threats emerge, familiar faces return, and the very essence of the planet hangs in the balance. Does Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth deliver a worthy follow-up to the phenomenal remake? Let’s dive in and find out!

A World Reimagined

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s most striking feature is its sheer scale. Each region, meticulously crafted and brimming with details, feels like a living, breathing world.

From the sweeping grasslands to the desolate wasteland, the sheer scope is awe-inspiring. Exploration becomes an adventure in itself, uncovering hidden secrets and unraveling the stories etched within the landscape.

The environmental themes resonate deeply; the beauty of the world stands in stark contrast to the scars inflicted by Shinra’s relentless pursuit of Mako energy. This juxtaposition fuels a burning desire to protect this fragile planet.

Optional Activities

Rebirth embraces many modern open-world tropes, offering a plethora of optional activities. While some, like tracking down Lifesprings or battling unique enemies, deepen the world and lore, others, like treasure hunts or timed button presses, feel like filler.

However, the rewards are generally enticing, encouraging exploration and completionism. Community Noticeboards in major towns provide sidequests that flesh out the world and characters, offering a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people affected by the events unfolding.

Combat Evolved

Combat in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth builds upon the foundation laid in Remake. The returning ‘Pressure and Stagger’ systems reward strategic thinking and skillful execution.

Mastering enemy vulnerabilities and exploiting them feels immensely satisfying. Each character boasts a distinct fighting style, and Yuffie, now a fully playable member, adds a layer of dynamism with her expansive skillset.

Synergies, powerful partner attacks, further elevate combat, offering new tactical possibilities and rewarding teamwork. The Materia system remains robust, allowing for customization and experimentation.

Mastering these intricate systems unlocks a combat experience that is both challenging and deeply rewarding.

A Cast of Familiar Heroes

The iconic characters of Final Fantasy 7 return, each wrestling with their own burdens and motivations.

Cloud’s internal struggles are brought to life with nuanced performances and expressive animations. Barret’s backstory receives a powerful retelling, while Red XIII is fleshed out into a more complete character.

The relationship between Aerith and Tifa deepens, showcasing a bond forged in shared hardship and unwavering hope. Despite the occasional melodrama, the core themes of friendship, environmentalism, and the fight for a better future resonate strongly.

A Story Reforged

Rebirth’s narrative initially follows a familiar path, revisiting key locations and events from the original. While this allows for deeper exploration and character development, it can feel slow-paced at times.

The true intrigue lies in the game’s exploration of alternate timelines and the concept of defying fate. This ambition is commendable, but the execution is flawed.

The conclusion, while thematically poignant, is convoluted and lacking in clarity. Despite these shortcomings, the story manages to hold a mirror to our own world, reminding us of the importance of hope and resilience in the face of tragedy.

Verdict

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a triumph, weaving a captivating narrative that honors the legacy of the original while forging a bold new path. The combat is exhilarating, the visuals are stunning, and the story will leave you yearning for more.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original or a newcomer to the world of Final Fantasy 7, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a must-play experience. So, grab your Buster Sword, and prepare for an epic adventure – A timeless classic! 

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Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth

This isn’t just the best turn-based Yakuza, it’s a series masterpiece, packed to the brim with brawling bliss.

Strap on your flip-flops, Yakuza fans, because this next Yakuza-inspired video game, Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth, takes Kiryu and co. on a tropical vacation with more chaos than a tiki-themed mosh pit. Forget karaoke bars and pocket circuit racing – this Hawaiian heist throws you headfirst into a sprawling criminal saga that spans continents and punches. But does paradise deliver, or is it just a sunburned disappointment?

Overview

Yakuza goes tropical: After the RPG twist of Like a Dragon, Infinite Wealth dials in a smoother, more tactical turn-based combat that feels like a satisfying evolution. It’s still rough and tumble, but with strategic depth and flashy proximity attacks, it’s like a chess match with brass knuckles.

Old friends, new digs: Ichiban’s back, still the sunny pup he was, joined by a reflective Kiryu facing his mortality. Their Hawaiian adventure is a wild ride, tackling everything from environmental woes to online conspiracies, all wrapped in a compelling mystery with fewer knots than usual.

Characters to savor: The supporting crew shines, from local charmers like Eric and Chitose to scene-stealing villains like Trejo’s machete-wielding Dwight.

The writing is top-notch, from dramatic moments to lowbrow humor, and the idle banter between them is pure gold, whether it’s praising Sega’s Game Gear or debating soy sauce.

Aloha, paradise: Hawaii isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a vibrant, explorable playground. You can cruise the beaches, hit the malls, grab shave ice, and greet everyone with a friendly “Aloha.”

It’s a refreshing change from the usual war games and racing titles, and this fictional Honolulu is surprisingly vast, easily fitting nine Kamurochos inside its sandy shores and shiny malls.

More than just Waikiki: Don’t get too comfy in paradise, because Kiryu heads back to Japan for a few chapters. You’ll revisit Yokohama and Kamurocho, complete with their own substories and side activities.

For series veterans, it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane, offering Kiryu a chance to reflect and make amends. Newcomers might not get as much out of it, but the experience points are worth the detour.

Infinite Wealth is Like a Dragon at its best: It’s a hilarious, heartfelt journey with a satisfyingly polished combat system and a stunning new Hawaiian setting. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, this tropical brawl is a must-play.

Gameplay Features

Gone to Hawaii, but the weirdness still stays. Despite swapping Japan for sunshine, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is knee-deep in hilariously off-the-wall enemies, from Hungry Hungry Homeless to Imp Patient. Think a grown-up Garbage Pail Kids brawl, but with way more strategic punch.

This time, the turn-based combat explodes with life. You can reposition your four-person squad before each round, flanking foes for bonus damage or grabbing objects like bikes and barrels to create party-wide mayhem.

Unlike the automatic weapon pick-ups in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, here you choose your tools of destruction, from explosive gas cans to rocket launchers.

As your party bonds deepen, you unlock spectacular team moves. Imagine knocking an enemy into your teammate’s volleyball spike or launching them into a curbside jump-kick, like a human pinball gone rogue.

These XCOM-inspired chain reactions add another layer of tactical depth, rivaling the team combos in Marvel’s Midnight Suns and Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope.

Kiryu, the series mainstay, throws it back to the old-school street fighting with three distinct stances: balanced Brawler, rapid-fire Rush, and grapple-heavy Beast. He even gets his trademark Heat gauge, letting you unleash real-time button combos for a satisfying dose of classic Yakuza action.

But even without Kiryu, the combat is a far cry from Yakuza: Like a Dragon’s polite turn-taking. Infinite Wealth throws out a riotous level of chaos, with each fight arena demanding fresh strategies.

From wielding flaming logs in a forest inferno to battling in a poison gas room, the stakes are constantly shifting, keeping you on your toes. One fight even lets you knock enemies into a hungry shark’s mouth for a truly unforgettable encounter.

Sure, there are some repetitive street brawls, but the vast majority of Infinite Wealth’s story missions are gripping and unforgettable.

This Hawaiian vacation is a vibrant blend of classic Yakuza brawling, tactical turn-based depth, and hilariously twisted enemies, making it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.

Yakuza Roles System

Yakuza’s signature job system returns! Switch up your squad’s skills and unleash chaos. I rocked Idol for support, but the new jobs are even cooler. Kasuga surfs enemies as an Aquanaut, Adachi slashes as a Samurai, and newcomer Tomizawa blasts baddies as a Desperado.

It’s like a cosplay brawl gone wild!

Special attacks are insanely fun. Imagine Kiryu channeling Bruce Lee in a Game of Death jumpsuit, smacking enemies using nun-chucks to oblivion. Each job unlocks dazzling skills as you level up, like tossing a frisbee that unleashes a pack of puppy-maulers to devour foes.

No more grinding! Unlike the frustrating difficulty spikes of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Infinite Wealth keeps the challenge balanced. The final chapter throws punches, but bosses are fair, and you’re always prepped with recommended levels for each fight.

Oddly, there’s no difficulty setting for your first playthrough. You have to beat the story to unlock harder modes, which seems strange.

It’s like asking you to climb Everest twice, one step at a time, before you can use a jetpack. No easy mode either, so if you struggle, you’re stuck grinding in repetitive dungeons. This lack of accessibility feels outdated.

Overall, Infinite Wealth’s job system and balanced combat are a blast. The flashy skills and hilarious job outfits make every fight a riot. Just wish there were difficulty options for everyone, not just New Game+ masochists.

Side Paradise Activities

Kawaii Hawaii isn’t just scenery in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth – it’s a playground overflowing with side activities.

But that’s just the tip of the Hawaiian pineapple!

The best part? You level up and unlock goodies everywhere you go. Whether it’s pummeling foes or brewing beer with your buddies (unleashing new combo attacks!), you’re constantly rewarded.

Infinite Wealth feels like a giant treasure chest – you’ll never run out of surprises.

Infinite Wealth might not have an infinite wealth of ideas, but it’s definitely overflowing with the good stuff. Get ready to punch, explore, and laugh your way through paradise!

Verdict

Forget the grinding, embrace the glamour! Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s revamped combat oozes flash and flexibility, making every turn a thrill. The Hawaiian playground explodes with endless activities, keeping you hooked longer than a barracuda on a fresh lure.

A gripping story that hops across continents and a vibrant cast of new jobs make every fight feel fresh, even after 50 hours. This isn’t just the best turn-based Yakuza, it’s a series masterpiece, packed to the brim with brawling bliss.

If you like my review, please consider adding a few comments below. If you interested in getting Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth video game, then consider clicking the button above or here to see your purchase options. Until next time 😀 

Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League

Overview

I want to appreciate Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League so much. I really loved the Batman: Arkham game series by Rocksteady. I adore superhero action in an open universe. I have even had brief but intense relationships with looter-shooters. However, there’s something off about the way all of those factors come together in this game. 

I honestly don’t see myself wanting to play much more after I finished the campaign tale, for whatever reason—be it the uninspired loot mechanics, the dull and repetitive task design, or the empty or uninteresting postgame content.

That’s a serious issue for a live-service game that wants to hold our interest for several months or perhaps years. It’s unfortunate because there’s a compelling narrative being presented thanks to the well-crafted cutscenes, impressive writing and strong acting that contributes to much of the heavy lifting.

Beyond that, though, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League never quite manages to provide enough enjoyment to match the high caliber of games in this category.

A DC Comic Tale

Regarding the plot itself, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out what’s making the Justice League act strange as they wreak havoc across the city. Brainiac is back. Superman’s infamous antagonist has devised a cunning scheme to seize control of the planet, and making everyone do his will, even mind-controlling the Justice League.

Thus, the Suicide Squad is dispatched to destroy them by any means necessary. You won’t believe this. Around the halfway point, what appears to be a conventional narrative that fans have heard a lot before takes an unusual turn.

Yes, some of the major revelations are tempered by now-familiar comic book cliches, but there’s a storytelling quality to this that takes you back to the heydays of Arkham Asylum.

This is mostly due to the outstanding character design and scriptwriting, which breathe life into every character and skillfully walk the fine line between being endearing and irritating. Close-ups are also widely employed to highlight Rocksteady’s graphic prowess, and it’s usually impressive to witness as cutscenes come to life.

The Suicide Squad

The voices behind the faces also exhibit that technical mastery. In one of his last roles as The Dark Knight, the late, great Kevin Conroy shines, revealing a darker side to the caped crusader than we’ve ever seen. As the tyrannical Harley Quinn, Tara Strong is flawless once more, and Joe Seanoa, aka Samoa Joe, skillfully delivers each of King Shark’s one-liners.

Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, King Shark, and Harley Quinn are all playable squad members. They’re all intriguing characters with signature weaponry like boomerangs, booming hammers, sharpshooting sniper rifles, and sharp-toothed snapping. Rocksteady could have created a variety of vigilantes with unique play styles by utilizing the fun and wildly varied abilities available to them.

Instead, though, all of these characters are reduced to the same perplexing blueprint as damage-output-chasing characters who appear to enjoy nothing more than firing guns and occasionally throwing grenades.

While each of them do have signature fighting and traversal moves—such as Harley’s sweeping baseball bat hits or Boomerang’s namesake enemy-chaining—the main emphasis is on shooting and amassing a growing collection of weapons.

The way these villains are written and how they play awkwardly contradict each other. For DC fans, this could have been a happy playground, but Rocksteady has obviously gone to great pains to build a richly detailed universe full of iconic characters who behave true to their comic book roots.

However, our situation is akin to watching your favorite football team play and discovering that they are, for some reason, being asked to play tennis instead. Although their well-known faces are recognizable, they are not in their natural habitat.

But whether or not their demolition strategy makes logic is a whole other matter from whether or not it’s entertaining. And there are two sides to this answer: yes and no.

Let’s Get Dangerous

In Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, the action picks up speed as you shoot foes at breakneck speed, unlike the slower pace of the Arkham games when you had to wait for them to move before delivering devastating countermeasures.

At moments, it’s quite remarkable, with a focus on taking no damage while taking elegant takedowns and chasing combos. These combos have a 50-point maximum score, making them extremely difficult to master and having a high skill ceiling.

Even the Shield Harvest system, which promotes aggressive play and echoes the philosophy of Control or Doom—that the best way to defend is to assault even more—made me think of some of my favorite action games.

I relished the chaotic action that this concept naturally produces as I raced through arenas, scurrying to acquire up ammo and shields. Unlike many other shooters after Gears of War, the active reload feature in this game offers you something to do besides hold down the shot button.

As you advance, you gradually get access to additional skills and changes. One is Affliction Strikes, which provide fighting an additional dimension by giving your melee strikes special abilities like venom, which makes your opponents turn against each other when they are struck.

Indeed, there are so many distinct concepts and gameplay elements that it can occasionally become a little too much to handle, and the campaign’s never-ending supply of tutorials doesn’t seem to stop. But there’s a tight and fulfilling rhythm that can be established once you eventually get the hang of the whole equipment.

Simply said, expect something a little busier than the more leisurely, riddle-based experiences in Gotham when you enter Metropolis. After spending some time here, I understand Rocksteady’s reasoning for this speed change.

The speed at which these fighting systems operate does in fact mirror the heroes’ respective personas: Batman is always one step ahead of the game, while Amanda Waller’s hired shooters are reckless, outrageous, and, quite bluntly, revel in the bloodshed.

Class-based games typically include characters that specialize in particular talents that may be customized to your preference through comprehensive skill trees. However, as most of them felt awkward at first, I found that testing out each criminal’s movement skills was the most important factor in determining which one best suited my style.

I experimented a while with each character. I like Captain Boomerang’s teleporting Speed Force Gauntlet, which allowed me to freely flank waves of enemies. Deadshot comes with jetpack which he uses to hovers around.

Harley comes with a swinging bat and a grapple Spider-Man/Batman hybrid move-set. Shark’s very simple run-and-jump maneuvers are good for multiple enemies damaging but never really excited me.

The Extras

The other characters in Metropolis were undervalued by Rocksteady’s abrupt change from a single-player narrative to a cooperative looter-shooter. The role that The Penguin played in Suicide Squad is arguably the clearest example of this.

This time around, the once-dominant Gotham criminal boss is reduced to nothing more than a weapons trader. He’s at least passably competent at his job; sure, he’ll give you access to a semi-limited selection of guns that you may customize to your liking while you determine which of the four “manufacturers” in the city has the features and benefits that suit you the best.

Since this is a looter-shooter, it goes without saying that there are several rarity levels, from common and rare guns to extremely powerful, one-of-a-kind notorious and legendary weapons that are all based on different DC villains.

Apart from that small detail in the outfits, the guns themselves are incredibly uninteresting. The world and its inhabitants are vibrant and charming, qualities that aren’t mirrored in the drab armory. As you circle around foes using a conventional flank-and-fire strategy, you’ll primarily be using a regular variety of rifles, SMGs, pistols, shotguns, chain guns, etc.

The various weapon manufacturers provide unique features, such as burst-fire options or increased ammo capacity, but nothing compares to the sheer variety of weapons that Borderlands’ comparable setup can offer. The looter-shooter that popularized the genre with its constantly expanding bizarre arsenal of weapons is still very difficult to compete with.

Your options for adding life to your weapons are restricted to pretty common upgrades like cooldown reductions or critical damage enhancements, none of which are particularly useful for harnessing the power of superheroes or villains.

I kept expecting to see something weird, like a gun that launches bomb-exploding rounds. Despite completing the campaign and engaging in some post-game grinding, I find the lack of creativity in the game to be somewhat disheartening, even when it comes to the rarest and most premium options.

That’s especially unfortunate because, despite its unremarkable gunplay and weaponry, the game has the makings of a really fascinating loot and battle system; it’s simply hidden beneath the bland.

Targets Missed

As you go around popping what seems like an endless number of purple spots and monsters with less than the sharpest AI, Metropolis has developed an extremely severe case of swarming, but bland Brainiac enemies. 

As the story progresses, a wider range of enemies are shown, and these new opponents present more of a challenge because they can channel specific heroic skills and force you to think through your strategy more carefully.

The majority of these foes, however, are typically found on top of buildings guarding Brainiac weapons or generally being an annoyance, so for the most part, I felt like I was just bouncing from rooftop to rooftop killing foes.

In reality, the campaign’s roughly 10-hour storyline is characterized by a constant “cutscene, rooftop battle, repeat” rhythm. There is merely a constant flow of drab encounter designs with no apparent effort put into creating unique scripted missions.

Frequently, you’re just switching between a few simple goal types, like guarding an area, eliminating a gang of foes, or escorting a cargo across the city. These objective types get monotonous very fast.

Although there are plenty of big buildings in Metropolis to bounce on and explore, the game’s mission design never takes advantage of this feature.

While Suicide Squad’s movement at times may even be reminiscent of Spider-Man games, the city doesn’t feel nearly as designed for such missions as Insomniac’s superhero open world missions, which let you gracefully dash through cities.

However, Rocksteady constructed its Gotham City with a number of monuments that functioned as amazing enclosed stages inside an open environment before any of those games were released. Suicide Squad, on the other hand, avoids fascinating interiors as much as possible because nearly all of the action takes place quickly and far above the city.

The battle arenas in Arkham City were so skillfully created that they resembled little action levels within of a vast open world with potential for environmental takedowns and inventive methods to move about all the time. However, only fleeting examples of this idea can be seen here.

Interestingly, one of them is an early Batman encounter that provides a clever reversal of the Arkham experience. However, a subsequent encounter with The Dark Knight regrettably returns to a mindless gunfight.

Light in Dark Tunnel

Sadly, this is the pattern that most of the major confrontations follow; just a few boss fights deviate from this. The first is a dull battle against a huge purple cannon, an odd choice given the world’s abundance of both heroes and villains.

Things do, however, brighten up a little when you eventually get to battle mind-controlled Justice League members. While there are hints of the puzzle-like quality seen in Arkham’s boss encounters, it’s hard to find anything nearly as memorable as boss fights from past Rocksteady games like Arkham City. 

Most of them take place in circular arenas with little windows for attacks; The Flash boss battle is a good illustration of this, where you have to time counterattacks swiftly before doing damage. The most notable of them all, though, has to be a fight against Green Lantern and his armament of light constructs.

This fight masterfully employs a sizable arena full of elevated vantage spots that double as cover, resulting in a great deal of spectacle and adrenaline.

Though you are eventually supposed to basically shoot them down in identical styles, all of the heroes are a pleasant challenge that, critically, never seem unfair, with each one generously signposting attacks to prevent irritation.

Yes, you’re up against superhumans, so the Suicide Squad should probably be eliminated, but the way you dispatch them is bolstered by a believable enough narrative to let you square up against the strongest people on Earth. And the majority of those solutions simply involve developing new kinds of ammo.

Of course, I won’t reveal too much here, but there are a lot of other well-known DC characters mixed throughout. Comic book enthusiasts will love the unexpected cameos and exits laced throughout, even though at times it just makes the narrative appear like an assortment of strikingly beautiful scenes pieced together with cliched battle sequences.

However, there are also memorable times that pass quickly while being filled with awe. 

In Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Superheroes are revered as gods in the world of Metropolis. It’s filled with monuments to them at each corner. It’s usually really beautiful and would probably be a great spot to spend a weekend if it weren’t for the little problem of a massive brain hanging over it and wreaking havoc.

The art design is excellent, blending a wide range of architectural elements to create a very attractive cityscape. However, because of the warzone simmering underneath it, the skyline is frequently covered with smoke and gunshots. But all of it feels strangely dead at the same time.

Similar to the Arkham games, there is an unsettling lack of human movement to give the impression that this is a real location with people who need to be protected.

In addition, aside from adversaries patrolling the streets in anticipation of your ambush, there isn’t any memorable music to accompany you as you navigate through them. Once more, it’s unfortunate because, while this world is unquestionably an artistic triumph, there just isn’t nearly as much variation in it as there was when I first entered it as an enthusiastic visitor.

The UI comes next. It’s often said that you should have more faith in a restaurant’s food if its menu has fewer options. I believe the same holds true for a HUD and how much screen clutter it causes.

The game UI has an unbearably large quantity of text, numbers, cooldown meters, health bars, and button prompts shown. Sometimes you have to sift through text passages to peek at the mini map or see how near you are to death. You can disable some features, but to be honest, you really need to have the most of stuff on in order to try to keep track of what’s happening.

Post Campaign Content

Despite the studio’s best efforts to portray Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League as anything other than a game-as-a-service, the live-service aspect of the game becomes evident in the post-game after the story is concluded.

My greatest worries were realized right away when I was given copies of missions that I had already completed in the campaign, all of which featured the same jumbled set of duties.

Incursions are the main actions that occur when a character enters the post-credits realm. These are quick, rinse-and-repeat missions set in the superhero multiverse. These are, predictably, all the same “defend the objective” and “kill as many enemies as possible in a given amount of time” situations that I had already gotten weary of.

There’s a startling lack of creativity and minimal regard for your time. Even worse, you can only access these ostensibly significant missions using a new currency called Promethium, and they have little bearing on the wider struggle surrounding you other than perhaps annoying the main antagonist a little.

This can only be obtained by doing more tiresome missions around Metropolis, including taking out another enormous cannon that has purple dots pulsating on it. It produces a monotonous loop that lacks any meaningful gameplay or narrative elements.

The only true motivation is to outpace other players and deliver an entertaining taunt, or to repeatedly grind the same few encounters at harder difficulties in order to unlock guns with higher damage numbers, which I suppose I’ll use for more useful tasks when they come up in a later update.

Additionally, all XP points earned after a character reaches level 30, and has completed their own talent tree, are allocated to ‘Squad Skills’. No, these aren’t exciting new abilities that encourage much-needed cooperative play; rather, they are more dull stat bonuses like small boost to damage reduction or a small boost to rifle damage.

It’s a monotonous, boring, and repetitive post-game that lacks the elements that formerly made Rocksteady’s games so captivating. However, it is unfortunate that there aren’t any noteworthy villain arcs or side stories, and that there isn’t quite the spontaneity in the game’s open environment that fans of Manbat’s participation in Arkham Knight may anticipate.

Contracts also need to be fulfilled, but again, they are nothing special because they involve killing a specific number of grunts with a sniper rifle or executing a traversal attack a particular number of times. These provide you with experience points, credits, and an abundance of crafting supplies that you may utilize in your modified Hall of Justice headquarters.

Micro Transactions

It can be tedious to customize your character and navigate the numerous menu screens to get small stat boosts, but nothing compares to the stress of having to keep track of the five crafting currencies Suicide Squad uses.

They are entirely distinct from a premium money that is used to unlock cosmetics like clothes and emotes and are all needed to build various modifications, weapons, and augmentations.

There are now just one or two new styles available for each character in the store, making it appear somewhat empty.

Although they aren’t particularly inexpensive, the situation is made somewhat worse when you learn that this simply unlocks the basic style for each outfit—you’ll need to spend up to $40 to unlock every variation and color option inside each skin.

While makeup may be expensive, Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League deserves praise for providing all new seasonal gameplay content at no cost. Rocksteady has given us a peek at the future roadmap, which includes the promise of more playable characters and locales.

This makes it possible for locations like Arkham Asylum to appear in the game, serving as a somber reminder of the fantastic tale the company previously presented there.

It’s unclear how much the upcoming episodic missions will truly move the story along, but plenty of remixed activities, enemy variants, and cosmetic drops are a given. It’s hard to say for sure, but it looks like we’ll be doing a lot of what’s already available in Metropolis over and over again, which could become even more tired than it already is.

Familiar locations from Rocksteady’s past outings may be exciting, but what we’ll be doing in them will determine whether or not Suicide Squad will survive as an ongoing game. 

Future DLC or Game Pass

Although I do appreciate the combat, I’m not convinced it ever provides the diversity or dynamic edge Suicide Squad needs to succeed without the promise of further story to support it.

Although score-chasing can be entertaining and fits in with the arguing character of the mercenaries, it isn’t enough of a motivation to keep me playing, whether you’re attempting to outdo your squad mates or the world.

I’m not at all interested in a battle pass consisting of character skins and emotes, so perhaps future seasons will tell new tales.

The campaign’s disappointing cliffhanger does, in my opinion, strongly hint at what we’ll be doing in each of the seasons. While I sincerely hope it advances the plot significantly each time, I doubt it. Rather than coming back every month to see what’s new posted, I think it’s much more likely that I’ll wait months to see how much has been added before returning to the story.

All of this raises the main query about Kill the Justice League: why is it a live-service game with recurring content releases? Thus far, I’m not persuaded that Rocksteady’s desire to tell more stories in its DC universe is the reason for it; rather, I believe Warner Brothers’ strategy of gradually adding cosmetics to its store will increase profits.

Players feel underwhelmed by an unfinished plot at launch, therefore it’s not a good model. It can also be frustrating for a studio that has a strong history of making single-player games to operate this way. We are all ultimately defeated, much like a world without heroes to protect it.

Verdict

Playing Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is extremely annoying. There is plenty to like in the story, which is a genuinely strong DC comics story, beautifully wrapped in high production standards, with combat that is quick enough to keep things interesting.

However, everything else simply collapses around it. The looter-shooter gameplay is stale and boring, the mission design is entirely uninteresting, and the postgame content is incredibly repetitious with very little interesting things to do.

Overall, the game is a bit of a let down that never really impresses with any of its many poorly thought out ideas. It’s not terrible, but it’s disappointing and frustrating coming from Rocksteady—the pioneers of story action in single player Batman Arkham games—following multiplayer fads that are now out of date. Better to wait until the game is cheaper than to buy it now.

So what are your thoughts on this Rocksteady game? Was it the game worth waiting for? What games would you rather play? Let’s discuss it here below by adding your comments. Click on the button to buy the game if you choose to. Thanks for checking out my review. Until next time 😀      

Tekken 8

From refined mechanics to fresh faces and flawless online play, Tekken 8 isn’t just a fight, it’s an addiction. Years of brawls await, guaranteed.

The King of Iron Fist Tournament returns with explosive energy in Tekken 8. This latest entry burns bright with a revamped combat system, a roster packed with familiar (and fiery) faces, and enough depth to make seasoned Mishimas sweat. Buckle up, because Tekken 8 is a thrilling evolution that punches its way to the top of the fighting game scene.

Burning New Systems

Tekken 8 rewrites the rulebook with two game-changers: Health Recover and the Heat System.

Tekken’s always been a defensive dance, but no more. Now, taking hits leaves you with “gray” damage you can reclaim by attacking. This shift forces proactive strategies, turning every fight into a thrilling tug-of-war for HP.

Build your Heat meter through attacks or just button presses. Unleash it to empower your offense: higher chip damage, character-specific boosts, and even potent combo finishers. It’s a constant tactical gamble – chase those extra hits now, or save your Heat for later domination?

 Arcade Quest lets you gradually face tougher AI, and the revamped Training Mode is a paradise for practice. Combo challenges, save states, move pinning, detailed attack info – everything you need to hone your skills.

The integrated replay system is a masterclass. Watch your matches or others’, then jump in and control any character (played by humans) at any point. Analyze your mistakes, experiment with alternative tactics, and level up your game in real-time.

 Feeling overwhelmed? Tap into Special Style. This mode assigns key moves to single buttons, letting you unleash flashy combos with less complexity. Activate it mid-match even online, letting everyone know you’re about to unleash some stylish fury.

Tekken 8 is far more than just a fighting game. It’s a strategic dance of offense and defense, fueled by Heat and empowered by knowledge. The incredible training tools and innovative replay system turn you into a master tactician, while Special Style offers an accessible entry point for newcomers.

It’s a revolution for Tekken, and an evolution for fighting games as a whole.

Fresh Blood: Flash, Fury, and a Mishima Mystery

Three fiery faces rise to join Tekken 8’s legendary ranks.

Victor, the Dapper Shadow: Voiced by Vincent Cassell, this French UN agent brings flamboyant strikes and deceptive vanishing moves. His pressure builds fast, but overconfidence has its price. 

His unexpected lore ties him to seasoned fighters, hinting at a hidden past. Azucena, the Caffeinated Cyclone: This energetic coffee queen is always buzzing, both in personality and playstyle. Her move-set provokes aggression, then punishes mercilessly. 

Expect love-hate battles, thanks to her taunting style and early dominance. But even veterans like me find her pressure more intriguing than infuriating.

Reina, the Enigma with Echoes: The most captivating newcomer, Reina bridges the gap between Tekken 7 and 8, both in gameplay and story.

Seemingly a phantom with Heihachi’s echoes (the Mishima patriarch slain by Kazuya), she’s aggressive, flashy, and deceptively simple, mastering her will be a thrilling challenge.

These fresh faces breathe new life into Tekken 8. Whether you crave Victor’s strategic flair, Azucena’s relentless assault, or Reina’s enigmatic whispers of Mishima legacy, these newcomers are ready to set the King of Iron Fist Tournament ablaze.

Single Player Playground or Punching Pad

Tekken 8’s single-player campaign is a feast fit for a King of Iron Fist. The roughly 3-4 hour “Dark Awakens” story mode is a cinematic treat, packed with cutscenes, surprise character cameos, and epic battles.

It’s a fantastic showcase for the game’s new “Special Style” with its in-fight cutscenes and slow-motion punches.

I actually found myself enjoying the story mode controls more than the regular ones, thanks to the intuitive button layout and lack of move list diving.

The story itself is a rollercoaster of “capital A Anime” moments, but it also meticulously weaves in major arcs from past games and delivers fan-service with pinpoint accuracy.

Newcomers will find it easy to follow, thanks to clear character relationships and a handy “Gallery” mode with summaries of past Tekken titles.

The only minor presentation hiccup is the transition between breathtaking real-time action and slightly blurry cutscenes.

Speaking of fan-service, each character unlocks a hilarious ending through a quick five-battle mini-adventure. These are pure goofball fun, with some genuine laugh-out-loud moments (Kazuya and Dragunov’s are particularly epic, trust me).

More Single player

But the single-player crown jewels are two brand-new modes: Arcade Quest and Super Ghost Battle.

Arcade Quest is my personal favorite, a charming crawl through virtual arcades where you customize your avatar and face off against diverse opponents, each honing a unique playstyle.

The lighthearted story about the importance of fun in a competitive genre is a sweet bonus, but the real magic lies in the extended tutorial it provides.

It’s perfect for Tekken newbies who might be intimidated by the online arena, offering tons of encouragement and shielding them from the occasional online troll.

Super Ghost Battle, on the other hand, is a self-improvement playground. You can train your own “ghost” AI based on your own gameplay habits, or download and battle ghosts created by other players.

It’s a fantastic way to identify your weaknesses and evolve as a fighter, all without the pressure of real-time matches.

I’ve already had friends gleefully thrash my ghost after I beat them online – payback never tasted so sweet!

Rounding out the single-player party is the Jukebox, a music lover’s dream. Swap out stage music, customize the final-round theme, and even access classic Tekken tracks from past games.

You can even shuffle the entire soundtrack library, from Tekken 1 to Tekken Revolution.

For longtime fans like me, it’s a treasure trove of nostalgia, and a testament to the series’ rich musical heritage.

Seriously, Tekken 8 needs to win an award for this Jukebox – every fighting game should have one!

So, before you dive headfirst into the online brawl, take a moment to savor Tekken 8’s surprisingly deep single-player experience.

It’s packed with hours of fun, laughs, and valuable learning opportunities, ensuring you’re fully prepped to conquer the King of Iron Fist Tournament, online or offline.

Online Chaos

Online play is the ultimate test of any fighter, and Tekken 8 throws down a winning punch. Gone are the lag woes of Tekken 7! Matches across the US felt silky smooth, even with thousands of miles in between.

While other regions, like Europe and South Korea, weren’t quite as flawless, they were still playable, just with some occasional jitters. And for the control freaks, there are multiple rollback settings to tweak that perfect online feel.

Say goodbye to agonizing load screens! Rematches now drop you right back into the fray, a welcome change that makes rematches lightning-fast and keeps the adrenaline pumping.

The new Tekken Fight Lounge is your online dojo. Here, you can strut your custom avatar, mingle with other fighters, bust out emotes, and access all the good stuff: Ranked Matches, Quick Matches, Custom Rooms, and even the glorious return of Tekken Ball!

It’s easy to navigate and visually stunning, but if you’re not a social butterfly, you can still access everything directly from the main menu.

The only baffling misstep comes in Custom Rooms. While you can spectate matches from the Fight Lounge, you can’t do it within the room itself.

Watching your friends duke it out is strangely absent, hopefully just a temporary oversight for a future patch. Overall, Tekken 8’s online experience is simply a triumph. 

Verdict

Tekken 8 is not just a fighting game; it’s an experience. It’s a fiery evolution that retains the series’ DNA while injecting fresh thrills.

The new Heat system adds a layer of strategic aggression, the roster brims with captivating characters, and the content keeps you coming back for more.

Whether you’re a seasoned Tekken warrior or a curious newcomer, Tekken 8 welcomes you with open arms and fiery fists. Just be prepared to get burned.

So what do your think of the new Tekken 8 fighting game. Was all the hype worth it? Have you played the Tekken 8 demo? What is your experience as a Tekken franchise fan? Let’s discuss it and more below by adding your comments.  

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Available: PS5, Xbox One/Series X, Switch, PC

Get ready for a Prince of Persia revolution! The Lost Crown is a game-changer, almost as epic as those first 3D leaps in Sands of Time. Buckle up, adventurers!

Hey there, fellow gamers! Prepare to dust off your parkour skills and sharpen your daggers, because we’re taking a deep dive into Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Is this revival a glorious oasis in the parched desert of gaming franchises, or a mirage that crumbles into pixelated dust? Let’s crack it open and find out!

Rewinding to a Familiar Landscape

Stepping into The Lost Crown feels like reuniting with a treasured childhood friend. The vibrant tapestry of Persian architecture bursts with detail, transporting you to dusty marketplaces and forgotten tombs.

The soundtrack whispers echoes of epic battles and forgotten legends, stirring a warm nostalgia for past Prince of Persia adventures. While our new Prince lacks the roguish charm of his time-warping predecessor, his sass and determination grow on you, especially when paired with the enigmatic charm of Kaftar, our AI companion.

Where Acrobatic Art Meets Metanoid Maze

Platforming is where The Lost Crown truly shines. Traversal feels like a mesmerizing dance with gravity, weaving wall runs, air dashes, and gravity-defying leaps that’ll have you channeling your inner gazelle on caffeine. The levels are labyrinthine playgrounds, brimming with platforming challenges that seamlessly blend into combat arenas and mind-bending environmental puzzles.

The Metroidvania elements inject a layer of intrigue, rewarding your adventurous spirit with unlockable abilities and hidden secrets that beg to be unraveled. Just be prepared for moments where your controller might become a temporary frisbee – those crumbling platforms don’t forgive mistimed jumps!

Swordplay Symphony or Clumsy Clashes?

The combat, like a desert wind, delivers both warm breezes and biting sandstorms. Swordplay dances with a satisfying rhythm, with combos and counters that feel smooth as silk. But enemy variety can feel like a monotonous melody, and boss fights occasionally morph into repetitive refrains.

The real showstopper here is the time manipulation mechanic – a breath of fresh air in the action-adventure genre. Slow down projectiles, rewind to dodge attacks, and even freeze enemies mid-air, opening up tactical possibilities that keep combat feeling like a dynamic chess match. It’s not flawless, but it’s a unique twist that adds a surprising depth to every clash.

The Ultimate Puzzle Master

This is where The Lost Crown truly sets itself apart. Time manipulation isn’t just a flashy combat trick; it’s the warp and weft of the world itself. Solve puzzles by rewinding crumbling bridges to their former glory, platforms across frozen waterfalls, or even use time loops to create platforms where none existed before.

It’s innovative, it’s mind-bending, and it’s the element that truly makes The Lost Crown sing. Imagine the satisfaction of rewinding a misstep, or strategically freezing an enemy to create a path forward – it’s like a playground for your inner temporal architect.

Exploration Galore

The Lost Crown shines brightest in its Metroidvania exploration, especially with Memory Shards. This nifty trick lets you snap a picture of any unreachable area, marking it on your map for later. It’s like drawing your map, but digital and awesome! Finding Memory Shards in the world is a reward in itself, making exploration even more satisfying.

The Memory Shards system is just right, not too easy, not too hard. The same goes for most things in The Lost Crown. Finding save points is effortless thanks to glowing Wak-Wak trees, and you can choose hints for objectives without feeling spoon-fed. Maps? Buy them or discover them yourself – the choice is yours. Even combat difficulty bends to your will, with sliders for enemy toughness, agility, and more. Everything helps you have fun without sacrificing challenge.

Imperfections in Paradise

No oasis is perfect, and The Lost Crown has its fair share of sandstorms. Technical hiccups like performance drops and clipping issues can occasionally disrupt the flow. Some quest objectives can feel cryptic, like riddles whispered on the wind, leaving you wandering lost until the solution suddenly blooms.

But thankfully, these are mostly minor inconveniences, swallowed up by the sheer joy of movement and exploration. The 30-hour game may be vast, but the thrill of discovering a hidden passage or mastering a challenging platform outweighs the occasional tumbleweed rolling through your progress.

Verdict

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown might not be a flawless diamond, but it’s a damn good comeback. It captures the spirit of the franchise with its acrobatic thrills, engaging puzzles, and a refreshing new look at time-bending manipulation. Sure, the combat has its moments, and the technical hiccups can be frustrating, but the overall experience is pure platforming satisfaction.

If you’re a fan of Metroidvania or crave an innovative take on action-adventure, The Lost Crown is an oasis you won’t want to miss. Just remember, even the ‘Sands of Time’ shift, and while it might not completely eclipse the golden sands of its predecessors, it carves its path through the desert, leaving you breathless with wonder and the urge to jump, climb, dodge, and manipulate time. 

So, fellow adventurers, will you be scaling the perilous peaks, or delving through crypts and dungeons? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the Sands of Time flowing with endless discussions about Prince of Persia! Remember, the thrill of a perfectly timed wall run never gets old, and the echoes of this new chapter will linger in your gaming memories long after you