Category: News

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SNK is working on a new game machine packed with classic NEO GEO games

It seems that miniature game consoles packed with classic games are all the rage these days, what with Nintendo’s NES and SNES Classic line, as well as Sega’s upcoming Mega Drive Mini. Now, it seems that SNK is throwing their hat into the ring as well. The Osaka-based company recently posted a tweet where they teased that they were working on a “new game machine”. Said game machine is set to feature a collection of classic NEO GEO games.

Released in 1990 in both arcade board (MVS) and home console (AES) variations, the original NEO GEO became a home to a number of beloved fighting game franchises. This includes both those that eventually became part of The King of Fighters franchise, as well as a few others that are classics in their own right.

Prior to this, SNK already released the NEO GEO X console-handheld hybrid. As with this new project, the NEO GEO X also allowed gamers to play classic NEO GEO games. In addition to this, it also used the concept of having a docking station (cheekily designed too look like the original NEO GEO AES home console) that would allow it to connect to a regular TV, years before the Switch.

Whether or not this new system will follow suit is unknown. Though the shape of whatever it is that’s under that cover seems to indicate a more traditional console set up.

Source: SNK

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SNK is working on a new game machine packed with classic NEO GEO games

It seems that miniature game consoles packed with classic games are all the rage these days, what with Nintendo’s NES and SNES Classic line, as well as Sega’s upcoming Mega Drive Mini. Now, it seems that SNK is throwing their hat into the ring as well. The Osaka-based company recently posted a tweet where they teased that they were working on a “new game machine”. Said game machine is set to feature a collection of classic NEO GEO games.

Released in 1990 in both arcade board (MVS) and home console (AES) variations, the original NEO GEO became a home to a number of beloved fighting game franchises. This includes both those that eventually became part of The King of Fighters franchise, as well as a few others that are classics in their own right.

Prior to this, SNK already released the NEO GEO X console-handheld hybrid. As with this new project, the NEO GEO X also allowed gamers to play classic NEO GEO games. In addition to this, it also used the concept of having a docking station (cheekily designed too look like the original NEO GEO AES home console) that would allow it to connect to a regular TV, years before the Switch.

Whether or not this new system will follow suit is unknown. Though the shape of whatever it is that’s under that cover seems to indicate a more traditional console set up.

Source: SNK

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– Blizzard Balance is Now a Giftable Commodity

Blizzard has announced that players can -finally- gift Blizzard Balance to friends and family. Blizzard Balance can be used in the Blizzard Shop to purchase goods and services such as race change in WoW or a stimpack in Heroes of the Storm or even an Overwatch loot box.

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NRG Esports signs SuperNoon and HookGangGod for Dragon Ball FighterZ

NRG Eports makes its first FGC singings beyond Super Smash Bros. by grabbing two of the hottest DBFZ players today!

Founded in 2015 and long-known for their exploits in Super Smash Bros., For Honor, Rocket League, Overwatch and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, NRG Esports has now reached into the FGC by picking up Steve “SuperNoon” Carbajal and Summit of Power East Coast qualifier Eduardo “HookGangGod” Deno to compete in Dragon Ball FighterZ.

Known for his frenetic Kid Buu play — backed up by Cell and Super Saiyan Vegeta — Supernoon’s accomplishments in FighterZ include placing 7th at Dragon Brawl, 5th at CenCal Standoff, 3rd at NCR and 9th at Wednesday Night Fights West Coast Summit of Power Qualifier, (which has made him eligible for nomination into the SoP’s voting process), as well as several WNF victories. He is also an extremely accomplished player in both Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite.

HookGangGod has also made quite the splash in FighterZ, getting 17th at Winter Brawl 12, 5th in the Microsoft Battle for the Belt Bracket, and 2nd at both Bum’s Birthday Bash and the East Coast Next Level Battle Circuit Summit of Power Qualifier, falling both times to Echo Fox|Sonic Fox. Considered one of the world’s best Piccolos and even currently holding the #1 Online Rank on PSN, he’ll certainly be someone to watch out for in the future.

Both players will begin representing NRG at Super TSB in New York on Saturday, April 28th. You can see tweets from all three parties below. On behalf of everyone here at Shoryuken, we’d like to congratulate both players and wish them all the best of luck in the future!

Sources: NRGgg (Twitter); TheSupernoon (Twitter); HookGangGod (Twitter); ESPN Now

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More information on “Last Hit” — the upcoming comedy film featuring MMA fighter Elias Theodorou, Justin Wong, Kayane, & Luffy

“The story of a dude who just wouldn’t give up.”

We learned a while back that several FGC competitors and personalities were joining Canadian MMA fighter Elias Theodorou in the production of an FGC-themed comedy called Last Hit. Aside from learning that fighting game competitors Justin Wong, Kayane, and Luffy, as well as commentator Zhi Lang Chew, were joining Theodorou in the movie — and its general premise — not much was made initially known about the project.

Rather than already being in production, it seems the Canadian-based film is actually taking the crowdfunding route. From the press release:

Nero Films Inc. is proud to announce the Indiegogo fundraising campaign for Last Hit, a new fighting games comedy starring Canadian UFC fighter Elias ‘The Spartan’ Theodorou and featuring fighting game community legends Kayane, Justin Wong and Olivier ‘Louffy’ Hay. The film is scheduled for release in 2019.

Directed by Gary Hawes (assistant director, Interstellar, Juno) and written by Kyle Francis (Shadowrun Returns, The Swift Life), Last Hit follows Denis Bergeron (Theodorou), a charismatic MMA fighter who lives for his sport. But when Bergeron sustains a humiliating career-ending injury, he turns to videogames as a distraction — and stumbles into the world of competitive fighting games, where he encounters toxic gamer bro and Street Fighter V champion Chris Ballard. With the help of his sharp-tongued physiotherapist Suzie and lovable trainer Davey, Bergeron vows to defeat Ballard once and for all at one of the largest fighting game tournaments in the world, the Canada Cup, and prove that his warrior spirit can’t be broken.

Highlights
• Is the first comedy feature film to be set in the rapidly growing worlds of fighting games and MMA, which both have Internet-native fandoms
• Marks the lead acting debut of MMA fighter Elias Theodorou
• Features cameos by FGC legends Kayane, Justin Wong and Louffy

While we’re not sure what to make of an SFV champion being described as a “toxic gamer bro”, I suppose we have to remember it is intended to be a comedy! An interesting point to note is that while the Indiegogo page lists Wong/Kayane/Luffy/Zhi as part of the cast, it does not indicate the roles they will play — and the press release lists them as featured cameos, so their screen time may be more limited than we’ve expected. As the character Bergeron is planned to face his rival at Canada Cup, it is also unsurprising that Canada Cup organizer Lap Chi Duong is listed on the Indiegogo page as a Co-Producer for the film.

Last Hit also has a Facebook page now; you can read more about the project, the cast and crew, and their crowdfunding efforts on the Indigogo page, or on the Nero Films website.

Source: Nero Films [press release]

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Novriltataki explores how public perception can bury games before they have a chance to build a following

Is it just easier just to spread more hate than give a new game a fair shake?

Social media has proven a double-edged sword for the FGC: for all of its networking benefits, it is as prone to mob mentality as any other Facebook or Twitter bubble. In the video below, Novriltataki discusses how the darker side of social media — specifically, the snowballing of (potentially unfounded) negative opinions against a game — can shut down a title and prevent it from getting a fair shot at building its own community. It seems much easier for the general online public to jump on the hater bandwagon, rather than listen to fair praise (see: shills) or reasonably consider a game’s strengths against perceived failings.

Novril offers examples of games that have suffered due to negative perceptions that were carried over before the titles even hit store shelves: distaste for fan-service preventing players from looking into Dead or Alive 5‘s mechanics; the expectation of incredible difficulty making Virtua Fighter 5 unappealing to potential newcomers; and the now-infamous case of Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite.

Thanks to Jaime for the tip.

Source: novriltataki

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Injustice vs. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe crossover comic miniseries to begin July 18th

Can He-Man and the Masters of the Universe topple Superman’s Regime?

NetherRealm Studios’ DC Comics-based fighting game franchise, Injustice, is no stranger to crossover appearances with other properties. Injustice 2 has already seen the likes of Hellboy from Dark Horse Comics, warriors from the Mortal Kombat universe and — most recently — Mirage Studios’ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, all duking it out with DC’s finest heroes and villains. Now another franchise is colliding with the world of Injustice: Mattel’s He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.

Earlier this week, DC announced that a new six-issue digital-first miniseries would see the defenders of Eternia collide with Superman’s Regime in Injustice vs. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, with the first issue releasing this July.

Written by Tim Seeley (Nightwing, Green Lanterns) and illustrated by Freddie E. Williams II (He-Man/Thundercats, Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), the Masters of the Universe will unite with Batman’s Insurgency in an attempt to stop the tyrannical dictator.

The official synopsis is as follows:

Believing He-Man and the Masters of the Universe defeated, a robotic impostor has seized control of Eternia — but not for long! After freeing his kingdom from this strongman’s rule, He-Man learns not everyone is pleased to see the pretender deposed — but Adam knows the value of freedom. When heroes from another dimension ask his aid in deposing a superhero turned dictator, he agrees. Teaming up with Batman against the Superman of the Injustice Universe, He-Man and his new allies face dangerous and familiar enemies in a battle where no world is safe!

We can see from the cover of the first issue that Teela, Orko, and Battle Cat will be joining the fight against Superman, likely alongside many other characters from the series. Though the Injustice 2: Legendary Edition was recently released, likely signaling the end of the game’s development, it will be interesting to see if Prince Adam is able to raise his sword and call upon the Power of Grayskull in a future title, or additional yet-unannounced DLC.

Check out the cover image of Injustice vs. He-Man and the Master of the Universe #1 below, which will be available both digitally and in print on Wednesday, July 18th.

Injustice vs. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #1 Cover

Source: CBR.com

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– Some Loot Box Mechanics Are Gambling According to The Netherlands

After months of back and forth about whether or not loot boxes are gambling, the Dutch Gaming Authority has determined that loot boxes in ten games do violate its Betting and Gaming Act and are, in fact, gambling. According to Eurogamer, the games were not specifically named, though NOS, a Dutch broadcaster, revealed that Rocket League, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, FIFA 18, and DOTA 2 made the list.

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Yang gameplay, Cross Character Pack 3, and open beta details revealed in latest BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle stream

“Pretty sneaky, sis, but you just activated my trap card!”

Arc System Works recently broadcast its promised Arc Nama stream for BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle that showcased the next batch of DLC characters, gameplay for RWBY heavy-hitter Yang Xiao Long, and open beta details.

After a brief introduction, Arc System Works unveiled the characters that will be included in Cross Character Pack 3. Naoto Shirogane’s precision is as deadly as ever, Vatista’s energy attacks are looking devastating, and Hakumen is back doing what he does best.

Later on in the stream, viewers get a first look at Yang’s combat capabilities. Yang is a swift brawler with both close and ranged attacks thanks to her Dual Ranged Shot Gauntlets. Yang reloads her weapons after every combo, which is a very nice detail. The gameplay segment is brief, but expect more footage to come in the future now that she’s been officially showcased.

Those looking to specifically watch the segment that details the DLC characters can start at 12:56, and those wanting to go straight to the Yang gameplay can head over to the 27:23 mark. The stream in its entirety can be found below!

The last major tidbit of information details the open beta for the title. Those who purchased the digital copy of the game on the PlayStation Store will have early access to the beta, beginning on May 9 at 12:00 a.m. PT. The beta will become completely open on May 12 at 12:00 a.m. PT on the PlayStation Store. Nintendo Switch owners will have access to the beta as well, starting on May 11 12:00 a.m. PT. The beta ends for all players on May 14 8:00 a.m. PT. At this time, the beta appears to be Japan-only, but that may change with further clarification to come.

The beta will consist of all 20 playable characters, an offline VS Mode, Tactics Mode for practicing, and an online Casual Lobby. The beta will still be active after the testing period ends, but more as an extended demo. Pre-orders from PSN will grant players access to continued play with all 20 characters while everyone else will have their roster reduced to Ragna the Bloodedge, Hyde, Yu Narukami, and Ruby Rose.

BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle Beta Dates

Arc System Works later released a trailer specifically for the DLC characters which can be found below. The video itself is a snippet from the stream, but it is nice to have it as a standalone video so viewers can hit that replay button over and over without needing to scroll back to where the announcement started.

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle will launch on May 31 in Japan and June 5 in North America on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

Sources: Arc System Works (Twitch) (YouTube); PlayStation LifeStyle

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Player voting details revealed for the Dragon Ball FighterZ Summit of Power

Vote for your favorite player to ascend to the Summit of Power!

Following the announcements of eight invited players, as well as two Qualifiers on the East and West coasts, Beyond The Summit has finally revealed how it will fill the remaining five spots for the upcoming Dragon Ball FighterZ Summit of Power.

As they’ve done with numerous Super Smash Bros. Summits, the organization will be holding a fan voting process to fill out the remainder of the player roster. Starting as of yesterday, April 18th, any currently-unqualified players who placed within the top 32 of Winter Brawl 12 or Final Round 2018, or the top 16 of NorCal Regionals 2018, Anime Ascension 2018, or Brussels Challenge: Major Edition, may opt in to the Summit’s nomination process at smash.gg, where you’ll also find short bios on each potential nominee.

Voting will open on Monday, April 30th, at Noon PT (3:00 PM ET), with each nominee receiving a unique Twitter button, with each Tweet serving as a vote, limited to one per Twitter account, (though you can follow smash.gg and BeyondTheSummit to obtain more.) The first round of voting ends on May 7th at 2:00 PM PT (5:00 PM ET), the 20 most-nominated players will advance to the final round of voting, with the five who emerge when the dust has settled taking a trip to Kame House to battle for $10,000. Don’t forget, there will also be a Last Chance Qualifier at Combo Breaker 2018 in St. Charles, Illinois May 25-27. The Summit of Power will take place June 8-10th in Los Angeles, California and will be streamed on twitch.tv/beyondthesummit. You can find additional information about the process on reddit.

As of this writing, the players who have opted into the nomination process are:

  • Roman Healy
  • Method|Mikeand1ke
  • TSB|DrunkenChicken
  • CLN|Yohosie
  • TA|SuperNoon
  • ZomBmu
  • brkrdave
  • Toki
  • Ebonic Plague
  • AnBi
  • IG|Zer0q

Source: IPlayWinner; BeyondTheSummit (Twitter)