Crusaders of Light will be launching on July 13th for iOS devices and on July 20th for Android. Between now and then, players pre-registering for the game can help unlock a big cash pay out for one lucky raid group. Participation in social media clicks will help unlock items for individual players as well as the $400,000 “fastest dungeon raid competition”.
– Black Squad Closed Beta Key Giveaway (more keys!)
MMORPG.com has been given MORE closed beta keys for the all new FPS game from Neowiz – Black Squad! Get your key now and check out this military shooter! The first 5,000 keys went fast so get yours before they are gone!
Tension Pulse: Native fights SQ, while Mr.Dolphin engages Zinac in Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2 exhibition matches
Tension Pulse, a Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2 online exhibition series, features quality matches between well-versed opponents with commentary. The organizers, Silva and zenzen, are going strong into their second episode of the mayhem, which continues later tonight. It’s a great opportunity to see some valuable Guilty Gear play with entertaining commentary and extra insight (and all in English)!
We have a new set of Daredevils this time, with one returning from the past. We’re going to see how much REV 2 changes have affected SQ’s Sin Kiske in comparison to Native’s Dizzy. We also have Zinac’s Faust going against Mr.Dolphin’s “Seaworld” May.
Native
On REV 2 changes: “Overall, I feel REV 2 completely changed who I play, she’s 100% stronger considering they really buffed some of her zoning tools, i.e. JH Fish, Bubble not going off screen, both Fire and Ice Dagger getting better. So I’d say that’s the newest thing for me, Dizzy’s a lot stronger!”
On his opponent: “I’ve never really seen or played SQ but I know he plays Sin, and he was a really strong Persona player, so I think he’s probably really solid. Usually in the Sin match-up, I have to be really careful of summoning. Since Sin has Beak Driver, I can’t really throw things out recklessly, so I’m going to really fish out for Sin’s air approach and react to Leap with either 2S or 6P then go from there. Also really looking out for Elk Hunt — since Dizzy’s dash goes under lows — and really capitalizing on a knockdown.”
On his own playstyle: “I usually main grapplers, so when playing other characters I try to translate that as best as I can, so I’m pretty nutty — I like to usually ride on good sequences/setplay. I’m 100% a nut though.”
SQ
On REV 2 changes: “I feel like Sin overall didn’t change much this version. Air Beak Driver not knocking down anymore and 6P not being jump-cancelable hurts his air control a bit, but it’s nothing too bad. Meanwhile, I’m Sure I’ll Hit Something knocking down let’s him convert his pokes more often, improving his ground game. While his changes might not be very impactful to his strength overall, I find him more fun!”
On his opponent: “I don’t know much about Native. I know he was an SF4 player before getting into Guilty Gear. So we both have some amount of a Street Fighter background, which is interesting. That’s all I know though.”
On his own playstyle: “I think I’m a patient, defensive player. I really try to focus on the neutral game and playing safe. I’m able to switch up my style to be more aggressive if need be, but I prefer a slower, more reactive approach!”
Mr.Dolphin
On REV 2 changes: “To be honest nothing significant enough changed for May. She had a change to Ensenga that doesn’t give her as good okizeme midscreen, but with how far she can corner carry, I hardly notice the change. All of her tools are still there, and she was relatively untouched.”
On his opponent: “I don’t know too much about Zinac, but I know he’s a solid player. Faust is a character I’m generally comfortable playing against. It’s an interesting match-up: Faust has tools to anti-air her properly, and May has a couple of ways to get around that and interact with his gameplan. I’m interested to see how comfortable Zinac is with the May match-up.”
On his own playstyle: “I think I have a very aggressive playstyle. I’m OK with sitting back and zoning with Seaworld but generally prefer to get in someone’s face and run an okizeme train. One of the things I find best about May is her ability to convert off pretty much everything with consistency.”
Zinac
On REV 2 changes: “Faust had a few changes in REV 2 that are mostly to his items. I haven’t had time to explore the new “Jackpot” items yet, but I’m sure I’ll find new setups.”
On my opponent: “I’ve heard from a few people that Mr.Dolphin is a serious May, so I’m not going to take him lightly. May has never been a character Faust can challenge directly. So I take advantage of Faust’s zoning ability and preemptive attack May before she can get any momentum.”
On my own playstyle: “The last match wasn’t that long ago. I’ve mostly been focusing on adapting to the REV 2 match-up changes for Faust.”
Tension Pulse starts up later tonight on Silva_hime’s Twitch channel. Look for the beginning at at 10:30 PM EST/9:30 PM CST/7:30 PM PDT. CH_tenpai!! and Mr. K will get on the microphones to talk about the matches.
To learn more about this online league, read all about its predecessor: the Super Steam Xrd Exhibition League. Also, don’t forget to catch up on the premiere of Tension Pulse. There are matches between FaultyDefense’s Answer and TheArm’s Ramlethal, as well as TSB|Blaze’s Raven and my own Baiken.
Sources: interviews; Mdesilva
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment opens WB Games New York studio dedicated to improving online play
Earlier this month, we reported on a new cross-licensing agreement between Capcom and Bandai Namco Entertainment for the purpose of improving the online experience of their titles. With a myriad of online issues plaguing the launches of both Street Fighter V and even the recently-released Tekken 7, it’s refreshing to see more publishers trying to improve their titles in this area — especially when it comes to fighting games, that require smooth matchmaking.
In what should be absolutely thrilling news for Injustice 2 players, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announced earlier this week the foundation of WB Games New York, a completely new studio solely dedicated to improving the online experience across all of WB’s titles, by developing cloud-based gaming backend technology. This would allow publishers like NetherRealm Studios to add more content and updates to their DC comics fighter in an even more timely manner.
After being the subject of much ire since the days of Mortal Kombat 9, NRS made waves when they announced the implementation of a new rollback-based netcode with the launch of Mortal Kombat XL in March 2016 — which led to a significantly improved netplay experience that now looks to evolve even further. Warner Bros. Interactive’s executive vice president Steven Chiang said the following about the new endeavor:
We understand the importance of expanding the connected communities of players, and with WB Games New York, we will have a strong foundation to grow our player connectivity with our digitally powered console and mobile games as well as live service gaming. Warner Bros. Interactive has enjoyed a successful history with utilizing new technology with many members of the WB Games New York team on some of our biggest games, and this will be continued as we work on several upcoming projects.
This is undoubtedly an interesting development; it will be interesting to see what this could be mean for the future of Injustice 2 and beyond.
Source: Comicbook.com via Test Your Might
Darkstalkers: Resurrection free to download in July 2017 for PlayStation Plus subscribers
As reported on the PlayStation blog, Darkstalkers: Resurrection will be free to PlayStation Plus subscribers through the month of July on PlayStation 3. This bundle contains two ported games from Capcom’s classic underworld brawling franchise: Night Warriors: Darkstalkers Revenge and Darkstalkers 3.
Getting a free fighting game is certainly a nice bonus to gamers who already use PlayStation Plus to access their PlayStation 4’s online capabilities — presuming you also have the prior console! Furthermore, readers of UDON’s Street Fighter vs. Darkstalkers series can now get acquainted — or reacquainted –with the Darkstalkers’ shadowy origins.
Darkstalkers: Resurrection‘s PlayStation Plus status will be updated in early July. If you wish to see the other titles that will be free next month, you can do so by clicking here.
Source: PlayStation
New Gundam Versus trailer shows off Gundam Barbatos Lupus DLC
In one of our previous reports on the status of Gundam Versus, it was noted that Gundam Barbatos Lupus of Mobile Suit Gundam: IRON-BLOODED ORPHANS would be the game’s first DLC. Bandai Namco has released a gameplay video that shows off Barbatos Lupus’ capabilities, and gives us a first look at its pilot, Augus Mikazuki.
Though this suit and pilot duo are not included in the standard version, those who buy the Premium G Sound Edition — the import version of Gundam Versus that comes with additional music from the anime franchise — will get this bonus for free.
Gundam Versus for PlayStation 4 is currently available for pre-order. Also, registration for the AnimEVO Gundam Versus side tournament is currently open, and if you wish to participate, you can do so by registering here!
– Daybreak Holding a Job Fair to Fill Over 40 Positions
Rev up the EverQuest 3 speculation. According to a posting over at Jobvite.com, Daybreak Game Company is sponsoring a job fair on July 26th. Our own Rob Lashley found out that the studio is hiring over forty developers across a number of job positions and projects.
CHIKKEN: Counter-Strike turned into a Tekken parody (with chickens)
With the increasing number of fighting games on PC, we’re now getting used to seeing them being tweaked by modders. What we’ve seen less of, however, is modders modifying existing games to become fighting games. That’s exactly what one player has done with this mod for Counter-Strike: Global Ops: turning it into a Tekken parody. With chickens.
Called — fittingly enough — CHIKKEN, the mod turns Valve’s competitive tactical first person shooter into a feathered fighter, featuring flightless fowl. As you can see in the video below from KnockingOn, the mod is still in a very, very, rough state. (Note that some of the audio commentary is NSFW.) That said, creator Crashz has stated that improvements are coming to the game, including an actual basic fighting system, combos, more stages, music, sound effect, and unique characters.
CHIKKEN is currently being beta tested on Steam. Interested players can check it out over at the Steam Workshop.
Sources: Steam Workshop; KnockingOn
Aksys Games to support BlazBlue and Guilty Gear at Evo 2017 with new merchandise & pot bonuses
A partnership meaning more prize money for competitors and special swag for attendees!
Aksys Games — in conjunction with Arc System Works — is proud to announce their partnership with Evo 2017 to support their featured air-dashing titles, BlazBlue: Central Fiction and Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2! Their booth at the event will offer everything from previews, playables, free swag, signings, and more!
To commemorate the appearance of both BlazBlue: Central Fiction and Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2 as main tournaments at Evo 2017, Aksys Games and Arc System works are providing additional prize support: both titles will each receive a $10,000 pot bonus.
Showing your proof of entry into the BlazBlue or Guilty Gear tournaments at the Aksys booth will get you a commemorative bag (limit one per person!), and new merchandise made specifically for Evo will also be stocked at the booth. Additionally, Arc System Works developers Daisuke Ishiwatari and Toshimichi Mori will both be in attendance for exclusive signing sessions. Stay tuned for more details, coming soon.
Aksys Games and Arc System Works will be livestreaming from their booth via Nico Nico Douga (Japanese) or Twitch (English).
To top it off, if you want to represent North America at the Arc Revolution Cup this year, you’re in luck — Aksys Games has revealed they will be selecting two “Aksys Heroes” to lead a team of fighting game players to the Arc Revolution Cup. Rules and selection details still to come.
There’s still a couple of days to register for Evo! If you’re an ASW fan, this event just got even better for you, so don’t miss your shot! Registration closes on Friday, June 30. Evo 2017 takes place at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 14-16.
Source: press release
Tekken 7 exceeds 1000 registered competitors for Evo 2017
Evolution 2017 is set to be the biggest Tekken tournament ever!
Originally revealed by Mark “MarkMan” Julio on Facebook, registration for Tekken 7 at Evo 2017 has risen to more than 1000 players! This is nearly double 2016’s total of 543, demonstrating that Tekken 7 has definitely made a strong impact on the FGC — especially now that it’s available on PlayStation 4/Xbox One/PC.
For the first time EVER, Tekken joins the 1000 man club at Evo! Congrats! #Evo2017
— Joey Cuellar (@MrWiz) June 28, 2017
There are still two days left to register for Evolution 2017! Registration will close at 11:59 PM PDT on Friday, June 30th. Evo hits Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 14-16, 2017.
Sources: TekkenGamer via Tekken 7 (Twitter); Joey Cuellar (Twitter)