Sony made an announcement on their website that professional gamers and casual players will be able to nab not one, but three free games for subscribers of PlayStation Plus.
Among them is the action-adventure ‘Persona 5 Strikers,’ reports Crunchyroll. The rest of the titles include ‘Deep Rock Galactic’ and ‘Dirt 5.’
‘Persona 5 Strikers’ is described by PlayStation as follows, “Jump into the stylish world of Persona in an all-new story featuring the Phantom Thieves as they embark on an epic road trip across Japan. A summer vacation with close friends takes a sudden turn as a distorted reality emerges, thrusting you in an epic tale as you strike back against the corruption overtaking cities. Dynamically control your team during explosive action combat as you reveal the truth and redeem the hearts of those imprisoned at the center of the crisis.”
Besides various versions of the game, it was also adapted as an anime by CloverWorks titled ‘Persona 5: The Animation.’
You can check out the trailer for ‘Persona 5 Strikers’ below:
‘Deep Rock Galactic’ is described as, “a 1-4 player* co-op FPS featuring badass space Dwarves, 100% destructible environments, procedurally-generated caves, and endless hordes of alien monsters. Work together as a team to dig, explore, and fight your way through a massive cave system filled with hordes of deadly enemies and valuable resources. You will need to rely on your teammates if you want to survive the most hostile cave systems in the galaxy.”
The ‘Dirt 5’ synopsis explains, “Conquer stunning global routes and drive an iconic roster of cars in an amplified off-road racing experience. Let loose in the boldest off-road racing experience ever, with a star-studded Career, four-player split-screen, online multiplayer*, Playgrounds creator mode and more. Blaze a trail on global tracks, covering gravel, ice, snow and sand, with cars ranging from rally icons to trucks, to GT heroes. Race on over 70 routes across 10 global locations – from New York’s frozen East River, to the glimmer of Norway’s Northern Lights.”
The games will be available for play on January 4, 2022.
‘Persona 5 Strikers’ Among Free Games Coming To PlayStation Plus
‘Saiyuki RELOAD: ZEROIN’ Heading To HIDIVE Streaming Service
The supernatural adventure anime ‘Saiyuki RELOAD: ZEROIN’ is finding a streaming home with the announcement that it will make its way to North America on HIDIVE. The series is being developed by Liden Films and is directed by Misato Takada.
Sentai Filmworks, who has the North American license, said on their website, “Sentai announced today that it acquired exclusive rights to Saiyuki RELOAD: ZEROIN, the latest installment in the legendary Saiyuki franchise, for release on streaming and home video. Sentai will stream the series on HIDIVE during the Winter 2022 Simulcast season for audiences…”
You can watch the trailer below:
MyAnimeList describes the synopsis as follows,
“Once, the land of Togenkyo was a peaceful land, where humans and yokai lived together. Then, however, men appeared who tried to revive Gyumaoh, the Great Yokai who was slain by the war god Nataku Taishi and buried in Houtou Castle 500 years ago, by using a forbidden combination of chemistry and magic
The negative energy waves this created spread across Togenkyo, causing the yokai to go insane and attack humanity. To save the land, Kanzeon bosatsu orders Son Goku, Genjyo Sazno, Sha Gojyo, and Cho Hakkai to go west. The four set out on a journey to stop the experiment to revive Gyumaoh.
On the way, they meet Hazel Grouse, who employs strange magic that uses yokai souls to revive the dead, and his follower Gato. The two of them join the party. And Ukoku Sanzo, a man they have a long history with, approaches in the shadows…
Unforgettable characters, intense personal drama, and awesome action in a story about the bonds between four men!”
‘Saiyuki RELOAD: ZEROIN’ is a continuation of the manga by Kazuya Minekura which ran in Monthly GFantasy from February 1997 to January 2022. It will serve as an adaption for the “Even a Worm” story arc.
Bandai Announces End Of Service For ‘Mobile Suit Gundam Online’ Video Game
Bandai made a stunning announcement that they are shutting down the service for their online video game ‘Mobile Suit Gundam Online’ with servers completely being closed.
“Thank you for your continued patronage of ‘Mobile Suit Gundam Online,'” they said on their website. “The official service of “Mobile Suit Gundam Online”, which has been used by more people since the official service started on December 25, 2012, will be terminated on March 30, 2022 (Wednesday).”
“We deeply apologize for the sudden announcement to our customers,” Bandai noted.
“Since the start of the service, we have been conducting events, updates, balance adjustments, etc. so that we can provide better services, but as a result of considering the recent changes in the environment surrounding this service and future development, we decided to end the service,” they continued. “We have been supported by many people for nine years since the service started in December 2012. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the entire operation and development team.”
“From the beginning of the year, as a grand finale, we are preparing a small gift plan and event plan for everyone,” Bandai added. “The operation and development team will work together to develop the service so that you can enjoy the service until the final day. We hope you enjoy ‘Mobile Suit Gundam Online’ until the end, although there are only a few left.”
The Anime News Network explains, “The game has each player assuming the role of a mobile suit pilot in the world of the first Mobile Suit Gundam television anime series. The player can choose between the Earth Federation or Zeon forces and fight alongside friends in various battlefields. Players can eventually command other pilots and encounter famous pilots from the original anime. Each side of a battle can have up to 52 players, for a grand total of 104 players.”
‘Mobile Suit Gundam Online’ launched in December 2012 and allowed players to purchase power-ups with ‘BaNaCoins’ which will be made available for currency in compatible games.
Batman Artist Breaks Down ‘One Dark Knight’
The DC Comics released the first issue of the three-part series ‘Batman: One Dark Knight’ in December 2021 under their Black Label imprint with comic book illustrator Jock tackling both the art and writing duties for the miniseries.
DC Comics describes the series as follows, “When a simple GCPD escort goes sideways, Batman finds himself on the wrong end of Gotham City in the middle of a heat wave with a super-villain in tow. Follow Batman as he traverses block by block across a pitch dark Gotham City while dragging a highly difficult E.M.P. to his permanent home at Blackgate Prison. The dark corners of Gotham City contain many surprises…and E.M.P. plans to deliver many more shocks before the night is through!”
“I would say, coming back to what I was talking about, trying to choose a simple concept, a simple plot. I feel like the elevator pitch is very strong,” Jock told DC Universe. “It’s basically, ‘Batman is abandoned in Gotham. He hasn’t got any of his toys. He hasn’t got Alfred in his ear. In the middle of a blackout, he’s got to get from A to B before dawn because something very terrible will happen at dawn if E.M.P. is exposed to sunlight.’ And it’s called One Dark Knight!”
When discussing the villain, Jock explained, “Yes, so he’s “Edward M. Pressler.” That’s where the E.M.P. name comes from. He is a “villain.” He’s a metahuman. He’s certainly been involved with villainous activity in the past. But in this story, there’s something more tragic about him. Five years ago, something happened, which essentially turned him into a slightly tragic character, but it also makes him very dangerous. Very volatile.”
He continued, “So, Batman is shepherding him, but also, Batman sort of wants to help him, because of his tragic side. And for me, there was just something quite interesting in that dynamic. All the while, multiple gangs and people from Gotham are constantly bearing down on them. So E.M.P. is a volatile, unstable, tragic, dangerous character to have out in the open, at your side, in Gotham City. And that’s what I wanted to bring to him.”
You can take a look at the cover of the first issue here:
The lights are off and the hunt is on 🌃 Learn how @Jock4twenty brought the Dark Knight back to basics with BATMAN: ONE DARK KNIGHT: https://t.co/wl4jzeFaXn #DCBlackLabel pic.twitter.com/3v9WKpVzZz
— Batman (@DCBatman) December 21, 2021
The first issue of ‘Batman: One Dark Knight’ is currently available online and in stores.
Wanna Own This Hyper Realistic Tom Holland Spider-Man? Only 12 Left!
Queen Studios is bat at it with a new Iron Spider-Man item. Last week it was a 1:1 statue of Spidey, but this time it is an unmasked Peter Parker that is eerily lifelike. This work of art is limited to 888 pieces and appears to be selling out.
Queen Studios has crafted a spectacular bust of the webhead based on Spider-Man’s appearance during the Infinity Saga. Priced at $3680, the bust stands at 72cm tall and features artificial hair, silicone skin, glass eyes, and a spider suit made from polystone.
I’d love to see how they make the silicon skin and affix the hair. If it is hand-punched, that’s one hell of a job. Also, how do you maintain these sorts of busts that use silicone and artificial hair? Do you have to moisturize and style it all?
Well, I sent that question through a search engine, and all it came back with was websites selling sex dolls. So, as I don’t want to be on yet another government watch list, I decided it was best not to seek the answer.
I’m not sure what the shelf life is for silicone. Hopefully, the bust comes with some maintenance guide. So get ready for a regiment where you have to give your Tom Holland bust a daily moisturizing … in the most wholesome way possible.
What do you think of this bust? Let us know in the comments section.
[Source: Queen Studios]
Stone Cold, Rey Mysterio, and Chyna Join Masters of the WWE Universe
Another wave of Masters of the WWE Universe figures is on the way. Wave 8 is delivering with a trio of legends. Stone Cold Steve Austin, Rey Mysterio, and Chyna join the Mattel toyline that mashes Masters of the Universe together with the testosterone-fueled roster of the WWE.
The wave can be pre-ordered now through the Big Bad Toy Store for $54.99. Unfortunately, wave 7, which we covered last week, has already sold out.
After the WWE screwed over Joanie Laurer, seeing it continue to make money off her likeness twenty years after she left, the company feels slimy. Ugh.
There’s a rumor floating around that the Masters of the Universe Origins line has been canceled. Wave 7 of the retro-inspired He-Man figures were hard to find, while the Revelation figures were bountiful. Let’s hope it’s not true, but you never know with the toy market.
What are your thoughts on Mattel’s fusion of Masters of the Universe and the WWE roster? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
[Source: Big Bad Toy Store]
‘Alice In Borderland’ Anime Gets An English Dub
‘Alice In Borderland’ is a three-part supernatural horror OVA based on the manga by Haro Aso. It was published by Shogakukan and released in English by Viz Media. The OVA was developed by the Japanese production studios Silver Link and Connect with Hideki Tachibana serving as director.
Sentai Filmworks announced on their website that they have assembled an English dub cast for ‘Alice in Borderland’ with Shannon D. Reed serving as ADR Director and as co-writer.
The casting includes Jeremy Gee as Arisu, Greg Ayres as Chota, Joe Daniels as Karube, Rachael Messer as Shibuki, Blake Jackson as Chishiya, Cat Thomas as Game Announcer, Kyle Colby Jones as Old Man, Courtland Johnson as Radio Voice, and Olivia Swasey as Usagi.
You can check out Sentai Filmworks initial social media announcement below:
[NEW] The psycho-suspense thriller Alice in Borderland OVA series is joining the Sentai catalog! Read more here: https://t.co/p9zAVi6Voj pic.twitter.com/FIL5Q83iym
— Sentai 💚 (@SentaiFilmworks) May 13, 2021
Sentai Filmworks also announced that the OVA will receive a blu-ray DVD home release that will feature the original Japanese voice actors and the English dub cast.
MyAnimeList describes the synopsis as follows:
“Ryouhei Arisu is a high school student with no ambitions and just wants to escape from what he feels is a meaningless reality. One night when he is with his two friends Daikichi Karube and Chouta Segawa, they see an abnormally large firework shoot into the sky, an event which signals a permanent change in their lives.
Blinded by the incredibly bright explosion, the three find themselves transported to what is known as the Borderland. The only inhabitants of this world are participants of a deadly game where specific tasks must be accomplished if they wish to survive. As the three begin playing to determine how they can get back home, Ryouhei finds himself feeling alive for the very first time in his life.”
Netflix released a live-action adaption of ‘Alice in Borderland’ directed by Shinsuke Satō in 2020.
Silent Hill’s Pyramid Head Joins Mezco’s One:12 Collective Series
Pyramid Head’s first appearance in Silent Hill 2 was probably my first “oh sh!t” moment in gaming. Of course, the zombie dogs in the original Resident Evil came close. Still, the combination of Pyramid’s massive head, massive weapons, and massive libido truly caught me off guard that first playthrough. Seriously, though … what was he doing with the mannequin creatures?
Mezco is looking to capitalize on the iconic creature by releasing him as part of the One:12 Collective line of 12″ figures. However, unlike the typical releases we see in this series, Pyramid Head comes with an additional figure, the topsy turvy mannequin. The Pyramid Thing, as Mezco calls him, will run you $100, and he’ll be escaping the ashy hellscape of Silent Hill between September and November 2022.
Silent Hill’s executioner comes complete with the tools of his macabre trade, including the Great Spear and Great Sword with blood splatter FX that attach to both weapons. The nightmare doesn’t end there – a Mannequin is included as well as a slew of Creepers.
The topheavy punisher of Silent Hill comes with the following accessories:
- One:12 Collective body with over 20 points of articulation
- Two (2) head portraits
- Hand painted authentic detailing
- Approximately 17cm tall
- Twelve (12) interchangeable hands
- One (1) pair of fists (L&R)
- Three (3) pairs of holding hands (L&R)
- Three (3) pairs of posing hands (L&R)
- Weathered smock
- Stained under garment
- Combat boots
- Gloves
- One (1) Mannequin
- One (1) Great Sword
- One (1) Great Spear
- One (1) blood splatter FX for Great Spear
- One (1) blood splatter FX for Great Knife
- One (1) blood splatter FX for body
- Three (3) miscellaneous blood splatter FX
- Nine (9) assorted Creepers
- One (1) One:12 Collective display base with logo
- One (1) One:12 Collective adjustable display post
What are your thoughts on the character and the figure he inspired? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
[Source: Mezco]
Prime Video Gears Up For Adult Animation Fantasy Series ‘The Legend of Vox Machina’
Amazon’s Prime Video ‘The Legend of Vox Machina’ gets an early release. The adult animated fantasy-adventure series was set to have a 2022 premier but was moved up thanks to fan campaigns which also allowed the show to expand its first season from ten episodes to fourteen. The show has already been approved for a second season.
Amazon Studios said in a press release, “Based on the beloved characters and adventures of Critical Role’s first livestreamed tabletop role-playing game (RPG) campaign, The Legend of Vox Machina is an animated fantasy-adventure series for adults that follows Vox Machina, a band of misfits with a fondness for boozing and brawling. In a desperate attempt to pay off their mounting bar tab, these unlikely heroes end up on a quest to save the realm of Exandria from dark magical forces. From a sinister necromancer to a powerful curse, the group confronts a variety of obstacles that not only test their skills, but also the strength of their bond.”
You can watch the open sequence below:
The show is developed by Amazon Studios, Critical Role, and Titmouse. Brandon Auman (Star Wars: Resistance), Chris Prynoski (Metalocalypse), Shannon Prynoski (Fairfax) and Ben Kalina (Big Mouth) serve as executive producers for the series.
Amazon continued that the “series stars Critical Role founders and cast members Laura Bailey (The Last of Us: Part II), Taliesin Jaffe (Final Fantasy XIV), Ashley Johnson (The Last of Us), Liam O’Brien (Star Wars: The Bad Batch), Matthew Mercer (Overwatch), Marisha Ray (Final Fantasy XV), Sam Riegel (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), and Travis Willingham (Marvel’s Avengers).” The cast also serve as executive producers.
“In 2019, they launched a Kickstarter campaign to produce a 22-minute animated special based on the characters and adventures of Vox Machina, Critical Role’s original livestreamed tabletop RPG campaign,” Amazon Studios added. “They met their initial funding goal within minutes, and thanks to Critical Role’s passionate fanbase, the campaign continued to gain traction, raising over $11.3 million and becoming one of the most funded Film & Video projects in Kickstarter history. The fan support allowed Critical Role to expand the special into a 10-episode season. When Amazon Studios picked up the series, it built on that record-breaking support by ordering an additional 14 episodes, bringing the total number of episodes to 24 across two seasons, which will stream exclusively on Prime Video.”
The first three episodes will be available on Friday, January 28.
‘The Vampire Dies in No Time’ Anime Gets Renewed For A Second Season
Fans of vampire hunting got some exciting news with the announcement that the paranormal comedy anime ‘The Vampire Dies in No Time’ will be renewed for a second season. Produced by the Japanese animation studio MADHOUSE, the first season ran for twelve episodes under the direction of Hiroshi Kōjina.
The production crew also released a promo graphic on social media to commemorate the announcement.
🦇TVアニメ「#吸血鬼すぐ死ぬ」第2期決定🦇
監督:神志那弘志
シリーズ構成・脚本:菅原雪絵
キャラクターデザイン・総作画監督：中野繭子
アニメーション制作：マッドハウス続報をお待ちください‼‼ pic.twitter.com/U4Fm6Y44Ng
— 「吸血鬼すぐ死ぬ」公式 (@johnwakawaii) December 20, 2021
The Funimation blog notes that the Japanese cast includes “Makoto Furukawa (Kaguya-sama: Love is War) as Ronaldo and Jun Fukuyama (Vivy -Fluorite Eye’s Song-, Assassination Classroom) as Draluc.”
The English dub cast includes Frank Todaro as Draluc, Ian Sinclair as Ronaldo, Ellie Dritch as John, and Austin Sisk as Kameya. The series also stars Kyle Igneczi, Justin Duncan, Hope Endrenyi, and Bryce Papenbrook. Jād Saxton serves as the ADR Director for Funimation, who currently holds the licensing for the English version.
As D-Rezzed previously reported, the anime is based on a manga written by Itaru Bonnoki which has, thus far, generated eighteen volumes. It was released by the Akita Shoten publishing company in their Weekly Shōnen Champion.
For those who are unfamiliar, the official synopsis explains, “The famed vampire hunter Ronaldo has been received a job to infiltrate the mansion owned by Dralc, who claims he is the most invincible vampire. Ronaldo hears Dralc has kidnapped a kid. However, the rumors about Dralc are not reality: After Ronaldo finally confronts Dralc, Dralc turns into sand. This makes Ronaldo realize that Dralc is the weakest vampire and the kid was not really kidnapped by him. The kid came into his mansion for the purpose of making it his “personal playground”. Dralc’s mansion completely explodes thanks to Ronaldo’s recklessness, he decides to bring Dralc to his place. The story follows Ronaldo and Dralc daily life and the comic action alongside their allies.”
