Tag: video games

Nintendo Direct 5.06.2019 TL;DR

New Pokemon

There are rumors that there will be over 100 new Pokemon. Sword and Shield will feature older Pokemon as well.

Wooloo Artwork
Wooloo
Gossifleur Artwork
Gossifleur
Eldegoss Artwork
Eldegoss
Drednaw Artwork
Dreadnaw
Corviknight Artwork
Corviknight
Zacian Artwork
Zacian
Zamazenta Artwork
Zamazenta

 

New Features!

  • You now have free control of your camera which will allow you to search for items, areas, or wild Pokemon around the area
  • Dynamax Pokemon – a new item that will allow your Pokemon to grow massively in size like a Godzilla monster
    • All your Pokemon moves will change to “Mega” moves which will provide different effects based on your attacks
    • It will last only 3 threes and can only be used once per battle (similar to Mega Pokemon)
  • Max Raid Battles – While exploring the area, you can go with 4 other trainers to challenge while Dynamax Pokemon
    • The raid Pokemon will always be Dynamax and be much stronger than normal
    • Only one trainer can Dynamax
    • In case you don’t have any friends, it will provide NPC players
    • Once you defeat it, you’ll have a chance to catch it with a massive Pokeball!
    • Only certain Pokemon will show at Max Raids
    • You can play online with people to catch Pokemon (It requires Nintendo Online Service)

New Characters

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Leon – The Undefeated Champion of Galar
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Strong and Charismatic. He is loved by all trainers
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Hop – Your Punching Bag Rival
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Professor Magnolia – Professor who researches Dynamax Pokemon
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Sonia – The assistant and granddaughter to Professor Magnolia (rule 34 bait)

Gym Battles Return

  • Gym battles and gym leaders are returning in Pokemon Sword and Shield.
  • You’ll face Gym Leaders in specific stadiums so that Pokemon can Dynamax!
  • When you battle, the crowd will cheer as it becomes more intense
  • Milo
    Milo – Grass Gym Leader

    That’s it for the Direct! Are you excited for Pokemon Sword and Shield? The game will release November 15, 2019, worldwide!

 

 

Sony and Microsoft will Merge their Cloud Services

To the shock of everyone (including PlayStation employees), Sony and Microsoft will be working together on their cloud services for gaming. While they have been competing in the video game console industry for years, Sony is not an expert in the Cloud system. Running a cloud server is expensive and Microsoft is considered the 2nd biggest company with the capabilities. Sony and Microsoft “will explore joint development of future cloud solutions in Microsoft Azure to support their respective game and content-streaming services.”

Essentially, PlayStation’s online services will be hosted on Microsoft’s Azure Cloud platform. Don’t expect PlayStation exclusive games or services to come to Xbox or vice-versa. This collaboration can be considered a response to the Stadia from Google and Amazon’s Cloud gaming system (which still isn’t out yet).

Cloud isn’t going to take over anytime soon

Despite the Stadia coming out this year, don’t expect Cloud Gaming to take over the industry. Reports from players have said there were mixed results including delays in registering actions and reduced graphics quality. I strongly believe that console gaming will be strong in the next generation however Cloud gaming can be a game changer once 5G actually comes out. An analyst has predicted that Cloud gaming will only take 2% of the industry according to Bloomberg. 

Sources:

Bloomberg

The Verge

The Nintendo Switch has Surpassed the PlayStation 4 in Sales

Nintendo is finally back on top in the game industry. According to Famitsu Magazines (Japanese Gaming Magazine), the Switch has officially sold 8,125,637 in 114 weeks while the PlayStation 4 has sold 8,077,756 in 272 weeks. Its impressive numbers considering the Switch has been out for only 2 years. The PlayStation 4 is clearly ending its life cycle so it will be interesting to see if the PlayStation 5 will be able to reach the Switch’s numbers.

Why is the Switch so popular in Japan?

Mobile gaming is incredibly popular. It is the most popular form of gaming in the country for men and women. Japan is the 3rd biggest gaming market with 67 million players. Public transit is the most popular form of transportation throughout the country for all ages. With the Switch acting as a handheld console, it is more appealing to the mobile gaming market in Japan.

Provided by Newzoo

Sources:

  1. ResetEra

 

Final Fantasy 7 Remake confirmed for Episodic Release

Back in 2015, Square Enix had stated that the remake of Final Fantasy VII would be released episodically. However, Square had been relatively silent despite multiple teasers being released until last night. Square is reconfirming that Final Fantasy VII Remake will be released episodically. This may lead to each episode being each disc for the PlayStation One release. That would mean three episodes.

It’s pretty disappointing to hear the game is being released as episodes because the game has been under development for so long. This may be the case if Tetsuya Nomura and Square Enix have been consistently changing the game’s direction similar to Final Fantasy XV. The trailer shown at the PlayStation State of Play only showed the beginning of Final Fantasy VII which may be an indication that they only finished the 1/3 of the story.

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