Gaming
Dragon’s Crown Pro Review: The Gorgeous Action RPG Still Holds Up
It’s hard to really deliver something as memorable as Dragon’s Crown was back when it released in 2013, especially considering the genre it’s in. It’s an action RPG through and through, but everything from the jaw-dropping visuals, unique characters and addictive gameplay were so spot-on that it truly was more than the sum of its parts. Now here we are nearly 5 years later with a remaster, and it hasn’t lost any of its luster.
While those of you who own the original version of the game won’t find too much to warrant taking a double dip here, Atlus has nevertheless done an admirable job of porting this to new hardware. The game’s visuals and audio have both been beefed up, easily making it the definitive way to play. While longtime fans might not want to bother with this release, this one shouldn’t be missed by newcomers.
Dragon’s Crown Pro is a 2D side-scrolling action RPG, with very retro gameplay that is nevertheless action-packed. You can play with up to three other players from a selection of six classic fantasy character types, and it’s your mission to traverse new lands and lay waste to whatever is in your path. While it seems simple enough on the surface, there’s so much going on in each stage that it never becomes repetitive.
As you make your way through the game’s gorgeous levels you’ll regularly have treasure to sniff out, bones to pick up that can be revived to add new characters to your roster, and hidden paths leading to great loot. There’s also plenty of traps to avoid along the way, and it all ends in a unique boss fight that really tests your skills. It’s a retro brawler without question, but there’s deep mechanics at play to keep it interesting.
As you make your way through the various levels you’ll constantly be acquiring new gear like weapons and armor, and each character type has a unique skill tree that you’ll gradually make your way through that adds some nice perks to your playstyle. Replayability is high here, as the six different characters each have their own unique play style. Those who prefer close-range hack ‘n’ slash will want to pick the Fighter, whereas those who like to play a little flashier will want to go with the Wizard.
Boss fights are regularly memorable throughout the experience, typically being large beasts with move sets and patterns that must be memorized in order to avoid taking massive damage. There are also some unique encounters that shake up the more standard formula, such as a battle with a band of pirates. A magic lamp is on the battlefield, and whichever side picks it up and rubs it will be able to summon a genie to deal massive damage. This leads to an absolutely chaotic bout where you’re not only beating each other to a pulp, but also trying to control the magic lamp that’s being perpetually tossed around.
It’s good that the gameplay here is so solid, because the plot isn’t really going to do much to really suck most players in. It’s a very classic-styled plot with royal conflict and dragons, though there are some fun characters along the way to keep things interesting. It serves more as a vehicle to get you into more chaotic battles, which is more than fine with me.
Those who play the game on PlayStation 4 Pro will be able to make use of the new 4K visuals of the game, which will make an already gorgeous game look even more gorgeous. The vibrant colors pop even more, and all of the little flourishes like magic effects look even better. The true stand out upgrade here is the soundtrack, which has been re-recorded with a full orchestra this time. It all sounds magnificent this way, but those of you who wish to hear the soundtrack in its original form (for whatever reason) will be able to do just that.
While Dragon’s Crown Pro might not be worth picking up for those who already own the original version, it’s a must-buy for newcomers with even an inkling of interest in the game. Five years have passed since the game originally released, but it has aged beautifully in that time. The new visual and audio upgrades are just the cherry on top, as Dragon’s Crown has a lot to offer regardless of the new coat of paint.
Gaming
Rest assured, the highly anticipated PS5 exclusive, Stellar Blade, will be available in its original, uncensored form across all regions
Fear not; for those worried about potential censorship issues with the PS5-exclusive Stellar Blade, set to release on April 26th, Sony has got you covered. ShiftUp, the developer, proudly assures players that the game will maintain its uncensored content across all regions, including Japan.
We have to admit, we didn’t anticipate this as a potential issue or a potential selling point. The main character, Eve, and her revealing costumes have been heavily showcased in the game’s pre-release marketing. Nevertheless, it is pleasing to witness ShiftUp’s evident enthusiasm as their vision prepares to reach the hands of a vast number of players.
「Stellar Blade」 offers the same uncensored version in all countries, including the Japanese version.
ステラブレードは、日本版を含むすべての国で検閲されていない同じバージョンを提供しています。#StellarBlade #PS5 #Uncensored pic.twitter.com/dJojSgZH9y— StellarBlade (@StellarBlade) April 21, 2024
Regarding Stellar Blade, Yoko Taro believes it surpasses NieR: Automata, and we were pleased to learn that the game will be considerate of your PS5 storage capacity. The demo is now available for you to try, and it has nearly doubled the daily active users of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. This is quite impressive, especially considering it is the game’s first console showing.
Will you be there to experience Stellar Blade on its release day? It’s certainly a relief to witness the game remaining uncensored until the last moment. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Gaming
Sony is reportedly engaged in discussions to form a partnership for a potential bid on Paramount
There hasn’t been much buzz lately about any new acquisitions in the world of video game intellectual property. According to a recent report, Sony is currently engaged in discussions with a well-funded partner to potentially acquire the renowned film studio Paramount, along with all the exciting possibilities that come with such a merger.
As reported in the New York Times (thanks, ResetEra), Sony Picture Entertainment is reportedly in discussions with Apollo Global Management, an investment firm, as per two sources familiar with the matter. In the past, Apollo had made an offer to acquire Paramount for a minimum of $26 billion, but their bid was ultimately turned down.
The terms of the joint bid are currently under discussion, and there is a chance that the two parties may decide against making a formal offer. Unnamed sources have revealed that Paramount is currently in exclusive discussions with Skydance, preventing any official offer from being made at this time. Investor opposition to the recent deal that Skydance brought seems to have been significant.
Sony Pictures Entertainment and Apollo Global Management, an investment firm, have been in discussions about teaming up for a joint bid to acquire Paramount, people familiar with the situation said Thursday. https://t.co/qN86H4y7Va
— The New York Times (@nytimes) April 18, 2024
The potential impact of such an acquisition is immense. First and foremost, it would introduce adaptations of Sonic and Halo into the expanding media empire of the PlayStation platform holder. Following the announcement, Paramount’s stock experienced a significant 11% surge in after-hours trading.
What are your thoughts on the news? Is there a possibility of Sony acquiring Paramount? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
In the ongoing conflict against the Automaton invasion fleet, the Helldivers 2 players have successfully halted their advance. However, the situation has now reached a tiresome stalemate. Yet again, the machines refuse to take a break from their relentless pursuit of progress, with reports emerging of the Factory Striders being deployed in record-breaking quantities.
There have been reports of alleged machines that were supposedly encountered during Operation Swift Disassembly, which was just the beginning of a larger campaign. However, these accounts should be taken with a grain of salt, as they are unverified and seem to be more on the imaginative side. Factory Striders have gained a reputation as formidable weapons platforms that can produce more Automatons while enduring significant damage. If the machines are able to withstand such a relentless assault, it will be necessary to develop innovative strategies.
Factory Striders have made a resurgence on the Automaton front. These imposing, massive support dreadnoughts now threaten freedom and democracy throughout the galactic rim. pic.twitter.com/XRTPU7k71s
— HELLDIVERS™ 2 (@helldivers2) April 16, 2024
Have you come across groups of Factory Striders in Helldivers 2? Which strategies are proving to be the most effective in taking down these armored brutes? The Orbital Railcannon Strike will prove to be a valuable asset in the comments section below.
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