By Jimmy Thang on Feb 14, 2017 11:44 pm
Let there be light
RGB components are everywhere in the PC hardware scene right now. While they are named after the red, green, and blue color space, many of these components actually offer millions of customizable colors. With that said, we decided to construct a PC setup with as many RGB components and peripherals that we could get our hands on (check out the video of it here). Everything from our RAM to our power supply can glow with all the colors of the rainbow. It's a ridiculous build that isn't particularly practical, but it scratches our Tron-like itch. Let's check out all of our RGB components and peripherals.
RGB Motherboard
Gigabyte G1 Gaming X99-Phoenix SLI
For our motherboard, we're going with Gigabyte's G1 Gaming X99-Phoenix SLI. It supports RGB lighting with the company's ambient surround LEDs. You can see these spread throughout the board's PCB and heatsinks. We can control all of these lights with Gigabyte's App Center software, which allows the LEDs to pulsate or even beat to the rhythm of in-game sound effects and music.
RGB Graphics Card
Asus ROG Strix GeForce GTX
For our glowing graphics card, we went with the ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1060. The card uses Asus' Aura RGB Lighting system and supports six different lighting patterns that include breathing, strobing, and even pulsating to the rhythm of your music. Not only does the logo light up, but it has a bunch of flashy LEDs plastered on top of its shroud.
RGB CPU Cooler
NZXT Kraken X62
We're using Intel's 8-core 5960X central processing unit. RGB CPUs don't exist, but it doesn't matter since they're tucked under coolers. That's why we went with NZXT's Kraken X62 RGB liquid cooler. It uses the company's Cam software, which provides a ton of customization options that allow you to tweak the lights on the water block to breath, fade, pulsate, and more.
RGB RAM
Geil Evo X
For our RAM, we went with 16GB of Geil Evo X, which uses the company's hybrid-independent-light-module technology to light up the logo and LEDs above the heat spreaders. The RAM has a slider on the sticks that allow you to physically switch colors.
RGB Light Strips
NZXT Hue+ LED system
To add even more lights to our RGB build, we incorporated NZXT's Hue+ LED system. It offers four LED strips with 40 lights on each channel, and you can daisy chain them together. The Hue+ also uses NZXT's Cam software, which provides numerous lighting options such as pulsate, fade, breath, and more. The software is pretty sophisticated and you can program it to change colors based on your PC's temperature.
RGB Fans
NZXT Aer RGB fans
To supplement our Hue+ lighting system, we used NZXT's Aer RGB fans. They come in 120mm and 140mm sizes and can be synced together with the company's Cam software to form rainbow-like color rings around our fans.
RGB Power Supply
Thermaltake Toughpower DPS G PSU
To our surprise, Thermaltake makes RGB power supplies, so we went with the company's 750 watt Toughpower DPS G PSU. It has enough juice to power our light show and it also has a built-in RGB fan that offers 256 colors, which you can tweak with the company's Thermaltake Software.
RGB Case
Be Quiet! Dark Base Pro 900
For our case, we went with Be Quiet!'s Dark Base Pro 900. The full-tower chassis comes with two LED strips coupled with a physical LED switch. Perhaps more importantly, it offers a big tempered glass window on the side, which will showcase all of our glowing innards.
RGB Mouse
Logitech G Pro
For our mouse, we went with Logitech's G Pro. Not only does the G logo glow, but it has a sleek LED ring around the palm rest that supports up to 16.8 million colors.
RGB Mouse Pad
Razer Firefly Chroma
For our glowing mousepad, we went with Razer's Firefly Chroma. It supports 16.8 million colors and has a glowing Razer logo on the upper right corner coupled with multiple color zones around the perimeter.
RGB Keyboard
SteelSeries Apex M800
For our keyboard, we chose SteelSeries' Apex M800. Not only does the plank support 16.8 million colors, but the company created its own QS1 switches, which mitigates light bleeding that you normally see on more common backlit Cherry MX keyboards. The company's Engine 3 software allows you to customize colors and choose among a plethora of lighting presets. To make the lightshow even more ridiculous, you can even play Minesweeper and Snake on the keyboard. The M800 also supports LED enhancements with certain games. For instance, in Dota 2, keys will flash when abilities are ready.
RGB Headset
Logitech G933 Artemis Spectrum
For our gaming headset, we went with Logitech's G933 Artemis Spectrum, which look like headphones out of a sci-fi movie with bright LED strips that run around its earcups. The lights support up to 16.8 million colors and you can customize it to pulsate in a wide variety of ways with Logitech's Gaming Software.
RGB Soundbar
Creative Sound BlasterX Katana
Creative's Sound BlasterX Katana soundbar is the newest RGB product in our lineup. The speakers use the company's Aurora Reactive lighting system to deliver 49 programmable LED lights that are lined from edge to edge. There are also 16.8 million colors to choose from.
RGB Monitor
Lenovo Y27g Razer Edition Monitor
While most monitors offer your standard array of RGB colors, not many of them offer Razer Chroma RGB backlighting. Lenovo's 27-inch curved Y27g Razer Edition monitor offers 16.7 million customizable colors on the back of the panel.
This is our completed RGB setup.
We can also customize the lighting in our build to follow a single color theme. Here's our setup all in red, in case rainbow-colored LEDs aren't your thing.
Here's our setup all in blue.
By Tony Guerrero on Feb 13, 2017 06:30 pm
At San Diego Comic-Con in 2015, Hugh Jackman surprised attendees by taking the stage and saying, "I've got three words for you guys: 'Old Man Logan.' Take from that what you will." Old Man Logan is a 2008 Wolverine story arc by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven. The epic story took readers fifty years into the future where Logan had given up being Wolverine after a major tragedy. Because of licensing rights between Fox and Marvel Studios, there are many moments that simply can't happen in the Logan movie. The movie is taking a departure from the comic. Here are seven cool things you won't see, but we wished we could.
The Hulk Gang
Logan settled down, got married, had kids, and became a pig farmer with Hulk as his landlord. The Hulk Gang consisted of Hulk's offspring and they tormented the tenants and they collected the monthly payments.
The Hulk Gang
Logan vowed to never pop his claws again after the death of the X-Men. Despite the Hulk Gang being cruel and rude, he took their verbal and physical abuse. Times were tough and he wasn't able to make payment on time. After a beating, they gave him the chance to pay double the next month.
Blind Hawkeye
Prior to this story, the villains united and killed all the heroes. Hawkeye, the former Avenger, was pretty much blind and one of Logan's few remaining friends. He came to Logan after the Hulks' visit asking if he'd accompany him on a road trip to make a delivery across the country.
Blind Hawkeye
Hawkeye may have been blind, but that didn't stop him from kicking butt. He was more than capable of taking care of himself in a fight.
The Spider-Mobile
In the 1970s, Spider-Man briefly had a Spider-Mobile. Why did Spider-Man need a car? It was made for him, and had special abilities. The original was more of a dune buggy. This model must have been modified at some point.
The Spider-Mobile
The Spider-Mobile could drive on the side of buildings and shoot webbing. Hawkeye won the car in a card game from the Mandarin. It would be absurd to see in a live-action movie, but it'd be pretty rad.
Hawkeye's Daughter/Spider-Man's Grandaugther
Another crazy moment was the revelation that Hawkeye's third wife was Spider-Man's youngest daughter, Tonya. Ashely Barton seemed to take after her hero father and grandfather. Unfortunately she got in some trouble when trying to fight the current Kingpin. Hawkeye convinced Logan to allow them to take a detour to free her from being locked up.
Hawkeye's Daughter/Spider-Man's Grandaugther
It turned out Ashley didn't have noble intentions. Just as the Kingpin killed Magneto for his territory, Ashley wanted to do the same. She even turned on her father after he freed her to make a statement to her followers. She would have killed him if Logan didn't smash through the building in the Spider-Mobile and rescue him.
Venom Dinosaur
In the Marvel Universe, the Savage Land is a prehistoric land that exist in Antarctica. Dinosaurs had been imported but abandoned when the new owners discovered how expensive they were to feed. At some point, the Venom symbiote bonded with a t-rex.
Venom Dinosaur
The Venom dinosaur chased after Logan and Hawkeye. Luckily Black Bolt, the Inhuman, was nearby and used his powerful voice to stop the dino in its tracks.
The Red Skull was the ringleader in uniting the villains against the heroes. After defeating Captain America, he claimed the White House and kept a trophy room full of hero memorabilia.
Logan gets shot, put in a body bag and brought to the Red Skull. When he heals and wakes up, he fight the Skull, using Captain America's shield to put the finishing touches on the evil ruler. He then takes what remains of Iron Man's armor and flies home with cash to pay the Hulk Gang.
The Final Battle
The Hulk Gang got bored and visited Logan's farm early. They decided to kill his wife and kids as a message. This caused Logan to finally pop his claws and become Wolverine once again.
The Final Battle
He unleashes fifty years of fury upon the Hulk Gang. It's a bloodbath, and Logan finally approaches Banner for the ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk showdown. There are other great moments in the story. Check it out if you haven't read it. Logan may not be using the major story elements from the comic, but it looks like it will be pretty epic in its own right.
By Matt Espineli on Feb 11, 2017 02:39 am
How to Find the Guardian Spirits
In Nioh, you can acquire a Guardian Spirit, which can provide you with a set of passive stat bonuses, as well as the ability to trigger a powerful state known as the Living Weapon. There are 22 Guardian Spirits in all to collect, and we've compiled details on them all. You can only equip one at a time, and each has its own distinct set of bonuses that affect your stats. For example, equipping Daiba-washi gives you additional spirit protection, evasion Ki usage, equipment drop rate, quick attack damage, and luck. With so many to find, we've compiled information on each one as well as details on how to obtain them. Click ahead to find out how to obtain each Guardian Spirit, or click from the table of contents below. Check back often as we update this gallery with more Guardian Spirits and their location details. Be wary, there are slight spoilers for main mission names in the slides ahead. Table of Contents:
Atlas Bear
"The embodiment of nature's ferocity. It originates from the far southwest, where legend says that if you paint a baby's face with the Atlas Bear's pattern on the first day it hears thunder, the Atlas Bear will protect the child for the rest of its life. Those who the Atlas Bear protects grow up to be strong and hardy, and are said to be able to survive danger that would most of their lives." Stat Bonuses: - Spirit Protection +20%
- Increase Damage (In Low Ki State)
- Life Recovery (After Grapple) +150 HP
- Vs. Lightning +20
- Close Combat Damage +10%
- Shorten Recovery Time (After Ki)
How to Find: Atlas Bear is acquired by completing the main mission The Samurai from Sawayama.
Daiba-washi
"Wind elemental. Pronounced 'DIE-bah WAH-shee,' the name means 'horsekiller hawk.' So called for a mysterious phenomenon in which the wind whips up and horses die suddenly. Observers have described it as a whirlwind of glowing needles surrounding the hapless animal. Slashing the air in front of the horse with a sword will deflect it. On the other hand some actually venerate the Daiba-washi, believing that these same characteristics can shield them from danger." Stat Bonuses: - Spirit Protection +20%
- Evasion Ki Usage -15%
- Equipment Drop Rate +20%
- Quick Attack Damage +8%
- Luck +40
- Life Recovery (After Finished Using a Living Weapon) +400
How to Find: Daiba-washi is one of the Guardian Spirits you can choose at the beginning of the game. If you didn't choose Daiba-washi, it can be acquired by completing the sub mission The Three Angry Gods.
Enko
"Pronounced 'Enko' in Japanese, this flame-wreathed guardian spirit bestows power upon those who burn with fighting spirit and conviction. The fire-tiger itself also takes pleasure in battle, gleefully using its fans and claws to tear its enemies apart. Many warriors venerated the fire-tiger, wishing for nothing more than to be able to follow its example headlong into enemy territory. Ii Naomasa surely inherited his indomitable will along with the fire-tiger from his mother Naotora, who long ran the Ii family. Stat Bonuses: - Spirit Protection +20%
- Strong Attack Ki Reduction by 8%
- Break +15
- Fire Damage +12%
- Grapple Damage +25%
- Strong Attack Damage +13%
How to Find: Enko is acquired by completing the sub-mission The Red Oni Of The Ii.
Fuse-ushi
"Fuse-ushi is a bull spirit that protects believers from misfortune. Bovines have long served alongside humans, providing their strength in agriculture and other ways to support our lives. For this reason, some civilizations actually band the consumption of their meat and venerate them as a sign of thanks. Pat its stomach as a sign of respect, and the Fuse-ushi will absorb negative Ki. The great Kuroda Nagamasa decorated his helm with a bull ornament in hopes of becoming a fierce warrior with a heart as gentle as the Fuse-ushi." Stat Bonuses: - Spirit Protection +20%
- Life +200
- Recurring Damage From Poison decreased by 25%
- Guard Ki Reduction by 20%
- Vs. Poison +20
- Life Recovery From Amrita Absorption +30
How to Find: Fuse-Ushi is acquired by completing the main mission Deep in the Shadows.
Genbu
"A cross between a turtle and a serpent, Genbu has been worshipped since ancient times as the guardian of the north and the symbol of water. The dual nature of its intertwined snake and turtle bodies have also made it a symbol of yin and yang, and indeed, its ties to Onmyo magic are deep. Highly skilled Onmyo mages venerate Genbu as their guardian spirit, and have mastered the many powers of water in order to extinguish fire, which they see as an agent of chaos." Stat Bonuses: - Spirit Protection +20%
- Dash Speed Reduction by 30%
- No Guard Break (during Onmyo magic use)
- Change to Defense (Against Magic): B+ Grade
- Received Elemental Attack Damage +7.5%
- Onmy Magic Power +75
How to Find: Genbu is acquired by completing the sub-mission The inheritance.
Gyokuto
"Pronounced 'Gyokuto' in Japanese. Japan is home to many legends about moon-hares, said to be capable of great speed. Some say that when lightning flashes across the sky, it is actually a moon-hare traveling to Earth and back. Legend has it that they spend their time on the moon making mochi rice-cakes, or medicine; either way, these stories show them to have kind and caring spirits, always working hard to make something useful. In time, the moon-hare came to be seen as the guardian of travelers, who would often venerate them to help ensure safe passage." Stat Bonuses: - Spirit Protection +20%
- Elixir Effect on Life Recovery +20%
- Dash Speed +10%
- Low Stance Attack Damage +8%
- Luck (While using Living Weapon) +100
- Ninjutsu Power +75
How to Find: Gyokuto is acquired by completing the main mission Memories of Death-Lilies
Hi-nezumi
"Pronounced 'HEE-neh-zoo-mee.' The hi-nezumi lends strength to those possessing the will to face difficult problems head-on. In the famed 'Tale of the Bamboo Cutter,' one of the objects Princess Kaguya asks her would-be suitors to acquire is a hi-nezumi fur coat. One suitor tried to take the easy route of purchasing such a coat, and failed the task. Perhaps he would have succeeded if he had face the challenge with enough determination that a real hi-nezumi had come to his aid." Stat Bonuses: - Spirit Protection +20%
- Onmyo Magic Power +50
- Stealth for Enemies: A+ Grade
- Vs. Fire +20
- Close Combat Attack (Critical Damage Chance) +20%
- Unlimited Onmyo +15%
How to Find: Hi-nezumi is acquired by completing the sub-mission Heir to the Nioh.
Isonade
"Water elemental. Pronounced 'EE-soh Nah-day,' the name means 'the sea's caress.' Following the northern sea winds, Isonade prowls just beneath the surface in search of prey. It uses its powerful tail to entangle and pull victims beneath the waves. By the time you feel the slightest breeze, it's already too late. Believing its reponsible for stirring up rough seas, local sailors make offerings to the Isonade in a prayer for calm sailing." Stat Bonuses: - Spirit Protection +20%
- Sense Enemies (Detect enemies easier on radar)
- Life +100
- Close Combat Life Recovery +100
- Human Close Combat Damage +9%
- Strong Attack Ki Reduction by 10%
How to Find: Isonade is one of the Guardian Spirits you can choose at the beginning of the game. If you didn't choose Isonade, it can be acquired by completing the sub-mission The Three Angry Gods.
Itokuri
"Pronounced 'EE-toe COO-ree,' this spider spirit is not content to merely protect people. It also likes to alter their fates, taking them down a winding path on the way to their destination. As an example, many loathe Matsunaga Hisahide for his villainy, while others remember him as one of the most cultivated gentlemen of his generation. Either way, his influence was huge and far-reaching, though it remains unclear to what extent an Itokuri was involved. Stat Bonuses: - Spirit Protection +20%
- Luck +50
- Human Item Drop Rate +30%
- Familiarity Bonus +16%
- Yokai Item Drop Rate +30%
- Paralysis +30
How to Find: Itokuri is acquired by completing the main mission Spider Nest Castle.
Izuna
"Pronounced 'EE-zoo-na.' In Japan, foxes are known far and wide as servants to the god of the harvest, and have long been believed to possess mystical powers. Foxes blessed with such power are very proud, and thus reluctant to use it for humans, but if they should accept one as their master, they will serve with absolute loyalty. Izuna is no exception; if anything, it has even stricter standards for who it will serve, an will only accept only those who are proud, capable, and loyal to their own masters, just like itself." Stat Bonuses: - Spirit Protection +20%
- Earn Amrita (Using Strong Attacks) +25
- Amrita Earned +8%
- Combat Attack Ki Reduction by 10%
- Wind Damage +15%
- Auto Life Recovery (After Finished Using Living Weapon)
How to Find: Izuna is acquired by completing the main mission A Defiled Holy Mountain.
Kara-jishi
"Pronounced 'Kara-jishi' in Japanese. A brave and powerful spirit whose roar reverberates like thunder. Venerated as a holy beast that tears across the heavens and vanquishes evil, its proud figure had long been the inspiration of many a painting, and even the occasional Noh production. It is said to only follow those who are truly pure in heart and sharp in both mind and body, and in fact, there are very few figures in recorded history known to have enjoyed its protection." Stat Bonuses: - Spirit Protection +20%
- Increase Attack (Skill)
- Guard Ki Reduction by 20%
- Lightning Damage +12%
- Ki +20
- Skill Life Drain +15
How to Find: Kara-jishi is acquired by completing the main mission Sekigahara.
Kato
"Fire elemental. Legend has it that a she-wolf hit by a shooting star in the first month of her pregnancy will give birth to a Kato. These fire-eating hounds are said to cause the forest fires sparked by lighting strikes. Harbingers are said to cause the forest fires sparked by lightning strikes. Harbingers of house-fires and other misfortunes, Kato are venerated as servants of the God of Fire." Stat Bonuses: - Spirit Protection +20%
- Close Combat ATK +5%
- Ki +10
- Ki Recovery Speed +20%
- Close Combat Ki Reduction by 20%
- Skill Damage +15%
How to Find: Kato is one of the Guardian Spirits you can choose at the beginning of the game. If you didn't choose Kato, it can be acquired by completing the sub-mission The Three Angry Gods.
Mizuchi
"Pronounced 'MEE-zoo-chee,' this dragon serves as guardian spirit of those who harbor great ambitions. Though they normally reside in the abysses of deep rivers, it is believed that upon their death they ascend to the heavens and transform into celestial dragons. True or not, this belief was so widespread in the Warring States period that many aspiring warriors fervently venerated the Mizuchi." Stat Bonuses: - Spirit Protection +20%
- Enemies Defeated Damage Bonus: A Grade
- Gold Earned +15%
- Amrita Sense (Detect Amrita easier on radar)
- Vs. Water +20
- Amrita Earned +12.5%
How to Find: Mizuchi is acquired by completing the sub mission Kanbei and the Overlord.
Narikama Tanuki
"In Japan, tanuki (along with foxes) have long been believed to possess supernatural powers, and there is no shortage of tales where they disguise themselves as human. The Narikama tanuki is one of the oldest ones still alive; he survives off spirit energy gathered from the hopes and dreams of hard-working villagers. Adherents also believe that venerating him will prevent disasters and bring prosperity. His most devout followers are townspeople and samurai landowners." Stat Bonuses: - Spirit Protection +20%
- Chance to Retrieve Lost Amrita Upon Death +50%
- Vs. Earth +20
- Unlimited Elixir (Chance you won't use Elixir) +15%
- Strong Attack Damage +10%
- Auto Life Recovery (Critical)
How to Find: Narikama Tanuki is acquired when you reach the fourth region, the Sekigahara region.
Raiken
"Pronounced 'RYE-ken.' Written with the characters for 'thunder' and 'dog,' these holy hounds are venerated as protector spirits. Many of the 'komainu"'statues placed in the shrines throughout Japan resemble them. When those who would defile holy ground were struck down with divine lighting, it is the Raiken who loosed the bolts. Legend has it that when Tachibana Ginchiyo's father, Tachibana Dosetsu, succeeded at cutting lightning, the defeated lightning spirit transformed into a Raiken, and has served as the Tachnibana family's guardian spirit ever since. it is said that every Raiden has a mater, and their true power manifests when they are paired." Stat Bonuses: - Spirit Protection +20%
- Dash Endurance +15%
- Skill Ki Damage +12.5%
- Vs. Lightning +25
- Treasure Sense (Detect treasure easier on radar)
- Yokai Close Combat Damage +15%
How to Find: Raiken is acquired by completing the main mission The Spirit Stone Slumbers.
Raiken (Paired)
"Pronounced 'RYE-ken.' Written with the characters for 'thunder' and 'dog,"'these holy hounds are venerated as protector spirits. Many of the 'komainu' statues placed in the shrines throughout Japan resemble them. When those who would defile holy ground were struck down with divine lighting, it is the Raiken who loosed the bolts. Legend has it that when Tachibana Ginchiyo's father, Tachibana Dosetsu, succeeded at cutting lightning, the defeated lightning spirit transformed into a Raiken, and has served as the Tachnibana family's guardian spirit ever since. it is said that every Raiden has a mater, and their true power manifests when they are paired." Stat Bonuses: - Spirit Protection +20%
- Dash Endurance +15%
- Skill Ki Damage +12.5%
- Vs. Lightning +25
- Treasure Sense (Detect treasure easier on radar)
- Yokai Close Combat Damage +15%
How to Find: The Paired Raiken is an upgrade that replaces the initial Raiken Guardian Spirit. It's acquired by completing the sub-mission Invitational From The Warrior Of The West.
Saoirse
"Aquatic guardian spirit that resembles the Merrow of Celtic legend, with feathered wings and a fish's tail. Saoirse can warn of impending danger and sense Amrita. She has been with William since he was a child, and is both friend and family to him now--or perhaps something more. Her name is pronounced 'SEER-shuh' and means 'freedom' in Gaelic." Stat Bonuses: - Spirit Protection +20%
- Amrita Sense (Detect Amrita easier on radar)
- Sense Enemies (Detect enemies easier on radar)
- Amrita Earned +12.5%
- Special Effects (Critical) +20%
- Chance to Retrieve Lost Amrita Upon Death +75%
How to Find: Saoirse is acquired by completing the main mission The Queen's Eyes.
Shinka
"In Japanese mythology, the holy deer is an envoy for the gods. It frequently appears before heroes to guide them to victory. The holy deer is also the physical embodiment of the power of nature, and can heal minor wounds almost instantly. This earned it the veneration of many low-level warriors, since they were the first to be injured in battle." Stat Bonuses: - Spirit Protection +20%
- Strong Attack Life Drain +10
- Life +100
- Kodama Sense (Detect Kodama easier on radar)
- Earth Damage +15%
- Ki Recovery & Defense (Finished Using Living Weapon)
How to Find: Shinka is acquired by completing the sub-mission Champion of the East.
Suzaku
"Pronounced 'SUE-zah-koo.' Worshipped since ancient times as the guardian of the south and the symbol of fire. Sometimes conflated with the phoenix, it is said to appear only when the current ruler is just and highly moral. Most of the time, it possesses the body of a small bird. Its true form, a beautiful winged creature wreathed in flames, only awakens when the current ruler is selflessly motivated to accomplish something truly great." Stat Bonuses: - Spirit Protection +20%
- Activate Living Weapon Upon HP reaching zero
- Vs. Fire +20
- Amrita Earned (using Living Weapon) +25%
- Fire Damage +15%
- Auto-Charge Amrita Gauge (Critical)
How to Find: Suzaku is acquired by completing the main mission Immortal Flame
Tengen Kujaku
"The rainbow-adorned Tengen Kujaku is said to wield tremendous power capable of seeing into the future; it is also flighty and mercurial. Those under Kujaku's protection will lead interesting lives full of drama and turmoil. Approximately one month before Nobunaga's assassination at Honnoji Temple, a great comet streaked across the nighty sky; some believe this may have actually been Tengen Kujaku." Stat Bonuses: - Spirit Protection +20%
- Bonus From Amrita Absorption (Stance-Based)
- Yokai Damage Reduction by 13%
- Extend Elemental Effect +50%
- Elemental Attack Damage +10%
- Kodama Sense (Detect Kodama easier on radar)
How to Find: Tengen Kujaku is acquired by completing the main mission The Demon King Revealed.
Usura-hicho
"This striking guardian spirit is as cold as it is beautiful. Its followers swear that venerating it will protect you from ice and snow-related disasters. Other believe that the frost butterfly is a manifestation of the souls of people who have lost their lives to grief or cold." Stat Bonuses: - Spirit Protection +20%
- Life Recovery From Purification +150
- Evasion Ki Usage decreased by 20%
- Vs. Yokai Realm +300
- Water Damage +15%
- Strong Attack Ki Damage +15%
How to Find: Usura-hicho is acquired by completing the main mission Falling Snow in the Kinki Region.
By Mat Elfring on Feb 09, 2017 10:00 pm
There's nothing more satisfying than a good revenge flick. When someone believes they're wronged in movies, it's their duty to get justice, even if that means leaving a pile of dead bodies along the way. But what are the best revenge films of all time? We narrowed down the 15 greatest, based on their Metacritic ratings. Let's check them out, starting with the best. Disclosure: Metacritic is a CBS Interactive website, GameSpot's parent company.
Kill Bill Vol. 2 (2004)
The Bride returns on her mission to find and kill her former lover, Bill: the man that left her for dead on her wedding day. However, she has to go through a few of her former associates to get to him. Metacritic Score: 83
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
In this dark and horrifying musical, Benjamin Barker returns to London under the guise of Sweeney Todd. He wants to get revenge on a judge who falsely accused him of a crime, which caused Todd to lose custody of his child. Metacritic Score: 83
Unforgiven (1992)
In the town of Big Whisky, a prostitute is attacked and cut up by some cowboys. The women put a bounty on the cowboys, and a group men come together to help them out. Metacritic Score: 82
Django Unchained (2012)
Django, a freed slave, teams up with a German bounty hunter in order to find and free Django's wife, who is in the custody of a plantation owner named Calvin Candie. Metacritic Score: 81
A History of Violence (2005)
Small town diner owner, Tom Stall, stops a robber and becomes a celebrity for his actions. This catches the attention of a man who thinks Tom is someone that wronged him in the past, who refuses to leave Tom alone. Metacritic Score: 81
Memento (2001)
A man with no short-term memory is on the search for the person who killed his wife, which is the last thing he can remember. Metacritic Score: 80
True Grit (2010)
Rooster Cogburn, a U.S. Marshall, is hired by a teenager hunt down her father's killer. This is a remake of the 1969 John Wayne classic film of the same name. Metacritic Score: 80
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
The children of Elm Street are being hunted down, one-by-one by a man with a burnt face. However, he only kills them while they're asleep. MetaCritic Score: 78
Lady Vengeance (2005)
A woman is falsely imprisoned for 13 years for the death of a young boy. With the help of other inmates, she goes on the hunt for the person responsible for the boy's death. Metacritic Score: 75
John Wick 2 (2017)
John Wick returns after being forced out of retirement, again, by the assassins guild. This time, he's off to Rome to seek vengeance. Check out our review roundup for John Wick 2. Metacritic Score: 74
Munich (2005)
During the 1972 Munich Olympics, 11 Israel athletes were killed. The film--based on true events--follows five men on a mission to track down those responsible for the deaths. Metacritic Score: 74
Oldboy (2005)
Chan-wook Park's most famous film follows Dae-Su, who is kidnapped and imprisoned for 15 years. When he gets out, he tries to hunt down the person responsible for his stolen life. Oldboy, Lady Vengeance, and Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance--all directed by Park--are called The Vengeance Trilogy. Metacritic Score: 74
Cape Fear (1991)
A remake of the 1962 film, Robert DeNiro stars as Max Cady, a convicted rapist who seeks revenge on his public defender, 14 years after he was sent to prison. Metacritic Score: 73
The Limey (1999)
Terrance Stamp plays an ex-con from England who travels to Los Angeles to hunt down the man he thinks is responsible for his daughter's death. Metacritic Score: 73
Gangs of New York (2002)
Leonardo DiCaprio plays a young man who seeks vengeance against The Butcher (Daniel Day-Lewis), who killed his father during a violent gang war in mid-1800's Manhattan. Metacritic Score: 72
By Matt Espineli on Feb 09, 2017 08:30 pm
Choosing The Right Weapons
After clearing Nioh's introductory dungeon, you're asked to choose which weapons you want to prioritize pouring points into. Each of the five weapon types sport their own particular strengths and weaknesses; however, with little opportunity to experiment with how each weapon feels, it can be difficult to decide what works for you. To help you in this decision, we've compiled a guide detailing what each weapon has to offer, as well as information on the statistics they're tied to and the starter Guardian Spirits that support them best. Check out our other Nioh guides, like our beginner's guide and our guide on what the game doesn't tell you. You can also check out the game's coolest armor sets for a sneak peak at the loot you may find. For more about the history of Nioh, check out our feature discussing how the game is a return to form for its developer Team Ninja, as well as our feature on its evolution from JRPG to action game.
Know Your Statistics
First off, it's important to understand Nioh's various statistics; each are tied to a particular weapon or ability. For example, the Skill stat affects the power of Dual Swords and Guns, as well as your ability to activate the special effects of more technical armor. Early on, you're asked to choose two of the five different weapon types that you wish to specialize in: Sword, Dual Swords, Spear, Axe, and Kusarigama. Nioh allows you to use any of its five different weapon types at any time, but the two you choose give you stat bonuses that follow you into the first real dungeon of the game. Below you can find details on each statistic and the weapon it supports: - Body: Determines the power of Spears/Polearms, as well as Life and resistance to poison and paralysis.
- Heart: Determines the power of Swords and Bows, as well as Ki (Stamina).
- Stamina: Determines Life and how much weight you can carry.
- Strength: Determines the power of Axes/Hammers, as well as the ability to activate the special effects of heavy armor.
- Skill: Determines the power of Dual Swords, as well as the ability to activate the special effects of technical armor.
- Dexterity: Determines the power and capacity of Ninjutsu.
- Magic: Determines the effect and capacity of Onmyo Magic.
- Spirit: Determines the power of your Guardian Spirit.
Sword
The Sword is the most reliable and well-balanced weapon type in the game, offering both short and long range attacks. It's perfect for beginners, as it's the easiest to use and is often unhindered by tight, enclosed spaces. Its Ki consumption is forgiving, offering you a sufficient amount of leftover Ki to use to dodge out of a sticky situation. The Sword is a perfect complement to any other weapon type you choose. (Attribute Bonus: Heart +1)
Dual Swords
The Dual Swords lack attack power, but their ability to quickly string together multiple hits makes them worthwhile. It's at its best against groups of enemies, as the barrage of quick hits it inflicts can easily whittle away enemy health bars, with little commitment or cost to your maneuverability. Patience and fast reflexes are key with the Dual Swords, as its underwhelming attack power sometimes extends the duration of encounters. (Attribute Bonus: Skill +1)
Spear
The Spear is a great long-ranged melee weapon, allowing you the ability to poke enemies before they get too close. It also sports a variety of wide, sweeping attacks, which makes it a great fit against groups of enemies attempting to assault you. It's the perfect middle ground between the Sword and Axe, offering decent attack power and relative speed. However, the Spear can prove cumbersome in enclosed spaces, as it can ricochet wildly if struck against a wall. (Attribute Bonus: Body +1)
Axe
The Axe can inflict devastating damage to enemies if you're able to land its slow, heavy blows. The weapon demands precision and accuracy to be most effective; however, be wary of using it against faster enemies, as poorly timed execution can prove punishing. The Axe is best paired with a faster weapon to better balance out its slow attack speed. In addition, its attacks are difficult to deflect, which makes it a great choice to break an enemy's guard. (Attribute Bonus: Stamina +1)
Kusarigama
The Kusarigama allows for quick, close-range strikes as well as ranged attacks thanks to its distinct design. However, its true potential is realized through its unlockable Skills, which provide it with an array of ways to set up deadly combos. For this reason, it's more of an advanced weapon, as effective use of its Skills along with its varying repertoire of attacks requires thoughtful and precise execution. If you're able to fully grasp all that the Kusarigama has to offer, it can be one of the most rewarding and satisfying weapons to use. It's worth noting that the Kusarigama's attack power isn't tied to a specific statistic, though its damage is improved greatly when you put points into Skill or Dexterity. (Attribute Bonus: Dexterity +1)
What Starter Guardian Spirit Suits Your Weapons?
On top of deciding what two weapons to specialize in, you're also asked to choose your first Guardian Spirit. You're given three choices: Kato, Isonade, and Daiba-washi. Each offers their own unique stat bonuses that benefit certain playstyles. For example, Daiba-washi is perfect for Dual Swords users, enhancing your quick attack damage and evasive abilities. The Guardian Spirit you choose will also give you an attribute bonus. While you gain more Guardian Spirits the further you get in the game, you're stuck with your starter for a while, so choose wisely.
Kato
Kato is the go-to Guardian Spirit if your focus is on dealing damage. Its stat bonuses provide boosts in both close range attack and Skill damage, as well as reduced Ki consumption for critical attacks. It's a perfect fit for Axe users, but can also be effective with Sword and Spear users too. (Attribute Bonus: Strength +1)
Isonade
Isonade is for more defensive players, as its stat bonuses benefit those who fight and traverse environments with caution. One of its major bonuses is Sense Enemies, which allows you to better detect the presence of nearby enemies with your radar. In addition, it amplifies close combat damage against humans and reduces the Ki consumption. Isonade's benefits allow you to respond to surprise threats more effectively, while allowing you some leeway towards recovering from damage. If you like using more calculated weapons, such as the Spear, Axe, or even the Kusarigama, this is the Guardian Spirit for you. (Attribute Bonus: Spirit +1)
Daiba-Washi
If you value speed over brute force, Daiba-washi is the perfect choice. It reduces evasive maneuver Ki usage, while adding bonuses to your quick attack damage. The added boosts in both luck and equipment drop rate are also added perks. Daiba-washi is the Guardian Spirit to use if you're set on using the Sword, Dual Swords, or Kusarigama. (Attribute Bonus: Skill +1)
Regret Your Weapon Decisions? Respec!
If you start to regret your weapon choices as you learn more about the tactics and unlockable Skills they each have to offer, don't fret. There's an item you can purchase called the Book of Reincarnation that allows you to completely respec all of your stats and skills. It can be bought at Tome's Blacksmith shop for 10,000 gold. Unfortunately, this won't save you from your choice of Guardian spirit. You'll have to progress through the game in order to gain access to the rest of the starters.
By Mat Elfring on Feb 09, 2017 03:39 am
Before we can get to the biggest WWE event of the year, there are a couple quick stops on the road to Wrestlemania. The first one is the Smackdown brand-exclusive event, Elimination Chamber. There is a lot at stake here, as the winner of the final match will go on to face Randy Orton at the main event of Wrestlemania. Here are all the matches for the show as well as our predictions. [Update 2/10: Mojo Rawley vs. Curt Hawkins was added to the card]
Mojo Rawley vs. Curt Hawkins (Kickoff Match)
To kick things off at Elimination Chamber, one half of the Hype Bros, Mojo Rawley, takes on Curt Hawkins during the event's preshow. The rivalry began when Hawkins mocked Rawley's friendship with New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. Hawkins also took to social media to fan the flames, saying, "Yo, Rob Gronkowski. You didn't even play! You[r] involvement in the Super Bowl was kinda like Mojo Rawley's NFL career: nonexistent." It's finally nice to see both of these wrestlers involved in a rivalry that--at its very least--is entertaining. Considering that the Patriots just won the Super Bowl, we're predicting Rawley will win this one, with Gronkowski being involved in the match. The tight end is no stranger to WWE, as he used to show up to NXT tapings, when Rawley was a part of the developmental program. Our prediction: Rawley wins after a Gronkowski distraction.
Apollo Crews & Kalisto vs. Dolph Ziggler (2-on-1 Handicap Match)
Kicking off the event is the recently turned heel Dolph Ziggler taking on both Apollo Crews and Kalisto. Ziggler is on the warpath, attacking everyone in his way; however, Kalisto and Crews will not stand for it any longer. Ziggler told Smackdown GM Daniel Bryan that he could beat both men, so Bryan booked this handicap match. We're still in the "feeling out" period with Ziggler since his heel turn. A loss to Ziggler could continue this rivalry, but we see a better outcome. A win for Ziggler could further inflate his ego. The win would go to his head and help fill a midcard spot that the Miz seems to be leaving for the main event. Our Prediction: Ziggler wins
Becky Lynch vs. Mickie James
Since Mickie James returned to the WWE, she's been making Becky Lynch's life a living hell. This storyline has been fantastic, especially when you consider it features someone from the Divas Era, which now feels like a dirty word. James was one of the highlights of her time, and she's raising the bar for the new generation of women's wrestling. We're thinking this will be one of the highlights of the night. This match could go either way, but as you may have guessed with our Ziggler pick, we're giving this one to James for very similar reasons. Because we're building towards Wrestlemania, it would be better to have a heel (James) on top so the face (Lynch) can seek their revenge on the biggest stage of the year. Plus, having James with an ego boost until then will make for some really interesting television. Our Prediction: Mickie James wins
Nikki Bella vs. Natalya
Ever since Survivor Series, a rivalry has been building between these two wrestlers. Natalya attacked Nikki Bella prior to the Survivor Series match, and the two have been battling each other in the ring and backstage for months. Come Elimination Chamber, these two will finally battle it out, one on one. If this match wasn't on the card, you probably would have completely forgotten about the rivalry. There isn't a lot at stake here, aside from pride, so it's hard to call which way this is going to go. Regardless, we're giving this to Nikki Bella as this seems like the end of the story. Our Prediction: Nikki Bella wins
American Alpha (c) vs. The Usos vs. Heath Slater & Rhyno vs. Breezango vs. The Ascension vs. The Vaudevillains
(For the Smackdown Tag Team Championships) This match is going to be amazing or terrible. There will be no middle ground. Everyone wants the Smackdown Tag Team Championships, so every tag team from the brand will be involved in this match. They will not all be in the ring at once though. It begins with two teams, then when one is defeated, another team takes their place. As much as we'd love to see Breezango or the Vaudevillains win the belts from American Alpha, we have a strong feeling that The Usos will end up winning this match. American Alpha has done a great job as champions, but the reestablished Usos will come out on top. Our Prediction: The Usos win
Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Naomi
(For the Smackdown Women's Championship) Elimination Chamber will have three women's matches on the card, which is huge. Naomi is one of the few Divas Era stars that has both tremendous talent in the ring and on the mic. Her spot during the women's tag match at the Royal Rumble was its only highlight. Now, she finally has a chance at the title, taking on Alexa Bliss. It's apparent we're putting all of our money on Naomi here. We're really enjoying Bliss as champ, but this feels like the right time for the WWE Universe to "Feel the Glow." She's the most entertaining female ring performer on Smackdown and deserves to wear the title. Our Prediction: Naomi wins
Luke Harper vs. Randy Orton
The last match to be added to the card was Luke Harper taking on Randy Orton. The Wyatt Family storyline has been the highlight of Smackdown as of late. Harper doesn't trust Orton, and it's made Harper turn on Bray Wyatt. This may not conclude the rivalry, but it's what we need to see to push the story forward. After seeing Harper's amazing promo on Smackdown, we think he has a bright future ahead of him as a solo act, and this match is his opening push. However, we think that Orton is going to win this one, by way of interference by Bray Wyatt, setting up something bigger, come Wrestlemania. Our Prediction: Randy Orton wins after Bray Wyatt interfers
Elimination Chamber
(For the WWE Championship) Finally, John Cena has to defend his WWE Championship in an Elimination Chamber match just two weeks after he won it at the Royal Rumble. He'll be taking on Baron Corbin, Dean Ambrose, AJ Styles, Bray Wyatt, and The Miz in the chamber, which is one of the most unforgiving matches in WWE. There are lots of rumors that Cena is on his way out of the company. We'll most likely see him at Wrestlemania, but we don't think he'll be taking on Royal Rumble winner Randy Orton in the main event. We see Wyatt winning the belt, then going onto the biggest WWE event of the year to defend it against Orton, his current ally. For a more in-depth look at the chances each competitor has to win, check out our Elimination Chamber match predictions video. Our Prediction: Bray Wyatt wins
By Matt Espineli on Feb 08, 2017 09:30 pm
Stuff That Might've Flew Over Your Head
Nioh is a mechanically rich action-RPG that sometimes glosses over the importance of its many moving parts. While it does its best to inform you of its critical mechanics, there are times when they might simply fly over your head. That's why we've gathered together a series of tips to help you understand and embrace the things the game fails to tell you in detail. Are there other things the game doesn't tell you that you don't see here? Let us know in the comments below. If you're still on the fence about Nioh, read our Review in Progress to find out our initial thoughts about the game. In addition, you can look at our review roundup to see what other critics think. And you can also check out the game's coolest armor sets for a sneak peak at the loot you may find if you take our tips to heart. For more about the history of Nioh, check out our feature discussing how the game is a return to form for its developer Team Ninja, as well as our feature on its evolution from JRPG to action game.
You Can't Level in the Tower of London
It's worth noting that in the first area of the game, you can't level up your character. The shrines you encounter in this area are only used to fully heal and nothing more.
Complete The Turtorials
After completing Nioh's introductory dungeon, you're given the option to play a tutorial mission. It's highly recommended that you complete this in order to better understand the game's main mechanics. But even more important is completing the additional tutorials you unlock as you progress through the game. These can be highly beneficial in teaching you the complexities and nuances of each mechanic, as well as unlocking more advanced Skills from the Learn Skills menu. To access tutorials, go to the Starting Point and choose the Dojo option.
Use Amrita Stones Or Offer Excess Items For Experience Points
This might seem obvious to Souls veterans, but for newcomers, don't forget to use Amrita Stones. These are usable items that can grant you a certain amount of Amrita points i.e. experience points. They're particularly handy in providing you the extra Amrita you need to level up when going out to kill more enemies proves too risky. Be wary, Amrita Stones also boost your Guardian Spirit gauge, so be mindful of that as you play. They could be best used to level up before attempting to fight a boss. You can also sell weapons, equipment, and items you don't need at a shrine for Amrita via the Make Offering option. If you sell enough, you'll be rewarded with additional items, such as Elixirs, Sacred Waters, and Spirit Stones.
Manage Your Equipment Weight limit
While it might not seem apparent at first, there's actually an Equipment Weight mechanic in the game. Each piece of armor has its own weight value, and a full suit can add up pretty quickly. Note how the font color changes from green to yellow at the top right of the Equipment screen when you exceed a certain weight. The higher the percentage is, the more Ki your attacks and dodges will consume; your movement speed is also affected. Understand your playstyle to manage your Equipment Weight accordingly. If you value mobility, staying at a lighter weight is ideal, but if you prefer slow, powerful weaponry, stick to a heavier weight. It's important that you never let your Equipment Weight exceed 100% as your attacks and evasive maneuvers will consume nearly half your Ki per action.
Pay Attention to Armor Parameters
Each piece of armor you find has distinct special effects that grant you a variety of bonuses such as damage reduction, Amrita bonuses, and increased dash endurance. However, in order to access them, you need to meet that armor's statistical parameters, which are listed at the bottom of its description in the equipment screen. For example, the foot piece of the Warlord Armor requires your Stamina to be at seven and your Strength at six. Be mindful of parameters whenever you equip armor, as not meeting them makes a piece of armor only half as useful as it could be.
Guardian Spirits Possess Passive Bonuses
Your Guardian Spirit does more than simply trigger your Living Weapon ability; it also offers you a set of passive stat bonuses. Each Guardian Spirit has its own distinct set of bonuses that transfer to you when you equip it. For example, equipping Daiba-washi gives you added spirit protection, evasion Ki usage, equipment drop rate, quick attack damage, and luck. To check a Guardian Spirit's bonuses, pray at a shrine and choose the Change Guardian Spirit option. As you accumulate more Guardian Spirits, acquaint yourself with their bonuses in order to better understand which one suits your playstyle or a specific combat situation. Like the Special Effects of Armor, some Guardian Spirits require your Spirit stat to be at a certain level in order to fully take advantage of its bonuses.
Agyo and Ungyo Prestige Points
Nioh has an internal achievement system called Titles, which allows you to earn additional stat bonuses. There are two achievement lists in total: Agyo and Ungyo. Each offers different challenges that demand you fulfill distinct conditions. For example, the Swordsman Adept Title requires you to defeat 100 human enemies with a sword. The more you diversify the types of attacks you use, including non-weapon attacks like throwing bombs, the more likely you'll earn a new Title. Upon earning a Title you'll receive Reputation Points. Once you've accumulated enough, you'll gain a Prestige Point which you can use to acquire a stat bonus in the Prestige Summary screen.
Search for Kodama and Use Their Blessings
When you explore an area, keep an eye out for Kodama, which are small, green yokai that wear soup cups as hats. If you encounter a Kodama, approach it and hold circle to send it back to a shrine. While Kodama seem like a meaningless collectible, they're actually incredibly useful. For every five you collect, you increase the max number of elixirs you can hold at a time. In addition, the number you collect affects the percentages of the Kodama Blessings you receive at a Shrine. Kodama blessings are passive buffs that you can purchase at a Shrine. Each blessing is associated with a specific type of Kodama; there are five types in total with five of each to find in a region. The more you collect of a specific type, the higher the percentage its respective blessing will be. It's important to note that whenever you reach a new region, the Kodama Blessing percentages reset. This is because each region has its own set of 25 Kodama to collect.
A Skill Tree Of Possibility
Do not forget or underestimate the value of the techniques that are available to you via the Learn Skills menu. They're each capable of providing you with a wealth of new offensive or defensive maneuvers. For example, the Onmyo-Jutsu's Sloth Talisman allows you to slow down the movement speed of opponents, while the Leg Sweep trips enemies into a vulnerable state. These are but two of many techniques that are pivotal game-changers. Always take the time to spend your Skill points whenever possible.
Manage Your Skills
As you acquire Skills for a particular weapon, you'll start to notice that multiple Skills are executed using the same button press or sequence. It's possible to assign these skills to be used while in certain stances. For instance, you can assign the Kick Skill to to the Mid Stance, and the Morning Moon Skill to the High Stance. Take the time to see how a Skill pairs with a particular stance, as a calculated understanding of the combinations can better your offensive abilities in the long run.
A Little Help From A Friend
Like the Souls games, Nioh allows you to summon a player to support you in battle. To do this, you'll first need an Ochoko Cup, which is a special item dropped by enemies or found in the environment. Once you find an Ochoko Cup, pray at a shrine and choose the Summon Visitor option; this will bring an available player into your game. Keep in mind that if you die while a visitor is in your game, you'll need to restart the process of summoning them after respawning. It's worth noting that a visitor can only inhabit your world if they've beaten the respective mission you're on. In addition, your shrine access is restricted; you can only pray once at each of a particular mission's shrines.
Don't Feel Pressured To Learn How to Use The Ki Pulse
While Nioh lets it be known that the Ki Pulse is an important combat mechanic, don't feel pressured to use it if it doesn't fit your playstyle. The game provides you with myriad solutions in a fight, such as offensive item use, hit-and-run tactics, Ninjutsu, Onmyo-Jutsu, and more. These methods are equally viable towards helping you survive and will more than likely prove just as effective as the more advanced-techniques of the Ki Pulse.
Regret Your Stats? Reassign Them! (For a Price)
As you progress in Nioh, you might begin to regret how you spent your hard earned Amrita points to level your character's various stats. Luckily, you're not bound to your past decisions, as there's an item that allows you to completely respec all of your stats and skills. The item is called the Book of Reincarnation, and it sells at Tome's Blacksmith shop for 10,000 gold. Be wary, it completely resets your character's level upon use, and it cannot be used in the middle of a mission.
By Mat Elfring on Feb 08, 2017 12:42 am
Netflix's newest Marvel series, Iron Fist, will debut on the streaming service on March 17. This will be the company's fourth show expanding the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With the newest trailer being released, we thought we'd break it down to see what we can learn.
Danny Rand Has Been Away From Home Since He Was 10
Early on, it's revealed that Danny Rand has been away since he was a kid. He was the lone survivor of a plane crash that killed his parents. We see one shot of him, as a child, laying in the snow and another during his martial arts training.
He's Become Extremely Proficient At Martial Arts
Rand returns to his home, and people notice that he has some sweet martial arts skills. Rand says he trained at K'un-Lun, which--we're guessing--is close to where Rand's plane crashed. He spent at least a decade training there, probably more since we can't pinpoint his age in the present day.
He Has Superhuman Abilities
K'un-Lun does more than teach people in its world-renowned class, how to punch and kick. It apparently can help you develop superhuman abilities. In quite a few scenes, Rand's hands are glowing, and we even see him punching through walls and windows with this power, with no apparent damage to his hands. At the end of the trailer, he calls himself "the Iron Fist," so that may give you some hints about his powers.
He Has A Different Look Than His Comic Book Counterpart
With all of the Marvel/Netflix ventures, there are going to be some departures from the source material. From what we see in the trailer, Rand is wearing street clothes during his battles and no mask. He does, however, have the dragon tattoo from the comics. In time, he may get his comic book costume, much like Daredevil did during the final episode of his first season.
The Hand Controls His Father's Company
Danny Rand returned and knows something sinister is really controls his father's company. We see a few clues that lead us to believe that it's The Hand, which you may know from Daredevil. The man running the company, who is actually working for The Hand, is Harold Meachum.
Claire Temple Is Back
There has only been one constant in all of the Marvel/Netflix shows: Claire Temple. Rosario Dawson reprises her role once again, and somehow, she gets wrapped up with a small-time superhero in New York City. She knows the enemy that Rand is trying to take down, so she'll be a great help during the series.
He Partners With Colleen Wing
Towards the end of the trailer, we see Rand has partnered with Colleen Wing. In the comics, she is a samurai who later becomes best friends with Misty Knight, whom we saw in Luke Cage. She's another character who connects all of the Netflix shows.
Who The Heck Is This Person?
Very briefly, we see a person in a white mask walking down the street during a party. Who is this person? Could they be someone from The Hand or an ally to Rand? Could this could be a misdirection, making us think this is a person of importance? Update: Upon second look, this is totally Danny Rand in the mask. Thanks for the notice readers! We'll find out more about the series and the person in the mask when Iron Fist comes to Netflix on March 17.
By Tony Guerrero on Feb 06, 2017 07:08 pm
Gotham City is one of the most dangerous cities in the DC Universe. Batman has dedicated his life to fighting crime. Over the years he's had Robin as a sidekick, but there have actually been several different people behind Robin's mask. The biggest danger used to be having to go out in public in short-shorts and pixie boots. Now the biggest threat is the fact you will eventually die when you take on the mantle of the Boy Wonder. In Batman #16, the Dark Knight realizes his old enemy Bane will be coming to Gotham, seeking revenge, after Batman's attack on Santa Prisca. Batman asked his former Robins to leave town and stay out of the fight. Of course, they decide not to follow this order. Before we get into what happened in Batman #16, let's look at the previous times the different Robins have died. There will be spoilers for Batman #16.
Jason Todd - Batman #428 (1988)
Jason Todd was the second Robin. When he discovered his birth mother was still alive, he tracked her down. Unfortunately, she was blackmailed into working with Joker, who beat him nearly to death with a crowbar. He then blew up the building where he left Jason and his mother just as Batman arrived to witness the explosion. Jason was later resurrected through some reality-altering effects (courtesy of Superboy Prime) and one of Ra's al Ghul's Lazarus Pits. He had a pretty big chip on his shoulder since Batman allowed Joker to live after he died. They eventually came to terms with the situation.
Stephanie Brown - Batman #633 (2004)
Stephanie Brown is better known as Spoiler. She had a brief stint as Robin and returned to her Spoiler guise. During a big gang war in Gotham, she suffered grave injuries and apparently died as Batman sat by her bedside. Later, it was revealed that Dr. Leslie Thompkins faked Stephanie's death. Her identity had been compromised during the fight and the two left Gotham to perform volunteer work in Africa. Batman suspected she hadn't actually died but didn't have concrete proof. This is why he never built a memorial for her in the Batcave.
Damian Wayne - Batman Incorporated #8 (2013)
Damian Wayne is the son of Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul. Raised by the League of Assassins, Damian eventually came to live with his father and took on the mantle of Robin. When Talia unleashed an attack against Batman and Gotham City, Damian fell victim to the Heretic, his artificially aged and genetically enhanced clone. Damian was resurrected with the Chaos Shard, a powerful and magical crystal that once belonged to Darkseid.
Dick Grayson - Forever Evil #7 (2014)
Dick Grayson was the original Robin who took on the identity of Nightwing years later. Nightwing got captured by the Crime Syndicate, an evil version of the Justice League from an alternate Earth. His identity was publicly exposed, and he was later attached to a nuclear bomb. The only way to disarm the bomb was for Grayson to die. Lex Luthor, working with Batman, caused Dick's death with a pill that paralyzed the cardiac muscles around his heart. He was revived with a shot of adrenaline. Grayson may not have completely died, but everyone was lead to believe he did. Batman needed Dick to go undercover to infiltrate the Spyral organization which had targeted the superhero community. Dick spent some time as a "spy" until he returned to his Nightwing persona.
Tim Drake - Detective Comics #940 (2016)
Tim Drake was the third Robin. He deduced Batman's identity after the death of Jason Todd and convinced him Batman needed a Robin to keep him in check. When a military group known as the Colony targeted Batman and Gotham, Tim hacked into their system to redirect hundreds of attack drones that would have killed innocents. He defeated the first wave but was vaporized by the second. Batman and his allies have mourned Tim's death, but it turns out he was actually teleported away and kept prisoner by the mysterious Mr. Oz.
Dick, Jason, and Damian? - Batman #16 (2017)
Returning to the current comics. Bruce Wayne ordered Dick, Jason, and Damian to leave as he helped Gotham Girl in her recovery and prepared for Bane's arrival. Entering the Batcave, he saw three dead bodies left hanging. It appears the three Robins are now dead. Of course this likely won't be the case. Bane probably found three innocents with similar body types and left them there as a warning to Batman and to rattle him.
By Matt Espineli on Feb 04, 2017 09:30 pm
Style of the Samurai
Nioh features a plethora of armor to obtain that'll make you feel like the awesome Japanese samurai you've always dreamed of becoming. Similar to dungeon crawlers like Diablo, Nioh's armor sets are acquired mostly at random via a loot system. With so many to find and collect from the enemies you vanquish, we've compiled some of the coolest looking armor sets. For the uninitiated, Nioh is an action-RPG developed by Team Ninja, who also developed the iconic Ninja Gaiden series. You play as Western samurai William Adams, as he deals with a yokai infestation terrorizing Sengoku-era Japan. If you're still on the fence about the game, read our Review in Progress to see our initial thoughts about the game. You can also check out our review roundup to see what other sites think. And for more about the history of Nioh, check out our feature discussing how the game is a return to form for Team Ninja, as well as our feature on its evolution from JRPG to action game. The game is set to launch on February 7.
Ambush Unit Armor
Battlewise Armor
Brawler's Armor
Footsoldier Armor
Foreigner's Armor
Frontline Armor
Frontline Warrior's Armor
Genius Strategist
Heike Armor
Hero's Armor
Kodama Bowl
Legendary Strategist's Garb
Platemail Armor
The Raging Bull
Rogue Armor
Saika Clan Armor
Samurai General
Shinobi Apparel
Strategist's Armor
Unit Leader's Armor
Vassal's Armor
Unusual Armor
Warrior of the West
Warrior of the East
Master Swordsman Armor
By Jimmy Thang on Feb 03, 2017 11:44 pm
2-3-16 update: This story has been updated to reflect new CPUs, GPUs, and SSDs. For the uninitiated, building a computer might sound as daunting as building a rocket ship, but assembling a PC is not rocket science. As a matter of fact, if you've ever put together a Lego set, then you've got the chops to build a basic PC. The more challenging part of the process is simply educating yourself on what parts to buy, but planning out your build is also arguably the most fun part. To help you enjoy this process, we've written this PC component shopping starter guide, and by the end of it, you'll be ready to hit the ground running to start building your own custom PC! First things first: Building a PC doesn't have to be expensive. If you plan to do most of your gaming at a resolution of 1080p (which is by far the most common gaming resolution today) and you only want to play less-demanding games like League of Legends, DOTA 2, or Hearthstone, you could spend as little as $400 on your PC. If you want to jump into the deep end to play games like The Witcher 3 at pupil-splitting 4K, then yes, that's where the multi-thousand dollar PCs can come into play. Of course, there's also a middle ground if you want to play demanding games, but aren't concerned with turning up all of the graphical bells and whistles. As we mentioned, there's a ton of flexibility here. Generally speaking, you want to get the most bang for your buck. If you spend more money on a component, chances are you will get slightly better performance, but you'll be paying a high premium for it. Conversely, if you spend too little, you might end up making some compromises down the road, and might be better off with spending a few dollars more for a better long-term experience. Deciphering all of that may seem difficult, but we're here to walk you through it component-by-component. Table of contents: - CPU
- GPU
- RAM
- Motherboard
- Case
- Cooler
- SSD
- Hard Drive
- Power Supply
CPU
Unless all you're planning on playing are non-graphically demanding indie games, we'd recommend a quad-core central processing unit (CPU). While the graphics processing unit (GPU) is often seen as the most important component of one's gaming rig, it is important to not overlook the value of having a good CPU. After all, the CPU is the brains of the operation, and if you go with a poor one, it will only serve to bottleneck your GPU. This means it will hinder your graphics card from going full speed, so to speak. At the moment, Intel is ahead of the CPU performance curve against AMD. Intel's $350 quad-core Kaby Lake 7700K CPU is arguably the best (non-enthusiast) consumer quad-core CPU right now, and the company's $200 quad-core i5-7500 is a great bang for your buck gaming CPU. There are decent offerings from AMD, however. The company has some good affordable options and AMD's FX-8350 8-core Vishera chip is currently a good mid-tier CPU for around 150 bucks. Though, if you're interested in purchasing an AMD CPU, we would recommend waiting for the company's Ryzen chips, which are scheduled to release towards the tail end of Q1 2017. Wait, if AMD's CPU has 8 cores, why is it inferior to Intel's quad-core offerings? In short, core count only really matters when you're comparing CPUs in the same family. A quad-core Intel CPU will most likely be better than a dual-core Intel CPU, but an octo-core AMD CPU won't necessarily be better than a quad-core Intel CPU, for instance. Perhaps to muddle things up a little more, an octo-core Intel CPU might not be better than a quad-core Intel CPU for gaming, considering most games aren't optimized for anything above four cores. In some cases, opting for a CPU with more than four cores is not only a waste of money for gaming, but can result in poorer performance. Take for instance Intel's $1,000 5960X CPU. This is a great processor for gaming and a dream chip for productivity tasks. The CPU might have eight cores, but it carries a base frequency (speed) of 3GHz, which is slower than the base frequency of the 4.2GHz quad-core i7-7700K, which retails for $350. Why does the exuberantly more expensive octo-core CPU run at a lower frequency than the cheaper part? When you have to squeeze twice as many cores into the CPU die, you essentially have to make some compromises when it comes to power and heat. Technically speaking, the highest-end CPU currently out on the market is Intel's $1,700 Broadwell-E 6950X, which is a 10-core CPU within Intel's enthusiast Broadwell line of processors. Intel's enthusiast chips, designated with an E at the end of the SKU, are typically tailored for prosumers and come with more than four cores. The aforementioned $350 7700K is typically marginally faster than the 6950X in games, but the 10-core CPU generally beats the Kaby Lake processor in productivity tasks where more cores can be leveraged. AMD recently teased its new line of Zen CPUs, which the company showcased going toe-to-toe with Intel's $1,089 eight-core 6900K Broadwell-E chip. Zen is expected to launch early in 2017. If you can't decide between two CPUs, a good online resource is CPUboss.com. The website allows you to compare the specs of any two processors and will provide a score for each CPU. The site also provides comparison benchmarks. Another thing you may want to pay attention to is if the CPU is "unlocked." Unlocked CPUs allow you to overclock them for "free" performance. While pretty much all AMD CPUs made today are unlocked and overclockable, in the Intel world, generally only the more expensive "K" or "E" SKUs can be overclocked. While CPU overclocking is very common, every CPU is going to have its own overclocking limit (even with CPUs in the same SKU!). While overclocking isn't necessary, if you did want to overclock your CPU, you'll want to get an "aftermarket" cooler so that you can crank up the heat a little more. We'll talk more about coolers later.
Graphics Card
Provided you have a good enough CPU, your graphics card is going to be the single biggest component affecting your gaming performance. Essentially, the GPU should be the most expensive component of your gaming build. This isn't to say that you should break the bank to get a graphics card. We also want to dispel a myth that you'll need to upgrade your GPU every year or every other year, just because new graphics cards come out at that cadence. A video card that you buy today will not magically get slower in the future (if anything, it may even slightly improve with driver updates). As a matter of fact, the GeForce 8800 GTX, which came out a decade ago, can still play the overwhelming majority of modern games out today with playable frame rates. You just won't be able to crank up the graphical bells and whistles as high as you might like. What graphics card should you get, though? That really depends on your budget and desires. We've put together a simple video which lays out all the new graphics cards and explains how they compare to each other within the performance spectrum. If you'd rather have it in written form, here you go: If you want to max out most of your games at 1080p (the most common gaming resolution) with consistent frame rates above 30fps, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 480 will do the job and are both baseline GPUs for VR. The more powerful GeForce GTX 980, 1060, and Radeon R9 Fury graphics cards are also great for 1080p, but can also delve into the more demanding 1440p resolution. If you don't need to game with your settings maxed out, a GTX 1050 Ti, or a RX 470 are great bang for the buck cards for your medium-to-high settings fix. If all you want to play are non-graphically demanding games like League of Legends, DOTA 2, and CS:GO (which are among the most popular-played PC games today), more affordable options like the GTX 1050 or RX 460 will do fine. If you wanted a card that's great for 1440p, which gamers commonly refer to as 2K, you'll want a GTX 1070 or R9 Fury X. If you wanted to go all in and try your hand at 4K, we'd recommend Nvidia's GTX 1080, but to be honest, 2160p is extremely taxing on hardware. You'll likely want two graphics cards to max out everything with smooth frame rates. If you simply want the most powerful graphics card today, the 2016 Nvidia GeForce Titan X is the performance king, but it isn't vastly faster than the GTX 1080 and cost a whopping $1,200. If you're instead more concerned with having as much power as you can in a small package, then AMD's Nano is a great graphics card, which will allow you to build a compact, but powerful PC. AMD vs Nvidia: Once you've figured out your GPU price range, the next logical question to ask yourself is, "Do I go with Nvidia or AMD?" As it stands right now, each vendor has their strengths and weaknesses, but the hardware community generally gives Nvidia the nod over AMD for better and more consistent driver updates. Nvidia also currently enjoys a lead in the performance-per-watt architecture category (that is to say, the company is able to deliver greater performance with less power). For you, this means that Nvidia cards are generally able to run cooler and quieter. Nvidia also offers a strong suite of features like GeForce Experience, which allows you to quickly enable optimal playable game settings, and Nvidia ShadowPlay, which allows you to easily capture in-game video. AMD is generally seen as offering a slightly better dollar-to-performance ratio, meaning, you get a pretty good bang-for-the-buck if performance is what you seek. Of course, graphics cards are always evolving and comparisons are going to vary on a situational basis. Like the iOS vs Android debate, both sides are going to have their fervent fanboys and pitchforks. Luckily for you, both companies make great graphics cards and you can't really go too wrong either way. But how do you recognize what makes a great graphics card? There are a couple things to look for. Both Nvidia and AMD use parallel processing cores for their GPUs. Nvidia refers to its cores as "CUDA" cores and AMD calls its cores "stream processors." The higher amount is generally a tell-tale sign of a card's quality. Like what we said about CPU core count, however, you can only compare numbers within the same family. This means you can't compare CUDA cores against stream processors and vice versa. You should also look at a card's base and boost clocks, which generally dictates the frequency, or speed, at which a card runs. The amount of video RAM (VRAM) a card has is generally another tell-tale sign of a card's quality. Again, the more you have, the better the card. Since VRAM, or the frame buffer (as it's also commonly known), is responsible for loading a game's textures, the higher the resolution you're gaming at, the more textures it has to push. The VRAM therefore indirectly dictates what resolution each card should run at. Generally speaking, 1-2GB of VRAM is good for gaming at 1080p (HD), 3-4GB of VRAM is good for 1440p gaming (Ultra HD), and you'll want six or more GB of VRAM to effectively game at 3840x2160 (4K). Like CPUboss.com, if you can't decide between two GPUs, there is a similar website for graphics cards appropriately titled, GPUboss.com. Again, the site allows you to compare the specs between both devices, gives you a score for each, and provides comparison benchmarks.
RAM
8GB is the bare minimum that we'd recommend for a respectable gaming PC and you shouldn't feel the need to go out and buy expensive RAM sticks. If you like to open up multiple tabs using Google Chrome or would like to do video editing/production work on the side, it's not a bad idea to opt for 16GB. In terms of RAM speed, getting 1600MHz and above is going to be fine for your gaming needs. RAM speed matters more if you're running on your CPU's integrated graphics, but since you'll be using a discrete desktop GPU, this won't concern you. We'd also advise you to get your RAM running in dual-channel mode as opposed to single channel. This means that for a total of 8GB of RAM, we recommend going with two 4GB sticks of RAM, as opposed to one 8GB stick. The reason for this is that it offers greater memory bandwidth. When you're shopping, make sure that you get the right RAM for your motherboard. DDR4 is the newest consumer RAM standard, but if you're getting a slightly older motherboard, chances are you might need DDR3 RAM at this point.
Motherboard
You'll want to shop for you motherboard, or mobo, after you've determined which CPU you're going with, since every single motherboard is going to support different CPU sockets. For instance, if you're going to go with Intel's i5-7500 CPU, which uses the LGA 1151 socket, you'll want to get a motherboard that supports that socket. Current Intel sockets include the aforementioned LGA 1151 and LGA-2011 V3, the latter of which is more of an enthusiast mobo socket. Current AMD sockets include AM3+ and FM2, although a new AM4 socket from AMD is on its way for its upcoming Ryzen CPUs. In case you're concerned about socket compatibility, you can use PCPartPicker.com to put together your build online. The website will inform you of any incompatibility issues here. In addition to sockets, you should also pay attention to chipsets, which will usually dictate what ports and features your motherboard will support. For instance, Intel's latest high-end consumer Z270 chipset for the company's Kaby Lake processors support overclocking, up to 10 USB 3.0 ports, and up to 24 PCI Express lanes. We'd generally avoid getting an older motherboard that supports an outdated socket, since older boards are no longer supported, you won't be able to slot newer, upcoming CPUs into them. You may also miss out on more modern features like USB type-C connectivity or even USB 3.0 support, if you go back far enough. Once you've figured out what kind of socket your motherboard will need, the next big thing to decide is the motherboard's size. Mobos generally come in four form factors. From smallest to largest there is: Mini-ITX, MicroATX, ATX, and Extended ATX. If you go with a small Mini-ITX board, you can get a small, portable Mini-ITX case to go along with it. If you're going to go with a large Extended ATX motherboard, you're probably going to need a big full tower case to house it. Going with an Extended ATX motherboard is likely going to give you the most features and ports, but it will generally be more expensive and you won't be able to squeeze it into a small chassis. Going with Mini-ITX, however, limits you to one video card, and just two RAM slots. The other two options cater somewhere in between. So it's up to you to decide what you want to go for. Some things to consider when looking for a motherboard would be: Does it support Crossfire/SLI for two or more graphics cards. How many PCIe slots does it have? (This will determine how many video cards you can slot into it) Does it have the ports that I want? Does it come with WiFi? Does it offer Bluetooth? There's a bunch of other little details about motherboards, but these are some of the big-picture things to look at.
Case
Arguably the most important thing to look for in a case is its size. It roughly follows the same size guidelines as motherboards. Meaning, Mini-ITX chassis are for Mini-ITX boards, Micro-Towers are good for Micro-ATX boards, Mid-Towers pair well with ATX boards, and full-towers are designed for Extended-ATX mobos. Another thing to look out for is, well, looks. Yes, you can get a cheap case if you're on a budget, and it will do the job, but the case is the shell of your hot rod. It should ideally look sexy. Yes, that's a little shallow, but it's okay to "treat yo self" every now and then. Thankfully, you don't need to spend a ton to get a nice looking case. Take for instance the pictured Fractal Designs R4 here. At $100, the mid-tower offers a sexy, yet minimalist design that isn't outlandishly expensive. Aside from the aesthetics, you'll want to make sure the case can fit all of your components. We're not just talking about the motherboard here. If you're going to be getting a bulky aftermarket cooler, a giant video card, or a large power supply, for instance, you'll want to make sure those parts will fit in that case. The case will often give you height or GPU-length info, but in case it gets too confusing, using a website like PCPartPicker, which informs you of incompatibility issues, can help you solve the problem. Other things to look for in your case is to ask yourself: Does it have any cable management options to keep the innards of your PC tidy? Does it include any fans? Does it offer good airflow with vents at the top and back/sides? Does it include dust filters?
Cooler
Unless you're buying an enthusiast CPU from Intel, most CPUs will come with a stock cooler. If you don't plan to overclock, then sticking with these included coolers is fine. If you did want to overclock a little however, you'll want to get a more efficient aftermarket cooler. If you didn't want to spend too much for one, Cooler Master's Hyper 212 Evo is a great bang for the buck air cooler you can get for around $30. If you wanted to be a little more aggressive with overclocking, it's a good idea to step up to a closed-loop water cooler. These coolers use liquid to more effectively dissipate heat. The most common closed-loop coolers will come in either single-rad or double-rad forms. The most important thing you'll want to look for here is to see if the cooler will fit your case. Another thing to look out for is the size of the cooler's fans. Most cases will support 120mm fans, but some cases will also support 140mm fans. Generally speaking, because larger 140mm fans are able to move more air with less effort (due to their larger blades), you don't need to crank up the rpms as high to achieve optimal cooling. Experientially, this can save your ears from any leafblower-like noises. There are plenty of good closed-loop coolers out there, but a good single rad 120mm cooler is the Corsair H80i and a good 140mm cooler is the NZXT Kraken X41. There are also great double rad versions of both (the Corsair H100i and NZXT X61, respectively). If you wanted even better cooling performance and flashier aesthetics, you'll want to look into installing a custom-loop cooler, but these are much harder to install, and we'd only recommend them for more seasoned PC building vets.
SSD
As far as we're concerned, an SSD for a gaming PC is a must. We'd recommend getting a 240GB SSD or greater. If that's too much for your budget, you can opt for a 120GB SSD for at least the operating system. Having an SSD for your OS will allow you to boot up your PC super fast. We're talking under 15 seconds here. The new hotness in super-fast storage is NVMe drives. They come in two form factors. Intel's 750 PCIe SSD requires a PCIe slot, whereas Samsung's 960 Pro requires an M.2 slot. While these drives are insanely fast, you will be paying a premium for them. For reference, Samsung's 960 Evo NVMe SSD is up to five times as fast as traditional 2.5-inch SATA-based SSDs, but cost about twice as much.
Hard Drive
While we love SSDs, unless you're going to shell out for something like Samsung's 2TB 850 Pro SSD, which costs roughly a grand, chances are you're also going to want cheaper mechanical hard drives for your mass storage needs. Depending on how many games you play, your needs are going to be different, but we'd recommend getting at least a 1TB hard disc drive (HDD). Just make sure it's a 7,200rpm one, which is the standard HDD speed nowadays. Don't feel the need to opt for anything faster, either, as your SSD is meant to do the heavy lifting when it comes to speed. If you're trying to be economical, a good thing to look out for is price per GB. Also, unless you have a super tiny case, you could always add a secondary hard drive later.
Power Supply
Now that you've picked all your components, you've got to get a power supply unit (PSU) that offers enough juice to power everything. To make your life easier, there are online power supply calculators that will tell you how much wattage you'll need upon plugging in the components you plan to use. Generally speaking, it's a good idea to give yourself a 100-watt power buffer, in case of a power spike or the weather goes awry. You may also want to give yourself a bigger buffer if you think you're eventually going to want to add a second graphics card to your rig. It's also a good idea to get a good power supply made by a reputable PSU manufacturer, since you don't want any of your components getting damaged in the event that a shady power supply keels over. Some reputable power supply vendors include Corsair, EVGA, Seasonic, Enermax, Lepa, Silverstone, and Antec among others. If that's too much to remember, just make sure to get a PSU that's rated "80 PLUS" or better (This means that it's 80 plus percent efficient on any load that is above 20 percent). Another thing to consider with purchasing a power supply is deciding between modular or non-modular. Non-modular power supplies have all the wires and cables dangling out the back of the PSU, whereas modular power supplies allow you to pull out any unnecessary cables you don't need for your build. If you're a neat freak, you may want to opt for the modular PSU, as it allows you to free your PC from clutter (which in turn can slightly assist with airflow). The downside to modular power supplies is that you have to keep track of where you left all the extra cables in the event that you needed them at a later date.
By Tony Guerrero on Feb 03, 2017 12:56 am
Hasbro has released the latest Marvel Legends Infinite series. The focus is on Spider-Man, with one exception. Each figure comes with a separate piece so you can build Sandman. The Build-A-Figure selections are usually over-sized characters, and each separately sold figure includes an arm, leg, etc that allows you to piece the character together. These should be in stores now and retail for about $20 each. You can watch a video unboxing of the line here.
Spider-Man
Instead of giving us yet another regular Spider-Man figure, his figure wears the black/symbiote costume. This figure comes with a hammer and ball-with-spikes accessory for Sandman.
Spider-Man
This is basically the same Spider-Man figure we've seen before but with a different paint job. There is a lot of articulation that allows you to put Spidey in a variety of poses.
Spider-Man 2099
In 1992, Marvel started a 2099 line of comics. The stories took place in the future, and Miguel O'Hara became the Spider-Man of that era. He originally had a different costume but recently upgraded to a new one.
Spider-Man 2099
The original costume was one he grabbed from a Day of the Dead celebration. It was cool, but this one has a sleeker and futuristic look.
Spider-UK
Spider-UK is from an alternate Earth. He used to be part of the Captain Britain Corps and became part of the Web Warriors. One of Sandman's arms is included.
The costume has a traditional look with elements that make it clear this is a British Spider-Man.
The Jackal
The Jackal is a creepy guy. He was Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy's college professor who happened to be into cloning. He made clones of his two students and has been obsessed with the two over the years. Jackal comes with one of Sandman's legs.
The Jackal
Despite being a costume, Jackal's look is a little odd. It's not clear why he only has shorts and not a proper outfit, especially if it's all a costume. Perhaps the design is to make him look even creepier.
Shocker
Herman Schultz isn't one of Spider-Man's most formidable villains, but he still has his share of fans among readers. He comes with Sandman's other leg.
Shocker
Shocker has gauntlets that emit big shockwaves, hence the name he's chosen for himself. There are clip-on blasts to give him the appearance of using his powers.
Green Goblin
Norman Osborn, as the Green Goblin, has probably been Spider-Man's greatest enemies. He was the first villain that discovered his secret identity and used that fact to capture him. Over the years, he's continued to cause headaches for Spidey and even threw his girlfriend off a bridge. Green Goblin comes with two different Sandman heads.
Green Goblin
Green Goblin comes with his goblin glider and a pumpkin bomb. Unfortunately, the bomb doesn't click into his hand. It rests in his palm and can easily fall out.
Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel
Kamala Khan isn't part of Spider-Man's corner of the Marvel Universe. They have teamed up before, but she has more of a connection to Carol Danvers, the original Ms. Marvel. Ms. Marvel comes with Sandman's torso.
Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel
Ms. Marvel is an Inhuman that has been exposed to the Terrigen Mists and has shape-shifting abilities. The figure includes extra arms to show how she can embiggen herself.
Sandman
Assembling the pieces gives you an over-sized Sandman. Flint Marko is a longtime Spider-Man foe with the ability to turn his body into sand. He can also form hardened weapons with his body, as the figure demonstrates.
Sandman
He has a giant fist and a big outstretched hand to give an intimidating look.
Sandman
You can pop off his hand and add the giant sand hammer to bonk other figures on the head.
Sandman
The second head has a Terminator 2/T-1000 look that gives the appearance that he's been hit extremely hard in the face. There is another hand you can swap in to give him a ball with spikes weapon.
Can the heroes take on Sandman? They should be able to since Spider-Man has defeated him alone before. You can get an idea on the size difference with the figures.
If you want to build Sandman, you'll have to buy each figure which are all sold separately.
By Matt Espineli on Feb 02, 2017 01:31 pm
Becoming a Master Samurai
Nioh is a brutal action-RPG that demands you understand its systems in order to overcome its challenges. But with so many mechanics at play, it can be overwhelming. That's why we've gathered 14 tips to help you become a master samurai. Be sure to check back often as we update this feature with even more tips. Click ahead to find detailed instructions on how to play Nioh better. Nioh is an action game developed by Team Ninja, who also developed the Ninja Gaiden series. The studio recently detailed the enhancements Nioh will receive for PlayStation 4 Pro. You can see GameSpot's roundup of every game that sees improvements from the PS4 Pro here. In addition, the studio revealed that Nioh will have a multiplayer mode, but not at launch. And for more Nioh check out our feature on how the game is a return to form for Team Ninja, as well as our feature on its evolution from JRPG to action game. Nioh is set to launch on February 7.
Manage Your Ki
Make sure to keep a close eye on your Ki (stamina) gauge during battle. Avoid recklessly swinging your weapon at opponents as it'll quickly drain your Ki and put you in an immobile state. This is indicated by a red gauge and, while in this state, you're vulnerable to enemy attacks. If this occurs, mash the dodge button to ensure you get out of the way of danger as soon as possible.
Be Aware of Enemy Ki
Unlike the Souls games, you can see how much Ki an enemy has when you lock onto them. When an opponent completely drains their Ki, they'll either lack the energy to move or attack more erratically. Take advantage of this opportunity, as enemies are more susceptible to being staggered when you hurt them in this state. When an enemy is staggered, you have a better chance of landing a powerful Grapple or Final Blow as well. It's also possible to inflict direct damage to an opponent's Ki using special skills that are acquired via the Learn Skills menu. Each weapon type has a particular technique that can inflict Ki damage. For example, the sword has a Kick skill, which allows you to chain a kick at the end of a combo to drain an opponent's Ki. Prioritize unlocking these skills as they can be vital in overcoming tough encounters.
Understand and Use Ki Pulse Often
One of the most important mechanics in Nioh is the Ki Pulse, a combat maneuver that allows you to restore some of the Ki you've expended from attacking. To execute it, press R1 when light gathers around you after an attack. The better you time the Ki Pulse, the more Ki you'll gain back. Ki Pulse is also a necessity in purifying Yokai Realms, which are enemy attacks that reduce your Ki regeneration rate within a certain area; a perfect Ki Pulse can instantly remove a Yokai Realm from the field. To execute a perfect Ki Pulse, time your button press to when the light is just about to fade around you; you'll know you've executed it when a swirling light forms as you raise your weapon. The benefits of Ki Pulse may not seem like much at first, but using it effectively can make all the difference in battle.
Read Your Enemy
Many foes, particularly skilled human samurai, telegraph their fighting styles through their stances. Moreover, less experienced enemies like villagers attack with ungraceful lunges, making them open to attack. Reading your opponent also includes exploiting their limited stamina. In addition, it's always good practice to get close enough to an enemy to bait out an attack from them, allowing you to rush them as they close off their attack animation.
Learn Weapon Stances
It's important to take advantage of the various weapon stances, as each adds useful attack variations to the weapons in your arsenal. There are three stances in total: High, Mid, and Low. High stance offers large attack damage and defense against enemies, but at heavy expense to speed and Ki; Mid stance offers medium attack speed and damage with some cost to your Ki; and Low stance allows you to attack quickly, albeit weakly, with little expense to your Ki. Familiarize yourself with the feel of each stance and how they impact your weapons of choice. Some stances prove more useful than others during certain encounters. For example, utilizing a sword's High stance allows you to slash vertically, which is ideal against enemies that stay low to the ground. A careful and calculated understanding of weapon stances is key to surviving the most difficult battles.
Don't Forget To Equip Optimal Weapons And Armor
As you defeat enemies, raid corpses, and open treasure boxes, you'll start to accumulate a plethora of equipment. While most of the stuff you get are often duplicates of what you currently (own albeit with slight variations), it's essential that you take time to check on what you've found in order to equip the most optimal versions of weapons and armor in your inventory.
Pay Attention to Armor Parameters
Each piece of armor you find has its own distinct Special Effects that grant you a variety of bonuses such as damage reduction, Amrita bonuses, and increased dash endurance. However, in order to access them, you need to meet that armor's statistical parameters, which are listed at the bottom of its description in the equipment screen. For example, the foot piece of the Warlord Armor requires your Stamina to be at seven and your Strength at six. Be mindful of parameters whenever you equip armor, as not meeting them makes a piece of armor only half as useful as it could be.
Manage Your Equipment Weight limit
While it might not seem apparent at first, there's actually an Equipment Weight mechanic in the game. Each piece of armor has its own weight value which, when equipped, contributes to your overall Equipment Weight percentage. Note how the font color changes from green to yellow at the top right of the Equipment screen when you exceed a certain weight. The higher the percentage is, the more Ki your attacks and dodges will consume; your movement speed is also affected. Understand your playstyle to manage your Equipment Weight accordingly. If you value mobility, staying at a lighter weight is ideal, but if you prefer slow, powerful weaponry, stick to a heavier weight. It's important that you never let your Equipment Weight exceed 100% as your attacks and evasive maneuvers will consume nearly half your Ki per action.
Offer Excess Equipment And Items For Armirita
Sell items you don't need at the shrine to receive Amrita via the Make Offering option. It could provide you the extra amount of resources you need to level up. This is particularly handy when you've run out of Amrita Stones.
Agyo and Ungyo Prestige Points
Nioh has an internal achievement system called Titles, which allows you to earn additional stat bonuses. There are two achievement lists in total: Agyo and Ungyo. Each offers different challenges that demand you fulfill distinct conditions. For example, the Swordsman Adept Title requires you to defeat 100 human enemies with a sword. The more you diversify the types of attacks you use, including non-weapon attacks like throwing bombs, the more likely you'll earn a new Title. Upon earning a Title you'll receive Reputation Points. Once you've accumulated enough, you'll gain a Prestige Point which you can use to acquire a stat bonus in the Prestige Summary screen.
Search for Kodama
When you explore an area, keep an eye out for Kodama, which are small, green yokai that wear soup cups as hats. If you encounter a Kodama, approach it and hold circle to send it back to a shrine. While Kodama seem like a meaningless collectible, they're actually incredibly useful. For every five you collect, you increase the max number of elixirs you can hold at a time. In addition, the number you collect affects the percentages of the Kodama Blessings you receive at a Shrine. (For more on Kodama Blessings, check the next slide) It's a good rule of thumb to search every area thoroughly anyway. By clearing a section of its enemies, you're getting valuable training that will be useful to all future encounters, not to mention increased levels.
Don't Forget About Kodama Blessings
Collecting Kodama gives you access to their blessings, which are passive buffs that you can purchase at a Shrine. Each blessing is associated with a specific type of Kodama; there are five types in total with five of each to find in a region. The more you collect of a specific type, the higher the percentage its respective blessing will be. The base Kodama Blessings you can get and their respective Kodama types are as follows: Oracle Blessing: Increases the amount of Amrita by 5% (Gold Hat) Swordsman Blessing: Increases weapon drop rate by 1% (Red Hat) Warrior Blessing: Increases armor drop rate by 1% (Black Hat) Healer Blessing: Increases elixir drop rate by 5% (Green Hat) Hunter Blessing: Increases drop rate of materials by 5% (Beige Hat)
It's important to note that whenever you reach a new region, the Kodama Blessing percentages reset. This is because each region has its own set of 25 Kodama to collect.
Ninjutsu and Onmyo-jutsu Are Set at Shrines
There are two special support abilities in the game: Ninjutsu and Onmyo-jutsu. Ninjutsu focuses on the use of throwable items and inflicting status ailments on enemies, while Onmyo-jutsu emphasizes imbuing your weapon with different elemental properties to take advantage of enemy weaknesses. Both are incredibly useful, and each offers you an array of options to supplement your offensive efforts. Ninjutsu and Onmyo-jutsu abilities are unlocked by spending points via the Learn Skills menu in their respective tabs. Once you've acquired a Ninjutsu or Onmyo-jutsu skill, you can then assign one to an item shortcut by accessing the Ready Jutsu menu. You can gain access to more advanced skills in an ability's tree by getting further into the game and statting more into the Dexterity (Ninjitsu) and and Magic (Onmyo-Jutsu). Doing either unlocks training sessions that allow you access to advanced skills upon completion.
Killing The Poison in the Mines
One of Nioh's early areas is covered in a poisonous gas, which is why it also features hand-cranked ventilators. Unfortunately, some of these ventilators deactivate after a minute. It's a better use of your time to address the sources of this poison mist. What you need to look for are these mounds that look like giant black crumpets (see above) and destroy them. Even if each area is loaded with enemies who can distract you, you should have enough stamina that you can run around safely and find those mounds.
By Michael Higham on Feb 02, 2017 02:30 am
Introduction
The mice we tested for this roundup
The right mouse can make the difference between winning and losing. Gamers serious about their peripherals look for top-notch performance, comfortable ergonomics, and features that optimize their gaming experience. Great mice come in all shapes, sizes, and weights; many of these factors will come down to personal preference. Some mice are specifically designed for FPS or MOBAs, whereas some try to strike a middle ground. To properly evaluate each mouse in this review roundup, I used each one in a competitive match of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Heroes of the Storm (HOTS). I installed the appropriate software and tinkered with programmable buttons for the in-game tests. To keep things consistent, I also used a Steelseries QCK cloth mouse pad for all of my tests. I then critiqued each mouse in three aspects: ergonomics, performance, and value. I also intend to update this story as we get our hands on additional mice and new iterations of current models.
Different types of grips
Image credit: Razer Inc.
There are three main ways to grip a mouse: palm, claw, and fingertip. Bigger mice with a prominent arch on its body tend to work well for palm grips. Deep grooves for the thumb and pinky finger are a common feature to help move and lift the mouse. A claw grip puts more emphasis on your fingers and allows for more granular movements without having to move your whole hand; lighter mice with shorter chassis are recommended. The fingertip grip is only realistic with small, lightweight mice since all the weight and motion is, of course, at your fingertips. No one grip is objectively better than the other, it only matters that you go with whichever grip works best for you and the mouse you're using.
Logitech G Pro
Logitech G Pro
Design and Ergonomics: The Logitech G Pro sports a minimalist and lightweight design, and it's a joy to use. The inward slant toward the bottom of the mouse makes it easy to pick up and swipe with a claw grip. However, its compact body makes a palm grip difficult. The all-plastic housing is a bit disappointing considering most higher-end mice have some sort of rubber texture that provides better grip. The left and right click buttons have subtle grooves and the scroll wheel sports textured rubber. The G Pro can be used ambidextrously, but you can only realistically use the two side buttons with your right hand. Performance: Clicking feels tactile, proven during the pistol rounds in CS:GO. Since these weapons are semi-automatic, the responsive clicking allowed me to fire as fast as possible. The rubber scroll wheel offers distinct actuation and a strong grip, but its heavy resistance as a middle mouse button could make it difficult to use in key situations. The two side buttons are also responsive, but the thin profile could be hit or miss; you aren't likely to accidentally press them, but the limited contact surface may not be ideal in frantic moments. Features and Value: Since there is only a single DPI button, you can only cycle through different settings, but it can be set anywhere between 200-12,000 DPI with up to five presets through Logitech's Gaming Software. Full RGB backlighting shines through the Logitech G logo and a trim around the palm area of the mouse. These lights are also programmable through the software. If you don't mind the smaller side buttons and heavy scroll wheel then the Logitech G Pro is worth the $70 asking price.
Razer Deathadder Elite
Razer Deathadder Elite
Design and Ergonomics: The tried and true core design of Razer's Deathadder--originally released in 2006--remains intact with the Elite model. It fits seamlessly into your right hand and sports textured rubber grip on both sides of the mouse. The Deathadder works best for those who prefer a palm grip due to its large size and length, but the mouse remains lightweight. The Elite's smooth scrolling tactility and bumps along the rubber coating are highlights of this mouse. Performance: This mouse performs extremely well with its slick tracking on a cloth mousepad, but sticks to the surface just enough and doesn't slide around unnecessarily. Responsive clicking is one aspect where the Deathadder Elite needs improvement. Both the left and right click tend to sink and not spring up as distinctly as other mice I tested. This made semi-auto weapons in CS:GO slightly harder to use. The two side buttons and the scroll wheel have a very solid click, however. Features and Value: The Deathadder Elite has Chroma RGB lighting on the Razer logo and along the scroll wheel, which are programmable through Razer's Synapse software. Its optical sensor can be set up to 16,000 DPI, which can be adjusted with up and down buttons on-the-fly. At $70, it's hard to beat the Deathadder Elite, especially if you prefer a palm-grip mouse.
G.Skill Ripjaws MX780
G.Skill Ripjaws MX780
Design and Ergonomics: G.Skill's Ripjaws MX780 sports an extravagant cyborg-like design with interchangeable side grips. Both sides snap into the mouse magnetically, and you have the option of grips with or without a thumb rest platform. You can adjust the height of the back-end of the mouse to make a comfortable palm grip possible. Its ambidextrous design is good news for left-handed folk, and a set of two thin thumb buttons reside on both sides of the mouse body. Performance: While the MX780 has a lot going for it, its side buttons have limited contact surface which makes them difficult to use. The best way to press them would be to get under with your thumb, but it's less than ideal. It's nice that there's extra set of buttons to use with your pinky or ring finger, but they proved cumbersome to click. The main left and right click have very distinct actuation, and felt just right in CS:GO. The smooth rubber scroll wheel has a tactile bump and works as a great responsive middle mouse button. Features and Value: The MX780 features RGB backlighting along the sides and atop the mouse body. The DPI switch allows you to cycle through up to five settings (8,200 DPI max), which are programmable through G.Skill's software. I wouldn't recommend the MX780 at its original price of $75, but it's frequently found between $40 and $50 from popular retailers. At discounted prices, this mouse could be worth it.
Fnatic Gear Clutch G1
Fnatic Gear Clutch G1
Design and Ergonomics: While the Fnatic Gear Clutch G1 has a bulky chassis, it's surprisingly lightweight. It's slightly larger than the Razer Deathadder and similarly intended for palm grips. The entire surface has a rubber-like texture, and combined with subtle grooves, it's incredibly easy to grip. Two prominent thumb buttons reside on the left side, through they're more responsive when pressing towards their center. The scroll wheel has noticeable resistance and clicks down nicely. Performance: The first thing about the Clutch G1 that stands out is the amount of friction it generates on a cloth mouse pad. Swiping around felt tiresome over time since there was substantial resistance under the mouse. It still performed accurately as the tracking did not disappoint when sniping in CS:GO, though it did take time to adjust. The left and right clicks have a slight sinking feeling, making rapid clicks a little challenging, but not prohibitive. I switched to a hard surface mouse pad for a moment, which made movements smoother, but it didn't glide as you would expect on a hard surface. Features and Value: The Clutch G1 has RGB lighting on the scroll wheel and three LED lights to indicate its current DPI mode. Its round buttons atop the mouse switch DPI up and down and the Fnatic Gear software allows you to set it up to 5,000 DPI. While it's not a bad mouse overall, you should take note of its quirks before dropping $60 on the Fnatic Gear Clutch.
Mad Catz RAT 6 / RAT 8
Mad Catz RAT 6 / RAT 8
Note: The Mad Catz RAT 6 and RAT 8 are nearly identical mice that perform similarly. Design and Ergonomics: The Mad Catz RAT 6 and RAT 8 standout with their flashy robotic-like design, but they do warrant the look in a way. Both mice fit my hand well, but I had to spread my fingers noticeably more than other mice. The palm area of the mice can be adjusted and slid outward a few extra centimeters by using a lever just under the back. It's a nice addition for those wanting a bit more ergonomic customization. With the back extended to its outward most point, the RATs were comfortable palm grip mice. However, a steep downward slope towards the left and right click made this configuration feel awkward. I prefer lightweight mice, so I removed all the weights tucked under the mouse. But if you desire the extra weight, it is an option, though it will alter the balance of the mouse. Exclusive to the RAT 8, the thumb and pinky rest can be adjusted for a different outward angle. This helps spread your hand more when gripping the mouse for a more natural feel. Performance: Both the RAT 6 and RAT 8 felt slick across a cloth mouse pad. Tracking was precise in CS:GO, which was evident when I sniped under clutch situations. The left and right clicks have a springy tactile response, good for rapid clicking. Low-profile side buttons along the thumb were more resistant than the other side buttons of other mice I tested. Though these buttons felt solid, they were too far back to use comfortably with a claw grip. Features and Value: The RAT 6 sports a laser sensor that goes up to 8,200 DPI and the RAT 8 has an optical sensor capable of 12,000 DPI. RGB backlighting is also featured in both mice, though the red accents of the mouse body would make any other backlight color look strange. If customization is important to you then the Mad Catz RAT 6 and RAT 8 will spark your interest. At $80 and $100, these are expensive mice that should be reserved for those who prefer customization and futuristic aesthetics above all else.
Steelseries Rival 500
Steelseries Rival 500
Design and Ergonomics: The Steelseries Rival 500 is specifically designed with MOBAs and MMOs in mind. There are six asymmetrical side buttons for your thumb, two buttons along the perimeter of the left click, and one along the edge of the right click. The large body feels best for palm grips and the pinky/ring finger rest provides comfort, through this makes the mouse harder to lift up. The rubberized cord is an odd choice as most gaming mice use braided cords. Rubber cords get snagged easily and aren't flexible, which is important for a peripheral that is constantly moving. Performance: As this mouse is intended for MOBAs and MMOs, it performs very poorly in FPS games. The textured rubber along the side did not provide enough grip to pick up and swipe across the mouse pad with any comfort. It's also heavier than the other mice tested, compounding this issue. The unique button layout takes time to get used to, but each buttons distinct placement helps you remember what action is mapped to it. Left and right clicks feel very responsive and the scroll wheel had an easy, light tactility. The bottom two side buttons also act as a small platform to rest your thumb. This can be an issue if you want to use those buttons in-game as they can be clicked on accident fairly easy. There is a switch below the mouse to keep the buttons from moving, but it defeats the purpose of having these buttons. Features and Value: You'll need to use the Steelseries Engine software to map and take advantage of all the extra buttons. You can also set the mouse between 100 and 16,000 DPI, though you can only swap between two settings on-the-fly. RGB backlighting is featured on the brand logo. With all the curious design choices and my experience using the Rival 500, it's hard to recommend this mouse at any price point, let alone the $80 MSRP. It's disappointing too, considering a few of its upsides.
Razer Naga Hex V2
Razer Naga Hex V2
Design and Ergonomics: This new iteration of the Razer Naga opts for a wheel-like layout for its seven side buttons. The rubber pad at the center of these buttons helps grip the mouse, but this also limits you to using a claw grip; your thumb will come in contact with the buttons otherwise. A matte finish and slightly coarse feel of the chassis provides a surprising and comfortable grip. Like other MOBA-designed mice, the right side juts out and allows you to rest your pinky and/or ring finger. Performance: The Naga Hex V2 tracked across the cloth mouse pad well. Its distinct left and right clicks were precise and the extra buttons were easy to press down. The only issue--which could be alleviated over time--is that the side buttons are almost indistinguishable from each other. It was a bit tough to tell "1" from "2" and "3" from "7", or any adjacent button for that matter. And in the heat of a HOTS match, it could be a matter of winning or losing if you activate the wrong spell on accident. Though this mouse could be used for non-competitive FPSs, I would not recommend the V2 for shooters. Features and Value: Chroma RGB backlighting is featured on the mouse and shines through the logo, side buttons, and scroll wheel. DPI can be changed with the up and down buttons, with a max DPI of 16,000. If you play MOBAs almost exclusively, the Naga Hex V2 is a decent choice at $80 retail.
Corsair Scimitar Pro
Corsair Scimitar Pro
Design and Ergonomics: The 12 buttons along the left side of the Scimitar Pro are the first things that jump out at you. These buttons are laid out on a four-by-three grid with two of the columns sporting a grated texture to help distinguish the buttons. By loosening a screw below the mouse, the 12-button grid can be slid around and adjusted for your most preferred placement. These side buttons are also concave to help thumb placement and overall grip. Excluding the grooves along the sides, this is a very round mouse. Performance: I figured the 12-button layout would confuse me while in a match of HOTS, but with just seven abilities, it was easy to tell one button from another, especially with the grated texture. The side buttons are also fairly resistant and very rarely get pressed on accident. Some may find it slightly difficult to press one of the many buttons, but this can be a positive for gripping the mouse. A rubber pad along the ring finger rest provides just enough to help grip, lift, and swipe the mouse comfortably. Features and Value: The Scimitar Pro sports RGB backlighting along the side and on its logo. Corsair Utility Engine software is required to tinker with this, as well as the button mappings. Unfortunately, CUE isn't very user-friendly, so don't be surprised if it frustrates you. DPI settings can also go up to 16,000 and can be swapped on the fly with the up and down DPI buttons. With $80 as the going rate, I would recommend the Scimitar Pro to those who sink most of their time into MOBAs and MMOs.
Logitech G403 / G403 Wireless
Logitech G403 / G403 Wireless
Design and Ergonomics: The G403's design is similar to Razer's Deathadder with a few slight differences; the hunch at the apex of the body is a bit more prominent, the thumb groove isn't as deep, and it's a slightly smaller overall. Because of its size, the G403 can work comfortably with a claw grip and palm grip. A subtle rubber finish along the sides also adds extra grip. The two thumb buttons are large and easy to press. Performance: I'm willing to say that the G403 performs flawlessly as a wireless mouse. Even though the wireless variant is slightly heavier, none of the precision is lost in translation. Sniping in competitive CS:GO felt just right, and in some cases smoother since there is no cord to drag around as you swipe and lift the mouse. Tracking along the cloth mouse pad worked well. The side buttons push in without a problem. The middle mouse button can be difficult to click down, but the scroll wheel has a distinct tactile feel. Features and Value: RGB backlighting comes through on the Logitech logo and a slit on the scroll wheel, which you can control through Logitech's software. A lone DPI button can only cycle through settings, but up to five presets can be programmed. The sensor ranges from 100 to 12,000 DPI. The wireless version's battery can last around 15 to 18 hours on a full charge, and only takes about two hours to fully charge. It can also be used as a wired mouse while charging. The $100 price tag may be off-putting at first, but I would highly recommend the wireless version if you're looking to cut the cord and still play at a high level. The wired $70 variant is identical and is still a great choice for a gaming mouse.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Many of the mice in this review roundup have features that'll attract users with all sorts of preferences. The mice that I personally like the most, may not be the best fit for someone else. But understanding the different aspects of the product can help contextualize what it would be like to use it. If you're starting from scratch, you should ask yourself a few questions to figure out what mouse is best for you. Do you prefer a light or heavy mouse? How do you grip your mouse? What kind of features are you looking for? Based on my experiences, I would recommend the following: Claw grip: Logitech G Pro
Palm grip: Razer Deathadder Elite
MOBA/MMO-specific mouse: Corsair Scimitar Pro
Wireless: Logitech G403 wireless What mouse do you prefer for gaming? Tell us in the comments! Check back with us for updates on our review roundup as we get our hands on additional mice. For our other gaming peripheral review roundups, check out our work on headsets and keyboards, and make sure you're equipped with the right gear that fits your style.
By Miguel Concepcion on Jan 31, 2017 01:30 pm
What you can expect when Fire Emblem goes free-to-play
Given the resurgence and growing interest in Fire Emblem games these last few years, it's not surprising that the franchise is part of Nintendo's recent foray into mobile. Fire Emblem Heroes comes out February 2, but we got an early look at this free to play, gacha-centric strategy RPG. Here are ten takeaways from our hands-on demo.
It retains many of the Fire Emblem fundamentals
In some respects, Fire Emblem Heroes is an effective gateway to Intelligent Systems' long-running series and strategy RPG basics in general. That includes knowing how to attack an adjacent tile to trigger a melee attack as well as learning to create a one tile gap if you're using an archer. You also need to move tactically depending on the locations of enemies and to consider any obstructions. There are support benefits between certain characters though not at the same level of depth as prior Fire Emblem games.
It looks and sounds like Fire Emblem
Beyond the grid layout and turn-by-turn gameplay, the vibrant colors and distinct anime-inspired character designs fit the Fire Emblem aesthetic. And there is no Fire Emblem music more welcoming than the level-up jingle.
Fire Emblem worlds collide
Its premise is reminiscent of the stories of Dragon Quest Heroes and Hyrule Warriors, both of which see members of their respective casts uniting for a common cause. For the many characters in Fire Emblem Heroes, the new world they're saving is the Kingdom of Askr. The story isn't as deep and involved as Fire Emblem Fates, but you can expect exposition that helps explain how these heroes are brought together.
Learn about your enemy and act accordingly
Fire Emblem games often indicate what levels your characters should be to have a fighting chance at a given battle. Heroes takes things one step further by revealing the opponents' individual strengths, allowing you to create a formidable foursome before you fight. It gives you a leg up but does not guarantee victory.
Clash of the character designers
While Kozaki Yosuke has been in the spotlight thanks to his stellar work on Fire Emblem Awakening and Fates, character art from older installments are also featured in Heroes. Rather than the labor-intensiveness of reimagining this new game's entire roster with one artist, the mix of styles makes each world all the more recognizable.
New voices to old heroes
Fire Emblem had been around for 15 years before it had a game with voice acting. Heroes gives the franchises' older characters voices for the first time. Perhaps these heroes' new leases on life will generate interest in re-releases of the older games, like the upcoming Fire Emblem Gaiden.
Four versus four limit
Limiting match sizes to four versus four is easily the most drastic design change for Heroes. It's disappointing, especially when it limits strategic depth and mid-match narrative developments; on the other hand, small squad sizes mean short play sessions for those looking for a quick fix.
No relationships
Romancing and mating in Fire Emblem has been one of the series' most popular features in recent years, so the omission of relationships in Heroes is unfortunate. Still, it makes sense, given the undertaking of creating new offspring between characters from different worlds.
Replay incentives abound
Gacha games offer recurring reasons to come back and play, including daily, weekly, and monthly rewards. Fire Emblem Heroes is no exception--you're rewarded for completing missions and participating in arena matches over a predetermined span of time.
Strong gacha appeal
27 years worth of Fire Emblem characters makes the franchise primed for the unpredictability of gacha-style character unlocks. Orbs that you earn through victories can be redeemed to expand your collection of heroes. The catch is that you don't know what you're going to get. Don't worry about getting stuck with only common characters; the chances of getting rarer characters increases every time you end up with a lower ranking hero.
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