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BASED ON AWARD-WINNING ACTION RPG FRANCHISE, NEXON KOREA SET TO BRING PROJECT DYNASTY WARRIORS TO MOBILE

BASED ON AWARD-WINNING ACTION RPG FRANCHISE, NEXON KOREA SET TO BRING PROJECT DYNASTY WARRIORS TO MOBILE

Strategic, Hack’n’Slash RPG to Rollout in Select Global Markets on Android and iOS end of 2016


Seoul – July 1, 2016 – Hardcore RPG players will soon be plunged into the wars for the Three Kingdoms of China as NEXON Korea Co., Ltd. (“Nexon”) (3659.TO), a worldwide leader in free-to-play online and mobile games, brings the tactical, action role-playing game (RPG) Project Dynasty Warriors (working title) to Android and iOS in late 2016. The new hack n’ slash game is based on the wildly popular Dynasty Warriors franchise from Koei Tecmo, and developed by Taipei-based games developer XPEC Entertainment Inc.

Project Dynasty Warriors is based on the eighth official installment of the series, Dynasty Warriors 8, the RPG draws from the Chinese writer Luo Guanzhong’s historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Players will engage in the faction-based storyline and battle waves of warriors bent on crushing the enemies of their lords. Project Dynasty Warriors will feature an enhanced collection element and a host of unique characters to choose from, along with the seamless gameplay mechanics and graphics of the console version, for players to dominate the battlefield.

“Dynasty Warriors is a beloved and fan-favorite franchise that has endured for nearly two decades and gives Nexon Korea another AAA title for audiences around the world to enjoy,” said Jiwon Park, Chief Executive Officer of Nexon Korea. “Fully enhanced for mobile while retaining the feel of the console versions, Project Dynasty Warriors will immerse hardcore gamers and deliver everything that made the Dynasty Warriors series a beloved global masterpiece.”

Download the latest Project Dynasty Warriors assets:http://bit.ly/DynastyWarriorsReveal


About NEXON Co., Ltd.
NEXON Co., Ltd. (“Nexon”) (3659.TO) is a worldwide leader in free-to-play online games. Founded in Korea in 1994, Nexon developed one of the world’s first graphics-based massively multiplayer online games. Nexon also pioneered the concept of microtransactions and the free-to-play business model, setting a new standard in which play is free, and users have the option to purchase in-game items to enhance their experience. Nexon currently services nearly 100 titles in nearly 190 countries and since its founding, Nexon has generated 1.5 billion player registrations. The Company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan and its shares are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

About XPEC Entertainment Inc.
XPEC Entertainment (“XPEC”)(3662 TW) was founded in August 2000, one of the few game developers in the Chinese-speaking market that has experience in independent game development and international publishing. XPEC has already successfully launched a number of cross-platform console games, PC online games, browser games and mobile games. As a group, XPEC has made relevant deployments by establishing bases of operation and development in Taipei, Kaohsiung, Suzhou and Beijing. XPEC Taipei functions as the corporate HQ and is responsible for the development of console games and games for different platforms. BadBird Studio in Taipei is the development team under XPEC, directly responsible for the development for Project Dynasty Warriors (Tentative). XPEC Art Center (“XAC”) serves as the venue of art-related productions, and has participated in the development of artworks featured in more than 150 AAA console titles, delivering exceptional art production services for game developers around the world. XAC responsible for the artworks for Project Dynasty Warriors (Tentative)

A new STAR OCEAN adventure begins in Europe today

A new STAR OCEAN adventure begins in Europe today

Watch the launch trailer here: https://youtu.be/8659LK_Qqs0


LONDON (1st July 2016) – Square Enix Ltd., today releases its epic sci-fi adventure, STAR OCEAN®: Integrity and Faithlessness™, exclusively for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system. The latest entry in the beloved STAR OCEAN franchise hails from celebrated studio tri-Ace with beautiful  character design by acclaimed character designer, akiman (Street Fighter series).

With a story set between STAR OCEAN: The Second Story  and  STAR OCEAN: Till the End of Time, the new instalment in the series welcomes fans and newcomers alike, taking place centuries after humans have left Earth for the distant Faykreed star system. The swordsman Fidel Camuze and his childhood friend, Miki Sauvester, set out to protect their village from being swallowed in the tides of civil unrest. Together with a diverse group of companions, Fidel and Miki are tasked with protecting the Kingdom of Resulia while also being drawn into battle with outside forces.

The all-new tale unfolds over seamless transitions between gameplay and dynamic cut scenes, adding a new layer of depth and immersion to storytelling in the series.  STAR OCEAN: Integrity and Faithlessness offers modern and updated game mechanics and action sequences for a truly immersive gameplay experience.

STAR OCEAN: Integrity and Faithlessness is available now exclusively for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system. A Collector’s Edition which features a steelbook™ case, 80-page artbook, in-game DLC and much more is also now available in limited quantities. The Collector’s Edition is available exclusively from SQUARE ENIX Online store, priced at £84.99 / €99.99. A Limited Edition version of the game will includes the game and Steelbook™, plus five in-game DLC and two battle BGM from VALKYRIE PROFILE Series, is available now priced at £49.99/€59.99.

For more information, visit: https://store.eu.square-enix.com/uk/product/402453/star-ocean-integrity-and-faithlessness-collector-s-edition-ps4

For more information on STAR OCEAN: Integrity and Faithlessness and its story and characters, please visit: http://staroceangame.com

*The game is available with English and French in-game text only.

Related Links
Official Homepage: http://staroceangame.com
Official Facebook®: https://www.facebook.com/starocean/
Official Twitter®: https://twitter.com/starocean


About STAR OCEAN: Integrity and Faithlessness
Set between the events of the second and third games in the series , STAR OCEAN: Integrity and Faithlessness takes place centuries after humans have left Earth for the stars. At this point in history, the Pangalactic Federation is nearing the fulfilment of its mission: Peace and order throughout the galaxy. However, the embers of conflict begin to stir once more on the planet of Faykreed, 6,000 light years from Earth, as a new story begins in the ocean of stars.

About Square Enix Ltd.
Square Enix Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix group of companies. Square Enix Ltd. also has a global network of leading development studios such as IO Interactive™, Crystal Dynamics®, and Eidos Montréal. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 115 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 68 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 45 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
More information on Square Enix Ltd. can be found at http://eu.square-enix.com/en

STAR OCEAN: INTEGRITY AND FAITHLESSNESS © 2016 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All rights reserved. Developed by tri-Ace Inc. CHARACTER DESIGN:akiman

STAR OCEAN, INTEGRITY AND FAITHLESSNESS, the STAR OCEAN: INTEGRITY AND FAITHLESSNESS logo, FINAL FANTASY, DRAGON QUEST, EIDOS, SPACE INVADERS, SQUARE ENIX, TAITO and TOMB RAIDER are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix group of companies. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Street Fighter V “A Shadow Falls” and Two New Characters Release Today

Street Fighter V “A Shadow Falls” and Two New Characters Release Today


Later today, Capcom will release a major new update for Street Fighter V. The update, which will go live at 5pm AEST, will include a ton of new content, including the highly-anticipated cinematic story mode titled “A Shadow Falls” as well as the next two characters to join the roster: Ibuki and Balrog. The story mode will be available to all players as free content, and all released post-launch characters can be purchased using in-game earned Fight Money or real currency.

“A Shadow Falls”

The Street Fighter V cinematic story expansion is divided into five acts and takes place between Street Fighter IV and Street Fighter III, bridging the events that happen in between the two stories. “A Shadow Falls,” depicts the ultimate battle between the evil Shadaloo organization and the heroic World Warriors who rise up against them.  As the story unfolds, players will enter battles using each of the core 16 characters, in addition to the 6 (released and unreleased) 2016 DLC characters, each with their own unique contribution to the epic clash. “A Shadow Falls” is free downloadable content available to all players and it marks the first time in franchise history that consumers will be able to play through this type of cinematic experience in a Street Fighter game. The epic battle between good and evil begins soon… who will RISE UP?

For a sneak peek at the upcoming Street Fighter V story mode, check out the new trailer for “A Shadow Falls” here.

Here come TWO new challengers!

Balrog

Announced earlier this week, Balrog is one of the most iconic characters in Street Fighter history, first appearing as a boss character in Street Fighter II.  He’s always been one of the most vicious characters to ever appear in the series, using his devastating boxing style and questionable tactics to do whatever it takes to win a fight. Balrog’s playstyle in Street Fighter V puts the focus on his powerful punches, and with the use of his V-Trigger, he can chain these attacks together to deal some serious damage.

Ibuki

Also being added to the SFV roster, Ibuki is a very tricky, technical character with loads of new ninjutsu tricks up her sleeve. Ibuki is a mobile character with various target combos, but now she has even more ways to mix-up the opponent with the ability to glide through the air and toss out ninja bombs, making it very difficult to predict where she will land and where her next attack will come from.

In addition to “A Shadow Falls” and the next two characters, the update will also include:

  • New stages – Balrog’s Las Vegas stage and Karin’s Kanzuki Family Private Beach stage are brand new and will be available to purchase using Fight Money or real currency. Additionally, three new alternate stage options will become available.
  • New costume options – Premium Battle Costumes for all 20 released characters, as well as Karin’s Premium Summer Costume, will be available to purchase using real currency. Balrog and Ibuki’s Story Costumes will be purchasable using either Fighter Money or real currency.
  • In-game Currency Shop – The in-game store will be upgraded with the PlayStation Store and Steam real money purchase options, for their respective platform. For players who want to purchase content like new characters, stages and costumes outright without using Fight Money, the process will be familiar with purchases happening through the established first party infrastructures.
  • Matchmaking improvements – Faster and smarter matching, resulting in higher quality matches and a better online experience overall.

 

FULL-SCALE FINAL FANTASY GAME NOW AVAILABLE FOR MOBILE DEVICES

FULL-SCALE FINAL FANTASY GAME NOW AVAILABLE FOR MOBILE DEVICES

A New Tale of Crystals Begins as FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS is Available Today


SYDNEY, 1ST July 2016 –   FINAL FANTASY® BRAVE EXVIUS®, the entirely new FINAL FANTASY adventure for mobile devices, is now available worldwide. Available to download for free now on iOS and Android devices, FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS fuses the epic features of all FINAL FANTASY titles, including captivating story, strategic turn-based gameplay and the legendary conflict between heroes and foes with modern streamlined battle mechanics and intuitive touch controls. Appealing for both newcomers and long-time fans alike, the game has already found resounding success in Japan, with more than 6.5 million players.

Key features include;

  • New items and daily quests
  • High-definition graphic support for tablet devices
  • Achievements and Leaderboards
  • Game balance refinements based on the Japanese version
  • Facebook Login Integration
  • Two types of bundles for purchase:
    • “Early Bird Bundle” will be available at for beginners who wish to grow their characters at a faster pace
    • Other bundles available regularly for purchase for players to obtain characters and items quicker

Adventurers begin their quest for a highly-coveted crystal, shortly after meeting two knights from Grandshelt, and a young girl. With special appearances from classic FINAL FANTASY characters such as Cecil, Vivi and Terra, players adventure through fields and dungeons discovering items, collecting gil, uncovering hidden paths, and unlocking high-quality CG-animated summons.

To watch the launch trailer now, visit: https://youtu.be/gLTo8ikA2-M

FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS is to download now through the App Store and Google Play Store. This title is developed as a collaboration between SQUARE ENIX® and gumi Inc. (developer of the hit title Brave Frontier). The game will launch in six languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese (traditional), and Korean.

App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/final-fantasy-brave-exvius/id1078553808?ls=1&mt=8

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.square_enix.android_googleplay.FFBEWW


 

French Tanks Command the Battlefield in World of Tanks

French Tanks Command the Battlefield in World of Tanks

All console platforms receive massive content enhancements in Update 3.1


July 1, 2016 — Wargaming today announced the massive content update for the free-to-play console game World of Tanks is now available to download globally on PlayStation®4, Xbox One and Xbox 360. Update 3.1 aligns all content between the three consoles with the addition of France to PlayStation®4, and a new French tank line to all console platforms. The update also includes two new weather variant maps, Steppes Sandstorm and Erlenberg Blizzard, and announces an all-new chained-op series to earn the Tier VII AMX CDC, which kicks off July 15.

The complete French tank line has joined the ranks of PlayStation®4 featuring 44 of the most specialized and highly-mobile vehicles the French nation is known for, offering players a brand new nation with unique characteristics to unleash on the battlefield. Both platforms have also been enhanced with one more French branch featuring the FCM 36, Renault R35, Somua S35, SARL 42, Renault G1, AMX 30 1er Prototype, and the AMX 30 B.

Tankers can take their new Tier 9 and 10 French vehicles for a spin on two new console-exclusive weather variant maps: Steppes Sandstorm and Erlenberg Blizzard, both highlighting treacherous driving conditions while adding a challenging and exciting layer of gameplay. Steppes Sandstorm, a generally open map, has been blasted with a dangerous sandstorm, creating an eerily desolate terrain with extreme low-visibility. Erlenberg Blizzard is snowy wasteland, with ruins separated by a massive river, which would cut off access to the other team, only now the river is frozen, offering free-reign on the territory and new angles of attack.

For more information about World of Tanks on console, visit:

Assets:

YouTube:

 


About Wargaming

Wargaming is an award-winning online game developer and publisher, and one of the leaders in the free-to-play MMO market. Founded as a privately held company in 1998, Wargaming has shipped over 15 titles. Currently, Wargaming is focused on its team-based MMO war series dedicated to mid-20th century warfare that includes the armored World of Tanks, the airborne World of Warplanes, and the naval World of Warships. The three intertwined titles form a common gaming universe integrated within the portal www.wargaming.net.

As part of its multiplatform line-up, the company has introduced World of Tanks on Xbox and World of Tanks Blitz on mobile platforms, Windows 10 PCs and Mac OS X. Launched in 2014 and 2015, World of Tanks on Xbox introduced epic tank-on-tank battles to console gamers and offers the first cross-platform gaming experience between Xbox 360 and Xbox One. In 2016, Wargaming released World of Tanks for PlayStation®4, continuing its console campaign.

Official website:

The Idolmaster: Platinum Stars Introduces Iori Minase in New Trailer

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Bandai Namco is continuing with their series of character introduction videos for the thirteen idols that will be appearing in The Idolmaster: Platinum Stars. So far we have seen introduction trailers for Takane Shijou, Chihaya Kisaragi, Yayoi Takatsuki, Haruka Amami. This time around the girl being introduced is Tekken‘s creator Katsuhiro Harada favorite idol, Iori Minase.

You can check out the highlight trailer for Iori below where a bit of dialogue and a bit of a performance is shown off and as for the game itself, The Idolmaster: Platinum Stars is currently set to be released in Japan on July 28th as a PlayStation 4 exclusive.

THE PRINCE IS TAPPING HIS KATAMARI ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE!

THE PRINCE IS TAPPING HIS KATAMARI ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE!

TAP MY KATAMARI rolls on to mobile devices worldwide!


Lyon, France – June 30th – Our beloved cosmic ball is back! BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe confirmed today that TAP MY KATAMARI is available on iOS and Android devices worldwide. TAP MY KATAMARI is a spin-off clicker game in the strange and quirky universe of sticky balls, tiny green royalty, and idle cowbears. With this unique gameplay perfectly adapted to mobile, TAP MY KATAMARI will revolutionize your gaming experience by tapping with your fingers. TAP TAP TAP is now your new tune!

As the Prince, you’re tasked by The King of All Cosmos to once again restore the universe and its stars by tapping. To do so, you’ve be given the Katamari, a magical ball that makes everything it touches stick to it. True to the Katamari spirit, the game is about growing larger and larger; but this time, it’s not just size that matters, it’s also about becoming a devastating, yet oddly relaxing Ball-Rolling Army of Doom.

Start in the house, picking up small objects like thumbtacks and hamsters, all while listening to a relaxing selection of music. During your progression, you can level up and call upon 30+ Cousins to help you with their own set of strange Mojos to twist the gameplay. Increment and get BIGGER then start picking up cows and cars! Keep at it and get EVEN BIGGER to amass giant squids and spaceships! The Royal Family will also help you, granting over 20+ cosmic Presents and spacey Mushrooms to make things even more interesting. You can pick up 60 unique objects across 4 distinct worlds to grow your Katamari to a LEGENDARY SIZE

“We really feel like idle games and snowball simulators are a perfect match. Both have the spirit of starting off really really small and, with a bit of care here and there, explode to ridiculousness. With TAP MY KATAMARI, we embraced the relaxing nature of mobile, dove into the quirkiness of KATAMARI DAMACY with a passion, and made sure we included high quality music, both original songs and familiar remixes by composers in the community who grew up loving Katamari!” said Jon Chew, Product Owner at BANDAI NAMCO Studios Vancouver Inc.

“With TAP MY KATAMARI, we wanted to give the players a whole new way to play Katamari on mobile & tablets. We took Katamari’s DNA and created a unique spin-off turning the original action game into an incredible idle game. All the ingredients are there, only the recipe is different: enjoy a new flavor to the craziest and quirkiest universe around!” said Benjamin Prénom, Project Owner at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe.

TAP MY KATAMARI is available today on the App Store and Google Store. Are you ready to tap your Katamari and start rolling?

Watch the trailer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8hPh4qQug4.

For further information:

Paint The Old World Red with the Blood for the Blood God Pack for Total War: WARHAMMER

Paint The Old World Red with the Blood for the Blood God Pack for Total War: WARHAMMER 


In Creative Assembly’s critically acclaimed Total War: WARHAMMER, The Old World is riven by countless battles fought. Now experience the carnage in technicolour glory with the arrival of the Blood for the Blood God DLC! All-new events, particle effects, dismemberments, and gory, gib-spattered deaths will serve to bring your gameplay to untold heights of gruesomeness.

Cower as giants chew the heads off hapless soldiers, trolls rip their foes limb from lifeless limb, and the scything tails of dragons tear through units in an explosion of blood and guts. Brand new campaign events serve to encourage slaughter across the world, all to the laughter and delight of The Blood God. Dedicate your wars to him, and bathe the world in crimson!

To watch the new trailer for Total War: WARHAMMER – Blood for the Blood God DLC, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOxvqLYxTDo

Blood for the Blood God is likely to increase the age rating of the game to a ‘Mature’ or ‘18’ rating depending on the country of purchase. Please check that you meet the local age rating requirements of the DLC before purchasing.

With around 20-25% of Total War players under the age of 18, Creative Assembly design Total War titles to be accessible for lower age groups, but have provided optional Blood Effect DLC for recent titles to enable older users to make an aesthetic choice should they wish to.

Alongside the Blood for the Blood God DLC, Creative Assembly will also be releasing the first patch for Total War: WARHAMMER. This update brings significant unit rebalancing, numerous technical and gameplay improvements to the game. Also included in the patch are the new Vampire Counts’ cavalry unit: Blood Knights, free for all players.

Full patch notes are available at: http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/Total_War_WARHAMMER_Update_1

Blood for the Blood God is available now for Total War: WARHAMMER on Steam at http://store.steampowered.com/app/404011/

Total War: WARHAMMER is out now, for more details visit www.totalwar.com

UFC® AND TOPPS® LAUNCH KNOCKOUT 16 DIGITAL TRADING CARD APP

UFC® AND TOPPS® LAUNCH KNOCKOUT 16 DIGITAL TRADING CARD APP


Las Vegas – UFC® today announced the launch of its first digital trading card app, developed in collaboration with longstanding licensee Topps®. Available for fight fans around the world, “Topps UFC KNOCKOUT 16” will bring the global sports brand’s trading card experience to life with exclusive digital cards and performance-based contests updated in real-time during live UFC events.

The app, which debuts today, will be available to download for free on select iOS and Android devices via the Apple App StoreSM and Google Play™.

“Topps has been a great partner and we’re thrilled to offer fight fans a new way to experience UFC in the digital realm while watching live events,” UFC Senior Vice President of Global Consumer Products Tracey Bleczinski said. “Fans are really going to enjoy collecting and trading their favorite UFC athletes in real-time.”

“We’re excited to expand on our relationship with the UFC by introducing engaging and easily accessible digital trading cards to keep up with the demand of UFC fans around the world,” said Jeremy Strauser, Vice President and General Manager of Topps Digital. “We see the enormous impact and global popularity of the UFC, so UFC KNOCKOUT 16 is a natural fit for Topps’ apps portfolio.”

Thousands of digital trading cards will be available, featuring UFC’s most talented athletes, such as UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor, UFC women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate, UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic and UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson, who serves as the app’s cover athlete.

“It’s a thrill to be on the cover of the new Topps UFC KNOCKOUT app,” Johnson said. “I’m a big gamer and to be a part of a new app for an iconic company like Topps is an honor. I can’t wait to dive into the product to collect, trade and play with the world’s most passionate UFC fans.”

New digital cards and sets will be released daily in UFC KNOCKOUT. The app will feature a variety of trading cards with unique artwork, including digital versions of athlete memorabilia and autographs. To learn more, visit http://www.topps.com/topps-apps/.

Topps UFC KNOCKOUT 16 will debut just ahead of the 5th annual UFC International Fight Week™, which takes place from Tuesday, July 5 through Sunday, July 10 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The world’s largest celebration of combat sports, UFC International Fight Week will feature the UFC Fan Expo® and numerous fan activations throughout the week. Topps UFC Knockout 16 will be on display for fans at the Topps booth during the UFC Fan Expo, which takes place from Friday, July 8 through Sunday, July 10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Fans that visit the booth can unlock free and exclusive digital cards to help start their collection.

The landmark week is highlighted by three events in three nights, culminating in the historic UFC® 200: CORMIER vs. JONES 2, on Saturday, July 9 at T-Mobile Arena. At the conclusion of UFC International Fight Week, Topps will also launch “ToppsNOW UFC”, exclusive, on-demand cards from Fight Week events. ToppsNOW cards are available for a limited time at https://www.topps.com/collectibles/trading-cards/topps-now.html/. Topps will also continue to release physical card collections, including new products such as: UFC Museum Collection and UFC Fire, set for release later this year.

To purchase tickets for events during UFC International Fight Week, please visit UFCTICKETS. For additional information, please visit UFC.com and follow UFC Fight Week on Twitter @UFCFightWeek.


About UFC®

UFC® is a premium global sports brand and the largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Sao Paulo and Singapore, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in over 156 countries and territories to more than 1.1 billion TV households worldwide in 29 different languages. UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service, delivers exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content to fans around the world. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About Topps

Founded in 1938, The Topps Company, Inc. is the preeminent creator and brand marketer of physical and digital sports cards, entertainment cards and collectibles, and distinctive confectionery products. Topps’ leading sports and entertainment products include Major League Baseball, National Football League, Major League Soccer, UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, Bundesliga, Indian Premier League, Star Wars, WWE, UFC, Wacky Packages, Garbage Pail Kids, Mars Attacks and other trading cards, sticker album collections and collectibles. Topps’ app portfolio, including Topps BUNT®, Topps NFL HUDDLE®, TOPPS KICK® and Topps® Star WarsSM: Card Trader, has been a hit with millions of fans around the world.  Topps’ confectionery brands include Ring Pop®, Push Pop®, Baby Bottle Pop®, Juicy Drop® Pop, Crunchkins™ and Bazooka® bubble gum.  Topps was acquired by Michael Eisner’s Tornante Company and Madison Dearborn Partners in October 2007.  For additional information, visit Topps.com and Candymania.com.

Sailor Moon R Part Two Review

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Sailor Moon R Part Two

Studio: Toei Animation
Publisher: Madman Entertainment
Format: DVD (reviewed)
Release Date: June 8, 2016
Price: $59.95 AUD – Available Here

Overview

Whether Usagi likes it or not, Chibi-Usa is here to stay with the Tsukino family. Chibi-Usa continues to play the role of pseudo-antagonist; she is trying to obtain the Legendary Silver Crystal for unknown reasons and is trying to steal Mamoru away from Usagi. The Black Moon Clan has a significant interest in Chibi-Usa and is trying to alter the future by changing the twentieth century. Meanwhile, Mamoru is having strangely realistic dreams that lead him to break up with Usagi.

Story

Although Usagi’s brother, mother and father have been hypnotised into believing that Chibi-Usa is a cousin of the Tsukino family, Usagi remains unconvinced of this supposed fact. The other Sailor Guardians all act friendly towards Chibi-Usa, and Mamoru is perhaps the most kind and friendly towards her. It is never explained why Chibi-Usa insists that Mamoru is her boyfriend and that he should not be with Usagi. This, and her continual manipulation of every single person who is nice to her, causes her to initially come across as annoying. In the end, whether each individual viewer dislikes Chibi-Usa or not is a matter of individual opinion. Her motivations are eventually revealed, which does help make her actions somewhat understandable. The side-story episode devoted to her, “The Beach, the Island and a Vacation: The Guardian’s Break”, presents her as a more relatable character. She grows by the end of that episode, although she is still rather unfair to the Sailor Guardians at the beginning of the episode.

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The history of the Black Moon Clan explores the intriguing idea of completely separating the dark side of humanity from the peaceful side. A group of people from Earth are banished in the future due to their behaviour, leading to the creation of The Black Moon Clan. Its members have faults similar to those of the Dark Kingdom’s members. The Four Spectre Sisters get into meaningless fights and ultimately manage to fail at every single task they are given. The Sailor Guardians are never truly going to lose to anyone, of course, although some of the Spectre Sisters come very close to succeeding towards the end of their careers as villains. The major difference between the outcome of the Four Spectre Sisters and the outcome of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Dark Kingdom is that the Spectre Sisters all get a second chance. Their pointless arguments about makeup, hair and who Master Rubeus is attracted to cease, leaving them to enjoy being human and, more importantly, to enjoy being free. Rubeus does not get a second chance, however. Much like how the Spectre Sisters are his pawns, he himself is a pawn to be discarded once he stops being useful to the ultimate cause. The ultimate goal of the Black Moon Clan is for its members to return to their rightful home of Earth and replace the future Neo-Tokyo with their own Tokyo, one filled with dark energy. This is the goal of Rubeus and the initial goal of the king, but the mysterious Wiseman has his own ambitions. Wiseman has been the one running the show; he is not an underling of the king, but rather the one controlling the strings of his puppets. The theme of betrayal is very much present towards the end of the arc as the members of the Black Moon Clan turn on each other instead of acknowledging who their true threat is. Their downfall is caused in part by their failure to stand together, which is exactly what the Sailor Guardians do in order to defeat their current enemy.

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One of the greatest additions to this series is the introduction of Sailor Pluto, the guardian of time. She plays a very important role in the series yet is given little screen time. Her history is not explored in this season, nor is her loneliness explored as much as it could have been, but it will be interesting to see how she is portrayed in future episodes. The writing in this season is absolutely excellent, making every episode worth watching. Some episodes may not progress the plot at all, but they are always profound, and the plot-driven episodes are fantastic. Looking past the negative opinions that some people have about Chibi-Usa, the only real disappointment about this season is that the final episode is not spent having the guardians do something fun and light-hearted after the conclusion of their latest battle.

Visuals

The animation is as fantastic as ever, and the remastering process that Madman is using continues to help their releases of Sailor Moon be about as high quality as DVD releases can be. There are a few visual artifacts here and there, but this is to be expected considering the age of the materials. Overall, the visual presentation is almost perfect.

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Audio

The only somewhat positive element of the English dub is Sandy Fox, the voice actor for Chibi-Usa. That being said, she is by no means enough to save the English dub. Stephanie Sheh’s voice is not appropriate for Usagi’s character and nor is the voice of Robbie Daymond suited to Mamoru Chiba. The English voices of Rubeus and the Spectre Sisters are not quite as unsuitable, but the casting choices could undoubtedly have been better in almost every case. This is not to say that the voice actors are bad at their jobs; their voices simply do not suit the characters of this series. The voice acting for the original Japanese version, however, cannot be faulted. The background music and opening and ending songs continue to be of the excellent quality expected of the music composed for this series. Emotions often run high in this series, so it helps that the music always adds to the atmosphere.

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Extras

The on-disc extras consist of the textless opening and ending animation. The quality of these two extras is not as high as usual. The visual quality of the latest animation sequence for “Moonlight Densetsu” is slightly below DVD standards, and although the background text is perfectly readable in the textless animation sequence for “Otome no Policy”, there is a significant amount of colour bleeding on the left half of the screen.

Overall

The Black Moon Arc is continually engaging, even when Chibi-Usa is hogging the screen time to be annoying. It is eventually revealed why she is so cruel to Usagi, for the most part at least, and the explanation of why she is here does make sense and explain why she is so hellbent on getting the Legendary Silver Crystal. The flashbacks to her past do unfortunately portray her as a mischievous child, but it is eventually possible to forge an emotional attachment to her. Whether she will add anything positive to the next season remains to be seen, but the whole episode devoted to teasing Sailor Moon S gives the impression that it will be another excellent season. It is, however, very unfortunate that one or more people decided to waste a whole episode by repeatedly showing the same few clips instead of getting Takeuchi to write an original short story or adapting part of the Sailor V manga. Aside from that, this release is a worthy addition to any fan’s collection.

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