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Impressions: Marvel vs Capcom Collection Hit Our Nostalgia at EVO

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Ever since the Marvel vs Capcom Collection was announced, our excitement has been off the charts. The anticipation to relive the classic titles that defined a generation of fighting games was immense. At EVO this year, we finally got our hands on the collection, and it’s packed with a good few surprises.

The Marvel vs Capcom Collection brings together seven iconic titles, offering both single-player and online modes. This compilation includes enhanced features from the Capcom Fighting Collection, such as gallery mode, quick save, training modes for all titles, and high score challenges. These additions not only enhance the nostalgic experience but also make the games more accessible for beginners and first-timers with features like adjusted settings and one-button specials.

One of the most exciting aspects of this collection is the online compatibility. Featuring rollback netcode, the online experience is sure to be smooth and enjoyable, allowing players to compete in casual, ranked, or custom matches with friends worldwide. This brings back the childhood thrill of playing with friends, now with the convenience of online play to test who truly is the best.

At EVO, we had the opportunity to play X-Men: Children of the Atom, X-Men vs. Street Fighter, and Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes. These titles were set up on the event machines and provided a good preview of the collection to demo. Playing on some Victrix Fight sticks had the arcade vibe and going through the menu we tested out a few of the in-game filters which give you a sense of different screens you might have experience from back in the day. They are just a taste of what’s to come, with four more games included in the full release slated for 2024. We’re eagerly looking forward to experiencing the complete collection.

Overall, our first impressions of the Marvel vs Capcom Collection at EVO have been overwhelmingly positive. The blend of classic gameplay with modern enhancements promises to cater to both veteran fans and newcomers. As we await the full release, our excitement only grows. This collection is shaping up to be a definitive celebration of one of the most beloved fighting game franchises, and we can’t wait to dive deeper into it next year.

First Impressions: Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero at EVO 2024

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Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3, a beloved arena fighter from the PS2 and Wii era, captured the essence of the anime with its story mode, extensive character roster, and high-octane battles. Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, the spiritual successor to Budokai Tenkaichi 3, aims to be the next-gen revival fans have been eagerly awaiting. Based on my hands-on experience at EVO, it seems well on its way to achieving that goal, despite a few caveats.

Initially, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the Budokai Tenkaichi series, but my time with Sparking Zero at EVO changed my perspective. The game’s visuals are stunning, far surpassing what videos can convey. Each character, including multiple versions of Goku, is meticulously crafted, reflecting their evolving power levels and appearances from various shows and movies. This attention to detail is deeply nostalgic and a treat for long-time fans.

Sparking Zero, developed by Spike Chunsoft and set for release on October 11 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, is built on Unreal Engine 5. The game promises a robust story mode with a first-person camera during cutscenes, an extensive roster, and exhilarating fights. The “what if” scenarios allow players to explore alternate storylines, while the new Edit mode lets them create and share custom battles online. These features ensure that both the narrative depth and replayability are top-notch.

In my demo, I battled a CPU-controlled Vegeta, experiencing the game’s omnidirectional movement and extensive combo system. This fluidity and depth have always been a double-edged sword for the series, offering both excitement and complexity. However, Sparking Zero introduces two control schemes—classic and standard—to cater to different player preferences. The classic scheme will feel familiar to long-time fans, while the standard scheme simplifies controls with single-button actions, making the game more accessible.

A significant improvement in Sparking Zero is the precision of the homing feature, which allows players to rapidly close in on opponents. In previous games, this mechanic could be inconsistent, but it felt accurate and responsive in Sparking Zero. Targeting for other attacks also struck a balance between strategic planning and player assistance, enhancing the overall combat experience.

Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero looks poised to deliver the explosive, high-energy battles that fans crave. While potential issues like missing fan-favorite characters or problematic netcode remain concerns, the game’s initial showing at EVO was strong. With its blend of nostalgia and modern enhancements, Sparking Zero could very well be the next great chapter in the Dragon Ball gaming saga. I eagerly await its full release to see if it fulfills its promising potential.

Hunter X Hunter: Nen Impact EVO Impressions

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At EVO last week, we had the chance to test out Hunter X Hunter: Nen Impact. Despite being announced only a few months ago, Hunter X Hunter: Nen Impact has already created a buzz among die-hard fighting game fans. This anticipation is fueled by the game’s developer, Eighting, renowned for their work on titles such as Bloody Roar which is a personal favorite and Marvel Vs. Capcom 3. The game delivers a nostalgic yet fresh experience, reminiscent of Capcom vs. Tatsunoko with a moderate gameplay speed.

While the gameplay initially appeared straightforward, it soon revealed layers of complexity that promise long-term engagement. Hunter X Hunter is stepping into the fighting game arena with expectations sky-high. In Nen Impact, players can engage in thrilling 3v3 tag-team battles, selecting from a pool of sixteen fighters. Although this might seem limited, true fans appreciate the difficulty of translating the series’ complex abilities into a fighting format.

The game introduces a roster of 16 characters, which has elicited mixed reactions. Although the full character list hasn’t been revealed, the current selection has sparked both excitement and concern among fans. Some notable characters, like Neferpitou, are currently missing, leading to speculation about future updates.

It looks like the game has a focus on the anime rather than the manga which could be good or bad depending on who you ask. This choice shouldn’t effect too much with solid gameplay but to note the manga offers a wealth of material that fans cherish so hopefully it gets some of that in there. The roster’s size is a challenge, but it’s one the developers can likely overcome with creativity.

The unique abilities of Hunter X Hunter characters present both a challenge and an opportunity. If done right, these powers could result in distinctive character designs that stand out in the fighting game genre. The key appeal of anime fighting games is the faithful adaptation of beloved characters, and Nen Impact aims to meet this expectation.

Initial reactions to the game’s visuals seem like they could dive into the pallet a bit more but definitely had a smooth experience playing. They have been actively engaging with the community at gaming events, showcasing gameplay that promises fun and excitement.

While the release date remains unconfirmed, Hunter X Hunter: Nen Impact is expected to hit the shelves later this year, offering a fresh and unique addition to the fighting game lineup.

GranBlue Fantasy Versus Rising Versusia EVO Full Character Breakdown

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Versusia is the new DLC character that Cygames announced at EVO2024 and will be releasing on August 20th. I was able to get my hands on her for a while to learn her skillset, and mechanics at EVO. While playing with her I was getting flashbacks & memories of Doromamu from Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3. And although there was a character resemblance I definitely was able to see the flare Cygames has in this Gran Blue Fantasy world.

The character description states:  

” Versusia is an amalgamation of the divine and mortal — the god of destruction manifested in human flesh, indifferent to the Sky Realm and the lives that dwell within. Her purpose is clear: to reset a world plagued by distortions.

Those who would defy her are met with a destructive fate as she mercilessly purges all who stand in her path “

At first glance you can see her immasive stature. Her hair almost hits the healthbar on the top of the screen. Here is a height comparison directly from Cygames:

With that being said, she definitely has a different take from you typical zoner. By adding her unique ability to maintain space, and set up for some very meaty mix-ups. Below is an explanation of her unique ability and skillset list (best I can remenber)

Unique Ability:

Celestrial Dominion: This skill allows her to generate a buff. 

* When buffed, this skill can be used after any of the skills below to generate a follow-up attack. All you have to do is press the Unique ability button after any skill.

Skills:

1) Deadly Flare: (Down, Foward + Attack) This move created a full vertical beam projectile (Top to bottom) attack. Each different input would determine if you execute it close, mid, of far screen. 

Celestrial Dominion:

* Nirmanarati: This move follows up with a lightning strike to knock the enemy down.

2) Nimbus: (Forward, Down, Forward + Attack) This move is an upward dash attack that can executed in a combo or as an anti-air.

Celestrial Dominion:

* Tushita: This move follows up with a downward dash attack that corner carries your opponent.

3) Samsara: (Down , Back + Attack) This move is a forward dash attack that can be executed mid combo.

Celestrial Dominion:

* Yama – This move follows up with a up close-up fire projectile that sends the opponent full screen.

4) Anitya: (Down, Down + Attack) This move sends a circular and stationed projectile. Each different input would determine if you execute it close, mid, of far screen. 

Celestrial Dominion:

* Trayastrimsha – This move follows up with teleport above the enemy that creates a knock down.

SkyBound Arts:

Yomotusu – Powerful attack that can be used with spacing.

Super SkyBound:

Cataclysm – Massive forward spiral attack that follows up with a large explosion.

(Best I remember)

Granblue seems to being going in the right direction with their DLC and although I can definitely seem where the inspiration comes from, it’s a sweet addition! Her stature alone is menacing enough for you to treat likely when playing against her. I look forward to her release next month to do a deeper dive.

Fightbox B3 Arcade Leverless Controller Review – EVO Ready?

Fightbox has a good gem here making very affordable leverless controls compared to their competition for some necessary features needed to run in a tournament setting. Given the extra button configurations we wish their were more options between button configuration or detailed explanation on customization but what you have here is some solid quality for the price. Check out our video review and let us know what you’ll look to be running in your next tournament?

BeBird 30s – Secret Tool Your Household Needs!

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Discovering the Bebird Home 30S at Pepcom NYC 2024 has completely shifted my perspective on ear health. Before encountering this advanced device, ear care wasn’t something I paid much attention to. Now, I’m much more conscious and mindful of maintaining my overall ear health.

Crafted with families in mind, the Bebird Home 30S is a sleek and innovative ear care solution designed for convenient home use. Its modern design and state-of-the-art features make it perfect for precise ear examinations and gentle cleaning.

Equipped with the thinnest otoscope available, featuring a tiny 3.1mm camera and AR technology, it guides you seamlessly through ear inspections and cleaning routines. It feels like using a professional-grade tool that’s both easy to handle and ensures safe and effective care. This is accomplished by using the bebird app via your phone.

Beyond just removing earwax effectively, this device is versatile enough to apply ear fluids and cater to various ear care needs, providing comprehensive support for maintaining optimal ear health.

Safety is a top priority with the Bebird Home 30S, boasting medical-grade silicone tips and a UV sterilizer to ensure each session is hygienic and secure. Its waterproof and kid-friendly design adds to its practicality, making it an ideal addition to any household.

Having seen it firsthand at Pepcom NYC 2024, I’m impressed by its interchangeable heads for different cleaning tasks and personalized alerts tailored for each user. It truly feels like a customized ear care solution that’s effective, convenient, and ensures everyone at home feels comfortable and well-cared-for.

I’m eager to put the Bebird Home 30S to the test with my family and see firsthand how it enhances our ear health regimen.

Aer Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac Review: The Ultimate Hybrid Backpack for Gym and Office

The Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac is a interesting hybrid backpack designed to seamlessly transition between gym and office environments. It has some standout features which I’ll get into and I found myself using the bag on more instants than the what I originally intended.

One of the most striking aspects of the Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac is its high-visibility orange interior liner. This not only adds a pop of color but also makes it incredibly easy to locate items within the bag. Reflective zipper pulls are a thoughtful addition, providing enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, which is a great safety feature for those who commute during early mornings or late evenings.

The backpack’s front-load main compartment is designed for spacious storage, offering ample room for all your essentials. Gym-goers will particularly appreciate the ventilated shoe compartment, which can accommodate shoes up to men’s size 13. This feature keeps your footwear separate from the rest of your belongings, ensuring everything stays clean and organized. Sometimes I find that if you’re not using it for shoes that the compartment takes up space I wouldn’t have loved to have in the bigger compartment, I think if it has a zipper to remove the pocket would have been ideal but none the less it’s a good addition.

For professionals, the Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac includes a padded and suspended laptop pocket with a soft lining, capable of fitting laptops up to 16 inches. This ensures your device remains protected while you’re on the move. Additionally, there is a quick-access top pocket with a soft lining, perfect for storing sunglasses or other delicate items you need to access quickly.

Inside, the backpack offers multiple pockets for your everyday essentials, helping you stay organized. Exterior water bottle pockets are another practical feature, allowing you to stay hydrated throughout the day without having to dig through your bag. Comfort is a priority with the padded mesh back panel, which enhances breathability and reduces sweat buildup during prolonged use.

The Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac also includes a luggage handle pass-through, making it easy to attach to rolling suitcases during travel, and a sternum strap for added comfort and stability when carrying heavier loads. This backpack provides ample space without being too bulky which was great, had a volume of 21.4 liters. Weighing in at 2.9 lbs, it is lightweight enough for daily use yet sturdy enough to handle a full load of gear.

One minor drawback of the Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac is its limited capacity due to the rigid shape, which can be restrictive for those who need to carry more items. Despite this, the backpack’s sleek design and practical features make it a versatile choice for both gym sessions and office use.

Aer’s Duffel Pack 3 X-Pac offers a perfect blend of durability, functionality, and style, making it an excellent investment for anyone needing a reliable and stylish backpack for the gym, office, or light travel. Its ability to provide a personalized and efficient carrying solution makes it a standout choice in the hybrid backpack market.

Disney’s Frozen Crossover in Brawlhalla?

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Has the platform fighting game Brawlhalla finally got a crossover with Disney? and of all the characters one of the most popular and unlikely like Frozen’s Elsa? Not quite and that’s more evident since this is likely the Elsa story that actually exists pre-Disney with a Star Wars twist. While this is actually just a mod made for the game of which LVLONE Gaming has been known to be doing for several years, you can’t deny the level of detail that not only the mod has but video trailer itself. Check out the Brawlhalla X Dark Elsa video trailer above and be sure to checkout LVLONE Gaming’s Youtube channel other mod trailers now and coming up!

Sennheiser Momentum Sport Review – Great Audio & Fit for Fitness

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The Momentum Sport had us impressed with alot of biometric features to take advantage of for fitness and sports as we took it through its paces with breakdancing and more! Check out the video review and let us know if you would pick one up?

Fathers Day & GRADS Gaming Gift Guide 2024

We present the ultimate selection of gaming products designed to elevate your dad’s gaming experience this Fathers day. This year’s lineup features the latest in accessories and hardware that’ll deliver the best gaming experiences. Dive into our guide and discover the perfect gifts that blend innovation and excitement, making this Father’s Day a true celebration for the gamer dad.

OMEN 34c Ultrawide Monitor

The OMEN by HP 34-inch WQHD 165Hz Curved Gaming Monitor is the perfect Father’s Day gift for the gamer dad. This ultrawide 1500R curved screen offers immersive escapism, making games come alive with its expansive 21:9 aspect ratio and crisp WQHD resolution. The monitor boasts a 99% sRGB and 90% DCI-P3 color gamut, HDR, and up to 400 nits of brightness for vibrant and detailed visuals. With a fast 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms GTG response time, and AMD FreeSync™ Premium technology, it ensures smooth, lag-free gameplay. Plus, its sleek design fits beautifully on any desk, making it ideal for both gaming and productivity.

The Legion 9i Gen 9 16″ Intel Gaming Laptop

The Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9 16″ Intel Gaming Laptop is the perfect Father’s Day gift for dads who love gaming, productivity, and AI. This revolutionary laptop features a first-of-its-kind Forged Carbon design and unparalleled power-to-weight performance. With innovative liquid cooling technology, Lenovo AI Engine+, and Smart FPS, it ensures optimal performance for gaming and development. The Lenovo PureSight Display with Mini-LED offers stunning visuals, making it ideal for any task. Liquid-cooled and AI-tuned, the Legion 9i is a game-changer in the PC gaming industry, providing an exceptional experience for any tech-savvy dad.

The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Esports Gaming Keyboard

The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Esports Gaming Keyboard is the ultimate Father’s Day gift for dads who love to stay ahead in competitive gaming. Featuring Gen-2 Analog Optical Switches with Rapid Trigger, it ensures ultra-fast repeated inputs and precise control with an adjustable actuation range of 0.1–4.0 mm. The keyboard boasts a durable 100-million keystroke lifespan. Onboard adjustments for actuation height and Rapid Trigger sensitivity are easily made with an LED array, requiring no software. It includes a multi-function digital dial, dedicated control buttons, and textured doubleshot PBT keycaps for added durability. The brushed aluminum top plate ensures robustness, and the magnetic firm leatherette wrist rest provides ergonomic support. This keyboard is designed to give any gamer a competitive edge.

GameScent

The GameScent is the perfect Father’s Day gift for dads seeking the next level of gaming immersion. Compatible with all major game consoles, PC, and VR (though not with Smart TVs), this innovative device uses advanced AI to translate game audio into real-time scents. The app guides you through setup, ensuring a seamless experience. The starter kit includes scents like gunfire, explosion, racing, storm, forest, and an air neutralizer, with more scents like ocean, fresh cut grass, zombie, and fire coming soon. Enhance your gaming experience and feel truly immersed in the action with GameScent.

HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed

Hypercharge is the perfect nostalgic gift for gamer dads this Father’s Day. This first and third-person shooter lets you and up to three friends team up to defend the Hypercore against waves of weaponized toys and defeat Major Evil in the story campaign. With 1-4 player online/local co-op, full split-screen support, and single-player/offline play with bots, it offers flexible gameplay options. Difficulty scales with the number of players, and it includes classic PvP modes for up to eight players. With both first and third-person camera modes, Hypercharge brings back the fun of childhood action figures in an engaging, cooperative game experience.