Author: Dustin Murphy

Mirage: Arcane Warfare Launches its Closed Alpha

/ Dustin Murphy / Leave a comment

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Alpha’s, we all love them, and they remain fun as ever since we get to see new games in their pre-release stage. This newest entry is Torn Banner Studios who has announced their new multiplayer combat action title, Mirage: Arcane Warfare, has entered its closed alpha stage for fans to try out.

With its release just edging around the corner in early 2017, fans will get to see the latest game by Chivalry: Medieval Warfare’s developer as they bring in a combination of brutal closed ranged combat with the cross over of exotic fantasy worlds where magic will be freed across the battlefield.

How do you get in? Well quite easily in all reality. Head on over to the games official website –  www.MirageArcaneWarfare.com – sign up, and await your chance to have your name drawn for the alpha! That’s it and that’s exactly where you can hope to be. If you want to know more, check out their latest blog post from the dev team. Head on over to their Facebook page, give it a like if you use FB or simply head on over to Twitter and follow @MirageGame for future news and updates.

Or y’know, you can just stay tuned to us here for more information.

About the Writer:

dustin_batgr_prof

Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, Anime, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. You can find him over on Twitter, Google+, and or you can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

Sit-Rep: Warframe: Silver Grove – Where Faeries Exist

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Pros:
+An improved void system allowing for a much broader variety of Prime gear
+New Solar Map that’s a lot more in-depth
+Fusion system improvements that are more intuitive by design
+Titania’s codex quest explains more about Warframes

Cons:
–Frame rate jumps still remain problematic
–Kavat’s die extremely easy

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A lot has changed since the last time we did a review on Digital Extremes’ smash-hit free-to-play title Warframe. Last time we covered the updated titled Sands of Inaros, which continued the rather well done cinematic approach that has premiered on the game. The latest update The Silver Grove continues this trend quite well as it introduces us to another portion of the`story behind both Warframes and Tenno.

However, this latest one doesn’t just carry on with that tradition, it improves upon it even more than one would expect. While this is one of the minor changes made, the rest of the game has been majorly overhauled in some major ways between Specters of the Rail and the Silver Grove updates.

The Changes to Void Missions and the new Rune Segment

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When it comes down to it, the void has been heavily changed, and for the better. Instead of having to worry about Void Keys pertaining to each mission type such as Tower I Defense, Tower III Survival, or even Tower IV Interception’s. While each of these missions till exist, Void Fissures have changed the game by allowing for Relic’s to activate during alert style fissures. How so, you might ask, and the answer is clear: the galactic map is now your playground.

When selecting these missions they may call upon relics, whether they are upgraded or not, and will determine the possible loot that can drop. While each of these relics will differentiate based upon what the fissures require. This also allows for players to choose the chance of what loot they want to attempt getting. Want a Galantine Prime? Load up a Neo V3 Relic in order to have a chance.

Want a better chance at getting that drop? That is possible thanks to the new Rune Segment allowing for players to use their void fissure samples in order to upgrade the relics. Doing so, as stated, upgrades your chances to obtain the prime parts wanted. This change is one that has been highly wanted by many players as it opens up the possibilities of us obtaining more prime parts without removing others.

The Fusion Upgrading Process Changes are Spectacular

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One of the biggest changes that comes to Warframe is one that’s been needed more than ever in recent days. Players have been waiting for this one to happen. Fusion cores have been completely removed from the game and replaced with a new essence called “Edo”. This new “essence” allows for players to do the same thing that Fusion Cores did, but with a bit more ease, but doesn’t change the overall cost.

Just like Fusion Cores, Edo can be picked upon the breaking of loot crates, opening of lockers, or even the elimination of enemies. However, the amount you get, seems to variate upon the difficulty of the missions. This allows for a much cleaner inventory and less need to navigate through Fusion Cores. Additionally, the addition of Edo, also makes it so that players could quite easily take their duplicates and break them down for Edo.

The Addition of the Galactic Map 3.0 Makes it Easier to Navigate

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Ontop of all these additions, Warframe has made another huge leap with its addition of the new Galactic Map, which mixes the best of Galactic Map 1.0 and 2.0 and making easier to navigate. Let alone does this offer players a new way to see the planets around them and the resources they gain. The new map also allows for players to zoom in on each planet and see if the there are alerts on each planet. It also will allow for players to see if missions take place on the planet or a ship.

All That Shines Isn’t Gold, However

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Warframe: The Silver Grlove – PlayStation 4 (Reviewed), Xbox One (Reviewed), and PC
Developer: Digital Extremes
Publisher: Digital Extremes
Price: Fee-to-Play
Released: Available Now

Even with many of Warframe’s changes, Digital Extremes has pushed to make the game the best experience ever, and in many ways, they started doing so quite well. However, there are a few things that could be improved upon even with these most recent changes. The problems don’t sit on Warframes surface, instead many of them sit in the underlying mechanics such as the Kavat.

Much like their Kubrow twins, Kavat is another companion that can be used. Instead of packing brute force like their Kubrow cousins, the Kavat is all about speed and their cunning. They can also buff the squads they are with, however, they are also easy to die over first. Unfortunately, this can be problematic for some in higher level missions where plenty of damage is being tossed about.

This is where the Kavat, unlock the Kubrow, tends to become a casualty and constantly doing so as enemies will tend to bring it down quickly.

Rest Assured Tenno It’s Still a Solid Experience

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Just as one would hope, the Warframe experience remains solid for players to enjoy. With the new update coming up titled The War Within there is plenty to come that can feature some changes, some re-balances, and even new mechanics. Warframe still remains as strong as expected and enjoyable as ever. All we can do now, is wait and see what is coming up, and tune in to the Warframe Primetime on YouTube and Twitch.

Our review is based on the full free-to-play version that can be downloaded on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.  For information about our ethics policy please click here.

 Final Score: 8 out of 10

About the Writer:

dustin_batgr_prof

Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, Anime, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. You can find him over on Twitter, Google+, and or you can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

Sit-Rep: Touhou Genso Rondo: Bullet Ballet – Shooting Only Blanks

/ Dustin Murphy / 2 Comments

Pros:
+A concept new to player versus player games
+Interesting story concepts that become enjoyable with time
+Grabs the true ideal of being a bullet hell title

Cons:
-Gameplay balancing is a huge issue
–Tutorials are awful and could use reworking
–Online latency is a huge issue.

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Bullet Hell games are nothing new when it comes to games. Titles such as Gradius, Darius, and a host of many more, the genre is still alive, and is receiving the content needed to keep the genre alive. This latest entry is one that decides to blend the worlds of fighting games and bullet hell games into one. Like any fighting title, the goal is to whittle your enemies health down to nothing before unleashing a “spell” to take them out.

Touhou Genso Rondo is just that. A bullet hell fighting game. As strange of a concept it is, these two genres mesh together for a very interesting title. Unfortunately, due to some choice design decisions, it doesn’t work out as well as I would have hoped.

Tohou Genso Rondo: Bullet Ballet’s Great Ideas are Poorly Executed

Fighting games and bullet hell shooters have always existed in two separate genres until  now. Blending the two has been a questionable thing for some time and now we’re seeing the first attempt at it. While the fusion of the two seems as if it would fluidly transition between the two, instead of choppy, confusing, and oddly coordinated controls with lackluster tutorials.

Unfortunately, Tohou Genso Rondo: Bullet Ballet finds itself in some awkward places as it doesn’t do much to welcome newcomers like myself. Instead I found myself mindlessly mashing at buttons such as my L2 button, my L1 button, and even smashing across the face buttons on my controller in order to perform randomized attacks I am still figuring out even after having spent a good ten-to-twenty hours in the game. While the idea of a fighting game based on bullet hell mechanics would have been lovely, this game is great ideas put into a flawed situation, and proves how flawed design executions can come to life

While the game itself, once figured out, becomes enjoyable, it proves that the team didn’t take the time to fix what was needed in order to ensure a successful launch. For now the flawed mechanics are intact and will become infuriating. While I could focus on the bad for an entire review, I prefer not, and would like to take my time to focus on where it can improve.

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Tohou Genso Rondo: Bullet Ballet’s Tutorial and Speed Need Reworked

Improvement is something that all developers seek to do as their games life gets underway. Over time we see menu’s get reworked, bug fixes implemented, overall enhancements get underway, and even a few additions to the game that were already in place. However, this game needs quite a few improvements before it’ll be a solid, and steady game. Before we begin, lets bullet point the games most critical flaws when it comes to learning how to play it.

  • Training tutorials
  • Fight Pacing
  • Bug fixes for new rule sets

While these three seem so few, it isn’t unsurprising to see where the game needs to improve after playing for the many hours I have. While music, animations, and graphic novel scenes may seem rock-solid; because they are; the game still has underlying issues. Tutorials being the weakest one of them. As any gamer knows, when it comes to a new game, it is the utmost importance for a game like this to actually have solid tutorials, to guide players through the game they are playing, and help them understand it.

The second issue comes with the fact players will find themselves consistently using the games fast paced attack mode, where they will glide through the arena. Unfortunately, another thing that needs fixed is the downloading newer versions, which will appear if they’ve released new data. When you do, it’ll be not-so-uncommon to see the data state “corrupted”. Here at B.A.T.G.R.’s home office, I found myself attempting to download the file multiple times. Once downloaded, a few things changed quite well. However, for now, the game remains plagued with minor issues.

Tohou Genso Rondo: Bullet Ballet – PlayStation 4 (Reviewed), PlayStation Vita
Developer: CUBETYPE
Publisher: NIS America
Price: $49.99
Released: Available Now

While the combat modes appear in the game through a single set of buttons players can easily find themselves moving towards trying to figure out what each one does. For example in slow mode, players can find themselves grazing past enemy bullets in order to boost up their charge bar. In other modes players move fast, seeping up less charge bar, players can move across the screen faster in order to damage their opponent. Lastly, we have charge, which is all about dealing as much damage as possible in one swift go.

Closing Thoughts as the Ballet Ends

While Tohou Genso Rondo: Bullet Ballet is a troubled game, it is also a game that offers a chance for players to try something new despite its shortcomings that in many ways, could hurt it in the long run, but shouldn’t deter players from trying something new. For now, I’ll be sticking to the game as a pick-up and go title as the stories are actually quite easy to ignore if players are wanting to just jump straight into the action.

Our review is based on a copy provided to us by the games publisher.  For information about our ethics policy please click here.

 Final Score: 5 out of 10

About the Writer:

dustin_batgr_prof

Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, Anime, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. You can find him over on Twitter, Google+, and or you can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

New Blood Reveals a new Trailer for Dusk

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At QuakeCon 2016 I got to meet up with my pal Oshry and the team at New Blood once more to get my hands on the up and coming highly addictive titled Dusk. If you were at the event, you know exactly one I am talking about, and it’s one that left us all craving for more.

The title as stated in our previous article is one that offers a respectful nod tot he days of DOOM, Quake, Heretic, and even games such as Blood: A Whole Unit. If you haven’t already been checking it out? You definitely should have it on your radar in the upcoming days.

About the Writer:

dustin_batgr_prof

Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, Anime, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. You can find him over on Twitter, Google+, and or you can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

GOD WARS Future Past is Bringing More Life the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita

/ Dustin Murphy / 2 Comments

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Ready for a new tactical RPG title? You want one in early 2017 for your PlayStation 4 and or your PlayStation Vita? If so, then good. NIS America will have you covered as they have announced that their upcoming title GOD WARS Future Past seeks to tell a story of an untold period in Japan through both folklore and even tactical combat situations. In this title, players will take on an experience unlike any other as they experience the traditional stories of Japans three warring nations.

The game will take focus on these nations dubbed: Fuji, Izumo, and Hyuga. The lands name? Mizuho. This was a land that desired to not see conflict within the lands, they honored their ancestral spirits, and they lived in harmony with the spirits around them. For Japan this time was peaceful, one that its denizens were happy with until natural disasters struck. From floods, to earthquakes, and finally volcano’s devastated their lands. In order to stop the eruptions, their queen, Tsukuyomi, sacrificed her beloved daughter Sakuya to the mountain, and it lead to her daughter Kaguya being confined to her room within a bamboo seal in case the time arose to make another sacrifice.

As this happened, her daughter would soon rise against her fate to be sacrificed with the help of her friend Kintaro, one that would help her escape Fuji and trek across the mystical lands of Mizuho. Their discoveries would lead them to find the truth behind all these occurrences as the game takes players deep into Japanese tradition. The game will feature a large pantheon as players meet the Myriad gods, customizes characters, tactics, and even set up their unique form of combat as each new trial awaits them.

The art style for players to enjoy will be inspired by traditional Japanese ink painting and wood carving arts. Along with this, fans will get to enjoy it all in GOD WARS when it launches in 2017. So stay tuned for more information as the launch of the game draws nearer.

About the Writer:

dustin_batgr_prof

Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, Anime, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. You can find him over on Twitter, Google+, and or you can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

Resident Evil VII: Beginning Hour is About to See More Content Starting Today

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Tokyo Game Show hasn’t been short of any large surprises. Among them came Capcom announcing that Resident Evil VII Teaser: Beginning Hour demo – exclusive to PlayStation Plus – fans will find themselves upf or another scare starting today. Having broken records as the most downloaded demo within a week in North America on PlayStation 4 – Capcom seeks to bring a bit more of the mystery to the forefront for players to enjoy. The new “Twilight” version will feature a bit more of the mysterious and decrepit mansion.

In the newest bit of the trailer and the demo, we’ll get to see what is going on within this disturbing feast we’ve seen from the Baker family, which will be the premise for our fight for survival. Additionally, the company has announced that those looking to pre-order the game can do so with either the Deluxe Edition or the Standard Edition starting now on PlayStation 4. The Deluxe Edition will run you a rough $89.99 USD and will contain the games Season Pass as well as the game.

The Season Pass will contain additional playable story episodes for fans to enjoy. Capcom has also confirmed that the Deluxe Edition will contain another playable story episode that will bringing the total amount of content to three episodes, and will run $89.99. Will you be buckling down to explore the Baker Mansion and find out what’s really going on there?

About the Writer:

dustin_batgr_prof

Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, Anime, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. You can find him over on Twitter, Google+, and or you can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

 

The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Edition Welcomes in New and Old Adventurers Alike

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Adventurer’s are you ready to once more take to Tamriel? If so Bethesda Softworks has released a game just for you! To those who have not had a chance to adventure into The Elder Scrolls: Gold Edition for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. This newest iteration of this game comes with a reason to pick it up for fans of the series. For adventurers are ready to take off across the frozen lands of Skyrim, to the deserts of Daggerfall, only to ake to the Gold Coast to see the oceanic waters.

For players that haven’t downloaded the DLC, this version comes with all content up to date as well as the Guilds and Glory content, but also finds itself available for 59.99 USD starting now. This includes the hundreds of hours of content, the new quests, abilities, and even the new regions including Orsinium and the Imperial City. The DLC includes the Imperial City, Dark Brotherhood, Thieves Guild, Orsinium, and many more for you to enjoy. For players looking to upgrade? You can grab this content now through the in-game store.

About the Writer:

dustin_batgr_prof

Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, Anime, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. You can find him over on Twitter, Google+, and or you can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

 

BioShock: The Collection Launches Tomorrow – Here’s How to Get Your PC Upgrades Free

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Many of you are preparing yourself for your new adventures through Rapture once more. For many of you this includes the idea of revisiting it in the about-to-be released title of BioShock: The Collection, which will feature upgraded graphics, upgraded performance capabilities, and all content previously released. Luckily for you PC owners that already have the game? That’s going to be fully possible with a few small steps. So how do you do it? Lets get you going.

I Have the Games on Steam. What do I do Now?

If you bought these games on Steam, you’re actually in luck. 2K has announced that they will automatically be placing these versions in your Steam Library so that all you’ll need to do is download them when they are put there on September 15th, 2016 (Thursday). If you don’t receive them? Drop them a support ticket with your Steam purchase history to show you have the games, DLC, and that you are interested in your free copy of the games.

So you’ll want to drop over there to 2K Suppor and let them know what’s going on.

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My BioShock: The Collection Ticket is Submitted – PC Specs Required?

Luckily for the large majority of you, the hardware process isn’t going to be a jump in hardware for you to meet. Even medium-to-high-end PCs will enjoy what they can in this newly re-processed version of Rapture. So lets take a look at what you’ll need to get going!

Minimum Recommended System Specs:

  • Operating System: Windows 7 Service Pack 1 64-bit. Platform Update for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 or Later
  • Processor: Intel E6750 Core 2 Duo 2.66 GHz / AMD Athlon X2 2.7 GHZ
    Memory: 4 GB of Ram
  • Hard Drive: BioShock 25GB; BioShock 2 25GB; BioShock Infinite 20GB; Total for all three games 70GB
  • Video Card: DirectX11 Compatible, AMD Radeon HD 7770 / NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560
    Sound Card: DirectX Compatible Sound Device
  • Other Requirements: Software installations required including DirectX and Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 & 2012 Redistributable Package.

Recommended System Specs:

  • Operating System: Windows 7 Service Pack 1 64-bit. Platform Update for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1or Late
  • Processor: 3GHz Quad-Core
  • Memory: 8 GB of RAM
  • Hard Drive: BioShock 25GB; BioShock 2 25GB; BioShock Infinite 30GB; Total for all three games 80GB
  • Video Card: 2GB ATI Radeon HD 7970, 2GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 or better
  • Sound Card: DirectX Compatible Sound Device

The only issue here? Will be complete memory for those of you not playing on gigantic hard drives. Luckily, for many of you the hard drive space won’t be a major issue in the near future. So get over there, fill out that form, and prepare for an amazing adventure.

About the Writer:

dustin_batgr_prof

Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, Anime, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. You can find him over on Twitter, Google+, and or you can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

Killing Floor 2 Retail Release Exclusive to GameStop

/ Dustin Murphy / Leave a comment

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The PlayStation 4 Pro is a big deal, if you didn’t know much about it, you’re about to learn a lot more in the upcoming days. Our friends at Tripwire Interactive have announced today, that they will be teaming up exclusively with GameStop to launch their smash-hit title on the PlayStation 4 Pro and PlayStation 4 starting November 18th, 2016 for $39.99 USD.

The game will feature sharper and more crisp visuals, smooth frame rates, sharper and an increased graphical fidelity. This will enhance a players experience when looking at the goriness of the title and the demand the franchise has on PC. The previous title having sold a rough three million units and seeks to do even more when the game launches on PlayStation 4.

“Partnering with companies like Tripwire and Deep Silver allows us to leverage our position as largest video game retailer in the world to deliver better experiences and opportunities to all gamers,” said Eric Bright, senior director of merchandising at GameStop. “Killing Floor 2 is a great example of how we can take AAA products and bring them to brand new audiences.”

Stay tuned for our review. If you haven’t read, you can check out our E.O.D. Tech-Sites for the title!

About the Writer:

dustin_batgr_prof

Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, Anime, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. You can find him over on Twitter, Google+, and or you can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided to be Supported for PlayStation 4 Pro When Console Launches

/ Dustin Murphy / Leave a comment

DXMD-still-logoWith Sony having just announced their PlayStation 4 Pro, which will bring the latest in gaming tech, and imaging tech using HDR (High Dynamic Range). In turn games have already been getting announced that they will be upgraded to support the power of the PlayStation Pro when it launches on November 10th, 2016.

The upgrades for Deus Ex: Mankind Divided will feature a newly added layer of detail including higher resolutions, aliasing reduced, reflective surfaces have been improved, detailed lighting effects have been implemented, and the bonus is hidden in it all – the frame rate nor the experience will be interrupted.

“We are always working to push ourselves to the very limit in regards to the art direction of our games, and the PS4 Pro, along with the strong and ongoing collaboration between SIE and Eidos-Montréal, helps to further break down the barrier between our ambitious artistic vision and the end-result you see in-game.” said David Anfossi, Head of Studio at Eidos-Montréal.

With more than 100 awards, nominations, and critical acclaim, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, sets the par for what fans can expect from the franchise. Will you have what it takes to see the game in higher resolutions than ever before?

Find out on November 10th, 2016 exclusively on the PlayStation 4 Pro. Stay tuned for our before and after review.

About the Writer:

dustin_batgr_prof

Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, Anime, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. You can find him over on Twitter, Google+, and or you can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.