Could Raiden be the next major Mortal Kombat villain? History Behind the Warrior explores candidates for the big boss of a new MK installment
We haven't heard any official news for another installment in the Mortal Kombat franchise, but with NetherRealm Studios producing a major fighter every two years or so and E3 being just around the corner, we're considering holding our breath for an MK 11.
Plenty of Kombat fans are doing the same, and History Behind the Warrior has been speculating quite a bit about what we might see should we get a new installment.
From individual character arcs to general story landscape, HBTW has been producing videos left and right as he theorizes about potential avenues the franchise could go down.
Today we take a look at the potential main antagonist of MK11, backed up by themes and apparent directions set up by past games like Mortal Kombat X.
NetherRealm Studios has become the standard in fighting game story telling, and so exploring the MKX narrative (as well as those of games previous) gives us some pretty interesting leads.
The most enticing of these is probably the theory that series Director Ed Boon and his team are shaping up for a story wherein Raiden, one of the series' most benevolent figures, takes a heel turn and fights for the bad guys this time around.
Fused Zamasu and Vegito Blue are reportedly the next DLC characters coming to Dragon Ball FighterZ
It's been almost exactly two months since we learned that Broly and Bardock were first revealed to be coming as DLC for Dragon Ball FighterZ, and now it appears we know who is coming next.
Vegito Blue and Fused Zamasu are reportedly the next DLC characters coming to Dragon Ball FighterZ, according to Shonengamez.
A page from this week's Japanese Shonen Jump shows Fused Zamasu in the top left corner with his character stats for FighterZ with the fully scanned and translated pages likely coming sometime tomorrow. Vegito does not appear on these scanned pages, so his inclusion in not guaranteed, but likely.
Both characters are among those listed in the data-mined file that was previously found when Broly and Bardock were added to the game.
The page shows off Zamasu in action in the game along with his portrait, stills of his supers and his stats. Fused Zamasu is ranked "SS" for power, "C" for speed, "SS" for reach, "B" for technique and "S" for energy.
Broly and Bardock were first revealed in Shonen Jump on February 17 and were released on March 28, so if the developers keep up a similar release cycle, we could see the next two characters for DBFZ to drop around May 30th. You can check out the page below.
Click image for tweet
Sent in by BornFree
Geno was planned for Super Smash Bros. Brawl and 4; could he make it in the upcoming Switch title?
With the announcement of a Super Smash Bros. title for the Nintendo Switch, many have been wondering which characters will make the cut this time around. So far, we've only had a confirmation of the Inklings, Mario, and Breath of the Wild Link -- though we can probably guess a few others based on the available silhouettes.
Often there have been times where a character wasn't able to be included in one game despite plans, but would appear in a later entry. Pac-Man, Villager, Mii Fighters, Lucas, and Marth among others are prime examples of this occurrence.
There are a couple of combatants that Masahiro Sakurai has considered for multiple games in the Super Smash Bros. franchise. One of these characters is Geno who hales from the Square Enix and Nintendo collaboration of Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars.
A few years back, we reported on an interview that Masahiro Sakurai had with the Japanese magazine Nintendo Dream. During this interview, Sakurai revealed that Geno was planned not only for Super Smash Bros. 4, but also for Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
From pop art to Spongebob, the Internet is having a lot of fun with Falke art
We won't get to play as Falke in Street Fighter 5 until April 24th, but that doesn't mean some of the more creative minds in the fighting game community have to wait to start drawing her.
We've rounded up a good bit of Falke art from across social media, and from it we're getting a few different themes.
Today's gallery sees both heartfelt renditions and parodies of the Guardian Hawk. She has been somewhat criticized for the animations in her reveal trailer, specifically during her Critical Art.
Some of these images play directly on that while others poke fun at her interesting choice of make up. Others look to simply highlight Falke's beauty as a character.
This collection comes from 8686cure, U-non@shiki, Kesut4, Mega Tenshin NSFW, Zuske Bloodline, TremorBD, DemonDan, Taurence Bell, Samurai BlackNZ, The Sillious, Ashthetigerr and Arkneyom.
Check out the gallery here and then let us know which were your favorites in the comments afterwards.
Bandai Namco teases next DLC character reveal for Dragon Ball FighterZ
Bandai Namco released a very interesting tease today on the Dragon Ball FighterZ front in the form of a fake private message chat.
The little narrative they produce sees a Bandai asking a subordinate to tease the next DLC character(s), to which said subordinate responds with a GIF of Kid Buu laughing and dancing.
This is clearly very cryptic, but leads us to believe that we'll soon be seeing a new character that is somehow related to Buu, perhaps one of his various forms.
We already have Fat Buu and Kid Buu as playable characters in DBFZ, but there are still Evil Buu, Super Buu, Uub and various fusion forms of Buu that are still on the table.
From lukewarm to 'OMG I LOVE HER!' Maximilian, Sajam, Vesper and Floe share their reactions to Falke's official reveal
Now that much of the community has had ample time to assess and analyze the first official sighting of Street Fighter 5's newest character, Falke, for themselves, we now look to some of the personalities of FGC to see how they've received the staff wielding Bison clone.
Maximilian, Vesper Arcade, Sajam and Floe have all released reaction videos in which they offer their initial thoughts upon seeing the Guardian Hawk.
While we won't spoil who says what, the reactions actually range quite a bit on the "meh to hype" spectrum. Some are more concerned with how Falke will play while others are more focused on her presentation.
Social media fronts have offered quite a bit of criticism on Falke's animations over the last two days, specifically dismissing her Critical Art as underwhelming and/or poorly animated.
This sentiment seems to carry through each of these streamers as well, though it widely doesn't seem to be regarded as a deal-breaker sin for the character.
Check out the reaction videos below and then tell us how you're feeling about the new DLC fighter in the comments after. Some of these videos are NSFW in terms of language.
Super Smash Bros. players will be allowed to use Smashbox controllers at EVO 2018
Standard Nintendo GameCube controllers have been seen as the best way to play Super Smash Bros. titles since Melee to the point that the game and console maker released a controller adapter specifically for Smash Bros. on the Wii U.
The Smash Box controllers are a Hit Box style controller designed to play the storied Nintendo game with all of the standard GameCube controller inputs all separated into individual arcade-style buttons that have started gaining popularity, but also push back within the community due in part to concerns of cheating and illegal button mapping.
The organizer of EVO himself, Joey "Mr. Wizard" Cuellar, recently announced that these Smash Box controllers would be deemed legal for EVO 2018 as long as they meet specific standards and conditions.
These conditions for players looking to bring their large controllers to Las Vegas with them must make sure that no macros are installed on the hardware or in the software for the controller and every button on the controller can only be mapped to a single direction or input.
This announcement comes a couple weeks after the CEO organizers announced similar rules regarding the Smash Box controller and stated anyone breaking the rules will be disqualified without refund. These recent developments are painting a brighter picture for those that wish to play these games while forgoing their normal control sticks and schemes.
You can check out Mr. Wizard's full announcement below, and tell us what you think of the Smash Box and Hit Box in the comments after the jump.
Click images for full announcement
Darkstalkers' Morrigan looks awesome as this fan-created 3D model
We haven't seen a brand new Darkstalkers title in a long time. The prospect of Capcom's spooky combatants making a return is one that fans have been anxiously awaiting, but there have been no real signs of such a project as of late.
No new Darkstalkers only means that people will ultimately take matters into their own hands to bring those searching for it a glimpse of what a new game could look like.
Though it isn't a full game, Twitter user sakuramochiJP has crafted a 3D model of series fan-favorite Morrigan.
Not only are there still images in various poses the succubus is known for, but there are also a couple of animated GIFs that show her in motion.
SakuramochiJP's art style here appears more closely related to a title you might see from Arc System Works -- such as Guilty Gear Xrd. Still, it lends itself nicely to Morrigan, and outside of some rough edges on the still images, this model looks pretty darn great.
The second GIF below seems to be a nod to the original Darkstalkers intro video (and you can see that clip right next to it for comparison).
Click images for animated versions and stills
What would you like to see most from a new Darkstalkers game? Let us know in the comments below.
Via Reddit user Baldulf.
Falke's moves and stats released for Street Fighter 5: Arcade Edition
The next DLC character for Street Fighter 5: Arcade Edition, Falke, will be releasing on April 24, 2018. Since she is similar to Ed in that she is a Psycho Power user, this has apparently resulted in her utilizing simple inputs.
Information about Falke's moves and stats have now been released on the CFN. With the exception of her Critical Art, none of Falke's attacks or tools utilize motions.
If you didn't already know, Falke's V-Trigger 1 requires two bars of V-Gauge in order to access. Meanwhile, her second V-Trigger must have three bars of V-Gauge if it is to be utilized.
Falke appears to have slightly below average health and stun. She'll be defeated in a round if she should take a total of 950 damage. Meanwhile, she'll be stunned if her stun gauge exceeds 950.
Interestingly enough, she has access to air throw. Overall, she appears to be a zoning character since she has access to three projectile trajectories.
Only two of her special attack can be enhanced with EX meter. Check it out:
Click images for larger versions
Sent in by: Rahul_S and Shinkuu_Kikoken.
Injustice and He Man are crossing over in a comic book miniseries this July
The Injustice series has crossed paths with some interesting franchises so far. Now, it looks like we'll have to add He-Man and the Master of the Universe to that list.
Injustice vs. He Man and the Master of the Universe is a six-issue comic book miniseries (digital-first) that is set to kick off in July. At the helm of this project is writer Tim Seeley (Nightwing, Green Lanterns) and Freddie E. Williams II (He-Man/Thundercats, Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), CBR reports.
The plot sees Batman calling upon a hero from another dimension for aid in defeating Superman -- who happens to be a dictator in this universe (if you're unfamiliar). That warrior, of course, is He-Man.
The first issue of Injustice vs. He-Man and the Master of the Universe will become available for sale on July 18th both in comic book stores and as a digital download.
We can't help but wonder if He-Man could potentially join the playable roster as DLC for Injustice 2.
At this point, NetherRealm Studios' mainstream DC Comics fighting title has wrapped up its initial DLC character plans with the release of nine additional combatants. This includes crossovers with the likes of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Hellboy. So, why not He-Man?
Click images for larger versions
Sent in by AngriestAngryArtist.
Enjoying Dragon Ball FighterZ but not familiar with the source material? Here's what is and isn't canon and how you can enjoy its various iterations
A big success story in the fighting game community lately has been the latest release from publisher Bandai Namco and developer Arc System Works, namely Dragon Ball FighterZ.
As one of the most popular media franchises in the world, there's no doubt that this game was looking at a very big fanbase to begin with, and its reception has certainly delivered, with tons of people across the world buying and playing the game.
But, of course, no matter how big something is, not everyone has experienced the source material first-hand. I personally know a lot of people who were never really into Dragon Ball but still bought FighterZ because they enjoy fighting games and thought it looked good.
If you're one of the people who really like what Dragon Ball FighterZ brings to the table, but aren't too knowledgeable about the series, this article is for you.
This will be sort of a primer, which goes through which areas of the series are canon, which of them aren't canon, and where you can find the media if you'd like to read or watch it for yourself.
Spoilers will be minimal, so if you're looking to get acquainted with Dragon Ball but want to enter the story relatively fresh, there won't be much detailing here that isn't already in the game itself, so rest assured.
The King of Fighters 14 3.01 version update is reportedly coming to fix various bugs in the game
SNK continues to support its flagship fighter the King of Fighters 14 with four brand new characters and balance changes last week with the games 3.00 update though it also brought with it some new bugs.
There was an especially goofy bug that would cause characters' bodies to elongate after getting hit with Robert's command grab, but it seems like that won't be in the game for much longer.
A version 3.01 update for the game will be dropping in the near future to address Robert's body horror attack and small adjustments to the newly released characters among others. This update is meant primarily to fix minor bugs in the game, but will not be including much for balance changes.
The list is currently only available in Japanese, but a Twitter user by the name of inwi|frionel has taken it upon themselves to translate the fixes and tweet out what to expect when the update comes to the PlayStation 4.
Blue Mary, Oswald and Heidern all have small adjustments made in version 3.01 reportedly including hitbox changes to the trio and some reduced block stun for Oswald. Najd is not mentioned in this list of changes though King is listed to get some adjustments to her Silent Flash attacks.
The original Japanese change list can be found here, and you can find the translated notes by clicking the thumbnail below (though it is important to note that these translations may not be 100 percent accurate).
Click images for notes
Falke has great range, an invincible reversal and more; here's what we've learned so far about Street Fighter 5's newest character
Capcom is opening the flood gates on the newest addition to Street Fighter 5: Arcade Edition, Falke, with live streamed events over at Winner Stays On and Capcom Unity to break down what the Guardian Hawk can do in battle.
Since Falke is a staff wielding fighter, it should be expected that she should have some long ranged normals and special moves, and she does not disappoint in this department. Some of her moves do appear to be a bit stubby, like her sweep, but most of her other medium and heavy attacks as well as her specials can hit opponents from a good distance.
Falke does not possess a three frame normal or special, but her EX version of Psycho Schneide uppercut move is an invincible reversal and performs much like Ed's Psycho Upper. She does have an air throw that was not shown in the initial trailer.
Like Ed, however, Falke does not appear to have a standard overhead normal attack and must use airborne attacks to mix-up crouching opponents. She does have a different tool in her mix-up game though with a command normal that hits low while she is standing and can be linked after to combo.
Also like Ed, Falke's specials are not performed by standard motions or charges and are instead performed by pressing two punch or kick buttons together for her uppercut and vaulting attack or holding down and releasing a punch button to perform her projectile special.
Let's get the breakdown started off here with her currently highest damaging combo known that uses both her V-Trigger and Critical Art for over 560 damage and 710 stun.
Click images for animated versions
Smug and NuckleDu officially join Daigo Umehara, Justin Wong, Punk, and others for ELEAGUE Street Fighter 5 Invitational 2018
Updated 4:36 p.m. PDT, Wed. April 17, 2018: NuckleDu and Smug reveal their spots in the ELEAGUE invitational as the 20th and 21st participants. You can view their tweets by clicking the thumbnail below.
Earlier: The ELEAGUE Street Fighter 5 Invitational 2018 was announced late last month and is set to kick off on June 1st. This competition will pit 24 of the best Street Fighter players against each other in a battle for a $250,000 prize pool.
These players will compete in four different groups, with each group playing every Friday starting June 1st at 11 p.m. EDT / 8 p.m. PDT through the 22nd. Two top contenders from each group will head to the Playoffs and Grand Finals -- which starts on July 13th.
Today, the first handful of players has been revealed. FOX|Justin Wong, CYG|Daigo Umehara, FOX|Punk, NVD|Phenom, 801 Strider and others are all confirmed to take part in the invitational.
Before the main event goes down, we will be seeing The Challenger: Street Fighter 5 play out. This is ELEAGUE's first reality TV show and the winner here will earn one of the 24 spots on the main card.
A live broadcast for the 2018 invitational tournament will be aired on TBS, and you'll also be able to catch everything on Eleague's Twitch channel.
Click images for animated versions
As more ELEAGUE competitors are revealed, we will be updating this story. You can check out the current participants below.
Street Fighter 5: Arcade Edition Falke showcase - Capcom Unity live stream
Update: Added the stream for Capcom Unity's Falke preview that is set to start at 3:00 PDT.
By now, you've probably caught a glimpse of Street Fighter 5: Arcade Edition's next DLC character, Falke. The company released her official gameplay traileryesterday, along with a ton of information about the Psycho-powered clone.
Falke is set for release on April 24th, but you won't have to wait another week to see her again. Today, Capcom UK and the local competitive scene will be coming together for a special WSO session.
During the live stream, we'll be seeing a full showcase of Falke. If past experience is any indication, the broadcast will feature Capcom UK Community Manager Matt "The Street Writer" Edwards, who will lead a breakdown demonstrating what the new character is capable of.
If you want to see how Falke's normals work, get a look at her combo potential, and see her in actual matches, be sure to tune in. Some of the awesome talent expected to take part in today's fun include RB|Luffy, Mouz|Problem X, Ares|Will2Pac, Jammerz, and more.
The live stream is set to kick off at 12 p.m. PDT / 20:00 BST. We will be updating this story when the stream goes live.
While you wait, be sure to check out how the FGC reacted to Falke's Street Fighter 5: Arcade Edition trailer.
Here are Falke's -canonical- stats in Street Fighter 5: Arcade Edition
We recently got our first look at Falke's gameplay via her announcement trailer. Like Ed, she is a clone that is also a Psycho Power user.
What makes Falke unique is her usage of her weapon of choice, the "Harmony" -- a bo staff. She is also able to channel her Psycho Power into objects like this weapon.
We have yet to learn details about her statistics. How much damage does she deal? What do her stamina and stun values look like?
Recently on the Capcom Japan website, information about her canonical stats was released. It's very important to understand that these values don't necessarily reflect in-game values.
For example: while Akuma has 900 health in-game (which is tied for the lowest in the game), this same listing shows that he actually has an average amount of life. This is because Akuma is known for holding back his power in fights.
Still, this isn't totally inaccurate. This could give us some ideas about Falke's in-game stats. Have a look for yourself:
Click images for larger versions
Unknown Beerus player is creating destruction online in Dragon Ball FighterZ
In Dragon Ball FighterZ, there are many notable fighters that players have been referring to as "top tier." These combatants include the likes of Android 16, Adult Gohan, Perfect Cell, Kid Buu, and Goku Black.
Beerus, the god of destruction and canonically the most powerful character that is playable in the roster right now, is... not one of those top tiers. In fact, Beerus is widely considered to be the worst in the game.
This is as a result of Beerus's lackluster neutral game. His destruction spheres are easily negated by super dashing. Playing this character offers a number of challenges.
YogaFlame24 has uploaded a video that highlights an "unknown player" that is known as "SkeezerMui." He is utilizing a rather unorthodox team.
Beerus serves as his point character backed up by Tien and Future Trunks. As you might imagine, he is constantly matched up against those that are using top tiers... and yet he is still winning.
Before hitting the jump to see the video, check out this sequence that allowed him to KO the opponent's Android 16:
Click image for animated version
