Monthly Archives: August 2016

Gaming News

Tier1 4 Port USB HUB for Xbox One + Thumbstick Gel Caps product review

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If you liked the previously reviewed products from TIER1, today we bring you two more items: The 4 Port USB Hub and the Thumb Stick Gel Caps.

4 Port USB HUB
First lets take a look at the USB hub. This is a small but useful hub that you can plug into the side of your Xbox One. This is excellent for local game play with friends because it enables you to charge 4 controllers at once . A plus to the hub is the shape. It is made to the same shape of the Xbox One, and once installed its pretty easy to forget it is even there. Having the hub located on the front provides easy access so you don’t have to reach around the console to plug one cord in the back.

TIER1 designed the hub to utilize USB 3.0 technology so you can expect a fast connection if you plug in a hard drive to the hub.Other items you can plug into the hub include accessories like Guitar Hero drums, microphones, and even fight sticks.  Fight stick accessibility definitely comes in handy for tournament play since players will have to plug their fight stick directly into the console. Lastly, this is a big deal for the current gen issue of game storage, you can use this hub to expand your Xbox One memory with all 4 slots and maximize your storage capacity.

The 4 Port USB hub can be used in multiple ways and well worth the $19.99 price tag.

Thumb Stick Gel Caps
 I bet you’re telling yourself, “But what makes these stand out from other thumb caps?” While there isn’t much difference compared to other brands these gel caps are definitely more comfortable than any other thumb caps I’ve purchased. The quality of the material did not feel like a cheap knock off. One thing that did stand out to me was that you don’t actually have to remove your entire thumb stick to use them.  Just slip them on over the top and you’re good to go. The gel caps have a custom shape, which is not only more comfortable, but more responsive because of the nicely formed gel grip section directly in the middle. This became very useful during shooters or games where precision is an absolute must.

The only drawback I can say about these is that the rubber toward the bottom of the caps will occasionally rub the controller, but nothing that would really mess up your pwnage, and the logo on the caps will spin around after a few gaming sessions. Other than that, I can say these are more of a check out before you buy, rather than a must buy. What I can say for the price they are set at ($9.99), you do get enough caps to cover two controllers, something most companies do not offer.

You can find these items plus many more here.

Gaming News

Review: Grand Kingdom (PS4, PSVita)

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How Grand is This Kingdom?

2016-08-10-131825With so many tactical-RPG’s coming out recently, I bet your asking yourself “Which one should I pick up?” Recently NCG has stepped into the world of Grand Kingdom. Is it worth your time and money? We are here to let you know.2016-08-10-132221

Grand Kingdom takes place after the collapse of a former Empire, during a war between four different factions, battling it out to take control of the continent Resonail. You are the leader of a mercenary squad and you must assemble a team of your own with many different classes to choose from.

Visuals

When starting up Grand Kingdom, one thing that really caught my attention was the art style. Grand Kingdom’s art style is one of the most gorgeous styles, but not the best I have seen to date. Each character class has its own distinct look, but one let down were the battlefields. Even though they were awesome to look at, you will see a lot of the same backgrounds while playing in battle. As for menus, they were well-organized,  but somewhat confusing at times. I did enjoy how equipping a unit member with a weapon, armor, or accessory, the item is visually represented on them. This kept me interested in  finding or purchasing items while I progressed.What stood out a lot to me was during battles I noticed that each character class’s battle actions were not reused animations of any other characters classes. This made the units feel very distinct and fresh.
2016-08-10-131955The only thing I wish Grand Kingdom had was an animation for each story cut-scene. Players are left with the typical JRPG Character visual novel dialog overlay through the game’s story that most JRPG’s have to offer. From the animations of each character attacking to the menus players will feel like Grand Kingdoms has its own flow to its world visually, but does not differentiate its visuals from any other tactical-RPG out there.

Audio

Original soundtracks are one of the most important aspects of any game I play. Mainly because the OST is what usually draws players into the worlds the game will introduce or revisit. Grand Kingdom has this on the mark. From the epic track for its opening sequence, to the music playing in-game map, and battles. Grand Kingdom’s soundtrack was one that players will enjoy though out the whole game.

I might just be nitpicking this, but sound effects, on the other hand, were what players could expect from any game. None of the action effects or menus sound effects really stood out. Most of the main sounds were just generic crash and attack sounds. I would have loved to hear some distinct magic effects or even special attack sound.

2016-08-10-132203As for Voice acting, I felt Grand Kingdom did a fairly good job on it. From battle cries, reaction sounds, apologies after attacking your comrades, and the very naive Weiss (Captain of the White Wolves), Grand Kingdom voice actors captured the main characters and class personality very well which kept the game very enjoyable.

Aside from sound effects being generic sounds, Grand Kingdom’s music and audio will leave a good impression on players as it does a very good job on fitting the world.

Gameplay

2016-08-10-132022Grand Kingdom is not your typical turn based tactical-RPG. The title takes elements from other tactical-RPG’s such as Final Fantasy Tactics or Disgaea and adds its own mix to it  with a 2D sidscrolling layout broken down in 3 layers. The game will have players sucked into its very addicting game play, squad customization, completing quests, and joining in the online wars.

One of the most enjoyable part of Grand Kingdom is creating your Mercenary squad. You start out by hiring squad members, with over 17 different classes to choose from. Personally, I enjoyed the Noble because of her swing and range. After you get your squad together and do a few battles, players will notice Grand Kingdom’s battle system is based off of a combo system. Players will move their units one by one but will have a gauge in which you can perform real-time combos, which will take players a while to get used to. The game’s battle system is its strong point, but also its flaw. After a few hours I found myself doing the same combos, and same strategies, which got very repetitive after a while, but was not boring. As for the mission maps though, you will tend to find them pointless and will only play them to level up your troops and grind through the forgettable story.

That being said, I highly recommend Grand Kingdom as a pick up for all players. Although I did find some flaws in the game, this is one title that is very rewarding and a title to revisit for years to come.

Gaming News

NCG Recommends: Pani Poni Dash

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Anime doesn’t always have to make sense. Take Pani Poni Dash, an anime that follows an 11 year old teacher as she lazily teaches her students and random stuff happens. It is a hard to describe anime. It can have multiple “stories” happening in a single episode and some of them don’t even go anywhere and that’s OK because its still a fun anime to watch.

The characters are likable and the bunny will make you feel sorry for it, but you will still laugh about it. Do you think you will give it a watch? let me know in the comments!

Gaming News

Dead Rising Triple Pack is Coming This Fall to Current Gen Consoles

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Capcom has recently confirmed that Dead Rising,Dead Rising 2 and Dead Rising 2: Off the Records are coming to Playstation 4 as a digital download in North America and Europe September 13 for $49.99. These re-releases will have all dlc included from the original titles, and will be remastered version in 1080p, as well as running 60fps.

Dead Rising and Dead Rising 2 will also get a physical release for Playstation 4, and Xbox One in North America, as well as Dead Rising will be heading to Steam as a digital download, each will be priced at $19.99.

Be sure to check out the announcement trailer below

Gaming News

Project Diva X Demo + DLC

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Project Diva X is almost out, so it’s time to warm up with the Project Diva X demo, now available on the PS4 and PS Vita.  The demo features three songs: “Satisfaction”, “LOL -lots of laugh-“, and  “Raspberry * Monster” as well as the tutorial.  You can play them on the Easy or Normal difficulty.  The demo has a lot of unlockables and gives you a look at how the game will play with different song modes to select your favorite song style, how you can unlock modules and items, and set up your own Miku live show.  But that’s just only a taste of what the full game will feature.

In addition, there will be DLC for the game, which is pretty cool because the song list is pretty short (it compensates with the variety of modes).  More DLC will include

DLC: Concert Editor for Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X
Price: Free
Availability: 8/30/16
Description: Create and watch concert footage of your favorite singers! The PS Vita Concert Editor will add Concert Editor functionality to the PlayStation Vita edition of Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X. This feature makes you the producer of your own music videos!

DLC: Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X – Sharing The World
Price: $2.99
Availability: 8/30/16
Description: “Sharing The World,” the first single released by BIGHEAD, was the main theme of “HATSUNE MIKU EXPO 2014 in LA&NY.” Now that it’s available as a rhythm game song for Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X, you can bring the MIKU EXPO experience into your home!

DLC: Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X – Hand in Hand
Price: $2.99
Availability: 8/30/16
Description: “Hand in Hand,” written and produced by kz(livetune), was the official theme of Hatsune Miku Magical Mirai 2015. Now that it’s available as a rhythm game song for Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X, you can bring the live concert experience into your home!

DLC: Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X – Snow Miku 2016
Price: $1.99
Availability: 8/30/2016
Description: Celebrate the 7th annual Snow Miku festival with this Snow Miku 2016 module for Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X! Miku’s ready to hit the slopes! Hokkaido’s winter sports have never been livelier!

DLC: Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X – Snow Miku 2010-2015 Pack
Price: Free for a month, then $7.99
Availability: 8/30/2016
Description: Celebrate Hokkaido’s annual Snow Miku festival’s history with the Snow Miku 2010-2015 module pack for Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X! Features 7 wintry costumes, including designs by: Nanaka (2012), Nijita (2013), dera_fury (2014), and taran (2015).

DLC: Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X – Extra Character Module Pack
Price: $2.99
Availability: 8/30/2016
Description: It’s a bird… It’s a plane… No! It’s the Extra Character Module Super Pack for Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X! Supersize your songs with 12 Extra Modules: Akita Neru, Yowane Haku, Sakine Meiko, and Kasane Teto each come with 3 Classic Aura costumes!

DLC: Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X – Mikudayo
Price: $2.99
Availability: 8/30/2016
Description: When you gaze into the eyes of Mikudayo, Mikudayo gazes back into you. Unsettlingly adorable, this Classic Aura module is our most creepy-cute Extra Module for Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X. Better stock up on otoro, in case she comes for you next…

DLC: Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X – Classic Modules Unlock
Price: $2.99
Availability: 8/30/2016
Description: The Classic Modules Unlock for Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X makes every Classic Aura module costume (not including DLC) instantly available for all six singers, including the iconic Original, V3, and Append series, plus their set of Ultimate forms!

DLC: Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X – Cute Modules Unlock
Price: $2.99
Availability: 8/30/2016
Description: The Cute Modules Unlock for Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X makes every Cute Aura module costume (not including DLC) instantly available for all six singers, including the absolutely adorable “Star” series and other seasonal sets that are sugar-sweet!

DLC: Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X – Cool Modules Unlock
Price: $2.99
Availability: 8/30/2016
Description: The Cool Modules Unlock for Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X makes every Cool Aura module costume (not including DLC) instantly available for all six singers, including the amazingly awesome “Stone” series and gear that’ll light the fire up in the night!

DLC: Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X – Elegant Modules Unlock
Price: $2.99
Availability: 8/30/2016
Description: The Elegant Modules Unlock for Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X makes every Elegant Aura module costume (not including DLC) instantly available for all six singers, including the alluring “Butterfly” series and both the Electronica and Pâtissier pairs!

DLC: Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X – Quirky Modules Unlock
Price: $2.99
Availability: 8/30/2016
Description: The Quirky Modules Unlock for Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X makes every Quirky Aura module costume (not including DLC) instantly available for all six singers, including the mysterious “Ivy” series and the entire Urotander, Underhanded Rangers team!

DLC: Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X – Unlock all Module Keys
Price: $12.99
Availability: 8/30/2016
Description: Unleash the true potential of Miku and her friends with the ability to Unlock All Module Keys! Once you unlocked every module in Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X (excluding DLC), the only real challenge will be choosing what to wear out of ~300 costumes!

DLC: Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X – Classic Accessories Unlock
Price: $1.99
Availability: 8/30/2016
Description: The Classic Accessories Unlock for Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X makes every Classic Aura accessory instantly available. Includes fan favorites such as Puyo headgear, the charming Tako Luka and Hachune Miku, and the… unique Shiteyan’yo and Larval Rin!

DLC: Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X – Cute Accessories Unlock
Price: $1.99
Availability: 8/30/2016
Description: The Cute Accessories Unlock for Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X makes every Cute Aura accessory instantly available. Lovable pieces include a pink motif, animal parts like cat whiskers, rabbit ears, duck bills and dog tails… and LOTS of flower power!

DLC: Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X – Cool Accessories Unlock
Price: $1.99
Availability: 8/30/2016
Description: The Cool Accessories Unlock for Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X makes every Cool Aura accessory instantly available. This killer gear sports rad stuff like a blue motif, multiple masks, stylish goggles, devil-may-care details, and mechanical equipment!

DLC: Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X – Elegant Accessories Unlock
Price: $1.99
Availability: 8/30/2016
Description: The Elegant Accessories Unlock for Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X makes every Elegant Aura accessory instantly available. Some of its most high-brow highlights include refined regalia, extravagant jewelry, regal crowns, and even a fancy fake mustache!

DLC: Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X – Quirky Accessories Unlock
Price: $1.99
Availability: 8/30/2016
Description: The Quirky Accessories Unlock for Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X makes every Quirky Aura accessory instantly available. This big ol’ box of swag contains the game’s most epic loot, like a clown nose, gag glasses, a dinosaur tail, and even an ocarina!

DLC: Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X – Unlock all Accessory Keys
Price: $7.99
Availability: 8/30/2016
Description: Take the virtual world by storm and conquer all five Clouds with the power to Unlock All Accessory Keys! This download lets you master the Classic, Cute, Cool, Elegant, and Quirky Auras by giving you every accessory from Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X!

DLC: Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X – Cabin Attendant Style A
Price: Free
Availability: 9/06/16
Description: “The singing stewardess soars on stage! This Cool Aura costume, designed for Miku in collaboration with AIRDO, sports a sharp uniform and short hair in a bun. Fly to new heights with the Cabin Attendant Style A module for Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X! ”

DLC: Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X – Cabin Attendant Style 39
Price: Free
Availability: 9/06/16
Description: The singing stewardess soars on stage! This Cool Aura costume, designed for Miku in collaboration with AIRDO, sports a sharp uniform with iconic twintails. Fly to new heights with the Cabin Attendant Style 39 module for Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X!

DLC: Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X – Racing Miku 2016
Price: $1.99
Availability: 9/13/16
Description: On your mark… Get set… SING! The Racing Miku 2016 module rolls onto the racetrack of Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X! Aerodynamically designed by Koyama Shigeto, this Cute Aura outfit is inspired by a fiery phoenix with a serious need for speed!

DLC: Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X – P4: Dancing All Night Miku
Price: $1.99
Availability: 9/13/16
Description: The Persona 4: Dancing All Night Miku module was designed by Shigenori Soejima, the Persona series’ character designer! Miku first lit up the Midnight Stage as DLC in P4D, but now her Elegant Aura costume is available in Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X!

While I’m not too thrilled I have to buy more DLC so fill up my song list, I’m pretty sure I will be shutting up and telling them to take my money.

Are you excited for Project Diva X?