#schoolingbosses

[camjwoo]

E3 2016 Awards: Part 1

E3 has come and past so there is no better time to discuss the games we are most excited for from the show. While the event itself is always a little disappointing due to expectations, there is always a few events and games that steal the show. Last year, there was Ghost Recon: Wildlands, Uncharted 4 and the Final Fantasy VII remake. What would this year bring?

Best "Rock'Em Sock'Em Robots" Notable: Tekken 7

Injustice 2 tops the list of a limited amount of games in the fighting genre at E3. Brought to you by Netherealm Studios, the DC fighter looks to be a step up from its predecessor. It looks to do away with some of the ridiculous zoning aspects the original was plagued with at launch (talking about infinite Superman lasers) in favour of something with a little more creativity and grit. The big new feature here, and a scary one, is the gear system. It will not only play with the stats/properties of characters but possibly their moves as well. Unless it is properly balanced and tinkered with, it could become an odd gimmick that makes certain customization so ridiculous that there is only one way to build. Still, Injustice 2 might be the superhero fighter that many have been yearning for.

Biggest "Oh My God!"

Notables: God of War, Spider-man

Resident EVII: Biohazard is Capcom's answer to the franchise's criticism and fatigue. It promises to bring the series back to its horror roots and possibly away from its action heavy sequels. Although the trailer was ominous, it left viewers with a sense of wonder. We were even given a playable demo that was both terrifying and spooky. It may have played a little too closely to PT but if they can maintain this sense of ambience throughout this entry, Resident Evil may be better than ever. How does it relate to Resident Evil? Who knows but it looks to be a return to form.

Best Game Where you Manage 100s of Forces on a Battlefield

Notables: Civilization 6, Halo Wars 2

Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War 3 aims to be one of the best real time strategy games. It effectively uses the established franchises' setting to create a campaign and competitive multiplayer that is dark and hectic, but controlled. Each move is made in the blink of an eye and could lead your army to victory or defeat. Relic Entertainment is recognized for matching Blizzard's offerings stride by stride and Dawn of War 3 looks to be no different.

And of Course, the honorary Nintendo Award. The winner is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild! There was no contest...literally.

[camjwoo]

Best Games this Generation - PS4 - Schooling Bosses

Sony's PS4 could not be selling any better. It is number one in every market and is Sony's most profitable division. It also happens to be the most "powerful" of the current generation systems. You may have to install all your games before playing but it does not matter when it does it in a few minutes. The controller has also been improved, feeling less like a toy and carrying a little more weight. It is a shame then that Sony has not released many big hitters. It has relied on multiplatforms and advertising these multiplatforms as if they were exclusives. It has been a rough couple years in terms of support but what they have released has been pretty stellar. And if we look at the future, it looks even brighter.

5) Street Fighter V - Solid fighting mechanics saves a product with little content. The series has never looked better, using both familiar and new features to bolster the formula. It may not be the homerun we were hoping for, especially coming out of the gate, but may be something special with promised free and paid DLC. - 6.5/10

4) Mercenary Kings - A stylized shooter akin to Metal Slug and Contra. The challenge is present with some neat boss fights. Unfortunately, it relies on visiting the same old stages to lengthen its playtime. However, a robust customization system along with some great visuals keep progress a treat. - 7/10

3) Guilty Gear Xrd - An anime fighting game that is just as wacky as its name. Its fast and fluid with some truly creative characters and movesets. While it lacks in modes, the netcode for online play is the best of any fighter. - 8.5/10

2) Towerfall: Ascension - An archery arena action game about precision and timing. It brings a sense of friendly competition similar to Power Stone. The game is wild fun for people just jumping in or who have spent hours firing countless arrows. The concept is simple enough but execution is key. Do you dodge, attempt to steal an arrow or fire your limited batch? - 8.5/10

1) Bloodborne - The Souls' series spawns another brethren. Bloodborne is faster than its predecessors, removing a shield in favour of a countering firearm. The world is both dark and gothic leaving a despairing presence. It is not all gloom as the world always offers hope. The game lives up to expectations as bosses and enemies are challenging and terrifying. Good thing a few well timed whacks leave these behemoths in dust. - 8.5/10

[camjwoo]

Best Games this Generation: Multiplatform and Wii U

The Xbox One is Microsoft's third console release. While the 360 had a firm lead in the North American market, they threw it all away with its initial reveal. It was promoted as an online only system where digital was the way forward. That may very well be the case but that time is not now (and I hope it never will be). Microsoft's servers are relatively reliable but it does go down. And when it does, that would mean the Xbox One becomes an useless brick. Even now, when the servers are offline, it is difficult to login to your gamertag unless you disconnect the console. With that being said, Microsoft have made strides to improve their console, including additional offline options. The UI is quicker than any other system and is able to multitask between apps and games with ease. The controller itself is familiar but the improved rumble motors make the feature more than just a gimmick. On the game's front, the Xbox One currently offers more exclusives than its immediate competition, the PS4. There is a notable shooter and racer released each year with updates to a developed fighter. It is noteworthy, however, that many multiplatform games perform slightly worse. The disparity is slimming with time but Microsoft's machine is slightly behind.

5) Halo 5: Guardians - It has been quite some time since we had a Halo that looked this good. The shooting mechanics are also some of the best of any shooter. Multiplayer is a blast with some great but standard modes. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the campaign. While there are some great set-pieces, the narrative leaves a lot to be desired. - 7/10

4) Dead Rising 3 - A game about killing tens of thousands of zombies. What more could you ask for? The world is a little bland this time around but the series has a surprisingly engaging narrative. Of course it is mostly about killing psychos and zombies with a wide array of customizable weapons. - 8/10

3) Killer Instinct - A fighter that started a little bland but has seen some great updates. Each fighter offers something new to the table making each matchup something unique. Even though Killer Instinct is one of the easier fighters to get into, it does not lack depth.  It is about making reads and performing ultra combos! - 8.5/10

2) Ori and the Blind Forest - A metroidvania/platform adventure game that will pull at the heartstrings. While it can be challenging, nothing feels out of your reach. Once you understand and apply your skills, it moves like a dream. It also happens to be a hell of a visual treat. - 8.5/10

1) Sunset Overdrive - An open world, third-person shooter that attempts to revolutionize movement. You grind rails, run up walls and bounce off trampolines in a world that has been designed so you never have to touch the ground. All while shooting of course. While the guns could have been more creative, especially being an Insomniac Games' product, you zip through a bright and colourful world. - 8.5/10

Notable Future Releases: Quantum Break (Just released), Gears of War 4, Scalebound

[camjwoo]

Best Games this Generation: Multiplatform and Wii U - Schooling Bosses

With the current generation consoles a few years into their cycle, it was about time we talked about the best exclusives and multiplatform games available. Whether you are looking into buying a new brick or have had one for some time, you cannot go wrong with any of them. They all offer something unique and have a relatively bright future. Into JRPGs, you probably want a PS4. A fan of shooters, the Xbox One has Gears and Halo. Love good old platforming, well Nintendo has been making them for years. Though if you just love all genres, Microsoft and Sony's offerings have most of the multiplatforms. And boy are there some gems.

5) Resident Evil: Revelations 2 - A cooperative survival horror game that makes co-op part of the experience instead of just an add-on. While the series is no longer scary and has lost its way, Revelations 2 is a step in the right direction. One player is given your firearm of choice while the other assists him/her. The supporting player can point out weak points, enemy locations and fight back with less lethal weapons. While mileage may vary, especially in single player, the future of the franchise looks bright. - 8/10

4) Rayman Legends - A beautifully realized platformer where the controls are nearly perfect. There are additional features and great level design that set the bar for any platformer. While the character is not recognizable to many, Rayman proves that Mario and Donkey Kong are no longer the kings. - 8.5/10

3) Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Siege - An online only competitive shooter that brings back the classic and gritty feel of early shooters. There may only be one mode (all play too similarly) but the different classes and level design make each match something new and special. It may not have the most solid mechanics but there is not a shooter that is more thrilling.  - 8.5/10

2) Divinity: Original Sin - If you are a fan of tactical turn based strategy games, there is no better time to be alive. You have great hits and series like X-COM, Fire Emblem and more. Divinity: Original Sin is undeniably one of the standouts. It is ridiculously challenging at times but there is more than just moving your units and attacking. You actually have to plan, position and use the elements to create bombs and walls if you want to stand a chance. Of course the odds are rarely in your favour but it would not be much fun if it was. - 9/10

1) The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - The third entry in the open world RPG series is possibly the best. Although it meanders a little, the narrative is powerful and engaging. The combat could use some tweaks to make it more fluid but it has always been about using the appropriate concoctions and signs to fit the situation. Where the Witcher 3 truly shines, however, is with the depiction of the world and its interesting quests. They are layered and even the smallest tidbit feels essential. While side quests have always been relatively bland in open world games, the Witcher 3 finds a way to make every little thing count. - 9.5/10

Notable Future Releases: Mass Effect: Andromeda, Mirror's Edge Catalyst, Nier: Automata

I have talked about the Wii U before. It is a last generation system, in terms of specs, living in a current generation world. Nintendo had a head start releasing a year before the competition but who knows what Nintendo is thinking. Though they are a billion dollar company so what do I know. Still, the Wii U was released to die. Poor marketing, an odd console name and a lack of meaningful games during its first couple years made it hard to recommend. A few years later and Nintendo has given up on the struggling console. We can expect a new console release possibly by the end of the year. With that said, the Wii U might have the best exclusives of any current generation system. Their systems may lack third party support but nobody can argue that Nintendo develops some of the finest games. It is just a little disappointing that the gamepad was not used for anything new and exciting.

5) Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze - A solid and precise co-op platformer that is tough as nails. It may be unforgiving but beautiful vistas and brilliantly designed levels make level completion all the more rewarding. - 8.5/10

4) Captain Toad: Toad Tracker - An action puzzler starring our favourite Mario character, Toad. The game does a good job of giving you just enough to solve each level without being frustrating. - 8.5/10

3) Mario Kart 8 - The arcade racer is back with interesting tracks and those annoying power-ups. It is a little disappointing that the game has not changed much, especially with the addition of hovercrafts, but it is both finely-tuned and chaotic fun. If only those computer racers on 150cc were not so brutal. - 9/10

2) Pikmin 3 - An odd real time strategy game that is equally charming and challenging. The controls still leave something to be desired but there simply is not another game like Pikmin. Some bonus solo, cooperative and competitive modes are the cherry on top. While the campaign itself could have used a co-op option, collecting resources and killing giant creatures never felt so fun. - 9/10

1) Bayonetta 2 - Brought to you by the greatest action hack n slash developer, Platinum. Bayonetta 2 sees some tweaks to its already stellar formula to make it more crisp and fluid. While the narrative is by the numbers and nothing to write home about, there are not many games that give you so much power and control over your character. The bosses could have used some more attention but it is hard to argue with Bayonetta's unique skillset. - 9/10

Notable Future Releases: Star Fox Zero, Zelda Wii

[camjwoo]

Farewell Lionhead Studios and Fable Legends - Schooling Bosses

The great video game developer, Lionhead Studios, is possibly/most definitely closing its doors. A company founded in 1996 and acquired by Microsoft in 2006 is responsible for two fine franchises. Black and White and Fable are undeniably their legacy and it is sad that it has come to this. Peter Molyneux was one of its founders and the face of Lionhead. He promoted each of his game's like they were going to revolutionize the medium. His interviews were often a little dry but they were no doubt intriguing. He loved video games and wanted them to be more. Unfortunately, he also promised and talked about features that he had no idea were going to work. A visionary but not a realist. Despite the empty promises, Black and White and Fable were quality releases that found a way to be unique. Molyneux left to form another team and Lionhead has been reeling ever since.

While Molyneux was on board at the start, Lionhead's only release without him was Fable: The Journey. It was an on-rails Kinect shooter with lacklustre controls and poor design. Gone was what made Fable special in favour of something that felt like a gimmick. Of course Rare, another developer owned by Microsoft, was also making Kinect games. It was clear that the technology and ideas were just not there. A blemish on Lionhead's relatively positive resume but what was next?

Fable Legends was a 4 versus 1 competitive multiplayer game designed for a next generation console. It traded its familiar RPG roots for a growing multiplayer trend. As you can guess, initial reception was relatively poor. Without giving it a chance, it was deemed as something we never asked for. Early trailers and screenshots did show a bright, colourful world filled with the charm the series was known for. At least it looked the part.

With time you hope it grabs people. It did not. The premise was simple. Four people pick out of a batch of heroes with unique abilities. They follow your standard archetypes: healer, tank, assassin and mage. The selling point of Legends was the fifth player. He/She played the villain by placing traps, enemies and bosses on a map. They also casted spells to hinder the heroes and hopefully defeat them. An incredibly hard concept to balance but it could and was good ole fun. The problem, however, was staying power. How did you keep people coming back. Lionhead never quite figured that out.

Now it is hard to disagree with Microsoft's decision to cancel Fable Legends. It used a free to play model that would only survive if it was constantly updated and fair, the game's 4 versus 1 concept was hard to sell and the combat was relatively stale. Fable was never praised for its combat and, while it saw improvements in Legends, it was a little too simple. The villain was interesting but the heroes' gameplay left a lot to be desired. A few attack, defend or heal buttons with cooldowns meant the combat relied on even fewer buttons. The maps were beautiful but not all too different. They felt like small arenas where you were given some freedom. The gameplay was just not there and after 3 years in development (or more), it was a losing battle. The decision to close the studio altogether is surprising but expected.

This generation has seen a ton of companies bite the dust. It is an industry where only the strong survive in the triple A market. Fable Legends was the nail in the coffin for Lionhead Studios. Microsoft invested time and resources but it was clear that it was not going to take off. I am surprised that they were not forced to make Fable 4 as the name carried weight years ago and would have been an easier product to sell. While Fable Legends may have been great in the future, time is never on the developers' side.

[camjwoo]

Round 1! Fight! The Fighting Games of this Generation - Schooling Bosses

With enough current generation fighting video games out on the market, we can finally judge which is the victor and our ultimate saviour. Obviously just a wee bit overdramatic but fighters are all about who is number one. There is no place for second in a genre that demands your utmost attention. There simply is not another video game genre that is more fun to watch and play. While strategy and MOBAs games like League of Legends and Starcraft are no doubt exciting, fighting games are 10-99 seconds a round. There is little fluff as we try to obliterate our foe.

Super Smash Bros Wii U is an odd fighter that mashes all your favourite Nintendo characters together in a surprisingly deep system. It is not as technical as Melee or as clunky as Brawl. The Wii U version is somewhere in-between while committing to a few unique mechanics. Like previous iterations, there are some characters that are leagues above the others. It is made more disappointing when it is easy to recognize which character kits received more love. Competitively, it is not the most entertaining as characters jump all over the screen throwing out attacks but the game revolves around finding an opening. You will see a lot of whiffs to bait the other into attacking. Smash is a very different fighter. There are combos but they are created by situations and character juggles. This leads to some interesting showcases and rather crazy finishers. The Wii U package offers a large cast with a decent amount of single player and multiplayer modes. It is missing an interesting campaign but the unlockables and collectables will keep people coming back for more. Fortunately, the online has been improved and is playable. For people who do not care about the competitive scene and just want to have fun, the maps are truly the star of the show. They are unique and offer spectacular gimmicks that alter what could be a simple fighting game.

Package: B+   Competitive: C+    

Mortal Kombat X is the same old blood filled fighter with disgusting fatalities. While it is known for its gore, NetherRealm Studios has worked hard to make sure there is much more than meets the eye. Each character comes with 3 variations that can change their playstyle completely. Since last year, there have been 8 additions with some fan favourites like Triborg and guest characters like Predator. The game still looks clunky at times but the combo/juggle system is remarkably solid. The netkode (that is right) has also been improved and has rectified this iteration's awful online issues. There is a fun, although disappointing, narrative with your classic single player modes, arcade and ladder. For a little more diversity, there are also modifiers that mix up the standard formula. Combos are easy enough to learn for most characters. It is not the most technical but it is about understanding matchups. Mortal Kombat has always been about weird, dark characters who can teleport all over the screen and throw out some cheap combos and it has not changed here. There are countless 50/50s that lead to a lot of guessing but most characters have them. At times the game can be brutal but the system works.

Package: B+   Competitive: B+

Guilty Gear Xrd is the most prominent anime fighter this current generation. Many have not transitioned from the older generation yet but we can expect many in the near future. This is the first Guilty Gear sequel in quite sometime and it is nice to see one of the kings return. It is not as fast as its predecessors but, out of these bunch of fighters, is the most frantic. Combos are relatively hard to master, especially the longer chains. The great thing about Guilty Gear (and Arc System Works' other fighter, Blazblue), is that each character feels unique. They have unique properties and ways to approach a fight. Essentially, they all come with a special gimmick. There also is not another fighter that has more razzle dazzle. Countles objects and projectiles are flying all over the screen, making blinking an eye a mistake (Marvel Vs. Capcom does do this as well). The online is smooth as silk and the best of any fighter. Guilty Gear does lack in modes but does offer a 4-5 hour dialogue movie if you are interested in the world.

Package: B     Competitive: A

Killer Instinct is a stellar reboot of a nonsensical franchise. Instead of releasing a $60 retail product, they have released a free to play model where you can buy each character individually or by season. Each season comes with 8 or more characters and updates to the game mechanics. Season 1 was safe but solid. Most characters played relatively similarly with some subtle differences. Season 2 reworked the system, making it more fluid and giving more options. It also made improvements to the old cast while making each addition unique. While combos are some of the simplest in a fighting game, each character approaches the game differently. There is still interesting tech but it is about opening up your opponent. Killer Instinct comes with many of the standard modes but it is its training/dojo mode that stands out. It is an excellent way for newcomers to get into not only Killer Instinct but fighters as a whole. Add an incredibly solid online mode and it is hard to complain about Killer Instinct.

Package: B     Competitive: A-

Street Fighter V, the king of fighters, returns with a new but slower system. It is not as flashy as most on this list or even its predecessor. Gone are the 1-frame links in favour of something more lenient. It is too early to tell if Street Fighter V will have staying power but the essence is there. Footsies and mind games are abound with most characters playing somewhat differently. However, there seems to be less tech with many believing we have found what most characters can do. Although it would not be the first time people have said that about a new entry in a fighting game only to find more years later. The major gripe with Street Fighter V is its lack of modes. It will be improved in the future but with no arcade mode and a lacklustre story mode, it depends on the community. The netcode is an improvement over its predecessor but still has its issues. Still, Street Fighter V is a stellar fighter with enough depth and content on the way that it will be hard to see it disappearing in the near future.

Package: C-    Competitive: A-

As you can see, there is not really a best fighter. Different strokes for different folks. Some are faster and more technical while others rely on juggling. It is great to see the genre prospering after it looked like it was going to die a couple generations ago. There are even more fighting games on the horizon like Tekken, King of Fighters and a Pokemon fighter (Pokken). Pick one. Pick them all. Whether you grew up on Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat or another, it is time to pick up an arcade stick and fight!

[camjwoo]

Happy 20th Birthday Pokemon - Schooling Bosses

Pokemon is 20 years old! Boy, does time fly. It was one of the first animes I watched, along with Dragonball Z and Gundam Wing. It was a simpler time where I did not know the difference between the genre and western cartoons. They were simply just cartoons. In Pokemon's case, who did not want to be the very best that no one ever was? There was an entertaining anime with a great theme song and an addicting video game where you could catch them all. It all started in 1996 (a little later here) and we chose between a RED and a BLUE version (GREEN in Japan).

Deep down, we knew BLUE was numero uno. It had a tortoise with cannons coming out of its back. The inferior version had a boring old dragon. In all seriousness, it was the first time I (and I assume others) did extensive research on a video game. Why? Well the two versions had a few different pokemon in each. That is right. Nintendo and the Pokemon Company were already finding ways to sell the game twice, or you had to find the best friends in the world. Do I choose a bug with scythes for hands or another that had a giant pincer on the top of its head? Do I want a fire-breathing fox or lion? It was a tough decision but we made it.

It did not stop there. As soon as we booted up the game, we had to pick a starter. The water type, Squirtle, grass type, Bulbasaur, or the ridiculously popular fire type, Charmander. Then we were free to roam the wilds to catch all 151 Pokemon, train our favourites and defeat the Elite Four. Before becoming the strongest Pokemon trainer, however, we travelled through many caves, oceans and cities to collect badges by defeating gym leaders. Basically, tougher opponents or boss fights. It is an idea that is enticing and can do no wrong. That was the first and only Pokemon game I bought as a child. It was fun and addicting but like many trends, they come and go. I mean the first 151 creatures were pretty unique. Hello Yu-Gi-Oh.

I finally entered the world again with Pokemon Y (and X). The thing is, it has not changed much. There are now over 700 of these creatures frolicking about but the designs of many of them are not all that creative. I am undeniably bias but I am seeing a lot of Mr. Mimes. Like Pokemon BLUE and RED, you start by picking a starter, you travel the world collecting and training and then you finally face the Elite Four. While you expect them to keep the formula, some additions could have paid dividends. Essentially, that special spark is missing.

When you think about the game's recipe, it should be an entertaining masterpiece. It checks all the boxes of a great RPG and the combat is solid enough. You create a team of six that makes up for each others weaknesses. It is a rather large open world with different environments and countless things to do. For whatever reason, however, it feels like a slog. The most glaring issue is that you can approach most battles exactly the same. You can use the same four moves of your favourites and the computer does not adapt. The multiplayer remedies the stale combat but maybe I am missing Pokemon's point. While it sounds a little shallow, a change of scenery could help. Pokemon has been around for 20 years and it is time it put on its big boy/girl pants and joined the home console market. Pokemon would look amazing in high definition and it would be difficult to find someone who disagrees. Still, 20 years is an amazing feat and there are millions of fans. Happy Birthday Pikachu and friends.

[camjwoo]

Street Fighter V and the Underdogs - Schooling Bosses

The premier fighting game is back. Street Fighter IV and all of its expansions have been popular but it was time for a new entry. It is a new generation and we need something that sets the bar once again. Street Fighter V hopes to bring some life into a genre that is becoming more crowded. It is a little slower than the previous iteration but that does not necessarily mean it will be boring. The plan is to make it fun to play for anybody while still being quite technical. It should take months before we fully understand each and every character but, for now, everything looks good. The latest iteration sees the return of some of our favourite combatants mixed with some fresh faces. It is a little disappointing that it is launching with only 16 playable characters but an aggressive DLC (somewhat free) plan will add at least 6 in the first year. Although Blanka and E. Honda are somehow missing from the picture. While it would be easy to talk about the mainstay characters in fighting games, lets talk about some of the unsung heroes. Fighting characters and their popularity are all about presence. It is a visual flair with some hint of their personality through special moves, their intros, their outros and their fighting stance.

You have probably heard "Sonic Boom" somewhere and it comes from no other than the man with a couple flags of the United States on his shoulders, Guile. He has been a Street Figher mainstay since number two and somehow found himself on the shortlist. He will be one of the first downloadable characters, however. While he is not the face of the franchise, he comes with a guarded fighting stance, a theme song that goes well with absolutely everything and some fancy hair. Add some physic bending upside down kick and a taunt where you put on shades (only in SFIV), and you have one of the finest characters in all of gaming. I mean he can create a wind projective with his arms. That may not be exactly what that is but who cares. As he says when he wins, "Go home and be a family man."

The announcer calls out "Noob Saibot" in an ominous voice. A ridiculous name for a ridiculous ninja. Named after the surnames of the creators spelled backwards, he is a ninja dressed in black from Mortal Kombat. The sneakiest of colours for a secret assassin. While he can fight you in melee combat, why would he do his own dirty work? Noob Saibot can send out shadowy clones of himself to punch, kick, throw and charge his opponent to give them a big fat hug. Then they gave him a backstory. The original Sub Zero who lost his way. A tragic past for a tragic hero.

Raphael, from Soul Calibur, is your musketeer stereotype. He spouts fancy words and dances like a butterfly. Imagine a character yelling "No Escape" as he moves left, right, up and down in the 3D arena fighter. It is almost impossible to track his movements. Like a fencer, he lunges, pokes and strikes only when you think it is safe. Too bad it did not save him from the sword the consumes your soul, Soul Edge. Poor Raphael. He journeyed into the abyss to save someone very dear to him only to become a puppet. Unfortunately, he also lost his cheeky but annoying personality in the sequels.

Anime fighters are known for being fast paced and containing ridiculously designed characters. They also follow the genre's many tropes. Guilty Gear is no different. May is a energetic young girl that carries a giant anchor as a weapon. As a pirate, she can also fire a cannon and summon adorable dolphins to destroy her foes. She probably should not be fighting demons, 8 foot muscle-heads and a woman wielding a demon summoning guitar but why not. There are countless likeable characters from anime fighters that deserve their time in the sun but we would be here for days. If you have not given them a chance, you should because you will not find more interesting fighting characters anywhere else.

And last but not least, I had to talk about the King of the Monsters series. It follows the popular Japanese film genre, Kaiju, that has giant monsters demolishing cities or engaging one another. Cyber Woo is a giant robotic King Kong that comes in the oh so fashionable colour, yellow. He also has a classic backstory. A man made machine built for military use. Plot twist! He become self aware, frees himself and saves the world.