Monthly Archives: December 2015
New Hero, Items, and More Coming to Dota 2
Dota 2's end-of-year update is finally here, bringing it with it the new hero Arc Warden.
Arc Warden has been one of only two remaining heroes from the original Defense of the Ancients yet make it to the sequel. The hero opts for the indirect approach, duplicating itself (and its items), as well as buffing allies, and harassing opponents. His counterpart, Abyssal Underlord, had been rumored as the game's next addition since as early as The International 2015 Dota 2 championship making Arc Warden's sudden inclusion something of a surprise.
Update 6.86, a.k.a. the Balance of Power update, offers much more than just a new hero, however. Besides the seasonal balance changes the update adds new competitive items, a desert terrain skin with a corresponding music pack, updated player statistics, and a great deal more.
2,295 Things Nintendo Put in Smash Bros. Wii U, 3DS
At the end of today’s Nintendo Direct, Nintendo detailed just how much content will be in Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS when all is said and done.
New content for the game is currently scheduled through February 2016 and accounts for everything that will be released for Smash Bros. on both systems, director Masahiro Sakurai said.
According to Sakurai, by the time all of that content is released, Smash Bros. will boast the following:
Ryu, Roy Amiibo Release Date Announced
During a Nintendo Direct today, Nintendo announced that the next wave of Smash Bros. amiibo – Ryu, Roy, and ROB with Famicom colors – will arrive in the United States on March 18, 2016.
No details on store exclusivity, if any, were revealed.
Nintendo previously confirmed that every Smash Bros. fighter will get an amiibo, but in case you were concerned, the Direct also made it clear that Cloud and the recently-announced Bayonetta and Corrin will also get the amiibo treatment in the future.
Earlier this year, Nintendo revealed that more than 20 million amiibo have been sold worldwide.
Bayonetta Headed to Smash Bros Wii U, 3DS
During a Nintendo Direct broadcast today, Nintendo confirmed that Bayonetta is headed to Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS as a playable fighter.
Costumes will be available to give Bayonetta her longer-haired look from the original game, or her short hair from Bayonetta 2.
Bayonetta will come along with the Umbra Clock Tower stage and will be available for $5.99 individually on 3DS or Wii U, or for $6.99 as a bundle for both systems. On Wii U, she’ll also come along with new music tracks. Nintendo is currently targeting a February 2016 release date.
Nintendo added that Bayonetta was the overall number one choice in the Smash Bros. character poll conducted earlier this year.
Mario RPG, Sonic Characters Get Smash Bros Mii Fighter Outfits
During a Nintendo Direct broadcast today, Nintendo revealed the last batch of Mii Fighter outfits headed to Smash Bros.
The following outfits were announced:
- Geno outfit from Super Mario RPG (for Mii Gunner) -- launching today
- Chocobo hat from Final Fantasy (hat for all Mii Fighters) -- launching today
- Bionic Armor outfit (for Mii Brawler) -- launching February 2016
- Takamaru outfit from Mysterious Murasame Castle (for male Mii Swordfighter) -- launching February 2016
Cloud Comes To Smash Bros 3DS, Wii U Today
Nintendo has revealed that Final Fantasy VII hero Cloud Strife will be available for Smash Bros. on Wii U and 3DS starting today.
During a Nintendo Direct broadcast, director Masahiro Sakurai confirmed that players can buy Cloud in a few hours, but advised that there may be delays if the eShop gets overwhelmed by demand.
Players can purchase Cloud (as well as a new stage based on Midgar) for $5.99 individually on Wii U or 3DS, or for $6.99 as a bundle for both systems.
Cloud was first announced for Smash Bros. in a Nintendo Direct broadcast in November. Final Fantasy VII was re-released on PlayStation 4 earlier this month and we recently learned that its HD console remake will be available as a multi-part series.
Fire Emblem’s Corrin Joins Smash Bros Wii U, 3DS
During a Nintendo Direct today, Nintendo confirmed that Corrin from Fire Emblem Fates will join the Smash Bros. Wii U and 3DS roster as a playable fighter.
As with Robin and Wii Fit Trainer, Corrin will have male and female versions available for players.
An additional stage will not be added along with Corrin, but players who purchase the character on Wii U will receive two new Fire Emblem music tracks, while 3DS players will get Ryoma and Xander trophies.
Nintendo is targeting a February 2016 launch for Corrin, who will be available for $4.99 individually on Wii U or 3DS, or for $5.99 as a bundle for both systems.
Apple iPad Air 3 Rumored to Launch in 2016, Won’t Have 3D Touch
Apple's next iteration of the iPad Air, currently being called the "iPad Air 3," may be revealed next year, if a new report from KGI Securities' Ming-Chi Kou is to be believed.
According to 9to5Mac, Kou's notes state that the 9.7-inch iPad will debut within the first half of 2016, and we might get our first official look at it during an Apple event in March. This would be the same event that's supposed to reveal the Apple Watch 2 and a 4-inch iPhone 6c.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: Kurt Russell Up for Role of Star-Lord’s Dad
Kurt Russell is reportedly the top choice for a big role in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
The Wrap cites multiple sources claiming the star of Hateful Eight is director James Gunn's top pick to play the father of Peter Quill (Chris Pratt). However, Russell hasn't been offered the part nor has he read the script. Meetings are said to be taking place soon.
Guardians 2 will bring back the cast of the first film, along with newcomer Pom Klementieff. The casting of Star-Lord's father was heavily hinted in the first film, which made a point of his alien heritage. Production is set to begin next year, with a release date slated for May 5, 2017.
Minetoys Turns Your Minecraft Avatar Into Flash Drives
Flash drives are getting some voxel-based style from Minetoys, a Minecraft merchandiser that has partnered with FabZat and Minefield to create 3D-printed figures that you can model after your own Minecraft avatar.
Through Minetoy's website, you can upload your personal avatar by either uploading a skin or entering your Minecraft account's username. Since it's not affiliated with Mojang, Minetoys can't offer selections like endermen or creepers, but can do just about any custom skin you can think of. See the gallery below for some examples of its work:
The figures come in multiple shapes and sizes, including different poses, a larger king size and as 8GB USB flash drives. You can browse Minetoys' uploaded gallery for pre-made skins if you don't have one, which includes characters like Ash Ketchum and Iron Man.