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Ezreal buffs, Nami nerfs, Shyvanna adjustments, and more

Teamfight Tactics 12.15 official notes (Images via Riot Games)

Teamfight Tactics patch 12.15 will be a rather small one, with Riot Games introducing minor changes to the League of Legends-based board game.

One of the biggest highlights of the update will be the Pool Party Eggs along with the buffs arriving for Ezreal, Kayne, and Twitch.

Teamfight Tactics 12.15 highlights (Image via Riot Games)
Teamfight Tactics 12.15 highlights (Image via Riot Games)

While Shyvanna will be receiving some adjustments this time around, Nami’s about to get hit with a few nerfs. Teamfight Tactics fans looking for a detailed description of the patch can look up Riot’s official website. However, for a brief overview, here are all the major highlights.

Teamfight Tactics 12.15 official notes

Pool Party Eggs in Teamfight Tactics 12.15 (Images via Riot Games)
Pool Party Eggs in Teamfight Tactics 12.15 (Images via Riot Games)

1) Pool Party Eggs

  • Players can now splash in style with five different Umbra variants (Lifeguard, Scuba Shark, Sunkissed, Fruity Smoothie, Little Shark) or the Mythic Summer Splash Ao Shin

2) Large Changes in Teamfight Tactics patch 12.15

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  • Cavalier bonus Armor & Magic Resistance: 35/65/95/125 >>> 35/60/85/110
  • Shimmerscale, Needlessly Big Gem living units needed per 1 gold: 3 >>> 2
  • Shimmerscale, Mogul’s Mail Health per stack: 5 >>> 8
  • Trainer 3 Nomsy Damage increase: +100% >>> +200%
  • Trainer Nomsy Fireball Damage: 100/130/160/200 >>> 85/110/140/175
  • Trainer 3 Nomsy’s Fireball Damage: 200/260/320/400 >>> 255/330/420/525

Units: Tier 1

  • Ezreal Mystic Shot Damage: 175/225/300 >>> 200/250/325
  • Senna Attack Damage: 55 >>> 50
  • Senna Last Embrace base magic Damage: 275/425/600 >>> 300/500/700

Units: Tier 2

  • Kayn Health: 700 >>> 750
  • Kayn Attack Damage: 55 >>> 60
  • Nami Ebb and Flow Damage: 150/200/250 >>> 150/180/210
  • Nami Ebb and Flow Healing: 175/200/225 >>> 170/190/210
  • Twitch Attack Speed: 0.65 >>> 0.7

Units: Tier 3

  • Step two: Lee Sin… lots of him.
  • Step three: Dragonmancer Blessing on your boy.
  • Step four: Jeweled Gauntlet, Infinity Edge, Bloodthirster
  • Step five: Play the song. You know which one I’m talking about. (Hint in Augment section)
  • Lee Sin Attack Speed: 0.7 >>> 0.75
  • Lee Sin Dragon’s Rage Damage: 280/360/480 >>> 295/375/495

Units: Tier 4

  • Corki Big One Attack Damage ratio: 160/200/350% >>> 155/185/400%
  • Xayah Health: 700 >>> 750
  • Xayah Attack Speed: 0.7 >>> 0.75

Units: Tier 5

  • Shyvana’s Flame Breath now always targets the largest clump
  • Shyvana starting Mana nerf: 30/60 >>> 0/60

items

  • Ornn Item, Eternal Winter Attack Speed ​​Slow: 30% >>> 20%
  • Ornn Item, Rocket Propelled Fist Health: 400 >>> 350
  • Gargoyle Stoneplate Armor & Magic Resistance per enemy targeting holder: 18 >>> 16

augmentations

  • Eye of the Storm bonus Ability Power for unit at the center of the board: 40 >>> 45
  • Eye of the Storm bonus Ability Power post lightning strike Ability Power: 120 >>> 135
  • Intercosmic Gifts Orb chance to spawn a second Orb: 50% >>> 100%
  • Intercosmic Gifts Orb drop location shifted slightly higher to make it more noticeable
  • Stand United Attack Damage per active Trait: 2/3/4 >>> 1/2/3

3) Small changes in Teamfight Tactics patch 12.15

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traits

  • Jade percent max Health regeneration: 2/5/8/25% >>> 2/4/8/25%

Units: Tier 1

  • Karma: If Karma’s target dies while Inner Flame is in the air, the projectile will now explode where the target died
  • Karma Inner Flame Damage: 220/300/380 >>> 210/280/350
  • Sett Knuckle Down Attack Damage ratio: 170% >>> 160%

Units: Tier 2

  • Ashe Volley Damage: 125/175/225 >>> 125/175/250

Units: Tier 4

  • Daeja Windblast wave Damage: 300/400/1800 >>> 275/375/1800
  • Shi Oh Yu Jade Form Attack Damage ratio: 265/290/1000% >>> 250/275/1000%
  • Talon Shadow Assault target Stab base magic Damage: 120/200/700 >>> 120/200/1200

Units: Tier 5

  • Ao Shin Lightning Rain Damage: 210/400/2500 >>> 225/400/2500
  • Pyke Death From Below Execute max Health Threshold: 25/33/100% >>> 25/33/1%
  • Pyke Death From Below primary target Damage: 325/450/5000 >>> 325/450/15000
  • Pyke Death From Below secondary target(s) Damage: 150/250/5000 >>> 150/250/15000
  • Yasuo is now invulnerable when performing his execute animation

augmentations

  • Cluttered Mind can now only be offered on 2-1
  • Lategame Specialist: Players no longer have to pick up the gold granted by Lategame Specialist. The gold is now deposited directly into the player’s gold bank once they reach Level 9
  • Reckless Spending can no longer be offered on 2-1

4) Modes

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hyper-roll

  • Damage at round 10-1 has been increased to 30 to match the accelerated late-game damage of Standard and Double Up
  • Shimmerscale Goldmancer’s Staff Ability Power per gold: 3 >>> 4

5) Bug fixes

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  • False crescendo: If Sona’s Ability target is hit by Zephyr, Sona will now pick the next farthest unit instead of waiting for that unit to land
  • Hit a skillshot would ya?: Thresh no longer occasionally fails to cast his Ability if he’s hit by Zephyr
  • Re-tempered Fate: Improved Bard’s accuracy while searching for the largest clump. This change only affects situations where Bard’s enemies were all isolated (all next to empty hexes)
  • Daeja will search in a wider line when searching for the most enemies in a line
  • Frostbite: Verdant Veil will no longer fail to prevent Frozen Heart’s Attack Speed ​​slow on Away boards
  • Star-up VFX indicators will now update more accurately for players with Pandora’s Bench
  • Sy’fen’s bite can no longer still be dodged in specific situations where he was CC’d after his charge while his target had dodge chance items

Players will be quickly introduced to these fixes once Teamfight Tactics patch 12.15 arrives.

Edited by Sijo Samuel Paul

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Technology

New Google Stadia feature called “Party Stream” allows gameplay stream and improves YouTube livestreaming

Google Stadia has improved a lot since launch (Image via Google)

Google’s cloud gaming service, Stadia, has been receiving consistent updates, but even then, there are rumors of it shutting down due to the low number of total users. All the rumors were slashed when the official Twitter account of Stadia tweeted that it’s not shutting down but rather been worked on to bring more games and updates.

@BlueFireDemon44 Stadia is not shutting down. Rest assured we’re always working on bringing more great games to the platform and Stadia Pro. Let us know if you have other questions.

A new update will soon be rolled out to improve the quality of life and the YouTube streaming feature. Currently, to stream through this platform on YouTube, users can only stream one game, and if they wish to switch to another game, they will have to end the stream entirely and start a new one, which is a nuisance. But that has changed.

The latest update to Google Stadia is a godsend to streamers

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YouTube streaming on Google Stadia will be much easier and better once the update is rolled out to everyone. It will allow users to pause their live stream, switch games, and click on “Resume livestream” to continue streaming. This will help streamers retain their viewers as they switch games, which would not have been possible without this update.

Moreover, users can also change the device on which the gameplay is being streamed. For example, users can switch from their desktop to mobile devices on the same stream without ending it.

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Another great feature coming out with the update is called Party Stream, which allows players to stream their gameplay to others in the Stadia party. The party can support up to 10 players where there is no limit on how many members of the party can stream their gameplay while others can be viewers.

This means that nine players can stream in the party with one viewer, or one with nine viewers, although only one stream can be watched at a time.

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The Party Stream feature also has party chat elements like voice chat so that while spectating or streaming, users can continue to chat with everyone at the party, send messages and react with emojis while the streamer will see on-screen notifications of friends entering or leaving the stream, new messages, and the latest reactions.

Google’s cloud streaming service has been receiving important updates, and since its launch, its integrated YouTube streaming feature has added support for 4K and HDR. The new update will be rolled out to all users on all platforms within the week.

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Technology

Why Fortnite is banning many accounts as of August 2022

Fortnite has been banned in Indonesia (Image via Epic Games)

The month of August has seen the banning of many Fortnite accounts. Though the situation seems to be wildering on the surface, it is a serious and complex matter, as the banning of so many accounts pertains to legal issues.

The current issue stems from the fact that several websites have failed to register for new licensing rules in Indonesia. Meta, Amazon, PayPal, Yahoo, Google, Epic Games, and many other companies were also affected by the ban.

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Why Fortnite accounts are getting banned left and right

With the implementation of the new rules, companies were asked to provide data on their users by July 29, which was a little over a week ago. If they failed to do so, then those companies would become unlawful in the country.

This ultimately means that the bans are not coming from Epic Games. Rather, it is a result of the new laws that the company did not follow. Thus, right now, players from Indonesia cannot play the game.

In case you didn’t know. Fortnite is banned in Indonesia for “breaking the law”

Indonesia has been identified as one of the biggest gaming markets in the world, and the country with the largest collective playerbase in Southeast Asia.

These bans are not permanent, though. Once Epic Games adheres to the new laws of the country, the game will be unbanned. It seems highly likely that all Indonesian players will eventually get their Fortnite accounts back.

Other reasons why players might get their Fortnite accounts banned

Epic Games bans accounts in Fortnite for a variety of reasons. Oftentimes, players get caught while cheating, which results in a swift ban. Streamers, for example, have often been caught on stream and have been banned right in front of their audience. Other times, players get banned for being offensive in-game or have been reported too many times.

According to Epic Games, one of the most common ways to get an account banned is by having an offensive name, as they stated:

“Your display name must not contain any of the following: Vulgarity, hate speech, offensive or derogatory language of any kind, direct references to any Epic Games employee, product, service or character.”

Fortnite’s developers tried to lay out a list of what might be constituted as offensive. They continued:

“Diversity in race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, national origin, and other groups.”

Bans are often handed out for various lengths and are usually temporary, but in the case of harsher crimes, the developers have not been shy of handing out permanent bans.

Account bans can vary in length (Image via McCreamy on YouTube)
Account bans can vary in length (Image via McCreamy on YouTube)

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Epic Games reportedly looks at each case thoroughly before determining whether the player deserves a temporary or permanent ban. This makes it hard to know exactly what might constitute a ban.

Thus, it is a good idea to avoid cheating, do anything even remotely offensive, or impersonate a celebrity. If one feels that there is a chance their behavior might get them banned, it is best to avoid it.

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Technology

Asmongold reveals he sent Blizzard Entertainment a message regarding drop chances of certain items in World of Warcraft

Asmongold reads out a message that he sent to Blizzard Entertainment (Image via Sportskeeda)

Twitch star Zack “Asmongold” revealed that he sent a message to Blizzard Entertainment regarding the drop rates of certain items in World of Warcraft.

The streamer is a known completionist and has been hosting mount and rare item collection streams on his alternate Twitch channel.

After being unable to get a rare item called Necroray Egg from an in-game box, Tribute of the Ambitious, Zack stated that he has taken the matter to Blizzard Entertainment and complained about the drop rates of such items.

Asmongold reads out a message he sent to Blizzard Entertainment regarding drop rates in World of Warcraft

The OTK (One True King) co-founder is a vocal critic of the game and does not shy away from providing his opinions on Blizzard Entertainment’s hugely popular MMORPG.

On August 8, Zack was busy farming rare items and mounts on stream. While he was at it, he completed the required activities to get a box called Tribute of the Ambitious, which had a chance to contain a rare mount, Necroray.

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After opening the box and failing to get the mount, Asmongold revealed that he complained about the matter to Blizzard Entertainment and asked his viewers if they were interested in seeing what he wrote to the game developer.

Fans expressed their eagerness, so the streamer opened a word document and began reading the message out loud:

“What is the design goal with the Necroray Eggs that drop from the Maldraxxus calling boxes? Personally, I’ve opened ~170 boxes and received 0 eggs, and while I thought maybe I was having bad luck, I looked online, and there were people who had opened over 300 without seeing a single egg.”

Asmongold claimed that the average player would likely spend a year farming the items in the hopes of acquiring them:

“Assuming the chance of getting an egg is between 1-50 and 1 and 100, an average player would have to spend an entire YEAR farming these callings, assuming equal representation of covenants (anyone serious would be Maldraxxus covenant so they could get the generic ‘complete Maw encounters’ and ‘collect rare items’ etc. callings to reward a Maldraxxus box as well as they are given based on your current covenant) to obtain just one of these eggs, let alone the three that are required to have all the mounts.”

Zack continued by saying that if the low chance of the item dropping was an intended design, he would continue farming them. However, it felt excessive that a player had to work so hard for an item that was merely a recolor of a mount that was released two expansions ago:

“As someone who’s collected every single paragon mount in the game, farming these has to be a dramatic departure from the rest in a generally negative way. Looking at comments on Wowhead, others feel the same. If this is actually the intended design, then so be it! I’ll keep farming lol. However, it seems disproportionate that a reward you need 3x of that’s just a recolor from the 7.3 Argus Ray takes seemingly over 10 times longer to obtain.”

The strong message to Blizzard Entertainment came to an end as Asmongold claimed that he did not want to come off as an angry mount collector and was only expressing legitimate concerns regarding the low chances of obtaining certain rewards:

“I don’t want to come off like a mount collector who’s salty, they didn’t get the drop (I am), but moreso draw attention and ask a legitimate question considering there’s a good chance it might not be intended, given the precedent set by previous paragon box/calling box rewards.”

After reading the message, Asmongold added some final thoughts on the subject:

“I genuinely don’t believe that there was any thinking involved. It’s just thrown in there haphazardly and without really any consideration. You know what another example is? It’s like Blizzard didn’t even know the health of Castle Nathria bosses went up. “

Fans react to Asmongold’s message to Blizzard Entertainment

Fans in the YouTube comment section provided a wide range of opinions, with some stating that the unending grind for items in the game has diminished their desire to play the MMORPG:

Fans react to the streamer's message to the game developers 1/2 (Image via Asmongold Clips/YouTube)
Fans react to the streamer’s message to the game developers 1/2 (Image via Asmongold Clips/YouTube)

Others present the following viewpoints:

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Fans react to the streamer's message to the game developers 2/2 (Image via Asmongold Clips/YouTube)
Fans react to the streamer’s message to the game developers 2/2 (Image via Asmongold Clips/YouTube)

Asmongold is one of the biggest World of Warcraft enthusiasts on Twitch. He has played and streamed the game for more than 6,300 hours on his channel. Apart from WoW, he has also played other titles such as Dark Souls, Elden Ring, Final Fantasy XIV, and Lost Ark.

Edited by Siddharth Satish

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Technology

Asmongold calls out Blizzard for nerfing the much-anticipated dragon flying feature in World of Warcraft

Asmongold criticizes Blizzard for nerfing new Soar ability (Image via Sportskeeda)

Zack “Asmongold”, the highly popular MMO streamer on Twitch, criticized Blizzard for nerfing dragon riding speed in the upcoming World of Warcraft update titled “Dragonflight.” The 30% speed decrease in ability has been a point of contention for much of the playerbase. Some feel that it is a justifiable change while others refuse to believe it is desirable in any way.

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The streamer took a clear stand on the issue by calling out the developers over what he thought was an unnecessary nerf, which impedes the enjoyability factor of the new ability. While reacting to a side-by-side comparison video by a professional World of Warcraft player, he ended up calling the developers stupid:

“Look how stupid Blizzard is.”

Asmongold gives his opinion on the dragon WoW dragon rider nerf

Dragonflight is the much awaited update to the massively popular MMO by Blizzard. With many referring to the new features as one of the best additions to World of Warcraft in a long time, tensions run high as Blizzard continues to update the alpha with new patches.

Blizzard is notorious for making anti-player decisions and has faced massive backlash for many choices in the past. The most recent nerf to Dracthyr’s Soar ability, which used to let players fly at speeds of up to 930%, has reduced the speed to boost by 30%, angering a lot of fans.

This’s about as clear as I can get to help people fully understand the nerf https://t.co/ytKL4AvSTV

Asmongold seemed to be one of them as he reacted to a comparison video by Maximus from the Liquid Guild, which showcased the extent of the nerf. The streamer described the pre-nerf ability as fun and enjoyable, saying:

“This is how fast it used to be. Look at this. Look how cool that is man.”

I have used a few choice words while describing the current way Soar works, calling it lame:

“It’s worse, yeah i know. It’s lame. How cringe.”

Clearly disappointed with the nerf, Asmongold revealed that changes like this have made him question the new update:

“As I said, that change made me lose more, uh, hope for Blizzard with Dragonflight than anything else. Like, if they don’t change that I’m going to expect Dragonflight to be dog a** sh*t.”

Blizzard’s reasoning for the change was that the ability was overpowered because it was exclusive to the Dracthyr race. The developers revealed that their playtest showed no change in fun factor, noting:

“Soar is also a Racial ability, and was never intended to be a massive efficiency or performance improvement over other races… What we’ve found while playing these changes internally is that the speed change didn’t diminish the fun of the locomotion mechanics.”

Maximus, like many other World of Warcaft fans, did not find the reasoning substantial for the nerf, and he made his feelings clear by expressing:

First thing I’ve seen in dragonflight where the reasons given made no sense. I hope it will be reversed as it’s universally disliked.

Reactions to the clip

Fans of Asmongold mostly agreed with the streamer and let out their frustration against Blizzard. One fan, by the name Artixes Pro, commented:

“At this point I’m inclined to believe Blizzard hates good feedback and makes sure it never happens.”

Other YouTube comments showed a similar sentiment, with many remembering previous features that were nerfed by Blizzard. A few even had theories of why the developers were purposefully nerfing things.

YouTube comments about Blizzard's nerf policy (Image via Asmongold Clips/YouTube)
YouTube comments about Blizzard’s nerf policy (Image via Asmongold Clips/YouTube)

A viewer wondered how Blizzard always gets away with cutting content.

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Fans react to Soar nerf (Image via Asmongold Clips/YouTube)
Fans react to Soar nerf (Image via Asmongold Clips/YouTube)

As a veteran World of Warcraft player and content creator, Asmongold has quite a reputation in the MMO community. He has been a vocal critic of Blizzard in the past and has been quite outspoken against changes he does not like.

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Technology

All upcoming PS4 and PS5 games August 2022

PS4 and PS5 games releasing in August 2022 (Image by Sportskeeda)

The PS4 and PS5 are arguably the go-to choices for a majority of the player base. While the consoles are mostly known for their exclusive first-party titles, there are quite a few games that set to release on them.

PlayStation’s last and current generation consoles, PS4 and PS5, have cultivated an extensive library of amazing titles. From blockbuster AAA exclusives like Ghost of Tsushima and Demon Souls to indie hits like Stray and Sifu, players on PS4 and PS5 have always had an extensive choice of amazing work.

While PS4 and PS5 might not have any blockbuster lined up, they still have plenty of amazing titles set to release this month. From AAA like Madden NFL 23 and Saints Row to indie titles with a lot of interest like Rollerdrome, We are OFK, and Cult of the Lamb.

Additionaly, with re-releases and remasters like Pac-Man World Re-Pac, Destroy All Humans 2: Reprobed, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection, the month is going to be quite exciting for PS4 and PS5 players.

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With that being said, let’s take a look at what’s coming in August 2022 for PS4 and PS5.

PS4 and PS5 games releasing in August 2022

  • Frogun (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) – August 2, 2022
  • After Wave: Downfall (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch) – August 4, 2022
  • GigaBash (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC) – August 5, 2022
  • Two Point Campus (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) – August 9, 2022
  • Arcade Paradise (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) – August 11, 2022
  • Cult of the Lamb (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) – August 11, 2022
  • Rumbleverse (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC) – August 11, 2022
  • Rollerdrome (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC) – August 16, 2022
  • Way of the Hunter (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC) – August 16, 2022
  • Dyna Bomb 2 (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch) – August 17, 2022
  • Cursed to Golf (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) – August 18, 2022
  • We are OFK (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) – August 18, 2022
  • Madden NFL 23 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S) – August 19, 2022
  • Madden NFL 23 Past gen Version (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows PC) – August 19, 2022
  • Midnight Fight Express (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) – August 23, 2022
  • Saints Row (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC) – August 23, 2022

The guy who knows a guy who knows a guy, Kevin has got the connections and the skills to get the attention of Santo Ileso. A legend in the kitchen, his secret ingredient is crime. Kev is all about love, not war-unless you cross his friends from him. #SaintsRow #BeYourOwnBoss https://t.co/uUcZvhz4lX

  • Yars: Recharged (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) – August 23, 2022
  • SD Gundam Battle Alliance (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) – August 24, 2022
  • I was a Teenage Exocolonist (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC, Linux, macOS) – August 25, 2022
  • NHRA: Speed ​​For All (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) – August 26, 2022
  • Pac-Man World Re-Pac (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) – August 29, 2022
  • Soul Hackers 2 (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC) – August 29, 2022
  • Destroy All Humans 2: Reprobed (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) – August 30, 2022
  • Dusk Diver 2 (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch) – August 30, 2022
  • Registration (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5) – August 30, 2022
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) – August 30, 2022

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  • Tinykin (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) – August 30, 2022
  • Mondealy (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) – August 31, 2022
  • Phantasy Star Online 2 (PlayStation 4) – August 31, 2022
  • Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis (PlayStation 4) – August 31, 2022
  • Black Skylands (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) – August TBD, 2022
  • Exophobia (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC) – August TBD, 2022
  • Shin-chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation – The Endless Seven-Day Journey (PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch) – August TBD, 2022

It should be noted that while unlikely, the PS4 and PS5 release dates of the above-mentioned titles are subject to change, and as such, should not be considered to be final.

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Technology

5 most anticipated video games releasing in August 2022

The month of August features an impressive line-up of game releases (Images via Deep Silver and Sega)

Some of the most anticipated video games scheduled for release in the latter half of 2022 have unfortunately been pushed to next year due to delays in production. With games like Starfield and Breath of the Wild 2 being pushed to a 2023 release, gamers are hoping that there are no more setbacks for their favorite franchises.

Despite the delays, there are still a host of video games scheduled for release soon. One of the most anticipated titles of the year, God of War Ragnarok, will be released in November. However, the months leading up to it certainly have enough exciting releases of their own, with August being no different.

5 video games releasing in August 2022 that fans can’t wait to get their hands on

1) Saint’s Row

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After a seven-year hiatus, the Saints Row franchise is scheduled to make a comeback with their series reboot releasing on August 23.

Ever since the release of the first game in 2006, Saints Row has developed a legacy as one of the best series in the genre of action-adventure open-world video games. Developed by Volition and published by THQ and Deep Silver, the series follows the adventures of a street gang operating out of the Saints Row district.

The latest entry in the series takes the game to a fictional city called San Ileso that has been split into nine districts controlled by rival gangs. Players will have to work to annex and control these districts and develop illegal businesses, offering an authentic gang-crime experience.

With over a decade of history behind the franchise, Saints Row is one of the most anticipated video games of the entire year.

platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Windows and Stadia.

Model: Paid

2) Soul Hackers 2

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Soul Hackers 2 is the fifth installment in the Devil Summoners series of video games and the direct sequel to 1997’s Devil Summoners: Soul Hackers. Scheduled for worldwide release on August 26, the game has amassed a lot of hype amongst fans of turn-based RPGs.

The Soul Hackers video games seamlessly blend together elements of magic and sci-fi tech, with battles involving parties of four in turn-based combat.

Gameplay mechanics are heavily derived from previous games in the series, with added interactive features, allowing the protagonist, Ringo, to traverse the world and purchase upgrades and cosmetic items.

platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X and Windows.

Model: Paid

3) Rumbleverse

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Rumbleverse is the latest free-to-play multiplayer title from Epic Games. Developed by Iron Galaxy, it is a brawler-style Battle Royale, which combines the two genres to form an extremely promising product.

Rumbleverse features third-person brawler combat where 40 players duke it out to determine the last man standing. The game adheres to all the Battle Royale tropes with looting and scavenging mechanics and a battle pass that grants players cosmetic modifications through in-game currency.

Epic Games has perfected and monetized the Battle Royale genre of video games. Every new release from them has tremendous hype around it, and Rumbleverse is no different.

platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X and Windows.

Model: Free-to-Play

4) Madden NFL 23

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Sports video games generally follow the trend of annual releases, and the Madden series is no different. As one of the longest-running series in all of gaming, fans of the sport always eagerly anticipate the new iteration of the game every year.

Despite the relatively confined demographic of American Football, Madden NFL is one of the most commercially successful video game franchises. The latest iteration of the game includes updated rosters, improved graphics, additional animations, and new features in the iconic Franchise game mode.

The game will be released on August 19 and features John Madden on the cover. The legendary broadcaster passed away in December 2021, making this a brilliant gesture from EA Sports to honor his memory of him.

platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Windows.

Model: Paid

5) Destroy All Humans! 2: Failed

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Scheduled for release on August 30, Destroy All Humans! 2: Reprobed is a sequel to the 2020 remake of the mid-2000s classic video games.

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Set in the 60s against the backdrop of the Cold War, players assume the role of Crypto, an Alien, as it seeks vengeance on the KGB for blowing up its mothership. Developed by Blackforest Games and published by THQ Nordic, the game is an open-world extraterrestrial adventure, delivering hours of entertainment through its refreshingly creative visuals and gameplay.

platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Windows.

Model: Paid

Note: This list is subjective and reflects the writer’s opinions.

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Technology

10 JRPGs to play in August 2022

JRPGs are a popular category of game, but which are the ones to focus on this month? (Image via Square Enix and Bandai Namco)

JRPGs are beloved around the world for their challenging gameplay, rich stories, and unforgettable worlds. It’s a genre that produces amazing video games every year, but the real question is, what JRPGs should fans look to play in August 2022?

As expected, there are thousands to choose from across both modern and retro consoles, as well as PCs. With that in mind, this list is the opinion of a writer with a deep love for JRPGs. Obviously, these picks can vary from player to player, depending on what they are already playing and what they prefer in their games.

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What JRPGs should fans look to play in August 2022

Some readers may notice that there are repeats from the previous month’s list of JRPGs and that’s because those games are still excellent and worth a replay nonetheless. Fortunately, there are plenty of amazing games for players to enjoy in the month of August 2022.

While many of these games are classics from previous consoles, they are all readily accessible on more modern platforms, making them easier to acquire without spending a fortune.

10 JRPGs worth replaying

  • Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
  • Person 4 Golden
  • Dragon Quest 3
  • Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
  • final fantasy x
  • Yakuza: Like a Dragon
  • Star Ocean First Departure R
  • chrono trigger
  • Tales of Vesperia
  • Yakuza 0

10) Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

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Now that Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is fully available on the PlayStation Plus system, it’s a great time to pick it up if fans haven’t already done so in July. It’s the definitive way to play the game, and while it only covers the time spent in Midgar, it’s still a memorable adventure.

Furthermore, the characters from the initial Squaresoft game have more time on screen and have been given more depth and personality. Though the action RPG gameplay was a major adjustment, fans have really taken to it.

With difficult optional encounters and the fun Yuffie DLC, it’s a great time to play this title, making it one of the JRPGs to revisit this month.

9) Final FantasyX

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Though the PlayStation 2 version of Final Fantasy X is heralded as one of the greatest JRPGs of all time, the HD Remake is much easier to pick up and play. It comes with a number of quality-of-life improvements, apart from the enhanced visuals and remastered score.

The innovative turn-based combat returns in Final Fantasy X, and also has the added benefit/challenge of the Expert Sphere Grid. It completely reshapes the sphere grid, allowing players to try various different approaches to the game. On top of that, it also includes FFX-2, making it a two-for-one in JRPGs.

8) Person 4 Golden

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While Persona 5 is one of the best games in the entire franchise, one should never underestimate the power of a good whodunit. Persona 4 Golden is a murder mystery and is available on PC, as well as classic PlayStation consoles.

When it comes to JRPGs, this title is a masterclass in telling tragic stories, even in comparison to other Persona titles. The turn-based combat is crisp, and it is strangely satisfying to assemble a crew of powerful demons to draw power from. All in all, it is a game that genuinely delivers on every level.

7) Dragon Quest 3

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As the godfather of JRPGs, Dragon Quest 1 first came to North America with the name ‘Dragon Warrior’ in August 1989. With that in mind, why not play one of the greatest Dragon Quest games of all time, DQ3? It’s available on mobile devices as well as the Nintendo Switch, and brings a ton of challenges and sharp gameplay with it.

The port has updated graphics and allows players to experience a classic NES RPG anywhere they go. Players control the son of the legendary Ortega and must take up after their father to seal away an evil force once and for all.

Players have great customization options in picking whatever kind of party they want, from Wizards and Soldiers, to Goof-offs and Merchants. It’s an amazing game and still holds up decades later.

6) Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

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Though not traditional in terms of JRPGs, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a Metroidvania/Action RPG from the creator of Castlevania. Legendary producer Koji Igarashi (IGA) developed the game himself and crafted a ‘Metroidvania’ that is absolutely worth exploring.

The visuals are sharp and dark, and are paired with a fantastic musical score. Players explore a vast castle akin to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, defeating enemies to collect Shards that grant a variety of useful demon powers. It also comes with several built-in optional modes and characters, such as the Randomizer mode.

5) Yakuza: Like a Dragon

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Yakuza: Like a Dragon is still worth a play, as it is considered one of the greatest games in the entire Yakuza catalog. As Ichiban Kasuga’s first outing as the main protagonist, the shift to a turn-based RPG was one that was initially controversial. That said, it was received positively by critics and fans alike.

Not even counting the main story, it has tons of side quests to take on, mini-games to play, and one of the better collections of karaoke songs to play when it comes to Yakuza.

4) Star Ocean: First Departure R

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Interestingly, Star Ocean 1 is a game so good that it has been remade multiple times. Though it can be found on the PSP, alongside a remake of Star Ocean 2, Star Ocean: First Departure R was later ported to the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.

It’s a game that many JRPG players may have missed out on, and has become more accessible than ever. It tells a classic story that blends futuristic technology with fantasy characters and races, with excellent action-based combat.

Star Ocean is a classic franchise, and it’s a great time to take a trip back in time to where it all began.

3)Chrono Trigger

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It’s not a controversial statement to say that Chrono Trigger is one of the greatest JRPGs of all time. The classic Squaresoft RPG from the ‘Dream Team’ (consisting of legends Akira Toriyama, Hironobu Sakaguchi, and Yuji Horii) is truly an exceptional game. Though it’s not a cheap game to buy for the SNES, it’s also available on the Nintendo DS and more recently, mobile and Steam releases.

Though the Steam release did not start off as an enjoyable playthrough, it was updated and fixed, making it worth a try here in August 2022. With 10+ endings, a beautiful score, and top-notch gameplay, there’s never a bad time to play Chrono Trigger.

2) Tales of Vesperia

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For this writer’s money, the best game in the Tales franchise, Tales of Vesperia is a must-play. Originally released in the United States on the Xbox 360, it was remastered and given a Definitive Edition on more modern consoles.

The story of these unlikely heroes coming together to form the Brave Vesperia guild and trying to save the world is a unique one in the Tales franchise, without a doubt. It also has one of the best JRPG characters ever, in the very good dog Repede.

1) Yakuza 0

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While the latest Yakuza game is the beginning of Kasuga Ichiban’s career as the main protagonist, Yakuza 0 is the beginning of Kiryu Kazuma’s. A prologue‍ to the Yakuza franchise, the title is set in the late 1980s. It features some of the best music tracks, side quests, and antagonists in the Yakuza franchise as a whole.

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It displays a fantastic view of late 80s Japan, during the economic boom that the country experienced at the time. It also gave players the first chance to really experience Goro Majima’s story, and see what shaped him into the man he would become.

There will never be a shortage of exceptional JRPGs to play. For the month of August 2022, this is just one writer’s selection of some games that are sure to not disappoint, no matter how many times they are played.

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Technology

League of Legends player discovers fake Q animation for Space Groove Blitzcrank, calls it “pay-to-win abuse”

A League of Legends player has found an unusual way to fool enemies with the use of Space Groove Blitzcrank’s taunts (Image via League of Legends)

League of Legends might be having a bit of an issue with its competitive health as a player seems to have discovered a game-breaking exploit on one of Blitzcrank’s skins.

The cosmetic in question is the Space Groove skin. A Blitzcrank player has found an exploit where it has a fake Q animation, and opponents seem to be getting “juked” because of it.

Blitzcrank’s Q is one of the most powerful support abilities in the game, and grabbing the intended champion with it can easily turn the tides in his favor.

The ability also grants him a fair bit of lane presence and pressure. Hence, during the early stages of the game, players are quite weary of the grab and seek to avoid it at all costs.

However, as seen in a recent Reddit post, the Space Groove Blitzcrank seems to have a game-breaking exploit. The player is able to fake the animation with it, making the opponent juke the ability and waste resources like mana and Flash in the process.

Is Space Groove Blitzcrank a “pay-to-win” cosmetic in League of Legends?

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Over the years, the League of Legends community has found many cosmetic exploits that made this particular skin have a “pay-to-win” gimmick built into it, even though it was not something Riot Games intended.

One such notorious skin was another Blitzcrank cosmetic called iBlitz, whose Q grab animation was visually one of the hardest to deal with.

In the case of Space Groove, however, the player was able to fake the animation start-up itself by using the Ctrl-4 hotkey to perform the action. The animation showed him stretching his left hand, while the Q ability made him stretch his right.

To a player who is unaware, the fake would look like Blitzcrank is actually going to use the grab ability, making them juke it as soon as they see the animation begin.

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In the Reddit upload, one can clearly see how the Blitzcrank player was able to get a flash out of the enemy Ezreal by continuously faking the Q animation.

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Many in the post have called out Riot Games, telling them that players’ ability to exploit the Space Groove skin like this hampers the competitive integrity of the game.

Animation fakes should not be allowed in a title like League of Legends, and it seems the exploit just makes the skin a “pay-to-win” cosmetic. Hopefully, Riot Games will be looking to add a fix to this issue in future updates.

Edited by Rachel Syiemlieh

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Technology

How to get Cured Armu Sirloin in Xenoblade Chronicles 3

A regular Armu in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (Image via Nintendo)

Cooking is one of many mechanics in Xenoblade Chronicles 3, and players can collect various food items for their recipes as they move along on their journey. One such item is Cured Armu Sirloin, which can be found from Armu, the female counterparts of the Ardun.

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Cured Armu Sirloin should be fairly easy to procure in Xenoblade Chronicles 3. However, some players may not have paid much attention to cooking in the past and may be looking to catch up and find the food items for themselves. Below, players can find a quick guide to procuring Cured Armu Sirloin for their cooking needs.

Collecting Cured Armu Sirloin in Xenoblade Chronicles 3

The Llyn Nyddwr Camp is a great place to hunt Armu in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (Image via Nintendo)
The Llyn Nyddwr Camp is a great place to hunt Armu in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (Image via Nintendo)

Before Xenoblade Chronicles 3 players can harvest meat from Armu, they’ll need to ensure that they’ve reached the second chapter of the story. This will unlock the Fornis Region, which comes complete with various areas where different creatures roam. One such area, Ribbi Flats, is a perfect location to hunt down Armu for their cured meat.

Finding and collecting Cured Armu Sirloin

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  1. For quick access to Armu, head to the Llyn Nyddwr rest camp in the Fornis Region. Right around the area, players should find a large number of Armu roaming the locale along with other creatures.
  2. Players can recognize the Armu by their distinct lack of horns compared to the Ardun. Their heads are more platelike in appearance, and they are also smaller in size compared to their male counterparts.
  3. Kill the Armu. These enemies are particularly low level (level 18), so they shouldn’t be tough to take down and should drop fairly quickly. Since Cured Armu Sirloin is a common drop, most Armu players kill should drop the food item.
  4. Once the Armu in the area have been cleared out, players can use their fast travel to return to the campfire at Llyn Nyddwr. Doing so will refresh the local wildlife, allowing Xenoblade Chronicles 3 players to continue farming the Armu as much as they need until they have all the sirloin they can carry.

In addition to being used in cooking, Cured Armu Sirloin is also quite handy with regard to Collectopaedia Cards. If players have some left over after their farming excursion, they may want to save the cured sirloin for the Collectopaedia. Otherwise, players can also always return to the Fornis Region and take down the Armu for additional sirloins if necessary. As long as players refresh the area with fast travel, they’ll never run out of Armu to defeat and loot.

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It’s also important to note that many other food drops in-game can be given a very similar treatment. Simply clear out an area of ​​a certain enemy, collect their drops, then fast travel back to the nearest rest point to respawn the creatures. It then simply becomes a process of lather, rinse, and repeat until players have the items they require.

Edited by Siddharth Satish

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