Hitman (Intro Pack Review)

Hitman's newest chapter in the acclaimed blockbuster series of creative stealth action games – featuring the world’s ultimate assassin in the prime of his career: Agent 47. You will enter a live and ever-expanding world of assassination. A digital experience that will continue to grow, deepen and evolve over time, where players perform contract hits on powerful, high profile targets in exotic locations around the world.

Broforce Review

When evil threatens the world, the world calls on Broforce - an under-funded, over-powered paramilitary organization dealing exclusively in excessive force. Brace your loins with up to four players to run ‘n’ gun as dozens of different bros and eliminate the opposing terrorist forces that threaten our way of life.

Lenni Reviews: Goldenfire by A. F. E. Smith

(Image Source)

**Warning: This review may contain spoilers for book one; "Darkhaven" reviewed here.**

In this sequel to "Darkhaven," Ayla Nightshade is adjusting to being the new overlord of Mirrorvale, and being able to freely transform into her changer self; a fire-winged alicorn. She also has settled into her relationship with Tomas Caraway; the infamous Breakblade who is now a hero for saving Ayla's life in the first book. The conflict here is an assassin has been sent to kill Ayla and the secret that pistols can harm changers has managed to leak from the walls of Mirrorvale. Since Tomas is currently accepting new recruits into the Helm, the assassin could be among them.

Like the first book, this story revolves around the hunt for the true identity of a killer. Despite the repeated theme, the tension, character development, and pacing are well worth the read. In this second installment, we learn more about the cities surrounding Mirrorvale, the nature of changers, and the impact of guns being introduced into a fantastical, steampunkish (because there's airships and airships = steampunk, apparently). In addition, many books in a series get sappy and annoying when the romantic interests finally pair off but not here. The relationship between Ayla and Tomas is there but it doesn't take over or drag down the plot. It was refreshing to see the couple still retain their individuality, face conflict in their relationship, yet still remain a united force.

When the assassin is revealed and everything is wrapped up, it feels satisfying for the journey is took to get there. Each character's weaknesses and strengths are faced with grace in a well-built fantasy world and the concepts brought forth - such as the use of alchemy - leave the potential for interesting story avenues in the future. If there is a third novel in this series; I look forward to reading it.

If you like detailed world-building, fantasy creatures, and intriguing assassination plots, you will enjoy this book.

“Check out Lenni’s site at atthequillsmercy.com”

Brother's Conflict Review

The harem and the reverse herem genre have been a hit or miss lately for me. There are some stories out there that I have seen that have same premise and same stock characters. Girl or guy gets put into a situation where he or she gets fondled over and the competition for the affection of the main protagonist. Usually the ones that I have seen are in a school setting. However, with Brother's Conflict, the premise is different which I greatly appreciated.

Warning: May be some minor spoilers except for the ending.

Synopsis: A girl named Ema lives with her father and her father is getting remarried to another woman. Now Ema will have 13 step-brothers that she's moving in with which causes her new family a new outlook of their lives. Each of the 13 brothers are in love with Ema, some more than others. It doesn't help that three of the brothers are in school with her and already had a crush on her before being a part of the family.

Yes. This reverse harem has family members involved. I have to admit, after the first episode, I had to remember that Ema was being assimilated into the family when certain scenes went down (aka when Tsubaki is on the screen). The dynamics between the brothers are so good and for a 13 episode show, you can see each brothers' personalities without rushing. You can also tell when each brother fell in love with Ema and see their change of character in each episode. Ema helps with the brothers' character development and even though you can argue that Ema is a cliché character, there is a twist that makes her change within the last episodes. It made me emotional and I can understand the emotions Ema goes through which makes me more attached to her than other reverse harem protagonists.

The banter between Julie, a squirrel who is Ema's guardian, and all the other brothers and her are great. Julie does not like any of the brothers except for a couple and he is so protective of Ema that is funny and endearing at the same time. You'll learn earlier on why he is so protective which makes scenes with him and Ema too cute.

Music: The opening Beloved X Survival is one of my favorite anime openings. Its so catchy and the music in between scenes was great as well.

Animation: The animation was amazing and I love the bright colors and pastel pallet. It made me pay attention to everything and made me happy while I was walking.  

Voice Acting: The dub of the show is good. In some spots I was not expecting to use that type of voice and I couldn't figure out who was playing certain people until I looked at the credits. Collen Clinkenbeard was amazing as Ema and I did not know it was her. Bryce Papenbrooke and Matthew Mercer surprised me as well and Josh Grelle playing Azuza was great. Every voice actor in the show did a great job and really brought out each personality.

Overall Grade B+: I recommend this to anyone who loves the harem genre and likes certain twists. Its a good story and you'll be surprised that there are different definitions of love when watching this story.

Anime Rules!!!!!!

Psycho Pass:The Movie (Review)

Four years (2116AD) after the death of Shogo Makishima and the disappearance of Shinya Kōgami, the Japanese government has begun to export the Sibyl System technology to other countries, with plans to ultimately spread it throughout the world.

Psycho Pass: The Movie proves that there is a reason this franchise has been so popular these past five years. It's has great cases, storytelling and cyberpunk atmosphere can be compared to the legendary Ghost in The Shell. As stated in the synopsis above the Sibyl System has begun to reach other countries. This system is charged with keeping the peace. It uses extensive surveillance and biological monitoring to gauge the likelihood that individuals will commit a crime. The police use weapons called "Dominators" that is able to eliminate potential criminals before they act. However when Japan begins to spread the Sibyl System a group of terrorist called Seaun attack. This brings Inspector Akane Tsunemori on the job. Akane travels to Shambhala Float where the terrorists are seem to be hiding. Here she encounters an old ally Shinya Kogami but who side is he on.

Psycho Pass: The Movie is a fun, action packed ride with great set pieces. It also has a few heart warming scenes to make you feel for the people outside of Japan. One of my favorite scenes in the film is when Akane arrives at Shambhala Float. As she is being taken to where she will stay, she sees poverty, military martial law and collars attach to people who are labeled criminals. The Sibyl System has arrived but not fully yet, so the Shambhala Float government uses their own means to deal with people. This naturally raises suspicion for Akane as she begins her investigation on not just the terrorist group but the government itself. Akane is a great protagonist to watch on screen. She is strong, stubborn but at the same time vulnerable in her moments alone. One thing I wish was explored more was that alone feeling she shows a little bit when her friend announces her marriage. She then goes home and you see taken a shower and then just sitting on the couch thinking about life. She thinks about maybe what could've been if she took another path. It's these quiet but brief moments that made me connect with her character. She also has a great chemistry with her former ally Shinya Kogami.

Fans will enjoy the different ideals that go back and forth between the two characters. One character is about order and doing what needs to be done. The other doesn't agree with the system and with the amount screentime both characters get its great to see that element. Overall the story is great but if you never seen the show you might be confused. The movie doesn't spend time to explain much of the already established world. Side characters that have development on the show don't really get much screentime. If you haven't watched the show be prepared to ask who is that person or what is that weapon.

The voice acting is great in both English and Japanese dub. Kate Oxley is wonderful as Akane and Robert McCollum plays a very driven but complex Shinya Kogami. As far as action goes the best scene are with a group of mercenaries. The scenes with then on screen is brutal and had me saying okay he's dead already stop stabbing him. If you want a good cyberpunk time check out Psycho Pass : The Movie which hits theaters for 2 days only on March 14th and 15th.

Final Grade 8.0/10: B-

HITMAN Begins Today

Io-Interactive is delighted to announce that HITMAN™, the first digital AAA episodic game launched today.

“We are doing something bold and new which has the potential to shape how we experience AAA games in the future, ,” said Hannes Seifert, Studio Head at Io-Interactive. “Hitman is back and it’s clearly the game many fans have been waiting for, so that feels pretty special. And this is just the start, now our live content begins and then in April we head to Sapienza. We have a game that will evolve, grow and improve over time and deliver the best ever Hitman experience.”

HITMAN starts with the Prologue and a Paris location on March 11, followed by the next location, set in Italy releasing in April and then Morocco releasing in May. From there HITMAN will deliver regular monthly content updates, including three additional locations; Thailand, the United States and the season conclusion in Japan later in 2016.

In addition live content begins today.

The first Escalation Contract is in the game today, with the next one scheduled for Tuesday 16 March. These are in-game contracts created by Io-Interactive which gradually increase in difficulty the more you play them.

And the first Elusive Target will appear in the game at some point in the next ten days. These are targets who appear for a limited time only, the first one will be live for 48 hours in the game. And players get only one chance to take them out, there are no second chances. This is a new character with bespoke dialogue and behavior in the game. Players will only receive their Elusive Target briefing once the new character has entered their location.  

The Intro Pack is available today priced at $15 (or local equivalent). Each subsequent location will be priced at $10 as an add-on item to the Intro Pack*. Alternatively, players can buy the Full Experience up front for $60, also available today. This includes all of this year’s content as it’s released, and guarantees not to miss any live or bonus content.

The disc version of HITMAN will ship in January 2017.

HITMAN is available on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Windows PC.

First look: Spider Women, Silk, and Spider Gwen

Image Credit: Marvel

Press Release

The Spider-Event of 2016 is here! This April, Silk, Spider-Woman and Spider-Gwen unite for a story too big for any one of their titles to contain! Today, Marvel is pleased to present your first look at SPIDER-WOMEN ALPHA #1 – kicking off the epic 8-part universe hopping crossover!

Blockbuster writers Jason Latour, Dennis Hopeless and Robbie Thompson are joined by a dazzling array of artists, including Vanesa Del Rey, Bengal, Javier Rodriguez, Tana Ford and more to bring you a story you won’t want to miss!

A routine trip to Earth-65 to visit Spider-Gwen turns into a nightmare as Silk and Spider-Woman find themselves trapped on Gwen’s alternate Earth! And they’re not alone! The villainous organization S.I.L.K. is on their tails, and they’re dead set on using these interdimensional interlopers for their own gains. Now, it’s a race against time to get home in one piece! But while these Spider-Women struggle to find their way back, who’s keeping an eye on their universe? Plus – Cindy Moon comes face-to-face with her Earth-65 counterpart!

Don’t miss one minute of the excitement as these three wallcrawling warrior women swing into action in SPIDER-WOMEN ALPHA #1 this April!