Geekly Review #165

The first week back to work since the Christmas and New Year break and it’s been tough. So tough in fact that Will has gone to Thailand for a few weeks to get a little bit more chilled. So with that it’ll just me mumbling this week.

Shenmue HD / Shenmue Remaster gossip warms up

It’s been nearly 2 years since the earth shattering announcement of Shenmue 3 at E3 2015. And since that very moment fans have been speculating, pestering and demanding that SEGA re-release Shenmue 1 & 2 in any capacity, be it straight ports to PSN / XboxLive or remastered copies. Well last week, SEGA registered a few domains in Europe such as ShenmueHD.com.

It seems SEGA Europe has registered a domain name called “Shenmuehd.com”. In fact, they’re mentioned directly as “Sega Europe Ltd.” If there’s one thing past experiences have taught us here on TSSZ, it’s that a domain registration is not only very accurate with SEGA projects, but it usually means that that SEGA project is very close to being unveiled.

Now it could be nothing, it could just be SEGA keeping those domains to frustrate us further. Or it could be something, something that fans of the series have been wanting for ages. It’d make sense too, with Shenmue 3 rumoured to be released at the end of this year (I can’t see that myself), SEGA can capitalize on this hype with the release of the first installments of this beloved series. It’d benefit all, helping Shenmue 3 with potential new fans if they get their hands on the first 2 and enjoy them. Here’s hoping it’s true, and specifically for me, here’s hoping they release physically.

PS4 sells 6.2m PS4 during holiday 2016

Title say’s it all really, Sony’s PlayStation 4 had an absolute beastly holiday season selling through 6.2m consoles during the season, taking their total tally to 53.4m sold. It is currently out pacing the PS2 at the same stage of it’s life which is simply astonishing. Along with those figures, Sony also announced that Uncharted 4 has sold 8.7m copies since launch which is also pretty incredible. Can only see 2017 continuing that trend as a PS4 Slim price drop is to be expected, and PS4 Pro price drop likely to combat Microsoft’s “Project Scorpio”. Will be interesting to see if any moves will be made during the launch of Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Switch Reveal This Week

Speaking of Nintendo Switch, Nintendo will reveal all at the end of this week in a special Switch reveal, followed by a treehouse event that they’ve become famous for at their E3 shows. We’re only speculating what will be shown, but launch date, price, launch titles all seem to be likely.

Whatever the case, Nvidia CEO is very positive about what we’ll be seeing:

Huang: Nintendo Switch is a game console. It’s very Nintendo. That entire experience is going to be very Nintendo. The beauty of that company, the craft of that company, the philosophy of that company—they’re myopically, singularly focused on making sure that the gaming experience is amazing, surprising, and safe for young people, for children. Their dedication to their craft, that singular dedication, is quite admirable. When you guys all see Switch, I believe people are going to be blown away, quite frankly. It’s really delightful. But it has nothing to do with AI.

 

WWE2k17

As for what I’ve been playing as of late, Well I’ve had a sudden resurgence to play WWE2k17. Been playing my own universe mode and telling my own tales with the roster. I’ve kept the brand splint as to how it is on TV for the most part. In the build up to Survivor Series I’ve called up Nakamura and Samoa Joe to Smackdown’s roster. I’ve also had NXT sign Adam Cole (downloaded CAW) and now he, Andrade, Roode & Hero are the main 4 for the NXT title, with Roode the current champion. Cesaro cashed in on Braun Strowman at the end of Summerslam to take the WWE Universal Championship, while Ambrose took the WWE title from The Miz also at Smackdown. I’ve got ideas ready for Survivor Series all the way to Wrestlemania for both brands with Royal Rumble also playing a huge part.

Far Cry Primal

As mentioned from last week, I’m going through Christmas games, and i’m still tackling Far Cry Primal. I’ve recently unlocked the ability to ride mammoths, sabre tooth tigers and bears. Holy shit. It changes the game completely. Storming into enemy camps and fire points riding a rampaging mammoth is absolutely incredible fun. it’s made the game a little easier as some of the camps were getting pretty tough. I’ve got the wenja tribe over 100 people now, with the majority of the characters you’re meant to bring back to your settlement unlocked and with me. Still currently enjoying this game alot, but the riding animals ability unlock has completely changed the way I play this game now, probably for the better and I’m enjoying it even more.

– Murr