Home » Articles and Reviews by 'Shaun Walton'
Naoki Yoshida confirms global release for FFXIV Mobile
I have been writing here for a while now and there have been some good announcements, but none of them mean anything anymore after today! As proclaimed by our lord and saviour, Sir Naoki Yoshida, aka Yoshi-P, Final Fantasy XIV is coming to mobile, so everyone clear your diary and make space on your phones. It has been eleven years since he took the helm of a struggling MMORPG and turned it into a global juggernaut, recently finishing its first story arc. Soon, FFXIV Mobile will be joining the franchise, developed by Lightspeed Studios, and will aim to recreate the story, battles, and overall epicness of the original. As I write this I have FFXIV on in the background, and it must be said th…
Eggy Party grabs the Best Pick Up and Play award at Google Play’s Best of 2024 ceremony
One of the biggest advantages mobile devices have over PC and consoles is the ease of access they provide. You can whip your phone out, have a quick burst on a game, and then throw it out the window when real life beckons. Titles based on this brevity are a big hit, and thanks to Google Play’s Best of 2024 Award, we know the Best Pick Up & Play is Eggy Party. Whilst this award show may not be as prestigious as say, oh I don’t know off the top of my head, the 2024 Pocket Gamer Awards whose voting period is open till the end of November hint hint, is still quite the accolade for Eggy Party to pick up. Especially considering it launched in 2022, it's only getting better with ag…
Hello Kitty is baying for blood as Sanrio returns to Puzzle and Dragons
In the return of one of my favourite collaborations - because the thought of Hello Kitty throwing down with huge mythical beings will always amuse me - Gungho has announced the return of Sanrio to Puzzle & Dragons. Until December you can recruit these adorable creatures, and watch them get chomped by giant beasts - the simple things in life. The Monster Exchange is sporting Sanrio Stock, with the likes of 70s Hello Kitty up for grabs. To earn coins to buy them, you need to complete dungeons such as the Sanrio Characters-Novice. Clearing this will not only get you coins, but also Nova Cinnamoroll, and the chance for enemies to drop Kuromi’s Ribbon, Pompompurin’s Beret Hat, an…
Yolk Heroes: A Long Tamago receives a mobile release date and it can’t come soon enough
I want to get this across very clearly; patience is not one of my virtues. When something interests me I can’t sit still. I have been chomping at the bit to play Yolk Heroes: A Long Tamago since I first heard about it, it has been a long time coming to mobile, and finally, it is within reach. It has been out on Steam since May 2024, but computers really aren’t the platform for a game like this. You ideally want a computer for something like an MMORPG, but Yolk Heroes is a Tamagotchi-inspired affair with idle aspects. In other words, a game you want in your pocket so you can easily visit your new pet. You take on the role of your realm’s Guardian Spirit, a job you aren&rsq…
Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket reveals trading plans and it is bad news
Since launch, Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket has been missing one big feature we were promised: trading. The Operations Team has now shed a little light on how they plan to tackle this mechanic, and it must be said, it might be the worst-case scenario. Before we get into all that, let’s look at some better news. The team have confirmed that there will be new booster packs by the end of the year, and given we are halfway through November, there is not much time to wait. Currently, there is only a selection of 226 from the Genetic Apex, plus a handful of promos. Whilst that does sound like a lot, about a fifth of the 1,000 Pokemon that have been released, you do have to account for t…
Wield one of the game's most remarkable suits as Xaku Prime launches in Warframe
We are in that wildly uncomfortable period now with Warframe after Kourmei and the Five Fates but before 1999 where all we can do is sit around impatiently. Digital Extremes is here to help smooth that transition though, with a new Prime Access, as well as the return of a much-requested feature. Our new and shiny Prime this time will be that amalgamated hotpot of three long-forgotten Warframes; Xaku. Originally this trio of warriors acted as beneficiates of the Entrati family until they were mysteriously lost in the Void. Now they return as one, an anomaly never before seen in the Origin System. There is no other way to put it; Xaku is a menace on the battlefield. They can spew Void Tendri…
Enjoy some plant-based therapy with the release of Dustbunny: Emotion to Plants
One of the most wonderful things about gaming is that whilst they can be, and mostly are incredibly good fun, some can also genuinely help you destress and sort through those pesky feelings. Antientropic is trying its hand at achieving the latter, with the release of Dustbunny: Emotion to Plants. Driven by founder Stella Kim’s own mental struggles during the Coronavirus lockdowns and the help she received, Dustbunny is at its core a therapeutic experience. Of course, don’t rely on video games for all your mental health needs, but you can kick back and enjoy this hotpot of compassion-focused and cognitive-behavioural therapies, weird as its gameplay concept is. You begin by awak…
Rovio is celebrating 15 years of Angry Birds by making everyone wonder if it's only been that long
I am reporting on this for two equally important reasons. One; it is an incredibly important franchise and a massive milestone in mobile gaming history, and two; I am stunned that Angry Birds has only been a thing for 15 years. And yet, this is exactly what Rovio is celebrating; Angry Birds 15th anniversary. It is hard to say exactly which mobile game has had the biggest cultural impact out of Angry Birds, Candy Crush, or the true OG, Snake, but I would say it's our angry avian friends. There have been countless spinoffs of the beloved bird-flinging classic, and even two mediocre movies, with a third reportedly in the works. I say again with incredulity that Angry Birds is marking 15 years…
Genshin Impact Version 5.2 launches later this month with two new Saurians
One of the most annoying parts of Genshin Impact has been the climbing for me. It is an incredibly slow process only made more frustrating by the stamina system. These quibbles are set to be alleviated somewhat this month with the arrival of Version 5.2, Tapestry of Spirit and Flame, and some new ways to explore. In the newest Archon Quest, you will assist Natalan’s Flower-Feather Clan recover from Abyssal contamination alongside the Captain and Iansan. Or, ignore their plight and join Citali and Ororon in Masters of the Night-Wind. Here you will assemble woven scrolls, gather scattered spirits, and whack a few foes. Complete this and earn Primogems and the Calamity of Eshu 4-star swo…
Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel celebrates 1,000 days with 1,000 gems
Despite another certain recently released Poke app taking over the virtual world, we can’t forget about those who have been putting in the leg work for aeons. Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel is celebrating 1,000 days since its launch, and whilst I personally prefer Duel Links, it is still an iconic entry to celebrate. To commemorate entering quadruple digits, players of the legendary game can rack up 1,000 Free Gems by simply logging in before January 9th. You can also get a Pack Ticket to redeem the new Geas of the Light pack. Should you wish to put those gems to immediate effect, you can purchase an anniversary set with themed accessories, a special Duel Field, Card Protectors, and more. Sho…
EA updates its list of doomed mobile games with seven more targets
If you have read a few of my past articles you might think that I will take any chance to bash the way Square Enix treats its mobile portfolio, and you would be right, it is horrendous. Not to be outdone, however, EA has announced quite the streamlining of their mobile games. Already previously announced was the shuttering of The Simpsons: Tapped Out, having already been removed from storefronts on October 31st before eventually closing on January 24th. It is a game that still had a decent player base, and we never got a solid reason why they made this decision, barring a pithy announcement about how it was an “emotional” one. No doubt also a financial one. Let's move onto new,…
Become a chakram-wielding assassin of vengeance as Kurenai releases in Black Desert Mobile
It is time to stalk the shadows with wildly impractical weapons for stealth, as the Kurenai Class is now available on Black Desert Mobile. After assassinating a few targets, be sure to mark your calendars for the 2024 Mobile Calpheon Ball taking place on December 15th. Dubbed The Assassin Seeking Vengeance, Kurenai is a master assassin who wades into the battlefield with the Sah Chakram. With this giant crescent-shaped weapon, you can somehow still zip around the world and eliminate targets with ease, and over quite a wide area, When Kurenai is at 100 or more MP you will activate Crimson Eclipse, granting you increased attack and movement speed, in addition to an immunity to debuffs.…
Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket will be showcased at Outernet London this weekend
With Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket coming out recently I, like a lot of people out there, have been logging in, opening boosters, and trusting in the heart of the cards. To celebrate the release, the Pokemon Company International is hosting an interactive pop-up experience at Outernet London this weekend. To be specific, on November 9th and 10th, you can head to the overrated capital of England for some free Pokefun. To start, you will be able to open a Genetic Apex booster pack on a giant digital screen in the Now Trending space. Whilst it would be cool to pull a shiny, special art on a huge TV, it sounds a little unappealing to be in that public view but hey, free booster pack. If you…
Episode 14 of Arknights launches with four powerful new Operators
Yostar Games has announced the release of Arknights' latest update, and it is bringing with it quite a few gifts. Absolved Will Be the Seekers - a very fancy title it must be said - comes with four new operators to collect, including a six-star medic you can recruit for free, if you put in a little effort. By completing the stages in this update such as the eponymous Hidden Front, and Secret Place, you will start to rack up Emergency Inhibitors. These can be traded at the Strategic Arsenal for a host of valuable items. This includes furniture, Headinghunting Permits, and the 5-star Operator Scene. Our first 6-star Operator is Wiš'adel. Her attacks deal increased ATK against the main…
Halloween isn’t over yet as Netmarble introduces spooky event for Solo Leveling: Arise
It is the day after Halloween, as millions of people around the world are waking up from pumpkin spice hangovers with a full belly of candy. A magical time, and one that Netmarble is looking to keep rolling thanks to the Creepy Pumpkin Festival kicking off in Solo Leveling: Arise. You can enjoy this event until November 21st, giving everyone plenty of time to clear the missions for the Festival Stamp Tour. Do this, and you can earn the Ruler of the Night costume for Min Byung-Gu. You can also nab rewards such as a Spooky Pumpkin and Candy Bar Selection Chest through the Fly! Isla! minigame. Speaking of Isla, Ms Wright is the new dark-type SSR healer you can recruit. She packs quite an effe…
