Latest news with #Digimon
Geek Culture
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Culture
‘Digimon Story: Time Stranger' Embraces Olympos XII Focus With Digi-Ride Feature & Travel Between Worlds
The vast evolution (pun intended) of the Digimon franchise makes it easy to forget its humble roots as a series of virtual pets, intended as an alternative to Tamagotchi, especially as it started to branch out into a harder-edged style and darker narratives as development progressed over time. But its momentum in the gaming space wouldn't have reached current heights without Digital World , originally released in Japan in 1999, then a year later in the Western world. Boasting a fair share of antiquated quirks and jank, the adventure wouldn't be a good fit for modern audiences, and yet, there's something to be said about its willingness to explore uncharted territory. After all, it was this spirit of experimentation that turned the title into a subseries and kicked off other offshoots, including the Digimon Story games, which have built a reputation for non-linear Digivolution, monster collection, and, more recently, mature storytelling elements. Making a highly anticipated return to the role-playing game (RPG) space is Digimon Story: Time Stranger , coming eight years after Hacker's Memory . The first entry in the series on Xbox and debuting an official English dub, it continues to flesh out established lore across the wide-spanning universe, while tapping into existing elements woven into its core identity. For starters, Olympos XII is now at the front and centre of the upcoming jaunt, allowing the team at to weave a distinctive, fairy tale-flavoured look into the Digital World (or Digi-World), a parallel reality where the Digimon live. 'For this new game, we focused on Olympos XII, so Digimon will play a central role in the story,' shares producer Ryosuke Hara in an exclusive interview held for select Southeast Asian media. 'When we crafted the worldview of the digital world, we paid attention to modelling it after a mythical setting.' The association doesn't come as a surprise, considering the group's etymological connection to Roman and Greek mythos. In Digimon jargon, the Olympos XII refers to 12 Mega-level Deity or Shaman, otherwise known as God Man, Digimon modelled after the Roman version of the 12 Olympians from Greek mythology, which manage the Digital World: Iliad – itself a nod to Homer's classic literary Greek epic – that exists on a different Server from the Digital World ruled by Yggrasill. While Digimon Story: Time Stranger is far from the first to highlight their significance, the Olympos XII focus offers the opportunity to further explore the bond between humans and Digimon, and incorporate new features at the same time. Where artificial cyberspace served as the focal point in its predecessor, the forthcoming entry divides its attention between the real world and Digital World: Iliad, such that its protagonist, an agent of the Special Investigation Bureau ADAMAS, can travel between space and time to solve the mystery behind a city-levelling disaster in Tokyo. As gleaned from a 15-minute hands-on preview, the Digi-World is shaping up to be a promising easter egg hunt for longtime enthusiasts, showcasing a crowded marketplace teeming with Digimon across various media and designs, from Digimon Tamers ' Terriermon and Gargomon to Devimon, which debuted in the Digimon Adventure anime series, and ToyAgumon. This time, however, the fun doesn't just lie in capturing and collecting critters – in a series first, players will be able to mount Digimon via the Digi-Ride feature and traverse the world at large. 'This came from the perspective of a fan, and I thought it would be good to have such a feature,' says Hara. 'To choose the Digimon for riding, we used an animation where they appeared as reference, and thought about which would be fun to ride on,' he adds, pointing to Beelzemon and Mechanorimon specifically. It remains to be seen if the ability extends to flying Digimon, as only Garurumon could be accessed during the hands-on session. The mechanic worked well enough in practice, despite a stiff quality to turning manoeuvres as opposed to natural movement, with the producer highlighting details like varying the action of getting on and riding, as well as the speeds, for different species. Adding to the shine, Digivolution and Degeneration can now be carried out anywhere, bringing more versatility into the mix-and-match process that welcomes its biggest roster to date. Indeed, there will be plenty of room to toy around here. Digimon Story: Time Stranger boasts a whopping 450 Digimon, all impressively made from scratch. As Hara explains, the team had to build from the skeleton up and 'make thorough changes' to the models that were developed for the PlayStation Vita, to match current console standards. Alongside the visual polish, the difference is also seen in combat, which inherits the series' signature turn-based system founded on a rock-paper-scissors framework. Essentially, certain monsters will be resistant to attacks of specific types and weak to others, presented in the familiar Data, Vaccine, and Virus format. Each Digimon is categorised into one of these three types, and enemies can have either resistance, vulnerability or neither to them. Depending on the Digimon, attacks may include elements or follow-up execution with quick-time event (QTE) elements, where players have to input the corresponding key in time. Three main critters will take to the battlefield, accompanied by three back-ups to swap to mid-fight, and up to three Guest Digimon. Expect 'more depth' for boss battles, too. According to Hara, Digimon Story: Time Stranger includes new attachments equipped with additional skills, allowing players to 'combine the different Digimon with the skills they want to use'. The mash-up of the new and old honours a long-standing tradition that dates back to the franchise's early days, with Hara highlighting how combat comes into play: 'In terms of improvement, we have three different elements – adventure, training, and battle – and these are the constant or unchanging themes of Digimon .' Coming in almost a decade after the previous outing subjects Digimon Story: Time Stranger to another challenge. Returning fans are a given, but the game needs to be accessible for newcomers, especially with its Xbox debut and the rise of new technology in its absence. To that end, it puts players in the same position as the protagonist, who doesn't know anything about the Digi-World and its inhabitants, eliminating the prerequisite of prior understanding. On the flip side, series veterans will appreciate the little tie-ins to lore, starting with Agumon's role in the overarching narrative. 'The reason why we decided to feature Agumon is because he has a very close association with Olympos XII, and I believe those who have been following the series will probably know why we have Agumon appear at this time,' he teases. Digimon Story: Time Story is set to launch for Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and PC on 3 October. Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth's theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia's greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really. Bandai Namco Digimon Digimon Story: Time Stranger Geek Interview
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who Is Millenniummon? Is he the true villain of the Digimon universe?
Digimon is a world filled with powerful creatures, heroes, and villains, and among the many infamous foes in the series, one stands out: Millenniummon. For fans of the series, Millenniummon may seem like just another powerful villain, but is he more than that? Could he be the true villain of the entire Digimon universe? Let's take a deep dive into who Millenniummon really is, his backstory, and why he might just be the darkest force in the Digimon world. Who is Millenniummon? Millenniummon is one of the most dangerous and mysterious Digimon ever introduced in the Digimon franchise. He first appears in the Digimon World 4 video game, where he plays a central role as a terrifying antagonist. With his appearance, Millenniummon takes the shape of a massive, evil dragon with a dark and ominous presence. He's known for his immense power, intelligence, and ruthless ambition. Millenniummon is no ordinary villain; his character is shrouded in mystery and fear. He embodies the theme of time manipulation, controlling not just the present but the future, making him one of the most dangerous enemies in the Digimon universe. Millenniummon's dark powers: What makes him so dangerous? Millenniummon's power over time sets him apart from other Digimon villains. He has the ability to travel through time, which gives him a strategic advantage. This means he can manipulate events, alter timelines, and even create alternate futures to ensure his domination over the Digital World. His ability to change the course of history makes him an unpredictable threat to the DigiDestined and their allies. In addition to his time-manipulating powers, Millenniummon possesses vast knowledge and incredible combat strength. His fearsome abilities, combined with his calculating mind, make him a near-impossible enemy to defeat. Unlike other Digimon villains who are motivated by simple greed or anger, Millenniummon's goals are more profound and chilling: to reshape the Digital World according to his vision, even if it means erasing everything in the process. Is Millenniummon the true villain of the Digimon universe? Many fans question whether Millenniummon is the true villain of the Digimon series, especially when compared to other iconic antagonists like Devimon, Myotismon, and Apocalymon. What sets Millenniummon apart from these villains is his ability to manipulate the very fabric of time, creating a sense of inevitability in his actions. While other villains act out of revenge, power, or malice, Millenniummon's motives seem far more calculated and grandiose, seeking to reshape the universe on his terms. Millenniummon's existence challenges the idea of good vs. evil in the Digimon world. He isn't just trying to destroy the Digital World he's trying to control it, twisting time to create a world where he reigns supreme. His vision of the world doesn't involve simple destruction; it involves control over existence itself. This makes him a much darker figure than many of the other villains in the series. Where to watch Digimon anime and explore more about Millenniummon If you want to dive deeper into the world of Millenniummon and other Digimon villains, you can watch the Digimon anime series on platforms like Crunchyroll and Hulu. The series has many seasons, including classic arcs like Digimon Adventure and newer seasons such as Digimon Tri and Digimon Adventure: Last Evolution Kizuna. For those interested in Millenniummon's role in Digimon World 4, the game is available on older game consoles, allowing players to explore the lore in greater depth. Stay updated with the latest Best Hindi Movies , Best Tamil Movies , Best Telugu Movies , Best english Movies , Best Malayalam Movies
The National
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Voice actor Colleen O'Shaughnessey on playing Tails and why AI can't replace emotion in art
A new generation of fans is endearing itself to Sonic the Hedgehog. Having become mainstream in the 1990s with the release of the video games on Sega, Sonic amassed a legion of dedicated fans that has only grown since then – especially thanks to the character's 2020 film. And while Sonic is undoubtedly the star of the show, there is another character that has also won fans over: Miles 'Tails' Prower. Tails, a fox cub with two tails who serves as Sonic's sidekick, was first introduced in the second Sonic video game in 1992 and quickly became a fan favourite. Since 2014, Tails has been brought to life by voice actor Colleen O'Shaughnessey, first in the video games and more recently in the films. O'Shaughnessey has had a prolific career, appearing in other popular franchises such as Digimon, Bleach and Mobile Suit Gundam. At the weekend, she was in Abu Dhabi for Middle East Film and Comic Con as a celebrity guest, where she took pictures with fans and signed memorabilia. Speaking to The National, O'Shaughnessey explained what feels different about voicing Tails now compared to when she first started, more than a decade ago. 'I think the biggest difference is the circumstances where he finds himself,' O'Shaughnessey says. "When I first started voicing Tails, it was for Sonic Boom and Sonic and Tails already had an established relationship.' However, in the films, this storyline arc changed. Instead, Sonic meets and befriends Tails for the first time, which O'Shaughnessey says meant she needed to change the tone of the character, instead making him a little more serious. 'He's nervous to meet him and the stakes are much higher. It's a little more cinematic and grounded,' she says. O'Shaughnessey adds that she loves how the films have brought in a whole new generation of fans to the franchise. "My favourite is when little kids now, they'll come up and their parents will be like, 'Look, it's Tails', and they're like, 'What do you mean?' And I'll do the voice," she says. 'Their eyes get really big and then they start laughing, it's the cutest. They can't wrap their head around why this lady's face is making that sound, but that's my favourite.' During her career, O'Shaughnessey has also voiced characters in the Studio Ghibli films Spirited Away and Ponyo. Her close working relationship with the storied Japanese animation house meant she understandably raised an eyebrow at the latest trend of artificial intelligence mimicking its famed visual style. "I don't love it," she says. "AI can be a wonderful thing. I think there are ways to use AI in certain ways to make things easier, but when it comes to artistic integrity and the creative process, I don't think you can teach a computer how to feel human emotions.' When it comes to AI in voice acting, she also believes it falls short because it can't get the nuance of a character the same way a human can. "I think it's just very different," she says. "You can teach a computer a lot of things and it can learn, and I understand that technology is moving so fast, but it's not my favourite.'
Forbes
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Here Are The Free PS Plus Essential Games For April 2025
Free PS Plus Essential Games for April 2025 Sony revealed the April PlayStation Plus lineup Wednesday. All three free titles go live next Tuesday, April 1st. It's a pretty fun lineup, following an equally strong offering last month, which included (much to everyone's surprise) Dragon Age: The Veilguard, as well as Sonic Colors Ultimate and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection. You have until March 31st to claim those titles. April's lineup includes three games with almost identical Metacritic scores. All three will be availabe until May 5th. I've never really gotten into the Digimon universe, but if you like collecting Digimon while solving a dire mystery this one's for you. Digimon are basically digital Pokemon, more or less, though not part of that franchise. (73% on Metacritic) An asymmetrical horror-survival game pitting members of the Slaughter Family against their hapless victims. Victims are forced to use stealth and their wits to evade the terrifying hunters. The game is based on the classic 1974 film and while I still have yet to play it, I've heard great things. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder (71% on Metacritic) A violent, futuristic first-person shooter based on the classic films, you take on the responsibilities of the part man, part machine cyborg super-cop in Old Detroit. While the game is a bit janky, it's actually quite fun especially if you're a fan of the movie franchise. (72% on Metacritic) Not a bad month overall! Have you played any of April's free PS Plus games? Let me know on Twitter, Instagram, Bluesky or Facebook. Also be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me here on this blog. Sign up for my newsletter for more reviews and commentary on entertainment and culture.
Express Tribune
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Dave Mallow, voice of Baboo in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, dies at 67
Dave Mallow, the voice actor best known for his role as Baboo in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, has passed away at the age of 67. According to a source close to the family, Mallow died on Tuesday while in hospice care at the MonteCedro Senior Living Community in Altadena, declining health in recent years had been noted by those close to him, and while his death is deeply saddening, it was not entirely unexpected. In addition to his iconic role in Power Rangers, Mallow also lent his voice to various characters in the English dub of Digimon and contributed to numerous anime projects as a writer and director. His work extended to video games, with notable roles in World of Warcraft: Legion, Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition, and Diablo III. Joshua Seth, famous for his role as Tai in Digimon, shared that Mallow played a significant part in launching his career after the two collaborated on The Adventures of Hutch the Honeybee. Seth emphasized Mallow's importance in helping to popularize the anime genre in the United States. Mallow is survived by his older sister, Marilyn, who resides at the same senior living community.
