Sony just announced the Playstation Classic!!

OMG!! It's finally happening... SONY IS RELEASING THE PLAYSTATION CLASSIC!!

I cannot believe it myself, and the great thing about it is its coming December of this year!!

Probably upon seeing Nintendo's success with both the NES & Super NES Classic Mini series, I think Sony saw a demand for miniaturized retro console, and decided its about time they make their own.

Enter, the Playstation Classic!!

And much like the NES and Super NES Classic Mini by Nintendo, Sony's PlayStation Classic, features the same miniature design concept as Nintendo's sporting a 45% size reduction over the original.

It's really small guys, like it can ALMOST fit your hand kind of small as seen on this promotional image below:

It comes bundled with 2 controllers (sadly not the awesome DualShock controllers) so you can pretty much play multiplayer games out of the box.

It even comes with 20 pre-loaded games; such as Tekken 3, Ridge Racer Type 4, Jumping Flash, Wild Arms and ofcourse it comes with the timeless classic; Final Fantasy VII.

And taking a page out of Nintendo's Classic Mini systems, the PlayStation Classic is connected via an HDMI cable to your TV, and it also features a host of features such as being able to suspend your games via the Reset button as well as a Game Selection button via the Open button:

The PlayStation Classic is set to be released this coming December 2018 and is priced at Php 6,190 ($99 USD)

Say "Hello" to Meizu Pro 7!!

So last week, I got an invite from the folks at Meizu Philippines and Hellotronics, for their event where they would unveil their latest phone offering; the Meizu Pro 7:

Yep, its finally official, the Meizu Pro 7 (and its higher end sibling; the Pro 7 Plus) is now coming to the Philippines. The Meizu Pro 7, is known not only for its amazing build quality, but for it's much talked about secondary screen on the back of the unit (as shown in the pic above). Sounds weird? Interesting? Feels like a gimmick? Well, before we run through my experience of the secondary screen, let's do a quick run through of the specs first:

MEIZU PRO 7 SPEC SHEET

• SCREEN: 5.2-inch Super AMOLED Full HD display @ 1920 x 1080 pixels (front facing screen) & 2-inch AMOLED display @240 x 536 pixels  (rear screen)
• CAMERA: Dual 12-megapixel with Dual LED Flash (rear camera) & 16-megapixel (front-facing camera)
• CPU: MediaTek Helio P25 Octa-Core Processor
• GPU: ARM Mali-T880 Processor
• RAM: 4GB RAM
• STORAGE: 64GB Internal Storage
• BATTERY: 3000mAh Battery (with mCharge fast-charging technology)
• OS: Android 7.0 Nougat with Flyme OS6

MEIZU PRO 7 PLUS SPEC SHEET

• SCREEN: 5.7-inch Super AMOLED Full HD display @ 2560 x 1440 pixels (front facing screen) & 2-inch AMOLED display @240 x 536 pixels  (rear screen)
• CAMERA: Dual 12-megapixel with Dual LED Flash (rear camera) & 16-megapixel (front-facing camera)
• CPU: MediaTek Helio X30 Deca-Core Processor
• GPU: IMG PowerVR 7XTP Processor
• RAM: 6GB RAM
• STORAGE: 64GB/128GB Internal Storage
• BATTERY: 3500mAh Battery (with mCharge fast-charging technology)
• OS: Android 7.0 Nougat with Flyme OS6

Now how does the Meizu Pro 7's unique secondary backscreen feels like in use? In a word, revolutionary. It's the kind of feature that makes people scratch their heads when they first hear it, but once you get to grips of how it works and its applications, its something that you'd prolly wish other smartphone manufacturers would adopt in their phones as well.

It works specially well with the Meizu Pro 7's dual lens rear cameras. For selfie-lovers, this is a boon and definitely well-worth getting one, for high quality selfies. None of that struggling to get the right selfie shot, as you can see exactly where you are in the frame using the 2-inch AMOLED backscreen. :D

If you want to see it in action, I've put together a quick hands-on video of the back screen:

The Meizu Pro 7 is priced at Php22,990 (roughly $450) while the higher end Meizu Pro 7 Plus is priced at Php 31,990 (roughly $620). The Meizu Pro 7 will be available on October this year, via Meizu's online shop, via Lazada (care of the folks at Hellotronics), and on authorized retail shops in malls all-over the Philippines.

[PR Post] Playpark Philippines launches Toykart!!

Introducing the Top Fantasy Racing Game filled with tons of laughter - TOYKART! Fans of drifting, boosting, and crushing your enemies with items rejoice. You want it, we got it. Be the top racer by strategically selecting your Characters, upgrading the coolest Karts and using your epic Pets. Maximum Speed, Ultimate Fun! Let’s race!

• Control made easy. Compete to master the rank.
• Hundreds of Karts to ride and upgrade.
• Enjoy mixing and matching different parts to create your Ultimate Kart!
• Cutest Characters, each with their own unique skills.
• Race against other players alongside your pets!
• Different racing terrains to race on – from the stormy desert to the starry space
• Single and Co-op Mode available.
• Achievements to be unlocked.
• Daily missions and freebies are available.
• Be the Top Racer in Ranking Mode

Toykart’s Southeast Asia release will be on Tuesday, 25 July 2017. Countries included in the region are Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines. It will be running in two languages, Thai and English. 

Join the launch celebration activities including Pre-registration here: http://bit.ly/2tI4xOp and get loads of free items including Kart and Character! 

Toykart: Maximum Speed, Ultimate Fun!

Official Page : http://tk.playpark.com

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/PlayparkToykartRacing

SNES Classic Edition launching on September 29, 2017!!

It's finally happening folks!! Nintendo just recently announced that they will finally release the legendary Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) under the Classics edition. Last year's NES Classic Edition was such a hit, that stores are having a hard time keeping up with the demand for the unit. And it looks like Nintendo is at it again, this time with the SNES.

The 21 games that are bundled in are actually quite impressive as follows:

• Contra III: The Alien Wars™
• Donkey Kong Country™
• EarthBound™
• Final Fantasy III
• F-ZERO™
• Kirby™ Super Star
• Kirby’s Dream Course™
• The Legend of Zelda™: A Link to the Past™
• Mega Man® X
• Secret of Mana
• Star Fox™
• Star Fox™ 2
• Street Fighter® II Turbo: Hyper Fighting
• Super Castlevania IV™
• Super Ghouls ’n Ghosts®
• Super Mario Kart™
• Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars™
• Super Mario World™
• Super Metroid™
• Super Punch-Out!! ™
• Yoshi’s Island™

The list is a tad short compared to the NES Classic which had 30 games pre-installed, but considering the line-up its quite decent to say the least. I AM a little bummed out that Chrono Trigger didn't make the list, but Final Fantasy III more than makes up for it.

Also, look at the sweet European version right here.

Growing up with a Super Famicom, its clear that I'll be going for the European version. :D

Here’s a brief synopsis of the hardware, via Nintendo:

"The mini system, which contains 21 pre-installed classic games and can easily be plugged into any high-definition TV using the included HDMI cable, will be available at a suggested retail price of $79.99. And for the first time, players who pick up the system can enjoy the intergalactic adventure Star Fox 2, the sequel to the original Star Fox game that was created during the Super NES era but never released … anywhere!"

Included with the SNES Classic Edition are one HDMI cable, one USB power cable with AC adapter, and two wired SNES Classic Controllers, perfect for playing multiplayer. No more extra controller issues here!

The SNES Classic Edition launches on September 29, 2017, for a retail price of $79.99

For more info, visit: http://www.nintendo.com/super-nes-classic

Latest JoJo Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable liveaction trailer is a beautiful duwang!!

As a long-time JoJo's Bizarre Adventure fan, I have been excited upon hearing the news of a live-action movie being made on the series. And now a brand new trailer showing off the series' popular mainstays; the Stands.

I thought the CGI was well-done, and I think Kira Yoshikage said it best

Can't wait to watch the movie soon!! :D

PLAYPARK ALL-STARS 2017 FINALS: The battle for supremacy ends on July 2, 2017

Playpark All-Stars 2017 FINALS is here. The journey heads to its climax this July 2, 2017 (Sunday) at SKYDOME SM City North EDSA. Join the Playpark community witness the clash of the ultimate contenders from Special Force Online, Special Force 2, Cabal Online, Audition, Perfect World PH and Kritika Online. Only one team can rule them all.

In partnership with SKYDOME SM City North EDSA and PLDT Home Fiber, thousands will witness the rise of a new generation of champions to greatness. After the nationwide search of Playpark All-Stars 2017, these tournaments will finally crown a victor.

• Special Force Philippine Championship
• Special Force 2 Ultimatum 2017 Philippine Championship
• Cabal Online Carnage 5V5: Road to Thailand
• Audition Philippine Championship
• Perfect World PH Phoenix Council Wars 2017
• KritikaSS: Seize and Secure Tournament
• Destiny of Thrones DOTDOTAN 2017
• Tournaments will be hyperlinked to the mechanics

Even better, Special Force Online, Special Force 2, Cabal Online and Audition will have their respective Team Philippines who will be in the running to represent the country on the international stage. Good luck to all the teams.

Playpark All-Stars 2017 will satisfy your hunger for action and for REWARDS. Event attendees can sink their teeth into Early Bird items, Door Prizes, and Bundles from their favorite games. On top of that, there will be a Grand Raffle for all attendees, Passport, Side Events and merchandise available at the event - not to mention the surprises in store from our event partners. Best of all, the community will rally together to celebrate the anniversaries of Cabal Online and of Perfect World PH.

All of these will be for a meager entrance fee of Php 100.00 only. It is an event you can’t miss.

More details will be posted on our official channels so stay tuned:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/playparkallstars
• Esports Website: esports.playpark.ph
• Company Website: www.playpark.com
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playparkphilippinestv/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playparkph/
• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/playparkph
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/playparkph

“RAGE ART” Philippine Tekken 7 launch tournament @ Playbook Results!!

After hours of heated matches in the finals, the “Rage Art” Tekken 7 champion has finally emerged on top of his competition, victorious.

Meet Echo Fox’s JDCR; the champion of this year’s Rage Art; Tekken 7 launch tournament.

He fought and had a highly intense and impressive match against our very own; PBE Doujin, at the finals, taking home the grand prize of Php 100,000.

Second place; PBE Doujin, fought valiantly against the Korean; Echo Fox – JDCR, and gave him a tough time in the grand finals having been the one who dispatched and send another Korean competitor; Echo Fox – Saint, to fourth place.

Here’s the complete list of results in today’s tournament:

TOP 16

• Sephrix
• Muzikat
• Elite.ErrorQueen
• Dobu_Orochi
• SquareSquare
• Sakuraagi
• PBE – Maru
• Grounderz

TOP 8

• Noelittle
• IPT.El
• Prime
• Coffee_Prinz

Fourth Place

• Echo Fox – Saint

Third Place

• PBE – AK

Second Place

• PBE – Doujin

Tournament Champion

• Echo Fox – JDCR

It was truly an impressive showing of our Filipino fighters, that even EVO world champ; Ryan “Filipino Champ” Ramirez (@fchampryan) had this to say:

Playbook’s Richard Brojan mentioned, that “Rage Art” is but a start of more Fighting Game tournaments they plan on hosting in the future. Next up will be their upcoming “Rev Major Philippines”, where aside from Tekken 7, will also host other Fighting game titles such as; Street Fighter V, Super Smash Bros, Ultimate Marvel VS Capcom 3, Injustice 2 and Guilty Gear Xrd. He hopes that with Rev Major Philippines, more Fighting game fans will compete and test their skills against fellow competitors locally and develop a healthy level of competition in the Philippines.