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The official anime website and accounts for The Too-Perfect Saint: Tossed Aside by My Fiancé and Sold To Another Kingdom today revealed an April 9, 2025 at 24:00 Jst premiere date (effectively January 10 at 0:00), main visual and new short trailer that previews the fantasy romance series' opening song, "Ai toka" by Riria. ( My Happy Marriage Op). The Too-Perfect Saint: Tossed Aside by My Fiancé and Sold To Another Kingdom Main Visual The anime's confirmed cast includes (character romanizations unconfirmed): Philia voiced by Yui Ishikawa (2B in NieR:Automata Ver1.1a ) Mia Adenauer voiced by Kaede Hondo (Yuna in Tying the Knot with an Amagami Sister ) Oswald Parnacorta voiced by Takuya Sato (Dino in Delico's Nursery ) Julius Ziltonia voiced by Kohei Amasaki (Will in Wistoria: Wand and Sword ) Reyhart Parnacorta voiced by Shinnosuke Tachibana (Yukari in The Demon Prince of Momochi House ) Lina voiced by Sora Tokui (Akari in Jujutsu Kaisen...

Former Zorro Antonio Banderas trades swords and swashbuckling for grit and guns in one of his most underrated action thrillers, which is now streaming free. Released back in 2017, Acts of Vengeance evokes the best kind of action B-movie in this tale of a lawyer who never shuts up, vowing silence and revenge after his family is murdered.

Directed by Isaac Florentine, who has demonstrated his affinity for the genre before with frequent collaborations with action icon Scott Adkins in the likes of Ninja: Shadow of a Tear, Undisputed II: Last Man Standing, and Close Range, Acts of Vengeancestars The Boys’ Karl Urban alongside Banderas. The action outing, which proved divisive at the time, is well worth a second shot, and is available to stream free now on Tubi. You can check out the official synopsis for the revenge flick below.

“A fast-talking lawyer transforms his body and takes a vow of silence,...

Ahead of a planned April 2025 release, the official accounts for The Too-Perfect Saint: Tossed Aside by Fiancé and Sold To Another Kingdom today unveiled the fantasy romance anime's first key visual. It was also announced that a pre-screening of the first two episodes will be held at Toho Cinemas Ueno on February 8. The Too-Perfect Saint: Tossed Aside by My Fiancé and Sold To Another Kingdom Key Visual The anime's confirmed cast is as follows (character romanizations unconfirmed): Philia voiced by Yui Ishikawa (2B in NieR:Automata Ver1.1a ) Mia Adenauer voiced by Kaede Hondo (Yuna in Tying the Knot with an Amagami Sister ) Oswald Parnacorta voiced by Takuya Sato (Dino in Delico's Nursery ) Julius Ziltonia voiced by Kohei Amasaki (Will in Wistoria: Wand and Sword ) Reyhart Parnacorta voiced by Shinnosuke Tachibana (Yukari in The Demon Prince of Momochi House ) Lina voiced by Sora Tokui (Akari in Jujutsu Kaisen ) Leonardo...

If there’s anything that Nier: Automata creator Yoko Taro is known for, it’s for the raunchiness of his works. All of Yoko’s games have varying degrees of sexual content in their dialogue and imagery, most famously in the revealing outfits of Nier: Automata, and Yoko has even played into that by saying he likes depicting women in skimpy outfits and asking fans to send him erotic fanart of his characters.

Yoko Taro has made a name for himself as an unabashedly raunchy creator, and the Nier: Automata anime, Nier: Automata Ver1.1a almost took that to a whole new level. It’s one thing that the animation was used to up the game’s fanservice with more shots of the women’s butts and breasts, but according to Yoko Taro, Nier: Automata Ver1.1a was going to have far more explicitly sexual content before the series producer stepped in and had it cut.

The NieR: Automata Dlc for Stellar Blade and players are loving it, except maybe this one thing though. Fans are loving the thematic tie-ins and new gameplay features, as well as a cheeky Easter egg aimed at curbing inappropriate behavior.

Image Credit: Shift Up

Released on November 20, 2024, this collaboration introduced new cosmetics, gameplay updates, and a playful nod to fans of both titles. One of the main easter eggs is the playful mechanism that stops players from attempting to look up Eve’s skirt. If you try to, you’ll find yourself receiving a swift kick in the face.

Stellar Blade‘s New NieR Collab is Full of Cool Things

The collaboration between Stellar Blade and NieR: Automata brings a lot of cool things that NieR fans will like. The Dlc adds 11 new items to Stellar Blade, including costumes inspired by 2B and A2, cosmetics for supporting characters, and even a themed drone accessory.

Ahead of a planned 2025 release, the official website and accounts for the upcoming The Too-Perfect Saint: Tossed Aside by Fiancé and Sold To Another Kingdom anime today announced three more members of the fantasy romance series' core cast, as follows: Mia Adenauer voiced by Kaede Hondo (Yuna in Tying the Knot with an Amagami Sister ) Oswald Parnacorta voiced by Takuya Sato (Dino in Delico's Nursery ) Julius Ziltonia voiced by Kohei Amasaki (Will in Wistoria: Wand and Sword ) Yui Ishikawa (2B in NieR:Automata Ver1.1a ) was previously revealed as the voice of protagonist Philia. Mia Oswald Julius Related: The Too-Perfect Saint: Tossed Aside by My Fiancé and Sold To Another Kingdom Anime Announced for 2025 Based on the light novels by Koki Fuyutsuki and Masami, Shu Watanabe ( Shinobi no Ittoki ) directs The Too-Perfect Saint: Tossed Aside by My Fiancé and Sold To Another Kingdom at studio Troyca, with series composition by...

A new marathon gaming session starts right now! Featuring "Queen" by LiSA ( Sword Art Online Op) and "Dancer in the Dark Night" by otoha ( Black Butler -Public School Arc- Op), respectively, creditless versions of Shangri-La Frontier Season 2's opening and ending sequences are now available to watch below. Shangri-La Frontier Season 2 Opening Video Shangri-La Frontier Season 2 Ending Video Related: Re:zero -Starting Life in Another World- Season 3 Anime Feels the Love with Creditless Opening, Ending Videos Based on the manga by Ryosuke Fuji, Shangri-La Frontier is directed by Toshiyuki Kubooka ( Handyman Saitou in Another World ) at studio C2C, with series composition by Kazuyuki Fudeyasu ( That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime ), character designs by Ayumi Kurashima ( Devilman Crybaby ) and music by Monaca ( NieR:Automata Ver1.1a ). Crunchyroll streams the anime and describes the story: "When was the last time I played a game that wasn't crap?" This is a world...

There’s no denying the fact that 2024 has been a phenomenal year for gamers. Hits like Palworld and Black Myth: Wukong have made massive waves by appealing to broad audiences across a number of different platforms, while highly-anticipated console exclusives such as PlayStation’s Astro Bot and Xbox’s Hellblade 2 have managed to live up to the loft expectations players had for them leading to their launch.

This PlayStation exclusive must be considered for The Game of the Year award. (Image via Shift Up)

With The Games Awards 2024 fast approaching, many gamers are surely speculating which of these hits will take home the coveted Game of the Year title. Historically, the award has always been snatched by the game, which has had the strongest critical reception and made the most impact in the industry. However, this time around, there’s an underrated title that could prove to be a challenge for all the big hits,...

Quick Links What Time Nier: Automata Ver1.1a Episode 22 Releases What Happened In Nier: Automata Ver1.1a Episode 21? Nier: Automatas Anime Drops Another Major Drakengard Reference Nier: Automata Shows The Strength Of Its Writing With A Largely Original Episode

Nier: Automata Ver1.1a stunned with largely original content in episode #21, and it left a lot to be excited about for episode #22 and beyond. The series is slowly winding down toward its finale, and with everything that happened in episode #21, there are still plenty of surprises for people to look forward to.

Nier: Automata Ver1.1a episode #21 was once again focused primarily on A2s storyline, this time with the conclusion of the sudden assault on Pascals village by rampaging machine lifeforms. While initially seeming straightforward in its approach to the point of being anticlimactic, Nier: Automata Ver1.1a episode #21 was quick to pivot into the animes darkest storyline yet, and it...

Quick Links What Time Nier: Automata Ver1.1a Episode 20 Releases What Happened In Nier: Automata Ver1.1a Episode 19? Nier: Automata Is Already Alluding To The Big Twist With Two Of Its Side Characters Nier: Automata Ver1.1a Returns To Action As Hauntingly As Possible

Nier: Automata Ver1.1a returned from its break with a fantastic episode in episode #19, and it sets up a lot to look forward to with episode #20 and beyond. Whereas episode #18 was one of the few episodes without any action, episode #19 brought it back to haunting and overall tremendous effect, and if the original game is anything to go on, theres even greater work to follow.

Nier: Automata Ver1.1a episode #19 continued the dual narratives of A2 slowly warming up to Pascals village of pacifist machine lifeforms and 9S wanting to destroy all machine lifeforms to avenge 2B. The latter was where most of the focus of the episode was,...

There’s no doubt that games such as NieR Automata and Hotline Miami have proven that the potential impact of a well-crafted and thoughtfully complemented musical score can’t be overstated. Much like it does in cinema, a good soundtrack can prove to be crucial to enhance emotions, set the tone, create atmosphere, and elevate the overall game to new heights.

Whether it’s haunting tunes that accompany quieter character-building moments or triumphant melodies during epic boss battles, a good soundtrack can thrill players and leave a lasting impression that keeps bringing them back for more. In this article, we take a look at the top 5 games with the best soundtracks that you definitely need to give a shot at.

5. NieR Automata NieR Automata‘s legendary soundtracks blend haunting mechanics with emotional depth. Image via Sqaure Enix

NieR Automata debuted in 2017 to critical acclaim, not just for its beautiful plotline,...

Quick Links What Time Nier: Automata Ver1.1a Episode 19 Releases What Happened In Nier: Automata Ver1.1a Episode 18? Nier: Automatas Latest Episode Hones In On The Franchises Core Theme Nier: Automata Slows Things Down To Great Effect

Nier: Automata Ver1.1a episode #18 was much slower than some of the more recent episodes, but it was still a good episode to watch that perfectly set the groundwork for episode #19 and beyond. Even with how little ended up happening in the way of the plot, what it did for the characters was great to see, especially since a lot of it wasnt featured in the original game.

In Nier: Automata Ver1.1a episode #18, 9S and A2 have awoken in the aftermath of YoRHas destruction, but their physical and mental wounds have yet to fully recover. Both characters spent the episode dealing with the ramifications of everything that happened to them, and in the case of 9S,...

Update 8/8/2024: Noah Lyles Domain Expansion added. Even after leaving the 2020 Tokyo Games, where Naruto was an official ambassador , the Uzbekistan rythmic gymnastics team performed a Sailor Moon routine and a prophetic scene from Akira was fulfilled, there's still plenty of anime to be found at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The fastest and strongest anime fans on the planet continue to strike powerful poses, while iconic soundtrack pieces surprise and galvanize fans, so we've put together our own tally of all the medal-worthy references that have emerged out of the City of Light so far. Note: Linked video sources direct to replays from NBC, the official Olympic broadcaster for the United States. When it comes to showing off anime love at sporting events, no one does it like Noah Lyles. The 27-year-old sprinter launched himself into international acclaim when he pulled a Kaiba-level boss move at the US Olympic Trials, rocking...

Quick Links What Time Nier: Automata Ver1.1a Episode #18 Releases What Happened In Nier: Automata Ver1.1a Episode #17? Nier: Automata Reveals the Connection Between 2B & A2 Nier: Automata Ver1.1a Episode #17 Welcomes A2 To the Spotlight

This article contains a discussion of suicide.

Nier: Automata Ver1.1a episode #17 provides insight into A2's past, revealing her tragic story within YoRHa. A2's backstory adds depth to her character, setting up intense conflict with 9S in future episodes. Episode #17 establishes A2 as a main character, offering a fresh perspective and building anticipation for the upcoming arc.

Nier: Automata Ver1.1a followed episode #16 with an equally dramatic episode in episode #17, and it was the perfect way to set the stage for the animes next act with episode #18 and beyond. Once again, the anime has done a great job of expanding on the material of the original game, and it continues to make it great to...

This week on The Anime Effect, the hosts recorded and released a news-only audio podcast on Tuesday to share their reactions to Anime Expo announcements ahead of the release of an interview with recording artist LiSA, which is now available to listen to and will be available to watch on YouTube and Crunchyroll at 4 p.m. Pt. Episode 22 of Crunchyroll Presents: The Anime Effect is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere else you listen to your podcasts! Listen or Watch on: Episode 22 Summary Nick, LeAlec and Leah share the announcements that excited them the most at Anime Expo and their latest recomendations before J-Pop singer LiSA joins LeAlec and Nick for an exclusive interview. All that and more, only on The Anime Effect . Topics Discussed in Episode 22 Anime Expo Trigun Stargaze Hamilton Fire Force Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt Black Butler -Emerald Witch Arc- Omniscient Reader Supernatural Gundam Crocs...

After a flurry of controversy, the Shift Up title, Stellar Blade, stood firm and won every player’s heart. However, that didn’t stop fans from comparing the game with another title from PlatinumGames, Nier Automata, for the uncanny similarities between these two.

Some fans even marked the former one as a clone of the latter. However, the 2018 masterpiece still outshines the Shift Up title despite having strange resemblances and also female protagonists. And there is one aspect of Nier that Stellar Blade cannot rip off or imitate.

Nier Automata Has a Wine Collection, Now on Sale

You can buy Nier Automata-themed wine right now.

We have seen crazy video game collaborations with other companies. The craziness reached a whole new level when Square Enix paired up with Japanese retailer Onkyo to bring limited edition Nier Automata-themed wines.

These wines are said to be aged in a barrel while the Ver.

NieR: Automata 1.1a continues the story from the first 12 episodes, bringing back androids 2B, 9S, and A2. The new trailer hints at more plot development to come, leaving fans eager for the new cour in July. With Crunchyroll likely to stream the new episodes, fans can expect more existential exploration and action.

A new trailer showed off what to expect in A-1 Pictures' Nier: Automata Ver1.1a second part. The anime, which broadcast its first 12 episodes last year, will continue its story this July.

The trailer was recently uploaded to both X and Aniplex's YouTube channel. It confirms at the least that the YoRHA androids 2B, 9S, and A2 will return, and showcases a new opening credits song by LiSA, titled "Black Box".

Nier: Automata Is Set to Continue Its Plot Past the First Cour

While the first run tied up Automata's story rather neatly, it ended on a rather ominous cliffhanger.

A new duo of Neon Genesis Evangelion figures is set to bring key characters to life in collectible form. The first two entries aren't based on any of the mechs, however, but instead involve Misato and her pet bird.

Based on their depictions in the Rebuild of Evangelion movie series, the figures feature Misato Katsuragi and her pet penguin Pen Pen. Both are depicted drinking and taking a break from saving the world, making the collectibles more of a "slice of life" form of merchandising. They're just a few of the currently announced Evangelion collectibles, with the series' popularity affording it continued support.

Related Popular Square Enix Game's Story Is "Pretty Much Just a Retelling of Evangelion" NieR: Automata was one of the many inspirations for the upcoming Stellar Blade, but both games drew heavily from anime like Neon Genesis Evangelion. Misato and Pen Pen Drink In the Newest Evangelion Figures Close

Produced by Megahouse,...

Stellar Blade is an action-adventure game wherein futuristic soldiers fight to reclaim a lost version of Earth. Even just looking at the main storyline content, Stellar Blade can be a pretty long game. For anyone who cant put down the controller even after hitting the end credits, there is plenty to do after the game ends. Considering the amount of optional content in the game, hitting the end credits is really just the beginning.

Stellar Blade has quickly risen as one of the best games of 2024. The action-adventure title out of Shift Up features challenging combat, unique enemies, and plenty of cosmetics and collectibles hidden for players to find. Although there is no way to go back once you have beaten the game, there are plenty of ways to replay Stellar Blade. Whether you are looking to test out your skills on a harder difficulty or a completionist trying to capture all optional content,...

Stellar Blade is a title that has been one of the most anticipated titles this year, and despite initially receiving flak from critics and the gaming fraternity for its art style, it was still appreciated for its core elements.

However, after the game’s reveal, many gamers dismissed the title, calling it a Nier Automata clone, and the comparisons haven’t ended even after the game’s release. While in hindsight, the hack-and-slash element and the female protagonist are the two common elements, they are fundamentally different titles.

The Similarities between Stellar Blade and Nier Automata Stellar Blade and Automata have a lot of things in common.

When one loads up the game, the first impression that it receives is based on its graphics. While both games look fantastic, Nier Automata came out in 2016, loosely eight years before Stellar Blade. Hence, the difference in graphical fidelity is noticeable between the two titles.

Stellar Blade's map is similar in size and structure to Nier: Automata, with open-world areas connecting to linear dungeons. The game balances linear storytelling with exploration, unlocking new areas and side quests as the story progresses. Fast travel is available in Stellar Blade through telephone booths, offering a convenient way to navigate the semi-open world.

Stellar Blade is at least partially open-world, but the question of its map size is a little more complicated. Stellar Blade's director and developers are clearly drawing on a long tradition of action RPGs like Nier: Automata. That means freely roamable open worlds, twisty-turny dungeons, and lots of secrets and side quests to be discovered in between. Stellar Blade borrows genre conventions, like a perfect parry system, combo-based combat, and a meter that unlocks special attacks.

But at the same time, it strives to establish its own identity. Some games do so by attempting to provide the biggest,...

Stellar Blade is only a few days away from launch and director Hyung-Tae Kim is sharing more and more details across various interviews. The director expressed his high praise for fellow developers that inspired his latest project, and how NieR: Automata inspired his latest project.

It is wholesome to see creatives praise the works of their colleagues and share how it impacted the way they develop games. The South Korean director credited the success of PlatinumGames’ Nier: Automata with the fruition of his new original story.

Nier: Automata Heavily Inspired the Stellar Blade Director

Director Hyung-Tae Kim loved Nier: Automata and the game greatly influenced Stellar Blade.

Directors Yoko Taro and Hyung-Tae Kim sat down and chatted about each other’s video games. Triple-a console games are not that popular in South Korea which spewed a lot of doubt with Shift Up’s ambitious project but the developers did not falter from negativity.

Sony has confirmed that PS5 big-budget exclusive games will not be coming out until 2025. However, there are some other low-profile games that will fill this gap; one of these titles is Stellar Blade. This game was developed by the South Korean studio Shift-up Corporation.

The title generated some controversy for the hypersexualization of its protagonist, but it has accomplished something that not even Helldivers 2 could do. Amazon Germany has confirmed that the pre-order standard physical edition was sold out before launch.

Helldivers 2’s popularity will probably be overshadowed by the launch of Stellar Blade Stellar Blade is being more anticipated than Helldivers 2 was.

Another exclusive PS5 game will probably make record sales. Stellar Blade is making some pretty good impressions among players. Fans and critics praised the demo launch a few days ago; reviews are not yet available. Less than three weeks before this action title is released. The studio behind this game,...

Stellar Blade is currently one of the most hyped games that are releasing for PlayStation 5. Fans everywhere are pretty hyped for this hack-and-slash action game. Like any game out there, this one has its own selling point too. For one, this game has some very beautiful visuals. Secondly, its combat mechanics are as fun as they can get, and lastly, there’s the conversation about its protagonist, Eve.

Eve is popular mainly for her looks; fans all over the internet agree that she looks exceptional. But there are others who suggest that a character looking like Eve should not be the main focus of a game. While this debate goes on, there’s a third group that suggests that there’s another character who looks much better than Eve.

Fans have suggested that Tachy is a better-designed character than Eve in Stellar Blade

Stellar Blade still showing Tachy

Character design...

Hyung-Tae Kim, the CEO of Stellar Blade‘s developer, Shift Up, has had an insane career path.

From composing background music to crafting comic covers and designing video games, his journey in different creative industries has been marked by innovation and artistic brilliance. With each step he takes, Kim has left an undeniable mark on all of the projects he’s worked on.

How Hyung-Tae Kim Went From Background Music Artist to Video Game Company CEO

Hyung-Tae Kim’s career is nothing less than inspiring.

Near the beginning of his career, Kim scored a role in composing background music for video games. His creative pursuits soon expanded beyond music, leading him to the world of comics.

A highly talented artist with an unmistakable art style and a knack for visually stunning character designs, his artwork graced the covers of numerous publications.

Kim’s influence soon began to extend to the realm of video games.

When a game comes from the minds of people such as Hyung-Tae Kim, it’s sure to create waves in the gaming community. His character designs were popular much before he got into gaming, and his following has only grown since then.

As the CEO of Shift Up Corporation and the developer of the upcoming PlayStation-exclusive Stellar Blade, Hyung-Tae Kim is no stranger to character design. However, he does like to do things a little differently from other designers; by focusing on one specific aspect of a character, he can give them much more depth and offer a more realistic build.

Hyung-Tae Kim Believes Character Designs Can Be More Believable by Focusing on Fat

Body fat is an essential character design trait for Hyung-Tae Kim.

In an interview with Game Developer, the founder of Shift Up Corporation shared how he approaches character design. Kim’s attention to detail goes beyond surface level appearances.

The upcoming PlayStation 5 exclusive title Stellar Blade has been a hot topic among gamers for the last couple of days. The game will launch on April 26, 2024, and the two-hour demo of the title is now available for players looking to try it out before deciding if they want to buy it or not.

Players have loved the game so far and have appreciated the gameplay and combat, among other things. One other major attraction is the playable female character Eve. The character has been praised by many, but a large portion of gamers aren’t happy with her portrayal.

Eve Might Be the Main Attraction of Stellar Blade, But She Is Also the Problem

Stellar Blade‘s protagonist, Eve, has been criticized by players.

The portrayal of female characters has always been a controversial topic in video games, and it is no different with the female lead protagonist of Stellar Blade.

Are you ready for New Game+? Because after today's Shangri-La Frontier anime finale aired in Japan, it was officially announced that a second season is in the works! Furthermore, the sequel will be another continuous two cours and will begin airing this October , with Crunchyroll confirmed to stream. Check out the rousing announcement video and visual below! Announcement Visual Cast members for two key characters introduced in the latest episode were also announced (character romanizations unconfirmed): Kyoju voiced by Joji Nakata (Nyanta in Log Horizon ) Aramis voiced by Hiromu Mineta (Yatora in Blue Period ) Kyoju Aramis Related: Solo Leveling Season 2 Officially Announced, Will Stream on Crunchyroll Based on the manga by Ryosuke Fuji, Shangri-La Frontier is directed by Toshiyuki Kubooka ( Handyman Saitou in Another World ) at studio C2C, with series composition by Kazuyuki Fudeyasu ( That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime ), character designs by Ayumi Kurashima ( Devilman Crybaby...

NieR:Automata Ver1.1a , a TV anime based on the smash-hit 2017 action / RPG developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix, has revealed a new visual (below) and a new promotional video. The second cour of the series will broadcast in 2024, and the first cour is currently streaming on Crunchyroll. Ryouji Masuyama directs NieR:Automata Ver1.1a at animation studio A-1 Pictures. Yoko Taro (director of NieR:Automata ) and Ryouji Masuyama also provide the series composition, while Jun Nakai provides the character designs and serves as the chief animation director. Nakai also illustrated the new visual below. NieR:Automata ver1.1a second cour key visual Related: NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Anime Teasers 2024 Return with New Visual Crunchyroll describes NieR:Automata Ver1.1a : The distant future, 5012. The sudden aerial invasion of Earth by <Aliens> and their creations <Machine Lifeforms> led mankind to the brink of extinction. The surviving number of humans who took refuge on the moon to organize a counterattack using <android> soldiers to recapture Earth.

PlayStation’s upcoming PS5 title, Stellar Blade, has made quite a stir in the gaming community even before its release, largely stemming from its explicit character design. The game’s developers did not shy away from granting the protagonist with “ample” features, and gamers all across the board have fallen in love with her.

The latest stir involving the game was the skin-tight Nsfw outfit you’ve probably already seen. People were already mesmerized at how graphic the suit was, but you’re going to be even more shocked when you find out the outfit’s catch.

Stellar Blade’s Fan Service-y Outfits Come With a Caveat

Stellar Blade doesn’t give down bad players a free pass

Stellar Blade has captured the internet’s attention, but not for its gameplay. The game is very upfront about its visual appeal, with a protagonist who dons skin-tight clothing and has garnered...

VFX artists were surprised to learn that the robots in Automata were practical, with CGI effects added. The majority of the robot is real, with small CG pieces added to match. Constructing the robots in real life better serves the movie overall, making them appear more tangible and impressive. Having something to interact with on set helps with filming. Despite comparisons to other sci-fi movies like Blade Runner, the practical puppets used for the robots in Automata make them memorable and may encourage audiences to revisit the film.

VFX artists fail to recognize practical robots in the overlooked Antonio Banderas sci-fi movie Automata. The film, directed by Gabe Ibáńez, premiered in 2014 and follows Jacq Vaucan (Banderas), an insurance agent working for the Roc who realizes that their technology is beginning to alter itself. At the time of its release, while Automata received particular praise for its visuals, the use of...

While it's been on Hulu for only a few weeks, Eight Bit's new original anime, Synduality: Noir, might be the perfect gateway to the mecha genre, more so than Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury with its high school setting. While the anime hasn't employed all the common genre trappings, the familiar anime plot beats replacing them might be the secret to easing newcomers in.

Mobile Suit Gundam is a commonly suggested starting point for mecha anime, thanks to its popularity. But casual audiences might be overwhelmed by the sheer visual noise of the machinery on display, or exhausted by the relentless war stories common to the series. In such a case, Synduality offers a simpler alternative with a boy-meets-girl adventure that also happens to involve mecha, known here as "Cradlecoffins".

Related: NieR: Automata is a Fresh Update of Mecha Anime With One Devilish Twist

Synduality Has The...

The Fall 2023 anime season is almost starting, and here are 10 of the most anticipated series that fans can't wait for. Summer 2023 has been a notably big season for anime; Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead has quickly become a breakout hit, and in addition to the return of old favorites like Jujutsu Kaisen and Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, the One Piece anime finally adapted Gear 5th to much fanfare and success. Overall, there have been plenty of great anime to watch over the summer, and it continues 2023’s trend of being a big year for anime, overall.

Fall 2023 is likely to be just as big of a season of anime, and here are 10 of the most anticipated anime that will be airing. While only some anime listed here have had their premiere dates given out, with the Fall 2023 season starting soon, their premiere dates should be given out in the upcoming weeks.

The global video streaming giant Netflix continues its push into the anime space with Pluto, an exciting anime adaptation of an Astro Boy story that is filled with intrigue, tension, and classic tech noir drama.

In a February 15, 2023, statement, Netflix announced that it will stream Pluto, the animated series based on Naoki Urasawa and Takashi Nagasaki's manga of the same name later this year. The series is being produced by the long-time Japanese anime production unit Genco in collaboration with Astro Boy's creator Osamu Tezuka's animation company Tezuka Productions. In response to the announcement, creator Urasawa stated, “I applaud the courage of everyone that has taken on the challenge of making an anime based on Pluto. I am excited about the birth of this new series to win over people’s hearts. I hope that now more than ever, Osamu Tezuka's message reaches the world.” The series...

Warning: Contains spoilers for NieR: Automata Ver 1.1a episode 3 and Nier.NieR: Automata Ver 1.1a is in full swing, and it just brought back the saddest moment of its prequel game. While Nier: Automata is largely a standalone story, it’s the latest game in the Drakengard franchise and a sequel to 2010’s Nier, which was remastered as 2021’s Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139… Playing Nier isn’t necessary for understanding Nier: Automata, but it does make it easier to understand certain parts of the game that are otherwise under-explained, such as why humanity died out and the entirety of Emil’s character.

Despite this, Nier: Automata is still filled with plenty of callbacks to Nier, and the NieR: Automata Ver 1.1a anime has managed to take that even further. In addition to referencing the moment from the original Drakengard game that kicked off Nier’s story, episode 3 fully animated an iconic scene from the original Nier.

Warning: This contains Spoilers for NieR: AutomataThe new animated series NieR: Automata Ver1.1a includes an interesting tweak of the traditional mecha anime that introduces aspects of the supernatural that are rarely found in a robot-centric genre, but that should convince anime fans it's a series worth watching.

Ryouji Masuyama's adaptation of the video game NieR: Automata focuses on combat warrior 2B and her partner the intelligence scout 9S. Both are YorHa class androids built by other androids. They work for the android resistance to fight against an alien race of mechanized beings that have taken over most of Earth and chased the surviving population of humans to the moon. While the initial generation of android soldiers stopped the aliens' advance, over the last several centuries the aliens made progress. Ultimately, this led to the deployment of the YorHa soldiers. While 9S and 2B attempt to assist in the return of humans to Earth,...

Warning: Spoilers for Nier Automata Ver1.1a, Episode 2As the NieR Automata Ver1.1a continues to explore the world of the game it's based on, it's already becoming clear that the situation at present isn't quite how it was presented in the first episode.

NieR Automata's anime opened its first episode by explaining humanity's situation: that the Earth came under attack from aliens in the year 5012, and that these aliens invaded using so-called "Machine Lifeforms," which almost successfully drove humanity to extinction. With only a handful of survivors left on the Moon, the battle to retake Earth is being fought by androids, and most particularly the YoRHa line, to which 2B and 9S belong.

Related: Nier: Automata’s Biggest Problem Adapting Into An Anime TV Show

NieR: Automata Makes Robots More Than Just Machines

Episode 2 takes some time to check in with how the fight on Earth is going. The older model androids are struggling,...

The latest Fire Emblem game has just released, and its story is already set to receive a manga adaptation--the first for the series in nearly two decades.

On Friday, with the official release of Fire Emblem Engage, Nintendo announced that a new Fire Emblem manga adapting the game would begin serialization. The series, currently just titled Fire Emblem Engage, is set to debut in the magazine Saikyo Jump and on Shonen Jump+ with a prologue chapter on February 3, with the first proper chapter set for release on March 3.

Related: Fire Emblem Engage: Every Confirmed Emblem Ring So Far, Ranked

A Perfect Adaptation for Fire Emblem Fans and Newbies Alike

The manga will be adapting the plot of the game, which focuses on a world known as Elyos, where the spirits of heroes from previous Fire Emblem titles are kept as "Engage Rings," allowing people to harness their power in battle.

Warning: Spoilers for Episodes #1 and #2 of NieR: Automata Ver1.1a.

NieR: Automata Ver1.1a, the new anime series based on the popular video games franchise, redefines the trope of killer A.I.s with its original take. Contrary to what happens in other famous Sci-Fi settings, such as James Cameron's Terminator, the killer robots in NieR: Automata are not rebellious creations of humankind, but have been left behind by an invading alien force.

NieR: Automata is a Square Enix videogame from 2017 that received positive reviews for its layered story and deep themes. While fans are still awaiting word on a potential third installment in the franchise, Aniplex has produced a NieR: Automata anime adaptation that debuted in January 2023, also to very positive reviews. The protagonists of the story are 2B and 9S, two androids of the YoRHa elite military force who are fighting an endless war against the machine lifeforms that have invaded Earth,...

While the last few years have proven that things can go wildly wrong at a moment’s notice, it’s hard to look at the projected 2022 video game release schedule and not get excited about what’s shaping up to be one of the best video game years ever.

While there are a few games scheduled for release in 2022 that we’ve been looking forward to for years now, it’s the depth of the year’s lineup that really sets it apart. While we’re still waiting for several of the year’s biggest games to finally get release dates (and delays are obviously always a possibility), there’s a very good chance that every month this year will feature multiple new releases that will end up being in the game of the year conversation.

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, though, let’s take a look...

PayPal-based assets owned by the companies behind Popcorn Time will be frozen until further notice, as a Virginia federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction in a suit from several Hollywood companies who say their films are being pirated on the site.

Millennium Funding, Voltage Holdings and other rightsholders in March sued Wicked Technology and Vpn.Ht for copyright infringement, trademark counterfeiting and unfair competition. They allege a site called Popcorn Time (which has been dubbed “Netflix for pirates”) gives users unlawful access to copyrighted works including Angel Has Fallen, Automata, The Hitman’s Bodyguard, Hellboy, Hunter Killer and I Feel Pretty. They’re ...

PayPal-based assets owned by the companies behind Popcorn Time will be frozen until further notice, as a Virginia federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction in a suit from several Hollywood companies who say their films are being pirated on the site.

Millennium Funding, Voltage Holdings and other rightsholders in March sued Wicked Technology and Vpn.Ht for copyright infringement, trademark counterfeiting and unfair competition. They allege a site called Popcorn Time (which has been dubbed “Netflix for pirates”) gives users unlawful access to copyrighted works including Angel Has Fallen, Automata, The Hitman’s Bodyguard, Hellboy, Hunter Killer and I Feel Pretty. They’re ...

Exclusive: Good Deed Entertainment has elevated Kristin Harris to EVP, Distribution and Operations and have brought on Samantha Fabin as their new Director of Acquisitions.

Fabin will oversee and develop strategies for Good Deeds’ acquisitions and distribution efforts reporting to Harris at the independent studio founded by Scott Donley.

Good Deed enjoyed success with the critically acclaimed Sasie Sealy feature Lucky Grandma.

The company recently acquired Carlos López Estrada’s inspiring feature Summertime and this year’s Sundance title Ma Belle, My Beauty. Both films are scheduled for a summer theatrical release.

“We are thrilled to expand Kristin’s leadership responsibilities and adding Samantha shows Good Deed’s continued commitment and strength to the distribution model for Independent Filmmakers,” said Donley.

Fabin, an independent film industry vet, began her career in the acquisitions department of CBS Films and FilmDistrict. Following that, she served as Director of Acquisitions at Millennium Entertainment...

Spanish writer/director Igor Legarreta's name is likely most recognized this side of the Atlantic as the writer of Gabe Ibáñez's rather good robot uprising movie Automata (review), but over the last few years he's also directed his first feature film and his sophomore effort is looking very promising.

All the Moons unfolds in 19th century Spain, in the final period of the Carlist war. A little girl is rescued from an orphanage by a mysterious woman but the girl, badly wounded and close to death, won't survive and so the woman does the only thing she can to save the girl: grants her eternal life.

The film stars Itziar Ituño (...

A plumber is haunted by a sound that only he can seemingly hear in Stefano Nurra's Hum, and ahead of its premiere on Gunpowder & Sky's Dust on Thursday, September 26th, we've been provided with the exclusive trailer for the sci-fi short film.

Written and directed by Stefano Nurra, Hum stars Adam Shaw (Doctors), Paul Reynolds (Terminal), James Bryce (Border Queen), and Shend (Schemers).

You can watch our exclusive trailer for Hum below, and we've also been provided with the key art for the short film. Keep an eye on Dust's Facebook and YouTube pages to learn more.

Hum synopsis: "Grieving plumber Chris Page is tormented by a mysterious low frequency noise seemingly only he can hear. The unexplained phenomenon known as "The Hum". With the help of rogue scientist Prof. McAven, Chris traces the origin of the sound, discovering way more than expected.

About Dust

Dust, a division of global content studio Gunpowder & Sky,...

What at first seems like a lighthearted middle school experiment of ping pong balls, red light, and white noise soon turns into an obsession that could unlock a door into the vast, deadly unknown in Lucid Nation. Ahead of its premiere on Gunpowder & Sky's Dust label on Thursday, August 8th, we've been provided with the exclusive trailer for Lucid Nation to share with Daily Dead readers.

You can get a look at the escalating dread of the experiment in our exclusive Lucid Nation trailer below, and we've also been provided with posters from the short film. Keep an eye on Dust's Facebook and YouTube pages to learn more.

"Lucid Nation Synopsis

Best friends Henry and Josh attempt an experiment at home that they learned about in school. After stealing a red light bulb from the school's dark room, they cover their eyes with ping pong balls and listen to white...

Panelists discuss difficulty of keeping Scottish film talent in Scotland.

A Glasgow Film Festival panel yesterday (Feb 27) comprised of genre filmmakers discussed the potential for a more sustained horror industry in Scotland.

Sarah Daly, one of the founders of Hex Studios, a dedicated studio for the production and distribution of horror films based in Fife, celebrated the fact that “it’s a very exciting time to be in the genre space because there is so much open mindedness to so many different kinds of storytelling”.

“The industry has seen the returns that these films can have,” Daly commented, pointing to...

Matthew Byrd Feb 14, 2019

Astral Chain is a Nintendo Switch exclusive action title from PlatinumGames.

PlatinumGames is working on a new incredibly bizarre action title called Astral Chain. It's set to release exclusively for the Nintendo Switch on August 30.

Astral Chain's basic premise (if such a thing as a basic premise even exists with PlatinumGames titles), involves some kind of futuristic police force keeping the world safe from anime threats. It seems these monsters have come from another dimension (ain't it always the case?) and you're one of the only things that stand in their way. Assisting you is a living weapon called Legion that serves multiple purposes and your younger twin who will either be your brother or sister based on which character you choose to play in the beginning of the game. 

As is the case with many (but certainly not all) PlatinumGames titles, Astral Chain's basic story isn't...

Ahead of the World premiere of the darkly erotic Automata at Arrow Video FrightFest Glasgow 2019, director Lawrie Brewster tells us about his record-breaking Kickstarter campaign, the growth of Hex Studios and his fascination with creepy dolls.

Automata has earned its place in Kickstarter history as the UK’s most funded narrative film ever. Why do you think that happened?

The reason this happened is because there is a disconnect between a swathe of the audience, in our case a genre audience, and commercial distributors. Because commercial distributors and broadcasters for that matter, are so adept and so accustomed to selling a type of predictable product, that a form of repetition occurs whereby films that might not fit the mould, are simply not sold, and hence not usually produced. With Automata, and with all of our films at Hex Studios, we utilise that underserved niche, to produce unique genre films, which...

New titles include ‘Connect’ starring Kevin Guthrie.

The Glasgow Film Festival has unveiled the full programme for its 15th edition which will run from February 20 until March 3.

The line-up features seven world premieres throughout the programme, including Scottish director Marilyn Edmonds’ debut feature Connect, which stars Kevin Guthrie as a young man in a small town attempting to deal with depression, and Bafta-winning director Matt Pinder’s feature documentary Harry Birrell: Films Of Love And War, exploring the archive of Scottish amateur filmmaker Birrell.

Two horror titles, Automata from Lawrie Brewster and Here Comes Hell from Jack McHenry, will have...