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  • How to Farm Trophy Crystals in Final Fantasy XIV

    In Final Fantasy XIV, Trophy Crystals serve as a unique currency utilized to unlock various PvP rewards, including gear, weapons, framing kits, minions, and more. However, acquiring Trophy Crystals requires a bit of additional effort compared to some other reward currencies in the game. These crystals are earned as rewards for progressing through the current PvP Series by accumulating PvP Series Experience. Each Series Malmstone, or level, reached grants you 1,000 Trophy Crystals, with the exception of certain levels that offer alternative rewards such as mounts or minions. These special rewards typically occur at levels five, 10, 15, 20, and 25. To claim your Trophy Crystals, navigate to your PvP Profile and locate the Series Malmstones button at the top right corner. From there, select and claim any Malmstones you've attained, which will grant you the corresponding Trophy Crystals. Even after reaching level 30 and completing the current PvP Series, you can continue to earn Trophy Crystals by further leveling up your Series. Since there are infinite levels available, you have the opportunity to grind for Trophy Crystals to your heart's content.

  • Lies of P – macOS Review

    In a dark twist on the beloved children's tale Pinocchio, Neowiz Games ventured into the sinister realms of storytelling, and the result is more than just narrative wickedness. Lies of P stands as a formidable challenge with its unrelenting combat, proving to be a tough adversary that, despite its punishing nature, beckons players for repeated engagements. Lies of P features an understated atmosphere, stylish graphics, and a gracefully moving protagonist stepping into the unknown with a sword in hand. The mechanical hand of the main character, reminiscent of the NES-era Bionic Commando, adds a unique and intriguing element to the visual design. Controls feel instantly familiar, requiring no additional adjustments. The game introduces various punches, dodges, parry actions, and other fundamentals through on-screen text prompts at relevant moments. The mechanical hand becomes a standout feature, showcasing its destructive power and proving invaluable in numerous situations. The Neowiz Games team deserves commendation for incorporating challenge at strategic points, striking a balance with engaging gameplay that doesn't feel overwhelmingly difficult. Earning extra points for its Souls-like design, Lies of P seamlessly integrates repetition into its gameplay, a crucial element for learning and skill improvement. Accumulating ergo currency by defeating enemies allows for character ability point upgrades, akin to the Souls games. The risk-reward system, where taking hits reduces the dropped pot but dealing damage restores it, adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay. Initial encounters may seem deceptively easy, even for Souls veterans, as the whimsical enemies borrowed from Pinocchio animation inject humor into their aggressive attacks. Notably, the player-controlled swordsman goes by the name Pinocchio, raising intriguing questions about whether the in-game events serve as entertainment for nobles observing through binoculars and glass eyes. However, the plot remains incomplete and fragmentary, despite the inclusion of found text fragments and conversations with other characters. As someone who has traditionally downplayed melee combat in similar games, Lies of P successfully captures my attention by compensating for the lack of emphasis on parrying. The game introduces a variety of abilities, including different attacks, mechanical hand options, and super combos charged by hitting enemies. The well-executed ability tree, allowing enhancements like an increased dodge window or more significant healing item capacity, further enriches the gameplay. Despite the handsome setting, some moments in the game can feel empty, and encounters with new foes like Freaks add excitement but fall short in the scare factor. The variety of opponents, from goblins in underground dungeons to innovative wooden puppets, provides freshness to the enemy selection. Encounters with smaller mobs contribute to bigger rewards in the form of challenging boss battles, maintaining player interest. Lies of P emerges as a welcomed addition to the gaming landscape, though it may not stand at the cutting edge of similar releases. The enemy selection, while not exceptional, serves its purpose. The emphasis on playability might soften the sharp edges found in releases like Demon's Souls and Dark Souls, which were known for their punishing difficulty. While Lies of P remains challenging, it presents various avenues for players to enhance their adventure experience, catering to a broader audience. In essence, Lies of P feels like a stripped-down version of Dark Souls, reminiscent of the time when the foundation of the iconic series was taking shape in the minds of FromSoftware's creators. It retains the essence of a challenging solo experience, devoid of multiplayer intrusions. A recommendation for enthusiasts of the genre, Lies of P, despite minor flaws, leaves a good taste in the mouth. Final Score:

  • Undertale – macOS Review

    Undertale made its debut on macOS on September 15th, 2015, having initially landed on PC after a successful Kickstarter campaign that fueled nearly three years of development. Toby Fox, the sole force behind the game's writing, design, and composition, brings forth Undertale as a prime example of an indie gem. Embark on an adventure where a child accidentally tumbles into the subterranean realm of monsters, a result of an ancient conflict that banished these creatures beneath the surface. Undertale's narrative takes a refreshing approach, introducing monsters with personality and the ability to engage with the player. Conversations are not limited to just dialogue; they extend into battles, adding depth to the journey toward the surface. Undertale reshapes the traditional RPG battle system with turn-based combat, reminiscent of classic RPGs. Combat sequences involve timing your attacks for maximum damage, coupled with brief top-down shooter mini-games during enemy assaults. However, what sets Undertale apart is the choice not to kill monsters. Engaging in conversations or taking alternative actions can lead to sparing them, offering a unique dynamic that affects the story, characters, and even the game's ending. Undertale's reactive storytelling is a standout feature, with dialogue evolving based on various factors. Multiple endings and altered dialogue make it a six-hour experience that begs for at least two playthroughs to explore its full potential. The art style draws parallels to Earthbound, with clean and expressive visuals. In battles, pixelated character sprites and attacks add a distinctive touch. While not graphically intensive, Undertale excels in clarity, ensuring readability, distinct characters, and clear navigation. The game's focus on dialogue, NPCs, and rooms over items enriches the overall experience. Undertale's music complements its graphics, exhibiting fluidity and expression. Themes for characters and pitch-shifting to match situations contribute to a memorable and fun soundtrack. The chiptune-inspired music carves its path, adding a unique touch to the game's atmosphere. Undertale's strength lies in its interactivity, reactive storytelling, and memorable characters. Although not overly challenging, the game's combat and decision-making elements offer a distinctive RPG experience. The expressive music and engaging characters, coupled with its short but replayable nature, make Undertale a must-play for RPG enthusiasts and fans of retro-styled games. Final Score:

  • Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain Walkthrough – Mission 34: [Extreme] Backup, Backdown

    Make sure to equip yourself accordingly, as you’ll need plenty of explosives. If your plan involves capturing the vehicles instead of destroying them, you’ll also want decoys and other tools to stop them. To complete this mission, your primary goal is to eliminate a single vehicle, which shouldn’t be too challenging. Bring along a launcher and track down any vehicles that appear, then blow them up. Keep in mind that, since this is an Extreme mission, the vehicles will require several shots to take down, but with persistence, they will eventually be destroyed. Once you've destroyed one vehicle, you can simply find a hiding spot and wait for the timer to run out, allowing you to extract yourself and complete the objective. Most vehicles (with the exception of the jeep containing the prisoner) travel from South to North. If you set up an ambush just below or at the Northern checkpoint, you can camp there and disable the vehicles as they approach. However, be aware that the last two APCs may arrive in the final minute, so it might be necessary to launch your ambush a bit earlier to ensure you can take them out in time.

  • Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis – Android Review

    Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis unfolds as a nostalgic tribute to the iconic moments of the saga, taking us on a trip down memory lane with a modern twist. Available for free on both Android and iOS, this mobile game is anything but your typical title, offering a unique take on the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII. Venturing into the narrative realm, Ever Crisis takes inspiration from various products within the Final Fantasy VII universe, encompassing chapters from Final Fantasy VII, Crisis Core, and The First Soldier. While the chapters are yet to be fully published, monthly content updates promise an expanding journey, delving into untapped narratives like Before Crisis and Advent Children. For those well-acquainted with the Final Fantasy VII universe, Ever Crisis becomes a delightful nostalgia trip, condensing the epic storyline into bite-sized episodes. However, newcomers may find themselves overwhelmed by the breakneck pace, missing out on the intricacies of character motivations and plot developments. Visually, Ever Crisis adopts a charming chibi style reminiscent of the original PlayStation titles, blending 2D illustrations seamlessly into the mix. The soundtrack, albeit derivative, channels the magic of the original titles, evoking a sense of familiarity. Diving into gameplay, Ever Crisis delivers a synthesis of elements from the original titles. Divided into chapters lasting 5-10 minutes, the game caters to on-the-go gaming but sacrifices depth compared to the original versions. Combat adopts a real-time system, offering a compromise between the original and the remake, with automatic basic attacks and player-controlled spells, special attacks, and limit breaks. Despite some simplifications, Ever Crisis could have easily stood as a budget-priced console title, but Square-Enix opted for a free-to-play model. This decision introduces the standard fare of gacha systems and pay-to-win elements, a potential dampener for the otherwise engaging experience. While the game generously allows players to progress through the story without spending money, the looming threat of pay-to-win dynamics and an aggressive advertising system raises concerns. The game's structural foundations suggest future episodes may lean towards a more monetized experience, leaving players in a delicate balancing act between enjoying the content and resisting the microtransaction onslaught. In a gaming landscape inundated with questionable commercial operations, Ever Crisis stands out as a title with genuine potential, marred by the pervasive influence of continuous microtransactions. The regret lies in witnessing compelling content diluted by the relentless pursuit of monetization, especially considering the game's potential to thrive on consoles with a different approach. Final Score:

  • Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain Walkthrough – Mission 33: [Subsistence] C2W

    In the Subsistence missions, Snake will deploy immediately without any Sortie Prep, meaning he starts with only his Bionic arm, olive camouflage, and Fultons. All weapons and items must be acquired directly from the operational area. Additionally, enemies are more alert, and Reflex Mode is disabled, increasing the challenge. At the start of the mission, you’ll be dropped just outside a small outpost. This positioning is advantageous since you have no equipment at your disposal, and there are two guards nearby who are ready to provide you with their weapons. Take advantage of this opportunity to gear up and prepare for the mission ahead. While it may not be much, a gun is still a gun, and now that you have one, make your way toward the communications post. Keep in mind that it’s daytime, and the enemy is more alert than usual, so exercise extra caution as you proceed. Additionally, be aware that there are two patrolling soldiers on the road leading to the communications post, so stay vigilant to avoid detection. Once you reach the communications post, take the time to scan as many soldiers as possible to get their locations. Since you don’t have access to Reflex Mode, it's essential to have a clear understanding of where every soldier is positioned. When you feel confident in your reconnaissance, it’s time to move in for your objective. The communications equipment is located in a building at the center of the camp. However, before you take it out, consider your options and escape route. While you could shoot it directly, doing so will trigger an immediate alert, and the entire camp will be after you. Instead, we recommend sneaking around the camp, quietly eliminating as many enemies as you can. If you manage to clear out the entire camp, you won’t have to worry about being spotted when you destroy the equipment.

  • Final Fantasy XIV: All Gold Saucer Mounts Guide

    The Gold Saucer is known for its lively atmosphere, colorful aesthetics, and the whimsical character known as the "Masked Rose," who serves as the master of ceremonies. It serves as a hub of social interaction, allowing players to take a break from the game's more traditional activities instead offering a variety of ways to earn rewards, socialize with other players, and enjoy the game's playful side. Adamantoise 200,000 MGP Speak to the Prize Claim in NPC at the main counter in Entrance & Card Squares and select Prize Exchange III to buy the Adamantoise mount with 200,000 MGP. Fenrir 1,000,000 MGP Speak to the Prize Claim in NPC at the main counter in Entrance & Card Squares and select Prize Exchange III to buy the Fenrir mount with 1,000,000 MGP. Archon Throne 750,000 MGP Speak to the Prize Claim in NPC at the main counter in Entrance & Card Squares and select Prize Exchange III to buy the Archon throne mount with 750,000 MGP. Korpokkur Kolossus 750,000 MGP Speak to the Prize Claim in NPC at the main counter in Entrance & Card Squares and select Prize Exchange III to buy the Korpokkur Kolossus mount with 750,000 MGP. Typhon 750,000 MGP Speak to the Prize Claim in NPC at the main counter in Entrance & Card Squares and select Prize Exchange III to buy the Typhon mount with 750,000 MGP. Sabotender Emperador 2,000,000 MGP Speak to the Prize Claim in NPC at the main counter in Entrance & Card Squares and select Prize Exchange III to buy the Sabotender Emperador mount with 2,000,000 MGP. This mount is also available for purchase via the Market Board. Pod 602 300,000 MGP This mount requires you to complete all the Nier Automata Alliance raids to unlock it and make it available for purchase. Speak to the Prize Claim in NPC at the main counter in Entrance & Card Squares and select Prize Exchange III to buy the Pod 602 mount with 300,000 MGP. This mount is also available for purchase via the Market Board. Blackjack 4,000,000 MGP Speak to the Prize Claim in NPC at the main counter in Entrance & Card Squares and select Prize Exchange III and then select the 'Only List Recently Added Items' box to buy the Blackjack mount with 4,000,000 MGP.

  • Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain Walkthrough – Mission 32: To Know Too Much

    After the last few challenging missions, you might expect that the post-game tasks will be equally difficult. However, there's no need to worry; this next mission is surprisingly quick and easy to complete. You'll find that it doesn't require the same level of intensity as the previous challenges. You begin your mission dropped into the deserts of Afghanistan, where the first thing you’ll encounter is a small outpost on your way to your objective. While it's not mandatory to clear out the outpost, doing so could yield some skilled soldiers, so at the very least, scan them to assess their abilities. Once you pass the outpost, you’ll spot your objective ahead. Depending on how long it takes you to reach him, he may be in one of several situations: he could be alone and ready for extraction, or he might be surrounded by Walker Gears. If you take too long to arrive, there’s a chance he will have been moved by the soldiers, in which case you'll need to extract him from a more heavily defended location. To make things easier, it’s best to move quickly toward your objective before the prisoner is transported. If Walker Gears are present, you have the option to either destroy them or tranquilize/neutralize the pilots before extracting the prisoner using the Fulton system. Once you successfully extract the prisoner, the mission will be complete, and you can exit the area via your helicopter. However, if you arrive too late and the prisoner has already been moved, the mission will proceed without any significant changes. You’ll face a much larger fight to retrieve him, but by this point in the game, you should have the resources and capabilities needed to clear out the palace and recover the prisoner with relative ease.

  • Final Fantasy V – Android Review

    Square Enix announced their Pixel Remaster treatment for the first six episodes of Final Fantasy in 2022, promising enhanced graphics on PC, iOS, and Android. Final Fantasy V stands out in Square Enix's flagship saga. Released in 1992 between Final Fantasy IV and VI, it's one of the less reissued games in the series. Despite its unique status, FFV has often been overlooked—until now. Following the adventures of Bartz, accompanied by his chocobo Boco, FFV introduces Lenna, the princess of Tycoon, and Galuf, an amnesiac old man found at the foot of a meteorite. The narrative takes a lighter tone compared to FFIV and FFVI, with a charm rooted in '90s humor. Despite a lack of epic moments, certain sequences, like the iconic battle on the Great Bridge, maintain the game's appeal. Beyond its story, FFV's true strength lies in its mechanics, harking back to the franchise's roots. While retaining a semi-active turn-based combat system, FFV introduces a job system that allows dynamic class changes. Jobs don't evolve with experience points but with PC (skill points), providing access to increasingly powerful abilities. The richness of the game system lies in the vast number of possible job combinations. This edition introduces visual enhancements based on the Super NES version, surpassing even the GBA edition in finesse. Sprites, both characters and enemies, receive meticulous attention, and the re-orchestrated music breathes new life into the iconic compositions. However, the chosen font remains a drawback, deviating from the pixelated experience. Despite this, the bonuses, including a bestiary and artwork gallery, enhance the overall gameplay. In addition to the graphic overhaul, the game features various ergonomic options, such as an accessible map and an automatic combat option, streamlining gameplay. However, the absence of content from the GBA version, such as new jobs and an additional dungeon, leaves a void. With its lighter narrative and robust job system, Final Fantasy V retains its original charm through the Pixel Remaster edition. While benefiting from enhanced graphics and a well-crafted soundtrack, the divisive font and missing GBA version content slightly diminish the experience. Nevertheless, the true strength of Final Fantasy V Pixel Remaster lies in making this underrated gem easily accessible to a broader audience. Final Score:

  • Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain Walkthrough – Mission 31: Sahelanthropus

    The final showdown with Metal Gear is here, and it's time to bring out your best firepower. Equip yourself with the most powerful Launcher and grenades you have available. For optimal results, use an upgraded CGM Rocket Launcher, a Grenade Launcher, and the Zorn-KP loaded with explosive ammunition to maximize your damage output. As the battle begins, Snake will have a brief window of a few seconds to fire off several rockets at the robot's weak point, located on its belly. Take advantage of this opportunity to land 2-3 well-aimed shots, which will help to significantly weaken the machine right from the start. This mission essentially consists of two main parts: evading the robot's attacks and managing your supply drops. To defeat the robot, you'll need multiple ammo refills throughout the fight. When Snake runs out of ammo, a resupply drop will be dispatched from the chopper right away. Be sure to collect the fresh supplies promptly and keep up the assault to continue the battle. Keep moving and continuously fire rocket shots at the robot while dodging its attacks. If you spend too much time hiding or staying out of sight, its attacks will eventually catch up to Snake and prove fatal. It's crucial to remain in front of the robot, staying on the offensive to avoid getting overwhelmed. When the robot raises its flaming sword, make sure you’re not standing in front of it—run away immediately! If Snake gets trapped within the circle of stalactites, quickly locate the opening and escape. As the fight progresses, gradually work your way down the valley, where you'll find better cover to shield yourself from the robot's attacks. Keep the pressure on the robot by continuously firing CGM Rockets or machine gun bursts aimed at its head. This strategy will help you achieve your objective and deal significant damage to the enemy. Stay focused and relentless in your assault to bring it down. As the robot’s health drops to around 25%, it will leap away to the hill above and begin charging its Rail Gun. If you find yourself in front of it, even from a distance, you’ll be in serious trouble, so take cover behind a rock wall! Wait until the robot returns to its bipedal mode before re-engaging in the battle. Once the robot is nearly out of health, it will jump toward Snake in slow motion. Be ready to press the L2/LT button when prompted to fire a rocket at its head for a final blow. After the battle, Snake and Miller will find themselves standing over an injured Skull Face. You have the option to pull the trigger three times to complete the mission—or choose not to do so, depending on your desired outcome.

  • Final Fantasy XIV: All Eureka Mounts Guide

    Final Fantasy XIV's Eureka is a distinct gameplay area introduced in the Stormblood expansion. It offers a unique take on open-world content with an emphasis on exploration, combat, and character progression. Eureka is divided into multiple instances, each with its own evolving storyline and gameplay mechanics. Tyrannosaur Eureka Anemos You can get the Tyrannosaur mount from Anemos Lockboxes. You’ll find these by completing events and trials in The Forbidden Land, Eureka Anemos. This is a 144 player instance where you can level up Eureka weapons and grind up new materials. Sadly, this is designed to be for level 70 players, and thus is no longer as useful for powerleveling endgame characters. Eldthurs Eureka Pyros This mount is rarely available from the Happiness Rabbit Treasure Chest in “The Forbidden Land, Eureka Pyros”. This mount is also available for purchase via the Market Board. Eurekan Petrel Eureka Hydatos The Eurekan Petrel can be acquired from special gold chests containing rewards from specific 'Eureka Notorious Monsters.' To embark on this journey, players need to engage with the 'Eureka' questline, accessible in Kugane. Unlocking this questline requires achieving level 70 and completing the main story of Final Fantasy XIV beforehand. Unlocking the gold chests involves participating in the 'bunnies' FATEs' within Hydatos. These FATEs lead players to a hidden chest guided by adorable bunnies. Upon locating the chest, you can interact with it to initiate your attempt at obtaining the Eureka Petrel mount—a highly uncommon drop. Specifically, the Eurekan Petrel horn, essential for summoning the mount, has the potential to drop from this chest. This mount is also available for purchase via the Market Board.

  • The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – macOS Review

    Embarking on The Witcher 3 journey felt like diving into an expansive fantasy realm that grew exponentially more captivating with every passing hour. At the five-hour mark, doubts lingered – the menus were perplexing, combat felt lackluster, and discoveries lacked the expected enthusiasm. However, by the fifteenth hour, revelations unfolded about crafting and alchemy, further deepening the complexity. Fast forward to the staggering one-hundred fifty-one hours of playtime, and the transformation of Geralt of Rivia into an unstoppable force wielding Grandmaster Ursine armor and swords was nothing short of epic. Initially overwhelmed by the vastness of Velen's map, littered with infinite question marks, the perseverance paid off. From intricate storytelling involving the Bloody Baron to enthralling secondary stories, The Witcher 3's narrative weaves a tapestry of mystery and choice. The protagonist, Geralt, is a compelling figure, and the supporting cast, including Yennefer, Triss, Lambert, and Vesemir, adds depth to the immersive world based on European folklore. The landscapes of Velen, Novigrad, Skellige, and Toussaint are visually striking, each offering its own open-world experience filled with bandit camps, treasures, and mysteries. The beauty extends beyond visuals, as the enchanting soundtrack complements the atmospheric exploration seamlessly. The game's depth transcends mere experience points, as leveling up unfolds a vast array of ability points to customize Geralt's skills and attributes. The crafting system, encompassing weapons, armor, and alchemy, contributes to Geralt's growth, offering players the freedom to strategize and specialize in combat. Gwent, a card game within the game, stands out as a delightful diversion, showcasing the developers' attention to detail. Monster designs are nothing short of awe-inspiring, enhancing the immersion into a world teeming with life and danger. However, the grandiosity of The Witcher 3 is not without its flaws. Controlling Geralt on horseback or in water poses challenges, and occasional bugs, while often amusing, can hinder progress. Glitches that impede certain quests might frustrate players navigating this colossal RPG. In conclusion, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the RPG that surprises, overwhelms, and ultimately captivates. Those who persist past initial hurdles will uncover a world rich in history, lore, and unforgettable moments. Its grandeur may intimidate, but the life of a witcher, filled with shock, wonder, hilarity, and sadness, proves an experience unmatched in the realm of RPGs. Final Score:

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