PlayStation 4 version of Hori Fighting Edge available now

The newest version of the Fighting Edge arcade stick from Hori came to North America ahead of its early 2018 release in Japan.

You can get the PlayStation 4 version of the Fighting Edge either from Hori directly or at Arcade Shock right now. The Fighting Edge, first available for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, combined Hori's large form factor design with its own arcade-quality parts. 

The PS4 Fighting Edge swaps the plexi top panel with that of a brushed metal design. This model opts to have a variety of special controls placed in different parts of the body instead of using the previous generation's LED touch panel. This model still features Hori's proprietary Hayabusa lever, but now also has Hayabusa pushbuttons instead of the Kuro set found in the original version. There is also support for 3.5mm headphones and headsets found in the front of the Fighting Edge.

The Japanese release of the Fighting Edge is currently set for Jan. 15, 2018.

Input lag reduction coming to PS4 version of Tekken 7 via patch on Dec. 14

Tekken 7 players on PlayStation 4 will be able to enjoy the game with less inherent latency in the coming days.

Bandai Namco Entertainment's Motohiro Okubo, producer of Tekken 7, announced during the Tekken 7 West Tournament finals that the coming Dec. 14 patch will reduce input lag. Okubo's statement was directed towards the PS4 version only. There is currently no info whether or not if this will be applied to the Xbox One or PC builds.

Tests of Tekken 7 revealed that the PS4 version had the highest amount of lag compared to the other versions. Katsuhiro Harada and Michael Murray addressed to viewers during Tekken World Tour Finals that they were working on a patch to reduce the lag. This came out of updates done to Unreal Engine 4, T7's engine, where games running at 60hz would get a lag reduction of two frames.

You can read Okubo's tweet about it here.

Arika names Fighting EX Layer, public beta starts Dec. 11

The "Mysterious Fighting Game" has been given a name, and players will be able to try out Arika's newest fighter in early December 2017.

According to the PlayStation blog, Arika has given its forthcoming title the name Fighting EX Layer, and the game will come home in a public beta starting on Dec. 11.

During the two-week event, players will get to explore Kairi, Garuda, Skullomania, Darun Mister, Allen Snider and Shirase as they test the game's online functionality. In addition, players attending the PlayStation Experience on Dec. 9-10 will get a chance to play the demo early.

There are no details on what Gougi will be usable during demo. For the entire brief interview with Arika's Akira "NIN" Nishitani where he discusses the purpose of the Gougi system, check out the PlayStation Blog. The post also features a new video featuring Shirase in her new design.

Fighting EX Layer is coming to PlayStation 4 sometime in 2018.

Cloud of Darkness to engulf Dissidia Final Fantasy

The main villain of Final Fantasy III is joining the cast of the Dissidia Final Fantasy and its upcoming PlayStation 4 counterpart.

Cloud of Darkness fights with its two tentacles, which give it much longer melee reach, as well as several powerful magic attacks including one that seems like a counter of some kind.

Cloud of Darkness is the third character announced as part of Square Enix's plan to roll out a new Dissidia character for every month from August through November. Jecht and Ultimecia have also been revealed for the title.

Readers can check out the Cloud of Darkness trailer after the jump. Dissidia Final Fantasy NT is scheduled for release on the PlayStation 4 console in early 2018.

Click to read more ...

IPLAYWINNER's Dissidia Final Fantasy NT closed beta giveaway

With the next iteration of Dissidia Final Fantasy planning to have a beta very soon, I have a couple of access codes left over from Evolution 2017. If you are looking into getting to the nine day beta, here's your chance.

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY NT CONTEST FORM

You can sign up now over at the link above for one of two chances to win an access code for the Dissdia Final Fantasy NT closed beta. Contest winners will be chosen by random number generator on Aug. 25 at 12 p.m. PST. The two chosen winners will be contacted via email with the access codes. Since these codes are not download codes, they must be redeemed on Square Enix's website with a valid Square Enix account. SE will send an email with a download code for use on a PlayStation 4.

The beta can be downloaded from Aug. 25 at 9 p.m. PDT until Sept. 1 at 9 p.m. PDT. Players can access the beta from Aug. 25 at 9 p.m. PDT to Sept. 3 at 9 p.m. PDT.

Dissidia Final Fantasy NT, exclusive to the PlayStation 4, will be coming to Japan on Jan. 11, 2018, with the rest of the world receiving the game on Jan. 30.

North America & Europe receiving Gundam Versus simultaneously in late September

The new version of Gundam Versus will be reaching regions outside Japan at the same time.

Both North America and Europe will get the PlayStation 4 exclusive Gundam arena fighter on Sept. 29. Gundam Versus was originally announced to be available in the fall season for those regions during the initial announcement. A trailer showing off the various game modes can be found after the jump!

Those who don't want to wait for September can purchase the Japanese version which is available now.

Click to read more ...

Brook releases Nintendo Switch compatibility firmware for Wii U Super Converters

If you are looking for a simple solution to using your controller or arcade stick for the Nintendo Switch, Brook added compatibility to two of its existing converters.

The Taiwan-based company released firmware for its Wii U Super Converters to allow for native Switch support. The converter acts as a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller when plugged into the system. Not only should players be able to play most Switch games including Ultra Street Fighter II with ease, but they should also be able to navigate the system's main menu.

This is a different situation from that of the Brook Universal Fighting Board working on the current 3.0 console update, where the board simulates the Hori Pokkén Tournament pad. This mode works only in a game and can't work with the system's UI.

The Switch firmware can be found here. Brook's Wii U Super Converters for PlayStation 3/PlayStation 4 and Xbox 360/Xbox One are available now on Arcade Shock and Paradise Arcade Shop!

Digital Foundry checks out graphical power of Tekken 7 & its predecessors

The go-to people for graphics analysis at Digital Foundry got the chance to show off how each version of Tekken 7 is running and made a visual retrospective of the series.

DF's Thomas Morgan explains in detail how the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4 Pro and PC differ. This includes variances in resolution, post-processing effects and load times. A full text analysis, with screenshot comparisons, can be found here.

Dave Bierton talks about the evolution of the series and the hardware that powers each game. While Tekken has been a multiplatform series in recent entries, it has been one of the franchises that grew alongside Sony's PlayStation line of consoles before that shift. This growth starts all the way back at the original Tekken for the first PS system and the similar Namco System 11 arcade hardware.

Videos for the Tekken 7 graphical analysis and the series/tech evolution can be found after the jump!

Click to read more ...

Modes trailer for Tekken 7 show off new story content & other features

Check out the latest Tekken 7 promotional trailer detailing what modes you can expect in the home release after the jump!

Story mode is one of the major aspects found in the video with "The Mishima Saga" being the marquee piece. It features new footage of what players will take part in such as a flashback to the Mishima Dojo attack from Tekken 5's intro cutscene. This mode will also allow special moves to be performed with simple commands for casual players. Along with the main story, there will also be character-specific scenarios.

Treasure Battle is one of the new modes that allows players to get special items for Customize mode. This mode also features special fights including battling Kazumi already in devil form as well as Turbo battles originally found in Tekken Revolution.

Players can also expect the usual offline and online modes such as ranked match, arcade and practice. The trailer also mentions the expansive Gallery mode, platform-specific perks and more.

Tekken 7 is coming to the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC on June 2, 2017!

Click to read more ...

Gundam Versus for PS4 set for July 6 release in Japan with limited edition announcement

The next edition of the popular Gundam Versus series will be coming out in mid-2017.

The latest trailer to the PlayStation 4-exclusive game simply titled "Gundam Versus" revealed that it will be available in Japan on July 6, 2017. There is currently no info if the date will apply to neighboring Asian countries that will receive the game.

Along with the standard edition of the game, a limited Premium G Sound Edition package for 11,200 yen will feature extra songs from various Gundam anime series. Pre-ordering any version allows owners to try Hot Scramble Gundam from Gundam Build Fighters AR. Owners of the Premium G Sound Edition can also register a code for more bonus mobile suits shortly after release.

You can check the trailer after the jump!

Click to read more ...

Review: Qanba Obsidian arcade stick (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PC)

Qanba's latest line of arcade sticks for the PlayStation 4 that was reviewed on IPLAYWINNER was based on existing designs. The Drone, priced at $79.99, was from the N1 series. The $149.99 Crystal was a reintroduction of the revised Q2 LED/Glow models. As for the $299.99 Dragon stick, it was previously featured at EVO 2014 as a prototype. The Obsidian, however, was a stick never before seen from the Chinese manufacturer when it premiered in late 2016.

Sitting between the Crystal and Dragon in price, the Obsidian is aimed for players who want better parts than the former while not breaking the bank with the very stylish latter. At $199.99, it's competing with Mad Catz's Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2+ and Razer's Panthera sticks. With its competitors, you can consider the Obsidian as Qanba's flagship stick but does it stack up?

Click to read more ...

Review: Qanba Dragon arcade stick (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PC)

Back at Evolution 2014, Chinese arcade stick manufacturer Qanba featured a prototype model of a new design. This big-bodied stick was made with the PlayStation 4 in mind. It allowed easy access to the lever and pushbuttons as well as room to hold onto spare parts. One unique feature in this prototype stick was the ability to switch the left and right portion of the top panel. It would have allowed the player to use the button layout of Sega's Astro City format while having the lever placed similar to Taito's Vewlix design. The stick was eventually put on hold due to the cost involved in producing it.

Qanba was able to salvage that design and reintroduce it in 2016 as the Dragon. Aspects of the stick have changed since its 2014 reveal but the core look still remains in the final version. As a direct competitor to Hori's Real Arcade Pro Premium VLX arcade stick series, the Dragon is part of the luxury grade of sticks. You can expect arcade quality parts and an exquisite body design, but at a very hefty price.

Click to read more ...

New DLC trailer for The King of Fighters XIV reveals new outfits, stages and characters

The King of Fighters XIV players can expect more downloadable content this year, ranging from the cosmetic to new characters.

When it comes to outfits, the once Chinese-exclusive classic suit for Iori will be available to everyone else on Feb. 23. Kula Diamond, Angel, Meiteikun and Sylvie will get their own bonus DLC outfits sometime in spring.

Free for all owners of KOF XIV are two extra stages with one of them being the train stage from Fatal Fury 2.

The trailer featuring the new outfits and stages also teases a new team of three characters to be fully announced in March.

The video can be found after the jump!

Click to read more ...

Gameplay trailer for Tekken 7 pre-order bonus character Eliza

Check out the trailer to the once Tekken Revolution-only character after the jump!

Those who preorder Tekken 7 before its June 2, 2017, release will be able to play as Eliza. The female vampire character was chosen by fans during a character poll for TR. She was only unlockable in the free-to-play Tekken game by grinding matches for "blood scrolls."

Now that Eliza is returning for T7, she will be revamped to cater to the new gameplay mechanics.

Click to read more ...

Hori Japan announces Tekken 7-branded arcade stick for the PlayStation 4

The Japanese branch of Hori will be reintroducing an older stick design when Tekken 7 comes out in the region.

The Real Arcade Pro "N" model will return with special T7 artwork. Unlike the modern Real Arcade Pro models with a stylized look, the RAP N series uses a more rectangular box design. Unique features include a small door to conceal the Options button and a bigger control panel. It will also include support for PS4 headsets thanks to the port on the rear end.

This stick will be available simultaneously with Tekken 7 in Japan on June 1, 2017. There are currently no plans for this stick to be available outside Japan.

Razer Panthera arcade stick gets Xinput driver, downloadable now

Microsoft's Xinput controller driver for PC is now available for Razer's first PlayStation 4 arcade stick.

Owners of the Panthera can now download the driver here. Following a fast installation process, Xinput will activate when the stick is set to PS4 mode. PlayStation 3 mode only features Direct Input.

During a quick test, both Street Fighter V and The King of Fighters XIII on PC confirm that the Panthera is recognized as an Xbox 360 controller. There were no conflicts when another stick with Xinput was plugged in. The driver unfortunately wasn't identified by Killer Instinct. If you are looking to play KI with the Panthera, either wait for an updated driver or look into Razer's Atrox sticks.

You can read the review for Razer's Panthera here.

Review: Razer Panthera arcade stick (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PC)

Commonly known more for its gaming-focused PC peripherals and the communities that use them, Razer's attention to the fighting game community has been intriguing. Along with sponsoring players such as Infiltration, Fuudo and Xian, the company made arcade sticks to compete with Mad Catz, Qanba and Hori. With models for the Xbox 360 and Xbox One, the Atrox series had features ahead of its time all housed in a slick body design.

RAZER PANTHERA ARCADE STICK SCREENSHOTS

Even with cool features, Razer faced a situation where it had to deal with criticism. Events such as EVO 2015, where Momochi's Atrox stick was suddenly disabled on the eve of his Ultra Street Fighter IV victory, became a controversial topic in the community. Technical issues would also surface in future events giving more people reason to heckle Razer.

The company also had to adapt to the current FGC competitive climate. With a majority of fighting games being commonly available on the PlayStation 4, the manufacturer began work on a stick for that platform. Given another chance, Razer's new model—Panthera—doesn't deviate too much from its prdecessors while still making sure the stick is ready for a new generation. While the consistency is nice, the continuations—as well the smaller changes and additions—aren't always for the best.

Click to read more ...

Qanba Obsidian arcade stick coming early 2017

Qanba has announced its fourth arcade stick for the PlayStation 4!

QANBA OBSIDIAN SCREENSHOTS

The Obsidian, much like the Dragon arcade stick, is a new design from Qanba. Priced at $199.99, the Obsidian features Sanwa Denshi parts out of the box, a metal ball top, a cable compartment and alloy sides with toggleable LEDs. In addition to PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 support, players can use it on PC with Dinput and Xinput modes.

The preorder link for the Obsidian can be found here with a release date at around late January to early February. Arcade Shock also has a preorder page for the stick. Check out the trailer featuring a render of the stick after the jump!

Click to read more ...

New mobile suits and mechanics revealed in Gundam Versus for PlayStation 4

Here are new details on the latest console entry of Bandai Namco's popular arcade arena fighting game series based on the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise.

Famitsu's latest issue featured the starting 12 mobile suits coming to the aptly named Gundam Versus. Players can at least expect Wing Gundam Zero, V Gundam, Tallgeese, Gouf, Gundam Barbatos, Full Armor Gundam, Gundam Exia, Unicorn Gundam, Guncannon, Sinanju, Kyrios and the iconic RX-78 Gundam.

There are also some new info on mechanics. Boost drive allows players to drop down which can be useful to cancel move animations. The Striker system allows players to have a mobile suit like the GM, Thunderbolt GM or Ball to act as an assist. The Gear modes Blaze Gear and Lightning Gear allow special benefits such as melee attack buffs and larger lock-on range, respectively. In the revised HUD, there is a small indicator of your partner's health.

Gundam Versus is in development exclusively for the PlayStation 4. While there are no current plans to release the game outside Asia, Southeast Asian players can expect English support with Japanese voices.

Kuma & Panda coming to Tekken 7, new info on online tournaments

The end of Tekken 7's The King of Iron Fist Tournament 2016 Grand Finals featured the announcement of the series' favorite bears.

Both Kuma and Panda will be coming to Tekken 7. Trailer footage features the bears with very detailed fur shading, alternate outfits and their rage arts. Instead of being simple palette swaps, Kuma and Panda will have unique traits. In addition to the two characters, a new stage was featured in the announcement trailer that you can check after the jump!

For the coming console build of T7, the online mode was detailed. One of them is the introduction of online tournaments which provide Fight Money as the prize. There is also support for double elimination format.

In other console news, Bandai Namco has collaborated with New Japan Pro Wrestling to include a costume for King designed by wrestler Kazuchika Okada in T7. The announcement and brief trailer for the costume is also after the jump.

Tekken 7 will be coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC in early 2017!

Click to read more ...