SINCE its inception in 2005, Sega’s Yakuza series has invariably churned out virtual masterpieces. While a bit all over the place at times, this part family drama, part mafia flick, and part martial arts and adventure franchise has always boasted of top-notch quality in terms of presentation and humor. In this regard, Yakuza 6 does not disappoint; it offers the same blend of action, comedy, and emotional heft via traditionally outstanding production values.

FROM the book industry’s perspective, the existence of The President Is Missing makes perfect sense.

PLAYING CATCHUP: In the ever-changing landscape of World Cinema, what happened to Hong Kong’s “heroic bloodshed” movement -- those action filmmakers who featured slow motion, balletic action sequences, guns pointed at each others’ faces?

IT’S BY DESIGN that Vanillaware is best known for stylistic two-dimensional action-adventure games. In an industry proliferated with 3D titles, the Japanese developer has made a conscious effort to trod the less-beaten path. And, to its credit, it has had much success in this regard; via a proprietary programming process, it enables its artists to render pixel sprites in such a way as to uniquely project depth. It’s why gamers instantly took to Odin Sphere for the PlayStation 2 in 2007, as well as Muramasa: The Demon Blade for the Nintendo Wii in 2009.

FAR CRY 5 will not come as a shock to those who have been following the series since its inception in 2004. Characterized by open-world gameplay and satisfying gunplay, each of its releases has consistently strived to be bigger and badder than the previous one. And while its iterations don’t stray too far from its tried-and-tested formula, every new addition brings good things worthy of praise, Far Cry 5 included.

By Noel Vera Video Review Porco Rosso Directed by Hayao Miyazaki DVD HAYAO MIYAZAKI’S Porco Rosso started out as a manga for a modeling magazine, was turned into a...

By Alexander O. Cuaycong and Anthony L. Cuaycong KOEI TECMO and Omega Force were on to something when they unveiled Attack on Titan in 2016....

By Noel Vera Video Review Psychokinesis (Yeom-Iyeok) Directed by Yeon Sang-ho Netflix I KNOW, I know, I know, I know — if you’re sick of the genre as I...

By Alexander O. Cuaycong and Anthony L. Cuaycong WITHOUT fail save for a brief interlude at the turn of the millennium, the Atelier series has churned...

By Noel Vera Video Review Amo Directed by Brillante Mendoza Netflix WHEN streaming giant Netflix announced that it would be showing pro-Duterte filmmaker Brillante Mendoza mini-series shot and set...

By Noel Vera Video Review The Breadwinner Amazon NORA TWOMEY’s animated film The Breadwinner (adapted from the children’s novel by Deborah Ellis) is a gorgeous tapestry of a...

By Alexander O. Cuaycong and Anthony L. Cuaycong THE NAMES Nihon Falcom and NIS America carry a lot of weight in the gaming industry. Both companies...