Ninja Batman vs. Yakuza League premiered on streaming services across Japan this weekend but, after watching the first few minutes, my opinions were torn. The story is gripping, the character designs are phenomenal, but the overly CG-heavy animation style is a major letdown that overshadows the experience.
Let’s start with the positives—because there’s plenty to admire here.
Ninja Batman vs. Yakuza League, produced by Kamikaze Douga & YamatoWorks, delivers a story that’s as thrilling as it is absurd. Batman & his allies are pitted against a yakuza-inspired Justice League in a modern-day Gotham. The plot is packed with twists, adding surprising depth to what could’ve been a simple action flick. IGN’s review labelled it “equal parts exciting action & completely ludicrous comedy,” & I couldn’t agree more.
The character designs are another high point. Every member of the Yakuza League is a visual treat, drawing from distinct aesthetics that make them stand out. These designs are so excellent that they practically beg to be brought to life in a way that does them justice—but that’s where the execution falters.
The big issue here is the CG rendering. As a lifelong Batman fan who grew up on the hand-drawn brilliance of Batman: The Animated Series, I was hoping for an animation style that would match the story’s energy & the designs’ flair. Instead, the heavy reliance on CG makes the entire experience feel bulky, stiff & lifeless. Classic animated Batmans feel alive in a way this CG version doesn’t. The characters in Ninja Batman vs. Yakuza League move awkwardly, their expressions lack nuance, & the overall look has a matte plastic dullness that just pulls me out of the story.
It’s frustrating because the story & designs deserve better. The action scenes, like Batman’s showdown with a yakuza-fied Justice League, are conceptually thrilling, but the stiffness of the CG models undercuts their impact. I can’t help but imagine how incredible this would’ve been in 2D. For now, I’m struggling to stay immersed, torn between a story I adore & an execution that’s extremely off-putting. If you like CGI films or can even look past the CG, you’ll find a gem—but for me, it’s a disappointing clash that keeps this film from reaching its full potential.
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Netflix has unveiled a new trailer for its upcoming Devil May Cry anime reboot, featuring the legendary late voice actor Kevin Conroy (†2022) in a posthumous role. Conroy, renowned for his iconic 30-year run portraying Batman in various TV shows, films & games, will voice a new character named VP Baines. Conroy’s untimely passing in November 2022 at the age of 66 left fans mourning the loss of a true legend, but this new series will give them another opportunity to experience his artistry. The trailer offers a glimpse of Conroy’s voiceover work, which can be heard at the beginning of the sneak peek.
Producer Adi Shankar, who serves as showrunner for the series confirmed in a subsequent post that the voice work was done years ago, prior to Conroy’s passing, so no AI was used.
Was recorded before he passed. No AI used.
Mr. Conroy gave it amazingly nuanced performance.
It was both a pleasure and an honor to work with him.
Conroy’s other posthumous performance, in Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part 3, was highly praised in July 2024 but, with his work continuing to be released even years after his passing, one can’t help but wonder if Devil May Cry is the final piece of media we will hear him in. It also remains to be seen just how AI may eventually be used to utilise his iconic voice. After all, 3+ decades of voice work gives AI plenty to work with, should his estate allow it.
Time will also tell whether or not his talents will be enough to save this new adaptation of Devil May Cry. Recent reveal posts were being met with scathing criticism, specifically for Dante taking on an unconfident, ironic sense of humour more commonly seen in Marvel film characters rather than the eponymously unapologetic Devil May Cry series hero. The series is set to premiere on Netflix on April 3, 2025.
If you prefer the original Devil May Cry made by Japan for Japan, I recommend you stick to the 2007 anime:
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The fog of Dead by Daylight just got a lot darker with the announcement of its latest crossover: Tokyo Ghoul’s Ken Kaneki is stepping into The Entity’s Realm as the terrifying new killer, “The Ghoul,” set to launch on April 2, 2025. This electrifying collaboration has sent shockwaves through the gaming & anime communities, igniting excitement, debate, & speculation among fans worldwide. If you’re a Dead by Daylight enthusiast, a Tokyo Ghoul fan, or just love horror gaming, this chapter is a must-watch moment in 2025’s gaming calendar.
Ken Kaneki Transformed: From Anime Hero to Horror Killer
For those unfamiliar, Tokyo Ghoul is a dark, visceral anime & manga series set in a world where ghouls—cannibalistic creatures—coexist with humans. Ken Kaneki, the protagonist, becomes a half-human, half-ghoul hybrid after a life-saving organ transplant from a ghoul following a horrific accident. Struggling with his dual nature, Kaneki battles to retain his humanity while embracing his monstrous instincts. Now, Dead by Daylight reimagines Kaneki as “The Ghoul,” a brutal predator fueled by an insatiable hunger for human flesh.
According to the official Dead by Daylight post on X (March 11, 2025), Kaneki’s transformation in The Fog is chilling: “After receiving a ghoul’s organs to save his life, Kaneki became part-ghoul himself. He learned to harness his powers & manage his urges alongside the ghouls working at the café Anteiku, but as he started to adapt to his new reality, Kaneki was kidnapped & subjected to physical & mental torture. He broke free & defeated his captor, but the torture had already taken its toll, leaving him a different person—stripped of what once made him human.” This dark twist aligns perfectly with Dead by Daylight’s signature horror gameplay, where killers like The Wraith, The Nurse, & now The Ghoul prey on survivors in a never-ending cycle of terror.
Adding to the excitement, Tokyo Ghoul fans will be thrilled to hear that Natsuki Hanae, the original voice actor for Ken Kaneki in the anime, is reprising his role to voice The Ghoul in Dead by Daylight. This authentic casting choice enhances the immersion, bringing Kaneki’s iconic presence & emotional depth to the horror game, making this crossover even more appealing for anime enthusiasts.
Ghoul Gameplay
Kaneki’s arrival as The Ghoul brings unique mechanics to Dead by Daylight, leveraging his Tokyo Ghoul powers for maximum horror impact. The official announcement highlights his monstrous abilities, including:
Kagune Tentacles: Kaneki’s signature ghoul powers manifest as agile, tentacle-like appendages that propel him across the map, allowing for lightning-fast pursuits & deadly strikes on survivors.
Enraged Mode: Landing a successful attack sends The Ghoul into a frenzied state, amplifying his strength & enabling chained lunges to overwhelm players.
Unique Perks: Three new perks—Hex: Nothing But Misery, Forever Entwined, & None Are Free—focus on relentless pressure & damage, incentivizing players to keep survivors on edge & hinder their escapes.
The Ghoul’s “gloriously graphic” Mori (execution animation) promises to deliver the ultraviolence Tokyo Ghoul fans crave, while horror gamers will appreciate the strategic depth Kaneki adds to the asymmetrical multiplayer experience. As Dead by Daylight’s creative director Dave Richard noted in a PlayStation Blog post, “The Ghoul is a fast, agile, & brutal predator, & the incredible physical attributes given by the Kagune gave us a lot to play with.”
Tokyo Ghoul’s Torture Room Lobby: Confirmed & Rumored Details
One of the most exciting aspects of this chapter is the Tokyo Ghoul Chapter lobby, which has been confirmed by community leaks & early access reports. Based on an X post by @dvveet on March 11, 2025, & corroborated by the thematic elements in Dead by Daylight’s history, the lobby will be designed as Kaneki’s torture room from Tokyo Ghoul. This grim setting, featuring a checkered black-&-white floor, red & green arches, & the iconic chair where Kaneki was tortured by Jason, immerses players in the dark narrative of his transformation. The chair, in particular, serves as a haunting centerpiece, tying directly to Kaneki’s pivotal breakdown in the anime & manga.
However, some details remain rumored & unconfirmed by official sources. For instance, it’s rumored that the lobby might include interactive elements, such as ambient sounds of Kaneki’s screams or visual cues like bloodstains & chains, based on datamining from the Public Test Build (PTB). These speculations are exciting but await official confirmation from Dead by Daylight or Behaviour Interactive. Fans are buzzing on X with hashtags like #TokyoGhoulDBD & #DeadbyDaylightPTB, eagerly awaiting more details as the April 2 release approaches.
Why This Crossover Matters for Dead by Daylight Fans
This Tokyo Ghoul chapter marks another milestone in Dead by Daylight’s history of bold crossovers, following iconic partnerships with The Walking Dead, Stranger Things, Castlevania, & more. Launched in 2016, Dead by Daylight has become a cornerstone of the horror gaming genre, blending asymmetrical multiplayer with pop culture icons. The addition of Ken Kaneki taps into the growing trend of anime-inspired gaming collaborations, appealing to both longtime players & a new wave of anime fans exploring horror titles.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. As Dead by Daylight’s Year 9 roadmap nears its conclusion, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what’s next. Recent posts on X reveal mixed reactions: while many celebrate Kaneki’s inclusion & the torture room lobby, others voice concerns about server issues & gameplay balance during the PTB phase. Keywords like “Dead by Daylight PTB,” “Tokyo Ghoul crossover,” & “horror gaming 2025” are trending, reflecting the community’s fervor & the game’s cultural impact.
What Tokyo Ghoul Fans Can Expect
For Tokyo Ghoul aficionados, this chapter offers a dark, twisted take on Kaneki’s story. Originally voiced by Natsuki Hanae in the anime, Kaneki retains his iconic presence with original voice lines in Dead by Daylight, enhancing immersion for fans. The collaboration, approved by the Tokyo Ghoul Production Committee, dives deep into the series’ gruesome imagery & stylized violence, making The Ghoul & his torture room lobby a fitting addition to the game’s roster of killers.
The chapter also introduces a Tokyo-themed cosmetic collection, allowing players to customize their experience with nods to the anime’s iconic aesthetic. Whether you’re chasing survivors or evading The Ghoul, this crossover promises a feast for both Tokyo Ghoul & Dead by Daylight fans alike.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Dead by Daylight?
As April 2, 2025, approaches, the gaming community is abuzz with speculation about future Dead by Daylight chapters. Fans are clamoring for more licensed characters, with mentions of The Walking Dead’s Rick Grimes & Daryl Dixon trending on X. The Dead by Daylight roadmap hints at exciting updates, but with the Hellraiser chapter exiting & no teasers for the next PTB, impatience is mounting. It’s rumored that the next chapter might feature another major IP, but this remains unconfirmed speculation until the next Anniversary livestream in May 2025. This Tokyo Ghoul collaboration could set the stage for even bolder crossovers, solidifying Dead by Daylight’s position as a leader in horror gaming.
How to Prepare for The Ghoul’s Arrival
Ready to face Ken Kaneki in The Fog? Here’s how to dive in:
Check the PTB: The Public Test Build is live now, allowing players to test The Ghoul’s mechanics, perks, & rumored lobby elements like the torture room. Watch for updates on Dead by Daylight PTB issues & fixes.
Mark Your Calendar: The official release is April 2, 2025, on platforms like PS5, PS4, Xbox, PC, & Nintendo Switch.
Join the Conversation: Follow Dead by Daylight on X & engage with the community using hashtags like #DeadbyDaylight, #TokyoGhoulDBD, & #HorrorGaming2025.
Final Thoughts: A Match Made in The Fog
The Dead by Daylight x Tokyo Ghoul crossover is a thrilling fusion of anime & horror gaming, bringing Ken Kaneki’s dark journey to life as The Ghoul. With its strategic depth, visceral aesthetics, & cultural resonance—enhanced by Natsuki Hanae’s return as Kaneki’s voice & the confirmed torture room lobby—this chapter is poised to captivate players & boost Dead by Daylight’s popularity in 2025. Whether you’re a survivor or a killer, get ready to embrace the hunger—because The Ghoul is coming, & he’s hungry for blood.
Stay tuned to Dead by Daylight’s official channels for more updates, & let us know in the comments: Are you excited to face The Ghoul in his rumored interactive torture room lobby, or will you be wielding his Kagune tentacles? Share your thoughts on this epic horror gaming moment!
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The cautiously anticipated western Devil May Cry “anime” series is set to premiere on Netflix on April 3rd. This news was revealed alongside a new teaser trailer, featuring the inimitable sounds of nu-metal poster-children Limp Bizkit, on X & Youtube.
Production Team and Story Details
Brought to life by the creative minds behind Castlevania, showrunner Adi Shankar, and animated by the renowned Studio Mir (known for The Legend of Korra, X-Men ’97), the new Devil May Cry anime promises an action-packed experience. The first season will consist of eight episodes, though time will tell if it’s decent or just the latest serving of goyslop from the politically correct dumpster-fire that Netflix has become known for.
While plot details are still under wraps, the series appears to focus on Dante during the timeline of the first three Devil May Cry games, rather than Devil May Cry 5. However, the extent of its connection to the games remains unconfirmed. Adding something to the excitement, Johnny Yong Bosch, the voice of Nero in the Devil May Cry video games, will be lending his voice to Dante in the anime adaptation.
A Return to Form for Devil May Cry
The Devil May Cry franchise has seen a hiatus in recent years. The last game in the series, Devil May Cry 5, was released in all the way back in 2019 & marked a triumphant return to form after a period of relative quiet following DmC: Devil May Cry in 2013. Now, fans can anxiously look forward to a somewhat new & hopefully not woke chapter in the Devil May Cry universe with this upcoming Netflix anime.
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Konami is set to delight fans with the upcoming release of the Yu-Gi-Oh! EARLY DAYS COLLECTION, a comprehensive anthology celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game. Scheduled for launch on February 27, 2025, this collection will be available on Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. Notably, a physical edition for the Switch will include one of two exclusive Quarter Century Secret Rare “Harpie’s Feather Duster” cards, adding a tangible allure for collectors.
Comprehensive Game Lineup
The EARLY DAYS COLLECTION boasts a curated selection of titles from the late 1990s and early 2000s, many of which are making their debut outside Japan. The confirmed lineup includes:
Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters (1998, Game Boy)
Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters II: Dark Duel Stories (1999, Game Boy/Game Boy Color)
Yu-Gi-Oh! Dark Duel Stories (2000 Japan, 2002 US, 2003 Europe, Game Boy Color)
Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters 4: Battle of Great Duelist (2000, Game Boy Color)
Yu-Gi-Oh! Monster Capsule GB (2000, Game Boy Color)
Yu-Gi-Oh! Dungeon Dice Monsters (2001 Japan, 2003 US and Europe, Game Boy Advance)
Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters 6: Expert 2 (2001, Game Boy Advance)
Yu-Gi-Oh! The Eternal Duelist Soul (2001 Japan, 2002 US, 2003 Europe, Game Boy Advance)
Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sacred Cards (2002 Japan, 2003 US, 2004 Europe, Game Boy Advance)
Yu-Gi-Oh! Reshef of Destruction (2003 Japan, 2004 US and Europe, Game Boy Advance)
Yu-Gi-Oh! Worldwide Edition: Stairway to the Destined Duel (2003, Game Boy Advance)
Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship Tournament 2004 (2004, Game Boy Advance)
Yu-Gi-Oh! Destiny Board Traveler (2004 Japan, 2005 US, Game Boy Advance)
Yu-Gi-Oh! 7 Trials to Glory: World Championship Tournament 2005 (2004 Japan, 2005 US, Game Boy Advance)
This extensive collection offers both seasoned players and newcomers a chance to experience the evolution of Yu-Gi-Oh! video games.
Enhanced Features for Modern Play
To ensure these classic titles resonate with contemporary audiences, Konami has integrated several quality-of-life improvements:
Online Play: Engage in duels with players worldwide. Notably, Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters 4: Battle of Great Duelist will support online battles at launch, with plans to update other titles post-release to include this feature.
Customization Options: Players can unlock hidden characters and cards, adjust button mappings, and modify settings such as Deck Capacity and Duelist Level.
Rewind and Fast-Forward Functions: The new Rewind feature allows players to reverse gameplay to rectify mistakes, while the Fast-Forward option lets them expedite duels, catering to both strategic refinement and time efficiency.
Digital Gallery: A dedicated gallery showcases preserved box art and manuals from each title, offering a nostalgic journey through Yu-Gi-Oh!’s rich history.
These enhancements aim to provide a seamless and enriched gaming experience, bridging the gap between nostalgia and modern gaming expectations.
Exclusive Physical Edition Bonuses
For collectors and enthusiasts, the physical edition of the EARLY DAYS COLLECTION for Nintendo Switch is particularly enticing. Each physical copy includes one of two exclusive Quarter Century Secret Rare “Harpie’s Feather Duster” cards, selected at random. This inclusion not only adds value but also commemorates the franchise’s milestone anniversary.
Pre-Order Information
Fans eager to secure their copy can pre-order the physical edition from select retailers, including Amazon (affiliate link). Digital pre-orders are also available via the Nintendo eShop and Steam. Given the anticipated demand and the allure of exclusive content, early reservation is recommended.
The Yu-Gi-Oh! EARLY DAYS COLLECTION stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise. By bringing together a diverse array of classic titles with modern enhancements, Konami offers both longtime fans and newcomers an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the origins and evolution of Yu-Gi-Oh! gaming. Mark your calendars for February 27, 2025, and prepare to relive the early days of dueling excellence.
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Did anyone else not know this bit of anime/ Tim Burton trivia?
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He’s been known to provide location coordinates to hostiles if you keep Meta apps on your phone…
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Remastered film to be released on March 26, 2025 Original Japanese version to be screened in theaters for the first time
Fans of the classic anime film Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust rejoice!
The film is getting a remastered Blu-ray release on March 26, 2025. The Blu-ray will include the remastered film, as well as bonus features such as behind-the-scenes footage & a soundtrack CD.
Japanese Screenings
In addition to the Blu-ray release, there will also be a revival screening of the film in theatres across Japan from February 28 to March 7, 2025. This will be the first time that the original Japanese version of the film has ever been screened in theaters. A list of reportedly participating theatres is provided below, but please confirm directly with the theatre prior to going.
Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is based on the popular novel series by Hideyuki Kikuchi & was directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri. The film is a cult classic & is considered to be one of the greatest anime films of all time.
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