Tag: PS5

  • Xbox Consoles Declared Dead by Ex-Microsoft Executive After PS5 Success

    Xbox Consoles Declared Dead by Ex-Microsoft Executive After PS5 Success

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox hardware sales are declining, with some retailers ceasing to stock consoles amid price hikes and a lack of exclusive titles.
    2. Mike Ybarra criticized Microsoft’s strategy and labeled Xbox consoles as “dead,” while praising Sony’s successful PS5 sales.
    3. Retailers are responding to market challenges by reducing prices to clear Xbox inventory, despite Microsoft’s price increases.
    4. Ybarra suggests Microsoft may need to shift focus to multi-platform publishing rather than solely relying on Xbox consoles.
    5. The future of Xbox Series X|S remains uncertain, but supporters highlight its extensive game library and ongoing first-party title releases.

    The outlook for current Xbox hardware isn’t looking good, as some stores have begun to stop selling the consoles. With another price hike and a lack of exclusive titles, it’s increasingly challenging to attract customers. Mike Ybarra, the former president of Blizzard, has been vocal about Microsoft’s puzzling strategic choices. His claim that Xbox consoles are “dead” may be the most severe thing he has said so far.

    Ybarra’s Comments on PS5 Success

    Ybarra made his remarks after praising Sony for achieving another notable milestone in PS5 sales. At $136 billion, Sony executive Hideaki Nishino celebrated this generation of PlayStation as the most triumphant one yet. Ybarra added sarcastically, “But hey, the console market isn’t a successful business. It is if you do it right.”

    Retailer Actions and Responses

    A reader who feels Ybarra is biased prompted him to respond, “Your console is dead.” Although Microsoft hasn’t declared an end to the Xbox Series X or Series S, some Costco locations have recently stopped stocking these consoles. In spite of the price increases, other retailers are slashing prices to clear out their inventory.

    Shifting Focus and Market Challenges

    Ybarra has suggested that Microsoft might want to pivot towards multi-platform publishing instead of concentrating solely on Xbox consoles. He aligns with other market analysts who find the “This is an Xbox” campaign to be confusing. There are doubts among critics regarding whether traditional console gamers will take to smart TVs or Windows 11 handhelds, like the ROG Xbox Ally.

    Price Increases and Gamers’ Opinions

    The former Blizzard president also has strong opinions about the recent price hikes for Xbox. He believes these increases stem from Microsoft’s inability to make a profit on hardware sales. Like his previous comment about Xbox consoles being “dead,” many gamers disagree with this view. Microsoft, similar to Sony, has pointed to tough economic conditions as the reason for the higher MSRPs.

    The Future of Xbox Series X|S

    Only time will reveal how much longer the Xbox Series X|S will be available for purchase. Supporters are eager to highlight that the consoles still have a vast library of games. Microsoft continues to roll out first-party titles for the platform. Sony might also consider bringing more previously exclusive PlayStation games, apart from Helldivers 2, to its struggling competitor.

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  • Capcom’s Pragmata Director Explains Indefinite Delay Reasons

    Capcom’s Pragmata Director Explains Indefinite Delay Reasons

    Key Takeaways

    1. The game’s unique hacking mechanics led to significant development delays due to extensive trial and error.
    2. Balancing dual mechanics of hacking and shooting has also contributed to the extended development time.
    3. Careful design decisions were necessary to optimize screen space for hacking features during intense battles.
    4. Pragmata’s release was originally planned for 2022, pushed to 2023, and is now set for 2026.
    5. Early reveals of the game have motivated development and generated excitement among fans.

    In a recent conversation at the Tokyo Game Show 2025, Cho Yonghee, the director of Pragmata, discussed the various challenges that led to the game’s indefinite delay in 2023. The new Shelter trailer was also showcased during this event.

    Development Challenges

    Yonghee shared insights into the difficulties faced in Pragmata’s development during an interview with TheGamer. He pointed out that the primary factor contributing to the delay was the game’s unique hacking mechanics, which consumed a significant amount of the development team’s time at Capcom. He mentioned, “It’s a big reason for the delay. There was so much trial and error and back and forth just to see what could land and what works best.” Producer Naoto Oyama elaborated on this by discussing the dual mechanics involved in the game’s combat and puzzle-solving, explaining, “Having the two mechanics, Diana’s hacking and Hugh’s shooting, has been one of the causes for us to put more time into that game. We took our time to balance it all out.”

    Design Decisions

    Additionally, the team spent considerable time making the right design choices, particularly in determining how to effectively use screen space for hacking features during intense battles against Pragmata’s humanoid robots and drones.

    Pragmata was first revealed in 2020 at Sony’s PS5 Future of Gaming showcase, generating significant excitement with its enigmatic trailer featuring Diano and Hugh in a space setting.

    Release Timeline

    Originally, the game was scheduled for a 2022 release on PlayStation 5, but it was later pushed to 2023. Subsequently, during a Capcom digital event, Pragmata was indefinitely delayed, with the company stating it “must further postpone the release of Pragmata” because “it needs more time.”

    For fans eager to play, the game has been officially set for a 2026 release across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S|X. Despite the lengthy wait and multiple delays, Yonghee does not regret revealing details about Pragmata early on, seeing it as a way to advance the game’s development. He commented, “Putting the game out there so early served as motivation for us. If we didn’t put that trailer out back then, Pragmata might not be the same game it is today.”

    Oyama also remarked on the organic excitement generated by the game’s announcement, noting, “Whenever there was a digital showcase, people were always expecting Pragmata.”

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  • Silent Hill F Now 25% Off US MSRP Just Days After Launch

    Silent Hill F Now 25% Off US MSRP Just Days After Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Strong Return for Silent Hill Series: The new game, Silent Hill f, marks a successful comeback for the franchise after a long inactivity period.

    2. Discounted Price: Silent Hill f is currently available for $52.49 on Fanatical, a 25% discount from its original price of $69.99.

    3. Positive Reception: The game has received a “Very Positive” rating on Steam, an 87 average on OpenCritic, and a score of 86/100 on Metacritic, making it the highest-rated game in the franchise according to Famitsu.

    4. Replay Value: Players can enjoy around 10–12 hours of gameplay, with five different endings encouraging multiple playthroughs to fully explore the story.

    5. Technical Performance: Silent Hill f runs smoothly on PC at 1080p and 60FPS, even with the demanding Unreal Engine 5, although some players have noted clunky combat mechanics and resolution issues on the PS5 version.

    After a long period of inactivity, the Silent Hill series has made a strong return with a game that, based on various metrics, has emerged as a success. For those gamers still uncertain, they can explore the latest addition to the franchise, Silent Hill f, at a significant discount through the online video game store Fanatical, which is based in the UK.

    Price Drop and Availability

    With October approaching, there’s no need to wait for Halloween to enjoy Silent Hill f, as it is currently priced at $52.49 on Fanatical. This represents a notable 25% reduction from its original retail price of $69.99, which is quite impressive for a game that was just released.

    Gameplay and Reception

    Silent Hill f stays true to the psychological horror roots of the original series, taking players into the fictional town of Ebisugaoka in Japan. The game launched on September 25, 2025, and is available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S|X, and it’s nice to see it offered at a good discount so soon after its release.

    The game has received a “Very Positive” rating on Steam, with 83% of the 5,492 reviews being positive. Additionally, it holds a critic average of 87 on OpenCritic and an 86/100 on Metacritic from 79 reviews. Famitsu rated Silent Hill f at 36/40, with each of the four reviewers giving it a score of 9/10, marking it as the highest-rated game in the franchise.

    Replay Value and Critiques

    Players can expect around 10–12 hours of gameplay per run, but Silent Hill f features five different endings, offering substantial replay value for those who want to explore more of the story. Initially, players will find themselves locked into just one ending, but after two or three playthroughs, they will start to unravel the narrative surrounding the main character, Hinako, and her hometown.

    Some users have expressed concerns that the combat mechanics in Silent Hill f feel somewhat clunky and disconnected from the horror atmosphere. On a different note, the PS5 version of the game has stirred discussions due to its internal resolution of 360p–720p, which is upscaled to 1800p in performance mode, and 720p upscaled to 2160p, with frame rates capped at 30FPS on Quality mode and 60FPS on the PS5 Pro.

    Technical Performance

    Despite using Unreal Engine 5, which comes with certain performance implications, Silent Hill f runs smoothly on PC, achieving a native 1080p at 60FPS with the entry-level Nvidia RTX 4060 at max settings.

    It’s also worth mentioning that the game utilizes Unreal Engine 5’s Lumen lighting system, a software-based Ray Tracing algorithm. However, players can disable this feature to improve performance on older graphics cards that may struggle to maintain a steady frame rate.

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  • City Hunter Returns: Coming to Modern Consoles in 2026

    City Hunter Returns: Coming to Modern Consoles in 2026

    Key Takeaways

    1. City Hunter returns after 35 years, available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
    2. The game will be released on February 26, 2026, featuring the character Ryo Saeba.
    3. European gamers can expect a physical release for Nintendo Switch and PS5 on March 26, 2026.
    4. The new version includes full translations for a better gaming experience.
    5. A collector’s edition with a steelbook and acrylic stand will be available for pre-order.

    The Tokyo Game Show is gearing up to unveil exciting new titles for gamers globally, including the much-anticipated Forza Horizon 6, set in Japan. Recently, another announcement has thrilled fans, and it’s about City Hunter.

    Classic Game Returns

    After 35 years since its debut in 1990, City Hunter is making a comeback on modern gaming consoles. Players can look forward to enjoying the game on platforms like the PS5, Xbox Series X and S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Furthermore, gamers in Europe can expect a physical release for Nintendo Switch and PS5 on March 26, 2026, thanks to Red Art Games’ efforts.

    Release Date Revealed

    Excitingly, a release date has also been shared. Players will have the chance to step into Ryo Saeba’s shoes on February 26, 2026, as they embark on various missions and face a host of adversaries.

    Enhanced Experience for Fans

    Moreover, this version of City Hunter is set to feature full translations, ensuring a more engaging experience for all players. For those who cherish this title, a collector’s edition, which includes a steelbook and an acrylic stand, will soon be available for purchase on the official website.

    So, if you’re eager to return to this captivating world and relive some nostalgia, you can already pre-order City Hunter on your preferred platform. Just remember, you’ll have to wait until February 26, 2026, to actually play it, so a little patience will be required.

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  • Sony Reports PS5 Sales Make It Most Successful PlayStation Yet

    Sony Reports PS5 Sales Make It Most Successful PlayStation Yet

    Key Takeaways

    1. Hideaki Nishino claims the PS5 era has surpassed the PS4 and all previous PlayStation consoles in success.
    2. Sony reported $136 billion in sales since launching the PS5, with $13 billion in profits compared to $9 billion from PS4 products.
    3. Concerns about future PS5 sales arise after recent price hikes, but past interest in hardware remains strong.
    4. Hardware revenue increased by 4.7%, software sales by 11%, and network services income by 8.3% over a recent three-month period.
    5. The PlayStation Store is a dominant marketplace despite competition, but consumers are feeling the financial strain from high game and accessory prices.

    At the Tokyo Game Show, Sony’s Hideaki Nishino made a strong statement regarding the present PlayStation generation. He claimed that the PS5 era has outshined the PS4 and all previous PlayStation consoles. Notably, Geoff Keighley shared on social media that Sony reported $136 billion in sales since launching its latest gaming systems.

    Sales or Profits?

    There seems to be some misunderstanding about whether Nishino was referring to operating profits or sales figures. Nevertheless, the numbers match the revenue from hardware, software, and subscriptions that Sony and Push Square reported in June. In terms of profits, Sony managed to earn $13 billion during the PS5 era, as opposed to $9 billion from PS4 products. Over the years, revenue and operating profits have increased, except for the PS3, which unfortunately faced a $4 billion loss.

    Concerns Over Future Sales

    After the recent price hikes for the PS5, some gamers are doubtful about future console sales. However, prior to the latest news, Sony succeeded in keeping consumers interested in their hardware.

    An analysis conducted by GamesIndustry.biz looked at a three-month span ending June 30th, comparing it to the previous year’s results. Hardware revenue, which includes PS5 sales, went up by 4.7%, software sales increased by 11%, and income from network services rose by 8.3%. Even revenue from physical games recorded growth. Digital software has become much more favored than in prior PlayStation console generations.

    Dominance in the Marketplace

    Despite accusations of monopolization, the PlayStation Store has established itself as a leading marketplace. Additionally, some controversial live-service PS5 games have shown to be steady earners for the company.

    As the adoption of pricier Xbox consoles slows down, PlayStation doesn’t face much competition outside of the handheld market. Still, consumers are feeling the financial strain, with expensive AAA games and accessories compounding the impact of PS5 price increases.

    Geoff Keighley’s X account, Push Square, and GamesIndustry.biz.

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  • Crimson Desert Release Date and Preorder Rewards Revealed

    Crimson Desert Release Date and Preorder Rewards Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Overview: Crimson Desert is an open-world action RPG where players control Kliff, a mercenary leader in a war-torn continent called Pywel.

    2. Release Date: The game will launch on March 19, 2026, after being delayed from its initial 2025 timeline due to extensive development work.

    3. New Trailer: A new story trailer has been released, highlighting cinematic battles and political drama within the game.

    4. Preorder Bonuses: All preorders include the Khaled Shield, with additional bonuses for PlayStation 5 players and special items in Deluxe and Collector’s editions.

    5. Platforms: Crimson Desert will be available for pre-purchase and launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

    Crimson Desert, the highly awaited open-world action RPG from Pearl Abyss, known for Black Desert Online, puts players in the role of Kliff, a mercenary leader. He tries to bring his group back together while dealing with the conflicts on the war-torn continent of Pywel. First revealed in 2019, the game has faced several delays, with the developers mentioning extensive work on voice acting, certification, and logistics.

    New Trailer Release

    Recently, a fresh story trailer was released, showcasing epic cinematic battles, political drama, and the gritty feel of Crimson Desert.

    Release Date Announcement

    Until now, the release timing of Crimson Desert was unclear. Initially set for a 2025 launch, Pearl Abyss had moved it to Q1 2026 due to the need for more work on voiceovers, certification, and other launch preparations. This new trailer gives a concrete release date of March 19th, 2026, which means fans only have to wait a short 5 months to finally play the game.

    Preorder Bonuses Revealed

    At the end of the trailer, the preorder bonuses for the game were revealed. Pearl Abyss confirmed that all preorders will include the Khaled Shield as an in-game item. PlayStation 5 players will receive an additional Grotevant Plate Set as a special preorder bonus. The Deluxe and Collector’s editions come with extra cosmetic items such as the Kairos Plate Set, various shield options, and mount gear, but the Khaled Shield is the basic preorder reward for all.

    Crimson Desert is now available for pre-purchase and will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. With features like flying mechs and dragon riding, this game has surely piqued the interest of many. However, given Pearl Abyss’s past with delays, fans can only hope that the March 19th, 2026 date holds true.

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  • New Saros Gameplay Trailer Reveals Release Date

    New Saros Gameplay Trailer Reveals Release Date

    Key Takeaways

    1. Saros is set to release on March 20, 2026, as a PS5 exclusive, ahead of Marvel’s Wolverine, which comes out in fall 2026.
    2. The game is a spiritual successor to Returnal, using the same engine and featuring bullet hell mechanics with an increased number of projectiles.
    3. Players will have a shield for defense, but dodging remains the main method of avoiding damage.
    4. A new user interface and a ‘second chance’ feature allow players one revive during fights, changing the dynamics of roguelike gameplay.
    5. The gameplay footage has generated excitement, showcasing unique features and robust mechanics as the launch date approaches.

    Housemarque and Sony have revealed fresh gameplay footage for Saros, a title they announced earlier this year. It is set to release on March 20, 2026, and will be alongside Marvel’s Wolverine. However, Wolverine is not expected to come out until fall 2026, giving Saros time to carve out its space as a true PS5 exclusive.

    Gameplay and Mechanics

    Saros can be thought of as a spiritual successor to Returnal. The game utilizes the same engine and gameplay features. The intricate patterns of bullet hell projectiles are present, but this time, players will have a shield to protect themselves. Consequently, the number of projectiles has increased significantly. Dodging will still be your main method of defence, though.

    Weapons and User Interface

    The single weapon shown appears to be quite conventional, but the game introduces a new user interface. The trailer concludes with what seems to be a boss encounter against a creature reminiscent of Balteus from Armored Core 6. Nevertheless, the most notable addition in Saros is the ‘second chance’ feature. This offers players a one-time revive during fights. This is a game-changer for roguelikes, as it provides players some leeway before they have to restart the entire area after dying.

    Conclusion

    Sony’s plans for Saros seem ambitious, and the gameplay footage has certainly generated excitement among fans. With the unique features and robust mechanics, there’s a lot to look forward too as the launch date approaches.

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  • Silent Hill f Hits 60 FPS on PS5 by Lowering Internal Resolutions

    Silent Hill f Hits 60 FPS on PS5 by Lowering Internal Resolutions

    Key Takeaways

    1. Silent Hill f on PS5 and PS5 Pro is experiencing technical issues with internal resolution despite achieving stable frame rates in different modes.
    2. In Performance Mode on the base PS5, the game achieves 60 FPS by dynamically adjusting internal resolution, while Quality Mode maintains 30 FPS but suffers from resolution drops during cutscenes.
    3. The PS5 Pro uses a single upscaling setting that allows for consistent 60 FPS and improved visual quality, but players cannot disable this setting.
    4. Visual flaws such as shadow noise and ambient occlusion issues are present, which are common among other Unreal Engine 5 titles on the PS5.
    5. The PC version of Silent Hill f shows promise with minor stutters, but performance details for older hardware will be clearer after the Standard Edition release on September 25, 2025.

    It seems that Neobards Entertainment’s Silent Hill f is facing some technical difficulties related to Unreal Engine 5, even on the PlayStation 5. The game struggles with a low internal resolution on the base PS5 in both Performance and Quality modes, as well as on the PS5 Pro.

    Visual Analysis

    A recent video by YouTuber ElAnalistaDeBits took a closer look at the game’s graphics, including textures, ambient occlusion, internal resolution, and shadow quality. On the base PS5, Silent Hill f maintains a steady 60 FPS in Performance Mode, drops to 30 FPS in Quality Mode, and also hits 60 FPS on the PS5 Pro. However, this stability comes at the cost of the game’s internal resolution.

    Performance Modes Explained

    In the base PS5’s Performance Mode, the game reaches 60 FPS by dynamically adjusting the internal resolution from 720p down to 360p and then upscaled to 1800p. Conversely, Quality Mode maintains a steady 30 FPS, but it can fall to 27 FPS during cutscenes, and it runs at an internal resolution of 720p, which is then upscaled to 2160p.

    The PS5 Pro takes a different approach. It only has a single setting that upscales 720p using PSSR, developed in partnership with AMD, to achieve 2160p. This setting manages to hit a consistent 60 FPS while also offering better visual quality and fewer shimmering or flickering issues, unlike what is typically seen with AI or software scaling methods.

    Visual Flaws and Future Updates

    Nevertheless, players may still notice some shadow noise, ambient occlusion issues, and problems with distant foliage. This has been a common issue in other Unreal Engine 5 games, such as Silent Hill 2 Remake and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, on the PS5.

    For those who wish to turn off PSSR on the PS5 Pro, it’s not an option, so users will have to accept these visual compromises until a possible patch comes out to enhance the internal resolution. However, given the lack of performance updates for recent Unreal Engine 5 titles, this is doubtful at best.

    PC Port Expectations

    Early impressions of Silent Hill f’s PC version seem to be quite hopeful. The game experienced minor stutters during some early sequences and a few later ones, but those with older PC hardware will have to wait for the Standard Edition release on September 25, 2025, to see how it performs.

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  • PlayStation State of Play Set for September 24 with Housemarque

    PlayStation State of Play Set for September 24 with Housemarque

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony’s State of Play will take place on September 24, starting at 2 PM PT / 5 PM ET / 11 PM CEST for 35 minutes.
    2. The event will be streamed live on YouTube and Twitch, featuring updates from PlayStation Studios and various 3rd party and indie developers.
    3. A major highlight will be the PS5 exclusive game Saros, with nearly five minutes of gameplay shown.
    4. There are rumors of other potential reveals, including titles like Marvel’s Venom, a new God of War installment, and updates for PS VR2.
    5. The showcase has a limited time of 35 minutes, which may restrict the number of announcements compared to longer events like Nintendo Direct.

    Sony has announced that their upcoming State of Play will be held tomorrow, on September 24.

    In a recent post on the PlayStation Blog, it was shared that the event will start at 2 PM PT / 5 PM ET / 11 PM CEST and is set to last for 35 minutes. Viewers can tune in to the live stream on YouTube and Twitch, where they will get an in-depth look at projects from PlayStation Studios, alongside updates and highlights from various 3rd party and indie developers.

    Anticipated Titles

    One of the highlights will be Saros, the much-awaited PS5 exclusive from Housemarque, known for their work on Returnal. Sony intends to showcase “nearly five minutes of gameplay captured on PS5.” This action-roguelike game was initially announced back in February, and Housemarque has labeled it as a spiritual successor to Returnal.

    Rumors and Speculations

    Aside from Saros, Sony has been quite secretive about what else might be featured in the showcase tomorrow. There are whispers about the possibility of Marvel’s Venom, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, a new installment in the God of War series, and perhaps a final trailer for Ghost of Yōtei. Additionally, fans of PS VR2 might expect some new announcements and titles.

    However, to be frank, there’s a limit to what Sony can reveal in just half an hour. By comparison, the previous Nintendo Direct lasted almost twice as long. Regardless, fans can look forward to a genuine preview of Saros, even if the rest remains a mystery.

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  • Tomb Raider: Anniversary Could Return on PS4 and PS5 Soon

    Tomb Raider: Anniversary Could Return on PS4 and PS5 Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tomb Raider: Anniversary may return for PS4 and PS5, as indicated by new trophies on the PlayStation Network.
    2. The trophy list includes a platinum trophy and several unexpected side challenges.
    3. There is no official confirmation from Sony about the game’s release on new consoles yet.
    4. Rumors suggest a possible remaster of the Legend Trilogy, including Anniversary, Underworld, and Legend, though it might only be a port.
    5. Despite its acclaim, Tomb Raider: Anniversary had low sales, and a new release could attract new players and give it the recognition it deserves.

    Recently, fans of Tomb Raider have been fortunate enough to enjoy several remasters of various games from the series. There are still some titles that are yet to be remastered, but there may be good news ahead with the potential return of Tomb Raider: Anniversary for PS4 and PS5.

    Trophies Suggest a Return

    According to PushSquare, a notable change was observed in the PlayStation Network, which revealed a list of 26 trophies for Tomb Raider: Anniversary. This list features a platinum trophy along with several side challenges, some of which are quite unexpected.

    A Glimpse of Hope

    This development indicates that the game, which has received acclaim from fans of the series, might soon be available on PS4 and PS5. However, Sony has not confirmed anything yet, so it’s uncertain if this will occur in the near future.

    Rumors and Possibilities

    There are also rumors circulating about a possible remaster of the Legend Trilogy, which could encompass Anniversary, Underworld, and Legend. It’s important to note that this might just be a straightforward port rather than a full remaster, which could leave some fans feeling let down.

    Regardless, releasing on PS4 and PS5 could finally give Tomb Raider: Anniversary the recognition it deserves. Although it was well-received by gamers globally, it only sold 1.3 million copies across PC, PS2, and Xbox 360, making it the lowest-selling title in the series. This new release might also provide an opportunity for new players to dive into the game and explore its intriguing world filled with prehistoric beings in search of the Atlantean Scion.

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