It has been announced that Disney+ has ordered its next animated series from Lucasfilm, Star Wars: The Bad Batch. Fresh off of the critically-acclaimed series finale of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the Disney+ original series will premiere on the streaming service in 2021.
The series follows the elite and experimental clones of the Bad Batch (first introduced in The Clone Wars) as they find their way in a rapidly changing galaxy in the immediate aftermath of the Clone War. Members of Bad Batch — a unique squad of clones who vary genetically from their brothers in the Clone Army — each possess a singular exceptional skill, which makes them extraordinarily effective soldiers and a formidable crew. In the post-Clone War era, they will take on daring mercenary missions as they struggle to stay afloat and find new purpose.
“Giving new and existing fans the final chapter of Star Wars: The Clone Wars has been our honor at Disney+, and we are overjoyed by the global response to this landmark series,” said Agnes Chu, senior vice president, Content, Disney+. “While The Clone Wars may have come to its conclusion, our partnership with the groundbreaking storytellers and artists at Lucasfilm Animation is only beginning. We are thrilled to bring Dave Filoni’s vision to life through the next adventures of the Bad Batch.”
Star Wars: The Bad Batch is executive produced by Dave Filoni (The Mandalorian, Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Athena Portillo (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels), Brad Rau (Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars Resistance) and Jennifer Corbett (Star Wars Resistance, NCIS) with Carrie Beck (The Mandalorian, Star Wars Rebels) as co-executive producer and Josh Rimes as producer (Star Wars Resistance). Rau is also serving as supervising director with Corbett as head writer.
Ubisoft are ready with what probably would have been their E3 Briefing now tailored for a full online Digital only ‘pre-recorded’ presentation titled ‘Ubisoft Forward’. As traditionally annoying for both fans and Ubisoft themselves, we have already had a bunch of information leaked such as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’s release date of November 17th and the reveal of Far Cry 6 with a possible February 2021 release. But now we get to see the official reveal of games, some of which were delayed following the terrible launch and reception to Ghost Recon Breakpoint, so expecting to see news on them tonight. Below you will find all the news, trailers and then my final thoughts on the show….
*Before the Show began……Ubisoft released the following statement via Social Media to confirm that whilst news today of firings an resignations at a high level within Ubisoft has been reported today on the day of the event, as the show is pre-recorded it will not make reference or mention the recent Sexual assault/harassment/abuse of power from within Ubisoft*
The 30 min pre-show looked at currently available Ubisoft titles such as Ghost Recon Breakpoint getting AI squad mates as well as updates to Just Dance and others.
But now to the main event and opening with….
Watch Dogs Legion: Gameplay Overview and Release Date Trailers
Get your first look at new Watch Dogs: Legion gameplay. Recruit anyone from the entire population of London into your resistance. Coming Oct 29th 2020.
Brawhalla – Mobile Editions iOS and Android
Brawlhalla will be coming to mobile on August 6. For all players, the epic free-to-play platform fighting game will come on the App Store for iPhone and Google Play for Android devices. Players can pre-register now at https://brawlhalla.com/play to get a special reward at launch.
Might & Magic Chaos: Mobile Game Trailer
Tom Clancy Elite Squad: Mobile Game Trailer:
This is followed by a celebration of Rainbow Six Seige…..and yet all the Elite Squad trailer did was make me want a full Splinter Cell Game!!
Hypserscape: Cinematic and Geta Gameplay Trailers
The Hyper Scape is waiting. Join the Open Beta and prove you have what it takes to become a champion of Crown Rush. Download and play for free on Uplay PC today: https://ubi.li/WysiY
Now its time for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla with an intro from Xbox Head Phil Spencer…who….really sounded like it was recorded at 4am with all the energy of a man who stayed up to 4am to record something for a pre-recorded digital showcase!
In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, you are Eivor, a fierce Viking warrior raised on tales of battle and glory. Explore a dynamic and beautiful open world set against the brutal backdrop of England’s Dark Ages. Raid your enemies, grow your settlement, and build your political power in your quest to earn your place among the gods in Valhalla. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla will be available November 17, 2020 on Xbox One, Playstation 4, PC and Stadia. Also coming to Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.
Final Words from Ubisoft CEO, Yves Guillemot, announcing a second Ubisoft Forward event to reveal more of their plans soon…no doubt to focus on New Generation consoles.
Far Cry 6: World Premier Trailers:
Watch the world premiere of Far Cry 6, featuring Giancarlo Esposito and set in the war-torn world of Yara.
My Final Thoughts…
Well that was all rather….run of the mill really, the big moments spoiled by the leaks for sure especially with the big finish being Far Cry 6 reveal…well, should have been the big reveal of this show. Nice to see more gameplay for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and loving the Dual wielding system and definitely see more than just a hint of inspiration from the combat and violence of Assassin’s Creed III.
Watchdogs Legion finally getting a release date of October 29th was great to see finally, not much has changed from the original talk on it before it was delayed but it still looks great, gameplay clearly this generation of consoles and not Xbox Series X or PS5 however it seemed to me.
Overall this was more information on what we know already and less about really big reveals outside of Far Cry 6 and I can already sense that Giancarlo Esposito has the potential to be the greatest video game villain ever. But the gameplay shown for the titles was clearly not on Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5, no doubt this is what the next Ubisoft Forward will focus on but a shame not to see any gameplay from the new generation, especially after the failure to show any at either the Xbox Series X showcase or PS5 State of Play in recent months.
But I am excited for AC Valhalla, Watch Dogs Legion and Far Cry 6 but this was a rather subdued digital showcase, even Xbox’s Phil Spencer could not be bothered to be remotely energised for it!
What is usually the highlight of an E3 week, Devolver Digital showcases go beyond just selling their videos games but a complete theatrical experience that pushes the envelope wide open. Looking forward to seeing what they have to show…and deliver!
Shadow Warrior 3 – Gameplay Trailer
Fallen corporate shogun Lo Wang and his former employer turned nemesis turned sidekick Orochi Zilla embark on an improbable mission to recapture an ancient dragon they unwillingly unleashed from its eternal prison. Armed with a punishing mix of blades and bullets, Lo Wang must traverse uncharted parts of the world to track down the dark beast and push the apocalypse back yet again. All it will take is the mask of a dead god, a dragon’s egg, a touch of magic, and enough firepower to hold off the impending cataclysm. Coming 2021
Interesting fourth wall breaking with other Digital Showcases burning through announcements only for players to wait 2 years for the game…oh and a lovely dig with “Promise Gameplay…Deliver Gameplay” keeping in line with previous Devolver Digital Showcases, comment on the industry whilst selling their games…..it has truly become a Saga!
Fall Guys – Release Date Trailer
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout flings hordes of contestants together online in a mad dash through round after round of escalating chaos until one victor remains! Battle bizarre obstacles, shove through unruly competitors, and overcome the unbending laws of physics as you stumble towards greatness. Leave your dignity at the door and prepare for hilarious failure in your quest to claim the crown! Coming to PS4 and PC on August 4th 2020
Carrion – Release Date Trailer: Introduced by Xbox Head Phil Spencer
CARRION is a reverse horror game in which you assume the role of an amorphous creature of unknown origin. Stalk and consume those that imprisoned you to spread fear and panic throughout the facility. Grow and evolve as you tear down this prison and acquire more and more devastating abilities on the path to retribution. Coming to Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC with Xbox Game Pass on July 23rd.
Some parody fun at Nintendo….yeah I would not let that Uncle guy get on camera next time, Nintendo have digital media Lawyers !
Olija – Nintendo Switch Reveal Trailer
Olija is a game about Faraday’s quest, a man shipwrecked then trapped in the mysterious country of Terraphage. Armed with a legendary harpoon, he and other castaways try to leave this hostile country to return to their homelands. Through adventurous exploration, narration and razor sharp combat, the player will discover a strange world and its inhabitants, including Olija, an enigmatic lady that Faraday finds himself bound to over time. Inspired by swashbuckling tales and cinematic adventure games, Olija is a story about facing the unknown in adversity. Coming to Nintendo Switch and PC.
Serious Sam 4 – Gameplay Reveal Trailer
Humanity is under siege as the full force of Mental’s hordes spread across the world, ravaging what remains of a broken and beaten civilization. The last remaining resistance to the invasion is the Earth Defense Force led by Sam “Serious” Stone and his heavily-armed squad of misfit commandos. Croteam returns with a high-powered prequel to the Serious Sam series that scales up chaos to unprecedented levels. The classic Serious Sam formula is revamped by putting an unstoppable arsenal up against an unimaginable number of enemies that requires players to circle-strafe and backpedal-blast their way out of impossible situations.
Devolver Land Expo – Free Game on STEAM
Ending the showcase with an actual video game based on a Devolver Digital Expo featuring the games shown in this showcase.
My Thoughts…
Well Devolver Digital has delivered yet again in their continuing saga of”Linda” , ending the showcase with the huge truth drop and social commentary on what video game showcases really are, when the parody for fun becomes actual social commentary is pretty much exactly what Devolver Digital have been doing for the last few years.
Whilst not to everyone’s taste or humour, it is a very different way to showcase their upcoming games with some humour and a jolly big stick poking fun and having a dig at the big money showcases which I have to admit, definitely made me chuckle.
Carrion coming to Xbox Game Pass is huge news for this indie title that looks insane and as expected, highlight for me was Shadow Warrior 3 although I felt the teaser trailer delivered better than the gameplay reveal and Olija is certainly one to watch for Nintendo Switch fans.
Overall….it was batshit crazy with some thought provoking commentary and new games. Not quite sure that tomorrow night’s Ubisoft Forward digital showcase will have the same tone !
With production on ‘The Batman’ now able to resume, it has been announced that a companion TV series, set in the same universe as Matt Reeves film has been commissioned to appear on HBO Max as reported by Deadline.
Reeves says in a statement: “This is an amazing opportunity, not only to expand the vision of the world I am creating in the film, but to explore it in the kind of depth and detail that only a longform format can afford – and getting to work with the incredibly talented Terence Winter, who has written so insightfully and powerfully about worlds of crime and corruption, is an absolute dream.”
Kevin Reilly, chief content officer for HBO Max said in a statement: “Our collaboration with Warner Bros and DC allows us to elaborate and grow fan connections across these powerful brands for years to come. This is Batman as most audiences have never seen before, and we know fans will want to spend more time in this new world inspired by the film“
The show will be an original DC drama set in the Gotham City police department with Matt Reeves and Boardwalk Empire creator Terence Winter producing. It has not been confirmed if any characters and particularly if ‘The Batman’ himself will make an appearance in the show or just be a stand alone drama in the universe such as Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was for the MARVEL MCU ultimately.
The Batman is currently set for an October 2021 Cinema release.
In what is now almost standard tradition for any Ubisoft big reveal event, a leak from the PlayStation Hong Kong store yesterday revealed that a 6th Far Cry game was going to be announced during the Ubisoft Forward Digital Showcase event on July 12th. The cover art reveals that the main antagnosit character, Anton Castillo, will be played by Giancarlo Esposito who fans may recognise from ‘Breaking Bad’ and more recently ‘The Mandalorian’.
This pretty much left Ubisoft no choice but to confirm the leak with a tiny teaser ahead of the Ubisoft Forward event:
So far what we know from the PlayStation Hong Kong leak, is the following description: “Welcome to Yara, a tropical paradise frozen in time. As the dictator of Yara, Anton Castillo is intent on restoring his nation back to its former glory by any means, with his son, Diego, following in his bloody footsteps. Their ruthless oppression has ignited a revolution“
Players will take on the role of Dani Rojas, a local Yaran and become a guerrilla fighter to liberate the nation who will fight against Anton’s troops in the largest Far Cry playground to date across jungles, beaches and Esperanza the capital city of Yara.
We also know form the listing is that release is set for February 2021 and it will have a version for the new PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X as well as PS4 and Xbox One and just like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, if you purchase the game for current consoles, the upgrade to the PS5 and Xbox Series X will be FREE which again means the ‘Smart Delivery’ system feature of the Series X is still benefiting PlayStation 5 owners as well.
No doubt more information as well as a full trailer will be shown this Sunday at the ‘Ubisoft Forward’ digital event….as a fan of the Series I am very curious to see how this fits into the series timeline following the events of Far Cry 5 and New Dawn, a prequel story perhaps?
Amid a groundbreaking new level digital showcases, Devolver Digital aims to raise the bar for overrated marketing videos with this year’s Devolver Direct on July 11 at 12:00PM Pacific US time (8pm BST UK, 9pm CEST). The seventh best indie game label will step up to the plate once more and whiff real hard with a live pre-recorded presentation on Twitch [http://twitch.tv/twitchgaming] and Steam.
Get amped up for Devolver Direct this Saturday, July 11 at 12PM Pacific with some special guests scheduled to make an appearance… pic.twitter.com/bjSeiySAEn
— Devolver Digital (@devolverdigital) July 9, 2020
This year’s showcase continues the tradition of overpromises with new game reveals, gameplay reveals, release date announcements, and special guests from the industry to help usher in these important marketing bullet points. And it’s nearly all gameplay because that’s what the youths of today demand.
The astonishing misuse of marketing budget will end with a few surprises and game demos available to play by the unwashed masses including Carrion, Disc Room, and an unannounced game. Maybe another game too, who can really tell where this is all leading.
Devolver Digital fans and detractors can catch up on the unnecessarily intricate narrative to the ongoing saga by watching last year’s Devolver Direct below:
Wales Interactive, macabre makers of Don’t Knock Twice, The Bunker and The Complex, have announced that Maid of Sker will be launching on July 28 2020. The survival-horror title will be launching digitally for Steam, and will have both physical and digital editions for Xbox One and PlayStation 4, with physical editions published by Perp Games.
Inspired by the haunting Welsh folklore tale of Elisabeth Williams, Maid of Sker draws players back to 1898 to venture through the shadowy halls of Sker Hotel. Armed only with a defensive sound-device, players will have to keep eyes open and stay alert through the waking nightmare in order to solve the supernatural mystery that hangs over the Sker Hotel.
Maid of Sker comes to PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC from July 28th.
Ubisoft Forward, a summer celebration of Ubisoft’s upcoming lineup of games and content, is right around the corner! The event will stream live on ubisoft.com/Forward on July 12; here’s everything you need to know to join the celebration, including how you can claim a free copy of Watch Dogs 2.
Tune in to the dedicated Ubisoft Forward stream starting at 11 AM PDT, with a packed pre-show and free rewards. The Ubisoft News team and friends will be playing Trackmania live on stream, followed by exclusive news, interviews, and a look at upcoming content, including intel about the AI teammates coming to Ghost Recon Breakpoint, news from Just Dance 2020, a deep dive into a much-loved Easter egg from The Division 2, and more! Don’t forget to log in with your Uplay account anytime after Trackmania and before the end of the main show to claim a free copy of Watch Dogs 2 on PC, and to get a chance to answer trivia questions and win some rewards for a variety of Ubisoft titles.
Ubisoft Forward Regional Start Times
The main show starts at 12:00 PM PDT, where you can expect the latest games, reveals, and updates from Ubisoft teams around the world. See more from Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Watch Dogs: Legion, Hyper Scape and a few other surprises that will be unveiled during the stream. And don’t forget to stick around afterwards for the post-show, featuring a deep-dive walkthrough of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and a Hyper Scape show match.
This year’s show is more accessible than ever! For the first time, the stream will not only be subtitled in multiple languages, but also shown with American Sign Language on the official Ubisoft Forward page, so tune in there for all the available options, and watch it your way.
Codemasters today celebrates the launch of F1 2020, the official videogame of the 2020 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP for PlayStation 4, the Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X, Windows PC (DVD and via Steam), and Google Stadia. With two new circuits, the introduction of driver-manager feature, My Team, improved on-track options, and the reintroduction of split-screen and more, F1 2020 caters for race fans of all levels and experience.
New simplified menus and assists enable drivers to spend more time competing and less time in the gravel. On-track improvements include ERS activation, which, as in real-life, is now a simple button press, and the introduction of the virtual rear-view mirror. Following its success last season, F2™ returns with three-race, half and full season options. The F2™ 2020 season update will be added later in the year as a free digital download.
To celebrate the Seventieth Anniversary of Formula 1, fans who purchase F1 2020 Seventy Edition will receive exclusive in-game items such as podium emotes, car livery and team colours. For fans of Michael Schumacher, a separate Deluxe Schumacher Edition is also available with additional in-game content and four iconic cars from his legendary career. Both editions come with added virtual currency which can unlock Podium Pass VIP. Players can race, earn and unlock more cosmetic items and collect enough currency for the following VIP season.
My Team, a new driver-manager feature, gives players the opportunity to create a new Formula 1 team and take their place alongside the established 2020 driver line-up. From car design to hiring a team-mate and finding sponsors, players now have the added pressure of making sure everything runs smoothly both off and on the track. Players can also choose from the original full 22 race season, and shorter 10 and 16 race season options in both My Team and the 10-season Career.
F1 2020 features all 10 teams, 20 drivers and cars from the 2020 season. The latest car liveries and team colours, including Mercedes AMG Petronas, will be added as a free digital update.
“F1 2020 is two years in the making, and we are excited with the level of innovation for players of all levels,” said Lee Mather, F1 Franchise Game Director at Codemasters. “Whether someone wants a split-screen battle with friends, a 10-race season or a full driver-manager experience, F1 2020 gives players the option to race their way.”
Amazon Prime Video has released the official teaser trailer for the second season of The Boys, the first three episodes of which will launch on Prime Video on Friday 4th September.New episodes will be available each Friday culminating in an epic season finale on 9th October. The eight-episode Amazon Original series will be available exclusively on Prime Video in more than 200 territories around the world, and is produced by Amazon Studios and Sony Pictures Television Studios with Point Grey Pictures, Kripke Enterprises and Original Film.
The even more intense, more insane season two finds The Boys on the run from the law, hunted by the Supes, and desperately trying to regroup and fight back against Vought. In hiding, Hughie (Jack Quaid), Mother’s Milk (Laz Alonso), Frenchie (Tomer Capon) and Kimiko (Karen Fukuhara) try to adjust to a new normal, with Butcher (Karl Urban) nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, Starlight (Erin Moriarty) must navigate her place in The Seven as Homelander (Antony Starr) sets his sights on taking complete control. His power is threatened with the addition of Stormfront (Aya Cash), a social media savvy new Supe, who has an agenda of her own. On top of that, the Supervillain threat takes centre stage and makes waves as Vought seeks to capitalise on the nation’s paranoia.
The Supes of The Seven also include Queen Maeve (Dominique McElligott), A-Train (Jessie T. Usher), The Deep (Chace Crawford) and Black Noir (Nathan Mitchell). Recurring stars in season two include Claudia Doumit, Goran Visnijc, Malcolm Barrett, Colby Minifie, Shantel VanSanten, Cameron Crovetti, PJ Byrne, Laila Robbins and Giancarlo Esposito returning as Vought boss Stan Edgar, among others.
Chorus Worldwide and Alfa System are pleased to announce that Sisters Royale: Five Sisters Under Fire, the Japanese shmup from veteran Japanese developers Alfa System, arrives this week
Sisters Royale is inspired by the anime aesthetic of 2001’s ‘Castle of Shikigami’. Five sisters with unique magical powers race to capture the heart of an angel, Yashin. As with ‘Castle of Shikigami’, Sisters Royale deploys power boost mechanics that allow players to gain scores by taking high risks for high rewards. Now with global online leaderboard support, the game will appeal to everyone, from shoot ‘em up virgins to deft-fingered experts, and every level of experience in between.
“We’re super excited to be working with Alfa System to bring Sisters Royale to a global audience” said Shintaro Kanaoya, Founder of Chorus Worldwide. “The original Castle of Shikigami series is a beloved classic of the genre and having Alfa System come back to make a modern spiritual successor is thrilling. With its tongue-in-cheek storyline, gameplay and production values from a team at the height of their 30 years in the industry, we think Sisters Royale will appeal to shmup fans of all levels, as well manga and anime lovers around the world.”
“After receiving many calls for a sequel, we are happy to introduce a brand new game that retains some key elements from Castle of Shikigami series”, Naoki Suda, Producer of Alfa System, “in Sisters Royale the players will find the same ‘high risk, high return’ game mechanics that they enjoyed in the series, with additional obstacles that redefine the game, including ‘slippery ice floors’ and ‘wind blowing windmill’.”
2K games has made the announcement that the release of MAFIA – Definitive Edition has bee delayed from the original date of August 28th to September 25th 2020.
As a way of making it up to fans, a special extended gameplay reveal of Mafia: Definitive Edition with insights from Hangar 13 President Haden Blackman will be shown on July 22nd.
Mafia: Definitive Edition releases September 25th for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.
Check out the below for more exclusive Mafia Trilogy info:
THQ Nordic has released another new Trailer for ‘Destroy all Humans’. Now we should be able to discover what happened to Crypto-136! Scans have identified several radioactive areas in your vicinity, but there is one in particular that looks like it could be a crash site.
Destroy All Humans! will be available for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on July 28th, 2020.
The talented group of nerds at Flying Wild Hog along with the less talented suits at publisher Devolver Digital have announced Shadow Warrior 3, a stunning new entry in the global best-selling franchise. Shadow Warrior 3 marks the triumphant return of fallen corporate shogun Lo Wang and launches the offbeat first-person shooter series to the next level.
Shadow Warrior 3 finds Lo Wang and his former employer turned nemesis turned sidekick Orochi Zilla embarking on an improbable mission to recapture an ancient dragon they unwillingly unleashed from its eternal prison. Armed with a punishing mix of blades and bullets, Lo Wang must traverse uncharted parts of the world to track down the dark beast and push the apocalypse back yet again. All it will take is the mask of a dead god, a dragon’s egg, a touch of magic, and enough firepower to tear down the encroaching Shadowlands.
“We are beyond excited to bring Shadow Warrior fans a completely fresh experience, and we can’t wait to show off the new features we have in store for them. We want to make sure that our fast-paced gunplay sequences, razor-sharp melee combat, and spectacular free-running movement, will get their adrenaline pumping and senses thumping.
But we never forget Flying Wild Hog’s roots and we hope that Shadow Warrior 3 will feel like a homecoming for those fans that have been with us since the beginning. And we can’t wait to introduce new players to Lo Wang, our quick-witted hero with a tongue as sharp as his katana. Shadow Warrior 3 will see him face a threat so huge it may be too big even for him to handle.” remarked Game Director Kuba Opoń.
Shadow Warrior 3 is set to unsheathe a gameplay trailer during this year’s Devolver Direct on July 11 at 12:00PM Pacific via Twitch [twitch.tv/twitchgaming] with previews, interviews, and more to come the following week.
