Review: Newbury Subway LEGO Hidden Side Set

Andrew Edney
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Review: Newbury Subway LEGO Hidden Side Set

Back in September 2019, the LEGO Group launched its first-ever mixed reality range called LEGO Hidden Side, here is our review of the new Newbury Subway set that just launched.

Youngsters love the amazing LEGO® Hidden Side universe, where physical and digital worlds merge in an incredible, single or multiplayer, mixed-reality play experience. This Newbury subway (70430) set combines the open creative play of LEGO building toys with an augmented reality (AR) app – so interaction with the model triggers events in the digital world. Fully interactive building toy Install the free Hidden Side AR app for smart devices and scan the Newbury subway model to reveal a digital world, where kids can hunt ghosts, explore and solve mysteries and battle boss ghost Rat Shaun – alone or online with friends. And, with Jack, Parker and possessed Pete Peterson minifigures, the scene is set for endless hands-on LEGO play! An ever-evolving augmented reality (AR) experience The LEGO Hidden Side universe is set in the fictional town of Newbury, where ghosts haunt people and buildings. The AR play experience is constantly enhanced through new content, ghosts and special events.

What’s in the Box?

The box contains all the pieces of LEGO and an instruction booklet.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

For this review we were sent the Newbury Subway which contains 3 minifigures: Jack, Parker and Pete Peterson minifigures.

When built, the LEGO Hidden Side Newbury subway toy measures over 5″ (15cm) high, 10″ (26cm) wide and 5″ (14cm) deep.

These new sets from LEGO are great. Not only do you have the fun of building and playing with the LEGO (which by itself is always great fun), but you also get the fun that comes with the mixed reality app for iOS and Android. Simply download it, build the LEGO set and hold up your phone or tablet and play!

Using the app is very simple and really adds to playtime with the set, I look forward to seeing what LEGO do next!

There are various Hidden Sides sets to choose from, why not take a look?

The LEGO Hidden Sides sets are available now priced from £17.99 and are aimed at ages 7 and above. The Newbury Subway playset (70430) is priced at £24.99.

You can learn more from the LEGO website.

Doctor Who: Series 12 Episode 9 ‘Ascension of the Cybermen’ Trailer

Sean McCarthy
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Doctor Who: Series 12 Episode 9 ‘Ascension of the Cybermen’ Trailer

Well here we go, the two part Series 12 finale will begin with Episode 9 ‘Ascension of the Cybermen’. 

https://youtu.be/3i2WQFGvHJs

“The ascension shall begin…” The Doctor and friends must protect the last of the human race against the Cybermen. The 2-part series finale of Doctor Who begins this Sunday, February 23rd!

Take a look at the inspiration for Episode 8 ‘The Haunting of Villa Diodati” and find out more about the party on Lake Geneva that inspired the original “Frankenstein”.

Review: Doctor Who News: Series 12 Episode 8 ‘The Haunting of Villa Diodati’

Sean McCarthy
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0
Review: Doctor Who News: Series 12 Episode 8 ‘The Haunting of Villa Diodati’

We have finally reached the final normal episode of Series 12 as the series will end on a two part finale and we have one finally real historical figure taking centre stage as The Doctor and her gang arrive at the Villa Diodati at Lake Geneva in 1816 on the night that inspired Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The plan is to spend the evening soaking up the atmos in the presence of some literary greats, but the ghosts are all too real, and the Doctor is forced into a decision of earth-shattering proportions.

I have always been and always will be a fan of the episodes opening with a little prologue before the credits and tonight had one of the more fun ones as we are first introduced to the literary brilliance of Lord Byron, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin and Dr John Polidori. On an evening of merriment held during a strange stormy night, a slightly scary story ends with a mysterious knock on the door. As they approach the door to the sound of thunder and lighting in a darkened Victorian house, nervous and anxious they open to door to find the Doctor and Team TARDIS, changed into period clothing

I had a strange sense that this episode would be more of a prelude to the series finale two-parter rather than a standard episode of Who which would only tease to it and I was right. Something about the setting featuring Mary Shelley who would go on to write Frankenstein creating a monster from body parts of different people just compliments the very idea of a certain old enemy of the Doctor. The episode did try to stick to the regular monster of the wee formula but it did not take long for the real purpose of this story be revealed.

The first half of the story is really more of a silly attempt at being all spooky than actually being anything resembling the eery effect of last week’s story telling in ‘Can you hear me?’. With strange things happening such as objects flying across a hallway right to a skeletal hand becoming animated after bursting through a painting. Graham was used to great effect as his need to find the bathroom is made extra hard by a house seeming ever changing, trapping the people in their rooms with no way of leaving or for anyone or anything to get into the house. The silliness did lead to some funny moments with the Doctor batting away the advances and flirtations of Lord Byron himself and Ryan almost finding himself in a duel to the death with Dr John Polidori. Graham and Ryan again playing the rolls of comedy act is becoming rather tired this season, but perhaps something I will come to a bit later on might give some hope as to what might come at the end of this series.

The main focus of the story soon jumps to where I had expected this setting to lead which was to introduce the very thing that Captain Jack Harkness had told Team TARDIS to warn the Doctor about, the Lone Cyberman. Missing from the group so far was Percy Bysshe Shelley, husband to Mary, he had seen an apparition that when seen through a window by the group, the Doctor deduced that it was something trying to enter the house but something and the very thing that was causing all the spookiness was also the thing preventing it from gaining entry. The horror theme quickly turned to sci-fi as the Doctor worked out that something was creating a perception filter which was causing the house to appear to be changing when it was simply working to keep everyone trapped where they were but soon the apparition did break through and when it did, it finally began the tease for how the series finale will start.

The Apparition was indeed a single Cyberman, but one that had not fully been converted and so it had a rather cool half Cyberman half human hybrid that was trying to locate “The Guardian”. It moved around the house hunting for it. Only the Doctor has encountered a Cyberman before and with Team TARDIS recognising this as the thing Captain Jack had told them to warn the Doctor about, it was left to the Doctor to one again handle the exposition of explaining to them and the audience just a Cyberman was and the threat and evil they represented. I have to admit I really liked how the Cyberman was introduced into the episode rather then waiting to the two part finale as that already has a lot to already deal with. There was also a very lovely moment where the time old method of defeating one by appealing or reawakening the human emotion of a Cyberman was attempted but then quickly shot down as the Cyberman revealed that the human inside was just as evil as a Cyberman would have been.

The warning from Captain Jack was simply “beware the lone Cyberman and do not give it what it wants” and this was pretty much all the final twenty minutes of the story was about. The husband of Mary Shelley had discovered something shiny in the lake before the evening’s festivities had begun. Finding what could only be described as a silver liquid metal, he had absorbed it and learned it was known as the Cyberium, an AI entity that held all the knowledge of the Cybermen and is used to create ones. It was this that had been able to hold off the Cyberman for so long but it was slowly killing Percy. The moments of the Doctor and Cyberman coming face to face and seeing this half converted Cyberman, still with his human emotions but being angry and irritated by the Doctor made this meeting of old enemies something fun to watch. 

Where the story really delivered however was in how Team TARDIS’s relationship with the Doctor once again crept up. A few times we have seen how travelling with the Doctor has impacted on the lives of Graham, Ryan and Yaz. They have been asking questions and really just doing some soul searching as the reality of what travelling with the Doctor means. Here we see them pleading with the Doctor to follow the warning from Captain Jack but this only provided us the audience a chance to look at this relationship from the view of the Doctor. When trying to save the life of Percy but knowing the only solution is to give the Cyberman what it wanted, the Doctor actually snaps at Ryan, telling him that changing history has a price, and that by changing the event of that night and allowing Percy to do could change the future so much that none of Team TARDIS were ever born, then asking Ryan if he would sacrifice their lives right then for that to happen.

This is the side of the 13th Doctor that I want to see more of, when she said that ultimately no matter who is travelling with her that in the end is down to the Doctor to make the final choice of life and death and that the decision remains on her shoulders it finally removed the “its fun being in the TARDIS with the Doctor” mystique that often comes in the first series with a companion and has definitely been the current experience of Team TARDIS all through Series 11 and now 12 but this is the only time that the reality of travelling in time and space, fighting monsters and dealing with threats so big they can risk the Earth to the very reality itself. For me, I am really tired with Team TARDIS and I truly believe the show would be far better with a single companion as half the time members become background scenery or comedy characters but this all feels as though one or more of current Team TARDIS might be having second thoughts of this life and may choose to return home or something more tragic during the series finale.

Where we are left is a Doctor with no other choice by to give the Cyberman the Cyberium and knowing the next thing must be to go find it in the future and stop its plan to raise a new Cyberman Army. Her instinct is to take Team TARDIS home to spare them the danger of what this means, no doubt as a result of losing Bill as the 12th Doctor though her name is not mentioned. So the first part of the series finale will see the Doctor and Team TARDIS going to battle with the Cybermen and I do understand why this episode was used as the prologue of sorts to that story simply because there is still so much to wrap up for this series. We have The Master and a destroyed Gallefrey bringing the Timeless Child into the series and then we have the ‘Other’ Doctor in Ruth which still has so many questions left unanswered.

But for this episode, it was average in terms of where it began before the work to prep for the finale kicked in. It for me, showcased quite a lot about what I would like to see changed before a series 13 for the 13th Doctor and the groundwork has been laid down. Now just to see if the finale can stick the landing.

Home Movie Screening Gets Cinematic Boost

Andrew Edney
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0
Home Movie Screening Gets Cinematic Boost

Signify the world leader in lighting, and makers of Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box, has conducted research on the latest movie watching trends and the nation’s favourite blockbusters. With the latest developments in surround lighting and sound, the most epic films can now be enjoyed at home with immersive cinematic effects.

A study of 2,000 movie fans revealed the 40 films which disappointed at home, with Star Wars, Titanic and Jurassic Park topping the list of blockbuster movies which lose their magic on the ‘small screen’.

The research found that a quarter of respondents prefer watching films at home, compared to 15% who would opt to go to the cinema. Those who prefer their sofa to a cinema seat stated being able to pause the film when you want, a comfy sofa to snuggle into and always being able to have snacks to hand as key reasons they prefer staying in. And seven in 10 agreed there are plenty of great films out there to enjoy which aren’t available in the cinemas.

Andy Baxter, Philips Hue Product Manager said: “The research tells us people are watching and streaming more film than ever from the comfort of their own homes, with the trend towards bigger, smarter TVs and the ability to personalise the experience, set to continue.”

More than one in four agreed that being able to watch multiple films in one sitting is another bonus to watching movies at home, and a third said you have the luxury of more choice.

It also emerged that 57% will get irritated by other movie fans talking in a cinema screening, and 43% said the cinema experience is ruined by the adverts seeming to go on ‘forever’.

Just under 50% of the survey respondents like the amazing sound systems at the cinema, while 42% like to feel immersed in the film.

“While light has long been used to enhance our entertainment experience at the cinema, until now it’s been difficult to recreate the same effects at home, so we’ve developed surround lighting. Smart lights that sync to the content on your TV screen – which you can control from subtle to intense, creating the ultimate interactive entertainment experience increasing the overall enjoyment of what is happening on the screen.”

Andy Baxter continued: “With today’s 4K TVs and 3D sound commonplace, if you’re looking to create a true cinematic experience in your home, it’s time to upgrade your entertainment centre and that includes the lighting. First you need to get the lighting right and smart dimmable lights are a must to set the atmosphere. The new Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box tech takes this to another level for maximum impact.”

The average consumer today watches five films per month at home, as opposed to an average of just one film at the cinema. With half of respondents sharing they wish to have watched more films, creating a cosy atmosphere for a movie night in is key.

The most popular genres to watch are thrillers with 54% of respondents saying it’s their favourite, followed by comedy (51%), drama (49%), action (47%), crime (43%).

Andy Baxter, Philips Hue added: “People love to escape the pressures of everyday life. The Sync Box takes movie- and TV-watching, listening and gaming experiences to a completely new level. Enhance the suspense in your thriller, add colour to your comedy and you will see the colour capable Philips Hue lights make explosions come to life at home.”

Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box is the latest development by Philips Hue, enabling you to create immersive media experiences from your living room – whether using a streaming device, satellite and cable set top box, game console, DVD player, laptop, or TV.

TOP 40 MOVIES BEST SEEN WITH CINEMATIC EFFECTS

  1. Star Wars
  2. Titanic
  3. Jurassic Park
  4. Harry Potter
  5. The Matrix
  6. Lord of the Rings
  7. Avatar
  8. Saving Private Ryan
  9. Indiana Jones
  10. Dunkirk
  11. Jaws
  12. Gladiator
  13. Pirates of the Caribbean
  14. Terminator 2: Judgment Day
  15. Die Hard
  16. Alien
  17. Pearl Harbour
  18. Skyfall
  19. Gravity
  20. The Hunger Games
  21. The Dark Knight
  22. Toy Story
  23. The Avengers
  24. Guardians of the Galaxy
  25. Apollo 13
  26. 2001: A Space Odyssey
  27. The Shining
  28. Braveheart
  29. Frozen
  30. Gone with the Wind
  31. ET
  32. Fast and Furious
  33. La La Land
  34. Beauty and the Beast
  35. Casino Royale
  36. Transformers
  37. Inception
  38. Mad Max: Fury Road
  39. Joker
  40. The Exorcist

Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box: Pricing and availability

The Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box is available to purchase on meethue.com. Available from £229.99.

For more information on Philips Hue products and how smart lights can help you create the ultimate cinematic experience, visit https://www2.meethue.com/en-gb/entertainment

Win Maleficent: Mistress of Evil on Blu-ray

Andrew Edney
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77
Win Maleficent: Mistress of Evil on Blu-ray

To celebrate the release of Maleficent: Mistress of Evil on DVD and Blu-ray, we are offering you the change to win a copy on Blu-ray.

The thrilling sequel to 2014’s Maleficent, starring Angelina Jolie as Maleficent and Elle Fanning as her goddaughter Aurora, arrives home with brand-new bonus features, extended scenes, outtakes and an exclusive extra for Digital consumers. 

Bonus features take viewers behind-the-scenes with the all-star cast to explore the making of Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. Extended scenes reveal how Queen Ingrith (Michelle Pfeiffer) manipulates Aurora into questioning Maleficient and accelerating her wedding plans. Featurettes include interviews with Jolie, who discusses Maleficent’s origins and the cast who portray the Fey, and Fanning, who gushes over Aurora’s fairytale wedding. Filmmakers showcase the visual effects behind the film’s stunning landscapes and the seemingly effortless flight of the Fey. Additional extras include “You Can’t Stop The Girl,” a music video performed by Bebe Rexha, and hilarious outtakes, ranging from uncooperative cats to uncontrollable giggles on set. “MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL”. 

Fans who purchase Maleficent: Mistress of Evil on Digital will gain access to an exclusive extra in which fantasy-film veteran Warwick Davis divulges the backstory for his character, Lickspittle. 

Directed by Joachim Rønning, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil carries on the story of Disney’s most iconic villain. The years have been kind to Maleficent and Aurora. Their relationship, born of heartbreak, revenge and ultimately love, has flourished. Yet hatred between man and the fairies still exists. Aurora’s impending marriage to Prince Philip is cause for celebration as the wedding serves to unite the Kingdom of Ulstead and the neighboring Moors. But, when an unexpected encounter introduces a powerful new alliance, Maleficent and Aurora are pulled apart to opposing sides in a Great War, testing their loyalties and causing them to question whether they can truly be a family. 

How to enter to win

We have three copies on Blu-ray to give away, simply enter below:

Win Maleficent: Mistress of Evil on Blu-ray
The contest closes at midnight on 1st March 2020.

This contest is only open to those in the UK – sorry! 

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil is available on Digital, Blu-ray and DVD.



Play Color Galaxy on Snapchat

Andrew Edney
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0
Play Color Galaxy on Snapchat

Play Color Galaxy – a highly competitive multiplayer game that allows players to travel across planets and invade unknown lands.

In the game, Snapchatters compete for the most territory by driving cool, custom cars around in a race for half the map – drawing lines to close their colour loop, expanding their sector. But beware, as whilst you can cross an opponent’s line to take their life, you need to be careful to protect your own otherwise it’ll be you reading “game over”!

About Color Galaxy

  • Color Galaxy is a highly competitive multiplayer game that lets players travel across planets and invade unknown lands.
  • Deeply customised for players: Players use their Bitmoji as their in-game avatar; a selection of fun vehicles available, custom backgrounds
  • Snapchatters can easily spot their friends driving around. Get friends together and keep moving to conquer space!
  • Developed by Gismart – a leading developer of entertainment apps and games with over 500 million installs. Its hyper casual title Cool Goal! was named among the 10 most downloaded games worldwide in September and October last year.
  • Snapchat Lens: To coincide with the game launch, Gismart has also created a Lens for Snapchat – The Chicken Head
  • Successful games will result in a reward of coins that can be redeemed for new personalisation options including new vehicles, territory colours or sound effects.

Quote from Gismart: 

“We’re thrilled to join the Snap Games platform and introduce players to the whimsical, customizable worlds of Color Galaxy. Tapping into Snap’s social features like Bitmoji avatars, Snippets, and augmented reality Lenses make it even easier for Snapchatters to connect with their friends and share fun moments from the game. A gaming experience like this can only come to life on Snapchat, and we can’t wait to see the response from Snapchatters worldwide,” said Lana Meisak, VP of Business Development and Marketing at Gismart.

Quote from Snap: 
“Snap Games is all about sharing experiences with your friends, even when you can’t be together. Color Galaxy is a brilliant example of this, letting friends conquer the galaxy, with or against each other, directly from chat.”

“We’re excited to bring this fun, fast-paced, and competitive new game to our Snapchat community,” said John Imah, Snap’s Head of Games Partnerships.

About Gismart
Gismart is a leading developer and publisher of entertainment-focused apps and games with over 500 million downloads. The company operates within three primary focus areas – hyper-casual games, third-party game publishing, and music entertainment apps. Gismart’s top titles include Cool Goal!, Domino Smash, Cleon, Oil Tycoon, Happy Hockey!, Beat Maker Go, Piano Crush, Guitar Play, WeDrum and others. Today Gismart unites over 280 professionals. The company is headquartered in London, UK. For more information on Gismart, visit https://gismart.com.

About Snap Inc.
Snap Inc. is a camera company. We believe that reinventing the camera represents our greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate. We contribute to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together. For more information, visit snap.com.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Opening Movie Released

Sean McCarthy
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0
Final Fantasy VII Remake Opening Movie Released

SQUARE ENIX today revealed the opening cinematic movie for one of the year’s most highly anticipated games, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE. The footage showcases the gorgeous visuals of the eclectic city of Midgar, backed by newly orchestrated, breath-taking music. In FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE, players will be drawn into a world where Shinra Electric Power Company, a shadowy corporation, controls the planet’s very life force. Cloud Strife, a former member of Shinra’s elite SOLDIER unit now turned mercenary, lends his aid to an anti-Shinra organization calling themselves Avalanche.

Additionally, fans will get to experience the breath-taking music from FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE live during the recently announced Orchestra World Tour starting in Los Angeles this June. Vocalist Yosh, will also appear at the June 14th concert to perform the theme song for the remake, “Hollow.” Further concerts will take place in San Francisco, Fort Worth, Atlanta, Phoenix, New York, Chicago, Denver, Nashville and Boston with more dates and cities to be announced soon. The concerts will feature music from the game’s soundtrack performed by a majestic orchestra and full chorus, all conducted by GRAMMY®-Award winner Arnie Roth known for his work on Distant Worlds: music from FINAL FANTASY. For more concert and ticketing information, visit: http://ffvii-remakeconcerts.com/.

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE is a reimagining of the iconic original game that re-defined the RPG genre, diving deeper into the world and its characters than ever before. The first game in the project will be set in the city of Midgar and presents a fully standalone gaming experience that provides a great starting point to the series. Along with unforgettable characters and a powerful story, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE features a hybrid battle system that merges real-time action with strategic, command-based combat.

The Deluxe Edition, available to pre-order now, contains a hardback art book featuring stunning concept art, a soundtrack selection CD, Summon Materia DLC allowing players to summon Cactuar in game, and a Sephiroth SteelBook Case. The Digital Deluxe Edition contains a digital art book, a digital soundtrack selection, and Summon Materia DLC allowing players to summon Carbuncle and Cactuar in game.

Those who pre-order any version of the game will also receive the Chocobo™ Chick Summon Materia DLC at launch, while those who pre-order any digital edition from the PlayStation®Store will also receive the Cloud & Sephiroth Dynamic Theme for the PlayStation®4 system. Pre-orders of any version of FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE from the SQUARE ENIX Store will receive an exclusive FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE lanyard and automatically be entered for a chance to win a stunning limited-edition Sephiroth or Cloud Strife Chronograph watch.

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE is rated T (Teen,) and will be available for the PlayStation 4 on April 10, 2020. For more information, visit: www.ffvii-remake.com

Related Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/finalfantasyvii
Twitter: https://twitter.com/finalfantasyvii
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finalfantasyvii/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/finalfantasy

News and Trailers from the ‘Outriders’ Reveal Stream Event

Sean McCarthy
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0
News and Trailers from the ‘Outriders’ Reveal Stream Event

Last night saw the big Outriders stream reveal as more elements to the game including some actual gameplay using a very early alpha build of the game was showcased following an event for content creators and press last week.

Play as an Outrider, the vanguard of the colonisation efforts of Enoch, now altered by the anomaly storms, your power grows as you discover the hostile planet of Enoch.

Powers and Character Classes:

It is very obvious that so many elements that make up Outriders have been “borrowed” from other games and Destiny has clearly been their go to inspiration. Like Destiny, Outriders beings with players being able to choose a class for their character, Trickster who can manipulate Time, Pyromancer with explosive fire powers and the Devastator who is the tank…and yes, all I am seeing is Titan, Hunter and Warlock!

RPG Depth and Customization

RPG will play a big part of how players will progress their characters in the game and again, not seeing anything here you have not seen in other similar games starting with Destiny. What is so jarring is just how identical almost how the UI menus and screens look as though they were just lifted right out of Destiny for both weapon and character management, I sense Bungie might want to have a little word with the dev team here!

Gameplay

It took right till the end of the stream for them to actually show any real gameplay and well, sadly as feared there is really a lot taken from other games here too. Starting off with the glaringly obvious considering the team behind Outriders is the same that gave the world Gears of War: Judgement and they have clearly stuck to what they know as the gameplay shows a cover based 3rd person system straight from the GEARS series. This has been combined with what feels to me like a Mass Effect style of having abilities to showcase the powers players will have and an almost Division style gun fighting element to it all.

My Thoughts…

Just as I felt when the trailer landed earlier this week for Outriders, so much about this game that was ‘revealed’ last night left me feeling rather meh about it as a game. The presentation of the stream was a pre-recorded scripted mess as a host being incredibly over positive about the aspects the two devs were talking about like no other game had ever done anything like they were showcasing but every time they showed an element that was clearly just a copy of something from another game such as Destiny, the chat in the stream reacted negatively which is also where I am right now.

Just by what they have shown with these trailers, Outriders needs a lot of work before it releases on current and new generation of consoles at the end of this year. Everything Iv seen I already have a game with the same style of gameplay from Destiny, Gears, Mass Effect: Andromeda and The Division. Taking all those elements and blending them into a game that is as much a looter shooter as anything already out and showcasing such minimal originality has me very much on the fence with Outriders, I was burned by Anthem in 2019 leaving me far more cautious about “New” titles that are simply a Frankenstein build of ideas and gameplay from multiple games just spliced together with a new skin.

Time will tell and maybe we will see more at E3 and certainly there is time before release for the team behind Outriders to make some adjustments possibly based on the feedback from last night of which there was A LOT of negative reaction immediately during and after the event streamed.

This reveal event has done little to get me hyped for Outriders and sadly, it has actually put it on the warning list for me this early on!

Releasing Holiday 2020 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC (Steam).

Join the Outriders:

For Honor to Celebrate 3rd Anniversary with ‘the Honor Games’ Event

Sean McCarthy
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0
For Honor to Celebrate 3rd Anniversary with ‘the Honor Games’ Event

Ubisoft has announced that For Honor will commemorate its third anniversary with the Peace Festival, a two-week in game event that will be live from 13th-27th of February.
As the threat of the great cataclysm has cooled down, the leaders of Heathmoor have invited the greatest warriors from all factions to compete in the Honor Games to celebrate the Truce of Wyverndale.

This in-game event brings a variation of the fan-favorite limited-time game mode Carousel of Death. The first time a player dies in this 4v4 Elimination game mode, they return to life five seconds later, but each subsequent death adds five seconds to respawn time. Victory is achieved when all opponents are dead at the same time. During the first week of the anniversary event, Carousel of Fire will add an additional twist with damage boosts and flaming geysers in the arena.  Players will get to experience another twist to this game mode, yet to be revealed, in the second week of the event.  During this rare time of festivities in the world of For Honor, the game map will be dressed up with details alternating as the event progresses. This includes fireworks, a live crowd with musicians and, for the first time ever, original fan art banners from the For Honor community.

The Honor Games event also brings a wealth of themed loot and event-specific additions to the game, including a new Battle Outfit, Ornament and Effect, as well as brand-new Instrument Emotes available for all Heroes. All event loot and content is available in the “Honor Games” Bundle until 2nd March for 30,000 Steel.

Launched in February 2017, For Honor recently entered its fourth year of post-launch support, titled Year of the Reckoning, with Year 4 – Season 1 “Hope”. With more than 20 million players, For Honor is available on PlayStation 4, the Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X and Windows PC. For Honor is also available on UPLAY+, Ubisoft’s subscription service.

For more information about For Honor, please visit forhonorgame.com and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/forhonorgame and on Twitter at twitter.com/forhonorgame.

For the latest about For Honor and other Ubisoft games, please visit news.ubisoft.com.

MARVEL’s Avengers Special Editions Revealed!

Sean McCarthy
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0
MARVEL’s Avengers Special Editions Revealed!

Square Enix revealed that Marvel’s Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Edition and Deluxe Edition will be available alongside the Standard Edition on September 4, 2020. Further, players who pre-order any version of the game will receive guaranteed access to the Beta (at participating retailers), a Marvel Legacy Outfit pack, and an exclusive nameplate.

The Marvel’s Avengers Deluxe Edition includes an exclusive Obsidian Outfit pack (six hero outfits), six exclusive Obsidian nameplates, and 72-hour early access.

Marvel’s Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Edition features a full color 12” statue of Captain America. Designed by the artisans at Gentle Giant, this deluxe high-quality PVC statue captures every texture and detail on Captain America’s uniform. Marvel’s Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Edition also includes a copy of the Deluxe Edition, an exclusive SteelBook® case, Hulk Bobblehead, Mjolnir Keychain, Black Widow’s Belt Buckle, Iron Man’s Prototype Amor Blueprints, Kamala Khan’s Honorary Avenger Pin, a commemorative Avengers group photo, and 72-hour early access before the September 4, 2020 release date.

At participating retailers, those who pre-order Marvel’s Avengers will receive either a limited-edition pin set, patch set, digital comic book, or SteelBook designed by legendary Marvel artist Mark Brooks. The company also kicked-off its pre-order program today, which includes guaranteed access to the Beta, an exclusive nameplate, and a Marvel Legacy Outfit pack. These Marvel Legacy Outfits are inspired by moments from the comics that defined who each Super Hero was as they first embraced their powers to become the icons they are today.

In addition, players who pre-order their copy of Marvel’s Avengers from the PlayStation Store will receive additional pre-order bonuses, including a Ms. Marvel “Talk to the Hand” emote and “Marvel’s Avengers: Hex Pattern Logo” dynamic theme. The exclusive Digital Edition on the PlayStation® Store includes an exclusive Ms. Marvel nameplate and 1,000 credits which can be used towards Super Hero customizations. This edition also includes 72-hour early access when the game launches in September. PlayStation 4 players can also play the beta first when they pre-order any edition on PS4.

Marvel’s Avengers will release simultaneously for the PlayStation 4 , Xbox One, Stadia, and PC on September 4, 2020. The game is currently rated RP, rating pending by the ESRB.

Related Links
Official Homepage: www.playavengers.com
Official Twitter: @PlayAvengers
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Director Matt Reeves Reveals the New Batsuit for ‘The Batman’ Film

Sean McCarthy
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Director Matt Reeves Reveals the New Batsuit for ‘The Batman’ Film

In a surprise reveal by Director Matt Reeves, the moment DC Comic fans has come as we have our first look at the Bat Suit that Robert Pattinson will be wearing in ‘The Batman’ courtesy of a Camera Test Video:

Reports have suggest that the film will a Bruce Wayne in the 2nd year of his nightly crusade as Batman protecting Gotham City. I really like the look of the suit which has a nice machine stitched leather cowl almost, not the rigid armoured look of previous film versions whilst the chest is very armoured with what could be an actual Batarang as the Bat Symbol on the chest which to me also has an almost Arkham Knight style from the Rock Steady Studios video Game Series.

I like this look, I also love the music used which the composer reacted rather adorably too with Reeves replying that more will be heard later. I am looking forward to ‘The Batman’ and very much to Pattinson’s take on the iconic role of Bruce Wayne and Batman.

Review: The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Tactics

Sean McCarthy
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Review: The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Tactics

There was something very special about watching the original Dark Crystal film in the cinema growing up for it was unlike anything I had seen before, dark and fierce in a way that stuck with me ever since. To then learn that Netflix was going to be producing a brand-new full Television series for Dark Crystal set before the film immediately got my attention and the show was incredible in the story telling and the world it brought to life. So, when it was announced that a video game was set to be made based on the new Netflix show, well it also grabbed my attention. Sadly, the experience did not continue to be a positive one!

The flipside of being able to say that Im old enough to remember seeing the original film in the cinema on its release, is that I also remember what the 80s and early 90s were like for the cash in quick video game to TV/Film tie in attempts were, OCEAN I am looking at you. Often the games based on TV shows or films had literally no real connection to the source material and were random generic titles with the visuals made to look like the show or film. I had thought those dark and lazy days were gone and long forgotten but sadly ‘The Dark Crystals: Age of Resistance Tactics” is everything I hate about lazy cash in games and to make it worse, it barely has anything even remotely original.

The game follows the same story as the Netflix Show and attempts to tell the same narrative but using the game mechanics you would instantly recognise from XCOM or Final Fantasy Tactics. Disappointment sets in as soon as you start a new game as story board cinematics introduce you to the world of the Dark Crystal and this was my first warning sign. The story boards have a comic book art style for some reason with bright and vibrant colours looking nothing like the tv show visuals at all. If that was not jarring enough, the narration is done via text boxes showing how little effort was put into the design of the story telling for the game and sticking with it throughout. It just looks like and gives the presentation a real mobile game look rather than a game for console and PC.

Once in the game and you can just see ideas and systems used in other games just copied and used for this game and my experience with XCOM allowed me to get stuck in right away with the controls and gameplay which is still very basic as in you have to move the members of your party of Gelfings, around the map area to position them near or away enemies in order to attack or defend. The sad thing is that combat just feels devoid of any of the creativity of the show and always comes down to the feeling that you have played similar games but better ones. The feeling that everything is just so half arsed never leaves you thought I will say that the RPG elements of unlocking new weapons, items and character classes does allow for some additional strategy options for the player as you progress through but the rest of the game just fails to motivate you to even bother.

That is the biggest issue with this game and if you are playing this game because you are a fan of the Netflix show its based on, all you are doing is reliving that story but in the most tedious way possible there can be to experience it. I will say this however, if you have not seen the show, do not play this game as it is full of story spoilers which come thick and fast during the comic book panel style story telling between the missions. The enjoyment of the actual TV show from the visuals, voice acting to the story telling is completely absent from this game and those are the very things that make the show must see viewing. Missions often boil down to simply moving your party from one side of the map to the other and moving them all is a chore in itself before you encounter the cumbersome combat which never offers the same thrill that it does in XCOM.

The battle between the Gelfs and Skeksis should translate into very memorable gaming moments but this title is just so hollow at its core. For the asking price of the game, I would recommend saving that and just extended your Netflix subscription for three months and continue to just watch the series again and again to enjoy it as it was intended, from the work of passionate and knowledgeable people who made it. None of that can be said of this game which feels like the cheapest form of cash in they could have come up with and it is no surprise that the same studio also produced the equally looked down on Stranger Things Season 3 video game.

Does this have any redeeming factors is the question I am left with and honestly, there just isn’t enough to make this a “go buy this now” title, even if you are a diehard fan that loves everything about Dark Crystal, this game will only push you back to watching the show instead which will still be the best way to enjoy the story. Borrowing so much from everybody else without coming up with enough refreshing or original ideas buries this game is that terrible “belongs on a mobile device” bin that quite frankly the people behind the show and original Dark Crystal story deserved to have a far better game using their work.

Avoid this game, go watch the TV series again instead.

Sonic races into London thanks to Snapchat and Paramount Pictures

Andrew Edney
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Sonic races into London thanks to Snapchat and Paramount Pictures

To celebrate the cinematic release of SONIC THE HEDGEHOG, Paramount and Snapchat have joined forces to bring the much-loved character to life at a number of landmarks across the UK and beyond, using Snapchat’s augmented reality (AR).

To celebrate the cinematic release of SONIC THE HEDGEHOG, Paramount and Snapchat have joined forces to bring the much-loved character to life at a number of landmarks across the UK and beyond, using Snapchat’s augmented reality (AR).

In the movie, Sonic puts trust in his friends to navigate Earth, after coming to escape evil forces who are trying to steal his super-speed powers. Once on earth, following a series of accidental mishaps, Sonic’s adventures continue as he tries to evade capture by the tyrannical roboticist, Dr. Robotnik, played by Jim Carey.

Now, Sonic is befriending Snapchatters to help him on his quest to save the world, through the magic of AR.

Kicking off the quest, and for the first time ever, London’s Tower Bridge has been transformed into a Snapchat Landmarker where users will be challenged, via a gamified AR lens, to gather as many golden rings as possible before Sonic magically appears on the world-famous bridge.

Quicker than the speed of light, Sonic will continue his adventure to a number of landmarks around the globe, making a brief stop at London’s Natural History Museum before heading off to iconic destinations, such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris; the Brandenburg Gate in Germany; New York’s Flatiron Building; LA’s Chinese Theatre; the Sphinx in Egypt; and Chichen Itza in Mexico.

And for those not able to get to a Landmark, the lens will open to the face, transforming you into Dr Robotnik, before swapping to the rear camera and taking you on the same journey with Sonic.

“This collaboration really captures the theme of friendship that is at the heart of this movie, and we are thrilled this campaign marks the first time that Tower Bridge has been transformed into a Snapchat Landmarker,” says Mary Daily, Paramount’s co-president of worldwide marketing and distribution. “As a platform, Snapchat is founded on the idea of creating and sharing with your friends, and it’s exciting that Sonic is able to share his global adventures directly with Snapchatters around the world”.

Snapchat’s SONIC THE HEDGEHOG Landmarker Lens’ will be live from Friday the 7th of February at Tower Bridge and the Natural History Museum, before sprinting onto iconic landmarks across the globe.

Metro EXODUS New Expansion ‘Sam’s Story’ Out Now

Sean McCarthy
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Metro EXODUS New Expansion ‘Sam’s Story’ Out Now

Deep Silver and 4A Games are thrilled to announce that Sam’s Story, the second major story DLC for Metro Exodus is out now while also confirming that Metro Exodus will return to Steam on February 15.

Sam’s Story follows former US Marine Sam, a Spartan Ranger who has worked under Colonel Miller since the nuclear war devastated Moscow, and followed Artyom in search of a world outside of the Metro.  Sam had long dreamed of returning to his homeland, and perhaps even finding his father alive. The prospect seemed impossible in the darkened tunnels of the Metro, but when the Spartans discovered that Moscow was not the only city left alive after the war, holding out hope didn’t feel so foolish anymore.

Sam, determined to find a way back to the USA, departed from the Aurora to make his way through Vladivostok’s tsunami ravaged harbours, ruined industrial buildings, and crumbling residential districts. However, to complete his journey, Sam will discover that he needs every tactic he has learned so far to survive, as his surroundings prove to be far trickier than expected.

In this expansive ‘sandbox survival’ level, players will experience another gripping story line featuring new characters, weapons and mutant variants, in a huge, non-linear environment that offers hours of gameplay.

Sam’s Story is available to purchase on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC and Stadia – links are available at https://www.metrothegame.com/buynow. It is included in the Metro Exodus Expansion Pass, which also entitles holders to the acclaimed DLC, The Two Colonels, which was released in August 2019.

Be the first to learn more about Metro Exodus by registering for updates at MetroTheGame.com, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @MetroVideoGame or on Facebook at Facebook.com/MetroVideoGame.

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