Review: Arrow Season 2 Blu-Ray Box Set

Sean Labode

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Sep 23, 2014

Arrow shot his way into our lives back in Season 1 which aired in 2012 that took the comic fans by storm.

DC’s comic book hero The Green Arrow had a great successful run with its dark action adventure series filled with vengeance and explosions. Now that season 2 is over and available on Blu-Ray you can relive the events from the masked vigilante’s life that introduces new foes and strengthens previous friendships. Season 1 introduced us to the hooded Arrow and the important people surrounding him including his small team, controversial family, endangered loved ones and a list of foes out to corrupt the city.

Season 2 follows the previously spoiled billionaire playboy Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) who presumably died when his father’s boat was lost at sea and was trapped on an island which he returned from a changed man. The focus now after cleaning up the streets of Starling City is to continue stopping criminals without killing them, a promised he made to his dying best friend. Oliver must also contend with the outside forces attempting to take over Queen Consolidated all whilst dealing with characters returning who we all thought were dead. As the web of mystery deepens around the Arrow’s true identity Oliver finds himself revealing yet again his secret to protect others and take down criminals trying to destroy the city.

With the return of many actors from season 1 and introducing some more talent in season 2, Arrow features the great cast of Stephen Amell (The Flash, New Girl) as the lead vigilante; Katie Cassidy (Gossip Girl, Monte Carlo, A Nightmare on Elm Street) as Laurel Lance the attorney and former girlfriend of Oliver; David Ramsey (Blue Bloods, The Defenders, Outlaw) as John Diggle, Oliver’s partner, confidant and bodyguard; Willa Holland (Tiger Eyes, Straw Dogs, Chasing 3000) who plays Oliver’s younger sister; Paul Blackthorne (The River, CSI) playing the detective; Emily Bett Rickards (Dakota’s Summer, Romeo Killer, Bacon and Eggs) who brings Felicity Smoak to life as the IT technician at Queen Consolidated; Colton Hayes (Teen Wolf, Look, The Gates) who plays crook turned sidekick Roy Harper, and Colin Donnell (Pan Am), Oliver’s best friend.

Everything that was average from the first season is improved drastically in the second. The fact that Oliver’s training had made him come across as a character we couldn’t relate to and cold hearted through his killing is reigned in and given more heart this time round. He came across previously as a perfected killing machine leaving me speechless from the first episode and I longed for Oliver to show he was still human which came about towards the end of season one. Also the fact that the playboy carefree façade wasn’t Amell’s best work in the show, mostly due to these scenes contrasting dramatically with the Oliver we now know, I’m happy to say that both these points are vastly improved. With the Slade and Oliver flashback story from the island still continuing as the secondary parallel tale of Arrow, we get to see how this brothers in arms friendship takes a turn for the worst back in current day Starling City.

As friendships disintegrate over bloodshed Oliver makes new allegiances and expands his vigilante crew to take on new foes such a Blood’s team, a group of Slade’s subordinates that pose as the main villains for a majority of season 2. And lets not forget that Barry Allen is introduced midway through the season that’ll eventually play The Flash in his own series let alone crossovers with the Arrow show once again.

The special features from Arrow Season 2 includes; Deleted Scenes from various episodes which can be accessed separate to the episodes across the box set disks; From Vigilante to Hero which is a 25 minute documentary featuring various executive producers and cast members talking about Oliver Queen’s evolution in season one where he was a vigilante to season two where he came to embrace the idea of being a true hero for Starling City; How Did They Do That? which shows the visual effects made for the arrows; Wirework: The Impossible Moves of Arrow that show off the training and stunts within the show, and Arrow 2013 Comic-Con Panel where the cast and team talk to the audience about creating the show.

This box set is a must for any Arrow fans out there and is beautifully presented and is bursting with extra content. I have to say I’m a bigger fan of this season which has improved on many areas from the first season and I’m really excited to see where the next chapter takes us.

Assassins Creed Unity Season Pass Goes to the East

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Sep 22, 2014

0

Assassins Creed Unity Season Pass Goes to the East

Today Ubisoft has announced what the Season pass detailed content for this years Assassin’s Creed Unity. With additional in-game missions & equipment items, discover an all new story campaign with Assassin’s Creed Unity Dead Kings.

Assassins Unity is out for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 and PC on 14th November in the UK.

Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China, which is a brand new downloadable game for Season Pass holders. Apparently spawned from a single sketch of 16th century China, this soon became something bigger. You play as Shao Jun (from Assassins Creed Revelations/Embers), and traverse a 2.5D world inspired by traditional brush paintings.

The additional content also includes an extra DLC mission called Dead Kings and the promise of “more missions, weapons and customisation options”.

Assassin’s Creed Unity Dead Kings – a new story campaign that takes place after the events of Assassin’s Creed Unity. Arno leaves Paris for Saint Denis, a troubled city with a mysterious and extensive underground that holds the crypts of deceased French kings. In this self-contained set of missions, players will explore the murky depths of the Basilica and fight merciless adversaries to uncover the darkest secrets of the city. Arno will equip the new Guillotine gun, a deadly explosive weapon for short and long range combat. In addition to the main missions, players will discover new open-world activities including treasure hunts, murder mysteries and contracts, as well as new co-op missions. Additional weapons, gear, skills and outfits can be unlocked and carried over to the main game.
Extend Arno’s journey in Paris with more missions, weapons and customisation options for players looking to further explore Assassin’s Creed Unity and the French Revolution. Players can upgrade their customised Master Assassin and take on three added missions. Additionally, players will get over 30 new weapons, equipment, and outfits, including the exclusive Fleur de Lys sword on launch day.
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China – a new standalone Assassin’s Creed experience delivering a new story, setting, and gameplay type. In this 2.5D reimagining of the celebrated franchise, and developed by Climax Studios, players will perform parkour on the Great Wall of China, kill from the shadows and take the leap of faith. For the first time ever, players will be transported to the Middle Kingdom in the 16^th century, where the last remaining Assassin of the Chinese Brotherhood has returned to her homeland. Players will be immersed in a vibrant setting, inspired by traditional brush paintings and Chinese architecture from a pivotal, historic time period in one of the greatest civilizations in history. Hell-bent on revenge, Shao Jun will use the skills she learned under legendary Assassin Ezio Auditore to exact vengeance. Players will be able to rely on stealth to accomplish their mission, as well as Shao Jun’s martial arts training and all-new Assassin gear.

Exclusive Lords of the Fallen Gameplay with Tomasz Gop – brand new level and boss battle

Andrew Edney

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Sep 22, 2014

6

With Lords of the Fallen out in 6 weeks time, I sat down with Executive Producer Tomasz Gop to record some brand new gameplay and commentary – this is about 40% into the game with a brand new level and boss battle.

In an unforgiving world where no sin is ever forgotten an army of the long-ago defeated god attacks the human realm. You are Harkyn, a convicted criminal who is given a chance at redemption. Released from prison, Harkyn and his mentor, Kaslo, set out on a mission to stop the war.

In his journey, Harkyn will forge strong alliances and face even stronger enemies. He will learn the true power of the Rhogar Lords – commanders of god’s army. He will even bring the battle to the Rhogar, travelling to the heart of the demonic dimension.

Will the god manage to enslave humans again? Is mankind really able to banish evil? Will Harkyn’s sins ever be forgiven?

Tomasz works with a small creative team at the CI Games HQ in Warsaw, Poland. He is ultimately responsible for the project, ensuring that the designers and developers on both teams work towards a consistent vision.

Here is the brand new gameplay showcasing a brand new level including a new boss battle and a conversation with a demon, and it was captured from the PS4 version of the game with Tomasz both playing and commenting:

Lords of the Fallen will be available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC on October 31st, published in the UK by Square Enix.

What do you think of Lords of the Fallen? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Exclusive Lords of the Fallen Gameplay with Tomasz Gop – the first 20 minutes

Andrew Edney

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Sep 22, 2014

0

Exclusive Lords of the Fallen Gameplay with Tomasz Gop – the first 20 minutes

With Lords of the Fallen out in 6 weeks time, I sat down with Executive Producer Tomasz Gop to record some brand new gameplay and commentary – this is the first 20 minutes of the game.

In an unforgiving world where no sin is ever forgotten an army of the long-ago defeated god attacks the human realm. You are Harkyn, a convicted criminal who is given a chance at redemption. Released from prison, Harkyn and his mentor, Kaslo, set out on a mission to stop the war.

In his journey, Harkyn will forge strong alliances and face even stronger enemies. He will learn the true power of the Rhogar Lords – commanders of god’s army. He will even bring the battle to the Rhogar, travelling to the heart of the demonic dimension.

Will the god manage to enslave humans again? Is mankind really able to banish evil? Will Harkyn’s sins ever be forgiven?

Tomasz works with a small creative team at the CI Games HQ in Warsaw, Poland. He is ultimately responsible for the project, ensuring that the designers and developers on both teams work towards a consistent vision.

Here is the brand new gameplay showcasing the first 20 minutes of the game including the very first boss battle, and it was captured from the PS4 version of the game with Tomasz both playing and commenting:

Lords of the Fallen will be available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC on October 31st, published in the UK by Square Enix.

What do you think of Lords of the Fallen? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

PlayStation Plus Free This Weekend for PS4

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Sep 22, 2014

0

PlayStation Plus Free This Weekend for PS4

Today Sony has announced an unmissable offer for gamers that will see free access to the online multiplayer features of PlayStation Plus for all PlayStation 4 users for a full weekend from 08.00 BST on Friday 26th September to 08.00 BST on Monday 29th September.

This will be open to all PS4 owners and with no sign up required, there really are no excuses not to get involved! Take your game to the next level and experience exceptional multiplayer action for this limited opportunity as you battle it out with seasoned pros across the globe.

The PS Plus service offers its members extraordinary value by providing a series of added features to PSN? including online multi play with fans the world over.

The Winners of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s new DVD Sabotage

Andrew Edney

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Sep 22, 2014

0

We gave you the opportunity to win the new movie Sabotage on DVD – and here are the winners.

Ultimate action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger makes an explosive comeback alongside an incredible supporting cast in SABOTAGE, the most brutal action thriller of his career to date, released on Blu-ray, DVD and digital platforms from 15^th September 2014 by Lionsgate Home Entertainment.

Directed by David Ayer (End of Watch), SABOTAGE stars Schwarzenegger (The Last Stand, Escape Plan) as commander of an elite yet volatile DEA task force, with support from an all-star cast, including Sam Worthington (Avatar, Clash of the Titans), Joe Manganiello (Magic Mike, TV’s True Blood), Josh Holloway (Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, TV’s Lost), Terence Howard (Dead Man Down, Hustle & Flow), Mirelle Enos (World War Z, TV’s The Killing) and Olivia Williams (Hanna, The Sixth Sense).

After raiding a drug cartel’s mansion, John ‘Breacher’ Wharton (Schwarzenegger) and his team of rogue agents hide $10 million of the hoard for themselves. Returning to retrieve the money later, they find it’s vanished… and the carnage begins. As the agents find themselves taken down one by one in increasingly sadistic and horrific ways, the race is on to find the culprit. When Breacher teams up with Caroline Brentwood (Williams), the officer assigned to investigate the murders, the team find themselves turning on each other, culminating in an explosive showdown where no one is safe – and everyone is a suspect.

Featuring the most violent, gory scenes of Schwarzenegger’s career, SABOTAGE is THE action thriller of the year- a must own for fans of old-school heroes, featuring nail-baiting tension throughout, and a return to form for the ultimate action hero of our time.

The winners

We had three copies of Sabotage on DVD to give away, and here are the winners:

Simon Tinsley

Kerry Lethbridge

Jane Miller

Congratulations to everyone who won and keep checking CDW for lots of great contests and giveaways coming up.

Dark Souls 2 DLC Crown of the Ivory King delayed

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Sep 22, 2014

0

Dark Souls 2 DLC Crown of the Ivory King delayed

Bandai Namco today announced today that Dark Souls 2 downloadable add-on Crown of the Ivory King has been delayed until the 30th September on Steam and the Xbox Live Marketplace and 1st October for the PlayStation Network. The DLC was due out on 24th September so only delayed for less than a week.

Crown of the Ivory King is the third and final part of the Lost Crowns trilogy of DLC. There’s a season pass for all three chapters available for Steam and PSN.

Talking Halo: Nightfall and the Halo Channel with Kiki Wolfkill from 343 Industries

Andrew Edney

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Sep 21, 2014

0

I recently had the chance to sit down and talk with 343 Industries Executive Producer Kiki Wolfkill about Halo: Nightfall and the Halo Channel.

Over to Kiki:

The Halo Channel is an all-new interactive digital network that provides unprecedented, personalized access to the Halo universe. Created by 343 Industries, the Halo Channel is home to all your Halo content and entertainment, and includes an abundance of interactive features that allows fans to immerse themselves in Halo like never before.
Key features include:

Live and Timely Content – Along with a library of original programming and entertainment, access timely Halo news and live events including eSports broadcasts via the Halo Channel. Through robust Twitch integration viewers can watch Halo broadcasts, follow their favourite players and launch into the game with the press of a button. In addition, the Halo Channel can display stats and data during matches, allowing you to monitor players in real-time.
Interactive and Sharable – Interact with Halo content with a personalized viewing experience, social sharing, Halo Encyclopaedia integration and a best-in-class video platform. Instantly connect with the Halo community and your friends through social media, sharing your favourite Halo moments and content. Pull up the Halo Encyclopaedia and learn more about the scene you’re watching, including characters, weapons, vehicles, locations and more.
Rewarding – Unlock a variety of exclusive in-game content for upcoming Halo titles – including Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Halo 5: Guardians – by watching original Halo programming and entertainment, participating in some of the interactive community polls or trying your hand at trivia that will test your knowledge of the Halo universe.

Multiplatform Access – Sync your Windows 8.1 device to your Xbox One, and use it as a controller or a second screen where you can access the Halo Channel. At any time, you can begin your viewing experience on one screen and seamlessly continue it on another.

Taking place between the events of Halo 4 and Halo 5: Guardians, Halo: Nightfall follows the origin story of legendary manhunter Jameson Locke (Mike Colter) and his team as they are caught in a horrific terrorist attack while investigating terrorist activity on the distant colony world of Sedra.

Led by Locke, the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) agents are forced to coordinate with a Sedran commander with a remarkable history and deep-rooted mistrust of ONI. As the plot unravels, they’re drawn to an ancient, hellish artefact where they’re forced to fight for their survival, question everything, and ultimately choose between their loyalties and their lives. Agent Locke is a new character in the Halo universe poised to play a major role in Halo 5: Guardians releasing on Xbox One in 2015. Led by world class talent such as executive producer Ridley Scott, Scott Free TV President David Zucker, award-winning director Sergio Mimica-Gezzan (Battlestar Galactica, Pillars of the Earth, Heroes), and written by Paul Scheuring (A Man Apart, Prison Break), Halo: Nightfall takes full advantage of Xbox One’s seamless blend of high-quality visuals and rich interactive storytelling features, connecting the games and the series in innovative new ways.

The Halo Channel will be available on Xbox One and Windows 8.1 devices on Nov. 11, 2014, and a version for Windows Phone 8.1 will be made available shortly after. Halo: Nightfall is included as part of the Halo: The Master Chief Collection and will be accessible digitally on Xbox Live beginning on November 11, 2014.

Are you excited for HALO Nightfall or HALO The Master Chief Collection? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Project CARS Exclusive Interview with Oliver Webb at Brands Hatch

Andrew Edney

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Sep 21, 2014

0

At a recent event for Project CARS held at the iconic Brands Hatch race track, I had the opportunity to talk with professional race car driver Oliver Webb.

Project CARS is the most authentic, beautiful, intense, and technically-advanced racing game on the planet

Create a driver, pick from a variety of motorsports, and shift into high gear to chase a number of Historic Goals and enter the Hall Of Fame. Then test your skills online either in competitive fully-loaded race weekends, leaderboard-based time challenges, or continually-updated community events.

Featuring world-class graphics and handling, a ground-breaking dynamic time of day & weather system, and deep tuning & pit stop functionality, Project CARS leaves the competition behind in the dust.

Some of his highlights for this year alone include Dubai 24hours with Lamborghini, 2^nd in class. Daytona 24hours in LMP2 with Oak Racing, 8^th Overall. Worldseries by Renault feeder series to F1 at Monaco. Prototype factory driver for Signatech- Alpine in European Le Mans series with podiums and driver in the Le Mans 24hour with podium on debut at the race.

Over to Oliver:

And why not watch some gameplay from Project CARS captured from the PS4 version of the game:

Project CARS will be available for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC in November 2014, and on Wii U and STEAM OS in 2015.

What do you think of Project CARS? Let us know be leaving a comment.

Skylanders Trap Team – An exclusive interview with Alex Ness (The Chompy Mage) from Toys For Bob

Andrew Edney

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Sep 21, 2014

0

Alex Ness is a writer at Toys for Bob working on Skylanders and I sat down with him at their studio in San Francisco to talk about the story and voices – he does a lot of them, including the Chompy Mage and Broccoli Guy!

The Chompy Mage is a well loved villain and for those of you who don’t know much about him, here is his bio:

Believe it or not, the Chompy Mage actually hatched from inside a Chompy Pod. At least that is how his Chompy hand puppet tells the story. Having been raised by Chompies, it is no surprise that the old magician is a little strange. He simply grew up embracing the Chompy way – believing that Skylands would be a better place if everyone was a Chompy – an illegal enchantment which he has actually tried to perform on several occasions. It was this kind of magic that led to him to be locked up inside Cloudcracker Prison, where he met the other Doom Raiders. Of course, they all thought he was completely crazy, but the Chompy Mage can see through the eyes of any Chompy in Skylands – and having a few billion little spies can come in handy when trying to enact revenge on the Skylanders. Plus, he could secure the Chompy vote for any sort of political elections that followed.

Skylanders is redefining the Toys-to-Life phenomenon with yet another ground-breaking innovation, Skylanders Trap Team. With Skylanders Trap Team, players can take characters out of the game and place them into physical “Traps” that kids can take with them, effectively bringing Life to Toys.

Skylanders Trap Team will be released October 10th for the Nintendo Wii, Wii U and 3DS, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 and various tablets including the iPad, Android tablets and the Kindle Fire HDX.

And here is some gameplay footage captured from the PlayStation 4 version of the game:

Are you excited for Skylanders Trap Team? Let us know by leaving a comment below.