All the Trailers and News from Ubisoft Forward 10/09/2020

Sean McCarthy
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All the Trailers and News from Ubisoft Forward 10/09/2020

Much has changed since the last Ubisoft Forward and even in just the last 24 hours with the reveal of the Xbox Series X/S launch date news which saw Ubisoft announce that the Next Generation console upgrade will be available when the new Xbox consoles as well as the release date for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla being brought forward from November 15 to be a launch day title on November 10th. Amazingly, Ubisoft still has things to showcase including a couple of games rumoured to be a Prince of Persia reboot and another surprise game.

But there has also been some serious real issues Ubisoft has been addressing in recent months due to claims of sexual harassment, misconduct, bullying and sexism within the company and studios with many high position people being fired both quietly and publicly. Though this move also drew criticism for being left out of the event itself, here is the video with a Message from CEO Yves Guillemot:

Now on to the event itself and a chance for Ubisoft fans to get an update on upcoming games and perhaps some surprises as well, below you will see all the new and trailers as they happened in the event as well as my own final thoughts.

The show opens up with the formerly named “Gods and Monsters” but now known as…

Immortals: Fenyx Rising! – World Premiere Trailer

Immortals Fenyx Rising brings grand mythological adventure to life. Play as Fenyx, a new winged demigod on a quest to save the Greek gods and their home from a dark curse. Take on mythological beasts, master the legendary powers of the gods and defeat Typhon, the deadliest Titan in Greek mythology, in an epic fight for the ages. The fate of the world is at stake – you are the gods’ last hope. Releasing December 3rd 2020

Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Remake – Announcement Trailer

Embark on a journey as the Prince to prevent the powerful Sands of Time from falling into the hands of the treacherous Vizier. Master the Sands of Time and use your dagger to control time itself. Fight cursed enemies and solve puzzles along the way. Experience the classic tale that redefined action-adventure gaming in The Sands of Time Remake, the first full-scale remake of Prince of Persia by Ubisoft. Available January 21, 2021.

Hyperscape – Streamer Reaction Trailer

Big pus for Ubisoft’s Fee to play Battle Royal game “Hyperscape”. Join the latest battle royale spectacle in Hyper Scape! Watch now for highlights from the top streamers who have joined the fight for the crown.

Crown Rush cranked all the way up! Eliminate all other squads or scramble to capture the Crown to win. All gear is at the maximum fusion level and health regenerates faster. Can your squad keep calm as sectors collapse rapidly? Hyper Scape’s Season 1 is now available on PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4!

Rainbow Six Siege – World Cup Tournament Trailer

The Rainbow Six World Cup is the latest addition to the Rainbow Six esports ecosystem; a new international competition in which 45 countries and regions will compete with hopes of being crowned World Cup Champions. For you, it will be the opportunity to share your love, pride and unconditional support with the team that will represent you on the worldwide stage!

Rainbow Six Siege – Operation Shadow Legacy – Call me Zero Reveal Trailer

Scott Pilgrim Vs the World – Complete Edition

Rediscover the beloved 2D arcade-style beat ’em up inspired by the iconic comic book series and movie, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. Play as your favorite characters – Scott Pilgrim, Ramona Flowers, Knives Chau, Stephen Stills, and more. Level up and learn new awesome abilities, unlock secret items and modes, and summon powerful allies to defeat the League of Ramona’s Evil Exes! The Complete Edition includes the remaster of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game and its original DLCs: the Knives Chau and Wallace Wells Add-On Packs. The game will be available Holiday 2020!

Watch Dogs Legion – Recruitment Explained Trailer

Recruit the whole damn city if you like – from weirdos to grannies, London is calling! It is time to take back London, and anyone you see in this iconic city can be recruited to your resistance. Corrupt opportunists have taken over and it’s up to you to build a resistance to give the city back to the people. With an entire population of potential recruits and the city’s technology at your fingertips, you’ll need to hack, infiltrate, and fight your way to liberate London. Welcome to the Resistance.

Now a very welcome surprise…..

He’s back! Older but not necessarily wiser. Aiden Pearce will be a fully-playable character as part of Watch Dogs: Legion post-launch plans. A whole new chapter dedicated to the main character of Watch Dogs will be available in the Season Pass. Stay tuned and welcome to the Resistance! Watch Dogs: Legion will be available on 29th October 2020 on Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, PC and Stadia.

Riders Republic – Reveal Trailers

Riders Republic is here! Meet and compete with other players and ride hard across a range of wild activities, including: bike, ski, snowboard, wingsuit and rocket wingsuit. Riders Republic Ski, snowboard, bike or wingsuit across a massive multiplayer playground. Available 25th February 2021 on current and next gen!

That’s all folks…..event ends with news that another Ubisoft Forward will be held.

My Final Thoughts……

This was a well paced digital event that had a real sense of focusing on new information on games such as Immortals Fenyx Rishing, Riders Republic as well as confirmation of the rumoured Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Remake and Scott Pilgrim Vs the World Complete Edition which the original has not been seen since it vanished from digital stores six years ago.

As a fan of the original Watch Dogs as well as a born and bred Londoner, loving that Aiden Pearce is back and playable with his own story arc in Watch Dogs Legion and the recruitment trailer definitely shows a different playing style from the first two games. Release dates take us from October 2020 right through into 2021 with games coming out October, November December and January with Immortals Fenyz Rising absolutely grabbing my attention with its December release which is interesting to follow Legion and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, the latter surprising did not feature tonight but then there is another Ubisoft Forward which I sense will lead into the next console Generation launch.

Well presented with lots of fresh news but nothing really huge for those who are not already fans of Ubisoft games, this did the the job and managed expectations yet again I felt.

Nice Job by Ubisoft.

Huge Xbox Series X and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate News Update!

Sean McCarthy
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Huge Xbox Series X and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate News Update!

Well it seems the leak of the Xbox Series S with pricing and specs yesterday has kicked Xbox into high gear as just now, 24 hours later, a whole bunch of news has just dropped for Xbox fans as the Series X now has a Price, release date along with Pre-Orders to go live for Series X/S on September 22nd

So the question of who would fire the news first, PlayStation or Xbox, has been answered. Xbox Series X will cost £449 and Series S as we know from yesterday at £249, both to release come November 10th 2020. Pre-Orders will go live on September 22nd in just 13 days time.

Not only that, but EA have also come out and announced that the full EA Play subscription service is to be included at no additional charge to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which gives Xbox LIVE GOLD For console and Xbox Game pass for console and Windows 10 PC for one monthly price. It will join this Christmas holiday.

If all that has not blown your mind, then Ubisoft has also announced that Assassin’s Creed Valhalla will now release earlier in time with the launch of the Xbox Series X/S on November 10th

So Xbox fans have it all now…pre-order date, pricing and release date. What a difference 24 hours can make huh.

Sony still reportedly are going or were planning on doing the same, now all eyes are on them for the same information but bravo to Xbox for taking a leak and turning into a fantastic data drop of news!

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning Out Now!

Sean McCarthy
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Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning Out Now!

Your fate lies in your own hands. Return to the Faelands and forge your fate into the shape of your choosing. Uncover the secrets of Amalur and rescue a world torn apart by a vicious war. From the minds of the bestselling author R.A. Salvatore, Spawn creator Todd McFarlane, and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion lead designer Ken Rolston, comes Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning. Remastered with stunning visuals and refined gameplay Re-Reckoning delivers intense, customizable RPG combat inside a sprawling game world.

The hit RPG returns! From the minds of the bestselling author R.A. Salvatore, Spawn creator Todd McFarlane, and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion lead designer Ken Rolston, comes Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning. Remastered with stunning visuals and refined gameplay Re-Reckoning delivers intense, customizable RPG combat inside a sprawling game world. Uncover the secrets of Amalur, from the vibrant city of Rathir to the vast region of Dalentarth to the grim dungeons of the Brigand Hall Caverns. Rescue a world torn apart by a vicious war and control the keys to immortality as the first warrior ever to be resurrected from the grips of death.

For owners of the “original” version of Kingdoms of Amalur (LINK) on STEAM, you will get a 50% loyalty discount on buying the new version (LINK). This is in place for both editions of the new version: the Standard edition, but also for the FATE EDITION which will include the new expansion Fatesworn (set to release in 2021). This loyalty discount can be stacked with the 10% release discount (amounting to a 60% discount) on both editions of the new version. The Steam loyalty discount in the amount of 50% will be in place until 2 months after release, i.e. until November 8th, 2020. The Steam release discount in the amount of 10% will be in place until 2 weeks after release on Steam, i.e. September 22nd, 2020.

The adventures in Amalur will continue in 2021 with a brand new expansion: Fatesworn. Details will follow later.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is now available for PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

Minecraft Dungeons – Creeping Winter DLC Out Now as Physical Editions Launch

Sean McCarthy
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Minecraft Dungeons – Creeping Winter DLC Out Now as Physical Editions Launch

In partnership with Mojang Studios, developer and publisher Double Eleven today celebrated the release of the Creeping Winter DLC pack, the second update for action-adventure game Minecraft Dungeons, a standalone title from the hugely successful Minecraft franchise. Set as a wintry storm emerges that threatens to consume all it touches, Creeping Winter features brand new environments, missions, enemies, armor, weapons, and artifacts and is available now on Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Game Pass, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.

The Creeping Winter update also comes with the free Camp Update, which includes new villager merchants, a blacksmith that upgrades items, and a gift wrapper for multiplayer trading. Daily Trials are also included in the free portion of the update and offer new challenges every day, making wild changes to the game mechanics which provide difficult, experimental, or fun challenges for you to overcome.

After developing the console editions of Minecraft Dungeons and the Jungle Awakens DLC with Mojang Studios, Double Eleven’s continued role in the development has been centered around DLC content creation, online support and general updates, with the goal of creating the best possible player experience for the community. Thus, Creeping Winter represents the apex of Double Eleven’s collaboration with Mojang Studios, using everything they have learned in their  work on the game so far to take on the role of lead developer of this second DLC adventure. 

“It’s been an incredible experience to continue our partnership with Mojang Studios on the PC and console editions of Minecraft Dungeons”, said Lee Hutchinson, founder and CEO of Double Eleven. “They’ve been an incredibly supportive partner, who have given the studio the freedom to flex our creative muscles for the latest update to the Minecraft universe! The Creeping Winter DLC is a testament to that and we can’t wait for players to get their hands on the latest DLC”.  

To visit the Double Eleven website: https://www.double11.com/
Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DoubleElevenLtd
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/double11/
Double Eleven press contact: press@double11.com
Minecraft press contact: xboxpress@assemblyinc.com

Digitally Pre-Order Crash Bandicoot 4 to Access Playable Demo on Sept 16th

Sean McCarthy
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Digitally Pre-Order Crash Bandicoot 4 to Access Playable Demo on Sept 16th

Just ahead of the official launch of Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time on October 2, fans that digitally pre-order the brand-new Crash game on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4 Pro and the family of Xbox One devices from Microsoft, including the Xbox One X, will be among the first consumers in the world to play via a hands-on demo on Sept. 16.

Gamers all over the world have been clamoring for the chance to play the game early. Activision and Toys For Bob are proud to offer players an early look at two levels from Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, letting them play as Crash or the fiendish Neo Cortex. Additionally, fans will experience first-hand the fun of the wielding the power of some of the new Quantum Masks – Kupuna-Wa to control time and Lani-Loli to phase objects in and out of existence. Those that have pre-ordered the game digitally past and present will be able to download the demo until the game’s global launch*.

As the first original Crash Bandicoot title in more than a decade, Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is built from the ground up and brings with it a new onslaught of absurd challenges for players to conquer. In the game, players uncover four powerful Quantum Masks, the guardians of space and time, that must be reunited to restore order to the multiverse.

“Fans are so excited to get their hands on Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, the first original Crash Bandicoot title in more than a decade,” said Paul Yan, Co-Studio Head at Toys For Bob. “Even though we’re still a number of weeks out from the official launch, we can’t wait for fans to experience the challenge, fun and love we’ve poured into this game, so we’re really happy to offer them early access to part of the game through a special demo.”

For more information on the Crash Bandicoot franchise, please visit www.crashbandicoot.com and follow @CrashBandicoot on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Xbox Series S Officially “Revealed” Following Another Leak: Pricing Confirmed

Sean McCarthy
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Xbox Series S Officially “Revealed” Following Another Leak: Pricing Confirmed

Xbox have more leaks going on recently as well as poorly received official announcement events and quite frankly….we are in September now and the whole delay on pricing, pre-order and release date information for the Xbox Series X and S has become more annoying than hype building excitement.

Overnight another leak reported by Windows Central, showed the Series S for the first time as well as possible pricing and a release date for both ‘Series’ consoles. This leak has forced the American Xbox social media accounts to finally officially confirm the name and look of the Xbox Series S all digital console:

So they were correct on the look of the console, which so far to me looks like they saw the Adaptive Xbox Controller and just went….”make that a console” and we are waiting to hear about the specs which is no doubt going to happen today with this response to the big leak finally forcing Xbox hand to officially reveal it after a month of everyone knowing the “Series S” existence, this article will be updated when that happens.

Could this mean that the rest of the information they reported on was correct:

We can confirm via our sources that the entry-level Xbox Series S will cost $299 at retail, with a $25 per month Xbox All Access financing option, which Microsoft is planning to push hard via various retailers and a large global rollout. The more powerful Xbox Series X will cost $499, with a $35 per month Xbox All Access financing option.

Both consoles will launch on November 10, 2020.

November 10th launch makes sense, puts it the week before the launch of Cyberpunk 2077 and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, two titles Xbox are in a marketing deal for them. Pricing seems to match recent reports as well and the Xbox All Access method of paying off the cost of the new consoles per month makes a lot of sense, especially rolling it out to more regions.

Now will this push Sony into their big reveal of pricing, pre-ordering and release date, they do seem to be gearing up ready to go with the US PlayStation blog allowing fans to register interest in pre-ordering using their PSN account.

All I know is, Microsoft stalling on pricing and revealing more information of their next generation consoles has allowed leaks to happen for weeks nw, after a confident start to the Series X in December 2019, the last few events have delivered only over hyped messes of event seen with the big reveal of HALO Infinite which lead to ridicule before it was delayed into some time 2021 leaving the Series X with no flagship launch title. It is a mess and has put a number of people off jumping on the new generation of Xbox when it does launch.

Official UK Pricing

Fair to say that their hands have been forced and the timetable moved forward so the next few days will be interesting with Sony rumoured to be finally revealing PS5 pricing, release date and pre-orders opening tomorrow on September 9th.

Review: Oral-B iO Series 9 Electric Toothbrush

Andrew Edney
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Review: Oral-B iO Series 9 Electric Toothbrush

It’s time for our review of the Oral-B iO Series 9 Electric Toothbrush.

Oral-B, the #1 Dentist Recommended Brand Worldwide, pioneered both the electric toothbrush and connectedbrushing, and now has unveiled its most revolutionary technology to date, the Oral-B iOTM. After 6 years of research and over 250 patents, Oral-B iOTM represents a new era of brushing technology, design andexperience that delivers a professional clean feeling every single day.

Highlights

Oral-B’s best clean ever with revolutionary magnetic iO technology for a professional clean feeling and gentle brushing experience.

Combines the unique round brush head from Oral-B with gentle micro-vibrations for a fresh, clean-mouth feel and 100% healthier gums in one week.

3D Teeth Tracking with A.I to monitor your brushing across the front, top and back surfaces of your teeth; guiding you to your most thorough possible clean.

Interactive Colour Display signals important information: including brushing modes and head replacement reminder, greets you as you power up and gives you a smile for a job well done.

7 Smart Modes to personalise your brushing: Daily Clean, Sensitive, Gum Care, Intense Clean, Whitening, Super Sensitive, Tongue Cleaner.

Enhanced Smart Pressure Sensor signals red, white or green to alert you whether you’re brushing too hard, too softly or with just the right amount of pressure.

Magnetic charger has lock-in-place stability and provides a ~3-hour quick charge & it comes with a charging travel case to charge your brush for convenience when traveling.

What’s in the box?

The box contains:

iO 9 HANDLE

MAGNETIC CHARGER WITH 2 PIN UK PLUG

Ultimate Clean brush head

PREMIUM TRAVEL CASE

TRAVEL REFILL HOLDER

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

To get the most out of the iO Series 9 toothbrush you should download the Oral-B app. Once you have done that pairing the app and the toothbrush together is a quick and easy process.

You can then use the app to set goals known as dental care journeys, for example healthier gums, and have the app tell you what to do and when. You can follow your progress, gain medals and so much more.

Obviously you don’t have to use the app if you don’t want to – you can just use the toothbrush on it’s own but you will lose out on some great additional benefits.

Charging the toothbrush was simply a case of placing it on the magnetic charging stand and waiting. The battery life on the toothbrush between charges was excellent.

Using the toothbrush is easy – just switch it on and start the cleaning routine. If you are pressing too hard (and we have all done that) then the toothbrush will advise you by displaying an easy to see colour ring so you can adjust the pressure. The feeling of the brush on your tooth is actually quite comfortable. I have used toothbrushes before where it can feel quite hard or harsh, but the iO Series 9 doesn’t feel that way at all.

There is a full colour display on the toothbrush that greets you when you switch it on, shows you which mode you are using, how long you have used it for and more. If you don’t use it for the right amount of time then you get a sad face!

There is a travel case included in the box so that you can easily carry your toothbrush around with you if you going away from home.

This is by far the best electric toothbrush I have ever used – it handles very well, it feels great on your teeth and gums and helps you on your dental journey. The A.I. even recognises how your brush your teeth and guides you to doing it better!

The iO Series 9 comes in three different colours, and backed by a 2 year guarantee and a 30 day risk-free trial you can’t really go wrong, and your teeth and gums will thank you!

The iO Series 9 is available now priced around £250 (the actual retail price is £500 but there are some really great deals going on).

You can learn more from the Oral-B website.

The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters coming to Xbox One on September 4th

Andrew Edney
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The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters coming to Xbox One on September 4th

Publisher Chorus Worldwide Games and developer Devespresso Games are pleased to announce that the award winning Korean chilling survival horror-adventure continues  the dark story introduced in The Coma, with its sequel The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters an even more terrifying experience.Released on Microsoft’s Xbox One on September 4th 2020, it has won the prestigious Grand Prix and the Best Narrative Awards at the Taipei Game Show Indie Game Award 2020. The title’s atmospheric, story-driven gameplay features hand-illustrated manhwa (Korean manga) pits players against an unstoppable killer.  

Now available from the Microsoft Store – $18.99 / €18.99 / £15.74

Horror ensues

The Story unfolds…

Mina Park, a student of Sehwa High, awakens at night in her school. It isn’t long before she realizes that something is amiss. The once-familiar school where she spends her evenings studying looks twisted by something dark and sinister. She finds herself pursued by someone or something that looks eerily like her teacher. To survive, Mina must go beyond the boundaries of her school and into the surrounding district. There, she will encounter strange creatures, mysterious strangers, and uneasy allies.

Explore  far and uncover the shadow realm’s dark secrets. Use everything at your disposal to avoid a demoness hellbent on killing you!   Immerse yourself in the warped Sehwa district as you encounter an engaging cast of characters, solve puzzles, discover revealing clues, and fight for survival against a relentless psycho.

Features:

·         Fear Dark Song’s relentless pursuit to kill you, now with an all-new AI.

·         Craft items to prepare for critical life-or-death situations or risk permanent injury.

·         Explore the nightmarish district of Sehwa and discover its dark secrets.

·         Scavenge resources to survive deadly encounters and afflictions.

·         Unlock tools and upgrades to reach previously inaccessible areas.

·         Hide to avoid detection and certain death. Pass challenges to conceal your location.

·         Featuring vibrant, hand-illustrated in-game visuals and comic strips.

Inventory system

Wander the deserted school to survive the horrors of the night.

About Chorus Worldwide

Chorus Worldwide is a game publisher that brings distinctive and unique games to players around the world. Established in 2014, based in Tokyo and Vancouver, Chorus Worldwide publishes games on the Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Steam, and mobile games on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

For more information, visit chorusworldwide.com, and follow us on Facebook/ChorusWorld and on Twitter (@ChorusWorld).

About Devespresso Games

Devespresso Games is an independent, four-man team based out of Seoul, South Korea and San Francisco, USA. The team focuses on crafting interactive stories, immersive worlds,and memorable characters through the medium of games. The guys followed up on the success of their console debut and cult hit, The Coma: Recut, with the fantasy, roguelike adventure game, Vambrace: Cold Soul. Soon, their newest game, The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters, will be released on PS4 and Nintendo Switch.

Learn more at www.devespressogames.com

Review: Superman Man of Tomorrow

Sean McCarthy
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Review: Superman Man of Tomorrow

I am really enjoying the new WB Animated DC stories of late and since the New 52 DC Animated Universe came to an end with Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, there has been a nice fresh take on the stand-alone stories that have been told. Wonder Woman: Bloodlines was a nice retelling of the character’s origin story and more recently Deathstroke: Knights and Dragons took a planned web series and turned into a feature length story that gave him an origin story that pushed him into the more anti-hero than villain. But now I feel there is an attempt to launch a new connected DC Animated Universe and naturally the next hero to have their origin story retold to help lay the foundation for this Universe is Superman: Man of Tomorrow.

Right from the first scene in Man of Tomorrow, you instantly feel that this is a very different and more personal telling of the Superman origin as the film opens with two young boys watching a classic 50s style Sci-Fi film about aliens invading earth. One of the boys is greatly upset by this and starts to cry and when his mother is called to collect him, we learn that this is a very young Clark Kent who has been told how his parents, Johnathon and Martha found him. This is really a side to the Superman origin we rarely get to see become an element of the story, how Clark himself feels being the alien and the fear of how the rest of the world would react if they were to find out. It is a theme that is cleverly threaded throughout the film which I will come back to later but it is one that lays the foundation of the type of Superman, this Clark will become.

For that really is the essence of this story, the journey for Clark to become Superman and it is filled with little subtle factors that immediately gave me the sense that this was far more than just another origin story for the Last Son of Krypton but indeed the DC universe around him. We have a Clark Kent longing to fit in with everyone else but who also wants to use his great powers to help the world around him, going as far as to dress up in a disguise to hide his identity when he goes out to try and save people. This story is more about the man who will become the legend than the legend itself. Darren Criss voices both Clark and Superman with a delicate balance, brilliantly bringing both to life as we experience what it must feel like for Clark, who in the early half of the film still has no idea where he came from and has a genuine fear for others finding out who and what he really is.

Alongside Clark’s origin we have a superb update to Lois Lane, voiced by Alexandra Daddario who helps to give her new origin tale, as a graduate of a Lex Luthor Journalism scholarship, manages to take down the corrupt Luthor, excellently voiced by Zachary Quinto as well. Immediately this shows Lois as a capable and independent young woman who uses the situation to not only get the story, but to bring down the most powerful man in Metropolis as he entry to the story. Not hard to see why this young Clark is quickly enamoured and impressed by her. But the writing is clever enough to really keep some of the traditional aspects the same such as the Daily Planet led by Perry White and Lex Luthor being the criminal mastermind manage to keep the sense that though some aspects are new some are still very much familiar for fans and in so doing, allows more room to refresh elements to perhaps the most famous origin story in Comic Books.

Visually I love this new animation style which to me felt classic yet new at the same time. Clark is drawn as a much slimmer but athletically toned man rather than the bulk size of the original TAS series and in the New 52 era of animated films. I love that Martha still makes his first Superman suit for him from the baby blanket he came to earth wrapped in as well as the adding of a cape because “it will look cool”. It completely stands apart from previous animated universes and gives a real crispness to all the fight scenes which have a nice grounded but large scale feel to them as seen when the films guest stars finally appear.

The biggest surprise to this origin story to Superman is in the two guest characters who help establish him as the hero he will be become. Martian Manhunter is a clever choice to help Clark discover his Kryptonian heritage but it is the other guest that really brings this story to life, DC Fan favourite Lobo. Now Lobo is a very interesting character to choose in order to bring Superman to a new DC animated universe, he did not feature at all in the New 52 animated Universe so having him front and centre in this new origin tale is fantastic for me and immediately options up more non-Earth stories. His battling of Clark is really what leads him to becoming Superman but is it the theme I mentioned earlier, of Clark’s fear of being discovered as an alien that is helped by Lobo and the Martian Manhunter. When the city is threatened by Parasite, the big bad of the story, it is the reaction of the humans to Lobo and Martian Manhunter that gives Clark as Superman, the platform to speak about fearing what they do not understand and a very well delivered monologue really helps position Superman as a visitor and immigrant to this world and a hero to show how acceptance is a good thing.

My only criticism comes with the Blu-ray itself, which once again has the most basic menu possible and it would be nice to see something presented better with animated menus or at least music instead of just the box art used as the background. I was disappointed not to have a making of special feature for this film, instead we get two character specials looking at Lobo and Martian Manhunter as well as both episodes of the Super Man TAS when he first met Lobo giving me more hope that a Lobo spin off film is in the works in the future.

I really enjoyed Superman: Man of Tomorrow which manages to juggle a good number of origin stories alongside the Man of Steel and does so without losing the pace of the story telling. If this does become the foundation for a new DC universe, I mean Batman was name dropped in the story as already being active in this world, then I think it could be a really fun and exciting trip for fans to see fresh takes on known characters and stories. I like this Superman and style of storytelling and am excited to see where they go next with this universe and to see who and how, new characters are added to it and I do hope that they take their time and introduce them with standalone stories before bringing them together.

Superman: Man of Tomorrow is available NOW for digital download, and available Blu-ray.

Spotify Announces Free Google Nest Mini Offer for Premium Users in UK

Andrew Edney
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Spotify Announces Free Google Nest Mini Offer for Premium Users in UK

Spotify and Google have announced another exciting partnership – all eligible new and existing Spotify Premium individual, Family, Duo and Student master account holders in the UK can claim a Nest Mini as part of their subscription. For no extra cost. The partnership expands upon the popularity of previous offers and is yet another way Spotify are making it easier for users to access music anytime, anywhere.

This means millions of Spotify subscribers will get the opportunity to stream their favourite songs and playlists on Spotify by simply speaking to Google Assistant via their Nest Mini.

And with two times stronger bass than the original Google Home Mini, Google’s second-generation Nest Mini has a richer and more natural sound that allows listeners to get the most out of their songs and playlists on Spotify. Spotify is also looking forward to rolling out new features with Google that make it even easier to discover and listen to Spotify on Nest Mini.

Spotify wants to make it easy to access more than 50 million tracks available and listen on-demand and ad-free with Premium — all from the comfort of your home. Simply visit the Premium home page to sign up for a Nest Mini today. Spotify even designed a more seamless setup experience as part of the bundled offer, which will help make listening to music at home even easier with more Google commands coming out soon. 

Offer is available while supplies last.

Final MARVEL’s Avenger War Table News and Trailers

Sean McCarthy
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Final MARVEL’s Avenger War Table News and Trailers

Yesterday, SQUARE ENIX released the third Marvel’s Avengers WAR TABLE digital stream, providing a new in-depth look at the game ahead of its launch on September 4th on PlayStation 4, Xbox, PC, and Stadia.

Kicking things off, viewers who watched the Marvel’s Avengers WAR TABLE live via the PlayAvengers.com channel were the first to get details about the game’s daily and weekly missions, as well as four new high-level mission types they’ll encounter as they progress through the Avengers Initiative: Villain Sectors, SHIELD Vaults, AIM’s Secret Lab, and Mega Hives.
Villain Sectors are special missions that provide epic showdowns with powerful bosses that players will want to return to as their Heroes get closer to the game’s power-level cap of 150, while SHIELD Vaults are treasure troves of resources, gear, and secrets that must be discovered and unlocked.

Players looking to test their mettle will look forward to teaming up with three friends to tackle AIM’s Secret Lab, a mission only accessible after reaching the game’s highest power levels. Available once a week, the AIM Secret Lab raid will culminate in a massive boss fight influenced by how well players’ teams performed throughout the mission.

Mega Hives will put players’ full Super Hero roster to the test as they fight their way through a gauntlet of descending floors packed with enemies. The farther they go down, the higher the difficulty goes up, and once all their Heroes are defeated, players will have to start over from the very beginning.

The Marvel’s Avengers WAR TABLE also revealed a new post-launch Hero coming as part of the game’s Avengers Initiative, Kate Bishop. Kate’s Operation, “Taking AIM,” kicks off in late October featuring a new villain and new mystery. Bishop, who is mentored by Clint Barton, comes with distinct Heroic Skills and takedowns that only an Olympic-caliber gymnast and master archer like Kate can pull off.

Kate Bishop will be the first new Hero introduced to Marvel’s Avengers after its launch on September 4. Taking AIM’s story begins shortly after the conclusion of the game’s Reassemble campaign and is just the first half of the two Hawkeyes’ Story Arc. Clint Barton’s Hawkeye takes the stage in November to complete the double-feature and lay the groundwork for what’s next.

These new post-launch Heroes will be made available to all Marvel’s Avengers owners at no additional cost and will continue to move the entire narrative world forward. More information about the Hawkeye Story Arc, as well as additional post-launch content will be available soon.

Previous Marvel’s Avengers WAR TABLES have included other major reveals, like details on the game’s central villain, MODOK (Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing) and the unveiling of Clint Barton’s Hawkeye, one of the first post-launch heroes who will be added to the game.

Marvel’s Avengers will be available for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, and PC on September 4, 2020. Marvel’s Avengers will be available on PlayStation5 and Xbox Series X when the consoles launch in Holiday 2020. Players who own the current-gen version of the game will be able to upgrade to the next-gen version at no additional cost, regardless if players are moving from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5 or Xbox One to Xbox Series X. Those moving their saves to next-gen will transfer their player profiles and progression so they can pick up right where they left off. In addition, cross-gen play will be supported so PS5 players will be able to play with their friends on PS4 and Xbox Series X players will be connected with their friends on Xbox One.

Ubisoft Forward Announced for September 10th 2020

Sean McCarthy
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Ubisoft Forward Announced for September 10th 2020

Ubisoft Forward will be back with a brand new showcase on September 10th, when you can watch the official stream at ubisoft.com/Forward and catch the latest big announcements, new games, and surprises as they’re revealed!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRqv-EWXeVU

The main show kicks-off at 20:00PM UK when you can see what’s in store for games like Watch Dogs: Legion, Hyper Scape, and Rainbow Six Siege, as well as a much-anticipated update on our new IP, Immortals Fenyx Rising, formerly known as Gods & Monsters, and more yet-to-be revealed surprises. If you still can’t get enough, stick around after the main show to see deep dives into two unreleased titles, exclusive to this edition of Ubisoft Forward.

It all begins on September 10 on ubisoft.com/Forward, YouTube, and Twitch, as well as on social media. Don’t forget to join the conversation using #UbiForward!

Win a Gioteck HC2 Decal Edition Stereo Gaming Headset

Andrew Edney
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157
Win a Gioteck HC2 Decal Edition Stereo Gaming Headset

We have a Gioteck HC2 Decal Edition Stereo Gaming Headset to give away.

The HC-2 is designed for comfort in mind. Uniquely shaped ear cups delivers a perfect over-ear fit, enabling uninterrupted audio whilst maintaining superb comfort. A removable mic, perfectly positioned for ideal voice pick-up guarantees crystal clear chat. 

You can learn more from the Gioteck website.

How to enter to win

We have a Gioteck HC2 Decal Edition Stereo Gaming Headset to give away, simply enter below:

Win a Gioteck HC2 Decal Edition Stereo Gaming Headset

The contest closes at midnight on 14th September 2020.

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

Two Minute Review: Flash Gordon 4K Ultra High Definition Restoration

Andrew Edney
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Two Minute Review: Flash Gordon 4K Ultra High Definition Restoration

Here is our two minute spoiler free review of the Flash Gordon 4K Ultra High Definition Restoration.

FLASH GORDON is the 1980 space opera film adaptation directed by Mike Hodges (Get Carter, Black Rainbow) based on the comic strip of the same name created by Alex Raymond and adapted for the screen by Michael Allin (Enter The Dragon) and Lorenzo Semple Jr (King Kong). Produced by Dino De Laurentiis (Serpico, King Kong), with cinematography by Gilbert Taylor (Star Wars IV: A New Hope, Dr. Strangelove), the film is also notable for the soundtrack, which was composed, performed and produced by Queen with orchestral sections by Howard Blake. 

The Flash Gordon comic strip ran as a daily from 1934 to 1992, followed by a Sunday strip which ran until 2003. The comic was an influence on early superhero comic characters, from the costume and inverted narrative of a heroic alien on earth in Superman to Batman’s first appearance in the Detective Comics, with its DNA still evident in characters today. Raymond’s comic was also an influence on the wider sci fi genre, from James Tiberius Kirk to Star Wars. George Lucas loved Flash Gordon so much, he tried to get the rights from King Features to make the film. However, King Features had Federico Fellini and then Nicolas Roeg in mind before turning to Hodges, but Lucas still cites the comic as an inspiration for his famed space saga. 

For the new 40th Anniversary 4k restoration, Flash Gordon was scanned from the original 35mm negative to produce 4K files. Over 500 hours of manual restoration repaired serious damage that included image instability, scratches and intermittent flicker. The sound was scanned from the original track negative and underwent restoration to improve issues ranging from audio drop-outs throughout the feature and during reel changes, digital clicks and optical distortion. The film was colour graded for theatrical, home entertainment and 4K HDR release, using previous digital releases and 35mm prints as a reference. In line with the Director’s vision and the original 35mm cinema release, VFX work was applied to remove the strings in all scenes where visible.  This restoration was approved by Director Mike Hodges in May 2020, and will include the first 4K HDR Dolby Vision master of Flash Gordon. 

Approached by legendary producer Dino De Laurentis to provide the score for his 1980 screen adaptation of iconic comic strip character Flash Gordon, Queen set aside all the norms of film music soundtracks. Their vision of the commission was to incorporate on screen dialogue and effects with their own musical compositions. Written, performed and arranged by the band with orchestral arrangements by Howard Blake, audio from the film is featured prominently including the now unmistakable voice of Brian Blessed and other cast members including Max Von Sydow, Melody Anderson, Timothy Dalton and Topol. Seamlessly incorporating these alongside Queen rock guitars and progressive electronica the final Flash Gordon soundtrack consisted of 18 tracks written by all the band members. Brian May’s ‘Flash’s Theme’ released under the title ‘Flash’ as the only single from the soundtrack and unusually featuring Freddie Mercury and Brian May sharing vocals has become one of the most instantly recognised tracks of all time. Queen’s boldly-executed score reaped rewards such as gold discs, BAFTA recognition and Ivor Novello nominations on release in December 1980. But perhaps its crowning glory is that it still sounds futuristic 40 years later.

Our planet is under attack! An unexplained energy wave has pulled the Moon out of orbit, sending it careening towards Earth. Strange natural disasters bombard our world. Baffled scientists are at a loss as to the cause of the chaos. A lone voice – brilliant, but disgraced, scientist Hans Zarkov (TOPOL) – is convinced that these catastrophes are of extraterrestrial origin and predicts that we only have 10 days before the Moon crashes into Earth, destroying all life. Humanity is doomed!

Realising that he alone cannot stop these sinister attacks he forces football hero Flash Gordon (SAM J. JONES) and New York travel-agent Dale Arden (MELODY ANDERSON) aboard his makeshift rocket ship at gunpoint. Their destination – the mysterious Planet Mongo. On this strange new world all life cowers under the cruel reign of Ming The Merciless (MAX VON SYDOW), an intergalactic tyrant who demands absolute loyalty under pain of death. Aided by his menacing, golden-masked henchthing Klytus (PETER WYNGARDE) he holds the fates of whole peoples in his icy grip, and Earth is but his latest plaything.

After crash-landing on Mongo Flash, Dale and Zarkov are immediately captured, and taken to the spectacular Mingo City city to face the wrath of Emperor Ming. Flash is sentenced to death, Zarkov to have his mind erased and reprogrammed, while Dale faces a fate unimaginably worse: to become Ming’s bride!

Enlisting the help of Ming’s daughter Aura (ORNELLA MUTI), Flash escapes his execution and flees, but his adventures have just begun. Seeking sanctuary in the forest world of Arboria he meets Prince Barin (TIMOTHY DALTON) and undergoes the terrifying trial of the tree insect. Flash prevails but he and Barin are captured by the mighty Hawkmen, with whom Arboria is at war, and taken to Sky City where Prince Vultan (BRIAN BLESSED) forces them into a fight to the death. But with Dale still imprisoned Flash must make friends of these warring princelings and enlist their help to overthrow Ming, rescue Dale and prevent the annihilation of Earth.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

The UHD, DVD and Blu-Ray Disc 1 includes: 

  • The main feature (1 hr 47)
  • New Lost in Space: Nic Roeg’s Flash Gordon (also iTunes extra)
  • Audio commentary with Mike Hodges
  • Audio commentary with Brian Blessed
  • Behind the scenes of Flash Gordon 
  • Stills gallery (also iTunes extra)
  • Storyboards gallery (also iTunes extra)
  • Original theatrical trailer

Blu-Ray Disc 2 includes:

  • Interview with Mike Hodges
  • Episode 24 of Flash Gordon (1979-1982): The Survival Game / Gremlin’s Finest Hour
  • Sam Jones’s acting start
  • Entertainment Earth on Flash Gordon merchandise
  • Bob Lindenmayer discusses deleted scenes and original endings
  • 35th Anniversary Greenroom
  • 35th Anniversary reunion featurette
  • Renato Casaro extended interview 
  • Brian Blessed anecdotes 
  • Melody’s musings 
  • On the soundtrack (Brian May & Howard Blake)
  • Easter Eggs 

The 5 disc Collector’s Edition includes:

  • The UHD and 2 Blu-ray discs
  • Bonus Blu-Ray Disc of LIFE AFTER FLASH, the 2017 feature documentary celebrating the film and it’s star, directed by Lisa Downs
  • Original soundtrack by Queen & Howard Blake
  • 32 page booklet 
  • 16 page Titan mini book (The Story of Flash Gordon)
  • Reproduced booklet of the first strip of original comic books
  • Poster of original artwork
  • 4 artcards of various incarnations of Flash film posters across the years
  • 1 sew on ‘Flash patch’

So I first saw Flash Gordon back in the early 80’s (yes I am that old) and I loved it. Even today it’s a lot of fun to watch. Sure it looks a bit dated and its all a bit tongue in cheek but that’s half the fun of the movie, and with an awesome soundtrack this is one movie you really do want to own again as they have done a fantastic job on the remaster.

Flash Gordon is available now on DVD £17.99 / Blu-Ray £22.99 / Steelbook £39.99 / Collector’s Edition £69.99.

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