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Posted by Bob Muir on Jan 8, 2015 in Videogames 
After the repulsive, outdated mess that was Duke Nukem Forever, maybe it’s best that 3D Realms merely rerelease older Duke Nukem games until they, Gearbox, or whoever is making the next game have a good way to adapt Duke for a modern audience. It’s not that Duke Nukem 3D isn’t crude as well, but contextualized within the 90s mindframe and technology, it’s much more digestible. (Well, as digestible as the 90s could be.) With that in mind, check out Duke Nukem 3D: Megaton Edition, which includes an enhanced version of Duke Nukem 3D: Atomic Edition, three originally-user-created expansions, and the usual new bells and whistles. It’s out on PC, PS3, and PS Vita, the latter two offering Cross-Buy; if you’re a PlayStation Plus subscriber, you can grab it for free right now! Read more…
Tags: Duke Nukem Forever
Posted by Bob Muir on Jan 8, 2015 in Cinema, Television 
I thought for sure that we wouldn’t see Marvel’s Daredevil series until May at the earliest, or more likely sometime this summer. But no, Marvel has announced that all thirteen hour-long episodes will be available on Netflix starting on April 10. That’s soon! Knowing Marvel, they’ll probably be starting to slowly drop more teasers for the show until we finally start seeing some trailers and promotion, maybe as soon as February. I’m curious to see how this may fit in with Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., which will still be airing at that time, and Avengers: Age of Ultron, which releases less than a month later. But as usual, I’m most interested to see Marvel introduce a character I don’t know much about, having steered clear of the poorly-rated Ben Affleck film. Read more…
Tags: Daredevil, Marvel, Netflix
Posted by Bob Muir on Jan 7, 2015 in Cinema, Comic Books 
First promised back in 2006, Ant-Man has been on Marvel’s back-burner for years before going through several changes to the creative team. But surprisingly, not much has changed besides the loss of Edgar Wright. Ant-Man still promises to be a comedic heist movie in a superhero shell, though sadly, that doesn’t really make it across in this first teaser (human, not ant-sized). While the footage looks good, there’s little humor, with the trailer being cut like a normal superhero film. The shrinking bits look well-done, but I’ll admit, I was expecting more from this first look. Nothing looks wrong, but for a film about a more obscure superhero with a strange name/power, Marvel really needed to sell this better to those who have doubts. Still, have a look, and hope that the next trailer is more suited to the film they’re promoting. Read more…
Tags: ant-man, Marvel
Posted by Bob Muir on Jan 7, 2015 in Videogames 
Continuing its recent tradition of limited edition bundles for certain big releases, Nintendo has announced The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D Limited Edition. You’ll get a copy of the game (a 3DS remake of the N64 original) and this Skull Kid figurine, which looks snazzy. Though this sequel to Ocarina of Time (which also saw a 3D remake) still doesn’t have a release date beyond “Spring 2015,” you’d be wise to preorder now. Apparently this also continues the proud tradition of having a really small print run with no prior notice that many other recent Nintendo limited editions have had. Though I managed to preorder a copy, most outlets have already sold out prior to this post going live, partially due to scalpers. There should be a few more available, so keep rechecking or try preordering at an actual GameStop. And whatever you do, do it quick! Read more…
Tags: Legend of Zelda, Nintendo
Posted by Bob Muir on Jan 6, 2015 in Videogames 
The technology behind PlayStation Now, Sony’s streaming game service, is admittedly cool, provided your internet connection is up to snuff. But while streaming PS3 games (rendered on Sony’s side) to PS4, PS3, Vita, and now TVs is cool, the prices were anything but. A 90-day rental could cost anywhere from $15-50 (often the cost of a full copy or higher), while even $4 for a mere four hours of gameplay seemed unfair, considering how long it takes to play many games. Prices have shifted, but users have begged for a subscription model, which has finally arrived. Starting on January 13 for PS4, you can subscribe for one month ($19.99) or three months ($44.99) at a time. In exchange, you’ll get access to over 100 PS3 games. Read more…
Tags: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Now, Sony
Posted by Bob Muir on Jan 6, 2015 in Anime, Cinema 
It’s not that I’m against DreamWorks making a Ghost in the Shell live-action remake. The original manga has been translated into various anime forms, from movies to TV shows to reboots, so the series has proven to be mutable enough that live-action could work. It’s that I’m against the kind of movie Hollywood would make. Having Rupert Sanders ready to direct Bill Wheeler while Avi Arad and Steven Paul produce is alright, but the first actor has been confirmed: Scarlett Johansson will star. She’s a great actor and would make a fine Major Kusanagi, assuming she gets the lead role. But, uh, the character is Japanese, not white. Read more…
Tags: Ghost in the Shell
Posted by Bob Muir on Jan 1, 2015 in Anime, Videogames 
FUNimation already has the rights to Sengoku Basara, an adaptation of a Dynasty Warriors-style game about feudal Japan. So I suppose it just makes sense for them to lock down the rights to a similar anime. Samurai Warriors (Sengoku Musou in Japan) is an adaptation of a Dynasty Warriors spin-off game about feudal Japan. It sounds like a rip-off, but considering that not only Samurai Warriors, but also Dynasty Warriors came before Sengoku Basara, it’s safe from such accusations. The anime starts on January 11, 2015, on the FUNimation Streaming Service. You have to pay a cheap subscription rate, but you can also use a 14-day free trial, even at the end of the series, so you can binge it all in one go. Read more…
Tags: Capcom, FUNImation, samurai
Posted by Bob Muir on Jan 1, 2015 in Cinema 
If you’re reading this post as it goes live at midnight in New York, Happy New Year! There are surely fireworks going off all over the place, but if you need more, Screen Junkies have pieced together this supercut of explosions in movies. Naturally, this is more celebratory instead of exhaustive, but that’s beside the point. Watch things blow up and see how many explosions you recognize! Yes, you could just read the summary on the video’s YouTube page, but where’s the fun in that? Read more…
Tags: Retro Movies
Posted by Bob Muir on Dec 31, 2014 in Cinema, Horror 
Ghostbusters may have horror elements, but I think the humor is where it shines. But in Paul Feig’s all-female reboot, the director is aiming to make his version scarier. Though the film will stay in PG-13 territory (unlike Feig’s R-rated comedies), the new film will definitely be aiming to be a scary comedy. I always thought the original Ghostbusters had its scary moments, especially that librarian ghost, but I suppose it’s not actually that scary. But as long as the horror doesn’t interfere with the comedy (or the team’s chemistry), I could see it working. Then again, I don’t see why we need a new Ghostbusters movie anyway. Nothing against the concept of a lady Ghostbusters team, but the achievements of the original actors is going to hang heavy over production.
Read more…
Tags: Ghostbusters
Posted by Bob Muir on Dec 31, 2014 in Tech 
Who do you know that still uses Internet Explorer, other than your old relatives that force you to fix their computers? That’s right, pretty much no one, because anyone in the know uses Chrome, Firefox, hell, pretty much anything else. And so Microsoft is killing what was once the most-used browser in the world. When Windows 10 releases in 2015, it will come with a new browser codenamed Spartan. (The name is likely a reference to Halo, as they did the same thing with their Cortana software.) This new browser will behave much more like Chrome and Firefox, running in a more lightweight form and including options like extensions. I didn’t even know that IE lacked extensions! Welcome to the 2000s, Microsoft. Read more…
Tags: Microsoft, The Internet
Posted by Bob Muir on Dec 30, 2014 in Science 
Having to carry a ton of heavy fuel is one of the big problems with developing faster spacecraft. But what if that number could be made trivial? NASA has tested the “Cannae Drive,” an engine that doesn’t use propellant, based on the EMDrive, a drive which works by bouncing microwaves in an enclosed container to create thrust. The drive has little critical attention, which many pointing out how such an engine would violate the laws of physics, specifically conservation of motion. So far, China has tested their version of the EMDrive, but it was not well-reported due to skeptics. But now the US has succeeded as well.
Read more…
Tags: NASA, spaceships
Posted by Bob Muir on Dec 30, 2014 in Cinema, Comic Books 
Vin Diesel’s latest Facebook post has rumors surfacing that Diesel may be appearing in Marvel’s fall 2018 movie Inhumans. See, Diesel posts these kinda strange self-affirmations, featuring himself, to his Facebook page. His new cover image shows him wearing a shirt with the comic book logo for Inhumans, with “Are You Inhuman?” behind him. (The phrase and font had previously been used in ads for “Inhumanity,” a 2013 event.) “But wait!” you say, “Vin Diesel is already playing a part in Marvel movies! He voices Groot!” Yes, but he doesn’t perform motion capture for Groot, and there’s a perfect part set up for him in Inhumans. Read more…
Tags: Inhumans, Marvel, Vin Diesel
Posted by Bob Muir on Dec 25, 2014 in Tech, Television, Videogames 
Sony and Samsung may be rivals in the TV business, but apparently that won’t stop them from trying to make more profit together. PlayStation Now is coming to Samsung Smart TVs in the US and Canada. The service, which allows streaming rentals of PS3 games (and hopefully PS1 and PS2 games down the line), will be made available in the first half of 2015. Samsung TVs don’t have the horsepower to render PS3 games, but that doesn’t matter, because all the processing is done on Sony’s side and streamed to the TV. All Samsung owners need to buy is a DualShock 4 controller (since, you know, TVs don’t normally come with controllers). Now if only Sony would adjust PlayStation Now prices to be more attractive, because I’d rather buy the game for cheap than bother with the overpriced rentals. Read more…
Tags: PlayStation 3, Samsung, Sony
Posted by Bob Muir on Dec 25, 2014 in Anime, Videogames 
So far, all the games that use Amiibo, the Skylanders-like toys that unlock in-game bonuses, are published by Nintendo. But the upcoming One Piece: Super Grand Battle! X for 3DS will be the first third-party game to include Amiibo support. The toys will unlock costumes for the various fighters that transform them into the same Nintendo characters. So tapping the Mario Amiibo will give main character Luffy a Mario outfit. These aren’t simple reskins, but fully-designed costumes that look more creative than I’d expect. The trailer below shows off the Smash Bros.-like fighting action, with the Amiibo details showing up near the end. Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Amiibo, New 3DS, One Piece
Posted by Bob Muir on Dec 24, 2014 in Videogames 
For a small company, Atlus is usually pretty good at rewarding fans who buy their games at launch. Like many previous games, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2, a 3DS update to the original DS game, will include a bonus. All pre-order and first-run copies will come bundled with a soundtrack CD; it’s not clear if the disc is a full soundtrack or just a music sampler, but either way, it’s a nice freebie for fans. And considering Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker comes with pretty much double the content of the original release, anyone buying this is getting a great deal.
Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Atlus, shin megami tensei
Posted by Bob Muir on Dec 24, 2014 in Videogames 
Yakuza feels like Sega’s obligation in the West. The games don’t sell that hot, they’re certainly niche, but damn if they are not interesting games with a dedicated fanbase. But it seems like fans have to fight tooth and nail for every release to get translated. (Case in point: 2012’s Yakuza 5 is just getting a translation in Q3 2015.) Most spin-offs or merchandise are destined to remain in Japan. So forgive me for talking about these awesome limited edition Yakuza Zero PS4s when we likely won’t ever see them in the US or Europe. They come in glacier white or jet black, with the choice of a tattoo design from protagonists Kazuma Kiryu (above) or Mashima Goro. PS4s are region-free, so if you feel like importing one, be prepared to part with ¥41,980 on March 12. Read more…
Tags: PS4, Sega, Yakuza
Posted by Bob Muir on Dec 23, 2014 in Comic Books, Television 
While fans may have been asking for Isaiah Mustafa or Terry Crews — both coincidentally Old Spice spokesmen — to play Luke Cage in Marvel’s multiple upcoming Netflix series, Marvel had someone else in mind. Mike Colter (Halo: Nightfall) had chemistry with Jessica Jones star Krysten Ritter, so he will co-star as Luke Cage in her series. In the comics, the two characters eventually marry. After that series ends, Cage will later show up in his own self-titled Netflix series, before teaming up with Jones, Daredevil (Charlie Cox), and an uncast Iron Fist for a Defenders mini-series about street-level vigilantes. Naturally, this is all set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, so it’s always possible some of these characters could appear somehow in the movies, which is certainly what many fans would love to see. Read more…
Tags: Luke Cage, Marvel
Posted by Bob Muir on Dec 23, 2014 in Videogames 
Halo: The Master Chief Collection has been plagued by bugs since launch, mostly affecting players’ ability to play online matches. To be fair, the multiplayer, which mixes in modes from different Halo games, is ambitious; but at the end of the day, the game should be working. As an apology to fans, 343 Industries is giving out several freebies for anyone who has played online between launch and December 19. While one free month of Xbox Live Gold, an exclusive in-game nameplate, and an exclusive avatar are small gifts, the other gifts will take more time. Based on fan requests, 343 plans to remaster Halo 3: ODST‘s campaign (despite Master Chief not appearing in it) and give it to the players for free. Read more…
Tags: Halo, Microsoft, Xbox One
Posted by Bob Muir on Dec 18, 2014 in Videogames 
It may be a niche series outside of Japan, but that doesn’t mean Western Disgaea fans will miss out on the next entry. Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance is headed to North America and Europe in Fall 2015. The game is exclusive to PS4, but with a few exceptions, it’s always been a PlayStation exclusive, so no surprise there. Unlike the last game, which brought back characters from the first game, this one once again has an all-new cast. The game is temporarily listed without a subtitle in Europe, so it’s possible the game may receive a different or no subtitle when it eventually releases. Either way, expect quirky dialogue and ridiculously-high numbers as with previous Nippon Ichi games. Read more…
Tags: Disgaea, Nippon Ichi, PS4
Posted by Bob Muir on Dec 18, 2014 in Cinema, Television 
Cookie Monster may have already parodied The Lord of the Rings, but has he really confronted the temptation of the One Ring? Sir Ian McKellen joins him in a new video to help explain the word “resist.” But when McKellen shows Cookie Monster the One Ring, he doesn’t see the appeal, since he’s “not much of a jewelry guy.” But a cookie? That could easily be his precious… Read more…
Tags: Lord of the Rings, Sesame Street, Sir Ian McKellen
Posted by Bob Muir on Dec 17, 2014 in Videogames 
When Grand Theft Auto V launched in 2013, the heists in the main game were praised as one of the best aspects of the game. However, they weren’t present in Grand Theft Auto Online, the multiplayer mode. The game has been rereleased on PS4 and Xbox One, but the heists still aren’t in. But they’re coming! And despite the long delays — reportedly due to how implementing them in a fun, online way was much more complex than expected — Rockstar is clearly poking fun at themselves and their fans at the start of this trailer. Maybe it’ll all be worth it when they finally arrive as a free update for all versions of the game in early 2015. Read more…
Tags: Grand Theft Auto, Rockstar
Posted by Bob Muir on Dec 17, 2014 in Videogames 
If you’ve already run out of stuff to do in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, take note: the first DLC expansion is now available for $9.99 (or as part of the season pass). The Lord of the Hunt adds more beasts to ride, as well as new quests, nemeses, and other bits. It seems to take place in a separate mode than the main game, but that could possibly work to its advantage. And there’s a new skin to dress Talion in, so use that to cover up his stupid face. Read more…
Tags: Lord of the Rings, Warner Brothers
Posted by Bob Muir on Dec 16, 2014 in Videogames 
Though Final Fantasy Versus XIII was reannounced for PS4/Xbox One and renamed Final Fantasy XV back in 2013, it’s still not ready for release. Who knows when this game is actually coming out? I’d say that 2015 looks to be a safe bet, but considering that the game was announced long ago in 2006, there’s honestly no telling when it will be done. This latest trailer is basically the trailer from this year’s TGS, but with new, English voices. There’s nothing really wrong with the voices, and it’s hard to get a read on them in a short trailer. But whatever happened to the people in charge of Final Fantasy XII’s fabulous localization? Even if this game didn’t have British accents, it would help elevate the usual localization. Read more…
Tags: Final Fantasy, square enix
Posted by Bob Muir on Dec 16, 2014 in Videogames 
The generation of remasters continues — not that I think that’s a bad thing, mind you. (It’s always a good thing when old games, even more recent old games, are kept available on newer systems.) Capcom has announced that on March 17, 2015, it will release DmC: Definitive Edition on PS4 and Xbox One for $39.99. The port of Ninja Theory’s Devil May Cry reboot will feature enhanced graphics (running at 1080p and 60fps), all previously released DLC, a bunch of new difficulty modes (many of which can be combined with other difficulty options), and other additional content. But for those who still can’t get over the changes to their precious Dante, Capcom is also planning to release Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition in Summer 2015, also on PS4 and Xbox One. Read more…
Tags: Capcom, Devil May Cry, PS4, Xbox One
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