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  • RUMOR: Fable 4 in Development by Playground Games

    It all Began with Project Ego
    Fable, one of Xbox's most beloved franchises, introduced me to the Original Xbox in the early 2000's. This was back when it was still known as 'Project Ego.' There have been a few years of uncertainty surrounding the Franchise. The last full-on Fable game was Fable 3, released in 2010, Fable Legends never got out of beta, Lionhead Studios has closed down, but it appears there's new life breathed into the Microsoft IP.

    Lionhead Developer all but confirms it...
    A former Lionhead Developer tweeted that he figured out which studio is responsible for building Fable 4, and it was an interesting choice. He has since deleted his Tweet, but once on the internet, always on the internet....


    Mmm ok, having no inside information, I totally know who's building Fable 4 now. Interesting choice…
     
    -  Don Williamson (@Donzanoid) January 6, 2018



    Playground Games is Developing Fable 4
    It didn't take long to figure out who he was talking about; the developers behind some of the best games on the Xbox One in terms of quality -- Playground Games. This is the great crew that brought us the Forza Horizon series, some of my favorite racing games of all time. Creating an RPG is a bit of a shift over what they're typically accustomed to developing, but if the amount of care and detail they put into the Horizon franchise is put into Fable 4 (or reboot), there is no reason to be concerned.
     
    Now let's hope that they can capture the child-like humor and art direction Lionhead managed to do so well.

    When will Fable 4 come out?
    It is possible that the game has been in development since late 2016 or early 2017, and many of the assets are already created due to the cancelled Fable Legends. While it's unlikely that we'll see Fable 4 released in 2018, it wouldn't be too much of a stretch that we get a teaser for it at E3 2018, with the game releasing by holiday of 2019.
     
    Are you looking forward to a Playground Games developed Fable 4? Discuss it in the comments below or hop on over to our forums!
     
    Source: WCCFTECH

      • Post Type: News

    Nostalgia Train: Heretic - Shadow of the Serpent Riders Review

    Welcome back to the Nostagia Train – the series that brings you back in time to enjoy the beloved or not-so-beloved games of our past.  This time, we are headed back to 1994 when FPS shooters involved tricky mazes, creatures from another world, and mild motion-sickness. Following the success of Doom and Wolfenstein 3D, Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders was a dark, medieval take on the first-person shooter.
     
    A twisted atmosphere of ambient noise and uncertainty around every corner, Heretic is more than just a Doom clone. While most of the game takes cues from its predecessor, Heretic manages to stand on its own as a pretty solid game. There are a few functional changes and a different theme bundled with a little online multi-player option that makes this game worth checking out.
     


    Heretic: War of the Serpent Riders
    Three devious Serpent Riders with powerful magic have sought to control the kings of the world and wage war. However, the Sidhe elves resisted the riders. They sacrificed their own power to stop the kings from tearing each other a part at the cost of their own magic. Thus, the elves were rendered helpless before the Serpent Riders and forced to go into hiding. One remaining warrior, Corvus, seeks vengeance against the Serpent Riders and sets out to defeat the weakest first – D’Sparil. Will his vengeance be realized and can he make it home alive?
     

     

     


    Navigating the City of the Damned
    Heretic is your basic first-person shooter, but with a few perks. Unlike previous games, you can actually look up and down in this game! It’s a little change, but it really helps when you’re trying to find out what’s shooting you.  A less helpful tidbit is the introduction of gibs – that way you are pleasantly reminded of the fact that you died a horrible, skin-melting lava death.  Oh yes! And you can fly. So, there’s that.
     
    Aside from these small changes, game play is very similar to other FP shooters of the era. Players must navigate through a level-based structure with varying degrees of difficulty. Find weapons, find keys, find treasure and murder the bad guys.  Part of the fun of these games is figuring out the puzzles and unlocking the door forward to the next, more difficult level of the dungeon. That, and the abusive cheat codes.
     


    Trying to cheat, eh? Now you die!
    One of the best parts of Heretic and games like it is throwing on the cheat codes and slaughtering your foes. There are several codes for “god mode” or “all weapons” – but don’t go typing in IDKFA of IDDQD just yet. The game actually punishes players that try to use the secret codes from Doom. If you don’t believe me, give it a try!  You can download the game on steam!
     
    Overall, Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders is one of those games that slipped through the cracks. While the story isn't much to write home about, the actual game play is where Heretic shines. It was released at a time where Doom was king, and the release date had it competing with the next level of gaming. It had missed its mark, but it really is a solid game. If you are into old school first-person shooters, Heretic is really worth spending the time and money on. If you end up liking it, there are two sequels!
     
    So, what do you think? Want to head back into the past? Where should we go next? Let us know in the comments below!
     


      • Post Type: Review, Editorial

    Manga Corner: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Vol. 2 Review

    Finally! August 8th has come (and gone) and  The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Vol. 2 manga series has arrived! I anxiously awaited the UPS delivery notification, and couldn't wait to dive into the next part. I had high expectations following the strong start of Vol. 1 from Viz Media - and the second didn't disappoint. The story continues with the base story line from the video game, but with slight changes to translate the action and give our hero, Link, a voice.
     
    While the first was an introduction to Link and the whirlwind of twilight that had ripped through Hyrule, this second entry tackles his awakening as the hero. Let's take an in-depth look at the second part of the four part series. Before reading further, if you are interested in the Vol. 1 review, you can find it here.
     


    Caged in Twilight
    In the second installment in the series, Link awakens chained and in the form of a majestic wolf. A twilight imp by the name of Midna appears and offers him freedom, but only if he agrees to assist her on her quest. During their escape, Link discovers that he is being kept in Hyrule Castle and that the world has been flooded in Twilight. Before he can meet with destiny, Midna returns him to Ordon Village where the monkeys of the Faron Woods have become violent. What foul demons wait in the depths of the forest? Can Link trust Midna and will he ever return to his human form?
     


    The Light of Hyrule
    The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Vol. 2 keeps with the overall tone of Vol. 1. There are a few interesting twists to the original story involving Princess Zelda's backstory and a glimpse of Link's grizzly rival, King Bulbin. I appreciate the various perspectives presented, and it's those little details that round out the narrative. Link and Midna have met and their dynamic is perfect. While their relationship is born out of a mutual need for one another to start, the foundation for their partnership is well established.
     
    Link, however, is conflicted with his duty as a hero. Though he is a reluctant champion, he manages to navigate the Twilight in his new wolf form and rises to the occasion in order to protect his home.  The darker images and violence can prove to be a bit much for very young readers, but it stays true to the original game. The stakes are raising and it displays how the most noble creatures can be corrupted by the darkness. At the end,  we are once again left with a defiant Link and an uncertain future for Hyrule. (Unless, of course, you've played the game.) While Vol. 2 did a decent job capturing the important points by weaving in some extra backstory, there is just so much to cover in four volumes. I'm concerned about how much might be left out as the series continues.
     
    The artistry for Twilight Princess, Vol. 2 brings out the dark theme of the Twilight realm. There is a distinct difference between the World of Light and the Twilight, and it makes the experience more immersive. The panels contain stunning images that really push the story forward, almost too quickly. However, it's a little disappointing at the end- simply because Vol. 3 is too far away. Is it March, 13th yet?
     


    Twilight Princess, Vol. 2 : Final Thoughts
    The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Vol. 2 is a great continuation of the darker video game in the franchise. The tone keeps the mature feel and has a good balance between the World of Light and Twilight artwork. The story is more character driven and provides some intriguing new details. It is a fitting continuation, and I cannot wait for the next one.
     
    What do you all think? Have you read The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Vol. 2 ? Want to have a copy of your very own? Click here!
     
    Or maybe you're more interested in the source material...click here for the HD remake on the Wii U, or here for the Wii version. Good luck finding a copy for the Game Cube!
     


      • Post Type: Review

    Nostalgia Train: Chrono Trigger Review

    Our next trip on the Nostalgia Train brings us to a true SNES treasure. While this beloved system had many memorable games, it’s truly an experience to play this classic. Chrono Trigger is regarded as one of the best RPGs of all time. With a rich story, easy-to-grasp gameplay, and an outstanding soundtrack, it’s no wonder this title always seems to end up at the top of any “Greatest Games of All Time” list. What else would you expect from the creators of Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy and the Dragon Ball series? Seriously, all of the stars aligned on this project - complete with the musical genius of Yansunori Mitsuda and Nobuo Uematsu.
     
    While not overly complicated, Chrono Trigger is a masterpiece with outstanding graphics, multiple endings, and a New Game+ option that will keep you playing time and again. Originally released on the SNES in 1995, this JRPG favorite has been re-released on the Playstation, Nintendo DS, and it’s available for mobile download. If you’ve never gotten the chance to play, you are in for a treat.

    Hopping into the Epoch

     
    In 1000 AD, it's time for the Millennial Fair, and our hero, Chrono is enjoying the festival. Lucca, his best friend, shows off her latest invention when things suddenly go awry. Something strange happens to Lucca’s volunteer, Marle, and the three are thrown through time on an epic adventure. What starts as a search and rescue mission turns in something much more as Chrono and friends stumble across a shocking discovery. With the future in imminent peril, Chrono, Marle and Lucca must come up with a plan to save the world!

    Finding the Chrono Trigger

     
    Like most RPGs, Chrono Trigger is a sprawling adventure, but this journey takes us through time. Players guide a three-person party through various dungeons, trials and towns in search of information or treasure. What’s unique about this game is the use of time travel.  The main objective is to ultimately stop the apocalypse, but there are so many intricate plot details that create a wonderfully lighthearted, yet poignant narrative. Most of the mechanics are the same as other RPGS, but with unique designs. You encounter enemies directly in the field, and with minimal transition time, the fight begins. Player position actually effects the battle. Enemies move around and characters can be tossed across the screen. It makes for some interesting strategy changes, especially when trying to hit multiple enemies with one attack.
     
    There’s a total of six playable characters and one secret character. Like most RPGs, you have complete control of your party’s equipment. The party’s stats and abilities increase as they fight battles, which increase in difficulty over time. As characters level, they gain access to new abilities called Techs. While Techs and magic spells are character specific, Chrono Trigger adds a new twist.
     
    Characters can combine their turns to form Dual Techs and Triple Techs. It's important to try out different party combinations in order to discover all of these unique abilities. These special techs pull the efforts of two or more party members to create devastating attacks. It's debatable whether or not the Dual or Triple Techs are worth the cost, but that really depends on how you want to use your party.
     


    Multiple Endings and New Game+

     
    Besides battling bosses, there are plenty of side quests, secret missions and puzzles players can tackle across the different time periods. While these objectives are like many other great RPGs, Chrono Trigger created concepts still used in games today.
     
    After playing through the game once, the New Game + option appears. This allows you to retain most of your items, (provided that they are not directly involved with the storyline) levels, and techs to use at the start of a new game. The New Game+ option is pretty incredible, especially if you are a completionist gamer. Of course, this option is very helpful for anyone who wants to experience every single hidden ending that Chrono Trigger has to offer! There are thirteen in total and each is unique to how you defeat the game. The DS version expands upon the New Game+ idea by adding an additional dungeon and an optional final boss.  With so many side quests and secrets, Chrono Trigger keeps giving players  reason to pick up the controller again.

    Chrono Trigger: A Journey Through Time

     
    Chrono Trigger is an innovative RPG that paved the way for future genre classics, but it's very hard to capture the same magic. A truly remarkable tale of friendship, love, and sacrifice, this game has a solid plot that leaves a mark in my heart. It found a way to marry literary genres together into one epic story with heart-pumping action, touching and silly moments, and many surprise endings. Supported by an enchanting soundtrack and amazing graphics, considering the designer and the time period, it is a privilege to play this game.  With so many positive elements, Chrono Trigger certainly does earn a spot on every "Greatest Games of All Time" list.
     
    So what do you think? Have you played Chrono Trigger? What's taking you so long!!! How about Chrono Cross? Or perhaps Final Fantasy? Let us know in the comments below!
     

     
     

      • Post Type: Review, Editorial

    The Surge Review: The Dystopian Future is Now

    The Surge is a new setting for the recent style of  “
    ” pioneered a few years back by Demon’s Souls. While most of the games in the genre have taken a turn to a darker, more macabre world (Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls, Bloodborne, et al), The Surge places its brand of action squarely into a dystopian future.
     
    You enter the storyline of the game expecting a new lease on a damaged life but quickly come to realize things are not what they seem. Throughout the game, Deck13 Interactive pioneers a few unique twists to the combat mechanics that feel both new and borrowed from other games and genres, but overall work out quite nicely.
    Preparing for the Apocalypse

     
    The gameplay is very involved. You can target specific parts of your opponent to acquire pieces that can be crafted into new equipment for yourself. The general action elements of the combat system are easy to pick up, but animations adjust in their style, speed, and utility based on the armor, equipment, and weapons you use. The game looks nice, sounds nice, and should be able to keep your attention as a time-killer if you’re waiting for something else to release.
     
    Unfortunately, it’s just not overly engaging on its own. Don’t get me wrong. The game is good. It’s a fun bit of action for an hour or so at a time, but I didn’t find it to be the kind of thing that I got roped into for a completely unintentional binge-gaming session.
    Robots and Grim Future

     
    I think the problems it ran into in that regard were two-fold. The story starts out pretty interesting, but starts to feel off-kilter and failed to hold my interest as things progressed as it was all very predictable. And the “Hardcore” aspect of this “Hardcore Action Game” just didn’t feel right. The game felt more like the difficulty lay in figuring out how to “game” the system instead of adapting to an unexpected opponent. The AI rarely, if ever, changes its approach. Tactics for defeating your enemies quickly become very “rinse and repeat.” The game just doesn’t have that sense of serious tension in combat that it needed to shine on its own.
     
    The game does show us that this formula can work in more than a melancholy, depressive medieval apocalypse. But, then again, do we want it to? Part of the original's appeal was that overbearing sense of dread around every corner. The Surge presented something of a jump factor where the unexpected cyborg may pop out at an unexpected or inopportune time, but it lacked continuous tension.
     
    But, all in all, if all you’re looking for is a cool bit of cyborg bashing, gear grinding and a little bit of maze-exploration, the game is good.
    The Looks and Sounds of The End

     
    Graphically, the game was pretty well done. There wasn’t anything overly spectacular about it, but it didn’t disappoint by any means. The developers did a good job in altering the environment in different areas so that nothing looked overly repetitive or recycled. The shadows were well utilized and sensibly placed – something I feel many games fail badly at, but which The Surge did very well.
     
    The sound is generally pretty good and keeps well with the ambiance of the setting, but could have had a little more variety to it. But the 300th time of hearing the exact same impact noise when you swat a cyborg you start to wonder if they couldn’t have invested a little more time in variety in the “attack noises” department. Well, considering most of what you’ll be doing in the game is beating on things. However, I may be being overly critical. There are plenty of games out there with this exact same issue.
     
    Modular Upgrades, Bullet Time and Exoskeletons

     
     
     
    Gameplay was a good bit of action styled, timed-swing beat-em-up with the unique aforementioned targeting mechanism that the game utilizes to mix things up a bit from the standard mold. Mix in some crafting, gear grinding, and RPG elements related to upgrading your equipment and you've got a game. Once you get into it and understand the core elements, it quickly becomes second nature. It has plenty of replayability in short bursts just for the fun of it, but you might find it hard to get truly engrossed in the storyline.
     
    The game was well developed, all things told, and I can’t say that I ran into any serious bugs during my run through it. If anything, I ran into one instance where an enemy I wanted to kill accidentally glitched through the wall and I couldn’t reach it. But, this game respawns all its enemies each time you run back to the base to modify your gear. So, a quick jaunt back to the lab and back was all it took to fix the fluke.
    The Surge : Final Thoughts

     
    The only real place I have to say the game was disappointing was with the storyline. I felt really excited at first. The game was showing me something in the very beginning with my character that I thought was going to see some serious development- then it just jumped into sci-fi trope land. I would have liked to see the game explore your characters underlying backstory and personal struggle more.
     
    Instead, you run into the action trope: a character who picks something up they’ve never handled before in their life and has somehow suddenly and inexplicably innately mastered it.
    All in all, pick it up if you’re looking for a well-made smash-em-up to fill time between the last thing you beat and your next anticipated release. It will keep you occupied enough to feel like it was worth the investment, but I can’t promise it will end up on your all-time favorites list.
     

      • Post Type: Review

    The Evolution of Final Fantasy: Final Fantasy XII Review

    We have reached the final chapter of the PS2 era and not a moment too soon. On the eve of its remastered release, the time seems right to reminisce about the next title in the Evolution Series: Final Fantasy XII. Published just shy of 10 years ago, and with Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age coming out on July 11th, this entry took a page from its predecessors and broke the traditional mold of what “Final Fantasy” was.
     
    Praised for its state-of-the-art graphics (for the time), seamless transitions, and exciting new battle system, it was considered a huge step forward for the series for many. A breath of fresh air! On the other hand, following the huge departure from the previous mainstream title, Final Fantasy X, this is also the game that alienated some die-hard fans. With a series this versatile, it’s best to test it out.

    Time to Make a Few Changes

     
    Before we dive into the game itself, let’s see what’s changed!  Unlike the last entry, Final Fantasy XII has an open world experience. There are far fewer ‘narrow hallways’ here, but that is the least complicated of the changes. First and foremost, Gil is no longer a thing – but players can pick up loot to sell at local shops. You must farm materials in order upgrade equipment, purchase new items, or lower the cost of available merchandise -- and you do that by fighting monsters with a fancy new battle system!
     
    Speaking of enemies, this entry does away with any random encounters.  Instead, players are gifted to a Chrono Trigger-esque style of confronting enemies in the field.  Players can also go on “hunts” to kill special monsters for big rewards, which is pretty fun. As for battling, most of the characters are controlled via A.I. using the “Gambit System” where players set up abilities and let their characters charge into battle.  Of course, things or more intricate than that, but we’ll get into the details later.
     
    The final thing that’s really switched up is the growth system. Players gain experience through battles that buffs up their stats, but that’s your everyday RPG. The new addition is the License Board that allows characters to perform actions as the “licenses” are acquired.  This functions a lot like the sphere grid, so it’s not a far cry. While all of these changes seem minor, they do have a major effect on how the game is played.
     

     


    Endless War in Ivalice

     
    Following the wedding of Dalmasca’s Princess Ashe to Prince Rasler of Nabradia, the Archandian Empire invades both countries. With Rasler and the King of Dalmasca murdered, the chief suspect is the Dalmascan Captain, Basch. In the aftermath of Princess Ashe’s suicide, the traitorous Basch is sentenced to death. However, political intrigue is not always as it seems.
     
    Years later, a street rat, Vaan, gets himself and his friend, Penelo, drawn into the underbelly of the Dalmascan resistance as they try to take down the Archadian Empire. A story of blood, royalty, war and sky pirates paints a picture that not all conflicts are black and white.

    War, Pirates and a Little Bland

     
    Though the plot seems like it would be rolling with twists, turns and unexpected surprises, for a war story, it’s a little on the dull side. While the intrigue is there, the story seems to fit more in a MMORPG than an epic JRPG. There is so much going on; however, there is something to be said about a few weak characters.
     
    While I found several characters very well developed, (I loved Balthier and Basch!) some I felt lacked significant draw – mainly, Vaan. I understand that his character was meant to be vanilla in order for players to emulate with him, but I still didn’t feel the connection. It’s not so good when there are other more interesting characters overshadowing your main protagonists.
     
    In addition to the character problems, the soundtrack was a bit lacking. While it was a beautiful soundtrack, it's hard to compare to previous franchise entries. The title track, "Kiss Me Goodbye" stands out, but the rest is a little forgettable. It's really hard to follow Nobuo Uematsu.
     
    The story itself seems to seep in the lore, war, and turmoil of Ivalice itself. Of course, it could be argued that is the nature of this particular story. Stories of war are less focused on particular individuals as the situation surrounding them is far more threatening. It’s understandable why the plot and development play out as they does, but it’s also expected that not everyone would enjoy a less character-focused narrative. Either way, Final Fantasy XII does have a lot of love from its fans, and it’s all a matter of taste.
     


    Setting Up The Gambits and Licensing

     
    Final Fantasy XII's game-play starts off like any other entry in the series. Players control their party while navigating the world map, dungeons and towns, but this time it's possible to rotate the camera for a 360° view. In the field, the party of three is spread out, but while searching towns, players can only control Vaan. The world is mostly navigated on foot, by chocobo or airship - and they can also teleport between gate crystals. Players can explore Ivalice while battling monsters, covering plot points, or searching for treasure. The treasure, however, can be an irritating thing. It's always a gamble opening chests. For instance, you could explore a dungeon hoping to open a chest that could possibly contain a powerful weapon only to open it and discover a potion. It's a matter of chance, which is a little frustrating.
     
    While traveling from place to place, unlike previous franchise entries, players can actually see the monsters they could encounter. Monsters can range in difficulty - but slaying the beasts can earn the party EXP and loot. It could also fill in the game's bestiary, which can prove useful for farming materials. One criticism of Final Fantasy XII that the game requires excessive grinding to get items, level characters, and unlock all potential bazaar items. While some fans are pleased with this, others looking to enjoy the story may find themselves disappointed.

    Battle System

     
    One of the biggest changes in Final Fantasy XII is the battle system. While this isn't the first game in the franchise to change how the game is played, it is one of the first to incorporate a combo of the Active Time System and A.I. You can initiate commands through a battle menu, like usual, but you are given the option to set up actions. The new gambit system allows characters to take care of fights on their own.
     
    Overtime characters acquire gambits that work as one of the following actions: Target, an action, or priority. Targets specify the main focus of a party member at the onset of battle. For example: Vaan can either heal an ally with below 70% health, or attack the weakest target first. After the target is set, the action is carried out. Finally, the priority indicates which gambit should performed first. For many, this was a refreshing take on the battle system. Setting up gambits for battle requires a bit of finesse and it depends on how you develop your characters.
     
    In addition to the gambit system, players can also summon creatures called 'Espers' into combat and use limit breaks. Espers actually act as another party member until the time runs out or the summoner has been KOed.  In order to get them, players must defeat them battle. Limit breaks, or "quickenings" are unique to a character, can be advanced by the licensing system, and can be strung together for an ultimate chain attack.

    Licensing and Building Weapons

     
    Final Fantasy XII's level up system relies on two things: experience points and license points. As with most RPGs, fighting battles earns EXP. Earning EXP leads to stat boosts, but characters cannot grow through strength, magic, and health improvements alone. In order for characters to gain abilities, characters must obtain license points in order to improve on their skills.
     
    License Boards are split up into two sections: upper and lower. The Upper part focuses on Magic, techniques, accessories and augments, while the bottom takes care of weapons and armor. Players can use license points to upgrade available abilities. In order to activate the items ON the licence board, you have to actually have them. This could make the process a little bit daunting. Also - Espers and 'Quickenings' can only be assigned to one character. While all characters can obtain any license on the board, the Espers and Quickenings are character specific. While this does allow for a lot of freedom, it could also be tedious building points, finding the loot, purchasing the item, and then activating on the board. It's a game that requires time and patience.
     


    Final Fantasy XII: Final Thoughts

     
    A fresh step in a new direction, Final Fantasy XII is a cherished fan favorite. While it is one of the more difficult games in the franchise, it dared to shake things up for a new take on the JRPG. Though there were a few character and plot issues, the story is pretty solid. The music, though not as strong, suits the game, and the battle system is an exciting twist on the old franchise. Final Fantasy XII may have caused some controversy, but it is an excellent addition to the legacy and a fitting end to the PS2 era. July 11th can't come soon enough!
     
    So where does Final Fantasy XII sit on your list? Want to learn about Final Fantasy's first MMORPG? Let us know in the comments below - We'll see you on the PS3!
     

     
     

      • Post Type: Review

    Wonder Woman Movie Review: The Lasso of Truth

    DC Comic's movie track record as of late has been pretty abysmal. With Man of Steel, Batman V Superman and Suicide Squad receiving mixed reviews, it would take a little doing to pull them up before the release of Justice League.  Marvel has been a box office dominator with it's stand alone and ensemble films; Warner Bros. Pictures needed something to give them a boost. Wonder Woman definitely does that.  With a slow build-up and an action-packed payoff, Diana is the DC  character we've been waiting for.  Directed by Patty Jenkins, who brought us Monster,  Wonder Woman gives us a glimpse into a hero origin story that has never seen the
    . It was definitely worth the wait.
    A Trip Back to Themyscira

     
    After present-day Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) receives a memento of her past, we are given a glimpse of how Wonder Woman came to be. Raised on the island of Themyscira, the home of the Amazons, she trained in the art of war to protect the people of the world from Ares, God of War. While initially not allowed to train, Diana spars with her aunt, General Antiope (Robin Wright).
     
    During on such session, an airplane carrying Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) arrives and crashes just beyond the island followed a legion of German soldiers.  The world is in great peril, and Diana believes that it is all because of Ares' master plan to destroy the humans. Against her mother, Queen Hippolyta's wishes (Connie Nielson), Diana returns with Steve on a mission to hunt down Ares and stop the killing once and for all. However, there is more to Diana than meets the eye. What will she find when she joins the 'modern' world?

    The Lasso of Truth and a Killer Theme
    At first, Wonder Woman moved slowly. While it was necessary to build-up her story, once the action started, everything started moving very quickly. It was very interesting to see a story based out of the WWI era, and the visuals in this movie were fantastic. I think I have to see it a second time just to take in everything. There is so much attention to detail and nothing brings a character to life better than a decent story, a unique backdrop and a killer theme.
     
    Diana is a wide-eyed idealist who faces a world she doesn't know with the mindset that she can save it. The movie doesn't shy away from the grim side of war, and it isn't afraid to tackle some touchy themes. It has amazing action scenes, but the film doesn't rely on them. While it is, first and foremost, a "super hero" movie, it speaks  about so much more like the duality of mankind, and what truly makes it worth saving. In fact, the more I think about this movie, the more I like it.
     

     


    Diana Prince, Steve Trevor and the Amazons

     
    The casting of this movie was spot on. Gal Gadot crushes it as Diana Prince. She manages to capture a regal and stoic look of an Amazon Princess, but displays an emotional depth that is critical for selling her roll. Without a convincing main actor, this film wouldn't nearly be as good . Gadot captures the heart of Diana and makes us feel with her. Chris Pine is also an excellent addition as Steve Trevor. He plays the cynic very well - but he is also a charming fellow with a heart of gold that is trapped somewhere in that gray area between right and wrong.
     
    Other stand-outs include Robin Wright in her turn as Antiope, (I was having a Princess Bride nerd moment) and David Thewlis as Patrick Morgan (Remus!). While I don't want to risk much in spoilers,  the film will have you guessing who the is villain until the very end. And how about those Amazons? They were some pretty bad-ass ladies! They definitely do not skip ab or leg day...or any other day for that matter.

    Wonder Woman: Final Thoughts

     
    Wonder Woman is a refreshing look at an origin story we've never really got to experience. It was poignant, slow-building and full of amazing visuals. The film was well cast with a killer soundtrack to match, and really - I feel like that is what puts it a step above other superhero films. Music plays a vital role in films; it really does bring the audience along for the ride. When that theme thundered through the theater, we all knew something was about to go down. I can't wait to see what they have in store for Diana Prince in the future.
     
    So what do you all think? Have you seen Wonder Woman? Perhaps you're looking for something a little lighter, like Guardians of The Galaxy 2. Let us know what you think in the comments below!
     


      • Post Type: Review

    Guardians of The Galaxy 2 Movie Review: Ego The Size of A Planet

    It’s time to pop in the
    with Guardians of the Galaxy 2. Following the release of the first Marvel comic sleeper hit, fans were eager to see what direct James Gunn had in store for a sequel. Not only would he have to follow up his last act, Gunn was tasked with making all the characters work in this ensemble film - and make it possible to unite a bigger cast in the next Avengers flick.  Let's face it, Guardians of the Galaxy was a little unexpected. It managed to hold the balance of comedic timing, a good story, a killer soundtrack and it knew how to hit you right in the feels. Did Vol. 2 capture the essence of the first? Well, maybe. 


    Guarding the Galaxy
    We join our galaxy misfits in the midst of a job protecting valuable batteries for Ayesha, the leader of the Sovereign race, in exchange for Gamora's sister, Nebula. Following some crazy shenanigans, the guardians find themselves on the wrong side of the Sovereign's weapons.  Amidst their daring escape, the team is outmatched when they are rescued by an unlikely ally: a man named Ego, claiming to be Peter's father. With this new information, the group must split up, but danger awaits. Ayesha is not about to give up. She hires Yondu and the Ravagers to hunt down Quill and crew. With so many twists and turns, will the Guardians of The Galaxy manage to escape their enemies, and is Ego who he claims to be?
     


    Flip Over To Side B
    I'm going to get this part out of the way - Guardians of the Galaxy 2 is not as good as the first. It's really hard to make the sequel better than the first, especially when most of the story centers on one of the ensemble. I mean, there are intertwining stories that keep everyone involved. While that works, it still makes the story on a whole suffer a little bit. Another thing that suffered was the jokes. While most of jokes did hit, when they missed- they missed hard. Also, a main pain point for me was the soundtrack. The first one was so epic, but this one was a little lacking.
     
    Now, with that all out of the way, let's talk about what's awesome about this movie! The cast works very well together, and that is a must for an ensemble piece. The additional characters added new flair and each actor played their part very well. Baby Groot was equal parts hilarious and adorable, as expected. I loved Rocket - but I'm biased, since he is my favorite. And while the story did have it's weak points, it was still a lot of fun and it will draw you in.
     
    I really enjoyed the addition of Ego, Mantis, Nebula and Yondu. It was interesting to see how other characters fit into the original group and how they handled a new issue. The story wasn't so much about them being hired to save the day. The focus was a personal quest for all of them in the end, and it was really enjoyable.  Though not as good as the first, I really enjoyed where the story went.
     

     
     
     


    Paternal, Eternal, and Trash Bandits

     
    The returning cast in Guardians of the Galaxy 2 was fantastic. Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista were great - though Drax was a bit over the top when it came to the 'jokes.' Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper lent their voices for my two favorite characters: Rocket and Baby Groot. I just like the character dynamic. It's hard to beat.
     
    Karen Gillan also reprises her role as Nebula, and she was pretty good despite her constant intense face. I guess it's tough when your father replaces all of your body parts with machinery. However, out of all of the returning cast, Michael Rooker was the most impressive as Yondu. He really played his part well.
     
    On to the newcomers, Pom Klementieff and Kurt Russell were great additions to the MCU. They carry a bit of mystery and the payoff at the end is great. The cast chemistry in general really makes this movie. The Sovereigns play creepy "perfect" beings pretty well, and Taserface is a mix laughable and physically intimidating. It was a film well cast.

    Guardians of the Galaxy 2: Final Thoughts

     
    While it's tough for a sequel to surpass the original, Guardians of the Galaxy 2 is a lot of fun. It manages to capture the spirit of the first, and it really focuses on character development. While not all of the jokes hit, it was still hilarious - and the post credit scenes are great, as usual. There may even be some surprise cameos! (There are...trust me.) If you are looking for a good time at the movies, this is one MCU flick you can't miss.
     
    So what do you think? Have you seen Guardians of The Galaxy 2? Or maybe you are looking for something more gritty, like Logan? Perhaps DC is more your speed with Wonder Woman (coming soon!).  Let us know what you thought in the comments below!
     


      • Post Type: Review

    Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 Review

    Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 is a first person shooter developed by a relatively small studio (CI Games) whose prior works have pretty much revolved around a series of other Sniper titles and a brief dip into third person fantasy combat with Lords of the Fallen. That said, I went into this game with some pre-conceived notions about what I was expecting to play. So let’s talk first about what it is that the game really “is” and what it does.
    The Lone Sniper

     
    The entire function of the game is built around the idea of the player being a lone sniper out to get the bad guys and provides the player with tools and options to do so sight-unseen. In an attempt to provide the game with some degree of personal immersion, the story puts the player into a position where they are also pursuing a personal mission in the process of doing their job for the military.
     
    The game takes into account aspects of weapons handling that many other games regrettably neglect. It takes into consideration the significant effects of elevation, wind shear, breathing, and distance in scoping out and eliminating your target.
     
    They’ve also created an open world concept for the game that is different from past games in the series and, to an extent, it could be argued that this was an attempt to give the player more freedom in choice of their operations. Players also get to choose between three different skill trees as they gain experience and flesh out their play style.
     
    However…all of this seems pretty irrelevant when you take into consideration that there are other games out there that have done it better and are just more enjoyable.
    Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 Brings Back Realism

     
    Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 certainly has some good points. It takes the ridiculously unrealistic and absurd aspects of sniping that are unfortunately a part of so many first person shooters and brings it back to reality. So if there is anything Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 should be admired for, it’s bringing back realism and sanity to a task that’s been made so gamified that it actually ruins the game it’s put in.
     
    So if your thing is that you want realistic sniping, go ahead and give this game a try. You will more than likely be pleased by that aspect of the game. Unfortunately, that’s about the only thing I can say about the game that really made me go “Wow, this is great!” There is a lot left to be desired in the rest of the game.
    The Devil's in the Details (Graphics)

     
    The graphics aren’t bad. They certainly look nice at long distances and they were appealing enough that it didn’t look dated, but with graphics, the devil really is in the details, and there were certain little demons running through the programming as I played the game that really killed the immersion. A few examples may be…
    Everything looks nice until the game deliberately zooms in to a kill-shot while sniping, then the entire animation when the bullet is supposed to strike the enemy looks cheap, poorly articulated, and in some instances even pixelish. This really destroys the immersion and takes a lot of the satisfaction away from what should have been a victorious moment.Hearing a helicopter fly overhead gives you a brief moment of anxiety as you rush to the nearest bushes…until you watch the helicopter fly directly over a series of trees/bushes that should bend and sway with the force of the approaching chopper…and instead they look exactly like they did when the chopper was nowhere in site. The execution is all very wooden and uninspired.A variety of graphical bugs have popped up almost routinely and kill the experience altogether.
    That said, I do feel like I need to say something about the overall programming of the game, which leaves a lot to be desired.
    Glitches, Bugs, and Long Load Times

     
    This game is unbelievably buggy. Everything from minor graphical glitches that phase out instantly to literally falling through the ground and disappearing beneath the map on multiple occasions. That by itself almost kills the game completely for me, not because of the inconvenience of the map glitch, but because that glitch then requires a complete re-load. And loading screens in this game are PAINFULLY long. When I say I’ve sat at a loading screen for a solid five minutes, I am not kidding. I have not seen loading screens this long in several generations of consoles.
     
    Sound in the game isn’t great either. It’s certainly not bad, but there needs to be a lot more “oomph” to certain things that just sounded too dull or under-emphasized and left me feeling a bit under-satisfied.
    Predictable Story & Character Development

     
    The story is pretty predictable and the character development…well. Let’s say they found the most painfully stereotypical writer they could to do the narrative for these characters. The characters don’t particularly have any personally heroic qualities to them that make you want to get attached to them, the acting is undeservedly melodramatic – characters will go from 0 to 100 on the drama scale and back again almost instantaneously – and the overall attitude of the main characters leaves a lot to be desired. I mean, if you were trying to create a genuinely unlikeable and groan-inducing character, that would have been easily achievable here. But, somehow, I don’t think that was the intention.
     
    Replayability isn’t really there either. Once I put it down… I was pretty certain I’d played enough of it and could move on to bigger and better things.
    Leaves a Lot to be Desired

     
    Overall, it’s not a bad game, but it certainly leaves a lot to be desired. If you’re looking for a realistic sniping game that does enough right in that regard to be a unique experience and get away from the complete and utter garbage fire that is “sniping” in most other FPS games, then definitely give it a shot. But if you’re looking for a fun, engaging storyline with a strong attention to immersion that will have you coming back every day eager for more…there are games out there that offer much more of that than Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 can muster.

      • Post Type: Review

    Logan Movie Review: Drawing Out The Adamantium Claws

    The
    in Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine story is bittersweet, to say the least. After Deadpool paved the way for “rated R” comic book possibilities, X-Men fans were treated to this character’s swan song in the best way possible.  As we say good-bye to Jackman, we can only wonder if anyone else will be worthy of unleashing the adamantium claws.  While the fanbase knew this was coming, Patrick Stewart took this time to throw his retirement of Professor Xavier into the mix. While this certainly marks the end of a legacy, Logan certainly is a film to go out on. 
    [caption id=attachment_20172" align="aligncenter" width="2400] L1006049 - Hugh Jackman stars as Logan/Wolverine in LOGAN. Photo Credit: James Mangold.[/caption]

    A Dark Time For Mutants
    In the year 2029, mutants are on the brink of extinction. The time of the X-Men has long past and James Howlett, aka Logan, aka Wolverine, is struggling through his illness rattled life working as a chauffeur.  He lives with an ailing Charles Xavier and a mutant tracker, attempting to live a quiet life when a mysterious woman enters his life. Gabriela Lopez pleads with Logan to help escort a young girl named Laura to North Dakota to a place called “Eden."  After an initial refusal, it becomes very apparent that Laura is no normal child when a legion of soldiers known as the Revenant tries to track her down.
     
    Logan is trapped in a crossroads between caring for Charles and protecting this girl, but much more is at stake than he may realize.
     


    Not Your Typical Comic Flick
    While the title would make it seem like this “should” be a comic-bookie flick, I assure you it is not. After the first few scenes, it’s very clear that this movie is rated R for a reason. That being said, it doesn’t try to hit viewers over the head with it. There is swearing, a fair amount of gore, but the movie isn’t rated R just for the heck of it. The film is able to hit the right narrative tone because of it.
     
    We are introduced to a worn and weary Wolverine and it is obvious that he’s a shadow of his former self. The story is heavy with the reality that the world has changed; mutants are no longer a part of it. At the same time, with the introduction of Laura, there is a glimmer of hope. There is a lot of heavy tension throughout the film. It's balanced with some quiet moments and character building. The narrative was very character focused and it really hit all of the feels. The only thing the film seemed to lack was action.
     
    Don’t get me wrong – there was action. However, it was spaced out (probably to allow the audience to catch a collective breath.) When the action scenes did commence, they were worth the wait. There was one scene in particular that really captured that old Wolverine magic, but it was very brief.  I guess that’s part of Logan’s theme: passing the torch to the next generation. I only wish I got to see a little more of that generation.
     

     

     


    The Wolverine Himself
    Actor portrayal: what can I say about it? The actor portrayal is spot on as always. Hugh Jackman is Wolverine – and it’s interesting to see him play this character from a different perspective. Sir Patrick Steward is remarkable as always as Professor Xavier.  The real stand out is Dafne Keen as Laura Kinney. The film rested on a connection with this little girl and she delivered. She played the role with ferocity and quiet rage that could put her co-actors to shame.
     
    Finally, we come to the villains. Boyd Holbrook does a decent job playing a cocky jerk, while Richard E. Grant follows up with a creepy scientist. While the film was great, the villainy wasn't on par with any legendary antagonists by any means. Then again, this really wasn’t what the film was shooting for.
     


    Logan: Final Thoughts
    This is truly the end of an era. While all of the films with Wolverine weren't exactly stellar, Hugh Jackman did the character justice. Logan is a wonderful send-off, and I'll admit it left me feeling a little hollow inside. This may be the last X-Men film starring Jackman and Steward, but their portrayal will always be the one to beat.  One can only hope that we can follow the new generation and that they prove better than the last.
     
     
     
    So what do you all think? Have you seen Logan?  Need more action? Check out John Wick: Chapter 2.  Let us know in the comments below!
     


      • Post Type: Review

    Nostalgia Train: Luigi's Mansion Review

    Back in 2001, Nintendo was on the verge of releasing it's latest console following the N64. This new system would take a step away from the classic cartridges in favor of slim and small discs and come in a lightweight cube-inspired design. That's not all that was planned for the future of Nintendo. The fans had long awaited a video game starring the brother of one of the most famous franchise icons of all time. Yes, 2001 brought the launch of the Nintendo Gamecube and Luigi's Mansion.
     


    The Younger Mario
    Luigi's Mansion, while not the first game to feature our favorite green plumber as the main character, is one of most memorable games for the Gamecube. It's a "ghost" hunting action-adventure game that pits Luigi against an unstoppable horde of ghouls and goblins.
     
    We join Luigi as he arrives at a creepy mansion he and his brother, Mario, won in a contest they never entered. Armed with only a flashlight, the younger brother discovers that something foul is afoot when he is promptly accosted by a legion of shadowy figures. Lucky for Luigi, Professor E. Gadd, a paranormal scientist, is on the scene testing out his newest device: the Poltergust 3000. Fearing something had happened to Mario, Luigi takes up the task of clearing out the house of ghosts and searching for his brother.
     


    Cleaning Luigi's Mansion
    The main goal of this action-platform adventure is to find what happened to Mario. Players guide Luigi through the mansion picking up treasure, sucking up ghosts, and uncovering secrets. In order to conduct a proper search, players must go through every room and clear out all of the enemies. After a room is clear, Luigi can search for money, special items, or keys. The game is broken into four parts: one for each floor of the mansion.
     
    Luigi, as terrified as he is, is armed with a flashlight, the ghost-sucking, element-blasting Poltergust 3000 and the Game Boy Horror communicator. Players can use the Game Boy Horror Communicator to check out a map of the mansion and keep track of the areas they've explored. However, before a room can be marked on the map, it has to be cleared of all the ghosts.
     
    In order to catch a ghost, Luigi must blast them with his flashlight to stun them. While stunned, players can try to suck up the ghost, draining their HP. If Luigi is hit, he will lose some hit points and drop some of his treasure. While some ghosts are fairly easy to catch, others have higher hit points and must be defeated with special items.Players can also encounter Boos, which are a little trickery to deal with than normal ghosts.
     
    Once a player catches all the ghost in an area, they must face the boss ghost. Once defeated, the ghosts are loaded into Professor E. Gadd's portrait machine and they are all available for your viewing pleasure.
     

     

     


    Treasures, Secrets, and Hidden Toads 
    While most of Luigi's Mansion is straight forward, there are few other tidbits that should be noted. While exploring, Luigi can find a few Toads hiding away. These little guys act as the save points of the game. Of course, if there are any creepy crawlies around, you can't use them.
     
    While Luigi makes his way through the mansion ghost-busting, he can make a good buck. Treasure is hidden everywhere in the boards, tapestries and cupboards. Even after a room is cleared, Luigi should be searching everywhere while he feebly cries for his brother. This is the best way to scare out hiding Boos; they could be lurking anywhere, even if the lights have come up.
     
    At the end of the game, the total money is tallied and players are given a score A-H. Depending on the score, a whole new mode can be unlocked - so it's a good idea to horde that moola.
     


    Re-Visiting Luigi's Mansion
    Luigi's Mansion is one of those games that is easy to pick up and just play. It's not very complicated and it comes with a fair amount of challenge. It's very different from other Nintendo titles, but it's incredibly short. I don't necessarily think that being a short game is a bad thing, if the price is right, of course. But the music starts to get repetitive after some time, and I wish Luigi had a bit more to say other than "
    ." Still, it was refreshing to get a game from his perspective that wasn't terrible. (*coughMarioisMissingcough*) 
    That being said, this game is incredibly fun. It's pretty satisfying to suck up all those ghouls and see the lights turn on in the mansion. Considering when the game was made, the graphics hold up pretty well, too! The puzzles are interesting and can be challenging at times, and while the story isn't something we haven't experienced, it does the job.
     
    The only additional criticism I could have for this game concerns the controls. At times, controlling the Poltergust 3000 was a bit of a pain, especially when you had to redirect Luigi while using it. Once you get used to the controls, it's a lot of fun. Overall, this is an excellent title to revisit.
     
    What do you all think? Have you played Luigi's Mansion lately? How about Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon? Let us know in the comments below.
     


      • Post Type: Review, Editorial

    The Evolution of Final Fantasy: Final Fantasy XI Review

    After the success of Final Fantasy X, the series was about to take a completely different direction. So far, Final Fantasy was pretty much a single player game - if you don't count the few you can somehow split into a 2-player experience, of course. With advancement in technology and such an expansive world, it seemed to be the right direction for Square when they developed Final Fantasy XI into an MMORPG. What it became was a culmination of everything the developers had wanted for previous franchise entries but lacked the technology to do. Final Fantasy XI stepped away from the mold and became the first cross-platform MMORPG.

    Stepping Away From The Formula
    Before Final Fantasy XI, barring a few non-cannon entries, the franchise focused on a sprawling story where a single player controlled several party members throughout the game. With this new design, players could make their own hero by browsing the character creation, which had its limits. However, players could now take on the role of hero and decide how to develop that character throughout the game.
     
    Also, with online cross-platform capability, gamers could reach out across the world to connect with others and form their own party. With automatic language translation, it was quite possible to connect with just about anyone via PC, Xbox 360 or on the PlayStation network.
     
    Of course, with innovation comes a host of issues. This was a huge left turn for the series as the fans knew it. It required a paid subscription to play and there were plenty of problems in both game play and servers. However, those who really enjoyed the game do look on it as a labor of love, from beginning to the very last expansion pack.



     


    Does Our Story Ever Really Begin?
    Our story is set in the mythical land of Vana'diel, once a 'playground' for the gods and their children, all spawned from the mystical Crystal. After the Gods' children became headstrong and wished to become gods themselves, they were destroyed. After seeing this, the Goddess Altana wept - giving life to the main races of the world. The God of Twilight, Promathia, called Altana's actions weak, and poisoned the race with dark attributes. Promathia also created the race of beastmen, which serve as the main antagonists of the game, - and so the spiral of war plagued Vana'diel for all eternity!
     
    Sounds fun, right?
     
    After creating a character, based off of one of these races, the story begins in one of three main countries: San d'Oria, Bastock, or Windurst. These countries are banding together to defeat the evil Shadow Lord.
     
    And that's the long and short of it.
     


    Plot Overview
    The plot of Final Fantasy XI is very basic. Like many other stories in the series, it starts off with one main antagonist and then escalates into something far more crazy. Like most MMORPGs, the story takes a back seat to game play. It establishes the setting, the central focus for the game, and lets players run wild from there.
     
    The game contains several 'quest' and story objectives, and background is really dependant on character development. Through character creation, avatars are given strengths and weaknesses and placed in a particular starting area. Players essentially have to work their way up the ladder of their nation in order to go through the game.
     
    Additional story can be added via expansion packs, but these essentially provide more missions and end game content. Overall, the story is pretty vanilla.
     

     


    Game Play: The Very Basics
    FFXI is your typical MMORPG in a number of ways, but there are many things the set it apart from other games in the genre. Players create and control one character throughout the game, focusing on leveling up stats and completing quests. This can be done by exploring the world, speaking with NPCs, visiting towns and dungeons, and fighting battles. Of course, this isn't meant to be a solo venture. It's a better experience when players team up and tackle missions together, but there is something to be said about solo exploration.
     
    While there is a lot to this game, much of the enjoyment is found in actual game play; I'm merely providing these simple explanations - so let's tackle them piece by piece.

    Character Creation
    While other Final Fantasy titles have the characters pre-created, this game allows players to create, within limits, their own.  Players could choose from five different races: Humes, Tarutaru, Elvaan, Galka, and Mithra. They could also choose the gender (for most races) and alter the appearance of the character, but not by too much.
     
    From there, players choose a class and an allegiance. The 'class' or jobs were modeled after Final Fantasy III. Six come standard, others are gathered by completing quests or through expansion packs. The jobs work like they have in previous games. Jobs provide your character with abilities and stat growth.
     
    Allegiances are more or less the areas where your character can flourish, gain bonuses, and ultimately grow your character. As you climb your social ladder, the bonuses get better - but if you change your 'class,' the process starts all over again. This is part of the fun in creating your characters - it's important to choose wisely.
     
    Choosing a race dictates the bonuses, allegiances and the class type gamers could settle into. While any particular race could be any class, there are better combinations available. For instance, the Tarutaru excels in magic classes, but they make terrible warriors. Regardless of what players choose, everyone has the same basic background - which leads to some of the issues. The character scope is incredibly limited as far as customization is concerned. There isn't much to choose from and it can all seem pretty bland. But once players decide on a character - it's game on.
     


    Character Development
    While your character race usually stays the same, players could mix up their classes and allegiances.  While class changes are easier to switch, swapping your allegiance could be pricey and requires in-game currency. But before doing any of that, it's important to explore each city and really take it for all it's got!
     
    Players can also take advantage of auction houses, transportation, item storage and other exciting things in the cities of Vana'diel. Depending on your character's allegiance, a player can explore different parts of Vana'diel and really benefit from climbing societal ranks. By mixing things up, players could discover specialty armor, stat boosts, better weapons and rare items available to certain allegiances.  In order to get stronger, however, players have to level.
     
    Characters level by class, rather than leveling the character itself. A player's rank can grow by completing quests, but certain quests can only be reached by being a particular level. And that leads to the endless grinding. So, joining a guild or group is a very good idea. It's better not to grind alone - misery loves company.

    Healers, Mages and Tanks: Oh my!
    There is quite a bit of fighting in Final Fantasy XI, but it's very slow. Battles take some time, and unlike other franchise entries up to this point, players can actually run around in real-time. There is no 'separate' battle screen, but instead, monsters will just up an attack would-be adventurers. At the start of encounter, enemies can be 'claimed' by a player or a party, and no other player or party can join.
     
    Of course, if things don't go quite as planned, it is possible to die in battle. This results in losing a level or experience, and puts you back at the drawing board. Sometimes it's better to find a group.
     
    During battle, a player can go solo or have a party of up to six members. A varied group is a good idea: filled with magic users, support characters, a healer, a tank, and damage dealers.  Players can choose different abilities according to their class. The idea is to build up a party with 'skill chains' to constantly beat on the enemy with mages backing everyone up. Also, making use of 'Magic Bursts' or the game's limit break can really move battles along.
     




    Lack of Murdering and Killing Time
    Two of the main complaints with Final Fantasy XI revolve around the battle concept itself. The first main issue is a lack of Player VS Player. While there is a way to do it, it's only allowed in particular events and seasons. This is an MMORPG staple nowadays, and it was an area the game didn't excel.
     
    The second issue? Grinding. Endless hours of grinding. While many mention this as a 'labor of love,'  it took hours to do. While the game itself could be fun, it also sucked up a lot of time doing unnecessary things. At the time of its release it wasn't so bad, but as the years went on...it lost its luster.
     

     


    Final Fantasy XI: Final Thoughts
    It's hard to really consider Final Fantasy XI as part of the main series, but this is a franchise that defines itself by changing the formula. Borrowing from elements of the past, and crossing the console boundaries, this game established itself as worthy of the legacy. Though it lacked a decent story and it was an unforgiving grindfest, there is something to love about this MMORPG - otherwise it wouldn't have been the most profitable game of the series.
     
    There are so many things to explore: crafting, mini-games, different job classes, end-game content, and it's doesn't just end when you defeat the big boss. The game goes on. While it can feel like a job at times, it really does have some fun to it. But...good luck playing it on PS2 or XBOX 360 because those servers shut down in 2016. But this would not be the last MMORPG Square Enix attempted...no...there was a much darker, more sinister game planned...
     
    But before that, there were a couple other franchise entries to enjoy!
     
    So, what do you all think? Still playing Final Fantasy XI for PC? Or are you glad that chapter of your life is done? Let us know in the comments below!
     


      • Post Type: Review

    Manga Corner: Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Vol. 1 Review

    The Legend of Zelda is one of the greatest video game series of all time. It also happens to be one of my favorite. When I first discovered that there was manga series based off the franchise I have played since I was a child, I had a bit of a meltdown. The series is by Akira Himekawa and every book is a treasure, including the latest based on final Zelda game on the Gamecube and the first for the Wii. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Vol. 1 debuted on February 8th, 2016 - it was translated and released in the States on March 15th, 2017, published by Viz Media.
     
    At first, it wasn't likely that the book would be published at all due to the game's rating and how it was received. Like the previous entries in this manga series, the Twilight Princess manga is based off the video game of the same name. This graphic novel is the first of four planned for the series.


    There is a Legend...
    Our hero, Link, is doing his best to settle down in the peaceful Ordon Village. Little does he know, his world of light is about to turn dark. Shadows have begun to stir. An ancient evil long forgotten has taken hold of the land of Hyrule. Can Link face the darkness of his former life and rise to meet his destiny? Or will he be swallowed forever by the demons lurking in his past?
     


    Entering The Shadow Realm
    While Twilight Princess is based off the video game, there are quite a few changes to the story. It goes further into the origins of Zant and Midna and provides Link with a backstory prior to his arrival in Ordon Village. While this added information fills in the narrative, I'm eager to see how they develop it in each volume. Focusing on our main hero, this personification of Link is different than others up to this point. He's a little rough around the edges and less eager to please. He acts like an actual teenager, which is refreshing, but he still has those familiar heroic qualities.
     
    The theme is much darker and the visuals complement that vision. Some of the scenes are pretty gruesome, but then again, this was one of the more somber entries in the game franchise. As a starter, Vol. 1 does a good job drawing in the readers, leaving many unanswered questions. It also provides enough change for veterans of the series to be intrigued.  While the novel does captivate its audience, I feel like it ended far too soon. This book only covers the very beginning - and though the creators have always done well adapting the games, I can't help but worry a bit. Or maybe I just want the next volume to be out.
     
    I can't get over the artistry; the artwork is just outstanding. Hyrule and its inhabitants leap off the page. Each character depiction is very true to the video game. The panels are fluid, easy to follow, and they read quickly. Overall, this is a pretty good start to a series.
     


    Twilight Princess, Vol. 1: Final Thoughts
    The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Vol. 1 doesn't shy away from the darker themes explored in its console counterpart.Though the tone is more mature than other franchise adaptations, it is visually inspired and true to the source material. It introduces a fair amount of previously unexplored backstory and sets up its audience for the next dramatic entry; and I am excited for it!
     
    What do you all think? Have you read The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Vol. 1? Did you know  Vol. 2 is out?  Want to have a copy of your very own? Click here!
     
    Or maybe you're more interested in the source material...click here for the HD remake on the Wii U, or here for the Wii version. Good luck finding a copy for the Game Cube!
     


      • Post Type: Review

    Movie Time: John Wick Chapter 2

    Talk about tying up loose-ends. John Wick is back, because let’s face it…We all want to see him in the bloody, over-the-top action flick, John Wick Chapter 2. In this thrilling sequel, we join Keanu Reeves once more as he takes a turn as Baba Yaga to answer a call he cannot refuse. Considering how high the bar was set after the surprise hit, John Wick, the next chapter has a lot to live up to.



    Receiving The Marker
    Picking back up right where we last saw him, John Wick Chapter 2 starts in a heavy shoot-out as the Boogeyman attempts to recover his stolen car. After settling his debts and calling 'peace,' John officially bows out and returns home with his new unnamed puppy companion. Before he is able to settle into his retirement, an old friend comes knocking at his door. Crime lord Santino D'Antonio (Riccardo Scamarcio) calls in a favor, handing over a blood oath marker that cannot be ignored. After reluctantly agreeing, as it is one of the unbreakable rules to refuse a marker, John Wick is sent on a hit that will ultimately shake the underworld's foundation.
     

     

     


    Welcome to the Continental
    John Wick Chapter 2 starts out exactly like an awesome action-movie sequel should - right where it left off. All of the audience's lingering questions are answered and we are treated to an awesome fire-fight before we've touched our popcorn. (Who am I kidding? That's gone before the movie even starts!) But there-in lies a little bit of a problem with this movie. All the loose ends are tied up, so what else is there for John to do? This is when the story relies on this previously unmentioned information about the marker, and it does work. However, it doesn't have the same power as the original. Force-ably repaying a debt isn't as bad ass as hunting down the bastards who wronged you.
     
    What's really interesting about John Wick Chapter 2 is the look inside the 'underworld' - or how being a hit man works. The movie takes us through an assignment from beginning to end, and it's cool to see that lore unfold. We get to see an international Continental and how quickly information goes through the wire. Also, the action scenes are amazing. I mean, that's the most important part to a flick like this. It does not disappoint! Some action sequences are actually pretty comical. It's great that this film knows what it is and doesn't take itself to seriously. It also movies very fast. You'll wonder where the time went.
     
    My main issue with the flick, besides the weaker motivation, is the weak villains. While Santino D'Antonio is a slimy bastard, his henchman Ares is pretty unremarkable. At some point, John Wick has to go up against a bunch of faceless enemies, and there-in lies the intensity. He never knows who will be coming after him. Regardless, while there are the 'main' villains, none of them are really up to par.
     


    Take The Blue Pill
    Keanu Reeves is awesome as John Wick, as usual. But nothing is as incredible as seeing Neo and Morpheus together again, even for a moment. Common plays a typical bodyguard, and Ruby Rose tries to be intimidating as D'Antonio's henchman, but neither is as imposing as they should be. They are fine, but not particularly noteworthy. Riccardo Scamarcio pulls of that coward with a lot of power character well-enough, but everyone is just overshadowed by the gun fire of Keanu Reeves. In fact, the only actors that really stood out were Lance Reddick and John Leguizamo. But then again, we really just want to see John Wick kick ass.
     


    John Wick Chapter 2: Final Thoughts
    Though not as awesome as the first, John Wick Chapter 2 is a pretty good sequel. It's an adrenaline rush from start to finish, and everything moves so quickly its 2 hour run time seems like ten minutes. The plot isn't as strong, but the action scenes make up for any failing the script may have. This chapter gives a glimpse of the underground and sets up the next chapter of John's tragic story. Given all the hype, I'm definitely excited to see the next one.
     
     
     
    So what do you all think? Have you seen
    ? How about Logan? Looking for something more family-friendly? Well, there's always Lego Batman. Let us know what you think in the comments below! 


      • Post Type: Review

    Movie Time: Lego Batman Movie Review

    Always be yourself…unless you can be Batman. Lego Batman gets the pleasure of encompassing the joy of the classic comic book without the pressure of being dark and gritty. This cheeky spin-off of The Lego Movie plays with the iconic superhero in a way that pokes fun at its roots and will have you clutching your sides. Starring the vocal talents of Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson and Ralph Fiennes, Lego Batman is hilarious way to spend the afternoon.
     


    The Bat Signal
    Several years following the events of
    , Batman has returned to Gotham City to fight crime. During a fierce show-down with his arch-nemesis, the Joker, Batman says some choice words that hurt the Crown Prince of Crime, causing him to seek the ultimate revenge. Oblivious to his enemy’s plans, Batman attends a gala celebrating Commissioner Gordon’s retirement. In his confusion, Batman unwittingly adopts Dick Grayson, a young orphan, and he is introduced the new commissioner, who has a plan for eliminating the need for Batman. 
    After the Gala, Bruce Wayne tries to get a handle on fatherhood, his mixed emotions about the new commissioner, and life after Batman.  Of course, there is a more sinister plot a foot. Can the Dark Knight accept change and tackle his greatest fear in order to save Gotham City?
     






    To The Bat-Mobile!
    As far as Batman movies go, this one is nothing short of action-packed. In the first few scenes, everything moves so quickly it's hard to catch everything. The pace is off the charts until the beginning sequence is over. Everything slows down after that, except the jokes of course. I found myself laughing hysterically and each joke hit perfectly.
     
    I liked the twist on the genre and the movie went in a direction I didn't really think it would, and it takes a slightly different look at the Batman character. While the story itself didn't break any ground, it was enjoyable. The characters were bright and fun, it had a great script, but I never really got the 'feels' at the parts I should have. Then again, this is a very lighthearted movie - a lighthearted movie full of awesome pop culture references.
     
    Lego Batman is a comic-book extravaganza, but it doesn't quite reach Lego Movie status.
     


    The Justice League
    The voice acting in this movie is perfect. Will Arnett reprises his roll as Batman, and he's perfect for it. Zach Galifinakis had a lot to live up portraying the infamous Crown Prince of Crime. He pulls it off quite well, considering the tone of the film.  Rosario Dawson, Michael Cera, and Ralph Fiennes complete this fun ensemble and brought the Batman Team to life.
     
    The soundtrack also made this cinematic ride more fun. The score by Lorne Balfe compliments the action, and the pop music adds an extra dash of silly. All of these elements blend together to make a very enjoyable flick.
     


    Lego Batman: Final Thoughts
    Lego Batman is an exciting and hilarious take on the beloved comic series. While it isn't up to par with Lego Movie, it's okay - because it wasn't really trying to be that. It was something much different, poking fun at one of the most well-loved DC comic book characters of all time. With a charming soundtrack, a ton of pop-culture fueled humor, and an excellent cast, this is a family-friendly film worth watching.
     
    So, deadicated fans, what do you think? Have you seen Lego Batman? or did you check out John Wick Chapter 2? And who's looking forward to 
    !  Let us know in the comments below!
     
     

      • Post Type: Review

    Retro Movie Time: Men in Black

    Retro Movie Time: the series that grabs an illegal time travel device and jumps off the Chrysler building in order to revisit the filmography of the past. Sometimes it's fun to take a look at what directors and actors of by-gone eras have given us - for better or worse. It's also important to see how these movies stand against the test of time! The first installment of this series takes a look at life from outer space coming down to co-exist with an unknowing human-kind in Men in Black.
     
    Wow, 1997! Has it really been 20 years already? Well, two sequels, an animated series, and aging stars are pretty much an indication of time passage, so it's certainly been awhile since Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones first teamed up for this action/comedy/sci-fi flick.
     


    Intergalactic Kegger
    The Men in Black are a specialized agency that handles all communication and business with alien life. The aliens, in turn, take refuge and live side-by-side with the unsuspecting earthlings. In order to be an MIB agent, however, one must completely erase his or her self from existence and cut all ties.
     
    Our story begins with Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones), who is on assignment one evening when his aging partner fails to take down a hostile. After a quick encounter with a memory-erasing neuralyzer, K finds himself in need of a new partner.  Enter the nimble and hard-hitting James Darrel Edwards III(Will Smith) of the NYPD.
     
    Unfortunately, as the future Agent J is recruited, danger is afoot. (There's always danger afoot.) A malevolent life-form known only as a bug has made it's way to Earth. This aggressive alien is hell-bent on stealing something from the Arquillian royal family in hopes of starting a war.  Can Agent K and Agent J get it together long enough to stop warfare and keep the MIB a secret? You'll have to watch to find out.
     


    Don't Turn Green...
    Men in Black is basically a classic at this point. If you haven't seen it, it's a good blend of comedy and sci-fi. The movie moves quickly, but it's writing is smart enough to keep you chuckling until the end credits. There is a bit of absurdity in the script, but the dead pan delivery by Tommy Lee Jones makes it so perfect, you'd think it could be real.
     
    The film's pacing is pretty good; there is rarely a dull moment. What's great about the story is it's ability to make extraordinary problems and moments seem like every day occurrences. Yes, there may be a battle fleet of aliens about to destroy Earth, but the important thing is we do not know about it. The audience is privy to the MIB lifestyle, and while we may worry about the impending doom of the planet, others are blissfully unaware.
     
    It's a fun, cheeky, and action-packed movie that has a
    . It's one of those movies that's easy to get drawn into if it's playing on TV.
     

     


    The Men In Black
    Our main actors in this flick are very well cast. Our lead guys, Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith, make a wonderfully balanced pair. The old salt is teaching the newbie, and they have a wonderful dynamic.
     
    An additional cast member worthy of mention is the female lead, Linda Florentino as Laurel Weaver.  She takes up the mantle as the Deputy Medical Examiner, who's had a few run-ins with the MIB but can't quite recall thanks to the neuralyzer. She is also Agent J's love interest. While her part was pretty small, her character lacked real development. However, she does have a few zingers, and for what she was, the actress played her well.
     
    Another call out is the movie's villain, played by Vincent D'Onofrio. With a combo of special effects make-up and skill, the decaying Edgar skin-wearing bug was equal parts gruesome and hilarious. He struck a balance between creepy and humor that worked well for the film.
     
    Collectively, while none of the characters had deep backgrounds, it's not that kind of movie, so they worked well. The film was cast very perfectly and each player pulled off an excellent portrayal.
     


    Now...For an Eye Exam
    After 20 years, Men in Black is still a fun film to watch. It was different, charming, and though the fashion may be a bit dated, it's always great to watch. With a perfect soundtrack, and Will Smith fresh out of Bel-Air, this is a must for any movie buff's collection. While it may not be a deep film, it is a funny and unique take on the sci-fi genre without getting trapped in the technicalities of it. Men in Black is simply a great popcorn flick, with smart comedic writing that can last the test of time.
     
    Let's just forget that Men in Black 2 ever happened.
     
    So what do you think of Men in Black? Did you love it? Hate it? Remember it fondly? Let us know in the comments below.
     


      • Post Type: Review, Editorial

    Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Review

    The Star Wars series has been a pop-culture staple for nearly 40 years.  I had to pause and take that in for moment as I considered that immense popularity that the franchise has.  Even before Disney started raking in the dough on this fatted cash cow, every few years or so, there was a Star Wars revival. Between each release, re-release, prequel, and sequel, the critical eyes of the Star Wars fans were squinted, and with the internet, they were poised and ready to attack.  With such a beloved series, there is high-pressure to do it justice. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story did just that.
     

     
     

    Rebellion Gone Rogue One: Spoiler-Free!
    Our story bridges the gap between Revenge of the Sith and New Hope. The Imperials are gathering up scientists to construct a space station so powerful it will eliminate planets in a matter of minutes. Upon it's completion, the struggling rebellion gets wind of a rumor that there may be a way to destroy this mass killing machine. The rebel Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) is tasked with locating the Imperial defector carrying the very information could turn the tide of the war.
     


    Bridging The Gap
    The film makers had a difficult task ahead of them when they began putting together Rogue One. They had to strike a balance between established Star Wars lore, fan service, and create something that fit perfectly into that universe. (It was almost as hard as making this a spoiler-free review!) Adding too much fan service can take away from the story continuity, while not having enough lore could make the film feel like it's not part of the original series. There was a thin line to walk, and Rogue One manages to do just that.
     
    While the film has bits and pieces of 'fan service,' it doesn't waste a ton of time on it.  For instance, Darth Vader makes an appearance in the film - but though his presence is noted, it's not forced and it makes sense for the story. There are also a few other throwbacks that fit within the story frame. The nods to the past make sense. Much of what happens in the film also clears up loose ends from the established series.
     

     

     


    The Jedi, The Sith and The Rancor
    While the story is slow to begin, it's necessary to establish the new characters in this exciting adventure. And I do mean exciting. There were moments when I was literally leaning forward, grabbing the arms of the chair to hold myself back. The film does a great job drawing you in. The slow start helps establish the scene and it really does amp up the tension as the movie reaches its climax.
     
    Short of stepping into spoiler territory, I was so drawn in that even as certain events happened, I tried to convince myself otherwise. (So vague...I'm sorry. Go see it. You'll get it.) The film manages to not only look like a Star Wars film, but most definitely adds to its legacy.
     


    The Rebels of Rogue One
    Each of the roles are balanced and well thought out. I found myself rooting for each individual character and despising the villain. It was also an interesting look at the rebellion. Rogue One muddies up the line between "good" and "evil" a bit, showing that not everyone on each side is so strictly aligned.
     
    The cast was made up of mostly unknown actors. Felicity Jones really kills it as the strong and capable Jyn Erso, while Diego Luna makes a compelling counterpart as a rebel with a less than savory past. Though I usually have problems with the villain, Ben Mendelsohn does an excellent job portraying the sinister Orson Krennic.
     
    Short of mentioning all of the actors in this film, every character introduced fit the story so well! From the defective Imperial cargo pilot to the Guardian of Whills, they all managed to win me over in the short time we spent together. (Though I'd hate not mention Alan Tudyk's awesome voice acting!)
     
    Of course, the final character is the score! It's like a character at least. Michael Giacchino (Up, Call of Duty franchise) followed the footsteps of the great John Williams, and doesn't disappoint. He took a lot of influence from the legendary composer and truly helped take us to a galaxy far, far away.
     


    Final Thoughts
    I found it very hard to find criticize this movie, because I went in knowing what it was. It's a missing puzzle piece. It's not a "new series." It captures the spirit of
     without throwing in a ton of lightsabers, ewoks, or Jedi. It takes a perspective we haven't seen before, and it has a surge of action that is definitely worth seeing. 
    So what do you all think?  Have you seen Rogue One? What's your favorite part of the franchise? Let us know in the comments below! Stay deadicated!
     


      • Post Type: Review

    Nostalgia Train: Milon's Secret Castle

    Welcome back aboard the Nostalgia Train - the series that takes a look back at crazy movies and games from our past that we love, hate, and sometimes forget about. Today's trip leads us back to the NES era - a time of masterpieces and some rather obscure titles. In honor of those forgotten cartridges, I give you Milon's Secret Castle. There's much to be said about this game and very little makes sense. It is one of those titles that you may have lying around or in the bottom of a box in your basement. Just remember, all trips down memory-lane aren't going to be good ones.
     


    Milon's Complicated Story
    As a gamer fires up this game on the good ol' NES, it becomes immediately apparent that it will be a bit of a dumpster fire. There is no explanation and no story; players are set before a castle with three doors, a well and that's it.
     
    After some digging, I finally found the game's story! It revolves around young Milon, who lives in a land where people use music to communicate with each other - but he can't understand anyone. Apparently, he's music illiterate. He decides to travel the world. Before he leaves, he wants to visit the Queen. Wouldn't you know it, she's been taken by an Evil Warlord. (As you do...) The court magician appoints Milon to save her. He gives Milon...bubbles and tells him the castle where she's being held has all sorts of tools for him, and that's it. Milon's off to save the day.
     


    Stormin' the Castle
    Milon's Secret Castle doesn't just lack a cohesive story, it doesn't really make any sense at all. A young man saving a girl is a basic trope, but why would Milon even attempt to meet with the queen knowing he could not communicate with her. If all the inhabitants of the land he lives in only communicate using music, why would he think the royal family was any different? For that matter, how in the world did the magician even clue Milon in?
     
    The story itself doesn't scratch the surface. Players aren't even clued into story, so it doesn't really matter. Playing the game is just and needlessly complicated.
     


    Sticky Platforms and Curious Secrets
    The game-play for Milon's Secret Castle isn't overly complicated. Milon is given a life bar and a single life. He can run, jump, and shoot bubbles. He has to enter the castle and discover the secrets within while battling beasts. There is no rhyme or reason to the placement of things, but Milon must fire his bubbles at everything. Bubbles will kill enemies, reveal secret doors, and break blocks.
     
    Players have to find the hidden shops, music boxes, and items in order to battle stage bosses. After defeating these bosses, Milon gets stronger and gamers advance to new parts of the castle to repeat the process all over again.
     


    Milon's Secret Castle: Keeping it Secret
    Looking past the story and the weird weapon, one of the things that makes this game frustrating is the difficulty. Unlike other platformers, when Milon gets hit, there is no 'post-hit invisibility.' He also has a very small life bar. When that depletes, it's game over. Players have to start at the beginning. Of course, if you manage to make it past the first boss, there is a trick to starting where you left off. Also, there are ways to increase Milon's health, but it's so minuscule it's barely worth it.
     
    Another pain point with this game is a lack of direction. While it's pretty neat that players can complete the game in any way they wish, it doesn't clue gamers in on what to do. The secrets are hidden so well that hardly anyone knew they had to look for them. The boss chamber only fills once certain bench marks are complete. Players can't even exit a level without finding a door first.
     
    Couple all of these grievances with sticky controls, respawning enemies, and cryptic hints, and you've got yourself a pretty terrible game. While it isn't the worst game, it's almost not worth remembering. ALMOST.
     
    So, play on, gamers. What do you think of Milon's Secret Castle? Want a more truthful review? Check out



      • Post Type: Review, Editorial

    Scoot Over: Top 10 Versus & Couch Co-Op Games for the Holidays

    It's that time of year again! Time for families to make the trek back home or for people to attend parties, or do none or all of the above. Even with all of the festivities and travel, there is no excuse to stop gaming - in fact, there is every reason TO game. Let's be real - games are a big part of holiday fun. With technology today, we are no longer limited to only board games - though those are incredibly fun. What better way to spend the holidays than screaming at your siblings over an exciting co-op couch game! Not sure what's out there exactly? Well, here are my top ten co-op games!
     
    Let's be clear - these aren't in any particular order, as they are all great in their own way. These are also COUCH games - online play doesn't count for this list, though it could add to the fun! Without further ado...

    Nintendo Land  

    System: Nintendo Wii U

    Players: 1-5
    One of first co-op games on our list comes from those geniuses over at Nintendo: 
    . Players can explore this amusement park-themed game where they can team up to save Hyrule, hunt each other down in Luigi's Mansion, or a number of other fun "Nintendo-themed" activities. The mini-games aren't limited to multi-player events; there are some addictive solo games where players can try to beat each other's high score, like Ninja Castle. What's better than throwing ninja stars at things? Additionally,  Nintendo Land is easy to play, but it has enough challenge for adept players. Overall, this one is good for all ages and gamer levels.
    LittleBigPlanet 3

    System: Sony PS4

    Players: 1-4 (Plus Online Multi-Player)
    LittleBigPlanet 3 is an insanely fun co-op platformer following the adventures of Sackboy in his attempt to save Bunkum, the
    universe. This puzzle game requires a bit of cooperation and all of the players you can get. Players team up to explore and conquer levels, gathering items along the way. While any gamer can attempt this one alone, some puzzles and hidden items require team work! Of course, this is no problem when a player has a few partners. This game is adorable, addicting, but requires a little finesse. In addition to playing the story, gamers can also create their own levels, which adds another layer of fun to the mix. While this game is a blast, it might not be the best for novice players.
    Mario Party 

    System: Nintendo Systems

    Players: 1-4 (5 for Mario Party 10)
    This one seems like the most obvious of all the co-op games on the list. Party is in the title!
    games start as far back as the N64 and there is no sign of them slowing down. With a number of different boards, players follow a 'board game' style system that pits everyone against each other. The objective is to gather as many stars as possible before the final round; the player with the most wins. Of course, it's not as simple as that. Players must move around the board, gather coins, win mini-games, and deal with the treacherous Bowser! In the lastest version, Mario Party 10, a player can even play as Bowser. While the mini-games require a bit a skill, the game is mainly luck based. This one can grate on the nerves after awhile, so be sure to have another game handy.
    Super Smash Brothers 

    System: Nintendo Systems

    Players: 1-8
    The best co-op games often involve two or more characters beating each other to a bloody pulp. What better way to deal with holiday frustrations, right? Well, Super Smash Brothers provides a
    game with all of our favorite characters. The fighting mechanics range from easy (for you button-mashers out there!) to difficult, depending on what kind of combos a player plans on pulling out of his or her arsenal. There is a character for everyone, unlockables, and seeing Jigglypuff fly off the stage is so satisfying for some reason. Of course, fighting games aren't for everyone. If you aren't a fan, it's best to try another option on this list.
    Super Mario 3D World 

    System: Nintendo Wii U

    Players: 1-4
    Nintendo has it's fair-share of fun co-op games, and
    is no exception! This exciting platformer requires skill, cooperation, and puzzle solving - unless you like watching your friends die. In that case, all bets are off. Players team up and navigate the Mushroom Kingdom to save the Sprixie Princesses from Bowser. While it can get frustrating trying to play through the levels when one person is messing around, this game can be a blast for a four-player team. Plus, if anyone has ever played any Mario game before, no training is required!
    The Jackbox Party Pack 3 


    System: PC/Mac/PS4/Amazon Fire Family/ Xbox One

    Players: 1-8
    Here's an utterly awesome and almost effortless party game! Gather everyone around the TV and whip out your cell phones! The
    contains 5 crazy fun games that include trivia, terrible drawing skills, and quirky word play. Each game is straightforward and all players really need to know is how to use a cell phone with internet access. Players log into jackbox.tv, enter the code, and join their friends in board game-inspired fun. This game is for anyone and everyone, and actually has a 'clean' version - and how 'clean' it is can depend on your answers. Easy to set up, fun to play; this is gaming done right.
    Rocket League 


    System: Microsoft/PS4/XBOXONE/OS X/ Linux

    Players: 1-4(8)
    If fighting, trivia, or platform games aren't for you - maybe cars are more your speed!
     is an incredibly addictive competition that combines soccer, basketball, or hockey with demolition derby. It works beautifully. Rev up those engines, design your car, and take to the field to face off against local friends or attempt some group free-for-alls online. While it may take a few minutes for a novice to get the hang of the controls, the excitement and smack-talk that follows will be legendary.
    Wii Sports


    System: Nintendo Wii

    Players: 1-4+
    An oldie, but a goodie! These simple turn-based sport activities are easy and enjoyable for just about any level of gamer. Things could get incredibly exciting if you turn these into drinking games--ha, but I digress. Though there is a nice dose of competitive play, most of the Wii Sports games are low impact and quick to grasp. So grandma and your kid brother can both try their hand at bowling, baseball, golf, tennis or boxing. Play in teams, or go solo - but most of all, get up and have some fun!

    Overcooked


    System: Microsoft Windows/ PS4/ Xbox One

    Players: 1-4
    There's a saying:
    . This is not true when it comes to Overcooked. This game was meant for multi-player! It thrives on culinary chaos as players work as a team to put together as many dishes as they can in a limited amount of time. Play against each other or team up in a simple 3-4 button game that requires a little teamwork and a plan. Either that or just let everyone run wild and burn the kitchen down.
    Mario Kart 8 


    System: Nintendo Systems

    Players: 1-4
    This is the ultimate
    . Racing games are always a blast, but Mario Kart 8 is a cut above the rest. Get ready to burn rubber while dodging pesky banana peels, navigating obstacles and winning that coveted trophy. It's hard to find someone who hasn't heard of or played any Mario Kart game before, but it's easy enough to play for even the most clueless gamer. Soon enough, Great Grandma will be cackling like Wario as she blasts you with red shells like a boss. It's classic, and it's a good time. 
    When it comes to co-op games, any one of these games is a winner. So what are you waiting for? Gather everyone up, pick a game, and start swearing at each other - and have an amazing gaming experience at the same time.
     
    What do you all think? What are your favorite co-op games? Prefer some old school two player action? Why not hop on the Nostalgia Train and check out Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time, or my personal favorite, Contra.
     
    Have a great holiday!
     


      • Post Type: Editorial

    Overcooked Review: Taste of Victory

    You know what's more fun than cooking in an actual kitchen? Being a master chef of the video game world! And what better way is there to spend time screaming at your friends or loved ones than sitting on the couch with Overcooked. Team 17 created a fun and fast-paced cooking based game that everyone can enjoy. Whether you are prepping the kitchen for four or going solo, this game is a great way to pass the time.
     

    Setting Up The Kitchen
    Our culinary quest starts like any other adventure; King Onion and his dog, Kevin, plead with us to save the world by satisfying the hunger of The Beast. Unfortunately, as players are cooking newbs, the only items they can serve up is salad. Let's face it;  the Beast's hunger cannot be satisfied by salad alone.
     

     
    King Onion takes it upon himself to send the players back in time to travel about and sharpen their cooking skills for a rematch. In order to prepare, the future master chefs (not to be confused with Master Chief...that's another game) must head through cities, go on the road, and venture into outer space to conjure delicious dishes to satisfy the Beast.
    Overcooked Recipe Book
    Overcooked has several different modes: Campaign, Versus, and DLC in the Lost Morsel, and Festive Seasoning. Regardless of the mode you choose, the game has the same focus.
     
    The object of Overcooked is to prepare and serve food while avoiding obstacles and beating the clock. The quicker players put out orders, the more tip money and points they receive. Each level usually has a particular recipe to prepare, such as soup, burgers, fish and chips, or pizza. Orders will consist of various ingredients that must be chopped, cooked, assembled, plated and sent out. In some cases, players are responsible for cleaning dishes, while in others they must avoid kitchen hazards like moving counter tops and jumping between food trucks.
     
    In the campaign mode, players tackle a series of levels that require a mastery of 1-3 stars to advance to the next section. Each level has a particular score that needs to be hit to earn a rank, and players must cooperate in order to master the kitchen. Versus mode pits players against each other in an all-out cook out. Overcooked's DLC options offer would-be chefs more levels and more avatar options.
     

     
     

    Next Top Chef?
    When I purchased this game during XBOX ONE's Black Friday deals, I was reminded fondly of an Atari game called
    . My nostalgia factor took over, and I sat down to play this game. First off, the graphics are pretty great. The game has an old school feel with smooth, modern graphics. The music is catchy, though forgettable - but that's not really what matters in a game like this.
     
    This game is addictive, especially as a co-op game. It's not enough to get one or two stars. I had to have them all, and each stage had a fair amount of difficulty. While not the hardest game on the shelf, some of the levels could prove to be pretty challenging depending on how well your team works together, or how many players you have.
     
    The controls are simple enough, and when it comes time for Versus mode, there is a fair amount of challenge swapping between avatars to beat your opponent - unless of course, you have more players.
     
    I found myself saying pretty often, "There's no way you could do this with one player." That being said, it really isn't as fun with just one person. I'm not sure it's meant to be played solo.
     

    Overcooked: Final Cook Off
    If you are looking for some good, competitive fun, this is the perfect game to pick up. It's a great game to play with a couple of friends or family members, provided you work as a team. Of course, if cooperation isn't your thing, you could find yourself screaming "CHOP THAT ONION" at someone you thought was your friend, but clearly doesn't know his or her way around a kitchen.
     
    Regardless, it's a wonderful way to spend the afternoon, and with the added DLC, players can keep coming back to the kitchen for another round.
     
    So what do you think? Have you played Overcooked before? Which avatar is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
     
    Want to try Overcooked?
     
    Buy it here on XBOX ONE,  PS4, or Steam!
     

     
     
     
     

      • Post Type: Review

    Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Review

    The Harry Potter Universe is one that I was very sad to leave behind. The books are a defining moment on my pathway to becoming a writer. J.K. Rowlings is still an inspiration to me - but this is not
    It is an expansion of the world that J.K. Rowling has created, many years before Harry, his parents, and even Voldemort existed. Instead, the audience is treated to some wonderful additions to an already rich lore in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The movie is a blend of fresh ideas mixed with the familiar, allowing newcomers and fans to immerse themselves in a magical world that I've definitely missed. With an excellent cast and an invigorating soundtrack, it is a welcome return to the Wizarding World. 


    Welcome to the United States of America
    Our movie begins in 1926 New York City as wizard, Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) makes his way through customs. The wizard world is much different in America, and it becomes abundantly clear that Newt is carrying a number of things he shouldn't. Unfortunately for him, he has a run in with a No-Maj, or muggle to the English Wizards, by the name of Jacob Kowalski. Shenanigans ensue after the two inadvertently switch cases and some of Newt's magical creatures escape.
     
    Unfortunately for Mr. Kowalski and Newt, this is the worst time for it. It seems that magical beasts are supposedly destroying the No-Maj's world causing a resurgence in witch hunters and tightened security by the Magical Congress of the USA (MACUSA.) Little do they all know, a much more sinister plot is underway and not everything is as it seems. Together with the help of a demoted Auror, Tina Goldstein, and her sister Queenie, Newt and Jacob must rescue the escaped animals before the MACUSA or other No-Majs find them.
     


    Where to Find Them
    Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them had a difficult job. It had to be a movie that felt like the Harry Potter series without being it. There had to be a balance between both worlds and the movie does a great job. The film draws it's audience in with the fantastic 1920s look with a magical twist. The fantasy world melds nicely with the world as we know it.  Another exciting addition to the Potter Universe is a look into American Wizardy. Up until now, there wasn't too much information, but what the movie displays it was very refreshing take on something fans know and love.
     
    Our hero is not a young boy learning magic and facing off against a dark lord. Newt Scamander is already an accomplished wizard and the cast surrounding him is much different than what we've seen. The subject matter and the characters manage to remain separate but familiar at the same time. The plot pacing was slow at points, but that allowed for a good foundation for the series to follow.
     
    Unlike other 'origin' films, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them does little to explain the characters and their motivations. The audience gets a feel for the characters on their own merit - and the actors bring them to life. Also, though the film is lovely to look at, it doesn't rely on special effects for a good story; they enhance it.   Frankly, the only other complaint I have with the film has to be with the 'main' villain, but even then, it's something the film builds on. It's clever, there are a few interesting twists, and it is a very enjoyable movie.
     

     

     


    Fantastic Actors and Magical Music
    One of the things that really sold me on Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was Eddie Redmayne's portrayal of Newt Scamander. His character was just as charmingly awkward as it needed to be, and his love for the magical beasts really brought another level to the movie. His co-actor, Dan Folger, is very like-able as the No-Maj who accidentally fell into this crazy wizarding mess. Not to be out done, our leading lady Katherine Waterson pulls off the down-on-her-luck, former auror, Tina, while Alison Sudol displays a perfect example of a 1920s woman with the gift of Legilimency. Another stand-out is Colin Farrel's Percival Graves. It's hard to tell which side he's on and ultimately, it makes for good scene tension. The only casting choice I'm unsure about is Johnny Depp - but he has such limited screen time, it's uncertain how well he will fill out his role.
     
    The score for the film was composed by James Newton Howard. He did a marvelous job incorporating excerpts from earlier films and married it with original compositions to create something wonderful. The music captures the 1920s feel with a charmingly mystical touch, matching each scene perfectly.  When all of these elements combine, it makes for a truly enchanting movie.
     


    Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Final Thoughts
    Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a magical story that manages to distance itself from it's roots while paying homage to it. It's a wonderful display of an intriguing time period enhanced by a mythical touch. With loveable characters, complementary special effects, and an engrossing soundtrack, it is a must-see. Also, if you plan to see it in 3D, it looks pretty neat. What about you? Do you want to see Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them? What do you love about the Harry Potter series?  What's your patronus? -- sorry, too personal? Let me know in the comments below.
     

     
     

      • Post Type: Review
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