Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two once again showed the only thing more brutal than Harkonnens is Arrakis itself. Surviving that harsh desert planet is challenging enough for natives, let alone outsiders. That is, it’s hard if you actually step foot on the Fremen home world. Fortunately you’ll soon be able to travel to the land of sandworms and spice without needing to strap on a stillsuit. Funcom is bringing the iconic planet to you with its upcoming open-world MMO Dune: Awakening, and the game’s first Direct event showed fans just how immersive this version of Arrakis will be in a new trailer.

With a whole lot of natives heading to theaters on this planet to see Dune: Part Two, Funcom capitalized on the film’s release with a display of what gamers can expect from Dune: Awakening. Soe Gschwind hosted the first episode of the game’s new online Direct series. It included insight from the creative team, all-new game footage, and a trailer. It also offered insight into game mechanics and features. (Including how a weekly coriolis storm will completely reform the game’s terrain!) And it also showed a featurette that explained how the game takes inspiration from both Herbert’s book series and Villeneuve’s films.

While players will be eager to hear about character and weapons creation, as well as different game play options, long time fans will be most excited to see yet another interpretation of Frank Herbert’s world come to life. Every image and clip from the game looks absolutely beautiful. Even the sandworms look majestic. Majestic and terrifying, yes, but still majestic.

Of course, Arrakis might be beautiful to look at, but it’s not an easy place to survive. That will still be true in the game, where players—whether working together or against one another—will test their mettle. Here’s the official synopsis from Funcom for Dune: Awakening to bring the game trailer into focus:

Rise from survival to dominance on the most dangerous planet in the universe. Dune: Awakening combines the grit and creativity of sandbox survival games with the social interactivity of a large, persistent multiplayer game to create a unique and ambitious Open World Survival MMO.

Eager Dune fans can sign up for the game’s beta test, but Awakening still does not have a release date. Funcom says it’s not rushing it out until it’s ready. We’re bummed we have to wait, too. But we cna always use this extra time to store up on water. Not because we’ll run out of it on Earth, but because we might not want to get up while playing.

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“Don’t bring a knife to a gunfight” is really solid advice, but what about its inverse? What about bringing a gun to a knife fight? That’s exactly what you’ll get to do with publisher tinyBuild and developer Redemption Road Games upcoming third-person shooter strategy game Kingmakers. Its sending you back in time to wage war with modern day weapons. And the game’s new trailer shows that driving around medieval England in a beat-up pickup with 21st century items is an easy way to reign supreme in a fantasy world.

Gamers will soon be able to travel 500 years into the past without giving up any of their modern amenities thanks to Kingmakers. The sandbox strategy/shooter places you in the middle of “massive war-torn medieval battles.” There you can “build, lead, fight,” and alter events forever, all while also possibly stopping the apocalypse. Here’s the official synopsis from Redemption Road Games:

Go back in time to a war-torn medieval era with a vast arsenal of modern weapons, change the course of history, and save the future in this epic action/strategy sandbox. Build your kingdom, grab a gun, and lead an army of thousands into massive, real-time simulated battles — solo or in co-op.

Players will get to take on an entire army of swordsman in real-time battles. You’ll wage war with “assault rifles, shotguns, grenade launchers, armored SUVs, bikes, attack helos, air strikes, and more.” You don’t have to do that alone, either. The game allows you to have as many as three friends join their armies with yours in an online co-op mode.

Gamers can also switch between engaging in direct combat or merely issuing orders any time they want. That way you can play as many different ways as you like, from being right in the middle of the fray to trusting your subordinates to help you conquer this violent world. But while Kingmakers will send you to the past, it won’t come out until the near future. It arrives on PC via Steam sometime in 2024.

Until then we can probably guess what happens when you bring a gun to a knife fight. Based on this trailer it’s a lot of fun.

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For more than 45 years fans have had a bounty (hunter) of ways to explore Star Wars. From movies and TV shows, to comics and video games, to novels and board games, there’s no shortage of venues to experience the galaxy far, far away. But soon we’ll have yet another, one that is long overdue. The first trailer and gameplay for Star Wars Outlaws brings an open world adventure to the franchise during a famous—and very dangerous—era.

Massive Entertainment, Ubisoft, and Lucasfilm Games won’t just let us meet some unsavory characters in their new collaboration. They’re going to let us work for them. Here’s the official synopsis for Star Wars Outlaws, an historic entry in the franchise’s video game library.

Experience the first-ever open world Star Wars game, set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Explore distinct planets across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as Kay Vess, an emerging scoundrel seeking freedom and the means to start a new life, along with her companion Nix. Fight, steal, and outwit your way through the galaxy’s crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted.

Lucasfilm also shared more insights in its official trailer announcement. Kay isn’t just looking for a big score. She is going to “attempt one of the biggest heists the Outer Rim has ever seen.” Let the speculation begin!

Good thing her and her adorable bud Nix will have some help with the job. Joining them is a mysterious BX-commando droid who sports a trench coat.

“It’s a dream come true to be able to collaborate with the team at Lucasfilm Games to create Star Wars Outlaws, the first open-world Star Wars game,” said Julian Gerighty, creative director at Massive Entertainment, in a statement. “Our team at Massive Entertainment has a great deal of experience in open-world games backed by strong technology, and it’s the perfect time to tell an original scoundrel story that will resonate with fans. With the Galactic Empire on the heels of the Rebel Alliance, and the criminal underworld thriving, an outlaw like Kay Vess has a whole galaxy of opportunity in front of her.”

Ten minutes of gameplay footage show the corners of the Star Wars galaxy many fans have wanted to explore:

While an open world experience is long overdue, we’ll have to wait a little longer to play. Star Wars Outlaws will arrive on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC in 2024. Most recently, per IGN, Ubisoft revealed it would come after Q4 of 2024, which puts its release anywhere in the April to December time frame. That is unless someone steals it before that. What? Don’t rule that out. In the galaxy far, far away someone is always trying to steal something.

Originally published on June 12, 2023.

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If you could travel back a long time ago to a galaxy far, far away, what would you change about the past? Would you make sure the Jedi freed Shmi Skywalker from slavery? Stop Palpatine before he ever gained power? Or maybe kill him before his apprentice could join him as Darth Vader? Those are all good answers about how to alter Star Wars history. But instead what if you did something you never would have thought of? What if you convinced Anakin, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Mace Windu to start a rock & roll band? That’s what we might do after seeing this absurd blast from the past. Those Jedi are the stars of a 2004 animated music video for Franz Ferdinand’s “Take Me Out.”

Video Mods has re-shared a two-decades-old video that originally appeared at Star Wars‘ official website 20 years ago. Rather than relying on what it called “problematic” mocap technology at the time, eight employees made it (along with three other videos) in just three weeks. They did that using assets from (as it was known then) LucasArts’ video game Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith.

That’s why it features Anakin and his Master as they looked in the trilogy’s final film. Of course, we don’t remember Obi-Wan rocking out in that film while his Padawan sang lead, but we’ll rewatch it to double check. (We’re almost positive Mace Windu was in a band in Attack of the Clones, though.)

Video Mods says it animated this whole video “as a single performance with eight different cameras.” That allowed them to render everything “like a live action shoot,” which an editor then cut into the final product. To pull it all off, the company used Maya, Fusion, Lightwave, and Final Cut Pro software.

Plus we imagine they used the Force. How else could they get dancers to work with a guy who turned into Darth Vader while shooting?

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The Spider-Verse has shown “anyone can wear the mask.” It’s a beautiful sentiment, but let’s face it, the odds a radioactive spider grants us super arachnid powers is probably close to zero. (Yes, “probably.” We refuse to give up all hope.) That doesn’t mean we can’t experience what it’s like to be a friendly neighborhood hero, though. We can be a beloved webbed-slinger in video games, and the next chance we’ll have to do that will expand our horizon—and our wardrobe. Three new trailers for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 reveal a ton of drama and many foes, a full closet worth of incredible Spidey-suits, and an even bigger map to explore.

Villans Are Everywhere in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Slightly Spoilery Launch Trailer

It’s almost time for the web-slinging to begin. And in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 launch trailer, we’re thankful for our team of Spidey heroes because there sure will be many villains for them to fight. Beware, though, this new trailer is slightly spoilery.

Kraven, Lizard, and Venom all take a starring role in this upcoming game, and we can see their full strength in Spider-Man 2‘s latest look. But we also get a couple of surprises. The nefarious Spider-Man villain Sandman appears in this trailer, and he is absolutely terrifying (and enormous). Not to mention we see Mister Negative fighting Miles. Any spider-donning hero in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 better watch out.

A synopsis released with the trailer shares:

Spider-Men, Peter Parker and Miles Morales, return for an exciting new adventure in the critically acclaimed Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise for the PS5 console. Nine months after the events of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, we find Miles still enlisting Peter’s help, but when the mysterious symbiote appears, Peter and Miles’ relationships are put to the test. Peter begins to change as he gains symbiote powers, and Miles, Mary Jane, Harry, and the rest of the friend group must help Peter while also facing the impending threats from a cast of new villains like Kraven, Lizard, Sandman, and Venom!

We can hardly wait.

MANY New Spider-Man Suits Are on the Horizon

The second new trailer from Insomniac Games and PlayStation for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 highlight the game’s Digital Deluxe edition. This promo features the many, many, many suits players can opt to use in the game, which will see “Peter Parker and Miles Morales face the ultimate test of strength inside and outside the mask as they fight to save the city, each other and the ones they love, from the monstrous Venom and the dangerous new symbiote threat.”

The game will include the following options for Spidey-ware:

• 5 unique Miles Morales suits
• EnC0ded Suit design by Kris Anka
• Biomechanical Suit design by Jerad Marantz
• Tokusatsu Suit design by Julia Blattman
• Agimat Suit design by Anthony Francisco
• Red Spectre Suit design by Sweeney Boo
• 5 unique Peter Parker suits o Aurantia Suit design by Raf Grassetti
• Apunkalyptic Suit design by Jerad Marantz
• Tactical Suit design by Joel Mandish
• Stone Monkey design by Victoria Ying
• 25th Century Suit design by Anthony Francisco

Pre-ordering Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 will also get a few more suits. Those who buy it ahead of its October 20 release will nab an Arachknight Suit for Peter with three color variants and a Shadow-Spider Suit for Miles that also comes with three color variants. Pre-orders will get an early unlock Web Grabber gadget.

Is that…too many suits? No, no, that’s not a thing. We truly need all the suits. Especially since we’ll have even more places to show them off.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Reveals Expanded NYC Gameplay Map

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2‘s last new trailer, narrated by Insomniac Games’ Senior Creative Director Bryan Intihar, shows the expanded map players will encounter in the game.

Peter and Miles’ open-world adventures will let them go to their respective home burrows, Queens and Brooklyn. Those long-overdue additions to Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 will double the original release’s New York City’s map. And how will you traverse so much ground fast enough to save the day? With new web wings that will help each Spider-Man zip through the air.

These new Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 trailers provide even more insights into the new aspects players will find in the game. But the most important one remains the same. It will let us wear the mask. Many, many, many versions of the mask.

Originally published on September 15, 2023.

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We were glad to hear that The Writers Guild of America finally made headway in achieving a fair deal with the AMPTP. The studios’ refusal to grant writers the protections and compensations they deserve continued to extend the strike, but recently a tentative agreement was reached. Of course, the SAG-AFTRA strike has not yet reached such a point, so union negotiations continue in Hollywood. And now, another strike could be on the table. On September 25, SAG-AFTRA’s members voted to authorize a video game strike. In fact, the vote was overwhelmingly in favor of a video game strike. 98.32% of those who voted, over 34,000 people, agreed to strike authorization.

Are SAG-AFTRA’s Members Now on a Video Game Strike?

Despite this majority vote, SAG-AFTRA’s members are not officially on strike against video game work. Instead, this authorization allows them to go on strike should negotiations fail. In total, “34,687 members cast ballots, representing a voting percentage of 27.47% of eligible voters.”

What Does the Video Game Strike Authorization Mean?

A release from SAG-AFTRA shares more details about the current situation between SAG-AFTRA members and the video game industry. It notes:

The strike authorization does not mean the union is calling a strike. SAG-AFTRA has been in Interactive Media Agreement negotiations with signatory video game companies (Activision Productions Inc, Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Epic Games, Take 2 Productions Inc., VoiceWorks Productions Inc., and WB Games Inc.) since October 2022. Throughout the negotiations, the companies have refused to offer acceptable terms on some of the issues most critical to our members, including wages that keep up with inflation, protections around exploitative uses of artificial intelligence, and basic safety precautions. 

SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland also shares, “After five rounds of bargaining, it has become abundantly clear that the video game companies aren’t willing to meaningfully engage on the critical issues: compensation undercut by inflation, unregulated use of AI and safety… I remain hopeful that we will be able to reach an agreement that meets members’ needs, but our members are done being exploited, and if these corporations aren’t willing to offer a fair deal, our next stop will be the picket lines.” 

What’s Next for This Strike?

The next negotiations with the major video game companies were slated for September 26, 27, and 28. However, they did not achieve any resolution. A release from SAG-AFTRA and Video Game Employers Statement on Interactive Media Agreement, notes:

SAG-AFTRA and video game employers concluded scheduled negotiations for the Interactive Media Agreement. No deal was reached and the current agreement will remain in effect while the parties make final efforts to reach a deal. 

The hope is the authorization of the video game strike will help negotiations to proceed more favorably. However, “if employers fail to protect and uphold the basic working conditions of [SAG-AFTRA] members, then “strike authorization vote permits the National Board to declare a strike.” There is no word yet on a date a strike might be declared if companies cannot work toward their employees. However, it sounds as though both parties are reaching “final efforts.”

As with the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes against the AMPTP, this potential strike is borne from the needs of hardworking people to survive and live. Hopefully, the video game companies can prevent the strike by respecting those that help them to thrive. You can read more about how to help striking workers here. Additionally, more information about the video game strike will become available here.

Originally published on September 26, 2023.

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‘Tis the season for many things—pumpkin spice lattes, apple picking, and… video game adaptations. Yes, more than ever, our favorite games are turning into series for our viewing pleasure. Next up, the popular video game Devil May Cry is heading to Netflix in the form of an anime series. In this current gaming adaptation age, we bet the results are better than ever. Although we don’t yet have a release date for this anime, Netflix did share a teaser trailer for the series. Here’s what we know about the Devil May Cry series heading to Netflix.

Devil May Cry Series Announcement Teaser Trailer

Conversations about the Devil May Cry animated series have been circulating since 2021. So we feel glad to finally see it coming to fruition. Netflix’s teaser for Devil May Cry doesn’t show us too much about what we can expect from the anime show. But it does set the tone just right. The quick scenes of action and the hard rock music certainly have us ready to dive into an episode. And the animation looks incredibly good.

 The only character we see in the Devil May Cry teaser is Dante. He’s got his red jacket, his guns, his white hair, and he’s ready to go. But in earlier conversations, creator and showrunner of the series Adi Shankar confirmed we’d see other familiar Devil May Cry characters. He noted, “I can confirm that Vergil is in it, as well as Lady, and of course Dante as well.” We can’t wait to see how these characters transform for the show.

The Anime Series Synopsis

Netflix also shared a logline for the Devil May Cry series; it notes:

In this animated adaptation of the popular Capcom game, sinister forces are at play to open the portal between the human and demon realms. In the middle of it all is Dante, an orphaned demon-hunter-for-hire, unaware that the fate of both worlds hangs around his neck.

We do love a sinister force. And an orphaned demon-hunter-for-hire. Dante certainly does not seem aware the fate of multiple worlds is on his shoulders in the teaser clip, but we’ll have to wait and see what happens when he does.

Devil May Cry‘s Release Date, Episode Count, and More

Right now, Devil May Cry does not have an official Netflix release date. All we know is that it’s “coming soon.” However, we do know that the series will be eight episodes long. Adi Shankar, as mentioned, is the showrunner and creator. Alex Larsen is the writer on the show. The series comes from Netflix, Capcom, and Studio MIR, so we know it is in good hands.

Shankar noted, “I’m honored that Netflix and Capcom have entrusted me to shepherd the Devil May Cry franchise. Alex Larsen and I love these characters; we are part of the fandom, and vow to surpass the exceptionally high bar we set for ourselves.”

Hopefully, we will know more about when Devil May Cry will be released and get to see more of its characters before too long.

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Original reporting by Melissa Miller

Who wouldn’t want to spend some time going on quests as a ginger cat wearing a backpack? And now, we all can thanks to the new sci-fi video game Stray. The recently released game includes incredible graphics of the stray kitty exploring a neon-lit cityscape. The game from BlueTwelve Studio is available for PC and PlayStation 4 and 5. It’s also included for PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium members. And soon, it will arrive on Xbox. You can take a look at Stray‘s official trailer, here:

Stray arrives on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on August 10. And we’re sure it will be full of just as much cat-goodness as the original PlayStation version. The creators of the game shared some insights in a blog post on PlayStation’s website. Producer Swann Martin-Raget writes about the difficulties of controlling a cat. Every cat owner knows the struggle, but it turns out it’s true in game design too. They used the internet’s most valuable resource—cat videos—as references. So those of us who upload them are actually helping professionals do their job.  

The trailer includes action sequences, but also everyday cat activities like knocking things over for no reason. Or, as we call them in my house, gravity experiments. The video also shows a small flying drone named B-12 joining the quest. The team-up gives real Leia and her droid Lola vibes.  

After releasing a teaser trailer in 2020 and more gameplay videos last year, we can’t wait to finally play. According to the game’s website, Stray takes place in the seedy underbelly of a decaying cybercity. It instructs us to “be stealthy, nimble, silly, and sometimes as annoying as possible with the strange inhabitants of this mysterious world.” Sounds like a cat. Apparently, according to Polygon, if you meow enough in the game, you even get a “Little Chatty” trophy on Steam. And it sounds like there are many different meow sounds our favorite cat can make. We love that for everyone.

It’s a huge advancement from the first computer animation in 1968, which was also of a cat! Other studios have used motion capture of cats. All cat videos are good cat videos!

Originally published in 2022.

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Ubisoft shared its Ubisoft Forward presentation on June 12. Among its upcoming titles, the video game publisher showed off the trailer Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (via GameSpot). Set in the world of James Cameron’s design, the stunning game takes place in a new location on the moon: the Western Frontier of Pandora. Players play a character who was born Na’vi but raised and trained by the RDA. This Na’vi was put into a 15-year cryosleep and awakens ready to explore Pandora for the first time—and ready to fight against the RDA. The below trailer blends cinematic footage with gameplay to show off what’s to come.

What I like most about this trailer is that it makes me feel like I’m riding Avatar Flight of Passage. The theme park ride in Pandora – The World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom gave me a new perspective of the lush moon. One the movies haven’t captured for me. In the ride, you fly across Pandora’s surface as a Na’vi on an ikran, or a banshee. It’s the kind of attraction that envelopes and transports you. This trailer for Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora has the same effect; you feel like you’re part of the world.

Ubisoft shared the below description of the game:

Set after the events of the first Avatar film, you’ll embark on a journey across the Western Frontier, a never-before-seen continent of Pandora, as you join other Na’vi clans to protect Pandora from the formidable forces of the RDA. Created in collaboration with Disney and James Cameron’s production company, Lightstorm Entertainment, you will experience a first-person open-world action-adventure game exclusively developed to maximize the power of new-gen consoles and PC.

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora arrives on December 7. It will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.

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The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have had many animated incarnations over the years. Despite all the different iterations,  the late ’80s/early ’90s cartoon will be the default versions for most fans. Therefore, this was also the peak era of TMNT video games. Many of us have fond memories of playing Turtles in Time and The Manhattan Project, among others.

As a tribute to those four player, side-scrolling games of yesteryear, we learned that the folks at Dotemu and Tribute Games joined forces to create a retro-style game for PCs and consoles, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge. This retro Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle game is available now. It even comes in a mobile version released by Netflix, and, excitingly enough, it will officially receive its first DLC, Dimension Shellshock.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge – Dimension Shellshock New DLC

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is getting its first DLC, which means exciting new adventures and new playable characters.

A description of the DLC shares:

Chaos! The Neutrinos crash the Turtles’ latest pizza party! The teenagers from Dimension X are in dire need of help: Shredder is seeking to conquer the multiverse itself!

Our heroes need to jump between dimensions and stop Shredder once and for all!

And additionally:

In addition to a new game mode and character colors, Dimension Shellshock brings new playable fighters, including the razor-sharp Usagi Yojimbo. The steely rabbit samurai is ready to hop across dimensions to fight evil and witness a new style of otherworldly battles awaiting the Turtles!

The game promises “new playable fighters,” in the plural, but only names one. Still, Usagi Yojimbo is a fan-favorite character, and it will be fun to watch this samurai rabbit and the Turtles travel through dimensions together. It looks like Usagi Yojimbo will join the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in their world and the Turtles will join Usagi in the Edo era of ancient Japan.

Players will also be able to use new character colors, helping to make the game look even more nostalgic and retro. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge – Dimension Shellshock DLC will release later in 2023.

TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge on Netflix Games

For those looking to play the game yet another way, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge can also be found on Netflix Games.

This streamlined version of the game lets you play Shredder’s Revenge anywhere, even if you don’t have a gaming console. Luckily, the old-school nature of this TMNT outing makes it perfect to convert n this way.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge Comes to Consoles

If you don’t know much about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge itself, you can check out the game’s old school style reveal trailer, which will give you all the nostalgic feels, right here:

Here’s the game’s official description:

With Bebop and Rocksteady amassing gizmos to support Krang and Shredder’s latest scheme, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge finds the turtles battling through a breathless tour of iconic TMNT locations to thwart their nemeses’ most diabolical plan yet. Armed with shell-shocking new abilities built on a foundation of classic brawling mechanics, the gang are in for an exhilarating, Foot Clan-stomping romp leading them through the sewers and bustling boroughs of New York City all the way to Dimension X.

If that didn’t take you right back to the early ’90s, we’re not sure what can. All of this looks very classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which we’re sure will delight many fans. Oh, and that version of the classic TMNT theme song? Vocals come courtesy of Mike Patton, frontman for bands like Faith No More and Mr. Bungle.

So pick your favorite platform and enjoy Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello in their full, old-school glory.

Originally published March 10, 2021.

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Horror video game remakes in 2023 have an incredibly high standard to live up. Capcom delivered a masterpiece with its update of Resident Evil 4 earlier this year. But Pieces Interactive and publisher THQ Nordic have found a way to make their “reimagined” take on the original Alone in the Dark game really shine: they got two big Hollywood stars to get in on the spooky fun. Stranger Things‘ David Harbour and Killing Eve‘s Jodie Comer will take gamers back to 1920s Louisiana and Derceto Mansion.

But while we’ll recognize some of the other people we meet there, we’ll still be getting a whole new story.

The official PlayStation Blog has announced the 1992 horror game Alone in the Dark is getting a big modern update. Described as “a faithful love letter for long-term fans” that will also be “an accessible entry point for new players,” the remake will bring to life an original story to a game that helped launch the genre. But it will do so in a way that still incorporates “characters, places and themes from the 90’s original trilogy.”

Writer Mikael Hedberg (Amnesia: The Dark Descent, SOMA) headed up the “reimagined” game’s creative team. Guy Davis, best known for his work with Guillermo Del Toro, provided creature designs. And Doom legend Jason Köhnen provided the game its “eerie and haunting melodies.”

Harbour (Detective Edward Carnby) and Comer (Emily Hartwood) also spoke about joining the franchise in a behind-the-scenes Spotlight video, which also reveals some of the new gameplay, cutscenes, and music fans will encounter.

As for the plot, the game’s official synopsis provides a tease at the tale of terror that awaits:

Discovering that her uncle has gone missing, Emily Hartwood goes looking for him with the help of private investigator Edward Carnby. Arriving at Derceto Manor, a home for the mentally fatigued, they encounter strange residents, portals to nightmarish worlds, dangerous monsters – and ultimately a plot of rising evil and its followers.

The Alone in the Dark remake will arrive on PlayStation 5 in time for Halloween, October 25, 2023. It will also be available on PC and the Xbox Series X/S. If you pre-order the Digital Deluxe Edition, you’ll get access to bonus content. That will include the Derceto 1992 Costume Pack for both Edward and Emily, the Vintage Horror Filter Pack, and a director’s commentary.

But you don’t have to wait that long—or spend any money—to experience this new/old game. The Prologue to Alone in the Dark is already available for free. Between that and its two stars, that’s a pretty good way to begin clearing a very high bar.

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Ah, Tenacious D, how we’ve missed you. It’s been years since the band released an original song. But they’re back with a new tune, and you know what? “Video Games” was worth the wait. The song from Jack Black and Kyle Gass is an ode to video games and the stories games tell. The lyrics are excellent, yes, but the video for Tenacious D’s “Video Games” rules. An animated journey through games like God of War and Red Dead Redemption 2, “Video Games” is about embracing the art of games.

Given Black’s recent performance as Bowser in the wildly successful Super Mario Bros. Movie, this song is perfect. We get this song and Bowser’s power ballad about Princess Peach? Yep, we’re blessed.

In a statement about “Video Games,” Gass and Black shared:

It’s about growing up and leaving childish things behind…. But then realizing that video games are more than just mindless toys…. In fact, they can be a true expression of huge ideas that belong in the pantheon of great works of art! It’s about time someone defended the honor and integrity of this bold new horizon. Leave it to the greatest band in the world… Tenacious D!!!

You know what, Tenacious D? It needed to be said. Video games, like any stories, contain meaning and weight. Many games offer an escape, like the best fictional worlds do, but also, video games are so much more.

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It’s one of the greatest rivalries in all of pop culture. And we’ve seen it play it on film (twice), in comics, in board games, and, of course, in video games. We’re talking about Godzilla vs. Kong. Now, the ultimate battle of Titans is getting the digital pinball treatment. Zen Studios, the makers of the Pinball FX franchise, together with Legendary Entertainment, have joined forces to create the new Pinball FX Godzilla vs Kong Pinball Pack. You can check out a trailer for the game right here:

Players can take on three monstrous tables, including Kong Pinball, Godzilla Pinball, and Godzilla vs Kong Pinball. The pack joins Zen Studios’ robust library of over 100 pinball tables. These include games inspired by everything from Star Wars to the Addams Family. You can read a statement from Zen Studios on this latest iteration of the epic battle between the King of the Monsters and the ruler of Skull Island.

We take pride in working with top tier companies like Legendary Entertainment, and it is really special to bring their beloved characters and worlds to life in unique and innovative ways on the pinball table. We are thrilled to establish our partnership with Legendary with three amazing pinball tables based on Godzilla vs. Kong. We are not stopping here, as we have more exciting pinball projects in the pipeline that we can’t wait to share with our players.

Godzilla vs Kong Pinball Pack is also simultaneously releasing on Pinball FX for PlayStation, Xbox, and the Epic Game Store on April 13, 2023. And all of you gamers out there looking to enjoy Pinball FX tables? You can subscribe to Pinball Pass for $14.99 per month. This offers unlimited access to almost 80 tables in the Pinball FX library. We expect Pinball FX to release Godzilla vs. Kong for Nintendo Switch in July of this year.

Editor’s Note: Nerdist is a subsidiary of Legendary Digital Networks

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It has been 10 years since Sony’s Santa Monica Studio released God of War: Ascension for PlayStation 3. The game laid the groundwork for the franchise’s future successes with 2018’s God of War and 2022’s God of War Ragnarök. A prequel to the rest of the God of War games, Ascension follows the Spartan warrior Kratos as he frees himself from the Furies of Greek mythology.

God of War: Ascension showcased the very best of what the PlayStation 3 had to offer as a console. It featured story beats and eye-popping action sequences rendered, impressively, in-game. This is where the God of War franchise began to diverge from other games of the PlayStation 3 era. Ascension spearheaded the push for seamless animation between cutscenes and actual gameplay. Instead of a noticeable decline in animation quality between the game’s cutscenes and gameplay, God of War: Ascension rendered both at the same depth. This would later become a unique part of the 2018 game, as it increased the immersiveness of the franchise. 

But beyond the technical achievements, God of War: Ascension has several shortcomings. These prove why the game’s 2018 overhaul was so necessary. While the game excels on a visual level, it does so at the expense of its protagonist, Kratos. Players get only a paper-thin sense of Kratos’s humanity, which often gets lost in the visual spectacle of the game—literally. And it is precisely because Kratos came off as more of an action figure than an actual human in God of War: Ascension, that he needed to become a fully-realized, force of nature protagonist in God of War 2018 and its sequel, God of War Ragnarök. 

Today, God of War’s Kratos is one of gaming’s most complex and nuanced characters. Kratos’ distinctive, scarred, ashy, and red-streaked appearance comes from the ashes and blood of his wife and daughter. He mistakenly killed his family while serving the Greek god of war, Ares. As a result, Kratos isn’t your run-of-the-mill berserker from ancient times. He’s a man deeply at odds with himself and the gods who led him to take so many lives. His character asks a simple question: when all of your value as a person is placed on killing, then what does it mean to keep on living?

With Kratos, God of War has always had the opportunity to marry its strongest selling point, action, with a gripping story and memorable characterization. This is what separates “good” action games from “great” action games. Video games are an interactive art form. But we return to them time and time again because we want emotional and psychological fulfillment. This is only possible through a story that connects with us on a human level. 

But for all of Ascension’s exhilarating moments, Kratos feels like an afterthought. The game opens with a heart-pounding scene where Kratos must battle his way out of his imprisonment by the Furies. He takes on hordes of monsters before he must fight the enormous being he was imprisoned in, Aegaeon the Hecatonchires. As the camera deftly keeps up with Kratos in battle, it does so from a great distance. It makes him appear tiny on-screen. 

Similarly, the sound design drowns out most of Kratos’ grunts and noises during the fight. Even as he earns the God of War franchise’s Mature rating by stomping heads and leaving a blood-soaked trail , the player doesn’t learn the physical costs of these actions for Kratos through the game’s sound design. In doing so, God of War: Ascension prioritizes the spectacle of the beings Kratos fights, rather than the spectacle of Kratos, a human being, fighting these creatures. 

This is an important distinction. It ultimately illustrates how the success of action games directly connects to our investment in their protagonist. Yes, obviously, none of this is real. But part of the magic of video games is when the game tricks us into believing that it is real for the character. Video games aren’t just a trick of the eye, ear, or even the mind. They’re a trick of our empathy.

It’s undeniable that God of War: Ascension was one of the most ambitious games of the PS3 era. But it ultimately proves why the God of War franchise needed to reinvent itself five years later. It’s not surprising that the 2018 God of War game featured a single shot camera that never cuts away from Kratos and his young son, Atreus. Now voiced with the commanding, heartbreaking clarity of actor Christopher Judge, Kratos bears the hallmarks of someone who has lived a life. This makes the player more than just an unseen force controlling the characters. It makes them a witness to a man trying to make up for the sins of his past.

In the end, God of War: Ascension makes the case for how M-rated action games need to become more than gratuitous violence and sex, not that either one of those are objectionable on their own. They need to follow up on what it means for their characters to experience them in the first place. Luckily for Kratos, God of War: Ascension was the wake-up call for recognizing his humanity.

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If you’re still pining for the Nintendo GameCube and Super Smash Bros. Melee, there’s a new controller for the Nintendo Switch you might recognize. It blends the perfect mix of nostalgia with updated technology. And of course comes in indigo. The NYXI Wizard sells for $69 and will compliment the most frenzied of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournaments. And, unlike the official Nintendo Joy-Con controllers, this one won’t drift over time.

The NYXI controllers use something called Hall effect sensors instead of the fragile potentiometers in some joysticks, including Nintendo’s Joy-Cons. It means they’re much less prone to damage and drift, even under heavy usage. Another cool feature of this throwback controller is that you can replace the rings around each joystick. The circular and octagonal shapes switch out quickly, allowing for distinct styles of movement as needed while playing different types of games. 

Video game controllers have evolved over the decades and there’s a lot of love for the retro versions, even if they are clunky in comparison to newer ones. Incorporating an older Nintendo console’s design for a newer controller is especially fun for long-time gamers. Since this one from NYXI, which we saw on Nintendo Life, is designed for the Switch, it has to slide apart into two pieces. Those can be used separately and also fit into the grooves of the Switch screen for those who play that way.  

There’s plenty of ways to switch things up when it comes to game controllers. Adding a bit of whimsy or nostalgia to the mix is certainly nothing new. We enjoy seeing DIY mods, like the Fisher Price controller that really works. It’s certainly more user-friendly than the build that turned every pad into a joystick. It’s also less terrifying than the Frankenstein Furby controller that someone made.  

Melissa is Nerdist’s science & technology staff writer. She also moderates “science of” panels at conventions and co-hosts Star Warsologies, a podcast about science and Star Wars. Follow her on Twitter @melissatruth.

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We only have a few more days to wait before HBO’s The Last of Us. We’ll get Ellie and Joel, played by Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal, respectively, on our screens in a new way. But if you just can’t hold out any longer, now you can go ahead and sub the Ramsey’s likeness into the video game. This fan-made mod to Naughty Dog’s popular The Last of Us Part II, which we already loved, shows actor Bella Ramsey as Ellie. It may not be a perfect update, but as the video below shows, it’s still a fun act of fan service. Plus, it means you can see your favorite moments even if they don’t end up appearing in the show. There’s no word yet on whether the fan is working on a mod to add Pedro Pascal to the video games, but we’d love to see it. 

The user who created the model, Vontadeh, shared some insights on the modeling in the video’s YouTube comments. They weren’t able to adjust to all of the character’s facial expressions, so there’s a slight aspect of uncanny valley. It’s still a cool concept, though. The mod, which we learned about from GameSpot, dropped just a week in advance of the much-anticipated show. 

The HBO Max series The Last of Us premieres January 15, 2023. Check out everything we know about the series to get prepped for the fungus zombie post-apocalyptic world. There’s also a tabletop version of the game coming later in 2023.

The original Last of Us video games are definitely worth checking out. Even if you’re not great at playing the games, as Pascal himself admitted to in an interview, the storytelling is amazing. Thankfully, the game’s creator is working on the TV version of The Last of Us.

Melissa is Nerdist’s science & technology staff writer. She also moderates “science of” panels at conventions and co-hosts Star Warsologies, a podcast about science and Star Wars. Follow her on Twitter @melissatruth.

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2022 was, for many people, a fairly whatever year when it comes to big-name AAA video games. Sure we had God of War Ragnarök and Game-of-the-Year Elden Ring, but beyond that, it was pretty lackluster. Not so, it seems, for 2023. While we obviously can’t know if any of the hotly anticipated titles will be good, we do know we’re very excited for some huge games to hit shelves this year. From superheroes to street fighters, these are the video games, so far, that have us ready to spend hours and hours glued to our PCs and consoles.

Here they are in order of when they’ll (probably) come out.

Dead Space Remake – January 27

Survival horror games are coming back in a big, bad way thanks to a bevy of high-profile remakes from the ’90s and ’00s. Add to that list Motive Studios and EA’s much ballyhooed remake of 2008’s seminal space horror game, Dead Space. This would be the first Dead Space game since 2013’s Dead Space 3, a critical disappointment coming off of the stellar first two parts. (See what I did there?)

The game is said to follow the original’s plot. You take control of Isaac Clarke, an engineer on a deep space repair vessel who finds himself seemingly the lone human survivor onboard a massive derelict mining ship full of zombified and mutated creatures. The developers plan to utilize “uninterrupted sequence shot“, absent of loading screens, akin to God of War. They also promise no microtransactions, which was one of Dead Space 3‘s most hated features.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor – March 17

To say that people were happy with 2019’s Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is an understatement. For the first time under EA, fans got a single-player Star Wars game with elements of the beloved Dark Souls series. Those elements, including unlockable looping paths, challenging combat, and massive boss battles, worked incredibly well in the Star Wars universe. A sequel seemed all but assured.

For Jedi: Survivor, players will pick up with Jedi-in-hiding Cal Kestis five years after the first game, roughly placing it at the time of the Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ series. Cal has an even harder time dodging the Empire now that he’s on their radar.

The devs promise to have more customization in terms of lightsaber styles and combat than the first game. This includes several new dedicated “stances” and an opportunity to use a Kylo Ren-style crossbar saber.

Resident Evil 4 Remake – March 24

After a good long while where the preeminent survival horror franchise got way too bloated with weird gameplay and lore, Capcom reinvented Resident Evil in two distinct ways. One was the new first-person games Resident Evil VII and Resident Evil: Village, two of the most lauded games in recent years. The second has been remakes of beloved second and third games. Updating much of the presentation, and ditching the fixed camera, Resi 2 and 3 made people remember why they loved that franchise in the first place.

Now we add to that Resident Evil 4. It was the first game to feature over-the-shoulder, third-person combat with a larger focus on action. For many, 4 is the best game in the franchise. Seeing it updated for current console generations will be great. While it’ll keep the inventory and merchant system from the original, Capcom says it will “reimagin[e] the storyline of the game while keeping the essence of its direction.” Presumably this means, while president’s daughter Ashley Graham will still need escorting, she’ll be less of a major annoying load. Hopefully anyway.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – May 12

Oh, it’s only a sequel to one of the most popular and beloved games ever. It only launched Nintendo’s most popular console since the N64. But even if neither of those things were true, a new Legend of Zelda game will always be cause for excitement. Tears of the Kingdom will reteam Breath of the Wild director Hidemaro Fujibayashi with Zelda series producer Eiji Aonuma.

Not a ton else is known about the game at this point. However, in 2019 during the initial announcement, Nintendo said the sequel exists because they had too many ideas for downloadable content for Breath of the Wild. One of those is islands in the sky high above Hyrule. Link will be able to travel between them like in Skyward Sword.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League – May 26

This one, like a lot of games, seems like it’s been about to come out for ages. We first saw a glimpse of it during FanExpo 2021, if you can remember that. This will be a single- or four-player co-op game where people can control Harley Quinn, Capt. Boomerang, Deadshot, and King Shark in a campaign where they have to fight against evil versions of the Justice League. This game comes from Rocksteady Games and takes place in the Arkham universe, but in Metropolis.

One thing we learned recently is Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League will feature the last performance of the late Kevin Conroy as Batman. That alone makes it a must-play for us.

Street Fighter 6 – June 2

We continue with sequel central come June with the first new mainline Street Fighter game since 2016. The trailer for this one looks wild. Vibrant colors, hilarious minigames, and tons of customization. The game features 18 fighters, six of whom are entirely new to the series. Capcom also promises two control types: the “classic” control scheme has a six-button layout that functions similarly to previous entries, while the “modern” control scheme assigns special moves to a single button combined with a directional input. That means button-mashing will be a viable strategy rather than a hindrance!

Diablo IV – June 6

The action-RPG franchise that began in 1997 is back with its latest numbered outing. Procedurally generated dungeons and loot-focused upgrading that have been hallmarks of the series will return for this game. It will also add new wrinkles like an open world and player-versus-player combat. That latter was something the devs promised for Diablo III back in 2012 but couldn’t deliver. What’s 11 years between friends?

As you can see, this game is very bright and upbeat and full of happiness. Just kidding! It’s a literal hellscape. Fight in a war against the evil Lilith, daughter of Mephisto. (No, not that Mephisto. Not technically for legal reasons.) After the events of previous games, the forces of demons and angels have been depleted, allowing an opening for Lilith to establish power. Presumably, she’s not going to work on her memoir, Angels, Demons, and Me.

Final Fantasy XVI – June 22

Seeeeeeeequellllllllls! Square Enix is back with yet another in the exceedingly long-running Final Fantasy meta series. For those who aren’t super up on their Roman numerals, that’s 16. Official synopsis is as follows:

Valisthea, a world divided between six nations who hold power through access to magical Crystals and Dominants, humans who act as hosts for each nation’s Eikon. Tensions between the nations escalate as a malady dubbed the Blight begins consuming the land. Clive Rosfield, guardian to his younger brother Joshua, witnesses his kingdom destroyed and goes on a revenge quest in pursuit of the dark Eikon Ifrit.

The game will feature both melee and magic-casting combat elements, and characters with awesome, wispy hair. As per. Final Fantasy XVI will be a timed exclusive for the PlayStation 5. Like previous installments, however, it will make its way to other consoles afterwards.

Starfield – First Half of 2023

Bethesda, the studio behind the Elder Scrolls and recent Fallout games, will bring their brand of role-playing to space with Starfield. The studio announced the game all the way back at E3 2018 and will be their first new intellectual property in over 25 years. However, it’s not too far out of the norm; director Todd Howard described it as “Skyrim in space.”

The story will take place about 20 years after a massive war between various factions in the Settled Systems, an area of space roughly 50 lightyears outside of our Solar System. The major factions enjoy an uneasy peace, while the player takes control of a customizable character who is a member of the Constellation, a space exploration group. Getting involved in petty squabbles between outland factions? That’s the Bethesda bread and also butter.

Spider-Man 2 – Fall 2023

2018’s Spider-Man was one of the biggest successes of the late-PS4-era. Insomniac Games gave players a massive open world version of Marvel’s Manhattan with tons of sites to see, characters with whom to interact, and baddies to fight. This was followed by the Miles Morales DLC in 2020 which expanded the mythos and the roster of characters. Now, Peter Parker and Miles will team up for the official sequel, which will have both Kraven the Hunter and Candyman himself Tony Todd as the voice of Venom.

Alan Wake II – Sometime in 2023

Remedy Entertainment had themselves a major hit in 2019 with Control, a Weird Fiction extravaganza all inside an ever-changing, unending office building in New York. We learned throughout that game, and especially in one of the DLCs, that Control wasn’t a one-off. It took place in the same universe as Remedy’s earlier Twin Peaks-meets-Stephen King game Alan Wake. Now, with hype for the shared Remedy-verse at an all-time high, the devs are taking players back to Bright Falls for a 13-years-later sequel to Alan Wake before giving us a Control sequel. You sneaky sausages.

Kyle Anderson is the Senior Editor for Nerdist. You can find his film and TV reviews here. Follow him on Instagram and Letterboxd.

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Cal Kestis is coming back. And he’s coming back a better Jedi. (Not to mention a bearded one.) Of course, that just means he has an even bigger Imperial target on his back. Not great for him, obviously. But the new gameplay trailer for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor shows why that will be for fans. Especially because his new skills will mean all new ways of fighting.

Respawn Entertainment, EA, and Lucasfilm Games chose this year’s Game Awards to share the latest look at the highly-anticipated sequel to 2019’s Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. And you know it’s a good trailer because we’re ready to fight stormtroopers right now.

The game’s official logline provides an update on Cal’s life (voiced by Cameron Monaghan) since we left him. It also hints at what awaits him. That will include some familiar faces from his first adventure. From EA:

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor picks up five years after the events of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order™, as Cal continues to grow as a Jedi and evade the Empire’s constant pursuit. With trusty companion BD-1 by his side, he joins forces with new and old allies to aid him on his quest, including the mercenary Bode Akuna (Noshir Dalal) and former crew member Cere Junda (Debra Wilson). With new traversal options such as an ascension cable to reach new heights and the ability to tame and ride creatures, Cal has many ways to navigate the perils he will face as he explores both familiar and new worlds across the galaxy. 

The game will also feature some new components not seen in the original. The developers say that includes “numerous combat stances” for enhanced gameplay. Players will have the option to engages in ‘Dual Lightsabers for lightning fast gameplay and a new Crossguard stance, that brings a measured, but hard-hitting combat option to help Cal defeat threats standing in his way – from Stormtroopers and Imperial Sentry Droids to powerful beings shrouded in mystery.”

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor joins the fight next spring on March 17. You can grab it ($69.99) for the Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. It will also be on PC at EA app, Steam, and Epic Games Store. Pre-orders will get an “Obi-Wan Kenobi-inspired” Cosmetic Pack. And those who opt for the Deluxe edition will also obtain a bonus cosmetics package that pay homage to Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and R2-D2. You can learn more at the game’s official website.

But we’re just going to rewatch this trailer about a hundred more times instead. That might be the only way we can survive the wait for Survivor to come out.

The post STAR WARS JEDI: SURVIVOR Game Drops Action-Packed Trailer and Release Date appeared first on Nerdist.

If you’ve been missing the sands of Arrakis, we have good news for you. A new Dune game, coming soon, will give you a whole new perspective on the desert planet. Dune: Awakening from Funcom and Legendary Entertainment is an open-world survival MMO that puts the player on Arrakis. We now even have a trailer that takes us deeper into the game’s stark and beautiful cinematography. All while giving us a glimpse of its vast, vast world.

From the unknowable sands of the desert to the dirty streets of civilization to the ancient halls of the testing stations, we’ll soon be able to visit every corner of Arrakis. And boy, does it look like we’ll have a lot to explore… And many mysteries to unravel.

An earlier trailer also gave us a more specific look at the game. In it, a figure in the desert takes in the environment and prepares to ride a sandworm, all while the Bene Gesserit Litany Against Fear plays over the footage.

Dune: Awakening takes inspiration from both Frank Herbert’s iconic novels as well as Denis Villeneuve’s recent film. The player’s goal? Rise from survival to dominance. Thousands of players will share Arrakis’ turf with the same objective in mind. And you know, it’s Arrakis. Survival on this planet is no small feat. You have to consider your stillsuit, shelters, and walking with the proper lack of rhythm, so you don’t attract sandworms.

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In this vast MMO, players can explore the desert planet. That means potentially discovering fallen spaceships or visiting places the Fremen once called home. And of course, you can’t have a Dune environment without spice. Whoever controls the spice… The trailers show a glimpse of harvesting activity, and as a player, you can search for spice in the desert sands and harvest it before rival factions come to take it.

Dune: Awakening will be available for the PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. We don’t have a release date yet, but you can sign up for the game’s beta now.

Editor’s Note: Nerdist is a subsidiary of Legendary Digital Networks.

Originally published on August 24, 2022.

Amy Ratcliffe is the Editor-in-Chief for Nerdist and the author of Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy, The Art of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, The Jedi Mind, and more. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

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The video game Sonic Frontiers has only been out a few days, but there’s already mods to change up gameplay. Why play the latest Sonic game as, you know, Sonic the Hedgehog when you can be Pikachu instead? Instead of a spiky blue hedgehog, complete those missions as an electric yellow rat. YouTuber Peter Knetter tries out the mod in the video below and keeps up an amusing running commentary about the game as he casually drowns, presses the wrong button, and kicks the stone children following him around. Whether or not it sells you on playing the actual game is debatable, but it is still a fun watch. 

The game is Sonic’s first foray into open world design. Without the story’s context, the action and quests in this video all seem somewhat confusing. Pikachu races around collecting rings and punching things. His children, which just keep multiplying, look like stones with tiny legs and silly headwear. The look of Pikachu himself varies widely from moment to moment. As Knetter points out, he’s quite thicc when he runs, that yellow behind bouncing wildly. And then there are glitchy moments where his dimensions are all wrong.

Knetter didn’t build this mod but does share a lot of video game content on his YouTube channel. He clearly has a preference for Sonic and Pikachu, but this is the first crossover we’ve seen. He also modifies game controllers, including a cardboard version of a Gameboy that still plays and a GameCube controller that is also a sandwich. 

There’s been a lot of other cool video game mods recently, including the ability to play Stray as Garfield the cat and a 2D version of The Simpsons: Hit & Run that looks more like the actual show. The wildest may just be a fighting Baby Yoda in Star Wars Battlefront II.

Melissa is Nerdist’s science & technology staff writer. She also moderates “science of” panels at conventions and co-hosts Star Warsologies, a podcast about science and Star Wars. Follow her on Twitter @melissatruth.

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Dogs need a lot of stimulation and sometimes we humans are just too busy. The company Joipaw is trying to fill that need. It makes a series of video games for dogs and even has a console that dispenses treats when they complete a level. Playing games can keep your best friend interested when you’re at work. It also helps avoid separation anxiety and fights the risk of doggie dementia as they age. The video below shows some very good doggos testing out a version of Whac-A-Mole. No, the dogs don’t lift a mallet, they play by pressing the screen with their nose.

If you don’t have the time to set up elaborate challenge games with your doggos to keep them occupied, you can sign up for a Joipaw console of your own. The product is still being developed but will hopefully be available to the masses soon. There’s also a pinball and counting game. It includes a wearable fitness tracker and a phone app so you can monitor your fur baby’s progress and control the treat supply.  

We learned about this on DesignTAXI. Sadly, the video is short. We could watch dogs nose those video game moles all morning. Cleaning the screen of all those nose prints must be an unending task, though. According to Joipaw, during their testing phases, dogs kept playing the games even after the session was over and the treats stopped flowing. That’s good news for pet owners whose dogs aren’t food motivated.

This product feels like the inevitable next step after scientists determined that board games lower the risk of dementia in humans. There are plenty of educational video games but studies show that even playing regular video and virtual reality games helps improve memory as we age. Researchers have also found that lab-grown human brain cells can learn to play Pong, so why not dogs?

Melissa is Nerdist’s science & technology staff writer. She also moderates “science of” panels at conventions and co-hosts Star Warsologies, a podcast about science and Star Wars. Follow her on Twitter @melissatruth. 

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Listen here, nerds; gaming discourse always seems to go in the same direction. Everyone always talks about the best characters, weapons, abilities, or levels; never do I hear a brave soul venture to discuss one of gaming’s most ubiquitous features. I, of course, am talking about the health bar—an often underappreciated work of art.

I’ve come across many health bars in my old, decrepit, mid-twenties age. There’s something to be said for games that are able to craft their own unique health bar creation. A health bar can be remarkable for many reasons, ranging from how well it represents the general aesthetic of the game, to how informative it is in regards to your health-related concerns, to sometimes for just how irresistibly bizarre, and goofy, it looks. 

Health bars have long wished to garner the respect they so rightly deserve. I—being the oh-so merciful ruler (i.e. the biggest nerd)—will oblige. Here are seven picks for health bars that are truly the epitome of remarkable. 

Super Mario Sunshine (2002)

Kicking off the list is a somewhat controversial title, since some consider it to be the black sheep of the mainline 3D Mario titles: Super Mario Sunshine. Not to get overly political or anything, but I’m an anti-summer and anti-beach person. Super Mario Sunshine is the rare exception to this rule. 

This includes the game’s pleasant-looking, sun-inspired health meter, which looks like the sort of cartoonish sketching you’d jot down in your textbooks as you try to brave through the perils of math class.

Resident Evil (1996)

On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Resident Evil series, which is hardly a joyous or upbeat experience. While these kinds of games aren’t my cup of tea, the health bar of the Resident Evil franchise deserves praise for simply how unique it is. 

The game uses an ECG (electrocardiogram) to measure the status of your character; it’s the most appropriate thing that I’ve ever seen in anything. Like, nothing—not even the casting of Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool—can hold a candle to this magnificent decision.

Pac-Man World Series (1999-2005)

Don’t tell anyone, but one of my core beliefs is that the Pac-Man World series deserves an HD remaster. There are plenty of aspects about this underrated platformer series I cherish deeply, including its simple health bar that makes me giggle with how perfect it is every time. 

Making a health bar that wasn’t based on the legendary pie design would’ve been an insult to our thick yellow boy, so this health bar is an example of when people do their one job and do it well.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom (2003)

Is there anything more befitting of the sponge that lives in a pineapple under the sea? With the remaster just recently being released, I got to thinking: Has any game ever used underwear as a main commodity as much as Battle for for Bikini Bottom? 

Before any nerds reference, like, some obscure Commodore 64 game, let’s just say it’s not every day you see underpants used to tally hit points.

Kingdom Hearts Series (2002-Present)

I’m not even going to attempt to begin to explain Kingdom Hearts, but I will say that the health bars serve, in a way, as the perfect symbolism for the convolutedness of the series. This monstrosity is actually kind of hilarious to look at.

The health bar also serves as one of the better visual representations of growth in an RPG that I can think of. Seeing your tiny wedge grow into an entity longer than the equator line is immensely satisfying. 

Spider-Man on GameBoy Advanced (2002)

Not only is Spider-Man my favorite character fictional character in existence, but I remember playing this game a ton. When my mom would drive me to school, I’d spend some time trying to beat whatever level I was stuck on; I swear the boss fight against Shocker was impossible.
The health bar came in the form of a literal red web that would see chunks of it disappear. Despite how arbitrary the amount of damage you took seemed, the thing was just plain rad.

Conker’s Bad Fur Day (2001)

This should be pretty self-explanatory for anyone that enjoys good things (i.e. chocolate, which is an extremely good thing). While a lot of the jokes and crudeness of Conker’s Bad Fur Day don’t exactly age well, the boldness and “how in the world is this game real?” sentiment of the game can’t be understated. 

Honestly, I’d put forth a bill to the senate to have more games use chocolate—or any number of other delectable treats—as their health bars. 

Originally published September 3, 2020.

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Bringing an all new meaning to the phrase “kill ’em with kindness,” apparently you can play as Barney the Dinosaur in the retro video game Xenophage: Alien Bloodsport. Which also means you can play against the loveable children’s television figure. His powers appear to be limited to throwing large hearts, which may or may not be filled with blood. He’s called Blarney to try and skirt copyright infringement claims, which is also the name the show Dinosaurs used to parody Barney. Whatever you call him, the purple and green dinosaur sporting a huge grin is unmistakable. Even when he does a little dance as his victims bleed out.

The video above shows off the game with a Barney (ummm Blarney) fight as he dies in round one and then dominates rounds two and three of the head to head Mortal Kombat-like fight. His attacks are mild, but his death is quite graphic, as the dinosaur face plants to the ground and bleeds out. Even though the game came out in 1995 and looks quite dated, you can still play it on Steam if you have any lingering animosity towards the beloved dinosaur. 

We came across this wild retro game clip thanks to Boing Boing. And it’s not the only time Barney has come up recently. It seems nostalgia is at an all-time high. There’s the documentary I Love You, You Hate Me. Nope star Daniel Kaluuya is even making a live-action Barney movie. The show Barney & Friends aired from 1992 to 2009, which means there’s a huge population out there who grew up on it. They either remember it fondly or hate the fact that they still have the theme song stuck in their head decades later. 

The Loading Geek YouTube channel that shared the murderous Barney gameplay posts lots of other video game playthroughs. But none contain as much 90s nostalgia as this secret Barney throwdown. 

Melissa is Nerdist’s science & technology staff writer. She also moderates “science of” panels at conventions and co-hosts Star Warsologies, a podcast about science and Star Wars. Follow her on Twitter @melissatruth. 

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Back in the ’90s, Waterworld was one of Hollywood’s most notorious flops. (Although it was only kind of a flop, but we’ll get to that.) The post-apocalyptic 1995 action movie starred Kevin Costner and Dennis Hopper and was the butt of jokes for years. And one of these jokes was a 20-second gag on an episode of The Simpsons back in 1998.

In the episode, we saw Bart’s buddy Milhouse drop 40 quarters into a Waterworld arcade game. He played as Kevin Costner’s character, took one step, and then the game ends right there. Implying, of course, that everything Waterworld touched was an instant fail. But now, according to Kotaku, someone has taken that gag and made it into an actual game.

An indie game developer and Twitch streamer going by the name Macaw45 put together a free game inspired by that 20-second joke. And so far, fans of are digging it. Macaw45 has, of course, expanded upon the game in a big way. They added bosses, several new areas to explore, and some buried secrets to chance upon. And just like poor Milhouse, you’ll need to load in 40 quarters too. Well, figuratively speaking of course. Speaking of Milhouse, it seems one actually gets to play as Milhouse. I guess that means everyone who plays is a predetermined loser.

As much fun as it is and was to mock Waterworld (which we admit is not all that great), it wasn’t that big of a flop really. Yes, it cost a then-staggering $175 million to produce. Which is the standard amount any big tentpole costs these days. But it made $264 million at the box office. And the added revenue of VHS rentals, which were a big part of a movie’s money-earning potential then, meant Waterworld eventually was in the black. But we admit, it’s still so much fun to make fun of, even all these years later. Even if making fun of it is a sometimes frustrating game based on an old joke.

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Scientists grew human brain cells that integrated themselves with a silicon computer chip and simulated a world similar to the classic video game Pong. Within five minutes, the neurons learned how to play the game. The team dubbed the system DishBrain and determined this example of biological computing shows both intelligent and sentient behavior. This breakthrough can help computers become smarter and artificial intelligence programs learn faster. Or does it just get us one step closer to a Matrix-like reality that proves we’re all living in a simulation? 

According to a press release, gameplay is relatively simple. “Electrodes on the left or right of one array were fired to tell DishBrain which side the ball was on, while distance from the paddle was indicated by the frequency of signals. Feedback from the electrodes taught DishBrain how to return the ball, by making the cells act as if they themselves were the paddle.”

The team published their findings in the peer-reviewed journal Neuron, which we first saw on Gizmodo. They plan to tweak the hardware, software, and what they call wetware, or the cells themselves, in order to optimize DishBrain. Eventually, scientists could use this system to study therapies and drugs for damaged brain cells.

Next up, the scientists plan to introduce ethanol to the system. They will basically get DishBrain drunk to see how that affects its ability to learn and play Pong. If it’s anything like me, it will think it’s doing better but in reality it will be playing much worse. But the real question is, what game will the team teach DishBrain next? 

Melissa is Nerdist’s science & technology staff writer. She also moderates “science of” panels at conventions and co-hosts Star Warsologies, a podcast about science and Star Wars. Follow her on Twitter @melissatruth. 

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Video games as we know them have only been around for half a century, give or take. But in that time, we’ve seen a metric ton of game consoles released to the public. And there is one person out there who actually managed to buy nearly all of them. We’re talking over 2,4000 different machines. And now, via DesignTaxi, we’ve learned that after accumulating such an incredible collection, the owner has decided to sell the whole thing on eBay for a considerable sum of $1 million dollars. You can see a photo from the eBay listing of just a portion of this jaw-dropping collection right here:

This is all happening thanks to a French collector going by the handle Kariaure. And according to their eBay listing, they’ve had quite an intense journey with their console collecting. This hobby all began in the early’90s. As the 2000s rolled in, they sold it all. Sometime later, they picked up the hobby anew, and then in 2011, they stopped again. Finally, in 2018, while on a trip visiting Japan, the itch came back even stronger. And they bought every game they once sold off. And thus, the collection grew to its current size, containing just about every console known to humankind.

If they do manage to sell it all, we think they’d have a hard time ever coming close to amassing such a collection again. And really, where does one even store such a thing? We really can’t blame them for selling it off. For some avid gamer out there though, this is going to be too good an opportunity to resist. If you’re a wealthy video game historian with a disposable income, and you want this truly legendary collection from Kaori30, you can head over to eBay to check out its listing. The current “Buy It Now” price is set at €984,000 EUR, a.k.a a million bucks American.

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The 2003 game The Simpsons: Hit & Run is a cult classic. Sure, it’s a bit buggy. But it includes all the regular cast voices. Not to mention that its Grand Theft Auto-like gameplay of driving and side missions remains a favorite among Simpsons fans. One of those dedicated fans is creating a game modification to tweak the animation style. Though 3D was in vogue at the time, the gamer is switching it back to 2D to more closely match the TV show. Based on the comments, and the fact that it has over 1.3 million views, it seems that lots of other fans are excited to see the results!

The video above shares some side by side comparisons. And also some horrifying mistakes made during the mod process that turned the classic characters into horror movie monsters. There’s more videos of the remaster on the El Gato del Tejado YouTube channel. Part one included getting Homer Simpson just right, butt-scratching and all.

The latest video covers issues like shadows and perspective. But also whatever is going on with Lisa Simpson. During the so-called upgrade, the character ends up either armless or with arms so long and skinny, it’s disturbing. And then there’s the hair. Lisa’s locks has always been a bit of a head-scratcher, perfectly pointed from every angle. But apparently swapping this back into 2D gameplay isn’t as simple as you might think. Lisa looks more like she’s bald and wearing some weird sun-shaped crown. The animator is still plugging away at this volunteer project, dedicating countless hours to getting it right.

The Simpsons has long inspired the fandom to play in Springfield’s sandbox. Other creative fans have made everything from a line of Simpsons shoes to a Marge Simpson wig. 

Melissa is Nerdist’s science & technology staff writer. She also moderates “science of” panels at conventions and co-hosts Star Warsologies, a podcast about science and Star Wars. Follow her on Twitter @melissatruth. 

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We recently told you about the mod for Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered that allows for players to swing around New York as Stan Lee. Thought that was out of left field? Thanks to Comic Book, we’ve discovered that there’s a mod that’s even weirder. Because now you can play as Uncle Ben’s gravestone instead of as Peter Parker himself. The mod offers players the option to “become Uncle Ben himself.” And yes, it sort of does that? We guess it’s a classier, less gross option than “zombie Uncle Ben.”

The morbid mod came to life (so to speak) thanks to a user who goes by Saphire. Another user later uploaded it to the Nexus Mods site, named HomelanderSoldierBoy. (Guess someone’s a big fan of The Boys). The only image we saw on this mod’s page displays the gravestone for Uncle Ben with an inscription they displayed in the game itself. One which gives Uncle Ben’s year of death as 2010. This puts the game’s Peter Parker at about thirty years old, assuming he was about sixteen or so when the spider bit him. The gravestone is actually an asset in the game.

Players are going to need the SMPCTool mod installed if they want to use this Uncle Ben gravestone. If a player’s got Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered via Steam, then that’s all they’ll need. Now, here’s what we want to know. When is someone going to make a mod for Aunt May? And we’re talking comic book Aunt May. From back when Marvel artists drew her as if she was 150 years old. Long before the days of young Aunt May in the MCU. That’s the mod we want to see in Spider-Man Remastered. Ok, that and Ms. Lion, Peter Parker’s Llahsa Opso dog from Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends. Explore the whole Spider-verse, we say!

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What better time to release a Lord of the Rings video game than just before the new series The Rings of Power comes out? Sadly, that’s not actually happening. But an imaginative trailer shows clips of a Lord of the Rings game we really wish was real. Check out the video below, showing a Lord of the Rings game made with Unreal Engine 5 game creation software, and you’ll see just how epic it would be. From Rivendell to Mordor, every scene is gorgeous. We can image the gameplay, from battling Helms Deep to writing books in the Shire.

We saw this tease of a trailer on CBR. The Enfant Terrible YouTube channel compiles many other video game trailers using Unreal Engine. It’s a game engine made by Epic Games and is used in both real video games and fan videos. It’s even part of ILM’s creation of the volume to create digital sets for The Mandalorian and other shows.

Creators have used the software to make fan videos for every franchise. And even long-forgotten Disney theme park rides. But it’s also part of some of the most popular games like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order to the Batman: Arkham series. Unreal Engine 5 was released a few months ago and we can only guess at how it’s going to be integrated into our entertainment for years to come. And even our everyday lives. Other virtual environment applications include in the medical and architectural design fields.

While there have been many iterations of video games based in Middle-earth, none of them look quite as beautiful as this version. Here’s hoping one as epic as the trilogy itself someday. The real question is, would the video game include Tom Bombadil?

Melissa is Nerdist’s science & technology staff writer. She also moderates “science of” panels at conventions and co-hosts Star Warsologies, a podcast about science and Star Wars. Follow her on Twitter @melissatruth. 

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The video game Stray is winning hearts and popularity contests all over the internet. In a charming watch video, a cat behavior expert analyzes how realistic the kitty’s behaviors are in the game. JoAnna Puzzo, a feline welfare manager at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, watched gameplay. And also clearly falls in love with Stray. 

The game includes the cat playing with other members of its colony, meeting robots, ziplining in a bucket, and many other adventures. One of the best moments in the video above is Puzzo confirming that kitties are agile enough not to knock items off of tables and shelves. So when they do it, it’s intentional. I knew it. And just like we all do, Puzzo gets distressed when the sweet kitty injures himself and is limping. Though the disruption of what appears to be a game of mahjong immediately reduces empathy for the cat.  

She also talks about the vertical scratching behavior, which the cat in Stray does on both trees and furniture. Apparently, it provides a visual marker of territory and also leaves a chemical signal from the scent glands in their paws. When the video game kitty first gets his little backpack, he crouches and walks funny. Puzzo says that cats generally don’t like wearing clothes or harnesses and this is a response to that lack of control. But once he’s comfortable with the robots, he rubs on their legs in greeting. Just like a real-life cat would do, especially to people who are allergic to them.

The video, which we saw on Laughing Squid, also includes Kipp, a sweet kitty up for adoption. If you’re looking for your own stray to bring home, check out the Battersea cat and dog adoption pages. Or your local rescue group. And don’t forget that you can also play Stray as Garfield the cat, thanks to a new mod.

Melissa is Nerdist’s science & technology staff writer. She also moderates “science of” panels at conventions and co-hosts Star Warsologies, a podcast about science and Star Wars. Follow her on Twitter @melissatruth. 

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Get ready to be transported back to a wood-paneled basement where the music from ’80s video games bounces off the walls. LEGO’s latest “Adults Welcome” kit is the Atari 2600 VCS (Video Computer System). The 2,532 pieces build the console, joystick, and game cartridges for classics Centipede, Asteroids, and Adventure. The cartridges also convert into a little scene from each game.

When you slide open the console, another set flips into place. It’s a minifigure (in an Atari shirt of course) playing Atari in a wood-paneled rec room. The nostalgia is so visceral, you can almost hear that famous Atari music. The set goes on sale August 1, 2022 and will cost $239.99  

In the company’s announcement, LEGO designer and lifelong Atari fan Chris McVeigh says, “The Atari 2600 was one of the most memorable gifts I got as a kid. I recall spending hours and hours in front of the TV, absolutely amazed that I could play arcade games in my own home. We hope that building this classic console takes you back to those halcyon days when a handful of pixels meant a world of adventure.” 

It truly was a different time. And even though Atari’s newer consoles retain some of the same detailing as the classics, there’s obviously been a huge jump in technology. For example, the Atari 2600 debuting in 1980 had a switch to toggle between color or black and white TVs. That detail is preserved in the LEGO version. 

Even if you sided with Nintendo in the Console Wars, LEGO has you covered. They previously released an original NES console LEGO set, which even included a LEGO 1980s era TV set to connect it to. 

Melissa is Nerdist’s science & technology staff writer. She also moderates “science of” panels at conventions and co-hosts Star Warsologies, a podcast about science and Star Wars. Follow her on Twitter @melissatruth. 

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A new video game called Microscopya takes players inside the human body. Molecular biologist Dr. Beata Mierzwa and a team of collaborators set out with a goal to use artistic imagery to spark interest and excitement about science. Mini-games come in the form of science-themed puzzles, unlocking achievements as your customizable avatar travels through a human cell. The game also brings awareness to women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Just choose your hair, skin, and lab coat color and you’re ready to play!

This science-themed point and click adventure game is set amongst stunning visuals and will engage people of all ages. It gives strong The Magic School Bus vibes in a wonderfully nostalgic way. Indeed, Dr. Mierzwa makes her own dresses and other science-themed fashion similar to the beloved Ms. Frizzle’s wardrobe.

Check out the game on Android, iOS, or browsers. If you’ll be in San Diego for Comic-Con, visit the STEAM Fair at the Comic-Con Museum July 21-24, 2022 to meet Dr. Mierzwa and check out the game. Below, she shares more about the inspiration behind Microscopya and just how much collaboration goes into creating a new video game.

Nerdist: What are your own video game influences?

Dr. Beata Mierzwa: My favorite video game from my childhood is the original Final Fantasy VII. I loved immersing myself in the elaborate story, the intricate world, and the absolutely amazing music. It was the reason why I decided to learn how to play the piano. More recently, I’ve been impressed with games like Gris, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, and Detroit: Become Human. In addition to being visually stunning, each of these games tackles complex issues within our society and invites the player to explore these themes from a new angle.

Machinarium and Child of Light were huge inspirations for Microscopya. We definitely looked to those games when making decisions on the ambiance of the world we were creating. I’ve often said that if I hadn’t gone into science, I would have loved to study video game design. Creating Microscopya has completely changed the way I experience games that I play myself.

What’s the goal of Microscopya?

Microscopya makes scientific concepts more accessible to help drive a shift in how science is communicated. One of our goals is to combat outdated stereotypes and gender norms surrounding academia by showing that science is for everyone. By allowing players to explore the complexity and beauty of the world inside every living being, and painting a more diverse picture of what it means to be a scientist, Microscopya aims to reach and inspire students who fall outside the scientific stereotype.

The game features puzzles based on real molecular mechanisms and hand-drawn illustrations to create a fantastical experience that highlights the magical world inside us. We invite players of all ages and backgrounds to take an immersive journey through the inside of the cell and explore the intricacy of the molecular world that makes all life possible.

Tell us more about the music.

I consider myself incredibly lucky to have wound up with Jamie van Dyck as our composer. Having a musician who shared our vision for the game was incredibly important. His band, Earthside, is one of my all-time favorite bands. I mentioned my project when I joined a virtual get-together for his birthday at the beginning of the pandemic, and he got really excited about it! We had a follow-up chat about the vibe of the music we wanted for the game and I was excited to learn about his interest in STEM education and empowering female scientists. The next thing I knew he had composed music that was absolutely perfect for the game!

What is one great outcome of this project for you?

I got to meet phenomenally passionate educators who are constantly looking for new ways to keep students engaged. This whole process has been such an adventure, and it’s led me to discover a whole new world of games with missions that go way beyond just entertainment. There is an amazing, thriving community working on really fun and interesting games that have a deeper purpose of education, outreach, and inclusivity. I encourage folks to check out Games for Change and the Science Game Center as wonderful examples.

Dr. Mierzwa is one of 125 IF/THEN ambassadors funded by the AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science) and Lyda Hill Philanthropies. The goal of the program is to empower diverse women in STEM and inspire the next generation. The ambassadors all have life-size 3D-printed statues, which were recently on display at the Smithsonian Institution.

Melissa is Nerdist’s science & technology staff writer. She also moderates “science of” panels at conventions and co-hosts Star Warsologies, a podcast about science and Star Wars. Follow her on Twitter @melissatruth. 

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The summer of 1982 brought out some of the most pivotal movies to the film industry and pop culture. E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Poltergeist, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Conan The Barbarian, and Tron all made their debut during this time. And another film that premiered during this time is John Carpenter’s The Thing. Compared to its 1982 competitors, The Thing was not a commercial success. However, decades later, the movie is easily one of the most recognizable films out there, leaving its imprint on everything – video games included.

Two decades after The Thing debuted, the popular movie obtained its own video game. The Universal Interactive imprint released the 2002 video game to multiple platforms, including PC, Xbox, and PlayStation 2. The third person shooter takes place after the events of the 1982 film and creates a sequel of sorts to it. 

Receiving predominantly positive reviews, this film acts as a precursor to future games inspired by The Thing. 

Among Us

This popular online game has torn apart many friendships. Created in 2018 by American video game studio Innersloth, Among Us places players on a spacecraft where Crewmates collaborate to complete tasks before Impostors kill everyone on board. Sounds a bit familiar? That is because the game takes direct influence from the social deduction party game Mafia and The Thing. 

In 2020, the game gained immense popularity due to YouTubers and Twitch streamers playing the game. Consequently becoming one of the best reviewed games by IGN. The game also became the most downloaded game in 2020 for both iPhones and iPads. Now with multiple awards, updates, and merchandise under its belt, Among Us is here to stay 

Carrion

With Carrion, you get to become the horror itself. You play as a sentient lifeform released from captivity. Initially released in 2020 for PC, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch and then again in 2021 for PlayStation 4, players take on the role of “The Monster” as they use their character’s amorphous body to attack all who stand in its way. Upgrades to the game give the creature special abilities and moves that make the game even more entertaining. But that’s not that hard, being that the game won Best Debut game and Best Indie game at The Game Awards 2020.

Pole of Cold

The Pole of Cold received its name for being one of the places with the lowest air temperatures recorded. It is also the name of a particularly frightening video game. Released in 2020, Pole of Cold is a sci-fi horror game based in Antarctica, where players explore a research station containing unimaginable horrors. As you play as a scientist in Antarctica researching ice samples filled with an ancient organism, survival becomes the name of the game, when the organism escapes and takes over the rest of your team. Frightening enough, the Pole of Cold gives you one try to escape the facility and will restart the entire story once you die. 

Distrust

It is all in the name. This 2017 game created by Cheerdealers was released on PC, Xbox One, mobile phones, and Playstation 4. Upon leaving a helicopter crash, a group of survivors find refuge within an abandoned station in the Arctic, only to find themselves surrounded by alien entities standing in the way of their survival. To add insult to injury, players have to survive frigid temperatures of the Arctic landscape. Distrust comes with 15 different characters with various abilities to help you survive the game, but with aliens, sub zero weather, and an endless night

Frigid

Cold enough yet? Frigid is the next frosty entry on the list. This entry has not been released yet, but has an upcoming debut in Summer 2022. Developed by Celeritas Games, Frigid tells the story of a Canadian arctic ransacked by a mysterious illness that impacts the wildlife. Inspired by The Thing, this video game focuses on researchers striving to solve the mystery of this virus, while struggling to survive nature. 

The impact of The Thing spreads far and wide, with gaming inspired by its existence too. Content has the opportunity to generate new ideas and Carpenter’s film is a true indication of that. I am sure that Carpenter never imagined that video games would be made in the likeness of his film. Who knew that a film that failed to become a box office hit, would soon influence a generation of films and video games decades later.

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There’s something incredibly charming about baby toys that mimic things we use every day. From the laptop to the (mostly) dearly-departed house phone, Fisher-Price generally knows exactly the perfect everyday products to turn toddlers into mini CEOs and whatnot. One of our favorite products, of course, is their video game controller, because it’s never too early to activate the young gamer. However, one gamer upped the ante on the Fisher-Price controller, proving it’s not just for kids. Rudeism—whose real name is Dylan Beck—actually modded it into a functioning controller. And he demonstrated it by playing Elden Ring. The whole thing is actually quite impressive—especially considering the idea started as a joke.

In a two-minute video Rudeism walks viewers through his vibrant new controller and shows off the gameplay. Hilariously, the modded Fisher-Price controller still boasts all the sound effects from the toy’s original form. In reality, it probably makes for a very distracting gaming experience, especially when working through a difficult level or quest. (Although the controller lighting up and shouting “woohoo” is certainly a confidence booster.) But for this purpose, we are quite charmed.

The whole video, which we first saw at The Verge, shows how well-developed Rudeism’s modded controller is. According to The Verge, he outfitted the controller with a Arduino Pro Micro clone. He also reworked the joystick to make it movable and added the tech to improve the functionality of additional buttons. But maybe most impressive is while he refitted the controller in a few big ways, he did so while still making sure to use the toy controller’s gamepad.

While it’s missing some of the features from the Xbox controller—namely the right joystick—Rudeism points out that the child’s controller has a workaround. Underneath the ABCD buttons—mimicking the Xbox’s XYBA—is a slider that lets you toggle between left and right position. This changes how the joystick functions—the left position controlling the playable character’s movements and the right controlling the camera movements—as well the buttons’ functions. Sure, it’s not a perfect match for the Xbox controller. But it’s pretty astounding how he’s able to make it work.

And this isn’t the last we’ll see of the controller. Rudeism not only plans to make a step-by-step tutorial on how to make the controller, he also plans to beat Elden Ring using the modded controller. We can only hope he streams it.

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Life simulation games like The Sims and Animal Crossing have long been popular. But now, one is coming that allows your simulated life to have that magical Disney touch. Via IGN, we’ve learned about Disney Dreamlight Valley, a game that allows you to live and have adventures in a Disney world (but not the Disney World). This free-to-play game lets you play as yourself, but also live alongside your favorite characters from Disney and Pixar movies.

You can check out the first trailer for Disney Dreamlight Valley right here:

Disney Dreamlight Valley is more than another life simulation game, however. There is an adventure element, where you get to rescue the valley from a looming darkness. Once you do that, the game becomes the life-simulator from the trailer. It starts with the wizard Merlin from The Sword in the Stone, and you must help him recover his memories, and save Dreamlight Valley. Much like the Disney theme parks, the main hub of the game is the Dream Castle. The castle is your gateway to all the different realms from nearly a century of animated films. There will be four realms initially, with the first two based on Wall-E and Moana.

Disney Dreamlight Valley’s in-game clock will function in real-time. So if it is night wherever you are in the world, it’s also nighttime in the game. Luckily, all the shops and restaurants are open 24 hours a day in Dreamlight Valley. But the number of animated characters in certain places might be more during “peak business hours.” So if you want to have lunch with Remy from Ratatouille, or go shopping with Mickey Mouse, you might want to schedule accordingly. Right now this seems limited to Disney animated characters, so no Marvel or Star Wars characters. At least not yet. The main storyline will have about 40-60 hours of gameplay.

Disney Dreamlight Valley is set for release in 2023 as a free-to-play experience for Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, and PC and Mac via Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, and the App Store. For more information, be sure to head to the official site.

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While every decade had its fad toy crazes, the ’90s took the cake in that department. There was Tickle Me Elmo, Beanie Babies, the Tamagotchi, just to name a few. But the Crown Royalty of ’90s fad toys might have been the Furby. Between 1998 and 1999, the furry little robot that spoke its own language— aptly called Furbish—sold some 40 million toys. Although, much like the Gremlins film that inspired them, they were both cute and also kinda creepy.

Now, a Twitter user named Chad Etzel has doubled down on the Furby creepy factor, by fusing the Furby with an Xbox controller. Because who doesn’t want to stare down at that while playing a game? And it is both amazing and slightly terrifying. In a tweet, Etzel said his “Furbtroller” was “fully functional, you just jam your thumbs on the eyeballs and wiggle them around. Same for mouth d-pad.”

So where did the inspiration for this adorable little monstrosity come from? Well, it seems that Etzel got the idea from someone else’s tweet last year. A Twitter user named Ben Bayliss created a Furby/controller mock-up image, and said in a tweet “I was overcome with inspiration earlier and so made a new Xbox Series controller design. Xbox Series x Furby.” Bayliss also notes to Nerdist, “the idea came about when Xbox announced the revival of its Xbox Design Lab last year.” And we love to see the creativity.

Ultimately, Etzel decided to make that dream a reality. And thus, the Furbtroller was born. You can see the original image right here:

Although its creator says it’s really a “terrible idea,” we actually think these would sell. If someone had the gumption to make them. Enough people out there still have a soft spot for their Furby from childhood. Why not stare at one every day that looks like it was gene-spliced with an Xbox controller in a transporter accident from Star Trek? In the meantime, someone out there needs to create a petition to make certain that the Furbtroller becomes something you can buy for real. We’d sign it.

The post This Furby Xbox Controller Is Horrifying and Maybe a Little Cute appeared first on Nerdist.

Okay, well, technically Kirby didn’t. But the mouthy pink video game character played a major role in the 2022 Grammy win for “the best arrangement, instrumental, or a cappella.” Musicians Charlie Rosen and Jake Silverman won the award with their arrangement of “Meta Knight’s Revenge” from 1996’s game Kirby Super Star, an iconic Kirby-centric game from Nintendo. Have a listen to Kirby’s Grammy-winning hit, here:

The award-winning arrangement, which we first saw on The Verge, was written by Rosen and Silverman. It was then performed by The 8-Bit Big Band. The band describes itself as “a full-sized Jazz/pops orchestra that formed to celebrate and realize some of the best musical themes written from various video games from all consoles! The orchestra ranges from 25 members all the way to 65 members depending on the music, and draws from some of most sought-after musicians from New York City, and around the world.”

We love this for them and for Kirby. Video game music doesn’t often garner much award attention, after all. But we feel like Kirby deserves this Grammy. He is after all irresistibly cute. And he just had a new game release all about him, so the timing feels right to us. We hope Nintendo gives us a little edit of Kirby cheering while holding the Grammy’s iconic gramophone. Just don’t swallow that Grammy, Kirby. That, we imagine, would make for a first.

The 8-Bit Big Band’s recognition for their rendition of the Kirby theme is also well-deserved. On their YouTube channel, the orchestra shares other arrangements they’ve played. These include versions of themes from Animal Crossing, Luigi’s Mansion, Super Mario World, Final Fantasy, and more.

We wouldn’t want to play favorites, but their version of “Zelda’s Lullabye” from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time pulls on our heartstrings.

Kirby may be the only one with the Grammy, but all of these video-game music renditions feel award-winning to us.

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Artist Sara Alfageeh created the striking cover. Moher tells Nerdist, “I had so many ideas for Fight, Magic, Items‘ cover: bold colors, obsessive details, fun Easter eggs, and everything between. And then Sara went and blew my expectations way outta the water. (Pun intended, sorry.) I’m also obsessed with the classic JRPG battle command motif, which were obvious inspiration for the book’s title. If you know, you know. But that’s just the first step on this journey to level up and take down the dark lord.”

In Fight, Magic, Items, Moher guides readers through the history of JRPGs. He begins with the origins of classics: Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. As Moher looks back, he considers the technical challenges creators addressed while bringing their games to life. The video game industry today would be entirely different without JRPGs.

As the Fight, Magic, Items synopsis states:

The Japanese roleplaying game (JRPG) genre is one that is known for bold, unforgettable characters; rich stories, and some of the most iconic and beloved games in the industry. Inspired by early western RPGs and introducing technology and artistic styles that pushed the boundaries of what video games could be, this genre is responsible for creating some of the most complex, bold, and beloved games in history—and it has the fanbase to prove it. In Fight, Magic, Items, Aidan Moher guides readers through the fascinating history of JRPGs, exploring the technical challenges, distinct narrative and artistic visions, and creative rivalries that fueled the creation of countless iconic games and their quest to become the best, not only in Japan, but in North America, too.

Fight, Magic, Items arrives on October 4, 2022. You can place your preorder now.

Amy Ratcliffe is the Managing Editor for Nerdist and the author of A Kid’s Guide to Fandom, available now. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

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For a franchise based on the idea that “death is but a door,” we expect Ghostbusters to be a part of our life forever. As well as our afterlife. But that won’t just mean new Ghostbusters movies. It will also mean continuing the long tradition of Ghostbusters games. And we’re getting a new one soon. The latest installment will offer something none of its predecessors ever did, though. The announcement trailer for IllFonic‘s new Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed promises you can strap on your proton pack as part of a new generation. But it also shows you’ll be able to play from the other side of the hunt. The game will let you be a havoc-causing ghost.

The original Ghostbusters are ready to move on from the job (even if they’re still involved with the franchise) in Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed. Their retirement will give you the chance to pick up the mantle particle thrower and put on a jumpsuit. All while getting to use their famous Ectomobile, equipment, and firehouse. That’s if you want to bust ghosts. For the first time ever in a Ghostbusters game, you can turn the tables on the specter hunting crew. You can go to the other side—and we mean that in more ways than one—to actually be a ghost. Here’s the official synopsis from IllFonic:

As a Ghostbuster, join with other Ghostbusters to chase and trap ghosts in museums, prisons, hotels, and more, and capture the ghosts before they can fully haunt the areas.

Or, as the Ghost, hide, sneak, surprise, scare, and of course, slime Ghostbusters and civilians until the everything has gone completely spooky. Use trickery, deception, and Ectoplasm to gain the upper hand and drive the Ghostbusters out.

Oh, what a dream to be the slim-er and not the slime-ee. The only downside is we don’t know when that will happen. Illfonic says the game is coming soon “to a platform near you.” And when it does, it will change Ghostbusters video games forever. This really means something, since we expect to get new ones for the rest of our lives—all of them.

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Oh hai, readers. If, like us, you appreciate the finer things in life, you’re a big fan of Tommy Wiseau‘s movie The Room. It’s a movie that proves a film can be entertaining and memorable even if it does not feel bound by such archaic concepts as logic, taste, or a general understanding of basic storytelling. And we genuinely say all of that with love. We’ll always be fond of the film and its stars. We’re also fond of anything that celebrates one of Hollywood’s most infamous flicks. Like the one the internet has unearthed. It’s one of the best tributes to this timeless “classic” we’ve ever seen. It’s an old video that re-imagines The Room as a turn-based role playing video game.

This video (that we first learned about at Boing Boing) comes from the YouTube channel Insect Pillar Shinobu Kocho. It features hunky, powered-up versions of Johnny and Mark taking on the notorious Chris R. You’ll remember him (maybe?) from the film as the drug-dealer who wanted to kill Denny. His character might not have seemed that important in the movie, but that’s because he wasn’t. At least he wasn’t to the plot. He did play a vital role in setting the tone for what was to come.

But in this retro RPG you can tear him apart with the power of a water bottle, The Room video game’s greatest weapon. In the right hands it can wreak havoc on anyone, especially an audience. If that doesn’t work you can try hitting him with a football, which we all know is always around anytime someone inexplicably feels like playing catch in a tuxedo.

And if all else fails you can finally try to “glamour” Chris R. It’s an option that proves the game’s creators love The Room just as much as we do. Because nothing shows appreciation like making sure everyone else sees Johnny and Mark in the best possible light.

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You no longer need to lead a great house or be the Kwisatz Haderach to control Arrakis. Nor do you even need to form an alliance with the Fremen to secure desert power. You just need to be good at playing real-time strategy games. Because Frank Herbert’s seminal sci-fi novel-turned-big screen adaptation (twice over) is coming to Steam. And Dune: Spice Wars‘ first trailer is a stark reminder those priceless sands are dangerous in every type of media.

Funcom and Shiro Games announced more about their new venture, which takes fans back to Dune‘s most important world. Spice Wars challenges you to “lead your faction and battle for control and dominance over the harsh desert planet of Arrakis.” And you’ll get to do it by playing as some of the franchise’s most famous figures, like Duke Leto Atreides or the Baron Vladimir Harkonnen.

Dune: Spice Wars, which features 4X elements, includes many of the series’ signature elements. Ornithopters will let you “discover resources, villages, and points of interest.” All while you harness the planet’s resources through buildings and spice harvesters to make sure you also control Arrakis’ economy.

Players will also get to choose how they try and gain control of the most valuable planet in the galaxy. You can opt for “subterfuge, political influence, economic supremacy, or open warfare.” You’ll also employ secret agents to engage in some top-notch sabotage of your enemies. And you can even vote on political resolutions in the Landsraad to help you in your quest. You’ll ultimately need more than diplomacy and treachery, though. This trailer makes clear that even the smartest diplomats and schemers will need to be ready to fight. A planet this important won’t go down with some bloodshed.

Meanwhile, even the best video game players and Dune fans will still have those pesky sandworms to deal with. Talk about real desert power.

Dune: Spice Wars comes to Steam later this year. But you can apply for early access right now while the game is in development. Because while no one will ever truly control Arrakis, you could at least help shape the game it inspired.

Editor’s Note: Nerdist is a subsidiary of Legendary Digital Networks.

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Disney and race cars go hand in hand, from Herbie the Love Bug to the living vehicle world in the Cars franchise. And now, a ton of other beloved Disney characters are getting behind the wheel. Gameloft has announced that Disney Speedstorm, a new cross-playable arcade racing experience, is coming later this year. In Disney Speedstorm, players get to race and fight one another on tracks inspired by several iconic Disney and Pixar films and characters. Gameloft has slated Disney Speedstorm to launch free-to-play on PC and consoles in 2022. You can check out the official announcement video right here:

Speedstorm is a hero-based combat racing game showcasing heroes and villains reimagined as high-speed road warriors, with racetracks inspired by their unique worlds. So think Mad Max: Fury Road, but by way of the Magic Kingdom. Among the lineup of racers is Captain Jack Sparrow, Mulan, Sulley, the Beast, Mowgli, and of course, Mickey Mouse. And a lot more who have yet to be announced. (We’re personally rooting for Mr. Toad. Who deserves a “wild ride” more than he does? Plus Stitch, just because). Players can upgrade each racer’s stats, and make the most of their unique skills, impacting the outcome of a race and changing the way to play.

Players can speed through the action-packed tracks solo, or challenge their friends in local and remote multiplayer modes. All thanks to Disney Speedstorm supporting cross-platform play. Gameloft is promising players fresh content always around the corner. They will also add new Disney and Pixar racers regularly, so if one of your favorites isn’t in that first batch, they may add them in later. Also, Gameloft will release unique tracks often, as a way of pumping fresh strategy into the mix. The company will announce more details closer to launch. You can pre-register for Disney Speedstorm now.

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Movies based on video games, even the most popular games, don’t have the best track record. But if you’re hoping to be one of the rare breakthrough adaptations that scores on the big screen, casting Tom Holland as your lead is a good way to find success. And in the latest trailer for the long (LONG) awaited Uncharted movie with him as Nathan Drake, he’ll have to work hard to find his own fortune. Tom Holland goes full action star in the final trailer for the film.

We’ve been hearing about this movie for so long it’s hard to believe it exists. We first reported on this particular adaptation in 2017. That’s when Tom Holland was first announced as Uncharted’s leading man. But attempts at bringing the popular video game franchise to the screen go back even longer. We’re not going to declare it was or wasn’t worth the wait based on a single trailer. Especially when we’ve had our own concerns about the film. But there are definitely reasons to be optimistic, even beyond its star. It looks like it will certainly be big on action and has a great supporting cast to boot. And it will take us all around the world. Here’s the film’s official synopsis from Sony:

Based on one of the best-selling, most critically acclaimed video game series of all time, Uncharted introduces audiences to the young street-smart Nathan Drake (Tom Holland) and showcases his first treasure hunting adventure with wisecracking partner Victor ‘Sully’ Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg). In an action-adventure epic that spans the globe, the two go in dangerous pursuit of ‘the greatest treasure never found’ while also tracking clues that may lead to Nathan’s long-lost brother.

Mark Wahlberg playing a character named Sully also feels like a development long overdue.

Directed by Ruben Fleischer (Venom, Zombieland: Double Tap), the film also stars Sophia Ali, Tati Gabrielle, and Antonio Banderas. It arrives in theaters February 18. At least that’s the plan right now. With this movie we won’t actually believe it until we see it. Hopefully it will be worth the very, very, very long wait.

Originally published October 21, 2021.

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Musician Joe Porter has put together an entertaining short medley of some well-known video game tracks. His video (which we first saw at Laughing Squid) features him playing songs from Plants vs Zombies, Doom, Bad Piggies, Minecraft, and Pokémon. But that’s just half the fun. The other half comes from how he plays them. He performs each song on a different instrument as he makes his way around the room.

He starts with a flairdrum. A thing we totally knew about, including the name. But, uh, just in case you don’t know what that is it’s a collection of air pressurized plastic bottles. That’s followed by more traditional instruments. Including timpani drums, a steel pan, marimba, and a vibraphone.

The only real issue is that this video isn’t long enough to satiate our desire to hear video game songs played in unique ways. Fortunately he has lots of other videos for us to enjoy. Including a marimba medley of video game songs.

And since it is the holiday season, he used his collection of instruments to play a variety of Christmas songs on a variety of them.

A good song is a good song is a good song. Whether it’s a Christmas tune or a video game theme, we want to hear every version we can. And with a talented enough musician we’ll listen to it anyway they can play it.

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Nerdist: You clearly love the Resident Evil games and you really manage to translate that creeping sense of dread to the screen in this movie. What was the process of bringing that to life? And was that a big drive for you?

Johannes Roberts: Yeah, 100%. I came on as the horror guy. Let’s go back to the games. Let’s make this scary. You’ve got to balance people that are fanatically passionate about the games to people that love the previous franchise or people that just want to go and see a horror movie. The one thing I believe they all have in common—because that’s the one thing I want—I want them to go into that movie and be scared. I want to have a John Carpenter movie that’s just Resident Evil. That’s how I approached it. I was like, “I want to be scared. I want to have fun. I want to have everything that this game has given me.”

I was obsessed at the time while we were making this with the reboot of the second game. It’s just phenomenal. And it became a cornerstone for how I would go and create the film. Everything drenched with rain, atmosphere, and everything lit with flashlights. I just wanted to scare the s**t out of people, and it really was as simple as that.

Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City obviously takes a lot from the first two games, but you mentioned Carpenter and there are some big nods to his body of work there. So what were some of your other big non-game influences?

Carpenter rules how I saw this movie in my mind. As a storyteller, I approached it as Assault on Precinct 13. This is an ensemble coming together. And it’s going to have the humor and the suspense and that’s how I that’s how I looked at it. Then let’s bring in something like the atmosphere of The Fog. As a film director you always have that nadir moment when you’re filming when you think you’ve f***ed everything up. And once we shot all night, I remember going home to my wife and saying, “I think I f***ed this up. I think it’s terrible. It’s not working.” Then she went to bed and I put on a DVD of The Fog and everything was right with the world. So yeah, obviously, Carpenter is in my DNA.

Then the world it’s set in is very Stephen King. When Claire comes into town, and people appear from behind curtains. You have this dying Americana and that’s my love of King. Even “Itchy Tasty” being written on the wall with blood, that’s “IT” being written on the wall with blood. I’ve always wanted to do that. There’s definitely some Exorcist in there. And definitely some Exorcist III in there!! Slowly just building these scenes within the camera so that all comes through there. I think with the music there’s definitely Argento. There’s definitely Ennio Morricone and Goblin. We used The Bird with a Crystal Plumage in the temping a lot actually. And when Mark came on his brief was: Assault on Precinct 13 but as if Goblin did it!

Taking on the zombie movie in 2021 is no easy feat. It’s been niche, mainstream, over-saturated, and has even had a resurgence with films like Train to Busan. So how did you approach creating the legitimately terrifying zombies in your film?

That was f**king hard! That night I mentioned was the first night of shooting the zombies. I suddenly realized that I had like 50, 60, 70 years of zombie history now, “I’ve got to get this right.” The big decision that I took which really paid off through the movie was that I was obsessed with Chernobyl which had many thematic similarities to what the story I was telling with Resident Evil. I found that show so disturbing with the makeup and how when people got sick, like I have never been as scared watching something in a long time. So that was the way I decided to go. We’ve got to make these zombies scary again. You know, Shaun of the Dead has definitely made zombies not scary. The Walking Dead is on TV all the time. How am I going to go back to making this scary?

It all came down to really feeling the human within the zombie. So we cast only actors to play the zombies. Even if they were stunt people they had to be actors first. We did all the makeup in-camera, there’s no CG. Steve Newburn did this incredible prosthetic that was very much based around radiation poison. I wanted to really feel these human beings falling apart and that was really how we got into that world.

The cast in this movie is absolute dynamite and I left the film wanting to see them again. So the big question is are there more stories you want to tell in this world?

Oh very much. I think the key for me if we get to go on from here—which I really hope we do—is that we approach it as we adapted the first and second game by looking at them and saying this is a novel. This is like adapting the novel, we take it seriously. We’re faithful, we believe and love this material. Whether we go into Resident Evil 4—which is a game I love very much—or into the bonkersness of Code Veronica or Resident Evil 3, there’s a lot to explore. And when we do it and how we do it—it’s not as clear cut as the first two—is just to take that source material seriously. We don’t just change it up and go into our own world. We keep that horror and intimacy, that scare and mystery that’s here and just keep going.

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Firaxis Games and Marvel Entertainment have just released the first trailer for Marvel’s Midnight Suns, their latest RPG strategy video game. A ton of Marvel favorites are a part of this one, including Captain America and Captain Marvel, along with Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Wolverine, and Ghost Rider. And making a much welcome return is Blade. Hi there, Daywalker, we’ve missed you around these parts. You can watch the full gameplay reveal trailer right here:

If you’re a Marvel fan and are wondering who the heck the Midnight Suns are, we’re here to help. In the comics, the Midnight Suns were actually the Midnight Sons. But we’re guessing Marvel wanted to go more literal, so it doesn’t feel like it’s just a boys club. The Midnight Sons fought off supernatural bad guys like the demonic Zarathos, as well as Dracula and his daughter, Lilith. They peaked in the ’90s, when they received a spin-off anthology book, Midnight Sons Unlimited.

The Midnight Sons consisted mainly of Marvel’s supernatural characters. The early team line-ups featured Doctor Strange, Werewolf by Night, Ghost Rider, Damian Helstrom, Jennifer Kale, Morbius, Blade, and Moon Knight. Spidey villainess Black Cat joined up once. She’s not supernatural, but a spooky-themed team needs a black cat, right? Even the Punisher was a Midnight Son once. Maybe since his chest emblem is a skull, he qualified.

Firaxis Games / Marvel Entertainment 

The new game has several non-spooky Marvel heroes, which is kind of surprising. But they are far more known to general audiences. And having several Avengers and Wolverine might boost sales. We can’t help but wonder if this video game is a precursor to something happening in the live-action sphere. Certainly, with Blade on the way as well as Moon Knight, it only makes sense. The MCU needs a good supernatural team. Smells like a Disney+ show in the making to us.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns is set to release in March of 2022.

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How can you make sure gamers pay attention to your announcement trailer? The same way you can get anyone to pay attention to anything: make sure Jeff Goldblum is involved. Especially if you’re announcing a new installment into the Jurassic Park franchise. Because there’s no better person to tell the world about Jurassic World Evolution 2 than Dr. Ian Malcolm. Especially when he’ll be a big part of the game.

The Jurassic Park alum narrates the….uh….the, what do you call it? The….ah, yes…..announcement trailer for the follow-up to the 2018 management simulation game. The sequel will give fans a way to return to the now fallen amusement park. It features a “new narrative campaign” set after Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. (Which saw the island destroyed entirely.) Frontier Developments says the game will also have new features and new dinosaurs, all “brought to life with captivating realism.” That includes “deeper management tools and creative options, fresh buildings to construct and customize, or handy shortcuts to make life easier.”

While this trailer gives us an idea of the graphics and tone of the game—which in true Jurassic Park fashion goes from serene and beautiful to terrifying—the official synopsis offers an introduction to the story and what challenges await. From the game’s website:

“Players will leave the Muertes Archipelago for the first time and build their own authentic Jurassic Worlds across diverse new environments, from dense forests to scorched deserts, in efforts to conserve and contain more than 75 prehistoric species. These include all-new flying and marine reptiles, brought to life with captivating realism. They’ll display brand new behaviours as they interact with each other, fight for dominance, and react intelligently to the world around them.”

Frontier Developments

The single player campaign will also feature Goldblum’s Dr. Ian Malcolm. As well as Bryce Dallas Howard’s Claire Dearing. In Fallen Kingdom, Dr. Malcolm warned the world about the dangers of dinosaurs. While Dearing worked to save the animals from an impending volcanic eruption. Both actors will also appear in Jurassic World: Dominion.

Jurassic World Evolution 2 will also come with a new Chaos Theory mode. Ah…yes….but of course. Chaos Theory mode “offers a reimagined take on pivotal moments from the Jurassic World film franchise as players strive to make their own mark and change the course of events.” For those “looking to unleash their creativity,” Sandbox mode will give players everything they need to create their own “perfect Park.” (Might be tough to make it “perfect.” You know, with it falling apart and prehistoric monsters on the lose.) And Challenge mode will test players “mastery of the game.”

Frontier Developments

We’ll assume Dinosaur Eats You mode is more of an implicit general level. And we’ll find out when the game debuts on November 9, 2021. You’ll be able to get it for your PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, and Xbox One.

No matter your console or system of choice, we know one thing will be true: we’ll want to hear more of Jeff Goldblum.

Originally published June 10, 2021.

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We love watching masterpieces of stop-motion filmmaking. Including this music video featuring laser-cut dance figures and this short film of a man waiting out winter in his cabin. Now we can add to this list of stop-n-go beauties a new 8-bit LEGO stop-motion from Swedish art duo, Rymdreglage. It’s not only chock full of nerdy references but also took nine years to complete.

Laughing Squid found Rymdreglage’s incredible stop motion (above), which is a sequel to a 2009 video. The first video, “8-bit trip,” was essentially the same kind of stop motion, featuring LEGO structures changing over time into various legendary 8-bit protagonists from ’90s and ’80s video games.

Rymdreglage

In this video, Rymdreglage takes things to the next level with a psychedelic trip through what amounts to an ever-changing battleground between classic characters like Sonic, Link, Mario, and Donkey Kong, as well as 8-bit baddies like Inky, Blinky, Pinky and Clyde from Pac-Man; aliens from Space Invaders; and even Birdo from Super Mario Bros. 2.

Every scene in the three-minute-long video must’ve taken dozens (or hundreds) of hours to complete. Especially ones like the Kung-Fu Master shots around a minute in, as well as the fractured Mega Man sculpture that comes together perfectly at the right camera angle. The battle between LEGO 8-bit Link and Dark Link is pretty great too.

Rymdreglage

Shockingly, it’s looking like this stop-motion sequel isn’t on nearly the same viral trajectory as the original. Rymdreglage’s part one has 15,000,000 views as of this writing, while this new sequel only has around 10,000. Although this new video, of course, has been around for way less time. We’ll have to see where it is in 2030 when Rymreglage will hopefully have their part three video ready to go. In the meantime, you can check out more of the duo’s videos and even their unique take on 8-bit video-game music.

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20th Century

TRON, 1982 (dir. Steven Lisberger)

The mother of all video game or virtual reality films. TRON writer-director-producer Steven Lisberger took inspiration from early video games like Pong. He shopped a 30-second animation to many studios before Disney backed the project. One of the earliest movies to utilize heavy GGI to bring its world to life, TRON follows ENCOM software engineer Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) who gets trapped inside a video game by an artificial intelligence called Master Control Program (voiced by David Warner). Flynn must partner with a security program called Tron (Bruce Boxleitner), who looks just like his real-life partner Alan Bradley (also Boxleitner) to escape the program and end MCP’s reign over the company. 

The Lawnmower Man, 1992 (dir. Brett Leonard)

Although the film shares the title of a Stephen King short story, the film differs so greatly from the source material that King successfully sued to have his name removed from the film. It follows Dr. Lawrence Angelo (Pierce Brosnan) who conducts cognitive experiments on chimpanzees using psychoactive drugs and virtual reality. Things go awry when he begins experimenting on intellectually disabled greenskeeper named Jobe Smith (Jeff Fahey), who develops psychokinesis and telepathy, eventually becoming obsessed with leaving his body to be an evolved digital being.

Arcade, 1993 (dir. Albert Pyun)

Written by David S. Goyer, this film follows troubled teen Alex Manning (Megan Ward), who deals with the trauma of her mother’s death by visiting a video game arcade known as Dante’s Inferno. There she and her friends discover a virtual reality game called Arcade, whose unscrupulous developers implanted its main antagonist with the brain cells of a boy who was beaten to death by his mother to make the villain more realistic. You read that right. 

Virtuosity, 1995 (dir. Brett Leonard)

Not happy with one VR-centered film, director Brett Leonard tried again with this truly bonkers cat-and-mouse crime thriller. In a world where people live much of their lives in virtual reality, the LAPD is on the hunt for SID (Russell Crowe) aka Sadistic, Intelligent, Dangerous; a VR amalgam of the most violent serial killers throughout history. When SID somehow manages to manifest in the real world on Lieutenant Parker Barnes (Denzel Washington), a detective who had been serving jail time for murder, can track him down. Come for the CGI virtual worlds, stay for Crowe’s truly unhinged performance. 

Strange Days, 1995 (dir. Kathryn Bigelow)

Set on the brink of the new millennium, Kathryn Bigelow’s sci-fi neo noir was a box office bomb when first released. But now, the movie is widely considered a prescient masterpiece. Ralph Fiennes stars as an ex-cop named Lenny Nero who now sells other people’s memories and sensations via MiniDisc-like devices called SQUIDs on the black market. When Nero discovers a snuff-life SQUID, he partners with Lornette “Mace” Mason (Angela Bassett) to solve the crime. Originally conceived by James Cameron in the mid-80s, Bigelow added elements of female victimization,  racial oppression, and economic disparity in response to the Lorena Bobbitt trial and the 1992 Los Angeles riots.

eXistenZ, 1999 (dir. David Cronenberg)

I would be remiss not to mention this classic from the master body horror himself, David Cronenberg. Jennifer Jason Leigh plays a game designer named Allegra Geller who finds herself the target of assassins while playing a VR game she designed, the titular eXistenZ. Cronenberg came up with the plot after interviewing Salman Rushdie while he was in hiding due to the Fatwa put on his life following the release of his book The Satanic Verses.

Gamer, 2009 (dir. Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor)

After becoming the richest man in the world for creating  a virtual community life simulation game called Society, computer programmer Ken Castle (Michael C. Hall) creates another game called Slayer, a first person shooter where death row inmates compete to gain their freedom. John “Kable” Tillman (Gerard Butler) is one such inmate, controlled by wealthy teenager Simon (Logan Lerman). Things ramp up when an activist group insists that the game will eventually be used to control all of society against their will and Castle creates a new player (Terry Crews) for the sole purpose of assassinating crowd favorite Tillman. 

TRON Legacy, 2010 (dir. Joseph Kosinski)

In this direct sequel to the 1982 film, Kevin Flynn’s son Sam (Garrett Hedlund) is now the primary shareholder of ENCOM. When he is also sucked into the grid while investigating his father’s disappearance, he meets Clu (Codified Likeness Utility), his father’s avatar, warrior/Jules Verne fan Quorra (Olivia Wilde), the flamboyant Zuse/Castor (Michael Sheen) and intelligence officer Jarvis (James Frain). Navigating this world, Sam must come to terms with the dangerous digital legacy left behind by his father. Featuring a bombastic score by Daft Punk, the duo have a cameo as DJs in the End of Line Club.

The Zero Theorem, 2013 (dir. Terry Gilliam)

Vaguely serving as the third film in what has been dubbed Gilliam’s Orwellian triptych, along with Brazil and 12 Monkeys. Christoph Waltz plays an eccentric programmer named Qohen who believes he hung up on a call that may have given him the meaning of life. When not working to solve the titular Zero Theorem, Qohen spends time on a virtual beach with a mysteriously femme fatale (Mélanie Thierry). In the end Qohen discovers that perhaps “real life” has no meaning after all. 

Serenity, 2019 (dir. Steven Knight)

Spoilers ahoy! Baker Dill (Matthew McConaughey) lives an idyllic life as a fisherman on the remote Plymouth Island. Obsessed with catching an evasive giant yellowfin tuna named Justice, his life is turned upside down when his ex-wife Karen (Anne Hathaway) tracks him down and asks him to help her kill her abusive new husband Frank (Jason Clarke). This all seems like normal neo-noir fare, until the third act revelation that Baker and everyone on Plymouth Island are actually artificial intelligence characters created by his son as a way for him to cope with his abusive stepfather! 

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While many games offer expansive, explorable universes, few stand out like the world in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. There’s just something about Hyrule that makes one pine for the open, natural world. Now, anyone who doesn’t actually want to play the game, but still longs for bucolic landscapes, can still explore the world anytime online via a Google Street View-type tool called Zelda Breath of the Wild Street View.

The A.V. Club picked up on the new exploratory tool, which a software engineer created as a standalone project. The engineer, who goes by the name of Nassim’s Software, is somewhat mysterious. Nassim has only posted two videos to their YouTube channel. This one and another outlining a separate tool the engineer created to help people spend less time on YouTube. (The irony.)

In the video above, Nassim discusses how they made the real-world tool for the game. First, the engineer came up with the idea to solve the problem: How can I visualize “breathtaking” game maps? Of course, they had plenty from which to choose but had to narrow it down to one to simplify things.

Nintendo/Nassim’s Software

As Nassim explains, they created the street viewer by collecting in game screenshots then stitching them into “equirectangular” views. These equirectangular views, which offer 360-degree, spherical, first-person looks at a world, are the same type Google Street View uses. And, just as in Google Street View, ‘Zelda Breath of the Wild Street View’ drops you right into the center of the sphere.

Using the tool is a breeze, and Nassim has already added more than a dozen map locations to explore. Users can check out locales spanning from Gerudo to Akkala, including Hyrule Field and the Atun Valley. Obviously, everybody will have their own favorite spot for chillin’ out, though. Personally, we’ll go with whichever pin drop features Epona.

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