Monthly Archives: February 2018
The Best Fantasy-Themed Board Games
Fantasy settings are a wonderful fit for board games. There's something about orcs, elves, and magic spells that translates perfectly to cards and cardboard. And of course it doesn't hurt that the Venn diagram of people drawn to wizards and people drawn to board games is basically a circle. As you might expect, board game designers have caught on, and there are so many good fantasy-themed board games out there as a result. There are plenty of sword and sorcery adventures. But in the world of board games, fantasy can mean anything from imaginative intrigue to alchemical academia.
So, grab a sword and a spell book and head into the unknown as we explore what "fantasy" meant to a slew of different designers — and the best board games that came out of it.
Astronomers Pick Up First Light to Ever Shine in Universe
Astronomers have searched for signs of the earliest stars and found the first light ever to shine in the universe.
The Telegraph reports astronomers used a normal radio antenna placed in the remote Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory located in Western Australia to pick up the signal.
The frequency was especially difficult to find as it's within the same range as many radio stations and those naturally emitted from the Milky Way. National Science Foundation program director, Dr Peter Kurcynski described the task as "It's like being in the middle of a hurricane and trying to hear the flap of a hummingbird’s wing.”
Heathers Series Premiere Delayed After Florida Shooting
The series premiere for Paramount Network's TV adaptation of Heathers has been delayed following the recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida.
The show was originally supposed to premiere on March 7. No new release date has been set yet. Paramount Network has provided the following statement addressing the delay:
"Paramount Network’s original series Heathers is a satirical comedy that takes creative risks in dealing with many of society’s most challenging subjects ranging from personal identity to race and socio-economic status to gun violence. While we stand firmly behind the show, in light of the recent tragic events in Florida and out of respect for the victims, their families and loved ones, we feel the right thing to do is delay the premiere until later this year."
David Lynch Teaches Typing Game Is Now Available
While a new season of Twin Peaks may be up in the air, fans of David Lynch now have an online parody game to get their fix of the director.
Rhino Stew Productions released a new, free game that allows people to learn homerow "with America's favorite avant garde director," according to the game's trailer (seen below). However, to be clear, David Lynch Teaches Typing is not affiliated with the Blue Velvet director.
Throughout the game, a caricature of David Lynch — complete with his imitable voice and catchphrases — guides players through simple typing exercises, such as resting your left index finger on the F key and your right index finger on the J key.
Top 10 RPG Worlds of All Time
Chris Hemsworth May Star in Men in Black Spinoff
The God of thunder himself Chris Hemsworth might star in Sony's new Men in Black spinoff.
IGN has confirmed Hemsworth is circling the role, but talks with Sony are still early. It's also not currently known what role Hemsworth would play. This spinoff, separate from the Men in Black/Jump Street crossover, is said to be a global adventure, and Sony reportedly wants a diverse cast led by a white male, a black woman, and an older man.
These characters won't be Agents K and J, portrayed by Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith, respectively, in the original two Men in Black movies.
Amazon Pays $1 Billion for Startup That Shark Tank Passed On
Amazon has agreed to purchase video doorbell maker Ring.
Ring produces Wi-Fi powered doorbells which let homeowners see who is at the door remotely. Sources told Reuters the deal is valued at over $1 billion, although Amazon has not officially revealed details.
The technology had been pitched before by Ring's founder and CEO, Jamie Siminoff, on a 2013 episode of Shark Tank, according to CNBC. At the time, his business was called Doorbot, and every investor but Kevin O'Leary passed. O'Leary made an offer but Siminoff did not accept.
Nintendo Pulls Switch Game User Reviews
Last week, Nintendo added an option for players to review Nintendo Switch games directly on their official Nintendo pages. Unfortunately, that option is now gone.
As Polygon reports, the feature was abruptly removed today, just five days after it launched. Switch games still have customer review tabs on Nintendo's site, but an explanatory blurb now stands in their place. Here's the full version explaining what happened:
"Customer reviews have been taken offline as we evaluate this feature and its functionality. We currently have no estimated date on when an update will be provided. We appreciate the positive response and thank the reviewers who provided such thoughtful commentary on the games."
Box Office: Black Panther Passes Wonder Woman, Toy Story 3
Black Panther has surpassed both Wonder Woman and Toy Story 3 at the box office to become the 20th highest grossing film domestically of all time.
According to Box Office estimates, the film made $10.1 million yesterday, bringing the film's grand domestic total to $421.8 million. Unadjusted for inflation, this puts Black Panther ahead of Wonder Woman ($412.6 million) and Toy Story 3 ($415 million), and is now only slightly behind The Lion King's $422.8 million haul, according to Box Office Mojo.
Additionally, the Ryan Coogler-directed Marvel movie is now the third highest grossing MCU movie of all time, just ahead of Iron Man 3 ($409 million) and behind Avengers: Age of Ultron ($459 million).
Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli Steps Down
Crytek co-founder Cevat Yerli has stepped down from his role as CEO.
The German game developer best known for creating the Far Cry and Crysis series will now be co-helmed by Yerli’s two brothers, Avni and Faruk Yerli, whom he founded the company with. Cevat will “continue to serve as a Strategic Shareholder.”
In a press release announcing the change, Yerli says the decision was driven by a desire to “recognize the existing leadership’s excellent achievements over these past two years.” He continues by saying he looks forward to helping from a shareholder role, but does not specify how much direct involvement he will have going forward.