Monthly Archives: August 2019
Eternals Openly Gay Character Will Be Married With a Family
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has confirmed Eternals will feature the Marvel Cinematic Universe's first openly gay character in a large role.
Feige offered a few more details about the LGBTQ+ character at Disney's D23 Expo this past weekend, telling Good Morning America, "He's married. He's got a family. And that is just part of who he is."
While the identity of the character was not revealed, it seems that he will be the star of the first focused gay role in the MCU. This follows some backlash over how Marvel debuted the first ever gay character in Avengers: Endgame, with Joe Russo stepping in for a very brief cameo as a grieving gay man in a therapy session - a character who was inconsequential to the plot.
Kojima Confirms Parts of Death Stranding Will Be First Person
Hideo Kojima has taken to Twitter to clear up how player perspective works in Death Stranding - but in typical fashion the answer is enigmatic.
"Since I get this question alot, DEATH STRANDING is different from stealth game," he tweeted. "You can enjoy First Person View but not a First Person Shooter game. It's brand new game genre that adapted the concept of strand that we call Action Game, Strand Game (Social Strand System)."
Since I get this question alot, DEATH STRANDING is different from stealth game. You can enjoy First Person View but not a First Person Shooter game. It's brand new game genre that adapted the concept of strand that we call Action Game, Strand Game (Social Strand System). pic.twitter.com/W1oWfvO7B5
Borderlands’ Claptrap, Psycho and Pandora Rift Zones Arrive in Fortnite
Fortnite and Borderlands have collided as Claptrap, Psycho, Pandora Rift Zones, and more have entered the world of Fortnite in its Fortnite X Mayhem event in celebration of the upcoming release of Borderlands 3.
Announced by Fortnite, the Fortnite X Mayhem even runs from today through September 10 and allows players to "shoot and loot your way through the Pandora Rift Zone, take on themed Challenges for free rewards, and pick up the Psycho Bundle from the shop."
Mayhem has come to Fortnite. #FortniteXMayhem
Life Is Strange 2: Episode 4 Review – Gotta Have Faith
Life Is Strange 2's most compelling moments revolve around the unconditional love between Sean and Daniel Diaz. The road from Seattle to Puerto Lobos has been a long one, but watching the brothers adapt and ultimately thrive together regardless of their circumstances is a satisfying constant within the series so far. Enter Episode 4, where Sean finds himself alone in a hospital bed just a day away from being sent to a juvenile detention facility for something he didn't do. While the central plot stumbles with some overwrought villains and an uninspiring environment to explore, Sean's genuine characterization and relationships with nuanced characters continue to elevate the narrative. His singular drive to find and rescue his brother propels him, and you, forward in the chaotic penultimate episode of Life Is Strange 2.
Reality comes crashing down right out the gate in stark contrast to last episode's trundling pace. The ramifications of the brothers' fatal encounter with a Seattle police officer have caught up with them, but the more pressing issue is Daniel's absence. This is as much a problem for Sean as it is for the dynamicity of the plot. With Daniel taking a backseat, his character development takes a hit, and the episode's interactivity suffers from your inability to use his powers. Additionally, there's less general decision-making, and there are only rare occasions where problem-solving is required, which is a shame for the puzzling-inclined.
As expected, Episode 4 pulls on the heartstrings just as much as its predecessors. One encounter features Sean facing off against an angry racist landowner, demanding to know why Sean is parked on his property. What transpires is unsettling and heartbreaking. Sean once again has to choose between his safety and his self-respect, and either decision will result in him screaming as he speeds away with tears streaming down his face. It's a heart-wrenching moment, made all the more painful by the consistently stellar voice acting of Gonzalo Martin.
This event is followed by one where you must make a choice: trust a truck driver to give you a ride or continue Sean's painful trek on foot. The choice is inevitably informed by Sean's fractured trust in people, which you find yourself sharing as a result of his immensely sympathetic character. Life Is Strange 2 continues its theme of the best and worst of humanity living side by side. The grander implications of racism, politics, and what's to be done about either aren't questions the game attempts to answer (nor should it)--but seeing the impact on someone trapped in a hostile and divided world continues to be an illuminating and empathy-inducing experience.
While these plot moments are strong, the central storyline revolves around an evangelical cult that Daniel has become caught up in. The figures who head up the church--a manipulative, science-averse Reverend and her brainwashed muscle--are irritating and two-dimensional. The cult plotpoint feels oddly out of place from the road trip you've been taking so far, and it's over almost as soon as it begins. Aside from serving as the impetus for some great character-building moments for Sean, it feels like a pitstop we didn't need to take, bringing the narrative progress to an unnecessary halt.
The episode shines brightest in its well-written interactions between fascinating characters. These explore themes of independence, family, religion, and fear with the deft touch we've come to expect from the series so far. While many lack context, these interactions are delivered beautifully, and what they inform about the central characters is worth the bizarre circumstances that brought them about. One hugely important character drops into the story suddenly and without any kind of foreshadowing, for example. They kick off an important emotional turning point for Sean, but it's borne out of such an absurd situation that the moment doesn't carry as much weight as it would have under more sensible circumstances. The result is a series of truly engrossing conversations without the interlocking threads to weave them seamlessly into an equally engrossing larger narrative.
Unlike from the villains, the new characters and their backstories are compelling and authentic. This is also because the impact of choice takes a backseat--there is only one major moment this episode that will change as a result of your decisions in the story so far. This is equally delightful and frustrating. While only be able to make choices within the framework of how Sean would act can be disappointing, it ultimately allows the characters and their personalities to shine more, and that makes for a better story overall.
Life Is Strange 2 illustrates how self-interest can trump family values, good people make bad choices, and no matter how you feel about someone, you can't control the person they are doomed or destined to be as a result of their choices. That goes not just for people around Sean, but Sean himself. It's a palpable and universal message that Life Is Strange 2 continues to convincingly deliver on a mechanical and thematic level.
The supernatural collides with reality under the guise of radical religion in a way that feels too cliche, but spending more time with Sean and his confidants remains a delight. Whether you're heading into the final episode in much the same place you were at the beginning--or under the chilling implications of a certain late game choice--watching Daniel wrap his arms around Sean in either circumstance exemplifies what makes the series work so well. Your Sean can be kind or standoffish, thieving or righteous, but your actions don't change the love and adoration between the Diaz brothers--and that love is still the heart and soul of Life Is Strange 2.
Life Is Strange 2: Episode 4 Review – Gotta Have Faith
Life Is Strange 2's most compelling moments revolve around the unconditional love between Sean and Daniel Diaz. The road from Seattle to Puerto Lobos has been a long one, but watching the brothers adapt and ultimately thrive together regardless of their circumstances is a satisfying constant within the series so far. Enter Episode 4, where Sean finds himself alone in a hospital bed just a day away from being sent to a juvenile detention facility for something he didn't do. While the central plot stumbles with some overwrought villains and an uninspiring environment to explore, Sean's genuine characterization and relationships with nuanced characters continue to elevate the narrative. His singular drive to find and rescue his brother propels him, and you, forward in the chaotic penultimate episode of Life Is Strange 2.
Reality comes crashing down right out the gate in stark contrast to last episode's trundling pace. The ramifications of the brothers' fatal encounter with a Seattle police officer have caught up with them, but the more pressing issue is Daniel's absence. This is as much a problem for Sean as it is for the dynamicity of the plot. With Daniel taking a backseat, his character development takes a hit, and the episode's interactivity suffers from your inability to use his powers. Additionally, there's less general decision-making, and there are only rare occasions where problem-solving is required, which is a shame for the puzzling-inclined.
As expected, Episode 4 pulls on the heartstrings just as much as its predecessors. One encounter features Sean facing off against an angry racist landowner, demanding to know why Sean is parked on his property. What transpires is unsettling and heartbreaking. Sean once again has to choose between his safety and his self-respect, and either decision will result in him screaming as he speeds away with tears streaming down his face. It's a heart-wrenching moment, made all the more painful by the consistently stellar voice acting of Gonzalo Martin.
This event is followed by one where you must make a choice: trust a truck driver to give you a ride or continue Sean's painful trek on foot. The choice is inevitably informed by Sean's fractured trust in people, which you find yourself sharing as a result of his immensely sympathetic character. Life Is Strange 2 continues its theme of the best and worst of humanity living side by side. The grander implications of racism, politics, and what's to be done about either aren't questions the game attempts to answer (nor should it)--but seeing the impact on someone trapped in a hostile and divided world continues to be an illuminating and empathy-inducing experience.
While these plot moments are strong, the central storyline revolves around an evangelical cult that Daniel has become caught up in. The figures who head up the church--a manipulative, science-averse Reverend and her brainwashed muscle--are irritating and two-dimensional. The cult plotpoint feels oddly out of place from the road trip you've been taking so far, and it's over almost as soon as it begins. Aside from serving as the impetus for some great character-building moments for Sean, it feels like a pitstop we didn't need to take, bringing the narrative progress to an unnecessary halt.
The episode shines brightest in its well-written interactions between fascinating characters. These explore themes of independence, family, religion, and fear with the deft touch we've come to expect from the series so far. While many lack context, these interactions are delivered beautifully, and what they inform about the central characters is worth the bizarre circumstances that brought them about. One hugely important character drops into the story suddenly and without any kind of foreshadowing, for example. They kick off an important emotional turning point for Sean, but it's borne out of such an absurd situation that the moment doesn't carry as much weight as it would have under more sensible circumstances. The result is a series of truly engrossing conversations without the interlocking threads to weave them seamlessly into an equally engrossing larger narrative.
Unlike from the villains, the new characters and their backstories are compelling and authentic. This is also because the impact of choice takes a backseat--there is only one major moment this episode that will change as a result of your decisions in the story so far. This is equally delightful and frustrating. While only be able to make choices within the framework of how Sean would act can be disappointing, it ultimately allows the characters and their personalities to shine more, and that makes for a better story overall.
Life Is Strange 2 illustrates how self-interest can trump family values, good people make bad choices, and no matter how you feel about someone, you can't control the person they are doomed or destined to be as a result of their choices. That goes not just for people around Sean, but Sean himself. It's a palpable and universal message that Life Is Strange 2 continues to convincingly deliver on a mechanical and thematic level.
The supernatural collides with reality under the guise of radical religion in a way that feels too cliche, but spending more time with Sean and his confidants remains a delight. Whether you're heading into the final episode in much the same place you were at the beginning--or under the chilling implications of a certain late game choice--watching Daniel wrap his arms around Sean in either circumstance exemplifies what makes the series work so well. Your Sean can be kind or standoffish, thieving or righteous, but your actions don't change the love and adoration between the Diaz brothers--and that love is still the heart and soul of Life Is Strange 2.
Cyberpunk 2077 Official Hi-Res Wallpaper Released by CD Projekt Red
CD Projekt Red has released a ton of hi-res desktop wallpaper from Cyberpunk 2077, giving us another look at the much-anticipated title.
We've created a slideshow with all the Cyberpunk 2077 hi-res desktop wallpaper below from Cyberpunk.net for your to download for yourselves!
Cyberpunk 2077's Hi-Res Desktop Wallpaper
The wallpaper featured showcase many characters from the world of Cyberpunk 2077, including player-character V, Placide, Brigitte, Jackie Welles, and, perhaps most importantly, Keanu Reeves' Johnny Silverhand.
We also get to see various locations in Night City, where players will get to fully explore and make a name for themselves when Cyberpunk 2077 is released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on April 16, 2019. Google Stadia will also be getting Cyberpunk 2077, although possibly at a later date.
Fortnite Appears to Be Teasing a Borderlands Crossover
Fortnite and Borderlands may be getting ready for a crossover, as a recent Tweet by Fortnite included a photo that has a hidden Psycho mask from Borderlands in it.
Fortnite's Tweet further teases the crossover as it says "when you see it..." and uses #FortniteXMayhem.
This is most interesting as the Borderlands Twitter account frequently uses #LetsMakeSomeMayhem, which also features a Psycho mask emoji at the end of the hashtag.
Mario Kart Tour Release Date Annonuced
Mario Kart Tour will be released on iOS and Android devices on September 25, 2019.
Announced by Nintendo, it asks fans to follow @MarioKartTourEN for "more information heading into the game's release."
Pre-orders are now live on iOS, and the game's page gives further details as to what Mario Kart fans can expect when they play Nintendo's beloved racing franchise on mobile devices.
Which Breaking Bad Characters Might Appear in the El Camino Sequel Movie?
Warning! Full SPOILERS for the entire Breaking Bad franchise follow.
After months of waiting, Netflix has finally revealed the official name, release date, and the first trailer for El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie. Little is known about the film's story, except for this brief synopsis from the streaming provider:
"El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie reunites fans with Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul). In the wake of his dramatic escape from captivity, Jesse must come to terms with his past in order to forge some kind of future. This gripping thriller is written and directed by Vince Gilligan, the creator of Breaking Bad. The movie is produced by Mark Johnson, Melissa Bernstein, Charles Newirth, Diane Mercer and Aaron Paul, in association with Sony Pictures Television."
11 Biggest News Stories Out of Gamescom 2019
Gamescom 2019 was loaded with announcements and reveals: Crystal Dynamics and Square Enix gave the public its first look at Marvel's Avengers gameplay; Kojima finally revealed Norman Reedus' main mission in Death Stranding, thanks to several new trailers; and we saw tons of new screenshots from Cyberpunk 2077, which was also announced for a new platform.
We've compiled these stories, along with eight others, below to create a digestible recap of all the biggest news to come out of this year's show. Scroll down for the full list of Gamescom 2019's 11 biggest news stories.
Marvel's Avengers 19-minute Gameplay Demo Revealed
During the show, Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics unveiled a 19-minute gameplay demo from Marvel's Avengers. The demo was previously shown at E3 and San Diego Comic-Con, but the footage wasn't made public until Gamescom.