Monthly Archives: February 2020
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Will Seemingly Be 100GB
It looks like Final Fantasy VII Remake could well be around the 100GB mark.
Photos of what seem to be FF7 Remake's back cover have begun appearing, including this one posted by Twitter user Pixelbuster, which appear to confirm the size of the upcoming release.
The cover is in Korean, but if you look at the blue and white rectangles that outline the storage requirements and compatibility, you can see that next to the one marked HDD it's labelled as 100GB. Whether these images are real remains to be confirmed and even if they are it's unclear whether the 100GB would be referring to a single disc or be taking into account the size of the whole collection which we know will arrive across multiple blu-rays. What we do know for sure about the cover for now is that it looks cool and is reversible. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/02/16/never-played-final-fantasy-7-episode-2-don-corneos-mansion"] It's no real surprise this game is going to take up space, especially based on the stunning cinematics, like this opening movie as well as some of these (slightly odd) new character designs. If you're not convinced or just want a nostalgia hit, check out this comparison to the original release. For those excited for the remake, you can preorder it to receive these bonuses. If you've already done so, you better confirm that with Square Enix to make sure it doesn't get cancelled. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/01/31/final-fantasy-7-remake-theme-song-trailer"] The Final Fantasy 7 Remake will be released on April 10, 2020 after a one month delay and this means the PS4 exclusivity will also push back other console releases. [poilib element="accentDivider"]Hope Corrigan is an Australian freelance writer for IGN. You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram.Final Fantasy VII Remake will be over 100GB pic.twitter.com/WNgBjpgGD7
— Pixelbuster (@Nitomatta) February 17, 2020
Animal Crossing Nintendo Direct Coming This Week
Nintendo of America announced that an Animal Crossing: New Horizons Direct is coming this Thursday, February 20.
On Twitter, Nintendo of America said, "Tune in on February 20 at 6 a.m. PT / 9 a.m. ET for a roughly 25-minute livestreamed Animal Crossing: New Horizons Direct, featuring an in-depth look at Nook Inc.'s Deserted Island Getaway Package!"
Developing...
Martin McDonagh Reunites In Bruges Cast for New Film
In Bruges director Martin McDonagh has set up his next movie. The film is called The Banshees of Inisheer, and will reteam McDonagh with actors Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson.
Deadline reports the movie will be about two friends on a remote island. One of them cuts off their relationship, which ultimately ends badly for both parties.
The movie will reportedly film this summer with a budget of around $20 million. For comparison, McDonagh's last film, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, cost an estimated $15 million, according to a report from FilmL.A. Research.
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Farrell, Gleeson, and McDonagh last worked together on In Bruges, which was released in 2008. That film was about two hitmen who are sent by their boss to a city in Belgium after a job goes wrong. McDonagh wrote and directed the movie, which was his first feature-length film. He worked again with Farrell on his next movie Seven Psychopaths. Neither of those films were too big at the box office with each one grossing around $35 million worldwide.
McDonagh's third film was Three Billboards, which pulled in $160 million at the box office and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.
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Check out our list of the Oscar winners from the most recent ceremony. As for what's next for Farrell, he will play The Penguin in The Batman.
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Petey Oneto is a freelance writer for IGN.
Watch Star Wars: The Clone Wars Final Season “Bad Batch” Clip
Lucasfilm and Disney have released a clip from the upcoming premiere of the final season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, titled "The Bad Batch," which will make its debut on Disney+ on Friday, February 21, 2020.
Here's how the streamer describes the episode: "It’s the end of the historic Clone Wars, as the forces of darkness have amassed great power in their bid to transform the Republic into the Galactic Empire. With the Republic on a losing streak, Captain Rex fears the Separatists are using stolen data to help predict the Grand Army’s every move. As the threat of defeat looms, Rex teams up with experimental Clone Force 99, also known as the Bad Batch. Together, they embark on a high-risk mission behind enemy lines to uncover the truth behind the Separatist victories."
Check out the clip in the video below or at the top of the page:
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Disney+ also revealed new Season 7 images showcasing the Bad Batch, Ahsoka, and more. You can see the photos in the gallery below:
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For more on Clone Wars, check out our Ahsoka Tano explained, a new Clone Wars five-issue comic miniseries from IDW, or check out everything else coming to Disney+ in February 2020.
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David Griffin still watches DuckTales in his pajamas with a cereal bowl in hand. He's also the TV Editor for IGN. Say hi on Twitter.
James Gunn Chooses Which of His Screenplays He Loves the Most (And It’s Not Guardians)
James Gunn’s most popular movie may be Guardians of the Galaxy, but his personal favorite screenplay that he’s ever written is The Suicide Squad, the upcoming DC reboot-or-is-it-a-sequel following the misadventures of Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang and the rest of Task Force X.
Gunn revealed his pick when asked by a fan on Instagram, “Favorite movie you’ve ever written, so far at least????” The writer-director responded with, “My favorite screenplays you mean? I love the movies I directed all the same, but I think I love The Suicide Squad script the most. Also love the scripts for Dawn of the Dead, Super, and The Specials.”
[caption id="attachment_2304571" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image from reddit user chanma50.[/caption]
Gunn picking The Suicide Squad as his favorite may come as a surprise to fans who see him as synonymous with Guardians of the Galaxy, which went from a lesser known Marvel Comics property to a hit movie franchise thanks to his humorous and heartfelt approach to the group. Then again, The Suicide Squad seems like it will be full of many things that Gunn is known for, like telling the story of a group of colorful misfits, putting the spotlight on his personal favorite obscure comic characters, and shocking the audience with stylish violence. We’ll have to wait and see just what makes this Gunn movie so special when The Suicide Squad releases on August 6, 2021.
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In his answer, Gunn clarified that he loves all of the movies he directed the same, which includes Guardians of the Galaxy and its sequel, Slither, Movie 43 and Super.
He also highlighted some other favorite screenplays -- Dawn of the Dead, Super, and The Specials. Sorry, fans of the live-action Scooby-doo movies, but Gunn didn’t show any love for Shaggy, Velma and the rest of the gang.
Gunn previously shared that his inspiration for The Suicide Squad story comes from not only the classic John Ostrander 1987 comic run of Suicide Squad but the original 1959 version that was much, much different featuring adventurers, soldiers and scientists fighting surreal threats that bears little resemblance to the modern, Dirty Dozen iteration. Perhaps the cast list Gunn revealed features so many names because he’ll be showing the past and present versions of The Suicide Squad colliding?
And before anyone takes Gunn favoring The Suicide Squad as a slight against Marvel, know that Gunn doesn’t see any rivalry between DC and Marvel because they’re actually in quite similar boats. Not to mention, Gunn has been re-hired to make Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3, so he’ll be hopping across to that superhero cinematic universe after completing work on The Suicide Squad.
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Joshua is Senior Features Editor at IGN. If Pokemon, Green Lantern, or Game of Thrones are frequently used words in your vocabulary, you’ll want to follow him on Twitter @JoshuaYehl and IGN.
Redbox Launches New Streaming Service with Free Live TV
Redbox, the physical and digital movie rental service, has released its own free television streaming service.
Reported by CNET, the service is called Free Live TV, and it acts as a free alternative to Redbox's On Demand marketplace. The service supports channels like TMZ, USA Today, and a few more. It also carries shows like Family Feud and America's Funniest Home Videos.
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Free Live TV airs shows 24/7, but the channels do include advertisements. The service is currently only available for a "select audience," but the Redbox website says Free Live TV will soon be available nationwide.
The service also operates on a schedule, so you can't watch a show from start to finish any time you like. Instead, you have to pay attention to the schedule to find what time each show begins streaming.
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You can access Redbox's new service on smart TVs, TV streaming devices, computers, smartphones, and tablets. Free Live TV can also be watched on multiple devices at the same time.
With more streaming services launching constantly, check out IGN's pick for the best streaming service right now. Plus, take a look at the best under-the-radar streaming shows that you should watch.
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Logan Plant is a news writer for IGN, and the Production Assistant for Nintendo Voice Chat, IGN's weekly Nintendo show. You can find him on Twitter at @LoganJPlant.
Fortnite Fans Discover Chapter 2, Season 2 Locations In New Tease
Fortnite Chapter 2 season 2 is almost here and Epic Games released its best, but still cryptic, look at the upcoming content in the first new season of Chapter 2.
Last night, Epic Games posted a teaser for its upcoming second season of Fortnite Chapter 2. It will be dropping on February 20, 2020, based on the date in the picture. But there are several hints for the upcoming season hiding within the image.
The most immediate hidden clue is within the gold shards breaking off from the golden face model. In the reflection of the shards, you can see what appears to be images of a secret base or lab. The second clue is a bit harder to get to, but with the help of a little photoshop, internet sleuths uncovered a hidden image behind the teaser. The background image looks like Fortnite’s Eye Land location, but with a mysterious new structure there. All of these clues fall in line with Fortnite’s ARG which teased an evil organization called ALTER which is invading the island. The theme is reminiscent of spy fiction like James Bond, especially since the upcoming chapter may involve a villain obsessed with cats and gold. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/10/15/fortnite-chapter-2-cinematic-trailer"] We’ll have a full reveal of season 2 this Thursday, but until then check out IGN’s Fortnite Chapter 2 wiki for full guides and tips. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Kim is a reporter for IGN. You can reach him on Twitter.Transmission Intercepted FN.CH02.S02 Origin == Au 022020 pic.twitter.com/qBrpm1s1A8
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) February 18, 2020
Nintendo Reveals New Coral Switch Lite
Nintendo announced Tuesday a new color, Coral, will join the lineup of the current Switch Lite consoles. It will first release in Japan on March 20, according to a press release from Nintendo.
Following shortly afterward, the console will launch in North America on April 3. This version will be available at the same $199.99 / 19,980 yen price as the other three colors: yellow, gray, and turquoise – bringing the palette of color choices up to four, not including special editions like the Pokemon Zacian and Zamazenta or the upcoming Animal Crossing: New Horizons edition.
Nintendo of America revealed the news of the coral colorway coming to North America in a tweet following the news of the Japanese release.
This announcement comes shortly after the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch went up for sale earlier this month. However, it's already sold out across multiple retailers as people tried to purchase it for the upcoming Animal Crossing: New Horizons game release. Despite that version running into problems with the coronavirus, Nintendo stated production on the new color won't be affected as far as the end of March. Although, the Nintendo press release doesn't discuss if there will be any issues going forward after March. However, the virus recently delayed the port of The Outer Worlds to Nintendo Switch as well. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=a-history-of-nintendo-hardware-1977-to-now&captions=true"] If you own a Nintendo Switch or are considering buying one, take a look at our list on the Best 25 Nintendo Switch Games. Which Nintendo Switch Lite color is your favorite so far? Let us know in the comments below! [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jeffrey Lerman is a Freelance News Writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @Snakester95.A new splash of color joins the #NintendoSwitchLite lineup! The vibrant and playful coral Nintendo Switch Lite system arrives on 4/3! pic.twitter.com/bZwdrPMm1R
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) February 18, 2020
Free-To-Play First-Person Shooter Warface Available Now on Nintendo Switch
Warface, the free-to-play first-person shooter built on the CryEngine by Crytek, is available now on the Nintendo Switch, and we have exclusive footage of the game in action.
Warface originally launched on PC in 2013 and has made its way to Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and now Nintendo Switch. IGN spoke to Warface's franchise lead at My.Games, Ivan Pabiarzhyn, and Alexandr Shimov, project manager on Warface's console versions, about what Nintendo fans can expect from this new title on Switch.
We first asked how Warface utilizes Switch's unique features, like HD Rumble and motion controls.
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"While we had some basic rumble support already in the Warface Xbox One and PS4 versions, we had to adapt it for the Switch Joy-Cons," Shimov said. "The tactile feedback from shooting and receiving damage feels completely different. We also implemented motion controls support, since they’re very useful for making precise shots. And we made them customizable through the menu options, so players can finetune them to their taste."
Pabiarzhyn also confirmed that, while it isn't currently available for the console version, crossplay is important to the team and including the Switch version in that is "part of our roadmap." In October 2019, Warface's Facebook page said they are planning on having the feature ready "starting from Q2 [2020]," at least on Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
"Launching crossplay between consoles is one of our priorities and we are already working on that," Pabiarzhyn confirmed. "And yes, crossplay with the Nintendo Switch version is part of our roadmap."
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We also asked what it was like working on a service game for so long, especially after seeing the trend of games as a service rise in the past few years.
"We were a bit of pioneers in live service games with Warface," Pabiarzhyn answered. "We experimented a lot, updating the game regularly to see what works for our players and what doesn’t. We’re keeping a close eye on our competition, too. The key strategy for us is to keep things fresh - with monthly updates - and expand the franchise to new platforms, like Nintendo Switch. We can’t wait to see what the reception for the Switch version will be like."
Warface, which has "over 80 million players worldwide, allows players to battle with over 200 realistic customizable weapons in over 50 multiplayer maps, PvE raids with co-op.
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According to Eurogamer, Warface on the Switch runs at 30FPS/720p in TV mode and 540p in handheld mode. Additionally, Warface is playable online without the need for a Switch Online subscription.
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Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.
Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Novelization Features Deleted Scenes
An excerpt from the Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker novelization has been released, which expands upon the opening scene of Episode IX.
StarWars.com shared an exclusive extract from the novelization that features a scene not seen in theatres, wherein Kylo Ren encounters a strange creature protecting the Sith Wayfinder – providing context for Ren's on-screen confrontation with the Alazmec.
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From the book: "A giant emerged, a hairless creature sheening with wetness, bits of lake detritus clinging to its pasty skin. Its eyes were squeezed shut, but it could still see after a fashion, because draped over its massive bald head and across one shoulder was a second creature with long spidery tentacles. The two were locked in symbiosis. Kylo sensed the giant’s pain, as though it were a slave to the spidery being that clung to it. Yet neither could it survive alone."
It is understood from the excerpt that the "spidery being," formally known as The Eye of the Webbish Bog, had been chosen by Darth Vader to guard the Wayfinder until someone "defeated" his protectors and consequently "earned" the device – which Ren ultimately acquired on his quest to find Exegol.
A creature similar to the one described in the book, appeared in alleged concept art from The Rise of Skywalker, though some identified the hairless lake-dweller to be Tor Valum, a 7,000-year-old Lovecraftian alien. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/01/08/whats-next-for-star-wars-after-the-rise-of-skywalker"] Prior to the release of The Rise of Skywalker, reports indicated that Episode IX would be the longest Star Wars film ever, clocking in at 155 minutes, but before the film landed in theatres the new official runtime of 141 minutes was announced, suggesting that some more material had been cut. Shortly after, an anonymous Reddit user known as "egoshoppe," posted a thread with a fairly complex breakdown, detailing a slew of supposed leaks from, "someone who worked closely on the production of TROS," alluding to a "JJ Cut" of The Rise of Skywalker that hits the three-hour mark. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-upcoming-star-wars-movie&captions=true"] Regardless of whether or not a JJ Cut exists, The Rise of Skywalker novelization, written by Rae Carson, is said to include, "expanded scenes and content not seen in theatres, as well as a few surprises — all culled from deleted scenes, never-before-seen material, and input from the filmmakers." You can read the full extract from the book on the Star Wars website or you can take a look at some leaked concept art from Colin Trevorrow's axed Duel of the Fates film, discover the story behind Kanan's cameo in The Rise of Skywalker, and find out about George Lucas' secret cameos in recent Star Wars films. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.Official unused concept art for #TheRiseOfSkywalker showcase designs for "The Oracle" alien and its baby's head! More leaked concept art here: https://t.co/Wzohk14uLO pic.twitter.com/1PuinzWciJ
— Star Wars Direct (@StarWars_Direct) January 20, 2020