Monthly Archives: September 2015
Tales of Zestiria Sees the Franchise Push to Break the West
Given that I’ve always considered myself an unflinching fan of the JRPG genre, for many years now it’s been a source of deep shame that I’d never played a Tales game. As it transpires, however, I’m not alone. Despite the series achieving success in Japan, falling just behind Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest in terms of popularity in its country of origin, for some reason the franchise has never managed to replicate this hit status on these shores. Whether something was lost in translation is difficult to tell but, with Tales of Zestiria, it feels like Bandai Namco is finally making a concentrated push to broaden the series’ appeal.
Originally conceived to mark the 20th anniversary of the Tales series, Zestiria is also pitched as an entry including classic features from the franchise, while also trying out new gameplay ideas. Some of these didn’t seem like huge innovations to me, but rather they serve to bring Zestiria in line with its competition. For example, this instalment marks the first time the franchise makes use of an open-world you can traverse, something we’ve become accustomed to in most other big-name JRPGs some time ago.
Saturn’s Moon Enceladus Has a Warm Global Ocean
Saturn’s sixth-largest moon Enceladus has a warm global ocean beneath its icy crust, according to new research based on data from NASA's Cassini mission.
Previous research based on Cassini’s data showed that the moon may have a body of water at its south polar region. Analyzing gravity data collected during several close passes and seven years' worth of images, scientists have concluded that the moon has a global ocean.
Free Sprint Tracks for Driveclub Every Week Until Christmas
Evolution has announced that Driveclub owners can expect new Sprint mode tracks for free every week until Christmas.
The first tracks, Nilgiri Hills in India and Taapaca in Chile, are available to download now.
The developer also confirmed the Driveclub update for next month will be a big one, and that custom multiplayer lobbies are planned to launch around the same time as this update.
Driveclub game director Paul Rustchynsky revealed in late July that Driveclub has sold over 2 million copies, and that the milestone was reached prior to the launch of the PS+ Edition.
Rockstar Dismisses BBC’s The Gamechangers as ‘Random, Made Up Bollocks’
Rockstar Games has made its disdain for the recently-aired BBC feature The Gamechangers clear via Twitter, dismissing the program as “random, made up bollocks.”
@BBC Was Basil Brush busy? What exactly is this random, made up bollocks?
— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) September 15, 2015
The Gamechangers is a 90-minute feature which features Daniel Radcliffe as Rockstar President Sam Houser and Bill Paxton as now-disbarred American attorney Jack Thompson, who attracted attention back in the ’90s and early 2000s for his legal efforts against rap and videogames. The Gamechangers is set over a three-year period from 2002, which was during the development of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. It aired overnight in the UK.
Nickelodeon Launching Programming Block for 1990s Series
Nickelodeon will reportedly begin airing a special block of shows from the 1990s in October.
Variety reports that the nostalgic block will begin in October, and it will be called "The Splat!" That report is backed up by a Nickelodeon branded Web site, YouTube channel, and Twitter feed all teasing the upcoming programming.
Though no sources have confirmed which of Nick's 90s shows will be featured, the cable channel has plenty to choose from, ranging from live-action series like Salute Your Shorts and The Adventures of Pete and Pete to animated shows like Rugrats and Rocko's Modern Life.
New Flash: Season 2 Poster Is Electrifying
The CW has released a new poster for The Flash: Season 2 ahead of its "electrifying season premiere."
In a post on Twitter, the new promo art was unveiled, along with a friendly reminder that only three weeks remain before the second season's grand debut.
Only 3 weeks until the electrifying season premiere of #TheFlash! ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/wIBYd5kkEQ
— The Flash (@CW_TheFlash) September 15, 2015
Hamill Reports to the Star Wars: Episode 8 Set
Luke Skywalker is reportedly back in action for Star Wars: Episode VIII, according to reports from Ireland.
The Irish Examiner says cast and crew members are gathering in County Kerry to film scenes off the coast on the rocky isle of Skellig Michael, which also served as a location on Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Unfortunately, bad weather conditions have reportedly impacted the shoot there.
"A crew of around 100 people and cast members, including Mark Hamill who will reprise his Luke Skywalker role, are expected to be on the boats due to leave Portmagee today at 7am," reports the Examiner, which included a photo of Hamill's son Nathan checking into his local hotel.
Han Solo Carbonite Fridge Included in Battlefront Deluxe Edition
There are two shooters releasing in November that come with mini-fridges. Call of Duty: Black Ops 3, and now, Star Wars: Battlefront.
Spotted on Walmart, the "Star Wars Battlefront Deluxe Edition with Han Solo Fridge" costs $130 USD and includes a mini-fridge designed after the Han Solo carbonite block from The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
Supergirl Rumored to Come to the Big Screen, But …
Supergirl may find her way into the DC cinematic universe, but it won't be the same Kara Zor-El from the upcoming CBS show.
Heroic Hollywood claims to have obtained unconfirmed details regarding the plot of a sequel to Man of Steel--not to be confused with Batman v Superman.
According to the rumor, the sequel would feature Brainiac as the chief antagonist, attempting to retrieve the codex of Kryptonian genes similar to General Zod. However, he sets his sights on Supergirl as his pathway to the codex instead.
The rumor goes on to state that Brainiac ultimately will create Bizarro from the small scraps of Kryptonian knowledge he does have, and use him against Supergirl to retrieve the codex. This is a ton of detail for a movie that is so early in its planning stages, though, so take it with a grain or two of salt.
Marvel to Launch 16 New Comics in December
Marvel released their full lineup of solicitations for December 2015 today. In case you missed the news, Secret Wars has been extended to nine issues and, barring any further delays, is currently slated to wrap up in December. Look for another wave of All-New, All-Different Marvel books to make their debut as well, including Totally Awesome Hulk, Uncanny X-Men and Daredevil.
New Series:
- A-Force #1
- All-New Inhumans #1-2
- Daredevil #1-2
- Deadpool & Cable: Split Second #1
- Guardians of Infinity #1