2019-04-13
The Nintendo Switch may cost only $300, but the pricing of its accessories is no joke. The Pro Controller, which is an essential upgrade for the best Switch experience, can cost a whopping $70 on its own. It's an excellent controller that's worth the investment, but for those on a tight budget, there's an alternative option that'll save you some cash and add a little color to your gaming setup: PowerA's officially licensed controllers for the Switch.PowerA has been making third-party controllers for years and has released wired Switch Pro Controllers in the past, but the company recently started producing enhanced wireless controllers with Bluetooth connectivity that sell for $20 less than the first-party controllers.The enhanced wireless controllers cost $50 and come with two AA batteries that provide up to 30 hours of gameplay. The officially licensed controllers have a similar ergonomic design to the first-party Pro Controllers, and they come in a range of stunning designs, with some featuring iconic Nintendo characters like Zelda, Link, and Mario. There's no rumble or NFC reader, but the wireless controllers do have motion controls. PowerA also still sells wired Switch Pro Controllers for just $30, and those are available in various designs as well. You can buy some of PowerA's Switch controllers on Amazon for slightly cheaper; others you can buy directly from PowerA's website. Buy Enhanced Wireless Controllers at Amazon ($43-$50) »Browse the full Nintendo Switch collection at PowerA »While we haven't had a chance to review the enhanced wireless controllers, we tried out PowerA's wired controllers when they first released in 2017 and found them to be a great, affordable alternative to the first-party Pro Controllers."I can't say enough about how smooth the analog sticks are. They're effortless to use and consistent in terms of resistance. It's definitely a huge improvement over using the Joy-Cons," said Michael Higham in our video review (above). "We tend to think that cheaper controllers means a cheaper build, but aside from the wired limitations and the lack of motion controls, PowerA's controllers are the best option when you factor in price, and if you don't mind being plugged in all the time."With wireless Bluetooth capabilities and motion controls, PowerA's new enhanced controllers will provide a gaming experience that's truly comparable to the first-party Pro Controllers (and still at a discount). And $50 (or less) for a licensed wireless controller designed for the newest console on the market? Can't argue with that.Info from Gamespot.com
2019-04-13
Star Wars: Episode IX finally has a title and its first trailer, as revealed during a panel at Star Wars Celebration. The movie is called The Rise of Skywalker, a name that puts a fine point on its place as the last installment of the nine-film Skywalker Saga. But what does it all mean?The conspicuous Skywalker name is the clearest indication of a direction for this film. Along with the return of Emperor Palpatine and what appears to be the wreckage of the second Death Star, the title suggests a movie that will pay heavy homage to the legacy of the series. The "Skywalker" name itself suggests several possibilities.ReyThe most obvious possibility is Rey, the primary protagonist of the new trilogy and the latest to carry on the Jedi legacy. Luke Skywalker, who passed away in The Last Jedi after using a Force projection to save the few remaining members of the Resistance, explicitly said that he would not be the last Jedi, implying that Rey is the first of a new generation. The panel explained that this movie takes place after some time has passed, and Rey seems to have come into her own as a Jedi in the meanwhile. But could she be a Skywalker?In a pivotal scene with Kylo Ren in The Last Jedi, she admits that she's always known information that he sensed as well: that her parents were nobody of significance. Kylo calls them "filthy junk traders" who sold her. The movie juxtaposed Rey's heroism, coming from a bloodline that was not special, to Ren's villainy, hailing from the Vader-Skywalker line.However, JJ Abrams reportedly had bigger plans in mind for Rey's heritage, and fans have speculated that his return to direct this final installment means he could retcon that detail and make her a Skywalker after all. The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson has stated he just wants to be surprised and entertained, suggesting he doesn't really mind if Abrams undoes that plot point.Kylo Ren / Ben SoloAnother clear possibility is Kylo Ren, aka Ben Solo. The son of Han and Leia rejected his Jedi legacy and embraced the ways of his grandfather, the villainous Darth Vader. The first of the new trilogy established that he idolized the Dark Side of the force, even killing his own father to prove his devotion to it.The second film showed a more complex side of Kylo Ren, who turned after seeing his Jedi Master Luke apparently ready to cut him down in his sleep because of the darkness inside of him. He even betrayed his Sith Master Snoke, but it wasn't a change of heart: he expected Rey to join him and rule the galaxy, and became enraged when she rejected him.If this final movie redeems Kylo Ren, he could also embrace the Skywalker name to put his past behind him. The introduction of the Emperor as an even greater Dark Side threat could give him a foil to fight against.Leia OrganaAside from her son, Leia Organa is the last known living member of the Skywalker bloodline. She's never canonically adopted the Skywalker name, though, and actress Carrie Fisher passed away in 2016. Her part will be composed of unused footage, so it's doubtful she'll be so central to the film to be the singular meaning of the title.SymbolismThe Rise of Skywalker could refer not to the bloodline itself at all, but rather to a symbolic legacy of the Skywalker name living on beyond the family. This film very may well see Leia and Kylo Ren both perish, which would end the actual bloodline. But the family as a whole has had a profound impact on the fate of the galaxy, both for good and ill, and this film is said to close their arc. The name may simply refer to how the Skywalker clan is remembered as the galaxy moves on without them.Similarly, the return of the Emperor suggests this movie will lean heavily into the franchise's long history. The Rise of Skywalker could refer to the past, with flashbacks and new context given to the rise of Anakin Skywalker or Luke Skywalker. Thematically, this could also relate to the end of the bloodline and how it will be remembered.All of the AboveOne element in Star Wars titles is how often they carry multiple meanings that touch on various plot points and symbolism. Revenge of the Sith, for example, could be interpreted as both the culmination of the machinations of Darth Sideous to wipe out the Jedi, and the more personal story of Anakin's corruption. Return of the Jedi could be read as the actual return of Luke Skywalker, a Jedi, and the return of the Jedi Order. The Rise of Skywalker could refer to several possibilities at once, and the ability to interpret it in several ways simultaneously would align it with the legacy of the series. That would be a fitting way to end the Skywalker Saga.For more, check out our Episode 9 trailer breakdown.Info from Gamespot.com
2019-04-13
At Star Wars Celebration we learned the next entry in the Star Wars movie series will be called "The Rise of Skywalker," and got an exciting teaser trailer that confirms the return of an iconic series villain. During the panel, which was chaired by noted Star Wars fan Stephen Colbert, director J.J. Abrams and multiple members of the cast provided information on the movie and their characters.Asked about when The Rise of Skywalker takes place in relation to The Last Jedi, Abrams confirmed that some time had passed since we last saw Rey, Finn, Poe, and Rose. That's somewhat different from what we saw at the start of The Last Jedi, which picked up pretty much immediately after the end of The Force Awakens."The movie doesn't pick up immediately after. Some time has gone by," Abrams explained. "In this movie, and you can tell by that picture [shown at the start of the panel], this is an adventure that the group goes on together. I think one of the great things about the movie--and getting to work on it--is the dynamic between the characters."The picture that Abrams is referring to, seen above, and depicts Rey, Finn, Poe, Chewie, BB-8, and C-3PO standing in a jungle environment in front of the Millennium Falcon. This, according to Abrams, speaks to one of the big themes of the movie, the idea of these characters who have been thrown together under the banner of the Resistance going on an epic journey together.For longtime fans of Star Wars, it may come as a comfort to learn that Abrams opted to stick close to the series' tradition of shooting in real locations, to give the places fans will be taken to during the film a sense of authenticity. "As with The Force Awakens, despite this being an epic space adventure on many worlds and places, [we built] exterior and interior sets ... [we went to] locations around England and Jordan. We did everything we could to have it in-camera. We tried to keep it as real and as physical as possible--it was better for the actors and the movie."Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker is set to hit cinema screens on December 19. It stars Daisy Ridley as Rey, Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, John Boyega as Finn, Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron, Kelly Marie Tran as Rose Tico, Lupita Nyong'o as Maz Kanata, and Domhnall Gleeson as General Hux. New cast members include Naomi Ackie, Richard E. Grant, and Keri Russell.A number of Star Wars veterans including Mark Hamill as Luke, Billy Dee Williams as Lando, and Carrie Fisher as Leia, will also be part of the story. Fisher died before production began, but will appear in footage originally shot for 2017's The Last Jedi. Discussing this, Abrams said the team discussed how they would move on and came to the realization that "it was impossible," which is why they used cut footage."The miracle of having scenes from Force Awakens that went unused, and looking at them and seeing that they could be used, is the idea of saying, 'Well, what if we could write scenes around her?' The crazy thing is, emotionally, every day it hits me that she's not here, but it's surreal because we're working with her. Leia lives in this film in a way that is kind of mindblowing to me."Also returning to the franchise is Ian McDiarmid, who played Emperor Palpatine in Return of the Jedi and the prequel trilogy. The teaser for The Rise of Skywalker ends with the iconic, creepy cackle of Palpatine, and with Luke providing voiceover suggesting that Palpatine will return to menace the galaxy. McDiarmid appeared on stage at Celebration to solidify the reveal. Here's a look at how Palpatine might return to a galaxy far far away.Star Wars Celebration will continue throughout the weekend, and we're expecting to learn more about Respawn's Jedi Fallen Order and the Disney+ series, The Mandalorian. Make sure to keep an eye on GameSpot, where we'll have all the news as it breaks. You can also use our Star Wars Celebration roundup to stay on top of everything. Info from Gamespot.com
2019-04-13
Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise Of Skywalker got its big debut at Star Wars Celebration, complete with a teaser-trailer loaded with moments to please fans and raise intriguing questions about this final chapter in the Skywalker Saga. One of the biggest questions comes from a moment in the trailer that shows some kind of ancient ruins. The curvature looks an awful lot like the dish of the Death Star superlaser.The scene sees Rey, Finn, Poe, C-3PO, BB-8, Chewbacca, and brand-new droid Dio spying the wreckage, while the voice of Luke Skywalker says, "No one's really gone." The screen then cuts to black, and the laugh of Sheev Palpatine, aka Darth Sidious, can be heard.Although nothing has been confirmed, what Rey and company most likely discover is the partial remains of the second Death Star--last seen exploding at the end of Return of the Jedi. And although Luke's words are seemingly meant to be reassurance for Rey, they can also be interpreted as a warning that the Force allows all manner of beings to remain even after they've died. Considering this line is spoken while looking out at the wreckage of what appears to be the second Death Star, the final resting place of Darth Sidious, and immediately followed by the laugh of said Sith Lord, it's implied that Palpatine might not be really gone after all. His body may have died, but his evil endures.Of course there's another theory: Sidious never really died, and the laugh we hear is from the man himself. Sidious' master Darth Plagueis used the dark side of the Force to both prolong his life and mask his presence from the Jedi. We know Sidious mastered the latter before he killed his master--it's how he managed to hide his true nature from the Jedi Council for so long--so he might have also learned the former too. And much like his first apprentice, Darth Maul, who was seemingly killed by Obi-Wan, perhaps Sidious isn't really dead. He's just been in hiding for years, biding his time to take revenge and using the Force to both mask his presence and extend his natural life.Info from Gamespot.com
2019-04-13
We've finally gotten our first look at Star Wars: Episode IX, thanks to the movie's debut teaser trailer, which was released during a panel devoted to the film at Star Wars Celebration. We also learned the title of the movie--The Rise of Skywalker--and caught a new tidbit that's teasing a big new development in the final movie of the Skywalker Saga: the return of Emperor Palpatine.If you didn't catch Palpatine's return, it's likely because it was a bit subtle. The trailer, which features voice-over from Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), ends with a spooky laugh. You'd be forgiven for not realizing the creepy cackle belongs to Ian McDiarmid, who plays Palpatine, but Disney confirmed fans' suspicions by bringing McDiarmid out on stage after revealing the trailer. (You can check out our trailer analysis for a breakdown of other key moments.)Palpatine has been Star Wars' major villain for quite a while. We saw how the Sith Lord known as Darth Sidious pulled the strings of the galaxy in the prequel trilogy to turn the Old Republic into the Galactic Empire, and how he turned Anakin Skywalker from a Jedi into the galaxy far, far away's most feared villain, Darth Vader. Sidious was famously killed by Vader in Return of the Jedi, in order to save his son Luke Skywalker's life. So how can Palpatine be back?We know from that Palpatine had a bunch of contingency plans in place in the event of his death, like what we saw in Star Wars: Battlefront II's story. In Star Wars lore of the past, Palpatine's plan was to use hidden clones in case he was killed. Though it's no longer canon, the old Star Wars Expanded Universe included a lot about Palpatine's return after his death. In those stories, Palpatine had created a secret cloning facility where copies of himself were being grown, which he could use in the event of his death. In his search for immortality, he'd learned about a Force technique that allowed him to transfer what was essentially his spirit into other bodies--effectively allowing him to keep moving from clone to clone forever.In the Expanded Universe, the trouble was that Palpatine's clones were never very good. They were only viable for a short time; at first, the bodies only lasted about a year, and he had to continually transfer himself. That still allowed Palpatine to spend years in hiding, marshalling his forces for an attempt to restore the Empire after his defeat. He even briefly turned Luke Skywalker to the Dark Side to serve as his apprentice.Palpatine was ultimately defeated by Luke and Leia, as well as some sabotage from his inner circle. Leia saved Luke from the Dark Side and they managed to destroy most of Palpatine's clones, while what remained had been sabotaged by Palpatine's own royal guards, causing the last clone to deteriorate much more quickly than the others. When Palpatine tried to transfer into the body of Leia and Han's son Anakin, another Jedi Palpatine had struck down, Brand, managed to drag Palpatine into the Force, leaving him a disembodied spirit forever.Obviously, lots of the big portions of that story are no longer possible because of changes since Disney acquired Star Wars, but we've seen the Disney Star Wars canon borrow ideas from the Expanded Universe before; Grand Admiral Thrawn, for instance, was the villain of a trilogy of Expanded Universe books, and has been brought into the new canon with a 2017 novel and Star Wars Rebels. Palpatine making some clones for himself tracks with what we've seen of him in the past, too--we know his mentor, Darth Plagueis, was searching for immortality, and it would make sense that Palpatine would continue the search for those same Sith secrets.The return of Palpatine doesn't have to be precipitated by ideas from the Expanded Universe, though. It's possible The Rise of Skywalker could expand on an idea first floated in Star Wars: Rebels. In that series, Palpatine attempted to enter the World Between Worlds, a nexus that connected all of space and time together. He was thwarted by Jedi Padawan Ezra Bridger in that show, but the setup for Palpatine to pull some Sithy time travel shenanigans is there.And while that laugh is Palpatine's, that doesn't mean Palpatine will return in a form we all expect. It's possible what we're hearing is some recording or artifact that contains Palpatine's will, his memories, or his personality. We saw a powerful Sith holocron, an artifact that contains information, in Rebels, and that one included something called "The Presence," which seemed like an artificial intelligence. And back during The Clone Wars, there was another Sith holocron that actually held the ghost of the Sith Lord Darth Bane, which means Palpatine could take a similar approach, even without clones. Battlefront II also saw the Emperor ordering his soldiers to destroy a bunch of Sith artifacts before the Rebels got hold of them, which might have related to Palpatine's plans to survive beyond his demise.We won't know exactly what method Palpatine uses to come back into the galaxy, but one thing's for sure--Rey and Kylo Ren probably won't be able to use a Jedi mind trick to cut him in half. Info from Gamespot.com
2019-04-13
Pokemon Go has been receiving a regular stream of new events and Pokemon over the past few months, but that's not the only new content Niantic has in the works for it. In a blog post on the Pokemon Go website, the developer shared the first details on Lucky Friends and avatar poses, two new features coming to the hit mobile game.Lucky Friends is a new level of friendship you can achieve once per day with players you've become Best Friends with. Much like Lucky Pokemon, there's a chance you'll become Lucky Friends when you interact with a Best Friend, be it by trading Pokemon, opening gifts from each other, challenging them to Trainer battles, or fighting alongside them in Raids.If you do become Lucky Friends, you'll both see a notification indicating it, and your next trade is guaranteed to give you both Lucky Pokemon. Once the trade has been completed, however, your friendship status will revert to Best Friends, although Niantic says you will have a chance to become Lucky Friends again the following day through the same methods.In addition to the Lucky Friends mechanic, Niantic is introducing avatar poses to Pokemon Go. These can be purchased through the in-game Style Shop for 500 Coins apiece and allow you to customize your Trainer's pose in your profile, the Friend list, and other areas where your avatar appears.Pokemon Go's next in-game event is the Legendary Lunch Hour, which runs from 12-1 PM local time on April 10. Shortly after that, Niantic will hold this month's Community Day on Saturday, April 13. The Legendary Pokemon Latios is returning for a special week-long Raid event from April 15-22, and the annual Eggstravaganza event is coming back for another year starting April 16.Info from Gamespot.com
2019-04-13
Easter is just around the corner, and Niantic is celebrating by bringing back the annual Eggstravaganza event in Pokemon Go. The week-long Egg-themed event returns next week starting Tuesday, April 16, and this time around it'll give players their first chance to capture Shiny Buneary.Throughout the Eggstravangaza, you'll be able to hatch baby Pokemon like Pichu, Smoochum, and Magby from 2 km Eggs, and you'll receive twice the typical amount of Candy for every Egg you hatch. On top of that, Incubators will be twice as effective for the duration of the event, while Lucky Eggs will last twice as long as normal.Beyond that, Niantic will also be distributing special Field Research tasks revolving around Eggs at Poke Stops. Buneary will also appear in the wild much more frequently than normal, and if you're lucky, you may come across its Shiny version. You can find more details about the event on the Pokemon Go website.In the meantime, Pokemon Go's second Legendary Lunch Hour event is set for April 10. Shortly after that, Niantic will host this month's Community Day. The monthly event returns this Saturday, April 13, and will feature the rare Dragon Pokemon Bagon. Then, starting April 15, the Legendary Latios will make an encore appearance as part of a special week-long Raid event.In addition to all of the upcoming events, Niantic has a couple of new features on the way for Pokemon Go, namely the Lucky Friends mechanic. Each day, you'll have a chance to become Lucky Friends with a player you've become Best Friends with, which will guarantee you both receive a Lucky Pokemon in one trade. The developer is also adding avatar poses to Pokemon Go's in-game store. These run for 500 coins apiece and let you customize your Trainer's pose in the game.Info from Gamespot.com
2019-04-13
The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson has said he just wants to sit back and enjoy the last film as a Star Wars fan. Today with the release of the first teaser-trailer for the newly named film Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, he got his first chance to do just that.So what did Johnson think? Judging by his reaction on Twitter, he's very pleased. The director of Brick, Looper, and the most recent main Star Wars film took the opportunity to gush like any other fan would.I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS and I just melted back into being a happy kid. If you need me I’ll be spending the rest of the day smiling dreamily. https://t.co/z8evIBbRoA — Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) April 12, 2019Johnson directed Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which was criticized by some fans for subverting the expectations set in JJ Abrams' first movie, The Force Awakens. In particular, Rey's parentage turned out to be no one of consequence, and the villainous Snoke was dispatched fairly easily, undermining him as a serious threat. Some have suggested that JJ Abrams returning to direct the last film means that some of Johnson's choices will be retconned, but this teaser-trailer does not confirm that to be the case. Johnson has indicated he doesn't really mind whatever Abrams would like to do with it.With Snoke gone, the new primary villain of The Rise of Skywalker would appear to be Emperor Sheev Palpatine. His signature cackle can be heard near the end of the trailer, and just to make sure there was no confusion, actor Ian McDiarmid appeared on stage. We've posited a few theories on how the deceased villain may be making a return.Palpatine isn't the only relic getting a reappearance in this final film. The footage also showed what appeared to be the wreckage of a Death Star--most likely the second such space station, where Palpatine presumptively died. This film is said to take place some time after The Last Jedi, so the characters have had some time to grow into their various roles before coming back together for a last adventure. That still leaves the mystery of what the title means.The presentation wasn't all nostalgia, though. It also introduces us to a new character named Jannah, played by actress Naomi Ackie. Asked if she could be the daughter of Lando Calrissian, who is also reprising his role for this film, she gave a coy response that didn't exactly amount to a denial.Info from Gamespot.com
2019-04-13
Respawn is preparing to take the wraps off of its next game, Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order, this weekend, with a panel planned for Star Wars Celebration. That event is now underway, but before the panel takes place on Saturday, we've got our first look at a piece of key art thanks to a retailer's mistake.The online retailer Amazon mistakenly put up a listing for a commemorative t-shirt, which showed the piece of artwork. It's been since removed, but not before fans secured the image for posterity. It shows a Jedi wielding a blue lightsaber and ascending a mountain, accompanied by a small droid that appears to be scanning. In the background, crashed into a landscape full of waterfalls, is what appears to be a Republic-era Star Destroyer.We already knew the story of Jedi Fallen Order will revolve around a Jedi Padawan who escaped the Emperor's purge as depicted in the film Revenge of the Sith. The game is said to take place in the Dark Times as the Emperor consolidates his power over the galaxy and hunts down the remaining Jedi. This image itself doesn't appear to shed much new light on the story, but it does look pretty cool. And hey, we know there will be t-shirts. Meanwhile, the Episode 9 trailer has revealed that Palpatine is back in some capacity for the movie, though we're not sure exactly how the Emperor pulled it off.Respawn began teasing its impending announcement with a social media post that showed a shrouded, broken lightsaber. It was accompanied by the words "Don't stand out," a possible reference to the story of Jedi in hiding.The Star Wars Celebration panel will begin at 1:30 PM local time in Chicago. That's 2:30 PM ET / 11:30 AM PT / 7:30 PM GMT / 4:30 AM AEST (Sunday). To watch it all happen live, you can check the livestream here. We'll also be on-hand to deliver all the latest news from the show as it breaks.Info from Gamespot.com
2019-04-13
Another weekend, another visit from Xur and his bag of Exotics in Destiny 2. The latest update to the game made another big change to Xur's inventory, giving you even more chances to get the Exotic weapons and armor you might not have. Unfortunately, though, Xur is only carrying Year One Exotics this week.To find Xur this weekend, head to the Tower. Drop onto the Hangar side and head to the stairs behind where the Dead Orbit folks hang out. You'll find Xur up on a catwalk near the edge of the area. Leading Xur's haul is the Jade Rabbit Exotic scout rifle, which gives you extra precision damage when you chain body shots, and also returns ammo to the gun's magazine.In the armor category, Titans can snag the Dunemarchers leg armor, which increases your sprint speed and builds up a static charge when you sprint, which releases chain lightning when you use melee attacks on enemies. Hunters get the Lucky Pants leg armor, which increase the handling speed of hand cannons and load rounds into your stowed hand canons when you nail precision shots with other guns. Finally, for Warlocks, there's Starfire Protocol, an Exotic chest armor that gives you an additional Fusion grenade charge, with grenades giving you Rift energy and damage from Rift empowered weapons giving you grenade energy.Here are all the Exotics Xur offers this week and what they'll cost you:Jade Rabbit (Exotic scout rifle) -- 29 Legendary ShardsDunemarchers (Exotic Titan leg armor) -- 23 Legendary ShardsLucky Pants (Exotic Hunter leg armor) -- 23 Legendary ShardsStarfire Protocol (Exotic Warlock chest armor) -- 23 Legendary ShardsIf you're bummed with the Year One haul Xur brings this week, you've got another option: You can purchase a Fated Engram. Starting this week, Fated Engrams can now dish out Exotics from the Forsaken expansion. If there's anything you're missing from the first expansion of Year Two, you can now potentially get it, if you can afford it--Fated Engrams will run you 97 Legendary Shards, and you can only get one per account each week. Xur also offers the Five of Swords challenge card for free, which allows you to add difficulty modifiers that increase your score in Nightfall runs.Xur also brings another Invitation of the Nine this week, a weekly bounty that gives you a Powerful gear drop, a bit of story about the Nine, and a new Lore entry. If you've been keeping up each week, this one will send you to Mercury to complete Garden World Strike. You'll also need to kill Cabal, Hive, and Vex enemies.Info from Gamespot.com
2019-04-13
The rebooted Hellboy franchise certainly has high hopes for a future with three major reveals care of the final minutes of the film and the two post-credits stingers--but they might be a little tricky to pick up on if you're not familiar with the Hellboy comics.Don't worry--that's what we're here for.Major Hellboy spoilers to follow, so please, watch your step.Enter AbeFans of the original Hellboy film by Guillermo Del Toro will notice a major and obvious absence in this new take on the universe--the dynamic duo of "red and blue," Hellboy and Abe Sapien, is no longer. In this incarnation of the BPRD, Abe was never actually discovered, never became an agent, and never had a friendship with Dr. Broom or Hellboy at all.At least, not yet. The final moments of the film feature Hellboy, Ben, and Alice clear out a base run by the occult-worshiping Oannus Society, a Hellboy comics deep-cut that actually ties into Abe's original origin story. Whatever brought them to the base is a mystery, but the team makes relatively short work of all the members as they clear each room. Finally, as the dust settles, they find themselves in a warehouse-like chamber where a strange water-filled tube is propped against the wall. The name plaque at the bottom reads "Ichthyo Sapien."As the team leans in closer, a familiar webbed hand reaches up, inside of the tube, and slaps against the glass.We don't actually see any more of Abe in the scene, and we don't get any indication of the team's reaction to him in that moment, but we do know that he's here in one form or another. It certainly seems like the franchise is going to be taking a bit more of its Abe cues from the comics, however, so we're likely going to learn that he was once human back in Victorian times, transformed into a monster during an arcane ritual.Definitely a pretty far cry from the beloved David Hyde Pierce/Doug Jones collaboration in Del Toro's version, but hey, at least he's here at all.What about Lobster Johnson?The first post credits scene is another playful nod to Hellboy comics fans featuring the ghost of Lobster Johnson, a character who made a brief cameo in the retold origin story of Hellboy's birth during WW2.In Hellboy comics, Lobster Johnson is actually the star of his own comic book series--of which Hellboy himself is a huge, huge fan. The comics-within-the-comics were based on Johnson's real life WW2 exploits, and his ghost does occasionally crop up to do what he does best: kill Nazis. There isn't a ton of information to dissect in this particular scene, but it is pretty cute to know that this Hellboy still loves his favorite superhero/historical figure, and that Lobster's ghost is definitely still hanging out.One More Comic Book CameoThe final stinger is a surprisingly meaty one, considering it's all the way at the very end of the credits. It features a single shot of the horrifying Baba Yaga, speaking directly into the camera--or, well, to someone sitting across from her table, but who's perspective the camera is occupying.She monologues about wanting Hellboy's eye--apparently this is a plight the person she's speaking to can sympathize with in one way or another--and she's going to send this person to get it for her. If they're successful, she'll grant them what they've always wanted: the ability to die.The scene cuts before the person is revealed, but Hellboy comics fans will likely be able to make the connection. If a sequel ever happens, we're likely going to see the live action arrival of Edward Grey, a long standing Hellboy side character who is, you guessed it, immortal and not always the most stoked on that fact.Strangely, in the comics, Grey isn't strictly speaking a villain--he's a renowned paranormal investigator who has been cursed with immortality for hundreds of years, but he's not necessarily evil or good. He actually works with Hellboy on occasion, seeing them as kindred spirits trying to shirk their destinies--so, really, who knows what will happen when and if a Hellboy 2 hits theaters. Will Grey be a villain? He's he going to try and double cross Baba to help Hellboy out?Your guess is as good as ours. Info from Gamespot.com
2019-04-13
While Nintendo UK is running a huge Eshop sale on Switch games right now, those of us in the States can still find some solid Switch deals of our own at Amazon, which is selling many first-party titles for $10 off and offering larger discounts on other games as well. It's rare that first-party Switch games fall below $60, even at Amazon, so this is a rare opportunity if you've had your eye on any of these games. And of course, if you're an Amazon Prime member, you'll receive free two-day shipping, as nearly all of these deals are Prime-eligible. The first-party Switch deals to claim include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for $50, Super Mario Odyssey for $50, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for $49.89, and both Pokemon: Let's Go titles for just under $50 each. Another can't-miss deal: a bundle containing both Bayonetta 2 (physical) as well as the first game, Bayonetta (digital), for just under $50. Bayonetta 2 is one of the best games to own on the Switch--the game received a rare 10/10 in our Bayonetta 2 review for its incredible combat, gorgeous visuals, nonstop action, and more.If you enjoyed Monster Hunter World's core gameplay, consider picking up Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate on the Switch, as it's over $20 off right now. The classic turn-based strategy game, Civilization VI, is also $20 off. Meanwhile, Elder Scrolls fans can grab Skyrim for Switch for just under $50.Speaking of deals: GameStop's massive spring sale also includes discounts on Nintendo Switch games, along with PS4 and Xbox One games, consoles, accessories, collectibles, and more. Be sure to check out that sale before it ends April 20, as there are some great discounts.Amazon's Nintendo Switch deals:Bayonetta 2 (physical) + Bayonetta (digital) -- $49.94Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy -- $30Dead Cells -- $27.51Doom -- $49.94The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim -- $49.94FIFA 19 -- $50.75The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild -- $50The Lego Movie 2 Video Game -- $20Mario Kart 8 Deluxe -- $55Mario Tennis Aces -- $49.94Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate -- $36.56My Hero One's Justice -- $30NBA 2K19 -- $30New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe -- $55Pokemon: Let's Go, Eevee -- $49.75Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu -- $49.93Rocket League - Ultimate Edition -- $41.50Sid Meier's Civilization VI -- $40Super Mario Odyssey -- $50Super Smash Bros. Ultimate -- $49.89Tales of Vesperia -- $35Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus -- $49.70Yoshi's Crafted World -- $56.97Info from Gamespot.com
2019-04-13
Respawn boss Vince Zampella has confirmed Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a story-driven, single-player game. There will be no multiplayer to speak of, and no microtransactions either.On the Star Wars Celebration Day 1 live stream, Zampella said, [Jedi: Fallen Order] is a single-player story game… No multiplayer, no microtransactions. It's a story game." Zampella's words were met with applause and shouts of joy. This echoes Jedi: Fallen Order writer Chris Avellone's earlier comments, when he said story is "very important to Respawn.""I hope [the six writers] are listed in the reveal because I accidentally said 'I've wrapped this up,' but there are other writers and I'm not even the lead guy," Avellone said. "Story was very important to Respawn. I think they do a good job of introducing various narrative layers into their games already, but they think the story is an important part of what they perceive to be a Star Wars game. That's one of the reasons I like Respawn, because when they tackle something like that, they understand what the important points are."The Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords writer has said he's done with his portion of Jedi: Fallen Order's story. "I think they brought me on because I have a pretty strong Star Wars pedigree so I'd probably be able to just jump right in," Avellone continued. "And I was, which was good. It didn't require a ton of new research."Jedi: Fallen Order was revealed during E3 2018, and Zampella said the Star Wars game is set after Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. You'll play as a Jedi Padawan that escaped Order 66, and you'll have access to a lightsaber. Respawn is expected to announce further details about Jedi: Fallen Order during a panel at Star Wars Celebration on April 13 at 11:30 AM PT / 2:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM BST.Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is currently scheduled to release Fall 2019, presumably for Xbox One, PS4, and PC. Some art for the game has already been leaked. Despite not knowing much about it, there are quite a few people and places we want to see in the game.Info from Gamespot.com
2019-04-13
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order writer Chris Avellone has said story is "very important to Respawn" in concern to the upcoming game. The Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords writer tweeted that he's done with his portion of the Jedi: Fallen Order's story. Respawn is expected to announce further details about Jedi: Fallen Order during a panel at Star Wars Celebration."I hope [the six writers] are listed in the reveal because I accidentally said 'I've wrapped this up,' but there are other writers and I'm not even the lead guy," Avellone said in an interview with VG247. "Story was very important to Respawn. I think they do a good job of introducing various narrative layers into their games already, but they think the story is an important part of what they perceive to be a Star Wars game. That's one of the reasons I like Respawn, because when they tackle something like that, they understand what the important points are."The lead narrative designer for Jedi: Fallen Order is Aaron Contreras, who previously led the creation of the story for Mafia 3. "I think they brought me on because I have a pretty strong Star Wars pedigree so I'd probably be able to just jump right in," Avellone continued. "And I was, which was good. It didn't require a ton of new research."The first details for Jedi: Fallen Order were revealed during E3 2018. Respawn boss Vince Zampella said the Star Wars game has you play as a Jedi Padawan who escaped Order 66 after Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, still armed with a lightsaber. Zampella and Jedi: Fallen Order game director Stig Asmussen will further discuss Respawn and Lucasfilm's collaboration on the game on April 13 at 11:30 AM PT / 2:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM BST. Prior to the panel, Jedi: Fallen Order art work was leaked.Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is scheduled to release Fall 2019. Despite not knowing much about it, there's quite a few people and places we want to see in the game. Respawn hasn't announced scheduled platforms for Jedi: Fallen Order, but the game is presumably releasing for Xbox One, PS4, and PC.Info from Gamespot.com
2019-04-13
Father's Day can be one of the hardest holidays to shop for--after all, what do you get the man who has everything? Fortunately, if your dad or husband is into games, there's practically an endless list of games-related products he'd probably enjoy, especially with new games coming out for PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PC all the time.Feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the choices out there? We've got you covered--here are some of the best gift ideas for gamer dads this Father's Day, including consoles, accessories, merchandise, tabletop games, and more. Plus, check out the best video games available for each console below in case you're shopping around for a title he doesn't own.The Best Xbox One Games Available NowThe Best PS4 Games Available NowThe Best Nintendo Switch Games Available Now1. NES Classic and SNES ClassicCHECK PRICE (NES Classic)CHECK PRICE (SNES Classic)If dad has been playing games since the '90s, he probably remembers the original NES and SNES and has fond memories of their now-iconic games. These mini versions of Nintendo's retro consoles come pre-loaded with dozens of games (the NES comes with 30 games, the SNES comes with 21), and each system takes up so little space, even the most crowded living room can accommodate them.2. PlayStation VR HeadsetCHECK PRICEIf he owns a PS4, then a PlayStation VR headset is the next logical addition to his gaming setup. Despite being more affordable than many VR headsets on the market, PSVR produced some of the best VR games of 2018 and was our top choice for VR gaming last year. He'll be able to buy and download PSVR games right away, or you can also get the headset as part of a bundle that includes games, like this Borderlands 2 and Beat Saber PSVR bundle.3. Nintendo Switch Protective CaseCHECK PRICENintendo's newest console was built to be portable, but that large, precious screen is especially vulnerable to scratches if you ever take it outside the house (and most of us do, at some point). If he travels frequently and likes to play his Switch on the plane, train, bus, or elsewhere, this hard case will protect the console and also provides handy storage for all its games and accessories.4. Razer Man O'War Wireless 7.1 Gaming Headset CHECK PRICECompatible with PC, Mac, and PS4, Razer's Man O'War is one of the best gaming headsets you can buy in terms of price, performance, and comfort, particularly if you're looking for a wireless option. If he plays online multiplayer games, he'll appreciate this comfortable, surround-sound headset, which has a retractable microphone and crisp sound quality.5. The Legend of Zelda EncyclopediaCHECK PRICEThe Legend of Zelda is a powerhouse franchise that isn't slowing down anytime soon, as Breath of the Wild proved with its critically acclaimed release. If he's a Zelda fan, he'll appreciate this 320-page guide to the Zelda universe, from the 1986 original to Twilight Princess (BOTW isn't included here, but there's another book completed dedicated to it). This encyclopedia is a fascinating look at the making of the games, including their art and lore, and makes the perfect gift for any hardcore Zelda enthusiast.6. Logitech G900 Chaos Spectrum Gaming MouseCHECK PRICEWith 4.5 stars on Amazon and over 1,000 reviews, the Logitech G900 Chaos mouse is a solid bet if he's a dedicated PC gamer. This mouse, which can be used wired or wirelessly, will stay charged for up to 30 hours and has a highly responsive sensor for quick, precise movements. And with its customizable button layout, it can be used whether he plays with his right or left hand.7. Poké Ball Waffle MakerCHECK PRICEListen: It's hard to argue with Pokémon and waffles. What's not to like? Particularly if he's a big breakfast person or enjoys cooking for the family, he'll love using this waffle maker to make warm, fluffy Belgian waffles with a nerdy theme.8. Xbox Wireless Controller - Phantom White Special EditionCHECK PRICEThe newly released Phantom White wireless controller for Xbox One is gorgeous, with a translucent design that fades to white and reveals the controller's inner workings. The Bluetooth-enabled controller has a comfortable, textured grip and will be a prized addition to any Xbox collection.9. Space Invaders PoloCHECK PRICEYou can't go wrong with a nice T-shirt or polo, and this ThinkGeek exclusive shirt is both classy and subtle with its design so he can feel comfortable wearing it anywhere. If he's a fan of classic arcade games like Space Invaders, this officially licensed top is perfect--but if not, ThinkGeek has a ton of other apparel inspired by various video games, movies, TV shows, and more.10. The Witcher 3 Original Soundtrack Exclusive Vinyl SetCHECK PRICEIf he's a dad who still enjoys listening to vinyl records, surprise him with a deluxe set featuring the official soundtrack from his favorite game or movie. (Even if he doesn't own a record player, vinyl records look quite nice as decor on a shelf.) This stunning deluxe vinyl set featuring The Witcher 3 soundtrack would make a great gift for any fan of the critically acclaimed RPG, and Think Geek has other vinyl options too, from Undertale and Dark Souls II to Spider-Man Homecoming, Stranger Things, and more.11. The Legend of Zelda Triforce Cufflinks and Tie ClipCHECK PRICECufflinks and tie clips are subtle ways of adding personality to an otherwise traditional suit, and this silver set made from high-quality metal makes an excellent gift for any Zelda fan. You can also get the same set in gold, if that's his preference.12. Betrayal at House on the Hill CHECK PRICEIf he's a fan of board games, horror, and/or games with a strong narrative, he'll get a kick out of Betrayal at House on the Hill, a board game for three to six players who play as a group of strangers exploring a haunted house. As they enter different rooms, they'll stumble across mysterious objects and trigger certain events that will eventually lead to one player turning on the others, who must then fight for survival. Suspenseful and addictively fun, Betrayal has a ton of replay value with 50 unique scenarios that make the game different every time.13. PlayStation Plus, Xbox Live GoldCHECK PRICE (PlayStation Plus)CHECK PRICE (Xbox Live Gold)If he's a dedicated console player who isn't subscribed to PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold, getting him a pre-paid membership is a solid gift any gamer would appreciate. The subscription services for each console grant access to online multiplayer, free monthly games, and exclusive discounts. A one-year membership generally sells for $60 on each platform, and one-month, three-month, and six-month passes are also available for cheaper.14. Bluetooth-Enabled Media Remote for PS4CHECK PRICEIf his PS4 is the main media device in your household--meaning he uses it to stream movies and TV and play DVDs as well as games--then this handy little device will be a small quality-of-life improvement for his entertainment space. For just $20, this officially licensed remote can quickly turn the PS4 on and off, navigate the PS4 screen, pause and play media, and more. While the capabilities are essentially the same as a PS4 controller, it saves your controller's battery for gaming, and some people simply prefer the feeling of a traditional remote.Info from Gamespot.com