'Game of Thrones' Season 2 Review

SPOILER FREE!

Going into the first season of Game of Thrones, I was skeptical. Kings and swords and Dragons are not really my genre of choice. I had seen the previews for the show during Boardwalk Empire and while it looked semi-intriguing, I wasn’t sold on adding another series to my watch list. At the urging of a friend (and all the talk on Twitter) I started watching and was immediately hooked.

Having never read any of the books, my biggest concern about season two was just how well it would hold together without Sean Bean and Jason Momoa. They were both a big part of season one and to me, the most interesting characters. Let me say that those fears were put to rest within the first five minutes of the season premiere. The creators have taken everything that was great about the first season and turned them up to eleven. More intrigue, more suspense, more Tyrion, more, more, more.

The stakes are high, not just for the characters, but also for the show. It was such a ratings and critical success (earning Peter Dinklage an Emmy) that the expectations for the new season are extremely high. After previewing the first few hours of the show I can assure you that the cast and crew are very aware of this and they deliver in spades. Even with the inclusion of new characters, everyone gets their moment. Dinklage’s Tyrion is clearly the star of season 2 as the character comes into his own here amongst a family that is clearly not to be trifled with.

The writers have been able to pull off the daunting task of telling a thoroughly compelling story with a huge cast. It’s amazing to see how the writers balance that size of a cast and each of the intricate plot lines. They keep the pace moving quickly and assuredly.  Each episode will have you on the edge of your seat, wide-eyed and shouting at the screen. This is exactly what I did at the end of episode four. That whimpering in the corner that you hear is me, waiting for April 29^th when I can finally learn what happens next.

Game of Thrones Season 2 premieres on HBO Sunday, April 1st at 9:00 p.m. 

Fantasy Writer Brandon Sanderson and Little Orbit bringing Mistborn Saga to Video games in 2013

Little Orbit revealed that they will be bringing bestselling author Brandon Sanderson’s epic fantasy series Mistborn to games late next year for PlayStation3, the Xbox 360, Windows PC and Mac.

Mistborn is set in a dark world of ash, mist, and gothic fantasy creatures, dominated by a seemingly immortal villain known as the Lord Ruler. It also follows individuals who use a powerful rule-based magic system known as Allomancy that allows them to temporarily enhance their physical and mental abilities by ingesting and “burning” flakes of metal. Those who have the ability to burn a single metal are called Mistings, and those who can burn all metals are known as Mistborn.

The upcoming RPG video game will feature an original storyline created by Sanderson, set several hundreds of years before the first Mistborn novel, and will focus on a unique combat system that puts Allomancy into the hands of gamers. Players will suit up as Fendin “Fiddle” Fathvell, an arrogant young nobleman who must quickly master his newfound Allomantic abilities before forces at work can destroy his entire family.

“I’m a huge fan of the series, and I cannot wait to get this into the hands of gamers,” said Matthew Scott, CEO of Little Orbit. “Between the distinctive magic system, the story twists Brandon has planned for the game, and the rich depth of character skills, we’re creating something very unique for players to enjoy.”

Sanderson is no stranger to video games. He recently completed story development on the Infinity Blade II video game including the accompanying Infinity Blade: Awakening novella. In between writing his popular Mistborn and Stormlight novels, he is also finishing work on the final novel in Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. Sanderson has been labeled “one of the most popular new fantasy writers to emerge in the last ten years”.

"As an avid gamer, I'm extremely excited by this opportunity,” said Sanderson. “The chance to write the story for a Mistborn game while working with a team of talented developers is, quite literally, living a dream."

Official Website:

http://www.mistborngame.com

CrimeCraft Wants to Know, Why U Mad?

New Rage Comic Masks, Steam Trading Coming to

Premier Free to Play MMO/Shooter Hybrid

Vogster Online is bringing a little mean spirited fun to CrimeCraft this Spring with new meme-inspired clothing items, an Easter event and Steam Trading integration.

The new rage comic faces are designed to inspire rage in your online enemies, even if they’re the ones doing most of the killing. Few things in life are more satisfying than splattering your foe into bloody giblets then asking, “U mad bro?”

“It’s something that’s fun and looks really cool in game,” said Daniel Prousline, vice president of game development. “We wanted to put in a few fun features for the March update and between the new masks and the Easter event, we’ve done that.”

For Easter, CrimeCraft is adding a few new items, including the Bloody Bunny Mask and Rabbit Ears hat. A new drop is also being introduced for the holiday, the Easter Egg. These eggs drop during Riot (every man for himself) matches and, rarely, in PvE matches like Safeguard and Headhunt. Easter Eggs will only drop during the week of April 8 through April 15.

Players can open eggs for prizes ranging from vendor trash Black Market exclusive items like name color changes, 5-slot weapons, and Gold ammo and boosts. Players can also sell unopened Easter Eggs in the auction house.

Finally, CrimeCraft will be fully integrated with Steam Trading on March 26. Steam Trading is an innovative feature that allows Steam users to trade items from one game for items from another game. We’ll give each of our Steam users the Mask of the Dead as the first item for their Steam Trading inventory, but they will be able to add any non-bound item to a Steam Trading tab in their ATM.

“Steam Trading is great for our players and it’s great for us,” said assistant producer James Casale. “It’s another way to reach out to users who have never played our game while making it more valuable to the people who already know about us. Personally, I can’t wait to score some cool items.”

Beyond these new features, the CrimeCraft Spring Update is focused on player requests and fixes.

These include:

·         Updated Quickplay messaging and level reduced to enter lobby

·         Added graphic representation of teammates health in combat

·         All player healing displayed by on-screen graphic

·         Class and weapon balance

·         New clothing, including Fire and Shock modifiers

The CrimeCraft March update is expected to launch midmonth.

“DISNEY EPIC MICKEY 2: THE POWER OF TWO” Coming This Fall

Disney Interactive Media Group has announced the development of “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two”, the sequel to the critically acclaimed and commercially successful “Disney Epic Mickey” video game.  In “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two”, gamers will play as Mickey Mouse and for the first time ever, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney’s first cartoon star, in an all-new adventure of creativity and discovery. Created by video game industry luminary Warren Spector and Disney Interactive’s Junction Point game development studio, “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” returns the franchise to the Wii system from Nintendo, and expands it to new HD consoles including the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation3 computer entertainment system.

“As a life-long Disney fan, working with Mickey Mouse in the original ‘Disney Epic Mickey’ was a truly humbling experience,” said Warren Spector, creative director and vice president, Junction Point. “Millions of fans fell in love with Mickey as a video game hero and I know they'll experience similar emotions when they get to interact with and actually play as Oswald the Lucky Rabbit in ‘Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two.’"

“Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” returns Mickey Mouse and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Wasteland, an alternate world filled with 80 years of forgotten Disney characters and theme park attractions.  But for the first time, Mickey and Oswald will join forces as true partners - Mickey with his magical paint brush that allows him to wield paint and thinner, and Oswald with his powerful remote control that allows him to command electricity.   This new co-op play further enhances the idea that “PlayStyle Matters” – a unique approach to gameplay pioneered by Warren Spector where players dynamically tackle different challenges in order to explore all possibilities and storylines, but with consequences for their chosen actions.

Staying true to Disney’s rich musical heritage, “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” is the first video game that can be described as a “musical.” At many points throughout the adventure, characters will advance the plot by expressing themselves in song, with all-original music and lyrics.  In addition to this distinctive musical approach to storytelling, players will hear tunes and instrumentation that change based on their personal choices, ultimately allowing each player to “conduct” their own unique soundtrack.  Disney Interactive has enlisted the help of Emmy award-winning composer James Dooley and noted lyricist Mike Himelstein to create these musical gameplay elements.

The magic of Disney will not only resonate through the game’s musical numbers, but also through the introduction of authentic Disney Character Voices talent who provide player direction through genuine character dialogue.  In “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two,” all characters—most notably Oswald The Lucky Rabbit whose voice will be heard for the first time—will communicate by speaking to the player.

“In the first ‘Disney Epic Mickey title,’ fans embraced Mickey as a true video game hero and welcomed Oswald back into the Disney family with open arms,” said John Pleasants, co-president, Disney Interactive Media Group. “Now, as the vision for the “Disney Epic Mickey’ franchise advances, fans and gamers across all platforms will experience completely new ways to embrace the immeasurable vault of Disney characters and attractions.”

“Once in a Lifetime – Rock vs. Cena” Premieres Monday On USA Network

WWE and NBCUniversal are joining forces to televise “Once in a Lifetime – Rock vs. Cena”, an epic one-hour special that follows WWE Superstars The Rock and John Cena on their respective roads to WrestleMania XXVIII.  This first ever behind-the-scenes special premieres Monday, March 26 on USA Network at 8/7c and will also air on NBCUniversal networks including Syfy, Bravo, E!, Oxygen, G4, Style, NBC Sports Network, mun2, CLOO and Universal HD leading up to WrestleMania on Sunday, April 1^st at 7:00 p.m. ET.

This lifestyle special is a candid and compelling look at two of the biggest icons in sports entertainment history as they prepare for their Once in a Lifetime main event match.  From touring and training on the road to Hollywood movie sets to the 54^th Annual Daytona 500, this in-depth look with exclusive footage gives viewers unprecedented access and a glimpse into the personal lives of these men. 

Muppets Costume Pack DLC Now Available For Disney Universe

Coinciding with the Blu-ray and DVD release of Disney’s 2011 hit family comedy, “The Muppets,” Disney Interactive Media Group announced today the availability of “The Muppets Costume Pack” downloadable content for “Disney Universe.” The latest addition to the ever-expanding video game experience is available now on the Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network and the PlayStation®Network. “The Muppets Costume Pack” consists of new character costumes inspired by Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, The Great Gonzo, Fozzie Bear and Animal. Each character comes with a costume specific upgradeable tool.

Individual costumes for “The Muppets Costume Pack” are available for download for 99 cents on PlayStation Network or for 80 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE. The complete set of costumes is also available for $2.99 on PlayStation Network or for 240 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE. The latest downloadable content for “Disney Universe” joins the previously released “Phineas and Ferb” level, “The Jungle Book Costume Pack,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas” level and the “Disney Villains Costume Pack.”

“Disney Universe” will continue to expand with new content, including worlds, costumes, and more available for download, giving Xbox 360 and PlayStation®3 system owners an ever-evolving gameplay experience.

"Brave: The Video Game" Coming This Summer From Disney•Pixar

Inspired by “Brave,”  the upcoming Disney•Pixar animated fantasy adventure movie, the video game invites players to run, jump and battle their way through the rugged landscape of mythical and mysterious Scotland. By using their wits and bravery, gamers will also be able to wield a sword and bow to defeat fierce enemies, break a magical curse and save a kingdom. The video game will release summer 2012, in conjunction with the film. 

A third person action-adventure, “Brave: The Video Game” expands the tale beyond the movie’s storyline. Gamers can play as Merida, an expert archer and heroine, and in the console versions, players can also play as other entertaining characters from the film.  In addition, they will be able to go on quests through a magical world and solve puzzles to uncover secrets.

“We’re excited to offer a compelling game across multiple platforms for fans of the upcoming Disney•Pixar film ‘Brave’. Whether gamers want to play on their own or with others, they can relive highlights from Merida’s journey and go on new adventures inspired by the legends of Scotland and Disney•Pixar storytelling,” said Javier Ferreira, senior vice president of publishing, Disney Interactive Media Group. “With Kinect™ for Xbox 360 and Move on the PlayStation®3, gamers will feel like they are using a bow and arrow in an archery range and have a truly immersive experience.”

The console versions of “Brave: The Video Game” offer a variety of gameplay, including single-player, co-op for family and friends, and a special Bear mode, where players will be able to play as a bear. Several new opponents created exclusively for the game will challenge the player throughout the experience, culminating with an ultimate boss battle to complete the adventure. The Nintendo DS game is filled with its own exciting missions and a myriad of characters to engage single players.

“Brave: The Video Game” launches Summer 2012 for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo DS™ and Windows PC/MAC.

Have a look at the trailer below:

Zombie Shopping Mall- The Ultimate Zombie Experience

Back in January we posted about the awesome Zombie Boot Camp. Now, the creators have one-upped themselves with the ultimate zombie experience with Zombie Shopping Mall! You and a group of up to 15 friends (if you live in the UK or are lucky enough to be able to go) can now take on zombie's in a real abandoned shopping mall in Reading, Berkshire. The creators promise "movie-quality special effects & video game style-missions." The price for each person comes to roughly $160 US, but this is a small price to pay to be able to prepare for the real zombie apocalypse.

The Hunger Games Begin In 5 More Days

For those 3 of you that have been living under a rock, Battle Royale The Hunger Games comes out in 5 more days.



SYNOPSIS

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains.

Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

"Gyo" Trailer

The film was just released in Japan in February. Normally I'm not a fan of the horror genre when it comes to anime, but this looks like it's going to be a heck of a lot of fun. It's based on the manga of the same name from Junji Ito and revolves around a couple visiting the beaches of Okinawa. They happen to have the unfortunate luck of being there at the same exact time that it gets invaded by a bunch of dead fish that have mechanical legs attached to them. Obviously, mass carnage and madness ensue.

Japanese Avengers Trailer Brings New Footage!

The just released Japanese Avengers trailer boasts some new footage including:

-Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) speaks! Until now, he was the only Avenger NOT to have a line in any of the trailers.

-Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) also gets a line!

-More scenes of the invasion.

-A look at the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier



So, excited yet?

New Spawn Apparel Now Available At Tilly's

Press Release:

Celebrate Spawn’s 20th Anniversary with Eight New T-Shirt Designs

Spawn’s 20th Anniversary is in full swing and what better way to show your hellspawn pride then to wear it proudly across your chest. Travis Barker, Blink 182 drummer and creator of the popular apparel company Famous Stars & Straps, has teamed up with comic book legend Todd McFarlane to release this new line of licensed Spawn t-shirts to celebrate 20 years of Spawn!

The new line consists of eight Spawn t-shirt designs. All are currently available at Tilly’s Stores Nationwide as well as Tilly’s Online Store . T-shirts will also be available on the Famous Stars and Straps website.

To help promote the new line, Tilly’s recently started a “ Become a Spawn Character” contest on its company website where fans can enter for a chance to be drawn into an upcoming issue of the Spawn comic book.

The grand prize winner will also receive a trip for two to Tempe, AZ, to take a VIP tour of TMP offices and spend time with legendary Spawn creator Todd McFarlane. The prize includes airfare, lodging, and transportation.

There is no purchase necessary and the contest runs through March 26, 2012. Visit Tillys.com website for more details.

Stay tuned to www.spawn.com to get the latest TMP news and info on all your favorite McFarlane products.

Resident Evil: Retribution

The Resident Evil films have been a mixed bag for me. Milla Jovovich is perfectly cast as the heroine of the long-running franchise and Paul W.S. Anderson has done a great job of keeping his vision of the R.E. universe consistent.

The first Resident Evil was awesome and ended on such a great note that my expectations were high for the sequel. Resident Evil: Apocalypse was a bit of a let-down but was still a fun as hell movie. R.E. Extinction was, in my opinion, the worst of the series. Plodding, boring and pretty much uneccesary, it was the worst in the series. In 2010, Jovovich and Anderson (who wrote all the previous films but hadn't directed since the first film) came back with guns blazing (yeah, I went there) in R.E. Afterlife. Later this year, R.E. Retribution will be released and again, expectations are high. The franchise has legs and a fan base that is dedicated enough to keep it profitable. The trailer for the newest film is clever and if it delivers as well as the trailer, I'd be up for a sixth round.

eigoMANGA To Present Its First Game At The 2012 GDC

San Francisco based comic book publisher, eigoMANGA announces its participation in the 2012 Game Developers Conference (GDC) to be held March 5-9, 2012 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. eigoMANGA will present at a panel at GDC's Localization Summit.

eigoMANGA formed an independent game development studio in January 2011 to produce and publish independent Japanese games or "doujin games". The first game eigoMANGA plans to release is 'Vanguard Princess'.

'Vanguard Princess' is a 2D fighting game that features ten playable female characters. The "doujin game" was originally released in Japan in 2009 and has amassed over 2 million downloads worldwide.

eigoMANGA's GDC panel is "Vanguard Princess: Publishing Japanese Indie Games To The US Market". It is part of GDC's Localization Summit panel called "Localization Microtalks: Around the World with Five Topics in Sixty Minutes".

For updates on the game's release, keep your eyes peeled on the eigoMANGA website!