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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #15 Review

Tom Waltz and Kevin Eastman have been dragging more and more classic TMNT characters and elements into the new series in recent months. Issue #15 throws Leatherhead into the mix. Though the book hardly needs another villain at the moment, Leatherhead nonetheless enjoys a solid introduction into this new continuity.

The writers briefly establish Leatherhead's origin as another of Baxter Stockman's out-of-control experiments before shifting back to the present. The Turtles are currently searching for a new base of operations, which seems like another unnecessary addition considering how recently they moved into April's antique shop. In any case, issue #15 winds up offering a fun little blend of intrigue, horror, and levity. In the case of the latter quality, Splinter is given the opportunity to stop being so dour all the time and bond with Casey Jones. As far as horror goes, the creators offer up a cool sequence that sees Leatherhead stalk the Turtles in the shadows.

That fight sequence is expertly rendered by Andy Kuhn. While Kuhn's facial work is a bit bland compared to Dan Duncan's, his work is packed with kinetic energy and enough light and shadow to really pop off the page. The series continuously sets a higher visual standard for IDW's licensed comics.

One downside to this issue is a familiar complaint with the series -- it more or less requires readers to have read the April O'Neil micro-series one-shot to fully appreciate the events within. I understand that IDW is paying homage to the classic Mirage series by resurrecting the micro-series format, but in many cases these stories would have been better served by being integrated with the main book. After eight one-shots, maybe it's time to give it a rest and focus squarely on this series.

Jesse is a writer for various IGN channels. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter, or Kicksplode on MyIGN.


Source : ign[dot]com

Avenging Spider-Man Annual #1 Review

There's been a real renaissance of fun, lighthearted superhero adventures at Marvel lately, and you can add one more book to the pile with Avenging Spider-Man Annual #1. Though little more than a slightly longer installment of the main series, it succeeds in offering another worthy team-up between the webbed wall-crawler and Yancy Street's favorite son.

Rob Williams and Brad Walker step in as the creators for this standalone adventure (though it's not as if Avenging has ever had a stable creative team). Williams kicks off the adventure with a clever idea -- what if two brothers go digging for relics of past superhuman battles in Central Park. The result is the uncovering of a device that makes everyone in Manhattan fill with rage and attack each other. I take it that's supposed to be a change from the usual status quo there.

Needless to say, the script is a fun and breezy read that offsets the slowly darkening tone of Amazing Spider-Man nicely. Williams doesn't always pace his humor well, with too many jokes and pop culture references flying about in the early pages, but in this case too much humor is probably better than not enough. The two brothers and their constant bickering provide a fun counterpoint to Peter and Ben's prickly relationship. The limited invovlement of Franklin and Valeria Richards also adds a ncie touch. Only Williams' choice of villain leaves something to be desired.

Walker's art offers an appreciable shift from his usual harsh style. Most notably, his facial work is more relaxed and expressive. Only rarely do characters suffer from "Brad Garrett face." Walker's Spidey is also highly dynamic and detailed.

If books like Wolverine and the X-Men don't completely fulfill your desire for goofy superhero antics this week, you might consider giving this annual a try.

Jesse is a writer for various IGN channels. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter, or Kicksplode on MyIGN.


Source : ign[dot]com

New York Comic-Con: Cosplay Winners 2012

New York Comic-Con is quickly coming up on its San Diego counterpart, not only in attendance, but percentage of people dressed in cosplay. This year, cosplayers were out in the convention hall in record numbers, and we captured some of the best costumes to participate in our annual cosplay throwdown.

Costumes squared off, battle by battle, until over 1.6 million votes were tallied. We now present the Top Ten vote-getters in the 2012 New York Comic-Con Cosplay Battle.

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10

Editor Picks

Here are some of our favorite costumes that did not get voted into the Top Ten:

We'll be on hand again at New York Comic-Con next year to bring another epic costume battle to you. See you there!


Source : ign[dot]com

Ghosts #1 Review

Ghosts is Vertigo's latest seasonally appropriate anthology issue. As the simple title suggests, the various stories in this book explore the concept of ghosts from a variety of angles, some much more literal than others. While every Vertigo anthology has at least some worthwhile material, they also ask a lot of readers with the $8 cover price. Luckily, in terms of both the creative talent involved and the quality of the stories, Ghosts is one of Vertigo's better efforts.

The obvious headliner of this issue is Ghost for Hire, a joint effort between Geoff Johns and Jeff Lemire and one that makes a strong case for why Johns should venture outside of the DC Universe more often. It's a fun, charming tale that could just as easily be placed in an all-ages anthology. The other highly significant entry in the issue is Joe Kubert's The Boy and the Old Man. While visually rough since Kubert wasn't able to do more than layout the story before his death, the story is a very heartfelt and engaging look at an elderly, terminally ill man fighting to protect his grandson. It's difficult not to read a deeper significance to the story given Kubert's unfortunate passing.

Plenty of other strong material rounds out the issue. Paul Pope and David Lapham team for a sci-fi pirate epic called Treasue Lost. Here the ghost theme is at its most tenuous, but who cares when it allows Pope to do more of the surreal, creative storytelling he excels at. Gilbert Hernandez's The Dark Lady is an initially somber read that takes a fun turn towards the end. Al Ewing and Rufus Dayglo's The Night After I Took the Data Entry Job I was Visited By My Own Ghost may be obnoxiously titled, but it offers a fun twist on the "Ghost of Christmas Future" formula.

There are a few missteps here, to be sure. The Dead Boy Detectives in 'Run Ragged is enjoyable and visually diverse, but it ends abruptly and encourages readers to wait for the next Vertigo anthology for a continuation of the story. Amy Reeder's art is a highlight in Wallflower, but the idea of two lovers becoming metaphorical ghosts to each other sort of fizzles out by the end. The only story I actively disliked, though, was Bride. Though it too boasts some strong visuals, the storytelling was pointlessly obtuse and the main characters thoroughly unlikable.

Yes, $8 is lot to ask for any comic, but Ghosts offers a wealth of content, and quality content at that.

Jesse is a writer for various IGN channels. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter, or Kicksplode on MyIGN.


Source : ign[dot]com

The Mighty Thor #22 Review

Matt Fraction's Mighty Thor run has never shown the clear sense of unified purpose and direction that his Invincible Iron Man run did, and so the finale issue lacks some of the sense of purpose and immediacy that many other recent finales have had. On the other hand, Fraction's final chapter is much more uplifting and optimistic than his last Iron Man issue or Kieron Gillen's Journey Into Mystery finale.

The gist of this Everything Burns epilogue is that Thor is put on trial for the crime of pissing off his father. It's worth noting that much of Fraction's early Thor work was characterized by an oddly hostile relationship between Thor and Odin, and that dynamic is back in full force here. As before, Fraction eventually brings the story around and offers some justification for Odin's behavior, but it is strange nonetheless.

But if Fraction doesn't have any great conflict or emotional struggle to bring to a close as Gillen did with Loki last week, he does manage to end his run on a heartwarming note. There are characters pulled in from practically every story arc, and even references to material from Secret Invasion: Thor and J. Michael Straczynski's run. The issue essentially asks the question, "Must there be a Thor?" And though the obvious answer is "Well... yeah. Why not?" it's nice to get a little reaffirmation. Fraction could have used a bit more page space to work with, unfortunately. The ending feels somewhat truncated, and there are a couple scenes (particularly those involving Bill and Kelda) that deserved more attention than Fraction was able to give.

Barry Kitson helps Fraction close out the series. With Jay Leisten providing finishes to Kitson's breakdowns on some pages, the overall look is less sharp than it might have been. Facial work tends to suffer the most when Kitson isn't handling the panels himself. But the general storytelling is still strong and heavy with emotion. The series ends much as it always existed - with an uneven execution but plenty of high points along the way.

Jesse is a writer for various IGN channels. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter, or Kicksplode on MyIGN.


Source : ign[dot]com

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Universal and Lin Team for Sci-Fi Comedy

Universal has just acquired the rights to a new sci-fi comedy spec script called Subdivision, and has Fast Five director Justin Lin attached to direct through his Barnstorm Pictures banner, reports Variety.

Although the synopsis is being kept under wraps, this marks the second project sold this year for writing duo Morgan Jurgenson and Alex Ankeles, who recently struck a deal at Paramount with another sci-fi screenplay Hyperdrive; that project is being developed by producer Mary Parent.

In addition to his sixth installment of the Fast and Furious franchise -- which is currently shooting -- Lin is developing all kinds of other material including Kamala Films' Lone Wolf and Cub and Imagine's LA riots movie.

Max Nicholson is a writer for IGN, and he desperately seeks your approval. Show him some love by following @Max_Nicholson on Twitter, or MaxNicholson on IGN.


Source : ign[dot]com

Layoffs Hit Activision Publishing in Minneapolis

Activision's Minneapolis division is "realigning the structure" of its business, and has consequently cut 30 full-time positions. The publisher is responsible for games such as Prototype 2, Goldeneye 007, and The Amazing Spider-man, "will release fewer games based on third-party licenses" next year compared to 2012 as its business "works to align costs with its revenues."

An Activision representative told IGN that it plans to "redirect" affected employees to other positions within Activision."

Joystiq reports these layoffs came at a publishing level and that no studio personnel were affected. Earlier this year, Activision's Radical Entertainment shut down, shortly after rumors circulated stating Vivendi was looking to sell Activision altogether, which is allegedly an ongoing deal.

Activision's Call of Duty: Black Ops II releases November 13, marking one of the last of the publisher's 2012 releases.

Mitch Dyer is an Associate Editor at IGN. He’s also quite Canadian. Read his ramblings on Twitter and follow him on IGN.


Source : ign[dot]com

ShootMania: Custom Maps, Skins, and Modes

In the above video, you can see some of the awesome things you can do with ShootMania's in-game map editor and replay editor. That entire video was created with in-game tools! Mapmaking is a huge part of ShootMania and is being supported by the developers, Nadeo, to the fullest extent. Users can generate their own maps, skins, and even entirely new game modes with some creativity and little bit of know-how.

If you have the creativity, but are lacking on the know-how, there are resources out there that can really help you get into a map, skin, and mode-generating groove! Two sites that have carried the banner for the user generated content (or UGC) community are Maniapark.com and Mania Exchange.

Mania-Exchange has a huge list of custom maps for a ton of different game modes that you can sort and peruse at your leisure. Downloading maps and hosting a server to play them on is very simple with the in-game server-hosting client. You can go to their map search and just go crazy, downloading everything their users have to offer. You could also upload your own map and ask your buddies to download it, try it out, and rate it on the site.

Maniapark is a little bit different than Mania Exchange because they actually allow you to upload custom skins and game modes in addition to just maps. Check out this Legend of Zelda skin that one Nintendo-loving Shootmaniac uploaded:

You can learn how to make skins, maps, and modes on your own as well thanks to their extensive Tutorials and Forums filled with like-minded content creators! If this sounds like something you would like to do, get started today and you will be uploading your own masterpieces in no time.

To stay up to date with ShootMania and IGNProLeague, check out http://shootmania.ign.com or check out our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/IPLShootMania!


Source : ign[dot]com

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Outed by Voice Actor?

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 may have been leaked by voice actor Bill Murray. Murray (not to be confused with the Lost in Translation and Groundhog Day actor) voiced Captain Price in the first three Modern Warfare games and reportedly told This is Xbox “Yeah, on Monday I am off to meet Infinity Ward about the next game, Modern Warfare 4, I’m doing work on the sequel to Modern Warfare 3, it carries straight on and I only ever appear in the Modern Warfare games.”

In response, Infinity Ward posted the following statement on Twitter: "Interesting news today, but it’s not true. We’ve not talked with any voice actors, so all news is speculation." We’ve reached out to Activision for further comment and will update with any additional info we receive.

Previously, details about the next Modern Warfare game reportedly leaked online suggesting the game includes a level under ice and various types of new technology. Job listings on Infinity Ward’s website suggest the game could be for next-generation consoles.

Infinity Ward developed the first three Modern Warfare games in addition to Call of Duty 1 and 2. Treyarch, meanwhile, developed Call of Duty 3, World at War, Black Ops and the upcoming Black Ops II.

Andrew Goldfarb is IGN’s associate news editor. Keep up with pictures of the latest food he’s been eating by following @garfep on Twitter or garfep on IGN.


Source : ign[dot]com

Community: Season 4 Gets a (New) Premiere Date

I've added a big update to the story below, with NBC's full midseason schedule revealed.

Community: Season 4 has a premiere date! Well… a new one!

As Community fans know, the series was set to return on Friday, October 19th, only for NBC to make a last minute decision to delay the debut of Season 4. Until now, we haven’t heard anything about a specific date when we’d actually seen it – but it was looking increasingly likely Community would be back on Thursday nights, with 30 Rock ending soon and now Up All Night scheduled for a hiatus (and a bizarre format change).

Now we have that official date, thanks to Community star Yvette Nicole Brown Tweeting out: “Guys, #Community officially has an airdate: Thursday, February 7th at 8pm!”

So yep, after all that “it’s moving to Fridays!” drama, Community will air in the exact same timeslot it had been for the past few years. It’s still months away, but hey, at least we know when we’ll see it… barring any more delays.

And remember, every day is October 19th!

Update: NBC has now released the full details on their midseason plans. It looks like new comedy 1600 Penn will take Up All Night's place on Thursday nights beginning in January, with Community replacing 30 Rock in February, after 30 Rock's final episode airs. 1600 Penn is taking the 9:30pm timeslot, with Parks and Recreation moving up to 8:30pm.

Struggling for so long, NBC has had some big, genuine success on Mondays this season, with The Voice and Revolution both soundly beating the other networks. That being the case, it's pretty notable that both shows will be off the air for several months, with The Biggest Loser and new drama Deception airing in the interim, until The Voice and Revolution return in late March.

You can check out the full press release below.

NBC REVEALS CHANGES FOR MID-SEASON 2013

SERIES PREMIERES:

-- New Drama “Deception” (Formerly “Infamous”) January 7

-- New Comedy “1600 Penn” January 10

-- New Relationship Series "Ready for Love" from Eva Longoria March 31

ANTICIPATED RETURNS:

-- “The Voice” Begins Fourth Cycle March 25/26

-- The Season's Newest Hit “Revolution” Returns March 25

-- "The Biggest Loser" Weighs in January 6/7 with Return of Jillian Michaels

-- “Smash” Dances Back to the Schedule February 5 with Oscar Winner Jennifer Hudson

-- “Community” Returns February 7

--“The Celebrity Apprentice” Debuts March 3

-- “Betty White’s Off Their Rockers” Comes Back January 8

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – October 30, 2012 – NBC today announced changes to its 2013 primetime mid-season schedule highlighted by the premieres of three new series, including comedy "1600 Penn," from one of the architects of "Modern Family"; an intriguing drama "Deception" (formerly “Infamous”); and producer Eva Longoria's big reality relationship show "Ready for Love."

In addition, several of the network's biggest hits will return, including "The Voice" with new coaches Usher and Shakira; fall hit "Revolution"; "Smash," featuring Jennifer Hudson; and "The Biggest Loser," with some innovative changes to the format and the return of Jillian Michaels. Further scheduling announcements will be forthcoming.

Following are the highlights of the changes:

Mondays:

The new drama “Deception” – starring Meagan Good (“Think Like a Man”), Victor Garber (“Alias”), Tate Donovan (“Damages”) and Katherine LaNasa (“Alfie”) in a dark family murder mystery -- debuts on January 7 (10-11 p.m. ET). Preceding “Deception” is the new season of “The Biggest Loser” which returns with a two-night premiere on Sunday, January 6 (9-11 p.m. ET) and Monday, January 7 (8-10 p.m. ET), and will continue on Mondays (8-10 p.m. ET) until the return of "The Voice."

“The Voice” maintains its momentum as it returns March 25 for a fourth season (8-10 p.m. ET) and Tuesday, March 26 (8-9 p.m. ET). It continues its two-night Monday/Tuesday schedule as it did this fall. “Revolution” -- the season’s only bona fide new hit series -- will return and follow “The Voice” on March 25 (10-11 p.m. ET) when it concludes its current fall broadcast dates in November.

Tuesdays: Last year’s acclaimed musical drama “Smash” makes its much-anticipated return with a two-hour episode on February 5 (9-11 p.m. ET) -- with Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson -- and will resume on Tuesday, February 12 (10-11 p.m. ET) in its regular day and time. “Betty White’s Off Their Rockers” premieres on January 8 with back-to-back episodes (8-8:30 p.m. ET and 8:30-9 p.m. ET) and will continue in that hour each Tuesday.

“The Voice” also will return on Tuesdays on March 26 (8-9 p.m. ET).

Thursdays: The new comedy “1600 Penn” -- starring Bill Pullman (“Independence Day”), Jenna Elfman (“Dharma and Greg”) and Josh Gad (Broadway’s “The Book of Mormon”) as a typical American family who just happen to live in the White House -- debuts on January 10 (9:30-10 p.m. ET). Jason Winer, Emmy-winning director of "Modern Family" is co-creator and director. The critically hailed comedy “Community” returns on February 7 (8-8:30 p.m. ET). “Parks and Recreation” moves up one hour on the Thursday schedule to 8:30-9 p.m. (ET) on January 17.

Sundays: The new alternative series “Ready for Love” -- an innovative and dramatic new relationship show about making real connections with executive producer Eva Longoria – premieres Sunday, March 31 (8-10 p.m. ET). Donald Trump’s “The Celebrity Apprentice” resumes with an “All-Star” edition of former celebrity contestants on March 3 (9-11 p.m. ET) for four weeks before continuing in one-hour episodes on Sunday, March 31 (10-11 p.m. ET).


Source : ign[dot]com

Introducing Batman's Li'l Gotham

I've said before that Dustin Nguyen is one of my favorite artists working comics today. His storytelling is sound and his work in arenas like Batman or WildC.A.T.s 3.0 is brooding and moody. But he's got another side to his work -- a side that proudly hangs over my TV in my living room -- in the form of pretty adorable, stylized watercolor versions of fan-favorite characters.

Now, DC Comics has announced via The Source that they're putting those stylized characters to use in the form of their latest digital-first comic project on Comixology, entitled Li'l Gotham. The series will coincide with major holidays, with the first chapter debuting tomorrow for Halloween. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's editions will follow. No price point was given in the announcement, but it's assumed that it will retail for 99 cents per installment like all of DC's other digital exclusives.

“This has been a passion project of mine for some time now, and for anyone that’s followed my work, I’m sure it’s more of an ‘its about time!’ Nguyen told The Source. “The look and style is a slight departure from my usual (think the exact opposite of serious), but the idea has always been the same—to take our favorite existing Gotham characters, place them in fun scenarios without having to be tied to just one continuity or look and feel. It’s basically a Batman book for fans, by two huge fans.”

Nguyen will be joined by by frequent collaborator Derek Fridolfs, who will co-write the series. “At times in various platforms, Batman has been extremely dark and taken very seriously. So respectfully, we’re going in the opposite direction and having a bit of whimsical fun with a whole city of characters beloved by fans and especially ourselves. Li’l size...big enjoyment," said Fridolfs.

And yes, that image does indeed seem to have Cass Cain, Stephanie Brown, and Barbara Gordon as Oracle.

Oh, and here's the print I've got hanging in my apartment. I recommend you snag it should you run into Dustin at a convention:

Joey is IGN's Comics Editor and a comic book creator himself. Follow Joey on Twitter @JoeyEsposito, or find him on IGN at Joey-IGN. He loves superhero pets so hard.


Source : ign[dot]com

Take-Two Delays Earnings Report Due to Hurricane

Take-Two Interactive Software, parent company of Grand Theft Auto developer Rockstar and BioShock publisher 2K, has delayed its second quarter earnings report due to Hurricane Sandy.

Take-Two, whose offices are located in New York, said that “due to catastrophic weather conditions in the region of its corporate headquarters, the company is postponing reporting the results of its second quarter of fiscal year 2013 and its corresponding conference call.” The company notes that it “will reschedule the reporting of its results and conference call and announce the details as soon as practical pending improved weather conditions and its aftermath in the region.”

Earlier today, Take-Two confirmed the release window of Grand Theft Auto V, and just last week a new trailer was released for BioShock Infinite. This is the second game industry-related delay we’ve seen from the storm, following the cancellation of Assassin’s Creed III midnight launches in the Northeast United States.

IGN wishes the best of luck to anyone affected by the storm.

Andrew Goldfarb is IGN’s associate news editor. Keep up with pictures of the latest food he’s been eating by following @garfep on Twitter or garfep on IGN.


Source : ign[dot]com

Fright Night Remake to Get Direct-to-Video Sequel

Although a box office flop, the 2011 remake of Fright Night is reportedly getting a sequel.

According to Shock Till You Drop, a direct-to-video sequel is in the works with Eduardo Rodriguez (Stash House, Fear Itself) slated to direct. "The direct-to-DVD sequel will be a stand-alone story and begin shooting in Romania soon," the site reports.

And, no, Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell and David Tennant will not be in it.

No word yet if this sequel will follow the plotline of the original Fright Night 2 from 1988, which saw the first film's vampire-slaying heroes Charlie Brewster and Peter Vincent up against the vengeful Regine Dandridge, the sister of the first film's blood-sucking villain.


Source : ign[dot]com

Dead Island Riptide Release Date Announced

Deep Silver has announced that Dead Island Riptide will hit stores on April 23rd in North America and April 26th internationally for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. At launch, the game will receive a Special Edition with “tempting extras in your survival arsenal” including exclusive weapon mods, a digital strategy map and a unique character skin. The Special Edition will be limited and sold on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Deep Silver also showed off the game’s box art, seen below:

According to Deep Silver, Dead Island Riptide adds “additional gameplay mechanics, all-new gorgeous locales to explore, more types of zombies to provide constant threats, an additional character class and the best co-operative zombie action experience in gaming.” Riptide will be available at a discount and Deep Silver is seeking fan feedback regarding a possible Collector’s Edition.

For more on what’s new in Dead Island Riptide, read our impressions from PAX.

Andrew Goldfarb is IGN’s associate news editor. Keep up with pictures of the latest food he’s been eating by following @garfep on Twitter or garfep on IGN.


Source : ign[dot]com

Rockstar Confirms Grand Theft Auto V for Spring 2013

Rockstar has officially confirmed that Grand Theft Auto V is coming in Spring 2013. The window will mark the worldwide release on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, according to Rockstar, with no mention of other platforms.

While the release window was already leaked by promotional posters and retailer listings, Rockstar has now confirmed the timing and revealed that pre-orders will begin on November 5th at all retailers.

Grand Theft Auto V will be set in Los Santos, and Rockstar calls it “the largest and most ambitious title in the series to date.” The game is said to deliver “a world of unprecedented scale and detail bursting with life,” from mountaintops to oceans. "Grand Theft Auto V builds on everything we've learned about open world game design," said Rockstar founder Sam Houser. "We can't wait to share it with fans."

A full reveal of Grand Theft Auto V is coming in November, so keep checking back to IGN for all the newest info. Until then, be sure to help Rockstar shape the game’s multiplayer and find more info in our Grand Theft Auto V wiki guide.

Andrew Goldfarb is IGN’s associate news editor. Keep up with pictures of the latest food he’s been eating by following @garfep on Twitter or garfep on IGN.


Source : ign[dot]com

Gandalf Defends The Hobbit

Sir Ian McKellen has been defending the forthcoming Hobbit films, suggesting audiences don’t judge the film based on the 10-minutes that was screened at CinemaCon back in April.

The 48 frames-per-second footage was poorly received, with critics saying it liked like a made-for-TV movie, but McKellen – who returns as Gandalf in the films – says that he has been suitably impressed with the footage that Peter Jackson has shown him thus far.

“I’ve seen enough of it to know it’s going to be just as exciting as Lord of the Rings. In fact in some sense it’s more exciting because it’s in three dimensions” he told the BBC.

“It’s not the sort of crude 3D that comes out of the screen. Rather it brings you into Middle Earth. You see round the corners. You see everything.”

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey hits on December 14, when we’ll find out for ourselves if 48 frames is the future.

Chris Tilly is Entertainment Editor for IGN and really wants to know what this 48 fps malarkey looks like. His idle chat can be found on both Twitter and MyIGN.


Source : ign[dot]com

Win A PS3 With Silent Hill: Revelation 3D

To celebrate the Halloween release of the second instalment of the Silent Hill horror franchise - Silent Hill: Revelation 3D, IGN has teamed up with Lionsgate UK to give you and two of your mates the chance to scare yourself silly playing the Silent Hill HD Collection on a full-sized cinema screen.

The winner will also win a Sony PlayStation 3 12GB and a copy of Silent Hill HD Collection to keep.

For years, Heather Mason (Adelaide Clemens) and her father (Sean Bean) have been on the run, always one step ahead of dangerous forces that she doesn’t fully understand. Now on the eve of her 18th birthday, plagued by terrifying nightmares and the disappearance of her father, Heather discovers she's not who she thinks she is. The revelation leads her deeper into a demonic world that threatens to trap her in Silent Hill forever...

HOW TO ENTER

For your chance to win, all you need to do is follow @IGNUK on Twitter and re-tweet the following #WelcometoSilentHill Tweet before 10am on Monday November 5th to enter.

Win a PS3 & play Silent Hill HD on cinema screen with Silent Hill Revelations. RT before Nov 5th go.ign.com/SZYUPy #WelcometoSilentHill

— IGN UK (@IGNUK) October 30, 2012

Silent Hill: Revelation 3D is released in cinemas on October 31

For more on the film join www.facebook.com/frightclubuk


Source : ign[dot]com

Win A PS3 With Silent Hill: Revelation 3D

To celebrate the Halloween release of the second instalment of the Silent Hill horror franchise - Silent Hill: Revelation 3D, IGN has teamed up with Lionsgate UK to give you and two of your mates the chance to scare yourself silly playing the Silent Hill HD Collection on a full-sized cinema screen.

The winner will also win a Sony PlayStation 3 12GB and a copy of Silent Hill HD Collection to keep.

For years, Heather Mason (Adelaide Clemens) and her father (Sean Bean) have been on the run, always one step ahead of dangerous forces that she doesn’t fully understand. Now on the eve of her 18th birthday, plagued by terrifying nightmares and the disappearance of her father, Heather discovers she's not who she thinks she is. The revelation leads her deeper into a demonic world that threatens to trap her in Silent Hill forever...

HOW TO ENTER

For your chance to win, all you need to do is follow @IGNUK on Twitter and re-tweet the following #WelcometoSilentHill Tweet before 10am on Monday November 5th to enter.

Win a PS3 & play Silent Hill HD on cinema screen with Silent Hill Revelations. RT before Nov 5th go.ign.com/SZYUPy #WelcometoSilentHill

— IGN UK (@IGNUK) October 30, 2012

Silent Hill: Revelation 3D is released in cinemas on October 31

For more on the film join www.facebook.com/frightclubuk


Source : ign[dot]com

The Dead Head to India

The Ford Brothers are heading to India. The directors of cult horror The Dead – a zombie epic set in Africa – are switching continents for its sequel.

Speaking at the FrightFest Halloween All-Nighter, Howard Ford unveiled the below teaser, and revealed that principal photography would commence next February.

He then explained: “Jon and I have been receiving so much enthusiasm and demand for a sequel we owe it to the fans of The Dead to deliver something that goes way beyond what we could achieve first time around and the starting point was to find the most stunning and varied landscapes where we have not seen the dead walk before."

His brother Jon added: “Part Two has to be another journey movie with varied terrains but challenges for our main characters that contain all of the gritty detail that people liked from the first film. There will be a lot more action and more scares along the way but we don't want to lose any of the little details that kept it feeling real."

Chris Tilly is Entertainment Editor for IGN and really rather liked The Dead. His idle chat can be found on both Twitter and MyIGN.


Source : ign[dot]com

Grand Theft Auto V Spring Release Confirmed By UK Retailer

The Spring release window for Grand Theft Auto V leaked via a Polish fansite over the weekend has been confirmed by UK retailer GAME. In a Tweet from its Brighton branch, the retailer posted the below image urging people to pre-order now, revealing as-yet-unseen imagery from the forthcoming Rockstar title.

The pre-order page on GAME's website still lists the sequel's release date as TBC 2012. With 'more information' promised by Rockstar in November, an official release window announcement cannot be far away.


Source : ign[dot]com

Monday, October 29, 2012

Channel Surfing Podcast, Episode 184

Hey guys, Eric here for an actual brand new episode of Channel Surfing - Not one recorded two and a half weeks ago!

Laura Prudom from the Huffington Post joins me again as guest co-host, as we play some major catch up with the not-at-all-new news that Clark Gregg is starring as Agent Phil Coulson in S.H.I.E.L.D. – though we have actual recent news too, with Ming-Na Wen joining him in the ABC pilot!

Then there’s the bizarre situation with Up All Night, as NBC retools the series into a multi-camera sitcom. Plus, Dan Harmon’s new animated series gets the greenlight at Adult Swim, while G4 pulls the plug on Attack of the Show and X-Play.

We then discuss Arrow getting a full season order and our spoilery discussion on the show’s first three episodes, from 26:15-32:10 – followed by a “Watch Nikita!” rant and news about Seth Green on How I Met Your Mother, the lead being cast in Shawn Ryan’s Beverly Hills Cop, a potential Twilight TV series (sigh…) and Frank Darabont getting a greenlight for his new TNT LA Noir series. Plus, what the hell happened to DC Nation?

Reader email brings us an Arrow-related question about secret identities, followed by a spoilery Fringe chat (for what’s aired so far) from 57:30-1:02:00 and a Legend of Korra Emmy query.

Listen to our latest podcast by clicking the lovely red type below - right click to download.

Channel Surfing Podcast, Episode 184

Hey, why not follow us on Twitter?

Eric Goldman: @EricIGN

Laura Prudom: @LauinLA

Subscribe to Channel Surfing on iTunes

Join the Channel Surfing Facebook Group

Have a question or comment for a future episode? Email us at ChannelSurfing@ign.com.


Source : ign[dot]com

Channel Surfing Podcast, Episode 184

Hey guys, Eric here for an actual brand new episode of Channel Surfing - Not one recorded two and a half weeks ago!

Laura Prudom from the Huffington Post joins me again as guest co-host, as we play some major catch up with the not-at-all-new news that Clark Gregg is starring as Agent Phil Coulson in S.H.I.E.L.D. – though we have actual recent news too, with Ming-Na Wen joining him in the ABC pilot!

Then there’s the bizarre situation with Up All Night, as NBC retools the series into a multi-camera sitcom. Plus, Dan Harmon’s new animated series gets the greenlight at Adult Swim, while G4 pulls the plug on Attack of the Show and X-Play.

We then discuss Arrow getting a full season order and our spoilery discussion on the show’s first three episodes, from 26:15-32:10 – followed by a “Watch Nikita!” rant and news about Seth Green on How I Met Your Mother, the lead being cast in Shawn Ryan’s Beverly Hills Cop, a potential Twilight TV series (sigh…) and Frank Darabont getting a greenlight for his new TNT LA Noir series. Plus, what the hell happened to DC Nation?

Reader email brings us an Arrow-related question about secret identities, followed by a spoilery Fringe chat (for what’s aired so far) from 57:30-1:02:00 and a Legend of Korra Emmy query.

Listen to our latest podcast by clicking the lovely red type below - right click to download.

Channel Surfing Podcast, Episode 184

Hey, why not follow us on Twitter?

Eric Goldman: @EricIGN

Laura Prudom: @LauinLA

Subscribe to Channel Surfing on iTunes

Join the Channel Surfing Facebook Group

Have a question or comment for a future episode? Email us at ChannelSurfing@ign.com.


Source : ign[dot]com

Channel Surfing Podcast, Episode 184

Hey guys, Eric here for an actual brand new episode of Channel Surfing - Not one recorded two and a half weeks ago!

Laura Prudom from the Huffington Post joins me again as guest co-host, as we play some major catch up with the not-at-all-new news that Clark Gregg is starring as Agent Phil Coulson in S.H.I.E.L.D. – though we have actual recent news too, with Ming-Na Wen joining him in the ABC pilot!

Then there’s the bizarre situation with Up All Night, as NBC retools the series into a multi-camera sitcom. Plus, Dan Harmon’s new animated series gets the greenlight at Adult Swim, while G4 pulls the plug on Attack of the Show and X-Play.

We then discuss Arrow getting a full season order and our spoilery discussion on the show’s first three episodes, from 26:15-32:10 – followed by a “Watch Nikita!” rant and news about Seth Green on How I Met Your Mother, the lead being cast in Shawn Ryan’s Beverly Hills Cop, a potential Twilight TV series (sigh…) and Frank Darabont getting a greenlight for his new TNT LA Noir series. Plus, what the hell happened to DC Nation?

Reader email brings us an Arrow-related question about secret identities, followed by a spoilery Fringe chat (for what’s aired so far) from 57:30-1:02:00 and a Legend of Korra Emmy query.

Listen to our latest podcast by clicking the lovely red type below - right click to download.

Channel Surfing Podcast, Episode 184

Hey, why not follow us on Twitter?

Eric Goldman: @EricIGN

Laura Prudom: @LauinLA

Subscribe to Channel Surfing on iTunes

Join the Channel Surfing Facebook Group

Have a question or comment for a future episode? Email us at ChannelSurfing@ign.com.


Source : ign[dot]com

First ZombiU Multiplayer Details Surface

A new multiplayer mode titled King of Zombies has been unveiled for upcoming survival horror game ZombiU.

In an interview with ONM, the game's story director Gabrielle Shrager explained that that the mode would have links to the St George's Yard mission that players will encounter in the single-player game, while also being based on a modified version of Capture the Flag.

St George's is our hell within hell. Our multiplayer arenas are a spin-off of this mission in the campaign.

"You’ve seen the Tower Of London gameplay footage by now, so you know we are going to have to breach the Traitor’s Gate and penetrate the depths of the Bloody Tower to find the Raven Of Dee’s Secret Bunker," she revealed. "But you’ve never heard of St George’s Yard.

"St George's is our hell within hell. Survivors here are unwilling participants in a twisted game in which they are thrown to the infected. Our multiplayer arenas are a spin-off of this mission in the campaign."

The King of Zombies mode is one such multiplayer arena that sees one player use the Wii U Pro Controller to try and guide their survivor towards the flag. Meanwhile, it's the job of the GamePad wielding player to spawn zombies around the flag using the touchscreen in a bid to keep the flag unclaimed.

ZombiU is planned as an exclusive launch title for the Wii U when it releases in America on November 18 and in Europe on November 30.

Luke Karmali is IGN's UK Editorial Assistant and is slowly realising he'd be as useful as a chocolate teapot in a Zombie Apocalypse. You too can revel in mediocrity by following him on IGN and on Twitter.


Source : ign[dot]com

Star Wars: The Old Republic F2P Restrictions Lessened

Bioware has announced that it will slightly loosen the restrictions facing free-to-play accounts due to "community and internal feedback".

In a post on the game's forums, lead designer Damion Schubert explained that changes would be made to the originally announced restrictions after they generated a mixed reaction.

It is important conversely that the subscription offers subscribers strong, tangible benefits over the Free-to-Play experience. We value our subscribers greatly, and they are crucial to the success of Star Wars: the Old Republic.

As a result, free-to-play players will now get a second quickslot bar, as well as the ability to run five Warzones each week. Under the original restrictions, there was no second bar for free-to-play accounts and only three Warzone battles could be played every seven days.

Schubert went on to address the worry that the limitations on Warzones will make queues longer, saying that if anything they should get shorter. He explained, "Our subscriber base likely will not shrink much, and for some of our competitors, converting to Free-to-Play has resulted in a subscriber increase! Which means that Warzone queues should likely see improvement from what you experience in game, and at minimum be relatively unchanged in experience.

"That being said, one of our golden rules is that the Free-to-Play experience should not cheapen the experience for paying subscribers. If it turns out that the Free-to-Play conversion results in a degraded Warzone experience once we go live for subscribers, you can rest assured that we will quickly make adjustments to the system to ensure that subscribers have an optimal experience.

"It is important conversely that the subscription offers subscribers strong, tangible benefits over the Free-to-Play experience. We value our subscribers greatly, and they are crucial to the success of Star Wars: the Old Republic."

Also addressed in the post is the potential for accounts to receive preferred status. Any former subscriber whose account has locked will automatically get preferred status, otherwise any F2P player who makes a single purchase through the game's official site will also have their account upgraded to preferred status.

Preferred status offers a range of benefits, ranging from increased server queue priority and an extra crew skill slot to obtaining the sprint ability at level 1 alongside access to your cargo hold.

No official launch date has been unveiled for the free-to-play option for Star Wars: The Old Republic, but it's expected to be available before the year is out.

Luke Karmali is IGN's UK Editorial Assistant and former SWTOR player. You too can revel in mediocrity by following him on IGN and on Twitter.


Source : ign[dot]com

Star Wars: The Old Republic F2P Restrictions Lessened

Bioware has announced that it will slightly loosen the restrictions facing free-to-play accounts due to "community and internal feedback".

In a post on the game's forums, lead designer Damion Schubert explained that changes would be made to the originally announced restrictions after they generated a mixed reaction.

It is important conversely that the subscription offers subscribers strong, tangible benefits over the Free-to-Play experience. We value our subscribers greatly, and they are crucial to the success of Star Wars: the Old Republic.

As a result, free-to-play players will now get a second quickslot bar, as well as the ability to run five Warzones each week. Under the original restrictions, there was no second bar for free-to-play accounts and only three Warzone battles could be played every seven days.

Schubert went on to address the worry that the limitations on Warzones will make queues longer, saying that if anything they should get shorter. He explained, "Our subscriber base likely will not shrink much, and for some of our competitors, converting to Free-to-Play has resulted in a subscriber increase! Which means that Warzone queues should likely see improvement from what you experience in game, and at minimum be relatively unchanged in experience.

"That being said, one of our golden rules is that the Free-to-Play experience should not cheapen the experience for paying subscribers. If it turns out that the Free-to-Play conversion results in a degraded Warzone experience once we go live for subscribers, you can rest assured that we will quickly make adjustments to the system to ensure that subscribers have an optimal experience.

"It is important conversely that the subscription offers subscribers strong, tangible benefits over the Free-to-Play experience. We value our subscribers greatly, and they are crucial to the success of Star Wars: the Old Republic."

Also addressed in the post is the potential for accounts to receive preferred status. Any former subscriber whose account has locked will automatically get preferred status, otherwise any F2P player who makes a single purchase through the game's official site will also have their account upgraded to preferred status.

Preferred status offers a range of benefits, ranging from increased server queue priority and an extra crew skill slot to obtaining the sprint ability at level 1 alongside access to your cargo hold.

No official launch date has been unveiled for the free-to-play option for Star Wars: The Old Republic, but it's expected to be available before the year is out.

Luke Karmali is IGN's UK Editorial Assistant and former SWTOR player. You too can revel in mediocrity by following him on IGN and on Twitter.


Source : ign[dot]com

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Good Cop/Bad Cop: Buying a Wii U at Launch

As we draw ever closer to the launch of Nintendo’s next console, the inevitable “you gonna buy one?” discussion arises, splintering friends and family apart with accusations of Nintendo fanboydom or, alternatively, predictable cynicism. Indeed, the Wii U isn’t a clear-cut purchase decision for consumers. It’s no PlayStation 4 or Xbox 720, seducing us with promises of graphical grunt and next-gen games, and Nintendo’s vision for the console hasn’t always been clear. Regardless, we’re still standing before the dawn of a new console era, and decisions must be made. Will you Wii U?

IGN Australia's Lucy O'Brien and Cam Shea battle it out in another classic IGN AU Good Cop / Bad Cop debate...

Good Cop Lucy: As you know Cam, I’m buying a Wii U. I do admit to a certain compulsion when it comes to emptying my wallet on new technology, but I’m genuinely excited about Nintendo’s console. I think we – as video game consumers – have become a little too attached to the same old experiences, and tend to raise eyebrows too quickly over new ones. It’s something I’m ever aware of, particularly as I boot up Resident Evil 4 for the five hundredth time of an evening. And I’ve certainly had enough hands-on time with the Wii U to determine that yes, this is a new and pretty damn exciting way to play video games, and I would be a moron to turn my back on it on misguided principle.

Take ZombiU, for example. This is a title that’s been built from the ground up for the Wii U (as are all the games I intend to purchase), and it simply couldn’t translate to any other platform. The implementation of two screens adds a sense of real fear – Ubisoft toying with where you focus your attention – and the implications for future horror titles are enormous. I’ve never played a game in this way before. It’s new.

Or look at what Nintendo is exploring with co-op. Rayman Legends and New Super Mario Bros. U both use the gamepad to bring a new dimension to the co-op experience by introducing god-like control to a single player, who can either prove an ally or a hilariously disruptive force. In Rayman Legends, the player with the gamepad is able to help out Rayman by cutting down ropes, lowering platforms, turning contraptions etc. Alternatively, the player with the gamepad could be a total dick, sending Rayman to his doom. The same goes for New Super Mario Bros. U’s Rush Mode, where the player with the gamepad can create platforms for the others. Or not. Whatever. While not revolutionary, these tweaks created the kind of hilarity and hysteria I haven’t experienced during a co-op session in a long time. How can you deny these experiences, Cam? How can you?

Bad Cop Cam: I'm not denying them in any way. Rayman Legends looks like a heap of fun, and it's certainly an interesting twist for Mario, but are they really enough to justify buying a new console on launch day? No way. Nintendo traditionally creates the killer app for its new systems itself, and I think that's what's missing here. Rayman Legends, New Super Mario Bros. U, ZombiU; they all look solid, but they're strong titles that should be complementing the game that makes the system a must-buy. Nintendo Land will serve as a good illustration of the possibilities for the new gamepad and multiplayer, but no one's going to be frothing at the bit to play it.

In terms of your point about consumers being attached to the same old experiences, that may be true, but I for one genuinely do want new ideas and new experiences. Nintendo has always been ahead of the curve, and systems like the DS and Wii have been driven by innovation. The DS and Wii, however, also show just how much of a lottery new ideas are. The DS is a fine example of giving game designers a whole suite of things to play with - many of which they didn't know they needed - and letting them experiment. The result was some truly novel and compelling games that could only exist on DS. The Wii, on the other hand, did much the same thing, yet for all its commercial success, didn't lead to much variety or gameplay innovation. Third parties, in particular, simply didn't support the system, and when they did they went for the lowest common denominator - i.e. tacky mini-game collections - and gamers were left with very little. I'm worried history may repeat itself.

The industry has changed a whole lot since the Wii launched too. ZombiU could conceivably be done with the Vita and PS3. Mobile phones, tablets and Smartglass are all bringing a second screen into the equation. Nintendo has to bring its own brand of magic to this system to make it stand apart, and I'm not seeing enough of that magic yet.

Good Cop Lucy: I get your point that there’s no first party killer app. But I think ZombiU is Wii U’s killer app, insofar as it’s shaping up to be a superb launch title with mechanics that really show off the system.  Mario, Pikmin et al are shaping up beautifully, but I’m picking up a Wii U on launch day because of a Ubisoft game, no doubt about it.

And I think you’re being a bit dismissive of Nintendo Land. There’s a common misconception that it’s going to be another Wii Sports – a sort of introductory package created so you can teach your grandparents how to virtually bowl – but there’s much more to it. In the team-based Pikmin Adventure – a fantastically fast-paced and surprisingly aggressive game – there are multiple levels, multiple enemy-types, and a (relatively) long campaign. Metroid Blast also has multiple arenas, and can be played in three modes. Even the single-player games included in the package, which feature simpler mechanics, have depth; Balloon Trip Breeze and Donkey Kong Crash Course are both considerably (at times ball-breakingly) challenging. There’s a lot to be gleaned from Nintendo Land, if people are willing to give it a chance.

As for your point about an industry-wide focus on connectivity, sure, you’re right. But it’s a muddied focus for other publishers, not something baked into their very hardware. What other console can so readily offer such unique asynchronous gameplay experiences right out of the box?

Bad Cop Cam: Why you dissing Wii Sports, O’Brien? I think that’s the perfect example of how to introduce what a new system is all about in a succinct and fun way. I had a sore shoulder from Wii Bowling for months. That’s actually what’s needed here. Right now the Wii U’s focus is on playing catch-up. It’s great that we’ll now see simultaneous PS3/360/Wii U releases and everything, but who’s buying a Wii U for the likes of NBA 2K13, FIFA 13, 007 Legends, Black Ops II, Darksiders II, Assassin’s Creed III, etc? You’d have to be a pretty die-hard Nintendo fan to not own a PS3 or 360 at this stage, in which case these releases don’t mean much. And Mass Effect 3? Arkham City? Does anyone need those, now?

The most exciting games in the near future for me are probably The Wonderful 101 and Scribblenauts Unlimited, which are both a blast, but I’m reticent to buy a system just for them. Longer term there’s Bayonetta 2 and, erm, what else? The Wii U version of Aliens: Colonial Marines should be the pick of the bunch (motion tracker on the gamepad and all that), but when I think of the games I’m most excited about next year, there aren’t that many on Wii U. BioShock Infinite, The Last of Us, South Park: The Stick of Truth, DmC, Beyond: Two Souls, SimCity, GTA V, Tearaway… where are the Wii U exclusives?

A system is defined by its games, and Wii U has a long way to go. Final thoughts Lucy?

Good Cop Lucy: Bottom line is, I’m investing in the Wii U because I want a new experience. It's not going to be all that Nintendo's promised straight out of the gate – as you said, the launch line-up could be stronger - but it’s a system that’s going to evolve, and I want to be there for the ride. Once content producers realise the possibilities of the platform, the Wii U has the potential to offer the most unique experiences in console gaming. Just look at some of the new approaches to platforming and horror that we’re already seeing! For a change, it’s not all about Zelda and Mario for me. It’s about the possibilities.

Bad Cop Cam: Well put. As much as I've argued that it may not be a day one purchase if you're strapped for cash, it really does have a stack of potential. Bring on launch day!

Lucy O'Brien and Cam Shea are part of the IGN Australian team. If you like what you're readin', meet the rest of the Aussies by joining the IGN Australia Facebook community or follow us on Twitter @IGN_AU.


Source : ign[dot]com

The 25 Most Disturbing Scenes in Horror

Great horror films ease their way into the deepest, darkest parts of our minds and tend to stay there for a while, occasionally rearing their heads at 3AM to prompt a fevered inner dialogue - is there somebody crouching in the corner? This is a list of moments from such films, moments that don't necessarily shock and appall (although some do that too), but creep and crawl their way into our soft, vulnerable psyches, moments we recall years later as we try - against hope - to fall asleep.

Here's a look at 25 of the most disturbing scenes in horror.

Please note, we've omitted a handful of scenes which feature extreme violence and/or explicit nudity, and have replaced them with theatrical trailers. Major spoilers of all films discussed ahead.

25

The Fly: Watch Brundlefly Eat

Released 1986

The first demonstration of ‘eating’ from an insect-gene-spliced-Seth Brundle is arguably more disgusting than disturbing, but it’s his casual manner that unsettles, as if Brundle forgot how gross it might be to his onlooking girlfriend when he pukes acid on a doughnut. It’s the first in a series of foreboding moments where Seth unconsciously leaves his humanity at the door, giving in to his more basic, insect instincts.

24

The Blair Witch Project: Mike Faces the Wall

Released 1999

Directors Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez were master manipulators in their debut, proving that scares can be much more powerful when they’re played out in one's peripherals. Blair Witch’s final shock is a stunning example.  Mike facing the wall is far more chilling seen through Heather’s hysterical - and therefore unreliable - lens, leaving us questioning our perception of the film’s final events once the credits begin to roll.

23

Poltergeist: Marty in the Mirror

Released 1982

The mirror scene in Poltergeist has a lot to answer for - namely the crippling nightmares of every poor kid who watched it thanks to its surprisingly lenient PG rating. The scene is made more pertinent because we’ve moved - for a change - away from the predictable targets, the Freelings, focusing instead on an unremarkable visiting paranormal investigator. Upon reflection, the triviality of Marty's character makes him a prime mark for mischief, but watching him claw chunks of flesh off his face as he peers into the bathroom mirror came out of nowhere on first viewing. Fun fact: Marty’s tearing hands belong to one Stephen Spielberg.

22

Pet Sematary: Zelda

Released 1989

While both of Pet Sematary’s central monsters are wonderfully perverted manifestations of familial anxiety, it says a lot about the wrongness of ‘Zelda’ that she trumps an undead child in the horror stakes. Zelda is the long-dead sister of Rachel Creed, whose guilt over her death manifests itself in nightmares, and, in one relentlessly horrifying scene, a supernatural delusion.  Zelda’s attack on Rachel is terrifying, not only because Zelda was played by a male (Andrew Hubatsek), whose emaciated frame and hardened facial features adds other-worldliness to the character, but because she scuttles, scuttles! right toward the camera as she unleashes her tirade.

21

Sleepaway Camp: Peter Revealed

Released 1983

As is the case for many ‘80s slashers, Sleepaway Camp’s scares can’t quite escape the kitschy kiss of the decade, its shorts just a little too tight and its performances just a little too awful. But while Sleepaway’s slaughter-in-summer-camp formula is mighty familiar, it plays an entertaining guessing game with the audience as to the identity of its killer, which remains genuinely ambiguous to the bitter end. The film's magnificent pièce de résistance?  Not only is our doe-eyed protagonist Angela the killer, she’s also a he! More specifically, he’s Angela’s brother Peter, whose psychosis presumably spawned from his gender identity disorder(!) enforced by his Aunt(!)  On paper it might seem laughable, but Peter’s silent scream during the last minute of the film will stay with you for days.


Source : ign[dot]com

Things We’ll Miss When Retail is Gone

Ask yourself: how much do the staff down at your local video game shop know about you? Is the answer: not much? Not one thing? Thought so.

Don't worry: this isn't magic or mindreading or anything.

When was the last time they recommended a game to you that you'd never heard of – something they thought you'd like because they know what you like? Never?

There was a time, believe it or not, when people had actual relationships with the folks down at their local game shop. Not relationships, but you know, relationships.

You would have recognised each other if you passed in the street and known each other's name. You would have stopped and talked. This was because you were down at that shop not just after school or on your lunch break, but on the weekend too. Holidays? You barely left. Sometimes you'd hang at the counter for hours as you looked at games you couldn't afford and talked about Goldeneye's famous nude mode (that totally exists*). If someone had a girlfriend (almost never) you'd talk about her, too.

Not exactly the Bond nude code we had in mind.

Yes, they were heady days. But they're vanishing.

We all know about the rise of downloadable content, the move to convenience gaming enabled by clever iDevices, other tablets and smartphones, plus the practice of pre-ordering or otherwise buying physical copies of games online. It's all progress, and progress is mainly good.

But, eventually, it has to mean the total decline of the physical game shop. No more bricks and mortar, as they say. And won't there be some things we'll miss?

Yes. Here are some of them.

Pre-orders

Having a game on pre-order is the incidental result of paying money for something before it is actually for sale. Yes, you can do that online. It's easy, too. You only have to minimise your Sims 3 window for a second, and it achieves the same practical result as dropping money in store.

But pre-orders used to be bigger picture. They were a rich and productive means: months of hype, weeks of chatting to staff and comparing rumours or notes on the games that went before. Most of all, it meant hassling shop staff (I mean aggressively, obnoxiously hassling them) days before the game dropped to see if it had miraculously arrived early – or to accuse them of hiding it “out back”.

Download your pre-order bonus now!

Ah, the rumours you'd hear. The last few days before release was a revolving disappointment until you finally got the thing in your hand. You'd assess every image on the box, flick through - and perhaps even smell - the instruction manual, watch it boot up on a demo unit. You'd enjoy each other's excitement and conjecture. Then you'd go home to get stuck in.

Today's equivalent? Online communities. Hmm.

Trade-ins and bargain bins

A thriving second hand market will always exist online, but the demise of physical shops will mean the same of trade-ins: a monumental suckfest for collectors, people with smaller incomes and those who like to paw through stacks of people's cast-offs looking for rare gems.

There'll also be no place for bargain bins. An online store is no barrier to special deals and marked down stock, but that feeling of rooting through a cylindrical mess of games (often while the shop is festooned with bright SALE ribbons) while always on the cusp of finding exactly what you want without knowing you want it will be a thing of the past.

Wouldn't want to miss out on Fighting Angels. How is that even a thing?

It's the absence of discovery. Discovering a bargain or a traded game that no one else has managed to nab first usually means uncovering a one-off. That model doesn't translate well to the online space: if in a distributor's warehouse somewhere, someone finds one loose copy of a popular title and decides to flog it off on the web, it will be put up in plain sight.

No modern-day archeological buzz there, right?

Midnight launches

In the new world, it's going to be up to you to initiate your own lame midnight launches (so long as the title is available by download). You're going to need some Pink Floyd for a sense of the epic, some Red Bull so you don't fall asleep without the bracing midnight air, and, oh yeah – some mates.

That all sounds like a lot of hard work. When stores vanish, there's no more lining up, dressing up, talking to bedraggled game journos who drew the short straw and need your quote (which will be “Awesome!” by the way) and certainly no more camaraderie. The loss will be felt by many.

"It's got a 3D display that I'll permanently have turned off. Woo!"

Perhaps it will mean game companies throw awesome parties instead, inviting people to blacklit locations that remain secret until you get the password via a Twitter hashtag and handing out goodies in shiny branded satchels draped on promo girls dressed like referees.

But probably not.

So what about it? If your local game shop goes tomorrow, will you shed a tear? Or will you read about it on Facebook and get right back online to buy the next game on your list?

Do you have any cool stories from the days the game shop was king? Share them with us.

*Actually, it doesn’t.

Sam Prescott is a freelance gaming journalist based in New Zealand. He writes for IGN as a form of catharsis. Why not follow him on IGN and Twitter? Oh, and come hang with IGN Australia on Facebook while you're at it.


Source : ign[dot]com

Channel Surfing Podcast, Episode 183

Hey guys, Eric Goldman here with what you can consider a “lost” episode of Channel Surfing. Recorded during New York Comic Con with former IGN TV writer Jonah Krakow, numerous technical issues with both the entire process of how we post podcasts and with the equipment in IGN’s LA office stopped me from being able to post this until now. So more than two weeks later, we can now call it retro!

From Ed Brubaker’s two new TV series in development, to Made in Jersey being cancelled (man, remember Made in Jersey?!) to Community getting delayed, we’ve got our finger on the pulse of the news everyone was talking about… On October 12th, when we recorded this sucker. We also discuss a couple new J.J. Abrams projects, Mockingbird Lane's unusual one-off airing, The Mindy Project and Ben and Kate getting full season orders and more.

Take a journey back in time with us by clicking the lovely red type below (right click to download)!

Channel Surfing Podcast, Episode 183

Hey, why not follow us on Twitter?

Eric Goldman: @EricIGN

Jonah Krakow: @JonahKrakow

Subscribe to Channel Surfing on iTunes

Join the Channel Surfing Facebook Group

Have a question or comment for a future episode? Email us at ChannelSurfing@ign.com.


Source : ign[dot]com