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Friday, November 30, 2012

GSL Code S Ro4: Ryung vs. Sniper Recap

Game 1 on Whirlwind

Ryung opens up with a command center and barracks to safely wall off his ramp, whereas Sniper goes for 15-hatch then spawning pool. Both players prepare for a long macro game with Sniper going double evolution chamber and Ryung going double engineering bay while still queuing marines.

Sniper drops a spire and uses mutalisks to harass Ryung's worker line. However, they are warded off by marines. Ryung masses up an army of marines and siege tanks, whereas Sniper masses zerglings and banelings. Sniper pushes forward aggressively and obliterates Ryung's defenses, killing over 50 SCVs. Ryung cannot recover and he gg's.

Game 2 on Cloud Kingdom

Ryung bunker rushes but zerglings are able to slip by the marines. With a spinecrawler and the zerglings, Sniper is able to defend his hatchery and destroys the bunker. Sniper pushes forward with the zerglings and punishes Ryung for his bunker rush, taking the second game.

Game 3 on Entombed Valley

Ryung once again goes for a bunker rush outside of Sniper's natural. Sniper is able to take out the first bunker with a queen and sporecrawler, but Ryung is persistent with his aggression. He returns with marines and takes out four active creep tumors, limiting Sniper's vision and map control. Both players begin to tech up with Ryung going for siege tanks and Sniper opting for banelings.

Though Ryung loses a large portion of his army in the middle of map, he goes for marine drops all over Sniper's bases, forcing the Zerg to spread his army thin. The multiple drops prove too much for Sniper and he eventually tabs out.

Game 4 on Bel'Shir Vestige

Ryung decides on a mech build, going for blue flame hellions, which he uses to harass Sniper's fourth. He is able to wipe out all of the drones and does significant economic damage to Sniper and delays the Zerg long enough to queue two Thors. Sniper spawns mutalisks and attempts some harassment.

Sniper then masses up an army of roaches and mutalisks and charges forward into Ryung's base and is able to take out the Thors before retreating. Sniper pulls ahead in upgrades and army supply and builds corruptors and more roaches to take on Ryung's mech forces. However, the siege tank line is too strong and Sniper gg's.

Game 5 on Daybreak

Sniper opens up with a 15-hatch. Ryung also goes for a macro opening with a command center. With an SCV, Ryung scouts one gas at the natural and responds with a bunker at his expansion. Both players opt for standard builds, with Ryung going for hellion banshee and Sniper dropping a third hatchery. However, Ryung decides on bio as opposed to mech, using the hellions and banshees to harass.

Sniper masses banelings, pushes forward into Ryung's forces, and lands key busts on Ryung's marines, which give Sniper the lead. He techs up to ultralisks and spreads creep all over the map. Sniper aggressively charges into Ryung's base, takes out the siege tank line, and fungals all the medivacs. Sniper is able to take out Ryung's third and is ahead in 100 supply. Ryung slips further and further behind. Sniper's economy and his army composition are far superior. Ryung cannot catch up. Sniper moves to face HyuN in the GSL Code S finals.

Match Score: Sniper 3 - 2 Ryung

To catch all of the GSL World Championship action as well as the GSL Code S finals tomorrow by tuning into the live stream, or follow our official twitter @IGNProLeague.


Source : ign[dot]com

GSL Code S Ro4: Ryung vs. Sniper Recap

Game 1 on Whirlwind

Ryung opens up with a command center and barracks to safely wall off his ramp, whereas Sniper goes for 15-hatch then spawning pool. Both players prepare for a long macro game with Sniper going double evolution chamber and Ryung going double engineering bay while still queuing marines.

Sniper drops a spire and uses mutalisks to harass Ryung's worker line. However, they are warded off by marines. Ryung masses up an army of marines and siege tanks, whereas Sniper masses zerglings and banelings. Sniper pushes forward aggressively and obliterates Ryung's defenses, killing over 50 SCVs. Ryung cannot recover and he gg's.

Game 2 on Cloud Kingdom

Ryung bunker rushes but zerglings are able to slip by the marines. With a spinecrawler and the zerglings, Sniper is able to defend his hatchery and destroys the bunker. Sniper pushes forward with the zerglings and punishes Ryung for his bunker rush, taking the second game.

Game 3 on Entombed Valley

Ryung once again goes for a bunker rush outside of Sniper's natural. Sniper is able to take out the first bunker with a queen and sporecrawler, but Ryung is persistent with his aggression. He returns with marines and takes out four active creep tumors, limiting Sniper's vision and map control. Both players begin to tech up with Ryung going for siege tanks and Sniper opting for banelings.

Though Ryung loses a large portion of his army in the middle of map, he goes for marine drops all over Sniper's bases, forcing the Zerg to spread his army thin. The multiple drops prove too much for Sniper and he eventually tabs out.

Game 4 on Bel'Shir Vestige

Ryung decides on a mech build, going for blue flame hellions, which he uses to harass Sniper's fourth. He is able to wipe out all of the drones and does significant economic damage to Sniper and delays the Zerg long enough to queue two Thors. Sniper spawns mutalisks and attempts some harassment.

Sniper then masses up an army of roaches and mutalisks and charges forward into Ryung's base and is able to take out the Thors before retreating. Sniper pulls ahead in upgrades and army supply and builds corruptors and more roaches to take on Ryung's mech forces. However, the siege tank line is too strong and Sniper gg's.

Game 5 on Daybreak

Sniper opens up with a 15-hatch. Ryung also goes for a macro opening with a command center. With an SCV, Ryung scouts one gas at the natural and responds with a bunker at his expansion. Both players opt for standard builds, with Ryung going for hellion banshee and Sniper dropping a third hatchery. However, Ryung decides on bio as opposed to mech, using the hellions and banshees to harass.

Sniper masses banelings, pushes forward into Ryung's forces, and lands key busts on Ryung's marines, which give Sniper the lead. He techs up to ultralisks and spreads creep all over the map. Sniper aggressively charges into Ryung's base, takes out the siege tank line, and fungals all the medivacs. Sniper is able to take out Ryung's third and is ahead in 100 supply. Ryung slips further and further behind. Sniper's economy and his army composition are far superior. Ryung cannot catch up. Sniper moves to face HyuN in the GSL Code S finals.

Match Score: Sniper 3 - 2 Ryung

To catch all of the GSL World Championship action as well as the GSL Code S finals tomorrow by tuning into the live stream, or follow our official twitter @IGNProLeague.


Source : ign[dot]com

Hottest 3DS Downloads of November

Welcome back to IGN Nintendo's monthly round-up of all the hottest games to hit the 3DS eShop. This month was pretty eventful in terms of great eShop titles, so check out the guide below for an idea of which games you should buy, which you should consider, and which you should avoid at all costs.

Let’s get right to it, shall we?

Crashmo

Last year Pushmo took the 3DS eshop by storm with its additively clever puzzle design and charming presentation. Crashmo takes that same formula and turns into something fresh and distinct by adding a handful of new mechanics - and the results are incredible. Things like an updated camera that lets you spin all around each puzzle, the ability to slide blocks rather than just pull or push them, and a variety of new gadgets (like Float Blocks and Move Switches) make for an incredibly challenging (and incredibly fun) puzzle adventure. Throw in the equally addictive puzzle creator, and you have another must-buy eShop title care of the folks at Intelligent Systems. If you loved Pushmo (or somehow managed to miss out on Mallo's debut), don't hesitate to give Crashmo a purchase.

Check out our full Crashmo review here.

Pokedex 3D Pro

If you have fond memories of any generation of Pokémon, Pokédex 3D Pro is probably right up your ally. This fully fledged Pokédex gives you detailed information on every single Pokémon currently in existence, from the original Red and Blue all the way to Black 2 and White 2. It also comes with a Movedex and a Pokémon Challenge mode (where you can test your Pokémon knowledge). More importantly, the ability to watch full 3D animations of every monster is an absolute dream come true, and probably the closest you'll get to seeing a glorious 3D model of Bulbasaur or Lucario for quite some time. It's a great companion for those still working their way through Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, and a wonderful app for anyone who wants to get an eyeful of their favorite monster whenever they please.

Spolier: Kangaskhan's animation is incredible.

Johnny Hotshot

Johnny is at it again with his latest download game, Johnny Hotshot - but unfortunately, this latest entry isn't so hot. The game is basically a poorly thought-out shooting gallery, with three different "modes" spread across five different galleries. All three modes are pretty similar, though, as all look about the same and involve aiming with the stylus or Circle Pad and shooting with A. The controls, while simple, still somehow manage to feel clunky, and it's annoying that occasionally you'll shoot something, but the game won't recognize that you did. Bottom line: don't buy this game. Your time and money are both far too valuable.

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is often considered the "black sheep" of the Zelda family, largely because it's so drastically different from other entries in the franchise. But don't let that fool you - this is still an incredible, totally classic adventure, and one that should not be missed. With RPG elements and a unique topdown perspective that shifts to side-scrolling in battle and in towns, Zelda II is truly one of a kind. It's also incredibly challenging, but in a very good way. If you have the patience to take on this somewhat strange, crazy difficult, but ultimately extremely well-made chapter of Link's history, definitely give this one a download.

Save the princess - this time with side-scrolling!

Aero Porter

Following last month's Liberation Maiden, Aero Porter is the next Level-5 joint to make it's way from the Japan-only Guild01 collection to the 3DS eShop. The game has you managing luggage at an airport, using the L and R triggers to raise or lower differently-colored luggage to the corresponding platform. The longer you play, the more complicated this seemingly simple task gets, as more colors and platforms are introduced, and things like fuel and lighting management are added to the mix. To be honest, I'm not exactly sure why I enjoyed this game as much as I did. It should be terribly boring, but there's something fairly addictive about its simple controls and complex management tasks. This isn't the sort of experience everyone will enjoy... but if you give it a shot, you might be surprised by how much fun sorting baggage can be.

Pac-Man

Once again, that hungry circle dude called Pac-Man has made his way onto the 3DS eShop. There's not much to say about Pac-Man that hasn't already been said - it's a classic arcade game where you maneuver the titular character around a maze, trying to eat up all the dots while avoiding being killed by the ghosts. This particular version is the NES port. It's a solid version, albeit without much in the way of bells and whistles. If you already have a way to play Pac on the go, there's really no need to shell out the cash for another. But if your portable library is still missing this gaming staple, this version is one of the better ones to own.

2 Fast 4 Gnomz

Let's be honest, most of the endless runners that have made their way to DSi, 3DS and Wii have been pretty pathetic. There are exceptions, of course (ehem, Bit.Trip Runner) - and 2 Fast 4 Gnomz is one of them. The game has you switching between four kinds of gnomes (or, I suppose, "gnomz"). Each has a different ability, like floating or running fast, that will help you nab collectibles and survive for as long as you can. The game is pretty amusing, as switching abilities shakes up what is often a repetitive and boring genre. If you're in the market for an endless runner (or amusing time waster), go forth and gnome.

Dress to Play: Cute Witches!

Dress to Play: Cute Witches! has a fairly decent premise - you customize your own cute, Chibi-style character, who you then take out on the town in her own side-scrolling action game. Unfortunately, neither the customization nor the action element are any good. To start, the dress-up portion of the game is something of a joke. There are only a dozen or so tops and bottoms to choose from, several of which only differ in color. For something called "Dress to Play," that's a rather sorry amount of clothing options. Unfortunately, the adventure part is pretty lame too. While it's cute to look at, all you do is side-scroll your way through a level, avoiding obstacles while grabbing stars. It's not bad, per se, but it's also not interesting enough to justify a whole game (or make up for the lame dress-up segment). Take my advice and don't let that cute, pink octopus icon trick you into wasting a download on this one.

That wraps up this month’s notable 3DS eShop releases! We're still working out how we want to revamp the eShop ranking to include more games, so sound off with your ideas in the comments below (remember to tell us what games you'd like to see at the top of the list). We'll unveil the new ranking next month, so now's the time to let your voice be heard!


Source : ign[dot]com

GSL Code S Ro4: HyuN vs. INnoVation Recap

Game 1 on Abyssal City

INnoVation bunker rushes HyuN, taking out the 15-hatch. HyuN is forced to play on one base, so he masses zerglings and drops a baneling nest. HyuN fails a baneling bust on INnoVation's marines as the Terran player successfully splits his units.

HyuN then tries to expand at his natural once more but is thwarted by the bunkers, which have yet to be salvaged. INnoVation tech-switches to mech and overruns HyuN's base with hellions, taking out zerglings and drones. Once again, he denies the expanson at the natural. HyuN cannot recover and he gg's.

Game 2 on Whirlwind

INnoVation once again goes for hellions, whereas HyuN gears up for late game with three hatcheries as well two macro hatches and double evolution chambers. At the eleven and a half minute mark, HyuN hits a timing attack with zerglings, banelings, and roaches. However, INnoVation's defenses blunt the aggression.

INnoVation attempts several medivac drops, which HyuN takes care of with queens and zerglings. HyuN pulls ahead due to his superior economy and he masses a monstrous army of infestors, zerglings, and banelings. INnoVation builds his own army of siege tanks -- but the Terran army is not enough to combat the Zerg swarm. HyuN pulls far ahead and INnoVation concedes the second game.

Game 3 on Bel'Shir Vestige

INnoVation goes command center first as HyuN opens with a 15-hatch. INnoVation opts for mech, building up hellions and banshees, whereas HyuN masses queens while expanding. INnoVation pushes forward aggressively with fifteen blue flame hellions and wrecks havoc on HyuN's economy, taking out nearly thirty drones.

INnoVation continues to harass HyuN with blue flame hellions while teching up to Thors, while HyuN spawns mutalisks, which he uses to counter-harass. INnoVation aggressively pushes into HyuN's base with his Thors and is sandwiched between mass roaches. He loses his Thors and gg's.

Game 4 on Daybreak

HyuN opens up with an early lair, while INnoVation goes command center first. Almost immediately, HyuN drops an infestation pit. Once again, INnoVation builds up hellions to scout then goes for three bunkers.

With burrowed infestors, HyuN sneaks into INnoVation's main and throws out several infested Terran. At the natural, he fungals the SCVs. He pushes further with four infestors and takes out over twenty-five workers, doing some significant economic damage but loses the infestors in the process.

As INnoVation attempts a medivac drop into HyuN's fourth, the Zerg play rushes forward with his banelings and catches INnoVation's army with fungal growths. HyuN is absolutely dominant with his monstrous force of infestors, banelings, and zerglings and continues to land immaculate fungals on the Terran units. INnoVation has no answer and gg's. HyuN is the first of the four GSL players to make it to tomorrow's finals.

Match Score: HyuN 3 - 1 INnoVation

To catch all of the GSL World Championship action as well as the GSL Code S finals tomorrow by tuning into the live stream, or follow our official twitter @IGNProLeague.


Source : ign[dot]com

Up-and-Coming Helmer Set for God Particle

Paramount Pictures and Bad Robot have just hired Julius Onah to direct God Particle, the J.J. Abrams-produced sci-fi project that's been garnering a lot of buzz over the last few months.

Variety describes the film, which centers on "an American space station crew left abandoned after a problem with a Hadron accelerator causes Earth to vanish entirely." Oren Uziel penned the screenplay.

The project is being developed at Paramount InSurge, which means the budget will land somewhere in the neighborhood of between $5 and $10 million.

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

Couldn’t make to IPL5 but still want to be surrounded by people cheering and having a great time? There may be a BarCraft or PubStomp near you!

There are more gatherings of people to hang out and watch eSports than ever before. You can food, drink and cheer at their huge TVs with games plastered all over them. For example there is a Barcraft in Lake Forest, California. Starting at 1pm and running until all the games are done, averaging well over 100 people in attendance. View Map

More a League of Legends fan? Then how about a PubStomp in Irving, California. Same times as above. View Map

Another one is going on in Toronto:
http://www.facebook.com/events/453862487992753/

These go on World Wide. There are several organization who put on these type of events or keep lists of them. These include:

http://www.onenationofgamers.com/

http://ibarcraft.com /barcrafts?event=IPL+5

http://www.teamliquid.net/barcraft/

If there happens to be one near you and haven't experienced eSports with a crowd you will not regret. Go have some food or a drink (or several) and meet a lot of awesome people!


Source : ign[dot]com

Couldn’t make to IPL5 but still want to be surrounded by people cheering and having a great time? There may be a BarCraft or PubStomp near you!

There are more gatherings of people to hang out and watch eSports than ever before. You can food, drink and cheer at their huge TVs with games plastered all over them. For example there is a Barcraft in Lake Forest, California. Starting at 1pm and running until all the games are done, averaging well over 100 people in attendance. View Map

More a League of Legends fan? Then how about a PubStomp in Irving, California. Same times as above. View Map

Another one is going on in Toronto:
http://www.facebook.com/events/453862487992753/

These go on World Wide. There are several organization who put on these type of events or keep lists of them. These include:

http://www.onenationofgamers.com/

http://ibarcraft.com /barcrafts?event=IPL+5

http://www.teamliquid.net/barcraft/

If there happens to be one near you and haven't experienced eSports with a crowd you will not regret. Go have some food or a drink (or several) and meet a lot of awesome people!


Source : ign[dot]com

Blizzard Registers ‘Project Blackstone’ Website

Blizzard has registered ProjectBlackstone.com. The site was picked up on November 26th according to WHOIS data, but exactly what Project Blackstone might be referring to is unclear.

Blizzard hasn’t said much about its upcoming projects, but we do know it’s currently planning an expansion to Diablo III. If the domain is Diablo-related, it could be referring to the Black Soulstone, an item players attempt to acquire thoughout Diablo III in order to defeat Diablo.

One other possibility is that the domain is related to Blizzard’s Titan MMO, which we last heard has more than 100 developers. There’s no clear evidence linking the two, however, so Project Blackstone could just as easily be something related to Blizzard’s other properties, or even something entirely new.

We’ve reached out to Blizzard about the website and will update this story with any comment we receive.

Source: Fusible

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

First PlayStation All-Stars Patch Next Week

Superbot has announced that the first patch for PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale is coming early next week. According to Superbot’s official Tumblr, the patch will add a new item called Medusa’s Gaze (presumably from God of War) as well as a number of bug fixes.

The following bug fixes will be applied:

  • View Invites has been added to the Party Bar Menu
  • Voice chat icon added to loading screens
  • AI logic enhancements

Superbot also detailed the following network performance improvements:

  • Issue where players were stuck with a different character than the one picked has been addressed
  • Issue with matchmaking in regards to player skill has been addressed
  • Overall improvements to network connectivity

Superbot will also make major changes to Sackboy, including increasing the cost of each of his Super attacks (level 1 will increase from 100 to 150 AP, level 2 will increase from 325 to 400 AP and level 3 will increase from 600 to 750 AP). Sackboy’s Jam Session (neutral Triangle) will also have its AP generation reduced from 25 to 10, while Cakeinator (neutral Circle) will be reduced from 25 to 20.

Superbot concluded the post by thanking fans for their feedback. “We’ll continue to closely monitor the data coming in as players online continue to kick-punch-chop their way through the leaderboards,” wrote community manager Daniel ‘Clockw0rk’ Maniago. “We ask that you keep tweeting, posting, and discussing ways that your experience with the game can be improved.”

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

First PlayStation All-Stars Patch Next Week

Superbot has announced that the first patch for PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale is coming early next week. According to Superbot’s official Tumblr, the patch will add a new item called Medusa’s Gaze (presumably from God of War) as well as a number of bug fixes.

The following bug fixes will be applied:

  • View Invites has been added to the Party Bar Menu
  • Voice chat icon added to loading screens
  • AI logic enhancements

Superbot also detailed the following network performance improvements:

  • Issue where players were stuck with a different character than the one picked has been addressed
  • Issue with matchmaking in regards to player skill has been addressed
  • Overall improvements to network connectivity

Superbot will also make major changes to Sackboy, including increasing the cost of each of his Super attacks (level 1 will increase from 100 to 150 AP, level 2 will increase from 325 to 400 AP and level 3 will increase from 600 to 750 AP). Sackboy’s Jam Session (neutral Triangle) will also have its AP generation reduced from 25 to 10, while Cakeinator (neutral Circle) will be reduced from 25 to 20.

Superbot concluded the post by thanking fans for their feedback. “We’ll continue to closely monitor the data coming in as players online continue to kick-punch-chop their way through the leaderboards,” wrote community manager Daniel ‘Clockw0rk’ Maniago. “We ask that you keep tweeting, posting, and discussing ways that your experience with the game can be improved.”

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

Tech Fetish Episode 149.9

The Tech Fetish crew just can't seem to get to 150. Listen to them talk about the Wii U instead.


Source : ign[dot]com

AMC’s The Killing Will Likely Return for Season 3 in May

AMC cancelled their dramatic series The Killing in July after ratings steadily dropped following a strong premiere in May of 2011. Fans of the show were disappointed when the writers failed to wrap-up the central mystery in Season 1, which may have contributed to a decline in viewership.

But when it became clear that the drama would not return, Netflix stepped in to negotiate a deal in which it would contribute to the production costs in order to make the show available to its members following the initial run on AMC. Those negotiations are still in play, but Variety reports that the continued interest in the series has inspired AMC to bring The Killing back for another season.

Neither Fox Television Studios nor AMC have confirmed, but all signs indicate that the mystery will indeed continue on the cable Network. Showrunner Veena Sud and executive producers Dawn Prestwich and Nicole Yorkin went back to work scripting Season 3 earlier this week, which is expected to premiere in late May.

Production will reportedly begin in a few months, though it is unclear which cast members will return. Series stars Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman (the Seattle cops working to solve the murder of a teenage girl) were set for the third season prior to the initial cancellation. But, things may have changed in the ensuing months. Enos will doubtless return as it was her agency, WME, that played a key role in the show's renewal. Joel Kinnaman may be a question though, as he is currently completing his turn as Alex Murphy in the upcoming Robocop remake.

There is no word on whether or not Michelle Forbes and Brent Sexton (the murder victim's parents) will reprise their roles.

We will keep you updated as details emerge.

Roth Cornet is an Entertainment Editor for IGN. You can follow her on Twitter at @JRothC and IGN at Roth-IGN.


Source : ign[dot]com

Nintendo Video Chat: Playing New Super Mario Bros. U

With two weeks of Wii U and sooooo much Pilgrim food under our belts, the Nintendo Video Chat Team is back to discuss our favorite new Nintendo console, the Wii U. (Sorry, Wii Mini!).

This week IGN's Nintendo-leaning professionals, Samuel Claiborn, Richard George, Brian Altano and Audrey Drake discuss New Super Mario Bros. U. Spoilers: We love it! And also there are some actual spoilers in this episode. Mainly about what you unlock when you beat Bowser.

Also, have you seen this amazing Google-style map for New Super Mario Bros. U?

Check out the New Super Mario Bros. U Map

Nintendo Video Chat comes in two forms, just like Pikachu before Pokemon Gold / Silver ruined everything. We've made NVC available as a video on IGN and YouTube and as an audio track which you can download below.

Nintendo Video Chat: Playing New Super Mario Bros. U (MP3) - 40 MB

   Subscribe to IGN's Podcast Series

Samuel Claiborn is an IGN editor and professional video game cheater. TCELES B HSUP to follow him @Samuel_IGN on Twitter and at Samuel-IGN on IGN.


Source : ign[dot]com

Favreau, Fincher in the Running for Star Wars?

Earlier this week, X-Men: First Class actor Jason Flemyng was caught in a potential Hollywood faux pas when he may have accidentally confirmed the recent rumors that Matthew Vaughn was in negotiations to direct Star Wars: Episode VII.

However, in a new report from Deadline, it sounds like filmmakers Jon Favreau and David Fincher could still be among those in consideration for the directing gig. Here's what the site's Mike Fleming Jr. had to say:

"As much as I've heard the Vaughn rumor, I've also heard Jon Favreau is panting after this job, and even that David Fincher, who apparently worked for Lucas's ILM in a menial job as a teen, might be game for one of these new films. Unfortunately, we are getting nothing out of Lucas Land on what they call speculation. I broke a story recently that Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg will write future Star Wars installments, most likely the second and third installments of the new trilogy, I'd heard. Lucas, through Disney, denied every speck of this, but I ran it anyway. They won't comment or clarify these things because they want to announce it themselves on their own Twitter or website or whatever they've got."

The Favreau rumor lines up with his original statement regarding the new trilogy, in which he seemed to express an interest in directing.

The Fincher bit sounds more like wishful thinking due to his involvement with Return of the Jedi as an assistant camera operator for ILM; for the full story on that, check out this video interview of Fincher explaining how he got the job, quite by accident (via /Film, story kicks in around the 3-minute mark):

In any case, chalk up Favreau and Fincher as "maybes" for now.

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

Makeup Guru Rick Baker Down for More Star Wars

Oscar-winning makeup artist Rick Baker, famed for his work on the iconic aliens of the Mos Eisley Cantina in Star Wars (among many other movie creatures) says he'd love to work on the new installments in the franchise.

"So much of the stuff I did in the first Star Wars was very quickly done," Baker recalled. "Nobody knew that Star Wars was going to be Star Wars."

Like many longtime fans, Baker hopes that Star Wars: Episode VII will take a more practical approach to its special effects. "I think the problem that people have with the digital stuff is the problem I have: Just because you can do anything doesn't mean that you should," he told The Hollywood Reporter. "Instead of having a spaceship battle with three space ships they have 3000 space ships. Everything is so big and there's so much going on, you lose reality. It takes you out of it." He also told the paper that he got excited when he heard about the new Star Wars movies because he "harbors a fantasy of returning to the universe he helped create."

In other Star Wars news, Disney studio chairman Alan Horn recently revealed how he managed to keep the Episode VII/Lucasfilm news a secret until the press release went out last month. How did he do it? "We threatened everybody with a blast from the Death Star!" Horn jokingly told Vulture. "But really, I think everybody was mature about it. It's important to keep these things confidential, so people just kept their mouths shut."

And just how many people knew about Episode VII? "Not many. It was a very small group. Probably a smaller group than knew about the attack on bin Laden!"

When asked about the rumors surrounding Matthew Vaughan's involvement with the upcoming film, Horn deflected the answer, but he did note when and where to set our sights: "I would say you'll know soon. And it's got to come from Kathy Kennedy -- we don't have the company yet!"

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

Makeup Guru Rick Baker Down for More Star Wars

Oscar-winning makeup artist Rick Baker, famed for his work on the iconic aliens of the Mos Eisley Cantina in Star Wars (among many other movie creatures) says he'd love to work on the new installments in the franchise.

"So much of the stuff I did in the first Star Wars was very quickly done," Baker recalled. "Nobody knew that Star Wars was going to be Star Wars."

Like many longtime fans, Baker hopes that Star Wars: Episode VII will take a more practical approach to its special effects. "I think the problem that people have with the digital stuff is the problem I have: Just because you can do anything doesn't mean that you should," he told The Hollywood Reporter. "Instead of having a spaceship battle with three space ships they have 3000 space ships. Everything is so big and there's so much going on, you lose reality. It takes you out of it." He also told the paper that he got excited when he heard about the new Star Wars movies because he "harbors a fantasy of returning to the universe he helped create."

In other Star Wars news, Disney studio chairman Alan Horn recently revealed how he managed to keep the Episode VII/Lucasfilm news a secret until the press release went out last month. How did he do it? "We threatened everybody with a blast from the Death Star!" Horn jokingly told Vulture. "But really, I think everybody was mature about it. It's important to keep these things confidential, so people just kept their mouths shut."

And just how many people knew about Episode VII? "Not many. It was a very small group. Probably a smaller group than knew about the attack on bin Laden!"

When asked about the rumors surrounding Matthew Vaughan's involvement with the upcoming film, Horn deflected the answer, but he did note when and where to set our sights: "I would say you'll know soon. And it's got to come from Kathy Kennedy -- we don't have the company yet!"

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

Japanese Toy-Maker to Test 60 mph One-Man Helicopter in 2013

Hirobo, the Japanese toy company behind those remote control helicopters you've seen at the mall, is on the cusp of achieving its ultimate purpose: personal electric-powered helicopters.

Apparently called the "Bit," Hirobo's magnum opus will be capable of flying high and fast enough to be very dangerous (i.e. awesome). So before taking it to market they'll be conducting extensive safety tests starting next year - presumably to make sure it won't just spontaneously blow up.

If you're lucky, you'll be able to get the Bit up to 60 mph for as long as 30 minutes (although if you're unlucky, you'll probably crash it going even faster). This is all assuming you've got $375,000 to buy one. You've got $375,000 right?

Okay, let's say there's no way you can afford it. You might still be in luck: Hirobo's also developing a flat, remote-controlled version for search-and-rescue medical evacuations.

Interestingly, the Bit prototype looks for all the world to be controlled by an embedded Saitek X52 Pro Controller - you know, the $150 unit developed for PC flight-sim games. Makes you wonder what they'll use all those extra missile buttons for…

Will you be first in line to buy a one-man electric helicopter (instead of a house)? Tell us in the comments.

Jon Fox is a Seattle hipster who loves polar bears and climbing trees. You can follow him on Twitter and IGN


Source : ign[dot]com

Agent Coulson Lives at Hot Toys

Earth's Mightiest Heroes managed to save the planet from Loki and the Chitauri in their first big cinematic team-up. Unfortunately, not every Marvel hero made it through the fight. Agent Coulson perished in battle with Loki. But things are looking up for this fan-favorite, Captain America-obsessed S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. Not only is actor Clark Gregg reprising the role in the highly anticipated S.H.I.E.L.D. TV series, but the talented designers at Hot Toys have turned their attention to Coulson.

Coulson is the latest in the ever-growing lineup of Marvel figures at Hot Toys. As with the rest of the Movie Masterpiece Series figures, Coulson is designed at 1:6 scale and measures around 12 inches tall. The head sculpt (sculpted by Lee So Young and painted by J.C. Hong) is modeled after Gregg in exacting detail. You'd be forgiven for mistaking some of these images for the real thing.

Coulson has the usual movie-authentic slate of accessories. Included in the set are five interchangeable hands, a pistol, the Destroyer Rifle, a set of scale-model Captain America trading cards, and various S.H.I.E.L.D. accoutrements like an ID badge, sunglasses, and file folder.

The figure is priced at $174.99 and is currently slated for release in Q2 2013.

Scroll down for a glimpse of the various other figures announced for the Avengers line. Will we see characters like Maria Hill or the Chitauri before Hot Toys turn their attention to the 2013 Marvel movies?

MMS 169 - Nick Fury (available now)

MMS 171 - Iron Man Mark VI Movie Promo Edition (limited availability)

MMS 172 - Hawkeye (available now)

MMS 174 - Captain America (available late Q3 2012)

MMS 175 - Thor (available Q4 2012)

MMS 176 - Loki (available Q4 2012)

MMS 178 - Black Widow (available Q4 2012)

MMS 185 - Iron Man Mark VII (available Q1 2013)

MMS 186 - Hulk (available Q1 2013)

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