Monthly Archives: April 2020

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Deadly Premonition 2 Release Date Set for July 2020

Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing in Disguise finally has a release date following its surprise announcement during a Nintendo Direct. The sequel to the 2010 cult-hit will be released on July 10, 2020, for the Nintendo Switch. Deadly Premonition 2 lets you explore a new mystery as FBI Special Agent York. Set in both present-day Boston and the fictional town of Le Carré, Louisiana Deadly Premonition 2 is both a sequel and prequel to the original mystery game. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/28/deadly-premonition-2-a-blessing-in-disguise-release-date-trailer"] The new trailer doesn’t reveal too much new information, but Rising Star Games and Toybox released a handful of new screenshots featuring the returning FBI agent in the new town. Other new characters include Agents Davis and Jones who are tracking down their own mysterious serial killer. Like in the first Deadly Premonition, A Blessing in Disguise features an open-ended adventure with a sandbox explorable by foot or skateboard. There will also be a variety of mini-games like bowling, bayou rides, skateboard challenges, and more, as well as character customization for you and your skateboard. Basically, the big reveal here is that you get to ride around town on a skateboard. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=deadly-premonition-2-a-blessing-in-disguise-screenshots&captions=true"] As part of a promotion, the first Deadly Premonition is 50% off on the Nintendo eShop right now through May 17. Read our original Deadly Premonition review here. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Kim is a reporter for IGN.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Producer Wants to Keep Developing at a Fast Pace

Final Fantasy 7 Remake’s co-director Tetsuya Nomura has said that he would like to deliver the next part of Final Fantasy 7 Remake’s story quickly, and to do so would require focusing on a “smaller portion” of the overall plot. The quote comes from an interview in Final Fantasy VII Remake Ultimania, a guide and lore book now available in Japan. The quotes were shared online by Twitter account aibo and translated by IGN Japan, and include this snippet from producer Yoshinori Kitase and co-director Nomura. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/06/final-fantasy-7-remake-review"] When asked about how many parts the remake will compirse of, Kitase said: "We have a rough idea on that, but it’s not been completely decided yet. It’s impossible to talk about this right now. It seems that many people think it will become a trilogy." "It all depends on how many parts we make,” said Nomura. “If we separate it into bigger chunks it will take more time, but if we take smaller portions it can be done on a shorter span. Personally, I would like to deliver it fast.” By smaller portions, it seems that Nomura is suggesting that - like the first game in the series - subsequent games will focus on parts of the storyline that take just a few hours to play out. Taking into consideration Final Fantasy 7’s very varied world, with its multitude of styles from area to area, it’s easy to see how focusing on a smaller portion would help speed up production. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=final-fantasy-7-remake-25-new-images&captions=true"] To cover the remaining plot of the original game in a trilogy format- including weaving in new narrative changes and expanded areas akin to the first game - would mean for two further massive games that would arguably need to be much larger than the first. As Kitase points out, the final number of games has yet to be decided, but Nomura’s comments about preferring to take smaller chunks suggest that this project could be larger than just three games. For more on Final Fantasy 7 Remake and where it may go next, check out our ending explained guide, and the news that the next game is already in the works. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. You can follow him on Twitter

Xbox Series X: Phil Spencer Talks Up Feature That Will ‘Dramatically’ Change the Feel of Games

Phil Spencer has talked up an Xbox Series X feature that he believes will "dramatically" change the feel of games, to the point of difference between 2D and 3D gaming - Dynamic Latency Input. In response to a question on Twitter about what technology will usher in the next generation of gaming with the launch of the Xbox Series X, Spencer noted the importance of Dynamic Latency Input, or DLI. It's worth noting that what Spencer is talking about here is the feeling of playing games on Series X, not the quality of the games themselves. But what exactly is DLI? According to this Xbox blog post all about latency from last month, Dynamic Latency Input is a new system within the Xbox Series X which "synchronizes input immediately with what is displayed," making controls more "precise and responsive." On a more technical level, the controller will transmit input to the console "just before the game asks for it" which will keep the player's analog (triggers and sticks) and digital (button press) inputs in sync with the game they're playing. This is said to "significantly lower" controller latency, and all without harming the battery life of the input device. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/07/the-technology-behind-xbox-series-x"] Latency, in terms of a controller, is the time it takes for data to transfer to the console from your input device and be represented on-screen. You may have heard of input lag, which is where your button or trigger presses feel out of sync with the gameplay you're observing - this is due to latency issues. In many high-intensity fighting or shooter games, input latency can cause massive problems, but Xbox Series X plans to fix that, with that blog post noting that there will be "no more blaming the controller when you don't get off that final hit in a fighting game." Spencer has been "very focused" on DLI during the development of the forthcoming console, and believes that it is part of an important shift in how games will feel in the next-generation, which he likened to the jump from "2D to 3D." Spencer believes that DLI will complement other new features like CPU upgrades, extra memory bandwidth and the introduction of SSDs to truly change the way that games feel. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/12/13/xbox-series-x-console-announcement-trailer"] In more Xbox Series X news, Phil Spencer recently pointed out that there "won't be too much of a wait" for new game reveals, so watch this space! Xbox Series X is scheduled to be released during Holiday 2020. Right now we know the Xbox Series X specs, we have an educated guess on its price based on those specs, and a full comparison with PS5. What we know far less about is Xbox Series X games, but we have a list of confirmed and rumoured titles for the next-gen console. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

Discworld: Terry Pratchett’s Production Company to Make ‘Authentic’ Adaptations

Sir Terry Pratchett's Narrativia is looking to expand the Discworld universe with a new series of "truly authentic" screen adaptations after striking a development deal with Endeavor Content and Motive Pictures. Narrativia, the production company launched by Pratchett in 2012, recently announced the exclusive partnership, which will bring the treasured world of the Discworld fantasy novel series to screens in the form of "prestige adaptations that remain absolutely faithful" to Pratchett's original, unique genius. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/05/31/amazons-good-omens-miniseries-review"] Discworld spans a beloved series of novels that have sold in excess of 100 million copies globally, and the adaptations are said to be forged from a shared love of the original source material, as well as a mutual commitment towards creating an epic series. "Discworld teems with unique characters, witty narrative and incredible literary tropes, and we feel these should be realized on screen in a form that my father would be proud of," said Rhianna Pratchett, co-director of Narrativia. "It's wonderful to embark on this journey with Motive and Endeavor Content, who both perfectly share our vision to make this a reality." All 41 of the Discworld novels take place on a flat, circular world that balances on the back of four elephants, which stand on the back of a giant star turtle, however, each individual story explores a multitude of human issues. It is not yet known which Discworld novels are set for adaptation under the landmark new partnership. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/06/05/good-omens-cast-respond-to-ign-comments"] Rob Wilkins, managing director of Narrativia, said of the development: "The Discworld books are a huge source of joy to millions of readers, and rightly so; every paragraph, phrase and footnote was crafted with brilliance and flair and we are committed to bringing Terry's world to the screen with the respect and care it deserves. With this partnership, we are delighted to say that Discworld has finally found its home." Simon Maxwell, CEO of Motive Pictures, added: "Discworld is a national treasure and we are thrilled to be forging this new partnership with Narrativia and Endeavor Content. Together we will produce shows that will be loved by millions of Discworld fans worldwide, whilst also opening up Sir Terry Pratchett’s epic creations and legacy to new audiences. We launched Motive to make high quality British shows with global scale and impact and I can think of nothing that exemplifies that ambition more than this hugely exciting partnership." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=10-best-tv-shows-you-probably-didnt-watch-in-2019&captions=true"] This comes shortly after BBC America ordered The Watch, a multi-part TV series based on the City Watch subset of novels in the Discworld series. Last year, the Good Omens novel, written by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, was made into a miniseries by BBC Studios and Amazon Studios. The upcoming series of adaptations are expected to kick off with some of the most iconic titles in Sir Terry's fiercely incisive and satirical universe. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Joker: Comic Book Icon Jim Lee Renders Batman’s Nemesis for Charity

The comic book industry has been hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many stores shutting down and Marvel and DC's distributor halting shipments of new books. DC's Publisher Jim Lee is one of many comic creators doing what they can to help struggling stores, and he gave IGN an exclusive look at his latest charity sketch art. Lee is currently in the midst of an ambitious charitable effort, drawing one sketch every day for 60 days in a row, each featuring a different DC character. Today's creation features the Clown Prince of Crime himself. Check out the incredible Joker artwork below: unnamed And if you want to take a peek at the past 25 days' worth of amazing DC sketches, we've put together a gallery of all Lee's sketches so far: [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=superstar-artist-jim-lee-sketches-the-dc-universe&captions=true"] You can head over to eBay if you want to bid on this or other upcoming sketches. Each auction remains open for three days, and the winner of each auction is allowed to choose the next character Lee draws. All proceeds from these auctions are being donated to the Comic Book United Fund, which is managed by the Book Industry Charitable Foundation and aimed at providing financial relief to comic book retailers struggling to stay afloat during the pandemic. According to DC, Lee's sketches alone have already raised over $200,000 for the CBUF, and combined with other charitable auctions from creators like Art Adams, Ivan Reis, Sam Keith and J. Scott Campbell, the total raised is over $300,000. Additionally, DC has pledged $250,000 to the charity. This isn't the first outreach effort Lee has helped spearhead at DC. Last year Lee was among a group of DC employees who traveled to Kuwait, and he taught US troops how to draw Batman. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/27/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-the-last-ronin-miniseries-announced"] It remains to be seen how much lasting impact the pandemic will have on the industry. Some comics pros have suggested a new Marvel vs. DC crossover may be just the thing to lure readers back into shops. But even if that project doesn't materialize, there are plenty of great comics to look forward to in 2020. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.

Endgame: Russos Share Cap and Tony’s Last Days on Set, Captain Marvel’s First

In honor of the blockbuster's one year anniversary, directors Joe and Anthony Russo did a tweet-along of Avengers: Endgame on Monday as part of ComicBook.com's Quarantine Watch Party. While the filmmakers didn't reveal much in the way of news -- honestly, what more can they say about the Marvel epic that they haven't already said? -- they did post a series of sweet behind-the-scenes photos and brief videos showcasing the cast and locations. Endgame screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely also tweeted along, while none other than Tony Stark himself, actor Robert Downey Jr., joined Joe Russo on his Instagram Live segment. Check out the highlights of their Endgame behind-the-scenes posts and anecdotes below, from Brie Larson's first day ever playing Captain Marvel to Chris Evans' last day playing Captain America and Robert Downey Jr. after filming Tony's "I am Iron Man" snap: The Russos also revealed some tidbits about Cap throughout the tweet-along: The filmmakers posted several on-location photos and videos of scenes featuring Thor and Rocket's visit to Asgard to Ant-Man, Hulk, Cap, and Iron Man in New York: The Russos also paid tribute to the late Stan Lee, who shot a cameo as a hippie during the film's 1970 time heist sequence, as well as to Robert Redford, who reprised his Winter Soldier role as SHIELD's Alexander Pierce: [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=10-best-moments-from-avengers-endgame&captions=true"] For more Endgame nostalgia, look back at these deleted scenes from the film and check out these sweet vinyl soundtracks from Mondo. And for what's next for the MCU, get the latest on Phase 4's release slate.

Sakura Wars Review – All The World’s A Stage

Sakura Wars is perhaps the most anime game that I've ever played. There are plenty of games out there based on popular anime, yes, but when it comes to feeling like you're an active part of an ongoing, episodic adventure filled with quirky characters, dramatic action, and satisfying melodrama, Sakura Wars has everything else beat. Its structure, charming cast, and whirlwind story help set it apart from other colorful anime-inspired adventures, and, much like the characters whose stories it tells, it manages to overcome many of its flaws to become a satisfying experience in the end.

For the uninitiated, the entire concept of Sakura Wars is rather offbeat. This particular game is a semi-reboot of a long-running Japanese game series of the same name, set in an alternate 1940s Japan where steam technology quickly surpassed electricity and history took a very different path. The world's nations, rather than fighting each other in World Wars, took arms against demonic invaders with armies of steam-powered fighting robots called Spiricle Strikers. Oh yes, and these armies also operate semi-covertly as theatre troupes whose members consisted mostly of young women.

It's a lot to take in, and it's compounded by the fact that only one other Sakura Wars game has made the voyage Westward, though some related media (like anime and manga adaptations) have seen release here. Still, if you're coming in totally blind to the Sakura Wars concept and mythos, you might find yourself rather confused, particularly when references to previous titles crop up.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

Sakura Wars Review – All The World’s A Stage

Sakura Wars is perhaps the most anime game that I've ever played. There are plenty of games out there based on popular anime, yes, but when it comes to feeling like you're an active part of an ongoing, episodic adventure filled with quirky characters, dramatic action, and satisfying melodrama, Sakura Wars has everything else beat. Its structure, charming cast, and whirlwind story help set it apart from other colorful anime-inspired adventures, and, much like the characters whose stories it tells, it manages to overcome many of its flaws to become a satisfying experience in the end.

For the uninitiated, the entire concept of Sakura Wars is rather offbeat. This particular game is a semi-reboot of a long-running Japanese game series of the same name, set in an alternate 1940s Japan where steam technology quickly surpassed electricity and history took a very different path. The world's nations, rather than fighting each other in World Wars, took arms against demonic invaders with armies of steam-powered fighting robots called Spiricle Strikers. Oh yes, and these armies also operate semi-covertly as theatre troupes whose members consisted mostly of young women.

It's a lot to take in, and it's compounded by the fact that only one other Sakura Wars game has made the voyage Westward, though some related media (like anime and manga adaptations) have seen release here. Still, if you're coming in totally blind to the Sakura Wars concept and mythos, you might find yourself rather confused, particularly when references to previous titles crop up.

Continue Reading at GameSpot

Everything Coming to Disney+ in May 2020

Disney+ in May features some notable TV and film offerings like the series finale of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, titled "Victory and Death," which will air on Star Wars Day (aka May the 4th). Also debuting on May 4 is Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian, an eight-episode documentary series that will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the series. For a look at the upcoming docuseries hosted by showrunner Jon Favreau, check out the trailer below: [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/disney-gallery-star-wars-the-mandalorian-official-trailer"] On the movie front, Disney+ is bringing Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker to its platform on May 4, along with cult-favorite The Princess Bride on May 1, and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, the fourth entry in the popular pirate franchise starring Johnny Depp. If you don't have the streaming service, you can sign up for a free 14-day Disney+ trial here. Check out the slideshow gallery below for a showcase of some of Disney+'s most notable offerings in May, followed by the full list: [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=disney-plus-spotlight-may-2020&captions=true"] [poilib element="accentDivider"]

Friday, May 1

  • Awesome Animals (Season 1)
  • Birth of Europe (Season 1)
  • Bride of Boogedy
  • Buried Secrets of the Bible with Albert Lin (Season 1)
  • CAR SOS (Seasons 1-7)
  • Disney Kirby Buckets (Seasons 1-3)
  • George of the Jungle
  • Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
  • Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco
  • How to Play Baseball
  • In Beaver Valley
  • Lost Treasures of Egypt (Season 1)
  • Love & Vets (Season 1)
  • Nature’s Half Acre
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
  • Prairie Dog Manor (Season 1)
  • Primal Survivor (Seasons 1-4)
  • The Princess Bride
  • Prowlers of the Everglades
  • Secrets of the Zoo
  • Secrets of the Zoe: Tampa
  • Survive the Tribe (Season 1)
  • United States of Animals (Season 1)
  • Unlikely Animal Friends (Season 3)
  • Water Birds
  • Be Our Chef Episode 106 - "Slimy Yet Satisfying"
  • Star Wars: The Clone Wars Episode 711 - "Shattered"
  • Disney Family Sundays Episode 126 - "Star Wars: Clock"
  • One Day At Disney Episode 122 - "Robin Roberts: Good Morning America Co-Anchor"
  • Prop Culture Series Premiere - All 8 Episodes Available

Saturday, May 2

  • John Carter

Monday, May 4

  • Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian Series Premiere Episode 101 - "Directing"
  • Star Wars: The Clone Wars Series Finale Episode 712 - "Victory and Death"
  • Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Friday, May 8

  • Be Our Chef Episode 107- "Anyone Can Cook"
  • Disney Family Sundays Episode 127 - "Star Wars: Hanging Art"
  • One Day At Disney Episode 123 - "Joe Hernandez: Attractions Host"
  • Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian Episode 102 - "Legacy"
  • Disney Insider Episode 105 - "Running through Disney, Sorcerer's Arena, Opening the Archives"

Friday, May 15

  • Fury Files
  • Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
  • Be Our Chef Episode 108 - "Worth Melting For"
  • Disney Family Sundays Episode 128 "Beauty and the Beast: Stained Glass"
  • One Day At Disney Episode 124 "Stephanie Carroll: Ranch Hand"
  • Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian Episode 103 - "Cast"
  • It's A Dog's Life with Bill Farmer Series Premiere Episode 101 - "Whale Poop Dogs & Sheep Herding Dogs"

Friday, May 22

  • The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story
  • Disney Just Roll with It (Season 1)
  • Disney Mech-X4 (Seasons 1-2)
  • Disney Vampirina (Season 2)
  • Disneyland Goes to the World's Fair
  • Fantastic Mr. Fox
  • Heartland Docs, DVM (Season 1)
  • Hello, Dolly!
  • Marvel's Future Adventures (Season 2)
  • The Big Fib Series Premiere - All 15 Episodes Available
  • Be Our Chef Episode 109 - "Tiana's Place"
  • Disney Family Sundays Episode 129 - "Bambi: Lanterns"
  • One Day At Disney Episode 125 "Ed Fritz: Imagineering Ride Engineer"
  • Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian Episode 104 - "Technology"
  • It's A Dog's Life with Bill Farmer Episode 102 - "Dogs & Cheetahs & Companion Dogs"

Friday, May 29

  • Disney Doc McStuffins (Season 5)
  • Disney Gabby Duran & the Unsittables (Season 1)
  • Disney The Evermoor Chronicles (Seasons 1-2)
  • Mickey and the Seal
  • The Moon-Spinners
  • Violetta (Season 2)
  • Be Our Chef Episode 110 - "Woody's Lunchbox"
  • Disney Family Sundays Episode 130 - "Nightmare Before Christmas: Candy Bowl"
  • One Day At Disney Episode 126 - "Jerome Ranft: Pixar Sculptor"
  • Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian Episode 105 - "Practical"
  • It's a Dog's Life with Bill Farmer Episode 103 - "Macot Dogs & Guide Dogs for Runners"
[poilib element="accentDivider"] David Griffin still watches DuckTales in his pajamas with a cereal bowl in hand. He's also the TV Editor for IGN. Say hi on Twitter.
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