Why Bethesda’s Review Policy is Bad For Everyone
Bethesda’s review policy is bad for everyone involved, including Bethesda. The short of that policy, for those who don’t know, is that last year, Bethesda decided to stop giving game reviewers access to their games before release. Outlets like IGN now get Bethesda games at the exact same time as the public, meaning that critics don’t have a chance to assess the game and inform readers on the quality of the game before it comes out. Usually we’d get something early, have enough time to play it, and then publish the review on an embargo date that applies to all outlets. That means no one has to rush, because there’s no benefit to being first to finish.
Bethesda doesn't do this, and of course, they don't owe anyone early access to their games - it is their product, and they absolutely aren't wrong to control how it's marketed. But giving reviewers early access is a courtesy that has existed for games, movies, books, and music for a very long time, because it’s in the best interest of consumers and publishers to have informed opinions available right as the public is most interested in knowing if a thing is good.
Black Lightning Not Part of CW’s Arrowverse
Greg Berlanti's upcoming DC series Black Lightning is not set within the The CW's Arrowverse.
As reported by Entertainment Weekly, The CW president Mark Pedowitz confirmed today, prior to the network's upfront presentation, that Black Lighting is not part of The CW's shared DC universe, and as such won't be part of its next DC crossover.
"We do not aim to do a five-way crossover," Pedowitz told reporters. "Black Lightning, at this time, is not part of the Arrowverse. It is a separate situation. But there will be a big fourth quarter crossover with all four of the shows that are on in the fall."
Richard Madden Joins Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams
Game of Thrones alum Richard Madden has joined the sci-fi series Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams.
Electric Dreams is a 10-episode sci-fi anthology series, executive produced by Bryan Cranston, that features stand-alone episodes inspired by Phillip K. Dick's work. Madden will star as Agent Ross in the episode titled "The Hood Maker." Additionally, Holiday Grainger (Cinderella) and Anneika Rose (Silent Witness) will star in the episode as Honor and Mary, respectively.
Richard Madden in Game of Thrones.
Microsoft Renews Trademark for Cancelled Game Scalebound
Microsoft may have cancelled Scalebound, but it doesn't want to lose the trademark on its dragon-centric IP just yet, it seems.
Despite canning the PlatinumGames project in January, as well removing any past mention of it from its web outlets, the publisher renewed its trademark on the name this month (spotted by Twitter user y2konya) - despite seemingly being in no immediate danger of losing its registration.
The 15 Best Deaths in the Alien Movies
In our excitement over the arrival of Alien: Covenant, you might say we’ve had xenomorphs on the brain. And as a result, we decided to compile a list of our favorite Alien deaths -- the most iconic demises in the (movies only) saga. We’ve also ranked them for your consideration (and for the added controversy, of course).
For the purposes of this list, we considered all the main storyline Alien films, including Prometheus, as well as the two Alien vs. Predator installments (but we’re not including Covenant since the film still isn’t out everywhere). Our criteria for inclusion was shock factor, lasting cinematic impact, emotional effect on the viewer, and just plain coolness. In order, from sort-of-memorable to inarguably-the-most-iconic, we present the following…
Into the Badlands: Sunny Fights Quinn in Season Finale Clip
AMC's Into the Badlands roars into its Season 2 finale, "Wolf's Breath, Dragon Fire" -- airing Sunday, May 21st -- as Sunny (Daniel Wu) faces one of the toughest showdowns of his life in the form of his former Baron, Quinn (Marton Csokas).
Badlands has some of the best fights scenes and stunt work on TV and this battle is no exception. Check out this exclusive scene that gives you all a little taste of Sunny's clash with his old boss!
Into the Badlands was recently picked up for an expanded Season 3 - that's 16 episodes, set to premiere sometime in 2018.
Windjammers PS4 Beta Coming Next Month – Sign Up Now
Windjammers is a getting a closed beta on PlayStation 4 next month, and you can sign up now.
Developer DotEmu announced on Twitter that the beta will run from June 8 -12. Those who want to participate can register here. The closed beta will feature the game's new online ranking mode, which lets players from around the world compete against each other.
DotEmu will be using the closed beta as an opportunity to test the matchmaking system. You can watch the beta announcement video below:
Windjammers is slated to release sometime in 2017 for PlayStation 4 and Vita. The classic NeoGeo sports game features six playable characters, each with their own unique skills, will also have ranked matches to go along with the online ranking mode.
Comic Book Reviews for May 17, 2017
It was another big week of comics. Marvel delivered another issue of Secret Empire and debuted a new incarnation of Generation X and a Deadpool graphic novel drawn by none other than Rob Liefeld. DC wrapped up "The Button" in The Flash #22, paired Batman with Swamp Thing and continued their Injustice 2 prequel. And Boom gave us another winning chapter of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
Scroll down to check out our reviews for these and various other new releases, and be sure to let us know your favorite books of the week in the comments below.
DC COMICS
Overwatch: 3 New Maps Revealed
Several Overwatch Twitter accounts have uploaded a new video, revealing that the game will add at least 3 new maps as part of its Anniversary celebration event - and they may be hinting at a new mode, too.
The maps appear to be set in new areas of the existing Eichenwalde, Temple of Anubis and Dorado maps. Watch the video below:
Here's a sneak peek at three new ARENA MAPS coming soon to our Overwatch Anniversary celebration.
The party begins May 23! pic.twitter.com/umXbr0bq7k
— Overwatch (@OverwatchEU) May 18, 2017
CW Moving Arrow to Thursdays This Fall
The CW has revealed its 2017-18 schedule, which moves Arrow to a new day and time, and pairs The Flash and DC's Legends of Tomorrow on the same night.
For the first time, Arrow will air at 9pm ET/PT on Thursdays. While The CW had a different DC television show on every week night except Friday last year, the network is changing it up this fall, with The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow airing on Tuesdays at 8pm and 9pm, respectively. A test run of this was done for the final episodes of Legends' second season earlier this year.
Read IGN's DC's Legends of Tomorrow Season 2 review to find out why Legends is now The CW's best DC series.