Yearly Archives: 2020
Paper Mario Devs Are No Longer Allowed to Make New Characters That ‘Touch on the Mario Universe’
The developers of Paper Mario have revealed that they are no longer allowed to make characters "that touch on the Mario universe," or modify existing Mario characters.
In an interview with VGC, Nintendo veteran Kensuke Tanabe was asked about the process behind designing new villains for a franchise full of iconic antagonists like Bowser and Kamek. In response, Tanabe noted that "since Paper Mario: Sticker Star, it's no longer possible to modify Mario characters or to create original characters that touch on the Mario Universe."
This means that the team behind Paper Mario: Origami King had to come up with new characters from outside of the existing Mario Universe for the game, as they couldn't riff off of established Mushroom Kingdom villains. New characters seemingly can't even resemble Mario characters: "We need to create original characters with designs that don’t involve the Mario universe at all, like we’ve done with Olly and the stationery bosses."
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/12/paper-mario-the-origami-king-a-closer-look-trailer"]
This resulted in the game's main villain King Olly and his younger sister Olivia, who serves as a helpful sidekick during Mario's journey. It seems like other developers dealing with the Mario property will have had to follow similar rules, as Nintendo wants to retain the current cast of Mario characters as-is for the foreseeable future.
"Whether a character becomes an all-time hit or not isn’t up to us on the development side; I think it’s more the case that characters that fans truly accept naturally end up that way," Tanabe added, suggesting that fan demand will decide whether we see Origami King's new characters in another game. "I hope that the origami siblings in Paper Mario: The Origami King will stay in players’ memories, even if they do only end up appearing in this title."
We reviewed Paper Mario: Origami King, giving the game a 7/10 and praising it for its personality and visual design.
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Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.
Paper Mario Devs Are No Longer Allowed to Make New Characters That ‘Touch on the Mario Universe’
The developers of Paper Mario have revealed that they are no longer allowed to make characters "that touch on the Mario universe," or modify existing Mario characters.
In an interview with VGC, Nintendo veteran Kensuke Tanabe was asked about the process behind designing new villains for a franchise full of iconic antagonists like Bowser and Kamek. In response, Tanabe noted that "since Paper Mario: Sticker Star, it's no longer possible to modify Mario characters or to create original characters that touch on the Mario Universe."
This means that the team behind Paper Mario: Origami King had to come up with new characters from outside of the existing Mario Universe for the game, as they couldn't riff off of established Mushroom Kingdom villains. New characters seemingly can't even resemble Mario characters: "We need to create original characters with designs that don’t involve the Mario universe at all, like we’ve done with Olly and the stationery bosses."
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/12/paper-mario-the-origami-king-a-closer-look-trailer"]
This resulted in the game's main villain King Olly and his younger sister Olivia, who serves as a helpful sidekick during Mario's journey. It seems like other developers dealing with the Mario property will have had to follow similar rules, as Nintendo wants to retain the current cast of Mario characters as-is for the foreseeable future.
"Whether a character becomes an all-time hit or not isn’t up to us on the development side; I think it’s more the case that characters that fans truly accept naturally end up that way," Tanabe added, suggesting that fan demand will decide whether we see Origami King's new characters in another game. "I hope that the origami siblings in Paper Mario: The Origami King will stay in players’ memories, even if they do only end up appearing in this title."
We reviewed Paper Mario: Origami King, giving the game a 7/10 and praising it for its personality and visual design.
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Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.
Marvel’s Falcon and the Winter Soldier Not Debuting on Disney Plus in August After All
Disney appears to have quietly confirmed The Falcon and the Winter Soldier won’t be arriving in August as initially discussed; the series is absent from the newly-unveiled Disney+ August release schedule. The August release was originally revealed in a February earnings call.
The news is far from surprising considering production on the six-part series ground to a halt back in March when its short Prague-based shoot was shut down during the early phase of the COVID-19 crisis. The bulk of the series was reportedly shot in Atlanta, prior to this unplanned pause.
[ignvideo width=610 height=374 url=https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/02/03/marvel-studios-disney-plus-big-game-spot]
The Falcon and The Winter Soldier is a spinoff series focusing on Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson – who was personally handed Captain America’s shield by Steve Rogers at the end of Avengers: Endgame – and Sebastian Stan’s deprogrammed assassin “Bucky” Barnes (a.k.a. The Winter Soldier).
Returning characters include Daniel Bruhl’s villainous Zemo from Captain America: Civil War, and Emily Van Camp’s Sharon Carter. The series will also introduce Wyatt Russell as John Walker – a.k.a. U.S. Agent.
Click here for a quick rundown of how Sam Wilson became Captain America in the comics, which seems to be where this series is headed given how Avengers: Endgame concluded.
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Luke is Games Editor at IGN's Sydney office. You can find him on Twitter sporadically @MrLukeReilly.
Marvel’s Falcon and the Winter Soldier Not Debuting on Disney Plus in August After All
Disney appears to have quietly confirmed The Falcon and the Winter Soldier won’t be arriving in August as initially discussed; the series is absent from the newly-unveiled Disney+ August release schedule. The August release was originally revealed in a February earnings call.
The news is far from surprising considering production on the six-part series ground to a halt back in March when its short Prague-based shoot was shut down during the early phase of the COVID-19 crisis. The bulk of the series was reportedly shot in Atlanta, prior to this unplanned pause.
[ignvideo width=610 height=374 url=https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/02/03/marvel-studios-disney-plus-big-game-spot]
The Falcon and The Winter Soldier is a spinoff series focusing on Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson – who was personally handed Captain America’s shield by Steve Rogers at the end of Avengers: Endgame – and Sebastian Stan’s deprogrammed assassin “Bucky” Barnes (a.k.a. The Winter Soldier).
Returning characters include Daniel Bruhl’s villainous Zemo from Captain America: Civil War, and Emily Van Camp’s Sharon Carter. The series will also introduce Wyatt Russell as John Walker – a.k.a. U.S. Agent.
Click here for a quick rundown of how Sam Wilson became Captain America in the comics, which seems to be where this series is headed given how Avengers: Endgame concluded.
[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=from-iron-man-to-endgame-how-the-avengers-salaries-changed&captions=true"]
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Luke is Games Editor at IGN's Sydney office. You can find him on Twitter sporadically @MrLukeReilly.
Black Adam Casts Noah Centineo as Atom Smasher in Shazam Spinoff
Noah Centineo has been cast as Atom Smasher in the upcoming DC movie, Black Adam.
Centineo, famous for his role as Peter in To All The Boys I've Loved Before and its subsequent sequel, will act alongside Dwayne Johnson in Black Adam as the DC hero, Atom Smasher, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Centineo and Johnson will be directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. While this is Centineo's first time working with the director, Collet-Serra previously directed Johnson in Disney's The Jungle Cruise, due out next year.
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As for what to expect in terms of story, Black Adam's villainous role in DC stories has evolved into something more anti-hero-like, although that take on the character isn't confirmed.
Atom Smasher's involvement in the story is an unknown, but it was recently reported that Black Adam will bring the Justice Society of America to the screen, a team that has counted Atom Smasher among its members. The hero, born Albert Rothstein, is known for changing their atomic makeup to change his size and strength. In the DC Comics, Adam and Rothstein eventually formed a bond after the former joined the JSA's ranks.
We could be learning more at DC's upcoming virtual DC FanDome event.
[caption id="attachment_2380815" align="alignnone" width="720"]
Noah Centineo in The Perfect Date. (Credit: Netflix)[/caption]
Black Adam has been gestating for a while with Johnson's role in the DC universe going all the way back to 2003, when he was rumored to play Shazam, the hero counterpart to Black Adam's villainous role in the comics. In 2007, he spoke with IGN about the role but that version of the movie didn't go anywhere beyond 2009.
Fast forward to 2014 and Johnson began to talk more about Shazam. He announced later that year that he was no longer in talks to play Shazam but that instead, he would portray Black Adam. Shazam! and Black Adam were split into two separate movies, with Shazam! opening to strong reviews and box office in 2019. Late last year, Johnson announced on Instagram that Black Adam would be arriving to theaters on Dec. 22, 2021.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/03/30/shazam-producer-on-dwayne-johnsons-black-adam-and-future-dc-movies"]
Then the coronavirus struck and threw the entire film industry for a loop. As to when we can expect to see Johnson's anti-hero and Centineo's Atom Smasher in Collet-Serra's Black Adam, a release date delay has not been made but at this point, it's not out of the question. Johnson recently said Black Adam hopes to begin filming in August or September.
Beau Flynn of FlynnPictureCo. is producing Black Adam with Johnson and Dany and Hiram Garcia's Seven Bucks Productions. Black Adam joins Shazam! as part of DC's collaboration with New Line.
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Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.
Noah Centineo in The Perfect Date. (Credit: Netflix)[/caption]
Black Adam has been gestating for a while with Johnson's role in the DC universe going all the way back to 2003, when he was rumored to play Shazam, the hero counterpart to Black Adam's villainous role in the comics. In 2007, he spoke with IGN about the role but that version of the movie didn't go anywhere beyond 2009.
Fast forward to 2014 and Johnson began to talk more about Shazam. He announced later that year that he was no longer in talks to play Shazam but that instead, he would portray Black Adam. Shazam! and Black Adam were split into two separate movies, with Shazam! opening to strong reviews and box office in 2019. Late last year, Johnson announced on Instagram that Black Adam would be arriving to theaters on Dec. 22, 2021.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/03/30/shazam-producer-on-dwayne-johnsons-black-adam-and-future-dc-movies"]
Then the coronavirus struck and threw the entire film industry for a loop. As to when we can expect to see Johnson's anti-hero and Centineo's Atom Smasher in Collet-Serra's Black Adam, a release date delay has not been made but at this point, it's not out of the question. Johnson recently said Black Adam hopes to begin filming in August or September.
Beau Flynn of FlynnPictureCo. is producing Black Adam with Johnson and Dany and Hiram Garcia's Seven Bucks Productions. Black Adam joins Shazam! as part of DC's collaboration with New Line.
[poilib element="accentDivider"]
Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.Black Adam Casts Noah Centineo as Atom Smasher in Shazam Spinoff
Noah Centineo has been cast as Atom Smasher in the upcoming DC movie, Black Adam.
Centineo, famous for his role as Peter in To All The Boys I've Loved Before and its subsequent sequel, will act alongside Dwayne Johnson in Black Adam as the DC hero, Atom Smasher, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Centineo and Johnson will be directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. While this is Centineo's first time working with the director, Collet-Serra previously directed Johnson in Disney's The Jungle Cruise, due out next year.
[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=dc-extended-universe-every-upcoming-movie&captions=true"]
As for what to expect in terms of story, Black Adam's villainous role in DC stories has evolved into something more anti-hero-like, although that take on the character isn't confirmed.
Atom Smasher's involvement in the story is an unknown, but it was recently reported that Black Adam will bring the Justice Society of America to the screen, a team that has counted Atom Smasher among its members. The hero, born Albert Rothstein, is known for changing their atomic makeup to change his size and strength. In the DC Comics, Adam and Rothstein eventually formed a bond after the former joined the JSA's ranks.
We could be learning more at DC's upcoming virtual DC FanDome event.
[caption id="attachment_2380815" align="alignnone" width="720"] Noah Centineo in The Perfect Date. (Credit: Netflix)[/caption]
Black Adam has been gestating for a while with Johnson's role in the DC universe going all the way back to 2003, when he was rumored to play Shazam, the hero counterpart to Black Adam's villainous role in the comics. In 2007, he spoke with IGN about the role but that version of the movie didn't go anywhere beyond 2009.
Fast forward to 2014 and Johnson began to talk more about Shazam. He announced later that year that he was no longer in talks to play Shazam but that instead, he would portray Black Adam. Shazam! and Black Adam were split into two separate movies, with Shazam! opening to strong reviews and box office in 2019. Late last year, Johnson announced on Instagram that Black Adam would be arriving to theaters on Dec. 22, 2021.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/03/30/shazam-producer-on-dwayne-johnsons-black-adam-and-future-dc-movies"]
Then the coronavirus struck and threw the entire film industry for a loop. As to when we can expect to see Johnson's anti-hero and Centineo's Atom Smasher in Collet-Serra's Black Adam, a release date delay has not been made but at this point, it's not out of the question. Johnson recently said Black Adam hopes to begin filming in August or September.
Beau Flynn of FlynnPictureCo. is producing Black Adam with Johnson and Dany and Hiram Garcia's Seven Bucks Productions. Black Adam joins Shazam! as part of DC's collaboration with New Line.
[poilib element="accentDivider"]
Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.
Noah Centineo in The Perfect Date. (Credit: Netflix)[/caption]
Black Adam has been gestating for a while with Johnson's role in the DC universe going all the way back to 2003, when he was rumored to play Shazam, the hero counterpart to Black Adam's villainous role in the comics. In 2007, he spoke with IGN about the role but that version of the movie didn't go anywhere beyond 2009.
Fast forward to 2014 and Johnson began to talk more about Shazam. He announced later that year that he was no longer in talks to play Shazam but that instead, he would portray Black Adam. Shazam! and Black Adam were split into two separate movies, with Shazam! opening to strong reviews and box office in 2019. Late last year, Johnson announced on Instagram that Black Adam would be arriving to theaters on Dec. 22, 2021.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/03/30/shazam-producer-on-dwayne-johnsons-black-adam-and-future-dc-movies"]
Then the coronavirus struck and threw the entire film industry for a loop. As to when we can expect to see Johnson's anti-hero and Centineo's Atom Smasher in Collet-Serra's Black Adam, a release date delay has not been made but at this point, it's not out of the question. Johnson recently said Black Adam hopes to begin filming in August or September.
Beau Flynn of FlynnPictureCo. is producing Black Adam with Johnson and Dany and Hiram Garcia's Seven Bucks Productions. Black Adam joins Shazam! as part of DC's collaboration with New Line.
[poilib element="accentDivider"]
Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.Bloodstained: Curse Of The Moon 2 Review – Twice In A Blue Moon
The first thing you should know about Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 is that it features a playable corgi named Hachi who pilots an enchanted mecha-tank. The second thing you should know is that the classic Castlevania homage is in every way a marked improvement over the first Curse of the Moon. In fact, silly and meme-able as it is, the corgi represents a more playful spirit in this sequel that makes the whole experience richer.
The first Curse of the Moon was a short and sweet diversion, a little treat for Bloodstained backers and a neat idea to contextualize the new franchise venture from Castlevania producer Koji Igarashi. It essentially presented an alternative history, where Bloodstained was a known retro franchise and the then-upcoming Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night was a bold reinvention a la Symphony of the Night.
For all its charms, though, Curse of the Moon played it pretty straight with its influences. The tone was moody and gothic and the heroes were stoic slabs of granite. Then Ritual of the Night came out and mixed its macabre and demonic imagery with elements that were self-consciously goofy, like giant kitten heads peeking through the castle windows. In that context, Hachi the corgi feels like developer Inti Creates embracing the cheeky oddball quality of the Bloodstained universe, now that it has been more well-defined. If you happen to die as Hachi--and how dare you, you monster--the game is sure to show a blink-and-you'll-miss-it animation of the little dog bailing out just before his mech explodes.
Continue Reading at GameSpotBloodstained: Curse Of The Moon 2 Review – Twice In A Blue Moon
The first thing you should know about Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 is that it features a playable corgi named Hachi who pilots an enchanted mecha-tank. The second thing you should know is that the classic Castlevania homage is in every way a marked improvement over the first Curse of the Moon. In fact, silly and meme-able as it is, the corgi represents a more playful spirit in this sequel that makes the whole experience richer.
The first Curse of the Moon was a short and sweet diversion, a little treat for Bloodstained backers and a neat idea to contextualize the new franchise venture from Castlevania producer Koji Igarashi. It essentially presented an alternative history, where Bloodstained was a known retro franchise and the then-upcoming Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night was a bold reinvention a la Symphony of the Night.
For all its charms, though, Curse of the Moon played it pretty straight with its influences. The tone was moody and gothic and the heroes were stoic slabs of granite. Then Ritual of the Night came out and mixed its macabre and demonic imagery with elements that were self-consciously goofy, like giant kitten heads peeking through the castle windows. In that context, Hachi the corgi feels like developer Inti Creates embracing the cheeky oddball quality of the Bloodstained universe, now that it has been more well-defined. If you happen to die as Hachi--and how dare you, you monster--the game is sure to show a blink-and-you'll-miss-it animation of the little dog bailing out just before his mech explodes.
Continue Reading at GameSpotChris Evans to Send Cap Shield to Boy Who Saved Sis from Dog Attack
Chris Evans said goodbye to his Captain America character last year but that hasn't stopped him from speaking with other heroes.
This hero in question isn't Sam Wilson, Tony Stark, or even Black Panther. It's 6-year-old Bridger Walker, a child that saved his sister from an attacking dog. Once Evans got word that Bridger was a Captain America fan, he posted a video thanking him for his heroic act.
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"Hey Bridger," Evans said. "Captain America here. How are you doing, buddy? I read your story and saw what you did. I'm sure you've heard a lot of this over the last couple of days but let me be the next one to tell you: pal, you're a hero. What you did was so brave, so selfless. Your sister is so lucky to have you as a big brother. Your parents must be so proud of you."
You can check out Evans address to Bridger alongside a reaction video of Bridger, dressed as Captain America, listening to the message for the first time.
As you can see in the video, the wholesomeness didn't end with just Evans calling Bridger a hero. He promised to send an authentic Captain America shield to him. Considering Bridger already has the costume and is already performing heroic feats worthy of the First Avenger, the shield is the final piece the 6-year-old needs before becoming Captain America. Evans' last appearance as Captain America happened with 2019's Avengers Endgame but despite that, he's still asked if he'll return to the role. Read about about whether Evans would return to Captain America in the future. After that, learn why Evans wasn't originally on the list for the Captain America role. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/the-top-10-best-superhero-movies"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.On July 9th, Bridger stood between his little sister and a charging dog. After the attack he said, “If someone had to die, I thought it should be me.” In recognition of true heroism, @ChrisEvans is sending Bridger an authentic Captain America shield. pic.twitter.com/nvnGsvrY27
— IGN (@IGN) July 16, 2020
Chris Evans to Send Cap Shield to Boy Who Saved Sis from Dog Attack
Chris Evans said goodbye to his Captain America character last year but that hasn't stopped him from speaking with other heroes.
This hero in question isn't Sam Wilson, Tony Stark, or even Black Panther. It's 6-year-old Bridger Walker, a child that saved his sister from an attacking dog. Once Evans got word that Bridger was a Captain America fan, he posted a video thanking him for his heroic act.
[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=steve-rogers-when-hes-not-captain-america&captions=true"]
"Hey Bridger," Evans said. "Captain America here. How are you doing, buddy? I read your story and saw what you did. I'm sure you've heard a lot of this over the last couple of days but let me be the next one to tell you: pal, you're a hero. What you did was so brave, so selfless. Your sister is so lucky to have you as a big brother. Your parents must be so proud of you."
You can check out Evans address to Bridger alongside a reaction video of Bridger, dressed as Captain America, listening to the message for the first time.
As you can see in the video, the wholesomeness didn't end with just Evans calling Bridger a hero. He promised to send an authentic Captain America shield to him. Considering Bridger already has the costume and is already performing heroic feats worthy of the First Avenger, the shield is the final piece the 6-year-old needs before becoming Captain America. Evans' last appearance as Captain America happened with 2019's Avengers Endgame but despite that, he's still asked if he'll return to the role. Read about about whether Evans would return to Captain America in the future. After that, learn why Evans wasn't originally on the list for the Captain America role. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/the-top-10-best-superhero-movies"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.On July 9th, Bridger stood between his little sister and a charging dog. After the attack he said, “If someone had to die, I thought it should be me.” In recognition of true heroism, @ChrisEvans is sending Bridger an authentic Captain America shield. pic.twitter.com/nvnGsvrY27
— IGN (@IGN) July 16, 2020