Yearly Archives: 2020
Tenet: All the Official Images From Christopher Nolan’s Next
John David Washington and Robert Pattinson star in director Christopher Nolan's time-bending new thriller, Tenet.
Concept Artist Discusses Those Cancelled Zelda and Mario Spin-Offs
Concept art revealing the existence of cancelled spin-off games based on The Legend of Zelda's Sheik and Mario's Boo was recently discovered by Shinesparkers, but the artist behind it says very few people at Nintendo would ever have seen them before the games were canned.
Speaking to IGN, ex-Retro Studios concept artist Sammy Hall explained that both games were in pre-production when cancelled, and "I doubt many at Nintendo proper saw much of any of this stuff. I was mostly put into a room like Milton from Office Space and tasked to brainstorm between other projects."
Created while at Metroid Prime creator Retro Studios, images of both games were posted to Hall's ArtStation account over the course of the last two years - they have since been removed.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/01/25/metroid-prime-4-has-been-handed-to-retro-studios-ign-daily-fix"]
One set of galleries showed a game set around a male version of Sheik, the character most associated with Zelda's disguise in Ocarina of Time. It would have been an action-JRPG, set after the dark timeline of Ocarina of Time, in which the last male Sheikah travels across a ruined Hyrule while a Dark Gerudo tribe gives birth to a new form of Ganon. It would apparently have acted as an origin story for the Master Sword.
The other is a game based around playing as a Boo from the Mario series, possibly titled Haunt, and seemingly designed for a handheld consoles. It may have been set around a Boo learning to scare.
According to Hall, the ideas for both games came from ex-Retro leads Mark Pacini, Todd Keller and Kynan Pearson, but were "cancelled the week they went to create their other studios." It seems likely that, following the huge admiration for Metroid Prime - itself a spin-off from a beloved Nintendo franchise - that Retro either decided, or was asked to explore other new ideas within established series.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/nintendos-next-gen-console-may-come-in-2023-ign-daily-fix"]
Retro's finished work never returned to the Mario or Zelda franchises (aside from co-developing Mario Kart 7), with the company making the newer Donkey Kong platformers, and now engaged in making Metroid Prime 4 - a return to the groundbreaking series it created. Hall no longer works in the game industry.
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Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter.
Concept Artist Discusses Those Cancelled Zelda and Mario Spin-Offs
Concept art revealing the existence of cancelled spin-off games based on The Legend of Zelda's Sheik and Mario's Boo was recently discovered by Shinesparkers, but the artist behind it says very few people at Nintendo would ever have seen them before the games were canned.
Speaking to IGN, ex-Retro Studios concept artist Sammy Hall explained that both games were in pre-production when cancelled, and "I doubt many at Nintendo proper saw much of any of this stuff. I was mostly put into a room like Milton from Office Space and tasked to brainstorm between other projects."
Created while at Metroid Prime creator Retro Studios, images of both games were posted to Hall's ArtStation account over the course of the last two years - they have since been removed.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/01/25/metroid-prime-4-has-been-handed-to-retro-studios-ign-daily-fix"]
One set of galleries showed a game set around a male version of Sheik, the character most associated with Zelda's disguise in Ocarina of Time. It would have been an action-JRPG, set after the dark timeline of Ocarina of Time, in which the last male Sheikah travels across a ruined Hyrule while a Dark Gerudo tribe gives birth to a new form of Ganon. It would apparently have acted as an origin story for the Master Sword.
The other is a game based around playing as a Boo from the Mario series, possibly titled Haunt, and seemingly designed for a handheld consoles. It may have been set around a Boo learning to scare.
According to Hall, the ideas for both games came from ex-Retro leads Mark Pacini, Todd Keller and Kynan Pearson, but were "cancelled the week they went to create their other studios." It seems likely that, following the huge admiration for Metroid Prime - itself a spin-off from a beloved Nintendo franchise - that Retro either decided, or was asked to explore other new ideas within established series.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/nintendos-next-gen-console-may-come-in-2023-ign-daily-fix"]
Retro's finished work never returned to the Mario or Zelda franchises (aside from co-developing Mario Kart 7), with the company making the newer Donkey Kong platformers, and now engaged in making Metroid Prime 4 - a return to the groundbreaking series it created. Hall no longer works in the game industry.
[poilib element="accentDivider"]
Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter.
Inside Xbox: Aaron Greenberg Addresses Fan Response
General Manager of Xbox Games Marketing Aaron Greenberg has addressed the response to May's Inside Xbox 20/20 stream, noting that the team "set some wrong expectations" about the presentation.
Greenberg's response followed negative feedback from fans about yesterday's presentation, which promised "next-gen gameplay" in the lead-up to the show. In particular, Assassin's Creed Valhalla's showing failed to deliver what many may have expected from a "gameplay trailer," instead offering some scattered footage of Viking raids and battles, without a HUD in sight.
"Had we not said anything & just shown May's Inside Xbox show like we did last month, I suspect reactions might have been different," Greenberg tweeted last night. "Clearly we set some wrong expectations & that's on us... we appreciate the feedback & can assure you we will take it all in & learn as a team." In another tweet, Greenberg notes that the team "expected fans to want more, and more is definitely what we plan to give them!" As you may have heard during last night's stream, Xbox Games Studios head honcho Matt Booty announced that we'll be getting a closer look at the first-party titles coming to Xbox Series X in July. Greenberg and Booty made an effort to point out that we'd hear from 343 Industries, who are hard at work on Halo Infinite. If you missed yesterday's stream, check out our article which runs through every new game showcased, including Dirt 5, Yakuza: Like a Dragon and more. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN who is desperate to own Greenberg's Series X fridge to put his red rings of death (salami) in. Follow him on Twitter.Had we not said anything & just shown May Inside Xbox show like we did last month, I suspect reactions might have been different. Clearly we set some wrong expectations & that’s on us. We appreciate all the feedback & can assure you we will take it all in & learn as a team.
— Aaron Greenberg (@aarongreenberg) May 8, 2020
Inside Xbox: Aaron Greenberg Addresses Fan Response
General Manager of Xbox Games Marketing Aaron Greenberg has addressed the response to May's Inside Xbox 20/20 stream, noting that the team "set some wrong expectations" about the presentation.
Greenberg's response followed negative feedback from fans about yesterday's presentation, which promised "next-gen gameplay" in the lead-up to the show. In particular, Assassin's Creed Valhalla's showing failed to deliver what many may have expected from a "gameplay trailer," instead offering some scattered footage of Viking raids and battles, without a HUD in sight.
"Had we not said anything & just shown May's Inside Xbox show like we did last month, I suspect reactions might have been different," Greenberg tweeted last night. "Clearly we set some wrong expectations & that's on us... we appreciate the feedback & can assure you we will take it all in & learn as a team." In another tweet, Greenberg notes that the team "expected fans to want more, and more is definitely what we plan to give them!" As you may have heard during last night's stream, Xbox Games Studios head honcho Matt Booty announced that we'll be getting a closer look at the first-party titles coming to Xbox Series X in July. Greenberg and Booty made an effort to point out that we'd hear from 343 Industries, who are hard at work on Halo Infinite. If you missed yesterday's stream, check out our article which runs through every new game showcased, including Dirt 5, Yakuza: Like a Dragon and more. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN who is desperate to own Greenberg's Series X fridge to put his red rings of death (salami) in. Follow him on Twitter.Had we not said anything & just shown May Inside Xbox show like we did last month, I suspect reactions might have been different. Clearly we set some wrong expectations & that’s on us. We appreciate all the feedback & can assure you we will take it all in & learn as a team.
— Aaron Greenberg (@aarongreenberg) May 8, 2020
TGS 2020 Has Been Cancelled
Japan’s Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA) has confirmed the 2020 Tokyo Game Show (also known as TGS 2020) has been cancelled as a result of the current COVID-19 crisis. The expo, which was scheduled to run from September 24-27 at Makuhari Messe, will instead be reshaped into an online event. More information about how the digital event will unfold is expected later this month.
“Due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on a global scale and the situation remains unpredictable in Japan as well, the organizer and the co-organizers have reached this decision after a long consideration to place the utmost priority on the health and safety of visitors, exhibitors and stakeholders,” CESA explained in a press release published today. “We ask for your kind understanding and cooperation.”
Tokyo Game Show joins a lengthy list of international expos and events that have been cancelled in the wake of the global pandemic, including E3, San Diego Comic-Con, BitSummit, GDC, Gamescom, and many others. Like TGS, the Gamescom team is building a digital replacement event to air in place of the physical expo.
IGN will also be hosting a global, digital event in June to bring you the latest news and impressions around upcoming games and the next generation of console hardware. IGN’s Summer of Gaming partners include 2K, Xbox, CD Projekt Red, Square Enix, SEGA, Bandai Namco, Amazon, Google Stadia, Twitter, Devolver Digital, THQ Nordic, and many, many more.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/03/ign-announces-summer-of-gaming-showcase-for-june"]
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Luke is Games Editor at IGN's Sydney office so he'll be slightly chilly throughout IGN's Summer of Gaming! You can find him on Twitter sporadically @MrLukeReilly.
TGS 2020 Has Been Cancelled
Japan’s Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA) has confirmed the 2020 Tokyo Game Show has been cancelled as a result of the current COVID-19 crisis. The expo, which was scheduled to run from September 24-27 at Makuhari Messe, will instead be reshaped into an online event. More information about how the digital event will unfold is expected later this month.
“Due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on a global scale and the situation remains unpredictable in Japan as well, the organizer and the co-organizers have reached this decision after a long consideration to place the utmost priority on the health and safety of visitors, exhibitors and stakeholders,” CESA explained in a press release published today. “We ask for your kind understanding and cooperation.”
TGS joins a lengthy list of international expos and events that have been cancelled in the wake of the global pandemic, including E3, San Diego Comic-Con, BitSummit, GDC, Gamescom, and many others. Like TGS, the Gamescom team is building a digital replacement event to air in place of the physical expo.
IGN will also be hosting a global, digital event in June to bring you the latest news and impressions around upcoming games and the next generation of console hardware. IGN’s Summer of Gaming partners include 2K, Xbox, CD Projekt Red, Square Enix, SEGA, Bandai Namco, Amazon, Google Stadia, Twitter, Devolver Digital, THQ Nordic, and many, many more.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/03/ign-announces-summer-of-gaming-showcase-for-june"]
[poilib element="accentDivider"]
Luke is Games Editor at IGN's Sydney office so he'll be slightly chilly throughout IGN's Summer of Gaming! You can find him on Twitter sporadically @MrLukeReilly.
Community Cast to Reunite for Virtual Table Read
The cast of the acclaimed sitcom Community -- with the notable absence of Chevy Chase -- will reportedly reunite for a virtual table read and Q&A to benefit charity. The reunion even sees the return of Donald Glover, who exited the show in its fifth season.
Glover joins co-stars Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Danny Pudi, Yvette Nicole Brown, Alison Brie, Jim Rash, Ken Jeong, and creator Dan Harmon for a table read of the Season 5 episode “Cooperative Polygraphy,” which aired in January 2014.
"The table read will be shown in its entirety, along with a Q&A of fan questions, on Monday, May 18, at 2 p.m. PT via Sony Pictures TV’s Community YouTube page," according to Variety.
Community fans may submit their questions via social media using #AskCommunity and tag @CommunityTV.
The virtual table read is designated to aid the COVID-19 relief efforts of the charities José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen and Frontline Foods.
SPOILERS ahead for Community!
In the episode “Cooperative Polygraphy,” the characters have gathered following the funeral of Chevy Chase's character, Pierce.
The role of Pierce's estate executor was originally played by Walton Goggins, who is unavailable to participate in the table read. No word yet on who will replace Goggins.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/01/04/the-50-best-tv-opening-credits-2008-2018"]
Community ran for six seasons (five on NBC, the final season on Yahoo Screen).
Community fans may submit their questions via social media using #AskCommunity and tag @CommunityTV.
The virtual table read is designated to aid the COVID-19 relief efforts of the charities José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen and Frontline Foods.
SPOILERS ahead for Community!
In the episode “Cooperative Polygraphy,” the characters have gathered following the funeral of Chevy Chase's character, Pierce.
The role of Pierce's estate executor was originally played by Walton Goggins, who is unavailable to participate in the table read. No word yet on who will replace Goggins.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/01/04/the-50-best-tv-opening-credits-2008-2018"]
Community ran for six seasons (five on NBC, the final season on Yahoo Screen).Community Cast to Reunite for Virtual Table Read
The cast of the acclaimed sitcom Community -- with the notable absence of Chevy Chase -- will reportedly reunite for a virtual table read and Q&A to benefit charity. The reunion even sees the return of Donald Glover, who exited the show in its fifth season.
Glover joins co-stars Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Danny Pudi, Yvette Nicole Brown, Alison Brie, Jim Rash, Ken Jeong, and creator Dan Harmon for a table read of the Season 5 episode “Cooperative Polygraphy,” which aired in January 2014.
"The table read will be shown in its entirety, along with a Q&A of fan questions, on Monday, May 18, at 2 p.m. PT via Sony Pictures TV’s Community YouTube page," according to Variety.
Community fans may submit their questions via social media using #AskCommunity and tag @CommunityTV.
The virtual table read is designated to aid the COVID-19 relief efforts of the charities José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen and Frontline Foods.
SPOILERS ahead for Community!
In the episode “Cooperative Polygraphy,” the characters have gathered following the funeral of Chevy Chase's character, Pierce.
The role of Pierce's estate executor was originally played by Walton Goggins, who is unavailable to participate in the table read. No word yet on who will replace Goggins.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/01/04/the-50-best-tv-opening-credits-2008-2018"]
Community ran for six seasons (five on NBC, the final season on Yahoo Screen).
Community fans may submit their questions via social media using #AskCommunity and tag @CommunityTV.
The virtual table read is designated to aid the COVID-19 relief efforts of the charities José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen and Frontline Foods.
SPOILERS ahead for Community!
In the episode “Cooperative Polygraphy,” the characters have gathered following the funeral of Chevy Chase's character, Pierce.
The role of Pierce's estate executor was originally played by Walton Goggins, who is unavailable to participate in the table read. No word yet on who will replace Goggins.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/01/04/the-50-best-tv-opening-credits-2008-2018"]
Community ran for six seasons (five on NBC, the final season on Yahoo Screen).Cloudpunk Review – Time To Fly
"I've seen things you people wouldn't believe," begins Roy Batty's dying monologue in Blade Runner. In the nearly 40 years since Ridley Scott's film established a visual aesthetic for what would become known as cyberpunk, we've seen these things many times now. Cloudpunk is a complex and uneven narrative-heavy adventure game that trades heavily in cyberpunk cliche. Familiar tropes are rejuvenated with mostly smart writing and consistently striking art direction, but there are also opportunities missed thanks to undernourished, by-the-numbers design.
Nivalis is the last city, or at least that's what people say. Towering neon spires thrust out of the climate-ravaged ocean and, eventually, emerge through the clouds; at the top live the privileged few, the self-dubbed CEOs secluded in their stratified penthouses, while underneath everybody else ekes out a living in the dense urban sprawl where every city block has a noodle stand, night is permanent and it's almost always raining. You've seen it all before, of course, yet this well-worn set dressing is rendered in such singular fashion it remains striking throughout.
Simply put, Cloudpunk is a stunningly gorgeous game. Nivalis is constructed out of voxels, big chunky bricks of solid colour that give the urban landscape the feel of an enormous, elaborate Lego diorama. Terrific use is made of contrast and lighting. Skyscrapers almost recede into negative space, their facades composed of hundreds of tiny boxes of light, alternating in lurid pinks, yellows and blues. When you're flying through the city in your hover car, each turn delivers a spectacular view, each ascension over a row of high-rises greeted with a dazzling neon-drenched vista. To be honest, this review took longer than it should have because I had to pause every few seconds to snap off another screenshot.
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