Derek Kraneveldt | Geekscape

Here’s The Creepy Key Art For ‘Bates Motel’s Fourth Season!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 27, 2016

Briefly: Following the fantastic first teaser from earlier this month, A&E has just debuted the creepy key art for the next season of the fantastic Bates Motel.

This season Norma becomes increasingly fearful and desperate, going to great lengths to find Norman the professional help he needs. This further complicates their once unbreakable trust while Norman struggles to maintain his grip on reality. Sheriff Romero (Nestor Carbonell) once again finds himself drawn back into Norma and Norman’s lives. Will things finally heat up between Norma and the other man in her life, Sheriff Romero, and just how much further will he go to protect her?

The series returns on March 7th, and I couldn’t be more excited. Take a gander at the key art below, and let us know what you’ve thought of Bates Motel thus far!

Geekscape Giveaway: Win A Fantastic ‘Hitman: Agent 47’ Prize Pack!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 27, 2016

‘Scapists, we’re beyond excited to bring you another fantastic giveaway!

This time around, we’ve teamed up with Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment to give away a fantastic prize pack for Hitman: Agent 47, which is now available in a feature-laden Blu-Ray which includes a prequel comic book.

Not only will one winner receive the Hitman: Agent 47 Blu-Ray, they’ll also take home a gorgeous briefcase with a gunmetal finish, featuring an interior cushioned with polyfoam and adjustable dividers, a Hitman: Agent 47 t-shirt, and of course, that classic red Hitman tie.

What a great way to prep for the first episode of the upcoming Hitman game, which will hit consoles on March 11th.

First, re-watch the film’s trailer so you can be reminded of that slick, slick action:

HITMAN: AGENT 47 centers on an elite assassin who was genetically engineered from conception to be the perfect killing machine, and is known only by the last two digits on the barcode tattooed on the back of his neck. He is the culmination of decades of research – and forty-six earlier Agent clones — endowing him with unprecedented strength, speed, stamina and intelligence. His latest target is a mega-corporation that plans to unlock the secret of Agent 47’s past to create an army of killers whose powers surpass even his own. Teaming up with a young woman who may hold the secret to overcoming their powerful and clandestine enemies, 47 confronts stunning revelations about his own origins and squares off in an epic battle with his deadliest foe.

The Blu-Ray is filled with special features that fans are bound to love, including:

-Deleted Scenes
-The Hit Counter
-Re-Imagining Hitman
-Ultimate Action: Staging the Fights
-Hitman: Agent 47 Comic
-Making of the Comic Book
-Promotional Featurettes
-Gallery
-Poster Gallery
-Theatrical Trailers

Now, read below for what you’re really looking for (how to enter, of course):

Al that you need to do to enter is sign up using your email or Facebook login in the widget below, and then choose from multiple ways to gain ballots! The more you do, the better your chances, and you can even tweet once a day to maximize your entries! Please be sure to use an email you check regularly, as we will use it to contact you to obtain your shipping information. This contest is open to U.S. residents only!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Take a gander at the sweet prizes below, and get going!

Free ‘Star Wars Battlefront’ Content Coming Tomorrow, Death Star DLC In The Works!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 26, 2016

Briefly: Battlefront fans, you must be aching for some new content at this point. EA today revealed that the next wave of content is coming, and is coming fast.

In fact, here’s a rundown on the free content that’s coming for all players tomorrow, straight from the DICE blog:

The Tatooine Survival map will now support the Blast, Droid Run, Drop Zone, Hero Hunt, and Heroes vs Villains multiplayer modes, and is called Raider Camp.

New Hoth-themed outfits for Luke Skywalker and Han Solo, both of which will be available to all fans when they play as these two iconic characters on Hoth – these were unlocked by our players for completing our Heroes’ Holiday community mission last month.

We are giving players the ability to create Private Matches, which makes playing with friends even easier.

The introduction of Daily Challenges and Community Events. These are designed to rally the Community around certain goals and objectives, giving players the chance to earn credits and unlocks even faster. We’ll have more news regarding Community Events and Daily Challenges in the days ahead.

And of course, we are also including some overall balancing tweaks to both weapons and multiplayer modes.

Another update in February will add a new ‘Survival mission on Hoth, and a brand-new Hoth multiplayer map that will support larger game modes including Walker Assault, Supremacy, Fighter Squadron and Turning Point. The Turning Point mode itself will expand to ‘all maps that currently support Walker Assault and Supremacy’ in this update as well.

DICE went on to finally give us some of the first details for the game’s upcoming expansion packs, with the official name of each pack, as well as what can be expected upon release. Obviously, that Death Star pack is the most exciting:

Star Wars™ Battlefront™ Outer Rim (March 2016) – Fight among the factories of Sullust and battle within Jabba the Hutt’s palace on Tatooine

Star Wars™ Battlefront™ Bespin (Summer 2016) – It’s hunt or be hunted in this action-packed experience set in the Cloud City of Bespin

Star Wars™ Battlefront™ Death Star (Fall 2016) – That’s no moon! One of the most iconic locations in the Star Wars universe makes its debut in Star Wars Battlefront.

Star Wars™ Battlefront™ Expansion Pack 4 – Title TBA (Early 2017) – We will have more details to share about this exciting new expansion pack in the coming months.

I decided not to continue my tour of Star Wars Battlefront after exhausting my EA Access trial, but these updates sound like pretty substantial updates to a title that could really use more content.

Are you still playing Battlefront? Are you excited for the upcoming DLC? Sound out below!

Watch The Theatrical Trailer For ‘The Angry Birds’ Movie’, Which… Actually Looks Hilarious

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 26, 2016

Briefly: Sony today debuted the official trailer for The Angry Birds Movie… and it actually looks kind of hilarious.

I’m not a fan of the property (like at all), but I found myself laughing multiple times throughout this trailer. I’m not sure what that says about my sense of humour or what type of person I am, but, well, take a gander below and judge for yourself.

The movie takes us to an island populated entirely by happy, flightless birds – or almost entirely. In this paradise, Red (Jason Sudeikis, We’re the Millers, Horrible Bosses), a bird with a temper problem, speedy Chuck (Josh Gad in his first animated role since Frozen), and the volatile Bomb (Danny McBride, This is the End, Eastbound and Down) have always been outsiders. But when the island is visited by mysterious green piggies, it’s up to these unlikely outcasts to figure out what the pigs are up to.

Featuring a hilarious, all-star voice cast that includes Bill Hader (Trainwreck, Inside Out), Maya Rudolph (Bridesmaids, Sisters), and Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones), as well as Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live, Ghostbusters), Keegan-Michael Key (Key & Peele), Tony Hale (Veep, Arrested Development), Tituss Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Ike Barinholtz (Neighbors, Sisters), Hannibal Buress (Daddy’s Home, Broad City), Jillian Bell (22 Jump Street), Danielle Brooks (Orange is the New Black), Latin music sensation Romeo Santos, YouTube stars Smosh (Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla), and country music superstar Blake Shelton, who writes and performs the original song “Friends,” the Columbia Pictures/Rovio Entertainment film is directed by Fergal Reilly and Clay Kaytis and produced by John Cohen and Catherine Winder. The screenplay is by Jon Vitti, and the film is executive produced by Mikael Hed and David Maisel.

That’s quite the cast, isn’t it? Now take a look at the trailer below, and let us know what you think! The Angry Birds Movie hits theatres on May 20th!

Pixar’s ‘Finding Dory’ Gets An Adorable New Teaser!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 26, 2016

Briefly: Following the first trailer from all the way back in November, Disney today released a hilarious, short new international teaser for this Summer’s Finding Dory.

As revealed back at D23, the film “reunites Dory with friends Nemo and Marlin on a search for answers about her past. What can she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak Whale? Also featuring the voices of Albert Brooks, Diane Keaton and Eugene Levy, Disney·”

I was a huge fan of Finding Nemo while growing up (well, I’m a huge fan of most Pixar films, I guess), and as such, I cannot wait to see what’s in store for Dory, Nemo, Marlin, and pals when Finding Dory hits theatres on June 17th.

Take a look at the teaser below, and be sure to let us know what you hope to see in the feature!

Watch The Stunning Reveal Trailer For Platinum Games’ ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants In Manhattan’

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 25, 2016

Briefly: Based on the leaked stills from earlier this month, we knew full well that Platinum Games’ not-officially-revealed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turles: Mutants in Manhattan was going to look good.

Activision has just debuted the reveal trailer for the upcoming title, and now that we can see the title in motion, it’s safe to say that we couldn’t imagine the title looking this good.

In the game, you’ll ‘Battle alongside your brothers through the sewers, subways, and streets of NYC to take down Shredder and Krang’s evil organization, Foot by Foot. Unleash custom combat skills and powerful team combos to save Manhattan from the overwhelming dark forces growing in the shadows.’

Single players will be able to actively swap between turtles, and the game also features 4-player online co-op. Naturally, each character features their own moveset, and teaming up with pals will also offer some group-based attacks.

It sounds unreal, and it looks even better. Take a look at the announcement trailer below, and let us know what you think! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turles: Mutants in Manhattan is set to release this Summer on PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PC!

“The Heroes in a Half Shell are taking back the streets of New York, and they’re doing it with the kind of style that only PlatinumGames can deliver. In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants in Manhattan, Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael combine their unique skillsets to take on Bebop, Rocksteady, Shredder, and a posse of other iconic bosses.”

New ‘Gotham’ Midseason Poster Teases The ‘Wrath Of The Villains’!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 25, 2016

Briefly: We’re still a ways away from Gotham‘s midseason premier in late February, but Fox has just debut a great poster teasing the ‘Wrath of the Villains’, and showing off many of the various bad dudes (and gals) that Gordon and company will be facing throughout the season.

Now, I’m not exactly caught up on Gotham, so I’m actively avoiding any spoilers for what’s happened thus far, but this is a neat looking image that doesn’t give anything away, and reminds me that I have just over a month to get my sh*t together, and get caught up.

Take a look at the image below, and let us know what you think! Gotham returns on February 29th!

The origin story continues on GOTHAM: RISE OF THE VILLAINS and the stakes are higher than ever, as Super Villains more ambitious and depraved are introduced, and a realignment of alliances shakes up the fight for power in Gotham City.

Detective JIM GORDON (Ben McKenzie) and the ethically questionable veteran Detective HARVEY BULLOCK (Donal Logue) remain at the forefront of the fight against crime in this dangerously corrupt city. While confronting Gotham’s most notorious criminals, Gordon’s moral compass begins to waver. But he is taken under the wing of NATHANIEL BARNES (Michael Chiklis), a law-and-order zealot who is unafraid of making enemies. Meanwhile, Gordon continues his quest to gain the trust of the young BRUCE WAYNE (David Mazouz), who is on a clear path towards the man he is destined to become, after discovering his father’s deepest secrets, with the help of his trusted butler and mentor, ALFRED PENNYWORTH (Sean Pertwee) and newfound ally at Wayne Enterprises, LUCIUS FOX (Chris Chalk).

Source: THR

New ‘Warcraft’ TV Spot Shows Off More Insane Effects!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 25, 2016

Briefly: We’re still a couple of seasons away from Legendary’s beyond anticipated Warcraft adaptation to finally hit the big screen, and today the film’s first TV spot has hit the web, showing off some more incredible effects, as well as making us remember that director Duncan Jones is likely having a really tough time right now (sorry, Duncan).

In any case, it’s a great spot, that showcases a little more of what our humans and Orcs are set to endure during the feature. In the film, the peaceful realm of Azeroth stands on the brink of war as its civilization faces a fearsome race of invaders: Orc warriors fleeing their dying home to colonize another. As a portal opens to connect the two worlds, one army faces destruction and the other faces extinction. From opposing sides, two heroes are set on a collision course that will decide the fate of their family, their people and their home.

Take a look at the spot below, and let us know what you think! Warcraft hits theatres on June 10th!

A ‘Her Story’ Follow-Up Is In The Works!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 25, 2016

Briefly: If you’re a regular around Geekscape or the Geekscape Games podcast, you’ll know just how big a fan I was of last year’s independent mystery title, Her Story.

As our Favourite Games of 2015, and countless other Best of 2015 lists exclaimed, Her Story was one of the very best gaming experiences of 2015, which I’m pretty sure that nobody expected out of an independent, Full Motion Video title.

But, we were sucked into the mystery, the murder, the case, and well, Her Story, and though the title is ripe with replayability (and it’s also a blast to watch others play), fans were clamoring for more when all was said and done.

So I was very happen to learn via Her Story creator Sam Barlow’s Twitter account that a follow-up is in the works. No details (or a release timeline) have been detailed at this point, but he did note in a later Tweet that it would not be related to the first title.

If you’ve yet to experience Her Story, I’d implore you to do so. It’s cheap, available for Windows, OS X, and iOS, and it’ll keep you thinking long after the experience has concluded.

Already played? What would you like to see in a follow-up? Sound out below!

https://twitter.com/mrsambarlow/status/691603355282595840

The Incredible ‘Valkyria Chronicles’ Is Headed To PS4!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 25, 2016

Briefly: It’s finally happening.

After launching on Steam late last year and quickly becoming a top-seller, and shortly thereafter revealing that the title was headed to Sony’s Playstation 4 everywhere but North America, the game has officially been confirmed for a North American release.

We’re still awaiting an official release date, but the game will feature a huge 1080P/60FPS update, both Japanese and English audio, all of the game’s released DLC, as well as (for the first time) trophy support.

Valkyria Chronicles Remastered will launch this Spring, though a official release date has not yet been confirmed, and will cost a cool $29.99 US.

Even better, pre-order and launch copies of the physical edition come in a slick ‘Squad 7 Armored Case’, which you can take a look at below!

Not familiar? In the game, the year is 1935 E.C., and the continent of Europa has been plunged into the Second Europan War between the Autocratic East Europan Imperial Alliance — also known as The Empire — and the Atlantic Federation over the precious resource Ragnite. The Empire is sweeping through the continent like an unchecked wildfire and has its eyes set on the rich Ragnite deposits of the Principality of Gallia. Although peaceful Gallia remains neutral in the conflict, its citizens will need to defend home and country against the inevitable invasion. Players follow Lieutenant Welkin Gunther and the vaunted Squad 7 of the Gallian Militia as they take on the seemingly insurmountable forces of the Empire.

Valkyria Chronicles was one of the very best titles on the Playstation 3, so I’m beyond excited to replay it on the PS4 (well, if I can ever get through my backlog). Take a look at the Remastered trailer below, and be sure to let us know if you’re excited!

‘Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice’ Gets A Slick New Trailer!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 25, 2016

Briefly: With every new clip, TV spot, poster, and teaser released thus far, I’m getting excited as hell about the March release of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.

A new, 90-second trailer for the film has just hit the web, and while it’s mostly footage that we’ve already seen, it’s a well edited look at the film that also features a few small surprises.

In the film, Fearing the actions of a god-like super hero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it’s ever known before.

You can take a look at the new trailer below, and be sure to let us know if you’re excited! Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice hits theatres on March 25th!

https://youtu.be/qywqs526u-I

Deadpool’s ‘Australia Day’ Message Pokes Fun At ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ And More!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 21, 2016

Briefly: Did you know that Australia Day was a thing?

Deadpool did, and he just released a video message to all of his Australian fans, wishing them a happy holiday, while also nothing that they couldn’t be forgiven, well, because they gave the world Wolverine.

It’s just another piece of the absolutely hilarious marketing campaign that’s touched every facet of Deadpool‘s upcoming release. Take a look at the video below (whether you’re in Australia or not), and let us know what you think!

Deadpool hits North American theatres on February 12th!

Xbox One Adds More Backwards Compatible Titles, Including ‘The Witcher 2’!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 21, 2016

Briefly: We’re now in the final third of 2016’s first month, and Microsoft has just revealed the latest Xbox 360 titles to be added to the Xbox One’s backwards compatibility list.

Nope, Alan Wake still isn’t available, but some stellar titles did make the list this month (like The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings). Here are all 10 games that are backwards compatible as of now.

-The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
-Sam & Max Save the World
-Aegis Wing
-Counter-Strike: GO
-Age of Booty
-Space Giraffe
-Soulcalibur
-Skullgirls
-Jeremy McGrath’s Offroad
-Small Arms

The company has also revealed a big change to the way that backwards compatible titles will become available. Previously, new titles were revealed once per month (as with the list above), but going forward they’re set to simply ‘release titles as they become available, rather than a set monthly launch date’.

Oh, and did I mention that until February 5th, you can get The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings for free? Yep, you can head right here to download the acclaimed title.

New Trailer Details ‘The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD’ Amiibo Functionality!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 21, 2016

Briefly: I nearly forgot that we’re just two months away from replaying this fantastic title.

Nintendo has just debuted a new trailer showing off the fairly extensive Amiibo functionality supported by the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD.

The physical version of the game, of course, comes packaged with the Wolf Link and Midna figure, which will open up the ‘Cave of Shadow’ challenge area in the game, which sounds like a fun distraction if you’re simply looking to tear up some baddies.

Other, Legend of Zelda Amiibo offer up different functionality as well. Link and Toon Link will refill your arrows, Zelda and Sheik figures will restore your hearts, and the Ganondorf figure, naturally, will make your experience tougher by making Link take more damage when hit.

Sounds fun, doesn’t it? Are you looking forward to the Twilight Princess HD release? The title will release on March 4th!

Criminally Underplayed ‘Zack and Wiki’ Is Headed To Wii U!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 20, 2016

Briefly: Zack and Wiki: Quest for Barbados’ Treasure is one of the best games of last generation that nobody played.

Were you one of the many fools that missed out of the title the first time around? Own a Wii U? Well, you’re getting another chance.

The game will hit the Wii U eShop tomorrow for a cool $19.99. This will probably be your last chance to play the title, and we implore you to give it a shot.

Get ready to explore seven vibrant and fantastic lands with Zack and Wiki as they go on a quest to become the greatest pirates who ever lived! Use the Wii Remote to navigate, open objects, transform items, or unlock new pathways as you solve puzzles and outwit a variety of enemies and bosses!

‘Star Wars: Episode VIII’ Gets A Slight Delay!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 20, 2016

Briefly: No!

We’re all still feeling an intense bout of Star Wars fever, and while we’re beyond excited for this year’s Star War Rogue One we’ll be waiting just a little longer for the next chapter in the saga’s main series.

The Rian Johnson directed Star Wars: Episode VIII was originally slated for May 26th, 2017, but will now hit theatres on December 15th, 2017.

Interestingly enough, this puts the release just 10 days before James Cameron’s Avatar sequel.

Here’s the official announcement from Disney:

Today, Disney and Lucasfilm announced that Star Wars: Episode VIII, originally scheduled for release in summer 2017, will now debut on December 15, 2017.

The move follows the extraordinary success of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which was the first Star Wars movie to premiere outside the traditional summer blockbuster window and smashed numerous records, including biggest domestic and global debuts of all time as well as the biggest domestic second and third weekends, en route to becoming the highest grossing domestic release of all time with over $861.3 million and the third biggest global release ever with $1,886.7 billion.

Written and directed by Rian Johnson, Star Wars: Episode VIII is currently in preproduction and will begin principal photography in London next month. Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman will produce and J.J. Abrams, Jason McGatlin, and Tom Karnowski will executive produce. Stay tuned for exciting updates in the coming weeks.

What do you hope to see in Episode VIII?

Take A Long Look At The First Gorgeous ‘Wonder Woman’ Footage!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 19, 2016

Briefly: You better get on this, as it’s from an unofficial source, and is not likely to last long.

Tonight’s special Dawn of the Justice League presentation has concluded, and it ended with some of the very first (beautiful) footage from next year’s long-awaited Wonder Woman solo film.

Diana herself, Gal Gadot, noted that ‘We’re going to see her coming of age. The entire history.’ and from the gorgeous WWI setting, everything that the on-hand cast had to say about the project, and beyond, we’re simply dying to see more.

Wonder Woman hits theatres on June 23rd, 2017, which is way, way too far away.

https://youtu.be/i9Ur4De7yT8

Watch The Fantastic New Trailer For ‘Suicide Squad’!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 19, 2016

Briefly: As promised, following today’s new poster, Warner Bros. has officially debuted a new trailer for this Summer’s Suicide Squad.

As you can probably guess, it’s freaking awesome.

Task Force X is very clearly made up of the worst. heroes. ever. and I’m loving every second of it.

Take a look at the trailer below, and let us know what you think! Suicide Squad hits theatres on August 5th!

It feels good to be bad… Assemble a team of the world’s most dangerous, incarcerated Super Villains, provide them with the most powerful arsenal at the government’s disposal, and send them off on a mission to defeat an enigmatic, insuperable entity. U.S. intelligence officer Amanda Waller has determined only a secretly convened group of disparate, despicable individuals with next to nothing to lose will do. However, once they realize they weren’t picked to succeed but chosen for their patent culpability when they inevitably fail, will the Suicide Squad resolve to die trying, or decide it’s every man for himself?

Here’s A Slick New Poster For ‘Suicide Squad’!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 19, 2016

Briefly: After the stellar San Diego Comic-Con footage was officially released back in July, most of the internet essentially stopped hating on this Summer’s Suicide Squad.

We’re expecting to see a brand new trailer for the anticipated feature during tonight’s DC Films Presents: Dawn of the Justice League special on The CW, but first, Yahoo! Movies has just debuted a new, slick poster for the upcoming feature.

In the film, U.S. intelligence officer Amanda Waller has determined only a secretly convened group of disparate, despicable individuals with next to nothing to lose will do. However, once they realize they weren’t picked to succeed but chosen for their patent culpability when they inevitably fail, will the Suicide Squad resolve to die trying, or decide it’s every man for himself?

Take a look at the new poster below, and check back for that new trailer later tonight!

Try The EA Access Vault For Free This Week On Xbox One!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 19, 2016

Briefly: If you’re a Geekscape Games listener, you’ll know that I somehow just ended up again owning an Xbox One (not a listener? Become one right here).

One of the biggest surprises that I found waiting for me once all of the updates were downloaded, all of the games were installed, and all of the rechargeable battery packs for those damned controllers were purchased (seriously, how can they not be rechargeable out of the box), was the incredible value that awaited me in EA’s Access service.

Yeah, most Xbox One players probably already know all about it, but from today, January 19th, through January 24th, gamers can play all of the games in EA Access’ surprisingly vast ‘Vault’ for as many hours as they desire. Here’s the full list:

-Battlefield 4
-Battlefield Hardline
-Titanfall
-Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare
-FIFA 14
-FIFA 15
-Madden 25
-Madden 14
-NHL 15
-NBA Live 15
-EA Sports UFC
-Dragon Age: Inquisition
-Need for Speed: Rivals
-Peggle 2

Yeah. That’s a lot of games. I’ve already put a number of hours into titles that I otherwise never would have even looked at (EA Sports UFC, anyone), and have been having a total blast so far. And with games included that I’ve missed over the past couple of years, like Battlefield Hardline and Dragon Age: Inquisition, my backlog has just become, well, far more backlogged.

Of course, that’s not the only benefit to the Access service. You’ll also get 10% off any EA titles on the Xbox Store, and the company will typically release slick, 10-hour trials of new or upcoming games so that you can decide whether or not the full title is worth your hard-earned cash.

As someone who doesn’t often put more than 10 hours into the majority of titles that they purchase (including recent releases like Star Wars: Battlefront and Need for Speed), I really, really appreciate that.

In any case, you can jump into the endless hours of the EA Access Vault right now (again, through January 24th), and if you like the service, it’s just $5 per month, or $30 per year!

What will you play first?

https://youtu.be/XR2j5GTq9NU

‘Bates Motel’ Returns March 7th, Watch The First Teaser!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 18, 2016

Briefly: We’re three seasons deep at this point, and Bates Motel remains one of the creepiest series on television.

Based on the just-released first teaser for the celebrated series’ upcoming fourth season, things are bound to get creepier.

The series returns on March 7th, and I couldn’t be more excited. Take a look at the teaser below, and let us know what you’ve thought of Bates Motel thus far.

https://youtu.be/vSx5hDYoEgk

‘Pride and Prejudice and Zombies’ Gets A Batch Of New Character Posters!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 18, 2016

Briefly: I remember being so excited for the Pride and Prejudice and Zombies adaptation when it was first announced back in 2009 (the same year that the book was first published). Since then, the film has shifted stars, directors, studios, and more. At last year’s New York Comic-Con we saw the film’s first image , late last year we were treated to the bloody awesome first footage, and since we’ve seen some slick TV spots, all of which make this adaptation look like an absolutely blast.

I really enjoyed the novel, turning something that was nearly impossible for me to get through into something funny, original, and incredibly intriguing. I really can’t wait to see how the film adaptation turns out.

A batch of character posters for the film have just hit the web, and they definitely get us hungry to see the full feature (and made us remember that Doctor Who‘s Matt Smith is also in this). You can take a look at the images below, and be sure to let us know what you think!

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies hits (North American) theatres on February 5th!

Source: Empire

‘Minecraft: Story Mode’ Hits Wii U This Week!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 18, 2016

Briefly: Well, we’ve known that it’s been coming since all the way back in August, and now we finally know when Wii U owners will be able to jump on Telltale’s Minecraft: Story Mode ~~hype train~~ minecart.

The game (well, at least the first episode of it) will launch for the console on January 21st at the Telltale-standard $4.99. Additional episodes should be available within the next few weeks, and the game’s season pass (covering episodes 2 through 5) is available for a cool $19.99.

Telltale notes that this version of the game will ‘feature off-TV play and mirroring, so players can continue the story on the Wii U GamePad controller, as well as seamlessly integrated touch-control options that allow players to use the joysticks and buttons or simply tap and guide the story directly on the screen at any time.’

Telltale CEO Kevin Bruner stated that “Working with Nintendo, we’re tremendously excited to be bringing our unique style of storytelling to Wii U for the first time, and we couldn’t be happier to be kicking things off with a series like ‘Minecraft: Story Mode’ that allows players of all ages to craft their own adventure across the Minecraft universe.”

The game features a pretty incredible voice cast, starring Patton Oswalt as male Jesse, Catherine Taber as female Jesse, Brian Posehn, Ashley Johnson, Scott Porter, Martha Plimpton, Dave Fennoy, Corey Feldman, Billy West, John Hodgman, and Paul Reubens.

We’ve been loving the game so far (though we’re a couple of episodes behind at this point), and while we’ve been playing on other platforms thus far, that off-TV play is very alluring.

Have you been playing Telltale’s latest? What are your thoughts so far? be sure to sound out in the comments below!

Rumor: Netflix Close To Picking Up A Standalone ‘Punisher’ Series!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 16, 2016

Briefly: This is exciting.

Of course, Marvel and Netflix refused to comment, so nothing is official at this point, but (understandably), the companies are apparently looking into a dedicated series based on The Punisher.

The character is set to debut in the universe with the March release of Daredevil’s second season, and will be portrayed by The Walking Dead alum Jon Bernthal.

According to TVLine, early buzz on Bernthal’s performance has been exceptional, and as fans have been waiting years (decades) for a truly great portrayal of The Punisher, Marvel/Netflix would be crazy not to capitalize on it.

Which story arc would you like to see told in a standalone series? What do you think of Bernthal as The Punisher? Sound out below!

https://youtu.be/d0YsuXjQaAo

Source: TVLine

Playstation Favourite ‘Dark Cloud 2’ Is Coming To PS4 Next Week!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 15, 2016

Briefly: It’s about damned time.

Dark Cloud 2 is arguably one of the very best RPG’s of all time (it’s certainly one of my favourites), and while I’ve been itching to replay the game since I first completed it all those years ago, doing so is about to get far easier, as the game is slated to hit the Playstation 4 next week.

Sony hasn’t sent out any information about the upcoming re-release just yet, but the title was revealed via the latest episode of the Playstation Blogcast. It’s expected that the title will follow suit with the already-released PS2 classics and cost $14.99, be upscaled to 1080P, and feature trophy support.

I think that Dark Cloud 2 may actually be one of the only games in which I actually enjoyed building a settlement. If you’ve yet to play the title, it’s fantastic, and the cost of admission will net you hundreds of hours of playtime.

Are you looking forward to the release? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!

This Tiny New ‘Fuller House’ Teaser Will Tickle Your Nostalgia Bone!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 15, 2016

Briefly: I still can’t believe that it’s even happening, but following the first teaser, and a weird musical one, Netflix has just debuted the a new teaser for next month’s Fuller House, which actually shows the cast, well, in the house.

As a child born in 1990, Full House was a staple in my household, and watching the series daily (and probably having no idea what was going on because I was so freaking young) remains one of my earliest memories. That said, I don’t really remember the original series these days, and have avoided checking it out again for fears that it simply won’t hold up (ever try to watch Saved By The Bell as an adult?).

It’s crazy just how hard these teasers hit you in the nostalgia bone. I haven’t really thought about Full House in years, yet the moment these videos start, the classic theme again enters my mind, and doesn’t leave for days. With pop star Carly Rae Jepsen taking on the Fuller House theme song, I can imagine the upcoming title track being stuck in my head forever.

You can take a look at the new Fuller House teaser below, and be sure to let us know what you think!

Fox’s ‘Scream Queens’ Renewed For A Second Season!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 15, 2016

Briefly: Finally. I was getting just a little bit worried that we wouldn’t see Scream Queens continue.

Fox has just revealed that it has renewed the hilarious (and sometimes terrifying) series for a second season.

This time around, the series will be strictly off-campus, and will instead focus on a hospital “where some of the most fascinating and bizarre medical cases are under observation.”

Sounds good to me.

Fox has not revealed at this time which season one performers will be returning, but as Deadline notes, most of the core stars are thought to have multi-year contracts, so it’s likely we’ll be seeing Lea Michelle, Emma Roberts, Jamie Lee Curtis, and many others in completely different roles later this year.

In any case, I was a huge fan of the series’ campy-as-hell first season, and I can’t wait to see where Murphy and crew take a hospital setting (which I’m actually surprised we haven’t really seen in Murphy’s other horror series, American Horror Story).

What do you think of the renewal? Were you a fan of the first season? Sound out below!

https://youtu.be/-FtenR69qmk

It Turns Out George Miller WILL Make More ‘Mad Max’ Films!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 14, 2016

Briefly: Phew.

A few days back, word around the web (after an interview with PageSix) was that celebrated director George Miller would not be making any additional Mad Max films, despite talking sequel intentions in the months following last year’s Mad Max: Fury Road release.

Thankfully, it sounds as though this simply isn’t true, and was instead the result of a ‘garbled’ interview. TheWrap caught up with Miller, who said the following:

“That was a completely garbled interview. I was in New York and it was so noisy and the journalist was asking me questions on a red carpet at the National Board of Review. She completely got the wrong fragments of information that were just not true. I said no, [another ‘Mad Max’ movie] will not be next, and she took that to mean I never wanted to make another ‘Mad Max.’ It won’t necessarily be next, but I have two more stories.”

You just let out a major sigh of relief, didn’t you?

Yeah, us too.

So, what would you like to see in the next Mad Max film?

Here Are The Nominees For The 2016 Academy Awards!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 14, 2016

Briefly: The day is finally here!

Yesterday, we saw the Fantastic Four-filled nominations for the 36th annual Razzie Awards, which celebrates the very worst in cinema each and every year.

Which can only mean that this morning the Academy Award nominations were revealed. While the big categories feature many of the same films as we saw last week at the Golden Globes, it’s great to see some of the features that were sorely missed from last week’s ceremony get a few nods here. Both Straight Outta Compton and Star Wars: The Force Awakens received nominations, the latter even included in the (well deserved) Best Visual Effects category.

Of course, we’re all mainly looking to see if Leo can finally, finally bring home an Oscar, aren’t we?

Take a look at the nominations below, and be sure to let us know which films, actors, or actresses you feel were missing from this list (Michael B. Jordan, anyone).

Best Picture:

The Big Short
Bridge of Spies
Brooklyn
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Room
Spotlight

Best Directing:

The Big Short
The Revenant
Room
Spotlight
The Martian

Best Actor in a Leading Role:

Bryan Cranston – Trumbo
Matt Damon – The Martian
Michael Fassbender – Steve Jobs
Leonardo DiCaprio – The Revenant
Eddie Redmayne – The Danish Girl

Best Actress in a Leading Role:

Cate Blanchett – Carol
Brie Larson – Room
Jennifer Lawrence – Joy
Charlotte Rampling – 45 Years
Saoirse Ronan – Brooklyn

Best Actor in a Supporting Role:

Christian Bale – The Big Short
Tom Hardy – The Revenant
Mark Ruffalo – Spotlight
Sylvester Stallone – Creed
Mark Rylance – Bridge of Spies

Best Actress in a Supporting Role:

Jennifer Jason Leigh – Hateful Eight
Rooney Mara – Carol
Rachel McAdams – Spotlight
Kate Winslet – Steve Jobs
Alicia Vikander – The Danish Girl

Best Original Screenplay:

Matt Charman, Joel & Ethan Coen – Bridge of Spies
Alex Garland – Ex Machina
Pete Docter, Meg LeFauve, Josh Cooley, Ronnie del Carmin – Inside Out
Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy – Spotlight
Andrea Berloff, Jonathan Herman, S. Leigh Savidge, Alan Wenkus, Andrea Berloff – Straight Outta Compton

Best Adapted Screenplay:

Nick Hornby – Brooklyn
Adam McKay and Charles Randolph – The Big Short
Drew Goddard – The Martian
Phyllis Nagy – Carol
Emma Donoghue – Room

Best Animated Feature Film:

Anomalisa
Inside Out
Boy and the World
Shaun of the Sheep
When Marnie Was There

Best Foreign Language Film:

Embrace of the Serpent
Mustang
A War
Son of Saul
Theeb

Best Documentary — Feature:

Amy
Cartel Land
The Look of Silence
What Happened Miss Simone?
Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom

Best Documentary — Short Subject:

Body Team 12
Chau, Beyond the Lines
Last Day of Freedom
Claude Lanzmann: Spectres of the Shoah
A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness

Best Live Action Short Film:

Day One
Everything Will Be Okay
Stutterer
Ave Maria
Shok

Best Animated Short Film:

Sanjay’s Super Team
An Object at Rest
If I Was God…
Bear Story
World of Tomorrow

Best Original Score:

The Hateful Eight
Sicario
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Bridge of Spies
Carol

Best Original Song:

“Earned It” – 50 Shades of Gray
“Writing’s on the Wall” – Spectre
“Manta Ray” – Racing Extinction
“Simple Song #3” – Youth
“Till it Happens to You” – The Hunting Ground

Best Sound Editing:

Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Sicario
Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Best Sound Mixing:

Bridge of Spies
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Best Production Design:

Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Bridge of Spies
The Danish Girl

Best Cinematography:

Edward Lachman – Carol
Robert Richardson – The Hateful Eight
John Seale – Mad Max: Fury Road
Emmanuel Lubezki – The Revenant
Roger Deakins – Sicario

Best Makeup and Hairstyling:

Mad Max: Fury Road
The Revenant
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared

Best Costume Design:

Carol
Cinderella
The Danish Girl
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Revenant

Best Film Editing:

The Big Short
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Revenant
Spotlight
Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Best Visual Effects:

The Revenant
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Mad Max: Fury Road
Ex Machina
The Martian

So, what do you think of this year’s list? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!

https://youtu.be/DW4LtP33M2E

Legendary Actor Alan Rickman Has Passed Away At 69

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 14, 2016

Briefly: It’s been a pretty rough start to 2016, hasn’t it?

era-defining musician Davie Bowie passed away just four days ago after a 1.5 year bout with the disease, and today it took another legendary victim: 69 year old Alan Rickman.

Rickman will be remembered not only as the incredible screen and stage actor that he was, but also as some of the most menacing characters that Hollywood has ever seen. Whenever I hear the name Rickman, it’s absolutely impossible to think or picture anyone else but Hans Gruber, the evil mastermind behind the attack on the Nakatomi Plaza in the original Die Hard.

Of course, his huge list of credits go far beyond the films that I’m familiar with, but for younger generations (and likely many adults too), Rickman was the very best Severus Snape that anyone could have imagined.

It’s certainly been a sombre week for pop culture fans everywhere. Mr. Rickman, you will be missed.

TheGuardian has a fantastic write-up profiling the celebrated actor’s career. I’d implore you to give it a read.