Author: Derek Kraneveldt

Derek Kraneveldt is Geekscape's managing editor. A media, comic, and technology enthusiast, he's happy to call Geekscape home. Looking for more from Derek? Keep up with him on twitter or email him here!

The Third Season Of Telltale’s ‘The Walking Dead’ Will Begin This December!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: We were sort of expecting to see the premiere episode of the third season of Telltale’s The Walking Dead sometime in November, but the publisher has just revealed some new detail about the upcoming episode, some slick new key art, and that it’ll actually debut on December 20th.

The third season is officially titled The Walking Dead: The New Frontier, and as we already knew, Clem is quite a bit older than she was the last time that we saw her. In the game, “When family is all you have left… how far will you go to protect it? Four years after society was ripped apart by undead hands, pockets of civilization emerge from the chaos. But at what cost? Can the living be trusted on this new frontier? As Javier, a young man determined to find the family taken from him, you meet a young girl who has experienced her own unimaginable loss. Her name is Clementine, and your fates are bound together in a story where every choice you make could be your last”

I’m absolutely terrified of what we’ll have to go through…

In any case, the first episode will hit PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC, MacOS, iOS, and Android on December 20th worldwide, while a ‘Season Pass Disc’ including the game up to the third episode (and downloads of the next two) will hit PS4 and Xbox One in February.

An extended first look at the debut episode will premiere at next week’s The Game Awards, so you better bet we’ll be watching. For now, take a look at the key art below, and let us know if you’re excited.

anewfrontier

The ‘Amnesia’ Series Is Now Available For PS4!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Oh man…

I love the Amnesia series. The Dark Descent is one of my favourite horror titles of all time. Each game in the series is legitimately terrifying, to the point where I can only really play them in 20 minute chunks.

If you’ve missed out on Amnesia thus far due to being a console player, you’re now in luck. After all these years on being stuck on computers, Amnesia: Collection has just launched for Playstation 4.

You’ll get all three Amnesia titles, Amnesia: A Machine For Pigs, Amnesia: Justine, and Amnesia: The Dark Descent for an extremely reasonable $29.99.

Unfortunately, diapers are not included, so you’ll have to budget for (a lot) of those too.

Take a look at the trailer below, and let us know if you plan to pick this one up.

Watch A Gorgeous New Cinematic Trailer For ‘The Last Guardian’!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: I can barely believe that it’s finally almost here (and Shane still doesn’t believe it based on last night’s podcast), but we’re now barely a month away from Sony’s The Last Guardian, and after all these years of waiting I can’t wait to see what it’s finally all about.

Today, Sony debuted an incredibly gorgeous new cinematic trailer for the game, reminding us all just how close it is to releasing, while also throwing off some major ICO vibes.

I just really, really hope Trico doesn’t die…

Take a look at the trailer below, and be sure to let us know what you think. The Last Guardian hits PS4 on December 6th!

Xbox Turns 15, Celebrates So, So Many Gaming Hours!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Can you believe that the Xbox brand turned 15 today?

Microsoft’s first console released when I was just 11 years old, and what a time its been. The original Xbox was actually the first platform that I played Half Life 2 on, I had some of my first four-player multiplayer experiences with Halo, and my friends all loved Fusion Frenzy even though I thought it stunk. I think I may even still have one of those giant early controllers in a box somewhere.

To help celebrate this momentous occasion, Microsoft has shared some incredible data marking just how much Xbox has grown over this period. Some of the numbers are pretty incredible:

– Number of players: 222,468,423
– Number of total gaming hours: 100,539,390,670
-Number of total multiplayer hours: 29,000,304,183
– Number of Achievements unlocked: 32,667,582,157
– Gamerscore racked up: 572,605,554,587
– Highest Gamerscore: 1,416,465
– Number of Xbox Live friendships made: 4,233,891,482

That highest Gamerscore though… Wow.

Naturally, there’s a hashtag to go with the celebration, and Microsoft would love it if you shared your favourite Xbox memories on social media using #15YearsOfXbox.

Here’s what else is going on, straight from Xbox Wire:

Team Xbox Gaming with the Community

The team here at Xbox is full of gamers, so most of us will be spending the day on Xbox Live, playing games with and against our awesome community. In fact, we’ll have kiosks set up around the Xbox offices that will allow any employee to hop on Xbox Live for a quick multiplayer match. All you need to do is follow us at the Club named “Celebrate 15 Years of Xbox” and get to playing! Or, if you want to focus your gaming energy solely on Halo, join the “Halo” Club to take on the developers.

Livestreams

If you’re not able to join us on Xbox Live for some gaming, why not watch some of the talented folks on our teams play instead? You can take a look at the Forza livestream on Beam starting at 1PM PT at www.beam.pro/ForzaMotorsport. Then, beginning at 3:43PM PT, check out our Halo live stream at www.beam.pro/Halo or www.twitch.tv/halo, featuring videos from various members of the 343 team and Bungie sharing memories of Halo, live gameplay with community influencers, and more.

We also have special Game With sessions planned throughout the day starting 11:00AM PT. Major Nelson will kick off the day followed by special appearances from the Killer Instinct Team, Back Compat Team, Beam Team, Ambassadors Team, and a surprise executive Game With! Tune in to www.beam.pro/Xbox or www.twitch.tv/Xbox for an exciting day of Game With Xbox.

In-Game Events and Giveaways

A few of our teams are working on special giveaways and in-game events in honor of our 15 year celebration. First up, the Forza team is gifting a 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor complete with a custom livery celebrating Xbox’s 15th anniversary. All players will receive this livery for free and Forza Horizon 3 VIPs will receive a bonus truck with an alternative Xbox 15th anniversary livery as well.

There will be two Rivals events created as well, with one in Forza Motorsport 6 and the other in Forza Horizon 3. In addition, there will be a special Bucket List Challenge in Forza Horizon 3 (TITLE: Celebrate #15YearsofXbox), which players can find by traveling to the Pink Lakes Bucket List point in the game.

If you’re a Halo fan, if you simply log in to Halo 5: Guardians between November 15 at 10AM PT and November 22 at 10AM PT, you will receive a free “15th Anniversary REQ Pack”, which contains consumable items for use in Warzone game modes and the legendary Mark IV Gen 1 armor set, worn by Spartan IIs in the darkest hours of the Covenant War!

What’s been your favourite Xbox game or memory over the last decade and a half? Sound out below!

Thank Arnold! HBO’s ‘Westworld’ Has Been Renewed For A Second Season!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: This is so exciting.

I don’t give myself much time to watch TV these days. Work, life, trying to start exercising, transiting, and more take up the bulk of my days.

That said, I’ve loved every second of HBO’s Westworld that I’ve been able to experience over the last couple of months. It’s beautiful, succinct, mysterious, and offers a world so interesting that I simply can’t get enough of it, and after not hearing and early renewal from HBO (as they often announced) I was a little worried that 10 episodes is all the Westworld we’d get.

Today, with a mysterious teaser on their official Facebook page, HBO revealed that Westworld has been renewed.

Fans of the show, however, will be waiting for quite some time once season one concludes next month. In an interview with EW, HBO’s programming president Casey Bloys noted that “My suspicion is sometime in 2018 because of how big the world is and what goes into shooting it. So I don’t have a date exactly – they’re going to have to map it out and write the scripts – but my guess is sometime in ‘18.”

2018 is better than never. What have you thought of Westworld thus far? Sound out below!

The ‘Rogue One’ IMAX Poster Is Here, And It’s Gorgeous!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Following that stellar (pretty plot heavy) international trailer from a few days back, Disney today has debuted the absolutely gorgeous IMAX poster for next month’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

If you (like myself) need one of these on your wall, you’ll want to attend one of the first IMAX showings of the film on opening night… if it’s anything like most IMAX posters, these won’t last long at all.

For now, bask in the glory of the poster below, and be sure to let us know what you think. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story takes off on December 16th.

rogueone

Latest ‘Pokémon Sun & Moon’ Trailer Shows Off New Ultra Beasts, More!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: With just a few more days until launch, I’ve actually managed to stay pretty spoiler-free on the Pokémon Sun and Moon front at this point. I have no idea what Z-Moves are, and aside from seeing a few new forms of classic Pokémon, I’ve managed to avoid all of the trailers released for the game thus far.

That said, with launch fast approaching… I got antsy and excited and watched the latest trailer. I still don’t have a great idea of what’s going on, but the video does reveal some new Z-Moves for the new starter Pokémon, and even more Ultra Beasts.

And with that, I’m out until the 18th! Don’t spoil things for me! Take a look at the trailer below, and let us know what you think!

HBO’s ‘Beware The Slenderman’ Documentary Looks Totally Terrifying

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: I’d heard a little bit about the infamous ‘Slenderman Stabbing’, but I had no idea until today that HBO was releasing a documentary about it.

The documentary, which is set to premiere on January 23rd, tells the tale of the 12-year old Wisconsin girl who was stabbed by two of her classmates, who later told authorities that they did it to appease the Slenderman.

Scary shit, right?

The case sounds absolutely terrifying, and the documentary looks to include police footage, possible re-enactments, and much more. Take a look at the trailer below, and be sure to let us know what you think!

The New International ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ Trailer Is Chock Full Of Plot!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Whoah.

Disney today debuted a new international trailer for next month’s Star Wars: Rogue One. It’s incredibly gorgeous, featuring some of the slickest eye candy that we’ve seen from any of the promotional material so far.

You may want to skip this one however. Rogue One is just a month away, and if you’d like to go into the anticipated film as fresh as possible, you won’t want to see all of the intense plot revealed in this latest trailer.

You’ve been warned. Be sure to let us know how excited you are for December 16th.

Watch The Insane Launch Trailer For ‘Dishonored 2’!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Somehow, again, another incredible looking title completely slid under my radar.

Bethesda has just debuted the official launch trailer for Dishonored 2, and I think it may be the first Dishonored video that I’ve ever seen. How? With the first title being as celebrated as it is… I really have no idea.

In the game, you’ll “Reprise your role as a supernatural assassin in Dishonored 2, the next chapter in the award-winning Dishonored saga by Arkane Studios. As either Emily Kaldwin or Corvo Attano, travel beyond the legendary streets of Dunwall to Karnaca – a once-dazzling coastal city that holds the key to restoring Emily to power. Armed with the mark of the Outsider and powerful new supernatural abilities, hunt down your enemies and forever alter the fate of the Empire.”

Pre-orders get to play the game a day early, and also include a copy of Dishonored: Definitive Edition, so if you missed out on the first game, it’s Game of the Year Edition, and its re-release, you won’t be left in the dark any longer.

For now, take a look at the trailer below, and let us know if you’ll be picking up Dishonored 2 on November 11th!

The ‘Watch Dogs 2’ Launch Trailer Is Here, And It’s Bad-Ass!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: I hated the first Watch Dogs game.

Obviously, that first E3 trailer for the game sold me on it. It looked gorgeous, open, futuristic, with mechanics and opportunities that we’d never seen (or even thought of) in a game before. Watch Dogs was to truly be the first next-gen feeling title for PS4 and Xbox One.

Then Ubisoft released a buggy, ugly, boring Grand Theft Auto clone that I sunk about 10 hours into before realizing that I’d wasted nearly $100.

Watch Dogs became the brunt of a lot of jokes in the early days of the Geekscape Games podcast, and aside from the neat announcement trailer from this year’s E3, I’ve largely ignored its sequel.

Until now, that is. I’m starting to see ads all over the place (and a myriad of commercials for the title during last night’s election coverage. With just a week to go until the game’s launch, Ubisoft has officially debuted the Watch Dogs 2 launch trailer… and it looks super cool.

Our new protagonist actually sounds interesting, the story sounds far, far more affecting than that of the first game, and the hacking actually looks really cool. Not to mention how gorgeous San Francisco looks.

In any case, decide for yourself! Take a look at the trailer below, and let us know if you’ll be picking up Watch Dogs 2 when it releases on November 15th!

The NES Classic Edition Gets A Wireless Controller Thanks To Nyko!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: We’re so freaking excited to get our hands on the NES Classic Edition. Josh has already gone hands on with this Holiday season’s hottest new console (and loved it, naturally), while the rest of us peasants will need to get in line on November 11th to pick one up.

One of the only complaints that we’ve been (constantly) reading about the Classic is its lack of wireless controllers. Sure, it’s more authentic with wires, and probably (definitely) keeps the cost of the thing down, but we’ve been spoiled by wireless controllers for years and we want them here too, damnit.

Thankfully, Nyko has the answer with the Minibus for NES Classic Edition. The controller comes in at a cool $19.99USD (compared to $9.99 for its Nintendo brethren), and brings with it the space-aged ability to play up to 30 feet away from the console.

If the $19.99 is a little rich for your blood, $9.99 will net you the Extend Link for NES Classic Edition, which is a simple extension cord that adds 6 feet to your existing NES Classic edition controllers.

Both items will be available alongside the NES Classic Edition when it launches on November 11th, and… November 11th simply can’t come soon enough.

nyko

We Can’t Even Handle This Amazing New ‘Wonder Woman’ Trailer!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: We had our first taste of fantastic, visceral footage from the upcoming Wonder Woman solo flick back at San Diego Comic-Con in July, and since then we’ve been desperate for more.

The Wonder Woman footage was probably the best reveal of SDCC, and I’m so excited that the film’s just-released official trailer is just as impressive.

The incredible action of the first footage takes a back seat this time around as we head to Themyscira to learn just why Diana decided to leave, plus… well, just take a look at the trailer below.

Wonder Woman hits theatres on June 2nd, 2017, and we couldn’t be more excited. What do you think?

‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ Gets Two Gorgeous, Minimal International Posters!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Despite reshoots and constant rumours of the film’s quality, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story looks freaking awesome.

Seriously, it looks gritty as hell, and entirely different from any Star Wars film we’ve seen thus far (aside from the Death Star being a central component, of course).

Speaking of different, two new international Rogue One posters have hit the web, and they look starkly different from almost any Star Wars poster I’ve seen yet.

They’re minimal, and absolutely gorgeous. Take a look at the images below, and let us know what you think!

rogueoneinter

rogueoneinter2

I Am Everywhere: ‘The Walking Dead’s Next Season Gets A Negan-Filled Trailer!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: It’s almost time!

Well, we still have just over a month of waiting before last season’s cliffhanger is finally solved (who. did. he. kill?), but AMC has just debuted an exciting new teaser for next month’s premiere.

It’s pretty much all Negan, and he’s pretty much all bad-ass.

Take a look at the teaser below, and be sure to let us know who’s dead!

Watch The Unsettling First Teaser For ‘Annabelle 2’!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: So the first Annabelle was… not all that great (in fact, it was pretty damned awful).

Naturally, being part of The Conjuring‘s universe, the film still made a buttload of money, and a sequel was quickly greenlit.

This is a character that’s still beyond terrifying to me, and one that I’d love to see in a decent feature… and hopefully Annabelle 2 can be that feature.

The sequel is coming from Lights Out director David F. Sandberg, and the first unsettling teaser trailer has just hit the web.

This time around, “Several years after the tragic death of their little girl, a dollmaker and his wife welcome a nun and several girls from a shuttered orphanage into their home, soon becoming the target of the dollmaker’s possessed creation, Annabelle.”

Take a look at the teaser below, and let us know what you think! Annabelle 2 hits theatres May 19th, 2017.

Watch A New Trailer For The Next Season Of ‘Star Wars Rebels’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: We new he was coming, and today Disney gave us a fantastic new look at Grand Admiral Thrawn in the upcoming season of Star Wars Rebels.

This season, having established a secret base on Atollon, the Ghost crew, now led by a more powerful Ezra, strengthens the rebel fleet by acquiring new resources and recruits eager to stand against the Empire. However, the Imperial efforts to eliminate the rebellion are now being led by the coldly analytical Grand Admiral Thrawn, whose strategic, tactical and cultural insights make him a threat unlike any they have faced before. In season three, Ezra and Sabine take on new roles and challenges as the rebels prepare for their biggest mission yet – a direct assault on the Empire.

This is one series that I’m really kicking myself in the butt for not having seen yet. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it, and the next seasons looks so freaking cool.

Take a look at the trailer below, and let us know what you think! Star Wars Rebels returns on September 24th.

https://youtu.be/DD_9LAMJhaA

Would You Kindly Watch The Launch Trailer For ‘Bioshock: The Collection’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: It’s finally here!

If you’ve missed out on the Bioshock series for this long, you’d be crazy not to pick up Bioshock: The Collection for your Xbox One or PS4.

Hell, I can’t wait to pick up the damned thing, and I’ve played through each game multiple times.

For the collection, each title (Bioshock, Bioshock 2, Bioshock Infinite) has been remastered in full 1080p (and they look pretty slick), and also include all of the single player DLC, and “a never-before-seen video series, “Director’s Commentary: Imagining BioShock.” You can even pick up golden reels in order to unlock the secrets behind Rapture.

The collection is available right now for PS4 and Xbox One, and PC players can pick it up this Thursday! Take a look at the nostalgic launch trailer below, and be sure to let us know if you plan to pick it up!

Take A Better Look At ‘Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Ghost Rider In New TV Spot And Image!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: As cool as the Nicolas Cage rendition of Ghost Rider was… we’ve been ready for another attempt at the character for what feels like forever.

This Fall, our wishes will (hopefully) be granted when the Robbie Reyes version of the character hits Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Pre-fiery Reyes was a mechanic, and instead of the classic motorcycle, he’ll be driving a slick looking 1969 Dodge Charger (that’s on fire of course), and from what we’ve seen so far, this looks to be a cool, modern take on the classic character.

So, as much as we’ll miss Nic Cage, this newly released TV Spot and image of the character definitely get us excited for this new portrayal (even if the CG is a little bad). Take a look below, and let us know if you’re ready for the Rider, as Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. returns on September 20th.

ghostrider

Source: Yahoo!

New ‘Luke Cage’ Clip Reminds Us That It’s Almost Freaking Here!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: It’s almost freaking here.

We’re just over two weeks away from the highly (understatement) anticipated release of Marvel / Netflix’s next endeavour, Luke Cage, and the streaming service turned production company has just released a new clip for the upcoming series.

The clip is called “Be King”, and it’s a slick look at the styling we’re set to see in the series. It also gets us so. damned. excited.

Take a look below, and let us know how many episodes you’ll be watching on September 30th.

Watch A Gorgeous Sizzle Reel From Today’s Playstation Meeting!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Sony today revealed the long-leaked slimmer PS4 console, as well as finally detailing release date, spec, and pricing info for its upcoming Playstation Neo, which is now called the PS4 Pro.

Along with the consoles, the company showed off a slick sizzle reel featuring a ton of PS4 footage from various titles, including Watch Dogs 2, Spider-Man, Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, For Honor, Days Gone, Horizon: Zero Dawn, and more.

All of the footage is freaking gorgeous, but of course, we’re not sure just how much more gorgeous than it would be on the standard PS4.

Take a look at the footage below, and be sure to let us know what you think!

Sony Officially Unveils The PS4 Pro, Coming This November!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Today’s Playstation Meeting has come to an end, and the Playstation NEO has officially become Sony’s Playstation 4 Pro.

This new, high end PS4 console will join its new slimmer, less powerful brethren when it finally hits store shelves on November 10th, 2016 for an up-there $399 USD (or $499 CAD, which is more than the original PS4 console launched for back in 2013).

According to Sony, the extra power of the new console “enhances PS4 games by supporting the latest in imaging technology through 4K resolution and High Dynamic Range (HDR), as well as smoother frame rates. Games that already look extraordinary on PS4 will look richer and more detailed, thanks to the more powerful GPU and faster CPU at the heart of PS4 Pro.”

As previously reported, many pre-existing games will offer new patches that offer performance improvements on the new console, while upcoming games like Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, Horizon: Zero Dawn, Mass Effect: Andromeda and Days Gone will naturally feature PS4 Pro upgrades.

If you’re not planning on upgrading to the newer, more powerful version, you won’t be left out in the dust just yet, as Sony has reiterated the importance of having one PS4 audience in their official blog post about the new unit:

But it’s important to note that the choice is yours. Whether you’re playing on PS4 Pro, the new slimmer and lighter PS4, or the PS4 system you bought at launch in 2013, you’ll have access to the same amazing games with the same features and same vibrant community that make PlayStation the best place to play. There won’t be any gameplay features exclusive to PS4 Pro or the standard PS4. In fact, we believe the impact of HDR on gaming and entertainment is so promising that all PlayStation 4 systems – back to the very first console sold in 2013 – are now HDR capable.

 

It is incredibly important for us, and our developer partners, to maintain one PS4 audience. All PS4 systems are also ready to deliver on the promise of virtual reality with the upcoming launch of PlayStation VR. Whichever system you choose, we’ll continue to give you the exclusive franchises, blockbuster third-party titles, and unique games from creative developers that you’ve come to expect from PlayStation.

Let’s just hope that these guidelines that they’ve set for developers hold true long into the future, and we don’t see PS4 Pro Exclusive titles anytime soon.

Check out a sizzle reel of PS4 Pro footage below, and be sure to let us know what you thought of the announcement!

The New, Slim PS4 Will Be Available Next Week!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Surprise!

We’ve seen leaked photos… and we’ve also seen it unboxed, booted, and taken apart, and now it’s finally official.

Yep, during today’s Playstation event, Sony officially revealed a new, slimmer variant of the current PS4 console.

The console is coming next week, September 15th, for a cool $299 (USD). Naturally, the unit is about 30% smaller than the previous iteration, and has all of the internals of the PS4’s previous version (including a 500GB HDD), except for the optical audio port.

According to Sony, this new model will not support 4K Blu-Rays, but will support HDR movies and gaming.

Are you planning to pick one up? Or is the PS4 Pro more your fancy? Be sure to sound out in the comments below!

ps4new

Watch This Incredible Visual Effects Reel For ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: This was simply too incredible not to share.

ILM has published a new, Star Wars: The Force Awakens visual effects reel to their official YouTube page, along with the following note:

We are pleased to share a sample of the visual effects work created for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The history of ILM leads all the way back to 1975 and origins of Star Wars and The Force Awakens gave us the opportunity to once again push the boundaries of what is possible in character animation and visual effects while combining cutting edge practical effects and physical sets. ILM studios in San Francisco, Singapore, Vancouver and London each contributed to the film effects as did our partners Hybride, Base FX and Virtuos.

The video showcases just how ILM composited a myriad of scenes, backgrounds, ships, characters, and otherwise, and it’s simply perplexing to see just how many pieces some of these amazing compositions are built from.

Take a look at the effects reel below; you’re likely to watch this one more than one.

Get Claustrophobic With The Latest ‘Blair Witch’ TV Spot!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Just ten. more. days.

Lionsgate has just debuted a freaky, claustrophobic as hell new TV Spot for it’s upcoming Blair Witch film.

In the movie, a group of college students venture into the Black Hills Forest in Maryland to uncover the mysteries surrounding the disappearance of James’ sister who many believe is connected to the legend of the Blair Witch. At first the group is hopeful, especially when a pair of locals offer to act as guides through the dark and winding woods, but as the endless night wears on, the group is visited by a menacing presence. Slowly, they begin to realize the legend is all too real and more sinister than they could have imagined.

Blair Witch hits theatres on September 16th, and we can’t wait to check it out. Watch the spot below, and be sure to let us know if you’re excited!

Watch The Moving Trailer For ‘The Levelling’!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Yeah, you’ll definitely recognize this film’s star from her lengthy run as Meera Reed on HBO’s Game of Thrones, but Ellie Kendrick or not, Hope Dickson Leach’s The Levelling looks like an incredibly moving piece of art.

In the film, set in Somerset, England. Trainee veterinarian Clover Catto returns to the farm where she grew up after hearing news that her brother Harry has died—an apparent suicide. Finding the family home in ruins following recent floods that devastated the area, Clover is forced to confront her difficult father Aubrey – about the farm, the livestock and, crucially, the details surrounding Harry’s death. As the funeral approaches Clover’s discoveries send her on an emotional journey of reckoning – with the land, her family and herself.

The emotion and brevity in The Levelling‘s trailer is palpable, and I really can’t wait to see more from this one.

If you’re lucky enough to be headed to this year’s TIFF, The Levelling is playing the following dates:

Friday, September 9
Public Screening 1 (PREMIERE)- 6:45PM (Scotiabank 4)

Saturday, September 10
Press & Industry Screening 1- 1:30PM (Scotiabank 10)
Public Screening 2- 8:00PM (Scotiabank 9)

Wednesday, September 14
Press & Industry Screening 2- 12:00PM (Scotiabank 6)

Saturday, September 17
Public Screening 3- 9:45PM (Scotiabank 2)

Take a look at the trailer below, and be sure to let us know what you think!

https://youtu.be/oFfaxS6Go5k

‘Batman: The Telltale Series’ Second Episode Gets A Release Date!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: The explosive first episode of Batman: The Telltale Series finally (finally) released to gamers early last month, and Telltale has now revealed just when we’ll be able to don the cowl once again.

The upcoming second episode will be titled ‘Children of Arkham’, and will drop digitally, worldwide on September 20th. Just two more weeks to go!

Rendered to look like a living, breathing comic book, Telltale’s vision of Batman features an award-winning cast of talent, including Troy Baker in the role of Bruce Wayne, Travis Willingham as Harvey Dent, Erin Yvette as Vicki Vale, Enn Reitel as Alfred Pennyworth, Murphy Guyer as Lieutenant James Gordon,Richard McGonagle as Carmine Falcone, Jason Spisak as Oswald Cobblepot,and Laura Bailey as Selina Kyle. Additional cast and characters will be revealed as the season progresses.

The company hasn’t debuted a trailer or synopsis for the next episode just yet, but I imagine we could see it at any point now.

Take a look at the key art for the episode below, and be sure to let us know what you thought about episode one!

TelltaleBatman

‘Firewatch’ Is Coming To Xbox One, With New Modes In Tow!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Back in February, a gem of an independent title called Firewatch hit PS4 and PC.

The game boasted some of the most gorgeous graphics I’d ever seen, an intense, mysterious narrative that I could not stop thinking about, and as you can probably guess from the previous few sentences of this article, I absolutely fell in love with it.

You can read my full review of the game here, and if you haven’t played the game just yet, I’d seriously implore you to do so. I’m happy to say today however, that millions of gamers who have never had an opportunity to experience Firewatch soon will, as Campo Santo has revealed that the game will make the jump to Xbox One later this month.

It won’t just be a straight port either! The Xbox One version of the game will come equipped with two new modes (which will, naturally make it to the PS4 and PC versions of the game as well): Firewatch Audio Tour, which is still mysterious, but is being described as one part scavenger hunt, one part museum tour, and one part game dev workshop, mixed with a dash of inside Campo Santo goofs. The game will also come complete with a free-roam mode, where you’ll be able to live in the Shoshone with a full day/night cycle and explore with a few hidden secrets.

I’m about due for a replay of Firewatch, and you better believe that I’m excited to check out these new modes. Firewatch hits Xbox One on September 21st.

Have you played the game yet? What did you think? Be sure to sound out in the comments below!

‘Pokémon GO’ Gets A Buddy System In Forthcoming Update!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Now that months have gone by, and controversy has (mostly) passed, Pokémon GO players have forgotten about the beloved, server crashing 3-step tracker, nearly forgiven Niantic for the dreaded, miscommunicated, poorly handled 3-step bug, and are just back to good old catchin’ ‘Mons in their spare time.

The craze certainly hasn’t died down (at least in Vancouver) as most individuals that pass me by still tend to be swiping up instead of left or right, and I’m still seeing nearly every gym change ownership about every four seconds. I’m still loving the game, so this is obviously some great news.

In even better news, Niantic is starting to figure out this whole communication thing, and today announced the first major feature update for Pokémon GO, which will allow trainers to have their favourite Pokémon appear next to them on the avatar screen, along with a few other neat changes.

Here’s what’s in store, straight from Niantic: “You will be able to pick your favorite Pokémon from your collection to become your buddy, opening up unique in-game rewards and experiences. Buddy Pokémon will appear alongside your Trainer avatar on your profile screen, adding helpful bonuses such as awarding Candy for walking together. You’ll also have the ability to change your Buddy Pokémon at any time.”

Gaining specific candy for walking with your Pokémon is a fantastic idea. I can’t wait to finally evolve some of the Pokémon that I caught in California this Summer and have never seen since.

Now… when the hell are we going to start seeing those legendary birds?

PokemonBuddy

‘Stranger Things’ Barb Has Just Joined The CW’s ‘Riverdale’!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: After Shannon Purcell’s Stranger Things character Barb blew up in ways that we never could have imagined (seriously, the clothing, memes, quotes, and otherwise are just perplexing), fans around the world have wondered just what project we’d see the actress on next.

EW has just learned that it won’t be too long before Shannon hits the small screen, as the actress has just joined The CW’s anticipated midseason series Riverdale as classic character Ethel Muggs.

According to EW, instead of Jughead, “Ethel will find herself in a romantic relationship with someone very different. Ethel will also be drawn into a friendship with Veronica (Camila Mendes) and Betty (Lili Reinhart) after they team up for a revenge plot on Reggie Mantle, a bully and Archie’s rival.”

I’ve never been a huge Archie guy (aside from the current Mark Waid / Fiona Staples series), but for some reason I’m really excited for this one.

Are you looking forward to Riverdale? Be sure to sound out in the comments below!

Riverdale