SDCC 2018: Derek’s Long-Winded SDCC Recap – Thursday

by Derek KraneveldtJuly 19, 2018

Read pre-convention and preview night here.

Today started off a bit rough.

Naturally, it’s the first full day of the convention, there are new volunteers all over the place, and it’s one of the busiest events in North America, let alone San Diego.

This morning I was in a bit of a rush, as the panel that I’d wanted to see more than any other (the WWE/Mattel fan panel, naturally) was set to begin at 11:15am. Last year there were several panels prior to this one, so after each panel a myriad of people would leave, and I would creep up to get a better seat. This year there was just one panel before, so I needed to get there quickly.

But that didn’t exactly work out.

The San Diego Convention Centre is huge There are doorways (8 doors wide) marked A-G, and then a separate entrance for the ~6000+ seat Hall H (which holds the biggest announcements, and which people began lining up for on Tuesday). The auditorium was set to open at 9am (though was always advertised for 9:30), and in trying to find where to line up at 8:45, I started at G, was told to go to A, who told me to go to C, who told me to go to F, who told me to go back to G where I (and eventually thousands upon thousands of other people) gathered (likely after going through the same runaround that I did.

Then 9AM came and went. Then 9:30 came and went and it was hot as hell and there was absolutely no shade and everyone was shoulder to shoulder so it felt like forever. At 9:40 an employee came out and told us that the doors next to the ones we were gathered at would be the ones to open first and people started freaking out. Screaming, yelling, swearing around little kids, probably some crying, wailing out “You’re killing us,” the works, really. Sure, it was annoying (and warm… so warm), but turning into a freaking baby was not at all appropriate.

Eventually I made it into the convention centre, and still made it into the room where the WWE panel would be held with time to spare. I grabbed a single seat in the front row, albeit at a super extreme angle, hoping that after the first panel finished I’d be able to move in a bit more central.

The first panel was about kids who do voiceover work, and included talent such as Zach Gallison, Kristen Li, Layla Hayes, Justin Felbinger, and Sean-Ryan Petersen reading scripts in character, chatting about who they’d like to work with, and a bunch more.

The panel ended, almost nobody left (I managed to move two seats closer to the centre) and after a short time the panel began. Cathy Kelly came out first, followed by two dudes from Mattel (sorry, I don’t remember their names), Curt Hawkins, Zack Ryder, Becky Lynch (who was a surprise), AJ Styles (who was a huge surprise), and Matt Hardy (who was announced for the panel, but who I’d forgotten would be there. The crowd went freaking crazy for nearly everyone.

The panel started with some Mattel announcements, including some amazing new additions to the Elite series of figures and a technology called True FX which is a new inkjet printing process that will launch in 2019, and will add even more detail to the already impressive figures.

they showed off a bunch of new figures (including a Vanguard 1 and Mower of Lawns figure in the Elite series) before taking audience questions. Many of the questions felt similar to those asked at last year’s panel, and the guy who yelled at the Mattel lady last year about missing figures was back again to yell about the lack of B-Team figures even though the B-Team has only been a thing for like five seconds.

One fan asked the superstars to choose someone who no longer wrestles for WWE that they would fight if they could. One crowd member yelled out “BROCK LESNAR” and all of the superstars laughed really hard. It was a freaking hilarious moment.

After the panel ended, I made a quick pit stop at the Wired Cafe for a bite to eat and something to drink (a huge thanks to Wired for hosting us again this year, and be sure to look for some expanded thoughts on this year’s cafe from Shane in the next day or two) before meeting up with Shane and Courtney for the Shadow of the Tomb Raider offsite event at the Moonshine Flats (344 7th Ave).

This place was bonkers. The bar had been completely transformed into a jungle-like setting, complete with real snakes, tons of foliage, pieces of ancient (I assume) temples, and way way more – there was even a pit of skulls that made for a cool photo op. The most unique part of this offsite however, was the eating challenge. Three volunteers would go to a table that had three covered plates on it, and at the count of three they’d reveal the “exotic” food underneath. On the plate could be a Black Forest Scorpion, a Manchuria Scorpion, a Superworm, a Giant Water Bug (which was regarded as the short straw in this challenge), a Grasshopper, or some Silkworms. If you could eat the entire insect(s) you were able to spin a prize wheel, which could net you a shirt, a year of Xbox Game Pass, a copy of the game when it releases, or raffle tickets that could win you an Xbox One X.

I did the challenge.

I didn’t want to do the challenge, but Shane and Courtney were being little babies, and if we were going to cover this offsite someone had to do it.

Naturally, I drew the short straw, and had to eat a giant water bug. It was freaking disgusting. Super salty. Super dry (though I think I felt a couple of weirdly moist bits in there too). The other two people finished eating their bugs (I’m not even sure what they had) and then they watched me continue chewing for what felt like forever.

Naturally, we got this on video, so look for that in the coming days. For now, these photos will have to do.

I also had an opportunity to play a new demo for Shadow of the Tomb Raider which felt fantastic, and would have had me pre-ordering the game if I hadn’t already done that months ago. Naturally, the mechanics in Tomb Raider are already rock solid, so it’s the plot and atmosphere that are really going to make or break this one – we didn’t see too much story in the demo, but of course the game has an incredible team behind it, so I’m not worried at all.

Once we finished up at the Shadow of the Tomb Raider offsite, it was time to get back to work. We went back to the hotel (I wanted to scoot there but nobody else did), and Shane, Courtney, and I all published some articles before heading out again. You can read about my experience at the DC Universe offsite that I mentioned yesterday right here, and additional thoughts on the LAIKA Live experience right here, and you should probably check out this amazing transit station themed after Stranger Things.

Once we split up, Shane and Courtney went back to the floor to check out the Star Wars: Heroes and Villains clothing line, while I went over to PetCo park to check out the Rocket League third birthday party. Somehow the line was tiny (it didn’t stay like this for long), and I was pretty much able to walk right in. I received a cool (and understated) t-shirt, along with a coupon for a free Salty Shores popcorn and drink. The party was actually right on the field, which was pretty cool and made for a few neat photos. The field had some fantastic real-life licensed cars that have in-game counterparts like Batmobiles, the Jurassic Park Jeep, and the DeLorean. There was a gaming area where you could play Rocket League on Switch or PC against other attendees, and a stage with live DJ (and sometimes Greg Miller). There was an awesome looking weird inflatable soccer game that had quite a lineup, and a ton of people were just chilling on the field absorbing everything that was going on around them.

I knew that WWE Superstar and UpUpDownDown creator Xavier Woods was set to be present at the party, but the event had already been on for an 90 minutes or so when I arrived. It turns out that he and Becky Lynch (who is my favourite female WWE Superstar) were filming an episode of UpUpDownDown on the field. Xavier saw my shirt and called me over (I was wearing my UpUpDownDown shirt) and I made some sort of awkward fool out of myself while he tried to talk to me on camera (sorry Xavier). I was even almost on Xavier and Becky’s team for the inflatable ball soccer thing, but just before this would have happened the WWE decided that they just wanted Becky vs. Xavier. I hung around for a bit longer (which included seeing Xavier face off agains a little kid in Rocket League, and seeing Xavier and Becky dance away at what would be the end of the episode) before heading out to meet up with Shane and Courtney. It was freaking amazing, and it made my convention.

The rest of the night was pretty relaxed. Shane, Courtney, and I decided to hit up a party sponsored by Lions Gate Games for the Power Rangers Legacy Wars. We didn’t end up making it inside however, as the building was at capacity when we arrived and as we didn’t really feel like waiting (though we were pretty close to the front), so we just grabbed some shitty sandwiches at the first place that didn’t have a line, and returned to the hotel to finish up our articles for the day.

Today was great. It’s now been a full day of San Diego Comic-Con… and I still haven’t even hit the show floor yet. Tomorrow I’ll be busy checking out activations for Amazon Fire TV, Mr. Mercedes, The Purge, and more… plus I need to get my hands on some Mondo prints (which I’ve missed out on so far).

Thanks for reading this far, and I hope that you come back for more!

Note – sorry about the weird images. Geekscape is having major issues uploading images currently, so I’m making it work any way that I can!

E3 2017: Switch Version Of ‘Rocket League’ Plays At 60FPS, 720P

by Derek KraneveldtJune 15, 2017

Briefly: I’m freaking stoked that Rocket League is coming to the Nintendo Switch.

During the hours and hours and hours that I spent with the title, there have been numerous places that I’ve wished that I could keep on playing, but simply couldn’t for logistical reasons. These include (but are not limited to):

-On the toilet
-On the train to work
-At work
-On a plane
-In a hotel
-In bed
-In the living room while my fiancé is watching Gilmore Girls on Netflix

I knew that the Nintendo Switch version would become the definitive version of the game for me once I saw those sweet, sweet Mario and Luigi hats, and I became even more excited once I realized all of the new locales where I’d now be able to hone my skills (see above).

One thing that I was curious about, however, was just how well this version of the game would perform. What would the framerate be like? Would it include split screen multiplayer?

Gamespot learned all of the answers earlier today at E3. In both docked and undocked modes, the Switch version of Rocket League will run at 720P at a silky smooth 60FPS. It sounds as though they’re aiming to retain this framerate for the game’s two player undocked mode, as well as a four-player on TV split screen.

Psyonix VP Jeremy Dunham did note that the Switch version of the game will see some graphical compromises in order to hit those numbers (while the upcoming Xbox One X version will play in 4K HDR, for instance), but this version is also freaking portable and has Mario hats, so who cares, am I right?

As previously announced, the Switch version will also see cross platform multiplayer with PC and Xbox gamers. Sony, unfortunately, gave a pretty bogus reason on why they’re sitting this one out.

Are you looking forward to the Switch version of the game? Be sure to sound out in the comments below!

‘Worms W.M.D’ Get’s RARE with ‘Perfect Dark’, ‘Killer Instinct’, ‘Yooka Laylee’ & More!

by The_aczJuly 12, 2016

Rare just refuses to leave the spotlight after last year’s E3 comeback. From the company’s characters inclusions in games like, Minecraft, and #IDARB, but also Playtonic Games Yooka Laylee has also been making some splashes since it’s recent E3 trailer.

Well, worlds are now colliding as Yooka Laylee, and a bunch of your favorite Rare & Yooka characters will be making some cameo surprises in the newest Worms game, Worms W.M.D. Right now, if you pre order the Xbox One edition of the game you’ll receive the Rare pack for free! This includes a 5 mask pack for series like Blast Corp., Jet Force Gemini, Jetpac, Killer Instinct, and of course, Battletoads. You’ll also get an exclusive Joanna Dark aerial attack (yeah, you heard that right.)

Now, even though the Rare all-stars pack is an Xbox exclusive, the Yooka pack will not be. Included will be Yooka, Laylee, Trowser, Rextro Sixty-fourus, Dr. Quack, Minion, and everyone’s favorite character, The Sign Post. Not just that, but there are a ton of more cameos that include, but are not limited to Rocket League, The Escapists, Goat Simulator, and much more!

Check out the trailer below! Worms W.M.D will release for PS4, Xbox One, and PC on August 23rd.

Rocket League Now Supports Crossplay For Xbox One & PC!

by The_aczMay 24, 2016

Today something very cool has happened. As of 3PM PST, the indie hit sports game Rocket League now supports cross-network play for both Xbox One and PC.

Sadly, the only thing missing is Sony as PlayStation is oddly absent. Whether PS4 cross-play will be available or not remains to be seen. It’s really cool though as it seems like this can be the first step towards unifying all multiplayer games across all platforms. Are you excited about this news? What are your hopes for the future of cross-network multiplayer? Tell us in the comments below!

What A Tie-In! ‘Rocket League’, Meet Batmobile!

by Derek KraneveldtFebruary 25, 2016

Briefly: We’ve already seen some insanely cool cars for Psyonix’ Rocket League, from the DeLorean, to the Xbox exclusive Armadillo (Gears of War) and Warthog (Halo).

Today, the developer announced the next DLC vehicle available for the title, and it’s tied to one of the most anticipated movies of the year: Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Unfortunately, it’s not an invisible jet… but it’s still pretty freaking cool. Starting on March 8th, for a cool $1.99, you’ll be able to drive the Batmobile (or put a Batman, Superman, or Wonder Woman antenna flag on your favourite ride).

The car looks cool, and the game’s a blast (you are playing Rocket League, aren’t you?). Take a look at the Batmobile trailer below, and let us know if you’ll be picking it up!

‘Rocket League’ Hits Xbox One On February 17th!

by Derek KraneveldtFebruary 9, 2016

Briefly: It’s about time.

Xbox One owners everywhere have been waiting patiently (or impatiently) for official news on Rocket League‘s Xbox release since its platform expansion was announced back in December.

Today, the game’s Xbox One launch date was finally revealed.

The game will hit Xbox One of February 16th for a beyond worth-it $19.99US. As a bonus (as you Xbox One owners had to wait for so long), the game will include three of the previously-released DLC packs:

Xbox One players will also receive a couple of exclusive vehicles, like the Armadillo from Gears of War, and the Warthog from Halo.

I know plenty of people who have been dying to play the title, and after spending some time with the PS4 version, it’s easy to see why. Are you planning to pick up the Xbox of the game? Be sure to sound out below!

Geekscape’s Top 5 Geek Alternatives To Watching The Big Game (The Super Bowl, Duh)!

by Shane O'HareFebruary 5, 2016

You’re probably already well aware (I mean, it’s not even Sunday yet and we’ve been seeing fantastic commercials releasing in droves including a fantastic Pokemon ad), but Super Bowl 50 is less than two days away!

If you’re anything like me (and if you’re reading Geekscape, you probably are, and I’m sorry)… you have little to no interest in the event. Unless there is booze, that is, and in that case I am VERY interested in it.

So, we at Geekscape have put together our Top 5 favorite alternatives to watching the big game!

5 – Blood Bowl

Blood Bowl is the Warhammer: Fantasy take on football itself. Set in the mythical land of Warhammer, it pits two players against each other in a turn based game of football. Each player chooses from a selection of fantasy races, naturally with their own advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, players can hire and level up non-fielded characters such as Cheerleaders, Assistant Coaches, and even Healers. All boost the statistics of the players on the field. The best part of the game, is where the actual BLOOD comes into play. It’s not just about moving the ball down the field, its about trying to injure or kill opposing players.

You can play Blood Bowl all old school (on the tabletop itself, painting up figures and sets). OR you can find a digital version of the game on PC, PS4, Xbox One, Google Play, Amazon Store and iOS.

For more information check out the Blood Bowl Fan League!

4 – Online Gaming (Rocket League, CS:GO, League of Legends)

Around major events like the Super Bowl and national holidays, the online servers for A LOT of games see their populations dwindle. The casual players get all wrapped up in the festivities, and all that’s left are the die hard players.

If you really want to test your skill in games like Rocket League or CS:GO, then there is no better time than this very Sunday. You can tell your friends and family that you’re practicing for the eSports league, and that they will be watching you play League of Legends on the big screen in a few years…. Hey, a Geek can dream about more than just cartoon ponies, can’t he?

3 – Sports Related Manga

Much like the Rule 34 of the internet (my favorite rule, if you’re curious), if it exists, there is a Manga about it. Japanese manga are so ubiquitous that essentially everyone around is able to find something they’re interested in confined to a half-inch thick book.

From titles like Prince of Tennis, King Golf, Hikaru no Go, and Initial D, you are sure to find the book of your fancy.

Check out this list of The Top 50 Sports Related Manga’s from OtakuSmash and be amazed. I never would have dreamed I be interested in fishing manga!

2 – Kaiju Movie Marathon

If you have no interest in watching a bunch of big guys run around a field and beat each other up for a few hours, then why don’t you watch a bunch of big guys in MONSTER SUITS run around and beat each other up for a few hours!

There are so many to choose from that you don’t even have to limit yourself to just Godzilla and friends! Get some buddies, fire up the Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Torrents (not Torrents) or if you’re a die hard Kaiju fan break out those antique VHS tapes.

For a lighthearted twist on the big monster movie genre, you can snag yourself some episodes of MST3K! Their personal twist on the Gamera films always leave me in stitches.

1 – ACTUALLY WATCH THE GAME!

Didn’t see this one coming, did you? I know this may be counter intuitive to what this entire list is about, but actually watch the game! Get some of your friends together, get some bad food and alcohol and enjoy the damned festivities. Even if you’re like me and have ZERO interest in football, there is so much to offer.

The commercials alone should be enough to attract all the Geeks. We have plenty of hilarious commercials that will be the talk of the Twittersphere (or… Facebookverse?) come Monday, and you don’t want to be out of the loop. Keep an eye out for appearances from some internet famous (it’s a thing) people like The Texas Law Hawk and Giorgio Tsoukalos. We will also see plenty of Geeky ones too. The biggest (for us geeks) is the long-awaited Pokemon 20th Anniversary ad. Yeah, we all have already seen it, but seeing it on air is going to be exciting!

Aside from the commercials, of course there is also the legendary Half-Time show. Last years Katy Perry performance literally had me smiling from ear to ear (she always does), and for the last 11 years we’ve all been hoping for another wardrobe malfunction like we had back in 2004.

If you don’t have television, or are a cordcutter don’t fret! There are plenty of free, LEGAL, options to watch the big game. LifeHacker has compiled a giant list, but the easiest is snagging the CBS sports apps on your favorite streaming platform.

SO GEEKS! What are you going to be doing come Sunday? We’d love to hear what everyone has planned!

‘Rocket League’ Goes Back To The Future With Their Newest Car Pack!

by Shane O'HareOctober 12, 2015

This is the year of Back To The Future, and this is the month of Marty McFly’s adventure into the distance future! The folks over at Psyonix have teamed up with Universal to bring us the greatest time machine ever! Check out the quick teaser below.

https://youtu.be/MWTGyIwgvZw

The DeLorean Time Machine will be available for purchase on the legendary date, October 21st 2015. You can add it to your collection for a mere $1.99 or if you want more content, snag the Battle Cars DLC for $3.99 tomorrow!