The Wolf Among Us: Episodes 1 and 2 PS3 Review

The Wolf Among Us: Episodes 1 and 2 PS3 Review

Released by TellTale Games
Platform: PS3

TellTale Games has built itself a reputation on story telling, and that helped it to achieve wider acclaim with The Walking Dead game that was released last year (and has just had episode 2 of season 2 recently released onto the market)

So, the bar was incredibly high for The Wolf Among Us, another similar story, presented in a similar way with graphic novel visuals and point and press ways of interacting.

Based on Bill Winningham's Fables stories, the story which is currently unfolding is a prequel to that run. You take the role of Bigby Wolf, the sheriff of the town of Fabletown and who's called in to investigate a disturbance in an apartment block by Mr Toad.

However, when Wolf gets there, he finds not everything is as it seems and that it's hard for him to keep the residents of Fabletown hidden from the human world around him. Episode One, Faith, sets out the world, its inhabitants and proffers up a story that's engaging, beautifully presented and has all the grit (and language) of a gumshoe novel. As Bigby begins to trace what's going on, it leads up to a stunningly gripping cliffhanger that we've had to wait months for for the resolution.

Episode 2, Smoke and Mirrors, takes up that cliffhanger, but also puts you more in control of Bigby and the investigation. Whereas the first episode is a lot more about exploring, this second is more about the nitty gritty and minutiae of investigating a case and so grounds you more in the characters and developments within. You can unleash the nastiness within - as is evidenced early on in an investigation sequence which sees Bigby (and you) given the choice to beat the answers he needs out of a victim - and to be frank, delving into the darker side of the character seems right and natural as the story progresses.

Choices inform the path of the narrative and that's really what gives Telltale Games the edge they need - you'll come back to these for a second bite, another chance to go the other way and to see how that informs your overall experience - it makes for an engaging time on the console, rather than the feeling that you're constricted by the point and click nature of the game.

The Wolf Among Us is currently progressing, and if this review seems a little spoiler-lite, that's because the best way to play it is on your own, making your own choices and enjoying what transpires. It'll be very rare that any two games will be the same - and with episode two pushing the narrative further on, you'd be wise to jump into Fabletown now and play it episodically because there's something clever going on here; it's a subversion of what the gaming experience can be and it's definitely worth being part of.

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inFamous: Second Son: PS4 Review

inFamous: Second Son: PS4 Review

Released by Sucker Punch
Platform: PS4

It's your choice to be good - or evil.

The first two inFamous games were excellent fun, a heady mix of wanton destruction (if you so desired) or the chance to follow the path of righteousness as you guided Cole McGrath around the world.

But the final game in the series ended somewhat definitively, so there was no way another game could be anything but a reboot. And here it is...

Seven years on after the events that ended inFamous 2, you play Delsin Rowe, a Native American kid, who's prone to beanie wearing and street tagging. That puts him into conflict with Reggie, his brother and also the local sheriff (so, in effect, Delsin's moral compass). When a truck carrying three Conduits crashes in Delsin's reservation, he tries to help one who's trapped, but inadvertently gets given powers. Which, if you're a street kid, is a great idea - but if you're a hunted Conduit, pursued by the Department of Unified Protection (DUP), it's not such good news....

Confronted by the leader of the DUP, Augustine, Delsin's forced into a battle to save his people who are being tortured by her power. With time running out, he's got to find Augustine and save the day. Or wreak havoc, whichever you choose....

Delayed at the launch of the PlayStation 4, there was much hope for inFamous: Second Son. And a demo that I played recently seemed to indicate that action and fighting were the MO for this latest, with developers Sucker Punch choosing not to veer too far away from the things that made the other entrants into this series so damn popular.

READ A HANDS ON PREVIEW OF INFAMOUS SECOND SON

But what the demo didn't really show was the depth of the gameplay - it certainly showed the fantastic visuals of the open world gaming, with HD and Next Gen firmly coming into its own. Certainly, visually, it's never looked more beautiful - particularly once Delsin comes into contact with fellow conduit Fetch, the neon glows look stunning. In fact, the open world of Seattle where Delsin ends up is wonderfully crafted - from night time scenes to the daytime and the Space Needle, there's so much effort gone into the world around and it lends itself to simply hurtling around the skies or running up buildings to sample the designers' delights.

Yep, you can run up buildings in this new game - with a burst of vibrant neon stripes, Delsin can circle tall buildings in one bound. Other smoke powers mean he can use vents to zip from base to top - all without a hint of a glitch in the graphics. Which is good, because there are occasionally some glitches in the game - particularly at the start. In some parts I was able to walk through solid objects ( a pole in a street, a building wall) which was a real concern. A patch appeared to take care of that, but you'll have to remember to do that at the start or you'll suffer. And conversations on screen appear to conflict too, with some over-running on each other, making messages a little garbled. (The patch didn't appear to fix that and unless you have subtitles on, it makes it difficult)

And it's the powers which make inFamous: Second Son the fun that it is - sucking up smoke and absorbing neon ( as well as one other, which is equally as fun) mean you can blast the pesky DUP as you hurtle around the city (and you'll need to do that to free districts from their grip). Combat can be quite hard with some powers not quite cutting it at the start, but again, collecting blast shards from around the city will help you boost those powers the more you play. Initial fighting is with a chain (a la God of War) but upgrading to neon gives you a kind of light sabre lance that's great to use on unsuspecting baddies.

There's a feeling of familiarity though - it's very similar to the other inFamous games but just with the next generation elements thrown in to showcase the fact that it's on the PS4. That said, you get a chance to improve Delsin's street art by turning the DualShock into a spray can which is done by turning the controller on its side, shaking and spraying. (On a side note, keep an eye out for other street tags around the city - so far I've found Sly Raccoon - but who knows what else is out there)

Side missions keep you amused as you go from district to district, but they're very familiar as you usually end up in some conflict with the DUP - thankfully though the story missions prove engaging as you choose whether to corrupt or redeem fellow Conduits. This gives the game the chance to get a second run through - and it's up to you whether you come back to it.

The initial patch also brings up the PaperTrail missions, a side game where Delsin has to follow another Conduit and work on some murders, submitting evidence which is uploaded to an online profile. While it's not exactly multiplayer (and really how would that work in inFamous), it's an engaging enough activity.

While inFamous: Second Son may appear to have a degree of familiarity in terms of gameplay, there's no denying this latest is a lot of fun. It's a solidly playable open-worlder that is entertaining, engaging and a good showcase for what the PS4 can do - from impressively detailed cut scene animation to great time-wasting, there's definitely the feeling that inFamous: Second Son is an essential title and a sign that greatness is to come on the PS4.

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Full X Men: Days of Future Past trailer released

Full X Men: Days of Future Past trailer released

Mutants of the world unite, the X Men: Days of Future Past trailer is here!

The ultimate X-Men ensemble fights a war for the survival of the species across two time periods inX-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST. 

The beloved characters from the original "X-Men" film trilogy join forces with their younger selves from "X-Men: First Class," in an epic battle that must change the past -- to save our future.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier: Movie Review

Captain America: The Winter Soldier: Movie Review

Cast: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Redford, Samuel L Jackson, Anthony Mackie
Director: Anthony and Joe Russo

The first Captain America movie in 2011 was an impressive introduction to Steve Rogers and his patriotic derring-do, but left the nagging feeling that maybe the Captain was a little wet behind the ears and a weak link in the Avengers' admittedly strong chain.

Thankfully, this sequel blows that perception out of the water and hits yet another major home-run for the Marvel World.

Struggling to adjust back into modern life, Rogers soon finds his life thrown into turmoil when an assassination attempt on one of S.H.I.E.L.D's higher ups takes place. Thrown into the web of intrigue and in the midst of a deepening conspiracy, Rogers is forced to team up with Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow to get to the bottom of what exactly is going on.

However, the Captain's not sure who he can trust - and when an old enemy, The Winter Soldier, shows up, things get even more complicated.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a sequel that fires on all cylinders and offers up a blockbuster experience that's simultaneously old-fashioned yet also current. Meshing superheroics and action with a spy / conspiracy is a great mix for the film and the audience alike. Throwing in references to other Marvel events so casually means that the film-makers have ensured their loyal fans aren't ignored and the casual viewer isn't alienated (even if a knowledge of Captain America: The First Avenger proves to be a bonus point).

But it's not just a clandestine conspiracy and threats of a New World Order that propels this Marvel movie to greatness - it's the richness of the development of the hitherto slightly weaker Steve Rogers. Questions over transgressions from the past, whistle-blowing, the age old debate over civil liberties and the feeling of alienation in a modern day world all give Evans a chance to flesh out the character that needed a darker moral edge, while proffer him the opportunity to question his position in it all. It also helps sell the whole lack of trust angle that's so crucial to this film working - there are enemies within this time around. Evans also impresses in the action stakes with some serious kick-ass action sequences being pivoted by the man himself (and his shield frisbee).

While some of the twists can be seen coming a little way off and are slightly predictable, the action sequences  and occasional quips more than make up for it. High-intensity, adrenaline filled and yet carefully measured, the scenes work very well - and offer something new without resorting on CGI antics to have the desired effect. A beat-down in a lift, a completely original freeway chase and an opening sequence on board a boat that would make Captain Phillips blush, all combine to provide a real tonic to the genre, while grounding it in a kind of reality that's broadly appealing.

Of the supporting (and vulnerable) characters, Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow gets a beefed up role as she's sent on a road trip with the Cap, and Robert Redford's veteran S.H.I.E.L.D bigwig Alexander Pierce keeps you guessing which side he's on. Samuel L Jackson provides the requisite level of cool as Nick Fury giving the character an arc that will no doubt have reverberations for the S.H.I.E.L.D universe as a whole. Marvel universe continuity gets a nod with the introduction of Agent 13 (aka Revenge star Emily Van Camp) and the Winter Soldier himself, who appears to channel the Terminator in terms of his relentless pursuit (no spoilers here, but the mythology follows the line - even if the eventual reveal of who the Soldier is can be seen a mile off thanks to some over laboured flashbacks). A great addition to the team is Anthony Mackie, whose Falcon gets the lion share of the best lines, but who proves to be a vital asset to the team.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a blockbuster of the highest order - accessible, wildly entertaining and truthful to its own canon, it's proof the Marvel juggernaut shows no sign of stopping.

Oh, and watch out for the subtle mention of Tim Tams.... and stick around for 2 post credits scenes.

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ZB Movie Review - Pompeii, Cuban Fury and Need For Speed

ZB Movie Review - Pompeii, Cuban Fury and Need For Speed

This weekend on Jack Tame on NewsTalk ZB, I was talking ancient history, dancing and fast cars

Reviews of Pompeii, Cuban Fury and Need For Speed follow here...

http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/auckland/listen-on-demand/audio/1693709455-darren-bevan--at-the-movies

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire: Blu Ray Review

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire: Blu Ray Review

Rating: M
Released by Roadshow Entertainment

Following the massive critical and public success of the first part of The Hunger Games trilogywas never going to be an easy ask.

Suzanne Collins' dystopian take on a world where youngsters from Districts are forced to kill each other while the richer watch on was a stunningly good first film, that wrapped up social discord with an impressive heroine.

In the second film of The Hunger Games trilogy, Jennifer Lawrence returns as Katniss Everdeen, the winner of the 74th Hunger Games and champion of District 12. But it's not easy being the apple of the eye of the oppressed masses, and Everdeen's victory in the games, coupled with the way she's united the downtrodden, marks her out as a target as society teeters dangerously on the verge of collapse. Especially when the Districts of Panem begin to rebel against years of being beaten down.

Things take an even worse turn for Katniss when thanks to President Snow's interpretation of the rules of the Hunger Games, a new and more deadly version of events requires them to re-enter the arena with other previous winners and once again, fight to the death....

Greyer, grimmer, darker and even more dystopian than before, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is an almost unrelentingly bleak second chapter of the series. Jennifer Lawrence is a more damaged Katniss, traumatised by her role as a killer in the arena, and troubled by ghosts from the past of both kills and colleagues. (A sly commentary on how Post Traumatic Stress Disorder affects those whom we send into war - no matter what their age.) So, it's bad enough that she has to live the games' victory over and over in the Victory Tour, and Lawrence brings a troubled touch to her performance; her very first shot sees her crouching ready to strike, with what could be sweat or a tear dripping down her face. Lawrence once again rises to the rich emotional beats of the story and the grit at the centre of this tale of the cost of independence and fanning the flame of revolution.

Having not read the source material, I did have some concerns this latest would be a rehash of the first in terms of dumping the tributes back into the arena and getting them to duke it out again. While to a degree, that would seem a fair criticism, there's much more build up and seething bubbling unrest to get through into the pre-amble before we're dropped gladiatorially into the arena. There's a slightly more expanded role (and pre-requisite shirtless scene) for Liam Hemsworth this time around in the Catching Fire movie, but once again Katniss and Gale's supposedly epic romance doesn't quite hit the mark, faltering in the face of the challenge from Josh Hutcherson's Peeta, who brings into play the pair's inter-dependence as well as the  growing existence of his own feelings toward Katniss. 

Coupled with the fact that some of the other tributes are unfortunately so weakly sketched out that you care not when they fall, some of the emotional beats of the story don't hit the target with the strength of one of Everdeen's arrows. The film prefers to concentrate on the dynamics within Peeta, Katniss and their uneasy alliances - it's a move which just works but doesn't quite give you the massive emotional pull you need and were given in the first Hunger Games movie. Newcomers to the group - Jeffery Wright, Sam Clafin, Jena Malone and Phillip Seymour Hoffman - are given indication they will play greater roles in the finale, but provide solid starting appearances. It's more nature which is the danger this time around - both metaphorically and literally.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fireis more about the enemy within and the politics of life; be it President Snow's implied threats (masterfully seethed by Donald Sutherland), Effie's continued orchestrating of the pair's public appearances, Katniss' own demons (exemplified by Lawrence's restrained yet emotionally rich turn) or the politics of beating down the masses, and dealing with traumatic scars, all of which are bled out into an ominously brooding and at times, distinctly dark, teen blockbuster.

The look and feel of the second Hunger Games movie is one of desperation - even the lush jungle where the Tributes are forced to re-fight for their lives is a place scarred by combat and doesn't breathe new life into the broodingly oppressive and bleak tone of the film. Even the garish OTT costumes have been dialled down in tone and gone are the bright colours, swapped for duller colours, symbolising the troubled world around.

A few shots of the rather Messianic Everdeen are laid on heavily during the action (she's the saviour of the masses dontcha know), and the symbolism is so overt, it's hard to ignore. But the ending of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire leaves you feeling you've seen something special; while it doesn't expand the Panem mythology much further than the first and ends on a downbeat note heading into the final sprint, it's certainly exhilarating to watch it unfold. That's mainly thanks to Lawrence's complex portrayal of a heroine, morally troubled by her place in the world and fighting the pull between teen idealism and a growing awareness of the horrors of the real world around her.

It's another year to wait for the first part of the Hunger Games finale Mockingjay, but given Jennifer Lawrence has breathed so much life and vulnerability into Katniss Everdeen, it looks like the odds are forever in the favour of this franchise continuing to be so successful.
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The Butler: Blu Ray Review

The Butler: Blu Ray Review

Rating: M
Released by Universal Home Ent

In The Butler, Forest Whitaker plays Cecil Gaines, an African-American butler in the White House. Gaines served 34 years in the employ of various presidents. It begins with Gaines reflecting back on his life as he waits to meet Barack Obama.

Taking in his father's death at a cotton plantation and then being taught the ways of servitude before ending up in Washington after being hand picked by a White House head-hunter. Gaines finds his place in the serving world and forms a relationship with fellow butlers (played by Cuba Gooding Jr and Lenny Kravitz).

Against this backdrop of serving eight Presidents from 1957 to the 1980s,The Butler also focuses on the tempestuous Civil Rights movement and race relations as Gaines negotiates his own family woes - from a growing alcoholic wife Gloria (Oprah Winfrey) to a politically active son Louis (a tremendous performance by former Spooks star David Oyelowo), who can't stay away from the fight for the African-American quest for independence.

Lee Daniels' The Butler is of the ilk of The Help; it showcases an ugly chapter in America's history and attempts to use Hollywood to bring to life certain moments which have been swept under the carpet. Based on the life of Eugene Allen, it's nothing short of unsubtle in places to be honest; once again, the message is repeatedly sledge-hammered home when a simple more understated approach would have worked wonders.

Whitaker is venerable as Gaines, and Winfrey is stoic as his wife; but Lee Daniels' The Butler belongs more to Oyelowo who captures the antagonism of the father/ son / Civil Rights conflict perfectly and subtly with a performance that's captivating in among the sentimental, plodding mush of the predictable story.

It's weird as well as thanks to the various castings of the different presidents (Robin Williams as Eisenhower, John Cusack as Nixon, James Marsden as JFK, Alan Rickman as Reagan), you start to become distracted by who will be next in the presidential parade.

Overall, Lee Daniels' The Butler is one of those kind of cloying, race relations, Oscar-baiting films which is servicably made, but lacks the tenacity to bring the subtlety at strong moments, resulting in the direction feeling more heavy handed than anything. It's a shame because after a while, the plodding nature of parts of the film begin to grate and irritate, rather than inspire and appal as it should do.

Extras: Doco, behind the scenes, deleted scenes, gag reel, music video

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