Armageddon 2015: It begins

Armageddon 2015: It begins

The 20th anniversary Armageddon has kicked off at the ASB Show grounds.

The event runs until Monday night - and here's a flavour of some of the things you'll see at the Armageddon Expo for 2015.

Armageddon Interview: Lou Diamond Phillips

Armageddon Interview: Lou Diamond Phillips

Hollywood actor Lou Diamond Phillips is in town for the Armageddon Expo

He took some time to talk La Bamba, Young Guns, which TV show he'd love to appear in after Longmire, and his brand new movie The 33.

The 33 is due to release in New Zealand next year.

Talking Armageddon: Manning Madman with Andrew Cozens - Marketing Coordinator, Madman NZ

Talking Armageddon: Manning Madman with Andrew Cozens - Marketing Coordinator, Madman NZ

With just hours to go till the 20th Armageddon Festival, Andrew Cozens - Marketing Coordinator, Madman NZ discusses the festival from their stand.


What’s the best part of being at Armageddon? 

Being primarily a distributor we’re one part removed from the end consumer. At Armageddon we get to deal with them directly and they’re amazing! We love how passionate they are about the content and the amount of effort some people put into cosplaying their favourite character. Sometimes they know more about a particular show than we do!

What’s the one item that you always sell really well – and why do you think that is? 
Well the most recent new releases always sell well but it’s our Studio Ghibli artbooks that are consistently at the top of the best-selling list at the end of each convention. I think when people can physically see these beautifully illustrated hardcover books, leaf through the pages… it’s a much easier decision than just being a sku on a page. They are also really hard to find outside of Armageddon so people have limited opportunities to buy them.

What does Armageddon mean to you? A joyful celebration of all things pop-culture… one big family of like-minded individuals.

What’s been your favourite moment at all of the Armageddons you have attended? From a business perspective.. when two sisters spent thousands of dollars between them at our booth in Wellington a few years back.. not sure it was entirely healthy but we’ve never seen anyone so keen for anime! My personal favourite moment was over ten years ago when I was just a punter. Getting to meet Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom) when I was such a massive Harry Potter fan at the time was pretty awesome. Still have that autograph in my room somewhere.

What’s the one thing at Armageddon this year that you have that you think is the coolest item? 
In the last year we’ve branched out into official figurines for some of our most popular anime shows.. but if I had to choose one item it would have to be the limited edition “Collected Works of Hayao Miyazaki” on blu-ray. We released it back in April but ran out super quick. There has been one more production run of the bluray boxset for Christmas so this is your last chance to grab it. Every single Hayao Miyazaki film on blu-ray including his early shorts, collectable postcards and a 32 page essay.. all housed in a beautiful hardcover box.

What’s been your favourite costume from the event? Probably a few years back at one of the Hamilton conventions – someone had made their own Catbus! That was so cool, we all wanted to take a turn inside it. Big cuddly Totoro’s always go down well too.

What do you want to see at this year’s 20th Anniversary Armageddon? Everything we’ve seen at past Armageddon’s – but bigger! It would be awesome to beat the attendance record again. Last year was just crazy. Because we’re working every day we don’t get much of a chance to see everything that’s going on.. it would be nice to see some cosplay come past our booth that blows us away – like the Catbus or the Rocket Guardians of The Galaxy cosplay we saw at Hamilton this year. If I do get time away from the booth I’d love to get some playtime with the new Uncharted game,  Fallout 4 or Star Wars Battlefront.

Armageddon 2015: Talking manning a stand with Retrospace's Rochelle Scoones

Armageddon 2015: Talking manning a stand with Retrospace's Rochelle Scoones

Retrospace is a science fiction collectables store, both online (www.retrospace.co.nz) and a physical shop at 22 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna in Auckland. Retrospace has had a stand at many of the Armageddon shows, and will be at the Auckland event this weekend. Retrospace is owned and run by Rochelle Scoones.

What’s the best part of being at Armageddon?

The best part is being in amongst the larger sci-fi pop culture community and meeting fellow fans. I enjoy catching up with our customers and friends, especially those from outside of Auckland who I don’t get to see the rest of the year. It’s always nice to meet new customers as well. At each Armageddon there will always be some people who are attending for the first time and haven’t been to our shop in Takapuna, so it’s neat to see their delight when they discover us.

What’s the one item that you always sell really well – and why do you think that is?

Sonic Screwdrivers are strong sellers year after year. They’re great cosplay items. Pop one out of its packet, press the button to make the lights and sounds - and away you go. Everyone wants to be the Doctor, and cosplay’s such a huge part of Armageddon. I’m expecting Doctor Who fans to show up wearing ‘sonic sunglasses’ this year (but I should add that we don’t have these for sale… yet!)

What does Armageddon mean to you?

Armageddon, and especially the Auckland show, is the biggest event on Retrospace’s calendar. We’ve exhibited at all five Armageddon shows this year, but Auckland will be by far the largest, both in terms of the size of our stand and the number of people expected to attend. We’ll go all out to make this special, with a wide range of products on sale. Unlike the Armageddon shows we’ve exhibited at in other cities, Auckland is home ground for us, so we can bring in fresh stock each day from our shop if we sell out of items at the show. It also means a lot of work both before and during the trading days, and I’m hugely grateful to our awesome band of helpers. Come and see us at stand #94!

What’s been your favourite moment at all of the Armageddons you have attended?

Hard to narrow it down to one as there has been so many. One highlight was having guest Seth Green (Robot Chicken) playing with the loose Star Wars figures on our stand. I’m a big Doctor Who fan so it was awesome to have classic series actors John Levene (Sergeant Benton) and Terry Molloy (Davros) signing on our stand. At one show Terry Molloy sat in the bottom half of a Dalek and put on his Davros voice. My hair stood on end! Another special moment was getting Armageddon guest artist Dean Rankine to draw me a personal tattoo commission, which I’ve now had immortalised in ink!

What’s the one thing at Armageddon this year that you have that you think is the coolest item?

It’s hard to narrow it down to just one thing, but we’ve just got in the Star Wars - The Force Awakens Pop Vinyl Figures, which are much-anticipated items. I’m also arranging to have a display of the highly-detailed Hot Toys 12” figures including Iron Man, the Hulk, Batman, Terminator and others. Many of these are limited editions and sure to sell fast.

What’s been your favourite costume from the event?

Definitely the Catbus (from the Miyazaki film My Neighbor Totoro), a huge costume ‘worn’ by a few people. There was room for others to get ‘on’ or ‘off’ the bus as it wove through the crowd. So cool!

What do you want to see at this year’s 20th Anniversary Armageddon?

I like to see everybody having as much fun as possible. That’s what Armageddon’s all about. I’m hoping to get along to one or two of the guest talks if possible, particularly those with the Supernatural guests as I’m currently marathoning the series as time allows. I rarely manage to get away from our stand for long as we’re usually so busy, but I suppose that’s a good thing!

Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension: Film Review

Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension: Film Review

Cast: Chris J Murray, Brit Shaw, Ivy George, Dan Gill, Olivia Taylor Dudley
Director: Gregory Plotkin

It began back in 2007 and after global box office domination, spawned another four films of varying degrees of success.

Now, the final film is here in the Paranormal Activity franchise and promising answers after a series of haunted house / demonic child-bothering set up some tantalising ideas.

This time around, it's all set around a family, The Fleeges, dad Ryan(Murray) and mum Emily (Shaw) who just before Christmas, has recently moved to a new home, along with their moppet kid Leila (George). When Ryan's brother Mike comes to visit, he discovers a box of video tapes and a camera discarded in a corner...

Not long after this discovery and discovering that the camera can somehow see otherworldly things, strange hauntings and noises start to plague them all as a demonic creature makes its presence felt (under the Christmas tree).

Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension does little to fully wrap up the franchise, even though it offers some answers as to why the Midwives coven's been floating around for these past stories - but fails to fully wrap up Katie's story (a potentially loose end for when financial panic hits).

The film's MO is much the same as the others with bumps, jump scares and jolts stirring the pot up. But with the addition of the 3D, the film has chosen to employ some occasionally effective, but at the same time some unoriginal things-flying-at-the-screen scares. 

For the most part this Nightmare before Christmas doesn't need the 3D and it's mostly turned off until the night time, when the ghostly goings on begin but when wearing the dark glasses makes the viewing experience even more murky. There are a few effective jump scares as the family begins being menaced by what effectively is the Venom goo from Spider-man 3 but they are mainly of the flying at the camera variety. And it taps into a basic primal fear that suburbia relishes - parents who can't fully protect their children from evil, a deeply rich vein that will unsettle all.

And it's a shame certainly in chief for its final sequence that strays into such OTT territory that the film's reasonably effective work at building atmosphere and sustaining the creeps but not deviating from the formula (which is not necessarily a good thing, given how much of a rehash it all is).

However, Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension is a frustrating experience because of the protagonists' behaviour and the editing of the film. Not once do the characters check the footage they've taken through the night, they know their daughter is being haunted but persist in letting her sleep alone and they make stupid decisions, even though little happens around the house.

Why they don't let others use the camera to show the activity to them is beyond understanding.

The frat boy hijinks of the start when Mike shows fizzle out giving the film an uneven tone and an entirely predictable riff on the Exorcism and Poltergeist takes place. Equally, when moments happen in the film, they cut off halfway through, leaving a feeling of a conclusion of events sorely wanting.

The biggest disappointment of Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension though is how it wraps things up. There are no spoilers here, but given the Coven's ultimate plan is revealed, quite why it needed 5 other films to tease it is beyond belief and the fact that Katie Featherston's Katie is not in it when she proved so incremental at the beginning and was a loose end is nigh on irritating.

Ultimately, Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension is an entirely weak ending to the series, a creatively bereft film that scorns those who've been along for the ride from the start.

Despite a few creative moments here and there that transcend the plot's ideas, it's narratively empty, a film that rehashes both the best and worst of what's gone before and offers no new ground and relies on 3D to give it a USP that's not compelling or exciting. It's clear more is coming (so many loose ends) but really, this found footage franchise needs to be lost and buried for good now.

Rating:

Game of Thrones Free Download ahead of season finale

Game of Thrones Free Download ahead of season finale

'Game of Thrones®: A Telltale Games Series' First Episode Now Free to Download Ahead of Season Finale    A Telltale Games Series Set in the World of the Emmy Award®-Winning HBO® Drama Prepares for Simultaneous Retail and Worldwide Finale Release this November

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., October 21st, 2015 -- Leading and award-winning developer and publisher of digital entertainment Telltale Games and HBO Global Licensing today announced that the premiere episode of Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series is now free starting this week on consoles and mobile devices. Telltale also announced the release dates for the upcoming season finale episode, 'The Ice Dragon,' which will debut at the same time as the full season's retail disc release on consoles and PC beginning November 17th.  Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen) in new TV Cast Featurette Based on the award-winning HBO television drama series, Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series tells the story of House Forrester. Caught up in the fight for the Iron Throne, they are placed in a precarious position where members of the household must do everything they can to prevent the house from meeting its doom.   The critically-acclaimed first episode, 'Iron From Ice,' is now free to download on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, and Xbox 360, and is also free to download on all compatible iOS and Android-based devices. The season will also debut on disc at retailers worldwide beginning November 17th on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and in Europe on PC, for the suggested retail price of $29.99 USD or equivalent. Also on November 17th, the critically-acclaimed season will come to its dramatic conclusion in the season finale episode, 'The Ice Dragon,' marking the first time in Telltale's release history that the finale will be available to download simultaneously across all console, PC/Mac and mobile platforms, day and date, worldwide.  "The epic conclusion to the season is the most ambitious and diversely presented episode we've ever produced," said Kevin Bruner, CEO and Co-Founder of Telltale Games. "The fate of House Forrester has been in the hands of players all season long, and the finale will be tailored to provide a uniquely harrowing conclusion for each and every player based on the decisions they've made in the game thus far." The game series is based on the world, characters and events seen in the hit HBO TV show, which in turn is based on George R. R. Martin's books (A Song of Ice and Fire). The events in the game series begin towards the end of Season Three of the series, and end right before the beginning of Season Five. Players visit familiar locations such as King's Landing and The Wall, as well as unfamiliar locations such as Ironrath, the home of House Forrester.   The game is played from five different points of view. Each is either a direct Forrester family member, or a person in service to the House. Scattered across Westeros and Essos, each will play their part in seeking to save House Forrester from destruction.   Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series is rated 'M' (Mature) for Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, and Strong Language by the ESRB.   For more information on Telltale Games, visit the official website, Facebook for Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series, and follow Telltale Games on twitter@TelltaleGames.

GTA Online: Lowriders Now out

GTA Online: Lowriders Now Available

GTA Online: Lowriders is now available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC as an automatic update. This latest addition to GTA Online features Benny's Original Motor Works, the hottest vehicle customization garage in Los Santos. Located in Strawberry, just south of the Olympic Freeway, Benny's specializes in custom Lowrider modifications for select vehicles including two brand new rides – the Declasse Moonbeam van, which allows for two-handed weapons to be fired from the back doors, and the Willard Faction, as well as four classics already in-game.

Another satisfied customer exiting Benny’s Original Motor Works.

Any of these six select vehicles can be customized to the hilt inside and out, with Hydraulics, Engines, Steering Wheels, Rims, Tires, Gear Shift Levers, Horns, Bobbleheads, rear window Plaques, Vanity Plates & Plate Holders, Soundsystem Mods, custom Paint Jobs and much more. For just a taste of what Benny's has to offer, check out yesterday's video.
 
Enlist your friends and Crewmates to help Lamar take on the Ballas and Vagos.

Meanwhile, Lamar is hatching a scheme to become the ruler of Los Santos’ Lowrider scene, and needs some loyal subjects to help put him on the throne. To do so, you’ll be taking on the biggest gangs in the city through a mix of subterfuge, skill and pure firepower. Keep an ear out for Lamar’s phone calls and tackle eight new Contact Missions charting his quest for power.

Fresh arrivals at Ammu-Nation include the rapid fire Machine Pistol and the devastating Machete. While you're there, why not pick up newly available luxury weapon finishes for a selection of existing weapons including the Special Carbine and Assault SMG.  You’ll also notice that Ammu-Nation has reorganized to make room for all the new weaponry.

NEW ADVERSARY MODES

• Keep the Pace – Stay above a minimum speed while racing around courses littered with jumps and obstacles. If you slow down too much, you’ll explode.
   
• Offense Defense – Teams of two split into Runners and Protectors. Runners aim to be the first to get to the end of a route. Protectors, in faster and more powerful vehicles, must block and run opposing Runners off the road, while protecting their Runner from the other teams.
   
• Relay – A team Race in which players take turns, each completing a lap before tagging a teammate. Non-active drivers wait in the pen to be tagged, while active drivers complete a lap for their team.

4TH PURCHASEABLE PROPERTY & 25% REBATE AT DYNASTY 8 THIS WEEK
Expand your property portfolio up to a maximum of four Apartments or Garages. There's never been a better time to purchase that extra space to store all these new custom Lowriders – and from now through this Sunday October 25th, Dynasty 8 is offering a one-time 25% REBATE on your next qualified purchase of a property with a 10-car garage. Qualifying is easy – just have your email address verified with the Social Club, be on the Rockstar Mailing List and be a member of any Social Club Crew. To fulfill the requirements, login to your Social Club profile – and if you're already qualified, just purchase any property with a 10-car garage. 

It’s all in the details – customize your rides from bumper to bumper and everything in between.

ROCKSTAR EDITOR UPDATE: SCENE CREATOR
The Scene Creator is a brand new feature added to the Rockstar Editor's Director Mode, enabling you to create custom settings for capturing your Rockstar Editor clips. Select from over 200 available props (including explosives) and position them to create the perfect backdrop. You can also save up to four scenes so you can reuse them whenever you like.

AND MORE...

• New clothing, hair, tattoos and accessories: Dozens of new options to match your new Lowriders.
• Personal Vehicle Remote: You can now use the Player Interaction Menu to remotely open your trunk, doors or hood to show off your new rides.  You can also turn on the engine, lights and the radio all while standing outside admiring your vehicle.
• Freemode Weapon pickups: 200 separate weapon pickups are now scattered across Los Santos and Blaine County. Keep an eye out for them as you roam through Freemode.
• Changes to Performance Mod Unlocks: Performance mods are now more accessible and unlock by rank, as well as via Race wins. 
• Destroy Last Place: A new option has been added to Races, upping the stakes for those in the back of the pack. The host can set it to be effective each lap, every 15 seconds, every 30 seconds or every 60 seconds – and the player in last will be blown up at the corresponding interval.
• Extra Weapons in the Creator: All previously released weapons that are not restricted by time-limited events will now be available for use in the Creator tool.
• Quick Ammo Restock Option: Quickly refill your ammo directly from the Player Interaction Menu.  Quickly add rounds to any weapon, or max out your ammo for that weapon type.
• Pearlescent Crew Color: New paint options for Crew members in the Mod Shop.
• New Player Actions: Three new player actions will be available via the Player Interaction Menu: Chicken, Chin Brush and No Way.
• Updated PC Mouse Control Options: An option has been added to the Settings Menu to allow players to swap between Roll/Pitch and Yaw/Pitch mouse flying control types.