Pac-Man Championship Edition 2: PS4 Review

Pac-Man Championship Edition 2: PS4 Review

Developer: Bandai Namco
Platform: PS4

Mixing chaos with pac-dots, speed with bright neon visuals, Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 is a nostalgic blast of arcade entertainment that's speedy at times, and needs to occasionally slow down.

Essentially, the main basic game is still the best and it's hard to improve on simplistic perfection; which is perhaps why Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 fires everything it has at the screen. And from time to time, that makes it less than ideal to play, but bizarrely, equally enticing.

Using consumable jump dots, ghost trains that can be added to by passing by dormant ghosts, and tumbling from one maze to the next, the game's anarchic touches are simultaneously enthralling and conversely want to make you scream at it to simply slow down.

Speeding through the mazes and scoffing Pac-Dots fills your counter and once it's full, you are offered fruit which when consumed, send you into the next maze. With a clock ticking down and speed rising, precision becomes more of an issue and a frustration as you hurtle into ghosts unexpectedly and unwantingly. The game allows you three bumps into a ghost before said ghost gets angry and comes for you.

Each level is graded and you progress through them by levels of score; it's a necessary touch to do so and the game's desire to see you progress is welcome. But Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 can feel like overload at times - it needs to slow down to improve the flow through of the game and that may be its flaw.

It's certainly not a fatal flaw as the game's simply fun at times; but with a little more breathing in between, it could have been much more.

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back: Film Review

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back: Film Review

Cast: Tom Cruise, Cobie Smulders, Aldis Hodge, Danika Yarosh, Robert Knepper
Director: Edward Zwick

Once again dialling down his mega-watt smile to get into the clothes of the cinematic equivalent of The Littlest Hobo, Tom Cruise returns as Jack Reacher. 

(Much to the annoyance of many who still believe he has neither the height nor the gravitas to fill the boots of their beloved Lee Child hero).

This time around, in the adaptation of the eighteenth book in the Reacher series from way back in 2003, Reacher's plunged deep into a major conspiracy when he tries to help out Army major Susan Turner (Avengers star Cobie Smulders) in charge of Reacher's old investigative unit.

Accused of treason, Turner's in the firing line and Reacher, out of a sense of duty and obligation from when the Major helped him with cases as he drifted from one to the next, busts her out of jail. But the pair soon find themselves on the run with the need to clear both their names.

However, Reacher's not only on the run from shadowy forces, but also having to face up to the fact he could be a father with news a former squeeze's filed a paternity claim with the army....

Rote, formulaic and flat, despite some occasional tautness of execution, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is as predictable a chase conspiracy movie as ever you'd expect.

A sinewy Cruise may do the action thing reasonably well, but Jack Reacher: Never Go Back never really starts firing at all as its pulpy and dull perfunctory execution plays out. It's part in fact due to its source material and the lumpen and leaden necessary exposition that needs to be dumped to keep things moving along; but with much of the main plot feeling relatively underdeveloped, it feels more like padding as we race from one action sequence to the next.

Saddling Reacher with a conundrum of is it or is it not his kid while Cruise flexes his jawbones and grits his teeth in a demonstration of his intensity doesn't cut it either.

Cobie Smulders doesn't fare well either - going from hard ass action gal to cuckold within the space of moments as the potential love interest is teased out into this nuclear family. It's intensely irritating as the surrogate dad and ultimate bonding storyline plays out - with the kid looking like a young Anna Paquin more and more as the film goes on. And it's barely worth mentioning that there's a distinct lack of chemistry between Smulders and Cruise when it really needs to count.

Missing this time around is a Werner Herzog style baddie to inject some oomph into proceedings - and while Prison Break's Robert Knepper once again rolls out his southern drawl with a side of menace, he's hardly in the film and barely registers - this Reacher is not about the conspiracy and is more about the idea of a drifter being saddled with a family (complete with gloopily sentimental ending) and flounders as a result.

This is a story where convenient things happen because the narrative conveniently demands them and demands nothing from its audience to join the dots.

Ultimately, utterly disposable and instantly forgettable, this formulaic blockbuster lacks the killer thrills and the smarter plot to propel it along with the energy it needs; in fact, Never Go Back proves to be a prophetic title for this Reacher outing.

Take to the skies with Eagle Flight

Take to the skies with Eagle Flight

TAKE TO THE SKIES WITH EAGLE FLIGHT™ - THE FIRST VIRTUAL REALITY GAME FROM UBISOFT^®

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – October 19, 2016 –Ubisoft has announced that its first Virtual Reality game, Eagle Flight, is now available on Oculus Rift and will be available on PlayStation^®VR on November 8 and HTC Vive on December 20.

Developed by FunHouse, a division of Ubisoft Montreal, Eagle Flight is set 50 years after humans have disappeared from Earth, where wildlife and nature have taken over Paris. The game lets players explore one of the most visited cities from a new point of view, as a bird of prey. As an eagle, players glide past historic landmarks and weave through narrow streets and secret passages. In single-player mode, players refine their flying skills, learning new tricks by competing in challenges and in multiplayer face-off in a heart-pounding capture-the-prey dogfights for up to three vs three players.

To view the launch trailer click the image below

Eagle Flight, developed specifically for VR, focuses strongly on accessibility and comfort. The game features a VR control technology breakthrough that provides players with natural and precise movement controls. With this breakthrough players can comfortably hone theirflying skills in order to achieve remarkable aerial manoeuvres, and experience the true sensation of flight.

“At Ubisoft we care deeply about innovation and new technology, so we’re excited to release Eagle Flight, our first Virtual Reality game,” said Patrick Plourde, VP of FunHouse. “Eagle Flight is a fantastic game for newcomers to VR and experienced players alike. The game is very intuitive, so novice players can simply boot up the game and fly at their own pace with ease. For more seasoned players looking for a more intense experience, they can jump into the single player challenges or into a multiplayer match where they will have to expertly navigate the streets, skies and underground of Paris as they try to capture the prey and defeat their opponents.”

Eagle Flight marks the first virtual reality game launch for Ubisoft, who are also working on Werewolves Within™, Star Trek^TM: Bridge Crew and a VR partnership with the film company, SpectreVision.

For more information about Eagle Flight, please visit eagleflightgame.com.

Paddington 2 cast announced

Paddington 2 cast announced

HUGH GRANT AND BRENDAN GLEESON JOIN ALL STAR RETURNING CAST

Producer David Heyman and STUDIOCANAL are delighted to announce the start of principal photography for Paul King’s highly anticipated PADDINGTON 2, revealing that Hugh Grant and Brendan Gleeson join the all-star returning cast of Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi, Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin with Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington and Imelda Staunton as Aunt Lucy. PADDINGTON 2 is now in production.

The much-anticipated sequel to the worldwide hit family film finds Paddington happily settled with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens, where he has become a popular member of the community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes. While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s hundredth birthday, Paddington spots a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber’s antique shop, and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book is stolen, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief…

Hugh Grant plays Windsor Gardens’ local celebrity, PHOENIX BUCHANAN, a vain, charming acting legend whose star has fallen somewhat in recent years. Grant is a Golden Globe and BAFTA winner, best known for his memorable performances in films like LOVE ACTUALLY and ABOUT A BOY, and was most recently seen in the critically acclaimed Stephen Frears’ comedy drama FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS opposite Meryl Streep.

Brendan Gleeson plays “KNUCKLES” MCGINTY, a notorious safe-cracker and legendary strongman who becomes an unexpected new ally for Paddington. Gleeson received an Emmy award for his portrayal of ‘Winston Churchill’ in HBO’s ‘INTO THE STORM’, and a Golden Globe nomination for IN BRUGES. Other recent credits include the HARRY POTTER series, EDGE OF TOMORROW and CALVARY. Upcoming features include Ben Affleck’s LIVE BY NIGHT, ASSASSIN’S CREED, ALONE IN BERLIN opposite Diane Keaton and TRESPASS AGAINST US opposite Michael Fassbender.

A Heyday Films and STUDIOCANAL production, Paddington’s return to the big screen is helmed by BAFTA nominated director Paul King (PADDINGTON, COME FLY WITH ME, THE MIGHTY BOOSH) written by Paul King and Simon Farnaby (PADDINGTON, YONDERLAND and the forthcoming MINDHORN).
Paddington 2 is produced by multi award-winning David Heyman (producer of all eight of the HARRY POTTER films, GRAVITY, THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS, FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM).

Universal Media Remote Released for PS4

Universal Media Remote Released for PS4

Unlock the Endless Entertainment of PlayStation®4 with the Officially Licensed Universal Media Remote Released Today

AUCKLAND, 19^TH October, 2016 - PlayStation® New Zealand are pleased to announce the officially licensed Universal Media Remote for PlayStation®4(PS4™) launches in New Zealand today.

Produced by PDP, the Universal Media Remote is designed to give users a more convenient and intuitive way to navigate and control their favourite PS4™ entertainment Apps and Blu-Ray Disc player right from your couch. The remote uses Bluetooth to control your PS4 system and can also be setup to control up to three additional devices, including a TV and audio receiver. 

“The Universal Media Remote is the perfect device for all the family to unlock their favourite content on PlayStation 4. Modelled on the traditional TV remote, it makes navigating your favourite entertainment apps feel familiar and easy. It’s a natural addition to our product range, and a perfect stocking filler as we lead in to Christmas,” said Michael Ephraim, Managing Director, Sony Interactive Entertainment Australia and New Zealand.

PlayStation has been working closely with local streaming service partners to ensure viewers get a great entertainment experience through PS4™.

The Universal Media Remote features the familiar PS4™ Buttons, including the most important buttons for navigating system menus and apps including the Action buttons (triangle, circle, cross, and square), Share, Options, and PlayStation buttons. 

The Universal Media Remote can be used with the following entertainment apps on PS4™ with more to come:

• Netflix
• TVNZ OnDemand
• Lightbox
• QuickFlix
• AnimeLab
• Blu-Ray Disc player
• YouTube

The PlayStation Universal Media Remote is available in stores now with a recommended retail price of $59.95 NZD.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Coming Spring 2017- Watch the Trailer this Friday, October 21st

Red Dead Redemption 2 Coming Spring 2017- Watch the Trailer this Friday, October 21st

Red Dead Redemption 2 Coming Spring 2017 - Watch the Trailer this Friday , October 21st at 2AM (ADT)

                    

Red Dead Redemption 2 will release worldwide in Spring 2017 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One systems.

An epic tale of life in America’s unforgiving heartland, the game's vast and atmospheric world will also provide the foundation for a brand new online multiplayer experience.

Watch the Red Dead Redemption 2 Trailer at 2AM ADT on Friday, October 20th at rockstargames.com, as well at the official Rockstar Games YouTube and Twitch pages.

Ouija: Origin Of Evil: Film Review

Ouija: Origin Of Evil: Film Review

Cast: Elizabeth Reaser, Annalise Basso, Lulu Wilson, Henry Thomas
Director: Mike Flanagan

There's just something about creepy kids that the horror genre has to keep mining  (just ask The Omen) - and Ouija: Origin of Evil has managed to add another one to the pantheon, thanks to this film, based on a board game (one of the wildest conceits the horror world has perhaps seen).

After a wildly financially successful but critically mauled first outing, the sequel, acting as a prequel heads to 1965 Los Angeles and to a widowed mother Alice (Reaser) struggling to make ends meet after the death of the patriarch. Equally struggling are daughters Paulina (Basso) and youngest Doris (Wilson, looking like a blonde CGI'd younger version of Reese Witherspoon).

Mum Alice is a medium, scamming people who visit but justifying it by offering them comfort for their pain. However, when business isn't powerful enough to keep the foreclosure ghosts away from their door, on Paulina's advice, she gets a Ouija board to use as a prop for her seances. But when youngest Doris claims to have been contacted by her father, something starts to go awry....

Ouija Origin Of Evil is at best a carbon copy horror film, filled with enough references to the past to stop it from being its own thing.

From the start with its usage of the old Universal logo to its vintage setting, use of significant moments from the era in the space age and execution (complete with the circles on the film used in the past to tell projectionists to change reels), this is a flick that's derivative of the genre and that squanders its genuine unease and unsettling set up for something rather familiar.

The deal's sealed when the priest played Henry "Elliott from ET" Thomas shows up outside the house, complete with suitcase and shadow in a blatant rip off from The Exorcist.

It's a shame because aside from the schlock standard jump scares, there's something relatively uneasy about the rather claustrophobic proceedings. From a soundtrack that exudes quiet rather than the traditional blast of a scraping OST to get the requisite jump moments to the evocative period setting, the beginning of Ouija Origin Of Evil is deeply unsettling thanks to tight camera angles and spooky goings on within the tightknit family.

However after Doris is possessed and her mouth starts apeing Munch's The Scream, the film starts to falter and the tropes and inherent illogical silliness that plagues some horror films infects the narrative, and it falls into a trapping of usual stock scares as the back half plays out and the malevolent moppet gets her grips into the family.

While it scores for being a bit more dour and downbeat than the usual fare trotted out for Hallowe'en, there's a feeling that Ouija: Origin Of Evil's more subtly written moments (grief of family, post-traumatic coping) are more successful in hitting the emotional beats than its schlockier edges.

But it still feels like this sequel is possessed by a rogue force rather than a benevolent one intent on ensuring the experience is a smoother ride - it's likely to be as successful as the first, but its derivative edges and reliance on illogical missteps mean it's creatively trapped in the past.