Return to Morrowind in a New Chapter of The Elder Scrolls Online!

Return to Morrowind in a New Chapter of The Elder Scrolls Online!

Today Bethesda Softworks announced The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind, the next Chapter of ZeniMax Online Studios’ award-winning online RPG, The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO). This new adventure will return Elder Scrolls fans to the legendary island of Vvardenfell, the same iconic environment featured in Bethesda Game Studios’ genre-defining open world RPG, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.

Introducing an enormous new zone, a new player class, more than 30 hours of main story content, a new Trial, and a new three-team, 4v4v4 PvP mode, The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will be the biggest addition to The Elder Scrolls Online yet, offering a new adventure for ESO veterans as well as a fresh Elder Scrolls saga for players new to the game.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will release globally for PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on June 6, 2017.  The game is now available for pre-order for PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. To learn more and pre-order the game, please visit www.ElderScrollsOnline.com.

A NEW ELDER SCROLLS CHAPTER FOR EVERYONE The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind redefines the traditional MMO expansion by delivering vast new content and features that are equally accessible and fun for both existing and new ESO players. · New Players: New players can jump into The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind and start a new character without having to complete any previous ESO content. And, since the original ESO game is included with The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind, new players will have instant access to hundreds of hours of additional adventures throughout Tamriel. · Existing Players: ESO veterans will be able to upgrade and immediately journey to Vvardenfell to start the new epic adventure. With the power of October’s One Tamriel update, existing players will find level-appropriate content from the moment they step onto the island of Vvardenfell, regardless of level. Existing players can also choose to create a new character and begin anew. · Haven’t played ESO in a while? The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind is a great chance to jump back in with your existing characters, or with a completely new one. Because ESO has no required subscription, you can just reinstall the game, log in, and start playing again. RETURN TO MORROWIND Vvardenfell is the largest zone added to The Elder Scrolls Online since launch and utilizes the same geographic footprint as The Elder Scrolls III, including all key points of interest from the classic game. Players will embark on a dangerous journey through legendary locales in Vvardenfell, 700 years before the events of The Elder Scrolls III, from the docks of Seyda Neen, to the volcanic Ashlands, to dense, mushroom-filled forests, and through the glory of Vivec City, still under construction in this time period. NEW CLASS – THE WARDEN Players will harness nature-based magic to master the powerful new character class - The Warden. The Warden is the first new class since launch of ESO and true to ESO and the Elder Scrolls franchise, the player will have the freedom to select from a number of abilities that enable a variety of play styles. The Warden also introduces a devastating new combat ally – the War Bear – a ferocious fighter will stay by the Warden’s side through the most intense battles. AN INCREDIBLE ELDER SCROLLS STORY Set roughly 700 years prior to the events of The Elder Scrolls III, The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will take gamers on a sweeping adventure through the legendary Vvardenfell, featuring iconic locations, characters, and storylines that will instill nostalgia with longtime Elder Scrolls fans and extend ESO’s narrative into a new chapter. Morrowind is in dire peril and it’s up to player heroes to help Vivec, the legendary warrior-poet and Guardian of Vvardenfell, solve the mystery of his mysterious illness, regain his strength – and save the world from ultimate destruction. NEW PvP MODE -- BATTLEGROUNDS The Elder Scrolls Online is renowned for open world PvP battles, pitting hundreds of players in a massive battle for supremacy in Cyrodiil. The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will introduce a new PvP mode – Battlegrounds – intense 4v4v4 battles in arena-like environments. Players take the battle to the Ashlands to claim their place among the fiercest and most accomplished combat veterans in Tamriel. RELEASE AND VERSION DETAILS; PRE-ORDER BONUSES The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will release globally for PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on June 6, 2017. The game is now available for pre-order on all platforms. Please visit www.ElderScrollsOnline.com for more information. Editions available include: · Physical Standard Edition (AUD$99.95 / NZD$119.99 on PS4 and Xbox One and AUD$89.95 / NZD$99.99 on PC):Includes The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind as well as The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited. · Upgrade Edition (AUD$59.95 / NZD$69.95): Existing players can upgrade their current game to unlock the new The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind content. · Digital Collector’s Edition (AUD$114.95 / NZD$139.95): A special collection of in-game bonuses are available through the Digital Collector’s Edition, including: o Collector’s Edition Grey Bear – An exclusive grey War Bear for use while playing as the Warden. o Armored War Horse – Players can charge into battle atop this steed clad in armor fashioned with ancient Dwarven plate. o Dwarven Spider Pet – A personal Dwarven Spider is ready for adventure through Vvardenfell. o Morag Tong Converter – Players can flaunt their commitment to the assassins by customizing their gear with the distinct style of the Morag Tong. o Character Emotes – Celebrate victory in the battlegrounds with this bundle of exclusive emotes. Includes all in-game rewards contained in the Pre-Order Bonus “Discovery Pack.” Includes The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited. · Digital Collector’s Upgrade (AUD$99.95 / NZD$119.95): Existing players who only need an upgrade can grab all the digital goodies from the Digital Collector’s Edition with the Digital Collector’s Upgrade. · Physical Collector’s Edition (AUD$139.95 / NZD $149.99)The ultimate fan of The Elder Scrolls Online can grab the Collector’s Edition, which contains everything included in the Digital Collector’s Edition, as well as: Dwarven Colossus Statue – Recreated with the help of sacred Dwarven texts, this 12” tall replica of the Colossus that starred in the announcement trailer stands ready to defend treasures. Naryu’s Journal – A full-color, large-format book chronicling Morag Tong assassin Naryu’s pursuit of a conspiracy across Tamriel. Illustrated with a broad array of concept art. Map of Morrowind – Players can chart adventures throughout Vvardenfell with this handy map at their side. Exclusive Game Case – A limited edition metallic case bearing the marks of Vivec and the Tribunal. Includes all in-game rewards contained in the Pre-Order Bonus “Discovery Pack.” Includes The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited. · PRE-ORDER BONUS -- THE DISCOVERY PACK: Fans who pre-order The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will be rewarded with a collection of exclusive in-game bonuses, including: o Exclusive Warden Costume – An exclusive costume available for all classes that matches the Warden’s outfit as seen in the announcement trailer. o Dwarven War Dog Pet – A unique armored non-combat in-game pet. o Treasure Maps – Maps detailing the location of Vvardenfell’s greatest rewards. o Dwarven Crown Crate – A special Crown Crate with a chance to contain Dwarven-themed mounts, pets, costumes, and more. o Experience Scrolls – Advance through Vvardenfell gaining 50% more experience points for two hours.

FINAL FANTASY 30th Anniversary Announcement

FINAL FANTASY 30th Anniversary Announcement

SQUARE ENIX KICKS OFF

FINAL FANTASY 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

SYDNEY, 1^ST February 2017 –  At today’s official FINAL FANTASY® 30th Anniversary Opening Ceremony in Tokyo, Square Enix Ltd., commenced a year-long celebration for the franchise’s 30-year legacy, revealing new details, art and videos surrounding some of the franchise’s most anticipated games, including FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE, FINAL FANTASY XV, and FINAL FANTASY XII THE ZODIAC AGE.

During the opening ceremony announcements were made by some very special guests, including, Shinji Hashimoto (Square Enix Executive Officer, FINAL FANTASY Brand Manager), who presented information about future new content in the series as below;

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE

Brand-new key art for the highly anticipated FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE was unveiled, depicting the game’s protagonist and mercenary Cloud and his iconic Buster Sword set to the background of Midgar, base of the Shinra Electric Power Company.

FINAL FANTASY XII THE ZODIAC AGE

European players can look forward to returning to the world of Ivalice in FINAL FANTASY XII THE ZODIAC AGE on 11^th July 2017 for the Playstation®4 computer entertainment system. The visual and audio remaster of series classic FINAL FANTASY XII will feature a job character progression system for the first time in the West. New key art from famed character designer and artist Akihiko Yoshida was also revealed, featuring the main cast of the game including Ashe, Balthier, Fran and Vaan.

FINAL FANTASY XV: Episode Gladio DLC

The first sneak peek at some of the upcoming DLC for FINAL FANTASY XV was showcased on-stage, highlighting the brand-new perspective players will experience in the coming months. The FINAL FANTASY XV Booster Pack (Free Version) and FINAL FANTASY XV Booster Pack + are scheduled for release on 21st February, and will be available for all players or Season Pass holders, respectively. The DLC content will include powerful items such as the invincible outfit, “Magitek Exosuit” that give players an advantage during battles.

FINAL FANTASY XV Episode Gladiolus releases on 28^th March, and will be available to players who purchased the Premium Edition or Season Pass and can also be purchased separately via the Xbox Marketplace or the PlayStation®Store. Through this DLC, players can enjoy an episode depicted from Gladio’s perspective. Gilgamesh, one of the franchise’s fan-favourite characters will also be making an appearance in the episode. 

FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS

FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS, the full-scale FINAL FANTASY adventure for mobile devices which has achieved over 20 million downloads worldwide, recently began a spectacular in-game collaboration event with internationally renowned artist and actress Ariana Grande. All players will be able to acquire “Dangerous Ariana,” the Ariana Grande-inspired character exclusively designed for FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS until the 2^nd of February by completing the first stage of the special in-game event, "Dangerous Woman Tour."

MOBIUS FINAL FANTASY

MOBIUS FINAL FANTASY, the critically acclaimed mobile RPG adventure will be making its way to STEAM next month on 6^th February. MOBIUS FINAL FANTASY offers an all-new RPG adventure featuring a deep story, stunning visuals, in-depth character customisation and a refined turn-based RPG battle system. To celebrate over 10 million registered users worldwide, and the FINAL FANTASY VII 20^th anniversary, various in-game bonuses and a special FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE collaboration event will begin on 7^th February for a limited time.

About FINAL FANTASY

Since the release of FINAL FANTASY in 1987, this unique RPG series continues to showcase the spectacular visuals, highly imaginative worlds and rich stories leading the industry and earning the highest accolades from users around the world. Titles of the series have sold over 130 million units worldwide.

Embrace:DVD Review

Embrace:DVD Review

Much like fellow Aussie Damon Gameau and his quest against the undeclared sugars in our diet, Body Positive movement founder Taryn Brumfitt is hoping to make a change.

With this brisk energetic documentary, Brumfitt's desire to shake up the way we see ourselves first and foremost won't come as a surprise to many who feel the fashion industry and society itself is in need of a change.

They say every picture is worth a 1000 words, and in Brumfitt's case, it was a picture that sparked a 1000 stories - predominantly to her in-box. Posting a non-traditional after image of her body after having had three kids and placing it side-by-side a picture of her winning a body building competition before, her social media was inundated with positivity - and negativity.

And deciding last minute to reject a cosmetic procedure over worrying what message that would send to her young family, Brumfitt decided to do something more positive.

With crowd-funding involved, Brumfitt decided there was something further to explore here and it was time to take on the perception of women in the western world - and more importantly,  empower those looking in the mirror that there's nothing wrong with what they see.

Complete with her red-rimmed glasses and bubbly effervescence, Brumfitt's world trip sees her frankness and openness charm, and she never steers into overt lecturing, preferring instead to let people speak for themselves and consequently inspire her audience.

There's no denying there will be relative whoops of delight when she places all her societally perceived flaws on display with a frank openness that's hard to disparage or mock. In among decrying that she had nipples the size of dinner plates and seeing a cosmetic surgeon claim her body could be enhanced in certain ways when there's nothing inherently wrong with it, Brumfitt's honesty and universal relatability will win over an audience.

The pacy doco may lack some commentary or riposte from the fashion industry it so readily looks to accuse (much like Gameau's That Sugar Film lacked any official response) but given its crowd-funding nature and its inherent positive desire to inspire women and everyday people, it seems only right that the stories and screen time is devoted to those who make up our society rather than those who photoshop it into oblivion dishing out excuses as to why it's valid.

While talking to the likes of celebs Ricki Lake, Amanda de Cadenet to model Stefania Ferrario all have merit, the true strength of the doco comes from time spent with Turia Pitt whose life was changed by a marathon and a bush fire that ravaged her looks and a skinny gaunt girl called Tina, whose tearful declarations will do more to force anger over perpetuating the stereotypes.

Peppered with vox pops over flaws from everyday people further fuels the fire that many are unnecessarily unhappy with their self-worth in a society obsessed with celebs and selfies. Brumfitt doesn't need to over-egg this pudding, the evidence in the body image debate is already overwhelming based on her meet and greets throughout.

One suspects as far as Brumfitt's concerned, even the spark of discussion is a major win for what's important - and Brumfitt's authenticity and entry into the body movement debate may grow the swelling feeling of getting back to what matters in life and not buying into what the social media obsessed world says is important. Presented in non-didactic fashion and with a pace that's energetic rather than lecturing, it's easy to see why it's helping galvanise the body image debate.

There's no denying that Embrace is a rallying cry, a genial non-polemic call from the floor to remember what's actually important in life, and to self-worth. If it inspires an epiphany in anyone viewing or sparks a conversation over perception, then that's no small victory whatsoever. 

Rainbow Six Siege - Operation Velvet Shell available Feb 7

Rainbow Six Siege - Operation Velvet Shell available Feb 7

TOM CLANCY’S RAINBOW SIX^® SIEGE ANNOUNCES OPERATION VELVET SHELL AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 7^th

Operation Velvet Shell, the first major content update for Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege Year 2 will be available on February 7 for Xbox One, Sony PlayStation and Windows PC.

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege Year 2 content seeks to enrich the Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege community experience with two new operators and “Coastline,” a vivid new multiplayer map available in both PVP and PVE.  In Operation Velvet Shell, the Coastline map is set on the rocky shores of Ibiza in Spain, where two Operators of the Spanish Grupo Especial de Operaciones (G.E.O.) have to safeguard the perimeter of a famous nightclub.

Additional details on the content of Operation Velvet Shell will be unveiled during the Six Invitational, which will include the first live demo of the new Spanish CTU.

Free Weekend

For the first time on all consoles Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege will be available for free from February 2-5. Players can join the strong Rainbow Six Siege community on PlayStation^®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One and Windows PC.

The full details and timing of the free weekend are available via the following link: www.rainbow6.com/freeweekend

HITMAN’s Steelbook edition detailed in new video

HITMAN’s Steelbook edition detailed in new video 

With today’s launch of The Complete First Season for HITMAN, a video detailing what’s in the SteelBook Edition disc release for HITMAN is now available to view here:

 Become the Master Assassin in this intense spy-thriller story. As Agent 47 you perform contract hits on powerful, high-profile targets in exotic locations around the world, from Paris, Italy and Morocco to Bangkok, the USA and Japan in this creative stealth action game.

Gameplay focuses on taking out targets in huge and intricate sandbox levels with complete freedom of approach.

Where to go, when to strike and who to kill - it is all up to you. HITMAN The Complete First Season is now available on disc across Australia & New Zealand for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft.

 

Peter Capaldi leaving Doctor Who

Peter Capaldi leaving Doctor Who

The Twelfth Doctor is leaving at the end of Series 10 of new Doctor Who.

Talking on BBC Radio 2, he's revealed he's leaving this year. He'd been asked to stay on but has said that he felt 3 years in the job is enough for him. Confirming that he'll leave at the end of the year with Steven Moffat, he's said there's never been anything more special to him.

But he also revealed he's keen to work on other jobs  as well and that he feels it's time to move on.

He's revealed his regeneration scene has not yet been filmed. His last episode will be Christmas Day 2017.

Doctor Who will return to BBC1 on April 15th.

London Road: DVD Review

London Road: DVD Review

Released by Vendetta Films

You wouldn't have thought that England's worst serial killer would have been fertile ground for a musical.

But then to be frank, London Road is not like anything you've ever seen before.

Mixing archive interviews, as performed by its acting talent and set to music, it's a slightly uneasy and weird movie experience that almost defies convention and explanation. It's the story of the residents of London Road in Ipswich in 2006, whose lives were changed when working girls started on their streets.

Unhappy at the prostitutes, the residents were even more perturbed to hear that five of them were killed and terrified to learn that the killer was one Steven Wright, who lived in London Road.

London Road was a successful musical, written by Alecky Blythe and directed by Rufus Norris, who's taken on this production and is probably the best person to have done so, being as au fait as he is with the verbatim theatre.

It's a clever device to take hooks and comments from interviews with the residents and turn them into lyrics with their speech patterns mimicked in the performance of the actors. But the slight issue with it on the big screen is that while the gimmick is clever, smart and original, it soon wears thin as it continues to play out.

Usually musicals work best when they hook into a few fully formed characters, giving the audience an insight and an opening into what the character's feeling. Unfortunately, London Road doesn't quite manage the same hook, with most of the residents emerging as an amorphous blob hard to differentiate from the others. But, in turning these residents into a Greek Chorus aimed at driving the exposition, the play is tremendously successful and admittedly, provides some surprise efforts at earworms. The way the music turns news bulletins, news reporters and expressions of fear and paranoia into onscreen ditties is wildly deft and comes out of nowhere.

Colman is perhaps the biggest name here to foreign audiences - with Tom Hardy getting a cameo as a cab driver singing in a falsetto and protesting that just because he knows about serial killers doesn't necessarily make him one.

If anything, London Road is to be applauded for its inventiveness - but its transition to the big screen represents something that's not quite worked or harnessed the livewire nature of a show. As the credits roll, the replaying of the actual interview soundbites is an unnecessary touch, a tacit moment of bragging which is unwarranted and destroys some of the cleverness of what's lyrically transpired.

Chalk London Road up to an interesting experiment; its story may not be enough to drive you along, but its surprising route to its final destination is a challenge to traditional musicals.