Life is Strange: Before The Storm: Part 1 - Awake: PS4 Review

Life is Strange: Before The Storm: Part 1 - Awake: PS4 Review

Developed by Deck Nine
Published by Square Enix
Platform: PS4

The Life Is Strange episodic game series returns with a prequel to Chloe and Max's story.

And based on episode 1 - Awake's MO, it's going to be quite emotional.

Returning to Arcadia Bay, this time you get to focus on the younger Chloe and her more rebellious ways. Starting off by trying to get into a rock concert at a local sawmill, Chloe's got the punkish swagger and arrogance of youth down pat. Making a new friend at the event, Chloe's life is changed thereafter...

Life Is Strange: Before The Storm - Awake is a nice return to form for the game, but it does take a little while to settle in. There are still moments when Chloe's behaviour makes it difficult to feel for such a character, but there's a coming of age story within that's both universal and compellingly told thanks to the entrenching within the teen ways.

Added into the mix this time around is a Backtalk facility which uses the conversations to get her own way. It's a good touch, even if it's occasionally used in unbelievable moments to further the game rather than the growth. But when it's used with family, it feels more natural, a tacit admission that the back and forth is what defines the push and pull of teen relationships.

While some of the graphics occasionally look a little off, the indie-film vibe of  Life is Strange: Before The Storm: Part 1 - Awake comes unabashedly filtering through, imbuing the game with a scrappy vibe that's charming and intriguing. There's no apparent evidence yet of direct consequences of choice, though one suspects that will come at a later stage.

All in all, Life is Strange: Before The Storm: Part 1 - Awake is a strong start to the return to Arcadia Bay and it's blessed with an emotional depth that taps in to the teen ethos for great effect.

Sully: DVD Review

Sully: DVD Review

With its dedication to those who rushed to the aid of american airlines flight 1549 coming at the end, director Clint Eastwood's Sully wears its salute to heroism in New York on its sleeve.

On Thursday January 15th 2009, New York became alive with the chanting of a hero when Captain Chesley Sullenberger (a white haired and moustachioed Tom Hanks) force landed his plane onto the waters of the Hudson River with 155 people on board. But while the media heralded him, an investigation into his actions threatened to ruin him...

Sully is an odd film, one of quiet strengths and character weaknesses as it looks at the Miracle on The Hudson.

With little insight into the man other than brief flashbacks of his learning to fly and landing an air force jet in peril but with plenty of hints of troubled in his life, Eastwood plays the film remarkably straight, leaving the end result feeling a little muted.

Hanks gives his usual stoic and solid turn as Sullenberger, but a choice to play him as troubled or slightly sullen seems at odds with how little tension there actually appears to be in his background. Calls to his wife (Laura Linney) hint at problems that never seem to manifest, and to be frank, all that's really known about Sullenberger as a result, is what he did for some 208 seconds on the plane, and then consequently worried about thereafter.

With nightmarish flashes of jets powering through New York's skylines and crashing into buildings forming Sully's sleeping and waking life, and a passing comment that "New York's not had news this good, especially with an aeroplane involved" hinting at a post 9/11 city struggling still, it's clear Eastwood's Sully is a salutation to the resilience of those within.

But that's contrasted with the human factor that Hanks manifests here - it's another every man doing heroic every day things that he's made his career on. Yet even with that approach, Hanks' quiet resilience comes through and bleeds into Sullenberger where the script fails him. As the film leads to its inevitable trial by the National Transport Safety Board, there's a feeling that Sully really has relied on Hanks to carry the character through, even with brief interactions with Eckhart's co-pilot and his long distance wife.

Equally, Eastwood relies on the actual drama in the air to provide the emotional meat of the film, playing to generic fears many have on a plane that it all rests on the shoulders and actions of those in the cockpit. 

With some of the passengers falling into the generic mawkish stereotypes (woman with a baby, trio of late-comers to the flight), there's a tendency toward indifference as the bird strike hits forcing the engines into shutdown. 

But Eastwood gives it a calm muted sheen that gels with the feel of this languidly sedate film, which is the antithesis to Robert Zemeckis' Flight. As a result, the plane sequence is easily the stand-out of the film - though an over-reliance on re-showing it some three times from different perspectives becomes a narrative weakness and lends a strengthening feeling there is nothing else to the film other than what Sully did in the air.

The pitch for Sully is the incredible true story you didn't know, but based on a series of flashbacks, inter-cut narratives and an underwhelming fleshing out of the lead, there's little here that sings as sensational - other than the actions of one normal man "just doing his job".

Granted, Eastwood's workmanlike directorial touches during the flight sequences give Sully the frisson of excitement it needs, because in many other aspects, this film's circling in the air, waiting for clearance to land or even take-off. 

The Mummy: Blu Ray Review

The Mummy: Blu Ray Review

Based on The Mummy, it has to be said that Universal's plan for a Dark Universe monsters series is off to a shaky start, and unlike its titular baddie, may struggle to rise from the grave.

Tom Cruise stars as Nick Morton, who along with Jake Johnson's comedy sidekick Chris Vail, raid archaeological sites for their valuables. But it's ok because they have a motto, they're not "looters, they're liberators of precious antiquities."

However, when their Iraq mission unearths a major tomb, at the same time as a set of sarcophagi are unveiled in London, it soon becomes clear that they've found something sinister.

Especially when the mummified remains of wiped-from-Egyptian-existence-princess Ahmenet (Boutella in henna lettered face and body, complete with slinky moves) comes back to life....

A mix of tones, part origin for the Dark Universe and rehash of every Mummy story you've seen before, the 2017 version of The Mummy really doesn't quite know what it wants to be.

With elements of jump-scares horror from the Boris Karloff age, and a dose of silliness from the Brenda Fraser set of films, it plays fast and loose with what it wants to be. Which doesn't help it or engender a strong sense of its own identity.

Tom Cruise plays a variant of his usual confused WTF character as he finds himself trapped in a curse (much like the audience forced to sit through this sand-blasted resurrection of a film). It's this element of the film that's perhaps the best and ripe for exploration but it's thrown away by Kurtzman's workmanlike execution of a script that jumps from sequence to sequence without any real sense of purpose, logic or anything other than absurdity.

Cruise's Morton is more Boom Raider, than Tomb Raider as the guns start blazing post the usual origins-of-the-mummy pre-credits scene, and his Romancing the Stone style attempts at banter with Annabelle Wallis' Jenny generally fall flat throughout, and don't give the film the emotional anchor it's clearly hoping for.

It helps little that every sequence in the film is served up with a large dose of exposition - and no more so than when po-faced suited and booted Russell Crowe shows up as the apparent head of shadowy organisation Prodigium (no sign of his Nick Fury eyepatch though). And don't even get me started on the Ray Winstone Cock-er-nee touches he brings to a certain character...

It's here that the Dark Universe strongly falters, as it ejects subtlety of set-up for future franchises in favour of blatant show and tell. It's an approach that speaks volumes to how desperate those in charge are to ensure the franchise works, no matter what the narrative cost.

While a great majority of The Mummy lurches awkwardly like its remains are about to shatter, there are some moments that strongly work. Some of the action sequences, including that of the plane and an underwater chase are blessed with some good visuals (even though the latter looks like an cast-off from an episode of The Walking Dead at sea) and the mummy effects are quite well realised too.

More a frustration than a resounding success, the most horrifying thing about The Mummy is how weakly it executes the initiation of a franchise. Perhaps the scariest thing of all is that future films are incoming from this series - and with the bar not exactly set very high this early on, this Dark Universe series could be long best buried in the past before it's even begun. 

Knack 2: PS4 Review

Knack 2: PS4 Review

Platform: PS4
Developed by Japan studio

Knack 2 does not care what you thought of Knack 1.

Announced at PSX to a withering look, the return of this kiddy-friendly platformer doesn't really mind that many people hated the first one with a degree of unnecessary apathy.

The sequel sees Knack back investigating with Lucas and chums after goblins are sighted and robots start running amok.

That's really it for this story this time around - it's very simply about getting Knack to solve a series of problems with a bit of lateral thinking or a flurry of fists. To say it's not cerebral is no real insult to the game, but it's fairly enjoyable fare, with the addition of co-oping being the main reason to play this time. It's a nice in for the family and really does give the game an edge.

There are 20 moves to be mastered, and while collecting relics and power ups help get these, there are really only a few go-to moves which will become part of your arsenal as you power through the chapters of the game. Cut scenes propel the story into where it needs to go, but barely with any gusto; it's kind of cutesy enough and Lucas really does look like the lead of How To Train Your Dragon.

But Knack himself is nicely rendered, and the milk bottle tingling effect of collecting the relics and swapping between big and little Knack never really loses its edge. There's a real nice sense of the animation when Knack drops all his bits and becomes bitesize Knack.

Along with the inclusion of QTEs through some of the scenes, the game never really develops beyond its previous MO, and while that's no bad thing, there's no sense, other than the co-op play, that Knack II has really upped the gaming ante.

As a platformer, it's solid enough, with many elements feeling like Crash Bandicoot's early platforming escapades. It doesn't help that you are continually guided through areas and can't roam, and bizarrely some objects can be vaulted over, but not others - it's this kind of inconsistency which plagues Knack I and II that has probably irritated people.

But the mix of King Kong, Transformers, Rock-em-sock-em Robots, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Shrek, Hunchback of Notre Dame et al give Knack a hybrid feeling of its own that's hard to shake. It never really garners its own identity, which is not to damn it in many ways, merely to profess the fact it's had chances to branch out and doesn't seize them with gusto.

Ultimately, Knack II with its 14 or so hours of gameplay and cutesy edges is perfectly pleasant enough fare - the animation's top notch, and while the story-telling leaves a little to be desired, it certainly is an improvement on the first.

Whether history will look back on Knack fondly is yet to be determined, but for a family friendly platformer that's of all ages, it can't really put a foot wrong.

FINAL FANTASY XV Update

FINAL FANTASY XV Update

SQUARE ENIX ANNOUNCES FINAL FANTASY XV

AND ASSASSIN’S CREED COLLABORATION EVENT

“Assassin’s Festival” Downloadable Content Now Available

SYDNEY, 4^th September 2017 –   The FINAL FANTASY® XV universe continues to expand as Square Enix Ltd., today revealed an exciting collaboration with Ubisoft Entertainment’s hit Assassin’s Creed® franchise, available as a free download from the Xbox Games Store and PlayStation®Store.

The immersive FINAL FANTASY XV: Assassin’s Festival in-game event will run from today until 31^st January 2018, as Noctis and his comrades take part in a Lestallum festival held in honour of a mythical hero who fought to resist the shackles of oppression.

The limited-time event will introduce gameplay elements inspired by the Assassin’s Creed game series, including nimble and acrobatic movements in the field, vicious assassinations from elevated height, and large-scale treasure hunts. There are also exclusive outfits including the Medjay Assassin’s Robes for Noctis and his crew, and the Master Assassin’s Robes for Noctis, the latter which is only obtainable via the Dream Egg from the Moogle Chocobo Carnival. Other in-game collaboration items include the Assassin’s Creed-themed Regalia items (decal and full body decal), along with a themed photo frame and filter that can be applied to and accessorized with Prompto’s photographs.

A new trailer showing off the collaboration is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNFon9WM_D0

For more information on the FINAL FANTASY XV: Assassin’s Festival, please visit www.finalfantasyxv.com/uk/assassins-festival.

Additionally, the free game update features:

• Noodle Helmet Outfit - this mysterious, famed Nissin Cup Noodle outfit musters up Noctis and his comrades’ energy and remarkably increases their HP recovery rate.
• Timed Quest Updates - Additional limited-time “Timed Quests” have been added to the quest tracker.
• Exhibition of Third Snapshot Contest Winning Photos - The winning photos from the third community Snapshot Contest are now on display at Galdin Quay.
• Bestiary - A gallery where players can see the enemies they have defeated in battle and take an in-depth visual look at the enemy is now available via the menu screen.
• Chapter Select - Players can now select and play various chapters from the main menu. This feature can only be accessed after completing the game.

Final Fantasy XIV Patch 4.1 revealed

Final Fantasy XIV Patch 4.1 revealed

RETURN TO IVALICE IN FINAL FANTASY XIV ONLINE

AS FIRST PATCH 4.1 DETAILS REVEALED

Yo-Kai Watch Collaboration Event Also Returning Today

Sydney, 5th September 2017 - The first details of FINAL FANTASY® XIV Online's hotly-anticipated Patch 4.1 have been revealed during a special 14-hour livestream held to mark the MMO's fourth anniversary.

Set to release in Early October, Patch 4.1 is officially titled "The Legend Returns" and will be the first major patch to release following the successful launch of Stormblood™, the title's critically-acclaimed second expansion pack.

 

During the celebratory livestream, FINAL FANTASY XIV Online Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida hosted the 38th installment of the ‘Letter from the Producer LIVE' series, where he revealed the first details about Patch 4.1: The Legend Returns:

• New Main Scenario and Side Quests - including the return of Hildibrand
• New Alliance Raid - Return to Ivalice
• New Primal Battle - The Extreme version of the Main Story boss
• New Ultimate Difficulty - The Unending Coil of Bahamut (Ultimate)
• New PvP Content - Rival Wings 24 vs 24
• New Instanced Dungeon - The Drowned City of Skalla
• The Lost Canals of Uznair Update - New Maps leading to Deeper Submerged Chambers, New Systems and New Enemies
• Adventurer Squadron Updates - New Missions where you can form a party and enter Dungeons with your Squadron Members
• New Beast Tribe Quests - The Kojin
• Housing Update - Shirogane Plots and Relocation Service Available
• And much more...

During the livestream, Yoshida was also joined by Yasumi Matsuno (FINAL FANTASY XII / FINAL FANTASY TACTICS) to discuss the upcoming 24-player alliance raid, "Return to Ivalice." Matsuno is writing the scenario for the raid as a special guest creator, bringing the world of Ivalice to FINAL FANTASY XIV Online. For fans who've been waiting to get their first look at what's to come, a tantalising first glimpse at the upcoming raid was revealed:

 

Also announced during this special Letter from the producer LIVE was the return of the exciting collaboration between Final Fantasy XIV and Level-5's Yo-Kai Watch®. Players will once again be able to collect Yo-Kai themed weapons, minions as well as a mount from today until November 1st! More information can be found here: http://sqex.to/GVy

For further details on everything discussed during the PLL, visit: http://sqex.to/Dgh

The FINAL FANTASY XIV Free Trial beckons new players to join the millions of adventurers in the realm of Eorzea™. The free trial allows anyone to access content up to level 35*, create up to eight playable characters, and experience the different playable races, classes, and jobs with no restrictions on playtime. New players who wish to experience the free trial may register here: http://freetrial.finalfantasyxiv.com/.

All editions of FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, including the FINAL FANTASY XIV: Stormblood expansion, may be purchased through the Square Enix® Online Store here: http://sqex.to/FFXIVStore

Sniper Ghost Warrior 3's The Sabotage DLC Available Now

Sniper Ghost Warrior 3's The Sabotage DLC Available Now

Sniper Ghost Warrior 3's The Sabotage DLC Available Now

Sydney, 6th September 2017 - Fans of Sniper Ghost Warrior 3's campaign can now get their hands on the new DLC expansion, The Sabotage.

In The Sabotage DLC, players take the role of Robert North, the brother of SGW3's hero Jonathan North, in a completely new story that challenges both Robert's skills and his sanity. The Sabotage reveals previously unseen perspective on the war tearing Georgia apart and gives players the opportunity to take up arms fighting for the Separatist Movement.

Gameplay includes all new locations, from ancient monasteries and desolate cemeteries to prison camps and military bases, providing new challenges and environments to overcome.

The Sabotage also includes: 

• A completely new campaign including five main missions and side ops 
• A new playable character - Robert North
• A thrilling story told from the perspective of SGW3's antagonistic 23 Society
• A new map with unique locations
• New "Defend the Position" mission type
• New "Rescue Separatists" open world event
• New Most Wanted targets
• Extreme Navigation & Drone Challenges
• A new Armoured Lada vehicle
• A new 23 Society suit consisting of special helmet, armour and weapon

The Sabotage single-player campaign DLC will be available as a part of the Season Pass for Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 on PlayStation 4, PC, and Xbox One platforms.

Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 launched on the PlayStation®4 system, Xbox One and Windows PC on April 25, 2017.