Long Way North: DVD Review

Long Way North: DVD Review

Animation on the big screen is always a joy to behold.
And in director Remi Chaye’s latest, young minds and enquiring eyes get exposed to a female heroine.

It’s the story of teenager Sasha, a young Russian aristocrat, who dreams of the fate of her grandfather, an explorer whose last journey ruined the reputation of the family and who never returned. But Sasha’s never given up on him and restoring the family honour.

It’s with this in mind that she sets out on a journey of exploration that would make even our very own Sir Ed blush.

Stylised and hand-drawn in the vein of Secret of Kells, Long Way North’s narrative shortcomings at its denouement give way to some deeper story telling and ideals within. The film’s about honour in many ways, hope and defying expectations.

There are some narrative contrivances and certainly the end of the film feels slightly rushed and leaves you wondering what’s next. But the animation’s relatively straight too – with the angular faces of the men contrasting with the rounder more welcoming female faces in the mix. It’s a welcome relief to see something that doesn’t rely on CGI to make the point. But it’s rarely better than the opening shot where the young Sasha farewells her grandfather, her blonde tresses marking her out on the dock and signalling here is a heroine who defines convention.

There are plenty of adventurous moments, and a friendship between Sasha and a wolf that many young minds will latch on to – but perhaps more importantly, their exposure to a heroine who’s not content to simply be the trophy at her first coming out ball and who defies the men on the docks to pursue her belief is ultimately more important.

In fashioning these minds, Chaye never loses sight of the execution of the film (perhaps the pacy 81 min run time contributes to some of the slight and lesser feelings experienced) – and while scenes on the icy tundra may leave you shivering as the snow storms blow around the characters, there’s always the warming glow the story will leave the younger generation with. 

New Day dawns in Final Fantasy XIV online

New Day dawns in Final Fantasy XIV online

A NEW DAY DAWNS IN FINAL FANTASY XIV ONLINE ON JANUARY 30 WITH PATCH 4.2 LAUNCH

Patch 4.2 Trailer Provides Action-Packed Preview of Dungeons, Raids, and More

Sydney, Australia - 20^th January, 2018 – Warriors of Light are urged to take up arms with the release of FINAL FANTASY® XIV Online’s latest update on 30^th January. Patch 4.2, entitled “Rise of a New Sun”, brings a wealth of new content to the critically acclaimed MMO and continues the tempestuous story of the Stormblood™ expansion.

Byakko, one of The Four Lords

Adventurers will also be able to test their might against the next fearsome arc in the Omega raid series, explore two new dungeons, and face off against the first of the legendary Four Lords in a challenging new trial.

Ananta Beast Tribe Quests

Details on the contents of the patch are revealed below:

• New Main Scenario Quests - Thanks to the Warrior of Light’s heroic deeds and Raubahn's long-awaited return, Ala Mhigo continues its steady march towards recovery. All is not well in the East however, with worrying rumours coming out of Doma.
• New Raid Dungeon – The next arc in the Omega raid series, Omega: Sigmascape arrives to test the Warrior of Light’s limits even further. With familiar faces from FINAL FANTASY V being summoned up previously, today’s trailer shows Sigmascape populated with features very reminiscent of FINAL FANTASY VI…
• New Trial – Meet one of The Four Lords, Byakko, in this challenging new Trial kicking off a fresh series of side quests.
• New Dungeons – Two new high-level Dungeons: Hells’ Lid and The Fractal Continuum (Hard).
• New Beast Tribe Quests - The Vira, one of the tribes of snake-like Ananta, have long supported the efforts of the Resistance by sending warriors to bolster their ranks. Now they turn to the Warrior of Light for help.
• Glamour Dressers - Convert clothing, weapons, and tools into glamours at inns, and combine these into a complete ensemble for convenient customisation of player outfits.
• The Feast PvP Updates – Alongside a fresh ruleset and the addition of The Crystal Tower Training Grounds map, the new PvP Team System will allow groups of up to six to compete in ranked matches while communicating using a special group chat function.
• A New Duty Recorder Feature – Analyse your raids from multiple viewpoints to improve tactics or relive your greatest battles with this new video playback feature.
• Housing Updates – New wards and neighborhoods will be added to each of the four residential areas.
• Updates to bard’s performance actions, additional inventory through the use of a new companion storage feature, new more powerful gear and more.

More information on the contents of Patch 4.2 can be found here: http://sqex.to/Azq

The official trailer for Patch 4.2, Rise of a New Sun, is available here: https://youtu.be/ZWpmjiXglxc

Glamour Dresser

SQUARE ENIX® recently announced the dates and locations for the 2018-19 FINAL FANTASY XIV Fan Festivals. North America will kick off the tour on November 16-17, 2018 in Las Vegas, followed by the European Fan Festival in Paris in early 2019, and ending with the Tokyo Fan Festival in March 2019. More details about the events, including a teaser trailer, are available at the official Fan Festival website: https://fanfest.finalfantasyxiv.com

The FINAL FANTASY XIV Free Trial allows new players to easily join the millions of adventurers in the realm of Eorzea™. The free trial allows anyone to access all available content up to level 35 (including the new Rival Wings PvP), 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

Related Links

Official Stormblood Site: http://eu.finalfantasyxiv.com/stormblood/

Free Trial Site: http://freetrial.finalfantasyxiv.com/

The Lodestone®: http://eu.finalfantasyxiv.com/

Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FinalFantasyXIV/

Official Twitter: @FF_XIV_EN

Official Instagram: @ffxiv

Lampadati Viseris Out Now Plus Double GTA$ & RP on Lester Contact Missions

Lampadati Viseris Out Now Plus Double GTA$ & RP on Lester Contact Missions

·         We’d like to salute the population of Los Santos and Blaine County for another banner year of civic mayhem. From wild Special Vehicle Circuit and Transform Races, to illicit new revenue opportunities for your Organization in Gunrunning and Smuggler’s Run, to saving the world with your crew in The Doomsday Heist, and so much more – 2017 was the biggest year of GTA Online yet, capped off by an epic December that saw more players in the game than ever before.

Thank you to all dedicated GTA Online players worldwide – and we’ve got more treats in store for you all in the weeks ahead including new modes to experience, and vehicles to collect and race – starting with a new beast unleashed today…

LAMPADATI VISERIS NOW AVAILABLE

Smooth handling, chiseled good looks and salt-of the-earth engineering are all part of the allure of the Lampadati Viseris, now available at Legendary Motorsport. More than just a pretty face, the unmistakable roar of its barbaric V8 engine might just be the sweetest sound in Los Santos. Add a whole new depth of character to this charming but deadly Sports Classic with a quick trip to the Vehicle Workshop in your MOC or Avenger, where you'll be greeted with the option to mount a pair of forward-facing machine guns.

DOUBLE GTA$ & RP ON LESTER CONTACT MISSIONS

Already busy frantically offering up work with The Doomsday Heist, Lester Crest continues to make a case for being your favorite contact with Double GTA$ & RP on ALL Lester Contact Missions. Through January 15th, look out for calls from Mr. Crest on your iFruit and earn twice your usual rate.

LAND & AIR SAVINGS

Look out for discounts both on the ground and in the sky this week, with 25% off the following through January 15th:

·         Nagasaki Ultralight (Plane)

·         Aircraft Weapons

·         Vehicle Armor

·         Headlights & Neons

·         Skirts

·         Spoilers

·         Suspension

·         Turbos

PREMIUM RACE & TIME TRIAL SCHEDULE

Ride your way to riches with this week's Premium Race and Time Trial. Through January 15th:

·         Premium Stunt Race – "Island Hopping" Locked to Blazer Aqua

·         Time Trial – "Maze Bank Arena"

Launch Premium Races through the Quick Job App on your in-game phone or via the yellow corona at Legion Square. The top three finishers will earn GTA$ and you'll get Triple RP regardless of where you place. To take a shot at the Time Trial, set a waypoint to the marker on your in-game map and enter via the purple corona. Beat par time and you'll be duly rewarded with GTA$ & RP.

Dark Souls Remastered is coming

Dark Souls Remastered is coming

REKINDLE YOUR HUMANITY WITH DARK SOULSÔ: REMASTERED

FOR THE NINTENDO SWITCHÔ, PLAYSTATIONÒ4 SYSTEM, XBOX ONE, AND STEAMÒ

Delve Into the World of DARK SOULS Like Never Before with PlayStation 4 Pro System and Xbox One X Enhancements and Portability with the Nintendo Switch

BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe invites players back to the treacherous land of Lordran with DARK SOULSÔ: REMASTERED, available on May 25th, 2018 for the Nintendo SwitchÔ, PlayStationÒ4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, and STEAMÒ for PC. Re-experience the genre-defining title that kicked off a worldwide gaming phenomena in stunning high-definition detail. DARK SOULS: REMASTERED marks theDARK SOULS series debut on a Nintendo platform and for the first time ever, can be played on the go with the unique capabilities of the Nintendo Switch console.

Developed by FromSoftware Inc., DARK SOULS: REMASTERED allows players to explore the twisted ancient land of Lordran in the first title of the critically acclaimed action role-playing series like never before. Experience the rich world of DARK SOULS in Dynamic 4K resolution when playing on a PlayStation 4 Pro system, Xbox One X, and STEAM.  From their first timid steps to absolute mastery, players will build their characters by strategically adapting to daunting foes, exploring haunting locations, and amassing a large collection of weapons, armor and magic spells to utilize for a truly unique playstyle.

Hidden in the world of DARK SOULS: REMASTERED are nine online covenants to uncover that will motivate your online interactions. Collaboration or confrontation, support or betrayal – which allegiance will you choose? Up to six players can join together online to help, or hurt, each other throughout their quest.

DARK SOULS: REMASTERED will be available on May 25th, 2018 for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 system, Xbox One, and STEAM for PC. For more information regarding DARK SOULS: Remastered and other titles from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe please visit: https://www.bandainamcoent.com, or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/darksouls,  or https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoEU.   Join the conversation on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BandaiNamcoEU .

Assassin’s Creed Rogue Remastered Arriving March 20

Assassin’s Creed Rogue Remastered Arriving March 20

UBISOFT UNVEILS ASSASSIN’S CREED^® ROGUE REMASTERED, HITTING SHELVES MARCH 20

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — January 12, 2018 — Ubisoft announced that Assassin’s Creed^® Rogue Remastered will be available on March 20, 2018, for PlayStation^®4 Pro and Playstation^®4 computer entertainment systems, and across the Xbox One family of devices, including Xbox One X. Assassin’s Creed Rogue Remastered will include all of the downloadable content from the original game: two bonus missions (The Armor of Sir Gunn Quest and The Siege of Fort de Sable), as well as the Master Templar and Explorer packs, which contain weapons, customization items and special outfits, including Bayek’s legacy outfit from Assassin’s Creed^® Origins.

Created by Ubisoft Sofia, the studio that developed the original Assassin’s Creed Rogue, this remaster further enriches the franchise’s current-gen catalogue and will shine in 4K on PlayStation^®4 Pro and Xbox One X (and run 1080p on PS4^™and Xbox One). Thanks to higher resolution, improved environment rendering, visual effects and textures, Assassin’s Creed Rogue Remastered  will offer an even more beautiful and immersive gaming experience that invites fans of the series and new players alike to discover or rediscover Shay’s adventures in 18^th-century North America.

Click image below to view trailer

Initially launched on PlayStation^®3 and Xbox 360 in 2014, Assassin’s Creed Rogue tells the unique story of Shay Patrick Cormac, a fearless young member of the Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood who undergoes a dark and slow transformation from an Assassin to a grim and committed Templar who hunts down his former brothers. Players’ journeys will take them from beautiful New York City to the Wild River Valley and icy cold waters of the North Atlantic.

Assassin’s Creed is an action-adventure series set in fully realized open worlds, throughout notable times in history such as the Third Crusade, the Golden Age of Pirates and the Industrial Revolution. Initially launched in 2007, the Assassin’s Creed franchise has since transcended video games to offer new and immersive experiences in comic books, mobile games, novels and even movies. Recognized for having some of the richest, most engrossing storytelling in the industry, Assassin's Creed games have sold more than 105 million units worldwide, and the franchise is now established as one of the best-selling series ever.

For more information on Assassin’s Creed, visit assassinscreed.com. For the latest on all of Ubisoft’s games, visit Ubisoft News https://news.ubisoft.com/.

Donkey Kong Coming To Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle

Donkey Kong Coming To Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle

DONKEY KONG SMASHES HIS WAY INTO MARIO + RABBIDS KINGDOM BATTLE DLC

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — January 12, 2018 — Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle will soon introduce a new playable hero, Donkey Kong, in upcoming downloadable content. Donkey Kong will be featured in an original story, taking place in a new world. Donkey Kong is exclusive to this brand new adventure and is planned for an autumn 2018 release.

The DLC will available as part of the Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Season pass or can be purchased as stand-alone content.

Click image below to view trailer

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is the story of an unexpected encounter between the most famous video game character, Mario, and the irreverent and chaotic Rabbids as they join forces to restore the Mushroom Kingdom, which has been torn apart by a mysterious vortex.  Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is already available on Nintendo Switch. For more information on Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle please visit www.mario-rabbids.com.  

MARIO + RABBIDS KINGDOM BATTLE © 2017 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Rabbids, Ubisoft, and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the US and/or other countries. Nintendo properties are licensed to Ubisoft Entertainment by Nintendo. SUPER MARIO characters © Nintendo. Trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Life is Strange: Before the Storm Boxed Limited Edition Announced

Life is Strange: Before the Storm Boxed Limited Edition Announced

BOXED LIMITED EDITION COMING MARCH

INCLUDES FAREWELL BONUS EPISODE

SYDNEY, 19^TH January 2018 – SQUARE ENIX®, today announced that a boxed Limited Edition of LIFE IS STRANGE™: BEFORE THE STORM, the latest game in the award-winning, multi-million copy selling, episodic franchise will be released on March 9^th across Australia & New Zealand on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC.

The Limited Edition contains a physical artbook featuring art from Life is Strange: Before the Storm plus the licensed soundtrack on CD. The Limited Edition also includes access to the Life is Strange: Before the Storm Bonus Episode, ‘Farewell’. In this episode, players see the return of a young Max Caulfield. This episode welcomes the original voice actors Ashly Burch & Hannah Telle, resuming their roles as Chloe and Max.

The Limited Edition also includes access to the following digital content:

• Mixtape Mode – Design your own playlist from the Life is Strange licensed soundtrack and listen to it alongside a cinematic scene from the game
• Outfit pack – Change up Chloe's look with three new complete outfits. Includes Punk Doe, Hawt Dawg Man & Illuminati outfits
• Episode 1 from the first Life is Strange season

A full list of included tracks can be found below:

1. Daughter – Flaws
2. Koda – I Don’t
3. Daughter – Glass
4. Ben Howard – Black Flies
5. Daughter – Youth
6. Lanterns on the Lake – Through the Cellar Door
7. Daughter – All I wanted
8. Speedy Ortiz – No Below
9. Daughter – A Hole in the Earth
10. Broods – Taking You There
11. Daughter – Burn it Down
12. Wolf Alice – Bros
13. Daughter – No Care
14. Brody Dalle – Don’t Mess With Me
15. Pretty Vicious – Are You Ready for Me

LIFE IS STRANGE: BEFORE THE STORM is set in Arcadia Bay, three years before the events of the first game in the series. Players will take on the role of a rebellious 16 year-old Chloe Price who forms an unlikely friendship with Rachel Amber; a beautiful and popular girl destined for success. When Rachel’s world is turned upside down by a family secret, it takes this new-found alliance to give each other the strength to overcome their demons.