Tully: Film Review

Tully: Film Review

Cast: Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis, Ron Livingston, Mark Duplass, Elaine Tan
Director: Jason Reitman

Forever likely to be known as the M Night Shyamalan film of mothering, Diablo Cody's Tully is a mixed bag of a film, that flounders badly in its final strait.

Theron is largely excellent for a good two thirds of this as mother-of-two Marlo. Heavily pregnant with her third due any day, and with her brother (Duplass) claiming that something was snuffed out in her years ago, Marlo's life is pretty tough.

Ensconced in her family house, bedecked as it is in beige and with signs of age, and struggling to get by even with her husband absentee help, Marlo's given the chance to get a night nanny by her brother to help out.

Essentially the service comes in, watches the kid overnight and wakes the parent when feeding is needed - for her brother Craig, it was apparently a game-changer.

Initially reticent, Marlo grudgingly accepts - and into her life comes free spirit Tully (Davis, a gleeful blast of sunshine). Their relationship grows and a parenting groove is settled on - and to say more is to ruin some of what lies ahead.

The problem with Tully is that largely the first 60 minutes of the film, which concentrates on the pressures of mothering, the monotony of looking after children and the growing disillusionment of life outside of the bubble, are great.

Theron's more than committed to the role, with her pale gaunt appearance, worn down by endless feeding and a second problem child, conveying more of exasperation and acceptance than could ever be done by Cody's trademark whiplash dialogue. That's not to patronise or proffer feint praise to Theron, she's genuinely watchable and empathetic as she juggles all.

Equally, the feverishly anarchic and perky Davis adds a degree of life to Marlo's life and the house that prove a welcome tonic to the grind that's gone before.

But it's in the last 30 minutes of Tully, where things of great importance happen with little to no consequence that it feels like narrative contrivance and supposed magical script wizardry writ large.

There are no spoilers here, but the denouement feels largely like it cheats the film of the grounded reality and mundanity it finds itself in, early on. It's impossible to win though, with Cody's occasionally snarky screenplay clearly mocking the perfect mothers and simultaneously bigging up those who simply accept it and get on with it (which will be a large part of the intended viewing population.)

Ultimately, Tully becomes tarred by the path it chooses - that it does so with relative finesse for most of the journey is a good thing because when it revels in its veracity and borders closely on reality, it's a compellingly familiar watch.

It's just a real shame that Tully's divisive ending tarnishes and to a degree, belittles everything which has gone before it, slathering most of the film in a feeling that consequence is nothing but bothersome and inconsequential.

The Greatest Showman: DVD Review

The Greatest Showman: DVD Review

If you're looking for a deep psychological take on PT Barnum, the infamous ringleader and potential exploiter of the outcasts, The Greatest Showman is not it.

If you're looking for a film where character forms the basis of the musical, rather than once over lightly characterisation, a film where the emotional attachment is formed because of the arc the leads are on, The Greatest Showman is not it.

But if you are looking for a sugar-coated, superficial, candy-rush of a spectacle, where toe-tapping songs are thrown in and which genuinely come close to pulling you out of your seat as you marvel at how white privilege can get you so far, then step right up, because The Greatest Showman is that - and then some.

A hugely charismatic Hugh Jackman leads the pack as PT Barnum, a dreamer whose desire to make a life for his wife Charity (Williams, all smiles and little else) and children is his driving force.

Hitting upon the notion of pulling together a troupe of outcasts, Barnum finds himself a ringmaster of success in the lower rent world. But chancing across a singer of class, Jenny Lind (Ferguson), Barnum feels he can win the acceptance he's never had his whole life - yet, at what cost...

The Greatest Showman aims to tackle bigotry, welcoming minorities and the whole pursuing your dreams angle but manages to do it all under a cloud of smoke and a hint of mirrors.

That's not to deny this typical rags to riches and then back to rags before back to riches story doesn't have some truly impressive toe-tapping songs to carry you from one distraction to the next. There's the wondrous This Is Me and Come Alive which really wind up the energy and give the film a pizazz and verve that are hard to deny.

And Jackman is perfectly cast, with a great deal of charisma and charm to carry you along this superficial journey. His is a Barnum who faces problems with a song and a dance, and this infectious attitude may well help you to paper over the weaker narrative cracks.

Principally, the invented conflict that appears in the film feels thrown in rather than earned; there are meta touches about a theatre critic picking away at what Barnum's doing and how a critic's job is a joyless one.

Racial tensions are thrown into the fore, because that's what The Greatest Showman wants to do and damned if you can stop them with your rational thinking.

And yet, much like Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge and La La Land, there's an infectious beat to all this which is hard to deny in its frippery and flippancy. Although unlike those two, there's not the emotional depth to carry it all along - but it's impossible to deny that you won't be carried along by it.

In many ways, The Greatest Showman is perhaps the perfect film for this time of the year - it's light, fluffy, family-oriented, brain-be-damned, blessed with only a small hint of danger and is an easy antidote to seasonal excess. It offers simple easy solutions to bigger problems facing its protagonists and is hell bent on sending you on your merry way with a song in your heart and not a care in your world.

It's admirable after what 2017 has thrown at us from Hollywood, but much like any big show and musical with Barnum as its lead, The Greatest Showman is all about the conman whirling his baton and seducing us - to which, one suspects, many will willingly submit. 

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri: DVD Review

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri: DVD Review

Revelling in the kind of dark and comedic touches that were in 2008's In Bruges, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a tale for our times, and a reflection on the world we live in.

McDormand stars as Mildred, the emotionally battered and destroyed mother of a girl killed in her small town.

With justice having eluded her seven months later and fearing her daughter's case is going unnoticed by the police as time goes by, Mildred deploys a triumvirate of provocative billboards, aimed at keeping the unsolved murder at the front of everyone's mind.

Naming and shaming the local police chief (played with mournful touches by Harrelson), Mildred finds herself in opposition with the town and in the line of the racist drunk sheriff Dixon (a brilliant Rockwell, playing fast, dastardly and loose, yet surprisingly engaging and emotional).

It's hard to give more away of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri as part of the satisfaction of McDonagh's film is in the journey and the devilish edges of the dialogue.

Whilst there are a few frustrations here and there (from the film's resolution to a few scenes such as the disrespecting of a Catholic priest for no reason other than to launch a diatribe), there is a lot to perversely revel and reflect on in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

Chiefly, it's the triumvirate of performances from McDormand, Harrelson and Rockwell that hit a series of dizzying highs.

McDormand manages to tread a fine line between perseverance, bringing heartbreak and hard resolve to Mildred. There's never any doubt that you're on your side, and McDormand delivers a controlled pitch perfect performance that aches with loss, and teeters on extreme sadness. Harrelson and Rockwell surprise too, particularly as their law enforcement attitudes are as poles apart as you could expect.

However, Rockwell's racist drunkard, wrapped up in his momma's boy hillbilly outlook and his Archie comics, proves to be the film's surprising emotional touchstone for reasons that would spoil too much here.

In many ways, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri deals with a lot of issues currently around - a sexual predator and murderer who appears to be above the law, the inherent seething racist underbelly in the police and the innocent wronged and left hanging outside of a justice system which appears to be skewed in favour of the criminals.

And yet, deep within Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and its penchant for potty-mouth moments, there's a lot of humanity and love on show; of people coming together when divides seem too immense and of the one thing that unites us all - sadness.

McDonagh's Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is being touted for awards, and while parts of its heart are black beyond recognition, thanks to McDormand and Rockwell's powerfully compelling performances, this at times jaw-dropping spectacle has all the compulsion you'd need to be carried along on the darkest of rides. 

International directors heading to NZ for Doc Edge fest

INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED DIRECTORS VISIT AOTEAROA

The Documentary New Zealand Trust presents THE DOCUMENTARY EDGE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2018 The 13th Annual Doc Edge, International Documentary Film Festival opens this Wednesday 9th May at Wellington’s Roxy Cinema followed by Auckland’s Q Theatre on Wednesday 23rd May, bringing an influx of prestigious directors and documentary subjects from all over the world. Anote’s Ark  Making its Asia-Pacific premiere, the opening feature of the festival is Anote’s Ark. Kiribati’s former President Anote Tong, who is the subject of the film, attends the Festival, as does director Matthieu Rytz. Matthieu is a producer, curator, photographer, director, and trained visual anthropologist, with his passion for photography and ethnology leading him across the globe to photograph cultural and human diversity over ten years. A Q & A follows the 7:30pm Auckland screening on May 23rd. The Invisible Heart Canadian Screen Award-winner, Nadine Pequeneza, will attend the Auckland Premiere of her film, The Invisible Heart. Nadine has a Gold Hugo award from the Chicago International Film Festival, as well as seven CSA and Gemini nominations, and an honourable mention Silver Gavel Award from the American Bar Association. Her films have screened at festivals world-wide, and she is best known for her focus on social issues which offer unique access to character-driven stories. Q & A’s with Nadine will follow both Auckland screenings on May 25th at 7:15pm, and May 26th at 12pm. With the support of the Canadian High Commission, the Canadian delegation of former President Anote Tong, Matthieu Rytz and Nadine Pequeneza, will also include Alicia Smith of the National Film Board of Canada. She will be attending the Doc Edge Opening Night on May 23rd and Screen Edge Forum on May 25th-27th. Postcards From India — A Busker’s Adventure In the World Premiere of Postcards From India — A Busker’s Adventure, we travel with musician Filippo Masé, aka 'Miserable Man', along the streets of India. From the Rajasthan desert to the big city of Kolkata, he will cross paths with many characters: fellow musicians, spiritual seekers and street kids. The film follows the steps through which this street performer decided to embrace a new lifestyle, dedicated to music, travel and self-discovery. Both subject, Filippo, and director of the feature, Tommaso Dolcetta Capuzzo, are guests of the Festival. When God Sleeps Premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival last year, When God Sleeps took out the Cinema Peace Award for Most Valuable Documentary at this year’s Berlinale, and the Golden Heynal Award in the International DocFilmMusic Competition at the Krakow Film Festival. Director Till Schauder will join the Festival for its New Zealand premiere in Wellington and Auckland, with Q & A’s after the screenings. Till has won a German Emmy for his previous works and appeared in the HBO series “Mildred Pierce,” acting alongside Kate Winslet. Hope Road  In this film, refugee Zacharia Machiek sets out with high hopes to build a school back in his village in war torn South Sudan with dedicated Aussie supporters, but his ambitious plans are challenged when life intervenes. Hope Road has been nominated for the Documentary Australia Foundation (DAF) Best Australian Documentary Award. Director Tom Zubrycki has won the Australian Film Institute Awards for previous works, for both Best Director and Best Documentary. Hope Road has Q & As at both Auckland screenings on May 26th at 6:45pm, and May 27th at 12:15pm. Point of No Return In its Australasian premiere, Point of No Return takes viewers behind the headlines of Solar Impulse, the first solar-powered flight around the world. Billed as one of the great scientific adventure stories of our century, the film follows pilots Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg as they take turns battling nature, their own crew, and sometimes logic itself, to achieve the impossible: flying 26,000 miles powered only by the sun, to prove the potential of clean energy. Directors Noel Dockstader and Quinn Kanaly will attend the festival, as well as participate in Docs 4 Schools, Doc Edge’s educational programme providing free screenings to schools in Wellington and Auckland. Q & As will be held after the two screenings in Wellington, May 18th & 20th, and the first screening in Auckland on May 25th.   Other international guests to visit the Festival include PJ Raval, director of Call her Ganda, which follows three strong women in their quest for justice for murdered transwoman Jennifer Laude as they take on U.S. diplomatic and military institutions. Director of Ben-Gurion, Epilogue - Yariv Mozer will attend with his film on former Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion. Star of Big In Japan, David Elliot-Jones attends with directors Lachlan McLeod and Louis Dai, with their film on fame and the dangerous idea that is “celebrity.” Kiwi Kieren Jameson returns home, attending with director Gail Freedman, after featuring in Hot To Trot, a film on the little-known phenomenon that is same-sex competitive ball-room dance. A highlight each year at the Doc Edge Film Awards is the prestigious Doc Edge Superhero Award which recognises outstanding achievement in documentary. The 2018 recipient is Diane Weyermann (USA), President of Documentary Film & Television at Participant Media. Diane has executive produced many award-winning and critically acclaimed documentaries including Doc Edge 2018’s Far From The Tree and Kailash, and previous Oscar winners Citizenfour and An Inconvenient Truth. Alongside the Festival, guests will attend the 12th Screen Edge Forum on May 18th at Park Road Post and May 25th- 27th at The University of Auckland. Together, the events bring the largest annual meet-up of international filmmakers and leading screen industry in New Zealand. The Forum features masterclasses and workshops on current screen issues and developments. A popular event during the Forum is the annual Doc Pitch, a pitching competition that led to the development of many best loved Kiwi documentaries, which takes place on May 25th. Members of the public are welcome to register and attend Screen Edge Forum. Returning this year to the University of Auckland is the Story Edge World Exhibition, a selection of the latest and most innovative interactive digital storytelling projects on May 26th-27th. Entry to view the Exhibition is free.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society: Film Review

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society: Film Review

Cast: Lily James, Michiel Huisman, Penelope Wilton, Jessica Brown Findlay, Tom Courtenay, Katherine Parkinson, Matthew Goode
Director: Mike Newell

Already a contender for the most unwieldy title of the cinematic year, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society is the celluloid equivalent of a comfy jumper - it starts off feeling snugly and comfortable but gradually begins to rub and irritate.

Set in 1946 post-war London, James stars as successful, but restless, author Juliet Ashton. With a series of successful wartime novels under her belt, although published under a male pseudonym, Juliet is looking for a new challenge, and dealing with the trauma of losing her parents to the conflict.

When a letter from Guernsey arrives one day from Dawsey Adams (Huisman, all smouldering stubble and dark eyed looks), it ignites something in her and a connection with the island. Asked to attend the The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society on the island, she heads over much to the chagrin of her agent (the ever-charming Matthew Goode).

But when there, she discovers a mystery, steeped in tragedy, that she can't help but try to unravel.

Anodyne and the kind of fare that won't trouble an older audience, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society is a film that's content to be pleasant and nothing more.

It's totally predictable from the moment Juliet and Dawsey start corresponding, and there are a few narrative leaps which are probably due to the fact it's adapted from a terribly successful book which employs flashbacks to 1941 to fill out the mystery and the central story.

James and Huisman are fine, but the lion's share of the film's emotional heft and acting goes to Penelope Wilton as one of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society's number.

Her character's story is steeped in tragedy and Wilton does an excellent job of conveying this and much more, swinging from tart dismissal of Juliet's involvement to silent acceptance of what's happened - the old timers of this film, it has to be said, act the youngsters off the screen.

Ultimately, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society won't trouble you - it's a thoroughly down-the-line British dramedy that goes on a little too long, but never loses sight of what it's trying to do. It won't win any awards, but it certainly will fill a rainy afternoon in its comforting old time mystery romance vibe.

I Feel Pretty: Film Review

I Feel Pretty: Film Review

Cast: Amy Schumer, Michelle Williams, Emily Ratajkowski, Roy Scovel
Director: Abby Kohn, Marc Silverstein

You can see what Amy Schumer's self-image I Feel Pretty is trying to do.

A wannabe self-empowerment piece about what lies beneath and how inner beauty and confidence comes from within appears to have noble aims - especially in the ever-growing feminist empowerment times we live in.

But what emerges from the flat, occasionally tedious and definitely overlong I Feel Pretty is a sinking feeling that denying Schumer that bite which helped her skewer perceptions in her comedy show for a downpat traditional rom-com was a seriously bad move and showed those involved had little to no courage of their own convictions.

Schumer plays everywoman Renee, who dreams of working at fashion magazine Lily LeClaire, but who currently resides in their off-site basement in their IT department. Depressed by models which inhabit the gym and a desire to try and change her outward appearance, Renee joins a spin cycle class.

However, after an accident sees her bump her head, she recovers and catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror post-workout wallop, believes herself to be truly beautiful and utterly unbeatable. Imbued with a new-found confidence, Renee sets out for a receptionist job at Lily LeClaire - however, her journey takes an unexpected turn when her self-confidence and forthright opinions are noticed by LeClaire's CEO, Avery (Williams, in a wispy, ethereal and high-pitched Monroe voice).

There are moments to admire in I Feel Pretty.

Certainly, Schumer's relatability to the audience, and the fact she's never shy about showing off a podgy stomach wrapped highly in Spanx and lacking in self-worth proves to be a welcome tonic. Certainly, an early scene where she looks despondently in the mirror at her out of shape form and tears up will hit many a chord.

But where I Feel Pretty goes awry is in its mixed message. (And its potential squandering of the fact that Renee's post-knock change of heart is clearly a breakdown, triggered by depression).

It aims to subvert, telling the world that not everyone at a fashion magazine has to be a supermodel, or that not every guy is the perfect chiselled jaw. It aims to celebrate the nice persona in a time when nice is being ignored and crushed. These are admirable traits - and certainly, Renee's final speech of who we are would clearly have many women punching the sky in relief - were it not for the fact it's part of a make-up product launch.

The inherent problem with the overlong I Feel Pretty is that it's never quite strong enough to dance to its own tune, selling a message that's been told a million times before - and a million times more cleverly. (Any Disney princess movie manages to hit similar highs).

But, as mentioned earlier, the most disappointing thing about I Feel Pretty is crushing and suppressing Amy's acerbic take on life. If she'd been at the script, there would have been a chance of a few more vicious body blows being landed on both the patriarchy and perception.

As it is, I Feel Pretty is content to simply deliver a few paltry light taps to societal perceptions, and proffer some hints at subversion.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider & NVIDIA Collaboration Announced

Shadow of the Tomb Raider & NVIDIA Collaboration Announced

SQUARE ENIX AND NVIDIA ANNOUNCE

COLLABORATION ON SHADOW OF THE TOMB RAIDER

Nixxes Software Developing PC Version of Shadow of the Tomb Raider

SYDNEY, 4^th May 2018 – Square Enix®, Eidos®- Montréal, and Crystal Dynamics® today announced they will be working with NVIDIA to develop the PC version of Shadow of the Tomb Raider™, the latest entry in the critically acclaimed and award-winning Tomb Raider® series.

NVIDIA will lend its gaming and PC development expertise to help bring the PC platform's advanced gaming features to Shadow of the Tomb Raider. This effort will help maximize the performance benefits of the NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 10-series GPUs for PC gamers across the world. This continues the collaboration that began in the series’ previous title, Rise of the Tomb Raider.

Delivering the climactic conclusion to Lara Croft’s origin story in remarkable new detail, developers Crystal Dynamics and Eidos-Montréal are also partnering with the talented studio Nixxes Software for the PC version of Shadow of the Tomb Raider.

Long-standing veterans of the Tomb Raider franchise, Nixxes Software will lead development of Lara Croft’s defining moment for PC gamers everywhere. The studio boasts outstanding experience working on past hit Square Enix titles such as Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided and many others.

In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Lara must master a deadly jungle, overcome terrifying tombs, and persevere through her darkest hour. As she races to save the world from a Maya apocalypse, Lara will become the Tomb Raider she is destined to be.

Star of the critically acclaimed 2013 Tomb Raider reboot and the award-winning Rise of the Tomb Raider, Camilla Luddington makes her return as Lara Croft with yet another stunning performance in Shadow of the Tomb Raider.

Created by a team of veteran Tomb Raider developers at Eidos-Montréal, in collaboration with Crystal Dynamics, the game will be available for Windows PC/Steam® on September 14, 2018.

For full details on pre-order items, the Season Pass, key beats in the upcoming campaign, and more information on Shadow of the Tomb Raider, please visit the official website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Red Dead Redemption 2: Official Trailer #3

Red Dead Redemption 2: Official Trailer #3

Red Dead Redemption 2: Official Trailer #3

America, 1899. The end of the wild west era has begun as lawmen hunt down the last remaining outlaw gangs. Those who will not surrender or succumb are killed.

After a robbery goes badly wrong in the western town of Blackwater, Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang are forced to flee. With federal agents and the best bounty hunters in the nation massing on their heels, the gang must rob, steal and fight their way across the rugged heartland of America in order to survive. As deepening internal divisions threaten to tear the gang apart, Arthur must make a choice between his own ideals and loyalty to the gang who raised him.

From the creators of Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption, Red Dead Redemption 2 is an epic tale of life in America at the dawn of the modern age. Coming October 26, 2018 to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One systems.

Operation Swarm Heading to Call of Duty: Black Ops 3

Operation Swarm Heading to Call of Duty: Black Ops 3

 

 Ahead of the May 17 reveal of Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, Treyarch has unleashed a tonne of new items in Call of Duty: Black Ops 3, to further extend your Black Ops experience. In Operation Swarm, Prop Hunt makes its debut, a revamped map gets a new look, and new weapons and new Specialist themes make their appearance! Read on for details, and then join the swarm:

New Mode

The fan-favourite Prop Hunt mode is coming to Call of Duty: Black Ops 3! Props and Hunters can do battle in hide and seek combat throughout different locations. Starting today, ten maps will be available for Prop Hunt play in Black Ops 3.  As a bonus, Prop Hunt will also come to Nuk3town, but with a different set of rules.

New Weapons & Weapon Camo

Two tried-and-true weapons will be buzzing into Black Ops 3 with Operation Swarm for the first time: the RPK and the Sten! Adorn the RPK, Sten, or any of your favourite weapons with the HIVE weapon camo. This limited time camo puts the sting in Spring. The new weapon camo is only available in the Black Market until May 10 at 5am NZST.

Fringe Nightfall

Before it became a forgotten farm town, Fringe was a small, but bustling community. Now, see it at night, back in its Heyday as a storm rolls in across the horizon, making it the perfect evening for a new conflict.

New Specialist Themes

As if that’s not enough, nine new Specialist themes are also incoming. These sleek new themes will outfit your Specialist in style and identify you as a key agent of Operation Swarm.

And More!

There’s even more planned throughout Operation Swarm, with 2XP playlists, and for a limited time starting today through May 10 ANZ, you can get a unique Operation Swarm Calling Card just for logging in. Operation Swarm is live now and is the perfect way to count down the days until the community reveal of Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 on May 17 in LA! Head to CallofDuty.com at 5am on May 18 in ANZ to stay tuned throughout the event.

Final Fantasy Brave Exvius & Dragon Quest XI Collaboration

Final Fantasy Brave Exvius & Dragon Quest XI Collaboration

FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS CELEBRATES UPCOMING DRAGON QUEST XI

WORLDWIDE RELEASE WITH COLLABORATION EVENT

Defeat Classic Dragon Quest Monsters, Earn Medals and Redeem Exclusive Items for a Limited Time

SYDNEY, 1^st May 2018 – With the announcement that DRAGON QUEST® XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age™ is coming to the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and STEAM® on 4^th September 2018, Square Enix Ltd. announced today FINAL FANTASY® BRAVE EXVIUS® will have a special collaboration with the DRAGON QUEST franchise. Starting today, FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS players can battle legendary DRAGON QUEST monsters and obtain event-exclusive items.

All players that launch the app during the event may dive into wave battle-type quests where consecutive groups of monsters can be fought for a limited period of time. DRAGON QUEST monsters Golem and Robbin’ ‘Ood can be found in regular battles, while formidable foes Dragonlord and Orochi will be classified as bosses. Medals earned from defeating these monsters in raids may be exchanged for Erdrick’s Sword, among other famous equipment and items from the DRAGON QUEST series.

Players have the chance to obtain the Dragonlord, Liquid Metal Slime, Robbin’ ‘Ood, Golem, Killing Machine, and Orochi units from rare summoning during the campaign period. Also, Slime units will be awarded to all participants as daily login bonuses throughout the campaign, with additional Slime units obtainable by trading medals earned during the event period. 

FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS is available now as a free-to-play app (with in-app purchases) through the App Store® and Google Play™. The game is available in six languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese (traditional) and Korean.

DRAGON QUEST XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age™ will be available for the PlayStation®4 system and STEAM® on 4^th September 2018. For more information, visit: www.dq11.com

ESO | Summerset, Join the Psijic Order for the First Time

ESO | Summerset, Join the Psijic Order for the First Time

In Summerset, the next Chapter in ZeniMax Online Studios’ award-winning open-world saga, The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), players will be able to discover the secretive mages of the Psijic Order, and, for the first time ever, join their ranks to learn the ways of these magical masters. So, what is the Psijic Order, a group so reclusive no Elder Scrolls game has truly revealed their mysteries before? Today we’ve released a sneak peek video to help bring Elder Scrolls fans up to speed on one of Tamriel’s most secretive organizations.

VIDEO: Watch the trailer for an insider’s look into the super-secret Psijic Order: 

In ESO: Summerset, players will travel to the isle of Artaeum to find and join the enigmatic Psijic Order for the first time in the Elder Scrolls series. This secret society of mages has returned after a 350-year long absence, bringing with them a unique quest line and story that will have players travelling all over Summerset to close destructive and mysterious time breaches. Once accepted into their ranks, adventurers will have access to an all-new Psijic Order Skill Line – for new or existing characters – that includes unique abilities: slow and freezes enemies in place, meditate to restore your health and resources, or even rewind time itself! With these new powerful abilities, players can explore the isle of Artaeum, visit the Ceporah Tower and Ritemaster Lachesis, and unravel the secrets of both the ancient organization and the history of the Mages Guild.

• For more info on the Psijic Order skill line, please see the article on the game’s website:https://www.elderscrollsonline.com/en-us/news/post/26377

The Elder Scrolls Online: Summerset is coming to PC/Mac on 21^st May and Xbox One and PlayStation 4 on 5^th June. The new Chapter is welcoming for both new and experienced players, featuring a new tutorial for fresh faces and content appropriate for all manner of veterans. ESO’s level-scaled world also allows for easier social interactions, with expanded grouping options and the ability for players of all levels to quest together, anywhere, and at any time. 

Pre-purchase ESO: Summerset now to receive the Queen's Bounty Pack bonus reward and gain immediate access to the ESO base game and last year’s Morrowind Chapter (digital pre-purchases only – conditions apply). For more information on ESO: Summerset, please visit the game’s official site at www.elderscrollsonline.com.

DARK SOULS REMASTERED WILL BE PLAYABLE ON MAY 11th AND 12th WITH THE NETWORK TEST

DARK SOULS REMASTERED WILL BE PLAYABLE ON MAY 11th AND 12th WITH THE NETWORK TEST

DARK SOULSÔ: REMASTERED WILL BE PLAYABLE

ON MAY 11^th AND 12^th WITH THE NETWORK TEST

Dark Souls fans will need to mark these dates on the calendar as BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe today announced the Network Test client schedule for the upcoming DARK SOULSÔ: REMASTERED. In May and during 2 days, Xbox One and PlayStation®4 players will be able to discover the treacherous land of Lordran!  Network Test on Nintendo Switch™ will arrive later.

Specific schedule is below as players need to register and download the game in advance:

           

·        May 2^nd 00:01 CEST: Network Test client will be deployed and downloadable for players.

from PlayStation Network and Microsoft Store

·        May 8^th 11:59 CEST: Network Test client is not available for download anymore.

·        May 11^th-12^th: First players will be able to access the network test and tread on Lordran's lands, meet their inhabitants and fight their treacherous ennemies. Network test schedule is below:

o   18:00 to 23:59 CEST for European territories           

o   19:00 to 23:59 AEST for Oceania.

DARK SOULS: REMASTERED will be available on May 25^th, 2018 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and STEAM® for PC. The Nintendo Switch version will be available this summer. 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,  orhttps://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoEU.   Join the conversation on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BandaiNamcoEU .

Overwatch: Rialto Map – Now Live

Overwatch: Rialto Map – Now Live

Overwatch: Rialto Map – Now Live

The new Overwatch PvP map, Rialto, is now live on PC, Xbox One and PS4!

In this new escort map, players will team up to either guide or stop a payload travelling along the canals and cobblestone streets of Venice, Italy.

LITTLE NIGHTMARES COMPLETE EDITION COMING TO NINTENDO SWITCH

LITTLE NIGHTMARES COMPLETE EDITION COMING TO NINTENDO SWITCH

LITTLE NIGHTMARES COMPLETE EDITION COMING TO NINTENDO SWITCH

Owners of a Nintendo Switch™ are about to discover the mysterious universe of Six with the upcoming release of LITTLE NIGHTMARES™ Complete Edition on May 18^th, 2018 for Nintendo Swicth™.The game is hand-tailored for the Nintendo Switch with a 720p (upscale) resolution and 30FPS for the Handheld mode and a 720p (native) 30 FPS for the TV mode. Get ready to jump with fright with the addition of the HD Rumble possibilities.

The LITTLE NIGHTMARES™ Complete Edition will also contain the console pre-order bonus such as the Upside-Down Teapot and Scarecrow Mask. All the additional stories from The Secret of the Maw Expansion Pass are included to expand the gloomy experience. These separated stories will be playable with different save data for Six and the Kid.Players will be able to play the two protagonists wearing an exclusive Pakku mask, which becomes available in the Extras menu once the Pac-Man amiibo™ is scanned.

LITTLE NIGHTMARES Complete Edition is available in digital and physical form on PlayStation®4, Xbox One, STEAM® and GOG.com for PC and will be released on May 18^th on Nintendo Switch.

For Honor Free Weekend Begins, Season Six Arrives May 17

 For Honor Free Weekend Begins, Season Six Arrives May 17

FREE WEEKEND BEGINS, SEASON SIX ARRIVES MAY 17

SYDNEY, Australia — May 4, 2018 — Today, Ubisoft announced that For Honor^® Season Six, Hero’s March, will launch simultaneously on current-gen consoles and Windows PC on May 17. Launching as a free update, Hero’s March will bring a brand new map, major Hero reworks, a new Visual Collection feature, and more. Newcomers to For Honor interested in getting a taste of the game ahead of Season Six can take advantage of the Free Weekend featuring recently launched dedicated Australian servers, starting today May 4 until May 7 on all platforms. Players who want to continue their journey after the weekend can keep their progress and purchase the game for up to 67% off. For all details on the For Honor Free Weekend, please visit forhonorgame.com/freeweekend.

Click image below to view free weekend trailer.

New content coming includes:

New Map: One new map, the Beachhead, will expand the battlefield. The Beachhead will be available to all players for free and playable in all multiplayer modes except Tribute. Once a grand fortress of solitude and respite, it remains a picturesque view from afar and is a desirable stronghold for any army hoping to sway the odds of battle in their favor.

Major Hero Reworks: In the wake of Season Five’s Hero updates and positive feedback from players, For Honor will continue to improve and harmonize the current roster as two Heroes – the Orochi and Peacekeeper – will receive major gameplay updates with Season Six. More Heroes will receive similar updates in the future as the development team continues to prioritize game balancing.

The Visual Collection: This new feature will allow players to track all visuals they have obtained and then apply them on any gear they have in a separate in-game menu. This will help reduce the need to hoard gear for the reason of simply keeping visuals in one’s inventory, and also directly address player feedback about the lack of inventory space.

“We’re happy to see players react positively to our recent For Honor updates, which included the launch of dedicated servers and extensive Hero balancing changes, as well as new onboarding features,” said Roman Campos-Oriola, creative director of For Honor. “In addition to improving the core experience, we are also working on new content, including all-new Heroes; tune in during E3 2018 to learn more!”  Following the introduction of the all-new training mode, the implementation of dedicated servers, and other updates, which have brought significant improvements to the player experience, the For Honor team has been dedicated to making the game more stable, accessible, and engaging for all players. To learn more about the development team’s vision for Season Six and beyond, please visit: http://forhonorgame.com/season6.

Developed by Ubisoft Montreal in collaboration with other Ubisoft studios,* For Honor offers an engaging campaign and thrilling multiplayer modes. Players embody warriors of the three Great Factions – the bold Knights, the brutal Vikings and the deadly Samurai – fighting to the death on intense and believable melee battlefields. The Art of Battle, the game’s innovative combat system that puts players in total control of their warriors, allows them to utilize the unique skills and combat style of each hero to vanquish all enemies who stand in their way. For more information about For Honor, please visit forhonorgame.com and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ForHonorGame and on Twitter attwitter.com/ForHonorGame. For the latest about For Honor and other Ubisoft games, please visit news.ubisoft.com.