The House With a Clock in Its Walls: Film Review

The House With a Clock in Its Walls: Film Review

Cast: Jack Black, Cate Blanchett, Kyle MacLachlan, Owen Vaccaro
Director: Eli Roth

From horror and torture-porn-meister Eli Roth comes a family horror film, produced within the stable of Amblin Entertainment, and based on the 1973 book by John Bellairs.

Vaccaro is newly-orphaned Lewis, who goes to live with his uncle Jonathan (Black, in usual OTT mode, and perhaps one of the film's little disappointments) after a car accident claimed his parents.

Upon discovering his uncle is a warlock, and struggling to fit in at school, Lewis turns his attention to the world of sorcery and magic. But when Lewis raises a former wizard from the dead, hell threatens to break loose - and it's further exacerbated by Jonathan's desire to find an endlessly clicking clock within the walls of his house.

In truth, The House With a Clock in Its Walls feels like a mesh of Goosebumps and a carnival haunted house rollercoaster ride.

There are some genuinely unsettling sequences set to celluloid from Roth, with the dread of the atmosphere cranked up for maximum effect. But like all of the biggest scares at a fairground, this is only material for show in a time and tested formula of good versus evil.

Partially ignoring the deeper thread of the post-traumatic stress syndrome of war (a wonderfully evocative piece hints at the turmoil facing one character, but is unexplored) in favour of more kiddy-friendly fare, The House With a Clock in Its Walls is content to avoid the issues of dealing with loss, and grief within 1950s America.

But that's no bad thing - and for a large part, the film is surprisingly entertaining, thanks to a wonderfully tart and emotionally nuanced turn from Blanchett as a witch with a tragic past. Black delivers his usual goggling eyes routine, which in truth becomes tiring midway through, and the script chooses to layer on some fart gags for puerile pleasure, which detracts from the wondrousness of what's to pass.

However, moments such as a pumpkin attack, and an evocation of the light of the universe are truly exciting to behold, and show that Roth, as a child film director, has enough smarts to deliver as much heart as the horrors needed to keep the tension ratcheted up.

All in all, The House With a Clock in Its Walls is a pleasantly surprising piece of family fare, that offers a tautly delivered set of purpose within its 100 minutes' run time. There's more it could have explored, and some deeper themes merely hinted at rather than fully fleshed out, but the fun parlour tricks it deploys manage to distract from the moments and themes that could have given more than just chills, thrills and silliness.

Tag: DVD Review

Tag: DVD Review

Every year, during May, a US-based group of friends come together to play a game of Tag.

It's a tradition that's been running since they were kids - and it's based on a true story.

It sounds like a bizarre proposition, but that's the basis for Tomsic's frat-pack movie. After some 30 years of playing, one of the gang's number Jerry (Jeremy Renner, playing up his action man pretensions) has never been caught.

So Hogan, Bob, Chilli and Sable (Helms, Hamm, Johnson and Buress respectively) gather together with the sole intent of making it this time, given that Jerry is getting married...

There's little plot to Tag, a film that has some briskness of pace, lunacy of execution and is based in some premise of heart, toying as it does with male friendship through the years. (As is especially demonstrated in the real-life credits sequence, and repeated footage of them playing as kids).

However, there are some moments that stand out in this cinematic version of The Washington Post story - albeit for the wrong reason.

An entire sequence based on miscarriage is anything but funny, leaving the film with a sour taste that its initial geniality fails to shake off. It's a woefully misjudged set of moments and deserves to have been struck from the script, leading more to a shocked intake of breath, rather than a shocked laugh.

Equally, the film's final desire to wrap everything up in a mawkish hug is just sickly rather than sentimental - and while the film's final shots really do return to the premise, the journey to get there feels cheapened by some of these moments. Contrasted with the final shots of the original gang playing the game via home movie footage, there's a meanness that pervades some parts of the film which feels definitely unwarranted.

However, Tomsic's slow-mo variations on the action sequences of people getting tagged is quite well executed, a visual bravura touch that may be overplayed, but digs deep into the silly premise of people just playing a kids' game.

The ensemble gel well, and while Fisher's hysterical wife to Hogan may make you question her sanity, the group makes a good fist of pulling off some bromance chemistry, amid the early Bro-vengers assemble montage shots.

Ultimately, Tag brings the prats to the pratfalls, and thanks to a brisk pace, surprisingly it never outstays its welcome, delivering some unexpected LOL moments and some subtle adlibbed one-liners (mainly from Buress) that will cause more mirth than expected.

The BlizzCon 2018 celebration kicks off early with the Virtual Ticket

The BlizzCon 2018 celebration kicks off early with the Virtual Ticket

The BlizzCon 2018 celebration kicks off early with the Virtual Ticket

Blizzard Entertainment’s epic BlizzCon community celebration is less than two months away—but BlizzCon season begins today with the launch of the BlizzCon 2018 Virtual Ticket, available to order now at www.blizzcon.com. The BlizzCon Virtual Ticket provides access to nearly two months of exclusive video programming, with new content hitting regularly between now and when BlizzCon takes place 2 to 3 November PDT. During BlizzCon, Virtual Ticket holders will be able to enjoy comprehensive livestreams covering all of the major news, events, and panels at the show, whether they’re joining the fun from home on BlizzCon.com—or, for the first time, directly via the Blizzard Battle.net^® desktop app— or watching on the go with the free BlizzCon Mobile App (available now for Android and iOS).

This year’s festivities are already underway, with the premiere episodes of multiple original BlizzCon video series available to view now on the official website and through the app—some available free, and all unlocked via the Virtual Ticket. BlizzCon attendees and Virtual Ticket holders can also help shape the show by voting for what they’d like to see on stage in a series of interactive BlizzCon Build-a-Panel polls. In addition, starting today BlizzCon ticket and Virtual Ticket holders will receive the first of this year’s commemorative BlizzCon in-game items: a diabolical legendary skin for Overwatch^®’s Sombra that channels the iconic Demon Hunter class from Diablo^® III.^†

The celebration continues 3 and 4 November AEDT/NZDT, as the BlizzCon Virtual Ticket also grants complete livestreaming access to the main event at the Anaheim Convention Center, including the BlizzCon All-Access channel, which acts as viewers’ tour guide through the two-day convention; the legendary cosplay and talent contests (and more) during Community Night; the closing-night festivities; as well as coverage of the panels and other activities from all three main stages—Mythic, Legendary, and Epic—on the BlizzCon show floor.

“We created BlizzCon as a celebration of our global community, but not everyone can travel to the show, so the Virtual Ticket gives us a great way to bring BlizzCon to gamers around the world,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “We have a lot of exciting activities and surprises planned for BlizzCon ticket and Virtual Ticket holders in the coming weeks and at the main event—we can’t wait to share everything we have in store.”

With the BlizzCon 2018 Virtual Ticket, Blizzard gamers from around the world will:

• Never Miss a Moment: The opening ceremony and esports are free, but the Virtual Ticket is the only way to watch the Mythic, Legendary, and Epic stages live from home, so you won’t miss any of the developer panels, Community Night contests, or epic closing festivities. Go even deeper with the BlizzCon All-Access Channel, complete with exclusive developer interviews, commentary, and more.

• Explore Original BlizzCon Video Series: Unlock full access to unique BlizzCon programming that takes you behind the scenes at Blizzard and beyond the walls of the convention center. Discover Blizzard history inside The Vault, explore artists’ creative process in Drawn to Adventure, and much more. New episodes debut regularly in the weeks leading up to BlizzCon—some available free, and all unlocked via the Virtual Ticket.

• Snag Epic In-Game Loot: Between now and the start of BlizzCon, unlock a treasure trove of commemorative in-game goodies for World of Warcraft^®, StarCraft^®II, StarCraft: Remastered, Heroes of the Storm^®, Hearthstone^®, and Diablo III. Kick things off with a legendary Overwatch Demon Hunter skin for Sombra—available in-game starting today.^†

• Help Shape the Show: Don’t just watch BlizzCon—participate in it, too! Build a BlizzCon panel alongside others from the Blizzard community, then watch what you help created come to life live during the main event. (Build-a-Panel voting will be available for a limited time—visit BlizzCon.com to learn more and keep up with the results.)

• Watch On-Demand Replays: Miss a revelation during a World of Warcraft or Overwatch developer discussion? Does one of your must-see Hearthstone panels conflict with a can’t-miss StarCraft II match? Relive your favourite moments on demand with the Virtual Ticket at BlizzCon.com or in the BlizzCon Mobile App through 31 March, 2019 AEDT/NZDT^††. The Virtual Ticket also unlocks access to a wide variety of panels and original video series from the BlizzCon 2017 video archives.

Get Gear Bonuses: Order a Virtual Ticket, and you’ll get a $10 discount off this year’s BlizzCon Goody Bag, available for pre-order today while supplies last athttp://gear.blizzard.com. You’ll also get early access to the BlizzCon 2018 online merchandise sale so you can pick up sweet swag in advance of the show—more details will be announced in the weeks ahead.

International viewers will also have the option to listen to select BlizzCon Virtual Ticket broadcasts, including the All-Access Channel and content on the Mythic stage, translated live into seven languages: Spanish, French, German, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Korean, and Mandarin Chinese. In addition, VODs of select content on the other stages at BlizzCon will be available subtitled in Latin American Spanish, European Spanish, French, German, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Korean, and simplified Chinese in the weeks following the show.

Visit the Blizzard Shop to learn more and purchase this year’s Virtual Ticket ($69.95 AUD/$79.95 NZD), and keep an eye on www.blizzcon.com to vote on the best moments from past BlizzCons and stay up-to-date on the latest BlizzCon news.

Winter has returned to Hearthstone with the Days of the Frozen Throne in-game event!

Winter has returned to Hearthstone with the Days of the Frozen Throne in-game event!

Winter has returned to Hearthstone with the Days of the Frozen Throne in-game event!

Well met!

Next week, Hearthstone’s champions rise again as Death Knights during the Days of the Frozen Throne event! From 20-24 September AEST/NZST, players can visit the Tavern to discover seriously cool bonuses as part of this limited time event celebrating the Knights of the Frozen Throne expansion.

• New Tavern Brawl – Duel of the Death Knights:
  • Both players begin the game as a Death Knight in this frigid Tavern Brawl! The decks are also chock-full of frosty Knights of the Frozen Throne cards to battle to the… undeath (?).
• Loot Giveaway from The Lich King:
  • All players who log in during the event will receive a free Golden Happy Ghoul card. Even Death Knights need a little happiness every once in a while… right?
• New Legendary Quests:
  • Players will have the chance to complete two special quests that reward 300 gold each, for a total of 600 gold!
• Bundle Up Bundle:
  • Feeling chilly? Then check out the Bundle Up Bundle – 30 Knights of the Frozen Throne card packs from $26.95 AUD and $31.99 NZD!

For more details, take a look at the blog post.

A Simple Favor: Film Review

A Simple Favor: Film Review

Cast: Blake Lively, Anna Kendrick, Henry Golding
Director: Paul Feig

Better known for his comedies like Ghostbusters, Paul Feig turns his directing eye to an adaptation of the 2017 novel from Darcey Bell.

Attempting to make it film-noir, but still imbuing it with comedic sensibilities and campy touches, A Simple Favor is the story of vlogger Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick, by far and away the best thing in this film) a nerdy widower and mother-of-one who strikes up an unlikely friendship with upmarket fellow Emily Nelson (Lively, suitably bitchy when needed, but unable to fulfill some of the film's requirements).

Entranced by Nelson's drink-during-the-day mentality, Smothers and Nelson become BFFs. One day, however, when Smothers is left to pick up Nelson's child, she doesn't return, prompting fears she's gone AWOL in the most sinister of fashions....

As Stephanie investigates, she begins to discover something sinister...

A Simple Favor works on some levels, and fails on some others.

The aforementioned comedy touches don't quite gel with the desire to go a bit darker here and there, and Kendrick's Nancy Drew type digging is sometimes foiled by an unevenness of tone, which, while not fatal to proceedings, can occasionally deliver a whiplash which is hard to shake.

Thankfully, Kendrick holds a lot of this together, going the full gamut from nerdish outsider caught up in the bitchiness of small-town school-gate gossip to empowered crusader, inspired by Emily's laissez-faire dismissal and attitude to life. Kendrick more than delivers, peppering her preppiness with the kind of touches employed in Pitch Perfect.

Lively isn't quite as strong, and while Emily's boozy detachment is a hard one to play, she doesn't quite hit the convictions needed late in the piece. Equally, Crazy Rich Asians' star Henry Golding delivers a too-nice-to-be-true turn that complements, but doesn't elevate what's going on.

Ultimately, the outlandish twists of the noir and the comedy slightly foil some of the final suspense, and there's a little too much garbled exposition at the end delivered without breath or pause.

These are minor niggles though, and there's much to be said for the stylish execution and the sassy French OST.

A Simple Favor is a smart watch in places, but the tonal mixes, while never fatal, do make the overall effect less powerful than it could have been - and it's saved solely by an exceptional Anna Kendrick.

Mirai: Film Review

Mirai: Film Review

Director: Hosoda Mamoru

Apparently inspired by director Hosoda's observations of the interaction of his own kids, Mirai is the tale of sibling jealousy.

Kun is the apple of his parents' eye - or so he believes. The four-year-old thinks the world revolves around him, but finds his view shaken up when a younger sister is born into the family.

Riddled with jealousy at his parents' loss of time for him, Kun's resentment of baby Mirai reaches fever pitch, and he hits the child with one of his beloved bullet trains. Struggling to find his place in the world post baby, Kun finds a magic world in his garden, as the importance of a sibling is demonstrated to him.

Mirai's touches are sweetly despatched, as the darker edges of the tale come to light.

It's one of seething inadequacy from the whining baby Kun; but despite Kun's apparent anger toward his situation, the Ghosts of Christmas Past / Future style visitations show really what could lie ahead for him as an older brother.

There's some further darkness in Mirai, with a heartbreaking scene of a child clearly in trouble after Kun's visit and subsequent trashing of the house. And the lessons doled out are a little on the heavy-handed side and obvious to anyone with an eye for them.

However, given this anime is aimed more at a family audience, Hosoda's sweeping touches can be forgiven within the simplicity of the story.

Mirai won't possibly win over everyone, and it lacks the timelessness of some other anime, even though there's a universality of theme at play here - but for the start of the school holidays and with an ever-growing awareness of the genre, its messages may be timely in today's world.

Disobedience: DVD Review

Disobedience: DVD Review

For all the theology opening and the deep soaking of Jewish tradition in Disobedience, it has to be said there's scant depth to what Disobedience unspools in terms of character.

Rachel Weisz is Ronit, the black sheep of the Jewish family whose return is necessitated by the death of her father. But many are unhappy to see her back in England's drab and dreariness including Dovid (Alessandro Nivola) and his new wife Esti (Rachel McAdams).

But Ronit's return rekindles something in Esti - and soon the perils of the outsider are thrust deep within the community, threatening to reignite both old passions and even deeper hatreds.

Drab, dreary backgrounds pepper the dour proceedings to start off with - London's backdrops stultify and threaten to overcome Ronit's natural incandescences, a woman who threw off the shackles of tradition to the disappointment of all around her.

Certainly, the hints are laid early on, in some naturalistic dialogue that drops emotional bombs later on as the intense recoupling rebirths.

Director Sebastien Lelio gives life to the struggles of the outsider, but Disobedience rarely feels more than a chamber piece between Esti and Ronit; and with the third wheel of Dovid thrown in for good measure. It lives and breathes like a play, as it piles up small emotional stakes building them into greater barriers as time goes on.

Largely restrained, Disobedience benefits from tasteful touches, and passionate clinches - even if occasionally, they feel borderline to voyeuristic, something which in truth is more the fault of an audience investment in the outcasts storyline. The sense of longing, the sense of connection and the sense of duty all swirl in one potent mix, and while Disobedience's palette is one of dour dismal skylines, what bubbles beneath is fiery and difficult to quell.

But Disobedience never fully breaks out to rage against the patriarchal society, the Jewish clasp thrown down upon these women - it's a frustration muted into a quiet scream as events transpire, and while the film is perfectly adequately explored and extolled, it never once finds the emotion to send it soaring high and beyond - despite the threesome offering some truly strong performances.

The Square: DVD Review

The Square: DVD Review

Provocative, confronting, and yet also unexpectedly amusing, the NZIFF's opening night film and the 2017 Palme D'Or winner The Square, from Force Majeure director Ruben Ostlund, is something else.

A satire on social reactions set within an art museum, it follows the museum's director Christian (Claes Bang) as a series of events are set in motion after the theft of his mobile phone. With a new exhibit set to launch, Christian should have his eyes and attention on what's ahead, but is dangerously distracted by the inane.

As events spiral, Ostlund's film teeters dangerously once again on a precipice between commentary on others and our social interactions - and as a result, it offers up some truly astounding moments of awkwardness and the surreal.

There's no denial that the loosest of threads pulls the rest of the film together, and there are moments that make The Square feel like a confrontational series of sketches that very occasionally feel disparate and in danger of breaking off like an iceberg from the main narrative.

It helps little that the film's punishing 140 minute run time becomes a slog in the final hurdle and certainly even though The Square's lost 20 minutes in an edit, a few more cuts could have helped the searing truly soar high above the cinematic stratosphere.

And yet, when Ostlund turns his precise eye to social commentary, there's nothing more piercing.

With Sweden's streets littered with beggars and with cries of Help Me resounding in many of these scenes, there's a humility and an horrific mirror cast upon society and their trivial concerns. The public and the private are meshed and simultaneously ripped apart under his precise directorship.

If Force Majeure's focus was solely on the family and the dynamic post the event, The Square's broader and wider ambitions occasionally threaten to stop it from achieving glory as it loses its edge towards the end.

But on the way in this high wire act, one scene stands alone - a sequence in a high society dinner event for the museum that's terrorised by a performance artist behaving like a gorilla. Simultaneously amusing and utterly terrifying, this moment of Ostlund's film is electrifying. It's here that the societal commentary comes into play and that Ostlund makes you shift uneasily in your seat.

And it's for moments like this, as well as surrealist broad comedy that The Square commands to be seen - it's confrontational, outrageous and it's out of nowhere attitude at times mean it's as unpredictable as it comes. However, in the wash, it may see you asking some serious questions about how we are wanting and examining its commentary on what society reacts to and ignores - it's here The Square's power is compelling. 

Johnny English Strikes Again: Film Review

Johnny English Strikes Again: Film Review

Cast: Rowan Atkinson, Ben Miller, Emma Thompson, Jake Lacy, Olga Kurylenko
Director: David Kerr

How you will feel about Johnny English Strikes Again largely relies on how you feel about Rowan Atkinson's inept spy.

Because, to be frank, this latest which sees English pulled out of retirement after a series of cyber attacks exposes all England's current secret agents, doesn't exactly do much to shake up the Johnny English franchise at all.

But what it does do, is allow Atkinson once again to showcase his rubber-faced propensity for physical comedy, like some kind of clown from a bygone era channeling Mr Bean and a James Bond cross.

However, much as it may pain some with its corny execution and its entirely predictable turn of plot and surprise, Johnny English Strikes Again is actually refreshingly retro in its delivery of sight gags, and silliness, both of which are dispatched by director Kerr and lead star with relative unflappable aplomb.

The resurgence of the old school is apparent throughout, both from the physical prop based humour served up by Atkinson to a series of running gags about English being out of touch from the rest of the world - from the advent of iPhones to EVs, to gags about having to sign a health and safety release for use of a gun to a brilliantly written sequence using VR and real life, there's a real feeling of 60s Get Smart mentality about this, rather than the self-knowing, self-referential Austin Powers.

Even Harry Potter gets a nod, with English now serving as a teacher in a spy school, awarding house points for to the best little would-be spies.

And largely, thanks to the quick pace, it works - though in parts, it does feel like a series of sketches thinly pulled together by some overall plot. But you can't deny the childish glee of what transpires in Johnny English Strikes Again, only the hardest of hearts would fail to be moved by the goofy unending silliness of it all, even if it does feel like the world's moved on since the 2011 sequel, Johnny English Reborn.

It may be a bit beneath those who can't see past their own snideness, but to be frank, Johnny English Strikes Again doesn't care for your snobbishness, or for a strong script or for the world which has turned repeatedly in its wake. In many ways, it's the antithesis of Mission: Impossible - Fallout, but ironically, both can co-exist at opposite ends of the spectrum.

It exists purely to amuse, not to score Oscars, and while it's affable and forgettable, its nostalgia for an England of yesteryear and a spy world of inherent silliness rather than Bond-style pomposity means that it feels like a cinematic cuddly jumper, well-executed and comforting - even if it does feel like an 80s TV sketch show throwback.

KINGDOM HEARTS: VR Experience Announced

KINGDOM HEARTS: VR Experience Announced

SQUARE ENIX AND DISNEY ANNOUNCE THE FIRST

KINGDOM HEARTS PLAYSTATION®VR EXPERIENCE

Fans Can Relive Some of their Favourite Memories with Unique Interactive

Music Experience This Holiday Season

SYDNEY, 12^th September 2018 – Leading up to the Tokyo Game Show, Square Enix Ltd., and Disney unveiled the KINGDOM HEARTS: VR Experience at the PlayStation® LineUp Tour in Japan. This brand-new, free PlayStation®VR experience will immerse fans in the KINGDOM HEARTS universe like never before and allow them to relive some of their fondest KINGDOM HEARTS memories.

Developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. and SQUARE ENIX, the “Virtual Reality Projection Mapping” project expands the visual experience and invites fans to fully immerse themselves in a 10 minute interactive video featuring music from the KINGDOM HEARTS franchise. Fans can also unlock new content by simply playing through the KINGDOM HEARTSvirtual experience.

Related Links:

Facebook® Page: http://www.facebook.com/kingdomhearts

Twitter®: @KINGDOMHEARTS

YouTube: www.youtube.com/KingdomHearts

Instagram: @kingdomhearts

Road to Life is Strange 2 - Mini Documentary

Road to Life is Strange 2 - Mini Documentary

Hey guys,

The Life is Strange 2 Episode 1 release date is coming up at the end of the month at September 27^th!

We’re really excited that the first episode of our all-new story of road trips, brotherhood, and coming-of-age is almost ready to land in the hands of players all over the world. We hope that the journey of Sean and Daniel Diaz will be just as great of an experience for you as it has been for us here at Square Enix and DONTNOD Entertainment.

In preparation for release, we wanted to give you one last sneak peek at Episode 1, and tell you a bit more about the thinking behind the direction of Life is Strange 2. So today, we are releasing ‘The Road to Life is Strange 2’, a short documentary about the making of Life is Strange 2, featuring exclusive never-before-seen footage of the game, a great look behind the scenes, and comments from Co-Creators Michel Koch, Raoul Barbet, and Jean-Luc Cano, as well as other key figures in the development team.

Watch The Road to Life is Strange 2 Short Documentary here:

Shadow of the Tomb Raider - Out Now for ANZ

Shadow of the Tomb Raider - Out Now for ANZ

SHADOW OF THE TOMB RAIDER AVAILABLE NOW ACROSS AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

Players Worldwide Will Experience Lara Croft’s Defining Moment

SYDNEY, 14^th September 2018 - Square Enix®, Eidos-Montréal™, and Crystal Dynamics® are proud to announce Shadow of the Tomb Raider™, the latest entry in the critically acclaimed and award-winning Tomb Raider® series, is available now across Australia & New Zealand for the Xbox One family of devices including Xbox One X, the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, and Windows PC/Steam®.

To celebrate the release of Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Square Enix has released a stunning launch trailer highlighting the emotional journey that awaits players as they experience Lara Croft®’s defining moment.

 “I’ve been a part of the reboot from the very start and it’s so gratifying to have helped shepherd the series along over the years,” said Dan Chayer-Bisson, Game Director at Eidos-Montréal. “Shadow of the Tomb Raider delivers something special for all fans of the series, whether this is your first Tomb Raider experience or you’ve played every instalment. The team and I are proud of what we’ve created, and hope players everywhere enjoy Lara’s defining moment.”

“With Shadow of the Tomb Raider, our development team has done a marvellous job of creating a compelling conclusion to Lara’s origin story, while still showcasing our strengths as a studio,” said David Anfossi, Head of Studio at Eidos-Montréal. “Eidos-Montréal prides itself on building captivating, immersive worlds and Shadow of the Tomb Raider reinforces that pedigree in a significant way.”

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 be forged into the Tomb Raider she is destined to be.

Created by a team of veteran Tomb Raider developers at Eidos-Montréal, in collaboration with Crystal Dynamics, the game is available now for the Xbox One family of devices, including Xbox One X, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Windows PC/Steam®.

New Games In The Animal Crossing And Luigi's Mansion Series Coming To Nintendo Switch

New Games In The Animal Crossing And Luigi's Mansion Series Coming To Nintendo Switch 

NEW GAMES IN THE ANIMAL CROSSING AND LUIGI’S MANSION SERIES COMING TO NINTENDO SWITCH

Isabelle from the Animal Crossing Series will also be a playable fighter in

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

14^th September, 2018 – In a new Nintendo Direct video presentation, Nintendo revealed that new games in two major Nintendo series are currently in development for the Nintendo Switch console. Animal Crossing for Nintendo Switch (working title), a new main game in the Animal Crossing series, and Luigi’s Mansion 3(working title), will both come exclusively to Nintendo Switch in 2019. The video presentation also debuted a new Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Nintendo Switch hardware bundle. To view the Nintendo Direct video in its entirety, visit the Nintendo Direct website.

The Nintendo Direct presentation revealed a diverse line-up of games headed to Nintendo Switch, including a massive collection of classic FINAL FANTASY games, an HD remake of the beloved Katamari Damacy, and adaptations of some best-selling card and board games like Carcassonne and Pandemic.

If that’s not already enough, the Nintendo Direct also unveiled other details for the paid Nintendo Switch Online membership service which starts on 19^th September, highlighted a selection of Nintendo 3DS games and revealed more details about previously announced Nintendo Switch games like Yoshi’s Crafted World, DAEMON X MACHINA and Mega Man 11.

Some of the highlights revealed in the video include:

Nintendo Switch

• Animal Crossing for Nintendo Switch (working title): A new mainline game in the Animal Crossing series – the first since Animal Crossing: New Leafdebuted on Nintendo 3DS in 2013 – is slated for a 2019 release exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
• Isabelle Joins the Fight!: Taking a break from assisting mayors and just being an all-around lovely pup, Isabelle from the Animal Crossing series is joining the roster as a playable fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
• Luigi’s Mansion 3 (working title): The next instalment in the spooky series is currently in production, and will launch exclusively for Nintendo Switch in 2019.
• Nintendo Switch Online: With Nintendo Switch Online, members gain access to online play, and Save Data Cloud backup in compatible games, the NES – Nintendo Switch Online growing library of classic games with added online play, special offers and a smartphone app with features to make online gaming sessions more fun and engaging for supported games. In addition to Splatoon 2, more online games will support voice chat through the app, including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, ARMS and Mario Tennis Aces. Nintendo Switch owners won’t automatically become members when the service launches on 19^th September, so they will need to purchase an individual or family membership in order to keep enjoying online play in compatible games. For more information about the service, visit https://www.nintendo.com.au/switch-online. A free seven-day trial will also be available. At launch, 20 NES games, including Super Mario Bros. 3, The Legend of Zelda and the newly announced Pro Wrestling – available for the first time since its 1987 release – and Ice Hockey will be available to play, with more games added regularly.
• Nintendo Entertainment System Controllers: Playing Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online will feel even more authentic by using the new, wireless Nintendo Entertainment System Controller, available for purchase exclusively for paid Nintendo Switch Online members. This re-creation of the original, iconic NES controller comes in a pack of two for AU$79.95 and can be charged by attaching to a docked Nintendo Switch console. NES Controllers will be available for pre-order from 19^th September. For more details, visit https://www.nintendo.com.au/switch-online.
• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe: Up to four players can enjoy this revamped version of the classic Wii U launch game when it comes to Nintendo Switch on 11^th January 2019. Mario, Luigi and Toad return as playable characters, and are joined by Nabbit and Toadette, who can transform into new character Peachette by grabbing a Super Crown, offering new ways for beginners to play together with friends and family. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe will also include New Super Luigi U, the first platformer with Luigi in a starring role, at no extra charge. Between both games, there are a whopping 164 courses to play.
• Yoshi’s Crafted World: Play as an adorable Yoshi travelling through a world crafted from household items like boxes and paper cups in this new Nintendo Switch platforming adventure. After traveling through a stage, players can start at the goal and journey back to the start on the “flip side,” the rear side of the course, to discover new secrets. Yoshi’s Crafted World launches on Nintendo Switch in autumn 2019.
• Nintendo Switch Super Smash Bros. Ultimate edition: This upcoming Nintendo Switch bundle features the Nintendo Switch console – complete with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate branded Joy-Con controllers and dock – and a download code for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with a suggested retail price of AU$549.95. The Nintendo Switch Super Smash Bros. Ultimate edition launches on 9^th November. (The download code for the game won’t be active until the game launches on 7^th December.)
• FINAL FANTASY Extravaganza!: High-definition versions of some of the most beloved FINAL FANTASY games of all time are coming to Nintendo Switch. This includes FINAL FANTASY VII, FINAL FANTASY XII: The Zodiac Age, FINAL FANTASY IX, FINAL FANTASY X and FINAL FANTASY X-2. This is the first time any of these FINAL FANTASY games have been released on a Nintendo console. Starting today, FINAL FANTASY XV Pocket Edition HD will soon be available to download in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch and three other games in the FINAL FANTASY universe will launch on Nintendo Switch in the near future: The levelled-up edition of WORLD OF FINAL FANTASY MAXIMA launches on 6^th November, Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon EVERY BUDDY! launches this summer, and Nintendo GameCube co-op game FINAL FANTASY: CRYSTAL CHRONICLES Remastered Edition with online multiplayer and no need for a link cable comes to Nintendo Switch in autumn 2019.
• TOWN (working title): GAME FREAK, the developer of the Pokémon series, has created a new RPG exclusively for Nintendo Switch. In TOWN, players must take up arms against invading monsters, all within the walls of a single village. TOWN launches for Nintendo Switch in 2019.
• Super Mario Party: In the newly-revealed Sound Stage mode, up to four players can each shake a Joy-Con in rhythm-based gameplay, while the River Survival mode offers the series’ first four-player co-op. Plus there’s 80 new mini-games, a single-player Challenge Road, the mini-game gauntlet Online Mariothon and much more. Super Mario Party launches for Nintendo Switch on 5^th October and is available for pre-purchase on Nintendo eShop and theofficial Super Mario Party website, with purchasers receiving double My Nintendo Gold Points when the game is released.
• Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!: During the adventure, players will be able to use their partner Pokémon (either Pikachu or Eevee) to overcome obstacles using Secret Techniques. These are skills that only partner Pokémon can use, like chopping down trees, traveling across water or soaring in the sky. Both games launch exclusively for Nintendo Switch on 16^th November. A bundle that includes a Nintendo Switch console, Pikachu and Eevee themed Joy-Con, a pre-installed version of either Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! and the Poké Ball Plus controller will also be available on the same day.
• Katamari Damacy REROLL: New fans will be joining the chorus when an HD remaster of the classic Katamari Damacy comes to Nintendo Switch, complete with HD rumble, gyro control and multiplayer support with the Joy-Con controllers. Katamari Damacy REROLL launches in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch this summer.
• Asmodee Digital: Asmodee Games is bringing full adaptations of best-selling card and board games like Carcassonne, Lord the Rings: Living Card Game, Pandemic, Munchkin and Catan to Nintendo Switch, starting this December.
• DAEMON X MACHINA: In this stylish action game first revealed at E3, the world and its inhabitants are on the brink of extinction. As a mercenary, you’ll pilot a powered-suit called an Arsenal and face runaway AI. Defeat enemies and acquire parts that can be equipped on the fly or brought back to base to craft new armaments. Use additional tactics by changing between projectile and melee attacks or take the fight on foot to gain an advantage in battle. DAEMON X MACHINA launches for Nintendo Switch in 2019.
• Capcom Beat ’Em Up Bundle: Some of Capcom’s most classic arcade games like Final Fight, Captain Commando and Knights of the Round are coming to Nintendo Switch with up to four-player local or online play. This also includes games that have never launched on home consoles before, like Powered Gear and Battle Circuit. The bundle launches in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch on 18^th September.
• Cities: Skylines: The acclaimed city-building game will be available today in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch, which means players can manage resources, improve quality of life, energise businesses and stimulate growth, anytime and anywhere.
• Civilization VI: When the acclaimed strategy game comes to Nintendo Switch on 16^th November, it will do so with an exclusive four-player wireless LAN multiplayer mode.
• Mega Man 11: Mega Man 11 busts onto Nintendo Switch on 2^nd October, while a free demo already available in Nintendo eShop. In addition, players will be able to unlock helpful in-game items for use in the full game by using the existing Mega Man amiibo figure from the Super Smash Bros. series.
• Splatoon 2 Version 4 Update: Starting today, the first set of new weapons in the Kensa Collection are coming to Splatoon 2 as part of the new Version 4.0 update. These familiar weapons are painted with stylish monotone designs. In addition, significant new Splatfest changes are coming as part of this update. From the beginning of October, Version 4.1 will bring a new stage, new songs and more Kensa Collection weapon sets complete with new sub and special weapons.
• Mario Tennis Aces Version 2.0 Update: After downloading a free update to the action-packed sports game on 19^th September, players will have access to a new online co-op mode that lets players participate in time-limited missions with other players. Complete objectives while these missions are active and players will receive special outfits, characters with alternate colour schemes, and more. Also, be on the lookout for new upcoming playable characters like Birdo, Shy Guy, Koopa Paratroopa and Petey Piranha.
• Diablo III: Eternal Collection: The Nintendo Switch version of this classic action-RPG will have players on a journey through Sanctuary, where they’ll vanquish the armies of Hell and plunder powerful loot as one of the seven playable classes. Up to four players can adventure together via local or online multiplayer. The Nintendo Switch version of the game features exclusive Legend of Ganondorf cosmetic armour, compatibility with all current amiibo figures, and more. Diablo III: Eternal Collection launches on 2^nd November.
• Starlink: Battle for Atlas: Do a barrel roll and defeat Wolf’s team in the Star Fox mission, exclusive to the Nintendo Switch version of the game. Starlink: Battle for Atlas launches for Nintendo Switch on 16^th October.
• Two RPGs on the Way!: Fans who love playing role-playing games anytime and anywhere are in luck. The World Ends with You -Final Remix- from SQUARE ENIX launches 12^th October, and Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna - The Golden Country comes to Xenoblade Chronicles 2 owners with the Expansion Pass on 14^th September, before it hits shops as a standalone packaged version on 21^st September.
• Warframe: New fans can join more than 38 million players for free-to-start co-op space-ninja action when Warframe launches for Nintendo Switch on 20^thNovember.
• Just Dance 2019: With Just Dance on Nintendo Switch, there’s no excuse for players to not get down to Camila Cabello, Bruno Mars and Cardi B. at home, in the middle of the park or even at the dentist’s office. Just Dance 2019 launches on 26^th October.
• EA SPORTS FIFA 19: EA SPORTS FIFA 19 is fast approaching. Time to warm up and prepare for kick off when it launches for Nintendo Switch on 28^thSeptember.
• Team Sonic Racing: Team Sonic Racing launches for Nintendo Switch this summer.
• NBA 2K19: The highest-rated basketball simulation franchise returns to Nintendo Switch with NBA 2K19, available on now.
• NBA 2K Playgrounds 2: Get ready to jam in this sequel to the smash-hit NBA arcade game, as NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 comes to Nintendo Switch this spring.
• LEGO DC Super-Villains: Why so serious? Play as The Joker, Harley, Lex Luthor and the rest of the best of the worst in the new LEGO DC Super-Villains game, launching for Nintendo Switch on 19^th October.

Nintendo 3DS

• Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn: The hit Wii game Kirby’s Epic Yarn is warping to Nintendo 3DS. Every stage in the original Wii version is stitched in, but this Nintendo 3DS version has some new features, like the ability to craft bigger yarn balls, summon bead-collecting wind and play two new modes featuring familiar faces King Dedede and Meta Knight. Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn is scheduled to launch for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems in 2019.
• Mario and Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey: One of the most acclaimed games in the Mario & Luigi RPG series is getting a remake on Nintendo 3DS. In addition to the game’s revamped graphics and tweaked gameplay, a new side story follows Bowser Jr. as he gathers an army, creates formations, supports his allies with an arsenal of moves, and generally causes chaos (in the best way possible). Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey will prove two adventures are better than one on 26^th January.
• Luigi’s Mansion: Two players who each own the game can team up to explore and capture ghosts in Luigi’s Mansion, a Nintendo 3DS remake of the classic Nintendo GameCube launch game. This new version of the game also features amiibo support. Tapping one of the four compatible amiibo will reveal where Boos are hiding and heal Luigi when he talks to Toad, among other bonuses. Luigi’s Mansion will haunt the Nintendo 3DS family of systems on 20^th October.
• YO-KAI WATCH BLASTERS: Whether players throw their allegiance behind the Red Cat Corps or the White Dog Squad, YO-KAI WATCH BLASTERS will let players team up with friends locally or online to tackle the most action-packed battles in the series yet. A free “Moon Rabbit Crew” software update on 27^thSeptember will add new missions, new areas to explore, new Yo-kai to befriend and new Big Boss Yo-kai. YO-KAI WATCH BLASTERS: Red Cat Corps andYO-KAI WATCH BLASTERS: White Dog Squad are now available for Nintendo 3DS.