Persona 3 Reload, a remake of the classic 2006 RPG, is due to release on February 2. Between 2013 and 2016, AIC ASTA and A-1 Pictures released four animated films on Persona 3. The question is: are they worth watching before Reload's release?

For many, myself included, seeing your favorite franchises adapted into a new form is thrilling. So when I heard there were four full-length animated films based on Persona 3, I knew I had to watch them. It's too good to be true! Well, in a way, it kind of is.

Spoiler alert for Persona 3 and the films.

What are the Persona 3 movies?

Let's give a bit of context here. The Persona 3 films, under the banner Persona 3: The Movie, were mostly made by A-1 Pictures (with AIC ASTA doing #1). A-1 also tackled the animated scenes in Persona 4, so they've worked with Atlus in the past.

The films came out over four years, starting in 2013 and ending in 2016. They launched theatrically in Japan, and while they never made it to the West in terms of dubbing, you can buy them subtitled off Amazon Prime for around $5 each.

In honor of Persona 3: Reload's release, I decided to watch all four films and collect my findings here for you all to see. I'll talk about how the films adapt the source material and make it better, or in some cases worse.

For Better

As someone who played Persona 3 Portable, which had no animated cutscenes, the movies made up for that. Seeing the events of Persona 3 done justice through the great animation by AIC ASTA and A-1 Pictures is satisfying. The style is consistent with the original game and outmatched the animated cutscenes in-game, in my opinion. The fight scenes are also given a one-up, feeling just as snappy and rewarding.

The films also give Makoto Yuki, the once-silent protagonist, a full voice and lines. This helps speed things up story-wise and gives him more of a personality and arc. His character development throughout the four films is pretty good and goes deep into the themes of life and death. Furthermore, Yuki's humanization in Persona 3: The Movie #3. Falling Down with Ryoji creates some great moments of friendship the game never had, if I remember correctly.

From the start, you can tell the films were made by Persona 3 fans. Throughout the four films, you'll see cameos from Social Links like Akinari and Chihiro, as well as Makoto using fan-favorite Personas like Jack Frost and Thoth.

The S.E.E.S members also have their moments in the spotlight and translate well onto the screen. Junpei is still that lovable goofball, and Akihiko punches anything and everything near him. We even get an "I've been waiting for this", which is a must for any Persona 3 title.

For Worse

The story of Persona 3 is a long one. I mean, the game takes at least 88 hours to beat, and that's just sticking to the narrative. While the base story remains, small character moments and events are shaved to their bare bones or cut entirely. Even still, it hurts characters that didn't get much time in the original, like Shinji and Jin.

While what it adds is good, it doesn't elevate things as much as they could've. For example, the concept of Personas turning on their users is glanced over, being resolved the same way for both afflicted characters.

Another thing that felt off was the unchanged ending. I know some people didn't like the pacing of the ending and the events that transpire. And, while I was confused and surprised, it felt right. Persona 3: The Movie #4: Winter of Rebirth didn't change that, and it's a missed opportunity.

On that note, the pacing was quick and went too fast. This problem came up a lot, as events happen and end within minutes and get pushed to the side. The game had this issue, and to see that adapted doesn't suit the films well.

I do want to point out that each film has a different director. While the visions for them didn't change much from each version, it feels like there wasn't a lot of wiggle room to explore. For example, Persona 3: The Movie #1. Spring of Birth covered the beginning up to Fuuka's entrance, while Persona 3: The Movie #2. Midsummer Knight's Dream gave us the rest of the S.E.E.S squad and villains.

Each film was an hour and a half, give or take. I'm unsure if the plan was always four films, but deep down, I feel like adding a bit more time to each would help smooth the pacing and make them unique.

Consensus

The Persona 3 films are solid showings of the game's narrative. They stay true to the source material and add small yet welcoming changes. That said, condensing the story and translating its pacing problems to the screen hurt the films, especially the last two. As a fan of Persona 3 and its characters, it's great to see them as lively as they were in the game.

So, it begs the question: should you watch Persona 3: The Movie and its sequels before Persona 3 Reload? Personally, I would steer clear of them if Reload is your first. The game looks to correct some of the original's errors and the story flows much better with gameplay. If you're a returning Persona 3 player, the films would help refresh your memory of the story and characters. Plus, it gives some fun moments that fans will enjoy.

Overall, they act as mementos of the original. Whether they'll age well come Persona 3 Reload's release remains to be seen. 

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The Last of Us Part II's about to be seen in a whole new way. Grounded 2, a making-of documentary for The Last of Us Part II, premieres next week.

In a post on Naughty Dog's Twitter, the studio confirms the new documentary arrives on February 2. It's a follow-up to Grounded, the making-of for the first Last of Us, and will head to both YouTube and in-game for those who own The Last of Us: Part II Remastered.

The documentary premieres at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET for those waiting on the YouTube upload.

Hitting the ground running

As I used to study Game Design (and will pay monthly for around 10 years), I've been interested in behind-the-scenes of the game industry for a while. In fact, one of my favorite documentaries is Raising Kratos by PlayStation and Santa Monica. Can't get more geeky than that.

I remember watching the first Grounded documentary when I finished The Last of Us Remastered for the first time. It was amazing seeing how a simple idea can become as big as the original did. I did watch it again before The Last of Us Part II's release, so to have a new documentary for Part II is kind of exciting, personally.

The Last of Us Part II is having its moment in the spotlight after its release in 2020. While met with some controversy, the game went home with dozens of Game of the Year awards. Meanwhile, the Emmy-winning HBO show is going onto its second season, which is set to adapt the sequel, and growing out its main cast for characters Abby, Jesse, and Dina.

Just last week, The Last of Us Part II got the remaster treatment for PlayStation 5. Our own Smangaliso Simelane rated the game a 9, saying in his review: "Nevertheless, it manages to not only justify itself but also gives the most seasoned veterans something new to experience." It's a great time to be a Last of Us fan. Just, don't watch it if you want to be blissful in ignorance of what happens in the sequel. Hate to see someone watch it and find out about the golfing incident.

Grounded 2: Making The Last of Us Part II will be released in-game within The Last of Us Part II: Remastered and to YouTube on February 2 at 9 am PT/12 pm ET.

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The Umbrella Academy meets Gekkoukan High. With Persona 3 Reload launching next week, Atlus West's YouTube released an out-of-the-blue live-action commercial with Aidan Gallagher.

Persona 3 Reload is an RPG/life sim where you take on the role of Makoto Yuki, a recent transfer to Gekkoukan High. He then becomes a member of the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad (S.E.E.S) and takes on the many levels of Tartarus during the elusive Dark Hour at midnight.

The almost minute-and-a-half-long trailer, titled "Seal Your Fate", features The Umbrella Academy actor casually taking a stroll through the halls of Gekkoukan High and Tartarus and, of course, monologuing about time. Aidan becomes an in-game character at some points, ending off with slaying a Shadow himself. It's a weird mix and a pretty odd presentation, but seeing it go mainstream is cool, to say the least.

School Days

To be honest, Aiden doesn't strike me as protagonist Makoto, but weirdly Tatsuya of Persona 2 fame. I'm not the only one who thinks so, as YouTube comments repeat the protagonist's name due to his long brown hair and demeanor. Maybe when they adapt Persona into a live-action film, Aidan will take on the role. Though, Atlus would need to acknowledge the original Personas to do that, so who knows?

As I mentioned before, the commercial is a bit weird. It's just Aiden walking in a straight line talking about life. I know that time is linear but maybe the ad shouldn't have been? Still, as a fan of the franchise, it's exciting to see it feel a bit more mainstream.

Celebrities in video game ads aren't new. Just recently, Succession star Brian Cox talked about complicated family lore for Tekken 8. Last year, The Office's Rainn Wilson did a spin on the classic sitcom for Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. While simplistic, I do like that Persona can join those ranks. Perhaps they'll do this again for other Atlus titles? Maybe Kit Harrington for Unicorn Overlord? Or Timothee Chalamet for Metaphor: ReFantazio? Too much?

Persona 3 Reload launches on February 2 to PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Game Pass. If you're interested, check out our latest preview of the game.

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A PlayStation horror classic is being reborn as a film. The choose-your-own-nightmare from Supermassive Games, Until Dawn, is one of the latest video games announced to make the jump from your living room TV to the big screen, though this one seems far more straightforward.

According to Hollywood Reporter, PlayStation Productions and Screen Gems are adapting 2015’s Until Dawn with director David F. Sandburg and writer Gary Dauberman. The original tale revolved around eight teens surviving a fear-filled hell in the middle of a wintry retreat, entrusting their fate with the player.

The film doesn't have a release date or casting yet. Hollywood Reporter notes Screen Gems describes the apparent R-rated adaptation as a love letter to the horror genre and centers its ensemble cast. No details on Until Dawn's story have been revealed yet, either. It's safe to say there's a clear-cut formula there for a film to follow, but perhaps Hollywood has a few tricks in store for a proper homage to Until Dawn's interactivity.

Cabin in the (Wintry) Woods

For those who don’t know, Until Dawn, released in 2015 by Supermassive Games, is an interactive horror where your actions have dire consequences. The title, which came out during an onslaught of choice-heavy games like Telltale’s The Walking Dead and Dragon Age: Inquisition, was a hit for players. The vast ways events can play out, terrifying jumpscares, and great cast (including now Oscar-winning actor Rami Malek) made it a staple of the PlayStation 4. 

Fast forward to now, almost nine years since its release, it re-emerges thanks to PlayStation and Screen Gems. As previously mentioned, the film already has a director and writer attached. In the director’s chair is David F. Sandburg, who is most known for his Shazam films for DC.

David started in horror, directing Annabelle: Creation and Lights Out alongside writer Gary Dauberman. Gary is pretty big with horror, writing many of The Conjuring spin-off films like Annabelle and The Nun, as well as both It and It: Chapter Two. The script comes from a pass by Blair Butler (The Invitation).

Personally, the many lets-plays of Until Dawn (looking at you, Markiplier) convinced me to rent the game. It only took me some 30 minutes in to bail, thanks to the choice overload, so maybe watching someone else lead the way is more my speed. Therefore, I am curious to see what David, Gary, and the crew behind this new adaptation have in store. With the many game adaptations in the works right now, it's good to have some idea of where it'll go.

My biggest wish is for a killer cast, pun intended. Put some fresh and familiar horror actors in there and you'll have yourself a real strong horror film. And turn up the campiness. If it's going to be a love letter, you have to embrace the nostalgia and run with it. However, do be wary of branches. That's a QTE.

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Another lead in The Last of Us Part II has been cast for its TV adaptation. The second season of HBO’s The Last of Us has found its Dina in Instant Family’s Isabela Merced.

The news, tweeted by Max and Naughty Dog, is the third casting for the new season in the past few days. The first was Booksmart’s Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, and soon after, Beef's Young Mazino as Jesse.

Creators Neil Druckmann and showrunner/director Craig Mazin talked about Merced and Dina with Variety, saying "Dina is warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous, and instantly lovable. You can search forever for an actor who effortlessly embodies all of those things, or you can find Isabela Merced right away. We couldn’t be prouder to have her join our family."

The video game adaptation, starring Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian) and Bella Ramsey (Game of Thrones), is fresh off winning eight Creative Emmys and is nominated for five main Primetime Emmy awards, including Best Drama. The show was a massive hit for HBO and fans alike. This new season is expected to adapt the events of The Last of Us Part II, which was released in 2020 to critical praise.

Dina, according to an official description by Variety, is said to be “a free-wheeling spirit whose devotion to Ellie will be tested by the brutality of the world they inhabit.” Shannon Woodward (Westworld) voiced the role for the game, while Cascina Caradonna was the face model. The character plays a huge role in the sequel, as a romantic interest for both Ellie and Jesse.

Making Things Click

Isabela Merced is a pretty big actress, if her resume is anything to go by. Breaking onto the scene with films like Sicario: Day of the Soldado and Transformers: The Last Knight, her title role in Dora and the Lost City of Gold shot her to stardom. Now, one can find her appearing in some big franchises in the future, like Alien (Alien: Romulus) DC (Superman: Legacy), and Spider-Man (Madame Web).

With such a busy schedule, it's impressive that Merced is doing this big a role while filming franchise titles. I, for one, can't wait to see her take on a character as deep and strong as Dina.

Season two of The Last of Us is scheduled to film later this year and release sometime next year. Odds are, with HBO's cadence of casting announcements, there's probably still more to come. If you want to refresh yourself on Dina’s part in the games, The Last of Us Part II Remastered arrives for PS5 next week on January 19.

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We see you, Halo. Season 2 of Paramount Plus' video game adaptation received its official trailer today and looks, dare I say, promising.

Earlier in December, Halo season 2 got a small teaser, which uses some of the shots in the trailer. Alongside the reveal was its release date, February 8th, and a YouTube release of the first season.

According to the YouTube description, in Halo season 2, "Master Chief John-117 leads his team of elite Spartans against the alien threat known as the Covenant. As humanity’s best hope for winning the war, John-117 discovers his deep connection to a mysterious alien structure that holds the key to humankind’s salvation, or its destruction — the Halo."

Hello Halo, it's good to see you again

The trailer shows a lot of action, which was a hit with original audiences. Personally, it does look more like an adaptation of the games than the first season, which I briefly watched. I did spy someone using dual pistols, a famous game mechanic introduced in Halo 2. Of course, we do see Energy Swords, a boat-ton of them, in one shot. There are some promising shots in the trailer, which gets me kind of excited to see this new season.

Despite Halo receiving mixed reviews, the viewership was record-breaking for Paramount Plus, easily prompting a season two renewal. Controversially, the show’s first episode had Master Chief take his helmet off (and he takes off more than just that). He still looks to have his helmet off this time, but it's not as bothersome as before, personally.

Halo stars Pablo Schreiber (Narcos) as Master Chief/John-117 and Jen Taylor (Halo: Combat Evolved) as Cortana, whom we got to speak to before the first season's release. The supporting cast boasts the likes of Charlie Murphy (Happy Valley), Natascha McElhone (The Truman Show), and Bokeem Woodbine (Spider-Man: Homecoming), just to name a few. So, if you have time to kill, you can watch all the episodes free of charge via this playlist and finish the fight before February 8.

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Another actor has been cast for the next season of The Last of Us. HBO's adaptation of the Naughty Dog series has found its Jesse in Beef’s Young Mazino.

The news, tweeted by Max and Naughty Dog, comes a day after Booksmart’s Kaitlyn Dever was cast as antagonist and dual protagonist Abby.

Creators Neil Druckmann and showrunner/director Craig Mazin confirmed Young Mazino's casting via Variety, saying "Young is one of those rare actors who is immediately undeniable the moment you see him. We’re so lucky to have him, and we can’t wait for the audience to see Young shine in our show."

The video game adaptation, starring Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian) and Bella Ramsey (Game of Thrones), is fresh off eight Creative Emmy wins and is nominated for five main Primetime Emmy awards, including Best Drama. The show was a massive hit for HBO and fans alike. This new season is expected to adapt the events of The Last of Us Part II, which was released in 2020 to critical praise.

Jesse, according to an official description by Variety, is said to be "a pillar of his community who puts everyone else’s needs before his own, sometimes at terrible cost." His role in the game, which was played by Stephen Chang (Bosch: Legacy), was the leader of the Jackson patrol troops, and the on-again/off-again love interest of Dina.

Breaking Out

Young Mazino is a relatively new actor, starting in 2013 and doing small roles in New Amsterdam and Blue Bloods. His big break came with the 2023 Netflix acclaimed limited series Beef as Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead)’s brother Paul Cho. He’s currently nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his role, alongside his co-star Joseph Lee.

I have yet to see Beef, though it is high up there considering it's been dominating the Miniseries category at awards shows thus far. Taking a chance on promising actors is always a win in my book. With that, Young Mazino seems like a great choice to play Jesse, a personal favorite of mine in The Last of Us Part II.

Season two of The Last of Us is scheduled to film later this year and release sometime next year. With HBO announcing two roles in quick succession, I have a hunch we might hear more about other roles soon too.

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HBO's The Last of Us has found its Abby. Kaitlyn Dever, of Booksmart and Dopesick, will play the Part II lead in Season 2 of The Last of Us.

Naughty Dog and HBO confirmed the news on Twitter. She was previously rumored to play the character, but now it’s official that Dever will take on the role.

The Last of Us, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, is fresh off eight Creative Emmy wins and is nominated for five main Primetime Emmy awards, including Best Drama. The show was a massive hit for HBO and fans alike.

Speaking on the casting to Variety, co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann said, “Our casting process for season two has been identical to season one: we look for world-class actors who embody the souls of the characters in the source material. Nothing matters more than talent and we’re thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro, Bella, and the rest of our family.”

Abby is the dual protagonist and main antagonist in The Last of Us Part II, which HBO will adapt with its second season. Once a Firefly, the death of her father set her on the road for revenge as a Wolf. Laura Bailey (Marvel’s Spider-Man 2) was the actor for Abby in the video game The Last of Us Part II, garnering her a Best Performance award at the The Game Awards 2020.

Brains and Brawn

Kaitlyn is a very inspired choice for the second protagonist/main antagonist of The Last of Us sequel. She’s a big up-and-coming actress whose biggest roles include her Emmy-nominated role as Betsy in the mini-series Dopesick. Many people might know her as the dual protagonist in Olivia Wilde’s coming-of-age comedy Booksmart, which was one of the funniest films I’ve seen in recent years. Recently, she starred in the Hulu-exclusive alien film No One Will Save You.

Funny enough, this isn’t her first time working with Naughty Dog. Spoiler alert for Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, but she actually played Nathan and Elena’s daughter, Cassie. Furthermore, when The Last of Us was in the movie stages, creator Neil Druckmann in a Hollywood Reporter interview revealed Kaityln was among the actresses who table read for the role of Ellie, alongside Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones).

The Last of Us Season 2 is scheduled to film later this year and release sometime next year. If you want to refresh yourself on Abby's journey, The Last of Us Part II Remastered arrives for PS5 next week on January 19.

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HBO’s The Last of Us, based on the hit 2013 Naughty Dog game, has been burning up the awards season. Case in point, the show won eight awards during last night’s Creative Emmys Awards, beating immensely popular shows like Succession and The White Lotus in several categories. 

Chief among those wins are two in acting: Outstanding Guest Actor and Guest Actress in a Drama Series. Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) won for his role as Bill in “Long, Long Time”, beating out his on-screen boyfriend Frank, played by Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus). Meanwhile, Storm Reid (A Wrinkle in Time) as Riley for “Left Behind”, overcoming Melanie Lynskey (Yellowjackets) and Anna Torv (Fringe).

Other wins The Last of Us received were Outstanding Main Title Design, Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup, and Outstanding Special Visual Effects, just to name a few. The show was nominated 24 times this year for the Emmys, which is extremely high for a new show. 

Nick Offerman and Storm Reid win big for The Last of Us

Speaking on his win, four-time Emmy nominee Nick Offerman said: “We would not be doing anything but standing around with our thumbs up our asses if Craig Mazin (the showrunner) hadn’t written the most beautiful script I’ve ever been handed.”. Bill, in both versions, is a friend of Tess who survived, for the most part, by himself. That is until Frank, another survivor, shows up in his life and gives it meaning. The show does an excellent job with the portrayal and adds tons of layers to their relationship and character development. It's one of, in my opinion, the best episodes of any show last year.

Storm Reid, a first-time Emmy nominee, was very humbled by her win, saying “This is proof you can do anything. I’m just a young girl from Atlanta, Georgia.” Reid's character, Riley, is a friend of Ellie's in the compound. The DLC for the original Last of Us, Left Behind (also the title of the episode), goes further with her and Ellie's characters via a visit to an abandoned mall. Even more so, it revealed that the two had a relationship, though it didn't end well. She gave an incredible performance that captured the nuances of Riley and her relationship with Bella Ramsey's Ellie.

Keep Going, Baby Girl!

The Last Of Us shocked many fans in that it was just an extremely good video game adaptation. Not only did it take what Naughty Dog created and adapt it, but it went above and beyond to create some of the best TV this decade. A second season is currently in development with hopes to release next year. 

The outlook for The Last of Us is extremely positive for the Primetime Emmys next week on January 15. The show is nominated for Outstanding Writing, Directing, Actor (Pedro Pascal/Joel), Actress (Bella Ramsey/Ellie), and Drama Series. 

In the gaming world, The Last of Us Part II is releasing a Remastered version on January 19. Players can access new modes, such as Lost Levels and No Return. All in all, it’s a pretty good time to be a Last of Us fan. Well, unless you’re a multiplayer fan.

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In December, a fighting game based on the hit manga/anime Hunter x Hunter was announced. Yesterday, Bushiroad Games and developer Eighting revealed the first teaser for the game, now called Hunter x Hunter Nen x Impact, as well as six playable characters.

In the brief 30-second trailer, we get some in-engine footage alongside voice-overs from Gon and Killua, presumably from their original VAs. We didn't get any gameplay or release date. However, it does seem that the game will utilize 3v3 fighting similar to Dragon Ball FighterZ.

As previously mentioned, it looks like the game has already confirmed six playable characters. The video shows Gon, Killua, Leorio, Kurapika, Hisoka, and Neteru all walking into a stadium and preparing for battle.

Great, another tournament arc!

Having watched the anime, it felt nostalgic to hear the VAs and see the Hunter x Hunter crew again. The graphics are a bit simple, but the game is in development, so it’ll shape up over time. Anime fighting games can be hit/miss. For every Dragon Ball FighterZ, there’s a Jump Force.

It does get me excited to see who’s going to be next. Perhaps Neferpitou or Mereum? Or maybe Ging? I bet he’d show up here instead of being there for Gon’s childhood. Still a bit sore about that.

If you haven’t read or watched Hunter x Hunter, it is a must for fans of great action and even better characters. It follows Gon, a young islander, who leaves his home to become the best Hunter ever, like his father. While it may seem charming at first, it gets dark –Chimera Ant Arc anyone?–, resulting in some of the best anime you can find. It’s a long watch but it’s worth it. 

Hunter x Hunter Nen x Impact has no release date or platforms as of yet.

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Netflix's hit League of Legends show, Arcane, is expected to release its second season this November. To bide the time until then, Riot Games and Netflix released a small yet intriguing Arcane Season 2 teaser as part of League of Legends' 2024 roadmap that may tease a fan-favorite arrival.

In this 45-second teaser, we're treated to a haunting look at what appears to be a blood transfusion. Giving his blood seems to be Silco's doctor acquaintance, Singed. While it isn't said who or what is being given blood outside of the gigantic beast, some fans are quick to speculate. In fact, one of the main theories from last season may help decipher who that hanging abomination may be.

My Enemy

I'll start by saying my knowledge of League of Legends starts and ends with Arcane. So, with this new Arcane teaser, I had to do some digging to find some answers. Looking through the YouTube comments of the video (as dangerous as it may be), I came across a few people bringing up a name: Warwick. One Google search later and, lo and behold, there it is! The many green vials upon the engineered beast's back and the creature-like physique are spot-on.

As for what created Warwick, one can turn to the last episode of season one, "The Monster You Created". During the episode, we see Singed take the body of a Shimmer-infected Vander to his lab. Vander, for those who need a refresher, was the guardian of Vi and Jinx as well as the respected protector of the underground.

When we last saw him in Arcane, he took Shimmer and changed into a monster. He proceeds to save Vi and they jump out of a collapsing building. It would make sense that Singed would use Vander's body, dead or alive, for experiments and create the perfect monster. If Vander is indeed Warwick, it seems our heroes' battle will hit a lot more close to home.

Arcane, released in 2021, follows Vi and Jinx, two separated sisters, as they try to reunite with each other in an ever-evolving world of chaos and invention. The show was lauded upon release for its spectacular animation, loaded voice cast, and incredible story. It even won Outstanding Animated Program at the Primetime Emmys and Best Adaptation at The Game Awards. As one of my favorite shows of 2021, it's safe to say a lot of people are looking forward to Arcane's second season's release in November.

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Persona 3 Reload, a remake of 2006's Persona 3, just released its animated opening ahead of its February release. Not only does it look fantastic, but it pays homage to the game's original theme "Burn My Dread" in a pretty inventive way.

Mixing in the blue/white palette of the original, Persona 3 Reload’s opening movie gives us a taste of what to expect come February 2nd. The two-minute animation introduces us fully to the new song “Full Moon Full Life” sung by Azumi Takahashi and Lotus Juice. There are some subtle nods to the original 2006 phenomenon that long-time fans will adore.

A Way of Life

If you’re like me and watched the opening more times than Akihiko says “I’ve been waiting for this!” (spoiler alert: it’s a ton), you’ll pick up on an audio Easter egg. Sure, there's the not-so-subtle usage of “Burn My Dread” and “Want to be Close” when the protagonist is flipping through his songs. However, the reference is in “Full Moon Full Life” itself. The beat of the song has a striking resemblance to the beginning notes of “Burn My Dread”. It’s a cool homage to the original banger of an opening. 

Persona 3 Reload’s opening visuals look phenomenal. I was a bit scared of how it would translate given the abstract tone of the original openings. However, it worked great and crafted some beautiful shots. It might just be me, but seeing Mitsuru riding her motorcycle like a badass got me 10x more hyped. Plus, the Akihiko/Shinjiro/Ken transitions were super smooth. A favorite shot of mine was with Thanatos and the moon, as it felt pretty iconic given the symbolism behind the two.

Our very own Timothy Monbleau got to play Persona 3 Reload in August and said the game felt “polished to an absolute shine.” As one of my personal RPGs to look out for, Persona 3 Reload looks to be a force to be reckoned with. P3 Reload launches on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Game Pass, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on February 2, 2024.

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With Steamboat Willie now in the public domain, people have free reign over the classic cartoon. To celebrate that, indie developer Nightmare Forge revealed their new co-op PC horror, Infestation 88, to IGN that stars the Disney mascot himself: Mickey Mouse.

The game features co-op gameplay where players have to handle a rodent infestation. Who’s the leader of that club? Mickey Mouse. A disgusting, vile-looking Mickey Mouse. We get some gameplay with some creepy crawlies and that’s pretty much it. If you did watch the video, you can see that it starts with a disclaimer about Mickey that talks about free use. 

Now, the Mickey seen in the game is based on 1928's Steamboat Willie, Walt Disney’s first short. In it, a young Mickey Mouse plays music and transports Minnie Mouse on, you guessed it, a steamboat. Other versions of Mickey are still copyrighted, so you can’t use Fantasia’s version in your magic-based FPS just yet – sorry game developers.

Open Mouse

So why did Mickey Mouse go public? Copyright laws for any media from the past can only keep them for 95 years. It was originally 55 but Congress extended the rights up 20 years back in 1984 and again in 2004. 

That means a majority of things from 1928 are public domain now, such as J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan and A.A. Milne’s The House on Pooh Corner, which introduced the bouncy marsupial Tigger. Also included is another Mickey Mouse short, Plane Crazy. Perhaps we’ll finally get a horror-based Peter Pan game that actually shows how insane Peter Pan is. Last year, A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh was inducted into the public domain. This brought Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey to life.

No release date was given for Infestation 88. Given that it looks, in a way, playable, as well as relevant, I wager it’ll be out this year. Also, expect to see way more uses of Mickey Mouse in media. Hopefully, it’ll be much more than cheesy horror. 

Update - Infestation 88 changed to Infestation: Origins

[Update: In a statement released by the studio, the team is changing their game to "Infestation: Origins," following allegations that the original title evoked Nazi imagery (which the team refers to as "additional meanings").]

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While PlayStation and Nintendo reaped the awards with their games, Xbox players might have been the true winners in terms of savings. According to TrueAchievements, after calculating the cost of each new game on Xbox Game Pass, the total amounted to nearly $9000.

With big releases like Starfield and Hi-Fi Rush, there was no shortage of new games for subscribers to dig into. Clearly, Xbox Game Pass was committed to being the best gaming service, bringing in huge third-party titles and inventive indies. As for the savings, the exact amounts are listed below:

• $8763/US
• £7695/UK
• CA$11425/Canada
• A$13392/Australia
• €8879/Europe
• R$36898/ Brazil

Xbox Lives To Serve

I’ve been an Xbox Game Pass subscriber for a good while. To be honest, I reaped some of the benefits, especially early in the year with the releases of Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden. Without an Xbox Series X though, I did miss out on some grand additions like Dead Space and Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. I don’t think my poor Xbox One can even cloud-stream Starfield without becoming a portable grill. 

Regardless, many Xbox players did get to dig into some amazing games with the service compared to rival PlayStation Plus. Indies like Cocoon and Sea of Stars were powerhouses, while hotly-anticipated titles such as Lies of P and Persona 5 Tactica brought the house down.

Next year doesn’t seem to let up, either. Game Pass subscribers can get their hands on Persona 3 Reload (one of my most anticipated RPGs) in February, while exclusives such as Avowed, Towerborne, and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 will join the service later in the year. This, of course, doesn’t account for the many that will be announced later on, especially in future events (though not E3 anymore). 

If you're already an Xbox player, you probably know just how big a value Game Pass is if you checked your Spotify Wrapped-esque year-in-review from Xbox. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which includes both PC and Console access, costs $16.99/month and has a fairly substantial catalog. It's worth keeping in mind, though, that while $9000 worth of games does seem like a good deal, 2023 was also the year some users saw Microsoft raise the price of the service.

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Add another video game adaptation to the list, y'all. According to a Twitter (X) post by the official Bendy account, the horror game Bendy and the Ink Machine is gracing the silver screen. The film will be produced by Radar Pictures and Joey Drew Studios, who make the series.

No director or writers are attached at the moment, nor is there any mention of a release date or window. However, series creator theMeatly confirmed his involvement via Twitter. In another tweet, the creator mentioned that the project has been in the works for quite some time. With the official announcement out of the way, it seems like things might kick up speed in terms of production.

An Ink Feather In Their Cap

Bendy and the Ink Machine, for those who don’t know, is an indie horror game about a killer cartoon character named, well, Bendy. It sports a unique style and garnered the attention of YouTube Lets-Players like Markiplier and JackSepticEye. Its immense popularity spawned other entries, including the recent Bendy and the Dark Revival and console releases. And now, it's going to the big screen. 

In 2020, John Wick creator Derek Kolstad revealed he pitched an idea to adapt Bendy and the Ink Machine as a TV show, alongside My Friend Pedro. Though, he’s also officially attached to Streets of Rage, Sifu, Hitman, and Just Cause. Oh, and he's producing Toejam and Earl for Amazon and writing Splinter Cell for Netflix. What's one more for him, huh?

If I had a dollar for every indie horror game film adaptation, I’d have three dollars, which isn't much but still surprising. Personally, I’ve only watched a bit of gameplay of Bendy and the Ink Machine. While it's not too different from other popular horror games of that time, it's unique enough to warrant some attention. The recent Five Nights at Freddy’s film didn’t deliver on the scares, so all eyes are on this one and Markiplier’s decent-looking Iron Lung adaptation.

Bendy and the Ink Machine and Bendy and the Dark Revival are both available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One. A spinoff, Boris and the Dark Survival, is available on Steam. Furthermore, Bendy: The Cage, is in development, alongside other Bendy-themed projects. Safe to say, fans of the series are eating (ink)well.

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The holidays are here and people -perhaps you- are finally able to buy consoles without jumping through huge hoops. But now the question arises: what games are you going to gift?

After years of waiting for consoles to be easily accessible to purchase, you can get a PS5 on Amazon or an Xbox Series X at Target. Plus, the Nintendo Switch, including its OLED version, has seen some price cuts since its 2017 launch. 

It’s the perfect time to get that gamer in your life a console. Now all that's left to do is to buy some games. I mean, you can't get a console without some games. But what to choose? Well, I'm here to help ease that search and give some of my recommendations for the best games to gift.

PlayStation 5 (PS5)

Marvel's Spider-Man 2

(Amazon|Walmart|Target)

Spider-Man fan or not, Insomniac and Marvel's sequel to the 2018 PS4 epic is not to be missed. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is the ultimate superhero simulator, letting players control two Spider-Men as they swing through New York. It’s the closest you can get to being in the movies with stellar performances all around. While Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 summarizes the other two games, you can always snatch a copy of Marvel's Spider-Man Miles Morales, which comes with a remastered version of Marvel's Spider-Man if they haven't played the previous titles. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a little darker than the others, but it's still a remarkable, fun, and thrilling ride.

Horizon Forbidden West

(Amazon|Walmart|Target)

If you're buying a PS5 bundle, chances are you've seen this title plastered on them, and for good reason. Horizon Forbidden West, the sequel to 2016's Horizon Zero Dawn, is one of the most gorgeous games on the console. Its rich worldbuilding and fun gameplay make this an essential title for PS5 owners. Guerilla Games outdid themselves with the many things one can do within its vast world. The combat is accessible and rewarding, and the narrative is intriguing as it is grandiose. I mean, you get to ride a robot, for goodness' sake! It was one of my favorite titles last year, so I can attest to the fact that whoever you gift this to, they'll be very happy.

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

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For something a bit more family-friendly, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is a must-buy for gamers. It's an easily accessible entry in the series, as you don't have to play past titles to follow the story. Like Horizon, the game boasts some impressive graphics, utilizing the most of the PS5's specs. Its story brings all the charm of a Saturday morning cartoon and amps the action up. It's light-hearted, colorful, and full of fun gadgets to line your arsenal. Our Chris Carter called Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart as close to playing a Pixar film, which is pretty high praise. It's the perfect game for other family members to watch too, and a great title to showcase PlayStation's newest console.

Xbox Series X

Starfield

(Amazon|Walmart|Target)

Want to give someone a video game they can play for days on end? Starfield is the way to go. This open-world RPG from Bethesda is one of its best if our review has anything to say about it. You get to explore tons of planets throughout the game's vast solar system. Actions have consequences, and you get full control of your destiny (and your very own spaceship). It's one of the Xbox Series X's biggest titles and a huge reason many are buying the console, as it’s an Xbox and PC exclusive. If you're gifting a space-lover, Starfield will take them over the moon.

Forza Horizon 5

(Amazon|Walmart|Target)

This is for the car enthusiasts. While there is a more recent Forza title, I chose Forza Horizon 5 due to its critical acclaim and overall experience. With over 520 cars to choose from, you get to ride around Playground Games' version of Mexico. The graphics are gorgeous and it'll feel like you're really driving. It's vibrant and fully embraces the Xbox Series X's power. Even people like myself, who don't like racing games, enjoyed Playground Games' superb gameplay and beautiful scenery. Forza Horizon 5 is the perfect playground for new players to roam around in and have a blast.

Halo: Infinite

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Halo is a staple of Xbox consoles. It's only fair to gift the golden goose of the console to a new console owner. Halo: Infinite takes the flagship FPS (first-person shooter) series into open-world territory, letting players roam around a vast landscape. The gunplay is still top-notch, and it's still your classic Halo experience, just a bit bigger. Plus, the multiplayer is one of the series' best, so the giftee can play with their friends and have a great time. This is the definitive Halo game for the console, so this will make for an ideal gift for an Xbox fan.

Nintendo Switch

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

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You can never go wrong with Mario. It's actually impossible. The latest entry in the series, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, is no exception. It's the 2D formula of yesteryear turned on its head (literally). As Mario and friends, you get to explore the Flower Kingdom to stop Bowser. Through loads of unique and fun stages, you (and your friends, both local and online) can race, collect coins, and find secrets. The addition of Wonder Flowers opens up new mechanics that manifest new powers or stage attributes.  It’s a ton of fun and delivers that classic enjoyment Mario is known for. If there was a title that would cover all bases, Super Mario Bros. Wonder fits the bill. 

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

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Much like Mario, The Legend of Zelda is another flagship franchise for Nintendo. Tears of the Kingdom, the latest title in the legendary series, is worth the price of admission and then some. The game continues the success of Breath of the Wild's open-world gameplay and adds its own take on building and crafting. You can combine weapons and create your own with Fuse, or create flying bikes or bridges with Link’s Ultrahand. The sky, which you can also explore to your heart’s content, is the limit. Playing Breath of the Wild, the game's predecessor, isn't that necessary, but it's fairly cheap if you want to gift that as well. As one of this year's best titles (and one of my favorites), it's the ideal gift for new Nintendo Switch owners.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

(Amazon|Walmart|Target)

Love great family-time games with a dash of competition? Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a surefire way to get the party started. If you’ve owned any Nintendo console before, you’ve definitely played Mario Kart. It has classic racing gameplay with some fun new stages and mechanics. It’s a remastering of the Wii U original but with all the added DLC and gameplay updates. The Switch controls make for a much more smoother and enjoyable experience. It’s the gift that keeps on giving and a perfect family game. 

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Hideo Kojima's work is heading to the silver screen. Announced today, A24 is bringing Kojima Production's Death Stranding into live-action. The film is said to delve into the blurring between life and death, the titular “Death Stranding”, that brought horrific monsters into an ever-collapsing world.

The announcement comes days before the game's eighth anniversary. Speaking about the adaptation on his website, Kojima said:

"A24 was born into this world about 10 years ago, their presence is singular within the industry, they are like no other. The films they are delivering to the world are high in quality and very innovative. I have been attracted to their creations and they have even inspired my own work. Their innovative approach to storytelling aligns with what Kojima Productions has been doing for the last 8 years.

"Now, we are making a Death Stranding movie together," Kojima stated. "There are a lot of 'game adaptation films' out there but what we are creating is not just a direct translation of the game. The intention is that our audience will not only be fans of the games, but our film will be for anyone who loves cinema. We are creating a Death Stranding universe that has never been seen before, achievable only through the medium of film, it will be born."

No word yet on who will take the director's chair or other roles on the live-action adaptation.

Building Bridges

For those who don't know, 2019's Death Stranding is about Sam Porter Bridges, who delivers packages all around the broken United States. It's weird, twisted, and definitely the most memorable title of the last decade. The game bolstered an impressive celebrity cast, with the likes of Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead), Léa Seydoux (Spectre), Mads Mikkelsen (Doctor Strange), and Margaret Qualley (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood). It's unknown if any of the star-studded cast will reprise their roles for the live-action film.

This is big news for Kojima fans. The creator of Metal Gear is a gigantic cinephile, if his Twitter is anything to go by. This isn't his first film, as he had a documentary, titled Hideo Kojima: Connecting Worlds, which premiered at Sundance Film Festival. It's also expected to be released on Disney+ early next year. Kojima, in gaming, just revealed his newest (and weirdest) project, OD, at this year's Game Awards. Last year, he announced a sequel to Death Stranding, which looks to continue the abstract horror the original had.

A24, the company behind the production, is one of Hollywood's biggest up-and-comers. Last year, the studio released Everything, Everywhere, All at Once, which took home seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Other films they have made include Moonlight, Ex Machina, Hereditary, and Midsommar.

As one of my favorite studios in the game, it's weird seeing them take on a big project like this. However, it does fit with their abstract aesthetic and flair for the unique. To be honest, I think that, on paper, it's a definite match. However, it remains to be seen if it'll translate into live-action. I'll see you all on the beach.

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With the Grand Theft Auto VI trailer out in the world, we got our first glimpse at Leonida and Vice City. Now, many have found loads of similarities to its real-life counterpart: Florida.

The trailer came out earlier than expected due to an unfortunate leak. Regardless, the graphics and world made the 10-year wait for a new Grand Theft Auto worth it for fans. With that, we are returning to a familiar location: Vice City. However, it's just a small part of the bigger map of Leonida.

Yes, you can probably tell it's a clear reference to the real-life Florida. The references to the state don't end at the name, as many crazy scenes in the trailer actually happened.

So, in honor of Grand Theft Auto VI's dive into Florida culture, I will go over the many references to crazy real-life events Rockstar has in the trailer. For the article, and your sanity, I will use the pictures from the trailer, not real life. You can thank me later.

That Huge Gator in the Pool

It's not uncommon for wildlife to end up in your pool. There might be the odd frog or perhaps a snake, but rarely. Well, in Florida, and in GTA's Leonida, alligators are known to take dips in your local watering hole. FOX News reported in 2022 that one family had an almost 11-foot, 550-pound alligator in their pool. It took three police officers to even get the reptile out! Funny enough, the excerpt in the trailer mimics the one used by the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office's Facebook post.

That Shopping Alligator

With the amount of gators in the trailer, I'm assuming we'll be playing one of these scaly fellas. They're already robbing stores! Or they just walked in looking for some 'fresh' sushi. Regardless, this specific event hasn't happened, as far as we know. However, in 2018 via ABC Action News, a drunk man brought a live alligator into a gas station for a beer run. Why? Just cause. The man was arrested and he claims he has no idea how or why he had an alligator with him. They just show up everywhere, I guess. Might as well let them joyride a car next, Rockstar.

That Car Twerker

Okay, not this type of joyride. Remember twerking? It seems it's alive and well in Leonida, as we see an individual going crazy on top of a moving vehicle. Believe it or not, this has happened on multiple occasions in Florida. In 2017, per the Miami New Times, one woman twerked on top of a moving vehicle in Miami.

That Nude Gardener

You're probably saying "Someone didn't actually water plants nude, right?" I'm here to inform you that, yes, someone did. Minus the thong. In September 2018, Tampa Bay Times reported that a Florida man repeatedly gardened 'au naturel' in public. One witness said they taught their children not to look at the naked man, which is a weird detail considering they could've called the cops. There's a video out there of it but I, for one, am good to remain blissful in my obliviousness.

That Crazy Hammer Lady

I'm going to be honest: dual-wielding hammers is a sick weapon idea. As you can see, this Karen 'nails' it pretty well. There are a few hammer-related incidents in Florida, with the most recent involving an argument over rum. However, Grand Theft Auto VI seems to actually take inspiration from a viral video out of California. A video, per TMZ, shows a woman repeatedly hitting a car with, you guessed it, two hammers. The owner of the damaged car was, ironically enough, in Miami during the incident, so it technically counts, right? 'Screw' it.

That Awkward Tatted-Up Criminal

If you have tattoos, that's rad. Inking your body is not for me, but I support you if you want to get tatted out. However, do be wary if they are fully visible, as you might be the center of attention. This seemingly poor soul in the trailer has the whole "Joker from the Suicide Squad" look going. Jury's still out if he rocks it. Anyway, the comparison with Batman's arch-nemesis isn't a coincidence. The criminal is based on a real-life Florida resident Lawrence Sullivan, also known as the Miami Joker. You can see why via a video on CBS News. Needless to say, it put a smile on this writer's face.

Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled to release in 2025 on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

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It’s time to put the words of Savage Starlight to the test. Naughty Dog and PlayStation have released a new trailer for The Last of Us Part II Remastered, previewing the newest mode: No Return.

The mode, announced alongside the remaster’s reveal, features roguelike mechanics within the world and gameplay of The Last of Us. Players will endure and survive different stages full of various enemies like clickers, soldiers, and even that disgusting Rat King from the Sewers level. However, if you die, you have to start from the beginning of your run. 

For the first time in the series, No Return lets you play as different characters outside of the base Ellie and Abby. You want to play as Tommy? Go for it. Lev? Absolutely. All of the characters have unique traits that’ll help you on your run. For example, Dina is a crafter, having access to recipes for stun bombs and trap mines. And yes, you can change their outfits if you desire.

The stages are randomized, so no two playthroughs will be alike. You’ll need to adapt to your situation and defeat all enemies or complete the stated objective to proceed. Along the way, you can upgrade your weaponry to suit the stage. As you’ll be dying a lot, as seen plenty during the trailer, you’ll be able to figure out what works and what doesn’t. Gameplay modifiers can be used to create a unique and exhilarating run, so even seasoned players can sweat a bit.

Making Things Click

To be honest, I don't have much experience with roguelikes. Though I've played Hades and Dead Cells and thoroughly enjoyed them, I haven't played enough to call myself an expert. However, No Return does look like it’ll be a fun take on Naughty Dog’s already great gameplay and one I might get into. Plus, its delivery does seem to separate itself from the typical roguelike with its classic TLoU gunplay. It’ll be interesting to see how it feels when you’re actually playing it.

The Last of Us Part II Remastered is a re-release of the critically acclaimed 2020 PS4 game of the same name. Taking place after the events of the first, we follow Ellie and newcomer Abby on their separate journeys for revenge and survival. This remastered version comes with unreleased levels (labeled Lost Levels) and boasts even better graphics. While it does feel a bit too soon for it, the recent success of HBO’s adaptation of the game shows you can never have too much of The Last of Us.

The Last of Us Part II Remastered is scheduled to release on January 19, 2024, to PS5.

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Ready to return to the world of Halo? The second season of Paramount Plus' live-action adaptation just released a first look at CCXP alongside a February 8 release date.

The news comes a day or two after the streaming service launched its flagship show's first season on YouTube. Unfortunately, the date was leaked via the descriptions for a bit, so it wasn't much of a surprise. However, we got our first teaser for the new season and it looks to be a ride for sure.

I Can See Your Halo, Halo

In the minute-and-a-half-long trailer, we see a bunch of wide shots and some action, and the epic scale does feel a bit more on par with viewer expectations. It's just a first look, so we can expect a better picture when a full trailer comes around. For now, what we got looks, dare I say, more promising than the first.

Despite Halo receiving mixed reviews, the viewership was record-breaking for Paramount Plus, easily prompting a season two renewal. Well, that could be attributed to its looseness in the adaptation department. I mean, the show's first episode had Master Chief take his helmet off (and if you didn't last through that, he takes off more than just that). Personally, I hope the team takes into consideration the feedback from viewers and crafts a series worthy of its fanbase.

Halo stars Pablo Schreiber (Narcos) as Master Chief/John-117 and Jen Taylor (Halo: Combat Evolved) as Cortana, whom we got to speak to last year. The supporting cast boasts the likes of Charlie Murphy (Happy Valley), Natascha McElhone (The Truman Show), and Bokeem Woodbine (Spider-Man: Homecoming), just to name a few. So, if you have time to kill, you can watch all the episodes free of charge via this playlist and finish the fight before February 8.

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Gear up squad, we’re going to Arrakis. Activision has revealed skins for its operators revolving around the upcoming Dune: Part Two for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone Season One.

No date was attached to the announcement, but the models for the skins are shown. The characters Paul Atreides (Wonka’s Timothee Chalamet) and Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen (Elvis’ Austin Butler) got revealed and they look… a little uncanny. They both look like they’ve had a bit too much spice, in Dune terms. It’s not known if the Oscar-nominated actors will reprise their roles, as other actors like Anthony Starr for The Boys’ Homelander or Nicki Minaj as, well, Nicki Minaj.

Dune and Dusted

You’d be right to be a little confused with the timing of the promotion and I don’t blame you. Originally, Dune: Part Two was scheduled to release on November 3. However, due to the Hollywood strikes, the sequel was pushed to March 15, 2024. The decision to delay the highly-anticipated adaptation came in late August, so it’d be too late to push them out of Season One. Still, it is weird to see the movie be promoted through, of all means, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.

Granted, Dune is no stranger to video games. For promotion for Denis Villeneuve’s epic, characters Paul Atreides and Chani (Euphoria’s Zendaya) appeared in Fortnite back in 2021. Outside of shooters, Dune sticks to strategy-style gameplay, which is befitting of the book's political landscape. Last year, Shiro Games launched Dune: Spice Wars, which made it’s way to Xbox Game Pass just recently.

Furthermore, the series is venturing into MMO territory by the folks at Funcom with Dune: Awakening. It’s a strange but nice time for Dune fans. Hopefully, Activision will include sandworm riding in Modern Warfare 3 as a vehicle option. If you can put Nicki Minaj in the game, you can also put in sandworms.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is available now for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S

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The Minecraft movie is adding more stars to its lineup. Peacemaker star Danielle Brooks, according to Deadline, has been cast in the live-action adaptation in an unknown role, as well as Sebastian Eugene Hansen.

The Jared Hess-helmed film, which also stars Aquaman’s Jason Momoa, is set to release on April 5, 2024. Filming is underway in New Zealand and is expected to ramp up by the end of the month.

Around the Block

An adaptation of Minecraft has been in the works for a while, dating back to 2014. Directors like Deadpool 3's Shawn Levy and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's Rob McElhenney took turns in Creative Mode before quitting. The movie even had Steve Carell attached to star back in 2016, but he left at a later time.

Now, Napoleon Dynamite's Jared Hess has taken the reins after several delays. The director has a certain type of awkward comedy that may give Minecraft a little flair. However, we still have to see if the two mix. It does help that, earlier this year, What We Do in the Shadows' Matt Berry was in talks to star, so the comedy may actually be funny.

Warner Bros. is producing the adaptation and it seems they took some notes with their two big cast members. Both Jason Momoa (who's also producing) and Danielle Brooks have roles in the DCEU. Brooks is a more recent addition to the universe, playing secondary protagonist Leota Adebayo in the John Cena-led Peacemaker series (which I enjoyed, to be honest). Momoa, on the other hand, is King of Atlantis himself, Aquaman. He's set to reprise the superhero in the upcoming Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, out December 22. Funnily enough, three days later, Danielle Brooks is reprising her Tony-nominated role as Sofia in the musical adaptation of The Color Purple.

The idea of a live-action Minecraft film is a bit bewildering. Personally, an animated film would make more sense since it fits better with the game's aesthetic. There are no story details regarding the film's narrative yet. Therefore, we don't know what route they may be taking, whether it'll be in the Minecraft world or the real world.

Telltale Games did do a more narrative-driven take with Minecraft: Story Mode, so maybe it'll be like that. Or perhaps be like Adam Sandler's Pixels. It's certainly a scary thought, but I'm hopeful things work out. I mean, the cast is pretty solid and Minecraft is one of the best-selling games of all time. They wouldn't just make it a cash grab, right? Right? Yeah, maybe I need to know the story first.

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For those who enjoyed Paramount Plus' Halo series, you're in luck. You can watch all eight episodes of its first season for free on YouTube. Furthermore, the date for the next season might have leaked a bit early.

Yeah, you read that correctly. A supposed flagship title for the streaming service, the 2022 series based on Xbox's golden goose is now up on YouTube. There wasn't any official announcement as to why Halo is available.

However, in the description of the episodes, Paramount might have let the release date for Season 2 slip: February 8. The date was removed, but eagle-eyed viewers like myself found it before it was scrubbed.

Released last year, Halo is a military-action series that loosely adapts the games. I say that since the show, in its first episode, did the unthinkable: they made Master Chief take off his helmet. No other media entry has shown John-117's face, so seeing who's underneath was shocking, to say the least.

It took the world by surprise, leading to record numbers for the service for the first episode. Though, a later episode had all of Master Chief's armor taken off for... adult purposes. While it was hit or miss with critics and fans, the show did well enough to be greenlit for a second season. And, as previously mentioned, fans won't have to wait that long for its release.

Release the Chief

The timing for the date slip seems a bit convenient given The Game Awards being next week. The ceremony, while focused on games, has had its fair share of adaptation reveals and news. In years past, trailers and clips for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and The Super Mario Bros. Movie came out. Heck, even the first trailer for the show was revealed at the event.

So it wouldn't be surprising to see Halo Season 2 get its trailer debut next Thursday. The show is expected to appear at this weekend's CCXP convention in Brazil, so we may get something there. However, the date won't be as big a surprise as they hoped. Still, if the show got a second season, it's clear the team has something special left to show.

The franchise has seen better days, to be frank. Halo Infinite wasn't as big as the team hoped, as delays and multiplayer troubles lessened the game's popularity and impact. It would be cool to see a resurgence of the series and video game adaptations have been great recently if their rival PlayStation's The Last of Us is anything to go by.

Halo stars Pablo Schreiber (Narcos) as Master Chief/John-117 and Jen Taylor (Halo: Combat Evolved) as Cortana, who we got to speak to last year. The supporting cast boasts the likes of Charlie Murphy (Happy Valley), Natascha McElhone (The Truman Show), and Bokeem Woodbine (Spider-Man: Homecoming), just to name a few. So, if you have time to kill, you can watch all the episodes free of charge via this playlist and finish the fight before February 8.

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Grand Theft Auto is hijacking a new service: Netflix Games. Announced today, Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy -The Definitive Edition is making its way onto the Netflix app in December.

According to the Netflix website, players will get to experience the definitive editions of Grand Theft Auto III, Vice City, and San Andreas all from their phones. Players can pre-register for each title before they launch on December 14. The news comes weeks after games like Hades and Braid were announced to arrive on the service next year.

For some, these games are staples of the video game world, as they redefined the series to what it is today. GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas came out in 2001, 2002, and 2004, respectively. Each of them launched on the PlayStation 2 and became the highest-selling games on the system. That's saying something given the console's immense success. Rockstar Games raked in the money, and the controversies, and became legends in the industry.

Grand Theft Auto III follows down-on-his-luck Claude as he enters the crime-filled world of Liberty City on a quest for revenge. Vice City, on the other hand, tackles its version of Las Vegas with Tommy Vercetti's rise back into the mafia scene after being released from prison. Finally, San Andreas showcases a more realistic world as we see CJ Johnson's reluctant return to gang warfare.

Big Money Heist

For many people, the thought of accessing any GTA from your phone is amazing, even more so from Netflix. You'll get that fantasy, though there is one problem: it's Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy. Yes, the one that came out last year to abysmal fanfare. Its horrendous launch and low quality made even die-hard fans wince. Fortunately, it seems like changes were made, as the collection is set to be 'updated' for mobile devices.

Still, this is a huge hit for Netflix Games, as their platform hasn't been as out-there with their games as other services have. Their section of games includes titles like Immortality and Oxenfree, among others. As mentioned before, the acquisition comes after announcing a few 2024 additions during Netflix Geeked Week.

December is shaping up to be big for Grand Theft Auto fans, as it was revealed last month that a Grand Theft Auto VI is on the way. Grand Theft Auto V has been the face of the series for 10 years and sold millions of copies over its lifetime. Now, finally seeing the next generation of open-world crime simulators will be nothing short of exciting.

Netflix subscribers can access their game catalog from the app. Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy is available for pre-register now and launches on December 14.

The post Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy is coming to Netflix Games appeared first on Destructoid.

The expansion for Tales of Arise, Beyond the Dawn has been two years in the making. And while it doesn't hit all the notes, it's a fitting addition to an already fantastic RPG.

The Tales series has been a staple of RPGs since the franchises' origins in 1995. 2021's Tales of Arise brought the series to modern audiences. By the time I dove into Dahna and Renah in early 2022, many people had already fallen head over heels for its spectacular combat, lovable characters, and grand aesthetics.

When the credits rolled after 59 hours of playtime, I felt satisfied, despite a rushed ending. Then, during the September's State of Play, it reappeared, like an old friend you haven't seen in a while. All the memories came back to me as Beyond the Dawn, an all-new expansion, was revealed. While it's been two years since the game's original release, it feels like Beyond the Dawn sought to capture what made the original great. After playing through Beyond the Dawn, I can confirm that it does feel like Tales of Arise, yet could've been much more.

Taking place two years after the events of the original, Tales of Arise - Beyond the Dawn reunites Alphen, Shionne, Rinwell, Law, Dohalim, and Kisara. This time, they'll meet Nazamil, the young daughter of a Dahnan citizen and a Renan lord. Cursed to don the same mask as Alphen did, the team comes together to stop her doomed fate.

Tales of Arise - Beyond the Dawn Expansion (PlayStation 5 [reviewed], PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC)
Developer: Bandai Namco Studios Inc.
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Released: November 9, 2023
MSRP: $29.99

Right out the gate, you're thrown into action and back to the frantic battles the original was known for. It's a welcome sign for those returning to Tales of Arise, like I was. Depending on how many hours you put into the game, getting back into the flow can take some time. However, once you've found your footing, it all comes back to you, and it's back to the grind.

Your progress in the base game doesn't transfer to the expansion, to create a level playing field. You start the game at level 75, no matter what. This didn't bother me much, since it helped ensure one couldn't speed through battles and miss the fun.

In terms of gameplay, it's more or less the same. There are new dungeons, equipment, and weapons, but everything remains intact from the main game, even the enemies. The combat is still the star of the show and continues to be as engaging and intuitive as before. Landing combos is still tons of fun and there's no better feeling than landing a Boost Strike after shaving hit points off a tough enemy.

It's a huge surprise other big RPG franchises have dabbled, but haven't fully tapped into Tales of Arise's style of action combat. For me, it acts as a smoother transition between turn-based and free-range. Composer Motoi Sakuraba remains at the top of his game with the score. I can't count the number of times I grooved along to Flame of the New Dawn mid-fight.

On a Hot Streak

Beyond the Dawn really reminds you just how fun and unique the cast was and continues to be. Whether through skits, battle dialogue, or cutscenes, they still show off their personalities with that same lovable flair. Kisara still acts like everyone's mother, Alphen continues to obsess over Shionne, and Law can't stop yelling. It's like seeing your family for the holidays after being away. There are subtle changes, but everything remains the same, which isn't a bad thing. Tales of Arise's colorful cast was one of my favorite aspects of the base game and it's good to see them faithfully reunited.

The English voice actors for the characters also remain and continue to do a great job. Personally, it's a shame not to see them in the end credits. Seeing as this may be the last time we hear them, it would've been fitting to have them credited alongside the Japanese cast. Regardless, standouts for me include Ray Chase's Alphen, Bryce Papenbrook's Law, and Katelyn Gault's Kisara. Their performances in the main game stood out to me then and still do, as they capture that same energy.

The narrative of Beyond the Dawn is pretty standard, delivering some twists and turns along the way. It's a little hard to get into specifics without spoiling things. The expansion doesn't waste time in dropping big reveals. While things happen quickly, it doesn't feel dragged out. Even still, it doesn't hit the same highs as the base game's narrative did.

Sure, it's a lot to expect an expansion to live up to what came before, but it did feel a bit tame. Most of that can be attributed to no new main character arcs, which I didn't mind, to be honest. We've seen the characters develop, so it lets others—mainly Nazamil—shine. As she's the main star of the expansion, it's better to highlight her rather than others.

Newcomer Nazamil, for me, doesn't stand out much as a character. Her personality is a bit cliché in the beginning, with shyness being her only standout feature. It also doesn't help that she can literally become invisible and likes to draw. However, it doesn't make her progression through the story any less charming. While it is a touch predictable, as you learn Nazamil's backstory, you can't help but want the best for her.

Nazamil's English voice actress, Ryan Bartley, does a great job of balancing the character to keep her compelling. Given her role as Rei in Neon Genesis Evangelion, it's a safe and solid choice for the reserved outcast. Still, Nazamil's transformation within Beyond the Dawn is as interesting as it is simple. I do think it could've gone deeper, but it's effective in its delivery.

There are times in Beyond the Dawn's narrative when the overall theme of friendship and companionship might feel too trite. Regardless, I don't think the story had any leeway for it to go in another way. Nazamil's personal struggles couldn't be told without diving into the ever-present 'power of friendship'. It's natural that the story would lead there and befitting of the series' commitment to crafting relationships with the party.

Forged in Fire

Beyond the Dawn's biggest strength is its worldbuilding. Much like the base game, the side missions, party conversations, and vibrancy stand out to me. What's interesting this time around, however, is the fact that it continued to develop after the original game's ending.

We see the changes we made after beating Vholran and merging the two worlds. Now that Renans live with Dahnans, we see new technology throughout the cities and Astral Artes users working with others. We also see the consequences of that, for better or worse. Tensions still remain, and the idea of bringing these two civilizations together was easier said than done.

During my playthrough, there were times when side missions revolved around issues we thought we solved in the base game. The zeugles still roam the lands and food is a rarity for those without the Gald. There's still work to be done and we are the ones to fix it, or at least spark the change. Franchises such as Persona and Final Fantasy tend to have everything solved in the end due to "saving the world." Beyond the Dawn subverts that, which I applaud them for. Witnessing the things we strived to change, like race relations and democracy, start to come together feels more rewarding than having it be there from the start.

For me, Tales of Arise - Beyond the Dawn fits the framework for an expansion. It adds more story, quests, and dungeons for players to enjoy without introducing any new game-changing mechanics. My playthrough lasted about 13 hours, but I could see many going up to at least 20 for completion. I did many of the new side missions, which helped slow the narrative's often quick pace. Despite the length, the expansion doesn't overstay its welcome. It tells a story, gives the player more stuff to do, and leaves. There's no need to deck things out to the extreme and Beyond the Dawn showcases that restraint.

All that said, when the credits rolled on Beyond the Dawn, that feeling of satisfaction I felt from the original came back. This time, it wasn't because I completed the game. It was because I completed the narrative. Everything felt more in place than in the original. In a way, this felt like the best way to end Tales of Arise; to tell a story of forgiveness and family from the perspective of those whose own was forged through hardship and acceptance. It fills in that much-needed hole the original ending had and goes on its own terms.

A lot of my criticism feels negative, but my experience with Beyond the Dawn was very pleasant. As a big fan of Tales of Arise, returning to Bandai Namco's world was a personal joy. You don't realize how much you missed the skits and combat until you witness them again.

To put it simply, Beyond the Dawn is just more Tales of Arise. If you want more of the game, it's worth the time. Personally, while the $30 price tag is a bit too high, I don't think you'll be too disappointed. A little let-down, sure, but it's hard to imagine things ending in a different way. Plus, the risks it took to craft a healing world instead of a healed one pay off.

Overall, Tales of Arise - Beyond the Dawn is an expansion fit for the main game's already fantastic base. Fans who enjoyed the original game will find themselves feeling the same way they did before. Fortunately, Beyond the Dawn ties it up with a simple yet effective bow. While it could've been neater, it delivers a worthwhile experience for big-time fans.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

The post Review: Tales of Arise – Beyond the Dawn Expansion appeared first on Destructoid.

There's a new Sonic the Hedgehog game imminent in the form of Sonic Dream Team, and now fans get a first look at the game's intro. Ahead of the game's launch, the official Sonic YouTube has revealed a stunning animated intro, with Sonic Mania artist Tyson Hesse lends his talent to the animation. 

The almost two-minute animatic paints a pretty cool image of what we’ll experience come December 5.  We get a glance at Dr. Eggman’s dreamscape plus some story details. And who doesn’t like animated Sonic? Rhetorical question. Everyone loves it.

It doesn't hurt that the Sonic Dream Team intro is animated by Hesse, whose impact on the Sonic series has been nothing short of influential. Getting his start doing fan art of the self-proclaimed “Fastest Thing Alive,” he found work within the Sonic Archie comics. His classic style was loved by fans, which made his later involvement in the opening animation of Sonic Mania a feast for the eyes. Since then, he’s spearheaded tons of Sonic-based media and become a beacon for fans.  

Speed of Sound Asleep

SEGA revealed Sonic Dream Team earlier this month. It’s a 3D platformer similar to other franchise entries like last year’s Sonic Frontiers. This time, you can play on your iPhone, as Dream Team is an Apple Arcade exclusive. Sorry Android users, but robots don’t tend to be friendly to the hedgehog, as history has shown. This isn’t Sonic’s first tour on Apple Arcade, as Sonic Dash+ and Sonic Racing grace the platform. 

The story follows Sonic and his friends as they battle fearsome foes within Dr. Eggman’s twisted dreamscape (sadly not related to NiGHTS into Dreams). With the addition of Cream and Rouge, a new sheep character is introduced: Ariem. Supposedly a guardian of the ancient dream device (stolen by Eggman) called the Reverie, her appearance in the newest title will be pretty large. Personally, the Kingdom Hearts-like water dive in the beginning put new meaning into Dream Drop Distance.

Sonic Dream Team launches on December 5 on Apple Arcade.

The post Sonic Dream Team gets new animated intro by Sonic Mania artist appeared first on Destructoid.

Wonder Woman fights alone. Despite a recent job listing bringing up live service, Warner Bros. denies its presence in the upcoming Wonder Woman video game.

It's no surprise that the mention of live service for a single-player title made people quite upset. Luckily, clarification from Warner Bros. helped ease that tension and reassured them on Monolith's superhero epic.

An army of one-der Woman

Almost a month ago, Monolith Studios posted a job listing for a Lead Software Engineer for Gameplay. While many wouldn't bat an eye towards it, it gained some unwanted attention when eagle-eyed fans noticed that one of the Nice to Haves (recommended) lists for one to have experience maintaining a live software game or project. While it's more of a recommendation, many thought the title might go down the live service pipe, similar to the upcoming Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.

Fortunately, Warner Bros. cleared the air on the whole situation. Responding to IGN's comment, a spokesperson for the company said that Wonder Woman isn't becoming live-service. Instead, it will maintain its third-person open-world action gameplay with the Nemesis System.

Many, like myself, are happy to see Wonder Woman not become live-service like Destiny and Fortnite. DC is ripe for gaming and the Batman: Arkham series showcases that perfectly. If Wonder Woman can live up to that potential in terms of narrative and faithfulness, we may have a solid competitor for Marvel's Spider-Man.

The game features an original story and you'll play as Wonder Woman herself, Diana of Themyscira. Currently, Monolith Studios' Wonder Woman has no release date. If you can't wait to see more of the superhero, she will make an appearance in February's Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League as...one of the Justice League.

Wonder Woman, revealed at The Game Awards 2021, is a single-player open-world action game. The game is developed by Monolith Studios and will include their signature Nemesis System, made famous by the Middle-Earth series.

The post Warner Bros debunks Wonder Woman live-service reports appeared first on Destructoid.

Nintendo has just announced a live-action Legend of Zelda film, in collaboration with Sony Pictures and Avi Arad. Let's see who might fit the many roles this 'legendary' series has to offer.

With the recent success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Nintendo is venturing into adapting The Legend of Zelda into live-action. First created in 1985, the series has become one of the most well-known in Nintendo's pantheon. With Wes Ball (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, The Maze Runner series) in the director's chair, it's only a matter of time before casting begins. No story details were given, but I figured with my love of entertainment that I'd try my hand at cast predictions. Will they come true? Maybe. Is it worth a try? Absolutely. Let's begin!

The characters I chose are fairly general, since we don't know which entry the movie will be based on, loosely or strictly. Still, I've picked actors who I believe can fit the role regardless, whether true live-action or CGI motion-capture.

Link - Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Owen Teague, Tom Holland

The silent swordsman is probably one of the toughest ones to cast. As Link doesn't talk (and shouldn't), you need someone who can command a room with their emotions rather than words.

A lot of people have brought up Emmy-nominated Thomas Brodie-Sangster, known for his roles in Game of Thrones and The Queen's Gambit. It's a pretty smart choice, as the actor has a history with Wes Ball, portraying Newt in the Maze Runner film series. He was also Ferb in Disney's Phineas and Ferb (I'm just as surprised as you), so he could play silent characters, even if they were animated. His cadence on screen and versatile range put Thomas high up on the list.

Owen Teague is a relatively new actor but one that shows promise. He also has a history with the director, as he voices Noa, the new protagonist of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. He rocks long hair and displays an impressive range, whether it's comedy, drama, or anything in between. It's not uncommon for directors to pick previously-directed actors in big roles (look at Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio). With that, Owen's chances of picking up the Master Sword may come to fruition.

Of course, Tom Holland, while many feel it may be too cliché, might be a big contender. While he hasn't worked with Wes Ball, the producer, Avi Arad, took part in all his Spider-Man projects. Plus, he also produced Tom's take on Nathan Drake in the movie adaptation of Uncharted, as okay as it was. If Nintendo is going for big faces, Tom is a natural choice to play Link for the Legend of Zelda adaptation.

Zelda - Florence Pugh, Sydney Sweeney, Rachel Zegler

With Zelda, you want someone who wears their heart on their sleeve and their confidence up front. As she is more vocal in games, with Patricia Summersett voicing the character in the newer entries, they need to find an actress who can match that tone, as well as make it their own.

One that comes to mind immediately for me is Florence Pugh (Midsommar, Little Women, Black Widow). With an Academy Award nomination to her name, it's certain that she can do a grand job as the princess. She can handle drama, comedy, and action, as several projects of hers showcase her dynamic balance. While she is older than other contenders, a great performance can silence that and I guarantee Florence can deliver on that.

Two fairly newcomers are Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria) and Rachel Zegler (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes). Syndey has the Emmy nominations to back her up (plus a potential Spider-Woman role in Madam Web) while Rachel's debut lead in Spielberg's West Side Story triumphed, almost grabbing her an Oscar nom. Each of them has the charm and charisma Zelda brings and would fit right into Hyrule.

Ganondorf - Idris Elba, Dave Bautista, Keith David

Ganondorf's actor demands a performance that sends chills down your spine. As the character is likely going to be CGI, I chose actors who can deliver the vocals with sophistication and eerieness.

When it comes to casting a brooding villain-type character, you can't go wrong with Idris Elba. His deep British voice has graced many projects such as Zootopia, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. He was even a top contender (and still is in my heart) to be the next James Bond. His presence as Ganon would be suiting for the Gerudo exile.

Vocally, I can definitely see Dave Bautista taking on the role, especially if motion-captured. I mean, the man's a WWE wrestler and a Guardian of the Galaxy. He's an avid gamer, too, as shown in his appearance in two Mortal Kombat 1 advertisements and his determination to be Marcus Fenix in the live-action Gears of War. The Legend of Zelda would be lucky to claim Dave as its dastardly antagonist

Speaking of vocals, Keith David could make an excellent lord of the Darkness. His career spans hundreds of projects, with a handful being video games. Most notably, he plays Arbiter in Halo, Anderson in Mass Effect, and Dr. Facilier in The Princess and the Frog. His range would prove tremendously helpful if they plan to go for the Ocarina of Time route.

Impa - Zoe Saldana, Michelle Rodriguez, Ming-na Wen

The role may portray the older version from the original and Breath of the Wild, but I'm going for the Ocarina of Time and Hyrule Warriors version. As one of my favorite characters, Impa is a badass and deserves to be played by one in the Legend of Zelda film.

Instantly, the resume of Zoe Saldana comes to mind. She's been in the biggest franchises of all time in huge roles, like Gamora in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Neytiri in Avatar. Plus, she can kick some serious ass. Speaking of Avatar, the same goes for Fast & Furious star Michelle Rodriguez. The Resident Evil actress is a huge gamer, mostly first-person shooters, and even appeared in Halo 2. She'd make an intimidating Impa, for sure.

However, Ming-na Wen has the distinct pleasure of being in video games and their adaptations. In the 1994 Street Fighter movie, she played Chun-Li and also starred in Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. Despite being 59, the actress still can dish some damage if her character in Star Wars is anything to go by.

The King - Sean Bean, Donald Sutherland, Andy Serkis

Of course, for the King of Hyrule, you need to have someone who's been around for a bit. Preferably an actor whose background lies in theater, as they fit that regal tone.

Sean Bean, over his large career, has played a few kings of his own. Most notably, he was Ned Stark in Game of Thrones. He also did the voice for King Regis in Final Fantasy XV: Kingsglaive. And yes, his performance in The Lord of the Rings may make him the ideal candidate for a high-fantasy set epic.

Still, natural alternatives do exist. For example, Donald Sutherland (The Hunger Games) and Andy Serkis (Planet of the Apes) both have been in huge franchises as demanding figures. Each of them has played authoritative roles that'd fit right into the reality of The King. No matter what version is portrayed, I don't think you could go wrong with either of them

Goron - Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Dave Bautista, Jason Momoa

I know, I know but hear me out. Gorons have played pretty big roles in various Zelda titles, so they'll make an appearance in some form. Regardless, you'll need someone tough to play a literal rock creature.

And yeah, perhaps having Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson (Moana, Hobbs & Shaw) play one is on the nose. However, his personality and charisma would fit perfectly with a Goron. The same goes for Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Jason Momoa (Aquaman). Each of them would accentuate the headstrong nature of the Gorons. Their background in superhero films and wrestling already demonstrates that sense of strength. Plus, it helps that all of them are buff as all heck and could snap me in half.

Zora - Cate Blachett, Tilda Swinton, Charlize Theron

Water creatures need to have a sense of elegance to them. Maybe it's because of water being a symbol of life itself or maybe that's just me digging into my Creative Writing background like a rabid raccoon. Regardless, many iterations of the Zora in The Legend of Zelda are characters that are even-headed and calm. You typically want someone whose presence matches that.

Actresses like Cate Blanchett (The Lord of the Rings, Blue Jasmine) and Tilda Swinton (Doctor Strange, Michael Clayton) can do that pretty well, given their background in dramatics. While they can hold themselves in a fight if initiated, one actress who could do both with precision is Charlize Theron (Mad Max: Fury Road, Monster). Her mix of drama and action would suit a more silent warrior Zora but work either way.

Tingle - Chris Pratt, Jack Black, Danny Devito

It's hard to imagine Nintendo and Sony making Tingle a dramatic character in The Legend of Zelda film. I mean, he's an old man in a green jumpsuit who has a catchphrase. Hard to nab an Oscar nom for that. Therefore, it should be someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously. Comedians are natural choices since they embarrass themselves every day.

If Nintendo wanted to play it safe, the obvious choices are The Super Mario Bros. Movie stars Chris Pratt and Jack Black. Each of them nails that awkward comedy that would likely be used for the green 'fairy'. Still, it's been far too long since The Lorax himself Danny Devito has graced the silver screen. Perhaps it's time for his big return to be a small red-nosed human gremlin. Maybe.

The post Let’s wildly speculate about the cast for The Legend of Zelda movie appeared first on Destructoid.

The biggest celebration of gaming is here, and we know who’s invited. The Game Awards 2023, hosted by Geoff Keighley, just announced the nominees for this year’s ceremony.

The show will take place at the Peacock Theater on December 7. Tickets are available for purchase to go to the show in person. You can expect to see loads of announcements, famous stars, and, of course, awards. 

Leading the race this year are both Baldur's Gate 3 and Alan Wake 2, each getting eight nominations. Nintendo walks away with 15 nominations, in terms of companies, while PlayStation garners 13. All of the Game of the Year nominees are sequels or entries in an existing series. Over 100 different games are nominated and there are 31 categories, just like last year.

As promised, here is the full list of nominees for The Game Awards 2023 in all their glory:

Game of the Year

• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• Baldur’s Gate 3
• Resident Evil 4
• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
• Alan Wake 2
• Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Best Game Direction

• Larian Studios - Baldur’s Gate 3
• Nintendo - Super Mario Bros. Wonder
• Nintendo - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• Remedy - Alan Wake 2
• Insomniac Games - Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Best Ongoing Game

• Apex Legends 
• Fortnite 
• Cyberpunk 2077 
• Final Fantasy XIV 
• Genshin Impact 

Best Narrative

• Baldur’s Gate 3
• Final Fantasy XVI
• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
• Alan Wake 2
• Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

Best Art Direction

• Hi-Fi Rush
• Alan Wake 2
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• Lies of P
• Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Best Score/Music

• Baldur's Gate 3
• Alan Wake 2
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• Final Fantasy XVI
• Hi-Fi Rush

Best Audio Design

• Alan Wake 2
• Marvel's Spider-Man 2
• Hi-Fi Rush
• Resident Evil 4
• Dead Space

Best Performance

• Ben Starr as Clive Rosfield - Final Fantasy XVI
• Yuri Lowenthal as Peter Parker/Spider-Man - Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
• Cameron Monaghan as Cal Kestis - Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
• Melanie Liburd as Saga Anderson - Alan Wake 2
• Neil Newbon as Astarion - Baldur’s Gate 3
• Idris Elba as Solomon Reed - Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

Best Community Support

• Baldur's Gate 3
• Cyberpunk 2077
• Destiny 2
• Final Fantasy XIV
• No Man's Sky

Games for Impact

• A Space for the Unbound
• Chants of Sennaar
• Goodbye Volcano High
• Tchia
• Terra Nil
• Venba

Best Independent Game

• Sea of Stars
• Dredge
• Viewfinder
• Dave The Diver
• Cocoon

Best Debut Indie Game

• Venba
• Dredge
• Viewfinder
• Pizza Tower
• Cocoon

Best Mobile Game

• Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis
• Hello Kitty Island Adventure
• Terra Nil
• Honkai: Star Rail
• Monster Hunter Now

Best VR/AR Game

• Horizon: Call of the Mountain
• Humanity
• Synapse
• Gran Turismo 7
• Resident Evil Village VR Mode

Best Action Game

• Dead Island 2
• Ghostrunner 2
• Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon
• Remnant 2
• Hi-Fi Rush

Best Action/Adventure Game

• Alan Wake 2
• Resident Evil 4
• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Best Role-Playing Game

• Baldur’s Gate 3
• Final Fantasy XVI
• Lies of P
• Starfield
• Sea of Stars

Best Fighting Game

• Street Fighter VI
• Mortal Kombat 1
• Nickelodeon All-Star Battle 2
• God of Rock
• Pocket Bravery

Best Family Game

• Super Mario Bros. Wonder
• Pikmin 4
• Disney Illusion Island
• Party Animals
• Sonic Superstars

Best Simulation/Strategy Game

• Company of Heroes 3
• Cities Skylines II
• Advanced Wars 1&2: ReBoot Camp
• Fire Emblem Engage
• Pikmin 4

Best Sports/Racing Game

• Forza Motorsport 
• Disney Speedstorm
• Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Supercharged
• EA Sports FC 24
• F1 23

Best Multiplayer Game

• Super Mario Bros. Wonder
• Diablo IV
• Street Fighter VI
• Baldur’s Gate 3
• Party Animals

Content Creator of the Year

• Iron Mouse
• PeopleMakeGames
• Quackity
• Spreen
• SypherPK

Best in Accessibility

• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
• Diablo 4
• Forza Motorsport
• Street Fighter VI
• Mortal Kombat 1
• Hi-Fi Rush

Best Adaptation

• Castlevania: Nocturne
• The Last of Us
• The Super Mario Bros. Movie
• Twisted Metal
• Gran Turismo

Most Anticipated Game

• Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
• Star Wars Outlaws
• Tekken 8
• Hades II

Best Esports Game 

• Counter-Strike 2 
• DOTA 2 
• League of Legends 
• PUBG Mobile
• VALORANT 

Best Esports Athlete

• Mathieu "Zywoo" Herbaut (CS:GO)
• Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok (LOL) 
• Max "Demon1" Mazanov (Valorant)
• Paco "Hydra" Rusiewiez (Call of Duty)
• Park "Ruler" Jae-hyuk (LOL)
• Phillip "Imperialhal" Dosen (Apex Legends)

Best Esports Team

• Evil Geniuses
• Fnatic
• Gaimin Gladiators
• JD Gaming
• Team Vitality

Best Esports Coach 

• Christine "Potter" Cie
• Danny "Zonic" Sorensen
• Jordan "Gunba" Graham
• Remy "XTQZZZ" Quoniam
• Yoon "Homme" Sung-Young

Best Esports Event

• EVO 2023
• 2023 League of Legends World Championship  
• Blast.TV Paris Major 2023
• The International DOTA 2 Championships 2023
• VALORANT Champions 2023 

The post Baldur’s Gate 3, Alan Wake 2 lead The Game Awards 2023 nominations appeared first on Destructoid.

It's really going down now. The Japanese channel for Atlus, atlustube, released a taste of the 'reloaded' versions of classic Persona 3 songs alongside some new music tracks for Persona 3 Reload.

Released to promote the Limited Edition of Persona 3 Reload, Atlus previews some of its two-disc soundtrack. The video showcases returning classics like Mass Destruction, When the Moon's Reaching Out Stars, and Living with Determination.

Meanwhile, samples for new songs exclusive to Persona 3 Reload are also heard, including It's Going Down Now and Color Your Night. Both sound phenomenal and fit right into the themes of the game.

Changing Seasons

As many have noticed, the original singer for Persona 3, Yumi Kawamura, is absent. Instead, promising newcomer Azumi Takahashi is taking over. Returning to rap is Lotus Juice to put some fresh and familiar spins on the title's already fantastic soundtrack.

If you want to know all of the songs Persona 3 Reload has, you're in luck! The full list of songs for the 2024 RPG remake is in the YouTube video description. Some titles are in Japanese, but once it's translated into English, we'll update them.

Many songs are the same as the original but will likely have some small changes to them. Updated vocal tracks, like Want To Be Close and Master of Shadow, now have -Reload- on them. Curiously, the opening theme for the game has a name: Full Moon Full Life. No preview has been given for it, but if it's anything like the rest, it's going to be a banger. Take a look at the list below:

【Disc１収録楽曲】

• Full Moon Full Life
• 全ての人の魂の詩
• この不思議な感覚
• Want To Be Close -Reload-
• Troubled
• Crisis
• シャドウ
• 避けられぬ戦い
• やすらぎ -Reload-
• When The Moon's Reaching Out Stars -Reload-
• 巌戸台分寮 -Reload-
• The Voice Someone Calls
• tartarus_0d01
• Mass Destruction -Reload-
• 戦いのあと
• Color Your Night
• Deep Breath Deep Breath -Reload-
• Master of Shadow -Reload-
• ポロニアンモール -Reload-
• The Meaning of Armbands
• tartarus_0d02
• 嫌な予感
• Fearful Experience
• Calamity
• 試験中…
• Everyone loves 1989
• Joy
• tartarus_0d03
• 深層心理 -Reload-
• It’s Going Down Now
• The Path is Open
• The Path Was Closed

【Disc２ 収録楽曲】

• Changing Seasons -Reload-
• Basement
• Master of Tartarus -Reload-
• これでいいんだ…
• Living With Determination
• tartarus_0d04
• 京都
• Afternoon Break
• 時価ネットたなか -Reload-
• tartarus_0d05
• 10年前の記憶 -追想-
• 10年前の記憶 -対峙-
• Mistic
• 心の力
• 街の記憶
• 学園の記憶
• Living With Determination -巌戸台分寮アレンジ-
• tartarus_0d06
• 暗闇より出でしもの
• 全ての人の魂の戦い
• Nyx
• 決意
• Burn My Dread -Last Battle Reload-
• 絆
• 私が守るから -Reload-
• キミの記憶 -Reload-
• キミの記憶 -Reload Instrumental-
• Full Moon Full Life -Opening Movie version-

Our very own Timothy Monbleau got to play Persona 3 Reload in August and called the game "faithful to its origins yet modernized." As one of my RPGs to look out for, Persona 3 Reload looks to be a force to be reckoned with. The game launches on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Game Pass, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on February 2, 2024.

The post Groove along to some of Persona 3 Reload’s new music appeared first on Destructoid.