Star Wars – Black Hole

E3 2018 Round-Up

Greetings Travelers!!

It’s our favorite time of year, E3!!! For those who don’t know, E3 is the largest video game conference in the world, were each year the major developers get together to show off their future releases. In this post I will highlight the major titles announced this year with my thoughts in 3 sentences or less. Keep checking back as I will update this daily until the end of E3!

Update: So I watched the rest of E3 and there wasn’t to much of note besides the new Smash Bros. So for now I will leave this post as is with more content coming soon and some in depth analysis of several of the games I’m particularly interested once they ahve some more gameplay.

Strange Brigade – Do you like Payday and the Mummy? If so you will enjoy this fun, goofy, coop shooter were you play as a group of explorers fighting through evil magic to get the treasure.

Sports Game 2019 – Like playing the same sports games every year with little to no changes? Great!! This is the obligatory annual release of FIFA, NBA, Madden, and more…

Battlefield V – The latest in the Battlefield franchise, with little promise. Battlefield 1 was a great game, but it failed to impress and hold my attention. This new installment to the series shows little improvement.

Command & Conquer Rivals – Where do all games go to die? Mobile Devices!!!! EA reboots the classic RTS franchise, butchered it and sent it to mobile.

Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order – The latest Star Wars game coming from EA’s Respawn Entertainment, the developers of Titanfall. I have high hopes and expectations for this upcoming single-player game, and I’m sure Respawn will give us a quality game unlike EA.

Anthem – Ever wanted to play an EA version of Destiny? Anthem is shrouded in mystery and show little promise coming from EA and looking like a Destiny clone.

Days Gone – The upcoming zombie survival for PS4 looks interesting, but is not a new concept. I want to see some more comprehensive gameplay before rendering a verdict.

Hitman 2 – The latest Hitman game shows much promise and looks like it will continue where the last Hitman game left off. I have no qualms with this series and this is a great time to start playing the franchise.

Fear the Wolves – Really another battle royale game in a post-apocalyptic Russia. I will be staying far away from this game as it shows nothing we haven’t already seen.

Generation Zero – What the hell did I just watch? Swedes fighting robots in the 80s? So many questions with no answers…

The Walking Dead – This game looks very interesting, almost like Left for Dead, but made by the developers behind Payday. Want to see more, but very interested in the game.

Code Vein – An anime, vampire dark souls game. Watching gameplay looks exactly like Dark Souls with some small differences, definitely be purchasing this game.

Phantom Doctrine – A cold war era strategy game in the spirit of XCOM. This turn-based tactical RTS looks to be a very interesting and fun game I will be purchasing.

Total War 3 Kingdoms – The latest game in the historical RTS franchise from Creative Assembly. I have been a big fan of this series since Empire, but the series has really flat-lined and grown stale since Rome 2.

Halo Infinite – Microsoft has made the right decision, Halo is coming to PC!!!! Otherwise nothing significant was announced or shown about this game.

Sekiro Shadows Die Twice – The latest in the demon souls line from From Software. The trailer shows in a kind of Feudal Japan, with new elements to Dark Souls like a grappling hook and more free roam. I will definitely be investing in this game.

Crackdown 3 – The latest game in the Crackdown series and long over due. Another exciting development is that this will also be coming to PC. Gameplay looks just like Crackdown 2 which should mean this will be a great game.

Metro Exodus – The latest in the Metro series, which looks like I will be bringing more of the same. Looking forward to seeing more gameplay, but so far I am not interested.

Kingdom Hearts 3 – I haven’t played Kingdom Hearts since the first game, and I look forward to returning to the series with this fun and beautiful looking game.

The Division 2 – Probably the worst MMO I have played returns with the much not needed sequel. I had high hopes for the original, but low expectations for the second.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider – The latest edition in the exciting Tomb Raider series. Having played and enjoyed the last two games, I am looking forward to seeing what new content Shadow will bring to the Tomb Raider series.

Dying Light 2 – Another zombie survival game. I thought the first one was bland and repetitive, and I hope this game will breath some life into the title.

Just Cause 4 – Another Just Cause game, no surprise there after the success of the 3rd game. But, the series needs some spice, something to mix up series before it becomes too repetitive.

Gears of War 5 – WHY???? The series rapped up so nicely and the multiplayer was excellent in Gears 3. Please end things before Gears turns into a Call of Duty.

Rage 2 – The original Rage was an interesting and exciting game, and the sequel is long overdue. I look forward to seeing more detailed gameplay and acquiring this game.

DOOM Eternal – No one was surprised to see another Doom, but the series sure as hell is fun. Looking forward to seeing some gameplay in the near future.

Elder Scrolls Online: Summerset – Why are they still developing this game and who is still playing it?? We all wished for an Elder Scrolls MMO and we got this garbage.

Skyrim: Very Special Edition – STOP………RE…..RELEASING…………MORE………..SKYRIM!!!!

Fallout 76 – The newest segment of Fallout bringing into the MMO verse. Fallout 4 wasn’t completely terrible but, ESO was horrible and I hope that 76 doesn’t follow ESO down its dark path of misery.

Starfield – Looks and sounds like Fallout in space which I can’t complain about. Really excited to see gameplay and you might have guessed at BH Interactive we really love space.

Elder Scrolls 6 – About fucking time.

Skull and Bones – Liked sailing a pirate ship in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag? Wanted to play a whole game on a pirate ship? Now you can in this exciting new game from Ubisoft.

Starlink: Battle for Atlas – A new and very interesting concept from Ubisoft. This space dog-fighting game looks like a combination of No Man’s Sky and Elite Dangerous. Definitely a series I will keep my eye on and would like to acquire if it turns out well.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – I thoroughly enjoyed Origins, and liked the RPG direction that Ubisoft is taking the series. I’m a little disappointed they returned with a new game so quickly, but am not disappointed by the chosen setting. I look at Odyssey as an expansion to Origins.

Satisfactory – Minecraft meets Space Engineers meets Factorio. What an interesting and exciting looking game. Alpha sign-up are available and I look forward to bringing you content soon!!

Mavericks: Proving Grounds – PLEASE STOP WITH THE BATTLE ROYALE GAMES!!!!!!!

Star Citizen – It’s like waiting for Elder Scrolls 6 to come out, except we can play a small portion of the sci-fi space MMO.

Anno 1800 – I really enjoyed Anno 2070, but not 2205. I hope 1800 returns to what really made Anno the successful city builder/RTS it was in 2070. I have high hopes for this game and definitely want to play it.

Last of Us Part 2 – The exciting sequel to one of the most popular story-driven zombie survival games ever made. I really look forward to playing this game and the original when I acquire a PS4 this fall.

Ghost of Tsushima – Ever since Total War Shogun 2 I have had a deep love for Feudal Japan. This game looks to be extremely, fun and deep with brutal and dynamic combat. Another PS4 exclusive I plan to acquire.

Death Stranding – We all eagerly wait to really figure out what this game is. But coming from Kojima, I have no doubt it is going to be an amazing single-player experience.

Nioh 2 – A Dark Souls-esque game based on Feudal Japan. the first game was a lot of fun, and extremely difficult, I’m sure the second game will love up to the standards set by the first.

Spider-Man – Another exciting exclusive coming to the PS4. I really hope this game turns out great but, so far I am worried as all the action looks like quick time events. Hopefully we will get a better grasp of the game before release.

Keep checking back for more E3 updates and related content all week!! And I look forward to bringing gameplay from many of these titles as they release.

Solo: A Star Wars Story – Thoughts and Review

A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away….

Welcome back Travelers!! Star Wars is back in it latest film, Solo: A Star Wars Story. Since doing my initial thoughts on Avengers Infinity War, I’ve decided to do these movie review posts differently. So each post will start off with my thoughts on the movie, then I will dive into my review (with plenty of spoiler warnings). So let’s dive right into my thoughts on Solo!

Thoughts

Solo is the second of the Star Wars Anthology films, coming out two years after Rogue One. the Anthology films seek to fill in missing gaps in the ever-growing Star Wars story and universe. While Rogue One takes place immediately before the events of Episode 4, Solo takes place in the years following Episode 3. The film gives us background on the early years of Han Solo, how he and Chewbacca, his Wookie companion met, how he acquired the Millennium Falcon, and other small details of this scoundrels past. The film had a different tone than most of the other movie, but overall was very enjoyable to watch. It featured good action, with several interesting and fun characters. The writing was great, but at some points felt a bit simple and cheesy. However this doesn’t make it any less enjoyable and gives the audience a great look into the past of one of the Star Wars franchise’s favorite characters.

Review – Spoiler Alert!!

To my disappointment, Solo was the first Star Wars movie not to open in space. However the audience jumped right into the action as Han was trying to escape from Corellia with his girlfriend, Qi’ra. The writing her is probably the cheesiest out of the entire film, but we can see Han at his finest trying to put a half-cocked plan into action and talk his way out of a dangerous situation with gangsters he owes money too. Classic Han… But while trying to escape, Han gets out but, Qi’ra is captured and he is forced to leave her behind and join the Imperial Navy.

We flash forward a couple years to find that Han has not become a pilot, but actually a trooper in the Imperial Army. This was a great scene as it gave the audience a look at what the actual Imperial Army looks like in action.

Many people believe that stormtroopers are the entirety of the Imperial ground forces, but they are actually the elite troopers. So this was a great and much needed look into the Imperial War Machine. This were Han first meets Chewbacca and saves him from his Imperial prison, and run off with some thieves return Han to his life of crime. As the story continues following these group of criminals, Han is introduced to several characters we get to know briefly before they are subsequently killed off. In typical Han fashion he fails to complete his mission and makes ridiculous promises to get the money back. They now team up with the criminal group Crimson Dawn, and Qi’ra who is discovered to be working for them now. In order to complete the infamous Kessel Run that Han is know for, they seek out another criminal, and thus we are introduced to Lando Calrissian and his obnoxious droid partner, L-3. During their mission to complete the Kessel Run, we learn a bit more about how Qi’ra escaped from Corellia, and we watch the ridiculous droid rebellion started by L-3, and witness her death. Watching Han, Chewie and the Falcon make the Kessel Run was pretty delightful especially seeing Han and Chewie both piloting the Falcon for the first time.

The arrive at other random desert planet to hand over their loot to Crimson Dawn. In an expected turn of events, Beckett betrays Qi’ra, Han and Enfys Nest to Crimson Dawn and their leader Dryden Vos. Only to have Han turn the tables on Dryden Vos and with the help of Qi’ra their plan succeeds. We see Han as the reluctant good guy as he hands over the loot to Enfys Nest who is helping establish the beginning of the Rebellion which Han refuses to join. And Han always fires first, which he shows as he kills Beckett. Unfortunately for Han, Qi’ra returns to Crimson Dawn and reveals to us that the actual leader is non other than our favorite Sith, DARTH MAUL!! For those that don’t know, lightsaber are so hot that they immediately cauterize wounds, meaning Maul survived behind cut in half. He returned to Dathomir, his home world and recovered with the help of his robotic legs, and nursed a deep vengeance for Obi Wan. So this scene sets the stage for the next Anthology film about Obi Wan, which we can assume will follow the events of Solo.

Conclusion and Rating

Overall, despite the poor reviews, I enjoyed the film, but it certainly is not my favorite Star Wars film by any stretch. It was enjoyable with a good, and slightly predictable story with great characters and tons of small details that Star Wars fans will enjoy, including things like: Lando’s Hutt Guard Armor, Mandolorian Armor that may be Boba Fett’s, Han’s dice, Darth Maul, and so much more!! Having a rough go in to box off, I still recommend seeing the film and give it a 7.5/10.

Check back Travelers for my updated Avengers Review and Deadpool 2 Review!!

May the Fourth Be With You!!

Long time ago, in a blog far, far away…

Welcome Back Travelers and Happy Star Wars Day!!

Being a tech/pop culture/gaming blog, Star Wars is obviously very near and dear to us. I mean we have a sci-fi/space theme!! So being such a fun day, I thought we would talk some Star Wars today. Couple topics we are going to hit on, first is the upcoming Solo movie, second the state of Star Wars video games and its future. So lets dive right in!!

Solo: A Star Wars Story

This is the 4 film Disney has brought for us and the second of the Star Wars Anthology films. The last Anthology film being Rogue One, which I have to say was probably one of my Top 3, if not favorite film of the franchise. What really did it for me was the binding together of the old and new, and even tying in some links to the current trilogy. So I have high hopes going into Solo, I think it is going to be very entertaining, and very factual filling us in on a lot of untouched background for many characters. I’m really hoping to see some of Greedo and Boba Fett, both who seem to have a colorful history with Han Solo. After watching the trailers, so far I’m getting kind of an Ocean’s 11 vibe from the film, that they are going to put together this kick-ass crew to pull off a once in a lifetime heist. I could talk Star Wars and Solo all day, but we will save the rest of our talk for a post-movie review!! SO check back at the end of the month for that.

Battlefront: How Star Wars Gaming is Losing

As an avid gamer and fan of Star Wars, I was obviously excited for more Star Wars games to be in the works, and at the time I was okay with EA running the show. Boy, I bet Disney sure regrets giving the rights to EA now. First Star Wars games I ever played were Shadow of the Empire and Rogue Squadron, and I was hooked. Star Wars games continued to get better, and then peaked with the release of Battlefront and Battlefront 2. But after that, LucasArts went silent much to fans disappointment. Now EA has taken the mantle, and they have turned a beloved franchise into the deformed monster we lock in the basement. While they did a great job with certain elements, namely audio and visuals, they pretty much ruined everything else. No I don’t want to turn this into a rant, as we all know the sorry state of Star Wars gaming, but what does the future promise? Potentially something very exciting as we have talk and small glimpses of an upcoming SINGLEPLAYER RPG. Developers seem to be under the impression that players don’t enjoy these kind of games, my response is who the fuck are you talking to???? I believe and I think the evidence shows with games like Skyrim, Witcher, God of War, Last of Us, and so many more that players love a deep, rich, story-driven open world rpg game. Sure lots of people like multiplayer games and your basic shooter, but with that comes the 12 year olds, the salt, the toxicity, bm, lag, server issues and so much more. And I think EA has made the right decision by having one of their far more qualified subsidiary developers make the game. But at the end of the day it is still EA and anything is possible. Hopefully, if EA shits the bed again, Disney will do us all a favor and take Star Wars away from them and put them in timeout.

Let me know in the comments below if you enjoyed a more free form post like this, and be sure to check back next week for your regularly scheduled broadcast.

May the Force be with You Travelers!