E3 2010: Scott Pilgrim vs The World Game

For those of you who are keeping up with the daunting (yet so exciting) event that is E3, you know there are some killer game titles coming to a console near you very soon. One that I am barely able to contain my excitement for is the much anticipated and long awaited Ubisoft (guided by Brayn Lee O'Malley) release of Scott Pilgrim vs the World.

Some of you will know what I'm talking about because you have read the amazing Scott Pilgrim graphic novels writen by O'Malley and published by Oni Press, and yet others of you are remembering a trailer for a cool looking movie featuring Michael Cera and directed by Edgar Wright under a similar title. Well, you are both right, although the comic came first. Edgar just did a nice little interview in the latest issue of Game Informer (I about peed my pants from excitement) and talked about working with O'Mally and briefly mentioned a few points about the game. Both the game and the movie started production almost simultaneously and while the game is based off the artwork of the comic, Ubisoft took some things from Wright's storyboards. Wright is also hoping to tie some of the game's graphics into the movie. Needless to say, that is one movie premiere I will be at and anticipating. (side note: movie is scheduled to hit theaters August 13th and the final book will debut on July 20th)

Alright, enough about the movie, lets move onto the meat of this post... the game. I could sit here and rant on and on about how amazing it is and how it has such a great reto feel and use such eloquent and prolific words... or, I could just show you the trailer. Enjoy!

Video Games Scott Pilgrim vs. The World E3 2010: Exclusive Debut Gameplay Montage HD

XBox 360 Playstation 3 Nintendo Wii

Now tell me you aren't completely in love? You can't!! That was the single most amazing thing I've seen since Google had Pac Man on their homepage. Now while showing how awesome this game will be there are a couple of things the trailer didn't tell you, things like release details and back story.

As far as the actual release date, it's said that on August 10th Scott Pilgrim will grace the PSN. Now now, all you soul 360 users, don't worry, it will eventually come to XBL, there is just no telling when. But I assure you, as you have seen in the trailer, it will be well worth the wait. The game being strictly DLC actually excites me a lot and I hope more games move to this medium. I for one work way too much and always during normal store operating hours, so for me to buy a game and instantly have it (after a download) all from the comfort of my own couch is something I have become a huge fan of.

Now for those of you living under a rock who have no clue what you just witnessed in the trailer, let me explain a few things. Scott Pilgrim is in a band. He meets an awesome girl named Ramona Flowers and falls for her, hard. Unfortunately for poor Scott, to be with the girl of his dreams he must defeat her seven evil ex's. This is a very rough and extremely basic premise of the story, to learn more you really need to read the novels.

All in all, everything surrounding Scott Pilgrim is amazing, from the artwork to the story to the movie and ending with the game. Along with a review on the movie you can bet you will be hearing from me about the game the second it comes out. Now I'm off to dig through some more of what E3 has left in it's wake to find some more awesome stuff to share with you!

The Terminator 2029, Dark Horse Comics (Issue 1)

"The Future Fights Back!" That's the tag line from Dark Horse Comics' latest romp into the world of the machines, The Terminator 2029. But with the marked decline in the franchise over the years the question is does 2029 pack the metallic punch of it's namesake or is the lovable killing machine at the end of it's shelf life?

When it comes to re-makes and sequels friends have told me I play the "wounded fan" card pretty well and in many ways they'd be right. For a start, I hated the Transformers live action films, Command and Conquer is more or less dead to me and if I could travel back in time to stop the Alien Vs Predator films I would. So you can only imagine my reaction to Terminator: Rise of the Machines and 'Salvation.

Don't get me wrong, it's not that I dislike sequels and off-shoots simply because they aren't the same as the original, far from it, but I do feel a certain amount of  trepidation when approaching a new chapter in my favorite franchises. Heck, who doesn't? It detracts from the immersion when you have to pick out which bits you like and which you don't. Sometimes a good idea is best left well alone.

With this all in mind I'll finally get round to the subject of this post, which is the review of Dark Horse Comics' first issue of The Terminator 2029, written by Zack Whendon. Given everything I've said there was a lot that could have put me off this comic but I was actually rather surprised. Right off the bat the comic harnessed the gritty, dark atmosphere of the films. Set during the future war before Kyle Reece is sent back in time, the visuals really reflect the post nuclear world and Andy Macdonald has done a wonderful job of capturing the imagery of the war that I felt 'rise and 'salvation missed. Macdonald delivers a clean and crisp art style that some readers may at first feel is a little removed from the "dirty" nature of the future war, however coupled with Dan Jackson's coloring the comic is brought to life with a potent contrast between grimy backdrops and neon action sequences. At times there is an honest brutality to the art which, to it's credit, never seems childish or over the top.

When it comes to the writing of the comic Zack Whendon doesn't disappoint. While the first issue can't give too much away it feels that there won't be too many surprises for the fan of Terminator law, however, the characters are likeable and share mixed relationships that quickly entice the reader to connect with the protagonists. Where Whendon excels is in delivering charisma and compassion between characters, which goes along way to inspire a sense of hope and resilience in a universe where it would be easy to become trapped in it's depressing nature. This is a slight deviation from the Reese monologues in the films which painted an entirely bleak outlook but I feel the additional energy works well in the comic format. There is also a fair balance between story telling and action which is something occasionally missing from comics so it never feels like a struggle to get through. if this pace is continued throughout the series this will be a welcome addition to the franchise.

"I'm Back"

All in all, this is a fair effort from Dark Horse, it's a shame that they decided to lend their name to the horrible Terminator game to coincide with the series but at least the comic is leagues ahead and won't see you ripping your own eyes out. It won't win any awards but I'd give it a solid seven out of ten dinosaurs (that's right, I said dinosours) and go on to make it an 8 for fans of the francise. The Terminator 2029 is well worth checking out, just make sure you
leave 'rise and 'salvation at the door.


       

How to part with your cash this week

We all work hard for our money, and money just doesn't seem to stretch as far as it used to. Usually the slog until pay day is stressful and demoralising, with seemingly every penny we accumulate disappearing on taxes or food or food taxes. At times it can seem tempting just to give up on everything and sob in a corner, of course that would be quitting. No, there is only one way to numb the pain... BUY STUFF! 

So here is a look at the new and wonderful (and not so wonderful) things to spend that blood-money on.

MUSIC

Bullet For My Valentine - Fever

Probably BFMV best album so far, although lyrically their weakest. The screaming has mellowed out, allowing the lackluster vocals and crudely conceived lyrics to take centre stage. Fans of the band will probably love it.

Gogol Bordello - Trans-Continental Hustle

Its clear that the last two years spent in Brazil has influenced the musical style of the band, although they still retain their distinctly unique sound. When Universes Collide is the stand-out track in my opinion.

Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends - Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends

Its not often I get the chance to review a fresh new album of sea shanties, and I thank every higher power there is for this fact. PIFF are a staple of UK breakfast television at the moment, so that should help you get a feel for their target audience.

The Avett Brothers - I And Love And You

This is the first professionally produced studio album for the trio hailing from North Carolina, as such it is their best sounding album so far. It's taken almost 7 months for this album to reach the UK, a sad sign that The Avett Brothers will continue to be overlooked internationally.

GAMES

Nier - 360, PS3

Nier is a game, Sorry for the vagueness but this RPG has so many different elements that it is hard to accurately define. It does too much for its own good, and doesn't excel in any one area, but despite these short-comings its impossible not to love.

Super Street Fighter IV - 360, PS3

More of an expansion that a full on brand new release, offering new fighters, new ultra moves and a more refined online element. This truly is the ultimate edition of Street Fighter IV, although those tired of the first release may not be compelled to do it all again.

WarioWare D.I.Y - DS

WarioWare meets Little Big Planet in what is arguably the best investment you could make for the DS, featuring the ability to create your own crazy mini games as well as download other peoples efforts. 

Dead To Rights: Retribution - 360, PS3

One man and his throat-tearing dog return to gaming, the playable dog elements are the strongest suit, everything else is by a by the numbers shooter. 

MOVIES

Avatar - DVD, Blu-Ray

The highest grossing film of all time is finally available for viewing in the comfort of your own home. Neither edition comes with a 3D option, so 3D TV owners expect another edition to be released in the near future.

Dr. Strangelove - Or how I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb - Blu-Ray

Its a comedy classic, and if you haven't got it on DVD then it is an essential purchase on Blu-Ray. The picture quality and sound is as good as it will ever be, but obviously due to age it doesn't take advantage of the format.

The Last Song - Cinema

Following the love lives of three separate couples, this film is a chick-flick through and through. I can't in good concious recommend this to any of our readers, regardless of gender. Miley Cyrus is the absolute worst part of this terrible story, using her god awful 'acting' to drain the final drops of appeal from an already terrible film.

COMICS

Couch Fiction: A Graphic Tale of Psychotherapy - Palgrave MacMillan

A genuinely fascinating comic looking into the world of psychotherapy, in places funny and always thought provoking this comic provides a look at a year of therapy. Highly recommended for anyone considering going into therapy, or therapists looking for a different look at their profession.

Essential Iron Man Vol 4 - Marvel

Just in time for the second movie, the collected omnibus of Iron Man's early adventures is up to 1968. Probably not the best choice for people looking to get into the series, but for those interested in a comic history lesson it will be worth a look.

Excalibur Visionaries (Warren Ellis) Vol 1 - Marvel

Collecting the first part of Warren Ellis' run on the Excalibur series, I'm a big fan of Warren Ellis (Transmetropolitan, Thunderbolts, Batman) and his work on Excalibur was probably some of the best the comic ever saw.  


More 'How to part with your cash' next week.

How to part with your cash this week

We all work hard for our money, and money just doesn't seem to stretch as far as it used to. Usually the slog until pay day is stressful and demoralising, with seemingly every penny we accumulate disappearing on taxes or food or food taxes. At times it can seem tempting just to give up on everything and sob in a corner, of course that would be quitting. No, there is only one way to numb the pain... BUY STUFF! 

So here is a look at the new and wonderful (and not so wonderful) things to spend that blood-money on.

MUSIC

AC/DC - Iron Man 2

AC/DC don't have an official 'best of', but until the coffers run dry again this will be the closest we're likely to get. It's got all of the classics, and to be brutally honest is the only AC/DC album as casual fan will ever need.

Paul Weller - Wake Up The Nation

Jam front man Paul Weller rejoins with former bandmate Bruce Foxton, and has a ball in the process. You can hear in every song that this is just Weller having a great time, and he doesn't care if you don't like it!

Meatloaf - Hang Cool Teddy Bear

A return to form for Meatloaf, it's not exactly everything you expect it to be, but to be honest it's nice to hear an old dog has learned new tricks.

Katie Nash - My Best Friend Is You

Nash seems to have grown up a little for this album, just a little, the lyrics do seem a little less childish but still delve back into brit-pop clichés. Its Lilly Allen mixed with Tori Amos by way of Chas & Dave... Take from that what you will!

GAMES

Monster Hunter Tri - Wii

If it has the words 'Monster' and 'Hunter' it will sell insanely well in Japan, so success is guaranteed. Its by far the best looking game on the Wii meeting almost current-gen graphics. It's also a lot of fun and one of the best mature online experiences on the console.

After Burner Climax - PS3 (PSN)

A port of one of the best arcade games you've never played. It's an arcadey flight sim with emphasis on shooting down hundreds of enemies and leaving beautiful smoke trails all over the sky. 

Various Game and Watch Titles - DSI

Some classic gameplay ported over to the DS for DSIWare. Unfortunately they've split these into individual titles and not bundled them together which makes them a little on the expensive side.

MOVIES

The Men Who Stare At Goats - DVD, Blu-Ray

Comedy staring a wealth of big names, its funny and just a little bit odd. Wasn't every well received on release due in some part to its length and being reviewed by people without any sense of humour.

Nine - DVD, Blu-Ray

The Striptease of of our generation, in that its a film that every teenage boy wants to see thanks to the posters, and everyone, regardless of age, leaves feeling confused and disappointed.

Date Night - Cinema

Competent comedy starring two people who both have the capability to be far funnier than they are on screen here. It's a fun film, but will never be an absolute classic.

COMICS

Black Widow and the Marvel Girls - Marvel

Trade Paperback collection of the origin story for sexy super spy Natasha Romonova, just in time for Iron Man 2. The plot doesn't really work, and the art is impressive yet cutesy, which doesn't gel with the writing.

The Walking Dead: Book 5 - Image Comics

The unstoppable juggernaut comic hits it's fifth trade paperback, the quality is as high as ever and the plot continues to entertain, following the survivors as they try and fight off the inevitable.

Captain America: Reborn - Marvel

The ending may have been spoiled thanks to poor timing on release dates of comics, but if you only read graphic novels and keep your ears plugged when comic news is being broadcast you'll want to read this book. 


More 'How to part with your cash' next week.

How to part with your cash this week

We all work hard for our money, and money just doesn't seem to stretch as far as it used to. Usually the slog until pay day is stressful and demoralising, with seemingly every penny we accumulate disappearing on taxes or food or food taxes. At times it can seem tempting just to give up on everything and sob in a corner, of course that would be quitting. No, there is only one way to numb the pain... BUY STUFF! 

So here is a look at the new and wonderful things to spend that blood-money on.

MUSIC

Plan B - The Defamation Of Strickland Banks

The "British Eminem" tries his hand at straight up singing. Some fans have been alienated by this move to swing, but given the quality of the album any 'fan' turned away by this isn't a fan worth having.

Scouting For Girls - Everybody wants To Be On TV

Straight up pop music. Scouting For Girls aren't trying to be anything more than catchy chorus crafters, which isn't a necessarily good thing.

Jeff Beck - Emotion and Commotion

This is a brand spanking new Jeff Beck album featuring an awesome cover of 'I put a spell on you', the fact that you've made it this far into the sentence and not bought it is disappointing.

MGMT - Congratulations

Psychedelic techno-pop.

Coheed And Cambria - Year Of The Black Rainbow

Their most grown up album to date, words cannot express how much I wanted to hate this album, but it's actually not that bad. Fans will adore it. 

GAMES

Splinter Cell: Conviction - 360, PC

Distinctly from a post Bourne and 24 era, Conviction is in many ways as far from a 'traditional' Splinter Cell game as you can imagine, it also happens to be the best thus far by a long way.

Grand Theft Auto IV: Episodes from Liberty City - PS3

The PS3 finally gets to experience the previous 360 exclusive content, for a GTA junkie both these stories will offer plenty of extra play time. Both episodes are fantastic, and while neither offer the depth of IV they're both essential plays,

Sin & Punishment: Star Successor - Wii

Sequel to an N64 game that never got officially released in this country. Its fairly short, artificially lengthened by it's hair tearing old-school difficulty, but its also a lot of fun. There are far worse ways to go bald.

MOVIES

Lord Of the Rings - Blu-Ray

The famous trilogy finally gets a release on a hi-def format, but thanks to studio greed on the theatrical cuts are being released in this box set. expect the extended cuts to be follow in time for Christmas.

Law Abiding Citizen - DVD, Blu-Ray

Enjoyable revenge thriller, its just a shame about the final act letting down everything that preceded it. Certainly worth watching.

Glee: Season 1 part 1 - DVD

Teenage girls rejoice, Glee is now available on DVD in the UK, too bad that they've decided to split the season into mini box sets.

COMICS

Spider-Man Fever # 1 - Marvel

A tribute to Steve Ditko's Dr. Strange, this is going to be a really bizarre a psychedelic read. Certainly not recommended to those new to Spider-Man.

S.H.I.E.L.D # 1 - Marvel

A comic based on the concept that DaVinci was an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D, as was Newton, and nearly every great thinker throughout history has been involved in Marvels ultra secret agency.

Aliens: More Than Human - Dark Horse

A group of prospectors stumble upon an ancient leviathan city, as you can expect from the Alien franchise, it's not long until xenomorphs are relieving people of their heads.




More 'How to part with your cash' next week.

Its so hard to let go.... of a sticky spider web

To me the comics world is like a world of giant skyscrapers, each character has their own building dedicated to them. At the heart of these buildings is a giant elevator filled with fans, each week the elevator stops and new stories are thrown in, as well as new fans stepping in. Old fans never leave, they may lose interest and stare at the wall for a while, but they'll always still be there. This analogy has flaws of course, and with people liking multiple characters we get into the messy world of clones with a shared hive mind of experiences, and probably alternate universes as well. All of which is much too complicated, and yet strangely fitting given the subject material.

Personally I ride the Spider-Man elevator, and I got on at the Ultimate Spider-Man floor, something that is sneered upon by a lot of other Spider-Fans. The wonderful thing about any form of art is that it's subjective, although that can also be it's curse, for example many people dislike Ultimate Spider-Man, as they feel it was a childish reboot and that people should just jump onto the classic comic if they wanted to be fans of the web head, nevermind that at the time there were 3 seperate Spider-comics (Amazing, Spectacular and Friendly Neighbourhood) and that the character had been running for longer than a lot of younger readers had even been alive. It was for this very reason that the Ultimate series was created, going right back to the start and telling the story with a modern twist, and in my opinion it was absolutely awesome. From the very first issue I read I was hooked, and I've followed the series religiously ever since, regardless of other fans opinions of the series. Clearly not everyone had such a cynial view, as Ultimate Spider-Man spawned an entire spin-off universe as he was joined by the Ultimate X-Men, Ultimate Fantastic Four, Ultimate Avengers (called the Ultimates) and many more. Nine years after the first issue of Ultimate Spider-Man it was decided that it was time to shake up the Ultimate universe with it's first cataclysmic event in the same style as those featured in the regular marvel universe (Earth 616) such as House of M and Civil War, with every comic in the series all tying together.

The event was called Ultimatum, and I can honestly say with my hand on my heart that it is the worst comic I have ever read! 32 Characters were killed off in the space of just 5 issues, so obviously given the space and time restraints not a single one of them was offed in a way that suited their characters or did justice to the work that had been invested by so many writers over the previous nine years. This may have been something to do with Jeph Loeb writing every character as if they were doing impressions of themselves, with so much over expository dialogue that not a word uttered sounded natural. Why a writer who by the looks of things had never even heard of the ultimate universe before was singled out to write the closing chapter of the series is simply mind boggling. The art work is the only redeeming feature of the entire 5 issue run, but given what is actually happening on the page it's impossible to enjoy it.

Obviously given the emotional investment that is gained from following a series for such a long time it is hard to objectively look at any work that changes the norm, especially one that involves the death of a beloved character. Maybe this is why I disliked the Ultimatum even so much, because I'd travelled with these characters for many years, grown with them and now had to watch as they acted in a way which didn't fit with the preconceptions I had come to form of them, and then had to watch them die as a consequence. Obviously they were never 'my' characters in the sense that I never had any input into the actions, nor any rights to creative control, so ultimately everything event that ever happens in their lives it is up to Marvel. The main outcome of the Ultimatum event is the re-launch of the franchise under the new name of Ultimate Comics, with new characters for a new audience. So now I find myself in the position the the old Spider-Fans were in all those years ago when I had joined, wondering why something I love has to be re-adapted so that a new audience can get on board. Ultimatum was without a terrible series, and a low point for a wonderful franchise to go out on, but I'll always have my old Ultimate comics to re-read, I don't feel that a new re-boot cheapens the enjoyment I've already experienced. I welcome new fans to the fold, if a change around is what is needed to encourage more people to read comics (or read in general) and hopefully pursue a path more creative, then so be it.