Powers
Latest
Sony crowdsources ideas for its next PlayStation TV series
Living in television's golden age means that every company wants to film their own hour-long prestige drama for us all to obsess over. Sony is no different, although attempts to turn PlayStation into a Netflix-esque platform fizzled after Powers was axed. That's why the company is now launching the Emerging Filmmakers Program, which is asking members of the public to submit ideas for the next great TV series.
Sony's original series 'Powers' won't return for season three
Although it lasted two seasons, Sony's original superhero crime drama Powers unfortunately won't be returning for a third. According to series creator and comic book author Brian Michael Bendis on Twitter, "season 2 was the last. at least for now."
What's on your HDTV: 'Roots,' 'Top Gear,' 'Archer'
This week A&E revisits the classic series Roots, while BBC America airs the season premiere of Top Gear with its all-new cast. Cinemax is premiering a new series from The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman, called Outcast, and you can watch the first episode below. We also have a couple of new Ultra HD Blu-ray releases, with Gods of Egypt and Now You See Me. For gamers, PS4 is snagging a few Xbox One releases, as Smite and Oxenfree come to PSN, on the same week that Sony's network kicks off season two of its exclusive superhero series Powers. Netflix has season three of Peaky Blinders on deck, plus a new Bo Burnham comedy special. Look after the break to check out each day's highlights, including trailers and let us know what you think (or what we missed).
Sony's original TV show 'Powers' returns on May 31st
Sony's first PlayStation TV show landed with a bit of a thud. Based on the comic book series by Brian Michael Bendis, Powers struggled to stand out against its superhero peers, especially those on rival streaming networks. The show does have a following, however, which was enough for Sony to commission a second season last May. Almost a year later, the company has announced that the first three episodes will debut in the US and Canada on May 31st, with free access for PlayStation Plus subscribers. A new trailer shows the mess that homicide detectives Christian Walker (Sharlto Copley) and Deena Pilgrim (Susan Heyward) will be trying to untangle this time around. The world's most famous superhero, Retro Girl, is murdered and the pair are told to investigate doing "whatever you need to do." Mayhem ensues, with superpowers and explosions galore. Around the launch of the PS4 and Xbox One, both Microsoft and Sony had grand ambitions for console-branded TV shows. Microsoft eventually abandoned its plans, however, after unbundling the Kinect and refocusing on video games. The TV-specific Xbox Entertainment Studios was closed, although a few shows did sneak through, such as the Atari: Game Over documentary and Halo: Nightfall. Sony was more cautious, green-lighting Powers -- a safe bet, given the interest in superhero adaptations at the moment -- and waiting for the reaction from PlayStation fans. Season two is probably its last chance to prove the concept is worth persevering with.
Sony's original series 'Powers' renewed for a second season
Sony has announced it is bringing Powers back for a second season. And, all things considered, it's easy to see why. As an entertainment platform, the future of PlayStation's original programming depends heavily on the success of Powers, a series based on the comic book story from Brian Michael Bendis. Thankfully for Sony, after premiering back in March, Powers quickly became a favorite for viewers and rose to the top of the charts on PlayStation Network. The company says season two is scheduled to debut in the US next year, although it didn't provide a specific time frame. In a statement, President of Programming and Development at Sony Pictures Television, Jamie Erlicht, said the new chapter will "broaden the Powers universe and bring even more of the fan-favorite characters and storylines to life."
PlayStation's original programming future depends on 'Powers'
Powers is the first series to come from Sony PlayStation's original programming push, a partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment, and it's not rated "E" for everyone. With comic books as its source material, the racy superhero cop drama from creator Brian Michael Bendis is a custom fit for the PlayStation user base, especially users that pony up $50/year for Sony's PlayStation Plus subscription service. And it's that particular demographic the PlayStation group is keen to pursue with any future projects. "We are a gaming company, so we want to do what's best for gaming and for our gamers," says PlayStation VP of Platform Marketing John Koller. "We're going to make a decision here after we see how Powers does. But whatever we do, it'll be very centered on the gamer and the gaming audience and what caters best to them."
PlayStation exclusive TV show 'Powers' debuts in March
The PlayStation-exclusive original series Powers will debut on March 10, the PlayStation Blog has announced. The series will span ten episodes, with the first episode available for free to all PSN account holders. PlayStation Plus subscribers will have access to the complete season. Based on the ongoing Image Comics series from writer Brian Michael Bendis (Ultimate Spider-Man) and artist Michael Avon Oeming (Judge Dredd), Powers is a police-procedural set in Chicago where two homicide detectives investigate cases involving citizens with superhuman abilities. The series stars District 9 standout Sharlto Copley as Christian Walker, a former superhero who becomes a detective after he loses his powers, and his partner Deena Pilgrim, played by The Following's Susan Heyward. Eddie Izzard portrays the villainous character Wolfe. Watch a trailer for the series after the break. [Image: Sony]
'Powers,' the first PlayStation TV show launches on March 10th
When Powers failed to materialize on Sony's PlayStation Network back in December, you were probably distracted by the company's other, more high-profile catastrophes. Now that some of the dust has settled, however, series creator Brian Michael Bendis has taken to the PlayStation Blog to tell the world that the supernatural cop show will debut on March 10th. The first three episodes will all land on that day, with the remaining seven episodes that comprise the first season launching on subsequent Tuesdays.
Superheroes go breaking, bad in PlayStation show Powers
Powers, a Sony Pictures Television-produced adaptation of the comic of the same name by Brian Michael Bendis (Ultimate Spider-Man) and Michael Avon Oeming (Judge Dredd), has been given its first trailer. And judging by the footage, these aren't your wisecracking, happy-go-lucky superheroes. See for yourself after the break - but you might want to keep the volume down if there are kids around, as there's quite a few drops of the F-bomb. Powers revolves around the lives of Christian Walker and Deena Pilgrim, two homicide detectives whose cases focus on individuals with superhuman abilities - collectively known as "powers." Walker himself once was a power, but lost his abilities and had them replaced with a badge. As he ponders in the trailer: "The f*** am I supposed to do with that?" (See? Told you about that F-bomb thing.) The series, which has 10 episodes in development, will air exclusively on the PlayStation Network. Every PSN account holder will get access to the first episode for free, while those who subscribe to PlayStation Plus will be able to view the entire first season. The show stars Sharlto Copley as Walker, Susan Heyward as Pilgrim, and Eddie Izzard as the villainous Wolfe.
The trailer for PlayStation's 'Powers' series doesn't hold anything back
If you were worried that Sony's transformation of Powers into a PlayStation Network show would lose the comics' grittiness, you can (probably) relax. The first trailer for the original series is now available, and it's pretty clear that the production maintains a dark, twisted world of superhero crime. Detective Christian Walker is foul-mouthed and not exactly sympathy-inducing, while the suspects he's chasing are more warped than your typical comic book villains. You'll probably have to wait until the series launch in December to see much more, but it's already apparent that Sony is taking advantage of Powers' console-only release to push a few boundaries.
'District 9' star cast in lead role for PlayStation's 'Powers' series
Every story needs a hero, and comic-book based yarns aren't any different. Good thing Sharlto Copely has some experience in that department because the upcoming Powers adaptation for PlayStation would be awfully different without Detective Christian Walker. The District 9 alum has been cast in the lead role alongside Michelle Forbes (Orphan Black, Battlestar Galactica) as Retro Girl. Series co-creator Brian Michael Bendis writes on the PlayStation Blog that while the actors don't resemble their 2D counterparts in appearance, neither he nor co-creator Michael Avon Oeming ever intended a faithful version of the book to hit the screen. He says that the pair were looking more for actors that captured the spirit of the characters instead and he wants the show and the book to exist, more or less, in parallel universes and play to the strengths of each respective medium. How much will those universes cleave? Well, we should know come December. [Image credit: Associated Press]
PS Plus subscribers get free Powers in December
The PlayStation Network will be bitten by a radioactive crime drama series later this year; Powers, a live-action adaptation of the comic of the same name, will be available via the PSN starting in December, with the debut episode available for free. Meanwhile, PlayStation Plus subscribers will be able to view the entire series at no charge. David Slade (Hannibal, Breaking Bad) will direct the first two episodes of the show, which focuses on detectives who investigate cases involving people with superhuman powers. The original comic, published by Image until 2004 and currently by Marvel, is written by Brian Michael Bendis (Ultimate Spider-Man, Guardians of the Galaxy) and illustrated by Michael Avon Oeming (Judge Dredd, Catwoman). [Image: Marvel]
Sony's new PlayStation Network TV show 'Powers' hits in December, free on PS Plus
We'd heard that Sony signed up Brian Michael Bendis' comic series Powers for an original TV show, and tonight it confirmed that at its E3 2014 event. With Bendis on stage, we saw some concept art and found out from Andrew House that the series will arrive in December on the PlayStation Network. If you're not already familiar, it's based on a detective investigating cases that involve individuals with superhuman abilities. Everyone in the US can watch the first ep for free on their PlayStation devices, while PS Plus subscribers can watch the entire series at no extra charge. Check out the unveil and concept art in the video embedded after the break.
Infinite Crisis introduces Sinestro
The Green-Lantern-turned-bad, aka Sinestro, is the latest champion to be showcased in Turbine's Infinite Crisis MOBA. The free-to-play game based on the DC Universe will introduce Sinestro on Wednesday, May 21 for all players. Sinestro's uses silencing and fear to defeat his enemies, thanks to his power of control over Parallax, the living embodiment of fear. You can see Sinestro in action, including his featured powers and a bit of a battle strategy, in the video after the cut. [Source: Warner Bros press release]
PlayStation Network gets original TV with superpowered crime drama
Microsoft and Xbox won't be the only producers of original television content aimed at console owners this generation. Variety reports that Sony Pictures Television will be producing an original series called "Powers," which will air via the PlayStation Network. Powers will be an adaptation of a long-running comic of the same name, written by Brian Michael Bendis (Ultimate Spider-Man, Guardians of the Galaxy) and illustrated by Michael Avon Oeming (Judge Dredd, Catwoman). The comic mixes crime drama and superhero fantasy, sort of like Law & Order, if Jack McCoy was prosecuting Magneto. Bendis and Oeming will also serve as producers for the show, which currently has 10 episodes in the works. No release date was given for Powers. [Image: Sony]
PlayStation Network's first original TV show is an adaptation of the 'Powers' comics
Sony executives have revealed the company's first entry into original content for the PlayStation, a TV show based on the Powers series of comics. Sony Pictures Television is producing the show, made up of ten one-hour episodes focusing on a detective who investigates cases involving people with superhuman abilities. Sony's push for original PlayStation Network-exclusive video content is moving forward alongside its planned internet TV service, and will have competition from Xbox that includes a Steven Spielberg-produced series based on the Halo games. So far, Sony hasn't said if there will be an extra charge to watch the show or if it will be included with the PlayStation Plus package somehow, but its PSN exclusivity only applies in the US -- internationally Sony Pictures will license it to networks just like Breaking Bad or Justified. The Hollywood Reporter mentions Powers has been under development for FX since 2011 when a pilot starring Jason Patric wasn't picked up, and attempts at adapting the source material for TV or movies have been under way for more than a decade. Unlike Microsoft's Halo project, we know some of the names attached to this show, at least behind the camera. Writer Charlie Huston has been working on the project with series creator Brian Michael Bendis and producers include several names attached to the Circle of Confusion company along with Bendis and co-creator Michael Avon Oeming. In previous videogame generations console exclusives consisted of games and occasionally services, but it looks like Sony and Microsoft's next battleground is the one already occupied by internet video streamers like Netflix, Amazon and Hulu.
The making of an arena and reading of minds at Champions Online
Are you so excited to get tossed into a superpowered battle to the death that you can hardly contain your enthusiasm? That's... actually a little creepy. But if you're a Champions Online fan, there's plenty of reason to be excited about the Forum Malvanum, so it's all right. And you can see what went into the construction of the arena in the game's newest development blog, which walks players from the concept stage through to the finished version of the structure. Seems like the developers read your mind? They might have. They did just redesign the Telepathy set, after all. You can also read all about that on the official site, detailing the new powers and their interplay. The new Telepathy set is meant to provide plenty of control and damage options for new or existing characters, so if your characters tend to be fond of mind games you'll want to take a look at the changes.
The Daily Grind: What abilities do you find the most fun to use?
Hitting 51 on my Scoundrel in Star Wars: The Old Republic meant getting what is probably the greatest ability ever, the ability to quickly roll forward. I absolutely love any sort of quick movement ability like that, especially rolls -- anything that lets me dart around the battlefield without being directly tied to combat. Being able to do so in Guild Wars 2 was one of my favorite parts of the game as a whole. We've all got certain abilities that we just like making use of in MMOs. Sometimes they're not really beneficial to our builds, and sometimes they're not even all that useful, but darn it they're just plain fun to trigger. So what abilities do you find the most fun to use? Silly cosmetic tricks? Certain impressive storms of particle effects? Or are you just fond of abilities that work well from a mechanical standpoint with no concern for silly elements? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
DCUO's producer recaps power retooling
It's tough enough to balance an MMO for a single platform, but DC Universe Online's team has the unenviable task of doing so for both the PC and PlayStation 3. Due to the latter's "strict limitations," Executive Producer Larry Liberty and his team had to prioritize performance and balance over visual oomph. In a new producer's letter, Liberty recaps the changes that the team has done to four of the game's powersets -- Mental, Gadgets, Fire, and Ice -- and explains why the devs did what they did. Sorcery and Nature powers are next on the retooling table, and he said that SOE will try to get feedback even earlier than before for these changes. "In short, we want to make sure that powers are balanced, defects are resolved, and ensure that things that cause slow-down or gameplay issues are remedied," said Liberty.
City of Heroes previews new powersets and other Issue 24 changes
Getting new powers in City of Heroes is always a reason to be excited, especially when they fill out a gap you hadn't even realized existed beforehand. The most recent livestream from the staff at Paragon Studios has unveiled two sets that do precisely that. Martial Combat (a secondary for Blasters) and Martial Assault (a secondary for Dominators) allow you to mix in some melee attacks to an otherwise ranged character, a requested addition following the introduction of more "mundane" sets such as Dual Pistols. Both sets feature a fair number of melee powers as well as the support and utility powers that players expect for the archetypes in question, including a few ranged attacks for Martial Assault and some familiar self-buffs for Martial Combat. (And Caltrops is in there, in case you were worried.) As the header image shows, this is only the tip of the iceberg for Issue 24's changes (since that image has Marauder in Ms. Liberty's usual haunt)... but it's certainly worth watching the full demonstration after the break.
