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The original 'Star Wars: Clone Wars' and 'Ewoks' are coming to Disney+
Disney+ is adding the original 'Star Wars: Clone Wars' series and 'Ewoks' on April 2nd.
'Steven Universe: Unleash the Light' arrives on Apple Arcade
There's now a way to continue the Steven Universe role-playing saga -- if you have Apple gear. Cartoon Network has released Steven Universe: Unleash the Light as an Apple Arcade title for Apple TV, iOS devices and Macs. The game has you once again leading Steven and pals, this time as they fight two Prism-toting Gems who threaten to disrupt the peace you fought so hard for the last time. The network isn't skimping on talent -- the story is co-written by SU creator Rebecca Sugar, and touts voice acting from the TV show's cast.
The best streaming apps for kids
On the surface, it seems like a great idea. YouTube is home to all kinds of quality video content, so a dedicated, age-appropriate version for children sounds great. However, even with a host of parental controls, YouTube Kids is still plagued with issues in regard to content. Whether it's conspiracy videos or obviously disturbing clips, YouTube Kids is flooded with terrible content. But that's not surprising. With 10 hours of video uploaded every second, trying to police YouTube content is like trying to slow the water coming out of a fire hydrant. A spokesperson said last year, "We've taken a series of tough actions to better protect families on YouTube and YouTube Kids, including getting content down faster through technology, hiring more people to help us tackle content that breaks our rules and cutting the revenue streams to content that misleads families." But those actions haven't always been enough. In response to criticism, YouTube has tried to deter users from posting offensive videos. In 2017, it altered its policy on what types of content would be eligible for ad money. Those changes kept clips that show "family entertainment characters engaged in violent, sexual, vile or otherwise inappropriate behavior, even if done for comedic or satirical purposes" from earning money. YouTube also improved its parental controls. Last April, the company added the option of only seeing content that had been approved by "partners and the YouTube Kids team." Then in September, it expanded that feature so that kids using the app would only see what their parents approved. When asked about any improvements since September, YouTube explained that it has added a number of new features, including stronger controls for parents. Things like timers, profiles, an option to disable search and the ability to approve both videos and channels are all on that list. And the company also reiterated that is offers collections that have been curated by trusted partners and YouTube Kids, which include channels like Sesame Street and PBS. Even though these changes have made a difference, YouTube Kids is still YouTube. And like the main version of the site, the quality of content ranges from acceptable to stuff that's just... weird. I don't know about you, but I'd rather my four-year- old play with his own toys than watch YouTube videos of kids playing with theirs. That's not offensive per se, but it's a little strange to me. Thankfully there are alternatives to YouTube Kids -- ones that are less likely to serve your little one up some nightmare fuel.
Dish loses Cartoon Network, CNN and other Turner channels
Starting today, Dish customers will no longer have access to a number of networks from Turner Broadcasting, after both parties couldn't come to terms on a contract extension for these. Among the channels now removed from Dish's programming are: Boomerang, Cartoon Network, CNN, CNN en Español, HLN, truTV and Turner Classic Movies. As you'll notice, others like TBS and TNT aren't included here, and that's because they're part of a different agreement. Dish is unsure of when, or if, the missing Turner channels will be brought back, but the company says it is "committed to reaching an agreement that promptly returns this content to Dish's programming lineup." If they do, we'll let you know as soon as that happens.
Sonic Boom cartoon goes zoom zoom on November 8
"Sonic Boom" isn't just the name of two games due on November 11 for 3DS and Wii U; it's also the name of a cartoon tie-in that will air on Cartoon Network starting on November 8. Sega announced the series' debut date earlier this weekend at a fan event which just so happens to also be called "Sonic Boom." Each episode of Sonic Boom (the TV show) is 11 minutes long and co-produced by Sega of America and OuiDO! Productions. Sega also premiered a new trailer for the show, which has Sonic and pals apparently rooming with Dr. Robotnik (aka: Eggman), Big Brother-style. You can check it out after the break:
Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake, and I'm ok with that
It's rare that a game can be charming enough to turn an otherwise very standard gameplay idea into something worth $4.99, but that's just what Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake manages to do. The game is all about puzzles, but without introducing any groundbreaking new game mechanics, it ends up feeling totally original and extremely addictive. As the title suggests, the game's plot is all about monsters and birthday cake. You play primarily as Niko, a kid whose birthday breakfast was ruined by a missing birthday cake. Starting from a home village, Niko sets off to find the cake in question, only to discover that monsters are responsible for its disappearance. From there, the game is broken up into levels - each of which requires you to find bits and pieces of the cake in order to advance. Some levels contain bonus objectives like freeing random caged prisoners or unlocking chests. There's an in-game currency that you can use to buy outfits or items, but the game puts very little emphasis on this option, and there are no in-app purchases or tempting shortcuts to worry about. It seems not all monsters are bad, as Niko comes upon several helpful creatures during his adventure, all of which warn of the dangers of the actual cake culprit, the Boogin King. Every stage is filled with puzzles that require you to press switches, break open pathways, and use the abilities of your monster friends to snatch each chunk of cake. These puzzles are made more complicated by the ability to switch between Niko and his monster companions at will, and figuring out what tasks each character needs to perform can be downright tricky. Replaying levels to beat them faster offers a small bit of replay value, but overall you'll have little reason to revisit the puzzles you've already completed. Still, the game's lengthy main quest makes the $4.99 price tag easy to swallow, and any puzzle fans should definitely pick this one up without delay.
Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake dev accused of stealing artwork [Update]
Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake has been accused of copying its map artwork from another artist, Athens, Greece-based Ilias Sounas. The illustrator posted a blog comparing art they completed in 2012 for Karios Games' MonsterUp Adventures to that of SleepNinja's game, which was funded on Kickstarter to the tune of $26,096 in February 2013 and just launched this week on iOS and Android. "My dispute is over the game map, not the mechanics and overall style, which is identical to the world I had created for MonsterUp Adventures," Sounas told Joystiq. The blog compares the two games' monsters and overworlds, each being an island with markedly similar features such as trees, hills and shadows. Sounas began uploading his creations for the game to the Dribbble design community site in April 2012 as well as the Behance portfolio site in July 2012. Sounas said he contacted both SleepNinja and publisher Cartoon Network regarding the allegations and "their replies are pending." Likewise, Cartoon Network replied to an inquiry from Joystiq, noting the publisher is "looking into this" and "will be in touch with a response."
Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake out now for Android, iOS
SleepNinja's top-down puzzler Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake launches today on iOS and Android via Google Play and Amazon's app store. Since its release date was announced earlier this month, the game's price on mobile devices has increased by one dollar to $4.99. The "environmental puzzle" game, which draws its inspiration from traditional Legend of Zelda puzzles, will also arrive on Steam next week on July 1. The PC version will cost $14.99, though it will be discounted by roughly 20 percent at launch. Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake gained ground on Kickstarter, earning $26,091 on the funding platform in February 2013 prior to receiving publishing assistance from Cartoon Network in April. Cartoon Network plans to publish "more than 10 mobile titles and at least four on Steam," of which Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake is its first original IP for the PC game distribution service. [Image: SleepNinja]
Monsters will eat your birthday cake next week on mobile, PC in July
SleepNinja Games' top-down environmental puzzler Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake will launch next week on iOS and Android via Google Play and Amazon, publisher Cartoon Network confirmed to Joystiq today. The colorful Zelda-inspired game will first arrive on Thursday, June 26 before making its way to Steam for PC and Mac on July 1. Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake stars birthday boy Niko, whose delicious cake is stolen by Boogin King and his shadowy minions on the island of Gogapoe. It was initially pitched by SleepNinja as a puzzler with a "16-bit aesthetic without relying on pixel art." The game hauled in $26,091 on Kickstarter in February 2013 before being picked up by Cartoon Network in April. It will cost $3.99 on mobile and $14.99 on Steam, though the publisher said the Steam version is expected to be discounted at launch by roughly 20 percent. [Image: Cartoon Network]
WayForward launching new Adventure Time game for consoles and Steam
Developer WayForward takes another crack at Cartoon Network's Adventure Time series with a new game launching later this year for the Nintendo 3DS, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC platforms via Steam. Teased last month, Adventure Time: The Secret of the Nameless Kingdom adds "a classic top-down action adventure experience and puzzle-solving element to the franchise, reminiscent of early high fantasy console games," according to publishing partner Little Orbit. So, it's inspired by The Legend of Zelda, in other words. Nameless Kingdom follows up on WayForward's notably verbose series predecessors Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?! and Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I Don't Know! Adventure Time: The Secret of the Nameless Kingdom will hit retail and digital platforms in November. [Image: Cartoon Network]
Cartoon Network publishing Kickstarted Zelda-like Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake
Indie developer SleepNinja will get a little help to bring Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake to Steam and mobile devices later this year, as it agreed to a publishing deal with Cartoon Network Games, the publisher confirmed to Joystiq. The developer earned $26,091 on Kickstarter in February 2013, enough to reach a stretch goal that will bring the game to Android in addition to PC, Mac and iOS. "Cartoon Network have been great to work with and have definitely kept our backers in mind," SleepNinja Creative Director Justin Baldwin said via email. "Our publishing deal with them will not affect our backer's rewards; everyone will still be getting what was promised, and the game they were promised." Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake is an "environmental puzzler" in the same vein as Nintendo's Legend of Zelda series that features a colorful 16-bit aesthetic that "doesn't rely on pixel art." While Cartoon Network Games primarily focuses on games related to its current properties such as Adventure Time, Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake will be its first original IP on Steam. Cartoon Network said it plans to publish "more than 10 mobile titles and at least four on Steam." [Image: SleepNinja]
New Adventure Time game journeys to consoles, handhelds this fall
A new Adventure Time game from Cartoon Network and Little Orbit is scheduled to launch in North America in the fall for consoles and handheld devices. Little Orbit is working on a second game that includes characters from a variety of Cartoon Network franchises, also due out in the fourth quarter of 2014 in North America. Both games will see international releases. Cartoon Network is planning to launch "several" Adventure Time and other franchise games this year. And, because we have to: What time is it? Attrition time! ... That's not right, is it? [Image: Cartoon Network]
Powerpuff Girls: Defenders of Townsville hits Steam with adorable fury March 14
It's been nearly a decade since the final Powerpuff Girls episode aired on Cartoon Network, but the trio of plucky, color-coded heroes will return in Powerpuff Girls: Defenders of Townsville. Details are relatively scant, but developer Radian Games describes Defenders of Townsville as "a metroidvania with flying superheroes and a heavy dose of action." Bubbles, Buttercup and Blossom all feature as playable characters in the game, oiced by the actresses who lent their vocal talents to the cartoon. As you can see from the above trailer, the game features colorful, minimalist graphics designed to ape the original cartoon, but those who prefer the nostalgic joy of naked pixels will be happy to learn that the game also offers "classic-style visuals." Powerpuff Girls: Defenders of Townsville makes its Steam debut on March 14 and will be available on Linux, Mac and PC platforms. No price point has been established for the platforming action game, but the developer claims that this information and a proper Steam page are coming soon. [Image: Radian Games]
Tenkai Knights: Brave Battle coming to 3DS from Namco Bandai
Cartoon Network series and toy line Tenkai Knights will shapeshift this summer into Tenkai Knights: Brave Battle, a 3DS game from Namco Bandai. Nintendo Everything reports that Brave Battle will build its story and four-player versus modes from 2D, action-oriented gameplay. Players won't be stuck with static representations of a creative toy, either - robots will be customizable and capable of shapeshifting to different modes in battle. Brave Battle will follow the Tenkai Knights as they attempt to stop The Corrupted and their leader Vilius from conquering the planet Quarton, as well as Earth. Namco Bandai did not specify whether Vilius' final attack will be a single-stud brick hidden in carpet, but we feel it would be the most convincing way to establish sinister intentions. [Image: Tenkai Knights YouTube channel]
Pokemon the Series travels to Kalos in January on Cartoon Network
Pokemon the Series: XY will make its Cartoon Network debut on January 18, 8:30 a.m. ET/PT, following two movies and an animated special which will air earlier in the month. The new series will follow longtime hero Ash Ketchum's travels to the Kalos region, which is where Pokemon X / Y take place. Poke-fans of Mewtwo (who is the best pokemon anyway, no Billy you can't trade me your Ekans for him) should be especially pleased, as the two movies and special episode focus on the imperfect Mew clone. Pokemon: The First Movie will air January 4 at 8:30 a.m. ET/PT. The animated special, Pokemon: Mewtwo - Prologue to Awakening, will air January 11, also at 8:30 a.m. ET/PT. Pokemon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened will immediately follow the special at 9:00 a.m. ET/PT. More than a decade later, 10-year-old Ash continues his quest. To be the very best. Like no one ever waaaaas...
'Sonic Boom' to debut on Cartoon Network in fall of 2014
A new, computer animated television series staring Sonic the Hedgehog and pals will premiere on Cartoon Network sometime in the fall of next year, Variety reports. In Europe, the show will debut on French children's networks Canal J and Gulli. The show, provisionally called Sonic Boom, is being produced by Sega of America and French animation company Genao Productions. The initial production run will produce 52 11-minute episodes (aimed at children aged six to 11) that will chronicle the adventures of Sonic and Tails as they battle Dr. Eggman, natch. No footage of the show has been released, but the above teaser image does at least confirm Amy's presence in addition to Sonic and Tails – we're still trying to put a name to the center-right silhouette. (We're guessing it's Knuckles with a gym membership.) The degree to which chili dogs are involved has yet to be ascertained.
Build your own Adventure Time game
If you don't own a DS or 3DS and haven't played WayForward's Adventure Time game, you're missing out. But Cartoon Network has you covered with a browser-based alternative, the Adventure Time Game Creator. Cartoon Network will add one new hero each week in July, so try it before it gets complicated.
Villains unite in new Young Justice: Legacy trailer
Young Justice: Legacy, the video game tie-in to the Cartoon Network series about young heroes, is an action-RPG from Little Orbit due in September, written by the same individuals responsible for the series. Legacy bridges together the years between season one and season two.
Team Fortress 2 gets some Adult Swim costumes (where's our Space Ghost?)
Adult Swim-themed Team Fortress 2 skins are now available for purchase. You can make your Heavy look like Aqua Teen Hunger Force's Carl or The Venture Bros' Brock, or dress your Pyro up like a Metalocalypse's Dr. Rockzo.There's no sign of Sealab 2021, Home Movies, or even some Space Ghost. Still, you can purchase any or all of these new items in the Team Fortress 2 Mann Co. store now.
Daily iPhone App: Jumping Finn Turbo provides an addictive cycle with the Adventure Time crew
Cartoon Network has been putting out some really impressive iOS apps lately under its Adult Swim brand, including the really great Monsters Ate My Condo. Jumping Finn Turbo is a new game outside of the Adult Swim banner. It's not quite as good as those offerings, but it is pretty addictive anyway. The title is based on the popular Adventure Time cartoon by Pen Ward, though instead of following the show's storyline, it's a "jumping" arcade game, where Jake has to kick Finn as high, far and fast across the show's setting as he possibly can. The best part isn't necessarily the kicking mechanic, which is actually kind of boring. You basically just wait for Finn to try and hit something and hopefully go farther than before. It's the game's deep and surprisingly satisfying upgrade mechanic that's the most intriguing. Kicking Finn earns you stars, which you can use to upgrade Jake's kicking power or put more items and power-ups into the world. That core cycle is actually really satisfying, and it means that Jumping Finn Turbo will probably have you saying, "well, just one more kick," more often than not. You can see the game in action in the video below, or you can buy it for US$1.99. The price is a little high for a simple game like this. It's well worth it if you're an Adventure Time fan, but odds are that there are plenty of cheaper and free games that you haven't checked out yet, so you probably wouldn't regret waiting for a sale on this one. But, if you like the game's idea and would get a kick out of seeing your favorite Adventure Time characters mashed up like this, definitely grab Jumping Finn Turbo.
