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Recommended Reading: Behind the wheel of the Polestar 2
The week's noteworthy writing on technology and more.
Recommended Reading: The road to 'Avengers: Endgame'
Road to Endgame: 'The Avengers' changed cinema and avoided the mistakes of past Marvel movies Siddhant Adlakha, Slashfilm Avengers: Endgame marks the end of a 22-film run for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While there are certainly plans to make more movies, this phase will soon be over. Slashfilm is revisiting all of them in the run up to the premiere of Endgame on April 26th. This week alone, the site has covered The Avengers, Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Guardians of the Galaxy. You can see the full list of the recaps right here.
Barely Related: Avengers: Age of Ultron trailer is full of surprises
Surprise! It's Friday! Now let's get down to some geeky business. Welcome to Barely Related, a conversational Friday column that presents the non-gaming news stories that we, the Joystiq staff, have been talking about over the past week. And no, we're not stopping our focus on industry and gaming news. Think of this as your casual weekly recap of interesting (and mostly geeky) news, presented just in time to fill your brain with things to discuss at all of those weekend shindigs. Grab a fresh drink, lean back in your armchair, and get ready to talk nerdy with us.
Bandai Namco reunites Spider-Man with The Avengers
Thanks to an unending tangle of intellectual property laws, it's unlikely that American gamers will see Spider-Man joining forces with Thor, Iron Man and Captain America, but Japanese gamers will receive just that in the upcoming Disk Wars Avengers: Ultimate Heroes. Based on the Marvel Disk Wars animated series from Toei Animation, Disk Wars Avengers: Ultimate Heroes stars Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, The Wasp and Spider-Man as playable Marvel heroes. It's unknown what foes this team will be battling in the game's Story Mode, but screenshots published by Bandai Namco feature images of AIM troopers and a hapless purple lizard creature on the wrong end of a Mjolnir lightning strike. Disk Wars Avengers: Ultimate Heroes is slated to hit the 3DS in Japan on November 13. There's no word on an English-language release, but it's not entirely outside of the realm of possibility as Disney Magical World, another Bandai Namco production based on Disney properties, made the jump from Japan to the United States in March of this year. [Image: Bandai Namco]
Loki, Green Goblin are Disney Infinity 2.0 Marvel super villains
Oh sure, playing with superhero action figures is plenty fun and we fully endorse it, but what good is a plastic hero without a plastic villain to whack against them every once in awhile? While it's true that this often results in damaged toys, Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes is removing that particular risk by making Loki, Green Goblin and Ronan the Accuser playable, thus allowing them to trade virtual blows with Marvel heroes in-game. The baddies are bit underrepresented for now, especially with all five of the Guardians of the Galaxy set to lend a hand (or branch, or paw) in the fight against evil, but when has being outnumbered ever stopped a comic book supervillain? Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Villains Heroes will be available for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U and PC on September 23. [Image: Disney]
Marvel won't do Avengers game until it finds right developer
Licensed games have a great opportunity to build engaging experiences out of characters and environments that fans already love, but plenty end up feeling half-baked or uninspired. Marvel's head of games, TQ Jefferson, told IGN that that risk of building a botched project with the wrong studio has kept The Avengers from starring in a game more recent than Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth. "The Avengers game will come when we have the right partner, that has the right vision, that has the time to develop a strong, competitive triple-A title," Jefferson explained. "It has to hit our three pillars: Fun and engaging gameplay, true to the characters, compelling story ... Gamers, they know better. They're not going to flock to something that's sub-par." It's certainly a viewpoint we can support - no one wants to see their favorite characters slog through a game that feels like it was given the bare minimum of resources, and license owners probably don't want the legacy of disasters like Superman 64 following them around. Marvel's focus on quality for The Avengers presumably bodes well for The Amazing Spider-Man 2, then? [Image: Marvel]
Marvel Heroes gets an open beta weekend in honor of Iron Man 3
Gazillion Entertainment is celebrating the upcoming release of the Iron Man 3 movie by throwing the doors of Marvel Heroes open for a beta weekend. From Friday, May 3rd, until Monday the 6th, players will be able to hop into the game and give it a test. As a special bonus, new players will be able to choose from some of the iconic Avengers as their starting hero. That perk will only last for the weekend. You can take a look at the game in the villains trailer that we've conveniently tucked under the cut. [Source: Gazillion Entertainment press release]
Did you think 'The Avengers' finale was shot in New York? Think again (video)
Raymond Teller once said that the secret to fooling people is to put in so much more effort than the trick seems worth. It seems that the bods at Industrial Light and Magic followed his wisdom when concocting the effects for The Avengers. If you'd marveled at how seamless the team had blended shots of the Big Apple with the Chitauri invasion, then we've got a surprise for you -- almost none of it is real. Rather than shoot parts of the New York-based finale in the city (or any other city), the effects house created a 20-block "digital playground," complete with individually detailed office windows. Interested in learning just how much of those breathtaking set pieces were filmed in a green screen in New Mexico? Head on past the break.
Captain America Xbox 360 mod inspired by The Avengers assembled, photographed
The Avengers-inspired Captain America Xbox 360 S mod above was created by Zachariah Cruse, a self-professed fan of the Cap. The design itself looks simple, yet elegant. It's also really shiny.Cruse put in a blue LED for the power button, mounted a shield on the side and adorned the opposite side with the famous A and wings that rest upon the brow of Captain America's mask. Sadly, Cruse doesn't go into much detail in his blog post on how intricate this mod really is – does the shield detach? Is the shield custom made or store-bought? Can we wear the shield as a hat? We have important questions that need answers!
Marvel Heroes assures fans that it's 'completely free'
Worried that you'll hit a content wall in Marvel Heroes and be unable to progress without taking out your wallet? Rest easy today, gentle player, for this is not to be. Gazillion President David Brevik said that he dislikes the vagaries of the free-to-play label and assured players that Marvel Heroes is going to be as up-front with its business model as possible. "We aren't just a little bit free," Brevik said. "We're completely free. All the content is free and there are others things that you can buy to enhance your experience but they are completely optional. This isn't a nickel and dime experience we're creating." Brevik admitted that the team had to take liberties with the Marvel IP to make it all work as an MMO but has faith that it will be received well by fans after the Avengers movie this past summer. Marvel Heroes is currently accepting closed beta signups.
Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth demo assembles on Xbox Live
Ubisoft's Kinect-powered Hulk smash simulator Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth now has a free demo up on Xbox Live for Gold subscribers. The demo transports players to The Savage Land where they'll square off against Captain America Skrull and Magneto.Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth launches on Xbox 360 on November 9 and will launch on the Wii U some time during the console's launch window, which runs up until March.%Gallery-166874%
Must See HDTV (September 24th - 30th)
We are officially in the fall premiere season. From freshly-minted Emmy winners like Homeland to newbies like Last Resort, 666 Park Avenue and Elementary, the prime time schedule is suddenly full of shows jostling for our attention. Add in a full slate of movie releases, football games and even WNBA playoffs, well, and our DVRs have their work cut out for them. Look below for the highlights this week, followed after the break by our weekly listing of what to look out for in TV, Blu-ray and videogames. The Avengers One of the summer's biggest hits is here on disc, in two discs Blu-ray / DVD combo pack (no digital copy) and four disc Blu-ray 3D edition (with digital copy). We got a chance to check it out early and there's certainly enough extras here to keep the fans happy, along with a slick and fast-loading menu system. We did not get an opportunity to try out the Second Screen app yet, but with the price of the four disc pack down to $25, we figure most fans will getting thier money's worth -- unless of course they're waiting for the delayed Marvel Cinematic Universe edition. (September 25th, $24.99 on Amazon) Last Resort We're sure there's more to this military drama than just trying to be the next Lost, but when you start off stranded on a fictional island then throw in conspiracy theories and a submarine, our magnets start to tingle. From the trailer (embedded after the break)it certainly has an interesting plot, as the crew of a US military vessel is fired upon by its own country, and subsequently goes rogue in an attempt to find out why and get back home, but we've seen many of these mysterious shows come and go very quickly -- it will need to find its own hook, and fast. (September 27th, ABC, 8PM) Louie As we welcome in a slew of new shows, we say goodbye to one for now. Comedian Louis CK's show was also an award winner last night, and it was well deserved. After a Rocky-style take on the late night wars the show wraps up its season this week with what appears to be a New Year's themed episode. If you haven't checked it out yet and are a fan of CK's comedy style, this is probably the time. (September 28th, FX, 10:30PM)
Amazon placating delayed Marvel Cinematic Universe pre-orderers with free Avengers Blu-rays
About a week ago we got the bad news that Marvel's entirely over the top Cinematic Universe: Phase One Blu-ray set would be delayed until spring 2013 while Disney works up a new case, but there is a silver lining for those who preordered from Amazon. One of our readers forwarded us an email sent out to those who preordered, indicating that in the meantime, they will receive The Avengers two disc Blu-ray / DVD combo package, free of charge. It's not a S.H.I.E.L.D. suitcase w/ glowing Tesseract cube built in of course, but we guess it will have to do until the replacement packaging is ready to go. Anyone who put in an order between June 1st and August 28th are eligible for the free copy and should have received their redemption code via email. [Thanks, Nick]
Marvel Cinematic Universe 10-disc Blu-ray set delayed, that sweet Tesseract case is to blame
Remember that $139 Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One - Avengers Assembled Blu-ray boxed set and its S.H.I.E.L.D. case (pictured above, video after the break) with the sweet glowing Tesseract cube? Good - now forget it, at least until spring 2013. Blu-ray.com has an official statement from Disney that sadly informs us it will not make its predicted September 25th ship date, and has been pushed back. The statement does go on however, noting that buyers will receive a new briefcase with even more (unspecified -- may we suggest Tony Stark's Iron Man briefcase?) special features. It doesn't go into precisely why all this happened, but an earlier report from TheHDRoom noted a legal squabble between Marvel and Rimowa, the company that apparently created the metallic briefcase it was based on, and subsequently sued Marvel and Disney's home video arm, Buena Vista Home Entertainment for trademark infringement and the like. Whatever the cause, the set is on ice for now -- we'll let you know when it's safe to preorder again.%Gallery-160266%
Marvel Cinematic Universe 10-disc Blu-ray box unveiled, Tesseract and all
Just as the listing on Amazon foretold last month, Marvel and Disney today revealed the case for their 10-disc Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One - Avengers Assembled box set. It features not only a glowing Tesseract cube contained in the S.H.I.E.L.D.-issue containment case, but also six brand-new pieces of art (for each flick - Marvel's The Avengers, Captain America, Thor, Iron Man 1 & 2, The Incredible Hulk) designed to adorn each disc case, Criterion-style. If you're headed to Comic-Con this weekend you'll probably be able to get a look at it yourself, hit the source link for a few more pictures of the case and artwork before deciding whether the current $139 price on Amazon is too much or just low enough to have this sitting on your disc shelf. While you decide between this and the Avengers solo release on the same day, September 25th, don't forget to snag the accompanying iOS second screen app now. %Gallery-160266%
The Avengers Initiative Second Screen app goes live on iTunes in time for Comic-Con
As promised, Marvel and Disney have delivered The Avengers Initiative: A Marvel Second Screen App for iPhone and iPad ahead of Marvel's The Avengers Blu-ray release September 25th. While much of the content will be released over time between now and then, it already has some character profiles and animated special effects deconstructions for users to paw through, as well as an Item 47 game for Comic-Con attendees. There's a list of features after the break, or you can hit iTunes for the free app right now -- if you prefer a Flash experience for PCs or other devices, it should be available at MarvelSecondScreen.com (currently redirecting to the Marvel site) once it goes live.
Marvel's The Avengers Blu-ray hits September 25th, iOS second screen app this month (video)
We don't have any more details yet on the 10-disc Marvel Cinematic Universe set that popped up on Amazon a month ago, but Disney and Marvel have revealed we can expect Marvel's The Avengers on Blu-ray September 25th. It will be shipping in the usual assortment of combo packs: four disc with Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD, Digital copy and digital download or two disc Blu-ray and DVD combo for $50 / $40 MSRP (respectively, Amazon currently lists the four disc set for $35). What will arrive first this month however, is The Avengers Initiative: A Marvel Second Screen App, available on iPad and, for the first time for one of Disney's second screen apps, iPhone. Marvel is promising bi-weekly content updates until September when it moves up to weekly updates of character profiles, interactive comic books and more before the movie even arrives. Extras on disc will include 7.1 DTS-HD MA audio, a gag reel, behind the scenes looks with director Joss Whedon and cast, deleted scenes and more. Check the press release after the break for the full list, plus a new trailer for the Blu-ray.
Marvel Heroes whips up Avengers movie costumes
If you haven't seen this summer's Avengers movie, you totally should, and if you have, then you might be interested to hear that the upcoming Marvel Heroes is embracing the blockbuster's wardrobe. The superhero MMO will be including the film versions of Thor's, Iron Man's, Black Widow's, Hawkeye's, Hulk's, and Captain America's costumes. The game's devs assured players that the costumes won't just be for eye candy alone but "will also tie in key game systems in fun and unique ways." Marvel Heroes will offer many costume variants based on both the comics and the films, although the devs say that covering all of them might be a task that only a true superhero could accomplish. "Some of those experimental looks didn't exactly stand the test of time," the announcement explains.
Avengers Blu-ray preorders listed, including massive 10-disc Marvel Cinematic Universe set
If you left the theater after watching Marvel / Disney / Joss Whedon's The Avengers ready to buy the Blu-ray disc as soon as it hit then get your credit cards ready. As Blu-ray.com notes, Amazon has listings for both a 2-disc Blu-ray edition and a 4-disc Blu-ray 3D version, but the one that's caught our eye is the just updated listing for Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One - Avengers Assembled. A 10 disc set, it has every movie in this chapter of Marvel flicks -- Avengers, Captain America, Thor, Iron Man 1 & 2, The Incredible Hulk -- with 3D copies where applicable plus collectible packaging and a bonus "The Phase One Archives" disc. The only pic of the casing we have is the promo image shown above which hints at a replica of Nick Fury's Cosmic Cube suitcase from the movie, but more information is promised to be revealed July 15th. Until then you'll have to decide if $153 ($25~ per movie) is worth it for the set, or maybe take this time to finance it by selling off your existing copies on Craigslist. Your choice. [Thanks, Victor]
Avengers, Assemble! And Provide Commentary on Games!
You're reading Reaction Time, a weekly column that claims to examine recent events, games and trends in the industry, but is really just looking for an excuse to use the word "zeitgeist." It debuts on Fridays in Engadget's digital magazine, Distro. The world of popular culture was left awestruck last week after colliding with The Avengers, an extravagant, unavoidable glitter ball of an asteroid. The simultaneous sequel to five popular movies, The Avengers accrues a crew of incredible superheroes, including one that already claimed "incredible" as a capitalized adjective in his name.You've got the irradiated scientist who grows out of his pants and into a green behemoth, a demigod who wields mythical hammers and perfect strands of L'Oréal hair with equal aplomb, a pouting assassin, a smart-ass billionaire encased in weaponized toasters, a guy with a bow, and Captain America, the patriotic straight arrow who might as well sit in the quiver of that other guy. The best part of the film is seeing how they all get along.They do eventually, of course, because it's an entertaining arc and because together they have to navigate a spectacular gauntlet of alien invasion, non-depletable cosmic power sources and lots of other things that cost a fortune to render and/or blow up. There's an inescapable wave of critical condescension toward the audience whenever they sign up for unrealistic, "dumb" thrills en masse, but the reality is that certain movies – just like games – can't exist unless they spend their money in the right places. The Avengers, which essentially sneaks in a witty geek comedy when nobody's looking, has dollars whizzing by on the screen every second. Also, every dollar is on fire.
