After more than 15 years of continuous success, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has transcended its origins as a simple success machine, becoming a genre in itself that influences various film franchises. Now, the classic animated franchise Masters of the Universe joins this trend with a new live-action adaptation that follows the style of Marvel productions, including a high budget and references to pop culture. They want to bring the character back in a big way The story revolves around Adam Glenn, the lost prince of Eternia, […]
After more than 15 years of continuous success, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has transcended its origin as a simple success machine, becoming a genre in itself that influences various film franchises. Now, the classic animated franchise Masters of the Universe joins this trend with a new live-action adaptation that follows the style of Marvel productions, including a high budget and references to pop culture.
They want to bring the character back in a big way
The story revolves around Adam Glenn, the lost prince of Eternia, who finds himself on Earth and must return home to face the villain Skeletor, played by Jared Leto. The trailer showcases typical elements of MCU narratives, such as the use of humor that arises from cultural clashes and visual aesthetics in warm and cool tones. The iconic phrase “I have the power!” is revitalized for a new generation, with a He-Man that evokes the classic heroic energy of Marvel characters.
Despite fears about superhero fatigue in current cinema, James Gunn’s recent direction in the DC Universe and future Avengers projects suggest a possible resurgence of the genre. In this context, Masters of the Universe could become a key indicator to assess the viability of new projects within a field that many fear may be saturated.
If this adaptation proves successful, it could demonstrate that the classic formula still has the strength to attract audiences. However, if it fails, it could indicate that the genre needs to evolve towards more innovative narratives. With increasing competition and high expectations, the outcome of Masters of the Universe will be crucial in defining the future of superhero cinema.
Disney has released the trailer for its highly anticipated live-action version of Moana, the successful animated film that captivated millions of viewers since its release in 2016. In the trailer, fans can see Dwayne Johnson reprise his iconic role as Maui, the charismatic demigod who plays a central role in the story of Moana. The anticipation for this adaptation is growing, especially after the significant impact the original had. The Rock with a wig However, the new design of the character Maui has generated mixed opinions among fans. The appearance of the demigod in his version […]
Disney has released the trailer for its highly anticipated live-action version of Moana, the successful animated film that captivated millions of viewers since its release in 2016. In the trailer, fans can see Dwayne Johnson reprise his iconic role as Maui, the charismatic demigod who plays a central role in the story of Moana. The anticipation for this adaptation is growing, especially after the significant impact the original had.
The Rock with a wig
However, the new design of the character Maui has generated mixed opinions among fans. The appearance of the demigod in his live-action version has sparked extensive debate on social media, dividing followers between those who appreciate the new aesthetic and those who prefer the original design that captivated audiences in the animated film. This polarization has become a hot topic among Disney enthusiasts and movie fans in general.
In a recent interview with Dwayne Johnson and director Thomas Kail, they discussed the reasons behind the redesign of the character. Johnson expressed that, while they faced the challenge of staying true to the essence of Maui, there was also a desire to explore new facets of the character in this adaptation. Kail, for his part, emphasized the importance of reflecting the rich cultural background of the Pacific, which deeply influences the story of Moana. This premise is part of the recent trend in Hollywood to adapt classic animated stories into live-action, seeking to connect with new generations of viewers.
As the release date approaches, interest in the live-action Moana continues to grow, fueled by nostalgia and curiosity about how this beloved story will be interpreted. Fans are eagerly waiting not only to see Johnson in action but also to find out how the narrative will evolve in this new version.
Sail the seven seas and battle scurvy dogs in these naval adventures!
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Although naval battle games are something of a niche genre, there are plenty of awesome games out there that focus mostly or entirely on naval battles and naval action ships. Whether you have to manage your fleet of aircraft and battleships to beat your enemy, defend your base, ports, and fleet, or launch raids to cut off naval routes and invade enemy territory, there are nautical warfare games for every scenario. These games take the Battleships board game to a whole new level.
Whether you’re an aspiring modern naval tactician or looking to sail the high seas as an adventurous pirate in search of plunder, there are countless choices in the naval battle PC gaming genre. If you’re fascinated by naval military history this is your new video game wishlist.
Below are some of the best naval battle games on the PC Desktop, taking you from WWII and Modern naval combat to the 17th Century high seas, and a lot of different ship games in between.
Taking the incredible free-to-play formula that WarGaming.net perfected with World of Tanks and World of Warplanes, World of Warships has you take command of the bridge of a modern military warship and fight in epic sea battles. As Captain, you don’t have the same direct control over your craft as you do in other games in the series. Because of this, the action is comparatively paced as you exchange powerful barrages with other players in a strategic experience that often feels like a first-person game of Battleships. There is also a very active World of Warships Reddit should you want to mix with other dreadnought captains. Play World of Warships free.
One of the classic games in the genre, BattleStation: Midway is a strategy game that takes place in the Pacific Ocean circa WWII. Using real-time tactics, you can control each individual ship or plane in your fleet, with the hope of defeating your enemy. While BattleStation: Midway may be an older game, it still has decent graphics, offers both single and multiplayer mode, and is truly a staple in the genre.
The sequel to BattleStations: Midway, takes place in the wild, cold waters of the Pacific Ocean. BattleStations: Pacific expands on the previous title by adding new features including new weapons and ships, different kinds of combat–namely, more advanced submarine battles– and the ability to play either an United States or Japanese campaign. It also has 5 extra multiplayer modes, including Island Capture, Duel, Competitive, Siege and Escort.
If submarine warfare is more to your taste, try Silent Hunter IV: Wolves of the Pacific, a game from Ubisoft that also takes place in the Pacific during WWII. The u-boat simulator uses really intricate graphics to literally immerse you in the depths of the Pacific Ocean, with everything from launching torpedo attacks, to using radar and sonar, to managing your crew. Different game modes make it easy for both beginners and more advanced players to master the game.
Travel a bit further north in Naval War: Arctic Circle, a real-time naval strategy game that, unlike some of the previous games, takes place in the distant future during a fictional war. The game has everything from submarines, aircraft, and helicopters, to in-air refueling tankers and onshore airbases. It also features navies from many different countries – including the UK and Scandinavian – that can be battled in both single and multiplayer modes.
As a modern-day naval game, Dangerous Waters lets you control all aspects of air, surface, and submarine warfare, simulating over 250 real-life naval units. Aside from the fact that you can work cooperatively in Multi-Station Mode to operate various crew stations as a team, one of the coolest thing about the game is the AI of the crew members, which lets you hand off tasks so that you don’t have to worry about actively managing specific aspects of the game.
A game of tactical naval combat, Battlefleet 2 puts you at the helm of Japanese or US fleets during WW2. Trying to make your way across the Pacific Ocean, you’ll get zoomed in on the action once you engage in battle. You’ll be engrossed in the game as you move from macro strategies to micro tactics, and with a great range of units, the game is perfect for any WW2 enthusiast. If you want to take gameplay on the go, you can even download a mobile version for iOS and Android.
Fighting Steel, from Strategic Simluations Inc, is a 3-D game that takes place in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans during the biggest naval battles of WWII, between 1939 and 1942. Battling against American, German, Japanese, and British warships, you’ll use real-time strategy and an in-game camera to control multiple ships at once. You can play online multiplayer with up to four people, and with a super detailed instruction manual, getting started is easy.
Giving you the helm of an 18th-century vessel, Naval Action sees you take to the open seas in a huge online environment with other players. With battles of up to 50 ships, realistic damage physics, and navigation that demands you use landmarks and the stars, this game not only doesn’t hold your hand – it cuts it off and replaces it with a hook.
If you’re a fan of 17th-century ships but prefer a bit more small scale naval action, try Windward, an online open-world game from developer Tasharen. In Windward, you play in teams of four, using your ships to take over as many structures as you can on the map. It’s not as graphically advanced as some of the naval battle games on the list, but it’s still pretty impressive.
War Thunder is a great option which, although not exclusively containing naval battles, definitely has some great naval content. The focus is on flight, but no air combat game is complete without naval battles. You can experience War Thunder naval warfare with aircraft carriers, warships, and naval aviation units. For a free game, it’s a great option.
The Naval Strike expansion pack for Battlefield 4 brings naval warfare to the 21st century. Taking place in the South China Sea, the DLC pack brings multiplayer maps, new gadgets and weapons, and most importantly, a hovercraft. In the new Carrier Assault mode, you’ll be battling to sink the enemy’s aircraft carriers.
For a series about climbing over rooftops and stabbing Templars, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag’s ship-to-ship combat is surprisingly complete and satisfying. Sailing across the Caribbean taking direct control of your ship – The Jackdaw – you can attack different navy vessels with your vast armory to get money and supplies for upgrades. But, if you would rather board an enemy vessel for some cutlass based action, you can capture it and add it to your fleet.
The thrill and excitement of a good naval battle game should not be limited to just the PC Desktop experience. For naval battles on the go, try one of these mobile naval battle games:
Pacific Fleet Lite is the free version of a popular and detailed turn-based World War II naval battle simulation. It contains a lot of simulation data and logic-based gameplay that will appeal to a hardcore naval strategy enthusiast, but its lack of fast-paced action means arcade/action lovers will probably want to take a pass.
This mobile installment of the Assassin’s Creed franchise from Ubisoft features fast-paced 1 on 1 naval battles in an adventure storyline. The game was recently updated to be free-to-play (it used to be a $4.99 paid download).
Check out these 10 amazing games available on PlayStation Now!
Imagine Netflix, but for video games. Seems too good to be true, right? Actually, this fantasy is a reality. PlayStation Now offers instant access to more than 700 PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4 titles, all available to stream instantly to your PS4 or computer.
With such a massive library of games, it can be tough to decide where to jump in. Fear not, because we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best games on PlayStation Now:
If you’re a Mortal Kombat fan – and even if you’re not – you’re guaranteed to have a white-knuckle, knockdown, drag-em-out punch-fest featuring classic MK characters like Sub-Zero, Jax, Kitana, Ermac, Sonya Blade, Johnny Cage, Liu Kang, Reptile, Scorpion, and a bunch more.
With a surprisingly compelling (though quite cheesy) plot and a crazy long challenge ladder mode, you’ll have plenty to do in the game’s single-player. But that’s why you buy MKX – this is one of the best 2-player games out there, whether you’re online or in the basement couch, doing a tag ladder or bashing each other in the face with brutal X-Ray attacks and fatalities.
If you haven’t had enough fighting games with MK9, then step into the ring with one of the best wrestling video games of all time. Developed in a collaboration between Yuke’s and Visual Concepts, WWE 2K16 has more than 120 unique playable characters, five game modes, and much-improved gameplay from its predecessors. Advanced holds, tornado tag-team, smoother animations, and all-around superior visuals and audio, this is definitely one every fighting game fan needs in their library!
Take Bioshock to the skies as you and Elizabeth uncover the secrets of Columbia.
Bioshock’s third entry puts you in the boots of Booker DeWitt, a detective hired to retrieve a girl, Elizabeth, from the flying city of Columbia. This game perfects the gameplay of the first two entries in the series, but Infinite’s story is what really sets it apart. The shocking twist ending inspired endless discussion, speculation, and philosophical musings across the internet and beyond are phenomenal. If you haven’t had it spoiled yet, we highly recommend experiencing it for yourself. If you’re looking for the classic Bioshock experience, however, fear not: the firsttwo entries in the Bioshock series are also available on PlayStation Now.
Even though it came out over two years ago, Sniper Elite 4 is one of the most tactical shooters on the market. The game will put you in 1943 Italy as an expert marksman behind enemy lines. You’ll be setting up traps, lining up shots, gunning for high-ranking officers, and – if things get dicey – running for your life. The game has smarter AI than the previous games, a grittier plot involving a new Nazi weapon, and night missions during which the player can eliminate light sources to mask their presence. A lot of things happen at once in SE4, and like the trailer says “timing is everything.”
Explore deep chasms, high mountains, vast deserts. Adapt to survive.
When you strap in for an action-adventure game by Naughty Dog, odds are you already know what you’re in for. One of the best-reviewed games of 2011, in Uncharted 3 you play as explorer Nathan Drake as he searches the Rub’al Khali desert for the lost city Iram of the Pillars. Leap, run, scale, swim, and navigate narrow ledges, sheer drops, and vast terrains as you search high and low. New fight mechanics include hand-to-hand combat against multiple opponents, contextual melee attacks, and a potpourri of new stealth options.
Every boss encounter is unique, every fight memorable.
An instant classic first introduced on the PlayStation 2, Shadow of the Colossus is a truly gorgeous game. As the player character, you travel to a mysterious land and fight a series of massive Colossus creatures in order to bring your true love back from the dead. The game is essentially an endless series of boss battles, with each Colossus bringing its own unique twist that makes every encounter as much of a puzzle as it is a fight. The graphics are gorgeous, and the breathtaking vistas are a huge part of what makes this game such an incredible experience.
Set in a brutal nightmarish world, your gaming skills will be tested to their limits.
Bloodborne is a world created by your fears. Your goal is to meet those fears head-on and conquer them in a world rife with danger and risk, where death and insanity lurk around every corner. The title is reminiscent of Dark Souls, with its death and save mechanics seamlessly intertwined with gameplay, making for a harrowing experience for even the most well-versed gamers. Combat is quick and demands a strong offensive, while you need to equally keep up your defenses against hordes of nightmarish enemies and merciless bosses.
When being shot in the head and left for dead in a ditch somewhere in the wasteland only makes you angry, you know you’re in for a fun ride. Fallout: 4 does everything that a Fallout game can do right: Massive world, strong RPG elements, factions to join or fight, a good crafting system, and a post-nuclear apocalyptic world swarming with mutated creatures. The game also improves upon several core features of previous Fallout titles, including combat, kill animations, easier character customization, and a modified perk system. Oh, and Dogmeat is still such a good boy.
Immerse yourself in a gripping narrative of two people struggling through a post-apocalyptic world.
A true masterpiece from Naughty Dog. The Last of Us is set in the near future after a fungal plague wipes out nearly all of humanity. Grizzled smuggler Joel agrees to escort a young girl, Ellie, on a dangerous cross-country journey in the hopes of finding a cure for the infection.
The story and performances of this game are what make it stand out. The emotional plot pairs well with stealth heavy survival gameplay, making each encounter into a uniquely satisfying challenge. The game’s Left Behind DLC is also available on PlayStation Now, and though short, is just as emotional and powerful as the main game. With the Last of Us 2 on the horizon, now is the perfect time to get caught up.
Red Dead is the most popular game on PlayStation Now for good reason, and with Red Dead Redemption 2 now available, there’s no better time to play the original. The Rockstar title puts players in the shoes of outlaw John Marston in the waning days of the Old West.
Players can explore a sprawling map featuring seemingly endless side quests and locations, customize their character, try their luck at gambling, enter horse races, and more. Think of it as a sort of Wild West version of Grand Theft Auto… except instead of cars, you’ll be hijacking horses.
There is a bit of a concern over whether or not you truly “own” your PlayStation Now games. However, there is a simple answer.
If you buy a game on PlayStation Now, the game is yours for as long as you keep your subscription. However, if you stop paying for your subscription, you cannot play any of your games or any of its DLC. If you renew your subscription, you will be able to play all of your games and DLC once again.
Wrapping up
New users can get a free 7-day trial before signing up. From that point, you can decide between a one-month subscription ($19.99), a three-month ($44.99) or a full year for $99.99. Get one today and we’ll see you online!
Are you looking to get the most out of your WOW experience? Check out these addons!
World of Warcraft has been around for a really long time now. While the gameplay, graphics, and story have enhanced over time, the UI has not changed nearly as much. Some things that may seem like they should be obvious menu items are only accessible via addons. Addons in World of Warcraft are essentially mods that give you additional menu options and visuals. Some are small, and mostly used for organizing items or menus, while others will give you more options in combat! Below are some of the best addons for both old and new players. The majority of these can be downloaded through Curse.
One of the best addons for organization. The basic function of Bagnon is to put all your bags into the same window. That already helps with finding items more effectively. In addition, it has functions to help to organize your bank. It also makes item searches and identifying item quality easier.
Bartender4
Another popular add-on for organization. Instead of being used to help with bag functionality, Bartender4 can be used to reorganize your action bars. This is really helpful since the original locations of the action bars are large and fixed. This lets you customize them in a way that helps you the best.
Recount
If you’re ever wondering how well you are doing in an instance or during a fight, Recount is the way to check. It gives you information on how much damage, and healing you and your party are doing at a given time.
Healbot
A stable for any healer. While not every healer uses this, those that do swear by it. It allows you to set spell combinations so that every ability you use is at its optimal effect. Healers have a large range of buffs and healing abilities, and Healbot lets you use the best ones you need when you need to. It’s a great organizing tool for any healer.
If you frequently run instances, then Deadly Boss Mods is one of the best addons you can possibly have. In fact, it’s the most downloaded addon for WoW on Curse. Essentially, it alerts you on everything you need to know about a dungeon while you’re in one so that you can keep yourself alive. It’s pretty customizable, and it interacts with other people who have the addon as well, so going in with a party can really help utilize this addon’s full potential.
WeakAuras 2
WeakAuras 2 can be pretty complex and daunting for some players, but it’s another great organizational tool. It reorganizes buffs and status screens in a customizable way, so you can view them how you want to. It is a bit difficult and confusing to start these customizations, but thankfully there are templates that already exist for most of the basic customization options.
Checking the auction frequently is a great way to make money in WoW. Auctioneer helps players get a better understanding of what items should be selling for. This helps a lot with organizing your thoughts on what you should be selling and the price you should be doing it at. It also helps with general auction organization.
ElvUI
There are addons forElvUI on Curse, but unlike the other addons on this list, ElvUI itself can have to be downloaded separately. Despite this, it is probably the most useful in terms of UI customization. ElvUI is a complete UI overhaul that allows you to fix many of the basic customization issues that the original WoW UI has. The big drawback to ElvUI is that it is a bit of a time investment when you first download it. It takes a while to get used to, and you’ll have to take the time out to fully customize your UI. This can feel vastly different from other addons that are mostly set immediately once you’ve installed them. If you’re willing to put in that time though, this can be a really effective tool in organizing your menus and having a better visual experience playing WoW. With this addon, you won’t need some of the other ones, such as Bagnon, which ElvUI already has built-in.
There’s a whole array of MMORPGs beyond the World of Warcraft! Check them out!
With the new World of Warcraft expansion coming out soon, you may find yourself looking to get into the MMORPG genre. While many popular MMOs are subscription-based or buy-to-play, there are plenty of free-to-play games available as well. These video games are fun and worth your time!. Here is a list of some of the best out there:
10 free-to-play MMORPGs you should be playing right now
10. DC Universe Online
Similar to World of Warcraft, DC Universe features a faction system. The player chooses between the Heroes and the Villains. Fans of DC Comics will enjoy seeing many of their favorite characters, while also getting to play within their universe. Characters are built around a specific power, which essentially works like a class in other MMOs. The powers, characters, and art style all draw heavily from the DC Comics universe.
Another faction-based MMO, Star Wars: The Old Republic has the player choose between the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire. Despite this choice, the player is allowed to decide their own morality through their interactions with NPCs. For example, a Sith player doesn’t have to be evil necessarily. The game is known for having some pretty long loading screens, but be patient because the game is worth it. This game is worth checking out for even non-Star Wars fans, as the storyline of each class is incredible and immersive.
Unlike many of the games on this list, Tera has recently come to PS4 and Xbox One, as well as being available for PC. The game uses a real-time third-person combat system that is sure to keep you on your toes. Most MMOs allow the player to lock on to the enemies, instead of directly pointing at them, while Tera forces the player to land their abilities as skill shots. This makes the combat incredibly engaging.
One of the oldest MMORPGs, Runescape utilizes a skill-level system that is not commonly found in modern MMOs. Instead of grinding your character’s overall level, you instead level each skill individually by using them repeatedly. Along with this, Runescape has received continued updates for years, and is still a refreshing take on a classic game. The game is available for both PC and Mac. Either way, you’re sure to have a good time with this classic.
Fans of the Diablo series will be excited to see the similarities between these games. The game features the same style of combat, equipment, and dark artistic flair as the Diablo games. While not a traditional MMO, the game is played in small instances and is more focused on building your individual characters and parties, rather than massive communication that other MMOs feature.
If you’ve ever wondered what Minecraft would be like as an MMO, then you’ll be excited to check out Trove. The game features combat and classes similar to other MMOs while retaining many of the sandbox features that Minecraft has to offer. There are plenty of customization features to keep your interest. Trove contains customizable homes called “Cornerstones.” These homes allow for a similar experience to Minecraft in their ability to be used as crafting stations and their customizability. It’s definitely worth checking out if you are a fan of either style of game.
You may have heard of Rift as being a free-to-play World of Warcraft game. While it does have many similarities to World of Warcraft, such as its factions and lore, Rift has just as many differences. One of the best parts about Rift is its soul system that allows for some incredibly diverse gameplay. The system allows for customization of your abilities and skills to a level not featured in other MMOs of its type. If you value diverse gameplay and customization, then this is a great game for you.
Many Dungeons and Dragons fans are probably somewhat familiar with Neverwinter, and for good reason! Like many tabletop RPGs, Neverwinter contains an expansive and powerful storyline to follow that sets it apart from other free-to-play MMOs. Players can even create their own quests and stories to expand the world for themselves. The game is based on the fourth edition of Dungeons and Dragons and is perfect for anyone into the role-playing genre.
Similar to Tera, Blade and Soul features a real-time third-person combat system. The game is inspired by martial arts, and has many references to martial arts and their origins. The combat utilizes combos, similar to the fighting game genre. This creates a unique experience that’s sure to impress fans of both fighters and MMOs. Along with this, the game also features one of the best character customizations of any MMO available.
Blade and Soul
1. Guild Wars 2
The music and visuals of Guild Wars 2 are some of the most captivating of any free-to-play game. Guild Wars 2 features some of the best elements of other MMOs and combines them to create a unique gameplay experience. The story is player-driven and decided by the character’s actions and choices, while the combat is fluid and diverse. Longtime fans of MMOs will find Guild Wars 2 as a refreshing take on the genre, as every playable class features a variety of playstyles.
Rambo draws his bowstring one final time in the first trailer for ‘Rambo: Last Blood.’
At nearly 73-years-old, Sylvester Stallone is showing no signs of retirement in this first trailer for “Rambo: Last Blood.”
As the title suggests, this will be the last movie in the Rambo franchise.
The trailer looks like it takes place a few years after the events of 2008’s “Rambo.” At the end of that movie, Rambo returns home to the U.S. to reconnect with whatever family he has left.
At the beginning of this trailer, we see that Rambo is all alone, and is just trying to have as normal of a life as possible. However, after a group of bad guys force Rambo to relieve his checkered past, he must get back into action in order to get his revenge.
Yes, that was the most cliché plot for an action movie ever.
This looks dumb, but also like dumb fun
The Rambo franchise started off very seriously with “First Blood,” a film about a Vietnam veteran who comes home to find a country that has turned its back on him. However, the serious has gotten more and more silly with films that rely on over-the-top action.
WARNING: VIDEO IS NSFW
That said, over-the-top action can be a lot of fun, and this trailer hints that the movie might get that.
We’ll probably get to see Rambo blow up goons with his bow-and-arrow and lots of hack-and-slashing with his Bowie knife. Also, Rambo appears to have taken a lesson from Kevin McCallister from “Home Alone,” as he set a series of traps in his house to kill goons.
If Rambo’s traps are half as deadly as Kevin’s, these bad guys are in for a world of hurt.
We can’t help but talk about Stallone’s age. At 72, it really seems like he needs to leave action movies to the younger generation. If he does another “Rocky” movie, it will have to be about him fighting his nurse for his pain pills.
The trailer suggests that Rambo won’t be doing as much hand-to-hand combat as we have seen before. Hopefully, we will get traps and explosions like a “Saw” movie, and we won’t see Rambo try to emulate John Wick.
Shut off your brain
This movie probably isn’t going to give you a dramatic insight into the life of a veteran. If you want that, watch a movie like”Born on the Fourth of July” or “American Sniper.”
However, if you are looking for mindless action that will keep you entertained for about 90 minutes, this should keep you satisfied.
Lower this trailer into the lava, and protect our future.
The future is not set, so we don’t know if “Terminator: Dark Fate” will score at the box office. But you can judge for yourself with the new teaser trailer:
What looks bad?
The Terminator franchise is meant to have three big human characters: John Connor, Sarah Connor, and Kyle Reese. Every Terminator film is meant to revolve around these characters who fight against, or alongside a Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger).
This film throws that out the window and instead only features Sarah Connor who only makes a cameo during the trailer. Instead, the clip prominently features new characters who seem incredibly bland. The most prominent new character is a Terminator with human characteristics named Grace. She is going through an existential crisis as she tries to figure out whether she is human or a machine.
Here’s the problem: filmmakers already tried that in “Terminator: Salvation” and it flopped badly.
If this was a film all about Sarah Connor trying to save the world, we’d have high hopes. Sarah is arguably the best character in all of Terminator, and her psyche is one of the most fascinating parts of the franchise.
One of the biggest reasons why people see these films is to see Schwarzenegger in action.
Unfortunately, we see almost zero footage of him at all in this trailer. No motorcycle chases, no shotgunning Terminators away, none of that. This trailer was just as big an insult as a dropkick to the back.
What might be good?
There are three things that might save this film. The first is that James Cameron, creator of the first two Terminator films, is back.
The second thing is that Linda Hamilton is back to play Sarah Connor after nearly 30 years of letting the part go to other actresses. Weirdly enough, the two most prominent actresses who have played her since Hamilton were “Game of Thrones” alums Emilia Clarke and Lena Headey. In the first two Terminator films, Hamilton went from a damsel in distress, to a hardcore badass who is perfectly capable of fighting off cyborgs.
If we get a lot more Sarah Connor than the trailer suggests, we might be okay.
The final saving grace is Schwarzenegger himself. Sure, he was in the awful “Terminator: Genisys,” but all of his action scenes were still pretty cool.
If anyone can save the movie it’s these three. If they can’t make it work, then the series might need to be terminated.
Terminator as a franchise
Let’s go back in time to the early ’90s. You just saw “Terminator 2: Judgement Day” in theaters, and it blew your mind. The story, special effects, action, and even the acting were all incredible.
Fast-forward nearly 30 years later, and that film is still absolutely incredible.
The Terminator franchise hasn’t captured the same lightning in a bottle since. “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines” was smart to stick with the main storyline, and some of the action was solid, but it’s otherwise forgettable.
Fallout 76 has a genius way to deal with in-game jerks.
Griefing. Griefing never changes.
Since the dawn of man, there have always been people who get their kicks out of ruining games for others. Today, things are no different. Griefers run amok in basically every popular online game. They’ll burn down your painstakingly built house in Minecraft, feed the enemy team in League of Legends, and shoot the ball into their own goal in Rocket League. They’re annoying and can ruin the game for people who want to play the way the developers designed.
In Fallout 76, Bethesda’s first foray into multiplayer for the Fallout franchise, steps have already been taken to discourage griefing. In a post-post-apocalyptic world filled with super mutants and raiders, the last thing you want to worry about is some angry 12-year-old troll.
At QuakeCon 2018, Fallout 76 game director Todd Howard discussed how the game was balancing PVP combat with griefing. He described how he wanted there to be some element of danger coming from other players because it fits the theme and world of Fallout. However, the game isn’t designed for players to just massacre each other on sight, a la DayZ.
If a player attacks you out of nowhere, the damage is severely reduced. Howard compares this initial reduced attack to lightly slapping a stranger in a bar to see if they want to fight (an action we HIGHLY recommend you don’t do in real life). If the player who was attacked accepts the fight, then both players will start dealing full damage to each other.
Even though unprovoked attacks do reduced damage, they are still able to kill players. A player who kills another in this way doesn’t gain any experience points or caps from their corpse. The attacking player is then labeled as a “Wanted Murderer.” This player is then marked on the map with a large bounty on their head, alerting every player in the vicinity.
No weapons or armor are lost upon death, though you do lose any collected crafting materials. If you truly do not want to join in the PVP experience you can turn it off entirely. Additionally, if a player keeps following you and harassing you, there are built-in options to block or ignore them.
Griefers, raiders, and everyone in between can join the battle when the Fallout 76 beta releases on October 23 on Xbox One. PC and PS4 players can join in a week later on October 29.
The Witcher series puts the player in the mud-stained boots of the grim and gritty Geralt of Rivia: A ladies’ man, a cunning hunter, and a master swordsman. As such, when it comes to combat and allocating perk points, a lot of players will gravitate towards increasing Geralt’s skill with his blades or the potency of his combat signs like Quen or Igni.
The game mechanic and corresponding skill tree that’s often overlooked is alchemy, as is the case in so many fantasy RPGs. But is it deserving of this treatment in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt?
Let’s find out.
Oh, and if you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t gotten around to playing Witcher 3 yet, here’s a download link for you:
Unlike other famed video game protagonists, Geralt of Rivia is not a one-man army. He’s not Dragonborn, he’s not Starkiller, he’s not Kratos. He’s not immortal, he’s not blessed by the gods. Geralt is defined by his witcher training and by his years of experience, and he bears the scars from both.
It’s one of the things we love about him the most – Geralt has made it this far largely because he’s resourceful, knows his quarry, and plans meticulously. This is precisely why alchemy goes hand in hand so well with being a witcher.
Use oils for a leg up
Your swords can cut down humans and monsters alike, but the longer the skirmish takes, the longer you’re at risk of getting walloped by a golem, or blinded by a water hag. Trust us – neither is a situation you want to find yourself in. In this way Geralt is like the Batman of fantasy RPGs:
He’s brooding, he’s somber, and he knows to strike when he has the best chance of coming out on top. Proper planning is key when going up against harder creatures – particularly on the game’s higher difficulties.
Endrega nest giving you trouble? Try putting insectoid oil on your silver sword. Superior insectoid oil will add a mighty 50 percent increase to your damage every time you hit an insectoid monster, and will last for 60 hits. Could you defeat the monsters without using it? Probably, but the fight will take longer and every time you get hit your equipment will degrade. Why make things harder on yourself and on your wallet?
Alchemy is best used in tandem with the in-game bestiary. What’s so cool about the Witcher’s monsters is that every creature has its resistances and its weaknesses. Exploiting an enemy’s weakness is what witchers were trained to do. Approach a fight with the proper oils applied and you’ll see why they treat preparation so importantly.
Decoctions are more than just trophies
There are two types of potions you can use in Witcher 3: Potions and decoctions. Potions are more run-of-the-mill and primarily serve as temporary buffs: Full Moon increases your maximum vitality for a full minute; Black Blood damages vampires and necrophages whenever they wound Geralt. Useful for sure, and definitely not to be underutilized. Decoctions, however, take it to the next level.
Decoctions are created with rare ingredients, some of which you’ll only come across once in a playthrough. These are things like mutagens found on unique earth elementals, forktails, leshens, or werewolves. In other words, it’s not stuff you’ll find a street peddler selling! You can, however, buy formulae. Learn the formula to make a decoction for one such creature, and once you acquire the proper ingredients you’ll be able to craft it.
Decoctions can do a variety of things, ranging from increasing Geralt’s vitality per kill, to growing attack power over the course of a fight, to even things like unlimited sprint or jump outside of combat. Each decoction is completely unique, and every one you get adds another tool to your arsenal. By mid-late game you’ll want every bit of help you can get.
Are bombs even useful?
Yes. Oh, yes they are.
If you’re uninspired by a lackluster grapeshot or dancing star, remember that these, too, need to be upgraded as you progress further in the game! A superior Devil’s Puffball will last 20 seconds longer than a regular one, and in the heat of combat, that difference is huge. Additionally, much like the oils, certain monsters will have vulnerabilities to different bombs. Learn how to craft each one and keep them upgraded as often as your budget will allow.
Don’t be afraid of running out of supplies
This is a big one. To players who are leery of using bombs, oils, and potions because it’s a finite resource, we hear you. You’ll be thrilled to know that this is not the case! When we saw that our griffin decoction had only one use, we were prepared to horde it until the final boss. Imagine our excitement when we learned that decoctions, potions, bombs, and oils can all be resupplied very easily.
Any time you meditate (accessible from both the RPG menu and from the combat wheel (LB on controller)) it will replenish all of your used supplies, provided you have strong alcohol on your person. This means items like alcohest, dwarven spirit, or mahakaman spirit.
If Geralt has even one of these in his inventory all your stuff will be capped off for immediate reuse. Strong alcohol can be found practically anywhere, too. Just open a barrel in the nearest city or talk to a traveling merchant. There’s no reason to be shy about using your supplies!
How does this toxicity meter work?
Witcher or not, the potions and decoctions Geralt imbibes are still toxic and would kill lesser men. Check out this description of the trial of the grasses to see what we mean.
Every potion and decoction has a toxicity level and will fill up that much of the green bar you can see on either the HUD or from the inventory screen. As long as your combined potions fall within Geralt’s limit, you can use varying combinations of effects. Use this to stack buffs like increased damage or vitality regen.
Is it worth your points or your mutagens?
It really depends on your build. For those who are unfamiliar with how to use mutagens, the short explanation is that they can give you an increased buff if they’re put next to corresponding skills you have equipped. For example, red mutagens increase Geralt’s attack power. The more powerful the mutagen, the higher the bonus. Likewise, if that mutagen is modifying three equipped abilities the overall bonus it gives is stronger than if it was just modifying one or two.
Complicated? A little bit. Check out this picture:
The green mutagens you harvest are buffed by your equipped alchemy perks. As you can see, our Geralt has an extra 450 vitality just from two equipped alchemy perks. That can make a surprising difference in a fight. Obviously, this isn’t even doable unless you have the alchemy perks to begin with, so yeah you’ll have to equip a couple. Again, it’s all about the build you want. If you’re trying to tank, wear heavy witcher gear and stack your alchemy mutagens for a truly massive vitality bonus.
As for the alchemy perks themselves, we found they were all quite useful, especially when stacked. Fixative, for example, gives blade oils more charges before wearing off. Pyrotechnics adds or increases damage to all your bombs. The question wasn’t so much whether we liked the perks, but more whether we valued them over our martial skills. That much is up to you to decide. If you’re interested in seeing what a full-out alchemy build would look like in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, check out this video:
We hope this guide will help players feel a little love for alchemy in The Witcher 3, and that you’ll consider its perks and gameplay on your playthrough! Now harvest some pringrapes and get back on the trail!
At nearly 73-years-old, Sylvester Stallone is showing no signs of retirement in this first trailer for “Rambo: Last Blood.” 
