Croteam has announced the third part of its popular franchise The Talos Principle. Scheduled for 2027, the Croatian studio has only confirmed two things about the game: that they will continue to explore the philosophical roots of the game and that it will be the definitive conclusion of the saga. Because they do not want to fall into the trap of keeping the saga alive forever. A game with a clear ending In the words of the game’s writer, Jonas Kyratzes, “this is the end. This is the last Talos Principle” although they do not rule out that “we might make some small spinoff someday or something along those lines, but the […]
Croteam has announced the third part of its popular franchise The Talos Principle. Scheduled for 2027, the Croatian studio has only confirmed two things about the game: that they will continue to explore the philosophical roots of the game and that it will be the definitive conclusion of the saga. Because they do not want to fall into the trap of keeping the saga alive forever.
A game with a clear ending
In the words of the game’s writer, Jonas Kyratzes, “this is the end. This is the last Talos Principle,” although they do not rule out that “we might make some small spinoff someday or something along those lines, but the story of Talos Principle ends with the third.” And the reason is that “many video games simply do not end, and then they have endless cliffhangers or whatever, and there is no satisfactory conclusion to the story,” something that Croteam wants to avoid at all costs.
On the other hand, the game director, Davor Hunski, believes they have a responsibility to the franchise. “We have Serious Sam, but Talos Principle is on another level of excitement, different reactions, and commitment from the people,” even stating that they believe they might have one of the best trilogies in video game history if they manage to maintain the quality level of the first two games.
The Talos Principle is a puzzle game franchise with a strong narrative focus about a society of robots with, apparently, human-like consciousness. With philosophical reflections, logical puzzles, and the exploration of what has happened to the seemingly destroyed human civilization that gave them life, the franchise has been praised over the years for its intelligence and depth. Therefore, if this third installment goes well, it would not be bold to agree with Kyratzes that this could be one of the great trilogies in the history of video games.
The series Vikings: Valhalla, successor to the popular Vikings, was canceled in its third season by Netflix due to an audience below expectations, leaving fans without a satisfactory conclusion. Showrunner Jeb Stuart had ambitious plans to expand the narrative for up to six seasons, allowing for deeper character and plot development that, unfortunately, did not come to fruition. In the streaming era, it is very difficult to tell long stories. Although the series closed some arcs —particularly that of Harald, who becomes king of Norway— many stories were left […]
The series Vikings: Valhalla, successor to the popular Vikings, was canceled in its third season by Netflix due to an audience below expectations, leaving fans without a satisfactory conclusion. The showrunner Jeb Stuart had ambitious plans to expand the narrative for up to six seasons, thus allowing for a deeper development of characters and plots that, unfortunately, did not come to fruition.
In the streaming era, it is very difficult to tell long stories
Despite the fact that the series closed some arcs —particularly that of Harald, who becomes king of Norway—, many stories remained open. Characters like Leif and Freydís, who embark on an adventure to Vinland, saw their stories simplified compared to the complexity of historical accounts. Leif’s journey, for example, was much less heroic than what the series presents, being part of a saga marked by contradictions and a lack of interaction with the native populations he encountered.
The figure of Harald, who had a tragic royal trajectory, was filled with ambitions of conquest that were thwarted, culminating in his death in battle. This historical aspect, which could have been an interesting narrative focus for future seasons, was rendered ignorable after the premature conclusion of the series. The death of King Canute, another significant event, left England in a state of great political instability, a theme that could have served as a backdrop for new conflicts and characters, such as Emma of Normandy, who became fundamental in the narrative of the time.
In the streaming era, it is increasingly difficult for series to conclude with an appropriate ending, as happened with Vikings, which managed to finish its planned story. Vikings: Valhalla is another example of how the audience and the content strategy of streaming platforms can affect the continuity of narratives that deserved to be explored further.
The live-action series on Netflix based on Avatar: The Last Airbender has finished filming after completing three seasons. This milestone has been celebrated by the streaming giant, which shared a photograph from the set showing the main actors, including Gordon Cormier, Miya Cech, Kiawentiio, Ian Ousley, Dallas Liu, and Maria Zhang. The image shows the cast in an emotional moment, marking the conclusion of an ambitious project that has captured the attention of fans and critics alike. A series that seeks to connect with the fans of the series […]
The live-action series on Netflix based on Avatar: The Last Airbender has finished filming after completing three seasons. This milestone has been celebrated by the streaming giant, which shared a photograph from the set showing the main actors, including Gordon Cormier, Miya Cech, Kiawentiio, Ian Ousley, Dallas Liu, and Maria Zhang. The image shows the cast in an emotional moment, marking the conclusion of an ambitious project that has captured the attention of fans and critics alike.
A series that seeks to connect with the fans of the animated series
Since its launch, the series has achieved significant success, leading Netflix to renew it after the first season. This renewed interest from the platform reflects the popularity of Avatar: The Last Airbender and its rich narrative that has resonated with various generations. The series encourages viewers to reconnect with the universe created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, adapting the adventures of Aang and his friends for a contemporary audience.
The expectation surrounding the series is not only a result of its faithful adaptation but also due to the innovations and visual productions that Netflix has promised. The company has emphasized its commitment to maintaining the essence of the original material while also providing a modern cinematic experience. Although a specific release date for the series has not been announced, fans are eager to learn more about the development of the story and the evolution of the characters.”
With these three completed seasons, it remains to be seen how the narratives that have kept Avatar fans on the edge of their seats will develop. The completion of filming is just the beginning of a new chapter in the story of this beloved universe.
The wait is over for fans of Squid Game, as the third and final season of the hit series premiered on June 27. The anticipation is palpable, especially after the shocking cliffhanger that viewers were left with at the end of the second season. With theories and predictions circulating among fans, the pressure is on creator Hwang Dong-hyuk to deliver a conclusion that satisfies millions. A season much more focused on the aspects that made the first one unique The plot picks up the story of Seong Gi-hun, played by Lee […]
The wait is over for fans of Squid Game, as the third and final season of the hit series premiered on June 27. The anticipation is palpable, especially after the shocking cliffhanger that viewers were left with at the end of the second season. With theories and predictions circulating among fans, the pressure is on creator Hwang Dong-hyuk to deliver a conclusion that satisfies millions.
A season much more focused on the aspects that made the first one unique
The plot picks up the story of Seong Gi-hun, played by Lee Jung-jae, who undergoes a remarkable emotional transformation. The character, now more traumatized and filled with guilt after the rebellion of the second season, displays an intensity never seen before. Critics have praised Lee’s ability to convey the deep sadness and anger of his character through a powerful physical performance.
The new installment introduces characters like Myung-gi, a crypto YouTuber, and delves into multiple storylines, allowing the cast to shine, although the return of the VIPs has generated mixed reviews. The dramatic plays are presented with stunning visual design, merging nostalgia and brutality, while the soundtrack intensifies key moments.
The narrative of the season not only focuses on competition but also delves into deep issues about human nature and capitalist society, leaving a bittersweet message of hope amidst the horror. The emotional finale promises to be devastating and leaves some stories unresolved, which could open the door to future productions or spin-offs. Although the season may not please all fans, it seems destined to become a worthy conclusion for one of Netflix’s most celebrated series.
Few series have taken the world by storm like Squid Game has. The third most-watched series in Netflix history managed to do something that very few others have: offer the audience an engaging drama, full of twists and with an easily reproducible but hard-to-forget iconography. Something that has turned it into a true mass phenomenon. Games inspired by the series. Costumes at every imaginable event. In addition to having popularized the genre that the series shamelessly draws from, the death games, these are just some of the consequences of the extreme popularity it has garnered […]
Few series have taken the world by storm like Squid Game has. The third most-watched series in Netflix history managed to do something that very few others have: offer the audience an engaging drama, full of twists and an easily reproducible yet hard-to-forget iconography. Something that has turned it into a true mass phenomenon.
Games inspired by the series. Costumes at all imaginable events. In addition to having popularized the genre that the series shamelessly draws from, the death games, these are just some of the consequences of the extreme popularity that the thriller created by the Korean Hwang Dong-hyuk has garnered. An author already well-respected in Korea, especially for his real-life based crime drama Silenced.
But now he is recognized all over the world. And he has a big problem on his hands. After the overwhelming success of the first season and the slight loss of momentum of the second, he is faced with having to close the series that has brought him so much success. Something that is not going to be easy at all.
A first season based on iconicity and novelty
If you have been living under a rock, Squid Game is a Korean series where we follow the misadventures of a group of people who find themselves immersed in a peculiar game. If they manage to reach the end, all their debts will be settled and they will leave with their lives sorted out. If not, they will die in the attempt. And given the desperate situation of most of those contacted to participate, they don’t even have the option to refuse.
With an evident sociopolitical critique, particularly towards Korean society itself, the series has managed to exploit its premise without ever overexposing it. Making it revolve more around the trials and the tension of discovering who is behind this sadistic game and whether they will manage to stop it in time, the series has managed to provide just enough depth to justify what is really important to keep us glued to our seats: the constant twists and the surprise of who will die next or who will come out unscathed.
A second season too focused on twists and surprises
After the novelty of the first season, the second season doubled down on its political aspects and some unbelievable twists. Making sure that no one was who they said they were and betting on shocking turns, perhaps what worked the least well in the finale of the first season, lost a bit of momentum compared to that one.
Especially considering that part of the freshness was lost in the trials and in the iconicity of the characters and the organization. No longer feeling new, but not making a particular effort to feel that way again, it over-relied on drama and revealing hidden secrets in a series that, ultimately, always worked for something else. The creativity of its premise, the terribleness of its trials, and the relatively plausible idea that any of us could find ourselves in that situation. Or that we could replicate it recreationally without having to risk our necks.
A third season balancing between the first two seasons?
The second season left us, indeed, with a post-credit scene. With three players walking, we could see the doll Young-hee, a mysterious new doll, and a glow of green light turning on.
Who is this doll? According to the creator of the series, his name is Cheol-su and he will be part of the new game. Although everything suggests that the third season will closely follow what happened in the second season, there is hope that they will pick up the baton from what occurred in the first. Putting more emphasis on the challenges and focusing on the iconography of the series and surprising us not with its twists, but with what it proposes to us visually and thematically.
Although we won’t have to wait long to find out. The series will premiere next Friday, June 27, at 8 AM, mainland Spain time. So if you have commitments that day, like going to class or working, it’s an excellent day to casually fall ill and see how the ending of one of the most popular series of the last decade turns out.
I think I can defend in a TED talk why the ending of Super Mario Bros is genuinely one of the best endings in video game history: it brings the plot to a close, leaves no doubts or cliffhangers, and is simple yet satisfying. However, over the years, it has not been so common to feel completely satisfied after spending dozens of hours just to see a more or less inspired cutscene. Are you ready to remember some of the most frustrating gaming moments of your life? Let’s review the 7 worst endings ever made. 6-New Super […]
I believe I can defend in a TED talk why the ending of Super Mario Bros is genuinely one of the best endings in video game history: it brings the plot to a close, leaves no doubts or cliffhangers, and is simple yet satisfying. However, over the years, it has not been so common to feel completely satisfied after spending dozens of hours just to see a more or less inspired cutscene. Are you ready to remember some of the most frustrating gaming moments of your life? Let’s review the 7 worst endings ever made.
You might be thinking “Wait a minute, how can you say that Super Mario Bros is a perfect ending and New Super Mario Bros Wii one of the worst? How does that work?” Well, there’s an explanation: try playing with Luigi. For a moment, put yourself in the shoes of Luigi. And the thing is, when you complete the game with the green-clad brother and reach the end, defeating Bowser and saving Princess Peach, who shows up to join her in a hot air balloon and return to the Mushroom Kingdom? Exactly: Mario. Luigi is left on the ground watching them drift away, with a smile on his face that conveys genuine sadness, loneliness, and pain. Nintendo, don’t do this to those of us who always choose the poor loser Luigi.
5-El Testigo
Once you have solved as many puzzles as you can, up to a total of 650, The Witness comes to its end. And what could be the ending of such an abstract game? Well, upon reaching the mountain in the center, we see a first-person video set in the real world where Jonathan Blow, the creator of the game, gets out of bed, walks through an office filled with computers where you can see in the background maps, puzzles from the game, a bottle filled with what looks like urine, a Christmas tree… We see him go to the bathroom, sit on a bench and… Well, that’s it. Fortunately, there are several more endings, but if you reach this one without knowing, you will probably be left wondering if the water you are drinking has, unknowingly, psychotropic substances.
4-Jurassic Park (SNES)
The game is decent, and also a great insight into what could be done back then with Super Nintendo in a very short development time, but after several hours of gameplay, it seems that Ocean Software forgot that they had to provide a conclusion in some way. What did they come up with at the last minute? To repeat the same animation from the beginning of the game, where the helicopter descended to the ground… but in reverse. And then, the phrase “Congratulations, you have escaped from Jurassic Park“. As you came, you leave. That’s it, there’s nothing more to see here.
3-Mass Effect 3
For three games of Mass Effect, we were promised that our decisions mattered. That they would have a brutal importance in the end of the saga, beyond who we would end up with. However, when the moment of the final choice arrived, it didn’t matter at all: three versions of the same ending, where everything was somewhat the same. Is this what we invested hundreds of hours for, so that no one has a minimal difference in their final cinematic and, moreover, leaves several plot holes open? Later on, Bioware tried to fix it, and more or less succeeded, but it opened a very significant wound in the hearts of the fans that has not yet healed.
2-Dragon’s Lair (NES)
Transitioning from the incredible arcade game with stunning graphics, almost taken from a cartoon movie, to the NES pixel feels almost like a suicide mission. In the original game, the final screen is amazing: you escape from a dragon, get the magic sword, recover the key, and rescue your beloved. Extremely difficult but spectacular, especially for the time. Even now, there is no other game like Dragon’s Lair. However, on NES, everything was, let’s say, more… shabby. On a crude 2D screen, you faced a dragon, threw several swords at it, and at the end, a mere image popped up with the text “Congratulations! Our hero has triumphed! Daphne has been saved from the evil domains of Singe. Perhaps you can live happily ever after?”. Perhaps not.
1-Ghost’n’goblins
Okay, yes, you might be losing your mind, but let me explain: Ghost’n’Goblins is one of the hardest video games in history. Defeating the enemies, beating the final boss, and completing all its levels is a mission that very few are destined to achieve. And yet, when you reach the end and defeat Satan, you discover that it’s a trap and you have to start over from the beginning, but this time at a higher level. You will only find the real ending by completing the adventure again. If you’ve ever wondered why you’ve never seen this ending I’m talking about, there’s a reason: almost no one has managed to even reach the false one, let alone the real one!
