By Array on Jan 19, 2018 12:22 am
With season 4 out now, we thought we'd celebrate Seasons 1-3 of the dystopian sci-fi anthology series by ranking our favourite episodes. For more Black Mirror, you can check out our spoiler-free review of season 4 in the meantime. You can also watch a video version of this ranking list here.
Men Against Fire (Season 3, Episode 5)
Laurie Sparham/Netflix
Image: Laurie Sparham/Netflix We kick off our list with the military dystopia of 'Men Against Fire.' In a post-apocalyptic Denmark, an unnamed military organisation is hunting and killing a mutated human population unaffectionately nicknamed 'roaches.' This being Black Mirror though, things aren't quite as simple as that, and the episode dives head first into the arena of hi-tech warfare and its philosophical consequences on the world. While it's not a bad episode by any stretch of the imagination, it's place on this list is largely down to the heavy-handed way in which it treats its central theme and the fact that it reveals its hand way too early.
The Waldo Moment (Season 2, Episode 3)
Image: Channel 4 The murky world of British politics is sent up in 'The Waldo Moment,' our number 12 entry. This slice of election madness tells the tale of Jamie, a failed comedian who is also the voice and digital puppeteer of a cartoon bear named, you guessed it, Waldo. Coerced by his producer into running for parliament as Waldo, Jamie finds himself way in over his head as his election campaign takes an unexpected turn. The episode is totally fine, but doesn't stand up to the high quality of the rest of Black Mirror as it descends into hammy parody towards the end. But its defining virtue is that series creator, Charlie Brooker, compared it to Trump's 2016 presidential campaign with the Black Mirror Twitter account tweeting out: 'This isn't an episode. This isn't marketing. This is reality.'
Metalhead (Season 4, Episode 5)
Image: Netflix Set against a post-apocalyptic backdrop, 'Metalhead' explores the devastating consequences of sentient robotics. At its core, it's a relentless chase movie with central character, Bela, on the run from a ruthlessly efficient killer robot dog. Metalhead is a tight, terse thriller, playing out like a hyper-condensed version of The Terminator. However, while it convinces with its atmospheric world-building and brutal action, the end result lacks the dark social commentary that we're used to from Black Mirror.
Hated In The Nation (Season 3, Episode 6)
Image: Laurie Sparham/Netflix People tend to forget that when they write mean things about others on the internet, they're often talking about a real person. Brooker and co. took this idea one step further in 'Hated In The Nation,' where mean tweets and social media hashtags could be weaponised to kill those who fall foul to the public's ire. If you watch this episode and read Jon Ronson's So You've Been Publicly Shamed, you may never want to use social media ever again…
Arkangel (Season 4, Episode 2)
Image: Netflix Helicopter parenting is put in the spotlight for the Jodie Foster-directed Arkangel. Arkangel has all the hallmarks of a classic episode of Black Mirror, setting up a central technology--the Arkangel Initiative--before unleashing it on an unassuming protagonist who slowly uses it to destroy their own life. In this case, we follow overprotective mum Marie as she uses Arkangel to keep tabs on her daughter, Sara. This starts off innocently enough, but things go sideways as Sara grows up. This is where the episode mines some seriously dark material as series creator and writer Charlie Brooker explores the various abuses of power the Arkangel software affords Marie. This all culminates in perhaps the most cringe-worthy scene in any Black Mirror episode yet, where a desperate Marie accidentally watches her daughter having sex after worrying about her whereabouts. What follows is even worse, and it's an uncompromising look at the perils of parenting. While it falls a little flat in its slow, deliberate pacing, Arkangel is still a vintage episode of Black Mirror.
Be Right Back (Season 2, Episode 1)
Image: Channel 4 In 'Be Right Back', Martha's boyfriend Ash dies in an accident. Unable to move past her grief, and discovering that she's pregnant, Martha uploads Ash's information, including photos, videos, and his social media profiles to create a virtual Ash. She goes one step further and downloads him onto a blank robot body, just like that episode of Futurama, but discovers that the new, fake Ash isn't the same as the old, real one. I guess technology just isn't a patch on the real deal.
Playtest (Season 3, Episode 2)
Image: Laurie Sparham/Netflix You might not know that series creator Charlie Brooker and Dan Trachtenberg, who directed this episode, were former game journalists. But that explains why 'Playtest' is all about video games, specifically horror games that really get under your skin. If you thought Resident Evil 7 was bad in VR, how's about a game that scans your brain to find out what terrifies you most? 'Playtest' is one of Black Mirror's freakiest episodes, but it is peppered with some hot video game Easter eggs.
Crocodile (Season 4, Episode 3)
Image: Netflix Ostensibly a police-procedural--albeit without the police--'Crocodile' is all about the shady practice of using people's memories as evidence. It has two different narrative threads--one involving an insurance investigation, the other a murder cover-up--that come crashing together in such a horrific, inevitable fashion that it hits you like a punch to the gut. And the bleakness doesn't stop there. Director John Hillcoat--whose previous work includes The Road and The Proposition--conjures an air of tense unease that doesn't let up at any point on the long, slow march to the episode's devastating conclusion. It's a cracking hour of TV, and the only major bad point we can think of is that once it's finished, you'll just feel… empty.
Shut Up And Dance (Season 3, Episode 3)
Image: Laurie Sparham/Netflix 'Shut Up And Dance' is one of the tensest episodes in Black Mirror, with the character of Kenny being blackmailed into doing a string of unusual and illegal things to prevent a video of him being released onto the internet. If you didn't cover your webcam before seeing this episode, then you definitely will after.
Hang The DJ (Season 4, Episode 4)
Image: Netflix Offering a rare upbeat episode of Black Mirror, 'Hang the DJ' is just the pick-me-up you need after the grim finale of 'Crocodile.' Following the central pairing of Frank and Amy as they navigate the various pitfalls of relationships, 'Hang the DJ' is a smart and witty skewering of our dating-obsessed society. Perfectly cutting to the core of this central concept, Brooker analyses the various ways in which we allow our lives to be dominated by apps like Tinder. And while we've now been conditioned to expect a cruel twist from our Black Mirror conclusions, 'Hang the DJ's inevitable rug pull is refreshingly optimistic. It's funny and heartwarming in equal measure, and it gives us likeable characters that we can actually root for.
USS Callister (Season 4, Episode 1)
There's a lot to love about 'USS Callister,' from its loving homage of Star Trek to its winning sense of dark humour. Between the virtual simulation of fictional TV show Space Fleet and the real-world office politics of Infinity, 'USS Callister' has a lot going on. But it's a testament to both Brooker's canny knack for plot pacing, and an absolutely stellar ensemble cast--that featuring Jesse Plemons, Cristin Milioti and Jimmi Simpson--that Callister manages to hold a coherent story together. And from the opening Star Trek pastiche--complete with a classic 4:3 aspect ratio--to the thrilling finale, 'USS Callister' is an immensely enjoyable episode of Black Mirror.
White Bear (Season 2, Episode 2)
Image: Channel 4 A woman wakes up in a house with amnesia. People hunt her down and try to kill her, but the bystanders do nothing to help, instead just filming her on their phones. It turns out that the woman was complicit in the murder of a small girl, filming her death on her mobile phone, so her punishment is to live this day over and over again, forgetting her crime while running away, in fear of her life. 'White Bear' features one of the biggest twists in Black Mirror, and its shock ending was allegedly inspired by a fence Charlie Brooker saw at the filming location, making him frantically rewrite the episode in just two days.
Nosedive (Season 3, Episode 1)
Image: David Dettmann/Netflix We live our lives online, posting our thoughts and photos so they can be rated by other people. But imagine if those ratings and opinions affected your real life. What if you had a rating that everyone could see, and immediately judge you on? What if that rating affected things like jobs, things you could buy, or even medical treatment? That's the reality in 'Nosedive,' one of Black Mirror's more thought-provoking episodes.
Fifteen Million Merits (Season 1, Episode 2)
Image: Giles Keyte/Channel 4 In 'Fifteen Million Merits,' the vast majority of the population are stuck in the rat race, endlessly cycling in order to earn "merits" to buy goods and services. The only way to escape is to enter a reality TV show called Hot Shot, where winners are able to escape the grind and live in a nicer place. But the path to fame isn't straightforward, and not everyone can make it. 'Fifteen Million Merits' cuts close to home, and it's a biting commentary on our obsession with using reality shows as a measure of a person's success in life.
The National Anthem (Season 1, Episode 1)
Image: Channel 4 In Black Mirror's first episode, 'The National Anthem,' a beloved Princess is kidnapped, and the only way to secure her release is for the Prime Minister to, ahem, copulate with a pig live on TV. Part political satire, part a devastating commentary on how social media and technology have changed the news cycle has to work, Black Mirror came out with a bang. Or should that be a squeal?
The Entire History Of You (Season 1, Episode 3)
Image: Giles Keyte/Channel 4 If you ever feel like you tend to over-analyse situations or replay conversations in your head, then just be glad you don't have a Grain, because it will probably drive you mad. In 'The Entire History Of You,' this piece of tech allows its users to record everything they see and hear and replay these memories at will. Unfortunately for Liam, he kind of gets a bit obsessed with his Grain when he suspects that his wife is having an affair.
White Christmas (Special)
Image: Channel 4 Two men are stuck in a snowy outpost and tell each other stories of their past lives to pass the time. How did they end up at that outpost? What secrets will be uncovered? 'White Christmas' is perhaps one of the most ambitious episodes of Black Mirror, with three separate threads coming together to make one devastating storyline.
Black Museum (Season 4, Episode 6)
Image: Netflix Season 4's finale, 'Black Museum,' offers up a trifecta of bleak parables that dig into the murky world of neural science. There's the grim violence of Dr Pain, the ethical quandary of Jack and Carrie, and the tragedy of poor old Clayton Leigh. At the center of them all is the mysterious figure of Rolo Haynes, whose roadside attraction, the titular Black Museum, is the place that houses all the episode's suspect technology. Played with a devilish charm by Douglas Hodge, Haynes is a total oddball of a character who slowly unveils to become the true villain of the episode. Of course, you can't talk about 'Black Museum' without mentioning the hundreds of references to previous episodes of Black Mirror. There's Easter eggs from pretty much every episode--bar six that we couldn't find--among the various exhibits in the museum, and while trying to spot them all can become distracting, it's a thrill to make all the connections. While each story could easily stand as an episode on its own right, it's the smart way that Brooker ties them all together that makes this episode a true classic.
San Junipero (Season 3, Episode 4)
Image: Laurie Sparham/Netflix This episode is so different to the usual Black Mirror fare in that it's got a happy ending. The town of San Junipero is a simulated reality in which you can upload your consciousness to live in, and even if you die in real life, you can live there forever. It's an uplifting tale, complete with an '80s backdrop, in which technology manages to bring two people together who otherwise wouldn't have met. Come on, you knew Yorkie and Kelly's love story would be number one in this list.
By Array on Jan 18, 2018 04:58 pm
It's been a long wait, but the new Faction Rally event is now live in Destiny 2. This is particularly significant because it marks the first Faction Rally since Curse of Osiris's release in December, which kicked off Season 2 of the game. Because a new season is underway, there are a variety of new items, along with the existing gear, for players to now get their hands on. Following the release of a new update, this Faction Rally is open to all players. However, certain new gear additions--including armor ornaments and some shaders, ghosts, sparrows, and ships--do require Curse of Osiris. If you don't have the DLC expansion, you can still participate, but you won't be able to use the new gear, all of which you can see in the gallery above. The event runs from now until the weekly reset on January 23. Faction Rallies see players pledge their allegiance to one of three Factions: Dead Orbit, New Monarchy, or Future War Cult. By participating in the game's usual activities, you'll earn Faction Tokens, which can then be turned in for a rewards package (much like with the vendors you find in each of the game's locations). Those packages include exclusive, faction-specific armor, weapons, and shaders, but the armor ornaments are obtained differently. The ornament piece for each armor slot is obtained by fulfilling a specific objective, such as claiming five Faction rewards, securing a certain number of melee or grenade kills, participating in Lost Sectors or Public Events, and completing the Nightfall. Rewards packages also serve another purpose: the Faction that collects the most during the week is deemed the winner. Aside from bragging rights, winning the event offers one other perk: The winning Faction will sell its unique Powerful weapon during Victory Week, which takes place during the week after the Faction Rally ends. Members of the Faction will be able to purchase the gun for 1,000 Glimmer, while those who pledged to others will have to pony up 50,000 to get their hands on it. Unlike previous Faction Rallies, all three groups are offering the same class of weapon, an auto rifle, though each Faction has its own distinct one that will potentially be sold. One other thing to be aware of is that not all of Season 2's new Faction weapons are available. In fact, none of them can be obtained through Faction Engrams currently, as they'll instead be rolled out through Victory Week and subsequent Faction Rallies.
By Alessandro Fillari on Jan 18, 2018 04:36 pm
Which team are you rooting for?
With the upcoming season of Overwatch League kicking off on January 10, there's much anticipation brewing from esports enthusiasts and casual fans of Blizzard's popular hero shooter. Coming off of the successful pre-season, which ended this past December, the 12 teams from across the globe will vie to stake their claim for the top spot of Overwatch League, culminating in the eventual playoffs later this year. In this gallery, we'll run down the current teams and rosters set for this season of Overwatch League. From across the globe, many players will represent several teams from Pacific and Atlantic divisions, where they'll compete in several games with rival squads, and work their way up the ladder. For more info on the competition, check out our guide on everything you need to know about Overwatch League and how to watch Overwatch League. There are also new team skins to get your hands on.
Boston Uprising (Atlantic Division)
Owned by Robert and Jonathan Kraft of the New England Patriots, the Boston Uprising's name is inspired by the history of the city they represent, and the role it played during the American Revolution. Channeling a spirit of determination and resilience, the team functions on a balanced and dynamic skill-set that has strong defensive and support play.
The Players:
DreamKazper (Jonathan Sanchez) | Assault GamsuYoung (Jin Noh) | Defense Snow (Mikias Yohannes) | Healer NotE (Lucas Meissner) | Defense Neko (SeHyun Park) | Healer Avast (Connor Prince) | Healer STRIKER (Namju Gwon) | Assault Kalios (WooYul Shin) | Defense Mistakes (Stanislav Danilov) | Assault Kellex (Kristian Keller) | Healer
Dallas Fuel (Pacific Division)
Inspired by the state of Texas and its commitment as the energy sector of the country, and as strong as its competitive gaming community, the Dallas Fuel aims to bring that same drive to the Overwatch League. Owned by Team EnVyUs--the same group behind successful esports teams from League of Legends, StarCraft, and Counter-Strike--the operators of the Dallas Fuel are looking to make their mark within Overwatch League, just as they've done in other games. The Players: Chipshajen (Sebastian Widlund) | Healer HarryHook (Jonathan Tejedor Rua) | Healer Mickie (Pongphop Rattanasangchod) | Flexible xQc (Félix Lengyel) | Defense Seagull (Brandon Larned) | Flexible Taimou (Timo Kettunen) | Assault Custa (Scott Kennedy) | Healer cocco (Christian Jonsson) | Defense EFFECT (Hyeon Hwang) | Assault
Florida Mayhem (Atlantic Division)
Referencing their "explosive" playstyle, along with the Sunshine State's colorful and energetic vibe, the Florida Mayhem is a team made up of players who have found common ground disrupting the competition's plans. Owned by Misfit Gaming, the organization has already made an impact within Overwatch's competitive community, and they aim to go bigger within the Overwatch League. The Players: Manneten (Tim Bylund) | Flexible Logix (Andreas Berghmans) | Assault Zebbosai (Sebastian Olsson) | Healer CWoosH (Johan Klingestedt) | Flexible TviQ (Kevin Lindström) | Assault Zuppeh (Aleksi Kuntsi) | Healer
Houston Outlaws (Pacific Division)
As the second Texas-based team, the Houston Outlaws focus on taking the fight to their enemies, and doing it in their own ruthless style. With backing from OpTic Gaming, the same group that's made a name for itself in League of Legends and Counter-Strike competitions, this team brings a number skilled players that focus on quick and decisive acts to gain the upper hand against their opponents. The Players: Muma (Austin Wilmot) | Defense Bani (Christopher Benell) | Healer Clockwork (Matthew Dias) | Assault Mendokusaii (Lucas Håkansson) | Assault Boink (Daniel Pence) | Healer LiNkzr (Jiri Masalin) | Assault SPREE (Alexandre Vanhomwegen) | Assault Rawkus (Shane Flaherty) | Healer Jake (Jake Lyon) | Assault Coolmatt (Matt Iorio) | Defense
London Spitfire (Atlantic Division)
Named after the legendary British fighter planes flown during World War II's most intense battles, the London Spitfire channels that same intensity and resilience to overcome mounting pressure from their foes. Owned by Cloud9, this team is looking to make their mark within their division, while trailblazing their way to the top of the global league. The Players: Gesture (Jae-Hui Hong) | Defense birdring (Ji-Kyeok Kim) | Assault Fissure (Chan-Hyung Baek) | Defense Bdosin (Seung-Tae Choi) | Healer NUS (Jong-Seok Kim) | Healer Hooreg (Dong-Eun Lee) | Assault Rascal (Dong-Jun Kim) | Assault Fury (Jun-Ho Kim) | Fleixable HaGoPeun (Hyeon-Woo Jo) | Healer WooHyaL (Seung-Hyun Seong) | Flexible Profit (Jun-Young Park) | Assault Closer (Won-Sik Jung) | Healer
Los Angeles Gladiators (Pacific Division)
As one of two teams representing Los Angeles, the Gladiators are the polar opposite to its rival the Valiant. Owned by Stan and Josh Kroenke of the LA Rams, the Los Angeles Gladiators bring ferocity and a strong-sense of competition to their games, which they plan to bring all the way to the top of the global ladder within the Overwatch League. The Players: Asher (Jun-Sung Choi) | Assault Surefour (Lane Roberts) | Assault iRemiix (Luis Galarza Figueroa) | Defense Bischu (Aaron Kim) | Flexible Shaz (Jonas Samuel Suovaara) | Healer Hydration (Joao Pedro Veloso de Goes Telles) | Assault BigGoose (Benjamin Ville Aapeli Isohanni) | Healer
Los Angeles Valiant (Pacific Division)
Representing Los Angeles along with the Gladiators, the Valiant go about achieving their goals a bit differently compared to their city rival. Owned by the eSports team Immortals, the Valiant represents the ideals of Los Angeles being the city where imagination and hard work can make your dreams into reality. With much on the line this season, the Valiant are looking to realize their goals and overcome the competition. The Players: Silkthread (Ted Wang) | Assault Grimreality (Christopher Schaefer) | Assault Kariv (Young-Seo Park) | Healer Fate (Pan-Seung Koo) | Defense Verbo (Stefano Disalvo) | Healer Envy (Kang-Jae Lee) | Flexible Space (Indy Halpern) | Flexible Numlocked (Sebastian Barton) | Defense Unkoe (Benjamin Chevasson) | Healer Agilities (Brady Girardi) | Assault Soon (Terence Tarlier) | Assault
New York Excelsior (Atlantic Division)
Channeling the spirit of optimism, hope, and perseverance, the New York Excelsior brings the Big Apple's charm and attitude to their team's overall dynamic. Under ownership of Sterling VC, the team focuses on keeping their momentum going, even under mounting pressure. Excelsior is latin for "ever upward," and with the group seeking to reach the top spot of the global league, the team repping New York looks to keep their spirits high as they gun it for the lead. The Players: Saebyeolbe (Jong-Ryeol Park) | Assault Meko (Tae-Hong Kim) | Defense Pine (Do-Hyeon Kim) | Flexible Janus (Jun-Hwa Song) | Defense Jjonak (Seong-Hyun Bang) | Healer Mano (Dong-Gyu Kim) | Defense Libero (Hae-Seong Kim) | Assault Ark (Yeon-Jun Hong) | Healer
Philadelphia Fusion (Atlantic Division)
Owned by Comcast Spectacor, the Philadelphia Fusion have a lot to prove this upcoming season. Due to several issues, the team had to miss out on the pre-season. Without the chance to get a feel for the competition, the players will have to play catch-up with the rest of the league. Despite this, the Fusion features a number of promising players, who plan to bring the spirit of Philadelphia--with the city's innovative and diverse charm--into their team dynamic. The Players: Joemeister (Joseph Gramano) | Healer Boombox (Isaac Charles) | Healer Carpe (Jae-Hyeok Lee) | Assault Snillo (Simon Ekström) | Assault fragi (Joona Laine) | Defense Eqo (Josue Corona) | Assault ShaDowBurn (Georgii Gushcha) | Assault Neptuno (Alberto González Molinillo) | Healer DayFly (Jeong-Hwan Park) | Healer Hotba (Hong-Jun Choi) | Flexible Poko (Gael Gouzerch) | Flexible SADO (Su-Min Kim) | Defense
San Francisco Shock (Pacific Division)
Owned by NRG esports, the San Francisco Shock is the third team repping California along with the Los Angeles Gladiators and Valiant. Representing a balance between the old and new ways--balancing brute force with long-range action--the San Francisco Shock keeps the action up-close and personal, while making sure the frontline stays in top form. The Players: super (Matthew DeLisi) | Flexible BABYBAY (Andrej Francisty) | Assault sinatraa (Jay Won) | Assault sleepy (Nikola Andrews) | Healer Danteh (Dante Cruz) | Assault dhaK (Daniel Martinez Paz) | Healer Nomy (David Lizarraga Ramirez Osmar) | Defense iddqd (André Dahlström) | Assault Nevix (Andreas Karlsson) | Flexible
Seoul Dynasty (Pacific Division)
South Korea is no stranger to the esports phenomenon. With games like StarCraft and League of Legends already a pastime in the country, even landing several players sponsorships and spots on billboards, the country's passion for esports has had a major influence on the evolution of the medium as we know it. With Overwatch League, the team known as Seoul Dynasty--owned by KSV esports--is looking to dominate the competition and show that South Korea's passion for esports is still going strong. The Players: Bunny (Jun-Hyeok Chae) | Assault Miro (Jin-Hyuk Gong) | Defense XepheR (Jae-Mo Koo) | Flexible gido (Gi-Do Moon) | Flexible Wekeed (Seok-Woo Choi) | Assault Munchkin (Sang-Beom Byun) | Assault ZUNBA (Joon-Hyeok Kim) | Flexible KuKi (Dae-Kuk Kim) | Defense tobi (Jin-Mo Yang) | Healer ryujehong (Je-Hong Ryu) | Healer FLETA (Byung-Sun Kim) | Assault
Shanghai Dragons (Pacific Division)
With China becoming a bigger player in the competitive gaming scene, the Shanghai Dragons are looking to make their mark in the new Overwatch League. As one of the country's most popular games, Overwatch represents a major foothold for the Chinese competitive gaming scene. Under ownership of Chinese internet company NetEase, the Shanghai Dragons have a strong balance of support, defense, and offense skills, the team aims to make the top spot theirs. The Players: Freefeel (Peixuan Xu) | Healer Xushu (Junjie Liu) | Defense Fiveking (Zhaoyu Chen) | Healer Altering (Yage Cheng) | Healer Undead (Chao Fang) | Assault MG (Dongjian Wu) | Defense Roshan (Wenhao Jing) | Defense Diya (Weida Lu) | Assault
By Dan Auty on Jan 18, 2018 03:16 am
Star Trek: Discovery: All The Easter Eggs So Far
While Star Trek found a new lease of life on the big screen in 2009, it had been more than a decade since the last TV show in the long-running sci-fi franchise when Star Trek: Discovery premiered last September. The show's producers faced the difficult task of making a show that appealed to modern audiences and new fans, as well as satisfying die-hard, long-term Trek devotees. But while Discovery has taken the story and characters in some surprising directions, it's also very aware of its past. Every episode to date has contained at least one reference or call-back to something from the grand 52-year history of Star Trek. Sometimes these are sly jokes that only the most dedicated fan will spot, and sometimes they are crucial plot-points. So here's a look at all the Discovery Easter Eggs so far…
1. Klingon Houses (Episode 1)
A number of Klingon Houses from previous Star Trek shows are mentioned in Episode 1, including House D'Ghor (from the Deep Space Nine episode 'The House of Quark') and House Mo'Kai (Voyager's 'The Killing Game').
2. Vulcan Learning Center (Episode 1)
There are a number of flashbacks across the first two episodes to Burnham's time at the Vulcan Learning Center, which also featured in the 2009 movie Star Trek.
3. Bat'leth (Episode 1)
When Burnham encounters the Klingon warrior in deep space, he is holding a bladed weapon known as a Bat'leth, which Worf often wielded in The Next Generation.
4. Starfleet General Order 1 (Episode 2)
There is a reference to "Starfleet General Order 1", more commonly known as the Prime Directive, which prohibits interference with the internal development of alien civilizations.
5. Federation Ships (Episode 2)
A host of Federation ships arrive to help in the standoff with the Klingons. Many of them are named after elements of Star Trek canon, such as USS Nebula (from the video game Star Trek: Armada II), USS T'Plana-Hath (a Vulcan ship in Star Trek: First Contact), USS Yeager (ships in both Deep Space Nine and First Contact), and USS Clarke, which featured in the Star Trek novel The Wounded Sky.
6. Georgiou's office (Episode 2)
Captain Georgiou's office on the Shenzou contains a couple of Easter Eggs. There's a bottle of wine from Chateau Picard, which is presumably owned by the family of Next Generation's Jean-Luc Picard. And the titles of the books on the shelf are all taken from episodes of the original series, including "Mirror, Mirror," "The Deadly Years," "The City on the Edge of Forever," "The Omega Glory," and "Whom Gods Destroy."
7. Tellun (Episode 3)
Burnham and the other criminals are being transferred to the Tellun system, which appeared in original series episode 'Elaan of Troyius.'
8. Suus Mahna (Episode 3)
Burnham is forced to defend herself against the criminals using Suus Mahna, the Vulcan martial art also practised by T'Pol in Enterprise.
9. Tribble! (Episode 3)
There's a tribble sitting on Captain Lorca's desk. This furry creature appeared in the classic original series episode 'The Trouble with Tribbles.'
10. Zee-Magnees Prize (Episode 3)
Straal speculates that he and Stamets will win a Zee-Magnees Prize for their research into the mycelial network. This prize was also awarded to Dr. Daystrom for his development of Duotronics in the original series episode 'The Ultimate Computer.'
11. Lorca's secret chamber (Episode 3)
Lorca keeps a variety of alien species in his secret laboratory, including the skeleton of a Gorn, which featured in the original series, as well as a mirror universe episode of Enterprise. There's also the bodies of Cardassian voles, which once caused an infestation on an episode of Deep Space Nine.
12. Spore Visions (Episode 3)
When Lorca exposes Burnham to spores to demonstrate their power to move around the galaxy, she experiences a series of visions. Among the familiar locations are Romulus, the moons of Andoria, Starbase 11, Janus VI, and a Preserver Obilisk, all of which featured in the original series.
13. Corvan II (Episode 4)
Much of Episode 4's plot revolves around the planet Corvan II, which was first mentioned in the Next Generation episode 'New Ground.'
14. Zefram Cochrane (Episode 4)
To inspire Stamets to work harder on developing the spore drive, Lorca mentions three pioneers. Two are real (Wright Brothers and Elon Musk) , but one-- Zefram Cochrane--was the man who first encountered Vulcans in the movie Star Trek: First Contact.
15. Harry Mudd (Episode 5)
Episode 5's big Easter Egg is the return of a fan favourite--Harry Mudd. This intergalactic scoundrel and conman first appeared in the original series, played by Roger C. Carmel. In Discovery, Office star Rainn Wilson takes on the role.
16. Benzar (Episode 5)
Lorca lists the Discovery's accomplishments during a briefing, including breaking Klingon supply lines at Benzar. This planet was mentioned in both Deep Space Nine and Next Generation, the latter of which also featured a Benzite character called Mordock.
17. Rura Penthe (Episode 5)
While trying to locate the captured Lorca, the Discovery crew narrow his possible location to three planets. One of these is Rura Penthe, a penal colony on which Kirk and McCoy found themselves in Star Trek V: The Undiscovered Country.
18. Captains (Episode 5)
Saru requests a list of Starfleet's most decorated captains, all of whom have appeared or been referenced in previous shows. There's Robert April (The Animated Series), Jonathan Archer (Enterprise), Matthew Decker (the original series), Philippa Georgiou (Discovery), and Christopher Pike (the original series).
19. Daystrom Institute (Episode 5)
Tilly mentions the Daystrom Institute, a Starfleet science institute mentioned in an original series episode titled 'The Ultimate Computer.'
20. Zaldan (Episode 5)
Stamets compares the DNA of the Tardigrade to that of a Zaldan. These web-handed humanoid aliens appeared in the Next Generation episode 'Coming of Age.'
21. Enterprise! (Episode 6)
Star Trek's most famous ship is mentioned by Burnham as she tells Tilly about the steps to becoming an officer.
22. Grazer (Episode 6)
Tyler tells Lorca that his mother died while travelling to the moons of Grazer. Although Grazer has never been mentioned in a Star Trek movie or show, it does feature in the Deep Space Nine novel 'Articles of Confederation.'
23. Star Map (Episode 7)
The star map in Episode 7 is packed with interplanetary locations mentioned elsewhere in the franchise. There's Rura Penthe (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country and Voyager), Beta Thoridor, Mempa, H'atoria, the Hromi Cluster, Ramatis III, Starbase 24, Khitomer (The Next Generation), and Narendra III, Paulson Nebula, Starbase 343, and Xaratine (Enterprise).
24. "Adieu mon capitaine!" (Episode 7)
At one point Harry Mudd yells the line made famous by Picard's omnipotent nemesis Q in The Next Generation.
25. Stella Mudd (Episode 7)
Harry Mudd's wife Stella appears at the end of Episode 7. By the original series, Stella has left Mudd, leading him to construct an older android version to keep him company. But in Discovery, she's a much younger woman, who stills has affection for her troublesome husband.
26. "The needs of the many" (Episode 8)
In Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Spock delivers one of the most famous lines in the whole franchise: "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few." This quote forms the basis of a discussion between Tyler and Burnham about what their lives hold for them once the war is over.
27. Legion of Honor (Episode 9)
Lorca is offered the Legion of Honor by Starfleet for destroying the Klingon Sarcophagus ship and saving Pahvo. This was previously awarded to Dr. McCoy in the original series and Data in Next Generation.
28. The Mirror Universe (Episode 10)
The second half of Season 1 kicks off with a classic Star Trek concept--the mirror universe. This alternative reality first appeared in the original series, and subsequently featured in five episodes of Deep Space Nine and a two-part episode of Enterprise.
29.
"Isik for your thoughts?" (Episode 10)
Burnham asks Tyler how he is, using this Vulcan proverb. An Isik is part of Vlugtan currency, first mentioned in Deep Space Nine episode "Rivals."
30. USS Defiant (Episode 10)
This classic Star Trek ship featured in both Deep Space Nine and First Contact. In Discovery it is revealed that it has also passed through to the mirror universe and holds the key to the Discovery's return to prime.
31. Lorca the Scot (Episode 10)
In order to disguise his voice, Lorca adopts an amusing Scottish accent, very similar to that of a certain Mr Scott, chief engineer from the original series.
32. Agonizer Booth (Episode 10)
The Terran torture booth has previously appeared in two mirror universe episodes--the original series' 'Mirror, Mirror' and Enterprise's 'In a Mirror, Darkly.'
33. Vulcan Beard (Episode 11)
When Burnham and Tyler encounter the mirror universe Sarek, he is sporting a little goatee beard--much as mirror Spock did in the original series.
34. Andorians and Tellarites (Episode 11)
There are a couple of classic Star Trek aliens sitting with mirror universe Voq around the table of rebellion leaders. Both Andonal series and of Enterprise.rians and Tellarites have featured in the episodes of the origi
By Michael Higham on Jan 18, 2018 02:20 am
All The Retro Gaming Gear Coming In 2018
All The Retro Gaming Gear Coming In 2018
When looking ahead to the year in games, it's natural to tally up the upcoming releases you're most excited for. However, interest in retro gaming hardware continues to grow, as seen in the demand for the NES Classic and SNES Classic. And at CES 2018, we saw what the year has in store in terms of new options to play old games. Third-party gamepads and systems to play games of the past aren't entirely new, but modern tweaks and technical refinement bring us closer to the original experiences and in more accessible ways. Let's look into the past's future with a quick rundown of the throwback controllers and retro consoles on the way. We've covered plenty of hardware that taps into gaming nostalgia, and you can check out reviews of the Analogue Nt Mini, Retron 5 console, Retron HD, and the Sega Genesis Flashback system. If you need to catch up on the biggest stories from CES 2018, be sure to read about Nvidia's 65-inch monitor, Razer's phone-laptop hybrid project, or what AMD has in store for PC gaming's future.
Hyperkin Ultra GB
Hyperkin Ultra GB
Hyperkin is bringing back the Nintendo Game Boy in the form of the Ultra GB. It shares a similar form factor to the old Game Boy Pocket, but with a dense aluminum chassis. The Ultra GB plays the original Game Boy cartridges just like the old handheld did, and offers a few modern tweaks. The prototype at CES only featured blue screen tint, but an RGB wheel will be implemented to change the screen's single-colored tint. It also has a front-lit screen and stereo audio, and the final version will have a USB-C port for charging. Price and release date: TBD
Hyperkin SupaBoy SFC
Hyperkin SupaBoy SFC
The SupaBoy is essentially a portable SNES/Super Famicom combo since it plays original SNES and Super Famicom cartridges, and has an NTSC/PAL switch. It sports the Super Famicom color scheme, unlike the previously released SupaBoy S. This new version can also switch between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios on its 4.3-inch screen. It charges through micro-USB and lasts up to 10 hours when fully charged. Price and release date: $100, January 2018
Retro-bit Super Retro Trio Plus
Retro-bit Super Retro Trio Plus
Retro-bit is launching a new version of its retro console with the Super Retro Trio Plus. It plays original NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis cartridges all in one system, but the new addition to this model is its HDMI port and sharper 720p resolution, which makes it convenient to play old games on modern TVs. There are ports for all three controllers of the original consoles, but it also comes with two of Retro-bit's own controllers. Price and release date: $80, January 2018
Hyperkin Mega Retron HD
Hyperkin Mega Retron HD
Throwback consoles aren't exclusive to the Nintendo-styled systems; Hyperkin revealed its Mega Retron HD, which models itself after the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive consoles. It'll play Genesis/Mega Drive cartridges region-free (PAL and NTSC) in 720p through HDMI and can switch between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios. Hyperkin's GN6 Genesis-like controller also comes packaged. Price and release date: TBD
R-Type Returns
R-Type Returns
Super R-Type and R-Type III are coming back this May with a re-release in R-Type Returns. These two games are SNES/Super Famicom classics, and this multi-cart by Retro-bit will also have a collector's edition for $60; you'll get stickers, a pin set, and a collector's box. The standard edition will go for $40. Price and release date: $40 (standard) / $60 (collector's edition), May 2018
Holy Diver
Holy Diver
The original Famicom game Holy Diver never got an official release outside of Japan, but Retro-bit will launch a licensed version of it this May. The standard edition will be $35 and the collector's edition, which comes with a special box, pins, and stickers, will be $60. Price and release date: $35 (standard) / $60 (collector's edition), May 2018
Retro-bit GoRetro Portable
Retro-bit GoRetro Portable
The GoRetro Portable bears a striking resemblance to the Game Boy, but this handheld is a little more than a simple recreation. Even though the final roster is still being worked on, Retro-bit stated it'll come with over 300 preloaded games; only titles from Capcom and Data East were playable at CES. It charges through micro-USB and is said to last up to 10 hours on a full charge. Two color schemes will be available: light blue with grey accent and black with red accent. Price and release date: $35, September 2018
Hyperkin Duke - Original Xbox Controller
Hyperkin Duke - Original Xbox Controller
Hyperkin revealed that it's bringing back that old, bulky Xbox controller last year, but it was demoed at CES 2018. It's much lighter than the original controller but retains the same ergonomics. One important modern twist is the implementation of shoulder buttons that act as the old black and white buttons (which are also still functional on the controller). Hyperkin's Duke works through a micro-USB connection on Xbox One, Xbox 360, and PC. Price and release date: $70, March 2018
Wireless/Wired Sega Genesis Controllers
Wireless/Wired Sega Genesis Controllers
Retro-bit is partnering with Sega to bring back original Sega controllers, and the Genesis gamepad will have Bluetooth wireless connectivity to use with PC, Mac, and Android. A separate Bluetooth receiver makes it compatible with the Genesis, too. A wired USB version will also be available. Price and release date: TBD
Wireless/Wired Sega Saturn Controllers
Wireless/Wired Sega Saturn Controllers
Original Saturn controllers are making a comeback with Bluetooth wireless connectivity as well. The wired USB version comes in black, white, and grey color variants, while the wireless one only comes in black. These are compatible with PC, Mac, and Android, but there will also be a Bluetooth dongle to use the wireless version on the Sega Saturn. Price and release date: TBD
Wireless/Wired Sega Dreamcast Controllers
Wireless/Wired Sega Dreamcast Controllers
The Dreamcast hasn't been forgotten; the original Sega Dreamcast controller is coming back with wired and wireless versions. Like the Saturn and Genesis gamepads, the wireless Dreamcast gamepad uses Bluetooth for PC, Mac, and Android and a separate dongle lets you use it on the original console. Price and release date: TBD
By Matt Espineli on Jan 18, 2018 02:12 am
Let The BattleZ Begin
The upcoming 2D fighter Dragon Ball FighterZ sports dynamic, fast-paced action with visuals that looks to capture the over-the-top aesthetic of the iconic anime series. But as a fighting game, the big question is: "Who's going to be in it?" Series characters Beerus, Goku Black, and Hit were recently confirmed to be in the game, but there are a wealth of others too. To help keep you up to speed on the latest roster updates, we've compiled all the characters that have been confirmed so far. Dragon Ball FighterZ is developed by Arc System Works (Guilty Gear, Blazblue). The game played on a 2D plane, but its characters are rendered in full-3D. It follows a 3v3 format similar to later entries of the Marvel vs. Capcom series. The game is currently in development for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC and is slated to release on January 26. For more about the game, check out our footage of the game in action, as well as our montage of every character intro and win quote so far. You can also check out all of our Dragon Ball Fighterz videos. Be sure to check out the latest gameplay trailer featuring new character Android 21.
Android 16
Android 16 is the sixteenth iteration of Dr. Gero's powerful series of advanced artificial humans. Unlike his more hostile siblings, he demonstrates deep compassion towards all living things. Despite his gentle demeanor, Android 16 is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his siblings from danger.
Android 18
Android 18 is the eighteenth iteration of Dr. Gero's powerful series of advanced artificial humans. When she's first introduced, she follows Gero's orders to kill Goku. However, her rebellious attitude causes her to deviate from this plan, inevitably leading to her and her brother, Android 17, murdering Gero in cold blood. Regardless, Android 18 eventually joins the Z Fighters due to the kindness and compassion they exhibit towards her at the end of the Cell saga.
Android 21
Android 21, a new character designed by Akira Toriyama, is a central figure in Dragon Ball FighterZ's story mode. She's a scientist with an intellect similar to Dr. Gero. While she wears a white lab coat and has a human-like appearance in the game's cutscenes, her playable form sees her with long white hair and pink skin similiar to iconic villain Majin Buu.
Beerus
Beerus is the God of Destruction of Universe 7. As a God, he sleeps several years to several decades straight, and once he awakens, he destroys planets in his administrative zone.
Captain Ginyu
Captain Ginyu is the leader of the eponymous Ginyu Force, a squadron of elite mercenaries working for Frieza to conquer planets. He's a strict, yet compassionate leader who legitimately cares about the wellbeing of his teammates. As one of the few men who reveres Frieza, he is very loyal and follows any order he gives him.
Cell
Cell is one of the primary antagonists of the Androids arc, the third major saga in Dragon Ball Z. A mad scientist named Dr. Gero designed him to be the ultimate fighter by giving him numerous advantageous genetic traits and abilities.
Future Trunks
Future Trunks is Vegeta's and Bulma's son from an alternate timeline. While the couple eventually gave birth to him in the main timeline, this version of the character comes from an alternate era where the world was devastated by the Androids. Future Trunks first appeared in the aftermath of the Frieza Saga, having travelled back in time to warn the Z Fighters about the oncoming threat of the Androids, as well as to deliver medicine to Goku that would cure him of the heart disease he died from in the alternate timeline.
Frieza (Final Form)
Frieza is the emperor of the universe who's responsible for obliterating nearly the entire Saiyan race, which in turn caused the myriad conflicts present in Dragon Ball's earlier arcs. Frieza has a massive ego, believing that he is the most powerful life form in the universe.
Gohan
Gohan is the elder son of series protagonist Goku and his wife Chichi. While he shares his father's strength and courageous spirit, he tends to pull away from fighting and only resorts to it as a means of defending his family and friends.
Gohan (Adult)
Like his younger self, adult Gohan is a courageous warrior with a strong sense of justice. Years after he defeated Perfect Cell, he would protect the citizens of Satan City under the identity of Great Saiyaman and would go on to become an even more powerful warrior when his potential was unlocked by the Old Kai.
Goku
Goku is the main protagonist of the entire Dragon Ball series. He's a Saiyan that was originally sent to Earth as an infant with a mission to destroy it. However, he ended up losing his memory not long after landing, which caused him to grow pure-hearted. Goku constantly trains hard to become a powerful fighter, which often results in him saving the universe in the process.
Goku (Super Saiyan Blue)
Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan (SSGSS) form, also known as Super Saiyan Blue, is an incredibly powerful form introduced in Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F. Goku describes it as occurring when a "Saiyan with the power of a Super Saiyan God further transforms himself into a Super Saiyan."
Goku Black
Goku Black is secretly a Supreme Kai apprentice Zamasu, who used the Super Dragon Balls to steal the body of Goku. He uses the power that he inherited from Goku's body to rid the universe of all mortals.
Gotenks
Gotenks is the brash and headstrong fusion of Goten and Trunks. Despite his youth, he's an immensely powerful fighter, though his impulsiveness tends to cause him to blindly rush into a battle.
Hit
Hit aka "Hit the Infallible" is a legendary assassin from Universe 6. He's considered the strongest member of Team Universe 6, a group of the most formidable warriors in Universe 6 assembled to participate in the Tournament of Destroyers.
Innocent Buu
Innocent Buu is the first and the least evil of Majin Buu's forms. He's the result of Kid Buu (the original and pure form of Majin Buu) absorbing the Grand Supreme Kai.
Kid Buu
Kid Buu is the original and pure form of Majin Buu, reverting back to this state after Goku and Vegeta removed Innocent Buu and all of the other fighters he absorbed. Kid Buu's erratic nature and unpredictability makes him the monster's most dangerous form.
Krillin
Krillin is the best friend and ally of Goku. He is known as one of the most talented human martial artists on Earth. While he is often overpowered by many of the series' antagonists, he remains a courageous and loyal fighter that rarely backs down from a fierce battle.
Nappa
Nappa is an elite Saiyan warrior and comrade of Vegeta. He was once a general of the Saiyan Army, but after his race's demise, he began working for Frieza. This would eventually lead him on a mission to defeat Goku. Despite putting his all into assisting Vegeta to accomplish that task, he was inevitably killed by the young prince for his incompetence and failure.
Piccolo
Piccolo, otherwise known as Piccolo Jr., is a Namekian and also the final child and reincarnation of the Demon King Piccolo. He was once an enemy of Goku, but after forming a close bond with Gohan in Goku's absence during the Saiyan Saga, he changes his ways and becomes a permanent member of the Z-fighters.
Vegeta
Vegeta is the crown prince of the fallen Saiyan race. He first appeared as a villain, who worked alongside Frieza and his minions. However, he turned against the villainous emperor in favor of fighting alongside the Z fighters, all while striving to become the most powerful fighter in the universe.
Vegeta (Super Saiyan Blue)
Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan (SSGSS) form, also known as Super Saiyan Blue, is an incredibly powerful form introduced in Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F. Vegeta achieves Super Saiyan Blue form through ki control in Dragon Ball Super.
Tien
Tien is a disciplined and reclusive martial artist, and one of the strongest fighters on Earth next to Krillin and Yamcha. He's a descendent of an ancient race known as the Three-Eyed People. When he's not supporting his allies in their efforts to defeat powerful foes threatening Earth, he's usually spending time training with his lifelong best friend, Chiaotzu.
Yamcha
A former desert bandit, Yamcha was once an enemy of Goku, but quickly reformed and became his ally. He's a brave and talented martial artist who often assists the Z-fighters whenever trouble arrives; though, this begins to vary as the series goes on and more powerful foes are introduced.
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