By Array on May 05, 2018 12:21 am
Red Dead
After nearly eight months since Red Dead Redemption 2's previous trailer, a new one has finally been revealed by Rockstar Games. This time around there's greater focus on the game's narrative, giving us more insight into the inner turmoil of new protagonist Arthur Morgan, as well as information about the Van der Linde gang. As previously revealed, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a prequel to the original RDR. In a press release, Rockstar wrote that the game tells the "story of outlaw Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang as they rob, fight and steal their way across the vast and rugged heart of America in order to survive." The latest trailer makes it feel like the end of the road for outlaws, who seem to feel their time has come. The era of the Wild West was very much on its way out by the year 1899, which is the time period in which the game takes place. In addition, there were a multitude of narrative and mechanical elements teased about the game, along with the perhaps unsurprising confirmation that RDR protagonist John Marston--another member of the Van der Linde gang--will make an appearance. Here are 11 fascinating details that we caught from the latest Red Dead Redemption II trailer, including Marston and one aspect this game will apparently reveal about him. Red Dead Redemption 2 is set to release on October 26 for PS4 and Xbox One. However, as with the first game, Rockstar hasn't announced any plans for a PC version. Hopefully, as with Grand Theft Auto V, we'll eventually see the game also make its way to PC and Steam. As for the release date itself, it's been delayed in the past, but Rockstar parent company Take-Two has said it is "confident" that the game won't have another setback. Did you spot any interesting details from the trailer that you don't see here? Let us know in the comments below. For more about what we want from the game, you can see our feature on the 11 things we want to see from the game.
Prequel Confirmed
In past trailers and promotional artwork, there were strong indications that Red Dead Redemption II was going to be a prequel. With this latest trailer, it turns out that's true; the game takes place in 1899, 12 years before the events of the first game. The game's full synopsis is as follows: America, 1899. The end of the wild west era has begun as lawmen hunt down the last remaining outlaw gangs. Those who will not surrender or succumb are killed. After a robbery goes badly wrong in the western town of Blackwater, Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang are forced to flee. With federal agents and the best bounty hunters in the nation massing on their heels, the gang must rob, steal and fight their way across the rugged heartland of America in order to survive. As deepening internal divisions threaten to tear the gang apart, Arthur must make a choice between his own ideals and loyalty to the gang who raised him.
Probably Not Bonnie
It appears that a character from the last trailer that we suspected to be a young Bonnie MacFarlane may not actually be who we think she is. In fact, she appears to be a member of the Van der Linde gang or at least an ally of sorts. Her name is Sadie Adler and she seems to be a close confidante of protagonist Arthur Morgan.
Bill Williamson In All His Glory
Red Dead Redemption 2's second trailer showed a silhouette of a man we could only imagine was Bill Williamson, a member of the Van der Linde gang that you kill early on in the previous game. You can see Bill several times throughout the trailer wearing his trademark hat.
What Towns Look Like In-Game
There's a shot of a town where you can see normal inhabitants walking around and going about their business. Past trailers gave some indication of what town life would look like, but they mostly appeared cinematic and scripted. This glimpse in particular shows a more natural version of that, and likely what we can expect when we walk through a town in-game.
Potential Side Activities
Given this is an open-world game, there's going to be a fair number of side activities to participate in. One shot gave us a glimpse at what seems to be a carnival-esque show you can possibly attend, complete with a fire-breathing act. Another shot later on shows a fight club of sorts, which could hint at the inclusion of a more nuanced melee combat system.
A Shot From The Beginning
The game's official synopsis details that Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang are on the run after a robbery goes wrong. The shot above could potentially be from that same robbery early on in the game's story. The synopsis states the robbery takes place in the town of Blackwater, a location that fans will recognize from the first game. However, there appears to be a streetcar in the background, which wasn't around in Blackwater in Red Dead Redemption 1. While it's possible tech like this could've just been added in, it does stir up questions of the sorts of locations you'll visit in the sequel. If not Blackwater, what town could this be? At the very least, the shot shows one of the most industrialized looking towns we've seen in the series thus far. Another important detail to mention is that the robbery itself could be linked directly to the Blackwater Massacre, a bloody gunfight mentioned in the previous game. This is further supported by Red Dead Redemption 2's time period, which aligns with the date the massacre was said to take place.
"Brothers Make Mistakes"
It's clear that Arthur Morgan is a conflicted character. This is alluded to in the conversation he's having with a fellow gang member, who tells him that "brothers make mistakes." This could be a direct reference to whatever caused the bank robbery to go wrong early in the game. But more importantly, the line appears to be a potential root of the disillusionment that Dutch's gang starts to feel after witnessing his fall into madness. Arthur's struggle with his ideals and loyalty to the gang that raised him could be the major narrative element that drives a wedge between Dutch and his other gang members.
Government Men and a Possible Young Edgar Ross
As we can see from the shot above of who we can assume to be the primary antagonist of the game, the go-to look for the baddies you're fighting appear to be red vests and bowler hats. It should come as no surprise given how this fashion completely contrasts the rugged clothing of the game's protagonists. It's worth noting that the man to the left of the antagonist looks very much like a young Edgar Ross, the main antagonist of the first game.
A Familiar Face
Towards the end of the trailer, we see a tense standoff with what appears to be government agents. Arthur and the others watch from afar as they bring out a hostage--who turns out to be John Marston. Placed in a chokehold, we see the lead character of Red Dead Redemption in his younger days. Interestingly enough, we also see some fresh stitching on his face showing his familiar scars. So we may very well see how exactly he got them.
Dutch's Gang
For years we have often speculated upon the lineup of the Van der Linde gang and what members comprised its main roster. Many missions from the previous game gave us a general idea, but the new entry seems to give us a solid look at who was a part of the gang at its peak. So far, we know its key members include Dutch, Arthur Morgan, Bill Williamson, and John Marston. But from what we've seen in the trailer, there's a fair number more members that the game will likely touch upon.
A Younger, More Desperate Dutch
A line that stands out is when Dutch says: "Stay strong. Stay with me." It's clear that the game's plot is going to take the Van der Linde gang into some dire situations. But from this line comes a shot that indicates that the gang isn't just filled with outlaws, but other outsiders as well. If there's one thing that seems likely based on what we know about Dutch, it's that those who follow him are probably going to get killed. After all, Dutch seems to be at his most desperate during the events of this game, fighting to preserve his outlaw way of life while trying to achieve his dream of a "savage utopia." The events on display draw strong indications that this will be the game that shows how his desperation caused him to descend into madness, and how it disillusioned his closest members.
By Michael Rougeau on May 04, 2018 11:29 pm
The more you know.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi shook the series up in ways that fans have never seen before, and for some, it was a lot to deal with. But as we found out watching the special features on The Last Jedi's Blu-ray release, it's impossible to fully judge the movie until you find out exactly why director Rian Johnson made so many controversial choices. Did you know that Mark Hamill hated the direction Johnson took Luke Skywalker in for the movie, or that the design for Supreme Leader Snoke changed throughout production because Johnson felt he wasn't intimidating enough? What about the fact that--according to Mark Hamill--George Lucas wanted to recast C-3PO's voice actor during production of the original Star Wars? Or that it took over 20 takes to capture General Leia slapping Poe Dameron across the face? Click through the gallery for a lot more. The Last Jedi's special features are spread across a feature-length documentary--The Director and the Jedi--as well as a shorter one, Balance of the Force, several breakdowns of key scenes, and more. We dove in and pulled out these tasty factoids, but there's plenty more to discover when you watch for yourself. Star Wars: The Last Jedi is out digitally now, and on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and Blu-ray disc March 27.
1. Mark Hamill did not like the direction for Luke Skywalkerwan.
From: The Director and the Jedi Mark Hamill emphasizes over and over in the feature length documentary The Director and the Jedi that he disagreed with the direction of Luke Skywalker in The Last Jedi. "I told Rian this. It's no surprise. I said, 'I just fundamentally disagree with your concept of this character and how you use him.' Now having said that, I'll do everything within my power to realize your vision. Because, you know, it's not my character to decide. It belongs to other people. They just rent it out to me."
2. Hamill wrestled with the fact that Luke is no longer the hero.
From: The Director and the Jedi "You have your own view of how your character should be, and how he should be utilized. My character always represented hope and optimism, and now here I am very pessimistic and disillusioned and sort of demoralized," Hamill says. "It was heavy on him," says producer Ram Bergman. "He thought he's gonna be the Luke Skywalker of this trilogy. It's just the realization that in this trilogy, he's not Luke Skywalker. He's [Obi-Wan Kenobi]."
3. Hamill's struggle wasn't lost on director Rian Johnson.
From: The Director and the Jedi Johnson says in the documentary: "I don't think he ever got to the point where he thought 'OK, I understand why Luke has to go at the end of this.' But he was completely devoted to making what I had written the most powerful version it can possibly be on the screen. I'll always be dazzled by the fact that he had the generosity of spirit to do that, and always feel like I really, really owe him for that. You know, I don't take that lightly."
4. Johnson wanted to achieve as many scenes with practical effects as possible.
From: The Director and the Jedi Even scenes like the one in which Luke milks the sea cow--which is relatively unimportant in the scheme of the movie--were done with practical effects. "So to actually go to Ireland and place the sea cow on a rocky outcrop, the sea, the sound, the light, all of these aspects would just gel together to make the whole shot look incredible," says creature and droid effects supervisor Neal Scanlan.
5. Kylo Ren's distinctive scar was designed over several months.
From: The Director and the Jedi And it got wider and wider as they iterated on the design, according to hair and makeup designer Peter Swords King, who has an incredibly awesome name.
6. The actor and puppeteer behind Yoda is the same as in the originals.
From: The Director and the Jedi This may be common knowledge to some Star Wars fans, but others might be unaware that the voice actor and puppeteer behind Yoda in The Last Jedi is Frank Oz, who also controlled the iconic Jedi master in the original Star Wars trilogy.
7. The same goes for C-3PO.
From: The Director and the Jedi The same goes for C-3PO, who as always is played by Anthony Daniels. Daniels provides the voice and dons the suit for the protocol droid, as he has in all eight main Star Wars movies to date.
8. George Lucas originally wanted to re-cast C-3PO.
From: The Director and the Jedi From a story told by Mark Hamill in the documentary: "George got back and looked at all the footage and didn't like C-3PO's voice. And so he saw over 100 actors--voiceover guys--to come in and audition for the role of 3PO's voice. Mind you, it's all been filmed. And we're so used to Tony. 'Oh yes, how's that sir.' All of that, I mean, it was all part and parcel of the organic character. He's almost like the droid equivalent of Upstairs, Downstairs. He's much more comfortable in a drawing room serving champagne. That was the humor of 3PO!"
9. Snoke's design changed partway through production.
From: scene breakdowns Partway through production, Rian Johnson felt that Snoke didn't look threatening enough. So they re-designed the villain to make his shoulders and jaw wider and make him half a foot taller.
10. Snoke's motion capture was insanely detailed.
From: scene breakdowns The motion capture on Andy Serkis playing Snoke was so detailed that they were able to transfer small touches like Andy's flaring nostrils, slight twitches, and flying spittle onto the CG character.
11. Rian Johnson wanted The Last Jedi to redefine The Force.
From: Balance of the Force In a second, shorter documentary feature on the Blu-ray, Johnson explains that he wanted the movie to redefine what The Force is. "The Force is not a superpower," he says. "I wanted in this movie to do a little bit of a reset lesson, especially for kids who are coming to these movies for the first time."
12. Johnson had strong ideas for Luke's motivations in this movie.
From: Balance of the Force Johnson had clear ideas for why Luke has closed himself off to The Force and sequestered himself on this distant planet. "The Jedi have done nothing but add to the problems of the universe. And the most selfless act he can do is to do what he couldn't do in The Empire Strikes Back, and ignore the calls of help from his friends, and lock himself off," the director says. "And suddenly it turns into this kind of burden that he has to hold. He would love to jump back in and help everybody, but he's realized that if he brings the Jedi back into this, then the Sith are going to rise up again, and the whole thing is going to start again, and it's just going to be more misery."
13. Johnson has a good reason for Rey's parents being nobodies, too.
From: Balance of the Force "In the first trilogy, the hardest thing Luke could be told in that moment was that Vader was his father. It turns everything on its head for Luke, it takes away all the easy answers, and it makes him face the hardest thing, which is that 'I no longer have just a bad guy I can hate,'" Johnson says. "For Rey I think it's the exact opposite. If she were told that she is related to this person, or Luke is her this, or whatever, that would be the easiest thing she could hear. That's everything she wants. That would instantly define what her place is in this universe. So to me, the equivalent of 'I am your father' is 'Nope, you've got to stand on your own two feet. There are not going to be those easy answers here for you.'"
14. Johnson came up with the visual for Rey's vision before he knew what it meant.
From: Balance of the Force "The mirror cave is another thing that I didn't even know what it meant when I first had the visual idea," Johnson says. "And then as I developed the story I realized, oh, this is its place in all this, and what it means to Rey."
15. Sounds for Oscar Isaac's ship in the opening scene include a roll of tape.
From: scene breakdowns The sound design team clearly had a good time working on The Last Jedi. They got pretty creative; in the opening scene, for example, the sounds that went into creating Poe Dameron's ship include the slowed-down crinkle of a roll of tape being quickly unwound.
16. The bomber ships in that opening scene were inspired by World War II era B-17 bombers.
From: scene breakdowns Their vertical design is deliberate as well, meant to communicate visually the sheer impressive number of bombs each holds.
17. Leia slapping Poe was one of the first things they shot.
From: scene breakdowns It took around 24 takes, according to Oscar Isaac.
18. The idea for Holdo's sacrifice actually came from the original Star Wars.
From: scene breakdowns The idea for Holdo's sacrifice, when she cuts through Snoke's fleet at light speed, came from the original Star Wars, when Han Solo says "Without precise calculations, we'd bounce right through a star or fly too close to a supernova, and that'd end your trip real quick, wouldn't it?" Johnsons says he wanted to find out what that would look like.
19. Crait's white and red surface was one of the first visual ideas Rian Johnson had for the movie.
From: scene breakdowns The designers struggled to create the pulpy, red explosions that Johnson envisioned. They tried out a number of materials for the red undersurface, including red rubber, red ice, and red snow. They ultimately landed on shredded paper, wetted and dyed red.
20. The "gorilla walkers" make interesting sounds too.
From: scene breakdowns The sounds for the walkers during the battle of Crait are a combination of a metal press and a heavily distorted lion.
21. The ice cave section on Crait was inspired by the original Star Tours.
From: scene breakdowns Before Disneyland's Star Tours ride was revamped, there was a section where riders traveled through a comet and smashed through the ice at the other end. The ice cave chase on Crait was directly inspired by this section of the ride, Johnson says.
22. The crystal foxes could have been played by real dogs.
From: scene breakdowns They tested both live animals and animatronics for the crystal foxes on Crait, but ultimately went with full CG creatures to make them as elegant and beautiful as possible.
23. There were doubts about the casino sequence's place in the movie.
From: scene breakdowns Says costume designer Michael Kaplan, "A casino in Star Wars, you know, with fancy dressed people? It just seemed, ehh, and I expressed my fears to Rian, and asked for more input, and he didn't really make it easier. He said he wanted them to look very elegant."
24. Johnson sees Benicio del Toro's character more as a Han Solo figure than a villain.
From: The Director and the Jedi "Not a villain. Don't believe the internet," Johnson says. "I think he was there to meet a guy about a thing. You know? He was there on other business basically, and he was going to get in and get out, and then he got tossed in [jail]. I mean, really subconsciously, what we want to evoke in the audience is Han Solo. We don't want to play it too close to that, but the whole thing of a scoundrel, and the audience expects him to have a heart of gold."
25. The scenes between Luke and Rey were some of the first they shot.
From: The Director and the Jedi They were shot so early that other characters, like Rose Tico, hadn't even been cast yet. They were only given access to Skellig Michael, the small island off the coast of Ireland, for two days, in part because it's a bird sanctuary. "It felt so good to get out here and actually roll some film...it's going to be hard to go back to looking at charts and having board meetings," Johnson says.
26. BB-8 was difficult to operate on terrain that wasn't flat, such as ramps.
From: The Director and the Jedi Goodness he's cute.
27. Johnson sees Rey and Kylo as two halves of a single protagonist.
From: The Director and the Jedi "Kylo, that was the character that I was most excited about getting into and writing, because in the first Star Wars films, Vader was a great villain, but he was never someone that you identified with," Johnson says. "Whereas with Kylo, it's almost like Rey and Kylo are two halves of the protagonist. And if this is all about the transition from adolescence into adulthood, Kylo is that anger of adolescence."
28. There are subtle hints during Luke and Kylo's fight that Luke isn't really there.
From: scene breakdowns For example, the falling salt flakes don't interact with Luke or his lightsaber, and Luke's feet leave no marks in the salt on the surface of the ground.
29. Mark Hamill's reaction when he learned the movie's title is adorable.
From: The Director and the Jedi Cameras captured the moment Rian Johnson told Mark Hamill the title of the movie for the first time. "You can't tell Marilou [Hamill] or anybody, it's just me and you, because there's really only a couple of people who know," Johnson says, before telling him the movie will be called "The Last Jedi." "Oo. Wow. That means me!" Hamill responds. "Simple, direct, powerful. I love it. Wow, I'm glad I didn't know, I mean, because it's an added burden when I think of it."
By Chris E. Hayner on May 04, 2018 11:29 pm
The 25 Best Star Wars Droids From Movies, TV, Books And Video Games
Droids stand out as some of the most interesting and fun characters in Star Wars. After sorting through all the movies, TV shows, video games and books, we've ranked our favorite droids in the franchise.
25. Aly San San
First appearance: Star Tours This spokesdroid appears only in the Star Tours ride at Disney attractions, but it lives in the hearts of many a sentimental park-goer. She not only pops up in advertisements within the ride's queue, but also gives public safety announcements to riders. Image: Lucasfilm
24. RA-7 (Death Star Droid)
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope When introduced, the RA-7 units are seen on the Death Star and the Jawa Sandcrawler. With their insect-like heads, they stand out almost immediately. That's both a good and bad thing; sometimes it's hard to look away from those creepy bug eyes. Image: Lucasfilm
23. Viper Probe Droid
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back This droid's crash into the surface of Hoth kicks off what becomes an action-packed movie. Plus, its arrival--and subsequent self-destruction--is an omen for the Empire's arrival. Image: Lucasfilm
22. Interrogation Droid
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope While the interrogation droid doesn't get a ton of screentime in A New Hope, its presence still haunts our nightmares. After all, this is a droid whose entire purpose is getting information out of a helpless captive, even through torture. Image: Lucasfilm
21. 2-1B
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back It's not a major part of the Star Wars franchise, but this surgical droid plays a key role in Episode V. If not for 2-1B Luke Skywalker would still have only one hand. Image: Lucasfilm
20. AP-5
First appearance: Star Wars Rebels AP-5 is a very special RA-7 unit. Not satisfied with his life as an inventory droid, AP-5 befriends Chopper and joins the rebellion. This particular droid gets to show a lot of personality--even if it is a grumpy one. Image: Lucasfilm
19. TT-8L (Gatekeeper Droid)
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi The infamous eyeball-on-a-stick droid is one of the most bizarre in the Star Wars universe. When C-3PO and R2-D2 meet the security guard in Return of the Jedi, it's hard not to laugh. Image: Lucasfilm
18. R0-GR (Roger)
First appearance: LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures Like his fellow Battle Droids, he once served in an army, but Roger is not programmed to be Rowan Freemaker's best friend. There are many droid sidekicks throughout Star Wars, but Roger might be the only one considered a member of his master's family. Image: Lucasfilm
17. MSE-6 (Mouse Droid)
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope It may not be weaponized, but it's hard to forget the mouse droid. The tiny, wheeled robot can often be seen scurrying along in the background, headed to fix anything in need of repair. Without them, most of the galaxy would probably fall to pieces. Image: Lucasfilm
16. Pistoeka sabotage droid
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith Their ability to attach to a ship in-flight and disassemble it makes them a powerful weapon. Our inability to pronounce their name, though, puts them at a disadvantage. Image: Lucasfilm
15. WAC-47
First appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars WAC-47, a pit droid piloting a ship, has a bit of an attitude, but it for good reason. It hates seeing other droids treated like property. #resist Image: Lucasfilm
14. EV-9D9
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi While 9D9 appears in only one movie, it certainly is a memorable moment. The supervisor droid is quick to put C-3PO and R2-D2 to work within Jabba the Hutt's palace, paying no attention to their antics. Image: Lucasfilm
13. AZI-3
First appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars This medical droid befriends ARC trooper Fives and ends up assisting in uncovering the Order 66 conspiracy. Image: Lucasfilm
12. Professor Huyang
First appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars At over 1,000 generations old, Huyang is a little-known iconic piece of Star Wars history. The Garrick Ollivander of the Star Wars universe, this droid teaches Jedi younglings how to assemble lightsabers. One of those younglings: Yoda, who went on to become a Jedi Grand Master. Image: Lucasfilm
11. Battle Droids
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace These droids might be the most memorable thing about the first Star Wars prequel, thanks to their attack on Naboo. Equal parts silly and brazen, these droids are the perfect easily disposable foils in the movie. Image: Lucasfilm
10. RX-24 (Captain Rex)
First appearance: Star Tours This pilot droid may have originated as part of the Star Tours ride, but thanks to Star Wars Rebels, it is now a canonical character. Actor Paul Reubens voices both versions of the droid. Image: Lucasfilm
9. R2-KT
First appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars The story behind R2-KT is what makes this pink droid do special. It first debuted in the real world, built for a young Star Wars fan suffering from brain cancer. After the droid made a cameo appearance in the Clone Wars movie, it went on to also appear in The Force Awakens. Image: Lucasfilm
8. Droideka
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace The battle droids are easily disposable in The Phantom Menace, but these destroyers are a different story. These vicious droids were heavily armed and come with forcefields that make them equal parts very cool and very deadly. Image: Lucasfilm
7. T3-M4
First appearance: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic It's hard to imagine KOTOR without this droid, which essentially functions as your closest ally. Clearly derived from R2-D2, T3-M4 has a quirky personality and is useful throughout the game. Image: Lucasfilm
6. HK-47
First appearance: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic This assassin droid is more blunt than T3-M4 but makes for a much better ally in Knights of the Old Republic. It calls humans "meatbags" and is ready to kill anything that crosses it, but HK-47 is a fun and funny companion to have, regardless of what side of the Force you're on. Image: Lucasfilm
5. C1-10P (Chopper)
First appearance: Star Wars Rebels chapter books What R2-D2 is to the original Star Wars saga, Chopper is to Rebels. While it may come across as a grump at first, Chopper is loyal to the end when it comes to protecting the crew of the starship Ghost. Image: Lucasfilm
4. K-2SO
First appearance: Star Wars: Rogue One Perhaps the funniest droid in all of Star Wars, K-2SO may also be the heart of Rogue One. The companion of Cassian Andor, K-2 is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the galaxy. Image: Lucasfilm
3. BB-8
First appearance: Star Wars: The Force Awakens What to say about this ball-like breakout hit of The Force Awakens? With a personality that's equal parts childlike and sarcastic, BB-8 has quickly become one of the most personality-packed droids in all of Star Wars. Image: Lucasfilm
2. C-3PO
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope One half of the droid team that started it all, C-3PO is essentially R2-D2's straight man. Having appeared in every saga movie thus far, 3PO provides a major throughline for the Star Wars universe; his importance can't be overstated. Image: Lucasfilm
1. R2-D2
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope Who else would rank as the best droid in Star Wars? R2-D2 captures everything that is fun about this franchise. Its happy-go-lucky, brave, selfless attitude as it goes on wide-ranging adventures are exactly what you'd hope for in Luke Skywalker's companion. Image: Lucasfilm
By Array on May 04, 2018 10:35 pm
Every Battle Pass Reward In Season 4 Of Fortnite
With the release of the big 4.0 update, Epic Games kicked off Season 4 of Fortnite: Battle Royale. That came with a new Battle Pass for players to purchase on PS4, Xbox One, PC, and mobile, meaning there are new rewards to obtain--including skins, emotes, dances, sprays, and more. Here's everything you need to know about all of this, including how to get that much-coveted Omega skin at level 100. Rewards are for the most part only available to those who buy the the Battle Pass. It's priced at 950 V-Bucks, which is just under $10 / £8. As you play and level up, you'll earn more rewards, but you can speed up the whole process by completing the Season 4 challenges. Although the majority of those come in the form of "weekly" challenges, you have the entire season to complete them. Season 4 runs through July 9. Among the items you'll find in the premium tier of the Battle Pass are new skins, gliders, emotes, and loading screens. Also new are sprays, a type of cosmetic introduced in this patch that allow you to essentially spraypaint an image onto an object in the world. In the images above, you can see all of the major new items included in the Season 4 Battle Pass. Bear in mind, these are all cosmetic; nothing will actually impact gameplay directly. Another wrinkle is the limited number of skins that can be customized with different "styles." This is true of both the aforementioned Omega skin, as well as the Carbide skin you get immediately by purchasing the Battle Pass. With Carbide, you'll earn different styles by completing Carbide challenges, which simply involves hitting certain level milestones. Each specific challenge grants you a particular style, while there's also a Carbide pickaxe you can earn by completing three of these challenges. In terms of playable content, Fortnite has received numerous additions in recent months. Epic has consistently added new content to the game, including new weapons, items, map areas, limited-time modes, and more. Additionally, the infamous comet has finally hit, changing areas of the map and introducing gravity-defying Hop Rocks. The comet's impact has specifically created Dusty Divot, but there's also the new Risky Reels area shown in the Season 4 trailer. More intriguing are the hidden underground bases that players have already begun to discover. One of these houses a large missile silo and generally looks to be a sort of supervillain lair. It's unclear how this factors into the ongoing "story" of sorts that Battle Royale is home to, but Epic clearly has plans to continue evolving the game outside of new weapons and things of that nature.
By Chris E. Hayner on May 04, 2018 10:10 pm
Take a look back at the movie that started it all with these photos from behind the scenes of production of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. Image: 20th Century Fox
Here, Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Carrie Fisher (Leia Organa), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), and Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) are enjoying a break on the Millennium Falcon. Image: 20th Century Fox
Director George Lucas and Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) on the Tatooine set, which was actually in Tunisia. Image: 20th Century Fox
Unfortunately, the Millennium Falcon doesn't actually fly. Image: 20th Century Fox
A love only siblings could share. Hamill and Fisher are seen here bonding in between takes. Image: 20th Century Fox
Alec Guinness (Obi-Wan Kenobi) takes the time to relax with a smile while filming with Hamill, Daniels, and Kenny Baker (R2-D2). Image: 20th Century Fox
In this photo, stuntman Peter Diamond removes his Tusken Raider mask during a break in filming. Image: 20th Century Fox
Here, Baker is set up in his R2-D2 suit between takes. Image: 20th Century Fox
This candid look at one of the most iconic meetings in A New Hope is a sight to behold. Image: 20th Century Fox
Even in their downtime, Hamill, Fisher, and Ford clearly enjoy hanging out. Image: 20th Century Fox
In this show, Daniels gets to ditch his C-3PO helmet, while Hamill tinkers with his costume's wiring. Image: 20th Century Fox
Who better to teach Hamill and Ford to be Stormtroopers than the guy who invented them? Image: 20th Century Fox
This photo may show how Luke's Landspeeder "flies," but it doesn't ruin the magic. Image: 20th Century Fox
In this look behind the scenes, Mayhew gets his Chewbacca prosthetics applied. Image: 20th Century Fox
Here, Lucas helps Hamill and Fisher figure out their movements -- and how to wield a blaster -- for a scene. Image: 20th Century Fox
A sea of Stormtrooper helmets. Image: 20th Century Fox
They may not have actually been on Tatooine, but this photo shows just how scenic their filming locations are. Image: 20th Century Fox
Here, Ford, Daniels and Mayhew spend a little time with Fisher before she shoots a scene. Image: 20th Century Fox
Hamill and Fisher rehearse their lines with Lucas. Image: 20th Century Fox
Ford takes a moment to ham it up during what looks like a pretty serious moment. Image: 20th Century Fox
Yes, even Luke Skywalker and Han Solo hold hands. Image: 20th Century Fox
Lucas and Fisher work out Princess Leia's next moves in this behind-the-scenes shot. Image: 20th Century Fox
While the Sandcrawler looked gargantuan on-screen, who knew it was actually this tiny? Image: 20th Century Fox
Still, production had to build a big version for closeups. Image: 20th Century Fox
Here, Mayhew, Ford and Hamill have a little fun before bringing the fight to the Empire. Image: 20th Century Fox
In this photo, Prowse and Guinness rehearse the epic lightsaber battle between Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Image: 20th Century Fox
By Mat Elfring on May 04, 2018 10:09 pm
While there's a lot to love about the Star Wars Universe, there's one thing that comes to mind when you think about the Empire: Stormtroopers. The one constant thing throughout these movies is this memorable military force, and they've evolved quite a bit throughout the series, from the Galactic Republic's Clone Troopers to the Empire's Stormtroopers to the First Order's Stormtoopers. We're going through the history of Star Wars and taking a look at all the troopers from the nine films and two television series.
Clone Trooper: Phase 1
Appearances: Attack of the Clones, Clone Wars
Advanced Recon Commando (ARC Troopers)
Appearances: Clone Wars
Clone Trooper Pilot
Appearances: Attack of the Clones, Clone Wars, Revenge of the Sith
Flame Trooper
Appearances: Clone Wars
Biker Advanced Recon Commando
Appearances: Clone Wars
Clone Cold Assault Trooper
Appearances: Clone Wars
Clone Republic Commandos
Appearances: Clone Wars
Clone Gunner
Appearances: Clone Wars
Clone Ordnance Specialist
Appearances: Clone Wars
Clone SCUBA Trooper
Appearances: Clone Wars
Riot Clone Trooper
Appearances: Clone Wars
Special Operations Trooper
Appearances: Clone Wars
Clone Trooper: Phase 2
Appearances: Clone Wars, Revenge of the Sith
Advanced Recon Force Trooper (Scout Trooper)
Appearances: Clone Wars, Revenge of the Sith
Shock Trooper
Appearances: Clone Wars, Revenge of the Sith
Galactic Marine
Appearance: Revenge of the Sith
Clone Paratrooper
Appearances: Revenge of the Sith
Stormtrooper
Appearances: Rogue One, A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Rebels
Death Squad
Appearances: Rogue One
Hover Tank Trooper
Appearances: Rogue One
Shoretrooper
Appearances: Rogue One
Spacetrooper
Appearances: A New Hope
Sandtrooper
Appearances: A New Hope
Tie Fighter Pilot
Appearances: A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi
Imperial Combat Driver
Appearances: Rebels, Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi
AT-AT Pilot
Appearances: Rebels, Empire Strikes Back
Snowtrooper
Appearances: Empire Strikes Back
Scout Trooper
Appearances: Rebels, Return of the Jedi
First Order Stormtrooper
Appearances: The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi
First Order Riot Control Stormtrooper
Appearances: The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi
First Order Tie Fighter Pilot
Appearances: The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi
First Order Snowtrooper
Appearances: The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi
First Order Flametrooper
Appearances: The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi
First Order Megablaster Heavy Assault Trooper
Appearances: The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi
First Order Executioner Stormtrooper
Appearances: The Last Jedi
Honorable Mention: Captain Phasma
Appearances: The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi
Honorable Mention: Emperor's Royal Guard
Appearances: Clone Wars, Revenge of the Sith, Rebels, Rogue One, Return of the Jedi
Honorable Mention: Elite Praetorian Guard
Appearances: The Last Jedi
By Matt Espineli on May 04, 2018 09:30 pm
Star Wars day has finally arrived. And if you're a fan of the tenured film franchise, it's likely you've got a hankering to play some Star Wars games right now. However, you might be asking yourself: "what games are available on my Xbox One?" There's actually a fair amount aside from the most recently released EA-developed Battlefront games. Classic games like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Star Wars Republic Commando are all available on the console thanks to the magic of backwards compatibility. While not every Star Wars game in this feature has held up to the test of time, it's difficult to deny the sense of nostalgia we still feel for them. After all, we all had to start somewhere, and if that starting point was the middling Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter, then so be it. Nostalgia is a force that helps heal some of the worst shortcomings. As an added bonus, many of the Star Wars games highlighted in this feature are on sale right now on the Xbox digital store to celebrate Star Wars day. The deals last until May 8, so be sure to jump in while you have the chance. Which Star Wars games on Xbox do you love the most? Let us know in the comments below. In other news, check out the most recent TV spot trailer for the upcoming Han Solo Star Wars spin-off.
Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens
"Playing a lot of Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens won't be a chore, though, especially if you do have a younger partner to take with you on your galactic journey. These Lego games are confectionaries now, little candies that don't have a huge amount of substance but are enjoyable nonetheless. Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens doesn't really take you to a new galaxy far, far away, but it's still a pleasant journey." [read the review] -- Randolph Ramsay, Editor-in-chief Xbox One Store Page Link
Star Wars Battlefront
"If nothing else, Star Wars Battlefront is an exercise in pure spectacle, laid out in all of its neon glory. I can't help but smile when the Boba Fett guns down three fighters in a row from his Slave I ship, or a snowspeeder careens past with flames trailing in its wake. The first 10 hours are packed with these moments, and it's worth playing just to watch them unfold. But Battlefront doesn't go much deeper than its ambitious surface appeal. It front loads its best content, only to fade in quality as the hours roll by. Star Wars Battlefront's skin is beautiful, but its legs are shaking, and threaten to buckle with time." [read the review] -- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer Xbox One Store Page Link
Star Wars Battlefront II
"While its main narrative feels unresolved, and the general loop of the multiplayer carries a number of issues, Battlefront II still manages to evoke that same sense of joy and excitement found in the core of what the series is all about. But as it stands, the biggest hurdle that Battlefront II will need to overcome--for its simultaneous attempts to balance progression with genuine feeling of accomplishments--is deciding on what type of game it wants to be." [read the review] -- Alessandro Fillari, Editor Xbox One Store Page Link
Angry Birds Star Wars
"There's nothing quite like flinging your Luke Skywalker bird by the head of an AT-AT walker, cleanly cutting that head off with a light saber, and then watching the head roll down a hill to reign utter chaos among your porcine foes." [read the review] -- Chris Barylick Xbox One Store Page Link
Star Wars Battlefront (2004)
"Overall, Star Wars: Battlefront delivers a satisfying team-based shooter experience that many hardcore Star Wars fans will probably enjoy greatly. Ironically, though the PC version of the game is technically the best, it also faces the stiffest direct competition, because to many PC shooter fans the game may come off as old hat. After all, aside from the Star Wars universe, Battlefront doesn't deliver anything PC players haven't seen before, even though it's a solid game in its own right. The console versions of the game--especially the Xbox version--might seem more fresh and appealing to their respective audiences, who don't have as many choices in online team-based shooters." [read the review] -- Bob Colayco Xbox One Store Page Link
Star Wars Battlefront II (2005)
"If Battlefront II seems like it's treading over familiar ground, that's because it is. If you already played the first game, you won't be surprised to see the same maps in this one. You'll keep fighting on the icy wastes of Hoth, the steamy swamps of Dagobah, and among the buildings in the dusty town of Mos Eisley. Some incremental feature improvements, like the new single-player campaign modes, playable Jedi, and space battles have also been tossed in for good measure. While there haven't been any radical changes made since the first game, Battlefront II remains a worthwhile choice for Star Wars fans looking for a good team-based shooter." [read the review] -- Bob Colayco Xbox One Store Page Link
Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy
"Between the multiplayer and different character paths, you'll find plenty of replay value in Jedi Academy. Those who wished Jedi Knight II had picked up the pace earlier on in the game should particularly enjoy it. Jedi Academy is a nonstop action ride that starts out on a high point and manages to remain there for the entire game. Gameplay elements that can be tedious, such as jumping puzzles, are limited, while the use of Force powers is accentuated. The game may not look great, but it will play well on older systems, so it can be enjoyed even by players who are waiting to upgrade their computers for some of the graphically intensive games scheduled for a holiday release. It even caters to those who aren't familiar with the Star Wars universe and just want pure action. In general, Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy is highly recommendable." [read the review] -- Craig Beers Xbox One Store Page Link
Star Wars Republic Commando
"If you're a fan of Star Wars or action games, Republic Commando is easy to recommend. The single-player aspect combines the elements of this generation's best action games with an added flavor that's all its own. The campaign offers nonstop action from start to finish, making the game easily one of the most enjoyable and memorable Star Wars experiences in recent memory. Our only caveats are that the campaign won't last you long, and the multiplayer is merely competent, which doesn't make the game stand out in a crowded market of first-person shooters. Even with that in mind, the quality single-player experience of Republic Commando should not be missed by anyone who fancies him- or herself an action game aficionado." -- Bob Colayco [read the review] Xbox One Store Page Link
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
"It's apparent from playing Knights of the Old Republic that a remarkable amount of effort, work, and talent went into this game. It's one of the only Star Wars games to truly make you feel at times as though you're a key player in and a part of this unique and beloved sci-fi setting. You'll get to do all the sorts of stuff that you've seen and enjoyed in the Star Wars movies, and you'll get to emulate any of your favorite characters' personalities and actions over the course of the game. You'll also experience a much more morally complex version of Star Wars than what you get from the movies. Along the way, you'll find a few aspects of the game that you'll wish were better, but that's mostly because the vast majority of Knights of the Old Republic is so exceptionally good. You don't need to be a fan of Star Wars or of RPGs to appreciate all the impressive qualities of this game--but if you are, all the better." [read the review] -- Greg Kasavin Xbox One Store Page Link
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords
"If Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic left you wanting more of its near-perfect blend of exploration, combat, and role-playing, then The Sith Lords is going to give you your fill. It's the first product from Obsidian Entertainment, a studio composed of veteran RPG designers who took the development reins on this sequel from BioWare, and evidently stayed true to the original style and vision in the process--that is, you wouldn't be able to guess just from playing The Sith Lords that this was the work of a different developer. Ironically, though, since Knights of the Old Republic was such a big game, with so much replay value, it didn't necessarily scream for such a similar sequel. As a result, you might have a much tougher time settling into The Sith Lords, since chances are you'll feel like you've played this game before, only you'll swear it looked better the first time. But, on the other hand, so what? It's just as important to note that no other game since Knights of the Old Republic has managed to deliver this excellent style of role-playing. If you're a Knights of the Old Republic fan, then you should find a certain satisfaction in knowing almost exactly what you're in for going into The Sith Lords." [read the review] -- Greg Kasavin Xbox One Store Page Link
Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter
"In the end, Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter is a solid game that fans of the first entry in the series should check out without giving it a second thought. While it's not the prettiest game out there, or the best-looking Star Wars game for that matter, it does offer strong control and entertaining gameplay, as well as the sound and music we've come to expect from a Star Wars game. These merits combined with the multitude of ships and missions that can be unlocked through extensive play further add to the value of the game. While plenty good can be said about Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter, the often-bland visuals, sketchy frame rate, and somewhat frustrating targeting control ultimately hold Jedi Starfighter back from being a great game." [read the review] -- Trevor Rivers Xbox One Store Page Link
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
"Once you've completed the game and are the all-powerful Dark Jedi you've always wanted to be, it's remarkably fulfilling to return to Force Unleashed's earlier, better levels to try out the powers and combos you didn't possess on your first play-through of them. Or perhaps you want to experience the second of the game's two endings (a reasonable goal, since one of them is bound to get fans talking) while wearing one of the unlockable costumes. But most players will find that aside from a return to the better areas, once is enough. When the game caters to its strengths, it soars; when it deviates, it flounders. Regardless, it's still a more than worthy entry in a long line of licensed Star Wars games, and a good action game in its own right." [read the review] -- Kevin VanOrd Xbox One Store Page Link
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II
"Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II has many of the same qualities of its predecessor, but it doesn't really improve on them, and in many ways, it's not as good. That's unfortunate because the core combat is fun. It's a thrill to fling your foes into dangerous Force fields and to zap jumptroopers with lightning and watch them uncontrollably zip around. And while the story isn't as affecting as the original's, great voice acting and cinematics help it make an impression nonetheless. Yet with less enjoyable boss battles, less environmental variety, and more enemy repetition, this sequel is a missed opportunity. Perhaps you can't get enough Force Unleashed; in that case, you could always return to the game wearing one of the unlockable costumes or try out some of the unlockable challenge rooms, which are timed combat scenarios of disparate quality. But Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II is too predictable to inspire extended play time. Rather, it may inspire you to return to the superior original." [read the review] -- Kevin VanOrd Xbox One Store Page Link
Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga
"Many of the changes and additions in The Complete Saga are the types that only those who've played through Lego Star Wars I or II would notice, and that's the rub. For those who've already played one of the Lego Star Wars games, a full half of what The Complete Saga has to offer will be recycled. The online co-op play in the 360 and PS3 versions helps, since playing the game with another person can change the dynamic and pacing of the game quite a bit, but otherwise it would be much more cost-effective to just pick up a used copy of the one you haven't played." [read the review] -- Ryan Davis Xbox One Store Page Link
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II
"Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II has many of the same qualities of its predecessor, but it doesn't really improve on them, and in many ways, it's not as good. That's unfortunate because the core combat is fun. It's a thrill to fling your foes into dangerous Force fields and to zap jumptroopers with lightning and watch them uncontrollably zip around. And while the story isn't as affecting as the original's, great voice acting and cinematics help it make an impression nonetheless. Yet with less enjoyable boss battles, less environmental variety, and more enemy repetition, this sequel is a missed opportunity. Perhaps you can't get enough Force Unleashed; in that case, you could always return to the game wearing one of the unlockable costumes or try out some of the unlockable challenge rooms, which are timed combat scenarios of disparate quality. But Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II is too predictable to inspire extended play time. Rather, it may inspire you to return to the superior original." [read the review] -- Kevin VanOrd Xbox One Store Page Link
By Mat Elfring on May 04, 2018 09:18 pm
Since A New Hope's debut in '77, Star Wars has taken the world by storm and been a box office juggernaut. With Solo: A Star Wars Story, the second spin-off in the franchise's history, releasing soon, we thought it would be a good idea to see just how well these movies have done in the theaters. Spoiler alert: Almost all of them did exceptionally well. Using data from Box Office Mojo, we've ranked every Star Wars movie that had a theatrical release by its box office. In addition, movies older than 10 years had their numbers adjusted for inflation accordingly. Without that adjustment, it won't reflect how impactful these movies were for their time, especially A New Hope. If you want some more Star Wars goodness, check out some news on Solo: A Star Wars Story possibly breaking box office records upon its May 25 release.. You may have heard, but there's a live-action Star Wars series coming as well as a whole new trilogy from Rian Johnson. We got so excited that we came up with a few solo films we'd like to see. Solo comes to theaters on May 25. The movie stars Alden Ehrenreich as Han Solo, Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian, Emilia Clarke as Qi'Ra, and Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca. Recently, Glover gave a tour of the Millenium Falcon, which looks clean as a whistle, compared to the times we've see it in other Star Wars films.
10. The Clones Wars (2008)
The animated feature served as a lead-in to the animated series of the same name: The Clone Wars. While it had a large theatrical release, it didn't make a lot of money. This is probably because this movie is nothing more than a pilot for an excellent TV series, but not a great stand-alone entity. Domestic: $35,161,554 Foreign: $33,121,290 Total: $68,282,844
9. Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
Say what you want about the prequels--more bad than good obviously--but even the movie that made the lowest amount in the theaters, still came pretty close to the $1 billion mark. People went in droves to the theater to see Anakin Skywalker sulk. Domestic: $310,676,740 [Adjusted For Inflation: $426,241,924] Foreign: $338,721,588 [Adjusted For Inflation:$464,718,863] Total: $649,398,328 [Adjusted For Inflation: $890,960,788]
8. Rogue One: A Story Wars Story (2016)
You know you have a successful franchise when your film has all-new characters and a brand-new story, and it still breaks $1 billion, even though it's one of the darkest Star Wars films to date. Domestic: $532,177,324 Foreign: $523,879,949 Total: $1,056,057,273
7. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
The final act in the prequel trilogy gave us the birth of Darth Vader, which is probably the reason it did a bit better than Episode II. Domestic: $380,270,577 [Adjusted For Inflation: $480,583,735] Foreign: $468,484,191 [Adjusted For Inflation:$592,067,585] Total: $848,754,768 [Adjusted For Inflation: $1,072,651,321]
6. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
The final act in the original Star Wars trilogy brought in the least amount of money out of that lot, even though it had three separate theatrical releases. Domestic: $309,306,177 [Adjusted For Inflation: $721,663,860] Foreign: $165,800,000 [Adjusted For Inflation:$410,869,379] Total: $475,106,177 [Adjusted For Inflation: $1,132,533,239] Note: Return of the Jedi got three theatrical releases: 1983, 1985, and 1997.
5. Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
The Last Jedi had the second largest opening of all time, bringing in $220 million domestically. Look for these numbers to explode in the upcoming weeks because of the holidays and the fact the film opens in China on January 5. Domestic: $620,181,382 Foreign: $712,235,332 Total: $1,332,416,714
4. Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
In 1999, people were hungry for Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, and because of this, it brought in $1.5 billion at the box office. And during this time, people everywhere loathed the antics of Jar Jar Binks. Domestic: $474,544,677 [Adjusted For Inflation: $682,116,537] Foreign: $552,500,000 [Adjusted For Inflation:$818,532,397] Total: $1,027,044,677 [Adjusted For Inflation: $1,500,648,934] Note: The Phantom Menace had two theatrical releases: 1999 and 2012.
3. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Arguably one of--if not the--best movies in the franchise is Empire Strikes Back, and while it didn't pull in the same numbers as A New Hope, it did exceptionally well. Domestic: $290,475,067 [Adjusted For Inflation: $765,135,253] Foreign: $247,900,000 [Adjusted For Inflation:$742,553,763] Total: $538,375,067 [Adjusted For Inflation: $1,507,689,016] Note: Empire Strikes Back got three theatrical releases: 1980, 1982, and 1997.
2. Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
People were pretty excited to have a new film in the Star Wars franchise--one that wasn't telling the origins of characters we already know and love. Because of this, The Force Awakens pulled in an incredible $2 billion during its theatrical run. Domestic: $936,662,225 Foreign: $1,131,561,399 Total: $2,068,223,624
1. Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
The original Star Wars took the world by storm. In 1977, people were lining up around the block to see it, and when adjusted for inflation, it pulled in $2.7 billion. It's doubtful another film will take the top spot. Domestic: $460,998,007 [Adjusted For Inflation: $1,503,659,950] Foreign: $314,400,000 [Adjusted For Inflation:$1,280,526,297] Total: $775,398,007 [Adjusted For Inflation: $2,784,186,247] Note: A New Hope got three theatrical releases: 1977, 1982, and 1997.
By Mat Elfring on May 04, 2018 08:59 pm
Ever since A New Hope came out in 1977, the Star Wars franchise has given moviegoers iconic characters, stories, and a world to fall in love with. Sadly, not everything that came out of this franchise is gold. There are moments and characters that a questionable, confusing, and sometimes, exceptionally dumb. This includes elements from the prequels, the special editions, and the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special. When you love a franchise like Star Wars so much, it hurts when something silly comes out of it. Sifting through everything Star Wars, we pieced together 18 things from all the movies, TV series, and books that we can't help but cringe at from decades of content that have to be discussed. Did your least favorite moments make the list? Let us know some of the things you that have always bugged you from the Star Wars franchise. Don't worry; we're not here to poop on one of the greatest franchises of all time. In celebration with Star Wars Day, we'll be celebrating the holiday all day with some great pieces surrounding a galaxy far, far away. You can check out some of the weirdest merchandise ever to come out of the franchise, some new Mighty Muggs figures from Hasbro, take a ride on a Lego Millennium Falcon in New York, and learn more about how the upcoming movie Solo may break box office records. Solo: A Star Wars Story hits theaters on May 25. It stars Alden Ehrenreich as Han, Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian, Emilia Clarke as Qi'Ra, and Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca. Recently, Glover gave a tour of the Millenium Falcon, which looks clean as a whistle, compared to the times we've see it in other Star Wars films.
Jar Jar Binks
Introduced in 1999's The Phantom Menace, Jar Jar Binks was the supposed comedic relief of the prequels. He was silly, bumbling, and annoying. Binks, whose amphibious species lived in the waters of Naboo, eventually rose to serve as a representative of Naboo on the Galactic Senate. Luckily, for viewers, the baby-talking Gungan's screentime was drastically reduced for Episodes II and III, but there are interesting theories on the internet that Binks was actually a Sith Lord, influencing the decisions of the Jedi and Padme. It may sound crazy, but there are a few videos that give this theory some credibility.
Anakin Created C-3PO
The prequels had this strange obsession for trying to give origin stories to characters from the original trilogy. None of which were more dumbfounding then when it was revealed that Anakin Skywalker created C-3PO on Tattoine. It messes a bit with continuity, as Vader--in the original trilogy--doesn't know or recognize the droid, but that is forgivable. What's really bizarre is that this child had been building a protocol droid from scraps on a desert planet while living life as a slave to junk dealer Watto. How did Anakin smuggle all these parts out without Watto knowing? Also, how does a kid build a protocol droid capable of communicating in over 7 million languages?
Anakin's Dialogue
Many folks who dislike The Phantom Menace tend pin a lot of the film's lack of quality on Jacob Lloyd, who played a young Anakin Skywalker, among a laundry list of other complaints. While I'm not going sit here and tell you that young Lloyd is a master thespian, I will say that most of the fault lays on the shoulders of Phantom Menace writer George Lucas, who has no idea how children, people in love, or most humans in general communicate with each other. In their first meeting, Anakin awkwardly discusses angels--which apparently exist in this galaxy. Later, Anakin explains Jedis and podracing, all while putting together plan to free himself and his mother from slavery. The conversation jumps, with no real flow, and it's all centered around Anakin's dialogue, which was seemingly written for someone much older.
Midichlorians
For those who have forgotten (I envy you), midichlorians were introduced in the Phantom Menace. They are microscopic, intelligent beings that live in your blood stream and allow some people, depending on their midichlorian level, to access the Force. When I think about midichlorians, I always think back to a Patton Oswalt bit about the Star Wars prequels, where the comedian says, "I don't give a s*** where the stuff I love comes from. I just love the stuff I love." Why can't the Force can't be a mystical thing that needs no explanation?
Everything About Anakin And Padme's Relationship, Especially The Dialogue
As previously mentioned, George Lucas had a bit of trouble writing dialogue for a young Anakin Skywalker, and it didn't get any better when he got older, especially when it came to his relationship with Padme. During Attack of the Clones, Anakin and Padme shared an afternoon in a field on Naboo and had the weirdest conversation about politics and creating a dictatorship, which sounds like the worst first date ever. While first dates and new relationships are full of awkwardness, this relationship takes it to a whole new level, which is a total bummer because you can tell Natalie Portman is doing the best she can with some really rough dialogue and direction.
Boba Fett Fanservice
Don't get me wrong, I love Boba Fett, especially after reading Tales of the Bounty Hunters as a kid, but the character's inclusion in Attack of the Clones felt forced and unnecessary. The film also tried to jam pack a whole origin story for the character while surrounded by a story of a clone army being built, along with the previously mentioned "believable" budding romance between Anakin and Padme, which I can't stop talking about for some reason. While young Boba Fett is the worst, it did pave way for the character's appearance on the animated series The Clone Wars, and he's pretty awesome on that series, so at least there's a silver lining.
The Death Of Mace Windu
Samuel Jackson made Mace Windu his character. The Jedi master was tough, didn't take any guff from anyone, and one of the more entertaining aspects of the prequels, even when he was just sitting in a chair, discussing politics. He was one bad dude. However, he met his fate by way of force lightning from the hands of Darth Sidious, who shocked then threw him out a window. This totally tough character was killed off in a pretty humiliating way, which came out of left field. This wasn't an epic battle, it was a decrepit man, laying down, shocking him.
Anakin's Turn To The Dark Side
While discussing moments that irked us with other GameSpot employees, Anakin's turn to the dark side came up a lot. To become a Sith Lord and Palpatine's right-hand, Darth Vader must have gone through a traumatic and terrifying childhood, right? Not so much. Yes, Anakin was a slave on Tattooine. Yes, his mother was murdered by Tuskens. However, in the grand scheme of things, which includes being involved in a relationship, on the verge of fatherhood all while training to be a Jedi master, Anakin's turn doesn't make sense. He's a spoiled kid who decides to not only turn to the Dark Side when things do not go his way, but his final act before going bad is killing a whole room of children. That feels like a giant leap.
The First Canonical Appearance Of Darth Vader
At the end of Revenge of the Sith, we caught our first glimpse of Darth Vader, and it was unintentionally hilarious. Understandably, we all know there are a lot of parallels between Vader and Frankenstein's monster, but that doesn't mean Vader has to completely embody the Universal character while freeing himself from his shackles. Then, there's Vader's "iconic" scream of "No," which is ironic because that's what the vast majority of us said after we saw that scene.
Greedo Shoots First
Back in 1997, the original Star Wars trilogy was rereleased in theaters, with a few changes. New special effects were added, as well as a bunch of things that fans weren't too pleased with, including Greedo shooting first in A New Hope. Originally, Han shot Greedo while sitting at the table, and it established the character as quite the renegade, being able to read into a situation as well as someone who doesn't take guff from anyone else. The change is pointless. Yes, Greedo now shoots first, but Han still kills him. More importantly, why does he have such bad aim from three feet away?
Han Steps On Jabba's Tail
One of the newly added scenes in A New Hope has Han talking to Jabba the Hutt. The scene itself is fine and helps add to the story of Jabba wanting Han Solo as a prize for his palace. However, because of where Han is walking, Lucasfilm added a little "movie magic" and had everyone's favorite scoundrel stepping on Jabba's tail, while the Hutt made a silly face. It feels completely out of place and the audience's suspension of disbelief would still be in tact if Han had never stepped on his tail.
Weird CGI Additions To The Special Editions
Some of the weirdest additions to the special editions were things like random CG rocks being added to scenes; things that added nothing to the film. Why does R2D2 need that extra rock? Normally, this would be something we'd completely ignore or something we never would have noticed, but once it's pointed out, it's impossible to unsee it.
Chewbacca Doesn't Get A Medal
When the Special Edition of A New Hope was released, there was one change most fans wanted to see: Chewbacca getting his well-deserved medal during the ceremony at the end of the film. Alas, that change didn't happen, possibly because the budget ran dry after all those CGI rocks and dewbacks. Where's the justice for Chewie? He's just as important to the battle as either Han or Luke.
The First 10 Minutes Of The Holiday Special
In 1978, the Star Wars Holiday Special hit television screens across the country, cashing in on the popularity of A New Hope. If you've ever watched it or tried to watch it, then you know the opening Life Day segment is near impossible to get through. It follows a household where the audience gets to experience a day in the life of a Wookie. The family chats with eachother in their native tongue, without any subtitles, and a young Wookie watches a weird holographic circus in his living room. The whole section is a travesty.
The Rest Of The Holiday Special
Then, there's rest of the Holiday Special, and while it does introduce the world to everyone's favorite bounty hunter, Boba Fett, this TV movie feels far more disconnected from the Star Wars Universe than connected. It features singing. In fact, there's a lot of singing, including a song from Jefferson Starship and Golden Girls's Bea Arthur. As previously mentioned, there's also so much of the little Wookie, who watches way too much TV. There's a reason this only aired once.
"Jedi Rock's" Replacing "Lapti Nek"
In Jabba's palace, during Return of the Jedi, there was a song called "Lapti Nek," but in the special edition of the film, it was replaced with the CG-heavy "Jedi Rock's." The two-minute performance mixed original footage with brand new stuff, like a backup band playing the song, while the lead singer got way too close to the camera. The song doesn't fit in this universe, and the whole scene is incredibly cringe-worthy.
Hayden Christensen Replaces Sebastian Shaw
At the end of Return of the Jedi, Luke Skywalker--celebrating winning the war while on the moon of Endor--looked off an saw the Force ghosts of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, and Anakin Skywalker--who was played by Sebastian Shaw in the scene. However, the Special Edition version of the film did something absurd. It replaced Shaw with Hayden Christensen, who played Anakin in Episodes II and III. The change made no sense.
Expanded Universe No Longer Canonical
Finally, one of the worst things about Star Wars is a double-edged sword. When Disney bought Lucasfilm, the expanded universe was no longer considered canon. That means Knights of the Old Republic, all of Timothy Zahn's books, and the comics from Dark Horse were no longer part of the larger Star Wars story. However, because of that decision, this means Lucasfilm can tell all new stories without the restrictions of decades of other SW-related properties. In addition, Marvel Comics began publishing some great Star Wars books. But it's still a bummer to think that Shadows of the Empire or Han Solo and Leia's twins were wiped from continuity.
By Matt Espineli on May 04, 2018 08:30 pm
Star Wars day has finally arrived. And if you're a fan of the tenured film franchise, it's likely you've got a hankering to play some Star Wars games right now. However, you might be asking yourself: "what games are available on my PS4?" There's actually a fair amount aside from the most recently released EA-developed Battlefront games. While not every Star Wars game in this feature has held up to the test of time, it's difficult to deny the sense of nostalgia we still feel for them. After all, we all had to start somewhere, and if that starting point was the middling Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, then so be it. Nostalgia is a force that helps heal some of the worst shortcomings. As an added bonus, many of the Star Wars games highlighted in this feature are on sale right now on the PlayStation digital store to celebrate Star Wars day. The deals last until May 8, so be sure to jump in while you have the chance. Which Star Wars games do you love the most? Let us know in the comments below. In other news, check out the most recent TV spot trailer for the upcoming Han Solo Star Wars spin-off.
Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens
"Playing a lot of Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens won't be a chore, though, especially if you do have a younger partner to take with you on your galactic journey. These Lego games are confectionaries now, little candies that don't have a huge amount of substance but are enjoyable nonetheless. Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens doesn't really take you to a new galaxy far, far away, but it's still a pleasant journey." [read the review] -- Randolph Ramsay, Editor-in-chief PSN Store Page Link
Star Wars Battlefront
"If nothing else, Star Wars Battlefront is an exercise in pure spectacle, laid out in all of its neon glory. I can't help but smile when the Boba Fett guns down three fighters in a row from his Slave I ship, or a snowspeeder careens past with flames trailing in its wake. The first 10 hours are packed with these moments, and it's worth playing just to watch them unfold. But Battlefront doesn't go much deeper than its ambitious surface appeal. It front loads its best content, only to fade in quality as the hours roll by. Star Wars Battlefront's skin is beautiful, but its legs are shaking, and threaten to buckle with time." [read the review] -- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer PSN Store Page Link
Star Wars Battlefront II
"While its main narrative feels unresolved, and the general loop of the multiplayer carries a number of issues, Battlefront II still manages to evoke that same sense of joy and excitement found in the core of what the series is all about. But as it stands, the biggest hurdle that Battlefront II will need to overcome--for its simultaneous attempts to balance progression with genuine feeling of accomplishments--is deciding on what type of game it wants to be." [read the review] -- Alessandro Fillari, Editor PSN Store Page Link
Star Wars: Racer Revenge
"Though Racer Revenge is a lot of fun and plays great, it's simply too short. You can conceivably beat the tournament mode within two hours if you're a seasoned zero-G racing fan or within three hours if you're not. If you factor in the fact that you'll need to beat the game another five times to unlock everything, this will help matters, but it'll still be five times through the same tracks. Even with the alternate routes, racing around the same tracks can get repetitive. If Racer Revenge offered a more robust multiplayer mode, or a few extra modes in general, it could have had a lot more lasting value. As it is, Racer Revenge is good-looking game that's a whole lot of fun while it lasts, which unfortunately isn't very long at all." [read the review] -- Trevor Rivers PSN Store Page Link
Star Wars Bounty Hunter
"Maybe it's always been this way, but now more than ever, Star Wars games can't get by just on the strength of their license--they need to be truly good games in their own right. Star Wars Bounty Hunter for the GameCube has all the basic ingredients needed for a solid third-person action game, but it falls a bit short in the execution and has enough technical weaknesses to undermine its basically good design. Serious Star Wars aficionados should nonetheless enjoy the story, and the game has enough substance and unlockable extras to make it at least worth a rental." [read the review] -- Greg Kasavin PSN Store Page Link
Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter
"In the end, Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter is a solid game that fans of the first entry in the series should check out without giving it a second thought. While it's not the prettiest game out there, or the best-looking Star Wars game for that matter, it does offer strong control and entertaining gameplay, as well as the sound and music we've come to expect from a Star Wars game. These merits combined with the multitude of ships and missions that can be unlocked through extensive play further add to the value of the game. While plenty good can be said about Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter, the often-bland visuals, sketchy frame rate, and somewhat frustrating targeting control ultimately hold Jedi Starfighter back from being a great game." [read the review] -- Trevor Rivers PSN Store Page Link
Super Star Wars
Super Star Wars is a remastered port of the classic, yet brutally difficult Super Nintendo game of the same name. This action side-scroller allows you to relive the events of the first film as Luke, Han, and Chewbacca, fighting through waves of hostile enemies. Not every stage in the game is 1:1 to what happened in the first film, but there's more than enough here to please Star Wars fans looking for an even more retro experience than some of the other games in this feature. PSN Store Page Link
Pinball FX3 (Every Star Wars Pinball Table)
Pinball FX 3 is a pinball simulator created by Zen Studios. It's technically free, but it offers an assortment of tables based on popular properties that you can purchase and download for play. Among its selection is a wide variety of tables based on numerous Star Wars-related films and TV series. Each pack offers two or so tables, offering you the fun of a classic pinball experience but in the comfort of your own home, and not a loud and crowded bar. PSN Store Page Link
By Mat Elfring on May 04, 2018 07:30 pm
In the late '00s, Hasbro's Mighty Muggs were some of the most popular vinyl/plastic toys on the market and helped pave the wave for brands like Funko Pops. The series, which used the likenesses of characters from Star Wars, Transformers, Marvel, Indiana Jones, and G.I. Joe, as a simplified, sadly disappeared in 2011. This year, Hasbro revamped Mighty Muggs by making them a little bit smaller and offering up a feature where each figure has three different faces. You can change these faces by pressing down on the figure's head. The new line features characters from Star Wars and Marvel, tying in to current films Solo and Avengers: Infinity War. Hasbro gave us an up-close look at the Stormtrooper and Qi'Ra Mighty Muggs. Qi'Ra--played by Game of Thrones' Emilia Clarke--will appear Solo: A Star Wars Story, hitting theaters on May 25. The movie also stars Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian, Alden Ehrenreich as Han, and Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca. Glover recently appeared in a video where he toured the Millenium Falcon for the new movie. Each of the figures retails for $10 and is available on Hasbro Shop. Here's a closer look at these two figures as well as other Star Wars Mighty Muggs currently available in stores.
Stormtrooper And Qi'Ra
Stormtrooper And Qi'Ra
Stormtrooper And Qi'Ra
Stormtrooper And Qi'Ra
Stormtrooper And Qi'Ra
Stormtrooper
Qi'Ra
Captain Phasma
Chewbacca
Han Solo
Lando Calrissian
Maz Kanata
By Dan Auty on May 04, 2018 05:08 pm
Star Wars created modern movie merchandising. Before the original 1977 blockbuster was released, the idea of selling film tie-in merchandise was largely limited to books and magazines--certainly not toys, let alone food or clothes. But the legacy of George Lucas's classic is such that much of a movie's success can be directly tied into the number of toys, books, burgers, soda, and assorted plastic trinkets that can be shifted alongside theater tickets. No other film franchise since has produced a wider range of branded merchandise, and inevitably, some of what has been available over the decades has been somewhat unusual, to say the least. So let's take a look at some of the strangest items ever to carry a Star Wars logo….
Wampa Rug
The Wampa might be a fearsome Tauntaun-slaughtering ice beast, but he also makes for a comfy rug. After a long day patrolling the snow plains of Hoth, you can kick back and relax on the "high-quality synthetic fur, plush pillow head and fearsome claws." Just don't tell Mark Hamill, who doesn't approve of mistreating Wampas.
R2-D2 Aquarium
R2-D2 can do many things--he's a maintenance droid, co-pilot, waiter, and Death Star plan smuggler. It turns out he's also a great fishtank. Yes, you can buy an R2 aquarium. It holds 6.6 liters of water and comes with waterproof foliage that will provide your fish with a suitably relaxing aquatic environment. And if that wasn't enough, R2's eye is in fact a reverse-periscope that allows you to keep a close watch on your fish!
Star Wars Fishing Equipment
For those Star Wars fans who prefer to eat fish rather than watch them, there is also this handy fishing kit. The contents include a tackle box, lightsaber rod, and a Darth Vader "fun net." Because if there's one thing you associate with Vader, it's fun, right?
C-3PO Tape Dispenser
Let's face it, C-3PO is probably the most sensible, well-organized character in the franchise, so if you're going to sell Star Wars stationary, he's the droid to help you do it. But the design of this sticky tape dispenser, which was released back in 1981, is something else. At best, it looks like ol' golden pants is riding the dispenser like a speeder bike. At worst… well, let's not go there. Still, it might be worth checking to see if you have one hidden in a cupboard somewhere, as the 3PO tape dispenser has been known to reach up to $200 on eBay.
Jar Jar Binks Candy Tongue
Jar Jar Binks might be the most reviled character in the entire Star Wars franchise, but it was clearly hoped at one stage that he would capture the imagination of a generation of kids and help sell a lot of merchandise. The candy tongue dispenser is surely the most disturbing item on this list; it's a piece of tongue-shaped candy that protrudes from the Gungan's gaping mouth. This nightmarish creation is something you'd expect to find in a David Cronenberg movie, not on the shelves in your local sweet shop.
Slave Leia Perfume
Just because you're being held prisoner by a disgusting slug-like space gangster doesn't mean you can't smell nice, right? Slave Leia perfume was sold at Star Wars Celebration in 2010, and promised a "warm sultry mix of cashmere woods, musk and night-blooming jasmine."
Empty Star Wars Box
Such was the insane success of the original Star Wars movie that fans were very happy to spend good money on what was, essentially, an empty box. While the franchise created the rules of movie merchandising, toy manufacturer Kenner was initially caught by surprise by the demand for its upcoming line of action figures. The solution was to sell what they termed an "early bird certificate package" with the promise that the toys themselves would be sent once they rolled off the production line six months later.
Kylo Ren Adult Suitcase
While it's true that the universal appeal of Star Wars stretches across the generations, there are some pieces of tie-in merch that's it hard to imagine a sane adult would want to be seen with. The Kylo Ren suitcase is a one such item. This is a full-size adult suitcase that costs around $200, with Kylo's face on the front, starfield interior, and a pull-up lightsaber handle.
Yoda Magic 8-Ball
On the face of it, this Magic 8-Ball designed like everyone's favourite Jedi master seems innocuous enough. Who better to deliver predictions and advice than Yoda? Unfortunately, in order to see what wisdom he had to share with them, kids of the 1980s had to turn Yoda upside down and stare straight up his robes. Like this I do not!
Revenge Of The Sith Air Sickness Bag
A cross promotion between Virgin Atlantic and LucasArts to promote the Revenge of the Sith video game resulted in this essential piece of in-flight paraphernalia. As well as providing a handy receptacle for aeronautical vomit, the bags also presented useful instructions about lightsaber operation and how to battle Sith Lords.
Revenge Of The Sith Toilet Paper
The third prequel's link to bodily expulsion didn't stop with sick bags. 2005 also saw the release of Revenge of the Sith branded toilet paper. A brave decision we think, given the feelings that many fans have about the prequel trilogy.
Star Wars Angry Birds Costume
Here at GameSpot, we love video games, Star Wars, and Star Wars video games. What we do not love are these costumes, which allows the game-playing Star Wars fan to dress up as their favourite character from Angry Birds Star Wars. Just no.
Star Wars Bantha Pet Dog Costume
Why should the fun stop at dressing yourself up? Thanks to this canine accessory, your beloved pet can pretend to be a Bantha, carrying Sand People across the deserts of Tatooine from the one Jawa massacre to the next.
Darth Vader Mood Light
We're not quite sure what mood this Vader-themed light is supposed to get you in. The mood for galactic dominance? To obliterate entire planets? To turn your son to the side of evil perhaps? In any case, this soothing light will get you suitably relaxed and ready to fully embrace the Dark Side.
By GameSpot Staff on May 04, 2018 04:12 am
Avengers: Infinity War spoilers ahead!
Avengers: Infinity War was met with near universal acclaim from fans and critics alike. That doesn't mean we loved every single thing about it. Like literally any other movie, there were good and bad parts of Infinity War. And because everyone's tastes are different, we don't necessarily agree about which was which. So GameSpot staff compiled a list of everything we loved, and everything we hated, about Infinity War. Agree or disagree, as we're sure you will? Let us know in the comments below. Then, when you're done, check out some of our other Infinity War galleries, including every character who dies in Infinity War, 12 things Infinity War undoes in the MCU, and the 30 Infinity War easter eggs, references, and callbacks you might have missed.
Loved: Spider-Man's Death
Spider-Man's death after Thanos's infamous finger snap is one of the most moving scenes we've ever witnessed in the MCU.
Hated: Spider-Man's Death
It may have been incredibly heart-wrenching, but--actually, that's the problem. It was terrible to see, and it made us feel bad.
Loved: Thor Showing Up With His Axe
Thor finally mastering the Bifröst and appearing at the Battle of Wakanda in full God of Thunder mode was one of the most epic things we've ever seen.
Hated: Not Enough Shuri
T'Challa's sister was the unexpected star of Black Panther. We know Infinity War was basically done by the time Black Panther hit theaters, but we would have liked to see more of Letitia Wright's character.
Loved: Tony Stark's Interactions With New Characters
Seeing Iron Man interact with heroes from other corners of the MCU, from Doctor Strange to Star-Lord, was super fun.
Hated: Gamora's Death
Infinity War put a lot of weight on Gamora's death, but it didn't necessarily feel earned. Zoe Saldana's character wasn't especially well fleshed out during the two Guardians of the Galaxy movies, and it felt like her backstory in Infinity War should have been explored before now.
Loved: Every Single Line Drax Said
We believe you can turn invisible, Drax. Just keep at it.
Hated: Not Knowing What Happened To The Nova Corps
We spent the entire first Guardians of the Galaxy movie getting to know the Nova Corps. In Infinity War, we got a throwaway line about Thanos annihilating them to get the Power Stone. Not ideal.
Loved: When The Guardians Met Thor
This was one of the funniest scenes in the movie. In the Guardians' defense, Chris Hemsworth's muscles are incredible.
Hated: The Children of Thanos's CGI
Seriously, they looked bad--especially Proxima Midnight's face. Carrie Coon deserved better.
Loved: Groot Helping Create Stormbreaker
So that's why Groot was there!
Hated: The Lack Of Stakes
Listen. We know it was a gut punch watching characters like the Guardians, Spider-Man, and Black Panther crumble into dust. But These characters also have sequels announced. It would have been nice if some of the old guard--the ones who no longer have to carry franchises on their backs--could have gone too, to make it feel more real, and less like something that Avengers 4 will undo.
Loved: The Fight On Titan
Seeing Iron Man, Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, and the Guardians of the Galaxy team up in a melee against Thanos on Titan was exhilarating, and this was easily one of the most creatively choreographed fights in the MCU.
Hated: Bruce Banner's CGI Floating Head
Hulk didn't want to come out to play after Infinity War's opening scene, but that wasn't the worst part. That would be Mark Ruffalo's awkward CGI head floating vaguely above the Hulkbuster armor toward the movie's end.
Loved: Thanos's Humane Side
Yes, he's a genocidal maniac. But he does also have the capacity to be reasonable, like when he honors his agreement to let Tony Stark live. He says he likes Star-Lord, and you kind of believe him. He even seems sad when he throws Gamora off a cliff.
Hated: Rocket Being The Only Guardian Left
We're 99% sure the rest of the Guardians (or most of them, at least) will come back to life in Avengers 4, but still--not fun knowing Rocket is the only member of his crew left in existence. Dick move, Marvel.
Loved: Star-Lord's Facial Hair
Is there a name for this? I need to know what to tell my barber.
Hated: T'Challa's Terrible Battle Plan
The Wakandans created a perfect choke point when they opened a tiny portion of the force field, but they totally failed to take advantage of it. And seriously, where were the battle rhinos?
Loved: Iron Man And Spider-Man's Aliens Reference
For how many MCU battles take place in space, we're surprised this didn't happen sooner.
Hated: Thanos's Plan Kind Of Sucked
Sentient life spreads too quickly for the universe to support, so you use your reality-shattering powers to kill half of it? Why not snap your fingers and make the universe twice as big?
Loved: Black Widow, Okoye, And Scarlet Witch Teaming Up
Even if it was just for a moment, seeing these three team up against Proxima Midnight was great. These women are incredible.
Hated: Not Enough Winston Duke
To be fair we can never get enough M'Baku.
Loved: The Love Stories
Infinity War was packed to the gills, but somehow it still had time to explore not one, but three separate love stories: The secretive romance between Wanda and Vision, the desperate scenes between Star-Lord and Gamora, and the brief reunion of Black Widow and Bruce Banner. Good stuff.
Hated: Not Knowing The Asgardians' Fate
What happened to the rest of the Asgardians with Thor, Loki, and Heimdall? Did all of them die, or only half, as the movie suggests? And where are Valkyrie and Korg? Hopefully we find out soon.
Loved: Doctor Strange Peering Into The Future
What did he see that justified giving Thanos the Time Stone? Hopefully we find out at some point.
Hated: Having To Wait For Avengers 4
A year can feel like a long time when half your heroes are dead.
By Chris E. Hayner on May 04, 2018 03:10 am
Infinity War makes some massive changes to things established elsewhere in the MCU
There's no doubt about it, Avengers: Infinity War is the Marvel Cinematic Universe's most massive entry yet. It's packed with characters, plot developments, game-changing moments, and a massive cliffhanger that leaves a year for fans to cope with everything they've witnessed. This is where we warn you to stop reading if you've yet to see the movie, as we are going to dig into some heavy spoiler territory. That's not all Infinity War is packing, though. In addition to the death, destruction, and insanity that unfolds throughout the nearly three-hour movie, there are also some major changes made to MCU canon. Things established in previous movies throughout Marvel's 10-year streak of superhero adventures are altered to better fit the story of Infinity War. There's little doubt that these changes will impact the MCU for years to come, given the movies Marvel already has on the way. However, there are still two movies to come before Avengers 4 takes over theaters. Both Ant-Man and The Wasp will likely carry heavy implications for the next Avengers movie, given how the characters from both films are likely to play a major role. While Ant-Man himself didn't factor into Infinity War at all, thanks to the deal he cut with the government, Captain America, Thor, and the rest of the surviving Avengers are going to need all of the help they can get their hands on in Avengers 4. That's also, most likely, where Captain Marvel will come into play. In the movie's post-credits scene, Nick Fury sends out a distress message to the female superhero that's getting her own standalone film in 2019--just in time to introduce fans to her before she swoops in to help save the day in Avengers 4. Come along with GameSpot as we take a look at what, exactly, has been changed in Marvel's latest outing. Additionally, you can see our look at every character that died in Infinity War, as well as those that didn't end up in the movie at all.
Scarlet Witch's disappearing accent
When first introduced in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Scarlet Witch, like her brother Quicksilver, had a thick Eastern European accent. When she returned in Captain America: Civil War, her accent wasn't quite as strong, but it was still there. If you've seen Infinity War, though, you know the accent is practically nonexistent. You can hear it very briefly toward the end of the film, but other than that it sounds like actress Elizabeth Olsen has ditched it for good.
No more eyepatch
Thor losing his eye was one of the pivotal moments of Thor: Ragnarok. It also signaled a new, Odin-style look for the character, along with his haircut and losing the cape. It was a long time coming for a hero that hasn't really changed his physical appearance since the character was first introduced in 2011. However, Infinity War didn't waste much time in giving Thor his eye back--someone else's false eye, to be clear--making the eyepatch a thing of the past.
Out with the hammer, in with the axe
Another major development in Ragnarok was the destruction of Thor's hammer, Mjölnir. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige explained upon the movie's release that it was one of the things the studio wanted to change about Thor as the character evolved. In the movie, Thor was able to embrace his powers without a hammer to do the heavy-lifting. Infinity War went back on that particular development, though, as he now has the Stormbreaker axe to harness his energy.
A long-forgotten villain isn't quite so dead
When Captain America: The First Avenger first hit theaters in 2011, many fans lamented at how unimportant the villainous Red Skull ended up being. He was dispatched by Cap in the movie and never heard from again--until now. According to Infinity War, instead of dying, Red Skull actually ended up becoming the protector of the Soul Stone. That brought him and Thanos together for one devious sequence in the movie, as the former HYDRA leader led the Mad Titan to his next Infinity Stone.
Rhodes gets his legs back thanks to technology
Following the events of Civil War, Rhodey was left paralyzed after the War Machine suit crashed from a very high altitude. The end of the movie shows him using a pair of mechanized leg braces to help him learn to start walking again. Fast forward to Infinity War, where there's no sign that he once lost the ability to walk. The braces have seemingly cured him of any paralysis.
Hulk isn't very nice to Bruce Banner
In Ragnarok, it's established that Bruce is losing control over when he reverts back to his normal self from the Hulk, alluding to the big green guy being at the wheel, instead. It's such a big piece of the story that he spends a portion of the film refusing to go green, for fear he would never be Bruce again, before finally relenting. For Infinity War, though, the tables have turned. Throughout the movie, Banner tried desperately to transform, but it's Hulk who refuses. Why? It's never really explained. Perhaps he's just humiliated by the smackdown Thanos lays on him at the beginning of the movie.
You're the Iron Spider now, like it or not
As fans know, Infinity War isn't the first time they've seen the Iron Spider costume. At the end of Spider-Man: Homecoming, Peter Parker is offered the suit by Tony Stark. He turns it down, though, opting to stick to his neighborhood and learn the ways of a superhero. However, now there's no turning back. He has the suit and he's been to space. Returning to his old costume would be silly.
No Hawkeye or Ant-Man
Infinity War managed to explain the absences of Hawkeye and Ant-Man with a simple line. They cut deals with the government and went home, where they're now under house arrest. How, exactly, that works, is a bit confusing. Civil War ends with Steve Rogers arriving to break his friends out of jail. Did those two just stay behind in hopes that the government that turned on them would start treating them nicely?
Tony Stark and his glowing heart
After Iron Man 3, Tony Stark underwent the surgery to have the arc reactor removed from his chest, leaving future Iron Man suits to be powered by a built-in source. Cut to Infinity War, where Tony has developed nanotechnology for his new suit and it's all powered by, you guessed it, an arc reactor. It's unclear exactly how this new reactor--and the suit it contains--are attached to Tony, but it certainly doesn't seem to be something he can quickly remove.
Thor's fake Infinity Gauntlet
Fans first saw the Infinity Gauntlet in Thor, then again in Ragnarok, when Hela declared it was a fake. While that clears up how Thanos has the real deal, there's a problem. In Infinity War, it's revealed that Eitri created it for Thanos on Nidavellir--meaning it didn't exist in Thor and there would likely be no fakes. That's one little plot hole the movie never addresses.
That other Infinity Gauntlet
Likewise, Infinity War never explains how Thanos already has the gauntlet in the Avengers: Age of Ultron post-credits scene.
Thanos's motivations in Avengers vs. Infinity War
In a post-credits scene from Marvel's Avengers, The Other tells Thanos that humans are stronger than they thought. "They are unruly and therefore cannot be ruled," he tells the Mad Titan. Is Thanos trying to rule over Earth or wipe out half of its population? Clearly, by the time Infinity War rolls around, the villain has his plan in place. It seems like it was a very different one than earlier in the MCU, though.
By Chris E. Hayner on May 04, 2018 03:01 am
Avengers: Infinity War is missing some very important characters
Avengers: Infinity War boasts an enormous cast--it's bursting at the seams with characters both new and old. It features existing members of the Avengers teaming up with the Guardians of the Galaxy and the people of Wakanda. With a villain as powerful as Thanos to deal with, it makes sense that such a powerful group of individuals would be needed to stop him. But what about all of the characters who still didn't managed to make the cut for the big new movie? This is where you should stop reading if you haven't seen the movie, as we're about to dive pretty deep into spoiler territory--consider yourself warned. It could easily be argued that Infinity War included too many characters for its nearly three-hour running time. However, there were some faces fans had their hope on that were nowhere to be found. Instead, the Marvel Cinematic Universe faithful are forced to wait a year to see whether or not Thanos turned them to dust of if they'll be able to join the fight in Avengers 4. After watching Avenger: Infinity War too many times to count, GameSpot has come up with the definitive list of characters we were sad to see didn't take part in the battle against the big, purple jerk. Some of them seem like smart and powerful additions to the crew; others are named Korg and we love him too much to leave him out. Separately, there have been enough questions about one Guardians of the Galaxy side character--Kraglin--to warrant an official answer from James Gunn. Spoilers: No, he's not in the movie, but that doesn't mean he died during the four-year gap between Guardians 2 and Infinity War. We don't yet know most of the faces we'll see in 2019's Avengers 4--whatever it ends up being called--but the cast may have some room for expansion after Infinity War killed off so many characters when Thanos snapped his fingers. Avengers 4 arrives in theaters on May 3, 2019.
Valkyrie
Last seen in: Thor: Ragnarok While at least half of the surviving Asgardians were wiped out by Thanos in search of the Tesseract--and half of those turned to dust when the Mad Titan snapped his fingers, in theory--many fans were expecting Tessa Thompson's breakout Ragnarok character to play some role in the right for the universe. Hopefully, that changes in Avengers 4.
Grandmaster
Last seen in: Thor: Ragnarok It's hard to know where Infinity War could have fit Grandmaster in, but every MCU movie needs a taste of Jeff Goldblum now. Given that he's the brother of the Collector--whose death is alluded to in the film--a case can be made for him to appear.
Hawkeye
Last seen in: Captain America: Civil War Hawkeye was the sad question mark looming over Infinity War. He's an original member of the Avengers who didn't appear. The movie explains his absence with a throwaway line--he's under house arrest--but it really wasn't enough. All of existence was at stake.
Laura Barton
Last seen in: Avengers: Age of Ultron You might not have expected Laura to appear in the film. However, the actress who plays her, Linda Cardellini, appeared in a promotional photoshoot for the film. If Hawkeye is still under house arrest, chances are she'll show up soon.
Ant-Man
Last seen in: Captain America: Civil War As with Hawkeye, Ant-Man is on house arrest during Infinity War. Which is unfortunate, because he would have been a useful weapon against Thanos.
The Wasp
Last seen in: Ant-Man While Hope van Dyne's Wasp alter ego hasn't been properly introduced yet--it was teased in the Ant-Man post-credits sequence--Infinity War could have been an intriguing way to integrate her into the MCU. Think of what Captain America: Civil War did for Spider-Man. Now the question remains of how Ant-Man and the Wasp fit into Marvel's timeline after Infinity War.
Hank Pym
Last seen in: Ant-Man It's not so much that fans were expecting Hank Pym to show up and be part of the fight against Thanos. Instead, it's that they were told as much by Sebastian Stan (Winter Soldier). In an interview to promote the film, Stan claimed he filmed a battle scene that included Michael Douglas as Hank. Perhaps he was mistaken and it was actually for Avengers 4.
Janet van Dyne
Last seen in: Ant-Man As with her on-screen husband, Sebastian Stan also teased that Michelle Pfeiffer would be in the massive battle scene as Janet van Dyne, mother of Hope and the original Wasp. And yet, there's no mention of her anywhere in the film.
Korg
Last seen in: Thor: Ragnarok Like Valkyrie, Korg garnered quite a few fans in Thor: Ragnarok. What's more, he survived the destruction of Asgard and was last seen traveling through space with Thor and the rest of the gang. However, he's not mentioned when Thanos destroys the ship or at any point after that. He's definitely not dead, though. Kevin Feige, head of Marvel Studios, has confirmed that much.
Miek
Last seen in: Thor: Ragnarok Much like his big buddy Korg, Miek is alive and well--for now, anyway. It's just unclear exactly where he's at. Our money is on wherever Korg wound up.
Sharon Carter (Agent 13)
Last seen in: Captain America: Civil War The last time Sharon Carter was in the picture, she was making out with a fugitive Captain America after helping him steal government property. However, she went back to her job at the CIA. Sharon could have been an interesting source of information for Cap and the rest of the team--given that the CIA knows everything. Alas, there is no mention of her anywhere in the film.
Happy Hogan
Last seen in: Spider-Man: Homecoming Pepper Potts, who made a cameo in Spider-Man: Homecoming, got a nice moment in Infinity War. What was missing, though, was Happy Hogan. After playing some sort of mentor to Spider-Man and acting as Tony Stark's right-hand man for so long, it felt strange to not see him in the movie.
W'Kabi
Last seen in: Black Panther The Wakandan absences are the most noticeable in the movie. W'Kabi, for instance, is one of the country's fiercest warriors--and he serves at the hand of the king. While that didn't work out when Killmonger was reigning, it's a little surprising he didn't end up back on the front lines with his entire nation in danger.
Nakia
Last seen in: Black Panther Likewise, where was Nakia? In Black Panther, she showed herself to be quite a fierce warrior--which is something the Avengers and Wakanda could have used more of. While it's possible she was on assignment in another country, her not being there was glaring.
War Rhinos
Last seen in: Black Panther Yes, the vibranium-plated rhinos in Black Panther were silly and the CGI that brought them to life wasn't the best. However, when you're fighting a power as massive as the Black Order, why wouldn't you send them into battle to mow the enormous monsters down?
Phil Coulson
Last seen in: Agents of SHIELD Sure, Coulson has been largely banished to the Marvel TV universe. However, Clark Gregg has been announced to be bringing everyone's favorite SHIELD agent back to the big screen in Captain Marvel. Would it have been so hard to have him in the car with Maria Hill and Nick Fury during the post-credits scene?
Nova Corp
Last seen in: Guardians of the Galaxy When they were last seen, the Nova Corp was taking care of the Power Stone on Xandar. Of course, that's before Thanos came to town, took the stone, the decimated half of the planet. Still, that doesn't mean members of the Nova Corps didn't survive--specifically Nova Prime.
Kraglin
Last seen in: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Though Sean Gunn appeared in Infinity War as the motion capture performer responsible for Rocket--as he's done in both Guardians movies--his character Kraglin was nowhere in sight. That's a bit concerning, given that he was last seen cruising through space with Star-Lord and the rest of the gang. Thankfully, Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn promises Kraglin is alive and well. The MCU isn't done with him yet.
Adam Warlock
Last mentioned in: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn made it clear before the movie released that Adam Warlock would not appear in Infinity War. Still, given the character's connection to the Infinity Gauntlet in the comics, many fans expected he would be where the Soul Stone came from. Looks like you'll have to wait for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 to get a look at Adam.
The Defenders
Last seen in: Marvel's Defenders Yes, the Netflix shows take place in the MCU. No, they never crossover and probably never will. If it didn't happen in Infinity War, the biggest entry in the MCU yet, it's never going to happen. Let's all collectively agree to move on.
Shuri
Last seen in: Avengers: Infinity War Alright, this is a cheat. Shuri was in Infinity War. How could she possibly be on this list? Because there simply wasn't enough of her. While operating on Vision is an important role to play in the movie, the viewing public demands more of this amazing character.
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