geek – Page 177 – Author Carlo Carrasco

A Look Back at Spider-Man 2099 Special #1 (1995)

June 21, 2023June 18, 2023carlocarrasco

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1995 and explore a part of the Marvel 2099 comics universe through a tale of the Spider-Man 2099 franchise.

Specifically speaking, we will examine a thick one-shot comic book about the futuristic Spider-Man simply referred to as a special. Back in those days, Marvel Comics hired the famous Brothers Hildebrandt and among the projects they worked on were varied pieces of captivating art about Marvel’s 2099 universe. In relation to this particular retro comic book review, the Hildebrandt brothers made the cover art for the special comic book which contained three standalone stories.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Spider-Man 2099 Special #1, published in 1995 by Marvel Comics with the main story “The Menace of the Man-Spider” written by Jon Peterson and drawn by Joe St. Pierre.

Early story

The story begins at 1:45 AM inside the high-tech laboratory of Synthia when the Man-Spider (a human in a monstrous form of a huge spider) causes havoc and tries to hurt the personnel inside in response to their interference of his work. One of the troubled personnel manages to call for help as the Man-Spider tries to get them.

Just as the two workers get hit by the Man-Spider’s organic green web, armored elements of the security force arrived in response to the call and one of them fires a hot at the beast’s right arm causing a serious wound. Suddenly, the Man-Spider violently jumps away smashing through a large window going into the city. The Man-Spider escapes leaving behind a mess at the laboratory including a high amount of organic web that disgusts the people back there.

Hours later at another part of the city, Spider-Man got spotted by a floating drone which declares him as under arrest under the authority of the Public Eye. Spider-Man simply kept on swinging away to another destination until he uses his organic web on the drone and hurls it to a wall and explodes into several tiny pieces. Once alone, he changes into civilian clothes as Miguel O’Hara and rushes to Synthia’s facility…

Quality

Focusing on the main story (the first story), I find this particular tale of Spider-Man of 2099 rather worthy to read even though there were some flaws here and there. Jon Peterson crafted a story that took place sometime before the 34^th issue of the original Spider-Man 2099 monthly series while reflecting what was declared in issue #8 and building up something new with it. The main story was about Spider-Man getting into eventual conflict with the Man-Spider (note: it looks like someone at Marvel decided to copy DC Comics’ Man-Bat and make something new for the Marvel 2099 franchise) who in turn is an antagonist who is deeply troubled and yet not really evil. The Man-Spider is actually a man who does not have super abilities but rather high scientific intelligence and the capabilities to alter genetics using advanced technologies. The Man-Spider is not obsessed with destroying the world or murdering people, but achieving a major breakthrough backed with good intentions.

One of the most notable weaknesses of the script written by Peterson is the emphasis that Miguel O’Hara/Spider-Man 2099, Dana and the so-called resident mad scientist Antoine have a history together since their youth. This one felt very forced and ended up being unbelievable.

Still on the world-building aspect of the story, this comic book showed a true link between the company Synthia and the gigantic Alchemax which reflects what was state in issue #8. This link between the two corporations opened up opportunities for the creators to emphasize Alchemax’s moves on securing valuable stuff for the future.

Ultimately, the main story turned out to be a good read even though there were flaws that somewhat took away credibility from its core concept. I should also state that Joe St. Pierre established a rather unique look for the Spider-Man 2099 franchise. His work here is a nice alternative opposite Rick Leonardi’s Spidey 2099 art.

While the 2^nd story of this one-shot was not worth reading at all, the final story has a unique concept exploring voyeurism in 2099 which accidentally reminded me about how social media in real life could ruin the public’s perception and people themselves.

Conclusion

*Spider-Man 2099, Dana and the Man-Spider in a dangerous situation.*

With a good enough main story, one forgetful 2^nd story and a satisfactory third story, Spider-Man 2099 Special #1 (1995) is ultimately a mixed bag. You will find variety here as well as unique takes on the futuristic Spider-Man and 2099’s society from the creators, but don’t expect great stuff. I think the most die-hard Spidey 2099 and Marvel 2099 fans will enjoy this the most.

Overall, Spider-Man 2099 Special #1 (1995) is serviceable.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Xbox-exclusive Clockwork Revolution looks ambitious

June 20, 2023June 17, 2023carlocarrasco

inXile Entertainment, the Xbox studio behind Wasteland 3, is back with their brand new Xbox-exclusive game Clockwork Revolution which turned out to be one of the biggest reveals of the Xbox Games Showcase 2023/Starfield Direct double feature. While no release date has been set, the game will be released on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Windows PC with availability on Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass and Steam.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the official Xbox.com article describing Clockwork Revolution. Some parts in boldface…

This is a fantastical, first-person action RPG, with dynamic time-bending combat, deep interconnected roleplaying systems, and the ability to create your own unique character from the ground up. The project is led by Game Director Chad Moore and Principal Designer Jason Anderson, who just happen to have created one of the greatest steampunk RPGs of all time—Arcanum.

Setting and Story – Clockwork Revolution takes place in the vibrant Victorian-era metropolis of Avalon, where steam trains fly overhead, wealthy industrialists replace their limbs with ornate clockwork prosthetics, and mechanical servants fulfill their masters’ every whim.

*A vibrant steampunk society with a legacy waiting to be discovered in Clockwork Revolution.*

But this new age of wonders holds a dark secret—it’s been carefully constructed by the ruthless Lady Ironwood. Through use of a time travel device, she’s changed key moments in Avalon’s history, keeping the working class struggling in the slums and factories, while bringing herself immense wealth and power. That’s where you come in…

Time Travel and The Chronometer – Discovering Ironwood’s scheme, you’ll use a wondrous device known as the Chronometer to travel back in time, choose how to influence the past, and then return to the present to experience the effects of your decisions. Through unprecedented and complex visual and narrative depth, the choices you make on your trips into the past will change the people, the stories, and the city of Avalon itself in extraordinary and (very often) unexpected ways. In Clockwork Revolution we’re pushing roleplaying reactivity to new heights, infused with the unique texture and personality that you’ve come to expect from our games.

*Looks like a huge boss you will have to fight.*

This is an exciting project for us at inXile. Not only is Clockwork Revolution our first fully-fledged Xbox Game Studios release, but from start to finish we’re utilizing the resources and support of Microsoft and Xbox to create our studio’s first AAA first-person action RPG.

What inXile is doing with Clockwork Revolution is very ambitious. What they showed during the Xbox Games Showcase made lots of gamers online make quick comparisons with BioShock Infinite as they are both first-person games that involve shooting, exploration, intense action and interaction with fantasy settings that are eerily similar between them. While it is not clear how far inXile has gone with the progress of game development, the Clockwork Revolution unveiling last week showed signs of high production values here and there, and it is clear that the developers have a clear vision of what they want to achieve and bring to players in due time.

*Always make sure your weapons are fully loaded before going on a mission.*

Right now, I am excited for Clockwork Revolution and I can only hope that the high production values inXile showed during the showcase will be maintained until they finish making the game. I really want to explore the game’s world, see how the time-traveling feature will deepen the gameplay and experience how much fun the Xbox-exclusive game will turn out. Not only that, I want to see how inXile will implement role-playing and what they could do with the steampunk concept in relation to the storytelling and gameplay.

Clockwork Revolution is most likely a few years away from release. We can only hope that inXile won’t be hampered during the development. Right now they have a lot of resources and a long development process ahead of them.

In concluding this post, posted below are Xbox-related videos for your enjoyment.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

A Look Back at Amazing Spider-Man #385 (1994)

June 19, 2023June 15, 2023carlocarrasco

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1994 and explore a part of the Marvel Comics universe through one of the many tales of the Amazing Spider-Man comic book series.

In my previous retro review, Spider-Man has been caught by the Jury and gets tried in a makeshift court that is so secretive, getting help from outside is impossible. The trial explored how Spider-Man, who brought the alien costume into their world which later led to the beginning of his murderous mortal enemy, is responsible for the deaths and other tragedies connected to Venom.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Amazing Spider-Man #385, published in 1994 by Marvel Comics with a story by David Michelinie and drawn by Mark Bagley. This issue marks the final chapter of a 3-part storyline between the iconic webslinger and the Jury.

Early story

The story begins with a restrained Spider-Man declared guilty and sentenced to death by the so-called court of Orwell Taylor and the Jury. Just as the team members are about to execute the webslinger, their teammate Ramshot intervenes and says that Spider-Man saves lives which is a matter of public record. Disappointed by Ramshot’s behavior, Taylor mentions their secondary mission is to obtain a weapon that might allow them to eliminate their true enemy – Venom.

Taylor then says that if Spider-Man would help them destroy the greater evil, then the court would consider commuting his sentence…

Quality

*Something unfortunate happens during the mission involving Spider-Man and the Jury.*

Considering all the drama and tension that was built up in the previous two issues, the story here is a letdown. For one thing, all the discussions about Spider-Man being responsible for the killings and violence caused by Venom lead to nowhere as the story took a turn for the bizarre concept of the hero getting spared to work with the very team that went after him. Secondly, the mission that Spidey and the Jury worked on really did not have a justifiable goal. This resulted in a disappointing turn of events. Ironically, in this comic book you will see more of Taylor’s cunning on top of his own distorted view about justice.

If there is anything notable here, it is the fact that Spider-Man’s wife Mary Jane gets a good share of the spotlight as she literally moves towards the edge in relation to the deteriorating marriage. This shows that as Spidey spends more time away to do what is good and push back against the forces of evil, his wife gets lonelier and desperate as life turns for the worse. At the very least, this comic book expresses that the marriage of Peter and Mary Jane could be doomed.

Conclusion

*This is how Mary Jane deals with loneliness and the decline in her life.*

Considering what was built up and heavily dramatized in issues #383 and #384, Amazing Spider-Man #385 (1994) is a rather weak conclusion. The way Spider-Man and the Jury parted ways felt more like sudden retreat than a real finish to what was started between them. Strangely enough, the focus on Mary Jane’s decline and desperation literally saved this comic book from becoming a creative disaster. The ending does not have much to do between Spider-Man and the Jury, but it was surprising in a crude way.

Overall, Amazing Spider-Man #385 (1994) is serviceable.

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Xbox-exclusive fantasy RPG Avowed to be released in 2024

June 16, 2023June 15, 2023carlocarrasco

Following the Xbox Games Showcase 2023 and Starfield Direct double feature, excitement is high for Xbox-exclusive games as well as other games coming into the Xbox Game Pass (XGP) subscription service plus the others that the 3^rd party game publishers will be releasing.

During the showcase, I was very delighted to see the gameplay trailer of Avowed, the brand-new fantasy role-playing game (RPG) from genre specialists Obsidian Entertainment (an Xbox game studio) for the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Windows PC with availability on Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass and Steam. The Xbox-exclusive RPG should be released sometime in 2024.

Avowed’s recent showing is significant not only because it is the first major update in three years but also because Team Xbox and the developers showed a trailer that ran on in-game graphics and featured the first-ever gameplay clips. To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Xbox.com article written by Obsidian’s studio head Feargus Urquhart. Some parts in boldface…

Expanding the universe that we created for the original Pillars of Eternity games, Avowed brings a new perspective, a new way to fight, and a new land to explore in the world of Eora. The Pillars games are near and dear to us and we can’t wait to share Avowed with everyone next year.

In Avowed, you’ll explore the Living Lands, a plagued, wild island set in the world of Eora. The Living Lands are full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, and choice and consequences.

*What comes to your mind with this view from Avowed’s fantasy world?*

Unique to the world of Eora, the Living Lands is home to bustling port towns and rolling hills adorned with weird and fantastical plant life. Every part of the Living Lands is home to its own ecosystem. Around every corner there are creatures, sentient mushrooms, or tribes of lizard-like Xaurips looking to make you their next meal…

As with all our past RPGs, the companions in Avowed play a major role in your adventure. The first companion you will find is Kai, the narrator of this gameplay trailer. Kai is a Coastal Aumaua currently residing in the Living Lands and is one of the only friendly faces you’ll find here. He is a former soldier, and his idealistic and pragmatic temperament will help guide you as you venture out into this wild frontier.

First-person combat has been a huge focus for us. We’ve incorporated a host of ways for players to fight the flora and fauna of the Living Lands. You will have swords, shields, pistols, magical spells, and more at your disposal, including the ability to dual wield, creating a vast number of combinations to choose from.

*A look at the first-person combat in the game.*

With combat so full of possibility, diversity in choice will be needed as you explore the treacherous Living Lands. Home to the Xuarips, plagued undead, and dangerous flora, this island is full of unique enemies to encounter. 

 We’re looking forward to sharing much, much more with everyone as we get closer to the release of Avowed next year.

I have reasons to be very excited for Avowed which happens to be one of the main reasons I bought an Xbox Series X and subscribed to Xbox Game Pass. In my experience as a gamer, I played past RPGs that Obsidian Entertainment made such as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II on the original Xbox console, Fallout: New Vegas on the Xbox One and The Outer Worlds on the Xbox One and Xbox Series X. Whatever concept or type of gameplay they came up with, Obsidian delivered on gameplay that is fun and engaging, supporting characters that are worth remembering, and making role-playing really work.

On face value, Avowed looks inspired by Bethesda’s juggernaut RPG Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Like the old game, Obsidian’s new RPG has a first-person view and a lively fantasy setting filled with lots of characters and monsters. However, Avowed is distinct as it has the Pillars of Eternity as a fantasy foundation and the gameplay trailer shows how stylish and functional battles are. Definitely this is not a blatant rip-off of Skyrim.

While the Skyrim comparisons are raging in many gamers’ minds, it should be noted that Avowed won’t be having the open-world design for exploration. Rather, the upcoming game will have inter-connected open zones and the size of the in-game world will be comparable with those of The Outer Worlds and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II as stated by game director Carrie Patel. Her interview is included in the Xbox Games Showcase 2023 Extend video below…

While it could be disappointing to others that Avowed is looking like it will have the huge and separate maps for exploration instead of the massive open-world design, I don’t see this as a mistake since I myself have played The Outer Worlds which had separate maps that were not only huge but also dense and filled with side-quests, exploration opportunities and memorable discoveries. Take note that using the open-world format to present the in-game fantasy world would have definitely extend the development process of Avowed by at least a few more years not to mention costing a lot more money.

Now that Obsidian gave us a glimpse of the fantasy world, the conflict and moments of gameplay of Avowed during the recent Xbox Games Showcase, they will have to show us next time (note: Xbox Games Showcase 2024) more gameplay and demonstrate other aspects such as selective dialogue sequences, their approach to side quests, the tinkering and customization of weapons and equipment, and perhaps building up villages or taking over the castles occupied by enemy forces.

*Imagine yourself facing many armed and armored people responding to your presence.*

Right now, I am excited for Avowed. Here is hoping that Obsidian will be able to complete and polish the game for 2024 release. At this moment, Xbox is gradually becoming the haven for gamers who love not only fantasy RPGs but RPGs of different kinds.

In concluding this post, posted below are YouTube videos related to Avowed, Obsidian Entertainment and Xbox for you to enjoy.

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A Look Back at Superman vs. Aliens #1 (1995)

June 15, 2023June 13, 2023carlocarrasco

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1995 to examine what was back then one of the most unthinkable comic book crossovers to ever happen – Superman vs. Aliens (also referred to as Superman/Aliens).

I remember sometime back in 1994, I bought a new superhero comic book from the local comic book retailer and what caught my attention was the print ad on the back – an Alien chestburster crashing through the iconic Superman S logo. A few of my friends who saw the same print ad chuckled at the concept of having the Man of Steel together with the monsters from the movie franchise that first started in 1979 with Ridley Scott’s Alien. Then came 1995 and eventually the first issue of the Superman vs. Aliens mini-series made it on the shelves of local comic book stores. Its cover easily attracted the attention of many and I saw the image of Superman being smaller to the Xenomorph alien in the background, the concept of the crossover started to intrigue me.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Superman vs. Aliens #1, published in 1995 by Dark Horse Comics and DC Comics with a story written and drawn by Dan Jurgens with ink work done by Kevin Nowlan.

Early story

The story begins in space when a fast moving object from nowhere heads towards Earth which was detected by a satellite of Lex Luthor’s corporation. Behind the scenes, personnel initiated an alert for a certain Dr. Kimble.

Clark Kent (Superman) and Lois Lane arrive at the headquarters of Lexcorp. It turns out they were suddenly called for by the corporation due to what happened in space. As they ride the elevator heading towards the rooftop, Clark and Lois talk about Lexcorp’s space program and Dr. Kimble who happens to lead the said program.

At the roof, they meet Dr. Cheryl Kimble and immediately ride with her in the helicopter going to a certain destination in anticipation of the probe’s estimated arrival. During the trip, Kimble reveals that they received radio signals from the incoming probe which were garbled almost unintelligible. She then plays an excerpt of the radio signals for Clark and Lois to listen to.

For Clark, he cannot help but feel shocked as he finds the audio sounding like Kryptonian…

Quality

*Superman finds a dead Facehugger alien.*

Firstly, I can say without any hesitation that the creative team succeeded in making the crossover between Superman and the Aliens believable within this very comic book. For one thing, Dan Jurgens came up with a script and visual design that radically different from what was shown in Superman comic books of the time. The script had this somewhat adulterated tone that made the comic book move away from superhero fantasy and move into the realm of cinematic science fiction. For setting the tone and the look, the creative team scored a home run.

Secondly, the script was properly structured to immerse readers with the tale initially following Superman, Lois Lane and Dr. Kimble which ultimately served as a build-up. The good news here is that readers don’t have to wait too long for the pay-off to be executed. In fact, the pay-off itself (which happens when the Man of Steel finally encounters the Xenomorph for the first time) is huge and immediately the tension and depth of the plot really shifted into high-gear which I enjoyed. Along the way, the expository dialogue or the presentation of details (to help readers understand) was nicely balanced.

Thirdly, I love the way how Dan Jurgens presented Superman as being more troubled and more vulnerable than usual. To see the American icon go into personal obsession over the Kryptonian details was a really unique way to presenting his human side. Also having Superman deep in space far away from any sun or star (the essential source for his powers) really made him truly vulnerable as he actually got weaker even before facing off with a Xenomorph. Being in a vulnerable state, you will see the Man of Steel in real danger which truly goes against type (note: being super strong and invulnerable all the time). As such, the danger of the Aliens against him is believable and intense. What I do find weird, however, is how awkward it is for me to see Superman actually trying to reason with the first Xenomorph he encounters. Of course, he has no previous knowledge about the violent nature of the Aliens but we readers – and millions of people who saw any of the movies – know better than him.

As part of the build-up, Dan Jurgens inserted details and flashbacks that recalled previous tales that were published during the early stage of the post-Crisis era of DC Comics. This not only includes Superman’s arrival on Earth but also his strategic killing of General Zod, Zaora and Quex-Ul using green Kryptonite (as published in Superman #22 of 1988). As such, Superman’s deep regret of taking life away from others serves as a build-up for his avoidance of killing in this crossover. This actually races the stakes for his upcoming encounters with the Aliens.

Even though the story is told through Superman, Dan Jurgens still had enough room to develop Lois Lane and Dr. Kimble. Kimble symbolizes the driven corporate executive who is in-charge of operations that could help her make claims on scientific discoveries and new technologies. Lois Lane here served as the intellectual opposite of Kimble without ever going into the extremes of gaining something for her journalistic career.

Conclusion

*Superman with Lois Lane and Dr. Kimble.*

Very clearly, Superman vs. Aliens #1 (1995) is indeed a great comic book as well as great opener for its mini-series. Dan Jurgens established a tale that had sufficient build-up and when the pay-off started, the crossover aspect really made the story more compelling to read. Ultimately, this one made the crossover between Superman and the Xenomorphs believable, engaging and intriguing. This comic book is a great start and I am eager to find out what happens next.

Overall, Superman vs. Aliens #1 (1995) is highly recommended!

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Better than Streaming: Do you have Aliens 30th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray in your collection?

June 14, 2023June 12, 2023carlocarrasco

Welcome back, fellow geeks, Blu-ray collectors and movie buffs! Long before he went all-in with digital filmmaking and made the Avatar movies, James Cameron made a huge impact in the sci-fi action genre with the use of practical effects when they were still the standard in Hollywood filmmaking.

After making waves with The Terminator in 1984, Cameron went on to make the sequel Aliens which became a huge success and remains a fine example of how to do sequels. To be very clear, the production of Aliens (which starred Sigourney Weaver who returned as Ellen Ripley) has a very detailed and colorful history about notable twists in Hollywood that connect it with The Terminator. As Arnold Schwarzenegger worked on a Conan sequel, production of The Terminator got delayed and along the way, Cameron – who got involved in the Alien sequel – used the extra time to make the script for Aliens (note: working title was Alien II) which was 90 pages long. That script was submitted to Fox’s then new president Larry Gordon who loved it and agreed to wait until Cameron completed The Terminator just so that he could direct Aliens.

Aliens was released in cinemas in 1986 and went on to gross over $130 million worldwide while winning mostly positive feedback from movie critics. When the film was shown on TV in 1989, a modified cut with additional scenes were shown. In 1991, the extended cut of Aliens was released on LaserDisc format and it was 20 minutes longer than the theatrical version.

In the year 2016, the 30^th anniversary celebration of the movie happened with the release of a commemorative and feature-loaded Blu-ray and it contained the movie’s two cuts!

Aliens 30th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray.

On face value, the Aliens 30^th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray is quite enticing to both movie fans and collectors as it contains the following content:

Theatrical Version and Special Edition of the movie (2 cuts)
NEW The Inspiration and Design of Aliens featurette
Deleted and Extended Scenes
Superior Firepower: Making Aliens
Superior Firepower: Making Aliens Enhancement
Pre-Production Galleries
- The Art of Aliens
- Gateway Station and Colony
- Vehicles and Weapons
- Aliens
Casting
- Cast Portrait Gallery
Deleted Scene Montage

Look at all that stuff you will get with Aliens 30th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray! (photo source – Blu-ray.com)

Personally, I love watching Aliens which in my view is among the very best works of James Cameron and also the best movie of the entire Alien/Aliens film franchise. Through the decades I saw both the theatrical version and the special edition on different formats from video tape to LaserDisc, DVD and cable TV. The movie has Sigourney Weaver’s finest performance; a story that was crafted with a lot of inspiration; it has great action scenes, stunts and a very clever presentation of showing the Xenomorphs; it has very engaging music by the late James Horner; it has several moments of suspense that effectively served as build-ups for the action or intense pay-offs that followed; it has great creature effects by Stan Winston which proved to be an evolution of H.R. Giger’s designs; the Alien Queen was made possible by James Cameron and Stan Winston and ultimately became an essential addition into the Alien/Aliens lore; and ultimately this film moved the entire Alien/Aliens movie franchise forward creatively while respecting what was established in the first movie of 1979 (directed by Ridley Scott, written by Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett).

Aliens also serves as a lively look back at the actors who made nice contributions. There was the late Bill Paxton who went on to appear in more films directed by James Cameron. There was The Terminator actor Michael Biehn who joined the film as a replacement. Lance Henriksen, who also appeared in The Terminator, played the new android Bishop which led to further appearances in two other films of the Alien film franchise.

As much as I love the movie, I have yet to acquire the Aliens 30th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray. In the back of my mind, a 4K Blu-ray release of Aliens could be announced suddenly and I have preference for 4K Blu-ray viewing. Be aware that already there is a 4K Blu-ray version of Alien in the market and even the hugely disappointing prequel Alien Covenant has a 4K Blu-ray release. With the woke Disney company in control of 20^th Century Fox, there is no telling when will Aliens have a 4K Blu-ray version.

To know more about Aliens, watch the following videos below…

In case you are interested or if you have made up your mind, you can order a copy of Aliens 30th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray right now by clicking https://www.amazon.com/Aliens-Blu-ray/dp/B01I0K018W?tag=bluray-021-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts and talk about cinema, visit the Movie Fans Worldwide Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/322857711779576

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My views about Xbox Games Showcase 2023 and Starfield Direct

June 13, 2023June 12, 2023carlocarrasco

With their combined might, Team Xbox, Bethesda and their strategic partners successfully pulled off a great Xbox Games Showcase 2023 and Starfield Direct double feature! Great in the sense that they collectively premiered a wide variety of games including several Xbox-exclusive titles (both the announced and the brand new ones) that gamers can look forward to on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Windows PC and via cloud gaming. What was shown was clearly a lot of fun to watch and there several bouts of surprises that I experienced along the way.

To be clear, 27 games were showcased. 21 games are coming to Game Pass (Xbox Game Pass and/or PC Game Pass). 13 of the games were from Xbox game studios. There were also several 3^rd party games from different publishers including Capcom, SEGA, Atlus and Ubisoft.

1^st Party Games from Xbox Game Studios matter a lot – The Xbox Games Showcase 2023 started with the reveal of the new Xbox-exclusive Fable role-playing game (RPG) from Playground Games which utilized in-game graphics for a cinematic style of presentation emphasizing the British approach on fantasy, comedic tone and style of play the game franchise is known for. There were a few moments of action shown but it is hard to determine if those will indeed be implemented in gameplay form. As I anticipated, Fable was shown without a release date nor an estimated year for release. All we can do now is wait for the developers to complete and polish it.

Also shown early during the showcase was the much-needed update on Avowed, the first-person fantasy RPG from RPG specialists Obsidian Entertainment (The Outer Worlds, Fallout: New Vegas). Compared to Fable, Avowed has progressed so much with its development, actual gameplay footage was shown with some storytelling cutscenes included. Set in the world of Eora (the same setting as established in the Pillars of Eternity series), gamers will play the envoy of Aedyr who is tasked to investigate rumors of a spreading plague with a secret that threatens to destroy everything. While it looks inspired by Bethesda’s Skyrim, Avowed clearly has its own flavor and style to its first-person battles and movement. This game is set for release sometime in 2024 exclusively on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Windows PC with Xbox Game Pass inclusion. I am really looking forward to this game.

Still in the realm of fantasy but with a different approach on game design, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II was shown during the showcase with an appearance by Melina Juergens (Senua) preceding it. Compared to the previous pre-release showing of the game, the newest video focuses more on the aspect of Psychosis and how Senua deals with it. Based on what was shown so far, it seems to me that the game has progressed far enough with its development and the it could be in the polishing stage right now. The Xbox-exclusive Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II handled by Ninja Theory will be released sometime in 2024.

Next are three Xbox-exclusive games that really surprised me during the showcase: Clockwork Revolution from InXile, South of Midnight from Compulsion Games and Towerborne from Stoic Studio. I was surprised in the sense that there were no pre-showcase insider reports and the rumor mills did not have anything to anticipate what the above mentioned games would be.

Clockwork Revolution is time-traveling first-person game with a strong steampunk flavor and game design that emphasizes role-playing reactivity. Its visual style reminds me of BioShock Infinite. South of Midnight is a new third-person action-adventure set in a magic realist version of the American South. Towerborne, the product of the partnership between Team Xbox and developer Stoic Studio, is a new adventure game that promises a brand-new take on action RPGs and it will be released sometime in 2024.

At long last, developer Turn 10 announced that Forza Motorsport (2023) will be released worldwide on October 10, 2023 and it will come with more than 500 cars, 20 completely rebuilt international race tracks with multiple layouts and the promised full dynamic time-of-day with weather, living crowds and interactive tracks. For this year, the car customization and tune-ups of Forza Motorsport (2023) was emphasized more. I will definitely play this upcoming racing game on my Xbox Series X this October.

The juggernaut of all Xbox-exclusive games – Starfield – was so huge and detailed, a standalone showcase of it was efficiently done by Todd Howard and his teammates at Bethesda. I will be writing a separate post for Starfield soon but I want to remind you all that the game will be released on September 6, 2023 and it will have a ton of gameplay features! Check out the latest Starfield trailer below plus those from other Xbox exclusives such as Sea of Thieves: The Legend of Monkey Island and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

The 3^rd party games at the showcase that got my attention – When it comes to games from other game publishers, Japanese RPGs (JRPGs) in the form of Persona 3 Reload (early 2024), Persona 5 Tactica (scheduled for November 17, 2023) and Metaphor: ReFantazio (2024) from Atlus and SEGA made quite a splash during the showcase in relation to the curious absence of the Xbox Game Pass-bound JRPG Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. It seems to me that Team Xbox made serious efforts to reach out to its Japanese partners to secure more JRPGs which will strengthen the Xbox ecosystem as the premiere place for RPGs. With that being said, Team Xbox pulled off the right moves and the Persona games franchise has a dedicated following worldwide.

While my dream scenario of Capcom unveiling a big-budget remake of Dino Crisis at the showcase did not come true at all, the Japanese publisher actually made it and went on to unveil the game Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess. The game has a fantasy setting with strong Japanese aesthetics and action-adventure gameplay. It is will have a Day 1 launch on Xbox Game Pass as well.

Dungeons of Hinterberg looks really fascinating with its game design and play style complete with having a very unique artistic approach for its visuals. It will be released in 2024 with Xbox Game Pass included. Also coming to XGP but within 2023 is Jusant, the new game from French developer Don’t Nod that emphasizes exploration by means of climbing and puzzle solving.

Conclusion – I can say it out loud that the Xbox Games Showcase 2023 – Starfield Direct double feature is not only great on its own but it is also a notable improvement over the previous Xbox showcases of the past two years. The Xbox-exclusives are indeed coming in the 2023-2024 period, and that includes having Starfield and Forza Motorsport (2023) scheduled for release in September-October this year. 2024 at this stage is looking great as well not only with the Xbox-exclusives but also with the 3^rd party games. Xbox Game Pass subscribers also have new games to look forward to in the near future.

As game development can be tricky, unpredictable and complicated, delays of game releases are always possible. As such, we gamers can only hope that the game developers won’t encounter anymore problems with their respective games so that they will be completed, polished and get released as planned.

In ending this piece, posted below is the entire Xbox Games Showcase 2023 – Starfield Direct video from the YouTube channel of Xbox. I highly recommend watching it all in 4K. Enjoy!

+++++

A Look Back at Aliens vs. Predator #3 (1990)

June 8, 2023June 4, 2023carlocarrasco

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1990 to take a close look at one of the more significant non-superhero crossover comic book events ever published – Aliens vs. Predator!

In my previous review, the humans of Prosperity Wells begin to get impacted by the presence of the Predators and the Aliens. A family got killed by Predator hunters at their home in the wilderness and only a young boy was able to get away and catch people’s attention in the outpost. Machiko Noguchi and her team initiate defensive measures in response to what has been happening. Two people even brought back a living Predator with them from the ruins of a Predator ship they inspected in the wilderness.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Aliens vs. Predator #3, published in 1990 by Dark Horse Comics with a story written by Randy Stradley and drawn by Phill Norwood.

Early story

The story begins with Noguchi who finds herself in a dangerous position. In front of her is a horde of Xenomorphs and behind her is one Predator warrior who even assisted her a few moments prior. Armed with futuristic weapons, the armored warrior suddenly jumps above her and right into the Xenomorphs. The Predator efficiently slashed off the parts of a few Aliens using a bladed weapon and blew up one of them using another weapon.

The warrior eventually gets overwhelmed by more Aliens that came into the action. As the Xenomorphs focused strongly on the downed Predator, Noguchi takes advantage of the situation to run away and somehow get back to protecting the people as the outpost has been clearly invaded by two deadly non-human species.

Meanwhile inside the huge cargo ship that did not launch, two crew members freed themselves from the Xenomorphs’ restraints and try to sneak by the Alien Queen which they perceived to be sleeping…

Quality

*This is a fine example by the creative team on telling a sequence of intense moments without a single word of dialogue.*

From a storytelling point-of-view, this one is a huge pay-off to the build-up established in the first two issues and I can say I enjoyed this one. At this stage of the 4-issue mini-series, the human colony has turned into a battle zone between the Predators and the Xenomorphs and this obviously results in a lot of action scenes and other wild turns of events. It is also in this story where you will get to see Machiko Noguchi at her bravest yet, as well as her uncompromising way of protecting her people and solving the crisis at hand. As she and her fellow humans are in the middle of a crisis, nothing straightforward could happen nor could they make solid plans with any real chance of succeeding. The decisions Noguchi made here came with risks and through her struggles, you will be able to relate with her and you will also witness how the series of unfortunate events turn out with unpredictable ways which added some suspense and surprise to the narrative.

The spectacle here, unsurprisingly, are the battles between the Aliens and Predators. Such conflicts happened mostly in the background which is effective enough to establish the chaos that the humans have to endure. One of the Predators – which does not have a name – became a notable additional supporting player to the cast and his presence and actions added some intensity to storytelling even as the narrative consistently focused on Noguchi.

The way the story is told, this one maintains the natural progression of details from issue #1 and even though the action has been ramped up, there were still plenty of opportunities for readers to understand the details and grasp the plot. There is also rising tension as the narrative moves forward.

Conclusion

*There is nothing like trying to sneak past an Alien Queen in an area surrounded by multiple eggs laid by her.*

Being a big pay-off to the huge build-up of issues #1 and #2, Aliens vs. Predator #3 (1990) is highly entertaining and compelling to read! The action scenes and chain of incidents were ramped up a lot and yet this comic book never turned into a brainless fest of violence. The creative team managed to add some breathing space to not only let readers absorb the story details but also to immerse themselves with the situations. By the time I reached the end, I experienced this great satisfaction as well as further motivation to discover how the story will conclude in the next issue.

Overall, Aliens vs. Predator #3 (1990) is highly recommended!

+++++

Front Mission 1st: Remake set for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One release on June 30, 2023

June 7, 2023June 2, 2023carlocarrasco

If you love tactical role-playing games as well as robot action with some sci-fi and military concepts mixed in, then you should watch out for the release of Front Mission 1st: Remake on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Xbox One on June 30, 2023. The game, which is actually a remake of Square Enix’s 1995 game Front Mission, was developed and published by Forever Entertainment.

For the newcomers reading this, Front Mission is an existing franchise of games under Square Enix which landed on multiple consoles, the PC and other platforms through the decades. The first-ever Front Mission released in 1995 only in Japan on the Super Famicom was a critical and commercial hit which paved the way not only for further games but also enabling the Front Mission franchise to branch out on other forms of media such as film, novels, comic books, radio dramas and more. Front Mission 1st: Remake is not just a remake of the 1995 original game but also features a modern mode with improved controls as well as a fully orchestrated soundtrack.

To begin with, watch the official trailer below…

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Xbox.com announcement issued by Forever Entertainment. Some parts in boldface…

On June 30th, Front Mission 1st: Remake will make its highly anticipated debut on Xbox One and Xbox Series S|X. Deploy on a mission and play through the intricately woven narrative of this iconic tactical RPG series.

*You must analyze your situation carefully before making your next move. Pay close attention to the details.*

Huffman Island is the only place where the Oceania Cooperative Union (O.C.U.) and the Unified Continental States (U.C.S.) share a land border, making this place the epicenter of the Second Huffman Conflict in the year 2090.

Leading a reconnaissance platoon, O.C.U. Captain Royd Clive is tasked with investigating a U.C.S. munitions plant. However, their mission takes an unexpected turn when they find themselves ambushed by U.C.S. wanzers – triggering a chain of events that thrusts the entire island into a full-fledged war. Amidst the chaos, Royd’s fiancée, Lieutenant Karen Meure, goes missing in action.

Discharged from military service, Royd embarks on a pursuit to uncover the truth. As his investigation progresses, he gradually unearths a conspiracy and the powers that orchestrated it.

Assemble your Team and Plunge into the Heart of the Action – Front Mission 1st: Remake is an immersive tactical turn-based RPG that puts you in the role of a valiant pilot navigating war machines called wanzers through hazardous battlefields. Experience the realities of war through strategic maneuvers, while enjoying upgraded graphics and a fully re-orchestrated soundtrack that elevate the classic Front Mission gameplay to modern-day standards.

Way back in 1995, I got to play the original Front Mission on a rented Super Famicom console and played it for an hour. As it was written in Japanese, I did not understand the text but that did not stop me from enjoying the gameplay which was turn-based, strategic and packed with action. I enjoyed the mech action (nicely animated 2D sprites) and the challenge to be strategic with my next moves. I also enjoyed how the game compelled me to pay close attention to details such as how the different parts of my mechs can be customized, the different values each component came with, and the added capabilities that proved to be crucial offensively and defensively.

*Urban settings like this make the locations of battle more interesting.*

In 1999, I played Front Mission 3 on the PlayStation One and it was the North American version (published by Square Electronics). As it was in English, I was able to understand the situation, the details and explanations. Like the first Front Mission game, I had fun playing it and I was also impressed with how the developers utilized 3D polygons to enhance the presentation. What I could not forget was the part when the narrative of the game focused on a secret base located inside Taal Volcano in the Philippines. As a Filipino, that part of the game was a big and really delightful surprise to me.

Looking at the Front Mission 1^st: Remake trailer, which is very short, it seems to me that the game is looking good and promising enough. Right now, I am very interested in it.

Watch out for Front Mission 1: Remake on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Xbox One on June 30, 2023.

In ending this piece, posted below are Xbox-related videos plus one Front Mission-related video for your enjoyment. Don’t forget to watch out for Team Xbox’s showcase events (including the Starfield Direct) on June 11, 2023.

+++++

A Look Back at Aliens vs. Predator #2 (1990)

June 2, 2023June 4, 2023carlocarrasco

In my previous review, most of the humans living and working in Prosperity Wells are unaware about the creeping danger coming at them. Alien eggs were laid in the wilderness while a ship carrying multiple Predator hunters has landed. At the human outpost, the leader Machiko Noguchi remains disrespected as the staffers and ranchers still trust her predecessor Hiroki Shimura.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Aliens vs. Predator #2, published in 1990 by Dark Horse Comics with a story written by Randy Stradley and drawn by Phill Norwood.

Early story

The story begins with the huge spaceship still at the launch platform of Prosperity Wells. The ship should have launched already with a huge cargo of indigenous animals – the Rynth – for export. It turns out that the two human pilots were captured by the Xenomorphs and in the presence of the Alien queen inside the ship, they witness one rynth (part of the herd from the ranching) die as a Chestburster alien comes out of its body.

Meanwhile, Machiko wakes up as her respected predecessor Shimura arrives and tells her that Dr. Revna still has not returned. During her talk with the wife (also a doctor), Machiko learns that the missing doctor was on his way to Iwa Gorge to find more aliens (note: the Facehugger alien) and that a lady worker (who made the first discovery of a Facehugger) informed him of the place.

As Machiko and Shimura analyze what they know, two outpost personnel discover the remains of a destroyed Predator space ship and, more notably, one unconscious Predator hunter…

Quality

*The Predators looks really odd with the colors implemented on them by the creative team of this comic book.*

If you were deeply engaged in issue #1, then you will have a lot to be engaged with in this issue. The script by Stradley is very solid and with a medium pace, details were consistently laid out for readers’ understanding while the build-up for the inevitable chaos – between Xenomorphs and Predators with humans in the middle literally – is strongly felt.

Machiko Noguchi’s management and ability to analyze situations really get tested in this story and along the way, you will see how much the outpost changes reflecting the moves made by her administration which is ultimately a response to a brewing crisis. At this stage of the comic book mini-series, the danger of the two galactic species begin to make impact on innocent humans in violent ways. The scene showing the home of people (located some distance away from the main complex of the outpost) getting invaded by the Predators has uncompromising violence which makes the incidental action look really disturbing.

More on the human characters, this comic book has very rich dialogue backed with special attention to details implemented by Stradley. This is very evident in the scene in which Machiko, Roth, Ackland and Shimura talk intensely about what happened and what factors caused those things to happen. Through the verbal exchange, you will witness Machiko’s bravery and leadership come to life as she confronts a rebellious rancher (who insulted her in a very personal way) over the truth about what happened. Not only that, you will also feel the stress she experiences as she manages the outpost at a time of crisis.

For the fans of Predators and Aliens reading this, you will see a lot more of them in this issue and I can assure you that Norwood is really great in visualizing them and showing them with violent action that will remind you of the movies. As with the previous issue, the colors implemented on the Predators remains very odd to look at.

Conclusion

*Live humans helplessly watching an animal die as a Chestburster alien comes out of it in the presence of the Alien queen.*

Aliens vs. Predator #2 (1990) is a great follow-up to issue #1. As expected, the stakes were raised higher and the tension really intensified as the narrative went on. The creative team really should be admired for not only crafting this high-quality chapter of the mini-series, but also for their believable and engaging build-up of the plot, the characters and conflict altogether. This comic book is a lively reminder of how great a non-superhero comic book crossover could be.

Overall, Aliens vs. Predator #2 (1990) is highly recommended!

+++++

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