Funko Fusion Preview – Get Your Head In The Game – Game Informer

If you’re a fan of a popular movie or TV show from any time in the last several decades, chances are, they’ve made a Funko Pop figurine of the main characters. The brand is ubiquitous in pop culture, so it was only a matter of time before it got a big video game adaptation. This sort of game could easily be a cheap cash grab, but after watching a preview demo and listening to one of the head developers speak about it, I’m confident that Funko Fusion is much more than that.

You’ve never played a game by developer 10:10 Games, but you probably know the work of its staff – the founders of the studio are some of the former architects of the Lego games developed by Traveler’s Tales, including CEO Jon Burton, COO Paul Flanagan, and design director Arthur Parsons, who leads the demo. He boots up a level based on John Carpenter’s 1982 horror classic The Thing, which signifies one of the main elements that separates this title from the kid-friendly Lego titles; this game is rated T for Teen and references loads of media properties that are decidedly not for children. Still, the world is charming and lighthearted, so when a Funko Pop is impaled through the side of the head, it’s more goofy than ghastly.

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Parsons, playing as Kurt Russel’s MacReady, fights off some Norwegians using the game’s third-person shooting mechanics. According to Parsons, all characters have melee and ranged options, though they had to get creative for some characters. While He-Man uses his signature sword, OJ (the protagonist from Jordan Peele’s Nope) swings around a miniature version of one of the inflatable tube men from his movie. Parsons dispatches enemies easily, which I imagine is due to the game’s relatively low difficulty, his experience working on it as a developer, and the fact that every enemy has an outrageously large head, ideal for headshots.

Funko Fusion will ultimately feature over 20 IPs in the game, mostly from NBCUniversal properties, though they’ve also made licensing deals with other companies.

Here’s a list of some that we know so far:

  • Back to the Future
  • Battlestar Galactica
  • Child’s Play
  • Five Nights at Freddy’s
  • Hot Fuzz
  • Invincible
  • Jaws
  • Jurassic World
  • Knight Rider
  • Masters of the Universe
  • Megan
  • The Mummy
  • Nope
  • Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
  • Shaun of the Dead
  • The Thing
  • The Umbrella Academy
  • Voltron
  • The Walking Dead
  • Xena: Warrior Princess

Each IP will include playable characters, and many will include levels, though the scope of each level will vary by the franchise. Some, like The Thing, will get a proper, full-sized level, while others exist as secret cameo levels players can unlock in other worlds. Poking around the frozen outpost in the demo, Parsons travels through a portal to reach a world based on Shaun of the Dead, where he has to escort a car of civilians to the safety of the Winchester. While there, he transforms into He-Man and shows off the zombie enemies, which turn the hero into a zombified version of himself. Even though it’s just a cameo level, it’s much larger than I initially expected, likely packing plenty of easter eggs in for fans of the movie.

Players can move through these levels in whatever order they want to progress through the game’s main story. Parsons explains that this modular approach allows them to continue to support the game after launch by easily adding new characters and levels into the mix. The first instance of this is with the game’s pre-order bonus, which includes Rick Grimes and Michonne from The Walking Dead, complete with alternate outfits.

Funko Fusion Preview – Get Your Head In The Game – Game Informer

It’s been years since the last Lego game, and with this team of developers, I’m excited to watch them attempt to fill that gap. Luckily, I won’t have to wait long. Funko Fusion is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC on September 13. 

Star Wars: Hunters Gets June Release Date For Switch In New Trailer

Star Wars: Hunters Gets June Release Date For Switch In New Trailer

Zynga has released a new trailer for its upcoming competitive multiplayer game, Star Wars: Hunters, revealing a June 4 release date alongside a new cinematic look at some of the characters. Star Wars: Hunters will hit Switch and iOS and Android devices on that day, giving players the chance to compete with others in iconic locations like the forest moon of Endor, the icy planet of Hoth, and elsewhere while controlling Hunters like J-3DI, a droid who thinks he’s a Jedi, Utooni which is two Jawas stacked on top of each other in a trench coat, and more. 

Zynga says each Hunter boasts their own unique set of abilities to aid them in the Arena, which is the marquee attraction of the new planet of Vespaara. “Star Wars: Hunters features a number of game modes for players to test their mettle, such as Squad Brawl, in which opposing teams will battle to rack up the most eliminations, and Trophy Chase, where competing teams will vie for control of the elusive droid TR-F33,” a press release reads. 

Check out the action in the new Star Wars: Hunters trailer below: 

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“We are beyond excited to welcome fans across the globe to Vespaara,” Zynga vice president Sam Cooper writes in a press release. “We can’t wait for gamers to meet our Hunters and hop into the Arena. There are so many fun twists and winks to recognizable, beloved Star Wars settings, creatures, and themes within our game that we also are eager to see players worldwide get the chance to discover.” 

Star Wars: Hunters will be available worldwide on Switch, iOS, and Android devices. It will be free, and on Switch, it does not require a Nintendo Switch Online membership to download and play.

For more, watch the Star Wars: Hunters reveal trailer, and then check out some gameplay from it here. 

Are you going to check out Star Wars: Hunters in June? Let us know in the comments below!

Vivek Desai, Chief Technology Officer, North America at RLDatix – Interview Series

Vivek Desai is the Chief Technology Officer of North America at RLDatix, a connected healthcare operations software and services company. RLDatix is on a mission to change healthcare. They help organizations drive safer, more efficient care by providing governance, risk and compliance tools that drive overall improvement and safety. What…

AI’s Inner Dialogue: How Self-Reflection Enhances Chatbots and Virtual Assistants

Recently, Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots and virtual assistants have become indispensable, transforming our interactions with digital platforms and services. These intelligent systems can understand natural language and adapt to context. They are ubiquitous in our daily lives, whether as customer service bots on websites or voice-activated…

Absen Direct View LED Video Walls for Worship: Illuminating the Future – Videoguys

Absen Direct View LED Video Walls for Worship: Illuminating the Future – Videoguys

Explore the transformative potential of Direct View LED technology in enhancing the illumination of sacred spaces while preserving their cultural and spiritual significance. Discover how modern innovation harmonizes seamlessly with timeless aesthetics, enriching the sacred ambiance and deepening the connection to these revered environments.

Understanding Sacred Spaces:
Sacred spaces hold profound cultural and spiritual importance, transcending their physical structures to become pillars of community identity and unity. Direct View LED technology offers unparalleled clarity and brilliance, respecting the sanctity of these environments while providing customizable lighting solutions tailored to their unique needs.

Harmonizing Tradition and Technology:
Integrating advanced lighting technology into sacred spaces requires a delicate balance between honoring tradition and embracing innovation. Explore how subtle lighting enhancements can add depth to spiritual experiences, fostering a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.

Collaborative Solutions for Respectful Integration:
Collaboration between religious leaders, cultural experts, and technical specialists ensures that lighting solutions seamlessly integrate into the physical and spiritual fabric of sacred spaces, respecting their sanctity while enhancing their visual allure.

The Future of Lighting in Sacred Spaces:
Looking ahead, advancements in LED technology will continue to expand the role of technology in sacred spaces, offering new possibilities for respectful and transformative lighting solutions. Our commitment to treating these spaces with reverence remains steadfast, preserving them as symbols of cultural heritage and spiritual sanctity.

Read the full article from Commercial Integrator HERE

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Preview – Back With A Vengeance – Game Informer

The 2021 release of Shin Megami Tensei V received a solid response from fans and critics. The Switch-exclusive title garnered an 8.25 out of 10 from Game Informer and an 84 out of 100 score on reviews aggregate site Metacritic. With Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, Atlus hopes to take the well-liked entry to even greater heights; not only is this new version of the well-liked RPG making the leap to additional platforms, but it’s bringing with it new locations, new demons, various quality-of-life improvements, and an entirely brand new storyline. I recently had the chance to meet with Sega to spend two hours with SMT V: Vengeance to see how this definitive edition of the game is shaping up.

In Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, you can take two completely separate paths, each lasting around 80 hours and containing different endings. The Canon of Creation is the storyline from the original game, while the Canon of Vengeance is a completely new path found exclusively in this new version of SMT V. In the Canon of Vengeance, you meet a new character named Yoko Hiromine, a mysterious girl with the power to fight demons. She can join your party, filling one of the slots typically reserved for demons.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Preview – Back With A Vengeance – Game Informer

My hands-on demo consists of two hours of gameplay. The first hour takes place in the school area and Bethel Japan. My first task is to search for Ichiro in the Diet Building. After finding him and meeting Yoko, the party touches the terminal to return to Tokyo. They’re greeted by Archangel Abdiel, who is unhappy with Aogami and the protagonist’s progress, but before Abdiel can exact his wrath, Tao, the Saint of Bethel’s Japanese branch, steps in to save them. After talking to the party and Bethel Japan’s director, Koshimizu, I lead the protagonist back to his dorm to prepare for the next day.

As the next day starts, I head to school, where Yoko Hiromine is introduced as a transfer student for the protagonist’s class. She later reveals it’s because she knows they’ll be working together, so she figured it would make sense to become a student in his class. As I head outside of the classroom, I witness Sahori Itsukishima being bullied. During the confrontation, she hears a voice asking her if she wants power. Miyazu helps Sahori, but she worries about the nature of Sahori’s injuries. Later on the rooftop of the dorm, Tao tells the protagonist that she wants to stop the bullying, but Yoko overhears the conversation and tells Tao that if she really wants to stop the bullies and help Sahori, she’ll have to kill the bullies. It’s a stark reminder that Shin Megami Tensei is not afraid to take dark turns in the story.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

My first hour ends with Na’amah appearing in the train station and turning people to sand to collect Magatsuhi. This challenging battle requires you to overcome various status ailments, the least of which is not Charm, which debilitated my team on multiple occasions. It goes to show that despite being more playable by a larger number of players thanks to its increased number of platforms, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance isn’t pulling its punches when it comes to the difficulty the vanilla version delivered.

After that battle, I move to the final part of my demo. The protagonist meets up with Tao at a temple in Shinjuku, an entirely new location for SMT V. After being transported to Da’at Shinjuku, Tao and Yoko join the party. Tao is best used as a healer, but she also brings light damage to the table. Meanwhile, Yoko is multifaceted in her offense, delivering fire, electric, and dark abilities. Because of that, Yoko very much comes in handy, as so much of the strategy of SMT’s combat is built around exploiting weaknesses. 

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

As I enter Da’at Shinjuku, an Angel greets the party, but rather than welcoming them with open arms, they’re viewed as intruders. Much of the storyline of this area is figuring out why the party is being treated as a group of hostiles, but also working to figure out how to get past the alerted Cherubim and Angels so you can reach your goals. I won’t spoil much here, but two characters from the vanilla version of SMT V appear with a plan, but it also seems extremely likely that the two have ulterior motives.

I spend the rest of my hour exploring the area, taking part in battles. On a couple of occasions, I am defeated in battle, requiring me to start at my last save. The fights are extremely engaging, requiring me to take into account status ailments, elemental weaknesses, and turn orders, but even with all the information handy (and a save file that seems loaded with recovery items), it’s still a challenging experience.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

After an hour of exploring this new area, I relinquish the controller. I started playing the original Shin Megami Tensei V when it arrived on Switch in 2021, but I didn’t have a chance to push past the first several hours. With Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance promising new platforms, improved performance on all platforms (aside from Switch), and a ton of new content, it feels like the perfect time for me to jump back into the world of SMT V with this new version. 

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance arrives on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC on June 14. For our thoughts on the original Shin Megami Tensei V, head to our review here.

Atomos Sun Dragon: Revolutionizing Cinematic Lighting with Flexibility – Videoguys

Atomos Sun Dragon: Revolutionizing Cinematic Lighting with Flexibility – Videoguys

In the dynamic world of filmmaking, innovation is the name of the game, and the Atomos Sun Dragon emerges as a game-changer in cinema lighting. Nicole LaJeunesse’s insightful piece for Videomaker unveils the Sun Dragon, hailed as the “world’s first sun spectrum, 5-color HDR LED production strip lighting system.” With its groundbreaking features and unparalleled flexibility, this lighting marvel promises to redefine creative possibilities for filmmakers worldwide.

At the heart of the Sun Dragon’s allure is its remarkable adaptability. Unlike conventional panel lights, this revolutionary system empowers filmmakers to sculpt and manipulate light effortlessly, unlocking a spectrum of creative expressions. Boasting a dazzling output of 2000 lumens and an impressive CRI rate of 98, it ensures unparalleled color accuracy across the full sun spectrum, rendering scenes with breathtaking authenticity.

What truly sets the Sun Dragon apart is its versatility. Designed to thrive in any environment, its waterproof construction grants filmmakers the freedom to illuminate even the most challenging settings, including underwater scenes. Furthermore, its ingenious design allows for multiple configurations, whether coiled up to serve as a dynamic ring light or deployed as a conventional LED panel, offering boundless creative potential.

In terms of control, the Sun Dragon leaves no stone unturned. Equipped with an advanced controller featuring both wired and wireless DMX control options, Bluetooth compatibility for seamless iOS app control, and support for Atomos AirGlu devices, it puts precision lighting at filmmakers’ fingertips. Drawing a modest 80W of power, it strikes a balance between performance and efficiency, while its compatibility with both battery and AC power sources ensures uninterrupted operation on set.

With pre-orders now open and shipments slated to commence in June 2024, the Atomos Sun Dragon presents an enticing proposition for filmmakers seeking a versatile and powerful lighting solution. Priced just under $1000, it represents a worthwhile investment in elevating the visual storytelling experience to new heights. Embrace the future of cinema lighting with the Atomos Sun Dragon and illuminate your creative vision like never before.

Read the full article by Nicole LaJeunesse for Videomaker HERE

Housemarque Celebrates Returnal’s 3-Year Anniversary With Fallen Asteria Animated Adaptation, Graphic Novel, And More

Housemarque is celebrating the three-year anniversary of its hit shooter roguelike Returnal by teaming up with Dark Horse Comics for a graphic novel, artbook, and a new animated adaptation you can watch right now. This news follows yesterday’s tease from both Housemarque and later Dark Horse Comics about Returnal, sending fans into an understandable frenzy about what the teams had in store for players. 

“Another year, another cycle,” a post on X (formerly Twitter) from Housemarque reads. “The Third time around, extra loot is exposed with Dark Horse flair.” 

Here’s what that flair brings to the Returnal universe: 

  • Returnal: Fallen Asteria Graphic Novel
  • Returnal Artbook
  • Fallen Asteria Animated Adaptation

Now, even with PlayStation dipping its toes into cross-media production with Amazon’s God of War series and Netflix’s Horizon adaptation, this Returnal adaptation isn’t the same. Instead, it’s an “animated version of the first issue of the upcoming graphic novel, Returnal: Fallen Asteria.” Check it out for yourself below: 

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Hosuemarque says the 88-page graphic novel will arrive in paperback on bookstore shelves starting October 22, 2024, and it will hit comic book shops the next day. 

It’s unclear if the animated adaptation above is the animated adaptation today’s announcement is referring to or, if it’s just the first part of it, since it only adapts the first issue of the graphic novel. 

Here’s a look at the Returnal: Fallen Asteria issues coming this October: 

Housemarque Celebrates Returnal’s 3-Year Anniversary With Fallen Asteria Animated Adaptation, Graphic Novel, And More

There’s no word on when the Returnal artbook will arrive, but presumably it’s this year. 

For more about the game, read Game Informer’s Returnal review, and then check out this story about the PC specs required to play Returnal on a desktop or laptop. After that, read about Returnal’s Ascension update, which added co-op gameplay and a new challenge tower to the game. 

Returnal hit PlayStation 5 on April 30, 2021. It launched on PC on February 15, 2023. 

Are you excited about today’s Returnal news? Let us know in the comments below!