Star Wars: Episode VII Reveal of the Cast

The cast list for Star Wars Episode VII is up! 

The official Star Wars website marks the return of Episode IV through VI veterans Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker in the new trilogy. 

Episode VII: Revenge of the Chewie

Domhall Gleeson, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Max von Sydow, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley and Lord of the Rings' own Gollum, Andy Serkis will appear along side the original pantheon. 

StarWars.com reported director J.J. Abrams said, "We are so excited to finally share the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. 

"We start shooting in a couple of weeks, and everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud."

Star Wars: Episode VII is set for a worldwide release on December 18, 2015.

The Old Guard and the New.

Until then, visit www.StarWars.com for all things Star Wars 

and Stay Tuned for Subculture!

To Catch a Developer - Outtakes!

As seamless as our skits and videos seem to be, we do have the occasional blunder! Here's some outtakes from our "To Catch a Developer" episode!

Stay tuned for Subculture! 

HAPPY EASTER FROM SUBCULTURE TIMES

Book of Sith

The Book of Sith is a leather-bound collection of lore, stories, teachings and philosophies of all things Sith. The writings span from the Old Republic to the new, from the demise of Sith academies to the rise of the Galactic Empire, from one Sith to the next.

The Book of Sith is prefaced with Darth Sidious' victory over the Jedi and his successful cataloging of Sith remnants. He recalls quarantines outlawing Sith artifacts, the power of a skilled liar and advancing the cause of the Sith. But above all reasons to assemble a written lineage of the Dark Side, it is Sidious' lust for power that lies at the crux of the anthology.

Enter the Book of Sith. 

"The errors made by my predecessors will not be my own. Their triumphs will be nothing compared to my omnipotence"

Presentation is fantastic in the Book; Sith-like hieroglyphics outline the trim of the leather cover, the serrated edges of different sections inscribe a unique identity to each Sith author and the art portrays an elementally Dark Side style. The characteristics of different handwriting between each section and characters add an extremely strong flavor, befitting the Star Wars mythos. Also, footnotes from Sidious, Vader and even Jedi Masters Mace Windu, Yoda and Luke Skywalker are scattered throughout. These annotations, written at different moments in the Star Wars narrative, often contrast with one another, debating whether the potential of dark side techniques are superior to Jedi teachings. The footnotes create fantastic moments that reverberate the final duel between Luke, Vader and the Emperor in Episode VI.

A note from Sidious...

Unlike a novel, however, Book of Sith functions like a collection of essays. Each segment and each Sith approaches the Force differently: Darth Malgus, a Sith featured in Star Wars: The Old Republic, discusses the Force as the pinnacle of rage and battle, while Jedi Exile Sorzus Syn explains Sith alchemy, Sith purebloods and even the schism between Jedi and Sith. The latter Dark Side entities are but two of the Sith featured in the collection. The Book also includes the writings of Nightmother Talzin from Star Wars: The Clone Wars series, Darth Bane, the creator of the Rule of Two, and even Darth Plaguies, former Master of Darth Sidious. Each Sith author broadens the scope of the Dark Side of the Force and the Book of Sith is the perfect medium for it.

Again, Book of Sith encapsulates a large frame within the Star Wars universe, tying in fantastically with the extended lore. Unfortunately, that is where some readers and Star Wars fans may find a fault with the literature. The Book of Sith incorporates information from many of the Star Wars mediums, including video games, movies, cartoons as well as other books. An avid fan of the Star Wars movies may not necessarily feel compelled to read about a sect of Sith practitioners featured only in the cartoon series. Navigating from one writing to the next could prove to be disconnecting for those unfamiliar with the Sith author.

But for the readers looking for a well-crafted, unique perspective on the Sith and the dark side of the Force, the Book of Sith is an amazing investment. The Book of Sith itself looks marvelous and the writings of the different Sith provide great content and a deeper insight to the Force. Were a collection of texts from dark side force wielders to exist in real life, it would look something like the Book of Sith that can be found in stores today.

Book of Sith is a must read for Star Wars fans and for those tempted by the  Dark Side!

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Shadow Warrior Review

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Shadow Warrior is a Devolver Digital published game. Alongside notable games such as Serious Sam and Hotline Miami, Shadow Warrior follows the same old school, action-based, no-cover frenzy. A throwback to classic First-Person shooters, Shadow Warrior pits players against hordes of demonic enemies throughout the campaign which surprisingly provides a simple, yet touching narrative.

Do you feel lucky, punk.

Hotline Miami, Hard Reset and Serious Sam Arcades make an appearance, you can even insert coins.

Shadow Warrior, a reboot of the same name, re-introduces players to the main character Lo Wang. As an assassin working for Orochi Zilla, he is tasked with purchasing an ancient katana with mystic powers. Lo Wang, upon refusal from the owner, attempts to steal the sword but is instead captured. A demonic horde overtakes the compound, giving Lo Wang a chance to escape, and sets players on a journey to retrieve the mysterious sword. Shadow Warrior takes players through varying and beautifully rendered environments while pitting them against hordes of enemies, human and non-human alike.

   

Gameplay in Shadow Warrior is simple, basking itself in classic First-Person Shooter designs. The player is set against hordes of enemies such as thugs, swat teams and ancient gods. Players are allowed to keep and use every weapon found throughout the campaign. While the fps controls are tight and enjoyable, sword play is also an integral element of Shadow Warrior. Your katana is used primarily against tougher enemies, but often functions as a tool to advance the campaign. The katana must be used to unlock demonic seals. The seals halt player advancement throughout various checkpoints, but ensure players make use of their weapon.
Controls handle wonderfully with the keyboard and mouse, but work just as well with aim assist and a gamepad. (although this reviewer prefers kb+m)

This Sword can cut through bone and stone with ease all the same.

The upgrade menu, displays the  Powers, Skills, and weapons Selection screen allowing players to adapt their character to their needs.

Players are rewarded with various types of currency throughout the game such as money, ki crystals, and karma points.These can be used to upgrade different attributes such as armor and reflexes, as well as skills and weapons upgrades. Weapon upgrades take the form of enhanced firepower or alternate firing modes, as well as new move sets including shockwaves, enhanced damage attributes or healing effects. 

Environments are just as much a part of the gameplay as your weapons are. Levels are filled with environmental hazards such as electrical panels and explosive barrels, including some enemies who deal blast damage when killed. Boss fights, although very much a spectacular sight with their huge presence, stagnate the gameplay in Shadow Warrior. Encounters with bosses are a very simple affair. They comprise of figuring out how to damage a boss followed by repeatedly attacking its weak spot for "massive damage". Although this formula is prevalent throughout the medium, Shadow Warrior's use in boss battles becomes a chore. Having to repeatedly shoot weak spots results in vain and drawn out boss battles, unlike the horde encounters, which bring a genuine visceral and chaotic experience.

Shadow Warrior graphics engine allows the game to render both small and large open environments  in high resolution textures without taxing your setup too much.

Graphics in Shadow Warrior are impressive, taking advantage of high resolution textures, god-ray effects and real-time shadows. Large open-world areas are haunting echoes of once populated areas and juxtapose beautifully with litters of dead bodies and destruction. Aesthetically, Shadow Warrior's use of high resolution textures bring the world to life, making sure both small and large environments are filled with detail. Shadow Warrior fills battlefields with tons of enemies at any given time, keeping players engaged throughout the game. Shadow Warrior keeps players intrigued through its narrative-perfect environments and first-person gameplay.

Shadow warrior's graphics engine enable god ray and realtime shadow effects to help enhance the game aesthetically and keep players engaged in a tense atmosphere.

Shadow Warrior brings back many enjoyable aspects of the old action-based shooting era. Although at times the game can feel quite trite, especially boss encounters and long gameplay sections lacking plot advancement, Shadow Warrior's fast and  intense encounters, straightforward gameplay, simple environmental puzzles and touching narrative keep the action fun and gratifying. Shadow Warrior, with an 11½ hour campaign length, will engage and satisfy players, garnering this game a solid  8/10.

ps. Viscera Cleanup Detail: Shadow Warrior comes free with purchase of Shadow Warrior, which is basically a cleaning simulator. So think about that bloody mess you leave behind.

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Sessler, The Fun Stops Here.

Love him or him hate him, one of the most prominent gaming journalist, Adam Sessler, is leaving rev3 games. Sessler states his departure comes from his desire "to explore new avenues inside of gaming that help further the medium." Further declining to state anymore on the subject, Sessler tweets "That's all I have to say on the subject. Gonna spend some time away from the internet, relax and help the wife with laundry....." 

Adams leaves his thoughts on his departure in his tumblr account, sessactual.tumblr.com

"After some incredible achievements over the last year and a half, I am announcing my departure from Rev3 Games and Discovery Digital Networks.  Sixteen years in front of the camera covering the video game industry has brought me to a point where I am ready and desiring to explore new opportunities.  While I would never say no to doing one more review, interview or opinion piece, the time feels right to explore new avenues inside of gaming that help further the medium.  The audience, my wonderful and talented co-workers and the last year at Rev3 Games will forever be appreciated for what was accomplished.  There never is a right time to part ways with something that has become as natural as breathing, but things do end and now feels right."

Although he doesn't outright state he is leaving the industry itself, It would appear this is more of break for Sessler in the spotlight as a journalist and reviewer, and if any person is more deserving of a break in gaming journalism, it would definitely be Adam Sessler who has been in front of the spotlight reviewing and corresponding on games and the gaming industry for 16 years. We at Subculture Times wish you good luck in your endeavors, and if you ever want to get back into the"game" we're always looking for new members!

Links to Sessler post

https://twitter.com/AdamSessler/status/451469569287147520

http://sessactual.tumblr.com/

South Park: The Stick of Truth Review

 We're going down to South Park to have ourselves a time with Obsidian Entertainment's South Park: The Stick of Truth for the Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and PC. This game has certainly been a long time coming with its multiple delays and the loss of the original publisher, delaying it even further. But ultimately, the long awaited South Park video game has come full circle into a well written, thought out game to give us the South Park game fans deserve. But even if you're not a fan of the show, this game asks the question, "Does South Park: The Stick of Truth offer something more than raunchy humor?" 

Well let's start with the story of our quest.

Behold the Stick of Truth.

The epic quest to become cool starts with the creation of your very own South Park character, a new kid who just moved into town. After moving in your new home, your parents tell you to go outside and start making friends with the other kids of the neighborhood. Stepping outside, you instantly hear Paladin Butters calling for help. After the battle, he'll become your friend through Facebook and show you over to Grand Wizard Cartman's  house and the Kupa Keep Kingdom (Cartmans backyard). Here you'll be introduced to its many residents like Ranger Scott Malkinson and Princess Kenny and of course you'll be shown the mightiest weapon in all the land, The Stick of Truth. It is said whoever controls the stick, controls the universe. It is at that point when the town's druid elves suddenly attack, and attempt to steal the almighty Stick. After defending Kupa Keep against the attack, it's discovered the Stick of Truth was stolen during the fight and now it's up to you to reclaim the Stick of Truth and discover who the culprit was. Of course the mysteries around the fated weapon may also lead to other secrets even bigger than the Stick of Truth itself.

From left to right: Princess Kenny, Paladin Butters, Grand Wizard Cartman, Warrior Stan and Jimmy the Bard.

The video game unfolds much like the episodes "Imaginationland" or "Console Wars" where one episode plays only a single part within a stronger trilogy. What this narrative does so well, besides its over-the-top scenarios, is making the player feel like the most important person in this digital world. South Park: The Stick of Truth immerses players into the make believe world. It's a symphony of nostalgia when a game can bring you back to an age where knights stood bold in hand-me-down football equipment; cardboard armor and flatware became mighty weapons and catalysts for epic battles with your friends. South Park: The Stick of Truth exemplifies Trey Parker and Matt Stone's writing prowess. But a video game, despite how strong its narrative may be, also rests with its game mechanics. And I bet you're wondering how those mechanics work in this turn-based action RPG, poop-throwing game.

He's super cereal.

Gameplay may be broken down in several ways. First, players venture through the overworld of South Park much like a point and click adventure (think Secret on Monkey Island where players are able to interact with many of the citizens and other objects of the town.) This may lead players to explore every nook and cranny just to see how the world reacts. While knocking over a snowman may make the kid building it plenty sad, interacting with a tree that holds one of the many collectible Chinpokomon figures is incredibly satisfying. Also, players can unlock perks for their protagonist by talking to the residents of South Park and adding them on Facebook. Interacting with some of the objects can even help defeat a group of enemies. For example, you might see an ash tray with a lighted cigarette just above a box full of fireworks; players may knock over the ash tray causing the fireworks to explode and simultaneously taking out a room full of enemies. But let's say you skip the theatrics of fireworks and find your party forced to fight a group of enemies. Combat is handled in the style of turn-based, action gameplay with cues for timed attacks that can deal more damage or block enemy attacks, similar to Paper Mario. 

Which will you choose?

Upon being introduced to Cartman, you are given a choice of which class of you want to play. There are four classes to choose from: Fighter, Mage, Thief and, it wouldn't be South Park if Cartman didn't make fun of this, the Jew class. Each class has their own play style. The fighter can hold heavy armor and strong weapons. The mage can use a array of special magic-based attacks. The thief is able to debuff enemies and apply status effects and the Jew can utilize powerful abilities dealing multiple hits to all the enemies on the field.

You will also have an ally following you throughout South Park. Butters is able to transform into Professor Chaos, Kenny rides a unicorn but can be killed if the corresponding button isn't pressed, Jimmy can weaken enemies through song, Kyle can kick his baby brother, Ike, at an enemy, Stan releases his dog Sparky to piss on enemies, and Cartman, using the curse word chip from the movie, shocks enemies in a flurry of tantrum-induced expletives. Players can switch between any of them to make use of their unique abilities. There are also summons that you can get by finding certain characters or finishing certain sidequests. The summons, while not effective in a boss battle, are all very powerful. Summons can wipe away all enemies but can only be used once per day.

Sorcerer Hanky the Christmas Poo! 

As raunchy as this game is (and this is South Park so be prepared for a lot of adult content), the graphics are perfect. Being based on the South Park franchise, it uses the same art style and animation software used to make the episodes thus making it look just like the show. The presentation is top notch. Obsidian really used the South Park license effectively to include as many references to the show as possible and many of the citizens that live in the small town of Colorado. If you're a fan of South Park, you'll see many jokes used from the seventeen seasons like the Okama Gamesphere to the Jennifer Lopez "Taco-Flavored Kisses" from a radio. It's all there for anyone who is a seasonal fan of South Park.

Now there were a few problems with The Stick of Truth that I've encountered. For one, upon installing the game in my PS3 the file was immediately corrupted forcing me to re-install the game. The game also froze during the tutorials, forcing me reload the file again. However, after those incidents this problem never came up again. My playthroughs were littered with a few audio hiccups too. The dialogue would cut out while character mouths continued to move during some cutscenes. There seems to be an issue with dropping framerates. Upon travelling into a new area,  the framerate would drop for only a few seconds and then immediately pick back up to normal. South Park: The Stick of Truth is also a very easy game. I put about a good twelve to thirteen hours into this game and that includes accomplishing many of the sidequests and looking for everything. I only had about five or so game over screens that popped up from bosses that caught me off guard the first try, so players might not get that real challenge one expects from an RPG like Bravely Default.

South Park: The Stick of Truth will keep you smiling and laughing with its crude jokes and raunchy humor. Trey Parker and Matt Stone crafted a narrative that's as over the top as any episode from the television series. The Stick of Truth is the South Park game fans have been waiting for. But even if players aren't amused by its sometimes offensive and absurd jokes, the in-depth RPG mechanics structures around the game, consequently leading to to strategic battles with fun abilities. The make-believe world of the South Park kids brings that nostalgia of childhood exploration and  imagination to a contemporary and raunchy medium that is both fun and hilarious. And who knows, you might even become a fan of the show while playing.

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Diablo III Sale

Still don't have the latest Diablo game? Well, fans of the epic Action Rpg series may purchase Diablo 3 for only $19.99. That's 50% off! 

For those unfamiliar with the Diablo series, players take the role of one of the five character classes, Monk, Witch Doctor, Demon Hunter, Barbarian or Wizard, and set out to defeat Diablo himself in a grand adventure filled with loot and tons of baddies. 

The sale runs until March 25. 

Play more games and Stay tuned for Subculture! 

Metal Gear Solid Ground Zeroes Review (PS3)

Subculture Times details Ground Zeroes introduction into the new open world experience as well as familiarizing players to the new gameplay mechanics in Metal Gear Solid V :The Phantom Pain.

Abepanda's Comic Corner

A knee slapper.