LIVE DECEMBER ISSUE 2020
MONSTER HUNTER ABOUT THE PRODUCTION PG 14
Go to page 30 for more details on Monster Hunter and find out how you could boost your chances of winning tickets!
From the Editor Hello and welcome to the December edition of Gametraders Live! Inside we have an excellent behind the scenes article for the production of Monster Hunter plus a giveaway to go see the movie in cinemas! Two wonderful interviews with Natalya plays piano and David Kaye. Plus some reviews of recent games, including Assassins Creed: Vahalla, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Marvel’s Spider Man: Miles Morales + a look into the top most popular games ever played. We hope you enjoy the magazine and as always if you are interested in writing for our magazine please email live@gametraders.com.au
Emily Langford Emily Langford, EDITOR
What’s inside
ASSASSIN’S CREED VALHALLA
pg. 54
MARVEL’S SPIDERMAN: MILES MORALES
PG. 66
THE LIVE TEAM EDITOR & DESIGNER: Emily Langford
WRITERS: Paul Monopoli, Interviews / Retro Editor Craig Snow, Stephen LaGioia, Thomas Froehlicher & Lee Mehr, VGChartz
NATALYA PLAYS PIANO
DAVID KAYE INTERVIEW
Pg. 8
Pg. 32
CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS COLD WAR Pg. 78
MONSTER HUNTER GIVEAWAY PG. 30
MOVIES MONSTER HUNTER
INTERVIEW WITH DAVID KAYE
INTERVIEW WITH NATALYA PLAYS PIANO
ANIME
,tv&
Paul Monopoli
INTERVIEW:
Natalya plays piano The Fringe Festival in Adelaide is a treasure
the shows I was alerted to in 2020 was called
trove of talent, and some of the very best acts
‘Anime ‘n’ Chill’, a piano recital by Natalya,
make their way to our small city each year
comprising of various anime themes. Upon
during February/March. Artists, comedians,
hearing the first few bars of “A Cruel Angel’s
musicians and more put on shows that are
Thesis” I and the rest of the audience knew
entertaining and easy on the budget. One of
they were in for a treat.
I would put our NES console on and go over to the piano to try and work out the tunes to the Super Mario and other games. My interest in anime began a couple of years later when I came across Sailor Moon on TV and I of course immediately had to work all those themes out by ear too!
How did you come up with the idea to combine them?
Playing pop culture music on piano is nothing new.. it’s been around on YouTube pretty much since the platform With the 2021 Fringe fast approaching,
came into existence, and there are more
Natalya is gearing up for another set of
and more concerts happening globally
live shows. I thought I would take this
concentrating on the music specifically
opportunity to ask her a few questions
from nerd culture, which is fantastic to
about the show, its evolution and future.
see!
What came first? An interest in anime,
Is music one of the primary reasons you
or an interest in music?
watch an anime series?
I began piano lessons when I was five but
Music is a really important part of any
I think I really started to enjoy playing
visual medium and I do tend to enjoy the
piano when I realised I could play by ear.
series more if I dig the soundtrack. As an
example, the original Sailor Moon series has
Do you compose your own anime inspired
some incredible music in it, however the
music?
OST in the remake is very disappointing. A good soundtrack should enhance the visual
I have done so from time to time but my
experience, not detract from it, and in this
problem is I don’t like writing music down
instance it unfortunately does the latter.
so the ideas end up leaving me before I get a chance to record them. New Year’s
What are some of your favourite series?
resolution for 2021 - make an effort to write my compositions down!
I’m pretty old school and I used to watch a lot more anime than I do now, so some
When did you first get the idea to
of my favourites include Sailor Moon (of
perform anime music?
course!), Angel Sanctuary, Fruits Basket, Love Hina, and Death Note.
I actually remember performing a selection of Sailor Moon music for one of my recitals
Does your interest in anime music branch
while I was still studying music around the
out into video games?
time I was doing AMEB 8th Grade. The idea to perform my first solo concert of
Absolutely! My first solo concert was called
video game music came to me probably
WORLDS CONNECTED: Music from Final
over a decade ago, when I attended a small
Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts. I adore the
recital put on by a uni student at Sydney
music by Yoko Shimomura and Nobuo
Conservatorium who performed solo piano
Uematsu from these games. And in fact, I
pieces from Final Fantasy. But it wasn’t until
will be performing a brand new concert of
2017 when I went to see the Final Fantasy:
video game music at Adelaide Fringe 2021,
Distant Worlds concert that I thought it’s
called “8-bit ‘n’ Chill - a Piano Concert”,
time for me to do something... so I put on
as well as bringing back “Anime ‘n’ Chill
my big girl pants and somehow successfully
- a Piano Concert” back with a brand new
produced my first concert!
repertoire!
What was your first gig like?
The word gig is very broad... I’ve done
organising everything for it, so in one
everything from weddings to funerals,
word I’d say - stressful. After picking the
corporate gigs, musical theatre gigs,
repertoire, I would practice 4-6 hours a
opera, pub bands, metal bands, classical
day (while working a full time job and
recitals, religious choirs, contemporary
doing regular gigs on the side), I had
choirs, and everything in between. As
to organise the venue, the marketing,
such I wouldn’t be able to tell you what
lighting, getting reviewers in, what to
my fist gig actually was, let alone what
wear, video recording... there are just so
it was like! In terms of my very first solo
many elements that go into putting on a
concert, Worlds Connected in 2018, I
show, it was a very steep learning curve!
spent about a year or even longer
How important has social media been to
available on all music streaming platforms,
building a fanbase?
I’ve started composing again and I’ve worked on some new repertoire.
Social media is completely invaluable when building a fanbase! I already have a
What are your plans for the future?
small following on YouTube so using my catalogue of previous videos helps with
I have three shows coming up for Adelaide
credibility when pitching myself to a brand
Fringe Festival 2021. Anime ‘n’ Chill will
new audience, businesses and reviewers.
be back, with a brand new program! 8-bit
Keeping active and present on Facebook
‘n’ Chill is a new concert full of video
and Instagram helps to connect with your
game music, such as Final Fantasy, Super
followers on a daily basis, and interacting
Mario Bros, Ni No Kuni, Call of Duty, and
with people through comments and replying
much more! I’m also doing a pop culture
to their DM’s is definitely the most personal
piano duet concert with a very talented
and effective approach.
local pianist Emma Knights, called Nerd Hits for 20 Fingers. Once we’re over this
What have the reactions been like to your
global pandemic, I’ll resume my plans of
videos while in quarantine?
performing overseas. I’d love to take my Studio Ghibli - Chopin Style concert to New
To be honest I haven’t produced more
Zealand, and eventually Japan and Europe...
videos than usual while in quarantine
maybe even the US. I’m working on a
because, like many other people, I’ve
classical album at the moment and I’ve got
felt bored, disinterested, lethargic and
a composition project in mind that I need to
depressed due to losing most of my actual
stop procrastinating about!
work and gigs this year. I did get random sparks of inspiration and creativity every
Natalya can be found on Facebook at
now and again, so I’d make sure to utilise
“Natalya Plays Piano”, the website
them when they cared to visit. As a result
www.natalyaplayspiano.com and on Twitter
I’ve created a few albums that are now
@NatalyaPiano
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
MONSTER HUN
NTER
Nearly 20 years ago, writer-director Paul W.
S. Anderson and star Milla Jovovich teamed up with videogame company Capcom
– and by 2009 I was pitching Capcom on making a movie of the game.”
and Constantin Film, Germany’s leading
Over the next nine years, during his
to produce Resident Evil, based on the
play the game – which became something
independent producer and distributor,
bestselling videogame. Six movies and
$1.2 billion in box office later, the franchise stands as the most successful videogame
adaptation of all time. The franchise proved popular all over the world, but especially in Asia – and its popularity and success drove several promotional tours in the region,
which would lay the groundwork for the team’s next collaboration.
Now, the team has reunited for Monster Hunter, based on Capcom’s bestselling video game all time, “Monster Hunter:
frequent trips to Japan, Anderson would of a passion project. “I fell in love with
the imagery, landscapes, and magic of
the game,” he says. “As I played, I began to imagine it cinematically.” Because the gameplay of “Monster Hunter: World”
doesn’t rely on a narrative, Anderson had free rein to invent a story. “It felt like an amazing opportunity to build a whole
world on the movie screen, and there were countless stories to tell within that world. The more I thought about it, the more
stories and characters began to take root.”
World,” and the origins of the project point
Anderson reteamed with Resident Evil visual
a fan of the ‘Monster Hunter’ game before
serves as producer this time, to design his
to Anderson’s time in Japan. “I was actually a lot of people in America and Europe, because I spent a lot of time in Japan,”
Anderson explains. “It became one of my
favorite countries to visit. Because of that,
I started playing ‘Monster Hunter’ in 2008
Bleach - Hanataro Yamada
effects supervisor Dennis Berardi, who also
vision of the monsters. “Dennis has worked on nearly all of our films,” says producer Jeremy Bolt. “He brought considerable
experience to developing Monster Hunter, which has a massive VFX component: the
monsters. From the beginning, Paul and
So, in his story, Anderson focused on a
Monster Hunter adaptation would be a
in the monster world, and the monster
Dennis’ work proved to everyone that a scary, captivating movie.”
For many years, the game was more popular in Asia than in the US and
Europe. Then came early 2018 and the release of “Monster Hunter: World,”
the franchise’s latest entry – and the worldwide fandom that was always
waiting. The game sold so well that it
became Capcom’s best-selling game of
all time, with over 16.4 million units. The film’s time had come.
Anderson’s screenplay took a decidedly grounded approach to the wild fantasy elements of monster hunting – in
real-world team that becomes trapped
world’s locations would be drawn from some of the real world’s strange and unusual but very real locations. “My
approach is always to make things as real as possible,” says Anderson. “We
were inspired by the amazing landscapes in the game to go to some of the most
incredible landscapes of our real world.
When we weren’t shooting in the natural world, we were shooting on very, very
large sets. Very rarely did we put an actor in front of a green screen to generate an environment. 80% of this movie is
real, and the 20% that is not real are the creatures.”
storytelling and design, he would give
At every turn, though, Anderson and
on to. “It was important to us to make a
original games that inspired them. “The
the real-world audience hooks to latch
grounded film. If the audience is going to
enter the monster world, the characters in
the movie should journey with them,” says producer Robert Kulzer.
the filmmakers kept hewing close to the movie pays honor not just to the ‘Monster Hunter: World’ game, but to the entire
franchise that I personally have loved for
ten years now,” says Anderson. “The game creators have created a richly textured world, and we embraced that.”
CHARACTERS IN PARALLEL WORLDS The Soldiers Heading up the cast as veteran army
“Not only is she an action icon; she also
a UN Joint Security Operation, is Milla
a soldier. She’s married. Maybe she’s a
ranger Captain Artemis, the leader of
Jovovich, who reunites with her Resident Evil director – and husband – Paul W.S. Anderson.
When he’d completed the screenplay,
Anderson had his first choice of actresses
right there at home. Still, Anderson had to do a bit of convincing with Jovovich. “My first thought was, really, from zombies
to monsters? You’ve got to be kidding me,” kids the star of Resident Evil. “He
said, ‘Just read it,’ and when I did, I felt
brings a lot of character to the role. She’s mother. And Milla did a huge amount of
research to make Artemis a real relatable character, training with the U.S. military.
Milla hung out with one of only 18 female
army rangers in the world and became very good friends with her, and she ended up
acting as our military advisor on the film – Milla’s character, Natalie Artemis, borrows the character name from our new friend. The audience can really get under this character’s skin.”
like it captured everything I love about
“The rangers are some of the toughest
the character of Captain Artemis. She
explains. “The team that I have in place is
making action movies, but I really loved just felt real to me. I felt like it would be wonderful to play somebody that disciplined.”
“Who’s better to kick ass and kill monsters than Milla Jovovich?” says Anderson.
members of the U.S. Military,” Jovovich
composed of six highly elite soldiers. They
have history together -they’re a very close
knit, very well-oiled machine, and tough. So
it’s very shocking when they find themselves in another reality, dealing with something that we’ve never dealt with before.”
Hip-hop artist and actor Tip “T.I.” Harris stars as Link, a veteran ranger and
Artemis’ right hand. “Artemis and Link
down. I went on this journey and I could see everything vividly in my mind.”
have encountered some pretty tough
Australian actor Josh Helman, who
when they face this crisis, their chemistry
me personally was getting to play an
scenarios in their previous tours, and
comes to the fore,” he says. “My son is
a videogamer, and when I asked him if
he knows about a game called ‘Monster
Hunter,’ he said I should totally go and do it!”
Another member of the squad is Sergeant Marshall, a Communications Specialist,
played by Mexican actor Diego Boneta. “When I first found out about ‘Monster Hunter,’ I was shooting ‘Terminator’
with a lot of heavy visual effects – so
Paul showed me the storyboards and explained that he wanted to limit the
CG element to the monsters and put the
actors in real locations, I was immediately on board.”
Meagan Good describes her character,
Dash, as “a masterful mechanic, incredible driver, and quick on her toes. From the
time I opened the script I couldn’t put it
plays Steeler, says, “A huge plus for Australian character. I play a lot of
Americans, so for me to be able to play
an Australian Special Forces soldier was a great challenge and a great privilege.”
Rounding out the crew, Jin Au-Yeung says that his character, Axe, was involved in
the first counterterrorism team in China’s Special Forces, called the Night Tigers.
“His background goes beyond the military experience,” he says. “I felt honored to be part of this this team, contributing to the safety of the entire world, so I was really
interested to see how I could bring him to life beyond the military aspect.”
The Monster Hunters After being dragged into the parallel
Anderson was not only impressed by
mysterious Hunter, played by martial artist
commitment to the role – even if Monster
world, Artemis finds a teacher and ally in a Tony Jaa. “Paul loved the idea of the Hunter being a physically skilled performer and
there is a very small list of artists who could be credible as a fighter,” recalls Kulzer.
“When Tony makes his entrance, he will be
as much a shock to anyone unfamiliar with his skill as he is to Artemis.”
“When Paul said, ‘Welcome to Monster
Jaa’s skill and acting chops, but by his
Hunter didn’t require Jaa to be quite as
committed as some of his previous parts. “I’m a huge, huge fan of Tony Jaa – Ong
Bak, The Protector, pretty much all of Tony’s movies,” says Anderson. “The man gives himself to his films, and of course, Tony
does everything for real. There’s a great
fight scene in Ong Bak where his legs are on fire. I asked how they did that scene,
Hunter,’ it was a dream come true,” says Jaa. and he said, ‘Oh, it’s very simple. We just “When he showed me the storyboards, the
put gasoline on my legs, we lit my legs on
my character – my god, this character, it’s
to do it just once.”
different characters, and we talked about amazing.”
fire, and we shot really, really fast, and tried
“Tony was a real pleasure to work with – a
he is charged with all these responsibilities,
and a great comedian as well,” Anderson
definitely authoritarian. Paul has wisely
phenomenal martial artist, a terrific actor, continues. “Milla and Tony have terrific
chemistry in this movie; they’re obviously both great warriors but they’re also very funny together.”
“Working with Tony Jaa is crazy because, because he doesn’t just do stunts – this
and while he’s compassionate, he is also sprinkled in some moments of lightness into his adaption, which keeps things light in the face of pressure and the
knowledge that any day could be your
last. The Admiral deals with it in a kind of gamesmanship that has lightness to it.”
is his real life,” says Jovovich. “He doesn’t
Also joining the crew are German actor
and does a flip and a kick with a sword and
monster hunter; Brazilian actress Nanda
need wires. He just jumps off high places
everyone’s jaws are on the floor. Tony is a
real-life superhero – he’s the most unique individual I’ve ever worked with in action films.”
Veteran actor and monster movie legend
Ron Perlman joins the cast as Admiral, the leader of the crew of monster hunters.
“Ron has such great gravitas and is an icon of these movies,” says Bolt. “He brings
intelligence and leadership qualities to his role.”
“Admiral is a lifelong warrior and someone
who people depend upon for their life and
safety,” says Perlman. “He understands that
Jannik Schümann, playing Aiden, a young Costa as Lea, a researcher, Aiden’s partnerin-crime; and Japanese actress Hirona Yamazaki as Handler.
BECOMING THE CHARACTERS To play a squad of UN soldiers, the cast
understand military life. “Artemis has to be
the direction of Natalie Mallue, the film’s
needs to be smart and socially adept to
went through a rigorous training under military advisor.
“I knew of Milla as Alice in Resident Evil,
and I was surprised to receive a text from her,” recalls Mallue, who jumped at the
opportunity to become involved. “I was
very impressed with how interested and engaged Milla was in developing her
a physical stud, but an Army Ranger also navigate their way as a pioneer,” Mallue
explains. “They have to quickly judge what the next course of action would be. As
leader, Artemis must set an example to the troop – that is the burden of leadership. Milla was ready – she has a go-getter
disposition and the mentality of a soldier.”
character. “I think a lot of people are scared
Mallue became a similar asset to the
that wasn’t the case with Milla – she asked
forces team. “Natalie’s advice put us in
to ask questions about the military, but great questions.”
Once Anderson had briefed Mallue as to
who Artemis was, Mallue advised Jovovich on building the character and creating a
backstory for her. “We literally went year by year and her time spent on this coalition team,” says Mallue.
education of the other cast in the special the best possible position to look like a
crack squad,” says Anderson. “She walked
through every single character, so that we
could also understand their ranks. She was
very committed, even communicating with me and Diego Boneta on WhatsApp in the middle of the night with advice like ‘Make sure your shirt is tucked in!’”
In addition to rigorous physical and
Training wasn’t just late-night texting:
psychological training in order to better
camp at Fort Irwin National Training Center
tactical training, Jovovich would need
Jovovich also went through weeks of boot
in San Bernardino County, California, one
and to be the best you have to do the
It is here that Jovovich trained to respond
strength to do. It helped get me into the
of the US Army’s primary training centers. to opposing and insurgent threats – so that her responses to the monsters would be
Artemis’s own natural, instinctive reactions. At Fort Irwin, Jovovich received the same
things that other people don’t have the
character of Captain Artemis – that feeling of invincibility. I needed the discipline – it
was a mental thing, to know that I was my healthiest, body and mind.”
training rangers receive in facing opposing
Jovovich’s costars also received training
the training is made as real as possible.
Meagan Good says the coaching included
and insurgent forces. She notes that
“There’s a desert, a village, a marketplace,
and people are like coming up to you,” she recalls. “They try and get soldiers to really
feel what it’s going to be like when they go overseas, and the stresses that you could come under.”
The discipline of Jovovich’s training carried over to production. “I was eating right and keeping my body at a high level. I woke up every day between three and four in
the morning, worked out for an hour, then start hair and makeup,” she recalls. “In
the military, you do the physical exercise for yourself – you want to be the best,
once the cast was together in South Africa. everything from how to hold a weapon to
how to engage a threat to how to perform as a unit. “It was as specific as to how you are walking in a line; you never do what anybody else does,” she says.
Harris recalls that the boot camp included “tactical training, how to clear a room, and engage from our positions – it all
happened so fast, I called it getting thrown in the blender. They just threw me into
the blender of all these different tactical instructions and we all just had to absorb it.”
Behind our world, there is another: a world of dangerous and powerful monsters that rule their domain with deadly ferocity. When an unexpected sandstorm transports Captain Artemis (Milla Jovovich) and her unit (TI Harris, Meagan Good, Diego Boneta) to a new world, the soldiers are shocked to discover that this hostile and unknown environment is home to enormous and terrifying monsters immune to their firepower. In their desperate battle for survival, the unit encounters the mysterious Hunter (Tony Jaa), whose unique skills allow him to stay one step ahead of the powerful creatures. As Artemis and Hunter slowly build trust, she discovers that he is part of a team led by the Admiral (Ron Perlman). Facing a danger so great it could threaten to destroy their world, the brave warriors combine their unique abilities to band together for the ultimate showdown. Based on the global video game series phenomenon MONSTER HUNTER. Only in Cinemas January 1, 2021
#MonsterHunter
WIN A DOUBLE PASS! Thanks to Sony Pictures and Gametraders you could win a double pass to see the new Moster Hunter! All you have to do is go to the Gametraders Facebook page and like the competition post, tag who you’re going to take and comment why you want to see Monster Hunter!
© 2020 CTMG. All Rights Reserved.
Paul Monopoli
INTERVIEW:
DAVID KAYE Rumiko Takahashi has been working
fairytale, InuYasha, to be her magnum
as a mangaka for more than a couple
opus. It is a tale between two ages which
of decades. Her rise to fame through
combines fantasy, action, romance and
the early 80s with Urusei Yatsura led to
jealousy.
a career that has endured to this day. Though she has had continued success
Indeed, Takahashi’s works have proven so
with series such as Maison Ikkoku and
popular with audiences in the East and
Ranma 1/2, many consider the feudal
West that sequels are often requested (or
demanded) from die hard fans of InuYasha
yet menacing Sesshomaru, he also played
and her other works. While Urusei Yatsua,
Akane’s highly strung father, Soun Tendo
Ranma ½ and InuYasha all received
in Ranma ½. While he is not sure of the
animated specials in 2009, it would be
answers relating to Yashahime (spoiler
the latter that saw a further 26 episodes
alert), we had a catchup over Zoom to
being produced. Known as ‘The Final Act’,
discuss his career and the upcoming
this series ended the tale of Kagome and
series. With a Sesshomaru figure seated in
InuYasha… for now.
front of him, and a collection of other toys in shelves behind him (of other figures
Fast forward roughly a decade, and a
he has voiced over the years), he started
second sequel for InuYasha is being
to share details of his life behind the
produced. Known as ‘Yashahime’, the
microphone.
story revolves around the daughters of InuYasha and his brother Sesshomaru.
While starting his career in Canada,
Thrown together in an adventure of their
Kaye later found himself moving to Los
own, a lot of questions are raised along
Angeles, a move that many voice actors
the way. What happened to InuYasha,
make. Indeed, Kyle Hebert, Vic Mignogna,
Kagome, Miroku, Sango, Shippo,
Laura Bailey and Travis Willingham
Sesshomaru and Rin? How did the three
have all made the shift. David describes
girls lose their memories?
this as a personal decision, though the journey did not begin with voice acting.
I received an opportunity to ask
He explained that he has always had a
Sesshomaru himself, in the form of voice
passion for radio, and on a cold night,
actor David Kaye. Kaye is the voice of
when the radio signal was at its strongest,
many childhoods, including my own. He
he would be able to pick up stations from
has appeared in many series, and he has
across the border, in the US.
been a part of the Takahashi world for some time. As well as voicing the calm
“I lived up in a city called Peterborough,
on David. He and his friend, also called
Ontario, Canada, and as a kid I would
David, would hang out at a local comic
listen to all this American radio and
store where each weekend he was able to
all these great personalities on WBZ
spend a few hours with some superhero
Boston… I picked up some Detroit
legends:
stations, and I was just enamoured with these voices on the radio as a kid... I had
“Me and my friend David Hayes taught
this tiny little radio and I would listen to
at the University of Toronto for a while
these guys and always wanted to be a
as he’s a teacher. He did a lot of studies
part of that. For whatever reason, the way
and stuff on pop culture. His first job was
the sound was engineered to have these
at a comic book store called ‘Sandy’s’,
big compressors, mics, and all, American
and it was this awesome old book store.
radio to me just sounded bigger.”
I still remember that smell when you walk in, kinda dust and paper and books, ya
Comic books were also a strong influence
know? And it was in my home town. I used
to visit him, and the downstairs of this
David is a self confessed ‘wine nerd’, and
book store was packed with Marvel, DC
it wasn’t until many years later, after his
and all of it! On Saturdays he had a little
move to California, that he realised that if
job there to make a few bucks for the day
he could order wine and get it shipped to
and I’d go down and hang out, and that’s
his door, he could do the same with the
when I got to know Jack Kirby and Stan
toys on the back of comic books.
Lee characters. I would turn, of course, to the back of the comic books where there
“That was the biggest thing for me. I can
would be all of these advertisements for
order anything I want! And so it was many
cool toys that we couldn’t get in Canada.
years later, but I used to love all that stuff.
All this awesome stuff seemed to be not
And that’s where the love of comics and
available. Only available in the US only. It
cartoons stories (came from)… I sort of
was like, “Oh, come on!” I was just aching
became enamoured with the US.”
to be able to put some money into an envelope and get whatever I wanted!”
Like many people in the US, living the
be good to go on the air. It has to be
last 4 years under a divided country have
up here! It can’t be OK or fine, or ‘it’s
not been easy. His claims of finding life
a work in progress’, no. It has to be
a ‘little rough’ could be echoed from
good now, because there’s thousands of
both sides of the political spectrum.
people out there who are aching to do
Regardless, David still sees America as
a role in something, (so) you have to be
a land of opportunity. And with access
constantly studying, and so being in a
to major studios, such as Disney and
city like this just ups the game.”
Pixar, he feels the need to keep shooting higher.
Indeed, Kaye likens his time in LA to the song ‘Hotel California’ by the Eagles:
“If you want to play in a professional sports league, football, Australian rules
“It wasn’t until moved down here and
football, Australian rules rugby, which
I’m listening to that song one day and
is one of my favourite things to watch
I went ‘Oh my god! I get it!’ You can
on television, or a professional hockey
check out any time you want but you can
player from Canada, you want to play
never really leave. It hooks in you and
with the best players. You want to be
sometimes you get frustrated with it and
with them, and it ups your level and
then you go ahh, hmmm.” Relax…
your game, so that’s why I wanted to be here… I play this game with myself.
While it was always going to be difficult
How far and how good can I get? It’s
taking children out of school and moving
never over. It’s always a quest for what’s
them to a new country, David’s family
next, how can I make this sound better?
have thrived. Everyone is happy, healthy
How can I make this better? And that’s
and working.
honestly what this city has done for me. When you record something or
Most of his work is done from his home
you audition for something it has to
studio, which was a huge advantage
when COVID made its way across the
on a high energy morning show in
world
Vancouver, where his voice acting career was about to start:
“I’ve always had a professional studio in my house because I do a lot of promo,
“I was stunt boy and did all kinds of
network television and radio. I’m still
voices like Cowboy Dick ‘Howdy boys
doing IDs for clients, so I always had
and girls! Gonna play a little song for
to have a proper space, and when the
ya!’. I’d come up with characters like that
lockdown hit in March and the world
and we did the morning show... You’re
went ‘stop’, I was like ‘well, I’ve got
in there from like 4:30 till about 10:30
everything I need’ and a lot of people
or so, and then you have all day. Now
were scrambling, so I was very lucky.
in Vancouver, it’s such a great city, if it’s
Now you can do things from anywhere,
winter time you can ski or rent a kayak
so all the cartoons and video games,
and go to Falls Creek and go for a little
Ratchet and Clank and other cartoons I’m
paddle… So I had all this time, and I
on right now are all done from the home
signed up for this weird commercial
studio.”
modelling course… where I met my first agent Ross Rhodes… I drove him home
When asked how his acting career
one night and he said “You know, you
started, David grins and says “Well, I told
should do this. I’m just new and I’m an
a lie!”
agent here and if you want an agent, maybe, you know…” and I said “sure”.
Like Kyle Hebert, John St John and many
He goes “Well, go home and think about
others, his career began in radio. Radio
it.” I said “No no no, I’ve thought about
is not a career for those who like to be
it. Why don’t you be my agent?” He
settled in one place, and like many DJs
goes “OK” and that was it.
before him David found himself moving around. In the late 80s he found himself
About 6 months after that conversation
David’s new agent had some news for
him being able to return to the studio
him:
and make the call back.
“He said “There’s voice over stuff in
“And after the first session I went: ‘These
town, and I’m gonna put you up for
are my people. I want to quit everything
some things” and I said “OK” and he
I’m doing and I want to do this! This is so
says “Do you know how to do voices?”
much fun.’ So that became the focus and
and I went “yeah”. That was my lie. I
goal after that. I wanted to stay in this
had no idea what he was talking about:
business, and that’s how it started.”
“Yeah, I know how to do voices, sure!” So he said “OK, good.” So one of the
David, along with many other Vancouver
first auditions I did was GI Joe, the great
based voice actors made his way into
American hero. DIC animation was doing
many of the live shows and movies that
a lot of stuff in Vancouver. DIC, we always
were being filmed there. Roles in The
joked it was “Done In Canada”.
X-Files, Sliders and Happy Gilmore provided David with some live action
After reading for General Hawk and a
credits.
few other characters, David took some time to go skiing. During this trip he
“They would have trouble finding me on
was told he had to make a ‘call back’ to
set. I would get bored because… I’d be
follow up the audition. After ‘one more
hanging on set with the sound guys or
ski’ down the mountain he realised that
watching the director of photography.
his keys were missing and the zipper
I’d be watching what’s going on behind
pocket of his pants was open. Thankfully
the scenes. I’m more interested in what
his bright yellow key tag stood out
they’re doing, when what I’m supposed
enough for someone to see them and
to be doing is learning my lines and
return them to him. He has no idea who
getting prepared. I think if I was serious
found the keys, but he credits them with
about it I could have done better and
more stuff on camera because I did like it. I
yet confident Sesshomaru in InuYasha. This
hated the audition process.”
bought him to reflect on the amazing times he had at The Ocean Group, and that he
David found that he was more comfortable
could not believe he was getting paid to ‘do
behind the microphone than the camera.
voices’.
Around this time Transformers: Beast Wars was in production, as were various anime
“And then InuYasha comes around, and I
series and US based cartoons. This was the
had no idea how huge it was, and Gundam
world he wanted to be a part of:
Wing and these characters and I loved going and playing Sesshomaru. I wouldn’t
“I wanna get behind this mic. That’s when I
see many of the other characters because
came alive, and this is what I’m supposed to
when you’re doing anime you do your lines
be doing.”
and you leave. I’d see Richard (Cox) once in a while and the Dobsons and a few people I
Ever the perfectionist, Kaye is highly critical
knew around the show, but otherwise I had
of his own work. After watching his episode
no idea who was in the cast. I couldn’t tell
of The X-Files he wondered why they hired
you.”
him. David would often be given scripts of “I wouldn’t hire me!”
roughly 700 pages for an episode of InuYasha. Not being a regular cast member,
Most recently he starred in a film called
his day would involve him flicking to
‘Martian Child’ with John Cusack, a project
certain pages, recording his lines, then
he appeared to be happy with. He told the
leaving. Only 7 years later did he meet
director that if this was the last on camera
the voice actress behind Kagome at a
role he played then he was ‘good’.
convention, though he had no idea who she was beforehand. The huge fan reaction
I challenged David about his ‘lie’. Here is
at conventions started to arouse David’s
a man who can voice the highly anxious
curiosity about the show.
Soun Tendo from Ranma ½ and the calm,
“Then I started watching a few of them,
moved to the US. Regardless, he claims that
and I hate everything I do. We talked about
his replacement, Mike Dangerfield, did a
that earlier: Imposter syndrome. It doesn’t
great job of continuing the role throughout
matter how old I am... So it was just such an
the finale series. Fast forward a decade and
honour to play such a cool character, and
David Kaye has returned to play the demon
when I saw people dressed up as InuYasha,
lord once again.
as Richard’s character, and mine, as Sesshomaru with the mane, they went all in!
“The people at Bang Zoom and Viz were so
And still to this day, people were bugging
gracious. We worked some stuff out and I
me on Twitter: “I hope that they bring you
was able to come back and reprise the role
back”, “Would you do it again?”, “Why
for Yashahime, so… it’s been a long time. It’s
didn’t you do the last episode?”
wild how this stuff lives on!”
David did not return to play Sesshomaru for InuYasha: The Final Act as he had already
With voice actors from the Ocean and
aired he went on to answer questions
Funimation stable, I was curious about
from fans and was pleasantly surprised
who was actually in charge of dubbing
at the support he and the cast had
the show. Bang Zoom Entertainment
received.
have been charged with the task, though Funimation normally dub their shows in
“I kinda had to go on and answer
house or at Chris Sabat’s Okatron 5000
(questions). It was tough for me to do
studio. Viz and Funimation are both
because for this last little while I’ve been
promoting the show, with Yashahime
leaving the phone alone. It was a breath
debuting on Funi’s streaming service.
of fresh air to see comments from the fans and all the kind words, and it was
Changes in technology mean that
just really cool. I can say that they helped
this combined cast does not need to
me endure hell week in the US. So thank
meet up in the same place, though
you!”
David mentions being excited to see Richard Cox and Kirby Morrow’s names
As well as Yashahime, David has some
associated with the new series. Sadly,
fantastic projects coming out soon. While
exactly a week after this interview was
non-disclosure agreements prevent him
recorded Kirby Morrow passed away at
from speaking about some of them, he is
47. David and the rest of the voice cast
excited about some episodes of Scooby
have posted tributes and memories on
Doo he will be appearing in, Avengers
social media.
Assemble, the new season of Justice League and the upcoming Ratchet and
The first episode of Yashahime was
Clank game (David voices Clank). This
released on ‘voting day’ in the US. The
upcoming title promises a deep storyline
deluge of political discussion had caused
and some amazing characters.
David to take some time away from Twitter. However, as the first episode
“Yeah, there’s some fun projects I’m
working on now. I can tell people that even
Summer and Tara Strong, this project is one
though the pandemic has halted a lot of
to look out for.
things, one of the industries… that hasn’t slowed down is animation and voice over
“It’s crazy stuff! Weird! You can’t take your
podcasts. That’s just exploded, and there is
eyes off it.”
a lot of product out there.” To find out more, David Kaye can be found One of these products in development is
on Instagram @davidkayevo, the website
by a Tasmanian team of puppeteers. An
www.davidkaye.com and on Twitter @
irreverent show featuring well known voice
dkayevo
actors such as David, Billy West, Cree
VIZ Media annouces Yasha' hime, a new animation : from the Inuyasha universe PRESS RELEASE SAN FRANCISCO, CA-Will Eisner Hall-
during a forest fire. While desperately
of-Farner Rumiko Takahashi reunites
searching for her younger sister, Towa
with lnuyasha production team Sunrise,
wanders into a mysterious tunnel that
along with Director Teruo Sato to create
sends her into present-day Japan, where
Yashahime - a new feudal fairy tale from
sbe is found and raised by Kagome
the lnuyasha universe.
Higurashi ‘s family.
In Yashahime, the daughters of
Ten years later, the tunnel that connects
Sessbomaru and Inuyasha set out on a
the two eras has reopended, allowing
journey transcending time. Set in feudal
Towa to be reunited with Setsuna, who is
Japan, half-demon twins Towa and
now a demon slayer working for Kohaku.
Setsuna are separated from each other
But to Towa’s shock, Setsuna appears
to have lost all memories of her older
a regular feature on The New York
sister. Joined by Moroha, the daughter
Times Bestsellers list throughout the
oflnyuasha and Kagome, the three young
2000s, while the anime aired on Cartoon
women travel between the two eras on
Network’s Toonami Adult Swim for over
an adventure to regain their missing past.
11 years nearing 200 episodes, and
“The three heroines are beautifully
produced four film adaptions.
designed. I am looking forward to their
About VIZ Media:
adventures,” said Rumiko Takahashi who
An international authority on manga for
is leading the main character design.
more than three decades, VIZ Media is
Teruo Sato will direct Yashahime, along
leading the way in what’s now, new and
with Katsuyuki Sumisawa on script, while
next. Reaching one in four millennials
Yoshihito Hishinum is responsible for
and half of all GenZ manga readers, VIZ
animation character design, and music
is at the forefront of America’s Japanese
from Kaoru Wada. This series is produced
pop-culture phenomenon, which today
by Sunrise, Shogakukan, Yomiuri TV.
dominates multiple industries from
“We couldn t be more thrilled to
publishing and animation to film and
announce the acquisition of Yashahime.
gaming.
The lnyuasha universe has been a true
VIZ is proud to be the #I destination for
pinnacle when it comes to delighting/
manga in America and home to some
ans of all generations and we ‘re seeing
of the most prestigious anime brands
that now, two decades later. with original
driving the industry. Combined with
Inyuasha episodes streaming on Netflix
a market share footprint larger than
and Hulu. We ‘re excited for fans to
household names collectively, VIZ has
revisit this magical world created by the
pivoted from a localization company to a
iconic Rumiko Takahashi.” Brad Woods,
market leading pop culture publisher and
CMO VIZ Media
producer. For more about VIZ Media,
The critically acclaimed and multi-million
please visit viz.com
dollar grossing Inuyasba franchise was
gameS
ASSASSIN’S CREED VALHALL
CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS COLD WAR
LOOKING AT FIVE OF THE MOST POPULAR GAMES EVER PLAYED
S
LA
REVIEWS
Craig Snow
Looking at Five of the Most Popular Games Ever Played When it comes to deciding what to do
high quality and visually impressive games
in your spare time, we all have plenty of
now being available on the smaller screen.
choices. Some will play sports, others may
Perhaps the best example of this is with
want to read, and of course a significant
casino games. The days of average images
number of us love playing games.
and buffering games are long gone, and you can even play with live dealers on
The advancements in technology over the
websites like Space Casino, which highlights
years have increased both the range and
just how far we’ve come. Of course, mobile
quality of what’s on offer. For traditional
gaming of this kind has the huge advantage
gamers, we have a range of options
of being accessible 24/7 - and on the move
between PC and consoles, with the
as well. Essentially, there’s more choice than
PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S being
ever for core and casual gamers alike.
just two of the latest platforms to hit store shelves.
Below we’ll outline some of the biggest games that have ever released, and which
Another way we can play games is on our
have captured the attention of hundreds
phones. Again, that’s down to the way
millions players in recent years.
technology has developed, with increasingly
CANDY CRUSH SAGA
Sticking with the theme of mobile gaming,
As it’s a free-to-play app that can be
the number of people that play Candy
downloaded it doesn’t have an entry cost,
Crush Saga is insane. Last year, it was
unlike most of the other games on this list,
reported that over 272 million people
so it has a distinct advantage over much
actively play the game each month, with
of the competition, but the figures are
nine million of those playing for three
nonetheless incredible and show just how
hours a day.
in-demand Candy Crush remains almost 10 years since it debuted.
MINECRAFT
Minecraft has comfortably sold over
devices has no doubt helped in this
200 million copies since it was released
respect, but none of that would matter if
over a decade ago, and it’s still going
the core game wasn’t stellar.
strong. The addictive levels of creativity and challenge it provides has ensured its longevity and guaranteed its appeal to a whole new generation of players. Its wide availability on PC, consoles, and handheld
GRAND THEFT AUTO V
Grand Theft Auto V has proved to be
remarkable rate - 135 million copies had
a ridiculously popular game since its
been sold at the last count at the end of
release in 2013. Several Grand Theft Auto
September.
games have released to both critical and commercial acclaim over the years, but none to quite this extent. Not only had the game brought in over $6bn in revenue by 2018, but it continues to sell at a
Wii SPORTS
Nintendo and its games are renowned in
Wii itself owed much of its success to the
the gaming world, so when Wii Sports is
broad appeal of Wii Sports. And broad it
the company’s best-selling game of all-
was - Wii Sports was, at the time, nothing
time you know there’s something magical
short of a cultural phenomenon.
about it. Granted, Wii Sports was a packin outside of Japan, so its shipment total of 82.9 million owes a lot to the success of the platform it released on, but in turn the
FORTNITE
Unlike the others on this list, Fortnite is a
a new giant - Epic Games - in the video
relatively new release, having only existed
game publishing and marketplace
since 2017. However, that hasn’t stopped
realm too.
it rapidly amassing over 350 million players. While it’s free to play, which
Those are just some of the most popular
certainly helps when trying to attract as
games to have emerged in the past
many players as possible in a short space
decade or so, and the numbers involved
of time, and it owes much to its rival
show just how big gaming has become
PUBG, Fortnite was nonetheless able to
and how great the rewards can be for
take an emerging genre and catapult it
those who manage to create that all-
into the stratosphere.
important a combination of great game with wide appeal. Meanwhile we players
The result is a game that has left its rivals
get to experience a multitude of great
in the dust and bankrolled the creation of
games - and it’s only going to get better.
Stephen LaGioia
ASSASSINs
REVIEW XONE:
s creed: Valhalla
Dark Age themes and Norse mythology
great fit for the AC formula. The Medieval
have seemingly become “en vogue” of
England and Norway locales are wondrous
late, with the rise of shows like Game of
and atmospheric, brought to life by some
Thrones and Vikings, along with games
stunning visuals. Despite playing on the
like God of War. With Assassin’s Creed
Xbox One, I was dazzled by the truly
Valhalla, Ubisoft successfully draws from
gorgeous landscapes, along with highly
these fun themes while making them its
impressive lighting effects and draw
own. Valhalla managed to hook me with its
distances. It was a sight to behold gazing
cinematic qualities and its unique blend of
upon the towering, distant mountains of
action, stealth, and exploration. With such
Norway, or watching the sunlight softly
scale, depth, and versatility, this feels as
reflect on the water as I sailed the rivers of
much like an Assassin’s Creed game as it
Mercia.
does a Viking simulator. And that’s (mostly) a great thing!
Complementing this is the atmospheric soundtrack; the melodic choirs and
That said, there are a couple of areas
instrumentals further set the mood and
that ring a tad shallow or spotty. With a
immersed me in my journey. Dynamic
convoluted Skill Tree, occasional bugs,
day-night and weather effects, as well as
and combat that feels a bit clunky and
the random, shifting behaviors of NPC
underwhelming in the early goings, this
inhabitants also add to this organic feel.
Viking romp certainly isn’t blemish-free.
Nice touches here and there, like the
Regardless, Valhalla stands out from its
ruined ancient Roman structures scattered
predecessors in many areas, from its
about the wilderness, serve to add some
streamlined progression and open-ended
historical depth and authenticity too.
gameplay to its gripping campaign and lush environments.
The game largely draws from the sandbox RPG style of Odyssey and uses it to its
The gritty, grandiose Viking themes make
advantage. At the same time, Ubisoft
for a cool backdrop and really prove a
has dialled back some of the scale and
complexity a tad, especially with the
this time, and head-to-head combat
progression, questing, and weapons/
plays a larger role. In most cases, though,
armor. For my money, though, this more
satisfying stealth kills are still an option for
streamlined, focused structure nicely
the more traditional assassins out there.
strikes that sweet spot between depth and accessibility.
The game’s narrative partly draws from its roots of conspiracy and historical
At least in part, Valhalla still feels familiarly
discoveries, albeit on a subtler level.
AC, with trademark mechanics like
But really, Valhalla shines more when it
stealth kills, roof-diving, and “blending
deviates from the more typical AC threads.
in” amongst the townsfolk. At the same
The story captivates with its tale of Viking
time, the prominent Norse themes, vast
adventure and vengeance, intermixed
open-worlds, and some neat gameplay
with Middle Age political strife and war.
additions and twists grant it a distinct
You play as the (male or female) Norse
feel. There’s more of an action-RPG vibe
Eivor, whose dark past and harsh living
conditions in Norway coaxes Eivor and his
more interesting several hours in, when
brother Sigurd to seek greener pastures.
the stakes get higher, secrets are revealed,
Being a Viking, this means sailing for
and Eivor’s influence in the fractured
occupied regions - England in this case
English kingdoms increases.
- and partaking in raids, scuffles, and plundering.
The game’s campaign - which clocks in at a robust 50 hours - comes with a variety of
The plot is pretty straightforward and
fun activities that largely lets you play your
simple early on, and rings rather similar
own way. Tasks typically involve taking
to Michael Hirst’s Vikings series at times.
out enemies, conquering lands, and/or
It’s a bit of a slow burn, to be sure. Much
snagging loot in some fashion. Yet, there
of its intrigue tends to stem from its
are usually multiple avenues offered in
cast of colorful, morally grey characters,
how you get these done. Some missions
solid writing, and great voiceover
get more creative too, including one
performances. Still, the plot does get
where you must seek out an exiled king
hiding in a crypt and literally carry him back
and finishing main quests to just climbing
to your settlement for deposition.
atop fast-travel vantage points and diving off them. This tool is also a handy indicator of
You may find yourself getting lost in the
your overall strength, which will give you an
bustling township life of dice romps,
idea of how tough a clash with a particular
amusing drinking games, and even Viking-
opponent will be.
era rap battles called “Flyting.” You can spend much of your time just traveling the
You’re also granted subtle choices during
wilderness and hunting (particularly fun
the campaign itself, along with full-blown
when traversing the area on horseback -
splits in story paths. These include plot
or wolfback). You can even do some light
beats like joining up with a particular clan,
puzzle-solving by way of small crypts and
picking an area to travel to, and choosing
buildings that hold loot.
to let an adversary live or die. Many of these decisions have at least a small ripple
This impressive versatility in the gameplay
effect that crops up later in some form. For
extends to fighting moves and techniques,
instance, a fighter you’ve spared may pop
as well as conflicts in general. You can stress
up later and play a role in the story. This
pure strength with close-range combat,
unique campaign takes on a somewhat
pull off stylish skills/abilities, or play a
sporadic structure of segmented chapters,
more stealthy, classic AC game of climbing
which tends to give it a more fluid, open-
buildings, hiding in hay, and blending in. You
ended feel, and keeps the predictability at
can play a more long-range game and go in
bay.
bows blazing or rely on power in numbers by calling for raids.
For as strong as the campaign is, there is much incentive to venture off the beaten
This unrestricted style is further driven home
path and explore, which is fitting given your
by a handy Power Level, which is a sort of
Viking pedigree. Side quests mostly take a
universal xp system that builds by doing
back seat in Valhalla; they’re prompted via
various tasks. These range from getting kills
“World Event” icons and dialogue queues,
and often consist of small tasks requested
are also platforming-esque “Flying Paper”
by NPCs. Examples of these mostly marginal
challenges, which have you chasing drifting
events are delivering grain and aiding a
tattoo designs for Eivor. These enticing
couple of guys in burning down a shack.
goodies beckon you to explore the vast, diverse landscapes of Valhalla.
There are plenty of other distractions to
Another amusing pastime is the ability
be had, especially when it comes to the
to build and play around in your own
abundant loot and collectibles. Mini-
settlement. This feature adds a rewarding
boss “Zealots” can be hunted down and
twist to the gameplay, and further
killed for rewards, setting the stage for
incentivizes raiding and plundering for
some heart-pounding duels. Items like
resources. Gathering certain materials
Artifacts, abilities, and treasure maps can
will allow you to construct buildings and
be obtained, along with materials that can
upgrade your settlement incrementally.
be put towards settlement building. There
These buildings will open up new side
activities, as well as increase Eivor’s
hub of progression.
strength and usefulness. Huts can be built to unlock hunting and fishing tasks, for
Speaking of raids - these side activities
instance.
are one area where Valhalla truly shines, along with larger-scale assaults. Much like
Various items can be bought via Trading
the sailing and sea battles in Black Flag,
Posts, while the Blacksmith allows you
this is a major highlight and one of the
to customize and enhance your gear.
primary sources of fun. Certain towns and
There’s also the Barracks, where you can
settlements are marked on your map as
manage and tweak your raiding crew.
raiding spots, which can be ransacked by
You can even recruit Viking fighters for
sea or by blowing your horn on land to call
raids that others have made online -
forth troops.
marking the one semblance of multiplayer
Heck, even the somewhat-lengthy
functionality in the game. Like the Power
sea voyages to get to these spots are
Level, settlement building makes for a nice
often enjoyable. You can liven up your
throughline and centralized
exhilarating river travels with some jaunty
Viking tunes or even tales recited by your
While the emphasis on fighting makes
crew. It’s a subtle touch, but a nice one.
for some exciting moments, the actual
Of course, the fun really begins when you
close-range combat mechanics leave a bit
and your fighters belt your war cries and
to be desired early on. Their somewhat
rush the enemy gates. These areas are
clunky nature tends to lack a feeling of
usually met with several hostile foes with
fluidity and verges on repetitive at times.
varying strengths and weapons, along
With skills, abilities, and bows out of the
with distraught peasants running around
equation, fighting can devolve into basic
frantically.
hacking and slashing. It often becomes little more than an awkward dance with
Like solo missions, these assaults and raids
enemies whose erratic behavior can be
can be tackled in multiple ways. You might
tough to read. It’s a bit of a free-for-all
charge a battering ram through the gates
that’s somewhat “hit and miss,” if you’ll
and start slicing and dicing (a super fun
excuse the pun.
endeavor). Or you may prefer to scope out the area Far Cry-style with your scouting
That said, combat does get far more
raven and pick off foes one by one. Once
enjoyable and nuanced when Eivor learns
the enemy troops have started to thin, you
more moves beyond basic strikes and
can get to work on breaking down doors,
dodges/parries - and there’s no shortage
setting buildings ablaze, and pillaging
of them. You’ll gain skills, which are
wealth and goods. These events are
various moves, perks, and buffs earned
both thrilling and rewarding, and I often
through a large - and quite messy - skill
found myself putting off the main quest to
tree. Most are fun to pull off, and open
embark on yet another raid to get more
up more useful avenues for attacks and
coveted wealth. Just like real Vikings,
counters. An example is the devastating
these earnings will bolster your settlement
“Stomp” move that can be performed
and equipment.
on a fallen foe. The impactful abilities are particularly neat though, as eight of these
collectible moves can be affixed to hotkeys
unique traits and coincide with skills and
and accessed simply and swiftly when
abilities, as many skills will grant buffs to
fighting.
gear falling under that category. It’s an organized, intuitive system that allows for
These include moves such as axe tosses
flexibility without being too convoluted.
and fire strikes, and ranged moves like poison shots and raven-aided diversions.
Playing through my expansive journey with
Having this array of offensive tools at your
Eivor has been quite memorable - and
disposal breathes much-needed fun into
a pretty smooth one technically, despite
the combat - though it takes some time to
playing on the Xbox One. Regardless of
get there. In more typical AC fashion, you
your console, Valhalla is a rich experience
can of course still get crafty with stealth
cinematically and in terms of gameplay. As
kills from behind, above, or below. While
a side note, though, next-gen hold-outs
these assassinations take more of a back
should be warned that the load times on
seat in this game, they’re still delightful to
these older consoles can be rather lengthy.
pull off.
Added to this was the occasional bug,
One remaining strength that warrants
like getting stuck in some rocky terrain,
a mention is the system of weapon and
falling through a surface, and a couple of
armor upgrades. Unlike recent entries,
disheartening game freezes.
Ubisoft keeps things somewhat simple with a more limited palette of weaponry
These occurrences were very minor,
and gear. Depth and versatility has
though, and largely forgivable given how
instead been added to the system of
much I enjoyed Valhalla as a whole. Beyond
enhancements and “perks” for existing
these slight blemishes and the somewhat
gear. Upgrading and customizing
“slow burn” of both the combat and story,
equipment is done by gathering materials,
there’s much to love about this gripping
as well as obtainable Runes that can be
Norse epic. I look forward to setting sail
swapped out. Weapons and armor fall
again and embarking on more Viking
under a three-tiered system consisting of:
escapades.
Bear, Raven, and Wolf. These come with
Lee Mehr
Marvel's Spider-M
REVIEW PS5:
Man: Miles Morales
[Reviewer’s Note: Although I do my best to
to grow under the tutelage of Peter
avoid SPOILERS, I will mention story details
Parker, and has moved from Brooklyn to
that I liked/disliked, albeit as vaguely as
his grandmother’s apartment in Harlem.
possible. Reader discretion advised.]
Still wrestling with these newfound responsibilities and his father’s untimely
The overnight critical and commercial
death, more responsibility is thrust upon
success of Marvel’s Spider-Man (2018)
Miles after learning Peter’s taking an
showed how Insomniac Games took uncle
overseas work vacation with Mary Jane.
Ben’s greatest lesson to heart, surpassing
As a new threat emerges, known as “The
all of Activision’s previous tries in the
Underground,” Miles swinging solo
past decade. With the later-released
presents a decisive question: does he
expansion packs and now this side story,
deserve to call himself Spider-Man?
there’s clearly no intention of slowing down. Spider-Man: Miles Morales lands
Such emotionally earnest intentions
in an advantageous spot too. By being
course through this story across a couple
both a cross-generation title launching on
of understated avenues. During both
PS5 and a lower-priced ‘sidequel,’ akin
the discovery of Miles’ exclusive Venom
to Uncharted: Lost Legacy, Insomniac
Abilities (bio-electricity) and his less-
gets to flex its technical knowhow whilst
assured swinging animations at the
maintaining the realistic expectation of not
beginning, it’s easy to sympathize with his
having to reinvent the foundation. Despite
hesitation of assuming this mantle. It’s
several mechanical tweaks giving Miles
not just any role either; there’s something
an improved action vocabulary, a prosaic
about Spider-Man that New York has been
plot and some weak characters harm an
comfortable with for nearly a decade.
otherwise engaging game.
You’ll notice in specific side stories or when Miles’ buddy, Ganke, begins the
A year after the events of Spider-Man,
Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man app,
Miles’ life has become quite hectic. He’s
that Harlem isn’t quite sure of his aptitude
been bitten by a radioactive spider, begun
either.
These palpable emotional stakes for
Beyond those stated annoyances, I didn’t
Miles rarely translate into the phoned-in
find Miles to be that compelling of a
main storyline though. Early on, there’s a
protagonist. This isn’t to take away from
decent rhythm of story and gameplay until
Nadji Jeter’s performance or his supporting
a dramatic bridge sequence - probably
cast. Aside from Troy Baker showing
my favorite part. After that, the narrative
up for the day, everyone was more than
is set on a predictable path that relies on
serviceable at their given roles. My issues
obvious contrivances to reach its climactic
come down to some of his cringe-inducing
ending. One of the weakest qualities in
dialogue and how closely he lands to the
this equation is the villains. Appropriating
other Spider-Man in attitude. When you
a B-lister from the Iron Man franchise,
have someone who suggests their own
Simon Krieger could’ve been an interesting
rich potential I don’t see how a lesser
choice; unfortunately, the writers thought
Peter Parker who’s trilingual and a different
“smarmy Elon Musk plus fitness dudebro”
ethnicity can maintain the same attention.
was enough. Miles’ central conflict comes from another less-popular source: The
To elucidate my dilemma: the fan-expected
Tinkerer. She and her band of vicious
“New York standing with Spider-Man”
cyberpunk-admiring minions only have
scene wouldn’t have landed without the
unexpected aesthetics to boot. Despite
substantial side content. Side Missions
attempting more of a nuanced conflict
in particular crystalize the little details
between Miles & The Tinkerer, the drama
that make Spidey so beloved for me.
propelling the final act is forced and
One mission involves a homeless center
actually hypocritical on her part. The way
(F.E.A.S.T.) being hastily condemned,
it tries to squeeze emotion only makes the
thus forcing workers & homeless alike to
artifice more noticeable.
survive in the blistering cold. What begins as sewage issues blossoms into armed thugs, nefarious land acquisition plans,
and corrupt government bureaucracy for
discreet comic; conversely, the inspired
Miles to discover and stop. The best part
touches in Miles’ familial life and side
is seeing your success change this slice of
missions showcase greater creative
Harlem. The makeshift tents and garbage
inspiration. It’s like wading through muck
can fires are replaced with F.E.A.S.T.
to get heartfelt moments such as when
North’s lights coming back on and there’s
Miles converses with his deaf love interest,
a lovely welcoming committee outside its
Hailey, in sign language. If you venture
doors. These are the type of examples
hard enough you’ll understand the earned
that sustained my engagement between
reputation of Harlem’s new Spider-Man;
staid campaign revelations.
then again, it’s a shame you have to do that.
In sum, it’s a bit frustrating to manage my
By sticking with a polished foundation,
appreciation for a lopsided effort. The
one doesn’t need to try admiring Miles
insane predictability makes me suspicious
Morales’ gameplay. For anyone who
that this main storyline was lifted from a
hasn’t played Spider-Man, the core can be
broken into two components: the open
One of my favorite additions is Miles’
world traversal of nearly every Spiderman
innate camouflage. Despite appreciating
title mashed with Batman: Arkham’s
Spider-Man’s flexibility compared to
Freeflow combat system. It’s another
Batman’s more scripted demands for
sub-genre that’s become typical in the
gargoyles or specific perches, stealth
AAA industry, but it’s so damn rewarding
wasn’t often an option after being
and fitting for this universe. Spidey
detected the first time; now, Miles could
Sense meshes perfectly as a warning
be against eight goons mid-fight, turn
indicator, his wall-crawling abilities enable
invisible, whisk himself to the rafters,
more flexible stealth options than other
and recalibrate his approach when
copycats, and on and on it goes. The
they go back to an investigative state.
arguments made back in 2018 still hold up
Considering the copious enemies and
today; it’s an incredibly fitting system for
expansive levels there’s a greater necessity
this universe.
for it as well. The ebb-n-flow of this stealth-action foundation feels intuitive
Miles further solidifies his utility with
and dynamic past the rolled credits. The
special abilities that are all his own.
greater number of enemies complements
After a critical moment in the beginning,
this aspect and puts a heavier emphasis on
Miles unleashes his bioelectric-enabled
stealth I can’t help but admire.
super punch and its concurrent stunning properties. Along with that, there’s a
Traversing the city feels better thanks to
greater area-of-effect (AoE) emphasis
more tricks and added polish. There’s
when managing more enemies this time
also a story told through Miles’ swinging
around. All of the previous moves,
animations as well. I can’t help but feel
counters, and finishers are here as well.
like he intentionally looks less-polished in
The gadgets are limited, yet purposeful
the beginning as to show him growing in
in implementation in either combat or
confidence – some might say swagger –
stealth.
after a critical revelation. To emphasize
just how high the bar has been set for
There’s still a critical question left to
Miles Morales’ web-swinging locomotion,
answer: is Miles Morales’ gameplay
I’ve had several fights with myself on
better than its predecessor? When it
whether fast traveling was worth it
comes to the retooled stealth-action
compared to the fun moves I could
foundation, I lean to the affirmative. But
perform with web-swinging, lightning-
I’m uneasy because I do wish there was
quick load times be damned.
also something more here. Removing less-pleasant qualities like MJ stealth
Enjoyable as it is, all isn’t perfect. While
segments is one thing, but other breaks
I still appreciate the flexibility of stealth
from combat or traversal aren’t a bad
and combat, it doesn’t seem like Spider-
thing outright. Paring down extras just
Man’s enemies do. There was a peculiar
to add minor boring ones, like recording
tendency for The Underground’s average
nature sounds, shows there’s still work to
IQ to plummet as their numbers would
be done. If the supplementary mechanics
dwindle. The game can manage double-
in Spider-Man were too grinding for you
digit combatants at once, but the last
then there’s no question this’ll outrank it.
remaining one or two goons would
Since I purchased the PS5 version, I can’t
often watch paint dry or get stuck in the
provide any reliable data about the PS4
geometry, walking in an endless loop.
version’s potential technical issues. In my
Also, the second encounter against Rhino
next-gen experience, however, this entry
descends into cheap nonsense during
ran near-flawlessly on performance and
his final stage. All of the attacks capable
fidelity mode. One of the reasons I was
of cancelling your necessary windups
excited to make the console jump was
became so obnoxious, nearly to the point
having those kinds of options: to crack
of me lowering below Amazing difficulty
out fidelity during cinematic moments and
to finish. Finally, auto-lock targeting has a
performance for the rest. Regardless of
habit of acting finicky when fighting a glut
which option you select, it’s still a looker
of goons.
too.
Technical qualities aside, the art style is
As to be expected with one of the most
something of a mixed bag in terms of
respected big-budget studios today,
preferences. I applaud setting the events
Insomniac has another winner in the
around Christmas, as I’m sure the various
sound department – both foley and
snow/snowfall details couldn’t have been
OST. The punches, web-swinging, the
easy. NYC has been lovingly rendered
crunching of snow, and more have a great
from head to toe. But whether it’s the
amount of texture put into them. I don’t
crimson paramilitary Roxxon troopers or
have the disposable income to throw
the gaudy-purple cyberpunk Underground
yet another $100 down for the PS5’s 3D
vandals, it’s a shame Miles is often stuck
Audio headset, but I’m confident enough
to fighting discarded Hasbro toys. They’re
with this game as-is to believe it’ll sound
more threatening with respect to their
incredible. The occasional audio issues
meaty punches and impressive arsenal
of in-game dialogue fading during a
than their style.
fight, among other anomalies, do little to change my attitude. Composer John
Paesano also returns to make a successful
also worthwhile. From beginning to end,
argument that hip-hop & orchestral music
I came in with the tempered expectations
can go together. Hats off to him and the
of a ‘sidequel’ and got just that. The
rest of the sound department.
challenge with such stories is in cementing meaningful distinctions; that endeavor
Value is something of a conundrum
succeeds and stumbles between gameplay
depending on how much you value the
and story respectively. The nuanced action
completionist content in Spider-Man. Even
vocabulary is engaging and focused, but
if one appreciates the intentions of Miles
the emotional context propelling said fights
Morales, it’s important to know you’re
can feel deflated by erratic storytelling.
getting about half the amount of content – campaign and total – for $50 (PS4/ PS5). Personally? Even a 7.5-hour main campaign capable of keeping my attention with some quality side quests hits my subjective threshold. This doesn’t include the gamut of cool suits to collect or New Game Plus mode – which I’m much more tempted to try out than after completing The Last of Us Part II. The upfront cost for a self-proclaimed side story may shock at first, but you’ll see the value in due time.
If Spider-Man was Insomniac’s rebuttal to this titular hero’s decaying status within games, Miles Morales is its claim that story opportunities beyond Peter Parker are
Thomas Froehlicher
REVIEW ps5:
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Following a mediocre fourth episode in
Activision’s blockbuster is a deep dive
a futuristic orientation for the shooter
chronology, and historical figures. From
the sub-series, and generally speaking
franchise as a whole in recent years, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War returns the subseries to its initial premise of covering the
Cold War. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is a return to fundamentals in numerous ways; it’s worth remembering, after all,
that Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 didn’t even
feature a solo campaign, marking a break with genre tradition at the time. Treyarch has made a big U-turn on that this year,
delivering a full story with a lot of effort clearly put into it.
into the Cold War, its famous locations, East Berlin to Cuba and Moscow, you’ll
find it to be quite a realistic experience thanks to multiple details in or around
those locations. For example, the story has you meeting Reagan and Gorbachev, you can see the development of computing
in the 80s, the strange soviet architecture, and much more. Culturally speaking, the campaign is valuable (even fascinating, if you like history) thanks to its mostly
accurate depiction of the Cold War era.
Of course, Call of Duty is still fiction, and
you can choose between a number of
to make the campaign even more
your way. That also has consequences on
the game introduces its own elements
entertaining. The Black Ops sub-series has created notable characters before, and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
is no exception. I’ve played numerous
Call of Duty titles over the years and the Black Ops ones have had the strongest
different lines and direct the conversation the outcome of missions, and even the
whole story. Never has the player been so
deeply involved in a Call of Duty narrative, which makes this feel like a fresh and exciting addition to the franchise.
characters and storytelling by far. Woods
So the atmosphere is great, but that’s not
a pleasure to see him in Cold War; his
well. Both gameplay and game progression
is the coolest guy in Call of Duty and it’s
eccentric personality, which reminds me lot
of Bruce Willis or Sylvester Stallone in some of their more famous action movies, makes a couple of missions here particularly fun. The main antagonist, Soviet spy Perseus, is also a memorable villain, because he’s
totally elusive and you spend most of the campaign hunting him. He becomes that kind of mythical, unreachable, cunning
target that can make a fictional work stand out. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
features plenty of characters and actually quite a lot of dialog, as well as player
choices. When you talk with your NATO
teammates or various allies, for example,
the only thing that this campaign does are rather innovative too. For example, the collectibles that are hidden within
story missions are no longer things you
just pick up for the trophy/achievement.
In Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War those
items are clues to be used in side missions that require the player to solve some kind of puzzle (break a secret code or mark the right suspects). Such cleverness in
the campaign’s structure feels new and
motivating. This installment is also subtler than most Call of Duty games to-date in terms of gameplay. Numerous parts of
campaign feature stealth sections where you have to discreetly infiltrate enemy zones, for example, rather than killing
everybody as usual, and the spying part of
experiencing a non-linear solo mode, at
different ways. Solo missions are therefore
set the bar really high.
the KGB mission can be completed in four
more varied and much more interesting to
least, but this was the perfect occasion to
play compared to past entries.
The main downside is that, despite all
The campaign itself has three different
last more than ten hours, and that’s
endings, which in itself is a big step
forward for the series, but I can’t help thinking there was room for more.
Seeing how complex the structure of the campaign is, I did expect more scenario branches, or at least a couple of bonus trophies/achievements for secondary
objectives. There is genuine pleasure in
the side missions, the campaign doesn’t partly because missions are quite short on average. On top of that, the enemy AI is poor, and there are significant
incoherencies in its behavior (enemies will
easily spot you but never pay any attention to your AI-controlled ally, for example). That said, it’s still heart-warming that a
shooter series that deemed a campaign
“non-essential” just two years ago has
side objectives to complete, numerous
this year.
which are exclusive to it. To get top marks,
returned with such a great solo experience
Zombies mode has been a tradition in the Black Ops sub-series for years now, and
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War doesn’t
fail to deliver on that. Once again players can unite against waves of brainless but quite persistent undead. Each “wave” means that a group of zombies will
attack players, who can then rest for a
few minutes once every foe is down and prepare for the next wave. The goal of
the four players is to survive the longest
power-up items, and futuristic weapons the team has to open hidden paths by using points received by eliminating
zombies. This requires strong cooperation between players, because the cost of opening all the map and surviving is
enormous. To conclude on zombies mode, it’s definitely a great component of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War thanks to the
amount of content it includes, as well as
its challenge level and how well it drives cooperation between players.
possible time, but also to exfiltrate by
Competitive multiplayer is always a crucial
in a short exfiltration window, generally in
and here again Black Ops Cold War finds
helicopter. That requires the team to meet a highly dangerous area full of zombies. It’s a lot trickier than it sounds, because
difficulty level curves up quite quickly. At the start you can shoot a zombie down
with just two bullets, but by around wave 20 you need two magazines and there at least twice as many to take out.
The map for zombies mode is rather large
and interesting to explore. There are a few
part of the Call of Duty experience too,
the right balance. The eight multiplayer
maps turn out to be adequate for all types of play. Snipers like me have enough
distance to carry out their role (“Miami” and “Checkmate” are truly enjoyable
in terms of long-range engagements),
while other maps (or parts of maps) are
perfectly suited for close combat. As usual, numerous game modes with as many
different rules allow for broader scope of
gameplay, and eventually more satisfaction.
All of this means it’s very motivating to
engaging as it is; it reminds me of Modern
can build yourself a unique arsenal and
Personally, I find team deathmatch really Warfare 2, which was (and remains) my
all-time favorite entry in the series. I’d also like to point out the possibility of listening to a playlist of music taken from the solo campaign. That’s a wonderful idea, and
the original soundtrack itself is really solid
progress in the multiplayer, so that you
strategy. The only disappointment is the low number of guns so far. Speaking for
my speciality, three sniper rifles is definitely the low end of what you expect to get in FPS games nowadays.
(there are plenty of mystery-themed tracks
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War seems to
I don’t imagine reverting back to silent
of map design. In a handful of larger
with great orchestration), so much that multiplayer games.
Weapon management is very addictive. Treyarch has a lot of experience in the
field, delivering a great equipment menu
and tons of possibilities. “Wildcards” allow you to bend the rules and get yourself
one special advantage, like carrying two main weapons. Weapons themselves
have dozens of available attachments (although you have to play a lot to
unlock them) and you can place quite a few. The effectiveness of rifles or guns
is dramatically improved as you level up
and add more attachments, and you can choose the ones that fit your playstyle.
be trending towards Battlefield in terms maps players can drive various vehicles such as tanks, snowmobiles, or boats
in domination mode, for example. It’s a
laudable effort to help enrich the series,
but I can’t help noticing the massive gap between Cold War and the equivalent
game modes in Battlefield V. EA’s game has much larger skirmishes, with more
vehicles allowed on the same map, more players, and better animations. And that
was two years ago... and on the PS4. With
such timid armored warfare and large-scale maps, Call of Duty isn’t hitting standards long since established by its rivals in
this area, especially now we’re in a new generation of hardware.
Talking about the PS5 version, it doesn’t
an actual trigger. The button can literally
compared to the PS4 one. Call of Duty:
other words, if you attempt to fire in a way
show any noticeable improvements
Black Ops Cold War is still an impressive
AAA game that boasts spectacular visuals, but the modelling and animations aren’t
special when compared to the best-looking games on the PS5, or even the PS4. There is, however, a visibly improved artistic
approach to the campaign, especially in the last chapters where the protagonist Bell
is in search of his own identity. There’s a
get “jammed” if you try to fire too fast. In that the real weapon would not handle,
the R2 button resists and you can’t push
or fire at all. After having played the PS4
version for one week before shifting to the
PS5 one at the system’s launch, I can vouch for the fact that the difference in terms
of controller experience is massive and it makes the game a lot more enjoyable.
very Hollywood-esque sense of direction in
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is a very
of the historic sequences, which I think is
one of my personal favorites. Although
certain eerie mystic scenes, as well as some a great cinematographic effort that goes beyond the frame of technical graphics. The PS5 version does feature a better
framerate and also benefits from the haptic response of the DualSense controller.
The DualSense never seems to vibrate in quite the same way twice, giving you a
more realistic feeling of a helicopter flying above you, for example, or a grenade
detonating. But the firing button is even more impressive, because it simulates
with stunning efficiency the handling of
solid installment in the series and already short, the campaign is great, and in many ways innovative too. It has some clever story-telling and a superb Cold War
atmosphere, full of historical references and cool characters. The multiplayer
modes really deliver in terms of fun and
content to unlock over time, however the
franchise is beginning to really fall behind when it comes to vehicle warfare and the
overall scale of battles, as well as visually, even if the DualSense has ushered in a
minor gameplay revolution thanks to the inclusion of haptic feedback.
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