ATARI has announced a 50th Anniversary Limited Edition set of 10 classic games. Yes, these are fully functional, newly produced ATARI 2600 cartridges. Yes, the group of ten will cost you $999.99. But don’t worry; even if you don’t have an original ATARI system, you’ll get a digital copy to play … on the ATARI VCS.
Sorry, but I find that very amusing. While the VCS isn’t dead, the console from 2021 is hardly discussed. Considering the games in this collection are readily available on nearly every modern video game console and PC, saying you get a digital copy specifically for the VCS is funny.
That being said, I do like the design of these new carts. They’re about the same size as those found in the ’70s and ’80s, but ATARI has added an LED-lit nameplate atop each one. All the titles in this collection also come with game-specific enamel pins and embroidered patches. The best one by far is the Crystal Castles cart featuring Bentley Bear on the patch and pin.
Sadly, the original artwork is found only on the box covers, not the cartridges.
The 50th Anniversary collection contains the following titles:
Adventure
Missle Command
Warlords
Haunted House
Super Breakout
Crystal Castles
Yars’ Revenge
Centipede
Asteroids
Gravitar
Pre-orders are open now, and the collection is limited to only 100 units. The shipping window is listed as 3-4 months.
Each Limited Edition cartridge comes sealed with a high quality box, 2600 game cartridge with custom paint and LED top, premium cardstock poster, extended instructional manual with bonus material, hard enamel collectible pin, polyester blend, twill-woven embroidered collectible patch, certificate of authenticity, and digital copy of the game playable on the Atari VCS.
In 1997 Lucasarts released a sequel to the FPS Star Wars game titled Dark Forces. It allowed fans to play as Kyle Katarn, the mercenary who supplied the Rebellion with the plans for the first Death Star. While this has all been retconned by The Mouse, the legend of the merc-turned-Jedi still lives on, thanks to an unauthorized remake of Jedi Knight: Dark Forces 2 by Ruppertle.
The Unreal Engine remake of the game was shown off a couple of days ago on the designer’s YouTube channel. It announced that two levels from Jedi Knight: Dark Forces 2 are now playable. The downloads can be found on Ruppertle’s Discord and Patreon. According to the Patreon page, V1.0 of this remake took three years to develop.
I’ve not yet had a chance to check it out for myself, but the footage shown off looks great. Version 1.0 comes with the following:
Two official levels from the original game
4 Survival levels
a Sandbox mode
3d model viewer
bonus level for testing
some secrets…
Dark Forces 2 was a real turning point for Star Wars games. The first-person shooter moved away from being a DOOM-like title and was now using something similar to the Quake Engine. It also introduced us to other Jedi who had survived the purge following the Clone Wars.
Another first was that the game used live-action cutscenes, which fans had wanted for a while. Remember, at this time, the Star Wars franchise was just in comics, books, and action figures.
The Original Trilogy had just been re-released with updated visuals in theatres to get everyone pumped for Episode 1. So, to see brand new characters and Jedi in live-action was a thrill.
I kind of miss when we were slightly starved for Star Wars content. Now that we’re hit over the head with it by Disney every month, the franchise has lost its charm.
Hot Toys has announced two new 1:6 scale premium figures to correspond with the upcoming MCU Phase 5 film Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. The film’s titular characters are back with new costumes, and head sculpts.
Ant-Man is $279, and The Wasp is priced the same. Both figures are expected to ship between April and September of 2024. Oddly, there are no variants of these figures offering up unique add-ons. The two figures are very light on accessories. Instead, you’re getting interchangeable hands and miniaturized static versions of both figures.
The third film in the Ant-Man trilogy will premiere on February 17th. Hopefully, this film won’t treat Scott Lang as a walking punching bag and will give him some agency in his own story. This film will be the defining moment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that will hopefully establish Kang the Conqueror as a real threat to the new Avengers.
Photo Credit: Hot ToysPhoto Credit: Hot ToysPhoto Credit: Hot ToysPhoto Credit: Hot ToysPhoto Credit: Hot ToysPhoto Credit: Hot ToysPhoto Credit: Hot ToysPhoto Credit: Hot ToysPhoto Credit: Hot ToysPhoto Credit: Hot Toys
Scott Lang’s Ant-Man comes with the following:
Six (6) pieces of interchangeable gloved hands including:
– One (1) pair of fists
– One (1) pair of relax hands
– One (1) pair of gesture hands
– Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted
Costume:
– One (1) red, black colored Ant-Man suit with embossed patterns, silver colored trims, and weathering effects
– One (1) pair of black-colored boots
Accessories:
– One (1) The Wasp miniature diorama (approximately 5cm)
– One (1) attachable opened helmet accessory
– A figure stand with movie logo and character name
The Wasp has a couple more pieces:
– Two (2) styles of interchangeable Wasp’ wings including:
– One (1) pair of movable wings(approximately 31.5cm in length)
– One (1) pair of collapse wings
– Six (6) pieces of interchangeable gloved hands including:
– One (1) pair of fists
– One (1) pair of relaxed hands
– One (1) pair of open hands
– Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted
Costume:
– One (1) black, yellow colored Wasp suit with embossed patterns and blue trims
– One (1) pair of black colored boots
Accessories:
– One (1) Ant-Man miniature diorama (approximately 3.5cm tall)
– One (1) attachable opened helmet accessory
– A figure stand with movie logo and character name
The Sex Pistols came and went in a flash but somehow managed to become an icon in the punk movement. For better or worse, the band’s look and songs continue to survive regardless of politics and tragedy. And because it was bound to happen at some point, Johnny Rotten and Sid Vicious are getting the ReAction Figure treatment from Super7. Consumerism is so punk!
The 3.75″ tall figures are currently on pre-sale at $20 each. They should ship during the middle of February. Sid comes with his bass guitar, and Johnny comes with a microphone and stand.
Photo Credit: Super7
I wasn’t only referencing one of the band’s songs when I said they’re pretty vacant. Both Vicious and Lydon look bored. Sid’s antics and behavior are somewhat legendary and possibly deadly. Here, his action figure looks like he’s mildly annoyed while standing in line at the DMV. I’ll give Super7 for trying to recreate the bass player’s smirk, but where’s the punk attitude?
I’m wondering if Super7 chose to give Johnny Rotten sunglasses because the company didn’t want to recreate his eyes. But, again, like Sid, Rotten lacks any of the attitude associated with the band’s frontman.
While both band members have a degree of notoriety, Sid especially, the most exciting thing about the Sex Pistols is their creation. The true story behind the band and the subsequent breakup may never be known. Unfortunately, Malcolm McLaren, the manager and proclaimed creator of the Sex Pistols, is a bit of a character and a somewhat untrustworthy narrator of his own story.
For Malcom’s take on how everything went down, check out The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle. A much less one-sided take on the events can be found in the 2000 documentary The Filth and the Fury.
Around two years ago, Polar Lights released a 1:32 scale model kit of the shuttle seen in Star Trek: The Original Series. Although A.M.T. had released a version of the Enterprise’s ship-to-surface vessel years before, Polar Lights created a whole new kit, complete with pathways and paneling specifically for model builders who wanted to add their lighting.
I picked up the kit early last year and noticed that the interior of the Galileo looked like it was missing something. Of course, it was clear that no interior parts were included, but nowhere did Polar Lights advertise that they’d be releasing an add-on to flesh out the inside. This was odd because the shuttle’s door was a separate piece rather than being molded into the hull.
Polar Lights is re-releasing the Star Trek shuttlecraft model with the interior and crew. The NCC-1701/7 has seven newly sculpted U.S.S. Enterprise crew members, including Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Scotty, Sulu, Uhura, and Chekov. These figures are unpainted and optional to the build.
The new “complete” kit is $74.99 via the Big Bad Toy Store but does not include lighting. Unfortunately, there’s still no official L.E.D. light kit for this model. However, Monsters in Motion has one listed for $94.99.
The model may be assembled without the crew and includes a detailed command console, a utility compartment with an opening door, and new decals. Like the original kit, the shuttle’s registries can be changed to Columbus or Einstein.
Don’t worry if you, like myself, already have the Galileo shell kit. AutoWorld has the add-on for $33.99. If you’re not interested in building the Galileo with a fully realized interior, the original model kit is available on Amazon for around $50.
If you’ve ever wondered what happened to the original shuttlecraft prop, check out this video from VideoFromSpace:
Originally released as a web novel in 2019, ‘Apparently, Disillusioned Adventurers Will Save the World’ is a fantasy light novel written by Shinta Fuji, illustrated by Susumu Kuroi, and published by Media Factory. In 2023, the Japanese animation studios Geek Toys and Seven released an anime adaption directed by Itsuki Imazaki with the title ‘Ningen Fushin: Adventurers Who Don’t Believe in Humanity Will Save the World.’
Crunchyroll announced that they had picked up the series for release in the United States and that they would produce an English dub.
“Veteran adventurer Nick, mage Tiana, cleric Zem, and half-dragon Curran each show up alone at a tavern, only to find themselves seated at the same table. As the night goes on, they take turns divulging their grievances and the hobbies they have taken up as a means of coping. While their stories are utterly different, there is one common thread: betrayal. Each of the four, having been bitterly betrayed by someone they treasured, has developed a deep-seated distrust of humanity.
But in addition to their similar worldviews, the four have one more commonality: a critical lack of funds. Realizing that things cannot continue as they are, they decide to form a party, rank up, and make as much money as possible to spend on their respective hobbies. What these disillusioned adventurers do not know, however, is that they will one day save the world from unfathomable peril.”
Kadokawa Shoten releases a manga version illustrated by Masaki Kawakami. Yen Press releases the light novels and manga in the United States.
Chris Pratt is returning as the rogue military man James Reece for a second season of ‘The Terminal List,’ which has been confirmed to be based on author Jack Carr’s novel ‘True Believer.’ Not only that, but Taylor Kitsch is returning as his former ally Ben Edwards for a prequel.
The ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ star confirmed the renewal on social media.
“I’m excited to announce that the second season of The Terminal List is on its way, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to reprise my role as James Reece,” he said on Instagram. “This season promises to be even more intense and action-packed than the first, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it. And for those who are fans of Taylor Kitsch’s Ben Edwards, I’m happy to say that we’re also working on a spinoff series that will delve deeper into his story and follow his journey from a Navy SEAL to a CIA operative. And to make it even more exciting, I will also be appearing in this prequel series! I promise you it will be just as thrilling and engaging as The Terminal List. Stay tuned for more updates and we can’t wait for you all to join us on this journey.”
The first season of ‘The Terminal List’ was based on a 2018 action-thriller novel by Jack Carr, who has released several books in the series based on James Reece. It aired eight episodes in 2022.
Kitsch also expressed his excitement for the renewal saying in a statement, “Thank you to all the fans for believing in this show, we wouldn’t be here without your support. I’m excited to continue this wild ride that is Ben Edwards and bring to life Jack Carr’s amazing stories.”
Amazon Studios has not revealed a release date but noted that it will once again stream to Prime Video.
Very soon, Star Wars fans will be able to get their hands on the next chapter following the story of Jedi Knight Cal Kestis in a galaxy far, far away. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is the sequel to Respawn Entertainment’s Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, taking place within the Star Wars canon following the events of Order 66 and the fall of the Jedi Order. It’s a highly anticipated game that is going to make waves upon its release for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. But are you up to date with everything Star Wars that is relevant to the story of Jedi Survivor, or have you missed out on some big Star Wars details that will become important to this new story? Fret not padawans, we have your back with all the Star Wars things you should check out before the release of the game.
While it’s easy to say you should play Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order beforehand, honestly you really should if you haven’t already, that’s not the only thing to check out prior to the new game’s release. Even if you’re not a big fan of Star Wars or have seen all of the movies and shows, you’re not going to need to in order to go into Jedi Survivor with a base knowledge of Star Wars knowledge.
Now that you have a little extra time before the release of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, here are five pieces of Star Wars media you can look into. Each one of them will give you the key backstory, lore, and details that you’ll want to know of going into the story of Jedi Survivor. Do or do not, there is no try here… So you may as well learn what you may have not already learned!
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
This might be an easy thing to bring up, but you’ll definitely want to watch the third prequel movie in the Star Wars saga. Besides the fact is a good Star Wars movie that is beloved by many, it has the plot details about the giant event within the Star Wars galaxy known as Order 66. The fall of the Galactic Republic and the fall of the Jedi are tied to this major event, which changed the status of the galaxy in a very significant way and influenced many other events within Star Wars stories. It’s quite simply one of the biggest things to know for the time that Jedi Fallen Order and Jedi Survivor take place.
While Cal Kestis was a young boy when Order 66 took place, his story in Jedi Fallen Order starts about five years after Order 66 and the ending of Revenge of the Sith. During the first game, we see a young Cal Kestis experience the shock and horror of Order 66 first-hand and how the Jedi were caught by surprise.
When Jedi Survivor begins, it will have been 10 years after Order 66, given that the sequel takes place another five years after the events of Jedi Fallen Order. So if you watch Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, you’ll see everything about the cataclysmic event that everyone refers to in nearly every Star Wars media since then.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Season 2 – Season 7)
Now with this, you have a lot of room to watch a lot or as little as you like. Star Wars: The Clone Wars is an animated series that tells many stories set during the era before Luke Skywalker, following his father Anakin Skywalker before his fall to the dark side of the force. All of the time between prequel movies, specifically between Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, is where this series takes place. And while you don’t need to watch either one of those films to enjoy the series, it does help if you do. But if you only want to get a sample of the series, you don’t need to watch the whole thing.
The main reason you’ll want to see a few episodes of The Clone Wars is to see what the Jedi were near the height of their power in the galaxy. Much of this won’t relate to anything about Cal Kestis, other than the fact that the Jedi Order was a very influential thing in the galaxy. Before things went bad for everyone and the dreaded Sith rose to power, the Jedi were the guardians of peace and justice in the Republic. They fought against the Separatist armies alongside the Clone Army of the Republic in many battles that we don’t see in the movies.
There are seven seasons of the show, but you can honestly pick any episode within seasons 2 through 7 and enjoy a great story. However, if you want the full effect and want to follow the many big arcs that unfold, you’ll definitely want to stick around for the whole series.
Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi
Let’s talk about some more Jedi business. If you want a good look at some of the interesting stories related to the Jedi just before the events of Revenge of the Sith, then Tales of the Jedi is a quick and fun watch. This is an anthology series that tells related stories that jump back and forth between timeframes but is set mostly during the era of The Clone Wars. You not only get to see events that are relevant to the prequel films but also get to see a lot of other details that led up to the events of Order 66.
The series is very short in comparison to everything else. The episodes are around 10 – 15 minutes in length, and you can probably watch all of the shorts in one session which is shorter than a theatrical movie. But you get a lot of stories and great moments that loosely connect to the events of Jedi Fallen Order and Jedi Survivor, with enough relevance to make you see why things are so dire in the galaxy.
Star Wars: Rebels
Now if you want to see something that is a little closer to the events of Jedi Fallen Order and Jedi Survivor, but still has some of that classic Star Wars flair, then you’ll want to watch Star Wars: Rebels. Set around fourteen years after the events of Order 66, the show follows a cast of characters that are on the run from the newly risen Galactic Empire. While the heroes and villains you meet have some very strong connections to The Clone Wars, their adventures, and major events do have a rippling effect on other parts of the galaxy, including what happens to Cal Kestis.
The beauty of Star Wars: Rebels is that it fills in gaps that are in between Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and the original Star Wars movie, Episode IV: A New Hope. The final season of the show almost leads directly into what happens in that original movie, with a few twists and turns that fit nicely into the canon of the franchise. You not only get to see more of the remaining Jedi after what happened with Order 66 but also get a very good idea of the state of the galaxy during the rise of the Galactic Empire at the height of its power.
You also get a lot of insight into the dreaded Inquisitors that we see in Jedi Fallen Order, with characters that are referenced but never seen in the game as well. Out of all the Star Wars media that are readily available, this is the show that has the strongest connections to Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Jedi Survivor that you’ll want to look into. And with some of the teases about Jedi Survivor’s story, there may be even more interesting connections that will set Star Wars fans into a frenzy with excitement.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
One of the more unique and interesting pieces of Star Wars media is the film Rogue One. This story is set just before the events of the very first Star Wars film, Episode IV: A New Hope, and gives some very big setup for the iconic story that unfolds. What makes this relevant to Jedi Fallen Order and Jedi Survivor is how this story takes place after the story of Cal Kestis. And while we don’t know what Cal’s fate is in the game just yet, we do know that he isn’t around during the events of the original trilogy or this movie. Whatever happens to Cal has already taken place in another part of the galaxy, and this is what happens right afterward.
If you’ve played Jedi Fallen Order then you’ll remember the appearance of a character named Saw Gerrera, a rebel fighter who is also an extremist. The first time Star Wars fans met this character was in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story when the young Jin Erso comes across him on the planet Jedha. A lot of what we know about Saw Gerrera comes from this film, which is also explored in series like The Clone Wars and briefly in Jedi Fallen Order. There’s a strong possibility that Saw Gerrera will appear again for some reason in Jedi Survivor, as he’s still fighting against the Empire with his band of rebels during the time the game takes place.
If there is one big reason why you’ll want to see Rogue One before playing Jedi Survivor, then it would be because whatever happens in the game will line up with this film. While Cal Kestis will be coming across Inquisitors and possible dark side users, his story still runs parallel to the ongoing Galactic Civil War that is taking place, leading up to the events of Episode IV: A New Hope. So watching this film, along with everything else we’ve mentioned up to now, will help fill in gaps of information about the Star Wars galaxy and allow you to see the significance of everything that happens.
If you’re able to check out all of the media we’ve mentioned, you’ll be more than ready for the release of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. We can’t wait to see what happens next with Cal Kestis and return to a galaxy far, far away with our friend BD-1. Who knows what crazy things will happen next, but we’ll be ready for it. Look for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor when it releases for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC on April 28, 2023.
Are you going to be picking up the game on release? What do you want to see happen to Cal Kestis during the game? Post a comment down below and let us know your thoughts!
If you own one of New Wave Toys’ various 1:6 scale arcade cabinet replicas and want to add to the display potential, the company now offers to-scale stools. The die-cast metal stools are available with multiple colored seats and graphics.
Put those expensive Hot Toys figures to work … playing arcade games.
Regardless of which style you choose, each stool is $19.99.
Photo Credit: New Wave Toys
Photo Credit: New Wave Toys
Photo Credit: New Wave Toys
Photo Credit: New Wave Toys
Photo Credit: New Wave Toys
Photo Credit: New Wave Toys
Photo Credit: New Wave Toys
Photo Credit: New Wave Toys
All the stool types have the same features:
1:6 Scale Replica Arcade Accurate Stool
Limited Edition Design
Extra Heavy-Duty Solid Die-cast Metal Construction
Rubber Feet
Chrome Plated
Soft PU Padded Seat
Works with Most Sixth Scale Action Figures
If these stools aren’t to your liking, there are alternatives. Laser MEGOoffers more traditional barstools for $8 each. These are 3D printed. If you have a printer, check out sites like Thingiverse and make your own.
I own the early version of the Dragon’s Lair Replicade cabinet, and I’d pick one up if a stool were themed after the game. What’s holding me back from buying one is build quality. It may have been better to make these with a molded seat rather than using polyurethane leather.
From my experience, PU breaks down quickly. I get that New Wave Toys wanted to be as authentic as possible, but do we need to worry about how comfortable action figures are when they sit on one of these?
Claudia Gray, the ‘Star Wars’ author who gave readers a rock for a character, that she named Geode, is now being given a Haunted Mansion book. It is entitled ‘The Haunted Mansion: Storm and Shade.’ Yeah, I’m not too excited and worried for where this will go.
I will start off by saying that this article will contain opinion as well as fact. So consider that as you progress.
Gray, had written a few ‘Star Wars’ books including: ‘Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens Lost Stars, ‘Bloodline,’ and ‘Leia: Princess of Alderaan’ before moving onto the ‘High Republic’ series. While working as part of ‘The High Republic’ she wrote ‘Star Wars The High Republic: Into The Dark.’ This is where she gave ‘Star Wars’ fans the character of Geode, who is basically a rock slab. It of course led to many jokes and eye rolls.
Now, Disney has put her on a Haunted Mansion book. I hope this time we aren’t getting sentient rocks. But what we are getting is a girl who has an anxiety disorder and stories about how ghosts get scared too?
Q: Without giving too much away, can you tell us about the story, specifically our protagonist, Audrey?
Audrey has just moved into the city from the suburbs, and so she’s having to adjust to a new school (with the world’s worst uniforms), new friends, and a not-quite-long-distance relationship with her boyfriend, Chase. This would be tough for anyone, but Audrey has also been dealing with terrible anxiety attacks. Therapy is helping, but guess what’s right down the street in her new neighborhood? And just when she thinks the Haunted Mansion is as terrifying as anything could ever be, Audrey realizes that even the Happy Haunts can get scared….
Oh no. The world’s worst uniforms. Actually, that could be scarier than the ghosts in the mansion. Bad drip can seriously lead to social issues for YA readers. I’ll give her that one.
Moving is also super hard so that is relatable and I’ll give her that one. But she has an anxiety disorder and so do the ghosts?
Ok.
Q: Claudia, we can’t wait for your take on the Haunted Mansion! It’s always been my favorite attraction at the parks, but what about it inspired you to write an original YA novel centered on it?
I’ve adored the Haunted Mansion since my very first trip to Walt Disney World back when I was 9 years old. But the real inspiration came when I realized that the Disneyland Haunted Mansion is canonically located in my very own city of New Orleans. This is a magical place with its own folklore (more houses haunted per capita than anywhere else in the country, I think?), and such a perfect setting for a Mansion story. Of course it would be here! It’s not hard to imagine that you might find it if you just turn the wrong corner.
Thank God it’s the Disneyland version and not the Walt Disney World one.
Q: If you had to play favorites, which of the 999 Happy Haunts do you like best?
Oh, no no no no. Do you think I would ever risk ticking off the other 998 Haunts by not picking them? Then what happens the next time I’m on the ride? My lips are sealed.
The book will go on sale on Sept. 5, 2023. You can pre-order it now on Amazon for $17.99 (affiliate link because I can’t change this but I can make money on the book to spite it.)
