WandaVision’s Critics Are Missing The Point

When 2020 passed without a single Marvel Cinematic Universe release, fans were anxious for the next piece of the massive puzzle. The releases of Black Widow and Eternals on the big screen were delayed, while Disney+’s Falcon and the Winter Soldier was pushed after production was halted during the pandemic. Then, at long last, there was a light at the end of the tunnel. WandaVision became the first MCU Phase 4 entry and, it should be argued, it’s also one of the strongest projects Marvel Studios has released yet.

Not only did WandaVision end the drought of MCU entries, but it’s helping to redefine what a live-action Marvel story can be. On one hand, WandaVision is a celebration of TV history, with different episodes paying tribute to different eras of family sitcoms–from 1950s shows like I Love Lucy to early-’00s favorites like Malcolm in the Middle. Each episode has painstakingly recreated the shows it’s inspired by, from the ridiculously silly special effects of old sitcoms to the fourth-wall-breaking moments of later eras, in which characters speak directly to the camera–not to mention a new era-appropriate theme song each week.

Beyond that, though, WandaVision is a story of loss, trauma, and coping with post-traumatic stress disorder. That’s surprising given the characters of Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) have more or less been third-tier players in the MCU. Now, they’re thrust to the forefront and given the kind of character development most of the MCU roster could benefit greatly from, telling a genuinely heartbreaking story.

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Knockout City Is EA’s Dodgeball By Way Of Splatoon

Showcased during the recent Nintendo Direct, Velan Studios’ Knockout City is a team-based action dodgeball game with a similar vibe and energy to games like Splatoon and Ninjala. As another title in the slate of EA Originals, this online-focused “dodge-brawler”–as the developers call it–is the next online game coming from EA that aims to be a fun and accessible take on classic multiplayer battles. Ahead of its launch on May 21, which will have a free trial for a set amount of time, select players will even be able to get some hands-on time with the upcoming closed beta on February 20.

Before the game’s public reveal, I had a chance to get some early hands-on time with the upcoming Closed Beta while also speaking with Velan Studios CEO Karthik Bala about the game’s making. The core concept of Knockout City is that it’s a fast-paced and tactical take on the familiar game of dodgeball. Set in a future metropolis that’s run by different gangs, you’ll take your new “dodge-brawler” up the ranks, customizing their look and style, honing your skills with a variety of different attack balls, and even coming up with tactical ways to use your own teammates as cannonballs to strike against the opposing team.

From my hands-on with Knockout City, I found it to be a surprisingly accessible approach to the conceit of an arena-style action game. Without worrying about choosing the right set of perks, gear options, or even character classes, the game keeps all players on a level playing field and gives all the tools they need to win. When you manage to grab a ball on the field, you can charge it up and fire it at your opponent. However, your opponent can still evade the projectile or even catch it in mid-air. The latter is risky, and it will require careful timing, and if you’re up against a crafty opponent, they can use fake-out moves and gestures to catch you off-guard.

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Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword Will Come To Switch This July

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is coming to Switch, as announced during Nintendo’s February Direct. This HD remaster improves upon the original 2011 game for Wii and 2016 Wii U port.

Though the title for this port is The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, the visuals for the game don’t seem to have gotten a significant upgrade. Instead, this remaster implements some welcome quality-of-life improvements.

For instance, the Switch version makes use of the Joy-Con controllers for smoother motion controllers. And for those who don’t want or can’t use motion controls, Skyward Sword HD implements an option to play with a button-only control scheme.

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The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD | Nintendo Direct

The motion control classic, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, is getting an HD remaster for the Nintendo Switch. The original motion controls are still in the game using the individual Joy Cons. The HD remaster also includes a new motion control-free button-based configuration as well.

Zelda: Breath Of The Wild 2 Gets A Non-Update During Nintendo Direct

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild producer Eiji Aonuma made an appearance during the Nintendo Direct to confirm that Nintendo has nothing new to share about the game’s sequel.

Aonuma clarified that development on The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 is “proceeding smoothy” and that Nintendo will have more information on the game this year.

“For now, we’ll have to ask you to wait just a bit longer,” Aonuma said as he bowed before revealing that an HD remaster of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and branded Joy-Cons are coming to Nintendo Switch on July 16. Preorders for the game are now live on the eshop.

Star Wars Hunters Is A Free-To-Play Competitive Shooter Coming To Nintendo Switch

There’s a new Star Wars game coming to Nintendo Switch in 2021. Star Wars Hunters will bring some competitive online play to the console from a galaxy far, far away, Nintendo revealed during today’s Nintendo Direct broadcast.

The trailer for Star Wars Hunters didn’t provide too much in the way of details, though. We know the competitive third-person shooter will be free-to-play and online, and that it takes place between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, but that’s about it. If you’ll recall, that’s a span that covers about 35 years, so it could entail just about anything.

The short trailer swept through the familiar locale of Jabba’s palace and showed holograms of what look like different potential fighter characters with different weapons. The suggestion is that you’ll mix melee weapons with gunplay, with the opportunity to wield heavy blasters, dual pistols, clubs, and lightsabers. The characters in the holograms included a Wookiee, a stormtrooper, and a guy who looked to be sporting something like Mandalorian armor.

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