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May’s Most Anticipated New Releases

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As the merry month of May dawns again, blockbuster season and televisions second run premieres are upon us. These are a few highlights bursting forth from the genre world via Hollywood, Canada and points beyond this month.

“Avengers: Age of Ultron” (In theaters May 1st)

After a well needed rest from trouncing Loki and the forces of evil, Marvel’s team of uber-heroes return for their next round of clobbering. This time they face off against Ultron, the self-fulfilling android prophecy originally created from adamantium by Hank Pym. Differing from the comics, this new incarnation of Ultron comes to life as a byproduct of Tony Stark’s (Ironman—played by the ever affable Robert Downey Jr.) defensive program designed to bring about world peace. Never saw that twist coming, did we. Will the Avengers be able to defeat this highly adaptive villain in time for the 2018 sequel? Only time will tell. Either way, it will be one of the most exciting new releases of the 2015 blockbuster season.

“Defiance” Season 2 (On Netflix/Amazon Prime May 19th)

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Need to catch up on your “Defiance” backstory before season 3 premieres on June 12th? Check out Netflix and Amazon Prime on May 19th (currently available on Hulu Plus). Keep up to date on the happenings in the independent colony of Defiance and all the Voton-human integration difficulties and the challenges of recolonizing our now alien world.

“Tomorrowland” (In theaters May 22nd)

If you’ve ever set foot inside a Disney theme park, you’re likely familiar with Tomorrowland. Somewhat of a misnomer, this world of tomorrow features the flying cars and robot servants from a future dramatically divergent from our own. The premise for this flick has George Clooney strapping on his sci-fi boots as a would-be inventor who knows a little more than he’s saying about the magical pin which proffers visions of a tomorrow land to a young woman–hence, the film’s namesake. Of course, in the film as in life, many of our ideal tomorrows have, like good intentions, paved the road to a figurative or literal hell.

“Penny Dreadful” Season 2 Premiere (On Showtime May 3rd)

Showtime’s potpourri of gothic supernatural delight begins its second season with the predators becoming the prey. After being forced to destroy his daughter Mina to save Vanessa, the vampires are none-too-pleased with Sir Malcom. As a result, they retaliate against their would-be destroyers. Meanwhile, Dr. Frankenstein continues his diabolical quest to reanimate Brona while under the thumb of his psychotically driven creation.

“San Andreas” (In theaters May 29th)

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This action thriller should keep disaster film fans on clutching their seats. It should also be a little bit of revenge for anyone who’s dealt with rush hour traffic in LA. Likely filled with scads of CGI devastation, this little sleeper of a film follows chopper pilot Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as he tries to rescue his family after The Big One hits California. Expect lots of rubble—and not just the popcorn remnants beneath your feet.

“Extraterrestrial” on Netflix (On Netflix May 12th)

If you missed it before, this 2014 sci-fi/horror film arrives on Netflix this month for your streaming pleasure. Starting from a unique premise, a group of young friends isolated in a wooded cabin are assailed by alien baddies—rather than a man with a mask and a machete. Slasher film tropes may abound, though. Will the jock die in some unseemly fashion while trying to bone the cheerleader? Will the stoner be probed while trying to hook up with the snooty preppy girl who loathes him? There’s only one way to find out: kick back and load up this B-grade fare popcorn fare.

“Mad Max: Fury Road” (In theaters May 15th)

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Since taking a breather from the post-apocalypse to make a saccharine pig movie or two (not that there’s anything wrong with that), George Miller returns to the wild and wooly post-apocalyptic Outback. This time he does so without an inebriated, curmudgeonly anti-Semite—at least not as its titular lead (although we may catch a glimpse of the original Max). And this sequel promises to be one of the most action-packed new releases of the season. Miller reputedly shot the film based primarily on storyboards instead of a script. As a result, audiences can expect less dialogue and more dynamic set pieces as a new generation struggles in a world short on oil but long on bondage gear.

“Between” Series Premiere (On Netflix May 21st)

After an enigmatic outbreak decimates everyone over 21 in the burg of Pretty Lake, a pregnant minister’s daughter (played by Jennette McCurdy) struggles to deal with life minus the geriatric set. With six episodes of this Canadian-penned Sci-Fi drama slated for release, as well as a web series featuring yearbook interviews with different high-schoolers, there are plenty of ways to get exposed to the televisual contagion. Just make sure to quarantine yourself with enough beverages and snacks.

With a Creative Writing degree in one hand and an endless curiosity in the other, Andy dabbles in many creative fields. He's published blog posts, articles, hotel copy, fiction, and poetry professionally. Currently he dwells in Austin, TX, with his brilliant and understanding fiancee, Kim.

Gaming

Battle Pass for Crash Team Rumble is not necessary to unlock new characters; the upcoming closed beta

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The competitive multiplayer spinoff of Crash Team Rumble, which will be available on both the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, will debut on June 20. A closed beta for the game will be held in the coming weeks, and the good news that character unlocks won’t be dependent on Battle Pass progress was just revealed.

Publisher Activision made its intentions very clear in a lengthy blog post, writing, “New heroes and powers will be unlocked through in-game challenges rather than being connected to the Battle Pass because we want every player to have a balanced experience while enjoying the N. Sane fun that Crash Team Rumble has to offer.” “For those who wish to get a WUMP on the season’s newest looks, Battle Passes will solely reward cosmetic goods; however, cosmetics will still be earnable through participation in seasonal events.”

Those who preorder the platformer/battle royale mix can take part in a limited beta between April 20 and 24. For those who want to jump right in, online matches against other players and practice matches versus AI bots will be offered.

How does Crash Team Rumble strike you? Will you participate in the closed beta test?

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Gaming

Indie Not on PlayStation Wins BAFTA Game of the Year, Beating PS5, PS4’s Greatest Hits

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God of War Ragnarok and Elden Ring were both beaten out for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) award for Best Game by a tiny little independent title called Vampire Survivors, which isn’t even accessible on PlayStation systems. Do you really believe that?

Putting all lightheartedness aside, Vampire Survivors was something of a phenomenon in 2022, and you would have to be living under a rock (or live offline) to have missed it. It burst into prominence and eventually became a favorite among industry insiders. A fiendishly addictive fundamental gameplay loop hides beneath a deceptively simple exterior, earning developer Luca Galante, aka Poncle, this year’s BAFTA for Game Design as well as another honor.

There hasn’t been any news of the mega-hit coming to PlayStation as of yet, so there’s probably some sort of exclusivity agreement in place or anything else blocking it. Perhaps one day we will be granted access to it, but until then, console yourself with one of the numerous high-end games on our preferred platform, such as The Last of Us, which won Best Game back in 2014.

In slightly related news, Shuhei Yoshida, a PlayStation legend, received a BAFTA Fellowship, the highest honor bestowed by the organization.

What do you think about the Vampire Survivors’ victory—do you believe it was well-deserved or totally absurd?

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Gaming

On May 17, Crusader Kings 3: Royal Court Expansion will be available on consoles

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While we felt Crusader Kings 3: Console Edition was fantastic when it was launched on the PS5 last year, we were only able to play the base game. We are incredibly grateful that the great Royal Court extension will be coming to consoles. This is a regal proclamation that we could not be more delighted to make.

It’s pretty difficult to switch back after you’ve experienced the conveniences and enhancements that Royal Court offers to the well-stocked table, as anyone who has played Crusader Kings 3 on PC knows. It’s not just for show; players will be able to use trophies and priceless pieces of art to adorn their throne room, which adds a minor RPG system to an already magnificently complex adventure.

If you haven’t already and like the basic Crusader King’s experience, we highly encourage you to give Royal Court a try. This expansion is the ideal reason to jump back in for another round of backroom maneuvering. Are you going to create your own royal court?

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