Geek Culture
The Last Starfighter Comes to VR TV
A new TV show adaption based on The Last Starfighter aims to make television’s two dimensions seem very limited. In developing the series to appeal to a new, higher-tech audience, Jonathan R. Betuel, the screenwriter of the original film, wants to shepherd the once state-of-the-art franchise into the realms of virtual reality television.
One of the first films to use CGI extensively, Starfighter follows the adventures of Alex Rogan (Lance Guest), a gamer who tops the high score board on the arcade game Starfighter. Following his success, he’s sucked into the heat of an interstellar battle when Centauri (Robert Preston)—the alien being who designed the game to train the ultimate space pilot—recruits him to actually fight the Ko-Dan Armada from the game (how meta!).
With a wild sci-fi adventure plot, the film inspired a generation of gamers, filmmakers, and dreamers alike. In fact, a few big names have attempted to shoot a remake or sequel—most notably by Seth Rogen and Steven Spielberg. All attempts to continue the saga failed up until this point, though, because the film rights were in limbo. Only recently, after realizing the story rights had reverted to him did Butuel tinker with the idea of rehashing the 80’s cult saga in a whole new, mind blowing way.
The series will also feature different characters and story lines from the film. Rather than focusing on the adventures of Rogan, Centauri, or other characters introduced in the film, the television show will follow members of the Star League–the world weary and underwhelmed guardians of law and order in the galaxy–at least according to what Butuel told Variety.
Take THAT Ko-Dan Armada!
The real buzz around the series goes far beyond nostalgia. When conceptualizing “The Last Starfighter Chronicles,” Butuel began toying with the idea of integrating elements of virtual reality into the show. Coupling with the creators of Surreal.tv, Rick Rey and Andy Vick, he aims to create a new twist on television that lets the viewer take flight amongst the stars and experience the battles of this ragtag band of peacekeepers in a very personal way. Have no fear, though, conventional Web and TV viewers. You’ll still be able to enjoy the show and its cutting edge visual FX in its entirety. But those who are wired for VR will be able to enjoy the full meal deal of this immersive television experience.
If the show continues along the lines of many modern series and films, there will likely be tie-in games, exclusive webcasts, and possibly even exclusively VR episodes that allow the superfan to escape into the show. And while this is merely speculation at this point, the possibilities for a franchised multiverse will be almost limitless, assuming the show’s developers and producers continue to push the envelope–also assuming the series is makes it past the pilot phase. But with such an interesting technological premise and a lot of nostalgia behind it, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to see it pop up on either a conventional or online broadcasters in the not to distant future, as the producers are currently shopping for a home.
Gaming
Battle Pass for Crash Team Rumble is not necessary to unlock new characters; the upcoming closed beta
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?
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.
Last up it’s the award for Best Game. Huge congratulations go to… Vampire Survivors! 🌟🦇🌟#BAFTAGamesAwards pic.twitter.com/nnH9xRQkn1
— BAFTA Games (@BAFTAGames) March 30, 2023
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?
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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