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I Bought a Video Game Poster!

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

For the many years that I’ve been playing video games, I did something the other day that I’ve never done as a gamer.

I was at a local store, and they had a pretty cool poster collection. Most of them were popular television shows and films, like “Stranger Things,” and the blockbuster “Barbie”. One particular poster caught my eye. At first, I couldn’t tell what it was, but something about the artwork intrigued me. I’ve never been a big fan of the “Call of Duty” game series; I’ve played it maybe five times over the years. The wall poster for “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II” with the skeleton soldier with his headphones on just appealed to me for some reason. I had seen the image before, probably around the time the game was released last October. There was a great deal of promotion for the hit game during NFL games last year.

I’m sure Infinity Ward, the company that developed the game, knew they had a hit when celebrities were posting on their social media how excited they were for the release of the game. I think I saw the wall art for “Modern Warfare II” when I was in Best Buy, and it piqued my interest. I haven’t even played “Modern Warfare II”, but I now have the poster on my wall in my garage. I can’t say that my girlfriend likes it, but she’s hardly in my garage and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

The poster is the sort of art that would make a fantastic film poster. When video games start having better posters than movies, what’s happening in movie studio’s art and promotion’s departments. I haven’t bought a movie poster since college. It was a poster for “Judge Dredd”, the Sylvester Stallone film from 1995. Oddly enough, the “Modern Warfare II” poster and the “Judge Dredd” poster are very similar. Both have a close-up image of a character staring right at you, looking menacing. Both are just a face and the title of the game and film.

The marketing team for “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II” did an amazing job of getting images of the game in the public eye and conscience. The game earned $1 billion dollars in its first 10 days of release. “Modern Warfare II” is the fastest-selling “Call of Duty” game of all time.

image source: playstationlifestyle.net



MIGW23 – Big Games Night Out

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A GAMES-THEMED WONDERLAND OF FANTASY AND PLAY IS COMING TO MELBOURNE THIS OCTOBER AT BIG GAMES NIGHT OUT

From twilight to late on Thursday 5 October Big Games Night Out invites Victorians and visitors to come together in Melbourne’s iconic Fed Square and surrounds for an immersive night of digital games, music and cosplay.

Presented by Creative Victoria in partnership with Fed Square as part of Melbourne International Games Week, Big Games Night Out is a free, accessible and all-ages event welcoming families and gamers from all walks of life – curious, casual, social to hardcore – to come together and celebrate amongst a spectacle of games, technology and play.

The full program line-up – to be announced soon – includes the not-to-be-missed Big Games Night Out Cosplay Parade and Runway Experience hosted by Myf Warhust and pop star and Twitch streamer Montaigne. A celebration of the fantasy of inhabiting our favourite games, the event is open to all cosplayers to participate, regardless of skill level, whether you make or buy your costumes – all are encouraged to sign up now.

Indie arcade games, 80s games, and exciting local releases will also be available to play, plus a special intergenerational arena for young and mature gamers to play and learn together in partnership with the Victorian Seniors Festival. The Swap Meet gives gamers a chance to find their next challenge by swapping their old games for something new and revelling in some old-school nostalgia.

There will also be special events with some of Australia’s biggest games, including 2022 smash-success Cult of the Lamb. Presented by ACMI and Melbourne Fringe, Cult of the Lamb: The Ritual features large-scale puppets and performers, a DJ performance by River Boy and giant animated projections featuring your favourite characters from the game created by Massive Monster, and featuring Goldens Scissors Puppets and Jean Poole Projection Mapping. The event is supported by Fed Square and Panasonic, and made possible with the support of a RISE grant.

To mark the launch of the homegrown sensation Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical, from Victorian-based Summerfall Studios, Big Games Night Out will also present the Stray Gods Fashion Showcase – a multi-disciplinary event highlighting the game’s incredible blend of games, music, and fashion. Eight Melbourne fashion designers will showcase Stray Gods character costumes alongside their own unique creations, inspired by the game’s epic story about gods, magic, and a thousand-year journey to rediscover one’s purpose.

The full Big Games Night Out program will be announced soon, and will feature games arcades, open access game tournaments, live music performances from Tripod and Montaigne, immersive audience participation experiences, prizes, games-themed fashion runways, and much more throughout Fed Square venues.

Whether you play games once a week or once a year, Big Games Night Out is a special opportunity to experience Fed Square like never before as it transforms into a playful paradise.

Big Games Night Out and MIGW are part of a Creative October – a bigger-than-ever series of creative events taking place across the state across the month with the support of the Victorian Government.

Big Games Night Out is funded by the Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund, a partnership between the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne.
Big Games Night Out is on Thursday 5 October from twilight to late, as part of Melbourne International Games Week delivered by Creative Victoria – full line-up, maps and timetables coming soon!

Visit gamesweek.melbourne/big-games-night-out to learn more

Sign up for the Cosplay Parade here

Melbourne International Games Week is an initiative of the Victorian Government, delivered by Creative Victoria in partnership with VicScreen, ACMI and IGEA. Events will be held from 30 September – 8 October 2023. For more information visit gamesweek.melbourne



Lego Ideas: Retro Arcade

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Now this Lego Ideas entry we really really like! What’s there not to like about a Lego set that tugs on the ole nostalgic heartstrings.

The Retro Arcade Lego Ideas entry by If You Build It received the magical 10K votes, so right now, it is officially in the review (by Lego) stage! If you voted for the Retro Arcade, we thank you from the bottom of our 8-bit heart.

With the Retro Arcade project qualifying for the Second 2023 Review, we all have our fingers crossed that the powers at Lego vote with a resounding YES!

It goes without saying, we’ll keep you posted on the outcome!

source: Lego Ideas – Retro Arcade



Fan Favourite Pokémon Happy Meal Returns to Macca’s

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Hey Pokemon peeps, Macca’s newest Pokémon Match Battle Happy Meal is coming to Australia – available nationwide from Thursday 24 August!

For a limited time only, Macca’s fans who purchase a Happy Meal will have the chance to collect official Pokémon Match Battle trading cards, a card flip coin and instructions – everything needed to stage an at-home Pokémon Match Battle!

With 12 types of Pokémon Match Battle games up for grabs, Aussies will be able to collect fan favourites including Pikachu, Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly!

image source: McDonald’s Australia



Castlevania: Nocturne – Coming to Netflix this September

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The rise of Richter Belmont. Premieres only on Netflix, September 28.

Discover the enthralling world of Castlevania as it ventures into new territory with “Nocturne,” an exciting series focusing on the origin story of Richter Belmont, a gaming icon and one of the franchise’s most beloved characters. Set amidst the backdrop of the French Revolution, this gory and gothic adventure takes fans on an unforgettable journey through a time of vampires and high stakes.

Led by showrunner Kevin Kolde and Creator/Writer Clive Bradley, “Nocturne” promises a gripping narrative filled with love, loss, and thrilling encounters. As an evolution of the original fan-favorite Castlevania Netflix Series, the show delves into never-before-seen aspects of Richter Belmont’s past, adding depth to this iconic character.

Produced by Project 51 Productions, with animations provided by Powerhouse Animation, “Nocturne” guarantees top-notch quality and a visually stunning experience. Whether you’re a seasoned Castlevania fan or new to the franchise, this series serves as the perfect starting point for an exciting journey into a world of gaming adaptations, anime, and captivating storytelling.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the epic tale of “Nocturne”!


image & video source: Netflix



Introducing The AVI-8 X Capcom 1942 Flyboy Automatic LE Watches

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Pew pew pew, watch out for the new AVI-8 x Capcom 1942 Flyboys!

For anyone that has been following us for a while, you’ll know that we also love watches, especially the ones that reference classic arcade games!

Trawling through one of our fave watch sites, AVI-8, we noticed their latest watch, the AVI-8 X Capcom 1942 Flyboy Automatic Limited Edition (300 per colour variant) will be available this coming Friday, July 28 (US time). So mark your calendars or better yet, sign up to get notified as soon as these watches go live. We bet they won’t last long!

How awesome are these watches?! The fact that they are mechanical (instead of digital) and have a military aviation styling, they fit the 1942 arcade game aesthetic perfectly! Oh yeah, they are both automatics (self-winding), so no need to worry about batteries on these Flyboys. The nostalgia that these two timepieces induce is off the charts.

To say we are jonesing for the AVI-8 X Capcom 1942 Flyboy Automatic Limited Edition watches (we’d love both!), would be a gross understatement! C’mon July 28!

image source: AVI-8 Timepieces



Stern Pinball and Marvel Unleash Venom Pinball!

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Choose Your Host,
Change The Game

There will be carnage at this year’s Comic-Con as Marvel and Stern Pinball debut an all-new line of pinball games featuring one of the most enigmatic, complex, and iconic characters, Venom!

Venom pinball will be available in (from L to R): Pro, Premium & Limited Edition (LE) models

Get ready for a thrilling adventure into the mayhem of the Marvel Universe with the one and only Venom! This alien symbiote, famous for bonding with the likes of Eddie Brock and wreaking havoc, has now made its way into the world of pinball. That’s right, Venom is taking over game rooms and entertainment locations worldwide in a visually striking and action-packed pinball game brought to you by Stern.

For those who aren’t familiar, Venom burst onto the scene in The Amazing Spider-Man comic book series back in the ’80s. With its dark and unique appearance, Venom quickly became one of Marvel’s most iconic and beloved characters. From action figures to apparel, collectibles to now pinball, Venom’s influence on popular culture knows no bounds.

Stern’s Venom pinball game is a thrilling journey into the world of this antihero, featuring a lineup of over 20 characters from the Marvel Universe. You’ll encounter familiar faces like Eddie Brock, Flash Thompson, Gwen Stacy, and even the legendary Peter Parker himself. But it doesn’t stop there! Black Suit Spider-Man, Miles Morales, Riot, Agony, Lasher, Phage, Doppelganger, Venomized Hulk, Venomized Wolverine, and Venomized Captain America are all part of the action. Brace yourself, because Venom’s arch enemy, Carnage, is on a mission to awaken Knull, the God of the symbiotes. It’s up to Venom to stop him and his army of symbiotes from taking over the world.

Venom Pinball – Official Game Trailer

source: Stern Pinball

In the game, you’ll take on the role of Venom and select a host to bond with at the start of each thrilling adventure. This choice will not only affect your digital experience but also alter the physical gameplay itself. Prepare for constant frenetic action as balls are released from vertical pinball lock symbiote containment vessels on both sides of the playfield. You’ll explore shots through mechanically changing pathways, like the Agro-Lab and Life Foundation, and bash an interactive Carnage captive ball back into Ravencroft Institute for the Criminally Insane. But beware! A surprise Doppelganger attack could happen at any moment, causing chaos and unveiling three uplift targets for you to conquer.

The visual experience of the Venom pinball game is a work of art. Renowned artist Jeremy Packer, better known as Zombie Yeti, has created stunning hand-drawn comic book style artwork that immerses you in the dark and gritty world of Venom. And to make the experience even more intense, GRAMMY Award-winning musician Mark Tremonti has contributed over a dozen music tracks that change depending on the host you choose. Get ready for a soundtrack that perfectly matches the adrenaline-pumping gameplay.

Venom Pinball by Stern Pinball, featuring Seth Davis

source: Stern Pinball

But wait, there’s more! Stern’s award-winning Insider Connected™ system takes the Venom pinball game to the next level. With this feature, you can interact with the game and a global network of players in various exciting ways. You’ll be able to save your game progress through connectivity persistence, so you can continue your journey as Venom no matter how many attempts it takes to reach the final wizard mode. Plus, you can track your progress, earn game-specific achievements, engage with the player community, and participate in promotions and Challenge Quests. It’s an all-encompassing experience that brings pinball to the modern era.

The Venom LE will most definitely sell out quickly!

And for the collectors out there, you don’t want to miss the Limited Edition model of the Venom pinball game. With only 1,000 games available worldwide, this highly collectible version features a Venom vs. Carnage inspired full-color mirrored backglass, stunning high definition reflective foil decal cabinet artwork, custom high gloss Venom-inspired “goo” powder-coated pinball armor, and so much more. Each Limited Edition game comes with a sequentially numbered plaque and a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Stern’s President & CEO, Seth Davis. It’s a piece of pinball history that you’ll want to add to your collection.

So, get ready to unleash the power of Venom and dive headfirst into an unforgettable pinball experience. Stern’s Venom pinball game will transport you into the heart of the Marvel Universe, where you’ll battle against Carnage, save the world, and become the ultimate (anti)hero. Don’t miss your chance to join the action and make your mark on the global leaderboard. Get your hands on Venom pinball and let the symbiote take control!

Visit the official Venom Pinball game page at sternpinball.com for all information on this game changing pinball experience.
PS: For Venom/pinball fans in Australia, contact either AMD Coin-Op or Zax Amusements to secure your Venon pinball machine!
Australian Price List ($AUD):
  • Venom – Pro $11,950
  • Venom – Premium $15,500
  • Venom – LE – contact AMD or Zax Amusements

Stern Pinball – Venom LE in all its glory!

image source: Stern Pinball

 

The Making of Karateka – The Interactive Documentary Coming Soon From Digital Eclipse

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Before The Last Express… before Prince of Persia… there was Karateka

Famed game designer Jordan Mechner was an 18-year-old college student when he started making the martial arts adventure that would become one of the most influential games of the Apple II era.

Four decades later, the story behind this groundbreaking game has been meticulously reconstructed into an innovative interactive documentary by Digital Eclipse, the team behind acclaimed collections including the Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection.

Unveiled minutes ago during Microsoft’s ID@Xbox showcase, The Making of Karateka will be available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S as well as Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC (Steam, GOG, and Epic Store). A simultaneous release on all platforms is expected later this northern hemisphere summer.

MORE DETAILS:



Retro Gamers Screening in Melbourne

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Not even a global pandemic could stop the Michael Naim Film Retro Gamers film being completed! It may have been delayed (like everything else was during COVID times), but we are rapt to see this Australian made and produced short film completed and ready for screening!

Featuring our good friend and fellow PAXAus Classic Gaming exhibitor, Cameron Bonde (aka: @octamed on Twitter) , Retro Gamers delves into the retro gaming community and explores its culture and nostalgic stranglehold.

Mark yourself busy on Sunday, July 23rd, as Retro Gamers will be screening at Cinema Nova. To purchase tickets to the screening, please head over to the Cinema Nova website here!

PS: For our friends in the US, you can also get tickets to the Retro Gamers screening at Gen Con 2023!


image & video source: Michael Naim



Stern’s Venom Pinball Set to Make Waves at Comic-Con

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Hands up who is going to the Comic-Con International in San Diego next week? If you are, we are very very jelly! Why? Well, apart from being at one of the best Cons in the world, there will also be a new pinball machine unleashed by Chicago based Stern Pinball!

Speculation surrounding the release of Venom, a game that has been shrouded in secrecy for some time, is finally reaching its climax as the renowned comic book-themed pinball machine is set to be revealed at Comic-Con (July 20-23). Designed by the esteemed Brian Eddy, with art by the talented Zombie Yeti, this game has been patiently awaiting its moment in the spotlight.

Sources close to the industry have revealed that Venom was actually ready for launch earlier, but it was shelved temporarily to ensure that James Bond 007, a crucial release for the brand’s 60th anniversary, hit the market on schedule. The strategic decision to prioritize the iconic secret agent’s milestone celebration undoubtedly raised the anticipation surrounding Venom’s unveiling even higher.

Brian Eddy (L) and Dwight Sullivan (R) with Brian’s sophomore Stern title, The Mandalorian

In an exciting turn of events, Orange County Pinballs, a trusted distributor, has confirmed that attendees at Comic-Con will have the opportunity to get their hands on the new cornerstone game. However, contrary to earlier reports, demo games from the show will not be available at a discounted price. It seems that eager fans will have to wait a little longer to bring the pinball action home, as production of the game is projected to commence in September. Nevertheless, the chance to experience Venom firsthand at the convention is an opportunity not to be missed.

Comic-Con attendees are in for a treat as the event’s program guide reveals a must-attend seminar titled “Into the Pinverse: From Comic Book to Pinball.” Scheduled for July 20 at 2:30 PM Pacific Time, the seminar promises a captivating moderated Q&A session featuring industry heavyweights such as Seth Davis (CEO of Stern Pinball), Zach Sharpe (head of Marketing), and Brian Eddy (lead game designer). Pinball enthusiasts and comic book aficionados alike can look forward to gaining unique insights into the creative process behind bringing these beloved characters to life on the pinball stage.

As the excitement builds to a crescendo, Stern Pinball has stoked the flames of anticipation by releasing a tantalizing teaser video for their upcoming game. The footage confirms the long-standing rumor that Venom will indeed be the star of the show, setting pulses racing with its intense gameplay and captivating visuals. To further ignite fans’ fervor, a very limited number of Venom LE (Limited Edition) pinball machines will be available for purchase exclusively on the Stern Store, providing an exclusive opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike to own a piece of pinball history.

The countdown to Comic-Con begins, and pinball enthusiasts around the world eagerly await the reveal of Stern Pinball’s Venom. With a dream team of designers and artists behind the scenes, this new cornerstone title is poised to make waves and leave a lasting impact on the industry. Stay tuned for the latest updates as the pinball universe braces itself for an electrifying new addition.