Monthly Archives: January 2017

RIP: Scalebound [Era of the Remake/Sequel]

scalebound is cancelled

It was announced that Scalebound, the Microsoft Xbox One title by Platinum Games that was announced at E3 2014 is no more. Production was officially halted, and Microsoft is going to focus on other titles, such as Halo Wars 2, Crackdown 3, and State of Decay 2. I was a bit disappointed by this. . . more than a little honestly, because I was excited to play a cool-looking character and be accompanied by a gigantic European-style dragon. I had a curious fascination with the title, and as far as I’m aware, it’s never going to be a reality. Microsoft stated there will be some manner of announcement, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s going to probably just be repurposed or something else ridiculous. And I looked at the list of games they mentioned in the press release, and a thought occurred to me: Why do we no longer have faith in new IPs? And don’t get me started, please. “What about Duelyst?! Overwatch is new!!” and yes, it is, but it’s also a Blizzard IP. That carries weight. I mean, look at all the sequels, remakes, remasters that we have right now. How many titles are in the Kingdom Hearts franchise? And how many have a regular number in the title? No decimals, no fractions. Final Fantasy has an absolute slew of remakes, not that I don’t love them. But it seems like we as a people have virtually no faith for new IPs by new companies. And sure, Platinum Games is by no means new, but it would have been groundbreaking. So many potentially great games get no support because it’s not a Blizzard title. Not a Square Enix title. Not a 404 title. Et cetera. If it’s not part seven in a series of games, you may as well just not pay it any mind, and I think that’s more than a little disappointing. Of course, I realize this isn’t 100% the case, and anyone reading this will no doubt find a title I’m ignoring as a “not popular title that is good”, and that’s great! I can too! It’s just that I love remakes as much as the next retro fan. . . But I think we could do better to give new IPs a chance. I don’t know the reason why Scalebound failed, but I’m still a little down by it.

HRX 2017: Final Thoughts + Cosplay Highlights

HRX 2017: Final Thoughts + Cosplay Highlights

On Sunday, a great test was held. You might not think of it as one, but I certainly do. That was when the Grand Finals for Smite [PC and Xbox] and Paladins were held. The first one’s not a big deal, because we know that’s going to draw a crowd. . . but this was the first Invitational for Paladins!

The first massive event for Paladins, and of course, it was an EU vs. EU matchup. District 69 vs. BurritoGG [Congrats Burrito!]. It means a great deal not only to me, but to the Paladins devs also, since it could be considered a test run of sorts. Why a test? To see how a huge crowd/online crowd would react to Paladins! And yes, there’s still/always going to be the vocal part of the audience that cries “OVERWATCH CLONE LOLOLOL HURRR” even though, you know. . . Paladins entered beta first. . . That’s not what we’re here to talk about though. As someone who was in the audience live, that crowd got insanely pumped! There were cheers, slap sticks slapped together, yells of joy for Burrito. It might not have had the same twitch audience as Smite, but Hell! I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised at how many people showed up that early to watch it. I didn’t expect it to be empty, but it was pretty close to full down in the main audience. I should know, I was looking down from the boxes!

I’d also like to say that Paladins is the most fast and furious experience ever. Watching competitive play for the first time, it was so hard to keep up with, but in the best way. It showed me things about the game I didn’t really know yet, and characters I’d like to try. But I did have a complaint: I couldn’t see the card builds for players! Just their items. That’s a suggestion for next year’s “side screens,” or the bottom right of the camera when it follows a player. Nonetheless, the action was non stop, and it really reinvigorated my interest in the game. I’d even say I had more fun watching that than the console Grand Finals. Not the Smite Finals, but definitely console. Those teams really brought the thunder, and I’d love to have some of the Burrito or D69 guys on our stream to maybe help us learn the game, and do a Q&A session.

Hirez Expo has really grown this year from last year, and the audience for all events was raucous and insane. From the “Obey, Obey Obey Obey Obey!” chants, to the increasing volume of cheering with every successful kill in a team fight, this was THE event to attend. While I’ve always wanted to go to League Worlds, I want to go. . . a little less now. A lot less. If you weren’t watching Hirez Expo this year, I dunno what the hell you were watching, but it was the wrong damn event! Much love to everyone at Hirez Studios that made me feel like family, and that took such good care of their fans with tons of giveaways, nonstop action, hilarious music videos, new games, cool merch, unreal cosplayers, and more than I can really explain. It’s such a diverse crowd. I got to sit and talk with pro players, their families, developers and fans at any and all moments. It’s going to be a great year for Smite and Paladins. If you don’t think so, just watch. Then come back to me in 2018 and apologize for doubting me! To everyone who competed, thank you! You really gave it your all. To everyone who attended? Thank you as well! You guys made this an experience unlike any other. I got to meet press I’ve always wanted to meet, new friends in the community, and a host of other wonderful people new and old.

Keep your eyes glued to Hi-Rez Studios. You won’t regret it.

Now, onto the gallery to see some of the most awesome cosplay at HRX 2017!