The Razer Viper Ultimate is part of the prize bundle!
This is your chance to upgrade your PC peripherals completely free of charge, because we joined forces with Razer so nine of our readers can take home a prize bundle that includes the Razer Huntsman Elite keyboard, the Razer Nari Ultimate headphones, and the Razer Viper Ultimate mouse.
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Let’s go over some of the cool features of the prizes, starting with the Viper Ultimate, an ambidextrous wireless mouse that uses an infrared light beam to register every click with a response time of 0.2 milliseconds, according to Razer.
The Nari Ultimate headphones are equipped with intelligent haptic technology that converts sound signals into dynamic touch-sensory feedback in real time so you can feel every battle. Last but not least the Huntsman Elite, which is the number one selling keyboard in the United States. It comes with a magnetic wrist rest, multi-function digital dial, and media keys that underglow.
We are also giving away exclusive access to the beta of KartRider: Drift to five thousand winners and you can sign up here.
It feels like everyone is playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons right now, and that includes many of the developers at Crystal Dynamics, the team behind the most recent Tomb Raider games. In fact, some members of the Tomb Raider team have created outfits for your Animal Crossing character, so you can dress up as three different eras of Lara Croft.
The official Tomb Raider Tumblr has posted creator codes for three custom tops–one based on her original design, one for Angel of Darkness, and one for the 2013 reboot. You can dress your character up as your favorite incantation of the Tomb Raider.
Check out the images below for the outfits and each top’s creator code.
Here are the other parts you’ll need to complete each outfit and really capture those Tomb Raider vibes.
Tomb Raider (2013): Custom Top, Torn Pants (Brown) or Slacks (Beige), Recycled Boots, Bandage
The post also contains recommendations for how to replicate young Lara’s outfit, as well as her look from the Siberia portions of Rise of the Tomb Raider, when she’s dressed for cold weather.
The blog will also soon be dropping a QR code for a replica of some old Tomb Raider art, if you would like to proudly display that on your island.
Reggie Fils-Aime retired as Nintendo of America president in early 2019, and since then he’s become prolific on Twitter and taken up a board position with GameStop. He’s also started a seven-part podcast series, Talking Games with Reggie and Harold, alongside journalist Harold Goldberg. It’s available on Soundcloud, or you can also listen to it on Apple Podcasts and other podcatcher services, like Pocket Casts and Stitcher–just search for “New York Videogame Critics Circle”.
In the first episode, Fils-Aime shares some anecdotes about his time with Nintendo, and what it was like becoming the frontman for the company’s western operations. He also says that he almost messed up his own hiring by demanding to speak with then-president Satoru Iwata during his interview process. Iwata would become a good friend of his, but Fils-Aime was not meant to speak with him during these proceedings, as Iwata would not be his direct superior.
Fils-Aime reveals the reason why he needed to speak with Iwata–because of his doubts about the company. “I needed to feel comfortable with where the company was going,” he says. Nintendo was struggling at the time with the GameCube, which was pacing far behind the PlayStation 2. “While the handheld business was dominated by the Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo was driving that part of the business, on the home console side things were challenging,” he recalls.
Despite Nintendo’s dominance with handhelds, Fils-Aime remembers how when Sony announced the PSP, Nintendo’s stock price took a huge hit. He wanted to make sure that Iwata’s direction for the company was something he could get behind, and the conversation he ended up having with Iwata was ultimately foundational to his work within the company.
He also talks about the crafting of the Reggie “personality” ahead of his first public appearance. “In 2002, 2003, there was a need to communicate to the western community what Nintendo was doing, how we were looking to do things differently, not only from what we had done in the past, but what everyone else was doing in the gaming industry,” he recalls.
“From the day I was hired in early December of 2003, everything was building momentum for my first E3 in May.” At E3 2004, Reggie would take the stage and declare “My name is Reggie. I’m about kicking ass, I’m about taking names, and we’re about making games.” This was also the year that the Nintendo DS was revealed and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess was first shown.
The “kicking ass” line came from Don Varyu, who Fils-Aime said was instrumental to a lot of Nintendo’s messaging at the time. “When Don first shared with me that infamous line, I needed to be convinced that it would be the right line, because I knew that I would need to be the one to convince Mr Iwata.” The intent of that E3 was to “reshape the message” for Nintendo, and Fils-Aime believes that it was a big success.
“People didn’t know me. This was really my coming out party,” Fils-Aime says. He remembers at E3, as he gazed out into the crowd, a Nintendo staff member mistook him for a security guard, which is pretty fun.
These observations are just from the first 12 minutes–the rest is also worth a listen, especially if you’re a fan of Nintendo and its history, or want to hear about the first time Fils-Aime met Shigeru Miyamoto.
All of this is being done to raise money to help homeless students during the COVID-19 crisis–you can donate here.
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Writer, actor, and director B.J. Novak is working on a new show for HBO Max, the streaming service set to debut later in May. The show is called “Young People,” and it’s a multi-camera program that follows six young adults in their 20s who come from different backgrounds and live together in Brooklyn.
Novak, who starred on The Office as Ryan Howard from 2005 to 2013, will write and produce the new show. HBO Max has commissioned a pilot script and five more scripts, but it remains to be seen if the show will get picked up officially.
“The show is described as tackling friendship in the age of argument, connection in the age of disconnection, and the joys and anxieties of building a life in a gig-to-gig, date-to-date, month-to-month world where living like ‘young people’ might be a transitional phase of life–or might be permanent,” according to Variety.
In addition to starring as Ryan Howard on The Office, Novak wrote and directed multiple episodes of the beloved workplace comedy spin-off of the UK edition. In total, Novak is credited with writing 15 episodes of The Office, including the fan-favorite “Threat Level Midnight.” Novak is making his feature film directorial debut with the horror movie Vengeance from Get Out studio Blumhouse.
Shad Gaspard, former WWE wrestler and member of tag team Cryme Tyme, has gone missing after swimming with his son in Marina Del Rey Beach on Sunday afternoon, but an official working with the L.A. Fire Dept. told media they believe the 39-year-old “did submerge.” One witness told TMZ that when the lifeguards raced into the ocean, Gaspard directed rescuers to help his 10-year-old son first, which they did. During the rescue though, another big wave crashed down on Gaspard, and that was the last time he was seen.
Outside of the ring, Gaspard was once a bodyguard for the likes of Britney Spears, Puff Daddy, and even Mike Tyson. He also had bit roles in movies like this years’ Birds of Prey and on TV shows like Key & Peele. A few years ago, he wanted to break into comics and had his own creator-series in the works.
Reaction of his disappearance hit the wrestling world with friends and journalists sending thoughts, hope, and prayers to him being found.
This Shad Gaspard news has me shaking. Super friendly guy. I’m praying but man, it sounds horrible. If you didn’t hear, he was lost during a rip tide at Marina del Rey yesterday and they spent 3 hours trying to find him.
Ex-WWE Star Shad Gaspard Goes Missing During Beach Swim, Lifeguards Searching https://t.co/200pwVXj5j
— “The Big LG” Doc Gallows (@The_BigLG) May 18, 2020
While Gaspard performed under the WWE umbrella, he captured the Ohio Valley Wrestling Tag Team Championship as part of Cryme Tyme.
If you want to dive deeper into the weird world of wrestling, check out GameSpot’s weekly podcast Wrestle Buddies. Each week, Mat Elfring and Chris E. Hayner talks about more fun things within wrestling, from silly gimmicks to their favorite PPVs. Also, they occasionally interview wrestlers. New episodes arrive every Thursday, and you can check it out on Spotify, Stitcher, and Apple Podcasts.
All Elite Wrestling has another PPV headed your way this Saturday, May 23. Double or Nothing is the title of the event, and it is the second time AEW has used this name, with the first being the company’s premiere event in 2019. There are three title matches on the line–one of which is brand-new for the company. Check out the full match card and how to watch below.
Originally, the event was supposed to take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Paradise, Nevada. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Double or Nothing will now take place at an undisclosed location. Depending on where you live on the globe, you’ll be able to watch the show in the evening, morning, or in the middle of the night–sorry UK.
Double or Nothing start time:
5 PM PT
7 PM CT
8 PM ET
1 AM BST (May 24)
10 AM AEST (May 24)
There will also be a pre-show for Double or Nothing called the Buy In which will air one hour prior to the main card. If you want to watch the PPV, you’ll have to order it from B/R Live (US and Canada only) or Fite TV, depending on where you live in the world. The price for the show is $50 USD–it will differ depending on region.
Match card:
Private Party vs. Best Friends (Buy In Pre-show)
MJF vs. Jungle Boy
Dr. Britt Baker vs. Kris Statlander
Casino Ladder Match (AEW Championship Title Shot)
Cody vs. Lance Archer (TNT Championship)
Nyla Rose (c) vs. Hikaru Shida
Jon Moxley (c) vs. Brodie Lee (AEW Championship)
As for the card, there is currently one match on the Buy In and six matches on the main card. Double or Nothing will also be the debut of the TNT Championship, which is happening after a long tournament on Dynamite which will see Cody face Lance Archer for the title. There should be a few more matches added after the May 20 episode of AEW Dynamite on TNT. Check out the card above, and more matches will be added as they are booked.
If you want to dive deeper into the weird world of wrestling, check out GameSpot’s weekly podcast Wrestle Buddies. Each week, Mat Elfring and Chris E. Hayner talks about the funner things within wrestling, from silly gimmicks to their favorite PPVs. Also, they occasionally interview wrestlers. New episodes arrive every Thursday, and you can check it out on Spotify, Stitcher, and Apple Podcasts.
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As Disney+continues to grow, there’s a big shift among the top ranks. The executive that helped to launch the service, Kevin Mayer, has found a new job with the social media app TikTok and is leaving his post.
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Mayer said, “I am very proud of what our extraordinary talent Direct-to-Consumer and International team has accomplished in creating and delivering a world-class portfolio of streaming services, particularly Disney+.”
Interestingly, it’s noted by THR that the move comes three months after Mayer was seemingly passed by for the role of Disney CEO. It was February 25 that former CEO Bob Iger announced he was stepping down from the role, naming Bob Chapek, who led Disney’s Parks, Experiences, and Products division, as his replacement. According to THR, Mayer was seen as a likely candidate for the role.
Instead, he will become CEO of TikTok and report to the CEO and founder of ByteDance, the company behind the app, Yiming Zhang. “As one of the world’s most accomplished entertainment executives, Kevin is incredibly well placed to take ByteDance’s portfolio of products to the next level. I look forward to working very closely with Kevin on our global development and the next chapter of the ByteDance story,” Yiming said in a statement.
Replacing Mayer at Disney is Rebecca Campbell, who will step into the role of chairman of Direct-to-Consumer and International. Her most recent role with the company was as president of the Disneyland Resort.
Image credit: Disney Parks
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Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best gaming and tech deals available today (May 18) and will update this story throughout the week with the latest and greatest deals.
Sega Genesis Mini
$50 (was $80)
Sega Genesis Mini
One of the best mini retro consoles in recent years is on sale this week at multiple retailers. Normally $80, the Sega Genesis Mini is discounted to $50 today and comes pre-loaded with 40 classic games, from Sonic the Hedgehog and Castlevania: Bloodlines to Golden Axe and Ecco the Dolphin. The system also comes with two controllers so you can play multiplayer titles with someone else. While this isn’t the cheapest we’ve ever seen the Genesis Mini, it’s still rare to find it at this price and a solid purchase for fans of the original console.
Razer Huntsman gaming keyboard
$95 (was $150), includes free Razer Mamba Elite gaming mouse
Best Buy has a fantastic deal on a gaming keyboard and mouse pair. The excellent Razer Huntsman gaming keyboard is discounted from $150 to $95, and you’ll get a free Razer Mamba Elite gaming mouse (normally $90 on its own) with your purchase. All you have to do is add the keyboard to your cart, and the free mouse will be added as well.
Persona 5 Royal
$49.94 (was $60)
Persona 5 Royal (PS4)
Persona 5 Royal released March 31 on PS4, offering an expanded version of the critically acclaimed JRPG. This definitive edition of Persona 5 introduces new characters, story events, gameplay changes, and much more, and right now, you can get it on sale for $49.94 at Amazon instead of its usual $60. Be sure to check out our Persona 5 Royal review for more information on why this version of P5R is absolutely worth owning–the game earned a rare 10/10 score for its powerful new story arc, evocative soundtrack, beautiful art style, and more.
Nintendo Switch games at Ebay
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch)
A slew of Nintendo Switch games are on sale at Ebay for about $10 off right now–these are brand-new games and include free shipping. That includes popular racing game Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which is down to $50 as part of the sale. You can also find nice discounts on Super Mario Maker 2, Luigi’s Mansion 3, and more.
Yakuza Remastered Collection
$40 (was $60)
Yakuza Remastered Collection (PS4)
Ahead of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, experience Kazuma Kiryu’s story in the Yakuza Remastered Collection, which compiles remastered versions of Yakuza 3, 4, and 5. All three games are available with 1080p graphics at 60 frames per second, and the collection adds content that was missing from the original Western releases. It’s on sale for $40, down from $60.
Nioh 2
$40 (was $60)
Nioh 2 (PS4)
One of the most recent PS4 exclusives, Nioh 2, is on sale for $40 at Amazon today. Released in March, Nioh 2 is a Japanese action-RPG and sequel to 2017’s Nioh. The game earned an 8/10 in GameSpot’s Nioh 2 review for its precise combat, enemy and level variety, and challenging boss battles.
Grand Theft Auto V for free
Grand Theft Auto V (PC)
The Epic Games Store kicked off its annual Mega Sale last week with a fantastic free game offer. From now until Thursday, you can claim Grand Theft Auto V – Premium Edition for free on the Epic Store. The Premium Edition includes the full story, free access to Grand Theft Auto Online, and all existing gameplay upgrades and content; plus, you’ll get the Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack and $1 million in-game bonus cash to spend in GTA Online. The Epic Games Store gives away free games every week, with another mystery game planned to replace GTA V on Thursday. Plus, see our full list of free-to-own games right now.
Epic Mega Sale’s $10 coupon deal
Epic Mega Sale 2020
Aside from the GTA V freebie, the Epic Mega Sale on its own offers some fantastic discounts on PC games, largely due to its underrated $10 coupon offer, which was present in Epic’s holiday sale as well. Here’s how it works: Any Epic Store users can sign in to claim a free $10 coupon right now–if you make your first purchase or claim a free game during the sale, you’ll receive the coupon automatically. You can then use that $10 coupon on any game or add-on that’s $15 or more. Every time you use an Epic coupon, you’ll receive another $10 coupon that can be used right away. With some of Epic’s best games like Control, Borderlands 3, and Red Dead Redemption 2 already discounted for the sale, getting another $10 off lets you nab some of these titles at extremely good prices. You can see some of the best deals below.
Malwarebytes Premium
$30 (was $60) for one year of protection
Malwarebytes Premium
It’s important to have anti-virus software to protect your devices from malware, and one of our favorite virus protection services is currently 50% off today. Using promo code 52PTYHC4 at Newegg, you can get one year of Malwarebytes Premium for $30 instead of its usual $60. You can also stack subscriptions if you want to extend your current subscription or buy several years at once. The subscription lets you protect up to five different devices as well.
PlayStation Plus 12-month membership
$36 (was $60)
PS Plus 12-month membership
PlayStation Plus is a necessity for PS4 owners looking to play online, and it gets you free monthly games and exclusive discounts as well. Normally $60 for a year, PS Plus is down to $36 at Ebay right now via seller NeoGames. This deal has been ongoing for quite some time and fluctuates between $35 and $37 usually. We’ve tested this deal, and it’s a digital code you receive within 24 hours. You can then redeem the code in the PlayStation Store to automatically start or extend your current membership at a discount.
Comixology 60-day free trial
Comixology free trial
As many people spend more time inside these days, finding free entertainment for beating boredom without spending too much money has become crucial. For fans of comics, manga, and graphic novels, Comixology’s free trial is currently the best deal around. The service, which is owned by Amazon, recently extended its free trial from 30 to 60 days, so you can get a full two months free and immediately unlock access to over 25,000 comics, manga, and more.
A new teenage heroine is hitting the small screen — Stargirl is making her debut on DC Universe and The CW. The title character, also known as Courtney Whitmore, is played by Brec Bassinger, and if the trailer and premiere episode are any indication, she’s going to bring the same rebellious attitude and fresh look at the world of superheroes as the original incarnation of the character in the comics.
Just who is Stargirl? And what is that staff she proudly carries? Let’s learn more about the DC Comics character and her ties to the storied Justice Society of America to get an idea of what adventures might await the newest superhero to shine on the small screen. These are the topics we’ll be covering here:
Beneath the mask, Stargirl is Courtney Whitmore, a run-of-the-mill high school sophomore who would go from small-town hero to stalwart member of the Justice Society of America over her years of comic book adventures. Although she started her superhero career as the Star-Spangled Kid, in time Starman would pass on his Cosmic Staff to her, and she proudly took the name Stargirl.
Courtney was created in 1999 by Geoff Johns and Lee Moder in honor of Johns’ real-life sister, who passed away in a plane crash in 1996. They even share the same name.
When we first met Courtney in Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. #0 and #1 (July and August 1999), she was going through some very normal, non-superpowered problems: Her mother remarried a kind man named Pat Dugan, and the family moved to a small town in Nebraska. While she never really knew her father, Courtney wasn’t hot on the idea of a new stepfather, and remained sullen and distant from him.
After the big move, Courtney discovered a box of Pat’s belongings. Inside she found the Cosmic Converter Belt and other relics from Pat’s days as Stripesy, sidekick to the original Star-Spangled Kid. She wore the costume to a patriotic-themed school dance to stick it to her stepdad, unaware that the belt grants its wearer super strength and other enhanced physical abilities. When costumed goons crashed the dance, Courtney fought back and was startled (but overjoyed) by her new powers.
Pat quickly recognized the belt and Courtney’s determination to wear it. A technical genius himself, he created and donned the robotic armor named S.T.R.I.P.E. to serve as her guardian. Together, as Star-Spangled Kid and S.T.R.I.P.E., they protected their small town of Blue Valley and gained the attention of established heroes like Captain Marvel, Oracle, Young Justice, and Starman.
Eventually, Courtney would also be noticed by the Justice Society of America. The 16-year-old joined the legendary organization as a junior member and remains a landmark member to this day. (Courtney recently returned to the DC Rebirth universe thanks to Doctor Manhattan.) When Starman decided to end his superhero career and focus on his family in Starman #80, he gave his powerful Cosmic Staff to the young hero. She accepted, and Stargirl was born.
What Are Stargirl’s Powers?
Courtney is a gifted athlete trained in gymnastics and martial arts. Her physical abilities are greatly enhanced by the technologically advanced Cosmic Converter Belt worn around her waist. Stargirl also wields the Cosmic Staff, which additionally grants her the power of flight and energy blasts.
Starman gives Courtney the Cosmic Staff, which grants her the power of flight and energy blasts.
Stargirl’s Signature Villains
During her tenure as a high school hero, Courtney most often squared off against Shiv, the teenage daughter of supervillain Dragon King. She also discovered later that her father was actually a low-level member of the villainous group the Royal Flush Gang, which drove the two apart for good.
Stargirl’s Most Heroic Moments
While Stargirl more than does her part in battles ranging from a showdown with the sorcerer Modru to the Infinite Crisis, she shone brightest in the “Sins of Youth” storyline in 2000. When Klarion the Witch Boy reversed the ages of heroes and their teen sidekicks to drive a wedge between them, the now-adult Courtney Whitmore found herself in charge of tiny members of the JSA. Taking the name Starwoman, she did her best to wrangle the superpowered tots, and showed responsibility and the marks of a true hero.
Episodes of Stargirl will debut on the DC Universe streaming service before rolling out on The CW the following day. The episodes will also be available on The CW’s online platforms.
While Stargirl is airing on The CW alongside shows like The Flash and Supergirl, she’s got an Earth all to herself. When audiences were treated to a brief glimpse of Stargirl as the Crisis on Infinite Earths storyline wrapped up, we learned that she is part of Earth-2—and the new Arrowverse inhabits Earth-Prime. Of course, nothing is ruled out in a multiverse of crossovers, but for now she won’t have The Flash or Supergirl on speed-dial.
Courtney’s super-origins on TV are also slightly different than her comics counterpart. While she still uncovers her stepdad’s sidekick stash, it’s not merely the Cosmic Belt she finds, but the Cosmic Staff itself.
Stargirl isn’t on her own, though. Luke Wilson is playing Pat Dugan / S.T.R.I.P.E., and Joel McHale appears as Sylvester Pemberton / Starman (in a very spangly outfit). There’s also an incredible roster of cameos by Golden Age Justice Society of America characters whose live-action appearances seem to be the closest yet to their comics counterparts, like Lou Ferrigno Jr. as Rex Tyler/Hourman, Brian Stapf as Ted Grant/Wildcat, and Henry Thomas as Charles McNider/Doctor Mid-Nite. The younger characters who inherit those superhero mantles are also present: Yvette Monreal (Faking It) plays Yolanda Montez, heir to the mantle of Wildcat, Anjelika Washington (Young Sheldon) plays Beth Chapel, heir to the mantle of Doctor Mid-Nite, and Cameron Gellman (Heathers) plays Rick Tyler, son of original Hourman Rex Tyler.
TV: For a hero considered a junior member, Stargirl has had a surprising amount of appearances outside of the comics. She first debuted on live-action TV in Smallville, and years later showed up on DC’s Legends of Tomorrow when the team traveled back in time and met the heroes of the Golden Age. (She was portrayed by a different actress than the star of the upcoming series). She’s also been animated frequently, appearing in Justice League Unlimited, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Justice League Action, and Young Justice.
Kelly Knox is a freelance writer who also contributes to StarWars.com, DCComics.com, Nerdist, and more. Follow her on Twitter at @kelly_knox to talk Star Wars, Dungeons & Dragons, and comics.