The latest Pokemon-focused Nintendo Direct unveiled the upcoming expansion pass for Pokemon Sword & Shield, which will add new regions, Pokemon, characters, and Legendaries to the game. It was also revealed that you’ll be able to unlock new Gigantamax versions of your starter Pokemon’s final evolution in these expansions, with Rillaboom getting a huge drum set, Cinderace standing atop a ball of flame, and Inteleon picking up a rifle and setting up in a sniper tower.
Yes, that’s right–Inteleon’s getting a gun.
Inteleon, who can learn the move Sniper Shot and has the hidden ability Sniper, was always the Pokemon most likely to pick up a sniper rifle, but it’s still somewhat surprising to see one of Nintendo’s monsters with a gun in hand. One of the top posts on the game’s subreddit right now is titled “So they just straight up gave Inteleon a gun huh?,” mirroring the amusement and confusion many feel about this new character model.
Naturally, fans have taken to Twitter to joke about this weird new piece of design. Here are some of our favorites.
The Pokemon Sword/Shield expansion pass is available to purchase now, and the first part of it, the Isle of Armor, will arrive in June 2020. The Pokemon Home cloud service is also coming in February.
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Unlike other types of electronics, TVs don’t change too much from year to year. Once in a while a new technology might come along that really does push the boundaries of image quality, or user experience, or design, but it never really makes previous TVs obsolete. That means that you can reasonably expect the TV you buy now to last you for several years. Make sure you do your research and get the TV that you’ll be happy with for the long term. Below are some of the best deals we’ve found on Vizio, TCL, Samsung, LG, Sony TVs from Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Dell, and more.
The new Vizio M-series Quantum TVs utilize the same “Quantum Dot” technology used in Samsung QLED TVs. Vizio tries to confuse us with three different tiers of “Quantum M” TVs. This particular model, Series 6, is the least expensive of the bunch and sprung up right around the 2019 holiday season. Today it’s actually cheaper than it was on Black Friday.
The V-series TV is Vizio’s budget TV for 2019. Despite it being the least expensive of Vizio’s 2019 TVs, it still has features that you’d normally only find in more expensive TVs like the full-array LED backlight and SmartCast functionality.
The 2019 TCL 6-series is a contender for best image quality under $800. The biggest upgrade from the 2018 model is the Quantum LED (QLED) technology. In addition, the wide color gamut and local dimming on it is excellent, which means that HDR quality is top-notch.
The 6-series is one of TCL’s highest-end models. Note that this is the 2018 model that does not utilize QLEDs. It is one of the least expensive TVs out there that is HDR capable thanks to its full-array backlight with local dimming and wide color gamut.
This is the least expensive 70″ available and the same price as on Black Friday. The Smart TV interface is based on the clean and intuitive Roku platform (my favorite).
This is currently the least expensive 65″ TV we’ve found and $20 cheaper than on Black Friday. This TV also uses the stellar Roku interface for its Smart TV apps.
This small TV would fit perfectly in your dorm room, bedroom, cubby, or any place where a massive 75 incher wouldn’t fit. You still get the 4K resolution and Roku Smart TV integration.
TV Buying Guide
Before spending money on a brand new TV, I’d suggest you take some time to answer these questions first. Your TV purchase could last you a long while, so you want to make sure you pick one that will satisfy you for years to come.
What Size TV Are You Looking For?
Get the biggest TV that your space can fit and that your budget allows. The #1 regret for TV buyers is wishing they had gone with a bigger size. Common TV sizes range from 32″ to 86″. Currently the sweet spot for value lies in the 50″ to 65″ TV size range.
What Is Your Budget?
TV price depends on many factors, including screen size, brand, features, and of course deal quality. The price can range from under $100 all the way to thousands of dollars. It’s important for you to set yourself a firm price ceiling or you could possibly spend far above what you expected. In my opinion, the vast majority of people should be easily able to find a TV they are happy with a budget of $700.
What Features Do You Need?
When you upgrade, what features would you benefit from? The obvious choices here are 4K, Smart functionality, and extra HDMI ports.
4K is actually not quite necessary at the moment; most content is unavailable in 4K and most 4K TV owners watch 1080p or 720p content. However, 4K is inevitably progressing in both video and gaming, and it may very well become the standard format within the next 2-4 years. If you want a TV that will last, it’s best to ride the 4K wave.
Smart functionality is also useful because your TV can be a hub for all of your streaming content such as Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Video, and more without the need for an external device. You’ll save the expense of having to buy yet another TV accessory, installation hassles, and the loss of an HDMI port.
In terms of connectivity, you’ll want to figure out how many HDMI inputs you’ll need. If you have 3 gaming consoles, that will take up 3 ports right there. A soundbar may take up another port. So would a DVR, Chromecast, or Amazon Fire Stick. If you don’t have enough ports you could get an HDMI splitter, but that would add to the cost.
Fortunately, the features listed above do not add much to the cost of the TV. As you get to pricier TVs, the primarily difference is in picture quality. HDR (high dynamic range) capable TVs have higher contrast ratios and deeper blacks for a more realistic picture than can’t be emulated on a standard LED LCD TV. Multi-zone LED backlighting also improves on black levels by allowing LEDs to completely turn on and off independent of each other. OLED TVs have the highest contrast levels and deepest blacks, but you could easily pay 3x-4x the cost of a budget TV.
Do You Have Brand Loyalty?
Traditionally Samsung, LG, and Sony have stood at the top of the heap in terms of reputation. They have a proven track record of offering some of the highest quality TVs on the market. However, in recent years, other TV brands have been able to catch up to the point that I would call them equals. Vizio is one of the best selling brands and their M and P-series TVs are just as good as if not better than most of the TVs offered by the “big three”. Even more recent newcomer TCL has been combining great quality panels with Roku smart functionality in a very affordable package. In my opinion, the Roku interface is by far the best Smart interface compared to any other TV. Likewise, Toshiba and Element have partnered with Amazon to develop the only TVs on the market with Amazon Fire TV.
What Else to Consider?
Only you will really know what level of picture quality satisfies you. Check the TV out in person at your local store, decide what you are happy with, price compare (and check this page), and then make your purchase. For larger TVs, I would recommend buying from a store that has retail locations that allows online returns, or an online vendor that has an outstanding return policy. It can be very aggravating to return a TV to an online vendor that doesn’t have great customer service to begin with. For smaller TVs, breakage is less of an issue and I would just recommend you base your purchase on whatever reputable vendor has it the cheapest. Most TVs carry a 1-year warranty but if the price is right, extend it to 2-3 years. It’s easier dealing with a local entity that honors your extended warranty than with an overseas manufacturer.
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Eric Song is IGN’s deal curator and spends roughly 1/4 of his income on stuff he posts.
Halo 5: Guardians is bringing back a fan-favorite mode this month, with Head to Head returning as a ranked playlist. The mode, which pits players against a single other Spartan in a one-on-one battle, went live for the first time on January 31, 2019, and has now returned.
Head to head is a round-based take on Slayer, made up of three rounds that are each first to five kills. As it’s just you and one other player, it can be quite tense.
Also available now is the new Super Fiesta Party social playlist, which combines Super Fiesta and Husky Raid. The game is moving from two rotational social slot to one as well, which will rotate on a weekly basis.
Here are the current playlists for Halo 5: Guardians:
Ranked
Slayer
Team Arena
Doubles
SWAT
Elimination
Free-For-All
Head to Head
Social
Quick Play
Super Fiesta Party
Big Team Battle
Big Team Super Fiesta
Rotational Slot: Shotty Snipers
Infection
Warzone
Heroic Warzone Firefight
Legendary Warzone Firefight
Warzone
Warzone Warlords
The long-awaited next game in the Halo series, Halo Infinite, is due to release for Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC by the end of 2020. The creative director of Halo 5, Tim Longo, left 343 Industries in August 2019.
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Director Scott Derrickson announced he and Marvel Studios are splitting up over “creative differences” and that he is stepping down from directing Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Derrickson, who directed the first Doctor Strange movie in 2016, and Marvel Studios issued a joint confirmation that he will no longer be directing the planned Doctor Strange sequel. Derrickson tweeted that he will remain as an executive producer on the project. The film is scheduled to be released on May 7, 2021.
Marvel and I have mutually agreed to part ways on Doctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness due to creative differences. I am thankful for our collaboration and will remain on as EP.
— N O S ⋊ Ɔ I ᴚ ᴚ Ǝ ᗡ ⊥ ⊥ O Ɔ S (@scottderrickson) January 10, 2020
“Marvel Studios and Scott Derrickson have amicably parted ways on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness due to creative differences,” Marvel said in a statement to Variety. “We remain grateful to Scott for his contributions to the MCU.”
Before directing Doctor Strange, Derrickson was best known for directing horror movies including Sinister and The Exorcism of Emily Rose. Derrickson’s Doctor Strange movie introduced the character into the Marvel Cinematic Universe and was praised for its distinct and trippy visuals.
When Marvel and Derrickson announced the Doctor Strange sequel the director was quick to emphasize how it would be the MCU’s first “horror” movie. Star Benedict Cumberbatch also talked up how the project was looking to introduce some scares into the MCU.
Other parts of the project include how the upcoming Disney+ series Loki and WandaVision would both tie into the Doctor Strange sequel in some way. Marvel also said new characters would make their debuts in the movie as well.
It’s unclear where exactly Marvel and Derrickson failed to see eye-to-eye on the Doctor Strange sequel, but it’s not the first time a director parted ways with Marvel over creative differences. Edgar Wright left Ant-Man in 2014 over creative differences and was replaced by Peyton Reed.
A search for Derrickson’s replacement has already begun. Read more about Marvel’s Phase 4 here.
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Matt Kim is a reporter for IGN. You can reach him on Twitter.
One of the most-anticipated MCU Phase 4 movies, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, has lost its director. Scott Derrickson, who also directed the original Doctor Strange, is stepping down.
Derrickson is leaving the project due to “creative differences.” He will stay attached to the sequel as an executive producer. The nature or extent of the creative differences is unknown.
“Marvel Studios and Scott Derrickson have amicably parted ways on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness due to creative differences,” Marvel said in a statement (via Variety). “We remain grateful to Scott for his contributions to the MCU.”
Marvel is currently looking for a new director. Additionally, it was reported that production remains on schedule to begin in May. Derrickson commented on the news in a statement on Twitter that reiterates the one that Marvel released.
“Marvel and I have mutually agreed to part ways on Doctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness due to creative differences. I am thankful for our collaboration and will remain on as [executive producer],” he said.
Marvel and I have mutually agreed to part ways on Doctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness due to creative differences. I am thankful for our collaboration and will remain on as EP.
— N O S ⋊ Ɔ I ᴚ ᴚ Ǝ ᗡ ⊥ ⊥ O Ɔ S (@scottderrickson) January 10, 2020
The 2016 Doctor Strange made $677 million worldwide, and critics enjoyed it. The sequel will bring back Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Strange, following his appearances in the latest Avengers movies.
Derrickson is not the first MCU director to leave or be fired from a project. Edgar Wright was originally set to direct Ant-Man while Patty Jenkins was lined up to direct Thor: The Dark World being exiting. James Gunn was fired from Guardians of the Galaxy 3, but he was later re-hired.
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Two new Mission: Impossible movies from director Christopher McQuarrie are on the way, and now the director has cast one of the lead roles. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Nicholas Hoult has signed on for the two films, and he’s rumoured to be playing the villain.
McQuarrie confirmed the casting in a post on Instagram, where he said, “Say, Nicholas Hoult, care to raise a little hell?” Hoult responded in his own post, “Love to. Though why stop at a little?”
Other actors already cast in the new Mission: Impossible films include Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Shea Whigham, Hayley Atwell, and Pom Klementieff.
Hoult is perhaps best known for his roles as Beast in the X-Men movies and Nux in Mad Max: Fury Road. He also played a zombie in the delightful romcom Warm Bodies, and more recently he portrayed J.R.R. Tolkien in the biopic about the Lord of the Rings author’s life. Hoult has been acting for a long time, as one of his first major roles was opposite Hugh Grant and Toni Collette in About A Boy when he was only 12 years old.
McQuarrie directed 2015’s Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation and 2018’s Mission: Impossible: Fallout, both of which were big box office successes. He is the only director to handle more than one film in the franchise. He’s writing and directing the next two, the first of which is scheduled to arrive in theatres in July 2021.
Niantic’s location-based AR game Pokemon Go is still lighting up the charts, years after release. Estimates from SensorTower show that the free-to-play mobile game brought in $894 million in microtransaction spending in 2019, which marks its best year ever since it released in 2016. The game grossed $832 million during launch year, followed by $589 million in 2017 and $816 million in 2018.
In total, Pokemon Go has raked in $3.1 billion since 2016, which is a tremendous result. The game makes money through its in-game store, where players can buy PokeCoins to spend on eggs, lure modules, and upgraded bags, among other things.
SensorTower said Pokemon Go’s growth over the years is thanks, in part, to Niantic’s commitment to growing and evolving the game with new events both in the game and in the real world. The launch of Team Rocket in July 2019 led to huge increases in spending, SensorTower reported.
Pokemon Go’s biggest market in 2019 was the US, which accounted for $335 million or 38 percent of total spending. Japan ($286 million; 32 percent) and Germany ($54 million; 6 percent) followed as the second- and third-largest contributors to revenue.
Android was bigger than iOS, with Google Play store spending hitting $482 million in 2019 compared to $412 million for the App Store. Across iOS and Android, the average player spending per download for Pokemon Go is $5.70.
Looking at the wider mobile game market, Pokemon Go finished 2019 as the No. 5 top-grossing game. The top performer of 2019 was Tencent’s Honor of Kings ($1.5 billion).
Pokemon Go‘s first Community Day of 2020 is set for Sunday, January 19, and now we know what Pokemon you’ll be able to catch during the event. Niantic has announced that Piplup, the Water-type penguin from Diamond and Pearl, will be the featured Pokemon for January’s Community Day.
In other Pokemon news, the newest Pokemon Nintendo Direct took place this week. In it, the developers announced new DLC for Pokemon Sword and Shield.
Stories Untold is coming to Switch next week, bringing No Code’s horror anthology to a console for the first time. The game’s release is right around the corner–it’ll be available on the eShop on January 16.
The game collects four short horror experiences in one package, each of which involves interacting with strange in-game objects and narratives that make inventive use of the game’s mechanics.
The original release was designed specifically with a keyboard in mind, and required a lot of typing. The controls have been reworked for Switch, so you can play the game using Joy-Con without issue. The trailer below shows a simplified control system for The House Abandon, the game’s excellent opening text adventure.
GameSpot gave the game a 7/10 in its original review, published in 2017. In my review, I praised the first three of four parts of the anthology, calling the game a “unique package with a strong sense of identity, one that finds a new, exciting way to weaponize nostalgia.”
No Code followed up Stories Untold with Observation, an excellent horror adventure set on an abandoned space station.
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