The Boys Season 2 Episode 3 Explained – Easter Eggs & Plot Breakdown

In Season 2, Episode 3, The Boys are on a boat with Kimiko’s brother as prisoner. The truth about Compound V is exposed to the public, and to members of The Seven that were unaware. Vought and Stan Edgar have to deal with the fallout. Before Hughie (Jack Quaid) can celebrate the success of his plan, the team runs into The Deep (Chace Crawford), with The Seven not far behind. And just while the show was starting to endear us to Stormfront, she shows her truly evil side.

The History Of Militech, The Biggest Weapons Corp In The World | Cyberpunk Lore

One of the more exciting parts of Cyberpunk 2077 are the guns and dangerous megacorporations that make them. This video takes a look at the biggest weapon manufacturer in the world, Militech. This company makes top tier guns while also hiring out their private military for assassinations, revolutions, civil wars, and worse.

In this video we go over the rise of Militech from its start to becoming nationalized by the New United States after the bloody Fourth Corporate War that leveled a huge part of Night City. We’re not sure yet if Militech makes power, tech, or smart weapons yet. It’s been revealed the best weapons in Cyberpunk 2077 will be taken from enemies or found in loot caches. There will be common to legendary variants. Weapons will be able to do things like curve around corners or pierce through walls.

We’re not entirely sure yet how or if Militech might play into the corpo lifepath but we have seen them appear in videos already including the 48 Minute gameplay reveal. In that encounter V is hacked and then tricked into frying a part of the Maelstrom gang. We also saw missions involving other corporate legends including Adam Smasher. You can learn all about his story in another one of our lore videos.

Cyberpunk 2077 releases on November 19th for Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, Google Staida, Xbox One, and PC. No beta is currently scheduled.

THPS 1 + 2 Remastered Is About A New, Diverse Era Of Skating, Too

When the remasters for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 and 2 were announced, I’m sure we all instantly thought, “Hell yeah, this is gonna be a wild nostalgia trip,” hoping developer Vicarious Visions could nail the look and feel of the original games again. I even wrote about how the announcement itself made me recollect on the real-world cultural impact of THPS. Now that I’ve been able to spend time with the full game, it turns out it’s so much more than a nostalgia trip.

It does indeed recapture the spirit of those 20+ year old games. Between the faithful gameplay with proper physics and controls and the recreation of skateparks with our favorite tunes from yesteryear, you get exactly what you’d hoped. But THPS 1 + 2 Remastered also used this as an opportunity to represent a new era of skating, reintroducing us to the sport and culture as a reflection of what it is now.

Aori Nishimura is one of the exciting additions to THPS, and she's an accomplished 19-year old pro skater from Japan.
Aori Nishimura is one of the exciting additions to THPS, and she’s an accomplished 19-year old pro skater from Japan.

You see this in the roster of playable skaters. It’s dope that I can play as middle-aged versions of Tony Hawk, Kareem Campbell, and my personal favorite, Eric Koston, again. However, in my several hours with THPS 1 + 2 Remastered, I’ve gravitated towards the new skaters who have reinvigorated my appreciation and understanding for skate culture. I’m looking up skate tapes, competition footage, and interviews from Tyshawn Jones, Lizzie Armanto, Aori Nishimura, and Leo Baker–all of whom are now my favorites to play as and watch.

These are people from my generation (or even younger) who grew up seeing older skaters, and even played THPS in their time, who are now in the game carrying on that legacy. Leo Baker mentions how they used to play the game before going out to skate, Tyshawn Jones’ mom says her sons probably picked up skating from the games, and I even talked to Shane O’Neill earlier this year about how the series impacted him.

It’s a different context in which to play and reflect on THPS, that in adulthood I can look to these new skaters as inspiration and understand how their hard work and contributions have affected (and continue to affect) the culture and lanes they occupy.

As a kid, when I watched Eric Koston, I thought that I wanted to be like him one day, so I picked up a board, ate shit for a few years, and hung it up at 14 years old. But I’m sitting here now reading about and watching videos on Tyshawn Jones’ story, how he shook the skating world as a teenager, achieved a dream, and represents The Bronx (BX all day!) and the street skating scene. I’m watching Lizzie Armanto’s rad compilations where she’s tearing it up as one of the most exciting vert skaters of the past few years. It’s been refreshing to look back at all of Aori Nishimura’s accomplishments as a competitor, representing Japan for the skating world.

I know that folks who’ve kept up with the scene probably already recognize these names and understand their accomplishments. So for (very) lapsed skaters like me who grew up on the games and eventually fell out of the sport itself, it’s important to see how much the scene has grown since the last time we paid attention. It’s an effortless display of diversity and inclusivity where women, BIPOC, queer folks, and trans folks can play as a real-life person that represents them.

Leo Baker said it themself in a recent interview with Hypebeast, mentioning how important it was to play as Elissa Steamer in the original games. Baker also said, “Now, there’s even more representation. I think that’s really beautiful. As a queer skateboarder, I feel like it’s a real win for queers who skate, that there’s trans representation in this video game that’s extremely influential.” It’s only fitting for a space that’s built around counterculture, nonconformity, and self-expression. In a world where representation always matters, having this roster of accomplished skaters can reach and impact far more folks than the series had before.

Us old heads will feel that similar spark or reverence we had 20 years ago, which comes through in the soundtrack, too. Of course, the questions on everyone’s minds when the remasters were announced was whether or not those iconic songs would be back, considering the difficulty of dealing with licenses. I wrote about how THPS 2 introduced me to Bad Religion and how they ushered me into the punk scene and remain my favorite band (or second favorite behind Streetlight Manifesto) of all time. So here I am singing along to “You,” Millencolin’s “No Cigar,” and Dead Kennedys’ “Police Truck” while landing 100,000+ point combos. But like the roster of skaters, the soundtrack is equally about a new age that complements the past.

Just as THPS helped us discover new music, this remastered package has my ears perked up to the tune of raw sounds of punk again. Bands like Rough Francis with “Deathwire” and Destroy Boys with “Duck Eat Duck World” are tremendous standouts as newcomers to the soundtrack. And once again, I have new bands with discographies for me to rummage through. In the same way THPS got me into the punk scene, here’s THPS 1 + 2 Remastered rekindling that flame and reminding me that punk isn’t dead.

Before turning 21, Tyshawn Jones landed a deal with Adidas, won Skater of the Year, and opened his own businesses.
Before turning 21, Tyshawn Jones landed a deal with Adidas, won Skater of the Year, and opened his own businesses.

It’s wild how THPS has come full circle, capturing nostalgia by giving us what the old games did, but also instilling that same feeling of admiration with skating’s new cultural era. Sure, there were attempts to revitalize the series in the more recent past, but this new remastering comes together extremely well because the core gameplay loop is tight and mixes the series’ various trick systems appropriately (which my guy Mat Paget lays out eloquently in his review). Vicarious Visions did right by those who wanted a solid, true THPS experience, but that also means it did right by the skaters on the roster who represent the sport today.

I don’t think I’m going to take my collector’s edition Birdhouse deck and custom build a board with the right trucks, bearings, and wheels to skate again, but I’ve been refreshed on the scene and realize I’d been missing out. It’s cool seeing my generation of folks celebrate THPS 1 + 2 as a superb game and time capsule, but it’s just as cool to think that kids who pick it up might identify with it the same way I did when I was young–which I’ve learned to appreciate all over again thanks to this remaster.

Original Oculus Quest Reportedly Discontinued, Unannounced New Version Coming

After only being available for a little over a year, it appears the Oculus Quest could be on its way out–or at least the original version of the headset. Just prior to Facebook Connect, retailers have begun delisting the Quest and are reportedly saying it has been discontinued.

Speaking to UploadVR, a UK sales representative said the device had reached its “end of life” and no more shipments will be arriving. It will likely give way to a new and improved Quest rather than signify the standalone headset’s complete demise. It has sold well and has been regularly out of stock at retailers well before its apparent discontinuation.

On September 16, Facebook will hold an AR- and VR-focused conference called Facebook Connect. A replacement for the Oculus Connect conference, the name change comes as Oculus Research itself was renamed to Facebook Reality Labs. Given the massive brand recognition for Oculus, however, it seems unlikely the devices themselves will drop it.

The Oculus Quest has certainly been more useful to players during the ongoing pandemic, as it has a host of fitness-based games that let you get a good workout without leaving your home. We saw a similar spike in sales for Nintendo’s Ring Fit Adventure, though it has been easier to find more recently.

Alongside its standalone capabilities, the Oculus Quest can also function as a replacement for Oculus Rift when connected to a PC via Oculus Link. This will let players enjoy Rift games without needing the Rift itself, including the upcoming Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond from Respawn Entertainment.

Now Playing: Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond On Oculus Rift Trailer

Netflix’s Number One Movie This Week is a Random Nicolas Cage Film from 2013

While Cobra Kai — the acclaimed Karate Kid franchise sequel series that began streaming its first two YouTube seasons on Netflix (and will premiere a new third season on the streaming platform in 2021) — dominated the Netflix TV series charts last this week, the number one movie for the week was more of a surprise.

The Frozen Ground, which opened in select theaters (but mostly went to VOD) in 2013, made a rather shocking debut on the Top 10 streamed movies for the week, landing at number one.

Perhaps this reflects the film’s headlining stars, Nicolas Cage and John Cusack, still holding some name value, or perhaps it’s the movie’s “based on a true story” serial killer story, but The Frozen Ground, which has been a Redbox DVD staple for years, won big according to FlixPatrol.

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In this fictionalized version of the capture of Alaskan serial killer Robert Hansen, Cage plays a State Trooper who teams with one of Hansen’s (Cusack) escaped victims (Vanessa Hudgens) to bring the monster down.

The Frozen Ground became available on Netflix on August 27 and immediately placed on in the Top 10, winding up in 9th place last week. This week, it rocketed up to the top – along with The Smurfs (premiered Sept 1) and Quantum of Solace (premiered Aug 31).

Our review of The Frozen Ground said the film “boasted strong performances from Nic Cage and John Cusack” atop a “bland and forgettable” script.

Cage was in the news recently, as he’s on tap to voice a hard-srinking Southern swamp dragon in a new Amazon series based on Artemis Fowl author Eoin Colfer’s book Highfire, while Cusack is set to star in Amazon’s U.S. remake of British series Utopia, which arrives in September.

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Matt Fowler is a writer for IGN and a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow him on Twitter at @TheMattFowler and Facebook at Facebook.com/MattBFowler.

The Umbrella Academy is Netflix’s Biggest Hit Since The Witcher

Though a third season of Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy has yet to be announced, the show is doing stellar numbers for the streaming giant, with Nielsen revealing that the series, since its Season 2 drop back on July 31, has pulled in numbers and headlines the first list of Top Streaming Shows in the US.

Netflix may dominate this list thanks to shows like The Office and Grey’s Anatomy but its the company’s original series Umbrella Academy that lands in the number one spot – with 3 billion minutes watched over the week of August 3-9.

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During the same window, viewers binged 1.1 billion minutes of the runner-up, Shameless, and 918 million minutes watching of number three, Grey’s Anatomy.

The last time Netflix had a hit this big it was with The Witcher, which became the second-biggest TV hit of 2019, behind Stranger Things: Season 4. Even in 2019, The Umbrella Academy was a success since its first season placed third behind Stranger Things.

Here’s how Nielsen’s Top Streaming Shows in the US list breaks down:

  • 1. The Umbrella Academy, 3.01 billion minutes viewed
  • 2. Shameless, 1.13 billion
  • 3. Grey’s Anatomy, 918 million
  • 4. The Office, 897 million
  • 5. Criminal Minds, 697 million
  • 6. NCIS, 524 million
  • 7. In the Dark, 418 million
  • 8. Dexter, 316 million
  • 9. Supernatural, 315 million
  • 10. Parks and Recreation, 304 million

Viewers absorbed more minutes of The Umbrella Academy’s first and second season when Season 2 released more than a month ago than the next three shows on the list combined.

If you’ve binged the series already, make sure to check out our review of The Umbrella Academy: Season 2, including this deep dive explainer of the ending and what it means for Season 3.

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Matt Fowler is a writer for IGN and a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow him on Twitter at @TheMattFowler and Facebook at Facebook.com/MattBFowler.

Shenmue Is Getting Turned Into Anime Series, Original Creator Attached

Hand-to-hand combat and plenty of forklift action are coming to Crunchyroll. The cult-favorite Shenmue game series is getting turned into an anime series with original creator Yu Suzuki serving as executive producer.

Announced during the Virtual Crunchyroll Expo on September 5, the Shenmue anime series is a collaboration with Adult Swim and will be directed by One-Punch Man’s Chikara Sakurai. The 13-episode series doesn’t have a release date yet, but Shenmue fans are used to waiting a long time.

After the original two games released on Dreamcast, it took another 18 years to get Shenmue 3. That likely only happened because of a Kickstarter campaign that still stands as the biggest ever for a video game, attracting more than $6 million in donations. The game took nearly two years longer to develop than was initially planned and didn’t perform particularly well outside of its Kickstarter campaign sales.

Shenmue 3 released to somewhat lukewarm reviews back in 2019, with its gameplay and visual style largely unchanged from its predecessors. That certainly appealed to longtime fans, but it also made the game feel oddly dated on modern platforms. In GameSpot’s Shenmue 3 review, critic Heidi Kemps praised the supporting cast’s personalities and the game’s side activities but found the combat to be “archaic” and the story poorly paced.

Shenmue is far from the only video game anime or anime-style series currently in the works. The Castlevania Netflix series finished its third season this year, and adaptations of Dragon’s Dogma and Devil May Cry are also in development.

Now Playing: We Play Shenmue 3 | GameSpot Live

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Ride 4 Races To Xbox Series X And PS5 In 2021

Sony has confirmed a Gran Turismo game is coming to PS5, as has Microsoft with the Forza series on Xbox Series X, but if you’re looking to race with a few fewer wheels, then Milestone has you covered. Ride 4 is coming early next year for Xbox Series X and PS5 alongside its current-gen and PC versions, and it will take full advantage of the new consoles.

Releasing on January 21, 2021 for Xbox Series X and PS5, Ride 4 supports free upgrades on both platforms. PS4 owners have until April 30 to download the PS5 version of the game, while Xbox One players can get the free Xbox Series X upgrade for an unlimited amount of time. Both will feature 60 frames-per-second gameplay and up to 4K resolution, but it looks like the PS5 version may have the more unique features. It will use the DualSense controller to give off vibrations based on street conditions, and you’ll get resistance in the triggers for the gas and brakes on your bike.

Both next-gen consoles feature 20 riders competing in each race, and Ride 4 will feature Yamaha Motor and Bridgestone gear.

Pre-orders for the Xbox One, PS4, and PC versions of Ride 4 are available now, and you’ll get extra bikes, events, and achievements. On Steam, you’ll also get a 10% discount if you pre-order the game. Any DLC you purchase in the current-gen versions will be applied to the next-gen versions, should you choose to purchase them.

GameSpot may get a commission from retail offers.

The Evolution Of Iron Man In The MCU

From playboy weapons dealer to self-sacrificing father, Iron Man’s story is the heart of the MCU. No other MCU character changed as much as Tony Stark. We knew Stark’s tech would evolve but what was even more fascinating was the growth Tony made as a man, without any fancy suit. Join Ryan as he takes a look back at the evolution of Iron Man.

In 2008, Marvel Studios launched its cinematic universe with the release of Iron Man. It was quite the risk seeing as he was no a-list hero from the comics. Audiences were re-introduced to an undeniable star in Robert Downey Jr., who played Tony Stark to perfection. The gamble clearly paid off as the movie was a well received hit, and marked RDJ’s Hollywood comeback.

Iron Man returned for two of his own sequels, Iron Man 2 (2010) and Iron Man 3 (2013), and teamed up with other superheroes for The Avengers (2012), The Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Captain America: Civil War (2016), Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019).