Top 10 Films of 2016

We come to the end of another year full of films both great, captivating and wholly disappointing. It wouldn't be right to see off last year without a round-up of my top ten films of 2016. Therefore here we are with the ten films I saw that make my Top 10.

Before we get underway I'd like to include a few honourable mentions. This doesn't mean the films were any less captivating or interesting to watch but is more an indication that I found the top ten to be of superb quality overall. Those that didn't quite make the list but thoroughly enjoyed include Quentin Tarantino's latest winter-set Western epic The Hateful Eight, Square Enix's CGI tie-in to its newest RPG release FFXV: Kingsglaive, the Texas-set modern crime Western Hell or High Water, the superb animated feature Batman: The Killing Joke, the latest entry in the Rocky franchise/soft reboot film Creed and director James Wan's follow-up to the fantastically horrifying possession movie set in Enfield, London, The Conjuring 2. Additional mentions see the likes of Marvel's latest hero and origin story brought to the big screen Doctor Strange, the humourous and somewhat educational about the housing market leading up to the financial crisis The Big Short, and Russell T Davies' biopic tinged with his typical directorial flair and starring Jennifer Lawrence, Joy.

If you get the chance do watch any of those mentioned above as they are all great films from throughout the year. With those out of the way, let's move forwards to the top ten films of 2016.

10.Concussion

Although I caught this film later in the year, the story of pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu who investigated the effects of repeated concussions on American football players being the cause of potential brain damage made for a heavily dramatic feature. Heavyweight Will Smith again shows his acting capability to take on a mature and serious role in Nigerian-born Dr. Omalu, the first to discover the existence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in American football players. The supporting cast is no slouch either with the likes of Alec Baldwin, David Morse, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Eddie Marsan and Luke Wilson contributing their acting talents to the story of Dr. Omalu's struggles with getting the NFL to admit the link between repeated concussions experienced by NFL football players and brain damage post-playing career.

Aside from a small amount of CG used to demonstrate the impact of collisions on the brain for the NFL players, the messages and statement made by Concussion is not heavy-handed nor too Hollywoodised. The film communicates an effective message about a matter the American NFL chose to bury for years and how they attempted to defame the name of Dr. Omalu in the process. Not unlike the link between smoking and certain cancers, the adamant belief Omalu carries throughout the film of the importance of this link being acknowledge and accepted is what makes Concussion a picture that will provide food for thought long after the end credits roll.

9. Star Wars: Rogue One

Before I begin writing this entry I can already feel a disturbance in the force; one of absolute disdain for me placing this year's release of prequel and standalone film, Rogue One, so low on the list. I won't deny the film was a highly enjoyable one to watch but its competition was just that good.

The first in Disney's films released to broaden the Star Wars universe beyond its numbered entries, Rogue One sees young thief turned rebel Jyn Erso (played here by Felicity Jones) join The Rebellion in its attempts to recover the plans of The Empire's looming planet destroyer, the Death Star. Jyn is joined on her mission by a group of individuals fighting for the same cause and consisting of rebels, force-aware monks, defectors from the Empire and even extremists such as Forest Whitaker's part-man, part-machine; Saw Gerrera. It makes for a compelling group to get behind through the film as they journey into Empire territory and eventually to the Pacific island-like planet of Scarif to retrieve the Death Star plans from the databanks watched over by the Empire's Director of Advanced Weapons Research, Orson Krennic.

Rogue One does have steady pace in the first act which I find to be deliberate and entirely fine due to the rising stakes throughout the film right until the closing set piece which is both grand and unique in its execution and display. The film is also no slouch in its healthy referencing of the Star Wars universe with tie-fighters, stormtroopers, blasters and the force (or at least faith in it) all being present. A few familiar faces also show up in Rogue One including one you can't miss if you look closely at the poster above (I won't spoil those scenes for you here as they are best enjoyed whilst watching the film).

Mature, entertaining, compelling, well acted and adding additional substance to the film that directly follows it, Rogue One is a great first attempt at bringing another tale in the Star Wars world to the big screen.

Seasons greetings and upcoming postings

I've been quiet the last few weeks but I can only say that Persona 5 has been taking my time among other things. That said, this week I will be writing my Top 10 films of 2016 and aim to up it to the blog by the New Year (there may also be some special categories too). I might also write a Top Games of 2016 article also that will detail some of the best (and perhaps contraversial) games I got to play this year. Finally I hope to write some comprehensive impressions of Persona 5 once I finish the game given I am in the late stages of Atlus' latest JRPG. That will mostly be spoiler-free but I may also do a separate post detailing my thoughts on the overarching story and character motivations if I feel like it.

In any case, look forward to some of the above if not all of my upcoming content. As ever be sure to like, share and comment. Here's to a great upcoming 2017 and catch you all soon.

Persona 5 impressions

Atlus' latest major RPG release

So it appears Autumn is being bypassed and we are moving swiftly into Winter with the recent weather and cold nights. Typically that can have a knock-on effect with people's mood as the days stay brighter for less and darker for longer. However there is no need to fret as there are a great number of titles available and leading up to the end of the year to keep us in good spirits and combat the chills of the upcoming cold season.

In a stroke of luck (i.e keeping my eyes daily on various online retailers/sellers) earlier this month I managed to pick up a copy of Atlus' latest major RPG release, Persona 5 (herefafter P5).

Persona 5's protagonist and leader of the Phantom Thieves

Contrasting with the countryside town setting of Persona 4, P5 sees our crow feather-haired protagonist transfer from his oringinal school to one in Aoyama, central Tokyo after an incident that is reported to the local police as an assault (though this is open to interpretation). From here the MC is thrown into a new school life whilst on probation, resulting in his guardian (cafe owner Soujiro Sakura) and new teachers treating him with heavy judgement. Perhaps as a result of fate however we are soon introduced to a smartphone app that looks like a giant red eye (or perhaps a portal) that allows our playable MC to travel to a world inside the hearts of heavily corrupt adults. It is from here that we learn more of this new world and how the MC gains his 'mask', something that bestows the power to reform the severely corrupted hearts.

If the above sounds bizarre then don't be surprised as this fits with the general themes and tone of the more recent titles in the Persona series. Playing the game sees you progress through a Japanese school year (April to March of the next year) as you gain friends and increase your social links (now called cooperations) with various individuals around central Tokyo and in the parallel world. As this takes place there are additional mysteries to uncover that develop as you progress through the year and in some cases tie into events earlier in the game. I won't spoil anything here but those with sharp eyes and a liking for detective mystery-like stories will be able to connect the dots more or less in Persona 5's central story.

Some of the cooperations you find earlier in Persona 5. Cooperations are made 
with various characters and link to different classes of tarot card

Presentation-wise developer Atlus continues to show its capability for highly polished flair here. Everything from the main characters to the dungeon settings, user interface and various persona (creatures that you capture in-game and use to fight by your side) are gorgeously presented without a glitch in sight. The music is no slouch either with series composer Shoji Meguro returning for the game's soundtrack duties. Equal parties rock, funk, acid jazz and more, Meguro has assured that for the duration the player will spend with the latest entry in the series that they will enjoy listening to the various tracks the game has to offer. Additionally the track Poem of Everyone's Soul plays once again in this game's version of the Velvet Room, this time a prison with returning character Igor being the MC's probation officer (perhaps).

He may looked crooked but Igor is integral to your journey in Persona 5

Its nice to have the change of setting in central Tokyo with famed areas such as Shibuya station square, crossing and central street, Harajuku, Akihabara and many other areas accessible through the game. The cafe the character's guardian runs is in a fictional district but takes inspiration from the real area Sangenjaya, west of Shibuya. It does a nice job of allowing players with a fondness for Japanese settings to feel both immersed and able to wander the streets of Tokyo whilst growing their character, catching persona and 'reforming' the hearts of various twisted individuals.

Quite possibly one of Tokyo's most famous
and popular locations, Shibuya Central Street

At around 50 hours in my major concerns are the volume of dialogue. Although this may be welcome for series veterans who love to soak up the world and characters presented here, sometimes it impacts the pacing of P5. Although developing the characters, setting and story are both welcome and necessary, sometimes what needs to be said can be in 30 words, not 300. It feels somewhat like the dialogue was written sometimes to give the voice actors (who all commit to their roles) a lengthier recording session rather than serve the game's story progression. That said, the character-specific stories experienced through increasing your cooperation ranks do well in fleshing out their concerns, worries and backgrounds. Its nice that these are mostly optional but tie into various benefits for strengthening the player and your squad inside of battle and around Tokyo.

Additionally, although the game's mascot character Morgana can be entertaining at times, he/she/it (the character identifies as he but the game doesn't confirm this 100%) can also be quite tiring. From a heavy amount of tutorials early in the game to commenting on almost everything, Morgana is more akin to a young child allowed to venture out with a parent for the first time. I understand that perhaps that is what Atlus is going for in P5 but even so, as soon as I had a fifth member join my party I swapped the cat-like treasure lover out for the newest addition to my group to give this love/hate mascot some time on the bench.

Love or hate him/her/it, Morgana's one of
your companions on the journey of Persona 5

Detractions aside, I'm going to continue with Persona 5. Although the issues with pacing were quite noticeable early in the game, thankfully with the tutorials out of the way and the game's flow more seemless now I can see it getting better and hope it continues in that fashion. I also intend to write a non-spoiler review for the title once I've completed it (but predict if it mirrors the length of Persona 3 rather than Persona 4 I might be in for quite a long journey with all its twists, turns and mysteries ahead).

Watch out or your rotten heart might be stolen
one day by the Phantom Thieves

If you've read this far, thank you for taking the time. Also feel free to share, like or share any thoughts you have about my early impressions of Persona 5 in the Comments section below.

Nintendo's new console/handheld is the Nintendo Switch

Nintendo's new console/handheld hybrid, the Nintendo Switch

The latest announcement from gaming and entertainment giant Nintendo has unveiled its latest upcoming console named the Nintendo Switch.

Confirming rumours from months leading up to last week's announcement, the Nintendo Switch shows the renowned company will release a console/handheld hybrid, allowing gamers to play upcoming titles either at home or on the move with the additional tablet-like screen.

You can see a short video promoting the Nintendo Switch below:

What do you think of the latest announcement of the Nintendo Switch? And will you pick one up when it is due to launch in March 2017? Post your thoughts in the Comments section below.

KOF Tournament organiser Antanov trailer is live

It is uncommon that I post more than once a day on the blog so there must be a special reason. In the case of The King of Fighters XIV this is such a reason.

Cigar? Check. Immense blonde sideburns? Check.
Gold chain, watch, tournament belt and bejazzled dress shirt? Check.

Not only are the last three team trailers viewable on the blog but the trailer for the organiser of the latest King of Fighters tournament, Antonov, is available to watch for your viewing pleasure below.

I don't think there has been such a manly character in the KOF series ever. Attacking with mere flexing must be direct competition for the likes of Street Fighter's Zangief if I do say so myself (lol).

What do you think of the permanent cigar chewing and macho organiser boss of the newest KOF game? Post any thoughts you have in the Comments section below. Also be sure to like, share and follow the blog to receive my newest updates first.

Three new team trailers inbound for KOF XIV

Continuing from my last post, three new team trailers are available for viewing below for SNK's newly released entry in its long running franchise, The King of Fighters XIV.

Firstly we are treated to the all new Another World Team. SNK fans may recognise Nakoruru from another famous series by the fighting game developer, Samurai Showdown. She is joined by the small but powerful MiuMiu and sky pirate Love Heart (both heralding from pachinko titles produced by SNK). You can check their trailer out below.

Next we have a long-standing team from the KOF franchise, the K' Team. Ever the cool guy with a heavy street-fighting style and glove allowing the power of flame, K', heads the team. Joining him are harbinger of ice and candy lover, Kula Diamond (a mid-boss character from KOF 2000 and a series regular thereafter) and K's comrade and cybernetic powerhouse with great sideburns, Maxima. Check their team trailer out below.

Finally we have the Women Fighters Team, consisting Mr. Big's former bouncer from Art of Fighting, elegant kickboxer King, and Fatal Fury's female bombshell ninja Mai Shiranui return to assert some female-infused power. Joining them is a character from another of SNK's pachinko games and big-time Terry Bogard fangirl, Alice (be sure to check out the similarities in her moveset).

So those are the trailers for all the teams featuring in KOF XIV. What do you think of the last three team trailers and will you be using any of them in the game? Feel free to leave any thoughts or opinions in the Comments section below. Also like, share the post and become a follower of the blog to receive all my future updates first.

A flurry of team trailers for The King of Fighters XIV

There's no better time than the present to add a trio of trailers highlighting three of the teams from SNK's 3-on-3 fighter (releasing tomorrow in the UK and Europe), The King of Fighters XIV.

Firstly we have a trailer for the China Team, consisting of the body-morphing kung fu master from the Garou franchise, Tung Fu Rue and two new faces in sleep-happy Meitenkun and spirit arms-wielding schoolkid with the (unofficial) pair of Beats headphones, Shunei.

Next we see the return of a long-established team in the KOF franchise, The Pyscho Soldier Team. The franchise's idol and psychic energy user Athena, kung fu and ki wielder Kensou and the old drunken kung-fu master Chin show their skills in the trailer below (the Climax super move of Kensou's is quite stylish indeed).

Finally we are reintrouced to the Ikari Team (a team in the series that has remained unchanged since KOF '96). The trailer shows the explosive punching skills of Ralf, the slicing and explosive skills of blue (sometimes red?)-haired cool beauty, Leona, and the shades-wearer with throws for days military man, Clark.

Be sure to watch the trailers and leave any thoughts you have in the Comments section below. Also be sure to share my posts and become a follower of the blog if you haven't already.

My next blog update will include the remaining team trailers for the last three teams in the game's roster (and perhaps one or two more). I also hope to post my impressions of KOF XIV once I have the game in my hands and have given its various modes a good playtest.


Thanks as ever for reading and have a good Thursday.

KOF XIV release is imminent, game's key staff interviewed by Famitsu

SNK's upcoming 3-on-3 fighter, The King of Fighters XIV, is seeing an international release this week with the game officially coming out in the US tomorrow (23/08), Japan on Thursday (25/08) and Europe getting its hands on the title on Friday (26/08).

In anticipation of the game's release some of the key members of the game's development staff including producer Yasuyuki Oda and art director Nobuyuki Kuroki were interviewed by Japanese weekly gaming magazine, Famitsu.

You can read the first half of the interview which has been translated by the fine folks over at the website Madman's Cafe right HERE

(From left to right) KOF XIV producer Yasuyuki Oda, programmer Seiji Andou,
motion artist Youichiro Soeda and art director Nobuyuki Kuroki

Throughout this week I'll be adding the remaining trailers for the remaining teams that have been unveiled leading up to KOF XIV's release.

What do you think of what SNK's developers have to say of its upcoming fighter KOF XIV? Be sure to share your thoughts in the Comments section below. Also feel free to share my posts via Facebook, Twitter and any other social media platforms you can think of.

Thanks to Madman's Cafe for the interview and its translation

SNK announces a KOF XIV Premiere World Tour, posts full command list for whole roster

Today must be a special day as I have not only one but two KOF XIV-related posts for the blog. This one is not another trailer but an announcement by developer SNK about laucnhing its own Premiere World Tour for the upcming 3-on-3 fighter.

A recent press release reveals the tour will start at this weekend's Evo 2016, taking place in Las Vegas from July 15th - 17th. The game's roster of 48 characters will be playable at the event, allowing avid fans to get some hands-on time with the new title and craft their impressions of it.

The list below details some of the future venues the tour will be heading to over July and August.

Additionally SNK has made the full command list for the game's 48 characters available for public viewing. They can be seen over at SNK Japan's dedicated page which details what each character will have at their disposal in KOF XIV.

If there are any exciting new updates from Evo '16 this weekend I'll be sure to post them on the blog right here. Be sure to check back soon for more information and feel free to leave any thoghts in the Comments section below.

KOFXIV new team trailer, Nightmare Geese trailer also live

In timely fashion SNK has released the newest trailer for its 3-on-3 fighting game releasing in late August, The King of Fighters XIV.

This time viewers can check out the Southtown Team, consisting of the self-assured aikido practicing crimelord of Southtown, Geese Howard; his right-hand bandana wearing henchman and fiery bo-wielder, Billy Kane, and new character to KOF XIV, Geese's butler with the power to control gravity, Hein.

You can check the newest trailer out below:

That's not all for the latest reveal. SNK has also released a brief trailer for an alternate looking version Geese, aptly named Nightmare Geese. Both trailers show he can grab the opponent off the ground, has regular/super counters, a super version of his standard fireball, reppuken and his trademark super from the very first Garou game, Raging Storm.

You can check out how he looks, sounds and a sample of his character theme playing during the trailer below (I don't think even Rick Grimes and co. would want to face this zombie-looking boss).

What are your thoughts on the latest trailers for the Southtown Team and Nightmare Geese? Furthermore are you looking forward to getting those versus matches in when KOF XIV is officially released on August 26th? Be sure to post in the Comments section below.