The media Rundown: My most anticipated media pieces of 2023

 As you will come to learn from me over the next while making a lot of these writings that may be good or not (I will be trying my best but I am no master writer but I will give it my all) that I love all things media and will at some point if you talk to me in person bring up some form of that in conversation. While I sit and work on some of the other pieces of blogs that I have been procrastinating on, I felt that I would give my piece and some discussion of the pieces of media that I am most looking forward to seeing in this year which I will split up into a part focused on Film, Video Games, Tv Shows, possibly Books (which is a bit of a stretch as it can vary with books) and also mention some that could possibly be out this year, talk on some that have started and give my opinions on currently and some I hope that they make an appearance this year. So join me won't you on this journey through the list of 2023 media I am very excited about.

*Important note: Some of the media that may appear on this list may be released already in some locations but I am going off the release window of Ireland where mainly movies are the one that will be affected. Also this will be goin in release order just to make things clear*

MOVIE MAGIC!!!!!

Let me start with movies as this one is the one I can at least give a fair bit of pieces to and most that have a clear release date of currently

Jan

M3gan

Ok to start things off is with a film that I may not have the most enthusiasm for but from what I have heard from reception and how well it is doing financially, I may give this a look. M3gan is the first of the horror movies that is making it's presence known in 2023 and from a producer that is known for making some good horrors in the form of James Wan which sees a young girl named Gemma, who has suddenly becoming a caretaker of her 8 year old niece after her parents are killed in a car accident and helps her to cope with her trauma and care by introducing her to M3GAN, an artificial Intelligent prototype robot that is designed to be a child's best friend and great companion which going off ay form of knowing about robots and AI things would not always be positive. From the trailers I saw for it the character of M3GAN look very unsettling and it did give me creeps, the only thing that made me lose that edge a little was when she started to do Tiktok dances for some reason but I am sure that if I see the movie, that scene will make sense. But I am sure I may give it a watch if I am in the mood for watching a film in the cinema or when it arrives down the line on TV or streaming service and I'll give it a watch.

The Fabelmans

The first of the list of media that has already released in the US that only comes out here is the Fabelmans, the newest movie from director Steven Spielberg which is a form of a self auto-biography about his early years of their love for movies and wanting to make his own movies and being about the love for the media. I am quite the fan of Spielberg's catalogue of movies, so seeing a form of how he started out is something that is interesting to see and may be inspiring for me to do too (as someone who graduated from college recently with a Bachelors degree in Creative Digital Media).

Feb

Knock at the Cabin

The next film in the horror genre is from the man of many plot twists M.Night Shyamalan and an adaptation of the novel of The Cabin at the End of the World which sees a small family away on a little family vacation being held hostage by 4 strangers who have demanded that one of them must be sacrificed in order to stop the sudden upcoming Apocalypse from happening. Watching these trailers for the movie is quite odd but then again M.Night movies are like that (I mean just look at the weird idea of his last movie of Old) but I usually watch with some interest of what his mind has conjured up for his new movie.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

The 2nd of the films on the list that has been released already in the states is the long awaited sequel to everyone's favourite boots wearing feline on a new adventure which see's Puss discovering he has used 8 of his 9 lives and that one false move and he will be done for. With the help of an old partner of Kitty Softpaws and a new canine companion named Perro to find the magic wishing star ad get his 9 lives back while avoiding Goldilocks and the Three bears crime family and the Big bad wolf. Going from what I have heard is the high praise that this has gotten from the deep message it goes with, the animation looking great and inspired by Spider-verse animation and of course it is another story in the world of Shrek, what else needs to be said about it. All I know is it is the first of the animated films that I am excited about this year.

The Whale

The last (I think) of the films released already in another country is a new film from another known name of directing with Darren Aronofsky and the return and hopeful beginning returning renaissance of the main star in the form of Brendan Fraiser which see's him playing a recluse overweight english teacher who is trying to reconnect with his daughter played by Sadie Sink after the loss of a former partner. The main reason I want to watch this film is to do with Fraiser as this man deserves a comeback after a very sad and tragic decade that he had gone through =and seeing him in sime big film roles again is more then enough to get me on board with this.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania 

The first of the many Superhero movies releasing in 2023 (and that is just the films, wait till the shows and games) see's the pint-size hero in a new adventure and the first appearance since Endgame and see's Scott, Hope, Hank, Janet and Cassidy all become trapped inside the quantum realm and must find their way to escape while also confronting the new big bad of this overarching saga: Kang. Now while there is a semblance of fatigue with the franchise, they always have an interest on me no matter how many are made (although spacing them out to make things easier and less heavy to watch at once would be nice and to really fix their partnership with VFX artists) but this looks exciting from the trailers shown so far.

Marcel the Shell with Shoes on

Now while I was looking through the list of films releasing here over the next 12 months, this one was one I came across a few times and had me confused as I thought this one had already released but since it was labelled as being out the same day as the previous piece, I feel it makes sense to talk on it. Based on a collection of short stop motion Youtube Videos, this see's Marcel the tiny shell in their own big screen adaptation on a quest to find out where the other members of his family have gone and with the help of their grandma and the documentary film crew they will set off on the journey to find their family. If me watching this trailer back when it first came out had me getting a little emotional over this tiny seashell then I know I need to give this a watch (especially as well from the positive press that it was getting back at the time).

Missing

Now this one was a film that had appeared from nowhere and is in the same form and technically a sequel to a sleeper hit film Searching (which I would recommend) which see's a young teenage girl trying to solve her mam's disappearance after not returning from a holiday with her new boyfriend and through the perspective of computer and phone screens will try and solve the mystery of what happened and if she knows who her mam and her new boyfriend really are. I like the approach for this kind of mystery film as subtle details that you think will not become that important as the story goes on become major factors and making a film through this lens shows that it can be done right (unlike a certain horror film from nearly 10 years ago failed to do) and I look forward to watching this investigation unfold.

Cocaine Bear

The fact that this is based on a true story of a black bear that ingested a bag of cocaine in the 1980s just seems crazy and sounds more like a weird concept film an indie director would make, but no this is true and this one is making it a lot more crazier then how it was with this bear going on a bit of a rampage while it is high as F*** on hard cocaine. Really it is the concept and the people making this movie that has me wanting to see what this has in store for what could be an instant indie classic.

Mar

Creed III

It is time to step back in the ring with the 3rd entry in the Creed trilogy which see's Adonis Creed enjoying the success of a thriving boxing career but that comes with a cost when an old friend from childhood that has been in prison returns and will see them square off with each other in the ring. I think that the previous 2 films do a great job of continuing the story that started all the way back with the original Rocky in the 70s and I may give this a look when it comes out.

65

Now we go for something a little more sci-fi that sees Sam Raimi and the writers for A Quiet Place team up to tell a story of a space pilot crash landing on an uninhabited planet with one other survivor. the catch is that they crash landed on earth but just 65 million years ago and must survive against the creatures that used to walk the earth. From the small bit of marketing I seen from this trailer, this film seems interesting and it could be one of those films that has a bit of enjoyment from its setting and story.

Shazam: Fury of the Gods

Now with DC in the area of being reworked under the guidance of the new heads of James Gunn and Peter Safran, there are some of the films that had planned releases still coming out this year and the first is a sequel to a film that didn't make the biggest of earnings back when it came out but was actually a lot of fun. This time around it see's Shazam or Billy teaming up with his newly established family of heroes to save the world from falling into the hands of the daughters of Atlas. One thing I do hope they include more of is with the family as I am interested to see what they do with them and give them all a fun team dynamic, but I guess we will see when it comes out. 

John Wick Chapter 4

The Baba Yaga is back to show you ways that you can die that you didn't think was possible in the 4th film of the franchise that sees Wick on a journey to clear his high bounty by going after the high table council and taking on some of the biggest players in the Underworld. It seems to me that when you think these movies could really be losing edge that this franchise finds a way to make it exciting and it comes to the action scenes and gunplay and from the performers in the film and I can't wait to see where it goes in this 4th chapter

Mar/April

The Super Mario Bros Movie

besides a certain show adaption of a video game franchise I will talk about later, this is probably one of my most anticipated films of this year (which is very odd as this is being made by the studio that will milk the franchise of Minions to death and beyond) but Nintendo has gone and teamed up with Illumination to bring everyone's favourite Italian plumber (or in this Brooklyn Italian) to the big screen, this time in animation form that see's Mario and Luigi being transported from the real world to the land of the Mushroom Kingdom and with the help from the mushroom Toad and from Princess Peach, Mario will go on a journey to rescue his brother from the clutches of Bowser and stop him from taking over the world. now most complaints seem to stem mainly with the chosen voice cast of Chris Pratt as Mario due to him sounding like he is not doing much of an effort, but from what I have watched in terms of footage overtime ad from the first trailer, I think it sounds fine and sounds close to being an attempt similar to the Super show version of Mario. But besides all that debate I am very much excited for this movie and I cannot wait for this.

Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

The film adaptation of a popular role playing game (that has seen a bit of a discussion point just recently in the news for some questionable decision choices) is making the way to the screen with a colorful cast of characters coming along on a journey that sees a charming thief and a band of misfits join together to obtain a lost relic and face danger along the way. With the world being so expansive I am intrigued to see where this goes (and if it is like a normal DnD match that has to stop at a certain point and will pick up the rest of the game quest later and we would have to see the film to a certain length and then come back another day for the rest of the story).

April

Renfield

It is a film that has Nicolas Hoult playing an assistant to the undead king Dracula that is being played by Nicolas Cage.... Do I need to say anything else.

Beau is Afraid / Disappointment Bld.

Now I have put the names of what this film is called as I feel the original name was better as Disappointment Bld. But anyway this is the 3rd movie made by Ari Aster after his psychlogical Horror movies Hereditary and Midsommar that sees Joaquin Phoenix play Beau, a very anxious but generous man who is on a journey to get home to his mother and the journey goes on the weird and imaginative. The plot is a bit under wraps and being very vague but knowing with the stories that he makes usually come out with something a bit strange but interesting.

May

Guardians of the Galaxy VOL.3

It is time to grab the Walkman again and head on another cosmic adventure with the Guardians of the Galaxy of the 3rd movie in the trilogy that sees the guardians turning a once desolate planet into a safe haven from dangerous threats, but after an deadly attack they must head off on one last mission to save the galaxy once more and to protect one of their own. The story of this one seems more mellow dramatic and emotionally driven from the footage released so far and I am sure it will be accompanied by another great soundtrack that goes along well with the film and I look forward to seeing this next cosmic adventure.

Fast X

The fact the filmmakers did not name this movie as Fast Ten your Seatbelts is a wasted opportunity but then again this franchise has lost the basis of subtlety and the laws of physics and common sense has long gone for the purpose of stopping another threat by the power of Family (I am guessing anyways, no clue on the plot as of yet)

The Little Mermaid

It is time to go under the sea for a new retelling of the original Disney version of the classic fairytale of a Mermaid that wants to walk among the humans and find true love. While I have seen the backlash for this movie, most case I chalk it up to is that these remakes need to stop (or make the films that were not that successful and give them the remake treatment that would work better) and the other is a bit of a criticism that Ariel is a different colour in this film and there is a bit of racism, but I know is that this film will be inspriring to young girls, especially little black girls of seeing themselves as a princess.

JUNE

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Now this is where things are about to get crazy and amazing. The follow up to the fantastic award winning first film sees the return of Miles Morales, Gwen Stacy or Spider-Gwen and Peter B.Parker on a journey through the vast lands of the Spider-verse and crossing paths with some new Spider people including Miguel O'hara or Spider-man 2099, Jessica Drew or Spider-Woman and so many more in a film that will surely be on par with the original and show the beautiful animation work (6 styles in particular in this one film) and being followed up with a 2nd film a few months later

Elemental

Ah Pixar, a company with so many interesting ideas and a film studio I have a big soft spot for is back again this summer with another new story tale that sees a world inhabited by sentient forms of the 4 elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water and focuses on the tale of a water person named Wade and a Fire person named Ember finding out something amazing: that they have so much in common. This will be in the form of a romantic comedy adventure if finding out a lot about each other and knowing that is Pixar, they will find a way to tug at the heartstrings and I am all for it

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

If you know from the past few years we have seen quite the large amount of films based on the Transformer toys and some have been liked (such as the first live action film and the recent Bumblebee film) but a lot not being that well recieved, this sees the returned of those robots in disguise and being a follow on to 2018s Bumblebee and sees the Autobots crossing paths with the groups of the Maximals, Predacons and the Terrorcons and helping them fight against one another as well as the deceptions. Fro  the first trailer and seeing the animal type Transformers in updated 4k forms looks excellent and I will definitely give this a watch

Strays

Now this one I do not know much about but the basis I gathered is that this is a film being done by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, has some big names like Jamie Foxx, Will Ferrell, Isla Fisher and many others and tells a story about a dog that has been left abandoned by their owner and teaming up with a bunch of other stray and abandoned animals go on a journey to get revenge on said owner which sounds like some near weird John Wick form in reverse where it is the puppy that survived the first film and was John that gets killed and he goes on revenge for it but I could be completely wrong but I give a loom into it whenever some bit of footage or images come in.

The Flash

Now let's talk about this film that for a character that goes fast has had quite the long and messy past. This film was announced about a decade ago at this point but was stuck in a limbo of development hell due to so many directors being hired and dropping out soon after either due to schedule conflicts, creative differences or other forms before it finally got a bit of traction at the end of the decade and then saw a lot of shakeup and disarray at the studio of actors being done with the roles they were given or coming back and then it's Main star Ezra Miller having quite a tumultuous few run ins with the law, but now after all that this films is finally releasing this year and sees a form of a adaptation of Flash point and will have 2 version of Batman with Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton both playing the character and all forms of stuff and will set up the full reset of the DC film universe (according to the announcement of the DCU slate announced today as of writing this) but I will see how this turns out

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Grab you hats and your whips because Harrison Ford is back again as the famous archaeologist for a new adventure. Not much is know about this film but it will take us to the 1960s during the space race and I am sure will see Indy find more ancient treasures and punching Nazi's again and with a director like James Mangold helping it, it will for sure be anticipated.

JULY

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1

You know I am starting to think that these Missions may be more possible then they are letting on, but anyway this is the 7th and 1st half if the final films in the franchise (supposedly) of the MI films and will surely see Tom Cruise doing some madcap stunts that only Tom Cruise would do, some spy espionage stuff and I am sure a bit if Tom Cruise doing a bit of running too for what will be some big mission to stop someone from taking over or destroying the world and going off how all the missions impossible get better with every installment this may be the best one yet

Oppenheimer

Christopher Nolan has that movie magic that can make his films seem more interesting and exciting whether it is a gripping war film like Dunkirk, a comic boom adaptation like the Dark Knight Trilogy or even some mind bending films like Tenet or Inception, he always has something to interest everyone. Now he is again doing another war time film which focuses on the man who created the atomic bomb and how this had a huge effect on the 2nd world war. With a large all star cast this one will surely be a very well made film from Christopher Nolan.

Barbie

Opening the same day as Nolan's new film (and will probably become this years version of the minion craze from last year) Great Gerwig is bringing one of the world's most popular dolls to the big screen and being played by Margot Robbie in the starring role that from what I have read is about a Barbie that gets kicked out of Barbieland for not being a perfect doll and going to find happiness in the real world. Now this one I do kind of want to see and I know my Girlfriend wants to watch it so this one will probably be a date night film for certain.

AUG

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem

It is turtle time again with the next new attempt at a movie based on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, this time being developed and produced by Comedy Duo of Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg and sees the 4 turtles try to be accepted as normal teenagers with the help of their friend April o'neill while also protecting the city from a major crime syndicate and an array of mutants. Going for the more animation style this time around where the last one was a live action one in 2016 (which in my opinion was not terrible and was a fair bit enjoyable) this could be something interesting to see and look forward to see some footage when it releases

The Meg 2: The trench

A film that surprisingly has a sequel that is coming out after the first film released 5 years ago that saw Jason Statham going against a huge prehistoric shark of the Megalodon and was one of those madcap summer films. Now he is back and will be fighting some more underwater prehistoric predators but what that creature is will have to be seen in the future 

Gran Turismo

A film I have no idea in how exactly it can be told as a film sees another adaptation of a Playstation game series after the Last of Us adaptation on the popular sports car race simulator. I do not know the full extent of the story but I will give a look into it from some footage when it releases

Haunted Mansion

Things are going to get a little bit spooky in August with the release of a new Disney film based on one of their spooky attractions (and unsure if it is based on the early 2000s movies that starred Eddie Murphy), but this sees a mother and her family getting the help of a priest, a professor and a paranormal investigator when they have unbeknownst to them purchased a haunted mansion in New Orleans. Given they have the Scream Queen herself of Jamie Lee Curtis and some other big names like Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Jared Leto and Danny Devito, audiences may be in for a spookily good time 

Blue Beetle

As of writing this piece, this film from the DC Universe is the first film after the reset caused by the Flash movie and introducing the start of the new universe of the DC Universe of films and shows with the introduction of the Blue Beetle, a new hero and powers given to a young Mexican-American Teenager Jaime Reyes and will most likely use those powers to save the world. I am sure closer to the time we will learn a lot more about this new hero

SEPT

Haunting in Venice

if you enjoyed 2017 Murder on the Orient Express and last years Death on The Nile, where put your worry's away as Hercule Poirot is back to investigate another vast case which see's him coming out of retirement and solving the murder case of a guest at a séance and will once again consist of a large ensemble cast of famous faces including this time around of Tina Fay, Jamie Dornan, Michelle Yeoh and many more and will be based of the Agatha Christie story of Hallowe'en Party, so there may be a bit of a spook on this mystery.

Expendables 4

After what was believed to be the last in the series about a decade ago, the large ensenble group of action stars are back again to cause more action, explosions and prove who is the real tough guy out of all of them from some returning faces like Sylvester Stallone and Dolph Lundgren and some new face like 50 cent and Megan Fox

OCT

Kraven the Hunter

So, we all know that Sony's own separate universe of films based on characters from the Spider-man universe have been a bit hit or miss with some enjoyable ones (such as the venom movies) and some not so much (Morbius) but now it is time for another new rogues gallery to make their appearance with Kraven the Hunter, a man that will hunt for the most prized game and that has included the web slinger himself, not much is known on the story yet but I am sure we will learn something about it real soon.

NOV

Dune Part 2

We are heading back into the far reaches of space and return to the story of Paul Atreides who has now teamed up with the Fremen and Chani to help to seek revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family and stop a terrible future that only he can predict from his visions. If it is anything like it's first part then this film will be absolutely visually stunning and I am sure will tie up the rest of the classic novel in a nice package

The Marvels

For the last of the Marvel movies this year sees the sequel to 2019s Captain Marvel but this time she is teaming up with with 2 other new female heroes who we were introduced to in the last 2 years with Monica Rambeau or Photon (I think, not sure if it was made official) and Khamala Khan or Ms Marvel and seeing them teaming up to stop some major threat and save the world (and may tie into secret invasion or the next Avenger film or possible 2nd season of Ms Marvel). While Captain Marvel got a fair bit of judged harshness when it first came out I am sure that this one may have a bit if a better opinion to it and am excited to see what happens on this probably cosmic adventure. (Update: Up to finishing writing this piece, the original date was planned for late July but was confirmed by the official teaser poster it is now Mid-November)

Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

We are returning to the dangerous lands of the Hunger games but this is not going to focus on Katniss Everdeen but rather will bring us back to the 10th annual games and on the younger Coriolanus Snow and will most likely follow his rise to power. Now truth be told I haven't seen any of these Hunger Games movies, but I am sure that I will give them a watch before hand to fully understand this film.

Wish

Disney has reached a milestone this year of celebrating it's 100th anniversary and this new animated tale from them will tell the story of how the wishing star that a lot of the Disney characters wish upon came to be and will bring a tale of adventure, hope and a lot of magic and feels fitting as a tale for it's 100th anniversary.

DEC

Wonka

We are heading back to the chocolate factory but not with Charlie but rather on an origin of the masterful chocolatier Willy Wonka, in this new origin story being helmed by Paul King, the director of the recent 2 live action Paddington films and starring Chalamet as Wonka himself and I am sure that this film turn out scrumdiddilyumptious.

Rebel Moon

Only announced recently with a brief overview of all of their newly released originals for 2023 by Netflix, it ended with a tease from a new big sci-fi epic being made by Zac Snyder that sees the story of a peaceful colony on the far edge of the galaxy being threatened by a tyrannical army and see's a woman named Kora, travelling to the nearby planets to find warriors to help in fighting against the armies invading the planet. I am interested in some of Snyder's concepts a lot of the time (only really gets annoying when a large barrage of die hard Snyder fans will trash anything that is not made or involves him) and I am sure will check this out nearer to the Christmas season

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

The last Big movie of this year brings us back to the kingdom of Atlantis and see's Jason Mamoa back as the man who can talk to fish and actually make it enjoyable and cool and sees him join forces with an unlikely alliance to save Atlantis and the planet too. Now while I am excited for this film there is a bit of a uncertainty with this and that is with the casting of Ms Heard as the love interest (who in my opinion didn't really do much in the first film anyway besides exposition) and the uncertainty of if she is being recasted or cut out of the film is unknown (especially with some rumoured reshoots that have been happening the last little while or planned to happen) but I am sure we will see and if it will make a big splash at the Box office

UNKNOWN

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

Ah Aardman animations, one of the few companies that love to express stories and animation in the form of stop motion Claymation, with some of their known films and shows like Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Early Man, but now they are heading back to create a sequel to their first full length feature film of Chicken Run. This time around see's Ginger and the flock living their peaceful lives on the small island after escaping the dark grim Tweedy's farm before they were all turned into chicken pies. But they may have to give that all up (including the safety of her and rocky's new-born chick) to help the whole of chicken-kind from a looming new threat. Whenever there is a new Aardman movie, it is always interesting to see what they do with it and I am sure I will give this a watch when it releases later in the year.

Peter Pan and Wendy

Opting to release on streaming instead of the cinema release (may change depending on shake ups), the 2nd of the live action remakes from Disney of this year brings us a new tale based on the Peter pan story that will see him bring 3 young children from the lands of neverland to stop the evil captain Hook. While not much is known of this, it may be going for more faithful source material to the original novel and stage play) and I am sure there will be some announced date for the piece.

Coyote vs Acme

Following on from the release of 2021s Space Jam: A new Legacy, this new Live action animation Hybrid Court comedy drama see's Wile E. Coyote hiring an unlucky human attorney to sue the ACME Corporation for the products he has purchased that had failed to help him catch the roadrunner and has to face off against his former Law firm's intimidating Boss who is representing ACME in the trial. I feel this would have a mix of the zany styling of the looney with a bit of the courtroom aspects of She-Hulk maybe, but I am sure we will get a better idea from some footage or images.

Salem's Lot

We are getting ourselves a new adaptation on the Stephen King Novel of Salem's Lot with the plot of a writer returning to his childhood hometown, only to learn that the town is being preyed upon by a Vampire and I am sure with a new modern retelling it may be an enjoyable one. This was initially supposed to come out last fall, then scheduled for April before giving that spot up to Evil Dead Rise and currently has no release date as of writing

Argylle

This is a new spy thriller from Matthew Vaughn and starring Henry Cavill as a world class spy who suffers from amnesia and is soon tricked into becoming a best selling spy novelist, but once his memories return, as well as his skills, he soon goes to take revenge against his old organization. Based on a soon to be released Novel, this concept does sound very interesting and will be interesting to see what Vaughn does with this story while he works on the next film in the Kingsman Franchise. 

Killers of the Flower Moon

Martin Scorsese is back again with a new film and teaming up again with Leonardo Dicaprio in a plot set in the 1920s Oklahoma with the murder of members of the Osage Tribe under mysterious circumstances and sparking a major investigation by the FBI lead by the young J.Edger Hoover and former Texas Ranger Tom White. This film has been in development for quite some time due to all of the delays with the Pandemic and all other issues but it is planned to release this year by first being shown at a film festival before a full release on Apple+

Nimona

Based on a beloved comic, Nimona is finally getting their theatrical film after years of development. The plot summary of this film is of a girl named Nimona, a teenager that has the power to shapeshift that has been targeted by a knight for assassination, but when this knight is accused of a different crime, he must team up with her to help to exonerate him. The film was initally being made by Blue Sky Studio, but got delayed due to the acquisition of Fox by Disney, and because of the themes of LGBTQAI+ representation (as Disney seems to have a thing against having same sex couples or LGBTQAI+ Releated themes in there content, a discussion opinniion piece for another day) before it was accquired by Netflix and is on its way for a summer release on the streaming Service.

The small screen wonders of television and streaming shows

Moving from the big screen to the more smaller screens we are going to look into the area of television with some of my most anticipated tv shows of this year. Just like with the movies mentioned they may change about and not come out this year but I will edit as it happens. Before we go onto anticipated, I want to mention one that was anticipated, and then I watched it and regret it

Bad: Velma

Now ok, back when this was announced it seemed interesting as a new take on Scooby Doo focused on Velma and all and wanted to see how it went. Then the first teaser came out about 4 months ago, then a lack of marketing, then a day before the show premiered they released a trailer and a poster and it was.... rough. I am not going to get into this show too much right now and will do a separate discussion piece on it, but in summary I usually give a lot of things the benefit of the doubt, but I really do not like this show (which seems to be an agreed thing on the internet with this series)

Now with that out of the way, here is a smaller selection of great and anticipated shows

The Last Of Us

2023 in television is starting off with quite a big one (and from as of writing the first 5 episodes have been nothing but excellent) with one of the most anticipated adaptations of all time and based on one of the most well received video games ever made (I have also done my own review a long time ago and you can read that here). The Last of Us may be seen as another zombie apocalypse show, but it is a lot more then that, sure it is a series set in a dystopian future but it is about the hope and finding the light in the darkness across a series from a rugged survivor who goes across the country of America to escort a sassy but optimistic 14 year old with an important mission and could possibly help save the world. With the games director and the creator of the critically acclaimed Chernobyl series at the helm, this has proven itself to be a major success, with a 2nd season on the way to tackle possibly a good chunk of Part 2 of the story in between (review and opinion piece on the 2nd game is coming soon) and I am sure it will be a major success.

Secret Invasion

Possibly the first of the few shows coming from the MCU this year, this story is based on a well known popular storyline in the comics that sees the Skrulls, a group of shapeshifting aliens infiltrating the populace of the earth and walking amongst them and will be the question of who can you really trust? This will see the return of Nick Fury and Talos who were last seen in Far From Home teaming up as well as a few other familiar faces from the films and shows as well as some new ones. At the moment there is no release date but it is expected release is early this year probably around the Spring.

Loki Season 2

Everyone's favourite god of mischief is back again for a 2nd season of his popular series that see's him teaming up again with the TVA to help to solve the effects of the anomalies of the sacred timeline that happened at the end of the first season and stop the effects of some of the variants of Kang and himself too. Many of the familiar faces from the first season are returning to help save the sacred timeline and I am excited to see what other time based adventures they will get up to.

Extraordinary

A bit of Irish talent leads this new take on the popular superhero genre with Extraordinary, a series focus on Jen, a 20 something year old that lives in a world where everyone gains a super power once they turn 18, but she has never gained her power and sets on a journey for her to find her maybe-superpower while learning a few life lessons along the way. it has that element of a coming of age comedy and from what I have seen from reception it seems to be very well received and I will for sure check it out in due time.

Witcher Season 3

Time to toss a coin to your fellow witcher for another return to this franchise for the 3rd season of the hit Netflix series with Cavill back for one more season as Geralt of Rivia before a recasting in the 4th season. While there will be some excitement and anticipation for this next season, there is some concern with the drama behind the scenes of concern with those working on it really caring for the source material and the change of the main lead bringing some drawbacks but I guess we will see what happens when it arrives sometime in the summer

Poker Face

Rian Johnson is delving back into more of the murder mystery genre that worked well with his excellent Knives Out movies, but now in a new series set with inspiration from Columbo and a mix of a murder of the week mystery, it follows Charlie Cale, a casino worker that has the ability that is described as being a human lie detector, travelling across the country away from their boss after a mysterious untimely death occurs. The sense of mystery and the interesting premise and traits, as well as the countless guest cameos in every episode makes it sound like an enjoyable watch and will give this a look, once I find the streaming service or channel this is on.

The Mandalorian Season 3

This is the Way. Everyone's favourite Bounty Hunter and the most precious little jedi in the galaxy are back again for a new season of the Mandalorian. After reuniting at the end of Book of Boba Fett, Din Djarin and Grogu have set off on a journey to the lost city planet of Mandalore to gain his title of Mandalorian back after he broke his code of removing his helmet in the presence of others. This will see them crossing paths with some familiar faces like Greef Karga and Bo-Katan and some new faces across the galaxy. Both seasons have been great so far so I am very excited for what new adventures will await for the bounty hunter. 

Ashoka

Collective spin-off from Mandalorian and a character audiences have been acquainted with since the animated Clone Wars series, the new series follows Ashoka Tano crossing paths with characters from the Star Wars Rebels series and possibly from the other live action series with her journey to find Admiral Thrawn (possibly, the plot has been kept under wraps and is currently unclear). The series will see Rosario Dawson playing the character once again and will be releasing sometime in 2023.

Star Wars Visions Season 2

Visions is a bit of an unique concept and idea and has been dubbed as Star Wars Anime, where multiple different studios or creators make some new tales from the galaxies of star wars and told through the lens of multiple different animations styles. I am sure this will be seen as another great collection of anthology stories from many creators and will look forward to watching it in May.

The Boys Season 4

The most violent, gruesome, and deadliest heroes around are back again for the 4th season of the hit series on Prime. Not much is known where the series will go from here but I am sure it will be bigger, badder, cruder, ruder and bloodier when it hits the screens possibly in the summer or early fall of this year.

Rick and Morty Season 7

Ok, so this one may be a little murky and unknown possibly as going from recent news involving one of the co-creators, Justin Roiland, the series is in a state of uncertainty but they have specified that they will be making more seasons of the shown without him, which gives a snag of that it is now needed to recast the main lead voices. I am sure we will learn a bit more about the decision made soon enough but for now all we can do now is ponder and wait.

Star Wars Skeleton Crew

Possibly the last of the Star Wars shows this year, we have Skeleton Crew, a new series that will somewhat relate and connect to the tales of Mandalorian or based around the same time as that series that is unknown currently of what this series is about, but it has been described as a coming of age story set in the star wars universe but I guess we will learn more closer to the release.

Win Or Lose

Possibly one of the 2 Pixar tv series of this year, Win or Lose is a new series told from the perspective of different members of a middle school softball team called the pickles from their own perspective of events of a week leading up to their big championship game and every episode will be told with a unique different visual animation style. This does sound very interesting and I am sure that it being Pixar they will make it work greatly and will probably be emotional as well too and will be something to check out in the summer or fall of this year.

Knuckles

After the success of last years Sonic the Hedgehog sequel, it introduced audiences to their iteration of the red Echidna Knuckles and now will be getting their own series. While much is not know of what this series will mainly focus on, it has been rumored to focus after the events of the 2nd film and will probably show a bit of his journey up to the start of that film or learning to live on earth with sonic and tails. It is unknown if the blue blur will make an appearance in this series but we will have to see when it comes out later this year

Unknown

Agatha Coven of Chaos

So you may notice that some of these shows in this section are Marvel shows, that is because as of writing this some of them have been placed here as it is uncertain if these few others will be released this year and the only 2 sure bets is Loki and Secret invasion. But if these other shows do end up getting released then it may be worth a discussion. Let's start with one that has spawned from another limited series from Disney+ with the other witch from Westview, Agatha Harkness. While plot details are currently unknown, the series will most likely take place after the events of Wandavision and may introduce some new characters (including a rumoured introduction of Hulkling) and possibly a return of everyone's favourite witch. 

What If Season 2

Another uncertain Marvel series is the 2nd season of the anthology series told by the all seeing Watcher. Not much is known of some of the alternate stories being told (the only one really confirmed was being teased in the season 1 finale and was the only story to get a LEGO set based on it) but we do know some will be based on some of the stories from Phase 4, so until we hear word of if this is coming out this year, we will have to and wonder if it does.

Echo

The last of the unknown released MCU shows to be released is another character show who was first introduced in a previous MCU show of Hawkeye with Echo, the series will follow on from that series and will see her return to her hometown and come to term with her past, reconnect with her Native American Roots and her family and community. While it is uncertain that this will still be out this year, it will still be released before next years Daredevil series and both will see the return or appearance of Charlie Cox as the Man without fear and Vincent D'Onofrio as the Kingpin in the series, so it will be interesting to see how this all turns out.

Smiling Friends Season 2

With the likes of Rick and Morty being uncertain of its appeal with the future of the series (and whether the studio is going to save the great Netflix animated series Inside Job that was promised a 2nd season), there big success show that has a lot of people excited to see more of (there may be others, need to look into it) is Smiling Friends. The show created by 2 internet animators of Michael Cusack (who has been busy with the release of both Koala Man and Yolo which I will look into and talk about with this show in the future) and Zach Hadel (or Psychicpebbles, who is most commonly frequented on the channel Oneyplays) of employees of the Smiling friends corp of Pim and Charlie as they go and help clients in smiling through anyway they can. I had been anticipating the first season when it came out and found it hilarious and am now waiting with anticipation for the next misadventures of these 2. 

Monsters at Work season 2

Following on from it's first season in 2021 and being set around the ending of the original film, those scarers or now jokesters are now back to work for a 2nd season which I have no idea if it will be focused on the crew of Monsters Inc Facilities team (or MIFT for short) that will go past the original films ending or if we will see some other departments of the company in focus as well as the return of Mike and Sulley (and maybe even an appearance again from Boo), but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Getting Pixelated with Video Games

Lastly on this piece we are going to go into the world of video games and talk of some of my anticipated games of the year, some with official dates and some confirmed for 2023 (some may change with in terms of the release date of it being delayed and some of these would be more of the physical releases)

Jan

Forspoken

First of the big games to release for the PS5 that has a bit of a divided opinion from the visuals and the story is Forspoken from Square Enix. the plot finds the protagonist of Frey being transported from New York to a strange land of Athia and using magical powers from a special sentient bracelet to find her way back home and save that land from the tyrannical rule of the Tantas. It does sound a very interesting concept and while I do know there is a bit of a noticable downgrade, I will give it a look into at some point down the line

Dead Space (Remake)

Back in 2008, a survival horror game became a cultural hit amongst fans of the horror games community and spawned a successful franchise with a still successful follow up and a bit more mixed 3rd entry and this series has been dormant for quite some time until about 2 years ago when this remake of the original was announced and has been helped with some avid fans of the game to make it perfect. Set a few centuries in the future, you control engineer Isaac Clarke abroad the USG Ishimura, to investigate the reasons for why this mining ship has suddenly gone silent over the planet of Aegis VII that will lead to find the answer while fending off against ghastly deformed human creatures known as necromorphs. Having played a fair bit of the original game a good while back and feeling the spooks and scares, and hearing the great praise that this game has been getting I am sure to give this one a try.

Spongebob Squarepants: The cosmic shake

Everyone's favourite undersea sponge has gotten a new video game and hopping into the dimensional/ multiverse/ escapades that a fair few familiar franchises have been getting up to recently with the cosmic shake. This story sees Spongebob and Patrick causing some rifts in time and space to be created by some magic bubble soap they bought from a mermaid fortune teller and opens to dream worlds of some of the familiar faces of the long running series and they must go and fix everything before the world falls to pieces. While it may seem a bit far out for a spongebob game, having a quirky colourful adventure full of quirky humour and fun simple platforming is something that is needed amongst the gaming scene.

Feb

Hogwarts Legacy

So now, we have a controversial title on this list and it is a reason why it is controversial is due to the opinions of the wizarding world IP owner, J.K Rowling. Just before this game was announced (with some of the footage leaked 2 year prior) in 2020, Rowling made some very harsh and upsetting comments about the Transgender community and it has caused a major divide online since then (and has made some more statement as well as bringing some other questionable and harsh topic and themes in her books of this series) with many boycotting and a lot of people going after you of if you buy the game, you are in support of her views and if you don't, you are not supporting the studio that made the game and had to deal with the worry of all of this as well of being stuck in a rough spot. To give some bit of plot for this game, this is set in the late 1800s and about a century before the original series and you play a new student at Hogwarts who is enrolled during 5th year at Hogwarts as you have some strange and mysterious powers and will use them to help to stop some form of conspiracy that is happening in the school.

Now I will say this. Do I want to play the game, yes I do. Do I support Rowling in doing so, absolutely F**king not at all, her comments and opinions are very hurtful and I will say that Trans Women are Women and Trans Men are Men and I see you and appreciate you and fully support you and not the words of this vile woman. I know there is the complaint that buying this will just give her more money, but you need to remember that there is Harry Potter merch constantly sold in clothing stores, toy stores and book stores still to this day (as well as film broadcasting) so it is bound still to happen. Most case if I am given this as a gift or something or buy it myself, I intend at some point in the near future to donate the amount of the game or certain amounts overtime to charities that support Transgender rights but now we will wait and see how it all plays out.

Atomic Heart

Next up in discussion is an upcoming new FPS game that has a little bit of a recent controversy due to it's setting. Atomic heart is set in a alternate 1950s post war Russia, where a scientist 2 decades ago created a liquidized programmable matter called Polymer and helped to spawn a major technological advancement in robotics and energy. But with this new form of creation bad things will happen and it is your job to stop it before total world domination. Now the reason it has spawned a little bit of controversy was for the time it was being developed it was anticipated but the setting in the modern day is criticized due to the ongoing senseless war on  Ukraine caused by Russia, I am sure it will be seen how well this does in due time with it's imminent release.

Horizon Call of the Mountain

This one may be a good while before trying this one as this is a game that will be a part of the library of games with the very pricey PSVR2 releasing on the same date as this game in the Horizon series. This you take the role of Ryas, a shadow carja rebel who is set on an expedition to investigate a threat on the Sundom mountains to help atone for his crimes he committed. Unless this game has the option to be played without a VR or with the original PSVR then it may be a while before I try it out but I am sure there will be a chance at some point.

Kirby's return to dreamland Deluxe

The first of the few Nintendo titles on this list see everyone's favourite pink boi Kirby back with a remake of the 2011 wii title with updated visuals, modes and fun on Nintendo's hybrid console with some new epilogue story included too. A lot of fun will sure be had on this returning visit to dreamland.

So other games that are out this month that may interest me is a new game based on the 2014 indie game the Forest with Sons of the Forest, the follow up to the switch game Octopath Traveller II and the rocket building, space exploring, planet colonizing sequel of Kerbal Space Program 2 (which I though for a while was cancelled).

March

Metroid Prime remastered

In a surprise turn of events from one of the most decent Nintendo directs in recent memory, they announce the release of a Gamecube classic being remastered and released on the switch after that show and a physical in early March in the form of Metroid Prime. Taking the role of bounty hunter Samus Aran you go on your journey to battle against space pirates and stop their biological experiments on the planet of Tallon IV. A beloved classic that has been reworked and made function with the hardware, this is one I have been wanting to play for a long time and now is any good reason to play it.

Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse

Also known in Europe as Project zero and another remaster from a game from Japan from 2008, things are going to get spooky on next gen with the mask of the lunar eclipse which sees you take the role of Ruka Minazuki on the fictional island of Rougetsu Island as they returned there after being trapped there years ago and wanting to learn the truth about her lost memories. This series has been one of the more overlooked series of spooky titles and I am sure this will be a scary experience to go through.

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the lost demon

One of the most popular and well received games of 2022 was the 3rd Bayonetta game (even with the whole drama involving the voice actress playing the main character) and now only recently we were given the announcement of a new prequel game about the origins of the main Witch. Playing as Cereza you travel in the dark forest of Avalon with the companionship of Cheshire, her first summoned demon and with each others help will find the magical power to save her mother from certain death. With a new perspective on the franchise and with a beautiful storybook art style, I am sure that this game will be a fun little experience.  

Resident Evil 4 (remake)

A game that was expected to get a major visual upgrade (even if the game has been remastered and ported to nearly every other console since its release nearly 20 years ago and there was some other games in this franchise or of similar style) everyone's favourite Resident evil is getting a major visual upgrade. For those that do not know the basic plot of the game, you play as Leon S. Kennedy, who has been sent on a mission to rescue Ashley Graham, the daughter of the US president from a Spanish village under the control of the Los Illuminados, a violent cult that worships an strange and ancient parasite. From the footage of the game revealed and the newest features shown, it is so far shaping up to be a very visually appealing remake and I will give a look at if the opinion of it is any good.

April

Horizon Forbidden West: Burning shores

The first of the known big DLC expansions for some games of this year brings us back again to the world of Horizon with a new DLC of the Burning Shores. This sees you take control again of Aloy as she travels to a volcanic region south of the Tenakth Clan Land, at the ruins of Los Angeles to stop a major sinister threat. While I need myself to finish the main game myself, this does seem to be shaping up to be something fun.

Dead Island 2

Talk about waiting for this. Back in 2014 at E3, a little game was announced at the Sony conference known as Dead Island 2, with an initial release date of 2015 for those current consoles and Pc. Then everything went silent, apart from some visual art and small gameplay features here and there up to the beginning of 2015 and then nothing. it was labelled for still to be released but a lot had moved on from the game as they had thought it was cancelled until a few months ago when it rose from the dead and making it's way to consoles and PC in late April for more hack n slash, zombie killing fun in Hell-A. If they pull it off it could be a success story that took it's time or it may end up a mess like another certain FPS game that had a long development ended up like.

Star Wars Jedi Survivor

Seems like Star Wars is not solely limited to the tv streaming side of things this year as we have a follow up to the acclaimed Jedi Fallen Order. Set 5 years after the first game (and set near the timeline as last years Kenobi series) we continue the journey of protagonist Cal Kestis as he survives against the galactic empire as one of the surviving members of Order 66. While I did enjoy Fallen Order, I am very excited for the continuing story of Cal.

May

Redfall

Welcome to the town of Redfall, Massachusetts where after a science experiment goes awry, a legion of Vampires starts to cause a invasion on the town and playing as 1 of the 4 unique survivors - a cryptozoologist, a student with telekinesis, a combat engineer and a US special forces Sniper veteran with some supernatural abilities - to stop their invasion. It has an interesting concept and I am all for trying it out down the line

Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

If there is something I would put my money on right now, I am placing my cards on this being the Game of the Year this year. This is the follow up to the beautiful and amazing Breath of the Wild and see's Link once again saving Hyrule from danger and destruction with some elements of taking to the sky. The feeling of open world exploration and adventure with this game and story has been anticipated since it was first announced a good few years ago and now it is almost here and I for one cannot wait to get back to the lands of Hyrule again.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Ah Rocksteady games, how I am happy to see you again with a whole new game in the DC universe. But instead of playing as the caped crusader, you instead take on a small team of the rogues gallery of DC including Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang and King Shark who are being tasked by Amanda Waller to stop the Justice League who have gone a little crazy and mad by some form of mind control and to save them, they need to kill them. I am very excited for this game as Rocksteady usually does some very interesting games (although I do know a leak happened that has caused some concern) and will give this a go when it comes out at the end of May

June:

We Love Katamari Reroll + Royal Reverie

The most colourful and fun game about rolling up everything in the world to create stars and planets in space has had a few games and follow ups and now is seeing one of its sequels get the reroll treatment after the Damacy remake a few years ago. All I know is I cannot wait for a bit more wholesome rolling fun.

July

Pikmin 4

Another big game series from Nintendo is back with a new game in over 10 years with Pikmin 4 that sees the explorers explore a vast land of starnge and colourful lands with the tiny little flower creatures and some new ones like the Ice Pikmin and a tiny precious dog pikmin that will help you on your journey to discover creatures and wonders galore and will be a fun wholesome game for the summer months.

November

The Day Before

Now for this game it is a bit of a mystery. What started out as a game set in an open world apocalyptic game with multiplayer elements and great visuals seems to be a mystery of if this game even exists as from recent footage and some youtubers looking into the company that has made the game and some of their recent support for their games being very slim. While it has been seen they may be copying some scenes and assets from some other games and trailers (such as the font for the game being near similar in style to the last of us) it will beg the question of if this game will release or was all a ruse come November.

UNKNOWN

Alan Wake II

What seemed like a pipe dream of ever happening years ago after the release of the original title on Xbox 360 that a follow up was ever going to happen, with most case that we could get a remaster which was given to audiences for next gen consoles and pc in late 2021, but then 2 months later it appeared that that dream was happening and players will return to playing as the author Alan Wake sometime this year (and going off of word from the studio, it seems to be in a complete playable state from start to finish which makes a release date seem imminent)

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

We have recently just returned to the vast world of Pandora with the long awaited sequel to Avatar with the Way of Water (and as of writing is the 3rd highest grossing movie of all time), it will hopefully not be long until we see us take the reins as a form of the N'avi in a new open world game from Ubisoft to live your wanted desires on this vast planet of wonders, all it comes down to is when this game will be released.

Crash Team Rumble

The Orange Marsupial has seen quite a bit of adventures over the years from travelling across islands climates, different periods of time and even some possible dimensions, as well as getting behind the wheel of some karts or taking control of giant monsters, but now he is about to head into the multiplayer Battle arena game with heroes and villains facing off to obtain the most wumpa fruits after every game. It seems simple but I am sure that there will be some form of fun mechanics to it at the end of it all (it may also be one of 2 Crash games that are rumored in development but the 2nd game is currently unknown).

Cyber Punk 2077: Phantom Library

To say Cyberpunk has had a bit of a rough time since launch has been known but over the last 2 years it has seen it's fair share of improvements and now starting the rollout of some big expansions for Night city with the first being Phantom Liberty, a spy-thriller type expansion that has you delving into espionage, discovering shattered loyalties, political power and going up against a new big named face in this expansion portrayed by Ildris Elba. It should be fun to delve back into Night city again soon when this releases.

Death Stranding 2

Kojima is known for creating some very interesting conceptual ideas and gimmicks and have turned out well with the successful Metal Gear Solid series, the creation of one of the most scariest demos of all time with PT (a tease for a new silent hill that would've surely been super scary) and his new concept game post Konami with Death Stranding and announcing a sequel out of nowhere is a surprise to be sure but a welcome one. Whether this will be released this year is to be seen but most case it could be late this year or the latest 2024, but I guess we will find out when we return to that world and take control of protagonist of Sam Bridges (or possibly with Fragile going from the trailer for the game)

Five Nights at Freddy's Security Breach: Ruin (DLC)

I am about to say something that seems strange to say but Five Nights at Freddys has been a game series for nearly 10 years now and started back in 2014, which I find crazy to think about. This series started as a game made by one guy after his previous game attempts were not really big hits and then this came along and got crazy popular, spawning 3 sequels within the first year, more games to follow, a total of 25 books (mix of a novel trilogy and multiple goosebumps style books) and currently an upcoming big feature film being produced by Blumhouse and staring Matthew Lillard (or otherwise known from his role as Stu in Scream or as Shaggy in the 2 Live Action Scooby-doo films from the early 2000s) which shows that this franchise is far from dead. Which brings us to the new DLC to the most recent entry in the franchise of Security breach, not much is known about the add-on content but most case it may be set after the original title from one of its endings or an alternate take on the game itself. Only time will tell when it drops later this year.

Hades 2

There is a return to the lands of gods and Deitys once again with a new announced sequel to the critically acclaimed first game from 2020 with a new follow up that see you battle you way out of the underworld and stop the titan of time from total destruction. I am sure if this is as good as the original, then I know that this will be another hit for sure whenever this will be released.

Lies of P

The genre of Souls-like games has really started to become a mainstay genre of gaming after the success of many games from From Software and this game is taking that approach with a unique take on a classic tale of Pinocchio (it seems the overabundance of Pinocchio is pouring out of last year into this year as well). Taking a page out of the style of Bloodborne, you play as the boy made of wood as he journey across a dark Belle Epoque world to battle strange creatures and monsters to find a way for him to become human. With the unique concept twist on the classic tale I am sure it will be worth a look at when it releases at some point in the early fall

Legend of Zelda Wind waker and Twilight Princess HD? 

Now this one is a self speculation on my end and one that has been a rumour for a long time and with the recent remaster release it seems more likely. It has been a common thing that a lot of Wii U games were ported to the switch now and 2 that have yet to appear is these 2 Zelda titles that helped to boost the previous consoles sales slightly. I am sure if there is not a lot of big games out at the end of this year they could release it in time for the holidays as a dual pack but I guess only time will tell what else will be out at the end of this year

Marvel's Spider-man 2

If there is some studios of games that I can always rely on for the creation and making of top quality and entertaining games, one of them would for sure be Insomniac games and getting to play a follow up to their 2018 and 2020 games based on the popular Marvel character will for sure be no exception with the looks of new moves powers, a dual team up and some new villains such as Venom to fight, then there will be a reason for us to "be greater" once again in the fall of this year.

Metroid Prime 2/3 remaster?

This is just another self prediction and own self want of going off the announcement of the original Metroid prime being remastered that I thought it was going to be the complete trilogy and from there that if this remaster of the 1st game is successful the next 2 are being worked on for a late release this year or next year but who knows

Metroid Prime 4?

The other option I had in mind was this is setting up some new information for the next game in that series that has been very quiet in information since 2019 when they had to restart production in a new direction. While I may feel it could be a surprise drop like the first prime remaster, I feel most case even some news or footage of the new game get unveiled sometime this year for a 2024 release maybe.

Mario and Rabbids Sparks of Hope DLC

While I have yet to delve fully into the sequel to one of my all time favourite games on the Switch, we are getting some big new DLC pieces for the games that is being released in 3 waves with a tower of doom combat challenge, a new story piece set on a strange new planet with a new antagonist and the 3rd being a special DLC piece with the return of the character that helped to create these screaming Rabbids in the first place: Rayman. So I best get onto playing the game fully before jumping into the DLC whenever they release

New Super Mario?

Last of the speculative ones and ones that may have some rumours going about is a new game on everyone's favourite Italian plumber Mario in the form of a new Platformer adventure game. While we have seen mario in other games like strikers battle league, golf super rush and DLC for Mario Kart, we have not had a new platformer since the 3d world port with Bowsers fury expansion and it is time for a new game to make its appearance and be a good time to release it alongside the same year as the new movie adaptation.

Professor Layton and the New World of Steam

It has been quite a while since we have seen the professor of puzzles and brain teasers make a return to a Nintendo console and it was only just recently that we were given the announcement that Professor Layton himself is back in an all new game that will sure to delight long term fans and get to explore the whole new world of steam when it releases soon.

Robocop Rogue City

It will soon be time to take the law into your own hands and serve the public trust, protect the innocent and uphold the law in a brand new game starring Robocop and bring justice to the corrupt streets of old Detroit when the games launches sometime in the summer of this year

S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chernobyl

A sequel a long time in a making is finally coming to the console and pc sometime this year and discover the vast land of the Chernobyl exclusion zone full of dangerous enemies, deadly anomalies and powerful artifacts ad make your way to the heart of the city and discover a vast land lost to a tragedy decades ago. 

Samba de Amigos Party Central

A long forgotten series that has not been seen since the early days of the Wii (unless you count the character choice in the Sonic and Sega all stars racing games) but Samba Di Amigo is back for an all new rhythm game for the Switch with over 40 hits songs to groove to when it is party time in the early summer.

Skull and Bones

If there was one game from the Assassin's Creed series I see as the best overall or one of my favourites it was Black Flag and being a pirate is super cool, so hearing a new game based on the naval combat of that game is being made then I am excited to try it out. I do hope it has a large explorable world and other features then solely naval combat (although going off a recent playtesters words it may be a little rough state currently) but I guess to see how it turns out whenever this game releases in the upcoming year.

Starfield

This will be Bethesda's first big new series that takes inspiration fom Fallout and Elder scrolls but set in the distant future amongst the cosmos of deep space and taking on the role of a customizable character to explore this galaxy 2 decades after a war between 2 different colonies. I am sure it will be interesting to see and try out whenever this game launches (which I have been reading it is rumoured to be in Late June) so I can blast off and explore the wonders of space.

Wolf Among Us Season 2

The last one on our list is taking us to the return of popular game from Telltale that was being made for a while but feared cancelled by the closure and bankruptcy of Telltale games but they seemed to have sprung back to life in a way and now the chance to play some of the new cases of Sheriff Bigby Wolf and solve those murders or conspiracies once and for all in the name of justice. I am sure these will be exciting to play and try out when they launch sometime this year.

Well that is everything to me personally that I am looking forward to in this coming year that may or may not all release this year. If you have made it this far, I apologize for it's length but I try to keep the text at a minimum and more letting visuals do the talking (you will get this a little with my blogs of varying length in opinions, lists, news roundup and reviews) but I do hope you enjoyed and some of these media pieces have interested you to check them out. But that is all I have to say right now and I am going to go now and enjoy some bits of media or sleep or something. So until next time, have a wonderful day of you being wonderful people.

Signing off

Sam