Weird Mind News Room Episode 185: Sept 7th - 13th

 *Its a kind of Magic for this music*

Well hello again to all of you very fine and very wonderful people across the information superhighway as always. My Name is Sam and as always will be your host of this weekly series for Weird Mind News Room where for another week we will be delving into the usual array of media from New Releases, Trailers and News from the across the landscape that may not be well known or you might have missed, so lets not waste time on all the intros and lets get to all things media for this week.

Practical New Releases

Movies

Practical Magic 2

On the first of the new releases for this week will be given us something that is a little bit more of a spellbinding adventure in the ideals of magic, mystery and curses but the most important element is all in the realm and connection of Sisterhood as after about 3 decades since the original film came along and came a bit of a cult classic, these magical sisters are back with a release of the sequel of Practical Magic. The film will be set 25 years after the original and will focus again on the Owens family as they face a new crisis when a discovery regarding the family's history and the origins of their magic comes to light. When Sally's (Sandra Bullock) Daughter (Joey King) begins to uncover hidden family secrets and develops her own dark abilities, the family is plunged into a multi-generational struggle to finally break the curse that has haunted their lineage for centuries. The Owen's Women (Sally, Gillian, and their aunts) must once again unite, travelling from their home in Massachusetts to the UK to confront the source of their magic and save the next generation of their family. Reception on the follow up similar to the first film is not that well recieved and more of a mixed outcome that while the return of this duo and this world will have the appeal of those that loved the original and some of the ideas in concept, the film is lacking in some aspects to the narrative or some aspect of if a follow up will be needed (and caused some drama with the original actress for one of the kids being annoyed of being recast) but there may be something in there to appeal to people and if you want to check out this spellbinding adventure then you can check it out now in cinemas.

Pressure

For the 2nd film of this week will be bringing us back to the era that you are sure to get another take or perspective on at least once every year and that is with the massive conflict of the 2nd World War and in this case we will be seeing that with any operation it requires precision, focus and above all else an outcome that will not lead in disaster and in this case of one of the biggest days that helped to turn the tide of war in the outcome as we have the release of the all new title known as Pressure. The film will see the focus of the world hanging in the balance as Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower (Brendan Fraser) and Capt. James Stagg (Andrew Scott) face an impossible choice - Launch the D-Day invasion or risk losing World War II altogether. Reception on this film has been very well recieved with praise on the performances of the leading duo, the narrative and cinematography and showing the stress and planning that helped to create one of the most turning days of the great conflict and if you want to feel the pressure yourself then you can also check this film out now in cinemas.

Fall 2

The 3rd film for this week is one that initially came out of nowhere a few years back that from the title and concept seemed like a title that would not be the most entertaining of titles, but through decent performances, tone and a surprise twist, it turned into something that appealed that when you though the heights and worries were behind you, something comes along and causes another ordeal as we have the release of the surprise sequel with Fall 2: Deadpoint.  Following on from the original film and set sometime after the death of Shiloh Hunter, her sister Jax agrees to a tribute proposed by Shiloh's daring friend, Luce. The two then travel to Thailand to conquer a treacherous plank walk on Mount Kwan, but a sudden rockslide leaves them trapped at a terrifying height of 3000 feet, forcing the duo to push their limits and cooperate to save their lives. Reception on this follow up is a bit more of a mixed outcome that while seeing a new dangerous location is decent and the performances are well liked, the film feels like it is trying to be another retelling of the first film with a bit of a mixed results, but if you want to feel the fear of these great heights (and gain a phobia of it as well) then you can catch this film out now in cinemas.

Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger

The 4th film for this week was with a focus to a title that pops up now and again out of nowhere and in this case is another look at the behind the scenes work of a concert experience and we have seen the likes of the newest artists, the ones that tell of their early days, but in this case it was a duo that were a big thing back in the day, then a falling out for years before it all came back for a new experience and will be the focus of their comeback in process as we have the release of the new concert film of Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger. The film will show some never before seen clips and behind the scenes elements of the rise of the band of Oasis as it builds up to their reunion tour in 2025 after their unfortunate separation in the mid 2000s. Reception on this new documentary has been very well recieved with praise on its focus of the unseen life of these brothers and the appeal and love of this band's music that these documentaries may appeal to some that do so and if you want to check it out for yourself then you can check it out now in cinemas as well.

Runner 

Now this last film for this week will be one you may be thinking that I have already talked on last week, however it just so happens that the title of this film is the exact same as one that was released last week and its a case where that had one to stop the death of someone, this one is more in the case to save ones life that needs it most as the studio that brought us Animal Farm brings us the all new film known as Runner. The film will follow a delivery driver (Alan Ritchson) who is tasked with bringing a new healthy Liver to a sick girl and is forced to escort the man (Owen Wilson) who brought the liver while evading ruthless mercenaries who plan on taking the liver on their behalf. Reception on this new film has gotten some decent reception with praise on the concept, humour and performances of Ritchson and Wilson and may be a decent little action flick and if you want to check this film out yourself then you can also check it out in cinemas. 

TV Shows

The Paper Season 2

The sole tv series for this week will be a return to the mocumentary, documentary scene and back over to the state of Ohio to bring a focus to the world of different stories and finding out what is to be believed and what is seen as some false stories and while this company may be small, this group will go big or go home to get the scoop as we are returning back to the series based on the world from the Office with the release of Season 2 of The Paper. The new season will follow on from the end of the first season to Toledo Truth Teller who are riding high on their win at a Journalism Award show but they will have to up their stakes and find anyway to keep up the great journalism, which I am sure can't be too bad right? Reception on this new season, like the first one has also seen some very well recieved reception with praise on its cast, humour, heart and narrative that has proven a spin off sequel to the classic US Office will find appeal in and if you want to get the latest news then you can catch the full new season now on Now and SKY in the UK and Ireland and on Peacock in the US/

Video Games

Halloween the Game

The last of the new releases and the only game in focus for this week will be bringing a sense of the spooky season and we have seen a lot of titles over the years try their hand in turning an IP of horror into something that can bring appeal and in this case, every year on the 31st of October, there be tales that the one who slain his family and was defeated by another will come back every year to take their revenge and in this case you will either be one to defend against or be the spooky legend itself as coming in the form of another classic 1 v Many of a famous Horror IP, we will see this in a new take on horror as we have the release of the new multiplayer survivor of Halloween the Game. In this title you and friends and other will play a new 1 v 4 title where you can become a member of Haddonfield or as the killer of Michael Myers and try to save everyone from the bloodshed or become the masked killer and bring terror and demise to all those that stand in your way in a multiplayer and single player mix of experience. Reception to this game seems to be very well recieved with praise on its gameplay and atmosphere as well as its take on an interactive form of the long running IP, with most issues stemming to some technical issues (as well as a possible drama of a minigame added in where you and another player could bone in a closet for some form of stat boosts that get a little awkward with some of the characters you can do this with) but if you want to play this out for yourself then you can play it now on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.

Trailers that don't put the pressure on you

Digger

Now on the first of the trailers will be in the focus to a title that I can see being a possible new award season event and a focus to a performance of an actor you don't really seeing this too much with as hes often more in the focus of a fast running action star, but it looks like he is going a lot more method and all out crazy with this new performance as he look to find a way to dig themselves out of this new mess they may have caused as we have the release of the final trailer for the upcoming new black comedy of Digger. The film will follow Digger Rockwell (Tom Cruise) the most powerful man in the world must race against time to prove that he is humanity's saviour before the disaster that he has caused destroys everything. It is always an interesting thing to watch and observe when you see an actor that you may know for one specific genre or type of film going all in with a focus of something being a little more strange as I am so associated with Cruise as the action hero of the Mission Impossibles and the top gun's that the closest I can see of this title feeling akin to was his role as this Talent Manager in Tropic Thunder (the balding man who has that iconic dance scene as the end of the film) and from what I can see it has interested in in this title outcome (and the work of the director making it) that it could be all out crazy and a possible award season title too. Now there has been however this overly elaborate theory that has popped up in the last few days that this film is actually a secret musical film that some are suggesting in how they are marketing it that some say have been seen in the past or didn't expect to be a musical like Wonka, Wicked (which was a musical and book) and the recent Mean Girls movie (there was hints from the trailer of the former and latter that it was going to be a musical, I mean the latter had a music note in the lettering of the title) but I doubt this could be the case but would find it funny if it was but I guess we will see what it will dig up when the film releases in under a months time on October 2nd.

Artificial

On the 2nd of the trailers for this week will be in the focus that we have seen one thing that has in the last few years really started to become majorly present in the landscape of everyday life and that is in the focus of a tool that has been used to excessive amounts in the last few years and the concerns that some seem to have or overlook, and it is with this particular person in focus of this new film that seems to think we need to embrace it and not see the problems in doing so, as we have recieved the trailer for the newest film from director Luca Guadagino with the focus on Artificial. The film will chronicle the narrative of the controversial tech billionaire Sam Altman (Andrew Garfield) and focus on his firing and rehiring at OpenAI back in 2023 and the rise and development of ChatGPT. Now I have made it very clear in all sense of the word that I was one that is against the ideals of AI in general and where I always make it a point that I make, film and edit or research everything myself instead of relying on the machines so its intriguing there is already a film being made on the focus of this controversial company and figure (as well as another rich person that is a lot worse and also may be a questionable predator going off some certain files). This film has also had quite the ordeal as it was suppose to be with Amazon and then dropped the distribution suddenly (even after a $50 Billion investment with the actual company) due to them seeing as an unsympathetic focus to the 2 billionaires and then heard its test scores were poor. Now I do hope this will open people to the dangers of AI usage in general and make people think twice, which has happened to the main star as well but I am sure we will see by its reception and release into cinemas supposedly this Christmas but I guess we will see.

Godzilla Minus Zero

Moving to a 3rd trailer this week will be one of an icon making a return to cause some destruction and be done in a visual spectacle that is not done at all with AI but rather by human hands and in this case it is one that we have only seen small snippets of for the last few weeks but have finally gotten a proper look to it all as what they thought they had killed just makes it come back stronger and may be back to fight against something more dangerous as the King of the Monsters is back for more destruction as we finally have the release of a full trailer for the upcoming sequel of Godzilla Minus Zero. The film will pick up in 1949, 2 years after the tumultuous events of Minus One and will continue the story from the Shikishima family as they face an all new calamity and a return of one they had though was destroyed. So it has been seen that this Kaiju has had quite the ordeal of appeal from the classic era, the stumbles, the iconic Japanese films and even the ongoing narrative in the Monsterverse and this one came out of nowhere about 3 years ago and proved that you can make him a threat and a menace and an entertaining entry even if you may not speak the language and Minus One was such a great entry that a follow up was one I welcomed straight away and it looks from this trailer and any teaser that the appeal is still there and will be going for another wave of all out destruction, planning and visual splendor (especially given reports another famous Kaiju is possibly going to appear) and I for one am excited to see this on the biggest screen possible and I hope this does well like the last one but I am sure we will see by its release into cinemas from the 6th of November. 

Remain

Our next trailer will be bringing a sense that at face value can look like a simple story that has some charm and melancholic tones to it all, but knowing who is the one taking the reigns to this project, I am sure there is a lot of layers to it that will have some ordeal, as the director of the plot twists of M. Night Shyamalan alongside the Notebook author of Nicholas Sparks have brought us the first look at his newest film known simply as Remain. The film follows New York Architect Tate Gordon (Jake Gyllenhaal) who heads to Cape Cod to design a summer home for his best friend, seeking a fresh start after being treated for Acute Depression. Still Mourning his sisters death, he meets Wren (Phoebe Dynevor), a young woman who will soo disrupt his his carefully ordered world. Now its a case at first this seemed like a normal love story that could be all fine and normal, but then the sense of tension and a thriller would kick in from Shyamalan's approach to it and it is a case that sometimes the ideas to it all have their ideals and uses in some fun twists (or even to the level of so bad its good films where you are confused on what is really going on) and I am intrigued to see how much of a batshit insane or toned down form they may go with this title which I guess we can see by its release into cinemas from Valentines Day next year.

Carrie

For the first of the tv series based narratives for this weeks trailers, it looks like we will be heading back into the realm of the spooky and unsettling nature and the adaption nature as it will be once again seeing another new adaption of a classic novel from the Horror Auteur Stephen King and where we had seen stories of recent from long walks, scary clowns and some Lot's in strange locations, we will be instead heading back to an adaption that has had 2 different takes on it so far but I am sure we will be seeing if they will be laughing at them this time around as we have the release of the trailer for the newest series adaption of the Stephen King Novel of Carrie. Now based on the novel by King, it will follow the titular character (Summer H. Howell) a sheltered girl with telekinetic powers who finally is allowed to go to normal school but will soon be bullied and this will soon lead to a horrific, bloody incident leading to her mother's Domineering influence. So as I said this is not the first time this title has gotten an adaption as we have the classic film from the 80s and then the remake in 2010 with Chloe Grace Moretz that had their appeal in different ways, but this is the first in the approach to the tv miniseries perspective and will be set for a more modern approach with the implementation of Social Media and all the sorts that there could be more to this all and in some case may be even establishing from reports that their may be others that have powers just like her but its unclear at the moment. Now I am optimistic about this adaption and given that is from Mike Flanagan who has done some King adaptions in the past that it could be a decent watch but I am sure we can see when this series drops on Amazon Prime from the 7th of October.

The Cat in the Hat

The last of the film trailers for this week will be bringing us into a very strange and colourful world found beyond our own where strange and odd creatures are the norm in this place and make it their job to try and make the youth of our world happy, with one in particular being a famous or infamous figure that may take some things a little too far in his level of chaos, but its all seen in good nature that may be needed for this task at hand as we have the release of what I assume is the final trailer for the upcoming new animated film adaption of The Cat in the Hat. In this first fully animated film version of this story, The Cat (Bill Hader), does what he does best - spreading joy to kids in his own hilarious signature way and transport them on a magical journey to worlds they have never seen before. In this case he takes on his toughest job yet for the I.I.I.I. (or the Institute for the Institution of Imagination and Inspiration, LLC) to cheer up Gabby and Sebastian, a pair of siblings struggling with their move to a new town. Known for taking things too far, if it all fails it could be this agent's of Chaos last chance to prove himself.... or else he will lose his magical hat. Its been one of those titles that I feel some seem to forget that the project is on the way out and there was an ordeal that some felt a recent trend of images of the Cat spotted around part of Ireland and the UK from what I heard were some saying it was a marketing stunt, but it turns out it was all just some harmful thing to spook up the residents and all done with AI. But for me I have been keeping an eye on this title and it looks like from the visuals there is a sense of appeal of the very colourful animation being present in the title itself that I am sure will help to make it its own thing that I am sure will have its own message (and won't hurt the iconic and quotable version that was the 2003 Live action film which also saw the original prosthetic suit just recently be sold in auction) but overall I think this could be a fun and colourful time that I am interested in checking out and will be doing so when the film releases into cinemas from the 6th of November in the US and the 4th of December in the UK and Ireland.

Avatar Seven Havens

The last of the trailers for this week will be another focus of some all out animation and a return in the realm of the vast world of a very popular IP and taking us to a new location into the far future to see the legacy of many powerful adversaries and the lineage continue through the generations, but in this case we will have to see how this story of this lineage being lost from a moment of the past that would need some possible clarification which I am sure we will see as for now we have recieved a trailer for the newest entry in the expanding world of Avatar with Seven Havens. The series will follow on from the events of the Legend of Korra and will follow a new Earthbender, Pavi, who discovers is the next Avatar and descendant of Korra. Hunted by enemies both of human and spirit form, she and her long lost twin must uncover their strange origins and save the seven Havens, the central pillars of civilization risen from a world shattered by an apocalyptic event, before it is too late, with the Avatar seen as a destroyer rather then a savior. Now it has been a case that the difference in focus overall in a comparison of the Live Action and Animated side where Live action has been a bit more of a varied mixed bag and the animated has proven to be the way forward in most regards (some debate on the recent films voice cast may vary) but I can say that this series and project can still appeal in general overall and there is some nice visual style and could be an interesting take on the idea of the legend of the Avatar now being a threat then a savior and it does seem like it will be well worth checking it all out and thankfully it is not too long from release either as the title will be released on Paramount Plus on October 7th.

News running directly to you

Nintendo serving us double tasters: All from the dual directs

So it is another week and another focus to start off the News section in the discussion all in the area of more video game discussions and where the first week was on Gamescom and the previous week was on PlayStation, we have the 3rd and final week in focus being the big boys of Nintendo and they did not come with just 1 as like Sony, they came along with 2 Directs, the first focused solely in the 40th Anniversary of The Legend of Zelda and then a day later we got the main big Direct itself that was official and not a partner showcase or indie world (though you could say it is a bit of a Partner Showcase one as well) and we will be given a focus of around 60 updates and titles revealed on both directs that we will be discussed that I felt was actually a decent one, not perfect but still enjoyable in what was shown so let us delve in and see what was given the focus to everything.

So we start on the Zelda conference and while there was a fair bit of exciting editions including the confirmation that the concert tour was making a return across the glove for the 40th anniversary as well as some new merch items from statues, decor, clothing and even a brief glimpse at the 3rd large LEGO set for this series focused on Link and Epona that will be dropping next year, there was one that they gave a little bit of a focus on that I had hoped for and that was an update of the upcoming film which while I was underwhelmed in not seeing any footage for it, we did get at least a taste of the films score as well as the confirmation of the films title being simply the Legend of Zelda with them making it a point that the film doesn't have or need a subtitle for a reason. I do hope we will properly see some first footage soon (and my projection is like that first Mario Movie trailer it will have a separate direct and drop around New York Comic Con) but so far nothing has underwhelmed me in the project and I am sure will be worth going to see by its release on April 30th next year.

The big focus of this shorter direct was with the title that was first teased at the very end of the last direct and after a bit of a wait we finally were given an in-depth look at the upcoming remake of the Legend of Zelda Ocarina of time and where I was thinking it will look solid with a distinct visuals like one of the recent games, it had come out of nowhere with something that was even more visually stunning and feels like Nintendo was making sure the world's best reviewed game of all time was going to get a properly visual splendor of a remake and I am very much in what I saw as well as the new features from updated looks, voice work in the cutscenes, altered dungeons in some form as well as the use of the built in mic and I feel this will be something to behold for the new generation hybrid console and thankfully we don't have long to wait to play it as they have the balls to release this game in the month left barren cause of one game with this set to drop from the 5th of November (and also want to say how some will say this looks like AI slop cause that is a stretch)

Now we move over to the actual direct on the following day and we started it off with the announcement that the recent entry of the series of Monster Hunter with Wilds will be making its way to the Switch 2 with the focus of playing on the go as well as the confirmation of all all DLC and expansions (including the upcoming Ascendance) will be included with the game and in all honesty it makes sense for it to be released on the system as the series has done well on Nintendo platforms and will be worth to see how it plays when it releases from December 4th and the new Expansion drops next year.

Then a title that has been seen in some form at all 3 recent conferences was with the upcoming 3rd and final entry of the Final Fantasy 7 remake with revelation that will see you explore this vast world with the whole team together to stop the destruction of the world and the defeat of Sephiroth after his surprise return. I have seen and heard that the 2 previous parts of the remake have worked really well on the console so I will be interested to see how this will pan out with it releasing on Switch 2 and all other consoles from April 8th next year. But if you want more of this story and see where it all began then they also revealed that Crisis Core will also be on the system with that title releasing on the day of the event itself.

You thought we were done with the discussion of The Legend of Zelda, well you were mistaken as they also revealed that one of the entries of the popular Hyrule Warriors series will be getting a updated version in the focus of Age of Calamity which will include better frame rates, more enemies on screen, all add ons from the original and an all new even more difficult difficulty of Calamity Mode will be added to the title that shows what happened in the past that put Link in a 100 year sleep and it seems like it could be well worth a return to this title with this set for release on February 25th next year.

Then it will be a sense of putting your hiding, seeking and artistry to the test as the smash hit popular multiplayer title of Meccha Chameleon was unveiled to be making its console debut onto the switch that will see you and friends play an intense game of Hide and Seek that will have seekers with Guns and Hiders using any means of pure art based skills to find the best hiding space for every round and I for one have been looking to give this a try and thankfully you can do so now as the title released on the same day as the event itself.

Then on the only form of the Paid DLC side of things, we are returning back to that massive colourful cozy sim of Pokopia as they unveiled what is the 2nd wave of the planned Expansion Pass with this being in the form of accessories and items for your Pokémon as well as some more new Pokémon to give a new home to, and in this case, this is where I wonder if this type of content warrants paying for a expansion pass when this one could've been free compared to the first part of it being a new domain of the underwater element to it but maybe there is more then they are showing off but I guess we will find out when this part of the pass releases later this year.

Then it was time to the cosmos once again as we were returning to the recently released remake of the original Star Fox as they confirmed that an all new Free Update was coming on the way that will be in the focus of some new modes, maps and challenges for the multiplayer and Co-op elements of the game and also seems to show off that the return of 4 Player Split screen is also present which I am sure will be a hit with a lot of old school players and I am sure it will be worth checking out when the update drops on Septmeber 29th.

But if you had finished the main game and are looking for a bit of fix with that team again before the update then you are in luck as another new title has been added to the NSO Gamecube library with the Star Fox Adventures game that will be quite the lengthy story as you explore a planet of dinosaurs and help a blue fox named Crystal in stopping the tirade of General Scales and I have been meaning to play this game for myself so now I have an opportunity to and this also dropped on the day of the event as well so you can head on a classic cosmic adventure. 

Then it will be time for the return to the world of high fantasy, massive monsters and burly man with long flowing white locks as they showed off that the remaster of the beloved entry of the Witcher series with Wild Hunt as you are once again playing as Geralt and must go on a quest to find your adoptive daughter of Circe and this new version will include all expansions and the upcoming entry of Songs of the Past and I am  sure will tide people over until the 4th mainline game drops in about 2 years with this remaster dropping on September 29th and new expansion releasing early next year.

Then a game I was happy seeing a port of was with last years acclaimed medieval fantasy sequel of Kingdom Come Deliverance that will see you continue the narrative of Henry with becoming an inspiring warrior while on a quest for revenge. I have become more invested into this series by my friend from them and their partner being fans of the series and recently just heading on a trip to the locations in Europe to see them all and I am glad like the first game this will be on this system and I am sure will be worth giving a try when this version launches sometime next year.

Then it will be time to weave your fate for the future as we got one final look at the upcoming new title in the Fire Emblem series with Fortunes weave as you decide on the champions that have travelled near and far to be the capital's champion and then will be required to help save the future as well and in all sense while I have not been a big player of this series I have wanted to get into it so maybe I will (and also need to know where one can get the collectors edition without breaking the bank) but we can see by its release next week on September 18th 

Then for a while I had thought many had forgotten about this title but it has finally appeared out of the excessive steam itself for a new mystery to be solved as they have finally acknowledged once again of the all new title of the Professor Layton series with The New World of Steam that will see the well dressed detective and his young ward take on a slew of elaborate puzzles and contraptions in order to solve their biggest mystery yet and I am glad that after being announced over 3 years ago that they have finally acknowledged the title and now thankfully we have a release with this new mystery set for release on December 10th (and also reports that a new remaster of the original Curious Village will be set for release sometime next year).

Then another title I was surprised to see getting revived here was a return to the series of Yo-Kai Watch with a new title known as Haunted Domain. I actually do not recall the last time I remember the series getting a release but maybe it was in the 3DS era but it seems they are back for more and while now release date or year is given, it has confirmed it is now in production so I am sure we will see a return to this world sometime in the near future.

Then it seems more then likely that these directs will have more often then not now a Switch 2 Edition of an original Switch 1 entry and in this case it is a new updated port of the most recent title in the Pikmin series with this being given now features like voice command, more challenging locations to explore for treasures and an all new edition for the port known as Dandori Academy that will test your knowledge and seems like if you missed out on the original then you can do worry not for this new edition of the beloved title will be making its way on the system from November 12th.

Then it has been a little light in the realm of Horror or some titles that leave you scratching your head as to what is happening which is what the next title reveal of ONYX the dark grip that will see you explore a strange and mysterious town as you look to find the answers while you also become a spirit that tries to keep them on the right path and it feels like it could be worth delving into when this title drops sometime next year.

Then it was given a focus to the other Switch 2 edition title getting a focus which will be with the 3rd title in the Xenoblade series that provided a focus of the new features, visual updates and elements that made the original an appealing title to many and I a, sure it will be beneficial to those that want to get into the series that haven't had the chance to with this edition dropping on the console from December 3rd.

Then we had another new co-op title being shown off from the studio behind overcooked with the game of stage fright that will see you and 2 other friends as you explore and find your way through a spooky town and use puzzles and methods to go and find your lost friend and it looks like a fun visual splendor and may be worth a try when it releases next year.

Then its time to return to the realm with a lot of magic as they showed off the next update for Dreamlight Valley with a focus of the Keepsake Sea that will bring elements of fantasy of under the seas with characters from Little Mermaid, Pirates of the Caribbean and even Atlantis and I am sure will provide so many other surprises when this update drops in November. 

Then we are cooking up a role in the land of colourful cuisine with a new title of Ondeh Ondeh as you go on a tasty tale with Kaya and her magic spoon that will be full of magical world and full of music and it seems like quite a fun adventure full of tasty cuisine and I am sure will be worth giving a try when it releases next year.

Then they showed off the upcoming port of the recently released LEGO Batman title of legacy of the dark knight that will some of the narrative and world you will be exploring in this title as well as a look at the newest DLC of Mayhem madness that will have you control the Joker and Harley Quinn to create the ultimate lair and I have been meaning to get around to this title and I am sure will be worth playing on the go when it releases next week on the 18th of September.

Then it was a focus back to last years Kirby Airriders with the confirmation of the last 2 new amiibos coming to be based from the game itself that will allow you to swap around the figures on the rider boards with a whole sense of variety which I am sure will benefit in different ways when these drop in October or November.

Then to test you skills and endurance and your opinion on heights as we got shown off the title of Cairn where you will use every method and focus to climb a massive mountain on your own or with some other climbers you meet on the way and discover all the mysteries the mountain has to offer and it seems like there is an appeal to it all and worth a go when it releases sometime next year.

Then a reveal I was happy with that we are returning to the world of zombies and other creatures found under the umbrella as they unveiled the trilogy of remakes from the Resident Evil series will be making its way to the Switch 2 with 2, 3 and 4 all dropping with all bits of content and DLC and I am very happy with this outcome to have them all on the system (with only a few titles missing now to have the full saga so far) with the digital version dropping October 16th and the Physical on January 29th next year.

Then it will be time to delve into a return of points of the past as they showed off another new look at the remake of the original Tomb Raider with Legacy of Atlantis and will show off how the original title that became a household name looks for the modern day and solve the mystery that caused the lost city to sink to the bottom of the ocean. I have played a few variations of the original now and again and am intrigued to see their take in this form (and hopefully will be them altering the use of AI for this title) with the game dropping from February 12th next year.

It was then time to get a little more active as we got an all new look at the upcoming Switch Sports Resort title with a focus on some of the other sports you can partake in as well as given an option to explore WuHu Island like you never left and also provided some new modes and return of some familiar faces including the Man, the Myth, The Matt back to smoke the competition and I am for sure well worth playing this for some sports activity when the game releases on October 22nd

Then it was with a focus of another title that was rumoured initially before the event was given its presence in the very extreme way as they unveiled an all new 2D entry of the Metroid series with Ravenous that will see you back again as Samus and take on some powerful and mysterious ancients that have done you wrong and will see you become corrupt with power to take control of them all when possible and ectract their life essence and feast on those that wrong them and I have to say this looks like a proper solid title and may be something that will appease those that felt underwhelmed by Prime 4 but we can see by its release on January 27th next year.

Then many had wondered if we would see anything about this massive racer given the previous entry got an update of 8 player split screen, but those questions were finally answered as they unveiled that we are getting an update to Mario Kart world that has added 10 new tracks to the game based on the classic courses from Super Mario Kart and the earlier games as well as some new battle race modes and courses and I have to say that I am glad we are starting to see more new tracks being added and that they are free after the massive price point to buy at launch and that update is available for you all to get racing on on the same day as the event.

Then it will be time to suit up and get the upgrade with the original model as we got another new look at the upcoming new entry in the Megaman series with Dual Override as they showed off some more of the visuals and worlds you will travel across while fighting against new bosses and stop the forces of Dr Wiley once again and it seems like there is a lot of appeal in this series even in the long gaps per new title and I am sure this will have its interest once more when it releases next year.

Then what I see as the only real focus of an anime based title of the event was in the focus of the unveiling on Eternal Anima which will see a world overcome by oceans and will focus in a sole land not lost to the oceans waves as you do battle and save the world from an oceany grave (I believe that was a focus to it all) and I feel it was going to appear in some form of an Anime title but I guess we can see by its release on March 4th next year

Then nothing says a vacation get away like a class trial and a sense of deduction that could lead to death as we got another new look at the upcoming remaster of Danganronpa 2x2 that will see you solve a mystery and sadistic trails of that damn bear while also taking the reigns of a different character that helps to establish some questions and lore that is overlooked in the main title. I do think that its an interesting title and series that I will give a try to at some point but I am sure I will get around to it as I will with this title with it set for release on January 14th next year.

Then it was time to duke it out to prove who is the top dog here as they showed off a confirmation that the newest entry in the Fatal Fury series of City of Wolves has gotten a port to the console as you will do battle with a variety of characters across bast locations including a focus of some new character being added in the form of the DLC rosters and I have seen a fair bit of appeal to this and I am sure it will be a good time to fight when it releases on digital format October 22nd and a physical in January.

Then from a battle of the fists to the blasting of bullets, they unveiled a 30th anniversary collection of the Metal Slug collection that will consist of 10 titles in this popular series full of high octane bullet storm action that I see as being a solid investment for those that never got a chance to give the series a try and I see it being a solid outing with its release sometime next year.

Then soon enough it will be time to d-d-d-d-d-d-d-duel as they unveiled an all new port and title in the Yu-Gi-Oh Tag Force series is coming to the console as you will learn to duke it out against other opponents and players to see who will obtain the best power level and become the ultimate champion. It has been a while since I have seen anything from this series but I am sure will be interesting to give the game a look by its release  on February 16th next year.

Following a game of cards was then shifting a focus over to the title of Romancing Saga 3 that was getting a remake as you play between 8 different protagonists and must find a way to stop and defeat the 4 Sinestrals from opening a powerful Abyss gate and bringing destruction to the world. While I have not played any of the titles in the series I am sure there is an appeal to many that are fans of the series looking to get back to the franchise itself and can give this new remake a try on its release also on February 16th.

Then it was a part of the event that showcased a compilation of other titles on the way to the system (and will not give too much of a description on) but they started it off with a confirmation that 007 First Light is still coming to the console after a success on other platforms earlier this year and that license to kill will be dropping sometime later this year.

Then the popular franchise of Far cry will be seeing the Classic Edition (essentially HD Ports) of the beloved 3rd entry getting a release onto the system with that set to drop on the console sometime in the spring of next year.

And similar to akin to that title just mentioned that it would always be accompanied by its over the top 80s neon expansion of Blood Dragon as that classic edition is also coming to the system with it also dropping in the spring of next year.

The last of the Ubisoft titles that have been unveiled and shown off for the console in the sizzle reel is going for high speeds with the focus of the Crew Motorfest also speeding its way onto the system and you can race to be the best or take a simple drive around the visual splendor by its release on October 8th.

Then a popular series in the anime genre will also be making its way to the console with a new Apothecary diaries game of The False Imperial Brother will be unveiled as you explore the world and do battle and interact across the different aspects of the show that I am sure will appease fans of the series by its release in early 2027.

Then if you want a bit of DIY renovation in your life then you are in luck with a release of the sequel to House Flipper being unveiled and going a lot more bigger in its renovations across different locations and cultural design approaches that I am sure will appeal to many when it releases on the 15th of October.

THen the popular title of Pico Park will be getting the focus of its Sonic based expansion or spin off being released to the system as you solve puzzles and going very fast in the process that I am sure will be fun to give a try to when it releases on November 12th.

Then after being unveiled at the last direct they gave us another new look at the new Dragon Quest Monsters title that will see you explore a strange location and find and obtain many of the strange and colourful creatures of this world and possibly do battle with them but I guess we can find out on December 3rd.

Then a classic title from the past is getting an all new re-release with the title of Torneko's mystery dungeon as you travel through vast depths and discover enemies to battles and secrets to find in these vast dungeons with this title also being available to play from the day of the event.

Then for something cutesy and to play with a friend as they unveiled the title of Hela that will see you play as 2 small Mice on a journey to explore the mysteries of this massive forest lost to time that sounds like a cozy little game to play with the title set to drop on December 1st.

Then a title from the cover that looks a lot different to the game was the focus to Eriksholm the Stolen dream that is a isometric top down stealth title that will see you obtain a dangerous artifact and get out alive while you can to unvocer the truth of why it was hidden and I am sure this being a interesting puzzle game could be worth giving a try to when this drops on December 3rd.

Then while you wait for its follow up sometime next year, you can revisit the original title in the popular Stellar Blade series with the complete edition including all forms of add on content as well as some special outfits just for this port of the game like Bayonetta that I am sure will appeal to give a try on the hybrid system with this edition dropping from the 5th of November.

Then they showed off another new port or ultimate edition of a series with the game of The Ascent coming to the system that will be a bit of a bullet storm title as you wipe out enemies and restore balance to the world around you that I am sure will have its fans to give it a try by its release sometime this December.

Then a title that released on the original system is getting a Switch 2 edition in the form of the award winning it Takes Two that will see a co-op adventure of a couple on the verge of a marriage separation be turned into toys of their daughter and go on a grand adventure to turn back to their human form and find each other again along the way and while I have the original switch port, and updated version will not be a not to me and worth giving a try by its release on October 15th.

Then one more Switch 2 edition of a title was shown off with the unveiling of Palia coming to the system that will see a simple cozy sim life with a sense of adventure and battles being in focus that I am sure will be a decent version to give a try to with this title edition coming sometime this December.

Then something for the whole family as that popular blue Dingo is on an all new adventure with a new Bluey game of Happy Snaps as you go on an adventure across locations seen on the show and snap fun and silly photos of many familiar faces and locations that I am sure will have its appeal to fans of the series and younger audiences when the title drops on October 15th.

Then a title that was initially planned in the new releases for this week was shown off with an all new Hot Wheels game of Infinite rush that will let you control one of hundreds of unique designed cars and drive across crazy tracks and courses in this massive open world city and there is sure to be some fun had with this title that you can play now from this weeks releases.

Then for something with a little bit more of a spiritual edge was shown off with a look at the newest title of Fading Echo that seems like a fast paced hack n slash title giving you fast paced attacks and using them to fight against waves of strange and powerful enemies that I am sure will be worth a go in some form with this title dropping next week from September 17th.

Then another port from some of the other systems will be making its presence on the console as the title from last year of Hell is Us will be heading to the system as you play a cloaked figure with a cool beam sword as you fight and save this dying land from some strange soulless creature and a sinister material that is corrupting the world within and I have been wanting to play this game for a while now and now I can do so on the go with the port ready to play from the 8th of October.

And the final title from the sizzle reel will be one to get the Awesome mix ready for as they unveiled an all new encore edition of the popular Guardians of the Galaxy game from a few years back that will see updated visuals, fast paced action and appealing narrative that finally is released from the shackles of the cloud based version on the original switch and I am sure will be worth giving another go around on by its release on November 5th.

Back to some titles that were given a bit more of a focus will be seeing you prepare for action on many confrontational methods as they showed off the upcoming remake of Persona 4 Revival will be on its way to the system as you deal with the daily life of school during the day but then must uncover the msytery and secrets of the strange Midnight program by night. I have been looking to properly get into and play this series when I possibly can and thankfully this will be one that I will delve into when the revival makes its way to the system from the 20th of May next year.

It was however not the only Persona unveiling at the event as while it was announced earlier this year , it is now confirmed the all new 6th entry of the series will be confirmed to be coming to the system and while no release window was given I am sure we can see by its release of more info in the near future.

And to wrap up on all of the announcements was one that I initially thought was going to be a new 3D entry of that familiar plumber, I was mistaken in that as it looks like that popular little round pink boy is getting an all new adventure as Kirby made another appearance in this direct that looked like an open world title that will see you use to obtain powers, explore a massive colourful locations before it pulls a Truman Show and sees that the location is a little bit of a facade and with the help of a strange new Fairy friend and a powerful enhanced sword, you will discover a strange new World Beyond the familiar and it seems like something that could be worth another grand scale adventure that I am sure will be worth giving a play of when this title is released to the system sometime early next year.

And that was all of the titles that were shown off at this months direct and I will say compared to the other 2 conferences, I personally enjoyed this one the most that while I know consisted of a good chunk being some ports compared to first party, I still think a lot of them are really exciting to play and try on the new system. Sure there was some titles I had hoped for like an all new 3D Mario game or to see if some rumoured unveilings were true like a new Smash Bros, Luigi's Mansion and even a revival to Nintendogs or hope for another Ace Attorney title, I am still very satisfied with the mix of games shown that doesn't all have to be first party and a mix variety will appeal to and I look forward to playing many of these as they release over the next few months or years to come.

But what were your thoughts on these dual directs, what are you the most excited for and what did you hope would've been unveiled at them for you? Let me know what you think down below.

News that involves New Names, projects and updates

You thought that was all I was going to focus on for this week then you are mistaken my friend as we have a small selection of a Hodge Podge as always to discuss and consume for the week that will not be as long as the last story and will consist of a small selection of new names joining some projects, a date or 2 of some to come and even a surprise announcement or shake up that some may not have expected but we can see what they have in focus to it all here, so lets see what was shown off from the last week.

So I will start off with the focus on one piece of casting news that we have gotten for this week and in this case we will be turning our attention back to the world of the superheroes and looking ahead into the future on who we will see return again as we have another new edition of the ever growing cast of the MCU and in this case with a focus to the growing side of the Mutants as we have a new edition to the growing cast of the X-Men with a familiar face getting a new take on it all as they have casted Gen V star Asa Germann as the Mutant of Angel. Now as I mentioned this actor has already been in the world of heroes as he was in the Boys Spin off of Gen V where he played the character of Sam Riordan who became a focal character in that first season as well as a small appearance in the 4th season of the main series and honestly I am fine with his take from that to this project and can see this as being a decent outcome. Now Angel has already had a presence in some X-Men film from the original trilogy where many remember the scene that he clipped his wings from himself as he wanted nothing to to with the Mutants in Last Stand and then his reintroduction in Apocalypse but it seems like a decent selection overall for the role. Now this joins the likes of the character roster of Rogue, Xavier, Cyclops, Emma Frost, Jean and Mister Sinister and I am sure there will be a few more to be established before its release in May 2028 but once I hear anything new I will let you know in a later episode.

Moving over to some release date or release window content, as we head into the season of the spooky months in particular, it will become a case that the timing for some updates on some new projects is bound to happen and it seems in this case that a long running series of horror titles will be making a return real soon and in this capacity will also be making a crossover with one of the most popular franchises in the genre with endless possibilities as the long running horror film series of VHS will be coming back next year and in this case their newest title will be diving into the expansive world of SCP Containment Breach. IF there was ever a series that I feel would work in a collab in crossing over it would be with these 2 franchises as VHS has slowly started to see more and more appeal with every new title and SCP has boundless possibilities to be used with hundreds if not thousands of choices of the known and unknown of this world so I am sure there will be a bit of an appeal to it all. Now its only confirmed so far for next year but no official date has been given but once I do hear anything about it all I will let you know in a later episode.

But speaking of horrors on the internet, there is another side of the horror that has been blowing up majorly and that is in the area of the Analog Horror and we have seen that with one of the biggest successes of the year being with The Backrooms from the original videos creator making quite a profit at the box office and while a sequel is underway with Kister back behind the camera and no indication as to when we will see this release, we do however have a date for when the next title in the world of Analog horror will be hitting the big screen as after initially being announced a few weeks ago, the film based on the series of The Mandela Catalogues that is being helmed by the original series creator and produced by Steven Spielberg now has an official launch date with the film set to release now from the 9th of June 2028. Now the ideals of this one will be interesting to see how they will go about making this into a focused flowing narrative as the method it has been show from the series online is a series of strange vignettes that connect in some form or capacity of this strange town overrun with things known as Replicants that have distorted and caused many to take their lives and I am interested to see how this film itself will go about but I guess we can see what the original creator has in store for this full length version of the series and on who else will appear and be involved and once I hear anything about that I will let you know in a later episode.

Moving it over to some project announcements and ideals in focus, it seems that we are going to see a group of friends hitting the road again and showing that in all sense of things that they seem to have not learned anything since their school days but what else would you expect as on Monday it was announced that a 3rd film based on the UK comedy series of the Inbetweeners and will be coming to Netflix as they seem to have started production on that new film already which is quite a reveal to many. Now the series has become a staple as one of the most beloved comedy shows in the UK and around the world and if you can tell they also had a pair of films that released in the early 2010s that had various mixed reception so it will be intriguing to see what they will do with this 3rd title if it will be akin to the likes of them all grown up with families or something a bit different but I am sure we will get an idea of things as the production continues. Now as of the moment there is no indication of when we may see this 3rd film as of yet but once I hear any updates I will let you know in a later episode.

This last story is one that is a little bit of a shake up in the media industry and while I could talk on some other projects or the the fact of Apple copying off of Android with a Flip phone that is costing extortionate cash but I am more focused to another story that has shaken up the gaming scene as it seems the long lasting relationship between PlayStation and Hideo Kojima has come to an end. So to give context, Kojima started his own gaming company back in 2015/2016 after he was let go from Konami for reasons I can't recall from that long ago and he went on to develop a series of titles in a new IP of Death Stranding that did well critically and sales wise and it looked like it was going to be the same again with his new title of Physint that looked to be a new spy based title and a spiritual successor to the Metal Gear Solid series with that title coming sometime soon. However some news has come that this was the cause of their separation as Sony was annoyed in missed deadlines, budgets ballooning and the case that they felt the number of units for the Death Stranding series was a bit underwhelming in outcome which really just seems like these studios expect a level like they need to make like 10 million in the first week to be a success but maybe they should appreciate that they got some numbers. Now it was also a case that the title was supposedly quietly cancelled back in June and it seems this has been the turmoil that caused him to leave the partnership with Sony and take the game somewhere else and it seems they had it already welcomed with the rival of Xbox, the company that Kojima has been working with on his new horror of OD so it makes the whole sense of working with them on the newest Tactical Espionage title so hopefully it will be more of a success with that studio and it really seems to be showing that PlayStation is taking L after L with their decisions from dropping physical discs, not reducing prices on Digital games, not allowing people to actually own those digital versions, deleting them without warning and not give a refund for them (like the 500 movies they just quietly took off) and so much more that I feel Sony will need to see the error of ways cause this feels like a disaster and losing a developer like Kojima should be a major wake up call. Now do I see Physint getting released to PlayStation, it will be hard to tell but I am sure if we get some new info and insight about the title I will let you know in a later episode.

But what do you make of these stories, do you See Asa doing a solid job as Angel for the X-Men, do you see the VHS SCP crossover film working out, what are your opinions on where the Mandela Catalogue film will go in, will you be watching the 3rd Inbetweeners film and do you see Physint being more of a success at Xbox then it would've been at PlayStation and will it still be on all of the consoles? Let me know what you think down below

And with all of that this brings us to the end of the very long 185th edition of Weird Mind News Room and I hope you enjoy the ramblings that seemed to never end. Let me know your thoughts on all of the content discussed down below and as always I hope you all stay being wonderful people and have a great day everyday and I will see you all in the next episode :)

Take Care, Keep being you, signing off

Sam H :)