Battlefield 5’s Second Free DLC, Lightning Strikes, Launches Tomorrow

Battlefield V‘s second free DLC expansion is almost here. Developer DICE is rolling out the first wave of Chapter 2: Lightning Strikes on PS4, Xbox One, and PC this Tuesday, January 15, bringing new modes, weapons, and other content to the World War II shooter.

First, the update will introduce Squad Conquest, which DICE describes as “an intense version of Conquest that enables more tactical gameplay.” In this mode, two teams of eight players–each of which is further divided up into two four-person squads–can do battle on “smaller, more tactical” versions of the Arras, Rotterdam, and Hamada maps.

On top of that, DICE is adding four new weapons to the game. These can be unlocked by completing Weekly Challenges in January and February. The four weapons are as follows:

  • Zk-383 SMG (Medic class)
  • Modele 1944 semi-automatic rifle (Assault class)
  • M1922 MMG (Support class)
  • Mk. III bolt-action rifle (Recon class)

Finally, DICE is implementing a handful of improvements to Time to Death and Death Experience in this week’s update. Among other things, the developer has added a camera that zooms in on and follows players who have killed you. You can find the full patch notes for the update on the Battlefield website.

DICE has a lot of other content in store for Chapter 2: Lightning Strikes, including a new Grand Operation–Battle of Hannut–as well as the new Tank Hunter vehicle. The developer is also bringing back the fan-favorite Rush mode for a limited time this March.

Can the Avatar Sequels Spark 3D’s Return to Grace?

James Cameron’s Avatar and 3D go hand in hand. So much of the movie’s buzz was due to the 3D gimmick and the big budget special effects that it worked so well with. Avatar truly became a must-see movie when it was released — not just on the biggest screen possible but in as many dimensions as possible — and it remains the highest-grossing film of all time worldwide some 10 years later. Indeed, it helped spur on a renewed interest in big-screen 3D at the time. And now there are four Avatar sequels on the way, with the first slated for release in 2020.

Except Cameron and 20th Century Fox (the studio behind the films) are facing a new world. The hype for 3D upon Avatar’s release in 2009 is long gone in most markets. So the question is whether or not the big, blue alien cats of Pandora can help make 3D movies relevant again.

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New On Netflix This Week: Movies, TV, And Originals (US)

The new year brings new offerings for your streaming pleasure on Netflix. The weather outside is getting chillier across most of the US, making it the perfect time to stay indoors and watch new streaming shows and movies till your heart’s content.

This week the service adds a few highly anticipated series, most releasing on Friday. Season 2 of The Punisher will arrive on January 18, alongside Netflix’s original take on Carmen Sandiego as a Robin Hood-style noble thief. We’ll also be seeing more Grace & Frankie, the cartoon Trolls: The Beat Goes On, and the reality series The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes.

This week also marks your last chance to see some films as well. On January 18, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will exit the service, but you can still watch Solo: A Star Wars Story since it became available on January 9. This slow shuffling out of Disney properties has also included cancellation announcements for the Marvel shows, so we expect to see one for Punisher sometime soon.

Make sure to check out our full wrap-up of the month for more details, and read up on our recommendations if you need a little more direction.

Avail. 1/15/19

  • Revenger– NETFLIX FILM
  • Sebastian Maniscalco: Stay Hungry– NETFLIX ORIGINAL

Avail. 1/16/19

  • American Gangster

Avail. 1/17/19

  • American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace

Avail. 1/18/19

  • Carmen Sandiego– NETFLIX ORIGINAL
  • Close– NETFLIX FILM
  • FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened– NETFLIX ORIGINAL
  • GIRL– NETFLIX FILM
  • Grace and Frankie: Season 5– NETFLIX ORIGINAL
  • IO– NETFLIX FILM
  • Soni– NETFLIX FILM
  • The Punisher: Season 2– NETFLIX ORIGINAL
  • The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes: Season 2 Part B– NETFLIX ORIGINAL
  • Trigger Warning with Killer Mike– NETFLIX ORIGINAL
  • Trolls: The Beat Goes On!: Season 5– NETFLIX ORIGINAL

Fast & Furious Spin-Off Hobbs & Shaw: Idris Elba Gets Bad In Latest Image

Whenever Dwayne Johnson stars in a movie, you can be sure that he’s going to take every opportunity to publicize it. Johnson is set to reprise his role as Agent Luke Hobbs in the upcoming Fast & Furious spin-off Hobbs & Shaw and has now released another image from the movie.

This latest picture seems to be taken in the same location as the one released in December. It shows Johnson alongside co-star Jason Statham as mercenary-for-hire Owen Shaw, and Idris Elba as the movie’s villain, Brixton. In his Instagram post, Johnson describes Elba’s character as “the baddest bad guy the Fast & Furious franchise has ever had.” Check it out below:

Hobbs & Shaw is directed by Deadpool 2’s David Leitch, and also stars Vanessa Kirby (Mission Impossible: Fallout), Eiza González (Baby Driver), and Eddie Marsan (Deadpool 2). It releases on August 2, 2019.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly last month, Johnson spoke about what will set Hobbs & Shaw apart from the insane, over-the-top action of the main Fast & Furious movies. “The main thing that we can do and focus on is how can we evolve,” he said. “So instead of thinking of whatever the biggest explosions are with the biggest vehicles and let’s drop them from the moon, this is where finding the perfect director comes in with a very unique point of view and perspective, and someone who understands not only action but understands stylistic action mixed in with story and character.”

“David Leitch just did the new Deadpool and John Wick and Atomic Blonde,” Johnson continued. “So you can see the stylistic approach that he has, and he really just stepped up to the plate and took great ownership of this spin-off. He’s really been delivering, and if his past movies are an example of what he’s been doing, wait until you see this one.”

In terms of the main series, the currently untitled Fast & Furious 9 is currently scheduled for an April 2020 release. The decision to delay the movie by a year to make way for Hobbs & Shaw caused some controversy in 2017, when co-star Tyreese suggested that if Johnson were to appear, he would not. This follows the reported on-set feud between Johnson and star/producer Vin Diesel during the production of 2017’s The Fate of the Furious.

One Of Last Year’s Best Games Is Getting Free DLC Soon

Celeste was one of 2018’s best games, and it’s getting free DLC on PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch soon. The game’s creator, Matt Thorson, has shared details of the update on Twitter, and it sounds promising.

The expansion will consist of a new chapter containing some of the most difficult levels in the game. The added stages feature new items and mechanics, but no collectible strawberries, unlike the main game. No release date was mentioned for the DLC, only that it will be after the game’s one-year anniversary on January 25.

We awarded the platformer a 9/10 in our Celeste review. “It’s a testament to convincing writing and ingenious design that after playing Celeste I felt like I’d been on the same journey as Madeline,” we said. “Her struggle is one made easy to empathize with, her low points painful to watch, and her high notes exhilarating to experience. Her tale is delicately told and beautifully illustrated, confidently coalescing with the satisfying, empowering game it lies within. Not bad for a game about climbing a mountain.”

Celeste is free thanks to Xbox One’s Games With Gold program right now. Hurry though, it will go back to full price on January 31, while you have even less time to grab the month’s other free games.

Xbox Studio Teases “New Microsoft Technologies”

There are always more games on the horizon, and now Microsoft has teased what’s coming next for its portfolio. In a blog post, Microsoft offered what it called a “hot tease” of what fans can expect in the time ahead.

Starting with 2019 games, Xbox fans have titles like Crackdown 3, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Gears 5, and Minecraft: Dungeons to look forward to. Of note, all of these games–and all future first-party titles from Microsoft–are included with the price of an Xbox Game Pass membership.

“2019 is shaping up nicely for Xbox, PC and mobile gamers alike,” Microsoft said.

Also in 2019 Microsoft will release a significant new update for Sea of Thieves, called The Arena, which adds a competitive mode.

In addition to all of these games and the new Sea of Thieves expansion, Microsoft teased future releases from its studios around the world. Microsoft said delivering “new Microsoft technologies” is one part of the company’s ambition going forward.

“And we can’t wait to show you what all the Microsoft Studios development teams are working on. We’re focused on implementing new Microsoft technologies, delivering content for new platforms and services like Xbox Game Pass, and creating exclusive games that turn players into loyal Xbox fans,” Microsoft said. “We are committed to expanding the Microsoft Studios franchises players already love and investing in new, exclusive content for every type of gamer. We’re excited to see the teams maximize their potential at Microsoft and can’t wait for what the future has in store.”

Last year, Microsoft invested in its future by acquiring six studios and creating an all-new one. At E3, Microsoft announced that it acquired Playground Games (Forza Horizon), Compulsion Games (We Happy Few), Ninja Theory (Hellblade), and Undead Labs (State of Decay). At Microsoft’s X018 event in Mexico City, Microsoft announced the acquisition of Obsidian Entertainment (Fallout: New Vegas) and inXile Entertainment (Wasteland 3). As for new studio, The Initiative is based in the Los Angeles area, and it’s staffed by Red Dead Redemption’s writer/designer and many other big names.

Outside of games, Microsoft is working on a game-streaming service that will let you play console-level Halo on your phone, while the company is also making a Halo TV show and a Gears of War movie. Additionally, Microsoft is working on multiple new Xbox consoles.

What games and technologies are you hoping to see from Microsoft in 2019? Let us know in the comments below!

The Best Smart Watches

Whether you’re looking to rely less on your phone, or just want a fun and flexible time instrument, Smart Watches are here to stay. Here’s our picks for the very best in every category.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey DLC – Legacy of the First Blade: Shadow Heritage Review

The second episode of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’s Legacy of the First Blade DLC, Shadow Heritage faithfully follows the formula Ubisoft laid out in Episode 1: Hunted. Fortunately, that formula works just as well this time around, drip-feeding us small doses of faction backstory, while focusing on the drama of its characters. With another branch of cultists to track down and murder, a couple of new tricks of the trade to put to use, and some well-delivered moments between characters, Shadow Heritage is yet another good 3-5 hour serving of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.

Shadow Heritage picks up shortly after the events of Hunted, and you’re once again working with the mysterious character from Assassin’s Brotherhood lore. This time around there’s less historical backstory to enjoy, with the focus shifting toward the current machinations of the Order of the Ancients in their pursuit of Alexios or Kassandra. Like Hunted, this episode doesn’t add much to Odyssey’s now-defined gameplay recipe: help the people of Greece in exchange for clues, track down targets, and kill cultists. But it still works.

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