Early Game Review: 'Star Wars Outlaws'

Enthusing the mentality and appeal of rogue characters in the "Star Wars" mythos such as Han Solo, Lando Calrissian, Boba Fett and the Mandalorian, "Star Wars Outlaws" — due out Friday — revels in exploring the bountiful riches of the franchise's grey area, where heroism and villainy can be bought and sold in favor of personal gain.

Abounding in rich culture, subtle social commentary and indulgent escapism, the effort from Ubisoft, Lucasfilm Games and Massive Entertainment heaps on fan service in a canonical entry that revisits memorable locations and characters while also heaping on a delightful dollop of realms and creatures previously unknown.

That such a morally ambiguous effort — along with the recently released film "Deadpool and Wolverine: — gets the Disney stamp of approval marks the corporation's willingness to embrace the scummier fringes of its properties as well as its core white knights. This is a game that dares you to challenge perceived norms and stretch moral boundaries in the name of a barrier-free exploration of situational ethics.

The open-world venture has you play as new character Kay Vess, a bitter scoundrel who seeks to scrap together the means to outwit all sides of the military industrial complex and the underworld in order to survive and thrive in a galaxy far, far away. You start off by scrounging for credits in a seedy back alley in order to pay a sketchy repairman to fix a device that will allow you to hack appliances. 

How you choose to approach the task varies depending on the amount of exploration, grinding and risk you can stomach. You can gamble your savings -- probably only the right move if you can catch a hot tip on the fixed race on which you'll bet — sell scavenged merchandise or endeavor at odd jobs. 

You are then tasked to infiltrate a night club, sneaking your way past security with a combination of sweet talk and false innuendo, with the goal of obtaining a forged security card that seems to be your ticket out of the slums.

I had a blas playing as Kay, and feel that the story would translate well to a miniseries format on Disney+. There were enough familiar locales and icons to satisfy my fanboy side, and enough new content — all of which was seamlessly integrated, rather than forced — to intrigue my yearning to explore.

The freedom of choice of how you choose to navigate this quirky netherworld is captivating, making "Star Wars Outlaws" a first-of-its-kind effort in the franchise's video game oeuvre, and I enjoyed the ride. This is a game that thoroughly understands how much untapped exuberance there is in George Lucas's creation. I’ve never had so much fun in a Star Wars game.

Publisher provided review code.

Review: 'Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the The Chicago Bears'

 Yeeeeah! Listen, you can stop what you're doing right now. Drop whatever you're holding, because we gotta talk about this Hard Knocks! The boys and I have been locked in, watching every single second, and let me tell you, this ain't your grandpappy's Hard Knocks. This is a whole new animal, a whole new vibe, and it's absolutely electric. What a beautiful thing!

Right off the bat, you can feel it. The energy, the hope, the sheer potential bursting out of that building in Lake Forest. It's not just a football team; it's a movement. You got a quarterback, Caleb Williams, who walks in with the weight of a city on his shoulders, and he's not even flinching. You see him out there, throwing absolute dimes, making plays with his feet, just being an absolute dude. The show does a fantastic job of showing you the human side of it all—the rookie dinners, the jokes, the pressure, the grind. This ain't just a highlight reel; it's a window into a franchise trying to build something special, and it's captivating.

And can we talk about the coaching staff? Matt Eberflus, man. The "H.I.T.S." principle isn't just some slogan on a t-shirt. You see it in action. The intensity, the focus, the attention to detail. It’s contagious. The defensive line is flying around, the secondary is locked in, and the offensive play-calling… they're letting it rip! You see the trust he has in his guys, and more importantly, you see the players buying in. It’s a culture shift right before our eyes, and the cameras are right there to capture every single moment of it.

Then you got guys like D.J. Moore, a veteran who’s leading by example and making sure the young guys are ready for prime time. The running backs, the offensive line, everyone is just putting their head down and working. This show isn't about drama; it's about the pure, uncut passion of football. It's about a city that's been waiting for a winner, and you get the feeling, after watching this, that the wait might just be over.

So, if you're a Bears fan, a football fan, or just someone who loves a good story about a team coming together, you gotta check this out. It's the most honest, raw, and exciting look at a team I've seen in a long, long time. Let's go!

Game Review: 'Frontier Hunter: Ezra's Wheel of Fortune'

Billed as "Genshin Impact" meets the Metroidvania realm, "Frontier Hunter: Ezra's Wheel of Fortune" packs a bevy of anime hijinks into an expansive, exploration-driven package.

The dev team at IceSitruuna follows the success of "Tower Hunter: Ezra's Trial" with a game that takes bigger swings and packs more dynamic twists and turns into the cleverly written tale.

Often in games of this ilk, combat is a monotonous chore that bottlenecks the storytelling. The throwdowns in "Ezra's Wheel of Fortune" (2019), however, is the opposite. An invigorating mix of tactics, twitch skills and light puzzle dynamics, the conflicts make for invigorating triumphs and, with the challenging boss battles, devastating setbacks.

The sound and graphics designs are top-tier, and there is just enough quirkiness to keep the tone on the whimsical side rather than stumbling into mawkishness.

"Frontier Hunter: Ezra's Wheel of Fortune" may not rewrite the book on 2.5-D Metroidvania escapades, but it does manage to pen its own compelling chapter.

Publisher provided review code.

Early Game Review: 'Madden NFL 25'

With all the hype surrounding EA Sports College Football 25 this season, Madden NFL 25's release feels almost like an afterthought. However, it doesn't take much time with the new entry to get the stark feeling that this is still THE football sim, and for all the well-deserved love heaped upon NCAA, it's still relegated to the status of Little Bro when it comes to comparisons with the real big dog.

Due out Friday, the game marks the series' continual evolution as it strives to capture the grit, brutality and emergent thrills of the league itself.

Like cover athlete Christian McCaffrey, the gameplay is quick, flashy and energetic. 

Chief among additions to this year's roster include a FieldSENSE upgrade that captures the cinematic flair of the game's sights and sounds by giving you control of small touches that add up to big changes. For instance, you can alter the touch on a pass in order to float it past the outstretched hand of a defender, or stutter step to make a defender fall on his face in the open field, allowing you to squeeze a few more yards out of a scamper.

Also new is the physics-based tackling system, dubbed BOOM Tech, which allows defenders to level ball carriers, scrape past blockers, and also lets superstars wriggle their way free of the grip of certain doom.

Many facets of the visuals and presentation have been adjusted, with the concentrated aim of making the on-field product echo the wild battles you experience while watching on TV, as well as synthesizing the sights and sounds in the crowd at games.

I appreciated the array of uniforms available for each team. Even though my beloved Arizona Cardinals aren't rocking official throwbacks this year, they can don uniforms from the Pat Tillman era, the mid-20th century reds, or even the recently replaced Color Rush unis that are now collecting dust in my jersey closet.

Other modes with considerable upgrades include the card-based Ultimate Team, which has been made more accessible and replayable, Franchise Mode, which carries more customization options, and Superstar Mode, which allows you to take the field in a created player of your design and live out your pro football dreams.

The new commentary team of Greg Olson and Mike Tirico make consistently astute observations that help reframe each game's narrative at key junctures, tossing out key stats to underline points and reacting to the ebb and flow of the game. I was justly chastised for my five-interception performance in Buffalo.

With the promise of fresh content set to drop throughout the year, tracing the steps of the way the real-life drama unfolds week to week, "Madden NFL 25" promises to be the go-to watercooler of sorts for NFL obsessives to devour the intricacies of the game, scheme out potential fantasy squad trades or live out virtual echoes of the triumphs and defeats they witness on Thursdays, Sundays and Mondays. 

Overall, "Madden NFL 25" plasters a grin across the face of even a perennially defeated Cardinals fan like myself. Hope springs eternal in August, and "Madden NFL 25" is stoking the fires of an invigorating season to come.

Publisher provided review code.

Game Review: 'Star Wars: Bounty Hunter'

A remastered version of the fondly remembered 2002 release, "Star Wars: Bounty Hunter" gives the game creaky old game a much-needed reworking. 

Armed with an updated camera system, modernized control options, graphical upgrades and deeper, more detailed textures and lighting, the game feels like a wholesale Mandalorian Beskar replacement.

Feeling nearly like a wholesale re-imagining rather than a quick-and-dirty port for a nostalgia grab, the new game shows off the care and passion for the old title held by the team at Aspyr, which worked in tandem with Lucasfilm Games to make sure the upgraded effort matched the spirit of the original.

Perhaps the most welcome, if also the most controversial, addition is a flashlight, which allows you to perk up some of the game's drab, washed-out environments.

Set amid the prequel trilogy, you play as Boba's father, Jango Fett, at the height of his reign as one of the galaxy's most feared mercenaries. You navigate with a jetpack, strafing opponents with elements of verticality. 

Fan service abounds. After you complete your first run-through, you unlock the Boba Fett skin, allowing you to redo your run as gravelly-voiced Junior.

The third-person shooter definitely suffers from design flaws of its time, but those are often as charming as they are irritating. There is a certain, pre-Disney/J.J. Abrams purity to the sensibilities offered by "Bounty Hunter." You mangle your way through the enviroments with a whipcord, flamethrower and dual blasters.

Although I was groaning just as often as I was smiling, even my grimaces were joyful ones. Like the recent remasters of the older "Tomb Raider" games, this one is mainly for those who came of age with the game and want to re-experience it, as well as for those who feel they have missed out on a key chapter of "Star Wars" history and want to experience it in its finest form yet. Either way, you are in for a wild, slightly aggravating, good time. 

Publisher provided review code.

Game Review: 'Hairdresser Simulator'

An odd, strangely satisfying lark, "Hairdresser Simulator" sets you up in a shop with a parade of demanding clients. It's on you to use your vision and handcraft skills to send them home happy with their new 'dos.

Developer Petard Games, working with publisher Frozen Way, adds plenty of flourish to what might have been a stale effort. You can experiment with colors, straightening or curling and layering in order to attain your vision. 

If you'd like to experiment with your own look, you can upload a photo that the game morphs into an in-game model, letting you try out your wild ideas without having to suffer the actual consequences in the mirror.

While the game challenges you to build your own hairdressing empire by taking on more clients, expanding and upgrading your facilities, products and tools, the game offers the most fun in its sandbox mode. Creations are limited only by your imagination.

A simple and staunch creation, "Hairdresser Simulator" accomplishes its modest goals. You can probably find something similar in the form of a free app, but in the console realm it seems to be a rare breed.

Publisher provided review code.

Game Review: 'Closer the Distance'

Taking on themes such as grief, despair, regret and loss, Skybound Games produces a daring and captivating narrative in "Closer the Distance." 

The dev squad behind the episodic classic "Orwell" ties together a group of family and friends who are coping with an accidental death of a young woman named Angela. Set in the town of Yesterby, you take the role of Angela, using supernatural abilities to explore the town, uncover secrets both dark and innocent, learn the intimate thoughts of everyone and do what you can do ease the pain of everyone that remains.

The characters develop their own relationships over time, and your actions as Angela carry heavy influence. You can stand back and let things take their course, intervene to set people up for unexpected happiness, or cause havoc that hastens the descent into darkness. The game gently pushes you in the direction of helping to inspire hope and catharsis of all you touch.

A game like this lives or dies by its writing, and thankfully, "Closer the Distance" shines in that department. Characters are crafted with dignity, care and elegance, making it a pleasure to get to know each of them and do what you can to ease their lives.

The design encourages multiple playthroughs, because the choices you make can cause the story to branch off in decidedly different directions. This is a game to get a friend to buy along with you, so you can discuss your differing experiences as you move along, sort of in the manner of an interactive book club.

"Closer the Distance" is one of the under-the-radar gems of the 2024 gaming year, and will doubtless end up on many players' top 10 lists while vying for awards contention. The true reward, though, comes in taking the time to enjoy its small, fleeting delights and use them to reflect on your own existence.

Publisher provided review code.

Early Game Review: 'SteamWorld Heist II'

A quirky platformer with intriguing characters, snappy storytelling and a signature style, "SteamWorld Heist II" is geared to swipe your attention for hours on end.

The latest from indie outfit Thunderful Games, the long-awaited sequel, due out Thursday, doubles down on the whimsy and absurdity that made its predecessor a cult hit.

The game follows the swashbuckling original, which was released back in 2015 on the 3DS. The game quickly made the leap to consoles and PC, and dazzled audiences with its oddball writing, intriguing mission structure and wild character design.

You tag along with Captain Leeway and his goofball crew as you sail the Great Sea and rack up treasure and resources to tangle with a mysterious threat. Via turn-based, side-scrolling gun battles and real time strategy-flavored combat at sea, you set sail through a steampunk-infused world.

Customization is king, with the ability to upgrade your ship, swap out and enhance robotic crew members and adjust your arsenal often meaning the difference between easy success and stiff challenge.

Despite the adherence to the preset formula, there is plenty of fresh content to enjoy. The story is filled with wild twists, and the strange characters you encounter always have something interesting to say. There is also plenty of fun to be had in the offbeat combat system, which encourages strategic maneuvering and trial and error.

"SteamWorld Heist II" may not rewrite the manual, but it manages to recapture the elusive charm that the first game so thoroughly nailed. It should bring a smile to veteran gamers that the SteamWorld ship has dropped anchor yet again.

Publisher sent review code.

Joey and Phil Discuss 'EA Sports College Football 25' Modes, Multiplayer

Phil Villarreal: Joey, we have both been testing out the waters in EA Sports NCAA Football 25 for a while now. I've been impressed with what I've seen so far. After a rough pre-launch, servers have been stable. It's always easy to find a game, and the competition is pretty intense. What has stood out to you?

Joey Greaber: This game's greatest achievement, for me, is in its presentation. Its ability to make it feel like Saturday in the fall using realistic crowd noise, passionate commentating, and iconic school band anthems impressed me, even if it was while getting dominated in an online match by someone who is likely half my age.

Phil: I like the way home field advantage dictates so much of your mentality and strategy. I found myself getting ready for a play near the goal line at Autzen Stadium, and couldn't trust my quarterback enough to sling it in the end zone. The conservative approach sometimes backfired, but you take whatever points you can on the road. I have been thoroughly enjoying my time online, but really wish there was online co-op. Anything missing from the experience for you?

Joey: I have found myself going the conservative route too, mostly by running the option or throwing short passes. I think the game needs a better create a coach system in Dynasty mode. Character creators have come a long way, but this one feels like it was carried over from NCAA 2014. Also, the character models that make up the crowd leaves a lot to be desired from a realism standpoint.

Phil: I agree with the crowd thing. I think it's an Uncanny Valley situation, where faceless crowds would have been fine, but because there is so much detail, it makes the repetition and blandness in many of the models stand out. However, I do like the ways the crowds reflect real-life whiteout situations, and the way crowd-fueled traditions made their way into the game. By the way, before we wrap up, we've got to address the most divisive thing in NCAA Football 5 - the kicking game. I still struggle with it, and that deeply affects my tactics, being a conservative player who would rather take three points on a deep drive than floor it on fourth down. Now I find myself nearly always going for it rather thank kicking when I've got the ball outside of the red zone. What about you?

Joey: It makes me feel more sympathy for real life kickers. If I am even the slightest bit offset from the center, I feel immense dread when trying to tilt my analog sticks at the correct angle. When you add in the new accuracy meter and the power meter, it just makes it even more complicated. Some of my kicks have been more wide right or left than I have ever imagined possible in a video game. I too find myself going for it on fourth down more often than not.

Phil: The unreliability factor when it comes to kicking at this level is all too real, and even though it aggravates me at times, I can see why it makes sense in a game about college football. All in all, the kicking struggles make for an interesting wrinkle in a package that is fantastic overall. As a player who gets bored slugging it out against AI, I need excellent multiplayer in any sports game, and that's what NCAA Football 15 delivers. I can only imagine the ways the game will grow throughout the season, as it reflects real-life developments in what is sure to be a wild season. Final thoughts, Joey?

Joey: I too am curious how the game will grow. I hope to see a few new modes added, such as the return of mascot mode or even the ability to replay classic moments as Madden has had over the years. Overall, I applaud EA for focusing on the little details that make college football stand out as a sport and inserting it into this game. The tradition of each program, the pageantry, it's all there.

Publisher provided codes for review.

Hot on Home Video: 'Back to Black,' 'Fall Guy,' 'Rocky I-VI Collection'

BACK TO BLACK

Marisa Abela of HBO's "Industry" sizzles in a breakout role as Amy Winehouse in this insightful biopic, which tracks the star's meteoric rise to fame as she battled addiction. Abela's performance, bolstered by a dead-on singing impression of Winehouse, powers the film. Eddie Marsan and Lesley Manville fill out the lead cast, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson. The film delves into the influences and inspirations that fed into Winehouse's creative process.

Extras include a look into Abela's transformation into Winehouse, a look at the artist's music and filmmaker commentary.

THE FALL GUY

A crowd-pleasing, critical darling that oddly didn't rake in tons of cash at the box office, this overlooked action flick gets a second chance at finding a mass audience on home video. Ryan Goslking and Emily Blunt star in a remake of the 1980s TV series. The story follows the path of a veteran stuntman who recovers from a devastating injury when a movie star goes missing.

Bonus features include an extended cut of the film that adds 20 minutes of footage, a gag reel, alternate takes, a breakdown of the film's stunts, a slew of making-if featurettes and a look inside the making of "Metalstorm," the film within a film.

ROCKY I-VI COLLECTION

There have been several collections of "Rocky" films -- I'm still waiting for the "Rocky"/"Creed" series combo -- but several have been incomplete to various degrees. This collection rounds up the six mainline "Rocky" films, ranging from the original, 1976 Best Picture Oscar winner to the well-liked 2006 "Rocky Balboa." 

Extras include such trifles as the "Rocky Balboa" director's cut, which includes 14 minutes of previously unreleased footage, as well as Sylvester Stallone's recut version of "Rocky IV," dubbed "Rocky IV: Rocky vs. Drago."

Studios provided screeners for review.

Book Report: "The House of Morgan: An American Banking Dynasty and the Rise of Modern Finance"

 

The House of Morgan: An American Banking Dynasty and the Rise of Modern Finance by Ron Chernow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mark Chernow is my favorite historical writer. Just as he did in his biographies of Hamilton, Washington, Lincoln and Grant, he sifts through mountains of historical data, records and accounts and weaves them into a tight, entrancing tapestry.

"The House of Morgan" forces me to view history through a new lens, considering the financial implications and influence wielded over world events by bankers and their whims, needs and mandates.

It's astounding how little national leaders and their armies had to do with the fates of civilization in comparison to the power wielded by the most influential banking entities of their respective times. This three-dimensional glimpse at historical events makes you reconsider a lot of what you thought you knew.

This was Chernow's first book, and he was still developing his authoritative voice. While it may not top his later, greater works, it's a foundational building block for one of our time's greatest authors. Like his other efforts, "The House of Morgan" is a treasure worth experiencing and studying.

View all my reviews

Early Game Review: 'EA Sports College Football 25'

Back when it was an annual release in the earlier part of the century, "EA Sports NCAA Football" franchise was taken for granted. NIL disputes drove it into hibernation, and the franchise's absence loomed larger than its presence ever did. Now, with the rebirth of the series as "EA Sports College Football 25" - due out Friday - hype has ratcheted up to a fever pitch, and gamedom thirsts for its release in the manner Texas fans long for a national title.

Built from scratch, with the likenesses of more than 11,000 players and the intricate details of tradition, stadiums and crowds of more than 150 teams, this is the game that fans of "NCAA Football" always dreamed of but never realistically expected. The time is right for the game to capitalize on its moment, and it breaks out of the locker room with the enthusiasm and pomp of a team busting through its banner in front of a fog machine and blasting music as fans hop up and down at fever pitch.

Like so many other fans have been doing since the game dropped in early release for preorders, I have lapped up every bit of the pageantry, excitement and intricate attention to detail bestowed on "College Football 25." When I faced off against Ohio State at home, I captured and shared an amazing highlight - of Arizona linebacker Justin Flowe stepping in front of a Kyle McCord pass in the end zone and taking it coast-to-coast for a pick six, then shared it with friends as though it were a triumphant moment from a real game. The upshot: This is a game that allows college football fanatics to dream and virtually live out the most audacious of visions.

Sure, there are some flaws. When you're dealing with 11,000 players, some likenesses will be off, and EA Sports has acknowledged that the initial release is missing a few updated logos. The kicking game is wonky, and the AI often has a preternatural, Madden-like ability to snag midfield interceptions or rubber band to track down runners with open fields. It would also be nice to add in the CFS teams and rosters that fill out the teams' schedules. Instead, those teams are replaced by generic stand-ins.

But those wrinkles fade to the background as I appreciated the larger whole of what's at play here. This is a magnificent accomplishment that will set the stage for must-play annual releases from here on out. It also promises to be a living document of the wild road that awaits in the first year after massive conference realignment and the inaugural 12-team playoff. Content updates promise to buttress real-life developments, breakout stars and magic moments that are sure to flow from the season ahead.

Whether you are taking on all comers in online quickplays, building up your program in Dynasty Mode, pacing out your own walk-on-whimsy in Road to Glory or succumbing to the siren song of card-based, upgradeable, pay-to-win talent in College Ultimate Team, there are countless hours of content in which to lose yourself. Although the old ESPN branding is absent, the presentation feels authentic, and the commentary, led by Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit, give every matchup the impression of a College GameDay atmosphere.

The sheer excitement and execution of a grand, audacious vision makes this game a triumph on nearly every level, and nothing short of a treasure for college football fans of any stripe. Even the lowliest benchwarmer on every roster will always be able to treasure this game's release for their moment in the sun, and fans like me will get to live out our Saturday night light hopes with vigor. It was worth the series' lengthy absence to experience the thrill of such an exuberant renewal.

Publisher provided code for review.

Hot on Home Video: 'Challengers,' 'Tarot,' 'True Detective: Night Country'

CHALLENGERS

The bold, wildly successful and well-reviewed psychosexual drama from filmmaker Luca Guadagnino features Zendaya as a tennis coach who engages in psychological manipulation with members of the opposite sex. She pits her husband and ex-boyfriend against one another in a high-stakes game filled with twists and turns. Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist round out the lead cast.

TAROT

Devoured by critics but largely praised by audiences, the jump scare-packed horror film delves into the mysterious realm of the occult. A group of goofy friends accidentally unleashes an evil entity trapped within a Tarot deck, causing figures from the cards to deal out grim fates to those involved. Harriet Slater, Adian Bradley, Avantika and Wolfgang Novogratz lead the cast. 

Extras include the "Circle of Friends" featurette, a small making-of documentary and outtakes.

TRUE DETECTIVE: NIGHT COUNTRY

The Max series maintains its reputation for spinning darkly fascinating tales of investigators who face down unspeakable darkness in the obsessive pursuit of solving grisly cries. Jodie Foster and Kalu Reis play detectives who investigate the disappearance of eight scientists who were carrying out experiments deep in the icy wilderness. The investigation turns up unexpected ties, a web of deceit and disturbing revelations.

Extras include a slew of making-of featurettes and social environmental shots that point to significant moments in the series. 

Studios sent screeners for review.

Galaxy Pixel 8A Thrives on T-Mobile Network

If you're in the market for a budget phone that looks, feels and performs like a top-tier device, you will be hard-pressed to find a more satisfying option than the Google Pixel 8A.

Rounding up an impressive package of processing power, visual dynamics, AI integration and a powerful camera suite, Google's reworked Pixel 8 adds form and function while retaining just about everything that makes its latest flagship device a standout.

While testing the phone with a bevy of apps, streaming functions and games, I found it to be a dynamo at multitasking. Working in silk-smooth tandem with T-Mobile's class-leading 5G network, the device marauded any challenge I could toss in front of it. 

While the phone was a bit slow to charge, that was a minor setback because each charge lasted so long. In idle mode, it could go days without a recharge, and through constant use, it easily lasted a day and a half before needing to go back to the cord.

The screen's 120Hz refresh rate on its 6.1-inch OLED screen was bright and starkly defined. Weighing in at just 6.8 ounces, it never tired out my hand or wrist as I put it through the paces. The Tensor G3 processor roared on 8GB of RAM, knocking out any task it confronted with ease.

The 64MP rear camera and 13MP front camera captured images and video with aplomb, with Google's AI capabilities touching up the images to look even better. 

The fact that such a capable phone is only $500 makes it even sweeter. With the Pixel 8A, you can roll like a power player on a penny-pincher's budget.

T-Mobile provided device for review.

Game Review: 'Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game'

I wonder what it says about my youthful development that I spent nearly every morning of my later elementary school years watching the 1988 exploitation flick "Killer Klowns from Outer Space" as it played on HBO. 

I was clearly not alone, because the oddball film, about an invasion of aliens who look like circus performers who off unsuspecting teens in comical fashion, has inspired the team at IllFonic Inc. to create a game in its image. The passion and attention to detail in crafting the characters, backgrounds and weaponry shows a deep appreciation for the movie's oddball brand of horror.

While heavily influenced by asymmetrical hunter/killer games such as "Predator" and, especially, "Dead by Daylight," there is plenty to distinguish the title as something unique and vibrant.

Matchmaking assigns you to play as a human or Klown. Each side has its advantages and drawbacks, with the lumbering, powerfully-armed Klowns trying to track down the lithe, quicker victims, who can either escape or take down their bullet-sponge opposition.

Creative, extravagant maps, which boast openable doors, vertical perches and multiple escape routes, make for a strategic, Pac-Man-style game of cat and mouse. Environmental objects can reshape the tone of battle at a moment's notice, shifting the advantage toward those who had been on the run.

The game even manages to pay tribute to the film's sordid humor, which leans on twisting carnival tropes into death traps. The game no doubt takes on an elevated level of entertainment if you're able to squad up with friends, with whom you can coordinate tactics, but even with strangers, it's still wildly entertaining. It's nice to see these Klowns resurrected from the trash heap of 1980s nostalgia.

Publisher provided review code.

Game Review: 'Beyond Good & Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition'

There will always be a spot for "Beyond Good & Evil" for gamers who came of age in the early 2000s. Its latest rerelease sparks a knowing smile in those who have been looking for an excuse to relive the dizzyingly creative adventure once again.

The action-adventure escapade boasts a twist-filled story, puzzle elements and a lively combat system. There are also elements of racing and photography that play major parts in gameplay. The dizzying potpourri that keeps the game's wheels greased and has made it one of the most highly-praised cult classics of its era.

Orginally released in 2003 on PlayStation 2 and Xbox, the game got a remastered release in 2011 on the Xbox 360 and PS3. The new release seems to be a graphical and gameplay proof of concert meant to whet the appetite for the long-awaited sequel.

Set on a mining planet in the year 2435, the tale follows green-skinned heroine Jade, an avid photographer with a wild boar-like sidekick who faces off against the DomZ, which has launched a propaganda campaign to undermine the peoples' trust as the powers that be exploit and kidnap the populace.

Jade is a well-written protagonist whose character arc has a decidedly cinematic bent. Just as loveable for her flaws and quirks as she is for her talent and dogged determination, she is a gutsy leader who is just as capable of winning battles with her mind as she is her firepower. Steadfast in the face of crushing adversity, her willingness to take an iconoclastic stand is admirable. 

"Beyond Good & Evil" thrives just as much in its quieter moments as it does in its swashbuckling set pieces. It's a classic that has stood the test of time and looks and plays better than ever in its latest iteration. And the prospect of that elusive sequel seems ever more tantalizing now.

Publisher provided review code.

Hot on Home Video: 'The Boys in the Boat,' 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,' 'Monkey Man'

THE BOYS IN THE BOAT

Thoroughly hokey yet disarmingly inspiring, this true-life tale of the 1936 University of Washington rowing team, which competed for gold at the infamous Berlin Olympics, manages to hit the right strokes. Joel Edgerton, Callum Turner, Peter Guinness and Jack Mulhern headline the cast int he underdog tale of uknown athletes who banded together and shocked the world. Director George Clooney shows a deft feel for the material, mixing personal moments with training montages and racing action to create a timeless story.

GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE

The 80s-spawned franchise shows it's still got plenty of life in it. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Erine Hudson team with Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, McKenna Grace and Finn Wolfhard for a continuation of the story that started in "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" (2021). The Spengler family returns to the New York City firehouse that once served as Ghostbusters HQ. They band together with the OG Ghosbusters squad to fend off an army of evil spirits bent on ushering in a new Ice Age.

Extras include deleted and extended scenes, filmmaker commentary, and featurettes on the movie's equipment and ghosts. There's also an extended look at the film's score, as well as a making-of mini-doc.

MONKEY MAN

Dev Patel, Sharlto Copley, Sobhita Dhulipala and Vipin Sharma star in the kinetic, crowd-pleasing action film, which focuses on a nameless man who makes his living in an underground fighting ring. He faces down the men responsible for pushing him as a boy into a life of poverty and obscurity, channeling his rage in a mission of righteous vengeance.

Special features include deleted scenes, a slew of making-of featurettes and filmmaker commentary.

Studios sent screeners for review.

Saguaro City Music Theatre Review: 'Willy Wonka'

By Gina Walsh

To watch "Willy Wonka" is to be transported to a land of pure imagination. Anything goes in this candy-fueled wonderland of dreams and delight. 

Lurking underneath the idyllic, sugar-rushed indulgences are harsh lessons in morality and moderation, orchestrated by a snarky puppet master who is all too willing to give his bratty visitors and their parents enough licorice rope with which to figuratively hang themselves.

Bolstered by a cast of stunningly talented children and a rock-solid supporting cast of adults, the production thrives under the direction of Drew Humphrey, who crafts a colorful tapestry of sight and sound. 

Each of the musical numbers pop with whimsy and crackling humor, led by spirited vocal performances from the likes of Lucy Cable, who plays Charlie Bucket, Raind Gonda as Willy Wonka and Ayla Olivas, who turns in a scene-swiping performance as Veruca Salt.

My 2-year-old and I were captivated at the Friday matinee showing. We adored the way the musical blended aspects of the two Hollywood films, the Roald Dahl source material and a hefty helping of fresh touches. We were particularly floored by the Oompa-loompa overtures, Gonda's captivating "There's No Knowing" soliloquy and the death-defying "Flying-Burping."

Making use of expert stagecraft enhanced by projection highlights, the stage sucks the audience into a realm of flight and fantasy. The show cruises by at a breakneck pace, earning the attention of older and younger viewers alike, who connect to it on different levels.

With the staggeringly entertaining "Willy Wonka," Saguaro City Musical Theatre continues to assert itself as a force to be reckoned with on the Tucson stage scene. The passion and talent on display is nothing short of spellbinding, and the talented collaboration is a sheer joy to behold. 

"Willy Wonka" plays through June 23 at Berger Performing Arts Center. Buy tickets here. 

Hot on Home Video: 'American Fiction,' 'The Karate Kid'

AMERICAN FICTION

Best adapted screenplay Oscar winner Cord Jefferson, who also directs the best picture-nominated film, bursts onto the scene with a biting satire of the media landscape. Jeffrey Wright stars as Monk, a struggling novelist who leans into cultural stereotypes to create a mockery of them in the form of a controversial novel that begins to take on a life of its own and disrupt his career. Funny and poignant, the film was one of the best of 2023. The stellar cast of Tracee Ellis Ross, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander and Leslie Uggams elevates Jefferson's writing and directing to sublime levels.

THE KARATE KID

The seminal 1984 underdog tale, which has gained new life with the success of the "Cobra Kai" franchise, stands as one of the iconic films of its time. "Rocky" director John G. Avildsen executes his storytelling talents to their finest degree, pairing Ralph Macchio with Pat Morita in a tale of an uprooted, bullied teen who learns the way of the open fist in order to find purpose and fulfillment. Elisabeth Shue and William Zabka round out the underrated cast.

The 4K restoration is loaded with extras, including feature film commentary by the creators of "Cobra Kai" and 30 minutes of previously unreleased deleted scenes.

Studios provided screeners for review.

Hot on Home Video: 'Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire,' 'La Femme Nikita,' 'Welcome Back, Kotter'

 GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

As big, loud and brainless as its CGI-generated monster stars, the mash-up film leaves its dull human characters off to the wayside as it focuses on a chain of action that rarely hits the pause button. The plot may be laughable and the effects are lackluster, but the film works well enough as a goofy trifle. Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry and Dan Stevens headline the cast.

Extras include a ton of featurettes, including "Into the Hollow Earth," "The Battles Royale" and 'The Intrepid Director." Filmmaker commentary" and a breakdown of the battle scenes.

LA FEMME NIKITA

Director Luc Besson is in top form in this 1990 thriller, which stars Anne Parillaud, Jeanne Moreau Jean Reno. In a plot with a hint of "The Suicide Squad," a killer and drug addict played by Parillaud goes on a vendetta for redemption, taking on deadly missions as a secret agent. Exquisite action scenes and powerful lead performances pepper the cult classic.

Extras in the steelbook edition, but it's nice to see the oft-forgotten film available in a dazzling 4K restoration.

WELCOME BACK, KOTTER: THE COMPLETE SERIES

The seminal 1975-79 high school comedy launched the career of John Travolta. Gabe Kaplan stars as a middle-aged man who heads back to his Brooklyn alma mater to teach a group of goofballs who remind him of himself as a teen. While many of the jokes have dated, Travolta's charisma as Vinnie Barbarino is undeniable. The show packs a heavy nostalgia factor and manages to retain much of its comedic value and pathos.

Studios provided screeners for review.