E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

Studios: Amblin Entertainment
Publisher: Universal Pictures
Platforms: Cinema
Release Date: Out Now

Overview

The names that are almost synonymous with the word “Hollywood” are Lucas, Bay, Tarantino, and Spielberg to name a few. Spielberg in particular has a fascination with exploring interactions with alien subjects… as in, literal aliens. From his earlier work with Close Encounters of the Third Kind to his most recent Indianna Jones instalment, he has a philia for all things xenos. E.T. The Extraterrestrial fits into his passions quite well and is an unusual combination of a science fiction children’s film. After phoning home, I waltzed on down to the In the House screening of the film to see how this classic by maestro of the cinematic medium faired on the big screen.

The MCs for the evening were Jason ‘Jabba’ Davis and David ‘Quinny’ Quinn. After playing ‘rock, paper, scissors’ with the entire audience, a hallmark of the In the House experience, the two shared some interesting trivia about the film. The thing that stuck out in my memory was the fact that Spielberg came up with the idea for E.T. while wandering off the set of Raiders of the Lost Ark and reminiscing in the Tunisian desert. Apparently, his original concept of an alien befriending a young boy was one he developed in his youth as a way to deal with the divorce of his parents. I feel the relationship of E.T. and Elliot in the film takes on a new dimension when you factor in that even before this film was made, E.T. was already helping someone with their pain.

Story

The film starts us off with a group of aliens exploring a wooded area of rural America before being interrupted by a search party of men. The aliens leave in haste but leave one of their own behind who escapes the search party and runs to hide in the suburbs of a nearby city. Meanwhile, in a house in the suburbs, Elliott (Henry Thomas) encounters the alien in the shed in his backyard, who he names E.T. After a misstep or two, both Elliott and the alien become friends. The pair must work together to help ET get home and escape the attentions of the adults who wish to stop him for their own ends.

The story is simple enough to follow without too much complexity or ambiguity. Everything’s pretty straightforward and it works to reinforce the sense of childlike simplicity with which Elliot approaches E.T. There is no real examination or reflection of E.T. as anything other than a really cool friend to have and play with by pretty much all of the young characters in this film. The one exception to this is Elliot’s mother, Mary (Dee Wallace), who we see at multiple times during the film going through the emotional turmoil of a difficult divorce.

The main crux of the film is the relationship between Elliot and E.T. and the film asks a lot of its child star to make its entire concept work. Luckily, Thomas is able to deliver and we really get the sense of connection and love between the human and alien characters. He’s also not, thankfully, an insufferable character which speaks to the strength of the screenwriter who has worked to create a personality who is both likeable but distinctly childlike. Elliot is naïve and goodhearted but not an idiot, as so often screenwriters imagine children to be (and which can drain the charm out of them fast).

The simplicity of this film’s interpretation of the events and characters is incredibly straightforward and makes it a film wholly suitable for a younger audience… however, this can also make things a bit slow in parts. I mean, it pains me to say it but I was honestly a little bit bored at points in the film. Everything is so straightforward that it really just couldn’t hold my attention. It wasn’t enough for me to wish that the XCOM project finally make an explosive entrance and take E.T. in for questioning but I was certainly yearning for some of the meatier fair of Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind. It’s not something which will ruin a first watch of the film or for younger audiences but it left me wishing for more.

Visuals

The cinematography in so much of the film is absolutely beautiful. The night time shots of the shed in the first act of the film are beautifully composed with the humdrum of a suburban backyard taking on a beautiful but menacing form as the light spills out through the doorway. Another aspect you’ll notice is that much of the film’s shots are filmed from a low angle. It works to replicate the feeling of looking up at adults when you’re a young child and I feel it works well to put us in the mindset of Elliot.

A lot of Spielberg’s work is absolutely timeless movie magic that will continue to surprise and delight film goers for generations to come but the same can’t be said of the special effects. Don’t get me wrong, the E.T. puppetry and animatronics still look great and hold their own against today’s CGI but some of the other special effects hasn’t aged well. In particular, scenes where characters or things fly really doesn’t hold as well as other parts. It may be somewhat jarring for modern audiences, but I’m willing to bet that kids are going to be too enamoured by the story of children and their alien friend to really care.

Audio

The film is brilliantly scored by Spielberg collaborator John Williams who is an expert at working a symphonic score. Williams creates a soundscape which is wonderfully captures and highlights the mood of the film’s emotional beats. When we first meet E.T., it’s tense as we don’t yet know what to make of the alien creature but quickly Williams turned everything around. The soundtrack takes on a lighter tone with plenty of strings to carry the them and ultimately crescendo during the film’s iconic chase with horns and percussion. It’s a showcase in how classic film scores can stand the test of time.

Overall

So overall, I very much enjoyed this film and was happy to see it on the big screen. The story sells itself on our childlike desire to connect with others and the chemistry between our protagonists in undeniably charming. The cinematography is breathtaking although some of the special effects may not have aged gracefully in the face of modern day CGI. The soundtrack is an exemplar of classic Hollywood film scoring with work that stands the test of time. It was a fine film to watch and I’m glad to have been invited along to come see it.

Kudos to In the House for screening such a classic!

For other films which In The House is screening, feel free to check out their schedule here.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

Human: Fall Flat From Curve Digital and Tomas Sakalauskas To Hit PlayStation®4 May 9 and Xbox One May 12

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April 25, 2017

Human: Fall Flat From Curve Digital and Tomas Sakalauskas To Hit PlayStation®4 May 9 and Xbox One May 12

Pre-Order The Cult Sensation For Console Starting Today And Receive A Bonus Game For Free

[LONDON – April 25, 2017] Console gamers don’t have long to wait for their turn with the physics-defying and rule-breaking hilarity of cult hit puzzle game Human: Fall Flat now that developer Tomas Sakalauskas and publisher Curve Digital announce the May 9^th release on PlayStation 4 and in gorgeous 4K resolution on PlayStation 4 Pro. Then on May 12^th Human: Fall Flat releases on Xbox One, while also bringing all new content to the Steam version. Starting today people can pre-order Human: Fall Flat for $14.99 on either console and receive popular adventure game Manual Samuel for free. In addition to Manual Samuel, PlayStation 4 players will also receive a dynamic theme.

Launching on console and updating on Steam with additional content, brand new puzzles and a bespoke customization option, Human: Fall Flat has players escape surreal dreamscapes by solving open-ended puzzles while struggling with intentionally unsteady controls that result in hysterical clumsiness and potentially endless falling.

After releasing on Steam last year to considerable praise, Human: Fall Flat became a YouTube phenomenon, garnering more than 100 million cumulative views thanks to the game’s hilarious gameplay that had people discover their own solutions to overcome obstacles and “work” together as best they can to solve the puzzles in co-op mode.

“At Curve Digital we like to provide people with an amazing value for their pre-order purchases and the Human: Fall Flat console pre-order continues this company philosophy,” said Jason Perkins, Managing Director at Curve Digital. “Human: Fall Flat and Manual Samuel have both earn massive praise from the community and by pre-ordering Human: Fall Flat on console people get two amazing games for the price of one. In addition PS4 users will also receive a dynamic theme developed by Truant Pixel.”

Playing as Bob, players have complete control over his arms and movement. At first, this can make it challenging to traverse this beautiful yet deadly world. However, players who learn to master Bob’s movement will be rewarded with a wealth of opportunities to break the rules and beat the challenging puzzles that block their path. Bob can pull stuff. He can push stuff. He can kick stuff. He can carry stuff. He can climb stuff. He can break stuff. And he can use stuff on other stuff to make even more stuff happen. It’s all up to you – want to open that mysterious door? Or would you rather see how far you can throw a speaker set out that window?

For more information on Human: Fall Flat’s console versions, please visit the game’s website, or Curve Digital’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

About Curve Digital

Curve Digital is the leading publishers of independent video games on PC and consoles in the world. Working with high profile developers such as The Chinese Room (Dear Esther), The Molasses Flood (The Flame in the Flood) and Bithell Games (Thomas Was Alone), Curve helps individuals, small teams and established studios bring their games to a larger audience.

About Tomas Sakalauskas

Tomas Sakalauskas’s studio No Brakes Games is a small indie developer established in 2012 and based in Vilnius, Lithuania. Focusing on fresh game mechanics, the studio creates offbeat gaming experiences such Human: Fall Flat and Pocket Sheep.

THE ULTIMATE SAILING SIMULATOR: SAILAWAY IS NOW AVAILABLE ON STEAM

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April 25, 2017

THE ULTIMATE SAILING SIMULATOR: SAILAWAY IS NOW AVAILABLE ON STEAM

Sailaway gives players the most realistic digital sailing experience to date with an online, persistent world, stunning detail, real-time weather data and more

LONDON – April 25th, 2017 – New and experienced sailors alike are able to take to the high seas with Sailaway today– the ultimate sailing simulator that brings the world’s oceans to the comfort of your home. Published by new independent games publisher, The Irregular Corporation and developed by OrbCreation, the ultimate sailing simulator is coming this spring on PC and Mac for £29.99 / $39.99 / €36.99 – http://store.steampowered.com/app/552920/.

OrbCreation has recreated the oceans of the planet with unparalleled accuracy with a detailed world map: In Sailaway, making a trip across the Pacific takes months, just as it would on a real boat. With a persistent online world, adjust your settings and your boat will continue to sail even if you aren’t online. Receive updates via email as your boat continues its progress, but don’t forget to check in often – with real-time weather data pulled from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) conditions can change in just a few hours.

Choose from three types of ultra-detailed boats, a 38′ Cruiser, a Mini-Transat or a 45′ Classic Yacht – all accurately modelled with comprehensive controls and set a course for adventure. Featuring accurately modelled waves and water colour based on your location (waves and wave behaviour differs from ocean to ocean!), and accurately modelled day and night sky, Sailaway is the most advanced sailing simulator on the market.

With a range of difficulty settings, Sailaway allows for adjustments for even the most novice players to blossom into fully fledged sailors, while providing advanced features to challenge seasoned lifelong captains.

The developers at Orbcreation also understand the world’s oceans can be a lonely place, so they have designed an in-game real-time global, local and group chat which will allow you to communicate freely with other sailors to organize your own voyages or pass on sailing tips. These features also allow you to invite others onto your boat to help tackle the voyage ahead – and if you fancy some friendly competition, Sailaway includes options to create your own races with start/finish lines. Reign as master of the wind with online leaderboards and challenge one another for the top spot.

With an established fanbase, Sailaway plans to utilize Steam Early Access to continue to shape the game’s difficulty curves and take input on boats, tutorials, challenges, events and community features. More content is planned for the game and players are encouraged to give feedback.

For more information about Sailaway please visit www.sailawaysimulator.com.

About OrbCreation

Sailaway is the debut game developed by the Dutch studio OrbCreation which is owned by Richard Knol, a sailor without his own boat, whose biggest dream is to one day sail around the world! Sailaway is the result of 2 years development combining Richard’s passion for sailing and his keen eye for authenticity.

Find out more at: http://orbcreation.com

About The Irregular Corporation

The Irregular Corporation is a newly formed publisher, focused on releasing specialized games for unique communities. Based in Soho, London and founded by industry veterans, we aim to bring gaming to new audiences.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IrregularCorp

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theirregularcorp/
Website: http://www.theirregularcorporation.com/

Lock’s Quest Remaster Delayed to May 30th

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April 25, 2017

Lock’s Quest Remaster Delayed to May 30th

The classic Nintendo DS tower defense game Lock’s Quest is getting a remastered edition. THQ Nordic has delayed the release slightly, which will now launch on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows on May 30th. The graphics and soundtrack have been upgraded for the remaster, including high definition GUI art and soundtrack. The controls have been changed to support mouse and keyboard or controllers. Gameplay has also been revamped with changes to the progression system and new Antonia Defense Battles.

Lock’s Quest follows the 75 days of war between the Kingdom Force and the Clockwork Army. After the Clockwork Army invades Lock’s village, Lock joins the war effort to lead the Kingdom Force’s defenses. Players will be able to place a variety of towers, traps, and helpers to battle the Clockwork Army and then lead from the front as Lock uses his Special and Super Attacks.

Call of Duty WWII to be Revealed on April 26 PDT/ 27 AEST

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April 25, 2017

What is new is old, and what is old is new! Activision has confirmed that the rumours flying around that the next Call of Duty title would in fact return to the franchise’s World War II roots. Entitled simply as Call of Duty: WWII, the series is coming full circle after exploring most major conflicts since WWII and modern day and several near future possibilities.

Details about the game’s release will be revealed on April 26 at 10am PDT/April 27 at 3am AEST during a live stream with developers Glen Schofield and Michael Condrey. Interested viewers can head over to the official Call of Duty web page to sign up for the livestream and find out more info.

STANDING STONE GAMES CELEBRATES THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE™

Press Releases

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April 25, 2017

STANDING STONE GAMES CELEBRATES THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE™

BOSTON – April 24, 2017 – Standing Stone Games is celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings Online™ (LOTRO) with a host of in-game items and events. During the Anniversary Festival, currently underway, all players will receive a set of in-game fireworks, as well as bonus exclusive gifts based on their account status. There’s also a number of limited-time in-game quests and events to experience in honor of the occasion.

The development team will host a special 12-hour live stream on Twitch featuring gameplay, developer chats, and giveaways tomorrow, April 25, beginning at 12 pm ET at: www.twitch.tv/lotrostream

The Lord of the Rings Online’s most recent major content patch brought players to the doors of Sauron’s fortress in the long-awaited “Battle of the Black Gate” update. Players can explore new Resource Instances and over 100 quests and deeds in the Region of Dagorlad leading up to the Host of the West’s climactic confrontation with Sauron’s forces.

For more information about everything happening during The Lord of the Rings Online’s 10th anniversary, please visit www.lotro.com/en/10-year-celebrations.

About The Lord of the Rings Online™

Published by Standing Stone Games, The Lord of the Rings Online™ (LOTRO) is the world’s first and only MMOG based on the books of J.R.R. Tolkien. Players can experience the most famous fantasy world of all time, exploring and adventuring with their heroes through the vast reaches of Middle-earth in the fight against the forces of the Dark Lord Sauron. For more information, visit www.LOTRO.com.

About Standing Stone Games

Standing Stone Games, LLC is a global provider of handcrafted, story-driven massively multiplayer online games. Best-known for its acclaimed franchises The Lord of the Rings Online™ and Dungeons & Dragons Online®, Standing Stone Games designs and builds lore-rich, immersive worlds that allow you to live, play and share with our devoted communities. To learn more, visit www.standingstonegames.com.

Prey’s Latest Trailer Reminds You to Recycle

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April 25, 2017

Prey’s Latest Trailer Reminds You to Recycle

In honour of Earth Day, Bethesda and Arkane Studios released a brand new trailer for Prey featuring the game’s recycling mechanic. The space ship Talos 1 is unable to gather new materials for production, so all raw materials must be gathered by recycling. Once the player has a fabrication plan, all sorts of items can be crafted from the recycled materials.

To help players along their eco-friendly mission is the Recycler Charge, a prototype device that can break down everything in a room into its raw materials. Of course, its experimental nature means it may have unintended consequences like recycling its user.

Prey is set to launch on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows on May 5th. A demo with the first hour of gameplay will be released on April 27th.

From the Developers of Multi-Million Selling Prison Architect Comes New, Hauntingly Mysterious ‘Scanner Sombre’

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April 25, 2017

From the Developers of Multi-Million Selling Prison Architect Comes New, Hauntingly Mysterious ‘Scanner Sombre’

Introversion Software’s next title goes deep underground to explore the unknown on April 26th

LONDON – April 24, 2017 – BAFTA-winning Introversion Software officially announced the independent studio’s next title today, Scanner Sombre, launching on PC on Wednesday 26th April at 3pm BST / 7am PDT / 10am EDT. Scanner Sombre introduces a minimalist game environment in intriguing new ways, creating a suspense-laden journey that harnesses the senses from a first person perspective.

Using a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) scanner to aid navigation, players must make their way through a complex network of underground caves in complete darkness in an attempt to make it back to the surface. Your LIDAR scanner produces millions of individual light-points, painting a static, neon 3D image of the environments as you trek through the darkness. But not all is as it seems, and you might not be alone.

Creative Director at Introversion Chris Delay said, “Scanner Sombre is a total departure for us as a studio in terms of visual style and tone; it’s almost a subversive game when you think about what people might expect from Introversion so we’re really looking forward to hearing people’s reactions when they can play it.”

Introversion’s Managing Director, Mark Morris butted in with, “This is a very different experience to Prison Architect. It’s a shorter, but a more involved, claustrophobic game distilling a deep sense of unease into a single play session. It’s probably going to make you feel a bit uncomfortable.”

Find out more and view the launch trailer at www.scanner-sombre.com

Scanner Sombre will cost $11.99 and will launch with a 20 percent discount on Steam, GOG and the Humble store.

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About Introversion Software

Introversion Software is one of the UK’s most-respected and successful independent game developers and publishers. Founded in 2001 by three university students, they have gone on to create five critically acclaimed video games including cult classics Uplink, DEFCON, Darwinia and Multiwinia. In Feb 2010 Introversion made its first move into the console space by releasing Darwinia+ (Darwinia & Multiwinia) for Xbox Live Arcade. Introversion have been voted one of the top 50 Best Games Companies in the world and have won numerous awards including a BAFTA, for Prison Architect, a prison management sim which has sold more than 2.5 million copies.

Indie Gala Monday Motivation #21 Now Available

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April 25, 2017