SHAKIRA SHAKES UP ZOOTOPIA

SHAKIRA SHAKES UP “ZOOTOPIA” – International superstar Shakira is lending her Grammy®-winning voice to Gazelle, the biggest pop star in Zootopia, D23 EXPO fans learned via a taped message from Shakira. Ginnifer Goodwin (ABC’s “Once Upon a Time,” “Something Borrowed,” “Walk the Line”), the voice of the film’s rookie rabbit officer Judy Hopps, saluted fans alongside directors Byron Howard (“Tangled”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph”), and producer Clark Spencer (“Wreck-It Ralph”). Hilarious new scenes from the film were unveiled, plus a tease of the all-new original song, “Try Everything,” written by singer-songwriter Sia and songwriting duo Stargate, and performed by Shakira. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia” opens nationwide March 4, 2016.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/disneyzootopia

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyAnimation

Instagram: https://instagram.com/DisneyAnimation

Snapchat: @waltdisneyanim

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite
Facebook: Fangirl Review

FINAL FANTASY XIV NOW EXCEEDS 5 MILLION REGISTERED USERS WORLDWIDE

In just under two years, Square Enix Inc., announced that the community of FINAL FANTASY® XIV now exceeds 5 million registered accounts globally across North America, Japan, Europe, and China—not including those from free trial.

Spurred on by a vibrant community of players, as well as a consistent schedule of content updates, FINAL FANTASY XIV continues to deliver on the promise of bringing the hallmarks of the FINAL FANTASY experience to an online world. Players can enjoy the option of joining the adventure together on multiple platforms from the PC to the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, the PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system (with Remote Play), and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system.

With the recent release of their first major expansion, Heavensward™, FINAL FANTASY XIV features a new story which plunges adventurers into the heart of the Dragonsong War, the bloody thousand-year conflict between the knights of Ishgard and the dragons of Dravania. Adventurers can enjoy an increased level cap from 50 to 60 for all disciplines, a new playable race, new dungeons and raids, new primal battles, and new mounts that allow players to take to the skies—flying black chocobos, single-rider airships, dragons and more.

Related Links
The Lodestone: http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/
Official Website: www.finalfantasyxiv.com
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FinalFantasyXIV
Official YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/FINALFANTASYXIV
Official Twitter: @FF_XIV_EN

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite
Facebook: Fangirl Review

SQUARE ENIX ANNOUNCES LINEUP AND EVENTS FOR PAX PRIME 2015

Square Enix® announced its lineup for Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) Prime 2015, coming to Seattle Aug. 28 – 31, 2015. This year’s lineup features stand-out titles, including the first US playable demo for Just Cause® 3 - Avalanche Studios' vast open-world action adventure experience, the soon to be released Lara Croft® GO - the latest puzzle experience from Square Enix Montréal, and the continuing episodic experience, Life is Strange™. Fans will be able to get hands-on with some of the publisher’s biggest titles, including FINAL FANTASY® XIV: Heavensward™, FINAL FANTASY XV –EPISODE DUSCAE™- 2.0, FINAL FANTASY EXPLORERS® and DRAGON QUEST HEROES®: The World Tree’s Woe and the Blight Below™. All games in the lineup will be playable at Booth #3646.

SQUARE ENIX will also host a number panels, giving fans the opportunity to interact and converse with the talented teams behind each game.

Let’s GO! Going from Hitman® GO to Lara Croft GO

• Cerberus Theatre from Noon to 1 p.m., August 28
• Join moderator Greg Miller and key developers behind Hitman GO and Lara Croft GO as they take a deep dive in the process of crafting innovative mobile games from big AAA franchises. They will discuss the challenges of distilling the complex universes of well-known PC/console games and transforming them into unique experiences for completely different platforms. Panelists will include three members of the Square Enix Montreal team: Daniel Lutz, Game Director, Antoine Routon, Lead Engineer, and Thierry Doizon, studio Art Director.

Just Cause 3 - A BEAUTIFUL PLAYGROUND OF CREATIVE DESTRUCTION

• Sphinx Theatre from 3 to 4 p.m., August 28
• Join Avalanche Studios’ Fred Hooper (Lead VFX artist) and Niklas Norin (Lead AI Designer) alongside Havok's Cormac O'Brien as they reveal how their technology and expertise combines to create the incredible destruction and chaos that lies at the heart of Just Cause 3. Hosted by Greg Miller, you'll learn exactly how they created the beautiful 400 square mile sandbox packed with possibility, compelling enemies and the largest, most realistic explosions and destruction ever seen in a videogame.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided® – Bringing Adam Jensen to life

• Sphinx Theatre from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., August 28
• Greg Miller hosts Jean-Francois Dugas, Jonathan Jacques-Belletête and Elias Toufexis, respectively Executive Game Director, Executive Art Director and the actor for Adam Jensen on Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. They will provide insight on what it takes to fully realize a character such as Adam Jensen, an augmented covert agent, on the new generation of consoles and PC. While Elias will share his thoughts on doing mocap and recording dialogues, our developers will dive into his story and design, as well as their goals for the experience of playing as Adam Jensen in Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. You will also get the opportunity to ask them questions about the game and their careers in the video game industry.

HITMAN - THE ART OF ASSASSINATION

• Hydra Theatre from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., August 28
• Twitch: www.twitch.tv/SquareEnixPresents
• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/SquareEnixPresents
• Join HITMAN Art Director Jonathan Rowe and Lead Writer Michael Vogt for an hour long journey into the design philosophy behind the visual and narrative universe of the world of assassination. Hosted by Game Informer’s Mike Futter, the pair will delve into the process behind the creation of the trademark living, breathing world of HITMAN and give numerous insights and examples into the design process for visual and narrative storytelling in a world where the main character says very little. How does art direction and story design impact the player experience in a complex game like HITMAN? The panel will end with a playthrough demo of the ‘Showstopper’ mission from the upcoming HITMAN game as well as a moderated Q&A.

FINAL FANTASY XIV®: Koji & Soken’s Wild Ride

• Grand Hyatt Seattle Hydra Room 12:00 p.m. – 1:00p.m., Saturday, August 29
• Twitch: http://www.twitch.tv/finalfantasyxiv
• Join FINAL FANTASY XIV Sound Director Masayoshi Soken and Localization Lead Michael-Christopher Koji Fox as they discuss the music and lore of FINAL FANTASY XIV! What does Soken have up his sleeve? You won’t want to miss out.

FINAL FANTASY XV Active Time Report LIVE

• Grand Hyatt Seattle Hydra Room 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Saturday, August 29
• Twitch: www.twitch.tv/SquareEnixPresents
• Fans will be in for a treat as FINAL FANTASY XV Director Hajime Tabata will be taking the stage in North America for the first time at PAX Prime as part of the ongoing Active Time Reports. In addition to sharing a few personal stories about the development of the game, he will be sharing some insights into the recently revealed trailer. Join us on Saturday as we discuss one of the most highly anticipated games from Square Enix.

Lara Croft GO Launch Event

• There will be a launch party at the Hard Rock Café co-hosted by IGN on Friday, August 28 starting at 7 PM to celebrate the recent launch of Lara Croft GO. PAX Prime attendees can check out the game and chat with the Square Enix Montreal development team while visiting the Lara Croft GO fan art contest gallery, organized in collaboration with Child’s Play. While you’re there, why not grab a traditional Montreal poutine!

HITMAN: Put a Hit on Cancer

• Square Enix, HITMAN, and GameChanger are partnering up to put a hit on cancer, and need PAX attendees to become Agent 47®. Come to the pop-up barbershop at the Square Enix booth where you can shave your head to resemble Agent 47’s iconic bald look. For each head shaved at the show, Square Enix will donate $47 to GameChanger Charity and their mission of supporting children battling cancer. 
• For those who want to participate but prefer the hair-keeping role of a handler, you can still put a hit on cancer and receive a free Steam code for Hitman Absolution® by simply making a donation of at least $1.00 to GameChanger Charity.
• Visit www.47vsCancer.org to make your donation, receive your game code and join Agent 47 in support of children with cancer.
• Additionally, limited quantities of the FINAL FANTASY XIV “Before the Fall” original soundtrack and the “From Astral to Umbral” arrangement album will be available for purchase at the booth.

FINAL FANTASY XIV: BEFORE THE FALL Original Soundtrack

• Event SRP: $50 (Sales Tax included)
• The “Before the Fall” soundtrack features music from FINAL FANTASY XIV Patch 2.2 through 2.5 and includes a bonus code for an exclusive in-game “The Primogs” minion, a set of five musical moogles.

FINAL FANTASY XIV: FROM ASTRAL TO UMBRAL

• Event SRP: $40 (Sales Tax included)
• Popular songs from FINAL FANTASY XIV have been transformed into splendid band and piano arrangements in this album. This is the first official arrangement album for the title.

The full lineup of titles from Square Enix include:

JUST CAUSE 3

• Platform: PC, PlayStation®4, Xbox One
• Developer: Avalanche Studios
• ESRB: RP
• Available: 12/1/15
• Summary: The Mediterranean republic of Medici is suffering under the brutal control of General Di Ravello, a dictator with an insatiable appetite for power. Enter Rico Rodriguez, a man on a mission to destroy the General’s hold on power by any means necessary. With over 400 square miles of complete freedom from sky to seabed and a huge arsenal of weaponry, gadgets and vehicles, prepare to unleash chaos in the most creative and explosive ways you can imagine.

LARA CROFT GO

• Platform: Android, iOS
• Developer: Square Enix Montreal
• ESRB: TBD
• Available: 8/27/15
• Summary: Lara Croft GO expands the turn-based puzzle gameplay and takes you on an adventure set in a long-forgotten world. Explore the ruins of an ancient civilization, discover hidden secrets and face deadly challenges as you uncover the myth of the Queen of Venom. PAX Prime attendees will witness a never-before-seen take on the iconic franchise featuring challenging gameplay, gorgeous visuals and a mesmerizing soundtrack, all at your fingertips.

LIFE IS STRANGE

• Platform: PC, PlayStation®3 system, PlayStation®4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
• Developer: DONTNOD
• ESRB: RP
• Available: Now Available (Episodes 1 – 4)
• Summary: Developed by DONTNOD Entertainment, the Paris-based studio who released their debut game REMEMBER ME™ last year the game takes place in the fictional town of Arcadia Bay, Oregon, where senior student Max Caulfield returns after a 5 year absence. Reunited with her former friend Chloe, the pair begin to uncover the uncomfortable truth behind the disappearance of fellow student Rachael Amber.

DRAGON QUEST HEROES: The World Tree’s Woe and the Blight Below

• Platform: PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system
• Developer: Omega Force from Koei Tecmo Games
• ESRB: T for Teen
• Available: October 13, 2015
• DRAGON QUEST®, one of the most iconic RPG series from Japan, will be transformed into a full-scale action RPG in the West. Players must rise up against insurmountable odds, challenge swarms of enemies and conquer gigantic monsters. It is filled with characters and monsters designed by world-renowned artist Akira Toriyama. Also, Yuji Horii, director and creator of DRAGON QUEST®, and Koichi Sugiyama, the renowned composer closely tied to the series, are closely involved in bringing this title to life. Fans can stop by the “Slime Wall,” a physical wall on display at the booth, where fans can squash and defeat the horde of slimes. In addition, the demo area allows fan to take on and challenge the all-mighty monster, Gigantes.

FINAL FANTASY EXPLORERS

• Platform: Nintendo 3DS
• Developer: Square Enix
• ESRB: Rating Pending
• Available: January 26, 2016
• FINAL FANTASY EXPLORERS focuses on cooperative play with friends and utilizes a refined party system allowing Explorers to master over 20 new and familiar jobs—including Knight, Monk, Black Mage and White Mage—to defeat the realm’s mightiest monsters and even recruit them for battle. Players will have the ability to call upon the powers of eidolons like Ifrit and Bahamut, as well as transform into other legendary characters from the FINAL FANTASY series via the Trance feature.

FINAL FANTASY XIV: Heavensward

• Platform: PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Windows PC
• Developer: Square Enix
• ESRB: T for Teen
• Available: Now
• Face off against one of the new bosses in FINAL FANTASY XIV: Heavensward – Ravana- in the Primal Battle Challenge and win an exclusive “I BEAT RAVANA” T-shirt. Heavensward expands the critically acclaimed MMO FINAL FANTASY XIV with a an all-new storyline surrounding the city of Ishgard and the Dragonsong War, a brand new race, new jobs and more.

FINAL FANTASY XV -EPISODE DUSCAE- 2.0

• Platform: Xbox One® the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system
• Developer: Square Enix
• ESRB: Rating Pending
• Available: Now
• The update to the FINAL FANTASY XV -EPISODE DUSCAE- demo features improved mechanics, fresh character interactions, new team combo attacks, additional side quests and a battle with the monstrous catoblepas, FINAL FANTASY XV -EPISODE DUSCAE- 2.0 follows the journey of crown prince Noctis and his trusted party as they wander the unpaved, expansive Duscae region in search of a way to Cauthess.

About Square Enix, Inc .
Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 110 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 66 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 42 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/.

Post by Vikki

Twitter: ProfessorWhite
Facebook: Fangirl Review

MOON GIRL & DEVIL DINOSAUR #1 Brings You a Girl and Her Prehistoric Pal this November!

This November, experience a friendship 65 million years in the making and a Marvel team-up that has to be seen to be believed. Today, Marvel is pleased to announce MOON GIRL & DEVIL DINOSAUR #1, a brand-new ongoing series launching this fall as part of All-New, All-Different Marvel. From the creative team of Amy Reeder, Brandon Montclaire and Natacha Bustos comes a story of unlikely friendship in the Mighty Marvel Manner! Meet Lunella Lafayette, pre-teen super genius who just wants to change the world and help those in need. Possessing latent Inhuman DNA, Lunella’s unsure of what her strange future might hold. But when she stumbles on ancient Kree technology, things are about to get a whole lot stranger.

Opening a doorway to the prehistoric past, her life is turned upside down as she comes face-to-face with a towering Jurassic giant known only as DEVIL DINOSAUR! But he is not alone. Out of the portal and in to the Marvel Universe emerge the Killer-Folk – an ancient tribe of beings who will stop at nothing to acquire the alien technology!

“Something that’s the hallmark of a Marvel Hero is that they’re gifted with a power they may see as a curse. Their hero’s journey is to discover how to use it to help others,” says series Editor Mark Paniccia. “Lunella is a little genius with grand plans on going to big schools, but she’s got an Inhuman gene, unpredictable alien DNA inside that – once triggered – could take her life in a wildly different direction. She’s determined to control that change. She’s going to need to grow up really fast to survive in the new Marvel Universe…luckily she will have Devil Dinosaur at her side.”

Lunella’s about to learn the hard way that it’ll take more than just big brains to save the world. This unlikely duo are many things, but together, they’re the unstoppable Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur! Prepare for a Marvel series unlike any you’ve seen before when MOON GIRL & DEVIL DINOSAUR #1 comes to comic shops and digital devices this November!

MOON GIRL & DEVIL DINOSAUR #1

Written by AMY REEDER & BRANDON MONTCLARE

Art by NATACHA BUSTOS

Cover by AMY REEDER

On Sale in November!

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite
Facebook: Fangirl Review

DARK HORSE COLLECTS BAGGE’S “FOUNDING FATHERS FUNNIES”

America’s Founding Fathers were brilliant, brave, forward thinking . . . and ridiculous, at least in the eyes of cartoonist and history buff Peter Bagge! “I find myself laughing out loud whenever I read of their foibles, especially when their oversized egos clashed,” says Bagge, a multiple Harvey Award winner and Inkpot Award recipient. This collection of short vignettes features some of our country’s best-known historical figures (along with several lesser-known players) and includes all Founding Fathers Funnies cartoons from Apocalypse Nerd and Dark Horse Presents. This Dark Horse Books hardcover also features several brand-new stories and additional biographical information.

Founding Fathers Funnies is in stores February 24, 2016. Preorder your copy today at your local comic shop or through these fine retailers:
Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Local Comics Store

Also available:

Reset
$15.99
978-1-61655-003-5
ORDER: Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Local Comics Store

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite
Facebook: Fangirl Review

Free Event Kicks off Nintendo’s Presence at PAX

Fans attending PAX Prime or who live in the Seattle area are invited to a special event at EMP Museum from 8 p.m. to midnight on Aug. 27, the Thursday night before PAX Prime begins. The Nindies@Night event is a celebration of recently released and upcoming independent games appearing on Wii U andNintendo 3DS systems. An interactive lounge will feature many playable games, a presentation from independent developers, multiplayer competitions, giveaways (while supplies last), food and drinks. Admission is free and on a first-come, first-served basis, and all attendees will also have access to the Indie Game Revolution exhibit in the museum, complete with refreshed content from the Nintendo independent community. EMP Museum is located at 325 5th Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109.

“Support from our esteemed ‘Nindie’ developers on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS continues to surprise and delight our fans,” said Damon Baker, Nintendo of America’s Senior Marketing Manager of Publisher and Developer Relations. “We’re thrilled to highlight these partners in collaboration with EMP and kick off the expo weekend in the best way possible – by playing new games together with friends.”

“The independent video game community is producing some of the most diverse, innovative and exciting experiences in gaming,” said Jacob McMurray, EMP Senior Curator. “EMP is excited to work with Nintendo on this event that celebrates their vision and gives fans a unique opportunity to explore these creative works and understand their creators.”

During the event, 19 different independent games for Nintendo platforms (or “Nindies”) will be playable, many of which will have developers on hand to answer questions and speak to their development experience. Impromptu multiplayer competitions will be run for select games, with finalists taking their skills to the giant 60-foot HD LED screen featured in the EMP Sky Church, a giant room with 70-foot ceilings and state-of-the-art sound and lighting. A presentation hosted by Damon Baker will also take place in the Sky Church at 9 p.m.

During PAX from Aug. 28 to Aug. 31, Nintendo will also host a dedicated “Nindies” lounge in the Sheraton Seattle Hotel, adjacent to the Seattle Convention Center. The lounge, located in the Willow B room, is open for all PAX attendees and will feature many playable Wii U and Nintendo 3DS indie games with developers in attendance from noon to 8 p.m. Aug. 28-30 and noon to 6 p.m. on Aug. 31. The Sheraton Seattle Hotel is located at 1400 6th Ave., Seattle, WA 98101.

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite
Facebook: Fangirl Review