Tag Harley Quinn

Multiversus

Multiversus

Player First Games and Warner Bros Games team up to bring us the new fighting sensation Multiversus.

From Alpha to Beta to official release we got the chance to play Multiversus each iteration from Player First Games and Warner Bros Games. Through the alpha and most of the beta we had only fourteen characters. I say only like it’s a small amount, it’s not but three more have already been added with a fourth on the way soon (we expect during the last week of September). We will break down our thoughts on all that are out currently here shortly.

Before talking about those characters we are going to discuss gameplay, controls and graphics. Graphically the game is crisp and fluid. Controls are smooth as hell and easy to learn allowing you to learn combination moves organically to become a force to reckon with. The only real failing of the game is that there isn’t a story mode of any sort. Hell, Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat and Smash Brothers all had a basic story with them when they first released. Each “season” the game features a battle pass system of rewards where you can earn character skins, emotes and more by earning XP. This system currently gives players MORE than enough time to earn the necessary amount before the season ends. This is for those players like myself that only complete the daily XP challenges and then saves the game for another day. Dedicated players will unlock these rewards long before that happens.

Overall this is a fighting game in the same way Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat are but more family friendly gameplay like Smash Bros or Brawlhalla. There is a secret adult audio mode that is disabled by default that you can turn on if you wish. Other than only a single character so far (Morty) there are really no “bad” words being used by the characters, it’s more of a change to their attitudes. Personally I prefer this because it unleashes sarcasm in my gameplay and some of it is hilarious.

Every game I have ever played before this game that had any sort of battle pass I thought was a waste of my time because the level of grinding required to get all the prizes were insane. That was before I played Multiversus. I love the cosmetic options you can earn like for Shaggy you can play as Uncle Shagworthy (if you were part of the Beta and purchased the premium pass).

You also can’t argue with the price, the game is FREE to purchase and play but most of the characters require in game currency (you can earn or purchase outright) to unlock characters. Never fear though, they even rotate characters so you can try four at a time beyond any you unlocked. If you like fighting games and characters from Warner Brothers then this game is a must for you. I am obsessed and have played daily since the Beta started.

Take a look at a trio of battles between my son and myself, we had a blast!

Now, about them characters, starting with the core fourteen.

The Iron Giant– This is the powerhouse of the game, the definition of the tank. He is literally the only character I’ve seen hit 300+ damage without being knocked off the map. His downside is he is slow and his hitbox is larger than any other character. Online players that typically use him spam his ground slam ability and his uppercut. Both are easy to predict and counter but if they hit it’s gonna hurt.

Taz– Taz was this game’s equivalent of Blanka in that he only had a couple moves that almost everyone spammed the hell out of to the same character. After his recent nerf though he feels clunky and oddly slow for a living tornado but seeing him turn opponents into giant cooked chicken makes it all worth it.

Velma– She has one of the game’s lowest and most powerful “uppercut” type abilities as the movie appears as her throwing a lightbulb above her head as she gets an idea and that lightbulb itself is deadly. She’s fast with some weak hits but between her uppercut and her police car special she should not be ignored.

Arya Stark– For me she is the most difficult to learn and yet the hardest to pin down and hit. By far one of the fastest characters in the game and her moves require accuracy more than button mashing. She has some of the most brutal combos I’ve witnessed and they are devastating. I’ve seen more videos where she has a flawless victory than any other character.

Batman– He can take a hit and is great for closing distances. His batarang is best used to weaken enemies than actually damage them. If you can chain your attacks you can land some devastating combos but those initial hits aren’t going to do much. Button mashing has worked more times with him than not.

Bugs Bunny– Bugs plays very similar to Tom and Jerry where both can be very troublesome to hit. His abilities can land some easy combos that do decent damage but expect to put more hits into your foes as he is one of the weaker characters.

Finn The Human– I am not a fan of Adventure Time and was hesitant to give Finn a try and immediately loved playing him. He is fast, hits hard and can take a beating. His air special up attack is truly devastating.

Garnet– Garnet is a character I have only seen pictures of, never watched Steven Universe before. She is more of a utility character that feels perfect in support, even though she is a bruiser. She hits hard but her attacks are mostly short ranged and require closing the distance but using her to connect to allies she can keep them from falling to their doom or being removed from the map very similar to Reindog and Morty do. This same ability protects her in the same way.

Harley Quinn– Harley is tons of fun to play. Her attacks are comical and she has tons of personality. She’s fast, excels at dodging and her hammer and feet pack a wallop.

Jake the Dog– As mentioned above I didn’t want to play this character due to not liking the show but due to his versatility and so many different move options he’s a lot of fun to play, just not a lot power behind his hits but his speed more than makes up for it.

Reindog– This is the only character that is original to this game and he is freaking adorable. This massive shaggy dog with horns may be support but he backs a major punch. Like Morty and Garnet, he can use his long distance ability to grab allies and pull them back to safety. This ability works to save himself as well.

Shaggy– The Shagster is by far one of my favorite characters to play. His rage ability makes me laugh every time I use it because it essentially turns him into the god mode shaggy from the memes. Even his costumes are great. Less skilled players focus on mostly spamming his side air special which is a flying kick. His hits can be brutal but if you combine his rage with throwing his sandwich you’ll get the most deadly projectile so far in the game.

Steven Universe– Probably my least favorite character to play, but that is mostly due to his short reach. He’s great as a support character but my play style is meant more for a melee or tank fighter. Boosting and healing teammates is not something I do often because I focus mostly on hitting my opponents. That kind of play style Steven does not work for.

Superman– There are some challenges made with certain characters in mind. The challenge that requires knocking out an opponent without being on or above the map itself was clearly made for Superman players. His side special ability when in the air grabs players and throws them to the side of the map. He can easily do this and have jumps left to get back to the map in time before falling himself. He hits hard and some of his combos are easy to learn. Even spamming the same attack and being hit with decay those attacks are still punishing.

Tom and Jerry– I’m sure I’m wrong on this but I swear this duo have more abilities/attacks than anyone else. What is great about using them is they are essentially fighting each other the entire match and your enemies are just collateral damage. They are a lot of fun to play despite the chaos they cause. They are fast, hit hard and can take a hit.

Wonder Woman– You unlock her by completing the tutorials and she is one of the most balanced characters in the game. She is also the only character to have her own daily challenges pop up from time to time where you must block a projectile with her shield (the one for side special attack is the easiest to control for this).

Now the latest three four.

Lebron– Playing against him I felt he was a very week character that was easy to disrupt. Having tried him out for myself I realize this is not entirely the case. The way I play works well against him for most characters but is truly a speedy powerhouse, if you can get a combo off.

Morty– Morty is more of a hybrid. He’s a bruiser but also plays very much like a magic character. His abilities vary greatly between high damage close up hits to ranged attacks that still pack a punch but less than the melee hits. He is fast and excels at dodging. He is a ton of fun.

Gizmo– This adorable guy is the cutest in the entire lineup. His movies are pulled directly from the two movies like his singing, driving an RC car and using a makeshift bow and arrow. He isn’t the strongest hitter but he is difficult to nail down and hit.

Rick-When this game first came out my son asked me who I would hope to see added at a later date, my immediate answer was Rick and Morty. The next day they announced Morty and as of yesterday (9/28/2022) Rick was added to the game. We spent some time with him last night and this morning. He is so much fun to play. The chaos he causes feels like you are living an episode of the show and it is amazing. The only thing missing is all of his crazy and amusing dialogue from the show. The voice actor even sounds just like him!

Talisman Batman: Super Villains Edition

Talisman Batman

Have you ever wanted to take on the role of your favorite villains from Gotham? In Talisman Batman: Super Villains Edition you can!

USAOpoly brings us a new take on the classic game Talisman with Talisman Batman. Having never played a Talisman game I didn’t know what to expect but loving Batman’s rogues I knew that this game would be right up my alley so when The Op Games offered me a review copy I jumped at the chance.

The goal of the game is to play as one of the various villains (what game let’s you do this, honestly?) and sneak your way through Arkham Asylum until you reach the security tower. Finding the exit isn’t simply the end though, you must also face down the greatest detective himself- Batman! Each turn your villain performs two actions, movement and encounters. In terms of movement your dice determine what happens and as always a roll of 1 is a failure, meaning Batman is moving as well. When you finish your movement you must resolve your encounter with the space you are on. Encounters will vary based on the space itself or if you share that space with either another player of Batman himself.

I loved the theme of the game and was honestly surprised there wasn’t an option where you could have someone play as Batman himself. Doing a larger group would have been quite fun if one person was playing the bat and everyone else had to either avoid him, work with each other to escape or face him directly. The mechanics worked well for the game and having to roll for your movement (instead of a default setting) added some stress inducing variables that made for some tense moments. If you’ve ever wanted to play the villain this game is a must for you but leaves a bit to be desired for those uninterested in the role.

Batman #99-100, “Joker War” conclusion

Batman

“You are my hammer and weapon of war: with you I break nations in pieces; with you I destroy kingdoms;” Who is this weapon? It is revealed in the book of Batman, chapters 99-100!

This is the tale as witnessed by James Tynion IV.
Cast into light by Jorge Jimenez.

The official plot:

“The Joker War’ comes to a city-shattering conclusion as Batman battles The Joker in a brutal, no-holds-barred duel! This is a fight 80 years in the making, and its outcome won’t just change Batman’s life, it will change Gotham City for years to come! Plus, a pair of short stories that will chart what’s to come in Gotham City and Batman.”

DC Comics

The highly hyped Joker war comes to it’s expected conclusion. As expected, everyone under the sun shows up to throw a punch or two. Does it live up to the hype? Not in the way you might expect.

Batman
…and he walks away as if she didn’t mean what she was saying.

My Impressions:

  • Harley Quinn is the best part of this story arc. A timely intervention saves the day, and when she get’s serious, it’s chilling.
  • Oracle is back online. ‘Nuff said.
  • Clownhunter. Either he ends up a Robin, or he’s a flash in the pan. There’s no in-between.
  • Did Harley just become a member of the Bat-family???
Batman
I’ve always liked the serious Harley the most. It doesn’t get any more serious than this.

Notable Appearances/Events:

  • Batman (Bruce Wayne)
  • Joker
  • The full Bat-Family
  • Harley Quinn (Harleen Frances Quinzel)
  • Punchline (Alexis Kaye)
  • Clownhunter (Bao Pham)
  • Ghost-Maker 1st Appearance! (Cameo)

Bottom Line: 4 Stars!

I feel like the climax for this story arc was about 1 page long. The build-up of how badly Joker and his forces were destroying Gotham, along with the corruption that is revealed is absolutely huge. Batman finally admitting he can’t deal with this alone and calling in the help of his various protégés doesn’t feel quite sufficient to handle the task. And then it’s over…and fast too. However, Harley’s part in the finale is almost a whole new character. I really hope we see her continue to evolve down this path, and become a semi permanent member of the troupe.

Joker / Harley: Criminal Sanity #5

Joker

Be sober-minded; be watchful! Your adversary prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour! Guard your soul as we discuss Joker / Harley: Criminal Sanity, chapter 5, verses 1-32!

These are their chronicles as witnessed by the talented Kami Garcia.
Translated from the word by Jason Badower.

The official plot:

“Dr. Harley Quinn has confronted horrific crime scenes created by a serial murderer who treats his work as high art. But when she is confronted by the killer himself, her life takes a drastic turn. Will she be able to return to the status quo, and simply help the GCPD to catch this killer? Or will the encounter change her forever?”

DC Black Label

This is not the Harley Quinn that you know. This is the hard nosed profiler working with the GCPD to investigate the Joker’s crimes. She’s tough and determined…there’s no way that the Joker is ever going to shake her. I hope…

Joker
The meeting of a lifetime.

My Impressions:

  • Black Label worthy material. This Joker isn’t crazy. He presents as calm, cool, artistic and scarier than any other Joker I’ve seen.
  • Beautiful artistry. Realistic, unexaggerated expression. Stark contrast of color with black and white.
  • Is it worth the magazine format? Oh, hell yes it is!
Joker
Have you ever seen a straw break a camel’s back??? I have.

Notable Appearances/Events:

  • Harley Quinn
  • Joker
  • James Gordon

Bottom Line: 5 Stars!

This is the most realistic take on the Harley/Joker relationship I’ve ever seen. Harley is one tough woman, bent on proving herself as a profiler for the GCPD. Joker is one of the coldest serial killers there is. This, their first meeting, doesn’t disappoint and doesn’t fall into the therapist falls for her patient trope. [Editor’s Note: this is essentially an alternate timeline where Harley is helping the police, or we will find out in the end that this isn’t really the joker, only a copycat. Time will tell on this one.] There’s still time though…we’re only halfway through the series.

CATCHING UP WITH WARNER BROS PART 1

Warner Bros

IT IS RARE FOR ME TO SEE A MOVIE WHEN IT’S STILL IN THEATERS BUT THANKS TO WARNER BROS I WAS ABLE TO CATCH UP ON THOSE I MISSED!

Recently the fine folks at Warner Bros (their home page is here) had sent me a code to one of the movies I missed so that I could share my thoughts on it with you. Part One discussed Teen Titans Go To The Movies, The Nun and The Meg. Part Two was discussing A Star is Born and Part Three focused on Creed 2, Aquaman and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Crimes of Grindlewald. Part Four talked about Imax Pandas, Lego Movie 2 and The Mule. Part Five discussed A Star is Born Encore Edition, Shazam, The Curse of La Llorona and Pokemon Detective Pikachu. Part Six discussed The Sun is Also a Star, Annabelle Comes Home, Gremlins Anniversary Edition  and Godzilla King of the Monsters. With Part Seven we talked about The Goldfinch, Blinded by the Light, IT Chapters One & Two, Joker, Doctor Sleep and The Kitchen. Part Eight discussed Motherless Brooklyn, Just Mercy and Richard Jewel. For the first part of this series here at Nerd Cult Online (and overall Part 9) we are talking about Scoob, Birds of Prey, The Way Back, Goonies 4K, Beetlejuice 4K, Full Metal Jacket, Sherlock Holmes 4K and Sherlock Holmes A Game of Shadows 4K! 

Warner Bros

Scoob

Starting with the first meeting between Shaggy and Scooby the film shows how they join Mystery Inc to later become separated and chased by none other than Dick Dastardly. Dastardly is looking for a way to bring back his lost friend from some hellscape. Believing Scooby to be the descendant of some great dog Dastardly spends most of the movie collecting mystical skulls and attempting to capture the dog. Animation for the film was fantastic and writing was rather solid for an animated movie. My only real complaint was that Shaggy’s voice was just plain wrong. Will Forte is great in several films but his voice just does not work as a replacement for Casey Kasem. 

Warner Bros

Birds of Prey

Before I will discuss my thoughts on this film I gotta say the name was utterly ridiculous. Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) is just too long winded. They should have left it as either Birds of Prey or Harley Quinn. Now as far as the film goes I am very conflicted. While watching I thought it was trying too hard to be it’s own thing but the character just couldn’t carry the film. At the same time though I still enjoyed it.

Warner Bros

The Way Back

I used to think Ben Affleck would never amount to much as an actor but these last few years had proven me wrong on many occasions. His character must battle his addictions and issues with his father in order to come back a better person and try to lead his team to victory. A bit formulaic but Affleck’s performance saves this film.

Goonies 4K

Goonies never say die and neither will this film. I watch it as often as I can and OF COURSE I just had to get the 4K version of it. I was worried that the age of the film would not respond well to the 4k quality but after seeing this version I can honestly say it was like seeing it for the first time. The age of the film holds up quite well.

Beetlejuice 4K

Growing up this was a defining movie for me and thanks to Lego Dimensions my son was curious about watching it. I immediately purchased it on Vudu and we watched it together. The 4k release is the exact film we know and love but in crystal clear 4k definition.

Sherlock Holmes 4K

Start to finish this is a fantastic movie in every regard. Brilliant acting, directing and visually. Robert Downie Jr and Jude Law (Holmes and Watson) must stop Lord Blackwood as he’s come back from the dead to use magic to take over all of England. As those that have seen the film may recall there is of course no magic and only sciences that are used creatively. It was a joy watching this film again.

Sherlock Holmes A Game of Shadows 4K

Holmes and Watson return to try to take down Professor Moriarty and his attempt to start a world war. I honestly thought they wouldn’t have been able to top the original but they knocked this film out of the park out of the damn park. On top of it, the film has never looked better than in 4k.

Full Metal Jacket 4K

This is the classic film by Stanley Kubert. Surprisingly I had never seen this film before the 4K release. My father in law warned that this is essentially two films, the lead up to the Vietnam War and then the war itself. He was right, each half of the film was fantastic and looks better than I would have expected in 4k.

Starting next time we will be listing only the coverage we have done as part of the Nerd Cult when it comes to Warner Bros. SO WHICH WARNER BROS FILMS DID YOU SEE? WHICH DID YOU ENJOY?

Batman #98, “The Joker War” part 4

Batman

Brothers and sisters! Pay heed to the actions of the Joker for he will cause madness in Gotham! They will drink and stagger and go mad because of the poison that he has sent among them! So sayeth the book of Batman, chapter 98, verses 1-32!

This is the scripture according to the prolific James Tynion IV.
As envisioned by the not-as-prolific Jorge Jimenez

The official plot:

““The Joker War” part four of six! Batman is at his most vulnerable following a massive dose of an experimental new Joker toxin. With the Dark Knight haunted by demons and visions, it’s up to Harley Quinn to protect him while he recovers-because Punchline is on her way!”

DC Comics

This one should have had “Harley Quinn” graffitied over Batman in the title. The Harley/Punchline rematch is where all the action is. Batman spends the majority of the issue stuck in his own head, talking to Alfred.

Batman
Round 2, FIGHT!

My Impressions:

  • Harley/Punchline: I dug it…more than just punches and insults, there’s some real girl talk during the fight.
  • Alfred dealing out some tough love! (Even if he is a figment of Bruce’s drugged mind.)
  • I’m Batman: Nice presentation, but not quite as powerful as intended. Sorry, you’re not going to shake the meme with this one.
Batman
Um…excuse me Mr. Batman. Don’t you think you should give Harley a little credit?

Notable Appearances/Events:

  • Batman (Bruce Wayne)
  • Harley Quinn (Harleen Frances Quinzel)
  • Punchline (Alexis Kayne)
  • Alfred Pennyworth
  • Catwoman (Selina Kyle)
  • Penguin (Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot)
  • Riddler (Edward Nigma)
  • Scarecrow (Jonathan Crane)
  • Joker
  • Killer Croc (Waylon Jones)
  • Mad Hatter (Jervis Tetch)
  • Professor Pyg (Lazlo Valentin)

Bottom Line: 3 Stars!

Harley and Punchline steal the show in this one. It wasn’t quite as campy as I thought it would be. As for Batman…can we PLEASE move on from pining after Alfred now? I think that’s the set-up here…but I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of our favorite butler.