Tag: Minecraft

Gaming Journalism

Familiar Faces And New Modes In The Fifth Chapter of Fortnite

laurawilliamsonduty

On Britney Spears’ 42nd birthday and the release of a special in honour of the 60thanniversary of Doctor Who [12] [17], the fifth chapter of Fortnite was launched [20] [54]. As you know by now, Fortnite: Battle Royale has become perhaps too reliant on special guest appearances from popular franchises for ongoing relevancy. Nonetheless, those who are especially familiar with its humble beginning in 2017 can be observant towards its originality and individuality still peering from the large number of crossovers, especially the gameplay in the Save the World and Battle Royale that has always been a hybrid of Minecraft and Team Fortress 2 [18] [78]. Oh! And do not forget about the original cast of characters from the first few seasons [26], as well as the forms of ambition a Fortnite fighter can express in Fortnite Creative [778! And speaking of gameplay, three new gameplay modes in Fortnite have been established [51]. Load your guns and sharpen your axes just before we list five guest appearances and some interesting new gameplay modes at the beginning of a new chapter that were revealed throughout the week after Stolas from Helluva Boss took us to the stars and made us look his way during a lament [65] [82] [83]. 

While my fellow sinners are tempted into purchasing new Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss merchandise and players are all fired up for the third season of Crash Team Rumble featuring Spyro the Dragon [8] [40] [41] [82] [83], Fortnite has gotten even more ambitious! [20] [54]

The first special guest appearance that caught my attention was Peter Griffin from Family Guy [9] [20] [54]. Strangely enough, he has been rendered into a slender, muscled figure, making him “Buff Peter”. I am terribly sorry, but have we learned nothing from the controversial collaboration with Rick & Morty [46]? Much like how Rick and Morty’s 2D art style was strangely adapted in the 3D world of Fortnite [79], the same result has happened to Peter. The appearance of the family guy may grind some gears, especially in an off-putting rendering of his iconic art style being pasted into the world of Fortnite [20] [54], but I suppose that collaborating with properties aimed at older audiences helps the game appeal to older Fortnite fighters. Besides, you cannot go wrong with a little “B-Bird is the word!” now and then [23]. Moreover, it is quite infatuating how a promotional video features how Mr. Griffin got his power for the event [22]. We still ought to be aware of how popular Fortnite has become with today’s youth, especially those under the age of sixteen, but at the same time, let us keep preaching the agelessness of animation, whether it will be 2D, 3D or even stop-motion [75]. 

It seems today, 
That gamers see 
Buff Peter in Fortnite
And sims on PC [13] [69] [72]… [22]

Snake from the Metal Gear Solid franchise is once again on duty for Fortnite: Battle Royale [20] [54]. It can be argued that his appearance in Fortnite is even more ambitious than his role as a fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate [48]. In my opinion, the collaboration with the Metal Gear Solid franchise is the most logical of the bunch because of Snake’s skills in weaponry and the elements of stealth that can occur when you try to shoot a player when they least expect it [48] [59]. However, making him perform those dance moves could be considered even more embarrassing than the time when he was on a skateboard like some Tony Hawk wannabe in Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance [35]. Moreover, such wit could also be off-putting because of how intensely serious the aspects of Snake’s character is as a soldier diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder [52]. But as we relish in the fun of Fortnite, we can still show kindness to fellow gamers who happen to have been diagnosed with PTSD themselves [44], aside from some playful banter within a competition. What could be next? Solid Snake as a Survivor in Dead By Daylight…or would that apply to Lara Croft from the Survivor timeline of the Tomb Raider franchise [64] [67]?

While Adam Francis, Felix Richter, and Renato Lyra from The Rainbow Six Siege Collection strive for survival in Dead by Daylight [11] [68], Snake is still all about that stealth. [20] [54]

Would you believe that the iconic style of LEGO has been rendered into the world of Fortnite for a new survival sandbox mode [7] [34] [38] [51] [55]? Of course, LEGO is no stranger to crossovers as some of my fellow gamers may recall LEGO Dimensions, the toys-to-life game that resulted in several crossovers, including the quirkiness of The Simpsons being built a different kind of saffron-fleshed artistry [29], the creation of Sonic the Hedgehog in LEGO form and the day being saved once again with The Powerpuff Girls [56] [63]. Perhaps if Fortnite wants to be even more ambitious during the seasons of the fifth chapter of Fortnite: Battle Royale [20] [54], Deadpool can make a big comeback as a LEGO figure in LEGO Fortnite [5], even if that would result in him being muted once again [79]. After all, LEGO is not just a toy. It is an art form. I do not doubt that LEGO Fortnite is being compared to Minecraft [45], especially if there happens to be a new crossover event at some point in 2024 as Minecraft seems to have also relied a little too heavily on crossovers for relevancy with the latest one being with Jurassic World [50]. Ultimately, both LEGO lovers and Fortnite fighters are finding some joy in a new survival open-world experience [7] [38] [55].

Look how adorable these two are in LEGO form! [55]

There was quite an ironic celebrity guest appearance for the Big Bang Event [14] [21], much like how Ariana Grande was featured in the Rift Tour over two years ago [1] [9]. If you are a Fortnite fighter who is a fan of Eminem’s music [15], consider this up your alley. Surely, some of his songs have been criticised for being too aggressive and even too violent [32], but his talent is hard to deny and “Mockingbird” brought on a much more empathetic side of him and a few tears to his listeners’ eyes [4] [77], thus leading to praise for not always succumbing to certain rap and hip-hop clichés for big sales [76]. I have nothing against celebrity endorsements, but the impact they leave may not always be as bright as the shining of a star as some cartoon critics may recall the foulness of The Slim Shady Show, the infamous cartoon starring him that consisted of crude humour and extremely choppy animation [66]. The reason for Eminem’s appearance during a live event was to promote a new gameplay genre from Harmonix added to the world of Fortnite that is very similar to Guitar Hero called “Fortnite Festival” [43] [47] [51]. Aside from that, it is quite coincidental to see him in Fortnite three years after Venom had an appetite for some crossover craziness [16] [27] [73].

Can the gamers playing Fortnite please stand up? 
Please stand up? Please stand up [15]? [14]

Lastly, The Weeknd makes another celebrity guest appearance for the launch of Fortnite Festival [19] [25] [71]. He is also associated with promoting the new rhythm mode for those who dig their tunes and rhythm gameplay [51]. What could be next? A new hit single sung by The Weeknd featuring Eminem [15] [70]? Fortnite Festival might interest Fortnite fighters who are familiar with rhythm game series like Guitar Hero and Project Diva [33] [43]. However, it might seem a bit too ambitiously different for those who are so used to the iconic battle royale mode, quite like how some younger players who grew up with the Skylanders series must have found the racing mode in Skylanders: SuperChargers a bit too dissimilar for their tastes [74]. Nevertheless, there is nothing wrong with a video game franchise wanting to try something new. I fully supported a speedy blue hedgehog trying new things when I considered myself fan of him [62] [63]. Celebrity guest appearances may seem like an uninspired tactic for public approval, but fans may get some enjoyment out of them if they are done the right way. Yes, that includes those who are still playing Kim Kardashian: Hollywood to this day [30], despite a recent lack of updates for the app [31].

I can’t wait to try this new game mode… 
Could I love it? 
Please don’t spoil it [70]! [71]

Before we wrap the listings up like a Christmas present, let us discuss the elements of another new mode named “Rocket Racing” that will begin with Season Zero [49] [51]. As previously mentioned, it is quite understandable why some fans of the Skylanders series may consider the racing mode in Skylanders: SuperChargers a smaller priority [74], but I hold no ill will towards those who got a thrill out of it. The same will apply to the Fortnite fighters who are hyped for the upcoming racing mode before it goes live [49]. I have a feeling that the new mode will be compared to the likes of Disney Speedstorm and Rocket League [10] [60] [81]. Aside from Fortnite Festival providing two musical artist endorsements [14] [21] [71], I suppose that there might be endorsements of real-life racers in Fortnite: Rocket Racers…or possibly the return of Sonic the Hedgehog in his racing car known as the “Speed Star” from Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing [62]. Am I just giving the executives ideas for new crossovers? The financial stability of Fortnite appears to have increased for some new game modes [51], which can prove to outsiders that there is more to it than so many crossover battles, but I digress as there might as well be more crossovers in these new modes. 

You do not suppose that there might be a collaboration with Barbie in the first season of Fortnite: Rocket Racing [2] [3], no? That would result in the quirkiness of the crossover between Barbie and Stumble Guys and the focus on a stylish pink vehicle to steer in Forza Horizon 5 [80]. [49]

It is bizarre how three intellectual properties that do not have a lot in common and two celebrity guest appearances have been featured at the beginning of a new chapter of Fortnite. Fittingly, each of them has been elected for both familiar and fresh fun within genres, including:

  • Peter Griffin and Solid Snake in another battle royale [20] [54]
  • A tribe of LEGO figures in the open-world survival adventure [7] [38] [55]
  • The Weeknd and Eminem promoting Fortnite Festival [19] [14] [21] [25] [47] [71]

Personally, I think there ought to be more logical crossovers throughout the fifth chapter, such as a second one with Lara Croft from the Tomb Raider franchise featuring her in her outfit from Tomb Raider Legend for the next season of Fortnite: Battle Royale [84]. Perhaps some reasonable crossovers in the new modes can include Marvel’s Avengers in LEGO Fortnite and Sonic the Hedgehog in Rocket Racing [39] [62] [63]. Outside of fighting and fun in Fortnite, there is hype for Grand Theft Auto VI beginning a new chapter of the edgy, law-breaking havoc, most notably with a new female protagonist in 2025 [6] [61]. In the meantime, if you fancy cosplaying as characters in Christmas-themed equivalents of their outfits this year [36], by all means, go right ahead. Have a festive Christmas break after a harmonious Hanukkah, Fortnite fighters [28] [58] [85]!

Some might hope to soar in Spyro 4 and others may wish to experience another crossover in Fortnite that does not seem so forced [42]. Rumour has it that the Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles will join the party later this month before Christmas [24]. Perhaps the Save The World mode can finally get a crossover at some point in 2024 [18] [78]. During the beginning of the fifth chapter, let us continue to be kind to one another within the Christmas spirit [57], whether we have been nice enough to earn a holiday update for Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration…or naughty enough to wreak havoc in the holiday event in Crash Team Rumble featuring the cast in icing palettes [8] [53]. [38]

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Gaming Journalism

Four Crazy Crossovers In Gaming In November 2023

laurawilliamsonduty

Disclaimer:

This is a listicle that features one announcement trailer that contains blood, a depiction of murder and moderate censored profanity. Reader discretion is advised.

There has been quite a lot of cartoony crazes in gaming this year [57] [58] [59], including the collaboration between Fall Guys and Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles and the Happy Tree Friends edition of The Crackpet Show [40] [56] [61]. Furthermore, moments like those can be considered a little crazier if there happens to be a crossover. Those who were bewildered at the fanmade crossover between Helluva Boss and Murder Drones from MORØ Productions may understand where I am coming from [35]. To an extent, a crossover can be a little more ambitious if a fan is able to interact with it. By now, Fortnite fighters are familiar with that feeling, yet there have been some crossovers in Fortnite: Battle Royale that made less sense or just turned out to be less satisfying than others [54]. After all, the collaboration with Rick and Morty missed the mark for how the art style of Rick and Morty rendered in the 3D world of Fortnite looked a little too bizarre and the skins got banned for several months after the arrest of Justin Roiland, the series’ creator [24] [30] [54]. On a lighter note, could these new crossovers that are about to be analysed be considered right up your alley of quirkiness…or scariness? Fasten your seatbelt before we proceed to analyse the first crazy crossover to discuss.

A month ago, there was a Toy Story-themed event in Fall Guys [21], but who is collaborating with who this month? [21]

Let us start with the next big step of Lightning McQueen’s career outside of Pixar Animation Studios in Rocket League [46]. It is quite bizarre to put an anthropomorphic car in a world of realistic vehicles that cannot talk or sense anything at all, yet it is meant to be after the celebration of Halloween with the main cast of The Nightmare Before Christmas [44]. Nevertheless, a previous racer could sense the thrill of racing as no other than Bumblebee from the Transformers franchise back in June [45]. I have been hopeful for a second season of Cars On The Road, a spin-off series on Disney+, but rumour has it that it might have been cancelled due to the streaming platform’s apparent downfall [20]. But who knows? The trailer for it might just pop up any day near the Christmas break or in early 2024 [17]. In addition to a lighter note, Mr. McQueen is looking quite expressive in the twelfth season of Rocket League [46]. Furthermore, there is hype for Elsa and Kristoff from the Frozen franchise to let it go in a new way and no longer feel lost in the woods in the fifth season of Disney Speedstorm [18] [19] [25] [26]. Vroom vroom!

Ka-Chow! [46]

Secondly, let the force of a Minecrafter be with you in Minecraft x Star Wars: Path of the Jedi [39] [50]. This is the second time there has been an official Star Wars showcase in Minecraft as some of you may recall the adventures based on the original trilogy and the Mandalorian series three years ago [32]. Despite the ambitiousness of the new DLC, I still stand by how Minecraft seems to have become a little too reliant on crossovers to stay relevant and hip as we have witnessed a lot of third-party collaborations in Minecraft, including the Disney: Worlds of Adventure update and the co-operation of the Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles back in August [38] [40] [59], along with the collaborations with Batman and Avatar: The Last Air Bender from last year [33] [34]. Nonetheless, the originality of Minecraft still peeps through the number of third-party collaborations in terms of the creativity and open-world exploration that lies in the gameplay [43]. As for the crossovers, they can still provide some creativity and adventurousness to an extent, especially if the character skins and buildings are very well done for the fans of the franchises. Now is the opportunity for a Minecrafter to strive from a Jedi knight’s perspective with Padawan and encounter other characters, such as Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi [39] [50]. 

I am aware that the Star Wars films are live-action films [23], but because of how cartoony the characters look in the Minecraft style in this crossover [39] [50], it can still technically be counted as another cartoony craze. Well, that is probably just my artistic tastes telling me that. Aside from that, let us continue to show support for Ahmed Best and Jake Lloyd as they continue to personally progress from the unfair backlash they received from their roles in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace [3] [23] [52]. [39]

Near the end of this November, SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks will become the newest third-party brawlers in Brawlhalla [7]. SpongeBob’s primary attacks are the way he wields his spatula and his jellyfishing net. He can also do his karate moves with his karate gear on. Patrick can also wield a jellyfishing net and one of Sandy’s weapons is her guitar. Of course, this is not the first time SpongeBob has been in a fighting game as those who have fondly played Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl and are currently tuning into its sequel know [27] [28]. It can be argued that Brawlhalla is also coming a little too relevant on crossovers to appeal to players outside of its own fanbase as there was a crossover with Aang, Toph and Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender a year ago [5]. Nevertheless, these crossovers can still be enjoyable, depending on the player’s interests. During the wait for four new brawlers, including Mr. Krabs joining the roster of Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 in 2024 [37], the jolly sponge, his dim-witted best friend and the intelligent squirrel from Texas shall be the newest competitors in Brawlhalla after its crossover event with Roblox [6] [7]. 

Who’s going to kick some butt under the sea? 
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS!
All ready and cheery and feisty is he!
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS! [7]

Uh oh! Halloween may be over, but it looks like there will be a SCARY special guest appearance in Dead by Daylight on the day before SpongeBob becomes a playable character in Brawlhalla [7] [12]. Wanna play with Chucky [9]? Well, as one can tell by the first-person perspective in the trailer, he ain’t gonna play nice [12]. A new challenge awaits the survivors (and slayers) of the previous collaborations, including the wrath of Naughty Bear as The Trapper during this year’s Haunted By Daylight event [13] [14], the galactic terror of a familiar being in Nostromo Wreckage from the Alien franchise in August and the moment of Nicholas Cage playing the role of a fellow survivor in July [11] [15]. It appears that the soul of Charles Lee Ray in the body of a cutesy doll will be a skin for the killer in the brutal game of hide-and-seek that has been terrorising survivors and feeding the inner demons of slayers since June 2016 [4] [7], which is another sign of a crossover being taken seriously with a certain character being portrayed spectacularly besides the collaborations with Freddy Kruger from the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise [9] [10] [16]. Whether Chucky will be the killer in his regular attire or an outfit inspired by his bride Tiffany, just watch your back later this month…

Looks like not every crossover has to be cartoonish to be crazy [56] [57] [58] [59]. Chucky could be your friend…’til the end…[9] [12]

In conclusion, these crossovers are quite simulating on their own accords [7] [12] [39] [46], but it can be considered more vital to see already existing properties continue to flourish on their own, such as Sonic Prime being renewed third season and to make room for brand new ones to shine in the spotlight for the first time, such as Disney’s Wish [36] [55]. Nonetheless, there might as well be a few new crossover events, as well as other things to look forward to or at least give a chance in 2024 [53], such as the highly anticipated Deadpool 3 and the upcoming reboot of Mean Girls based on its musical adaption that was established in late 2017 [8] [31] [42] [47] [60]. We must be mindful of how effective these crossovers can be, especially when a pinky promise is made to portray certain characters convincingly and respectfully [51], even though that would not always be in case as Deadpool was completely muted for his participation in Fortnite: Battle Royale and Sonic the Hedgehog’s portrayal in that episode of OK K.O. was considered…quite a downgrade [29] [48]. Until then, best of luck to those in the role-playing Grand Prix within the theme honouring Super Mario RPG in Tetris 99 and feel free to express the impact the described crossovers just left or could leave on you [41]!

And speaking of respectfully portrayed, please do not fall for the YouTube channels that are harmfully mocking and misrepresenting me, especially if they are planning to tarnish my new username “LadyLaurapop” [1] [2]. On a lighter note, I hope my fiancé’s fellow Sonic supporters have fun with the LEGO Fun Pack for Sonic Superstars [49]! Stay safe this Black Friday! [49]

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