Losing Residence? An Editorial on the tenuous present of Capcom’s undead hit.

In 1996, the world shook.  It trembled as a small town called Raccoon City felt the cold icy clutches of the undead.  History was made.  Players had never been so frightened, so unsettled and so terrified by a game as they were when consoles fired up with the doomed STARS team.  From the spooky announcer to the bloodshot eye, Resident Evil (RE) had left its mark forever.

The game pushed blood, gore and guts up a notch.  It brought ferocious enemies to gamers and it put players up against overwhelming odds complete with walking dead and bio-terrors.  The game ignited a whole series of books, toys and even films.  But like all great things, even the evil mechanisms of Umbrella must come to an end.  Resident Evil has suffered some harsh reviews and even harsher gaming failures. 

Over the next several posts, we’ll be taking a look at one of the greatest and longest running series in video game history.

 Zombies & Toys will look at RE’s brightly lit past and its possibly burned out future.  Feel free to join us and let us know your thoughts - Is Resident Evil is still hungry for brains or is the series falling dead from a headshot!

Time to flash a little plastic: Walking Dead style !

Matt Boiselle

    Next time you're on that big date with either that girl you want to impress, or if you're footing the bill for one of those fat-cat executive luncheons, do you really wanna reach into your velcro-stripped wallet to pull out a few crumpled bills in order to foot the tab, or would you rather flash the plastic in style with one of the new Walking Dead debit cards ?

 

   Image Comics, the titleholder of the comics themselves, along with series artist Charlie Adlard, have released 7 differently themed designs for the bank-approved cards which are available by going to www.card.com/thewalkingdead. Just click on which card you want, fill out all applicable info & VOILA ! You are now a (debit) card carrying member of The Walking Dead plastic party, but don't go overboard with charging all kinds of stuff - it's one thing to deal with bankers chasing you down.....but an angry group of flesh-hungry zombies ?.....on second thought, I'd rather take my chances with the zombies.

  

Cannon Fodder: movie trailer

Matt Boiselle

   We here at Zombies & Toys are constantly scouring the vast wasteland of undead news in order to bring you, our loyal visitors, the latest and most interesting tidbits regarding anything that has do with flesh-munching madness in the mainstream, and right now...I present to you the newest trailer for the upcoming film Cannon Fodder.

    Fresh from the clutches of White Beach Productions comes the latest zombie outbreak to be slapped on celluloid - Cannon Fodder is about a renegade Israeli Special Forces unit that is dispatched into the depths of Southern Lebanon in order to flush out and capture one of Hezbollah's biggest terrorist threats, but run into a colossal problem - not only is the Special Forces Unit left to deal with rogue soldiers and multiple IDF attacks, but they also must contend with a massive zombie outbreak. While there isn't a definitive release date set as of yet, there are multiple screening dates being offered just by hopping on over to www.cannonfoddermovie.com - but first, you have to check out the trailer above - this looks too good to pass up - So watch on and enjoy the carnage !

All Shall be Revealed – ZT’s review of Resident Evil: Revelations

Developer:         Capcom

Publisher:           Capcom

Platform:            Nintendo 3DS, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Wii U, Xbox 360

Release date:     May 21, 2013

Abandoned mansions.  Damned cities.  European towns and African shanty towns.  These are just some of the ill-fated locations touched by the horror that is Resident Evil.  Now, gamers can add derelict ghost ships and floating cities to that list as survival horror moves from land to see in Resident Evil: Revelations.  As Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield and several other BSAA members, players can battle mutations and monsters in Capcom’s latest game port.  But, despite herbs and ammo does this latest entry into survival horror show a chance at escaping death? 

Resident Evil: Revelations (RE:R) has a typical storyline – some form of government agency out to stop biological terror has lost contact with its members.  Send in Valentine and her new partner, Parker and the investigation (and terror) begins.  The game bounces back and forth between flashbacks and present time so that all characters can be utilized by players.  Ultimately, the tale that has led to this monstrous outbreak is inconsequential, it does hit the sought after tones of desperation, isolation and terror.

The graphics are good.  Not as crisp and realistic as the look of Resident Evil’s 5 and 6 but still good.  RE: REV is a port from its origins on the Nintendo DS and it looks like a port that’s been polished up.   Lighting effects are emphasized for a stronger gaming experience.  The Ooze monsters look monstrous and unstable as they hunt on unsteady limbs.  The Queen Zenobia, a massive ship and character all on its own, looks very authentic from port holes to crew chambers.  Character rendering is well done.  Jill is beautiful (stop staring at her swimsuit) and Chris is broad and heroic.  The other characters, Parker and Jessica, are fairly forgettable (except for their terrible dialogue.)

Gameplay is familiar and that’s good and bad.   Aiming is as good as it has been in the recent games.  You can walk, aim and shoot at the same time.  Running is a bit clumsy but there is a new dodging feature that proves handy when you are low on ammo and the enemies are high in number.  With gameplay that is familiar, things don’t feel new.  The game ends up feeling like a missing chapter of one of its predecessors.  At times, healing herbs run few and far in-between.  The low resources and the numerous creatures out to kill you (with an odd phallic like attack!) return the series back to its more basic origins of fear.

Zombie factor?

Surprisingly – Resident Evil: Revelations has a LOW zombie factor!  Why?  Wasn’t this series based on the undead of Raccoon City’s science gone amok? Yes, there are shambling mutants.  Yes, there are Hunters – the vicious reptilian killers series fans have come to love and hate.  But the zombie factor and presence is not there.   This fact is a tragic one because Resident Evil belongs with the undead, the lumbering and the flesh-eating monsters that have endeared fans for years.  Without that element in the game, it just doesn’t feel like RE.  A game like Dead Space 3 hits the revenant mark with a bull’s-eye.

In the end, Resident Evil: Revelations is worth playing.  Is it worth buying?  At full price, no.  But at a lower price, fans of the series will enjoy the experience.  It’s not the game that will be life changing.  It’s not the game that will be revealing.  However, Revelations is worth a shot. 

STAY TUNED FOR  ZOMBIES & TOYS EDITORIAL ON THE CURRENT STATE OF RESIDENT EVIL!!!!

Carl and RIck T-Shirt Today at TeeFury

by Dorothy Emry
 
Fans of The Walking Dead (and aren't we all?), you are going to want this: a cool T-shirt with of a graphic of Carl and Rick in the woods surrounded by zombies. Artist David Johnston has done a super job of capturing the pair. Carl's got his gun at the ready and his dad's hat on. Rick's in super sheriff mode toting a shotgun and a machete.

Hurry to TeeFury.com because this limited edition is available only until midnight tonight. And don't forget to visit Johnston's Facebook page for a look at more from this talented artist.

Plants Vs. Zombies 2 trailer: It's About Time

Todd Jepperson

Listen, I suck at everything. Seriously. I can't play video games cooperatively, because everyone gets pissed off at how terrible I am. That's why the smartphone game explosion was so great. I still suck, but at least I'm able to do it on the go, without anyone there to make fun of me. It's really that bad.

In the midst of all this, Pop Cap games released their mega-hit Plants Vs. Zombies and it took over the world. I'm like you. I tried it. I liked it. I played it until my fingertip was sore from planting, digging, and re-planting those cute little pea-shooters. I rehabbed for my addiction, and I'm finally able to sleep at night, and my toilet breaks are WAY shorter.

Then I saw this little beauty...



Yeah. Great. Just what I needed. Crazy Dave is back, and he's got a few new items to surprise us with. Looks like I'd better get that iPad callus back in zombie-killin' shape. It's gonna be a long summer.

Check back here every-so-often, as we'll be running contests for download codes and swag just as soon as we can. Until then, check out the trailer for Plants Vs. Zombies 2: It's About Time.

Ain't nothin wrong with a little zombie head smashin !!

Matt Boiselle

   Having a lousy day at work ? - Looking to relieve a little bit of stress ? Do you just want to see a few zombies getting their heads damaged beyond repair ? Then just press play and feast your eyeballs on the gruesome work of Mr. Frank Forte & GoonCartoons, as they present to you 30 seconds of animated violence that is sure to put a smile on your face - enjoy !!

The Walking Dead Teddy Bear girl: life-size statue available for pre-order

Matt Boiselle

 
   Are you a fan of The Walking Dead ? Are you looking for that unusual collectible from the show to add to your stash of goodies ? Or do you just want that one item to stick in your doorway that will inevitably result in extensive therapy sessions for your children or mailman ?

   Entertainment Earth is currently taking pre-orders for the anticipated September 2013 release of a life-sized statue depicting the teddy bear zombie girl that Sheriff Grimes dispatched so quickly in the first episode of the first season of The Walking Dead. Although such a quick demise suffered for this little cutie, she has been forever linked to the unparalleled success of the hit AMC show. This awesome reproduction stands 55 inches tall and comes equipped with sound and motion sensors which will trigger multi-directional movement and sound clips ! Price stands at 219.00 for this statue and will ship in September 2013 - so pony up the bucks and get ready to scare the CRAP out of your guests this Halloween ! www.entertainmentearth.com

First trailer released for The Dead 2: India

Matt Boiselle

    With the insane success on the home theater market for The Ford Brothers' first zombie movie released in 2010 titled: The Dead, about the perspective of an outbreak in the African countryside, comes the Ford's latest entry, The Dead 2: India, and we have the trailer right here !!

   The story follows American engineer Nicholas Burton and his desperate attempt to make it across a zombie-infested wasteland smack-dab in the middle of India to rescue his pregnant girlfriend Ishani Sharma. He enlists the aid of street-smart orphan to help him navigate the busy streets in a 300-mile trek that at points seem literally impassable. The zombies look to have the same creative makeup as the ones in the first movie, so it would seem as if this will act as either a continuation piece, or a storyline that runs parallel to the events in the first movie. While there hasn't been a definitive release date put out to the public just yet, all we have to set our eyes on is this killer trailer, so watch on and delve into the madness that is The Dead 2: India.

Crisis Zero: World War Z PSA

Matt Boiselle

   
      It appears that the marketing campaign for World War Z has officially hit full stride with it's latest creation of a public service announcement warning the world's population to ready itself for "Crisis Zero". The fictional Global Health Agency has released a 90 second video encouraging a New World Order to combat the upcoming zombie plague and all that it threatens.

   The video appears to cater to residents of the U.K. right now - when U.S residents check this out they are re-directed to the World War Z website, but that could potentially change as the North American release date nears. If you want to get a good look at the UK site, check out their link - www.crisiszero.com/uk/ - they also are heavily involved on the social sites as well, but the best way to get started is to involve yourself with their main site, and prepare yourself....for there will be no warning.

German man invents zombie-killing crossbow

Matt Boiselle

    Crazy ? No...inventive and obviously prepared for the upcoming apocalypse ? Without a doubt !! Joerg Sprave, host of The Slingshot Channel on YouTube, has created a weapon out of spare M-16 parts that will not only act as a killer line of defense against the undead, but a weapon that would make any survivalist green with envy.

   This modified crossbow, powered by a large rubber band, will be able to propel bolts at an alarmingly powerful (and extremely silent) rate. This awesome slaying tool is only in its initial phase of creation, as Sprave promises to to more tweaking and hopes to have a multi-fire version in the future - check out his YouTube video below for a more intricate look into this weapon of undead destruction, and prepare to save your pennies for a down payment !

   

Max Brooks: "World War Z - movie only in title and that's it"

Matt Boiselle
 

    With the impending release of the much-hyped Brad Pitt zombie film, World War Z, many moviegoers have pondered whether the movie will be just like the book or not. According to the man responsible for the multi-million copy selling author Max Brooks "only in title, and that's it" - sharp and decisive words for the man who put the idea in motion, many believe.

    Brooks was recently interviewed at Mansfield University about the upcoming movie, and while he knew they were going to rewrite it, he understood that there would also be a million changes made from book to celluloid. All one would have to do is check out any news items on this film and read multiple reports of script changes and re-shot scenes, but if the truth is entirely infallible, will it all be worth it when all's said and done ?

  Brooks had been invited to read the script after it's initial shooting, but he refused
"I said: Why would I read this? This is not the movie you're going to make," Brooks said. "You're going to do rewrites and re shoots. That's what happens when you make a giant movie.
"My attitude is if you haven't invited me in to contribute, then fine. Go make the movie you want to make and I'll see it when it comes out." - at least he is taking a hard-line stance on his decision, and I honestly cannot blame him for that in any instance.

   Brooks main concern is that fans of the book could potentially see some of their favorite moments changed drastically or removed completely once they check it out in theaters. He simply offers fans to " treat both the book and the movie as two separate things." - So the question here is, are you going into this with a wide open mind, willing to accept change....or will you beat this movie down for its potentially radical swerving of the storyline ?

Wanna write using zombies as your letters & words ?

Matt Boiselle

    
    Perhaps it's just me, but I'm sure that we (as students in Kindergarten) were NEVER taught the alphabet using the undead. We had some pretty cheesy looking inflatable 2 ft figures scattered around our classroom (A to Z) called "the alphabet people" that were enough to scare the crap out of me as a 6 year old, so I cannot even fathom as to what psychological damage these would have caused...okay what MORE damaged could have been caused...

    Art Director Avery Oldfield and creative technologist Jack Inscoe have created two different font generators that will not only let you use zombies to spell out your online writing, but they also have llamas for available use as well....yes, I said llamas. You can try out both at either www.zombiefont.com or www.llamafont.com - I've tried the zombie site and gotta say, it's never been more fun using the dead as your vocabulary minions - check them both out and enjoy !

Zombies on Grimm

by Dorothy Emry

Even if you don't watch NBCs Grimm on a regular basis, you might want to give it a try this coming Tuesday, May 14th 10/9c. Why? Zombies will be roaming the street of Portland in the new episode called "The Waking Dead." Here's the episode's preview:





Not a Grimmster? If you need some background info before you watch head over to NBC's Grimm pages to learn the basics, watch a few episodes, and check out the exclusives like the cool creature profiles.

Detention of the Dead: zombies staying after school ?

Matt Boiselle

   Anyone that has gotten into trouble (past or present) in High School and was forced to suffer the indignity of detention probably wished ANYTHING would happen in order to make the time spent behind closed doors more interesting. A fire alarm, a rousing game of paper football.....a zombie outbreak.....wait....
WHAT ??

    Attacking your TV screens in On-Demand format this June 18th comes Detention of the Dead - a comedy that will fuse both troublemaking teens & bloodthirsty zombies in a movie that would have made The Breakfast Club run and hide under their desks for certain. Director Alex Mann has put together a story of a group of deviants spending time in High School incarceration when their solitary time becomes undead dinner time as some of the classmates turn into stark raving mad flesh-eaters. Boasting a line up that consists of Alexa Nikolas (The Walking Dead), Christa B. Allen (Revenge), Justin Chon (21 and Over), and Max Adler (Glee) - this movie will hopefully possess the ability to entertain on a zom-com level, but only time will tell - hit the video link for the trailer and judge for yourself.