Canceled: Multiversus - Another One Bites The Dust!

MultiVersus, the ambitious crossover fighting game from Player First Games and Warner Bros., is set to shut down its online services on May 30, 2025. Despite its initial success and unique concept, the game faced numerous challenges that ultimately led to its downfall. This article explores the reasons behind the cancellation, the argument for keeping the game on platforms with a nice stable build, and the negative impact of the drama.

The game, which brought together iconic characters from various Warner Bros. properties, had the potential to become a beloved title. However, its reliance on the online aspect as a live game, ultimately led to its downfall in part. If only Warner Bros. had followed the successful blueprint of Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. closer, the fate of MultiVersus might have been different.

Reasons for Cancellation

MultiVersus launched with high hopes, offering a platform fighter featuring beloved characters from various Warner Bros. properties. However, several factors contributed to its decline:

1. Technical Issues: The game suffered from frequent disconnections and other technical problems that frustrated players.

2. Player Retention: Despite a strong start, MultiVersus struggled to maintain a consistent player base. The game's mechanics and updates failed to keep players engaged.

3. Financial Losses: Warner Bros. reported significant financial losses, with MultiVersus being a contributing factor. The game's inability to generate sufficient revenue through microtransactions and other means led to its eventual shutdown. So the lack of support as seen with other live games, played a factor in the game coming to an end.
   

Why MultiVersus Should Remain on Platforms 

While the decision to shut down MultiVersus is final, there are compelling reasons to keep the game available on platforms without ongoing online support:

1. Preservation of Content: Keeping the game accessible allows players to continue enjoying the content they have invested time and money into. Offline modes and local multiplayer can still provide entertainment value. Download the game before it vanishes if you want to keep it.

2. Community Engagement: Even without online support, dedicated fans can organize local tournaments and events, fostering a sense of community and
   keeping the game's spirit alive.

3. Learning Opportunity: Future developers can study MultiVersus as a case study, learning from its ups and downs to create better games in the future and question whether live games are worth the risk.

The Drama Surrounding the Cancellation

The announcement of MultiVersus' shutdown sparked significant backlash from some members of the gaming community. Some players expressed
their disappointment and anger through threats and harassment directed at the developers. This behavior is not only harmful but also counterproductive, even though we can understand that the money pumped into supporting the free-to-play title will be going to waste, we cannot forget the other factors.

Impact of Negative Gamer Behavior Threats and harassment towards developers can have severe consequences for the gaming industry:

1. Mental Health: Developers facing threats and harassment experience increased stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact their mental health and productivity.

2. Industry Retention: Talented developers may leave the industry due to the toxic environment, leading to a loss of creativity and innovation.

3. Hesitation to Innovate: The fear of backlash may discourage developers from taking risks and experimenting with new ideas, ultimately stifling the growth of the gaming industry.

The cancellation of MultiVersus serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and uncertainties within the gaming industry. While the game's shutdown is undoubtedly disappointing, it is crucial for the community to respond constructively. By supporting developers and fostering a positive environment, gamers can help ensure the continued growth and innovation of the industry without pushing creators away due to unnecessary drama. This doesn't mean blindly accepting everything, but rather providing constructive criticism instead of threats.

MultiVersus could have been repackaged as an offline game with an engaging story leading the way. Gamers could have hosted online games themselves if Warner Bros no longer wished to take on the financial risk. Ensuring the game's stability and leaving it at that would have sufficed, while DLC could have been introduced if the developer decided to return with additional content. Had the game been sold at an affordable price from the outset, it could have remained competitive with Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. The continuation of the story could have justified a sequel when the time was right, cementing MultiVersus as a permanent title available for purchase on both PC and console.

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Static Shock: The Hero w/ Room for a Motion Picture Franchise!

Static Shock has been a beloved character for decades, and supporters of Milestone are still waiting for Warner Bros to believe in Virgil Hawkins enough to... finally... bring him to the big screen. There was a time when the stars were aligning by way of a joint production between Warner Bros & (Michael B. Jordan's production company) Outlier Society, but we haven't seen anything as far as In Development/Pre-Production. Outlier Society's pending product "The Greatest" begins shooting several days into... January 2024. When it comes to information from the FTIA, Static Shock is nowhere to be found, and the biggest news DC-related are previous movies coming to Netflix on December 1st. Been there... done that! What's new?

Static Shock isn't part of the traditional DC Universe, he's from Milestone... now it's time for a new milestone by way of a live-action film. The character has a unique backstory and powers that would make for an exciting and fresh addition to the superhero film genre. Having another Black superhero in a major motion picture would be a welcomed addition, not only because the world won't end if there are more than 1 or 2 in their own feature film... but because the audience is there. An audience that consists of people from various backgrounds and communities, but also the Black community's superhero fans, comic book lovers, cosplayers, gamers, and so on who want the variety. 

Black Panther was amazing, and we can't overlook the love Miles Morales gets by way of his animated films (stay tuned for "Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse"). Oh yeah... wait... wait... wait... I can't forget about Blade. You know the katana-wielding vampire hunter with the strength of the bloodsuckers with none of their weaknesses beyond that shared thirst? Yeah him, the character that pulled Marvel out of the clutches of ruin. Speaking of ruin, they'd better not screw up this new Blade film. Wesley Snipes would've been the first person I called to help shape it into the film that audiences love (and October would be the month I'd release it in theaters). That would make sense to me, not this weird desire to hire people who seemingly run multi-million dollar projects into the ground, but... I digress.

Warner Bros has solid examples of why this would likely win, and if I were them I'd strike while Marvel is scrambling to get it together. As long as the script makes sense.

While it's understandable that studios may be hesitant to take risks on lesser-known characters, I believe that Static Shock could do better than... Shazam! Audiences are open to new and diverse stories. Static Shock has a built-in fan base from the animated series that aired in the early 2000s and the comic books.

They could literally start Static off in school, and give him room to grow into an adult with abilities that electrify audiences. This can be done over time. Make two films, let it breathe, and then come back. Rinse and repeat.

In short, Warner Bros would be making a huge mistake by denying Static Shock a chance at a motion picture release (in my opinion). It's time to give this character the recognition and platform he deserves and see what kind of impact he can make on the superhero film landscape.

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Blue Beetle... Reviewed!

Special thanks to WB for supplying a copy of this film to review, our opinions are our own.

To start off, I must say that Blue Beetle offers an enjoyable movie experience. The filmmakers' evident passion and dedication to the source material shine through once you see the special features (then you make connections if you aren't familiar with the comic book series. Their goal was to create a superhero adventure that stands out from the rest while staying true to the original comic as much as possible. In many ways, they have succeeded, introducing us to Jaime Reyes, a Latino superhero taking on the mantle of Blue Beetle (played by actor Xolo Maridueña from the Kobra Kai TV series). Is the movie worth the purchase? Well, let's find out.

Story: In this film, we follow Jaime, a recent college graduate who is on a quest to find his purpose and a fulfilling career in Palmera City. Little does he know that his path will take an unexpected turn when he comes in contact with the Scarab, an ancient relic of alien biotechnology, which transforms him into the Blue Beetle.

While the film has its merits, it does have one notable flaw that lies in certain acting performances, which can be attributed to the writing and directing. Susan Sarandon's portrayal of the main antagonist, Victoria Kord, comes across as somewhat... cheesy and unconvincing. It feels as though she is trying too hard to embody the role of a formidable baddy but falls short of hitting the mark. It serves as a reminder that the quality of acting should take precedence over the fame of the actor. The actor (Raoul Max Trujillo) who played Carapax... owned it.

It would've proven more effective if she were the boss who harbored bitterness from past events, unaware that a secret was brewing within the company that she unconsciously was being used for. It would have been a surprising twist if she wasn't directing Carapax's actions, but more so the spark that justified the outcome. This would have made her character more authentic and their relationship more genuine... with a twist. Unfortunately, her wannabe cold-hearted nature could have been better portrayed in this approach over trying to be the big bad boss that falls short. While the director shares some blame, Victoria Kord comes off as a sassy manager. Dr. Sanchez could've been the one pulling the strings or working for Carapax in my opinion.

On the other hand, Jaime's grandmother showed promise, but the action scenes lacked oomph and could have been executed more effectively. The responsibility for this lies with the writer and director. I understand the desire to maintain a bit of comedy with select characters, but it felt like serious scenes with a touch of... Spy Kids during some of them (not to say it was bad, but it was a bit... wonky). 

The director struck again during a vital scene with Milagro Reyes (played by Belissa Escobedo) and her father that shifted the focus onto something less significant than what occurred shortly after with the family's home. This had nothing to do with the acting. All it would've taken was for Milagro to look at their home and then hug her father because the biggest concern was already at play. I believe this won't spoil the scene, but it gives you an idea of how simple it could have been to fix this weird moment.

Despite its flaws, the interactions between Jaime and his family add a lot of warmth to the film, making it a standout feature. It almost felt like a sitcom on the big screen, and that's a positive aspect. Without his family, the movie would have lacked an essential element and would have felt dull. Their chemistry and relationships create a perfect combination and are a significant strength of the film.

The cliffhanger ending of the movie leaves a lot to ponder. It hints at a potential sequel, but it's safe and may leave audiences unsure of the future. I feel like a sequel is justified for the simple fact that the Blue Beetle just got started, and we should be able to see him living the life of a full-fledged Superhero.

By the way, I have to give it to Rudy Reyes (played by George Lopez). He captured the unofficial sidekick role well even though many could fill these shoes in one way or another. He was utilized well, though his paranoia could have played a deeper role by way of doing things to confirm his suspicions. Maybe this would have opened the door that tied the grandmother's backstory in more because his uncle would have seen and heard things. 

There is always room in a sequel to dive deeper now that this film has taken flight, but we shall see.

Visuals: Visually, Blue Beetle is stunning, with impressive angles and visually pleasing shots. The city is vibrant, and the special effects were on point. 

Audio: The audio was also solid, although the theme music lacks something. All the music in that film, and that's the theme that they landed on? It's a short unfulfilling loop. I would've preferred a Latin hip-hop flare or something. There was enough playing in the film, so why not some theme music that borrowed from it?

Audio: Dolby Atmos TrueHD & Dolby Digital. While it doesn't show surround sound, it's there... don't worry (at least in 5.1 CH), and it enhances the experience.

Price + Special Features: Pricewise, you can get the Blue Beetle in 4K for $29.96, on Blu-Ray + Digital for $24.96 (best value), and DVD for $19.96. The movie ships October 31, 2023!

Special Features:

Blue Beetle Generations: Origins, Production Begins, In Full Flight and A Hero's World

Scarab Vision: Episode 1: Initiation and Episode 2: Mastery

Blue Beetle's Nana Knows Best

All in all, Blue Beetle is an intriguing superhero film, with an engaging plot and endearing characters. It has its flaws, but it's still a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.

Story 3

Visuals 5

Audio 5

Price + Features 5

4.5 out of 5 Cool Points

 + Sophima 

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Shazam! Fury of the Gods... Reviewed!

I don't know how I feel about Shazam! Fury of the Gods. The first movie was more organic and felt true to Shazam, but with all the other Shazam heroes it felt like there was too much going on. It made for an interesting action movie, but the main actor slips away to a degree. I get it, the sequel is the 'Fury Of The Gods' because of what happened after they defeated Doctor Sivana and the Seven Deadly Sins, but the delivery could've been different.

Am I wrong in that I feel like this should've been a high-quality limited series in order to make it more digestible? I wasn't turned off, but more could have been explored with a series because this gave me those Fast & Furious vibes. Sorry, but it just does.

There was a lot of action to please any junky in need of smashing and bashing, but also when the Gods showed up they were underwhelming. I've seen Lucy Liu and Helen Mirren a number of times, and they just felt like they were on screen cosplaying for a portion of the film. I relaxed after a while and enjoyed it for what it was but I still couldn't ignore the pace of the film.

The sets were amazing, and the dark horses were beautiful in the scene with the cutest actor in the film, Faithe Herman. The part where she avoided being attacked by a dark horse seems like they sold it a bit much in the beginning because she would've naturally gotten pulled out of harm's way. Perhaps someone should've tripped to really sell her being left there while attempting to grab her. Don't get distracted by that because the magic actually happens in this scene when little Darla (Faith Herman) stops the attack in an unforeseeable way. The feeling that I got was one that really warmed my heart, and I think they nailed it perfectly because it's something that an innocent little sweetpea would do. I loved that so much, and I believe that there were missed opportunities where the real could've been inserted.

Shazam's meeting with Hespera felt pretty authentic to the hero, and I was looking for moments like those that didn't oversell. We're not dumb, and sometimes it's good to allow your audience to actually watch a movie a few times before they actually understand something. I didn't understand certain things in a movie until I was older and experience gave me a clue.

It wasn't all bad, there was enough comedy to make me giggle, and my girl Meagan was amazing. I can honestly say that I don't know what type of movie I would've wanted this to be, I would still give it a 4 out of 5 because it was good but I think it would've been better as a limited series.

Shazam still has the opportunity to have a limited series if you ask me, and it would help develop the fanbase for a new audience. Thank you so much for reading my review and stay tuned for more!

Shazam! Fury Of The Gods | Rated 4/5

Sophima | Guest Contributor

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