Fresh Take - Kenobi Episodes 1 & 2 Spoiler Free Thoughts

 Available on Disney Plus

Episode 1 Thoughts

So this episode starts with a recap of Obi Wan's highlights from the prequel trilogy which was done pretty well if I'm being honest. I usually don't like recaps but this one I didn't mind so much. A lot of this episode revolves around Kenobi's PTSD over what happened during the Clone Wars and Order 66. Ewan Macgregor really pulls off someone who is clearly in hiding and staying off the radar. This series takes place 10 years after the end of Revenge of the Sith. The Inquisitors from Star Wars Rebels show up and they make an impressive entrance I like how they are used and the singular purpose of, 3rd Sister. She is going to be a handful in this series. The backdrop for the majority of this episode is Tattoine and yes I'm tired of seeing Tattoine at this point. One of the main things I enjoy about the Disney Plus series is the fact that we get to see the day-to-day lives of normal people. People that have nothing to do with the Empire getting caught up and subsequently terrorized for basically being caught in the middle. The expected cameos show up like, Jimmy Smits as Bail Organa, we also get to see young Luke and Leia. From a visual standpoint, it looks great just like the previous Disney Plus series' by now as viewers we know what to expect. This episode runs about an hour but does a great job with the setup of the series. If I had one complaint about the episode, the Inquisitors are hella cliche and trope-ish. This is another one of Filoni's let's bring some characters from the animated series to live-action situations. I don't think it works as well as Cad Bane did in Book of Boba Fett. I'm interested in seeing where they go with this as it has already been hinted that Darth Vader does show up in this series at some point.

Episode 2 Thoughts

Yeah, they dropped both episodes this week, I am not mad at this. Fresh off of the heels of what happened at the end of the first episode. Here's where we get an episode that has the fun stuff as I like to call it. There is a Temura Morrison, clone, sighting in this episode that was a pretty cool cameo. Also, Kumail Nanjiani shows up in this episode and I really think people are gonna love him. The character he plays, plays to one of his strengths as a comedian and I can totally see him doing what he does in this episode. This episode makes it clear that Kenobi is out of practice, especially when it comes to the force. He reveals why he hasn't been using it and it is understandable but it is one of those situations where he could have done something. It really did look like he lost a step which, to be honest, I'm glad they showed it makes the character feel more grounded. He really is going to have to hit the "force" gym and get back in shape or he ain't gonna make it through this series. I liked the action in this episode even though they do that thing when the enemies are supposed to be badass trained mercs and they can't hit the broad side of a barn. At least the scene was pretty to look at all things considered. This episode takes place on a different planet, thank god, although it does look like the Madripoor scene from Falcon and the Winter Soldier I digress. I was just happy we were off of Tattoine. I like the actress that plays the 3rd Sister although I have a theory on who she might be, hopefully, I'm right. This episode is not as long as the first and I liked that as it was a straightforward mission style of an episode. 

Overall Thoughts

I liked what I saw. The first episode was very well done and laid down some themes that this series will be hitting on. I like the villains and I like the setup. I am wondering how they will keep this in line with what we already know will be happening in A New Hope. I'm pretty sure they are tweaking the story to make sure that everything falls in place. So what did you think of the first two episodes of Obi-Wan Kenobi? Leave a comment and let's talk about it. 

Trailer

Images via wallpaperaccess.com

Trailer via YouTube

Let's Talk - The Cruel King and The Great Hero First Impressions

 Available on Nintendo Switch and Playstation 4

Thoughts

The latest from NIS Software is a turn-based RPG that tells the story of Yuu and her journey to become a great hero. She was raised by the Dragon King after her father, a hero, left her in his care. The story itself is charming and has Yuu performing acts of kindness alongside her training to be a great hero. If you know me then you know that I love hand-drawn art in all of its various styles. I love the art in this game it looks great and gives the game a visual style something akin to games like Child of Light. The combat in this game is pretty simple and standard for a turn-based RPG. Battles are random, which means you will not see them on the field of play. The rate that you level up is pretty decent and there is a point in the game where you can fast travel. I like that because one of the issues that I have with this game is the pacing of certain sections. More on that later. The soundtrack is very good and has a decent variety of tunes. I feel like a lot of times we don't talk enough about good soundtracks and how they can help a game. This soundtrack just feels like the right amount of atmosphere is placed in each area and it just works. The side quests in this game are handled as Yuu performs tasks to help characters out. These tasks are usually of the fetch quest variety but they do yield good and useful rewards should you do them. At the very least they are worth checking out.

So I do have a couple of gripes with the game. The main one is the pacing. The game sometimes feels slow and what I mean by that is the way you traverse areas. When you come to a new area you can only walk, remember battles are at random so there is nothing in the field that indicates how many baddies are in a particular area. Also, when you are able to run through areas, after going through them at least once and gaining a couple of levels, Yuu still moves pretty slow. The other issue I have is random battles. I guess I'm just used to seeing an enemy on-screen and either having the chance to get the jump on them or avoid them altogether. This game does not give the player that choice. It hearkens back to the 16-bit era of RPGs in that respect. Some people may like that I really don't as it hurts the pacing in my opinion. 

For Parents

You can get this game in physical or digital instances. The game retails at $29.99 with a deluxe edition at $49.99. The game is a little on the short side between 15 - 25 hours depending on how fast you wish to get through the story. This game is perfect for the little ones and I also think adults can have some fun with it too as it isn't difficult and the story is well told.

Final Thoughts

I think this game is deserving of being in the gaming library, especially if you're into games like Child of Light. I'm not completely finished with it at the time of this writing but I have been thoroughly surprised by how charming this game is, from the art style to the gameplay to the music, this game is fun. Have you played The Cruel King and The Great Hero? Please leave a comment and let me know what you think of the game. Check out the trailer below as well as some gameplay from my gaming channel. As always thanks for reading and supporting the blog. Until next time.

Trailer

Gameplay

Images via SwitchShare

Videos via YouTube

Fresh Take - Halo Ep 9 Transcendance Season Finale Spoiler Free Thoughts

 Available on Paramount Plus

Thoughts

We made it to the Season Finale. The season has been inconsistent from a story perspective and that has been one of the more frustrating things about this series as they have a good amount of lore to pull from you think it would be a little easier to adapt to the small screen. The episode itself had its respective cool moments and a few head-scratching moments. I really want to understand how I am supposed to feel about Dr. Halsey, sometimes it feels like she is a more significant threat than the Covenant. Another issue is with the Spartans' armor it looks bad at times, especially when the camera goes close up. There is the obligatory climactic action scene in this episode and while at times it does look good they do the cardinal sin of putting certain shots in the first-person viewpoint and in my opinion, it just doesn't work. One time is fine but to keep going back to it just didn't work for me. The stand-out characters for me are Kai and Cortana, they continue to be the best and most likable characters in the show. The ending of the episode had a cool action sequence and had an interesting setup for Season 2, which has already been greenlit. To be fair, I think they need to add some money or get creative with their CG, if not I think from a visual standpoint season 2 may suffer the same inconsistencies. Story-wise I think they need to have a more focused narrative for the second season and avoid anything that will fill like filler. 

Thoughts on the Season

There's some good and there's some bad and I think that is the main issue I have with the Halo series. There is way too much inconsistency with the story. The stuff with Kwan really felt like an afterthought/filler that didn't really have any bearing on the story. In a 23-episode season, this could have worked but in a 9-episode series that doesn't work. While I do like some of what they did I think trying to ignore the games was a mistake and then trying to put stuff in i.e. first-person viewpoints, certain things that happen in certain games, doesn't help. There are ways to adapt media while being faithful to the fanbase that made said property popular. Is the series good sci-fi? In my opinion not really. Is it a good adaptation? I'm still 50/50 on that, I understand what they were trying to do I just feel that the execution was not good. 

Overall

I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either. I will more than likely check out season 2 as I am hopeful and remain an optimist but my expectations will be in check. What did you think about the Halo series? What do you think will happen in Season 2? Leave a comment and let's talk about it. Thank you for your support. If you like the blog please share it and catch the podcast when you have a chance. Click the top link on the sidebar to the right and it will take you right to the YouTube channel. Until next time.

Trailer 

Image via IMDB

Trailer via YouTube

Fresh Take - Halo Ep 8 Allegiance Spoiler Free Thoughts

 Available on Paramount Plus

Episode Thoughts

Another episode that was appropriately titled. This week's episode dealt with characters' allegiances and how some relationships are breaking down and others are blossoming-ish. A good chunk of this episode is dedicated to Chief and Maake as they are basically in sync with one another and understand each other on a level no one else does. The episode does an excellent job of showing these two characters beginning to trust each other and I think that works even if it is a little cliche. I don't know what it is but every time I think that I can't despise Dr. Halsey any more than what she did in the previous episode the writer's up the ante. This woman here is certifiable at this point. She continues to be a problem and it was nice to see a couple of interactions she had with characters this week. Next week is the season finale and I am just glad that somebody told her about herself. The politics within the UNSC is also on full display here as the chain of command is still trying to hide the truth about the Spartan program from Chief which at this point isn't a good idea. The last 20 minutes of this episode does a really good job of setting things up for the season finale. I think it's going to be a very interesting episode, especially with what happened at the end. 

Just So Ya Know

This episode is a little on the short side, clocking at 47 minutes. That being said they do get to the point and everything feels important to the plot. There is an implied sex scene and a little bit of gore but other than that your standard fan action-adventure style of show. Next week's season finale will be very interesting depending on what they do. My prediction at the beginning of the season was that Reach was going to fall, I don't think that it will but I do think whatever happens will lead to the first Halo ring. I am hoping that Season 2 unleashes the Flood and both the Covenant and the UNSC realize how screwed they really are. What did you think of the episode? What do you think will happen in the season finale? Please leave a comment and let's talk about it. 

Image via IMDB

Fresh Take - Halo Ep 7 Inheritance Spoiler-Free Thoughts

 Available on Paramount Plus

Thoughts

So this week we spend it with Kwan and the Mystics. We start this episode off with another flashback this time dealing with Kwan and her father. I'm glad they did this episode but I honestly think this should have been done earlier in the season. If you have been keeping up with this blog and my Fresh Take podcast you know I am not a fan of this storyline. I feel this has consistently been the weakest part of the show so far. While I like the introduction of the Mystics I still don't understand why we needed to get to them. This episode is weirdly paced. It feels like there were parts missing and that it was originally way longer and they cut it so they could make it under an hour. The best thing about this episode is that we are finally done with the evil magistrate which is good seeing as how there are only two episodes left. I am hoping that the plot thread from this episode that was leftover factors into what's coming. As of now though I can't see that happening. It just feels too disjointed from the rest of the series, at least that's how I see it. There is a fight scene here and it looks decent but this episode is more about the story than the action. I wish I could say more but that's getting into spoiler territory and I am saving that for the podcast. Overall I think it's the weakest episode of the season. I am hoping that it will all make sense next week and in the season finale. So let me know what you think about episode 7 of Halo. Please leave a comment and let's talk about it. 

Image via IMDB

Fresh Take - Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Spoiler Free Thoughts

 In Theatres

Thoughts

Hey Kevin Feige can y'all put Sam Raimi on the payroll? Asking for a friend. This movie was very well done. I'm going to try and do this without spoiling anything, also it's fair to say that the trailers don't really spoil anything in this movie. You also may want to make sure you watch at least the last two episodes of WandaVision and a few episodes of WHAT IF. It will at least answer some questions as to why certain things happen in the film. The direction of this movie is fantastic, Sam Raimi has a certain style and it works for the story they are telling here. This movie has a fast pace to it and I liked that about it, I think it works in the movie's favor. By this point, you should have a general idea of what to expect when you go see a Marvel movie and here you get that plus the added touches that Raimi brings. There are little horror elements peppered throughout the movie and a couple of jump scares that are used effectively to get over how powerful and terrifying Wanda can be now that she is the Scarlet Witch. Elizabeth Olsen does a fantastic job as Wanda picks up from where WandaVision left off with her desperately seeking a way to get her children back even though in that reality her children weren't real. At first, I wasn't too happy with what they did with Wanda but as the movie went on I understood it was a continuation of one of the main themes from WandaVision. I actually felt bad for her in a way and I think that was one of the points of the movie. America Chavez, I want to give props to the actress that played her, Xochitl Gomez, she did an awesome job. I am interested in seeing where they go with her character. If you have been watching the Disney Plus shows you know they have been silently setting up Young Avengers and I would love to see her interactions with them once that gets started. There are a lot of cameos in this film, one big one you already know about if you have seen the second trailer. It was so nice seeing a couple of these cameos in the MCU, oh what could have been. The score is also really well done especially during the more thriller-type sequences. Just like the first film, there are a couple of trip-out scenes that are really well done. The CG was on point throughout the entirety of the film. 

If there was a problem I had with the movie was I think they made Wanda a little too OP. Don't get me wrong she is very powerful and they did a good job of representing that, however, I do think that at points she was way too overpowered. The way they wrapped it up could be seen as hella cliche, to be honest. I know that's a little nitpicky but I did notice that and I think that may be an issue with some people. 

For Parents

The movie is rated PG-13 and is, for the most part, in line with the rest of the MCU in terms of the format. However, this movie has some horror elements in it as well as more than a few deaths. It runs at a little over two hours but as I said earlier it has a fast pace to it, I didn't feel the time at all. There are two post-credit scenes, however, you only need to stay for the first one the last does not set anything up at all. 

Overall Thoughts

This movie is awesome. Hopefully, they keep Raimi on for a couple more movies especially since we know they are going to be bringing Midnight Sons and other supernatural characters to the MCU. Have you seen Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness? Leave a comment and let me know what you think. I will have a spoiler-filled podcast with a good buddy of mine in the coming days, so please be on the lookout for that. 

Trailer

Image via Google Images

Trailer via YouTube

Fresh Take - Moon Knight Ep 6 Gods and Monsters Season Finale Thoughts

 Available on Disney Plus

Thoughts

If you watched the Fresh Take podcast last Sunday I said that I thought this was going to be one of the longer episodes of the season. I  was completely wrong. This episode is in fact the shortest episode of the season. The episode begins where episode 5 left off with Marc in the Field of Reeds. This whole season I thought they did a great job on the CG and this episode is a little more CG-heavy. With Ammit being freed you know that there is going to be a titanic battle and the episode pretty much gets right to it. Layla is back and she gets her own upgrade which I thought was a good addition, I just wish it would have happened a little sooner. I really wish we could have gotten to see a little more of Ammit and some of the other Egyptian gods. I liked how they adapted some of them for this story but I also feel that it was a missed opportunity. The fight choreography in this episode was very well done. It just looked so smooth and I kinda liked how it ended, kinda. I'll explain more on the podcast on Sunday. 

There are a couple things that I didn't like about the episode. The main thing being with the fact that I felt like it was rushed. The episode is forty-four minutes long and it just felt like something was missing. I don't know if they had to deal with certain time constraints but I thought that this episode could have used an extra 10-15 minutes.

For Parents

This episode is your standard Marvel superhero climactic hero or heroes do battle with the villain fanfare. It is the shortest episode but the action is good and it is straight and to the point. It pretty much follows what the majority of the MCU shows have done in the last episode so you know what to expect.

Overall

I have enjoyed this season and I think this is a good way to start off the supernatural side of the MCU. There is a post-credit scene that just screams this show is probably going to bet a second season. In my opinion, it should as I would love to see where they go with this character and I think the Disney Plus format works best for Marvel characters like Moon Knight. Have you seen the episode? What did you think? Leave a comment and let's talk about it. 

Trailer

Image via IMDB

Trailer via YouTube

Let's Talk - Nintendo Switch Sports First Impressions

 Available on Nintendo Switch

The latest in the Nintendo Sports game line is out and available for your enjoyment. There are six sports that are available and it has been reported that Golf is coming later this year. There really is no reason not to believe that other sports will be on their way as well. Especially with Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort being so popular and a few of the sports on those games would work well in this package. For this post, I'm just going to give my thoughts on each individual sport and then give my overall thoughts. Without further ado.

Tennis

This one plays exactly as it did on the original Wii Sports. Matches are played to 7 and they are 2 v 2 even if it's by yourself. You're essentially playing a doubles match. My only complaint about this sport is I wish they allowed matches to be 1 v 1. Other than that it looks great and plays great. The controls feel responsive and that's a plus in this sport.

Badminton

To be fair I don't really care for this one. That doesn't mean it's bad it's just that I think they should have used another sport in its place as it is essentially just tennis. Matches can get a little intense just because the field of play is shortened. This changes the timing a little bit. Not my favorite sport in the package but okay.

Soccer

Or Rocket League with Miis. Just being honest that is what it is, at this point we can't use the leg strap but that update will be coming soon. I do like this one also you may not want to skip the tutorial on this one. I played one game on this one I think this game would probably be best playing with friends as the game is set up for 4 v 4 matches. I had fun with this one, it will be interesting adding in the leg strap as I think that will either help or hurt depending on how you play.

Volleyball

This particular sport was the one I'm glad they gave a tutorial for because my timing was garbage at first. Unlike Tennis where if you don't have another player with you they just give your a clone of your player, this game actually pairs you up with another player. I don't know if it's just me but this game feels a little slower than the others. Not that it's a bad thing, it just feels that way to me. I can see how this can be a lot of fun if you have friends and family over. While my timing was off at points I never had to recalibrate the joycon which works for me. 

Chambara

This sport returns from Wii Sports Resort. I had fun with this one but this is one of the games that for some reason, and maybe it's just me, I found myself having to recalibrate the joycon a lot. There are 3 different sword styles to choose from single, charged, and twin. I usually use single or twin but all of them have their perks just practice with them until you find whichever one works for you. Also, using the tutorial will help.

Bowling

My personal favorite of the package. For this sport, the developers tweaked it and made survival bowling. This makes the games more intense and every bowl has to count. I have won a few but I have also lost a lot because I messed up one lane. It's a lot of fun and I think the tweaks that they made will make this one probably the favorite out of the entire package and perfect for game nights. 

Overall Thoughts

I think there is a lot to like here. There is the nostalgia factor that Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort brought in that mixed with the online play that I have not had any issues with at any point so far make this a package that is well worth the price in my opinion. Add to the fact that more sports are on the way. With the tweaks that were added to other sports, I think fans will like this addition to the Switch library. There is a Pro rank that you can obtain after playing a sport 10 times. Currently, I am in the bowling Pro rank, this can be turned off if you don't care about things like that so keep that in mind. Have you played Switch Sports?  Leave a comment and let me know what your initial thoughts are. Thanks for supporting the blog. If you like the content please share it. Also, check out and subscribe to my YouTube channels to know when we go live.

YouTube Gameplay

Images via Nintendo SwitchShare

Video via YouTube