Everything We Know About: Avengers: Age of Ultron

When The Avengers came out in 2012 it was a resounding success. Grossing over  $1 billion at the box office becoming the third biggest film ever behind Titanic and Avatar. As well as a commercial success it also received incredible reviews and is currently rated  8.2 on IMDB. So with this incredible success it was not a surprise when Disney announced a sequel was to be released on 2015. So without further ado here is everything we know about next years anticipated sequel. WARNING SPOILERS FOR PHASE 2 BELOW

The Director

After directing the first Avengers Joss Whedon will again be back to direct the sequel. In August 2012 after the first film was released it was revealed that Whedon had signed a three year deal with Marvel Studios which not only saw him write and direct The Avengers sequel but also saw him as a guide for Phase 2 which films included Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Guardians of the Galaxy. Whedon has been working on the Avengers script for a while now and the film will include these people...

The Avengers

Age of Ultron sees all the heroes from the last film return. This includes Tony Stark/Iron Man, Steve Rogers/Captain America, Thor, Bruce Banner/Hulk, Hawkeye, Black Widow and Nick Fury. The Phase 2 films we've seen so far have definitely affected he Marvel Cinematic Universe and the heroes themselves. After Captain America: The Winter Soldier saw the end of S.H.I.E.L.D the Avengers will have to find themselves a new base of operations, which will most likely be the Stark Tower from the last Avengers film. Nick Fury may not be very involved in this film, as he is currently undercover trying to take down the remaining HYDRA cells. Thor is now living on Earth after his adventures in Thor:The Dark World, Black Widow's past is now out in the open and after Iron Man 3 Tony Stark had surgery to remove his Arc Reactor which powered his suits and also destroyed all of the suits made. Currently we are not sure on the status of either Hulk or Hawkeye, however Whedon has promised that these two characters will play a big part in Age of Ultron and their whereabouts between the two Avengers will be fleshed out.

As well as these returning heroes there will be a number of new additions to the superhero team. Firstly we have the double act of Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, who were briefly seen in the Winter Soldier's after-credits scene. These two are most widely known in the comic universe for being the son and daughter of the villainous Magneto but due to the rights of the 'Mutants' belonging to Fox will probably ignore this in the film instead being called 'Miracles'. Quicksilver will be played by Aaron Taylor- Johnson and Scarlet Witch will be played by Elizabeth Olsen. Next we have the Vision who will be played by Paul Bettany who already has a role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the voice of Tony Stark's computer system JARVIS. The Vision is an android used against the Avengers created by the title villain Ultron, however ultimately sides with the Avengers. Due to the link between JARVIS and the Vision there has been speculation that the Vision may be a modified version of the computer. There has also been speculation that Iron Man and Captain America's respective sidekicks War Machine/Iron Patriot and Falcon could join the team.

The Villain

The main villain of the film will be a super intelligent, near indestructible, and evil robot by the name of Ultron. After the mid-credits scene of the Avengers it was assumed Thanos would be the next foe the team face, however Whedon opted for another one of the Avengers most formidable opponents. Played by James Spader Ultron possesses a number of powers that will certainly cause Earth's Mightiest Heroes some problems. These include superhuman levels of strength, speed, durability, and reflexes as well as the ability to fly at incredible speeds. This paired with his great intellect will certainly make him a tough opponent to beat. Ultron's origins in the comics come from him being a failed experiment of Ant-Man. However Whedon has confirmed that this will not be the case with the movie version of Ultron with many speculating he will instead be a failed experiment of Tony Stark.

Release Date 

There are not many plot details about the Avengers: Age of Ultron so far and we don't know if characters such as Thanos, Dr Strange or even the Guardians of the Galaxy who have been rumoured to appear in the film will star, however we will found out on 24th April 2015.

Johnny Depp Wanted for Dr Strange Role

Johnny is reportedly meeting with Marvel to discuss him potentially taking on the role of Dr Strange. The film will be released as part of Phase 3 of Marvel's Cinematic Universe and will probably be released in 2016.

A Dr Strange film would introduce a more mystical element to the Marvel world and with such a big actor portraying him Marvel would want to make Dr Strange the next big character in the Marvel Universe. Joseph Gordon-Levitt had previously been rumoured for the role.

Michael Douglas cast in Ant-Man

Actor Michael Douglas has been cast as original Ant-Man Hank Pym in the Edgar Wright directed Marvel film. This means that already confirmed actor Paul Rudd will play the second Ant-Man Scott Lang.

Plot details are pretty scarce at the moment, however the film has been rumoured to be based on the episode of Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes 'To Steal an Ant-Man' where Lang steals a retired Pym's size altering suit to rob banks but later redeems himself. Ant-Man will release in 2015.

Top 10 Most Anticipated Films of 2015

Edit: Seeming as my number one Batman Vs Superman has been delayed to 2016 I have decided to revise the list including another film.

10. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay-Part 2

Mockingjay-Part 2 will be the last instalment of the extremely popular Hunger Games franchise. The film will conclude the Katniss's story and the war with the rebels and the evil Capitol.  The film will see Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth return for one final time November 20th of 2015.


9. Terminator: Genesis

Not much is known about the upcoming Terminator film Genesis apart from a few cast details. We know that Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke will play Sarah Connor in the film and that Arnold Schwarzenegger will again return as a Terminator. It is currently unknown whether the film is a sequel to Salvation or an entire reboot of the iconic franchise.



8. Assassin's Creed

Despite almost every video game film ever made having gone badly, I still hold out hope that the Assassin's Creed film will turn out well. Starring the critically acclaimed Michael Fassbender as the Assassin, we are not sure as of yet which game the film will based upon or whether the film will be an original story.



7. Inside Out

Inside Out is one of the two Pixar films to be released in 2015, the other being The Good Dinosaur. The film's story sees a pre-teen girl move from her happy life in Minnesota to an unwelcoming San Francisco. Predominantly the film takes place inside the girls head with the emotions Anger, Disgust, Fear, Sadness and Joy working together to try and keep the girl functioning and to find new friends. The film stars the voices of Mindy Kaling, Bill Hader and Amy Poehler.



6. Ant-Man

The second of Marvel's films of 2015, superhero Ant-Man finally finds his way to the big screen. Directed by Edgar Wright who's previous efforts include Shaun of the Dead and Scott Pilgrim vs the World and starring Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas as the title characters the film is shaping up well. The film will be the first of Marvel's Phase 3 and the first film after The Avengers: Age of Ultron. Little is known about the story so far apart from the fact it will explore the origins of the superhero.


5.  The Fantastic Four

2015 will see the reboot of the famous Marvel team. Starring Kate Mara as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman, Michael B. Jordan as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, Jaime Bell as Ben Grimm/ The Thing and Miles Teller as Reed Richards/ Mr. Fantastic. Story details at the moment are non-existent however we do know the Four's iconic nemesis Doctor Doom played by Toby Kebbell will play a part in the film. We also know there will be a sequel for the film to release 2017 and a possible X-Men crossover in the future.


4. Bond 24

Bond 24 will be released in October of 2015 and try to carry on the huge success of last year's Skyfall. The film will see Daniel Craig return as the MI6 agent for the fourth time and Skyfall director Sam Mendes will return to direct this film. Nothing is known of the plot so far but it was rumoured that the film would be based upon the novel 'Devil May Care'.


3. Jurassic World

Jurassic World is the long awaited fourth instalment to the hit franchise Jurassic Park. No plot details have been released after it's September announcement, all we know is that the film takes place 22 years after Jurassic Park 3 and will take place on the island from the original. No cast details have been released either but the film is rumoured to star Chris Pratt, Jake Johnson and Josh Brolin.


2. Avengers: Age of Ultron

Avengers: Age of Ultron is the second Avengers movie and the last of Marvel's Phase 2. The film will see the superhero team battle the evil robot Ultron, played by James Spader. The film will see the return of all previous Avengers like Iron Man and Black Widow but sees additions to the team with the likes of War Machine,and Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver from the X-Men universe.


1. Star Wars: Episode VII

2015 will see the seventh instalment of the incredibly popular sci-fi franchise Star Wars release. The film will be the first of a new trilogy and is the first Star Wars film after being bought by Disney. The film will continue from the events of Epiosde VI and will likely again star Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrsion Ford. The film will be directed by Star Trek director JJ Abrams.

Paul Rudd cast as Ant-Man

After months of speculation it has been confirmed that Anchorman actor Paul Rudd will play the main character in the Edgar Wright directed Marvel movie Ant-Man.

Rudd had been tipped as an early favourite to take the role despite saying he 'knew nothing of the project'. Other actors rumoured for the role included Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Simon Pegg and Nathan Fillion. Ant-Man will be the first film of Marvel's Phase 3 and will release in 2015 shortly after Avengers: The Age of Ultron.

The PS4 Game Guide of 2014

Now that the new generation of gaming consoles is fully underway below is a guide to the games coming for Sony's console next year.

Early 2014- Driveclub

Originally due for the launch of Sony's new console the racer was delayed for further polishing. The PS4 exclusive racer is hopefully worth the wait and may be an essential if you are a fan of the racing genre.






February 28th- Thief

This year will finally see the release of the long awaited sequel to the stealth franchise Thief. A reboot of sorts the franchises debut on consoles sees you again playing as master thief Garret stealing various things from the rich in the steampunk setting of The City. Like the recent Dishonored players can follow a number of paths to reach their loot.



March 21st- Infamous: Second Son

Another Playstation 4 exclusive delayed from the consoles launch the third entry of the Playstation exclusive franchise will release in March of next year. Starring all new protagonist Deslin Rowe who has the ability to control fire the game is set in Seattle and must battle against the organisation DUP who regard him as a 'bioterrorist'.



Early 2014- The Elder Scrolls Online

Due to be released before April The Elder Scrolls Online is an MMO addition to Bethesda's open-world fantasy series. Set 1000 years before latest instalment Skyrim players will be able to explore most of the continent of Tamriel with Daedric Prince Molag Bol trying to take over Tamriel serving as the main stroyline.
A beta will be released a short time before the release of the game.


March 21st- Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes

Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes is the downloadable prologue to the full sequel The Phantom Pain. Ground Zeroes was created to ease the wait for the Phantom Pain and to help players learn how to play an open world MGS title. The plot will revolve around Snake infiltrating a Cuban prison camp and the events will lead directly into the Phantom Pain.


May 5th- EA's UFC

Following the bankruptcy of THQ WA acquired the popular fighting series. Seeming as EA Sports are the king of the sports genre this fares pretty well for UFC. Using EA's Ignite engine the game is sure to insanely detailed with 'signs of fatigue setting in through the course of each round. However no matter how good the game looks it's all about how it controls.


Before July- Watch Dogs

As one of the most anticipated launch games of the next generation it was quite a disappointment however the delay can only make the game more polished and a better overall experience. Playing as Aiden Pierce you are able to hack almost anything in Chicago.




Autumn- Dragon Age Inquisition

 The third entry in Bioware's fantasy series is well worth keeping your eye on. Inquisition allows you to explore a much more vast world than the previous instalments. The gameplay relies more on teamwork and less on button mashing. The game also has an increased focus on morality and customization.




September 9th- Destiny

Destiny is sure to be one of the stand out games of next year. Developed by Bungie, the team behind the Halo series Destiny is an MMO of sorts. As a Protector of the Earth with special powers you are able to visit a number of places in space. A beta is also due before release available on Playstation first when the game is pre-ordered.



Late 2014- The Evil Within

The Evil Within comes from the man who brought us Resident Evil 4. The game follows Detective Sebastian who when he arrives at a mass murder scene finds a powerful mysterious force. In a genre which is in peril The Evil Within is sure to bring it back to what it once was.



Assassin's Creed Unity- October 2014

This year's Assassin's Creed will take us to the French Revolution. Releasing exclusively on the next-gen consoles and PC Unity seems to be fully utilising the improved hardware. The first and only trailer we've seen for the game was supposedly in-game footage showcased impressive visuals, incredible detail and the largest crowd seen to date in a Creed game. However there is little detail on story, gameplay and characters thus far.

Batman Arkham Knight- October 15th

Batman Arkham Knight will be the final Rocksteady made game in the franchise and it looks like they are going out with a bang. Set a year after the events of Arkham City Scarecrow returns to unite a team of villains including the Penguin, Two-Face, and Harley Quinn to destroy The Dark Knight. For the first time in the series you will be able to drive the Batmobile in a larger and incredibly detailed Gotham.





TBA:
Everbody's Gone To The Rapture

The new indie title from The Chinese Room looks promising. The game will be based around six characters each connected to landmarks in the English town of Shropshire, the game takes place during an apocalypse. The game sports amazing visuals and will allow more interaction in it's gameplay.

The Crew

The Crew is an open world racing game from Ubisoft. Originally due spring the title was delayed alongside Watch Dogs. The game contains a full open world recreation of America which takes 90 minutes to drive from coast to coast. As well as racing players are able to play missions together. The single player contains a 20 hour long campaign.



Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor

Taking place between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings the game centres around ranger Talion who is killed along with his family by Sauron's army but is resurrected and given Wraith like abilities. He then heads to Mordor to get his revenge. The game is a third person action game and is open world with players being able to complete side quests.


The Order 1886

Playstation's new exclusive is rumoured to be coming this year. Revealed at last E3 gameplay shown is that of a third person cover based shooter. The game is set in an alternate history where a group of knights protect citizens from a breed of half human half animal monsters. You will play as one of these knights.






Wolfenstein: The New Order

The reboot of the classic FPS series was delayed from the launch of the PS4. Set in alternate timeline where the Nazis won World War 2 you again play as B.J Blachowitz trying to destroy the Nazi regime




Telltale's Games

The developer best known for delivering the critically acclaimed Walking Dead series has a number of games coming out next year. It is unknown whether or not the next season of The Walking Dead is on Sony's next platform however episodes will come out next year. As well as The Walking Dead Telltale is making games based on both the Borderlands series and the popular fantasy series Game of Thrones. It's going to be a big year for the talented developer.



Alien Isolation

A recently announced title Alien Isolation is an upcoming first person survival horror game based on the popular movie franchise. The game's story sees you play as Ellen Ripley's daughter Amanda and who when in search of her mother docks at a space station unaware it has been infested with Xenomorphs. The game looks visually incredible and gives off a creepy atmosphere with these detailed graphics.

Evolve

Made by Turtle Rock Studios the people behind Left 4 Dead, Evolve is an upcoming sci fi co-op shooter. The game's multiplayer will see 4 players teaming up against another player who plays a large alien. The alien can eat various wildlife in the game to become even bigger and harder to defeat. Each different human has a class set and specific skills. The game also apparently has a single player element


Call Of Duty: Advanced Warfare

The next instalment of the yearly FPS franchise will take us into the future. From the first trailer shown Advanced Warfare seems to be drastically different to any other COD game we've seen before. In the trailer we see various future technologies which could really shake up the game. These include hoverbikes, climbing gloves, heavy suits with miniguns attached and exo-suits which gives characters superhuman strength and jumping abilities. Whether these features will be implemented into multiplayer is unknown as the trailer showed only campaign footage. The trailer was narrated by Oscar winning actor Kevin Spacey who will lend his likeness and voice to play the villain in the campaign.

Far Cry 4

Far Cry 4  is the next instalment in the open world FPS series Far Cry. Taking a break from the tropical setting of Far Cry 3, 4 takes place in the Himalayas. The region is being ruled by a self appointed king, much like the brilliant Vaas from the last game. The game will allow to drive vehicles to get around the large open world, one of which suggested was rideable elephants.




Others:
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Child of Light
Daylight
Diablo 3
Dynasty Warriors 8
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn
Guilty Gear Xrd
Guns of Icarus Online
Hohokum
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number
The Lego Movie Videogame
Lords of the Fallen

Lego: The Hobbit
Minecraft
Natural Doctrine
N++
Octodad: Dadliest Catch
Oddworld: New 'n Tasty
Outlast
Project Cars
Rogue Legacy
Scivelation
Secret Ponchos
Shadow Warrior
Sniper Elite 3

Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishment
Strider
Soul Saga
Transistor
Trials Fusion
Valiant Hearts: Great War
Velocity 2X
Volume
The Witness
Wonder Flick
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition

The 20 Best Games of the Generation

There have been a lot of impressive games in the lifespan of the current generation of gaming consoles. The Playstation 3 and the Xbox 360 has certainly seen some excellent games and these 20 are what I believe to be the best.

20. Gears of War 2

The second instalment of the Xbox exclusive franchise Gears of War was undoubtedly the peak of the trilogy. Again the game casts you as COG soldier Marcus Fenix and his squad in their battle against the Locust, who threaten to destroy the planet. The game mixes fantastic gameplay, epic story, likeable characters and outstanding boss battles to create this excellent game. The game also introduced Horde mode an incredibly fun multiplayer mode.



19. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

The only core Metal Gear Solid game this generation Guns of the Patriots certainly lived up to the Metal Gear Solid name. This game saw the return of Solid Snake who due to rapid ageing does not have much time left. He must stop the evil plans of Ocelot with the time he has left. Although the story has become a bit muddled the game still tells an interesting tale leading to an intense standoff and the gameplay is an all time high for an MGS game.


18. Battlefield: Bad Company 2

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is what I believe to be the high of the long running FPS franchise. Although it does not have the stellar visuals of Battlefield 3 I feel as if the destructible environments are more key here and it's wider range of vehicles. Also the single player in this is trumps beyond that of it's successor and gives the game even more value.



17. Dishonored

Dishonored is one of the most unique games I have ever played. Set in the steampunk city of Dunwall you are cast as supernatural assassin Corvo the former guardian of the Empress who has been wrongly accused of her murder. Corvo sets out to lead a revolution against the corrupt government. What makes this game so good is the amount of ways you can reach and assassinate your target, you could go in guns blazing but the game is better when you methodically plan a stealth attack.


16. Borderlands 2

The sequel to the highly acclaimed FPS Borderlands, Borderlands 2 fixes nearly everything wrong with it's predecessor and therefore delivers us an amazing game.  Set five years after the events of the first game the sequel gives us four new characters to play as: The Assassin, The Siren, The Gunzerker and the Commando. Your character must battle the evil Handsome Jack.


15. Heavy Rain

Heavy Rain is the Playstation 3 exclusive title from Quantic Dream. Less of a game and more of an interactive drama Heavy Rain tells the story of four protagonists during the kidnap of one of the characters son. The game's gameplay features are not particularly fun to play with, however it is the gripping story that makes this game a must play.



14. Fallout 3

The first Fallout game from Bethesda was an undoubted triumph. The game takes place far in the future after a nuclear war and the game is set in a post apocalyptic version of Washington D.C which sees you play a character who leaves the Vault for the first time in his life. The game boasts incredible open ended gameplay and levelling system as well as an engaging storyline and 100s of hours of potential playtime.



13. Far Cry 3

The third instalment of the Far Cry series takes the game back to it's original tropical setting. The game puts you as the young, arrogant and rich Jason Brody who is kidnapped by the mentally unstable Vaas along with his friends. Brody must do what he can to free his captive friends. Like Fallout 3 the game is an FPS open world adventure allowing to roam Rook Island as you please. With fantastic gameplay, memorable characters and stunning visuals Far Cry 3 was a highlight of this generation


12. The Walking Dead Game

The episodic adventure game based on the popular graphic novel and T.V series scores 12th on the list. Set in the graphic novel universe The Walking Dead casts you as Lee Everett an escaped convict. Lee's main priority is to protect Clementine a little girl he meets at the start of the apocalypse. Much like Heavy Rain the game is more interactive drama with players making decisions and moulding conversations to make Lee their own character.


11. Portal 2

Portal 2 is the second instalment of the Valve developed puzzle franchise. The game is again set in Aperture Science set many years after the first game Chell awakens to find Aperture overgrown and GLaDOS reactivated. The game includes some very well designed puzzles thanks to the gels introduced in the game. The dialogue is genuinely funny in this game with comedian Stephen Merchant lending his vocals as personality core Wheatley. The game also includes a very fun co-op mode.


10. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

The second instalment to the Playstation exclusive franchise Uncharted 2 makes into the top ten. Again starring Nathan Drake Among Thieves improves upon it's excellent predecessor. The cover shooting mechanics are improved upon as well as the stunning visuals.The game includes some of the best set pieces I've experienced in gaming with a great opening and a brilliant train shootout. The game also introduced multiplayer into the franchise which is incredibly fun and addicting.



9. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Out of all the games in the list I have probably spent the most time on the fifth entry in The Elder Srolls series. Set 200 years after Oblivion the games main story sees you battle the dragons that are starting to reappear throughout Tamriel. However there are hundreds of other things to do in Skyrim as well as the main quest, such as join the number of guilds in the region. Although the combat is still slightly clunky it remains satisfying and also adds an improved levelling system to boot.


8. Bioshock Infinite

Some may argue that the original Bioshock is better than the recently released Infinite, however I personally prefered the latest outing in the series. This is because I prefer the setting of Columbia a city in the clouds that remains beautiful throughout Infinite's story. Although some may argue that Infinte's gameplay gets boring and tedious I felt the excellent story made up for these problems, and it certainly pays off after the jaw dropping ending.


7. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

One of the most revolutionary games of this generation, the original Modern Warfare is where Call of Duty became the blockbuster franchise it is today. Although it does have a brilliant single player campaign the multiplayer is where Modern Warfare shines. Modern Warfare perfected the controls for an FPS game which made the game simple to learn and play. The game features interesting and diverse maps as well as creating balanced weapons and decent class system. It's a testament that people are still playing the game almost seven years after it's initial release.


6. Assassins Creed 2

The first of the Assassin Creed games to star Ezio was the peak of the stealth series. The origin of Ezio's story as Master Assassin begins with a tale of revenge. In the game you are able to explore various Italian cities during the Renaissance era. The game fixed most of the problems of the original with varied missions and a more likeable main protagonist.



5. Batman Arkham City

The sequel to the highly acclaimed Batman Arkham Asylum, Arkham City further improved upon it's fantastic predecessor. Set not long after the events of the first game Arkham City sees the Dark Knight inside Arkham City a walled off area of Gotham used as a prison. The game is open world and allows you to complete side quests. The sequel also improves upon the combat allowing you to use more gadgets in the middle of a fight.


4. The Last of Us

The Last of Us is the apocalyptic survival horror game from Uncharted developer Naughty Dog. Set after a fungal disease strikes turning people into zombie like creatures the game follows Joel and Ellie as they struggle to survive. The game tells an emotional and gripping story from start till end and creates a beautiful relationship between the two characters. It also features stellar gameplay with the player able to choose stealth or guns blazing route.



3. Red Dead Redemption

The Western open-world epic from Rockstar was an unbelievable success. You are cast as old outlaw John Marston who has been forced by the FBI to take out his former gang members. Including an incredibly emotional and compelling story as well as a huge map and fantastic gameplay the game is one of the best the PS3 and Xbox 360 have to offer.




2. Mass Effect 2

The second instalment of the amazing space epic trilogy, Mass Effect 2 is definitely a game you need to pick up before the launch of the next generation of gaming consoles. The game again sees you play as Commander Shepard in his fight against the Reapers. You must recruit a squad of the best assassins, soldiers and engineers to carry out the 'suicide mission'. The game greatly improves the gameplay of the original and even further improves on an already great story offering up even more choices that will affect the plot massively.



1. Grand Theft Auto V

The most recent release of the blockbuster crime series is the franchise's best. Set in San Andreas once again, you play the game as 3 different characters: Michael, Franklin and Trevor as they perform a series of daring heists.The game fixes the dodgy driving and shooting of GTA 4 and improves even more in the visuals. The game has plenty of potential playtime with Online providing even more fun.