My Time at the Comic-Con: Part 1

Last week, San Diego once again put up the sold out San Diego Comic-Con.  And for those of you who didn't go, we have released a slew of juicy news out.

First up: Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed.  It has been revealed that Wreck-it Ralph, from the upcoming movie of the same name that involves a Video Game villain wanting to be a hero, will guest star in the sequel to Sonic and SEGA All-Stars Racing.  But that's not the only thing that comes out.

Wreck-It Ralph, star of the upcoming retro video game themed Disney animated movie, is in Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, Sega has announced. 

And, conversely, Sonic makes an appearance in the film.

"Wreck-It Ralph's unique transformable vehicles and signature All-Star move will make for some of the best racing around when he lines up against other All-Stars such as Sonic, AiAi and Danica Patrick, in both single-player and multiplayer game modes," said Sega.
Wreck-It Ralph director Rich Moore added: "To have Wreck-It Ralph included in Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is a dream come true.
"The film pays homage to the video games I loved as a kid, including Sonic the Hedgehog in a special cameo, so being able to see Wreck-It Ralph in a real video game alongside Sonic and other iconic Sega characters is unbelievably exciting for me and should be a treat for fans!"

First Danica Patrick, and now Wreck-It Ralph?  What's next, the Heavy from Team Fortress 2 for the PC version?

Also, Transformers: Fall of Cybertron.  The game will be due out next month.  But at Comic-Con was a special appearance of voice actors from the game: Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime, Gregg Berger as Grimlock and Nolan North as Cliffjumper and Bruticus


If anyone would have some insight into how the Transformers are being handled, it would be Peter Cullen, the longtime Optimus Prime voice actor. He says that in the course of the series' nearly 30 year history, Prime has remained popular with fans because of his truthworthiness.

Discussing the darker tone, Cullen says that he was confident in the booth about the lines and the role knowing the greater vision for Optimus Prime and the narrative of Fall of Cybertron. "It's like being involved in the show itself," Cullen gushed. "I was ultimately really surprised to see the finished product."

Grimlock voice actor Gregg Berger says that the appeal for his own character is the dinobot's singlemindedness, describing it as a "ready, fire, aim" mentality. "He's reactionary to whatever he hears and does," Berger explains, continuing "he's a fearsome ally to have in the cause." He says that the character is completely without a filter.

In terms of the changes between the G1 interpretation and Fall of Cybertron, Berger says that his character's grammar is perhaps a bit better than in past incarnations. Other changes, particularly in terms of Grimlock's history, Berger says all remain true to the basics of the character. He credited the game with allowing players to live the world of the Transformers instead of simply observing it.
Tieger followed up on this thread, saying that people like to play these characters because they're reflections of ourselves. Grimlock is our rage and anger, while Optimus is our basic decency.

Nolan North, playing both sides of the conflict as Cliffjumper and Decepticon Bruticus, talked about the disparity between the exuberance of the young Autobot and the weathered, battle wearniess of Bruticus. The Uncharted actor also joked that he appreciates being able use a voice that's not his own.
North also gave props to voice actor Troy Baker who plays the character Jazz in the campaign. He says the interaction between the two characters adds to the fun of the campaign, and he was happy to have the friendship that he has with Baker brought into the game. North attempted his own Jazz impression which sounds a lot like Scatman Caruthers.

As for Bruticus, he says that if Grimlock is the angry guy on the 405 Interstate, Bruticus is the one turning and saying "What are you lookin' at?" The character's gruff voice is all part of a character whow would rather bash his way through obstacles then figure things out.

Reminiscing about his G1 days, Cullen talked fondly about voicing Ironhide, while Berger talked about both Longhaul and Skyfire/Jetfire back in the 80's. With Prime, he says his favorite line for the character is "Hold on to your dreams. The future is made of dreams."

 Amazing actors they are.  This game is due out on August 21st.  But that's not the only game High Moon Studios, and Nolan North, was working on.  Introducing the Deadpool game from Marvel's Deadpool.



Better watch it Wolverine, because this has the potential of being the best game ever made.

Finally, for the 2nd year in a row, Nintendo occupies the Marriott with their Nintendo Gaming Lounge and shows off the Nintendo 3DS XL



The geek-fest that is San Diego Comic-Con has officially begun, and though most of the show will be dedicated to comic books, toys, movies and TV, video games have been steadily making their presence known over the past few years. This time around Nintendo's booth (#5135) will be largely dedicated to showing off the upcoming 3DS XL, but that's not all Nintendo has in store for San Diego.


In addition to their booth, Nintendo has planned several activities that will take place at the “Nintendo Gaming Lounge” in the San Diego Ballroom at the Marriot Marquis & Marina. Surprisingly that gaming lounge will not feature the Wii U, however, there will be loads of games to play for 3DS and the original Wii, and the best part is you don't even need a SDCC 2012 badge to get in!


Now that last line that says it won't feature Wii U, that's debateable.  Why?  Stay tuned because next post, I got a surprise.

 Works Cited:
Eurogamer
MTV Multiplayer Blog 1
MTV Multiplayer Blog 2