Hasta La Motion!

Power Rangers Ninja Storm, who essayed the role of the Red Wing Ranger Shane Clarke in Power Rangers Ninja Storm has been found dead in Welling at the age of 38 as per the New Zealand Herald reports.

Three rebellious students are the last ones remaining at their ninja academy after evil aliens attack the Earth. With mankind at the brink of destruction, the fate of the world lies in their hands.

As of now, no cause has been stated with respect to the sudden and untimely demise in the early hours of the morning. A spokeswoman for South Pacific Pictures confirmed Magasiva’s death and could not make any further comment according to Herald although they have confirmed that circumstances didn’t evoke any suspicion.

Magasiva was the only one to don the Red Ranger suit and led the Power Rangers Ninja Storm team in 2003, playing a pivotal role in driving the story.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Pua Magasiva’s loved ones at this time.

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Created by Green Gold Animation founder and CEO Rajiv Chilaka, Chhota Bheem, has ruled the hearts of kids since its inception in 2008. Turning 11 this May, the animated character, still holds a special place in the hearts of the audience with its simplicity, charm, storytelling and local flavour.

The phenomenon that Chhota Bheem has become, is sure to go a notch higher, given its latest 3D stereoscopic version- Chhota Bheem: Kung Fu Dhamaka is a sheer delight on screen which has set the bar of Indian animation at a higher level, from now.

Kung Fu Dhamaka finds Bheem donning a new avatar with some killer Kung Fu moves, to fight against the evil Zuhu to rescue Kia, daughter of the emperor of China. It is the first native 3D stereoscopic theatrical feature that is filled with instances of the rich Indian culture and moral values.

Produced by Green Gold Animation and distributed by Yash Raj Films across the country today, the film is undoubtedly at par with international projects in terms of animation, CG works and VFX. The entire 3D animation, look and feel for the movie, including the final coloured CGI output, has been generated using Autodesk’s flagship software Maya. Green Gold’s animation wing in Mumbai, Golden Robot Animation, has done a fantastic job with the animation techniques, characters, fight and chase sequences, setting the mood of the film and various shots representing different geographies and landscapes, which has taken the finesse of storytelling to the next level.

Technology blended with expertise of the entire creative team has helped in infusing excitement, adrenaline rush and adventure into the fans of Bheem and animation admirers, providing a base for the various action scenes. The software has helped the makers to match global standards of animation where the directors were able to achieve the required effects of depth even at a greyscale animation level.

Apart from the stunning animation and VFX, the character sketches and character developments are also given equal emphasis. There are quite a number of sequences that deserve attention and appreciation. For instance, Bheem’s introspection while he travels into the woods alone to find answers to some crucial questions. Even his friends’ character evolution is prominent and each of them has their own unique understanding and contribution to the entire journey. The quest motif also parallels with one’s spiritual journey from innocence to experience and attaining victory by overcoming the obstacles on the way.

The fight sequences deserve special and separate mention, as such scenes are a rare sight in the canvas of Indian animation executed with such brilliance. Bheem is at his best when it comes to maintaining friendship, indomitable spirit and pursuing knowledge. The message Kung Fu Dhamaka spreads in the end is important, for it urges kids (the movie’s primary target audience) to do good without expecting a reward. The music is peppy and will appeal to kids with good sound effects and background score. The second half seems a little stretched 

Indian Animation is making its presence felt with amazing work created in the arena by setting the standard/expectations high for the coming days and Kung Fu Dhamaka surely will have a role to play in this contribution.

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Post Office Studios conceptualised and produced five animated films to launch Asian Paints’ Colour Next series this year, which were released at country’s most definitive design and home decor week, India Design ID, in mid-February.

Every year, Asian Paints launches an expertly researched and curated set of trends that reflect the aesthetics of our times, along with a carefully handpicked colour of the year; all of which they later translate into home décor ranges drawing inspiration from the same. The four diverse trends this year are Adulting, Enchanted, Harvest and Flux, in addition to Asian Paints’ Colour of the Year for 2019: Awakening.

In order to best showcase these trends to the audience, the team at Post Office largely used 3D motion graphics to set tone to the visuals, seamlessly integrating the elements and thought process encapsulating these trends into a single narrative. Around 15 different artists with distinct creative styles worked on the films, all meticulously selected to match the visuals concerned. The creatives, too, were designed to complement and bring out the year-long research undertaken by Asian Paints, rather than override the same in any way. The videos are thus reflective of a unique collaboration between a pioneer in design, Asian Paints, and an upcoming new media technology company that is focused on innovative storytelling- resulting in the creation of a set of 3D animated films that are rarely seen in commercial advertising space in India.

Post Office Studios director of the film and chief creative officer Aditya Tawde said, “When Asian Paints approached us with their Colour Next brief, we were very excited to work on the project, due to its immense creative potential and the free reign that Asian Paints gave us in terms of treatment, as long as it drew from their research. We immediately did a few brainstorming sessions and conceptualised five unique ideas to match each trend. We then spent sufficient time detailing the particulars; while the films had a similar undertone, they were given distinct tonalities and visuals, complemented by music and voice overs that did justice to the theme concerned. The biggest challenge for the team was to execute all the five videos in just a month, which was difficult both technically as well as creatively, if a certain standard needed to be achieved. Since commercial briefs in India are rarely this avant-garde creatively, we wanted to push the creative boundaries to the extent possible. We therefore collaborated with 12 artists based out of countries such as USA, Russia, Belgium, Poland, UK, Italy, Spain and Chile, who worked in sync with our talented team based in Mumbai.

The team is particularly proud of the manner in which they have approached the Colour of the Year video, which was an amalgamation of grand visuals created by nine artists from across the globe, all tied together by their colour, Awakening. Being able to showcase a number of unique creative perspectives on a single colour gave the studio an opportunity to truly showcase our skill sets, and we’re very glad that we were able to successfully execute the same.”

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In celebration of its 10th Birthday, Minecraft has rolled out a generous update to mark this mammoth occasion. In what is being billed as a long-awaited and comprehensive Village and Pillage update, they have apparently revolutionised their decade-old game. The update has redesigned the function of in-game villages, new blockers and brought in a new raid system.

Minecraft

 Outlining the details on its website, Mojang writes, “Apparently, it takes a village to raise a child. Frankly, if we’d known how much work putting together the biggest Minecraft update yet was going to be, we’d have probably taken the easy option and tried to raise that child instead. But it was all worth it for this, Village & Pillage Update release day! I can almost hear the Pillagers firing their crossbows into the air in celebration! Or are they firing them towards me…”

Roundabout hundred of tweaks, changes and additions that have been addressed by Mojang and listed them on their website. Significant changes entail accessibility improvements, bamboo jungles, crossbows, a new accessibility menu, bells which can be used to warn about incoming raids, a new furnace upgrade, campfires, new Catskins, Foxes, composters, the Hero of the Village effect.

Minecrafters are going to have a field day as players can proverbially knead the clay on many more creative items than before.

The update is available to download from the Minecraft website. We wish them a very happy Birthday

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In the hustle and bustle of life, we often forget to acknowledge the efforts of the woman who stands by us holding the reins of our happiness, love, sorrow, tears, pain and more. Mothers are embodiments of endearment and beauty. From my first spoken word to my journey of becoming somebody’s wife, my mother has always been a guiding force in my life.

While traversing the memory lane, I remembered when I got my first ever pocket video game as a gift from my mother on a summer holiday trip to Darjeeling. Throughout the journey through the valleys and mountain that pocket videogame had me occupied, transporting me to a world of my own. The only person whom I have shared that world with is my mother. As she would engage in a point-scoring game battle with me, my mother, I remember would intentionally lose to me, sacrificing her happiness for mine. Honestly, my journey with videogames started with my mother where the time and place are the only witnesses.

Reminiscing those days is always affirming of our bond since we stay far in different cities and rarely get a chance to play video games like before. But in the times when we do play, it’s always heartwarming and special. Although there is plenty of video games out there, here are a few games that you can play with your mother on this day to reinvigorate your special bond.

 The Room

The Room Tribute or The Room is a point-and-click graphic adventure game released in  2010, which is an unofficial adaptation of the film of the same name directed by Tommy Wiseau. The game was designed in the style of 16-bit graphics. The player assumes the role of Johnny, a banker in San Francisco, as he goes about his daily life — showering, going to work and pleasing his future wife Lisa. The game is divided up into several levels, each of which takes the form of a new day. Apart from that, there are several side quests that the player can engage in when not on missions, such as reading Denny’s daily diary entries or finding ten hidden spoons, which unlocks an extended ending to the game. You can play this game with your mom because it has engrossing gameplay with challenging puzzles and a very intuitive interface. The game is web-based and easy to access.

Overcooked 2

Who loves ‘maa ke hath ka khana’(Food cooked by Mom). I guess everyone so in respect to that Overcooked 2 will be a very engaging game for mom and children. The game is available to play PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Macintosh operating systems. It is a sequel to one of the Switch’s best co-op and multiplayer games thrusts which into the role of a cartoony chef who’s tasked with cooking and serving food in various, hectic situations. When playing with friends, it turns into a bloodbath, as one struggle to figure out a viable pattern where one person chops lettuce, heats up the broth, and washes dishes while the other cuts tomatoes, cook steak, and serves customers or whatever one comes up with. Also sometimes one is doing all this on a moving vehicle, or on the moon. Sometimes one will do it while a flock of people walks right through their kitchen. If you’ve never experienced stress while gaming before, just cue this one up.

Guild Wars 2

For all the adventure lover mom and children duo Guild Wars 2 will be an absolute delight to play. It is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game developed by ArenaNet and published by NCsoft and can be played on Window PCs and Macs. Set in the fantasy world of Tyria, the game follows the re-emergence of Destiny’s Edge, a disbanded guild dedicated to fighting the Elder Dragons, a Lovecraftian species that has seized control of Tyria in the time since the original Guild Wars. The game takes place in a persistent world with a story that progresses in instanced environments. This game has customisable characters, tons of content, ability to play with a group or solo. This includes an interesting story and quest lines which can be enjoyed for casual players.

Plants vs. Zombies

Plants vs. Zombies is a tower defence video game developed and originally published by PopCap Games. The game involves homeowners who use a variety of different plants to prevent an army of zombies from entering their houses and “eating their brains”. The gameplay is simple to learn and complex to master. It can be played in short bursts so is ideal for a busy person with a few minutes here and there. No hardcore or challenge modes, just the simple joy of watching a zombie with a cone on his head face a watermelon catapult. The game is available to play Windows PC, Mac, Xbox Live Arcade, PS Network, Nintendo DS, iOS, Android, Blackberry.

Words with Friends

Who doesn’t like age-old board game Scrabble?Words with Friends is Scrabble word making a game on digital platform like on your phone, iPad or whatever another platform it is on. It is a multiplayer word game developed by Newtoy. Players take turns building words crossword puzzle style in a manner similar to the classic board game Scrabble. The rules of the two games are similar, but Words with Friends is not associated with the Scrabble brand. You can interact with your mom, but not have to respond instantly. It is a win for everyone.

Researchers say playing video games increases family bonding, engagement and helps to widen aspects of interactivity and much more. So celebrate the occasion with the aforementioned games and put a smile on your mother’s face!
Wishing all the mothers a very Happy Mother’s day!

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