Jydun Browder - Staff Reporter
FNAF 2: Room for improvement
Scott Cawthon created Five Nights at Freddy's (FNAF) from the ashes of his failed family-friendly games, particularly Chipper & Sons Lumber Co., which critics had described as having scary, animatronic-like characters, inspiring him to create a horror game. After feeling defeated, he decided to lean into the uncanny valley, turning perceived flaws into a strength, resulting in the hugely successful horror game released in 2014 that spawned a massive franchise. He persisted in crafting an impressive number of nine captivating games until he paused his creative endeavors in 2019. His final masterpiece, titled “Help Wanted,” emerged as an immersive virtual reality experience that drew players into a chillingly engaging world. Fast forward to 2023, and he took on a new challenge as a producer for the eagerly anticipated FNAF movie, infusing it with his unique vision with in-game mechanics and characters. OH senior William Wilkins-Jones said, “I liked how they used the mask and the flashlight, like in the second game, [[and]] brought [[it]] into the movie.”
Season 3: One Punch Man’s biggest downfall
What happens when one's dream is achieved? Should be great, right? Saitama in "One Punch Man" says no. "One Punch Man," originated as an engaging manga, but its popularity soared when it was masterfully transformed into an anime in 2015. From the very beginning, the series captivated audiences, earning impressive ratings of 8.6 out of 10 on IMDb and a remarkable 9/10 on Rotten Tomatoes. The 2015 session introduced Saitama, immersing viewers into his unique world: an unassuming hero with unparalleled strength and a compelling backstory. This is followed by the gripping Sea Monster character development, which not only introduces the formidable Hero Association, but also showcases Saitama's epic battle against the terrifying Deep Sea King.
‘Basic’ Phone 2: More horrible than horror
While Black Phone 2 was a better movie than Black Phone, it's still just a basic horror movie. Black Phone 2 was released in theaters nationwide on Oct. 17. This film is the sequel to Black Phone, which premiered in 2021. Black Phone 2 has received an IMDb rating of 6.3 out of 10, while the original Black Phone holds a higher rating of 6.9 out of 10. I agree with OH senior William Willkins Jones who said, ”I think the first one is better. The character Finn was trapped in the basement. I thought it had a better story about visions that happen.”
Clash Royale makes a comeback, surges in popularity
Clash Royale has recently experienced a remarkable resurgence in its player base, which can be attributed to several interlinked factors. Why might it be so popular? OH senior Francisco Jr Elizondo said, “[[Many]] of my friends played it, so i wanted to try, too.” One of the most influential aspects has been the role of popular content creators on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Streamers such as Jinxy, who captivates audiences with his charismatic personality, and Ryley, known for his entertaining commentary, play a significant role in showcasing the game's engaging mechanics.
Fantastic Four: Newest release in the MCU offers a little more talk, a lot less action
Fantastic Four: First Steps premiered in theaters on July 25, making it accessible to audiences in nearly every movie theater. People who have seen it firmly believe that over the years, the balance in movies has shifted too heavily toward dialogue at the expense of action. The initial reception of this newest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) appears promising, boasting an impressive 87% score on Rotten Tomatoes alongside a solid 7.3/10 rating on IMDb. However, the enthusiastic critics' praise stands in stark contrast to the sentiments expressed by viewers, who seem to hold a decidedly different perspective on the film.