Latest news with #ForbiddenPlanet
Metro
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Baldur's Gate 3 may have the worst video game merchandise ever made
A set of figurines depicting the main characters from Baldur's Gate 3 has been upsetting and amusing fans in equal measure, as a refund is offered by the manufacturer. Most people like to own a physical memento of their favourite games, whether it's a T-shirt, key ring, or some kind of action figure or statute. You can get all that and more for most big name video games, although there has perhaps been less for smash hit Baldur's Gate 3 than you might expect. Board game maker WizKids has attempted to fill that gap in the market with a range of miniatures recreating the game's lead characters, but the end result has, to put things mildly, been something of a disappointment. The Dungeons & Dragons: Icons Of The Realms – Baldur's Gate 3 is a set of seven figurines that costs £49.99 in the UK. That's relatively cheap for this sort of thing, which is already a red flag, although no one was prepared for just how bad the final product has turned out. Although the official promotional images all seem quite impressive, the actual toys don't look anything like them. As one fan on Reddit pointed out, the underlying miniatures are perfectly fine but the paint seems to have been applied by someone that's either partially sighted, drunk, or both. Other fans on Reddit compared it, unfavourably, to the work of Picasso and the infamous 'Potato Jesus' restoration of a 19th century fresco in Spain. The characters are Astarion, Karlach, Gale, Shadowheart, Wyll, Lae'zel, and Withers; they're all awful but Shadowheart seems to have come off the worst, at least in terms of the photos that have been posted online – but it's very likely the quality varies greatly. To their credit, WizKids has admitted the set is awful and is offering a full refund. 'Unfortunately, we missed the mark on this goal with the D&D Icons of the Realms: Baldur's Gate 3 Character Boxed Set,' says a statement on their website. More Trending 'We're aware of the recent reports and complaints and are taking them seriously. Our team is currently investigating these issues and taking action to make this right for those whose purchases were negatively affected and to ensure these issues do not recur in future products and reprints. 'Please accept our sincerest apologies for the frustration and disappointment these quality issues caused our customers. We, too, feel the same as the final product did not meet our expectations or that of our Wizards of the Coast partner.' After a quick google we found the set being sold at Zatu Games for a reduced price of £43.19. There's also what looks to be blind box versions of the same characters plus additional enemies and monsters at Forbidden Planet. There don't seem to be any specific reports about the quality of those, but for obvious reasons you might want to think twice before giving them a try. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter, and sign-up to our newsletter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: Nintendo Switch 2 OLED Model is happening if Samsung gets its way MORE: The Last Of Us Part 3 suffers new blow as Naughty Dog admit to second secret game MORE: Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear spiritual successor won't be out this decade
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Iconic Camden comic book shop saved from closure - but some fans aren't happy
A comic book shop often dubbed London's best has been saved from closure thanks to a popular chain stepping in. Forbidden Planet has taken over Mega City Comics in Camden Town following news owner Martin Kravetz is set to retire. The Inverness Street store is now shut to customers until March so it can be renovated and upgraded. Once open, a larger team will work alongside long-time staff members, and familiar faces to many, Vik and Jack. In an online statement, Forbidden Planet said: "We're very proud to be securing the future of this vital Camden institution - and continuing Mega City Comics' singular relationship with its valued long-term customers in this unique London borough, one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world. READ MORE: Man stabbed during fight after his vehicle crashed in Harrow READ MORE: Concerns alcohol sales at new Tesco Express in Wembley would fuel antisocial behaviour and littering "Camden Town is the focal point of the UK music industry, the cradle of Britpop and the epicentre of Japanese anime culture in London. Where else can you buy award-winning comics & manga and immediately celebrate with a round of drinks at The Good Mixer?" First started as mail order firm in 1981, Mega City Comics' physical store has been an enduring presence in Camden for nearly four decades. It built a reputation for securing indie titles, little-known graphic novels and collectible comics. Whilst many fans are glad the institution will remain, some fans are worried what the future looks like. One Facebook comment under the takeover announcement said: "Really sad news. I loved Mega City because it was just comics and not all the other tat too. It was a nice alternative to the Forbidden Planet shop. Another added: "If this doesn't have back issues or specifically focus on comic books, I'm likely to never come back here," whilst a third added: "Great news that the shop is saved in some form, but overall Forbidden Planet is a huge disappointment now. "It's just a large comics store, with a few toys and keyrings thrown in. It used to be a haven for all sci-fi and fantasy content." However, Forbidden Planet's chief operating officer Andrew Sumner appears to have a personal connection to the store, saying in a statement: "I've been a massive fan of Mega City Comics ever since I was publishing magazines out of Camden's Greater London House in the 1990s. "I was a regular three-times-a-week customer of Martin's and purchased hundreds of the decade's greatest comic-books from him. I also spent many happy hours chatting with Martin's lovely dad. The minute I heard Mega City might be closing, I knew we had to keep this exceptional store alive!' The takeover marks the third Forbidden Planet shop in London, with additional branches found in Newcastle, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Coventry and Southampton. You can find Mega City Comics at 18 Inverness Street, NW1 7HJ. Get the top stories from across London directly to your inbox. Sign up for MyLondon's The 12 HERE to get the biggest stories every day
