Reaper Magazine Issue 7 by Reaper Magazine

ISSUE 07

CONTENT Alternative Model Shoot

Moonshine Just Got Serious - Interview with Dirty Moonshine

Memphis May Fire - Album Review

Gig Review - Mish Mash Volume 1

Movie Guide

WWE TLC Review

Game Review

Gig Guide

EDITORIAL Welcome to Reaper Magazine, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a South African based alternative music magazine where we cater to spreading news, reviews, interviews and photoshoots of South African and International music, alternative movies and gaming. We have a small team and everyone has their own passion for the music scene. Here is the latest issue hope you enjoy it and will continue reading content from us.

ALTERNATIVE SHOOT MODELS OF THE MONTH Kimberleigh Fae Chaye + Yamiyo Hex

EXPORING THE MINDS OF DIRTY MOON SHINE

When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?

How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?

Roy: We formed the band in 2014, it was actually a two man project with myself and Wez.

Wez: Well, we have become the dirty bunch of fellows we planned to be from the very beginning.

Dave: It was supposed to be only a “side project”, that was the message that was relayed when Roy gave me the call to dust off my bass and come play. We just all ended up clicking and really enjoying the energy and vibe we were producing together. Before we knew it we were busy little bees taking Dirty Moonshine very seriously.

Allan: I personally think we have solidified our sound and persona.

What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows? Wez: We will play any venue, any area, any time. So we don’t have a least favourite venue. We love playing, no matter what, and every venue has its own little magic that makes it what it is. Allan: We have a few lined up already, but to mention two for now, “Speedo Fest 2017” at the new Rumours Rock City in February , “SlamFest 2017” at Wolmer Bush Lounge in April. There is a reason why we are a bit quiet as we go into the new year. 7. Could you briefly describe the music-making process? Roy: Song writing comes about when we are all intoxicated in our cosy little band room. Funny enough the outcome is as dirty as our own minds. Thanks for taking the time to do the interview with us first can you introduce yourself and tell us who plays what in the band? Roy: I attempt to sing lead vocals and play guitar at same the time. Allan: Lead guitars and striking “blue steel”. Dave: I am in the band? Really? For real? Wez: I am the drummer, with the hard task of looking at these good looking fellas from behind all the time. Tell how you came about calling yourself ‘Dirty Moonshine’? Roy: Well, we all like getting drunk and we are dirty. Been a few times out in the moonlight, so it all came together one night during a cuddle session. 3

11. You guys just announced you will be recording your debut album at Watts Productions can you tell us more about that. Roy: Yes, finally! We are recording our first debut album together so its pretty exciting! We should celebrate! Why have we not celebrated? Dave: Because we have no money left in the band bank account.... Wez: It’s been a long time coming but we have started the recording. All the drums have been tracked and already the raw recordings are sounding HUGE! Clint Watts is an incredible professional to work with. Allan: Ya, Wez killed it in the first weekend of recording. We are going back in January to start tracking bass and guitars. Hence why we are a little quiet with our shows as we enter 2017. Got some exciting times coming ahead. Watch this space! Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering emotional support?

What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?

Has there been any embarrassing moments on or off stage?

Roy: Everyone who puts up with our noise and antics.

Allan: Gosh, I would say dirty rock and roll with a hint of swamp rock.

Wez: Dave falling over... at basically every show.

Dave: Our families and loved ones, with out their patience and support we wouldn’t be doing this.

Wez: We all have different influences but across the board, we can agree on Motley Cure, Zz Top and Clutch. Don’t make us name more, that was a 40 minute debate excluding a smoke and toilet breaks. How long have you all known each other? How did you meet? Dave: Roy, and I used to play in a band back in the day called “Is That Blood?”. Always knew Wez and Allan from the scene. Allan: Wez and I studied together and played in “Agro” together. Roy and Wez then worked together and started Dirty Moonshine.

Dave: Uh...ya, that happens often. Got a few scars to prove it. What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands? Allan: Play what you want to play, don’t try to fit into a trend or movement. Roy: Unless ofcourse what you want to play is the current trend. Dave: My advice to someone starting out is get involved with the music scene, meet people, talk to them, support other bands and support the venues even if you don’t gain anything from it. If you want to be part of it, then be an actual participating individual or group.

Wez: Everyone that comes to our shows, every single person that clicks the “Like” button on anything we post on Social Media. It all makes a difference to our lives. How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Allan: You can find us across all Social Media platforms that has links to our music or alternatively visit www.dirtymoonshine.co.za Any last words? Dave: Keep it Dirty

ALBUM REVIEW

THIS LIGHT I HOLD Plastered with nothing but dedication and talent, there is no band quite like Dallas, Texas’ Memphis May Fire. Come together back in 2006, completely out of their minds and utterly humble, the Metalcore act is led by the incredibly skilled Guitarist Kellen McGregor. With a not so sturdy lineup, a self-released EP in 2007, and slight notability within the local scene, Memphis May Fire were doing better than most. Soon grabbing the attention of others, while passion and determination grew, so did an unforgettable lineup and discography that could easily blow other groups out of the water right alongside them. Some say, “Slow and steady win the race,” but for Memphis May Fire, the idea of success led to all things fast-paced. Embarking on tours with talents such as I See Stars, Sleeping With Sirens, We Came As Romans, Blessthefall, as well as Bring Me The Horizon, while also playing some of the biggest festivals in the scene, and never stopping to take a break, Memphis May Fire has been a steamroller, dishing out something new all the time. Finally gaining stability, Memphis May Fire solidify themselves with McGregor, Vocalist Matty Mullins, Bassist Cory Elder, Drummer Jake Garland, and Guitarist Anthony Sepe. With endless years of 5

writing, recording, and touring, it seems the band is not even close to slowing down anytime soon, and this is boldly shown with their latest album, This Light I Hold. Their fifth overall studio album, released October 28, 2016 via Rise Records, could This Light I Hold be their best work to date? Up for debate, This Light I Hold is like nothing the band has done before. New and improved, this thirteen track suite kicks off with “Out Of It,” a heavy introduction to the world of Memphis May Fire. Truly a work of art, it is almost hard to believe how good the record is when it is just the start. Heard earlier from fans, “Carry On” is a classic. Intricate guitar riffs, shining and intense drum skills, and, of course, beautifully written and sung vocals, nothing less will ever be found. Completely catchy and downright memorable, “Wanting More” just goes to show the immense talent that can be held within a group of five guys who all want the same thing in life. Always noticeable, poetic lyrics constantly shine through and tend to get better with each passing record; seeming not to hold back in the slightest with This Light I Hold. Continuing on with a stab of “Sever The Ties,” this piece is fueled by range and holds anger within, only ending with release. With a slow build up, “The Enemy” is different

than most off the album. Hard to put into words, it is highlighted by a very wide range of their musical expertise, and could be the most complete track off the album.

“Keep pushing forward and I know one day you’ll prevail.”

As the album begins to wind down, twisted and altered, “Unashamed” continues to grab, Moving on with the title track of the album, with throwing a hook right back to all those who have an appearance from Papa Roach’s Jacoby Shaddix, done wrong. Finally, concluding the bullet ride, the words “I won’t go down without a fight” talk about beauty in life, “Live It Well” is truly perfectly describes Memphis May Fire. Then, transcending, just as the entirety of This Light I showcasing flawless guitar work, “That’s Just Life” Hold, with such lyrics that speak of if you love is absolutely honest and breathtaking. Possessing yourself then you can love others. the ability to bring tears to one’s eyes, it hits home hard, taking on another form of strength. With a fury burning their flame, Memphis May Fire Sticking with a similar theme, “Letting Go” shows is in their prime. Exceeding self-limitation and Memphis May Fire capitalizing on their strengths taking life into their own hands, every song further. Furthermore, as if lyrical content comes to on This Light I Hold can be found entangled in them in their sleep, “The Antidote” is another prosperity and enlightenment. Never losing hope, example of brilliance with words such as “I’ve or even letting listeners lose hope, this album seen the darkness be defeated.” drives the message, no matter how bleak a situation is, you can always find just a little bit of With a faith like theirs, Memphis May Fire have light within it all. the power to bring aspiration and inspiration to all those around. Unbelievably real, the men that make up the band show raw emotion along with CrypticRock gives Memphis May energy in each and every song, including “Better Fire’s This Light I Hold Things.” Inviting another guest into the studio, “Not Over Yet” features My American Heart’s Larry Soliman speaking about fighting for your life and all the beliefs that follow as they sing, 6

South Shore Ramblers

GIG REVIEW

You, Me and the Harmony was up next and was quite upbeat with the lead singer and her artistic movements getting the crowd more worked up. They too, performed covers and did them justice. This band is great at entertaining and good to listen too. There aren’t many bands in the local scene with female vocals but this band makes me want more. The South Shore Ramblers! What can I say other than Crazy. These guys, and recently added girl, really know how to put on a show and get everyone including the older ladies, jamming. The band is comprised of 6 members but the crowded stage doesn’t slow them down. The members are very active on the stage with each other which shows how much they enjoy their own music and their enthusiasm is definitely contagious.

MISHMASH VOLUME 1 By Julia Brooks

After TSSR was Japan and I, which is an all-girl 3 part band. Their music is upbeat in a different way to the other performers and their performance was quite a hard-core one, which was great. You could hear the jazz influence in their songs and the lead vocalists’ scatting was quite impressive. As I mentioned before, female vocals is rare in our local scene, so this band being only comprised of woman is a very amazing thing as I feel it’s the start of a revolutionary change in the empowerment of woman in the South African music scene.

You, Me and The Harmony

As Reaper Magazines first ever Mishmash event, I can say it went pretty well. Apart from a bit of a time issue in the beginning, the event went off without a hitch. People started arriving to Sundowners, Alberton, early as always to make sure the atmosphere was electric from the first to last performance. First performer was the lovely Katy Mayer. With her acoustic sound and mellow voice, we eased into the night. Katy sings covers of popular songs from bands such as Misfits and Neckdeep, with her own arrangements of all the songs. Katy understands how to play and sing well for her type of audience.

Polar Dust Held on Till May

Lastly was Polar Dust which was a nice way to end off the night. Their music was toned down and was what we needed after a night of crazy. Also with a female on vocals, this Electro Rock band has been making noise since their debut album “Into The Burning Water” and also contributing to the female revolution.

Next was Held on Till May. These guys are one of my absolute favourite bands. Their performance drew in more people from outside to the stage. They performed their own songs and did a great rendition of a couple cover songs to show off their knowledge and appreciation of those bands. They really got the crowd amped up with their awesome performance even encouraging the crowd to join in. Katy Meyer

Japan and I

All in all it was a GREAT night with GREAT music and GREAT company. The performers are just one big ball of awesome and it’s good to see the humility. 8

MOVIE GUIDE

MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN Miss Peregrines Home For Peculiar Children is a Tim Burton movie through and through. There are elements of “Frankenweenie” in it, there’s a little bit of “Big Fish” too and “Edward Scissorhands” as well, full of goth and oddities, if this film had been directed by somebody else, it would’ve done the story disservice because the world and the characters that author Ransom Riggs created in his novel are pretty much in Tim Burton’s neck of the woods. Some might even describe this as the X-Men movie that Tim Burton never made.

Part of what makes Ransom Rigg’s novel special and popular is that it contains vernacular photographs as a guide to put together the narrative. Burton incorporates some of that into the film but they’re there mainly at the beginning, just to set up the Scripted by Jane Goldman (“Kick-Ass,” “X-Men: context. The design for the hollowgasts and what First Class”) I don’t want to give too much away they eat to sustain themselves or to survive, some here but let me briefly tell you the plot which might see it as too scary for younger viewers, but focuses on a young kid named Jake (Asa Butterfield). I see it more as gnarly. But that’s the thing though One day, an incident befalls his grandfather, which with many of Tim Burton’s family adventure movies, then leads Jake to visit Wales, the location of the they’re never meant to walk on egg shells. They orphanage from his grandfather stories. In his are fairy tales that find beauty in the dark and they search, he encounters the peculiar children that his bring out courage in characters that society grandfather had talked so much about and they lead marginalizes, and Miss Peregrines Home For him to Miss Peregrine (Eva Green) who explains to Peculiar Children is no different. Jake that she is a ymbrynes, which is a peculiar that can create time loops which then keeps their place The kids featured in this film are so adorable, once safe but it also means that they’re stuck in a certain you get past or get used to their peculiarities, and day of a certain year. All of this must be done due to some can be shocking, you’ll find them to be WWII and the monsters, hollowgasts that hunt down absolutely adorable. And once they start teaming peculiar children for their eyes. The leader of those up and working together, it’s so easy to cheer or hollowgasts is Barron (Samuel L. Jackson) who’ll root for them. Those who know me well know that stop at nothing in his quest for immortality. I’m a huge Eva Green’s fan, her involvement is definitely this film’s big attraction to me, but I think Miss Peregrines Home For Peculiar Children is an she’s just absolutely perfect in this role, Green has adventure film that’s wildly mesmerizing, and that natural instinct when it comes to playing because the kids have powers or special abilities, it’s mysterious powerful character, she previously also full of visual wonder, the movie magic is in high showed it in “Penny Dreadful” series and now she gear for most of the time. It takes someone with unleashes that same vibe for this film. I guess you an active imagination like Tim Burton to bring an could say that Miss Peregrines Home For Peculiar already imaginative story come to life on the Children is kind of like Mary Poppins meets X-Men big screen. meets Tim Burton, and it’s a winning combination. 10

a ladder inside the ring. Miz picked up the chair and ran it into Ziggler. Miz tried again, but Ziggler moved and the ladder crashed into the ring steps as if it were Roman Reigns in any given match. Miz performed a drop toehold that drove Ziggler face first into a ladder that was lying on the floor. They fought over a ladder that was hanging over the bottom rope. Ziggler shoved it at Miz, who responded by kicking it into Ziggler. At 7:10, Ziggler performed a tornado DDT onto a ladder on the floor. Ziggler sold a shoulder injury but was first to his feet.

WWE TLC REVIEW 1. Heath Slater and Rhyno vs. Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt (w/Luke Harper) for the Smackdown Tag Team Championship. Orton’s theme started to cheers, then the Wyatt Family theme played for the intros. JBL compared Orton being with the Wyatt Family to Undertaker and Kane teaming up. The broadcast team started talking about the Dallas Cowboys running back too. They introduced the Spanish and German broadcast teams, who were also at ringside. Rhyno started the match while still rocking his muscular Meatloaf look. Slater checked in and was worked over by the heels. Orton performed a power slam and got a two count at 4:10. A short time later, Rhyno tagged in and then speared Harper on the floor. Rhyno returned to the ring and watched Wyatt do the crab walk. As he was distracted, Orton hit the RKO and pinned him. After the match, Wyatt put his belt over the shoulder of Harper. Orton shot Harper a long look and then placed his title over Harper’s shoulder as well… Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt defeated Heath Slater and Rhyno in 5:55 to win the Smackdown Tag Team Championship. 11

2. Nikki Bella vs. Carmella in a No DQ match. The broadcast team set up highlights showing that the feud started three months ago when Carmella attacked Nikki from behind. They didn’t mention play up the mystery attacker at Survivor Series. JBL mentioned Carmella’s black eye and said it came from a Nikki forearm. Early in the match, Carmella performed a head scissors takedown from the apron that sent Nikki into the ring steps. She followed up by running Nikki into the barricade. Nikki sold a knee injury, which Carmella targeted. Carmella tied up Nikki in the tree of woe and then pulled out a kendo stick from underneath the ring. Carmella struck Nikki’s bad leg with the stick. Carmella applied the Code of Silence submission hold, but Nikki grabbed the stick and struck her with it to break the hold. At 5:40, Nikki threw a kick off the barricade, then grabbed the stick and worked over Carmella inside the ring. At 7:00, Nikki pulled a fire extinguisher out from underneath the ring and sprayed Carmella with it. This had to be the longest fire extinguisher spray job in pro wrestling history. Nikki followed up with her finisher and scored the pin. After the match,

Miz regrouped and set up a table over the second rope in one corner of the ring. Miz went for a superplex, but Ziggler punched him off and Miz hit the ladder face first on the way down. Ziggler leapt off the ladder and dropped an elbow on Miz at 10:00. Ziggler once again sold his injury. Ziggler made a play for the title, but Miz stopped him once and then knocked the ladder over the second time.

Carmella took the mic and said Nikki didn’t even the odds for what happened at Survivor Series. “It was your little friend from Total Divas Natalya.,” she said… Nikki Bella beat Carmella in 8:00 in a No DQ match. Daniel Bryan was interviewed backstage and confirmed that he was rooting against The Miz in the IC Title match. He praised Ziggler’s good qualities. Miz and Maryse showed up. Miz said Bryan finally admitted he doesn’t like him. Bryan said he’s never liked him. Miz said he wishes Bryan would get in the ring so he could shove him off a ten foot ladder. Miz told Bryan to enjoy his match… Ring entrances for the IC Title match took place. They also introduced various foreign broadcast teams. They presumably swore at English speaking viewers who didn’t know better… 3. The Miz (w/Maryse) vs. Dolph Ziggler in a ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship. The match is advertised as the end of their rivalry. They fought to the floor in the first couple minutes. Miz tried to run Ziggler into one of the ladders in the aisle, but Ziggler reversed it. Miz recovered and struck Ziggler from behind as he was trying to slide

At 14:40, Ziggler set up a large ladder and made a play for the belt. Miz miraculously recovered and met him at the top where they traded punches. Ziggler punched Miz and then hit the hand that he was using to hold on. Miz popped up from the mat and targeted Ziggler’s knee by striking it and then tying it in the ladder before dumping it over. Miz was talking with Maryse when Zigler tried to superkick him through the ladder, but Miz caught it and then close the ladder. Ziggler continued to sell the knee injury. Miz applied the figure four while wrapping Ziggler’s leg in the rungs of the ladder. Ziggler cried out in agony and slammed his hand on the the ladder, essentially tapping out, but it’s not a ladder match finish. Ziggler fired back with elbows and went for a superkick, but stopped short in pain. Miz performed a Skull Crushing Finale onto the ladder, but it came up short enough that the broadcast team had to say he didn’t get it all. Miz climbed the ladder and Ziggler pushed it out from under him. Miz held on to the cable. Ziggler used a ladder to knock him down. Miz clutched his right knee in pain and rolled to ringside. Ziggler set up the tall ladder again and slowly started to climb it, using his good leg. Miz returned to the ring and hopped on his good leg. Miz performed a slingshot powerbomb onto a ladder that was still wedged in the corner. At 22:45, Miz set up two tall ladders next to one another under the title belt. Miz climbed the ladder and grabbed the belt, but Ziggler climbed the other 12

ladder and punched him repeatedly. Miz fired back and knocked him down a few rungs. Ziggler recovered and threw several punches before headbutting Miz three times and knocking him off the ladder. Ziggler used both ladders to climb. Miz recovered and kicked Ziggler in the balls between the two ladders and then knocked him down. Miz pulled the IC Title down to win the match… The Miz defeated Dolph Ziggler in a ladder match in 25:00 to retain the Intercontinental Championship. 4. Baron Corbin vs. Kalisto in a chairs match. Kalisto wore trunks rather than long tights. He came out first and threw a bunch of chairs inside the ring, and then Corbin made his entrance. Kalisto went right after Corbin with a chair, but Corbin blocked his offense and set up a chair in mid-ring. Kalisto went for a powerbomb, but Kalisto avoided it and then knocked Corbin into a seated position on the chair before dropkicking him. Kalisto knocked Corbin to ringside and then performed a dive onto him. At 3:05, Corbin wedged a chair in the corner. Corbin caught Kalisto with a powerbomb for a two count. Corbin tossed more chairs inside the ring and then set up six of them in the middle of the ring. Corbin charged at Kalisto, who performed a drop toe hold that sent Corbin face first into the chair wedged in the corner. Kalisto went up top and performed a senton that drove Corbin onto the six chairs, which resulted in a two count. At 6:35, Kalisto went for a big dive between the ropes, but Corbin caught him and performed a spinning slam. At 8:30, Corbin chased Kalisto with a chair and swung it several times, but Kalisto dodged it. Kalisto performed a huracanrana off the barricade and then threw a chair at Corbin and dropkicked him into the barricade. Back inside the ring, Kalisto placed a chair over Corbin and moonsaulted onto him, which led to a good near fall at 10:45. Kalisto picked up a chair and slammed it hard onto the back of Corbin several times. Corbin tossed a bunch of folded chairs into the middle of the ring. Kalisto went up top and leapt only to have Corbin slam a chair into him on the way down. Corbin picked up Kalisto and performed End of Days onto the pile of chairs for the win. Afterward, Corbin took the top off of Ranallo’s broadcast table and said that will happen to everyone and it will be the end of days… Baron Corbin beat Kalisto in 13:00. Becky Lynch vs. Alexa Bliss in a tables match for the Smackdown Women’s Championship. Hamilton delivered in-ring introductions for the title match. Ranallo labeled Lynch “five feet of fury” early on. 13

AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose in a TLC match for the WWE Championship. The crowd popped big for Ambrose during the entrances, and then a mixed reaction when he was introduced by Hamilton. Styles also received a mixed reaction, though he seemed to have more cheers than boos. A loud AJ Styles chant started before the bell. Ambrose jumped out to the early advantage and tried to slide a ladder in the ring, but Styles struck the ladder with a chair and Ambrose sold finger pain.

At 2:25, Lynch pulled a table out from underneath the ring and set it up on the floor. Lynch tried to suplex Bliss from the ring and onto the table, but Bliss cut her off. Ranallo brought up Bliss’s “diminutive size” again. Bliss teased falling off the apron while near the table, but she regrouped and bit Lynch’s hand and went back on the offensive.

Styles went for the ladder, but Ambrose stopped him from climbing and eventually shoved the ladder into his face. Ambrose took the fight to ringside. “Don’t forget, this is personal between these two,” Otunga added for lord knows what reason. Anyway, Ambrose slid Styles onto a table and he knocked over several chairs as his slid. Ambrose dominated the floor brawl for a couple minutes, then Styles caught him with a dropkick as he jumped off the barricade.

Bliss pulled out another table at ringside. Lynch dove at her, but Bliss avoided her and ran her into the ring post. What sounded like three guys chanted “Becky sucks.” Unfortunately, they were the loudest people in the building at this point. At 7;30, Bliss put Lynch on a table in the ring. Bliss went up top, but Lynch recovered and knocked her down so that she was seated on the top rope. Lynch went for a superplex, but Bliss blocked it. Lynch knocked the table over. Otunga praised her by saying it was strategy.

Ambrose regrouped and dominated the action inside the ring. At 9:20, Ambrose threw a ladder onto Styles on the floor. Ambrose started to set up a table in the ring when Styles returned and slammed a chair over his back. Styles set up four chairs in the ring and wetn for a suplex, but Ambrose blocked it and instead picked up Styles in suplex position and spun him over so that Styles crashed onto the chairs. A loud “holy shit” chant broke out and rightfully so.

Lynch fired up with uppercuts, clotheslines, and a kick, which got a rise out of the crowd. Lynch charged at Bliss, who was in front of the table. Bliss moved, but Lynch stopped herself in front of the table. Lynch set up for an exploder suplex, but Bliss blocked it. Bliss performed her double knee acrobatic spot. At 11:00, Bliss set up the table in the middle of the ring. Lynch powered her up and wanted to put her through the table, but Bliss knocked it over. Bliss performed a DDT on the bottom of the table and could be heard telling the ref that she was okay.

At 13:20, Ambrose leapt off the middle rope and slammed a chair onto Styles in Mick Foley fashion. Ambrose threw Styles onto a table and he bent the table leg over in the process. Ambrose set the table up in the corner. Styles threw a series of strikes and ended up suplexing Ambrose through the table in the corner at 14:30.

Bliss tried to set the table legs down. Lynch caught her arm and applied a Disarmer. She released the hold and performed a uranage. Lynch set up the table over the bottom rope in the corner and set Bliss on top of it. Lynch went to the ropes, but Bliss pulled her down and caught her with a dropkick. Late in the match, Bliss was on the floor and tried to sweep the legs of Lynch, who stumbled, and then Bliss powerbombed her through the table on the floor for the win… Alexa Bliss defeated Becky Lynch in a tables match to win the Smackdown Women’s Championship in 15:10.

Styles, who had a hole in the ass of his tights, caught Ambrose with a dropkick. Ambrose came right back with the teetering clothesline that turned Styles inside out. Styles came back and went for the Phenomenal Forearm, but Ambrose blocked it. Ambrose went for his finisher, but Styles avoided it. Ambrose dumped Styles to the floor and then played to the crowd and received more cheers than boos.

Ambrose performed a suicide dive and then slammed Styles into one broadcast table and then tossed him onto another. Ambrose tore apart two tables and positioned Styles on the middle table. Ambrose set up a smaller ladder on one of the end tables. After throwing several punches at Styles, Ambrose climbed up the ladder on top of the end broadcast table and then dropped an elbow onto Styles that put him through the middle table. The fans chanted “holy shit” and then “this is awesome.” Ambrose set up a ladder in the ring and then made a play for the title. Styles recovered and performed a Phenomenal Forearm off that knocked Ambrose off the ladder. Both men scaled opposite sides of the ladder that was under the title belt. They traded punches at the top. They ended up back on the mat and Styles went for a Styles Clash, but Ambrose blocked it and swung Styles on his shoulders and into the ladder. Ambrose climbed the ladder again at 23:10. Styles stopped him and went for a powerbomb, but Ambrose performed a huracanrana over the top rope. Styles got to the ring apron and performed a backflip into a reverse DDT on the floor. Styles placed Ambrose onto a table that was set up on the floor. Styles performed a springboard 450 splash that drove Ambrose through the table. Whether it was Styles overshooting or just the way the table broke, Styles landed on his face and shoulder, but he popped up and returned to the ring with the plan of scaling the ladder. James Ellsworth walked out wearing a neckbrace. There were loud boos. Styles went after Ellsworth on the floor and roughed him up. Styles set up for another Styles Clash off the steps, but Ambrose recovered and clotheslined Styles. Ambrose set up a ladder in the ring and climbed it, but Styles returned to the ring and climbed the other side of the ladder. Ambrose punched Styles and knocked him off the ladder, causing Styles to tumble out of the ring. With Ambrose alone on the ladder and about to grab the title, Ellsworth shoved the ladder over, causing Ambrose to crash through two tables on the floor. There were a lot of “Yes!” chants from the crowd. Styles crawled back into the ring and Ellsworth cheered him on. Styles climbed the ladder and pulled down the title belt to win the match. Ellsworth applauded Styles from a distance and backed his way up the ramp while AJ celebrated in the ring to close the show… AJ Styles defeated Dean Ambrose in a TLC match in 30:50 to retain the WWE Championship. 14

GAME REVIEW

GRAND THEFT AUTO VICE CITY Despite all of the great leaps and advance the series has made over the last eighteen years, Grand Theft Auto; Vice City still remains my all-time favourite entry from the award-winning crime sandbox series. The newer additions in the bright eye-watering world of HD are special in their own way, pushing the boundaries of what gaming is capable of. Yet, the neon-pasted 80s setting of Vice City just manages to push my buttons in all the right ways. Perhaps it’s the story and setting, yanked straight out of Miami Vice with the crazy turned up to twenty; or it could be the ear-pleasing soundtrack, dotted with iconic classics of the decade of which no other game (let alone another GTA game) has managed to surpass. However, the game came out back in 2002 during the bygone heydays of the all-conquering PS2. Even though the recent PS4 release sees a new lick of neon added to the game via 1080p, trophy support, remote play and more, surly the game is starting to creak and groan with age. Well, luckily, despite being stuck in the dark-ages compared to today’s deluge of hit open-world games, GTA: Vice City still stands tall and proud in its platform boots. The streaming Florida sun does wonders for Rockstar’s eighties classic. While many other games of the period, with their brown muddy graphics, have aged poorly, Vice City’s rich colour pallet of glowing pinks, oranges and reds keeps the game looking as rosy in old age as the wonderful Helen Mirren. Of course, there are cracks showing under the make-up and Botox. Textures look washed out, the detail in the world is lacking and the pop is terrible. I frequently found the world still franticly 15

spawning in around me even when I was driving straight through it, often leading to a bum-clenching panic attack as walls and cars spawn out of thin air reading to send my vehicle with a one-way ticket to the crushers. These niggles are to be expected however, with the PS4 release being a slightly tinkered emulation of the original. But overall the game is still pleasing on the eye and well worth exploring for the curious among you. Now while good looks are a bonus, they are nothing if the gameplay isn’t up to scratch. Again Vice City shows its age, with the controls, and especially the camera, being cause for frustration, driving even the most well-mellowed chap to bouts of mouth-frothing fury. The Camera is permanently stuck directly behind your character Mr Tommy Vecetti and can only be moved through very wonky first-person interaction (seems like first-person was around well before GTAV, abet in a heavily reduced form.) During intense moments of action which are, not surprisingly, frequent In Vice City, the terrible camera becomes a source of repeated death as enemies lurk behind you out of sight, busy pumping your sleek well-pressed suit full of nasty hot lead. Even as a Vice City veteran I found myself succumbing to the evil ways of the camera, so for any of you guys who are completely new of the 3D universe of GTA, you have my sympathies. Luckily, all everything about the control scheme is showing signs of acute arthritis. Tommy is fairly easy to control while running thanks to a light movement feel to the character. Navigating tight spaces and narrow ledges can be a cause for terror,

with the jumping mechanics often sending you skyrocketing either in the wrong direction or well over your mark, sending you falling face down into sidewalk below. Yet, thankfully, you’ll be spending much of your time in motorized vehicles of all shapes and sizes, and these control fantastically. Modern GTA games, notably number four, suffer from realism-syndrome. The cars feel more like cargo ships as they lope around the narrow roads of Liberty City being ready to roll over at any minute. Vice City instead goes for a much welcomed arcade driving style. You can easily dodge round the slow moving traffic comprising of old-aged fogies in their terrible hatchbacks, popping handbreak turns to stylish every time you go round a corner that even the Stig would be jealous of. Couple the pleasing, and easy to grasp, car controls with a wide variety to wonderful period cars (who could forget that Sabre Turbo?) and you easily make up for the wonky foot controls. Now for what makes GTA the crazy amazing crime sandbox we know today, the combat! It’s the crowning glory of the franchise, standing proudly on the general’s hill with a chest full of shinny medals. While it’s enjoyable to grab a machine gun, a set of body armor, and wreak havoc upon the morally-corrupt citizens of Vice City, the experience is one of frustrating enjoyment. The PS2/4 version has no free aim like the PC version, and thus for the most part the only way to shoot people is via lock-on. It’s actually a fantastic choice by Rockstar as the thumbsticks lack the precise control of the PC mouse. It allows for you to quickly string a rampage together, yet you can become stun-locked when using certain guns against enemies with guns. Certain weapons, such as the assault rifles, allow for first-person combat, yet the afore-mentioned lack of precision makes using these guns pointless, and ironically, deadly to you rather than for adversaries. While the destruction and combat headline the GTA series, the story is often regarded as that forgotten cousin who you occasionally get a Christmas card from every other year. It’s easily missed by most players, usually due to a lack of engagement with anything going on (GTAV and 3 particularly suffer from this.) Vice City has some standout missions, which are still iconic today; namely the bank job, taking out Mr Diaz and defending Colonel Cortez’s ship from the French secret service. All of these missions are ambitious and, thus, enjoyable. They stand out for their action-packed gameplay, keeping your finger on the trigger and your eye on the screen as you eagerly await the next devious twist Rockstar will throw at you. They stand out as highlights of the

series of PS2 and beyond! Unfortunately, the rest of the story becomes lost amongst the chaos of the rest of the game. It’s your typical from rages to riches plot. You build up a criminal empire, smarting off small until you control the whole of Vice City is under your white-tipped fingers. The aforementioned standout missions keep you charging throughout as you seek that next trilling high-octane moment, but many more are a source of hindrance due to the series’ well-known lack of a checkpoint system and aforementioned control system. You’ll find yourself repeating missions over and over again, and it can soon lead to you feeling dejected and tired as you tackle missions over and over again for the umpteenth time. The memorable cast of well-written characters are a plus-point, often bring on bouts of laughter, yet they alone failed to keep me engaged in a suck a fragmented story. They are parodies of well-known American TV stereotypes; all hilarious but lacking in any emotional depth which can make you care about their fates. Vice City is an explosion of craziness, bottled into a wonderful realized city of sleaze, deceit and betrayal. Collection your own personal armory, locking and loading and unleashing a wave of chaos on par with a major natural disaster is exhilarating, and likely the biggest legal-high you can get anywhere. It’s still just fantastic to jump on a PCJ-600, switch the radio to Flash FM and kick back for a cruise through 80s Miami. For that alone, GTA: Vice City is worth buying on PS3 and PS4. The story is as weak as a Lawyer’s disco dance moves, with a control system suffering from a case of the concrete shoes, but that’s not what made GTA the worldwide record-breaking franchise it is today. It’s about freedom, craziness and, most of all, having a mother-trucking load of fun. Vice City does this is spades, and you won’t regret booting this one up for one final hurrah. I know I don’t. 16

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