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Friday, March 1, 2024

WWE 2K24 Preview: Time to Finish the Story


As professional wrestling fans all know, we have officially entered the Road to WrestleMania - and we are also just days away from another entry in the "WWE 2K" video game series. After surpassing expectations two consecutive years (a sadly impressive accomplishment for annual sports games these days), WWE 2K24 looks to be bigger and better than ever.

The roster looks to be pretty up-to-date, despite the initial, pre-DLC exclusion of a couple characters that returned to or debuted in the company within the last couple of months, but, overall, it's looking pretty decent. Thankfully, as far as the roster breakdown is concerned, the amazingly helpful website The Smackdown Hotel has done almost all of the hard work for us, which is great. We'll run through who's in and out this year, for posterity's sake, then get to a few questions about what we'd like to see in this year's game and beyond. Let's get to it.

Who's out?

  • Legends
    • Brie Bella
    • Brock Lesnar
    • Goldberg
    • Mr. McMahon
    • Nikki Bella
    • Zeus
  • No longer with the company
    • Aliyah
    • Commander Azeez
    • Dana Brooke
    • Dolph Ziggler
    • Edge
    • Elias / Ezekiel
    • Lacey Evans
    • Mace
    • Madcap Moss
    • Mansoor
    • Matt Riddle
    • Mustafa Ali
    • Rick Boogs
    • Shanky
    • Shelton Benjamin
    • Titus O'Neil
    • Top Dolla

Current main roster superstars who didn't make the cut

  • Authors of Pain - Akam & Rezar (recently returned)
  • Andrade El Idolo (recently returned)
  • Elektra Lopez
  • Naomi (recently returned)

Notable missing NXT superstars

  • Ava
  • Charlie Dempsey
  • Gable Steveson
  • Kelani Jordan
  • Kiana James
  • Lash Legend
  • Lexis King
  • Lola Vice
  • Meiko Satomura
  • Oba Femi (current NXT North American Champion)
  • Oro Mensah
  • Sol Ruca
  • Tatum Paxley
  • Xyon Quinn

Who's in? (* = DLC)

  • Main Roster
    • Bronson Reed
    • Carlito*
    • Chelsea Green
    • CM Punk*
    • Isla Dawn
    • Jade Cargill*
    • Kairi Sane*
    • Maxxine Dupri
    • Nia Jax*
    • Pat McAfee*
    • Tegan Nox
  • NXT
    • Brooks Jensen
    • Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo
    • Dragon Lee*
    • Duke Hudson
    • Fallon Henley
    • Joe Coffey
    • Josh Briggs
    • Lyra Valkyria*
    • Mark Coffey
    • Sanga
    • Thea Hail
    • Wolfgang
  • Legends/Other
    • Bubba Ray Dudley*
    • D-Von Dudley*
    • DDP*
    • Dude Love
    • Dusty Rhodes
    • George "The Animal" Steele
    • Headbanger Mosh*
    • Headbanger Thrasher*
    • Honky Tonk Man*
    • Ken Shamrock
    • Lex Luger*
    • Mankind
    • Michelle McCool*
    • Mr. Perfect*
    • Muhammad Ali
    • Post Malone*
    • Ravishing Rick Rude
    • Ricky Steamboat
    • Sandman*
    • Sensational Sherri*
    • Stardust
    • Superstar Billy Graham
    • Terry Funk*
    • The Fiend Bray Wyatt
    • The Great Muta*
    • The Iron Sheik*
    • Theodore Long (Manager)
    • William Regal
  • Managers/Non-playable characters
    • Cathy Kelley
    • Jimmy Hart*
    • Mick Foley
    • Miss Elizabeth
    • Paul Bearer

By the Numbers

At the time of posting, The Smackdown Hotel hasn't posted updated roster comparisons and, to be honest, we don't really feel like doing the math ourselves.

Roster take-aways

Overall, things are looking pretty good this year. It's a bummer that a few wrestlers debuted or rejoined the roster too late to make the cut, but we're sure some creative nerd out there will make a great Create-A-Wrestler to fill any serious gaps. There are a couple of the legends that we don't really care about, but it is nice to see a few old faces like the Dudley Boyz and Lex Luger. Also... Teddy Long!! Holla holla holla!!

What else is new?

A LOT. We'll hit you with some highlights and stuff that's getting us excited:
  • One of the most hyped aspects of this year's game is a handful of new (or returning) match types: special guest referee, ambulance, casket and gauntlet matches.
  • Showcase of the Immortals - 21 historic WrestleMania matches
  • Throwable weapons!
  • Facepaint gradually fades during matches? Awesome. Love that level of detail.
  • Seven real WWE referees will appear in the game. Charles "Little Naitch" Robinson better be there!
  • Super finishers (three stacked finishers) are new and, allegedly, nullify an opponent's "Resiliency" ability, which will be amazing. Always hated having some jabroni kick out of multiple finishers at 2 1/2.
  • GM Mode:
    • Four new GMs: Teddy Long, Paul Heyman, William Regal and Ted DiBiase
    • A new playable brand: ECW
    • The ability to trade superstars between brands mid-season (nice!)
    • New promo types: Tag team call-out (AMAZING), Class change, Training
  • Two new MyRISE stories
  • Universe Mode:
    • Double title matches and "Loser Leaves Town" matches? What?!?
  • Create a Sign?!?!?

WWE 2K Q&A with A-Town

  • Who will you play with first?
    • Probably Cody Rhodes or John Cena. Maybe both. LA Knight is awesome, too.
  • Who don't you want to play with at all?
    • The less I see Roman Reigns, the happier I will be. I also won't ever willingly play as the Viking Raiders or most of Judgment Day. Eww. Definitely not Damian Priest.
  • What is your go-to match type?
    • Extreme Rules. Sometimes, I don't even need the weapons. It's just a nice safety net if things get crazy.
  • What is your favorite game mode?
    • I love GM Mode. I wish that there was more incentive to spend lots of time there, but there's really not quite yet. I spend most of my time in MyFaction, but that's such a grind. I hope to the high heavens that there's not another trophy for winning 100 Faction Wars matches. Please, please no.
  • What is your least favorite game mode?
    • I'll just come right out and say it: I hate MyRise. You get to do some goofy things sometimes, which can be interesting, but story mode is always the weak point of any 2K sports game.
  • Is there anything you wish you could change or improve about these games?
    • I was playing a lot of GM Mode in 2K23 recently and there were a few things that were bugging me. I really wish that you could do a triple-threat or four-way tag team match. I wish that injuries weren't quite so frequent. I hate that you get penalized for putting two big wrestlers in a match together - like, if you did Drew McIntyre vs Roman Reigns, it would say the fans don't want to see that, which is completely false. In MyFaction, I wish you weren't basically encouraged to play with one really good wrestler and three chumps. Why should I spend my time trying to get good "cards," only to never use them? There's just not a whole lot of incentive to have a stacked faction from top to bottom, sadly. Like I said, I hope hope hope that they don't make me grind out 100 wins in Faction Wars again because I've done that two years in a row now and it's one of the most tedious, repetitive things you could ever dream of doing. Oh, here's something - I wish that the "Statistics" feature on the main menu actually kept an accurate track of my wins/losses and superstar usage, because (I think I finally figured it out) I believe it's only tracking online games, which I rarely ever do. That would be nice.
  • Make up a new tag team that does not currently exist:
    • I think The Miz and Grayson Waller would be an amazing real-life tag team.
  • Give us brand new champions for every single main roster belt:
    • RAW:
      • Men's Heavyweight Champion: Drew McIntyre (and he wins it in front of a packed stadium of actual fans)
      • Women's Champion: Raquel Rodriguez (as a heel)
      • Intercontinental Champion: Karrion Cross
      • RAW Tag Team Champions: #DIY
    • Smackdown:
      • Men's Heavyweight Champion: Cody Rhodes
      • Women's Champion: Tiffany Stratton
      • United States Champion: LA Knight
      • Smackdown Tag Team Champions: Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne
    • Inter-brand Women's Tag Team Champions: Zoey Stark and Shayna Baszler
  • Who are you most looking forward to beating up?
    • Dominik Mysterio (always), Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso

The Bottom Line

We're looking forward to it. It's going to be fun. As we were attending Smackdown! in Salt Lake City a couple weeks ago, we realized that it was about time for a roster update, so it will be nice to slap a fresh coat of paint on the game and take it for a spin around the block. It's just nice to have a multi-year stretch where we're actually excited about getting a new game, which can't be said about most other sports franchises.

While we've got you here, you might as well take a look at our other WWE content by clicking here. You can also leave a comment on this post, follow us on Twitter (here and here) or find us on Facebook... if you smell... what The Underground is cooking.

Until next time.

Monday, January 22, 2024

Bing AI writes Zorro & the Curse of Capistrano


Welcome back. We just wrapped up our three-part "Zorro" series (this and this and this), and we had a really good time with it. Heck, it even inspired us to read the original "Zorro" book, published way back in 1919 (which we had no clue about!), and that was also largely enjoyable. (In fact, we were thrilled as we listened to the book to hear the names of several character names used in our movie were actual characters from the book, such as Bernardo and Lolita!)

But do you know what we noticed? There were a couple of somewhat significant plot holes in our movie trilogy that we thought needed to be filled. Here are a few questions that we had (SPOILERS, by the way):

  • Zorro's dad faked his own death?? What?
  • Why did Zorro act like his relationship with Lolita was so important?
  • What happened between Zorro and Villanueva that drove such a wedge between them?
And those are just a few of the things that crossed our minds. We didn't want to make another movie because we just wanted a trilogy, but we thought of another way that we could tie up some of those loose ends - why not a video game? We would love a good "Zorro" video game. In fact, Bing's AI Chat feature informed us that, although several games have been made about our new favorite masked vigilante, none of them could be good and, our artificial overlords proposed, perhaps we could make the first one that was actually successful!

We must take a moment to brag a little bit here. We had a pretty good idea of how we wanted the plot to shape up and we knew a few things that we definitely wanted to touch on (mostly to cover up those little gaps in our movie trilogy), and we actually had to rephrase our question to AI several times because we included so many details that it thought we had already written the whole thing.

"Wow, that sounds like a very exciting and detailed plot for a video game. You have clearly put a lot of thought and creativity into it," the AI said. "You have already outlined the main characters, the setting, the genre, the style, and the features of your game. I think your game idea has a lot of potential to be a great Zorro game, as it offers a fresh and engaging perspective on the origin story of the hero."

That is to say that our fingerprints are all over this thing but the AI did stitch it all together for us and threw in some fun details and twists. As always, the stuff that was exclusively us is surrounded by brackets. Everything else, including the images, was created by Bing AI.

With no further ado, we present our original video game, Zorro & the Curse of Capistrano, set several years before the first movie in our trilogy, Zorro: The Republic of Rust.



Zorro & the Curse of Capistrano

An original video game



ACT ONE

The game begins with a cutscene that introduces Diego and Emilio, two young men who live in Capistrano, California, a city under the oppressive rule of the Spanish government and the local military leader, Captain Ramon. They are shown as adventurous and rebellious, always looking for ways to have fun and help the people. They are also friends with Lolita, the daughter of a tavern owner, who has a crush on Diego.

The cutscene ends with Diego and Emilio witnessing a public execution of a rebel leader, who was accused of plotting against the governor. They are shocked and outraged by the injustice, and decide to do something about it. They sneak into the governor’s mansion at night, hoping to find some evidence of his corruption. However, they are discovered by the guards and have to fight their way out. Along the way, they stumble upon a secret room, where they find a black hat, a mask, a sword, a pistol, and a whip. Diego is intrigued by the items, and decides to take them with him. Emilio is skeptical, but follows his friend.

The next day, Diego and Emilio meet with Friar Felipe, a religious leader who secretly supports the rebels. He tells them that the items they found belong to a legendary hero, who was known as Zorro. He was a masked vigilante who fought against the tyranny of the government, and left his mark, a letter Z, on his enemies. He disappeared many years ago, and no one knows what happened to him. Friar Felipe believes that Diego and Emilio are destined to continue his legacy, and offers to train them in the skills they need to become heroes.

Diego and Emilio agree to train with Friar Felipe, and begin their journey as Zorro and his sidekick. They learn how to use the sword, the pistol, the whip, and the horse, as well as other skills such as stealth, acrobatics and charisma. They also learn about the history and culture of Spanish America, and the political and social issues that plague the people. They start to take on missions and quests from Friar Felipe, who assigns them to help the rebels, the poor and the oppressed. They also encounter various enemies, such as soldiers, bandits, and corrupt officials, who try to stop them. They also develop their relationship with Lolita, who becomes their ally and [Diego's] love interest.

The first act ends with Diego and Emilio becoming famous as Zorro and his sidekick, and gaining the respect and admiration of the people. However, they also attract the attention and wrath of Captain Ramon, who vows to capture and kill them. He sets a trap for them, by arresting Lolita and accusing her of being a rebel. He announces that he will execute her in public, unless Zorro surrenders himself. Diego and Emilio have to decide whether to save Lolita, or to risk exposing their identity and endangering their cause.

Some of the gameplay mechanics that are utilized during the first act of the game are:

  • Movement: The player can control Diego and Emilio as they explore the city of Capistrano and its surroundings. They can run, jump, climb and ride horses to traverse the environment. They can also use stealth to avoid detection by enemies or sneak up on them.
  • Combat: The player can engage in sword fights, gun battles and whip duels with various enemies, such as soldiers, bandits and corrupt officials. They can also use the environment to their advantage, such as setting fire to objects, cutting ropes or throwing barrels. They can also activate a special move called "The Mark of Zorro," in which they trace the letter Z with their joystick to slash their enemies.
  • Puzzle-Solving: The player can solve various puzzles or riddles to progress in the game, such as finding clues, unlocking doors, deciphering codes or following maps. They can also use their charisma to persuade, intimidate or bluff their way through certain situations.
  • [Dynamic] Relationships: The player can interact with various characters in the game, such as Lolita, Friar Felipe and [Diego's father] Don Alejandro. They can choose different dialogue options to influence their relationship with them, which can affect the outcome of the game. They can also romance Lolita, who becomes their ally and love interest.



ACT TWO

The second act begins with Diego and Emilio saving Lolita from execution. They have to infiltrate the execution site, fight their way through the guards and free Lolita before she is killed. They also have to face Captain Ramon, who will recognize Diego as Zorro and try to capture him. The player will have to escape with Lolita and Emilio, and find a safe place to hide. Lolita will be grateful and express her love for Diego, but Emilio will be angry and jealous, as he also has feelings for Lolita. Friar Felipe will be proud of Diego’s bravery, but Don Alejandro will be furious and disappointed, as he will learn that his son is Zorro and that he endangered his life and reputation for a girl. The people will be inspired by Zorro’s heroism, but the government will increase their efforts to hunt him down.

The second act continues with Diego and Emilio facing new challenges and opportunities, as they try to cope with the aftermath of their rescue mission. They will have to deal with the emotional and political ramifications of their actions, as well as the changing dynamics of their relationship. They will also have to continue their fight against the government and discover new secrets and mysteries about the world and the history of Zorro. They will encounter new allies and enemies, such as rebels, spies, traitors and assassins. They will also have to make more choices that will affect the outcome of the game, such as whether to trust or betray someone, whether to kill or spare someone, whether to reveal or conceal something, and so on.

The second act ends with Diego and Emilio facing a major revelation and a major betrayal, which will set the stage for the final act of the game. They will learn that Emilio is actually the son of Captain Ramon, who was sent to spy on Diego and sabotage his plans. Emilio will reveal his true identity and allegiance, and turn against Diego, becoming his nemesis. He will also take the black hat, mask, sword, pistol, and whip from Diego, and claim them as his own, becoming "El Zorro Negro," the dark counterpart of Zorro. Diego is left alone, wounded and betrayed.

[New skills and gameplay features introduced in Act Two include:]

  • Rescue Missions: These high-stakes and high-tension missions, [similar to the story mission in which the player rescues Lolita,] test the player’s combat and stealth skills, as well as their decision-making and morality.
  • Reputation System: The player’s actions and choices will affect their reputation with various factions and characters in the game, such as the rebels, the government, Lolita, Emilio, Friar Felipe, and Don Alejandro. This will have consequences for the outcome of the game, as well as the availability of certain quests, allies, enemies, and items. The player can check their reputation status in the menu and see how they are perceived by different groups and individuals.
  • Secrets and Mysteries: The player will discover new secrets and mysteries about the world and the history of Zorro, such as hidden locations, ancient artifacts, mysterious symbols and cryptic messages. Some of these secrets and mysteries will be related to the main plot, while others will be optional and offer extra rewards or challenges. The player will have to use their puzzle-solving and exploration skills to uncover these secrets and mysteries, and learn more about the lore and backstory of the game.



ACT THREE

The third and final act begins with Diego, after Emilio revealed his true identity and escaped to Alta, California. Diego is determined to stop Emilio.

Diego is also pursued by the military, who have placed a bounty on his head, and are actively trying to capture him. The player will have to deal with the constant threat of being hunted down by soldiers, bounty hunters and informants, who will try to track him down and ambush him. The player will have to use their stealth and combat skills to evade or fight them, as well as their charisma and reputation to gain allies or enemies among the people. The player will also have to manage their resources, such as health, ammo and money, as they will be scarce and valuable in this act.

Diego is not completely alone, however. He will meet a new friend and ally, Bernardo, a mute servant who works at a local inn. Bernardo will offer to help Diego in his quest and will assist him in various ways, such as providing information, supplies, distractions or backup. Bernardo will also have a hidden talent [- the ability to] mimic any sound or voice he hears, which will come in handy in certain situations. Bernardo will communicate with Diego through gestures, signs and sounds, and will develop a bond of friendship and loyalty with him.

Diego will also continue his romantic relationship with Lolita. She will support Diego in his mission, and will help him heal his wounds. Lolita will also be in danger, as she will be targeted by Emilio, who will try to use her as a bait or a hostage to lure Diego into a trap.

[During Act Three, the game includes several Easter eggs related to the "Zorro" movie trilogy that preceded it, most notably that] Diego will [encounter riddles about] an ancient temple, hidden in the mountains, which contains a secret treasure and a powerful artifact. [There are also rumors that] the temple is guarded by a cult of fanatics.

[Diego learns several new skills during this portion of the game:]

  • Bounty Evasion: Diego has to deal with the bounty placed on his head by the military, and avoid being captured by them. He learns how to use his stealth and combat skills to evade or fight the soldiers, bounty hunters, and informants who are after him. He also learns how to use his charisma and reputation to gain allies or enemies among the people, who can either help him or betray him.
  • Sound Mimicry: Diego learns how to communicate with Bernardo through gestures, signs and sounds, and how to use his talent to his advantage in certain situations, such as creating distractions, impersonating enemies or sending messages.
  • Prophecy Fulfillment: Diego discovers new secrets and mysteries about the world and the history of Zorro, which are related to a prophecy that will decide the fate of the world. He learns how to interpret the clues and symbols that lead him to [in-game collectibles and lore].

The third act ends with Diego and Emilio having a final showdown, in which they will face each other as Zorro and El Zorro Negro, and fight for the legacy and the destiny of Zorro. Emilio has amassed a large army of soldiers, rebels and mercenaries, who are loyal to him and his cause. He has also built a massive fortress, where he keeps his treasure, his weapons and his prisoner: Don Alejandro, Diego’s father.

The player, as Deigo, must infiltrate the fortress, with the help of Bernardo, Lolita and some allies he has made along the way. Diego fights his way through the guards, the traps and the puzzles, until he reaches the heart of the fortress, where he finds Emilio, holding a gun to Don Alejandro’s head. Emilio taunts Diego, and tells him that he has finally fulfilled his destiny, and that he is the true heir of Zorro.

Emilio then reveals his weapon - a huge cannon, loaded with explosives. He tells Diego that he plans to fire the cannon at Capistrano and destroy the city and the people, as a revenge for their betrayal and oppression. He also tells Diego that he has a choice: to join him, or to die with his father and his people.

Diego refuses to join Emilio, and tells him that he is not Zorro, but El Zorro Negro, and that he is not a hero, but a villain. He also tells him that he is not his friend, but his enemy, and that he will stop him, and save his father and his people. He then draws his sword and challenges Emilio to a duel to decide the fate of Zorro and the world.

Emilio accepts the challenge, and drops his gun, and draws his sword. He then releases Don Alejandro, and tells him to watch as he kills his son, and destroys his legacy. He then engages Diego in a fierce sword fight, while the cannon is being prepared to fire.

The fight is intense and epic, as the player and Emilio clash with their swords, whips and fists[, utilizing the skills they have learned throughout the game]. The fight reaches its climax as Diego and Emilio are both wounded and exhausted, and as the cannon is ready to fire.

[Don Alejandro rushes to the cannon in a frantic attempt to disarm it, when Captain Ramon enters the room and shoots Alejandro, just as he disables the cannon. Alejandro stumbles and falls out of the window, seemingly to his death. Deigo and Emilio look on in terror and shock.]

[Bernardo and Lolita arrive as back-up moments later, helping Diego outnumber Emilio and Ramon. Diego spares Emilio's life but commands him to never return to Capistrano.]

[In the closing moments of the game, a cutscene shows that Diego has become overwhelmed with grief.] He uses the term "The Curse of Capistrano" to describe the misfortune and tragedy that have befallen him and his loved ones because of his involvement as Zorro. He feels guilty and superstitious about the events that have occurred, such as Lolita’s kidnapping, Emilio’s betrayal and his father’s death. He wonders if he has done something wrong, or if he has angered some higher power, or if he is simply doomed by fate.

[Diego is shown sitting in sadness at his home, surrounded by Lolita, Bernardo and Friar Felipe. Elsewhere, Emilio rides on horseback into the neighboring town of Alta, California, with a look of rage and desperation on his face.]

[The picture fades to black and the Mark of Zorro slashes across the screen.]


*****


The credits roll, accompanied by a stirring musical score. After the credits end, the screen fades back in and shows a scene of Alta, California. The scene is set in the year 1821, seven years after the events of the game.

The camera pans over the city, showing a contrast between the rich and the poor. The camera zooms in on one of the mansions, where a grand party is taking place. The guests are dressed in fine clothes and jewelry, and are drinking, dancing and laughing. The camera focuses on one of the guests, who is none other than Emilio, the former friend and nemesis of Diego. He has changed his appearance and his name, and is now known as Villanueva, the governor of Alta, California. He is wearing a black suit, a red cape, and a gold medallion, and is holding a glass of wine. He is surrounded by admirers and sycophants, who praise his achievements and flatter his ego.

Villanueva: "Thank you, my friends, for joining me in this glorious celebration. Today, we mark the [fifth] anniversary of my ascension to power, and the [fifth] year of peace and prosperity for Alta, California! And who can stop us, my friends? Who can challenge our might and our right? Not the weak and the meek, who cower in fear and beg for mercy. Not the fools, who follow the rules and obey the law. Not the rebels and the rabble, who plot and scheme and dream of freedom. No, my friends, no one can stop us, no one can oppose us, no one can defeat us. We [have transformed this] Republic of Rust, and we are invincible!"

The guests cheer and applaud, then chant, "Villanueva! Villanueva! Villanueva!"

Villanueva: (He laughs and drinks, then continues.) "And what of our enemies? What of those who dare to stand in our way and defy our authority? What of those who claim to be heroes and fight for justice and honor? What of those who wear masks and call themselves 'Zorro'?" (He spits out the name with contempt.) "He is nothing but a ghost, nothing but a memory, nothing but a [myth]. He is no match for me - no match for Villanueva!"

The guests cheer and applaud louder, then continue to chant, "Villanueva! Villanueva! Villanueva!"


*****


The camera cuts to a different scene, showing a desert landscape with a blazing sun in the sky. The camera pans over the sand, showing a trail of hoofprints, leading to a lone horseman, riding towards the horizon. The horseman is Diego - Zorro. He is wearing a [black] suit, a black hat and a black mask, and is holding a sword, a pistol and a whip. He is carrying a saddlebag, containing his personal effects - a picture of Lolita, a letter from Friar Felipe, and a medallion from his father.

Diego: (He speaks in a voice-over, as he rides.) "I have been riding for a long time. I have seen many things, I have done many things. I have loved, I have lost, I have suffered. The Curse of Capistrano haunts me. It follows me. But I have been blessed with a purpose. I have been blessed with a mission. The destiny of Zorro calls me. It guides me. And so I ride to protect [those I love], to defend [those who cannot defend themselves] and to fight [the iron fist of oppression]. I ride to Alta, California, to face Governor Villanueva [and] stop [his] Republic of Rust."


The screen fades to black, and the words "To be continued…" appear. The screen then shows the logos and titles of the Zorro movie trilogy, "The Republic of Rust," "The Lost Temple" and "Kingdom of Ash." The screen then fades to black again, and the game ends.


*****


Zorro & the Curse of Capistrano is an original video game prequel to accompany an original Zorro trilogy:

Video Game: Zorro & the Curse of Capistrano (prequel)


And that's officially going to do it! Thus ends our four-part "Zorro" saga. What did you think? Did the video game plot help answer any of your burning questions? Did you have any thoughts about what we could have done differently? Leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter (here and here) or try your best to find us on Facebook. We hope you enjoyed this journey as much as we did.

Until next time.

Friday, January 19, 2024

Bing AI writes... Zorro: Kingdom of Ash (Part 3)


It all boils down to this! We've come to the conclusion of our Zorro trilogy. What will become of Zorro, Villanueva, Bernardo and the rest of the crew? Take a seat and find out in... "Zorro: Kingdom of Ash"!

But, of course, if you aren't up-to-speed with the story thus far, you'll want to go back and read "The Republic of Rust" (Part 1) and "The Lost Temple" (Part 2) first!

As always, nearly everything you are about to see and read was created by Bing's AI Chat feature. For purposes of clarity and the flow (and logic) of the story, we have added or tweaked a few things, which we have included in brackets.

Enjoy!



Zorro: Kingdom of Ash

Starring:


Benicio Del Toro as Villanueva

Eugenio Derbez as Bernardo

with

Javier Bardem as Cortez

Diego Boneta as Pedro

Ana de Armas as Lolita

and

Edward James Olmos as Don Alejandro De La Vega

The movie begins on a dark and stormy night, with thunder and lightning in the sky. A shadowy figure approaches a grave that says, "Here lies Don Diego de la Vega, also known as Zorro, the defender of the people. 1795-1824."

The scene shifts to the present, where Zorro and Villanueva are about to fight Bernardo on the cliff. Bernardo uses the artifact to create a powerful blast that knocks them off the edge. Bernardo escapes with Lolita and the artifact, presuming that Zorro and Villanueva are now dead. [Unbeknownst to Bernardo,] Zorro and Villanueva survive the fall, but are separated and injured.

[During the opening credits, a montage shows Cortez, Villanueva's former mercenary leader, traveling on horseback with Pedro, the young man who grew up idolizing Zorro, searching on horseback for the fallen heroes. In flashback sequences, we see that they] had followed Zorro and Villanueva to the hidden temple in the desert, where they witnessed the betrayal of Bernardo and the activation of the artifact. They managed to survive the earthquake and the subsequent chase, and they saw Zorro and Villanueva fall off the edge. [Now, they search of Zorro and Villanueva, who they still believe to be alive.]

[The scene flashes back to graveyard.] The figure is revealed to be Don Alejandro de la Vega, Zorro's father, who is wearing a cloak and a hat to conceal his identity. He looks around to make sure no one is watching, then starts digging up the grave with a shovel. After a few minutes, he locates the coffin and opens it. Inside, there is no body, but a large bag that is tied with a rope. He takes the bag and closes the coffin, then re-fills the grave with dirt. He puts the bag on his shoulder and walks away from the grave, leaving no trace of his presence.

[Cortez and Pedro continue their search and finally come across signs of life. They have found Zorro and Villanueva. They are both alive - but just barely.]

Pedro and Cortez take Zorro and Villanueva to their secret hideout, where they are treated and healed. Zorro and Villanueva learn that Bernardo has taken over the governor’s mansion and declared himself the new ruler of Alta California. He has also announced that he will use the artifact to unleash a cataclysmic event that will wipe out all life on Earth, unless Zorro surrenders.

Don Alejandro, [who tracked down Cortez and Pedro,] meets with Zorro and Villanueva, who [continue to] recover from their injuries. They are surprised and happy to see him alive, and hug him warmly. Don Alejandro explains that he faked his own death and [created a false grave for] Zorro to protect them from Bernardo and his cult, who [have been attempting to] hunt them down. He also reveals that he has been working undercover for the past few years, infiltrating Bernardo's cult and learning their secrets. He tells them that he has discovered the location of another artifact, similar to the one that Bernardo has, and that he has a plan to stop him.

He opens the bag [from the grave site] and shows them what is inside: a collection of legendary weapons that belonged to the ancient civilization that created the artifacts. There are swords, daggers, axes, spears, bows, arrows, and more, all made of a strange metal that glows with a faint light. Don Alejandro says that these weapons are the only things that can destroy the artifact, and that they have to use them to fight Bernardo and his cult. He says that he has also gathered a group of loyal allies, who are ready to join them in the final battle.

Zorro and Villanueva are amazed and impressed by the weapons, and thank Don Alejandro for his help. They agree to follow his plan and join him in the final battle. They take the weapons and prepare to leave the hideout, ready to face their destiny.

Zorro, Villanueva, Don Alejandro, Pedro, and Cortez lead a daring assault on the mansion, fighting their way through Bernardo’s guards and cult members. They reach the main hall, where Bernardo is waiting for them with Lolita and the artifact. He taunts them and reveals his true motives: he is actually a descendant of the ancient civilization that created the artifact, and he believes that he is the rightful heir to its power. He also claims that the artifact is actually a portal to another dimension, where his ancestors reside. He plans to use the artifact to open the portal and summon his ancestors, who will help him conquer the world and destroy anyone who opposes him.

A fierce battle ensues, where Zorro and Villanueva face off with Bernardo, while Don Alejandro tries to use the artifact to stop him. Lolita manages to free herself and joins the fight, helping Zorro and Villanueva. Pedro and Cortez fight the cult members and the guards, while also protecting the civilians who have joined the rebellion. The battle is intense and chaotic, with many casualties on both sides.

[The heroes utilize the mystical weapons provided by Don Alejandro as they fight:]

  • Zorro uses a sword that is similar to his own, but with a sharper edge and a glowing blade. He uses it to slash and stab his enemies, as well as to deflect their attacks. He also uses it to cut through ropes, chains, and locks, freeing Lolita and other prisoners. He fights with skill and grace, showing his mastery of the sword.
  • Villanueva uses an axe that is heavy and powerful, capable of smashing and breaking anything in its path. He uses it to cleave and chop his enemies, as well as to destroy their weapons and armor. He also uses it to break down doors, walls, and pillars, creating a path for his allies. He fights with strength and fury, showing his rage against Bernardo.
  • Don Alejandro uses a spear that is long and sharp, able to pierce and impale his enemies from a distance. He uses it to throw and thrust at his enemies, as well as to block and parry their attacks. He also uses it to reach and activate the artifact, using his knowledge and wisdom. He fights with precision and strategy, showing his intelligence and experience.
  • Cortez uses a bow and arrow that are accurate and fast, able to hit and kill his enemies from afar. He uses them to shoot and snipe his enemies, as well as to cover and protect his allies. He also uses them to ignite and explode barrels, crates, and chandeliers, creating a distraction and a chaos. He fights with stealth and skill, showing his cunning and agility.
  • Pedro uses a dagger that is small and light, able to cut and stab his enemies from close range. He uses it to sneak and ambush his enemies, as well as to free and assist his allies. He also uses it to cut and disable wires, traps, and alarms, creating an advantage and a surprise. He fights with courage and enthusiasm, showing his loyalty and admiration.

Zorro and Villanueva manage to wound Bernardo and disarm him of the artifact. Don Alejandro uses the artifact to close the portal, preventing Bernardo’s ancestors from coming through. However, Bernardo refuses to give up and grabs the artifact again, activating it with his blood. He unleashes a massive explosion that destroys the mansion and engulfs the surrounding area in flames. Bernardo and his cult are destroyed by the explosion and buried under the ashes of the mansion.

Zorro, Villanueva, Lolita, Don Alejandro, Pedro, and Cortez barely escape the blast, but are severely injured and trapped under the rubble.

As they lie dying, Zorro and Villanueva reconcile their friendship and brotherhood, apologizing for their past mistakes and forgiving each other.

Zorro and Lolita confess their love for each other and share a final kiss. Don Alejandro tells Zorro that he is proud of him and that he is the true hero of the people. Pedro and Cortez thank Zorro and Villanueva for their leadership and courage. They all say their goodbyes and close their eyes, accepting their fate.

The movie ends with a montage of scenes showing the aftermath of the explosion. The people of Alta California mourn the loss of their heroes, but also celebrate their victory and freedom. They erect statues and monuments in honor of Zorro, Villanueva, Lolita, Don Alejandro, Pedro, and Cortez, and tell stories of their deeds and legacy.

The final scene shows a young boy wearing a mask and a cape, riding a horse and wielding a sword, as he follows the footsteps of his idol, Zorro.



THE END

*****

Zorro: Kingdom of Ash is the conclusion of an original, four-part Zorro saga:


Films: The Republic of Rust | The Lost Temple | Kingdom of Ash


That's a wrap for our Zorro series, folks! Have you been enjoying these AI-driven stories? What projects would you like to see us tackle next? Leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter (here and here) or let us know on Facebook.

Until next time.

Monday, January 15, 2024

Bing AI writes... Zorro: The Lost Temple (Part 2)

 


We meet again, for the second installment in our AI "Zorro" trilogy. If you haven't experienced "Zorro: The Republic of Rust," you'll want to read that before proceeding. We're not going to waste any time jumping into the action, so you should definitely be up-to-speed.

When last we left our intrepid hero, Zorro was pursuing his nemesis, Villanueva - known in a former life as El Zorro Negro - in a white-knuckle treasure hunt for an artifact with the power to change the world as we know it. Villanueva had been a step ahead, but surely Zorro will catch up to him soon!

As explained previously, everything you're about to see and read was created by Bing's AI Chat feature. We did have to do a little bit of housekeeping, for the sake of clarity and the flow of the story, and we have added brackets around anything that we had to alter, just so you know where we left our fingerprints.

Let's see what happens next!



Zorro: The Lost Temple

Starring:


Benicio Del Toro as Villanueva

Eugenio Derbez as Bernardo

with

Ana de Armas as Lolita

and

Javier Bardem as Cortez


"Zorro: The Lost Temple" continues Zorro and Villanueva's search for the hidden treasure of Alta California, a powerful ancient artifact that can grant its owner immense power and knowledge. The movie picks up right after the post-credits scene from the first movie, as Villanueva discovered a secret entrance to a hidden temple in the desert.

Zorro and Bernardo, his loyal friend and sidekick, are hot on the trail of Villanueva. They know that Villanueva is dangerous and obsessed, and that he will use the artifact to conquer the world. They also want to find out the truth about the artifact and its origin, and why it is so important.

Zorro and Bernardo have to travel across the desert of Alta California, following the clues and a map that they found in Villanueva’s mansion. They have to deal with the harsh weather, the lack of water and food, and the hostile wildlife. They also have to avoid the patrols and the checkpoints of Villanueva’s army, who are still looking for them.

In one scene set in a burning building, Zorro and Bernardo have to rescue some prisoners who are held captive by Villanueva's men. They have to fight their way through the flames and the smoke, and use their skills and gadgets to escape. [In the midst of their escape, they encounter] Cortez, the mercenary leader who worked for Villanueva in the first movie. [Surprisingly, Cortez] has a change of heart and betrays Villanueva, after he learns the truth about his identity and his plans. He becomes an ally of Zorro [and joins the heroes on their journey to catch Villanueva].

[When the heroes the temple, they find Villanueva trying to unlock the secret of the artifact.] He had found a large metal door with strange symbols on it, and he was using the artifact to match the symbols and open the door. He believed that behind the door was the ultimate power and knowledge of the ancient civilization that created the artifact. He was determined to fulfill his destiny and become the master of the artifact and the world.

[Villanueva reveals, via a villainous monologue, that the artifact is] a relic from an ancient civilization that once ruled the world, but was destroyed by a cataclysmic event. The artifact contains the secrets and the memories of that civilization, and also has the power to manipulate time and space. The artifact can be used for good or evil, depending on the user's will and intention.

[However, in order to access the secret chamber, Zorro and Villanueva determine that they must work together.] They have to use their intelligence and creativity, and also cooperate and compete with each other. They also encounter some ancient guardians and traps, and some stunning and shocking revelations.

[Upon reaching the secret chamber,] Bernardo reveals that he is not actually mute and that he has a terrible secret that rocks Zorro to his core: Bernardo has been working for a secret cult that worships the artifact and the ancient civilization that created it. He says that he wants to bring back the glory and the doom of that civilization, and that he will destroy the world and rebuild it in his image. He also reveals that he is the descendant of the high priest of that civilization, and that he has the blood and the right to wield the artifact. He has been feeding Zorro information to sabotage the heroes' plans. He also reveals that he is the one who kidnapped and corrupted Villanueva when they were children, and turned him into El Zorro Negro. He did this because he was jealous and resentful of Zorro, who was the chosen one to wield the artifact. He wanted to use Villanueva and the artifact to destroy Zorro and the world.

Zorro and Villanueva are shocked and betrayed by Bernardo's revelation. Villanueva realizes that he has been corrupted and manipulated by the artifact, and that he has lost his way and his honor. He also remembers his friendship and brotherhood with Zorro, and how they used to fight for justice and freedom. The [old friends] decide to join forces against Bernardo and his minions.

[Meanwhile,] Bernardo manages to get the artifact and activates it, unleashing its power and causing a massive earthquake[, then flees in the chaos. Zorro and Villanueva] follow Bernardo’s trail and find out that he is traveling by carriage, escorted by some of his minions. They also find out that Bernardo has kidnapped Lolita, Zorro’s love interest, and is holding her hostage.

Zorro and Villanueva mount their horses and pursue Bernardo and his men. They manage to catch up with them and attack them. A fierce fight ensues, involving swords, guns, whips, and explosives. Zorro and Villanueva manage to board one of the carriages, where Bernardo and Lolita are. They confront Bernardo and demand him to surrender the artifact and release Lolita. Bernardo refuses and fights back, using the artifact’s power to cause some chaos and confusion.

The carriage driver is killed by a stray bullet, and the carriage goes out of control. It collides with another carriage, causing both of them to detach from the horses and run away. Zorro and Villanueva jump from one carriage to another, trying to reach Bernardo and Lolita. Bernardo also jumps from one carriage to another, trying to escape from Zorro and Villanueva.

The carriages speed up and head towards a cliff. Zorro and Villanueva have to balance on the moving vehicles, and dodge the obstacles and the bullets. They also exchange witty and taunting remarks. They finally reach Bernardo and Lolita, and [prepare to] engage in a final duel of fate.

After the credits roll, we see a shot of a dark and stormy night. A hooded figure is riding a horse, carrying a large sack. He stops at a graveyard and dismounts. He walks towards a tombstone that reads: "Here lies Don Diego de la Vega, also known as Zorro, the defender of the people. 1795-1824." He digs up the grave and opens the coffin. He takes out the corpse of Zorro and puts it in the sack. He then closes the coffin and buries [the casket in the ground] again. He mounts his horse and rides away. The screen fades to black and a voice says: "The adventure concludes in 'Zorro: [Kingdom of Ash].'"


*****


Zorro: The Lost Temple is the second film in an original, four-part Zorro saga:


Films: The Republic of Rust | The Lost Temple | Kingdom of Ash


How will it end? Will Zorro and his surprising allies gain possession of the artifact once and for all, bringing Bernardo and his evil cult to justice? Will Lolita be freed from her captivity? And what on earth is up with that post credits scene?? Find out... in the final chapter! But until then, start a conversation in the comments section below, follow us on Twitter (here and here) or hit us up on Facebook.

Until next time.

Sunday, January 14, 2024

Bing AI writes... Zorro: The Republic of Rust (Part 1)


After the fun we had with Bing AI writing us a Batman trilogy and a couple of Zelda games, we have wanted - yearned, in fact - to find another series worthy of the AI treatment. At long last, and after many mediocre attempts, we have found the rightful successor: Zorro.

As we have done with our other AI series, everything you're about to read and see in this post was created by Bing's AI Chat feature, which is pretty incredible. We did go in and make a few edits, purely for the sake of formatting, clarity, simplicity and the flow of the story.

Here we go.


Zorro: The Republic of Rust


Starring:


Benicio Del Toro as Villanueva

Eugenio Derbez as Bernardo

Diego Boneta as Pedro

with

Ana de Armas as Lolita

and

Javier Bardem as Cortez



"Zorro: The Republic of Rust" follows the adventures of the masked hero Zorro, who fights for justice and freedom in the Spanish colony of Alta California. The year is 1821, and the colony is on the verge of becoming an independent republic after a successful revolt against the oppressive Spanish rule.

However, not everyone is happy with the new situation, especially Governor Villanueva, a greedy and ruthless tyrant who wants to keep the colony under his control and exploit its resources.

Villanueva is obsessed with finding a legendary treasure of gold that is said to be hidden somewhere in the vast desert of Alta California. He believes that the treasure belongs to him by divine right, and he will stop at nothing to get it. He has hired a band of mercenaries and outlaws to help him search for the treasure, and he has imposed heavy taxes and harsh laws on the people to fund his expedition. He has also imprisoned and tortured anyone who opposes him or knows anything about the treasure.


Zorro, the mysterious and charismatic defender of the people, is determined to stop Villanueva and his evil schemes. He is aided by his loyal friend and sidekick, Bernardo, a mute servant who acts as his spy and informant. Zorro also has a secret identity: he is Don Diego de la Vega, a wealthy and noble landowner who pretends to be a timid and harmless scholar. He uses his status and influence to gather information and resources for his cause, while hiding his true identity from everyone, including his love interest, Lolita, the beautiful and spirited daughter of a local tavern owner.

Zorro's plan is to infiltrate Villanueva's army and sabotage his operations from within. Along the way, he faces many dangers and challenges, such as duels, traps, betrayals, and secrets.


Zorro disguises himself as a soldier and joins the ranks of the mercenaries, hoping to find out where the treasure is and how to stop Villanueva. He uses his skills and charisma to impress the leader of the mercenaries, a ruthless and cunning man named Cortez. He challenges him to a sword fight and wins, earning his respect and trust. He then convinces him to let him join his squad, claiming that he is a former soldier who wants to make some money and have some fun.


Zorro befriends some of the other soldiers, especially a young and naive recruit named Pedro, who looks up to him as a mentor and a friend. He teaches him some tricks and tips on how to survive and fight in the desert, and also tries to instill some values and morals in him. He also learns from him some information about Villanueva’s plans and whereabouts, and secretly passes it on to Bernardo.

Zorro sabotages some of the army’s supplies and equipment, such as cutting the ropes of the tents, spilling the water barrels, and setting fire to the wagons. He makes it look like accidents or attacks from bandits or natives, and blames it on Villanueva’s incompetence and cruelty. He hopes to cause some chaos and confusion in the army, and also to weaken their morale and resources.

Zorro sneaks into Villanueva’s mansion at night, using his disguise and stealth skills. He searches for clues and evidence about the treasure, and also tries to free some of the prisoners. He encounters some guards and soldiers, and fights them with his sword and whip. He also meets Lolita, who is working as a maid in the mansion, and rescues her from Villanueva’s advances. He reveals his identity to her, and they share a passionate kiss. He promises to come back for her, and escapes.


Zorro discovers that Villanueva has a personal connection to him, and that the treasure is more than just gold - it is actually a powerful ancient artifact that can grant its owner immense power and knowledge.

Zorro also finds out that Villanueva is his nemesis, El Zorro Negro - the Black Zorro, a former ally and friend of Zorro who turned to the dark side after being corrupted by the artifact. He stole it from a secret temple and used it to gain wealth and influence, but also became obsessed and paranoid, leading him change his name and appearance and become the governor of Alta California. He wants to use the artifact to conquer the world, and he knows that Zorro is the only one who can stop him.

Zorro manages to escape with the artifact, but Villanueva vows to pursue him and claim what he thinks is his destiny. Zorro realizes that he has to destroy the artifact and stop his former friend from unleashing its evil power.


After the credits roll, we see a shot of the desert at night. A mysterious figure in a black cloak and hood is riding a horse, carrying a lantern. He stops at a large rock and dismounts. He examines the rock and finds a small opening. He lights a fuse and places a stick of dynamite in the opening. He runs back to his horse and covers his ears. The dynamite explodes, creating a hole in the rock. The figure approaches the hole and peers inside. He sees a faint glow and smiles. The man is revealed to be Villanueva - El Zorro Negro. He enters the hole and disappears.


The screen fades to black and a voice says, "The adventure continues in 'Zorro: The Lost Temple.'"

*****

Zorro: The Republic of Rust is the first film in an original, four-part Zorro saga:


Films: The Republic of Rust | The Lost Temple | Kingdom of Ash

Will "Zorro" bounce back in the next movie? Will audiences be pleased? Will he thwart the plans of his evil nemesis, El Zorro Negro? Time will tell! In the meantime, drop a comment on this post, follow us on Twitter (here and here) or chat with us on Facebook.

Until next time.

Friday, January 12, 2024

Bing AI writes 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl' as a children's book


In 2023, we got really into having Bing's AI Chat feature write blogs for us. At one point, we had it write "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" as a children's book, which was a fun experiment. Tonight, we thought we'd pick another great movie and ask our AI overlords to simplify it for the youth of tomorrow.

With no further ado, we present "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl," as a children's book.



** PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL - THE CHILDREN'S BOOK **

Once upon a time, there was a brave pirate named Jack Sparrow. He had a ship called the Black Pearl, but it was stolen by a mean pirate named Barbossa. Barbossa and his crew were cursed by a magic treasure. They looked like skeletons in the moonlight, and they could not feel anything.

Jack wanted to get his ship back, so he went to a town called Port Royal. There he met a young man named Will Turner, who was a blacksmith. Will was in love with a beautiful lady named Elizabeth, who was the daughter of the governor. Elizabeth had a gold coin that was part of the magic treasure. She got it from Will when they were children.

One day, Barbossa and his crew attacked Port Royal and kidnapped Elizabeth. They thought she was the daughter of a pirate named Bootstrap Bill, who was Will's father. They needed his blood to break the curse. Jack and Will decided to work together to save Elizabeth. They stole a ship from the navy and sailed to find Barbossa.

On the way, they met some funny pirates in a place called Tortuga. They also met some scary cannibals on an island. Jack and Will had many adventures and became friends. They finally reached the secret cave where Barbossa and his crew hid the magic treasure. There was a big fight between the pirates and the navy, who followed them.

Will learned that he was the son of Bootstrap Bill, and that his blood could break the curse. He stabbed Barbossa with a sword, and Jack shot him with a gun. Barbossa fell down and died, because the curse was lifted. Jack got his ship back, and Will and Elizabeth kissed. They all lived happily ever after.

The end.

*****

Wow. Kind of dark, for a children's book. Also, were there actually cannibals in the movie? That does not seem factual. I guess maybe the AI took some artistic liberties with that little subplot.

Anyway, another day, another blog. Which other movies would you like us to have AI turn into children's books? Let us know in the comments below, on Twitter (here and here), or on Facebook.

Until next time.