Masters of the Sun

January 20, 2018

Five Oculus Experiences Head To Sundance Film Festival

The Sundance Film Festival has now begun – and as we’ve seen throughout the week on VRFocus a number of different experiences have announced their appearance at the event; often backed in some manner by a number of studios and creators. And when it comes to the hardware stakeholders it’s not just StarVR’s Starbreeze Studios, Oculus are also involved.

In fact, off the back of their recent announcement of Oculus Start, the Facebook owned company have revealed they are bringing five virtual reality (VR) experiences to the showcase which is taking place in Utah. “We’re excited to highlight five Oculus-supported experiences pushing the medium forward and celebrate their debuts at Sundance 2018.” Said the company in an entry on its blog where it also listed the five experiences, several of which we have featured here before on VRFocus. You can find these below:

Dispatch

Written and directed by Edward Robles of Here Be Dragons, Dispatch follows a small-town police dispatcher (Martin Starr, Silicon Valley) as he faces an all-night crime spree. The experience takes you inside the dispatcher’s perspective in this episodic, audio-based miniseries. The first three episodes launched on Rift and Gear VR in November, and the finale will launch on the Oculus Store January 25 following its world premiere at Sundance.

Launching today for Gear VR, Masters of the Sun is presented by will.i.am and The Black Eyed Peas. It takes place during the ’80s when ancient and modern forces of evil started destroying black communities. Vocal talent including Rakim, Queen Latifah, KRS-One, Jason Isaacs, Slick Rick, and comics industry legend Stan Lee tell the story of mobilization and reclaiming their city, fighting back against the evils of drugs, crime, and discrimination.

Space Explorers

The latest project from Felix & Paul Studios, Space Explorers lets you reach new heights through the power of VR. Created in partnership with NASA, the experience follows their astronauts as they prepare to launch into space. Space Explorers is coming to Oculus in 2018.

SPHERES

The first chapter of SPHERES, called Songs Of Spacetime, is debuting at Sundance. SPHERES is a three-part series that transports viewers into the deepest pockets of the Universe, bringing to life future worlds and exploring oneness with the cosmos. SPHERES is created by Eliza McNitt and will launch on Rift in 2018.

Wolves in the Walls

From the team behind the Emmy Award-winning project Henry comes Wolves in the Walls, a gorgeous, interactive adaptation of Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean’s haunting work brought to life in VR. Wolves in the Walls is coming to Oculus in 2018.

VRFocus will have more news for you regarding The Sundance Film Festival next week.

November 22, 2017

Black Eyed Peas AR Comic Masters of the Sun Gets Release Date

Hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas have been working on its comic book debut Masters of the Sun: The Zombie Chronicles for almost a year, working alongside Marvel artists. The graphic novel is almost ready for release as an Augmented Reality (AR) experience.

The comic was written to reflect a blend of hip-hop culture, along with science fiction elements and a blend of ancient mythology. Set in a futuristic version of Los Angeles which is under attack by alien invaders, who have used their technology to transform criminals and violent individuals into zombies. Zulu-X, the main character, along with his crew, work to defeat the aliens and unravel a dark conspiracy that reaches back into the ancient past.

The AR component uses a smartphone app to bring the comic to life, showing 3D animations of characters, and allowing users to hear as well as see the dialogue, thus making the comic accessible to people who might have trouble reading small print.

The narration for the AR experience is being provided by legendary Marvel writer and creator Stan Lee, while the various characters are being voice by a combination of artists from the world of rap, R&B and hip Hop, such as Mary J Blige, Rakim, Ice T and Queen Latifah, alongside voice artists such as Rosario Dawson and John Dimaggio.

The AR experience will be release on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store on 24th November, 2017. The comic can be purchased through Amazon through comic book stores and bookshops as well as online at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

A launch trailer for the Masters of the Sun: Zombie Chronicles is available to view below.

VRFocus will continue to report on new and innovative AR experiences.

October 31, 2017

Masters Of The Sun From Will.i.am Coming To Oculus Mobile VR In 2018

A graphic novel from Will.i.am and the Black Eyed Peas is being adapted for the Gear VR to release in 2018.

The sci-fi story from Will.i.am will feature the voice talent of performers such as Queen Latifah, Rakim, Ice T and Jamie Foxx, and in the trailer below you can hear Marvel comics’ Stan Lee narrating.

Master of the Sun appears to draw from Egypt mythology set against a backdrop of social commentary when “aliens attack, releasing a curse that turns drug dealers and gangbangers into zombies.” From the description:

Armed with a deep love of hip-hop culture, Zulu-X must work together with his crew to unlock the mysteries of an ancient order and save their city.

Given that the project is coming to Gear VR it would be surprising if it didn’t launch on Oculus Go as well, the $200 standalone headset on the way early in 2018. Software on Gear VR will be fully compatible with Oculus Go.

Masters of the Sun releases in January 2018.

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