It looks like the Switch version of Sid Meier’s Civilization VIsold well enough that 2K and Firaxis Games is taking a mainline Civilization game to the PlayStation and Xbox consoles for the first time. Sid Meier’s Civilization VI will launch on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on 22 November 2019.
The base game will be available for $79.95 AUD. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of the base game will also include “Poland Civilization and Scenario Pack,” “Vikings Scenario Pack,” “Australia Civilization and Scenario Pack,” and “Persia and Macedon Civilization and Scenario Pack.” PlayStation 4 owners will also get “Nubia Civilization and Scenario Pack” and ” Khmer and Indonesia Civilization and Scenario Pack” thrown in for free with the base game. It will be available separately on Xbox One
An optional expansion bundle containing Rise and Fall, Gathering Storm, and 18 leaders will be released along side the base game. The expansion bundle will also launch on Switch. It will cost $49.95 AUD on all three consoles.
I remember the first time I upgraded my PC. It was also the first time I got to play a game in glorious 60 frames per second. Funny enough, my first thought was “no way I could ever adjust to this”. And that’s for I felt for the next 10 minutes and no more. The transition was flawless. It was Guild Wars, by the way. Everything was crystal clear, the animations were smoother and the character motions were so much better. It was really a step up in my gaming life. So why am I going back to all of this? Well, this is how it feels like playing Spyro Reignited Trilogy with all the improvement and touch-ups, almost 20 years after the original games. 60 FPS switch all over again.
Story
Since this package comes with all three games; Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage and Spyro 3: Year of the Dragon, I’ll go through the stories from all the games. Don’t worry, it won’t take long. Stories in all of the Spyro games are rather brief and only serve to drive the gameplay forward (and what items you acquire in the sequels). In the first game, a bunch of dragons decided to trash-talk some magical orc (or Gnorc, as he and his minions are called in Spyro games), he got mad and turned them all into stones. Now it’s up to you to free (unstone?) all the dragons, gather a lot of gems while at it and defeat the Gnasty Gnorc. Simple enough. In the sequel, there is a new villain in a town called Ripto. A very nasty magic-wielding dinosaur is keen to enslave all the dragons. So yeah, gather gems, kill some bosses and earn a bunch of magical orbs for the portal back home. Yep, no more rescuing dragons from Medusa’s stare, we’ve upgraded! In the third and the last game of the pack, we have also been upgraded with new enemies (we are now fighting Rhynocs instead of orcs), new collectibles (chasing for dragon eggs now instead of orbs or dragons) and sometimes we get to play as someone else than Spyro. Wait, what?!
Gameplay
As mentioned, the gameplay loop in all the three games is pretty straightforward. Gather gems (which are used as currency to learn new skills in later games), beat occasional bosses and got through the world after world rescuing your friends. Things spice up a bit in the second and third game, where new supporting characters are introduced and you even get to play as some of them in the last game. When it comes to enemies, Spyro has a bunch of attacks at his disposal. There is the expected flame breath (he is a dragon, after all), a charging attack and different kind of powerups that change his flame properties. Some enemies are weak to flame, some to charging, some to both and later in the game(s) you have to strategize a bit to reveal their Achilles heel. While every Spyro game from the bunch is good enough on its own, this trilogy is also a textbook example how t expand on a winning formula while sacrificing nothing away. The sequels bring new Spyro moves (like swimming, diving, and headbutt attacks) and we get to play as penguin version of 007 (already sounds intriguing, right?), a feisty Aussie kangaroo and even Sparx, Spyro’s trusty dragonfly sidekick. They all come with their own special attacks and gameplay mechanics – if you have enough gems to unlock them, that is. And make no mistake, by gems I do mean those that you find in-game behind every nook and cranny. It is commendable and rare that in this day and age, there are still AAA games not riddled with microtransactions that no one asked for.
Visuals
The shinning spot of the game. All the original levels from all three games received an insane visual makeover, Spyro’s animations are now smoother and some levels have the enemy layout rearranged. The lightning effects are breathtaking (really, every next frame of the game screams for a screenshot), Spyro’s idle animations are too adorable and some levels will stay in your memory long after you finish the game. This remaster is responsible for a whole week of my tiring work shift due to staying up late playing it and almost missing a deadline for publishing this review. It’s just that addicting and engaging. Not to mention all the beauty in the little details such as burning almost everything throughout the levels. Yep, not just enemies. Your fire breathing leaves gorgeous scorching effects on patches of grass, plants, enemy armor and most of the environment.
Audio
To not leave everything shinning in the visuals, the games also feature some stellar work when it comes to the audio department. Plenty of tracks have been remastered, improved in quality and remixed to catch you off guard. Spyro Reignited Trilogy is also recommended to play with a good set of headphones just so you don’t miss out on the marvelous work that went into the audio design of the levels. Enemies tend to yell, have fights with each other and act silly all around. Every level in each of the Spyro games has a distinct and sometimes memorable music theme so it’s not that much of a grind to go back and 100% each level if you feel like doing so.
Overall
Spyro Reignited Trilogy is truly an exquisitely wrapped up package. After some good impressions with Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy release a few months back, I’m digging this (what I hope to be) new trend in above-average remasters, releases and reboots. It’s like reliving my gaming childhood memories in 60 FPS. On a serious note, Spyro Reignited Trilogy is something definitely worth your money and attention. Amazing facelift of all three games, great price when you consider how much content is in this pack and insane replay value (even more if you consider going for 100% completion in all three games). Now let’s burn some enemies and patches of grass together!
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Team17 and The Game Kitchen released their hack ‘n slash game Blasphemouson Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. It’s priced at $24.99 USD/€24.99/£19.99 on consoles and $22.49 USD/$32.35 AUD on Steam.
The game offers large, non-linear worlds for players to explore. Combat is a challenging, pixel-perfect Metroidvania. Players have access to a variety of prayers, relics, rosary beads, and sword hearts to boost their skills, giving them a chance at surviving the brutal boss battles.
The world is inspired by southern Spanish folklore twisted into a horrifying nightmare. Players take on the role of The Penitent One, the lone survivor of the Silent Sorrow Massacre. They are now on a blood crusade across the lands of Cvstodia with their sword the Mea Culpa in hopes of saving themselves from The Miracle curse.
Square Enix has announced that fans in the West won’t have to wait any longer than fan in Japan to play tri-Ace’s Star Ocean: First Departure R as the company will be releasing the game worldwide on the same date for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 as a digital download on December 5th where it will be priced at an odd $20.99. Those who pre-order the PlayStation 4 version of the game will obtain a special theme and digital mini-soundtrack from the 2019 Star Ocean Live concert.
Originally released in the west on the PSP, Star Ocean: First Departure R tells the story of a young swordsman, Roddick, and his companions who at first set off on a journey to find the cure to a deadly disease, which then spirals into an adventure that spans across the sea of stars. This HD remaster version includes full voiceover, new character illustrations, adjusted game balance, and a speed mode that allows players to travel through the world faster.
XSEED Games and Marvelous Europe have announced that they will be releasing Rune Factory 4 Special in the West with a standard physical edition priced at $39.99 as well as a special “Archival Edition” that will be priced at $59.99. The special edition of the game comes with an an art book commemorating the work on the entire Rune Factory series by character designer Minako Iwasaki, as well as new illustrations for the premium box and art book cover by the artist. The package will also include an official soundtrack CD featuring 33 tracks from the original game plus three new pieces of music, Swimsuit Day DLC that has the characters appear in their swimsuits, and the game itself.
Currently Rune Factory 4 Special is set to be released on the Nintendo Switch sometime this winter in North America and Europe and you can check out a new set of screenshots below.
Although those of us in the West have to wait until Spring 2020 to see Persona 5 Royal released in English Atlus is still planning on having the game released in Japan on October 31st and as such they have chosen to release the new opening video for this enhanced release of the JRPG. As you’ll find in the video below, more than a few changes have been made to not only accommodate the new characters added to the game but also a new theme song has been introduced.
While this new track does feature the same theme and tone of other entries in the game, its more up beat nature may feel a bit out of place compared to the actual game itself.
After launching a teaser website Capcom has decided to now release a teaser trailer for the still enigmatic Project Resistance. As seen in the video, found below, the game will be a team-based survival horror game that sees players battling against the undead and various forms of bio-weapons in an attempt to survive and possibly escape the area, though Mr. X will also be standing in their way.
Currently Project Resistance doesn’t have a set name or release date, though longtime fans will liken it to Resident Evil Outbreak. More information is likely to come this weekend at Tokyo Game Show but for now we know the game is set to be released on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
NordVPN is
creating NordVPN Teams – a VPN solution for businesses
NordVPN is
introducing a new VPN solution for businesses, freelancers, and teams
September 10, 2019. NordVPN, one of the
most advanced VPN services in the world, is creating a new VPN solution
dedicated to business clients. NordVPN Teams will have a
full range of features to ensure advanced digital protection and convenience
for small and medium businesses, remote teams, and freelancers.
“Even though NordVPN is recognized and awarded as one of the
best VPN services, initially it was created for personal needs. However, the
number of our business clients is growing every day, and we wanted to create a
product that can better meet their needs and expectations. That’s how NordVPN
Teams was born,” says Marty P. Kamden, CMO at NordVPN.
According to NordVPN’s CMO, the company already has almost
15,000 business users worldwide. Most of them are small and medium businesses,
NGOs, and remote teams working for big corporations.
With the new business VPN solution, NordVPN keeps its well known
easy-to-use approach. One of the key benefits of NordVPN Teams will be
effective access management. Through a convenient control panel, business
clients will be able to add team members, create user groups, manage team
permissions, select default servers for teams, assign dedicated gateways, and
more.
NordVPN Teams will keep some of the best NordVPN’s features,
including 256-bit military-grade encryption, Kill Switch, CyberSec, automatic
connection on Wi-Fi networks, and award-winning 24/7 customer support with a
dedicated manager. NordVPN Teams will be available on all major platforms.
At the moment, NordVPN Teams is going through the closed beta
stage. The first public version is expected to launch later this year. Signup
for early access is now available on NordVPN Teams’ official website: https://nordvpnteams.com/early-access.
NordVPN is a trusted online privacy and security solution, used
by over 12 million internet users worldwide. It offers military-grade
encryption with advanced privacy solutions and is recognized by the most
influential tech sites and IT security specialists.
NordVPN is moving with confidence towards becoming an all-around
cybersecurity solution. Earlier this year, the VPN service provider announced
two new tools: NordPass, a
new-generation password manager, and NordLocker, a powerful file encryption tool. Business
clients will be able to acquire all these products as a bundle.
ABOUT
NORDVPN
NordVPN is the
world’s most advanced VPN service provider, used by over 12 million internet
users worldwide. NordVPN
provides double VPN encryption, malware blocking, and Onion Over VPN. The
product is very user-friendly, offers one of the best prices on the market, has
over 5,000 servers in 60 countries worldwide, and is P2P friendly. One of the
key features of NordVPN is zero-log policy. For more information: nordvpn.com.
Foxtel overhauls entertainment line-up with four exclusive new
FOX-branded channels and Lifestyle refresh
Foxtel
today announced the most significant overhaul of its entertainment TV channel
line-up in a decade with the introduction of four new and exclusive FOX-branded
channels and a wholesale repositioning and refresh of its popular Lifestyle
franchise.
The
channel changes across entertainment and lifestyle are a further step by Foxtel
in providing its customers the best of TV and on demand all in one place, at
the best value.
Entertainment
Channels
From
7 November, Foxtel customers will enjoy four new and exclusive FOX-branded
entertainment channels FOX ONE, FOX FUNNY, FOX HITS and FOX CRIME in addition
to existing FOX-branded entertainment channels FOX SHOWCASE, FOX8 and FOX
CLASSICS, together with Foxtel’s FOX branded sports channels.
Foxtel
CEO Patrick Delany said: “FOX is a breakthrough
global entertainment brand known for surprising and shaking things up.
These new FOX-branded TV channels allow us to take control of our entertainment
programming based on bold channel personalities that keep things fresh and
aligned to what our customers want from us. They will also deliver great
outcomes for our advertisers.
“The channels are unapologetically and unmistakably Foxtel. They are
exclusive to us and make it even easier for our customers to access our
huge range of television, from the latest international and local drama series
to the most popular crime and comedies.
“They
add to our existing flagship FOX-branded channels and will be home to thousands
of hours of the best live and on demand TV. There is no other collection
of channel brands like it on Australian television or streaming platforms.”
FOX ONE will be a new flagship channel along-side FOX
SHOWCASE AND FOX8 and home to the latest premium US network and cable series
and contemporary hits including Ballers, Chicago Fire and Mayans
M.C. and new season premieres including Prodigal Son, legal drama All
Rise and the explosive War of the Worlds.
FOX FUNNY will showcase the latest contemporary comedy
including The Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, The Office, 30
Rock and How I Met Your Mother.
FOX HITS is a new comedy channel that will deliver classic
comedy favourites from the 80s and 90s such as Friends, Will and
Grace, Frasier andMalcolm in the Middle.
FOX CRIME is a new channel featuring the best crime series on
television including NCIS, Criminal Minds, CSI and Bones.
Foxtel
Lifestyle Group
The
Foxtel Lifestyle Group, which recently came under the control of Wendy Moore
who joined Foxtel this year from Pacific Magazines, has undergone a brand
revision and revitalisation which now also includes Foxtel’s Arena channel
which has been repositioned and refreshed.
Mr
Delany said: “Our female audiences are incredibly important and this wholesale
revision and revitalisation of the Lifestyle Group doubles-down on delivering
more value through relevant and contemporary programming for Australian women and
their families.
“We know that seeing your own
lives and dreams beam directly to your home is a powerful motivator. Our
Lifestyle channels have built a strong emotional connection with women by
inspiring them with what’s on-trend and what’s possible.
“We
know however that life is about the perfect mixture of sugar and spice. Part of
viewer enjoyment and well-being involves indulging their guilty
pleasures.
“This
is where the repositioning and refresh of the Arena channel fits in as the home
of risqué reality, glamour and salacious gossip and drama. This will see
the channel air a fresh, new series of Australia’s Real Housewives of
Melbourne in 2020.”
From
25 September, Foxtel’s Lifestyle channels will see a brand revision and
revitalisation to align with the lives and aspirations of contemporary
Australian women. The refresh will be accompanied by the arrival of the new
Foxtel Original series, Find Me a Beach House andthe return of
Lifestyle favourites, Love It or List It Australia and The Great
Australian Bake Off.
Lifestyle
bringing local and international experts into Australian homes including Selling
Houses Australia, Grand Designs Australia, Love It or List
It Australia and new series Find Me a Beach House starring
Deborah Hutton.
Lifestyle Food celebrating the variety and cultural beauty of food including The
Great Australian Bake Off, Masterchef UK and Hell’s Kitchen.
Lifestyle Home, the ultimate destination for 24/7 home and property
entertainment including Love It or List It, A Place in The Sun
and Coast v Country.
Arena,
the home of guilty pleasures, glamour and fame featuring The Real
Housewives franchise, Project Runway and Vanderpump Rules.
The
channel changes follow yesterday’s announcement that the BBC’s new premium
factual channel BBC Earth will launch on Foxtel on 10 October, bringing viewers
incredible stories about the world around us including four of Sir David
Attenborough’s biggest titles – Blue Planet II, Planet Earth II, Frozen
Planet and The Hunt. BBC Earth will replace the existing channel BBC
Knowledge and will include a significant increase in on demand programming.
PREPARE FOR THE
JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME IN FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES REMASTERED EDITION
Rediscover
the Beloved Adventure with Exciting New Features on 23rd January
2020
SYDNEY, 10th September,
2019 – Square Enix Ltd., today announced that the beloved action-RPG adventure FINAL FANTASY®
CRYSTAL CHRONICLES® will return with brand new features as FINALFANTASY
CRYSTAL CHRONICLES Remastered Edition for the Nintendo Switch™ system, the
PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and iOS and Android mobile devices
on 23rd January 2020.
To watch the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES Remastered Edition Official Release Date Trailer
The co-operative action RPG FINAL
FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES® has been completely remastered, now with brand
new features to make the experience more enchanting than ever! Playing with
friends or solo, explore a stunning fantasy world and make new memories as you
bond with fantastic characters through fun action-RPG gameplay.
New features for FINAL FANTASY
CRYSTAL CHRONICLES Remastered Edition include:
Updated Visuals and Audio – Experience the world of
FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES in stunning new ways, with
upgraded graphics and audio updates enhancing the magical adventure like
never before.
New Character Voiceovers – Playable heroes come to
life with brand-new voiceovers as they cast spells and battle ferocious
monsters.
New Online Multiplayer – Play online with up to
three friends to overcome the dangerous monsters and dungeons that fill
the world*. No players are left behind, as FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL
CHRONICLES Remastered Edition supports cross-play functionality.
New Dungeons and Bosses – Challenging new
dungeons and bosses have been added to the game, allowing for even more
fun and exciting gameplay opportunities.
New Character Appearances
and Items – Stand out with brand-new looks and artefacts to equip and use
throughout your magical journey.
FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL
CHRONICLES Remastered Edition will be digitally available for the Nintendo Switch™
system, PlayStation®4 system, the App Store and Google Play Store on 23rd
January 2020. For more information visit https://sqex.link/tig
