Today brings good news for Grand Theft Auto V modding! OpenIV has been able to work out their issues with Rockstar and Take-Two. The development team will be able to continue their decade long project as it was. The team has insisted that OpenIV has never interfered with Grand Theft Auto Online and never will, thus making it compliant with Rockstar’s modding policy. The return of OpenIV in its original state is vindication for the OpenIV team.
Unfortunately, it is not a complete victory. The Return to Liberty City project that looked to import Grand Theft Auto IV’s Liberty City to Grand Theft Auto V has been canned as Rockstar has deemed the project to be in violation of their modding policy. The needs of the Return to Liberty City project was driving development on OpenIV, so the team is currently reevaluating the development road map of OpenIV itself.
Beacon Academy, once a safe place for human and Faunus students from around the world, has fallen. Ozpin was killed during the attack by the White Fang, or rather, its emerging extremist faction. After briefly returning home, Ruby left her older sister and father in order to trek to Mistral. She is joined by Ren, Nora and Jaune, whom are unable decide whether ‘JNRR’ or ‘RNJR’ is a better team name for them, and the group runs into Qrow along the way. Elsewhere, Weiss becomes increasingly frustrated at the way in which her father is running the Schnee Dust Company, Blake returns to her home on the island of Menagerie and Yang is given a new, mechanical arm to replace the arm lost during the fall of Beacon.
Story
A fearsome villain named Salem orders her underlings to do her bidding. Under her command is Cinder, who is almost mute after having received the full amount of the Fall Maiden’s power. Although only one of her underlings shows their face in the outside world this time, they all remain a major threat, as does the White Fang’s extremist faction. Both of these groups of villains are largely operating in the shadows now, allowing Ruby and her friends from Beacon Academy to have somewhat of a reprieve from fighting people. On their journey, they encounter many villages that have been abandoned or destroyed, but a Grimm is never far away. After helping one surviving village out and receiving some support in return, they are on their own. The situation appears more and more bleak as they get closer to Mistral, but their teamwork and the sudden appearance of Qrow gets them through the difficult stages of their journey. Unfortunately, the Grimm and one of Salem’s henchmen, who has been sent to capture Ruby as revenge for taking Cinder’s left eye, are not their only problems.
Jaune has many questions to ask Qrow when he has the chance, and he is unable to truly let go of Pyrrha as he trains to become stronger and more useful to his friends. Ren and Nora have their own problems as well, which are revealed when they come face to face with their collective past. The two have always been an interesting couple, but the exact nature of their relationship has been something of a mystery until now. They are childhood friends, although they did not meet under the happiest of circumstances. Nora evidently did not have a happy childhood, directly contrasting with Ren’s experiences with his loving parents. Their devotion towards each other is explained through a depiction of a horrible event that occurred in their village a long time ago, making it possible to see them and their relationship in a whole new light. There are numerous people and monsters to be fearful of in Remnant, but people like Ren and Nora are still able to overcome their fears and protect what is important to them, and seeing them remain strong is a wonderful thing to see.
Team RWBY has been split up across Remnant, but all four of its members are doing their best to keep going. Weiss has returned to the Schnee family’s mansion, but does not approve of her father’s conduct. She may have initially come across as a stuck-up rich kid, but she has developed into a thoughtful person who is able to see what is wrong with the world around her. It will be interesting to see where that knowledge takes her in the future. She is unable to accomplish much at this point, however she does have the courage to do whatever it takes to escape her father’s controlling and dictatorial will. Blake’s parents, ex-members of the White Fang, are loving and caring unlike Weiss’ father, and even put up with Sun to a certain extent after he follows Blake and imposes himself on her and then her parents. She cannot stand the thought of people being hurt because of her, and chooses to internalise that emotional pain. Her home village is otherwise a mostly happy place; Menagerie is a small island inhabited by the Faunus. Some see it as a reminder of the segregation of humans and Faunus, while others simply see it as a peaceful island. It is unclear exactly where in the world her journey will take her next, but her contemplative character development provides a strong contrast with Weiss’ external struggles and Ruby’s seemingly perpetual fights against the Grimm and her fights against bad people. Like Blake, Yang has a supportive family. Her father does whatever he can to help Yang train so she can be stronger when it is her time to fight, and her ability to bounce back is remarkable. It is evidently going to be a while before Team RWBY is reunited, but their individual journeys are some of the most compelling parts of this volume and the series as a whole.
Visuals
While Japanese animation studios largely and consistently fail to produce smooth 3D animation, with the notable exception of Square Enix, Rooster Teeth continues to prove itself as a leader in 3D animation. An extraordinary amount of detail can be seen in every shot, from the diverse settings to the unique characters. RWBY looks even better throughout this volume too; this is western anime at its finest. The fight sequences are consistently well-choreographed, and there are plenty of them to enjoy. Furthermore, the characters are expressive with their body language and their facial expressions. The world of Remnant is well-crafted; from desolate mountains to ruined villages to an island utopia, a significant amount of detail can be seen in every shot.
Audio
Western animated series are not typically known for featuring orchestral pieces, but RWBY is once again an exception. Emotions run high in volume four, and the music underscores those emotions perfectly without missing a single beat. It is as brilliant as it is real; Jeff Williams’ score feels like a natural extension of the story rather than literal background music that is immediately forgettable. The voice acting continues to bring the characters to life, so this is a series that is at least as good to hear as it is to watch.
Extras
Rooster Teeth knows how to entice fans to pick up a copy of one their DVDs and Blu-rays; hours of extras are included. If you want to learn more of the history of Remnant and its peoples, the “World of Remnant” shorts will satisfy that interest. If behind-the-scenes features are what you are looking for, this release also has you covered. To top it all off, a lenticular card is included inside the case. It features a clean version of the cover art for volume four on one side and a picture of Ruby’s scythe on the other.
Overall
If the first three volumes are to be considered as Act I of RWBY, this is just the introduction to Act II. An introduction that runs for roughly three hours and eight minutes sounds like it would be slow and dull on paper, but in this case, it is effective at building anticipation for the next chapter of the story. Despite originally airing as significantly shorter episodes, volume four is worth watching as a movie. It presents multiple concurrent plot-lines that feature brilliant writing, setting up what is sure to be an exciting continuation of the story of Ruby Rose and her friends as they try to save Remnant one person at a time. The voice acting, music and animation are about as perfect as it gets with western productions.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
LITTLE WITCH ACADEMIA: CHAMBER OF TIME ANNOUNCED FOR PLAYSTATION 4 AND STEAM
Cast Powerful Spells and Battle Gruesome Monsters in this Brand-New Side Scrolling Beat ‘Em Up RPG Based on the Little Witch Academia Anime Series Streaming Now on Netflix
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe is glad to announce today a new entry in the JRPG genre with Little Witch Academia: Chamber of Time; coming to the Europe in early 2018 for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and PC via STEAM. Little Witch Academia: Chamber of Time is a heart-pounding 3D action JRPG beat ‘em up featuring an original storyline carved from the popular anime series by Studio Trigger, a Tokyo-based anime production company; now streaming exclusively on Netflix.
Little Witch Academia: Chamber of Time features main characters from the show and original storylines for players to explore as they make their way through Luna Nova Magical Academy. Magic, friendship, adventure and mystery will be the elements of this brand new JRP that will available early 2018 for the PlayStation 4 and PCs via STEAM.
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe S.A.S. part of BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc. is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive content for platforms including all major video game consoles, PC and mobile. The company is known for creating and publishing many of the industry’s top video game franchises, including PAC-MAN™, TEKKEN™, SOULCALIBUR™, DARK SOULS™, NARUTO™, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, Dragon Ball, GALAGA™, RIDGE RACER™ and ACE COMBAT™. For more information please visit www.bandainamcoent.eu
THE RISE OF A LEGEND BEGINS WITH THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS: KNIGHTS OF BRITANNIA
Assemble the Seven Deadly Sins and Maximize Your Skills in Blisteringly Fast Battles
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe is glad to announce today that The Seven Deadly Sins: Knights of Britannia is coming to the Europe exclusively for the PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system – both digital and boxed with EFIGS localization. Based on the popular manga and anime series The Seven Deadly Sins, The Seven Deadly Sins: Knights of Britannia is the first console video game adaptation of the anime and manga series that brings together the powerful characters from The Seven Deadly Sins for an action-packed adventure on the PlayStation 4.
“The Seven Deadly Sins: Knights of Britannia contributes significantly and increase the value of our Anime line-up,” says Antoine Jamet, Brand Manager at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe “We are confident that all the anime lovers and fans of The Seven Deadly Sins will be amused to join the journey and rush into the battle”
The Seven Deadly Sins is a legendary gang of rebels who have been blamed for overthrowing the Kingdom of Lionesse and are hunted by elite guards called Holy Knights. When a young girl appears, with an earnest wish in her head and a determination to find The Seven Deadly Sins, the world gets turned on its head and an extraordinary adventure begins!
The Seven Deadly Sins: Knights of Britannia will be available in the Europe in early 2018 exclusively on the PlayStation®4 – both digital and boxed with EFIGS localization.
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe S.A.S. part of BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc. is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive content for platforms including all major video game consoles, PC and mobile. The company is known for creating and publishing many of the industry’s top video game franchises, including PAC-MAN™, TEKKEN™, SOULCALIBUR™, DARK SOULS™, NARUTO™, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, Dragon Ball, GALAGA™, RIDGE RACER™ and ACE COMBAT™. For more information please visit www.bandainamcoent.eu
Indie developer Scott Cawthon announced that he is cancelling his next game. While he has and will not provide details on what the game actually was, it has been rumoured that the project was Five Nights at Freddy’s 6. Citing personal burnout, Cawthon decided to cancel the game completely. He is not canceling the Five Nights at Freddy’s series, as a VR game and a movie with Blumhouse is still in the works.
Cawthon stated in his announcement that he is looking to start on a new, more light hearted project in the vein of Foxy Fighters 2 to help him relax and decompress. The game will be released for free when it is complete.
Bungie has released new details about how clans will work in their FPSDestiny 2. From July 25 to August 25, Destiny clan leaders will be able to convert their existing clan into a Destiny 2 clan. In the new game, players will only be allowed to join one clan per platform. In the case a leader does not plan on moving to the new game or will be staying with a different clan, clan leaders will also have the chance to pass their leadership over to another member when they move the clan to Destiny 2.
Destiny 2 clans are focused on community building in the end game. Clan members will get extra bonuses based on their teammates performance in a mission. Since each clan can only have a maximum of 100 members, clans will be able to form Alliances with other clans so large groups of players can tackle community challenges.
Destiny is also running a week long event called Raiders of the Lost Arc. Starting on July 4th 10am PST(July 4 3AM AEST) and ending on July 11 at 2AM PST (7PM AEST), players will be able do bounties for some sweet Knights inspired equipment. The items are decked out in chain mail, furs, and plate armour for an old school cool.
Finally, Bungie has revealed their three videos of the week.
RPG MAKER FES IS OUT NOW IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
NIS America is happy to announce that RPG Maker Fes on Nintendo 3DS™ is out now in Australia and New Zealand, both physical and digitally! It was also revealed that the game’s DLC will include crossover character skins from Disgaea, Disgaea 5, and more NIS franchise favorites, so you can share the greatness of Prinny with your friends.
About the Game:
Ready to become a game developer? RPG Maker Fes makes it easy to develop any RPG you can imagine with no need for programming know-how! Simple, but powerful tools let you bring to life the amazing stories in your head! Customize the characters, stories, combat and more to become the next great developer! Then, share your creations and play others with the RPG Maker Player! What story will you share?
Key Features:
RPG Making Made Easy – Ever had an idea for a great RPG? This is your chance to create it! With powerful, but easy to use tools, any story or world you can imagine comes to life!
Customized Content – Simple, but powerful tools let you take amazing fantasy stories from your imagination, and put them into the hands of your friends.
Play and Share for Free – Anyone who downloads the free RPG Maker Player app can play RPGs created by RPG Maker Fes owners for free! Share the fun with your friends and people all over the world!
Customized Content – Simple, but powerful tools let you take amazing fantasy stories from your imagination, and put them into the hands of your friends.
DANGANRONPA ANOTHER EPISODE: ULTRA DESPAIR GIRLS OUT NOW FOR PS4™ IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
NIS America is happy to announce that Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls is out now for PlayStation®4 in Australia and New Zealand. Both the NA and EU release are available physically and digitally. Originally released in 2015 on PlayStation®Vita, Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls is a spin-off action-adventure game that connects the critically acclaimed mystery adventures Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc and Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair. This title is a port of the PS Vita version and will include all content found in the PS Vita release.
About the game:
Komaru Naegi, little sister to Makoto Naegi, has been imprisoned inside a mysterious apartment for over a year. One day, she is rescued by Byakuya Togami of Future Foundation, but the rescue is derailed by a sudden attack of hundreds of Monokumas. Komaru soon discovers that the city has been taken over by a group of children calling themselves the Warriors of Hope. Their leader, Monaca, declares that the city will be the site of a “children’s paradise,” and to accomplish this, all the adults will be exterminated. Komaru teams up with Toko Fukawa to try to survive the rampaging Monokumas, escape the crafty Monokuma Kids, and uncover the secrets of the city.
Key Features:
Despair Never Looked This Good: New enhancements for the PS4 version includes 60 FPS , high-res models and texture resolutions, finer-tuned gameplay, and improved PS4 functionality (Share Play, Live streaming, and Remote Play).
Third Person Shooter Action Sequences: Use Future Foundation’s Hacking Gun to have a fighting chance against the hordes of Monokumas as you traverse Towa City.
Riddles and Puzzles: The Monokuma Kids will challenge more than just your trigger finger; you’ll need your smarts to survive as well. There’s a lot to discover in the city, with a number of familiar faces and mysteries to unravel!
Tons of Different Types of Ammo: Expand your arsenal with multiple kinds of Truth Bullets, such as Paralyze and Link. Upgrade your firepower with special Bling Bullet modifiers.
START YOUR TINY ENGINES AS MICRO MACHINES WORLD SERIES LAUNCHES
NEW GAMEPLAY TRAILER CELEBRATES THE MINIATURE MULTIPLAYER MAYHEM
SYDNEY, 3RD July 2017 – Codemasters have unleashed miniature multiplayer mayhem on the gaming world with the release of MicroMachines World Series game on PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One and Steam (PC). To celebrate the launch and showcase the fun and carnage you’ll be experiencing in Micro Machines World Series.
The iconic series makes a triumphant return with a mixture of fan favourites and all new content that will delight players of all ages. Classic game modes Race and Elimination make a triumphant return and are complemented by an all new Battle mode which ramps up the carnage even further.
Supporting up to 12 players online and one to four players locally, Micro Machines World Series game gives you 12 amazing customisable vehicles to race and battle in 25 everyday locations including the kitchen table, garden, workshop and games room.
With Spy Cars, Hover Craft, Dumper Trucks, Tanks and more, Micro Machines lets you equip a unique load out and then collect a range of crazy NERF power ups and collectables such as blasters, mines, hammer and bombs to get the best of your opponents.
Available now on PlayStation® 4, Xbox One and Steam (PC), Micro Machines World Series game combines gaming nostalgia with incredible visuals and playability making it a hit for players old and new.
Follow updates from the Micro Machines studio on Facebook.
KADOKAWA new title announcements GIRLS’ LAST TOUR and A place further than the Universe
KADOKAWA CORPORATION, the Japanese publisher & anime company, known for hits as The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and Lucky Star, or recent titles like KONOSUBA -God’s blessing on this wonderful world! and Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-, has announced 2 new titles at Anime Expo 2017 (July 1-4 at the Los Angeles Convention Center). Along with the announcement, promotional trailers were shown for the first time in the world.
GIRLS‘ LAST TOUR
Chito and Yuuri, two girls left alone in the post-apocalyptic world．They wander hopelessly in the stretch of ruins, on their Beloved vehicle Kettenkrad. This Heartwarming survival story, Girls’ Last Tour web-comic written by Tsukumizu, published by Shinchosha, coming soon on animation!
STAFF:
Director: Takaharu Ozaki
Story editor: Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
Character Design: Mai Toda
Animation Production: WHITE FOX
SYNOPSIS:
The popular running dystopian fantasy manga from the web comic portal Kurage Bunch will be adapted into an anime! Long time has passed since the prosperity and civilization of the humanity has collapsed. Most of the humans and animals have died and the world is facing its end. The complex city structure resembles a labyrinth. No one is maintaining the machines anymore, so they also stop functioning one after another. When did everything end, or since when has everything started ending? This story takes place in such a world which everyone has even stopped thinking about that. Two girls, Chito and Yuuri, are wandering this world with their vehicle Kettenkrad. The beginning of a heartwarming story in the apocalyptic world…
A completely new original TV animation brought to you by the NO GAME NO LIFE team Atsuko Ishizuka (Director), Jukki Hanada (script writer) and studio MADHOUSE!
Director Atsuko Ishizuka, (NO GAME NO LIFE) is teaming up once again with script writer Jukki Hanada, (LOVE LIVE! series). They will present a high school students youth story at the south pole!
Staff:
Director: Atsuko Ishizuka
Story editor: Jukki Hanada
Character Design: Takahiro Yoshimatsu
Animation Production: MADHOUSE
SYNOPSIS:
Scenery that we have never seen Sounds that we have never heard Scent that we have never smelled Food that we have never tasted And the surge of emotion that we have never experienced
This is the expedition of recollecting the pieces torn apart and sensation left alone When we reach that place, what will we think?
A wilderness beyond the heavy sea The furthest south, far from the civilization At the top of the Earth, We will find lights through the girls’ eyes to live tomorrow
KADOKAWA CORPORATION (Tokyo, Japan) is a leading publisher of light novels and comics, as well as a provider of anime content. Further fields of business activity include music production and distribution in Japan. Some of our representative animation works are “Fullmetal Panic!”, “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya” and “Lucky Star”, which are widely known among anime fans worldwide. After merging with Media Factory our animation producing lines increased and the list of titles keeps growing, including recent titles such as “No Game No Life Zero”, “Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-”, “KONOSUBA -God’s blessing on this wonderful world!”, and more.
