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Gremlins Review

Gremlins

Studios: Amblin Entertainment
Publisher: Warner Brothers
Platforms: Cinema
Release Date: Out Now

Overview

The urban legend of gremlins grew out of superstitions of WW2 air crews who attributed mechanical failures in aircraft to the malicious attentions of these tiny monsters. These were the same guys who came up with the idea of ‘Murphy’s law’ wherein anything that can go wrong, according to the law, will go wrong. From these two facts, one can ascertain that perhaps being a pilot during this particular era was something of a gamble. Rather than gamble with other movie options for the evening, I instead decided to revisit the popular 80s interpretation of the monsters at the In the House screening of the film Gremlins.

The MC for this evening was a very lonely and hungover David ‘Quinny’ Quinn who soldiered on regardless. In between sparring with snarky audience members and reading a bit from the Gremlins picture book (which somebody had brought in), he shared with us some interesting tidbits of movie trivia. The one I found most interesting was the fact that the puppeteers working on the set hated the Gizmo puppet and made a game of planning out interesting ways to ‘kill’ them. Death via dartboard was a popular option which ended up making it in to the film proper (kinda). After Quinny had finished warming up the audience, the screening proper began.

Story

The film opens with Randall Peltzer (Hoyt Axton) as a hapless but optimistic inventor attempting to hawk his wares to the owner of a Chinese curio shop. Instead, Randall is charmed by the cute nature of an unusual little creature in the shop called a “mogwai” which he takes home as a pet to his son, Billy (Zach Galligan). He directs his son to follow the three rules given to him for care of the pet: don’t expose the mogwai to bright light as it will kill it, do not let it get wet, and never feed it after midnight. Following in the rebellious nature which inherent in all Americans (‘Mericuh!), Billy almost all of these rules immediately upon gaining responsibility over the adorable little creature which he names Gizmo. Things almost immediately go downhill with the idyllic town of the film being brought low by tiny monsters.

The film itself has a range to it which is honestly lacking in the characters onscreen. The first half of the film depicts fairly hum drum melodrama unfolding in an almost idyllic depiction of a small American town. When the gremlins finally arrive on set, the film takes a turn directly into horror-sville, population: you. The film does build up to the horror elements somewhat, but it’s still a bit of a disjunct to go from showing us cute and cuddly furbies to suddenly killing tiny monsters quite gorily using kitchen appliances. If you can handle the film’s tonal whiplash then you’ll probably get a kick out of it.

Largely, the human characters and their motivations fall to the wayside once fecal matter hits the proverbial fan with the gremlins finally letting loose upon the town. From the second act onwards it’s pretty much all puppet mayhem all the time with very little character development or even screen time for anyone who isn’t made out of plastic. The characters we got introduced to in the first half of the film largely serve as hapless victims for the mischievous depredations of the little gremlin monsters. We see them get syringed, catapulted via chair lift, and crushed by tractor. It’s all deliciously macabre with plenty of slapstick to counterweight the actually somewhat terrifying events which unfold.

The gremlins themselves are actually a fairly compelling onscreen presence. They’re all pretty much two-dimensional as far characters go, but they’re played in such a way that you kinda see them as live-action cartoons. Another apt comparison would be to a more murderous and malevolent version of the muppets. This is largely a good thing as the human characters were rendered in similarly broad characterisations of virtue and villainy.

Visuals

In terms of the puppetry and visual effects, the film really hasn’t aged all that well. To be fair, the film is over three decades old and I doubt many special effects in today’s films would be able to stand the test of being compared to contemporaries thirty years down the line. The mogwai puppets still have a strong creep factor to them even before they morph into the vicious gremlins. The way that their eyes moved was pretty unsettling and not to mention the addition of human-looking teeth to the creature design of the mogwai. Inversely, all of the onscreen gremlin deaths are pretty gory/satisfying to watch as you see them get chopped, blended, and microwaved.

The film features some very strong visual comedy and slapstick skits however. The scene in the bar is definitely worth highlighting as you see the gremlins get rowdy as they play around and get up to mischief. That scene featured some moments which genuinely made me laugh out loud, which is high praise from me considering that visual gags so rarely find their mark with me.

Audio

The film’s soundtrack is largely unremarkable and passes by without leaving too much of an impression. The film makes use of aural clichés with the background audio taking on a more Asian influence in its melody but otherwise the orchestral score performs the job of reinforcing the emotion of a scene. The one exception to the buck the general rule and actually standout is the gremlins theme itself which sounds like a twisted version of a Christmas Carol. Notionally, Gremlins is a Christmas movie and its theme does a pretty good take on demented Christmas jingles.

Overall

Gremlins was an interesting choice to round out this year’s In the House season as its Christmas movie. The story and plot largely serve as a vehicle to let the gremlins loose from the second act onwards. The film was at its best for me when it focused upon the cartoony slapstick of the gremlins entertaining themselves which provided fertile ground for plenty of visual gags. The gremlins theme is also a catchy standout from the otherwise standard soundtrack which punctuates the film. Overall, it was a fun film to end the year with, but it certainly did not match the highs of previous offerings like Die Hard. I look forward to coming to In the House in the new year for the next season.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

Assassin’s Creed Review

Assassin’s Creed

Studios: Ubisoft Entertainment, Regency Enterprises
Publisher: 20th Century Fox
Platforms: Cinema
Release Date: 01 January, 2017 – Tickets Available Here

Overview

Assassin’s Creed is a gaming franchise which has taken the gaming world by storm. When one thinks of mainstream, AAA, big-budget games, one can only look at Ubisoft’s quasi-historical, quasi-science fiction series. It’s big, and it’s now branching onto the silver screen with Ubisoft itself forming a new division in their company to help produce the cinematic entries into the franchise.

Video game films are often described as acting under a curse by which their very nature as an adaption from a video game works against them. Ubisoft, however, proudly proclaimed that their film will overcome this curse and set the stage for a new cinematic foray for the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Did they succeed? Read on.

Story

The film opens up with the initiation of Medieval Spanish Assassin Aguilar De Nerha (Michael Fassbender) as he swears his life to protect and serve the Creed. After this the film jumps forward into the modern day and right into the troubled childhood of Callum Lynch (also Michael Fassbender) as he witnesses the immediate aftermath of his mother’s murder at the hands of his father. The film jumps forward once again to the day of Callum’s execution where he is whisked away by mysterious benefactors. Callum then wakes up in an Abstergo research facility, where he is forced to enter into an animus and relive the memories of his ancestor, Aguilar, in order to find an ancient artifact known as ‘the Apple’. The film jumps between the perspectives of Aguilar and Callum as they learn and fight for the creed.

To say that the pacing of the story was all over the place does not do justice to the narrative parkour which this film engages in. My companion for the evening was so unengaged by the film’s plot that he largely abandoned spectatorship in favour of making pained expressions at me whenever the film delivered a particularly cringe worthy line or moment. I dispatched with him quickly, as he was no doubt a Templar plant, but ultimately I do have to agree: the film’s plot is almost pointless. The first act can pretty much be done away with entirely as so much of the detail that was put into it turns out to be completely extraneous to any of the main plot.

There are no characters for the actors to inhabit as too often the personas they depict make decisions and perform actions which appear to be completely out of synch with previously established traits, relationships, and even emotional state. The emotional beats that the characters constantly jump from and to, ostensibly in order to advance the plot, essentially makes it seem that they all have quite severe cases of some manner of emotional disorder. It’s pretty much impossible for anyone to connect with these characters as there really isn’t anything much which you can connect with.

I feel that the film tried too hard to hedge its bets by sticking too closely to the game’s canon. Too many times, there were moments where the film would vainly attempt to approach some aspect of the game’s lore but then fail in adequately explaining it. For fans this shouldn’t be a problem to keep up with the story, but for any lay people it is going to be a confusing and muddled experience to go through. This has been said before by other authors but, the same narrative you find in a game cannot be simply translated to film simply due to the vast difference between in material which each can cover. This film would have much better to have chosen one aspect or perspective of the Assassin’s Creed universe and explored it thoroughly rather than attempting to cover all the beats it did. For fans, it will come across as shallow fan service and for lay people, it will be completely nonsensical.

I feel that the film’s greatest flaw is that it chooses not to commit to any aspect of itself. As an example, there is a scene where other prisoners of the Abstergo facility attempt to warn Callum of the danger of the Apple through very guarded, almost surreal code. This only lasts for one scene and ultimately bears no effect on the plot or its trajectory. Another example is that the film never shows us a completed ‘leap of faith’ from start to finish. It always cut away from showing the audience the landing into a conveniently placed hay bale. If the film could not commit to even showing a signature moment from the game then, of course, it cannot hope to capture the spirit of what drew the game its audience in the first place.

Visuals & Audio

The film’s editing and visual direction were almost completely off-kilter with lots of decisions that I felt made no sense. The film has a habit of providing us with sweeping panoramic establishing of various locations both in the past and present. This may be an attempt at an homage to the original games wherein when the player would climb to the top of some landmark would be treated to a sweeping panorama of the surrounding area as a reward for a job well done. It ultimately serves no purpose in the confines of the film however as it is done too frequently and only takes us away from the action.

Inversely, the action sequences are completely undermined by the rapid editing and close-ups of the characters. We lose all track of time as we see characters fight their way through a number of, admittedly, very well-choreographed fight sequences which we ultimately cannot enjoy as we lose all track of space and speed. Rapid cuts can help reinforce an action film’s fast sense of pace but here it just works to disengage its audience.

The scenes with the animus were repeated far too often and become both visually and narratively boring. Originally, I thought the design of the animus looked cool from all the trailers I had seen. It looked like an actually feasible design for a machine which effectively serves as a vehicle to explore genetic memory with more than a few cues taken from designs of virtual reality machines. Unfortunately, its novelty wore off quickly and did not really

The film’s soundtrack is perhaps the one element which was largely solid in this piece of cinema. Most of the time, it serves to punctuate the mood or reinforce the change in location. There is some Arabic influence present, especially when the scene features Aguilar or is set in a Historical Spanish location. Nothing particularly stood out, either good or bad, and honestly that’s a point in its favour.

Overall

This film, on reflection, ultimately had little to no redeeming qualities available to it. The story lacks focus and ultimately is unable to create any sort of emotional engagement. The visual direction is almost entirely wrong and I cannot fathom just how badly the director could mess things up. The soundtrack, at least, is competent in working as a background accompaniment to the film. The curse of terrible video game films has still not been lifted. Feel free to stay home.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

Day of Infamy Enters Beta ahead of Q1 2017 Release

Day of Infamy has come a long way since its early days as a mod for Insurgency. Now a full retail release title, Day of Infamy has been in alpha testing since July. New World Interactive announced today that Day of Infamy has entered beta testing ahead of its Q1 2017 release date.

Some big features have been added to the FPS. A new stats and ranking system has been added to the game that will change the rank on the arms of players in-game as they climb through the ranks. The unit system has also been implemented that adds distinct units to the Axis and Allies sides of the game. As a special thank you to those who purchased the game while it is in Steam Early Access, players will snag themselves the Gordon Highlanders for the Commonwealth, the 1st Ranger Battalion for the U.S. Army, and the Infanterie Division for the German Wehrmacht. More units representing Canada, India, Australia, the USA, Germany, and more are currently in development. Finally, carpet bombings has been added for all factions. Players will now be able to call in bombing runs by Mustangs (US Army) and Stukas (Germany).

To celebrate the holidays, Day of Infamy is 25% off during the Steam Winter Sale.

https://youtu.be/ORhqI8_ghxs

 

Indie Gala Friday Christmas Bundle Now Available

Indie Gala is here to save those of you waiting til the absolute last minute to do your Christmas shopping. The Friday Christmas Bundle ten great indie games for one very low price.

For a minimum purchase of $1.00 USD, buyers will receive:

It Comes Around – After the death of a student, the Sugimori Occult Club have been trapped in a hellish world. Who will survive is up to you.

Secret Santa – Sneak around homes to deliver the Christmas cheer to children everywhere in this retro styled stealth game.

Stargazer Christmas – John Wizard must help Santa by summoning characters from his video games into the real world to save Christmas.

For a minimum purchase of $1.75 USD, buyers will also receive:

Just a Cleric – A retro style action RPG featuring a cowardly cleric who must step up to the plate to avenge his fallen friends.

TIMEframe – Explore the remnants of a mysterious civilization in this atmospheric game set in slow motion.

Running Gods – A 2d runner with 28 levels set in seven unique worlds.

Andoran Skye XD – Teenaged Staff Wielder has been chosen to tame and protect a skye in an epic 2.5D RPG.

Immersion – After waking up from cryogenic sleep, you must solve a series of puzzles to unlock the exit, but beware, the Evil Tile Creator plots to destroy you.

Star Phoenix – A first person VR shooter currently in Steam Early Access.

Deathwave – An arcade FPS inspired by classics like DoomQuakeDuke Nukem, and Serious Sam.

Don’t idle any longer! The special $1.75 price will only last for the first 24 hours of the sale. Head on over to Indie Gala to grab your bundle today.

 

 

IT’S A MERRY DINOSAURUS XMAS FOR ARK: SURVIVAL EVOLVED

IT’S A MERRY DINOSAURUS XMAS FOR ARK: SURVIVAL EVOLVED
Winter Wonderland Update for Steam and Xbox/PS4 ARK Players Unleashes Raptor Claus + Unique Holiday Gifts! Additional Steam Content Delivers 5 New Dinos to Capture, Two New Underwater Caves

Seattle, WA – December 22, 2016 –  Ho-Ho-holy smokes, it’s that most wonderful time of the year again! ARK: Survival Evolved (Steam, Xbox and PS4) prepare for the arrival of Raptor Claus and his load of gifts, both naughty and nice. In the Winter Wonderland 2 event beginning today, ARK survivors will chase the scaly gift-giver around the world as he drops loot, coal and a few new goodies, all of which can be used to craft holiday-themed items. The holly-jolly team at Studio Wildcard also adding a very special surprise holiday item to the PC version of the game…what could it be? The only way to find out is to play (or to watch the trailer to the end)!

Don’t own ARK yet? Here are the ways to play:

  • The Steam’s Winter sale is now live and new players can grab ARK: Survival Evolved on PC/Mac/Linux for a 60% discount, and the Scorched Earth Expansion Pack for 33% off.
  • Download ARK: Survival Evolved and its Expansion Pack Scorched Earth now on Xbox One!
  • ARK: Survival Evolved recently launched worldwide on PlayStation 4. Grab your bundle of the main game and Scorched Earth now!

Along with the Winter Wonderland 2 update, Studio Wildcard is releasing the v253 update today for Steam players – which includes two new full-scale underwater caves and setting loose five new creatures: Cnidaria, Troodon, Tusoteuthis, Pegomastax, and the Therizinosaurus.
If that’s not enough, Raptor Claus and his helpers at Studio Wildcard are also releasing a new Spotlight trailer today, which can be downloaded below.

New Dinos and Creatures!

Cnidaria Omnimorph: A combination of everything good and bad about various species of Jellyfish, the Cnidaria is too simple to tame or train, but tribes keep schools of them around for their bioluminescence and their ability to sting. Containing them in pools around a camp is a great way to make a barrier of swimming, stinging security that also illuminates the night. They also drop a special biotoxin which can be used to create shocking torpor darts and is 2x as powerful as regular ones.

Troodon Magnanimus: Outside of human beings, the Troodon might just be the most clever creature on the islands. You don’t “tame” a Troodon, you earn its loyalty through its social nature and love of the hunt. While Troodon is considered a  smaller relative of the island’s Raptors, they are no less dangerous, especially with their love of hunting at night.

Pegomastax Fructarator: Life ain’t easy when you’re at the bottom of the food chain on carnivore-filled islands, just ask the Pegomastax. This is a relatively harmless herbivore who prefers to live alone and gorges on just about any plants it can find. Far from the definition of “pretty”, Pegomastax features a nasty looking beak (with tusks for extra effect!) and feathers, making him a unique sight on the island. Some tribes keep a few Pegomastax around, as they are excellent scavengers who collect an extraordinary quantity of seeds and berries, while also handily gathering the rare Flowers, Mushrooms, and other ingredients necessary to cook up unusual concoctions.

Tusoteuthis Vampyrus: A monstrous relative of the vampire squid, Tusoteuthis bares a closer resemblance to giant squids. It may be slow, but the aquatic Tusoteuthis is a horrific threat to anyone who dares get too close, using its tentacles to first grab, then crush…and then syphon the blood out of, its hapless victims. Tribes will sometimes tame this nightmare of the deep in order to extract its unique ink, which contains oils that can be processed into fuels.

Therizinosaurus Multiensis: Built like a T-Rex, but completely tameable and an herbivore to boot, the Therizinosaurus is one of the strangest dinosaurs on the islands. Its claws allow it to perform both brute-force or delicate actions; from taking down enemies (though it would prefer to just leave them alone) to plucking leaves from a particularly tasty bush. Because of this ability, Therizinosaurus are always handy to have around for harvesting specific resources, or, when needed, decimating enemies in combat.

ARK: Survival Evolved is in development for Xbox One via the ID@Xbox program, Steam Early Access and PlayStation®4. The game is currently playable in on all three platforms, which includes Oculus Rift VR support and an integration of Steam community features such as Steam Economy and Steam Workshop for custom maps and mods. Players can host private/LAN servers and have access to a custom-built version of the Unreal Engine 4 Editor for creating mods. The world of ARK is designed to be modder-friendly and ever-expanding!

For the latest updates follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube, visit the Website at playark.com and watch us tame and train leviathan dinosaurs on Twitch.TV.

# # #

ABOUT STUDIO WILDCARD

Studio Wildcard was co-founded in 2014 by industry veteran Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, former Technical Art Director at Microsoft Game Studios, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions that are designed for core gamers. With combined 25 years of industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Jeremy and Jesse have teamed up with other veteran developers for Seattle, WA-based and Gainesville, FL-based development studios that also include distributed team members across multiple continents. Wherever talented, driven developers may reside, Studio Wildcard intends to seek out and work with them!

ABOUT INSTINCT GAMES

Instinct Games is Egypt’s leading game development studio. Started in 2011 by former Timeline Interactive co-founders, the Instinct Games team develops and produces video games on all major platforms utilizing its competent technical team. Its mission is to collaborate with world class partners to foster Egypt’s video game development ecosystem and set a precedent of high quality, low cost, entertaining indie games with worldwide appeal.

Steam Winter Sale 2016 Begins with Steams Award Voting

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… for PC gamers at least. The Steam Winter Sale of 2016 is in full steam and will run until January 2nd. New featured deals will be released daily, but the sale prices will be consistent throughout the entire sale. There are plenty of bundles created specifically for this sale to boot.

The theme for this sale’s cards is the Steam Awards, as voting for this years light-hearted awards is running during the sale period. Gamers can net themselves a card by spending money during the sale, crafting badges, voting every day for a Steam Awards winner, and checking out their discovery queue twice each day.

There are some great deals this year. Here are some of our favourites:

Big Names, Big Savings

Bundle Up Your Savings

Awesome Indie Games

Hidden Gems

Too Cheap to Pass Up

Heroes of the Dungeon Celebrates A Million Downloads with Holiday Update

Taiwanese mobile developers InterServ is celebrating a million downloads of their RPG Heroes of the Dungeon with a big holiday themed update and special discounts. The in-game world has been spruced with Christmas decorations to get players in the mood for the holidays. Additionally a special holiday themed challenge stage will run until December 29th. Players will get up to four chances a day to team up to defend a stack of presents from waves of enemies.

Two packs featuring the character Cloris have hit the in-game store as part of the celebrations. A holiday themed skin for Shadow Archer Cloris is available now for 1800 diamonds. Players can also stock up on Cloris’ soulstones for 9980 diamonds or net themselves a million gold for 300 diamonds.

Heroes of the Dungeon is available for free on iOS and Android on the App Store and Google Play.

Vampyr’s Latest Trailer Explores The Darkness Within

DONTNOD and Focus Home Interactive released a brand new cinematic trailer for their upcoming action RPG Vampyr. The trailer explores the protagonist Dr. Jonathan Reid’s inner conflict: as a doctor, he works to save the lives of people stricken with the Spanish Flu in 1918 London, but as a new vampire, he must also also kill to feed his hunger for blood. There are thousands of unique individuals in Vampyr, each with stories, families, and friends. With vampire hunters prowling the streets, players will need to choose their targets wisely as each kill will have serious effects on the people of London.

Vampyr is set to launch on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One some time in 2017.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dcti0aUhlak

SHUT DOWN CRIMINAL CAPERS IN SHANTAE: HALF-GENIE HERO COMING TO NINTENDO eSHOP FOR Wii U THIS WEEK

SHUT DOWN CRIMINAL CAPERS IN SHANTAE: HALF-GENIE HERO COMING TO NINTENDO eSHOP FOR Wii U THIS WEEK

The Holiday sales continue with discounts on add-on content for Mario Kart 8 and Fire Emblem Fates, alongside deals up to 50% off on LEGO titles for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS

23rd December, 2016Check out this week’s newest downloadable offerings on Nintendo platforms:

New Releases:

TitlePlatformAvailable onPrice Point on Nintendo eShop*
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero
(WayForward)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$22.99 / NZD$28.99
Game description: When a mysterious crime wave sweeps Sequin Land, it’s up to Half-Genie Hero Shantae to save the day! Use Shantae’s devastating Hair-Whip Attack to send monsters flying, or Belly Dance to transform into a more powerful creature form! Topple the masterminds behind each criminal caper and prepare for the ultimate showdown against Shantae’s arch nemesis – the bodacious buccaneer Risky Boots!
Back to Bed
(Bedtime Digital)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$12.99 / NZD$16.99
Game description: Back to Bed is a 3D indie puzzle game set in a unique and artistic dream world, wherein you guide the sleepwalker Bob to the safety of his bed. To achieve this, you must take control of Bob’s subconscious guardian named Subob. The pair travel through a surreal and painting-like dream world, filled with objects used to guide Bob towards the Bed, but also dangers that must be avoided!
RADIANTFLUX: HYPERFRACTAL
(TACS Games)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$3.99 / NZD$4.99
Game description: Data-fractal hyper structures are the new storage medium favoured by big companies. You are a neo-hacker, a new breed of bedroom fract-breaker, and these data-structures are your playground. After receiving an unusual email instructing you to hack your own homepage you discover a hidden world that will take you through the hack-zone and deep into the dark-web to yield untold riches in lost and forbidden softwares. So power up your aesthetically pleasing hackOS of choice and download the latest forbidden tools. It’s time to penetrate some software firewalls and hack some HYPERFRACTALS.
Zombie Brigade: No Brain No Gain
(Cypronia)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16Conditional Sale:

Free if you own Cube Life: Island Survival

until 25.12.2016, 23:59 UTC

Regular price:

AUD$6.90 / NZD$8.50

Game description: Join the Zombie Brigade and travel around the world, meet interesting people, and BITE THEIR BRAINS.
Picross e7
(Jupiter)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$6.50 / NZD$8.50
Game description: The 7th game in the Picross e series, with a Navigation Feature! The first game with 20×15-size Mega Picross puzzles. The new Mark function lets you leave indicators on squares you aren’t sure about, without risking a penalty. Also, new Switch stylus controls allow you to switch input modes just by pressing the Circle Pad or +Control Pad once!
Geki Yaba Runner Deluxe
(QubicGames)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$6.49 / NZD$8.49
Game description: Transform your moustached hero into a raging force of destruction or a super speedy gnome to overcome Gekiyaba’s toughest obstacles to face the ultimate challenge. Can you overcome every hurdle to save the princess in peril? Begin your challenging and amazing adventure! Test your skills in over 130 levels. Transform your hero into a raging beast or a lightning-fast sprinting athlete. Stay focused and don’t get distracted by the illusions of the boss castles.
TOUCH BATTLE TANK – TAG COMBAT –
(CIRCLE Ent.)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$7.05 / NZD$7.35
Game description: New tanks! New gimmicks! And two players at the same time! The 3D Tank Battle Game series is fully loaded with new features! Steer your tank with the slide pad whilst intuitively aiming and firing with the touch screen, battles have never been more action packed! This time there are two tanks, Offensive and Evasive types. The Offensive type can charge up energy to fire off a Barrier Bomb, a special move that not only destroys your enemies but also any bullets they’ve fired! The Evasive type can use up its energy to hover in the air, dodging all enemy fire whilst being able to fire back itself! It’s invincible!
Japanese Rail Sim 3D Monorail Trip to Okinawa
(Sonic Powered)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$20.00 / NZD$20.00
Game description: This game is set on the Yui Rail, a railway located at the southernmost point of Japan amidst the tropical atmosphere of Okinawa prefecture.
The monorail travels along a grand total of 12.9 kilometres of railway. The Yui Rail runs entirely on an elevated railway! From a height of 20 metres from the ground, you can look out the window and feel like you are taking a walk above the city.
SkyPeace
(Sonic Powered)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$1.40 / NZD$1.40
Game description: SKYPEACE is a high-speed action game where you clear stages by carefully avoiding the enemies that appear. Feel the excitement of using simple manoeuvres to get tons of coins! Collect coins consecutively to trigger a combo, and string together combos to get a hi-score. Also enjoy challenges by earning achievements through a variety of conditions! Enjoy exhilarating, high-speed action, unfolding in the air!
Ice Station Z Demo
(Wobbly Tooth)
3DS Demo
(Demo)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16Free
Game description: After a strange virus spreads across an Arctic island you are left alone to survive.
Scavenge for food, drink, medical supplies, weapons, ammunition, clothes, fuel and other useful equipment.
Find shelters, vehicles and other interesting locations to help you survive during day and night. Go scavenging, fishing and hunting with friends or alone, it’s up to you how you survive.

Downloadable Video Releases

TitlePlatformAvailable onPrice Point on Nintendo eShop*
Shin Chan Vol. 1
(TV Asahi)
Nintendo 3DS
(Downloadable Video)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16Free
Shin Chan Vol. 2
(TV Asahi)
Nintendo 3DS
(Downloadable Video)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$2.60 / NZD$3.40
Shin Chan Vol. 3
(TV Asahi)
Nintendo 3DS
(Downloadable Video)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$2.60 / NZD$3.40

Add-on Content Releases

TitlePlatformAvailable onPrice Point on Nintendo eShop*
Minecraft: Wii U Edition – 1st Birthday Skin Pack
(Mojang)
Wii U
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16, 01:00 UTCFree until 05/01/2017, 07:59 UTC.
Minecraft: Wii U Edition – Fallout Mash-up
(Mojang)
Wii U
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16,

01:00 UTC

AUD$7.95 / NZD$8.45
Minecraft: Wii U Edition – Doctor Who Skins I & II Bundle
(Mojang)
Wii U
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16, 01:00 UTCAUD$7.35 / NZD$7.95

Special Offers

TitlePlatformAvailable onPrice Point on Nintendo eShop*
Mario Kart 8: Pack 1: The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8
(Nintendo)
Wii U
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$7.50 / NZD$10.50

until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$10.00 / NZD$14.00

Mario Kart 8: Pack 2: Animal Crossing × Mario Kart 8
(Nintendo)
Wii U
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$7.50 / NZD$10.50
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$10.00 / NZD$14.00
Mario Kart 8: Bundle: Pack 1 (The Legend of Zelda), Pack 2 (Animal Crossing)
(Nintendo)
Wii U
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$12.00 / NZD$15.00
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$16.00 / NZD$20.00
LEGO® BATMAN 2: DC Super Heroes
(WB Games)
Wii U
(Disc)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$34.95 / NZD$44.95
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$69.95 / NZD$89.95
LEGO® Batman™ 3: BEYOND GOTHAM
(WB Games)
Wii U
(Disc)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$39.95 / NZD$44.95
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$79.95 / NZD$89.95
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes
(WB Games)
Wii U
(Disc)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$39.95 / NZD$44.95
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$79.95 / NZD$89.95
The LEGO® Movie Videogame
(WB Games)
Wii U
(Disc)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$24.95 / NZD$34.95
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$49.95 / NZD$69.95
LEGO® The Hobbit
(WB Games)
Wii U
(Disc)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$39.95 / NZD$44.95
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$79.95 / NZD$89.95
LEGO® STAR WARS™: THE FORCE AWAKENS
(WB Games)
Wii U
(Disc)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$39.95 / NZD$49.90
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$79.95 / NZD$99.85
LEGO® Jurassic World™
(WB Games)
Wii U
(Disc)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$39.95 / NZD$44.95
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$79.95 / NZD$89.95
LEGO® MARVEL AVENGERS
(WB Games)
Wii U
(Disc)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$39.95 / NZD$49.95

until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$79.95 / NZD$99.85

Ohayou! Beginner’s Japanese
(Finger Gun Games)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$5.20 / NZD$6.80
until 12.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$6.50 / NZD$8.50
Rock ‘N Racing Off Road DX
(EnjoyUp Games)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$3.99 / NZD$3.99
until 19.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$7.99 / NZD$7.99
Chasing Aurora
(Broken Rules)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$3.99 / NZD$5.49
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$7.99 / NZD$10.99
Double Breakout
(nuGAME)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$7.00 / NZD$7.00
until 19.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$10.00 / NZD$10.00
FAST Racing NEO
(Shin’en Multimedia)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$15.00 / NZD$16.33
until 12.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$22.49 / NZD$24.49
Infinity Runner
(Wales Interactive)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$3.38 / NZD$4.42
until 26.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$8.45 / NZD$11.05
Hot Rod Racer
(ZeNfA Productions)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$1.17 / NZD$1.53
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$3.90 / NZD$5.10
ZaciSa: Defense of the Crayon Dimensions!
(ZeNfA Productions)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$1.29 / NZD$1.53
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$4.30 / AUD$5.10
Mr. Pumpkin Adventure
(Circle Ent.)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$3.50 / NZD$3.65
until 12.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$7.05 / NZD$7.35
PING 1.5+
(Nami Tentou)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$1.79 / NZD$2.33
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$5.99 / NZD$7.79
PSIBO
(Nami Tentou)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$4.79 / NZD$6.23
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$5.99 / NZD$7.79
PONCHO
(Rising Star Games)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$5.85 / NZD$7.65
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$11.70 / NZD$15.30
Runbow
(13AM Games)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$9.75 / NZD$10.49
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$19.50 / NZD$20.99
Pirate Pop Plus
(13 AM Games)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$3.25 / NZD$3.35
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$6.50 / NZD$6.70
Frankenstein – Master of Death
(Joindots)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$8.99 / NZD$8.99
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$11.99 / NZD$11.99
Swords & Soldiers II
(Ronimo Games)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$12.49 / NZD$16.99
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$24.99 / NZD$32.99
Tengami
(Nyamyam)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$4.99 / NZD$4.99
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$9.99 / NZD$9.99
Teslagrad
(Rain Games)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$5.99 / NZD$7.65
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$19.99 / NZD$25.50
Turtle Tale
(Saturnine Games)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$1.99 / NZD2.49
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$3.99 / NZD$4.99
VoxelMaker
(Nostatic Software)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$5.99 / NZD$6.39
until 29.12.2016, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$7.49 / NZD$7.99
Word Party
(Lightwood Games)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$9.99 / NZD$12.49
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$19.99 / NZD$24.99
SteamWorld Dig
(Image & Form)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$2.39 / NZD$2.39
until 04.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$11.99 / NZD$11.99
SteamWorld Heist
(Image & Form)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$14.99 / NZD$14.99
until 04.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$29.99 / NZD$29.99
DuckTales: Remastered
(CAPCOM)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$7.80 / NZD$10.20
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$19.50 / NZD$25.50
Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara
(CAPCOM)
Wii U
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$6.40 / NZD$8.40
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$19.50 / NZD$25.50
Resident Evil Revelations

(CAPCOM)

Wii U

(Disc)

Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$14.95 / NZD$20.95
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$49.95 / NZD$69.95
Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright
(Nintendo)
Nintendo 3DS
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$18.20 / NZD$23.80
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$26.00 / NZD$34.00
Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest
(Nintendo)
Nintendo 3DS
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$18.20 / NZD$23.80
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$26.00 / NZD$34.00
Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation
(Nintendo)
Nintendo 3DS
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$18.20 / NZD$23.80
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$26.00 / NZD$34.00
Fire Emblem Fates: Map Pack 1
(Nintendo)
Nintendo 3DS
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$16.35 / NZD$21.40
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$23.40 / NZD$30.60
Fire Emblem Fates: Map 2 Boo Camp
(Nintendo)
Nintendo 3DS
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$2.25 / NZD$2.95
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$3.25 / NZD$4.25
Fire Emblem Fates: Map 3 Beach Brawl
(Nintendo)
Nintendo 3DS
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$2.25 / NZD$2.95
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$3.25 / NZD$4.25
Fire Emblem Fates: Map 4 Ghostly Gold
(Nintendo)
Nintendo 3DS
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$2.25 / NZD$2.95
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$3.25 / NZD$4.25
Fire Emblem Fates: Map 5 Museum Melee
(Nintendo)
Nintendo 3DS
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$2.25 / NZD$2.95
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$3.25 / NZD$4.25
Fire Emblem Fates: Map 6 Royal Royale
(Nintendo)
Nintendo 3DS
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$2.25 / NZD$2.95
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$3.25 / NZD$4.25
Fire Emblem Fates: Map 7 Hidden Truths 1 + 2
(Nintendo)
Nintendo 3DS
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$4.05 / NZD$5.35
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$5.85 / NZD$7.65
Fire Emblem Fates: Map 8 Vanguard Dawn
(Nintendo)
Nintendo 3DS
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$1.80 / NZD$2.35
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$2.60 / NZD$3.40
Fire Emblem Fates: Map 9 Anna on the Run
(Nintendo)
Nintendo 3DS
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$1.80 / NZD$2.35
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$2.60 / NZD$3.40
Fire Emblem Fates: Map 10 Ballistician Blitz
(Nintendo)
Nintendo 3DS
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$1.80 / NZD$2.35
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$2.60 / NZD$3.40
Fire Emblem Fates: Map 12 Witches’ Trial
(Nintendo)
Nintendo 3DS
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$1.80 / NZD$2.35
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$2.60 / NZD$3.40
Fire Emblem Fates: Map Pack 2
(Nintendo)
Nintendo 3DS
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$7.25 / NZD$9.50
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$10.40 / NZD$13.60
Fire Emblem Fates: I: In Endless Dreams
(Nintendo)
Nintendo 3DS
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$0.45 / NZD$0.55
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$0.65 / NZD$0.85
Fire Emblem Fates: II: Realms Collide
(Nintendo)
Nintendo 3DS
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$1.80 / NZD$2.35
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$2.60 / NZD$3.40
Fire Emblem Fates: III: The Changing Tide
(Nintendo)
Nintendo 3DS
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$1.80 / NZD$2.35
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$2.60 / NZD$3.40
Fire Emblem Fates: IV: Light’s Sacrifice
(Nintendo)
Nintendo 3DS
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$1.80 / NZD$2.35
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price €1.99 / £1.79 / CHF 2.80
Fire Emblem Fates: V: Endless Dawn
(Nintendo)
Nintendo 3DS
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$1.80 / NZD$2.35until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$2.60 / NZD$3.40
Fire Emblem Fates: End: Lost in the Waves
(Nintendo)
Nintendo 3DS
(Add-on Content)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$1.80 / NZD$2.35
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$2.60 / NZD$3.40
Power Disc Slam
(Chequered Cow Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 19/12/2016AUD$6.39 / NZD$8.39
until 02.01.2016, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$7.99 / NZD$10.49
LEGO® Jurassic World™
(WB Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Card/Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$24.95 / NZD$34.95
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$49.95 / NZD$69.95
LEGO® Legends of CHIMA: Laval’s Journey
(WB Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Card/Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$24.95 / NZD$34.95
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$49.95 / NZD$69.95
LEGO® MARVEL AVENGERS
(WB Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Card/Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$24.95 / NZD$34.95
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$49.95 / NZD$69.95
LEGO® Batman™ 3: BEYOND GOTHAM
(WB Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Card/Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$24.95 / NZD$34.95
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$49.95 / NZD$69.95
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes: Universe In Peril
(WB Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Card/Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$24.95 / NZD$34.95until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$49.95 / NZD$69.95
The LEGO Movie Videogame
(WB Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Card/Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$24.95 / NZD$34.95until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$49.95 / NZD$69.95
LEGO® Ninjago™: Nindroids™
(WB Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Card/Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$24.95 / NZD$34.95
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$49.95 / NZD$69.95
LEGO® The Hobbit
(WB Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Card/Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$24.95 / NZD$34.95
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$49.95 / NZD$69.95
LEGO® Ninjago™: Shadow of Ronin
(WB Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Card/Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$24.95 / NZD$34.95until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$49.95 / NZD$69.95
LEGO® STAR WARS™: THE FORCE AWAKENS
(WB Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Card/Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$24.95 / NZD$34.95
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$49.95 / NZD$69.95
Beyblade Evolution
(Rising Star Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Card/Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$6.50 / NZD$8.50
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$26.00 / NZD$34.00
BIT.TRIP SAGA
(Rising Star Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Card/Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$6.50 / NZD$8.50
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$26.00 / NZD$34.00
Girl’s Fashion Shoot
(Rising Star Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Card/Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$6.50 / NZD$8.50
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$26.00 / NZD$34.00
Harvest Moon: The Tale of Two Towns
(Rising Star Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Card/Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$13.00 / NZD$17.00
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$26.00 / NZD$34.00
Hometown Story
(Rising Star Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Card/Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$12.45 / NZD$17.49
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$49.95 / NZD$69.95
Jewel Master Cradle Of Egypt 2 3D
(Rising Star Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Card/Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$6.50/ NZD$8.50
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$26.00 / NZD$34.00
Jewel Master Cradle Of Rome 2
(Rising Star Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Card/Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$6.50/ NZD$8.50
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$26.00 / NZD$34.00
Shifting World
(Rising Star Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Card/Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$6.50/ NZD$8.50
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$26.00 / NZD$34.00
Super Black Bass 3D
(Rising Star Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Card/Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$6.50/ NZD$8.50
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$26.00 / NZD$34.00
Virtue’s Last Reward
(Rising Star Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Card/Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$19.95 / NZD$24.97
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$39.95 / NZD$49.95
SADAME
(Rising Star Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$9.75 / NZD$12.75
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$19.50 / NZD$25.50
Pirate Pop Plus
(13 AM Games)
New Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$3.25 / NZD$3.35 until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$6.50 / NZD$6.70
Super Street Fighter IV 3D
(CAPCOM)
Nintendo 3DS
(Card/Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$10.40 / NZD$13.60 until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$26.00 / NZD$34.00
Resident Evil™ The Mercenaries 3D
(CAPCOM)
Nintendo 3DS
(Card/Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$5.20 / NZD$6.80
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$13.00 / NZD$17.00
Resident Evil™ Revelations
(CAPCOM)
Nintendo 3DS
(Card/Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$14.95 / NZD$20.95
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$49.95 / NZD$69.95
Mega Man Legacy Collection
(CAPCOM)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$12.15 / NZD$12.69
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$22.95 / NZD$23.95
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
(CAPCOM)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$22.45 / NZD$30.00
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$44.95 / NZD$59.95
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Spirit of Justice
(CAPCOM)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$26.50 / NZD$36.50
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$39.95 / NZD$54.95
Phoenix Wright™: Ace Attorney™ – Dual Destinies
(CAPCOM)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$17.98 / NZD$26.95
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$39.95 / NZD$54.95
The Legend of Dark Witch – Chronicle 2D ACT
(CIRCLE Ent.)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$5.25 / NZD$5.50
until 12.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$7.05 / NZD$7.35
The Legend of Dark Witch 2
(CIRCLE Ent.)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$8.80 / NZD$9.25
until 12.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$12.35 / NZD$12.95
Polara
(CIRCLE Ent.)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$6.20 / NZD$6.50 until 12.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$8.85 / NZD$9.25
Fairune
(CIRCLE Ent.)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$3.50 / NZD$3.70
until 12.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$5.25 / NZ$5.55
Ash
(CIRCLE Ent.)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$3.50 / NZD$3.65
until 12.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$7.05 / NZD$7.35
KAMI
(CIRCLE Ent.)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$2.60 / NZD$2.75
until 12.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$5.25 / NZD$5.55
Adventure Labyrinth Story
(CIRCLE Ent.)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$6.75 / NZD$7.30
until 12.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$8.45 / NZD$9.15
Noah’s Cradle
(CIRCLE Ent.)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$5.75 / NZD$6.20
until 12.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$8.25 / NZD$8.85
Samurai Defender
(CIRCLE Ent.)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$2.60 / NZD$2.75
until 12.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$5.25 / NZ$5.55
SpeedX 3D
(Gamelion)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$2.25 / NZD$2.82
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$4.50 / NZD$5.65
AiRace Speed
(QubicGames)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$3.00 / NZD$3.99
until 19.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$4.49 / NZD$5.89
Aqua Moto Racing 3D
(Zordix AB)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$5.19 / NZD$6.79
until 29.12.2016, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$10.39 / NZD$13.59
Bird Mania 3D
(Teyon)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$1.04 / NZD$1.36
until 04.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$1.30 / NZD$1.70
Doll Fashion Atelier
(Teyon)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$3.25 / NZD$4.25
until 04.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$6.50 / NZD$8.50
Funfair Party Games
(Joindots)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$5.24 / NZD$5.99
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$6.99 / NZD$7.99
Splat The Difference
(Lightwood Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$4.20 / NZD$5.40
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$7.00 / NZD$9.00
SteamWorld Heist
(Image & Form)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$14.99 / NZD$14.99
until 04.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$29.99 / NZD$29.99
SteamWorld Dig
(Image & Form)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$2.39 / NZD$2.39
until 04.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$11.99 / NZD$11.99
Battleminer
(Woobly Tooth)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$4.55 / NZD$5.95
until 12.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$6.50 / NZD$8.50
The Magic Hammer
(Wobbly Tooth)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$2.80 / NZD$3.50
until 12.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$4.00 / NZD$5.00
Toy Stunt Bike
(Wobbly Tooth)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$2.80 / NZD$3.50
until 12.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$4.00 / NZD$5.00
Turtle Tale
(Saturnine Games)
Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$1.99 / NZD$2.49
until 05.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$3.99 / NZD$4.99
Lionel City Builder 3D: Rise of the Rails

(Big John Games)

Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$3.50 / NZD$4.49
until 04.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$6.50 / NZD$8.50
Cube Creator 3D

(Big John Games)

Nintendo 3DS
(Download)
Nintendo eShop from 23/12/16AUD$5.99 / NZD$6.99
until 04.01.2017, 23:59 UTC
Regular price AUD$11.00 / NZD$12.50

Theme Releases:

TitlePlatformAvailable onPrice Point on Theme Shop*
Mario’s Winter Wonderland
(Nintendo)
Nintendo 3DS
(Theme)
Theme Shop from 23/12/2016AUD$2.60 / NZD$3.40
Theme description: Glittering wintry snowflakes are the perfect backdrop for Mario’s red hat. Luigi and Toad make an appearance too – as snowmen!
Jurassic Cubs
and the Magic Flow
(Animundi)
Nintendo 3DS
(Theme)
Theme Shop from 23/12/2016AUD$1.95 / NZD$2.55
Theme description: The Jurassic Cubs slip as they follow the Magic Flow
Jurassic Cubs
Behind the Meteorite
(Animundi)
Nintendo 3DS
(Theme)
Theme Shop from 23/12/2016AUD$1.95 / NZD$2.55
Theme description: The Jurassic Cubs next to the Black Meteorite
Jurassic Cubs
on Lianas with Nichus
(Animundi)
Nintendo 3DS
(Theme)
Theme Shop from 23/12/2016AUD$1.30 / NZD$1.70
Theme description: The Jurassic Cubs enjoy flying among the trees of the Red Mountain with Nichus
Jurassic Cubs
and the big jump
(Animundi)
Nintendo 3DS
(Theme)
Theme Shop from 23/12/2016AUD$1.30 / NZD$1.70
Theme description: The Jurassic Cubs jump from a high cliff toward the black meteorite
Jurassic Cubs 3 Pack
(Animundi)
Nintendo 3DS
(Theme)
Theme Shop from 23/12/2016AUD$3.25 / NZD$4.25
Theme description: Three fantastic Jurassic Cubs themes
Hello Kitty
Christmas Time
(Sanrio)
Nintendo 3DS
(Theme)
Theme Shop from 23/12/2016AUD$1.30 / NZD$1.70
Theme description: Hello Kitty at Christmas
Hello Kitty celebrates
New Year’s Eve
(Sanrio)
Nintendo 3DS
(Theme)
Theme Shop from 23/12/2016AUD$1.30 / NZD$1.70
Theme description: Hello Kitty celebrates New Year’s Eve with friends
Hello Kitty with snowman
(Sanrio)
Nintendo 3DS
(Theme)
Theme Shop from 23/12/2016AUD$1.30 / NZD$1.70
Theme description: Hello Kitty plays with snowman
Hello Kitty Winter Princess
(Sanrio)
Nintendo 3DS
(Theme)
Theme Shop from 23/12/2016AUD$1.30 / NZD$1.70
Theme description: Hello Kitty is a winter princess
Little Miss Ballet
(Mister Men)
Nintendo 3DS
(Theme)
Theme Shop from 23/12/2016AUD$1.30 / NZD$1.70
Mr. Men Little Miss
Christmas
(Mister Men)
Nintendo 3DS
(Theme)
Theme Shop from 23/12/2016AUD$1.30 / NZD$1.70
Theme description: Mr. Men Little Miss celebrate Christmas together
Mr. Men Little Miss
Cooking
(Mister Men)
Nintendo 3DS
(Theme)
Theme Shop from 23/12/2016AUD$1.30 / NZD$1.70
Theme description: Mr. Men Little Miss Cook all together
Mr. Men Little Miss
Dino
(Mister Men)
Nintendo 3DS
(Theme)
Theme Shop from 23/12/2016AUD$1.30 / NZD$1.70
Theme description: Mr. Men Little Miss play with dinosaurs
Ice Station Z
(Wobbly Tooth)
Nintendo 3DS
(Theme)
Theme Shop from 23/12/2016AUD$0.99 / NZD$0.99

 

Keep up to date with all the official Nintendo announcements and exclusive new game information by following the official Nintendo Australia Twitter feed @NintendoAUNZ.

 

Additional Links:

Nintendo Australia website: http://www.nintendo.com.au
Nintendo Australia Twitter: https://twitter.com/NintendoAUNZ
Nintendo Australia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NintendoAUNZ
Nintendo AU on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/nintendoau

About Nintendo eShop:

Nintendo eShop is an online shop for downloadable content on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. Users can download both retail and download-only games, free game demos and applications as well as classic games of past systems for Virtual Console. In addition users can watch videos, see users’ reviews and download rankings. Funds to purchase software can be added using a credit card or through Nintendo eShop cards which can be found at select retail stores.

* All indicated prices are inclusive of applicable GST.

**Depending on the Wii U console or Nintendo 3DS model you own and the use of it, an additional storage device may be required to download software from Nintendo eShop.

Expelled from Paradise Review

Expelled from Paradise

Studios: Toei Animation, Graphinica and Nitroplus
Publisher: Madman Entertainment
Platforms: DVD (reviewed) / Blu-ray
Release Date: December 7, 2016
Price: DVD $29.95 – Available Here / Blu-ray $34.95 – Available Here

Overview

In the distant future, nearly all humans have left the Earth following an incident referred to only as the ‘Nano Hazard’ and have also left their physical bodies behind. They transferred their minds and their genetic codes into digital files and now live new lives in a virtual society known as DEVA. DEVA is meant to be a perfect society, however a person known as ‘Frontier Setter’ has been hacking into DEVA to deliver a message to its citizens. System Security’s Third Officer Angela Balzak is assigned to a mission to prevent further hacks, and her partner on the mission is a human known as ‘Dingo’. She must first adapt to living in the body that was artificially produced to allow her to be able to travel to Earth. Once the maturation process is complete, albeit only to the point where Angela’s body is that of a 16-year-old’s, she must work with Dingo to locate Frontier Setter and determine its motives.

Story

Like all good sci-fi stories, Expelled from Paradise is mostly character driven. Angela Balzak is the first character we are introduced to. She initially comes across as a carefree person who just wants to relax, but it is quickly revealed that she is quite the capable security officer. When Frontier Setter hacks into DEVA’s communications network, she attempts to track it down and stop it. She is eager to do well at her job, and as such, she immediately accepts her assignment to go to Earth. She has an extremely high opinion of DEVA and the reality she has chosen for herself. It is for this reason that she initially finds Earth to be uninteresting and dull, although she eventually finds that there is more to life than contributing to the prosperity of a virtual society. Despite not seeming like the type to be able to cooperate with an apparently untrustworthy operative she has never met before, she is able to work effectively with her partner. Dingo introduces her to the uniquely human ability to truly enjoy music, and also explains to her what being a human is really about. It means doing whatever one can to survive, and at times just hoping to have good fortune. No genre of fiction provides writers with the opportunity to explore the true meaning of humanity and physical existence like science fiction, and this film truly has a lot to offer in this regard. It also avoids being predictable, as seen in the character of Frontier Setter and its interactions with Dingo.

Frontier Setter is the remnant of a long-forgotten project to send humanity into outer space. Although it started out as a simple AI, it eventually became sentient and developed an appreciation for, of all things, rock music. Dingo has an affinity for rock music as well, and the two are able to bond and even jam together as if they were both human. In a world that is already developing robots and artificial intelligence, the question of what defines humanity is becoming a difficult one to answer. It is one that has been explored before, to be sure, but its exploration here contributes to the thematic depth that this film has. The questions are thought-provoking not just for the audience, but for Angela as well. She goes through an extraordinary amount of character development in the two weeks in which this story takes place. At the same time, one gets the impression that her journey towards reaching an understanding of what it means to be human has only just begun by the end of the film. It is a shame that the sequel novel to the film has not been released in English, and that the world has largely moved on from the existence of this film, but it should be remembered. It may not be a Studio Ghibli film, nor is it entirely original, but it is one of the most engaging sci-fi stories produced in the last decade.

Visuals

The visuals of this film deserve both high praise and strong negative criticism. The scenery looks amazing and helps to convey the sense of desolation that exists in this dystopian version of Earth. The contrast between the digital paradise of DEVA and the devastated physical planet is highly effective. Going from the bright, colourful setting of the virtual world to the near-lifelessness of the desert helps bring the viewer along with Angela in her questioning of Dingo’s choice to remain on Earth rather than transcending to a digital form and having a ‘perfect’ life. Much of this film is spent depicting the characters engaging in covert missions and simply talking, and it helps that the visuals hold up so well during the quiet, calm expository scenes. Director Seiji Mizushima has a background in action-packed series, but he helps make even the most simple dialogue-driven scenes stand out. They are just as memorable as the flashy action sequences, if not more so.

The two elements of the visuals that do not work are present throughout the majority of the film. The first one is the fan-service, which is unsurprising given that this was produced in collaboration with Nitro+, but a major reason why it will likely remain a film for otaku instead of becoming a mainstream classic. Angela’s breasts bounce a little more than is perhaps realistic. Her outfit, as seen in the cover art above, is stated by the director to merely be a test for the capabilities of 3DCG animation. Finally, her buttocks are basically permanently on display. The second problem is the animation itself. The animation is fluid in the action scenes, which is where it really counts, but it drops to about three frames per second when characters are moving in the rest of the film. The unrealistic movements are enough to seriously impact on the emotional depth of one scene towards the end, and they constantly make the characters look stiff. If the animation team just drew and rendered enough frames to give the illusion of realistic movement, one might be convinced that 3DCG animation could realistically become a major part of the future of anime. To make matters worse, though, Angela’s hair looks terribly fake. Hair can look realistic and be made to move realistically with 2D animation, but evidently the 3DCG designers did not want to animate more than a few giant noodles of hair. The animation should not have such a major impact on the quality of the film, but in the end, the only reason the visuals work at all is because of the detailed settings.

Audio

The voice acting in the English dub is top notch. Experienced voice actors Wendee Lee, Steve Blum and Johnny Yong Bosch portray Angela, Dingo and Frontier Setter, respectively, and they all give standout performances. It takes a bit of time getting used to Wendee Lee, who sounds like she is playing a different character to the one on screen at first, but it soon becomes clear that she was the right choice for the role. Steve Blum helps convey Dingo’s character brilliantly, and Johnny Yong Bosch’s performance really enhances the human quality that Frontier Setter has. The Japanese voice cast does a great job too, although the English dub feels more appropriate for the film. Fortunately, the English dub script and the subtitles do not have a tendency to deviate in meaning; only a few minor exceptions are noticeable. The music is great, albeit often understated. There are no grand piano pieces or orchestral pieces in this film, but rather techno music in the action scenes and both acoustic and rock music throughout the rest of it. The rock music plays a significant part in the story as well, and it fits perfectly. However, despite this being set centuries into the future, the overly simplistic techno music feels out of place. The audio may not be perfect overall, but it complements the film well for the most part.

Extras

Included in this release are two Japanese teaser trailers for the film and a “Making of” featurette. The latter presents a series of interviews with the film’s main staff and behind-the-scenes footage. It provides an insight into the production of the film, and is worth watching for anyone interested in the animation production. While not advertised on the product packaging itself, this release also includes French audio and subtitles for the film and French subtitles for the “Making of” featurette.

Overall

Expelled from Paradise is undoubtedly one of the better anime films out there, even if the visuals are not even remotely close to the standards of any Studio Ghibli film. Its premise is immediately engaging, its characters are fascinating and portrayed well, the story never once loses its momentum and its deep, thematic exploration of what humanity is truly about is superb. The almost consistently low frame rate is a major detractor from the emotional impact of certain scenes, but there are still some emotionally engaging moments despite the fact that two out of three main characters are not technically human. The world-building is not perfect, and the lack of explanation about the history of this version of Earth raises an important question, but what we do get is highly effective and complemented by fantastic background design. One can immediately get a sense of how desolate and arid the Earth has become since the unexplained disaster, and the action scenes never feel out of place despite how advanced DEVA’s technology is in comparison to what is available on Earth. This is an excellent film.
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