Today Koei Tecmo shared some new details about the ability to customize your castles and even character substitution for the main storyline in Samurai Warriors 4: Empires. This means that your own custom characters can be chosen to replace a specific historical character and they will take over their role in the storylines and battles from that point on. This customization allows for players to create leadership roles, adjust their move sets, their family crests, and even their character portrait.
The other feature is the aforementioned castle customization that allows players to decorate with unlockable wallpapers and banners that provide various bonuses such as increased income, supplies, and more. The company also detailed how taking over territories that contain special facilities such as mines, trading posts, and even hot springs can help give their empire an edge over other armies in Japan. You can check out a number of new screenshots as well as a couple new videos for Samurai Warriors 4: Empires below.
Marvelous has announced that they plan on releasing Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel, the anime styled cross-over fighter, in Europe and Australia on April 7th. The title will be released both at retail and digitally for the PlayStation 4 and as a digital download for the PlayStation 3.
Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel features numerous characters from Nitroplus works as well as a couple of guest characters that will be available for download shortly after the game’s release. You can check out a fresh trailer for the game below and our review of the North American release of Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duelhere.
RISE UP! STREET FIGHTER™ V RELEASES ON PLAYSTATION®4 AND WINDOWS PC
A New Era of Fighting Games Begins Today as the Next Chapter in the Historic Franchise Hits the Streets
Sydney, Australia – February 17, 2016 – Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced the release of Street Fighter™ V exclusively for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Windows PC.
Through a strategic partnership between Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Capcom, the latest game in the renowned series offers cross-platform play that unites Street Fighter™ fans into a unified player base for the first time ever. In Australia and New Zealand, the game is currently available physically and digitally on PlayStation®4 and on Windows PC. For Australian and New Zealand pricing, please check local retailers.
The legendary fighting franchise returns today with Street Fighter V! Stunning visuals depict the next generation of World Warriors in unprecedented detail, while exciting and accessible battle mechanics deliver endless fighting fun that both beginners and veterans can enjoy. Challenge friends online, or compete for fame and glory on the Capcom Pro Tour.
The initial Street Fighter V purchase will be the only one that consumers need to make to ensure they always have the most up to date version of the title. A cinematic story expansion will be released in June 2016 as a free update and over the course of 2016 (and beyond) further gameplay content, costumes, new challenges and balance system updates will continually be made available to all players. For the first time in Street Fighter history, all of the post launch gameplay content can be earnable completely free of charge through completing various in-game challenges and receiving earned in-game currency, called Fight Money. For those who just can’t wait to unlock each piece of new content, content can also be obtained instantly using purchased in-game currency, called Zenny.
The first of the 2016 content updates will come in March, when the in-game store opens and adds a new World Warrior to the roster – Alex. Players who have played through the majority of the single player content at launch will have earned enough in-game Fight Money to be able to add Alex to their Street Fighter V rosters for no additional cost.
To download the new assets and launch trailer for Street Fighter V, go to www.capcomeuro-press.com
###
ABOUT CAPCOM:
Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, PCs, handheld and wireless devices. Founded in 1983, the company has created hundreds of games including ground-breaking franchises Resident Evil®, Street Fighter®, Monster Hunter™, Ace Attorney®, Mega Man® and Devil May Cry®. Capcom maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Germany, Tokyo, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Korea, with corporate headquarters located in Osaka, Japan. More information about Capcom and its products can be found at www.capcom.com or www.capcom-unity.com.
Capcom, the Capcom logo, Ace Attorney, Devil May Cry, Mega Man, Monster Hunter and Resident Evil are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd., in the U.S. or other countries. Street Fighter is a registered trademark of Capcom U.S.A., Inc. “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
Today Capcom has released Street Fighter V to the masses on the PlayStation 4 and PC and with this release comes a whole slew of new screenshots as well as a launch trailer showing off the sixteen character roster and many of the various gameplay elements that have been added into this game.
Of course with any launch, Street Fighter V‘s online servers have been smashed to pieces and have had numerous issues over the course of the day and while Capcom is indeed working on fixing the issues, this does mean that online matchmaking may be an issue for a bit.
Ahead of this weekend’s open beta, Ubisoft has released a new TV commercial for Tom Clancy’s The Division. Entitled “Yesterday,” the new cinematic shows off New York City and the old lives of The Division members before the virus struck. The trailer features several scenes of two major enemy factions in the game, the escaped convicts of Rikers and the flamethrower toting Cleaners.
Ubisoft Massive will be holding an open beta this weekend. Xbox One gamers will get an extra 24 hours to enjoy the beta, with things starting on February 18th and wrapping up on the 21st. PlayStation 4 and PC owners will be able to participate from February 19-21. The game files clocks in at over 20 gigs on the PC, so gamers can begin pre-loading the open beta on all platforms now.
In a very rare occurrence in the video game industry it seems the handheld version of a game might be better than its main console counterpart. Hyrule Warriors Legends is landing on the 3DS on March 24th, bringing with it several new characters, features and modes.
Five new characters in total are joining the action hack ‘n’ slash title with fan favourite characters Toon Link, Tetra, King Daphnes (from The Wind Waker), Skull Kid and brand new character Linkle who is essentially our very first female rendition of series hero Link. New copies of the game will contain a code allowing access to these 5 characters on the Wii U version, however only in Adventure mode and Free mode. Codes will also unlock a new Trident weapon set for Ganondorf. To enjoy all these characters, the new ability to switch between up to four characters on the battlefield at once has been introduced.
New chapters are also being added to integrate these new characters into the games story mode. A four chapter epilogue based on The Wind Waker and a five chapter story based on dual-crossbow-wielding-Linkle can be enjoyed exclusively in this new edition of the game.
Another addition comes in the form of My Fairy Mode. This time around, when players explore Adventure Mode there are fairies to be found, each of whom can be levelled up to bestow additional benefits in battle across all modes. By feeding them and dressing them in new costumes, players can increase their trust, change their personality traits, or strengthen their Fairy Magic. They can even be rented to friends through Local Play, allowing them to take advantage of their skills for up to 24 hours.
As with most Nintendo games amiibo have also been incorporated. Tapping the respective character will generate more powerful versions of previously unlocked weapons. This includes the upcoming Wolf Link amiibo that is being packaged with Twilight Princess HD which of course can be used for Midna. On a New 3DS this support will be natural but players with an older 3DS model will need to use the NFC Reader/Writer accessory. New 3DS consoles will also see better performance as well as the ability to control the camera with the C stick.
ESCAPE FROM TARKOV: INVENTORY AND LOOT VIDEO HAS DROPPED
Battlestate Games, the creators of hardcore online shooter Escape from Tarkov, today shared their Inventory and Loot video, giving insight into the game’s classic inspired slot-based inventory and looting system. Featuring pre-alpha in-game footage, the video shows you what inventory looks like in the current build of the game, how loot drops work and what gear is available.
Escape from Tarkov delivers seamless pick up of loot with easy organization and modification within the inventory system. All aspects have been created to closely mimic the look and feel of a real professional mercenary embroiled in war-torn conflict to reinforce the hardcore realism of the game.
Did you miss Escape from Tarkov’s intense announcement trailer?! Watch it now:youtu.be/IPlnHe9l34E
Escape from Tarkov is a hardcore online game that combines FPS/TPS with RPG elements. The game events unfold in the sealed off Russian city of Tarkov, which has become a scene of a local conflict between two private military companies. As a hazardous environment combat simulator, the game uses multiple system modules for ultimately immersive gameplay and a complete feeling of reality. The closed beta-testing of Escape from Tarkov is planned for 2016.
Interested in testing your mettle? Sign up now for the Beta on the official game Website at:www.escapefromtarkov.com/.
To stay up to date on current development be sure to follow Battlestate Games onTwitter and “Like” the game onFacebook.
U.S. Video Game Industry Generates $23.5 Billion in Revenue for 2015 U.S. Sales Increase with Strong Software Offerings to Consumers
Washington, DC – February 16, 2016 – The U.S. computer and video game industry generated $23.5 billion in revenue in 2015, according to new data released today by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and the NPD Group. This is an increase in total consumer spend from reported 2014 sales, which were at $22.4 billion. Sales of software content alone, which include physical packaged goods, mobile games, downloadable content, subscriptions, and other revenue streams, exceeded $16.5 billion—a seven percent increase from 2014, which saw software sales at $15.4 billion.
“The video game industry excels because it anticipates demand – giving people what they want before they realize that they want it – and drives trends in entertainment and across countless other sectors. Our products are revolutionizing how we consume and interact with media,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of the ESA, which represents the U.S. video game industry. “We know that hardware and software innovations have established this industry as a leader in high-tech development.”
“The ubiquitous nature of playing and purchasing video games makes it more important than ever to track these activities accurately,” said Joanne Hageman, president at the NPD Group. “The industry’s sales performance helped to make 2015 a banner year for video games; and we anticipate continued growth in multiple industry sectors for 2016.”
The U.S. video game industry is one of the nation’s fastest growing economic sectors, providing tens of thousands of high-paying jobs to Americans and generating millions of dollars in revenue for communities across the nation.
According to ESA, which provided the most recent data available on the industry’s economic impact, the video game industry added over $6.2 billion to the U.S. economy in 2012. In addition, as other industries contracted, game developers and publishers expanded. Employment in video games grew at an annual rate of 9 percent from 2009 to 2012 – more than 13 times the growth of the U.S. labor market.
Employees in the entertainment software industry earned an average compensation of nearly $95,000 in 2012, up from $90,000 in 2010. In fact, the average employee in the video game industry earned nearly double the average U.S. household income.
ESA offers a wide range of services to interactive entertainment software publishers, including conducting business and consumer research, providing legal and policy analysis and advocacy on First Amendment, intellectual property, and technology/e-commerce issues, managing a global content protection program, owning and operating E3 and representing video game industry interests in federal and state government relations. For more information, visit ESA’s website or follow us on Twitter at @RichatESA or @ESAGovAffairs.
KOEI TECMO REVEALS CHARACTER SUBSTITUTION FEATURE FOR SAMURAI WARRIORS 4 EMPIRES
Castle customisation and the importance of Resources detailed!
Hertfordshire, 16th February 2016- Koei Tecmo released today new assets and videos with emphasis on the character substitution and castle customisation features in upcoming strategy epic Samurai Warriors 4 Empires. Planned for release across Europe on 11th March 2016 the game will be available for PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system (physical and digital), and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PlayStation®Vita handheld system (digital only).
Character Substitution is one of the most exciting new features of Samurai Warriors 4 Empires. Players will be able to fully create and customise their playable character- including appearance, leadership, wisdom, or politics attributes, and move sets, as well as personalised family crests, Musou kanji, and portraits uploaded from a hard drive. In addition, these characters will be fully immersed in the drama of the era, meeting and becoming part of the lives of historical figures (either as friends or foes). Gamers will also be able to swap an historical character with a custom character in unlocked movies and cut scenes, creating a more complete player experience.
To further the level of customisation in Samurai Warriors 4 Empires, Omega Force has included advanced Castle Customisation in the game, meaning that apart from building a Castle to their specifications, players can also decorate it with unlockable decorative wallpapers, or with banners that can be collected by completing missions. These banners often offer extra bonuses, such as increased income, supplies, commerce, fame etc.
Lastly, the company released information on the strategic importance of exploiting in game Resources of conquered territories. When ruling over a territory that has one or more facilities, a number of related policies become available. This means that it is not just a matter of which clans are defeated, but also where they are based and what resources they can add to the player’s fief. A few examples of these Facilities are the economy boosting Mines (Gold and Silver) or Trading Post, the army upgrading Gunsmith (allows for riflemen) and Horse Farms (allows for the creation of mounted units), the espionage instigating Ninja Village (allows for Assassination missions), or the more invigorating Hot Springs (allow for relaxing before or after battle) and many others.
The clever use and acquisition of these Facilities gives a competitive edge to players in their quest to rule over, or unite Japan, and can be used to bestow great tactical and strategic advantages
Samurai Warriors 4 Empires marks the return of the ‘Empires’ brand in the Samurai Warriors universe after a nine year gap. Since the 2007 release of Samurai Warriors 2 Empires for the PlayStation®2, Samurai Warriors has grown to become one of the most successful and acclaimed titles in the Warriors universe. This revamped version of the fan-favourite installment features much improved battle gameplay and an expanded intuitive governing system, and explores the effects of building in-depth relationships and alliances.
ABOUT KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD.
KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD. is a publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, UK. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. TECMO is best known for the Dead or Alive® and Ninja Gaiden®series. KOEI is best known for its Dynasty Warriors® and Samurai Warriors® franchises. On April 1, 2009, KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD was established as a result of the TECMO, LTD. and KOEI Co., Ltd. merger. More information about KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD and its products can be found at www.koeitecmoeurope.com
Originally slated to be a DLC, Dying Light“The Following” quickly grew to a full blown expansion pack. It adds new weapons, bounties, an off-road buggy, and a giant new map to Dying Light. Set in the outback outside of Harran, Kyle Crane leaves the city after learning about villagers who are immune to the virus as Antizin levels plunge dangerously low in the Tower.
Story
Set after the death of Rais, Kyle Crane is still in Harran attempting to aid survivors. Antizin levels are beginning to run low and Dr. Camden’s research is stalled. A survivor arrives in the Tower barely hanging onto life and rambling wildly about cultists outside the city who are immune to the virus. His story becomes more believable when a map detailing a way past the Harran quarantine zone is discovered in his belongings. In a last ditch attempt, Crane leaves Harran to discover a cult worshiping a leader they call The Mother. Crane will now need to earn the trust of the cultists as they are not particularly keen on sharing their secrets with Crane.
The story mission a little short in number. Techland bills the expansion pack’s storyline as a non-linear trust-based system, where the player needs to earn the trust of the cultists enough that they are willing to share their secret. In execution, it means Kyle will be running around doing enough side quests to trigger the next story mission, which feels like a cheap way to pad the story missions.
To be honest, I did not go into “The Following” with high hopes on the plot. Upon learning of the plot synopsis a while back, I had the initial impression that the whole cultist thing was not going to fit in with the overall plotline. Luckily, I’ve managed to put my foot so far into my mouth, I’m currently eating my shoe. The whole emphasis on a quaint old cultural tradition gone to the extremes after all hell broke loose grounds the plotline nicely. Mixed with a very believable tale, “The Following” delivers on a story that I think would have topped Dying Light’s plot if it wasn’t for one thing: the endings suck.
Spoiler warning, skip ahead if necessary!
“The Following” has three possible endings, two mains ones and a secret third Easter Egg that is essentially a riff on one of the two main endings. Two endings have Crane deciding to destroy Harran and the virus, while the other sees him turning into a Volatile himself. The endings are a strangely abrupt end to Crane’s story and “The Following” in general. The destruction ending is even more anti-climatic considering the effort Crane spends in the base game to save Harran. The weirdest thing about the ending is that players are able to get back into the game after it is finished, as if nothing happened. With Dying Light’s ending, everything makes sense as Crane decides to stay in Harran; in “The Following,” players feel trapped in the period just before the final scene.
Gameplay
“The Following” features a brand new map set in the countryside outside Harran. It is a huge map with lots of open spaces and quaint little villages dotting the roads. The stark contrast to urbanized Harran gives “The Following” a very different feel that compliment’s the expansion pack’s vehicle well. There are still enough built up areas, such as industrial buildings and a small Mediterranean-style town, to provide some really tense claustrophobic moments.
A minor gripe I have with “The Following” is that it is a completely separate module from the base game. Unlike the two maps of Harran where you can simply run to a spot in the map and move over, players will need to back out to the main menu and then switch. While Crane’s stats and inventory transfers over both ways, having to return to the menu breaks the immersion in the game.
The buggy is probably one of the best examples of a vehicle in a survival game. The buggy has slots for the engine, turbines, brake system, and suspension. Each part is similar to weapons in Dying Light as they have their own stats and can be repaired a set number of times before needing to be replaced. The better quality the part, the better stats it will lend to the vehicle, but the cost to purchase, craft, or repair will be steep. Upgrading the buggy beyond the basic parts will require points in the Driving skill tree, which is earned from running over zombies and driving around at high speeds. This will allow players to equip their buggy with armour, weapons, and upgrades. The buggy will take slight, but constant damage in use, with even more damage to parts for treating the buggy roughly, like driving off road or crashing into things. Not only does the buggy need repairs from time to time, it also needs gas. Repair parts can be either purchased in small quantities from vendors dotting the world or scrounged up along with gasoline in abandoned vehicles. Techland has struck a very good balance for fuel consumption and repairs. There is plenty of fuel in the world that gamers won’t need to stop at every vehicle to scrounge for gas, but consumption is high enough that it is a good idea to check every vehicle around when on foot.
Dying Light “The Following” is a little glitchy. There are definitely parts of the map that don’t play well with the grappling hook and climbing up hunting towers can be a bit of a pain. I also encountered a few audio and visual glitches like some of the random events where models were not positioned correctly or some dialogue not playing.
Visuals
The art style in “The Following” is solid. Driving around the map gives player a great tour of a country side that has both rustic and modern points of interest. The cultists have a neat sun worship theme that is very believable. The buggy’s design is a great mix of a stock recreational vehicle with post-apocalyptic modification. As a bonus, Dying Light itself received some under the hood upgrades with the free Enhanced Edition patch.
Audio
Most of the sound effects and music are re-used from Dying Light, which isn’t a bad thing. The sound effects for the buggy is excellent, with a nice roar to the engine. The voice acting in “The Following” continues to be excellent.
Overall
In the age of Season Passes and DLC, seeing an expansion pack is a bit of a rarity. Seeing an expansion pack that comes bundled in the cost of the Season Pass is even rarer. Techland has created strong expansion in “The Following.” The plot is good, though it stumbles a bit on the ending. The new gameplay elements are excellent, though it could use a touch of polish. If you enjoyed Dying Light, then you will enjoy “The Following.”
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
