Divinity: Original Sin – Enhanced Edition Comes to Mac, Linux, and SteamOS
Why should Windows-users have all the fun? Larian Studios’ seminal RPG,Divinity: Original Sin – Enhanced Edition, is out now for Mac, Linux, and SteamOS, and of course Windows PC with a 33% discount during the ongoing Steam sale.
Expanding upon Larian Studios’ modern classic, which has won over 150 ‘game of the year’ awards and nominations, Divinity: Original Sin – Enhanced Edition offers new and revised content, more game modes, additional spells and weapon styles, full voiceovers, as well as controller support and split-screen multiplayer for couch co-op.
As a Source Hunter your job is to rid the world of those who use the foulest of magics. Embarking on what should have been a routine murder investigation, you find yourself in the middle of a plot that threatens to destroy the very fabric of time.
Create your path through an epic story with class-free character progression, turn-based combat, and no-strings-attached co-op, Divinity: Original Sin – Enhanced Editions offers a true roleplaying experience with the freedom of a pen-and-paper game.
P.S. We are truly thankful to everyone who has supported us and helped make this journey possible. Whether you’re an old-timer or a new fan, we couldn’t have done it without you, and wish you only the best during this holiday season!
– Larian Studios
About the Game
Released to overwhelming critical acclaim, a million copies sold and winning over 150 game of the year awards and nominations, Larian Studios’ RPG Divinity: Original Sin r eturns with a host of new and enhanced content in Divinity: Original Sin – Enhanced Edition.
Larian Studios’ succinctly cooperative adventure receives a make-over with a new intuitive user-interface and dynamic split-screen for co-op, as well as a plethora of new content; quests, combat-styles, locations, changes to the crafting systemand story situations breathe new life into the already expansive world of Rivellon.
Easing a new generation into the world of cRPGs, Divinity: Original Sin – Enhanced Edition features isometric, party-based gameplay, turn-based combat, and hours of fully voiced and remastered dialogue in a story that will have you embroiled in a fantasy world of free exploration thanks to a new split-screen-friendly UI.
Sneak, stab, trip, poison or explode your way through Rivellon in this extended and enhanced version of the multi award winning RPG.
Key Features
· Adventure through an extended and enhanced version of Original Sin’s vast and expansive world with over 80 hours of content.
· Play in co-op multiplayer online or in local split-screen to engage in co-op dialogues and shape relationships with your partner that will influence the game.
· Gripping party and turn-based combat allows you to manipulate the environment and use skill & spell combos, including new styles and a plethora of skills unique to the Enhanced Edition.
· Unravel a deep and epic story set in the early days of Rivellon. Taking place well before Divine Divinity and The Dragon Knight Saga, Divinity: Original Sin – Enhanced Edition presents players with a familiar world in another era.
· Enjoy a newly implemented 360 degree camera and upgraded visuals and effects for the most vivid depiction of Rivellon yet!
About Larian Studios
Larian Studios is an independent game developer located in Gent, Belgium. Lonely Planet puts Gent in its top 10 of cities to visit, so we’re working in a pretty cool place. Gent has a nice castle, and lots of nice towers. Here are some pictures.
We make all kinds of games for all kinds of platforms that are played by millions of people. Our most famous games are the Divinity series and the games we made for kid broadcasters. But we want more. Our evil master plan is to make the “Very Big RPG That Will Dwarf Them All”. We’re working on it.
If you want to learn more about Larian Studios, you can learn all kinds of stuff about us on our official website: http://www.larian.com
I have always hated microtransations. I really do hate them. I also hate car dealers who beg me to buy something I can’t afford. I am however clueless of why I find that rabbit so oddly endearing in Nintendo Badge Arcade, who offers free plays, but mainly wants your cash to be used so you can customize your menu with little badges.
I will not lie, I have spent $20 at least. I had to have every Kirby badge and it they fit my theme with “Gourmet Race” perfectly. Anyway, Nintendo of Japan are now pasting the little persuasive mascot on their eShop cards. Its like getting your check and already writing which store you will be offering it to ahead of time, but still a good idea so kids can know that this type of money can be used to decorate their 3DS. I will say I would love the idea more if we got like an NES game or something of the sort as a treat for collecting a set, but alas – Nintendo are going this direction and since there is no gun to anyone’s head and is completely up to the player, I guess I will call it fine. Well, back to the practice claw I go.
Minecraft: Story Modeis wrapping up the Wither Storm story arc with the episode “A Block and a Hard Place.” The team is nearing the end of their journey, the last hurdle will require them to destroy the Wither Storm monster’s command block. But fearsome creatures are not the only challenges the group faces, the team is coping with sick members and interpersonal problems that are coming to a head.
“A Block and a Hard Place” will wrap up the Wither Storm arc, but there is still one last episode left that will launch in 2016. Minecraft: Story Mode is available now on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, iOS, Android, and Windows. Additionally, Telltale Games has announced that episode one, “The Order of the Stone” is available now in the Windows Store for Windows 10 devices.
Over the last few weeks, the Gundam Global Portal Facebook page has been gradually revealing the cast members of the upcoming English dub of the Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphansanime. The previously revealed members of the English dub are listed below the following list. The new announcements are as follows (character/actor):
Eugene Sevenstark – Bryce Papenbrook
Akihiro Altland – Doug Erholtz
Norba Shino – Lucien Dodge
Takaki Uno – Zach Aguilar
Ride Mass – Amanda Miller
Yamagi Gilmerton – Griffin Burns
Atra Mixta – Cassandra Lee Morris
McGillis Fareed – Steve Cannon
Gaelio Bauduin – Robbie Daymond
Ein Dalton – Max Mittelman
Four cast members were previously announced this month. In order of announcement, Kyle McCarley was cast as main character Mikazuki Augus, Johnny Yong Bosch was cast as Orga Itsuka, Cherami Leigh was cast as Kudelia Aina Bernstein and Erik Scott Kimerer was cast as Biscuit Griffon.
Aniplex USA recently announced that it will be releasing the film Kizumonogatari Part 1: Tekketsu in North American theaters beginning February 26, 2016. The title translates as Wound Story Part 1: Iron Blood. The official U.S. website for the film, currently featuring two English-subtitled trailers of the film, can be found at www.Kizumonogatari-USA.com. Participating theaters will be announced in the near future.
Aniplex USA provided a description of the film: “The story follows the protagonist Koyomi Araragi and his encounter with the horrifying vampire, Kiss-shot Acerola-orion Heart-under-blade A.K.A. the “King of Apparitions.” Koyomi saves Kiss-shot who was fatally wounded by offering his blood to her in exchange for his own life as a human.”
The film is the first in a three-part series. It will be shown with the original Japanese audio and English subtitles by Azoland Pictures. It features the origin story of NisiOisin’s popular Monogatari series and is a direct prequel to the television series Bakemonogatari.
Madman Entertainment recently announced that it has entered into a partnership with WWE. From January 1, 2016, Madman will be the distributor for WWE content on home video in Australia and New Zealand. Madman’s Tim Anderson states that “This is the perfect partnership. Madman harbours many fiercely devout WWE fans and we feel we offer the type of culture and business manoeuvres that the global entertainment brand demands”.
TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs and Best of Pay-Per-View Matches 2015 will be the first products released in February. Madman’s business website lists these DVD releases with a February 10, 2016 release date. Royal Rumble 2016 will be released on DVD and Blu-ray in March. Madman’s business website lists this release with a specific March 2, 2016 release date. Although this is not mentioned in the press release, Madman’s business website also features a listing for WWE: Best of Raw & Smackdown 2015. This release is also listed with a March 2, 2016 release date. More releases will be announced soon.
Ark: Survival Evolved is a survival FPS in active development. The game drops players naked and shivering on a mysterious island full of dinosaurs and other primordial creatures. Starting from the most basic tools from survival, players will learn to survive in their harsh new environment and eventually become its master.
On the surface, Ark: Survival Evolved is a game in a very crowded genre that has become the video game industry’s flavour of the week. It is a bit hard to feel a sense of déjà vu as your character scrambled up onto their feet on one of Ark island’s many beaches. But instead of the ever popular zombies that roam the island, Ark: Survival Evolved opts for dinosaurs and other pre-historic creatures. The dinosaurs may seem like a gimmick, but it really gives the game a unique feel. They create some incredible moments of awe and sheer terror. Giant creatures that tower well into the skies are simply a breathtaking sight, especially when you realize a single wrong step could easily turn you into a pancake. On the other hand, reliving the game’s equivalent of the famous Jurassic Parkraptor scene will create plenty of nightmares of its own. Mixed in with the uncertainty of PVP interactions, Ark: Survival Evolved can be at times a tense affair.
Upon booting up the server browser, players will be greeted by a very healthy number of servers both official and community-run. Care bears and newbies will be pleased to know that PvE servers are available, which will let people focus more on learning the basics of the game without having to worry about being stabbed from behind by a stranger. Currently, character data does not appear to transfer between official servers, so be remember to favourite the server you choose.
The first few hours of the game are a bit of a desperate grind. Every level gives players enough points to buy a couple new crafting recipes. Levels come rather slow as players have to deal with trying to survive their first couple of hours on the island and grind out enough experience points to start their first base. Since players are free to choose their own crafting recipes, the first couple of levels can be really rough when you have no idea what to do or what to buy. I think having pre-set recipes for the first few levels of each character would help smooth the learning curve for new players.
Most surprisingly, the game reminds me more of Minecraft than the standard survival FPS. While there is plenty of combat and tense PVP moments in game, there is a lot of focus on growing the player’s tech tree, building bases, and taming creatures. The island is incredibly large, leaving plenty of room for players to spread out, inhabit, and explore. Late game structures end up becoming complex outposts that require utilities like electricity and water. Constructing these buildings feels very much like LEGO blocks, with pieces snapping into place. It leads to rather angular structures, but it is very easy to do.
Ark: Survival Evolved’s UI is a bit overwhelming at the moment. While the main game UI is decent, the menus are a bit on the messy side. It feels like the developers are currently trying to cram in all relevant information in one screen. The options menu is in the most dire need of some reorganization, as all the options are crammed into one screen. The inventory menu in game is a little better organized, with a few quality of life actions included. A small annoyance I’ve ran into is repairing items in my hotbar. At this point, it is only possible to repair broken items in the hotbar. To repair damaged items, I have to put them into the inventory first, repair them, and then return them to the hotbar.
The game is looking very good. The island is lush and very alive. Running the Unreal 4 engine, there are plenty of eye candy if you have enough power to run things well. Ark: Survival Evolved is currently very much an Early Access title on the PC. The game is not well optimized and there are still plenty of visual glitches. Optimization is a work in progress and there is still a good way to go on PC.
So far, the audio in Ark: Survival Evolved is excellent. There is plenty of variety to the sound effects and some pleasant and unobtrusive music to go with the game. The game is handling sound effect directionality particularly well. I could hear the sounds of flying dinosaurs and insects buzzing above my head with a good set of headphones quite clearly.
Ark: Survival Evolved is on a strong and steady path. The game has seen a very steady stream of content updates since the game launched on Steam Early Access and has made the hop to next-gen consoles. The game has strong foundation with its unique take on the popular survival FPS genre and some very interesting ideas. Hopefully, we will see Studio Wildcard continue to optimize the game and fine tune the gameplay in 2016 as we approach Ark: Survival Evolved’s full release.
Mario & Luigi Paper Jam Bros. could be seen as a classic TV crossover, mixing together two of Nintendo’s most loved RPG franchises. This is the fifth entry in the well received Mario & Luigi RPG series which started back on the Game Boy Advance in 2003 and is definitely a sequel to that series as opposed to a true Paper Mario game, however the series have their obvious similarities. Does the addition of Paper Mario make a good series even better or should these two worlds have never met? Read on for our full review.
Story
Luigi in all his intelligence manages to knock over a book filled with the contents of the Paper Mario series. The book opens up and all the living characters and even some of the world manage to spill into the ‘real world’ of Mario & Luigi, meaning we now have two of Mario, two of Peach and most important to the plot, two Bowsers! If I am remembering correctly this is the first time characters in the Mario universe have ever met themselves and it has some great results, particularly the two Bowsers. There’s a lot of self aware back and forth that borders on breaking the fourth wall and most of it is clever and pretty funny.
Unfortunately, having two of everything does little to change the simple Mario story line here. Both Bowser’s steal both Peach’s and two Mario’s (plus Luigi, and I won’t spoil what Paper Luigi is up to) head to Bowser’s Castle to defeat them. It’s still an enjoyable adventure however and the familiar characters and interactions between both friend and foe alike deliver that sense of nostalgia the Mario series now likes to ride on. If you aren’t a fan of the story or are just a quick reader, you can hold down the R button which speeds up both text and cutscene in what is a feature I’m sure some people would like to see implemented into other games as well.
The way tutorial’s are handled here is also excellent. Every tutorial raises the question if you would like to skip it. This means expert players or those who think the mechanic trying to be taught will be simple enough can simply skip it and refer to the ever present guide book should they get stuck. When you do opt to listen to a tutorial, there is normally a bit of humour involved such as stopping enemies in their tracks so that your star helper can explain something to you. Like the cutscene speed up function I mentioned above this is another thing I’d love to see implemented in more games.
Gameplay
Mario & Luigi Paper Jam Bros. features two main types of gameplay, wandering around the over world and the battles. The over world is very typical RPG in nature. You run around, talk to NPC’s, visit shops and explore and re-explore all areas of the map while enemies walk around that can be hit with a pre-emptive strike for extra damage or ignored if you wish to avoid a fight. Like the battle system which I’ll go into more detail about below, it’s a familiar but fun experience.
I will say it does take a little time to get used to controlling all three characters at once, particularly where jumping is concerned as you have to learn to press Y, B and A at the same time. This mechanic does work itself very well into some fun mini games which are scattered around the over world and the battle system as well, which makes the addition of Paper Mario a welcome one.
There are also a variety of side quests you can complete over your 25 hour or so journey through the Mushroom Kingdom. Not all the side quests are a hit though, it wasn’t long before I got tired of the Finding Toad quest, despite the different locations and smart hiding techniques of the Paper Toad’s. There are a few good Toad quests that mix it up with puzzles and other tricks, but a lot of them seem to be either finding Toad’s or chasing them down.
Now for the main reason I am really enjoying this game, the battles, which are simple yet brilliant. I had only played the Mario & Luigi series briefly before but I am a big fan of the first two Paper Mario games and what I played for the most part was very similar to the turn based battles from those titles. On your turn with each of the three main characters you select some form of attack, use an item or a support ability and on your opponents turn you attempt to dodge their attacks. Each enemy is different including the paper version of the same enemy, so knowing what attack is most effective is a big part of securing victory for your trio.
The variety in the attacks and the rewarding real time element are what makes the battles so much fun. Each character has a basic jump and hammer attack, while Mario & Luigi have unique Bros. attacks and Paper Mario has the ability to copy himself making his attacks more powerful while his copies are still around. There are also Trio Attacks which are kind of like Bros. attacks but more powerful. Timing a jump perfectly or dodging an opponents attack is rewarding each and every time both visually and because you deal extra damage.
As you progress in the story you unlock battle cards which are another nice compliment to the battle system. These battle cards all have different effects and you have to earn their use which stops them from being overpowered . Add to this each character’s stats that increase upon level up and the different gear they can equip which have even more variety in their effects and the game really opens up to let you play how you want to in what is an inviting and familiar, yet expansive RPG.
A small part of the game but one that comes up just enough to note is the real time paper craft Battles. Where you pilot a giant paper craft character against a paper craft enemy. These just didn’t hit the spot for me with their overly simplistic controls and mechanics. For some reason your abilities are tied to a meter as well, which means if you run out of energy you have to recharge at a certain spot which forces you to play a ridiculously easy rhythm mini game to refuel. Like the Toad quests there is some variety here with different paper craft characters to pilot and fight which vary mildly, but it wasn’t enough to stop me groaning as I approached a paper craft boss.
Visuals
I was very impressed by the visuals of the game with the limitations of the 3DS. The 3D sprite look from Mario & Luigi and the paper visuals from Paper Mario meld surprisingly well and are represented faithfully to their respective series. In typical Mario fashion, the game is bright and colourful and has a variety of different world types for you to explore.
The variety of animations that each character had, particularly the three main characters is fantastic. The game just oozes charm and polish. For instance, if Mario faints but Luigi is still alive Mario doesn’t simply fade off the battlefield but Luigi will run over to Mario, pick him and then help him avoid the incoming attack. Developers AlphaDream could have taken the easy way out here but they didn’t and that little scene and others like it put a smile on my face.
The way 3D is used here actually tempted me to play with the 3D on for a while which is something I never do on my original 3DS XL. The depth of field works really well in conjunction with the visuals and can aid in getting the timing for certain attacks down in the midst of battle. If I had a New 3DS with improved 3D effect I would definitely be playing with it turned on the entire time.
Audio
Like the visuals the audio will also feel familiar to fans of the series. For the most part the soundtrack is cheerful and happy but is appropriately epic when it needs to be, especially when Bowser becomes involved. Mario and Luigi both speaks some sort of strange gibberish in this game while Peach speaks in proper English for short sentences which is strange but most likely done for comedic effect. All your other classic sounds from throwing fire balls to Bowser’s roar are here and just as recognisable as the characters. Whoever was in charge here has done a great job with their sound design here which adds to the story and the battles to deliver a complete experience.
Overall
Mario & Luigi Paper Jam Bros. is a fantastic addition to the Mario & Luigi franchise. All the new elements courtesy of the Paper Mario Universe open plenty of new opportunities for story and gameplay which, for the most part, this game really capitalizes on. If you’re a fan of RPG’s then all the staples are here and implemented very well and as usual for a Nintendo title the visual and audio design is of the highest quality. Not all aspects of the gameplay are going to appeal to everyone and the story perhaps could have done more to deviate from a traditional Nintendo title, but the witty dialogue and fun battle system give these minor issues a pass. Mario & Luigi Paper Jam is an excellent time whether you’re a fan of the series or simpler RPG’s in general.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
THE SWORD ART ONLINE SAGA CONTINUES AS BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA INC. ANNOUNCESSWORD ART ONLINE: HOLLOW REALIZATION FOR THE AMERICAS
A New Adventure Begins as Kirito is Thrust Back into the VRMMORPG World of Sword Art: Origin
SANTA CLARA, Calif., (DECEMBER 23, 2015)— BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. the premier anime videogame publisher today announced that Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization, the fourth installment in Sword Art Online’s console game series, is coming to the Americas in 2016 for the PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system and PlayStation® Vita hand-held system.
Working closely with Reki Kawahara, the creator of Sword Art Online: Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization presents a unique tale which will give fans the ability to experience a new “Sword Art Online” world. Taking the role of Kirito, players enter a new VRMMORPG world called “Sword Art: Origin”, which was created on the game’s original servers, setting the stage for new heart-pounding quests through a dangerous virtual world.
“The Sword Art Online franchise has experienced incredible growth in popularity on a global level with light-novel and anime fans. We are excited to bring Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization, the next Sword Art Online game, to fans in the Americas.” said Eric Hartness, Vice President of Marketing at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America, Inc. “With Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization, we’re striving to take fans even further into Sword Art Online’s VRMMORPG world. We hope players are ready for the challenge.”
Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization is currently rated “RP” for Rating Pending by the ESRB. The game will be coming to the Americas on the PlayStation 4 computer entertainment system and PlayStation Vita hand-held system. For more information about Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization or other games from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., please visit; http://www.bandainamcoent.com, or join the conversation on our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/bandainamcous or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/bandainamcous.
### About BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc.
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., part of BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc., is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive content — including all major video game consoles, iOS, mobile and online. The company is known for creating and publishing many of the industry’s top video game franchises, including PAC-MAN®, TEKKEN®, SOULCALIBUR®, NARUTO™, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, Dragon Ball®, GALAGA®, RIDGE RACER® and ACE COMBAT®. More information about the company and its products can be found at www.bandainamcoent.com or www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS.
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