DYNASTY WARRIORS 8 EMPIRES LAUNCHES FOR PLAYSTATION®VITA
BURLINGAME, Calif. – November 24, 2015 – KOEI TECMO America today announced that DYNASTY WARRIORS 8 Empires is now available digitally for the PlayStation®VITA handheld entertainment system in North America for $39.99 SRP. Players will now be able to enjoy exhilarating Empires action on the go, using new intuitive touchscreen commands for more accurate control of the battlefield. A Special Edit Parts pack is available as an early-purchase bonus for those who purchase the game during its first month of release on the PlayStation®Network.
The most feature-rich and customizable Empires title ever to be released, DYNASTY WARRIORS 8 Empires includes an array of new elements and upgraded modes, including a vast selection of 83 unique playable characters, the option to create original characters through the Edit Mode, as well as the ability to customize horses, banners and officers. Fight not only against enemies but also the forces of nature as the changing seasons alter fighting conditions on more than 40 battlefields.
Since even the most powerful warriors need allies, the PS®VITA version of DYNASTY WARRIORS 8 Empires encourages two-player ad hoc cooperative multiplayer, allowing nearby friends to join together and survive the fierce battles of Empire Mode, or overcome the challenging scenarios in Free Mode.
Furthermore, the game is compatible with PlayStation®TV, meaning gamers can enjoy the game on large screens. For those already in possession of DYNASTY WARRIORS 8 Empires for the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems, Cross-Save and Cross-Play functionality is enabled across all versions, and content downloaded for PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®4 can be downloaded on PS®VITA version free of charge.
For more DYNASTY WARRIORS 8 Empires news please visit the official website at www.koeitecmoamerica.com/dw8e, Like KOEI TECMO America on Facebook at www.facebook.com/koeitecmous, and become part of the #KTfamily by following KOEI TECMO America on Twitter at @KoeiTecmoUS. DYNASTY WARRIORS 8 Empires has been rated T for “Teen” by the ESRB.
ABOUT KOEI TECMO AMERICA CORP.
KOEI TECMO AMERICA CORP. is a publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Burlingame, California. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. KOEI is best known for its Dynasty Warriors® and Samurai Warriors® franchises. TECMO is best known for the Dead or Alive®, Ninja Gaiden®, Tecmo Bowl®, and Fatal Frame® series.
“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Clandestine is a co-operative stealth game that is a throwback to old school stealth games from the early 2000. Unlike modern stealth titles, players are not the predator lurking in the shadows. Instead, the player is no tougher than the average guard and must sneak their way to success. Set in 1996, two players will work together as the spy with the boots on the ground and as the hacker providing overwatch to stop an intelligence leak that is killing veteran spies around the world.
Story
It is 1996. The Cold War may have been over a few years ago, but spying is still alive and well. Unfortunately, spies from both the former Eastern Bloc and Western Bloc states are dropping dead without warning. With assets getting their covers blown, the American CIA and the Russian FSB have decided to take matters into their own hands by creating an off the books joint venture known as the Kingbridge Executive to try to stop the leaks. The organization is desperately underfunded and understaffed due to the unofficial nature of their work, leaving relative new comers Katya and Martin to spearhead the fieldwork.
Clandestine’s plot feels pulled out of a good spy film. The story isn’t groundbreaking and runs into a few tropes, but it is enjoyable. I like the fact that the game is aware of the player’s performance, such as complimenting players on clean stealth runs. I also appreciated the game’s unique setting, as there gap between Cold War-era spying and modern day settings that is underserved by both film and video games.
Gameplay
Clandestine is designed with two players in mind. Each player takes on a unique role and are dependent on the other for success. Katya is the main point of infiltration, sneaking her way through levels to accomplish her mission. She is armed with a variety of weapons and tools to assist her, but her best skill is to avoid combat and detection all together. Assisting her is Martin, who provides guidance, intel, surveillance, and help through digital based barriers. While Katya plays from the third person perspective, Martin has access to surveillance cameras and a Pac-Man like map that represents the target’s network. He must dodge the network administrator to discover find keycodes for doors, blackmail opportunities to help Katya talk her way into restricted areas, and necessary intel to complete the mission, all while providing overwatch for Katya. Katya is essentially blind as she lacks access to the map. Armed with only a general sense of where her next objective is, Katya relies on Martin to temporarily disable security cameras and guide her in the right direction. Martin also has access to a limited number of special abilities to support Katya, such as disabling triggered alarms or removing bodies from the scene.
For better or for worse, Clandestine is an old school stealth game from the days of Metal Gear Solid and Splinter Cell. Players who lack experience in the early days of the genre may be surprised by missing modern features like moving bodies into the shadows. More importantly, Clandestine is not a combat oriented stealth game. Instead of striking from the shadows without mercy, players need to treat guards with a certain level of fear as Katya lacks regenerating health and can only take a few gunshots before she dies. Her fragility emphasizes Martin’s role as overwatch, as his view of the bigger picture can guide Katya out of potentially dangerous situations. The close knit relationship makes for a great co-op game, especially when paired with VOIP software. It is a real shame that no VOIP option was built into the game, because voice chat turned the game into an immersive experience.
While focused on co-op, Clandestine can be played solo. In this mode, players are able to switch back and forth between Martin and Katya. Katya is also given the ability to order Martin to help her out, which eases some of the more complex maneuvers that normally would require two players to complete. It’s workable, but solo play is definitely clunky and nowhere near as fun or as immersive as having a buddy’s help.
The default difficulty level in Clandestine is at a good level. For those struggling or needing a bigger challenge, the developers have provided very detailed difficulty sliders that keep the game’s co-op nature in mind. A player who is struggling with Katya can lower the difficulty of the stealth gameplay, while their partner can raise the difficulty of Martin’s hacking to keep things interesting. It is a great system that more co-op games should consider implementing.
Clandestine spent some time in Steam Early Access, but is still suffering from serious some bugs. The most common bug I ran into was Clandestine having problems with keeping the mouse locked with multi-monitor set ups. Slightly less common but just as annoying bugs included problems with tutorial windows not disappearing and Katya disappearing from Martin’s map. As of the publishing of this review, three patches have gone out, but there is still some bug-stomping left to be done.
Visuals
Clandestine feels pretty retro. The game’s low-poly models and almost cel-shaded like textures work in the game’s favour, creating a modernized interpretation of the graphic style of the 2000’s. The art direction is very 90s, with the era’s fashion and technology featured prominently throughout the game. The animations are not the best. Martin’s movement animations are the same as Katya’s, which makes Martin look a little silly as he wiggles his hips around when walking. The speech animations are especially awkward on females, with lips being stretched into position instead of moving naturally. On the technical side, Clandestine ran without any noticeable issues or hiccups in my testing.
Audio
Clandestine boasts good sound effects and soundtrack. The game is fully voice acted, though not very well. Boss Josiah Gray’s voice actor is the best of the bunch, providing a high quality and professional performance. The voice acting for the other roles are definitely weaker, with Katya’s English lines feeling the most amateur of the bunch. I give credit to Logic Artists’ attention to detail when it came to foreign voice acting. They are not shy about putting in roles that speak in a variety of different languages, which helps create an immersive experience.
Overall
While it lacks some polish, Clandestine is a great re-interpretation of the early days of the stealth genre. The game does struggle with some weak voice acting and poor animations. However, it is worth looking over these shortcomings for Clandestine’s great asymmetrical gameplay, immersive experience, and tense stealth gameplay.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
You may not be able to afford a trip to Japan, but you can bring a slice of Japan home with you with this week’s anime themed Indie GalaEvery Monday Bundle. This week packs 7 indie doujin titles for only $1.89.
Go! Go! Nippon! ~My First Trip to Japan~ – One part travel guide, one part dating sim, Go! Go! Nippon! will bring you to Japan’s must visit landmarks in the company of two lovely sisters.
Momodora III – A action platformer inspired by classic games focusing on linear level design and tons of secrets scattered throughout.
Beach Bounce– A three part visual novel set in a beach resort where protagonist Tomoyo must put his past to rest.
Divine Slice of Life – Aaki’s life is turned upside down when two demi-gods join the legion of women demanding a date.
Last Days of Spring Visual Novel – A young adult visual novel following a group of high school seniors coping with the last week of high school.
Orion: A Sci-Fi Visual Novel – After receiving a mysterious message, Sam must investigate the potential destruction of his home.
Sword of Asumi – This visual novel comes with both the deluxe edition content and all three DLCs.
The bundle is only $1.89 for the first 24 hours of the sale, so be sure to scoop up your copy at Indie Gala today.
Overview
A lot of big hits came out in 1977 in the industry of cinema. Star Wars, Smokey and the Bandit, and Annie Hall came out of that year and became legends, with the impact of those three films still being felt today. There are some movies however that were released that still live on thanks to their genre and “cult” fan following. One of those gems from the year is none other than “The Car”, starring James Brolin and Kathleen Lloyd. Scream Factory want us to revisit the flick that predated Christine and made audiences weary of walking down a street alone, bringing The Car to blu-ray for the first time ever with a good amount of special features in tow. How did this forgotten title fare after 38 years of time? Let’s find out.
Story
I remember seeing bits of pieces of The Car over the years, usually showing on those “always on” movie channels that you could find on cable during the early hours of the morning in the 90’s. Its funny though, as going in – only the first scene really seemed familiar, where two teenagers are happily riding their bikes before a mysterious vehicle inches closer and closer, causing the start in what becomes a path of destruction and death. The Car is a movie about a haunted vehicle that is on a killing spree. There isn’t a lot more to say about that part of the plot as the title (even though it is very basic) spells out exactly what the viewer is in store for. There is a black car. It runs over its victims. That about covers it.
What makes this film so great is the cast within. James Brolin plays the lead of Wade Parent, a cop and single father of two girls who are just starting to accept the possibility of moving on with his girlfriend Lauren (Kathleen Lloyd). The demonic car soon enters the picture and as an officer of the law, Wade Parent actively tries to pursue and solve the mystery of who is behind the wheel – or simply find out what is driving this unstoppable force. I almost would say that compared to conventional horror films of the decade, The Car is almost in the realm of sci-fi due to the supernatural themes surrounding it. That being said, The Car is still a horror flick because Director Elliot Silverstein was able to take a thing that is such commonplace society and turn it into a Michael Myers type villain. Its a slasher film without the blade, but still manages to cut deep due to how well the script is written and the scenes were shot.
Nobody aside from Brolin’s character and his girlfriend seem to have even the slightest bit of intelligence in their peaceful little town. I got into the movie and kept thinking “JUST JUMP OUT OF THE WAY” as the evil car performed murder after murder, but as more deaths occurred – the frustration of watching such stupidity faded and I felt a large smile creep up on my face. There is something extremely charming about The Car, as the cast are so blissfully unaware of what to do that it crosses into camp territory quickly, but as soon as you feel comfortable, laughing along to the ridiculousness of it all – it shocks you with its brilliance with scenes that combine the absurdity with absolute horror. The Car is a film that you have fun watching because it features a villain who feels unstoppable and a cast that is very human and vulnerable. Aside from a few small holes here and there and a lack of significant characters – it is still a blast to watch and has aged just as well as Halloween and Friday the 13th.
Special Features
This is a product of SHOUT! Factory, so you better believe there are some great special features in tow with this release. On top of the radio spots, trailers, galleries, and other original promotional pieces, the publisher was actually able to get Elliot Silverstein for an awesome interview about his work. I enjoyed that, but I found the most interesting interview included on the disc to be that of Melody Thomas Scott, who plays one of the bikers at the beginning. Yeah, she is only in the movie for less than ten minutes, but still brings the greatest discussion in terms of on-set secrets and such. I want to say this was one of the first times I have saw an interview included in the special features of any film where a former cast member actually spoke of a lot of negative experiences without sugarcoating her dialogue. I won’t spoil her words, but those who love the little things like this will enjoy her and Geraldine Keams (another minor player) speaking about their time shooting The Car, as well going in depth further regarding the lore of the film.
Visuals
I watched the trailer for The Car before seeing the film, and I must say SHOUT definitely brought the best looking version of the film they could get here as it is free of film grain and looks pretty crisp for its age throughout its entirety. The film is also well shot and takes advantage of filters and other techniques to give the car its own, unique perspective. All we can see most of the time is a yellow filter through the inside of a car while this vehicle creeps up, and that is just enough to do the job – showing how creative Hollywood used to be before the era of CGI. There are also a lot of explosions and while some are laughable, others are awe inducing and make the film seem like it had a bigger budget than it actually did. Again, some nice creativity at work here, folks.
Audio
As for the audio, the score for The Car is great – if not a bit of a copycat. You remember that haunting and now famous “dun dun, dun dun” from Jaws? Well, The Car doesn’t directly sample it, but it does go for the same approach when having its motorized antagonist slowly go after its many victims to a tune that definitely has the same stalking presence. There is still a lot of camp because of this music, but there is nothing wrong with that as in my opinion, horror films from this era are great because they use a bit of cheese to balance out the raw horror blended within the scenes from the film. I will say that I would have loved to hear some commentary from the cast, but sadly – we will have to settle for a decent helping of interviews instead.
Overall
The Car is a film that captures everything about the “slasher” sub-genre of horror and flips it on its head, creating a killer that is both ridiculous and terrifying. Even though it drives on the line of other genres such as action and science fiction, it still manages to pack a horrifying punch with some of the greatest chase scenes in motion picture history, with a cast that are just as likable as they are talented. The special features also deserve a great round of applause as the interviews are fantastic and movie buffs are sure to enjoy the radio advertisements and trailers that have not been unleashed for quite some time. The Car is a non-stop thrillride from start to finish, and will make you look both ways before crossing a windy avenue.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Award-Winning Composer Mikolai Stroinski Joins CI Games’ Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 Development Team
WARSAW, Poland – Nov. 23, 2015 – CI Games is pleased to announce that award-winning composer Mikolai Stroinski has joined the Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 development team. Stroinski signed the agreement with CI Games shortly after receiving three nominations at this year’s Hollywood Music in Media Awards.
“Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 is a top-notch, AAA production, and it deserves music composed by the absolute best. We are really pleased to have Mikolai Stroinski join our roster of talented artists and developers,” said Marek Tyminski, CEO of CI Games.
Born in Kenya and raised in Poland, Stroinski lives and writes music in Los Angeles, where he was able to open his own studio thanks to his work for leading television networks like HBO, CBS, FOX, ABC and many others. His work in video games has earned him three nominations from the Hollywood Music in Media Awards, including Best Original Score – Video Game for both The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – together with Marcin Przybylowicz – and The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, as well as Best Song – Video Game for “Valley of the Blinding Mist” from The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, with vocals by Kyler England.
“I am really pleased to be a part of the Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 development team,” said Mikolai Stroinski. “Working on the first FPS in my career is an exciting experience, especially because the story is so intriguing and multilayered, the war is shown in such a multidimensional way. It’s certainly going to be reflected in the game’s music.”
The Sniper: Ghost Warrior franchise has sold over 5.6 million copies worldwide, and its third entry is the most ambitious title in CI Games’ history. Set in a diverse open world, Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 will give gamers degrees of freedom and choice never before seen in a sniper shooter. Presented at E3 and gamescom, the game has already gained a lot of attention and will be released next year.
ABOUT CI GAMES
CI Games is an international developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products with sales in more than 50 countries worldwide. Headquartered in Warsaw, Poland, CI Games was established in 2002 and has been listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange since 2007. CI Games’ global operations distinguish it as one of the most dynamic development companies in the industry, with development and distribution offices in Poland, the United States, Germany and Canada. CI Games’ portfolio includes the best-selling Sniper: Ghost Warrior franchise, with over 5.6 million copies sold worldwide. The company is currently working on a number of high-profile, multiplatform games, including an open world survival shooter, Sniper Ghost Warrior 3, and an action RPG, Lords of the Fallen 2. For more information on CI Games, please visit: www.cigames.com.
Hanabee Entertainment announced three new anime releases for Australia over the weekend. All of them are scheduled for release on December 10, 2015. Unless otherwise stated, all of the following releases have a suggested retail price of $49.99 AUD. The cover art for each of the releases is featured in the gallery below.
ALDNOAH.ZERO Part One will be released on DVD and Blu-ray. It will feature episodes 1-6 with dual audio and English subtitles. The commercials and textless opening animation will be featured as on-disc extras. The Blu-ray edition will come in a limited edition slip case and will come with a 36 page art book. This edition has a suggested retail price of $54.99 AUD.
The Familiar of Zero Season Four will be released on DVD and Blu-ray. It will feature episodes 1-12 with Japanese audio and English subtitles. The on-disc extras have not yet been confirmed.
Hanamonogatari will be released in a DVD and Blu-ray combo pack. It will feature five episodes with Japanese audio and English subtitles. On-disc extras will include the textless opening and ending animation and the alternative opening and ending animation for episode 5.
If you loved Farmville, the game that basically started the rise of casual gaming then you might be interested in life and farming simulator Story of Seasons. This game is the first in a new chapter in the Bokujo Monogatari series which has been re-branded for a Western audience but will continue the well-loved traditions of the long running franchise by Marvelous Inc.
Players take control of a farm in Oak Tree Town in an attempt to make friends and help the community thrive again. You can decide which crops to grow and animals to raise to help expand your property. Apart from framing players can also participate in the town’s annual competitions, make their own furniture and even set up a wildlife safari full of exotic animals for fellow villagers to explore.
Your in game avatar will be customisable with new outfits unlocked through playing the game. Some accessories will grant bonuses such as extra health or stamina, and the right outfit might impress a fellow eligible bachelor or bachelorette. The game will also feature online functionality, allowing you to visit other friend’s farms, help each other harvest their field and exchange gifts.
Story of Seasons is releasing exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS family in Australia and New Zealand on January 9th. We reviewed the game earlier this year when it was released in North America, check out our full review to see what we thought.
Squad, the spiritual successor to the wildly popular Project Reality Mod for Battlefield 2 is hitting Steam Early Access on December 15th, 2015. The game has been in closed alpha so far, with pre-orders available for $30 US. With the launch on Steam Early Access, the Founders pre-purchase program will end on November 30th, and prices will go up for the FPS starting December 1st to $39.99 US.
The Steam Early Access launch will come with two new maps and two new factions. One map will be based on a real world location in Afghanistan while the other will be designed to be a training ground for players new to tactical shooters. The Russian Ground Forces and the irregular Militia will be joining the two existing factions in the game.
Squad will be running their inaugural clan vs clan tournament on December 5th. The first track, “Lost Squad” by Scott Tobin, from the Squad soundtrack will be revealed during the livestream and highlight reels from the tournament.
Get the jump on the good deals by grabbing some great indie games for a great price with this month’s Indie GalaFriday Special Bundle #24. The bundle packs 12 indie games for one low price.
For a minimum price of $1.00, buyers get:
Crow – A story driven action adventure set in the midst of a blood ancient battle.
DEUS EX MACHINA 2 – A darkly comidic adventure that takes players on a surreal journey of life and death.
Super Cyborg – A retro run ‘n gun shooter that will pit players against an invading alien force.
For a minimum price of $2.89, buyers get:
Match 3 Revolution – A physics game that matches classic match-3 gameplay with marbles.
There Was A Caveman – A retro-styled action platformer designed to challenge veteran gamers.
Grey Cubes – A modern interpretation of the classic brick breaker arcade game that adds actual 3D gameplay and real-time physics.
Abducted – You’ve been abducted by aliens and now you must figure out where you are and somehow get home.
BRAWL – A top down arena game inspired by Bomberman.
A-Men – A classic puzzle-platformer inspired by Lemmings and Lost Vikings.
A-Men 2 – The follow up to A-Men brings more levels and puzzles to solve.
Age of Survival – Set on an island off the coast of Africa, players will need to survive against a brutal wilderness filled with very hungry animals.
Escape from Puzzlegate – This visual novel is packed with puzzles that are appropriate for ages seven and up.
The price goes up after the first 24 hours of the sale, so be sure to grab your bundle at Indie Gala today.
KOEI TECMO AMERICA ANNOUNCES ATELIER ESCHA AND LOGY PLUS: ALCHEMISTS OF THE DUSK SKY FOR PLAYSTATION®VITA
BURLINGAME, Calif. – November 20, 2015 – KOEI TECMO America is pleased to announce today the upcoming digital-only North American release of Atelier Escha and Logy Plus: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky for the PlayStation®VITA handheld system on January 19, 2016.
Following the success of past Atelier releases on the portable platform, Atelier Escha and Logy Plus is the second standalone installment in developer GUST’s latest Atelier trilogy: the trilogy of Dusk. Preceded by the bittersweet Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk, Atelier Escha and Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky was released for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system in 2014 and is the first of the PS3 Atelier titles to feature a dual-protagonist story structure, in which the player can choose to see the story unfold through the eyes of the romantic alchemist Escha Malier, or the more levelheaded and rational Logix Ficsario. Surrounded by a colorful cast of interesting supporting characters, protagonists Escha and Logy learn to combine their strengths and use the power of alchemy to unlock the secrets of the nearby ‘Unexplored Ruins.’
The PS®VITA version of Atelier Escha and Logy Plus: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky comes bursting with new content, including brand new event scenes inspired by the Escha and Logy anime, which released in Japan in celebration of developer GUST’s 20th anniversary. Additionally, Atelier Escha and Logy Plus includes all DLC from the PlayStation®3 version, a new playable character, new costumes, and — to the delight of fans of the Atelier IP — a series of new and more challenging missions and ‘boss’ enemies! GUST has also incorporated PS®VITA-specific features into Atelier Escha and Logy Plus alongside minor balancing fixes to create a more level gaming experience for the PlayStation®Vita.
For more news and information on Atelier Escha and Logy Plus: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky please visit the official website at www.koeitecmoamerica.com/escha-logy-plus Like KOEI TECMO America on Facebook at www.facebook.com/koeitecmous, and become part of the #KTfamily by following KOEI TECMO America on Twitter at @KoeiTecmoUS.
ABOUT KOEI TECMO AMERICA CORP.
KOEI TECMO AMERICA CORP. is a publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Burlingame, California. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. KOEI is best known for its Dynasty Warriors® and Samurai Warriors® franchises. TECMO is best known for the Dead or Alive®, Ninja Gaiden®, Tecmo Bowl®, and Fatal Frame® series.
“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
