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Presto acquires wide range of NBCUniversal SVOD content

Includes complete seasons of hit comedy 30 Rock and drama Heroes in addition to exclusive SVOD rights to Mrs Brown’s Boys

Presto today announced it has secured subscription video on demand (SVOD) rights in Australia to a number of NBCUniversal (NBCU) comedy and drama programs, thus enabling Presto TV and Presto Entertainment bundle subscribers access to these popular series.

Presto TV will be the exclusive SVOD home to the complete seasons of the hit Irish comedy series Mrs Brown’s Boys starring Brendan O’Carroll.

Presto TV and Presto Entertainment subscribers will have access to watch all three seasons of Mrs Brown’s Boys in addition to two Mrs Brown’s Boys specials: Buckin’ Mammy and Who’s a Pretty Mammy?. The live stage show, Good Mourning Mrs Brown, will also tour Australia in early 2016.

As part of this deal, Presto has also acquired the SVOD rights to the multi-award winning and nominated NBCU comedy series 30 Rock (seven seasons) and Parks and Recreation (five seasons initially) in addition to critically acclaimed dramas Grimm and Heroes.  All of these series will arrive on Presto and be available to stream on demand beginning today (Monday, August 24).

Presto has also acquired from NBCU the drama series Bates Motel, which will join the service in December.

“NBCUniversal is a prolific producer of quality popular content and we are delighted to be able to offer Presto subscribers some of their most iconic shows including comedies Mrs Brown’s Boys, 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation and drama series such as Heroes, Bates Motel and Grimm,” Shaun James, Interim CEO of Presto TV, said.

“There is also massive interest in the anticipated new drama series Heroes Reborn which will soon premiere on the Seven Network, so there is no better time for viewers to reacquaint themselves with the original four seasons of Heroes which ignited this popular franchise.”

For new subscribers, Presto is currently offering a free 30-day trial^ of the Presto Entertainment bundle subscription.

Following is a summary to key NBCU programming coming to Presto:

Mrs Brown’s Boys

Brendan O’Carroll stars as Agnes Brown, a loud-mouthed Irish matriarch who runs her house with an iron fist and whose favourite pastime is meddling in the lives of her six children. Produced by the BBC, The sitcom also stars Jennifer Gibney, Dermot O’Neill and Paddy Houlihan.

30 Rock

Based loosely on the backstage goings on of hit variety show Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock is told through the comedic voice of Emmy® and two-time Golden Globe® winner Tina Fey as variety show producer Liz Lemon. The series also features Alec Baldwin as top network executive Jack Donaghy and Tracy Morgan as Tracy Jordan, the unpredictable star of Lemon’s hit variety show, “TGS with Tracy Jordan.” All seven seasons of 30 Rock will be available to Presto TV and the Presto Entertainment Bundle subscribers.

Parks and Recreation

A hilarious ensemble comedy that follows Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), a mid-level employee in the Parks and Recreation Department of Pawnee, Indiana and her tireless efforts to make her American town just a little bit more fun. The series also stars Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari and Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Adam Scott and Rob Lowe.

Bates Motel

Bates Motel is a contemporary prequel to the genre-defining film Psycho and gives a portrayal of how Norman Bates’ (Freddie Highmore) psyche unravels through his teenage years. Fans discover the dark, twisted backstory of Norman Bates and how deeply intricate his relationship with his mother, Norma (Vera Farmiga), truly is. Bates Motel will join the Presto service in December.

Grimm

Inspired by the classic Grimm Brothers’ Fairy Tales, Grimm tells the story of Portland homicide detective, Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli), who discovers he is descended from an elite line of criminal profilers known as “Grimms”, and increasingly finds his responsibilities as a detective at odds with his new responsibilities as a Grimm.

Heroes

People all over the US start to realise they have special abilities, like telekinesis, healing abilities, flying powers, time travel, invisibility, and the ability to absorb other’s abilities. One man, known as Sylar, wants to gain all the power of these “heroes” to become the most powerful of all, and stops at nothing to kill these people. In order to protect themselves, these people must help one another before Sylar can destroy them all. All four complete seasons of Heroes will be available to Presto TV and Presto Entertainment bundle subscribers.

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www.presto.com.au

About Presto

Presto allows Australians to experience great entertainment on demand, for a low monthly subscription fee. Presto is currently available to its subscribers across Windows PCs, Mac, select iPads/ iPhones, select Android tablets/smartphones, select Samsung Smart TVs and via Google Chromecast. Full list of compatible devices: presto.com.au/devices. Subscribers can register up to four compatible devices and watch two devices simultaneously. Presto TV is backed by Foxtel, Australia’s leading subscription television provider, and the Seven Network, Australia’s number one free-to-air network. Presto Movies is owned by Foxtel Management Pty Limited.

Presto TV ($9.99/month) features a huge library of TV shows from quality production houses including HBO, 20th Century Fox, SHOWTIME®, CBS Studios International, Viacom International Media Networks and Hasbro Studios as well as a range of the best local content from Foxtel, the Seven Network and ABC Commercial. Presto Movies ($9.99/month) features a constantly updated library of recent blockbusters and old favourites from major and key independent film studios including MGM, NBCUniversal, Paramount Pictures, Roadshow Films, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox, The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros. Entertainment, Entertainment One Films Australia, ICON, Studiocanal and Transmission Films. The Presto Entertainment bundle ($14.99/month) provides subscribers with access to Presto’s full TV and movie libraries.

30 day free Presto Entertainment trial^

^New subscribers to Presto only. Offer includes a complimentary 30 day trial of the Presto Entertainment subscription only. Offer period commences on Presto Entertainment registration date. Offer not transferable or to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Presto Entertainment monthly subscription fees apply by direct debit from expiry of the trial period, unless the trial subscription is paused or cancelled before the end of the trial period. No lock in contract. Full Presto Terms and conditions apply: www.presto.com.au.

Presto terms and conditions
*Presto requires an internet connection, data and a compatible device. The full list of compatible devices available at www.presto.com.au/devices. No ongoing subscription commitment, however credit or debit card details must be provided at time of sign up for any ongoing direct debit subscription payments. Ongoing subscription fees apply unless you cancel or pause your subscription before the end of a subscribed month. Pro rata monthly subscription fees may be charged to your account if you elect to switch Presto subscriptions, check the Community FAQs for further details. Recommended Internet speeds apply. Internet connection with minimum speed of at least 3Mbps required to view Presto in standard definition. High definition is available on selected devices and is not available for all content. To view high definition content, requires internet connection of at least 4 Mbps. Presto is available over 3G/4G networks and WiFi on compatible devices. ISP and data charges apply. Video quality may vary according to connection type. Only available for use in Australia. Full terms and conditions available at www.presto.com.au/prestoterms.

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Foxtel introduces massive data boosts for broadband subscribers and launches new bundles

Foxtel introduces massive data boosts for broadband subscribers and launches new bundles 

Foxtel today announced that broadband subscribers will receive even greater value, with a generous increase in broadband data inclusions on a number of current ADSL broadband bundles, delivered over one of Australia’s largest telecommunications networks.

Ed Smith, Foxtel’s Executive Director of Sales and Marketing said: “Today we launch our broadband marketing campaign to Foxtel customers, and it’s hugely exciting to be able to double the data included in our bigger packages, and to provide Foxtel’s on demand content unmetered when customers connect to Foxtel Broadband.

Foxtel’s DNA is great entertainment and our broadband service delivers the data and value that people want as their viewing habits shift to on demand. This is supported by our WiFi technology, the Foxtel Hub, which was engineered to deliver superior WiFi performance for streaming video.”

From today, existing Foxtel customers on a 100GB, 200GB or 500GB ADSL broadband bundle will see their data allowances permanently increased at no extra cost**. Data increases for customers are reflected as follows:

  • Customers with a 100GB broadband bundle will see their monthly data allowance bumped up to 250GB1.
  • Customers with a 200GB broadband bundle will see their monthly data allowance bumped up to 500GB1.
  • Customers with a 500GB broadband bundle will see their monthly data allowance bumped up to a massive 1TB (1024GB) 1.

The news follows the successful introduction of Foxtel’s Broadband Bundles, which in only six months has seen a significant growth of consumer interest in the stunning combination of Foxtel’s world class subscription cable and satellite TV service, alongside Foxtel’s broadband and home phone services.

Foxtel Broadband Bundles offer subscribers a simple customer experience, utilising a single Foxtel account for their TV, broadband and home phone services. Foxtel Broadband Bundles have been specifically designed with entertainment and video in mind and in a way that maximises the value of a Foxtel subscription through flexibility, customisation of services and the best in TV entertainment.

For existing Foxtel TV customers not already on a Foxtel Broadband Bundle, from today you can maximise your Foxtel experience each month by adding 50GB of broadband internet data and unlimited standard local calls2 for an extra $70* per month by adding a 12 or 24 month 50GB Home Bundle to your existing TV package.

For new customers, you can now sign up to Foxtel’s amazing Entertainment 50GB Home Bundle, featuring Foxtel’s Entertainment TV Pack, with 45 popular news, general entertainment, factual and lifestyle channels, 50GB of broadband internet data and unlimited standard local calls for $95^ per month on a 12 or 24 month plan.

Foxtel’s Broadband Bundles will now offer a selection of packages with even greater value, including 50GB, 250GB, 500GB and 1TB monthly data packages, with each bundle offering unlimited standard local calls, no peak or off peak data limits and no data download limits for Foxtel TV on Foxtel Go and Anytime when customers connect to Foxtel Broadband3. Presto and Foxtel Play customers can also enjoy the benefit of no data download limits when connected to Foxtel Broadband.

Foxtel Broadband subscribers also receive the Foxtel Hub, a WiFi modem purpose built for entertainment. The Foxtel Hub is designed to deliver fast WiFi speeds4, great in-home coverage and easy streaming to multiple devices. The Foxtel Hub connects easily to internet-enabled iQ, iQ2 and iQ3 set-top-boxes to maximise your Foxtel access and enjoyment.

Key features of Foxtel’s TV, Broadband and Home Phone bundles include:

  • Broadband and home phone delivered over one of Australia’s largest telecommunications networks.
  • A range of great value data options to choose from, including 50GB, 250GB, 500GB, & 1TB packages, and no peak or off peak data limits1.
  • The Foxtel Hub – Foxtel’s WiFi modem, designed to deliver fast WiFi speeds4, great in-home coverage and easy streaming to multiple devices.
  • Unlimited standard local calls2 across all bundles, with the added benefit of unlimited standard national calls included in the 500GB and 1TB bundles.
  • No data download limits for Foxtel TV on Foxtel Go and Anytime, Foxtel Play and Presto when connected to Foxtel Broadband3.
  • Data usage alerts when you have reached 50%, 85% and 100% of your included monthly data allowance.
  • Easy management of all Foxtel services via MyAccount.
  • A convenient single source of customer care, including billing and 24/7 technical support.

Foxtel’s new broadband bundles are available from today.

For more information please visit: www.foxtel.com.au.

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*Min costs range from $1,399 (Entertainment) to $2,707 (Platinum HD), based on the addition of a 12 month direct debit 50GB Home Bundle to an existing TV package, includes a $119 bundle activation fee and a $140 Foxtel Hub fee. Min costs range from $2,339 (Entertainment) to $4,955 (Platinum HD), based on the addition of a 24 month direct debit 50GB Home Bundle to an existing TV package, includes a $59 bundle activation fee and a $0 Foxtel Hub fee. **Bundle prices only apply where you continue to take all relevant services in that bundle. Cancel fees apply.

^Min cost $1,549 on a 12 month direct debit plan based on an Entertainment 50GB Home Bundle with a Foxtel iQ2, includes a $119 bundle activation fee, $140 Foxtel Hub fee, $75 standard TV install fee and a $75 iQ2 equipment fee. Min cost $2,489 on a 24 month direct debit plan based on an Entertainment 50GB Home Bundle with a Foxtel iQ2, includes a $59 bundle activation fee, $0 Foxtel Hub fee, $75 standard TV install fee and a $75 iQ2 equipment fee. **Bundle prices only apply where you continue to take all relevant services in that bundle. Cancel fees apply. 

1 Broadband speed slowed to 256kbps if included monthly data exceeded. 

2 Home phone: Compatible handset required. Standard home phone to landline call types only. Does not include calls to mobiles, 13xx, 19xx, 1234 and 12456 numbers. For full call charge details, see foxtel.com.au/priceguide.

3 Unmetered Foxtel: (Anytime) Available to internet-enabled and connected Foxtel iQ STUs only. You must subscribe to a channel in your residential pack to access corresponding content. Not all channels/programs available.  (Foxtel Go) Available to Foxtel residential cable & satellite customers with an STU, excluding Optus TV feat Foxtel customers. Must subscribe to channel (or relevant tier) to access applicable content. Not all channels/content available. Check content and compatible devices/operating systems at foxtel.com.au/discover/foxtelgo. (Foxtel Play) Available to Australian residential users with a compatible internet connected device running an eligible operating system. See full list of compatible devices here: www.foxtel.com.au/foxtelplay/howitworks. Not all channels/content available on all devices with Foxtel Play. (Presto) Presto requires an internet connection, data and a compatible device. Full list of compatible devices available at www.presto.com.au/devices. (Foxtel Go, Foxtel Play & Presto) Recommended internet speeds apply. ISP/data charges apply when connected to 3G/4G. Video quality may vary on 3G/4G or WiFi services.

4 WiFi Speeds: Actual speeds experienced will vary due to a range of factors that affect broadband and WiFi performance, not limited to condition of network lines, network congestion, the number of active wireless devices in the home, the software and hardware used, distance from exchange, local conditions, physical objects and the wiring at your location.

Standard terms: Foxtel TV, Home Phone and Broadband service must be connected at same physical address. Residential subscribers and standard installs only. Only available for use in Australia. Foxtel Fair Use policy applies. Foxtel and some services, including Foxtel Broadband, not available to all homes. Check your serviceability at foxtel.com.au. Foxtel marks are used under licence by Foxtel Management Pty Ltd.

About Foxtel

Foxtel is one of Australia’s most progressive and dynamic media companies, directly employing around 2,500 people, and delivering a diverse subscription television service over cable, satellite and broadband distribution. We offer a better entertainment experience every day to each one of our 2.6 million subscribing homes through delivery of new and inspiring programming across all genres, the world’s most popular channel brands, and investment in high quality local content. As constant champions of innovation we have brought customers the iQ personal digital recorder, Australia’s largest HD offering, the Foxtel Go App for tablets and mobile devices, internet TV service, Foxtel Play and online movie service, Presto. Foxtel is owned by Telstra Corporation Limited ACN 051 775 556 (50%) and News Corporation (50%).

Call of Duty: Black Ops III Beta Impressions

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I think at one time, Activision was getting worried about Call of Duty becoming stale. I mean, we now have three different developers working on the franchise – trying to play quality control so we do not see a flop, but its more than staleness that has this namesake changing from year to year. Call of Duty is in an identity crisis. That isn’t a bad thing as all long-lasting franchises go through this, but right now- the world’s shooter is stuck in the future, and attempting to innovate a tad in the genre with mechanics that seamlessly fit right into multiplayer. Call of Duty: Black Ops III is Treyarch’s turn to show off its technical abilities, and what a change this is from the past titles in their own line-up.

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After getting a full scope of the beta, I want to say that I feel like Advanced Warfare comparisons are not really going to do it with this one, as while the same “futuristic” theme applies, Black Ops III is still grounded enough to stick to the basics, and I think most long-time fans will appreciate that notion. The first thing that is sure to jump out at players are the visuals. I know, we have seen a lot of change with Call of Duty over the years – trying to shake that brown and grey stigma that seems to haunt first-person shooter titles everywhere, and most of the time the change is just to blue and grey or more of an orange. Black Ops III features more color than just about any COD title to date. The world is fascinating because of all the rich color and realistic textures, even though it does sacrifice the Call of Duty feel (or atmosphere, if you will) in order to put on this show. The end result however seems to be a game that has matured through feedback while still being able to keep an experience in-tact when it comes to players going to war in exciting battles.

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Instead of having a ton of random accessories to change the look of the battlefield, Black Ops III adds in abilities that players can earn to quickly turn the tide of combat. For instance, if a player has the correct class equipped, they can quickly gain bullet invulnerability for five seconds. That might not sound like a lot, but it completely changes the game in terms of balance. To balance across the whole field, other classes possess the abilities to throw special weapons or emit a sonar to pick up a nearby enemy location (which is handy for snipers). I’ll admit, I didn’t play a lot of the multiplayer for the last few titles, so coming into these changes reminded me when I played the beta for Halo Reach and encountered its new class system. It takes time to get used to, but we as the players get a much more fun game overall with more options. There still is a perk system for those curious that allows for special bombs and such to be rewarded, but I think these extra abilities will certainly add in a flavor that will attract players away from Destiny and back into Call of Duty. Yes, it seems Activision may just be competing with themselves here.

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As for the maps involved, I was quite pleased with the selection overall. There were only three maps to play in the beta, but all – while different in look and design seem to compliment the new abilities and gameplay. For instance, the new wall-running mechanic works well in a lot of high up, narrow areas and actually shifted the momentum in my own direction when facing random players. The Outrider class also seem to be an early fan favorite. I can easily say that you should expect to see a lot of bow kills. While they take a little bit more skill to learn, this weapon contains pure satisfaction. Oh, speaking of kills, It would also be wise to mention you can die a lot easier in Black Ops III. This definitely is decent news considering how hard it was to take people down in prior titles, but also gives the edge back to campers who stay in one nearly closed-in area and shoot groups passing by from the side. This is the beta so that may change, but that really was my only complaint during my time with the game.

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Call of Duty: Black Ops III seems to be a game that finds its footing in the future, but incorporates enough of its past to make a varied yet outstanding experience for the fans that have been so loyal to the name throughout the years. This is just a beta and everything is subject to change, but if we continue to see this layered multiplayer during the launch – I would say that the king may indeed reclaim his throne due to Treyarch’s fine work and major attention to detail. Stay tuned folks, as Black Ops III launches November 6th.

Superbeat: Xonic Promo Trailer Released

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Back in June acttil and PM Studios announced that they would be releasing Nurijoy’s Superbeat: Xonic in North America sometime this fall and now the company has not only revealed the first English promo trailer for the title but they have also confirmed that the PS Vita game will also be compatible with PlayStation TV.

Since Superbeat: Xonic will be given a retail and digital release, the box art for the game as well as some of the song art has also been revealed. You can check out the new images as well as the promo trailer that shows what this rhythm game has to offer below.

Stella Glow’s Latest Trailer Introduces ‘Witch Tuning’

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Atlus USA has released a new English trailer for Stella Glow and this time the company is focusing on showing off the title’s “witch tuning” mechanic. Those who are familiar with the Ar Tonelico series may see quite a few similarities here as witch tuning requires the player to enter the hearts of the witches that join Alto in order to combat the fears and nightmares that plague their minds and hearts. By doing so, the witch will grow stronger and unlock additional songs that can be used in combat.

Though be careful, with four good witches, one bad witch, and only a limited amount of time you can spend to grow closer to certain characters to earn their trust it may mean prioritizing a certain girl over others. You can check out the trailer below and as for the game itself, currently Stella Glow is set to be released in North America sometime this holiday season and in Europe in Spring 2016.

New Details Revealed for Koei Tecmo’s Attack on Titan Game

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You may remember that at the start of the month Koei Tecmo announced that Omega Force is working on an Attack on Titan game for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation Vita and recently the company decided to not only release some of the first high-res images of the game but also some new details of what to expect when the title is released in 2016.

First and foremost the game’s main mode will cover all of the story content presented in the 2013 anime adaptation while also focusing on providing a number of additional scenarios to give some extra time in the spotlight for popular characters and all characters will feature the same voice actors from the show. According to the company they will be using a “Physics Toon Shader” to present the game with the same type of feeling of the anime by fusing it with the in-game world.

The developers are trying to focus on simplifying the 3D Maneuver Gear controls so new players won’t be too off-put by the controls but they are also trying to maintain high levels of player maneuverability to provide tactical freedom to slash at the nape of a titan’s neck, though attempting to disable it by destroying arms and legs is still a possibility. Though since the titans will be large opponents, there are times that the layout of the battlefield will change due to the titans destroying buildings or walls, limiting the movement of players and providing an ever changing environment.

Hacknet Review

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Hacknet
Developer
: Team Fractal Alligator
Publisher: Surprise Attack
Platform: Windows
Release Date: 12 August 2015
Price: $9.99 USD – Available Here

Video Review

Overview

Hacknet was originally conceived in a 48-hour game jam that has quietly bloomed into a full blown game in the last two and a half years. Inspired by terminal hacking sims of yesteryears, Hacknet uses actual UNIX commands and a visual GUI to simulate hacking into a wide variety of computer systems. Players will start off as a small time hacker and work their way up the rankings, all in hopes of getting close enough to solve the murder of the hacker Bit.

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Story

The game kicks off with the player receiving a mysterious message from Bit. He created a fail safe to ensure that if he died, in 14 days a message would be sent to player. The plot is a little slow, as the main plot only makes serious progression during the last third of the game; however, the short plot is engaging.

The developers have done a great job of giving life to the computers the player will hack into. Random chat logs, both written for the game and from bash.org; personal emails; and other files litter the computers in the game, which create the slightly eerie feeling of secretly intruding on people’s lives. It is also clear the game is actually written by someone familiar with computers, as there are small references to real life tech knowledge like the default eOS smartphone password “alpine.”

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Without spoiling too much, there is a major ethical dilemma in the game that may make some players extremely uncomfortable. I appreciate the fact the developer kept this in mind. Players are provided with a way to avoid the situation, while still giving them access to the needed hacking tools the mission provides.

Gameplay

Though Hacknet won’t actually teach players how to hack, the game will teach players some basic UNIX commands. Combined with the excellent world building, Hacknet does a fantastic job of making the player feel like a hacker. The actual hacking requires players to run several programs to open up ports, defeat firewalls, and overload proxies in order to gain administrative access to the target computer. The player will need to use their wits to defeat active traces and unhackable computers. The active traces give players a hundred seconds or less to break into the system. Since the player’s computer has limited RAM, only a certain number of hacking programs can be run at once which leads the player on some really tense moments. Unfortunately, once the player figures out the most efficient method of hacking a server, the actual hacking gets really repetitive and a bit boring. The game is extremely linear in nature, with players picking up contracts until they can unlock story related missions. There are a few spots where players get the chance to explore off the beaten path, but these are too few.

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Once the computers defenses are cracked, the real puzzle solving begins. Players need to snoop around the computers, combing through emails, text files, and networks to find the solution to their mission. The overall difficulty of the game starts rather low, but ramps up nicely as the game progresses. By the end of the game, there are some really devious puzzles that await the player. There are a couple creative moments that really stick out in the game because of their uniqueness. Without spoiling anything, they provide a really great surprise that either had me scrambling to work around the challenge the game threw at me from left field or left me grinning like an idiot thinking “this is pretty awesome.”

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Hacknet’s controls emphasize the terminal. Technically, the entire game could be played only using the terminal, but slow typists need not worry though. The game does have a GUI that makes navigating through files and networks a lot easier. For the hacking commands, the terminal behaves like most terminal applications in real life, so liberal use of the tab key will also help players auto-complete commands and file names. I am not a fan on how Hacknet handled the list of accessible servers. Each server appears on a box in the UI. In the early to mid game, there is no issue with the layout as there is plenty of space. Once the player hits the end of the game, that box gets really cluttered, and it becomes a bit of a pain to navigate around the box.

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Visuals

Hacknet has a simple UI that is reminiscent to old-school computers. The UI is well organized and the game actually comes with its own theme changer. As the player hacks their way through the game, they can make copies of other x-server files and change the layout and colours of their UI. All of the hack programs are visualized in a pleasing way, ranging from pulsing graphs to lines of code. I had one small annoyance with the UI which occurred when the game is played in windowed mode. The mail icon and Windows’ close window button are right next to each other, which caused me to accidentally shut down the game when I reached for my mail several times.

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Audio

Hacknet features classic blips and bloops of computers along with a solid electronic soundtrack from a variety of artists. The game does a great job of using the music to build tension and pace the game. The only weakness is that Hacknet will play the same track on repeat for a single area, so getting stuck in an area can get pretty boring audio-wise.

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Overall

For fans of terminal based hacking simulators, Hacknet is probably one of the best titles the genre has produced in the last decade. It has its flaws with its linear gameplay, hacking mechanics that get boring after a while, and weird story pacing. However, anyone who is willing to look past this will be rewarded with fantastic puzzles, a great world, and a wonderfully immersive atmosphere.

7-5-capsules-out-of-10

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

Atelier Sophie and Yoru no Nai Kuni Delayed in Japan

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While Gust has been rather ambitious so far this year by working on two titles for the PlayStation 4 at the same time, it seems they are both going to take a bit longer than initially anticipated. Koei Tecmo owned Gust has announced that both Atelier Sophie: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Book and Yoru no Nai Kuni have been delayed in Japan.

Atelier Sophie was initially meant to be released on September 25th but has been delayed for nearly two months to November 19th to “further increase its quality” while Yoru no Nai Kuni was pushed from September 17th to October 1st for more time to be spent on “final adjustments.”

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While neither of these titles have been announced for Western release yet, this delay may mean that the localization of both titles may be pushed back as well since the chances of either of these RPGs not being released in the West is incredibly low.

Yo-kai Watch North American Release Date Set for November 6

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Earlier this year Nintendo announced that they were finally going to be bringing Yo-kai Watch, which is incredibly popular in Japan, over to the West and just recently the company announced when 3DS owners can expect to pick up the title in North America.

Nintendo has announced that they will be releasing Level-5’s Yo-kai Watch on November 6th. It is worth noting that this is the first game in the series and primarily focuses on players catching monsters who are re-imagined Japanese spirits from folklore with over 200 total different yo-kai available to find and bring into battle.

Bianca and Meurs Introduced in The Legend of Legacy’s First Character Trailer

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Atlus USA has released the first in what will be a series of character trailers meant to introduce the seven main characters that can be chosen in The Legend of Legacy. The chosen character will alter the story’s focus and will also start with a fixed three-person party depending on who they ended up choosing though it is worth noting that after the prologue you can adjust your party however you wish.

Currently The Legend of Legacy is set to be released in North America on October 13th and in early 2016 for Europe. This first trailer introduces Bianca and Meurs and you can read about these characters as well as check out their intro trailer below.

Bianca
A young girl with long, ice-blonde hair, Bianca awakens on Avalon with no memory of how she got there. Or anything else for that matter. She is a mild and gentle girl who despite her unfortunate circumstances and loss of memory remains optimistic. Bianca senses that the answers to her memory loss lie deep within the island, and she is determined to recover her identity.

Bianca’s base stats imply that she is well suited for a support class. She has affinities for wind and fire elements, and prefers to use short swords, axes, spears, and bows in combat.

Meurs
One of the few remaining elementalists alive. The elements have been gathering to Avalon for unknown reasons, and Meurs is determined to find out why they’ve been so attracted to the island. He communicates with the elements and travels the earth with the spirits as his guide.

Meurs also makes for a strong support ally in battle and prefers short swords with a shield. He has a strong affinity for the wind element.