Ah, The Last of Us. We knew another version was underway for quite some time now, but Sony decided to fully show off the Playstation 4 upgrade with a brand new trailer at E3 this year (full coverage of the event here), featuring some further detail that is sure to be appreciated by the massive fanbase for the game.
What you should do now is buckle up and relive the game through this trailer – which shows those new visuals in full motion. Its quite a sight to see and beware, as this clip of The Last of Us Remastered features plenty of spoilers. Oh yeah, you can pick it up on July 29th, 2014.
Eureka SevenPart 2 Studio:Bones Publisher:FUNimation Release Date: April 22nd, 2014 Format: DVD Price: $34.98 – Available Here
Overview
Looking at the first half of the original Eureka Seven series, it was easy to see why it would earn a sequel series, with it’s great pacing, well-rounded characters, and fantastic visuals. With Part 1 down though, it’s time to look at what Part 2 has to offer, to see if it can successfully finish off with the same great pacing and keep the characters interesting to the close.
Story
At the end of Part 1, Renton and Eureka had finally reunited, making it clear to each other just how they felt. The best part of this is that it doesn’t destroy the working chemistry that Renton and Eureka already had, where before they struggled to indicate that each wanted the relationship, now it focuses on them struggling to effectively communicate, but refusing to give up on each other despite the problems. Making one of the most realistic relationships I’ve seen in anime in quite some time. Starting their relationship for real, doesn’t solve all their problems, it just opens the doors to new ones as they are both so completely terrible at communicating and understanding each other.
Outside Renton and Eureka relationship problems, the heart of the plot continues to slowly progress as now that Eureka has chosen Renton as her partner, they can begin their journey to save the world and stop whatever Dewey is planning. The pacing ends up speeding up and slowing down a little bit across the remaining episodes, but it never feels too fast to follow or too slow for anything interesting to happen. There is always something happening with someone on the show whether it is Dewey and his new squadron, the Gekkostate, or Renton and Eureka, which helps immensely when different characters aren’t doing much of anything at certain points.
It’s very impressive just how much Part 2 is able to cover with just 24 episodes, while having 2 fewer episodes than Part 1, Part 2 is able to cover much more about the world in which they live. It’s great that not only does the anime do a good job explaining why everything works the way it does on their planet, but that it makes sense within the confines of the universe as well. Part 2 is able to address all of the loose ends and deal with them appropriately, from the depression disease, to the origins of the scub coral themselves, and Eureka’s role in everything.
In the end, Eureka Seven is able to answer all the pressing questions and neatly wrap everything up in a bow perfectly. Any episodes that seemed like almost filler even end up having some sort of significance in the end for the bigger picture, which is the true mark of a good series. 50 episodes total is the right amount to get everything just the way necessary, and even with the Gekkostate having such a large crew, everyone there is appropriately fleshed out as well as other side characters. For a show about sky surfing robots, Eureka Seven is able to paint a world that interesting to explore and learn about, so that it everything that happens to it matters.
Visuals
While for the most part the visuals are much the same as Part 1, there are plenty more additions and changes that take place throughout the series. The Antibody Coralians are some of the most unique designs in the show that even their design makes sense within the context of the universe. Plus, the transformations that Nirvash and other LFOs go through also add some more variation to what the viewer gets to see. Likewise the changes that Renton, Eureka, and even Talho go through add even more to their characters as well, to show just how far they’ve come. Part 2 is able to not only match the quality of Part 1, but even go a tiny bit beyond it.
Audio
The music for the show continues to do a get job fitting the tone, especially as the show continues to have a darker and more mature tone, though there is still humor woven in. The first opening theme for Part 2 is “To the Center of the Sun” by Bivattachee which primary works on the theme of flying away, while the first ending theme, “Tip Taps Tip” by Halcali, focuses on trying to walk a path to the future. The second opening theme is “Sakura” by Nirgilis that uses the theme of falling in love, while the second ending theme, “Canvas” by Coolon, instead is about finding home after trying go alone.
Where the first half only really had one really stand out voice, this second half has multiple characters go way and above where they started out to be more than just one dimensional. Like last time, Talho is even more amazing this time though, as well as Renton and Eureka both having impressive exchanges when their relationship has starts to become tense. The stand out this time though turns out to be Anemone, who has a pretty surprising turn of a character arc, which is highlighted by both the original Japanese and English dub. Those that liked the voice work in Part 1, should find even more to enjoy in this.
Extras
Like Part 1, Part 2 offers the surprising Japanese commentary on select episodes, while the vast majority of shows will simply have English or no commentaries. This still provides a nice different look at the process and a chance to hear the Japanese voice cast as themselves instead of as the characters. There are still the standard trailers of Eureka Seven, as well as other FUNimation releases, but in addition to the Japanese commentaries there are additional interviews with the English cast to make up for the lack of English commentaries, so that viewers can still hear the thoughts of the English cast on the production.
Overall
After seeing the original series, it is no small surprise that a sequel series was made, but with the problems that the sequel series ended up having it’s fantastic to see that they are its own fault and doesn’t stem from its origin. Eureka Seven Part 2 is able to not only finish off the story in a way that keeps the viewer engaged, but is able to handle all the loose ends. The visuals only get better as characters go through development and different LFOs go through vast improvements, while the audio is able to go farther by giving characters more depth with their development. Eureka Seven Part 2 is an unexpected improvement of Part 1, which was already good. There isn’t much more one can ask for.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
To kick off their PlayStation E3 press conference, Sony showed off a few minute long trailer hyping up Activision and Bungie’s Destiny. They did this for good reason however because after this footage was shown, it was revealed that the Destiny beta will not only be starting this Summer on Sony consoles first on July 17th, but also when the game is released on September 9th there will be a special PlayStation 4 bundle with the game.
While no price was announced for the bundle, it will include a special white 500 GB PlayStation 4, a white controller, a 30 day voucher for PlayStation Plus, and of course a copy of the game.
To close out their E3 presentation, Ubisoft had one more game to reveal and it is certainly a surprising one. They revealed that they are working on a new Rainbow Six game called Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege and it happened to be revealed through a 5 on 5 multiplayer demon session that featured one team holding an innocent hostage and barricading themselves inside of a building while the other team plays as a SWAT style team that must breach the home to try and rescue the hostage.
You can check out the full gameplay video below, where it looks like nearly everything in the house is destructible in some form, as explosives can be used to breach walls and ceilings. Currently Rainbow Six Siege is set to be released sometime in 2014 for the PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Overview Independently created comics are a great contrast to the “capes” stories that some of the bigger publishers thrive on. Titan Comics’ new book; Alien Legion: Uncivil War from the creative team of Chuck Dixon, Larry Stroman and Carl Potts gives us a space opera that features a gang of intergalactic peace keepers. While it suffers from some timing and pacing issues, this is a book that shows a lot of promise not only in its storytelling but in its world and characters.
Story
Set in deepest reaches of space, Alien Legion: Uncivil War follows a band of peacekeepers as they, you guessed it; keep the peace. Traveling from planet to planet when the need arises, the team consisting of members from a half dozen different planets all come together for the greater good.
Issue #1 takes the team to the planet Harkilon, after a series of refugees are attempting to escape their civil war-torn planet. The team are met with hostility upon their arrival and eventually have to perform such tasks as fending off wild creatures and helping a queen to give birth. The story does suffer from some pacing and timing problems in this first issue, but hopefully after we are fully introduced to the main characters and the universe itself, this will smooth out.
The book can at points be really difficult to read. To help build this universe and its characters, Dixon, Stroman and Potts have created an entire language of colloquialisms, idioms and brand new words. As readers we are thrown into the deep end and told to swim for our lives. It feels a little like you are going on holiday overseas – the names and places seem right, but there is the occasional word or phrase that just makes you stop and wonder what the heck is being said. It really helps to build up this universe and make it feel alive and authentic. Luckily, the final few pages of the book also contain a glossary of some of the more commonly used words and phrases. Re-reading the book after you have glanced over the glossary terms is really a new experience in of itself, so you are kind of getting two books for the price of one.
Visuals
Alien Legion: Uncivil War has a relatively average art-style. Nothing really leaps off the page but at the same time it is always interesting to look at. The colour pallet is mostly comprised of earthy tones like brown and dull green which give a very gritty and dark feel to the whole book.
As with most space-opera styled pieces, the world is filled with creatures of varying shapes and sizes. Despite the weird and wonderful universe that Alien Legion is set in, the team that the book follows are all pretty much humanoid. Don’t get me wrong though, every character is worlds apart from one another. Of the five characters that are introduced to us in the beginning of the book, only three of them actually look like people. The rest, be they commander Sarigar with his bright blue skin and red markings, or Jugger (who looks like a cross between Juggernaut and The Hulk) everyone looks weird, wonderful and unique.
While there is nothing wrong with the art style, it does feel a bit lacking. In the modern age of comic books we have artists like Jim Lee doing really clean and crisp (and insanely detailed) pages, and then we have people like Justin Randall doing really amazing things with the medium, it just makes this typical “comic-book” art style feel a little dated.
Overall
Alien Legion: Uncivil War #1 marks the beginning of a new story, a new world and new characters in comic book history. The space opera style really fits right at home on the printed page, and the writing although hard to wrap your head around at first really makes the book feel authentic and alive. While it doesn’t have the most stand-out artwork and suffers from some timing issues, I am really excited to see where the creative team can take this bad boy. Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
The official site for Shirogane no Ishi Argevollen (Silver Will Argevollen) has recently been updated with a slew of information regarding the upcoming anime‘s release. It has been made known that the series opening theme will be “Tough” by KOTOKO, whilst the ending will be “Face” by Sachika Misawa. As for the cast information and images…
Ryota Ohsaka as Susumu TokimuneSaori Ōnishi as Jamie HazafordHiroshi Tsuchida as Samonji UkyōSayaka Ohara as Suzushiro SaoriHarumi Sakurai as Silfy AppletonKenji Hamada as Lorenz GiulianoHideaki Tezuka as Chief Chinatsu Akasaki as Sorano Akane Chinami Hashimoto as Shiono Kaoru Aimi as Rikuru HikaruTakahiro Sakurai as Schlein Richthofen
Sho Hayami as Julius Unios (not pictured)
The series itself will be directed by Atsushi Ootsuki (Kanokon: The Girl Who Cried Fox) at Xebec (the company behind Lagrange: Flower of Rin-ne), whilst Tatsuo Sato (Bodacious Space Pirates) is in charge of the script. Yuichi Ouka (To Love-Ru) is designing the characters, in conjunction with Hirame Kikuchi (The Pilot’s Love Song) and Kenji Teraoka (Mobile Suit Gundam 00) who will be designing the mecha, whose 3D models will be handled by OLM Digital. Prop design will be handled by Yoshitomo Hara and Shigeru Morita will consult on settings. Finally, Jin Aketagawa will act as sound director and Kotaro Nakagawa will compose the music of the series.
Whew. Well there you have it, a plethora of information to provide a little insight into Argevollen. Though, ironically the plot is still the most mysterious element of the series. Oh well, can’t get everything at once. Wouldn’t be very fun now would it? Anyway, if you’re still looking for a little bit more on Argevollen, check out some more screenshots and a brief trailer. Don’t worry you won’t have to travel far, just look down below.
There are many ways to start off a press conference and although the rest of the conference was full of cringe-worthy moments, at least Ubisoft got things started right by showing off what they are calling the “first five minutes” of Far Cry 4.
In these few minutes we don’t get to see any real gameplay but we are introduced to the main villain of the game, Pagan Min, as his men start attacking people on a bus that the player seems to be riding, only for Pagan Min to act like the player is his new best buddy after brutally murdering one of his own soldiers. This is one that really has to be seen so check it out below.
As we already know, Assassin’s Creed Unity is set to take place during the French Revolution and earlier today during Microsoft’s E3 press conference Ubisoft took to the stage to show off how multiplayer will work in the game.
You see, while players can freely explore the city like every other game in the series, they will be able to do so with the help of three other players if they so please. You can check out the video below and not only did we get to see this gameplay footage, but Ubisoft also revealed that Assassin’s Creed Unity is set to be released on the PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 on October 28th in North America.
Though previously announced for June 12th, it would seem that some sites have posted early listings for the crossover titan that is Optimus Prime EVA Mode, going for over $300.
After a long silence, the mysterious creatures known as “Angels” have reappeared. The UN’s assembled weapons are unable to damage them… in the end, the operation was turned over to the secret agency, NERV. The Angel attacks, its target is Tokyo-3. At that moment, a space shuttle descends: the Autobot Sky Lynx! Led by Optimus Prime, the Autobots emerge from the shuttle in pursuit of an unknown energy reading.
“We cannot let this planet face disasters such as Second Impact. …what? What is that monster?”
Shocked at the size of the Angel, Optimus Prime descends…
More than meets belief
At that point, a mysterious shade appeared before the Angel.
“I feel… such energy… I like it! This will make a worthy new body for me…!”
“It can’t be! S…Starscream!?” Optimus Prime raised his voice involuntarily. Having lost his life in the war with Unicron several years ago, Starscream continued to exist as a spark without a body… a ghost.
Upon integrating with Starscream, the Angel changed instantly to a gigantic, half-Starscream form… an “Angel”Scream.
“…what is this? The Angel has deformed!” Understandably, Misato could also not hide her shock.
“HAHAHA! At last, a new body!” “Angel”Scream laughed. Then suddenly he noticed Optimus Prime at his feet. “Heh heh… Autobots. A perfect opportunity to test my new power!” Turning his anger on Optimus Prime, his new body dwarfed the Autobot’s.
Transform and rise up!
The situation was becoming more confused, with one unexpected event after another. However, Director Katsuragi gave the order to transform Tokyo-3 and launch Eva-01 as planned.
“What? This place transforms like Scramble City?” Just as Optimus thought this, the ground before him opened, and Evangelion Unit 01 was lifted into view. The Autobots were overwhelmed by the sense of scale.
“I never thought that humans could make such a robot…!” But Optimus Prime had a strange feeling when he looked at the figure. “I feel… life! The Call of The Primitives!* This isn’t a robot!”
Scanning Eva-01, Optimus Prime grew in an instant to gigantic proportions and his body took on the purple color of the Evangelion. “Now the Transformer is an Eva…?” A stunned Misato and the NERV staff could only watch.
A giant Optimus Prime opened his chest armor, emitting a glare that caused Angel Starscream to roar.
“UWOOOOOH!
The Matrix within his chest shone the red of an Angel’s core, bringing with it the feeling that a new form of life had been born. The story of the battles that have evolved to a new stage kick off now!
Well there you have it folks, the unholy and completely awesome fusion of two franchises that show us just how destructive robots can be. Thanks Takara Tomy! With the reveal of this story alongside the figure release, perhaps it isn’t so unreasonable for us to expect a manga release, or at the very least some more figures. *cough* Angelscream *cough*
If at first you don’t succeed, you musn’t have an axe handHe has his own trailer? What a dEVA
The Crew was a part of Ubisoft’s E3 2014show and while the main focus seemed to be about the large size of the map which has been mentioned many times before we did get some new nice details in the form of a release date set for November 11th and perhaps most exciting, an closed beta for the PC version of the game which will be available from July 23rd. While alot of people were anxious to hear if the game would contain visual customisation in addition to the heavy part customisation available, this detail was unfortunately not outed at E3. However, some further research led to finding some gameplay videos that do show off this feature, so rest assured those who want to make their cars looks like something from Fast and the Furious will be able to.
In the Ubisoft post show interview, it was revealed there will be one server for each platform the game is on (PS4, Xbox One and PC) and that the roads will not become crowded while you are playing online but apparently you can play with everyone on that server at the same time. It was also revealed it would take 45 minutes to complete a straight point to point to drive across the map in the absolute fastest modded car. You can sign up for the beta now by going to the official site, but before you do that make sure to check out the new trailer below. You can check out our hands on with The Crew as well to see our impressions of the game.
