You may have heard that Viz Media had picked up Yu Sasuga and Kenichi Tachibana’s horror sci-fi manga Terra Formers for release in North America, but if not then you do now. Plus we have some good news for you as you will not have to wait too long for the first volume to be released as Viz announced today that Terra Formers Volume 1 will be hitting store shelves on July 15th for a price of $12.99. This release is rated M for mature as it features quite a lot of gore and subsequent volumes of this continuing series will be released on a bi-monthly basis.
Published under the Viz Signature imprint, Terra Formers tells the story of a world where in the late 26th century, the overpopulation of Earth has forced humanity to find new places to live. As such they have spent centuries terraforming Mars and now that it has been completed, but once humanity arrives on the planet they find that the terraforming process has had horrific consequences and has created terrible creatures. With the first manned mission wiped out, a second expedition is sent out to find that cockroaches sent to terraform Mars have been transformed into giant aggressive humanoids that want to kill every human they see.
Those who have been following the anime side of things should probably recognize the Monster series since we just finished reviewingthe Australian release of the anime back in May. Well now here in North America fans of the Monster anime will soon have a chance to read the source material in an all new format as Viz Media is planning on releasing the “Perfect Edition” of the Monster manga starting on July 15th.
Monster: The Perfect Edition Volume 1 will be released on this date under the Viz Signature imprint and this print only release will be priced at $19.99. Such a price tag is for good reason however, as this is an oversized release that comes with a new translation, re-mastered pages, a generous amount of full color pages, and it also contains both the first and second volume of the series.
All future volumes of Monster: The Perfect Edition will be released four times a year in North America, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand with there being nine volumes in total. Viz Media describes the manga as such:
In Naoki Urasawa’s Monster, Johan is a cold and calculating killer with a mysterious past, and brilliant Dr. Kenzo Tenma is the only one who can stop him! Conspiracy and serial murder open the door to a compelling, intricately woven plot in this masterwork of suspense. In the first volume of the new Perfect Edition, everyone faces uncertainty at some point in their lives. Even a brilliant surgeon like Kenzo Tenma is no exception. But there’s no way he could have known that his decision to stop chasing professional success and instead concentrate on his oath to save peoples’ lives would result in the birth of an abomination. The questions of good and evil now take on a terrifyingly real dimension. Years later, in Germany during the tumultuous post-reunification period, middle-aged childless couples are being killed one after another. The serial killer’s identity is known. The reasons why he kills are not. Dr. Tenma sets out on a journey to find the killer’s twin sister, who may hold some clues to solving the enigma of the “Monster.”
Following at the heels of Google’s Android TV announcement, Razer announced their new micro-console powered by Android TV. The console has yet to be named, but will join a line up of systems including the Razer Blade, Razer Blade Pro, and Razer Edge. The new micro-console will provide owners streaming services for movies, TV and music while providing a strong gaming experience via Android games. The console will be controllable with voice commands and Android devices.
“This is a console of the future,” says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO. “Built on Google’s incredible Android TV platform, the Razer micro-console incorporates not only hardcore and casual gaming, but music, movies and other entertainment and social applications, all on an affordable system.”
Oscura: Second Shadow is an interesting platformer developed by Ole Alfheim of Chocolate Liberation Front and published by Surprise Attack Games, the publishers of Vertiginous Golf. The title was made in the style of classics like the original Super Marios Bros. and Rayman with the artistic flair of Tim Burton. However, instead of utilizing martial prowess and brute force, Oscura has a magical glowing hand that guides him through the dark, gothic-style levels. He also has the ability to leap and navigate through the levels, avoiding any opposition by dodging them or using his ability to slow time, giving Oscura the opportunity to find a safe route around his enemies. Oscura: Second Shadow is available on iOS platforms, so iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad users will have access to it first. A Mac version is under development still, but more information on that as time passes.
Gameplay
Gameplay in Oscura: Second Shadow is very similar to Super Mario Bros. However, in this title, you must recover the Aurora Stones that were stolen from the Great Lighthouse by an unknown creature. Without the light from the Aurora Stone, Driftlands – the land that Oscura resides in – will be destroyed. Oscura is the keeper of the lighthouse, and is charged with the safekeeping and protection of the Aurora Stone. You will have to take control of Oscura, an unlikely hero, through 20 different levels, each crafted to provide an interesting experience that is both challenging and fascinating.
The goal is to achieve the best time and record in each level. To complete a level, you have to make your way through the dangerous terrain filled with pits and monsters. However, you get a better score and more “Stars” if you complete the round perfectly. Perfection requires you to complete the level under a time limit, collect all the shards in a level, and not die. This will yield you 4 stars. However, if any of these requirements are not met, you’ll be greeted with lower amounts of stars. There are 20 levels in total so far, and each one is made to challenge your skills as you leap across the darkened landscape.
The touch controls in Oscura: Second Shadow feel very refined and polished. A simple touch of the directional keys will jerk Oscura forward, giving a real sense of control when you move the character through the treacherous lands. In addition to your movement, you also have the ability to double-jump and stop time. To stop time, you must collect little shards that fill up your bar. This will allow you to navigate through the level more easily, since you can’t kill or destroy the monsters that are in the level. Activating the time stop requires a simple push of the button, and another push to turn it off. You get to decide how long you want to keep it on for, but each shard only provides a little sliver of borrowed time, so using your ability wisely is the key to successfully getting through a round.
The levels are unique and there is a certain quality to them that makes it more enjoyable. I will say that it was a bit difficult to fully comprehend what my objectives were in the beginning, but that could have been due to my lack of patience. Making a tutorial space or even a simple objectives page would have helped a bit more in guiding me the right direction, but as you pick up the game, it becomes much more obvious.
Visuals & Audio
The graphics are quite unique in this game, and is the most important aspect of the game for setting the tone. The entire game has a very gothic feel to it, and is reminiscent of Tim Burton and his works. The levels are entirely handcrafted, and it reflects on how well-made the levels seem. It’s hard to run into a similar looking landscape twice, and for that I have to say I’m impressed. Each part of the level feels like a new experience, and it makes it more motivating to fully learn a level to achieve a perfect record later on.The audio was decent, but nothing that stood out to me. For such a dark-styled game, the music was pretty lighthearted. While it fit the bill for the type of gameplay that it boasts, I felt like the music could have been done a bit better. I ended up muting the game and simply playing through it without sound, and still felt like it completely delivered.
Overall
All in all, Oscura: Second Shadow is quite interesting in its own right. It’s kept me coming back for more as I try to get a perfect score on every single level. For individuals who enjoy platformers and Mario-esque titles, Oscura: Second Shadow might be the breath of fresh air you’ve been looking for on an iOS platform. I haven’t had time to try it on an iPad yet, but on the iPhone, the game feels really good. You should definitely check this title out.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
As you may have already heard, the 2014 J-Pop Summit will be held this year on July 19th and July 20th this year in San Francisco, CA and while a number of special events have already been announced for those days the company has just revealed some fashion events that will be held as well.
The event holders have announced that they will be bringing back a variety of ‘KAWAii!” themed fashion shows, contests, and live performances featuring some of the fastest rising stars in the J-Pop fashion worlding including names like Una, Ayumi Seto, Misa Kimura, and more.
For those unfamiliar with the ‘KAWAii” culture, it is apparently an evolution of “Harajuku” culture and it focuses on the ever-evolving forms of “Cute” couture and it has had a major impact on pop/rock music and fashion. The term is used often to comment on the style and fashion that has become popular with youth culture in many countries.
With this year’s KAWAii! events being supported by Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco and being presented with the help of the Moshi Moshi Nippon Project, a number of events will be held and the time, location, and full detail for each event can be found below.
KAWAii!! FASHION CONTEST
Saturday, July 19th, 1:00pm, Pagoda Main Stage, Japantown
This year, the J-POP SUMMIT will hold a special fashion contest where contestants can show off their own Kawaii fashion style! The Festival welcome Una, Ayumi Seto, Akira and Misa Kimura as judges! The winner will receive KAWAii!! an assortment of premiums including “Aymmy in the batty girls’ products. Additional information on this event is available at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/harajuku-kawaii.
“AYMMY IN THE BATTY GIRLS” FASHION SHOW
Saturday, July 19th, 1:00pm, Pagoda Main Stage, Japantown
Models Ayumi Seto, Misa Kimura, Una and join others from Bay Area to showcase the colorful summer collection from Seto’s brand new fashion line, “Aymmy in the batty girls.” Many of the same outfits featured in the show will be available to purchase at KAWAii!! Pop-Up Store located inside the NEW PEOPLE building (Mezzanine Level).
AKIRA LIVE PERFORMANCE
Saturday, July 19th, 1:00pm, Pagoda Main Stage, Japantown
J-POP SUMMIT fans can catch Akira, a popular model and singer in a special solo live set. She notably debuted as a model for “KERA,” a popular gothic fashion magazine, and quickly became one of the top models in Japan. Akira is also a pop singer and her debut single, “Aoki Tsuki Michite,” is featured as the ending theme of the popular anime series, Black Butler ‾ Book of Circus. Her music and striking gothic-androgynous style have captured legions of fans both in Japan and internationally and her debut album is slated to release on July 30th. For more information please visit: Akira.
UNA LIVE PERFORMANCE
Saturday, July 19th, 6:30pm-8:30pm, J-POP LIVE at UNION SQUARE
Sunday, July 20th, 12:45pm, Pagoda Main Stage, Japantown
Una is a charismatic model well-known in the Harajuku scene for her unique and edgy fashion style. She launched pop music career with her first single “Juicy Juicy” last year and went on to release digital mini album, “True of Lights/Danse Danse.” Una participated in “U-EXPRESS LIVE 2014″ in Saitama and appeared with Katy Perry, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and released her newest “BOOM BOOM BOOM,” in April. She brings her danceable groove to J-POP SUMMIT for a special concert performance not to be missed! For more details, please visit: UNA.
AYUMI SETO AUTOGRAPH & PHOTO SESSION
Saturday, July 19th, 3:00pm, NEW PEOPLE Mezzanine
Sunday, July 20th, 2:00pm, NEW PEOPLE Mezzanine
Ayumi Seto, a fashion model and designer of her own new brand, “Aymmy in the batty girls,” will hold a special autograph/photo session on both days of J-POP SUMMIT! Each day, the first 50 customers to purchase “Aymmy in the batty girls” products during festival will receive a pass! For more information, please visit: Ayumi Seto.
KAWAii!! POP-UP SHOP AT NEW PEOPLE Saturday, July 19th & Sunday, July 20th, 11:00am-6:00pm
NEW PEOPLE Mezzanine
Visit NEW PEOPLE’s retail store, located inside the MARUQ boutique the venue’s Mezzanine Floor, will offer exclusive lines of fashion apparel, designs and accessories imported strait from Tokyo! Don’t miss the new summer collections of “Aymmy in the batty girls,” a new fashion brand inspired by a unique mix of 60s and 70s Americana popular culture, punk and rock fashion designed by model Ayumi Seto.
KAWAii!! MEET-UP AREA Presented By MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON
Saturday, July 19th & Sunday, July 20th, 11:00am-6:00pm
KAWAii!! TENT, Post Street, Japantown
MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON will host a special tents located on Post St. in the heart of the J-POP SUMMIT Festival action where Kawaii fans can gather and meet! Get special info about the latest Kawaii trends, check out new merchandise, and meet other fans and models! More information will be updated at: www.j-pop.com/2014/harajuku-kawaii.
Today Idea Factory International was able to nail down a solid release date for Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 in North America and Europe. The company has revealed that the game will be released to retailers and digitally on August 26th in North America for the PS Vita while gamers in Europe will be able to download the title on August 27th.
Also it is worth noting that Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 will also be available for download from the Australian PSN at that time as well. To go along with this announcement Idea Factory International released a very large batch of English screenshots for the game as well as a new trailer, all of which can be found below.
Remember how yesterday Ar no Surge Plus was announced for the PlayStation Vita in Japan and Tecmo Koei Europe was engaging their fans about it? Well they had good reason to do so because today Tecmo Koei Europe has announced that they will be bringing the original version of the game over to Europe on September 26th under the name Ar nosurge: Ode to an Unborn Star. The game will be available for both physical and digital purchase and will contain both an English and Japanese voice track. It is worth noting that Tecmo Koei does not know whether they will be bringing Ar nosurge: Ode to an Unborn Star to North America yet… so it is a good thing that the PS3 is region free.
It is worth noting that past games in this franchise were localized in the West by NIS America, but that was prior to Gust being purchased by Tecmo Koei. Anyways, for those who don’t know Ar nosurge: Ode to an Unborn Star is the first game in the Surge Concerto series, since Ciel no Surge , the first game in the series, hasn’t been localized, where players will be following the story of Delta and Casty in a world where music and song are used to create magic and is set during a time where civilization has lost its planet and has been roaming space for two millennium looking for a new home.
Gaming giant Ubisoft and the Electronic Sports World Cup today announced a partnership to turn Just Dance into an official ESWC sport, making it the first casual game to enter the competitive contests ranks. The Electronic Sports World Cup is a worldwide competition that starts locally with national qualifying rounds and culminates in a World Final designed as a live show. With Just Dance being the top selling game of its genre, it’s no surprise it is getting this kind of treament.
“For the 11th edition of the ESWC, we are very proud to widen the definition of eSport with Ubisoft. Competitive gaming has to welcome all kind of players, has to be developed in partnership with the games publishers, and has to showcase the most advanced technologies which link the body to the game. Just Dance is for ESWC the perfect medium to reach those goals”, said Matthieu Dallon, founder of the ESWC.
Qualifiers for the Just Dance World Cup will take place between June 24th and September 21st online and around the world at gaming events. The competition is open to anyone and there are three ways to qualify including:
On World Dance Floor, the online multiplayer mode in Just Dance 2014 which allows players to compete against each other’s performances. Qualifying sessions are scheduled for July 13th, July 20th, July 27th, August 3rd, August 31st, September 7th, September 14th and September 21st.
Through Just Dance TV, players can submit their best dance recording through the in-game Autodance feature.
In-person at specific ESWC qualifier events and Ubisoft events to be communicated at a later date.
The top twenty Just Dance players will be flown to Paris Games Week to compete in the Grand Final of the Just Dance World Cup from October 30th to November 1st, 2014. During the Final, performances will be appraised on score and style of the dance by a jury and submitted to online voting. Details about the jury members and the rewards for the winners will be announced soon. At E3 2014 Ubisoft announced its plans for the future of Just Dance with Just Dance 2015 and Just Dance Now, an all new mobile game that allows players to play Just Dance tracks with their smartphones and any Internet-connected screen. For the latest information on the Just Dance World Cup by ESWC, please visit www.justdanceworldcup.com. You can view the announcement trailer below.
EA Mobile brought out two updates this week. Plants vs Zombies 2introduced the first part of the Dark Ages expansion. The update marks the return of some old mushroom plants and the introduction of the Sun Bean. Additionally, new zombies have been added to this medieval themed update. Plants vs Zombies 2 is available for free on iTunes App Store and Google Play.
Bejeweled Blitzalso received some love from EA this week. The mobile version of the game has been updated to add the Rock-It Blast that was previously a web exclusive. The power up replaces all blue gems with a rocket that increases multiplier effects and turns the board into rows of red, white, and blue. Bejeweled Blitz can be downloaded for free on iTunes App Store and Google Play.
The fans have voted and Montreal Canadiens fans will have one more thing to grieve. Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron beat Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban by ten million votes, earning Bergeron the cover of the upcoming game NHL 15.
“Being featured on the cover of NHL 15 is a dream come true,” said Bruins center Patrice Bergeron. “The fact that the cover is selected entirely by fans is an incredible feeling. The passion and support from hockey fans, especially fans of the Boston Bruins, is unlike any other sport and I’m so grateful to everyone who voted for me.”
NHL 15 introduces new collision physics, improved player modelling, new AI, and dynamically modeled fans in the arena. EA’s hockey game will launch on September 11, 2014 for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.
You may have heard that Viz Media had picked up Yu Sasuga and Kenichi Tachibana’s horror sci-fi manga Terra Formers for release in North America, but if not then you do now. Plus we have some good news for you as you will not have to wait too long for the first volume to be released as Viz announced today that Terra Formers Volume 1 will be hitting store shelves on July 15th for a price of $12.99. This release is rated M for mature as it features quite a lot of gore and subsequent volumes of this continuing series will be released on a bi-monthly basis.
