Today Ubisoft announced the crossover between free-to-play game Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Phantoms and the Assassin’s Creed series with the launch of a new Assassin’s Creed item pack for Ghost Recon Phantoms. Players can fully customize the three character classes in Ghost Recon Phantoms with armor, headgear and weapons inspired by the Assassin’s Creed franchise. The set will be available for four weeks and features the following items:
Three new iconic Assassin’s Creed Hoods and Tactical Suits
Five new top-of-the-line, Tier VII Assassin’s Creed themed weapons (Ak-12 SV AC, PKM SV AC, M3A1 C AC, M960 C AC, M14 Tactical AC)
Five classic Assassin’s Creed pack weapons (F2000 SP AC, Fiveseven AC, MG36 KV AC, P90 C AC, Sentinel SR-1 AC)
Felix Marlo Flor, Ghost Recon Phantoms art director had some words to say on the crossover initiative:
“The community response was very positive when we released our first Assassin’s Creed crossover during open beta for the Recon class. So we decided to produce a brand new and much more in-depth Assassin’s Creed pack including gear and weapons for all three classes. Bringing Assassin’s Creed into the futuristic setting of Ghost Recon Phantoms while staying true to both worlds was an exciting challenge. We looked at the similarities between the Ghosts and Assassins, both are stealthy, elite warriors, who fight for justice, and fused those similarities to create a crossover that fits naturally into Ghost Recon Phantoms.”
Those keen for an early look at the Assassin’s Creed pack in action can check out the Twitch channel where the Ghost Recon Phantoms community team will be hosting a live stream showcasing the additions. To play the game now on PC for free, visit the official Ghost Recon Phantoms website. The game is supposedly also seeing a Wii U release, but plans appear to be on hold as of now.
“Titan Comics” are extremely excited to announce that they have just released the third issue of the hit comic book series “Spandex”. Having already been released physically years ago, “Titan Comics” and “Comixology” have come together to see that the series gets a second chance in the comic book spotlight, this time digitally. “Spandex” – created, written and illustrated by the highly acclaimed Martin Eden – is a series that revolves around a team of all -gay superheroes, all of which deal with both the evils of their world and the pressures of being a pubic figure.
In the story, a powerful creature named Nadir has taken over the Earth and turned it into a black & white world full of colourless, cheerless zombies… all except for four (full-colour) members of Spandex! As the remaining team are picked off one by one, could this be the end of life as we know it?
The series has gotten a great deal of praise over the years so it only makes sense for “Titan Comics” to bring it back once again for another run. “Spandex” issue three is available now through “Comixology” for $1.99 (click here). “Titan Comics” have provided a number of preview images for the newly re-released issue that you can all check out just below this article so head down there now to check them out and don’t forget to hit up our comments section to let us know what you think.
As Ekon, the player battles evil (and goofy) Octoids using a vast array of powerful weapons that include fan favorites Toxic Infector, SubZero Cannon, and the almighty Decompressor. Quick reflexes and special attention to loot drops are necessary at all times; they’re the quickest path to new weapons, ammo refills, and upgradable stats such as Reload Speed and Health Regen. Ekon the Cyborg ships with 34 levels and includes both Story and Survival modes unlocked from the start.
“We’re all hardcore gamers at Wicked Dog,” says Jeffrey Lim, producer at Wicked Dog Games. “With Ekon the Cyborg, we wanted to prove that mobile games don’t need to be ridiculously easy or cater to a casual audience in order to succeed. Ekon is a love letter to those early PlayStation games that wowed us with amazing (for the time!) flat-shaded polygon graphics and deviously challenging gameplay. Hope you enjoy mowing down Octoids as much as we enjoyed creating them :)”
Key Features
Frenetic, action-packed twin-stick shooter built from the ground up for touch screens
Gorgeous 3D arenas inspired by the early PlayStation era
Two gameplay modes: Campaign and Survival
Wide variety of upgradable primary and secondary weapons
Special events (like falling bombs!) that can turn the tide in a matter of seconds
Tons of unique enemy types
Awesome boss fights
Leaderboards that let you immortalize your exploits!
Wicked Dog Games was founded in 2011 in sunny Singapore by talented developers who fondly remember Street Fighter 2: The World Warrior, Super Nintendo games, and 1990s isometric RPGs on PC. The studio is laser-focused on mobile with a classic console gaming sensibility. For more information on Wicked Dog Games, visit http://www.wickeddoggames.com/
Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan are back for another round of impersonations and silly banter, taking off on a tour of six Italian restaurants with naught but an Alanis Morissette CD and each other for company. The film is a follow up to 2011’s The Trip, and like its predecessor was originally a six part television series that has been edited down into two hours of cinema by returning director Michael Winterbottom. Brydon is best known as a comedian and TV panel show presenter in the United Kingdom, whilst Coogan has more of an international reputation thanks to Alan Partridge and a recent Oscar nomination for Philomena.
Story
The two comedians play the slightly fictionalised versions of themselves first seen in 2005’s Tristram Shandy: A Cock And Bull Story, which was also directed by Winterbottom. The plot is a carbon copy of the previous film, with The Observer newspaper once again commissioning the two to sample a selection of restaurants, this time in Italy instead of north England (can’t have been that hard a sell for the actors).
There’s some allusion made to the two retracing the steps of Romantics Byron and Shelley as they eat their way around the country, but the plot is really only there to give Brydon and Coogan the chance to show off their improv skills. Every car ride, meal, or glass of wine kicks off a conversation where the two are free to let rip with gags and impersonations galore- there’s even the odd comment about the food. Michael Caine returns (of course) this time bringing Dark Knight Rises co-stars Christian Bale and Tom Hardy with him, that particular meal ending in an absurd role play where Coogan’s AP is trying to convince both Batman and Bane that no one can understand a word they’re saying.
The Italian setting gives Brydon the excuse to unleash Brando, DeNiro, Pacino et al, with Coogan largely playing the straight man but diving into the absurdity every now and again. The impressions and pop and film culture references may dominate but there is the odd fantastic one liner- “Where do you stand on Michael Buble?” Brydon asks, “On his windpipe?” replies Coogan.
The comedy relies on a lot of references and impersonations, and whilst the quality of the gags isn’t in doubt, certain audiences may find themselves out of the loop on some of the older film references or those more local to the UK (Ken Bruce anyone?). The chemistry of the two leads and some of the sillier banter are an enjoyable watch regardless, but it’s fair to say that those of a certain vintage will get more out of this film, and cinephiles will also be more than happy.
Coogan was certainly the focus of The Trip, but here it is the lesser known Brydon who deservedly gets more of the attention. The jokes and the voices and the impersonations never stop coming, and he’s responsible for some of the funniest moments in the film (the comedic potential of “kumquat” and a conversation with a dead Pompeiian leap to mind). Coogan is still a match for him with his constant one-upmanship and grimaces, and there’s no denying that the two have something of the old married couple about them.
There is a more dramatic side to the film too, with both men struggling to come to terms with mortality, aging and problems within their own families. Coogan’s career has hit a downward slope, and faced with a stressed out wife on the other end of the phone Brydon finds himself getting a bit too close to a young deckhand. These quieter moments feel like they may have been given a lower priority in the cut from six episode show to film, but they are still handled deftly and sit well with the rest of the film- there’s obviously more than a grain of truth to some of the ruminations (those regarding career choices and getting older rather than extra-marital affairs), and the friendship between the two actors is obviously genuine.
Audio & Visuals
Director Michael Winterbottom rightfully lets his two leads take most of the attention but the beauty of the Italian countryside is never far away. The six restaurant tour takes in Liguria, Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi and Capri, and the verdant landscapes, shimmering ocean and beautiful light will have the audience longing for a trip to Italy of their own. Brydon and Coogan are invariably visiting hotels and restaurants on the luxurious end of the spectrum, rounding out all that natural beauty with hotel suites and terraces once visited by the poets and actors that dominate so much of the conversation.
The Alannis Morisette soundtrack may seem like an odd choice given all that wealth and luxury, but somehow the combination of her 90s chick rock and the two middle aged men in a Mini works, with the odd piece of Verdi or Puccini pushing its way through the tunes of Jagged Little Pill to give a suitably grand atmosphere to some of the spectacular views.
Overall
The Trip to Italy isn’t a sequel that builds on its predecessor, but given the three year gap between outings it’s easy to forgive the replication of plot and structure. The Brydon-Coogan partnership will always be the selling point of the series anyway, and the improvisation skills on show here are tremendous; both actors enjoy themselves but Brydon is the stand out. Some of the references will fly over the heads of younger or non-UK viewers, but there’s still a lot of gags to enjoy no matter your vintage or tastes.
A six part series may do more service to Brydon and Coogan’s skills than a film with a running time of under two hours, but The Trip to Italy is still a great option for those who haven’t managed to catch the television show. It has plenty of laughs and to boot you can leave the cinema craving pasta and humming Alannis Morissette- what more could you ask?
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
inkle and Profile Books Announce 80 Days, a Jules Verne-Inspired Narrative Game for iPhone & iPad
This summer, embark on a round-the-world steampunk adventure from developer of acclaimed Steve Jackson’s Sorcery! mobile games
CAMBRIDGE, U.K. – May 14, 2014 – The year is 1872. Welcome to the future.inkle, an independent developer of interactive narrative games, and London-based publisher Profile Books are announcing 80 Days, a Jules Verne-inspired steampunk adventure game to release for iPhone and iPad in Summer 2014.
Taking the role of Passepartout, Phileas Fogg’s long-suffering valet and travel companion, 80 Days players choose their own path in an attempt to circumnavigate the globe and win a hefty wager. In this vast adventure across all seven continents, the player’s decisions weave a story written on the fly by the same flexible narrative system behind inkle‘s acclaimed Sorcery! mobile games. Getting around the world before the clock runs out requires strategy, cunning, and a dash of luck, with no two attempts unfolding the same way and boundless replay opportunities awaiting players who aspire to beat their best time.
Every second counts in 80 Days, with a networked live feed putting a real-world twist on Verne’s iconic race. Observe the routes, discoveries, and disasters of other 80 Days players in real time as you compete to be the fastest around the globe. Travel by steamer, express train, airship, hover-car, hydrofoil, gyrocopter, camel, horseback, or hot-air balloon. Avoid capture by pirates from Havana, aid the Indian uprising in Calcutta, track down mad scientists in the desert of Arabia, and explore the powerful Zulu Federation in Africa — just don’t let anything slow you down!
With a massive script penned by celebrated interactive fiction author Meg Jayanth, 80 Days has a flexible narrative with over ten thousand choices to make, a cast of hundreds to interact with, and more than 150 cities to explore. Far more than a digital adaptation of Around the World in 80 Days, the game blows open Jules Verne’s classic to pit a Victorian past against an imagined steampunk future, creating a dynamic world as challenging and unexpected for today’s audience as Verne’s works were for his own.
For additional 80 Days details and a first glimpse of the game’s Art Deco and steampunk-inspired art direction, visit the official website: http://www.inklestudios.com/80days
About inkle
inkle is a game studio that specializes in interactive narrative. Founded in Cambridge UK by Joe Humfrey and Jon Ingold, their interactive Frankenstein app, written by Dave Morris and published by Profile Books, was praised as ‘brilliantly designed’, ‘beautiful’ and ‘ground-breaking’. Their interactive fantasy series Sorcery! has sold over 150,000 copies. http://www.inklestudios.com/
About Meg Jayanth
Meg Jayanth is a writer, producer and game-maker with a particular interest in digital storytelling. She is the author of story-game Samsara, an award-winning historical fantasy of dream-walking and courtly intrigue set in 18th Century Bengal. Her short stories have appeared in magazines and anthologies including Long Hidden: Speculative Fiction from the Margins of History published by Crossed Genres. You can find her at http://megjayanth.com & @betterthemask
All Aboard as Game Insight Releases Transport Empire oniPhone
Game Insight’s latest economic strategy game now available for iPhone
Moscow and San Francisco – May 14, 2014 – Game Insight, a global publisher of mobile and social games, is excited to announce that its newest economic strategy, Transport Empire, has been released for iPhone and is available for download on the Apple App Store, giving players a chance to become industrial tycoons in a virtual world.
The updated version for iOS brings support to iPhone and iPad, improvements to game balance and adds a lot of interesting new features. Players can now upgrade railroads to speed up the competition of their contracts, upgrade locomotives from old models to new ones to increase efficiency, and even control the effects of carriages when you choose the locomotive model and the suiting carriage types.
The latest update brings new buildings that provide players with cash and resources, as well as a variety of new buildings, including forester’s lodges, bartons, fishermen houses, and even a Colossus that produces very valuable resource – gold. There are many new plot quests and events that make the game even more captivating and varied. Finally, players who visit the game regularly will receive special bonuses and presents for daily logins.
Transport Empire invites players to dispatch locomotives, steamboats, and airships, as well as construct roads, mines, and develop cities while earning the respect of locals and avoiding the sinister machinations of enemies and rivals. Aside from construction and logistics, Transport Empire also offers an engaging and deep story that includes a cast of memorable characters, each with their own compelling background, as well as a series of mysteries, long-lost treasures, and an exciting search for a legendary phantom train!
Additional Information Get media assets here:http://www.game-insight.com/files/EN/Games/GI_Transport_Empire/iOS/ Watch the official Transport Empire trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgX-8tm9i0o
Visit the official Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/TransportEmpire About Game Insight Founded in 2010, Game Insight is a global-facing developer and publisher of varied, user-focused, and free-to-play games for all major mobile and social platforms, including iOS, Android, Facebook, and Web. We are a team of more than 900 passionate game developers who actually play games ourselves. Our internal network consists of 15 different studios that constantly create and update high- quality games, many of which have already become #1 top-grossing hits in mobile application stores and on social networks around the world, which has led Game Insight to build a global audience of more than 250 million users. Visit http://www.game-insight.com for more info.
TOM CLANCY’S GHOST RECON PHANTOMS® LAUNCHES ASSASSIN’S CREED® CROSSOVER
Phantoms and Ghosts gear up with exclusive Assassin’s Creed items
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – May 14, 2014 – Today, Ubisoft® announced the crossover between Ghost Recon Phantoms® and Assassin’s Creed® with the launch of a new Assassin’s Creed pack. Players can fully customize the three character classes in Ghost Recon Phantoms with armor, headgear and weapons inspired by the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
Ghost Recon Phantoms is proud to unveil a new set of limited-time Assassin’s Creed items available for all three classes for four weeks, starting today:
Three new iconic Assassin’s Creed Hoods and Tactical Suits
Five new top-of-the-line, Tier VII Assassin’s Creed themed weapons (Ak-12 SV AC, PKM SV AC, M3A1 C AC, M960 C AC, M14 Tactical AC)
Five classic Assassin’s Creed pack weapons (F2000 SP AC, Fiveseven AC, MG36 KV AC, P90 C AC, Sentinel SR-1 AC)
“The community response was very positive when we released our first Assassin’s Creed crossover during open beta for the Recon class. So we decided to produce a brand new and much more in-depth Assassin’s Creed pack including gear and weapons for all three classes,” said Felix Marlo Flor, Ghost Recon Phantoms art director. “Bringing Assassin’s Creed into the futuristic setting of Ghost Recon Phantoms while staying true to both worlds was an exciting challenge. We looked at the similarities between the Ghosts and Assassins, both are stealthy, elite warriors, who fight for justice, and fused those similarities to create a crossover that fits naturally into Ghost Recon Phantoms.”
For a first-look at the Assassin’s Creed pack in action The Ghost Recon Phantoms community team will be hosting a live Twitch stream on http://www.twitch.tv/ghostreconphantoms.
Ubisoft is a leading creator, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and services, with a rich portfolio of world-renowned brands, including Assassin’s Creed, Just Dance, Tom Clancy’s video game series, Rayman and Far Cry. The teams throughout Ubisoft’s worldwide network of studios and business offices are committed to delivering original and memorable gaming experiences across all popular platforms, including consoles, mobile phones, tablets and PCs. For the 2012-13 fiscal year Ubisoft generated sales of €1,256 million. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com/.
MIDNIGHT CITY GETS FRESH WITH DAILY RECOMMENDED SERVINGS OF ORGANIC PANIC ON STEAM EARLY ACCESS TODAY
Malleable Indie Platformer Starring Fruit and Veggie Heroes Makes Its Way to Steam with a Special Introductory Price
Edison, NJ – May 14, 2014 – Midnight City, indie label of Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: COOL) an innovative provider of games for the mass market, is bringing the charming food-fighting, puzzle-platformer, Organic Panic to PC gamers via Steam Early Access today at a special introductory price of $9.99. Poised to turn the nutritional pyramid upside down, Organic Panic pits fruit and vegetable heroes against meat and cheese adversaries in fully interactive and destructible arenas that prove there’s more than one way to peel a carrot.
The story of Organic Panic focuses on the denizens of a food-centric dietary universe where “The Organics,” friendly fruit and vegetable heroes, must battle for caloric supremacy against the “Meat & Cheese Cartel” in a series of customizable and destructible environments. Powerful physics give players the chance to experiment with a plethora of elemental liquids to help solve puzzles in new and imaginative ways. Organic Panic supplies players with the tools and inspiration, but it’s up to each individual to master these elements and abilities for maximum synergy on the battlefield. Burrow through the ground, burn down obstacles, or fill craters with water to solve hundreds of brain-teasing levels, all while keeping those Meat & Cheese high-cholesterollers in their place. Play as stalwart heroes Carrot, Cherry, Kiwi, and Coconut as they master the powers of fire, earth, water, and gravity to change the nature of the battlefield in every match. Local cooperative and versus modes bring friends into the action for high intensity, full-scale nutritional warfare.
During this introductory phase of Steam Early Access, developer Last Limb hopes to use community feedback to build new levels, further develop single player and local cooperative game modes as well as polish the in-game level editor. This editor gives players the power to create and share their own level designs with the community. The single player mode kicks off with 50 puzzle levels to tackle, while the local cooperative mode currently delivers 10 levels available for play. Stay tuned to the Organic Panic Steam Early Access page for more opportunities to offer feedback and get the latest intel from developer Last Limb. Organic Panic will launch at a full price of $14.99, but will remain at the discounted $9.99 for the duration of the Early Access program.
So no need to wait! Jump into Early Access and join this epic brawl for it all to answer the age old question: which cuisine will reign supreme?
ABOUT MAJESCO ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY
Majesco Entertainment Company is an innovative developer, marketer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for consumers around the world. Building on more than 25 years of operating history, the company develops and publishes a wide range of video games on console, handheld and mobile platforms, as well as digital networks through its Midnight City label. Majesco also owns 50% of GMS Entertainment, the parent company of online gaming company Pariplay, which specializes in iGaming, iLottery and social gaming. Majesco is headquartered in Edison, NJ and the company’s shares are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol: COOL. More info can be found online at majescoent.com or on Twitter at twitter.com/majesco.
ABOUT MIDNIGHT CITY
Midnight City is Majesco’s independent digital label dedicated to supporting indie development teams with customized publishing services, including public relations, marketing, and community content. Operated by former IGN Editor-in-chief Casey Lynch and longtime industry veteran Doug Kennedy, Midnight City focuses its efforts on the ever growing independent game development market and independent game studios.
ABOUT LAST LIMB, LLC
Last Limb Games was created by Damon and Anatole Branch in 2009, reunited to focus on a literally ‘ground-breaking’ title, Organic Panic. Damon and Anatole worked in various game companies in the UK before setting up their own studio, Pukka Games in 1998. They had a number of hits including Thunderbirds and Hot Potato (GBC/GBA). They also developed 3D technology which was used to create a number of simulations with Imagination, and the Ford Motor Company. In 2004 Damon set up a game studio in NYC, Gaia Industries, creating a slew of mobile and XBLA titles, working with licensed properties like HBO’s “Sex and the City”, Major League Baseball (MLB), and Wing Commander, together with some original titles including Street Trace NYC. Past clients include Microsoft, EA, Take 2, and HBO.
Pre-Season will begin with full Bundesliga roster in United Eleven
Beta testing commences on 15th May and officially launches in early June
Luxembourg, 14th May 2014: Today, Nexon Europe has announced that the Pre-Season for United Eleven will have the confirmed addition of the entire Bundesliga license to fill up the official roster and add to the many names and faces from the FIFPro selection that are already on offer.
United Eleven is fronted by none other than one of the greatest managers of all time, Carlo Ancelotti, and is inviting fans and managers-in-training everywhere to put their skills to the test in the most sophisticated browser-based simulation game around. With the full Bundesliga license, alongside FIFPro, players can create a team using Bundesliga clubs and logos, and build a squad mixing top players such as Manuel Neuer, Julian Draxler, and Philipp Lahm alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Steven Gerrard.
Mixing players from Bundesliga and FIFPro licenses will require delicate decision-making, especially in regards to constructing stronger team chemistry, both on and off the pitch. Establish your own style of management by altering tactics and formations during the match to drive your hand-picked squad onwards to victory. All this is available for free on your browser, with mobile functionality for when you need to make important decisions on the go.
The Pre-Season of United Eleven, which refers to the beta testing period before the official launch, will start on 15th May, and all are welcome to join the game’s kick-off. The game will be officially launched early June.
“We’re delighted to have the Bundesliga license confirmed, adding to what is now an enormous selection of the world’s top players to recruit from,” said Kenny Chang, CEO of Nexon Europe. “We’re demonstrating the best of the European football scene and through the extensive gameplay options, representing what our main promoter Carlo Ancelotti believes is crucial to success; ‘to react with the personality and character of all.’”
United Eleven will be serviced in 8 languages: English, German, French, Italian, Polish, Spanish, Portuguese, and Turkish. The game will be published in Europe, North and South America, Oceania, and North Africa.
Established in March 2007, Nexon Europe is one of the leading publishers of free-to-play MMOs in Europe. The company has brought the worldwide hit casual MMORPG MapleStory to Europe in May 2007, and the successful FPS Combat Arms in January 2009. With the launch of the 3D action MMORPG Vindictus in 2011, Nexon Europe has strengthened its position as a promising publisher in Europe. Next to these in-house franchises, Nexon Europe was also able to acquire and fully operate Atlantica Online, an innovative, tactical MMORPG; Dekaron, an authentic action MMORPG set in a grim fantasy universe; and the action-packed FPS War Rock. The recent additions to its growing portfolio are Navy Field 2 alongside the legendary FPS game Counter-Strike Online in Turkey. For 2014, the company’s first browser-based full-scale MMORPG Arcane Chronicles and fun-packed, action-fighting game Lost Saga will join as new line-ups. Furthermore, with United Eleven, a browser-based, cross-platform football management game, Nexon Europe is seeking to reach diverse players globally. For more information on Nexon Europe and its games, please visit the official website at www.nexoneu.com.
About NHN BlackPick Corporation
NHN BlackPick is a Korean mobile/online game developer and publisher that separated from NHN Entertainment, one of the most successful mobile/PC game companies in Korea. NHN BlackPick is continuously expanding its portfolio from well-recognized PC MMORPGs, to sports simulation games, such as United Eleven, EOS, and Baseball 9ners. In addition to the success of The Brain, a casual mobile game targeting adults who are 50 years of age and older, NHN BlackPick focuses on expanding business capability with its new mobile racing games. To bolster its competitiveness, NHN BlackPick has a large-scale goal of servicing various games in the global market with the launch of United Eleven.
