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Xbox One to be sold without Kinect starting on June 9th

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Back when the Xbox One was announced the Kinect was a mandatory device that could not be removed. Then eventually the company revealed that the console would work fine if the Kinect was not attached. Now today Microsoft has announced that they are planning on releasing an Xbox One package that will not include a Kinect at all.

Starting on June 9th Microsoft will start selling Xbox One consoles without the Kinect at a price of $399 which is a $100 price difference between the Kinect version that costs $499. Since a Kinectless version of the Xbox One will soon be going on sale, Microsoft will start selling a standalone Xbox One Kinect sometime this fall.

Pokemon Black 2 and Pokemon White 2 Super Music Collection Out Now

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It’s not always black and white

Well here it is Pokefans, the final instalment in the Pokemon Company‘s Super Music Collection…collection. As you might be able to guess from the name, this collection includes all of the wonderous tracks that comprised the Black 2 and White 2 3DS games. Return to Kalos with the digitally remastered and orchestrated versions of the original music, composed by Junichi Masuda, Go Ichinose and Morikazu Aoki.

So head on over to iTunes and nab yourself the final release in the Super Music Collection. At least until Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are released.

DeNA and Hasbro Reveal TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION – The Official Mobile Game is in Development

DeNA and Hasbro Reveal TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION – The Official Mobile Game is in Development

SAN FRANCISCO – May 13, 2014 – DeNA Co., Ltd. (TSE: 2432) and Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) today announced TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION, the official mobile game to one of the most anticipated movies of 2014, TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION, is currently in development for Android, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Directed by Michael Bay, the film is in theaters on June 27th from Paramount Pictures.

TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION – The Official Mobile Game is the second title in an exclusive three-year agreement between the two companies to develop and publish mobile games based on the TRANSFORMERS franchise. This new free-to-play game marks the first time that DeNA has developed a movie licensed game for mobile.

TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION – The Official Mobile Game is an all-new 3D combat runner game where the players’ mission is to take down new enemies featured in the movie as they run, dash, and change forms through fast-paced missions with their formidable cast of AUTOBOT heroes. Players fight and smash their way through a range of environments and enemies in this fast-paced action gameplay experience.

“The TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION mobile game will deliver an explosive interactive entertainment experience on mobile devices for TRANSFORMERS fans and consumers looking to extend their movie experience after the credits roll,” said Barry Dorf, vice president of partnerships and alliances at DeNA. “This isn’t your typical runner game; this game puts the player in the middle of an action-packed Hollywood blockbuster where it’s destroy or be destroyed!”

“DeNA is creating a fresh and innovative gameplay experience with TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION that translates big screen action moments onto mobile devices,” said Mark Blecher, SVP Digital Gaming & Corporate Development at Hasbro, Inc.

 

TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION – The Official Game will be available for Android, iPhone, iPad and iPod touch later this year.

To receive a free Rare Transmetal Rocket Launcher designed specifically for Decepticon obliteration, players can pre-register for the game by logging in with their Facebook accounts at www.transformers-mobile.com.

TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION is the fourth film in director Michael Bay’s global blockbuster franchise. Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, Li Bingbing, Kelsey Grammer, Sophia Myles, T. J. Miller, Nicola Peltz, Jack Reynor and Titus Welliver star. The film begins after an epic battle that left a great city torn, but with the world saved. As humanity picks up the pieces, a shadowy group reveals itself in an attempt to control the direction of history… while an ancient, powerful new menace sets Earth in its crosshairs. With help from a new cast of humans, OPTIMUS PRIME (voiced by Peter Cullen) and the AUTOBOTS rise to meet their most fearsome challenge yet. In an incredible adventure, they are swept up in a war of good and evil, ultimately leading to a climactic battle across the world.

Produced By Don Murphy & Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo Di Bonaventura and Ian Bryce.

Based on Hasbro’s Transformers™ Action Figures. Written By Ehren Kruger. Directed By Michael Bay.

About DeNA

DeNA (pronounced “D-N-A”) is a global leader of developing and operating mobile services including free-to-play games, e-commerce and other online offerings. Founded in 1999, DeNA is headquartered in Tokyo with offices and game development studios across the globe. DeNA Co., Ltd. is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (2432). For more information, visit:http://www.dena.com

About Hasbro, Inc.

Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company dedicated to fulfilling the fundamental need for play for children and families through the creative expression of the Company’s world class brand portfolio, including TRANSFORMERS, MONOPOLY, PLAY-DOH, MY LITTLE PONY, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, NERF and LITTLEST PET SHOP.  From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with innovative play and entertainment experiences, in a variety of forms and formats, anytime and anywhere. The Company’s Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for more than 180 markets around the world, and for the U.S. on Hub Network, part of a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK). Through the company’s deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s “100 Best Corporate Citizens.” Learn more atwww.hasbro.com.

Pokémon Black 2 & Pokémon White 2: Super Music Collection launches for iTunes

Pokémon Black 2 & Pokémon White 2: Super Music Collection launches for iTunes

Starting today, Pokémon fans and collectors can complete a collection of a different sort with the iTunes launch of Pokémon Black 2 & Pokémon White 2: Super Music Collection.

From Kanto to Kalos, music lovers can now take a musical journey through all the regions of the Pokémon world and enjoy a full collection of digitally remastered soundtracks. The Super Music Collection features beautifully adapted and orchestrated versions of the original game music, composed by Junichi Masuda, Gō Ichinose, and Morikazu Aoki.

Pokémon Black 2 & Pokémon White 2: Super Music Collection is the final release in a series of digitally remastered video game soundtracks, which began last year with the release of Pokémon X & Pokémon Y: Super Music Collection and was followed by soundtracks from all six generations of the Pokémon video games.

The full lineup of Super Music Collection soundtracks now includes:

Today’s release, Pokémon Black 2 & Pokémon White 2: Super Music Collection, can be added to the collection by following this link: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/pokemon-black-2-pokemon-white/id840343224

Fruitbat Factory Reveals Five New Games!

Fruitbat Factory Reveals Five New Games!

May 13, 2014Fruitbat Factory is happy to announce five new games to be released for English-speaking audiences worldwide on PC (Windows).

Human Tanks: ALTeR
The long-awaited sequel to the original strategy game War of the Human Tanks.

Human Tanks: Limited Operations
The third and final instalment in the Human Tanks series with many new challenges.

QP Shooting – Dangerous!!
A bullet hell shooter starring the pudding-loving dog girl QP from 100% Orange Juice.

99 Spirits – Cage of Night
A new adventure starring Saki and Komiya from 99 Spirits alongside new faces.

99 Spirits – Weeping Demon’s Bell
Another 99 Spirits story featuring Waka and Kotetsu in a thrilling web of events.

Human Tanks – ALTeR
is the much-awaited second instalment of the Human Tanks, Charge! series, and sequel to War of the Human Tanks. This time you assume
command of the enemy of the first game, the Royal Army, and fight back for all you hold dear!

Human Tanks – Limited Operations
is the last of the three games in the Human Tanks, Charge! series. In contrast to the first two games, Limited Operations has the player complete
difficult missions with pre-assigned resources and face up against even harder opponents. War of the Human Tanks was localized by Fruitbat Factory and
released worldwide September 2012. The Human Tanks, Charge! series is developed by Yakiniku Banzai!.

“We’ve had players asking for the sequels ever since we originally released War of the Human Tanks – our first game. We are really happy to finally
be able to give a favorable response – yes, we will be bringing over the entire Human Tanks series! Many will also be interested to hear that the
games will be available on Steam upon release.” says Jakke Elonen, project lead.

QP Shooting – Dangerous!!
is a bullet hell type shoot’em’up starring the pudding-loving dog girl QP, whom you might remember from 100% Orange Juice. Nothing can
stand between QP and her pudding – not even difficulty options to reduce the experienced gamer to tears! 100% Orange Juice was developed by Orange_Juice.
100% Orange Juice was developed by Orange_Juice and published by Fruitbat Factory in September 2013.

99 Spirits – Cage of Night
stars fan-favorites Saki and Komiya, and adds brand new characters. A story of tragic love and foxes’ games told in visual novel style, the Cage of
Night takes place during the events of 99 Spirits storyline and is set in a darker mood than the main story.

99 Spirits – Weeping Demon’s Bell
is another new addition to the 99 Spirits storyline. Within it unfolds a new adventure for Kotetsu and Waka, where a duty Kotetsu undertakes turns out
to have unforeseen and dangerous consequences. The two side stories are planned to be released as DLCs to 99 Spirits. 99 Spirits was originally
developed by TORaIKI and published worldwide by Fruitbat Factory in May 2013.

We are releasing our third Steam game, 100% Orange Juice, in just a few days, and after that we’ll be putting on the finishing touches for Cage of
Night’s release as a 99 Spirits DLC. We are also excited to bring over more of the adorable dog girl QP in the hellish shooter QP Shooting –
Dangerous!!. Her quest for pudding seems to never end.” adds Ozhan Sen, graphics and marketing lead.

War of the Human Tanks and 99 Spirits are available on Steam for PC (Windows). The Steam version of 100% Orange Juice is hitting the shelves on May 16
with all-new online multiplayer, HD resolutions support, Steam achievements, stats and trading cards.
For more information visit Fruitbat Factory’s Homepage, Twitter, YouTube or Facebook pages.

To add some music to the celebrations, Sound of the Human Tanks, music collection for the Human Tanks series, and 99 Spirits – Artbook & Soundtrack Pack
can be found -50% off on Steam for the duration of this week.

Company Information:

Fruitbat Factory is an independent localization company focusing on bringing interesting Japanese indie games to English-speaking audiences. In
addition to PC games, Fruitbat Factory recently announced a localization for the PlayStation 3 title Eiyuu Senki – The World Conquest. http://www.fruitbatfactory.com/

Yakiniku Banzai! is an independent Japanese game circle best known for their ‘Human Tanks, Charge!’ series. http://yakiniku-banzai.com/

TORaIKI is an independent Japanese game circle that aims to produce Windows PC titles suitable for gamers of all ages. 99 Spirits is TORaIKI’s first
release. http://www.toraiki.com/

Orange_Juice is an independent Japanese game circle best known for their quirky shoot’em’ups. http://daidai.moo.jp/

Online Multiplayer Battle Arena Game Brings Unique Crafting and Intense Third-Person Combat to Steam

Online Multiplayer Battle Arena Game Brings Unique Crafting and Intense Third-Person Combat to Steam

New York – May 13, 2014 – It’s time for PC gamers to sharpen their tools and ready their trigger fingers as Atari, one of the world’s most recognized publishers and producers of interactive entertainment, today opens the gates to early access via Steam for the third-person, multiplayer online combat and crafting game, Minimum. To enter early access and be the first to experience the mayhem of Minimum’s chaotic world, players can purchase the game for $19.99 on Steam or visit http://www.playminimum.com/.

Set in a minimalistic stylized universe, Minimum features fast-paced, session-based combat that pits teams of five against each other with powerful, craftable weapons. Each team has its own massive robotic Titan that they must power up and support so that it can help them fight and destroy the enemy’s base. At the core of Minimum is a blueprint crafting system where players collect resources to create customized, upgradable weapons and armor that power-up during kill streaks, enabling skilled warriors and Titans to become deadlier as matches progress.

“As a company that’s been known for being a gaming pioneer, Atari’s gone through multiple transformations to bring appealing and unique experiences to the ever-changing gaming audience,” said Fred Chesnais, Chief Executive Officer, Atari, Inc. “Minimum ushers in the next era of Atari gaming, with its distinctive mix of combat and crafting. We’re excited with the way the game turned out and are thrilled to finally bring Minimum’s exhilarating gameplay to PC.”

Developed by Human Head Studios, Minimum features full Steam integration, which means players sign in with their standard Steam login and will have access to their Steam Wallet and Inventory, allowing them to trade crafting items, blueprints and other acquired items with their fellow Steam members. Additionally, the game provides automatic matchmaking so players never have to hunt for servers.

Fans can visit www.playminimum.com to watch the trailer, register for game updates and receive free bonus in-game items.  For more information about Minimum, follow us on Twitter @PlayMinimumGame, ‘Like’ us on Facebook and visit our Official Wiki page.

# # #

About Atari
Atari (www.atari.com) is a multi-platform, global interactive entertainment and licensing company.   Atari owns and/or manages a portfolio of more than 200 games and franchises, including world renowned brands like Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command® and Pong®, (which were part of the classic gaming innovations from Atari founded in 1972), Test Drive®, and RollerCoaster Tycoon®.  Atari capitalizes on these powerful properties by delivering compelling games online (including browser, mobile and digital download), for PC, smartphones and tablets and other connected devices.  As a licensor, Atari extends its brand and franchises into other media, merchandising and publishing categories.

Atari has offices in New York and Paris.

© 2014 Atari Interactive, Inc. All rights reserved.  Atari word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.

About Human Head Studios Incorporated
Human Head Studios Incorporated is a privately owned, independent game development studio based in Madison, Wisc. Founded in 1997, Human Head Studios began with the development of the highly innovative and award winning Rune. Dedicated to innovative play and top quality visuals, Human Head Studios has developed games for consoles and the PC.

Vividred Operation Review

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Vividred Operation

Studio: A-1 Pictures
Publisher: Madman Entertainment
Format: DVD (Subtitled Only)
Release Date: April 16, 2013
Price: $59.95 – Available Here

Overview
When you see a character’s butt more than their face, you can’t help but wonder if this symbolizes the series itself and for Vividred Operation that much proves true. It is the butt of a bad joke. While watching this series it is almost impossible to tell if this is a flat out parody of fan-service or an overly exuberant love-letter to it. Needless to say this is one anime that shouldn’t be taken seriously and given how much screen time Vividred Operation devotes to butt-shots it is near impossible to do so anyway.

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Story
To discuss or even attempt to analyse the plot of Vividred Operation would be a pointless operation in every regard. The series has a paper thin plot that serves largely as a vehicle to progress from one ecchi scenario to the next. The story that does thread those sequences together revolves around a sci-fi construct that allows the world to produce limitless energy, which for some reason or another results in hostiles trying to destroy it and take away the peaceful existence that the world lives in.

It is about as cookie cutter a sci-fi tale as can be and the gaggle of cute girls in cute outfits doing cute things doesn’t add to it in any way. Each character tends to fall into a certain role and doesn’t ever expand outside of that formula at all. It is a true shame that the series mostly uses its protagonists as fan-service, preferring to indulge in elongated butt-shot sequences, gazing at the girl’s butt from different angle for a gratuitous amount of time.

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Sure the fan-service may please ecchi fanatics, but it really comes off as egregious and forceful. There is far too much fan-service in this series and it overshadows and nullifies any weight the story itself or characterization could potentially have. When you strip it all back the story could be something interesting in other hands, but here it is just an afterthought. The saddest part however is undoubtedly the negative impact the fan-service has on the characters themselves, rather than having any personality or depth, these girls value amounts to nothing more than the shapes of their behinds. It is terrible and at times offensive how gratuitous it can be.

Ultimately Vividred Operation is a very disappointing experience in terms of story and characterization, it’s overuse of fan-service kills any potential substance the series could have and results in what is a truly tiresome viewing. This is not an easy show to watch by any means, in fact it proves difficult to sit through considering the dull plot and cardboard characters, the worst of all though is the over the top fan-service that goes so far it is really just a terrible joke.

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Visuals and Audio
A-1 Pictures have undoubtedly put a lot of effort into making this series look good. The animation is fluid and crisp and the artstyle itself has that fresh look that we have come to expect from A-1 Pictures. There are a lot of small details in the animation that really show in the fan-service sequences, whether it be a jiggle or a shake, the animation of all body parts is captured in great detail. Unfortunately the effort and time put in here was for something that comes off as very shallow an half-hearted.

The character designs are fairly unique and well thought out, however unfortunately we mostly only get to see them from one certain angle, that being from behind. It is disappointing because these characters have a distinct look and style to them but they are essentially an afterthought to their own behinds. I never thought I’d have to write those words but there you go.

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The soundtrack for Vividred Operation is actually quite good and features a few memorable tracks. The opening and ending themes are solid and do a good job setting up and closing each episode of the series. Unfortunately this release is subtitled only and as such only has one audio track, not featuring an English dub whatsoever. This could be a deal breaker for some but for those that fall into the target audience for this series it is probably not going to be an issue.

Extras
There are a few special features included in this release from Madman Entertainment. Included in the release are clean opening and ending theme songs as well as special web previews for the episodes. This is a fair amount of bonus content for a subtitle only release and while not making up for the lack of a dub does go a ways to make this release have more bang for your buck. Unfortunately it isn’t exactly enough to warrant the rather hefty price tag associated.

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Overall
Where do I begin? There is so much wrong with this series. When you cannot tell whether a series is intended as parody or not is somewhat telling as to the quality of the series itself. Such is the case with Vividred Operation a lackluster attempt at the sci-fi genre from the team who brought us the equally fan-service heavy Strike Witches. Given their history it shouldn’t come as so much of a surprise as what we have here with Vividred Operation, yet somehow in spite of it all it still manages to shock with how appalling it truly is.

This series is best left to the most hardcore ecchi fans. If you want something more than a highlight reel of the best and worst angles of cute girl’s behinds while they fight to save the world or something then you are looking in the wrong place. Vividred Operation lacks even an iota or substance failing at the most basic levels of storytelling all in favour of the almighty round behind. It is disappointing through and through and proves that fan-service is best served in moderation.

4-5-capsules-out-of-10

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

Indie Gala Every Monday Bundle #7 Now Available

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Indie Gala and Capsule Computers have launched ‘Every Monday’ Bundle #7, featuring seven great indie games. Including action, RPG, puzzle, strategy and racing titles, there truly is something for everybody this week:

Savant – Ascent is a challenging dodge-and-shoot title in which a malicious orb has cast Savant out of his tower and transformed his surroundings into dangerous territory full of enemies. As the Alchemist, players must make their way back up through the tower, unlocking CDs by musical artists Savant that unlock new abilities.

Containment: The Zombie Puzzler is an action puzzle game like you’ve never seen before. The goal of Containment is to surround zombies with survivors of the same color. But watch out for the zombies—they’ll fight back by infecting the survivors in the street.

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Final Rush is a co-operative action first person shooter which pits you against waves of enemies. As an Early Access title, buying Final Rush as part of the bundle comes with the promise of a constantly growing and improving experience with multiple themes, levels, boss battles, varied enemy types and armor customisation in development as we speak.

The Fall of Gods is an old-school influenced Action-RPG that’ll bring you back to the 16-bit era of gaming. Featuring orchestral music, a huge world with 4 dungeons to conquer and a bunch of side quests and puzzles to play through, The Fall of Gods has everything you love about A-RPGs.

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Making History II: The War of the World presents the ultimate grand strategy experience, where you’re tasked with controlling international trade, religious and cultural strife, military campaigns and diplomatic negotiations; the depth of management, however, reaches city-level. And if it’s long, competitive games you crave, Making History II: The War of the World includes an innovative multiplayer system.

Ocean City Racing is an open-world indie driving game powered by Unreal Engine 3 featuring a free roam, time-trial and a race mode in a massive environment. OCR is currently on Steam Greenlight.

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MacGuffin’s Curse is the winner of the Freeplay Award for Best Game Writing! It features hilarious dialogue, charming hand-drawn art and huge replay value, perfect for seasoned adventurers and casual gamers alike. Challenge without frustration is ensured across 150+ puzzle rooms and 90+ side quests.

Be sure to grab your copy of the bundle at Indie Gala for only $1.49 before the price goes up after the first 24 hours of the sale!

Rare Shiny Mamoswine Pokemon Distribution Event Announced

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Pokemon Trainer’s have been searching across the land for the fabled Shiny Mamoswine, one of the rarest of all Ice-Type Pokemon. Now that search is finally over, the rare and much sought after Shiny Mamoswine will be distributed as part of a Pokemon Distribution Event. So get your 3DS ready trainers because the event is none other than the 2014 Pokemon European National Tournaments.

Those in attendance at the 2014 Pokemon European National Tournaments will be able to download a level 50 Shiny Mamoswine. The event will be taking place at the following locations and dates:

  • 2014 Pokémon UK National Championships: May 24–25, 2014, in Manchester, UK
  • 2014 Pokémon Italian National Championships: May 31–June 1, 2014, in Milan, Italy

Be sure to let us know what you think of this special distribution event for Shiny Mamoswine in the comments section below.

 

 

Scouts Vs Zombies Begins Principal Photography

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So this is definitely an unusual one. Paramount Pictures have officially announced that principal photography on their upcoming monster flick; Scouts vs Zombies is now underway. As you might have guessed from the title, the film follows a group of boy scouts who are forced to defend themselves from a violent horde of zombies.

Christopher Landon, who previously served as a producer on the Paranormal Activity series (also directing the latest installment; The Marked Ones) will be jumping into the director’s chair with a script penned by The Drew Carey Show’s Lona Williams, so it should have a nice mixture of comedy and dark horror elements. The cast is filled primarily with up and coming actors, with Patrick Schwarzenegger, Halston Sage and Tye Sheridan in leading roles.

No word on when Scouts vs Zombies will be released but rest assured that we will let you know as soon as that info comes to light. So for all the Scouts vs Zombies news as it becomes available, make sure you stay tuned to Capsule Computers.