Logitech have just unveiled the Illuminated Living-Room Keyboard K830, the first of its kind from the leading innovator in gaming peripherals. Rechargeable with backlit keys, an integrated touch-pad, and advanced wireless connectivity, the K830 allows you to control your TV-connected PC in the darkness of your bedroom, or from the comfort of your couch. Marcus Fry, Managing Director at Logitech ANZ, said of the hardware;
More and more consumers want an easy way to access movies, TV programs, music and photos with their PC connected to a TV. Our new Illuminated Living-Room Keyboard K830 is designed with this setup in mind. Backlit keys and a premium aesthetic that blends into the living room make it a stand-out choice for people with connected TVs.
The Logitech Illuminated Living-Room Keyboard K830 sports many great features, including:
Backlit Keys: Keys automatically dim or brighten based on the amount of light in the room. If no typing is detected after five seconds, the backlight turns off to help you save power.
Living Room Design: The keyboard is designed for the modern living space, compact and lightweight, but made with a combination of premium textures, metal-like finish and soft-feel keys optimised for media and entertainment control. Its slim design also means it can be stored vertically to save space.
Navigate From a Distance: Lean back and browse with a fast, reliable wireless connection from up to 33 feet (10 m) away, thanks to the tiny plug-and-play Unifying receiver, delivering advanced 2.4GHz long-range wireless connectivity and allowing you to start typing immediately without installing software or having to pair devices.
Rechargeable: The micro-USB cable makes recharging easy. You can even use your keyboard while it is recharging. A full charge gives you up to 10 days of power. The On/Off switch and battery indicator light also help you manage the power.
Keyboard and Mouse All-in-One: By combining a traditional keyboard and a touchpad into one device, you get streamlined navigation for your connected TV. The touchpad is smooth and responsive with accurate cursor control and enhanced gesture functions for easy navigation.
The Logitech Illuminated Living-Room Keyboard K830 – compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8 and beyond – will be shipping in May for a RRP of $129.95, with a 1-year warranty. Check out the recently revealed Logitech G502 Proteus Core Tunable Gaming Mouse, also releasing in May.
EA and PopCap Games have revealed that Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare will officially be blasting its way onto Origin for PC on June the 26th. Along with previously released DLC Garden VarietyPack and Zomboss Down, the PC edition will come with a Wild West-themed update featuring eight new playable characters, more than 200 customizations and a Cactus Canyon map.
Brian Lindley, Producer at PopCap Games, said of the upcoming PC launch;
We’ve had an amazing response from players since launching the Xbox platforms, and can’t wait for PC players to join the party this summer. The PC version has all the great content that we have put out since launch like Garden Variety and Zomboss Down for players to enjoy from the start.
Gamers can pre-order the Origin Digital Deluxe edition, which includes two Booster Packs, in-game coins and an exclusive character customization pack, right now.
The Sandbox was originally a mobile-based game, one that allowed its user free-reign over what they wanted to create and how they wanted to do it, similar to Minecraft, though it doesn’t utilize a first-person view. The Sandbox is a clever little indie title with simplistic graphics and straight-forward gameplay that I fear might only appeal to a certain group of players. However, the title is worth trying if you’re not afraid to shell out a few bucks to purchase it. Whether it be the pixelated graphics or the variety of missions you can partake in, The Sandbox offers a very unique experience for anyone who enjoys falling sand games. The game is currently available for purchase on Steam through Early Access for $9.99. This latest version is for the PC and Mac, and is almost an identical port of the iOS and Android versions.
Gameplay
Gameplay in The Sandbox is dependent on what the player wants to do. There is a “Create” game type that allows a player to create whatever they want. The game offers a huge suite of tools to use when creating your own personalized landscapes. Let’s begin with some of the basics. The first “pixel” that you can start dropping down into your own personalized sandbox is soil. By holding your mouse down, you can pour soil down onto your browser, allowing you to control just how much you want layered over the base.
Each different element reacts to other elements in their own unique ways. They even get dispersed differently when you use them. For example, when you use the “electric” element, electricity courses through your cursor downwards in an open, erratic fan pattern, similar to lightning. Other elements like soil and sand simply falls down from your cursor’s location. Also, as I’ve said earlier, elements interact with other elements and objects differently. Electricity will course through metal, and when stone is heated, it’ll turn into lava. You can also freeze water or turn it into water vapors, which leads to clouds. The game provides endless possibilities for the player to control.
Some of the weirder objects and units you can manipulate includes musical instruments, dinosaurs, and humanoids that you can give special tools and skills to survive in the world you create. You can make your human a lumberjack by sprinkling some pixelated “skills” over them, and voila, you have created a wood-cutting maniac. These skills and powers grants your humans the ability to survive in the wild. It’s quite an interesting little system that they’ve created concerning the actions and tools you’re provided with.
There is also a Play mode, which allows you to play through certain missions in The Sandbox. They range from the Initial Story, where you get to learn the ins and outs of the gameplay, Contraptions, which teaches you all about the tiny gizmos and gadgets you can use through the tools, and even Robocalypse, where you take on robots in different situations. This game mode provides a lot of different and unique scenarios for players to work through. Some missions are ridiculously easy and simplistic, where the game will ask you to do something like make mud. (Understandably, this is one of the more simple missions) Other missions are surprisingly difficult and really complex, almost to the point of making me want to rip my hair out, although it may just be me. For example, there’s a mission where you have to get a “virus” out of a maze, but other than that, you have to figure out your own way of doing things.
There are actually more to this game than meets the eye. Beyond the wide variety of tools and interesting missions, there are also achievements and galleries for players to take part in. Achievements are earned as you progress through the game, and there are plenty of achievements to earn by playing the game, like earning new pixels/elements, and playing the game more. You can also share your creations through the in-game gallery, where you can view other player’s own creations.
The gameplay overall is vast, however, it’s the kind of game where players might find themselves slowly becoming angrier at the progression through the game. Of course, this isn’t indicative of all gamers, but the game’s model is difficult to grasp in the beginning. With so many tools, players might find it difficult to ease their way into the gameplay, especially if they dive into the Create mode. While the missions do teach players the ins and outs of the tools, it might take a while to learn them all. The game does teach you all the nooks and crannies though, so if you’re patient, this game might be worth it.
Visuals & Audio
The visuals and audio of the game is decent. The simple pixelated graphics of the game lends itself to its quirky and comedic atmosphere. However, the retro graphics does not really work on a PC. The pixels are HUGE when the game is in full screen mode and actually makes the pixels look very distorted, and frankly, does not do the actual game justice. The PC version received HD treatment, specifically for this problem, so it does get a little better in the Create mode. The audio isn’t too bad, with unique sounds appearing for each different element used. It makes it much more interesting to hear the actual sounds of the elements you’re using while putting together your own little universe.
Overall
All in all, The Sandbox is a title worthy of a gamer’s time, though the steep price should not be overlooked. $9.99 for a title that is a port from a mobile game is rather difficult to justify, but if you enjoy simulation titles where you get to create your own little world, filled with little details and organisms. While the game has its kinks and issues, its definitely fixable, especially since The Sandbox is in its Early Access phase. If you’re willing to purchase the title and you have some time on your hands to learn everything about the game, this is definitely a title I would pick up.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Activision and Bungie released seven minutes of gameplay bliss for their upcoming game Destiny. The video features a first look at the co-op Strike mission “The Devil’s Lair.” Players will conduct a raid on an old Cosmodrome facility in Russia in this mission, where the House of Devil’s lair has been located. The video shows off gameplay from multiple perspectives as the four players find themselves caught in the middle of a battle between the Fallen and the Hive.
The EB Games pre-order bonuses have been announced. Pre-ordered copies of Destiny will come with an upgraded red Sparrow vehicle. This personal transport will be faster and stronger than the standard Sparrow. The pre-order bonus will be available for those who pre-order in stores or online.
Destiny is an upcoming FPS with MMO features. The game is Bungie’s biggest release since departing from Microsoft. The game will be released for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One on September 9th, 2014.
Kingston has released the new Cloud Headset, which will be joining the HyperX line of computer parts and peripherals designed for gamers. The over the ears headphones feature memory foam ear cups and a leather padded headband to allow gamers long marathon sessions without any discomfort. The microphone is constructed from aluminum and can be detached when not in use. The headset is driven by large 53mm drivers which delivery high fidelity audio allowing for clear dialogue, booming explosions, and crisp gun shots.
“HyperX worked with Swedish manufacturer QPAD to create a headset that delivers comfort and superb sound for long game play. This is a winning combination as QPAD is known for high-quality gaming peripherals throughout Europe,” said Lawrence Yang, business manager, HyperX. “We think the hours will pass by without notice as gamers wear the HyperX Cloud headset.”
The HyperX Cloud is compatible with PC, PlayStation 4, smartphones, and tablets. The MSRP for the headset is $149.99. More information can be found at the official HyperX Cloud mini-site.
“Sony Computer Entertainment” – alongside game developers “Shift”, “Dimps” and “Japan Studio” – today released another English-subtitled trailer for the highly-anticipated “PlayStation Vita” title; “Freedom Wars“. This upcoming game puts players in the shoes of a convict living on Earth in the distant future. The citizens of the planet now live entirely underground due to a monstrous race of malevolent beings intent on bringing destruction upon those who step foot on the surface of the planet.
Sentenced to a lifetime of imprisonment for simply “being alive”, you fight these monsters on the surface alongside other convicts. Instead of simply being “imprisoned”, detainees are given high-powered weaponry and forced to fight the destructive “Abductors” (the monsters mentioned just above).
Boasting brilliant graphics, gameplay mechanics and co-op/multiplayer capabilities, this game will hopefully help the “PS Vita” become as popular as it deserves but you can make that decision for yourself by heading down to the featured video section below the article to check out the English-subtitled story trailer for the game.
Let us know what you think of “Freedom Wars” by hitting up our comments section and stick to the site for any and all new information as it is released.
You may have heard about that successful crowdfunding project that has revived good ‘ol Tex Murphy from his Commodore 64 and MS-DOS days and into the now with a brand new adventure. Altus have their own image to share, and one that will put the entire franchise into perspective for new players.
What you see above is a timeline of the rich history of Tex Murphy, taking us all the way up to Tesla Effect: A Tex Murphy Adventure, which is due out May 7th. Go ahead, give it a click. You can also check out the GOG or Steam‘s pages to pre-order, where you will be rewarded with one of these many classics right now. Not a bad deal. Welcome back Tex, we missed ya.
Mimimi Productions and Unity Games will be releasing their upcoming platformer The Last Tinker: City of Colors on May 12, 2014. The colourful platformer stars Koru, a young boy on a journey to bring colour back to his world after The Bleakness drains the colour and joy from the world. The game is inspired by classic games like Zelda and Banjo Kazooie.
The Last Tinker: City of Colours’ Deluxe Edition is priced at $21.99 USD on Steam. The Deluxe Edition comes with the official sound track and is on sale for 10% off until the launch date. The game will be released for Linux, Mac, and Windows on May 12, 2014.
Overview
Shhhhh! Do you hear that? Its Disney Magic, and its on the 3DS! Now, with that line alone, I either made you frown, smile, or cringe (probably the latter), but that is the kind of product we are dealing with in the case of Disney Magical World, which is prepared to go after the younger audience who love their simulation. Along with the cast of familiar faces, players can customize a character, go fishing, explore a world, collect items, and solve the brainless citizens problems in what can be thought of as a huge attempt to create something along the same lines of Animal Crossing. Well, there is more to it than that, but is this little title worth your buck or charming enough to appeal outside its target market? Let’s find out.
Gameplay
I could do a “Story” category for this review, but it isn’t really necessary for Disney Magical World. Sure, the simulation genre doesn’t make the game’s narrative stand in the forefront – which is to be expected – but this title still attempts to thread together a cohesive structure at least by lining up tasks in your new home of Castleton. Before I get into the aspects of the game, lets take a moment to say what this title is not. Despite its appearance and promotion, Magical World is not Animal Crossing. This isn’t about paying off a home, and while there are moments of interactivity – the residents are much more two dimensional here, meaning a lot of the flat “Mii-like” personas are just filler, compiling a long and somewhat cute roster of faces to put you to work. Yes, its not Animal Crossing – but instead a game with a light battle system, a good deal of objectives and fetch quests, and enough items to collect so your pockets never remain empty.
Think Rune Factory, add in some Harvest Moon and a pinch of The Sims. While we are at it, how about a sprinkle of nearly every title that appeared on the 3DS with the life sim gimmick in one form or another. Whether it be problem solving, going on quests, dressing up, gardening, fishing, or managing your very own cafe, there is always something to do in Castleton, and that is what makes Magical World so fulfilling. The main goal of the game is to gather “happy stickers” by completing objectives. Say character A needs a piece to make a blouse. You then need to run out, find the materials, and bring her back her demands in a timely fashion. Its all about exploration, and memorization of the environments. The controls, unlike the game itself are a lot like Animal Crossing: New Leaf, where the player has the ability to move and free roam the entire kingdom before them. As the game progresses and more tasks are completed, more doors open up taking the player into locations such as The Hundred Acre Woods and Wonderland, which offer a new set of unique tasks and specific items that you can only obtain within that said area.
Speaking of the cafe I mentioned earlier, that is actually one of the big hooks that one will find (or the centerpiece of the experience), as it is your source of income – which is needed to buy items that either prepare you for or utilized to complete quests – and that isn’t even counting all the money you will be spending on customization, where you can change the look of your character in a quick and painless fashion with the lovable and barely tolerable Daisy. All you need to do is unlock recipes by simply playing the game and gathering stickers and ingredients, and then pick a dish and a drink to sell. The more it sells, the more you make. Its a simple, effective, and rather addictive way of making cash, and easy enough for anyone to pick up on. Fishing is fun, and rather relaxing at that. Improving your cafe and look in general is also a time consuming chore that brings great reward, as even your own Mii can get in on the action, where they will proudly wear costumes and accessories from the Disney universe. Those who want a bit more meat can head online and check out other cafes as well, which is a nice distraction and a good way to come up with new looks for your own eatery.
Magical World also has its own time system to track quests. Its not particularly as in depth as other titles in the genre, but it is well crafted and fully realized enough to allow players to take advantage of different tasks at different times, broadening the list of objectives one can participate in while keeping the game fresh for a hefty amount of hours. The dungeon crawling portions control a bit like a button masher, where the player uses a small arsenal of powers and weaponry to fight off random enemies. A rhythm action game also appears quite often as well, and adds yet another layer to the experience, yet again flipping the game’s stylings to stir the pot and keep the player invested. This constant switching is admirable, but it only works for so long as after a while, each start to feel the same and its as if you are just hitting repeat with a new backdrop.
I haven’t made a huge deal about the whole “Disney” theme of the game, as its just that. A theme. There was love put into the final product, but this title could have been Scooby Doo, Marvel, or any other IP period and it still would have worked, as the game doesn’t rely on the Disney characters to deliver the content within. That is the brilliance at work here really, as if we would have seen Disney become the main focus, it would have taken away the impact of special encounters that do occur with Lilo, Pooh, Mickey, Minnie, and so on. Sure, there are a lot of characters and their appearances are frequent, leaving a rich atmosphere with those mouse ears at work, but the player does not have to be a fan as the kind but shallow dialogue leaves enough room for anyone to pick up the game and play. Did I love doing missions for Chip and Dale? Of course! These little characters make the game interesting – and once new doors open and other worlds can be explored, the potential for further time investment soars upward. However, without a true narrative, these all star toons fade into the background often – acting more as decoration than anything with true substance.
Visuals
Disney Magical World brings it to the graphics department with your character model, as the changes look fantastic while trying on those themed threads, even with a giant Mii head. The Disney cast all look great as well, and the themed environments all seem to be cut right out of the source material. That being said, there is a lot of filler left over. The random residents are very generic looking. Sure, your name is Judy, but what makes you different? What I am saying is there could have been a little more done to give the flat looking models more personality, as even though they are visiting this magical world, they seem to be content on taking the tourist route for the entire trip. A lot of the dungeons also come off as uninspired, with plain textures and low color, making a lot of trips out feel like a bore compared to the much more appealing roads of Castleton.
Audio
There isn’t a ton to say about the soundtrack that you shouldn’t already be expecting. There are some great Disney songs mixed in the game, and some fantastic original scores that give a warm feeling to the player as they make their way around town. The voice acting is spot on, bring each encounter with a main Disney character to life, and while I do wish everything was voiced, that would probably be impossible due to the heavy amount of dialogue (meaningful or not) that appears in the game. Either way, you have a lot of charm to look forward to (aside from Daisy who is queen of the terrible) within these brightly colored walls.
Overall
Disney Magical World is not for everybody, but leaves the welcome mat down for all visitors regardless. Sure, it seems perfect for kids, but this title has enough depth for an adult to go in and get over 100 hours or more out of it due to the heavy amount of content blending with some solid gameplay to boot. Is there “Disney Magic”? Not entirely, but there is a lot of rich and addictive qualities compiled within this little simulation gem, making it one that is worth at least a look to those who are willing to take a risk. While this market is starting to get flooded, Magical World is one experience that stands out with its own unique style, giving us yet another way to escape to the happiest place on Earth.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Though unexpected, it seems like the maker of Dark Souls have a new publisher; From Software has been acquired by multimedia company Kadokawa.
From Software is a Japanese game developer that published the Dark Souls games in Japan; however, they needed help from Namco Bandai to release and distribute most of their games in the West, including Dark Souls II. Kadokawa will now fully take over the publishing rights, though they are best known as a manga publisher. They also have never published anything in the West either, but they have been growing themselves in the movie and video game worlds and it doesn’t seem a stretch to imagine that is what they’re building up to now.
‘We are planning to expand our position in this business with both Kadokawa Games and From Software. We have planned a series of discussions aimed at co-operation: expanding and developing both companies while taking advantage of their areas of expertise,’ -Kadokawa.
Fans shouldn’t worry themselves about the future of the Dark Souls games, even though it is unclear. Dark Souls has always be great, even with multiple publisher and name changes (from King’s Field to Demon’s Souls to Dark Souls).
