Page 3842 – Capsule Computers

Hearthstone Receives First Adventure, Curse of Naxxramas

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April 12, 2014

Following the official release of Blizzard’s latest online card game, Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft, the team has announced an all-new game mode called the Curse of Naxxramas, the very first adventure for Hearthstone.

The Curse of Naxxramas is the single-player campaign set in the floating necropolis called Naxxramas. Using your deck of choice, players will have to make their way through the five different wings of Naxxramas, defeating bosses and earning cards along the way. At the end of each wing, players can unlock a chest that contains an all-new Legendary card to use at their disposal. This new content includes 30 new cards that can only be accessed through completing the adventure. Every boss will have their own unique abilities and minions.

The different wings will slowly be added to the game over the course of five weeks. The price of entry into Naxxramas will be payable through in-game gold or real money. Check out their official site here for more information.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn PS4 Early Access, PS3 Upgrade Live

Zac Elawar

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April 12, 2014

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Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is now in Early Access for the PlayStation 4 ahead of its release on the 14th of April. Additionally, the ability to upgrade from the PlayStation 3 version is now possible. Read on below for the official steps from Square Enix on how to upgrade:

Purchase of the PlayStation 4 version is not required to upgrade. Please be aware that after transferring to the PlayStation 4 you will be unable to play using your current copy of the PlayStation 3 version.
Please note that after completion, the upgrade process cannot be undone.
Players may upgrade free of charge via the Mog Station.
You must first register the PlayStation 3 version to your Final Fantasy XIV service account before upgrading.
Upon completing the upgrade process, a PlayStation 4 system will be required to play Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.
All Final Fantasy XIV service account data including characters and in-game items will be carried over upon upgrading to the PlayStation 4 version.
If you wish to play on both the PS3 and PS4 you must purchase a separate copy of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn for the PlayStation 4.
The PS4 upgrade campaign will be offered until December 31, 2014.

PRESS PLAY ANNOUNCES NEW GAME CODENAMED PROJECT TOTEM

Press Releases

Philip Federico

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April 11, 2014

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PRESS PLAY ANNOUNCES NEW GAME CODENAMED PROJECT TOTEM

A Collaborative Platformer Set to Hit Xbox One and Xbox 360 this Fall

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – April 11, 2014 – Danish development studio Press Play, creators of the critically acclaimed Max: The Curse of Brotherhood, is pleased to announce its brand new title, currently called Project Totem, coming to Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system and Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft later this year.

Project Totem is a playful yet precise platforming game where players control two totem pole pieces with one controller. The initial idea came from brothers Asger Strandby (Game Director) and Bo Strandby (Lead Designer) who wanted to put a distinctive spin on the platform genre. On top of the single player campaign, the game offers a local couch multiplayer mode where players must work closely together to succeed – just the way the two brothers played games in their childhood.

“It is one of those games, where the basic premise is hard to describe, but once you have the controller in your hand, it is so obviously fun that you immediately get it.” says Rune Dittmer, Studio Director at Press Play. “So when Asger and Bo showed us the prototype at a party, it was a no-brainer to give them some time to elaborate on the core concept. And now a year later we are proud to announce Press Play’s second game for Xbox One.”

Project Totem is set for release this fall and will be available for the Microsoft Xbox One and Xbox 360. For more information on Project Totem, follow Press Play on Twitter and Facebook.

ABOUT PRESS PLAY

Press Play is a multi-award winning game development studio located in Copenhagen, Denmark. Founded in 2006 by Rune Dittmer, Ole Teglbjærg, and Mikkel Thorsted, Press Play has created numerous games but is best known for its original IP: Tentacles, Max and the Magic Marker, and Max: The Curse of Brotherhood. The Studio currently has several unannounced original IP in development. In 2012, Press Play joined Microsoft Studios in a light-touch acquisition, allowing Press Play to retain full creative control of its projects. As always, Press Play creates original mechanics-driven game experiences for geeks, moms, and other extraordinary people.

Mighty Quest For Epic Loot now has Pets

Luke Halliday

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April 11, 2014

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If you ever played The Mighty Quest For Epic Loot, you may have been left thinking that the game needed something more. If you thought that that something more was pets then you are in luck as Ubisoft have just announced that the game now has pets.

To celebrate and promote the launch of these wonderful creatures that are called pets, Ubisoft have released a trailer highlighting what a pet is and what a pet does. Pets are quite useful and can get you gold and the all too precious life force.

Be sure to check out the trailer for pets in Mighty Quest for Epic Loot below. Don’t forget to sound off in the comments section below with your thoughts and opinions on the inclusion of pets into this game that previously did not have pets.

Fairy Tail Movie: Phoenix Priestess Review

Luke Halliday

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April 11, 2014

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Fairy Tail Movie: Phoenix Priestess
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Publisher: Madman Entertainment
Format: DVD, Blu-Ray
Release Date: March 19, 2013
Price: $29.95 – Available Here

Overview
Shonen anime movies are historically a hit and miss affair. More often than not they come off as little more than a overly long filler episode or merely an unnecessary side-story with no relation to the canon of the main series. By and large Fairy Tail: Phoenix Priestess falls into these traps common the genre. It feels like a filler and it feels like a meaningless side-story that has zero impact on the main series in and of itself. While it doesn’t matter in the long run, nor is it essential viewing, it does prove to be a spot of fun that fans of the Fairy Tail series may enjoy passing some time with.

Story
Fairy Tail: Phoenix Priestess is essentially a big side-adventure for the ‘Fairy Tail’ guild. It revolves around the titular priestess Eclair, who is Fairy Tail’s take on the amnesia trope. She doesn’t seem to remember anything and they must help her do just that, all the while becoming entangled in the web that she herself is embroiled in.

In traditional Fairy Tail fashion, Phoenix Priestess is about a 60/40 in terms of Comedy to Drama, it doesn’t dive too strongly into the serious side of things until it confronts Eclair’s struggle head on. Outside of that it is generally all fun and games for Natsu and the rest of the goofball guild members. There are times when Fairy Tail’s insistence on comedic relief verges on inappropriate, often ruining moments that should be moving and emotionally rewarding, all for the sake of a cheap gag. It is a problem inherent to the series and it continues here in this film albeit to a slightly lesser extent.

The film takes on a more Arabian styled aesthetic, story-line and setting here, one that does feel a little out of sorts in the world of Fairy Tail, but it ultimately fits into the world we have come to know quite nicely, even if it isn’t exactly canonical. The new cast members for the film take a little getting use to, struggling to gel with the main characters in an organic way. There however does prove to be some chemistry between Lucy and Eclair which saves things on that front.

Ultimately there is very little to take away from Fairy Tail: Phoenix Priestess other than a rather half-hearted side-story that will only really prove to be a worthwhile viewing for fans of the series. This is a very poor entry point into the series and doesn’t go very well as a stand-alone film despite having no narrative connections to the main story canon. In the end it is really just a bit of fun, but that fun is best left to the die-hards that just can’t get enough of the mages of Fairy Tail and their comedic antics.

Visuals and Audio
Despite its inconsequential and forgettable story, Fairy Tail: Phoenix Priestess does feature some rather stunning aesthetics from A-1 Pictures who have clearly brought their A-Game to the table for this film. It really carries the cinematic feel quite well and brings Fairy Tail to a grander stage visually. This is easily the best Fairy Tail has looked yet and A-1 Pictures should be commended for their efforts on this film’s animation which is really quite brilliant.

As for the audio portion of this release, the series’ trademark Scottish-inspired backing tracks are highlighted here with some bag-pipes meets shredding guitar tracks that will really blow your mind. The film’s theme song is decent while unmemorable but does a pretty good job at setting the stage for the movie.

This release features dual languages, the English dub from Funimation and the original Japanese audio track. The English dub is great from Funimation and brings the Japanese version to life in English language. It is always good to have options available and this is really a best of both worlds scenario.

Extras
As for special features, Madman Entertainment have packed a solid amount of bonus content. Included in the Prologue to the film titled ‘The First Morning’ which is a nice piece of complementary viewing for the film. There is also the original trailer and US trailer for the film which are interesting as a comparison between the two and there is of course the clean opening and ending themes. It amounts to a great amount of extras for a film release and it definitely gives the added punch that this release needed.

Overall
Fairy Tail: Phoenix Priestess is shonen anime cinema at its most inessential. This is far from must-see anime, it is really just a glorified filler episode. While it may feature a fairly decent story it is hard to escape the feeling that this is an inconsequential tale in the world of Fairy Tail, one that lacks emotional gravitas and relies far too heavily on cheap laughs to progress through its run-time.

The series has featured much better quality writing then that seen in this movie and it is very clear from the get-go that this is not up to the standard of the series. It may serve as a fun way to spend an hour or so for fans of the series but this film is in no way up to task as an entry-point into Fairy Tail nor is it even fit to be a stand-alone film. This one is best left for the hardcore Fairy Tail fans that will appreciate this film for what it is, a chance to hang-out with their beloved characters for an extra hour or so in what is a relatively fun side-story albeit a very forgettable one.

If you are a fan of the series, Fairy Tail: Phoenix Priestess is likely worth your time. If you don’t fit into that category it’s probably best you avoid this film or take a look at the series itself first. A middling effort at best, Fairy Tail: Phoenix Priestess does little to shake the stigma associated with shonen anime film adaptations.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

Bound by Flame’s Combat System Detailed in New Trailer

Jamie Laike Tsui

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April 11, 2014

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Spiders and Focus Home Interactive’s upcoming action RPG Bound by Flame received a new trailer today. The video details the new combat system that will see players choosing between three skill trees, a variety of companions, and an extensive crafting system. The decisions players will help tilt the scales to the players advantage, as the foes in Bound in Flame have unique strategies and abilities that need to be countered. The Warrior, Ranger, and Pyromancer skill trees will allow players to mix three distinctive styles of combat to match both their personal preferences and the demands of the situation.

Bound by Flame will be released for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Windows on May 9th, 2014.

SMASH! to host Australian Preliminary Competition for World Cosplay Summit 2015

Frank Inglese

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April 11, 2014

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SMASH! to host Australian Preliminary Competition for World Cosplay Summit 2015

The good people over at “SMASH!” (Sydney Manga and Anime Show) are extremely excited to announce that they have been “sworn in” as the new host of the seventh Australian Preliminary Competitions for the World Cosplay Summit 2015! This particular competition allows for cosplay partners to team up to beat the rest and win themselves a ticket to head straight over to the World Cosplay Summit 2015 which is being held in Japan.

Every single year Aussie cosplayers make their way over to Japan for this the WCS, making a splash while they’re there and leaving their mark in the land of the rising sun as world cosplay champions. Though no Aussie has ever won the WCS, we’ve come close with some of our countries’ cosplayers being ranked within the top 10 of the world! As you can imagine “SMASH!” is shaking with anticipation for the upcoming events and so should all of you! This is a big deal for the event and a big deal for cosplay lovers around Sydney!

“SMASH! has always been a platform for fans of Japanese pop-culture to express themselves through the hobby of cosplay…For SMASH! to be involved in a prestigious cosplay event that promotes international exchange through Japanese pop-culture, our partnership with WCS Australia will give fans the chance to be recognised on the national and international cosplay stage”. – Ray Elinon, “SMASH!” President

Now if you’re interested in entering this grueling but ultimately enjoyable competition, I suggest you first find a partner who will put in just about as much effort if not more effort than yourself, without a passionate partner victory cannot be achieved but I’m sure it wont be too hard to find someone as driven as yourself to join you on your quest for glory.

For more information on the event in general and to actually apply to be a part of the competition sent your emails to “[email protected]” and note that, if you are emailing to apply for the comp, make sure to label the email “Expression Of Interest” that way the folks reading the email know exactly what they’re going to be looking at.

“Good luck” to all you cosplayers out there and “congratulations” to “SMASH!” for become the new hosts of the seventh Australian Preliminary Competitions for the World Cosplay Summit 2015! It’ll be the best one ever!

Exhilarating ‘PSA World Tour Squash’ out this summer

Press Releases

Philip Federico

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April 11, 2014

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Exhilarating ‘PSA World Tour Squash’ out this summer

Get active with the officially licensed squash game coming to Nintendo Wii

London, United Kingdom – April 11, 2014: Celebrating its 29^th anniversary, Alternative Software is pleased to announce that ‘PSA World Tour Squash’, the latest squash sensation, will be available on the Nintendo Wii this summer.

Officially licenced by the Professional Squash Association, PSA World Tour Squash features the world’s greatest squash players from around the globe including 3x British World Champion Nick Matthew, French World No.1 Gregory Gaultier, Egyptian World Champions Ramy Ashour and Amr Shabana and many, many more.

As well as playing as the stars of world squash, PSA World Tour Squash allows you to create your own player, improving their speed, power, fitness and tactics as you progress through a huge career mode.

Players can organise unique virtual offline tournaments in iconic locations, as well as compete online in multiplayer tournaments, as well as single matches against friends.

PSA World Tour Squash uses realistic movements and techniques, complimenting the instant playability of the Wii controller, to create a realistic environment where you can execute nicks, boasts, drives and other essential squash moves in flawless fashion.

“PSA World Tour Squash is a great way for everyone to have a great time whilst keeping active”, said Roger Hulley, Managing Director of Alternative Software.

“PSA World Tour Squash is as realistic and competitive as it gets, and when the game is available, friends and family can turn-up the work out by challenging the world’s best squash professionals.”

PSA Commercial Manager Jeremy Milnes said: “We’re delighted that the widely anticipated PSA World Tour Squash will be released on the Nintendo Wii platform this summer and are excited to see the world’s best squash players coming to our screens.”

Take a look at the PSA World Tour Squash Sizzler Trailer: http://youtu.be/kVYPkC7x-7M

Features:

Official licensed by Professional Squash Association
World’s best players from Gregory Gaultier, Nick Matthew, Ramy Ashour, Amr Shabana and more
Single player (1 vs. 1) in Arcade Mode
Challenge friends to single match or tournament in Multiplayer Mode
Offline Tournament Mode
Organise virtual offline tournaments in the unique Offline Tournament Mode
Wii controller to execute squash shots, with nicks, corkscrews, dives, and many more
Available both in English and French

For more information on PSA World Tour Squash, please visit the Facebook page atFacebook.com/SquashVideogame.

For further information on Alternative Software and other titles, please visit the official website at www.alternativesoftware.com

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About PSA World Tour Squash
PSA World Tour Squash is a realistic simulation of the fast-paced indoor racquet game. It features all the fun of a real game of Squash, with all the tactical challenges. It allows you to play all shots, including drives, corkscrews, boasts and much more. The game also features realistically modelled players from the official roster of the PSA. Compete against the best players in the world including Nick Matthew, Amr Shabana, Gregory Gaultier, Ramy Ashour and more!

Organise and create your own virtual tournament, fill out up to
64 names for an automatic draw and start playing! Create your own player, analyse your statistics, improve your tactics, fitness, power and speed during the game!

About Alternative Software
First established in 1985, Alternative Software is now celebrating its 29th Anniversary and is considered one of the major companies in the UK computer industry. Having over 300 titles to its name, the company is still a growing global success.

Alternative Software originally created games for major computer platforms such as Atari, Spectrum, Commodore and Amstrad in the mid to late 80’s, titles including Soccer Boss, Skool Daze, and BMX Ninja. Other successful titles released included award winning children’s character games, including Thomas the Tank Engine. In recent times the company has released several “Top Forty” video games on PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox, Xbox 360, Sony PSP, Sony Vita and Nintendo Wii as well as on PC. In association with Australian company, HES (Home Entertainment Supplies) Alternative recently launched Jonah Lomu Rugby Challenge, Rugby League Live 2 and most recently Rugby Challenge 2 Lions Tour Edition to tremendous consumer and critical reception.

Alternative Software is also involved with major film companies, gaining the rights to produce software for huge films such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Shrek, Madagascar, Wallace & Gromit, Transformers, Marvel Heroes, plus many more.

Wargaming Partners with Russian Museum to Restore Tank

Kane Bugeja

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April 11, 2014

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Wargaming Partners with Russian Museum to Restore Tank

Wargaming-Kubinka-Maus-Restoration-Screenshot-01 — **It’s a real fixer upper**

Wargaming has unveiled its plans to join with the Russian Kubinka Tank Museum, to reconstruct the only remaining Panzer VIII Maus tank in the world. Regarded as the epitome of tank design, the colossal Panzerkampfwagen VIII Maus is the heaviest, fully enclosed armoured fighting vehicle ever completed during World War II. Weighing in at 188 tonnes, only two prototypes were ever completed.

The Kubinka Museum and Wargaming intend to re-build the Maus’ interior from scratch, building from authentic diagrams. Missing parts will be restored in single quantities at a number of tank-building plants, with the entire process supervised by experienced warfare instaurators. Once completed, the Maus will continue to live at the Kubinka Museum, waiting for the entire world to visit and marvel at this restored relic. Though there’ll be plenty of Russian fans lining up I’m sure.

Andrei Yarantsau (VP of Publishing at Wargaming) said:

“Wargaming closely cooperates with military museums around the world. We are excited to contribute to the Kubinka’s initiative and plan on supporting the museum in future. We’ll help it put together an exclusive collection of armored warfare, assisting it in lifting and reconstruction of legendary military vehicles and enriching its exhibition with renowned machines from private collections from across the world. A unique selection of legendary warfare will attract military enthusiasts from Russia and abroad, sparking interest towards military history and inspiring younger generations to learn more about their country’s past.”

Wargaming-Kubinka-Maus-Restoration-Screenshot-02 — **We can rebuild it…**

In addition to its work with Kubinka, Wargaming is also involved in a number of projects that promise to aid in the preservation of historic heritage. As their latest project, the Maus will join the Soviet T-34-76 and KV-1 USSR tanks, two more titans of the battlefield restored in Belarus and Voronezh respectively. Not limiting themselves to tank repair, Wargaming was also involved the recovery of the world’s last remaining Dornier Do 17 (now on display at the Royal Air Force Museum in Cosford, UK), the creation of the Wargaming Education Center at the Tank Museum at Bovington, UK and continues to sponsor the USS Iowa, docked in the Port of Los Angeles, California.

And thus Wargaming continues its foray into Warreality as the World of Tanks continues to grow. No word on how long the restoration will take, but once it’s finished it’ll truly be a sight to behold. You just have to go to Russia to see it.

Four New Wargame Red Dragon Screenshots Revealed

Jamie Laike Tsui

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April 11, 2014

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There is one week left before the newest addition to the Wargame series is released. Wargame Red Dragon will be the first in the series to allow players to fight on air, land, and sea. Eugen Systems and Focus Home Interactive released four new screenshots that feature the newly introduced naval combat, which will feature warships and troop carriers that will open up new tactical options to commanders.

Wargame Red Dragon will be released on April 17th, 2014 on Steam. A special offer is being extended to Wargame AirLand Battle owners for the next week. Owners will be able to get 25% off Wargame Red Dragon and access to the multiplayer beta by pre-purchasing the game on Steam or the official website.