“Comcept” – Keiji Inafune’s new video game development company in charge of the upcoming Megaman spiritual successor “Mighty No.9” – has just released a nice little video of the man himself doing a little design work for the new title. What we’re shown in the video is Mr. Inafune doing a quick sketch of what he believes a particular enemy in the game should look like. This enemy has been previously designed by his development team but Inafune believed that certain changes to the character type should be made to make it more…let’s say, believable.
“Even if it’s humanoid, it’s still a robot; the less human-like, the better. Instead of holding a gun and shield in a pair of hands, let’s have the shield attach to its back…When protecting itself, the body rotates around and the shield faces front. The design should have functionality like this in mind”.
It’s an interesting video that shows just how “hands on” Mr. Inafune is with the companies’ projects. It also allows us a glimpse into the background of game development and design, showing how certain things change at certain points of development to suit new ideas or new themes that have been added to a games story. Below you’ll be able to see not only the video itself but also some design works from the team regarding this particular enemy so head down there to check it all out. “Mighty No. 9” has been noted as a 2015 release that will come to almost all existing video game consoles currently in circulation. be sure to keep an eye on the site for any and all news that is released.
Music makes the world go around in my opinion. Every situation would be better with some music but unfortunately the real world is nothing like the movies and situations are never paired with an appropriate song but if I had the power you’d bet I’d hire someone to give my life a soundtrack. Every good anime has to have a few certain things to make them memorable; good visuals, good story, good voice acting and a good soundtrack but most series’ are kind of lacking musically.
Though, for every average anime soundtrack there will always be one that blows you away, one that impresses you more than the series alone could ever do and one that will stick with you for the rest of your life. A few weeks ago I brought you an article that compiled my top 5 favorite video game soundtracks (which you can read by Clicking Here) but this time around I’ve decided to list my “5 Anime Soundtracks That Belong In Your Music Library”. Each of these series’ have earned a place in my heart for being quirky, unique and memorable, and I hope that they will make some sort of impact on you too!
When a melting pot-type series such as “Durarara!!” comes along – one that bounds into and over all the genres – it’s hard to let it fly past you. It’s a series you grip with both hands as fast as you can so not to miss the wonderful ride. Action, Supernatural, Drama, Romance, Mystery, Psychological, “Durarara!!” is a superb mix of all of these genres and, to this date, the prime example of a perfected, multi-genre anime series.
Set in the city of Ikebukuro, the series revolves around a group of quirky characters who all come into contact with each other one way or another, the one thing they share in common; they live in Ikebukuro. Dealing with themes of mythology, gangland violence, underground societies and everything in between, “Durarara!!” has pretty much something everybody and that includes its funky-fresh soundtrack.
The series’ soundtrack is just as varied and odd as the characters in its story. Mixing funk, electronica, jazz, classical music and a whole bunch of other musical genres, the soundtrack may come off as quite an odd one but to those with broader tastes in music it is a brilliant mix of both sweet and sour tracks that perfectly represent the series’ setting and the characters within it.
Tracks go from being bubbly and upbeat to sombre and gloomy when necessarily, all the while creating the perfect atmosphere. Watching the series will have you almost automatically loving the soundtrack and I believe that’s the best way to first digest such a wide-ranged set of musical tracks but I can guarantee that most music-lovers out there will find this musical stew quite appealing.
Produced by Hollywood big-shot Samuel L. Jackson, “Afro Samurai” is an anime short series that was originally released back in 2007 to an amazing critical reception which allowed the series to continue on and into a full feature film titled “Afro Samurai: Resurrection” two years later in 2009. The series follows the story of a young, wandering samurai referred to only as “Afro”. Afro is the holder of the “Number 2” headband; a symbolical item that indicates the owner of it is the second strongest fighter in the known world and is the only person who is eligible to battle the fighter who currently holds the “Number 1” headband.
The legend behind the “Number 1” headband is that it gives the holder God-like abilities so, as you can imagine, people from all of the world are slaughtering their way through countless headband-holders in the hopes of defeating the fighter in possession of the “Number 1” which just so happens to be killer of Afro’s father. Need I say more?
The soundtrack is highly comparable to that of the “Samurai Champloo” soundtrack, in fact, both anime titles are extremely similar; they both take place in an ancient Japanese-style environment and they both host soundtracks entirely made up of rap, hip hop, soul and RnB songs. RZA, who some of you may know from the “Wu-Tang Clan”, produced the entire soundtrack for both the series and its movie, doing an absolutely brilliant job for both.
The RZA brought a caliber of urban music production that could only be attained after years and years of great success in the industry, something that filled out the series in an ultimately fantastic way. The reason I chose to feature the soundtrack of “Afro Samurai” over that of “Samurai Champloo” was simply because I feel as though it doesn’t get nearly as much attention as that of the Watanabe original yet it deserves so much more.
I shouldn’t even have to explain why this legendary series is on the list, it’s something that each and every single anime fan should already be well aware of but for the sake of consistency I’ll explain why exactly it is that I believe this soundtrack to be one of the greatest in anime history. The series follows the crew of the “Bebop” (an intergalactic spaceship) who’re a group of outlaws/bounty hunters who make a living by hunting down wanted criminals for cash.
“Cowboy Bebop” takes viewers on a wild ride through all different types of stories that get the heart racing while also bringing audience members to tears. The series practically created its own genre, “Space Western”, and has been the source of inspiration for countless other Japanese and English series’ including the cult classic TV and movie “Firefly”.
The soundtrack – produced by the extremely popular Japanese musician Yoko Kanno (and her band “The Seatbelts”) who has worked with series creator Shinichiro Watanabe on countless occasions – is populated mostly by jazz and blues-type tracks with certain other genres such as funk and rock being thrown in every few episodes. Fans of jazz will easily be engulfed by the series’ soundtrack, with each musical track being brilliantly composed by Mrs. Kanno herself and performed by her very own band.
The soundtrack for the series is definitely the most accessible on this list, I feel as though even music-lovers who aren’t entirely keen on the genre of jazz will find some redeeming qualities within the soundtrack and I also feel as though people who aren’t entirely won over by the anime will still find the soundtrack as enjoyable as any other. The series is legendary for a reason; it does everything perfectly and that includes the music.
The most recent anime series on this list to be released, “Blood Lad” follows the story of a young vampire and gang boss living in the demonic afterlife who comes into contact with a beautiful human girl who has wandered into the hellish plane. Lusting for both her curvy body and her human blood, Staz (the vampire) instantly falls for her. Unfortunately for the both of them she doesn’t last too long in hell, within minutes she’s killed by a lowly demon but soon returns to us in the form of a ghost.
Staz explodes after finding her fleshless bones, exclaiming that he’ll do everything within his power to bring her back to life so he can once again feel the way he did when he first laid eyes on her. “Blood Lad” puts a modern twist on age-old myths and legends; demons, vampires, werewolves, shape-shifters, they’re all here but not quite in the way that you’re imagine them. With a modern-type setting comes a modern soundtrack and if you’re a fan of bubbly electronica-style music than you’ll fall for this soundtrack much like Staz for Fuyumi.
The series oozes style, each character sports modern fashion and the world is populated by vivid colours and settings so you can imagine that the soundtrack would match the fictitious world as much as it possibly could. It’s funky, it’s poppy, it’s everything you want out of anime soundtrack. It has tracks that work fantastically for idol chatting scenes and others that work to add a level of intensity to a battle or conversation that only music can.
Much like the rest of the titles on this list “Blood Lad” utilizes a great deal of different genres to instill different emotions into audiences and it does it so damn well. I could say this about almost any soundtrack but it’s the “Blood Lad” one that really openned my eyes up to such varying degrees of auditory-induced emotions.
“Air Gear” is the last soundtrack to be listed in this article but don’t you for a second think that it is any worse than the titles that have been listed above. Released back in 2006, the story of “Air Gear” follows the life of a juvenile delinquent named Ikki as he goes from being a regular highschooler to a legend in the “Storm Rider” community.
“Storm Riders” are types of people who devote their lives to mastering “Air Treks” which are basically motorized rollerblades that these riders purchase and customize, making them incredibly powerful and dangerous to ride. Being an anime, the events are extremely exaggerated with most of these “Storm Riders’ gaining the ability to reach high speeds, scale buildings and in some cases even fly for short periods of time.
As the series goes on the story gets deeper and more complicated until it becomes nothing like what it was at the start. The “Air Gear” soundtrack is mostly made up of electronica and hip hop tracks which, much like all these other titles, perfectly fits the series and its characters. Quite possibly my favorite on this list, the soundtrack does a fantastic job at getting a viewer into a more light-hearted mood but instantly bringing them back down to Earth when something crucial is going down onscreen.
When it comes to funky rhythms and heavy beats, “Air Gear” takes the trophy hands down. Sick beats, huge hits and an ethereal style that will make you truly believe you’re soaring through the air, talking about “Air Gear” is the perfect to complete this list.
Whether you agree or disagree with my choices please head down the the comments section below to let us here at Capsule Computers know what you think. Also if you have any awesome video game soundtrack suggestions please feel free to discuss them below.
New studio Blackpowder Games have released Betrayer, their inaugural first person PC title. Blackpowder set out to create a game with a focus on memorable, compelling experiences. How does their debut release stand? Will it create history or is this ghost busted? Let’s find out.
Sailing from England, you expected to reach the colony of Fort Henry on the coast of Virginia. What you’re greeted with, instead, are an abandoned fort, hordes of undead soldiers, and a mysterious crimson-clad lady with no recollection of her past. It’s up to you to defeat the wandering wraiths, uncover the conundrum behind the missing colonists, and set things right.
Like a colonial Gil Grissom, you’ll have to examine crime scenes and figure out what happened. Along the way, you’ll solve tasks for spirits, helping them find their eternal slumber while revealing more of the settlement’s story. You’ll jump between dimensions, using your keen sense of hearing to track down objectives, slaughtering the undead along the way.
The game does a great job equipping you with era-appropriate munitions. Whether you’re firing stealthily with a bow, up close with a throwing axe, or shaking the walls with one-shot muskets and flintlock pistols, everything feels like it belongs. These also help aid the sense of fear and urgency as you scramble to reload your firearms while running from certain spectral doom.
Betrayer wants players to take on a stealth role, picking off necrotic conquistadors quietly from a distance. At the same time, it presents players with vast, open, sparsely populated landscapes that urge the player to sprint. This can lead to a frustrating game of cat and mouse. Being forced to retrieve your body also feels tedious and unnecessary.
One of the most attention-grabbing aspects of Betrayer is its visual aesthetic. The world is presented to the player in stark blacks and whites with reds tossed in to accentuate enemies and other items of import. It gives the world a palpable sense of loneliness and despair. If you’re dying for some color, though, cranking up the color saturation can present some beautiful, vibrant scenery.
One of the most crucial aspects of the Betrayer experience is its sound design. Using directional, location-centric audio cues, you’ll trek across the landscape, tracking down objectives by following various noises. That said, if you’re using a mono audio output, you’ll find yourself completely lost, so beware. The sound also does an excellent job providing a sense eerie, otherworldly happenings.
Overall, Betrayer is a solid first showing from a new studio. Blackpowder Games employs interesting visual composition and inspired audio design for an eery, engrossing aesthetic. The various collectibles and backstories offer reason to continue playing, but the game can quickly begin to feel repetitive. Blackpowder has given spectral sleuths a solid title worth checking out, but mainstream audiences aren’t likely to lock their proton packs on to this one.
Capsule Computers gives Betrayer…
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Winning over 200 Game of the Year Awards for 2013 (including our very own at Capsule Computers), Sony has officially revealed that Naughty Dog will be bringing The Last of Us to the PS4 with The Last of Us Remastered. The remastered version will include all major DLC including Left Behind, the story DLC featuring Ellie, and the already released and upcoming map packs for multiplayer. It will also sport updated visuals with support for 1080p and cutscene commentary from the games creative directors and voice cast members.
While the move wasn’t unexpected and had been rumoured for some time, it has only been about 9 short months since the game launched on the PS3. The next gen consoles are definitely struggling for releases at the moment and releasing “remastered” and “definitive” versions of popular last gen titles seems to be becoming a trend alongside multiplat releases with little differences. You can check out the trailer below which mostly focuses on the accolades the game has collected, but there is some nice 1080p footage of Joel and Ellie overlooking some giraffes at the end there and it does look pretty good. The Last of Us Remastered is aiming for a summer release in America and will be available in retail stores and as a digital download at the standard new release price.
Ubisoft just released a trailer for Watch_Dogs that showcases the amazing details that the PC version of the game can get through its integration of NVIDIA technologies.
The video touches on how the developers worked with NVIDIA to create a high quality environment for Chicago. This is all possible because of the partnership between NVIDIA and Ubisoft to create truly great graphically-intense games. Some other games that will utilize NVIDIA’s technology includes Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Blacklist, and Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. Watch_Dogs will be available on May 27th on the PC (through Steam), PS4, PS3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Wii U. Check out the trailer below for more information on Watch_Dogs, and here is their official website if you’d like to snoop around for more news.
Compatibility: Requires iOS 4.3 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.
Description
Oh no, a rabbit stole your phone! Fold up, aim, and roll to follow him down the hole. It’s time for a minigolf adventure in Wonderland!
– A SPECIAL KIND OF MINIGOLF –
Play as Alice, and meet the White Rabbit and other iconic characters in Wonderland. With 70 clever levels, there is always something new to explore. You never know where you end up next!
The White Rabbit is always one step ahead, and he has your phone. Are you smart enough to catch him and get it back?
– OVER 70 LEVELS –
Visit the Tea Garden with its mazes and green landscapes. Maneuver through the Chess Fields, survive the depths of the Dark Forest, and discover the treacherous Palace with its mirror portals and card guards. Alice in Wonderland is a weird and fantastical tale.
– SIMPLE CONTROLS, DEEP GAMEPLAY –
Using minigolf shots, you have precision controls on the aim and power of your shot. Sounds simple? Try maneuvering across treacherous swamps, tricky hillsides and moving platforms. Combine skill and cleverness to collect gems and earn stars.
– CHALLENGING PUZZLES –
Use your brain to solve puzzles that require mad wits and skill. You’ll encounter mirror portals, bouncers, and trigger buttons. Use the environment to your advantage and make the perfect shot. Check your friends’ scores and position on the map, and claim the highest score!
– DOWNLOAD NOW –
Download Wonder Golf NOW for free. Tap “Download” above, and have fun!
Note: Wonder Golf is free to play; all content can be enjoyed without in-app purchases. Optional in-game items can also be purchased for real money. If you do not want this, please disable the in-app purchase feature in your device’s settings.
TOM CLANCY’S GHOST RECON PHANTOMS® NOW AVAILABLE ON STEAM AND PC
A new chapter of Ghost Recon begins with Ghost Recon Phantoms
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA– April 10, 2014 Today, Ubisoft announced that Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Phantoms is now available on Steam and Windows PC. Formerly Ghost Recon Online, Ghost Recon Phantoms launches with a new identity, new features and worldwide distribution.
A brand-new gaming experience built upon community feedback
Ubisoft has built a new identity for Ghost Recon Phantoms that includes a new background story, new user interface as well as new character and weapon designs for all three classes. Three maps have also been updated with a complete lighting and level redesign. Players will also be able to fully customize their weapons and characters with the new ModMaster feature to help them stand out on the battlefield.
In addition, matchmaking has been improved to guarantee a fair gaming experience by taking into account player skills and level of equipment. To start new players off on the right foot, the new user experience has been retooled to offer players access to better weapons, sooner.
Worldwide distribution
“Steam is always a cornerstone of the distribution strategy of any PC tactical team-based game like Ghost Recon Phantoms. The additional exposure we are getting through Steam will further increase our already 5-million-strong user base,” said Corey Facteau, producer.
To guarantee the best gaming experience around the world, Ubisoft will open new servers in Asia, Australia and South America, in addition to those already covering Europe and North-America.
A new trailer and a strong presence in major gaming events
“The launch trailer is an accurate portrayal of the new DNA of the game. Sleeker, more refined and looking better than ever, it showcases the new character design in a map that our veterans know very well, the Xinyi District. The intense action sequence is just a peek into the intense combat of the game and reinforces the Ghost Recon Phantoms belief that by fighting as a team, you prevail,” Corey Facteau explained.
The trailer was directed by Patrick Clair, who has previously worked with Ubisoft on trailers for Watch Dogs TM and Tom Clancy’s The Division TM, but is now best known for his work directing the title sequence of the HBO hit show True Detective.
“For PAX East attendees, we will be at the Ubisoft booth where you can meet members of the development team as well as get hands-on time with Ghost Recon Phantoms. We will also be present in other gaming events in Europe, where we will organize exhibition matches between MOBA and FPS pro teams, to demonstrate our unique team-based gameplay,” Corey Facteau added.
**Ubisoft has recently launched its new press site, www.ubisoft-press.com, which contains product info, release dates, fact sheets, screen shots, videos, developer team backgrounders and more. Moving forward, please use this as your primary resource for obtaining assets as we will be discontinuing FTP links in the future. Visit www.ubisoft-press.com to “register now” and input all of your information and please note it will take up to 48 hours to process.
Compatibility: Requires iOS 5.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.
Description
Help Dum to escape the traps of evil kid Max.
In Freedum, Dum, a little ladybug, must escape the dangerous mazes created by Max, a little boy as inventive as Machiavellian.
Help Dum cross ever more dangerous mazes and avoid the pernicious and diverse traps set by Max.
But beware, in this environment full of danger, Dum is also to rescue the baby ladybugs. Can you save them all?
Features:
– Fun and challenging levels
– Numerous and original traps and obstacles
– Make Dum shrinks to avoid some obstacles
– Fly over obstacles to reach the exit
– Control the spirit of other insects to help your evasion attempt
London, UK – April 10, 2014 – Today,Ubisoft® revealed the new expansion, Heart of Nightmares, for the online strategy card game Might & Magic® Duel of Champions. Heart of Nightmares is the largest and most important expansion to date, bringing in new heroes, a new base set, 100 new cards and new features including puzzles, which expand possibilities on the battleground.
Duel with six new heroes
One new hero for each of the six factions has been introduced, each with different powers that require new strategies on the battleground. “Our players are quick to adapt and learn the best way to defeat opponents with the cards in their deck, so we are continuing to give players new hero options to keep the game fresh. Each new hero requires players to learn their strengths and weaknesses, shifting their strategy in order to play or defeat them.” said Samuel Jobin, Producer of Might & Magic Duel of Champions.
A new base set, Base Set 2
The game has continued to grow and evolve over the past year and this new base set helps rebalance the meta-game in Might & Magic® Duel of Champions. “We wanted to make the game easier for new players, helping them move from the tutorial mode to duels with less hesitation” continued Samuel Jobin. Players can now choose from two game formats, the first is standard format, which is the official game format for competition, and features cards from Base Set 2 and all upcoming series. The second format is an open format that applies to all the cards released prior and in to this expansion.
The most important update since launch
As requested by players, solo campaigns have been extended to a total of 30 missions. Puzzles also add another solo experience where players have to use complex game mechanics in order to zero an enemy’s health in only one turn. A new ranking and matchmaking system with classes will replace the ELO system which has shown some inconsistencies in the past. The game economy has also been reviewed and new series will be more accessible as they can now be purchased with gold earned in-game a few weeks after they are launched. Additionally, all menus have been redesigned and new visual effects have been added to the battleground.
For more information and to play Might & Magic® Duel of Champions please visit: www.duelofchampions.com
Ubisoft have released part two of their ‘Making of’ video series for Child of Light, announcing partnerships with Cirque du Soleil Media and singer/pianist Coeur de Pirate in the process.
In creating the musical landscape of the kingdom of Lemuria, Coeur de Pirate composed intimate and nostalgic pieces on piano, receiving support from the Bratislava Symphony Orchestra for the combat and boss battle accompaniments. Patrick Plourde, Creative Director, Ubisoft, and the songstress herself stated;
Music is one of the most important ways to communicate emotion to players. The music of Coeur de Pirate is fresh, romantic and optimistic, a perfect match for what we wanted to express with Child of Light. I am extremely honored that she wanted to join us on this adventure. – Plourde
My experience with Ubisoft was great. I was there from the beginning, so they didn’t have so much material for me to work with at first, which gave me complete freedom. Then, when I first saw the images, I really felt I could create something great with them. I remember seeing for the first time the music on the images. This is wonderful to see something come to life like this. – Coeur de Pirate
Cirque du Soleil Media aided in bringing a theatrical element to the game, with the Ubisoft Montreal team able to benefit from their world class experience in theatrical realization and costume design, providing a real stage direction point of view to the game’s creation. Plourde, along with Jacques Méthé, President, Cirque du Soleil Media, added;
Video games invites players to be immersed in virtual worlds and no one is better to create immersive and magical experiences than the artists of the Cirque du Soleil. So to be able to collaborate with them to achieve Child of Light’s ambition to create a playable poem was a dream come true. – Lourde
One of the most important aspects of our business philosophy is to assess the creative challenge a project may present. Ubisoft is a leader in the gaming industry and throughout the years, they have acquired worldwide success with an impressive portfolio of original brands. We are proud of our collaboration with Ubisoft who share similar artistic values. – Méthé
Check out the ‘Making of’ #2: Sound and Artistic Effects video below, and read our hands-on preview of Child of Light‘s first two hours here.
