After many inquiries from next-gen console owners, ASTRO Gaming have provided a detailed update on the compatibility of their ASTRO Gaming headsets with the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
For PlayStation 4 Users:“Our A30, A40, and A50 Audio Systems are fully compatible with the PS4 once the PS4 Firmware 1.50 update has been applied to the console, and the latest ASTRO firmware updates have been applied to both the A50 Headset and Wireless 5.8 GHz Transmitter. All of our headsets will deliver Dolby Digital 5.1 and 7.1 game audio and full voice chat functionality over the PlayStation Network.” You can access the ASTRO firmware update page right here.
For Xbox One Users: As it pertains to game audio; “Microsoft has released a firmware update. Once the Xbox One system update is performed, it enables Dolby 5.1/7.1 through the optical SPDIF. Xbox One consoles with the latest system update allows ASTRO products to deliver GAME AUDIO in 7.1 Dolby Digital surround sound.”
In regards to voice chat; “The connector on the controller is now a proprietary port, meaning that all ASTRO products will require an adapter to connect to Xbox Live for online VOICE CHAT. The Microsoft voice chat cable is now available as a stand-alone product through EB Games and JB Hifi. To enable voice chat for A40: – Owners must also download the new Astro 2013 MixAmp Firmware v.5003. To enable voice chat for A50: – Astro is currently testing a firmware update for the A50 Wireless headset and MixAmp Pro. This should be available within a week”
A Crooked Mile. That is the title of the next chapter of Telltale Games‘ The Wolf Among Us, which just dropped episode two (check out our review for Smoke & Mirrors here) not too long ago. If you have been keeping up, the story has been quite engrossing as of late, and the latest chapter looks to put together more pieces of this twisted puzzle.
While you can watch the teaser below, know that it does contain spoilers for the first two episodes. We also don’t have an official release date for A Crooked Mile even though the official Xbox Youtube account is listing this as a launch trailer (which means maybe it will come out this week?), but will bring it to you as soon as the wolf is let out of the bag.
After a good wait, Mercenary Kings has made its debut on the PS4. For those who have not been keeping up, this side-scrolling shooter has a 2D flare and resembles Metal Slug, but has a lot more bite and its own original art style that has made it a fan favorite since releasing on Steam last year through Early Access.
Along with this release is the fact that the game is free to Playstation Plus members this month, making it nearly impossible for any Playstation 4 owner to go without adding it to their library. Check out the launch trailer below and get to downloading Tribute Games’ latest and greatest today.
The second Call of Duty: GhostsDLC, entitled Devastation, will be available this Friday on Xbox Live. The DLC pack contains four new multiplayer maps. Behemoth is a close quarter battle on a excavation vehicle, posing dangers not only to the sides of players, but also above and below. Players will shoot it out in an ancient Mayan temple in Ruin. Unearthed is inspired by the popular Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 map Dome. Finally, Collision is set in a cargo ship that has collided into a bridge in New York. Devastation also contains the Ripper 2 in 1 SMG that can switch seamlessly between a short ranged SMG to a long ranged Assault Rifle. As a bonus, Season Pass holders will be able to start using the Ripper weapon immediately.
Extinction mode players can look forward to Episode 2: Mayday. The level takes place in an abandoned ship floating in the South Pacific, crawling with the new Seeder alien. The Quick Reaction Force will go toe to toe with one of the largest threats they have ever faced, the monstrously sized Kraken. A new trailer for Episode 2: Mayday can be viewed at the end of this article.
Call of Duty Ghosts‘ Devastation DLC will be available to Australians on Friday, April 4th on Xbox Live, with other platforms to follow. Learn more at the official Devastation mini-site.
Hellraid is going mobile with a new action-adventure game for iOS Devices. Shortbreak Studios has been tapped to work with Techland on creating a mobile spinoff for the upcoming PC first person slasher. Hellraid: The Escape will task players with escaping from a magical prison, after waking up with amnesia. The action adventure game will requires smarts and cunning to solve puzzles and defeat the demons guarding the player’s cell.
Hellraid: The Escape will feature PC quality graphics, TV display support via HDMI and AirPlay, and free updates with no in-app purchases. The game will be available on March 15th for $2.99 on iTunes. Lean more about the game at the official Hellraid: The Escape website.
A dragon has awoken, darkness, violence and chaos is spreading in the streets.
Shadowrun is back with another great addition to the game series. Developed by Chiffhanger Productions, Shadowrun Online is now available on Steam Early Access. However, this is only what the developers are calling a ‘prequel’, as the full game is far from complete. Early bird players will get to play an impression of what the game will be like. They will have access to PVP gameplay and four missions. This means the players can influence the development of the game with their actions and feedback. Chiffhanger Productions promise new content, content, game elements, and fixes will be release every four to six weeks.
Shadowrun Online is a turn-based MMO. Players can harness the power of both technology and magic to control the world from the shadows for money, fame and all sorts of personal gain. You could be tasked with hustling a local ork gang, stealing valuable cargo from a ghoul-infested warehouse, or infiltrating a remote megacorp research lab to sabotage a top-secret project.
Since this is the first online game for the Shadowrun series, the most highlighted feature, of course, is the co-op and PVP gameplay. There will be other features that may soon come to the title such as adaptive mission lines and campaigns that evolved based on the choices of players.
If you prefer a closed one player game, check out Shadowrun Returns. It came out last winter and it just received a new expansion called Shadowrun: Dragonfall.
Overview The only thing worse than dealing with a sworn enemy is having to explain your actions to those you call allies. Having lost the almighty All Spark in combat with Megatron, our rag tag bunch of Autbots are not exactly in the good books where their bosses are concerned . Being the loyal soldier that he is, Optimus is forced to obey the whims of his Commander, putting Earth in jeopardy…on account of them being jerks.
Blaster beats hammer…who knew?
Story Right from the get go, Season Two introduces two brand new characters for us to hate: Sentinel Prime and Porter C. Powell. Though one is of Autobot origins, both human and Transformers seem to have a vendetta against our heroes. Due to their past that was briefly revealed in Season One, Sentinel bears a tremendous grudge towards Optimus (despite the fact it wasn’t his fault) and never misses an opportunity to undermine him. Despite his heroic actions on Earth, Sentinel (along with the rest of the Elite Guard) see Optimus as nothing more than a maintenance bot acting beyond his programming. It’s actually a scathing commentary on the limitations and negativity that can arise from a class based social system, at least where the “upper echelon” are concerned. Porter on the other hand, quite obviously stands as a representation of the greed that permeates human society. Of course, the series isn’t too focused on such intricacies. In reality, he’s just a big jerk.
Having been “dispersed” during their last confrontation, the All Spark now exists as countless tiny fragments. Naturally, both sides wish to rebuild the incomparable Cybertronian relic and a race to find the pieces begins. Due to the tremendous power of the All Spark, even in its damaged state, countless machines begin to rise beyond their programming. This more robotcentric plotline provides the series with a greater focus on the clash between the Autbots and Decepticons, taking over from the more human cast of villains (though they are certainly still there). The All Spark also serves as a rather convenient method for the series to introduce new characters, like the Constructicons for example. The frequency with which the All Spark creates life is as startling as it is beneficial to the plot. With all the new allies and enemies, the war has no chance but to escalate. Though the biggest bad in Transformers history is still relatively absent for a majority of the season. Which is strange.
Fire…good
Though it was certainly present in Season One, the disparity between organic and technological is presented as a driving force behind quite afew characters. Meltdown’s illogical hatred of technology, despite his constant use of it, continues to pit him against our robotic heroes. Of course, the Decepticons hold no regard for humanity and will often harm them without a second thought. Manipulation isn’t out of the question either, just ask Mr Sumdac, the stupidest genius you’ll ever meet. However the most interesting perspective on the techno-organic conflict comes from Blackarachnia. Caught somewhere in between the two, her longing to rid herself of her “organic curse” borders on the insane. Of course, being abandoned by her comrades didn’t help her mental state. Despite her outward hatred of her new half, she has no qualms in utilising her arachnid abilities. All in all, it makes for quite a complex and interesting character.
Fans of G1 might also like to take note of a special cameo by a certain familiar couple. Whilst learning to be more approachable, Ratchet crosses paths with Spike and Carly from the original incarnation of Transformers. On their way to the hospital, it would seem the Witwicky family line continues to grow. I wonder if they’ll appear again somewhere in the series…
This one might come down to a photo finish
Visuals Transformers Animated. It’s all there in the title. They’re Transformers. They’re animated. As you’d expect from such a visual existence, this incarnation of the franchise is a lot less serious. This is by no means a bad thing, as it suits the overall feel of the series incredibly well. The less detailed designs of each Transformer presents a much “friendlier” visage, intended for the younger demographic the series is geared towards. Ironically, this simpler style is reminiscent of the G1 cartoon, though this time the lack of intricacy is on purpose.
As is most always the case with Transformers cartoons, newly born Cybertronians still appear as if they are capable of Transforming, even prior to scanning a vehicle mode. However, in an attempt to rectify this common mistake, each Cybertronian is given an original alternate form that is very similar to their chosen Earth mode. Like Bumblebee, who was always some kind of compact, yellow car. Though I’m not sure why they’re so impressed or upset with surprisingly similar modes they adopt. Personal preference I guess.
Big chin, big ego
Audio Just as with Season One, the voice cast of Animated puts in a solid performance. The vocal variation of each character serves to add a tremendous amount of personality to the already visually diverse cast. Perhaps even in ways you wouldn’t expect, such as in one episode where Optimus laughs. Now I’m not talking about the old school episode wrap up chuckles, the Autobot Leader briefly breaks his responsible facade and full on laughs…at Sentinel. It’s awesome.
In addition to the regular cast, there is also a cameo of note. Though only present for one episode, Weird Al Yankovic portrays the highly impressionable, and ridiculous, Wreck-Gar. Lending well to his far from serious stage persona, Yankovic’s performance as Wreck-Gar serves to enhance the humorous nature of this short lived Autobot/Decepticon. He even manages to get in a very specific reference when he outright states, “I dare to be stupid.” In addition to being one of his own songs, the track was also a part of the Transformers: The Movie soundtrack oddly enough, playing over a scene in which Wreck-Gar appeared. Clever. Very clever.
Extras Just as with Season One, this DVD release features some additional animated shorts. These brief stories are more inclined towards humour and depict some of the “offscreen” moments of the Decepticons. Should you wish to learn more about the Animated Transformers cast, a gallery featuring some additional information is also present. One thing the Season Two release has over its predecessor is the inclusion of audio commentary for the episodes “Mission Accomplished” and “Garbage In, Garbage Out”. Of course, the standard trailer also figure into the mix, but the commentary is definitely the highlight.
Who said he didn’t have a sensitive side?
Overall Transformers Animated Season Two is a great continuation of the story that began in Season One. With Megatron back in action, the Autobots were once again forced to focus on their ancient foe, bringing this incarnation more in line with those previously created. That being said, the series still focuses greatly on creating a more humorous atmosphere. Though it would be simple to say that the plucky human sidekick is the source of most of this lightheartdness, it’s not entirely true. Surprisingly, every character, human of Cybertronian, gets the chance to bring a smile to your face. Whether it’s Blitzwing’s bizarre meeting of the minds, the Constructicons stereotypical demeanour or Starscream’s multitude of psychological issues given life, there’s bound to be something you enjoy. Though with the revelation the finale presented, humour may just have to take a break…at least for a little while.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Overview Transformers have seen a lot of incarnations over the years and with each one came a new way to see our favourite alien neighbours. This time around, the robots from beyond the stars take on a more child friendly appearance, saving Earth just as they always do. Don’t be fooled though, just because it looks childish, doesn’t mean it has a weak story. It’ll surprise you if you give it the chance.
The old guard makes way for the new
Story Stationed in the far reaches of space, Optimus and his crew of humble workers are performing just another menial task in their completely normal Cybertronian lives. Though the series wouldn’t be very engaging if that’s all that happened now would it? After stumbling upon the legendary All Spark, the Decepticons reappear, having remained dormant for the decades after the original Autobot/Decepticon conflict (circa Generation 1). After a brief and climactic clash, the Autobots wind up crash landing on Earth, only to fall into stasis for 50 years (circa Generation 1 once more). Awakening just in time to save the day, we meet the next in a long line of human sidekicks: Sari Sumdac.
Though she doesn’t exactly look like the greatest addition to the Autobot forces, Sari is in fact one of the most useful humans to take part in the exploits of the Cybertronians. Possessing the power of the All Spark itself, she serves as the teams living cure all to injuries and disease. A handy way to give our heroes the second wind they often need to best their foes. So basically she exists as a walking Deus ex Machina, one of the tradeoffs of this being a much more light hearted series than its predecessors. This is also reinforced by Sari’s additional duty: teaching the Autobots the ways of the world. Being aliens (a term rarely used to describe them) the Autobots are rather confused by the society we have built. At one point, Sari even has to have “the birds and the bees” talk with Optimus…which I gotta say is a first for the Transformers franchise.
Packs a real sting doesn’t he?
Contrasting most of his previous incarnations, the Optimus of the Animated Universe is rather keen on the concept of heroism. His interest in the heroes of the past leads him to be a tad dramatic in his daily life, describing their menial labour as just another cog in the great machine of Cybertronian existence (or something along those lines). Of course this tendency irks his more laid back compatriots, at least until the Decepticons return. It is also at this time that Optimus showcases his true skillset, having been trained as a warrior sometime in the past. The combination of said training with his now labour driven lifestyle, creates a rather interesting Autobot Leader, especially where combat is concerned. Rather than simply being the powerful warrior that the original Prime was, this Optimus utilises much more improvisational and resourceful tactics, serving to drive the point home that the Autbots are primarily a labour force.
In an effort to create a quirkier series that would appeal to younger audiences, the Autobots ironically wind up facing far more threats than any other incarnation. It should also be noted that quite a number of these enemies are not of Cybertronian origin, instead being born right here on Earth. Though “born” might be to simple a word. Despite the core demographic of the series, when you really think about it, a majority of these villains are the result of some serious body horror. Regardless of how they are created, or how effective they are, these foes all serve to draw the Autobots further into Earth culture than you may be used to. It’s kind of refreshing to see the Transformers branch out in their quest for justice.
The smaller cast of Animated allows the series to focus on each character and develop their backstory with a fairly reasonable amount of detail. This development also serves to create an interesting dynamic between the Autobots. One of the earliest of these explored would be the one between Ratchet and Optimus. As the the resident war veteran of the group, Ratchet serves as a foil to Optimus’ youthful exuberance, imparting knowledge on the would be Leader and encouraging his growth. Other characters will also often attempt to teach their comrades how to better fight evil. It’s definitely an improvement over the more traditional “Fight, retreat, regroup, fight again” strategy usually employed by Transformers. Though this may also have something to do with their more public status within Earth’s society. Unable to simply hide and fight in the shadows and countless desolate environments of Earth, their duties as Detroit’s local superheroes force them to factor citizens and buildings into their attack strategies. Though some do this better than others…
True power is luminous
Visuals Literally the first thing you will notice about this series and the main thing that sets it apart from others within the franchise. True to its name, the series adopts a heavily stylised animated style, lending itself well to this more humorous take on the Transformers mythos. Both Autobot and Decpticon trade detail for personality where design is concerned and possess a more organic style that allows them to express a large range of emotions via both facial expressions and body language. Each design also directly relates to each Transformers’ personal style. For example, classic “strong guy” Bulkhead cuts a much…fuller figure than the rest of his fellow Autobots. This concept is ramped up exponentially by certain characters meant to represent archetypal designs. Blitzwing is of course the most obvious culprit, who is clearly derived from the idea of a German soldier. Optimus also possesses an appearance akin to a superhero, showcasing his leadership qualities. Broad shoulders. Unnecessarily dramatic posing. Strong jawline. Seriously, why do robots even need such pronounced chins?
It’s not only the robotic characters who receive this stylistic treatment, each and every human presented onscreen are also clearly distinct from one another. Just as with the Transformers, the variance in physical appearances serve to keep things interesting to look at. Seriously, Sari is like 50% eyes.
Guess she’s not arachnophobic
Audio Following on from the visuals, each character also receives a distinctly different voice (or voices in some cases). One that Transformers fans will definitely take notice of is the return of franchise mainstay David Kaye. Only this time around it is not Megatron that he voices, but Optimus instead. Kaye’s performance as the Autobot Leader comes with an odd sense of regality, whilst still retaining the idea that he is youthful and inexperienced, chasing after the shadow of his namesake. Tara Strong also delivers a solid performance as Sari…and too many background characters to count. Her vocal talent also prevents Sari from falling into the “annoying little girl” category of cartoon characters. At least from an audio standpoint. Sure she can be annoying, but that’s more about her personality than the way she sounds.
That of course isn’t to say that the other characters don’t sound good. Each character’s voice is a good match for their appearance. It would also seem that accents are in fact universal, case in point: Blitzwing. For each of his three personalities, a German voice follows. Interesting. Bizarre. Funny. In a similar vein, dialogue itself is often geared towards humour. Thinly veiled insults, such as”Blow it out your actuator” positively litter the series. It’s kind of awesome.
Another audio aspect of note would be the series theme song. Though the same tune has been used time and time again since G!, this incarnation is one of the few times we get to hear the entirety of the lyrics. Nostalgic.
Extras Just in case the series was not enough Transformers for you, the DVD release contains two additional Animated shorts that focus on the less than explosive daily lives of two of our Autobot heroes. One even manages to ask a question that has been plaguing Transformers fans for decades: Where does Optimus’ trailer go when he transforms? Of course we don’t get an answer, but at leas the question exists in official media. Also included is a sneak peek gallery for Season Two and your standard fare trailers…but seriously, where does his trailer go?
That can’t mean anything good…
Overall Transformers Animated is an interesting interpretation of a world that has been so thoroughly explored throughout the years. The decision to be so outwardly “childish” was one that opened up a barrel of possibilities, not only in the visual sense. The more comedic style imbued the Transformers with a substantial amount of personality, creating situations not usually present within the confines of an interplanetary war. Combined with the cast of human villains, the Transformers presented in Animated feel much more personable than some of their more serious incarnations. It is also these same villains, along with the heroic humans of course, that serve to keep humanity relevant within the plot at large, something that is often lost in order to focus on more Cybertronian combat. Though despite all of its youthful charm, Animated also carries some serious plot elements when you really think about it. And with happened in the finale, things are bound to get a whole lot more intense.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
April Fool’s just became serious. Indie developers Coffee Stain Studio‘s tech experiment turned actual video game, Goat Simulator, is now available on Steam. Inspired by old school Tony Hawk’s skateboarding games, players will lead their goat onto a path of zany destruction in a peaceful little town. Goat Simulator became a video hit after footage meant to demonstrate some technical experimentation went viral on YouTube.
Goat Simulator will give players a chance to participate in one of the sillier parts of game development, extremely strange bugs that result in hilarity. Coffee Stain Studios has no intention of fixing the odd bugs that may come from development. Instead, they have chosen to embrace the silliness. The game comes with Steam Workshop support that will allow gamers to create their own content for the game. Goat Simulator is now available on Steam for $9.99.
NO APRIL FOOLS WITH STARPOINT GEMINI 2: NEW BETA UPDATE
New Dazzling Looking Wormholes and Particle Effects, New ‘Smuggle’ Mission and Fresh Screenshots
Haarlem, The Netherlands – April 1, 2014 – No joke here, indie developer Little Green Men Games is spoiling its community today with a brand new update to space sim Starpoint Gemini 2 (PC), currently available on Steam’s Early Access program and growing ever more popular as it nears completion. This first post-Beta update brings the game just that much closer to final launch, and features a number of improvements and community-suggested tweaks. Also included is the brand new smuggle Freelance mission and many visual enhancements have been made to fine-tune the game.
Important Update Notes Include:
UPDATED: Wormholes received a visual and physics overhaul
UPDATED: It is no longer possible to dock on hostile stations/planets
UPDATED: HUD markers transparency now depends on distance to object
ADDED: Smuggle Freelance mission
ADDED: Particle effects on ships when being damaged
ADDED: Heavy weapons can now force a ship to drop Power to Engines
FIXED: Several bugs, amongst others in dialog panel issues and ship assembly
Starpoint Gemini 2 is currently in Beta on Steam’s Early Access program and is set to launch later in Q2 on Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/236150
About Starpoint Gemini 2 In this sequel to Starpoint Gemini, players will captain their own space ship and roam the galaxy in 3D in this tactical space simulator with tons of RPG depth! Space has never looked so inviting – but images can betray… It has been two years since the end of the second Gemini war, and the situation in the war-torn system is further from resolution than ever before.
Key features:
Complex, but easy-to-use RPG system, now coupled with dynamic real-time 3D combat.
Explore the dynamic game world as a whole, rather than through individual maps.
Use T-Gates, wormholes and rift ways to travel faster around the Gemini System.
Fifty diverse factions ranging from states and companies to outlaws, locked in a power struggle, with over 100 commodities to trade or plunder.
Special revocable licenses acquired from factions offer various bonuses and unlock new options.
Hire mercenary captains to follow you on your travels and share your fate, and employ officers to fill key positions on your ship (engineering, navigation, tactical).
Random missions get generated depending on the player’s actions and allegiances.
More than 70 unique ships, fully upgradeable with various ship systems, with, amongst other things, visible turrets, and a large arsenal of heavy weapons to blast enemies to pieces.
Direct ship controls create complete immersion.
Advanced physics provided by NVIDIA PhysX technology
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ABOUT LITTLE GREEN MEN GAMES
LGM Games is a team of highly motivated and talented programmers, writers, 3D and 2D artists, and animators sharing the same passion for video games. LGM Games made their first appearance in the gaming industry in 2011 with their debut title Starpoint Gemini, a space-flavored RPG sim.
ABOUT ICEBERG INTERACTIVE Iceberg Interactive (www.iceberg-games.com) is an independent video game publisher founded in 2009 by an international group of games industry veterans. Iceberg operates in the vibrant European games market through retail publishing and worldwide via direct relationships with dozens of digital download portals. With a distinct focus on the genres of simulations, adventure, strategy and MMO/action games, Iceberg has successfully released digital hits in European retail, such as Killing Floor, Wings of Prey, APB Reloaded and Endless Space – but is also known to back indie developers in getting their games into both the retail and digital space.
