Today Compile Heart teased that they have a “strong announcement” to make on April 30th. This taser was done by the company’s parent company Idea Factory over on Twitter.
Unfortunately further details about the announcement were not given at this time but it is worth noting that since Compile Heart organized the Galapagos label which was designed to create games specifically for the Japanese audience, only one game has been developed under that label and it was Fairy Fencer F for the PlayStation 3. It is highly likely that this announcement will relate to a new game being announced, likely either a sequel to Fairy Fencer F or an original title as two Hyperdimension Neptunia titles were just announced a month ago.
As one would expect, after the release of Madden NFL 25 last year, EA Sports has now announced that they are planning on releasing this year’s iteration of the annual series, this time simply called Madden NFL 15, on August 26th in North America with Australia getting the title on August 28th. Unfortunately for those hoping this release would be devoted entirely for the current-gen consoles, Madden NFL 15 is being released on both current and last-gen consoles meaning it will be released on the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 in August.
Details as to what this game will add to the series are thin at the moment, though EA has said that there will be new dramatic camera angles as well as “dynamic pre-game and halftime features,” so for now check out this little preview trailer below.
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.
