Agharta Studio will make Oculus Rift adventure games; Shufflepuck Cantina demo on Steam is proof of conccept

Press Releases

-

January 30, 2014

Attention, Weary Space Travelers: Unwind at the Shufflepuck Cantina in Newly Released Oculus Rift Demo

Proof-of-concept prototype puts Agharta Studio at forefront of virtual reality adventure game development

LYON, France – January 29, 2014 – Fancy a drink in a faraway galaxy? Here’s the next best thing: Agharta Studio has today released a new demo of their hybrid role-playing / air hockey game Shufflepuck Cantina Deluxe with Oculus Rift VR headset support. This demo serves as a proof-of-concept prototype for Agharta’s plan to create virtual reality adventure games, starting with an unannounced project in early development.

Agharta is a small indie studio best known for 1112, a series of episodic adventure games for touch screen devices. Shufflepuck Cantina — a nod to the 1989 cult classic Shufflepuck Café — sends a space traveler on an intergalactic pit stop to play air hockey against a variety of amusing aliens. Set in a multi-level watering hole patronized by colorful characters whose backstories influence their tournament strategies, Shufflepuck Cantina rewards players who explore the surroundings and get to know their competitors. Following an initial mobile release, an enhanced version named Shufflepuck Cantina Deluxe debuted for PC, Mac, and Linux in December after being Greenlit by Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/259510/

The Shufflepuck Cantina Oculus Rift demo sets you loose to explore one of the cantina’s floors as if you were really there. Move your head to scan the room, chat with other patrons, open holographic menus, and engage in friendly (and sometimes not-so-friendly) rounds of air hockey. In creating this demo, the developers redesigned the UI to be comfortable and immersive in virtual reality — characteristics that will carry over into their new adventure game. To see Shufflepuck Cantina‘s Oculus Rift support in action, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gkG-Hv5Zgw

Agharta dove into virtual reality development last summer with EpicDragon VR, an arcade game prototype born out of the 3-week VR Jam presented by Oculus VR and IndieCade. EpicDragon VR puts the player on the back of a dragon, soaring the skies of a strange fantasy world while collecting Eggs of Light to counter a catastrophic solar eclipse. The prototype, which the organizers recognized as a VR Jam 2013 finalist, can be downloaded here: https://developer.oculusvr.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=3407

“At Agharta Studio, we like going where no one else has gone. 1112 was the first adventure game for iPhone, then one of the first for iPad. Now we want to be one of the first to make adventures for Oculus Rift,” says Aurelien Kerbeci, the studio’s CEO and co-founder. “While Shufflepuck Cantina is not an adventure game, its quirky world is the perfect place to experiment with virtual reality. Creating this demo gave us a good feel for how to use the Oculus Rift VR headset in an adventure game and we’re now applying what we’ve learned to the adventure prototype we’re working on.”

Shufflepuck Cantina Deluxe for PC, Mac, and Linux can be purchased on Steam for $9.99 USD (http://store.steampowered.com/app/259510/) as well as from GetGames, Desura, and other online stores. The Oculus Rift demo is offered as bonus content through Steam.

About Agharta Studio

Agharta Studio is a small indie team located in Lyon, France. Having worked together on licensed games published by Atari and Vivendi, the principals formed Agharta in 2008 to explore new game ideas for emerging touch screen technology. An early arrival on both iPhone and iPad, their ongoing mystery adventure series 1112 has had three episodes released so far. In 2012 the team developed a hybrid role-playing / air hockey, Shufflepuck Cantina, as a homage to the cult classic Shufflepuck Café. Following a successful mobile launch, Agharta revamped the game for desktop computers and released the fully featured Shufflepuck Cantina Deluxe for PC, Mac, and Linux in December 2013. The team has recently turned their attention to Oculus Rift development with an unannounced adventure game in early production. Learn more at http://www.aghartastudio.com.

SPACE HULK MARCHES ON FULL CONTROL RELEASES LINUX DEPLOYMENT

Press Releases

Philip Federico

-

January 29, 2014

0

SPACE HULK MARCHES ON FULL CONTROL RELEASES LINUX DEPLOYMENT

Turn Based Strategy Specialist Launches Linux Version of
Popular Warhammer 40,000 franchise

January 28th, 2013, Copenhagen, Denmark – Danish independent studio Full Control today announced that Space Hulk – the digital adaptation of the classic Games Workshop board-game, set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe – is now available on Linux.

“We’ve always wanted to offer gamers different options on what platform they choose to play Space Hulk,” said Thomas Hentschel Lund, CEO of Full Control “We actively support Valve’s push for Linux as a gaming platform and the future release of steam machines, that will push PC gaming into the living room”.

Space Hulk features a single player campaign with 15 missions, and head-to-head cross-platform multiplayer action. The Sword of the Halcyon, and Defilement of Honour campaigns are also available as DLC, and all future DLC will be available on Linux on the same day as the PC

Space Hulk Features

Faithful adaption of the classic board game

Set in the hugely popular Warhammer 40,000 universe.

Challenging AI.

Thematic 3D environment – experience the dark labyrinth of a Space Hulk as never before.

15 mission single player campaign.

Multiplayer head-to-head recreating the board game experience against a friend.

Asynchronous cross platform multiplayer across Windows PC, Mac, Linux.

To download Space Hulk via digital distribution service Steam please visit: http://store.steampowered.com/app/242570/

About Full Control
Full Control is a small independent studio based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Over the years they have specialized in the genre of turn-based strategy games and have several productions in their portfolio: Their current project is a turn-based videogame adaptation of the hugely popular Warhammer 40k title “Space Hulk”.

About Games Workshop®
Games Workshop® Group PLC (LSE:GAW.L) is based in Nottingham, UK. Games Workshop designs, manufactures, retails, and distributes its range of Warhammer® and Warhammer® 40,000® games, miniature soldiers, novels and model kits through more than 400 of its own Hobby centres, the Internet and independent retail channels in more than 50 countries worldwide. Further details on the company can be obtained at www.games-workshop.com

Space Hulk © Games Workshop Limited 2014. Games Workshop, GW, Space Hulk, Warhammer 40,000, GW, the Games Workshop logo, the Double headed/Imperial Eagle device, Adeptus Astartes, Blood Angels, Dark Angels, Genestealer, Space Marine, Space Marine chapters, Space Marine chapter logos, Space Wolves, Tyranid, Ultramarines, Warhammer, 40K, Warhammer 40,000 and the Warhammer 40,000 device the foregoing marks’ respective logos and all associated marks, logos, names, places, characters, creatures, races and race insignia, illustrations and images from the Space Hulk game are either ® or TM, and/or © Games Workshop Ltd 1989-2014, variably registered in the UK and other countries around the world. All rights reserved. Published under license to Full Control ApS.

Tunes Up! By Bulkypix

Press Releases

Philip Federico

-

January 29, 2014

0

Tunes Up! By Bulkypix

Game Center

View More By This Developer

Open iTunes to buy and download apps.

View In iTunes

This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad

Free
Category: Games
Updated: Nov 30, 2013
Version: 1.2
Size: 21.6 MB
Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
Seller: BULKYPIX
© 2013 BulkyPix. All rights reserved.

Rated 4+

Compatibility: Requires iOS 5.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.

Description

Rock, Pop, Dance, Country, Rap, Jazz, Reggae, Lounge…
Challenge all your friends in musical culture.

What is the title of this song?
Which song belongs to this album?
Who sings this title?

Tons of questions, a lot of music, different styles.
You think no one can beat you when it’s about music, check it and send challenge to your friend list.
Start by creating and customizing your special avatar.
Then you are ready to train versus the AI and prepare yourself for all your duels against your friends and players all around the world.

Become the best and amaze your friends with your music knowledge.

FEATURES
§ Customize your avatar with funny accessories
§ More than 40 music genres for every tastes
§ Over 1000 questions to test your knowledge and challenge your friends
§ Train and improve yourself against AI before beating your friends for real
§ Play locally with your friends on the same device for a funnier experience

…More

Tunes Up! Support

What’s New in Version 1.2

Bug Fix

Screenshots

iPhone iPad

Monster Part 1 Review

Luke Halliday

-

January 29, 2014

0

Monster Part 1
Studio: Madhouse
Publisher: Siren Visual
Format: DVD
Release Date: January 15th, 2013
Price: $49.95 – Available Here

Overview
From the master of suspense, Naoki Urasawa, comes the ingenious thriller anime Monster. Unlike anything else in anime, Naoki Urasawa’s Monster is a different kind of beast.

Through Monster, Urasawa muses on the very nature of humanity in his exploration of the shades of gray that colour human morality.

Without a doubt Urasawa’s magnum opus, Monster is one series that simply must be seen to be believed.

Story
Dr. Tenma is a brilliant Japanese neurosurgeon working in Germany. Feeling the pressures of a corrupt system that places the lives of patients second to personal greed, Tenma makes a fateful decision to save the life of a child. It is a decision that changes the course of countless lives. It is a decision that Tenma has to live with when the young boy grows up to become a killer.

It is one hell of a killer premise and Urasawa’s deft hands weave are complex psychological tale out of it. It is his knack for suspenseful pacing and rich characterization that carry the series from beat to beat. Underneath all of that is a cruel heart at war with a kind one. Urasawa’s twisted vision plays out like a conflict between light and dark set in the gritty backdrop of East Germany.

Monster really sets itself apart with a setting like Germany. It has a distinct look and feel that adds to the story in countless ways. There truly is no other place in the world that Monster could have been set, Germany is just too perfect a fit. From rustic to grimy, Monster’s Germany is one that carries a life of its own, everchanging.

The titular monster, Johan Liebert, makes for a superb antithesis for our protagonist Tenma. Johan has no belief in the value of human lives, whereas Tenma believes all lives are made equal, even if that life is of a monster like Johan. The struggle between these two looks to be the foundation for the journey both of these men have set out on. Both owe a debt to the other, both see the world in different lights. It is an iron pillar for Monster to base itself around and their interactions are utterly thrilling.

Things become darker and darker with each passing episode and the tension continues to mount as Tenma dives deeper and deeper into the pitch black world he has now found himself in. Urasawa’s writing is simply superb and the pacing here is deliberate and suspenseful. The tale Urasawa spins with Monster is something that would rival the works of someone like Stephen King even. There is just something about Urasawa and his work that just won’t let you look away. It is highly addictive story-telling at its best.

This superb first part release features episodes 1-15 of the series. Over the course of this release we come to see Tenma set out on a quest to stop the monster he created in Johan. He is a changed man and as the series progresses there is no doubt that the more he uncovers about this world too cruel, the more he will change.

At its core, Monster is a series about life and death. The value of life and the meaning of death, these are the things that Urasawa ponders on and through Monster reaches profound answers. Monster is a special breed of anime and this is only just the beginning.

Visuals and Audio
Madhouse are renowned as one of Japan’s best animation studios and with a series like Monster, it is no wonder they have such a reputation. The colour palette used by Madhouse perfectly captures the tone of the story, with dark hues on display throughout. There are moments of brilliant cinematography such as in the first confrontation between Johan and Tenma, when Johan is blanketed in darkness, it conveys how consumed he is. It makes a perfect juxtaposition with illuminated Tenma. It is small touches such as this that are seen throughout the series. Meaningful artistic direction that gives the series its soul.

The score for the series is likewise excellently composed. Be it the tense incidental music that mounts the suspense with pin-point precision or the unforgettable haunting opening theme, Monster’s soundtrack is phenomenal.

This release of Monster also happens to feature an English dub from Viz Media. The dub itself is quite well directed with a solid cast that bring these characters to life in the English language. The release of course also features a Japanese audio track which is all kinds of brilliant in its own right.

Extras
Siren Visual’s release of Monster Part 1 is somewhat no frills. It simply features the first 15 episodes in both Japanese and English audio. This in and of itself should be commended. Despite the lack of extras for fans to sink their teeth into, Monster is a series that anime fans have desperately awaited to get a release for so long now that it is an impressive feat in and of itself to finally see this series hit our shores. The series itself is of course absolutely incredible and with a total of 15 episodes across 3 discs, this jam-packed release is well worth the price.

Overall
This may very well go down as the most important anime release in years. Naoki Urasawa’s Monster is arguably one of the greatest anime of all time and at long last it has finally seen the light of day outside of Japan in an exclusive Australian release from Siren Visual. Once again Australia gets a world-wide exclusive anime release and it is all thanks to the major strides made by Siren Visual in progressing this industry.

Monster itself is a masterpiece of anime and the crowning acheivement of Naoki Urasawa. It is dark, gritty, tragic and highly addictive. This is one anime release that you do not want to miss out on. Monster is the work of a mad genius and this journey into the deep dark abyss of insanity has only just begun. Unlike anything ever before, Monster is anime at its finest.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

Monster Battle Arena By Greenhill Games Pty Ltd

Press Releases

Philip Federico

-

January 29, 2014

0

Monster Battle Arena By Greenhill Games Pty Ltd

View More By This Developer

Open iTunes to buy and download apps.

View In iTunes

This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad

$1.99
Category: Games
Released: Jan 28, 2014
Version: 1.1
Size: 36.6 MB
Language: English
Seller: GREENHILL GAMES PTY LIMITED
© Greenhill Games Pty Ltd

Rated 4+

Compatibility: Requires iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.

Description

Please note that there is a bug with registration. You will need to register new accounts through the website until version 1.3 is approved.
Registration: http://www.monsterbattlearena.com/

Monster Battle Arena is a Massively Multiplayer Online RPG. Catch, Train and Battle Monsters then trade them with your friends.

Monster Battle Arena highlights
• MMORPG Gameplay, Chat to other players across the world.
• An exciting storyline and world to explore.
• More than 350 Monsters to Tame, Battle and Trade.
• Monster Party of 6.
• Hundreds of quests to embark on.

Storyline Introduction
You have just arrived at the Monster Battle Arena, the place all serious brawlers come to test their strength and catch some of the native monsters. Just remember you’re not the only one!

Monster Development
• Every time your Monster knocks out another Monster in battle it will gain some experience.
• With enough experience a monster will grow levels which improves your stat points across Attack, Defence or Speed.
• Some monsters will even mutate automatically when they reach a certain level.

…More

Greenhill Games Pty Ltd Web Site Monster Battle Arena Support

Screenshots

iPhone iPad

Super Hidden Gems – The Aquatic Games

Dustin Spencer

-

January 29, 2014

0

We call a lot of games hidden gems that are not so hidden. Deadly Premonition, Indigo Prophecy, Flower…the list goes on and on. While these titles did not see mainstream promotion, they are not even in the same category of “hidden” when compared to the games you knew existed, but chose to ignore.

These are titles that flew way under the radar. You have seen them a thousand times, but passed them by due to their premise. Admit it, you, like myself and everyone out there are judgmental when it comes to what goes into our system, but for just a few minutes – open up your mind and discover a product you need to go back for.

The Aquatic Games

You know him. You probably don’t love him. James Pond has always been the “almost” mascot. He almost became a gaming icon, but never had that definitive game to truly define the franchise. He almost made a comeback, but never raised enough interest from fans in order to do so. No one believes in this little fish, yet I do. I believe that while the main series is stale, one game stood out as it was so different compared to other brands, it delivered fully in terms of charm and self-worth.

That game would be The Aquatic Games, which like most compilation titles, is rather self-explanatory. Nintendo were showing us at the time of this release that Mario could do other things aside from saving Princess Peach such as golfing and other sports. Sonic was even delivering prime puzzlers and pinball spin-offs, and even ToeJam & Earl, who were not even that popular by comparison – were jammin’ it up in Ready, Set, Tomatoes in the often forgotten Menacer cartridge. After a few semi-successes in the past, it was time for James Pond to get in on the action. Now rocking some awesome shorts and a set of legs, this little mascot became the host of a variety of sport-themed games.

The characters, or “Aquabats here.. – well, they are adorable, but very vanilla in terms of personality. That however doesn’t matter as the gameplay is where its at with these games. If I could compare the layout here, it would be with Mario’s Olympic treks he made with Sonic in more recent years. I know that isn’t going to excite many, but these little romps are actually fun and full of charm – which is something that the more famous mascots could learn from. There is a game where you control a seal and see how many balls you can bounce on your nose before the timer runs out. Another “Root Beer Tapper” clone that lets a starfish keep away hungry sealife, baloon popping mayhem with James himself, and even a bouncy acrobatic arena that is made for tricks and air.

Yes, there are more – but the long jump with a frog and unicycle dash with a shark were not exactly frustration free – meaning I would like to forget those a tad. To add to the cheesey factor, the music composers created the score from classical music, with snippets of “Ode to Joy” and “Die Forelle thrown on top of generic chiptunes. The Aquatic Games was made cheap, and made to attract those who cared enough about James Pond to make a buck. Nothing more. While it didn’t succeed in being totally notable, it did provide something distinct and simply fun to play for hours on end. Sure, you can just go in and play these Aquatic Games once, but the score keeping feature meant that there was always room for improvement (and addiction), and with decent controls and a lovable personality attached, this is one under the radar title you should snag at its low asking price. Millennium Interactive are now defunct and EA are now a huge corporation, but it sure is nice to reflect on the more innocent of times, isn’t it?

Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare New Trailer Details Pre-Order Bonuses

Dustin Spencer

-

January 29, 2014

1

Yep, even Plants vs Zombies is getting in on the pre-order game. In a new trailer featuring a chunk of new gameplay, PopCap have shown off Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare‘s pre-order bonuses. As you know, this title is inspired by the original, but has a shooter twist to it with some multiplayer action attached.

As for the pre-order bonus, players can expect to receive two digital card packs for putting money down, giving you an edge with new characters and items. I am a bit nervous of that free to play aspect (much like seen in Plants vs Zombies 2: It’s About Time), but the game looks solid and a lot of fun from what we seen, so I would say the risk should be worth it. Check out the clip below, and remember to pre-order today!

First Pokemon Global Link Tournament for X and Y Coming this February

Dustin Spencer

-

January 29, 2014

0

Attention to all Kalos Pokemon Trainers! Starting in February, the first Pokémon X & Y Global Link tournament is set to take place on the 3DS. This worldwide event will finally allow players to utilize the Global Link to register, and then take their treasured team to victory in an open tournament to all.

All you need to do (unless you already were sent an invitation) is register by following this link on January 31st, to which you will fight your hardest to overcome all that stand in your way on February 21st. More details are sure to emerge on that and the upcoming Pokemon Bank release, so stay tuned and get ready for battle!

New Footage from Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 gets Environmental

Dustin Spencer

-

January 29, 2014

0

Konami know what the people want. We of course want to see more from the characters of the latest Castlevania Lord Of Shadows 2, but the world you explore is even more important. Today, the Konami released a new trailer/development diary of sorts, which go into detail about how the worlds come alive as you travel to the next destination.

Mercury Steam do a good job of explaining things, and yes – the clip does a lot to make Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 even more appealing. Take a look at the footage below, and remember that Castlevania: Lord Of Shadows 2 is due out on February 25th.

Check out some of the costumes you can wear in Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z

Travis Bruno

-

January 29, 2014

0

Tecmo Koei has released a new trailer for Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z and this time the trailer focuses on all of the different costumes that players will be able to dress Yaiba up in while playing the game. Shown in the trailer are the Kabuiki and Schoolgirl costumes, as well as some DLC costumes such as the camouflage outfit, a Nuigulumar costume and also the Mighty No. 9 costume.

Also shown off at the end of the trailer are two outfits for Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate that gamers in Japan will be able to receive if they choose to pre-order the game. Currently Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z is set to be released on March 18th in North America.