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Cities in Motion 2 Aboards Linux with Marvellous Monorails Expansion

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Paradox Interactive have officially released Cities in Motion 2 on Linux, along with the expansion “Marvellous Monorails” for the mass transit simulation and strategy game from Colossal Order.

Cities in Motion 2 allows players to take control of the transit network, in which they must design, construct, engineer and expand tracks and routes at an affordable price within a growing city.

Cities in Motion 2 - Marvellous Monorails

The Marvellous Monorails expansion allows players to:

  • Add 5 all-new monorail vehicles to their fleets, including Toyoka Cybria City and Stern-Berger Mate
  • Spruce up the layouts with elevated rails for intercity connections and attract more passengers
  • Build circular monorail lines for maximum efficiency; cheaper and faster than metro lines

Come aboard Cities in Motion 2 on Linux, as well as PC and Mac on Steam here for only AUD $11.23 ( USD $9.99) until January 17. Don’t forget to download the expansion for the same price!

Evangelion 3.33 Delayed in Australia

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Madman has posted on their Facebook page that the upcoming Evangelion 3.33: You Can (Not) Redo’s DVD and Blu-ray release has been delayed until further notice. The home video release of the third Rebuild of Evangelion film was originally slated for March 19th.

The Australian distributor has cited a recent US delay as having a “domino effect” on their release, apologising for the inconvenience. The North American release by FUNimation, originally scheduled for February 18th, also has no release date as of now.

Evangelion 3.33 (titled as 3.0 in its theatrical screening) is set 14 years after the conclusion of the second film, with Shinji Ikari awakening to a world he doesn’t remember. Check out our review of the theatrical version, screened during Madman’s REEL Anime festival, here.

Assassin’s Creed: Pirates Gets an Update

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Avast me harties! Unfurl the sales, pull up the anchors and get ready to take to the high seas once again as Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed: Pirates for mobile has gotten its first major content update.

The update is sure to satisfy even the most grounded of land-lovers as it introduces a new map where they will take part in an additional campaign mission, as well as 10 new side-quests to embark on. This new update also changes the game’s difficulty, ensuring that even the most storied of captains will face a challenge as well as adding in some new combat controls to create a more fluid and interactive experience. Lastly, a new social aspect will be added, so you can compare yourself to your friends and other players around the world.

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The update is available now so be sure to connect to the App Store or Google Play and start downloading. Are you still playing Pirates or are console AC titles more your speed? Let us know in the comments below and as always, remember to stay tuned to Capsule Computers for all the Assassin’s Creed news as it becomes available.

Halo 5 Concept Art Shows Off “Prominent” Location

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Click to enlarge

In a new Halo Waypoint blog entry entitled ‘New Years Resolutions: A Bite-Sized Peek Behind the Curtain‘, now former Creative Director at 343 Industries, Josh Holmes, talked us fans through recent changes to the team before giving us a piece of environmental concept art from this year’s planned Halo title for the Xbox One.

The image, as seen above, was created by Lead Concept Artist come Art Director Nicolas “Sparth” Bouvier and is “an early exploration of a new location that features prominently in a little game project we’re tinkering with….” With very little to go on so far, every little nugget of information or artwork goes a long way. As stated by Holmes, “Sparth” has 17 years of industry experience and worked closely with soon-to-be Visual Design Consultant Kenneth Scott to develop and define the visual language of this second Halo trilogy. Click through on the highlighted link to view the blog entry in its entirety.

Shining Force Online developer takes project to Kickstarter

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After receiving a “cease and desist” letter from SEGA, Shining Force Online developer Arcade County decided to take matters into their own hands. Studio Lead Robby Mulvany had the following to say:

We had just really started the beta but Sega was quick! Fan made games are tricky because some publishers are ok with it and some aren’t. Sega’s own terms of service (at least the ones I read) didn’t seem to discourage them. The Sonic 2 HD remake didn’t seem to bother them, so last June I decided to build an MMO for Shining Force. Several fans had attempted it in the past but they always seemed to fizzle out quick. There just aren’t really any party-based MMO’s out there so I thought it would be fun to try. I emailed Sega back in June but I didn’t receive a reply. I figured if it was going to be an issue they’d tell me in advance.

*Screenshots used from original title Shining Force Online*
*Screenshots used from original title Shining Force Online*

Rather than scrapping the entire project, the team decided to bring the game to Kickstarter and begin the process to remove/replace all SEGA related trademarks. And in this process Arcade County plans on improving their existing content around community ideas as well as feedback. An aspect of the title worth noting is the “Empire Anvil”. This handy tool is the exact same toolkit that the developers use to create aspects of the game, and this will be placed on the public’s fingertips. Not only will players get to create/modify graphics, but they will also be able to create musical content as well.

With no hard feelings towards SEGA, Mulvany and team seek to see Shining Empire to completion. Ultimately, they want to offer the MMORPG at an affordable price of $10 with free DLC to be administered throughout the first two years. Additionally, Arcade County’s plan is to develop the title for PC, Mac, and iOS devices. To donate to the project and perhaps even join in the development, follow the Kickstarter link here.

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Steals Mass Effect Concept Art?

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Some dual Mass Effect and Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. fans with extremely keen eyes and sharp memories noticed something familiar in the ‘The Bridge’ – the latest episode of the aforementioned TV show…

The screen capture above shows the subject: a building in the background of a scene that was pulled directly from a piece of Mass Effect 3 concept art. The original concept art can be seen below. Obviously, the structure was altered as parts of its geometry have been stretched and the entire left column/spire has been excised. The question now is whether or not this is a homage of sorts by possible fans working on the production’s staff, or lazy plagiarism. I’m not inclined to believe the latter, per se, and many would claim the alterations nullify any claims of the sort. What do you guys think?

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NASCAR ’14 Drive for the Cover Winner Revealed and Release Date

After revealing that they would be releasing the newest NASCAR game this year, Deep Silver and developer Eutechnyx has finally released more information on when NASCAR ’14 would be coming out. Fans of the racing series can look forward to February 18th as the release date for the next game for the second most watched sport in the United States.

During its previous announcement, Deep Silver also left it up to the fans as to which driver would make it to the cover of NASCAR ’14 and, with over 700,000 votes total, fans have decided that Tony Stewart would be gracing the front of the game. While Tony wasn’t able to race much last season after an injury, he will be front and center on NASCAR ’14 on store shelves when he finally gets back on the track at the Daytona 500 in February.

NASCAR fans can look forward to NASCAR ’14 for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC on February 18th, 2014 at the price of $49.99, but those that pre-order can get special bonuses depending on the store. With physical die-cast cars or special DLC paint schemes, players will have a decent amount to choose from. To get an even better look at Tony Stewart on the cover and how the game will look, players can check out the official box art below, with the official trailer embedded below that.

Rhythm Thief & The Paris Caper Taps its Way onto iOS

It looks like Raphael will be having himself another adventure in a brand new city with his dog pal Fondue in Rhythm Thief & The Paris Caper, Sega‘s sequel to the 3DS game Rhythm Thief & The Emperor’s Treasure. But, 3DS owners shouldn’t start planning on when they’ll be getting this one as it is out on iOS.

This time set in the city of Paris, Raphael is on the look out to solve the disappearance of his father. Players will be tapping their way through puzzles and rhythm based mini-games. Raphael will contend with completing 50 new missions, while enjoying more than 20 original songs and 100 accomplices to collect.

Those wanting to see how Raphael saves the day in Rhythm Thief & The Paris Caper can find it on iTunes for both iPhone and iPad priced at $9.99 (£6.99).

Line Knight Fortix Cuts Its Way To iOS

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Line Knight Fortix, the latest game from BulkyPix, the team behind Joe Dever’s Lone Wolf:Blood on the Snow, has officially released on iOS devices today. Fans of the PC games will now be able to take it with them anywhere they go.

Players will take on the role of Sir Fortix, the bold Line Knight, as he captures territory back from the hordes of the evil sorcerer Xitrof. Slicing your way across the land, you’ll have to take enemy keeps, conquer dragons and cannon fire, and more! You’ll have to be smart, though. Tactics and timing can win the day or doom your lands forever.

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Features of the game include:

  • A Steam success and IGC finalist finally available on mobile
  • A colorful universe made of Knights and dragons
  • 45 levels to master trough 3 different environments
  • Very accessible but challenging gameplay : strategy and anticipation will be your best weapons
  • Capture strategic bonuses and allies to help you in your quest

Line Knight Fortix is available on the iTunes AppStore for $0.99. You can check out the trailer for the game below this article.

Kill la Kill Episode 13 Impressions

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Colour coded for your convenience

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Episode 13: Crazy for You

Well Kill la Kill is back and boy did it come back strong. Following from the previous episode‘s emotional chaos and torment comes the aftermath. The time when some characters mope, some plot and others just go on their merry way, oblivious to a majority of the world…See if you can guess who the latter is.

With Naturals Election ending in a awe inspiring display of malice, it would appear that Satsuki can now unvail her true plan: the Tri-City Schools Raid Trip. We’ve known for a long while now that Satsuki’s desires dominion over the world, so this cross region display of force should come as no surprise. What may come as a shock however is the newly developed passificity of one Ryuko Matoi. After her brief, but still too long, descent into madness, it would seem that our rambunctious delinquent is in no mind to raise a fist to anyone, let alone don Senketsu. Fearing her own uncontrollable temperament, she holes herself up at home and spends her time focusing on just what might have happened were it not for the timely appearance of Mako. This proves to be yet another of those all too uncommon times that we get to see the heart wrenching vulnerability that Ryuko carries. Stripped of all bravado and combativeness, she is just another scared person in a world ruled by fear.

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Poor little Mako

The previous events also show in Senketsu who was just as, if not more, affected by the rampage. When he asks Ryuko if she fears him now, she expresses that she knows the truth about their transformation: it was her fault. Though Nudist Beach despises the power of the Kamui and Tsumugu blames them for his dark past, they are not inherently evil, but rather amplifiers for their wearer. When Ryuko’s blood boiled and her rage broke free, Senketsu was forced to absorb all of her hatred and fury against his will. Unable to contain her raw emotion and meet her desires, she forced power out of him that he was not ready to give. Ryuko also remembers another thing, she recalls that during the mutation Senketsu was doing something. He was crying. As she succumbed to her feelings, he sat helpless as his only friend began to destroy them both from within, helpless to stop her. While this further expresses Senketsu’s nature as a sentient being, it also presents his unwavering care for Ryuko and the pain he feels when something happens to her, even if that something is herself.

Whilst Ryuko and Senketsu explore their strained relationship, Hannouji is buzzing with anticipation for their plans to systematically bring Kansai under Lady Satsuki’s control…look, they don’t have a lot to look forward to normally, you’ve seen the school. Anyway, it would seem that despite the events previous, the Naturals Election allowed the Sewing Club to create new Goku Uniforms specifically tailored to each of the still Elite Four members, along with new Raid Trip tracksuits for the students. I mean, the students have to look presentable while they’re taking over the region. Jumping back a sentence, the fact that the Elite Four remain unchanged after the whole Election debacle serves to once again call into question Satsuki’s entire world view. Though she claims to respect only strength and determination, which the Four possess I’ll admit, she continues to overlook their many losses. She even says that there’s no shame in losing to Ryuko and Nui as they had no chance to succeed. I understand that she respects their devotion to her and her principles, but it seems like she might be showing a little bit of favouritism to the Four. They are after all the one’s she chose from a young age. Might Satsuki have a heart? Who can say, one thing she does have however is one hell of a mother…not necessarily in a good way, but still.

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I can see where Stasuki gets it from

Not only do we see more of the dark magnificence that is Ragyo Kiryuin, but also her relationship with her daughter. When the two finally talk it is a very formal affair. They calmly discuss the events of the Naturals Election, with Satsuki noting that she filed a report about the situation. Not the most open and loving relationship ever, but a lot less openly combative than you would expect from Satsuki, who normally entertains no one. At one point when Ragyo was “inspecting” Junketsu, Satsuki even thanked her mother for complimenting her. Even evil has standards I guess. However, that may stem from the revelation that the stalwart leader of Hannouji is actually part of a group herself, the mysterious COVERS Children. I’m personally going to go out on a limb here and say that the group may have something to do with the reflectively named REVOCS…though that’s just pure speculation at this point. Apparently as long as Satsuki acts as a Child of COVERS, the world will be her ally. Again, just going to speculate that this has something to do with REVOCS, though I’m only about 99% sure. Though for all her unquestioned, yet still somehow mysterious, power, even Ragyo cannot control the whims of Nui Harime. Hence her interference in a world that was left unto Satsuki.

Meanwhile, Mako finds herself drawn into the plot of a rather bombastic editorialist named Nagita, who was banned from Hannouji for attempting to write the truth of the school. You know, that it’s horrible. He befriends Mako in the hopes of reinvigorating Ryuko’s fighting spirit, so that she may once again stand against Satsuki. His desire to bring the old Ryuko back serves to show just how much of a spanner she was in the works of Hannouji. Without her boisterous personality and rarely matched power, the school reverts to how it always was. Fortunately for Satsuki, Ryuko’s absnce just so happened to coincide with the fragile set up phase of her invasion. If Ryuko was there, I’m sure some vehicles would have exploded. But alas, that was not the case and her preparations went unheeded. La vie est drole.

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Sen-i-Soshitsu…

Well that’s about it for the episode, but I can’t help feeling I forgot something…oh yeah, Nagita was actually Nui in disguise using her powers of manipulation to force Ryuko out of her sadness and return to her combative ways. It worked to an extent, but Ryuko still feared herself and restrained her power. So she lost. Also Senketsu got SLICED TO FREAKING RIBBONS! What the hell Kill la Kill? You give us like fifteen minutes to get back into the swing of the series and then you kill one of the main characters? Not cool. Also Satsuki, after showing her in question compassion by covering the exposed Ryuko with a sheet, took said ribbons of Senketsu and gave them to the Sewing Club. So now there are a number of students who will be empowered by our lost deutoragonist. Luckily, I guess, Ryuko managed to latch on to one piece of her friend, which I’m positive will factor into what is hopefully the Senketsu Retrieval Arc.

Well, you can’t say Kill la Kill doesn’t pack a punch when it comes to story. I guess we’ll have to wait and see if a Kamui can be resown or if the Senketsu we know is lost. Kazuki Nakashima, the writer, isn’t exactly opposed to killing of major characters at any point in an anime series. Stay strong Ryuko! I’m sure it’ll all work out somehow…at least I hope it will. 

Check out more Kill la Kill Impressions HERE.