EA along with Hasbro has today announced two new and distinct Monopoly-branded titles for iOS and Android devices: Monopoly Bingo and Monopoly Slots– both are free to download right now from the Apple App and Google Play stores respectively.
Chip Lange, Senior Vice President and General Manager at EA, said;
We’ve taken two of the most-time tested game mechanics‹bingo and slots and paired them with Monopoly, the world’s favourite game brand, to create two unique mobile experiences that will give fans a simple and easy way to collect their favourite properties, tokens and other aspects of the Monopoly world they’ve come to love over the years. Gamers will feel right at home with these Monopoly titles‹big risk and huge rewards await as they build their property empires, collect tokens, build hotels, and spin and bingo their way through the Monopoly world that everyone knows and loves.
Monopoly Bingo lets players Bingo their way to Boardwalk and watch their favourite Monopoly properties come to life as they progress through the Monopoly neighbourhood. Bingo fanatics can keep the bingo action coming by playing up to 16 cards at a time on tablets or up to 8 cards at a time on their phones, increasing the chance of mini-game rewards and more through “Chance” scratcher cards and the “Lucky Number” bonus. Virtual rewards including properties, tokens, and house and hotel upgrades can be won, and the “Fall Feast” room – which is only available for a limited time only – comes with exclusive seasonal-themed collection items and tokens.
Monopoly Slots will challenge fans to spin and win by playing through a variety of Monopoly-themed slot machines and celebrate in-game payouts while Mr. Monopoly himself cheers them on – it’s his casino after all, you’re just making him more moolah! Greedy old man… Players can double their luck with Twin 3×3’s or test their luck on another level with 3×5 slots. Monopoly Slots will also feature free, unlockable slot themes, big bonuses, and mini-games that allows users a”Chance” to increase their odds of hitting the jackpot and striking big. Out now in select territories, Monopoly Slots will roll out globally over the coming weeks.
First of all I have to apologise for the delay in bringing this out. A bunch of things cropped up and hopefully future episodes of Nagi no Asukara won’t be stalled for this long.
Following on from the beautifully done episode 5, the episode begins with a swimming event among the students, which is interesting seeing as how it pits normal kids against what are pretty much mermaids with legs. I love it when we see the differences between the two people; the Sea Village clearly has no swimming lessons as it’s underwater anyway with Manaka and Chisaki experiencing something new yet familiar. But we soon see that doing freestyle on the surface of the water is a different ball game compared to propelling yourself underwater.
Best new girl of the season.
Hikari loses to Tsumugu in a swimming race, injuring his toe in the process and being a sore loser about it. Just when we see some good traits of Hikari he goes and blows it all by once again treating everyone around him like trash. Manaka jumps in when Hikari hurts himself (much to the jealously of Chisaki) and tries to apply first aid at the nurse’s office. Hikari then graciously thanks Manaka and congratulates Tsumugu for being faster. Well that’s what I’d like to say, but the exact opposite is true. He doesn’t accept defeat and tells her to go away.
We finally see some more of Kaname next, our resident pretty boy of the show, alone and talking with an ordinary classmate we haven’t seen before who’s clearly taking a liking to him. Together with the eavesdropping Miuna and Sayu, they decide to rebuild the wooden offering. Chisaki is still troubled as we see her try to leave early but Manaka runs after her, bringing up the topic of her liking Hikari again. Chisaki becomes hostile and reminds her that she promised never to mention it.
Poor Manaka has had a bad day. Told off by two of her best friends she walks home in tears until Tsumugu offers to take her home on his bicycle. Here we get an explanation on the word “tomoebi”, which is when the weather is nice underwater and it snows saltflakes. A cold current passes by and the refraction in the water makes it look like there are three suns. That just sounds awesome. During the last tomoebi when the friends were little kids there was another argument and Chisaki yelled at Manaka for not being there to see it with everyone. Tsumugu gives Manaka some advice; to speak clearly and to finish her sentences. Naturally, this is yet another bonding moment between the two.
Coincidentally another tomoebi phenomenen occurs and Manaka rushes to Chisaki’s room to grab her, forgetting about their argument. The two see it together, with Hikari and Kaname hiding nearby, and Manaka apologises to Chisaki (she was never in the wrong!)and Chisaki confesses she doesn’t want things to change, for all of them to be together until the end.
Hikari and Kaname reflect on Manaka’s character after hearing this. Kaname regards her with a fond expression for jumping ahead and acting on impulse but Hikari is far more serious and grudging. Both of them love Manaka as a childhood friend, but the difference here is so evident. Episode 6 ends on Hikari’s words, that “even though she’s a scaredy-cat..” she goes through all this trouble.
So differences remain between our friends but hopefully Chisaki can now get over her issues and act natural for once. But I have to say my favourite part was the introduction of the random classmate girl. I love it when anime does this.
THE KING OF FIGHTERS ’97 Now Available on iOS & Android
Step up as the new challenger in this all-time NEOGEO classic
Seattle, WA – November 15, 2013 – SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION (Corporate HQ: Suita-city, Osaka, Japan, Company President & CEO: Masao Ohata) is proud to announce the worldwide release of THE KING OF FIGHTERS ’97 for iOS and Android devices.
THE KING OF FIGHTERS ’97, the third and final chapter of the Orochi Saga storyline, is now available on iOS and Android enabled mobile devices. Popular for its strategic team-based fighting system, lore-filled legacy, and memorable character cast, this classic iteration of the renowned 2D versus fighting series is a top choice for any fighting game fan with a compatible mobile device. The Virtual Pad’s smooth touch controls allow players to easily reproduce moves specific to the KOF series, giving THE KING OF FIGHTERS ’97 the traditional NEOGEO feel that fans know and expect.
Put an end to the evil Orochi resurrection scheme, and settle the score between Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami in the mobile version of this NEOGEO classic!
Game Features:
◆ A robust roster of 35 fierce fighters
Play as iconic SNK fighters such as Kyo Kusanagi and Terry Bogard, and try to master the infamous New Face Team or the KOF ’97 Special Team! The NEOGEO version’s hidden characters are now available directly on the character select screen, so players can easily crush their opponents using Orochi Iori or Orochi Leona.
◆ Two special game modes
Based on modes from previous titles in the series, Extra Mode and Advance Mode challenge players to compete in tournaments with special rules. Master the challenge by beating rivals into the ground!
◆ A NEOGEO Perfect Port
Play THE KING OF FIGHTERS ’97 the way it was intended with 4 buttons, or enjoy the new and enhanced 6-button control scheme, including the simplified special move (SP) button!
Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION (SNK) develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. Founded in 1978, SNK is one of the largest privately held interactive entertainment content providers in the world. Known for such franchises as THE KING OF FIGHTERS, METAL SLUG, and SAMURAI SHODOWN, SNK continues to be an industry leader by focusing on their rich arcade history. More information on SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION can be found at www.snkplaymore.co.jp.
SNK PLAYMORE USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION with offices in San Mateo, CA. It handles operations in North America including publishing, marketing, development and localization. More information on SNK PLAYMORE USA can be found at www.snkplaymoreusa.com.
About NEOGEO
In 1990, SNK (Currently SNK PLAYMORE) developed and sold arcade games and a console that could play these high-quality titles at home: the NEOGEO. The specs for both the MVS “Arcade” and the AES “Home” systems were the same, making them playable even in fans’ living room. It was also the first console offering a memory card allowing users to save progress at home, and for use at the arcade as well!
Revolutionary Girl Utena: Part II Studio:J.C. Staff Publisher:Hanabee Format: DVD Release Date: 6th November 2013 Price: $59.99 – Available Here
Overview The fairytale continues. The dashing Prince has saved the damsel from her horrible fate at the hands of the dark forces that pursue her. They ride of into the sunset and all is well. Unfortunately, it isn’t time for our courageous Prince’s happy ending yet. A new force has arisen to plague their lives and steal away their joy. A force drawn from deep within a place long left behind. When villainy can be drawn from purity and darkness consumes the light, where are the battle lines drawn? Could the greatest threat to happiness one’s own inner demons?
One ring to rule them all…
Story When we last left our Prince in the making (way back in Part I) she had just claimed victory in the Battle of Self, learning more about her true desires in the process. Having rescued her dear friend Anthy from the clutches of a real jerk. Well, in case you forgot, fear not because this second saga begins with that tried and true anime trope: a recap episode. Framed by a mysterious figure visiting with who appears to be Utena’s mysterious Prince, the man explains Utena’s actions up to this point. However, the man also reveals some more information regarding her quest, revealed as the Path of the Duelist. Each duel fought in the hopes of winning Anthy possessed its own classification, a fact revealed only in the episode thirteen preview. Friendship, choice, reason, love, adoration, conviction and self. Each is an ideal that Utena has fought, overcome and accepted in order to. It is also revealed that the final duel is entitled revolution, one that will see Dios released from the seal that apparently binds him.
With seven victories under her belt, Utena draws the attention of new foes: The Black Rose Duelists. Disguised in plain sight as an establishment for student counselling, the ” High School Genius” Souji Mikage searches Ohtani Academy for viable candidates. Once a student reveals their problems and inner turmoil to him, Mikage uses his powers to place them under his control. Providing them with a blackened Rose Crest ring, taken from a deceased student, Mikage completely transforms them into duellists of the Black Rose. Using these broken troops, Mikage continues to seek his true goal: the death of the Rose Bride. Unlike those who have come before him, Mikage wishes to replace the Rose Bride with one of his own choice, a mysterious boy known as Mamiya Chida.
Never trust your inner demons
Just as in the first saga, the series continues to explore the complex relationships that exist between the characters of Ohtani Academy. However, due to the fractured nature of the Black Rose Duellists, characters are twisted into expressing the darker side of emotion. Alienation, attachment, jealousy, impatience, limits, dependence and conscience. This new set of duels serves as a representation of compassion that has been corrupted by various facets of life. In further contrast to the consentual partnership between Utena and Anthy, Black Rose bearers have a far more violent interaction with their own companions, the source of their grief. Just as Utena can summon the sword of Dios, those with a Black Rose are able to pry one from the chest of their love interest. The removal of said swords and the manner in which they are obtained present themselves as an allegory for a much more…intimate act. Once broken by Mikage, characters appear to lose their inhibitions in regard to emotion and forcefully take what they wanted all along, resulting in pain for their partner.
The new saga also continues with the trend of including a bizarre epsidoe that holds no bearing on the rest of the series. Once again revolving around the miscalculations of the simple and over dramatic Nanami. Having received a mysterious designer jewellery piece, she decides to wear it everywhere, despite the fact that it’s a cow bell…yep. Over the course of the episode our dear Nanami undergoes some strange transformations, becoming someone truly worthy of her new accessory. Whilst I’m sure there’s some symbolism in here, possibly regarding Nanami’s blind following of trends to be popular, becoming a complacent nobody in the process that others regard no more highly than a cow…it’s still one hell of a weird episode.
The silhouette girls also continue to make appearances each episode and play out their bizarre stories. However, unlike their earlier stories, characters appear aware of their presence and occasionally respond. Though clearly a representation rather than a physical duo, the acknowledgement of the shadows adds a sense of authenticity to their ramblings. Despite the complexity of their stories, they are usually summed up in single, often sarcastic, sentence.
Love what you’ve done with the place
Visuals The characters of Utena possess a rather lanky physique, a feature that extends to all characters. Each also share a rather angular look, with notably sharp facial features. The overall stoic appearance that this creates is one of the factor that impedes the comdeic moments of the series. Unlike other anime series, the character designs do not change as a visual cue to the tonal change. As a result these moments fall rather flat, blending in with the rest of the series and failing to stand out at all.
One of the main visual shifts from the last saga appears each time a duel commences. As opposed to the previously sparse duelling grounds, it now bears the elements of a classroom. Rows of tables all placed in neat rows, covering the outlines of bodies, those students lost to the schemes of the past. Each desk also carries on it an item thematically relevant to the current Black Rose Duelist. For example, when Kanae is duelling white lilies line the tables. These represent the innocence she carries, longing only to connect with her soon to be family, an ideal that is being slowly destroyed by her corrupted state of mind, represented by the physical shattering of said flowers. The theme of Duelists bearing their own coloured roses also continues, though Utena’s new opponents all don a single shade: The Black Rose. The rose that blooms at the end of the world. The absolute contrast of Utena’s white rose and the representation of the darker side of the human soul.
There is also some pretty strong visual symbolism present when students pour their heart out to Mikage during their “counselling” sessions. Placed inside a small room, more akin to a closet really, students begin a physical descent deeper and deeper below the Earth. At the height of their session, a butterfly adorns the wall, placed within a glass pane. The further the student delves into their mind, and the further down they travel, the butterfly begins a reverse metamorphosis. Whilst it takes the shape of a cocoon, the students stand on the precipice of their corruption, it is only when Mikage pushes them onward that they break and the cocoon changes into a caterpillar. The lowly caterpillar serves as a representation of a characters most core desires, the ones long forgotten to time and age. It is only when Mikage forces these to the surface that he breaks a person and regresses their humanity to thoughtless emotion and, it is at this point that their eyes lose their light.
Just another one left Baroquen hearted…
Audio The English dub of Utena continues to be…rather lackluster. Characters rarely venture out of a lulling, disinterested tone that drains any sense of drama or emotion from a scene. That being said there are a few brief moments where the voice acting takes an improvement, notably with some of the new characters. New big bad Souji Mikage, voiced by Dan Green, adds an element of skill to the cast as does the short lived character Kanae Ohtani. During her brief appearance she suffers a breakdown, noting how she finds Anthy “creepy and intolerable” a fact she notes weighs heavily on her. During these moments she actually expresses genuine emotion, sounding believable when she breaks down in tears, screaming about her conflicted emotions. Though with these moments few and far in between, the Japanese audio remains preferable. Even if you choose to listen to the English version, you may hear the Japanese vocals in the preview for episode fourteen, as no English version was ever recorded. So feel free to make your choice.
The piano also continues to remain central to the overall sound of the series. The calm, regal sound serves as a representation of the overall “royal” nature of a large portion of the cast. The instrument also persists as the bond linking Miki to both Anthy and his twin sister Kozue. “The Sunlit Garden” once again appears as the core piano tune, having a part in the creation of the second Black Rose Duelist. Abrupt bursts of piano notes are also used as an audio cue to a startling moment or sudden realisation. The power of music.
Extras Just as with the Part I release, Part II includes a book featuring a number of extras. Episode commentary from director Kunihiko Ikuhara, art from Shichiro Kobayashi, the making of Be-Papas Studio, an interview with character designer Shinya Hasegawa, a character art gallery and more liner notes from the original laser disc release of Utena. On disc, the release also includes animated art boards set to music from the series, a four part interview with Kunihiko Ikuhara and a Utena promo from Japan circa 1997.
I’m not gonna use any cow puns, I’m sure you’ve herd them all
Overall Revolutionary Girl Utena is certainly an interesting series. Again, whilst clearly a dated series, it contains some interesting concepts left buried within copius amounts of symbolism. Though the first saga dealt with twisted ideas of what love truly was, it was always from a genuinely compassionate, if misguided, heart. With the advent of the Black Rose, characters motivations became far more sinister and openly violent. Love became jealousy, passion became fury and the goal of obtaining the Rose Bride gave way to the desire to kill her. Though this far more psychological approach to relationships creates an interesting dynamic, the overall presentation of the series metes its impact to a rather large degree. Scene changes are rarely prefaced, events just kind of…happen. That being said, it was definitely an improvement to learn more about characters plot regarding the mysterious Prince. Expect to hear the word “Eternity” a lot…it’s kind of important.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
The last trailer that was released for the upcoming 3DS game Attack On Titan: The Last Wings Of Mankind showed us a few of the different stories that we’d be able to play throughout the game and it also came alongside some information regarding a DLC which adds Captain Levi’s story into the mix, well this time the trailer is a little different and the good thing is that it is very action-focused which, let’s just be honest, is what all of us Attack On Titan fans want the most from this game. The trailer intends to seem more cinematic than the last few we’ve gotten and it does a fairly good job, like I mentioned, it focuses on action and the actual taking down of Titans.
It does look as though it is lacking certain things at this stage but with each trailer that’s released it’s looking better and better, speaking of a release there isn’t long until that comes around; Japan is set to get it on the 5th of December while the West has had no talks of a release I can imagine that, with its popularity world-wide, there is still a chance we could be catching a glimpse of it on our shores. Until the release, enjoy the new trailer and head down to our comments section to let us know what you think.
King, the world’s leading company in casual games, is celebrating its first anniversary since Candy Crush Saga, the addictive mobile game that took the world by storm, was first unleashed to the masses. Some could argue that it’s the most successful game of all time with half a billion downloads. No bad for a Bejeweled-type game.
To mark the anniversary festivities, King wanted to share some statistics:
Over 150 billion individual games have been played to date
61 per cent of UK Candy Crush Saga fans say that they play whilst on their daily commute on public transport, while 78 per cent of US fans revealed that they enjoy switching-and-matching most whilst watching the TV.
One in every 23 Facebook users worldwide is now a fan of Candy Crush Saga
The most popular time that fans play Candy Crush Saga is between the hours of 6-9pm in the evening, and Sundays are the favourite day to play.
Level 65 is the most notorious for being the level that people got most stuck on but also generates the most excitement and celebrations once completed.
To check out the full info graphic, click on the image below. Candy Crush Saga is currently free on iTunes, Google Play, and the Amazon Appstore.
It’s here! Oh my glob, it’s here! “Adventure Time: Explore The Dungeon Because I Don’t Know!” was just announced to have been released everywhere around the UK, Europe and right here in Australia! Yes it’s true, Namco Bandai Games Europe alongside Cartoon Network Enterprises announced it late yesterday that the game is now at a full release and is available at all good game retailers. The game allows you to choose your favourite characters from the Adventure Time series as you crawl through dungeons, find loot, level up and have some of the best damn fun you’ll every have! The great thing about this Adventure Time game release that sets it apart from it’s previous game, “Hey Ice King! Why’d You Steal Our Garbage!?”, is that it is a game that sports the incredibly open option of playing four-player with your friends.
It plays the same as a single player mode but with four times the fun as each different character has different perks, you can fight for who lands the last blow to a boss or you can all just fluff around and have some fun. “Adventure Time: Explore The Dungeon Because I Don’t Know!” is now available throughout Europe and Australia now for the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3, unfortunately for America they will have to wait until the 19th of November to get their hands on the game, luckily it isn’t too far away. Despite it being published by Namco Bandai Games Europe down here, it will be published by D3Publisher over in the US. The game is also set for a Wii U release on the 6th of December and a 3DS release on the 16th of December so if you’re more of a Nintendo system fun you wont be missing out.
The latest chapter in Egosoft’s space sim franchise was released on Steam today. X Rebirth marks the transition to a brand new engine and major changes to the gameplay to be friendlier to new players. X Rebirth continues to boast a massive open ended universe to explore. Players are given freedom to decide how they wish to eek out their existence, whether as a peaceful trader, a military pilot, an industrialist, or anything in between. A full story campaign is available experience at the player’s own pace.
X Rebirth is now available on Steam for $49.99 USD. The game is compatible with Windows only.
This holiday season, Namco Bandai are releasing two brand new combo packs for Nintendo consoles based on famous Dreamworks movies. The DS and 3DS pack features two games based around some of Dreamworks’ latest animated films, Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted and The Croods: Prehistoric Party. The latter is also included in a combo pack for the Wii along with Rise of the Guardians: The Video Game.
Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted is a mini-game based foray across Europe, following the wacky group of zoo animals as they form a travelling circus to dazzle audiences around the world. Rise of the Guardians: The Video Game is a more story driven adventure game with co-op aspects, but if party games are your thing, then The Croods: Prehistoric Party should be more up your alley.
Work is still moving ahead nicely with the upcoming sequel to Blood Bowl, the PC game based on a board game from Games Workshop combining American Football and Warhammer fantasy. Previously Blood Bowl 2 was showing off the first finished team in screenshots, but now the first true stadium has been completed, so of course new screenshots are in order. The screenshots revealed by Cyanide Studio and Focus Home Interactive today show a much bigger venue than the practice field the last screenshots showed off.
Filled to the brim with fans onlooking a game between the Human and Goblin teams, complete with goblin referee. Those wanting a closer look can click on the images above and below to see the full sized screenshots. Blood Bowl 2 has no release date yet, but the developers certainly seem to be hard at work on it. Just what can players expect to see in the future as more and more of the assets are finished, only time will tell.
