Page 4189 – Capsule Computers

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November 14, 2013

Tribe Studios announces a new gaming genre with the introduction of Velvet Sundown!

Helsinki, Finland – November 13, 2013 – Finnish game developer Tribe Studios Ltd. is setting sail with the release of their newest social multiplayer game, Velvet Sundown, scheduled for a December 2013 release on Windows PC and Mac OS X. Velvet Sundown is an ambitious and innovative effort that serves players with a unique mix of social experiments and serious role-playing elements. Beta registration is already underway and will begin formally in the coming weeks at, http://www.velvetsundown.com/

In Velvet Sundown, players take on the role of one of at least four randomly selected characters who find themselves as passengers on board a luxury yacht. Each character has their own unique background stories and missions that players must strive to fulfill. A unique feature in gameplay is that the success of each mission depends on the player’s skill in interacting with other players, which takes place primarily through chat functionality. There are no pre-populated questions and answers, rather every player can let their fantasy run free in trying to persuade others players. Thanks to Tribe Studios’ patent pending Dramagame technology, no two games unfold the same way and new stories and dramas can be implemented in the game with ease.

“Velvet Sundown represents more than two and half years of production effort and is the first entertainment title to leverage our proprietary Dramagame platform,” said Elina Arponen, CEO of Tribe Studios. “We’re excited to see the gaming community embrace what we hope will be an entirely new genre in the gaming space”.

The story contains tens of millions of different outcome variations, giving the game previously undreamt of depth and replay value. A single Velvet Sundown multi-player game session unfolds in the length of a typical television show, about 45 minutes, in which players can immerse themselves into their characters.

Players will be welcome on board this December!

Thief Sneaks Out Art Assets from Lockdown Mission

Simon Wolfe

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November 14, 2013

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Thief Sneaks Out Art Assets from Lockdown Mission

Thief is still a few months away, so to help with the wait Square Enix and Eidos-Montreal have released 10 images from one of the early missions of the game titled “Lockdown”. Everything is not alright with the City of course, what with The Gloom spreading among citizens, which is why Baron Northcrest has opted to simply enact a lockdown to keep the people and the sickness contained.

That’s not quite what Garrett has in mind for a homecoming back to the City however, so he opts to circumvent the lockdown by his own means to return to his hideout. Plus, being a renowned thief just means he can stop off for a theft or two on the way and with a jewelry shop right there, well who can blame him.

Those wanting to check out the images can click on them in the gallery below to see the full-sized versions. Thief will be releasing onto PC, current gen, and next generation consoles in February 2014.

World of Warplanes Finally Takes Off for Release

Simon Wolfe

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November 14, 2013

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After a lengthy beta that included over 4.5 million users World of Warplanes has finally officially released today becoming the second full title as part of the Wargaming series of games that is currently planned at being a trilogy. Now players will be able to enjoy all the fun of taking to the skies in warplanes of various nations to battle with and against their friends and strangers across the globe.

This isn’t the end of World of Warplanes either as it will continue to grow and expand, just as World of Tanks has over the years. The free-to-play MMO also joins its sibling title with the creation of the Unified Premium Account system that allows users to enjoy special benefits between both titles, which will also include the third game World of Warships when it is finally released.

Those who have been waiting for the full release of World of Warplanes need not wait any longer and can head over to the World of Warplanes Website now.

Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa Review

Vicky Martin

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November 14, 2013

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Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Publisher: Paramount Pictures
Format: Cinema (reviewed at Event Cinemas George St.)
Release Date: Out Now – Buy Tickets Here

Overview

Director, Jeff Tremaine gives viewers another mouthful of outrageous comedy and taste of real-life pranks on screen in his new release, Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa. Only from the Jackass franchise, would you would expect that kind of absurdity in the form of hilarious and dangerous stunts. Jackass fans will notice a distinct change in direction and character for lead star, Johnny Knoxville; now an 86 year-old Irving Zisman at his prime. Although, it’s never a straightforward ride with Jackass films and complications take form, each time leading towards an entirely new experience. In this film, we see two unlikely companions; Bad Grandpa and his 8-year old grandson, Billy (Jackson Nicoll) journey together from Nebraska to North Carolina in one hell of a hidden-camera road trip. However, we must determine whether the movie exceeds past shits and giggles and offer fans a new Jackass adventure?

Story

The story begins with Billy, a young boy who aspires to be a fisherman. Why? Well we find out that Billy’s mother, Kimmie is struggling from breaking free of her drug addiction and has just violated her parole. Perhaps, Billy wanted to reel her in to safe waters with his fishing line. On the contrary, Irving is relieved to discover that his wife, Ellie has passed away – “I thought she’d never die”. This must be because of his desperation to be a free man and celebrate with Leroy (reference to genitals). As most men know, freedom comes at a painful price if you let your penis control your actions. Irving learns this fact early on, courtesy of the vending machine.

The first turning point within the film arises at Stroud Lawrence Funeral Home, where Irving’s mourning speech and funeral service is rudely interrupted by Kimmie and Billy. Due to his daughter’s scheduled incarceration, Irving is forced to look after Billy and return him to his “d-o-u-c-h-e” of a father in North Carolina, within the next 2 days. To make matters worse, Irving still needs to dispose of his beloved in the (unusual) burial site she wanted. Logically, Irving stashes his deceased wife’s body in the boot of his car for the road trip.

Once the journey begins, we see Irving struggle with accepting the terms of transporting Bill (and his attempt to post him off as cargo to North Carolina). Despite unsuccessfully getting rid of Billy, Irving takes any and every opportunity to loosen his pants, drink excessively, stealing food in a convenience mart spree, engage in reckless driving, perform magic tricks and charm black women. As the parental guardian, Bad Grandpa influences Billy’s actions and drives him towards a mischievous path.

I would have to say, the most hilarious scene involved Irving ‘serving’ the ladies and male strippers in the bar, when he approached the red carpet, ripped off his pants and swung his outstretched scrotum from the gap in his baggy underpants. On another level of extremity, we see Billy perform his own sexy dance routine as a female, in the Cutie Pies Young Miss Beauty Pageant. Bad Grandpa assists Billy’s erotic performance by showering him in money to win over the judges and shock every parent and contestant in the audience.

Whilst there are a lot of funny scenes, most of which already appear in the trailer, it was disappointing that these pranks did not add to story progression and character development. The comedic relief was quite short and random throughout the 92 minute film, taking the audience away from, what could have been, a well played out narrative and substantially longer movie.

Without spoiling too much of the ending, the final turning point focuses on the aftermath of reaching North Carolina and the emotional impact the young boy imparted on the grandpa during their travels together. I thought that the great casting of Johnny Knoxville and Jackson Nicoll for the roles of Irving and Billy, really contributed to the overall viewing experience of Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa; as I am certain most audience members would agree with me.

Visuals & Audio

The film was impressively shot, considering the footage was taken with hidden cameramen, and the reactions of civilians were highlighted in the centre of the frame, along with Bad Grandpa. The only noticeable glitch and slight visual discrepancy was the transition between frames of recorded pranks. As for the scenery, the long winding roads, empty streets and small local villages created an isolated atmosphere perfect for attracting attention and causing mischief. The scene that was best captured involved Billy pushing a hung-over, Irving, to the nearest food store for replenishment, in a grocery trolley.

I was pleasantly surprised by the groovy and light-hearted soundtrack featured within Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa; from ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’, ‘Joy Down in My Heart’ to ‘Cherry Pie’. The background music tracks set the scene for the real reactions, from laughter to screaming to making threats; all of which were effective in changing everyone’s mood in the film. On the other hand, the sound effects were abrupt and amplified for audio definition. An example that won’t be soon forgotten, revolves around flocks of farting (at one point…sharting) between Billy and Irving at a café; which was just as funny for the audience, as it was completely disturbing.

Overall

Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa is best suited for one time shits and giggles, as it does not excel beyond Jeff Tremaine’s previous Jackass films. The spin-off MTV series is more entertaining, as those earlier films focus on shooting dangerous stunts and pranks with the entire crew, rather than developing a basic story using one crew member (in the case of Bad Grandpa). Speaking from the perspective of a Jackass fan, I expected there to be more adrenaline and crazier antics for Bad Grandpa and Billy to pull off. Although that really depends on what your tolerance level is for outrageous comedies.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

World of Warplanes Takes Flight into Release

Press Releases

Philip Federico

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November 13, 2013

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World of Warplanes Takes Flight into Release

Wargaming’s highly anticipated flight combat MMO now available

September 13, 2013 — Wargaming, the leading free-to-play MMO developer and publisher, today announced the release of its highly anticipated free-to-play MMO action game World of Warplanes.

“The release of World of Warplanes marks a great moment for Wargaming, and we are extremely excited to offer players the next great chapter in our gaming universe,” said Victor Kislyi, CEO of Wargaming. “Just as we did for World of Tanks, we’ll continue to grow and evolve World of Warplanes with new content, nations, aircraft and game modes to keep our players fully engaged and always eager to take to the skies.”

Over 4.5 million players have taken part in the game’s beta testing phase, providing the developers with invaluable feedback and input to help shape the title into the premier free-to-play aviation combat game.

World of Warplanes is becoming part of Wargaming.net universe, sharing a number of features with World of Tanks, including the launch of the Unified Premium Account system, which will allow players to share premium status benefits between the two titles.

To join the game, visit:

About World of Warplanes

World of Warplanes is a flight combat MMO action game set in the Golden Age of military aviation. Throwing players into a never-ending tussle for air dominance, the game allows aircraft enthusiasts to pursue full-scale careers as virtual pilots, earning their wings in intense 15-vs-15 battles where supremacy in the air depends not only on a fast trigger ringer, but also coordinated teamwork..

Players can choose from three main warplane classes: swift fighters capable of engaging enemies in close dogfights, heavy fighters with deadly straight attacks and formidable armor, and ground-attack planes, able to unleash bombs and other armaments against even the most fortified ground targets..

At launch World of Warplanes will feature more than 100 vehicles from Germany, the Soviet Union, USA, Japan, and Great Britain. Every warplane features multiple modular configurations, allowing for customization across weapons, ammo types, engines, and other aircraft components. These components can be mixed and matched to provide players with the ability to outfit their warbird for any combat situation or role.

About Wargaming

Wargaming is an award-winning online game developer and publisher and one of the leaders in the free-to-play MMO market. Founded as a privately held company in 1998, Wargaming has shipped more than 15 titles and employs over 2200 people across such key regions as North America, Europe, Russia, Asia, and Australia.

Currently, Wargaming is focused on its team-based MMO war series dedicated to mid-20th century warfare that will include the company’s flagship armored MMO World of Tanks, launched in April 2011 and currently boasting 75 million players worldwide, the flight combat World of Warplanes, named one of the most anticipated MMOs, and the naval World of Warships, scheduled for release in 2014.

Wargaming is an award-winning online game developer and publisher and one of the leaders in the free-to-play MMO market. Founded as a privately held company in 1998, Wargaming has shipped more than 15 titles. Currently, Wargaming is focused on its team-based MMO war series dedicated to the mid-20th century warfare that will include the armored World of Tanks, the flight combat World of Warplanes, and the naval World of Warships. The three intertwined titles will form a common gaming universe integrated within the portal www.wargaming.net.

Official website: www.wargaming.com

How To Make Lots Of Money In Pokemon X and Y

Philip Federico

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November 13, 2013

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How To Make Lots Of Money In Pokemon X and Y

Pokemon X & Y for the Nintendo 3DS has been out for a few weeks now, most of you have already finished the game and moved on to other things, but some of us, myself included are still playing or just getting started on our Pokemon adventure. By now you all know or should know the tricks and best practices on how to level up your Pokemon team as quickly and efficiently as possible. I on the other hand had a burning desire to make as much money as possible in the game so I could spend it all in the most expensive boutique shops.

So in doing so I’ve come up with a plan to help you all make as much money as possible in the game. The video below will walk you through what you need to do. Just be aware and note that this is not a glitch, or bug or an exploit, it’s a simple to follow process that will take time, so patience is the key here, but in the end will result in you being a very rich Pokemon trainer! Even before staring off on my own personal adventure by following this easy money making process I had accumulated over $50,000 and had 99 Pokeballs in my possession, and that was even before I walked through the first bush in the game!

Check out the video below and let us know what you think of it in the comments section.

WRC 4: FIA World Rally Championship Review

Luke Halliday

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November 13, 2013

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WRC 4: FIA World Rally Championship Review

WRC 4: FIA World Rally Championship
Developer: Milestone
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
Platform: Xbox 360 (Reviewed), PlayStation 3, PC, PS Vita
Release Date: October 25, 2013
Price: $54.99 – Available Here

Overview
The WRC franchise is one that has stuck pretty true to itself from iteration to iteration. WRC is consistent if nothing else, unfortunately it is consistently mediocre and WRC 4: FIA World Rally Championship doesn’t do a great deal to change that. In fact WRC 4 comes off as a cheap copy and paste job of WRC 3, except worse. The problems that plagued WRC 3 rear their ugly head once again in what amounts to an all around lazy effort called WRC 4: FIA World Rally Championship.

Gameplay
What separates WRC 4: FIA World Rally Championship from its predecessors is its inherent lack of ambition. Whilst previous installments of the series at least tried to shake things up with new modes and features, WRC 4 doesn’t introduce anything we haven’t seen before, nor does it improve upon it. Instead it strips back a lot of the flavour present in WRC 3 that made it at least striking and distinct, leaving it an empty shell of a game with no spark or drive.

Much like its predecessors, WRC 4 is a very single player driven game. You are always racing alone, even in multiplayer. This isn’t something that you look for when playing multiplayer and WRC 4 has done nothing to improve upon this flaw with WRC 3. Playing online and playing through the single player modes feel identical, created a monotonous stream-lined experience lacking any hint of variety.

The racing mechanics themselves are largely unchanged, still placing you in a narrow track with a voice over guiding you through every single twist and turn of the track, removing any sense of surprise that awaits you on the course. The controls are fairly solid but don’t require any real skill to master, making for a rather shallow level of challenge.

There are several game modes in WRC 4: FIA World Rally Championship, however all of them feel the same. It doesn’t matter if you are playing ‘Quick Stage’ or ‘Career’, both are essentially the same gameplay with different menus attached. While the ‘Career’ mode attempts to come off as having some depth, it is nothing more than a series of races that feel no different from if you were playing ‘Quick Stage’ over and over.

Online play is not much better. Sure you are technically competing against opponents, but they aren’t there with you, you are just alone and so are they. It is easily one of the weakest online modes ever seen in a video-game and a true disappointment.

Of course with all things considered it must be noted that this game is aimed towards rally fans and sure they might just get a kick out of this game. Though they would honestly be better off just getting WRC 3, which felt far more polished than this game as bad as it was. In fact the most impressive thing about WRC 4 is that it actually makes WRC 3 look fun in comparison.

This is a game that reeks of a rushed development cycle, it is a damn near copy and paste of the previous game apart from some different vehicles and environments. There is little to like here in WRC 4 even if you are a fan of motorsports. There are far better rally games on the market and WRC 4 doesn’t even try to compete. In fact the game is about as boring as a racing game can be, it holds your hand constantly, doesn’t give you any real options and every mode feels the exact same. WRC 4 is the product of a lazy and tired development team that just don’t seem to really care anymore.

Visuals and Audio
As far as visuals go, WRC 4 does a decent job in that department. It looks pretty decent on the Xbox 360, with some fairly realistic graphics. Cars are rendered quite nicely and the environments each look distinct and relatively crisp. There is some tearing issues at random times, but despite that the visuals and one of the only redeeming qualities of this title.

The audio featured in the game however is quite pedestrian. Unlike other racing games on the market we aren’t treated to some licensed tracks and instead are predominantly listening to the revving of cars overlayed by the voice over telling you every move to make. It is a disappointing effort on what was touted as one of the newly polished components of the game. Sure the cars sound true to life for the most part but it quickly grows grating after a few races.

Overall
WRC 4: FIA World Rally Championship is a major misstep for the WRC franchise. Rather than moving forward, the series seems well and truly stuck in the mud with this installment, doing little more than spinning its wheels desperately hoping that all that mud splattered about will let them get out of the rut they are stuck in. Unfortunately such is not that case. WRC 4 is a disappointing game that does nothing to improve upon the lackluster WRC 3, in fact it makes WRC 3 actually look good in comparison (admittedly an impressive feat).

While there may be something worth a look in here for rally fans, they would be best off sticking with WRC 3 for now. This is just not enough of an advancement for the series and sadly not at all worth the price of admission. If you are new to the rally genre and looking on with curious eyes, this is not the game to be looking towards. WRC 4 is a lazy half-baked rush job of a video-game that doesn’t even try to be fun. My advice would be to hop in your car, chuck a U-turn and drive as far away from this game as you can.

The saddest thing about WRC is that there is potential here. In theory WRC’s gameplay formula with a few tweaks and a nice coat of polish thrown on could make for a superb racing game, but unfortunately what we have here is a lazy made game that just doesn’t care to be anything more than mediocre.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

Horror Game Documentary Playing With Fear Is Out For Your Cash

Claire Phillips

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November 13, 2013

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A new horror gaming documentary on Kickstarter is the latest crowdfunding project to vie for the attention of gamers. Playing With Fear: The World of Horror Video Games, is attempting to raise £25,000 by the end of November. The project is being led by British film maker Anthony Carpendale, who has secured the co-operation of developers such as Frictional Games (Penumbra, Amnesia: The Dark Descent), The Chinese Room (Amnesia: Machine for Pigs) and Infinitap Games (Neverending Nightmares).

In addition to the haul of smaller teams already on board industry giants Konami have recently agreed to fully co-operate with the project, allowing Carpendale and his team full access to the people behind the iconic Silent Hill series if the Kickstarter campaign succeeds. In addition to interviewing and profiling some of the best horror developers out there, Playing With Fear will also focus on the development process, visiting inspirational locations and digging in to the history of some of the most celebrated moments of horror in gaming.

The project will shine a light on the stories behind the enduring classics, the ingenuity of the new harbingers of our digital nightmares, and the speed of technological innovation nurturing the global renaissance of interactive horror.

As with every Kickstarter campaign there is a host of perks and rewards on offer for contributors, ranging from digital downloads of the finished film right up to an Executive Producer credit and having your mug immortalised in one of the film’s animated sequences.

You can check out the Kickstarter page for Playing With Fear: The World of Horror Video Games – here.

PlayStation launches the Declaration of Play

Luke Halliday

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November 13, 2013

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With the launch of the PlayStation 4 console just around the corner, PlayStation have begun their ‘Declaration of Play‘ a celebration of the PlayStation brand and the anticipation that surrounds the imminent release of the fourth incarnation of the legendary PlayStation brand of consoles.

‘Declaration of Play’ celebrates all manner of gamers and their varying play-styles and personalities. PlayStation have compiled a video of players discussing their very own declarations of play all in hype for PlayStation 4.

You can check out the ‘Declaration of Play’ video below. Not only that but your can discuss this and share your stories on twitter with the hashtag #4ThePlayers. What type of player are you? PlayStation wants to know!

BioShock® Infinite: Burial at Sea – Episode 1 Available for Download Starting Today

Press Releases

Philip Federico

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November 13, 2013

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BioShock® Infinite: Burial at Sea – Episode 1 Available for Download Starting Today

Return to Rapture in a story that brings Booker and Elizabeth to the underwater city
on the eve of its fall from grace

Sydney, Australia – November 13, 2013 – 2K and Irrational Games announced today that BioShock® Infinite: Burial at Sea – Episode 1 is available for download worldwide* on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC starting today.

BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea – Episode 1, developed by Irrational Games, is the second add-on content pack for the award-winning BioShock Infinite, and features Booker and Elizabeth in a film noir-style story that places them in a shining Rapture on the eve of its fall from grace.

Game Informer recently called BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea – Episode 1: “…the DLC we’ve been waiting for.” Destructoid stated: “…I loved it so much that it makes me wonder why it’s not a standalone game.” IGN concluded: “It feels damn good to be back in Rapture.”

BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea – Episode 1 can be purchased separately for $20.49 or as part of the BioShock Infinite Season Pass, which is priced at $29.99. The Season Pass, which is available for purchase via online marketplaces on all available platforms, contains $45 of playable content for MSRP$29.99 including both Burial at Sea episodes, the previously released Clash in the Clouds add-on pack, as well as the Early Bird Special Pack that has powerful weapon upgrades, exclusive gold weapon skins and infusion bottles to upgrade player abilities.

“It’s been particularly rewarding to return to Rapture with Booker and Elizabeth,” said Ken Levine, creative director of Irrational Games. “We were inspired by both Columbia’s and Rapture’s storylines, and merged them into something new. The icing on the cake is seeing the BioShock Infinite team build entirely new sections of the underwater city in the Infinite engine.”

BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea – Episode 2 is in development at Irrational Games and brings gamers something they have been asking for since they first met the character of Elizabeth: the chance to see the world through her eyes and face challenges as she would. In this second episode of Burial at Sea, players will experience a new storyline, and a new stealth-oriented gameplay experience.

BioShock Infinite is rated MA15+ in Australia and R16 in New Zealand and is available now for the PS3™ system, Xbox 360, Mac® and Windows PC. For the latest news and information on BioShock Infinite, become a fan on Facebook and follow Irrational Games on Twitter.

* BioShock Infinite is not included in this add-on content, but is required to play all of the included content.

About BioShock Infinite

From the creators of the highest-rated first-person shooter of all time**, BioShock, BioShock Infinite puts players in the shoes of U.S. Cavalry veteran turned hired gun, Booker DeWitt. Indebted to the wrong people and with his life on the line, DeWitt has only one opportunity to wipe his slate clean. He must rescue Elizabeth, a mysterious girl imprisoned since childhood and locked up in the flying city of Columbia. Forced to trust one another, Booker and Elizabeth form a powerful bond during their daring escape. Together, they learn to harness an expanding arsenal of weapons and abilities, as they fight on zeppelins in the clouds, along high-speed Sky-Lines, and down in the streets of Columbia, all while surviving the threats of the air-city and uncovering its dark secret.

**Based on Metacritic average ranking across available platforms.

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a leading developer, marketer and publisher of interactive entertainment for consumers around the globe. The Company develops and publishes products through its two wholly-owned labels Rockstar Games and 2K. Our products are designed for console systems, handheld gaming systems and personal computers, including smartphones and tablets, and are delivered through physical retail, digital download, online platforms and cloud streaming services. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at http://www.take2games.com.

About 2K

Founded in 2005, 2K develops and publishes interactive entertainment globally for console systems, handheld gaming systems and personal computers, including smartphones and tablets, which are delivered through physical retail, digital download, online platforms and cloud streaming services. 2K publishes titles in today’s most popular gaming genres, including shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, sports, casual, and family entertainment. The 2K label has some of the most talented development studios in the world today, including Firaxis Games, Visual Concepts, Irrational Games, 2K Marin, 2K Australia, 2K Czech, Cat Daddy Games and 2K China. 2K’s stable of high quality titles includes the critically acclaimed BioShock®, Borderlands™ and XCOM® franchises, the beloved Sid Meier’s Civilization series, the popular WWE 2K franchise and NBA 2K, the #1 rated and #1 selling basketball franchise***. 2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). For more information, please visit www.2K.com.

***According to 2008 – 2013 Metacritic.com and The NPD Group estimates of U.S. retail video game sales through September 2013.

About Irrational Games

Located near Boston, Massachusetts, Irrational Games is widely recognized as one of the industry’s leading game developers. Irrational has earned a reputation for creating story-driven, genre-defining games with award-winning hits like System Shock 2, Freedom Force, the original BioShock, and BioShock Infinite. For more information, visit http://www.irrationalgames.com.

Irrational Games is a 2K studio. 2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.