Today NIS America announced the release date for Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc in North America and Europe, with the title arriving on February 11th in North America and February 14th in Europe. The game will be released both physically and digitally in both of these regions.
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc is the first game of two titles in the Danganronpa series and this is the upgraded PS Vita version of the title. To go along with this announcement the company also released some new English screenshots for the game which can be found below.
Akira 25th Anniversary Edition Studios:TMS Entertainment Publisher:FUNimation Format: DVD / Blu-Ray Combo Release Date: November 12th, 2013 Price: $34.98 – Available Here
Overview
Back in 1988 what could be argued as one of the most influential anime of all time was released into theaters. Akira was not only a big deal at the time, with a large budget and attempting much more than anime of the past, but continues with how it has influenced modern anime and movies both in Japan and the US. It stands as no surprise then that with the 25th anniversary of its release, a special edition has just come out featuring the remastered visuals and all the audio of its past. Let’s look at this new edition and see if Akira has survived the test of time.
Story
While there are certainly plenty of those that have seen and loved Akira, there are still probably those out their that were born after the movie’s release and have not yet seen it for themselves, so for those unfamiliar with the story read on in this section, those well versed go ahead an skip to the next section. Opening up on the beginning of World War III as an huge explosion destroys Tokyo in 1988, Akira is quick to paint the bleak tones that will follow it throughout the rest of the movie. But, the story is not about the war itself, instead focusing on the rebuilt, though decayed society, that now exist 31 years later in what has become Neo-Tokyo. Viewed today, Akira seems to have a very accurate idea of what the future would be like even within the remains of a decimated city such as Neo-Tokyo with the most advanced technologies being utilized for military and personal use, such as the laser rifles and gang leader Kaneda’s motorcycle respectively.
The city suffers gangs and terrorist attacks, which happen to meet on a abandoned stretch of highway as gang weakling Tetsuo crashes in front of a wizened young boy freed from experimentation. As the rest of the gang arrives to find their friend injured the military swoops in to reclaim the boy and the now injured Tetsuo. What follows is the dark story of Tetsuo coming to in a hospital with new psychokinetic powers suffering from headaches and now the ability to prove himself no longer the weakling he has always been treated as before. With only one possible thing to stand in his way, the repeated name “Akira” pounding in his head revered as the coming savior of Neo-Tokyo. Akira explores many ideas that have influenced recent day filmmakers, the idea of downtrodden youths succumb to inferiority complexes now with such great power they don’t know how to contain it certainly comes to the forefront.
The story of Akira isn’t just about Tetsuo, the power he has gained, or how he uses it, but the city as a whole. Corrupt politicians, religious fanatics, military force all heat up and come to a head as the events unfold. This is another of the strong points that makes the movie so memorable, that the city of Neo-Tokyo has a life outside of these events. Things have been going on for years and this is simply the breaking point. While some of the characters fit somewhat into the tried and true stereotypes, the head scientist being the biggest offender, the fact is that these work very well for the movie and fit perfectly within the context of the world provided. There is a good reason that Akira has made itself so well known and it stills holds up today.
Visuals
The characters are somewhat split between somewhat stereotypical garb and interesting. While the politicians, scientists, and military all look exactly as one would expect the most unique characters are those in the street gang and the other psionic children. The street gangs differ from the mismatching of clothing for the Clowns to Kaneda’s Capsule gang wearing a range of ties, to sleeveless, to Kaneda’s own red biker ensemble. The children however stick to the frail looking child-like clothing expected of much younger kids, such as a full-length nightgown for Kiyoko. However, all of these cannot stand to the stark contrast given by the metamorphosis that Tetsuo goes though becoming a monstrosity that is both grotesque yet realistic, covered with details to numerous to comprehend the first time through.
Featuring the remastered visuals of the 2001 release, this edition of the movie includes both the Blu-Ray and the DVD. Watching on a high definition television shows just how well down the remastering was done as all of the lines and scenes are crisp and clear. The detail put into the movie for its initial release has carried through amazingly well and speaks of what effort was put into it back in 1988. While the colors are somewhat muted in much of the film, there are still vibrant aspects during many of the night scenes that stand out, though this was just how the coloring was done at the time.
Audio
The 25th Anniversary Edition goes all out with all 3 language tracks produced for the movie available, from the original Japanese, the initial English dub from 1988, and the remaster English dub of 2001. Of these language tracks the best is of course the original Japanese, being one of the first anime to have the voice recordings done before the animation; with the 1988 English ending up being the weakest of the bunch as the timing of lines to flaps and even the translation is a bit too off; while the remaster 2001 English dub is a close second to the original Japanese both keeping a solid translation and taking to additional effort to fit the flaps well. While, the initial English dub is probably nice for nostalgics, the remaster is the better option for those opting out of the original Japanese.
The music is by far one of the music unique aspects of Akira, with amazing use of the human voice as well as very primitive instruments. For a story so wrapped up in the idea of the next evolution of people, the use of these makes the movie resonate well with the viewer when combined with the visuals of the movie. The music captures the spirit of the movie and its feelings of weird, creepy, solemn, intense, fantastic and so much more than a traditional soundtrack featuring guitar based or orchestral songs.
Extras
There are quite a number of special features for those big fans of Akira, which encompasses extras from the previous releases of the movie. In addition to the standard trailers and commercials for the movies initial and re-release, there are plenty of featurettes that focus on the production of both the movie and its remastering. Those features about the initial creation include the Akira Sound Clip (1988) detailing how the music was produced, the Director Interview that goes over how Katsuhiro Otomo created both the manga and anime, while the storyboard collection are the actual pages of the storyboard for a vast majority of the movie though somewhat difficult to truly appreciate without a very high definition TV. Features from the the remaster include 3 videos about the different aspect that were remastered from the picture, to the voice over, to the audio mix. Lastly, smaller extras such as “Th Writing on the Wall” and the glossary show off what graffiti in the background of Neo-Tokyo reads and brief descriptions of many of the anime’s aspects respectively, giving a nice look at how much more there is behind the scenes than just on the forefront of the story. All making for a wide collection of special features to be enjoyed by longtime fans and those wanting even more information.
Overall
As a movie that has gone on to inspire so many people, Akira still has what it takes today to stand out. The detail put into the movie at its onset has proven worthwhile as the remaster ensures that it does not suffer being overlooked by later generations of anime fans. This is a movie that should be seen by all true fans of anime and the 25th Anniversary combines the best parts of the past releases to make a special edition that includes plenty of nice extras for the fans to enjoy seeing how it was made and how it was restored for HD quality.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
At this year’s EB Games Expo, we managed to sit down and play a little bit of the latest installment in the ever-popular Need for Speed franchise; Need for Speed: Rivals (you can check out our initial impressions here). Since then, EA invited us to sit down with the Need for Speed: Rivals in its complete form, running on the PS4 for quite a considerable amount of time (almost four hours) and really get deep into the meat of the game.
Firstly for those who aren’t aware, Need for Speed: Rivals places you in the role of either a street-racer, or a cop. Each has the same fundamental gameplay mechanics that will feel familiar to anyone who has ever played a racing game in their life. However, while they may look and feel the same, each of the two rival factions has very different goals and objectives to fulfill; street racers are out there to live life to the fullest and prove who is the best in the country, while the police are the tough-handed, no holds barred law enforcement aiming to stop the dangerous antics of the racers no matter the cost.
Racers compete in race-based objectives such as single head-to-head match-ups, time trials, and races with multiple other challengers. Completing these tasks earns you SP, which functions as the game’s currency. The SP you earn allows you to buy better cars, as well as fine tune and customise the look and feel of your ride. However, the police are constantly on your tail, forcing you to outrun and out maneuver squads of the boys in blue to safely accrue your SP. SP is used by racers in order to buy new cars that you have unlocked, as well as to modify the paint, livery, and specs of your fancy new rides. Everything from body strength to overall speed can be improved.
If you are busted or your car is completely totaled before you can make it back to your hideout, any SP you have accumulated during that session is lost forever. This creates a very real risk vs reward system for the game. The longer you are out racing, you will earn more “heat” which relates to how much attention you are attracting. The more heat you have = the more SP you earn, but it also increases the ferocity and number of police that will try to hunt you down. There is the constant struggle of “do I return to the hideout now, or make it through one more race for the big reward.”
Officers have a very different career goal – to take out any racer they see, with extreme prejudice. Cops start with three different vehicles, which you can pick and choose between to best suit your play style. Unlike the racers, officers don’t have to buy their new cars, as they are simply unlocked as you progress through the missions. However the drawback is that you can’t customise or improve on them.
When out on the roads, the cops still drive the same way as the racers, but their actions and goals tie into the theme of catching and stopping the racers. Instead of time trials, the officers have where they have to reach a specific point as quickly as possible. The majority of their missions however involve epic high-speed car chases with the racers, and damaging their cars enough to put them out of commission. If you aren’t as much of a racing game fan, then this campaign may be more appealing. I had a blast tearing down the streets at 167mph, and T-boning racers who were unlucky enough (or stupid enough) to cross my path.
Starting a race, or a pursuit mission is simple enough. When you are near enough to another player (be they online, or AI) simply tap the L1 button to trigger the event. If you are a racer challenging someone else, then they have to press L1 to accept the challenge, however if you are a police officer then hitting L1 switches on your lights and siren, and the chase is on.
That brings me to what is one of the coolest online multiplayer features I have ever seen in a game; AllDrive. AllDrive seamlessly blends single and multiplayer together. When connected to the internet, you will be immediately placed in a game with other players. You don’t have to interact with anyone else if you choose not to, and in essence the other players are glorified NPCs. I personally have never been much of an online gamer, but I really dug how AllDrive works, and can see it becoming the staple of online environments for the next generation and beyond.
While a lot of racing games try to emulate the racing sport as closely as possible, Need for Sped have always stuck to the arcade style, street racing fantasy that many of us have, and Rivals is no exception. The cars handle smoothly and turn (and even drift) exactly how and when you want them too. It doesn’t take long before you feel like you are an absolute professional racer when playing this game.
In addition, the game includes ‘Pursuit Tech.’ Pursuit Tech is available to both the cops and the racers, and allows you to deploy weapons or other gadgets to quickly get away, or lock down your opponents. Initially I was skeptical, and thought that it might add a Kart-Racing feel to the game, but I was quickly proven wrong. Sure it sticks to the arcade tendencies, but the pursuit tech just seems to fit into the world that they have created in Rivals. Locking down a racer’s car before charging through them with a super powered electro-ram is an awesome feeling, as is dropping tyre spikes behind you, or an EMP land mine.
Playing the game on the PS4 was an absolute treat. Firstly and foremost, the game runs at an incredible 1080p, 30fps and looks absolutely gorgeous. The cars all shine, and are made to look so real that it is almost like they are jumping out of the screen at you. On top of that, the particle effects from the Pursuit tech are all bright and vibrant and really a joy to look at. More subtly though are the little things – the leaves blowing across the road, and the way that fences and posts crumble and break as your car hits them that really shows what this next generation of consoles will do visually.
One last quick thing that I noticed when playing on the PS4 was that the light on the controller would change colour to denote which of the two factions you were on. It is a small thing that in no way impacts on gameplay, but I really liked the effort that was put in just to make it happen.
Need for Speed: Rivals takes a lot from its predecessors, and combines them all to make something great. If you are a die-hard racing fan, or someone who likes to ram rev-heads off the road then there is something here for you. I am not a big racer myself, but I can’t wait to get my hands on more of this game when it launches on next gen consoles in the coming weeks. Just remember to stay tuned to Capsule Computers for all the Need for Speed news as it becomes available.
Attention RPG fans on the go, ‘Swords and Spells’ has finally arrived to iOS, a mobile fantasy RPG created by independent developer and publisher Xyrality.
Get it now on App Store and accept the invitation to demonstrate your power and courage in the fantastical world of Albion with your customised hero. Make your companion to look like yourself or to the person you want to be.
Volker Dressel, CMO by Xyrality states that
“The dynamic character view in 3D, the meticulous conception of artworks and graphic effects do not have any equivalent in the segment of mobile RPGs, with the addition of thousands of randomly generated items and the depth of the strategy, we can guarantee an intensive game experience.”
For all the Android bots out there, a version should soon came on to GooglePlay. Early registration is available on the Sword and Spells’ website for eager fans. Check out the launch trailer for Swords and Spells below.
What do you do when you get the hankering for some Call of Duty, but you’re nowhere near your console? How will you enjoy your Call of Duty Time? Unfortunately this is a situation that many COD players deal with daily. But fear no longer! The kind folks at Infinity Ward have showcased a new tool to add to your FPS experience: the Call of Duty app.
The new Call of Duty app adds a new dimension to Call of Duty: Ghosts multiplayer by allowing fans to stay connected to the game on the go, and offers new features like Second Screen functionality and the all-new Call of Duty Clan Wars metagame, to create an even greater experience.
The Call of Duty app is available now on the App Store and Google Play. For more information, visit the official site and Facebook page and keep up to date with all of the latest news on this . Check out the trailer below
Dead on Arrival 2 has you tear through waves of the walking dead in an environment full of traps and deadlier enemies. The game features a Strategic Spending System where players choose how to spend their “Z-Bucks” earned from each kill, whether it’s additional ammo or an improved weapon. Check out the feature list below:
Intense arcade survival against endless waves of the undead
Cross-platform four player co-op multiplayer
Mods let you play it your way – Double Damage, Ice Bullets, Healing and more
Explore an expansive, dangerous environment
Console quality graphics bring you a dark and gritty zombie apocalypse
Customise your character with a huge variety of costumes
Overview Everybody loves a superhero. Those powerful figures who bring hope to the hopeless, light to the darkness and seek justice for all. Now, if you know heroes, you know Marvel and Marvel knows heroes…is this getting too confusing? Now Marvel has been through a few updates over the years, we’ve had the Golden Age, the Silver Age, Bronze, Copper, we’re onto Modern now. But it’s time for a new age, a stranger age…a LEGO Age.
I don’t think he’s bringing dreams…
Story Somewhere in the cold depths of LEGO space, the almighty Galactus has decided to have a light snack. Unfortunately for the universe, he’s a little more than peckish. Feeling somewhat unhappy with the celestial buffet before him, he sends his herald The Silver Surfer off on a food run. Being the galactic magnet for trouble that it is, Earth is where the Surfer decides to stop. After a brief aerial altercation, the Surfer is shot down and his Cosmic Surfboard scattered into various pieces, dubbed Cosmic Bricks.
With fragments of the Power Cosmic ripe for the taking, Marvel baddies decide to work “together” to gain the upper hand against the forces of good. The evil mastermind Doctor Doom heads the operation, with the hopes of creating Doctor Doom’s Doom Ray…of Doom. Eloquence aside, a weapon imbued by the Power Cosmic poses a very real threat to the LEGO Marvel world, so its up to our heroes to disassemble this sinister plan. As if it wasn’t bad enough, the situation spirals further out of control when Loki makes an appearance, apparently pulling the strings of the unsuspecting Latverian Monarch.
Sometimes fighting crime can be a real beach
Naturally, superheroes from throughout the LEGO Marvelverse also decide to gather together to stop the villains in their latest vie for power. As can be expected from a LEGO game, there is a plethora of familiar characters to choose from, and a few not so familiar ones too. Iron Man, Hulk, Emma Frost, Colossus…the list goes on. Though a majority of the story focuses on the Avengers, due to their film popularity, these other characters also appear throughout the game. Apparently the execs even listened to the fan outcry that our friendly neighbourhood Spiderman was left absent from the Avengers line up. The web slinger makes fairly consistent appearances throughout the game, often appearing at the final moments in order to beat the baddies. He even jokingly comes up with reasons for his scattered absence, noting that being a hero and a student is quite difficult…and time consuming. Apparently he’s left Mary Jane at more than one coffee shop, which is probably more than one too many.
The game is also understandably humourous. A number of Marvel characters, such as the previously mentioned Spidey, already enjoy a good joke in the midst of battle, add that to the LEGO games formula…forget about it. Ranging from slapstick and name calling, to quips and referential marvel humour. One of note particular note sees Iron Man teasing Wolverine about his penchant for Canadian jaunts down memory lane…expect the typical Logan reaction.
I spy with my abominable eye, something beginning with pain
Gameplay The core gameplay of LEGO Marvel is identical to the previous TT LEGO titles. In Story Mode, you play as a predetermined set of characters specific to the plot. Whilst they will allow you to complete the level and progress the story, a number of extras and secrets are unobtainable until you return in Free Play mode, which is unlocked by completing the levels Story Mode. In Free Play, you are able to play as any character you have unlocked throughout the game, be they good guy or bad. Though you may only choose your starting character, the game is very helpful in its randomised choices as it will provide you with all character types needed to clear the hidden obstacles. That being said, the game provided AI can be a little…dense sometimes, sometimes deciding to run head first into destruction and others just standing around.
Just as these obstacles have various forms, the LEGO Marvel characters each fall into a certain class, based on their power. The most common categories are big, smart and web slinger. Big characters are imbued with great strength, allowing them to move large obstacles, such as walls and cars. Those in the smart class are able to access control panels in order to hack their way through security. Web slingers include all of the characters capable of pulling down distant objects normally considered unreachable. Amidst these general classes, certain characters also have skills specific to them. For example, Captain America may throw his shield to activate special Shield Switches, a feat no other can complete. Other characters, such as Iron Man and Spiderman, are simple able to move around levels much more freely due to their travel abilities, which you can bet will figure into a puzzle at some point. Though these abilities are inherently useful, they can take a while to master, with precision often being the greatest hurdle. Can’t slow a good web slinger down…even when you want to.
Combat is fairly simple in the game. Though each character possesses unique attacks, such as Hawkeye’s bow and Wolverine’s claws, each employs the same practice. Hit buttons equals hit bad guys. Ranged characters will immediately switch to close combat if necessary, which is a nice touch. Certain characters once again have unique effects in combat, for example Spiderman can web enemies so that they can’t attack. This lends some degree of strategy to the normally simplistic fighting mechanic and prevents battles from being too repetitious. This principle is also applied to boss fights, wherein you must complete certain predetermined tasks to soften the villain up enough for your regular beatdown skills.
Stark Tower just can’t catch a break…
Just as in previous LEGO titles, there also exists a portion of the game outside of the missions. In the case of LEGO Marvel, the in between realm is none other than New York City. When not in a specific mission, you will be able to roam not only the streets and rooftops of the big apple, but the SHIELD Helicarrier stationed far above the hustle and bustle. Computers on board the ship serve as your station to replay missions, customise character colouration or, taking it one step further, creating your own unique character. Returning from old titles, you are once again able to mix and match LEGO pieces to create a being of your very own and, depending on your build, gain multiple powers from Marvel heroes. Though there are some limits to what you can combine, being able to make Captain Venomerica is pretty awesome. Or, if you’d rather strengthen existing characters, you can check out the extras. These provide you with a number of bonus powers throughout the game, such as 2x studs, faster building and oh yeah invincibility. If you’ve got the cash, you can get the goods. Just like in the real world.
If customisation and exploring the rather large map isn’t enough to keep you busy, there are a number of side missions scattered throughout the overworld. By talking to various NPCs, you will gain access to a few varied tasks that will net you a gold brick should you complete them. Find wrenchs, wash windows, save a mint Captain America card. There’s so much to do. But first you should really make sure to get those gosh darned snakes off of the gosh darn Helicarrier. Fury was very specific about that one.
As you complete these tasks and build a collection of Gold Bricks, you can gain access to a number of previously locked locations. At certain intervals, you may build golden doorways to such familiar places as Marvel Comics HQ. So why not collect them all and pay Stan Lee a visit? Or just say hi during one of his cameos…or if you choose to rescue him every level…or see him on the street. That guy is everywhere.
Will you walk into my parlour?
Visuals Blocky, but in a good way. The characters look like, well, LEGO characters only in very high resolution. There’s definitely more variation in the character models than some of the older games, such as the Hulk, who stands twice as tall as everybody else and just as wide. On the topic of Hulk, the dear Doctor Banner also receives a pretty cool, and quite funny, transformation sequence in game. As you are able to freely switch between the two forms, expect to see Banner slowly grow bulging green biceps, or the Hulk to suddenly have a somewhat confused head adorning his shoulders. One other visual character element of note occurs when fighting classic Spiderman foe the Sandman. During his fight, he naturally transforms into his gigantic sand form to lay the smackdown. Whilst in this form, an absolute ton of small LEGO pieces are used to represent the sand particles that comprise this silicone titan. Though aided by regular sand particles to enhance the effect whilst keeping the visuals from getting too chaotic, the sheer amount of swirling pieces is pretty damn impressive. Also makes it all the more satisfying when you take him apart.
Surprisingly however, not everything in this LEGO world is made of LEGO. A majority of the settings within the game are comprised of seemingly regular materials. Visually, this prevents you from being overloaded by bricks, whilst also allowing you to more easily see objects you may interact with. Stone wall? No go. Golden LEGO brick wall? Might be worth checking out. That being said, you might want to coordinate with your partner should you play coop mode, as the dynamic screen division can be a little disorientating. So try not to run around too quickly, or you won’t be able to tell one LEGO from another. Or just turn it to good old fashioned locked split screen. Or play by yourself.
Enter the Sandman!
Audio One of the biggest changes to the LEGO franchise was the inclusion of voice acting, replacing the mime based style that came before it. Naturally, LEGO Marvel continues with the trend as the fourth LEGO title with fully voiced characters, which is something it does rather well. The game features a bevy of well known voice actors, some of whom have been a part of previous Marvel productions. Troy Baker, Steve Blum, Dee Bradley Baker, John DiMaggio…the list just goes on. Agent Phil Coulson, a character featured heavily in the live action Marvel universe, also makes a return with actor Clark Gregg reprising his role. It also wouldn’t be a true Marvel production if Stan Lee didn’t play himself.
The music itself also lends to the style of the live action films. Especially during cutscenes, the music tends to be rather dramatic and orchestral. This adds a sense of intensity to the action of the game, though it is purposely metered by the trademark LEGO game humour. Iron Man also gets a theme that harks back to the self created awesomeness of his rather musical entrances in the films. You can also expect to hear those trademark sounds that make a true LEGO game. Nothing quite like the triumphant boom of completing a Minikit.
Patriotism, bravado and brooding. A winning combination
Overall LEGO Marvel Super Heroes is quite frankly awesome. Its got the undeniable cool factor of superheroes, mixed with childish charm of building blocks. The games storyline and characters present a mix of the new film universe, which most people are familiar with, and the comic books. The Avengers take the mainstage due to their popularity and their proliferation through media, not too surprisng really. However, the game does an excellent job of adding in some key figures not from the billion dollar film franchise. From Archangel to Beta Ray Bill, Havok to Rescue. Even the Superior Spiderman makes an appearance. Save the world, fly through the skies of the Big Apple, Go Kart on a beam of light. There’s so much to do and so many characters to be while you do those things. Basically there’s a lot of stuff, a lot of characters and a lot of fun to be had. ‘Nuff said.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Excited for the Xbox One console? Well you can pick up the console at the midnight launches at several EB Games stores across the nation. The Xbox One is receiving 317 midnight openings and 352 breakfast events across Australia alongside official launches.
As far as the official Xbox One launches, they will be taking place at the following stores:
EB Helensvale, QLD
EB Tea Tree Plaza, SA
EB Knox City, VIC
EB MacArthur, NSW
EB Werribee, VIC
EB Rockingham, WA (Breakfast)
At the Official Launches those in attendance will get some DJ entertainment, play Mini Golf, partake in giveaways, free refreshments, free slushies and of course become a part of the history of gaming by getting your very own Xbox One.
Additionally there will be plenty of other midnight launches for Xbox fans to pick up their console the second it becomes available to the masses. For further information check your local store to see if they are participating in the midnight launch event for the Xbox One.
For further details hit EB Games event site for the Xbox One midnight launches here.
With many niche titles, trying to find them on store shelves even a few months after release is a difficult task. Or there are also people who prefer digital over physical and have been waiting for a specific title to get a digital release. Well I have some good news for you if you happen to fall into either of those two categories.
NIS America has announced that they are going to place Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory up on the PlayStation Network on November 26th in North America and November 27th for Europe. Victory is the third game in the Neptunia franchise and features a number of gameplay improvements over past entries. You can read our full review of the title here.
The free-to-play model is booming among established franchises and nowhere is it more evident than on the PC and its strategy titles. Panzer General began way back in 1994 as a strategic turn-based war game that spawned many sequels until today, where we have a free browser-based version called Panzer General Online.
Ubisoft’s Blue Byte has retained the Axis vs Allies theme on a hex map game board but has added a collectible card game element that has players build their army decks using these cards. We spent some time in the closed beta, launched last month, to see how Panzer General Online is shaping up.
First thing’s first, there are tutorials to get through before you’re allowed to field an army on the multiplayer battlefield. It’s a good thing that there are plenty of them as you soon find out the system isn’t as simple as it appears to be. The grid on which you play looks paltry in comparison to other turn-based games, “this will be a cakewalk”, I thought. 8 hexes long by 3 hexes wide, with the length split in half for each opposing army. It’s not a size that strategy veterans are used to and I admit I was confused at first at how little room you’re given to move around in.
Your army is composed of unit cards such as rifle teams and tanks that come with commands. These commands, such as Order (allowing you to move or attack) and Pincer (a flank-hitting maneuver) are randomly shuffled into your hand when the game begins. Using each consumes your Command Points and once they hit zero, it’s game over. So the battle is played out like a game of chess, denying your opponent their move and forcing them to use their Command Points while defending your HQ behind your line.
These points can be refilled thankfully using the Resupply card, but even that isn’t reliable as it may only refill between 2-4 points. When you’ve used up all your cards you can shuffle them again, but at a cost of one point and a chance to strike your opponent, leaving you vulnerable. As you advance in rank you can make use of powerful artillery units and air support cards. Terrain plays a factor and if your unit is sitting in some trees then that increases its counter-attack damage and may even give it an anti-tank capability.
Off the field you have your Level which is gained through experience and your in-game cash which can be spent on Booster Packs containing random units including rares. It’s like opening those trading cards as a kid all over again! Except this time you’re getting a German Tiger tank instead of a Charizard. You also have hard-earned Prestige which can be spent on Special Packs containing uber units like the Maus tank or exchanged for cash and Supply.
Now Supply is how much your army costs to field each time, with more powerful armies using up more out of a pool of 185. This recharges over time but only by a little. Currently I can deploy my army for 15 Supply but it only recovers 2 every two minutes. Want to get into the game faster? You have to head to the shop.
Currently there are two factions, the U.S. and Germany with one campaign available from the get-go. Additional campaigns called Quest Packs based on the Western Front can be bought with in-game cash from the shop. Finally, the Headquarters tab lets you develop your General, increasing your overall Command Points, Reserve units or Supply limit using Skill points.
So there is plenty to do in this little browser game which feels like a cross between plastic army men and a trading card game within a turn-based strategy system that’s a lot harder than it looks. I can see myself losing a lot of time here if content continues to pile up, such as additional campaigns and hopefully more factions such as the Soviets.
If you love your World War II strategy and you’re looking for something easy to start but is increasingly challenging, Panzer General Online is one to keep an eye on.
