Page 4193 – Capsule Computers

After Reset Kickstarter Launches

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November 12, 2013

After Reset is a post apocalyptic RPG inspired by the original Fallout, Baldur’s Gate and Planescape: Torment. The developers came together after Fallout: Van Buren was cancelled and aspire to create a hardcore RPG experience that is scientifically sound and grants players an incredible amount of freedom. The game was Greenlit on Steam after an incredible five days of campaigning.

After Reset is set in the distant future after a nuclear apocalypse whittles the world’s population from 17 billion to just a few million. Players will be free to explore a land the size of Fallout 1 and Fallout 2 combined. The story is focused on both the player and their companion’s journeys.

Black Cloud Studio is seeking $900,000 to complete the game. The developers have already sunk $50,000 into the project and pledge to invest another $100,000 to complete the game if the Kickstarter campaign is successful. Pledges start at $25.00 USD for the game and rise from there. After Reset will support Linux, Mac, and Windows and will be released in December 2015.

Watch the Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag PS4 Twitch Stream

Zac Elawar

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November 12, 2013

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The current-gen editions of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag have been enjoying great reviews since release (read ours here), but with the next-gen around the corner, Ubisoft organised a live Twitch stream with game director Ashraf Ismail and senior community developer Gabriel Graziani to show off the PlayStation 4 version and answer community questions.

The video – which can be viewed embedded at the bottom of this article – includes live gameplay with commentary from Ismail (whom we interviewed at EB Expo 2013) and Graziani, providing new insights and behind-the-scenes information on the game. They also respond to queries from members of the community before giving us an unboxing of the Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag Limited Edition. Check it out below.

After Reset RPG: A Sci-Fi Post-Apocalyptic Role-Playing Game

Press Releases

Jamie Laike Tsui

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November 12, 2013

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – 11TH November 2013 – Black Cloud Studios, an independent developer, have today launched a Kickstarter campaign for their massive open-world post-apocalyptic RPG for PC, Mac and Linux, After Reset.

In development for over a year, boasting a following of over 15,000 fans on Facebook and green lit on Steam in under five days, After Reset RPG is a classic open-world RPG set on a future Earth dying slowly after a devastating nuclear cataclysm that ended almost all life on the planet. Developed by fans of hardcore RPG’s such as Fallout 1 and 2, Baldur’s Gate and Planescape: Torment and born out of the disappointment of the cancellation of Fallout: Van Buren a decade ago, After Reset RPG has been created by Black Cloud Studios to fill the void for a classic old-school RPG that hardcore fans of the genre have been clamoring for.

Developed with scientific realism and offering a larger playing area than Fallout 1 and 2 combined, After Reset RPG features a non-linear story offering complete freedom of choice, branching story paths and multiple endings. With that freedom of choice the player can totally explore the world at their disposal, the Great Desert (formerly known as Nevada) and the State of Eagle (previously California). But wherever they go the ultimate story will follow them like their shadow!

A trailer detailing the back story of After Reset RPG can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kck2FcXa-qQ

The After Reset RPG Kickstarter page can be found at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2146421095/after-reset-rpg

The gameplay video for After Reset RPG can be found at http://vimeo.com/79081186

More on After Reset can be found at the official website at http://www.afterreset.com/

Or at the official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/afterreset

About After Reset

Planet Earth. 132 years after the ‘Reset’, the thermonuclear apocalypse that ended human civilization. Around one third of the globe is covered by ‘Yellow Zones’ where the ruins of cities are covered with radioactive dust. In these areas, anarchist survivor groups have taken control where uncontaminated food and drinking water are valued on a par with human life. Another third of the earth is in the agony of the ‘Red Zones’, the epicenters of the deadly anomalies that arose as a result of a nuclear chain reaction in the atmosphere and the morphing of the planet. The majority of life is not capable of surviving in the Red Zones that makes them a perfect home for mutants. The planet is unrecognizable.

Wrack Now Available on Steam Early Access

Jamie Laike Tsui

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November 12, 2013

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Wrack Now Available on Steam Early Access

After being successfully Greenlit almost a month ago, Wrack is now available on Steam through the Early Access program. Wrack is a cel-shaded FPS that is inspired by classic shooters like Duke Nukem 3D and Doom.

Players play Kain Sager, the last remaining warrior on Earth. World peace has finally been attained thanks to the Hyperion generator, which had made soldiers an ancient relic. Now Arcturan aliens have invaded Earth to steal the Hyperion generator for themselves and Kain is the only man who can stop them. The game features classic arcade style combat, multiple gameplay modes, and extensive modding tools.

Wrack is now available on Steam for $14.99. The game supports Windows only.

Seven Seas Vine Reveals Biscuit Hammer Manga

Sanjay Parbhu

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November 12, 2013

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Seven Seas Vine Reveals Biscuit Hammer Manga

How much information can you get out of a six second video? Earlier today a Vine was posted by Seven Seas Entertainment with the caption New License – Can You Guess What It Is? and as it just so happens we do know what series the manga publisher has recently acquired.

Hoshi no Samidare, better known as Lucifer and Biscuit Hammer, is a ten volume manga series created by Satoshi Mizukami. The plot focuses around college student Amamiya Yuuhi; one day he is visited by a talking lizard who gives him a ring and special powers in order to save the world… yes you did read that right. Amamiya AKA “The Lizard Knight” has to defeat the evil Mage who plans on destroying the world with the almighty biscuit hammer; a weapon that is able to cut the world in half. Throw in another protagonist, Samidare Asahina, who also wants to defeat the Mage (only so she can destroy the earth herself) and you have a series that is both action-packed and downright crazy.

No dates have been given for the title, but keep your eyes on us for further details. Upcoming titles from Seven Seas also include Gakuen Polizi and Monster Nusune Vol 2.

Arcade FPS Wrack Now Available on Steam Early Access

Press Releases

Jamie Laike Tsui

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November 12, 2013

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HOUSTON, TEXAS – Nov. 11, 2013 – Final Boss Entertainment’s cel-shaded FPS Wrack is finally available on Steam! First-person shooter fans with gaming PCs can now purchase Wrack on Steam Early Access to experience this unique indie shooter well before the 2014 launch. The beta release adds a ton of new features—including a weapon (Bazooka), level (Fusion Plant), enemies (Rail Gun Soldiers), mode (Gallery), and massive graphics and sound effects upgrades.

The Story

In the year 2037, scientists at Osteron Research develop the Hyperion generator—a device that allows the creation of matter out of pure energy. Through its conversion of energy into food, clean water, and materials, Hyperion ends all wars and conflicts on Earth—but this peace is short lived. Just thirteen years later, aliens from the Arcturus star system discover the Hyperion Generator—thanks to reconnaissance ships. With Hyperion in their sights as a way to defeat an enemy race, the Arcturans prepare to do what they do best: eradicate all life on Earth and use the Hyperion technology for themselves!

In Wrack, players take on the role of Kain Sager—a street-smart warrior who stood alone while world peace made soldiers obsolete. After spending years preparing for this eventuality, Kain now must take matters into his own hands to rid Earth of the Arcturan threat.

Gameplay

Wrack pits players against the invading Arcturan Empire fusing arcade FPS action with light puzzle-solving. Players must battle through six levels filled with brutal creatures that move at blistering speeds and mechanized monsters programmed to kill on sight. Wrack features large, action-packed levels evoking Doom and Duke Nukem 3D—in addition to elaborate boss battles, stylized levels, and dangerous hazards reminiscent of classics such as Contra and Castlevania.

“Wrack marks the return of the arcade FPS—but it goes beyond ‘shoot everything that moves.’ It’s a game that dares players to navigate traps, pits, and other hazards while getting shot at,” says Brad Carney, founder and CEO, Final Boss Entertainment. “If you’re a Doom fan like me, the music by Bobby Prince alone will make your day.”

Steam users can go to http://store.steampowered.com/app/253610 to purchase Wrack today for $14.99. They can then head to the forums to share strategies and feedback.

Key Features

• Blood, sweat, and tears: Battle your way through hordes of monsters, bosses, traps, and more

• Cel-shaded graphics for that ultraviolence feel: Sprawling levels and comic book- inspired creature design, textures, and visual effects make for a an unforgettable campaign

• Hard-hitting soundtrack: Experience a new music score by the legendary Bobby Prince – the composer of id Software’s Doom

• Make it your own: Create your own levels with the WrackEd editor, or go for full-scale mods

• Bonus gameplay modes: Time Attack and Score Attack modes will challenge you to nail the best time . . . or highest score!

• Be heard: Help us make the game even more awesome in the Wrack forums!

Beta Features (new)

• New level (Fusion Plant): Brand new texture set and music

• New weapon (Bazooka): This rocket-launching weapon is capable of taking out groups of enemies at any range

• New mode (Gallery): Browse through in-game and concept artwork

• New enemies (Rail Gun Soldiers): These deadly enemies can strike whenever you’re in their sights

• New storyboards & cut-scenes: Wrack’s storyline now unfolds behind beautifully drawn storyboards

• New loading screen & loading music: One step closer to launch 🙂

• Overhauled texture set: Level 1 now looks completely different while keeping the basic design players love so much

• Revamped effects! Gibbing and blood splattering get a lot of attention—and it shows!

• Much bigger & better-looking levels: The upgrade you’ve been waiting for!

The Humble Store Launches with Massive Sale

Jamie Laike Tsui

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November 12, 2013

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The Humble Store Launches with Massive Sale

Humble Bundle is expanding yet again. Humble Bundle has provided indie developers with a Humble Wdiget button that sold the developer’s game at the developer’s site. The widget has existed for quite some time now, but Humble Bundle have lacked an actual storefront to sell games. Today, that has changed with the launch of the Humble Store. Buyers can now purchase indie games from The Humble Store and support charity as 10% of every purchase will go to support American Red Cross, Child’s Play, Electronic Frontier Foundation, World Land Trust, and charity: water.

To celebrate the opening, several great titles are 50-75% off, with each new day adding more titles. If you’ve been on the lookout for Euro Truck Simulator 2, now is a great time to buy as it is 75% off for the first time. The new store will run in conjuction with the regular Humble Bundles and the Humble Weekly Sale. Check out all the sales at the new Humble Store webpage.

Skyjacker Space Sim Making Final Kickstarter Push

Jamie Laike Tsui

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November 12, 2013

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Skyjacker Space Sim Making Final Kickstarter Push

Action space sim Skyjacker is making its final push to the end of its Kickstarter campaign. The action space sim is based on Project Lead and author Eugene Zhukov’s book series Abyss Lights. Players will take on the role of a space pirate and the only human in the entire galaxy. Players will murder, kidnap, rob, and fight their way to the top of the Pirate Stock Market, the market where people buy the services of pirates to do less than savory jobs.

The game supports solo, multiplayer, and co-op play. The game’s beta is slated to start in April 2014.

Skyjacker is its last eleven days of their Kickstarter campaign. Copies of the game start at $30.00 USD. Also be sure to vote for Skyjacker on their official Steam Greenlight page.

Khaba Review

Andrew Day

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November 12, 2013

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Khaba
Developer: Hello There.se
Publisher: Hello There.se
Platforms: iPad (Reviewed)
Release Date: Out Now
Price: $3.99 – Available Here

Overview

Khaba at first glance is a small puzzle game, but once you scratch the surface there is a lot more than meets the eye. Anyone who has played the board game Khet (or any of its alternatives) will have Khaba be immediately familiar to you. Much like the board game, you use various items to reflect a beam of light around the puzzle-room to complete your objective. The fully voice acted story and alternate endings really make Khaba shine against other mobile puzzlers.

Story

You play as Michael, an excited and ambitious explorer who has managed to fall into the ancient pyramid of Khaba. As he bends the weak ray of sunlight to help him escape the maze-like tomb, we learn that Michael’s life is somewhat troubled, and you really do begin to feel for him as a character.

While Michael’s story is one thing, we also learn about the Egyptian Pharaoh who imprisoned himself within the magnificent structure. A lof of the back-story is told by the players as the collect the three scarabs located in each level. The storyline told by the Scarabs offers an insight into the game’s world, so there is a real reward for collecting them all. There are also a variety of alternate endings for Michael depending on how well you completed the puzzles, and how many scarabs you collected etc. This incentivises you to go back and play the game all over again.

Gameplay

Khaba is a fairly simple puzzle game with a tremendous amount of depth. The aim is to escape the pyramid tomb you are trapped in by guiding beams of light. These beams destroy certain blocks, reflect off pillars and unlock the door at the end of each level. You primarily place and angle the light-reflecting pillars to complete the puzzles.

The difficulty curve in the puzzles can be a little jarring. The first half a dozen or so are fairly simple, and will only take you a few minutes to complete, but the game takes a very sudden shift and the puzzles becomes far more complex. A few levels in, a second type of light, known as Dark-Light is introduced. Dark-Light is cannot pass through normal light (and vice-versa) which really shakes up how you tackle the puzzles.

Later levels also add three scarabs per level, and these scarabs tell a small section of the story once you manage to shine a beam of dark-light concurrently through all three. It is not a requirement to collect these, but their telling of the story makes them feel more tangible and worthwhile than typical 3-star objectives in other mobile puzzle games.

Visuals & Audio

Khaba is a relatively simple-game that offers a top-down view for its puzzles. This offers a gameplay advantage as you can see where the beams of light are directed etc, but also allows Khaba to maintain a high level of graphical fidelity. The backgrounds and objects all stand out and look like the ancient Egyptian Pyramid that they represent.

One thing to really mention is that Khaba is completely voice-acted. This may seem like a little thing, but it really goes a long way to help immerse yourself in the game. It is especially unusual for this type of puzzle game to be completely voice acted, but the result is well worth it and it is one way that Khaba separates itself from other mobile puzzlers. As I played throught he game, I found myself caring for what happens to Michael, and a lot of that comes down to the fact that I could hear him, hear what was happening and hear how it affected him first-hand.

Overall

The interesting thing I found that when playing the game was that despite how difficult some puzzles were, It always felt very relaxing. There is never any pressure put on the player to accomplish things in a certain time limit, so there is in turn no stress but make no mistake, Khaba is a puzzle game through and through, and one with quite a harsh difficulty curve. If you don’t like head-scratchers then this one probably isn’t for you, but if you are the type that loves a challenge, and loves to think outside the box, then Khaba is well worth your time.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

Striker Soccer 2 Review

Andrew Day

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November 12, 2013

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Striker Soccer 2
Developer: Chillingo
Publisher: Chillingo
Platforms: iPhone, iPad (Reviewed)
Release Date: Out Now
Price: FREE – Available Here

Overview

Striker Soccer 2 is a portable, on-the-go game for soccer fans. With an impressive line up of leagues and teams to choose from, the game could very well appeal to the die-hard soccer fans looking for some bite-sized football. However, the game has a very pay-to-play and even pay-to-win feel to it that really detracts from the overall experience.

Gameplay

SS2 is a soccer game, plain and simple, and it does this relatively well. You control the player either holding or closest to the ball at all times, and the game is relatively intuitive for pinpointing where a kick will land and as such the closest player to switch to. Controls are simple too, with an on-screen joystick and two buttons (one for pass and the other for score). The buttons are large enough and placed in a convenient enough spot that you will not have any trouble moving your player around the field.

The game contains four main game modes; Competitions, Friendly Match, Kids Friendly and Challenge Mode. The first three of these have you playing games of soccer against an AI opponent, with the Kids Friendly mode having the players move on their own (requiring you to just kick and pass). Challenge mode is definitely the meat of the game.

Challenge mode has you playing the role of a coach, guiding his players to success, and you do this by having them complete certain goals or certain actions under different circumstances. The first challenge has you leading 2-0 at the end of the first half, and you need your players to maintain that score until the end of the game. Challenges like this offer a change of pace from the typical game-based modes.

Soccer fans will love the variety of different team and league choices for them to play as. The game features 17 different leagues, each containing 4 different teams for a grand total of 68 different teams. While there is a tonne of variety for players, there is no real difference between them all aside from cosmetically.

SS2 has what is becoming a mainstay of free to play games; the energy bar. Your complete energy bar of four games. Each game costs one use of this energy bar to play and it doesn’t matter if you complete the game in question or only spend a few seconds in it, the energy is expended none the less. Energy can be replenished over time (25 minutes for each game) or by spending your in-game coins or real world dollars on replenishing it. While the energy bar is a mainstay now, only getting 4 uses out of the game before you are stuck waiting is a bit of a hard hit, and definitely makes it feel pay-to-win. In addition, the completion of every game brings up a giant, full-screen sized add for another game and clicking on this add will take you straight to the app store page. It is impossible to get around these adds without closing them, and sometimes you will also be treated to a 12 second trailer for a game too.

Visuals & Audio

Visually, SS2 is a little bit lacking. The textures are bland and plain, while character models are blocky and jagged giving the game a very low-res appearance. While there is a lot to be said for the way the game looks, impressively there are a full roster of players running around at any given time, and the game hardly ever suffers from lag or frame rate issues. However, these rosters of players all look almost identical except for the slight skin colourations between them.

There is a constant dull roar of the crowd which helps to set the tone and feel of a soccer game, but is quiet enough to not interrupt or annoy you while you are playing. There is not much in the way of music presented in SS2, which means aside from the dull roar, the only real sound you will hear is that of the ball being kicked.

Overall

SS2 is best described as a bite-size mouthful of soccer for on the go, and to that end it does its job well enough. Soccer fans will get a kick out of the 60+ teams available, and the challenges should keep them coming back for more. However, the game’s pay-to-play style doesn’t gel with me personally and the massive advertisements between average matches really detract from the enjoyment of the game.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.