Konami have revealed the details of the upcoming second data pack for PES 2014, which will be able to be downloaded later this month. They’ve listened to players asking for an updated roster and are adding 800 new likenesses.
The scanned faces will ensure that characters are represented in the most accurate manner possible for the title. Also, all current players will be in their correct teams with updated transfers and squads. Numerous other additions are being added with this pack, such as the long-awaited 11 vs 11 online mode, enhanced chat capabilities and general gameplay tweaks. A new ‘Team Play’ lobby system is being incorporated as well, along with the Master League Online competition within Competition Mode. And finally, fresh, official kits for the likes of Santos, Palmeiros and Flamengo with amended sponsorships will be available, as will new adidas, Nike, Puma and Mizuno boots inside Edit Mode, which has undergone some of its own enhancements.
Talk about a big update! Read our review of the game hereand check out the provided screens below.
WWE 2K14 Developer:Yukes and Visual Concepts Publisher:2K Games Platform: Xbox 360 (Reviewed) and PlayStation 3 Release Date: November 1, 2013 Price:$89.95 – Available Here
Overview
History is a collection of moments etched in time. Some are moments of triumph, some of failure. But what we call ‘history’ is ultimately the summation of all of these flickers throughout time. In the world of wrestling, these flickers can be a hard fought victory, a perfectly placed elbow drop from the top rope, a devastating fall from the top of a 20 foot ladder or the crushing defeat that comes with being pinned 1-2-3 in the middle of that squared circle.
In a way it is only fitting that WWE 2K14 focuses on such historic moments, because the history of these games is itself filled with moments of great heights and even greater falls. It begs the question though, if we look at the history of WWE games, where does WWE 2K14 fit? How does it etch its place in this history defined by winners and losers?
Gameplay
For fans of the series, there has undoubtedly been a rise and fall for the WWE games. With last years installment WWE 13, we saw a hint of a rise beginning once again after the steep fall that was WWE 12. With THQ now out of the picture, 2K Games have taken the reigns on the WWE series and with WWE 2K14, the fresh hands on deck make quite a bit of difference.
While the game by and large feels very much like WWE 13, the details are what make WWE 2K14 shine. One of the major new improvements is the reversal system. In the last game, reversals were very easy to do and required little to no skill to pull off. Often there would be a string of reversals that got ridiculous to say the least, breaking up gameplay entirely and proving to be a major fun killer. With WWE 2K14 however, the reversal system is much tighter, with a smaller window of time in which you can reverse. On top of that reversals don’t always chain, with many reversals going straight into a move, to prevent endless chaining. While it may seem like a small detail compared to the plethora of other features in the game, it is a major component of the gameplay that greatly impacts the experience positively.
The Universe Mode also sees an overhaul in WWE 2K14. You are now able to have more control than ever over your very own WWE Universe. With the inclusion of the rivalry system and more logical match ups, the stories you want to see are now possible. In the past there was often random interference and other illogical plot-points that took you out of the experience, ruining moments and any stories you were trying to create. You can now craft your stories how you please and with countless new scenarios possible, the stories feel true to life in many regards. Unfortunately though there are some hiccups. At times a randomized match up can derail a story line’s momentum, but it is far from a common occurrence.
Besides the Universe Mode the game also features another major single player campaign mode in the form of the 30 Years of Wrestlemania Mode. The mode itself chronicles some of the greatest matches in the history of the legendary event that is Wrestlemania. Much like last year’s Attitude Era Mode, you take on some historic moments and matches in the goal of performing the events accurately (generally one of the memorable spots in the match). These matches are often bumpered with promo packages that provide a bit of insight to the story line behind the match and what led up to it. The matches themselves are well represented for the most part, however there is a bit of a slump mid-way through, with some Wrestlemania events getting very little attention or effort put in (Wrestlemania 21). It is a minor disappointment in an all around superb single player journey throughout the epic history of the showcase of immortals that is Wrestlemania.
Undoubtedly though the greatest point of improvement with WWE 2K14 is in the AI. Computer players behave far more intelligently than ever before. Not only do they react naturally and aim to win matches rather than behave randomly without logic, but they also prove to be quite challenging at times. Playing through the Wrestlemania mode is a real treat thanks to the new and improved AI, giving a real ‘boss battle’ feel to match ups like Rock vs Cena and Warrior vs Hogan. To put it simply, the intelligence in artificial intelligence is actually present in this game and it makes for a huge leap forward for the franchise that has long suffered weak AI.
The AI featured in the game is very impressive, but none more so than that of the Undertaker in the brand new Streak Mode. The Streak Mode is like playing on the hardest difficulty with one hand tied behind your back and one eye taped shut. Undertaker is an absolute beast in this mode and damn near impossible to beat at times. He will resort to all manner of tricks in order to retain his streak. Beating him is one hell of a challenge and the AI used on the Undertaker in this mode may very well be the best that the series has ever featured.
From top to bottom WWE 2K14 is really an improved version of WWE 13. The game uses the same engine and core gameplay but refines it and polishes it up into something quite special. The creation suite has been refurbished with some new possibilities available for customization allowing players to craft their own wrestling world and superstars unlike ever before. The level of possibilties with the creation suite is simply phenomenal and is only really matched by the impressive online mode in hours that can be spent sunken away into it.
The online mode allows you to participate in ranked or player matches to test your meddle against other players around the world. While that alone is more than enough hours of fun to entertain yourself with, there is another component of the online mode that is equally impressive. That feature is of course the community creations which return from WWE 13. This is where you can upload your creations to share with the world or simply just download others creations for your own benefit. There is simply an immeasurable amount of content available in this game and the online mode shows that.
While the game is overall an incredible improvement over previous installments, there are still some issues present. The commentary is still miss-timed, occasionally random and unrelated to the action in ring. The repeated phrases will get somewhat grating after a while, but there are some memorable lines there. The other issues lie in matches that involve a large number of weapons in ring, it causes a few glitches and bugs that are highly noticable, but mostly laughable rather than frustrating.
All in all, WWE 2K14 is a superb game and easily one of the best wrestling titles released in a long time. 2K have given the game their magic touch and one can only wonder where things will go from here. Judging by the quality of this game, I think it is only going to get bigger and better from here on out.
Visuals and Audio
As far as aesthetics go, WWE has never looked so good. The visuals are crisp and highly realistic, capturing the appearance of each wrestler with a great attention to detail. The lighting effects are well presented and the arena designs are impressive. It is a nice coat of polish on the visuals we saw in WWE 13 and then some. The only way they can improve upon these visuals is by bringing the series to the next generation. Perhaps with WWE 2K15 we will see the series come to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
The game’s soundtrack as with WWE 13 consists of wrestler’s theme songs and a few custom tracks made for the game. The difference here is that instead of hearing David Otunga’s theme on near constant repeat, you can pick and choose what songs you would like to play in the new Music Jukebox feature. It is a great little tool that lets you shape the audio experience to your own personal tastes and isn’t that what we’re all after anyways?
Overall
History is a funny thing, win or lose, you become a part of it. With WWE 2K14, 2K have won this round. The game improves upon its predecessors in almost every way, taking a diamond in the rough and polishing it until it shined. The thing that we will remember this game for is the revolution it has begun.
Is this the perfect storm? No. Is this once in a life time? No. While this may not be the end of an era, it is certainly the beginning of a brave new one. Has 2K taken the first steps towards reclaiming the WWE series’ former glory? YES! YES! YES!
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Monster Loves You! Developer:Radial Games Corp/Dejobaan Games Publisher: Radial Games Corp Platforms: iOS (iPod Touch/iPhone/iPad) – Reviewed on iPad Release Date: 6th November 2013 Price: $2.99 – Available Here
Overview Everybody dreams of becoming something great. Finding out what that means exactly is the real question, the personal journey all must undertake. Will you be kind? Will you be strong? Generous? Selfish? All or none? It’s up to you to see through the eyes of a cute little blob and shape them as they live out their days in a world where sometimes somebody needs to take a stand. Will you be the one to do it?
Is there any other choice?
Story Your story begins before the beginning. Not even alive, your mind begins to form, curious at the life that will soon bloom before you. How will you live? What choices will you make? Will they be the right ones?
Once you finally open your eye for the first time, you are greeted with the majesty of your world…a slime pit. As a fresh born Morsel, you and all others like you like within the confines of a vat. Small in reality but, for now, it is your world and it is in here that you begin to shape yourself both physically and mentally. Your first trial comes in the form of a fellow monster, albeit an angry and violent one. Faced with an imposing threat, at least to a youngling, it is up to you to decide how to handle it. Will you lash out in anger? Or will you use your forming brain to unite those around you in resistance? I don’t know, it’s up to you. Were you expecting an answer? It’s an interactive story, come on.
Regardless of your choice there is one thing you cannot change: time. In what seems like the blink of an eye, it’s time for you to move on from the vat and become a Monsterling. It is now up to you to explore the world and decide your actions. Save an injured companion, destroy those who oppose you and build your skills accordingly.
Continue to live throughout the life of Monster and shape his destiny. Will you perish an Adult or gain the respect to become an Elder? Only time will tell and actions speak louder than words.
A world of options and monsters
Gameplay Monster Loves You! is an interactive story. Each line of dialogue is ended with a branching path system for you to navigate. Exploration of these will net you different scenarios and alter the course of the game. That being said, you only get one chance to decide, after which you will be forced to live with your decision. Depending on your choices, you will improve your personality in different ways. Choosing the bold move will net you more bravery, compassion will bolster your kindness and attacking all who oppose you will grant you increased ferocity. Certain options, especially those late in game, may also lower one stat whilst boosting another, so be warned. Other than appealing to your own personal preferences, these stats will affect you more as your Monster grows. During adulthood, your monster also gains the ability to earn respect through their actions. While not immediately useful, respect becomes extremely important in the later game. Each tier of life is also met with a turn limit, preventing you from completing every available mission. So choose wisely.
At the end of adulthood you will be faced with a choice beyond your control. When a monster reaches a certain age they are faced with two options. Dissolution or Ascendance. Those who have lived a metered and mediocre life will be dissolved into the slime vat in which they were born, becoming the building blocks of new life, permeating their knowledge throughout the next generation. However, those who have made a mark on the world and gained respect, will become an Elder, one who shapes the world. Naturally, if you did not manage to gain enough respect from your fellow creatures, your game will end as you dissolve into the primordial ooze. Or, in the much more beneficial option, if you have you will advance to the next stage of life.
As and Elder, two more bars are added to your HUD, expressing the attitude of humans towards monsters and vice versa. Cough *these are important* Cough. Missions now include options that possess statistical requirements, lending to your evolved traits. Though you may choose any option, the higher your stat is, the greater the chance of success is. So play to your strengths and strive for the best result possible.
A life in percentages
Visuals and Audio As can be expected from the premise of the game, Monster Loves You! features a quirky art style. The monsters are cute, crazy, with just a touch of evil…ok maybe a lot, it really depends on the monster. As your Monster friend grow throughout the game, you can quite clearly notice their metamorphosis as they shift from Morsel to, hopefully, Elder. With each passing stage, you are also rewarded with some new locations for your monster to dwell. These are fairly varied in design, from slime vat to quaint house, providing some nice visuals as you progress. This being said, you don’t get the chance to fully appreciate the view due to the ongoing text adventure. With each conversation and decision list, the images are covered by text for a majority of the game. Though the dialogue is topped with a monster who expresses emotion appropriate to the situation, it is not neccessarilly your Monster, which sort of takes away from the whole “personalised adventure” notion of the game…though it is awfully cute sometimes.
The audio, much like the visuals, is somewhat odd. The audio of the game is rather upbeat and calm, just what you’d expect in a world of monsters. Built around the constant presence of an acoustic guitar, a medley of chimes, whistles and harmonious vocals create a surprisingly beautiful and catchy tune. The audio does a great job of supporting the style of the game, presenting a strange world that’s not too heavy on the seriousness, despite all that occurrs within. They’re monsters after all, this is their normal life.
An Elder’s work is never done…
Overall Monster Loves You! is an interesting game. Amidst all the cuteness and oddity of the monster world, the life you create for your Monster is surprisingly intense. From before even birth, you are presented with the strong desire to matter. To be something. Philosophical questions of self worth and free will permeate through…a little slime ball. The overall style is quite contrary to the deeper nature of the game, should you choose to look into it that much. If not, it’s a strange little game about the little monster who could, would and did. Have fun, go wild. Be brash, be calm, be a neurosurgeon if you want. It is your choice after all.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
EA Sports has provided the first details surrounding the connected experiences fans can expect to see in NBA LIVE 14. By utilizing the power and connectivity of next-gen consoles, NBA LIVE 14 can provide player ratings and tendencies updates,along with new challenges, rewards and content.
CourtQ offers updates of over 70 player ratings, tendencies and team stats, which are refreshed after each NBA game. Consequently, players in-game will perform, react and ball just like their real-world counterparts, creating the most authentic basketball experience to date. Through the connected experience game modes and challenges, such as Head-to-Head Seasons, LIVE Season (which features BIG Moments and NBA Rewind), LIVE Ultimate Team and EA Sports Hoops Network, the game will be constantly updated to keep the game fresh and up to date.
The game is also set to feature full ESPN broadcast integration with special graphics and presentation for postseason games and the NBA Finals. The game will also include commentary from the number-one ESPN broadcast team, Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy. Jalen Rose will also join Breen and Van Gundy to provide in-game analysis before, during and after a game, along with providing commentary updates, news, special announcements and shout-outs to top NBA LIVE gamers. An adaptive soundtrack is also set to appear in the game, growing throughout the year as legendary DJ MICK adds to the Mixtape.
Head-to-Head Seasons tracks the results of each online game and places players in the appropriate league based on their skill level. Win enough games and you’ll be promoted to the next level of competition, struggle and face demotion to a lower tier.
Jump into LIVE Season to enjoy new content every day, powered by CourtQ and Synergy. Take on quick challenges based on each day’s most memorable NBA performances in BIG Moments. Whether you’re faced with scoring a last-minute buzzer-beater or swiping the ball three times in a quarter with a specific player, these bite-sized challenges provide a quick dose of NBA action. Replicate history or rewrite it in NBA Rewind as you take control of the league’s biggest stars and teams throughout the season with the actual team roster, player stats and tendencies. Attempt to match or surpass full-game objectives generated by Synergy and CourtQ that focus on several key performances from the actual contest.
Experience the perfect combination of NBA LIVE 14 and fantasy basketball, as you build your Ultimate Team of the brightest modern NBA stars and all-time legends in LIVE Ultimate Team.
EA Sports Hoops Network also allows individuals to stay connected with friends and track their performances and success alongside other NBA LIVE gamers across the globe. Everything fans do in NBA LIVE 14 rewards them with XP, which will unlock new content and bonuses in LIVE Ultimate Team as players level-up.
NBA LIVE 14 is set to launch on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 on November 19, 2013 in North America, and worldwide on November 22 (Xbox One) and November 29 (PlayStation 4). For more information, visit the official site and Facebook page. Nothing but next.
Today EA Sports has released a new video for what they are calling “the most authentic UFC game ever created” in the form of EA Sports UFC. The video can be seen below and in it we see some new pre-alpha gameplay footage, plenty of real life footage of fighters training and fighting it out in the octagon, and plenty of talk about how the company’s next-gen vision is being realized with this game.
Fans of UFC can look forward to EA Sports UFC being released in Spring of 2014 and it is set to be released on the Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
Phenomenon Games and BulkyPix have announced the release of their newest title Meltdownon iOS and Android. Tie your bandana, equip your guns and fight for your life in an intense arcade shooter featuring random generated levels and co-op cross-platform multiplayer!
You are Zed, a former Marine working alone on a private mining station. All of a sudden, the AI controlling the station goes crazy and start attacking you. Choose your weapons, buckle up and start your mission.
Utilise some special abilities and a lot of weapons to destroy the hostile robot forces, each of which feature a special combat system. Some focus on range, others on melee, whatever the case it’s bad news for you. Upgrade and customise to have a better chance at survival or team up with friends if you’re looking for a little company.
The game will feature:
Intense real time 3D fights
Randomly generated levels for a high replay value
Hero and weapons optimized skill tree
Intelligent cover management system: choose when go to cover and when to rush into the action!
Big boss fights with unique abilities (and more coming soon)
Online cross-platform co-op Mode (iOS-Android) up to 4 players
Meltdown is available now on the App Store and Google Play for $1.99. Check out the trailer above and prepare to take the action to the robots in this hardcore adventure. Only the strong can survive!
Oooooooooh! Join Mordecai and Rigby on one of their greatest adventures yet with the release of their first and, so far, only 3DS game; Regular Show: Mordecai and Rigby In 8-Bit Land! Namco Bandai Games have, today, released the 3DS-exclusive game in the UK and, as a fan of the Emmy Award-Winning series, I’m super excited for them! The game has been released over here in Australia it seems and now it’s available all over Europe too! Unfortunately for North America they’ll be waiting until the 29th of October, sorry “fellas” it looks like we beat you too it!
The game is developed by WayForward and puts the lazy duo in all different, crazy and old-school situations and game types, from platforming to shooter you can do it all in the Regular Show game. That great thing about it is that, not only was it developed by WayForward, but it was also in collaboration with the series creator and voice of Mordecai; JG Quintel. I can’t wait to get my hands on this game and I bet a lot of you cartoon fans are feeling the same. For now we have some cool screenshots from he game and a launch trailer alongside them that you can enjoy before you pick it up.
“Swords and Spells”: PvP and GvG features in detail
Hamburg, November 8 2013 – The launch of the mobile fantasy RPG “Swords and Spells” is just a few days away. While, behind the scene, the finishing touches are being feverishly put to the iOS app. Xyrality, developer and publisher from Hamburg, is presenting the Player versus Player and Guild versus Guild features in detail, today. PvP and GvG battles are – along with the compelling quests of the main story – the primary elements of “Swords and Spells” and guarantee ongoing fun in the long run.
Both single combat between two players and guild battles with up to twenty players are possible. For individual competition, the heroes simply have to look for an opponent on their level so that the battle for fame can start. Whereas for guild competition a challenge will first be declared, after which the strongest players of the guild will gather under their self-made banner and prepare for the battle. Then the fight begins: warriors from both sides look for their objectives and attack. As soon as all fighters from one faction have bitten the dust, the winner is declared..
So as not to hinder his struggle against evil in the story mode, the player will use up so called motivation instead of the usual health pool during those duels. This allows the heroes to proceed with the story, while testing their mettle and gaining glory in the arena where they can climb up the ranking table
About Swords and Spells
Swords and Spells is a high quality mobile fantasy RPG set in the fascinating world of “Abion”. Players choose a hero and embark on a captivating journey through “Abion”, completing more than 100 missions and defeating over 90 different monsters on the way. Swords and Spells offers tons of carefully designed weapons, pieces of armour and other special items. Versatile battle and skill systems offer players a lot of strategic options as well as some heavy tactical challenges. The Unity3D-Engine in place allows for a 3D character display, in which players can experience the development of their character in real time while setting up attributes and gear for the next battle. Last but not least, this innovative mobile RPG is topped up by high quality graphics.
About XYRALITY
Xyrality is a fast growing, independent Hamburg developer and publisher consisting of 75 dedicated employees. This young company develops and markets games, which are available on smartphones and tablets as well as web browsers. The debut title “Lords & Knights”, is an innovative strategy-building-MMOG in a medieval setting. Within a few months of the publication in June 2011, Xyrality evolved to become one of the most successful start-ups in the industry. Pocketgamer.biz proclaimed Xyrality as one of the Top 50 mobile Developers of 2013 worldwide; in 2012 Xyrality featured several times in “Best of Apple’s App Store”. Today the portfolio includes five titles that have altogether been downloaded more than 10 million times; Other games are to be published soon. More information can be found at www.xyrality.com.
Rayman maniacs, get pumped! The fiesta has begun and Rayman is ready to run. That’s right, Rayman Fiesta Run is finally now available for download on iOS devices here and Android devices here.
The game itself is available for $2.99 on the iTunes store and $3.81 on the Google Play store. It is the sequel to the popular Rayman Jungle Run, the game which took the mobile platform by storm.
You can check out the launch trailer for Rayman Fiesta Run below to take a gander at what all the fuss is about. Be sure to pick up the game and get running because the fiesta has just begun!
The Last Door: Chapter 3 – The Four Witnesses Developer:The Game Kitchen Publisher: The Game Kitchen Platforms:Mac (reviewed), PC, Linux Release Date: Available now for backers only and for all next month Price: By donation; free next month – Play Here
Overview
After The Letter and Memories, The Four Witnesses is the third chapter in Spanish indie developer The Game Kitchen’s point-and-click horror adventure series The Last Door. Originally funded via a Kickstarter campaign, the title has now found its way onto Steam Greenlight in hopes of broadening its reach and attaining further funding for each prospective chapter in their plans. SPOILER ALERT:This review will make reference to specific events/story beats from the last chapter/s.
Story
We continue from where we left off, with lead character Jeremiah Devitt awakening within the coffin he found himself sealed inside back at the nun-operated hospital in Scotland. Once breaking out (flimsy wood, I suppose) and gaining his bearings – somewhat – Devitt goes in search of water before exploring his immediate surroundings. He discovers his whereabouts to be Old Nichol – a dank, ominous part of Victorian London. Confused, Devitt has a single clue – a ticket to a play called ‘The Four Witnesses’. I couldn’t help feeling that the story presented here was more filler than anything else, with the chapter acting as a simple vehicle to get Devitt from one place to the next in his journey without much in the way of meaningful discovery or revelation (flashbacks aside).
Gameplay
The Four Witnesses makes use of your basic point and click controls and mechanics, with a few notable stand-outs. Firstly, there was a creative – yet upon reflection, practical – item use puzzle that had me stumped for quite a while, if only because it required some lateral thinking and we’re conditioned throughout the rest of the chapter to expect more simple, obvious solutions. Hint: Just because you can’t reach a feather, doesn’t mean you need to find a way to extend your physical reach. Secondly, there is a musical puzzle that requires you paying attention to audio clues and connecting them with a poem’s words in determining your path. Overall, I just wish there were more creative, multi-stage puzzles included.
Visuals & Audio
The dark, spooky and unsettling aesthetic of the past two chapters returns, with the London setting even darker and more disturbing than the others. If Silent Hill has taught us anything, it’s to avoid the fog. And the old trick of lighting a lantern to traverse a dark space rears its head, with frights few and far between, despite what the tense conditions and visual language would suggest. And composer Carlos Viola once again provides a chilling, period-specific orchestral score that fits the setting like a glove. If anything, silence is under-utilised in this instalment, but touches such as a simple background theme swelling and transitioning to a new, heightened section of the composition once a puzzle is completed are smooth and expertly integrated.
Overall
The Last Door: The Four Witnesses maintains the signature atmosphere that its prior chapters established, but doesn’t make many strides in actually scaring us. There is one moment of “terror” – a pop-up fright – but otherwise, not much else. Also unfortunate is the fact that the puzzles are a breeze, with a sole moment of confusion to be had throughout the whole experience (personally, of course). Still, the tone and music is consistently creepy, and there is a marked improvement in the writing and dialogue. For a free instalment, I recommend it, especially for those who have followed the tale until now.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
