Dream Chamber, Anuman Interactive’s latest Adventure game to be published under their Microids label, is now available for the PC, Mac and iPad. Dream Chamber has the player examining their environment with their mouse or touch pad to investigate crimes. Players take the role of main character Charlie Chamber, who divides his time between being a socialite and an inexperienced detective. Charlie has a photographic memory that allows him to backtrack to previous crime scenes to discover new clues, an abilitiy that will surely help him discover the great mysteries behind the initial robbery he is tasked with investigating. Puzzles such as pick locking and putting torn documents back together are part of the challenge and help break up the adventure action.
Dream Chamber is fully dubbed in English with subtitles available in French, German, Spanish and Italian. You can download Dream Chamber for PC from the Zodiac Store; MAC from the App Store for Mac and iPad from the App Store. The game costs $10, $11 and $4.99 respectively.
Earlier today, Tru Blu entertainment, the publishers of Rugby Challenge 2, announced that their brand new sports simulation game, Jonah Lomu Rugby Challenge Gold Edition, has just been released on the iOS App Store. The latest installation in the line of rugby apps named after the New Zealand rugby legend was developed as a compliment to the 2 other apps which can now be updated for free in line with the new release.
Melbourne-based game studio, Wicked Witch, developed the game with the aim of producing an app that lets players take all of the adrenaline and excitement of rugby with them on the go. Featuring everything from quick, customisable matches to a fully fledged international tournament, this app is being hyped as, “the most advanced and feature packed Rugby app ever made,” by Wicked Witch. So, whether you want to represent your country online, or just play with your friends this app is definitely something to consider as a rugby fan.
Jonah Lomu Rugby Challenge Gold Edition is now available for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch for $6.49. (download here)
Ubisoft has released some more assets, so players looking forward to the Xbox One exclusive kinect brawler Fighter Within can see a little bit more of the game in action. The trailer this time reveals much more of the gameplay side of the coin than the last teaser that they released to announce the game, but with only gameplay video still nothing has been revealed about what lies behind the curtain in terms of how it will control.
The gameplay trailer isn’t the only thing however as there are also 6 brand new screenshots showing off the highly detailed characters as they beat the crap out of each other. Those wanting to see the trailer can find it embedded below, while those looking to check out the screenshots can see them full-sized by clicking on the images in the gallery below. Fighter Within is set to release when the Xbox One launches on November 22nd, 2013.
Overview
Twin stick shooters have been becoming more abundant and it s easy to see why, the character is able to move about freely, while shooting anything around them. Hexodius is a game that takes the twin stick shooter formula and adds in a few strategy elements to put the focus on preparing for each mission, instead of stumbling through them just to get past. But, are these additions enough to make a splash in the twin stick genre or simply end up weighing it down? Let’s look at what the game has to offer.
Story Hexodius sees a small robot named Fred trying to escape an AI that has gone rogue and of course what better way to escape than to build another robot named B.O.B. specifically designed to combat the evil minions. The story is unfortunately very lacking, suffering from the need to tell a story instead of showing it or letting the player experience it. The dialogue stems mainly from Fred telling the player exactly what is going on, intermittent with the AI cutting in with his evil AI spiel.
The story it seems then is far more the support role than center-stage, but the support doesn’t offer all that much either. In many ways it might have been better if there was no dialogue sitting between the player and the gameplay, as the story begins to get more in the way of the gameplay then supplementing it. Though the story is able to hold out for a good length of time with the number of worlds and missions that are available, it is however only really something that is present as opposed to important.
Gameplay
Split between the hex board style world maps and missions, the gameplay is equally split between exploration and twin stick action. On the world map, players are able to plan out which missions they want to do and in what order, with some of them being completely optional. Some missions reward spell objects like upgrades or abilities, while others hold keys for opening up more of the map towards the world exit. This world map gives an interesting feel to the game, seeming to offer players more choice about where they go and what missions to do, but unfortunately it comes down to being a crapshoot until finding the key to progress or just completing everything anyway.
The missions themselves are broken down into four different types, five is bosses are counted separately. Unfortunately, with the exception of the bonus missions for earning cash, the missions devolve into surviving by shooting all the things, shooting all the things to protect another thing, or shooting all the things while destroying specific things before running out of time. Certainly the addition of new enemies as the player progresses from world to world does add a little bit of freshness, but for the most part this does not hold up across a game of this size.
The one major point to try and switch things up in the game is the upgrades and abilities, as B.O.B. is only able to hold three upgrades and four abilities for a mission. This is meant to be the major aspect of the game, the idea of switching out specific abilities and upgrades for use against the enemies that B.O.B. will be going up against as necessary mission to mission, but it starts to fall short as there are so many combinations that players can quickly get in over their head. Plus it can be difficult to adequately test out different combinations as missions cannot be replayed after completing them, so player have to start a different mission to try a different combo or keep restarting a mission over and over to try them out.
Outside of the story, which does have different so those looking for a challenge can at least find it, the only other mode is Arcade, which pits B.O.B. against waves of enemies with unlimited lives, but limited time trying to get the highest possible score. While this is one of the more different kinds of gameplay, there are only 6 different arenas that players can actually play in. Meaning that the already somewhat repetitive gameplay, might end up being just a bit more repetitive.
Visuals and Audio
For the most part this is one of the areas that Hexodius is able to do well, the worlds that Fred and B.O.B. go to are certainly varied and different with the enemies likewise able to keep the pace. While the audio itself is limited, with no voiceover work and the sound effects mainly shots and explosions, the music is interesting in its own way. It has a nice combination of technoesque and retro game style rhythm, which also has the same sort of variety as the graphics moving world to world.
Overall Hexious is an interesting take on the twin stick genre, with a focus on exploration of the world maps and choosing the upgrades and abilities that work best for different situations. This combination of things just doesn’t seem to work out for the best however, with many instances feeling boring and often dragging on. There is still some fun to be had with the game, but getting to these parts can be somewhat of a chore. This definitely isn’t for everyone, but it does offer a good amount of missions for those that do enjoy it.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Magrunner: Dark Pulse released to PC back in June, but with a console version promised by developer Frogwares and publisher Focus Home Interactive, those curious players who have been waiting for that particular version don’t need to wait much longer. A new launch trailer has also been issued to remind players of the dark future of 2048.
The launch trailer doesn’t show too much from what we’ve already seen in the past, but it has been awhile since the Lovecraftian/Futuristic mash-up was in the public eye. Showing off a bit of main character Dax Ward, one of seven Magrunners, and the challenges he will face as he goes toe-to-toe with eldritch horrors.
Those wanting to see the trailer for themselves can find it embedded below, while those wanting more information on the game itself can check out our Magrunner: Dark Pulse Review for the PC version. Anyone wanting to face these challenges on console can find it out on the PSN today with the XBLA version releasing tomorrow.
‘Lumini’ is a new game coming to PC, it’s a 2.5D side scrolling indie game with emphasis on flow game play. The creators of this game are Speelbaars, a group of six ambitious university students from the Netherlands, who were inspired by the success if indie games and developers.
The game Speelbaars have imagined and created is set in an enchanting yet hostile world. You control and guide to safety a swarm of cute, little creatures called ‘Lumini‘. Obstacles along your path include other creatures, who will try to have your swarm for breakfast.
The strategy of this game is simple but fascinating. Along the way, you can divide your swarm to control them separately to outsmart the enemy an performing cunning manoeuvres and tactics. Also, though you will lose members of your swarm, you can extract energy from the planet’s flora and use it to breed new and stronger ‘Lumini’ at mystical crystals you find scattered across the world.
The games most noticeable features include:
– Dynamic and realistic Swarm controls
– An adventurous world with lots to explore.
– Mesmerizing flow gameplay.
– Ambidextrous controls when splitting your swarm
– Dynamic and immersive audio.
Check out video trailer for the game below and for more info check out the official website for the game here.
Tecmo Koei Europe have just made a major announcement for fans of the beloved Atelier RPG series. They have officially announced that the latest installment in the series Atelier Escha and Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky will be releasing across North America on 11th of March and Europe on the 7th of March, 2013.
This is certainly huge news for fans of the long-loved RPG series which has garnered a cult following over the years. Atelier Escha and Logy looks to shake things up for the series with an immense amount of content. The game features two protagonists, two stories and double the gameplay. It truly looks to be a superb new direction for the series.
The game is slated to be released exclusively on the PlayStation 3. You can check out some brand new screenshots for Atelier Escha and Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky in the gallery below.
While most gamers are waiting with baited breath for the next generation consoles, it seems AMD has frog leaped ahead once again with the release of its newest flagship GPU for PC, the Radeon R9 290X. The new model is set to compete against Nvidia’s high-end GTX 780 and GTX Titan cards.
The R9 290X is designed around Graphics Core Next (GCN) architecture, packs AMD’s TrueAudio processor and supports UltraHD, or 4K, gaming. Here are the full, hefty specs:
2,816 stream processing units
Up to 1 GHz engine clock
4GB GDDR5 memory
Up to 5.0Gbps memory clock speed
320GB/s memory bandwidth (maximum)
5.6 TFLOPS Single Precision compute power
API support for DirectX® 11.2, OpenGL 4.3 and Mantle
RRP: AU$699, NZ$849
These are impressive numbers to say the least, and reviews from various tech sites have placed the R9 290X above the GTX 780 and GTX Titan in synthetic benchmarks and as fast as, if not faster than, the Titan in in-game tests.
When you factor in a cheaper price tag (and available bundled with Battlefield 4) it seems Nvidia has some serious competition to contend with and this can only mean good things for the end consumer.
Chihayafuru Part 2 Studio: Madhouse Publisher: Siren Visual Format: DVD Release Date: September 19th, 2013 Price: $49.95 – Available Here
Overview What is poetry? Is poetry simply pretty words arranged in pretty ways or it something much deeper than that? Chihayafuru is an anime series that explores poetry at length, no not the kind with pretty words, it is all about the poetry of life.
There is beauty in just about everything and Chihayafuru explores the inherent poetry in motion that is life, love, passion and all the good and bad that lies between. This isn’t just a silly old sports anime, this is a series that breaks down all the walls that define the genre.
Story Chihayafuru is a sports anime that even those who aren’t a fan of the genre can enjoy. It has just about everything you could possibly want from an anime series. It’s got action, romance, a detailed plot, variety, an excellent cast of characters, an unique concept and setting. There is so much going for this series that it could easily be enjoyed by just about anyone.
In Part 1 of Chihayafuru we seen the foundations laid out for the series, we got a deep origin story for our protagonists and an intricate detailing of the wonderful sport of karuta that the series revolves around. On top of that we see Chihaya and her team make it all the way to Omi Jingu, the grandest stage for karuta players. That is where Part 2 picks up, right in the heat of the action.
Over the course of Part 2 we follow this endearing cast of characters through a number of intense games of karuta, each tougher than the last. We come to see something quite interesting from Chihaya in this arc. She has to learn that having a dream also means having to struggle to get it. We see her faced with her own flaws and she must confront the idea that she might not be as good as she thinks she is. This was a great bit of story-telling as thus far Chihaya has been mostly portrayed as pretty flawless, so it was nice to see a weakness in her. We all have flaws, it is how we transcend them that defines us.
This season concludes in a decidedly quiet fashion, leaving things open for a continuation, which as fans of the series would know has already aired in Japan. It is a fitting end for the first season and one that provides a solid amount of closure for the story arc of this season and its characters.
Ultimately Chihayafuru isn’t simply a show that goes through the motions. It is a deeply intimate anime series with a complex story and rich cast of characters each bursting with personality. While it may seem to be just another sports anime, this time with an obscure sport named karuta, it’s not, it is so much more than that. Chihayafuru is about the love of things, it is about passions and dreams. The focus here isn’t on karuta, but rather the love of karuta. That is what separates Chihayafuru from other anime series, it has heart, pure and true.
Visuals and Audio
Madhouse studios are one of the cornerstones of the anime industry, producing dozens of highly inventive and awe-inspiring visual works that are simply unmatched. Chihayafuru is one of those works. The aesthetic appeal of Chihayafuru is instantly apparent, with the gorgeous array of vibrant colours that make up the series wonderful palette. You get the sense that Madhouse was attempting to capture the beauty of the story through visual form. They truly succeeded in creating an unforgettable aesthetic experience that has few rivals in the medium.
Along side the superb artwork and animation is the stunning soundtrack for the series as composed by Kousuke Yamashita. The tracks are each intricately composed to perfectly add to the action playing out on screen. It adds so very much to the series that it would be quite difficult to imagine Chihayafuru with any other soundtrack, it is just that good.
This particular release of Chihayafuru, much like Part 1, features a Japanese audio track only. It is somewhat of a shame that an English dub track was not available to Siren Visual, but it will likely not hinder those who are looking to pick up this excellent series. The original Japanese audio features some of the best voice actors and actresses in the business giving their best for what is truly a special series.
The standout performance on the series however is undoubtedly Mamoru Miyano as the conflicted Taichi. His performance is every bit as moving as it is powerful and highlights why he is such a hot commodity in Japan right now. Also worth an honorable mention is the hyperactive performance of Asami Seto as Chihaya. She brings life to the character in ways that few could and makes for a memorable protagonist for an absolutely unforgettable anime series.
Extras Chihayafuru Part 2, much like Part 1, does not feature a great amount of bonus content. It does however feature some of the usual extras such as a clean opening and ending theme song. Other than that, there is very little in the way of bonus content. Regardless of that, it is an all round great release of a series that many thought wouldn’t see the light of day outside of Japan. Thankfully Siren Visual have brought this amazing show to us here in Australia and for that we are quite lucky.
Overall Chihayafuru is the kind of anime that comes along once in a blue moon. It transcends all preconceptions attributed to the genre and medium, making it look easy while doing so. Special anime like this are rare, they aren’t shows that should be missed. In fact Chihayafuru is something to cherish – a genuine masterstroke of creativity and passion. This is something all anime fans need to experience. Chihayfuru is simply animation at its finest.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Following the launch of the Power Edition, Parrot is launching its new AR.Drone 2.0 Elite Edition, available in three sneaky camouflage colours: Sand, Snow and Jungle.
To match the new exteriors, the drones feature propellers in two different colours for each version: beige and black for the Sand model, white and black for the Snow model and khaki and black for the Jungle model.
If you were waiting for additional bling, wanting to feel like the Beast of Kandahar or getting the jump on unsuspecting film subjects, now seems like a good time to invest in a new gadget.
The Elite Editions keeps the original set of features of the AR.Drone 2.0 range, including:
Ultra intuitive piloting mode via Wi-Fi with a Smartphone or a Tablet running on iOS or Android
A dedicated AR.FreeFlight piloting platform available for free on the AppStore and Google Play
HD Camera (1280×720) with video and photo storage and sharing capabilities
Amazing flight stabilisation
Front, back or side flips
Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery (up to 12 minutes extra flight time)
The Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 Elite Edition is available from November 2013, from leading retailers and RC stores. Price AU$379.
