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.
Despite the popularity of Hyperdimension Neptunia in the West, many people thought that despite NIS America‘s track record of bringing everything Neptunia related, including an iOS app for the game, that a game where players manage the girls as idols called Hyperdimension Idol Neptunia PP would never be released in the West.
Thankfully that won’t be the case as today NIS America has announced that they are picking up Hyperdimension Neptunia PP as they are calling it and are planning on releasing the game in North America and Europe both physically and digitally sometime in 2014. For those who don’t know, the game involves training Noire, Blanc, Vert, and Neptune as they train to be idols. Various gameplay footage of the game can be found here.
As you may already know, Nintendo is working on bringing Square Enix‘s Bravely Default: Flying Fairy to Western audiences and today Nintendo in the land of Australia has unveiled that the region is going to be given a special Bravely Default Deluxe Collector’s Edition.
No price has been revealed as of yet but the Bravely Default Deluxe Collector’s Edition comes with the game itself, an Agnès Figurine, a deluxe artbook, 34 AR cards, and a soundtrack CD.
This version will be available for purchase alongside the normal version of the game when it is released in Australia and New Zealand on December 7th. It is also worth noting that anyone who pre-orders the game from EB Games will also receive a smaller artbook regardless of which version they choose to pre-order.
It is a week from Halloween today and what better way to start getting hyped for the spooky event than to release some creepy looking screenshots and concept art for an upcoming survival horror game? Well that is exactly what Bethesda has done as today they released three new images for The Evil Within which can be seen both above and below.
The first image features a guy named Boxman who will be one of the many horrific creatures that the player will run into in the game while a look at the Butcher has also been provided. Currently The Evil Within is set to be released sometime in 2014 on the PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.
“Bad” Grandpa is an understatement… Irving Zisman may just be the worst grandfather in history! A terrible influence that should not be allowed guardianship of any kind. But, by God does he use his grandson to produce some hilarious situations.
Paramount Pictures Australia is bringing the Johnny Knoxville created character to the big screen with Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa, releasing nationwide on November 14. And the newest individual clip released highlights one of the more riotous scenes shown in the original trailer – the ‘Beauty Pageant’. Watch the clip embedded below to see the parents of these poor children traumatised… serves them right for exploiting their kids. And for the adults who aren’t afraid of swearing and, of note, an elderly man with his ‘member’ stuck in a vending machine, then check out the Redband trailer too.
Deep Silver has recently released the latest DLC for one of the most insane games of the generation, Saints Row IV. This latest DLC mission pack called Enter the Dominatrix was deemed even too crazy for Saints Row, and that’s saying something. Interestingly, Enter the Dominatrix was originally teased back in 2012 as an expansion to the previous Saints Row title but was continually delayed. Elements of the expansion found their home in Saints Row IV and will now be fully playable by all in this DLC pack.
The mission pack will feature an alternate story set in an alternative Zin Invasion storyline where The Saints are trapped in a simulation run by an AI program known as the Dominatrix. Check out the trailer below for what you can expect from this newest DLC. Please be warned the video containts some sexually explicit content and is not appropiate for young children. You can download the expansion for Saints Row IV now on PSN, Xbox Live or Steam for $6.99 or for free if you have purchased the Season Pass.
Overview
Hideyuki Kikuchi and his Vampire Hunter D series have been around nearly three decades. The series has seen animated films, audio dramas, video games, and more. The question remains, though: How does mangaka Saiko Takaki’s take of the worlds best vampire hunter hold up? How well does the first volume in the series do?
Story
The world of Vampire Hunter D is one far removed from anything we’ve ever known. The world’s great powers took aim at one another and destroyed earth as we know it with nuclear war. Radiation and cosmic rays then turned many beings into mutants, throwing mankind back into the dark ages. Out of the darkness, a power vacuum was created. Vampires known as the nobility rose to seize power, and they held onto it tightly for nearly 5,000 years. That’s when other beings, spawned by radiation and more cosmic rays, began to make themselves known. With great strength, agility, and wisdom, they alone could withstand the nobility. They came to be known as “Vampire Hunters.”
When we’re first introduced to our hero, he’s alone on a road. As he’s traveling, he encounters a beautiful young woman who attacks him with a whip. When she realizes that he is no mere bandit, but is actually a vampire hunter, she begs to enlist his help in exchange for food and a place to sleep. Then she reveals two deep puncture wounds on her neck – the “kiss of the nobility.” Upon seeing the bite marks, he agrees to enter her employ. She then introduces herself as Doris Lang.
After an encounter with Larmica, Count Magnus Lee’s daughter, on the ranch, the true nature of the plot is revealed. Count Magnus considers Doris to be the most beautiful girl in the land and wishes to take her for his bride. Through happenstance, Doris and D are soon separated. We’re also introduced to a local gang known the Fiend Corp who quickly form a vendetta when Doris is kept from their clutches by D.
Through the various encounters D has in the first entry in the series, we’re shown not only how masterful he is with swordplay, but also his deep knowledge of the lore in the world around him. It’s also easy to see that, much like an ace fighter pilot, D stays cool as ice in virtually every situation. Whether he’s fighting bandits with stolen magic, vampires, werewolves, or other mystical creatures, he’s the man you’ll want for the job.
Vampire Hunter D, Volume 1 does a fine job establishing the players and all of their motivations. While D and Doris are clearly the focal points of the story, the effort was clearly put in to develop several secondary characters. That helps give more weight to the decisions they make that help drive the plot. The story also keeps the pace moving at a solid clip and the setting and plot really draw you into the world.
If I had to levy an argument against the story, it would have to be a lack of driving force for the next entry in the series. With a few very minor exceptions, every story arc was closed with a satisfying conclusion. That creates a satisfying read for a single manga, but leaves little tension to build up for any future entries in the series. Fortunately, Volume 1 closes with D’s air of mystery intact. I’ll be quite interested to see what he encounters in future volumes.
Artwork
The artwork in Volume 1 feels a bit broken in terms of pace. It’s clear that illustrator Saiko Takaki was trying to find her footing with the first bit of the manga. Faces often feel as though they’re sometimes a bit warped. Doris, in particular, can feel somewhat off-putting, especially in the first few pages. She’s referred to as one of the most beautiful ladies around, but it feels as though there’s something repulsive about her facial features. Several of the action scenes feel as though their significance is hampered by an overabundance of of action maneuvers and objects in the scenes.
Fortunately, about a quarter of the way through the manga, Ms. Takaki seems to find her pace. Action scenes feel more fluid and less bogged down. Characters seem to maintain a pleasantly consistent style about them as well. Future installments promise to be enjoyable to take in from an aesthetic viewpoint.
Extra Content
In terms of extra content for Vampire Hunter D, Volume 1, there is very little to keep yourself amused with. The afterword Ms. Takaki put in provided some fantastic insight into her feelings as she worked on Volume 1 – the stress she went through to get her pacing, the anguish of unsurety, and her trip to Los Angeles all provide something to help us understand where she’s coming from and what she endured to deliver the manga to readers everywhere.
Overall
Overall, Vampire Hunter D, Volume 1 provided a solid first showing . Though the art started off a little rough, it quickly picked up. A good story with great pacing and excellent character development also helped drive the story. After having read the first volume, the series promises to deliver an exciting story with excellent narrative and entertaining artwork.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
At the EB Games Expo 2013, artist Garry Donnellan was stationed outside the Ubisoft Australia booth, busy at work on a huge canvas painting of Edward Kenway from Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.
Made for the purpose of auctioning off – with all proceeds going to the Starlight Children’s Foundation Australia – the artwork came to life over the 3-day period. And now, with the show behind us and the masterpiece complete, the auction is live on Ebay.
The auction will run until 8pm on Tuesday, October 29 – Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag‘s recently pushed forward launch date – with the current bid already surpassing a grand! Check out the bidding here.
A time lapse video which shows the painting being created at the EB Expo can also be seen below embedded below.
Despite the popularity of Hyperdimension Neptunia in the West, many people thought that despite 
