With all the international acclaim games have been getting as AAA titles see bigger and bigger releases, it is easy to see why companies are going through and opening new studios on new soils to ensure that they can provide exactly what their fans want in those countries. Which is why Bethesda has opened a new office in Sydney, Australia devoted to sales, marketing, and distribution for both Australia and New Zealand.
The new office, ZeniMax Australia, is headed by Managing Director Simon Alty, who had previously been working for One to Another handling Bethesda launches likeThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. But, he will certainly have more on his plate now as he coordinates everything for Australia and New Zealand for the next batch of AAA games from Bethesda next year.
We here at Capsule Computers can’t wait to see what ZeniMax Australia has in store for everyone Down Under.
After expanding its scope beyond just the Wii U, Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director’s Cut had to be delayed to ensure that it would be releasing to all the platforms it would be reaching at the same time. But, it seems that everything seems to be working as perfectly as retractable sunglasses as Square Enix and Eidos-Montreal have announced the release date for the Director’s Cut.
Coming out for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC in addition to the Wii U, Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director’s Cut will finally be available on October 24th, Australia-wide. Featuring additional material like the “Tongs’s Rescue” mission and the “Missing Link” chapter all worked into the games narrative, the game also offers improvements for boss fights, combat balance, and A.I., plus 8 hours of developer commentary. Even more revolutionary, the Director’s Cut will not only utilize the Wii U gamepad, but Windows SmartGlass for Xbox 360 and PS Vita for PS3.
Those looking to get the revamped Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director’s Cut can can pre-order it today, but it should be noted that there is a special deal at the Square Enix Store which offers the Deus Ex: Fallen Angel novella with the purchase of the console version. And check out the new features trailer embedded below!
At the last Pokemon Direct, it was revealed that some old favorites would be getting the new ability to Mega Evolve, namely Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise. But, what wasn’t revealed then was that the Mega Evolutions that were shown are not the only available Mega options. Yes, today it was announced that Charizard would have both an X and Y Mega Evolution just like Mewtwo.
Today it was stated that the previously shown Mega Evolution was in fact Mega Charizard Y (pictured above), which will be possible when using a Charizardite Y Mega Stone, but that leaves the other Mega Evolution unknown until today. The Mega Charizard X, when using a Charizardite X Mega Stone, is actually quite different from Y, featuring far different colors and more pronounced flames.
As pictured above, Mega Charizard X has a black and blue coloration, including the flames surrounding them. But, apart from this drastic color change, the type also changes in the Mega Evolution, changing from Fire- and Flying-type Pokemon to a Fire- and Dragon-type. To see more detailed shots of Charizard and its two Mega Evolutions, check out the gallery below, plus to see both forms in action before Pokemon X and Pokemon Y release October 12th for the Nintendo 3DS check out the trailer embedded below.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 Developer:PES Productions Publisher:Konami Platform: Playstation 3 (Reviewed), Xbox 360, PC Release Date: September 19, 2013 Price:$59.99
Overview
The Pro Evolution Soccer franchise is one of the longest running and enduring in the sports video-game genre. Here we are now with the 14th installment in the series and this is arguably the game that most lives up to the name of ‘Pro Evolution Soccer’. This is a game that evolves the soccer video-game formula into new and interesting directions and improves on it tenfold. For what it lacks in big name licenses, it makes up for with gameplay excellence and some of the most remarkable aesthetics seen in a sport game this generation. Pro Evolution Soccer 2014, or more commonly referred to as PES 2014, is a special breed of sports game and it is one that scores goal after goal in all the right places.
Gameplay
This is a game that is both for hardcore soccer fans and also for those who casually enjoy the sport. PES 2014 is a simple yet complex game that has a multitude of layers to its gameplay that can both benefit those who explore its finer details and those who want to just sit down and play around with it for a bit. Put simply, it captures the perfect balance between hardcore and casual play.
The control scheme is mapped out logically and quickly becomes second nature after a few minutes playing with it. For more hardcore players you can switch to a more detailed control scheme which will allow for some more creative play than simply sticking to the default.
One of the most important evolutions seen in PES 2014 however is its improved computer AI. The opponent’s AI is well designed to add a greater sense of realism as players behave in more ‘human’ ways and react naturally rather than mechanically. They will attempt strategic and tactical play in ways that you just don’t see in your run of the mill soccer games. It is clear that a great deal of attention was paid to fine tuning the AI with this new Fox Engine and the pay off was well worth it.
On top of that, there is a new system that is introduced to the series with this game which is known as M.A.S.S. or the Motion Animation Stability System. This new system makes physical contact between players more genuine and true to life than ever before. Not only that but even the way the ball itself connects with the players is more accurate in its depiction than previously seen. It is a true technical feat and one of the more impressive components of the game.
PES 2014 features several gameplay modes, each with their own wealth of entertainment to be enjoyed. Probably the most played mode will be the standard match mode, a jump in and play exhibition style mode that allows players to set up a match and just go for broke with it. This mode also crosses over to online play and can play played up to an impressive 11 vs 11 online match.
Also of note is the Football Life mode which is effectively the career mode of the game. You can take on the roll of manager of your chosen team and even take to the field yourself to compete. It’s a lovely mode with a great amount of depth that will give players countless hours of playtime as they try to build the perfect team and win each competiton that they partake in. It is clear that PES Productions placed a great deal of effort into creating an immersive and deep experience here with Football Life and they have succeeded.
The game features an impressive Competition mode to boot that allows you take a team through a competition as is evidenced by the title of the mode. It is a simple and fun mode that lets you challenge yourself on how far you can take your team in a tournament setting. It is a great place to test your mettle before going to the big league of the aforementioned Football Life mode. No tonly that but it is a great deal of fun taking on team after team in some epic clashes.
PES 2014 also packs a comprehensive training mode and edit mode. Both modes are superb thanks to their incredible amount of detail. There is a lot of things to try out in training mode as far as editing goes there is more customization availabl ehere than you could possibly imagine. They are two great modes that round out the incredible experiences available throughout the game.
Whether you play PES 2014 online or offline, it is a wildly addictive game that is simple yet complex, challenging and a whole lot of fun. The online mode is especially impressive with the number of options available to players to customize their matches and how many players can be brought together for an epic battle of the ball. The match-making works well and it couldn’t be more easier to jump into an online game with the simple click of a button. PES Productions have done well to create a fluid and exciting gameplay experience.
Konami have released several DLC packs for the game, a few of which we were given to try out along with the rest of the game. Included were a plethora of kits for teams such as Benfica, Manchester United, AS Roman and AC Milan. These kits and more are all available as part of the awesome European kit pack, Latin American kit pack and 3rd kit pack. All packs are well worth the download and add some star power to the game with these huge names in the sport.
All in all, PES 2014 signifies a true evolution in the genre and that is highly evident by its gameplay that goes above and beyond in all regards. The only thing that lets down this otherwise remarkable game is the lack of some key licenses such as the Barclay’s Premier League, however the UEFA Champion’s League more than makes up for that.
Visuals and Audio
There is simply nothing that compares to the aesthetic excellence on show in Pro Evolution Soccer 2014. It is awe-inspiring visually, with graphics that look about as close to real life as you can get. It looks and feels like you are controlling a real game of soccer and that in and of itself is a testament to the stunning work PES Productions have done to make that game as good looking as it is.
Comparitively the game’s soundtrack is more hit and miss. While the visuals are gorgeously detailed and highly impressive, the soundtrack is a scattershot mess of opera tracks, pulse pounding rock, accordian instrumentals and even some bizarre choir recordings. It is a mish mash of genres that doesn’t quite come together, but it undoubtedly gives the game a unique audio experience that will stick with you for better or worse.
Overall
PES 2014 is a crowning achievement in the soccer game genre. PES Productions have done an incredible job on the game, creating a rich and detailed immersive experience that gets better the more you play. There is a lot to see and a lot to do in PES 2014 and it will undoubtedly provide you with hours of fun for your price of admission. What really sets PES 2014 apart however is the strides it takes to evolve the genre. With updated AI and hit detection, there is a level of realism to PES 2014 that is truly unprecedented. This is a remarkable game by all counts. Konami have scored a big time goal with PES 2014, this is the soccer game to own this year.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
We have some good news for you, Rune Factory 4 is now available for purchase in North America both at stores and through the Nintendo eShop if you have trouble tracking down a copy. The game costs $39.99 and if you are debating about whether or not it is worth your time, well you can find my review of the game here.
XSEED Games‘ Rune Factory 4 features an interesting storyline where players can play as either a male or female hero and help the land of Selphia by taking over the royal duties of the town and lead it to success. This is done by fulfilling requests from the townsfolk, farming, defeating various monsters and much more. Of course there is always the option to look for a marriage candidate as there are six potential bachelors and six potential bachelorettes available for the wooing.
Great news Etrian Odyssey fans, Atlus USA‘s latest release in the series, Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl is now available for purchase in North Ameria. To commemorate the game’s release in the States, the company has released a launch trailer which can be found below.
For those who don’t know, Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl is a re-imagining of the first Etrian Odyssey title and is the first game to have an actual established storyline that players can access as well as a classic mode for gamers who want complete control over their party set-up and want to play as they like.
2K Games have always been at the forefront of evolution in gaming and once again that is true with their upcoming installment in the NBA 2K series, NBA 2K14.
In an unprecedented and ingenious move 2K will be offering a special offer to PlayStation 3 owners who pick up NBA 2K14. If you purchase the game on PlayStation 3 you will be able to purchase the PlayStation 4 version of the game digitally on the PlayStation Network for the discounted price of $21.95.
Both the PS3 and PS4 versions are both distinct and different games which highlights the difference between the generations of consoles. This amazing offer from 2K Games will end of March 31st, 2014, so be sure to take advantage of it while you can.
Remember how yesterday Bungie and Activison announced that they would be releasing a gameplay trailer for Destiny after they revealed the game’s box art? Well today the company has delivered with a new trailer for the game that takes Destiny all the way to the moon to show off some great stylized action.
The video can be seen below and in other news, Bungie has also announced that anyone who pre-orders the game from most major retailers will be able to gain admission to the Destiny beta which will begins sometime in early 2014 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360.
Coming to cinemas nationwide on November 14, Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa, is set to be a hilarious ride for Jackass fans and viewers who don’t mind outrageous comedies.
As shown in the official trailer, the film follows lead stuntman, Johnny Knoxville as Irving Zisman — a naughty Grandpa who teams up with his 8 year-old grandson, Billy (Jackson Nicholl) across America; on the most insane hidden camera road trip ever captured.
To keep fans amused, Paramount Pictures have released the first exclusive clip ‘Broken Ride’ from Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa. The funny scene, featured in the video below, shows Knoxville attempting to fix the car ride, but ends up launching through the window of a local Value Village store.
Don’t miss out on the 3D Jackass screening next month!
Supporters of Australian games take note, Sydney based developer Nnooo has just announced that their latest project, Blast ‘Em Bunnies, will be heading to the PlayStation 4 and the PlayStation Vita in 2014.
The title will be playable at this weekend’s EB Games Expo, with the Nnooo team to be found in the Homegrown Gaming area.
Blast ‘Em Bunnies is an endless shooter where players must not only try and defend their warren from a bunch of demented bunnies, but defend baby bunnies from the evil throat slitter! There are unlockable upgrades to boost your warren defences, including heat seeking chilli seeds, sticky exploding raspberries and bouncing pumpkin bombs.
Gamers with issues around cartoon baby animals dying may need to exercise caution…otherwise feel free to check out the gameplay video below.
Great news Etrian Odyssey fans, 
