EA’s next flagship first-person shooter, Battlefield 4, is right around the corner. Being such a huge title there’s strangely few editions up for pre-order. Gamers can choose from a day-one limited edition that includes the first expansion DLC (but you’ll still have to buy premium to guarantee all DLC packs) or a store specific Deluxe Edition like from EB Games/Gamestop that comes with little more than a steel book and some tacky dog tags.
Now this, on the other hand, is an edition I’d pay for. YouTube user “Лёха Бубалехов” has gone ahead and mashed the Battlefield 4 trailer to everyday happenings in Russia, which has enough going on to fill the franchise for the foreseeable future. Horrific accidents, drunken brawls and military hardware randomly clashing with civilian life.
Check out the video below, and for some real info be sure to see the latest vehicle customisation news.
With the launch of, arguably, one of the year’s most anticipated titles mere hours away at the point of this article’s writing, I can’t help but ponder my own personal history with the Grand Theft Auto franchise. It has helped me form a viewpoint of the franchise few will likely take, and that’s just fine.
I’ve been an avid gamer my entire life. When Rockstar‘s franchise really exploded on the scene in 2001 with Grand Theft Auto III, I was naturally curious. It generated so much buzz in the media and amongst my friends, I was genuinely curious to check it out. The problem I faced was that I was 16 years old at the time and I knew that the game had some very mature content in it.
I fought off playing the game for as long as I could and, against my better judgment, I coaxed my parents into renting it for me. What I found when I actually sat down and played the game, though, genuinely held absolutely no appeal to me at all. Don’t get me wrong – I really enjoyed getting all of the different cars and trying to take them off crazy ramps, but the rest of the game left me completely uninterested. I cared nothing for joining the crime family, running down old ladies, or soliciting hookers to regain my health. It also didn’t help that the game’s shooting mechanics felt completely horrendous to me. I returned the game and never picked it back up.
Fast forward another year with the release of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. The buzz again picked back up. This time around, you could drive motorcycles and the game was supposed to have a fantastic soundtrack. I decided to rent the game and give the franchise another shot. The soundtrack, based completely on tunes from the 1980s, really was incredible. It was a lot of fun cruising down the road, jamming out to Billy Jean. The motorcycle was also a neat element. It went crazy fast and you could take some sick jumps with it. Ultimately, though, I hit the same wall with Vice City that I hit with GTAIII. I just couldn’t get into the criminal storyline or any of the other side missions. I cruised around the city a few more hours and ultimately returned the game back to the rental store before I went back to playing Prince of Persia: Sands of Time or whatever game I was into at the time.
I decided that was enough of the franchise for a while. I bypassed San Andreas without ever blinking. When Grand Theft Auto IV came out for a newer generation of hardware, though, I decided to give the franchise yet another go, hoping my tastes had changed over the last few years. I wanted to get drawn into the story of Niko Bellic and his cousin, Roman. While the world was considerably more well realized, I once quickly grew tired of the story, ultimately setting the game aside without seeing it to its end.
Now here we are. A numbered Grand Theft Auto game hasn’t been released in over half a decade, and we’re teetering on the brink of what is being touted as an intense crime drama that is sure to be well-loved by the masses. I want to be part of the throng – to enjoy the franchise like everyone else seems to. I’ve come to realized a couple of things about myself, though.
The GTA series draws heavily on crime drama films that touch on some of the same core concepts. In college, my friends coaxed me into watching Scarface and the Godfather trilogy. Unfortunately, those films left me feeling the same way the stories of GTA games do – complete bewilderment. I just don’t see the draw in that sort of material. From where I’m sitting, Al Pacino’s rise to drug lord and Coppola’s The Godfather movies feel completely dissonant with my core being. When given the choice, I play the “good guy” in every single game I play. I just can’t bring myself to delve into the seedy side of human nature.
I don’t want this to come off as a “holier than thou” sort of feeling. I want to express that I want to be able to enjoy what so much of the populace sees entertainment value in. I just can’t seem to let the franchise get its hooks into me. I’m sure I will want to give Grand Theft Auto V a go once again at some point to see if my tastes have changed at all, but for right now, I believe I’ll have to practice abstinence and wait through the launch of one of the biggest games of 2013.
What do you think? Are you excited for the new game? Are you like me, struggling to find a way to enjoy it, but unable? Am I just completely blinded? Let me know what you think.
Be sure to check back for our upcoming review of the game for our full opinion.
Last night, Grand Theft Auto V boomed into the market. Hosted by EB Games at World Square Sydney, hundreds of gamers came out in the cold rain to be one of the first Australians to grab a copy of the game they have been waiting years for, myself included.
A few hours before the event, I was chatting to the store manager of World Square EB Games store, where the launch was held, and he was not happy. He told me the event was to be held outside in the courtyard, however, the rain was not making it easy for anyone. When I returned for the start of the event, they had moved everything to inside the store, which created a crowded, yet hyped atmosphere as the 12th hour drew nigh.
The launch party started easy, everyone there was able to score a free burrito, courtesy of Guzman Y Gomez and over the course of the night, small Rockstar Games Merchandise freebies where given out, like t-shirts and posters. There was also an opportunity to play some games on the PS3, Xbox and WiiU which was pretty fun.
We were entertained by DJs and rappers as we waited, the names were Alison Wonderland, Leah Mencel + Lee Monro and The Havknotz. There were contests that got the crowd involved, such as the GTV V cosplay and the Burrito Eating Contest. The only girl in the food feast showed everyone who was boss when she smashed the contest. Winners to these contests got limited edition merchandise like golf clubs and sleeping bags.
When midnight was around the corner, so was the massive line of gamers ready for GTA V, everyone was their set and run home with it. We even chanted a count down. Thanks to the organised work of the EB staff, the line moved quickly and the event was over almost as quickly as it started.
Even though I can imagine that it was a nightmare for the media co-ordinatoter, I congratulate Debra McGrath and the rest of the EB Games team on pulling through as all in all, it was a good night despite the last minute changes to the event.
Ubisoft (Rayman Legends) and Blue Byte announced the launch of the Open Beta for their upcoming submarine warfare game, Silent Hunter Online.
The browser-based free-to-play submarine simulation game will put players in the role of sub commander during World War II’s Battle of the Atlantic. You’ll hunt down enemy convoys, manage your own flotillas, and take part in server-wide campaigns. Every mission can be played cooperatively as well.
Silent Hunter Online will feature a powerful graphics engine, letting you experience ocean waves and the vast sea in 3D without ever needing to install a game client. The game also features fully rendered ship models, authentic waves, and dynamic weather effects.
Folks interested in trying out the Open Beta for Silent Hunter Online can check out their official website here. You can also catch the game’s trailer (with German voiceover) in the video player below this article.
Dead Effect Studio:InDev Brain Publisher:Bulkypix Format: iOS (iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad) – Reviewed on iPad Release Date: 12th September 2013 Price: $3.99 – Available Here
Overview Space. The void that exists between worlds, a terrifying abyss where no one can hear you scream…now with zombies. As the ESS Meridian coasts through space, something goes wrong. Awaken to a intergalactic coffin of people who’ve shuffled back to this mortal coil. When the undead go off world, where does safety lie?
He was only two days from retirement…
Story ESS Meridian System: Wednesday September 7, 2045… 178 days of hibernation.
Delta 3 Chamber, Active… Tissue and vital functions Check.
Error! Disruption Detected… Critical Health Detected.
3… 2… 1… Awakening!
Something is wrong. Awakening from cryo sleep, you discover that every other hibernation pod is empty. As you venture through the ship, you discover that the crew of the ESS Meridian have been infected by a mysterious virus. With gas flooding in through the vents, apparently every person on board has mutated into a zombie. Armed with the weapons you’ve found, you fight these horrible creatures in search of the truth. As you progress, you are contacted by Dr Wagner, who aids you in your endeavour to stay alive.
Well, this isn’t ominous at all
Gameplay Dead Effect is a classic FPS style zombie game. Before the game begins, you are given a choice of two playable characters: Gunnar Davis and Jane Frey. This choice essentially alters the voice you will hear throughout the game, as well as the weapons you are given for free. The first level bequeaths unto you a high powered volt gun of unlimited ammo, which will serve as a backup should you run out of bullets. Progressing through the levels also nets you more weapons, dependant on your character choice. Gunnar collects a pistol and assault rifle, whilst Jane gains a revolver and shotgun. However, as you collect the money scattered throughout the ESS Meridian you can purchase stronger weapons, like the Juggernaut-T3000 shotgun. Which is awesome. Not too far into the game, you also receive the ability to slow down time, affectionately known as bullet time. This power, surprisingly, allows you to slow down your undead enemies whilst retaining full speed. This comes in pretty handy when a horde is marching towards you. The customisable button arrangement also allows you to place said ability for ideal panic positioning.
The game also includes an upgrade system, also fuelled by the money you collect. Before each mission, you are able to purchase upgrades for your weapons, increasing aspects such as damage, accuracy and reload speed. Ammunition may also be bought as it is fairly scarce within the levels, though running low tends to be the result of poor accuracy. Being a zombie game, there are various types of undead for you to fire at. The game begins with the normal, frail zombies. Though not particularly powerful, they still require a few bullets to kill, unless you get the almighty headshot. Amidst these, some zombies scramble on all fours, resulting in a faster target outside of your normal field of vision. Further down than this are the bifurcated torsos who claw at you from the ground. Certain points in the game also see boss zombies, such as the powerhouse known as Razer.
Or you could always ignore the plight of the Meridian and spend your time in Survival Mode, murdering zombies for as long as you so wish.
I swear they were like this when I got here
Visuals The visuals of Dead Effect are great. The game features full 3D graphics, allowing for detailed characters and environments. Of the basic zombie types there are at least three visual variations, including poor civilian and unfortunate scientist. The more powerful zombies also possess their own models, such as the large, muscled zombie with a penchant for charging.
The environment itself is also well designed. Though some of the connecting hallways run the risk of being repetitive, yo’re never really in an area long enough to get bored. Plus there’s zombies to worry about. Blood is also spread across the various areas of the ship, adding to the mysterious atmosphere of terror. Blood will also splatter the screen as a handy, dandy reminder that you are under attack…or dead. Either way, you’ll know.
It’s important to make new friends
Audio Creepy. I mean it is a game about the undead roaming the floors of a spaceship so that’s to be expected. A majority of the game’s atmosphere comes from the lack of a soundtrack. Whilst exploring the Meridian, an ominous quiet is created through the use of an occasionally broken silence. Having no soundtrack allows you to fully appreciate the creak of metal or even the hum of an engine. Oh yeah, apparently in space people can hear you scream. The silence of your horror filled journey may occasionally be broken by the ear piercing screams of a fellow passenger. This in turn means that you have no idea just how long the zombie you’ve been killing have actually been zombies. Regardless, when you hear the growls and roars of the undead, be on guard.
When you happen to run into these living-challenged creatures, the music ramps up quite significantly. From creaks and quiet to an action packed soundtrack that’s heavy on the bass. This adds a sense of intensity to the combat, complimenting the panic of fighting in such confined spaces.
The game also features full voice acting for the main characters, the ones who actually still possess the ability of speech. Though the voice acting is good, the character of Dr Wagner can sound pretty forced sometimes. He also happens to have a particularly strong European accent, which can get kind of stereotypical at points.
I’m in the hallway to hell!
Overall Dead Effect is pretty awesome. It’s got zombies, you’re in space…well that’s pretty much it, but it’s still cool. The game provides you with options to upgrade, making you feel like you can improve as you continue onwards. The option to reorganise the controls also allows you to customise the screen to suit your playstyle, preventing any annoying layout ruining your experience. All in all, Dead Effect is a cool zombie FPS…even if Wagner does sound ridiculous.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Six Foot Kid are making their indie game debut with their new free-to-play iOS title Band Stars, which is being funded, guided and published by now famous developers Halfbrick. Players can form a band with any of the colorful characters available, pick a catchy name and hit the recording studio. Starting with small song releases on the Local Charts, the aim is to become the world’s biggest band by releasing new songs, building a fan base and hiring new band members.
Players can assign individual rockers to any instrument, and match the song genre with a perfect lyrical theme. Recording is where all the magic takes place, and then it’s up to a professional mixer to prepare the song for a commercial release. If everyone has been assigned to their roles wisely, the recording goes without a hitch, and the stars align for a bit of good fortune, players will see their band rocketing up the charts in no time. Fleshing out the content is a full training system, character and band challenges, hiring new members and even pimping out your studio with new goodies to help the creative juices flow!
If your keen to start rocking out today and live in either Australia or Canada you can get the game right now from the App Store. A global release is promised to be coming soon. You can view the debut trailer for Band Stars under the comments.
Its really great to see Halfbrick helping some new studios get off the ground after the huge success they found with games like Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride. Hopefully this will be a contiuing trend in the Australian games industry. Halfbrick have been busy lately with their upcoming game Colossatron: Massive World Threat being revealed at PAX Australia, which looks to be another fine entry into the app market.
It has only been 5 months since the conclusion of the first season, but today the official site for the Little Busters! anime project announced that a second follow-up project is in the works called Little Busters! EX. Assuming that this is to be the anime adaptation of Little Busters! Ecstacy, then it will be a retelling of Key’s Little Busters! visual novel with added adult scenes and some modified story elements. It seems likely that this is the case when you take into account the announcement banner which features Kanata Futaki and Sasami Sasasegawa who are only really featured prominently in the Ecstacy storyline.
His family torn apart by the death of his parents, Riki Naoe is left with nowhere to turn until a group of kids called the Little Busters convince him to join their group. Causing havoc in their city, they roam the streets as a force for justice, pretending to vanquish evil and ne’er-do-wells. Now, as friends in highschool they have long since stopped pretending to be superheroes and focus their energy on recruiting new members to the Little Busters and forming their own baseball team. But one day they start receiving strange letters from a cat and it seems that maybe they might need to fight for justice after all!
Little Busters! Refrain will begin airing in the upcoming anime season starting this October. It is just one of many awesome visual novels adapted into anime over the years. For some ideas on other visual novels that have received anime adaptations as well as some other greats that haven’t, check out my article on Anime vs Visual Novels here! As of yet there has not been a date set for the release of Little Busters! EX, but when there has been you’ll hear about it in our Anime News section.
For far too long the UK has been without a Vocaloid concert. Staring through a YouTube window at clips of the famous Japanese virtual idols, fans from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have had to sigh and resign themselves to the fact that Yamaha seem to have no interest in bringing them to our little island, despite their ever-growing fanbase. That is, until a group of magnificent people caled Miku-UK decided to take matters into their own hands and after months of rehearsals, animation production, and trial concerts their hard work has finally come to fruition.
On the 2nd November 2013 the UK will see its first ever full live Vocaloid concert featuring Hatsune Miku, Luka, Rin, and Len alongside the extremely talented band UK39 who will be performing live with the musical sensations themselves. Tickets are on sale now for only £4.50 and the venue will be the Caedmon Hall in Gateshead Central Library in the north of England. If you’re a UK based vocaloid fan you do not want to miss out on this extremely special event.
An English version of the Vocaloid software for Hatsune Miku was recently released, but as for whether that will lead to more concerts being held in English speaking countries is unclear.
Tickets can be bought from here, or to find out more about the event either check out the official website, like them on Facebook, or follow @MikuUK on Twitter. For more on Japanese Pop Culture, head over to that section of our site, here.
The FIFA franchise is the top selling in the sports genre, with over 13 million copies sold of last year’s edition alone… and yet, EA are making strides to reach millions more, as FIFA 14 is to be bundled with Xbox One consoles in Europe and Australia.
Then, there’s FIFA 14on mobile, which is free-to-play for the first time in the series’ history (at least in the west). The term ‘F2P’ has been received with negative connotations in the past, but if any of you have played Plants vs Zombies 2, you’ll know how ‘full’ the experience can be. And that’s exactly what EA Mobile are hoping to provide with FIFA 14 on mobile; a fuller, content-rich football experience at a free-entry point. We got a first-hand demonstration of what will be on offer when the app hits later this season, and it suffices to say that EA has achieved this goal (pun not intended).
Without paying a cent, you get a more than healthy variety of modes to play with. FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT), Seasons (Offline), EA Sports Football Club ‘Match of the Day’, Online Quick Matches and Friendlies and Penalty Shootout. FUT and Online Multiplayer is where a lot of players spend the majority of their time, but if you crave more, you can pay $5.49 to unlock the premium modes: Manager Mode, Tournament Mode and Kick-off Mode. Now, for those who are unaware or simply do not remember, FIFA 13 on Mobile cost $7.49 out the gate and packed less content for your buck… just keep that in mind.
If you don’t already grasp how big this mobile version truly is, then maybe this will help; there are 34 licensed stadiums, over 30 licensed leagues and over 600 total teams included in the almost 1.2GB title! And for the first time ever, multiple commentary languages are being offered to players. Once you’ve downloaded and opened the app, the options of downloading either a French, German, Italian or Spanish (aside from the standard English track) commentary language will be presented to you. Also new to this iteration are intuitive touch controls, which you can see examples of the screen found within this article.
The touch controls are not a forced, default control scheme, but an alternative to the still present floating D-pad and digital buttons. So now, you have more ways to play. What’s especially neat about this newly tailored touch control scheme is that you can direct usually NPCs – fellow squad members – in the direction you would like, and they will make that run to what is hopefully (depending on your ‘expert’ choice) an optimal path for victory. One of the features I sorely missed in the past few titles has been that ability to dictate runs for squadmates, so this is personally a very welcome addition.
FIFA 14 on mobile looks great so far, and the touch controls as demoed to us live are very responsive. Everything requires the action you’d expect… even hitting a curved strike at goal requires a simple curve in your shot arc made by your finger. FIFA 14 on mobile will be releasing on iOS and Android devices – with other mobile platforms to be revealed at a later date – this Spring. Stay tuned to Capsule Computers for our review in the very near future.
Sports Interactive and SEGA announced today that the official release date for Football Manager 2014 will be the 31st October 2013. Upon release, the exciting new management simulator will be available for PC, Mac and for the first time, Linux.
As well as the release date, Sports Interactive took this opportunity to point out a number of technical innovations that the new game will feature. These include:
A New Zoom in/Zoom out Feature Called “ZiZo”
– This allows players to adjust the information displayed within their interface. Used in conjunction with Steam’s “Big Picture” Mode, it will make playing on a TV screen considerably more feasible than in previous iterations.
A YouTube Highlights Package – An improved highlights package allows you to upload your finest moments to the web swiftly and easily from multiple camera angles.
Cross Save With PSVita
– Players of the Football Manager Classic Mode will now be able to take their full save game with them on the go with the PS Vita. Read more on this feature here.
Other Features These include: Retina Support, Mac Full Screen Mode Support, Linux Compatibility, Cloud Saving, and Steam Workshop.
Video blogs detailing these features can be found here.
