Beautifun Games, an indie studio based in Barcelona, Spain, will be releasing their first game on September 25th for Linux, Mac, and Windows. Nihilumbra is a platformer starring Born, a being literally born from the void. He now seeks to escape the void as he experiences the world in beautiful colour. With the help of the player painting one of five coloured abilities on the ground, Born must outrun the void that seeks to reabsorb him into the darkness.
Players will explore five different worlds in Nihilumbra as they are constantly pressed forward by the advancing void. The game was originally released on iOS. The PC version features remastered textures and a new soundtrack by The Creature composer Álvaro Lafuente. The game will be released for $9.99 as a DRM free game at major digital game distributors like Gamer’s Gate, and Greenman Gaming. The game also has a Steam Greenlight page.
Ubisoft announced quite a few games at their Digital Days 2013, but just announcing isn’t good enough as players want the details for all these new games coming out. One of the not unexpected announcements is more Assassin’s Creed games, as the series has become not only yearly, but include smaller handheld games as well. Two “new” games for the series were announced and have trailers showing off just what can be expected from them.
The first of the two is Assassin’s Creed Pirates, featuring protagonist Alonzo Batilia as he sets out to prove himself on the high seas. Upgrading both crew and ship, as Alonzo tries to find a treasure hidden in the Caribbean, players will have to master ship combat to ensure the success of the ship. Made exclusively for smartphones and tablets, Assassin’s Creed Pirates will release before the end of the year, but sure to watch the trailer just below.
The second “new” title and the cause for all the quotations is Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD. Technically a new game, but really an improved HD version of the PS Vita game Assassin’s Creed 3: Liberation. The additions to the game do include improved gameplay, new missions, improved levels, and of course being HD. Those that missed Liberation when it was on PS Vita or those wanting to see the changes can get their hands on the game early next year, 2014 on XBLA, PSN, and PC. Check out the trailer below for a better look.
Any sequel to a game as wildly successful as Trials Evolution is bound to want to make an impact to show the world that it is going to surpass its predecessor, and today’s juicy details about the game’s release certainly confirmed that suspicion.
First of all Ubisoft decided to soften us up by announcing that Trials Frontier will be the first Trials game to be fully playable on mobile devices and tablets. This bold move to the mobile market will mean that players will presumably be able to exploit tilt mechanics in ways that have not previously been possible in the Trials series. Depending upon just how many features will be available on mobile devices, players could possibly have access to global leaderboards, and challenge their friends on the go which would add a whole new dimension to the popular franchise.
Easily the most exciting piece of news to come of of Ubisoft however, is that Trials Frontier will be free-to-play meaning that more people will have access to the game. This means bigger leaderboards, more challenge, and a far more active social community. Details have yet to be disclosed about whether in-app purchases will be available and just how expensive they will be, but judging by Ubisoft’s recent forays into micro-transactions they are almost guaranteed to be a feature.
Also, claiming to have console quality graphics, Trails Frontier will work alongside the next-gen console game Trials Fusion, allowing for a degree of connectivity between the mobile and next-gen platforms. However, Trials Frontier will have its own standalone storyline where you can expand your own village, access a large world map, unlock parts to upgrade your bike and customize your rider.
You can check out the first official, dedicated trailer for Trials: Frontier embedded below. This announcement came out of Ubisoft’s Digital Days 2013 event where details were released for an abundance of games. Find out more here!
UK fans also have a sneak peek of the first two episodes from the newest Pokémon animated series season, Pokémon the Series: XY to look forward to directly following the screening at 11:35 am. The new series is set in the world introduced in the upcoming Pokémon X and Pokémon Y for the Nintendo 3DSand features never-before-seen in an anime Pokémon like the three fresh starters Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie. The sneak peak will also repeat at the same time on the 20th of October.
You can check out the official trailer for Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened embedded below.
This week’s issue of Weekly Shōnen Sunday is set to announce a gigantic new in-game weapon for Capcom’sMonster Hunter 4 called the Silver Spoon.
Inspired by the manga of the same name, this ridiculously large weapon, even by Monster Hunter’s standards, will have an ability that can change the status of the player and his allied heroes depending upon what sound it creates. Players will have to keep reading the magazine to find out how to redeem the item though as it will only be revealed in future issues of Weekly Shōnen Sunday.
Silver Spoon is a slice-of-life manga by the manga-ka who brought us Fullmetal Alchemist. It recently inspired an anime series that is currently airing in Japan and streaming worldwide.
Ubisoft have confirmed (for the most part) the leaked list of digital titles for upcoming release at their Digital Days 2013 event mere hours ago.
We will update this article with more official information and screens as they come (downloading files in the GBs on Australian broadband speeds sucks!), but for now, here is the full list of titles revealed:
Assassin’s Creed: Liberation HD – A console revamp of the originally PS Vita exclusive Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation, set for release on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.
Trials Frontier – Announced at E3 in June, Trials: Frontier is a mobile entry in the addictive, BMX trial series that features a storyline and maintains social aspects.
Child of Light – A J-RPG inspired adventure game that was designed to be played co-operatively, even with your parents/children.
Duel of Champions – Commonly referred to as Might & Magic: Duel of Champions, the online card game is made free-to-play on PC and iOS.
The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot – A free-to-lay PC MMO looter. Click on the title link for a look at past related articles (includes multiple trailers) and check out the Archer character type.
Rayman: Fiesta Run – A follow-up to Rayman: Jungle Run featuring more than 75 levels across four worlds, and adopting the Invasion Mode from Rayman Legends. Releasing for the iOS, Android and Windows 8 devices.
Watch_Dogs – The companion app that has previously been demonstrated working in conjunction with the full console experience. Will release for iOS and Android.
Autodance 2014 – A standalone iOS and Android app scheduled for release on September 26th, that lets you record your dance moves and share them across your various social media channels.
The Crew -Another companion app, this time for Ubisoft’s next-gen, socially charged, open-world “Car-PG” The Crew.
Dragow – A title from Owlient Studios where you “raise dragons and conquer a whole world of flying islands” according to the developer’s website (most information released is in French).
Tom Clancy’s EndWar Online – A browser-based spin-off of the original tactical combat game. EndWar Online will enter closed beta before year’s end.
Panzer General Online – Panzer General is back but as a toy-soldier style, online card game. The game will be browser-based, and free-to-play. Built in flash for the PC, it will launch in this quarter.
Rabbids Big Bang – A new Rabbids title that will be hitting smartphones and tablets in this quarter. This time the Rabbids are taking over space and making it their playground. You can discover the secrets of gravity and use it to reach the edges of the galaxy, fly around planets, and lots more.
Valiant Hearts: The Great War – A 2D adventure/puzzle title set during World War 1 that tells a gripping and emotional story (no typical war gameplay). Release will coincide with the centennial of WW1 sometime next year.
Assassin’s Creed: Pirates – A standalone mobile excursion into the life of a pirate for high-end tablets and smartphones. Will release in this quarter. First screenshots can be found below.
Stay tuned to Capsule Computers in the coming days as we go more in-depth on each title mentioned here.
Libra Eorzea is a companion app for iPhone and iPad that puts a wealth of information right in the palm of your hand. The app will quickly become any Eorzean traveler’s best friend, it contains everything from item lists to NPC and Quest Locations. There is even a profile viewer that allows you to check in on your character at any time, as well as compare gear and other useful options. Many of the app’s features will be completely free, with Square saying that they will add more content in the future; some will be free, while others will be paid premium features.
So what do you think, is a companion app a godsend for a game like this, or will be go unused by many? Let us know in the comments below, and if you are interested, you can download Final Fantasy XIV – Libra Eorzea for free here. For all the Final Fantasy news as it becomes available, stay tuned to Capsule Computers.
A month after its release, Despicable Me: Minion Rush, based off the film Despicable Me 2 (check out our review here) had managed to hit 50 million downloads. We were impressed at the time, but since then the game has showed no signs of slowing down, with Gameloft today announcing that it had hit the 100 million download milestone.
Despicable Me: Minion Rush (check out our review here) was released on June 13th, and has managed to hit the 100 million download mark in just three short months. As well as having 100 million downloads, players have also racked up a total of 260 million hours playtime, 2,000 billion bananas collected and 55 billion Despicable Actions performed! It is easy to see that the love and care that has gone into this game for it to inspire so many people to play.
100 Million players have run through these levels, and 2000 BILLION of those bananas have been collected
The game’s second massive update, which is available now on the App Store and Google Play has added the Minion Beach level to the game. Here the minions can run along the sands and bask in the warm glow of the sun, instead of traversing suburbia or a villain’s lair. In their dedication to keep the game world continually populated, Gameloft promises more updates are still coming in the future, so for all the Despicable Me: Minion Rush news as it becomes available, be sure to stay tuned to Capsule Computers.
Wargaming has announced the release of Update 8.8 for its action MMO grandaddy, World of Tanks. European gamers will be able to play the new version on September 11, while North Americans get in on September 12. In Korea and Asia Pacific, 8.8 will go live on September 16 and 18, respectively.
Players will receive a new map, Tundra, and a whole line of Soviet medium tanks from Tier 6 to Tier 8, along with Object 140 which is set to become the Ruskies’ other top medium tier choice.
The German tech tree will be tweaked with the debut of the Tier 4 DW heavy chariot and Tier 6 VK3002 (M) medium tank, while VK3001H and VK3601H are now heavy tanks. Two new Chinese premium additions include the Tier 8 T-34-3 medium tank and the 112 Tier 8 heavy tank.
Overview Sports games have proven to be a popular genre on the PS Vita. Ignoring the woefully small library available to Western gamers for a second, sports titles roughly equal the amount of RPGs, racers and fighters in each category. Fans of football, soccer, baseball, golf and even tennis have something to try on the handheld. Previously released on mobile devices, Real Boxing has been beefed up for its PS Vita debut, promising the most authentic and realistic boxing experience on the handheld platform. Does it score a knockout hit? Read on to find out.
Gameplay
Real Boxing begins with you selecting your fighter and nationality of choice. While I’m no expert, there is plenty to choose from and you can even pair up fighters with a nationality they clearly don’t belong to. That might be a little awkward but it definitely increases the variety. Once you’re in you have four options: Quick fight where the game randomly pairs you up with an AI boxer, career mode which sees you take part in three tournaments, online multiplayer with several features and the gym where you essentially level up your fighter.
The gameplay mechanics in Real Boxing are surprisingly well done, utilising every aspect of the Vita’s control scheme without resorting to any gimmicks you’d normally expect from a more casual title. There are optional touch controls, but you should leave the default button scheme as it is. This is boxing simulation, and it’s done right. The left analogue stick controls the player movement, while the D-pad and action buttons control the left and right arms respectively. Left and right directional and action buttons on each side deliver your hooks, while up and down throw jabs and uppercuts. Alternatively, Vivid Games have made use of the right analogue stick controlling both arms by moving it in various left or right directions. The left shoulder button allows you hit lower body shots while the right button importantly lets you dodge and block by either pressing or holding.
It might take getting used to, but I was able to deftly land blows and evade hits in no time. Career mode is where most will start off, and at first it can be a little too easy to knockout opponents before even the second round. But the difficulty does increase, and when you’re matched up with an opponent who has higher stats than you, you’ll be fighting for your life. Punches hit hard and are satisfying to deliver, while successfully dodging a swing and driving home a counter never gets old.
Fighters are customisable and you have a selection of tattoos, clothes and hair styles to choose from if you have the cash. Money, as well as upgrade points, are earned by winning fights and fulfilling random objectives during a fight such as a knockout delivered by an uppercut. Upgrade points are spent on just three stats: Strength, Stamina and Speed. With at least two points granted after each victory, I found I was upgrading far too quickly across such a narrow choice. More options and skills to upgrade would have spread these out more and would force players to choose wisely on how they want their fighter to perform.
The entrances are a little dull, certainly nothing like the spectacular wrestling counterparts, and bizarrely cut off too quickly before your fighter enters the ring. I was confused a couple of times thinking I skipped the entrance before realising it just ends abruptly. The gym is where you upgrade your fighter splashing cash on your three stats or gain perks by practicing four activities which require you to press the buttons as prompted. Anyone who’s played rhythm games will probably find this too easy, though.
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to test the online component because the game simply couldn’t find any available players at the time. Which is a shame as it seems to have had a lot of work put into it. Players have the option of a single fight, the European Championship, friend invite, leaderboards and local matches.
Real Boxing is clearly made for drop in, drop out gameplay without sacrificing the essence of boxing simulation in the ring. This is perfect for mobiles and handhelds when you’re on the go. Unfortunately, though, this means any real depth to Career Mode is sacrificed in favour of easy-access gameplay. Things like branching storylines, sponsorship deals and more back stage activity would have spiced things up, rather than simply stacking fight after fight on the player and calling it your career.
Visuals Real Boxing is running on Unreal Engine 3 and manages to look very slick on the Vita. The player models are clearly motion-captured with smooth animations and bloodied faces that reflect the pummelling that’s dished out over time. It’s a shame though that the same faces manage to look really uncanny during entrance scenes and victories, as the eyes don’t blink and facial features remain static. It would have been at least reassuring to see a smile, or any change of expression, following a win.
Audio
The audio makes a good first impression with a really nice menu music theme, convincing announcer voices and really solid sound effects once you start thumping faces.
While the quality with what we have is top notch, in some areas there’s just not enough of it. Announcers say pretty much the same thing every time you win, leaving variety, and therefore the excitement it brings, few and far between.
Overall Real Boxing is ultimately a genuine boxing simulator available as an affordable download title. There is great depth in the gameplay here for the price you pay, even if you don’t get the slew of features one normally expects in a full-priced retail game. The lower price tag also means there is little more to do once you finish the career mode and exhaust all the fairly limited customisation items in the store.
This, however, is perfect for whipping out and relieving some stress on the train after a day’s work. For boxing fans that happen to own a PS Vita, this one’s a no brainer as it’s currently the best boxing experience on the handheld. If you don’t have a PS Vita, it’s hard to recommend buying one solely for this game even with the cheaper model on the way.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
