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Destroy Things With Disney Infinity

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The time has come and passed, Disney Infinity is on store shelves (check out our review here), and if you are anything like me you are holding yourself back from buying everything related to the game in one fell swoop. Most of the hype about Disney Infinity and more specifically its Toy Box Mode was the ability to build and create whatever you wanted. However something that hasn’t been touched on as much is the fact that with everything you can create, there is also something you can destroy.

Destruction is the name of the game in the latest video from Disney. As you would guess, the video features the game’s Toy Box Mode and offers a sample of all the things you can make and destroy within it. Want to play Angry Birds using Mr. Incredible? Go right ahead! The possibilities are endless… Or I should probably say they are Infinite.

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Check out the video below and let us know in the comments what cool stuff you are building (and destroying) in the Toy Box. Disney Infinity is on store shelves, but if you haven’t gotten a copy of Disney Infinity yet, then you are in luck! We have a competition running right now where you can WIN a copy of the game! Check it out here, and remember that just because Disney Infinity is out, doesn’t mean the news for it has stopped, so for all the Disney Infinity news as it becomes available, stay tuned to Capsule Computers.

Pokemon X and Y Themed 3DS XL Consoles Coming Soon

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As part of tonight’s Pokemon Direct Presentation, Nintendo proudly informed us that the world would soon be able to get their hands on not one, but TWO Special edition Pokemon 3DS XL consoles. The consoles will come in either blue or red colouring, and will feature stencil designs of the Legenday Pokemon from X and Y: Xerneas, and Yveltal.

The Blue 3DS XL (which you can see above) was previously only confirmed for release in Japan, while the red one (shown below) will only be available in the West. Each of these consoles will launch on September 27th, so you can pick one up before Pokemon X and Y release in October. They look pretty sweet, but will you be grabbing one? Let us know in the comments below, and remember that for all the Pokemon news, be sure to stay tuned to Capsule Computers.

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One Piece Collection 21 Review

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One Piece Collection 21
Studio: Toei Animation
Publisher: Madman Entertainment
Format: DVD
Release Date: August 21, 2013
Price: $49.95 – Available Here

Overview
If there was ever a shonen anime that could find adventure in just about anything it was One Piece. Be it a trip to the shipyard to get a check-up on their boat or a train ride across the sea, One Piece always has an adventurous heart underneath it all.

This particular collection of One Piece covers episodes 253 to 263, comprising of the Aqua Laguna impact and the entire Sea Train arc. It is always nice to see an entire arc collected in one nifty release, but it is especially so when it is the excellent heist adventure that is the Sea Train arc. For a transitional arc, this one sure is a lot of fun.

Sniper Island is inside your heart.
Sniper Island is in your heart!

Story
We last left off Luffy and crew as they brace for the impact of the legendary Aqua Laguna tsunami at Water 7. Robin, Usopp and Franky have been kidnapped by the dastardly CP9 and are being taken to the World Government HQ, Enies Lobby. Sanji launches his rescue operation on the Sea Train (a train that runs aross the top of the ocean).

The wheels begin to turn, with all the major players moving into position for the epic story of Enies Lobby that awaits us in the next collection, but for the Sea Train arc, what we have here is an entertaining heist story-line, with Sanji and the boys setting out to rescue Robin from the clutches of the World Government.

The bonds of the Strawhat Pirates are really put to the test, with their love for Robin clearly on show and motivating each and every one of them to attempt to rescue her, even the recently ex-Strawhat Usopp.

One of the most memorable parts of this particular collection is the introduction of Sniper King, Usopp’s alter-ego who aids Sanji and Franky in their attempted rescue of Robin. Usopp feels a sense of embarrassment at his previous loss to Luffy and subsequent split from the crew, saying he cannot face them after that. He once again reverts to his cowardly self, it isn’t until he puts on the mask of Sniper King that he finds his courage, he can be a hero in his own way.

This character progression for Usopp has been a long time in the making and it pays off big time in the Sea Train arc with Usopp or Sniper King as he prefers to be called, takes centre stage and even going head to head with the strongest members of CP9. He may not be the strongest, he may not always be the bravest, but Usopp has heart.

It was certainly a pleasant surprise to see the focus placed on Usopp and Sanji, it was a much deserved time out from Luffy and the others after the hard slog that was their confrontation with CP9 at Iceburg’s mansion. Usopp is certainly heading in a brighter direction after his character hitting some hard times, one can only hope that he continues to grow and eventually find that in his own way he always was a hero, Sniper King or not.

Smell ya later Strawhats!
Smell ya later Strawhats!

Visuals and Audio
One Piece has continued to evolve aesthetically over the course of its run and after making the transition into wide-screen a few collections back, the series has keeps looking better and better with each passing release. This particular collection features some gorgeous sakuga animation and some affectionately detailed artwork. The world of Water 7 and the Sea Train that made it famous is wonderfully depicted for all of its viciousness and inherent beauty.

This arc also features the introduction of a new ending theme song, which is a quiet yet moving piece of music that perfectly captures the tragic story of Nico Robin, capping each episode off nicely. Besides that, Kokoro no Chizu continues to serve as the series opening theme and showing why it is without a doubt one of the best themes the series has ever used. It is unfortunate however that Funimation has stopped dubbing the songs into English. Regardless the original Japanese version is superb.

Luffy is a tsunami punching mood.
Luffy is a tsunami punching mood.

Extras
This may very well be the most jam-packed One Piece release we have seen from Madman Entertainment to date. Not only does it feature the regular trailers that comes with all of these releases, but it also features two episode commentaries, an interview with Chris Sabat (Zoro), an interview with Colleen Clinkenbeard (Luffy) and textless opening and ending theme songs for your viewing pleasure. This is undoubtedly an impressive amount of bonus content on show here and well worth the buck.

 

This is Speed all over again!
Train has no breaks? Can’t slow down? I think I’ve seen this movie!

Overall
One Piece Collection 21 is one hell of an enjoyable ride, with the Strawhats setting out to reclaim their kidnapped crew mate Nico Robin. It is a train heist adventure the likes of which have never been seen in anime before. The scale of the story told here is simply mindblowing in all of its intricate detail and depth that plays out over the course of an 11 episode span.

While the Sea Train arc may just be a transitional story but it is definitely one of great importance. There are many major revelations and events that unfold on this wild train ride and each and every one of them sure to excite One Piece fans. This is one story that builds towards something larger and with Enies Lobby in sight, it looks like next collection may just deliver on that promise.

It goes without saying that the scope of the story and world of One Piece gets more grander and more ambitious with each passing story arc. Now that the Sea Train is pulling into Enies Lobby, one can only wonder how much bigger can this show get? Well if this particular collection is anything to go by, this is one series that will only keep on getting bigger, better and even more fun, all on the road to One Piece.

9-5-capsules-out-of-10

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

News From Tonight’s Pokemon Direct

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With only a little over a month remaining until Pokemon X and Pokemon Y for Nintendo 3DS hit store shelves across the globe, Nintendo released a special Pokemon-centred Nintendo Direct Presentation. This presentation gave us a few bits of information about the upcoming games, as well as some of the online-connectivity features that will be available.

A large part of the presentation was the announcement of Pokemon Bank. Pokemon Bank is an online system where players can store their Pokemon. The service can be seen as the next iteration of mass-storage options, after Pokemon Box and My Pokemon Ranch. The system, which will be accessible through a downloadable app on the 3DS will allow players to store 3000 Pokemon for convenient storage and quick searching.

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The system is designed to be compatible with Pokemon X and Pokemon Y, but will also be used for future titles. According to Nintendo, all future Pokemon games will be able to tap into this system, which means you can send your Froakie you got at the beginning of your X or Y adventure, and keep it all the way through until the 7th, or even 8th generation of Pokemon games.

In addition to making allowances for future games, Pokemon Bank is also backwards compatible with Pokemon Black, Pokemon White, Pokemon Black 2 and Pokemon White 2 through another app called the Poke Transporter. The Poke Transporter will allow players to send their Black/White/Black2/White2 Pokemon to their Pokemon Bank, where they can be accessed and sent to X or Y. Although no official pricing has been announced, Satoru Iwata, CEO of Nintendo stated that the service will require an annual fee.

Moving back to the games themselves, we discovered today that in a deviation from what normally happens in Pokemon, it will not be the region’s professor who gives you your first partner. Instead, your partner Pokemon will be gifted to you by a close friend. The professor will show up later in the game, and give players a choice between three additional Pokemon; The Kanto starters; Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle.

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MegaVenusaur, MegaCharizard and MegaBlastoise

To end the presentation on a high note, and to get fans even more excited for the game, we were shown that the original three starters will be able to undergo Mega-Evolution. MegaVenusaur, MegaCharizard and MegaBlastoise were all shown, and they look pretty badass. We also learned that Mega-Evolution will be controlled by a key item known as the Mega Ring. When the player’s Mega Ring interacts with the Pokemon’s Mega Stone, then Mega-Evolution will take place.

That was a lot of information in such a short time, and for this reporter anyway, Nintendo have done their job. I am even more excited for Pokemon X and Pokemon Y when they launch next month; October 12th. Did you check out the presentation? What do you think about MegaCharizard? Let us know in the comments below, and as always, stay tuned to Capsule Computers for all the Pokemon news as it becomes available.

Shot Online’s Sky 72 Course Released

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OnNet Europe released Sky 72 today, a new course for their golf simulation, Shot Online; inspired by the real golf course in Korea.

Production Director from OnNet Europe, Kyeong Youn stated “In Shot Online we enjoy emulating the world’s famous and beautiful golf courses , and as our eighth ‘real course’, we are excited for players to experience ‘Sky 72′. We feel that we have done the course justice. Aside from its picturesque beauty, as an island course, ‘Sky 72’ has unique wind patterns that we worked to duplicate in Shot Online to provide the most realistic experience possible”.

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To celebrate the launch of Sky 72, OnNet will be hosting several special in-game events, including tournaments and giveaways for PC gamers; such as gift vouchers, in-game currency and an iPad mini grand prize. Don’t miss out on your swinging shot!

Check out the official website here for more details regarding the events surrounding the new golf season of Shot Online.

Transformers 4 Titled Transformers: Age of Extinction; First Poster Revealed

Transformers-4-Age-of-Extinction-01After months of being referred to as simply Transformers 4, the next entry in the Transformers film franchise has received an official title – Transformers: Age of Extinction.

Filming started on the project back in May, helmed by the once sequel-dismissive Michael Bay, who has written and directed recent action/black comedy Pain & Gain since the release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon in 2011.

All returning Decepticons and AutobotsBumblebee included – have gotten a makeover, all being represented by different car models. The cast includes Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer, Chinese actors Li Bingbing and Han Geng, and more.

You can check out the first official poster for the film to the right. Transformers: Age of Extinction hits Australian theatres June 26th, 2014, thanks to Paramount Pictures Australia.

Payday 2 Web Series Episode 5 Released

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The 5th episode of the Payday 2 web-series has just been released by 505 Games.  The latest episode of the Payday 2 web-series focuses on a the seductive but deadly assassin Greta, a truly dangerous femme fatale if there ever was one..

Payday 2 has become a massive global success. The game is available on a number of platforms including Steam, PS3, 360, Playstation  Network and Microsoft’s Games on Demand service.

You can check out the latest episode below. Also be sure to ‘like’ Payday 2 on Facebook and follow Payday 2 on Twitter for all the latest updates on the amazing gaming experience that is Payday 2.

Killzone: Mercenary Review

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Killzone: Mercenary
Developer: Guerrilla Cambridge
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation Vita (Reviewed)
Release Date: Sept. 4, 2013 (EU), Sept. 10, 2013 (NA)
Price: $39.99 – Available Here

Overview
Since the initial release of Sony’s PlayStation Vita platform in February 2012, one thing has been on the forefront of most mobile gamers’ minds. “With dual joysticks, the platform is ripe for portable shooter games!” Unfortunately, the previous attempts have failed to live up to players’ expectations, leaving everyone feeling like half-baked design was doomed to haunt the portable platform. With Guerrilla’s newest title, hopes have renewed that the platform may indeed be able to support a fully featured first-person shooter experience. How does Killzone: Mercenary hold up? Has it saved the day or did it take the money and run? Let’s find out.

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Graphical presentation looks great

Story
Just after the end of the original Killzone, the ISA and Helghan forces are embroiled in war over the planet Vekta. Gun-for-hire Arran Danner and his squad of mercenaries will take on any mission for the right price, and they’ve been chosen to spearhead the attack on the Helghan homeworld. After a relatively routine mission to extract a Vektan ambassador that goes awry, it becomes apparent that the ambassador’s son could hold the key to victory, and both sides will go to great lengths to get him. With desperation driving each side to greater and greater lengths, Danner begins to wonder if the price of victory is worth the paycheck.

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The Helghans want you gone

Gameplay
First thing’s first. For those of you out there who are wondering, “Did they finally do it? Is this the first person shooter we’ve all been waiting for?”, the short answer is a resounding, “Yes.” Killzone: Mercenary isn’t some half-baked quick money mobile games port. This is a deep, rich, fully featured first person shooter that delivers on everything you’d expect from the genre, all wrapped up into a nice package for Vita owners who’ve held on to their system this long.

One of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind is, of course, the game’s controls. Did the good people at Guerrilla manage to squeeze everything down into the portable system? Well, everyone can rest assured Mercenary feels spot on. They’ve managed to really get the feel of a console Killzone game onto the portable with no loss in fidelity or response. You’ll aim and shoot with the shoulder buttons, as you’d expect, and the dual joysticks allow you to maneuver and aim just as well as you would with a Dual Shock. The touch controls are also intuitive and immersive without feeling invasive. It is worth mentioning, though, that folks with larger hands will want to limit their sessions with the game to avoid hand cramping.

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This officer got a little too close

The gameplay itself feels great. You can sprint, slide, take cover, operate turrets, and more. Mercenary carries the same sense of weight and maneuverability fans have come to expect of the franchise. The intense melee kills are back as well, delivering all the brutality you crave, and getting you involved in the process. Anyone who enjoyed the big console releases will still feel right at home here.

The single-player offering for Mercenary is a meaty experience that grows as you play it. There are nine single player missions to work through. Once you complete the basic playthrough of a mission, three separate challenges known as “Contracts” open up for you to play. This brings the total effective mission count up to 36, giving you plenty of hours to enjoy with the game.

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Blackjack is more than happy to help you gear up for combat…for a price

The contracts typically include three different ways to go about a mission. These include “Precision”, “Covert”, and “Demolition.” Each one requires very specific equipment loadouts and contract completion requirements (so many headshots for a precision mission, a certain number of backstabs in the covert mission, or a specific level of destruction for the demolition missions). Each mission will also award you with money to equip your armory.

Given that you take on the role of a mercenary, it’s only appropriate that everything you do is done for money. Mercenary is drenched in ways to reward you for every task you complete. Kill an enemy and get cash. Execute them out with silence, style, or long distance and you’ll be rewarded. If you can take out several quickly you’ll get a cash multiplier. You also get cash rewards for hacking terminals or interrogating officers. Watching your funds climb ever higher provides a fantastic feedback loop that will have you pumped to continue to the next room of baddies.

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Reach out and touch someone

During your downtime, you’ll get a chance to dive into Blackjack’s wares and build your own custom loadouts. Taking the money you earn, you’ll build yourself up with a variety of rifles, pistols, shotguns, rocket launchers, and more. You can even buy a variety of armor, grenades, and AI systems (called Van Guards) to suit your style, whether assault, assassin, or something in-between. There really is a lot to choose from, and the customization makes spending your hard earned credits feel substantial. It’s great to invest in your character and see how that impacts your experience.

Visuals
Killzone: Mercenary is easily one of the best looking games to be released on the Vita to date. From the first minute, you’ll feel like you’ve been dropped in the middle of a PlayStation 3 game. It’s really impressive to see in motion.

Pound for pound, Mercenary does a great job keeping pace with its console siblings. Environments convey a great sense of the war torn future, with bombed out buildings and thick metal sliding doors everywhere. The Helghan forces still look as menacing as ever with their red, glowing eyes leering at you from behind a great variety of character models. The game even goes above and beyond, utilizing intelligent UI design to accommodate for touch screens.

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Storytelling is wonderfully executed

It’s worth noting that, while the game looks wonderful most of the time, hardware limitations had to become a factor at some point. Smoke and fire effects often look lower resolution, which can be quite jarring in such a beautiful world. Everything can also become pretty grainy when a lot of enemies and effects are on the screen at once. It isn’t enough of an issue to stop you from playing, but it can take you out of the experience on occasion.

Audio
The audio design is well done from the ground up. The music fits the atmosphere and drives the action, the voice actors do a great job delivering the story through the eyes of their characters, and the sound effects all carry the appropriate weight and atmosphere with them. You’ll definitely want to make sure your headphones are handy so you never have to miss out.

Overall
Killzone: Mercenary is, without a doubt, the best shooter on the Vita right now. It’s clear that time and care were put into the game by a team of very talented, dedicated people. The game looks incredible and sounds great, the story is well told and has excellent pacing, and the gameplay is solid as a rock. Despite occasional graphical bugs or hand cramping during long sessions, Killzone: Mercenary is well worth the time you’ll put into it. Anyone with a Vita and an itchy trigger finger will undoubtedly want to pick this up.

9-5-capsules-out-of-10

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

One Piece: Pirate Warriors 2 sets sail into stores

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After much anticipation, One Piece: Pirate Warriors 2 has finally set sail onto shores in North America and Latin America. Namco Bandai Games have confirmed that One Piece: Pirate Warriors 2 is now available for American gamers.

One Piece: Pirate Warriors 2 is the sequel to the swashbuckling fun of One Piece: Pirate Warriors. Unlike the original Pirate Warriors, this game focuses on the New World saga of the One Piece series. On top of that this game introduces a new game-changing combat feature called Haki attacks.

You can pick up One Piece: Pirate Warriors 2 exclusively for the PlayStation 3 now for the price of $49.99.

Digimon Masters Online Is Throwing A Huge Sale

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Yes, the events keep rolling in for Joymax’s leading online MMO RPG title Digimon Masters Online, a few weeks ago it was the T.K Tamer Event and this time around the Digimon Masters Online team has decided to throw a big sale! The sale will be to coincide with the last two events which are the T.K Tamer Event (Noted above) and the Jogress Digimon Event which happens to include Shakkoumon as a new addition. The event will take place mainly within the cash shop, now I say that because the event is actually slashing 70% off of a great deal of packages purchasable through the gift shop, this gives new players the great chance to catch up to some of the Digimon veterans whilst also gives the seasoned players a chance to stay on their game.

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Here are some of the packages that are available in the sale:

  • EXP Equipment Set A includes a 60% EXP Booster, Black Star Hoodie, Music Headphones, Red Power Gloves, and Vintage Jeans.  1 day package was 22 silk, now 6; 7 day package was 65 silk, now 19; 30 day package was 214 silk, now 64!
  • EXP Equipment Set B includes a 60% EXP Booster, Black Long-Sleeved Hoodie, Music Headphones, Black Power Gloves, and Black Cargo Pants.  1 day package was 22 silk, now 6; 7 day package was 65 silk, now 19; 30 day package was 214 silk, now 64!
  • Premium Package A includes a Premium 100% EXP Booster, Black Star Hoodie, Music Headphones, Red Power Gloves, and Vintage Jeans.  1 day package was 43 silk, now 12; 7 day package was 130 silk, now 39; 30 day package was 260 silk, now 79!
  • Premium Package B includes a Premium 100% EXP Booster, a 60% EXP Booster, Black Star Hoodie, Music Headphones, Red Power Gloves, and Vintage Jeans.  1 day package was 48 silk, now 14; 7 day package was 145 silk, now 43; 30 day package was 290 silk, now 87!

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As you can see these packages are filled to the brine with awesome and exciting items that are ready to pump your Digimon partner to the limits. Head over to the official Digimon Masters Online website now to check out more information and to sign up for the game. I suggest you do it soon because this little event will only run until September the 24th so even if you’re not entirely sure you want to play, it’s probably a good idea you grab this chance with both hands.