We first seen the power of what the graphical tool YEBIS 2 could do with next-gen visuals in that famous tech demo from E3 2012. All of that power however is starting to make its rounds into other products, with Ubisoft‘s Fighter Within being the latest to utilize Silicon Studio‘s visual effects software.
“YEBIS 2 allowed us to implement state of the art post processing effects in our game,” said Yves Grolet, studio director at Daoka. “This saved us a great deal of time and allowed us to significantly raise the visual quality of our next gen title, Fighter Within.”
In addition to providing next-gen gameplay mechanics, through the power of YEBIS 2, Daoka is bringing the best in next-gen visual effects, including tone mapping and color grading, glare effects, depth of field, anti-aliasing, and god rays. Fighter Within sets a high standard of visual effects for Xbox One, launching this fall.
“By utilizing YEBIS 2,” says Takehiro Terada, CEO of Silicon Studio “Daoka can create the ground-breaking effects available in YEBIS 2 without compromising development time, money, and resources. This is a beautiful looking game, in large part due to this newly formed relationship.”
To get a better look of YEBIS 2 in action, check out the demo reel down below, along with some screenshots for Fighter Within – which will be launching on the Xbox One. I for one am quite excited about the possibilities this little engine has for future titles, and Fighter Within definitely is pretty- regardless of its pending quality that we we learn of when it releases.
Little Galaxy Developer: Bitmap Galaxy Publisher: Bitmap Galaxy Platforms: iPhone (Reviewed), iPad, iPod Touch, Android Release Date: 18th August 2013 Price: $0.99 – Available Here
Overview
Little galaxy is a cute, little, one-touch, casual game by developers, Bitmap Galaxy. When it comes to Mobile Games I have to say that I’m not the biggest fan, but ever once in a while a game comes along that is so simple, so easy yet so fun that my faith in the platform can’t help but be renewed. Little galaxy absolutely does this and I’ve got a good feeling that a lot of people will feel the same way as I do about this game.
Visuals
Little Galaxy has possibly the most well-rounded and beautiful looking visuals I’ve seen in an iOS game for a very long time. It has an incredibly eerie feel to it while also keeping that childish nature floating around like a warm aura, I think it may be because of the clay model-style of animation that they have, for all I know it could actually be a stop-motion clay figure on the screen.
The way that they layer the graphics is very nice, the galaxy in the background sparkles in the distance and you can feel that distance too, the planets you land on look solid and the gems you collect throughout gameplay complement the other visual aspects well, they don’t stand out too much yet they stand out just enough for you to be able to differentiate between them and the stars in the distance. On closer inspection of some of the larger planets, it almost looks like the terrain, as minuscule as it may be, looks fairly real, it’s a testament to the the team for putting in so much effort in the smallest of details.
Audio
The biggest piece of audio within this game is the music track that plays throughout it and although it’s just one track and there are no actually track changes, the one piece of music within it seems to bend and vary in a way that, even though it loops around to the beginning, doesn’t seem to get annoying. It’s as though the music was composed with the intention to allow a player to use it more therapeutically while playing the game, as strange as it sounds.
The game isn’t hard at all, you barely screw up and loose once you’ve played it for a bit, and I think the music flows along with the type of gameplay. The use of flutes and what seems like small symbols really just makes this game what it is, especially when you pair it off with the visuals. Some games cannot to this well, I’ve played big, console titles that used, basically, just one song and couldn’t do it right but I won’t point fingers. The sound of getting gems is basic, not that it needs to be anything big, it’s nice to hear a little “bling” when dashing through the gems without being overwhelmed when there’s a group of them you have to collect.
Gameplay
It is very easy to play this game, a child could play it, which isn’t a bad thing. It’s basically one finger, that’s all you use, just one finger. You’re a small child that stands on a small planet, the planet moves around and your aim is to jump from one planet to the next and you do that by tapping the screen, that’s it. It’s really simple, really easy and really well-done. You collect gems and power-ups that help you collect more gems, if you miss a planet you fly off of the screen and start the game again.
There are small obstacles here and there but they’re easy to overcome and kind of fun to run into as well. There are no real “levels” in the game, it’s similar to an endless runner, though there is a “levelling system” I would say. let me give you an example; you start off on level 1.1, there are three achievements that pop up on your screen before you begin, if you complete those achievements you go to level 1.2 and so on and so forth, the obstacles change and get harder the more you go on like in a normal level-based game I just find it interesting that this is the way they went about it. Once again, it just works. You can actually see a demonstration of the game in our featured video section below.
Overall
This game is an absolute winner for me, simple as that. It’s exactly what these types of games should be, there’s no annoying sounds, there’s no annoying features, it’s extremely accessible and so easy to just pick up and start playing at any time. I literally stopped writing this review about three or four times just to play a round of the game, my temptation; my phone was sitting right next to me while writing. That’s all it takes for this game. All I have to say is that they team over at Bitmap Galaxy have done extremely well with this game and for $0.99 you have nothing to loose by picking this one up.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
I say this trailer is surprising because it is still hard to believe that Sega has brought Hatsune Miku Project Diva F to the West. This is of course great news and something that fans of the Vocaloid have hoped for for quite some time, but still a surprise nonetheless.
Anyways, the trailer can be seen below and the game itself is now available for purchase in North America while gamers in Europe will have to wait until September 4th to pick up the game. The title costs $49.99 and features 38 unique songs, four different difficulties per song, over 90 different modules (costumes) a room feature to spend time with your favorite Vocaloid and more.
Kids love to dance and now they can do it to some age appropiate music with Ubisoft today annonucing the latest release in the Just Dance sereies, Just Dance Kids 2014. If any kids witnessed Miley Cyrus’ latest performance at the 2013 VMAs then hopefully this game can repair their mental depiction of what dancing is. Just Dance Kids 2014 is the fourth Kids title in the successful series and will feature new choreography and a new 30 plus song traclkist as well as both new and returning game modes, some of which are unique to certain consoles.
These modes include:
Just Create Mode: Exclusively for Kinect, Just Create Mode lets kids star in their very own music video by creating their own original choreography and dance routines.
Dance Director Mode: Available for the Wii U, Dance Director Mode allows one player to act as the leader by using the GamePad to surprise players with dance move suggestions in the middle of songs. Kids can show off their unique moves and get awarded points from the Dance Director!
Parents Corner: This feature put the parents in control. With non-stop shuffle, fitness tracker, and custom playlists, Parents Corner even lets parents see how many calories their child is burning while dancing.
The tracklist includes tracks from the likes of One Direction, Victoria Justice and Selena Gome as well as kid favourite bands such as The Wiggles and songs from kids programs like Yo Gabba Gabba. The full tracklist features:
“Hit The Lights” by Selena Gomez & The Scene
“Give Your Heart A Break” by Demi Lovato
“We Go Well Together” by Goldheart
“One Thing” by One Direction
“Put Your Hearts Up” by Ariana Grande
“Make It Shine (Victorious Theme)” by Victorious Cast featuring Victoria Justice
“Ready Or Not” by Bridgit Mendler
“Get Ready To Wiggle” by The Wiggles
“The Freeze Game” by Yo Gabba Gabba!
“7 8 9”
“Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)”
“Do You Love Me (Now That I Can Dance)”
“Fireflies”
“Footloose”
“Get Down On It”
“Hit Me With Your Best Shot”
“I Like To Move It”
“Magic Carpet Ride”
“Problem (Monster Remix)”
“Shout”
“Fraggle Rock (Opening and Closing Theme)”
“The Hustle”
“The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room”
“Walking On Sunshine”
Just Dance Kids 2014 will be releasing on the Wii, Wii U, and Xbox 360 in the UK on October 25th. It is expected to release in other regions around the same time.
Microsoft has announced that various Day One Editions of some Xbox One launch titles will come with special content. This exclusive content is for Forza Motorsport 5, Dead Rising 3, and Ryse: Son of Rome and will be available while supplies last at retail or available as digital downloads during the first two weeks of launch. Full details and screenshots of the content can be found below:
Forza Motorsport 5
Day One Car Pack – This three-car pack features amazing cars from Lamborghini, Audi, and Ford; each with a Day One-themed livery and custom tuning package created by the experts at Turn 10:
2010 Audi TT RS Coupe: Stuffed stem to stern with modern tech, the TT RS is the first TT model to carry Audi’s famed RS badge – a distinction that’s earned on the track from the moment you step on the gas.
2013 Ford Focus ST: Debuting with the same 247-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine from the much larger Ford Explorer SUV, the new Ford Focus ST packs a serious punch.
2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera: Like great sculpture, the Superleggera’s chiseled form is carefully considered for maximum impact. That’s where the similarities end, however, because this work of art is best appreciated when it’s moving at top speed.
Dead Rising 3
Dead Rising Tribute Pack – Features exclusive game content and bonus attribute perks.
Classic Frank West outfit with Frank’s Zombie Slugger weapon, extra gory attacks and a custom skill move. Also includes attribute perks for increased melee damage and tougher survivors.
Official Chuck Greene outfit with Paddle Saw combo weapon that cuts through zombie hordes with increased damage and durability. Also includes attribute perks for vehicle and weapon durability.
Ryse: Son of Rome
Legionnaire’s Trust Exclusive Sword: From the Brotherhood of Metalworkers high in the Swiss Alps comes this well-crafted, finely hammered blade that includes bonus in-game attributes.
Ruins Exclusive Co-Op Multiplayer Map: Placing gladiators among the columns of an abandoned temple, Ruins will pit players against hordes of Barbarians, attacking from around every corner. The arena changes dynamically during gameplay, adding new obstacles and objectives for the player to encounter and overcome. Owners of the Day One Edition will be able to invite friends who own the Standard Edition to join them on this exclusive map.
Check out the rest of the images in the gallery below
Titan Comics have just announced, and subsequently released, a brand-new comic that will be set in the world and based on the story of Capcom’s Lost Planet series. The comic is titled “Lost Planet: First Colony” which will act as a prequel to the entirety of the, already seen, Lost Planet story/series. First Colony will take us fans on a ride through time to the first arrival of humans on the iceworld known as E.D.N III, THE lost planet.
We will see humanity’s struggle against both the foreign environment and the dangerous creatures that lurk just beneath it’s surface, the comic will shed light on the many secrets and mysteries behind the planet and it’s inhabitants. Titan Comics boast that fans of the series will be engulfed by the story as well as the art in this wonderful comic release, it is said that it will also give us all a great deal of information and insight into the series we’ve loved so much for all these years.
Lost Planet: First Colony is illustrated by the incredible artist Massimo Dall’oglio who, I believe, really brings the feelings of the game onto the page in a way that I couldn’t imagine it being done better. His illustrations will follow a script written by Guillaume Dorison (Izu) who you may know from the game-based comic “Devil May Cry: The Chronicles of Vergil”, he wrote the story for that and he has now written the story for this. Part One of Two, for this comic, has just been released (August 28th) to coincide with the release of Lost Planet 3 (August 27th, North America. August 30th, Europe).
So far it is only available digitally through a great deal of different mediums: iPad, iPhone, Web, Android, and Kindle Fire which can be obtained exclusively through the comiXology app. If you’re a fan physical comics then don’t fret too soon because, come the 31st of December, you’ll be able to buy yourself a hardcover version of the graphic novel, so far no specific sellers have been listed but I’m sure you’ll be able to find them at any good book store. Keep your eyes on the site for any and all news and information to be released in the future and, if you’ve read the comic already, let us know about it in our comments section below.
Independent developer Vagabond Dog, along with Devolver Digital, have announced their newest PC title: Always Sometimes Monsters. An unconventional RPG about life, love and the lengths that we will go to find happiness in both. The game aims to explore themes and issues of the modern world where decisions you make affect your life and the lives of those around you.
Players will assume the role of a character out of luck, out of money and on the verge of collapse after learning their beloved is set to marry someone else. Choose from characters of different gender, race, and sexual orientation and set out on the open road to overcome everything and everyone that life throws at you on your way to redemption. Start and end relationships with a colourful cast of characters, make an honest buck or lie for a few more dollars more and deal with friendship and prejudice as you make your way through the modern grind.
And the consequences are his to bear
Choice – A story-driven experience focusing on relationships and emotional bonds rather than traditional RPG combat and adventuring. Indecision is your enemy and empathy is your weapon in a quest to earn one last chance to win back the love of your life.
Circumstance – Choose from characters of different gender, race, and sexual preference and live through the common experiences and unique hardships of each based on your selection. NPCs may treat you differently based on your gender, race, or sexual preference opening and closing different paths along the way.
Consequence – Each playthrough is filled with staggering number of diverging paths that can be discovered through both overt actions and subtle choices in conversation. Everything from the wellbeing of your elderly neighbour to your best friend’s drug habit hinge on the choices you make, but it can be hard to tell when you’ve made the right one.
Justin Amirkhani (Vagabond Dog Developer) said:
“Developing Always Sometimes Monsters has been a continual process of evaluating our game mechanics and it has also been an evolution of how we regard ethics and morality. Concepts of right and wrong can easily whittle away within the game, so we are looking forward to seeing what choices players make during their unique journeys.”
A demo of Always Sometimes Monsters will be playable at PAX Prime (Booth 871) from August 30th to September 2nd. This will take players through a few of the initial sequences and asks players to make a decision that will permanently affect the character in the game upon Spring 2014 release. For more information, visit the officialsites and check out the screens below. Can we be salvaged, or are there always sometimes monsters?
With Madden NFL 25 hitting stores yesterday in North America, EA Sports has released the game’s launch trailer which celebrates the franchise’s long storied history since it began over two decades ago set to the music of David Dallas. The game is currently out for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, though a PlayStation 4 and Xbox One version are planned for release when those consoles launch.
As for Madden NFL 25 itself, it features a number of minor improvements in the running game as well as a new addition to the Connected Franchise mode, but feels like a rather minimal upgrade from last year’s version. You can check out our full review of Madden NFL 25 here.
After Nintendo’s shock announcement of the Nintendo 2DS earlier today, there was also some great news for people looking to buy Nintendo’s home console the Wii U. Nintendo America today announced a $50 price drop for the Wii U which will come into effect when the newly announced The Legend of Zelda:Wind Waker HD Deluxe Bundle releases on September 20. This means that the digital version of the game will be available 2 weeks before the physical version hits store shelves. Both the Wind Waker Bundle and standard Wii U Deluxe models will retail for the same price upon release. The Wind Waker Bundle will not include a copy of the game NintendoLand, which is packaged with standard Deluxe models.
The timing of the price drop and bundle are no coincidence, as they come ahead of the release of competitor’s consoles the PS4 and Xbox One. Nintendo are obviously hoping that this can give them a bit of an edge coming into the holiday season, as it is no secret the Wii U is struggling to sell, falling far behind sales of the original Nintendo Wii at the same time in its retail life.
That’s one nice looking Gamepad!
The Wind Waker HD Bundle will include a Deluxe Wii U Console, a code to download The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD from the Nintendo e-Shop as well as a code to download the Hyrule Hystoria, which will also be in digital form. The Hyrule Historia is an encyclopedia detailing all aspects of The Legend of Zelda Series as well as the previously unknown Zelda timeline, which places each game at a specific spot in the series. As you can see from the picture above, the Wii U Gamepad is no orgdinary Gamepad and features the Zelda crest, gold Wind Waker like markings on the edges and gold button labels as opposed to the standard white.
The price drop and bundle have only been confirmed for the North American region at this time but it has been confirmed the game will not be releasing early in digital form in the European market, with both the physical and digital copy of the game being made available on October 4. A recent press release confirmed Australia will unfortunately not be receiving the bundle or the price cut. Check out our previous article to see what’s changed in this enhanced version of The Wind Waker and let us know if this has altered your decision to purchase Nintendo’s latest home console.
For those who may not have heard about Phantom Breaker: Extra, it is an updated version of the original Phantom Breaker which probably will never be fully released in English. This upgraded version of the game features new characters in the form of Sophia, Shizuka, and Gaito & Rin, new stages and enhanced graphics.
Today Mages released a new trailer for the fighting game which shows off some of the new characters in action as well as some more footage of the game. Currently Phantom Breaker: Extra is set to be released on September 19th in Japan for the Xbox 360 and import-friendly PlayStation 3.
