Seaven Studio is hard at work completing their upcoming puzzle platformer, Ethan: Meteor Hunter. The team released a new video, demonstrating one of the levels that is filled with physics based puzzles. Gamers will need to put on their thinking caps while using Ethan’s ability to stop time and move blocks to complete the level.
Ethan: Meteor Hunter is a puzzle platformer due to be released in summer 2013 for PlayStation 3 and Windows PC. A Mac and Linux version will follow in 2014. Be sure to check out our preview of Ethan: Meteor Hunter for more information about the game. Like what you see? Vote for Ethan: Meteor Hunter on the Steam Greenlight page.
Independent developer, Camel 101 have kickstarted their latest project, Black Talons, a real-time strategy game set in a sci-fi universe. Players take on the role of a mercenary commander trying to prevail in a ravaged star system, where they must lead their troops, fight their enemies and forge alliances with the factions they encounter to ensure survival. Black Talons is planned for release on PC, Mac and Linux.
As shown in the featured trailer below, Black Talons is will include a wide range of tactical features; an Advanced Diplomacy System, where relations determine whether you trade or fight factions and different unit classes with specialized roles; Recon, Tactical, Assault, Support, Engineer and an upgradeable and unique skill tree for all units. There is also a Customizable Battlecruiser, serving as base of operations, featuring weapons or infrastructures that will boost the squad numbers, teleport soldiers or even bombard the battlefield.
The deep campaign mode aligns with player interactions to determine the balance of power on the system, leading to completely different gaming experiences. In addition, there are 5 worlds through the galaxy, with different environments and weather conditions that directly affect the battle.
The Kickstarter Campaign will be running until Sep 7, 2013, with a goal of reaching $100,000 to fund the game. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity and offer your support for Black Talons here!
Cloudberry Kingdom Developer:Pwnee Studios Publisher:Ubisoft Platforms: Xbox 360 (Reviewed), PS3, Wii U, PC Release Date:Out Now Price: $9.99/800MSP – Available on: XBLA, WiiU eShop, PSN, Steam
Overview
Cloudberry Kingdom is a platformer that randomly generates levels for the player, allowing for infinite possibilities. Even the concept alone sounds promising, and Cloudberry Kingdom has enough built around that to make good on those promises. From being able to control how difficult your game is, to a complete subversion of old fairy tales, Cloudberry Kingdom is a fun experience that will always leave you wanting to play “just one more level.”
Story
Cloudberry Kingdom features a relatively short 7-chapter campaign, starring your hero “Bob.” Bob is your ordinary hero trying to save a princess, who was kidnapped by an evil King. It sounds like a pretty formulaic plot here, but it is actually anything but.
There is a really nice subversion of the medieval fairy tale genre going on here, in that Bob is by no means your ‘Prince Charming.’ He is short, stocky, bald, covered in stubble and has no neck. He is also as gruff and unenthusiastic as they come. The Princess is also wise-cracking and equally unenthused at her would-be rescuer. Cloudberry Kingdom’s ability to recognise and appreciate the classics, while also adding a twist on a time-tested genre really pays off. It is just unfortunate that there isn’t more of it.
The dialogue in the cut-scenes for the story mode is completely voice-acted, and actually really funny. It is filled with lame puns and cheesy one liners that make you shake your head while trying not to laugh.
Gameplay
At first glance, Cloudberry Kingdom looks like your ordinary “run from one side of the level to the other without dying” platformer, and you’d be forgiven for immediately thinking that it wasn’t anything special. However, you would not be further from the truth.
Cloudberry Kingdom uses its built in level designer to randomly generate levels as the player progresses. That in itself is awesome as a gameplay mechanic, but makes the game somewhat interesting to review. I almost feel like I am reviewing a game engine rather than a game itself.
The game has a TONNE of different options. Everything from how long the levels are, to the speed at which platforms move can be altered, and that’s just the beginning. Once you get into the nitty gritty of the level builder, you can adjust a series of sliders. The more you move a particular slider, the more difficult you make those particular obstacles. It can eventually get to a point where the level is just unbeatable (and will give you nightmares for weeks).
Think you are good at video games? Not anymore you don’t!
The ability to tweak and set any aspect of the game to your liking is just such a cool feature that allows you to tailor the game to suit your liking. Want to feel like a platforming king? Just set the sliders down to nothing and breeze through your levels … Just finish playing Dark Souls and want to put your gamer skills to the test some more? Move everything up to about 2/3 of the way, and try your luck.
That’s only the beginning, Cloudberry also allows you to customise the physics of your character. These can be anything from allowing a double-jump, to a jetpack hover, or even becoming a jet-plane and flying through a Gradius-style level. Cloudberry Kingdom gives you the tools to make the game YOU want to play, and sets you off on your own.
The fact that the game creates infinite levels is just fantastic too. You and I may both set the difficulty sliders to the same place for our games, and come up with completely different levels. Infinite levels means that you will never get bored of the same old stuff, and that there is always just a little bit more that you can play.
The game also has an Arcade Mode, which uses still spits out random levels, but doesn’t give the player any control over their difficulty. As you progress through the levels, you will find them getting steadily more difficult. The difficulty curve is definitely noticeable, but never enough of a jump to make you feel like the game is unfair (even though, in some instances it really does set out to be).
See these settings? They will kick your ass
Cloudberry Kingdom also features four-player co-op. You think this game is hard enough? Try playing it with three other friends, all of you tethered together by an invisible rope.
If you are the type to frustrate easily, then this probably wont be your forte … However, if you love a good challenge, or think that platformers are “easy, casual games” then definitely download it.
Visuals
Cloudberry Kingdom looks like one of those old flash games from the late 90s crossed with Super Meat Boy. The visuals do look somewhat dated, and overly simplified but during the later levels, this becomes a positive rather than a negative. Not the least of which is the fact that there is something incredibly demoralising about having your ass kicked by a game that looks like a children’s cartoon.
There are only four “worlds” or “themes” available in Cloudberry Kingdom, and they do start to feel repetitive. This is especially true as all four themes are old platforming tropes that we have seen done so many times before; Main World, Ice World, Cave World, Castle/Lava World. It is great as a throwback to 1980s platforming, but in this day and age they just feel uninspired.
The backdrops are also sparsely decorated. During the earlier levels you will notice that there isn’t MUCH going on behind the scenes and it can make the levels feel barren and lifeless. However, once you get through a few of the initial stages, especially in Arcade and Story Modes, you will find that this lack of background decoration is a positive rather than a negative. The game’s requirement of precision-perfect jumping means that you need to be focused on what is happening at the foreground, and not risk having your attention drawn off by something in the distance.
Audio
The sound effects of Cloudberry Kingdom are as basic and simplistic as its audio. Only your hero ‘Bob’ makes any noise, and even so it is only when he jumps or collects one of the game’s gems. This is by no means a downside though, as I can only imagine what the game would sound like if every object and obstacle made their own sound effects as they move.
The music in this game is really awesome though; a mix of dubstep and electronica tracks. I am not the biggest fan of dubstep, but I do believe it firmly has a place in video games. The electronic, bass-heavy music really feels at home when playing a video game, and Cloudberry Kingdom proves this. The music feels right at home in this game, and can even help you to get in the ‘zone’ and pump you up enough to get through the next level.
One important thing to mention too is that whenever a new song plays, the title and artist appear at the bottom of the screen, allowing players to take note and buy the songs later.
Overall
Cloudberry Kingdom is great. Even stripping it down to its base concept of; a platformer with infinite levels is great. Adding the ability to make and alter the difficulty and scope of levels is the icing on the cake. It is a new concept that plays homage to platformers and fairy tales of old, while offering a new take and giving players more bang for their buck than I’ve ever seen. Even the issues like simple visuals or lack of sound effects work in the game’s favour. It would be hard to not recommend Cloudberry Kingdom to anyone who plays video games.. Now If you will excuse me, I need to go play one more level.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Square Enix have just released a brand new trailer for Kingdom Heart HD 1.5 ReMIX highlighting Kingdom Hearts Final Mix. The trailer is a mini video called “All about Kingdom Hearts Final Mix” and as such focuses heavily on Final Mix.
You can check out the brand new trailer below for a look at the Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX version of the popular Kingdom Hearts Final Mix game. For those who don’t know, Kingdom Hearts Final Mix was the Japanese exclusive reissue of the original Kingdom Hearts game that features additional updates and content not present in the original game.
Be sure to check out the trailer and let us know what you think in the comments section below.
Wargaming has announced new Soviet, German and Chinese war machines in Update 8.8 for its MMO title World of Tanks.
“Update 8.8 will introduce some very cool new machines into the Soviet and German lines,” said World of Tanks Producer Mike Zhivets. “Strengthened with the addition of even more medium and heavy vehicles, the game’s roster will offer players extra variety, while the re-balance within the German line will provide for a more well-rounded experience”.
The Ruskies will receive an alternative branch of Soviet medium tanks, starting at Tier 6. This new line will include the A-43 (Tier 6), the A-44 (Tier 7), the Object 416 (Tier 8), and the Object 140 that will take its place as the Soviet’s top medium tier option.
Two new vehicles will be added to the German arsenal. The Tier 4 DW heavy chariot and the Tier 6 VK3002 (M) medium tank. The VK3001H heavy tank will be moved to Tier 5, undergo re-balancing, and become a heavy tank, just as the VK3601H.
The Chinese aren’t forgotten, as two new premium vehicles – the Tier 8 T-34-3 medium tank and the 112 Tier 8 heavy tank, as well as a new battle arena with the autumn setting Tundra – are added.
PC players can’t have all the fun, as World of Tanks is coming soon to Xbox 360.
A set of all-new screenshots has been released for VEGA Conflict, a space-based strategy game for the PC by studio KIXEYE Australia. These guys were formally known as 3 Blokes Studio.
It’s described as a story-driven MMORTS that “blends the boundaries of realism and science fiction, providing surreal gameplay and futuristic imagery”.
Check out these features:
Manage and launch fleets into orbit to loot other players’ bases and take down lucrative enemy cargo ships
Construct and customize over 10 different warships with special armor and unique weapons
Engage in real-time, synchronous PvP and NPC combat against live players around the world
Join in or form alliances with other players in your sector
Explore and conquer a massive 24/7, evolving universe
Compete in monthly in-game events for exclusive prizes
A trailer was released earlier this year and is viewable below. For those curious you can sign up to play for free here. There has been a bit of a lull in space games lately, but for a more peaceful experience check out the unique Take On Mars rover simulation.
DeNA and Hasbro have announced the release of the new War Dawn episode for the card battle game Transformers: Legends. The episode will be available to play from August 7th through to August 13th.
After the attack on New York City, the Autobots have gone on the offensive and taken the fight directly to Megatron’s minions! An elite group of infiltrators and spies led by Mirage, are on the hunt for the Decepticons, but Starscream has a secret weapon – the Combaticons!
Blastoff, Swindle and Vortex are leading the counterattack, and they need your help! Will they be able to intercept the Autobots? Or is this the only the beginning?
Mirage
Blast Off
Transformers: Legends is available for iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android and is free on both the App Store and Google Play. The War Dawn episode is available in game now. For more information, visit the official site. Transform and Roll Out!
The pre-orders will open up worldwide next Tuesday on August 13th and the pre-orders can be made at TRIGGER’s online store. All pre-orders will be shipped from Japan in early September, but at the moment no exact price has been set for the Collector’s Edition set. Those who do purchase it will receive a Blu-ray containing the 26 minute episode as well as a 66 minute making-of video called “How the Magic was Born”, a 112 page art book and the a physical CD containing the original soundtrack for Little Witch Academia.
Natsume’s Book of Friends Season 4 Premium Edition Studio:Brain’s Base Publisher:NIS America Format: Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack Release Date: July 2, 2013 Price:$69.99 – Available Here
Overview Natsume’s Book of Friends has been around in manga format for over eight years and the series has been given multiple anime seasons over the years. However despite the first anime season coming out in 2008, the series remained unlicensed in the West until last year when NIS America acquired all four seasons of Natsume’s Book of Friends for release. Now that the first three seasons have been released, the fourth and currently final season of Natsume’s Book of Friends has been released to stores. While the manga may still be ongoing, does this fourth season bring the series to what may be the end of the series?
Story Considering the fact that this is now the fourth season of Natsume’s Book of Friends, jumping in at this point will leave viewers missing some key plot points. However thanks to the ongoing nature of the series, it isn’t as unforgiving as one would expect from an anime in its fourth season. The story follows Takashi Natsume, the grandson of a Reiko, a girl with the ability to see Yokai, an ability quite rare amongst the humans in the story.
Thanks to Reiko’s ability to see spirits, she began challenging the numerous Yokai, Japanese spirits/demons, and if she could defeat them, Reiko would take their name and place it in her “Book of Friends” as she saw the Yokai as companions, not servants. However by holding a Yokai’s name, one is given power of them and thanks to Reiko’s exploits; the book is brimming with Yokai names. This makes it desirable to both evil Yokai and humans alike who wish to gain the power the book will offer.
Natsume possesses not only the same ability to see Yokai as his grandmother, but he has also inherited the Book of Friends, which makes him a target for not only those simply wanting their names back, but also for Yokai who wish to do him harm. However Natsume is not alone as a powerful Yokai he calls Nyanko-sensei serves as his bodyguard, first because of his desire for the Book of Friends but despite his gruff attitude and constant statements of only wanting the book, his companionship for Natsume has grows more evident every season.
Now while there is some brief narrative covering Takashi Natsume’s past newcomers and returning viewers are immediately thrown into the ongoing story of Natsume and the various Yokai surrounding him. There are a handful of story arcs presented in season four, the first one placing Natsume right at the heart of things as Matoba and his clan of exorcists struggle to deal with Yokai in the forest while the Yokai themselves simply want to return the forest to the way it was.
While it may seem like something that could lead to a season spanning plot, this issue ends up being resolved rather quickly, as is the case with most Yokai encounters in Natsume’s Book of Friends. After this there are a handful of one-off episodes that include Natsume encountering more Yokai either by chance or handling their requests when they approach him.
This may seem like it would create a rather formulaic season, Natsume’s Book of Friends finds a nice balance between one-off episodes and mini story arcs. In fact, a number of these one-off episodes actually provide some of the best scenes in this season, as we see how an old friend of Natsume saw him back when he used to attend her school, as well as some very touching moments during the final arc of this season as we see Natsume return to his home and deal with one of the issues that has plagued him throughout the series, his family and where he really belongs.
Throughout the series we have seen Natsume struggle with who he is as he dealt with his gift that isolated him from other humans his age. Witnessing Natsume come to grips with who he is as a person and accepting what his new family means to him brings the season, and possibly the series, to a heartwarming conclusion.
Visuals One of the things that has always made Natsume’s Book of Friends stand out for me, is the way that the animation studio has consistently used classic Japanese Yokai appearances which fit with the traditional Yokai folklore. Obviously not every Yokai presented had legends passed down for it, but outside of a few human Yokai, one of the best parts of Natsume’s Book of Friends has always been the Yokai designs and season four is just as impressive in that regard, especially when it comes to some of the newer Yokai introduced.
As for everything else, the normal human designs remain rather basic compared to the oft highly detailed Yokai appearances and the series has a very soft color palette which works well with the tone of the series.
Audio As with all of NIS America’s other anime releases, Natsume’s Book of Friends Season Four has been released with only the Japanese voice track, meaning that viewers are simply presented with English subtitles. This isn’t too much of an issue however thanks to the stellar voice work from the original Japanese cast and a story that would likely lose something in translation from Japanese to English.
As far as this season’s soundtrack goes, there are numerous gentle tracks that work well for an anime as meaningful as Natsume’s Book of Friends can be. Numerous times throughout this season these background tracks are successfully used to accentuate the scene in which they are played. As far as the opening and ending themes are concerned, the opening theme “Now, This Time” By Hiiragi and the ending “Treasure” by Marina Kawano are fitting for the series and are what fans have come to expect at this point.
Extras Natsume’s Book of Friends Season Four has been given NIS America’s Premium Edition treatment meaning it comes with both an oversized chipboard artistic slipcase, an art book and some minor on-disc extras. The on-disc bonus features are sparse, with only the clean opening theme and clean ending themes, trailers for other NIS America releases and the original Japanese commercials for the season.
As for the case itself, it hasn’t been given a glossy finish, leaving it with a textured surface that fits with the theme of the series, something I’ve come to notice with NIS America’s premium editions as they had similar textures used for House of Five Leaves. The art book offered is fully colored and provides brief episode synopsis, character designs for the newly revealed Yokai and humans for this season as well as designs for Natsume and Nyanko-sensei. Clossing out the art book are some staff comments from Director Takahiro Omori and a number of full page promotional art pieces from this season.
Overall Natsume’s Book of Friends Season Four may just be the ending of the series for anime fans as the manga continues, but it can easily be accepted as the final destination for this series. While offering bits of humor and interesting storylines involving strange and intriguing Yokai, season four brings us to an emotional acceptance by Natsume as he embraces his new life, even while he accepts the terrible past that has plagued him throughout the series.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
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