Today, Reef Entertainment and First Star Software Inc announced the European release of Boulder Dash-XL 3D on the Nintendo 3DS. Set in a system of caves packed with glorious loot and deadly creatures alike, Boulder Dash-XL 3D is an intense action-puzzler that will rack your brains for hours on end. A sequel to the wildly successful 1984 hit Boulder Dash on Atari 8-bit computers, this flashy 3D remake promises a more challenging and varied experience to bring the title into the new age. Featuring 4 new game worlds, 5 game modes, and over 15o deep and interesting caves to delve into, this puzzling game offers hours of game play and enough variety to keep you constantly guessing what you’ll be faced with next.
Boulder Dash-HD XL will land in the Nintendo eShop on the 22nd August and will be available for download for a reasonable £4.49 in the UK or €4.99 across Europe.
Righteous Kill 2: Revenge of the Poet Killer Developer: G5 Publisher: G5 Platforms: iPhone(Reviewed), iPad, iPod Touch Release Date: 14th August 2013 Price:Free – Available Here
Overview
There are a great deal of “point-and-click“, puzzle games out there, especially floating around the iTunes App Store, that’s not necessarily a bad thing but, unless it’s done properly, it’s quite easy for new released games of this genre to slip through the cracks and join the mass of games already released. Righteous Kill 2 doesn’t seem to do this at all, not only because it’s a G5 game but also because it seems quite well-rounded and stable as a game, despite not being a fan of these types of games I do think highly of it, let me tell you why.
Story
It’s fairly straight forward when it comes to the story; you play as Officer Dean who is on a case to find the true identity of the “Poet Killer”, as you play through the game the plot thickens and you, as a character, become more entrenched in the plot. I would say that, while not basic, the story is fairly usual, especially for a game within the crime/drama sub-genre. That’s not to say it’s a bad thing though because, while the story didn’t blow me away, it wasn’t dull or boring, it felt like being a key part in one of the copious amounts of “cop shows” that we have on TV. The fact that it made the player feel like a “key part” is a big tick and something I can’t just overlook. What I was most impressed with, semi-story wise, was the locations that the story took you to and through, locations like Central Park, China Town, The Docks, it was these places that won it over for me and I’m not talking aesthetics either, I simply liked the big-city setting of New York and it seemed like the story allowed the player to flow in and out of these locations without forcing the story at all.
Visuals
Essentially the only complaint I have about this game Visually would be the small cut scenes that would surface every now and then to wrap up or begin another story arc or the next case. These small cutscenes consisted of about three seconds of live-action footage, possibly of a car pulling into the station, and was played out entirely with what seemed like stock images of people. It made the game seem lazy yet they appeared rarely so I can’t go on a rant about how annoying it was because, well, it wasn’t. It was just something I happen to notice. What I did like was the environments of the game, it took you to a fair few places and they looked stunning, I would’ve loved to have seen them on something bigger like an iPad because they really won the game over for me. They way that certain items were hidden within the environments was also great, it showed the effort that the development team put in, it wasn’t like they just slapped a sub-par image on top of a detailed environment. It was done very well.
Audio
This aspect of the game, once again, was used extremely well. There wasn’t much music, in fact, I really only recall the fast-paced violin you would here on the main menu and on each loading screen. The bulk of the audio came from environmental sound effects. While looking through a crime scene you would hear footsteps of citizens or other officers passing by, if you were at the docks you’d hear the sounds of the ocean, if you were in Central Park you’d hear mumbles of park-goes in the distance and the blowing of wind through the trees. It made the game easier to get immersed in and it made you feel like a real cop, that mixed with the Visuals is a great combination.
Gameplay
Possibly the most simple aspect of this game was the way it was played. It’s your typical point and click game where you’re put in a situation, you’re given a list and you have to find the items on the list to continue with your investigation. Throughout the game you’ll pick up items like keys or a flash light that will come in handy further on through the game. It’s extremely simple yet extremely affective and I think that’s why a great deal of companies find solidarity in making a games in this fashion. You also encounter mini-games like pasting together shredded pieces of paper to reveal a document, or recreating a strand of DNA that is to match the DNA you found on a crime scene, mini-games of that calibre are used throughout the game to break up whole could eventually become boring and mundane.
Overall
It’s a great game in general and this is coming from someone who does NOT like “point-and-click” games at all. I feel like it is structurally sound and while, yes, it is set back by a few, minors things a player can and will get a good run out of this game. This is not a typical iOS game either, I wouldn’t be playing this on my commute to work or during breaks like with others, this is very much a “sit down and relax” type of game. It’s definitely a game you should try if you’re a fan of the sub-genre or even if you’re just a fan of crime and police-type drama.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
The heritage of the upcoming title is known for being brutally difficult. Players dive deep into dungeons and other dangerous fantasy locations to take on everything from skeletons and undead knights to dragons and more.
The teaser trailer, which you can watch in the video player below this article, gives us a few quick flashes of what appear to be a blacksmith hard at work creating armor and weaponry, anvil and fire in tow. Some concept art can also be seen through the flashes. It teases a more in-depth ‘Forging a Hero’ video coming soon.
Although many people are drooling at the sight of the new PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, there are gamers out there who will be sticking to their PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 for a little while longer.
For dedicated Battlefield players, EA is making the transition from current-gen to next-gen easier by allowing for a one time carryover when Battlefield 4 players upgrades their console. Once they move to the new console, all multiplayer progression and premium membership content will carry over to the new console. This will save gamers from having to buy Battlefield Premium twice when switching consoles.
The only catch is that Xbox 360 buyers can only upgrade to a Xbox One and PlayStation 3 owners can only upgrade to the PlayStation 4. So those looking to change sides and play with the competitor will have to pay extra.
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag will of course be part of Ubisoft‘s presence at GamesCom this year and as an added benefit to the fans, Ubisoft will be doing something special in the form of artwork. Bringing in an artist to do live artwork during GamesCom attendees will be able to throw out ideas for the artists to use and incorporate into the art.
This announcement was made via the short video which has been embedded below and brings plenty of ideas to mind. Just what kind of art will be made will be dependent on what those attending come up with, so there is an number of possibilities. Hopefully someone might suggest a nice picture of all three generations of the Kenways having a great game of catch because Assassin’s Creed is all about family, right?
EA and Humble Bundle are teaming up to make a massive donation to five great charities. For a minimum of $1.00, buyers can snag a copy of Dead Space, Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box, Crysis 2 Maximum Edition, Dead Space 3, Medal of Honor, and Mirror’s Edge. All of the game come as Origin keys and the games that are also available on Steam will also come with a Steam key. For those who beat the average price, buyers will also receive a copy of Battlefield 3, The Sims 3, The Sims 3 Late Night Expansion Pack, and The Sims 3 High-End Loft Stuff.
The Human Rights Campaign, watsi, the American Cancer Society, the American Red Cross, and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation will be receiving EA’s share of the profit as a charitable donation. The bundle can be purchased at Humble Bundle with a variety of payment options including BitCoin and PayPal.
Things have been very silent from Telltale Games on the The Wolf Among Us front as we haven’t had much besides the screenshots from back in May. That however has changed today with the release of its premiere trailer, which gives a nice look at just who the main character is, Bigby Wolf.
Sheriff of the Fable-d community tasked with keeping its peace, players will be able to experience the chain of events that preceded the beginning of the Fable comics from Vertigo, a branch of DC, itself part of Warner Bros. From pigs, to flying monkeys, from princesses, to The Big Bad Wolf, The Wolf Among Us has everything a fairy tale conglomeration could want.
Check out the trailer embedded below, to see a taste of what The Wolf Among Us will hold before the first episode is released for XBLA, PSN, PC, and Mac. Those going to Pax Prime will be the first to see the game in action as it will be showing at the event.
With a much bigger world to explore in the next Witcher game from CD Projekt RED players will definitely have many more people that they will be meeting along the way as Geralt follows his path killing monsters. A “cruel and gritty” world that players will be exploring, especially the No Man’s Land area, the developers at CD Projekt RED wanted to ensure those looking forward to the game can know what to expect, which is why they have released a new cinematic trailer today.
“Killing Monsters” not only does all of this, but shows off a bit more of just how good Geralt is at what he does. It seems the No Man’s Land might just be as cruel as it sounds if what is seen in the trailer persists in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Though it will just be a matter of time to see if it is.
Those wanting to see Geralt killing monsters can view the trailer embedded below, while those wanting to experience being Geralt as he kills monsters will have to wait until The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt releases in 2014 for Xbox One, PS4, and PC.
Mad Max, Avalanche Studios and Warner Bros. upcoming open-world action game set in the universe of those unforgettable movies is still a little while away from being released. However, that doesn’t stop us from enjoying some sweet wasteland storytelling while we patiently wait.
In conjunction with DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. have begun publishing a motion comic that will serve as a prequel to the game. The story will Introduce and follow the exploits of Chumbucket, the driven yet unusual mechanic who will be a major player in the upcoming title.
The motion comic is being penned by Tom Taylor (Who also works on the Injustice: Gods Among Us prequel book) and illustrator Jason Shawn Alexander (who currently works on the digital-exclusive Legends of the Dark Knight). With such a wealth of talent behind them it would be hard to imagine the story not being 100% awesome. For our lucky readers out there, we have embedded the first two chapters of the motion comic right here. Check out chapter 1 below.
Pretty badass right? Well if you still want more, then be sure to check out Chapter 2 below. Warner Bros. will be putting out a few more of these until the Mad Max game launches next year, so for all the Mad Max news (be it video game, movie or comic book) stay tuned to Capsule Computers. Also, don’t forget to check out the first gameplay trailer for Mad Max right here.
Sage Fusion 2 Developer:Kidalang Publisher: Kidalang Platforms: iOS (iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad), Blackberry Z10 – Reviewed on iPad Release Date: 14th August 2013 Price: $1.99 – Available Here
Overview Enter, once again, a galaxy of social turmoil. Church and government hold equal ground and stalwart supporters of each clash over ideals. Join a crew that doesn’t feel very strongly about either and follow as they are thrown into a battle much bigger than themselves.
You know it’s for real when Hymns are involved
Story Continuing on from Sage Fusion, the story begins with merchant Marlon Zigler and his trusted bodyguard Alvonse Brin on their way to a very important meeting. However the rendesvous with their client Mr Heinlein is delayed when their spaceship, the titular Sage Fusion, is stolen. Matters are made much worse when Marlon’s pride and joy returns to Capistad…very fast. Having drawn the attention of the Citywatch, Marlon and Alvonse must use ‘inventive’ means in order to reacquire their crashed ship.
Their quest eventually brings them to cross paths with Vientiane, a Tarrant agent seen in the opening of Sage Fusion. After having met some unfortunate circumstances of her own, she is kidnapped and placed in the completely pleasant sounding, and in no way suspiciously named “Compassion Centre”. Naturally, it is up to Alvonse to rescue the damsel from the clutches of evil. Worse, an evil disguised as good.
Try and guess who the protagonists are
The situation only escalates from there. Alvonse and friends must now deal with two of the most dangerous aspects of space…religion and politics. Amidst the chaos of interplanetary combat, the game explores the fragile balance and confusing results of a society torn between faith and economy, as well as raising some very interesting questions regarding the nature of humans. What classifies as a human? How much influence should religion have on society? Are the masses stupid, or just clinging to hope?
Similar to the first game, story is expressed through written dialogue. Also like the first game, there is the occasional grammatical error. Whilst this isn’t a particularly big deal, it can subtract from the dramatic moments. Such as when a character exclaims, “It would have been a very big trouble,” or “You arrive just in time.” The game will also quite randomly alter tense and sometimes switch between first and third person.
God Universal…it’s like God+1
Gameplay Sage Fusion 2 features the same gameplay style as the first. In order to move around the overworld, simply tap where you wish to walk. Entrances to new areas will be indicated by a flashing dual arrow, which can be tapped again to proceed. Clicking on various points of interest, like people and items, will unlock new option, such as talking to people and picking up items.
The game also includes some minor puzzle element. Occasionally in order to pass through areas, certain objects or actions are required. Though it is possible to miss the needed conditions, the game is generally lenient, with characters repeating facts that might be helpful ie Hints. The few side quests have similar elements, requiring a decent amount of backtracking and collection.
Not the classiest merchant in the galaxy
When combat is engaged, the player characters take the left of the screen and enemies take the right. Like moving, combat is controlled by tapping. Players are able to attack, use items (such as healing kits and grenades) or simply pass. Each character possesses a list of available attacks, from singular strikes, to rapid fire assaults which damge every enemy in battle. Each of these moves costs a different amount of Attack Points (AP), limiting the use of the more powerful techniques.
With each attack launched, a shield icon appears above the enemies head. The goal being to tap the icon as close to the start of an attack as possible. Tap too early, the attack does less damage, too late and and the enemies will block your attack. This same principle is applied to blocking. Also, by successfully blocking an enemies attack players can regain AP, allowing them access to higher grade attacks.
Omniblaster!? Yeah, they don’t stand a chance
Visuals and Audio Sage Fusion possesses a unique hand-drawn style…Most likely stemming from the fact that it’s hand drawn. The backgrounds are detailed and varied. Each individual screen is. At certain points of the story, the game cuts to large illustrations of character above their dialogue, usually denoting an important conversation. The game also displays detailed illustrations for critical events, such as discussions of Alvonse’s past. Character animation is also handled very well. During combat, attacks are animated smoothly and each move possess a unique animation.
The game possesses a very dramatic sound track. Whilst exploring Capistad, a grand orchestral tune can be heard. Trumpets, violins and piano create a surprisingly intricate and robust soundtrack. This gives the world a grander sense of scale and creates a certain dramatic flare. Certain tunes also fittingly possess an underlying sci-fi vibe.
In the way of sound effects the game is fairly sparse. There’s the classic explosions, punches and alarms. All the trademarks of action. Having said that, due to there only being written dialogue, the game can feel quiet at times.
I walk a lonely road…
Overall Sage Fusion 2 is more intricate than the simplistic gameplay lets on. Despite the futuristic setting, the core of the game revolves around the conflict between religion and politics, and all those caught in between. Characters are explored, bad guys are punched and t-shirts are sold (it’s a side quest thing). All in all, Sage Fusion 2 is an interesting game that raises some valid philosophical points and lets you shoot space thugs with dual pistols. Awesome.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
