Call of Duty: Black Ops II fans who play the game on the Xbox 360 have already been able to play through the latest map pack DLC for a month, but now PC and PlayStation 3 gamers have the ability to purchase said DLC which includes four new multiplayer maps as well as a new zombie map called “Buried.”
The multiplayer maps added in this package include Cove, Detour, Rush (shown above) and Uplink. As for Buried, players will find themselves trapped in an abandoned mining town from the Old West as they fight against the undead residents who have risen to protect their resting place. Also, Activision is planning on releasing six new personalization packs: Glam, Coyote, Aqua, Pack-a-Punch, Breach, and Rogue, on the PC and PS3 on August 22nd.
With Saints Row IV set to be released in North America on August 20th, Deep Silver has released the first in a series of developer diaries featuring some of the key members of Volition Studios discussing the work that they put into creating the game.
In this first video we hear from Senior Producer Jim Boone, Creative Director Steve Jaros, and the Lighting Lead Chris Claflin. Since this is the first video, which can be seen below, the three pay tribute to the first two games in the series as well as how they took fan feedback into account to create a world where players will always be having fun.
We’re getting close, Trainers! The next generation of Pokemon games, Pokemon X and Y, are not too far away but it doesn’t help that Nintendo and Gamefreak are constantly teasing us with slow releases of Pokemon and all around info on the games. Don’t stress to much because Bluemouth Interactive have just announced the release of three gaming accessories and a guidebook, Officially licensed, that will accompany the release of the games themselves. They are definitely set for release on the 12th of October, the very same day the games are set for release. If you’re excited for the games than I’m sure you’re excited for these guys, it really is the perfect thing to go with your next Pokemon adventure.
Pokemon X and Y – Official Kalos Region Guidebook, RRP $34.95:
Key details:
– Premium hardcover binding-dust jacket. Includes region map.
– A complete walkthrough of all Gym Badges.
– Detailed info on all the new game features.
– A guide to find Hidden Iteams and Special Pokemon. Includes a location index.
– Hints on the best ways to use Roller Skates, Ride Pokemon and challenge Gym Leaders.
– A Pokemon screen cleaner for your console.
– Tips and tricks for getting the most out of the PSS and Online features.
– An updated type matchup chart that includes the all-new Fairy type.
– A pull out map of the Kalos region.
Pokemon X and Y – Pokeball Zip Case, RRP $29.95:
Key Details:
– Pokeball graphics.
– Sturdey EVA shell with soft interior lining protects any Nintendo DS system.
-Stores up to 6 Ninento DS/3DS game cards and 2 replacement styluses.
Pokemon X and Y – Essentials Kit, RRP $29.95:
Key Details:
– Dual-sided graphics case displays the Pokemon X and Y theme.
– Kit includes total storage for 6 game cards.
– Holds any Nintendo DS system accessories.
– System Case stores up to 4 Nintendo DS/3DS game cards and 2 replacement styluses.
– Kit includes: System Case, 2 character styluses, 2 Single game cases.
Pokemon X and Y: Traveller Kit, RRP $24.95:
Key Details:
– Dual-sided graphics display the X and Y theme.
– Sturdy shell with soft lining protects any Nintendo DS system.
– Stores up to 4 Nintendo DS/3DS game cards and 2 replacement styluses.
Incpio is partnered with Motorola’s M4DE program to release a full line of cases for Motorola’s upcoming Moto X Android Smartphone. Eight cases will be available when the Moto X launches.
The ATLAS Waterproof Case, the offGRID battery case, the Watson Wallet folio, the NGP Impact Resistant Case, the DualPro Case, the DualPro SHINE case, the feather case, and the feather SHINE case will all be available in a variety of colours at retail stores and online at Incipio’s site when the Moto X launches in late August/early September.
“Incipio’s alliance with global leader Motorola has resulted in the formation of ground-breaking, protective case solutions that will further enhance the experience for Moto X users everywhere,” said Andy Fathollahi, Chief Executive, Incipio. “It has been an incredible journey partnering with Motorola to bring these precisely designed and engineered mobile tech accessories to life.”
Payday 2 is shaping up to be a smashing good time, and while last time David Goldfarb took the time to explain more about the skills system players will be utilizing in the game, this time developer Overkill Software and publisher 505 Games have a video all about the in-game safehouse the characters will be calling home.
Payday 2‘s safehouse it seems will be packed with plenty of things to spend time with, should players choose to of course it being a more option section of the game. From a vault holding the money taken from the heists, to rooms holding practice equipment to train on the safehouse has almost everything a criminal could want from the comfort of their own home.
Those wanting to see the safehouse for themselves can watch the video embedded below to get a idea of what to expect before Payday 2 releases this month for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC.
The Simpsons: Tapped Out is continuing their steady stream of content updates with the new Krustyland content update. Players can now bring the Krusty the Clown themepark to their rebuilt Springfield. The update adds new land for Krustyland to be rebuilt on. Players can choose from over forty rides, games, and services to add to their park, including mascots and rollercoasters. The update also brings a variety of new quests including a romantic interlude for Lisa.
EA Mobile’s The Simpsons: Tapped Out is written by the actual writers from the record breaking TV show. It is available for free on iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon’s AppStore for North America and the world.
SeeThrough Studios, the team behind Unstoppabot, is releasing their game Flatland: Fallen Angle as a Free-For-All edition to support the Greenlight campaign for their upcoming game Particulars. Not only is the original Flatland being re-released for free, the Free-For-All edition comes with the soundtrack, two video documentries, and The Shaping of a Studio eBook that covers the game’s development from a 96 hour game project to a full blown indie title. The game can be played for free on Kongregate or can be downloaded at SeeThrough Studios.
Particulars is SeeThrough Studio’s new narrative driven arcade puzzler, a game inspired by subatomic particles. The game takes physics based gameplay to a literal level, as players will control a quark and must navigate through a world where other subatomic particles will has an effect on the player’s movements. Check out the game and remember to vote for it at the official Particulars Greenlight page.
After a successful release where it has been the one of the top selling games on XBLA, action RPG Mars War Logs, from developer Spiders Studio and publisher Focus Home Interactive, is giving a little bit back to its new found fans. Just what could they offer to those that already have the game? Why the 44 song soundtrack by Sylvain Prunier.
Those wanting to get Mars War Logs‘ Official Game Soundtrack needn’t worry about having to shell out any green for the music set on the red planet as it is available completely for free. So go ahead and check out the Mars War Logswebsite to download the music for yourself.
Mars War Logs is currently available for PC and XBLA on Xbox 360, with a PSN version on the way August 7th in Europe and August 13th in North America. If you haven’t played the game for yourself, be sure to check out our own Mars War Logs Review.
UK retailer GAME is getting a little bit of an exclusive that they will be able to share with their patrons in the form of Lock-ins hosted by Ubisoft. So fans of Ubisoft games will be able to check out the events taking place after the stores close, where live demos, unfortunately hands off unlike Gamescom, will be shown to those present for upcoming releases Watch_Dogs and Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.
In addition to getting to see Watch_Dogs and Assassin’s Creed IV played live in front of them, those who pre-order either game during the event will receive an Assassin’s Creed IV hoodie when they pick up their game after launch. Though it should be noted that no one will be allowed to film, photograph, or interview during the event. So, those looking to see the demos or pre-order to get the hoodie can check out the Lock-ins at these GAME locations on Friday August 2nd:
Liverpool Lord Street (72 Lord Street, Liverpool, L2 1TL) at 19:00
Northfield (9 Church Road, Northfield , B31 2JX) at 18:00
Norwich (2-10 Back of the Inns, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1PT) at 18:00
Portsmouth (226 Commercial Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 1HG) at 18:00
Yabadabadoo! Oh dang, wrong caveman franchise. Since it’s debut in 1991, Prehistorik has developed a notable cult fan base and is no stranger to the iOS. With the original Prehistorik and Prehistorik Man from Interplay getting iOS ports already, Joystick Replay hopes to tap into this market with a modern remake of the original caveman-themed platformer. It’s a solid attempt that plays very similar to the original title…for better or worse.
Gameplay
Prehistorik is a 2D platformer with a twist – before you can push forth and complete the level you must first collect a certain amount of food for your village. It may not sound like a big deal but in the early 90’s this idea was pretty out there. Level design is decent, boss battles are epic and cool ideas such as prehistoric jet packs break up the gameplay to keep things fresh. It all sounds great on paper but sadly the execution is way off.
As any platforming fan will tell you, physics can make or break a platformer. While the controls are true to the original, the character lacks weight and feels awfully “floaty”. But hey – so did the original. Controls are not as responsive as they should be, some collision detection issues are present and on a couple occasions I had the game crash on me as well. These don’t ruin the game but they are frustrating. It should also be noted that Prehistorik is far from a casual game. Straight off the bat it’s surprisingly difficult. It’s no Mega Man or Battletoads but don’t expect your 5 year old nephew to get very far. It’s great, because even if you’re unfamiliar with Prehistorik is really brings back memories of the old days back when you had to work your ass off to beat a level. Gameplay is also very slow thanks to a large amount of NPCs talking to you which means there’s a lot of reading involved throughout the game. With no skip or fast forward options, this really slows down the pace and interrupts the flow of the game. Sadly, with all the core issues of the game such as controls and other small things that hold it back it’s equally as difficult to simply control the character. That mixed in with the difficult level design Prehistorik isn’t exactly very fun to play. It’s playable, but it only just scrapes by.
Audio & Visual
The main redeeming aspect of Prehistorik is the presentation. Graphics are bright and colorful and are filled with character. Crude humor is a common theme here, with modern technologies such as jet packs to traffic lights and even trench coat-wearing creeps who want to flash you. Character design is memorable but not of the same style as the original which should be noted. The original Prehistorik had a distinct personality which is in no way emulated in this remake. This modern adaptation has it’s own voice and style that is distinctly different. This isn’t to take away from the fact that it is still wonderfully designed but while many elements are reminiscent of the original, they are in completely new light. I can’t confirm if the soundtrack is modeled after the original soundtrack or not, but I highly doubt it. Regardless it gets the job done and sets the tone and atmosphere well for the player, but nothing stands out as remarkable.
Overall It’s hard to find a decent platform title on iOS devices for similar reasons as to why Prehistorik fails to impress. Sure it looks beautiful, sounds beautiful but it also plays awkwardly. Although it does pack a lot of kick ass ideas and personality, floaty physics, non responsive controls and just overall clunky gameplay make Prehistorik a major let down. Packed with character and shows promise of what the game could’ve possibly been, this remake ultimately is a disappointing experience. On the bright side however, it’s got dinosaurs! So there’s that if you’re interested.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
