Swedish developers Might and Delight, the makers of last year’s platformer game Pid, are back at it again. They announced today that they’re gearing up for the release of their next title – the nature-inspired survival adventure game Shelter.
Excited with the progress they’re making, Creative Director Johannes Wadin said,
“We are very excited to finally get to show the world what our team has been working so hard on for these past months. Shelter has grown immensely throughout the process and it is really wonderful to finally see all its bits and pieces beautifully come together. All the hard work has payed off. We strongly believe that we have created a title that will bring something new and fresh to the gaming scene. Hope you think so as well.”
Shelter is scheduled for release on PC and Mac in August 2013 with music provided by Retro Family. It has recently been Greenlit on Steam. You can check out some images of the game below and be sure to check out their official website here.
The end of the week and the final Hail to the Chief video has released and much like the last video developer Volition and publisher Deep Silver are utilizing this video to announce something bigger. What could be bigger than Saints Row IV finally reaching gold and going into manufacturing? Why a new extremely limited special edition of the game.
The new special edition is the Saints Row IV Game of the Generation Edition, which includes everything from the previous Super Dangerous Wub Wub edition and pre-order bonuses. In addition is a display case with a numbered plaque which lights up and features a rotating center, so that players getting the edition can view their special Saints Row IV game case. Plus, a velvet pouch to protect it. Priced at $129.99 with only 5000 being produced, this is the definitive edition for rabid Saints Row fans.
Those wanting to watch the last Hail to the Chief video can find it embedded below. Saints Row IV will release on August 20th in North America (August 23rd worldwide) for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC.
The best deal is Tomb Raider at Greenman Gaming. GMG is running a Square Enix Sale weekend and a Rewards weekend that provides instant cashback or store credit for many titles. What does this mean for you, frugal gamer? Tomb Raider is priced at $12.49 USD, a 75% savings, plus an additional $1.50 cash back instantly, or $2.50 in store credit. If you opt for store credit, Tomb Raider technically is $10.00. At that price, there is literally no reason not to buy the game. I absolutely adore the single player campaign, although I’m not a huge fan of the multiplayer portion of the game. If you still need more convincing, check out our review of the Tomb Raider.
GMG has coupons running this week, use GMG20-NYMS7-460MO for 20% off your purchases at checkout!
Ryse: Son of Rome made quite the reveal at E3 this year, even if the initial gameplay seemed a bit too focused on quick time events. Being developed by Crytek exclusively for the Xbox One, a new trailer has come out for Ryse all about the development and what they can do with the new console.
Unlike the onstage E3 presentation that was very focused on the action and combat, the new trailer for Ryse: Son of Rome is all about the emotion and performance capture for the characters. Working with Andy Serkis’ The Imaginarium, Crytek used full motion capture for all of the story characters, with up to 12 at a time. Which is pretty impressive and explains their want for actors familiar with theater acting.
Those wanting the full details on Ryse: Son of Rome and the development for its story can watch the the full video embedded below. Ryse: Son of Rome is set to release for the launch of the Xbox One.
Now that Alien Chaos 3D has been out for a while and plenty of people have had their chance to try the game out for themselves, developer Ludosity and publisher Reef Entertainment has opted to put out a new trailer centered around the critics’ responses to the Nintendo 3DS exclusive game.
It seems like there were quite a few reviewers that found themselves enamored by Alien Chaos 3D, garnering some pretty good scores and words. Those that watch the trailer may also notice some familiar words, if they’ve happened to read our own Alien Chaos 3D Review. Overall, there is some great praise for the game.
Those wanting to see what game critics have to say about Alien Chaos 3D can watch the trailer for themselves embedded below. Alien Chaos 3D can be downloaded from the Nintendo 3DS eShop and can be found on the front page.
The Summer 2013 anime season is here and like I did previously for Winter 2013and Spring 2013, I will be detailing my top picks for Summer 2013. After trawling through the expansive list of series that have premiered this season, looking far and wide for something to wow me, I found myself pleasantly surprised by a multitude of series. For a season that from the outlook appeared to be unimpressive, I am undoubtedly impressed. Without further adieu, these are the series that I will be watching this season of anime.
Uchoten Kazoku
This is a series that was not even remotely on my radar. Uchoten Kazoku, known as Eccentric Family in English, is a bizarre series to say the very least. It is the brainchild of Tomihiko Morimi the creator of the also bizarre series The Tatami Galaxy. While Tatami Galaxy was far more experimental than Uchoten Kazoku, this series has its own unique identity, making for what feels unlike anything the anime medium has ever seen.
Now I’m a firm believer that different isn’t always good as was evidenced in the attrocious adaptation of Aku no Hana. But what we have here in Uchoten Kazoku is a series that makes its oddities work through pure heart and charm. P.A. Works are committed to the series and have a clear affection for Morimi’s work that shows in every passing scene.
The series content is rather difficult to describe, being something that is ultimately best experienced first-hand. With a deep-rooted heart in the importance of family, Uchoten Kazoku takes its bizarre concepts of transforming tanooki and tengu and gives it a sense of humanity that anyone can relate to.
At only a few episodes in, this is one series that is difficult to pin down. It could soar to unprecedented heights and become the biggest surprise of 2013 or it could all fall apart. It is a tightrope walk for Uchoten Kazoku. Can the series balance its more outlandish ideas with sincerity and humanity? I believe it can. For that, I plan on tuning in to this series with eager eyes, each and every week of Summer.
Blood Lad
This was the only series that really stood out to me from the get go. It is an adaptation of a shonen battle comedy with a fun concept and a great studio behind it. There wasn’t really a way that Blood Lad could go wrong. Well so far, so good. The verdict is still out though as the series has since been confirmed for an unusually short run of a mere 10 episodes. Whether they can work magic in 10 episodes remains to be seen, but if these initial few episodes are anything to go by then Blood Lad is in good hands.
The series has been consistently fun since the very first episode and features a great cast of characters that are well defined from top to bottom. There is a sense that the world is far bigger than what we see in any given episode and there is definitely more to these characters than we are being told.
The comedy is ripe with otaku-ready referential humour which is sure to hit just the right note for the series’ target audience. The story is about a vampire otaku for christ’s sake, that concept alone will get most people in hook-line-and-sinker. But what makes Blood Lad so good is its execution. The entire production is done so well, that you just can’t help but be swept up in this quality anime. Blood Lad is simply great quality fun and that is something I could do with to kick-off my week.
Gatchaman Crowds This anime is just too damn good. It almost feels like Gatchaman Crowds is cheating, it is that good. How can a series star such an over-the-top genki school girl such as Crowd’s protagonist Hajime and not make her completely irritating? On top of that, how in god’s name did they make her such an endearing character? How did they make such a well-defined and colourful cast of characters yet only giving them all very minimal background and next to no real substantial dialogue? How does it happen so good for this series? Gatchaman Crowds make this look so easy.
There is certainly something special with Gatchaman Crowds and it may very well have to do with the man helming the project, the eccentric Kenji Nakamura, the brain behind Tsuritama and C – The Possibility of Money and Control. Nakamura is a unique mind to say the very least and he has taken the Gatchaman series and stripped away just about everything that made Gatchaman what it was and slapped into something entirely different. He took a classic series and left it barely recognizable, yet it is still oh so good. Again, Nakamura makes this look easy.
So why is Gatchaman Crowds so good? Well it is hard to put a finger on it, with only the first few episodes having aired, but it really all comes down to sincerity. At its core, Gatchaman Crowds is a series that feels sincere. It believes in all of its crazy and it is that commitment and sincerity that makes something that in anyone elses hands would be rubbish into something truly remarkable. I’ll be following Gatchaman Crowds with great anticipation, there is something special happening with this series and I can’t wait to find out what that special thing is.
Watamote There was without a doubt a lot of anticipation surrounding Watamote. The source material is very popular and as such many eyes were on the anime adaptation as it debuted this season. Having no previous experience with the series, I went in blind and came out unsure what exactly I was supposed to feel about Watamote. I got the sense it was a comedy, but so much of the show’s content hit quite close to home for me, leaving me feeling more sad than anything.
Watching Watamote isn’t exactly something I’d say that I enjoy doing. It is more a series I find compelling on a deeply personal level. I have felt the anxiety and pain she has felt and it proves to be a very reflective experience for me personally, much like I’m sure many others who watch the series feel.
The deeper the series dives into her condition, the more pain I feel for both her and anyone in her situation today. Depression is a terrible thing and I get the feeling it is something the original creator has dealt with first hand. Watamote is a truly thought-provoking comedy (if you’d call it a comedy). The series handles the topic of depression with a hopeful heart and makes for a truly fascinating viewing experience. I hope that Tomoko can find some happiness in her world and I’ll be sticking with Watamote in hope of seeing that come to fruition.
Honorable Mentions:High School DxD New, Silver Spoon and Servant x Service
Episode 20 of CC: Animeis nowlive. Each month, thanks to our good friends and sponsor Siren Visual, we will be giving away a prize in a monthly competition held through CC: Anime.
To win, listen to the podcast for the question and once you have an answer email it in along with your name and address to[email protected]. At the end of the month, a winner will be randomly selected from the pool of entries. The winner will then be announced on the next podcast.
This month, we will be giving away a copy ofChihayafuru Part 1, on DVD thanks to our good friends at Siren Visual. If you have yet to listen to CC: Anime you can do so here.
Listen to the podcast and then send your answer in along with your name and address to [email protected] Good Luck!
Welcome to another episode of CC: Anime, Capsule Computers Anime Podcast! In our twentieth episode, the CC: Anime crew discuss the latest anime and manga news, our thoughts on the digital manga revolution, what we think of the Summer season, as well as answering your questions. We also have a prize giveaway of Chihayafuru Part 1 on DVD thanks to our sponsor Siren Visual, find out how to enter here.
Cast: Luke Halliday, Travis Bruno, Frank Inglese and Kane Bugeja
We hope you enjoy CC: Anime Episode 20, be sure to let us know what you think.
Sasuke, also known as Ninja Warrior internationally, now has a video game spinoff. Ninja Warrior Game is a side scrolling platforming for iOS and Android that will pit the player against gamers around the world for the best finish times. The game is developed by MarvelousAQL, the team behind Soul Sacrifice.
Inspired by the TV show, the Ninja Warrior Game features a variety of challenging levels where players will need to leap, swing, and slide. Some levels are more natural, featuring desert canyons and dense jungles, while others would be at home on the set of Ninja Warrior. Players will create their own racer, customize outfits, and improve skills over time.
“Ninja Warrior Game will put players’ platform racing game skills to the ultimate test,” said Takuo Tanimoto, Executive Producer and Senior Overseas Manager at MarvelousAQL. “As in the TV show, only the fastest, strongest and smartest contestants will run, slide and jump through challenging obstacle courses with the speed needed to become the ultimate Ninja Warrior champion.”
To celebrate the game’s release, Ninja Warrior Game, Cross Horizon, and Ark of the Ages will be 50% off. Ninja Warrior Game is normally $1.99 and is available on iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon AppStore.
Hanasaku Iroha: Blossoms for Tomorrow Volume 2 Premium Edition Studio:P.A. Works Publisher:NIS America Format: Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack Release Date: July 2, 2013 Price:$69.99 – Available Here
Overview Ever since NIS America started bringing anime to North America alongside video games, they have regularly picked up hidden gems. One such gem happens to be Hanasaku Iroha, which was passed over by other companies back when it aired in 2011 but since NIS America picked up the license, they have already released the first half of the series, the review of which can be found here, and now have released the closing half of the series. Even though things wrapped up decently at the end of the first volume, is volume 2 continue the excellence of Hanasaku Iroha?
Story When we last left Ohana, she had begun to fit in with the rest of the staff at Kissuiso Inn and overcame some of the biggest pieces of drama that the series had going for it. Ohana had managed to partially mend the relationship between her mother and grandmother and managed to find some closure regarding her feelings towards the friend she left behind in Tokyo, Koichi.
With these two major developments wrapped up, Hanasaku Iroha features a number of mini-arcs throughout volume 2 before bringing everything together for the finale. You see, while the first half of the series featured numerous character developments and the bonding of the characters of Hanasaku Iroha, volume 2 takes these well-developed characters and places them in situations where the story can really shine.
By being planted firmly in reality, these characters actually feel genuine, which is something hard to accomplish in anime. As such, one of the high points of Hanasaku Iroha is simply watching Ohana and the rest of the staff live out their lives while working at Kissuiso Inn. That being said, this closing half of the series still has its fair share of drama, mostly centered on a high school festival and the fate of the inn itself.
As mentioned earlier, the fact that we have come to know these characters so well over the course of the series, coupled with the way that Hanasaku Iroha manages to balance the side-characters, is the series’ biggest highlight and seeing them deal with these issues can be quite emotional since they actually have made the viewer care about these characters in a realistic fashion. In fact, one of the major arcs of this half of the series focuses not on Ohana herself, but on Minko and even a minor arc for Nako is presented.
Despite the number of arcs presented throughout volume 2, the series is still extremely slow paced and light-hearted even when something dramatic occurs. It also doesn’t help that the series tends to hold onto story arcs for far too long without any type of development, only making the slow pacing of the series even more frustrating.
That being said, perhaps it is because of this slow-pace that the slice-of-life feel of Hanasaku Iroha feels refreshing and natural compared to standard anime series which usually have forced developments or some odd twist that causes a shift in tone. Even at the end of the series Hansaku Iroha feels rooted in reality and leaves viewers with a bittersweet ending as they say goodbye to a cast they’ve seen live their daily lives for twenty six episodes.
Visuals It would be an understatement to say that Hanasaku Iroha is stunning looking. The amount of detail that P.A. Works has put into every aspect of the series is wondrous to behold, especially on Blu-ray. Since the main focus of the series are the characters, the amount of time spent on their facial expressions and designs. The attention paid to the character designs is especially impressive since the characters regularly wear different outfits without re-using the same designs, minus uniforms, often. There is even a fair bit of fan-service this time around, though nothing over the top, since this half of the series also includes the basic beach/hot spring episode with a twist.
As for the environments themselves, it is clear that the animation studio spent a lot of time making sure that everything looked realistic and impressively detailed. There are numerous sequences throughout the series where the background is used for dramatic affect or a scene lingers on the environment to give viewers a glimpse at the wonderful background designs.
Audio Those familiar with NIS America’s releases know this already, but it is worth noting that Hansaku Iroha: Blossoms for Tomorrow Volume 2 only contains the original Japanese voice track with no English dub. This isn’t too much of an issue however thanks to the fact that the Japanese voice actors have done a great job bringing these characters to life for the audience.
The soundtrack continues to be impressive with numerous light-hearted and relaxing themes that match the nature of the series. Since this is the second half of the series, new opening and ending themes are introduced in the form of “Trace Warp” by Nano Ripe and “Hanasaku Iroha” by Clammbon. The new opening and ending themes continue to be light and fitting with the series, though some may have preferred the first opening to the new one.
Extras As one may have surmised from the title of this review, NIS America has given Hansaku Iroha: Blossoms for Tomorrow Volume 2 the Premium Edition treatment similar to what was found in the first release. The on disc bonuses are rather sparse, with a clean opening theme and multiple clean ending themes for special episodes, as well as trailers for other NIS America anime and the original Japanese trailer for Hanasaku Iroha.
The true bonus in these Premium Editions is not on-disc however, but with the packaging itself. The series comes in an oversized chipboard slipcase featuring Ohana, Minko and Nako in their work clothes on the front and their school uniforms on the back. It is worth noting that the style for this packaging is a bit different than others, since the art box is meant to be displayed horizontally, rather than vertically. This is new for NIS and may make displaying the box a bit difficult for those used to the vertical displays, but this is only a minor issue since the company made great use of the horizontal artwork.
As for the full color art book, the book contains numerous pieces of promotional art for the series featuring the characters in an art gallery, which is then followed up by numerous interviews with members of the Japanese staff. Since the interviews concern the character designer and key animator, these interviews are then followed up with character sketches and notes for each character in the series.
Overall Hansaku Iroha: Blossoms for Tomorrow Volume 2 brings this heartwarming series to a close. It may have been a very slow series throughout both volumes, but the slow pace allowed viewers to grow attatched to the characters in a realistic way by portraying their lives normally as they overcome the difficulties placed in their path. By offering viewers a character driven storyline with a likable cast of characters, it is sad to see such a great series end, especially in a way that will likely leave viewers with a few tears. However that is a sign of a truly exceptional anime, which is exactly what Hanasaku Iroha has proven to be.
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