Following the rather fairly conclusive finale of the Psycho-Passanime series, few speculated that a second season would be commissioned. Well despite the sense of finality from the conclusion, it has been confirmed at Anime Expo that a second season of Psycho-Pass has indeed been green-lit.
Production I.G’s CEO Mitsuhisa Ishikawa made the announcement at Anime Expo 2013 during an anime panel, confirming that production on the second season was already underway. He did not however give any details on when the series would air or how many episodes have been allotted for the second season.
Stay tuned for further developments on the second season of Psycho-Pass as they surface.
The Last of Us, Naughty Dog’s post-apocalyptic, story-driven survival horror has been making waves since its launch a few short weeks ago. It has been met with universal critical acclaim, as well as winning over gamers the world over, and even being responsible for the sale of a few new PS3 Units. In just a few short weeks, The Last of Us has managed to sell a staggering 3.4 million copies.
Sony President, Shuhei Yoshida is obviously giddy about these sales numbers, but maintains that The Last of Us, and its developers at Naughty Dog are just another example of why Playstation is king of gaming. He said that;
These sales figures are a testament to the blockbuster quality of The Last of Us … The teams at Naughty Dog are true visionaries and their storytelling capabilities are second to none, this title is an undisputed demonstration of that. PlayStation continues to be committed to delivering unique gameplay experiences that redefine the interactive entertainment industry and The Last of Us is a perfect example
Although Naughty Dog is by and far the crown jewel of Sony’s first-party publishers, and is responsible for some of the company’s best selling and most well received games (the Uncharted series being the most prominent example), no one predicted the success that the The Last of Us would achieve. The game has already smashed the sales expectations to become not only the best selling PS3 game of 2013, but also the PS3’s best selling New IP since the console’s launch.
If you still haven’t played The Last of Us, and want to know what all the fuss is about, then definitely check out our review here, then go out and buy the game. New DLC will be released shortly, and we will have all the news as it breaks. So as usual, for all the Last of Us news, be sure to stay tuned to Capsule Computers.
Developer: Sumom Games Publisher: Sumom Games Platforms:PC (Reviewed) Release Date:July 11th, 2013 Price: $10.00 –Available Here
Overview
Sumom Games presents to arcade gamers Humans Must Answer, a classic 2D horizontal space shooter that has not only made an explosive entrance online, but has brought to life a new type of space invader. The concept of intelligent chickens overrunning the Yolk (Solar) System may seem ridiculous, but works really well for distinguishing this indie title. The question is whether or not taking on this challenging adventure will rise above our eggs-pectations or crash into flames.
Story
The mission is to reach the Yolk System N-365 in response to a SOS call about a malfunction regarding the Yolk (Sun). It is our responsibility to pilot the Golden Eagle vessel through the Hyperspace Tunnel to ensure Colonel Ram and Professor Bez in the Military Operative and Science Wing reach the final destination alive to save the galaxy. As can be expected, there is no easy way to escape the AI forces, meteorites, destructive vehicles and multitudes of explosives that appear at every corner. More to the point of story, I was pleasantly surprised with how well the narrative is integrated in the game, as the depth of the story aligns with the player’s progress against Humans and Robots in the Yolk System. Additionally, before each new level begins, players can access space logs with briefings and insights from Ram and Bez to understand more about each individual task to complete the overall mission.
Gameplay
In terms of gameplay, Humans Must Answer have designed a well thought out campaign that caters towards the spectrum of sci-fi and shoot ’em up (shmup) audiences. Before beginning the campaign, the player must choose a difficulty mode between easy, medium, hard or very hard. Considering the intense level of difficulty I found on medium, I will suggest that even players with average space shooting experience should start slowly. Accordingly, the most notable feature I found was game-replay, because there are no lives in the game, players must repeat each level to reach the ideal amount of points; including high level scores and golden and silver egg bonuses to proceed further into the Yolk System. I will admit that it was frustrating having to go back several times to collect added hidden bonuses, after just surviving the level alone. Although, the main incentive for retackling each challenging level is to collect golden eggs and money earned to upgrade and sell weaponry, special equipment and supply armour from the shop, which are detrimental to successfully completing the game.
The most exciting element of the gameplay was utilising the excellent and powerful range of weaponry, including omnidirectional explosives, machine, canon and lightning guns, the slow-mo. device, metal armour shields and energy generators, along with deployable drone turrets as the perfect sidekick for demolishing enemies. The two types of weapons are Energy (blue), which can be regenerated and Kinetic (red), which can only be boosted by collecting matter in the game. Conveniently, players can shoot specific space vehicles to pickup health, energy and kinetic matter during the levels to better handle their machinery and increase their expectancy of survival. As you travel further through the game, certain levels require specific weaponry to conquer maze obstacles and access secret passages. Sumom Games should be commended for the variety of intellectual puzzles throughout the game, that require players to constantly make quick decisions about strategic methods of attack and survival.
Despite the consistent action-packed entertainment within each of the 26 levels, I was disappointed that the time frame was not longer. I think that the game would benefit from having a fewer amount of levels, for example 20, and longer time frames to ensure that players gain the most rewards and experience from gameplay.
Visuals
The stunning 2D visuals create a mind-blowing atmosphere of detailed environmental layers within the Yolk System, including New Uruk, a city in the Uruk Sulcus region on Jupiter’s moon, Ganymede. The amazing composition of the galaxy from the space map to specific planets in the levels, highlights the developers talent in artistic design and formulating a memorable visual experience for players. Unfortunately, the fast-paced nature of the game and constant action means we can’t pause and appreciate the scenery, without getting ourselves killed.
Audio
I really enjoyed the game’s soundtrack, as the soft and fast-paced beats of eerie space echoes heightened the tension within the atmosphere, yet provides a relaxing and smooth tone of background music. It is hard to distinguish an original playlist from similar space shooter games, however Humans Must Answer brings to light modern arcade sounds that suit the amount of concentration required for each level within the game. Following the spacey soundtrack are in-game sounds, such as machine guns and sirens, that stand out amidst the ongoing explosions to keep players alert and have their guard up at all times.
Overall
Humans Must Answer is a brilliantly addictive 2D space shooter game, that surfaces above the high eggs-pectations of arcade gamers. I would recommend this game for anyone who enjoys challenges, puzzles, strategy, explosions and space adventures. The game succeeds in terms of implementing a new concept, where humans are the enemy and chickens are the conquerors of the Yolk System, as well as giving players the opportunity to improve their arcade shooting and strategic thinking skills. Come aboard the Golden Eagle and hatch the beginning of a new universal leader!
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
We haven’t heard much from NIS America about Disgaea D2, also known as Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness, since they announced that they would be bringing the game to the West. Well today the company decided to let us know exactly when the various Western countries can expect the game to appear on store shelves.
Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness will be hitting North American shelves on October 8th while Europe gets it a week and a half earlier on September 27th. The game will sell for $49.99 but it will also have a special limited edition that will only be available through NIS America’s online store.
The online store edition sells for $104.99 but it will include two little figurines of the iconic Etna and Flonne, a colored art book, the two disc soundtrack for the game, a Disgaea D2 strategy guide and finally five special art cards, making it a must for any fan of the Disgaea series.
In the latest Episode of Rally Point, the Battlefield AI in Total War: Rome II gets discussed.
Rally Point is a community video series brought to us by the Total War team over at The Creative Assembly. Hosted by the community department (Craig and Will), they bring us the latest news, updates and behind the scenes interviews straight from the studio. All filming for Rally Point occurs in The Creative Assembly’s Horsham studio, where the development of all new games in the Total War series takes place. Shows usually feature around a particular topic or theme.
Previous episodes have seen the reveal of new factions, features, and more regarding the upcoming, Sega-published Total War: Rome IIRTS. Be sure to check out past episodes in the series via the Rally Point YouTube Channel for Q & A’s, information on development and the latest news.
Another DVD Review Studio: P.A. Works Publisher: Hanabee Format: DVD (reviewed), Blu-ray Release Date: July 3, 2013 Price: $59.99 – Available Here
Overview One of the great things about the anime medium is its capability to portray intense thrillers with unsettling horror elements. That’s not to say it’s common when we do get a series from this genre, as for a scary thriller to succeed it must be done with flair. Another is a fairly recent stab at the genre, weaving together creepy visuals, a mystery and grisly killings reminiscent of Final Destination. Does it have what it takes to join the ranks of successful horror anime? Read on.
Story Another’s first episode starts by ensuring you won’t get a good night’s sleep. A student attending Yomiyama North Middle School dies suddenly in 1972, shocking her classmates and teacher enough to pretend that she’s still alive and well. While good-intentioned, this move sparks a curse which plagues the class from then onwards. Fast forward 26 years and the plot is centred on Kouichi Sakakibara, a transfer student about to attend Yomiyama North.
From the outset, something is very wrong with the town and, in particular, the students of his class. After a creepy elevator scene that would do the game F.E.A.R. proud, we are introduced to the other crucial character, Mei Misaki. Only she acts like a ghost, looks like a ghost and is treated like a ghost. Everyone Kouichi meets denies knowing who she is and her very name strikes fear in the hearts of his fellow students. Naturally, our protagonist’s stubborn curiosity prevails as he is determined to figure out this creepy situation. A sense of foreboding permeates a large portion of the show as the audience is left without answers for many episodes.
It doesn’t take long before things start hitting proverbial fans, as students begin to die in grisly and seemingly coincidental circumstances. Clues are sparse, and the mystery of the deaths continues even after Kouichi befriends the girl and discovers why she is treated like a pariah. Without spoiling much, things start to get very serious when we see the students try and tackle the issue in an effort to prevent further losses.
Although the supernatural elements are dulled somewhat once everything starts to fall into place, bodies continue to drop and you’re constantly left guessing as Another reaches its climax in a fiery conclusion.
Visuals The animation by P.A. Works here is hard to fault, but in particular the art direction is to be praised. I can only imagine how crisp some of the scenes look on the Blu-ray version. The visuals in Another work together to create a truly unsettling experience, whether it’s the depressing town in the midst of Autumn, the old school buildings or the copious amounts of gore whenever a character gets knocked off. That’s right, Another is very violent with its gruesome death scenes. Being a DVD release, this is uncensored and thus can be shocking for those who are unprepared.
Dolls are featured fairly prominently in Another, with a ghastly shot often cutting in at random places in the early stages of the series. The doll imagery is tied to Mei, which is appropriate considering her emotions roughly equate to that of a doll.
Audio Haunting melodies and terrifying silence is the order of the day for Another. The soundtrack really is skillfully done as it is genuinely creepy, weaving in and out of conversations and knowing when to keep quiet in order to maximise the tension. The music really is essential to bring out the fitting atmosphere of a horror title and the composer has accomplished just that.
The English audio included with Hanabee’s release is aptly handled, with voice actors fitting the characters they portray. While not particularly stellar, the dub does a satisfying job in capturing the creepy, often insane events of Another.
The opening theme is performed by Ali Project, and anyone familiar with her work can imagine how fitting her twisted melodies are with a show like this. I’m personally not a fan of her work, but I can see how well it works here. The ending theme shows a nice, somewhat sad side to all the characters as happier days are shown for each.
Extras
This is a Hanabee release, and that usually means above average packaging. We’re happy to note that is the case here as Another is offered in two ultra-thin DVD cases with lovely cover art, fitted snugly inside a vibrant slip case. On the discs, though, there isn’t too much to see other than the main feature.
It is a little disappointing that they didn’t include the Another OVA, but this was the case for the North American release as well so that isn’t much to complain about. You do have your clean opening and ending along with a dual audio track, making this a fairly nice but standard release.
Overall The question you should ask yourself as an anime fan, when was the last time you saw a good horror anime? What about a shocking thriller? As mentioned earlier, these shows aren’t exactly abundant in this medium. I can comfortably recommend Another next to legends such as Higurashi/When They Cry, not only for the gory thrills but also in terms of a clever plot. The twists are unpredictable and you’ll be left frantically wondering who will be next to go. Grab a clean pair of underwear and watch the madness unfurl.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Wouldn’t it be great to see what goes on behind the doors of Studio Ghibli? Well soon you will be able to with the release of a documentary about the much loved anime studio.
Filmmaker Mami Sunada focuses the documentary around the development of Ghibli’s upcoming movies Kaguya-hime no Monogatari and Kaze Tachino (The Wind Rises), with interviews from director Isao Takahata, producer Toshio Suzuki and even the man himself… Hayao Miyazaki.
The documentary will be titled Yume no Kyoki no Okuku, which translates as The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness. Both the documentary and Kaguya-hime plan to be premiered during the fall season of this year whilst Kaze Tachino is scheduled to premiere this month on the 20th.
This will be the second project that Sunada has directed, her first documentary entitled Death of a Japanese Salesman was based around her father’s illness and final days before his death.
Ubisoft has just unveiled that new features are on the horizon for Anno Online. Future updates will contain the inclusions of shipyard, treasure hunt, and optimized tutorial features. Let’s see what the new features have to offer:
New Shipyard Design
Built to encompass a fresh hand-off to new players, the shipyard re-design allows players to view/build ready-to-use ships with captains already aboard. Noticeable improvements can be seen with trade ships traveling faster and with enlarged cargo capacity for transport fleets.
Expanded Treasure Hunt
To extend the pre-existing treasure hunt, four new treasure hunters are available who can assist you in the quest for finding ultimate treasures. Such treasures include but are not limited to tools, beer, meat, brocade robes, ship parts, or even improved sails.
Optimized Tutorial
Perhaps the most prominent update is the inclusion of an optimized in-game tutorial. Better explanations of complex game mechanics have been reworked into the system by rearranging the availability of quests in junction with clearer explanatory texts. Players can expect a step-by-step explanation to get started with the free-to-play title. With the shipyard receiving a re-design, it will now be unlocked at 900 vassals giving a new player enough time to understand the in and outs of the ship system.
You can create your own account for the MMO and begin playing Anno Online for free (here).
Face Noir – a murder mystery that cannot be passed up – has a free demo available courtesy of localization provided by Phoenix Online Studios. Developed by Italian indie game developer Mad Orange, the game follows the story of a private investigator in 1930’s New York City in a point-and-click adventure. Players will take on the role of ex-cop Jack Del Niro, and find themselves immediately drawn into a world of crime where contacts and persuasion (friendly or not so nice) truly matter.
Face Noir will be released for PC on July 18th, so take advantage of testing out the demo for free (here). You may also choose to pre-order the title for the discounted price of $15.99 with a soundtrack included (here).
Eymerich is called to investigate an obscure case, beyond heresy, that reveals a new face of Evil. He must tackle many arduous tasks. He must make many painful choices. He must take on terrible creatures. But his burning determination will overcome the Plague and his worst nightmares.
Following the rather fairly conclusive finale of the Psycho-Pass anime series, few speculated that a second season would be commissioned. Well despite the sense of finality from the conclusion, it has been confirmed at Anime Expo that a second season of Psycho-Pass has indeed been green-lit.
