While Viz Media‘s Weekly Shonen Jump service has become quite popular in the United States, unfortunately many English manga fans were left in the dark around the world because the service was unavailable outside of North America.
Well today it was announced at Anime Expo 2013 that that will soon be changing. The digital manga service is now available in United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand and it can be accessed through Apple’s Newsstand app with an Android version currently in the works. It is worth noting though that anyone outside of US or Canada will not be able to read older issues nor will the Yu-Gi-Oh! cards be sent overseas, but all other features will be available.
Today it was announced by Aniplex of America has given Viz Media the ability to stream Magi – The Labyrinth of Magic on their anime streaming service, Neon Alley. The announcement was made at Anime Expo 2013 and currently it is unknown exactly when the series will be debuting, but it is worth noting that this means that Magi – The Labyrinth of Magic will be getting an English dub.
Magi – The Labyrinth of Magic aired in late 2012 and features re-imagined tales from One Thousand and One Nights, better known as Arabian Nights and lasted for twenty five episodes before ending early this year.
Overview
The platforming genre has really taken off on the mobileplatform, there has been countless titles that have set the market on fire such as Temple Run and Jetpack Joyride. The formula for those types of games is really relatively simple and for many has already grown thin, so how do you build upon the working formula and make it something new? That is were Greedy Dwarf comes in, a game that literally turns the genre on it’s head! Could this be the next big mobile gaming sensation? Read on the find out.
Gameplay Greedy Dwarf is nothing if not innovative, it takes the platforming genre and twists and turns it into something new and fresh. Placing players in control of the titular Dwarf with a greed for gold, you must traverse the caves in your mine cart in order to reach the goal of gold. It is a simple premise but the execution is what is most intriguing.
Instead of the simple gameplay of moving left or right, Greedy Dwarf allows you full 360 degrees rotation of the caves, having you driving upside down or sideways to avoid obstacles. There are also portions in which the game switches camera and becomes a two dimensional side-scrolling platformer providing a fresh little change between the three dimensional sections. This all makes for some very challenging gameplay and is served well be the excellent level design that never seems to grow stale.
The control scheme is quite well conceived simply requiring a swipe to move the Dwarf to the desired location and a two finger tap for jump. It works quite well despite being a little slippery at times.
What makes Greedy Dwarf so good however is the way it looks at gaming in a different light, this isn’t your run of the mill mobile game, there is so much creativity in this incredibly well-conceived game. It is definitely a must play game for mobile devices and at it’s price point you really can’t go wrong here.
Visuals and Audio
Aesthetically Greedy Dwarf is quite colourful and definitely visually appealing. The graphics are quite nice and do a good job at representing the intriguing lava-soaked caverns that our Dwarven hero dares to venture. It doesn’t push too many boundaries visually but given the great level of innovation in the gameplay it is perfectly acceptable.
The soundtrack for Greedy Dwarf gets the job done, but it is far from anything special. It is the weakest portion of this overall great mobile game and does feel somewhat like an afterthought, but it is good enough to get a passing grade, it just doesn’t do anything remarkable instead opting for the simple and straightforward.
Overall
If you are looking for the next great mobile game, Greedy Dwarf is definitely it. By taking a new perspective on the norm, Greedy Dwarf becomes something truly special in a market filled with copycats. This is something new and fresh that deserves your time and attention.
Greedy Dwarf is pure fun with a side dish of challenge to boot. Crescent Moon Games without a doubt have another hit on their hands with this one. Greedy Dwarf breaks new ground by turning the genre upside down and finding magic in a new perspective. A different perspective on the old and faithful proves to make Greedy Dwarf one of most impressive mobile games in recent memory. What are waiting for? Get in the mine cart and get ready for fun.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Smooth Operators Developer: Bulkypix Publisher: Heydeck Games Platforms: iOS (iPhone and iPad), PC, Xbox Live –Reviewed on iPad Release Date: 3rd July 2013 Price: $2.99 – Available Here
Overview Everyone has that dream job, the one that they strive for. Smooth Operators gives you the opportunity to achieve that dream…by running a call centre. OK maybe it’s not everyone’s ideal job. Thrown head first in the cut-throat and pixelated world of business, how will you you handle yourself? What kind of CEO will you be? And just what is synergy?
Time to enter the wonderful world of management
Gameplay Smooth Operators is a call centre simulator and being that, you begin the game with $20,000. That’s how business works right? Regardless, you start the game with enough money to begin your company from the ground up, literally.
You begin the game with a contract and an empty lot. In order to complete the contract, you must purchase blocks and employees and there are numerous types of each. In order to employ people, they require a space to work in. Office spaces house the various employee types, though each has a preferred space. Though they can work anywhere, an office worker will not be happy working in a services block and vice versa. Each employee completes a specific task and in order to remain productive, must be kept happy. Employees moods are affected by the state of the building, so hiring janitors to keep the workspace clean is a must. IT Consultants to fix broken computers, handymen to repair the amenities, everything to keep the company profitable. Adding new features to the building, such as a food kiosk, relaxation room and bathrooms, keeps everyone happy. Just like in real life.
I’m pretty sure this is how all businesses start
As you finish each work day, you are given a spreadsheet displaying your results. Failing to meet the required workload will incur a penalty, whilst completing all work will yield a bonus. Profits, salaries, building costs, it’s all important and all relates to how much you rake in each day. As each day passes, more of the game is also unlocked. Not every employee type or object is available from the get go, so prove yourself a shrewd CEO and gain access to all facets of a successful call centre. The game also contains a gauge that allows you to control how fast time passes. Slow down or even stop time to place purchases without worrying about taking your eye off the company or, if you’re confident enough, activate turbo speed, sit back and watch the money roll in.
From humble beginnings…
Visuals and Audio Smooth Operators employs a pixelated style to bring your very own business to cute little life. Your chibi workforce putters around the office, from computer to canteen, if you’ve built it, and back again. The further you progress, the screen get busier. What began as one employee becomes a force of workers, always moving and, hopefully, always earning money. The more chaotic the screen, the better the call centre is doing.
The soundtrack itself contains two songs that play in a constant loop. That being said, the songs are good and catchy, almost annoyingly so. They have an upbeat style that fits with the style and makes the world of business seem happy and fun. Amidst the soundtrack you can also enjoy the tunes of daily work life, like the ringing of a a building full of phones and the majesty of sweeping brooms. These seem like small aspects of the game, but when they’re all combined, it gives a sense of chaos and work. When the game is quiet, your business is failing.
…a business grows
Overall Though call centre simulator doesn’t seem like the most exciting basis for a game, Smooth Operators is more fun than it sounds. As you progress through the business life, your company grows. Send your employees on vacation, build them better facilities. It’s like your own little family…that you use to earn copious amounts of cash. They get a salary though, so it’s cool. All in all, Smooth Operators is stressful, addictive and full of the real life pressures of business. It’s also cute, peppy and fun.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
That headline title will make a whole lot more sense when you view the titular clip embedded at the bottom of this article, from the upcoming Paramount Pictures film Pain & Gain – directed by Michael Bay.
We also have another new clip called ‘Honest Mistake’ directly below, which shows the gym-rat, criminal-mastermind team (played by Dwayne Johnson, Mark Wahlberg and Anthony Mackie) attempting to kidnap their target hostage (Tony Shalhoub). For those who don’t know, the movie is based on the unbelievable true story of a group of personal trainers in 1990’s Miami who – in pursuit of the American Dream – get caught up in a criminal enterprise that goes horribly wrong.
Finally, check out the following gallery for new screens from the production and the international red band trailer. Pain & Gain comes out August 8 nation-wide.
Are you an avid Android smartphone or tablet user? Do you spend your time on the go playing mobile games but feel frustrated with tacky touchscreen controls? Cue the MOGA Mobile Gaming System, originally released in the US late last year, providing a portable console-like experience for Android systems.
The MOGA controllers come as a choice between two models, the Pocket and Pro. The MOGA Pocket Controller features dual analogue sticks, shoulder triggers and four action buttons, and connects wirelessly via Bluetooth. In conjunction with the MOGA Arm which secures the smartphone, MOGA Pocket gives you a slim and ergonomic design which apparently minimises wrist fatigue.
The MOGA Pro Controller is designed for mobile gamers looking for extended playtime. Or for those with long and boring train trips. The MOGA Prohas full-sized grips, dual analogue sticks and a D-pad for that true console experience. Most importantly, unlike the Pocket it is rechargeable, meaning no batteries.
Currently there are over 100 titles supporting the MOGA system and can be accessed via the free app, MOGA Pivot on the Google Play Store. Games such as Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Real Soccer 2013 and Pacman are among the many supported. The Pivot App is constantly being updated, though, so expect new titles every month.
Pre-orders have opened at EB Games with a bonus offer netting you Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour for free. Hands-on previews will be available at PAX AU on July 19-21 at booth 1209. The MOGA Pocket and Pro will hit selected retailer shelves late August with a price tag of $59 and $79 respectively.
The open-beta for Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is well underway, and has over a million registered players. As promotion for the game, Square Enix have announced that their brand new trailer, “A Tour of Eorzea, Part 3” is available now. The video is the latest in the ongoing series that details the various locations of the Final Fantasy XIV: ARR world.
The video which we have embedded below, is well worth taking a loot at, as it shows some of the game’s beautiful scenery and breathtaking locations. The game’s visuals really pop, and the world of Eorzea radiates the magic and wonder that is unique to the Final Fantasy franchise.
Not only do we get a new video, but Square Enix have also published the start time for this week’s Beta testing. You can play Final Fantasy XIV: ARR starting from Friday, July 5th (AEST) / 9:00pm (NZST). There is currently no confirmed end time for this weekend’s beta testing, but we will keep you updated when we have the info. If you haven’t signed up for the beta yet, then you can still do so by clicking here.
This is the fourth weekend of the Beta 3 Testing stage, and the world is already bustling with life (and I don’t just mean because of the Moogles and Chocobos). The player base is fantastic, and there is a tonne of stuff that you can do in Eorzea. If you are a Final Fantasy fan or an MMO enthusiast, then you should definitely join in the fun of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. If you are part of the beta and want to play with some of the Capsule Computers guys, we hang around on the Admantoise Server.
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is scheduled to release on August 27th for PC and PS3 (with a release on PS4 coming 2014). Check out the “Tour of Eorzea, Part 3” video below, and head over to the game’s Youtube Channelfor more trailers and videos. We will have our thoughts on the beta going up in the near future, (but it is safe to say that you should definitely sign up and get involved). Don’t forget that for all the Final Fantasy XIV: ARR News as it becomes available, stay tuned to Capsule Computers.
Yes! It’s true! Another great One Piece game is heading out of Japan and will slowly make it’s way into the West, first stop; Europe! Namco Bandai Europe announced it on Wednesday that the One Piece: Romance Dawn 3DSRPG will definitely have a European Release. The one thing that hasn’t been confirmed is it’s release in North America.
One Piece: Romance Dawn begins, as the title notes, in the “Romance Dawn” arc of the Series. The game will follow the entire Crew’s adventure all the way up until the Marineford Arc, battling well known enemies such as Buggy, Arlong, Crocodile, Rob Lucci and much more. The game will also feature about a half hour of brand-new, extra Anime footage.
I hear he wants to be King of the Pirates.
RPG lovers will enjoy this journey, levelling up Luffy and his nakama, as well as customising and crafting a ton of items. The game will also include clever strategy with a “Grand Tactical Battles” feature. Players must react quickly, and make a swift judgement calls to decide their own path by pressing the right button. The “Grand Chain” will also let experienced players unleash their power and connect multiple Special Attacks in a row.
One Piece: Romance Dawn will be released in Japan on the 8th of August and will be released in Europe sometime in November, no specific date has been outlined as of yet but keep your eye on the site for any details that will be released within the coming months. For more information, visit the official site and check out the pics and trailer below.
Playjam, the premier global platform for Android powered portable games consoles, have launched a competition this week with DiabloSkinz to allow budding designers, games developers and fans of GameStick to customise skins for the device.
Anthony Johnson, CMO, Playjam declared “We are so thrilled to be able to offer our fans this opportunity and within hours of the competition going live we have had some amazing submissions. The ability to completely personalise your GameStick is a totally unique one and we have had some amazing feedback so far. We are just excited every time we get a submission to see the creativity that is out there. Good luck to all the entrants.”
The Facebookcompetition requires entrants to submit their own skin artwork for GameStick to be put to the public vote, where the top ten ‘official’ designs will then be made available to purchase when GameStick goes on sale in August.
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to have your customised design chosen; stay tuned for Facebook updates and tweet your design to gain maximum votes using #MyGameStickSkin.
Ready to fly? This week on the Nintendo download circuit is a little lighter than normal, but should still interest a few due to some nice titles going on sale. Pilotwings is the stand-out and only release on the Wii U, bringing the high-flying favorite to the platform’s Virtual Console service for $7.99.
The 3DS is seeing some love as well, with the Game Gear racer Sonic Drift 2 available for $3.99. Fans of killing deer are also in luck, as Deer Hunting Kingcan be found on the service for $4.99, while the darker Vampire Master of Darkness is available at the same price with more of a retro vibe attached. G-LOC Air Battle is another Sega classic that can be swooped up for $3.99 this week as well, and the hidden object romp Fishdom H2O: Hidden Odyssey can be purchased for a buck more if you enjoy your stunning underwater fauna.
As for sales, Mighty Switch Force can be found at a discounted price of $3.99 until 9 a.m. PT on July 11, and the Wii U Hyper Drive Edition is also on sale for $6.67 for the same time period. Planet Crashers and Order Up! Finish off this week’s offering by also receiving a cut, bringing down their prices to $4.99 for the 3DS eShop.
And that is a wrap! Go shoot fireworks and download as you please, and we will keep you updated with all of the great finds for next week…next week!
