The last time there was any new information on Traveller’s Tales Games (TT Games) and Warner Bros. newest addition to the LEGO series of games, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes, it was to show off the characters in their new LEGOfied forms. This was definitely great to see, as character designs are sometimes the most impressive thing about LEGO games, a zen of minimalism and flare.
What new information they have for players this month takes it to the next logical step, as a Sneak Peak Trailer shows more of the little guys in motion. Though as a sneak peak the trailer doesn’t show much more than we’ve already known, as it focuses on the characters that were already confirmed, i.e. Spider-Man, Thor, Wolverine, Hulk, Deadpool, etc. The trailer does give a taste of the voice acting for LEGO Marvel Super Heroes though, which players can check out just below.
Brief but informative, really the only question the trailer leaves is, was the narrator just a narrator or in fact Nick Fury? Anyway, Stark is correct about needing a bigger team to take on the threat they’ll be facing (Galactus much?), which luckily LEGO Marvel Super Heroes will feature a roster of 100+ characters to play as when it releases in Fall (or Spring in Australia) for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii U consoles; Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, and PlayStation Vita handhelds; and last but not least PC.
If you happened to be an ambassador or have purchased a good number of downloadable classics on the 3DS, this news is for you. Starting this week – or on May 3rd to be exact, many two player virtual console titles will add in download play, allowing a second owner of a 3DS to download the game temporarily to join in on some two player gaming. This week, Balloon Fight, Yoshi, Super C, and Ice Climber have all appeared and will be the first selected for the update.
If that wasn’t sweet enough, the AU is also getting Pac-Man (NES) and Mega Man this week on the Wii U, and Zen Pinball 2 and all of it’s glorious tables can be downloaded via the free trial service. Yes, the Australian eShop is lacking, but with these retro favorites, you guys down under are getting there. Open up that 3DS this Friday and start your downloading!
Today gamers across North America have a chance to play a hidden gem of a game that has been polished up and given a Director’s Cut version. The game I’m speaking of is of course Rising Star Games’ Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut which was just released today on the PlayStation 3 in North America.
Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut takes the original experience offered to fans by Swery and enhances it with an additional scenario, HD graphics, better controls and more. For those who don’t know, Deadly Premonition follows special agent Francis York Morgan as he investigates a brutal murder in a small country town in America. However when things take a supernatural twist, York may be in for more than he bargained for. At least he can always take a break for some coffee right?
Bowers & Wilkins announced the release of their P3 on-ear headphones in a new bold blue colour today. The headphones are light weight and can be folded for mobile users on the go. The cables can be be replaced with one of two possible cables, one designed for the iPhone and one designed for all mobile phones and MP3 players. The ear pads are also replaceable. Bowers & Wilkins have tuned the headphones to their signature balanced sound.
The Bowers & Wilkins P3 is available at Harvey Norman, JB HiFi, Myer, DJs, Apple and selected B&W specialist stores for $269.95 AUD in blue, black, and ivory.
Red Crow Mysteries: Legion Developer: Cateia Games Publisher:G5 Entertainment AB Platforms: iOS (iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad), PC, Mac (reviewed on iPod Touch) Release Date: 1st May 2013 Price: Free – Available here
Overview “My name is Legion; for we are many.” – Gospel of Mark, 5:9 Enter a world of intrigue and the supernatural. Fight against an oncoming evil that will threaten the world. Prove yourself to the spirits beyond…By working out how to open that door.
Story You are Mum’s daughter (there aren’t any names given, work with me here) and you have a gift. Possessing the power to see the dead, or another dimension, or both…it’s a little vague. Regardless, you awake in your room and speak with Mum, who’s a ghost, who sets you on your quest. The puzzles throughout the game, like opening a door and solving a sliding tile game, are apparently tests. You must prove yourself strong of mind and character in order to train to face Legion. An ancient evil, Legion has been consistently defeated each time he tries to take over the world, or destroy it (not sure). Like your Mother and Grandfather before you, you must stop Legion. To be honest I’m not sure why there even is a story, it really doesn’t come into play. Apart from a few mentions, nothing you do sheds any light on the situation. You are “Chosen” and for some reason figuring out how to reach that coin will prepare you to fight the Devil/Legion guy. Not to spoil for anyone interested, but the game ends on, not so much a sour note as a flat one. The game seems to be trying to build a world, but they’re using the wrong tools. A game like this really isn’t designed for a plot as inherently complex as “save the world from the forces of evil.”
Gameplay A classic escape the room/hidden object style puzzle game. Each room contains certain objects which are required to progress. Some objects are more obvious, and sensible, than others, such as finding a key to open a door or fuses for a fusebox. As the game progresses and you get into the swing of things the puzzles get more difficult. Sometimes it is required to combine items, like adding soap to water or bullet to gun, both real examples. In addition to these are more traditional puzzles, such as tile sliding. These more in depth puzzles generally guard an object needed to proceed. The game does have three difficulty setting (Easy, Casual and Hard) and each vary the amounts of hints provided. Objects can be set to sparkle after a time of inactivity and each area can bring up a list of what hasn’t been found yet. There is also a hint meter that recharges after a set period of time, providing directions and “suggestions” of item combinations. As you play each puzzle section, a solve meter fills and gives you the option to skip said challenge if you can’t, or don’t want to, complete it.
Audio and Visuals The visuals of this game are okay, not that there’s much to look at apart from rooms. The characters that are shown are single frame 3D figures, who look like they come from a flash game. Due to the “scary” nature of the game the areas are generally dark. This doesn’t always help when finding clues. Without the clues active it can be incredibly hard to see what you need to collect. The size of the screen (I played it on the iPod Touch) can be a problem for the same reasons, especially when finding small or out of the way items, though the zoom feature helps to some degree.
The audio of the game is pretty repetitious. Basic “ominous” music plays throughout the entirety of the game, setting the backdrop for the story. The hints also have sound effects, just in case you can’t see it you can hear the sparkles. The characters themselves are actually voice acted, which was a nice touch. Though the voices aren’t the worst, they’re not exactly memorable. Mum has a calm peaceful voice as opposed to the creepy, near monotone voice of Legion, though both lack expression. A few stock standard sound effects are also thrown in, like a creaky door and ominous crow.
Overall It’s an okay game. The world threatening, “part of something bigger than you” style plot seemed out of place in an escape the room puzzle game. The actions of the game didn’t lend to the story at all, other than some minor exposition from the Mum there isn’t any plot development. The game was decent for a puzzle game, it was interesting and challenging, though some situations definitely benefit from the hint system. Overall, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it if you are a fan of this specific genre. Play it for the puzzles, not the story because well, there really isn’t one.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Innex, Inc. has become one of the fastest growing international video game accessory distributors, and now they want you to kick it old school.
With their announcement of the Super Retro Console and Adapter, Innex is giving fans of retrovideogames a chance to play their old school console games without having to buy a time machine! It will let players pop in their NES, SNES, Genesis, and Game Boy Advance games and go.
The console has been developed by Retro-bit and is being distributed exclusively by Innex. They will have a booth set up at this year’s upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles from June 11 to June 13.
Product highlights include:
• Super Retro Trio – Play classic NES, SNES and GENESIS games directly from the original cartridges onto the SR3. The modern design of this 3-in-1 home system allows for less clutter and more gaming. It’s equipped with 3 cartridge slots, 6 controller ports compatible with original or third party controllers, two 16-bit game controllers, an S-video connection, an AC adapter and an AV cable. SRP $69.99
• Super Retro Adapter – Play original GBA game cartridges directly on the SNES or any third party 16-bit console. The Super Retro Adapter comes equipped with a GBA link cable port (link cable sold separately) for connecting of up to 3 Gameboy systems which allows you to play 4-way gaming. SRP $39.99
• Super Retro Bundle – Combines both the Super Retro Trio with the Super Retro Adapter into one awesome bundle of retro fun. SRP: $89.99
For more information, be sure to check out Innex’s official website here.
There’s now a new reason to return to the wasteland, as a new “Doctor Who” themed mod has been released. Fallout: Who Vegas, from modders Demeggy and Spyduck, is looking to bring everything you love from the long-running series into the Mojave Wasteland in the first of three “Waves”.
This installment brings several new features to the table including the shows resident tool for any spot, the Sonic Screwdriver. But that is definitely not all fellow wanderers as the iconic TARDIS is along for the journey. Not a click-and-go affair, it requires fleet fingers as you race around the console piloting it through the vortex, but miss a step and you might find yourself with a broken ship. There is a short quest to go along with discovering the TARDIS to familiarize the player with the new surroundings and the function of everything. And for players not willing to raise their karma levels, hidden is the Master’s Laser Screwdriver to deal damage with similar functions to the Doctor’s tool, with a few extra surprises.
With Wave two being worked on, this looks to be a very expansive mod for an already massive game. Additional information can be found at the mods official blog, and don’t forget to check out our review of Fallout: New Vegas.
Today marks a historical landmark for all creatures of Faerûn. Dungeons and Dragons Neverwinter finally opens its beta to all users across the globe. Crafted by Cryptic Studios and Perfect World Entertainment, Neverwinter is free-to-play costing players only a download queue. Cryptic Studios Executive Producer and COO, Craig Zinkievich had the following to add:
After four successful Beta Weekends and many months of internal Alpha tests, we are thrilled to be in Open Beta. On behalf of the entire team at Perfect World and Cryptic Studios, I’d like to thank the Founders, Beta Weekend participants, Alpha testers, fans, and press for their feedback and continued support in making Neverwinter the best game we’ve ever launched.
In junction with the unveiling open beta, Neverwinter‘s “Gateway” has been implemented for players to view player’s in-game status via a web portal. Neverwinter gamers will be able to craft/view characters, utilize their auction house, update guild information, and check their mail from this nifty device. Why are you still reading? You realize it is out right now?! Access the Neverwinter site (here) and download the client right now!
If you cannot wait to see the opening trailer, take a glance below to get your jollies all jiggled up.
StarWars Day, colloquially known as May the Fourth, is a day every year for fans of the Star Wars franchise to set aside and reflect on their love of nerd culture. It’s also a day for those fans to bond by greeting everyone with a hearty “May the Fourth be with you.” Now,Zen Studios, the developers behind Zen Pinball, want to join the celebration.
In order to celebrate Star Wars Day, Zen Studios will be offering a 50% discount on Star Wars Pinball beginning today, April 30. The game will also be made available for the Kindle Fire HD just in time for the festivities.
From April 30th to May 7th, players can get 50% off the digital purchases including:
Star Wars™ Pinball for Pinball FX2™ on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for 400 MSP
Star Wars™ Pinball for Zen Pinball 2 on PlayStation® Network Europe PS PLUS Sale for €4.99
Star Wars™ Pinball on the Apple App Store for $0.99
Star Wars™ Pinball on Google Play™ for $0.99
Star Wars™ Pinball on Kindle Fire HD for $0.99
Star Wars™ Pinball for Zen Pinball™ 2 on the Mac App Store for $0.99
You can check out Zen Studios official websiteherefor more information.
Telltale Games’ Poker Night 2 Developer: Telltale Games Publisher: Telltale Games Platforms:PS3, Xbox 360, PC (reviewed), iOS (no release date) Release Date: 24th April 2013 Price: $4.99 – Available Here for PCand Xbox 360
Overview
There’s this crazy new game out and everyone’s playing it. Have you heard of a little thing called Texas Hold ‘Em? Oh you have? Clever you. Only one thing makes a game like this worth your time: a deep love of the characters involved and a decent knowledge of how poker is played. Being addicted to unlockable content is going to help a bunch too.
Story
Our erstwhile silent protagonist, Player, has been invited to play at a poker night hosted by video game-land’s most notorious late night haunt, The Inventory. High stakes poker draws in a varied crowd of characters from popular games, movies and cartoons, all trying to out weird each other in a bid to take home the cash. That’s about it for narrative as this game focuses on character above all else, except for cross-promotion maybe.
You’ll meet Borderlands‘ Claptrap, Sam of Sam & Max, The Evil Dead‘s Ash, Venture Bro‘s Brock Samson features as the game’s big bluffer and GLADoS is the dealer. Tales from Monkey Island‘s Captain Reginald Van Winslow returns as the host for Poker Night 2. The characters are all pulled off with varying degrees of success. As a massive Evil Dead fan I really appreciated the chin-based humour but unfortunately Ash is the worst character of the bunch. Claptrap remains the acquired taste that has polarised gamers throughout Borderlands’ history. Boring is an understatement for Brock, without his universe around him he just acts like an other one of Patrick Warburton’s super manly characters. Truth be told Sam is pretty useless and GLADoS is as glib as ever. There’s a relationship strung out between her and Claptrap but it rarely garners more than a chuckle.
A core component of this game is unlocking stuff, of which new levels kind of add extra story. It’s less ‘story’ than character-consistent banter in their respective universes. How invested you are in each of these characters is going to determine how much you get out of each of these scenarios. There are some great moments to be found here though the devil’s in the detail. Claptrap dressing up when you play his level, which pretty much consists of painting on a tux and wearing a ridiculously posh hat, is a nice touch. Sam & Max are extremely tame compared to games like Hit the Road, as Sam is the one they chose to play at the table. To be fair, you can’t have Max front and centre but I can’t help thinking that putting such a close-knit pair in a game where only one can play is a mistake. Inasmuch their world doesn’t fully respect the universe they came from.
Is there a point where fan service becomes unpalatable? For me there is and being terrible at poker doesn’t help. Genuinely unique opportunities for classic dialogue are wasted here for quick references that die-hards will undoubtedly piss themselves over but leave anyone without a knowledge of the deep lore in the dark. Then again, who’s going to buy a single player poker game that isn’t looking for the trimmings?
Gameplay
I’m not going to go through the mechanic of Texas Hold ‘Em. If you don’t know the rules there’s a tutorial that is reasonably clear but nowhere near as funny as it needs to be. There’s also a four card hand mode for less confident players. Poker Night 2 is heavily stacked in your favour and if you have the slightest idea of what you’re doing you’ll have everything unlocked in a quick session or two. Alas, if you aren’t there’s no way to logically work out how the characters are going to interpret a bluff. Each character is attached to a particular play style, which makes cracking their bluffs easy if you’re familiar with the respective franchises. A choice like this makes perfect sense but the characters present aren’t all conducive to a poker match, which makes you wonder why they included characters so far out of their comfort zone.
Extra trimmings have been added in order to flesh out the experience but they’re mostly ignorable. Buying players drinks will make them slip up more by giving away their bluffs. I barely noticed the impact on play but I’m sure you’d burn through this game faster if you consistently bought more drinks. GLADoS keeps track of your progress by belittling you when you screw up, which is fair I guess. The flip side to this is that seasoned players will miss some of her better dialogue snippets. Whether that’s a loss or a bonus is dependent on how competitive you are.
Seeing as unlockable items are so ingrained in the gaming process of Poker Night 2 I’ll deal with it as if it were a mechanic. They’re certainly the highlight of the experience and appear to be crafted as the key motivation to play so I think it’s appropriate. Depending on the platform you’ll be able to unlock various in-game items for your library. On Steam you get Team Fortress 2 skins based on the characters included, Xbox gives you Avatar items and you’ll receive themes on the Playstation 3. Each platform reveals unlocks for Borderlands 2, oddly dating the game just as it’s released. Replayability is solely dependent on how many items you want for your characters. For me, that interest was exceptionally limited. Then again, I’m not a hoarder.
Visuals & Audio
Shockingly, this game plays it exceptionally safe when it comes to the overall aesthetic. Each character is faithfully imported to the game, again highlighting the weird selection process for the developers when including them. Sam, Brock and Ash all suffer from their conversion to 3D animation. Sam and Brock look like they should in a 3D world yet considering how tightly the framing is controlled in-game, surely this is unnecessary. Ash loses all conviction without Bruce Campbell being either the physical or vocal representation. After all The Evil Dead is 90% Bruce, 10% chin with the remainder going to the Ramii brothers. The visual and audio have been treated exactly as you would expect in a game like this. Faithfully, nothing more.
Overall
Poker Night 2 feels like a skins pack that included a poker mini game to justify charging $5 for admission. Having said that, this game is fairly priced. This is exactly $4.99’s worth of game. If you love just one of these franchises then you’ll get your money’s worth. Erratic character inclusions hurt the effectiveness of the game, simply because a few of them don’t suit poker. I understand that poker is a great conceit to bring all these characters together and listen to them talk but you have to ask yourself if another poker game is what you really need in your life right now. Even then, there’s a unique depression that goes alongside losing a single player poker game that’s best avoided.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
