Page 4690 – Capsule Computers

Parrot Product Showcase 2013

-

April 19, 2013

Earlier today us here at Capsule Computers were invited to a small media showcase for the company Parrot. Parrot themselves are renown for their superior offerings in car-related products, like GPS systems, but have also been dabbling in other marketplaces. It was at this media showcase that we were able to take a look into some of these products and revisit some of them from our past.

The first Parrot product I’d like us to return to is the Parrot Zik headphones. These Headphones are a pair of wireless headphones that allow users to connect to their smartphones via bluetooth and have them control their musical experiences with ease. What was particularly great about the Parrot Zik headphones was that when they were synched with your phone, you could use an App for either Android or iPhone to enhance the experience that the Zik provided. This meant that you can change the angles of the virtual speakers which in-turn affected the audio of the actual speakers, you can play with equaliser settings and you can also turn off and on active noise cancellation.

The following is an excerpt from my review, which can be read here:

Despite some minor issues and the one with sound quality, these headphones are leagues ahead of their major competitor and are superior to most headphones that I have listened to in the past. If you’re someone that wants a trendy pair of wireless headphones that will make the Dre drones droll then these are the pair for you. However, if you’re a hardcore audiophile and not too fussed on aesthetics, there are superior headphones out there and you probably already have a pair of them.

The next item I want to talk about is the Parrot A.R. Drone 2.0, which was also at the showcase. The A.R. Drone 2.0 is the second iteration of the Parrot A.R. Drone technology. What the A.R. Drone is, essentially, is a device that flies in the air using four propellers and is controlled via a smartphone through WiFi. The second iteration of this drone gives users the ability to see the world through the eyes of the A.R. Drone itself. Users of the device are then able to record and save these videos for later use, or for uploading to Youtube. I have to say that we had the most fun at the showcase with this gadget.

Here is an excerpt from our review, written by Kyle Moore. The review can be found here.

The AR.Drone 2.0 is hands down one of the best toys I have ever had the pleasure to play with in my life. The fact that Parrot continue to develop games so you can get the most out of this remote control wonder means you’ll never get bored of the Drone. Speeding through the skies, performing backflips or barrel rolls, mapping out the best flight paths, just getting a new perspective on a familiar space – whatever your poison is, the AR.Drone 2.0 as a source of enjoyment has no limits. Oh and as an added bonus. Dogs love them.

The last items I wanted to talk about are some cool seeming car related technologies from Parrot. Now, I didn’t spend too much time with these devices as they are outside of Capsule Computer’s scope, but I think I’ve got the main points down. The devices as are called the Parrot Asteroid and they come in different flavours. The devices are called the Parrot Asteroid “Tablet”, “Smart” and “Mini”. Each of these devices serve as a GPS unit and centralised control device for your car. From what I could tell, they run on some variation of Android OS. Personally speaking, I can see how these devices would be useful for car owners, but I’m not one of them so I really can’t be too sure how much use these would get.

Overall, Parrot have a great offering here in Australia and consumers should be on the lookout for any of their products. Especially the AR. Drone. That thing is awesome.

PlayStation Plus Review

Zac Elawar

-

April 19, 2013

0

PlayStation Plus
Developer: Sony
Publisher: Sony
Platform: PlayStation 3, PS Vita
Price: $19.95 (90 Days), $69.95 (1 Year)

Overview

The PlayStation Plus subscription-based service launched back on June 29th, 2010 as part of the PSN on PlayStation 3 and – at the time – the PSP. You may be wondering why…why review the service now? Personally, I remember when it had just been implemented and the benefits were not numerous; there was an initial lack of interest from most I came into contact with. I know I wasn’t interested in a paid subscriptions that offered mostly dynamic themes and smaller PSP titles (alongside LittleBigPlanet, which was the sole AAA console title on the service at the start).

But now with the next-gen PlayStation 4 nearing release holiday season this year, most may assume that there is little point in investing in the service at this stage. I thought it fair to look at PS Plus for what it’s worth, and with multiple high-profile games consistently being added to its monthly line-ups, it has become enticing to me for practically the first time since its inception. I took advantage of the $69.95, 1-year subscription and got to exploring the service. Read on to find out whether or not PS Plus is for you.

Content

Firstly, since the update to the PSN Store layout back in October of 2012, I find the presentation to be much improved, not only for the PS Plus section, but the whole store in general. It’s cleaner, sleeker and easier to navigate. That being said, on the PS Vita store home page, the PlayStation Plus logo is clearly visible besides a banner button named “Now on PS Vita”. The name may be a bit unclear, but the logo will tip people off immediately regardless. Maybe just to clarify, it should simply be named “PlayStation Plus”, but otherwise – seeing as the PS Vita doesn’t get as much content as part of the service – everything is there is one list, which is convenient.

Any subscription you buy applies to both your PS3 and PS Vita – so it’s one charge for the ability to use the service on both platforms. You can start a PS Vita download on your console and transfer it to your handheld or visit the Download List in your PS Vita store interface and begin the download from there, as your “purchase” history is tracked and saved to your PSN profile. There are about 5 games available on the PS Vita, a month – some completely free, others discounted. Sony counts roughly 26 different PS Vita games are included throughout the year. At least two new titles are added a month, with older titles either being cycled out or staying in. On that note, Uncharted: Golden Abyss has been absolutely free and available since the service’s debut on the handheld back in November of 2012; usually a $62.95 game, and a big one at that.

The content included for PlayStation 3 owners is much more vast and varied. Once inside the PSN store, you will spot the PlayStation Plus sub-menu on the left-hand side panel. Clicking that will take you to the Welcome page of the dedicated PS Plus section of the store, where the listed content will be broken up into the following categories on that same left-hand-side panel: Your Instant Game Collection, PS Vita, Exclusives, Discounts, Full Game Trials and Themes & Avatars. Some content may fall into more than one category, but for the most part they each house entirely unique items.

okami-hd-artwork — **One of this month’s premiere titles…if you didn’t play it on the PS2, now is the time.**

Your Instant Game Collection holds all of the free PSN and PS3 titles for the month; currently you would find Lord of the Rings: War in the North, The Cave and mainstays LittleBigPlanet 2 and Motorstorm: Apocalypse amongst other notable games. PS Vita is where you’ll find the aforementioned handheld titles – Virtue’s Last Reward is the highlight right now, and will be for the next 19 days. Exclusives sound vague as all of these deals are technically exclusive to the service, but these can range from dynamic themes to avatars to full games that are otherwise non-downloadable from the regular PSN store channels.

Discounts are in effect on, not only full, singular games, but also soundtracks, DLC, bundles and demos, funnily enough (Soul Sacrifice demo, what are you doing in this section? Go home!). Themes & Avatars is self-explanatory, and finally we have Full Game Trials; a large catalog of priced titles for which you can first trial – not exactly special as the demos are widely available to non-subscribers. But on top of all of those “PlayStation Elements” as Sony likes to call them, there are other perks to being a subscriber. Namely, 2GB of cloud storage (split evenly between your PS3 and PS Vita) and automatic updates, whereby you can set your PS3 to turn on and download software updates at any time, before automatically shutting down upon completion of its installation.

Catherine is coming in May. Think she's a dream? You'll be having nightmares just like Vincent. — **Catherine…think she’s a dream? You’ll be having nightmares just like Vincent this May.**

There are a couple important notes to make before my conclusion, and they both relate to the terms of service; a) the subscription will automatically renew upon expiration unless directed otherwise by visiting your Sony Entertainment Network account’s settings, and b) despite having downloaded them whilst subscribed, PlayStation Network title, PS One games, minis and premium game elements will cease to be accessible upon expiration of your subscription, unless you immediately renew. Two things you should definitely be aware of and keep in mind.

Overall

PlayStation Plus may have had a slow start, but it has since transformed into a virtual treasure trove of exciting titles that would otherwise cost you significantly more to purchase separately. Before you think that’s the be-all, end-all verdict, it may not be; if you are the sort of person who dislikes the digital movement and appreciates having something tangible and physical that you can proudly display and say “I own this” (like me, generally), then you will obviously not favour this type of platform.

But having the opportunity to download great titles such as Okami HD, Dead or Alive 5, inFAMOUS 2, Hitman: Absolution and Catherine (the latter two upcoming in May) is something you should not pass up…just play them before your subscription ends unless you’re happy to renew it anyway. Even if you consider them just long-term rentals because of that “stipulation”, it’s worth the price, especially for those who have no long term attachment to their entertainment products (traders, etc.). Oh, and make room on your hard drive!

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

Anime Girl of the Week: Kuuko (Haiyore! Nyaruko-san)

Anime & Manga

Travis Bruno

-

April 19, 2013

0

Anime Girl of the Week: Kuuko (Haiyore! Nyaruko-san)

Here we are at the fifth week of the Anime Girl of the Week feature and for those who don’t know, this feature focuses on one female character from a currently airing anime and place the spotlight on them by providing background information, personality details as well as a slew of fan-art and official artwork.

This week we’re focusing on a girl from the Haiyore! Nyaruko-san anime series, of which the second season, Haiyore! Nyaruko-san W is currently airing. In this series the creatures from H.P. Lovecraft’s works aren’t the things of nightmares, but actually a race of real life aliens which live on individual planets across the Universe. When a girl named Nyaruko is sent to Earth and saves the life of a high school boy named Mahiro, she begins living with him and protecting Earth from various aliens who seek to harm him or the Earth, which is actually the most popular destination for aliens thanks to Earth’s culture.

Rather than focusing on Nyaruko, who is meant to be the creature Nyarlathotep, this week we’re looking towards another alien from the series, a girl named Kuuko. Kuuko is from the planet Cthuga and her real name is Cthuko, though everyone calls her by the name of Kuuko. Despite appearing to be the same age as a high school girl, Kuuko’s actual age is unknown and when someone tries to discover her age, she stops them. Kuuko originally came to Earth in pursuit of Nyaruko whom she is childhood friends with and is initially hostile towards Mahiro because of the love Nyaruko has for him.

The reason Kuuko came after Nyaruko is because she has a one-sided crush on her and follows her everywhere she goes, though she also is in love with all of the video games that exist on Earth. This is a major taboo for Cthugans because the Nyarlathotepians have been enemies for years and are meant to hate one another. Despite this however, Kuuko is deeply in love with Nyaruko and despite being constantly turned down and receiving a lot of abuse from Nyaruko, her somewhat obsessive love remains.

Kuuko tends to sound like an emotionless and quiet girl however she is extremely perverted and will go to great lengths to try and seduce Nyaruko, despite failing every time. Although she is very perverted she can be shy and blushes when she imagines various situations with Nyaruko. However as the story has progressed, Kuuko has begun started going to school with Mahiro and the rest and she seems to be developing feelings for Mahiro. She shows this by blushing when he acknowledges her or demanding attention from him occasionally. In fact, due to the taboo nature of her love for Nyaruko, she has lied to her family, saying that she is engaged to Mahiro and that is her reason for hanging around Nyaruko all of the time.

As you may notice in the artwork below, Kuuko can control fire at will, allowing her to summon intense heat and control balls of fire. When she is emotional, or being extremely perverted, Kuuko can begin emitting fire unknowingly. Besides her ability to control fire, she can also summon aerial lasers which surround her and attack her enemies. Currently Haiyore! Nyaruko-san W and it’s predecessor Haiyore! Nyaruko-san have not been licensed for release in the West by any company however both seasons of the anime are currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

^{DISCLAIMER: None of the art presented is the property of myself or Capsule Computers. All characters and series are TM and © their respective creators and corporate owners. All art is the creative property of their respective artists. Any artists who wish to have their work removed from this article may contact us and appropriate action will be immediately taken.}

Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai 2 debut screens released

Travis Bruno

-

April 19, 2013

0

Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai 2 debut screens released

Today Sega has released the first screenshots for their newly revealed Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai 2. While we have already caught a glimpse of what the game will look like thanks to the Famitsu scans released a couple of days ago, these are the first official images of the game and you can check them out below.

For those who don’t already know, Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai 2 is the sequel to the previous Mirai game and will feature various Vocaloid characters in Nendoroid form and will be a music based rhythm game that can be played with both the 3DS’ touch screen and the 3DS’ face buttons. More images of the game, including some of the costumes revealed for Miku so far can be found on the game’s official website.

CC Impact! Presents Injustice: Gods Among Us

Joe Morgan

-

April 19, 2013

0

Injustice: Gods Among Us is the newest fighting game from NetherRealm Studios, the developers behind the Mortal Kombat franchise. It features characters from the DC Comics universe, both good and evil.

Join Capsule Computers editor Joe Morgan as he tests the battlegrounds between good and evil with the game’s tutorials, a few single-player matches to show off some of the characters, and a quick glimpse at the S.T.A.R. Labs. While you’re here, be sure to check out our review for the game.

As we initially record our gameplay videos, we will be livestreaming the footage to our Twitch page. We’ll be sure to upload it to our YouTube page later for those that missed the livestream as well. Also be sure to follow us on Twitter, and Facebook since we’ll let everyone know when a livestream begins that way. Be sure to leave a comment here or head on over to our YouTube page and leave a comment so we know what you think of our newest feature.

And without further ado, Injustice: Gods Among Us!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rooftop Run Out Now

Dustin Spencer

-

April 19, 2013

0

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rooftop Run Out Now

Nickelodeon have brought back the 90’s with their take on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and have kicked things off in the gaming scene with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rooftop Run. Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo are all here, placed in a runner style game (despite the fact that they’re turtles), where players use these heroes’ Ninjutsu combat abilities to save New York from the evil Kraang.

Here is some more information on what to expect:

The game allows players to assume the role of their favourite Turtle as they outrun the Kraang’s tractor beam, battling enemies with Ninjutsu combat along the way. As enemies are defeated, players earn coins that can be redeemed for awesome power ups, weapons and gear. Players also need to collect energy orbs to fill the Energy Meter and keep the Kraang away. Once the Energy Meter is filled, players enter “Turtle Time” – a special combat mode where game play is zoomed in and slowed down, and players must tap in rapid succession, striking multiple enemies simultaneously in a thrilling fight sequence to increase coin collection. The app features full 3D characters and environments based on the CG-animated series
Players can visit a Turtle Lair to unlock characters, purchase power ups and upgrade their Turtle’s weapons and gear. New gear influences coin collection rates, energy meter drainage and refills, builds players’ resistance to certain obstacles and enables them to fast-forward to any section of the game already played, gaining additional coins. Enhancements can be purchased by exchanging game coins or after entering a password for an active iTunes account.
Game Features Include:
Battle hoards of enemies from the Foot Clan, Kraang, and Dimension X
Activate Turtle Time to fight up close in a slow-motion combat sequence
Outfit the Turtles in exclusive Cyber and Stealth gear
Upgrade with weapons, gadgets and boosts like the Laserbot and Turtle Saver
Unlock and play as the Turtles’ formidable canine foe Dogpound
Earn rewards from the pizza time mini-games
Epic Boss Battles

You can pick this app up today for £1.49 ($1.99 US) by following this link, and get to saving the world from mean with the green all over again.

Right Pedal Studios Announces First Round of Development

Jamie Laike Tsui

-

April 19, 2013

0

Right Pedal Studios Announces First Round of Development

Brisbane based mobile game accelerator Right Pedal Studios is in the business of providing guidance, investment, and office space to budding Australian video game developers. Right Pedal Studios announced the first three developers they will be working with, Ghostbox, Geekbrain Games, and Screwtape Studios. Each developer has received $50,000, office space, mentoring from industry veterans like Dan Vogt of Halfbrick, and access to resources like lawyers. “The ﬁrst intake represents the variety of talent in the local industry and I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with these teams and bring their games to market.” said John Passﬁeld, manager of Right Pedal Studios. Right Pedal Studios has released a series of videos introducing the respective developers to the world.

Right Pedal Studios has opened their second applications and are looking for Australian video game developers ready to take the next step. Find out more at the official Right Pedal Studio website.

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon – Michael Biehn Interview

Zac Elawar

-

April 19, 2013

0

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon – Michael Biehn Interview

Far-Cry-3-Blood-Dragon-Screen-07 — **Great example of the art style; this image isn’t blurry, but “VHS quality”.**

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon is “full of win”, as we found out first hand. One of the major contributing factors is the ingenious hiring of 80’s action star Michael Biehn (The Terminator, Aliens, The Abyss) to voice the player protagonist, Sgt. Rex Power Colt.

Ubisoft have released a hilarious (part mock) interview with the man, where they discuss the process of V.O. in video games, his experience on the job and his thoughts on the… “colourful” script and character. The video is interspersed with clips from the recording booth. This gets us even more psyched to “get the girl, kill the bad guys and save the world in a VHS-era vision of the future!” You can watch the interview at the bottom of this article.

Ubisoft have also confirmed Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon‘s PC pre-order and in-store purchase benefits; pre-order your PC digital copy and you will receive a digital download of the soundtrack by Melbourne-based duo Power Glove. Buy the boxed PC version in-stores and you will also receive the soundtrack, along with an exclusive poster.

LEGO Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite Coming Soon to DVD

Simon Wolfe

-

April 19, 2013

0

LEGO Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite Coming Soon to DVD

While the next LEGO license to be making its way to games is LEGO Marvel Super Heroes, previous super hero outing LEGO Batman 2 doesn’t look like it will be forgotten anytime soon as LEGO Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite will be releasing this June.

Based on the LEGO Batman 2 video game, which was an original story, the new full length movie takes out all the gameplay to present the story in film fashion fit for the whole family and features the voice actors from the game as well, it being the first licensed LEGO game to have full voice over. Join Batman (Troy Baker), Robin (Charlie Schlatter), Superman (Travis Willingham), and the rest of the Justice League as they have to combat the villainous combined forces of Joker (Christopher Corey Smith) and Lex Luthor (Clancy Brown), as Lex prepares for a Presidential bid because that makes sense.

Produced by TT Animation and being distributed by Warner Bros., LEGO Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite will be releasing on Blu-Ray and DVD, each with an Ultra-Violet version. The movie will be reaching retailers June 26th for $24.95 and $19.95 respectively, with On Demand and Digital Download available as well, but until then the trailer can be viewed embedded below.

Deep Silver Releases Ride to Hell: Retribution Trailer

Joe Morgan

-

April 19, 2013

0

Publisher Deep Silver has released a trailer for the upcoming game Ride to Hell: Retribution. In the upcoming game, Jake Conway takes no prisoners as he scours the land for justice against the Devil’s Hand biker gang.

Ride to Hell: Retribution will take players into the world of biker gangs and violence, where the value of a man is based on the roar of his engines and the force behind his fist.

Deep Silver is looking to reward the loyalty to the gang. Players who pre-order will get the Cook’s Mad Recipe DLC for free, as well as three new levels and the sniper rifle. Cook’s Mad Recipe will otherwise be available for purchase for 800 Microsoft Points or for 9,99 Euro.

Developer Eutechnyx will release the game for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC in June 2013 in North America and Europe. For more information, you can check out their official site. Also be sure to watch the trailer below!