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The Croods: Prehistoric Party! Review

April 10, 2013

The Croods: Prehistoric Party!
Developer: Torus Games
Publisher: D3 Publisher
Platforms: Wii U (Reviewed), Wii, 3DS, DS
Release Date: March 19, 2013
Price: $39.95 (Wii U) – Available Here, $29.95 (Wii, 3DS, DS)

Overview
Intended to coincide with the release of DreamWorks’ new animated film The Croods, The Croods: Prehistoric Party! was released for all of Nintendo’s systems. Aimed at a younger audience, the game is looking to capitalize on two major criteria – the movie it is based on and the party game craze. So how does The Croods: Prehistoric Party! hold up? Does it venture to a whole new world or should it have been left in the stone age? Let’s find out.

Gameplay
The in-game menu is the first thing you’ll notice playing The Croods: Prehistoric Party! The game actually does a few interesting things here. You’re dropped into the Crood’s cave dwelling as Grug (voiced by Nicolas Cage). You use the GamePad’s controller buttons to run around, jump, and explore the area. There are a handful of things you can do: visit the cave (your gallery), watch credits, play mini-games, or visit “areas” that are effectively game boards.

Younger players or fans of the movie will likely get a kick out of getting to see and explore the setting of The Croods. To other players, this is a neat way to handle menus, but a simple list would have done just as well for getting to the action quicker.

The problem with the menus in Prehistoric Party! comes once you are a layer deeper than your cave dwelling. Every menu navigation utilizes the GamePad’s touch feature. Well, it doesn’t really utilize it so much as it forces you to use it. Deeper menu navigation is somewhat clunky and requires that you select options via the GamePad’s touch screen before touching the forward or back button. It would have been much smoother to allow full menu navigation with the controller as well.

Once you actually get past the menus, the game becomes a bit more usable. Depending on which gameplay option you’ve picked, there are a few different ways to play the games. Right outside your cave is a rock with what looks like a prehistoric scarecrow. Approaching it will let you jump straight into playing mini-games. You can choose to either play a single, quick game or play between five and twenty mini-games in a tournament for ultimate Crood family victory.

If you venture further down into the Crood cave, you can travel to the Desert. This will let you go to a board game play mode called “Trailblazer” similar to Mario Party‘s Party Mode, where players race to the end by rolling dice and moving along the board. You can use some devious items to mess with your enemies along the way. You will also collect shells (instead of stars), but they serve no purpose apart from bragging rights. Playing through Trailblazer mode will unlock new areas and change something about your cave. There are five different areas to unlock and play through. This is by far the most interesting way to play the game, though less patient players will probably want to avoid it as it can be time consuming.

Within The Croods: Prehistoric Party! there are 30 different mini-games to play. The games themselves are all designed to be played as four-player free-for-all games. This is a shame in and of itself, as the 2v2 and 3v1 games of the Mario Party franchise could have given the title a bit more longevity, adding some interesting games to the mix. It’s also curious that the Wii U version of the game still only allows four players as other party games on the system allow up to five (given the GamePad and four Wii remotes). All thirty games can be played with a Wii remote – no nunchuk attachment required.

The games themselves range from decent to poor. Younger audiences likely won’t notice, but players familiar with the Mario Party games will likely recognize more than a couple mini-games they’ve played with a notable plumber before. Everyone will probably enjoy the frantic action of games like “Ramu Ram You” and “Fear The Fur,” while games like “Cave Painter” and “Dandelion Dash” feel like they serve as nothing more than filler space and should be avoided save for curiosity.

For each game you complete, you’ll be awarded with a “Prehistoric Point.” These can be used to buy a few mini-games that aren’t initially in your collection as well as art for your cave gallery. It adds some reward to playing all those minigames, though in truth it’s fairly meager.

Visuals
The art style of the game is pulled directly from the DreamWorks film. Characters look goofy and cartoony, just as they do in the movie. The environments are colorful, as are the imaginative creatures that inhabit the world. The models and textures in the game look ok, but given that the Wii U is technically more powerful than either the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, it’s a shame to see what are essentially high-resolution Wii graphics and effects upscaled to the newest console.

Audio
Prehistoric Party!‘s audio component is one of the game’s biggest mixed bags. The soundtrack in the game is full of fun, upbeat orchestral tunes with the occasional rhythmic chant. They’ll have you tapping your feet along with the beat as you play through each of the games. They never feel obnoxious or distracting either.

The sound effects in the game fit well enough. Chirps, cheeps, and growls from the zany indigenous life fit well with the theme. The sound effects unique to each game also feel appropriate – clattering of dice, cracking of shells, etc.

The voice work in the game is another issue. They make it a point to have some sort of little quip from a character at every possible chance. It doesn’t seem bad at first, but once you’ve heard characters repeat the same phrases ad nauseum, it can wear on your nerves pretty quickly. There isn’t much variety in what is said either. You can only take Thunk saying, “I have big bones,” so many times before you’re ready to shut him off.

Overall
Overall, The Croods: Prehistoric Party! is a crude mishmash. The visuals are colorful, cheerful, and inviting, even if they do lack polish. The music is fun and upbeat as well. Though everything is perfectly functional, the mini-games themselves are everything from Okay-but-done-before to boring and bland. The game is also brought down by terribly annoying menu design and some outright obnoxious voice work that’s driven into the ground.

A group of kids with a particular affection for The Croods will enjoy interacting with all the characters from the movie. Anyone else looking for a party game to enjoy should probably want to go elsewhere.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

Tearaway Rips into Australian Stores in October

Zac Elawar

April 10, 2013

Sony Computer Australia (SCE Aust.) have just confirmed the release date for Media Molecule‘s first venture outside of the Little Big Planet franchise in Tearaway – a PlayStation Vita exclusive adventure title that you will be able to play on October 23rd this year.

The game will be available for purchase in-stores and through the PSN store. Tearaway promises to make use of all of the Vita’s unique features, allowing you to reach up into the world using the rear-touch panel and see your fingertips appear inside the game, solve puzzles using the power of touch, or literally breathe new life into the papercraft world as you journey through its vibrant landscape to aid your chosen messenger – iota or atoi (male and female counterparts) – in delivering a very special message.

You may notice the box art above shows both characters – individually – front and center. This is because the cover will be reversible as Media Molecule didn’t want to have to make a choice one way or the other (imagine the sexism debates!). If you’d like to see the game in action, check out the previously unveiled ‘Sogport’ trailer.

Halo 4: Castle Map Pack Impressions

Simon Wolfe

April 10, 2013

The time has come for the final map pack of the War Games Map Pass to be released for Halo 4. After the first two map packs hopefully we all know how it works, but just in case there are those that don’t here’s the run down. Those that got the Halo 4 Limited Edition got the War Games Map Pass included, so they can go download them now, as well as those that purchased the War Games Map Pass separately with the Standard Edition. Alternatively, those without the War Games Map Pass can download the Castle Map Pack for 800 MS Points ($10). But, those are just the formalities what is this map pack all about? The theme this time is medium-large maps for bigger teams, each with an approximate base for red and blue, but none of them perfectly symmetrical. Plus vehicles; more than anyone’s fair share of vehicles. Let’s take a deeper look at the maps.

Outcast:
This dusty canyon, which is chalk full of tunnels, bare metal structures, and rocky pillars, was once part of the strongholds used by insurrectionists during the rebellion Spartan-II’s like Master Chief were made to combat. Now a testing ground for big team battles, this map feels the biggest of the Castle Map Pack with the inclusion of a Wraith on one side and a Mantis on the other, both between the red and blue bases. They aren’t the only vehicles however, as plenty of Warthogs, Mongeese, and Ghosts are present as well. Visually, the map looks well and while there have been other rocky maps, this one tends to feel more Human. The paths are wide and the rocky pillars provide good cover and ambush points, especially as many of the paths are big enough for the Warthogs and smaller vehicles. The map also sports an initial Spartan Laser spawn at each base to help combat too many vehicles going at it at once, but there is more to be said about those later. The map also seems better suited for objective games than slayer, with clearly defined structures well tailored for gametypes like King of the Hill, Dominion, and Extraction.

Daybreak:
Ah, the classic two bases in almost box canyon. Not the one we’ve all come to love, but one alright in its own way. Closer to symmetrical than Outcast, but still largely noticeable when first playing on it. The major differences between sides is the approach from inside the base to the middle. While both bases have one man cannon, the blue base uses its to put players on the roof where they must hike on a ridge to the middle, where as red base players must hike up a ramp to the roof then take a man cannon to the middle. Still big enough to support vehicles, each base is equipped with some Warthogs and Mongeese, with a Ghost and Banshee on either side in the middle, though thankfully the bases planned ahead enough to include turrets to give a little bit of aid in fighting either. Closer in aesthetics to Ragnarok (or Valhalla for those reminiscent) but on a smaller scale, although again with a much more Human feeling to the map overall. The map works great for slayer, but is even better for capture the flag.

Perdition:
Set at a Human (I’m noticing a theme outside just medium-large scale maps) thermal reactor, which has had the unfortunate luck of suffering a breach and requiring evacuation, this map has the most vehicles than any other map. If only most of them weren’t inoperable civilian ones, or a train just out of the play space. Predominantly flat, there plenty of divisions throughout the area with plenty of labels to indicate location to help a bit, though the biggest landmark would be the reactor rods that appear completely exposed at the one end of the map. Many more interiors than the other two maps in the pack makes it suited well for both objective and slayer, but there are still plenty of paths to drive on for the vehicles present on the map, although nothing bigger than a Warthog but at least the rocket variant is available. With all the different divisions and interiors the map should also function well with the new multi-team playlist without to much worry about bad spawns.

Achievements:
While the Crimson Map Pack had many achievements that required a decent amount of luck or camping vehicle spawns and the Majestic Map Pack required more utilizing a players own loadouts, the Castle Map Pack achievements are some what of a mix. Fairly easy ones come with regular play by just playing on each other new maps once, which isn’t asking too much of players. Others are more focused on things players must do in a single game and could easily achieve with a tiny bit of extra effort or the right game, like getting 5 melee kills or spattering 5 enemies. Others are less fun and bring back pained memories of the Crimson achievement for Mantis stomps. The main two problem achievements for this map pack entail getting two kills with a Spartan Laser and assassinating a player using the Hardlight Shield.

In theory, the Spartan Laser achievement shouldn’t be a big problem, but in practice, when only one map has them with an initial spawn it creates traffic jams of players all going for the same weapon. Even that though can come with time and playing enough games, while the assassinating someone that is using Hardlight Shield is atrocious in terms of the luck required. Majastic’s killing jetpackers achievement was fine because jetpacks are a regularly used ability, while Hardlight Shields are greatly underused ability. Asking players to heal teammates with a Regeneration Field promotes players to utilize the ability, asking them to kill those using a Hardlight Shield promotes players to avoid it lest they paint an X on their own back. Outside those two problems, these achievements are fun to go for and get, so I guess 7 out of 9 isn’t bad.

Overall:
Medium-large scale maps weren’t exactly the kind Halo 4 was hurting for, but more vehicular based maps are definitely fun because who doesn’t want to see a Wraith vs Mantis fight? While all the maps are more based around Human structures, the maps don’t lack anything for not utilizing the alien side of Halo’s universe. Players that got their fix of smaller team or free for all action should enjoy the change of pace brought on by these new maps. Anyone trying to put the finishing touches on their gamerscore for Halo 4 should have some fun with most of the achievements, but might end up counting the matches to get that last one. Those with the War Games Map Pass or Limited Edition can download them right now from Halo 4’s main menu or players looking to buy the Castle Map Pack for 800 MS Points can find it HERE.

Jetstream Sam DLC Out Now – Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Brad Webster

April 10, 2013

Jetstream Sam DLC Out Now – Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

For those of you eager to “Cut What You Will” from an entirely new perspective, well you’re in luck as of today because the latest story DLC in the form of “Jetstream” is out now! Taking on the role of Raiden’s charismatic rival, Samuel Rodrigues, players will have access to hours of brand new content.

Previously we brought you some awesome screenshots of the content but now we can also inform you as to just what you’ll be getting up to as the notorious cyborg samurai. Once a simple Lone Swordsman who terrorized the underworld of Latin America, Sam the “cool Brazilian wind” has made his to Denver Colorado to test his skills against the World Marshall and by the looks of the trailer, recruit the bosses you fight in the core game. Armed with his own unique abilities and a completely different move-set to Raiden, players will be able to explore the highly requested villain’s origins before he ultimately arrived in Africa.

A second downloadable content pack has also been revealed, titled Blade Wolf, which will be arriving this May. On this side of things, gamers will be put in the boots (or paws rather) of the enigmatic Blade Wolf in an exploration of the robo-canine’s own backstory. Is it just me or does playing as a cybernetic wolf with a chainsaw for a tail just sound completely amazing?

The Jetstream DLC is out now for both the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 and is priced at a reasonable $9.99. No word on how much May’s story content, Blade Wolf, will cost but a similar price point should be expected.

Pumped to finally play as Sam? Check out screenshots of the Samurai in action down below as well as an action-packed launch trailer just for your entertainment.

Triple H Reveals 2nd Degree Burns from his WrestleMania 29 Entrance

Philip Federico

April 10, 2013

13-time World Champion and Chief Operating Officer of WWE Triple H explained today via his Twitter what that white stuff was that was stuck to him during his entrance at WrestleMania 29 this past weekend.

It seems that HHH’s entrance prop malfunctioned while he was walking through it and he suffered second degree burns from dry ice that did not vaporize properly. Luckily ‘the Game’ always carries a bottle of water that he uses for his ring entrance and with that he was able to wash off a portion of the dry ice stuck to his body otherwise the burns could have been much worse!

Check out the official Tweet from HHH below and the results of the dry ice burn in the image shared.

https://twitter.com/TripleH/status/321767376171446274

If you haven’t already done so, check out our in-depth Wrestlemania 29 review here.

Two New Invizimals Heading to PS Vita and PS3

Sergei Lazarev

April 10, 2013

Two New Invizimals Heading to PS Vita and PS3

Invizimals: The Alliance for the PS Vita and Invizimals: The Lost Kingdom for PS3 have been announced by Sony today. The PSP franchise is making the jump using cross-platform play between the two systems via two different games.

The PS Vita title is built around the handheld’s augmented reality function, allowing players to guide the Invizimals to safety and take part in mini-games. Sounding familiar, the game promises players can collect 150 of the creatures which you can hunt for, capture, evolve and battle with.

The PS3 release will be a 3rd-person action adventure game complete with an enemy robot army and numerous puzzles across six worlds. Cross-platform play enables four-player co-op battles and item exchange between PS Vita and the PS3.

Check out the trailer and newly-released screens below.

Metro: Last Light Survival Guide Released

Joe Morgan

April 10, 2013

Today, publisher Deep Silver released the first in a series of three survival guide videos. The survival guide is meant to get players ready for service in the Spartan Order, the self-proclaimed guardians of the Metro.

The survival guide will familiarize would-be Rangers threats they will encounter in Moscow after the apocalypse. These include the tunnels of the Metro, the wasteland surface, and the no-man’s-land in between. Threats can include everything from warring human factions to mutants and harsh, toxic environments.

Be sure to check out the first entry to the Metro: Last Light survival guide below this post. It’s sure to do you some good before you take up your arms. Also be sure to check out the site for the game here, and follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

Attack on Titan Anime/Manga Bundle Announced

Kane Bugeja

April 10, 2013

The official Attack on Titan (Shigeki no Kyojin) website, later published in Weekly Shonen Magazine by Kodansha, has announced a brand new anime and manga bundle. Set to be released with the 11th limited edition manga volume, is an Original Video Animation (OVA) titled Ilse no Techo (Ilse’s Journal). It is a side story prologue, set to focus on a member of the training corps, presumably one named Ilse.

For the OVA, Tetsuro Araki (director), Yasuko Kobayashi (script supervisor), Kyoji Asano and animators from Wit Studio will all return in their respective duties from the anime series itself.

The bundle is set to go on sale in Japan for 3,480 yen (roughly AU$33) on August 9th and is open for preorders submitted before June 24th.

Let us know what you think of this bundle announced in the comments section below!

Two New Batman: Arkham Titles Announced

Nathan Farrugia

April 10, 2013

As mentioned earlier today, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment have just announced Batman: Arkham Origins and Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate, the next instalments of the blockbuster Batman: Arkham video game franchise for a variety of consoles.

Batman: Arkham Origins will be the first prequel for the series and is in development for PC, PS3, Xbox 360 and the Wii U. Unlike previous Batman Arkham games, this one is not being developed by Rocksteady but Warner Bros. Games Montreal instead. The young team will be using many of the previous assets developed by Rocksteady to retain the aesthetic the series has established.

Warner Bros had this to say about the upcoming title:

Batman: Arkham Origins features an expanded Gotham City and introduces an original prequel storyline set several years before the events of Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City, the first two critically acclaimed games of the franchise. Taking place before the rise of Gotham City’s most dangerous criminals, the game showcases a young and unrefined Batman as he faces a defining moment in his early career as a crime fighter that sets his path to becoming the Dark Knight. As the story unfolds, players will meet many important characters for the first time and forge key relationships.

Handheld gamers will also be getting their first taste of the Arkham series with Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate. Unlike the console versions, the PS Vita and 3DS title will be set directly after the events of Origins and is in development at Armature Studio, which was formed by several team members who worked on the much loved Metroid Prime series. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate is described as a “2.5D Metroid-style exploration action game”.

The best part is you won’t have to wait forever for the games to drop as both are set for worldwide release on October 25 of this year. Are you excited for these new entries in the great Arkham franchise ? Let us know in the comments.

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