To the surprise and delight of many in the gaming world, EA’s senior director of corporate communications John Reseburg spoke with GamesBeat over e-mail and in this discussion the company revealed that EA will no longer be using the controversial Online Pass program.
To be a bit more specific he said that “None of our new EA titles will include that feature.” Rosenburg also mentioned that many of EA’s fans “didn’t respond to the format” which is a significant understatement. It is currently unknown if some other form of restrictive service will be applied to EA’s console games sometime in the future but for now, gamers who rent or buy used copies of EA titles in the future will no longer need to concern themselves with being locked out of multiplayer or single player content.
Today Atlus USA released another English trailer for Shin Megami Tensei IV and this one not only gives the player a bit of story information regarding the gauntlet the player character wears, but also a glimpse at the combat system and exploration.
The video can be seen below and in it you can also listen to the English voice acting for the game, which if the main character’s pronouncement of “Samurai” is anything to go by may be worrisome. Anyways, currently Shin Megami Tensei IV is set to be released on July 16th in North America exclusively on the Nintendo 3DS.
Patlabor: The Mobile Police – The Original OVA Series Studio: Studio Deen Publisher:Maiden Japan Format: Blu-Ray Release Date: April 30th, 2013 Price: $39.98 – Available Here
Overview:
Those unfamiliar with the Patlabor series may be surprised to learn that it dates back to the bygone age of the 1980’s. The Original OVA Series presented in this release was the first release of what would become two separate timelines spanning movies, anime series, and OVAs. Interestingly, this OVA series would be the first part of Patlabor’s so called “Movie Timeline”, that would continue into a movie trilogy. But what about this OVA series itself, does it stand the test of time worthy of being revived or best left in the fleeting memories of those that saw it back in the day?
Story:
Oh giant mechs, is there any problem you can’t solve? In the universe of Patlabor, the answer is an obvious “No!” As is quickly outlined at the beginning of almost every episode, after the development of mechs, called Labors, their use exploded into every applicable field for everything from heavy lifting to combat because like bacon giant robots can be applied to every situation with success. While mechs are not an entirely new concept, what gives the Patlabor universe it’s charm is the fact that where in other anime mechs were developed mainly for combat, here it was a complete afterthought. In this new Labor-filled age, the police are still playing catch up, formally with outdated re-painted work models, but now finally with brand new top of the line built specifically for police work, you know the kind of thing we still don’t have for police cars. The titular “Patlabor” being the shortening of Patrol Labor, which are the Labors the police force get to use.
Just who will be the lucky officers to use these spiffy new Labors? Anyone who guessed the best the police force has to offer obviously doesn’t know how anime works. No, the ones with the shiny new mechs are the Second Division of Japan’s Special Vehicles Section 2. Composed of a rag tag group of the most colorful of officers, the OVA series rounds out its cast of characters with a woman more concerned with her Labor than actual police work, trigger-happy gun nut, reluctant officer/son of the manufactor’s president, to the strong silent type, etc. In truth this selection of characters makes more sense as the series goes on, as the episodes form less of a overarching story and more of a basis of establishment. Where other anime would focus on the combat itself, Patlabor is more interested in the world it exists in. What if regular police officers did have to deal with giant robots just as much as speeding and other everyday crime?
Interestingly enough, the series plays more on its consciousness of itself as an anime than trying to tell a meaningful story or pretending to tell a meaningful story. With homages to other anime, as well as other pop culture like Godzilla, the seven episodes tell six stories that explores the world they live in more than the characters themselves, though this character development is still present just not as the central focus. Luckily, the world presented is deep and interesting enough to provide an enjoyable experience making it a great introduction to the world of Patlabor. The stories are varied from ghost stories, to routine patrols, to city-wide coups all creating a solid diversity. No two stories follow the same style of genre, showing off the potential of the universe as a whole.
Visuals:
For being drawn and animated in the 1980’s, the series itself still does a great job holding up visual wise. Even when viewed on Blu-Ray the picture is smooth without too much grain. Whether the quality simply holds up over the time or perhaps from the added benefit of having an OVA budget the first time around. Still utilizing the animation style of the time, there are a lot of pans shots to save on having to animate, but the are is still detailed enough to look good at high resolutions, but still in 4:3.
The Labors of the series being the main-ish focus, the diversity of the different types is interesting to see. Since Labor development came from serving different purposes first, the different types vary based on this as well from bulkier models for heavy lifting to more exotic types. While it would have been interesting to see more of the exotic types, since the vast majority are bipedal, even the bipedal ones vary enough amongst themselves. Though nothing can really top the look of a Labor holding a giant revolver or pump shotgun.
Audio:
The voice acting is probably one of the few things that doesn’t hold up quite so well over time. Rough in some places, the lower quality may stem from it’s original release or the transition of media, regardless this is probably a better anime to lean towards the subtitled version. While all the characters stand out as their own, the best performances seem to be Noa and Asuma as the rest come off as a bit more flat, though this might have been on purpose as the others are more 2 dimensional as well.
When it comes to music the opening is as 80’s anime as anything can get, a love ballad between the police woman Noa and the Labor she named Alphonse. Completely irrelevant to everything besides Noa’s quirk for being over-protective of her Labor, it still manages to capture the essence of the time as well as being lighthearted, but enjoyable. The other music throughout the series is simplistic, but does a good job expressing the scenes from patriotic when heading towards victory to mysterious as they seek out an unleashed sea monster.
Extras:
Unfortunately, time does not bode well for additions for a Blu-Ray release as production is long since over and unless it happened to be saved somewhere by someone, who then makes it available for inclusion. With that in mind, the fact that there are no extras related to Patlabor is no real big surprise. The disc does include a preview for Tokyo Magnitude 8.0, but other than that nothing else. Not even a clean opening. Though the lack of a preview for the other Patlabor release coming from Maiden Japan this year is probably the most surprising of all and seems a missed opportunity.
Overall:
Coming straight from the 80’s to today, Patlabor: The Mobile Police – The Original OVA Series is a solid series that holds up pretty well despite the time and advancement of technology. With only seven episodes the series might not seem like a good first entry, but it provides a great set of stories that paint a pretty detailed picture of their world with a few jokes to boot. While the audio may be a step below par, the visuals hold up better than some might expect with their age. Fans of the series from its original release should certainly find what they’ve been looking for and newcomers should enjoy themselves as well with a different take on a mech filled world.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
It’s been quite a long time coming but the Xbox 360 patch for Skullgirls has finally gone live. The reason I say it has been a long time is because the PlayStation 3 version of the patch was released in November of last year but thanks to some problems with Microsoft, the 360 patch suffered quite a long delay.
The patch is called “Slightly Different Edition” and frankly fixes so many issues that listing them here would be pretty unreasonable. As such you can check out the official patch notes here. It is also worth noting that some character costume/color swap DLC has been released at $1 a piece or $8 for the whole pack.
If you simply cannot wait until Capcom brings Ace Attorney 5, or as it is known in the West now, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies, to the West in English sometime this fall, well you now have a chance to play the game, albeit a limited version of it.
The Japanese website for Ace Attorney 5 has placed a demo of the game up on their website. Unfortunately it is a Flash browser-only demo that seems to take forever to load and it is also in Japanese only so that may be yet another sticking point. Anyways, you can find the demo here and keep an eye out for Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies when it is released on the 3DS eShop sometime this fall.
5th Cell’s Scribblenauts series has always been very enjoyable and light-hearted and we’ve seen a few of them so far and although some people may be getting tired of the series, those people will likely want to stick around for this news.
Today it was announced by Warner Brothers that the next game in the Scribblenauts series is Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure which will have over 2,000 heroes, villains and other characters from the DC Universe.
How do they have so many you ask? Well it seems that there will be numerous versions of some heroes. To commemorate the game’s announcement the company provided the below announcement trailer and screenshots. Currently Scribblenauts Unmasked is set to be released on the 3DS, Wii U and PC sometime this fall which translates to this spring for Australia and New Zealand.
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion Season 1 Studio: Sunrise Publisher: Madman Entertainment Format: Blu-ray Release Date: April 17, 2013 Price: $59.95 – Available Here
Overview
What if one person had the ability to change the power balance of the world? Since its debut in late 2006, Code Geass is a series many have either seen or heard of over the years.
In a rare move, Sunrise deviated from its long-established franchises like Mobile Suit Gundam and created an original work that took Japan by surprise. Code Geass mixes politics, mecha and a very personal hunt for vengeance to form something that has been talked about for years and what many consider to be a modern classic.
Given the spoiler-centric nature of this plot-twist-ridden show, I’ll try not to reveal too much about the plot itself. Without further adieu, let’s dive into the first half of this series.
Story
Code Geass is set in a fictional world where the Holy Empire of Britannia is the dominant, global power with a policy of absolute conquest. In the year 2010 Britannia launches a blitzkrieg on the technologically inferior nation of Japan, annexing it under the name of Area 11, driving the “Elevens” into poverty and settling its aristocracy in privileged positions.
Resistance exists in isolated pockets but it is hardly united enough to pose a threat to the occupying forces. The Britannians have developed mechanised robots called Knightmare Frames and it’s always great to see a mecha anime that progresses the show’s technology, as newer units are pumped out by both sides to cope with the ongoing conflict.
Lelouch Lamperouge is an exiled Britannian prince posing as a student in Area 11. He lost his father’s favour as a child following the assassination of his mother, blaming his father for leaving her defenceless and caring little for her death afterward. Lelouch effectively relinquishes his connection to the throne.
During the invasion he was banished to Japan to serve as a political hostage, befriending Suzaku Kururugi who was the son of the last Japanese Prime Minister.
Events lead to Lelouch encountering a mysterious girl who grants him the power of Geass – an ability allowing him to force anyone to do as he commands as long as he initiates eye contact. Naturally, this allows him to carry out his rebellious plans against Britannia using the alias of “Zero” with the help of the Japanese resistance. Lelouch is portrayed as an anti-hero, as he often uses these forces only to further his own goals for revenge. His leadership qualities and strategic brilliance leave the Elevens no choice but to follow him.
In a twist of fate Suzaku is called to fight as a Knight of Britannia, pitting him against Lelouch (disguised as Zero) unknowingly. What follows are masterful battle tactics and sneaky diplomacy interspersed with dynamic character interaction. This intense and well-crafted game of cat and mouse dominates the first season of Code Geass and culminates in a jaw-dropping conclusion before season two.
The plot and pace here is arguably one of the benchmarks of the anime medium and should be experienced by everyone to judge for themselves.
Visuals Code Geass first aired in 2006 and it’s aged very well. The animation is smooth, bright and depicts the robot Knightmare Frame battles spectacularly. The character art is instantly recognisable and very much defines Code Geass. A very cool technique was the CG used to animate the “Geass” effect, something anyone watching Sunrise’s laetst anime, Valvrave the Liberator, will notice as familiar.
My only complaint is sometimes the art looks too clean with very few shadows and lines, but again, that seems like the style of the anime itself. It’s by no means gritty and realistic, but there’s suitable amounts of blood when things get violent. Given the monarchy of Britannia, everything is very elegant and aristocratic with the appearance of their forces. It’s really cool seeing a pilot in fancy attire piloting an equally elegant killing machine.
Audio Personally I found the audio even stronger than the visuals department with surprisingly stellar voice acting performances across the board, both English and Japanese.
The music is fittingly epic, with chaotic situations accompanied by a frantic orchestral score that will always bring you to attention. Happier school day antics have lighter music and the mysterious vocal tracks will stick with you longer after you finish Code Geass. I’ve been holding out to hear the same composer’s work elsewhere but unfortunately I’ve only heard it here. It really is that good.
It’s a shame that only 2.0 sound is included for both language tracks here, as this is an anime that would benefit greatly from 5.1 channel support.
Extras Code Geass is packed in a standard Blu-ray box with only reversible artwork as an external feature. It appears this is a Manga UK release re-badged by Madman, so any fancy packaging seemed off the cards regardless.
On the discs though there is insightful audio commentary by the staff and some unique picture dramas, which I don’t see too often in anime releases.
Overall There is a reason Code Geass remains on many people’s lists of must-watch anime. Robots and geopolitics might not be your thing, but chances are you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat regardless. It’s simply an awesome blend of action and intrigue with a plot that goes further than you could ever expect. Season One sets the stage for a grand showdown after escalating to a fever-pitch, with no clues as to where it’s heading next. If you haven’t seen this yet, do yourself a favour and watch the first season. Then find yourself breathlessly keen for its second half.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Sauron’s deadly ambassador, Mouth of Sauron, is now available for download on the Xbox LIVE Arcade and PlayStation Network game Guardians of Middle-Earth.
“As the only person who directly communicates with the Dark Lord, Mouth of Sauron provides orders to the armies of Gorgoroth, the northwestern region of Mordor. He briefly encountered Aragorn before the Battle of the Black Gate, dismissing him as the new King of Gondor and Arnor.”
For more information on the Mouth of Sauron visit the character bio on the official site. Check out the trailer below to see the Mouth of Sauron in action.
Nordic Games, the publishers behind titles like Alan Wake, ArcaniA, and Painkiller have revealed a little information on some of the games they’ll be showcasing at E3 2013.
The Raven
Set in 1960s Europe, you will have to follow The Raven’s trademark black feather clues to catch a thief and protect a legendary sapphire.
Deadfall Adventures
In search for an ancient artifact known as “The Heart of Atlantis,” James Lee Quatermain and his burdensome charge, Jennifer Goodwin, must work their way through an ancient temple complex. They will have to complete fiendish puzzles and fight off Nazis, Russians, and more.
Jack Keane 2
A sexy, cinematic, fast-paced point-and-click adventure game that’s set to revolutionize the genre. The game will feature outstanding 3-D graphics, gripping action sequences, and a bizarre sense of humor. This sequel to the 2008 game will be a delight to adventure fans everywhere.
Painkiller Hell and Damnation
Much like its predecessor, Hell and Damnation offers adrenaline fuelled gameplay with lightning-fast movements, enabling skillful players to own the fast-paced action. Top it off with enormous boss fights and FPS fans will be in Heaven when the demon-slaying shooter is released for XBox 360 and PlayStation 3 this summer.
For more information on Nordic Games, you can check out their official website here. Keep your eyes locked here for more E3 news in the coming weeks.
The hidden object adventure game, Isla Dorada – Episode 1: The Sands of Ephranis, has been launched on iOS devices today.
Developed originally on PC by Funforge Digitial from the board game of the same name and then ported to iOS by G5 Entertainment, Isla Dorada – Episode 1 centers around the adventurous archeologist Jessica Pandora and her dream of tracking down the world’s treasures. Jessica is mysteriously transported to the Isla Dorada where to her surprise everyone she meets on the island seems to know her. Moreover, she finds her own hand written notes with tips for herself hidden all over the island. It is your job to help Jessica meet new people, solve puzzles and find all the pieces of a magical mask so she can return home safely. The game features multiple difficulty levels, great cartoon graphics and plenty of fun dialogue.
Key features include:
32 hypnotizing hidden object scenes!
17 fascinating levels to step through.
11 curious characters to meet.
10 intricate mini-games to play.
Enter a bizarre world where reality has no boundaries.
The hidden object genre has been around for quite a while and touch screen devices seem to be a perfect match for it. Those curious to solve the mysteries of Isla Dorada can download the game for free from the app store on both iPhone and iPad. Players can then upgrade to the full game with an in-app purchase, with a special 40% discount if they do so up until the end of May 18th. You can view a trailer for Isla Dorada – Episode 1: The Sands of Ephranis below.
To the surprise and delight of many in the gaming world, EA’s senior director of corporate communications John Reseburg spoke with GamesBeat over e-mail and in this discussion the company revealed that EA will no longer be using the controversial Online Pass program.
