Ashes Cricket 2013 will be coming this winter and will be the first instalment of the series. 505 games announced today that Mark Nicholas, David Lloyd, and Michael Slater will be voicing commentary in the game. They are the first set of confirmed commentators, with more to come.
“Whether listening on the radio or watching on TV, commentary is a key part to the overall experience,” commented Ralph Pitt-Stanley, General Manager for UK & Export at 505 Games. “It was therefore important we faithfully replicated this in ASHES CRICKET 2013 and with Bumble, Nicholas and Slater we have three of the finest and most loved commentators in the game today.”
To find out more about Ashes Cricket 2013, go to their website here.You can also follow their Twitter here, or check them out on Facebookhere.
Paramount Pictures have released the Red Band trailer for their upcoming action-comedy – based on a true story – Pain & Gain, starring Dwayne ‘The Rock ‘ Johnson and Mark Wahlberg.
The Michael Bay directed film is coming out on August 8th this year, and is an obvious departure for the blockbuster director (although, as evident by the camera shots used in its trailers, he still shot it like a pure action film). This Red Band trailer, which can be viewed at the bottom of this article, gives a much better indication of the film’s sense of humour and should not be viewed by those under the age of 17. Personally, I was disheartened by previous promotional footage for the film, but it is now clear that much of the good stuff was restricted because of its mature nature.
I guess a “raisinette” joke is to be expected when dealing with body-builders…
Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams Developers: Black Forest Games Publisher: bitComposer Games Platform: XBLA (Reviewed), PC, PSN Release Date: March 21th, 2013 Price: 1200 MS Points – Available Here
Overview
While originally released for the PC back in October of last year, Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams finally made its way to consoles, so that those that aren’t as interested in PC gaming would be able to get their hands on the title that found success through Kickstarter. Finally back on consoles since the release of the original The Great Giana Sisters, just well how does the game stack up as an XBLA title?
Story
Opening up to sister Maria being kidnapped into a dream world with sister Giana jumping in for the rescue, the main component of the story is based around Giana trailing behind and trying to catch up to save her sister from a dragon. What makes the rescue most difficult is the fact that the dream world itself is a nightmare reflected by the contrasting personas of Giana. Switching between “Punk” Giana’s nightmare of fairytale fantasy and “Cute” Giana’s nightmare of gothic fantasy will be the only way for Giana to make it all the way to save her sister. While the story itself is simple and straightforward it is also elegant in its execution, so that the main focus is the gameplay itself. With short cutscenes that are straight and to the point, dialog is completely avoided to provide an experience that can be enjoyed by anyone that picks up the controller.
Gameplay
This switching between her personas is the key component to the gameplay as each persona is equipped with a special ability that aids in solving the puzzles and overcoming the obstacles Giana must face, such as platforms only usable to one persona. While “Punk” Giana is armed with the more ferocious ability to dash in any direction, bouncing off walls or defeating enemies, “Cute” Giana can twirl through the air carrying her farther through the air and safely around dangerous terrain. While each persona is the host of their specific ability, an interesting aspect of gameplay is that the world can still be twisted between personas during their use, so “Cute” Giana can start twirling and change into “Punk” Giana creating another layer to the puzzle solving.
The controls themselves with the Xbox 360 controller function wonderfully with face buttons controlling jumping and each special ability, while the triggers are reserved for twisting the world around Giana. Those familiar with the controller should have no issue being able to pick up the controls right away, though getting used to Giana switching personas on the fly when pressing the button to use an ability does take a little getting used to, however after mastering becomes second nature. There doesn’t seem to be any way that controls could be moved or changed to improve functionality at all and feels perfectly designed for consoles.
Besides just puzzles and obstacles, Giana faces a whole host of enemies as well, that also change with the environment, from owls and knights in armor hassling “Punk” Giana to devils and skeletons harassing “Cute” Giana. As the enemies themselves change with the environment, the game looks to color to indicate how specific enemies move about, as some will remain on platforms and others will drop down to the next. This provides a unique solution to a unique problem in aspect to the game itself for how to handle varying enemies, and is a solution easy to understand as well.
Along with the enemies in each level are the gems, that Giana collects along her journey to save her sister. Coming in three different colors, the gems add a collectible aspect that reinforces the twisting nature of the game world. While the blue gems can be picked up by either persona, yellow gems can only be collected by “Cute” Giana, and red gems by “Punk” Giana. Not only do the gems provide a main component by requiring enough to face bosses, they take the collection aspect in a different turn, instead of simply how can Giana reach up there, but how can “Punk” or “Cute” Giana reach up there.
With all of these different aspect as well as big boss battles, Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams provides even more with additional modes. While Score Attack and Time Attack change the goal of each level to see how well a player can do, Hardcore Mode and Über Hardcore Mode are where fans of older games with crazy high difficulty will get the more fun, frustration, or both. While Hardcore Mode tasks players with completing each level in a single life, Über Hardcore Mode tasks them with beating the entire game in a single life, which is pretty crazy for a game where one hit means death without a pink gem shield. Those that like to have more to do in levels after finishing the campaign will find plenty here.
Visuals and Audio
As almost every aspect of the game rests on the contrasting personas as well as the environments they must traverse, it’s great to see that the visuals are of such great quality. The screenshots here are a perfect representation of the visuals in gameplay, which are absolutely awesome to see as Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams is one of the best looking games to come to the XBLA so far this year. What’s more, the visuals aren’t the only aspect that twists with Giana as the soundtrack features “Cute” and “Punk” music that also match the environment, though players that prefer one can set up the music to a single option throughout. The visuals and audio not only highlight, but add to the unique gameplay.
Overall Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams is a great platformer that not only works well on the Xbox 360 and with the controller, but provides gameplay that doesn’t get stuck behind or nailed to a narrative. With outstanding looking visuals and a soundtrack that not only fits, but morphs to match the game world, platforming fans that missed the PC release and are looking for a campaign with unique gameplay and plenty of additional content should be able to find it here. Plus, with controls that perfectly suited for a controller the game fits right in on the XBLA.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
The latest installment in the beloved Sly Cooper franchise, Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time, has hit stores across Australia as of today for both the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita.
PlayStation Australia have released a vignette trailer for the game which features titular character Sly Cooper projecting his thoughts on the game through psychic vision to viewers. You can check out the vignette trailer below.
That’s not all though, if you purchase the PlayStation 3 version of Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time you can download the game free on the PlayStation Vita. That is two for the price of fun!
Be sure to pick up a copy for Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time now in stores across Australia.
Attention: Rangers of Australia… Metro: Last Light is coming May 16th, and if you haven’t pre-ordered already, now you have more incentive to do so.
Deep Silver and All Interactive Entertainment have confirmed the bonuses for pre-ordering Metro: Last Light from two of our biggest video game retailers: EB Games and JB Hi-Fi.
Pre-ordering from EB Games will net you the Ranger Mode DLC and the acclaimed Metro 2033 novel (paperback). The Ranger Mode DLC is recommended for veteran rangers only as it provides the ultimate challenge, featuring a HUD-free display for increased immersion, deadlier combat, and dramatically limited resources. On the bright side (of what little light is left in this world) owners will benefit from a unique Ranger load out, which includes an exclusive weapon; the Russian AK-SU, and will also be rewarded with 100 additional military grade rounds from the get-go. Pre-ordering from JB H-Fi gets you the Special Edition in-game RPK light machine gun and a Metro LED handheld torch.
As mentioned, Metro: Last Light will be available nation-wide on May 16th, for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.
New information on the Xi3 Piston has been passed along to us via an anonymous source that has provided some pictures and information on the new console after they attended a private event to showcase it.
There will be three different modes for the console: Desktop, living room, and “virtual reality”. It was not said what exactly “virtual reality” was, but it seems promising and is being shown as a portable option for the X13. You will also be able to play games from every platform of all time according to the following statement by our source:
“He said that they used to be roms/emulators, but declined to say how exactly they were packaging them now, but it doesn’t sound like emulation. Said they were playing some of the oldest games at the office. Would not mention titles, mentioned working with developers.”
There will also be content pre-loaded on the Piston which will include free games and other content including free to play games. There was no explicit mention of any titles.
During the Q&A there was no explanation on how the Piston or the OUYA were going to do “virtual reality”, but the people working on the Piston liked what the OUYA was doing. On the topic of the Piston being a “Steam Box” the representative said they consider any 32 or 64 bit computer a “Steam Box”. Their biggest hurdle is that a lot of people don’t even know the Piston exists, because most of their focus has been on business. The Piston was designed for the best components with the least amount of heat generation, and they believed that AMD was the best option because of their combined chips.
Gameloft have just dropped a major bombshell for mobile gaming fans. They have announced that they will be releasing a Iron Man 3 tie-in game for mobile devices within the iOS and Android platform.
They plan to release Iron Man 3 on iOS and Android in the just a few weeks time on April 25th just ahead of the film’s release on May 3rd. You can check out the exciting pulse-pounding action of Iron Man 3 on mobile in Gameloft’s trailer for the game below.
The game itself looks to be a lot of fun and very faithful to the world of Marvel’s Iron Man. With the ability to play as the iconic and legendary superhero Iron Man gamers are sure to be addicted by the thrill this Iron Man 3 game looks to bring.
What do you think of Iron Man 3 coming to mobile devices? Be sure to let us know your thoughts on this major announcement from Gameloft in the comments section.
NAMCO BANDAI Games America has announced the release of A-MEN for the PlayStation 3 on the PlayStation Network. A-MEN is an action-puzzle game that allows you to control multiple soldiers at once. You will solve puzzles in expansive worlds that have a retro style.
When a major explosion at the A-Corp factory releases hundreds of A-droid soldiers, it will come to you to chase them down using your wit and skill! Avoid traps and use them to your advantage! Tackle missions solo or go head-to-head with a buddy. You’ll enjoy figuring 40 levels of mayhem!
Previously, A-MEN was released on PlayStation Vita. This new version includes full 1080p HD, new action-based multiplayer modes, and more trophies. It’s rated E10+ by the ESRB and costs $9.99.
You can check out NAMCO BANDAI’s site here for more information, or get the game on the PSN here.
Bioshock Infinitehas been highly anticipated for months now and with reviews starting to hit, it’s clear that something special has been created by the folks at Irrational Games.
In our latest episode of CC Impact, editor Joe Morgan sits down and plays through the first hour of the game so you can experience it alongside him. You’ll get to see how Booker DeWitt gets to the floating city of Columbia, how some of the residents there behave, some combat, and a bit of zipping around the city on the skyhook.
As we initially record our gameplay videos, we will be livestreaming the footage to our Twitchpage. We’ll be sure to upload it to our YouTubepage later for those that missed the livestream as well. Also be sure to follow us on Twitter, 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.
Gyo: Tokyo Fish Attack Studio: Ufotable Publisher: Hanabee Release Date: March 6, 2013 Price:$39.99 (Blu-Ray) – Available Here
Overview: Gyo: Tokyo Fish Attack began as a manga by artist Junji Ito back in 2001 which was just called Gyo (“Fish” in Japanese), it doesn’t seem like a long time ago but 12 years IS a long time. They’ve finally brought it out as an anime movie that was released, in Australia, early March. Going into this I didn’t know whether to take it seriously, “A movie about walking, death fish? Weird.” was basically how I went in and I’m glad I did because this movie really shattered that thought. I had never seen something like this before but I have now and…well, you’ll just have to read on.
Story: Gyo: Tokyo Fish Attack is an odd movie to say the least. It’s the apocalypse story you never saw coming. Honestly. At first glance this movie seems extremely weird and you’d probably place somewhere on that list in your mind that says; “Movies NOT to watch” but diving into this movie quickly changes that thought, even just quickly reading over some of the original manga details gets you very intrigued because while there’s this “weird story” there’s also those underlying mysteries that you can’t help but ponder after watching. Basically it is a story of fish with mechanical legs who come up on shore, give off a smell of rotting, human corpses and attack anyone and everyone. That there is the most basic explanation, now if I was to get into it more I would definitely be ruining the story for you, yes, it’s good to go in with a bit of an idea where this movie is going but I feel like watching the story naturally progress, expand and escalate is really what makes this movie brilliant.
Now I feel it’s safe to say the “fish attacking everyone” is more of the setting of the story and not the main focus because we have human leads. Kaori is a girl who is spending a couple weeks at a beach house with her two friends Erika who is an extremely promiscuous girl and Aki their fat, nerdy friend who takes a lot of blows from Erika. Emotionally and physically. They seem to be one of the first to encounter the fishy foes, killing one using a desk in the house, their story escalates from there. Surviving a Shark attack the three are in shambles, Kaori flies back to Tokyo to see her fiancee and the other two beautifully show how backstabbing people can be when their life is on the line. Something I loved about this movie is that without much setup i was made to hate some of these people so much. There wasn’t much setup to these characters, no, but with the little setup that was given you knew who you wanted dead and who you wanted to make it and live, that’s something not a lot of movies can do and it’s something to be admired. On the way to Tokyo Kaori meets Shirakawa a young photojournalist who’s totally onto these fish attacks , so much so that the events that transpire between them are mostly in his favor seeing as he is getting the scoop on all these attacks. They help each other through the most part of the movie and it’s great to see how even when friendships fall apart in danger other relationships can be made. I really liked that.
Let’s talk end game. I’m going to try and do this without giving anything away. Most of the movie I sat there with the “Really? Like really?” look on my face, half of what happened took me by surprise and shocked me, some of it was too weird for me at first and it kept getting weirder, the funny thing is that it worked. It got weirder and weirder and it escalated and became something that seemed so different from when the movie started. Starting off I didn’t think I’d enjoy the movie but by it’s end, let me tell you, I was hooked. That’s what made it a great movie.
Visuals: The visuals in this movie are fantastic! Without a doubt in my mind I can say that there was no problem with how this movie looked. I believe there are two types of anime movie; The anime movies based off of a running anime that they kind of put effort into but probably just as much effort as an climactic episode and the anime movies that are like this. They blended traditional animation and CGI animation in a way that you forget that there’s two different kinds of predominant animation in this film. All the characters are drawn and animated like any other film and the fish, water, some vehicles, etc are animated with CGI. It. Just. Works. This would have to be my favorite aspect of this movie. Something else I like is the mouth movements, during intense moments within the film the animation is synced up with the voices extremely well. Another big kicker in this movie is the beautifully drawn backgrounds and settings like the city, houses and vehicles. The way characters move and react are so…real. They use an old-school manga style of intense facial expressions with the big dark shading lines and the wide-mouthed, wide-eyed look that reminds the viewer “This was a manga. I’m watching anime”. Like I said earlier I can’t fault this movie at all when it comes to Visuals.
Audio: My biggest issue with the audio is that I didn’t come away from the movie remembering much of it. It wasn’t memorable. Now I’m talking soundtrack, background music, those aspects. I know there were intense moments were music kicked in and made it more intense but I didn’t come away exactly raving about it when I’ve done that with so much more from within this movie. I just didn’t come away from this movie thinking how good the score was. What makes up for that is the voice acting. Brilliant. You cared for these characters, you could hear the emotion in their voices, you could here the urgency in their voices, you gave a crap about them!
Extras: There actually wasn’t any extras. Now I watched it on Blu-Ray and apart from trailers for other anime and an option to read the credits there was nothing on the disc which is a little disappointing considering how well put-together this movie is. I would’ve liked to see some animation work or something. There IS a reverse side to the front cover which is art of a scene in the movie.
Overall: This movie is fantastic for people that are; One: Fans of anime in general and Two: Open-minded. There’s no way you could watch this movie with the family, especially not younger siblings! This is a “I’m home alone no one will question why I’m watching this” kind of movie. Personally I would only recommend it to maybe one of my friends, it’s that kind of movie but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad movie at all! If you’re a fan of horror, thriller, psychological types of movies you will enjoy this. If you’re just a fan of great animation and well put-together anime films then, yeah, I would recommend you see this one too. This movie isn’t a long one, only 70 minutes so a little over an hour, and I think that’s great because it doesn’t drag on, it doesn’t bore you and I think viewers will appreciate that. I don’t doubt that fans of the manga will love this, I never read the manga but I researched it after watching this and I believe it does it justice and really shouldn’t be overlooked by fans. It is one of those movies that has a very defined audience but to those who watch the movie it’s fantastic and I think that’s great.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
