Welcome to another episode of CC: Anime, Capsule Computers Anime Podcast! In our fourteenth episode, the CC: Anime crew discuss the latest anime and manga news, the new Daisuki streaming service, play one last game show and make a major announcement regarding the future of CC Anime.
Cast: Luke Halliday, Travis Bruno, Benjamin ‘Linkage Ayexe’ Webb, Jahanzeb Khan and Michael ‘Spike’ Marr
We hope you enjoy CC: Anime Episode 14, be sure to let us know what you think.
There are so many anime out there but there are even more anime girls. In what is going to become a weekly segment here on Capsule Computers I will be taking one anime girl from a currently airing anime series and shining the spotlight on them as well as share various official and fan made images of the selected anime girl.
To kick things off, we have a rather odd choice in the form of Hikage from Senran Kagura. She first debuted as an enemy character in the Senran Kagura video game series and became a playable character in Senran Kagura Burst and Senran Kagura: Shinovi Versus. Since the game series debuted 2011, an anime series simply called Senran Kagura started airing this Winter 2013 anime season. In the anime series Hikage is voiced by Ryoko Shiraishi.
Hikage is a third year student at the Serpent Academy for Girls and is one of the school’s elite five. She rarely displays emotions, the cause of which may be due to the fact that she grew up as a child soldier and was trained to be a fighter since she was born, still she finds it difficult to find any motivation beyond simply finishing her mission. Besides her past as a child soldier, little is known about what led her to join the Serpent Academy, though of the elite she is the most serpentine both in appearance and mannerism. Whenever she battles against the light ninjas, she is usually paired off against Katsuragi who sees Hikage as her rival, though Hikage does not feel this competitive connection.
As far as the anime itself goes, FUNimation is currently streaming the series and owns the license while the games have not been announced for localization at this time.
Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes Developer: Capybara Games, Tag Games Publisher: Ubisoft Platform: iPad (Reviewed), iPhone, iPod Touch Release Date: February 27th, 2013 Price: $4.99 Get it Here
Overview
Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes is a puzzle based strategy game set in the Might and Magic universe and is a prequel to the plot of Heroes of Might and Magic V. The iOS version is a port of a HD remake. The original game was released on the Nintendo DS to positive reviews.
Story
The plot of Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes’ plot is composed of classic fantasy RPG plot lines. Without spoiling too much, the game features five young heroes thrust into a demon uprising after their parents are brutally slain protecting the Blade of Binding. This ancient artifact is capable of take control of demons and whoever controls the artifact will dictate the outcome of the war. The story is told through short cut scenes and conversations between characters. The game is well written. It manages to stay interesting and serves as an excellent introduction to the Might and Magic world to new comers.
Gameplay
Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes combines elements of RPG, strategy, and match three puzzle games. Each battle is comprised of turn based combat requiring players to match three units of the same colour either horizontally to create walls or vertically to attack. As the game progresses, the player will be introduced to special units, artifacts, and abilities that can quickly change the tide of battle if used correctly. The puzzle elements is simple enough to learn quickly, but many battles require a good amount of strategy to win. Don’t let looks fool you, although Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes is packaged in a cartoony manner does not mean it is a simple game. Like chess, the game heavily rewards players for looking at the larger picture of the battlefield and thinking several moves ahead.
The battles are varied in nature, as there are plenty of boss and puzzle fights that take the traditional battle and change the conditions of victory. Instead of plowing through the enemy’s HP, the player may instead have to hit a moving object or complete the battle in a single move. I really enjoyed these elements as some of them are actually fiendish puzzles that stumped me for a solid hour.
Outside of combat, the game is node based movement with RPG elements. The player’s hero and their army level up, becoming tougher and more powerful. Artifacts can be equipped to provide the hero a special benefit during combat. Choosing an artifact that suits your play style actually becomes an important part of strategy. There are chests to open, puzzles to solve, quests to take on. Special units that died in combat can be purchased with the currency collected during battle and found around the world. The RPG elements of the game are well done, complimenting the strategic puzzle combat.
Originally, the game was released on the Nintendo DS, meaning the controls were designed for touch controls. The controls were then modified for consoles and PC in the HD remake, then were ported back to touch controls. The controls didn’t translate perfectly for the iOS. There are some frustrating moments where the game doesn’t seem to pick up the finger well, accidently moving the wrong unit or cancelling a unit deletion. I found the game easier to play when switching to a stylus. I already had issues with my small hands on an iPad and frankly, I cringe to think about playing this game on an iPhone without a stylus.
Visuals
Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes is a high definition port of the Nintendo DS game. The sprites are flawless and the animations varied. Each unit and spell has its own unique attack animation. The game looks fantastic on the new iPad’s Retina display. The art quality is over all extremely impressive.
Audio
The cut scenes in Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes are fully voice acted by a narrator. I would have loved to hear a little more voice acting to compliment the game’s level of polish. The sound effects sound great and the music is great to listen to. Although the game can be enjoyed with the sound turned off, the high quality sound effects and music deserve a listen to, even with speakers.
Overall
Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes is an excellent game. There is a good reason why it has now been ported twice from the original Nintendo DS platform. The game features excellent gameplay, great looking visuals, and fantastic audio. My only complaint is the control scheme which demands an accurate touch. A stylus really improves the controls. For $4.99, Heroes of Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes is a fantastic game. The single player portion of the game alone can easily consume over 30 hours of play and there is a multiplayer battle mode to extend the life of the game. Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes is a no brainer for all tablet owners and a strong recommendation for smaller screen gamers.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Hanabee have released the official release date of their upcoming Anime series, Dusk Maiden of Amnesia. The title is set to be released on the 5th of June and will be available in both DVD and Blu-Ray formats.
Dusk Maiden of Amnesia is from the same group responsible for the Baka To Test series, so fans of that series will be likely to enjoy this one. It is being pegged as a romantic comedy and is based on a Manga series by the same name.
Dusk Maiden of Amnesia will be releasing with both the Japanese and English dubs as well as a bonus soundtrack. This is definitely above standard for Anime releases, so fans should look to pick this one up.
The following is a quote from the series’ synopsis:
It’s tough being president of a school club.
It’s even tougher being the club president and dead.
In the most creepy, old abandoned school building lies the Paranormal Investigations Club of Seikyou Private Academy. The president of the club isn’t your typical student though as Yuko Kanoe has been dead for 60 years now, with her body still lying under the clubroom itself. With no memory of her past or of how she died, Yuko has been wandering aimlessly through the school’s halls until she meets Teiichi Niiya.
Teiichi seems to be the only person who can see her and he is determined to uncover the truth. But there are some things that are better left alone and Yuko’s past might just be one of them.
Be sure to check out the official sitefor more info.
Anime fans in Australia will be excited to know that the OVA series for the Hakuoki franchise, A Memory of Snow Flowers, has been licensed by Hanabee. The OVA is scheduled to be released on the 1st of May and will come with all six episodes of the OVA series. The OVA series will also come with both the English and the Japanese dubs so that fans can listen to the series in their preferred language.
The following is a quote from the synopsis:
Oni from East and West do battle over Chizuru the Geisha.
It’s not every day that the Shinsengumi get to see Chizuru dressed as a geisha, and this latest undercover mission has her comrades all in a muddle. As snows start to come on, protective instincts are ignited amongst the men – the Bakufu are clumsier than usual, drunks are drooling over Chizuru and brawls are the order of the day for the impassioned Shinsengumi.
But all conflict is fleeting – encounters with drunks, corrupt bakufu, greedy brothel owners and even a visit from a rather romantic Kazama Chikage cannot dampen the spirits for long when the comrades have dango, haiku and fellowship to call on.
Be sure to check out the Official Site for more info.
Aussie Anime fans can expect a new release from Hanabee called Mysterious Girlfriend X. This Anime series is set to be released on the 5th of June and ios produced by Hoods Entertainment, the same group involved with Psycho-Pass and is also directed by the same director as Space Brothers.
The series Mysterious Girlfriend X will be released on both Blu-Ray and DVD so that fans can grab the copy that is most relevant to their visual needs. It will also be coming packaged with an OVA and will feature both English and Japanese dubs.
The following is a snippet of the series’ synopsis:
Brought Together By Love, Bonded Forever…By Drool
What does Akira Tsubaki think he’s doing? He just woke new student Mikoto Urabe from her snooze on a classroom desk, and he couldn’t help but taste the puddle of drool she left behind! Now he’s in bed with a fever and the same girl has just come over to tell him – he’s addicted to her saliva!
A special bond is being formed, as through exchange of saliva Tsubaki and Urabe are able to share their thoughts, dreams, emotions and even injuries. Their attachment is on the road to developing into a relationship, but how will this strange situation affect fellow students, particularly Tsubaki’s friend Kouhei and his diminutive girlfriend Ayuko?
The anime interpretation of ongoing manga serial by Riichi Ueshiba, get ready to go on a wild ride of romance, sexual tension and quirkiness as Tsubaki and Urabe come to fully understand their bond.
This sounds like a fairly interesting series. Be sure to check out the official site for more info.
In anticipation for 2013’s undoubtedly wackiest video game entry, the newest trailer for the up and coming Deadpool game has been released. For those who are unaware, the trailer, labelled as the “Marvel Anti Hero” trailer, details our protagonist as exactly that. Having taken all of Marvel’s money (spending it on heavy duty artillery and Mexican bean products no doubt), our merc with a mouth has provided his own “creative” look into his game, set for release in June this year. The trailer also shows off some beautifully rendered environments, which Deadpool then immediately proceeds to detonate, other recognisable faces from the Marvel universe, and a few interesting pieces of propaganda from those who have worked with our merc closely. While it doesn’t show off much of the story (uh… at all..), if nothing else the trailer highlights the absolute insanity that will await players will experience upon the purchase of this particular title. There’s just something whimsical about seeing a man propelling himself forwards with a rocket powered ATV. Check out the trailer for yourselves below!
Due out Tuesday March 12 in the US and March 13 in Europe and developed by Creat Studios Inc. for Playstation Network, Psych Yourself is the sequel to the 2011 title Test Yourself: Psychology!. This game is loaded with interactive tests and puzzles to really put your brain in a more conditioned state. The games tests are based on real scientific methods used by psychologists, analyzing Emotional IQ, Creativity, and the capabilities of Perception.
While the original title tested the natural abilities of your brain such as attention span, reaction time, and memory; Psych Yourself delves deeper into the mental prowess of the human mind, probing the inner most parts of the psyche. The game is set to have near infinite replay value and the ability to track your national average to see how your mind is set within the world as online leader boards are present for all testing and training modes.
Also included is an extensive in-game library filled with various facts and historical data presented in a way that is more fun than tedious. Another included feature is a “Daily Test”, an in-depth evaluation of your mental performances, and various training modes to help improve your scores. Various separate games are presented to improve mental abilities, and videos are used in place of the still images from the original. For people excited to get their brain in shape, information and screens can be found at the developers’ site www.creatstudios.com.
‘Total War Shogun 2’ has been adored by critics and fans alike and for good reason. The game itself won a BAFTA and it’s expansion, ‘Fall of the Samurai,’ was nominated for one as well. It should come as no surprise that the game is being given a Gold Edition.
This Gold edition includes the main game, expansions ‘Rise of the Samurai’ and the aforementioned ‘Fall of the Samurai’ alongside all other released DLC excluding ‘Blood Pack.’ To spoil the fans who purchase this special edition of the game, it will be released with limited edition Wajima-nuri inspired packaging, which will not be used again.
Your mission: reach the military base for emergency evacuation before zombies overrun you.
The successful online and mobile flash game Earn to Diewill be released on Google Play for Android this Tuesday, March 12th. Brought to you by Toffee Games and Not Doppler, the action and survival racing game promises you a satisfying dose of zombie kills as you demolish your way through hordes of them in the cross-country.
The game’s features include a brand new and extended zombie apocalypse Story Mode, eight awesome upgradeable vehicles, Championship Mode to improve your overall race times and an intimidating Halloween Mode! As can be expected, the Android version will contain all the characteristics offered in last year’s iOS version.
It has been announced that Earn to Diewill be available on Android for $1.19. Check out the teaser trailer provided below.
