Mars War Logs has released a fresh set of screenshots, this time focused on some of the obstacles Roy Temperance and his followers. Ranging from from the standard oppressive guards of dystopian societies, to folks that seem to have suffered the effects of the red planets harsh sun, to giant mole creatures!
The deck seems pretty stacked against Roy, but luckily Roy himself will have a few tricks up his sleeve that players will get to choose and utilize however they want. These are just some of the obstacles that Roy will be facing though, so expect to see more and probably far far worse.
Mars War Logs is an action RPG being devleoped by Spiders Studio and published by Focus Home Interactive coming Spring 2013 for Xbox LIVE, PSN, and PC. Until then be sure to check out the gallery below to get a good look at these newest screenshots.
Are you like our fellow senior editor, Luke Halliday, and absolutely and unconditionally in love with frogs to the point irrationality? The this game definitely looks like one for you. SuperFrog HD is a HD version of the game SuperFrog from over 20 years ago. This HD version of the game enhances the visuals, modernising the frog for the modern gamer.
Superfrog comes from Team17 and you can visit their Facebook page here for more information. You can visit the Superfrog HD Facebook page here for more information on the game. See below for a gallery detailing the progress of the Super amphibian known as SuperFrog.
D.I.C.E, otherwise known as Design. Innovate. Communicate. Entertain. gushed forth some reflections on the state of video gaming, as well as giving us some great insider scoops and a few obligatory awards. D.I.C.E. summit is an annual event that brings together some of the biggest names in the gaming industry to reflect on developments and insights that impact game makers and players in a broad spectrum of ways. ENTV and Variety covered the event for the internet and have made the entire summit available online for free.
The summit started with several networking events such as Go-Karting, Golf, a Canyon Run at Red Rock and a happy hour followed by a poker tournament. The gaming community didn’t initially take me as the golfing and fun-run crowd but I guess you can’t beat the classics when it comes to networking.
After breakfast and a few quick comments by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (who host D.I.C.E.) President, Martin Rae, J.J. Abrams & Gabe Newell opened the summit with some amazing banter about the two different forms of story telling they have helped pioneer. In case you’ve some how missed it, they used the last 30 seconds of their keynote speech to mention a collaboration between the two for both a Half-Life movie and a Portal film.
Glen Schofield of Sledgehammer Games followed with day’s design keynote entitled ‘The Art of Research.’ Emphasising research and ditching ego from design, Glen framed his work in what he owes to the consumer. He also demonstrated how he practically applied inspiration he and his team found in the real world. If you’ve got a design based mind this is well worth a watch.
Another quick break split Glen from David Cage, the CEO of Quantic Dreams. Giving a fantastical speech, David talked about ‘The Peter Pan Syndrome’ and why the gaming industry needs to grow up. In 9 points he articulated what he considered to be childish attitudes that are constricting the continuing development of games to being relevant and mature.
Supergiant Games’ Studio Director Amir Rao talked about the necessary yet unloved skill involved in porting games across platforms. He comes to the conclusion that designing games that transfer well isn’t about making a game that operates with the same engine on every platform but about understanding the utility each platform brings to your game and working with that advantage.
This was followed by a panel discussion on ‘Disruption in the Mobile Frontier’ including Phil Larsen, David Edery & Julian Farrior which was moderated by Matt Lee Johnston. A relatively technical marketing conversation came from the panel and yet they still managed to carry across the message that their emphasis is great gaming.
After lunch there were 5 more presentations left for the first day of D.I.C.E. Opening the second session President of SyFy Mark Stern and Nick Beliaeff, the Production VP of Trion Worlds had a conversation about transmedia, or generating a fictional universe across multiple mediums. Nick took a lot of the time but both of them managed to convey the intriguing complexities in creating a closed narrative loop for their shared work in Defiance.
Schell Games’ Jesse Schell used really great visual language to discuss the ‘Secret Mechanisms’ in games. Surprisingly this speech wasn’t confined to mechanics in games, rather what makes us want to play games in certain spaces and for certain reasons. Adeptly using a lock and key metaphor, the key being the game and the lock being our personal ideas about happiness, Jesse wants designers to reconsider games in an enjoyment based economy.
Xaiver Poix, Managing Director of multiple arms within Ubisoft, used a virtual assistant from Rayman to help deliver a speech on unique uses of innovation at the launch of a console and cross platform integration. His discussion focused on taking gambols with innovation to reach gamers with unique skills, explaining his core thesis through the observation that many people are using multiple devices inconsistently in the same room as the main gaming device.
Ouya CEO Julie Uhrman spoke of the ‘Revenge of the Television,’ explaining its continuing presence and relevance as a result of our personal relationships with the medium. The importance of consoles is hampered by the dominance of the few core companies that produce them. Julie believes democratising this platform gives the ability to change the definitions of what a game can be, a definition that is provided to us by our over exposure to AAA titles.
Rounding out the day was Qualcomm’s VP of Product Management, Raj Talluri, who postulated on the future of mobile gaming. Indicating that gaming is quickly becoming one of the key criteria for choosing a smartphone, Raj explores why its massive uptake has forced innovation. He sees mobile games, mostly simple casual experiences for now, as a gateway to expand interest in varied genres in gaming to a new market.
That wraps up day one of D.I.C.E. Each of the videos linked also has an abridged version if you don’t want to sit through almost 5 hours of detailed presentations. A summary of day 2 will be available tomorrow.
Sony Computer Entertainment Australia has touted their leadership in the hardware and software sales within Australia for the year of 2012.
SCE Australia have cited official retail scan data from NPD Group Australia and the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (iGEA) 2012 market overview in reporting their dominance. Sony have contributed a great deal to the $1.161 billion dollar industry in Australia this year, with a trifecta of successes in the platform, hardware and software sales categories.
Here is a breakdown of the official numbers:
PlayStation 3 total platform performance – whichaggregates platform hardware, software and peripherals – led the interactive entertainment market in Australia by achieving the number 1 industry platform position across both unit sales (25.3%) and driving the highest dollar value share (31.3%) for the industry.
PlayStation 3 hardware performed impressively, with PS3 ranking number 1 for both hardware unit sales (27% share), and again driving the greatest value share for the industry (32% share). Sales were buoyed by the release of a new form factor in 2012.
PlayStation 3 platform software also achieved the number 1 unit sales position for the year (28.9% share).
Managing Director of SCE Australia, Michael Ephraim has stated, “PlayStation 3 continues to power in Australia. Our sales leadership strength continues despite factors such as economic downturn, aggressive industry pricing and new competitor consoles being launched. PlayStation 3 sales continue to perform because it remains a great value, high definition entertainment solution for all Australian families that offers exceptional games, movies, TV and music experiences.”
He also believes that 2013 will be just as positive; “Moving into 2013, with AAA blockbusters on the horizon such as God of War®: Ascension, the critically acclaimed The Last of Us™,BEYOND: Two Souls™, plus more for the family with new titles for Wonderbook™, we plan to continue the PlayStation momentum and magic for our Australian customers.”
In conclusion, Ephraim touched on online sales; “We are also seeing accelerated growth in our online sales driven by an increased range of digital content and subscription products such as the PlayStation®Plus program in Australia.”
The sequel to Glu’s Stardom: The A-List is launching this week for the iOS and will arrive just in time for the Oscars! Stardom: Hollywood will continue the tradition of the franchise, being a freemium title, with an Android release coming not far down the line.
You will get to live the life of an aspiring actor/actress, experiencing both the ups and the downs (yes, there are just a few downs). The Hollywood lifestyle is almost all fun and gravitas, but you will also have to avoid those pesky paparazzi as you exit the trendiest clubs and are spotted hanging with your even more famous friends.
Here is a list of the game’s features:
Riveting New Storyline – The road to becoming a star in Hollywood includes new venues to visit, people to meet, and auditions to book.
Power Couples – Being an A-Lister means you need a significant other that can keep up with your lifestyle. Become a celebrity couple and watch your stardom soar.
Make Your Own Fame – In Hollywood, it’s all about who you know. Network with the right professionals to get the best roles.
Hollywood Glamour – Stardom: Hollywood lets players design a home worthy of their status – complete with a variety of new furniture customizations and design elements.
Sparkling HD Graphics – Impressive visuals, with more detailed characters and emotion animations, lets the stars shine bright in all of their beauty!
Check out the official trailer for game below the following gallery, with includes some screens/promo shots.
Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories Developer:Nippon Ichi Software Publisher: NIS America Platform:Playstation 3 (Download) Release Date: 22nd January, 2013 Price:$9.99 – Available Here
Overview:
So you’re interested in Disgaea but don’t know where to start dood? Well whether you’re a seasoned Disgaea pro wanting to relive old memories or a Prinny in training looking for an entry point to the series, Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories on the PlayStation Network won’t disappoint.
It’s just as it was on PlayStation 2 and there isn’t anything wrong with that. Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories seems to have hardly aged a day since it was originally released and despite being a simple direct port, it is well worth the price tag for both Disgaea veterans and the uninitiated.
Story:
Straight from the get-go, Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories sets the stage for one of the franchise best and most beloved story-telling outings. It starts hard and fast, laying it on thick with the dark humour of Disgaea, detailing the demon-filled world and its plight of Overlord Zenon’s curse.
It is easy to see why Disgaea is such a popular series, with its biting humour, rich world and well-defined cast of characters. There is certainly a lot to sink your teeth into, especially with Disgaea 2 which is widely considered to be one of the highlights of the franchise.
Perhaps the thing that makes Disgaea 2 so special is that underneath all of its silly dark humour, there is a genuine warmth that goes hand in hand with its more wackier elements. Combining comedy with honest emotion is what makes Disgaea such an endearing franchise and Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories is a great example of that.
Resonance is an important part of story-telling and resonate is something Disgaea 2 does. It’s like a memory etched in your mind that you look back on with a nostalgic grin etched across your face. That very warmth will have you smiling from start to finish.
Gameplay:
Disgaea 2 much like the rest of the franchise employs a strategy RPG format that is every bit addictive as it is challenging. You could easily lose yourself in this game for hours upon hours. There is over a 100 hours of game to be played here no doubt about that.
When placed alongside it’s sequels it is plain to see that the game’s basic formula has naturally been updated since Disgaea 2. The combat has been tightened and polished since the original release of this game and as such it isn’t exactly a fair comparison to make with the other Disgaea titles on the market. Standing on its own however, Disgaea 2 plays very well despite its age.
If you played Disgaea 2 back on the PS2 then you will know what to expect as this is nothing but a direct port of that version of the game. For those looking for a place to begin with the franchise this is one of the more simpler entries of the series in terms of gameplay, with a lot less of a learning curve to it. The combat is simple yet deep, with an immense level of strategy that goes into it, really earning the title of strategy RPG.
The battles are the true highlight of Disgaea 2, as it is where all the addictive elements of the game reside. Turn-based combat requiring you to command a team of characters is what is on the menu for Disgaea 2. With the variety of abilities and types of battle that can arise there is many strategic possibilities with more potential strategies coming into play the further you dive into the game. It can get to the point where you become embroiled in such intense combat that you could be in combat for great lengths of time.
For all its addictive elements, Disgaea 2 is a simple yet complex strategy RPG that just gets bigger the more deeper you delve into the game. You’ll no doubt spend a lot of time in the world of Disgaea 2 as you get swept up in its sway.
Visuals and Audio:
Aesthetically Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories is very much Japanese. Implementing the art-style that we have come to know and love Disgaea for, featuring chibi anime character designs that have a definite cute-factor (the Prinnies define the Disgaea art). While sprite-based art feels odd to see on a home console in this day and age, it is this style that really proves to stand the test of time. It still looks as gorgeous as it always did and the animation sequences are jaw-dropping beautiful.
The soundtrack that Nippon Ichi used for Disgaea 2 is best described as an absolute classic. It is composed with finesse by Tenpei Sato and is a credit to him as a musician. There are many tracks here that will ingrain themselves into your head, set up camp and stick with you long after you put down the controller. Beautifully composed, Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories soundtrack is unforgettable.
Overall:
A truly great game is one that can stand the test of time, a game that is great in any era. Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories is one of those games. It is just as good today as it ever was and that is truly a testament to not only the Disgaea franchise but also the brilliance of Nippon Ichi Software. They have created a perfect formula that is nothing short of timeless.
Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories is a highlight of the series, it features one of the most engaging stories and characters seen in the franchise and the gameplay is utterly addictive, beckoning you to sink hours upon hours into strategic demon battles. If there was any strategy RPG game on the PSN that you could really sink your teeth into, it is Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories. It is just as good as it always was and for the price tag, this isn’t a game that should be passed up whether you’re a fan of the series or this is your first time making memories in the world of Disgaea. This is an offer you can’t refuse, so do yourself a favour and dive into Disgaea 2 dood!
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
If you’ve been hesitant to pick up Persona 4 Arena for whatever reason, then you pretty much have no excuse not to now, unless you just happen to dislike fighting games or the Persona series as a whole. Why you ask? Well because Persona 4 Arena is now available as a digital download on the PlayStation 3 for only $29.99, a far cry from the game’s current physical price of $59.99.
To honor the game’s availability as a digital download title, you can find a few new screenshots below and in case you’re unsure about the quality of the title you can check out our review for the Xbox 360 version of the game here.
If you’ve been on the fence about Dynasty Warriors 7 Empires then you will have an opportunity to at least test the title out before it’s release now that Tecmo Koei has released a demo for the PlayStation 3 exclusive onto the PlayStation Network.
This demo is currently available for download and in it players will be able to experience the newly improved Edit Mode which allows players to customize their character more than ever before, including the ability to pick their character’s facial features, personality, weapon animation, abilities, outfits and more.
As for the full game, Dynasty Warriors 7 Empires will be unfortunately only be released as a digital download in the United States on February 26 while Europe will see a full physical release on February 22nd.
Today Tecmo Koei chose to release a brand new trailer for Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus that shows off plenty of in-game gameplay footage and to go along with this trailer the company also released a slew of screenshots which you can check out below.
In these screenshots we see Ryu Hayabusa and the other characters in the game take down a number of enemies with a number of different weapons alongside a number of images focused around the game’s cut-scenes. Currently Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus is set to be released exclusively for the PlayStation Vita on February 26th.
Just last week, we showed you the new and improved Toki Tori 2, which is heading to the Wii U’s eShop. Yes, the game looks great, but today – Two Tribes have decided to let us know about new features this sequel will boast in a new blog post.
Of course the game will feature full gameplay support from the Gamepad, where players will be able to put the full experience onto their small-screened controller. Also at work is the Tokidex, which will let players take their Gamepad and use it as a virtual camera. One an item or creature is scanned, it is then added to the Tokidex – adding in a whole new element to the experience with 40 different pictures to snap.
Other than the Tokidex, Two Tribes spoke about the game’s post launch life, with hopes of adding in a level editor, as well as extended Miiverse support. It all sounds pretty good, and again, this is one upcoming Wii U title that many should keep their eye on.
