Fire Emblem fanatics hoping to pick up Fire Emblem Awakening today for their Nintendo 3DS may be disappointed to hear that their appears to be several issues with the shipment of retail copies of the game.
Amazon warns their is a ‘potential shipping delay’ and Gamestop reports that the game is ‘currently unavailable’. Game Informer inquired as to why this was with several stores and it has come to light that their has been major issues with shipping of the retail copies with expected arrival ranging between February 6-11 depending upon the store.
This is unfortunate news for those looking for the physical release of the game, but those who take to the 3DS eShop should have no problem downloading the game digitally.
Un-Go Studio: BONES Publisher: Siren Visual Release Date: January 24, 2012 Price:$49.95 – Available Here
Overview: The truth can mean many things to different people. Depending upon who you ask the truth could be an enemy, a friend, a secret, a revelation or even salvation. What truth is though, is an ideal. One’s truth can be another’s lie, it all comes down to what one chooses to believe. The truth is what you believe it to be, even if in another’s eyes your truth is a lie. Un-Go thoroughly embodies this ideal.
Un-Go is an inspired anime series propelled by purpose. Deconstructing a variety of facets of the mystery genre it breathes fresh air into stagnation with intelligent and refined narrative finesse. Based upon the work of Ango Sakaguchi, Un-Go becomes something truly special. If you’ve been looking for a thoughtful anime filled to the brim with creativity, stop searching, this is the one.
Story: Like a song sung without any words, Un-Go is a series that keeps its message underneath the surface only becoming clear once you take the time to really listen to what it is trying to say. With a masterfully composed tale told beneath an array of equally brilliant tales, Un-Go is a storytelling delight worth savouring.
Employing a decisively distinctive cast of characters and stories to tell, Un-Go spins its web of mysteries elegantly over the course of 11 well-crafted episodes, each serving a purpose of defining the greater mystery of this series – our truth.
Shinjurou Yuki is the Defeated Detective, a man shamed by his nemesis the adored genius Kaishou Rinroku. Shinjurou is somewhat of a spiritual successor of Sherlock Holmes, with an insatiable knack for solving mysteries with his incredible skills of deduction and bad habit of finding himself at the forefront of many cases. While both men have their similarities what separates Shinjurou from Rinroku however is there purpose. Shinjurou is a man compelled by the truth, whereas Rinroku is a man who only cares to see a case resolved regardless of the truth. This undoubtedly places both men constantly at odds with one another. A reminder that the truth is what we believe it to be.
Un-Go implements a series of short mystery arcs, ranging between 1-3 episodes in length for each. What makes Un-Go so captivating however is that much like its protagonist it doesn’t dwell on the resolution of a case more so that it focuses on the truth and circumstances of it. This is where Un-Go shines, it treats each of its mysteries with a level of delicacy that you just don’t find in series of this genre. Instead of being concerned with the outcome, Un-Go explores the heart of the issues it presents, never truly casting a judging eye upon any of its characters. Again, the truth is what we believe it to be.
Over the course of its run, the series introduces us to a plethora of memorable characters each chiseled at bit by bit gaining greater definition with each passing episode. Inga is an enigma, a truth better left untold. Her relationship with Shinjurou is largely left for speculation, with Un-Go deciding that some mysteries are best left just that. It tells enough without telling too much, a balance that few pull off effectively.
Kazamori and Rie round off the main cast, both being characters stuck between two worlds. Kazamori is a being given life by artificial intelligence. His cutting views on humanity coupled with an innate curiosity of it prove to be a highlight of the series. One can’t help but feel that despite his perspective he longs to be part of what he sees. Rie is likewise torn, between loyalty for her father Kaishou Rinroku and her nagging feeling that Shinjurou’s truth is more in line with her own. These two characters are of course just scratching the surface of what is indeed a very well-written cast of characters.
On top of its well-rounded cast, Un-Go features a fully realised world that is rich with personality and a deep history. Through its immense world Un-Go explores social and political issues with a deft intelligence and wit providing a commentary on the way society and politicians in particular value and consider the notion of truth.
For all of its brilliance, Un-Go does have one fallacy – it ends too soon. Even though it develops its setting, cast, story and overall message gracefully, there is still so much left unanswered. In spite of that you leave Un-Go satisfied, there are still mysteries left to be solved and truths left to be told.
“I’m still searching…” the Defeated Detective decides in a moment that serves as a manifesto for Un-Go. Searching for the truth is ultimately a fruitless endeavour. No matter how powerful Inga may be, there is no one great truth. The search for truth is the search for meaning. That is the search that truly matters, after all that same Detective still searching once said, “We’re all just in the process of falling.”
Visuals and Audio: BONES has never been known for anything less than brilliant in terms of production. Un-Go is no different. It is another in a long line of gorgeously depicted BONES anime series, one with its own pronounced artistic vision and voice. It is refined and lavishly detailed, featuring some unforgettable character designs and a resonant setting that feels both strange yet familiar.
Proving they are no slouch when it comes to animation, BONES’ Un-Go also can lay claim to conveying some of the most captivating feats of animation in recent memory. Whether it is the subtle movements of characters such an Inga to the more pronounced sequences such as those seen in the final episode, Un-Go is beautifully animated throughout.
Arguably the true star of Un-Go is its astonishing musical composition crafted by the enigmatic Narasaki. What Narasaki accomplishes is difficult to put into words. Un-Go’s score quietly weaves a tale of its own, providing atmosphere and emotion that few soundtracks do. What Narasaki has composed is a genuine musical masterpiece, this accomplishment deserves all the appreciation it garners.
Complimenting Narasaki’s wondrous performance is the opening and ending themes, ‘How to Go’ by School Food Punishment and ‘Fantasy’ by LAMA respectively. Both tracks provide an excellent bookend for each episode of Un-Go, fitting seamlessly into the soundtrack Narasaki has composed.
This particular release of Un-Go features both English and Japanese audio and I am pleased to say that both versions feature phenomenal voice work. As a matter of fact I believe the English dub to be Sentai Filmworks best to date.
Extras: Siren Visual’s release of the complete series of Un-Go features a plethora of bonus content, making this undoubtedly the definitive release of the series. This DVD collection alongside compiling the entire 11 episode run of the series also features the prequel OVA film Inga-Ron (dubbed into English at that), a special Ango Sakaguchi event, an interview with the director and writer of the series, a 10 episode mini series spin-off titled Inga Nikki and the usual textless opening and endings themes. All of this makes for one of the best anime releases I have ever had the pleasure to watch, providing hours of extra content, something that isn’t commonplace with anime.
Overall: The search for meaning is one we all take in life and its the quest that Un-Go is defined by. We spend our lives searching for meaning. We may all just be in the process of falling, but even falling has a purpose. That is what Un-Go is about; the truth we find in ourselves.
Whether you’re searching, falling, or perhaps something in between, Un-Go is a landmark anime series that evokes thought, emotion and that romantic curiosity for meaning that resides within us all. It is a modern day classic that is honestly far ahead of its time. The world may not be ready for Un-Go, but its the truth the world needs.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Baka and Test: OVA Special Collection Studio: Silver Link Publisher:FUNimation Format:Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack Release Date: February 19, 2013 Price:$34.98 – Available Here
Overview: Comedy is a fickle thing. While many may enjoy a joke or hilarious situation and find themselves in a fit of laughter, others may look at the same situation with disdain and turn away. Anime tends to be rather polarizing at times when it comes to comedy, either viewers will enjoy it or they won’t. However every so often a series comes along that has something for everyone. One such series so far has been Baka and Test. Following on the heels of Season 2’s release FUNimation has brought the Baka and Test: OVA Collection to fans. Does the series remain as amusing as before?
Story: Before we begin, it is worth noting that knowledge of at least the first season of Baka and Test is required to understand most of what is happening during these two OVA episodes. That being said, the story of Baka and Test follows the life of a group of highschoolers who attend Fumizuki Academy, a school that allows students to summon Avatars to do battle with one another with their Avatar’s strength based off of their grades. As such, each student’s grade level, from A to F ranks not only their Avatar power and intelligence, but their learning environment as well.
Being an OVA Collection, this release of Baka and Test falls in a rather strange place as far as continuity goes. Oddly enough, rather due to poor release scheduling or something else, this short OVA set actually falls in-between the two Baka and Test seasons which begs the question as to why this release comes over a month after the release of Baka and Test Season Two.
Because of this continuity issue, viewers should not expect anything in the way of story or character development that extends past the events of Season Two. In fact this OVA series does bring up a few issues mentioned during the second season that viewers simply may not have noticed were continuity problems in the first place.
Anyways, this small OVA set features two episodes focused around the cultural festival called the “Refreshing Festival” that is held at the school once a year. Rather than preparing for the festival, the idiots of Class F spend their time goofing off but that all changes when they learn that Himeji’s parents are considering moving her to another school thanks to the poor learning environment provided by Class F’s dilapidated classroom and lack of learning materials.
As such, the group must try to raise money for better classroom equipment to show that Himeji should stay with Class F and not leave Fumizuki Academy. By creating a “Chinese Café European” the class actually starts pulling in money, however when two upperclassman start spreading terrible rumors and the school creates a Summoner Battle tournament where only the winner can buy equipment with their raised money, the idiots Akihisa, Yuji, Hideyoshi and Kouta must do what they can to make sure their class pulls-through.
Altogether, these two OVAs represent everything that makes Baka and Test such an entertaining series. We have Akihisa being a dense idiot around Himeji and Minami and being physically abused, Yuji dealing with the overly obsessed Shoko‘s idea of marriage and more all wrapped up in two episodes. To make things even better, besides the show’s hilarious sense of humor providing plenty of laughs, there is a decent amount of action found within this small collection as the second OVA focuses heavily on the Summoner Battles.
Despite the entertaining comedy found within these episodes, it is worth noting that this collection clocks in at under an hour with only two episodes contained in this release. While this hour is full of cross-dressing, blood-spurting hilarity, it does feel like these OVAs should have been included in one of the full releases. Other than Minami’s little sister Hazuki receiving some time in the spotlight, these couple of episodes could easily have been extras or an extension to one of the other Baka and Test releases instead of a standalone release.
Visuals: Those looking for beautiful artwork need look no further than the Baka and Test series. So far the series has sported gorgeous character designs and a stunning art style and this set of OVAs is no different. In this OVA set viewers are presented with plenty of visual flair and sparkling scenes with a style that shifts depending on the situation.
One moment the anime may feature the standard art style people have come to expect from the series, and the next it will shift to an overly dramatic and detailed scene to heighten the drama or highlight an important sequence. These scenes are augmented further by the fact that the Baka and Test series’ wide-ranging color palette featuring both bright and pastel colors is exquisite.
As mentioned earlier, this OVA set does feature a number of Summoner Battles which means that the chibi-fied Avatars return with plenty of style to battle against one another. While these fights are focused in only one area, they are presented with superb quality and consistent animation even when the scene is made overly dramatic for the sake of being dramatic.
Once again however, it is worth noting that FUNimation did not provide a translation for a few of the mid-card sequences which originally featured a question and answers from the cast. While a minor gripe it is noticeable that this has been left out and viewers will probably be curious as to what these may have said and the jokes that they contained.
Audio: The Baka and Test: OVA Collection comes with both you’re standard Japanese voice track as well as FUNimaton’s newly recorded English dub. As one would expect, all of the English voice actors have returned to voice their own characters and once again I am reminded on how well suited the cast is for voicing their characters. Tipton’s soft-spoken Himeji remains wonderful, though Josh Grelle and Scott Freeman take the lead as Akihisa and Yuuji this time around as the series focuses more-so on these two than before and their work with these two characters has never sounded better.
As far as the soundtrack goes, these OVAs feature suitable background music that works well with the scene and often helps accentuate the mood, though it can be forgetful. As for opening and ending themes, this set of OVAs features a new opening track titled “Renai Koujou Committee” by Natsuko Aso and a new ending titled “Getsuyou wa Kirai” by Milktub. The opening theme is rather catchy though the closing song is unfortunately something I found myself skipping through.
Extras: Interestingly enough, the release of Baka and Test: OVA Collection sees the inclusion of no commentary tracks, something somewhat standard for FUNimation, but it does feature some additional Baka and Test content outside of the norm. Sure there are still promotional videos, original commercials, trailers for other FUNimation releases and a clean version of the opening and ending song, but there are also additions to each OVA’s ending.
OVA 1 Split: Hideyoshi, Himeji and Minami sees the alternate endings for the waitress popularity system and how each of these characters react to winning the popularity contest. As for OVA 2 Split: Ending, it only features a slightly altered ending sequence that is barely noteworthy. It is worth noting that both of these OVA Splits are presented in Japanese audio only as FUNimation did not provide a dub for this extra content.
Overall:
The Baka and Test: OVA Collection demonstrates that even a small dose of a series is enough to provide an hour of non-stop laughter. While this release would have been better suited at a cheaper price or placed in another season’s extras, there is no denying that these two OVAs are a great way to return to the halls of Fumizuki Academy with the lovable idiots of Class F. With a stellar English dub, beautiful visuals and enough hilarity to almost justify this separate release, no fan of comedy should go without picking this up.
Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters will be out in Australia in just three days on February 7th, and we’ve got some enticing new clips for those who are still on the fence about seeing it…or for those who just can’t wait.
First up is the ‘Desert Witch’ clip, which shows Hansel & Gretel’s quick and efficient encounter with the witch in question. She’s an acrobatic one, but those with numbers are always going to have the advantage.
Desert Witch
Next, we have the ‘Marketplace’ clip. Okay, it’s not as action-packed and blood-filled, but for those blood-thirsty ones among you, trust me…wait until you see the final clip. It’s a Red Band Mini-Trailer, so you can be guaranteed some gore and swearing. In the meantime, check this one out.
Marketplace
Still not quenched? Then watch the aforementioned Red Band Mini-Trailer below. Just do us a favour…’don’t eat the candy.’ Add to the conversation with the hashtag #HanselandGretel and ‘Like’ the official AU Hansel & Gretel Facebook page.
SOL REPUBLIC released their new Tracks Remix line of headphones to Harvey Norman and JB HiFi stores everywhere. The Tracks Remix takes the Tracks line of headphones and provides a wide range of customization options to suit every outfit and fashion style. All the head bands are made with SOL REPUBLIC’s FlexTech material that is nearly indestructible. The Tracks line of headphones feature detachable ClearTalk cables that have microphones that are compatible with mobile phones. The cables come in eight different colours. The cable and headband is then paired with one of two sets of speakers for a fully customized pair of on ear headphones.
The headphone bands are $29.99 and the cables are $19.99. The black V8 Sound Engine Speakers are $69.99 and the V10 Sound Engine Speakers come in chrome and cost $89.99. Check them out or buy your own pair online here.
Camouflaj, the team hard at work behind successful Kickstarter game République, have finally come up for air and they want to show off a little bit of what they’ve been doing.
These are the first new glimpses at the game since it was last shown eight months ago. You can check out the new images in the gallery below and be sure to read up on their newest dev diary entry here.
In République, players will help a young lady named Hope as she tries to escape a dystopian totalitarian state. The description of the game based on its Kickstarter says:
You receive a desperate phone call from Hope, a young woman trapped within a shadowy totalitarian state. Using a stolen phone, she calls and begs you to hack into the nation’s surveillance system, assume control, and help her escape from the clutches of the omnipresent Overseer.
With substantial pedigree under their belts (including members of the Camouflaj team that have worked on such games as Metal Gear Solid, Halo, F.E.A.R., and Uncharted),République promises to be a unique, gripping adventure. The game is currently planned to be released for iOS this summer with PC and Mac releases “soon after.”
Thanks to our friends at Activision we have some a batch of some new and amazing Deadpool assets. These come in the form of screenshots that showcase the more hilarious and action packed scenes. There is also a nice cameo from a familiar character that many Marvel fans will be overjoyed at seeing. Here’s a hint, it’s a character that shared a series with Deadpool.
There are also a plethora of concept art for you to enjoy. I have to admit that seeing some of the art being used as a reference for the game has a different aesthetic in comparison to the comic books, but I feel that they carry the Marvel Universe quite well.
Just days before the release of Dead Space 3, fans of the franchise have been whipped into an utter frenzy. EA revealed that the demo for Dead Space 3 garnered 2 million downloads which is a record for the franchise. Not only that but fans on forums and social media can’t stop talking about Dead Space 3 with the topic dominating discussions according to reports from EA themselves.
On twitter EA cites over 100,000 mentions of ‘Dead Space’ and they saw 90,000 likes on the games facebook page bringing the Dead Space community to over 1.4 million. Apparently more than 30 critics have already placed the game on their Best of 2013 lists before it has even released.
Are you going crazy for Dead Space 3? Let us know in the comments section below.
New Super Mario Bros. U Developer: Nintendo Publisher: Nintendo Platform: Nintendo Wii U Release Date: November 18, 2012 Price: $59.99 – BUY NOW
Overview
No matter what any other critics say, I will never believe that Mario has become a dull franchise. That is the stigma that has surrounded the plumber though. Throughout the past few years, Nintendo have stuck with the “New” series, relying on acts of nostalgia to keep their fanbase happy. Ultimately, a great divide has occured within the group, with half of the fans staying content with recent offerings, and the other half hungering for more, craving a new direction for the franchise. New Super Mario Bros. U, like it or not – is a special game. It is the first launch Mario game for the Wii U, and the next big step for the franchise. Of course the 2D platforming gimmickry still applies, but does this age old legend still have enough spark to capture a new generation?
Story
I won’t spend a ton of time talking about the story, because you know what I am going to say. Mario and friends witness the kidnapping of Peach. After a bit of scuttling and minor setbacks, they then have to cross Mushroom Kingdom and defeat Bowser and his devious crew in order to pull off a rescue. Yes, we have seen it all before, time and time again. Is it time for a new plot? Well, if it were 15 years ago, I would have said yes. By now though, this narrative is kind of what the series is known for, and considering the “New” franchise that is crafted to tap into the player’s nostalgia bones, I don’t think I would have it any other way.
Gameplay
By now, we have all probably played at least one of the “New Super Mario Bros.” series. You should know how it works. Mario has to set out on a journey to rescue the princess throughout several themed locations, with each featuring a unique boss at the end. Each stage kind of rolls into the next, and there are plenty of power-ups, charm, and intense platforming to test the player as they make their way through each level. New Super Mario Bros. U carries on with tradition, but does so on a much grander scale, as everything about this title feels more inspired and vivid about what this game series represents. Of course there is nostalgic bits to remind the players that they are in a safe zone with the icon they grew up with, but this particular title carries itself with a burst of freshness, making it indeed feel as if the New Super Mario Bros. has turned a sharp corner.
This is mostly due to level design. With Mario games of any sort, the player is always allowed to go at their own pace. Do we really do that? Of course not. These stages are built for quick platforming, and half the fun of the franchise is learning the design of a level and then trying to make it to the flag in record time. In New Super Mario Bros. U, the same concept applies, but can be met with a bit more excitement. Every death is a lesson learned, teaching the player that they should slow down when around hazardous obstacles such as slippery ice or burning lava, or speed up when the path is cleared for quick and fluid platforming fare. Of course the enemies play into this as well, as Piranha plants, Goombas, and Koopas run amuck on every stage, and must be dealt with while you head to your destination. There are more difficult jumps this time around, and many elements have been mixed up to throw the player off if the go in expecting the same ol’ 2D Mario. Rotating platforms and sudden pits will test the player’s reflexes, but never are too overbearing to test anyone’s patience. Yeah, seasoned fans will not have much of a problem – even with the new layouts, but newer or younger players will certainly get schooled in proper platforming 101 as they make their way through one of the most clever entries in the series.
All of your usual power-ups have made a return as well. We have the standard fire flower, invincibility star, and even Yoshi making a return – ready to gobble up anything in his path. New to the mix are acorns, which turn Mario into the new Flying Squirrel Mario, who is able to perform a swift glide and a boost jump that can be executed with a shake of the Gamepad. At first, I wanted to put this ability off as a re-skin for Tanooki Mario, but the Flying Squirrel Mario seems to handle a bit more agile, and works much more efficiently when making long jumps across dangerous paths. The ice flower has also made a return if you like freezing things, but the star of the new techniques for our mustached plumber comes in the form of Baby Yoshi. These adorable little guys can be found throughout the game, and can be held to grant Mario a special ability. For instance, the pink Yoshi can balloon up and let Mario float, while the Yellow breed light up dim areas and scare away those dreadful Boos. The blue Yoshi is my personal favorite, as it can trap enemies in bubbles, which Mario can then jump on to cross gaps. On top of all these techniques comes the hunger of the young dinosaur, as these little guys will eat anything in their path.
One of the biggest draws of New Super Mario Bros. on the Wii was the multiplayer, and thankfully – it has made a grand return here, featuring the two Toads and Luigi. Now, this works about the same as all characters share the screen together, and have to utilize a bit of teamwork to properly move on. For this, all players have to use the Wiimotes, as if the first player keeps the Gamepad, they will be put on block duty. Yes, that is the gimmickry attached with the touchscreen. One player will be able to tap the screen to add blocks while the other four try to survive until the finish. It sounds a bit dull, but when you see it in action, it’s actually a light, yet very clever idea. Sadly, I don’t really understand the point of forced Wiimote control in multiplayer if you want to actually play the game, as the Gamepad works just fine during the single player bouts. Sure, making blocks is fun, but having the choice to do so without getting those dusty controllers out would have been more ideal for this experience.
As far as accessibility goes, things are rather the same. 2D Mario games are never too challenging unless you go hunting for secrets. New Super Mario Bros. U does require some skill if you try to perfect every stage and get every special item or pickup, but those simply playing the game for the story (if those people do exist) will more than likely not find the kind of bone crunching challenge that other modern platformers possess. If things do get a bit too hard, the player can choose to let Luigi give it a go, with the green hatted brother literally playing the game for you to show how it’s done. This is completely optional and can be stopped at anytime, so younger players or those who are just flat out stuck should be happy to have the choice, while the veterans stay completely unaffected by this nice little addition.
Visuals and Audio
Mario has never looked better than he does in New Super Mario Bros. U. This was Nintendo’s first big trek into true HD, and they did not let it go to waste as U puts past Wii games to shame with it’s excessive amount of detail and color, allowing the entire experience to feel like the most magical Mario game that we have seen to date. Not only is it great in still form, but nearly every piece of the environment is fully animated, making the many worlds feel alive and oozing with personality. I kind of doubted how much of an improvement HD would be for Mario due to how well the game’s art design holds on even portables, but with New Super Mario Bros. U, Nintendo have set a benchmark of not only where the series is heading, but what the Wii U can truly display.
As far as the soundtrack goes, expect a few new tunes to quench your thirst, while the remixed classics keep them in good company for a nice dose of nostalgia. Whether you’re going through a castle or in a bright, sunshiney field, it’s hard to ignore the amount of character this world has due to it’s music that effortlessly syncs to the environment, and that alone makes this entry all the more special. One little addition that goes a long way is the Baby Yoshis role with the melodies. While you have one of these creatures in your possession, they will perform backup with the game’s music. Of course this is mind-numbingly cute, but it also creates such an endearing and joyous atmosphere that it can be hard to tear yourself away.
Overall
New Super Mario Bros. U is sure to go down as one of the best 2D titles in the franchise. Yes, it’s more of the same, but there is still just enough of that glow of freshness to keep the game enjoyable until that last locale has been beaten. The new abilities are quite clever and stamp this title with it’s own unique stylings, while the obvious inclusions of classic foes and past level designs are sure to please the crowd that enjoy their nostalgia. Nearly 27 years after first making his debut, Mario has went through quite a few changes. New Super Mario Bros. U is a well balanced compromise, aiming to please everyone, and executing this concept brilliantly. Sure, we are sure to see something better in the future, but for now – Mario has already made his mark on the Wii U with one amazing game that can stand as the first must-have on Nintendo’s new platform.
Throughout the history of video-games there have been many sightings of what can only be described as translations errors. Given the fact that many games come from Japan, there was bound to be something lost in translation over the years.
Youtube gamer Rinrygamegame decided to create an affectionate tribute to some of the greatest video-game translation errors ever seen as well as explain their odd existence.
You can check out this hilarious yet very informative tribute to one of video-games greatest oddities below. Be sure to let us know what you think of it and translation errors in the comments section.
