*SPOILER ALERT* Alright go ahead watch if you want. Irrational Games have released the first five minutes of gameplay (yes, actual gameplay) of their highly anticipated upcoming game Bioshock Infinite.
As the video begins we see the game’s protagonist Booker DeWitt as he begins to unravel the mystery that lies behind the floating city of Columbia. Along with that all too familiar, and eerie lighthouse.
Announced back in August 2010, we had been expecting to play Bioshock Infinite by the end of this year, however as it has been well documented the game has been delayed several times now, the most recent pushing back the game till March 26, 2013.
Well with this recent tease of the game, we’re as keen as ever to get our hands on it now.
With Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas re-released onto PlayStation 3 via PlayStation Network last week, Rockstar Games have decided to re-release a slew of PS2 era games.
Deciding to kick things off with Bully, Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition REMIX and the pre-cursor to Red Dead Redemption, Red Dead Revolver. Each game is available for $9.99 and is downloadable right now via the PlayStation Store.
More of Rockstar’s titles are set to be re-released, with Rockstar promising more to come over on their Facebook page, it seems that they’re hinting towards bringing Grand Theft Auto: Vice City to the PSN.
And now for a news story that won’t bring you any Christmas cheer. 7,000 brand new Wii U consoles have been stolen from SeaTac airport in Seattle, USA, according to ABC News.
Robbers broke into Nintendo’s distribution bay at Seattle Air Cargo and began loading premium and basic Wii U bundles into trucks using the warehouse’s forklifts sometime between 9pm on Saturday night and noon on Sunday, before making off with them.
Workers noticed the missing inventory and trucks the following day. It is unclear how many people were involved in theft.
Currently police do not have any leads. Speaking to ABC News Sgt. Cindy West said,
If we don’t get any tips ahead of time, it will be the selling of these consoles that will lead to their capture. It’s gonna be pretty hard to hide 7,000 Wii game consoles.
With an average price of $300 each, the stolen consoles are estimated to worth a total of $2.28 million.
Capcom’s Monster Hunter 4 won’t be seeing its March 2013 release date as planned. Instead the highly anticipated 3DS game will be pushed back till mid-year around Summer 2013. No exact release date has been given.
Capcom have stated that they’ve made this decision to further improve the quality of Monster Hunter 4 and make sure it lives up to everyone’s expectations, the company said in a statement.
Though keep in mind that this is only the Japanese release date. A western port of the game could take much longer considering that the UK release date for Monster Hunter 3: Ultimate Edition on the Wii is scheduled for March.
Concept art for an unannounced and since canceled Marvel game has surfaced. Developed by the now defunct EA Chicago the studio behind Def Jam: Icon, this Marvel fighting game would have seen Spider-Man, Hulk, and Captain America as playable characters.
The game was shut down in 2008 by EA and Marvel. Released screenshots of the game shows off an interesting comic boos look along with campaign and multiplayer modes.
Now how exactly did this game get cancelled you ask? Well back in 2004, Marvel and EA announced a multiyear agreement for fighting games to feature well-known Marvel characters alongside new EA-created superheroes.
The result of that deal was the poorly made Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects released in 2005. Which didn’t do so well in sales or critical acclaim.
As you would expect as a result of this EA and Marvel jointly agreed to discontinue development of future Marvel titles in 2009. And as a result all EA Marvel titles ceased.
It’s unknown how far into EA Chicago was into the development of their Marvel game, video and screenshots show what could have been, but unfortunately we’ll never fully know.
Smuggler is a film adaptation of a manga series by Shohei Manabe. The film walks the line between dark comedy and action/drama, with some interesting characters and a memorable villain that you will soon not forget (and will likely want to see more of). Smuggler is directed and written by the eccentric Katsuhito Ishii and stars Japanese Icon Masanobu Ando, star of Kinji Fukasaku’s cult-hit Battle Royale and legend, Takashi Miike’s Sukiyaki Western Django. The film has some impressive names behind it, but is the source material too obscure for the West? Are those unfamiliar with the manga going to be able to appreciate the film? Will those who are? Find out as I smuggle my review onto your screens! (Yes, that’s how the internet works!)
Story
Smuggler is broken up into 5 unbalanced chapters. The first is entitled “Chapter Zero: The Night It All Began, Rain” and it shows our lead protagonist Kinuta, a failed actor, having a flashback to the day he found himself in debt to some mobster casino owners after he “blew their operation’, attempting to walk away with 3 Million Yen from their rigged poker machine. After getting lambasted and abused for it, even though they allowed him to use the machine in the first place, the mobsters take Kinuta in to see ‘The Banker’ at Yamaoka Loans, whom gives Kinuta a job opportunity – to become a smuggler for the Yakuza.
“Chapter 1: The Movers” starts off by treating us to a Yakuza drug deal gone wrong. The boss, Tanuma, is a very unstable and quirky character, with his people requiring no one smokes before his arrival, or in his presence. After he shows up, he begins to smoke himself, and when the other party inquire about it, he flips his lid, exclaiming “Nothing’s more harmful than second-hand smoke!” before having a seizure-like breakdown. His men force him to swallow his medication and he’s right as rain again, giving everyone a lecture on the many deadly carcinogens in cigarette smoke. It’s a very funny scene, that soon turns very violent when super-assassins Vertebrae and Viscera, sent by the Chinese Triads, crash the proceedings.
The unfolding brutality is visualised in well-utilised slow-motion. Vertebrae, with his signature spinal tattoo, obliterates everyone’s faces with his stone nunchucks. Viscera then decapitates Tanuma. Vertebrae in particular comes across as a total bad-ass, and the action was well choreographed and shot. After the two killers clean and dry their clothes, they leave the scene of the crime with Tanuma’s head. The Banker comes in later on with cleaners, who don’t seem shocked by the blood spatter at all, casually commenting on the amount, saying “Blood spatter’s pretty bad” – “For this number of bodies, not really”.
Eventually we discover that Kinuta, an “old man” (as he is referred to) and his superior, Joe, are tasked with the transport and disposal of Tanuma’s body. More of the Yakuza are introduced to us as they are delivered Tanuma’s head. One in particular, Kawashima, is bat-sh** crazy. He is accompanied by two colleagues and is absolutely the most entertaining character in the film. He has some of the darkest, yet funniest scenes there is. There’s a scene later in the film when he asks for Takahashi’s (one of his colleagues) tie, so that he could wrap a stone in it and swing it at a man’s testicles as torture. As he is doing the wrapping, he says “Is this…another present from your ugly bitch?” – “Yes it is…but she ain’t ugly”. And then as he swings – “Oh, yes she is!!”.
That scene marks the beginning of “Chapter 3: In the Back of the Truck”, which I won’t write about because from this point onwards there are some details that will spoil the whole story. The same can also be said for the previous chapter , “Chapter 2: Vertebrae and Viscera” which takes a closer look at their relationship and dynamic, and also (obviously) “The Final Chapter: Resolve”. As the film carries on through to it’ conclusion, after 114 minutes, it does go back and forth between comedy, drama and straight-up torture porn. There are even slightly supernatural elements related to Vertebrae exclusively, which come out of no where. Apparently a bullet to the head can’t kill him either.
The film’s plot never feels balanced with a broken focus that neglects all opportunities to really explore Kinuta’s gambling problems, his past and any meaningful character development. There are some great moments and highlights though, such as all the action, the quirky humour (when it works), the insane Kawashima and the enthralling Vertebrae. The film stands on the verge of becoming a completely fantastical tale, and then dips back into a more grounded reality. This identity crisis plagues the film, and prevents the viewer from becoming entirely engrossed in the story as they keep getting pulled back out of it.
Visuals and Audio
The transfer is presented in 16: 9 Anamorphic Widescreen and looks pretty good. I’ve grown accustomed to the higher video quality and fidelity of Blu-Ray HD transfers, but in reviewing many DVDs lately, I have to say that they aren’t as lacklustre as I would have expected (it is a downgrade, let’s face it). No visual artefacts, clear as it can be. In regards to the cinematography of the film, Smuggler reflects a decisively more grounded reality than it’s story may portray. And it works, until the aforementioned supernatural elements to Vertebrae. No spoilers here, but you’ll notice it when you watch the film. It sticks out like a broken thumb…or wrist. Watch the film, you’ll get it.
The audio is crisp and is relayed in Japanese only Dolby Digital 5.1 or 2.0. There are only English subtitles. I found a weird anomaly in the subtitling for the chapter markings during the film. Well, not so much an anomaly, but bad editing. For Chapters 1 and 3, the subtitle would literally appear for 0.25 of a second. Blink and you’ll miss it. Of course it’s not really an important piece of information for the viewer; breaking the film up in chapters is really just an unnecessary story device that doesn’t change anything.
Extras
Smuggler has over 33 minutes worth of extras. We have the obligatory Theatrical Trailer as well as a quartet of trailers for films under Madman’s ‘Eastern Eye’ division – the best of which is The Raid, which I wholly recommend. Then there’s a very brief look at Katsuhito Ishii attending the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where Smuggler was officially selected for the Midnight Madness showcase. What’s left are the meat and potatoes of the special features: Cast Interviews and the Making Of.
The Cast Interviews feature Satoshi Tsumabuki (Kinuta), Yasuko Matsuyuki (Yuki Yamaoka aka ‘The Banker’) and Masanobu Ando (Vertebrae) answering questions about the filming experience, their interpretation of their individual characters and what it was like to work with the cast and crew amongst other things. Each interview lasts around 5 minutes. The Making-Of video has a runtime of about 17 minutes, and is nice view of the film-making process, with a fair amount of time allocated to a behind-the-scenes look at 6 major scenes in the film.
Overall
Uneven is the best word that can be used to describe Smuggler. From it’s character development, to the tone and pacing, the film never quite hits its stride. It has some fantastic moments, but they don’t add up to make a great overall film. Masanobu Ando is the stand-out as Vertebrae, and as much as he reminded me of Ichi from Ichi The Killer, I would love to see more of him in the future, maybe in a spin-off title. The likelihood of that happening is slim, but we can dream.
The DVD quality itself is good, and although the extras are not exactly comprehensive, they do provide snippets of insight with the Cast Interviews and, retrospectively pretty decent, but somewhat slim Making-Of feature. In saying that, the Making-Of in particular really did supplement the film well enough and is the reason I bumped my score up half a point. I was not privy to the source material, but, if you are, or are just a fan of quirky, violent, sadistically funny Japanese flicks, then you may have a special interest in this film. When all is said and done, it actually left me with some memorable scenes that made an impression, and I appreciated its style. Maybe you will too.
Players of Digimon Masters online will be logging in to find that the latest seasonal event for the franchise has begun. These christmas themed events have taken over the game and have given it a bit of that christmas cheer.
As most humans know, Santa Claus is an integral part to the Christmas experience, and for players of Digimon Masters Online, this is no exception. Players logged into the game will receive new gifts each hour, ranging from EXP buffs to other useful items. The following is a comprehensive list of items –
l Santa Will Come The Moment You Log Into Digimon Masters: Santa’s presence in the Digital World is special, as he will bestow gifts upon players every hour. These presents include EXP boosters, Evoluters, and some of the most popular cash shop items!
l Catch The Antylamon Who Stole Christmas Gifts: Antylamons have been scurrying about the Digital World, stealing Christmas presents they don’t deserve. Kind-hearted players who are willing to help Santa retrieve his lost gifts will be rewarded; claiming back the stolen presents may be opened and players can take the amazing gifts inside, including DigiEggs!
l Christmas With Alphamon: This month’s newly added member is the famed warrior Digimon, Alphamon! Using the new Jogress System, players can tame this magnificent beast by combining two specific Digimons. Plus, players who raise their Alphamon and reach top 10 in level and size can win a special Kamemon Reinforced Mercenary DigiEgg.
l Special Christmas Moments With Digimon Masters: The Digital World is decked with snow and Christmas decorations. Take your best holiday screenshot and submit for a chance to win a reward!
l Overflowing EXP Event: Double EXP on the weekdays and triple EXP on the weekends, Digimon Masters stuffs this month with as much gifts and rewards! Add all that with an extra 30% movement speed and you’re all set to tackle every Christmas events.
Be sure to check out the official site for more info, or to create a free account and join in on the Christmas festivities.
InuYasha: The Final Act – Set 1 Studio: Sunrise Publisher:Viz Media Format:DVD, Blu-ray (Reviewed) Release Date: November 20, 2012 Price:$54.97 – Available Here
Overview: Many anime fans have fond memories of the InuYasha franchise thanks to the fact that, for many fans, it is one of the first anime they may have seen. Over the series’ initial 167 episode run, many fans grew enamored with the anime’s story but unfortunately six years ago, the InuYasha anime left fans hanging. Now six years later, InuYasha fans can prepare to see the end of the story as Viz Media has released the first half of InuYasha: The Final Act, a continuation of the series created three years ago in Japan. Does InuYasha: The Final Act Set 1 successfully point fans towards the end they’ve been waiting for?
Story: Before we get into the story section, it is worth noting that there is no recap episode provided or even a summary of the most important events that occurred over the 167 episode run of the original series included with the discs. Therefore anyone who begins watching InuYasha: The Final Act may have forgotten a few things if they have not watched the series lately and anyone who has never watched the series before will unfortunately be left entirely in the dark.
However the story previously is as thus. A schoolgirl named Kagome manages to fall into a well that transports her back to feudal Japan. However in this Japan, demons roam the land and she soon encounters a half-demon by the name of InuYasha. When Kagome accidentally shatters the Shikon Jewel, Kagome and InuYasha reluctantly begin working together to gather these shards before they fall into the wrong hands, all while the sinister Naraku begins moving to annihilate not only InuYasha, but everything in his path in an attempt to gather all of the Shikon Jewel Shards.
InuYasha: The Final Act Set 1 hits the ground running by picking up exactly where the original series left off many years ago. With nearly all of the Shikon Jewel shards collected and held by the seemingly indestructible Naraku, InuYasha and the gang hunt for a way to find his one weakness, his heart. However as the machinations of those under Naraku’s power begin to come to fruition and other characters trying to become stronger, the series truly feels like its heading towards its final set of confrontations.
As anyone will remember, there are a few separate groups of people which the series switches focus to for plot development and The Final Act continues that tradition. This makes for some complex storytelling thanks to the large cast of characters but unlike the original series, The Final Act feels more concise and to the point than ever before. Rather than meander around with side-stories (though a few half-episode stories are presented) the story moves at a brisk pace and the many characters of InuYasha converge often and join forces to fight against Naraku and his creations.
However despite the fact that The Final Act may seem like something that would only contain action and powering up various abilities (there is still plenty of that though) the series manages to give practically every character in the story some character development. Including the original series, many fans have spent 180 episodes with these characters by the time the credits roll on the last episode of this release and while there have been plenty of emotional sequences over that time, nowhere in my memory have emotions been laid bare as much as they are within InuYasha: The Final Act Set 1.
The franchise has run for quite some time and many of these characters have been so well developed over the years that it may seem difficult to develop them further, especially so close to the end, however through a number of emotional scenes and hard-fought battles, fans may see their favorite characters sacrifice everything to put a stop to this fight and finally put a stop to all of the damage Naraku has inflicted on the world and those they love.
As emotional as this first half is, the thirteen episodes presented in Set 1 serve as a build-up for everything that will occur in the second half of the series, which will finally bring a long-delayed end to this franchise. While Set 1 may end rather unceremoniously and no cliffhanger, fans have been left hanging for six years now and with the series speeding towards its emotional finale, Set 2 of InuYasha: The Final Act cannot come soon enough.
Visuals: If fans of the original InuYasha haven’t been keeping up with any of the promotional material released for the show over the last few months by Viz Media, then they may be left speechless when they see how far the anime has come now that new modern animation techniques and modern technology have increased the quality of what was originally produced over a decade ago. To put it simply, InuYasha: The Final Act is gorgeous.
Sunrise has spared no expense with making sure that this series is given every detail that is necessary. The character designs are the same as they have always been but better than ever and the company seems to have paid extra attention to the various fight sequences to avoid any drop in quality. In fact the animation quality actually seems to improve during these fights as the characters use their strongest abilities at will in an effort to finally eliminate each other. It is also worth noting that thanks to the Blu-ray release of the show, InuYasha: The Final Act Set 1’s use of the entire color spectrum is beautiful to see. Sunrise has made sure that the backgrounds and the environments in the series are highly detailed.
Audio: Unfortunately over the six year hiatus on the series, Viz Media could not retain the voice actors for Kagome and Sesshomaru, Moneca Stori and David Kaye, although the company managed to keep the rest of the voice actors the same. Kira Tozer has stepped in to voice Kagome and while her voice work does sound a bit different from the original Kagome, viewers will quickly grow accustomed to her voice.
As for Sesshomaru, fans may not even notice a difference as his new voice actor, Michael Daingerfield, has managed to match the voicework provided by David almost word for word. As for the rest of the English dub cast, the team has provided an outstanding job with their characters over the last 167 episodes and their performance hasn’t dropped in the slightest over the years. Just a minor note, viewers can choose to listen to the original Japanese dub as well if they so decide.
Many of the original background themes return throughout the series so fans are quickly reminded when specific scenes should be coming up thanks to the background tracks they have heard so many times before. However it is worth noting that, oddly enough, the main menu is completely silent of any music. As for the opening theme we have “Kimi ga Inai Mirai” by Do As Infinity, a band that provided one of the most favored ending songs for the original series and two ending themes. The first ending song is “With you” by AAA throughout the first half of this release and “Diamond” by Alan at the latter half of the disc. These two songs serve as fitting dramatic closing themes throughout the release.
Extras: As far as bonus features go, Viz Media has provided a rather bare-bones offering with this release. The company has provided original Japanese trailers for the show, the original cast credits in English and two sets of art work on-disc. The artwork is broken down into two groups, Production Art and Storyboard Art, but unfortunately only a few pieces of artwork are provided in each category. It is also worth noting that there are no textless versions of the gorgeous opening and ending songs which is quite a shame.
Overall: Fans have been waiting many years for the continuation of Inuyasha and thankfully Inuyasha: The Final Act Set 1 does not disappoint. While viewers who are unfamiliar with the franchise will be utterly lost and even returning fans will need to refresh themselves first, the series picks up immediately where it left off and continues forward at a feverish pace that isn’t afraid to lay everything on the table. With the English voice cast returning, new members successfully matching old voice work, a stunning visual presentation and a story that is finally heading towards its end, fans will find themselves anxiously waiting for an end that has been so many years in the making.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Atlus announced the North American release of what may be one of the longest Shin Megami Tensei titles in history. Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Soul Hacker will be coming to North America in the Spring of 2013 for the Nintendo 3DS.
The first person dungeon crawler was originally released in 1997 on the Sony Saturn and has been updated with new gameplay features and enhancements for the Nintendo 3DS. The 3DS version adds 30 new demons, the bottom screen for automatic mapping, the ability to change difficulty on the fly, and an extra dungeon exclusive to the 3DS that features Raidou Kuzunoha from the previous games. Find out more about the game here.
The guys over at Chillingo have released a fantastic title for all you budding city planners and those with dreams of overseeing a Metropolis of their own called Tiny City and exclusive to Android devices. In a city long forgotten by local authorities, run down and in chaos, your job is simple; use your wits and clever strategic management skills to plan, oversee and build a city where you and its citizens thrive and are proud to call home. With over 1000 different quests to embark on to expand your land and over 100 shops, services and attractions to visit and interact with, Tiny City is crying out for your creative mind to return it to its former glory.
To download Tiny City please visit the Google Play store
