After a very successful Kickstarter campaign Magical Game Factory have announced that they will be bringing their crowd-funded RPG game to the Nintendo Wii U.
This is great news for those interested in playing the game with the Wii U Gamepad, an interesting idea to say the least. Pier Solar is already coming to a variety of other consoles and devices. It will be available for Ouya, Android, Xbox 360, PC, Mac, Linux and the Dreamcast. The game is already available of the Megadrive.
What do you think of a HD version of Pier Solar published by Watermelon Games coming to the Wii U? Let us know what you think in the comments section.
Namco Bandai have revealed that after 17 years since the franchise’s inception in 1995 with Tales of Phantasia, the Tales franchise has now topped 15 million units sold worldwide.
This is a monumental landmark for Namco’s legendary RPG series and the number is only going to rise with the initial stats for Tales of Xillia 2 looking good with 480,000 units shipped since it’s launch on November 1st in Japan.
Considering that half of the games in the franchise were only ever released in Japan this is a very impressive number for the Tales franchise to have accrued throughout its history.
The first Tales of Xillia game is said to be getting a Western localisation next year with Tales of Xillia 2 always a possibility if the first Xillia is successful in the West.
What do you think of the Tales franchise selling over 15 million units? Let us know in the comments section below.
Wipeout 3 Developer: Activision Publisher: Activision Platform: Nintendo Wii U Release Date: November 18, 2012 Price: $49.99 – BUY NOW
Overview
Wipeout has proved to be a successful franchise for ABC, as the series’ has maintained high ratings from viewers who want to see standard citizens destroy themselves in what is proclaimed to be “the world’s largest obstacle course”. Seeing the success of the brand, Activision have already produced a handful of Wipeout video game adaptations, with Wipeout 3 being their latest release. Sure it’s a dreaded licensed title, but the Wii U has enough behind it to make any developer innovate if need be, so as I sat looking at it’s name among the solid launch line-up, I thought to myself -“Why not?” Does Wipeout 3 attempt to prove itself on the new platform, or is this game yet another attempt to make a few bucks off a big name? Let’s find out.
Gameplay
As you would have guessed, there is no plot in Wipeout’s third entry – as this is an adaptation of a game show. The main offering let’s players compete in a one man obstacle courses with a wide array of characters to choose from, attempting to finish each segment until an episode is complete. These episodes consist of your basic formula from the show, where the contestant must complete each course in a set number of time without getting knocked off the course by one of the crazy contraptions. Each character have a small advantage to themselves such as speed and strength, which both come in handy for surviving throughout the obstacle course at play.
Most obstacle courses feature a specific theme (such as summer or winter), and normally come with the objective of “don’t fall off”. While obstacles like giant sweeper arms, tilting platforms, and balls pelt the player, they must keep it steady and try to run and jump their way through a course without falling off into the water. Yes, it’s quite chaotic, and the action is a blast to watch. That’s is the biggest problem with Wipeout 3 however, as it is more fun to watch, than actually play.
Oddly enough, the problem with Wipeout 3’s gameplay does not lie in it’s controls. The player simply holds the analog up while running, and then must jump or dodge out of the way of incoming obstacles as they approach. It’s a very simple scheme that can be accessed by all – but one that makes the entire experience so easy that it becomes a bore to play. Wipeout 3 doesn’t let you move from side to side or even steer off course on purpose. No matter what direction you want to move, the only choice is forward, leaving the player only responsible for maintaining speed and jumping at the right time. Now, I understand younger fans of the show and families (aka the casual market) will be the main parties interested in this type of game, but the low difficulty makes for lifeless action. This is amplified by the fact that if you fall off three times during a segment, your character will move on to the next area – with very little penalty for doing so.
On a more positive note, the multiplayer has a bit more to offer with Trap Attack. Trap Attack acts as it sounds, and has one player utilize the Gamepad to take control of one course’s traps while up to four other players use WiiMotes to navigate safely. Sure, it’s not deep by any means, but it’s a nice distraction from the main game due to the hectic nature of it all. Like most Wii U titles thus far, a detached mode is also offered, letting the player use the Gamepad, rather than the television to play the game in it’s entirety. A split screen (or side-by-side) multiplayer mode is also available, but suffers from the same ultra simple gameplay mechanics that hold the single player game back greatly. Wipeout games have never been too complex, but I would have loved to have seen just a little more Gamepad utilization. There are small features – like letting an extra player pelt water balloons and snowballs at the main participant, but that only goes so far in terms of entertainment.
Visuals and Audio
I know this might sound crazy – especially considering this is a licensed game, but Wipeout 3 is simply gorgeous in terms of visuals. Every player model is just as smooth and colorful as the mad obstacle courses these episodes take place on, and the variety of devices easily make you want to progress – even with the stale gameplay. All of the unlockable characters have their own little quirky charm as well, from the likes of a fairy godmother to a stickman – and that variety is the main reason most will want to complete the game and unlock all of the goofy hats and attires that are included as extras.
The sound is also superb, with both hosts John Henson and Josh Anderson calling the shots as the player runs through each course, adding a bit of life to the experience in the process. Each playable character has their own unique voicework as well, with quick one-liners that are delivered as they crash and burn or pass a tough obstacle. After a while, these “jokes” can become a bit tiring to hear, but the effort for satire is there that alone puts this title above it’s shovelware appearance, making for a title that fans of the show should at least enjoy viewing if they grow bored of the lack of challenge.
Overall
Wipeout 3 is a hard game to review – as it’s not really aimed towards the gaming market. This title is one made for families that tune in to see Vanessa Lachey and company lead unsuspecting families into a chaotic and wild obstacle course each week, and doesn’t really try to attract anyone else. Yes, the presentation is surprisingly pleasant – but after just a short time, players looking for an extra challenge are sure to grow bored of the linear stylings here and look for something more elsewhere. Wipeout 3 never tries to be anything more than a licensed video game and in the end – it succeeds it reveling in it’s own lack of ambition.
If you happen to be one of the illustrious Assassin’s Creed 3 season pass owners then you will find that the game’s first piece of DLC is now available for download across the PC, PS3 and 360 platforms. The DLC is titled ‘Hidden Secrets’ and if you didn’t drop the extra money for the Season Pass, you will have to wait until December 11th to download the DLC on those platforms. As for Wii U owners, the DLC is currently scheduled for release at a later, currently unknown, date.
Hidden Secrets will provide three extra missions including Lost Mayan Ruins, Ghost of War, and A Dangerous Secret which were all featured in the pre-order bundles of the game. The DLC will also include the Colonial Assassin and Captain of the Aquila costumes for single-player, as well as Redcoat and Sharpshooter character skins for multiplayer.
As you can see above, Ubisoft also revealed that the Tyranny of King Washington DLC will be split into three separate packs, though the price and release date of these packs was not revealed at this time. Now if you still feel like it, you can purchase the Season Pass for Assassin’s Creed 3 for $29.99 or 2400 MSP depending on your console of choice and you will be able to download each piece of DLC for Assassin’s Creed 3 once it is released.
Razer, leading peripheral maker, has given us some info on their upcoming Carcharias redesign to purpose the Xbox 360 console. As you may recall, this particular headset was originally released as a PC headset with the gamers head in mind.
From beach landings and storming the enemy fort to blasting undead in outer space, the full over-ear coverage of the Razer Carcharias ensures a comfortable fit. It boasts a fully adjustable, padded head rail, 1.25 in/3.18 cm on either side, to accommodate a wide range of head sizes, with its soft, pliable, removable ear cups.
This repurposing will be available soon in stores focused around gaming soon. Razer expects a December 2012 release, which is at present, with a retail price of $99.99. For more info, check out the official site here for more info.
if you happened to turn on your Xbox 360 today you may have noticed that your Skyrim playing fans are probably overjoyed. The reason for this is thanks to the fact that Bethesda’s “Dragonborn” DLC has been released onto the Xbox 360 for 1600 MSP.
In Dragonborn players will be able to venture off the coast of Morrowind to the island of Solstheim where they will encounter a number of new towns and dungeons as well as new quests and extremely powerful shouts that can even make the fiercest dragons your allies. The reason the player ventures to Solstheim is to face off against the very first Dragonborn who may turn out to be their deadliest adversary ever. Check out our review for Skyrim here if you need to know more about the game.
East Asia Soft are very excited to announce that they will be releasing their exciting new mobile and tablet game Ninja Sprint on iOS, Android and Kindle devices.
The game follows Neko the stray cat after being struck by lightning and some how gaining human form. The game is an action adventure game that is sure to excite players on multiple different levels.
You can find more information about Ninja Sprint for the iOS, Android and Kindle on the official website of Ninja Sprint here. The game is set for release this month. Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments section below.
The latest piece of DLC content for the amazing XCOM: Enemy Unknown video game released by 2k and developed by Firaxis has been released onto the market. This release covers each platform that the game had been released on to. So this means that the pack is now available on the PC, PS3 and X360 platforms via their online markets (or in PC’s case, Steam).
This DLC is titled the Slingshot Content Pack and has players meeting a Triad agent and doing battle with aliens over the skies of China. The following is a list of available features in the expansion pack –
The Slingshot Content Pack includes three new maps tied to the Council missions, a new playable squad character with a unique story and voice, and new character customization options.
Be sure to check out your corresponding market for more info. The content pack costs $11.45 on the PSN, 560 points on XBLA and $10.65 on Steam. Check out our 10/10 review for the game here.
Rockstar Games has released the latest DLC pack for Max Payne 3 Painful Memories across all platforms. The pack includes four new maps, tow new avatars factions and a bunch of new weapons and items.
The four new maps take inspiration for previous Max Payne games, including the subway station from the original Max Payne and a new Hoboken-based location that features the full layout from Marty’s Bar. The other two maps take place from the game’s Panama chapter and include an all new Gang Wars scenario.
The new weapons in the DLC pack are the UAR-21 Assault rifle + suppressor & red dot sight and the IMG 5.56 IMG 5.56 + red dot sight, perfect new additions for your Assault Rifle Loadout.
Three new items have been included in DLC pack which helps you with kills, cash flow and protection.
The Calculator turns your assists into kill stats and pads your kill stats by earning one kill for every two assists that you tally.
Earn money for kills by your teammates with the Betting Slip. Each time one of your teammates logs a successful kill you will add funds to your coffers.
The Hip Flask protects you from sniper fire and stops all effects of the Hangover Burst. Each time you spawn you’ll be protected from a single round from an enemy’s sniper rifle.
The Painful Memories multiplayer DLC pack for Max Payne 3 is available to download now for Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC for 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE and $9.99 on PlayStation Network and PC. Players with the Max Payne 3 Rockstar Pass can download the pack free of charge.
Sonic the Fighters HD
Publisher: SEGA
Developer: Sega AM2
Platforms: Xbox 360 (Reviewed), PlayStation 3
Release Date: 28/11/2012
Price: $4.99 PSN & 400 Microsoft Points (buy here)
Overview:
The Sonic the Hedgehog series is doing very well now, with games like Sonic Colors, Sonic the Hedgehog 4, Sonic Generations, and even well executed spin-offs like Sonic All-Stars Racing. Gamers will of course recall travesties that downright almost ruined the franchise, games like Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), Sonic and the Black Knight, and Shadow the Hedgehog. These were pretty dark times, but the franchise has actually experienced far worse before, for it went through a long period of literally having no direction whatsoever.
After a tremendously successful run on the Sega Mega Drive, starting with the grand debut in 1991 and all the way till the end of 1994, the franchise suddenly reached an awkward halt and entered into this confusing, uncertain, and highly experimental era. Between Sonic & Knuckles (1994) and Sonic Adventure (1999), the series was stuck in a wheel of confusion and completely lost in limbo.
After Sonic & Knuckles, the series was meant to make its grand transition into the next era in the form of Sonic Xtreme for the Sega Saturn. It was a bold and ambitious project, if not far too much for its own good, as it ended up going through a development hell before being cancelled. The Sega Saturn was left without a major full-fledged Sonic title. So what did Sega do instead? Basically anything and everything to keep the brand name relevant, all except developing a proper Sonic game. It was a very experimental but insanely messy era, new ideas are all well and good, but these were haphazard and desperate attempts to fill the void left by the cancellation of Sonic Xtreme.
So much happened during this time, first being the awful Sonic 3D Blast which required you to tediously walk around in circles and basically collect birds. Then there was the racing game Sonic R, which features one of the most questionable soundtracks of all time. Sonic Jam was a collection of Mega Drive Sonic games, but it also had this 3D museum which really was just a cruel teaser of what a proper Sonic platformer on the Saturn could have been. There was also this fairly decent anime movie and this weird cartoon series where Sonic fought with the power of music. However, the lowest point of this era was Sonic the Fighters.
An AM2 developed fighting game based on the Sonic universe sounds like a good idea on paper, after all, Mario and his friends did pretty well in Super Smash Bros.Sonic the Fighters however, was conceived as a joke and ended up being just that. The original arcade version of it is now available as a digital title, with added HD shenanigans and an online mode.
Story:
I won’t be discussing the story of Sonic the Fighters itself, but I will be discussing the story behind the game. For you see, Sonic the Fighters was conceived by accident, purely as a joke, and thus it was destined to be a bad game from the start.
During the development of Fighting Vipers, one of the team members thought it would be amusing to create a Sonic character model, and he honestly did this purely out of boredom, or as they say in the internet world, he did it for “Lulz”. When the rest of the team (including seniors like Yuji Naka and Yu Suzuki) saw this, they immediately had this supposedly bright idea of creating a Sonic fighting game.
The end result is probably something that should have remained within the confines of Sega headquarters, something of an inside joke, a game that they would bring out at Christmas parties for drunken laughs. The game should never have seen full-fledged arcade release, but at least they were smart enough to cancel the Sega Saturn port of it.
Visuals and Audio:
For what it’s worth, the HD port looks nice and the graphics, colour shading, and cartoon-like animation would have been quite impressive back in that day, but in this day and age it looks utterly hilarious. In terms of visuals and animation, the game resembles a zany and colourful cartoon on acid. It’s pretty hilarious to watch actually, with all the whacky and silly facial expressions, colourful and random projectiles all over the place, and character models that randomly morph into different shapes and sizes. Just by looking at it, I am certain that this really should have been something for Sega employees to enjoy while drunk at an office party. Musically the game is devoid of the superb high quality music that characterize Sonic games, instead the soundtrack and annoying sound effects seem to come straight out of a gag filled Looney Tunes cartoon.
It looks like a complete joke, and is presented as such. The animation here is a complete mess with some glaring collision issues and clipping. It has some cool moments, but it’s just really all over the place and absolutely confusing to watch, and I am certain it can cause some serious seizures.
Gameplay:
Without a shadow of the doubt, Sonic the Fighters is one of the worst playing and lazily put together fighting games you will ever experience in your lifetime. It’s almost baffling that Sega AM2 would go ahead and put their name on something so bad, especially during a time when they were on a roll with excellent games like Daytona USA, Virtua Cop, Virtua Fighter, Fighting Vipers, and Fighters Megamix.
Apart from using the basic control scheme, it has nothing in common with the great fighters that the studio produced. For one thing the gameplay is barely coherent, as it is a complete mess featuring an overly simplified combat system. It is completely devoid of the basic fighting game fundamentals and intricacies. The combat mechanics are stiff and loaded with awkward glitches, and the hit detection feels way off. Above all, the character physics are slow, clunky, and clumsy. They are a real chore to control.
There is little to no variety and literally no concept of character balance. You will see flying hammers, bombs, rings, projectiles, and randomly morphing body parts. None of it makes any real sense. The digital release of Sonic the Fighters has the original arcade game in all its nightmarish glory, and it also has a solid online mode, not that anyone is going to use it!
Overall:
Sonic the Fighters is a complete joke in every sense of the word. Hands down one of the worst Sonic games ever produced, if not the worst one. It wasn’t worth a quarter when it was in the arcades, and it’s certainly not worth $5 at all. Why this game even got released again is a complete mystery. Avoid this like a plague, and don’t even bother trying the demo, unless you’re heavily intoxicated and out of it.
