The latest issue of Famitsu has revealed some more details for Tales of Hearts R, including more information about the game’s new Chase Link system, key members of the team and the new character Garad Grinas.
As for the game’s staff, Hironori Naoi is Tales of Hearts R’s director while Ryuji Odate and Mika Murakita are being credited as producers. Garad Grinas is a 45 year old soldier who is a wielder of a Soma and is motivated by the loss of his wife and daughter to the Despir disease. His Soma is an axe-type and can be controlled after it is thrown.
As for the Chase Link system players will be able to continue a combo attack in the air by flying towards an enemy with Chase Link. While you are fighting in the air, one of your ally’s icons may blink and if you tap that icon, they will join in to perform a Chase Cross Attack. To make things even more interesting, the player can also perform a Chase Finisher by holding down the attack button, which happens to be circle.
Dollhouse Season 1 Studio: Mutant Enemy Productions, Boston Diva Productions Publisher: 20th Century Fox Format: DVD, Blu-ray (reviewed) Release Date: October 24, 2012 Price: $34.98 – Available Here
Overview
Joss Whedon has something of a rabid following, and this is well earned given his past in television. He has spawned an entire cult following, and it’s because he is able to write smart dialogue with wit, character, and an involving story line. Unfortunately for Joss and his fans, his shows usually take about a season or so to really get into their groove, and that’s what happened with Dollhouse. Yet another show with all the promise in the world but missing the ratings and rhythm to get it going. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy it after its demise, especially with the first season box set.
Story
Dollhouse is difficult to describe without raising some eyebrows and making it sound like you are talking about a brothel. Dollhouse is a place full of Dolls, those who have had their mind wiped so that they are basically children with only the basic functions. Then comes along a rich person with a purpose for a certain type of person who will be ensured to not remember it, and the Doll is loaded up with a personality and sent on their way.
Sometimes it does turn into a romantic encounter, but sometimes it’s about ass kicking or less legal things. It’s the perfect mercenary, because their bodies are in top shape, their minds can be focused onto only the one goal without those pesky emotions or empathy to get in the way, and at the end of it they don’t remember a thing.
Except for Echo (Eliza Dushku). Echo has started remembering things after her encounter. At the beginning of the first season it starts off a bit slowly, with Echo retaining hints of her missions that she shows at the end of each episode. It sort of becomes a ‘monster of the week’ deal, where she’ll go do a job, come back, show something that hints at her remembering it.
It does eventually move on from that though, to a more interesting arc. Plus, as much as I love Eliza Dushku (it’s a lot), the other characters in the show actually became somewhat more interesting. Unfortunately for Dushku, like most main characters, she ended up suffering from the usual TV show condition where the main character is someone that you’re not as interested to see develop. Instead, the other Dolls Victor and Sierra and their developing relationship, as well as the Dollhouse employees Dr Saunders, Adelle and Topher.
The ethical implications of the show are incredibly interesting, and quite something to explore, and with Whedon as the captain of the ship you can be sure that there are some really interesting situations that are stumbled across and that will put you, as a viewer, into something of a dilemma.
The show goes through several twists and turns, keeping you on your toes and making you really enjoy the awesome storyteller that Whedon is. It will certainly leave you guessing, and at least once will take your breath away as everything clicks into place.
The actors are also quite brilliant, taking on roles that must certainly be rather difficult. Especially that of the Dolls, Dichen Lachman and Enver Gjokaj, who play Victor and Sierra, are totally fantastic and slip into their different personas with ease. Gjokaj’s skill with accents and imitation is particularly noteworthy, and it’s quite easy to see why he was cast as Victor.
Visuals
Dollhouse is a really well crafted show, with great sets and visuals. Not only does the set and wardrobe well embody the safety of the Dollhouse, but these subtle things also help establish parts of their characters. There are quite a few stunt scenes that are well done, and that is no surprise given the show’s Whedonesque cast and crew who worked on Buffy and Angel previously. Even though it may not have had the largest budget, this never comes across and Dollhouse always looks like a great action show.
Audio
The soundtrack always matches the mood and helps to accent certain scenes, or character moments. There’s always a certain theme that sticks out and for me it was the general Dollhouse one, as well as Victor and Sierra’s tune. As in past Joss shows, the music works well and meshes well with the scenes and characters.
Extra Features
If watching the show again isn’t enough for you, then you can always get your further Dollhouse fix with audio commentary from the cast and crew, deleted scenes, and behind the scenes featurettes of what went into making Dollhouse, as well as the characters of Dollhouse. These are pretty standard extra features, and as someone who enjoys getting the most out of a show by watching them, I enjoyed getting that little bit extra.
Overall
Dollhouse is one of those shows that you’re always going to regret it not getting a longer run. It had so much promise, with a good cast, great idea, and superb writing team behind it. It just took too long to hit its groove, and is a bit difficult to explain at a glance. If you are the type who can take the heartbreak of getting invested in a good show with knowing that there it was cut off before its time, then the quality of Dollhouse is certainly worth a look. Plus, there’s always the comics.
If you’re looking for something to devour hours of your time and make you love your PlayStation Vita again then Atlus has some great news for you. Today the company has released Persona 4 Golden to stores in North America and if you don’t feel like going outside the game is also available for download on the Vita’s PlayStation Store.
Persona 4 Golden is a remastered version of the award-winning Persona 4 title released on the PlayStation 2 many years ago. Golden adds a number of new features such as new personas, more difficulty options, more cutscenes and character dialogue and more. Tim Pivincy, the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Atlus has stated that Persona 4 Golden “is a must have PS Vita title for all RPG fans” but I’m going to go out on a limb and say it should be a must have title for any PS Vita owner. With the holidays right around the corner, why not make someone’s life a little more Golden?
Today Sega of Japan announced the release date for the PlayStation Vita version of Phantasy Star Online 2 as well as how much players will have to pay to pick it up. Actually, if a Vita owner chooses, they won’t have to pay a thing as Sega is releasing Phantasy Star Online 2 on the Vita for free just like the PC version of the game.
However the company is also planning on releasing a Phantasy Star Online 2 Special Package to retail stores which will cost 5229 yen (roughly $64) and in this package a number of bonuses will be given to the buyer. The bundle includes eight special costumes, two for each of the playable races, a Clad Cannon, Clad 6 and Wing Spada weapon, a Mag evolution device, a premium set for 30 days, a fun 100 ticket, a few decorative Little Wing stickers and a soundtrack containing songs from Phantasy Star Portable 1 and 2.
Currently Sega is planning on releasing the Vita version to stores in Japan on February 28 next year. As for an English version of Phantasy Star Online 2, the PC release is expected to occur in January however the company has said little about this Vita version of the game making its way overseas.
A new zombie virus is spreading, and we need the general population to be made aware of its danger so that we may have a chance to contain it…
By downloading the ZombiU iOS App, you will have the means to do this. Download here and use the app to identify any possible signs of infection and leave recorded messages for your family and closest friends. The government is working on a cure…God willing, it should be available by the end of the week. Until then, we’ve been asked to remain calm and stay in-doors. Although, it’s hard to remain calm with videos like these coming though:
His fate was unfortunate, but it doesn’t have to be that way for everyone. Knowledge is power, and the ZombiU app provides the following educational resources we need to survive:
INFECTION SIMULATOR
Learn about the virus, physical symptoms and behaviour patterns
See what will happen to you if you get bitten by a zombie
Watch the symptoms escalate as the virus takes hold of you and transforms you into a flesh eating zombie
Share your photo via Facebook, Twitter and Email
EMERGENCY MESSAGES
Leave a message to let people know you are safe while you still can
Record your own personal video and share via Facebook and YouTube
Another transmission is just being received…the video can be viewed below. Also found below are images of the app’s interface in its own gallery. And finally, for more info on how you can survive this zombie apocalypse, visit the official ZombiU website and Facebook page.
The latest Playstation Vita update is now available to download worldwide. The latest firmware update is 2.00, which is usually a big update for new gaming consoles. The update includes a plethora of features and fixes for the Playstation Vita. In this update, the most notable features are the introduction of Playstation Plus for the Vita, an email application and the improvement of the web browser. Other features in the update should also receive a warm welcome among Vita owners.
The full list of features include:
PlayStation Network
PlayStation Plus is now supported.
“near”
The “near” application has been redesigned to improve its usability.
Browser
The display speed of Web pages has been improved.
You can now use a pointer to open links.
Support for HTML5 and JavaScript has been enhanced.
You can now tweet the currently displayed page.
You can now open the browser without pausing playing a game.
Content Manager
Usability has been improved.
You can now transfer data by connecting to a computer using Wi-Fi on the PS Vita system.
You can now copy an entire folder of photos and video to your PS Vita system from your PS3 system or your computer.
Maps
You can now display weather information on the map for areas where it is available.
Email
The Email application has been added. You can start the application from the home screen.
Settings
You can now set how you will be notified separately for each application and feature.
The number of applications you can control using the buttons on the PS Vita system has been increased.
[Disconnect Wi-Fi Connection Automatically] has been added as a feature under [Network] > [Wi-Fi Settings].
[Avatar], [Panel], [Online ID], [About Me] and [My Languages] under [PlayStation Network] > [Account Information] have been moved to the newly added category [Profile].
[Twitter] has been added as a feature under [PlayStation Network].
Turkish has been added as an option under [Language] > [System Language] and [Language] > [Input Languages] > [Keyboards / Add Terms].
[PlayStation Mobile] has been added as a feature under [System].
Games
[Assign Touchscreen] and [Assign Rear Touch Pad] have been added as features to [Controller Settings] in the PlayStation (PS one Classic) format software menu.
[Custom] has been added as an option under [Other Settings] > [Screen Mode] in the PlayStation (PS one Classic) format software menu.
You can now delete screenshots or songs created in PSP Game software.
PS Store
Some content now accepts pre-orders.
Friends
You can now display activities on the LiveArea screen for Friends. The LiveArea screen is displayed by flicking the screen up to let you communicate in real time with your friends.
You can now write a comment to send with a friend request.
You can now report an inappropriate message when you receive one with a friend request.
Tap Options > [Submit Grief Report] on the profile screen to report.
Group Messaging
More varieties of file formats (TIFF, BMP, GIF, PNG and MPO) are now supported as attachments to messages.
Trophies
When trophy information is automatically synchronized with PlayStation Network servers, it is now synchronized in the background. You can perform other operations during the synchronization.
Videos
You can now play a video with 1080 resolution.
You can now play the video in slow motion.
You can now skip chapters.
Closed caption is now supported.
Other
Screenshots are now saved in the background. You can perform other operations while saving the screenshot.
In the lists under Music and Videos, you can now scroll and display truncated title names to view the whole text.
Released by Razer in 2006, the DeathAdder easily became a favorite among gamers for its feel and precision, so much that there wasn’t really any need to improve upon its design much since. Until now anyway. More than 6 years after there is finally room for improvement with the available technology and improve it Razer has.
The newest version of the DeathAdder steps up the power and precision of the optical sensor, moving from a 3.5G in the original to a 4G infrared now. With this upgrade the mouse gets 6400 dpi resolution, without succumbing to the issues presented in like resolution mice, such as feeling robotic or less natural.
Additionally, while the shape and feel of the mouse has been maintained, rubber side grips have been added to aide in grip and control. This new DeathAdder still retains its Synapse 2.0 support allowing for updates and drivers from the cloud, as well as saving game settings individually. Other features include:
Five independently programmable Hyperesponse buttons
1000 Hz Ultrapolling/1 ms response
On-The-Fly Sensitivity adjustment
Always-On mode
200 in. per sec. and 50 G of acceleration
Zero-acoustic Ultraslick mouse feet
Gold-plated USB connector
Seven-foot, lightweight, braided fiber cable
Approximate size: 5.00 in./127 mm (Length) x 2.76 in. / 70 mm (Width) x 1.73 in. / 44 mm (Height)
Approximate weight : 0.23 lbs./105 g
Gamers wanting to purchase the new DeathAdder can find it for U.S. $69.99 (EU €69.99) HERE.
Yesterday, at the 40th International Emmy Awards in New York City, French series Braquo won the “Best Drama Series” emmy for it’s stellar second season.
Academy President Bruce Paisner had this to say about the event’s winners, whose backgrounds spanned 6 different countries (including Australia), “The International Academy is proud to be shining the spotlight on the world’s best television programming and performances, for the last 40 years, and we congratulate tonight’s winners for their outstanding achievements as they enter into Emmy history”. Barquo was written by Abdel Raouf Dafri and created by former French police officer, actor and filmmaker, Olivier Marchal. It follows a squad of four Parisian cops who are out for justice once their friend Max commits suicide after being wrongly blamed for the outcome of a very sensitive case.
Season 1 of this realistic, dark and gritty thriller/drama, which has been compared most closely to the U.S. hit show The Wire, will be coming to home media on DVD, Blu-Ray and iTunes in Australia on December 10th, courtesy of Beyond Home Entertainment.
Shmup fans in their Sony devices might have felt a little left out when Digital Reality and Grasshopper Manufacture released Sine Mora to the XBLA, but the day has come to make up for it. Yes, now SineMora is available on the PSN, as well as the PS Vita. Players can check out the trailer embedded below to see it in action.
If just releasing the game to the Sony systems however doesn’t seem like it could possibly make up for the earlier release to the Xbox though, SineMora for PSN includes an additional Challenge Mode giving players short 1-2 minute challenges to complete featuring levels from the Story Mode. For the PS Vita, the game features touch controls, unlockable concept art, and a GPS Unlock Gallery to show the player how far they’ve come. Both versions also include an additional character with Wilhelmina Muller, previously from Under Defeat, who has her own sub-weapon with the UD Bomb.
Players interested in the PSN and PS Vita release of SineMora can find the game for $9.99 in North America or €9.99 in Europe.
It appears that many people were very excited when XSEED released Mistwalker’s RPG, THe Last Story in North America. So excited in fact that XSEED’s Executive Vice President Ken Berry has said that the game is the company’s most successful title to date and that nearly all of the game’s launch copies are sold out.
If for some reason you haven’t picked up the RPG yet, then we have some good news for you because XSEED is re-releasing a standard version of the game for only $30. The game will be available for purchase at “select retailers” soon. If you do manage to come across a limited edition version of the game, that has also been given a discount from $50 down to $40.
