Konami has announced that Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 is now available at all retail stores across North America. This comes five days after the Australian release, which was September 20. The European release date for Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 was also September 20. Japan won’t be receiving the game until October 4. This release date is only for the current generation release of the Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and PC.
PES 2013 will feature three major club competitions: the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the Copa Libertadores. PES 2013 will feature ‘PES Full Control’, allowing full control of aspects of the game, Pro Active AI, where AI will react as in a real football game and PlayerID, where the world’s greatest players are instantly recognizable by how they look, move and play. Our review of PES 2013 is now live. You can check it out here.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 Developer: Konami Publisher: Konami Platforms: Playstation 3 (reviewed), Xbox 360, PC, Wii, Playstation 2, Nintendo 3DS, Playstation Portable Release Date:25/09/2012 Price: $46.25 (Available Here)
Overview
Pro Evolution Soccer has always provided an alternative for football fans everywhere. This year, it returns as PES 2013, offering improvements to gameplay over previous entries, or so I have been told. The gameplay is quite solid, as well as elements off the pitch, such as Football Life and the UEFA license. The visuals and audio have their positives and negatives too. But is it enough to change the allegiance of the FIFA faithful?
Gameplay
PES 2013 presents football differently that FIFA. Rather than being ultra realistic or downright arcade-style, it brings both realism and arcade gameplay into one bundle. PES pulls it off like the Wayne Rooney bicycle kick against Manchester City: sheer excellence. This is the first time I have encountered PES on console (you may remember my review for PES 2012 PSP) and, being someone who has always stuck with FIFA, I did not know what to expect. The basics are nailed, like a free kick hitting the top right (or left) corner. Passing is accurate and fluent. Teammates are actively giving the player a chance to execute an attack by looking for space. The player is given absolute control once they have the ball. It feels right. It brings it back to the basics of football, beating the player in front of you and stringing passes together in order to score a goal.
While Konami does quite a lot right with some aspects on the pitch, others require some attention. Shooting comes into play right here. Shooting isn’t broken, but the ‘Knuckle Shot’ always hits the target but rarely produces any goals, even if you are within shooting range. Speeds for some players are quite unrealistic. I would expect a winger to be able to fly down the pitch, but a defensive midfielder shouldn’t match that. Heading is also a problem. More often than not, any attacking headers my player executes results in one weak, off target header. I do not know if I am doing something wrong or it is the game itself, but the feeling of actually getting a powerful header into goal is gone. The referees are also quite whistle happy and yellow card happy. They are very harsh for the softest of tackles, which involved me scratching my head and shouting at the TV like a regular couch analyzer.
Then there are the great modes off the pitch. Football Life is the strongest and best feature of PES 2013. Football Life is divided into two modes: Master League and Become a Legend. Master League allows the player to take the reigns of any club they wish, whether they are part of the English Premier League or La Liga. Become a Legend is all about developing as a player on the pitch. There is quite a bit to do in both modes and one can earn items such as boots to improve player statistics. International duty is included in Become a Legend, although it seems that it is based on the current customised squad. With that said, it is disappointing to see that there are a few flaws within both modes. The one major problem is that, most of the time, all one would see is the calendar and menus. It would have been nice to actually play one’s created player (or real player) through training, where the performance affects the statistics. Still, it is worth checking out.
Another excellent feature of PES 2013 (and one that has been part of the PES library for quite some time) is the inclusion of the UEFA club competitions (Champions League, Europa League and Super Cup) and the Copa Liberatores. For those who are new to football (or soccer, whatever one’s preference is), the UEFA club competitions are the premium club competitions in Europe, while the Copa Liberatores is South America’s premium continental club competition. Everything that has to do with both competitions is there, recreating the excitement and feel that both competitions bring to the world. However, not everything is included.
I refer to the licensing of teams in PES 2013. Whether it is a problem for one is their opinion, but, compared to the opposition, the licensing does lack in some ways. Mind you, PES 2013 do include teams that FIFA do mot touch at all (like two Ukrainian club teams), which is great and it is worth noting that Konami’s bank may not challenge that of EA’s own bank. With that said, there could be certain leagues Konami may want to bring to their game. Konami holds the license for the J.League, Japan’s premium football competition, yet they don’t include it in PES. Other Asian leagues, like the Chinese Super League, could also feature in PES, bringing more exposure to these two leagues. However, the lack of licenses should not be the deal breaker, as the gameplay offers enough for a purchase.
PES still offers deep customisable options, like changing settings for any league or cup in the game. They also offer stadium creation, which allows players to import any images for use. Creating a stadium is quite easy and it can turn out excellent for the player. It helps that it can become a home for that created team the player creates. PES also offers training exercises for those who need to acclimatise to the PES controls and the new features the game offers. The training is a hit and miss, as one will discover some tasks are too easy and others require excellence in execution. But that is how one becomes a master of the virtual round ball game.
Visual and Audio
The visuals of the game could have been worked on, but we all know the budget PES 2013 received compared to the other game. Credit has to be given on the player models. The big stars like Rooney, Messi and Ronaldo do look like their real world counterparts and that includes their animation, thanks to PlayerID. However, I don’t particularly like the animation for the celebrations. They look quite robotic and artificial. Stadiums look excellent and the menus are quite neat and easy to navigate. It is just too bad that there are quite a lot of menus to navigate around.
Whether the crowd is alive with excitement or it is hearing the words of Jon Champion, the audio of PES 2013 is quite a mixed feeling. The soundtrack is left to be desired. It is a great thing, then, that any music stored on your console can be playable in menus and other parts of the game. Konami has also included tracks from the 8-bit classics, such as Contra and Castlevania. Then there is the commentary. The team this year is the same as previous years, Jon Champion and Jim Beglin. You might have heard of Jon Champion. That is because he does call games for the Premier League in Europe, so you know he is quite an excellent commentator. It is too bad that the commentary isn’t quite the best.
Overall
PES 2013 is definitely worth checking out. While it may have some problems with certain elements of the gameplay and lacks the licensing that FIFA has, the basics bring an excellent gameplay experience. Football Life and other modes add to the awesome experience. The visuals are nice but animations for celebrations could have been worked on. The soundtrack isn’t the best, but one can make their own. Jon Champion and Jim Beglin are also not at their best compared to listening them commentate an actual match. With that said, PES is coming back and is offering an excellent alternative than FIFA.
Not too long ago, Stone Cold, Mike Tyson, Dolph Ziggler, and several other top names came together for a panel for the upcoming WWE ’13. Today, the final two videos were released, and both should give fans something to chew on until the actual game release in November.
The first video (which is technically the second part) has all of the stars discuss memories of the Attitude Era, which is a large part of WWE ’13. The second video…or the third part continues CM Punk and friends’ discussion about video games in general and this newest installment. You can check out both clips below, and let us know what you’re looking forward to trying out in WWE 13 in the comments down below.
If you haven’t heard yet, 505 Games are planning to release a follow-up to Naughty Bear, which is titled Naughty Bear: Panic in Paradise. This entry will see a smaller release this time around, being on the XBLA and PSN, but is still big in spirit, as DLC for the game is already in the works.
Today, a new video was released for Panic in Paradise, showcasing the famed bear causing mayhem while wearing Batman, Pennywise, and even Leatherface skins. Weapons are also set to see a DLC release, which will further the amount of finishing maneuvers and general techniques one can use. The game itself looks to be a much more refined version of the first, and that alone is what is keeping us interested of what this maniacal bear will have to offer. Check out the trailer below, and you can pick up Panic in Paradise on it’s newly announced release date of October 10th.
Do you want more boobs in your Dead or Alive 5? Per chance would you want them to be bigger than they already are? Well the director of the game understands your wants and needs this week and looks to give you what you want. But enough about boobs, other than boobs we also got to get our hands on Assassin’s Creed 3 this week to mixed feelings, we interviewed a couple of people about various things and we’re on the road to the EB EXPO! I’ll meet my friends along the way~
PlayStation 3 Super Slim Developer: Sony Price: $400.00(AU), $299.99 (US), €299.99(UK) Release Date: September 28, 2012(PAL), October 30, 2012(NTSC) Reviewed Version: 500GB Charcoal Black (AU)
Specifications: Display: 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i　(for PAL 576p, 576i) Audio: LPCM 7.1ch, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD, AAC. CPU: Cell Broadband Engine™ GPU: RSX® Memory: 256MB XDR Main RAM, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM Dimensions: Approx. 290 × 60 × 230 mm (width × height × length) Sizes: 12, 250, and 500 GB Colours: Charcoal Black and Classic White (Japan only)
Sony’s latest model of their PlayStation 3 console may seem somewhat redundant given the fact that they previously released a slim version of console a mere 2 and half years ago, but it is still an admirable attempt to correct the issues with the previous incarnations of the machine. Though is it worth tossing your old PS3 consoles out the window into oncoming traffic and upgrading to the super slim model? Well that really comes down to you.
The super slim model is essentially a smaller and lighter version of the existing PlayStation 3 with a top-loading disc tray somewhat reminiscent of the PSOne. The top-loader has a slide cover unlike the PSOne which had a lid-like cover. The slide cover can be opened both manually by hand and also by the button on the front of the console. There is a problem with the slide cover though, that being that when you shut it, you must make sure you hear the clicking sound otherwise there is the possibility of it flinging open mid-way through your gaming experience which of course is not ideal. It feels like it is made from fairly cheap plastic and is somewhat flimsy. I found myself being overly gentle with it in fear I would damage it accidentally. I’m not sure why they decided upon a top-loader for a disc tray with a slide cover. It seems somewhat ill-conceived and unfortunately doesn’t feel very sturdy.
A common complaint with previous models of the PlayStation 3 was that the console was very noisy. Thankfully the super slim PlayStation 3 is the exact opposite, during my time with the console I did not hear a peep from it other than the irritating and unnecessary start up beep sound. I’ll make sure not to play this console at night while everyone in the house is asleep because that beep is really unnecessarily loud. Other than that the machine silent, which is great.
It runs games, DVD and Blu-Rays perfectly and makes no noise whatsoever from the console itself. This impressed me quite a fair bit as the PS3 is known for making loud noises during running of a disc.
Aesthetically the machine looks very nice one the eyes, with a nice slick black look and small size, it looks great. Unfortunately it does not look very sturdy and looks like you must handle it with care as it seems somewhat fragile. Despite that it looks nice and smooth and has a decent amount of ports in the back for any type of set up.
There is AV input, HDMI input, Ethernet, 2 High-Speed USB ports, AC port and digital output. So just about covers all bases in terms of what you need for your set up. Unfortunately though the console does not come with a HDMI cable instead Sony opted for the standard AV cables. I find this odd especially considering we are living in 2012 and most people are looking for HD output. Thankfully I have my own HDMI cable to use any ways, but for those of you that don’t you will need to purchase one separately should you decide to play in HD.
In terms of size and dimensions the console is very small. In comparison with both previous incarnations of the PlayStation 3 it is easily the smallest and slimmed one to date (as you can see the picture above). My only issue was that it is still fairly space-consuming despite being the tiniest version of the PlayStation 3 to date. The original Wii is still by far more compact than this console, but that’s probably besides the point. It is small and if that’s what you’re after this may be for you.
All in all there is not a whole lot different with the super slim model when compared to it’s predecessors. Sure it’s more compact, silent and faster, but if you already own a PlayStation 3, there is little reason to fork out $400 for this machine. It is first and foremost a redesign and if you want a redesigned version of something you already have than by all means get this machine. If you have yet to get a PlayStation 3 but have decided this late in the game to pick up the console, then yes this is probably the best version of it for you to buy. But if you are satisfied with the device you already have, there is no reason you need to buy this new model. I just can’t justify that.
Ultimately it comes down to the consumer. Do you want a new PlayStation 3? That is up to you to decide. It is indeed an impressive machine but it doesn’t do enough new things to warrant consumers upgrading or simply replacing their existing console. It does however work well as a great entry point for those late to the game.
Golgo 13 Part 2Â Studio:Â The Answer Studio Publisher:Â Siren Visual Format:Â DVD Release Date:Â July 19, 2012 Price:Â $49.95 –Â Available Here
Overview:
In my previous review of Golgo 13, my overall impression was that of disappointment. I had for years heard great things about this series. I had heard it praised as intelligent, thrilling and engaging. I found it to be none of those things but I did have hope that with the series being roughly 50 episodes in length it could potentially improve as it went on. I was wrong.
Golgo 13 is a series that by all rights should be good. But for a number of reasons it prevents itself from connecting with viewers on any level other than casually enthusing them with brain-numbingly benign violence.
Story:
The first thing you’ll notice with Golgo 13 is that it follows a certain formula without really trying to mix things up much at all. Most episodes are incredibly repetitive with the same beats being repeated. How many times can we see Togo coldly kill someone before it gets boring? Well the answer is about a few times. Unfortunately for Golgo 13, those fews times already passed in the last collection of the series.
This part of Golgo 13 is very unfortunate due to it being simply the most stale part of the series to date. There is the repetition of formula that isn’t all that interesting to begin with and the bland and uninspired story-telling that does very little to provoke any kind of thought what-so-ever. It’s all just a messy blur of ideas on constant repeat.
I mentioned in my previous Golgo 13 review that the series would be better served with longer story-arcs. I however was wrong as these prove to be merely a drawn out extended version of the one-off episodes. But ultimately the main issue with Golgo 13 is that it is just plain boring.
The type of person that would like Golgo 13 is very very specific. They have to be a person who does not look for much more than gore and violence without any true meaning behind it. On that level Golgo 13 succeeds. It is a fairly violent series that doesnt expect much from it’s audience other than to gaze gawk-eyed at the ensuing brutality. It doesn’t aim for anything more than that and if you don’t fit within that category of viewer or just plain found part 1 boring, then you won’t find much more here for you in this part of the series.
Visuals and Audio:
The aesthetics of Golgo 13 are quite simply repulsive. I mentioned this previously, but Golgo 13 is not at all an anime that looks good both art style wise or animation wise. It’s utterly droll and lacking even a modicum of inspired artwork. There is nothing appealing what-so-ever about this anime and it really makes it difficult to continue to watch it is just that bad to look at. The Answer Studio overuses grey and brown hues and the character design is incredibly ugly and poorly conceived.
The series soundtrack is suitably dark and sets a fairly decent mood, but it’s so strongly overwhelmed by the series other negative aspects that it hardly makes up for the innumerable glaring issues facing this anime.
Extras:
Golgo 13 Part 2 much like Part 1 does not feature any bonus content at all. Personally I find this disappointing as this release could have used a buffer because this portion of the series was incredibly lacking. Unfortunately though not all releases can have special features on disc and this is just another one.
Overall:
I really do not know where The Answer Studio are trying to take this series, so far in the two parts amounting to 26 episodes that we have seen thus far, they have not impressed in the slightest with this adaptation. This anime is tiresome and does not even attempt to engage it’s viewers in any meaningful way.
It is difficult to recommend Golgo 13 to anyone that does look for something with a deeper level of substance. It is raw and nonsensical violence and little more. If that’s what your interested in or looking for then by all means go and purchase both released parts of this series, it should provide you with some enjoyment for a few hours. But if that isn’t what you are looking for then unfortunately this really is not the anime series for you.
Ridley Scott’s latest foray into science fiction is nearly due for home release. Prometheus, something of a prequel for the Alien franchise, found more than it’s fair share of controversy upon release, attracting equal amounts of praise and questioning. Indeed the promise being touted for the home release is that “questions will be answered”.
There are three separate releases coming to Australia on October 7, a standard DVD release, 2 disc Blu Ray and 4 disc Blu Ray Collector’s Edition. Those expecting an extended Director’s Cut will be disappointed to learn that only the cinematic version of the film is being released at this point in time, although an alternate opening and ending are included on both Blu Ray versions. No doubt any significantly different cut of the film will be helf back for future release.
Fans and debaters alike will no doubt be after the 4 disc edition, which in addition to the alternate scenes comes complete with a behind the scenes documentary titled “Furious Gods”. All up there are over seven hours of bonus features to potentially shed some light on some of the more obscure/confusing aspects of the movie.
Full details of the special features are as follows:
4 Disc Collector’s Edition Blu Ray
3D Theatrical Cut of Film
Theatrical Cut of Film
Commentary by Director/Producer Ridley Scott
Commentary by Writer Jon Spaihts and Writer/Executive Producer Damon Lindelof
The Peter Weyland Files
Deleted and Alternate Scenes that include an Alternate Opening / Ending
Prometheus: Weyland Corp Archive Second Screen App
The Furious Gods: Making Prometheus
Enhancement Pods
Weyland Corp Archives which includes Pre-Visualisations, Screen Tests and more
DVD & Digital Copy
2 Disc Blu Ray Edition
Theatrical Cut
Commentary by Director/Producer Ridley Scott
Commentary by Writer Jon Spaihts and Writer/Executive Producer Damon Lindelof
The Peter Weyland Files
Deleted and Alternate Scenes that include an Alternate Opening / Ending
Prometheus: Weyland Corp Archive Second Screen App
Digital Copy
With Konami’s New Little King’s Story set to be relesaed next week on October 2nd as a digital download on the PlayStation Vita, the company released a number of new screenshots for the game which can be seen below.
As you can see in the images, King Corobo will have to face off against a number of different creatures in his journey to take back his kingdom from the devil king “Nightmare” including giant robots and giant crabs. So this means that there will probably be a lot of large enemies for the player to take down with his league of followers in this aesthetically pleasing game.
Remember a bit earlier today when Konami announced that they would be releasing a Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance collector’s edition? Well in case you didn’t read that, the collector’s edition will include a steelbook case as well as the game’s official soundtrack, as well as an excellent looking plasma lamp.
At the time, the lamp was only shown on a projector screen but now the company has released an official image of the plasma lamp which features Raiden’s sword embedded in the middle of it. The image can be seen above. Currently no price has been announced for the Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance collector’s edition, though we will probably hear about it in the coming weeks.
