The now released Carrier Command remake, Carrier Command: Gaea Mission has had a launch trailer released for it. This is the Carrier Command: Gaea Mission launch trailer. The game is currently out on the PC platform and will be released on the Xbox 360 in 8 days time, on the 11th of October.
On the game, Bohemia’s CEO had this to say –
“Carrier Command: Gaea Mission delivers everything I loved about the original, and much more”, said Marek Španěl, CEO and founder of Bohemia Interactive. “The action-packed, strategic gameplay, combined with the open environments and stunning visuals, make this a melting pot unlike anything else. It is one of those games, I and many passionate gamers like me have been longing for.”
In this game players are tasked with capturing islands in an effort to take down an enemy commander of an opposing Command Carrier. We have already reviewed the game, so you can be sure to check that out here.
Be sure to check out the trailer, embedded below for more info.
This is it folks. The day has come and Nintendo’s first ever paid DLC is now out. New Super Mario Bros. 2 of course is the game that is getting the love, with new downloadable add-on level packs that fans of Coin Rush are sure to enjoy.
Here are some new details:
“Nintendo fans have really enjoyed the fun and competition of Coin Rush Mode, recently surpassing more than 100 billion total coins collected worldwide,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “These new packs offer completely new levels that fit into the New Super Mario Bros. 2 world, but offer new challenges that will keep players coming back for more.”
The packs being released on Oct. 4 include:
Gold Rush Pack: Fun new courses that give novice players the best chance to collect lots of gold, and veterans the chance to set even higher Coin Rush records.
Coin Challenge Pack A: The New Super Mario Bros. 2 website will track the rankings based on the scores for this pack, enabling players to measure their scores against other tallies from around the world in these more open courses.
Nerve-Wrack Pack: Intense new courses designed for veteran players looking for new challenges.
These packs can be purchased with the following procedures: Players who are connected to a wireless Internet connection must first activate SpotPass in the game and receive a notification from New Super Mario Bros. 2.* After receiving the notification, the next time the player enters Coin Rush Mode**, a Shop icon will appear in the game. Players who have accessed the shop can then read information about the packs, including descriptions, difficulty ratings and the required storage space. As long as players have enough funds in their Nintendo eShop balance, they can then tap and purchase the packs they want all within the game.
Sounds easy enough, and this DLC is rather cheap too, with each pack costing only $2.50. The floodgates have been cracked open, so lets hope to getting more of this kind of DLC in the future, and also pray that Nintendo don’t take lessons from some of the other guys.
Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics have released the second episode their “Final Hours” series of Tomb Raider videos. In case you may have forgotten about the last one, you can find it here. As for this video, it is called “Origins of a Story” and the host Zachary Levi (Chuck from Chuck) takes viewers for a behind the scenes look at how the character development and the narrative for the game are being handled.
Those who watch the video will also be able to see the lead writer Rhianna Pratchett, narrative designer John Stafford and creative director Noah Hughes talk about the game as well as catch some never before seen footage of the game itself.
EA has released a new video for Dead Space 3 that would probably be best classified as an actual walkthrough of a level considering the video is fifteen minutes long. You can take a look at the rather terrifying game in action below, where you will hopefully find the footage to be much scarier than you may have originally thought.
As you watch the walk through you can also listen to the game’s Creative Director and Senior Audio Artist give their insight into the game. If you can’t wait to play Dead Space 3 then unfortunately you still have quite some time to wait, as the game won’t be hitting store shelves until February 5th next year.
In what is becoming such a common occurrence that it almost isn’t news at this point, another game is getting a season pass for DLC right when it is released and it should come as no surprise that Assassin’s Creed 3 is the game getting it.
This week’s PlayStation Store Update revealed that a season pass will be purchasable when the game is released on October 30th for $30 and it is worth noting that the “Assassin’s Creed 3 Gold Edition” downloadable on the PSN will include the season-pass with purchase. With Ubisoft’s history of AC DLC, perhaps only big fans of multiplayer will find the pass worthwhile, but who knows at this point.
Today Telltale Games released a nice little teaser trailer for Episode 4 of The Walking Dead game and boy is it a great one. The video can be seen below but it is worth noting that it contains a few hints about what has happened in past episodes, so if you haven’t finished Episodes 1-3 then you may not want to take a look at it yet.
As for when Episode 4 will be released, Telltale Games has stated that they are aiming for an October release, though exactly when hasn’t been specified. As for you who have managed to avoid buying the episodes individually so far, you will be happy to hear that Telltale is planning on releasing a collection of all five episodes on a disc on December 4th.
The 2012 Australian International Motor Show will be held at Sydney this year but there is something new and different this time around. Once underway, the event plans on launching the upcoming Forza Horizon video game compatible with Xbox Kinect.
Beginning on October 19th, visitors to the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour will be able to play test the newest addition to the Forza Motorsport racing franchise before its release date on October 23rd. The show director, Russ Tyrie, had the following to say:
It really is fantastic timing that Xbox was due to launch its newest automotive game, Forza Horizon around the same time at the 2012 Australian International Motor Show. For all those gamers who have ever wanted to see the supercars they race virtually in the flesh and for all those automotive fans whove wanted to get behind the wheel of some of these supercars – make sure you come to the 2012 Australian International Motor Show!
The Australian International Motor Show will be taking place from October 19th to October 28th opening at 10:00 AM daily. To find out more information on tickets and daily schedules, take a look at their website (here).
So, we at Capsule have already shown you a bit of just how crazy Japan is about their games in our article about Capcom Bar, and here is another one to show just how deep their love of video games runs. Tucked away in Akihabara, on the third to fifth floor of a building where the entrance is simple an open door smooshed between two other shop fronts, is a wonderful store called Super Potato.
Super Potato is the kind of store that will make anyone that has a history with gaming think that they have found heaven on Earth. Starting with the top level, in a room that feels a little like an Internet Café (with all the snacks and drinks available for purchase too), there is a whole collection of arcade games. From those that only some will recognize, to the more popular and well-known games, this level is the sort that you can spend ages on, hopping from game to game.
The other two levels are a different kind of play ground, and absolutely perfect for all those who think that gaming has gotten too easy and are craving some of those old school games. Because, yes, it is full of old games and consoles.
There is a huge range, from the old Game and Watch consoles, to the more recent Playstation 2. Not only are there hundreds of games, but you can also buy consoles and controllers (in case yours have given up). These are all tested, checked, cleaned, and repackaged in a way that makes them look basically new. They aren’t some grimy broken cases piled up in a dump bin, they’re great looking games presented in an ordered fashion, with so many of them that a lot of them are spined for easy reading.
Amongst all the games there’s also some merch available for purchase, but this is by no means the main attraction of the store, and it still retains its roots very well. In fact, if you aren’t a fan of old school games then this might not be the best place for you to be, and if you are then it’s like all your Christmases and birthdays have come at once.
The prices are also quite cheap, unless you happen across something popular, rare and in great condition. Even then, the expensive side of the games are around $20-$30. The one downside being that the games are in Japanese. So, if it’s a game that requires a lot of reading and you aren’t able to read Japanese, then it might not work out too well. But there are sure to be quite a few that don’t need in-depth reading for you to know how to work them, or you remember anything that is required.
Check out the gallery below for more pictures from Super Potato, or head on over to our Facebook page to look at them there. And remember to LIKE our Facebook page for the latest in gaming news and reviews!
Marvel vs. Capcom Origins Publisher: Capcom Developer: Iron Galaxy Platforms: XBLA (reviewed), PSN Release Date: September 26, 2012 Price: 1200 MSP – Here
Overview
It is important to understand that Marvel vs. Capcom Origins is not a new game but a combination package of two revamped late 90’s Capcom titles – Marvel Super Heroes and Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes. First released on the Capcom Power System 2 (CPS-2) was Marvel Super Heroes. Eventually the game was ported to the Sega Saturn and Playstation consoles in 1997. In 1998, Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes was made public in arcades around the globe. Interesting but not absurd, both titles started out in arcades and then flourished to consoles. Now both titles have been revamped with some new kicks and thrown onto the online markets of both Xbox Live and Playstation Network. How will these later 90’s games hold up against their newly released counterparts?
Story
While fighting games hardly carry a story, each of these titles have a drivable purpose to complete the single player mode. Marvel Super Heroes has a storyline based on the collection of the Infinity Gems – gems that can be collected and used during play. As the player progresses, the goal is to collect all of the gems by defeating foes. By hoarding all the gems, your character has gained the attention of powers comparable to Dr. Doom. Thanos snatches all but one Infinity Gem and battles you using the powers of each gem. Defeating Thanos as good or evil will provide the player with an end story about that character.
Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes provides a less structural storyline as a multitude of characters are present from more than one title. However, the story bases itself around the Marvel universe where Professor Xavier is warning the heroes that his joining with Magneto’s mind must be stopped. The combination would create the deadly mutant named Onslaught who is a deadly force. Did the heroes stop battling each other to take heed on Xavier’s warning? You would like to think so.
Gameplay
Marvel Super Heroes
Each title’s gameplay will be discussed separately for original game taste then judged on the new additions made to the titles conjointly. To start off Marvel Super Heroes provides a small character selection. Beginning with 10 characters, this can be seen as a lacking component in today’s market. In the 90’s, I am sure this title had earned its place among fighting games, but today’s market is about customization and variety. One great selling point about the Marvel character selection, however, is the option of choosing between hero and villain characters.
Marvel Super Heroes creates its own learning curve. While a discrete move list is provided, the discovery of secret moves – ones that will surely help you win a battle – may only appear after a given battle as a hint. Thus, training becomes important with a character in order to move forward in your single player mode. This leads us to the other side of the learning curve which is game difficulty. Players may choose between three settings when deciding to play: Normal, Turbo, and Auto. Normal setting keeps the fight at a slower pace and perhaps more understandable to a beginning player. Turbo picks up the pace and potentially yields a quicker win for advanced players or lucky button mashers. When playing on Auto, players are queued with on-screen tips and limited to only three fights for single player.
Next is the implementation of Infinity Gems. These devious little gems can provide great feats for your character if you can unleash their power. Understanding how to perform the correct combination of buttons is the key importance. If you cannot perform the move, the gems become useless unless they are on your person at the end of a winning round – loads of bonus points. Each gem carries its own ability like the Power gem enhancing a characters physical strength. Additionally, gems can have special effects for certain characters (i.e. Blackheart turns invisible when a Reality gem is used).
Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes
As the latter created title, Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes received diversity yielding a variety of characters from the Marvel and Capcom universe. While some characters like Magneto and Blackheart got the boot from Marvel’s corner, Capcom characters such as Megaman and Morrigan enter the fray. Additional to the selection of characters, players can alter the costume color providing an extra customization factor. During the selection screen of characters, players must pick not one but two characters for battle and attain a bonus character for special attacks. The special character can only be summoned a limited amount of times on the battlefield, so use their ability wisely.
Still on the selection screen, the first mode selection prompted is the choice between Manual and Easy. Manual provides a challenge for those that wish to master the every move in a character’s arsenal including special power attacks. Whereas in Easy mode, players can simply press the left trigger or left bumper to easily dish out a power attack when available. The second mode selection offers the player to choose between Normal and Turbo. Like before in Marvel Super Heroes, this selection determines the pace of battle. As a beginner, I started on Easy and Normal modes giving me the best chance of survival. Hardened challengers can take Manual and Turbo to prove test their mettle.
Similar to Marvel Super Heroes, the move lists are not fully identified for the player. Hints between completion/death screens will help you figure some important moves out as well as button mashing in the training arena. Sadly, this is where the game leaves you hanging, and you are forced to “cheat” – use the internet – to find the remaining combinations.
New Additions
Everything thus far has been a rundown on regular gameplay and not the new additions added to the title. Marvel vs. Capcom Origins offers a trophy collection which can be unlocked through gaining points while playing the game. For instance, a hidden character like “Thanos” can be added to Marvel Super Heroes by purchasing him for 150 vault points. Loads of artwork and cinematic videos can be unlocked through this process as well. In junction with the overall completion status set at the main menu screen, these additions offer a player re-playability to the combined titles. Achievements and challenges also offer more aspects for a player to achieve generating an even lengthier experience for those completion hungry gamers.
Unlike the 90’s versions of these titles, players can now battle online in ranked matches and even watch in a spectator mode. Ranked matches work well as an opponent is chosen closest to your rank score – begins at 2500. Upon winning a ranked match, a players rank will rise and vice versa for losing a battle. Another addition made just for online games is the inclusion of the “save replay”. After each online battle the player may choose to save the replay of the previous match. Perhaps a friend didn’t believe you unleashed an infinite combo against another player. Now you have the proof.
Visual / Audio
When boasting HD graphics, you have to look at the previous quality of the work and compare it with what is new. For me, the only drastic difference that I saw in the game was the user interface. The opening menus were welcoming and provided good transitions between titles. A new user interface was noticed while engaged in battles as the surrounding screen provided progress in player’s challenges. If the special effects for the character abilities were enhanced, the changes were not as drastic. This can be viewed as a positive aspect as well because of retaining the nostalgic view.
The audio is what you can expect from 90’s fighting games. Kicks, punches, grunts, and death wails offer auditory sustenance for the game’s sound effects. However, the entrance music for each title can seem quite repetitive. While these themes offer the nostalgia of the individual titles, perhaps new tracks could have been developed and intermixed to reduce the repetitive nature.
Overall
Classic fighting titles are difficult to review as they hold memories to those that grew up with them within a generation. As games progressively become finer tuned with HD graphics, achievements, and online play, original titles can be brought back to life. However, the problem faced with revamping older titles is not only original look, but how it faces with the most recent releases in its genre. Marvel vs. Capcom Origins may prove to be a decent set of two games combined under one package, but the release of Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and future titles will likely draw attention away from it.
Online play and save replays have never been included in these games before. This can be exciting for those that wish to partake in these older titles online. But I feel that newer titles have more aspects to offer like better graphics, larger variety of characters, and even 3D environments. Marvel vs. Capcom Origins proves that old games can add in new tricks, but the younger titles just have them outclassed in more than one area. Must be the steroids.
If for some unknown reason you’ve been sitting on the fence about whether to buy an Xbox 360 or had your eye on one of the awesome collectors editions, now is the time to buy as Microsoft have announced a price reduction on its Xbox 360 stand alone and Kinect bundle consoles, in what is their most significant price drop across the Australian market to date. The new price points have seen many products enjoy between $50 and $150 reductions making them a very appealing purchase for us with a taste for an already expensive hobby.
The new pricing scheme will see the following reductions
– The Kinect sensor by itself has been reduced to $149
– The 4gb Xbox 360 stand alone Console reduced to $199 and Kinect bundle to $299
– The 250Gb Xbox 360 standalone Console is now $299
– Collector’s edition Consoles have been reduced to $399
Commenting on the announcement, Kimberley Francis, Head of Interactive Entertainment, Microsoft Australia said: “This is the time to buy an Xbox 360. The Xbox has never been more affordable and it continues to evolve to offer even more value for Australians”. Alongside the announcement of the new pricing system also came price confirmation of the much anticipated Halo 4 coming November 6th, with the standard edition coming out at $89.95 and the limited edition at $129.95.
Everyone already knows the capabilities of the Xbox 360 Console as a media player and entertainment unit for music, film and television and these new price points should make owing one of these even more enticing. All this as well as a huge lineup of new games coming for fans of gamers of all genres including Halo 4, Forza Horizons, and for the Kinect, Fable Journeys to name just a few.
Francis goes on to mention that later on this year will see the introduction of Smartglass and IE onto the platform, changing the way users access information through their televisions and mobile devices.
The price drops are effective from Thursday 4th November and reductions are off the RRP of products.
Also please note that Collectors editions do not include upcoming bundles such as Halo 4 only existing in stock collectors bundles.
