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 2 Studio:The Answer Studio Publisher:Siren Visual Format: DVD Release Date: July 19, 2012 Price: $49.95 – 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.
Today Atlus revealed a new trailer for Code of Princess which they are simply calling a “Full” trailer. Full of what you may ask? Well if the footage below will tell you anything, it is full of all of the details you will need to know when the game hits store shelves on October 9th such as some storyline, gameplay details and features as well as what you will get if you pick up one of the launch versions of the game.
Considering the fact that the Nintendo 3DS literally has no game like Code of Princess so far, it looks like the game’s visual style may be one of it’s biggest draws.
Today Atlus released a new patch for Persona 4 Arena that fixes up the game’s balance a little bit as well as some network problems that were still plaguing the title. It is also worth noting that this patch fixes the bug that was preventing players from unlocking the “Network mode Level 30” trophy or achievement.
The patch will be available to download as soon as you start your game, and is mandatory unless you don’t feel like playing online with the game at all… which sort of defeats the purpose of the patch in the first place. As for those of you in Europe still waiting for the title… at least when it hits your region most sections of the game will be fixed and 100%!
Carrier Command: Gaea Mission Developer: Bohemia Interactive Publisher: Bohemia Interactive Platforms: PC (reviewed), Xbox 360 Release Date:Out Now Price: $49.99 (Buy Here)
Overview
Carrier Command: Gaea Mission is the reboot/remake of the classic Carrier Command video game from almost 20 years, or so, ago. Bohemia Interactive have really created a game that brings the classic formula into the modern day while still retaining its own image.
Is it a good game though? Read on to find out.
Story
The story in Carrier Command Gaea Mission follows the conquest of a particular soldier as he takes command of a Command Carrier battleship that he must use to conquer a series of islands in an effort to defeat the enemies commander aboard an opposing Command Carrier. The story is told through cutscenes and gameplay, with the cutscenes being more predominant at the start of the game.
I think that I may have remarked on this with my earlier preview, but I felt that the cutscenes didn’t really fit the game too well. I think that the game would have been improved if instead of us having to sit through these scenes, we were instead thrown straight into the game and had to experience these events ourselves, or had to put the pieces back together through a little bit of detective work. However, this is incredibly minor as throughout the rest of the game, you are dealing with the story through gameplay, so it balances out.
In regards to the stories depth, I thought that it was actually quite shallow. This isn’t a fault of the games though, the gameplay doesn’t really lend itself to an overly complex narrative component. The story is there to drive the player forward initially; and it does just that.
Gameplay
This is where the game truly shines. Honestly I can not put into words how much fun I had as a commander and watching my AI units do as I commanded them. But before we go that far into the gameplay, we’ll start at the top. What is the player going to be doing whilst playing Carrier Command?
Well, most predominantly, the player will be shooting at drones, capturing bases and piloting vehicles. Now, for many players, this will sound like fun and really – it is. Things become especially fun when you’re flying around in a plane-thingy with a couple of other ones formed up on you. Sometimes its cool to just not worry about playing the game and just fly around. Flight is always freeing.
Of course, there are more than flying vehicles, there are also these amphibious tank thingies that can also drive on land. What sucks about these though is that they lose traction when driving on mud. Initially you don’t realise it and then you need to manouever and then you’re bogged down. This is especially bad for combat. Fight on dry land or on sea with this baby.
I feel that the game kind of lacked difficulty in some battles. The enemy drones really felt like they were drones. There were also some issues with the games AI where if you exploit the geometry a little bit, they would try to find the best angle to shoot at you from, rather than actually shoot at you. This made toppling over a rail on a raised platform advantageous in some fights if you could do it without falling off. You could even use this technique to have a wingman fight the enemy while you have its agro.
For those of us that don’t want to play the game with a story mode; there is a strategy mode included in the game where players are able to adjust the winning conditions of the game, as well as the initial conditions. This means that you can essentially play through the game without a storyline. The objective of the game is still the same, defeating the enemy Carrier Commander. But now, instead of starting with nothing, you have a few islands and have to spend the rest of your time capturing your opponents. The game plays exactly the same as in the storyline, but without all the drama.
Overall I loved playing this game, it is a crap-tonne of fun and anyone picking it up will not be disappointed. At least not from a pure gameplay perspective.
Visuals
Carrier Command Gaea Mission will not be winning any awards for its visuals. The game looked more like Doom 3 than it does Battlefield 3. Though, this is not necessarily a bad thing. As gamers, we really need to get out of the “better graphics equals better gameplay” mindset because this will only push developers to make their games pretty but not be very fun from a gameplay perspective. However, whilst Gaea Mission is not the prettiest, it is incredibly fun.
The visuals in the game do their job and some pieces actually have a really good aesthetic behind them. Take the Command Carrier itself, I simply love the design of it. I want a model. On my desk. So I can play with it in the bath.
Seriously though, all the units in the game are designed incredibly well and as long as you’re not a grumpy “hurr, graffix” type, you’ll probably agree with me that everything in the game looks incredibly nice. I particularly love the way the ocean looks as your Carrier flows through it. It’s a stunning view.
Audio
The Audio in this game is pretty well done. There isn’t really all that much music to be heard whilst playing, so you’ll spend most of your time listening to the engines of whatever it is that your currently occupying.
The audio quality on these are excellent and really give you the impression that you’re piloting a piece of military equipment. The engines sound heavy, the weapons sound weapony. It’s all really cool from there.
I only wish that there was more music in the game. Sailing the seas in silence, without pirate tunes or something to guide you can get a bit dull.
Overall
Carrier Command: Gaea Mission is an incredibly fun experience that gamers will enjoy. It offers a strategic method of gameplay that is combined with the personal touch of combat by allowing the player to take the reigns. I would recommend this title heartily.
