Famitsu have released their scores for Level-5’s next portable game, Time Travelers, to be released on the Nintendo 3DS, Playstation Vita and Playstation Portable. The four reviewers focused on the Nintendo 3DS and Playstation Vita versions of the game as the Playstation Portable version will be released a week after the 3DS and Vita version. All reviewers were unanimously pleased with the title, with all four giving the game a score of 9 each. That gives the game a total of 36 out of 40.
Set in 2031, Time Travelers revolves around an event that will change the world forever. Eighteen years earlier, in 2013, central Tokyo was destroyed by the appearance of the “Lost Hole.” These two events may have a correlation with each other. Time Travelers is set for release on July 12 on the Playstation Vita and Nintendo 3DS in Japan. The Playstation Portable version will see a release a week later.
To players around the world on the PC platform as it has now officially been released by EA and Funcom. The game itself is retailing for $89.99AUD and is set in a world where conpiracy theories, myths and legends are all said to exist within.
Players can choose to be one of three secret organisations each vying for world domination – The Templars, The Illuminati and the Dragon. What sets this MMORPG apart from the rest is it’s unique modern day setting and it’s step away from traditional MMORPG builds.
“We are proud and very excited to launch The Secret World with Funcom,” said Sinjin Bain, Vice President, EA Partners. “This is truly a unique offering in the MMO genre, and we’re confident players are going to love exploring familiar locations in a real, contemporary world as they uncover the game’s many secrets and wonderful story.”
Players are able to travel around the world and confront various types of folklore legends, myths and other kinds of mysteries, such as fighting Count Dracula in the land of Transylvania. The game will also cost an additional $14.99 per month, as is par with most MMORPGs.
Be sure to check out the Official Site for more info.
Dungeon Twister Developer: Hydravision Entertainment Publisher: Hydravision Entertainment Platform: Playstation 3 (via PSN) Release Date: 04/07/2012 (C Price:$9.99
Overview
Dungeon Twister is the latest video game from Hydravision Entertainment, a French independent studio. Inspired by the board game of the same name, the player takes eight characters in a series of dungeons. While the developers promoted the game, this quote caught my attention: “Dungeon Twister is first and foremost a board game, before becoming a video game,” and this statement is closer to the truth than anyone would think. The gameplay is reflecting a board game rather than a video game and it has its good and bad moments. The visuals are great and the audio is as well. But, do expect a lack of story mode and a combat system that wants more out of it.
Gameplay
If you are familiar with the popular role playing game Dungeon & Dragons as well as chess, one of the oldest strategy games out there, then the gameplay of Dungeon Twisters will be quite easy to understand. With that said, don’t expect to be the master of the dungeon with the first game. Players will have to achieve victory by gathering five victory points. These victory points can be achieved with two different methods: slaying members of the opponent’s party or reaching to the end of the dungeon. Sounds simple, only it isn’t. The dungeon is laid out with elements such as pits and closed portcullis to hinder both parties in achieving their goal.
The layout of the game is a dungeon, hinted in the name. Using action points, players can move, initiate combat and use other actions. At the beginning of each turn, players must choose a card, which determines how much action points they will have for the turn. Some are not available at first but will be once the player continues the game. The action points can be used in various ways, some of which is quite unique. Each room will usually contain a rotation gear, which allows the player to turn the room by one quarter per action point, with a ¾ turn available for three action points. Jumping over pit falls and breaking a portcullis also require action points. Action points are gold, silver and bronze in Dungeon Twister, hence knowing the in and outs of the dungeon is a must. This makes for interesting games and complex strategy for those who learn. Yes, the learning curve may be unforgiving for new players, but the reward for hanging in there is worth it.
Expect four offline modes when the game boots up. For those who want to know the rules, then there is a training mode as well as an how to play section in the options menu. A quick play mode is also on offer, jumping straight into a game. There are two versions: simplified essentially places all characters and items in random spots. An advanced game changes that and allows the player to develop their own strategy by placing characters and items around the dungeon. Challenge mode offers players 20 challenges to complete and allow them to post their results on an online leaderboard. For those who want a story mode, however, then get ready to be disappointed. There is no story mode, with the challenge mode being the closest to one, or even a story. That is quite a disappointment because it really doesn’t add a reason to actually go back and play. It could also offer context with the world and provide a background of the characters. With that said, it is better to have no story than a bad story. Online Multiplayer is also available, with an online leaderboard for online matches.
Eight characters are available to be part of your team, all with their own abilities. These are Goblin, Mekanok, Wall-walker, Thief, Warrior, Cleric, Troll and Wizard. With the use of action points, each character can use a special ability which can turn the tide of battle. Warriors can break open a portcullis, while a Wall-walker can just move through walls. However, it is quite disappointing that these characters can not acquire levels and the combat system reflects that. Instead, combat is designed through cards, rather than a statistical system found in other strategy games. This isn’t the best way to decide battles in a video game like Dungeon Twisters. It is basically get the highest numerical amount with the cards to win the fight. Does the combat system work with the game? Yeah, it does. The design of the levels might actually work in favour of the combat system. If done in a traditional way, victory points may be easily obtainable for each side, thus creating an imbalanced system.
Strategy is key in Dungeon Twister. Expect a battering if the wrong strategy is implemented, but, find the right combination, reap in the rewards. With each character requiring both their unique abilities and a coherent plan, players will wisely spend their action points. The action point system makes players think on their toes while not breaking the game. Combat does suit the style of the game, but it feels basic. The lack of any story is also disappointing, but the same could be said if a bad story was included.
Visual/Audio
For a game like Dungeon Twister, don’t expect high detailed character models or elegant settings. It doesn’t mean that the visuals are an eyesore; it is just that the camera angle won’t allow it. With that said, there really isn’t that much to see. The dungeon is a multicoloured board game with squares to represent where the characters can move to. Walls will block the character’s passage. The pits are filled with excellent textured lava, with other elements well represented with recognisable designs. The style of the game, which is cartoonish, fits with the overall theme of the game. With that said, character portraits for their profiles are beautiful and elegant. The audio is quite interesting. In terms of the soundtrack, there are quite a few tracks available. The main theme is quite good, with an enchanting orchestra filling the player’s heart with raw emotion for battle. The sound effects and voice acting is also good.
Overall
Dungeon Twister is a fun strategy game. With that said, it is hard to recommend it for those quite new to the genre or unfamiliar to the board game. The learning curve is quite steep, but rewards persistence. The combat system, while fitting the game, could have been designed a little better, but the variety of strategy that can be implemented is quite staggering. The lack of a story mode is both a positive and a negative. While it is expected for games like Dungeon Twister to have a story mode, a bad story could weight the game down. Overall, Dungeon Twister is a great game for those who are great with strategy. For the others, maybe another strategy game should be looked at.
… after it’s successful victory at this years E3 conference held in LA. Hawken is a free-to-play mech shooter with a fast-paced and frenetic play style from publisher Meteor Games and developers Adhesive Games. The game is set to launch on the 12/12/12, which is the twelfth of the twelfth twenty-twelve, and is a repetitive number.
Fans looking to play the game at Comic-Con will have the opportunity to do so by visiting IGN’s (augh) booth on both Thursday and Saturday July 12th and 14th. On the Friday and Saturday, one of the teams creative directors, Khang Le, will be creating artworks at the Wacom booth for fans to watch and enjoy. The group Archaia will be showcasing the game on the show floor for the entirety of the event.
After Comic-Con, Hawken will also be in presence at the Gamescom event in Germany where it will probably be playable. We are also told that a new PR team has been put together for this occasion and is handled by the following – “three key players have joined the Meteor Entertainment team: Iris Andresdottir for all International, Aidan Minter in the UK, and Ashley Jenkins in Oceania.”
Just remember to check out the game at it’s official website where I believe there is a closed Beta registration happening right now.
Ah sale time, be still my beating heart. EA Mobile has announced that for the 4th of July they’re going to be having a huge sale, just to celebrate the freedom of speech, or fireworks, or whatever America loves to celebrate. And hey, I’ll celebrate America too if it means getting a massive discount on games.
From July 4th until the 9th iOS games will be available for up to 90% off their normal prices (and some are actually going for FREE). There is a huge range available, for a full list of the current sale titles head over to the EA Mobile Daily Deal site HERE. Some of the included titles include games such as Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Dead Space, Madden 12, and Fifa 12, on the iPad as well as iPhone and iTouch platforms.
Check out the trailer advertising the awesome sale below. What are you guys keen on getting? Is there anything sticking out for you that you’ve been waiting for, or that you suddenly want to impulse buy?
SPEC OPS: THE LINE Publisher: 2k Games Developer:Yager Platforms: PC (Reviewed), Xbox 360, PS3 Release Date: June 29, 2012 Price: $49.99US (Buy Now)
Overview
Many people will make the argument that video games are a form of art. Many people will argue against this. Some gamers will argue that gameplay is the most important aspect of a game, I would argue that it is the least important aspect of Spec Ops: The Line. This is definitely a game where the story takes precedence and everything about this game is built to support the story, it is not a game where the story was built to support the gameplay.
How did I come to this conclusion? Read on to find out how.
Story
Spec Ops: The Line follows the story of ‘Delta Squad’, which is a special operations team sent into a sandstorm engulfed Dubai in order to retrieve the missing 33rd Squadron. The story itself is a much deeper and interesting affair and is likely to keep gamers hooked to their screens from start to finish. I know that I was like this.
The story in this game is easily it’s strongest point. At no one point during the game was it boring, dull or un-engaging. This is definitely something a video game story should strive to be as the medium is constantly evolving and it is too easy to make a grandiose story that falls flat on all accounts. Fortunately, I ABSOLUTELY LOVED the story in Spec Ops: The Line and anyone who loves story telling in games should most definitely check this title out.
With games that have a well-written story, I find that it’s hard to talk about them without giving too much away and I really don’t want to give anything away as it may severely dampen your reception to the story. So instead, I’ll just be trying to give you a few points on what I absolutely loved about the story and some things that I thought could be improved upon.
What I really loved about the story was how the game presents you with choices as you go along through it. At the time when you have to make these choices, you don’t really think much about them and you just go through with choosing something based on what you believe is the best course of action at that time. And then as you progress further and further down the line you are suddenly confronted with the consequences of those actions and you’re all like ‘What?!”. Even better is how your allies react to these choices, it gives the story a much more dramatic and fuller feel when your choices impact not only yourself, but the way your friends perceive you.
What I also really loved about the story was the way that the characters evolve throughout the experience. Each plot twist, each choice, each decision has the characters around you evolve in different ways. I quite enjoyed seeing my team mates hate on the lead character for making a decision that nobody agreed with, it made the entire story seem much more realistic.
The one thing I didn’t like about the story was how it separated by chunks of linear gameplay and dodgy mechanics. This game would have made an excellent movie if the gameplay segments were substituted with well directed action sequences. I hope that somebody looks to adapt this game with original writers and directors for what could be a very decent film.
Another thing that I disliked, particularly early on in the game, was how it used a bunch of pre-rendered cutscenes instead of using in-engine footage. This was pretty strange considering what they were doing was using pre-recorded engine footage anyway. Why didn’t they just do everything in engine? The pre-rendered stuff was clearly of an inferior quality when compared to the superior PC graphics of the game.
As an aside, dying in a few points will induce some very brief storyline moments. Although they’re not the biggest reveals and missing them will not impact the story, it is still worth getting the additional insight should you actually be killed and see one of these.
Gameplay
Spec Ops: The Line is one of those games that borrows mechanics from other more popular titles and then does it in a way that hugely impacts the cohesiveness of a battle in a poor manner. The titles that this game borrows mechanics from largely are the likes of Gears of War and Mass Effect. Unfortunately for the game, the mechanics aren’t as tight as the titles they are borrowing these mechanics from and this can often get you killed.
One of the things I absolutely loathed about this game wasn’t the gameplay mechanics, it was the fact that levels were so poorly designed. I have not seen such linear level design since Final Fantasy XIII, which is incredibly bad for a shooter. For the majority of a level you’re running through tight corridors only for the area to open up when there is a gun fight to be had. The only levels I really enjoyed (from a gameplay perspective) were the ones where it was apparent that you were hopping from building to building in a sand-covered Dubai.
As I said earlier, the gameplay mechanics in this game feel a little broken. For instance, when trying to duck into cover, I’d hit the cover button only to find my character running straight instead of crouching into cover. What’s even worse is when you’re slightly on an angle and then your dude sprints out into the open and then is mauled to death by turrets and dudes with shotguns.
However, even if this games gameplay is a little shonky, it definitely makes up for this by having a brilliant story. This is definitely a game for players who love stories.
Visuals
Spec Ops: The Line’s video has nothing altogether special about it, but, conversely, it doesn’t have anything particularly wrong with it either. Although I will say that the PC version is superior to the console version visually, even if it is still sub-par to PC exclusive titles.
Though, there is one thing that both myself and Senior Editor, Travis Bruno, enjoyed about the visuals and that was how the character was gradually inflicted with more and more damage and this was permanent to the characters model. This was quite interesting as not many games actually do this and it really reinforces what the character has been through in relation to the story.
One other aspect of the visuals that I really enjoyed were all of the games loading screens. Sure, going through loading screens is a pain, but these were all incredibly well done so I would recommend either dying or restarting a chapter just to see all of the loading screens in the game.
Audio
What I really loved about this game was the audio. Unlike most games where it is all pushed into the forefront of the action, I found that the background music was often played through speakers and radios throughout the game which really enhanced the scene. This is in opposition to the music being pushed on you and it instead feels like a part of the games universe, instead of separate to it.
The weapons and the like all sound like weapons and the characters sound like people. Actually, I really liked the amount of detail the voice actors put into playing their characters in this game. The portrayal of each character, even the minor ones, were incredibly well done and really enhanced the reality of the game.
Overall
Spec Ops: The Line is a game that tells a brilliant story and combines it with really decent audio techniques and some interesting visual cues to help tell a deep and emotional story. While I think this game would make an excellent film, I would still recommend playing this game in one of it’s formats to play through and enjoy a very decent story in an industry that’s full of cliche and a slapped on story to placate a gameplay premise. Even if you only rent this game, you will love the story and possibly go back to complete it again in the future.
The first downloadable content pack for Max Payne 3, the Local Justice Pack, is now available for download on Xbox Live, with the PSN network getting it later today, or tomorrow if you’re in Australia or New Zealand.
The Local Justice Pack includes three new maps for Max Payne 4 Multiplayer based on areas from the game’s last few chapters (check out the article on the levels in more detail HERE), the new M4 Assault Rifle and attachments, the Light Fingers Item for faster looting, a new São Paulo police multiplayer faction and new Achievements and Trophies for you to earn.
You should grab the Local Justice Pack as soon as you can because for the first week it’s available for a discounted price of 480 Microsoft Points or $8.75 AUD on PSN. After the first week it then goes back to 640 MSP and $11.45. For those of you who bought the Max Payne 3 Rockstar Pass, you get the pack free of charge. Anyone who wants to buy the pass now can grab it for 2400MSP or $39.95.
On top of the Local Justice Pack you can now also buy all the pre-order and retail DLC, so if you want those extras then go ahead and grab them from your respective stores now!
– Cemetery Map – Multiplayer map with a wintry New York City skyline, sniping positions amongst the monuments, destructible tombstones, and a looming mausoleum: 160 Microsoft Points / $3.45 AUD on PSN
– Silent Killer Loadout Pack – Includes the Light Anti-Tank Weapon, the Slippery Character Burst to quickly escape a firefight, and the Listening Device Item that amplifies player hearing: 160 Microsoft Points / $3.45 AUD on PSN
– Pill Bottle Item – Allows players to carry more painkillers in multiplayer: 80 Microsoft Points / $1.30AUD on PSN
– Deadly Force Burst – Grants extra stopping power with higher damage bullets in multiplayer: 80 Microsoft Points / $1.30AUD on PSN
– Classic Max Payne Character – Multiplayer avatar inspired by the original Max Payne: 80 Microsoft Points / $1.30AUD on PSN
The Local Justice Pack plus all the other DLC will be available for the PC on July 18th.
BRUCEfilm is an Italian video games and film producer who has decided to combine their two different aspects into one, with what they call a Motion Picture Game. Instead of controlling a CGI character on the screen you actually control a person.
Stay Dead is their first motion picture release, with an arcade fighter experience. There are over 150 techniques that you can utilise over five different levels. It’s like a combination of an action movie and an arcade fighter, with the people within the movie controlled by you.
While there are some issues that will probably come up with the game, and it might get annoying over time to see the same sequences, but this is certainly an innovative idea and worth a look at. You can see more about the game and download it at their site for $9.85 HERE.
What do you guys think? Is this an interesting idea that you would want to try out? Or do you think it’s just a fad that won’t translate as well into a game?
Just yesterday, Nintendo announced an official release date for Kirby’s Dream Collection, slating the fluffy compilation for September 16th. This jam-packed Wii disc hits Japan in just two weeks though, and a new trailer has been released to detail more of what’s inside.
This clip shows off our pink hero’s history a bit, but also displays the Kirby’s Return to Dream Land mini-game inside, as well as more of those extras that can be found such as videos and artwork. Check out the peppy video below and hopefully that bit of cake will hold you over until this mega collection hits shelves.
Well it’s 4th of July time in America and as part of the celebrations of patriotism and all that jargon, Ubisoft have released a new trailer for Assassin’s Creed 3. Makes sense since Assassin’s Creed 3 is based on the American Revolution.
Well anyways, the trailer is titled ‘Rise’ and focuses on the story and setting of the game and the overall theme of the rise of freedom, which is set to be a major component of Assassin’s Creed 3. The trailer features live-action shots mixed with in game shots of new assassin Conner doing his thing.
Be sure to check out the trailer below and let us know what you think in the comments section.
