Gears of War: Judgement appears to be a prequel. The two covers of GI show Damon Baird and the “Cole Train” being led away from a battlefield by COG units. Looks like the backstory of these two characters will be getting a little bit fleshed out.
Undoubtedly, we’ll hear more about this game at Microsoft’s Press Conference on Monday. What are your hopes for this sequel?
The Expendables 2. If your not excited for it, you must really hate action movies!
This week saw the release of The Expendables 2 first official TV Spot. This TV Spot really sums up what the entire movie is about: guns, explosions and awesome one-liners!
In case you’ve been sleeping under a rock, things are even bigger and better this time around as the most explosive action movie stars are here for this one: Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Terry Crews, Liam Hemsworth, Scott Adkins and Yu Nan. You really have to see it to believe it!
The Expendables 2 shoots it’s way into cinemas August 17. Until then check out the new TV Spot below!
Sega Vintage Collection: Streets of Rage Publisher: Sega Developer: M2 Platforms:Xbox 360 (Reviewed), PlayStation 3 Release Date: 30/05/2012 Price:800 Microsoft Points
Overview:
Lately we have seen some new releases under the ‘Sega Vintage’ label, and instead of being just straight up emulations, these are actually proper ports of Sega’s classic games. These releases have so far included three games each, along with a host of extras and new features. Joining this lineup of retro collections is Sega Vintage Collection: Streets of Rage (known as Bare Knuckle in Japan), which includes all three games in the series that were originally released for the Sega Mega Drive (Genesis).
Back in the day, Streets of Rage was essentially Sega’s answer to Capcom’s hit Final Fight series, which at the time was ported exclusively to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. While Sega would eventually get their hands on Final Fight in the form of a Mega/Sega CD port, Streets of Rage still remained one of their biggest IPs with the series wrapping up as a trilogy on the Sega Mega Drive. While there hasn’t been a new release in this franchise for a very long time (Fighting Force was almost a 3D Streets of Rage title for the Sega Saturn), this new collection that is available for a digital purchase brings back the original trilogy in a very refreshing way.
Story:
The Streets of Rage series harks back to action movies from the early 90s, in terms of its style, ambience, and general premise. The games feature a classic action movie plot where a group of police officers take on an entire criminal organisation, with their bare fists. It’s really just one of those classic action movie settings where just a pair of cops, without carrying any guns, are somehow able to take down an entire criminal organization by just slugging it out the old fashioned way, because, you know, a whole squad of cops with guns just doesn’t get the job done sometimes.
These games actually do a decent job in storytelling, with cool characters and interesting back stories. The first Streets of Rage title even presents you with an opportunity to make a choice that affects the outcome of the game. Streets of Rage 2 does not offer that kind of choice, instead keeping the story straightforward, but the idea of multiple endings was brought back again in Streets of Rage 3.
Streets of Rage 3 is the most interesting of the lot, offering a very dark and edgy storyline portrayed via several sprite-based cut scenes. What’s interesting about Streets of Rage 3 was that, at the time, its original plot in the Japanese release (Bare Knuckle 3) was deemed too controversial and inappropriate for Western audiences, and so it was heavily modified and censored when it was released in Europe and North America. Thankfully, the original uncensored Japanese release is present in this collection.
Overall, these games have an interesting plot considering the genre and era they belong to, with a cool cast of characters. It’s also nice how the first and third game in the series have multiple endings, adding a bit more replay value to them.
Visuals and Audio:
The games in this collection have aged reasonably well from a visual standpoint, as they feature some solid sprites complemented by the cool edgy art style. The graphics improve noticeably throughout the series, but each of the games in this collection still has their unique visual appeal and character. The first game is the most simplistic looking of all, but the sprites still have style and character to them. The general ambience of these titles harks back to the visual style and presentation of action movies from the 90s. One thing worth mentioning is the night club level from Streets of Rage 3, which features some crazy visual and lighting special effects uncommon in a Sega Mega Drive title, but the effects are so intense that it may potentially cause seizures. Like with other Vintage collections, there are a variety of nice filters to enhance the graphics of the game.
What really stands out about the series is their soundtrack, all composed by the legendary Yuzo Koshiro, one of the most innovative and iconic composers of the 16 bit era. His musical style is best described as well…a lot like Michael Jackson, characterised by very smooth, upbeat, and intoxicating rhythms to create some truly memorable pop tunes, perfectly complementing the style and setting of the games. The first Streets of Rage and Streets of Rage 2 feature some brilliant chip-tune music, and in particular the soundtrack of Streets of Rage 2 is amongst the most praised and acclaimed soundtracks of the 16 bit era.
Streets of Rage 3 however is an extremely odd case and is a big departure from not just the musical style featured in the other two games, but also the style of Yuzo Koshiro in general. It features a very robotic and intense hard techno soundtrack that actually sounds pretty dark and brooding at times, with fast and repetitive beats. Personally, I think the soundtrack of Streets of Rage 3 sounds absolutely dreadful and horrifying, and it causes quite the headache.
Overall, this is a very well produced collection. The ports look nice and crisp with the sound quality being a significant improvement over the originals. Great presentation too as you get a nice virtual console set up in the menu and all sorts of cool extras and options to tinker around with.
Gameplay:
Streets of Rage games are all side scrolling beat ‘em ups, where you walk through various stages while beating down on numerous enemies, with each stage ending with a boss battle. The games are pretty simplistic in nature and are similar to other games in the genre, in particular Final Fight. That said, these are solid games to play, with the combat mechanics getting more interesting with each game.
The first Streets of Rage is the most simplistic of the lot but still a fun game to play, with one button for the attack combos, and the ability to jump (and perform flying kicks), throw, and even call for police backup as a special attack. It gets better with Streets of Rage 2 as it adds more unique special moves for each of the characters and introduces some cool grapple maneuvers. Streets of Rage 3 adds a few more useful mechanics, allowing characters to run and roll.
Mechanically these games are sound, simple, and a lot of fun to play. The games themselves are actually quite challenging with some really tough bosses and constant onslaught of enemies. They each offer a short, but action packed adventure. Streets of Rage 3 in particular is the most intense and challenging game in the collection.
While all these games are perfectly playable and enjoyable as single player games, you definitely want to be playing them with a friend in 2 player co-op. The 2 player co-op offers the true Streets of Rage experience, and they still stand as among the most entertaining multiplayer experiences. Working together as a team, and even competing for the highest score, it really is an addictive and immensely re-playable multiplayer experience. Can’t find anyone for a local co-op session? No problem! Each game in the collection can be played online and the net-code is quite superb. The network play remains smooth and consistent with very minor lag and hitches that don’t break the game. Even when the connection between you and a player is poor, the game still performs fairly smoothly. However, the online play isn’t as good or innovative as the one in Final Fight Double Impact, which offered a superb 2 player online co-op mode where you could have random players join and leave at any time. It would have been nice if this Streets of Rage collection implemented something like this, but that said it still offers a very enjoyable online mode.
Like with the other Sega Vintage releases, you can play all the versions and localisations of all three games (including the uncensored Japanese version). This easily makes it the most essential and complete Streets of Rage release ever, and with the smooth online multiplayer you will be playing it over and over for a long time.
Overall:
Sega Vintage Collection: Streets of Rage is the definitive release of one of the most fondly remembered and cherished franchises that graced Sega’s 16 bit console. The ports are beautifully produced, as they look and sound fantastic. It’s easily the most complete and comprehensive release the series has seen, and the solid 2 player online mode is the sole reason why you should grab this collection right now and enjoy these fantastic brawlers with a friend.
Remember the 2005 game Need For Speed: Most Wanted? Well it’s back. So ladies and gentlemen, start your engines!
As revealed by the official Need For Speed Facebook page, Need For Speed: Most Wanted (2012) is being developed by Criterion Games. Not much is known at this point and weather if it is a direct sequel or a reboot/remake isn’t clear, but more details will be revealed at E3 so hopefully we’ll find out soon. The conference will take place on June 4th at 1PM (PST) so stay tuned to Capsule Computers for more info. In the meantime, enjoy the screenshot below!
The official websitefor Code Geass Akito of the Exiled has been updated to include a list of the full casting for the four-part side story.
The debut episode will premiere in Japan August 4th, with the other three to follow seasonally. On July 16th a special screening will be held at Ikebukuro Cinema Sunshine and Shinjuku Wald 9 for die hard Code Geass fans as well.
Check out the full cast below, translated by Crunchyroll.
Miyu Irono (Sora in Kingdom Hearts, Chizuru Tachibana in You and Me, Young Kiritsugu Emiya in Fate/zero): Akito Hinata
Maaya Sakamoto (Fullmetal Alchemist: Sacred Star of Milos, Escaflowne): Leila Marukaru
Sakamoto will also be singing sng from the Escaflowne partnership of Yoko Kanno and Yuho Iwasato.
Satoshi Hino (Bakuman’s Akito Takagi, Familiar of Zero’s Saito Hiraga, Gintama’s Kamui, Naruto Shippuden’s Sai): Ryou Sayama
In the midst of all the violence and mayhem that was Battlefield and Call of Duty, it was actually a kids game that has come out on trumps this year so fa as the Skylanders phenomena continues with the title so far being the #1 selling console and handheld video game up until April 30th. This comes after last years amazing success that saw figures sell out worldwide, with rare and sort after characters popping up on ebay and the like at highly inflated prices.
“This achievement is incredibly gratifying, and quite an honor for everyone at Activision and our team at Toys for Bob,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing. “It was a simple idea really—bridging the gap between real and virtual play—but one that required tremendous creativity to execute and communicate to our audience. It spawned a new category and a new platform for play in an overwhelmingly challenging marketplace. We couldn’t be happier that there is an ever-growing universe of Portal Masters out there.”
The idea of providing the end user with something tangible for their money rather than just a virtual avatar or clothes and other items for their existing in game personas has created hype not seen since the says of Pokemon. Skylanders Spyros Adventures went on to become last years top selling kids game, as well as claiming North Americas #1 spot for new IP in a single years revenue, and while this does include toy sales, they are incorporated into the price of the overall experience and cannot be discounted.
The franchise has been met with such demand it has branched out onto mobile devices as well as the web, and the news you have all been waiting for……is also going to be receiving a sequel due out later in the year with more details revealed at June 5-7th. What we can tell you is the title which is Skylanders Giants and will add another 20 characters to the already 30+ strong arsenal at your disposal as well as innovative collaborative and competitive gameplay.
For more information please visit www.Skylanders.com and start saving for those new characters as if history is to be a guide they wont last long on the shelves.
Fans of the Com2US games will be pleased to know that two of their games, Tiny Farms and Derby Days, have some new updates available to them. Each of the updates adds new content to each game that is sure to expand the gameplay and game time of each title.
First with Tiny Farms, players will be surprised to notice that there are a few new farm animals to choose from. Apparently the UI has also been improved, so there’s something for you guys to enjoy as well.
Tiny Farm‘s newest update adds 3 new animals to players’ collections: One new sheep, one chicken and one pig. And what’s so great about them? They can TALK! Evolution is happening right on your Tiny Farm.
This is the first in a huge lineup of updates for Tiny Farm, which will see the collections expand to 5 animals per set. Along with these new chatty critters, the collection UI has been revamped as well.
Derby Days brings with it a whole plethora of new updates, including an increased level cap, new decorations, buildings, horses and more. Here’s the full rundown –
Derby Days sees a TON of new additions! With a new max level of 150, new decorations and buildings, amazing new horses such as Hermes and Spring Lotus, tweaks for gameplay performance and more, this is the biggest update ever! Horses are now only hungry when training, a better betting system is poised for integration, mating systems are tightened for ease of use and better foal outcome, you don’t need to spend energy harvesting buildings, and best of all: EARN IN-GAME CASH FOR 7 DAYS OF CONSECUTIVE PLAY!
Yep, we’ve heard the feedback and are making sure you want to give Derby Days another try. These tweaks make playing easier, IAP less aggressive, and make users and reviewers like you want to breed and trade fantastical, winning race horses!
Players will be wanting to update their games as soon as they can. Tiny Farm and Derby Days appear on both the Android and iPhone platforms.
With the release of Diablo 3, a rash of broken mice has occurred due to the frantic and repetitive clicking on the poor mice. Just in time, Steelseries has announced the latest version of their highly lauded Steelseries Sensei mouse, the MLG edition. Featuring the MLG logo on the back, the Sensei sports 16.8 million colour combinations and 5,700 CPI laser sensor. The mouse is powered by an impressive 32 bit ARM processor that allows for an incredible amount of software customization on the mouse. The customizable LED colours and all that performance customization isn’t enough? The Steelseries Sensei also sports an LCD screen on the bottom of the mouse for easy control of the mouse’s options even when players are on some one else’s computer. It may look plain from a distance, but the Sensei has been developed with the help of famous pro gamers to give players every single edge over the competition possible.
SEGA has put together a sweet video documenting the Virtua Fighter community, based at a Pre-Launch event for the upcoming Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown, which will be playable at this years E3 as a part of SEGA’s line up.
This trailer was released ahead of E3 2012 and features some of the top Virtua Fighter players in the world battling one another as well as members of the Virtua Fighter community. The vibe is all about fun, focusing on community and having a good time and really isn’t that what video games are all about?
Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown will be available on the PlayStation Network on June 5th and Xbox Live on June 6th, 2012. For more, check out the video for yourself below.
Avengers Assemble! The “Marvel Cinematic Universe – Phase One: Avengers Assembled” limited, special edition box set is now available for pre-order via Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble!
Featuring 10-discs and six-movies, this collection assembles The Avengers together with the five films that led up to the blockbuster record-breaking film as well as a bonus disc titled “The Phase One Archives“. All of this comes together in collectible packaging and exclusive memorabilia from the Marvel Cinematic Universe which is a must have for any die hard Marvel fan.
Details on the set’s contents and release date are yet to be announced, but pre-orders are now available. So what are you waiting for? Hulk smash your way to Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble now because there are only a limited number of sets available!
