Irrasional Games has revealed today that BioShock fans can expect to see BioShock Infinite appearing on store shelves on October 16th in North America and October 19th internationally. The title will be available on the Xbox 360, PC and the PlayStation 3, with the PS3 version featuring a free copy of the first BioShock game as well as PlayStation Move support.
Irrational Games Creative Driector Ken Levine stated that “After BioShock, we had a vision for a follow up that dwarfed the original in scope and ambition. BioShock Infinite has been our sole focus for the last four years, and we can’t wait for fans to get their hands on it.”
Rather than let rumors circulate about their upcoming Assassin’s Creed title and keep their fans guessing, Ubisoft has decided that the best way to announce the setting of Assassin’s Creed III is simply to upload the box art for the upcoming title to Facebook.
As you can see to the right, Assassin’s Creed III will take place during the American Revolution as you can clearly see the British and American soldiers fighting in the background and the old American flag waving as the yet un-named assassin prepares to take an axe to a British soldier. Ubisoft will be releasing more details on Monday so keep an eye out for more information at that time.
Studio: World Events Productions Publisher: Beyond Home Entertainment Release Date: 02/05/2012 Price:TBA
Overview:
Voltron Force: The New Defenders Trilogy is the first official DVD release of the Voltron Force series which started airing last year and is still ongoing. It contains the first seven episodes of the series, with the first three episodes packaged together as the ‘The New Defenders Trilogy’.
Voltron Force is a follow up to the original Voltron animated series that aired during the 1980s. While the original Voltron was animated by a Japanese studio, Toei Animation, the new Voltron Force series is animated by an American studio, World Events Productions.
The original Voltron series, at the time, was one of the most popular shows and was part of the golden age of animation. There was nothing quite like it back then and the show has aged really well as it’s as endearing today as it was all those years ago.
The new Voltron Force series aims to kick start the franchise for the new generation. While many elements of the original Voltron have been retained, it becomes clear from the opening minutes of the first episode that this is a whole new show that does things its own way.
The Voltron Force itself is a team of five pilots, namely Kieth, Lance, Pidge, Hunk, and Princess Allura, who each pilot one of the five ancient Lion robots that come together to form the humanoid-like Voltron robot. Think Power Rangers.
Story:
The story of Voltron Force is actually a follow up to the original series, as the characters, locations, and overall lore have all been retained and it stays true to the canon. Voltron Force takes place several years after the original, and although it’s not clear exactly how many years have passed, the returning characters have aged quite a bit. The New Defenders Trilogy, comprising of the first three episodes, sets the scene for the series as it shares a bit of the history, reintroduces the old characters, and also introduces some new characters that become the focal point of the show.
The story opens up with a brief retelling of how the Voltron Force, and their mystical Lion robots which together form the legendary Voltron robot itself, were able to vanquish evil and defend the universe. But soon a political conspiracy forces Voltron Force to disband, with the Lions locked away by the military. Some years have passed since that controversial incident and everyone seems to have moved on and dare not even mention it or Voltron.
This is where the new characters come in, with the first one being this thrill seeking boy named Daniel, who is huge admirer of the Voltron Force and continues to be inspired by them even after their disbandment. Upon enrolling in the military academy, he finds himself disappointed to see how the Voltron Force has been buried, even by the former pilots who seem to serve as instructors for the academy. However, a series of events soon makes it clear that the original Voltron Force pilots have been secretly working on their reunion. At the same time, a familiar evil force is regaining power.
This new series really makes a strong connection with the series’ past, as most, if not all, of the characters and even villains from the original make a return and the history they share is strongly referenced. That said, this show is meant for new comers, and as such does not demand knowledge of the previous story. Everything is about the same, however the Voltron Force pilots have been given a major makeover in their characterisation and the new characters, three young cadets who become honourary interns for the Voltron Force, become the main focus of the show.
The flaws in the premise and storytelling of Voltron Force become really clear from the start as the events in The New Defenders Trilogy happen far too quickly, especially the way the new cadets are introduced to the story in such a rushed and ill-thought manner. The worst part is that they’re just not very likeable. One of the cadets, Daniel, who essentially becomes the protagonist of the show, is the most unlikeable and annoying of all the characters and his behaviour will very quickly get on your nerves. The other two cadets aren’t particularly interesting either and overall, the three ‘New Defenders’ are the least appealing aspect of the show, as they just never jell into the Voltron universe well and their characterisation just isn’t very compelling. You’ll most likely end up not liking them after seeing some of the downright nonsense they pull and how they often fail to look relevant. Perhaps they fit in better as the show progresses, but as far as the episodes in this DVD collection goes, they just don’t.
As mentioned before, the original Voltron gang is present, and most of them have been given a major makeover in both design and behaviourisms. The creators have tried to remain faithful to the source material while adding their own fresh twist to it. Perhaps the best part of the show is the original Voltron Force team because as generic as they are, they can be charming and interesting. The dialogue isn’t bad as it has its moments and the humour is good for the most part, sadly the original Voltron Force often take a backseat to the new cadets, which as mentioned earlier, are more of a nuisance than a valuable addition.
All that said, the biggest problem with the Voltron Force series is that the show is clearly targeted to a whole new audience, mainly children, and apart from staying faithful to the source material, it does very little to satisfy fans of the original Voltron series. The original Voltron is obviously a bit outdated in its voice acting and dialogue, but the overall demeanor of the show was something that allowed interested viewers of any age to really enjoy it for what it was. Voltron Force on the other hand seems to alienate longtime fans as the overall premise lacks the same appeal and maturity that made the original such a timeless classic. This is a show written solely for kids, and it succeeds in that regard, it just could have benefited more if it reached out to older fans that still hold fond memories from the original 1980s run.
Visuals and Audio:
This is where Voltron Force really falls apart. Visually and artistically, it is absolutely awful to look at as the animation quality and character designs look lazy and rushed to say the least. If you look at the original Voltron from the 80s, that character designs, animation quality, and artistic direction still hold up remarkably well, and it is in fact miles superior to what Voltron Force offers.
The 2D animation and character designs are awful to look at, and it looks like a typical low budget American animation from the 90s given a better resolution, and mind you, there was some really good animation from America during that era that still look superior to Voltron Force.
There are some subpar 3D effects and animation thrown in that mix awkwardly with the 2D animation. Worst of all, the artistic flair is practically nonexistent. The character designs have very little originality and personality, and the backgrounds and set pieces are horribly bland and poorly drawn. This just isn’t a pleasant show to look at, and it’s odd that the prequel that’s now over two decades old still looks leaps and bounds better.
The sound design isn’t anything special, as it tries too hard with generic rock music to look cool and edgy for the kids. The voice acting isn’t anything special but thankfully not unbearable either.
Overall:
Voltron Force is a missed opportunity. This was a franchise with so much history and such a good reputation that they could have created something special to win over both the longtime fans and the new comers. Instead this is a show targeted solely at young children, who are most likely going to be the ones who will beg their parents to buy the related merchandise that comes out in 2012. If that was their goal then they have succeeded, as Voltron Force is a show that children will have a lot fun with. As for fans that hold fond memories of the franchise and still to this day enjoy watching the old series, they are going to feel very alienated.
Who doesn’t love a good old classic arcade puzzler? Star Arcade has released a new version of the arcade puzzler, Star Diamonds Paradise. Not only do you get to play with an awesome upgrade of the game, you also get new features and content, and (for a limited time) is available for FREE with popular site Free App A Day.
In Star Diamonds Paradise you collect diamonds by sweeping around a chain of diamonds and capturing an area for yourself. Your aim is to capture the largest possible area (55%), turning the red areas in to blue. Special items are also available throughout to game to help you capture additional areas and take down your opponents. Plus, this new version has updated and awesome new graphics, chat, customizable themes, new and unique upgrades, and much more!
Star Diamonds Paradise is available on iPhone, iTouch and iPad for FREE (as long as you get in quick!). Grab your copy of the app HERE.
Calling all horror fans! The latest addition to the exorcist genre, The Devil Inside, has been released onto the silver screen! The Devil Inside had an advanced screening in Melbourne, and the reaction certainly didn’t disappoint! With people clutching each other, covering their faces, and gripping tightly onto those rosary beads (no joke, they were handed out glow in the dark ones before the flick), the overall impression is that this is definitely a fantastic one for those who love their horror.
The night started with an eerie warning from a priest, and ended with a group of terrified, but definitely pleased people. This is definitely not a movie for the faint of heart, though it might be a good idea for a date where you want someone clinging to you for dear life.
Check out the footage of the preview night below. What do you guys think? Are they just wusses, or is this a movie that will frighten even the most stoic soul? And does this make you want to watch it or run away screaming?
The Devil Inside is OUT NOW. You can catch it at your local cinema. Assuming they aren’t themselves scared.
Legendary comedian who takes method acting to a new level, Sacha Baron Cohen (The Dictator, Bruno), has been signed my Paramount Pictures to an exclusive 3-year first-look deal. This includes his Four by Two Films banner, which will be headed by Sir Todd Schulman (The Dictator, Bruno).
Paramount teamed up with Baron Cohen for his latest film, The Dictator, which is due to be released on June 7th. Apparently the partnership worked very well, because Paramount has also created a development fund for Baron Cohen to find new talent in the UK.
Brad Grey, the Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures had this to say about Baron Cohen:
“Sacha is a comic genius. A wildly talented writer, actor and filmmaker. Beyond that, he is the rare global comedy star. On behalf of all of us at Paramount, we welcome Sacha and look forward to The Dictator and many more great pictures for years to come.”
The Dictator follows a heroic dictator who risks his life to ensure that democracy will never overtake the country he has so lovingly oppressed. With Sacha Baron Cohen, Sir Ben Kingsley and Ana Faris in the cast list this will certainly be the next in a long line of hilarious films from Baron Cohen and is sure to be something to look forward to.
Keep an eye out on Capsule Computers for more information as it comes.
For any frequent mobile gamers the name Gamevil should be quite recognizable. They’ve certainly released a fantastic range of products, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if one of those apps on your phone came from their capable hands.
The leading publisher and developer has reached their 100 millionth app download, which is an absolutely stunning and impressive result. Especially given the fact that they hit 50 million in August 2011. Though it certainly comes as no surprise, especially with such successful titles as Zenonia, Cartoon Wars, Baseball Superstars and, of course, Air Penguin.
But that doesn’t mean that they’re going to relax any time soon, with the rest of the year including a whopping 40 new titles for the App Store and Android Market. So keep an eye out for these guys, with their incredible track record and great line up, their apps will definitely be a great purchase.
At an event held at the Luxe in Sydney, EA and Bioware hosted an event to celebrate the launch of Star Wars: The Old Republic in Australia. The event itself was a small affair, with a limited number of computers to play that game on, as well as a small presentation from Gabe Amatangelo the Lead PvP Designer for the game and booze.
The presentation from Gabe went in the beginning of the event and and consisted of showing us a handful of cinematics from the game, as well as a brief run through of the some latest additions and future additions to the game. We were also treated to a short film showcasing the impressions of the first few months of playing, which featured a handful of developers, community members and some of the Red Vs. Blue guys. Gabe’s presentation was fairly interesting, but it was more geared towards those that have yet to play the game, rather than the people present that had.
After the presentation was over, we were able to move about freely and socialise with the other media outlets present. During our stay at the event we met many editors, writers and media types from various publications. Characters of note were – Guy ‘Yug’ Blomberg [Mana Bar], David Halloway [Toroz] and a few others from various media outlets, like PC Powerplay, Hyper and the like. What I really like about the local media is that everyone is a pretty sensible bunch, you don’t get anyone too crazy and everyone is easy to approach and talk to.
As well as socialising, we were able to play on some pre-made accounts and make our own characters to play with. I rolled on the Aussie RP server with ‘Sexyena’, the sexy Twi’lek Jedi and demonstrated some of the game. However, as someone who already has a pretty decent toon on his own account, I didn’t find starting again as enjoyable as someone who would have been playing this for the very first time. Still it was fun enough to chat to the people who were in the server already and brag about being at the media launch event.
After our short play through and gas-bag it was time for us to begin our interview with Gabe Amatangelo, which went reasonably well. The interview consisted of Spike (Michael Marr) interviewing and myself holding the camera. Gabe seemed like a pretty nice guy and answered our questions in a reasonable manner. After that it was time to head back into the event floor.
Back at the event we poked around for a little while and chatted to some more people and watched people play terribly and decided it was time to leave. We took a survey on the event in which I responded that the event ‘needed more rising Wookies’ and ‘Twi’Lek dancers’. We then thanked everyone for inviting us and left. Fun was had by all. Especially me.
I enjoy writing articles like this as it reminds me that within this cesspit of a world we inhabit that some people are capable of thinking of someone other than themselves and willing to donate their time and money to prove it. So, it is with great pleasure that Toon Ups, cause gaming pioneer and creator of the fabulous “A Better World” Facebook game have announced a partnership with Wish Upon a Hero to grant a wish for Gracies Place, a special needs school in Sacramento. Gracies place urgently needs a new van so they can expand the invaluable help they give to children and families in need. The best thing is that anyone with a Facebook account can help out by simply signing into the FREE “A Better World” and visiting the Sanctuary of Hope. If 100000 hopes are posted OR supported, Toonups will aid Gracies with their new van.
A Better World is an awesome concept that seems to be heavily driven by its faithful users, and their March “Reach for the Stars” campaign is part of a monthy program that encourages users to to good within the game to affect real world issues. The March campaign is in conjucntion with Wish Upon a Hero, which is endorsed by Hall of Fame Quarterback Dan Merino (who even as an Australian I know), and has granted almost 90000 wishes so far. Toonups wish of choice is Gracies, a progressive child care home that teaches life values and skills to kids with a variety of learning disablities and from all backgrounds. “Like A Better World, we are providing a conduit for people to help others,” said David Girgenti, founder of Wish Upon a Hero. “It’s incredibly encouraging to find companies that are succeeding in collecting and expanding the numbers of people that want to make the world a better place.”
The game is free for use on Facebook and is an upliftining experience that encourages and rewards players for doing good deeds and acts of kindness. Players can create their own character, look after a virtual pet and post all their good deeds and thoughts with friends and other users. “Our players are absolutely extraordinary in their support and desire to do the right thing,” said Gregory Hansell, vice president of product development, ToonUps. “We’re excited that this month, our players can make real world dreams come true for special needs children by sharing their own hopes and dreams inside the game.” We all wish them the best of luck with everything they do.
Nokia are pleased to announce that as of the 28th February the Nokia Lumia 800 smartphone will be available through Vodaphone and Optus, with many more providers to come in the following days. Additionally, Australian retailers, Dick Smith and Harvey Norman are both taking pre-orders on the device, with Dick Smith having units available from 15th March 2012.
Optus in turn are offering from the 1st March through online and retail outlets, the Lumia 800 on a $0 upfront $59 Optus cap and Business Complete Plans (24 month contract, minimum cost $1146).
To pre-order the Nokia Lumia 800 please visit the following retailers:
