Activision has announced that the latest multiplayer map will be available from February 21 2012 on Xbox Live.
The new map will be available for Call of Duty Elite Premium members. Elite members receive new content for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 for nine months. Non-premium Call of Duty Elite members will receive new content in the form of Modern Warefare 3 Content Collections, which includes new maps, modes, and many more. Modern Warfare 3 Content Collection will be available for purchase on Xbox Live in March.
Hey Syndicate followers, here’s something that you’ll have been looking forward to seeing for a little while now. That something? The Syndicate launch trailer.
Yes that’s right, Syndicate’s launch is just around the corner and as such, a trailer for it’s launch has been released. This trailer features an amazing remix of the theme by NERO, which I advise everyone download from the Facebook page as soon as they can, it sounds AMAZING!
For those who don’t know Syndicate is the cyber-punk shooter re-imagining of the DOS game by the same name. In Syndicate, faceless agents are controlled by giant mega-corporations who all vie for power over the free-market and as such, are sent on secret missions of espionage and other affairs.
Be sure to check out the trailer, embedded below. Also, be sure to check out the Facebook page and look for their selection of Syndicate MP3s to download.
For those who wanted Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, exclusive for the Playstation 3 (in the West) at the beginning of 2012, will be very disappointed to hear that Namco Bandai has announced that they will release the game in Winter 2012 for North America, with Europe pushed back to 2013. However, for those who enjoy duel voice tracks, then players will be happy to hear that the game will include both English and Japanese voiceovers.
Being developed by Level-5 and animated by the legendary Studio Ghibli, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a heart-warming tale of a young boy named Oliver, who embarks on a journey into a parallel world to become a magician in an attempt to bring his mother back from the dead. Along the way Oliver makes new friends and adopts many of the wonderful creatures that inhabit the world, raising them to battle other creatures on his behalf as he takes on formidable enemies.
Stay tuned to Capsule Computers on the latest Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch news, including a solid Western release date for this critically acclaimed Japanese RPG.
There were many great anime theme songs in the year of 2011 and it’s only natural that people would have an opinion in which songs were better than others. A group of Japanese 2channel users decide to figure out just that and organised a poll to find out which songs were the best of the best in anime of 2011. The results are as follows:
C3 OP1 (141)
Steins;Gate OP (125)
AnoHana ED (116)
A Certain Magic Index II ED2 (99)
Gosick OP (85)
Beelzebub ED2 (83)
Kami-sama no Memo-chō OP (82)
Kamisama Dolls OP (81)
Nekogami ya Oyorozu OP (75)
C3 OP2 (71)
Un-Go OP (69)
Persona 4 OP (65)
Tiger & Bunny OP1 (63)
A Certain Magic Index II OP2 (54)
A Channel OP (53)
Future Diary OP (48)
Mashiroiro Symphony OP (47)
Fate/Zero ED (46)
Uta no Prince-sama Maji Love 1000% (44)
Sacred Seven OP1 (44)
Puella Magi Madoka Magica OP (39)
Mawaru Penguindrum OP1 (38)
Ro-Kyu-Bu! OP (38)
Puella Magi Madoka Magica ED (37)
Guilty Crown OP (35)
The Idolm@ster OP1 (32)
Ben-To OP (27)
Mawaru PenguinDrum OP2 (26)
Dog Days OP (23)
Un-Go ED (21)
Shakugan no Shana III OP (21)
Did you favourite theme song make the cut? Would you have rated anything higher? What was your favourite anime theme of 2011? Let us know your thoughts on the list in the shoutbox and comments section. Capsule Computers previously released a top 10 themes of 2011 list which you can check out here. Don’t forget to check out the top anime song of 2011 below.
Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings Season Two Studio: Production I.G. Publisher: FUNimation Format: Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack Release Date: February 7, 2012 Price: $64.98 – Available Here
Overview:
The Sengoku Era of Japanese history is one full of bloodshed, with countless warriors fighting and dying for their lords and masters. It was an era of honor where a man’s abilities were tested on the battlefield against other men, with the last man standing the superior fighter. That time period has long since passed, but that doesn’t mean that an era chock full of combat could so easily be forgotten.
In fact, it makes perfect material for a video game to be created around the era. Such is the case with Capcom’s Sengoku Basara video game series, and now with Production I.G.’s anime adaptation of the video games, Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings. FUNimation has recently brought over the second season of the series to North American shores. While the review of the first season can be found here, does this season contain the same amount of over-the-top action as before?
Story:
The second season of Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings drops us right after the events of the first season, and one would think that the unification of nearly all of the warring generals would last at least a short while. However that is not the case… despite just defeating the powerful and demonic Oda Nobunaga each army begins to battle against one another for dominance once again. This is a bit disappointing, as while some subplots carry over and some forces continue to work together, most alliances are severed with little care for the last season.
As chaos reins on the battlefield our two main fighters from the past season, Date Masamune and Sanada Yukimura continue to fight to see who is indeed the strongest. However resumption of war between lords doesn’t last for very long as a new and powerful army seeks to unify Japan under one name once again, and this time around it is Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a giant of a man so powerful he uses no weapon besides his own fists.
With the arrival of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, this immediately puts a stop to the battles amongst the various factions and again puts a stall in the growing rivalry between Sanada and Masamune. Hideyoshi’s gaze goes far beyond just Japan however and with the cunning intelligence of his tactician Hanbei the warriors are presented with a man that provides a different sort of challenge from last season. While Oda Nobunaga provided a more mystical opponent, one full of dark magic and evil intentions, Hideyoshi provides a satisfyingly powerful opponent that is a bit more grounded in reality, though given the insane levels of action and strength demonstrated throughout the show, isn’t saying too much.
As with the first season, Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings Season 2 continues to follow the same type of theme. There is plenty of build-up throughout the series which finally culminates in an impressive battle of massive proportions. What occurs between the initial conflict and the finale also follows along the same vein with various factions maneuvering for power and trying to find the best way to defeat one another, with skirmishes, alliances, kidnappings and rescues carried out throughout the series. One of the highlights of season two is the fact that a couple of the side characters which received very little background story or even screen time in the first season are given plenty of time to stand out and receive their own motivations and explanations for why they are on the battlefield and what their beliefs are.
However with so many different characters and factions maneuvering at one time, the same problem from the first season arises once again with the second season. The story can be quite difficult to follow at times and this would only create further confusion with anyone who is not well versed with the history of the Sengoku Era. Despite the fact that the series is quite far from being historically accurate it does provide a problem when so many characters are conspiring with and against one another at the same time. Meaning that although the action is great and will keep the viewer interested, the story will likely leave viewers confused at times.
Similar to the first season, an OVA release has been bundled into the end of the series which focuses on Sanada and Masamune’s interactions while they were staying with Takeda. The OVA is more comedy based and will provide a few good laughs and a satisfying end to the series despite the serious nature of most of the main series. All in all, Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings Season Two has plenty of action for those looking for it, with over-the-top abilities displayed often and battles of epic proportions. However those looking for a continuation to a great story may be willing to pass this one up as the storyline for season two is weaker than what was presented from the first season.
Visuals: What does over-the-top action need to be not only amazing but gratuitously wonderful at the same time? Gorgeous animation that’s what. Thankfully, Production I.G. has spared no expense with the second season of Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings. The battle animation is extremely fluid and is a treat for the eyes with rich colors and characters with plenty of detail.
To make things even better, the CG animation blends well with the artwork of the series, with the Blu-ray version of the show providing crisp visuals for even the most discerning anime viewer out there. The visual delight provided by the series is only compounded further by the fact that backgrounds are given plenty of detail and the battles are well choreographed with just as many special touches added into the battle scenes as the past season.
Audio:
To go along with the action on screen, the background music fits perfectly fine with plenty of rock music but tones it down quite nicely with traditional Japanese-themed music for the downtime between battles. While the music usually doesn’t do too much to help accentuate what is being shown at any given time, it does fit the time period well enough and the heavier rock music occasionally makes the battles even more exhilarating than they already are.
The English dub cast from the first season has returned to reprise their roles in the second season as well, which means you can expect to see the same high-quality voice work as before. There are a few new additions to the cast though nearly the entire new cast consists of newly introduced enemies which are performed well enough by their English voice actors. Though when compared to the serene feeling the Japanese voice cast provides, it is nearly night and day. This means that those who prefer a more blood pumping action filled voice cast with plenty of humor will prefer the English version while those who prefer a more reserved performance will choose the Japanese dub.
Extras:
With the release of Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings Season 2 FUNimation has chosen to release this Blu-ray/DVD combo pack in a collectible chipboard box that is designed to hold not only the second season of Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings but the first season as well. The chipboard box features Date Masamune with his six swords on one side with Sanada Yukimura on the backside. Now while this collectible box can hold your first season of Sengoku Basara, there is an inherent problem with the box itself.
The box is designed to fit Blu-ray sized boxes and while this works for the re-release of the first season’s combo pack or those who purchased the Blu-ray release of season, those who own the DVD release cannot place it inside the collector’s box.
Besides that there are a number of extra bonuses included on the disc itself, such as a clean version of the opening song “Sword Summit” by T.M. Revolution and the two ending songs “El Dorado” and “Fate” both performed by Angelo. Besides that we are also provided two episode commentaries, with the commentary for Episode 6 provided by Voice Director Christopher Bevins and Patrick Seitz the voice of Chosokabe Motochika. This commentary is a bit basic but enjoyable enough, while Episode 12 is given commentary by Eric Vale the voice of Maeda Keiji, voice actor of Date Masamune Robert McCallum and Chris Cason the voice of Takenaka Hanbei. This commentary is more random but also more humorous as the voice actors make comments about not only their characters but about other unrelated things.
To go along with these extras, there are also seven mini stories called Sengoku Basara II Katakura that are added into the release that run for only a few minutes each and are similar to what was presented in the first season. It is worth noting that DVD only users will only be able to see the first three episodes, as all seven episodes are contained on the Blu-ray version of the anime. These are rather enjoyable, with chibi-styled artwork that is very basic but cute compared to the highly detailed artwork we are provided in the main series.
Overall:
Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings 2 provides the same level of high-octane action from the first season. However this also means that a large number of the issues present with the first season carry over to this season as well. While the amount of action is still dialed up to 11 and the characters that are doing battle with one another can bring abilities to the table beyond anything humanly possible, the story still feels like it holds the show down from being great.
Far far away in a galaxy ruled over by the mighty Ubisoft, there is a growing world called Mania Planet. Something of a hub for a trio of ‘create your own level’ PC games, it currently boasts one heck of an addictive arcade racer in the form of Trackmania 2 Canyon. Two other games are scheduled to fill up Mania Planet, and today Ubisoft have revealed the very first details for the first person shooter title Shootmania Storm (there is also an RPG in the works).
Shootmania Storm aims to bring the fun and competitive spirit of Trackmania to the FPS genre, with developers Nadeo backing up the online multiplayer with extensive map editing capabilities to let players unleash their creativity as well as their bullets (or energy bolts as the aside image would have it). The ‘Mania’set up certainly works like a charm for the racer, so it will be extremely interesting too see if the often incredible level of player creativity will be carried over into this new genre.
An open beta is scheduled to open in the coming months, and you can check out www.maniaplanet.com for more information on this rather intriguing triumvirate of games.
From the world of Pokémon, we have news that PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond will be available on the Wii on March 29th in Australia and New Zealand. Even though this will be nearly a month later than the Americas release – February 27th, Pokémon diehards will find one way or another to get their hands on this title.
Players will find some common ground as Pikachu is one of the main characters joined by the Unova region starters Oshawatt, Snivy, and Tepig. Each starter has their own abilities that can provide solutions to map puzzles and help rescue missing Pokémon. Pikachu can use his electric-type abilities to activate switches while Snivy could run faster and jump to higher places. As you utilize each Pokémon’s abilities, you will begin to discover what is behind the disappearances around the Wish Park.
To find more information about PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond travel over to their website (Here).
Activision has announced that Prototype 2 will be getting another special edition when it is released on April 24, 2012. It will retail at AU$99.95 and will only be available at retail stores. It will only be available for the Playstation 3 and the Xbox 360. Prototype 2 tells the tale of Sgt. James Heller, who is on a mission of revenge against Prototype protagonist Alex Mercer. Mercer has infected Heller with the virus, turning Heller into a shape shifting monster.
So, what will the Blackwatch Collector’s Edition contain?
PROTOTYPE 2 RADNET Edition Content
Free PROTOTYPE 2 DLC Pack #1 – Colossal Mayhem
Official PROTOTYPE 2 Soundtrack CD
Exclusive PROTOTYPE 2 Hardbound Art Book
Dark HorseDigital Comic “PROTOTYPE: The Labyrinth”
20% Discount Voucherat PROTOTYPE Merchandise Store
You can see a trailer showing the contents of the collector’s edition, as well as the box art for the collector’s editions, below. The Blackwatch Collector’s Edition will be available in limited quantities on April 24, 2012 for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360, so, if you want it, you better pre-order now.
The shape shifting abilities of Sergent James Heller made their way to Doltone House in Sydney as Activision presented an extensive look at Prototype 2. During two hours of the lives of fellow editor Matt Vella and me, we experienced the gameplay that made Prototype a great game. We hunted down Blackwatch troops, destroyed helicopter with flying kicks and dived into the chaos that is known as the red zone to experience the open world, shape shifting world that is known as Prototype 2.
Before we could get our hands on the action, we were treated to a short trailer entitled ‘Red Zone,’ introduced by producer Jonathan Lim. It showed James Heller in various CG action sequences against the infected. With that out of the way, the small group of journalists were sent to try out the game. We were greeted with the main menu, so we would be focusing on the first few missions of the game. As soon as we started the game, we were greeted with the intro. It sets up Sgt James Heller as a character and the second outbreak of the virus, which is being named the Mercer Virus after the protagonist of the first game, Alex Mercer. Various news reports and cuts to Heller’s family set up the dire atmosphere. Before Heller’s return to the United States, he discovers that his wife and daughter are dead. He joins in the fight against the virus and this is where the tutorial starts.
The tutorial is integrated with the story. Heller and his patrol are taken out. However, Heller survives. He spots Alex Mercer, who has been making rare appearances as of late, and decides to chase him through the streets of New York. The tutorial acts as the chase, with prompts at the top of the screen to guide the player through the controls. At one point of the chase, you have to dodge. The game stops so that you can execute a dodge. This is what to expect in the tutorial. After it is completed, you discover that Mercer infects Heller with the virus, granting him the same shape shifting powers Mercer was given in the first game.
After we were done with the tutorial, the game really begins. Just like Prototype, the world of Prototype 2 is open for exploration. You can run up buildings, dash and glide in the air and consume any human being to assume their appearance, which, like Prototype, will be an important ability for the upcoming missions. There will be side missions but, as it is starting the game out, our focus was on the main missions. During these main missions, you will meet various characters who will help out Heller on his mission of liberation and revenge. One such mission involved one of Heller’s closest allies, Father Guerra. He has holed himself in a local church after the outbreak. However, Heller asks for information on the virus. Guerra reveals it is Gentek and Heller decides to run off, trying to find someone of importance.
The Father Guerra mission introduces a new ability not seen in the first game. With Mercer, you were given thermal vision, which had to be activated via the power wheel (or by one of the directional buttons). Heller, on the other hand, has a new power similar to Cole’s power in InFamous. By clicking the left analogue stick, Heller can pinpoint human targets in order to track them down. It will even work if the target is off screen. All the player needs to do is to follow where the second wave is coming from. So, for example, the wave recedes to the right of the screen. The player must go in that direction to find Heller’s target. I would consider this an excellent addition to Heller’s arsenal.
Matt and I tried out the first few missions of the game, taking turns (as we shared one Xbox 360) before Jonathan Lim interrupted the session. He revealed that there was a section of the game set in the red zone residing in the disk, waiting for our exploration. All of the Xbox 360’s were loaded with the section, which saw Heller reach level 21. Character levels have been introduced in Prototype 2, replacing the upgrades feature of Prototype. Evolution Points (or EP) is still the experience points of the game. Once we were giver free reigns on the red zone, with all of the powers, we’d make sure that all hell was broken loose.
What you witnessed in Prototype return in Prototype 2. Flying kicks to helicopters, slashing helicopters and general madness return in the red zone. A few new features, however, caught our eyes. One of them is the fact that Heller can quick switch two powers, allowing combos with the blade and the hammer or the whip and the claws. Another feature occurs when Heller lands on the helicopter. Heller can swing onto the wing and steal the missile system right off it and use it for his own good. The red zone is pure carnage and one which will satisfy even the most blood hungry players.
Sadly, that is where our time with the game ends as we conducted an interview with Jonathan Lim. However, the game has promise. Fast action, an interesting storyline and a grand open world may make this game a must own. Of course, if you are a fan of the first game, then the second game will not disappoint. I had fun playing Prototype 2 and Matt said the same. However, he worries that the action may become a button masher and there are some signs that it may go down that path. With that being said, Prototype 2 has the making of surpassing its older predecessor.
I got the chance to talk to producer Jonathan Lim. We discussed various topics pertaining to Prototype 2, from story and gameplay to the design process. You can check it out here. Prototype 2 will see a release on April 24, 2012.
You know a big game is on the way when the trailer gets it’s own announcement. Rockstar’s revival of Max Payne gets a second full trailer tomorrow, hitting web pages around the world at noon eastern time on February 16 – that’s Friday 17 in Australia and New Zealand.
Max Payne 3 will mark the return of the franchise after an almost ten year hiatus from the gaming world, and will of course be the first time the series has appeared on the current generation of HD consoles. Set in Sao Paulo, the game sees Max take on a job protecting a wealthy family in order to try and forget his past.
Of course nothing runs to plan, and Max soon finds himself alone on the streets of a strange and dangerous city. All the classic features of the Max Payne series return, so expect to see Bullet Time in action once more and a whole host of other new precision shooting features. In another first for the game there will also be a multiplayer mode included, so expect to lose one hell of a lot of time to Rockstar’s latest gem.
If you’re in need of a bit of a refresh you can check out the first official trailer below, and remember to check back with us here at Capsule Computers for the full lowdown on the next big trailer for Max Payne 3.
The game will be released on PS3 and Xbox 360 in North America on May 15, and in Europe on May 18. A PC version will follow a short time later (as always, poor PC gamers), hitting NA on May 29 and Europe June 1.
