Since late last year, Fire Emblem fans have been foaming at the mouth for more details about the upcoming 3DS title, Fire Emblem Awakening. On the actual news front, not much has changed, but the Japanese boxart has come forward from Nintendo of Japan, and it does indeed look stunning.
As you can see, this art features a good number of characters, such as Krom, Frederick and Liz, all coming together for one snazzy looking cover. Chew on this for now, and once more details (and hopefully a western release date) arise, we will be sure to bring you an update. Stay tuned.
Namco Bandai Games have today released two new trailers for the hotly anticipated anime fighting game Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations. The two trailers for the game focus around two characters featured in the game; Naruto’s father Minato and Gaara of the Sand.
The trailers can be seen below this article. The Minato themed trailer is titled ‘Minato’s Story’ and details his characters plot and shows off some of his abilities and moves. The Gaara trailer features much of the same except with Gaara and is titled ‘Gaara’s Story’.
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations is set for a release on the 29th of March, 2012 for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. Check out the trailers and let us know what you think in the shoutbox and comments section below.
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings – Enhanced Edition for the Xbox 360 and PC has had some new trailers revealed for it recently. These trailers showcase the games enhancement as well as sporting a few hidden messages that gice you insight into what it is to come for the upcoming re-release.
The original copy of The Witcher 2 was an amazing game from CD Projeckt, that even we loved! This enhanced edition, with it’s enhanced control scheme should prove to be superior to the original edition, and with an extra bunch of hours in some chapters, this will prove to be the definitive version of the game.
Nintendo have today revealed the story line of the forthcoming Nintendo 3DS blockbuster title, Kid Icarus: Uprising. The game which is set for release on the 29th of March, 2012 will come packaged with the Nintendo 3DS stand and 6 Augmented Reality cards based on the game.
Nintendo described the story mode’s plot line in their press release:
The game’s story begins with the return of the Queen of the Underworld, Medusa, and her Underworld Army. Pit, a heroic angel, with the help of Palutena, goddess of light and guardian of the human race, must combat the forces of darkness as he battles Medusa and her minions by air and by land.
For those keeping count at home it was 25 years ago that Kid Icarus first came into existence and it is now 25 years on that the series returns to it’s former glory in what looks to be one of the biggest 3DS games of the year. Let us know what you think of Kid Icarus: Uprising in the shoutbox and comments section.
Despite purely playing consoles these days primarily through lack of funds and space, Max Payne was one the last and best games I remember from my days as a PC elitist. So with the upcoming PC release of Max Payne 3 which will be released on the 29th May in US and 1st June 2012 for Europe, Rockstar have released some sexy looking screenshots, showing off some of the amazing detail to be expected from the PC version. Note the rippling muscles and tendons on Max’s arm, highlighting the amazing attention to graphical detail that Rockstar have described as gloriously increased for both solo and multiplayer.
The latest blockbuster from EA and Starbreeze studios is now out for New Zealand players everywhere. That’s right, if you’re in New Zealand instead, you can now purchase the remake of the ever-popular classic turn-based tactical strategy title Syndicate.
Syndicate is the cyberpunk shooter that blends fast-paced action with a futuristic setting, as well as interesting gameplay mechanics involving biochip technology. The world of Syndicate is one filled with Megacorporations that all vie for power over each other in the marketplace and in day to day affairs. These corporations have taken to kidnapping people and redesigning the way these people feel and think, into these drones that do their bidding.
Be sure to check out the official sitefor more info.
Touch My Katamari Developer: Namco Bandai Publisher: Namco Bandai Release Date: February 22, 2012 Price: $29.99 – Available Here
Overview:
The Katamari series has always been one that is instantly recognizable, as there are practically no other games in the market that follow its premise. Beginning with the original Katamari Damacy back in 2004 on the PlayStation 2 the series has seen many iterations over the years however most of these sequels and ports to various platforms were seen as simple cash-ins and weren’t well received by critics. However with the launch of the PlayStation Vita Namco Bandai is looking to bring the King of Cosmos and his Prince back into the limelight with Touch My Katamari. Is this a title to stick into your PlayStation Vita as you roll around the neighborhood?
Story:
It seems that all of those years of fans seeing his games as simplistic and all of the various re-releases as beating a dead horse has affected The King in a serious way. He is all washed up and even he realizes that his in-game fans have lost their love for him as they vent their frustration at him and talk to one another in an all too realistic manner. This is an interesting addition to the story, as Touch My Katamari is all too self-aware about the past titles in the Katamari series.
However the King isn’t a man to take things lying down and he sets the Prince out to address these problems and make everyone happy. However a Katamari title wouldn’t do without some sort of side story running alongside the main story. As players progress there are various animated story chapters that follow a hikikomori (shut-in) gamer that is struggling with trying to grow up and live a normal life but still loving his otaku culture. To put it simply, Touch my Katamari provides yet another hilarious story full of self-aware snarkiness and the same off the wall content that the Katamari series is known for.
Audio & Visual:
The Katamari games have always had a certain aesthetic charm and Touch My Katamari is no different from any of the others in the series in this regard. The world of Touch My Katamari is full of boxy people, boxy animals, practically boxy anything all colored with easy on the eyes pastel colors, though be prepared for plenty of brightly colored custcenes. The King of Cosmos still looks as outrageous as ever, though some people may be a bit scared with his new more-human looking face.
As players roll throughout the levels they will be treated to an infectious J-Pop soundtrack with plenty of enjoyable songs that have a dangerous chance of getting stuck in your head, and also match perfectly with the style of the game as you roll throughout a level and pick up dice, dogs, children and even buildings as each level is chock full of items able to be picked up, practically everything in a level can be stuck to your ball.
Gameplay:
For the uninitiated, Touch My Katamari is all about rolling an extremely sticky ball throughout a level and getting everything possible stuck to it as you roll around trying to make your ball as big as possible. You will start by picking up very tiny things such as erasers, pairs of dice and the bigger your ball gets the larger stuff it can pick up. Touch My Katamari doesn’t break any new ground as far as goals go however, as players will still be performing the same task.
On the other hand, Touch My Katamari does change things up occasionally by providing various challenges that must be fulfilled or goals that must be met, such as using only a certain amount of objects to increase the size of your ball to the required amount or even picking up only a certain type of object. These offer a bit of a different challenge but still don’t stray too far from the standard Katamari experience.
As you play through you will earn Candy which is then able to be used to unlock more songs for your auditory pleasure, more outfits which you can then use to dress up the King in his own little dress up room and then scare others with how creepy he can look at times or other unlockables such as the ability to play endlessly on certain levels or control a faster sped up version of the ball. Those looking to play with others will need to look elsewhere however, as the only multiplayer mode is through the Vita’s Near app which allows gamers to find other players locally and try to beat their records.
One noticeable improvement that Touch My Katamari has over past portable versions of the Katamari games is that this is the first time that we are able to control the system using two analog sticks, which means the game is able to be controlled exactly like the original console versions of the game were. However for those who want to get the most out of their Vita’s capabilities you can also use the touch control options to move the ball around; however this flicking motion is something that ended up becoming tiresome quickly as the control system with the analog sticks was much easier to use.
The other two touch mechanics included however are much more useful and are enjoyable to use and provide a bit of fresh air for the standard gameplay. New for the Katamari series, players either stretch or compress their ball by using a two finger pull or pinch motion on the screen. Players are able to pull a wide flat Katamari that appears similar to a rolling pin that will pick up smaller items in a wider rolling path, while the compressed version may make it easier to reach areas that were previously inaccessible.
Overall:
When all is said and done Touch My Katamari doesn’t break the mold of the Katamari series however it does make enough interesting adjustments that will motivate fans and newcomers to come give it a shot. There still isn’t too much extra to do besides roll your ball around and collect various objects, but in the end it is just plain enjoyable. However some Katamari fans may be put off by the fact that in the end, Touch My Katamari is nearly more of the same game they’ve seen multiple times before.
Touch My Katamari is a title that both looks and plays better than ever and also epitomizes the fact that portable gaming allows the player to roll around picking up objects for a few minutes and then put it away without any harm done, easily making Touch My Katamari the best portable Katamari game to date.
This week on the eShop, the pickings are a bit slim. Don’t mistake the lack of quantity for quality though, as Nintendo have released their next big title for the 3DS’ download service. Dillon’s Rolling Western puts you in control of Dillon, a mysterious armadillo with a checkered past. Along with a rodent sidekick by the name of Russ, it is up to you to defend livestock across the land from the evil Grocks. Yes, this title is a tower defense at heart, but along with it’s impressive art stylings and charm, it is sure to be one of the top shelf eShop titles of the year. You can now download Dillon’s Rolling Western for $9.99.
On the DSiWare, Box Pusher let’s you…push boxes. This puzzler has over 250 missions to be completed throughout several locales, with tons of quirky animations and unlimited “undos” for the tougher fare of teasers within. Box Pusher pushes out at just $4.99. On the WiiWare front for 500 points, 2 Fast 4 Gnomz is out to bring some challenge to the service, with the try and die adventure game starring four lovely little gnomes.
Oh yeah, the Nintendogs + Cats Demo is now available as well, so if you have been on the fence, be sure to give it a try.
Asura’s Wrath Publisher: Capcom Developer: CyberConnect2 Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 (Reviewed) Release Date: February 21, 2012 Price: $59.99 – Available Here
Overview
Developing video games that incorporate originality and do not include gimmicks can be a hard task to accomplish. Making that task much harder is that the majority of people who play video games like their old standby games and often have trouble accepting new and different video game concepts. Thankfully, ever so often, a developer dares to try something different and a publisher accepts the risk, knowing that although a new type of game might not sell as well as Call of Duty, it might pay off down the line.
CyberConnnect 2 and Capcom have produced such a game. They brazenly created a game that is hardly a game at all. Did their risk pay off? Will it open up new trains of thought in the video game community? Or does it fail miserably, destined to be resigned to a fate of bargain bins and ill-conceived laughter?
Story
Asura’s Wrath tells a grand story of a father, striving to rescue his daughter. A story which casts gods as conflicted beings, trying to do right, but acting wrongly. Outlandish beings, astonishing turns of fortune and incredible powers are at the forefront of the story. Moral quandaries and emotional battles are also included. All of these pieces come together to form a plot that is touching, action packed and incredible.
Unfortunately, the story is also riddled with plot holes, inconsistencies and lack of detail. In addition, ludicrous imagination is often required to comprehend how what is happening is even possible. For example, at one point, a character becomes as large as a planet. He then proceeds to stick his finger through the atmosphere and attempt to crush another character, who is human sized. However, the victim of this attack is able to punch the enormous finger and blow up the attacker.
How mortality is portrayed creates another example of the inconsistencies that plague Asura’s Wrath. One character, who is a demigod, is able to to seemingly resurrect himself when defeated. However, when he overcomes other demigods, the story indicates that these demigods cease to exist. How come some these immortals die and some die?
While I understand that many, many stories require fantastic imagination and filling in of seeming incompatibilities by the partaker, Asura’s Wrath requires so much that it makes it hard to appreciate the story as a whole. All in all though, I enjoyed the more down to earth parts, and I also had fun watching the unusal parts because they were animated so beautifully, and the creativity displayed in each one was incredible. Moreover, Cyber Connect used sweeping cutscenes to craft a cinematic experience that made the game more like watching an anime movie than playing a video game.
Gameplay
Regrettably, the amazing cinematic content came at the cost of gameplay. While most games have a proportion of approximately 20% cutscenes and 80% gameplay, Asura’s Wrath is about 70% cutscenes and 30% gameplay. And when gameplay does rear its head, it is quite simplistic. You’ll encounter various insane creatures and must fight them using 4 basic combat techniques. If you are flying in space, which you often do, combat is simplified even further, requiring you only to dodge and shoot bullets at auto-targeted enemies. Once enemies are beaten to point of near death, the game transitions into quick time events. While the back of the box proclaims that the game features “near impossible challenges,” I found no puzzles or any other type of gameplay present in the game besides combat. Furthermore, Asura’s Wrath felt like it was an on-rails game: Watch a long cutscene and then fight a small battle so you can get to the next epic cutscene. While the cutscenes often featured quick time events, it felt more like they were shoehorned in so the player had something to do. While the quick time events were exciting, they lacked the spark that actually playing instead of doing a QTE would have had.
Audio and Visuals
The soundtrack in Asura’s Wrath complements the game very well. Besides one notable battle, in which Dvorak Symphony No 9 resounds throughout, the rest of the game has an original score which varies from Japanese sounding classic rock instrumentals to more traditional classical music. However, each piece of music was obviously carefully placed and each note makes Asura’s Wrath a better game. Voice acting is also a high point, as each character sounds like they had a quality actor behind them.
Undoubtedly, the standout feature of Asura’s Wrath is the visuals. The animation in each cut scene cannot be described in mere words. They are simply too epic and cinematic. They must be watched to be appreciated. Character models and gameplay spaces are also rendered beautifully, as are enemies, ships and other elements of the game. If CyberConnect2 ever gets tired of making video games, they can easily start making award winning anime TV shows and movies, as their graphics are among the best of the best.
Overall
In conclusion, Asura’s Wrath is unique. It seemed that the developers wanted to tell a story, and instead of a movie, comic or book, they chose a video game to spin their tale, however odd that fit might be. However, their story was too large and required so much production that Asura’s Wrath became a movie masquerading as a video game. While I applaud Cyber Connect2 and Capcom for trying to innovate, I can only hope that their next game is actually a video game, not a movie with quick time events thrown in.
That being said, I cannot say enough enough about the stellar graphics and cutscenes. The animation was awe-inspiring, and while the narrative was a little outlandish for my tastes, I can see how many might delight in it. The parts of the story that dealt with the human condition were interesting and inspiring. All in all, this is a definitely a game to play, even if you can only try the demo.
Siren Visual has today announced that they have acquired the license for the anime series Golgo 13 and ARIA: The Animation for distribution throughout Australia and New Zealand on DVD.
Golgo 13 will be released in four parts with the first of which due for release in may and the rest to be released in the months following.
Part 1 of Golgo 13 will feature episode 1-13 and is currently available for pre-order at Siren Visual’s website.
ARIA: The Animation will be released in a complete collection of all 13 episodes in April and is also currently available for pre-order.
They went on to describe both ARIA: The Animation and Golgo 13 in their press release:
Time for some acquisition announcements. First up, ARIA: The Animation..
Set in the early 24th Century (that’s a few hundred years from now) against the backdrop of the city of Neo Venezia on the planet Mars. No longer the barren red planet, Mars has been flooded, inhabited and is something of a tourist hub for those looking for rest, relaxation and a gondola ride – the primary mode of travel in Neo Venezia. The Undines are professional gondoliers, tour guides for the people passing through. Akari Mizunashi is an Undine in training and this is a piece of her story.
ARIA: The Animation is total relaxation in an aquatic-utopian sci-fi kinda way!
Looking for something a little more…intense? Golgo 13 might quench your thirst for bullets, blood and babes…
People say he’s a ghost.
A machine.
A monster.
He’s Golgo 13, the most feared assassin in the world, the professional’s professional, the sniper of snipers. He’s back to keep you glued to the screen (and away from the windows).
What do you think of Siren Visual’s latest acquisitions? Let us know in the shoutbox and comments section.
