Originally scheduled to be released in October last year, 2K Games and Digital Extremes’ The Darkness II is now finally available. The sequel to 2007’s under-rated The Darkness returns to continue the story of Jackie Estacado – Mafia Don and current wielder of the supernatural force known as The Darkness.
The sequel also introduces new ‘Quad-Wielding’ gameplay and four player cooperative play, changing up the traditional First Person Shooter experience. For those unsure whether or not to pick this game up, a demo is available for Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC.
Look out for our review of The Darkness II in the coming days.
Namco Bandai have announced that all three of their Playstation Vita launch titles will be supported by an abundance of extra content after all three titles (Ridge Racer, Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen and Touch My Katamari) are released on the 23rd of February (Australia and New Zealand), launch day for the Playstation Vita. The extra content includes applications, demos and post-launch downloadable content.
For Ridge Racer, the “Ridge Racer Gold Pass’ will be available after launch for AU$11.45 on the Playstation Network. However, if you pick up the title at launch at retail or purchase the digital copy before March 31, the Gold Pass will be free. This is what it includes:
Five new cars: PROMESSA, ELENIE, DIGNISTAR, FATALITA and MELTFIRE
Three new courses: Old Central, Sunset Heights and Lost Ruins
Two new music tracks: NEW SONGS PACK 01
One new extended music mix: LONG MIX BGM 01
The DLC doesn’t stop there with the ‘Silver Pass’ seeing a release from April, adding more content to the game for AU$9.95. An app for the Vita will be released later in the year, featuring an interactive audio and video experience that will give fans a unique taste of the Vita iteration of Ridge Racer. The app was co-developed by Namco Bandai and Cellius in Tokyo, Japan.
For Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen, a demo will be released, which will include the tutorial and one mission so that gamers can get a taste of the stealth ninja title. It will also have post-launch DLC, featuring eight monsters and their out of this world minions for more satisfying stealth kills.
Touch My Katamari is following the path of Shinobido 2 and will have a demo and post-launch DLC. The demo will include a tutorial and one mission and will be released in early March. For post-launch DLC, Namco Bandai will offer more levels, which include Snowman!, Shopping, Maid, Downhill, PAC-MAN and Soccer and Downhill with Toro. Premium DLC such as Fan Damacy and Music, will also be released over the coming months. These will help players unlock missions, broaden their Katamari musical horizons and more.
All three games will be released on February 22/23 alongside the Playstation Vita.
Early last year, Radiant Historia brought about beautiful artwork, a captivating story, and an innovative JRPG battle system to garner positive attention from gamers and critics alike. Atlus, who published the game, printed a rather small run on the Nintendo DS, which caused the demand to drive up the price and force hungry RPG-lovers to pay upwards of $100 for a new copy.
Thankfully, Atlus have listened to us all and will be re-releasing Radiant Historia through various retailers in the United States in March. Those who want to grab a copy this time around should expect a much smaller $35 price-tag, but it would still be wise to book in a pre-order where available as no word has been given on how large this reprint will actually be.
Robotech: The Macross Saga Studio: Tatsunoko/ Harmony Gold Publisher:Beyond Home Entertainment Release Date: 1st February, 2012 Price: $28.99 (Buy Here)
Overview
Robotech: The Macross saga is probably the most awesome Anime series that you will ever watch in your entire life. And this is not from a biased and nostalgic perspective… but from the perspective of a new viewer. This review will probably seem like a massive lump of praise, but that’s because it is totally praise worthy.
Story
Robotech: The Macross Saga follows the story of the crew of the SDF-01 Space Battleship during the beginning, middle and aftermath of the First Macross War. Throughout the course of the journey, both the main cast and the war effort evolve over time.
What I really loved about the series was that it wasn’t predominately about the war, but rather it was about the characters fighting within it. The constant drama built up by the war takes its toll on the characters, and this in turn creates a lot of dramatic tension within the series between the characters. And what I really especially loved about this concept was that it wasn’t just the main cast that was affected dramatically. Even the enemy fleets, the Zentradi, had their own dramatic moments which had a lasting effect on the series as a whole.
Even further, all the characters evolved over the course of the series, both mentally and with subtle visual cues. For instance, in the beginning of the series, the hero, Rick Hunter, has a more wide-eyed look. But by the end of the series, he has a more mature facial expression, and this is something that I greatly enjoyed seeing.
One of the most important aspects of this series though, is it’s pacing. The show has brilliant pacing that keeps you gripped for episodes on end. I marathoned this series over a weekend and was hooked the entire time. I don’t think there was one moment where I just wanted things to hurry along, which was quite strange as I’m used to wanting certain scenes to pass quickly (this is even behind the massive amounts of sugar and caffeine that I had been consuming over the course of my viewing).
However, the story was not just the only thing driving this series, but it is one of the most brilliant things that I have ever experienced and I can see why an entire generation of fans are absolutely in love with this show.
Visuals
I’m not going to lie, Robotech has an aged visual style that may be off-putting to some viewers. However, I believe that it is still incredibly compelling on a visual level and that it still rivals shows from today. I mean, the amount of details that went in to some of those scenes is simply incredible.
What I really quite enjoyed in this series was both the mechanical designs and character designs. I mean, those Robotech Variatech mechatronics are so detailed that I couldn’t believe it. I went into this expecting a primitive looking series that would be painful to look at, but I was most surprised when I found those mechanical designs to be incredibly well done.
Further, in regards to the character designs, I found them to be more realistic than modern Anime styled characters. The characters are a lot more realistic than modern shows, especially when it comes to the female cast members. Not all the characters are what I’d consider to be overly attractive, but they all had their own unique charms which made them that much more appealing than a generic Anime character designed to be attractive from every angle. Also, when you combine these visual traits with the characters personality, you end up with a much more believable character than some shallow woman who’s only existence is to please the main character.
I don’t want to get too spoilery, but this sounds like something pretty common sense worthy anyway, but the final battle in space between the Earth forces and the Zentradi is one of the most brilliantly animated set of episodes that I have ever seen in an Anime series. Like seriously, most studios would take as many shortcuts as they could to get the length required, but in Robotech, it’s one massive battle that seems like a massive battle, Stuff blows up, machines are incredibly well drawn the entire battle and there is even so much more that I can’t even begin to design.
As an Anime series, I have no idea how this show got by here in Australia with a G rating, considering the visual themes in some of the episodes. At one point early in the series there is some partial nudity in a shower scene and even further in the series, there is a poster with visible nipples. Still they’re not very long glimpses, but still, it’s a little strange. Not complaining though, I think that this series would be ideal for children to use as entertainment.
Overall, Robotech still stands up to modern Anime visually, as well as eclipsing some other modern cartoons.
Audio
Robotech: The Macross Saga features a very nice audio track that is incredibly easy on the ears. It also includes a Spanish soundtrack, which, from what I can tell, is audibly different to the English soundtrack.
However, the series itself is an amazing audio setup behind it, with plenty of sound-effects, background music and songs to fill the shows score. Each battle is dramatically intensified with the sounds found in the show and is enhanced even further by the backing track accompanying it. Sometimes, this will be a piece of the shows score, other times, it’ll be one of the main characters, Min-May’s, songs that are playing.
However, that is also one of my minor annoyances with the show. The character Min-May develops a singing career and as such, her songs fill the show as it goes along. However, the character will often reference a new song of hers, and then the same song that we’ve heard over and over will play. That isn’t to say that the girl doesn’t have a multitude of songs, it’s just that they could have used those when she actually states that she is singing a new song, rather than playing the same old song. This isn’t too bad as the song isn’t exactly irritating and you can see it as a symbolic gesture, rather than a literal thing. But still, a larger variety of songs would have been nice.
The last thing I want to talk about is the main theme of the series. It is absolutely brilliant and still holds up to today as one of the most memorable tracks in Anime. The theme song encapsulates the feel of the series completely and as such, should never be changed or removed from anything Robotech related in the future. This track is still a symbol of the series and of our culture as a species on this planet.
Overall
Robotech: The Macross Saga is easily the most essential Anime that every human should be made to watch ever. Both new viewers as well as seasoned Anime fans (that have yet to see this series) will certainly enjoy the show, and should definitely check it out as soon as they possibly can.
BigGlobe Japan have recently held a survey, asking their readers what the most boring anime series of the Winter 2012 anime season is. The results were taken from a pool of nearly 5000 readers, who were most likely bored whilst filling out the survey. Keep in mind these results are from a pool of Japanese anime fans only. The results are as follows:
Kill Me Baby (415)
Tantei Opera Milky Holmes (343)
Senki Zesshō Symphogear (334)
Bodacious Space Pirates (287)
Nisemonogatari (222)
Cardboard Battle Chronicles [Danball Senki] (212)
Gokujyo (204)
Nai! (191)
Ano Natsu de Matteru (190)
Familiar of Zero F (175)
There you have it, the Japanese have spoken and declared Kill Me Baby to be the most boring anime series of the Winter 2012 anime season. Is Kill Me Baby the most boring anime you have seen this season? If not what bored you the most? Let us know in the shoutbox and comments section.
Sega of Japan has just published the official website for the upcoming anime based on the Shining Hearts video game. Shining Hearts is a RPG for the PlayStation Portable is part of Sega’s long running Shining series, with the most popular spin off being Shining Force.
The anime carries a slightly different name, as the full title is Shining Hearts: Bread of Happiness. The official site offers a bit of detail on the voice cast and the plot snyopsis.
Submarine Studio: Film4 Publisher: Madman Entertainment Release: 11/01/2012 Price: $34.95 – Available Here
Overview
Adapted from Joe Dunthorne’s 2008 novel of the same name, Submarine is the latest film by British writer/director/actor Richard Ayoade. Most people may be familiar with Ayoade for his role of Moss in the television series The IT Crowd. This time around, Ayoade has firmly planted himself behind the camera as the director and writer. Instead, the film stars newcomer Craig Roberts as 15-year-old Oliver Tate and Yasmin Paige as his classmate and object of affection – Jordana.
Story
Submarine is not your typical coming of age film. 15-year-old Oliver Tate imagines his life as a film, which funnily enough it now is. Oliver falls for this classmate, Jordana, who he believes to be the love of his life. His two primary objectives are to lose his virginity to her and to keep his mothers ex-lover at bay. The film takes us on a journey through Oliver’s life, narrated by Oliver himself in manner absolutely fitting for both a film adaptation of a novel. His parent’s problems, his own shortcomings and his hopes and fears are laid out evenly throughout the film as it progresses. The story may seem fairly typical for the ‘coming of age’ genre, but told through the perspective of the slightly awkward Oliver Tate gives the story that much needed touch of originality.
Visuals
Submarine is a film based on a novel narrated as if there was a film crew following the main character around. Director Richard Ayoade has taken advantage of this narrative device, constructing the film in three acts, making for some beautifully progressive story telling. The film style is what some may describe as ‘quirky’ – that unique blend of vivid colours and symbolism that you only ever see in independent films that seem to have more money then their ‘indie’ tag would suggest. While that may sound somewhat negative, it works well for this film. Throughout the film I am constantly forgetting that the film is set in the 1980’s or in Wales – making it appear to be a timeless tale of adolescence gone wrong. The clothing style, while on reflection may seem dated, does add to the slow and steady narration style of the offbeat Oliver Tate. While the story may at times become monotonous and the characters on the brink of painful, you’ll always be captivated by the wonderful world that the film has allowed you to peek in to. The subtle hint of voyeurism – mostly stemming from the self-referencing wish for a film crew – manages to keep you engaged through out the length of the film without becoming too creepy.
Audio
The audio too plays with Oliver’s want for a bio-picture of his life. Moments of narration are accompanied with upbeat music, which fits the pace of Oliver’s voice. Each narration has music fitting to the topic of the monologue – for example when Oliver discusses his fathers profession as a marine biologist the soundtrack has an ambient underwater sound. For the most part, music is absent from the film, and focuses on the soundtrack of everyday life and dialogue between characters. Trains running past or other everyday noises add a real element of charm to the film and also help differentiate between reality and Oliver’s slight delusions of his own life. There are the odd scenes in the film too, where Oliver and Jordana begin to bond, which are perfectly accompanied by love songs – perhaps from a mix cassette given to Oliver by his father.
Extras
The extra’s are essentially like any other DVD’s – commentary, deleted and extended scenes and also some cast interviews. The interviews have the cast talk about their thoughts on the character and their connections to which they have recently played. It gives a little more insight in to the minds of the characters, which at times are often hard to read in the film. The directors’ commentary is rather monotonous, but for those willing to brave it, you shall be rewarded with incredible insight into the adaptation process from novel to film – having both Joe Dunthorne and Richard Ayoade discussing the film process in a rather casual manner. An interesting note is the fake inspirational video, filmed like it was right out of 1986, of the films character Graham Purvis – Oliver’s’ neighbour and mothers first love and also motivational speaker. There is a somewhat ill fitting message from Ben Stiller who worked as the producer (or caterer according to the Q and A with Richard Ayoade, also a DVD bonus). If you liked the film, getting some background insight into the process of constructing it will be well worth your time.
Overall
Submarine is a wonderful effort by all, but just doesn’t leave that lasting impression. The film does lag on for quite some time, and with many layers of dry subtly it may leave you aching for a conclusion. The visual style – heralding back to what can best be described as a ‘vintage feel’ – is absolutely breath taking, and not at all lost in it’s portrayal of the mundane. It’s a lovely and unique film, yet fails to hook you in for that coveted second or even third viewing.
Not too long ago, GameMill Entertainment announced Country Dance All Stars, which will be launching exclusively for the Kinect. If you are a bit unfamiliar with the franchise that originally started on the Wii though, Country Dance All Stars lets players dance along with on-screen avatars to world-famous country tunes.
After just a short wait, GameMill have came forward with a full setlist for their upcoming boot-scooting title, with plenty more southern hits that aim to please.
The complete soundtrack is as follows:
Alan Jackson – “Good Time”
Ashton Shepherd – “Look It Up”
Billy Currington – “People Are Crazy”
Blake Shelton – “All About Tonight”
Brad Paisley – “Water”
Brooks & Dunn – “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”
Carrie Underwood – “Cowboy Casanova”
Chad Brownlee – “Carried Away”
Chris Heers – “Dirt Rich”
Dierks Bentley – “What Was I Thinkin’”
Easton Corbin – “Roll With It”
Eric Church – “Hell On The Heart”
Gwyneth Paltrow – “Shake That Thing”
Hayley Mclean – “Good Time Bone”
Jake Owen – “Barefoot Blue Jean Night”
Johnny Cash – “Ring of Fire”
Josh Kelley – “Georgia Clay”
Josh Thompson – “Beer on the Table”
Josh Turner – “Why Don’t We Just Dance”
Katie Armiger – “Best Song Ever”
Keith Urban – “Better Life”
Kellie Pickler – “Tough”
Lady Antebellum – “Lookin’ For A Good Time”
Laura Bell Bundy – “Giddy On Up”
Little Big Town – “Little White Church”
Luke Bryan – “Country Girl (Shake It for Me)”
Miley Cyrus – “Hoedown Throwdown”
Miranda Lambert – “White Liar”
Rascal Flatts – “Life Is A Highway”
Sugarland – “Stuck Like Glue”
The Last Ride – “Take You Down”
Tim McGraw – “Felt Good on My Lips”
Trace Adkins – “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk”
Zac Brown Band – “Chicken Fried”
As you can see, with the likes of Miley Cyrus, Tim McGraw, and Blake Shelton, GameMill seemed to have spared no expense in booking talent, and fans of country music will now be able to celebrate on a whole new platform. You can expect Country Dance All Stars to hit the Kinect in March, but until then, fans can view the new trailer down below to see the game in full display.
An anime adaptation of Black Rock Shooter is currently airing in Japan in the noitaminaA anime block. It has now been announced that the Blu-Ray and DVD box-sets of the series will feature a brand new figma model included in the package.
The DVD and Blu-Ray box-sets are slated for release on June 22nd, 2012, with the Black Rock Shooter figma model included. The model is called ‘figma INSANE BLACK ROCK SHOOTER”‘ and will be exclusive to the box-set releases of the series.
You can check out the Black Rock Shooter figma model above. What do you think of the figma model? Let us know in the shoutbox and comments section.
BigGlobe Japan recently held a survey, asking their fanbase; ‘What do you look for in an Anime series, when deciding what new series to watch?’ The results of which are drawn from the pool of over 2500+ anime fans that visit BigGlobe’s website. So what do Japanese People look for in anime? The results are as follows:
Story (506)
Character (342)
Voice actors (335)
Design (265)
Theme songs, background music (146)
Animation (124)
Direction (100)
Jokes (94)
Images (91)
Moe (64)
Production company (63)
Battles, confrontations (57)
Setting (56)
Staff (55)
Motion (15)
Love between guys and girls (41)
Backgrounds (40)
Broadcast timing (39)
Coloring (34)
Reputation (33)
Girls love (30)
Robots (25)
Broadcast channel (25)
Sound effects (23)
High tension (22)
Tsundere (21)
Boys love (20)
Sales (19)
Mecha (18)
What do you think of these results? I’m personally surprised that ‘Breasts’ did not make this list. What do you look for in anime? Let us know in the shoutbox and comments section.
