Giant robot lovers haven’t had a whole lot of games made for them lately and the only company who had been working on bringing one to consoles lately has yet to say a word about when they would be bringing Armored Core V to North America. That is until today however when Namco Bandai announced that gamers can expect to see From Software’s Armored Core 5 on store shelves for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in North America on March 20th, March 22nd in Australia and March 23rd in Europe.
Gamers who pre-order the title from GameStop will also receive a “Heavy Assault Pack” bonus which comes with extra weapons and parts that have yet to be detailed. This means that those gamers who buy it from GameStop will have a leg-up on not only their AI competition but other gamers as well.
CD Projekt RED, the developers of PC hit Witcher 2 were ready to take a more hands-on approach with people who pirated their game, to go so far as to identify the pirates, contacting them and requesting around a thousand dollars from each pirate for taking the game without playing. However it seems that they have chosen to back off of this policy.
In an open letter to the gaming community CDP co-founder Marcin Iwinski stated that the company would “immediately cease identifying and contacting pirates.” He went on to say that the reason for their stopping “hurts us, the developers. It hurts the industry as a whole.” Though he did not give any support to piracy and condemned the fact that people who steal their games and don’t pay end up damaging companies and makes companies such as his not “able to produce new excellent titles for you,” which is 100% true.
Some time ago Tecmo Koei announced that they would be releasing a special Collector’s Edition for their upcoming title Ninja Gaiden 3. At that time however they did not have any image to show what fans could be expecting if they were to put the extra money down on a purchase. Today however they have revealed the above image which shows us just what fans will receive.
It is worth noting now that the Collector’s Edition itself is only going to be available at GameStop, or EB Games in Australia, for an undisclosed reason and will be set at $99.99 in North America to the collector’s edition at this time. Still, fans can expect to receive everything seen above when the title is released on March 20th. This includes the game itself, an “Unmask” art book, a soundtrack CD, figurine, and a premium Dead or Alive 5 demo code with Hayate, Ryu, Ayane and Hitomi unlocked.
That’s right; this new and highly anticipated title from Hitbox Team will be coming to Steam and the PC on January 17th, so mark the calendar, and spread the word!
If you haven’t heard about Dustforce, let me give you a brief summary… It’s pure liquid concentrated awesome, is what it is!
Okay, so now I’ll give you a somewhat more descriptive summary… Dustforce sees you play one of 4 characters on a mission to rid the world of rubbish, goop, leaves, and, of course, dust. To do so, you’ll be bouncing off walls, flying through the air and beating up uncleanliness wherever you see it in this superb platformer.
With a beautiful 2D art style and great score to match, this game has been steadily gathering followers since it released it’s first prototype videos on YouTube late last year. The game has been in development for 2 years, and is one of the most snticipated games of 2012!
Stay tuned to Capsule Computers for a review soon!
To read more about the game, check out their site at hitboxteam.com.
Capsule Computers is proud to announce the launch of the newly re-branded forum, CC FORUMS, which will be available to users as of January 17.
CC FORUMS will be more than easy to access as signing up as a Capsule Computers member (which can be donehere) will also simultaneously sign the member up for the forum as well. For non-members, forum access will be also available via third party accounts Facebook, Twitter, Google, Windows Live, Yahoo and/or Flickr. However Members will get exclusive access to competitions and privileges such as the newly re-introduced Monthly Member Rewards and the CC FORUMS Ranking system.
Members can expect a sleek and attractive design that features a robust and cohesive structure. This design will neatly organize topics into sections for users to find their favorite subjects of discussion.
The Forum will also be home to a variety of new giveaways and competitions and launch day will see the first of which. While the current Monthly Member Rewards system took a short break during December, it’s making a triumphant return in CC FORUMS as the Monthly Member Rewards will now be announced via CC FORUMS.
Members will also have access to a ranking system, rewarding them with titles for posting, socializing and having fun in CC FORUMS. The battle to become the very first Capsule Computers Superstar will begin as of January 17!
All this and much more to come! So why don’t you become a member of our exciting community and help it grow? Maybe even enter a few competitions and win some stuff while your at it! In the meantime, keep an eye on the site as you can expect to see an exclusive sneak peek coming soon!
CC FORUMS will go live on January 17. Register as a member now so you can begin talking on the launch date!
Following up from news a few days go, 2K games have released some new screenshots for the upcoming XCOM: Enemy Unknown, being developed by Firaxis of Civilization fame. Originally released in 1993, the XCOM franchise has had its ups and downs with many reputable polls placing the original instalment in the top couple of games ever made. There has been much anticipation since the announcement of its remake just to see which direction Firaxis would go towards. Until more solid information comes out enjoy these screenshots and stay tuned for more news as it comes in.
Ubisoft have proudly announced that The Settlers Online, a free-to-play browser based strategy game set in the Settlers Universe, has reached more than 1.5 million users in Germany, US, France and Russia.
The Settlers Online combines the game-play elements of the Settlers franchise with some brand new gameplay that makes it perfect for a browser based game. Players are able to settle new cities, and join thousands of gamers already online to create or join guilds, trade resources and acquire and exchange bonuses to help each other out along the way to build their own mighty kingdoms.
After all who doesn’t love making their own kingdoms?
“The Settlers is a beloved, enduring franchise which strategy players from all over the world enjoy and it’s exciting to be able to offer those fans a new way to interact with the Settlers Universe,” said Thomas Paincon, Europe, Middle East and Asia FTP Publishing Director. “The success of the free-to-play model is very encouraging and with the rollout of the English language Open Beta beginning, we are very optimistic about the future of the Settlers Brand.”
The English language open beta started this week, allowing players to experience this last part of the Settlers brand for the very first time. For more information, and to join the open beta head on over to their site.
At the moment, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe is conducting a Playstation Vita tour where it will visit the major cities of Manchester, Glasgow and London in the UK and allow potential customers to try out the new handheld. According to MCV, this is the beginning of the marketing push. Apparently, this will be the biggest marketing push for Sony gaming hardware that SCEE has conducted. This will include a great presence at retail, in print and on television, in addition to what should be a great online presence.
UK Marketing Manager Mark Bowles spoke with MCV and commented on the massive marketing push:
“The PS Vita launch will be supported by the biggest campaign we’ve ever executed, and this level of activity will continue throughout 2012, reflecting our confidence in, and commitment to the platform long term.
“Our campaign will target gamers primarily, but also the new generation of tech enthusiasts and entertainment consumers who are used to playing games on their smartphones or tablets. What sets Vita apart is its ability to deliver PS3 quality gaming, in addition to the range of globally recognised triple-A software titles, which simply isn’t possible or aren’t available on any other existing portable.
“In terms of media focus, due to the connected nature of the Vita and the behaviour of our target audience, our campaign will have a strong digital backbone, supporting a heavyweight TV, press, outdoor and retail presence.
“Finally, one thing we learnt early on is that the best way to understand PS Vita, is to get hands-on experience with it. This is why we’re investing heavily in an experiential tour.”
Software will be key in this marketing campaign and Bowels comments on the launch line-up and future titles, a lesson learnt from the Playstation Portable:
“Lessons learnt from the PSP ensure that this commitment to delivering triple-A quality titles will continue unabated, with Resistance, LittleBigPlanet, Assassin’s Creed and Call of Duty just a few of the big name titles and franchises coming to the PS Vita over the year ahead.”
No matter how much marketing Sony produces, the message must be clear: why the Playstation Vita is worth your time and money. With increasing competition from the iOS and the 3DS, Sony must play to both the hardcore and casual markets. It must show the hardcore gamers that the triple-A titles are going to be portable. It must show the casual market it will support popular casual titles as well as provide their own casual experiences not offered on other devices, like Modnation Racers and Little Big Planet. The hands-on tour will allow the tech and games to be center stage, so this is a positive step (take note SCE Australia).
I could suggest one more thing: package a 4GB memory stick with every Playstation Vita. Considering a lot of games and applications will require a use of the memory stick, there should be no reason or excuse to add a free memory stick. Price is the deciding factor and right now potential customers are shying away due to the fact that there will be a gaping hole in their wallet. Adding a memory stick to each Vita will ease the pain for every new sale it would generate. Yes, the Vita is selling at a loss, but how much of a hit will Sony take if it added a memory stick that will cost at least US$19.99 at retail, considered already expensive in the consumers eyes when there are cheaper alternatives Sony could have went with. If Sony Computer Entertainment does this, they will be thanked by the wider community.
Feeling a bit angry with the world and looking to blow off some steam, then look no further as Capcom have announced the release of the demo for Asura’s Wrath, downloadable from both the Playstation Network and Xbox Live now.
Asura’s Wrath introduces a unique range of brutal techniques within close quarters, calling for players to dig deep into their reserves to escape each hairy situation. Blending a deep narrative storyline with intense action sequences, Asura’s Wrath will please fans of most gaming genres, delivering a brand new feel and take on the action market.
In the demo, players will be introduced to a variety of the distinct enemies within 2 of the games levels, showing off the unique blend of asian mythology blended with sci-fi concepts. Become acquainted with Wyzen, the planetary sized boss, as well as Augus, Asura’s old mentor, as you journey to right the wrongs done 12000 years ago.
Asura’s Wrath demo is available from the Playstation Network and Xbox Live with the full retail version expected on February 23rd 2012 just in time for a spectacular Valentines day present.
You can also pre-order now and receive a free Asura Bobble Budd complete with 6 arms and a head that holds all his limbs, you cant ask for anything cooler could you. For more information visit the Capcom Store.
Who needs the Superbowl? Professor Genki has got the far more entertaining, and awesome, option – Genkibowl. Genkibowl is so awesome, that they’re up to number VII (or seven, for the Roman numerically challenged). Genkibowl is so much more than just some football game, it is the most watched game show event on TV, and who is at the middle of it, but the leader of the Saints. With commentary from Steelport’s Zach and Bobby, along with Tammy Tolliver, its no real surprise that this is the most watched show.
So what can you expect? Well it’s kind of a mix of Japanese game shows, mascot murdering, and a whole lot of Genki. Plus, this show is guaranteed to be a good one with the Genki Girls theming the games after themselves, so you get to sail through the skies with Sad Panda Skyblazing, fight your way through Angry Tiger’s Apocalypse Genki, and snatch up your victory in Sexy Kitten Yarngasm (I’m not even going to try and guess what that involves, it will just get R-rated very quickly).
Genkibowl VII is free for those with Saints Row Season Passes, or available for 560 Microsoft Points or $7 on the PSN and Steam. It’s slated for release on January 17, 2012, so come on guys! Get your Genki on!
