If you had missed out on God of War III, Grand Turismo 5, Killzone 3 and Uncharted 2, then this new Playstation 3 Platinum Quattro Pack is for you. This pack was leaked by the USK, which is the German Classification Board. They are notorious of banning violent video games, even games that are shoehorned into the MA15+ category in Australia. Doom and Gears of War are prime examples of banned games in Germany.
This pack also has a release date. It will see a release on January 27. Although Siliconera does not mention anything about a release date outside of presumably Germany, it is expected that this will reach the shores of North America and see release throughout the rest of Europe and PAL territories. You can look at the box art below.
In this weeks amazing instalment of Capsule Theatre of Vision we are going to revisit a must play classic in the realm of video games. The game is Megaman 2 and the video is a HD rebuild of the opening scene with a brand-new rock remix of the opening theme.
I was actually quite impressed by this video, I think that a HD remake of the Megaman classics could work in a style similar to the one presented within the short video. The remix is also really cool sounding, so make sure you check it out!
Special thanks to the Facebook user and Creator of the video Rickonani for sharing this with us! Be sure to check out the video, embedded below.
HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN Studio: Yer Dead Productions Publisher: Transmission Format: Blu-Ray (Reviewed), DVD Release Date: Out Now Price: $34.99 –Available Here
Overview
Rutger Hauer is a homeless man on a mission to clean-up the streets of Hope Town, a small, but vile town that he has moved into after travelling along the back of a train. Hobo With A Shotgun is an incredibly awesome film, that, at points, even made this reviewer feel a little off viewing. It is certainly not a film for everyone, but it is definitely a film that everyone should see, to at least be able to see the direction of wrongness that humanity seems to be heading in.
Hobo With A Shotgun also has one of my more favourite movie goons, The Plague, who are a pretty awesome concept in themselves. Beware them.
Story
Hobo With A Shotgun surprisingly has a very decent story for a movie that may seem like a silly concept to so many people. The movie starts off with Rutger Hauer heading into an unfamiliar town – Hope Scum Town – on the back of train. After his arrival he soon finds that the entire town is corrupted by hate and fear, while also being under the influence of the evil mobster like character “The Drake”.
The story in Hobo With A Shotgun feels as though it was thought up as a collaboration between internet trolls and aggressively repressed teenagers, but the way that it is told is simply amazing. It’s the kind of film that you would use as an analogy to describe something else. For instance, if you wanted to talk about a near indestructible demonic foe, you could say that they were like The Plague in Hobo.
Scum Town itself is a very interesting location within the film. It is easily the most vile and corrupt portions of humanity put on display for all to see. What I found particularly interesting in regards to Scum Town within the story was how the entire town seemed to be the secondary villain of the film. The town itself was such a powerful foe that it was able to turn a Hobo to violence in order to repair the blight on the face of the Earth that it was. This town was full of so much vile scummery and villainy, but it was never an unbelievable amount.
I think the reason that the town was so believable was that it seemed to reference all the bad things that seemed to have cropped up in popular culture. Internet shows like Bum Fights make an appearance in the film, as well as the whole punk subculture (although it’s way more corrupt than its real-life counterpart), which make it that much more realistic and relatable to the viewer. I’d like to think that the producers of this film were trying to make a statement on the current affairs of humanity on this planet by the way that the town blatantly satirises current human behaviour, but I may be reading too far into the film.
Ultimately the story in Hobo With A Shotgun is way more amazing than you would think by just looking at the cover and reading the title. However, the rating is very much earned, there is no way in hell I’d let anyone under the restriction even glance at this movie for a second. To be quite honest, we have very tight cencorship here in Australia and I’m kind of surprised that a film with a bus full of children being flamethrowered to death was allowed to be released in this country.
Audio and Visuals
Hobo With A Shotgun is VERY reminiscent of a Quentin Tarantino film, and even a lot of Japanese films. There is copious amounts of blood and gore everywhere, and in a few scenes, it is as though some characters have sprinklers installed throughout their bodies. The main aspect of the film that shows this influence is the old style opening and closing credits, the classic takes and shots, as well as the very colourful colour processing over the film.
Seriously, I really liked the way that the film was brightly coloured in opposition to the dark and evil that lay within Scum Town. It’s this contrast that captures you off guard when some of the earlier explicit scenes crop up, it makes you question why such scenes are being presented in such a cheerful scheme. Could it be because of how current society takes glee in such abusive behaviour? Maybe, or maybe it was just a stylistic choice by the director? I’m not entirely sure, but it does add a huge amount of depth to the film.
The costumes in this movie are amazingly realistic and seem to portray the characters that reside within them quite well. The Drake wear a white suit befitting of a gangster type of character, or even a James Bond villain. His sons, Ivan and Slick wear matching tracksuit jackets, which makes them seem like the bullying jocks from Highschool, and the prostitute Abby wears a combination of normal clothes and garish whore-clothing depending on the scene. It seems as though all the characters are reflected by their choices in wardrobe, which is quite good work by the visuals department on the film.
One thing that I thought would disappoint me with the film, but didn’t, was the fact that it only supported 2 speaker audio, instead of surround sound. However, after watching the film, I can attest that it is a non-issue. In-fact, the film featured quite awesome audio, in particular was the background score.
My favourite aspect of the film, audio-wise, was all of the characters dialogue. Sure it was quite cheesy in some moments, and cliche in others, but it was always clever and always fitted the scene nicely. One really strong piece of dialogue in the film is in the scene where the Hobo is addressing a group of newborns in a hospital. He has some pretty good insight into how they would turn out living in Scum Town and how “they wouldn’t know it was wrong in the first place”.
Extras
Hobo With A Shotgun has a small but interesting selection of Special Features that accompany the movie on the movie disc. These are particularly standard features, but are still pretty interesting.
“More Blood. More Heart”, The making of Hobo With a Shotgun, is an interesting 40min feature that takes us through some of the highlights while making the film. It also includes short interviews and other kinds of interesting information from the cast and crew.
The Production Blog essentially blogs about the production of the film, it has some pretty interesting information within. The film also features Camera test footage and a plethora of deleted scenes, inclusing an alternative ending where the films leading female, Abby, becomes a part of The Plague. All the cut-scenes are pretty interesting to watch.
And lastly, the disc contains the Directors Red Band trailer, which is essentially a trailer of the film shown on red band. It’s pretty cool.
Overall
Hobo With a Shotgun is quite an amazing film which is surprisingly quite well written and directed, in comparison the the initial reaction as to how silly the concept seems. While it is an amazingly gory film that touches on themes that are not suitable for people below the age restriction, it does seem to have a decent commentary on the current operation of humanity within the world. Keep your nose down and out of trouble, or become part of the problem yourself. Inaction is just as bad as participation, etc.
Video Game – (Noun)A game played by electronically manipulating images produced by a computer program on a television screen or display
Best – (Adjective) Of the most excellent, effective, or desirable type or quality
While the definitions are known by all, it takes a lot to be the shining example of excellence in such a crowded industry. 2011 may now be a thing of the past, but no one can deny that this was one of the best years ever to be a gamer. While we certainly seen a few duds and missteps for some, other developers went above and beyond to create phenomenal experiences and cement their own place in history. That’s why were here today. After months of intense debate, voting, and of course picking up those controllers and playing, we have narrowed down the best of the best in several categories for your viewing pleasure.
Join us as we celebrate these champions in Capsule Computer’s 2nd Annual Game of the Year Awards.
A demo for the Playstation Vita game is coming to the Japanese Playstation Network two days before release, according to Andriasang. With the game being released on January 19, potential and curious buyers can try out what the game has to offer on January 17. What is going to be included in the demo has not been revealed. I guess Sony wants to keep it under wraps. However, it might possibly be a track and a few vehicles to see how good the gameplay is.
For us in the West, the game will be coming on launch day, so a demo may be out of the question. However, a launch day demo could be on the cards. The game includes ten tracks and five teams of four vehicles. It will also include a soundtrack with some well-known acts such as The Chemical Brothers, Underworld, Orbital and Prodigy. It will also feature cross-pay with Wipeout HD and the expansion Fury for the Playstation 3, being one of the first titles to do so.
Yes it’s that time of year again when a new one starts. Laters 2011!
2011 has been a huge year for Capsule Computers. In such a short time, we really have grown quite rapidly as an independent media company, aiming to bring you all the latest in Video Game and Pop Culture news, reviews, interviews and more. I think I speak on behalf of the entire team when I say that we’re all really proud of this website and it’s community, and 2011 has seen us through some of the most memorable times yet!
Among all these amazing events, games, movies, shows and gadgets we get to play with (god my job is amazing!) some of the most fun we’ve experienced has got to be going to all sorts of crazy conventions, interacting with others and checking out all the new stuff yet to come.
Below is a little gift I’ve prepared for you guys to just recap all that fun and excitement incase you’ve missed out for all you slowpokes! The video contains footage of events such as SMASH!, E3, EB Games Expo, Game On! Festival and Tokyo Gameshow as well as taking a look back on all our new exciting video series and Podcasts. Do enjoy!
2012 is already set to be an even bigger year than the last with a brand new forum launchingJanuary 17 available to all Capsule Computers members, and even more awesome competitions and event coverage is already in the works. How exciting!
2011 has been one hell of an awesome year, and on behalf of the team I’d like to say thank you to everyone who’s been tuning in and showing some love for Capsule Computers. The best part is: it’s only going to get better and even more awesome from here!
Much love, respect, 1UPs and Power Pellets, Matt Vella Editor/Social Media Community Manager
Looking for a new casual Christmas-themed iOS game to tide you over in the holidays? Well look no further! Dim Dim Sum App have released a Christmas version of Coin Flick, an addictive app that involves flicking coins into buckets. Also for those of you who don’t want to have to clean up their own coins and buckets, here’s a virtual version.
There is a bunch of Christmas bonuses and prizes to grab in this version, with endless amounts of options for you to continue to have coins. So you will never run out of coins to flick into buckets! You can also check the scoreboard on how many coins you’ve flicked consecutively in relation to others on Game Center leaderboards. It’s also Kiip enabled, allowing exclusively US players to win real prizes!
Coin Flick Christmas is available NOW on iPhone, iTouch and iPad for FREE – Grab it HERE
So, we have reached the final day of 2011. It was an excellent year for gamers everywhere. If you owned a Playstation 3, you were spoiled by the amount of exclusives that hit the shelves of stores everywhere. From Little Big Planet 2 in January to Uncharted 3 in November, Playstation 3 owners benefited from the hard work from those first party studios. Coupled with great third party support and some great portable games for the Playstation Portable. Playstation brings in another strong year. So, today, I bring you the third and final World of Playstation article of 2011.
Quickflix Available For Australian Playstation 3 Owners
Earlier in the year, I had brought you the news that Quickflix, an Australian online movie service, would be available for the Playstation 3 (you can see the article here). Well, it has arrived after the most recent update. Ouickflix complements the video service of the Playstation Store and Mubi.
So, what can one do with Quickflix?
Watch an UNLIMITED and always changing selection of great movies delivered straight to your PS3.
Hundreds of big name blockbusters, cinema classics and family favourites on demand for instant streaming via your PS3 console
Completely optimised for your PS3 including full compatibility with the official PS3 Blu Ray remote control.
Check out FREE Hollywood news, gossip, reviews and red carpet video action.
Quickflix members can also choose to receive latest release DVD and Blu-ray discs delivered by post to compliment the amazing streaming collection (additional charges apply).
Expect to pay AU$14.99 a month. However, as an introductory offer, Playstation 3 subscribers can get their first three months for AU$4.99.
The Last of Us The PS3 Mystery Title of the VGA’s, Being Developed By Naughty Dog
Naughty Dog have focusedon the Uncharted series of games (bar Golden Abyss) for the past five years. However, it is time for a new direction. Revealed at Spike’s Video Game Awards earlier this month, The Last of Us follows Joel and Ellie’s struggle to survive a world gripped with a fungus that has taken over the human race. Naughty Dog has emphasised that there will be a strong focus on the relationship and storytelling, which they believe is lacking in the current climate of game design. We shall see soon enough.
Jak & Daxter Turns 10, HD Collection On Its Way
Speaking of Naughty Dog, they are going to resurrect two iconic characters of the Playstation 2 era. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Jak and Daxter, a HD collection of the trilogy will be released for the Playstation 3. Like the Sly Collection, all three games will be offered in updated HD graphics. The collection will head to stores in 2012.
As someone who missed out on the trilogy during the Playstation 2 era, this is exciting news. Now all we need is Insomniac Games to release a Ratchet and Clank HD collection.
Sorcery Finally Has A Release Period of Spring 2012
I would guarantee that you might not know this game at all. First shown at E3 2010, Sorcery had been put in the backburner for quite some time. However, it has reappeared with a change in style but offering promising gameplay. It also has a release window of Spring 2012, which is excellent news. After going through Medieval Moves (which did have promise, I might add), hopefully Sorcery is the fantasy adventure/RPG game that can help move some units of the Playstation Move.
Vodafone To Be Preferred 3G Carrier In Europe and PAL Territories For Playstation Vita
Now onto the portable front. This month, Sony Europe have entered an agreement with Vodafone to be their preferred provider in European and PAL territories. That includes Australia and New Zealand. Interesting move by Sony, as, at least in Australia, Vodafone has copped a lot of bad press for a poor service and network. Vodafone Australia have revealed they are putting in AU$1 billion to upgrade the network, so we shall see how it all plays out.
Now, notice it is preferred. That means that this is the network the Vita has been tested on and will guarantee top notch service. Unlike the US or Japan, the European and PAL Vita will not be locked to one carrier, which means one can use a Telstra or Optus SIM in their 3G Vita. However, sicking with Vodafone guarantees a digital copy of WipEout 2048.
That’s it for December and 2011. Now, what does 2012 hold for Playstation? Well, there is the Western launch of the Playstation Vita in February, which I will be reviewing games on, by the way. Plus, Twisted Metal, Sorcery, The Last Guardian, Sly 4 and many more. For now, have a happy, safe and prosperous new year and I’ll see you all in 2012.
The Gunstringer Real Big Shootin’ DLC Developer: Twisted Pixel Publisher: Microsoft Platform: Xbox 360 Kinect (Reviewed) Release date: December 15, 2011 Price: 240 MSP – Available Here!
Overview:
A few months ago we were treated to a title that truly showed what the Kinect could possibly do. Sure it may not have made use of the full body tracking system that the system is known for but it did provide an excellent and humorous experience. That title was The Gunstringer from Twisted Pixel, the review of which you can find here. The Gunstringer was a very enjoyable title all on its own and now Twisted Pixel has continued to support the title with a new piece of DLC called Real Big Shootin’. Now does this bite sized piece of DLC bring with it the same charm and make players want to get shootin’? Let’s find out.
Visuals & Audio:
One thing that is a bit disappointing is that the narrator from the main story does not provide any voice work for this DLC. In fact there practically is zero extra voice work as there is almost no storyline whatsoever minus a brief set-up saying that Mad Doc McDog is challenging all the gunslingers in the West and claiming they are slow. There is some brief narration but the only thing retained from the original title is the background music which still has the Western themed style that fits well for the setting.
Besides that, the game is focused completely as a light-gun set up, meaning that the environments you are facing will be almost completely static and have various enemies or objects either flying at you or across the screen that need to be shot. A few new things are included here and the style from the main title is retained, but is reduced significantly thanks to the minimalistic approach of the levels.
Gameplay:
This DLC for The Gunstringer is exactly as the name suggests, Real Big Shootin’. Players will be able to start up the mode and will be placed in a mode focused entirely on the shooting mechanic of the system where players will have to go through 13 different shooting gallery like stages. Each of these stages will have a different theme and have plenty of different enemies to be shot at. They are all similar to how they appeared in the game and most of them must either be shot before they go off of screen or crash into you.
Each stage will end either when the player manages to shoot all of the enemies and survive the onslaught or if they miss too many targets they will lose the stage and have to try it again. As one should expect, all gunplay with Gunstringer is done through the Kinect and the shooting mechanic for the gun feels as smooth as ever as you target enemies on the screen and blast them away with your finger gun.
While there may be only 13 different stages at one time, there are actually many more unique stages to be played so even though it only takes around twenty minutes to finish a complete run through of the DLC there is much more to be seen. To make things even more interesting, a number of challenges are thrown your way as well. These challenges can be anything from shooting two pistols, switching the direction you aim (left goes right, right goes left) or even having you use a shotgun only. The shotgun segments unfortunately feel very inaccurate with the Kinect and it has some issues registering shots which means your arm may grow tired quickly after rapidly trying to blow enemies away.
For those who remember the good ol’ days of gaming and light guns, there are plenty of references to one of the first light gun ever created throughout the title. Even the end boss is a great throwback and is extremely hilarious to blow away at the end. Also there is two player co-op where you can compete against your friends to see who can score the most points for some competition as well.
Overall:
The Gunstringer’s DLC Real Big Shootin’ is great fun for the time it lasts but there are plenty of things missing that would truly have made it a great add on for the series. However for a price tag of only 240 MSP there isn’t much more that you could ask for. By focusing solely on the great gunplay of Gunstringer this DLC is certainly worth a purchase and at only a few dollars it would be a shame to not expand upon a great title with just a bit more content.
With the fourth season of Natsume Yūjin-Chō, also known as Natsume’s Book of Friends, being aired next anime season, Crunchyroll revealed that they would be streaming the episodes of the season on their website, however they also mentioned something quite unique in their press release. At the bottom of the release the company noted that NIS America would be “releasing a retail version at a later date.” ANN was quick to follow up on this bit of leaked information and NIS America has confirmed with the company that they have indeed acquired the license to all four seasons of Natsume’s Book of Friends.
NIS America did not go into further detail about how they will be bringing the series over to North America, however all of NIS America’s past anime releases have been subbed in English and placed inside of a sturdy collector’s box and bundled with an artbook. Their standard practice is to release 12 or 13 episodes per package, so it will be interesting to see if they will release all four seasons separately in the coming year.
