In the 1999 film Entrapment, Sean Connery played the male protagonist Mac. Being an old-school thief, when he and his partner Gin, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones, successfully infiltrated a bank vault and he saw that there was a computer terminal instead of gold bars or columns of cold, hard cash waiting to be bagged, he exclaimed: “This is it? Whatever happened to money? I mean where is the good old-fashioned loot?” Thereafter Gin proceeded to digitally transfer billions of dollars from thousands of electronic accounts worldwide into their own account.
That was in 1999. Today, plastic credit cards have all but replaced paper currency, but that too is slowly but steadily changing. A few months back both Google and Paypal invested in Mastercard’s Paypass Near Field Communication (NFC) technology – Google with the Google Wallet, and Paypal with version 3.0 of their Android Paypal app. NFC allows wireless, digital transfer of data from one device to another without them even touching, so long as they are within that near field range. This means that through NFC activated devices you can send pictures from your mobile phone to a laptop, for instance, with just a wave of a hand or a tap of the two devices. What Mastercard’s Paypass does is it uses NFC for digital, cashless payments.
If you have Paypal’s 3.0 app on your Android or Google Wallet on your device, you can pay for transactions in stores that support the technology through your mobile phones, and it’ll be charged to your credit card accounts. Uh-huh. You don’t need your credit cards anymore, just your smartphones.
While quite an exciting development, the adoption rate of the technology has been rather slow this past 2011, where Google Wallet launched in September 19 and Paypal’s 3.0 app launched in November 8. Perhaps the greater digital consumer populace is only starting to feel it out, or perhaps word of its awesomeness has yet to go viral. Whatever it is, it’s sure to change in the next twelve months.
And it’s not just NFC technology. Paypal launched a Facebook social payment app straightforwardly dubbed Send Money in the middle of November this year, which can be used to send payments (or greeting cards with payments) through popular social media site Facebook. So now you just need to log in to your Facebook account like you do probably every day, and when you need to pay someone, you pay them through there. You know the money’s flowing, you just don’t see it anymore.
When industry leaders like Google, Paypal, Mastercard, and even Facebook invests in game-changing developments like NFC, it’s a good bet that it’s the next biggest thing. If not immediately, then somewhere down the line. It’s inevitable. It’s like the next step in terms of finance and economics for humankind: barter turns into gold currency which turns into paper currency which turns into plastic currency which turns into digital currency. But where paper currency was developed for the benefit of large financial institutions and entire nations, digital currency appears to be more for the benefit of the consumer standing in line at the checkout counter.
In an age where everything either turns digital or has a digital counterpart, even money loses its empirical substance and retains only its value. In an age where you handle money without even touching it, what was previously represented in dollar bills and paper is now represented in digital numerals and bytes. While everything points to more ease and convenience for the common folk in the meantime, it’s anyone’s guess what NFC’s cashless, cardless development will lead to in the future.
Who doesn’t love PopCap games? There’s something about them, a mixture nostalgic and incredibly addictive gameplay. Even the most hardcore and casual of gamers have at least had a shot at one PopCap game or another, so why not give yourself a little late Christmas present?
Until January 3, PopCap is having a 50% off sale for their downloadable titles. These include such big names as Plant Vs Zombies, Bejeweled 3, Chuzzle, Bookworm, the Amazing Adventures series, the Escape series and the Mystery P.I. series.
So what are you waiting for? With a range of games and genres, it’s definitely worth taking a look around the site and seeing if any of the games catch your eye. Or maybe you’ve played some of them on Facebook or mobile platforms and would like to see what it’s like on PC or Mac. Either way, this is the best time to grab a bargain!
Check out the PopCap site and make sure you get in quick before January 3!
New on the American Playstation®Store market is SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION’s P.O.W. – Prisoners Of War and PREHISTORIC ISLE. These SNK mini titles are blasts from the past, being brought back from SNK’s Golden Age of action-shooting games from the 80’s.
The release of these two titles is part of a “retro-arcade emulation” project, which aims to bring back the classic gaming experience through a grand collection of action, shooting, platform and action/puzzle titles.
In P.O.W – Prisoners Of War you control a military prisoner who breaks free from his cell, and must fight through waves of incoming enemies in a traditional side scrolling model.
In Prehistoric Isle you pilot a 1930’s airplane, and fight against legions of dinosaurs and cavemen over a tropical island, while collecting items and dodging traps that impede your journey in this horizontal side-scrolling shooter.
P.O.W. – Prisoners Of War and PREHISTORIC ISLE will be available on the PlayStation®Store from Tuesday, December 20, 2011. They are exclusively available on PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) and compatible on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system.
After no word whatsoever about the Wii U all year, we have just recently learned about a launch window for Nintendo’s upcoming console that is sure to take the world by storm. Well, that’s nice and all, but like many of you, I am more intrigued about the software the Wii U will boast at launch. After a rather slow start for the 3DS, Iwata seems to have learned his lesson in how to properly release a console in these modern times, and thankfully sales have now skyrocketed after a very successful holiday for the shiny new handheld.
The big question to many is, just what will the Wii U launch with when it eventually hits shelves? Are we going to see a massive change in third-party support, or is Nintendo going to yet again be forced to pull their load and head out into the marketplace alone?
Let us show you our predictions of what Nintendo might have up their sleeve this time around…for better or worse.
Wii U Sports
Is this an obvious choice? Well, not really. Wii Sports and it’s follow-up, Wii Sports Resort have became two of the best selling video games of all time. Part of this is mainly due to both games being bundled with the Nintendo Wii over the years, but you still have to admit the impact that the Wii Sports series have had in the market during the past generation.
To be honest, I really don’t know what sports are left for a new Wii Sports to cover, but the brand is now a household name and will surely sell by the truckload if pushed on the Wii U. We already know that Miis will be making a return, so another sequel makes perfect sense if you think about it. The only way I could personally see “Wii U Sports” not happening is if Nintendo attempt to change the system’s image before release so that consumers don’t confuse it as a mere upgrade, rather than a brand new console.
New Super Mario Bros. Mii
Yes, this was announced last year as a tech demo, but Nintendo needs a Mario game at launch. In my opinion though, New Super Mario Bros. is now a relic of the past and really shouldn’t be priced at full retail value, Mii additions or not. So what should be done?
Just like Wii Sports, the Wii U would benefit greatly if “New Super Mario Bros. Mii” was included with every new console. Whether it’s a digital download to show off a hard drive or simply a disc, when potential buyers see Mario’s face on the box of Nintendo’s new console, they will feel even more inclined about shoving out a lump sum of cash in one go. Add a couple of new levels and then craft the control scheme around the Wii U’s controller and you have a terrific title, ready to please both the hardcore and casual markets and give us something to enjoy while Nintendo perfect Mario’s true debut on the platform.
Metroid
I know, many of you are probably seeing the word Metroid and thinking another game for the series is not even in the picture at the moment after the financial failure of Other M, especially at a launch. Try to think positive though. Metroid is still a well known series and if any first-party name is going to show us what the Wii U can do visually, no hero is more fit for the role than Samus.
The Wii U’s controller could be utilized to the fullest for scanning environmental objects and there certainly could be room to add some kind of touch screen mechanic if the series went back to the Metroid Prime perspective. Nintendo seem to be trying to cater to the hardcore more this time around with the Wii-U as well, which makes a new Metroid seem like a likely candidate to debut on shelves with the new hardware. Honestly, after the fan backlash from Other M, there isn’t a whole lot left to lose by letting Samus strap on her armor and give it another try.
WarioWare
Why does WarioWare still exist? Sure, Wario is a pretty popular character and the games are fun, but after several incarnations the series still hasn’t seen a ton of success as of yet. That is all for good reason though. Everytime a new console is released, whether it be a handheld or a home platform, WarioWare not only provides hours of fun with quick, nonsensical mini-games, but also shows off just what that unit can do with it’s technology.
If Nintendo want to give us a full view of the Wii U’s capabilities, releasing yet another WarioWare title would indeed be a smart move. Whether it be flicking items at the screen via the touch-controls, trying out those dual-analogs, or getting a feel for the brand new controller in general, Wario and his chaotic gameplay stylings would certainly start off the system with something anyone could jump in and enjoy.
Lego City Stories
I really don’t have much to say with this one. We know it’s coming at launch, and it will probably have some kind of online system utilized. Many gave Nintendo flak for choosing to announce Lego City Stories last year at E3 as the first Wii U title, but I can easily say that GTA with legos sounds fine by me.
What we won’t see by Nintendo at launch
Anything Zelda
Even though Zelda has been getting a ton of love as of late, I can’t really see another journey with Link opening up the Wii U’s lifespan. When one does come, be ready as we are surely to see yet another masterpiece grace the console with a ton of new features added into the esteemed franchise.
Super Smash Bros.
The already announced Super Smash Bros. has already been nixed as well and won’t be seeing life for at least a couple more years.
Kid Icarus
While Nintendo are just now starting to promote Pit’s grand return, a Wii U title is more than likely going to be out of the picture until Masahiro Sakurai finishes Super Smash Bros. for both the 3DS and the Wii-U. If Uprising fails to capture an audience, we might not even see our beloved angel get his own title on the platform, period.
Super Mario Galaxy/World/Land/Boat/Whatever magical kingdom there is left to be explored…
Yes, I said it. There is almost no chance an original Mario game will launch with the Wii U. Why? Because Nintendo care about Mario and would rather master their own platform before rolling out the red carpet for the grand-daddy of gaming.
Pikmin 3
Don’t cry, Pikmin fans. There is a chance we will finally see Olimar make a comeback, but the Pikmin series as a whole just seems better fit on the 3DS. This doesn’t mean that Pikmin won’t see life on the Wii U, but I think a well done portable version would be more preferred than a potentially rushed out the door console title.
The Third Party Factor
At E3, Nintendo were really pushing to let us all know that they have the big publishers at their side for the Wii U. If you look at the 3DS though, many of those same companies made quick delays in their own software to wait for a bigger audience, which may mean that Batman, Ninja Gaiden, and many of the other AAA releases could very well get the same treatment.
With that said, very few publishers stuck with Nintendo for the 3DS’ rocky beginnings, and two of those brave heroes are none other than Ubisoft and Majesco. Now, there wasn’t anything too spectacular put out by either party, but you have to hand it to both companies for at least filling up store shelves and giving us some kind of alternative to Nintendogs. You can bet that both names are already brewing up something for the Wii U’s big premiere.
Assassin’s Creed
We knew it was coming already, but I could easily see a spin-off of the Assassin’s Creed series being released on the Wii U to snag up interest from owners of the Xbox 360 and PS3 right from the start. With the newly revamped friend system, online play would be fantastic and the system’s specs could treat our eyes to graphics never-before-seen on a Nintendo platform. Hopefully the story would be canon as well and open up doors for an exclusive branch-off, but as long as the gameplay is solid I don’t think many are going to mind as fans will finally be able to stab citizens on a Nintendo console.
Raving Rabbids
Ubisoft love launching new hardware with the rabbids and whether you like it or not, there will more than likely be a new title for the console featuring the chaotic bunnies. It’s not a bad idea, really. The first Raving Rabbids was fantastic on the Wii and paved the way for quick and enjoyable party games for this generation. Some may call that a curse when they think about the Wii’s library, but when you add up the numbers of sales versus Nintendo’s other competitors, that formula was successful then and the trend of casual and fun is sure to not pack up and leave anytime soon. Let’s just hope
Splinter Cell
As you have probably noticed, we are more than likely going to see some new (or remade) version of Splinter Cell come out of Ubisoft for the Wii U. This would show fans of shooters just how the system handles the genre and will hopefully be a solid product to start with. I can’t imagine anything other than a Chaos Theory port due to past history alone, but considering the new controls, the game would at least feel like a new experience for most.
Cooking Mama
Ah, yes. Mama. Queen of the handhelds. Just look at the Wii U controller. It screams for some kind of Mama game. I could easily imagine it being used as a cutting board, where players can chop up their delicacies in a brand new way, and I’m sure some new title is in production as I am writing this due to that alone. Cooking Mama is a solid series as it is, but this new platform’s tech could finally give Majesco a reason to take the series in a new direction altogether.
The Darkness II
The Darkness was one title that didn’t get a ton of attention on the Xbox 360 at launch, but has slowly gathered a cult following and became a big name off word of mouth alone. Digital Extremes recently let the world know that the sequel would be a launch title on the Wii U, which gives us a lot of hope on not just the game itself, but all future releases for the console.
Other franchises that are likely to show up at launch:
Some of this:
A bit of that:
Can’t forget this (What would the world do without it?):
and the one and only…
RIDGGGGGE RACCCCCCCCCCCER!
Keep in mind that these predictions are not really a glimpse of what we want to see, but a more realistic way to think of the way the Wii U will actually launch. Will there be more? Probably. Nintendo have surely learned a lot in the past year and will probably ship the system with at least 25 titles from the start. With that said, the more you recall past history, the more you have to think with a more realistic outlook on a launch. All we can do now though is wait for E3 and hope for the best. The Wii U will be successful because it’s Nintendo, and we can just hope that early adopters will see the best lineup possible.
So now you tell us, what do you WANT to see released at launch, and what do you see actually coming out on day one?
The Adventures Of Tintin Remastered Studio: Nelvana Publisher: Madman Platform: DVD(reviewed) Blu-Ray Release: November 30th, 2011 Price: $49.95 – Available Here
Overview
I have fond memories of being a young boy and coming home from school, sitting on the couch and watching the ABC until the nightly news came on. One of my favourite cartoons of this era, in fact it still is one of my favourtie, is The Adventures of Tintin. Now thanks to Madman, I can enjoy all 21 adventures in remastered high quality for years to come.
Story
For those of you who don’t know, The Adventures of Tintin is a cartoon series based on the comics of artist Herge. The story follows a young reporter by the name of Tintin, who finds his way into adventures across the globe. The series, with the exception of a few comments and perhaps the first episode, doesn’t have much to do with reporting. Rather, Tintin is out to foil crooks across the globe due to his Boy Scout ethics. With his faithful dog Snowy by his side, Tintin makes new friends on the travels across the road. The captain on the Karaboudjan, Captain Haddock is the first to help Tintin on his adventures. Alongside somewhat minor characters, such as the Thomson twins and Professor Calculus, recurring villains pop up around the world – all of whom are far too familiar with our young friend Tintin.
To describe the stories in detail would be an act in futility. There are 21 adventures across the animated series, with often links bridging across episodes. Not to mention a cast of recurring characters and backstories to delve into. But, this is one of the things that make The Adventures of Tintin great and will keep you wanting to watch again and again. The stories all come in parts, which are played together to make a 40-minute story with a beginning and end. Sometimes, they will end with a bit of a cliffhanger such as in The Secret of the Unicorn, which continues the story in Red Rackham’s Treasure. The stories have all become classics in their own right thanks to the widespread publications of Herge’s work, and the animated series should be praised for their accurate adaptation of his work.
Visuals
Herge has a unique style of drawing. The characters all have minimalistic features and often reuse facial expressions that perhaps aren’t the most emotive or fitting for the dialogue they are attempting to emphasis. Yet, this is the style Tintin fans have come to know and love. It has been what Tintin has looked like since the 1930’s, and luckily The Adventures of Tintin remastered collection continues this style. Of course remastered doesn’t mean redrawn, so the characters maintain their comic book style. The main difference to note would be the improvement in colour. Where as the original series, on both television and the original DVD releases, was a little washed out, the remastered version boasts a vivid range of colours – making a nice addition to any Tintin collection.
Audio
Theme songs are often an annoyance. I sit there clicking next until the button wears off when watching television series on DVD just so I don’t have to hear that annoying theme song one more time. Not Tintin though. Every time the DVD starts, or an episode starts, the theme song booms out of my speakers and I get excited for the on coming adventure. The music within the show is a little more subdued, yet perfectly fitting – mostly consisting of small pieces performed at ideal moments. A few times the theme song will emerge again to heighten tension and really push forward the sense of adventure. The sound of the remastered series seems to also be revamped to some degree, while maintaining the essence of the original animated series – such as same scores and voice acting.
Extras
I was a little surprised about the lack of bonus content on this DVD collection. My original DVD box set of The Adventures of Tintin had very few special features, none of which were actually worth viewing. I was expecting a little more from a box set boasting to be ‘remastered’ but found myself disappointed. The one feature I did enjoy was the revamping of the DVD menu, which now includes a play all function, but seems to not allow you to choose between part one or two of the episode inside the scene selection function. I would have hoped for a little behind the scenes footage, or for some extra Tintin information – but maybe that will appear in the re-remastered version.
Overall
Everything about The Adventures of Tintin as a series is perfect. The stories, the way that Herge’s classic minimalistic style has been captured and not to mention that amazing theme song. What I take issue with here is the term ‘remastered’. Apart from a little boost to the audio and the revamping of the colour, there isn’t much different to The Adventures of Tintin remastered to the original DVD series that was released a while back. If you don’t own any of the animated adventures of Tintin, I implore you to purchase this remastered series. It’s cheaper and has a lot less packaging than the original box set (could be a con if you actually like box sets, but my shelf is full already!) and has been updated to a higher quality. However, if you’ve already invested your money in The Adventures of Tintin in another DVD format, perhaps this isn’t really worth the extra purchase. Alternately there is the Blu-Ray version of the series, which may actually be worth picking up if you believe Blu-Ray is the way of the future and will provide anything extra. In short, Tintin is Tintin and if you don’t have it, you should.
Kuroko no Basuke (lit. Kuroko’s Basketball) was previously announced to be getting an anime adaptation in Spring 2012 along with it’s Weekly Jump partner Medaka Box.
A promotional trailer for the forthcoming sports anime has recently made it’s way online and can be seen below.
Kuroko no Basuke follows the ‘Generation of Miracles’ High School Basketball team as they try to make it to the Inter-High School Championships. So if you like sports anime your in for a treat; the same general plot you have seen in the past, but different sort of… I guess?
The anime series launches in April 2012 with Production I.G. handling the animation on the series. Let us know what you think of the trailer in the comments section below.
Puma: After Hours Athletes Developers: SCE Studios San Diego — Team Ramrod (High Velocity Bowling), VooFoo Studios (Hustle Kings), Devil’s Details (Top Darts) Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Platform: Playstation 3 (Move Required) Release Date: Out Now Price: AU$44.00
Overview
After Hour Athletes is a game for those who just want to have fun with a group of friends or family. It offers three previously released games on one disk: Hustle Kings, Top Darts and High Velocity Bowling. Sponsored by athletic apparel company Puma, these three games offer a decent party experience. However, it isn’t without flaws, as it doesn’t add anything new to the games on show. So, how does it fare then as a compilation?
Gameplay
After Hour Athletes is a compilation of three previously released Playstation Network releases: Hustle Kings, which is pool, Top Darts, which is darts and High Velocity Bowling, which is ten-pin bowling. So, it does beg the following question: what does Puma have to do with any of these games? I see no Puma branding in any of these games and they were not commissioned by Puma themselves, rather they are first party games released on the PSN. The only mention of the athletics apparel company is on the cover itself. Maybe Puma signed a deal to sponsor this compilation by the sounds of things.
Hustle Kings takes care of the pool side of things in After Hour Athletes. This is the second release of the game, the first being on the PSN back in 2009. It offers four modes of play: offline, where players can enter a tournament, one off match or just mess about, online, which includes leaderboards, quick matches and even allows players to create and join online rooms, training, which the player must complete when they first start the game and career, where the player must complete a set of tasks. Players can play different pool games such as 8-ball and snooker. Players can also pull of trick shots for credit, which is used to unlock extra stuff in the Hustle Shop.
High Velocity Bowling takes players to the bowling alley. Like Hustle Kings, it offers several modes of gameplay, including online play, tournaments and exhibition modes. Players will choose characters with their own stats and bowl in themed bowling lanes. Outside of the regular modes of gameplay, High Velocity Bowling offers a Challenge Mode. It is divided into three sections. A first place is required in order to successfully progress within the mode. There is also Head 2 Head mode, where, by winning it, each character will gain extra points towards their stats.
Top Darts turns that classic pub game darts into a party experience without the possible brawling. It offers the usual modes of play, like exhibition and online play, with official games and rules, like the popular 501, where the players must exactly reach 0 points from 501 points, which must include a double or triple during the last rounds of throwing to win the game. However, Top darts also adds a few interesting mini-games to keep the party going. One such mini-game is Stack Up, which involves the player hitting the numbers on the dart board that corresponds with blocks on the right hand side. It is a mix of darts and Tetris one could say.
The Playstation Move works very well with all three games. With Hustle Kings, the player holds down the T button and motions pulling back and pushing forward a cue, like they would in the real game. With High Velocity Bowling, one has to set themselves up before actually bowling. When the player is ready to bowl, players hold the T button and just bowl, similar to that of Wii Bowling. Spin is added by twisting the wrist. For Top Darts, a target appears on the screen, which is where the player wants to throw the dart. Then, with the T button, they throw. The power and arc of the throw is measured and that affects the final position of the dart. It is quite accurate and responsive. However, High Velocity Bowling may scare off the more casual players as it does require more time to master than the other two games.
However, the compilation does lack one thing. Although it offers all of the downloadable content that has already seen a release, it does not offer any new content, instead, it is straight to disk with already released content. This may detract any potential consumers who are looking for some extra excuse to pick up the games. In saying that, this compilation is much cheaper to purchase than buying the games and its DLC separately on the PSN. Also, playing it with the Playstation 3 controller is out of the question this time around. The Playstation Move is a must, despite previous releases having support for the Playstation 3 controller. This pushes aside another set of potential customers who are not ready or have no desire to purchase the Playstation Move just yet.
Visuals and Audio
The visuals for all three games are quite impressive, considering they are all over a year old. Hustle Kings is well polished in terms of their pool tables and balls. In High Velocity Bowling, the cartoonish look of the characters show this is a game with a light hearted approach. In saying that, can the lanes actually be more polished? The oil coating alone can become a new mirror. Top Darts also offers fantastic visuals. The boards are designed well. The more far out designs are visually spectacular.
The audio of the games are average at best. Hustle Kings offers a variety of sounds to accompany those battles on the pool table. These range from jazz to lounge. It offers a great atmosphere, but don’t expect to whistle these tunes anytime soon. High Velocity Bowling mixed some of that jazz music with some 50’s rock and the result isn’t that impressive, more often annoying than enjoyable. Top Darts offers some commentary in the form of the “Voice of Darts” Sid Waddell, as well as some background noise. However, expect your fellow players and observers to be your true Top Darts soundtrack.
Overall
For those who missed out on these three games the first time around, this isn’t a bad package. It is an offer of three games which use the Playstation Move. However, it is a big ask for those who already have at least one of these games. The motion control is quite accurate and responsive, like most Move games, but only offers the basics of gameplay, creating a repetitive experience. The visuals and the audio are average at best. What it does offer, however, is fun for everyone when one has to entertain their friends.
Upstart independent game development company DMD Enterprises recently informed Capsule Computers that their first game, Uprising44: The Silent Shadows, will be released late in the second quarter of 2012. Game publisher Cenega will be launching the game in PC, Mac, and Xbox platforms across Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary initially.
Uprising44 is a third person shooter that incorporates tactical real time strategy in its gameplay, which sets players as commanding officers of a squad of Poland resistance fighters during the momentous Warsaw Uprising of 1944. Among the few tactical aspects of the game include dealing with munitions shortages, logistics issues, and constant safety concerns for the player’s squad during the fighting.
Uprising44 is the first WWII game to revolve around the failed 1944 Warsaw Uprising, where the Polish resistance Home Army rose to meet German forces occupying Poland in light of an imminent Red Army invasion. The game focuses on sabotage and firefight missions for the players, all the while highlighting the struggles and hardships of the Polish resistance fighters in historically accurate representations of actual events and locations in the Warsaw Uprising.
Check out behind-the-scenes footage of the live-action trailer shoot for the upcoming title and images below.
Beyblade: Metal Masters Developer: Hudson Publisher: Konami Platform: Nintendo DS Release Date: November 14th, 2011 Price: $42.95 Available Here
Overview:
‘Let it rip!’ – That iconic phrase echoes in the memory of thousands who grew up watching the Beyblade anime and it resonates true with the entire premise of the series. That being fast paced action with an addictive game at the core of it all.
That addictive game is Beyblades, a spin on the classic spin top style game, with players challenging each other to see whose Beyblade will be the last standing. In classic anime fashion, the Beyblades of course contain magical monsters that can battle one another.
Kids nation-wide enjoy the Beyblades series and addictively collect the physical Beyblade spin top merchandise. While the real life Beyblades may be addictive, does that addictive nature carry over to this video-game, Beyblade: Metal Masters?
Story: Fans of the Beyblade: Metal Masters anime series will be sure to enjoy this games story which focuses on the ‘Nightmare Rex’ story arc. Characters battle in a Beyblade tournament at a cemetery of all places.
It works well for the arcade mode in which it features, but unfortunately once the arcade mode is completed (which can take about an hour at most) there is literally no other story to continue playing, it’s just over.
I was disappointed to say the very least, but fans of the show should have enough fun playing against all their favourite characters from the anime series. However one major gripe I stumbled upon is that, the majority of the characters speak in broken English most of the time, due to a clearly poor job done by the translator. In the end though it is more humorous than damaging to the game.
Gameplay:
Let me start off by saying this; there was a lot of potential in Beyblade: Metal Masters. As you can imagine I say that because it never achieves what it’s potential promises. Instead the gameplay turns out to be an inconsistent mess with a control system that makes little to no sense and necessitates the instruction manual in order to know how to play.
The haphazard control system is a good place to start. It’s biggest problem is it’s lack of common sense. The very fact that it is pretty much impossible to play without consulting the instruction manual (an action the game actually asks you to take) for contols, is a red flag right there. Put simply, the controls are overly complicated and ultimately require the player to button mash and hope that they win.
This control issue, creates another problem – there is no strategy. You essentially win matches by seeing how fast you can mash the buttons (an action that is also required to launch your Beyblade funnily enough). If you go into the game thinking that there would be some more strategy to the control system and gameplay mechanics, you are quickly proven wrong once you figure out how to actually play.
Thankfully it’s not all doom and gloom, while the actual battles are monotonous and control terribly, there is actually an in depth Beyblade customization system that redeems a lot of the games poorer qualities. The system is deep and allows a great deal of choice in how a player wants to craft their Beyblade. It would certainly be a nice treat for fans, wanting to recreate their real life Beyblade in game.
Visuals and Audio: From a visual standpoint, Beyblade: Metal Masters is exactly what you’d expect, a largely 2D game with semi-3D battles. Sure it is true to the series, but it just makes up an overall boring aesthetic design for the title. Which is really disappointing given the visual delight that the anime series can be.
If the game’s graphics and presentation could support the action and energy of the anime then it would’ve been a much more better visual product in the end. Sadly it ends up being bland, in every sense of the word.
Thankfully there is a silver lining, that being the games soundtrack, which is a pleasure to listen to during gameplay. It provides a well suited backing for the game and makes up for the majority of the excitement and atmosphere of the game.
All in all, like the rest of the story and gameplay, there is just as much inconsistency here, which really lets down something that had so much potential.
Overall:
In the end, this is a Beyblades game for the Nintendo DS, it was never going to be a gaming masterpiece. It could have at the very least however been a great game. Especially when you take into account how much potential a franchise such as this has to make a great video game.
That is why it is a very sad thing to say, that Hudson has made a grave misstep in the production of this game. It simply required so much more polish and attention to the finer details. All things that Hudson seemed to have completely overlooked when they were constructing this incredibly ill-conceived anime tie-in.
If you are a fan of the anime series, there have been better Beyblade games in the past that you would probably enjoy more than this. But there is enough here for fans to garner some level of enjoyment from. Just don’t expect to not notice the glaring problems that plague the title from the minute it starts.
New in Vivec Entertainment news is their revealing of their first game Shadow of a Soul: Chapter 1. This game is a first person-survival horror game whose story is rich in riddles, enigmas and horrors. This is the first in a planned trilogy, set in a traditional adventure paradigm; players are required to solve puzzles, search for clues and uncover the mysteries locked within the story.
Chapter 1 of this trilogy revolves around the protagonist Jack, a thief who is on an industrial espionage mission to steal blueprints of a new product. Yet once Jack finds his way into the office complex he starts to realize his mission is more than he had bargained for. Unnatural sounds and horrifying visions begin to unravel before his eyes; he has become the target of a malevolent presence and is refused to leave. This frightening journey will lead him through terrifying events and encounters which will haunt him until the end of his days. The first trailer, The Room, illustrates the confusion and horror as seen through a man as he experiences his final moments on tape, which can be seen below.
Shadow of a Soul: Chapter 1 has been in development for over a year and contains between 12-16 hours of game play. The game will retail at $19.99. It has been developed primarily for Windows and Macintosh platforms, however, a PS3 version of the game will be released in 2013.
