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Prometheus: Trailers for a trailer and beginner’s guide

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December 20, 2011

Sci fi fans take note, Prometheus is coming. But why should you care about this big budget science fiction horror epic? If you need more reason than that- read on…

It’s directed by Ridley Scott, the man who brought the world sci fi classics Alien and Blade Runner. When first announced Prometheus was due to be a continuation of the Alien universe, a two part prequel exploring the origin of the ‘Space Jockey’ (the pilot of the ruined ship encountered at the beginning of Alien, thought to be part of the race that created the xenomorphs) .

Although it still contains some influence from the Alien universe (as can be seen from Scott’s comments below, originally from an interview with Filmophilia) Prometheus has since grown to become a film to stand on it’s own, certainly drawing on the mythology of the Alien universe, but not restrained by the ever horrific ‘sci fi prequel’ tag:

“I think one of the reasons why I’ve never gone back to science-fiction, even though I’ve often noodled around, thought about it, looked for story, looked for material, is that there’s a nice purity to the original ‘Alien’. It’s fairly pure. And [‘Prometheus’] does actually raise all kinds of other questions, because if someone could, a being, could be as monstrously clever to create something like we experienced in the very first one [ie. the ‘Alien’ xenomorph] – I always figured it’s a weapon, and I always figured that [the ship in the first ‘Alien’] was a carrier of weapons. Therefore, who is that, inside that [Space Jockey] suit? That wasn’t a skeleton, that was a suit. And if you open up the suit, what do you get inside it? And why were they going, where were they going?”

[pro-player width=’530′ height=’253′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anJMjzpmHa8[/pro-player]

Now, if you know anything about Greek mythology the name Prometheus will be familiar. Although it’s the name of a ship in the movie, looking at it in a more metaphorical sense can maybe shed a bit of light on the plot and tone of the film. Prometheus was one of the Titans of Ancient Greece, an old god whole stole the gift of fire from Zeus to bestow it upon humanity. What did he get for his trouble? Eternal punishment. Prometheus was chained to a rock and had an eagle tear out and eat his liver, and being a god, his liver would grow back, so this happened every day.

Eternal punishment via disembowelment for bringing a hidden power to a lesser race. Hm. What could that possibly entail? Of course the official synopsis for Prometheus has been released, and goes like this:

Ridley Scott, director of “Alien” and “Blade Runner,” returns to the genre he helped define. With PROMETHEUS, he creates a groundbreaking mythology, in which a team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a thrilling journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.

Now, in the same interview quoted above, Scott ruled out any possibility of the infamous xenomorphs appearing , making accurate use of the phrase “squeezed it dry” along the way. But by no means does that mean Prometheus will be lacking in horror, and possibly some new nasties. The two teasers released today (trailers for a trailer if you will, with the full trailer released tomorrow) show off a few glimpses of the action, and Scott himself discusses the team of characters coming across “dangerous elements that…are capable of eviscerating all of them”. Eviscerating. Nice.

[pro-player width=’530′ height=’253′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn3YouxdY5k[/pro-player]

So the set up is rich in mythology and being handled by an incredible director who knows the world like the back of his hand. What about the rest? Well writing duties have been taken care of by Damon Lindelof, whose name will be familiar to anyone who has ever seen Star Trek (yay), Lost (yay?) or Cowboys and Aliens (hm). Casting wise there’s quality all round – lead Michael Fassbender is one of the industry’s biggest rising stars, you’ve probably seen him in X-Men First Class as Magneto, and probably not seen him in the fantastic Hunger, where he played Bobby Sands , leader of the 1981 IRA Hunger Strike, to disturbing perfection.

Watchmen’s Patrick Wilson, Idris Elba and Guy Pearce round out the XY side of the cast, with the women bolstered by Oscar winner Charlize Theron and the original Girl with the Dragon Tattoo – Noomi Rapace (also to be seen shortly in the second Sherlock Holmes film).

There’s a lot to be excited about, and the snippets we see in the teasers today will no doubt pale in comparison to what the trailer reveals tomorrow (fingers crossed). Prometheus is due in cinemas in June next year, so keep an eye out for more news and trailers from Capsule Computers.

Battlefield 3: Back to Karkand Review

Luke Halliday

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December 20, 2011

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Battlefield 3: Back to Karkand
Developer: DICE
Publisher: EA
Platforms: Xbox 360 (reviewed), PS3, PC
Release Date: December 14th, 2011
Price: $15.00 Available Here

Overview:
A major qualm I have with downloadable content is that more often than not, the pricing is way off. As you can imagine, I am referring to downloadable content that is simply more costly than it is worth. Unfortunately for Battlefield 3’s first DLC map pack, that is the case.

Back to Karkand is comprised of older maps (albeit reinvented), along with some minor new additions. While that is all well and good, is it really worth $15.00?

Content:
Let’s be honest here, there is a pretty decent amount of content in the Back to Karkand DLC pack, that is for sure. But the problem is that, it almost feels as though it should have already been a part of the game from the get-go.

I find it difficult to comprehend why this DLC is not free or why it was not originally in the game itself to begin with. The ‘new’ maps, if you want to call them ‘new’ are as a matter of fact ‘old’ maps. Fans of the series who have stuck around for the long haul, would most certainly have played these maps previously in Battlefield 2, while it is a nice nostalgic kick back for those players, it is also a point of fault with this DLC.

It is a DLC pack that rewards new players instead of the series veterans. Instead of providing new content for players, the easy route was taken in simply revamping the old maps, knowing a lot of the newcomers would not know any different. If you had played these maps in Battlefield 2, besides added destructible environments and updated graphics, there is very little else you have not seen before. It is a sad thing that EA have chosen to reward those just jumping on with the series instead of those who purchase each and every single title with the Battlefield name.

The maps themselves are as good as they ever were and many of the games bugs are patched with the compulsory 2 gigabyte patch (along with the size of the DLC itself that was definitely a knife to the gut of my download limit for the month). The stand out addition in the entire map pack is perhaps the least marketed update – Conquest Assault. A new gameplay mode, which is a variation on the Conquest mode. It’s a nice little addition, that gives a little more mileage to the update.

All in all, there is truthfully not anything too enticing for veteran players to sink their teeth into, with just plain sucks. If you are new to the series however, you will have more than enough to appease your lust for more Battlefield content.

Visuals and Audio:
Back to Karkand looks just as good as the rest of Battlefield 3 does, which means that the new maps are treated to Frostbite 2 powered up-scaling, making the maps look as good as they ever have and then some. There is definitely no disputing that the maps look great.

The same can be said for the DLC’s sound. It is essentially just like the rest of Battlefield 3, which is pretty damn good. Unfortunately all the bells and whistles of the the updated graphics, can not hide the fact that this DLC is ultimately a hollow update that is little more than a graphical enhancement of an old games maps. Fans will get a kick out seeing the maps with new graphics and sound quality, but that will wear off into a sense of disappointment.

Overall:
As a whole, Back to Karkand should not have been paid DLC and it most certainly should have already been in the game from launch. It provides veteran players with a brief waft of nostalgia, but once that wears off all that is left is nothing but remorse. I am sad to say that, Back to Karkand is not worth the asking price and if you were smart enough to pre-order the game to get the DLC for free, the more power to you.

It is a sad day, when the Battlefield franchise, a once highly regarded series, has taken such a fall from grace, to the shallow depths of punishing their fans in ways only ‘that other FPS franchise’ would. Back to Karkand is ultimately a shallow cash-in and certainly not a very covert one at that.

Heroes and Heralds DLC Available This Week For UMvC 3

Joshua Spudic

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December 20, 2011

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The Heroes and Herald DLC mode for Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 will be available for Australian owners this week, Capcom has announced. Heroes & Heralds is a separate mode available via the Playstation Network and Xbox Live Arcade. Players will choose between two factions – Heroes or Heralds– and will engage in a series of battles with the opposing side to help save the world or take it over. Gameplay in the Heroes & Heralds mode will be altered through the acquisition of Ability cards that range from basic alterations (speed boost) to game-changing, combo enhancing powers (invisibility or ability to pass through projectiles). Cards can be used in online and offline versions of the Heroes & Heralds modes as well as the training mode. Ability cards are based on classic Marvel and Capcom characters.

The mode will also be available packed in with the Playstation Vita version of the game. The PS Vita edition of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 will also feature online and local multiplayer, touchscreen functionality, NEAR in addition to the features found in the PS3 version. It also includes a Spectator Mode and Replay function that allows players to watch or share exciting matches over Wi-Fi. The Gold Herald colour option and “Ultimate Controller” (a mode where the PS Vita turns into a controller for the PS3 version) are also exclusive to the Vita.

The console version is now available at stores everywhere. The Playstation Vita version will be available to all Australians on February 23 2012, the same day that the Playstation Vita will launch in Australia. Capcom also released a trailer and the Australia cover art, which you can see below.

The Music of Mass Effect 3

Claire Phillips

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December 20, 2011

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In the visual world of video games sound is often an overlooked element – but there’s no denying that it’s absolutely critical to the atmosphere and emotion of a game – something that isn’t lost on Mass Effect 3 developers Bioware. Bioware games are, of course, all about the story, so the music to accompany the tale is of paramount importance, especially when it comes to the end of a trilogy which will no doubt be packed with epic and emotional scenes that affect the galaxy and Shepard alike.

Composers working on the grand finale of Commander Shepard’s story include Clint Mansell, a Golden Globe nominated composer most famous for his work on the films of Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, The Wrestler and Requiem for a Dream) and returning series composers Christopher Lennertz (Horrible Bosses), Cris Velasco (the God of War series), Sam Hulick and Sascha Dikiciyan. Casey Hudson, Executive Producer on Mass Effect 3, had this to say about the importance of soundtrack to the series:

“The magic of BioWare games has always been the emotional power of the story, so music is extremely important to the experience. With Mass Effect 3, we’re taking players on a more personal journey, even though the scope is bigger than ever – an all-out galactic war! Each composer has played an intricate role in delivering the combination of epic scope and delicate emotion that will make Mass Effect 3 the best game in the series.”

You can click here for a taste of what’s to come from the composer’s of Mass Effect 3.

Capsule Computers Podcast Episode 036 – Happy Holidaze

Alexis Ayala

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December 20, 2011

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It’s out last show before the Holidays and we’re extremely thankful for the Humble Indie Bundle 4, and you should be too! We get into Miyamoto possibly creating an exit strategy from Nintendo, the new Xbox Dashboard update and get crazy with a new Game Show segment.

Cast: Alexis Ayala, Luke Halliday, Michael Marr & Josh Spudic

Music for this podcast by, Krapo and The J. Arthur Keenes Band

Thanks for listening and let us know what you think!

• SUBSCRIBE: iTunes Podcast Channel | Podcast RSS Feed

• DOWNLOAD: iTunes | M4A (right click/save as)

Check out our enhanced M4A shows with selectable chapters, changing artwork and links to all the stories right from your player!

Send all your video game or podcast questions, hints, suggestions and feedback to [email protected]

STORIES COVERED IN THIS PODCAST:

Miyamoto Creating an Exit Strategy from Nintendo?: The Internet Explodes

3DS Makes Some Sales Records: …Finally

360 Dashboard Update: Luke VS Alexis

My Xbox iOS App: Microsoft and Apple Shaking Hands

Vita Unable to Use Multiple PSN Accounts: Faceplant to Sony

Humble Indie Bundle 4: All is Made of Love

Sacha Baron Cohen’s The Dictator Official Trailer

Roger Ma

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December 20, 2011

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An official trailer to Sacha Baron Cohen’s latest flick ‘The Dictator’ has finally been officially released. The man behind Ali G, Borat, and Brüno, Cohen takes on the role as a “ruthless” Middle East dictator. The premises of the movie is said to be based off Zabibah and the King, a novel by written by none other than former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein himself, as well as former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. But by no means is this a ‘serious’ film about Middle Eastern dictatorship. Much like Cohen’s previous films this movie is a comedy satire and like all of Cohen’s films it’s sure to raise some good old controversy.

The Dictator is set to be released in cinemas in 2012, check out the trailer below and see what you think

Renegade Ops DLC hits tomorrow!

Claire Phillips

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December 20, 2011

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Remember Renegade Ops? That rather awesome twin stick shooter that released on PC, PSN and XBLA? Well you should, because it was fantastic. Released by SEGA and boasting the same game engine as big brother game Just Cause, Renegade Ops provided a decent chunk of explosive heavy action, and gained a highly respectable 8 out of 10 here at Capsule Computers.

SEGA have just announced some details for two DLC packs to be released on December 21. The Coldstrike Campaign continues the storyline of the main game, bringing a new villain to the fore with three new missions set in ice cold environments. Priced at £3.59/€4.49/AUD$6.25 for the PlayStation Network, and 400MSP for Xbox LIVE Arcade, Coldstrike will include new enemies and challenges for the seasoned Renegades out there.

The second DLC pack is more of a character expansion set, adding two new heroes to bring the total number of playable Renegades up to five. Crystal and Blazemo bring a custom armoured vehicle and an off road racer to the game, each with their own unique abilities to take down the enemy ranks. The Reinforcement Pack (Vehicle Pack in the US) will be priced at £1.99/€2.49/ AUD$3.45 for the PlayStation Network, and 240MSP for Xbox LIVE Arcade.

In case you missed out on the glorious explosion rich goodness that is Renegade Ops, check out the Accolades trailer below.

Gantz Movie 1 Review

Luke Halliday

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December 20, 2011

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Gantz Movie 1
Studio: NTV
Publisher: Madman (AU), Viz Media (US)
Language: Japanese (Subtitled)
Release Date: December 14th, 2011
Price: $29.95- Available Here

Overview:
The Japanese are known for their faithful live-action anime adaptations. With the majority of Japanese produced live-action adaptations, capturing the tone and feel of the adaptation, even if it differs slightly to fit the format of a film more appropriately.

Gantz Movie 1 is one of those films that takes liberties with it’s source material while being completely faithful to the feeling of the manga and anime series it adapts. Not only that, but it succeeds at being a jaw-dropping adrenaline rush of an action film.

While that may be true, is Gantz Movie 1, all action and no substance? How does the cookie crumble?

Story:
Fans of the series would know that Gantz is not known for it’s sensitivity. This film is every bit as brutal as it’s manga and anime roots, and then some. Through that brutality, Gantz lays claim to it’s no holds barred tale of a mysterious otherworldly black orb, ordering humans to undertake death defying alien hunting missions.

Gantz takes a familiar concept and flips it on its head. The ‘deadly games’ trope has been used in multiple films, tv series and more, but none have utilised it like Gantz has.

In Gantz, there is always a feeling that these ‘deadly games’ are indeed incredibly deadly. From the very first mission that fact is pounded into viewers minds as they witness the utter carnage of what would at first appear to be the films cast. There is certainly an ‘anyone can die’ precedent set in this film and it stays true to that idea throughout.

The films story is both highly engaging and will have you on the edge of your seat. It is easily one of most violent films of the year and a case could be made for most suspenseful at that. There is a truckload of utter excitement packed into this film, so much so that I could not help but be disappointed by the plot threads left hanging at the films conclusion.

Thankfully there is a second film that will conclude the story and with one this huge, it definitely needed it. Unfortunately the movie just does not feel complete on it’s own and definitely conveys the feeling that it should be watched with the second film immediately following it.

Besides that minor problem, the film stands well on it’s own in terms of cinematic experience. However it ends in a way not unlike the first Lord of the Rings film. It just hangs, begging you to keep watching something that is superficially detached from it. Other than that, the film tells an harsh tale of survival and the corruption that accompanies power.

Visuals and Audio:
Now this is where Gantz shines. On an aesthetic level it is an absolute feast for the eyes, it may sound strange to say but there is something beautiful about this films style and the way its scenes were directed. The action sequences are stylish as hell and are more stunning then anything Hollywood has done in years.

The special effects are all incredibly well done, so much so that I found my self awestruck at some truly brilliant scenes. The final mission in particular was an amazing showcase of the films visual quality. Not only that, but the characters costumes were incredibly well designed and were very true to the source material, right down to the nitty gritty details of the suits.

As for the audio, Gantz features a great soundtrack full of fist-pumping anthems of survival and mellow tunes overflowing with mystery. There was never a point in the film in which I considered the music to be out of place. As a whole it was a great showing for the film, which already features brilliant visuals accompanied by an enthralling story-line.

Extras:
Gantz Movie 1, features a great deal of special features packaged in with the DVD. A lot of which most releases tend to ignore these days. That being a ‘Making of Gantz‘ featurette that goes in depth about the films production, interviews with the cast and crew (a true rarity in DVD releases these days), trailers and TV spots of the film.

All of these add even further replay value to an already awesome package from Madman Entertainment. It is clear that Gantz has been given 5 star treatment from Madman and for it’s special features alone, its enough reason to warrant a place on your shelf.

Overall:
It has been a very long time since a film has engaged me in the way that Gantz did. I was completely enthralled from start to finish, desperately wanting to continue to partake in witnessing the dangerous games that would be forced upon these people. That may sound sadistic, but the violence in this film is aesthetically pleasing to the point that some of the films brutality takes on a tinge of romance. Now that is a notion I did not expect from the film.

All in all, it is a dark movie that is most certainly not for the kids. It would however be a great film for anyone who can handle the hardcore violence on show in Gantz. Just follow the ratings kids and you’ll be fine!

If you have ever had an interest in checking out what Japanese cinema has to offer, Gantz Movie 1 would be an excellent place to start, that is pertaining that you can handle it. For those that can handle what it has to show, prepare yourself for one hell of a ride. Gantz is definitely not for the light-hearted and is absolutely a film for those with a taste for intelligent action. That is how the Gantz live-action cookie crumbles.

All-New Ford Fusion Augmented Reality Application

Kyle Moore

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December 20, 2011

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Ever wanted to drive a Ford car but just can’t afford one? Or perhaps you live in a family of “Holden People” who refuse to let their child purchase a Ford! Regardless of why you’d want to experience the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion, all smartphone users now can with this new augmented reality application.

With the application, users can virtually test drive the all-new Ford Fusion, immersing themselves in driving environments and videos to learn about the design and features of the car. More of the car will be exposed each day. This vehicle will be the “Official Car of the 2012 International CES” and will be introduced at the show by Ford CEO Alan Mulally and Consumer Electronics Association CEO Gary Shapiro.

The app operates on the Android and iOS operating systems, and tablets such as the iPad and Droid. Finding and capturing a Ford logo using the mobile device’s camera initiates the augmented reality experience. Operating like a video game, the app will allow users to drive a digitally camouflaged new Fusion on a track towards videos that features insights into the Fusions technology and design.

For more information visit http://fordfusionapp.com

Over 321,000 Vita Units Sold Over First Weekend

Joshua Spudic

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December 20, 2011

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The Playstation Vita has sold 321, 407 units its first weekend on the Japanese market, according to figures from Enterbrain and reported by Famitsu.com (via Andriasang). The sales figure covers both December 17, the launch day, and December 18. In contrast, the Nintendo 3DS sold 371,326 units over its first two days on the market while first day PSP sales reached 166,074 units all the way back in December 2004.

Omitted from the sales figure was the percentage of stock sold, which would have helped determine the first day shipping figures. Reports suggest, however, that the initial shipping figures could have reached 700,000 units for the launch day. Andriasang believes that the figure will be released when both Media Create and ASCII release their own Vita figures sometime in the week.