Ubisoft are having a little celebration at the moment – not only is it the season to be jolly, but the company is celebrating it’s 25th birthday. To celebrate this cheery little triumvirate of events (that’s Christmas, New Year, and Ubi-birthday), the Rabbids have brought us yet another little bit of bunny themed distraction.
Have a watch of the video via the link below and you’ll find yourself transported to an alternate universe where the Rabbids have taken over the Ubisoft studios for one sinister purpose – to throw giant Ubisoft themed pies everywhere. There is actually a little web game behind all this, and the highest scorer will walk away with a copy of Just Dance 3, Rayman Origins and Assassin’s Creed Revelations – not too shabby. To enter all you have to do log in with your Ubisoft Uplay account, fling a pie across the Google map of the world, and register your score – “the pie’s the limit” (Ubisoft’s awful pun, not mine) and the highest score walks away with the games.
Just click on the link below to check out the video, which will in turn lead you straight to a bit of pie throwing.
EA has added to its list of free-to-play games for iOS, announcing today that FIFA Superstars and Theme Park would be unleashed upon the app store.
FIFA Superstars brings the popular Facebook game to your nearest iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch. Players can choose their favourite football superstars, from Rooney to Kaka, and manage their ultimate team. They can then take their teams and pit them against those of their friends, all the while buying, trading, and training players over the course of an in-game season.
Meanwhile, Theme Park brings the bestselling series to iOS devices as a completely new gaming experience. Players will create, manage, and develop their own theme parks with attractions, rides, and shops. They can also complete quests to level-up and unlock new features, or they can simply play indefinitely and build up their park right away. Finally, Super Tickets can be purchased to accelerate profit and construction times, as well as unlocking new rides and shops early.
Much like the other freemium games offered by EA, FIFA Superstars and Theme Park offer players the choice of playing entirely for free or laying down some cash for an enhanced experience.
A free voice recognition update for Scribblenauts Remix on the iPhone 4S is out now. Released back in October earlier this year, Scribblenauts Remix is the port of the successful Nintendo DS game. Now with voice recognition the Scribble Speck voice feature allows players to now speak to their game to create object in their game world, rather than typing them out. Just by tapping on the keyboard microphone icon Scribble Speak will pop up which allows for play to simple speak in objects they want. This new feature is only available for iPhone 4S and is completely free via the latest update.
Scribblenauts Remix is available on App Store for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Developer: Nintendo Publisher: Nintendo Platform: Wii Release Date: Out Now! Price: US$49.99 (Buy Here)/ AU$79.99(Buy Here)
Overview
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is easily one of the best Zelda games ever made. The title is one massive adventure that goes from beautiful locations to unique locations at every path. The game has a magnificent scope, a variety of quests and a very memorable cast. All of these elements go together brilliantly and form one of the best games ever.
Story
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword has a very well written and excellent story that blends the best parts of previous Zelda experiences and has a very similar feel to watching an anime series, which is not a detriment at all. What was particularly interesting was the direction that the story proceeded in. While it is a typical heroes journey style story, the way the characters interacted, the way the world changed around them and the way that the quest was presented within the story was a truley unique experience.
What was particularly interesting with the story in this game was the way that it casts light on the origins of both the Master Sword and potentially Hyrule itself. In Skyward Sword, the world is set in a pre-Hyrule state, which means that humans have not yet created a kingdom upon it’s soil and renamed all of the locales. This means that over the course of your journey, you will have minimal amounts of human contact while on the surface world, while having wholly human contact in the land of Skyloft. Even though you will have negligible contact with other humans within the bulk of the quest, the variety of creatures that were present in this pre-Hyrule world all have their own interesting characters that interact and assist Link in his quest to save Zelda. I mean, really, the characters are what make the story interesting and without them, it’d just be a green dude running around to save this girl for next to no reason.
What’s even more interesting in this title is the use of time travel, as not only a gameplay element, but a storytelling one as well. In the title, there are various uses of time travel help to establish the origins of some of the stories more predominant figures, as well as a way of increasing drama and tension within itself. It’s really hard to talk about this story element without getting spoiler-y, but it plays a huge role in Links quest, and is also behind a driving factor and motivation for a large portion of the game.
The biggest story element in this title is most obviously the Master Sword herself. The character/device has been on display since the game was announced, so it was obvious that this time, it’d be playing a large role in the story. The thing about the Master Sword in Skyward Sword is that it raises questions about the future of itself. It is highly likely that the Master Sword in this game is the same one as in the future, yet, it’s primary inhabitant and personality, Fi, is never mentioned in any Zelda game further down the timeline (assuming there is one). Fi’s story within the game is one that many players will probabaly overlook, but, it is also one of the most interesting – assuming you pay attention to it. It is also a point that raises much speculation about, not only the Master Sword, but the origins of the Zelda Universe itself.
Of course, the last main story piece I want to talk about is the Story of Hyrule itself. In this game, Hyrule has not yet been united by the King (This happens a decade or two before Ocarina of Time, if I recall correctly), so it is a land separated by earth and sky. The Goddess and the evil Demise had a war at some point in this lands history and because of this, the Goddess sent all humans up into the sky to live peacefully until such a time arrived that the chosen hero would be able to come down and save the world. Because of this, the world has a small handful of ruins and religious temples that all take a large role in the story. What’s more is that there are still godlike creatures living amongst the soil, who have been appointed by the Goddess herself to aid the hero in his journey. Unfortunately, for gods, they seem to be weakening and at least one of them is dying.
One of the best examples that showcase the history of the land, is the section of land that houses The Imprisoned. Lined across the walls of the earth are some rather striking pieces of art that seem to showcase some kind of historical account of the world. One could easily assume it is the story of how The Imprisoned was imprisoned, but, the art is the same 1000 years before your first encounter with him. Further, the look and design of the temples within the game, as well as their technological backgrounds, add further mystery and food for thought as to the origins of the land, and the story. Who was this Goddess, was she some kind of God? Or was she someone really good with technology? What does this mean for the future of Hyrule, is all other magic just a form of misunderstood technology?
The story of this game casts so much doubt on what we believe to be true in the previous Zelda games, while also telling a gripping tale of its own.
Gameplay
The easiest way to discuss the gameplay of this title is to suggest that it is very similar to previous 3D Zelda titles. I mean sure, there are a few enhancements, but why change the fundamental gameplay characteristics if they aren’t exactly broken? However, I will say that this is probably one of the most fun Zelda games to play, and the way that many items interact with the Wii Motion+ really enhances the overall experience of the game.
Skyward Sword is a behind-view third-person action/adventure game with very puzzling puzzle elements. I know that you can make a case for saying that this is actually an RPG, but, the decisions that you scantily get to make that isn’t deciding to move in a fashion to get you to a goal do not affect the world all that much. Sure, interacting with certain characters a certain way will get them to say a different line of text, but there isn’t much difference, storywise, as to what you say or do to them. Another argument that one can upgrade their weaponry and items within the game. But I counter with the fact that upgrading them only makes them cooler, but they still have no bearing on choosing how the world reacts to your presence that much more.
What’s even worse with the crafting system is that I found it incredibly hard to get the materials that I needed to fully upgrade my items. This isn’t a detriment to the system though, as players who enjoy collecting obscure items will be greatly rewarded and this is even more enhanced by the bug collecting system within the game. THE BUG NET IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST FUN ITEMS TO PLAY WITH IN THE GAME!!! So is the beetle, especially when you upgrade it so that it can carry bombs.
The Beetle is an item, not an insect, that you obtain in the game and is also the best example, that isn’t the bug net, of the Wii Motion+ controls within the game. By using the Wiimote as a stand-in for the beetle, you can manipulate the in game beetle by using your wii remote as a basis for its movements. I personally found that holding the Wiimote like a pencil was the best method of control for such devices in the game. This also holds true for the birds that you fly whilst in Skyloft.
The birds, like the boat in Windwaker, are the primary method of transportation by the humans living in Skyloft. You, as a human from Skyloft, also have your own bird. Controlling the bird is as simple as tilting your Wiimote around as though the tip of it is the birds beak. As I previously mentioned, I found it much easier to control whilst holding the controller like a Pencil.
Swordfighting. This game has a huge emphasis on 1:1 movements with the Sword in the game. Fortunately the controls are quite responsive, except for when they are not. There were a few instances, not that many but all were crucial, where the controller would not responds correctly to my movements. Overhead vertical, turns into a horizontal strike from the left. Even worse is when you’re trying to block and the controller reads your subtle movements as sword strikes. So yes, the controls are accurate, just they sometimes are misread by the Motion+ sensor, which is a shame.
Is the Motion+ “enhancement” justified? No. But does it add a level of fun to the game that would otherwise be missing? Hell Yeah! And fun is the most important aspect of gaming.
To coincide with the massive revival of the Hunter x Hunter series (the return of the manga and the anime reboot), Shueisha have announced that they will be releasing compilation volumes of the series. Not only will this be quite handy for those just jumping in to the series, it’s also great for those who have yet to collect the series.
These new compilation volumes will cover each saga of the series so far excluding the Chimera Ants arc. The first release will cover the entirety of the Hunter Exam arc which has officially hit shelves across Japan today. Following todays release, will be the Heavens Arena arc compilation to be released January 13th, then the Phantom Troupe arc compilation will be out in February followed by the Greed Island arc compilation in March.
What do you think of these compilation volumes? Let us know in the shoutbox and comments section.
Capsule Computers were recently invited out to get a sneak peak at multiplayer offerings of 2K Games and Digital Extremes’ The Darkness II. Being quite the fan of the original The Darkness released back in 2007, I was quite eager to see how its sequel was shaping up.So just what can you expect from The Darkness II’s new multiplayer component?
Well from my time playing it, quite a lot actually. First thing first, multiplayer itself has been completely overhaul and revamped, with the developers throwing out competitive multiplayer in favour of four player co-op. The multiplayer component of the original Darkness was, for lack of a better word, a complete mess. It felt completely unnecessary, rushed and really just meaningless bullet point on the back of the box.
Thankfully a great deal of time and care has been put into to making “Vendettas”, the new co-op multiplayer mode that will feature its very own story which will run parallel with the main game’s campaign. Players will be able to choose one of four unique characters to play as, each of whom has their own unique abilities, weaponry and personality quirks. Alongside the Vendettas Campaign is Hit List, a sort of Call of Duty: Spec Ops mode which allows for players to skip straight into the action in purpose made scenarios based off campaign levels, along with brand new Hit List levels and scenarios.
I found it most surprising that the developers have made a completely new storyline and characters for the Vendettas mode. Like in The Darkness II’s main story, Vendettas puts players against the Brotherhood – a centuries old secret society that wants to use The Darkness for their own use. They know what The Darkness is and exactly how to fight it. And as such, these guys are far more tougher to defeat than the standard mafia goons from the first game.
As Vendettas is co-op/team focused, you will need to rely on your friend to help support you as the Brotherhood are a tough bunch to beat. Unlike Jackie who possesses all four Darknesss Powers (and more), The Darkness Powers in Vendettas have been split up amongst the four characters. Your choice of character determines the Darkness ability and Darkness infused weaponry you wield.
Inugami carries the cursed Kusanagi samurai sword. His Darkness ability is the Darkness Swarm, which summons a swarm of miniature demons to attack and immobilize his enemies
Shoshanna is Israeli Special Forces and wields the Arm of the Night, a Darkness infused shotgun. Her ability is Gun Channeling allowing her to fire multiple rounds of gunfire at one time.
Jimmy Wilson Irishman and alcoholic. Jimmy possesses the Dark Axe and the ability to summon Darklings to fight by his side.
J.P. DuMondA Witch doctor of sorts, J.P. wields the Midnight Stick and his Darkness ability allows him to summon Black Holes that can pull in enemies to their death.
These four characters make up the crack pot team that will take on the Brotherhood. Playing thought one of the earlier levels of the Vendettas Campaign and an early mission of Hit List, I can tell you now that you will definitely need to uses team work to get through these missions, especially on harder difficulties. Ammunition can be quite scarce, and you will have to rely on your team’s combined uses of Darkness Powers to get through the game.
Eating hearts is back in The Darkness II and this has been incorporated into Vendettas. Players will need to destroy the hearts of dead enemies to regain lost health and collect Darkness Essences which is sort of like the in-game currency. For every kill, assist, execution, heart destroyed etc you will gain Darkness Essences which you can then spend on levelling up your character’s skills and abilities, for example increased damage and prolonged uses of their Darkness Power.
The game itself looks and plays quite well, the ability to sprint and aim down the sights (which were missing from the first game) are a welcome improvement to The Darkness II’s overall gameplay. It will be interesting to see if there will be any crossover from the Vendettas mode into the game’s main story. This would be quite interesting to see, but so far all we know is that both campaigns run parallel with one another.
Graphically, the game has taken on a far more comic book cel-shaded art style which is quite fitting as the game itself is based off a comic book. With that said the game certainly not dropped any of its ‘graphic content’. Whist I was only able to play The Darkness II’s multiplayer offering, gameplay over all is quite tight with combined uses of gun play and Darkness Powers, with a team focuses mixed into that thanks to the new Vendettas mode.
The Darkness II is set to be released on February 7 in North American and February 10 in Europe and Australia for Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC.
It only took a few extra months, but at least North America has finally received a confirmed release date for Xenoblade Chronicles, so now Operation Rainfall just has two more titles to aim and get localized by Nintendo for United States release. But in the meantime, Nintendo of Europe will continue to tease US residents by announcing when European gamers can expect to see Hironobu Sakaguchi’s The Last Story.
Wii RPG fans can expect to see the title on February 24th. For those who don’t know, The Last Story will contain both a single player story mode, and online co-op and deathmatch modes for those who want some RPG fun with others.
Those who have been following the rather confusing story of Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere will be happy to hear that the anime will be getting a second season, and better than that it will be arriving shortly after the finish of the current season. Japan’s Animedia magazine has confirmed this fact with Sunrise and a user on MyAnimeList has provided the above image from the magazine.
Currently the series is airing in Japan and is available for simulcast with English subtitles on Crunchyroll for those interested in picking it up. The series itself is rather convoluted as far as the storyline goes but contains quite a large number of characters so those who love character interactions may like the show.
It appears that we now know the name of the next Alan Wake title a little bit before Remedy would have liked us to learn about it. Rather than being revealed at this weekend’s VGA on Spike TV, it seems that the German USK rating board has decided to get the jump on the announcement by rating the title. A rating popped up earlier today on the ratings board’s website which has listed a rating for Alan Wake’s American Nightmare.
Now we previously were led to believe that the next Alan Wake title title that would be on the XBLA would potentially be called Alan Wake’s Night Springs, but that may have changed. Either that or the German release of the title is going to be named differently or this could be a potentially new Alan Wake title all together. We’ll know more this weekend during the official announcement on Spike’s Video Game Awards.
Welcome to Capsule Computers’ weekly anime segment, Anime Say! Each week I will be diving into some of the biggest anime related topic of the week and having my say on anything that matters in the anime world. To top it off each episode will conclude with a recommendation from your’s truly of an anime or manga that you should check out.
This week I discuss the nature of the anime and manga industry, focusing in on the Shonen genre in particular. You can check out this week’s Anime Say! below.
Got any questions for Anime Say? Send all your queries to [email protected] and I will do my best to answer anything you can throw at me.
What do you think of the second episode of Anime Say? Let us know in the shoutbox and comments section.
