For all fans of DC comics, DC Universe Online is now available free to play on Steam. Within the first 48 hours of the switch to free to play, 120,000 new players signed up. President of Sony Online Entertainment John Smedley, said that these statistics are 400% higher than the previous month.
Pro: Play along side the DC characters.
Con: This game is a 14GB download.
Free players get two character slots and all standard game content, whereas paying members get additional character slots and expansions, plus a larger item inventory. For more info about account types, go to http://www.dcuniverseonline.com/free/.
The new developer Happy Camper Games have released a new action puzzler, Pearls. In Pearls you are in control of Sam, the happiest pearl, whose life goal is to string as many colourful pearls as possible together. Because he believes in unity and friendship and other happy pearl things.
At the beginning of each level you lay out a path for Sam as different colour pearls fall from the top of the screen and players have to try and predict their position while drawing Sam’s path. You have to try and make the longest chain possible without hitting the black pearls who will just ruin that perfect pearl rainbow you’re trying to make. The game is clearly pretty simple in terms of gameplay, and just one of those lovely cheerful games with stylized graphics and an addictive quality that you will have trouble getting away from. Must. Make. Rainbow. Pearls.
Pearls is perfect for the casual gamer who wants something quick to mess around with to waste some time. Check out the cute gameplay trailer below!
Pearls is available for iTouch, iPhone and iPad for $0.99 – HERE
Mamba Nation Battle has been released by publisher BulkyPix and developers Mimesis Republic. It’s based off Mamba Nation Universe, which has over 200,000 member currently, so Mamba Nation Battle is certain to have an awesome starting point.
In Mamba Nation Battle you create an avatar, take up arms, choose your strategy and battle an entire world of enemies. There is Facebook connectability for you to battle your friends and brag about just how awesome you are at conquering. The game has a simple and original gameplay, decent graphics and a sense of humour. What else can we ask for from a game?
Mamba Nation Battle works around the idea that you can battle up to five times and then you need a two hour break before fighting again. This isn’t a game you’re going to be able to pound out in a few hours, it’s one that you’re going to have sitting on your iOS device for a while. Whether or not that’s a good thing depends on who you are.
Mamba Nation Battle is available now for FREE with in game purchases – GET IT HERE
The latest update for Muffin Knight has been released, and the game’s developers, Angry Mob Games, have announced that the iOS version of the game will be available completely free (for a limited time, of course).
The update introduces a new Sumo Panda character, who comes with a set of new moves and special attacks, such as the ground stomp and the body slam. The update also launched with a contest being held over at the Muffin Knight Facebook page, where fans can submit videos of their Muffin Knight playthroughs. The funniest film, the most skillful player, and the most interesting multiplayer match will win participants either two iTunes giftcards or two Muffin Knight T-shirts.
To check out the game while it’s free, head over here.
Com2uS have announced a new partnership with Free Range Games for the release of their title, SummitX Snowboarding.
The game is said to mix realistic graphics and physics with excellent gameplay. As players hit the slopes in game, they will experience “the most beautiful, groundbreaking graphics ever on an iOS device.” And that’s a tall claim considering other titles, such as Infinity Blade, look simply amazing on Apple’s devices.
Don Lim, Manager over at Com2uS had this to say:
We are thrilled to work with Free Range Games, as they are enthusiastic and very talented. After the success of Homerun Battle 3D, we know that there’s a high demand for fun 3D sports titles. SummitX meets both those criteria, but also delivers unprecedented graphic quality, an understanding of what’s fun for players these days, and new tech such as Airplay so you can play on your TV for a better-than-console experience. We can’t wait to get it into users’ hands.
More details on the game will emerge soon, and it will premiere at GStar in South Korea next week.
Zombie Swing Developer: Althi Inc. Publisher: Althi Inc. Platform: iPhone Release: 4th November 2011 Price: Free (Get Here)
Overview:
There comes a time in every man’s life when he discovers a new way to “relax.” Now Althi Inc. plan on tapping into that market of “relaxers” with a their new “relaxation” title, Zombie Swing. A game that will help you “relax” by swinging about your little monster and infecting those it comes in contact with. If this sounds like a normal Saturday night for you, then you are sure to love Zombie Swing.
Gameplay:
It is a little difficult to take Zombie Swing entirely serious, but it is evident that Althi intended it that way. This game while being simple, does not fall into the trapping of many zombie games. That trapping that they have about as much personality as one of the brain-dead masses.
Zombie Swing manages to become something of a unique case. It is bursting with an immense amount of character, which is exactly what you’d come to expect from Althi Inc. Their titles all feature that unique personality unique to them, which is heavily influenced by the Japanese culture that surrounds Althi in their homeland.
I’m sure your wondering, how does this game even play? Well as Althi have said in their promotions for the title, “Zombie will swing, swing and SWING!” If that makes as little sense to you as it does to me, then I’ll give you a little explaination. Zombie Swing is essentially an on-the-go game, that really will not eat up a lot of time. It’s simple as iOS games come but manages to feature some deeper level of intricacy that can be easy to leave unnoticed.
You control a zombie, that has been split in half, with nothing but his intestines holding him together. You wiggle your finger about to swing him into helpless scientist, in the aim to infect as many as possible, whilst dodging obstable that can kill you… again.
It’s all rather straight forward, yet there is a certain skill required to play this game effectively. A lot of things occur simultaneously in this game. With so much going on, it can become very difficult to focus on things and you could often fall into the trap of random finger waggling. But to play this game you need to be able to play close attention, thus adding an extra level of difficulty.
In the end though, you will leave this game having fun, even if it’s not very deep fun. Afterall isn’t that really all that a game is supposed to do?
Visuals and Audio: Zombie Swing employs a unique visual style, that really could only be done by Althi Inc. You could consider it to be Little Dreamer zombified. It oozes personality out of every orifice. It is without a doubt one of the most visually appealing iOS titles that has come out in a long time. Heck it is one of the most visually appealing zombie titles in a long time.
The presentation on display in Zombie Swing, is a little tough to pin down. On one hand it is set out well enough, but at the same time, there is often just too many things going on at one time and it can be very confusing for the player who isn’t in the mood to try and figure out where each character and obstacle are at a time. While this does let Zombie Swing down, it doesn’t ruin the experience all in all. Unfortunately Zombie Swing does feature some rather lackluster music, which is unusual for Althi Inc. I had expected something more unique from the titlle, but instead we are subjected to generic and grating tunes, that really become irritating very quickly.
Overall:
In conclusion, Zombie Swing is a game that is just some great dumb fun. There is no real level of depth to this game and there shouldn’t need to be. Althi have done a good job on the title, that is without a shadow of a doubt. However, it really does not match up to the quality that has come to be expected from this developer. If you are looking for a game that is dumb and fun, pick up Zombie Swing. Afterall, it’s not gonna cost you an arm and a limb.
Despite being a few weeks late, FUNimation and NicoNico.com have announced that they will begin streaming the first four episodes that have already aired of Shakugan no Shana III (Final). The series began airing on October 7th in Japan Shakugan no Shana III (Final) was announced for streaming earlier this month at NYCC as part of the Funico partnership between the companies.
Shakugan no Shana III (Final) is the final adaptation of Yashichiro Takanashi’s light novels which ended last month on its 22nd volume. The episodes can be found here on FUNimation’s website here. Subsequent episodes will be available every Friday at Noon and is expected to be simulcasted with the Japanese airing.
Today NIS America announced that they have picked up the rights to the second season of Arakawa Under the Bridge and they have also revealed when we can expect to see it brought to North America. The second season will be released under the name Arakawa Under the Bridge x Bridge and will be released as a Premium Edition that will contain both 2 DVDs as well as 2 Blu-ray discs.
The package will be released on February 7th next year and will also feature a number of bonuses. The whole package will come inside of a sturdy collectible slip case which NIS America is known for, as well as a full color art book that will contain character information, episode guides, artwork and even interviews with the cast and production staff. Arakawa Under the Bridge x Bridge Premium Edition will cost $69.99 when it is released, if you wish to check out our review of the first Season for Arakawa Under the Bridge you can do so here.
Skyward Sword is getting ever closer, and Nintendo are getting ever more spoiler like with their coverage of Link’s latest epic quest. The newest information from the developer covers the Lanayru Desert area of the game, so if you don’t want what amounts to a brief walk-through of the area then best stop reading!
The Lanayru Desert checks off the sand themed area box for Skyward Sword, taking over from past locations such as the Gerudo Desert and Desert Colossus – make sure and tell us what you think in the comments section below – is this just a copy of previous game areas? Read on to find out.
The barren and dusty area is littered with monsters – there is little left of the highly advanced society that used to dwell there. Echoing the revival of Hyrule in the Wind Waker, Link discovers a crystal that reawakens the area when he strikes it, drenching Lanayru with vibrant colours and bringing the old mining robots back to life.
There are familiar faces to be found in this vast surface region too – it’s always a happy day when there are Gorons around! Rollercoaster like mine carts wind around towers, and Link must take advantage of his newfound claw-shots to traverse the pillared landscape. Nintendo also mention that Link will return here numerous times – there is a Desert Sea to be crossed, which perhaps explains the presence of a giant Captain Hook robot in the trailer! (see final video)
The main attraction in Lanayru(other than pirate bots rather nifty trousers) is the Lanayru Mining Facility, the dungeon for the area packed with snake like monsters and less than friendly mining equipment. Link will pick up a rather unique new weapon here – the Gust Jar. It does exactly what it says on the tin, and unleashes a blast of air that can stun enemies or clear paths through sand. Lurking in the ever so subtle giant arena of death will be scorpion boss Moldera, who no doubt is slightly averse to being attacked by a certain windy container…
With all the hype surrounding the impending release of Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3, it just wouldn’t be complete without a bit of controversy and fluff ups. According to many rumours that have begun circling, some Kmart stores in the US had broken embargo and been selling copies of the Xbox 360 version of the game, way before its release. While the actions were not intentional, many of the copies have apparently found their way to EBay, selling for hugely inflated prices.
According to Joystiq, there is still one listing available at the time of print, with proof of purchase shown in the form of an original Kmart receipt. A quick check on EBay US showed many copies available, with most selling after the release date but there were many selling for price tags of $200 and over with express shipping.
In relation to the consequences of playing the game early, Stephen Toulouse, Microsofts Xbox Live main man, has stated via his Twitter that although originally there were plans to ban accounts, no action will be taken but does urge everybody to wait until the release to play against others.
