Disney Universe releases today for Xbox 360, Wii, PS3 and PC, courtesy of Disney Interactive. It brings together characters and worlds from Disney’s catalogue of live-action and animated films in an action-platformer.
Several select retailers are offering purchase incentive programs that will provide consumers with additional exclusive characters, such as Cinderella and Peter Pan, to download into their game. The game will also be expanding post-launch with new downloadable content, including worlds, costumes, and more available for download.
Available in November, the first downloadable content will be the “Disney Villains Costume Pack” with five new character costumes based on Cruella de Vil (101 Dalmations), Hades (Hercules), Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty), The Evil Queen (Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs) and Ursula (The Little Mermaid), adding to the selection on offer out of the box, which includes Sam Flynn, Quorra and Clu (TRON), Baloo (The Jungle Book), Ariel (The Little Mermaid), Sulley (Monsters, Inc.), Nemo (Finding Nemo) and everyone’s favorite fairy, Tinker Bell (Peter Pan).
Those travelling through Akihabara this weekend may notice that the infamous Radio Kaikan building, has become the site of an elaborate visual recreation of a popular scene from the critically acclaimed Steins;Gate series.
The scene I speak of as you may have guessed from the title is that Satellite Crash scene. As part of a collaboration between Steins;Gate and Radio Kaikan, in anticipation of the newly released 8-bit version of Steins;Gate.
You can check out some images of the impressive satellite recreation below. Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the shoutbox and comments section.
And a good day to you good sir! With the release of The Sims 3 Pets on consoles, EA Games have released a new trailer with their very own Trevor Mountleg – that lovable British dog-man. Trevor walks us through what players can expect from this console spin-off and gives a complete run down of the latest features in the game.
You can custom pets with a range of unique traits, explore the town and its new mystery storylines to uncover hidden relics. Along with a quick look at the latest positive and negative Karma Powers.
The Sims 3 Pets is available now for PC and console. Check out what we thought of the game in our review
Hunter x Hunter Episode 4 – “Hopes x And x Ambitions”
There are so many things that Hunter x Hunter does right, that each episode that goes by garners wide-spread critical acclaim. This episode is no different. The exam continues with our hunter hopefuls pushing on through the tunnel, with many dropping out and others revealing their true ambitions.
This episode, stood out to me as the best episode thus far. Why? Because it pushed all the characters more than any episode thus far. It is a very rare thing to find an anime with this imaginative and well-concieved a cast and world, than Hunter x Hunter. This world, like the world of One Piece, begs to be explored. Not only that, but these characters, beg to be unravelled.
Although I personally have read the manga in which this was adapted from, I find myself wanted to learn about these character all over again. Just as I find myself wanting to explore the world of Hunter x Hunter with them all over again.
Above all that this episode did, I loved the way it strengthened already established friendships as well as introduce us to one. The way Leorio and Kurapika bond over their shared past sufferings, not only sheds extra light on who they are, but it also tells us where they are heading. Leorio’s revelatiobn of why he wants money, why both heart-breaking and moving. It’s just one of the many great moments we can expect to come from this series.
I also loved the way that Killua and Gon meet. It was just so perfect. What with the way Killua slides back on his skateboard and asks Gon his age. They instantly bond over being the two kids of the bunch. Their bonding is so natural and exactly how 12 year old children would behave (however dark their pasts may be). The scene where they both race to the finish line and shout out “goal” together was just so adorable. As a long-time Hunter x Hunter manga reader, I was filled with the same childish glee as Gon and Killua, just knowing where they will end up.
The greatest thing about Hunter x Hunter is it’s heart and message, even if they are not yet clear in this adaptation, it is not far. Their is only one other anime and manga out there that matches Hunter x Hunter when it comes to that and that is One Piece. The themes falling into place here are going to pay off big time in the future. These early episodes are laying in the foreshadowing and paving the way things to come.
This series really shines in it’s creativity. The only other series I can recall besides Hunter x Hunter and One Piece that is this varied and imaginative is Reborn! There is so much innovation with Hunter x Hunter, that after 4 episodes they ahve managed to construct a world more complex and deeper than most series achieve in their entire run.
That is the true testament to this series. There is so much greatness to come and it has been made very clear after 4 episodes that this series is going to huge.
The man in overalls is coming to the Nintendo 3DS. In past games you may have spent hours combing the environments looking for the last hidden area. Bluemouth’s latest guide will allow you to do without that frustration though. Their strategy guide for Super Mario 3D Land features:
* Maps showing all power ups and hidden areas
* Winning strategies for completing every level
* Tactics for defeating every enemy and boss
* Find every hidden item
This officially licensed book is available 24 November 2011 with the Nintendo 3DS game. Will you be getting it or are you content to find everything by yourself? Let us know in the comments below!
On the first of November, Americans will be able to pick up Hydrophobia Prophecy on their PS3’s. Europeans will have to wait until the 2nd though.
“Hydrophobia Prophecy is a fantastic third person adventure game built around the PlayStation® Move controller”, says Sony’s Andy Stewart. “The Move implementation is excellent and will considerably enhance the experience for gamers”.
“The PlayStation 3 is now by far and away the best looking and best playing version of the game on any platform – it’s in a different league compared to the original release, with many game systems reworked from the ground up, compelling new mechanics and a deeper back-story. What’s more, the PlayStation Network release will also contain the Darknet feedback system, a first on console, allowing players to engage directly with us the developer ”, commented Dark Energy’s Peter Jones.
The game will be launched at a price of $7.99 in the US and £5.10 in the UK, and will be free to download for PlayStation Plus subscribers.
Majesco has just released their newest Kinect game. Titled Motion Explosion, this game has one goal: getting you off the couch. Yay! Featuring 12 mini games (each with 10 levels) Motion Explosion has a variety of gameplay types for the entire family. Other features of Motion Explosion include:
-Using your hands, legs, elbows, knees, feet, and even your head, to play 12 different games that will challenge your reflexes, timing and coordination.
-Swat, dodge, jump, duck, kick, lean, juggle, pump, steer, crank, toss, balance – use your body to earn high scores and unlock new games.
-Gameplay ranges from simple to incredibly tricky with alternative control schemes, camera perspectives, multiple objects, faster pace and more, all designed to get you out of your comfort zone and challenge your coordination and reflexes.
-Inviting friends and family to the ultimate Motion Explosion party right in your living room with turn-based competitive gameplay (supports 2-4 players).
-Tracking your stats across each game and watch as all your skills improve with practice.
Master Abbott, Darren, Linkage and I (Jess B) got a chance to sit down with Eureka and Warehouse 13 stars Eddie McClintock and Colin Ferguson and ask them a few questions. It kicked off with Eddie McClintock’s first Vegemite experience (unfortunately not captured on camera), and got to chat about their shows and unconventional PDA action. Hanging out with Eddie and Colin wasn’t what you’d expect from the stars of two successful Sci-Fi shows, they spent most of the time riffing off each other, and being generally hilarious.
Check out the interview below showing some of the funny that is Eddie and Colin. Unfortunately we only got to record 15 mins of the interview, they really were amazing guys and chatting to them (even for a short time) was awesome.
We also got to grab some photos with the guys, just to make all of you super jealous! Check out the gallery below and feel the envy!
There have been so many great anime songs this year. That is why I thought it’d be a great idea to compile a list of the very best of the best in anime music for 2011. Each song in this list, excels in providing a great companion to the series it’s from as well as being just a great song in general. While this list does order them from 10 to 1, these songs are all great in their own right with this list’s order being based solely upon my personal preference. Without any further delay, I present to you the Top 10 Anime Songs of 2011:
10.Deadman Wonderland OP – One Reason One Reason is a brilliant song, that perfectly encapsulated the mood and atmosphere of Deadman Wonderland, with the ominous tone and lyrics that reflect the despair of the series.
9.Tiger and Bunny ED 2 – Mind Game
This is a song that went under the radar of many fans of Tiger and Bunny, with many preferring the opening theme over Mind Game. However Mind Game succeeds as one of the most unique ending themes to come out of 2011, through it’s cool beat and vibe.
8.Kore wa Zombie Desu Ka OP – Ma-Ka-Se-Te Tonight
No other song this year, came out this year that matched the gleeful darkness of Ma-Ke-Se-Te Tonight. It basks in the fiendish glory of the thundering roar of guitars and provides a kick-start to each an every episode of Kore wa Zombie Desu Ka.
7. Phi Brain OP – Brain Diver
If there was a prize for most adrenlaine pumping anime theme of 2011, this would take it out in a heartbeat. This song is a fist-pumping anthem that will without a doubt leave you ready for the intensity that is on it’s way with each episode.
6.Beelzebub OP 3 – Hey!
This is without a doubt only second to our number 1 pick when it comes to a song with a killer hook. This song is so catchy, you will find yourself humming the chorus subconsciously afterwards, I know I did. “Hey, come on! My baby!” just doesn’t grow old.
5.Bleach OP 15 – Harukaze Scandal Harukaze Scandal signifies a change for Bleach. Not only does is it a farewell chorus to the Bleach of old, but it brings in the new era in a stunning fashion. Ths song just oozes new beginnings and that is exactly what Bleach needed.
4.Anohana ED – Secret Base Anohana was one of the most emotional anime series in years and it’s only natural that it feature an ending theme to match that emotion. Secret Base is that theme. It captures the heart and soul of Anohana’s core and makes magic out of it.
3.Hunter x Hunter ED – Just Awake
While the opening theme of Hunter x Hunter conveys the innocence and outlook of the series, Just Awake embodies the darkness that is looming over the future of each character. It provides a great companion and juxtaposition to the opening theme as well as being the best ending theme of 2011.
2. Steins;Gate OP – Hacking to the Gate Hacking to the Gate, is undoubtedly one of the most popular anime songs of the year. A quick search on youtube will bring up plenty of cover versions as well as remixes. It has captured the spirit of Steins;Gate and conveyed it in a symphony that transcends time itself. This is a song that will be remembered for years to come.
1. One Piece OP 14 – Fight Together
The crème de la crème of all anime music this year. Fight Together is a masterpiece of anime music. It embodies the very core of the gooey heart of One Piece. It is a rhapsody of modern times. Through an honest and touching portrayal, Fight Together tells a story of friendship and hope that stands a top all the anime music to be produced from the year we know as 2011.
So there you have it folks. What do you think of this list? What is you top 10 anime songs of 2011? Let us know in the comments section below.
Super 8
Genre: Action/Sci-fi
Directed by: J. J. Abrams
Starring: Elle Fanning, Amanda Michalka and Kyle Chandler
Classification: M
Running Time: 112 minutes
Release Date: November 17, 2011
Price: Triple Play for $49.95 or DVD for $39.95
Overview
Super 8 was first described to me as ET on steroids. Since ET was such a huge part of my childhood that made me pretty keen to see it. Super 8 (named after the short film competition) comes off as a cool sci-fi film but let’s see if there’s more to it than just that.
Plot
Is there more to it than sci-fi? Short answer, hell yes.
For entire parts of the movie it doesn’t feel like a sci-fi flick at all, it’s far more engrossing and interesting than you’d think from a glance at the film. But let me start from the beginning.
Set back in a time when sodas were only a nickel and times were simpler (not really, it’s actually set in 1979), the story starts with the death of Joe Lamb’s (Joel Courtney) mother at the plant. Already containing more heart and feeling than I was expecting, I was pleasantly surprised at this point. The film then cuts to four months later as a group of young friends (Joe, Cary, Martin and Preston) help their budding filmmaking friend Charles to make a zombie film for the short film festival, Super 8. They’ve enlisted the help of one of their classmates, Alice, and then they go to the train station to film the most important scene of the film.
There, instead of getting the production value-adding shot, they get a lot more than they bargained for. A not so wayward car derails the cargo train, and Charles’ camera captures something unexpected. After the train crashes, the town starts experiencing some very odd occurrences – like all the dogs fleeing and car engines disappearing – that have no explanation.
Cue the soldiers, confidential investigations, and the kids still trying to finish their film while all this is going on. As things start unraveling, they start finding out that there is a lot more to everything than they bargained for, and that the train was definitely not carrying normal cargo.
The film is full of heartfelt emotion, character development, and an examination of the human psyche, but don’t worry there’s some pretty awesome action scenes as well.
Characters
I kept expecting the flash-forward that would make all the pre-teens into the more popular grown actor versions of themselves. It never came. And I was actually kind of pleased about that. The actors behind the characters were amazing, especially the two mains Joe (Joel Courtney) and Alice (Elle Fanning). Both characters go through an amazing and intense emotional journey, and they both pull it off effortlessly.
The characterization is extremely strong throughout the movie; Ambram’s approach with the actors has clearly paid off very well. Each character, even the asshole father who is portrayed as a drunk, has a third dimension with guilt and redemption in store for him. You care for every character, and this is the main reason why I hesitate to classify this movie as a sci-fi movie, because there is a lot more to it than the science fiction aspect.
Visual
The graphics are mindblowing, the special effects and cinematography that goes into Super 8 is absolutely beautiful. Not only for the alien, or the incredible crash scene, or even the awesome final scene with just about everything blowing up, but the more understated shots. Even the simplest things such as the costume and set design for the late 70s context is great, and some of the humour they take from it is always appreciated.
The lighting design and structure of a lot of the shots helped to reveal the smallest and most complex character relationships with little effort. When dealing with the sensitive family issues that come in Super 8, even the subtlest cinematographic choices can make a big difference to how the audience interprets situations.
The directing of J. J. Abrams accommodates not only for the suspense of having an alien creature that isn’t revealed until the final part of the movie, but the sensitive aspect of character growth and dynamics.
Audio
It’s unsurprising for a film with Spielberg’s name attached to have an amazing soundtrack. Through the most delicate emotional scenes to the biggest action scenes, the soundtrack always keeps the film on your toes and accompanies it fantastically.
Special features
Along with commentary by writer/director J.J Abrams and producer Bryan Burk on the DVD there are two behind-the-scenes featurettes – The Dream Behind Super 8 and The Visitor Lives.
The Dream Behind Super 8 goes into the ideas and planning behind Super 8 and what it’s like the director J. J. Abrams to be working with his childhood hero Steven Spielberg. Super 8 seems to be an omage to Abrams’ beginning in filmmaking and it goes into how the characters and plot emerged at different times, explaining the way that the characters often have their own separate story which feels so whole on its own.
The Visitor Lives goes into the alien side of the movie, with the alien development and how the design of the creature was created.
For the Triple-play Blu-ray release there are seven more featurettes including The Search for New Faces, Meet Joel Courtney, Rediscovering Steel Town, Scoring Super 8, Do You Believe in Magic? and The 8mm Revolution. On top of this there is Deconstructing the Train Crash and the deleted scenes.
Conclusion
Super 8 is a really fantastic film, which breaks out of the classic sci-fi genre and gives you a really authentic story and characters that will be certain to get into your favourite films. So, the person who told me it was like ET on steroids was right, not only in terms of comparing alien size and strength, but the emotional side as well.
