Square Enix, like all of our friendly, worldwide publishers, is going to E3. What can we expect them to bring out and show off there? Lets find out!
Dead Island
Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system, Windows PC
Ship Date: 2011 (NA)
Dead Island made a huge splash with its very first trailer earlier this year. Ever since then, it has been one of the gaming communities most hotly anticipated titles. Full of epic slicing zombie action, this is one to watch for during E3. Working with Deep Silver, the publisher, to promote the game, this game will surely make you weep with joy when seen at the expo.
Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows PC, OnLive
Ship Date: August 23, 2011 (NA)
The return of one gaming’s most critically acclaimed franchises is being trumpeted as a contender for Game of the Year. Hopefully, we can learn more about the cybernetically augmented character and the world of 2027 when Square trumpets this game at the show.
Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system, Windows PC
Ship Date: June 21, 2011 (NA)
Nearing release on June 21, this game also recently had a demo available for download on the major consoles. If your still not satiated with info on this game though, look for more coverage at E3. Or go here: http://www.dungeonsiege.com/
Heroes of Ruin
Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
Ship Date: Early 2012 (NA)
Coming out for the Nintendo 3DS, Heroes of Ruin aims to engross you in a curse filled world where you will play as mercenary who can join with up with others of his ilk, or he can conquer the world by himself. Your choice.
Tomb Raider
Platforms: Xbox 360 , PlayStation 3 system, Windows PC
Ship Date: 2012 (NA)
Earlier, there was a video premiering the new, reinvented Lara Croft. Blowing our minds, this video was epic, showing off all the originality that this Tomb Raider will have. We can’t wait to see more at E3.
Platforms: Windows PC, Mac and Linux Ship Date: Open Beta Starting Summer 2011 (NA ONLY)
14 customizable character class. Supreme allegiance to one nation. Defend. Conquer. Politics. Tactical MMO. Player driven economy. “Its ALL up to you!”http://www.WAKFU.com/
Keep it locked to Capsule Computers, as we will have more info on Square Enix games coming soon. What are you most excited for in Square Enix’s lineup?
After running it on Spike, Square Enix kindly put the Tomb Raider trailer on Youtube for everyone to enjoy. And what a trailer it is. In fact, going by the looks of the trailer, this may be the best Tomb Raider mankind has ever seen:
The graphics in the video are spectacular.
The story seems taut with suspense. The idea of grittier, younger Lara focused on survival adds a huge emotional impact to everything. Hopefully, more of her tortured, mysterious, albeit lavish, life story will be revealed.
And finally, Lara looks as fine as ever.
All will be found out when the game launches in Fall of 2012.
Coming soon from Konami, MLB Bobbleheads Pro is all set to make you laugh hysterically. Featuring real rosters from all the MLB teams, gamers can play an entire 162 game season with their favorite bobbleheaded player. Full strategic gameplay mechanics are also present. For example, you can switch up the lineup or use a relief pitcher. Online multiplayer is also included. Of course, the bobbling nature of the character assets are played up to the full:
“Fans can blame bobbling the ball on the funny and quirky model for each player which has an oversized wobbly head that moves at all times. Stadium P.A. also is given with a humorous twist to give players a laugh while swinging for the fences.”
Bobblehead Pros is only the first game though. A DLC pack, call Bobblehead Stars will be debuting soon after release. A third full game, named MLB All-star Game will be premiering later in the year. Currently, Bobbleheads Pro is set to release on the XBLA soon.
Hopefully, we can show you show screenshots of the game soon!
Hunter x Hunter volume 2 Author: Yoshihiro Togashi Release Schedule: 27 volumes at time of posting and on hiatus. Publisher: Viz Media Release Date: May 01, 2005 Available for Purchase at: The Book Depository
Overview: The hunter exam continues in this volume and Togashi begins to peel back some layers and reveal what is underneath it all, what I found though is somewhat disturbing. There is a darkness underneath the surface of Hunter x Hunter and some horrifying acts of ultra violence are proof of that, but it never feels out of place or as though it were a mis-step. What this volume explores is not just a continuing quest to become a Hunter, no no no, it’s far deeper than that. What we have here is Togashi exploring the value of life and that harsh brutality of both our world and that of his creations which mirrors our own, yet slightly distorted.
The world of Hunter is extremely brutal, but it seems to be more a commentary on our own world and the fact that people don’t ever think about their own mortality. Yes we all know that one day we will die, but we never stop to think of how fragile we truly are. Through Hunter x Hunter volume 2, Togashi conveys the frailty of life to perfection.
There is an abnormally high death toll in this series which on the surface and cover art appears to be a fun adventure about a kid trying to become a hunter. But to me that is saying something, so often do we have characters being near invincible and rarely are faced with their mortality where as in Hunter, death is all around them. There is always something threatening the protagonists life, whether it be beasts, traps or psychopathic hunters. Hunter x Hunter does not shy away from the heavy stuff, with some deaths depicted quite violently. Yes it’s disturbing, but there is substance to it all that makes it a cohesive piece of art, and that is exactly what Togashi has created here – a work of art.
Story: Volume 2 of Hunter is rather interesting in the way it tells it’s story, we get the continued tasks of the exam but with a rapid shifting of moods between each chapter. One chapter we have a light-hearted cook-off challenge, mainly played off for laughs, the next we have a 12 year old child brutally dismembering characters for simply accidentally bumping into him. It is all rather wild and does indeed give the person reading mixed feelings. I noted that some people may find it disheartening to see such a young child who up until now seemed like a cutesy companion to the hero, suddenly performing the most horrific act seen thus far in Hunter x Hunter. But it all flows with the story and we get a hint at a much darker past for him. Killua is his name and as he seemingly jokes to the hero, Gon, he is from a family of assassins. You don’t think much of this until he proves it true a few pages later.
This is what Togashi is rather brilliant at. He can provide some information which at first we disregard, then suddenly it comes back up like a flash to reveal what we had disregarded to be pivotal to the story and it’s characters. It is just perfectly executed foreshadowing on his part and it works out better that we aren’t left waiting for the pay-off of the foreshadowing. He makes sure the idea we disregarded is still clear in our mind and then lets out the big reveal. This is were many other series fail, they provide the information yet, it does not become pivotal until you have forgotten or do not care about it any longer. Togashi has obviously realized this common trapping of many manga series and chose a much better path with Hunter.
This volume ends in a scene reminiscent of the Fortune Teller Baba battle in Dragon Ball, a clear homage to Toriyama’s work. We have a dank dungeon-like arena with little room to fight with each team member heading in one by one to battle in a best of 5 match-up. Along with the threat of the chance of the characters falling to their deaths, it’s both ostensibly very Togashi-like and very much so a homage to Toriyama that would fly under the radar of many readers. We end this volume with 1 win to each side and time wearing thin, the tension has been built for a blockbuster volume 3.
Characters: Togashi continues the trend of impeccable characterization from the first volume here, with the focus shifting now to that of Killua and Hisoka, revealing more of their intentions and personalities. That’s not to say the focus characters of volume 1 take a back seat here. Gon, Leorio and Kurapika each have there own moments to shine such a when Gon becomes the first and only person to land a hit on Hisoka, which both thrills him and horrifies him. To his surprise Hisoka, reacts with respect and allows Gon to live. It was a great moment that resonates with the audience whom feel the same thrill and horror as Gon and the same relief when Hisoka reacts with respect.
It is a great volume for characters as we are introduced to several new characters such as the old master Netero and the gourmet hunters (I swear Toriko stole the idea from here!) Menchi and Buhara. But the real stand-out for me was definitely Killua, which I have to say is the most literal naming of a character I have seen in years. He is an assassin and has “Kill-U” in his name? I find that both humorous and rather clever. It’s another example of Togashi’s fore-shadowing even though it’s a much lighter example than some others.
Artwork: The art has maintained the same level of quality as the first volume, perhaps surpassing it in some cases. I expect it to continue to improve over the series, that’s not to say it needs improving, but as Togashi comes more and more into the thick of it, the art will naturally develop. But what we have now is simple and detailed, 2 things that a lot of manga lack. Being simple allows easy understanding of what is occurring. Being detailed allows for another depth beyond what is simply the focus of the piece. Rarely does a manga series accomplish this, Hunter had accomplished it from the first chapter of the series, heck even the first panel.
There isn’t much else to comment on besides the fact that the fights are wonderfully composed, and really give the sense of action. Nothing is worse than reading a fight in manga that seems so stationary, fights need movement and action, Togashi achieves this like it is second nature. I look forward to see what else he has in store with the artwork for future volumes.
Overall: Hunter x Hunter volume 2 is an excellent volume of shonen manga. It has action, emotion and depth beyond easy comparison. It begs to ask many questions, such as the nature of what it means to be alive and even the very virtue of cherishing life itself. Togashi tells us through Hunter that those who do not cherish life will regret it. We are all mortal, some of us are too blind to see that. It is all done in good taste and never becomes preachy. What it does become is a work of art and boy is it something to behold.
In conclusion; Hunter x Hunter volume 2 is an exceedingly compelling volume of the series and provides much food for thought and continues what is no doubt one of the greatest manga series of the past decade. I can not recommended the series and this volume enough, but I must say: this one is not for kids, not in the slightest. It is very violent but not without reason. Read it at your own behest, if you aren’t a fan of blood and violence. But I implore you to read regardless, it’s a must-read series, not just for manga fans but for nearly anyone.
Now that the Playstation Store is back up, eager developers are ready to start publishing their games once more. One of our favorite developers, Sanuk Games, has announced that their newest Playstation Mini Drums Challenge, on PSP and PS3, is now available for download in Europe. Other regions will hopefully be available soon. If your into rocking out hard, this game looks crazy fun.
Maybe it is just the hilarious video (below) but I am starting to feel like this game may beat out Guitar Hero and Rock Band. I could just be laughing too hard though. Seriously, watch the video and then tell me that you don’t want to play the game. I dare you! You can’t do it.
After over 6 months of the English translated version of the Reborn! manga being on hiatus, Viz Media now has returned it’s support to the series by announcing a weekly streaming of the series Anime adaptation, with 5 episodes being released each Wednesday in the US, uncut and subtitled.
This has come after much confusion upon whether Viz would drop the series since the hiatus began. This can be considered a good sign for fans as Viz also announced they had licensed the anime for both distribution and streaming, hinting at a potential English dub of the series. Fans have taken to Viz Media’s facebook page in a show of support for the series and Viz Media, you too can jump in on the action here.
Reborn! tells the tale of a young japanese boy, Tsuna, who is told by an professorial hitman (who happens to be a toddler) that he is next in line to become the 10th Generation boss of the Vongola Mafia Family. As all other heirs were killed off by some circumstance or another and he is related to the first boss in some, distant, hardly related kind of way. This baby hitman, is tasked with training Tsuna to become the 10th generation boss, he is destined to become. Needless to say, it is pretty great.
Viz will be streaming the series only to US residents with currently the first 5 episodes online, but Aussies can view all 203 episodes on Crunchryoll. So don’t worry everyone gets a piece of the Reborn! pie.
Personally, I did not even know there was a Happy Feet 2 movie coming out. But now I do know, and I think I am a little better for it. What say you all?
Anyway, with that out of the way, lets get onto the main announcement: a Happy Feet 2 video game to complement the dancing, musical, penguiny movie.
From Warner Brothers, this game is “a 3D musical adventure game for the entire family inspired by the whimsical Antarctic world of the upcoming animated film. It will be available for purchase on the Xbox 360, PS3, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo 3Ds. The best part of the game? A musical score scored by Three Time Grammy Award Winning Band Ozomatli. I don’t really know anything about them, but that is one swimmingly good name eh?
“In Happy Feet Two – The Videogame, kids will not only love playing on their own, they will have even more fun playing side-by-side cooperatively with friends and family members, or compete in penguin dance showdowns and belly sliding races,” said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Production and Development, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The game’s all new, controller-based dance system uses the player’s rhythm to enhance the dancing competitions, and the gameplay lets kids interact with their favourite characters from the film.”
Other Ocean Interactive, creators of titles such as Dark Void: Zero & the XBLA port Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, announced today that they are currently working on War of the Worlds for the XBLA & PSN. Yes, we all know the famous films inspired by the novel that were released, but this title is unlike anything I could have imagined.
The first thing you should know is that War of the Worlds is set to be a dark, 2D cinematic platformer that pits players in the role of a common, lone person as they struggle for survival during an alien invasion in a 1950’s era London. Players must use their wit to outsmart an army of alien tripods and other menacing war machines as they attempt to traverse through the devastated setting. Other Ocean have said that this new imagining of the franchise will pay homage to other classic cinematic platformers such as Flashback, Out of This World and Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee.
“As a developer, we are extremely fortunate to have access to this beloved franchise,” said Mike Mika, Head of Development with Other Ocean Interactive. “The team and I are huge fans of the original rotoscoped cinematic platformers of early PC gaming. This is a dream project for everyone on the team. Having the ability to approach the game in a completely retro way and pay homage to one of our favorite periods in gaming is more than we could ask for.
From the sounds of it, War of the Worlds is looking to bring a completely breathtaking atmospheric experience into the famed tale and the fact that the game is targeted to a retro-fanbase is just icing on the cake. War of the Worlds makes it’s debut this summer to the XBLA & PSN. Once a trailer or new details/screenshots eventually emerge, we will be sure to let you know so stay tuned.
A game Konami showed a trailer last year of a game where you play as a character who can’t die. Characters who can’t die in a game, interesting concept indeed. So with a new E3 means new details on some games and we get some new info and a trailer on this new third person shooter Neverdead. This game is heading out for the 360 and PS3 later this year.
Bryce Boltsman is an immortal man who not only can use a gun and a sword but his body parts to help him get though some tough sections. That’s right he attacks people with his body parts. Bryce has it rough in the trailer loosing limbs, getting shot, electrocuted , and fighting crazy monsters. The game is defiantly looking interesting and not to mention this trailer features a track from heavy metal giants, Megadeath. Very fitting I think, if you want to take a look at all the crazy action then take those limbs that are still attached to your hands and check out the trailer below.
Those who have been patiently waiting for the arrival of EA’s massive catalog of hits to release on GOG.com (or simple Good Old Games) can now celebrate as GOG is set to release over 25 EA classics into their vast library. This long awaited deal was cemented today with the release of three new titles to the classic download service, those being Wing Commander: Privateer, Dungeon Keeper and Ultima Underworld 1+2, all at a nice low price of just $5.99.
Three games have also reared their heads on the “Coming Soon” section of the website marking the future releases of Crusader: No remorse, Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri and Magic Carpet. However, it was also announced that this new agreement “doesn’t include the much anticipated System Shock or Syndicate series at this time”. The rest of the EA classics will be releasing later this summer to the service.
