A great deal of Yoostar 2 content will be coming this May, adding to the setlist with more scenes, sets and backgrounds making their way to the game. Among those making their curtain call is The Dude, from cult-hit The Big Lebowski, something I mentioned I longed for in my review of the game HERE Available for purchase through the in-game Yoostore, Xbox LIVE Marketplace and PlayStation Network, new individual scenes and scene packs are launching online every Tuesday.
“Yoostar Playground is an exciting new way for players to connect and interact with each other across the globe, as well as a direct line of communication with the community to hear which scenes they most want to play,” said Nicholas Reichenbach, Chief Content Officer for Yoostar Entertainment Group. “Thanks to great fan feedback, Yoostar is a constantly expanding universe that delivers the most popular scenes in Hollywood.”
May 2011 releases include:
Scenes
· American Graffiti – Got an ID for the liquor?
· Apollo 13 – Re-entering Earth’s atmosphere
· The Big Lebowski – I’m the Dude
· The Big Lebowski – The rent
· The Blair Witch Project – I’m scared to close my eyes
· Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie – I’ll teach you some Spanish words
· Crank – Who are you?
· Fletch –John who?
· The Hangover – Doug is missing
· Kick-Ass – Child, you always knock me for a loop
· Kick-Ass – The kindest daddy in the world
· Marathon Man – Swallow the diamonds
· Matrix Revolutions – Give ’em hell!
· On the Waterfront – I coulda been a contender
· The Princess Bride – You killed my father – prepare to die!
· The Princess Bride – Where is the poison?
· Saw II – I want to play a game
· Saw V –Killing is distasteful to me
· Star Trek: Generations – The death of Kirk
· The Terminator – You’re terminated
· Three Amigos! – A plethora of piñatas
· Weeds – A grow loan
HollywoodSets
· Men in Black 2 – You are the Light of Zartha
· Scarface – From the desk of Tony Montana
· Tropic Thunder – Scorcher VI trailer
Free Video Background
-Fast-Moving Clouds
Scene Packs Hollywood Sets Pack
· 300 – Xerxes’ great beast advances
· Clash of the Titans – Tremble before the Kraken
· Fast and the Furious – Drag race
· GI Joe – Missile chase
· Tropic Thunder – A pandacide
Hollywood Icons Theme Pack
· Beverly Hills Cop – Axel checks in
· Forrest Gump – A bullet in the buttocks
· The Godfather – Luca Brasi and Don Corleone
· Rocky 2 – I am a fighter
· The Terminator – I love you, too, sweetheart
The Hangover Film Pack
· The Hangover – What’s the last thing we remember?
· The Hangover – I’m gonna propose to Melissa
· The Hangover – Am I missing a tooth?
Soldier 3-Pack + bonus video background
· Platoon –Make it out of here
· Rio Grande – The War Department promised 180 men
· Sands of Iwo Jima – I’m gonna get the job done
· Video Background – Desert Fire
Wizard of Oz 3-Pack
· The Wizard of Oz – Dorothy meets the Cowardly Lion
· The Wizard of Oz –Is that the witch?
· The Wizard of Oz –Toto didn’t mean it
As a gamer who was fortunate enough to grow up playing Duke Nukem 3D, I have to say that THIS has been a long time coming. Today, MasterAbbot, Kelly and myself were fortunate enough to be invited to attend a special media event at the Slide Bar on Oxford Street in Sydney Australia. This was to be the venue where representatives from Gearbox software would be showing off the upcoming mega-hit: Duke Nukem Forever. What can I say? It’s the game that we’ve been waiting so many Duke-less years for. Who in their right mind would refuse that invitation?
Upon entering the slide bar, we all immediately noticed that the bar’s decor had been altered by the fellows from Gearbox and 2K, in an effort to make the place look more like a place where the King himself would go to hang out. Giant plaques of Duke and his lifetime achievements were scattered around the room. A giant backdrop with the words “Duke Nukem Forever” hung from the main stage (complete with vertical bars). Overhanging the stage hung what looked to be a neon sign for Duke’s very own Bar: “Duke Nukem’s Titty Bar”. And maybe most notably, the abundance of female staff dressed in Duke approved apparel. All we needed were a few beers, some good food and the experience would be truly.. – oh, wait a sec… that was provided to us too. Well save for the alien invasion, it really was like stepping into Duke Nukem’s world.
But we didn’t forget the real reasons why we were attending the event (but that extra stuff was still good.) Our mission was threefold: Play through the gameplay trial being presented to the media; learn as much as possible about the impending release; and obtain an interview with the heads of Gearbox software, who were present at this very event. Now while we can’t disclose exactly what sort of things we played through and saw (yet…), we were told that we were more than welcome to ask a few questions and spend time re-living those experiences of playing Duke Nukem, but in a brand new way.
The event itself was broken up into 3 2-hour sessions, which would allow different groups to come and go, speak with members the development team and play test the demos on offer. Needless to say, I was impressed with both the scale and management of the whole thing. Before everybody inevitably gravitated towards the unmanned play-test tv’s, our attention was seized by the two reps from Gearbox who were commanding attention to the stage. They introduced themselves as Randy Pitchford, the president of Gearbox software and Steve Gibson, the vice president. It was pretty clear from their mannerisms on stage that both were highly psyched about this game. Randy took us through what gamers loved so much about Duke, and even provided us with a little history lesson regarding the huge wait for this release. As an ex-3D Realms employee, Randy was already very familiar with the Duke franchise, and for years, like most of us, has been waiting to see when the King would return to video gaming. When 3D Realms answered in 2009: “never”, this set in motion a chain of events which ultimately led to Gearbox buying the rights to Duke to change that around. It was clearly a story and a situation that is close to his heart. He and Steve both proceeded to talk about what was new with Duke in 2011, and how this game stands out from the rest.
It was said that the gaming industry has changed dramatically between DN:3D and DNF. In a modern market that already features an abundance of first person shooters, all with the same, shoot, kill, move-on flow of gameplay, the designers of DNF have tried to capture the spirit of the older Duke games, while still introducing some new innovations. While of course there IS a lot of ass-kicking to be had, the game was described as more than that. Players would be forced to think about their decisions and interactions with the Duke world. It’s a first person shooter game, but it’s also a puzzler, an adventure game, and a problem solving experience. Sure many problems can be solved with heavy artillery and use of said artillery, but there apparently will be moments when players really need to think to progress. Both reps said that they were particularly fond of the work on Portal 2 which has helped define intellectual challenges in FPS gameplay.
While they continued to discuss elements of Duke’s story, I took a quick look around only to see a bar-girl offering to get me a drink. In the middle of the day, I was expecting coke and water. “We have beer for you guys” what she said, and suddenly, out rolled the Crowns. Looking over by the bar, I also spotted a few ladies clad in clothing that was even more tight fitting that those being worn by the bar staff. All three were wearing the same outfit consisting of a white shirt, VERY small red patterned skirts and long black boots. I recognised the outfit from the announcement trailers I had already seen. I figured that these ladies were reps from 2K who would later be helping us get introduced to the play-test.
Then, Randy and Steve stepped off stage. The three afore mentioned ladies moved up to the stage and positioned themselves on the vertical bars. Suddenly, I figured maybe they weren’t there to teach us how to play. Alice Cooper’s “Poison” began to play as the stage lit up, and smoke was fed in from stage right. All of the attending guests were then treated to, believe it or not, a stage pole dance show from the girls in Duke apparel. I mean, what else can I say? It was certainly fitting of the Duke Nukem theme. It was sort of surreal and kind of awkward for me, but I could tell that about half the audience were staring on with intent. Including MasterAbbott. 🙂
We were later given a photo opportunity to have with the girls, where I swear MasterAbbott thought that for a moment, he was Duke himself. Seriously, take a look at the photos! C’mon… Free food, free beer, video games, and babes? It doesn’t really get much better than that.
Needless to say, I was VERY impressed by the game test-plays. In my own opinion, I feel that this will definitely be a game worth looking out for. I can’t say exactly what I played (yet…) but take a reassuring pat on the back, it’s AWESOME. I think it captures the essence of what made previous Duke games great, but at the same time, has created new innovations that may well define the game industry and the FPS market for years to come.
At the final stage of the event, our little group was ushered upstairs to have a one-on-one chat with Randy and Steve regarding the release of DNF. Everything went pretty smoothly Randy and Steve, who are both VERY cool guys. To watch the interview itself, click HERE
All in all though ,it was a fantastic event to be a part of. It was fun, entertaining, and for me, fulfilling to see Duke had been passed into hands that shared our dream to see the final product hit selves. Not only was it able to project the Duke Nukem world into reality, it also projected that fact that the game itself: Duke Nukem Forever WILL be becoming a reality for gamers very soon. Scheduled for a worldwide release on June 10th (or 14th in the States) mark the date down, because the King will be back to kick ass, and chew bubblegum.
Kelly Teng, Randy Pitchford, Michael Marr, Steve Gibson, Philip Federico
MasterAbbot and Spike today got the chance to have a sit down and chat with The President of Gearbox Software Randy Pitchford and Vice President Steve Gibson. The topic?
Duke Nukem Forever, what else?
The interview took place during a Sydney media event and play test for the upcoming release of Duke Nukem Forever, the game that pretty much all gamers have long been awaiting. Throughout the interview we discuss the current vibe from the gaming community, exciting innovations implemented into the game itself, as well as the story behind why Duke has taken up arms yet again. (Well, besides the fact that millions of fans demanded it.) We also discuss the fine line that Duke has often walked between offensive and humorous, and speculate the effects of Bubblegum on the practice of Ass-Kicking.
From what we witnessed throughout the event, and just from talking to Randy and Steve, it’s pretty clear that people are getting psyched up for this release. You can just tell from hearing these two speak about it that the game is going to be something huge. It’s clearly been a great achievement for Gearbox Software, and hopefully gamers will also appreciate the final product.
Be prepared people, the King is about to make his return. Enjoy the Interview below.
If you are a Dragon Quest fan, then you should know that this year marks the 25th anniversary for the RPG series. Thankfully, we have a new Rocket Slime title confirmed for release sometime this year on the 3DS (hopefully outside of Japan that is) and now we have something much larger coming our way if these new rumors end up being true.
At a recent Dragon Quest III concert, series composer Koichi Sugiyama was reported to have made a statement that he was presently working on music for Dragon Quest X, which was stated to be headed to the Wii sometime in 2012. Buzz for Dragon Quest X has been circulating for quite a while now and this latest development certainly shows progress is being made for it’s completion. While we might not see another main game in the franchise for a while, I still would enjoy seeing something big for the series birthday and I would expect Square to have some kind of announcement forthcoming later this year.
Please note this is not an Apple factory but one of its Chinese suppliers
Foxconn, one of Apples major suppliers of the much sought after iPad and iPhones has taken the extreme measure of making its employees sign a contract preventing them from committing suicide. Reports have recorded at least 14 known suicides in under a year and a half with many more interventions and survived attempts. Horrendously poor work conditions have been blamed for the unfortunate events. Employees must also sign away their family’s rights to appeal for large compensation in the event of such an incident.
Research carried out by the ultra reputable Sacom found payslips showing workers performing overtime at 3 times the legal limit, allowing 1 day off a fortnight in peak demand periods, being ridiculed, banned from talking and made to stand for entire shifts. Many workers only see their families once a year and are holed up in dormitories with 24 others in a room. The average wage is a meagre 5 pounds ($10 AU) an hour, sorry I meant day!!! The company has even had to go to the extreme of putting safety nets at the base of the dorms to catch any staff who may wander through a window. Sorry it’s not humorous but you have to know something’s up when you need safety nets.
In response Foxconn has admitted they break all overtime laws, even accusing employees of suicide to secure large compensation for their loved ones. While they say they are trying to rectify the problems, staff are basically treated like robots with no social lives outside the factory.
This was Apples response a year ago to the suicides that were occurring even back then, “We are saddened and upset by the recent suicides at Foxconn. We are in direct contact with Foxconn senior management and we believe they are taking this matter very seriously. A team from Apple is independently evaluating the steps they are taking to address these tragic events and we will continue our ongoing inspections of the facilities where our products are made.”
Foxconn are still clearly breaking Apples supplier conduct laws and hopefully in light of these ridiculous demands placed on their workers will be forced to take action. Unfortunately this would not be an isolated event with major companies all around the world trying to bring new technology to market at the cheapest price meaning they have to outsource the production offshore to those who provide the cheapest offer.
Ubisoft Motion Pictures has been formed, and it has one sole purpose. To make movies and TV shows based on beloved video game franchises like Assassin’s Creed, Splinter Cell and other Ubisoft series. Based on the $335 million success of the Prince of Persia film last summer, Ubisoft obviously sees quite a huge future in this investment. We all know that video game movies rarely have critical success, but if Ubisoft invests enough into these projects, maybe the future of these movie spinoffs will change. To help, Ubisoft’s executive list that will be in on the new project include Jean de Rivieres, a former top man of distribution at Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures France. Plus,we all know that nobody can get enough Jake Gyllenhaal.
With so many great films and series’ out at the moment, we all know when winter strikes in the Southern Hemisphere there will be plenty of DVDs to get us through those cold nights. Madman have released their July lineup so we know exactly what to look forward to when the rain comes…and it is a brilliant lineup.
Films
Carlos the Jackal
“From acclaimed director Olivier Assayas (SUMMER HOURS, IRMA VEP), and starring Golden Globe ® nominee Édgar Ramírez, comes an explosive new work of astonishing scope; an epic portrayal of the notorious revolutionary known as Carlos.
For two decades, Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, better known as CARLOS THE JACKAL, was one of the world’s most wanted terrorists. Between 1974 and 1994, he lived several lives under various pseudonyms, weaving his violent way across Europe and the Middle East through the complexities of international politics. From bombing trains and government buildings to hijacking planes and taking hostages, his explosive exploits captured the attention of the world.”
The Housemaid
“After accepting the job of a housemaid to a wealthy businessman, the innocent and naive Eun-yi is tasked with taking care of his pregnant wife and her young daughter. But when the husband seduces his new employee, his actions do not go unnoticed by an older servant who knows many of the family’s secrets. When things take an unexpected turn, the household is left wondering if this mere housemaid is really as innocent as she appears.
Sleek and sexy, THE HOUSEMAID is a provocative and beautifully cinematic thriller and a landmark reinterpretation of Ki-young Kim’s highly-regarded 1960s film of the same name.”
Just a Beginning
“Shot over two years,JUST A BEGINNING traces the lessons of a rather unique pre-school class: at merely 3-5 years of age, this class is already waxing lyrical on philosophy.
Seated in a circle, these pre-schoolers ponder subjects such as love, power, difference, growing up and death. Slowly but surely, the workshops become the space in which the children learn about listening, respect and the world around them. Screened to popular acclaim at the Alliance Francaise Film Festival, JUST A BEGINNING is the story of a kindergarten with a difference – these kids are the future, and they’re pretty right-on!”
Series
I Am Weasel
“As silly as REN AND STIMPY but less disgusting, I AM WEASEL is a cult classic featuring two of the most mismatched pals ever to grace television screens!
Meet I.M. Weasel (voiced by Michael Dorn, better known as STAR TREK’s ‘Worf’): a famous, generous, caring being who is extremely gifted, talented and skilled in most professions. Now meet I.R. Baboon: an untalented, ugly, erratic being, who is only noteworthy for his big bright red butt, which he refuses to cover at any time much to the discomfort of those around him. Despite I.M. Weasel’s benevolent nature, I.R. Baboon is constantly trying to out-do him and constantly failing to do so. These are their adventures!”
K-On! Vol 1
“From the land of J-pop comes K-ON!, a rockin’ musical adventure which traces the musical aspirations of a group of four precocious high school chicks.
When Yui Hirasawa enters high school, she wants to join a club but can’t decide which one is right for her. Fortunately, the Light Music Club is desperate to find another member or they’ll be disbanded! So, with the enticement of delicious snacks and assurance that no musical experience is necessary, Yui joins up as the guitarist in this all-girl high school rock band – also featuring Mio Akiyama on bass, Tsumugi Kotobuki on keyboard and Ritsu Tainaka on drums. Together, they’re going to rock the school and someday make it to Budokan!”
On June 17, 2011, Child of Eden will be coming to the Xbox 360 Kinect, and, in September, the combination of sound and movement will be coming to the Playstation 3. Hailed as one of the first hardcore video games to come out for the Kinect, this is one of the video games coming out this year that has quite a few of us at Capsule Computers very excited. How about you? Are you ready to immerse yourself into “synesthesia”: the combination of movement and sound? It may make you tired playing it, but it sure does look beautiful!
Remember Too Human? If you answered yes, it might be because the game had a comically long development cycle, with 9 years between its 1999 announcement and its eventual 2008 release. During its long, long development hell, developer Silicon Knights switched platforms twice, moving from the Playstation to the Gamecube and finally to the Xbox 360. What’s even more interesting in hindsight is that Silicon Knights, the same Canadian studio behind Eternal Darkness, originally intended for the game to be the first part in an epic trilogy.
After Too Human’s somewhat disappointing launch, many gamers probably figured it was the last they would see of a technologically advanced Baldur, expecting the franchise to die off like 2005’s “first-part-in-a-trilogy” Advent Rising. Acording to Industry Gamers, however, the cyberpunk Norse gods still have work to do. They recently contacted Denis Dyack, president of Silicon Knights, about the future of the series. Dyack responded by saying, “We intend to finish the trilogy but no comment beyond that… You know, there’s very public litigation around that”, in reference to SK’s ongoing legal battle with Epic Games over their licensing of the Unreal Engine.
Timing can be strange sometimes, as just last week fellow editor Justin Mienkiewicz and I were playing Too Human and pondering whether or not we would ever see its continuation. I think it would be wise to remain skeptical until an announcement by Silicon Knights, but apparently there may be life in old Baldur yet. Let’s just hope that they improve the gameplay for any planned sequels.
Madman has announced that The Company Men is coming to DVD and Blu-ray on the 13 July, 2011.
The Company Men features an all-star cast of Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones, Chris Cooper, and Kevin Costner. When Bobby Walker (Affleck), Phil Woodward (Cooper), and Gene McClary (Jones) find themselves jobless, they are forced to redefine their lives. Directed by John Wells (The West Wing, ER), The Company Men provides an account of the effects of the recession on individuals and families.
