As with any new device or technology, there will always be those who will want to take it apart piece by piece in an effort to better understand its design and how it works, and the Kinect for XBox 360 is no different. Since its initial release back in November, hackers from around the world have been studying its depth perception and motion detection engines to put them to use in other projects. And for once these actions have been welcomed by the developer. Originally planning to take action against anyone ‘reverse engineering’ or tinkering with their devices, the company has made an exception for the kinect, realising its potential and use outside of the gaming industry. Craig Mundie, Microsoft’s chief research and strategy officer expects a “huge explosion in interest”, which is something they “welcome and support”. The head of the companies’ interactive entertainment division, Don Mattrick sees it as a “great way to build momentum, intellect and creativity of that particular community”.
The most impressive of hacks so far has come from Kinected Conference by MIT media labs which I am guessing is a bunch if MIT students judging from their website. The main features of their conferencing development are
Talking to focus – Effectively the system recognises who is talking and puts them in focus with the ability to blur out everything else. They also have incorporated contextual bubbles providing valuable information such as the person’s name and any files they might be sharing with the group as well
Freezer Former Frames – allows the user to pause themselves while everything else continues on as usual. Valuable for those toilet breaks in meetings.
Privacy Zone – Allows the user to make themselves or specified areas invisible to the viewer. Very useful for hiding other in the background or things going on close by due to space limitations.
Spacial Augmenting Reality – Bit more complicated but allows users to click on objects in an augmented space and gives them real time position and distance figures.
This would be of great interests to many businesses and could offer a superior conferencing system for a lower investment.
Microsoft themselves have announced a Kinect Software Development Kit or SDK which they say will offers drivers allowing users to utilise the Kinects motion detection, video, voice and depth perception features at levels not available through the current hack. Currently the Kinect is being used across many projects by a multitude of groups, ranging from its use in old games like Super Mario Kart, real time video manipulation and what wouldn’t be complete with at least someone combining it to enhance, play with and control female breasts. There have also been plenty of people who have seen the devices potential for use in simulated sex games.
Microsoft have been quick to go on the record saying any such games will result in immediate action from the company to have them banned. They pride themselves on being a family oriented company especially in relation to the Kinect and do not support any such behaviour. The most impressive stuff is coming out of MIT Robotics which has seen robots using the Kinect for movement and obstacle recognition.
The official kit will be available sometime in April for non-commercial use with plans for a commercial license to be sold for its use in profitable industries.
The Sacred Blacksmith Produced by: Manglobe Inc. Tag Line: Can a naive Knight overcome the power of a devil’s sword? Run time: 300 minutes in 12 Episodes Language: English, Japanese Genre: Action Adventure, Fantasy, Anime Available for purchase at:Madman Online Store ($59.95), Amazon US ($27.99), Amazon UK (£42.23)
Overview:
Fantasy series can sometimes be seen as a dime a dozen but in the anime world this is far from the truth. Many fantasy series often based around historic Japan or China with few focusing on creating a new world all of their own. The Sacred Blacksmith sets itself apart by creating a fantastical world set in medieval times. Originally created as a light novel series by Isao Miura, The Sacred Blacksmith was adapted into an anime back in 2009 by Manglobe. Now that it has been fully dubbed and released by Madman Entertainment, does The Sacred Blacksmith forge a powerful new show?
Story:
Nearly fifty years ago a great war occurred. Named the Valbanill War it was also the war where the use of something called a Demon Contract was common. A Demon Contract sacrificed a human’s body to summon forth a powerful demon or create a devastating weapon. These contracts were banned once the war ended in an effort to create a peaceful world.
Now we join our main heroine Cecily patrolling the streets of Housman as usual but she is attacked suddenly by a crazed veteran of the Valbanill War who destroys her weapon and has to be saved by a mysterious man named Luke who wields a katana that neatly slices through the veteran’s weapon and causes him to run away. Despite her quick defeat and loss of her weapon she quickly finds herself fighting against a monstrous Demon that attacked a caravan carrying precious cargo and is again saved by Luke who demonstrates surprising magical powers and forges a magical katana that defeats the demon quickly.
Cecily consistently goes to Luke’s house and asks him for a katana of her own and is turned down consistently. Then she is shown that she will be the protector of a magical sword known as a Demon Sword, only it is much more than a simple sword. The knights around the city of Housman are on the lookout for someone that is called the “Man in Black” who seems to be in the center of every demonic appearance and with more wielders of Demon Swords showing up in the city things quickly become hectic in Cecily’s knighthood.
The storyline seems to have a lot of trouble on finding a place to settle down unfortunately. Despite plenty of plot points being introduced over time the series perhaps falls victim to its limited airing schedule of 12 episodes. What I mean is that story arcs often feel very rushed and the series loses focus quite often. The arc featuring Charlotte E. Firobisher takes a lot of time to get going and develop, only to quickly get resolved when the arc finishes up. This then leaves only a few episodes to close out the series with the “Man in Black” being revealed and Luke and Lisa’s past coming to light. Lots of plot holes were left open which could be resolved in a second season but unfortunately The Sacred Blacksmith leaves a lot to be resolved in the end.
Artwork:
The Sacred Blacksmith is very well drawn with character animation being fluid even during some of the heavy combat scenes. It is obvious that Manglobe spent plenty of time with the battle scenes themselves as the special effects for the battles are top notch. Whether it is an elemental attack from one of the Demon Swords or the magic used by Luke to form a magical katana the animation is quite striking and pleasing to the eyes.
The characters themselves are drawn well with unique clothing, although it is hard to believe Cecily would receive much protection from her armor. Plus the breastplate is literally a breastplate. Moving on, the demons that appear from time to time are very well drawn considering they vary between complete monstrosities to simple mutated animals. At times the designs of the demons strike a large contrast between the humans fighting them which help create the atmosphere that the humans truly are facing powerful foes.
Audio:
The background music is rather forgetful and at times the viewer will find themselves barely remembering that there was background music other for some of the more important fights. The opening and the ending are an extreme contrast with one another as the opening song “Justice of Light” is more dramatic and serious compared to the very lighthearted ending “Miracle Happy Day.” The opening isn’t quite as memorable due to the animation used but the chibi Lisa that goes along with the ending Miracle Happy Day helps it stand out. The opening and ending weren’t translated but did have subtitles to let watchers know what was being sung.
The Sacred Blacksmith has received a full English dubbing. The Japanese voice actors are still there for those who would enjoy that version. The English voice actors provide a great job with the characters that they provide the voices over. I didn’t find any contrasts between character personality and the way that the voice actor portrayed them which is certainly a highlight. Aria’s voice actor is a treat to the ears and Cecily’s shifts between tsun and dere are captured perfectly.
Characters:
Cecily Cambell is a 3rd generation knight from the Cambell household. Despite the fact that her father and grandfather were both well-known knights in the city she has yet to prove herself as a soldier. At the beginning of the series she has little true combat experience and is quickly defeated by a veteran of the Valbanill War and has to be saved by Luke Ainsworth. Cecily is often seen as a bit of an airhead but stays strong to her beliefs that the job of a knight and her sword is to protect the people of the city. Her flame red hair can symbolize that she is extremely brave despite the fact she has little to no combat experience, though she does progressively grow stronger as the series progresses, and refuses to give up even when facing overwhelming odds. After being saved by Luke she constantly pesters him into creating a katana for her and always is around him she eventually shows tsundere like qualities when around Luke. She is often the source of many jokes in the series either due to her large breasts, which do get shown at times, or her beliefs as a knight. As a whole Cecily becomes a hindrance to the story as she is the given the most screen time but also can try the viewer’s patience due to her annoying mannerisms and pestering of Luke even though she only shows that she should deserve a powerful weapon at certain times of the series and the rest find her being more of a joke than a knight.
Luke Ainsworth can be seen as the other main character of The Sacred Blacksmith and is the actual blacksmith whom the series revolves around. Luke is a very private person who can be seen as insensitive to those around him due to his arrogant demeanor. He is an exceptional blacksmith who lives in the countryside away from the city that Cecily protects. He is the only blacksmith that is able to create katana in the region but is also able to forge a powerful magical katana in the middle of battle with the help of his assistant Lisa through a contract (spell). He sees Cecily as a pest as he constantly turns her request to forge a katana for her down. He is very quick to comment on the fact she lacks skill as a fighter and is usually on the receiving end of her anger. Despite all of this however, Cecily begins to remind Luke of someone in his dark past which is explored as the series goes on. Luke is an odd one to accept at first glance due to his attitude towards the other characters in the series. He can be seen as mean towards the other characters but eventually is fleshed out a bit thanks to being around Cecily, although he still feels out of place among the other characters.
Lisa is Luke’s assistant and lives with him in his house in the countryside. She is also his main assistant who helps him with his blacksmithing but also pretty much does everything for him. Lisa looks like a girl in her young teens and quickly becomes one of the most likable characters of the series with her adorable ways. She is always there to help Luke when he needs her but stands firmly with Cecily in any argument the two get into when she is around. There are a few odd things viewers will notice about Lisa, other than her ability to begin the contract with Luke to create the magical katanas and cannot remember ever being separated from Luke in her life. Her past is a mystery that is explored later in the series but is hinted at throughout many episodes as her ability is used again and again.
Rounding out the main characters is Aria. Aria may appear as a normal, albeit beautiful woman but she is actually one of the most powerful swords in existence known as a Demon Sword. Aria is the Sword of Wind and has the unique ability to change into human form despite the fact that most Demon Swords cannot do this. She has had many previous wielders who have used her to murder and kill thousands of men in the past but has fallen under the protection of Cecily. With Cecily’s beliefs the two form a strong bond and Aria allows Cecily to wield her power whenever she is in danger. Despite being a sword in human form Aria is quick to pick up on the romantic feelings that Cecily feels towards Luke and often teases her about this but retains her kind and caring personality always.
Some side characters that show up for their own personal story arc are Charlotte E Firosbisher and her three followers; Margot, Penelope and Doris. Each of these girls wields a powerful Demon Sword of their own but only one holds a sword powerful enough to take human form. Charlotte is the illegitimate child of the Emperor and may appear as a spoiled princess initially but quickly develops into a warm character that is willing to work alongside Cecily. Her three followers are often the source of comedic relief as they grow angry anytime anyone says anything detrimental about Charlotte. Unfortunately these characters are given a rather abrupt ending and do not see much story development beyond their arc, instead being pushed out of the picture entirely and forgotten once it finished.
Overall:
The Sacred Blacksmith does indeed forge an interesting story with plenty of unique characters and unique plot points but the blade that came out of the forge is marked with imperfections. The pacing of the story is unfortunately not well handled and important plot holes are left wide open at the end of the last episode. There is a decent amount of fan service but nothing overly exaggerated and the action is certainly a highlight to the series. In the end The Sacred Blacksmith was an enjoyable watch with lots of comedy and action but can leave the viewer disappointed at the ending.
If you are reading this, there is a really good chance you have played at least one version of PopCap’s Bejeweled. The music in Bejeweled is one of the small elements in the game that goes unnoticed while us players are zombies, smashing gems until the break of dawn, but when I actually sit and listen to the music over the gameplay, it is one of the most relaxing and harmonizing soundtracks in the video game world period.
PopCap are now allowing players to download soundtracks for both Bejeweled 2 & 3 for free via download due to two newly remastered soundtracks that have been released by composers Peter Hajba and Alexander Brandon, better known as Skaven 252.
Now you Plants vs Zombies fans will also be happy to know that the soundtrack (composed by Laura Shigihara), is also up on Bandcamp.
So now this is where you get to downloading and enjoy playing these tunes as you sleep and dream of Gems raining down on zombies.
Red Faction: Armageddon doesn’t release until June, but THQ have now shed light on what those who order the game early will receive. Those who decide to head to EBGames will be able to get an instant upgrade to the collector’s edition which is packed with all sorts of goodies from extra armor and guns to even the full version of the downloadable XBLA/PSN title, Red Faction: Battlegrounds.
Here is the full list on contents that have been revealed for this collector’s edition:
Red Faction: Battlegrounds
A free downloadable copy of Red Faction: Battlegrounds arcade game on either Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, or PlayStation®Network for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, a $15 value.
Recon Pack
Players will also receive the Recon Pack that includes the clandestine Recon uniform, constructed specifically for Red Faction snipers and spies. Unleash two new weapons on your foes, including the Arc Welder, which immobilizes and electrocutes clusters of enemies, and the XNG-5000, which launches devastating Nanite-filled projectiles that seek out targets and dissolve them.
Commando Pack
This pack includes the armored Commando uniform and adds two new weapons to their arsenal. Players will spray an unforgiving stream of destruction with the Plasma Thrower, or slice and dice the infestation with dual Laser Pistols.
A3 Poster
Lastly, players will receive a large A3-size Red Faction: Armageddon poster – perfect for the lone survivalist looking to display their allegiance to the colony of Mars.
For those who typically shop at JB Hi-Fi, don’t feel left out as THQ are offering a different bonus of a 24-page illustrated comic book which follows Darius Mason as he chases down a gang of murderous bandits in a tale that takes place just before the events of Red Faction: Armageddon.
After how much fun Red Faction: Guerrilla was, I am ready for this sequel and it is nice to see these incentives now being announced as it is always nice to get some extra swag with any gaming purchase. Red Faction: Armageddon officially hits stores June 2nd for the Xbox 360, PS3, and Windows PC. Keep checking back as we will keep you updated with more news as this release draws closer.
Fans of Killzone 3 are getting a huge treat tomorrow! A new map pack will be on the PSN store in Europe tomorrow. American’s receive the new maps on Tuesday, April 12.
The “Steel Rain” DLC wraps up a Guerrilla Warfare map called Junkyard that will be filled with dead jetpacks and broken exoskeletons. Stahl Arms is a Warzone map in a Helghan weapons manufacturing plant (yay, lots of weapons there!)
Free to Playstation Plus subscribers for the first month, it will later be available for €4.99/$4.99.
EA games have today announced the latest expansion pack for the hit life simulation game ‘The Sims 3’. ‘The Sims 3: Generations’ is set to enrich and emphases the life stages of Sims, from childhood to adulthood. A range of new items, options and activities have been included in this expansion for players to fulfil each Sim’s childhood, teenage and adulthood dreams. New features gameplay will allow teens to pull off pranks and adult Sims to suffer a midlife crisis, just to name a few. “The Sims 3 Generations includes new gameplay experiences and content that our community has been requesting for years including bunk beds, expansive weddings, midlife crises and more,” said Scott Evans, General Manager of The Sims Studio at EA. “Imagine booby trapping a friend’s toilet or turning your imaginary friend into a real person, throwing bachelor or bachelorette parties, all to spend your elder Sims years reminiscing about the past.”
Players will also be able to upload their Sims’ life moments on to thesims3.com and on Facebook thanks to the in-game cameras and the new memory system.
The Sims 3: Generations is set to be released on May 31st for the PC and Mac
Timegate Studios posted on their Twitter account today, saying that the sequel to Section 8 will be launching on the Xbox 360 first on April 20th, 2011. PC gamers will be able to get their shooting and jumping fix next month, on May 4th.
This Microsoft timed exclusive will be short lived though, as the Playstation 3 version of the game will hit the ground running this summer. All 3 of the games will have a price tag of $15.00.
Section 8: Prejudice is notable because it is one of the few shooters to be a digital download that will include multi-player and a campaign. The first game also incorporated the super cool feature of being able to drop in from above ANYWHERE on the map. Plus, jetpacks!
WHAAA! Last we heard, the proposed law that would institute an R18+ rating in Australia had the full support of the federal government. However, it has recently surfaced that Victoria AG Robert Clark is not fully on board, saying that the new law “would legalize games with high levels of graphic, frequent and gratuitous violence, including violence against civilians and police.”
His statements agree with Australian Christian Lobby director Rob Ward, who said the Classification Board was “asleep at the wheel” when it granted titles like GTA 4 MA15+ ratings, allowing them to be released in the continent. Ward added, “that’s not a reason to create an R18+ category. That’s a reason to clip them behind the ear.”
Perhaps he just needs a good clip in the ear to wake himself up, although that would probably prove, rather than disprove, that gamers are more violent. A shame. A crying shame.
Who can say “no” to licensed video games?! Especially when their published by Disney and feature the characters from one of the most watched shows on the Disney Channel. I’m so excited!
Sarcasm aside, Disney does look like they may actually be putting a lot of effort into their new video game, Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension. Coming out on Nintendo Wii and DS, plus the Playstation 3, the game is set to release in the Winter of 2011. Be prepared to play as one of 10 characters from the show, including Phineas, Ferb or Agent P.
“We collaborated closely with Disney’s video game development team to ensure that the video game captures the humour and style of our movie ,” said Dan Povenmire, Emmy Award-winning Creator/Executive Producer,Phineas and Ferb. “The antics of the characters and the immersive new worlds of the video game will extend the experience fans will encounter in the Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension.”
While playing as one of those characters, your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to travel through mysterious lands, like a “1928 style cartoon world, a lawn gnome land and a gelatine world.” And when travelling through these lands, what better way to protect yourself than with a “Carbonator – that fires carbonated orange soda to melt enemies – and ninja gloves, which allow players to stick to walls.”
The Nintendo DS verison of the game will have slightly different gameplay, but you’ll undoubtedly be to busy playing to notice. The PS3 game will include PS Move support. Think about using the Ninja Gloves with THAT!
Now lean all the way to the right. Don’t go too far or you’ll fall over. You did make sure to move that glass table over there didn’t you? Uh oh. Well that trip the hospital won’t be too bad considering Michael Jackson The Experience looks to be one of the most entertaining dance games that is coming out for the Kinect. You can catch the trailer for the title below and be prepared for when it releases on April 12th in the US and April 14th everywhere else.
Fans of Michael Jackson may remember that the game was released on the Wii, DS and PSP back in November of last year but neither of these had the full body recognition of the Kinect. The game will also be coming out for the PlayStation 3 on the same day with Move support but the highlight of this trailer is the capabilities of the Kinect itself. Once April 12th rolls around you will be able to dance like Michael Jackson himself to some of his greatest hits like Smooth Criminal, Bad, Billie Jean, Thriller and many more.
