Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced that 3D MiniGolf Adventures 2 will hit the PlayStation Network in Autumn 2011. The game being previously exclusive to the Xbox 360, 3D MiniGolf Adventures 2 offers 50+ courses include more and more bizzare themes such as Haunted Manors and Museums, with obstacles and hazards ranging from ledges and surprise traps, as well as 10 special power ups that can sabotage your opponents. Konami’s latest title will also feature full customisation to character outfits, cartoonish graphics and the ability to create one’s own MiniGolf courses. Konami also has announced that additional downloadable content is planned, with 18 new holes can be expected in the not-to-distant future.
Players can get into the swing of things in 3D Ultra MiniGolf Adventures 2 on the PlayStation Network in Autumn, 2011.
Masthead Studio, Creators of the eagerly anticipated MMORPG – Earthrise, have launched the game over the weekend.
Earthrise, is set on a post-apocalyptic Earth far into the future and features a unique skill-based system, a player driven economy, PvP and the ability to progress through their destiny through its sandbox-like mechanics.
The game is available to purchase online at the Official Webpage – which will give you access to the special Exemplar Armour; or at Direct2Drive – which will give you the exclusive Overdrive Armour. The game looks set to be priced at roughly $49.95US. For European players, you have the option to purchase a boxed version of Earthrise from Iceberg Shop – which includes a limited edition poster and map.
To Quote the Dev team –
“Our team has channeled years of dedication and hard work into Earthrise, and we are thrilled for those fans who have been following us this entire time, as well as those who are just now checking us out, to experience the world of Enterra,” said Atanas Atanasov, producer of Earthrise and director of Masthead Studios. “We are already working on updates and expansion packs to be integrated within the next few months, and are excited to continue to develop and enhance the world.”
There is a one-month free-trial when you purchase the game.
So far this year Sony have been on a roll; releasing tonnes of new information regarding their future products. Products such as: The NGP, LittlebigPlanet2, Uncharted 3 and a few other titles from their future selection. Recently Sony have released a Media Bulletin; which we have recreated here for the public’s pleasure. It contains a bit about a few of their products as well as links to websites with more information. Enjoy the info! To quote Sony:
Sony Computer Entertainment announces its new entertainment system
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) announced last week its next generation portable entertainment system (codename: NGP), which delivers the ultimate portable entertainment experience. NGP is designed to offer unparalleled interactive entertainment that is only possible on PlayStation® and will make its debut at the end of the year 2011.This new system offers a revolutionary combination of rich gaming and social connectivity within a real world context, made possible by leveraging SCE’s experience from both PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) and PlayStation®3 (PS3®) entertainment systems. For more details about the NGP feature set, click here. To take a look at the video and images visit the official website.
Sony Computer Entertainment unveils the “PlayStation®Suite”
SCE also unveiled “PlayStation®Suite” (PS Suite), which delivers the PlayStation® experience to Android ™ based portable devices, enabling users to enjoy PlayStation content on an open operating system for the first time in PlayStation history. SCE plans to provide PS Suite content within this calendar year, starting with original PlayStation games*2 (PS one® classics) that will allow users to enjoy “PlayStation quality” gameplay on their Android based portable devices. SCE also plans to open PlayStation®Store where users will be able to download content in an easy to use environment, directly via the Android based portable devices. For more details PlayStation Suite, click here
LittleBigPlanet™2
Play, create and share with everyone you know -and the whole world too… it’s LittleBigPlanet™2 for PlayStation®3! One of the world’s most creative, versatile and acclaimed stars is back. He’s not an actor, a movie producer, an artist or a musician – actually, he’s all of those and more. Give a big hand for Sackboy, the small but mighty star of LittleBigPlanet™ – now making his return in LittleBigPlanet™2. For more information on LittleBigPlanet 2, click here. To celebrate the launch of LittleBigPlanet 2, Sony Computer Entertainment partnered with some of Australia’s cheekiest online stars: YouTube sensation – Blunty3000; Channel V presenter -Danny Clayton; and Christiaan Van Vuuren – AKA The Fully Sick Rapper. They each created their own unique and personalised level, which are all available to download and play via PlayStation®Network, accessible through the community area of LittleBigPlanet 2. To see their level creation in the making, visit www.youtube.com/littlebigplanet2au
DC Universe™ Online Out Now
In this next next-generation, massively multiplayer online action experience for both PlayStation 3 (PS3) and PC, the power of the DC Super Heroes and villains are placed squarely in the palm of your hands, by allowing you to design your own character and choose which side you will fight for. Will you be a super hero or villain? Will you fight to save or conquer the universe? DC Universe Online gives you the chance to fight alongside, or against, your favourite DC comic characters such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and The Joker. For more information about DC Universe Online, visit www.DCUniverseOnline.com.
Killzone®3 set to wreak havoc in February 2011
Killzone®3 is set to whip up a storm when it hits stores in February and with the release of storyline trailer we can see why. Meet the key players of the Killzone 3 campaign mode, including some fresh faces: the resourceful female ISA member Jammer, as well as the hopeful heirs to Visari’s throne, Jorhan Stahl and Admiral Orlock. With PlayStation®Move features and 3D compatibility, Killzone 3 is set to give players a Helghast experience like never before. Stay tuned to killzone.com for more information as we near launch.
Race to the end of the world with Motorstorm® Apocalypse
MotorStorm Apocalypse is set in the centre of a metropolis, abandoned as it transforms into one of the cruellest and most unforgiving natural disaster zones – the perfect playground for an all-new MotorStorm racing festival! Leave all expectations about street racing at the start line as you race across the tops of unstable skyscrapers, through ravaged buildings, into darkened subways and over twisting bridges, whilst jaw-dropping earthquakes tear The City apart in real time! For more information about MotorStorm Apocalypse, visit the official website. You can also check out these developer diaries from the team at Evolution Studios on the two main modes in MotorStorm Apocalypse. The videos feature unseen game footage, glimpses into the recording of the original soundtrack as well as commentary from Paul ‘Rushy’ Rustchynsky, Lead Designer, and Simon ‘Barlos’ Barlow, Assistant Game Director, who were integral in developing the gameplay features.
Drake is back on a high stakes expedition to the heart of the Arabian Desert in Uncharted 3: Drakes Deception™
Developed exclusively for PlayStation®3 [PS3™] by the team at Naughty Dog Inc., UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception™ blurs the entertainment boundaries, delivering the cinematic scale, adrenalin rushes, thrills and mystery that are the UNCHARTED trademark; together with its unique and enhanced multiplayer experience. For more information on Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, click hereClick here to check out the announcement video
And the games announced so far for the year –
20th January 2011 24th February 2011 17th March 2011 Early 2011 Early 2011
LittleBigPlanet 2 Killzone 3 MotorStorm: Apocalypse SOCOM: Special Forces PlayStation Move Heroes
PlayStation 3, PlayStation Move features PlayStation 3, PlayStation Move features PlayStation 3 PlayStation 3, PlayStation Move features PlayStation 3, PlayStation Move features
It’s been a promising start to the year for us from Sony and are looking forward to revealing more information on their behalf at future times.
So it’s been about two months now since the release of Fallout: New Vegas’ first DLC pack for the Xbox 360, and it is about time that the timed exclusive was finally released on the other consoles. It will be exactly two months on February 22nd and that is the same day that Dead Money will be available for download on the PlayStation 3 and the PC via their respective download markets.
Now the question is whether or not the DLC has received any improvements or upgrades since the pack was released two months ago. You can check out our review for the Xbox 360 DLC here, though I doubt much will have changed in the time since its release. Also released was the fact that the next three add on packs will launch at the same time on all systems, meaning no more timed exclusivity for the Xbox 360.
We are back! This week, an evil sounding Sith Lord has taken over certain members of the podcast. Although some suspect that the voices you hear on this podcast are faked, we can assure you that we have a battle of epic proportions on our hands.
Listen in as we discuss the latest news like the Pink Knight coming to Castle Crashers and a Black Ops DLC review. We also talk about the Google CR48 Computer and some PC & iPhone games. If you listen to the whole ‘cast, you will also have an opportunity to win a valuable prize.
Please send emails with tips, suggestions and questions to [email protected]. We always appreciate the feedback and we read every comment that comes through. Thanks for listening!
Well, without even an email announcing its arrival, Google managed to send us one of the coveted Google CR48 Laptops. An even though it is still in beta form, when the laptop magically arrived yesterday, I almost screamed. This is the first laptop that could be the shape of things to come.
What makes it special?
The CR48 is special because it is the first computer from Google. And it is a laptop that tries to do everything in the cloud. That means that the laptop only has a very small solid state hard drive. Everything else is expected to saved and produced on the internet or servers. So, does it work? Lets go through, step by step.
Hardware
The Google CR48 is plain. No stickers. No logos. Nothing. Painted in flat black, the CR48 is simple. And that is simply amazing. When this thing actually goes mainstream and into production, it may (probably) have all those annoying aspects, but for now, it is a wonderful thing. The jet black exterior is very smooth and has no rough edges. Even the corners feel rounded. There are no bulging protrusions. It is made for travel and functionality and in that aspect, it succeeds.
The keyboard, other than being on the small side, is great to use. The keys are squared and, like the rest of the computer, they are simple. There is no backlighing and fancy features. As a matter if fact, Google removed some keys that would be on a regular keyboard. The kebaord are also coated with waht feels like some of sort of no-stick paint. This makes the keys feel smooth and yet textured at the same time. However, specfically on the mousepad, it makes my fingers drag a little more than I am used too. As a result, some things like highlighting text, are a little more difficult.
The mouse pad also has pinch-to-zoom technology and two finger scrolling. This means that scrolling is very easy, fun and responsive. Just position two fingers on the pad and get at it. Right clicking is as simple as tapping your two fingers.
The computer also has a built in webcam. It is functional, but it lags a lot. When I first logged in, I was prompted to sign in with my Gmail account and take a picture. Taking a picture was difficult because every time I moved, the camera took awhile to register it and the picture I did was very blurry. It don’t have a lot of experience with webcams, but this camera just didn’t seem to have good functionality.
There is only one USB drive slot and one SD hook up. Plus, there is a VGA socket and a 3.5mm headphone jack. So far, many people have been having varying results on the getting external accessory’s to work in the USB drive. And even if they do work, finding customization settings for these peripherals can be a nightmare. Google’s OS is simple and joy to use. But finding specialized options, drives and files can be tricky. A little more transparency would go a long way. So, it is often best to stick to what they have provided, and plug your 2TB external drive into your main computer.
The main feature of the CR48 is the 10 second boot up speeds. When you close the lid, the computer will go to sleep. Pop that lid open, and your computer will wake up faster than you can say, “Capsule Computers.” And when shutting down the computer, you can reboot very fast. Check out the video below to get a good idea of this feature. As you can imagine though, this is just simply a-freaking-mazing!!!
Battery life is said to last for about 7 hours when being used. In sleep mode, the computer can supposedly last for about a 7 days. Based on my personal experiences, I found that the battery lasted a good two days. This was using the Wi-fi and 3G functions regularly, and leaving th computer in sleep mode at night. It doesn’t matter what Google says the record is; you won’t be needing constant electricity for this laptop.
A great benefit of this laptop is that produces hardly any heat. As an owner of constantly overheating computer, this is a feat indeed. Plus, it protects your sensitive… thighs.
Software
The CR48 relies on the Google Web Store to install new software. You can get games, like Plants vs. Zombies, or utilities, like Instant Messaging apps. However, installing custom software is not really supported. For example, you can not watch Netflix Instantly on this computer. Basically, your only software options on this computer are through the Web Store. But, the Web Store is well supported.
Another potential problem with the CR48 is that media-holics will not be able to get their fix through the regular means. With no hard drive, there are no options to watch personal movies or play purchased music. It would be great if you upload all your music and movie files to servers, but with DRM restrictions and such, this is not possible. Although there are Web Store Apps that allow you to upload your music files, these are often not a good option. Of course, Youtube and Pandora are good options to use too.
What is really cool is that most of the Google’s cloud network is already in place. To illustrate, you can go to Google.com right now and create & edit documents. These are all synced to your Gmail account and can be accessed from anywhere. It is hard not to see the potential that this type of computing has.
Connectivity
Google has allowed owners of the Google CR48 access to 100mbs of 3G service from Verizon for free. That is cool and all, but 100mbs is a really small amount. You can of course buy a 9.99 unlimited day pass, and there are also many other alternatives.
Concluding Thoughts
The Google CR48 is not meant to replace your existing comptur. Without options for customized software or a media library, how could it? However, it is a great alternative to a netbook or pad. Syncing all your bookmarks and documents is awesome. With a fully stocked app store, and split second boot up speeds, this computer is a great thing to have on a trip. Or use it for business and school so that all your documents are always safe and just a press of the button away.
In a way, this computer represents what will happen to computers in the next decade or two, when hard drives will have the same connotation as Betamax. As of now though, keep in mind this product is still in the testing phase. When you have the opportunity to actually lay your hands on this beauty though, it may be wise to remember that this small black box is probably like everything from Google: it is a great product, but they are always adding extras. Just like the Android phone or Google’s own website, this cloud computer will likely be in a continual state of evolution.
Finally, can someone please tell Windows how sexy computers are without stickers and logos?
I know this is a gaming site, and we cover all news gaming; however, we also cover anime, movies, gadgets, and much much more. Many Gamers couldn’t care less about the super bowl and probably spent the entire time playing Call of Duty or Halo: Reach. I was personally playing Black Ops with my Little brother for a majority of the beginning, then I watched episode two of “Spartacus: Gods of the Arena” on the Netflix Instant Queue and finally I wrapped up the Super Bowl night by playing Super Meat Boy for the remainder of the game. I was texting a friend of mine during the entire game who was in fact watching the game with her family, but we didn’t really talk about the actual game that much and I only asked for the current score once. The rest of this article will contain the few parts of the superbowl that actually interest me: The Noteworthy Commercials, and the Half Time Show.
First we have the Commercials. After the show, Xbox quickly stuck a large sum of commercials onto their spotlight page for gamers to peruse. A total of 60 videos, 58 of which were commercials, and 2 of them were stupid videos that weren’t actually commercials and had no reason for being in the list. I subsequently sat through every single one of those commercials looking for the few diamonds among the coal. I have come out of the mines with only 3 videos that have any real comedy value. I’m not saying any of them really sucked, I’m just saying a MAJORITY of them pretty much just sucked.
Before I show everyone the three videos, I’m only really counting the ones that I hadn’t seen weeks in advance. A few of the videos such as the Doritos Commercials and the Darth Vader Car commercial (I did include this one below) were thrown out into the world a few weeks ago and were seen by a lot of people way before the Super Bowl Even came around.
Now to commence the videos! Afterwards, I’ll go over the half time show.
[pro-player width=’530′ height=’253′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnPA3D0jzOc[/pro-player]
The video contained Ozzy and Beiber… Why did I enjoy the commercial so much? Because I love how they make fun of Beiber, plain and simple. I was at first thinking the commercial was pretty stupid, and nothing that special; However, that the last 5 seconds or so came up and I started bursting out laughing.
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[pro-player width=’530′ height=’253′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ixijcuvPjY[/pro-player]
This commercial is pretty short, but probably makes every guy out there chuckle just a bit. Considering that I put this commercial among the noteworthy commercials is pretty much summing up how stupid I felt the other commercials were.
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[pro-player width=’530′ height=’253′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R55e-uHQna0[/pro-player]
It is cute, and it is Star Wars… What more can I say?
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There were also quite a few movie trailers; however, if anyone has actually been to the theater recently you have probably seen most of these already during that time. What movies will I be going to see? Probably all of them, but the one I’m looking forward to the most is probably “Fast Five”. People are probably scoffing at me right now, but I honestly enjoyed the other Fast and Furious videos and this ones seems to fit in that timeline at some point as well. Probably before “Tokyo Drift” and after “The Fast and The Furious”; We’ll just have to wait and see. Thor and Captain America look pretty good as well; Pirates of the Caribbean could’ve used some more humor in the actual commercial; and if Transformers 3 has Meagan Fox in it again I’m going to shun it, she keeps ruining all of the movies she is in.
I went through about 60 Super Bowl Commercials and only really came up with 2 or 3 good ones. Pitiful! Just Pitiful… I guess no one actually wanted to make a good commercial on this year’s Super Bowl. Does that mean that no one cares about the two teams that played? Who knows…
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Now we come to the half time show. Honestly, it wasn’t that bad. The halftime show basically consisted of the Black Eyed Peas singing a bunch of their songs, and then usher coming down from the sky and singing some of his. Music, Dancing, Lights, Tron; It was all there, lots of fun and pretty cool to look at. There were a few problems, which made the experience a little less enjoyable. First, were the lights in the letter V in “Love” supposed to not be working? Secondly, I could barely hear usher, his mic must’ve been broken or something. Thirdly, Fergie’s Singing sucked during a majority of the show. Finally, Fergie’s singing sounded like a little girl trying to sing with the professionals… I think I got my point across on that bit.
Overall, this is what I have to say about the parts of the Super Bowl that don’t actually have to do with football. I hoped everyone enjoyed reading this article and don’t forget to comment with your thoughts about the game as well. Go ahead and fill readers in on parts of the game that I didn’t cover, such as the actual game.
As for –
Who played in the game? I have no idea…
Who won? I don’t know that either…
All I really have for you is what I have stated above: those 3 commercials that I felt were noteworthy, some complaints about the halftime show, and some insight on my life.
I have successfully watched every bit of this year’s Superbowl without ever actually watching the game, also I must reiterate that Fergie’s Singing Sucked! Enough said…
Oh, I also listened to the final edit of the Capsule Computers Podcast – Episode 002. You guys are in for a real treat! look for it soon (In the next day or two).
Just because I was in it, doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy laughing at everyone’s jokes a second time around.
I have successfully watched every bit of this year’s superbowl without ever actually watching the game. MUHAHAHA! Also, Fergie’s Singing Sucked! enough said….
I went through 60 Super Bowl Commercials and came up with only 2 good ones… Pitifull! Just pitiful… I guess no one actually wanted to make a good commercial on this years superbowl. Does that mean no one cares about these two teams? Who knows…
BioWare has a brand new Mass Effect 2 DLC coming down the pipework. Now don’t get your hopes up, it isn’t a story pack add-on, instead it is a costume pack which will give three characters on your team the chance to have another outfit to wear. This DLC marks the second pack which gave Jack, Garrus and Thane a new outfit. This one however will provide a new outfit for Tali, Miranda and Grunt.
Tali only ends up getting a change in her coloring however, which is a lost opportunity as it could have been possible to make a transparent helmet so we could have finally seen her face. Definitely would have made the DLC a sure buy for many. On the other hand however Miranda picks up new armor that actually looks like something somebody would go to battle in, as well as a visor for her face. Grunt rounds out the group with a headpiece of his own that cover each eye and plenty of lights to make him hard to miss in the dark. Now there hasn’t been a price announced yet, but the DLC pack will arrive in only a couple of days on February 8th, so we’ll find out the cost then.
Ready to see a description of a game that focuses entirely on what you wouldn’t want your children to be playing it for? Then you are in luck because the ESRB has released their rating for Dragon Age II, M of course, but the description for games as immense and diverse are always interesting. From the description alone it sounds like the relationship meters will return and so will the possibility of same-sex relations with your party members if you choose to pursue that course.
Beyond that there will be blood splatters which means that your players will end up being covered with blood like they used to and there will be plenty of sword swinging, explosions and even some dismemberment. Oh and apparently there will be a scene which will depict a woman about to perform fellatio, but the game does not actually show the scene. Read the below description for everything:
This is an action-adventure role-playing game in which players assume the role of a warrior who completes quests in a mythical land. Players use swords, bows and arrows, and magical spells (e.g., fireballs, energy beams) to defeat human-like enemies and fantasy creatures (e.g., giant spiders, demons, ogres, golems). Attacks are often accompanied by slashing sounds, large explosions, and cries of pain. Blood splatter effects occur when enemies are hit, and damage sometimes results in dismemberment or decapitation—blood stains and body parts occasionally appear in the environment.In one cutscene, a man’s severed head is held up then tossed to the ground.
During the course of the game, characters sometimes engage in sexual dialogue (e.g., “Why is it always about sex with you?” and “Sailing is like sex. Do it wrong, and it’ll make you sick.”). Players can also initiate brief cutscene sequences in which couples (male-female or same-sex) are shown kissing and embracing one another in a bedroom as the screen fades to black. In one cutscene, a woman kneels in front of a male character and appears to perform fellatio—there is no depiction of the sex act; the camera pans out to the rest of the room. The words “a*s,” “bastard,” and “sh*t” appear in dialogue.
The Behemoth, that lovable team behind indie game such as Alien Hominid and the highly successful Castle Crashers now brings us Super Soviet Missile Mastar for the iPad and iPhone, their first game for iOS devices and it’s completely free. This game originally appeared as a mini game in Alien Hominid HD for the XBLA. Shrouded in 8-bit “cold war era” graphics and chiptune audio, Mother Russia wants you to guide their Super Advanced Missile to the Capitalist Scum homeland America. Meanwhile, dodge incoming fighter jets, helicopters and pesky birds on your trajectory. In Soviet Russia, missile fires YOU!
If anything, this game doesn’t take itself very seriously with its satirical, trademark Behemoth humour. Dated 8-bit ‘old school’ graphics and audio just adds to the overall look and feel of the game, and that’s not a bad thing at all. Much like the game’s deliberate 8-bit graphics and audio, controls also follow suit, deliberately being quite difficult in an ‘old school’ gaming sort of way. You control your missile by swiping your fingers up and down, much like a side scroller, the further you get without crashing the more points (or kilometres) you’ll gain for your highscore.
The missile itself is slow to respond, and often last minute quick changes to its trajectory are impossible resulting in you failing your mission, but that’s really the entire point of the game. The key in this game is to plan your future path as it comes, dodging incoming enemies whilst compensating for floating bonuses, but which also acts as bait for you to crash, burn and fail Mother Russia. It’s not that complicated at all once you get your hands on it.
If you’re still a bit iffy on this game ‘8-bit games aren’t really your thing, satirical humour isn’t either’ well don’t forget that (perhaps the best part about this game) Super Soviet Missile Mastar is absolutely free. This game is set you back zero dollars, but will probably suck out many hours of gaming. And remember, in Soviet Russia, game plays you.
Super Soviet Missile Mastar is available for download right now on the iTunes Store
