Page 6501 – Capsule Computers

MapleStory: Thief Edition

Company: NEXON MOBILE

Release Date: August 16, 2010

Price: $4.99

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Story:

A port of the famous MapleStory online RPG, playing as a thief or assassin, you create your own story. Every choice you make with every item you can obtain changes the story, creating multiple endings. Potions, weapons and much more creates an almost exact replica of the online game. Mini-games are available as well, in case you need a small break from work.

Sound and Graphics:

If you’re a MapleStory fan of the online RPG, then the sounds and graphics of this game are perfect! It’s almost an exact port to the iOS platform! So, if you’re looking to put the online game in your pocket, then this game is for you. If you’ve never played MapleStory online, then the sounds in this game are the typical sound effects for jumping and everything else that you would expect. The background music is boring and made me want to quit the game, which I did. Unlike other RPGs, this game brings you into a boring and sad environment. The sounds, along with the graphics, become annoying after just a little while. The graphics are exactly like the online game, so they did a great job porting the graphics of the game to the iPhone, but the graphics are still terrible. You could see the graphics of the game shown in the above screenshot. That’s possibly the best graphic moment of the entire game. It has boring sounds and looks unappealing. There’s not much to compliment when it comes to the sound and graphics categories.

Gameplay and Controls:

Gameplay is almost exactly like the online RPG, but for someone who’s never played this game before, the gameplay is not addicting. Not only is it not addicting, but the controls are so bad, this game may not be on your iPhone for too long before you delete it. Besides the controls being so small and sometimes unnoticeable, they don’t even recognize every tap. I was looking forward to a great game with lots of jumping around and action, but this was a major let down. Again, for a MapleStory fan, this game is great and everything is perfect in every way about it, EXCEPT for the horrible controls. Everyone else, I would recommend looking for other RPGs in the App Store. In this game, you obtain weapons, treasures, clothing, fulfill mission and more. Attacking snails, climbing ropes and ladders, interacting with characters to see what they’re thinking or to fulfill missions for them, this game has what every RPG should have. The only problem is the way the game was designed. Besides being a side-scroller, this game is no fun at all and there are so many better ones out there, I don’t see why anyone would spend $5 on it, unless you’re an original Maple Story fan. If they made a complete re-design of the controls and other buttons, this would possibly be one of the best RPGs, but will that happen?

Summary:

This game definitely has some great RPG-ness and it could be fun if they fix the controls. The graphics are sad, but if the game is good enough, then it’s definitely playable. This game would be good enough if they ever get to fixing the controls. As of right now, this game is not worth $5. If they update the background music and the controls, then I would give this a VERY GOOD rating of 8.5 capsules, but until then it is getting a GOOD rating of 7.5 capsules. The controls are too terrible to play with. The graphics are understandable because they are meant to match those of the online game. The sounds are not interesting and the gameplay would be pretty good if they fixed up a few things.

Nintendo Releasing More DSi XL Colors in Australia and New Zealand!

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August 29, 2010

One upgrade I have been extremely pleased with so far this year was when I got the new Midnight Blue DSi XL. The screens contrary to popular belief truly make every game feel like new again and the picture is crystal clear and vivid. Those in Australia and New Zealand who have been waiting for a new color of the unit can now rejoice as Nintendo has now announced three new colors to go with the Burgundy and Bronze models already available. The new colors as seen in the picutre above will be Yellow, Red and Blue. I am personally liking the yellow as we really haven’t seen the DS yellow before. No announcement has been officially made for the U.S. as of yet but I would expect Nintendo of America to follow suit with the Red and Yellow models soon enough as a Midnight Blue model was released earlier this summer. Fans of the handheld can now get ready these brand new color schemes that will be hitting stores on September 23rd.

Majesco’s “Monster Tale” Coming to the Nintendo DS!

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August 29, 2010

When developers mix up genres and create a whole new product it can be a recipe for success and a fun game. Majesco and Dreamrift’s newest title Monster Tale will be doing just that by mixing platforming and virtual pets for a new unique experience for the Nintendo DS.

Here is some of what you should expect for Monster Tale:

A group of nasty kids have snuck into a secret world inhabited by monsters and enslaved them as their pets. This ragtag pack of kids is using the monsters to do all sorts of selfish, destructive things that will ultimately result in the downfall of the Monster World. That is, until little Ellie discovers the Monster World and befriends a mysterious young monster named Chomp. This dynamic duo sets out on a fantastic adventure where our Monster Tale begins….

Features Include:

Developer Pedigree: From the key leads of the critically acclaimed DS game Henry Hatsworth and the Puzzling Adventure (IGN’s Platform Game of the Year).
Genre Mash-Up: Platform adventure on the top screen mixed with a deep pet raising game on the Touch Screen.
Raise & Evolve Chomp: Train your monster companion in the Touch Screen Pet Sanctuary. Give Chomp food, equipment and toys so that it grows, evolves and gains new abilities to assist Ellie’s adventure. Chomp has approximately 30 unique forms with different attributes and abilities including attacks, shields, bombs, and bounces, among others. Chomp’s abilities are directly related to how you raise him so nurture him with the utmost care.
Chomp Will Do Your Bidding: Ellie can summon Chomp from the bottom screen to the top screen at any time. Use Chomp to help fight enemies and leverage his abilities to access new areas.
Explore Monstrous Worlds: Battle through 5 non-linear worlds and face off against a menacing kid-monster duo at the end of each. A Wicked Treehouse, Monster Nightclub, Ancient Ruins and even a Monster Express Train await you and your monster friend.
Pamper Your Pet: Collect money throughout the game then use those earnings to shop for food, toys or equipment for your monster pet. How you use Chomp in battle and what items you give it–including weapons, pick-ups and power-ups–affect how it evolves. Defeated enemies may even drop items that Ellie can pick up to use for Chomp later on.
Pump Ellie Up: Apply earnings toward new abilities or stat enhancements for Ellie to make her a more formidable fighter.
Epic Battles: Go head to head with giant boss monsters and their kid-king masters! String together devastating combos and throw down some super attacks to get the upper hand.
Conquer Thy Enemy: A myriad of inspired enemies await defeat. They fly, burrow, rocket, jump, teleport, crush and much more in lots of devious and challenging ways.
Acquire Runes: Defeat certain boss characters or discover hidden areas to earn runes as you play. Gain permanent upgrades to give Ellie additional abilities like dash, roll and wall jump to aid her on the adventure.

To me Monster Tale seems to borrow bits and pieces from all sorts of games and I am curious to see how it turns out. I am really digging the art style and features that we have seen so far as the whole mix-up of genres is quite refreshing to see for the DS’s library. With all the elements included, we could have a huge new franchise in the future and Monter Tale is definitely one to watch for and is set release early next year. Check out the new screenshots below and we will bring you more information as it comes.

Xbox Live voice communications set to improve

Jack Joly

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August 29, 2010

This is the news that Microsoft have plans to improve the quality of voice comms over Xbox Live. The changes are scheduled to be integrated in the next Xbox Live update, around the time of the Kinnect launch. The improvements should be a real step up from the current sound quality, and are made possible by development in Broadband connections over the years. When the service was lauched, it was said broadband was required and it had to be a minimum 64k connection, a speed now barely even considered broadband. Broadband speeds nowadays are capable of much more, which makes these changes positive move. Crackly voice chats will be a thing of the past, hopefully replaced by sleek, sound quality. However, it still remains to be seen whether the purchase of a new headet will be necessary or not. As I’m sure you’ll all agree, here’s hoping for the latter.

New Screenshots & Even More Information on Intellivision Lives!

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August 29, 2010

The folks at Virtual Play have released some more information about Intellivision Lives! for the Nintendo DS as well as some brand new screenshots all of which confirm even more features for the portable collection.

According to Virtual Play’s latest blog post, Bomb Squad and Space Spartans will feature the classic synthesized voice’s from the original titles. Here is a snippet of the post so you can learn what to expect:

Bomb Squad and Space Spartans will make an appearance on the Nintendo DS version of Intellivision Lives! Now players can enjoy the classic synthesized voice’s on the go. Listen carefully as Frank guides you through defusing the bomb in Bomb Squad and stay alert, “Star Base One, Under Attack!” hit the hyper drive and defend your base in Space Spartans.

As well as this new bit of information, we also have some nice new screenshots to show off which show the beauty of some more of the featured games and brand new control overlays featured with these specific titles. So without further ado, here are some screens a plenty below to quench your retro gaming thirst while we wait for Intellivision Lives! to release next month.

Bulletstorm Gamescom Walkthrough

Dylan Radcliffe

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August 28, 2010

Curious about Bulletstorm? Well check out this video walkthrough of some of the game, it is quite interesting. Only problem I have are all the numbers and words that keeps popping up on the screen, I find them too be to cluttering. I guess it is part of the charm of the game though.

Scott Pilgrim Vs The World Trailer and Cheats

Dylan Radcliffe

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August 28, 2010

You can also check out our review of the game here.

Scott Pilgrim Vs The World Trailer and Cheats

Scott Pilgrim Vs The World: The game was released last Wednesday and the trailer is out today. Check out the Trailer below and then you can add it to your download queue here.

Last but not least, since the game is designed like a classic 8Bit game there are also cheats located within the game. If you have been enjoying the game, check out these cheats below and try them out. The best part is they don’t effect the achievements, so you might as well turn them on and make your life easier.

Power of Love sword unlocked at any stage
at the Title Screen

Zombie Survival Mode
at the Title Screen

Boss Rush Mode
at the Title Screen

Pick the Same Character in Multiplayer
at the Title Screen

Blood Mode
at the Title Screen

Turns Coins to Animals
at the Title Screen

Sound Test Level
at the Overworld Map

Capsule Computers Will Be At New York Comic Con 2010!

News

Chris Reyes

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August 27, 2010

Hey everybody! Just wanted to let you all know that in October I will be reporting from the New York Comic Con and New York Anime Fest! But I thought this website was dedicated to video games? Well, guess what, Sweetheart, there are gonna be TONS of video game companies there showing off the latest and greatest in the world of gaming, and guess who’s gonna be getting the inside scoop first? That’s right, WE ARE!

I’ll be attending all three days and I’ll be posting about it as soon as I get to a computer, which will mean every night right when I get home.

Anyone else going to this years New York Comic Con and New York Anime Fest? They’re in the same building at the same time, so if you’re at one then you’re at the other, and if you see me walkin around, don’t be afraid to give me a shout!

Nintendo is Bringing their “A” Game to PAX 2010..

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August 27, 2010

With the upcoming Penny Arcade Expo looming closer, Nintendo has now announced they will be present and showing off some of this years biggest titles to all in attendance. Here is a bit more information on what to expect from Nintendo at the huge event taking place in Seattle.

Visitors to Nintendo’s booth (#352) will be able to get their hands on games such as Donkey Kong Country Returns, Kirby’s Epic Yarn, GoldenEye 007 from Activision Publishing, Inc. and NBA Jam. Fluidity, a new game for Nintendo’s WiiWare downloadable game service, will also make its debut at PAX.

Nintendo’s Fluidity combines an amazing physics engine that realistically models flowing water with innovative puzzle game play. Using the three forms of water – liquid, ice and cloud – players will solve challenging puzzles across multiple chapters of an illustrated magical book called Aquaticus. The game offers detailed tutorials that introduce basic game mechanics, but the complexity quickly ramps up as special powers are acquired and enemies are introduced, testing players’ reflexes and ingenuity.

PAX attendees will also be able to get their hands on Metroid: Other M to see the seamless new perspective-switching first-person/third-person approach to this classic franchise. Visitors to the booth can also view one-of-a-kind costumes and props from the new Metroid: Other M television commercial in a special display area. Combining exploration, combat and a storyline that delves into the personal history of bounty hunter Samus Aran, Metroid: Other M launches on Aug. 31.

With so many video game fans converging in one place, PAX is the ideal place for players who already own Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies to gather to trade treasure maps or go questing together. Nintendo will provide Dragon Quest IX owners at the show with a special downloadable “Orgodemir” map via the game’s cooperative “Tag Mode” feature. Anyone who hasn’t yet purchased the game for the Nintendo DS family of systems can try it out at the Nintendo booth, and those looking to meet up with other players can do so at a special game-themed lounge in the North Lobby on level four of the PAX venue.

To receive treasure maps, players must have their Nintendo DS system running the Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies game, set to Tag Mode. Once players reach the town of Stornway, they are able to access Tag Mode by talking to Erinn at the inn called “Quester’s Rest.”

So if you are in the Seattle area from September 3rd-5th, be sure to check out Nintendo and this huge line-up as well as get your hands on some of this year’s biggest and most anticipated titles at the Penny Arcade Expo.

Ubisoft Unveils New Tracks for Michael Jackson: The Experience…

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August 27, 2010