Be an Active Member Of The Capsule Computers Community AND WIN GREAT PRIZES !!!!!
WINNERS WILL BE DRAWN ON THE 15TH & END OF EVERY MONTH ALONG WITH THE 8-BIT WARRIOR AWARD –
!!! THIS IS A PERMANENT COMPETITION !!!
REGISTER on the site & Follow us on FACEBOOK. RT our Comments on Twitter along with Leaving informative and Honest comments on all the articles on our website, write up reviews on games, post in our forum, chat in our online chat room will put you in the running to win either a Xbox Live Arcade, STEAM POWERED PC Game, iPhone Games and Playstation Network GAMES or anything else we might have in the office !! This is an ongoing competition and that works together with our Twitter & Facebook Accounts. Make sure you follow Capsule Computers on Twitter to keep up to date and informed when we have posted off a new article on the website. All you have to do is simply RT our article on Twitter then come on over to our website and leave a comment and also get involved on Facebook… What we want to see is the Capsule Computers Community being as active as possible.
!! IT’S THAT EASY !!
Every DAY the staff pay particular attention to the comments you guys are making. We don’t only look to see if you’re commenting but we also look at the length and the substance of your comments and whan you comment. We want everyone to comment everyday NOT JUST on the 13-15th and then 29-31st.
here’s an example of what I am talking about when it comes to leaving comments on the site or in the forums/facebook.
3 comments that say something like:
“Looks good mate! I’ll be getting this”
is equal to 1 comment that say something like:
“This game looks very interesting, I enjoyed how they kept the roots of the genre alive. EA really knows what they are doing at it, and in my opinion they should never stop”
Developer:Taito Publisher:Square-Enix Platform: Xbox 360 (Reviewed) Release Date: May 5th, 2010
Overview:
Raystorm was first released back in 1996 on an arcade machine. In 1997 though it made it’s way to the home console on Sony’s Playstation. Raystorm was a traditional vertical scrolling shoot’em up game. Since then however Taito, the game’s developer, has become a part of Square Enix and have now released a new upgraded version of Raystorm.
Story:
The year is 2219, and space travel is a standard affair in life now among humans. So much so that Earth has been expanding to different planets and forming colonies on these planets. However due to the fact that these colonies are ruled under extreme martial law, a rebellion soon begins.
The rebels are able to conquer the Earth Alliance and have moved every human being on Earth to various colonies and now are planning on destroying the Earth itself. You are the only one who can stop it. Piloting an advanced ship combined from thirteen other ships you must destroy the forces threatening to destroy your home world.
As far as stories go this one actually has some amazing premise and could have been developed much further with the inclusion of dialogue, or any actual story progression. The story itself is only there to set up the framework for what is going on in the gameplay. Not only that but it is not presented in the slightest during the game, barring a small ending mission log. The only way to discover what is happening in the story is to find it under the Help menu.
Graphics:
Perhaps the biggest upgrade between HD and the PSx version of the game is the graphics themselves. The overall look of the game has improved vastly over fourteen years. Everything appears cleanly upon the screen with no clipping issues or graphical problems, however upon closer inspection many of the ships and designs suffer from fuzzy looking polygons and look out of place over the rest of the world.
There are over eight different areas you will be flying over in Raystorm HD, and each one is extremely unique and amazingly well designed. Though there is no reason to worry about crashing into things, each area contains fine details which are easy to miss but contribute greatly to the overall product.
Each bosses appearance is unique, though one is used twice with a different color scheme. Not only bosses are unique however as you will be facing a multitude of varying foes with different appearances, not just palette swaps. These enemy ships however also suffer from polgygonal issues which is extremely unfortunate due to their interesting appearances.
Gameplay:
As the pilot of these advanced ships, you have an unlimited amount of weapons at your disposal. Well, three weapons to be exact but an unlimited number of each. First you have your standard shooting weapon, creating a barrage of straight bullets fired ahead of you, ironically these should be the main weapon against enemies but they are far from it. This is due to the fact that because they are only straight shot weapons, they miss a large majority of foes which reside on the ground.
Then there is the laser weapon. This laser weapon locks onto your foes and delivers extreme damage to them, usually destroying them in one blast. With this weapon there you must lock on using the targeting system on the screen. These lasers are used to hit enemies anywhere from below you to eye level with your ship.
Finally is the ultimate attack of your ship, causing a wave of destruction and lasting explosions which will deal damage over time to larger foes, and eliminate any smaller in the area. However even though this attack is unlimited it requires charging to use.
There are initially two different ships to choose from named R-Gray 1 and 2, though others are available for unlocking through certain conditions. These ships vary slightly with attacks which adds an interesting bit of forethought into which you wish to fly. These two ships are also the primary ones to use for the local multiplayer built into the game. There is no online functionality for the game minus leaderboards. This was unfortunately a let down due to the fact that teaming up with your friends over Xbox Live would have allowed for a lot more replayability.
There are three different modes to choose from as well, you have your standard arcade mode, an extra mode which includes a harder difficulty and more enemies, and finally a mysterious 13 ships mode which pits you against a large amount of foes with only a few lives left to use.
Speaking of lives, death comes down upon your ship like rain. Bullets and various other means of attack are launched towards the ship in potential screen filling amounts. Dodging these attacks is your only choice however as any attack that hits, is instant death. There are no shields in this game or health bar, one hit and your life is done.
Overall:
Raystorm HD is a very entertaining vertical scrolling shoot’em up and one full playthrough of an arcade mode or extra mode will run at about a half hour. This is short for an XBLA game but it is far from short for a game of this genre. Unfortunately though there is no real story development and the graphics still aren’t quite up to snuff with other shoot’em ups currently on the market but if you are a fan of simple gameplay, or definitely if you were a fan of the original Raystorm, I wouldn’t recommend passing it up.
In a speech on Sunday made to over 1000 college graduates, President Obama had this to say:
“You’re coming of age in a 24/7 media environment that bombards us with all kinds of content and exposes us to all kinds of arguments, some of which don’t always rank that high on the truth meter. And with iPods and iPads, and Xboxes and PlayStations — none of which I know how to work — information becomes a distraction, a diversion, a form of entertainment, rather than a tool of empowerment, rather than the means of emancipation. So all of this is not only putting pressure on you; it’s putting new pressure on our country and on our democracy.”
Well Mr. President, you’re in luck. I happen to be in a charitable mood, and have decided to take it upon myself to teach you the ins and the outs of using an Xbox360.
STEP 1) BUY AN XBOX
It’s really not all that hard a thing to do. As a beginning gamer, I don’t think you really need an Elite, but you are the President of the Goddamn United States, so you can probably afford one. In fact, just pull some strings and get Natal while you’re at it. That way you can drop-kick that lame excuse for a gaming system called the Wii out the Oval Office window and let Sasha and Malia wave and flail with a real system. Just saying.
STEP 2) PLUG IT IN AND HIT THE BUTTON
Fairly self-explanatory. If you can’t figure it out (at which point, I’m a little worried for the sake of the nation), just get Bill Gates to help you out.
STEP 3) WAIT FOR IT TO BREAK
Let’s face it: you’ve purchased an Xbox360. It is going to break. My advice is to leave it plugged in overnight, which will likely cause it to red-ring. Now you call Xbox Support, wait for your Xbox Coffin to arrive, and ship it out.
2 weeks later…
Congratulations! You now have a functioning Xbox360! Hopefully!
STEP 3) PLAY A SIMPLE GAME
As you are just starting out using the 360, the controls are probably rather unfamiliar to you. Also, you have a country to run. If you suddenly get addicted to Halo 3 or Modern Warfare 2 and start skipping State of the Union Addresses, I’m gonna be pissed. Bad Obama, BAD!
To get you started, why don’t we just start with something simple: Perhaps Viva Pinata? We can build up from there…
STEP 4) FOR ADVANCED PLAYERS ONLY
So you think you’ve got some gaming chops now, El Capitan? You got that unicorn-thing that take forever to get in Viva Pinata? Well good for you. If you think you can handle it, maybe you should bump up to something a bit more intense. A Presidential game of Gears of War, perhaps? Maybe Mass Effect 2? You could make your first name “Andcheif.” Get it? Commander Andcheif Shepard? Well, I thought it was funny…
A recent press release has unveiled the ability to make millions of custom weapons through a series of customisation options available to players of Blacklight: Tango Down. Available this summer on XBLA, PSN, and PC, Blacklight: Tango Down is a fast-paced, action-oriented first-person shooter that marks the first release of what will be a multi-platform entertainment franchise. Below you can read the full press release.
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Ignition Entertainment is pleased to unveil its weapon customisation from the upcoming multiplayer-focused first-person-shooter Blacklight: Tango Down, currently in development at Zombie Studios.
When it comes to first rate shooters, it is all about finding the weapons that best suit each individual gamer. In Blacklight: Tango Down, the highly anticipated downloadable FPS from Ignition Entertainment, this concept is taken to an unheard of level. The game delivers unlimited adaptability and variety of gameplay through its staggering weapon customization system that allows for trillions of different configurations (the statisticians are still jamming at the algorithms to come up with the most accurate number). What does this mean to gamers – a never-before-seen AAA quality gaming experience that until now could only be found in retail copies.
While the Blacklight: Tango Down weapon customization is truly groundbreaking, it is important to recognize that it is firmly grounded in reality — as it is based on the core weapons that our soldiers have been using since the 1960’s. The system revolves around utilizing one of five core weapons receivers — such as an SMG or Shotgun – as a base and then customizing that base with modified barrels, stocks, and weapons tags to increase the effectiveness of the weapon through increased accuracy, faster running speed, and a decrease in weapon kickback. Gamers are going to have to decide how to modify the weapon and how much as they choose from a staggering 152 million different primary weapon combinations, 157,248 secondary weapon combinations, and 312 character model/camouflage combinations.
While trillions of weapon combinations may sound intimidating, Blacklight: Tango Down ensures that new players will be able to hit the ground shooting with preset weapon configurations. Ensuring a more level playing field, the preset allow players to employ the weaponry as is or they can further customize them to their own play style. As the player climbs ranks in the game whey will continue to unlock presets for each weapon receiver which offer a number of new attachments that the player can use in any way he wants.
When it comes to gaming, all you need to know are the following steps.
Put in the game.
Pick up the controller.
Have fun.
To many people these days take gaming way too seriously. Video games are meant to entertain and some people just get entertained in different ways. Stop whining that I keep killing you. Stop whining if I’m on your team and keep killing you. Either way fight back and have fun. There is no better feeling then having both teams teaming up on one guy, even better when you are the one everyone is going after and you are still winning. No free for all doesn’t cut it, everyone steals your kills in that and kill stealing is not cool.
Anyway, back on topic, this Kane & Lynch 2 trailer shows gameplay that rewards the cunning backstabber and punishes the ones that suck at it. The game mode looks like a lot of fun, I’ll be keeping my eyes on this game.
Developer: PopCap Games, Inc. Publisher: PopCap Games, Inc. Platform: Xbox 360 Release Date: March 11th, 2009
Overview
As a newcomer to the world of Peggle, I was unsure of what to expect from the Xbox Live Arcade rendition of a game released on many different formats beforehand. I had seen screenshots, I just couldn’t quite make out what exactly was the motive of the game. I have to say, now I’ve actually played it and have an understanding of how to play, it has revealed itself to be a good little puzzler.
For those of you, who like me until I got my hands on it, haven’t the slightest idea when it comes to Peggle knowledge, I will briefly fill you in. In Peggle, you must aim a launcher at the top of the screen at the pegs below. A peg, is the name given to the shapes which you must hit in order to amass a score- the aim of the game. When satisfied with the trajectory, you then press the A button to fire your small marble-like ball which should then hit the pegs, causing them to light up and then be removed from the board once that turn is over, signalled when the ball reaches the bottom and falls off the screen. A peg, is the name given to the shapes which you must hit in order to amass a score- the aim of the game. The pegs come in both different shapes, which influence how the marble bounces off of them, and different colours which corresponds to their different effects. Blue pegs are standard pegs, purple add large score bonuses, orange pegs are the ones that need to be destroyed in order to clear the level, and finally green pegs are specialised to the character you are using and give you different abilities to help you in clearing the level.
The game offers 3 modes for single-player play; Adventure, Quick Play, and Challenge. Then there is also the Multiplater modes. There is local multiplayer for two players, in the form of a ‘Duel’, as well as online multiplayer for up to four players as a ‘Peg Party’ or ‘Duel’. In Adventure mode, you play through a short and highly accessible campaign in which you are introduced to all ten quirky characters in a calm tutorial style manner. It is fairly easy to complete and clearing all 55 levels shouldn’t take you any more than 4 hours, with little difficulty faced. The modes that follow, all use these same levels, including multiplayer. The lack of a huge number of maps to play can lead to you growing weary of some maps, as you repeatedly replay the same levels, until you reach the stage where you feel you know them like the back of your hand.
Quick Play as the name suggests, gives the option of swiftly selecting a level of your choice and jumping in for some instant action, something this puzzler is ideal for with the short duration of the rounds. The Challenge mode offers an increase in difficulty from Although, although still with the same set of levels, therefore, providing only an ever so slightly varied experience. Furthermore, Multiplayer uses these same levels too, and despite others clearing the level at the same time as you, albeit in a turn-based fashion, it still feels familiar due to the fact the same levels are used.
Graphics
The graphics in Peggle are fairly basic, mainly because it is a simple puzzle game and flashy graphics aren’t needed. However, that doesn’t mean the graphics are not well polished. They feel clean-cut, neat and tidy. The game is also full of colour and the bright characters are cleverly designed, brimming with personality visually, as well as through an amusing script.
Gameplay
Peggle boasts addictive, and highly accessible gameplay- the simplicity of the game makes it possible for people of all ages to play, and not only that, but it will keep you coming back for more, whether it be to beat your top score, or simply to progress with the single-player challenges. The different abilities, unlocked for a short time by hitting a green peg, make for an interesting and enjoyable change in gameplay. In total there are 10 unique power-ups: one for each character. There is a large range of power-ups, from a destuctive fireball, to an almighty ‘Zenball’, which automatically guides itself to the best possible shot that can be achieved around the area you are aimed.
Audio/Sound
I was highly impressed with the audio features of Peggle. As soon as you start the game up, you are greeted by sounds as you scroll down the main menu, which whilst subtle, contributes to the peaceful and relaxing nature of the title. Peggle’s music is well executed in-game too. The background music plays quietly adding to the experience whilst avoiding being too overpowering, a hurdle at which many other puzzlers have fallen, along with their irritating music.
Pros
Highly addictive gameplay will keep you coming back
Classic arcade puzzling action
Easily accessible
Cons
Not enough levels
Limited multiplayer options
Conclusion
Overall, Peggle is a solid offering from PopCap Games, with well polished and highly addictive gameplay. The fact that it’s a puzzle game allows for maximum replayability trying to better your scores, although you may have to resort to this fairly sharply, as it only takes a short time for you to be accustomed to the meagre 55 levels on offer. I would have loved to have given a higher score to this game, if only the title offered a greater number of levels to play on for even more entertainment.
Can’t get enough Metro 2033? Well, THQ announced the first piece of downloadable content for this survival-horror shooter.
The “Ranger Pack,” will add two new weapons to the mix (the Heavy Automatic Shotgun, and the Volt Driver), 250 achievement points, and also an all-new “Ranger Mode” which adds an extra twist to the campaign.
Ranger Mode reduces the amount of ammo that you’ll find, and increases weapon damage done by you and the AI. It also removes the HUD and according to THQ, it creates “the most immersive Metro 2033 experience yet.”
The Ranger Pack DLC will be available very soon for an unknown price.
WOO HOO !! Today we get two cool surprizes from UBISOFT !! A Forgotten Sands Flash Game and new Video that covers the Acrobatic features of the game. Be sure you make your way over to Ubisoft’s official Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands website and Facebook page to immediate play tihs new Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands flash game.
Check out the details below for more information on the Flash game :
Ubisoft Montreal and Explosive Barrel, a multi-hit flash game developer, have teamed up to create a flash adaptation of the upcoming Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands. Going back to the roots, the flash game is reminiscent of the original 1987 Prince of Persia 2D platformer. It also provides an exciting play that is representative of the vision of Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands, including fights against the main epic bosses, the Prince’s four new powers and his legendary rewind move from the Sands of Time, and original music. In addition, players can unlock an exclusive playable Malik skin for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and Windows PC versions.
A new video featuring the Acrobatic Powers of the Prince is also now available: (below)
Today, Rockstar Games announce the Social Club features for Red Dead Redemption, which will be available on the game’s May 21st launch. Red Dead Redemption will feature a robust set of challenges and perks exclusively for Social Club members that will be seamlessly integrated into the game itself. Registry for the Social Club is easily accessed through in-game menus and has the ability to automatically link to an existing Xbox Live or PlayStation Network account. Once registration is complete, members can unlock seven exclusive cheats, which import automatically into the game. Social Club members will have access to:
Social Club Challenges–Members who complete a series of special challenges will have the ability to access an exclusive collection of cheats. To unlock Pike’s Basin Challenge, the first of many challenges to come, beat the “Justice in Pike’s Basin” mission, and complete the Pike’s Basin gang hideout by helping rancher Errol Hewitt defeat a gang of bloodthirsty cattle rustlers. Completing the unlocked challenge will post your best time and medals garnered to a special Social Club Challenges leaderboard, and unlock the “Guns Blazing” cheat, allowing you to fire flaming bullets that can set enemies on fire. More challenges will be revealed after the game’s release.
Rockstar Challenges– Awaken your team spirit and work with other players to cumulatively complete a challenge and unlock a surprise reward. Available in late May, “The Strike It Rich! Rockstar Challenge” spurs players to grab as much money in the world as possible to reach the grand bank total and unlock the mystery prize. The Social Club site allows you to keep track of the community’s progress, as well as access helpful tips and tricks to reach the goal.
The Blackwater Ledger– A dynamic community edition of the in-game newspaper keeps Social Club members updated on all the news that’s fit to print. Reporting daily from New Austin, Nuevo Pariaso, and West Elizabeth, the Ledger records who’s earned the highest bounties, what the most popular products purchased at local merchants are, how many people have cheated in poker that day, and much, much more.
My Stats– Keep meticulous records of your in-game progress and earn those bragging rights. My Stats allows you keep track of a variety of information, from how well you performed in single-player missions to extensive multiplayer performance statistics. The features also allows you to compare stats with your Social Club friends.
Multiplayer Leaderboards– The leaderboard tracks players across a variety of categories for both competitive and the upcoming co-op multiplayer modes. The easy-to-use global leaderboard allows you to view how your skills stack up against the world, or you can make it more personal by viewing a friends-only leaderboard.
Achievements & Trophies – Keep track of each and every Achievement or Trophy earned and compare with Social Club friends.
The 100% Checklist– Completionists on a quest for 100% in Red Dead Redemption can use a detailed guide to keep track of what’s unlocked, as well as what’s left. Tips and a map legend will help wrap up any loose ends.
Official Red Dead Redemption Social Club Multiplayer Events – The highly-anticipated debut of Red Dead Redemption Social Club Multiplayer Events begin Friday, May 21 on the PlayStation Network from 4-7PM EST, and Saturday, May 22 on Xbox LIVE from 1-4PM EST. Celebrate the release of Red Dead Redemption and play with, or against, Rockstar employees worldwide, including members of Rockstar San Diego. Live chat at the events page and a live stream will be available exclusively to Social Club members.
