Barry Burton and More Announced for Resident Evil Revelations 2

December 2, 2014December 2, 2014 / Dustin Murphy / Leave a comment

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Written by Dustin Murphy

When players think of the name Barry Member, they can easily relate him to his role as a S.T.A.R.S. member in Resident Evil and the Resident Evil remastered title that followed later in. There is also the famous “Jill Sandwhich” line that he is well known for, but this is not one of those cases. Capcom has announced that Barry will be reintroduced to the series along with the brand new character Natalia Korda, a little girl whom is introduced with her strange powers that allows her to locate enemies and hidden items. Barry along with his combat prowess, will be playable along side Natalia as they fight for survival while searching for Barry’s daughter, Moira Burton.

With this announcement, it has also been stated that each of the games episodes will include a Raid mode content and even two fully playable chapters that will focus on both Claire and Moira’s and the newly confirmed Barry and Natalia archs. As the game unwinds, players will be required to uncover clues, fight to survive, and even prepare themselves for the rather terrifying experience that Capcom has prepared. With new enemies in their wake, Barry and Natalia will be tried, and even pushed to every inch of their physical will to trek on through the world they fighting for.

Interested in picking up the title? We have the released time-line for those looking to play the game! Below we are providing the official release chart from Capcom for you all to see! Do note that prices are provided at $5.99/£4.99/€5.99 each on the following dates next year for each episodic piece for those who do not obtain the games season pass, which will run at $24.99/£19.99/€24.99.

Resident Evil Revelations 2: Episode Release Dates:

Resident Evil Revelations 2: Episode 1

February 17th, 2015 (PlayStation Store NA)
February 18th, 2015 (PlayStation Store EMA)
February 18th, 2015 (XBox Live Global)
February 18th, 2015 (Steam Global)

Resident Evil Revelations 2: Episode 2:

February 24th, 2015 (PlayStation Store NA)
February 25th, 2015 (PlayStation Store EMA)
February 25th, 2015 (XBox Live Global)
February 25th, 2015 (Steam Global)

Resident Evil Revelations 2: Episode 3:

March 3rd, 2015 (PlayStation Store NA)
Marcy 4th, 2015 (PlayStation Store EMA)
March 4th, 2015 (XBox Live Global)
March 4th, 2015 (Steam Global)

Resident Evil Revelations 2: Episode 4:

March 10th, 2015 (PlayStation Store NA)
March 11th, 2015 (PlayStation Store EMA)
March 11th, 2015 (XBox Live Global)
March 11th, 2015 (Steam Global)

What is included in each of the games downloads? All four main episodes, which means players will experience the games main campaign through the eyes of Claire Redfield and Moira Burton, but also two additional episodes, which will let them experience the story through the eyes of Barry Burton and Natalia Korda. Think that’s all? Players will also get to experience a new raid mode with a rather familiar face by the name of Hunk. Not one to go digital? Don’t be terrified, you aren’t being left in the dark. Capcom has announced that owners will be able to obtain a full retail version of the game for 39.99 USD. The game will feature all previous mentioned content including the new characters, but also a bit different content for those who have the patience to wait for the physical release on March 10, 2015; an additional raid mode character; Albert Wesker, and alternate costumes for Claire, Moira, Barry, and Natalia, but also a content for the Raid Mode known as “Throwback Stage Pack”, which will feature four stages from past titles that can possibly be some fan favorites.

About the Writers:

Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, MMO’s, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable and can’t be softened by even the biggest names in the gaming industry. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. To follow Dustin, hit him up on Twitter over at @GamingAnomaly, find him on his Google+. Wanna game with him? You can find him on PSN with RaivynLyken.

Review: Freedom Wars – Welcome to the Panaopticon Sinners

December 2, 2014December 2, 2014 / Dustin Murphy / Leave a comment

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Written by Dustin Murphy

Pros:
-Melee and Ranged Weapons are unique and of wide variety
-The games Thorn mechanic makes combat frantic and wildly fun
-Multiplayer feels the slightly overused maps feel refreshing and new
-Multiplayer and online community makes the game feel as if it ties to the titles narrative
-Unique and in depth character customization makes it so no-one character is the same
-Daily special missions that can be obtained with an online connection and played online or offline

Cons:
-Weapon crafting feels a bit on the convoluted and useless side
-Maps can seem blend and overused at times

What do you do when your life is a prison sentence to a world that is run by an intense prison system that wants nothing of you, but your entire cooperation? You serve them and earn your entitlements (rights) by completing missions. This is the not-so-warm welcome players get when entering the world of Freedom Wars. Upon entering the game, players are greeted with a character creation screen, it is here that players will get the first glimpses of their fully customized character (DLC is available if downloaded before going into this), and touch up on the fully edited character. Once this is completed the game will introduce you to the life of a ‘Sinner’ (inmate) and even baptise a player in what will be their new life in the world as a ‘Sinner’. This is where the game all, but takes off into a complete distortion of a immersive reality that is all too real. This is where we take a peek into our characters future life, which is fully dictated by the games entitlement system as well as resource gathering system in order to aid ones Panopticon (your ‘prison’ city that you support offline and online). Through this game players will travel from mission to mission in order to obtain these resources, but not as easily as one would think due to enemy mechs referred to as ‘Abductor’s” will be present and will require some tactical maneuvering using the in-game’s “grappling hook” system known as Thorn.

Each of these thorns which can be tactically used against all enemies, this giving players a chance to heal themselves, increase defenses, or simply stun enemies and allow for a barrage of damage to be made. This is something that will be only the small sounding of the horns for Sinners seeking to redeem themselves and become a citizen of their Panopticon by taking out Abductor’s for their unique resources. This can also be used in order to gather resources across the landscape of each mission, leaping at enemies to do a leap attack, drag Abductor’s down, and even help collect resources that could be hidden across the maps.

“Completing this, however, does have another effect that is more useful to some..”

These resources can be used to upgrade weapons, create new items, and even used in order to donate to a players Panopticon in order to help them take lead against others, but this is not as easy as it sounds thanks to a Panopticon like Hong Kong that absolutely have dominated the online leader boards. Completing this, however, does have another effect that is even more useful to some (trophy hunters for the most part); sentence reduction. Let alone can they be also be used in order to create special things called “augmentations”. These augmentations help increase a character’s attack, health, recovery, elemental, defense, anti-thorn, and much more – all of which can be used within the games offline and the games multiplayer in order to help players get a step up on enemies and very high advantage against just base stats when entering some of the games later on missions, but even the online for accepting only, and ever-changing special missions. It is because of things like this that actually makes the game ever changing.

Within the games missions players will be able to take notice of several things that can be reflected upon as multiplayer game modes, which the game takes great care to make its own, and work great with the games mechanics. These are modes such as “Search and Rescue” where teams have to rescue citizens and return them to extraction pods; Team Deathmatch, which requires players to do just as the name emphasizes on; King of the Hill where players must capture and hold nodes that are within the area, which are only a few of the games modes that actually provide quite a bit of the games entertainment. With each of the missions changing how they play between campaign and multiplayer, there is quite a bit of this to go around, and one of the most noticeable changes within this game can be noted by the story mission objectives that require players to alternate between accepting these missions and moving on through the games campaign. As players get a chance to explore their Panopticon, it will not be hard to see how run down the world has become, and the conditions in which their characters must live. It’s through these condition’s, however, that players will find themselves immersed into the game by. Though it is these portions of the game that players will find themselves growing bored; that, of course, is when they aren’t having to deal with the every-boring stealth missions that will seemingly drag on when players have to enter special regions of the Panopticon and grudge through them for a few minutes each.

“Though everything that shines in Freedom Wars is not a golden state and a score-worthy note for the game to have.”

When players have decided they need something a bit more interesting, players can take on the time to upgrade their weapons with increased fire-rates, higher elemental effects, and even other stats, but with a trade-off that could make or simply break a weapon in a rather fast-paced manner. Though that is something that will give the players an edge against others when they aren’t trudging through the games menu’s in order to learn all of the bells and whistles the game has hidden within it. One of these rarely found whistles is the games ability to hide the capability of finding the proper menu’s for co-op and even pvp-multiplayer (even after 30-40 hours I still forget at times where options are placed). Once the menu’s can be easily coordinated; the game is a breeze. Though everything that shines in Freedom Wars is not a golden state and a score-worthy note for the game to have.

One of the games largest portions, and greatest downfalls, is the latency issues that can easily be spotted when playing online. This is something that plagued my online experience when having to search outside of my region (North America in this case) and only being able to find matches from China, Japan, and portions of Europe. This means the game had a high turnover rate or unfortunately it did not sale as well as it should have for such a unique game. A problem that does run parallel with this; character augmentation and weapon balancing. When first going into the multiplayer, there was a rather big problem that took place with the weapons, which lead to players having a slight advantage over others based upon how far into the campaign and or the multiplayer progression. Some of these weapons could easily put a player in their place, which could be missions such as the spear, the Dragonfire heavy arms, heavy sword, or even simply as leap attacks that can easily devastate a player in a single hit. The only way to counter this is by moving as quick as possible and staying agile so that enemies can taken out as quickly as possible.

“It doesn’t take away from the games immersion, instead it adds to it”

When looking past these, there are a couple of things that were mentioned before that should be discussed in a large note; facilities to upgrade and create items. Within these systems there are ‘plots’ that players will place their factories within so that they can create, upgrade, and even modify weapons as well as create items such as grenades, med kits, and even ammo kits; all of these will be used quite a bit through ones own tour through the games campaign. This is one of the few things that will change how players will choose to spend their resources when the grind for them isn’t inhabiting their delicate time within the games multiplayer. Even though this does tend to happen from time to time, it doesn’t take away from the games immersion, instead it adds to it as players will build augments to stack with others, make load out items, and even combine weapons to make more powerful ones. This is something that is not easily done as it requires time, patience, and material farming to assure yourself of having the proper materials in order to do what it is you may wish to add onto your current weapons.

Overall, even with these few negatives and even more-so empowering positives, the game allows for players to have a high sense of customization (at any given time after a certain point within the game for single player). Players will find themselves constantly unlocking new appearance pieces, upgrades, and others via the entitlement screen, but also the DLC that has been getting a steady release string since the games launch and hopefully will continue to see the same treatment at the fairly well priced setting it has now, but even maybe some mega-bundles that will lure more players into enjoying the game with new missions, enemies, and even abductor types.

Review Score: 8 out of 10

Review Notice: This game was not provided to us by Studio Japan or Sony and was a personal purchase that was made. The game review is based upon the physical retail version with all current DLC obtained.

About the Writers:

Preparing for the Holidays With the B.A.T.G.R 2014 Guide!

November 30, 2014December 2, 2014 / Dustin Murphy / Leave a comment

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Written by Dustin Murphy and Devon Day

There is no doubt that holiday shopping can be extremely crazy and the rush to get those most precious and final pieces of gifting is done. With units such as the Wii U, Nintendo 2DS/3DS, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, and XBox One being focal points of the holiday, it’s hard not to want to lean towards the most common pieces of gaming hardware of the season, so it’s hard to be unique and find the truly challenging gift for your gamers and or nerds alike and we seek to help you fulfill that wish.

With our guide for the holiday season, we’ve decided to break into some of the more unique things that can tie into gaming, hardware, and or increasing the experience that some may or may not know as they once had. So why not get your gamer some unique ‘swag’ that will help decorate their gaming cave and give them that bit of flare they may not have quite yet.

Gift Idea 1 – Loot Crate Subscription(s)!

First up is something that we know is unique, something that would help please any gamer within the house, and will surely give them the collectibles they will need. This unique ordeal is a little place called Loot Crate. Loot Crates collectible items can include Funko Pops! Figurines, collectible action figures, posters, and or even other awesome collectible items while also getting people a chance to win a “Mega Crate”, which is just slammed full of awesome little goodies. These little awesome things run for an average of 13.37 USD per month with a 6 USD shipping and handling fee, three months for 12.37 per month (saving a dollar per month) or six months at 11.67 per month. This is something we can truly save will make any gamer or nerd in the house a happy camper.

Gift Idea 2 – Nerd Block!

Much like Loot Crate – Nerd Block is right up the same alley, but offering a bit of a differentiated twist on gaming, nerdiness, and even kids that are a bit of both. Nerd Block offers a unique variety of collectables, an assured shirt, and other random goodies that are bound to leave any nerd and or nerd jr. Much like Loot Crate they even offer a unique chance to give players a go with a unique chance to win that months Beast Block if they have one going.

Let alone do they feed the Gamer in the family with the Retro Block, but they seem to even have fun with other genres such as Nerd Block Jr., Nerd Block, and much much more, which makes this all the more entertaining as a ordering service in general.

Gift Idea 3 – Nintendo amiibo

When it comes to immersive gaming, Nintendo has decided to jump into this category and not leave it be. This is something that was unique and even more-so interactive thanks to the growing interest in both the Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, and the recently announced New Nintendo 3DS. These little figures, which can be obtained at online and local retailers, have created these figurines that use the NFC (Near Field Communication) feature of both the Wii U as well as the New Nintendo 3DS and allow for a rather unique experience when possible. They will be influencing many of the upcoming Nintendo games with added features to each of the games based upon their functions for them. You can read more on the Official Nintendo amiibo page. These guys will run you an average of 12.99 each at most retailers. They can be expected to be hard to find during this holiday season.

Gift Idea 3 – PlayStation Plus and XBox Live Memberships

With the PlayStation 4 and XBox One consoles having become so highly in demand, the need for subscriptions is undoubtedly present as gamers will want to play their games online this holiday season. With PlayStation Plus you are guaranteeing your family or friend gamer(s) a chance to experience multiple free games per month and a chance at some awesome discount on their digital titles. You can expect this subscription set to run you around 49.99 USD for one year or 17.99 for three months, which will help sate their online gaming needs. This subscription is possibly one of the best we’ve seen since it goes across the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and even PlayStation vita.

The XBox Live service has become much of the same type of service as of late thanks to their new promotion called “Games with Gold”, which allows gamers to get free games across both XBox Live on XBox One and XBox 360 platforms. This itself does have bonus features that can be earned by members through such things as XBox Live Rewards and Bing Rewards.

Gift Idea 4 – HyperX Cloud Gaming Headset

Easily one of the biggest surprises this year for all of gaming accessories, HyperX by Kingston Technology has really turned it up with their premium offering. Boasting 53mm speakers in each ear cup, a detachable microphone for on the listening, paired up with compatibility for the PS4, Xbox One (Chat Cable needed), and PC, this $59.99 can opener should be on many gamers or multimedia enthusiast’s list. An absolute steal for the holiday.

– Gift Idea 5 – SquidGrip

You need to complete that objective using finite precision, or get that kill to secure your team the victory….., and your hands slip. How many times has that happened to you? For me, far too many. Luckily for us, the folks over at SquidLab have relieved us of our slippery controllers with SquidGrip; a $14.99 accessory that will allow you to keep your hands on the sticks when it matters most. Kiss those slipping accidents goodbye, and say hello towards more consistency.

– Gift Idea 6 – Avenger Reflex

In those tense moments, crucial situations, and clutch moments, your skill still is your best tool. However, not having the right reflexes or reaction speeds are going to more than likely be your downfall. So, what are the options? If you want to play high stakes without letting your teammates down, N-Controls Avenger Reflex is your best friend. Alleviating those reaction woes can mean more wins for the team. $69.99 is a lot to spend on one thing, but if you do have the money to and are craving a competitive edge, you’d be hard pressed to find a gadget that has the capability to increase your skills when you need them to.

– Gift Idea 7 – PlayStation Store Credit, Nintendo eShop, Steam Store, and XBox Live Credit

Gaming can indeed be a costly thing, but the nice thing is? That’s where digital sometimes becomes the best way, but so does add-on content for games, digital only games, and even movies or music. This is where credit for PlayStation Store, Steam Store, XBox Live, and even other in-game services can become usable and even discounted at times. This si something that’s fun, easy, and quite easy to do to keep your gamers happy and or at ease with a nifty little surprise for their gaming needs and habits.

With all these ideas we’ve provided, it’s hard not to say that the Holiday Season shouldn’t be a tad easier as most of these can be ordered right from your computer and delivered straight to your house. If there are things you feel we missed, please let us know.

Image Use Notice: We did not take, nor do we own the images above. Each image is owned by Sony Computer Entertainment, Loot Crate, Nerd Block, Avenger Controllers, Kingston Technologies, Nintendo Entertainment, Squid Labs, and Microsoft Corporation.

About the Writers:

Devon_Day_BATGR A man growing up between the gaming boundaries on the 5th generation Nintendo 64, but admiring the 3rd gen. Nintendo Entertainment System and 4th generation Sega Genesis for their contributions, Devon Day always has something on his mind regarding video games and the accessories they contain. His first was a microphone for the Nintendo 64 for the “Hey You, Pikachu!” video game, but expanded towards the next line up of gaming peripherals including the Astro A40, MadCatz MLG Pro Circiut Controller, MadCatz STRIKE 7, and many other gaming gadgets. Now loving gaming tech more than ever, he sees this generation crucial to bring the full circle of social connectivity that the 7th. generation of video game consoles started.

Square Enix Announces Their Holiday Sales Starting Today

November 28, 2014November 28, 2014 / Dustin Murphy / Leave a comment

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Written by Dustin Murphy

If you’re one of those people who likes to beat the crowds and go online or just stuffed from your meals for those who celebrated Thanksgiving Dinner; SQUARE ENIX has your back for the gamers and for those who are family or friends of gamers. As of today, SQUARE ENIX has announced that they have select titles that are up to 60% off, starting today through 11:59pm December 1st. So what does this mean? Lets take a look at just that.

As of today, customers who shop through the SQUARE ENIX Online Store can grab titles such as titles such as FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster for 19.99 USD and save ten dollars on both the PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 3 versions of the game. Those wanting to try out games such as the new THIEF can pick it up on the store for 19.99 USD for the console editions or 16.00 on PC.

Not into those games? Square has you covered with games such as Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD ReMIX for 8.00 USD. Perhaps you aren’t one for a walk through well designed and intricate stories that take place within the Disney Universe. SQUARE ENIX has you covered there too with games such as Drakengard 3, which will let you experience the first entry in over ten years to land on a console!

With all the sales, it’s hard to list what SQUARE ENIX has planned due to the massive amount of sales that are going on right now. So head on over to the SQUARE ENIX Store and gather some of that Christmas shopping without the hassle and stay tuned for our Holiday Buyers Gift Guide for 2014 coming up this weekend.

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Valiant Hearts: The Great War Out Now for Android

November 26, 2014 / Dustin Murphy / Leave a comment

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Written by Dustin Murphy

As of today, those who have not experienced the amazing puzzle-adventure title that takes place during World War I now have a chance with the game now being available through both the Google Play Store as well as the Amazon Appstore. The game will also receive the interactive comic book entitled ‘Dogs of War’ for free for those whom purchased the title on iOS and Android devices.

With the game launching on mobile devices, the game will be introducing a unique set of controls for the platform and will allow for a rather smooth gaming experience. The game itself has been completely rethought and reworked for the devices so that they are a bit more touchscreen friendly in order to allow for players to interact with history. The game will also be including a detailed account of the historical content that it contains, but also gives players a chance to share the games interesting news as it becomes available and will work with all social media channels.

Telling the story of four amazing and well developed characters has never been as much fun as it is now and as available as it is now with it having launched on all available platforms. For those looking to obtain it they can get it on XBox One, Xbox 360, PS3, PS4, PC, Android and of course iOS. How much will it run you? 4.99 for the first chapter or 8.99 USD for the full game (all four chapters), which also features a chance to buy this game on Google TV. For more information on Valiant Hearts: The Great War, head on over to the official Valiant Hearts Website.

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Akiba’s Trip: Undead & Undressed Invades PlayStation 4’s Today

November 26, 2014 / Dustin Murphy / Leave a comment

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Written by Dustin Murphy

Earlier this year Synthisters (vampires) invaded the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita’s earlier this year. This time around, our friends over at XSeed Games and their parent company Marvelous USA, Inc. are excited to let us once more experience this games amazing adventure on the PlaySTation 4 with some brand new features that have never been seen before. What does this entail? A new “Toybox Mode”, which allows for players to experience an all-inclusive game from the get-go. Let alone this mode in the game also comes in with a nex-gen “Visual Editor” that will allow players to change things such as the games appearance, but also livestreaming chat commands to give their viewers a chance to join in on their gameplay and change it on the go.

So what specifically is unique about this games “Toybox Mode” that makes it worth the re-visit into Akiba (Akihabara Strip)? It allows players to begin their adventure with one of every weapon and piece of clothing within the game itself. This also means though, there is a price, and players will be restricted from earning their trophies that they enjoy. Though this mode may just be what some players need to enjoy the game at all. Let alone are trophies restricted, but players are also restricted from unlocking post-game content.

With the games “Visual Editor” being able to allow for fans to enjoy the games true manga style, they can utilize the newest feature called the “Visual Editor” in order to customize every bit of the games aspect. This includes line thickness, colour, contrast settings, fog, motion blur, and much, much more. What else is included in this new mode? Preset graphical modes for those who want an easier to control and more direct approach to it. Want to have more fun than just that? Livestreamers get a unique twist as they can allow their audience members to share in their fun by changing the game with chat commands. This means that players will need to be prepared for some unexpected events, but also occurrences within every aspect possible.

On top of all these enhancements, Akiba’s Trip: Undead & Undressed has been given a 1080p makeover that allows for a true HD experience with the games newly fleshed out character models, lighting engine, and of course all previously released DLC that landed on both the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita. The new release also features Dual Audio support for those who wish to experience the game in either Japanese or English, but also allowing for additional male strip portraits, and of course the classic narrative that players came to enjoy in anime as well as the Japanese culture through anime, games, and even the internet. All this can be obtained for 49.99 USD on the PlayStation 4 through the PlayStation Store as well as 39.99 USD on the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita platforms! Please note that the game itself will not feature all the DLC without individual purchases on the PS3 and PSVita.

More information on the game can be found at www.akibastrip.com. For information on XSEED Games products, please visit www.xseedgames.com. Fans can also follow XSEED Games on Facebook at www.facebook.com/XSEEDGames and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/XSEEDGames. Please stay tuned for our upcoming review.

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Prepare for War with Attila the Hun with Total War: ATTILA in 2015

November 26, 2014November 26, 2014 / Dustin Murphy / Leave a comment

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Written by Dustin Murphy

Known as one of the most fierce warriors in history, Attila the Hun seeks to bring in his unique battles onto PC on February 17th of 2015. Known for the strategy game antics, Total War leaves nothing to imagination when it comes to history. For those who want a unique take on the history of the world, Total War is a proper place to go to see what old world skirmishes would be like.

For those seeking to obtain the game through a pre-order can head over to the Sega Store and catch up on a special Pre-Order Bonus; The Viking Forefathers Culture Pack, which will be adding three additional playable factions to the game. You may recognize the names such as The Danes, The Jutes, and even The Geats.

These characters will be among the first of the DLC packs available once the game launches and will allow players to experience combat with the Norse factions. Allowing this to happen will put them among some of the most vicious warriors at the time, which means that players will get to experience Norse battlefields unique to this DLC, but also naval units, missions, cultural and factional traits that will carry on through the game. Will you have what it takes to master the battlefields as they seek to move southwards from the lands of ice in order to raid, pillage, and conquer?

For those who do not pre-order, the DLC will be available as a separate purchase starting February 17th, 2015 for £5.99, €7.49, and $7.99 respectively. Meanwhile, the game will also be getting a bit of a special addition that will leave some players wanting more as the game becomes available.

So what does this Special Edition contain? Physically, which will be available exclusively to North America will contain an Attila the Hun Biography, which is written by Nic Fields and published by Osprey Publishing, which is known for their military history and specialization in such fields. The biography will be based upon some of the fields newest research and theories based around Attila’s military and tactical prowess. The biography will also depict maps of the time period, details of the life as a Hun, commissioned artwork, but also the deeds based around one of the most infamous warlords of history. The edition will also come with a reference guide poster for the campaign as well as the previously mentioned DLC pack for the Vikings.

Will you have what it takes to conquer in 395AD where famine, disease, climate change, and an never-ending phase of War sets in across Europe in the middle ages? Find out on February 17th of 2015. Meanwhile, players can also visit the official Total War website for more information over at www.totalwar.com.

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Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2: Sisters Generation Gets Dated

November 26, 2014November 26, 2014 / Dustin Murphy / Leave a comment

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Written by Dustin Murphy

Think that your adventure in Gameindustri was quite over? Not yet! Those little shape-shifting ladies are back and they need even more of your help. As of today, our friends over at Idea Factory International, Inc. has announced that we can expect this new PlayStation Vita exclusive on January 27th, 2015 while our neighbors over in Europe can expect the game to get a January 28th release date for the digital front while the physical will be released on January 30th for the physical edition.

Along side the announcement, Idea Factory International has also announced that Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth2: Sisters Generation will be compatible with the PlayStation TV. Along side this news, those who do not know that the title, Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2 that originally released for the PlayStation 3 is being reimagined through this latest title. It will feature a new story, a newly revamped battle system, newly voiced characters, and new playable characters that have never been seen before within the series. This will also be a chance for players familiar and new to the series a new take on the series.

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Criminal Girls: Invite Only Allows Allows Fight to Escape Hell

November 26, 2014 / Dustin Murphy / Leave a comment

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Written by Dustin Murphy

Want a reason to host a part that could raise Hell and allow you to rescue seven delinquent girls, who know seven sins, and well only one way out of Hell? This is the theme that Criminal Girls: Invite Only wants you to experience when it launches next February 3rd, 2015 for North America and on the 6th of February, 2015 for Europe. The game will be getting both a physical and digital release exclusively on the PlayStation Vita. The game was initially released on the PlayStation Portable in 2010 in Japan only. This new version is a remastering of the original, which will host a new set of content that has been developed exclusively for the PlayStation Vita. Don’t have a Vita and only a PlayStation TV? Not a problem, the title will launch as a PlayStation TV compatible title when it launches next year.

What’s the exact point of the game? As stated before, players will take a job, which will send them into Hell to save seven delinquents, whom have undoubtedly committed one of the seven deadly sins, and has set you forth to drag their eternally damned souls from Hell. While entrusting these girls in your car, your hirer has given you a chance to listen to these girls who each have a mind of their own – beware, this means that you’ll want to listen to their wants, their needs, and their desires as you take a path of your own to victory in this ever-evolving game of skill, spells, and combat attacks that these devilish ladies want to use.

Though that is not all for this game of Hell and damnation. Instead, players will do what it takes to get through the game by connecting with the girls. This means players will need to use the games front and back touch pads in order to to bring these devilish ladies into the spotlight. These ladies will also hoping for players to fulfill their special requests, which will unlock their history, but also something maybe even suspected to some.

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Review: Rollers of the Realm – Rogues, Rangers, and Pinballs – Oh my

November 24, 2014 / Dustin Murphy / Leave a comment

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Written by Dustin Murphy

Pros:
-Very unique variations between each map and location layout
-Character dialogue plays a major role in the game via story and tips
-Controls transition very well between PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4
-Cross-save feature is an added bonus

Cons:
-Map layouts are somewhat hard to figure out at times
-Noticeable frame rate drops on PS Vita.
-Inability to skip dialogue

Pinball. The first thing you think of when you hear the word is flippers and a giant silver ball. In this case, it’s almost the same. Except when you hear the word pinball you have to think characters, special bonuses, and a unique twist on a classic type of game. This is something we were given a unique feel for both pinball as well as RPG games. This means one thing; this game intends on not being a well-established title or even a subtitle game on there. This game is one that is fully original and I am quite sure that the creatures came out confident in what they came out with, and it’s something that works.

The game itself follows the basic rules of pinball and turning it into an RPG element where players will manage across several characters (ball variants that are launched), which leads them into working their attention pulling the best they can and making sure not to lose their specially granted extra pinball’s (falcons for the ranger, dog for the Thief, and more as you unlock the characters). Each piece of this game takes a note on settings based upon the board that players will take on. This means that ball physics were a big must for a game such as this and they are spot on. The tables as stated to variate, but never leave their medieval-fantasy setting-esque world. In the beginning players will become accustomed to the games seemingly-main character called Thief. Her heralding in this game is something well done as she basically brings out a entourage of characters such as the Knight, Ranger, Healer, Monk, and more (some can be unlocked using in-game gold that is unlocked via completing boards and finding treasure as well as defeating enemies). The uniqueness to this game is not that each character seems particularly useful compared to the other, it’s the constant need that the game has for switching between them.

The prime example is when bumping through each of the layers that some of the maps has that allows the need for the Thief whom can backstab enemies when she hits them from behind, rather her ball, and does an increased amount of damage. This allows for players to quickly grab gold, deal damage, and move on through each of the games stages. However, it’s not as easy as it sounds as enemies will attempt to take out your base flippers, which do have health, and a health bar that can easily degrade if archers focus fire upon the bumpers. This is where the Healer becomes a rather useful character as she will heal the flippers upon gaining mana. Something players will become quite familiar with during boss fights and ambushes that require some tactical uses of each of the characters. However, what’s not to say that switching to the games Knight who seems like a drunken buffoon is never a bad idea? With his ability to smash through barricades such as crates, walls (cover), and even gates, this not-so-agile character becomes a major use as he does quite a bit of damage to enemies up front and allows for players to quickly dispatch enemies as they go. Did we mention that his special ability keeps him from “dying” by blocking the gutter with a shield? This makes him a very useful asset when trying to take on boss-fights, but what’s not to say characters such as the Ranger to call in falcons (multiball incoming, be aware of this) is quite useful when fighting quite a few enemies at once, and is something that players should make themselves quickly accustomed to when fighting their way through the games campaign.

The narrative can be called “mindless banter” by some, but in truth, this is where the game gets most of its story when not managing your characters as well as navigating through the games map designs. Though these are not where the game will send people into a frenzy or becoming a bit frustrated. The micromanaging within the map to unlock treasures, special pick-up’s or even breaking or even falling to reap rewards, can be where this games frustrations can exist. Though this is not something that can necessarily send players into slamming a keyboard or controller. This is redeemed thanks to the games ‘tilt’ feature, which is exposed as using an after touch control that allows guidance either to the left, the right, or backwards (seemingly backwards). This allows for players to change characters by getting to primary bumpers and holding the ball there (they are the ones being depicted by having a health bar), and taking on the tactical vantage needed in order to smash through each of the maps.

Though there is something tricky to this that players will become quickly acquainted with. A gutter that is active and threatening the life of their characters (only when enemies are around for the most part). This will require players to swap to the healer, gain enough mana to fill up a mana bar, and resurrect the characters needed to assure themselves that a game over is not going to be imminent. Though do not be weary when the stress begins to weigh down as players will be forced to feel the heat when it comes up to the games ‘healer is active’ moments, especially with enemies around. This is where players will feel the heat and will feel obligated to continue their battle to continue on, which is something the game seemingly does on purpose.

Though when stepping aside, the game does have a few quirks, some that make this games mechanics smart, creative, and very uniquely done. This is something that players could truly enjoy while trying to blend through the games narrative, which is, as stated, almost mindless banter even though it tells the tale that many would hope to expect. Though there is something that Rollers of the Realm does need; that RPG element. As much as I could say that the game itself is unique in how it works, which it is, the RPG side of it does not feel as forced as one would hope. Instead I found myself equipping items in order to find my characters having more health or more armor, but nothing quite along the lines of what I would’ve hoped. This is where I found the game a bit daunting as I had hoped for a robust balance of RPG versus pinball, but then again, that may just been the RPG fanatic inside of me screaming for more when there isn’t all that much more that could be done without causing a collision of issues to arise. Though there was something that caused a bit of a head scratcher. After meeting each of the characters, the want for a dialogue skip will become apparent and highly wanted for many players. This will lead to players , which is their only option at this time, to smash through their controller buttons or even keyboards (PC) in order to replay a stage if they had to restart. This is something that gets repetitive after a fourth or sixth try on a board if players aren’t used to such games.

This is something that hopefully PHANTOM COMPASS troubleshoots in a future update for this rather well done and enigmatic title that will leave players flapping their flippers for hours. The game itself is rather straight forward game that will follow every bit of the enjoyment out of players as it can, and even manages to weave a rather enjoyable relationship between both our drunken Knight and our quiet and seemingly kind Rogue. Though there are a few moments that players will find themselves a bit daunted at some sketch (at times) voice acting, which was most noticeably done with the Ranger when he is first introduced, but also a few other scenes where he seems a bit flat on his emotional range. With such things put aside though, publisher Atlus U.S.A., inc and developer PHANTOM COMPASS have a lot to look forward to within the game and can find plenty of success in the upcoming days as the game catches on (something that should), and will easily catch any pinball-agnostic players hammering away at their controllers and keyboards in such amusement.
When it comes to pinball games and even RPG’s it’s hard to find a title that can balance multiple genres as this title has done. We can only hope that pinball and RPG enthusiasts can catch onto such a unique title and help it flourish in time.

So what does Rollers of the Realm earn itself? A solid 7 out of 10 possible.

Reviewers Note: Our review is based on a review copy that was given to us by the publisher prior to the games release and is the final release candidate version. Our review is based upon the PlayStation Vita as well as PlayStation 4 versions.

About the Writer:

Blast Away The Game Review

A little bit of news, a little bit of reviews, and bit of games from around the world for you.

Author: Dustin Murphy

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