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Written by Devon Day

It has been achieved, fellow commanders and tacticians! Convoys has been issued full deployment thanks in part to the backers of Kickstarter. Developed by Convoy games and inspired by MadMax and FTL, Convoy utilizies quick strategic thinking with challenging AI that reacts towards real time scenarios. As such, upgrades are key, and in Convoy, upgrading will be essential and provide you with a better chance of victory. Attaining two goals was great, but it will be up to you to help Convoy Games garrison more reinforcements, as two more goals remain. Right now, a Linux version and a scenario editor are promised, but the final two remain to be seen. With continual strides, it seems that Convoy has the right hardware to finish the fight.

That being said, what are your thoughts on Convoy or other strategy games? Which one is your favorite? Would you like to see RTS attempt another shot on consoles? Please sound off and leave your thoughts and feelings below!

As always, on behalf of all staff members of BATGR, thank you for reading. Until next time, this is Devon.. Checking out.

About the Author:

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.

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Written by Dustin Murphy

As of today, the open world franchise known as Just Cause seeks to invade the world once more with it’s third entry into the franchise starting in 2015. The series became a fan favorite when it premiered on the XBox 360, Xbox, PlayStation 2, and PC back in 2006. Once more we will get to take on an adventure as Rico Rodriguez. The question is? Where will he be within the Mediterranean area, what new features will we see, and how far will the new-gen hardware be pushed?

“We’ve been waiting for this moment ever since Just Cause 2 was released, said Christofer Sundberg, founder and Chief Creative Officer at Avalanche Studios. “This is the culmination of a decade’s worth of open-world evolution and innovation. In JUST CAUSE 3, we’ve sent Rico to a beautiful Mediterranean archipelago. He is of course bringing his Grapple and Parachute, both with game-changing upgrades, as well as the brand new Wingsuit. JUST CAUSE 3 truly represents the next generation of chaotic sandbox fun, and we can’t wait to show you more next year.”

With the new gen hardware being in the spotlight, we can only assume that this game will push the new gen consoles to some extent with a larger world, new weapons, vehicles, and even a ton more of content than we’ve seen in previous entries. Stay tuned for more information to be released in the upcoming months. For more news, our friends over at Game Informer will have a month long set of exclusive coverage for the upcoming title. So check out their page here: Just Cause 3 Headquarters at Game Informer. For those followers of ours, we’ll keep you update with information we get first hand from Square Enix and Avalanche Studios.

About the Writer:

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.

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Written by Dustin Murphy

There was no doubt that Loot Crate and Nintendo are both astonishing companies. What happens though when the two decide to team up for this holiday season? We’re about to find out starting on November 21st with their amiibo subscription service. This will allow subscribers to get 10 amiibo figures that are pre-selected by both Loot Crate and Nintendo. We are seeing Mario, Pikachu, Donkey Kong, Fox, and Yoshi in the line-up. They will be shipped in three different phases and will be shipped through Loot Crate throughout the holiday season, which means you nor your families or friends will have to step outside and head over to the store.

“Featuring compatibility with Super Smash Bros. for Wii U,Mario Kart 8 and Hyrule Warriors this year, amiibo figures are shaping up to be one of the year’s must-have holiday items,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “Fans around the country already enjoy Loot Crate’s approach to delivering cool new items every month, and now they have a new and convenient way to get their hands on amiibo.”

“We are honored to be working with Nintendo – a company that our team loves and respects, and that many of us grew up with,” said Chris Davis, Loot Crate’s CEO. “The iconic Super Smash Bros. games have brought people together for years, and we’re excited to become a part of that story in a new way through our amiibo Subscription Service.”

So what does this new service that’s limited-time mean? You’ll get characters that will offer rewards, intergration, and special opportunities in the already released and upcoming titles for Nintendo Wii U and Nintendo 3DS with titles such as Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Hyrule Warriors, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, Mario Kart 8, Mario Party 10, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, and Yoshi’s Wooly World with more coming up in the near future.

For more information about how to participate in the limited-time “amiibo Subscription Service,” visit the Official amiibo Loot Crate Page..

About the Writer:

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.

Join the Blast Away the Game Review Community on Facebook or Google+
Written by Dustin Murphy

Ready to take on some vampire like enemies and give them the beat down of a life time? It’s time to prepare for it since the time is nigh. As of today, players who experienced and those who have not can prepare for the title to land on November 25th, 2014 for the PlayStation 4. Though the release date is not all that XSeed and developer ACQUIRE have prepared for those that obtain this new console version.

Along with the games release date announced, there have been a few new things that have been added to lure players back for another trip through Tokyo’s district called Akihabara or also known as Akiba by the locals. In this game, players will get to see a full fledged and life-like representation of it as they take on the role of Nanashi. As they do, they can enjoy the new features such as the “Toybox Mode” and the games “Visual Editor”. This new version also supports what the previous releases have also featured; dual audio. The feature will allow for players to play the game in both the original Japanese voice overs while also exploring the game in English. Doing so will allow for fans of Japanese culture to enjoy the satire filled game to those who love the whole “supernatural ‘otaku’ game” appeal.

The new PS4 edition’s “Toybox Mode” will allow players to start the game with one of every weapon type available as well as a clothing item. This can allow for players to run around in some of the most hilarious clothing options as possible and even weapon setups imaginable. The games new “Visual Editor” will allow players to enjoy customization of every single aspect of the game itself when it comes to appearance. Let alone does this mean that players can also use chat commands that will allow livestream viewers to affect the gameplay of the person taking on the adventure. What ways can this occur? We’ll find out in its release in November. The game is set for 1080p HD which means the game is set to support the highest of graphics possible for thise title.

AKIBA’S TRIP: Undead & Undressed is developed by ACQUIRE and published by XSEED Games in North America and will be available for the PlayStation®4 system at participating retailers, as well as through digital download via PlayStation®Store, on November 25, 2014 for $49.99. The PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®Vita system versions are available now for $39.99 at participating retailers and digitally through PlayStation®Store. Please note that the game is Rated M for Mature by the ESRB for North America.

About the Writer:

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.

Join the Blast Away the Game Review Community on Facebook or Google+
Written by Dustin Murphy

Are you a fan of Kingdom Hearts or new to the series, but curious to it? As of today Square Enix has given a reason for fans new, old, or those curious to the series a reason to give the series a spin. As of today players will be able to suit up, take on the heartless, and help save Sora, Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and many more in this upcoming Collector’s Edition, which will contain both Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX and Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX Games. Along with it, players will get a collectible steelbook case, which will contain, as stated, both games as well as the premium artwork from the series director, Tetsuya Nomura.

Along with it the Collector’s Edition box will also be accompanied by a Shadow Heartless Plush Toy, which will stand roughly 9.4 inches tall, an exclusive official Disney collectible pin, which will feature Sora and Mickey Mouse back to back, along with the iconic keyblade and Mickey dangler. This pin will be made out of a soft enamel coating on metal, which spans 1.68 inches. The set will also include a 30-Page Art Book and Dust Jacket, which will show off an exclusive forward and sketch from Nomura, along with artwork from the series.

The set will release exclusively through the Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX website and will be available starting December 2nd, 2014 exclusively on the PlayStation 3. The Collector’s Edition will be sold in limited quantities, so do note that the earlier, the better. For those wanting to purchase it head over to the official website (Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX Collector’s Edition) and pick up your copy now for 99.99 USD.

If you are unable to purchase the Collector’s Edition, Square Enix is also giving a chance for owners to receive a complimentary upgrade to the Limited Edition, which will include the official Disney Collectible Pin and a copy of the game for 39.99 USD. Quantities are limited for the pin’s.

About the Writer:

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.

Join the Blast Away the Game Review Community on Facebook or Google+
Written by Dustin Murphy

Did you watch the Nintendo Direct this afternoon? If not, we got you covered. As of today, Nintendo dropped a moon sized bomb in our laps and let us relish in its explosion. They have officially announced that The Legends of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D is headed on its way to your Nintendo 3DS handhelds in Spring 2015. This also means that we will get to once more experience a new and fresh remake of a Nintendo 64 classic.

Within the same Nintendo Direct, they outlined a few new details regarding their upcoming amiibo functionality as well as the recently announced titles such as Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Code Name S.T.E.A.M., Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, Splatoon, and Xenoblade Chronicles X

“Now is the best time to be a Wii U and Nintendo 3DS owner,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “There’s something for everyone with a variety of quality, exclusive games already available and launching soon. From new IP in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker to unforgettable greats like The Legend of Zelda on the horizon, we have both classic and new franchises covered.”

So what can you look forward to in the near future? Today the company announced that Mario Kart 8 will be getting its first DLC pack on November 13th (next week). The features that will be included are new courses, and characters. Some of the characters will be from famed Nintendo franchises such as The Legend of Zelda, F-Zero, and Excitebike. Nintendo also announced that in addition to its launch in two weeks, amiibo has gotten a bit more polishing on the detials that have been released.

The Ambi figures will be compatible on launch with Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Mario Kart 8, and Hyrule Warriors this fall. Later titles that will be compatible within 2015 include Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, Yoshi’s Woolly World and Mario Party 10. When the amiibo figures launch on November 21st, Nintendo stated that when players place character figures such as Captain Falcon, Donkey Kong, Fox, Kirby, Link, Luigi, Mario, Peach, and Yoshi, players will be able to get a mii racing suit for Mario Kart 8 that is themed based upon those amiibo figurines. These suits can be worn when racing. As for Hyrule Warriors, a Link amiibo figure will give players a special “Spinner” weapon in the hack-and-slasher title brought to you by both Koei Tecmo and Nintendo. On top of that, any of the Super Smash Bros. amiibo figures will also grant random materials, weapons or rupees which can be used in game.

So what amiibo figures will launch on Novembrer 21st? For those looking to obtain them, Link, Mario, and Samus will be among the first to launch. This will coincide with the release date of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. The second wave of characters will be launching within the month of December.

Are you looking forwards to Splatoon? If so, the four versus four person online multiplayer will be launching within 2015. The game will also launch with a single-player mode, which will allow players to go against an army of ink-based weapon armed octopi that will seek to hunt them down on this Wii U title in the second quarter of 2015. Following this announcement was the Wii U exclusive remake of Xenoblade Chronicles, which launched on the Wii back in 2010. In this new title, players will get to use New Los Angeles as a home base. Players will get to take on missions, collect items and take on missions from the cities residents. This game will also feature a much larger world from its predecessor known as Xenoblade Chronicles. The game is set to release sometime in 2015.

Along with these details, Nintendo also gave us a tidbit of them regarding Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, but also Kirby and the Rainbow Curse. Kirby will be the newest installment for that lovable pink ball of fluffiness. The game will require players to guide Kirby along a rainbow line that they will draw using their Wii U GamePad’s touch screen using the stylus. The game will also feature an all new four-player multiplayer mode that lets one player use Kirby so that a player may focus on drawing rainbow lines, while others control a group of characters that are shown as Waddle Dee. These characters will collect items and or carry that little pink ball of fluff around the game. The game is set to launch in February of 2015. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker will feature a game that has 70+ levels that players will get to adventure through. The game will also feature different challenges, that once completed, will award players with more and new content. The game is set to launch exclusively on the Wii U on December 5th.

Along with the tidbits of information that Nintendo has announced, we were given a string of release dates that we are glad to share with you in preparation for their upcoming launches (below is Nintendo’s official release information for upcoming titles):

Code Name: S.T.E.A.M.: From Intelligent Systems, the creators of the Fire Emblem and Advance Wars series, comes Code Name: S.T.E.A.M., a turn-based tactical action RPG that features characters like … Abraham Lincoln? That’s right: Abraham Lincoln leads a team of newly revealed playable characters like Tiger Lily and Tom Sawyer. Each character in the game possesses special abilities, like Tiger Lily’s healing and Tom Sawyer’s gadgets, that help players complete missions across well-designed battlefields. Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. will launch exclusively for Nintendo 3DS in spring 2015.

Ultimate NES Remix: The NES Remix series comes to Nintendo 3DS, combining 16 of the top NES games from the NES Remix and NES Remix 2 games on Wii U. Famicom Remix Mode offers challenges from the Japanese version of NES Remix, featuring slightly different sound effects and backgrounds, and in Speed Mario Bros., players can play through the original Super Mario Bros. ramped up to super speed. Ultimate NES Remix also features online leaderboards, allowing players to compare scores in challenges with others in their region. The nostalgic game launches for Nintendo 3DS on Dec. 5.

Persona Q Edition Nintendo 3DS XL: In honor of the Nov. 25 launch of the ATLUS role-playing gamePersona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth, GameStop will be the exclusive retailer for the Persona Q Edition of the Nintendo 3DS hardware. The design evokes the essence of Persona Q with styling on the front of the iconic Grimoire – the tome used by the attendants of the Velvet Room and containing information on the many Personas – and the new style of character art represented on the back. It will be available at a suggested retail price of $199.99. (The Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth game will be sold separately. Both thePersona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth: Wild Cards Premium Edition and Limited Standard Edition versions of the game will be available for a limited time only.)

Wii U & Nintendo 3DS

PIKMIN Short Movies: Last month, Shigeru Miyamoto premiered PIKMIN Short Movies, a series of animated short films he directed that takes place in the Pikmin universe. These short films are now available as one paid download in the Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. As a supplement to the movies (in addition to popcorn, of course), a free demo version for Pikmin 3 is also now in the Nintendo eShop on Wii U.

Sonic Boom: A free demo for Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal, the new Sonic the Hedgehog game launching exclusively for Nintendo 3DS on Nov. 11, is now available in the Nintendo eShop. The free demo for exclusive Wii U game Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric (also launching on Nov. 11) will be available on Dec. 4. In addition, a new Nintendo 3DS Home Menu theme and Puzzle Swap panel inspired by Sonic Boom are both coming to Nintendo 3DS on Nov. 11.

Indie games!: Nintendo’s support for indie developers continues with a host of indie games coming to both Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. In addition, fans will be able to discover a CommanderVideo trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U based on the classic character from the Bit.Trip series, as well as download a new Nintendo 3DS Home Menu theme based on hit indie game Shovel Knight. Many of the creative indie games coming to Wii U and Nintendo 3DS include the following:

• Runbow from 13AM Games (Wii U) – 2015
• Chromophore: The Two Brothers Director’s Cut from Ackk Studios LLC (Wii U) – Winter
• Citizens of Earth from ATLUS (Wii U, Nintendo 3DS) – Winter
• Nihilumbra from BeautiFun Games (Wii U) – Winter
• The Swapper from Curve Digital (Wii U) – Nov. 6
• Thomas Was Alone from Curve Digital (Wii U) – Nov. 25
• Proun+ from Engine Software (Wii U) – Winter
• Trine Enchanted Edition from Frozenbyte (Wii U) – Winter
• Chariot from Frima Studio Inc. (Wii U) – Winter
• A.N.N.E. from Gamesbymo (Wii U) – Winter
• Gunman Clive 2 from Hörberg Productions (Wii U) – Winter
• SteamWorld Heist from Image & Form (Wii U) – Spring 2015
• Affordable Space Adventures from KnapNok Games (Wii U) – Q1 2015
• Gone Home from Midnight City (Wii U) – Winter
• High Strangeness from Midnight City (Wii U) – Winter
• forma.8 from MixedBag (Wii U) – Winter
• A World of Keflings from NinjaBee (Wii U) – Nov. 13
• Tengami from Nyamyam Ltd. (Wii U) – Nov. 13
• Treasurenauts from Renegade Kid (Nintendo 3DS) – Q1 2015
• Xeodrifter from Renegade Kid (Nintendo 3DS) – Q4
• Swords & Soldiers II from Ronimo Games BV (Wii U) – Winter
• Beatbuddy from THREAKS (Wii U) – Q1 2015
• Sportsball from TOO DX (Wii U) – Nov. 6
• 6180 the moon from Turtle Cream (Wii U) – Winter
• Rive from Two Tribes (Wii U) – 2015

To view today’s Nintendo Direct please go here: http://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct/11-05-2014/

About the Writer:

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.

Join the Blast Away the Game Review Community on Facebook or Google+
Written by Dustin Murphy

If you’ve been following Hastune Miku: Project Diva F 2nd, you know there’s been a lot of DLC that launched in Japan. In turn, Sega America as well as Sega Europe has announced that all content released in Japan will be headed to North America and Europe. This will begin on December 9th, 2014. Both companies will have two large sales going on in order to help promote the content. This will include six months of costumes, skin, and song items that will follow shortly after the games launch on November 18th, 2014, but only for fans who purchase the Song Club pass that runs for a suggested retail price of $29.99, €24.99, and £19.99 respectively.

The Song Club will allow the players to every single Rhythm Game Song which will be published in the months to follow. This will contain well over ten songs in total. Players who want some more costumes (modules) will need to purchase the Costume Club pass, which will run for $69.99, € 49.99, and £ 39.99 respectively. Each of the games songs will run $2.99, € 2.49, and £ 1.99 per song without the pass and $1.99, € 1.49, £ 1.19 per costume piece at their suggested retail prices. The passes will save players more than 25% in total for players who want every piece of DLC content. All content packs are scheduled to release by June of 2015. For those seeking to obtain the free user interface skins will be able to obtain them for the first 39 days after the games release in each of the countries it’s slated for.

Hastune Miku: Project Diva 2nd F and the content passes are set to launch side by side starting on November 18th for North America and Latin America. The game will follow a launch in Europe on November 21st. On top of this release date, SEGA has confirmed that all content will be cross-bought for both PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita. This will help players access their content across both platforms and save them money. Players will also be able to access the game on both consoles without losing their save progression. Players who own the PlayStation Vita version will get to access the games new Markerless AR Mode. Players will also get to visit the titles revamped edit mode that will showcase popular user generated content so that players can enjoy the content based on their experiences.

About the Writer:

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.