Review: SUPERHOT

phillvine

-

Mar 8, 2016

Turn up, find a gun, or other weapon, kill enemies until you win. That’s something we’ve all seen in an FPS but SUPERHOT tries to achieve something a little different. In fact it tries to achieve something very different. It’s rare to find something quite as unique as SUPERHOT, especially in a genre so rife with constantly repeated tropes. The core concept for SUPERHOT is that time stands still unless you move. Hopefully adding a load of bullets and a few enemies trying their best to kill you should create some interesting gameplay.

For the most part that’s exactly what SUPERHOT does although there were still a few moments when I found myself starting to get bored. There are only so many scenarios that can occur around the mechanic and once you’ve seen them all it becomes increasingly difficult to remain interested. There often isn’t an advanced tactic or technique you can employ to solve an area and most of the time a fix all strategy will work fine.

Essentially time will only move when you do. So you fire your gun and a bullet leaves the barrel and instantly becomes stationary, or impossibly close to it. So you will have to move around and dodge enemy bullets, and melee attacks, as your own bullets travel to their targets. It certainly takes a little getting used to but soon enough you will be firing and dodging rounds like a pro. Or at least that’s how you’ll feel. When everything goes just right it’s difficult not to have a little smile to yourself. Dodging one round, firing another, throwing your spent weapon at an enemy and then punching the last in the face just has to be satisfying.

Sadly there’s nothing much in the way of progression to keep you interested with no weapon unlocks, abilities or anything even close to customizable or upgradable. There really seems like a missed opportunity to make a much fuller game with a simple ability upgrade system. One of your abilities sees you disarming enemies with a swift elbow – why not have the range upgradeable? Almost all of the abilities could have been part of an upgrade system without interfering with the actual function of the ability and would have really helped keep me interested after the first couple of hours.

One of SUPERHOT’s biggest issues is ironically due to it’s biggest asset – the time mechanic. The first time you play it seems clever and unique but that only diminishes over time. If you remove the creativity of the mechanic from SUPERHOT you’re left with very little. But SUPERHOT has been showing off how cool it is for a very long time now and most of that initial magic has already dissipated for me. It will be the same for those of you who frequent YouTube or generally keep up-to-date with games. It would have been far better to keep the gameplay a mystery until release to give that full wow factor. It’s really like SUPERHOT has already played it’s best hand before it was actually released.

And sadly SUPERHOT has little else to fall back onto. There’s a plot that is reminiscent of something taken from an early script of the Matrix with a few overly contrived pseudo-existential dilemmas thrown in. It struck me as trying to sound clever rather than actually providing a substantial plot or characterisation. It’s fair enough to sound clever if you actually are but SUPERHOT’s plot never delves deep enough to become anything more than a last minute add on. At it’s worst it just ends up coming off as pretentious and overly self-referential. It seems like SUPERHOT thinks its story is something special but really it’s quite mediocre.

The art style is strikingly gorgeous. The severe lines, stark contrast and shattering glass effects make for a truly unique looking game. It’s a bold style that is realised confidently. It’s also another area SUPERHOT manages to distinguish itself from other titles. It’s difficult when every area is made up of only white walls and shadows to keep things interesting yet I didn’t find myself getting tired of the environments or wishing for more. For SUPERHOT to really own the art style it had to stick with the blank environments and I’m glad it did.

SUPERHOT is very conflicting for me. It’s biggest and coolest feature is also it’s biggest downfall. The time mechanic is fun to play with but it makes SUPERHOT feel too much like a tech demo for me. There are almost no elements of a full game outside of the time mechanic. Once you’ve seen that and had enough there’s nothing else left in SUPERHOT. The plot just comes off as pretentious and is far too self confident to keep you interested. SUPERHOT is a great idea that is well implemented but it doesn’t do enough to become a full game.

Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic launches on 3DS next month

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Mar 8, 2016

0

Mario, Sonic and a host of other fan-favourite characters go for gold in dozens of exciting sporting events in Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, arriving on Nintendo 3DS across Europe on 8^th April. Set in Rio de Janeiro, host city of the Games of the XXXI Olympiad, the latest instalment of the series features 14 Olympic disciplines, as well as 14 special Plus Events that put a unique Mario and Sonic twist on the athletic action.

On top of classic events including archery and swimming, new experiences await in this supercharged collection. Golf will make an appearance at the Olympic Games for the first time in 112 years, and players can swing with the stylus and shoot for the cup exclusively in the Nintendo 3DS version. If competitors are up for another challenge, they can try their hand at 14 Plus Events, which put a special spin on classic disciplines: dive through and ride on waves caused by a Thwomp to set the fastest time in 100m Freestyle Swimming Plus, or use power-ups to reach the finish line even faster in the 100m Plus Event.

Whatever mode you play, a host of new and familiar faces from both the Mario and the Sonic series will greet you in Rio. Next to favourites such as Yoshi and Amy Rose, 20 new characters will join the fun – including Rosalina and Rouge – for a total cast of 40 playable competitors.

Aspiring athletes who dream of seeing themselves atop the podium can also go solo and play as their Mii in Road to Rio mode, arriving in Brazil ready to take on the sporting elite and discover the on-going rivalry between two gyms, led by Mario and Sonic respectively. It’s up to the player to decide which team to join, with unique story events unfolding along the way; completing the story will reward you with a Mario or Sonic Mii outfit, depending on whose side you chose.

Becoming the very best will require focused training, so players can get to grips with each event by practising at the local ginásios before taking on more difficult challenges. Next to a tough training regime, players can equip all kinds of useful sports gear, from golf clubs to full character outfits, to boost their abilities. If players dress their Mii in a Mario outfit and tap the Mario amiibo, or wear the Sonic outfit and tap the Sonic amiibo, that outfit’s abilities will receive a short-term boost – perfect for getting an additional competitive edge when it really matters*.

Once certain of their skills, players can challenge family and friends in multiplayer mode to determine who the real champion is. With Download Play, up to four players can face off against each other with just one copy of the game between them**, or see how they stack up against faraway players in global leaderboards. Another new feature, the Pocket Marathon, counts the steps players take with their Nintendo 3DS system, unlocking rewards on the way to the finish line that help increase the abilities of Mii characters.

The Last Witch Hunter – Curses on the World

Andrew Edney

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Mar 8, 2016

0

The Last Witch Hunter – Curses on the World

THE LAST WITCH HUNTER is the intense, action-packed adventure starring Vin Diesel, Michael Caine, Elijah Wood and Rose Leslie, from the visionary director Breck Eisner and the producers of 300, Riddick and the Fast & Furious franchise.

Hundreds of years ago, the mighty warrior Kaulder (Vin Diesel) vanquished the all-powerful Witch Queen, thus defeating the witches who had wreaked bloodshed on the world for centuries once and for all. But in moments before her death the Witch Queen cursed Kaulder with immortality, forever separating him from his beloved family. To mark The Last Witch Hunter arriving on Digital HD from 29^th February and on Blu-ray™ and DVD from 7^th March, courtesy of Entertainment One, we explore other well known curses that have been bestowed upon the world.

The Mummy’s Curse

Legend says the tomb of King Tutankhamun was inscribed and guarded with the threat “Death shall come on swift wings to him who disturbs the peace of the King”. Two Egyptologists, Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon did not believe in this and opened the tomb in 1922, Lord Carnarvon died 4 months later and his dog followed suit just hours later. It was respected novelist Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who said that the death could have been of a result of “elementals” or “curses” created by ancient priests to guard the tomb of King Tutankhamun. His theory made headlines all over the world.

The Hope Diamond Curse

King Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette bought a 115-carat blue diamond from French merchant Jean Baptiste Tavern, who stole it from the eye of a Hindu idol in India. Shortly after this purchase, they were beheaded during the French revolution. The diamond was later inherited by Lord Francis Hope who was eventually reduced to poverty and when Evalyn Walsh McLean bought the stone in 1912, her son was killed and her daughter committed suicide That was a pretty unlucky stone.

The Tecumseh Curse

This well known American curse is the explanation many people hid behind when every U.S president between 1840 to 1960 died in office, including Abraham Lincoln and J.F.Kennedy. It was also a peculiar coincidence that all the presidents that died were elected in a year that ended in 0. The rumour was that the Native American Leader Tecumseh cursed the presidency line when William Henry Harrison’s troops defeated his forces at the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811. Thirty years later, William Henry Harrison died just one year after being elected.

The Curse of the Silver Porsche

In 1995, James Dean was killed when the silver Porsche 550 Spyder he had was struck by an oncoming vehicle. Within a year of Dean’s crash, the car was involved in two more fatal accidents and two other injuries. Other incidents occurred after designer George Barris purchased the car. Whilst in the garage, the Porsche fell on the mechanic’s legs and broke them. Two doctors supposedly purchased the engine and transmission from the car, soon after one was killed and the other seriously injured in subsequent car accidents. Someone else purchased the tires which blew simultaneously, sending the driver to hospital.

The Billy Goat Curse

In 1945, William “Billy Goat” Sianis brought his pet goat, Murphy, to Wrigley Field to see the fourth game of the 1945 World Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Detroit Tigers. Sianis and his goat were thrown out from the stadium after complaints from fellow fans, and Sianis supposedly put a curse on the Chicago Cubs that day. Ever since, the Cubs have had legendarily bad luck. In 1969, 1984, 1989 and 2003, the Cubs were painfully close to advancing to the World Series but couldn’t hold the lead. Even those who don’t consider themselves Cubs fans blame the hex for the weird and almost comical losses year after year. The Cubs have not won a World Series since 1908, while no other team in the history of the game has gone as long without a championship.

The Curse of Turan

Hungary is home to the Curse of Turan, which posits that Hungary and its population have been oppressed by a malevolent spell for centuries. The trouble started in 1000 A.D. when then-despot King Stephen declared that his people must convert to Christianity. Not all the country’s inhabitants met the news with a willing spirit. A spiritualist, believed to have psychic powers because he was born with six fingers on one hand, resisted the orders to leave the old religious ways behind. In protest, he placed a thousand-year curse on all Hungarians. In the years that followed, its people are believed by some to have experienced increased levels of personal misfortune. As proof, some point to Hungary’s inflated suicide rate. During the 20th century, the country had one of the highest suicide rates in the world.

The Rasputin Curse

Rasputin was a well known self-proclaimed magician and cult leader; he wormed his way into the palace of the Romanovs, Russia’s ruling family, around the turn of the last century. He did so by telling stories to the heir to the throne, a boy named Alexis. His stories kept Alexis calm and this was important to the royal family because Alexis had haemophilia, which could have caused him to bleed to death if he were injured. However, Rasputin’s power soon went to his head, and a few of the Romanovs allegedly decided to have him killed, but he was exceptionally resilient. Reportedly it took poison, a fall down a staircase, repeated gunshots and drowning before Rasputin was finally dead. It’s said that Rasputin mumbled a curse as he died, assuring Russia’s ruling monarchs that they would all be dead themselves within a year. The Romanov family was brutally murdered in a mass execution less than a year later during the Russian Revolution.

The Curse of 27

There appears to be an exclusive “club” for 27 year old rock stars. Robert Johnson, who Eric Clapton called “the most important blues musician who ever lived,” played the guitar so well that some said he must have made a deal with the devil. So when he died at 27, people said it must have been time for him to pay up. Since Johnson, a number of musical geniuses have gone to an early grave at age 27. Brian Jones, founding member of the Rolling Stones passed away in 1969. Then it was both Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin in 1970, and Jim Morrison the following year. Kurt Cobain joined in 1994 and Amy Winehouse in 2011, all only 27 years old.

THE LAST WITCH HUNTER is out on Digital DOWNLOAD on the 29^th february and Blu-ray and DVD from 7^th march, courtesy of Entertainment One

The Last Witch Hunter – International Cult Societies

Andrew Edney

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Mar 8, 2016

0

The Last Witch Hunter – International Cult Societies

THE LAST WITCH HUNTER is the intense, action-packed sci-fi adventure starring Vin Diesel, Michael Caine, Elijah Wood and Rose Leslie, from the visionary Director Breck Eisner and the producers of 300, Riddick and the Fast & Furious franchise.

Hundreds of years ago, the mighty warrior Kaulder (Diesel) vanquished the all-powerful Witch Queen, thus defeating the witches who had wreaked bloodshed on the world for centuries once and for all. But in moments before her death the Witch Queen cursed Kaulder with immortality, forever separating him from his beloved family.

To mark The Last Witch Hunter arriving on Digital HD from 29^th February and on Blu-ray™ and DVD from 7^th March, courtesy of Entertainment One, we explore the idea of cult societies and look at The Axe + Cross in The Last Witch Hunter. The Axe + Cross formed in AD 1211, when an army of priests, warriors and farmers-turned-fighters swore an oath to crush the witch threat that tormented the world. Cursed with immortal life, Kaulder, the Last Witch Hunter, is all that remains to fight the witch threat and protect the human race.

Church of Bible Understanding

The Church of Bible Understanding is a destructive cult founded in 1971 by former atheist and vacuum repairman Stewart Traill in Pennsylvania. Traill teaches that he is the reincarnation of Elijah, and that he understands the true words of God. Whilst members lived in a small commune and donated 90% of their income to the cult, Traill himself owned four planes and a mansion. Throughout the 1970s, the cult expanded to other parts of the United States including a mission in Haiti, where Haitian children were reportedly bribed to join the cult in exchange for food and clothing.

Raëlism

The Raëlian Church is a UFO religion founded by Claude Vorilhon, who claims to have been contacted by aliens. The cult believes that an American woman underwent a standard cloning procedure, which led to the birth of her new daughter Eve in December 26, 2002. National authorities and mainstream media investigated the church’s activities as a result of controversial statements by Clonaid’s head Brigitte Boisselier the day after the birth. The Church denies the belief of a supernatural or Ethereal God because they believe humans are descended from aliens whom they call Elohim.

Scientology

The Church of Scientology was created by L Ron Hubbard (Elron) in 1952 as an extension of his earlier self-help teachings. Scientology and the organisations that promote it have remained highly controversial and are often quite secretive. Journalists, governments, religious groups and other critics worldwide have often referred to the organisation as a cult particularly due to the treatment of the churches critics.

Many famous celebrities support the beliefs of scientology; some of these notable names include Tom Cruise and John Travolta.

Unification Church

The Unification Church (Mooneyism) is a religious movement started by Sun Myung Moon in Korea in the 1940s. They believe that Jesus did not die and that the Lord of the Second Coming must be a man born in Korea early in the 20th century, who must marry and have children. In 1993, Chung Hwa Pak released a book containing allegations that Moon conducted sexual rituals on six of the married female disciples to prepare the way for the virgin who would marry Moon and become the True Mother.

Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn

The Golden Dawn cult society is a ‘magical order’ that was active in Great Britain during the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, they were one of the largest single influences on the knowledge of the paranormal. They are the inspiration for many present day concepts of ritual and magic such as Wicca and Thelema. The Golden Dawn system was based on hierarchy and initiation with women being admitted on an equal basis with men. It is rumoured that there have been many well-known Brits throughout history who have been part of the order including Bram Stoker, W.B Yeates and Sherlock Holmes creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The Illuminati

The Illuminati are the prime focus for conspiracy theorists, as while there is no solid evidence of their existence, they are the first name on everyone’s lips when every unexplained disaster and mystery comes to light. Whenever there are shocking events in history, there are also conspiracy theories to the Illuminati being involved; these range from the assassination of President J. F. Kennedy to the destruction of the Twin Towers and the ‘faked’ moon landings. Famous reported members are widespread and said to include Jay Z, his wife Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Justin Bieber, Eminem, Bob Marley, Jim Carrey and Will Smith.

The Order of the Skull and Bones
A secret cult society founded by students from Yale University in 1832, is an organisation much like the Illuminati that is rumoured to play a critical role in international conspiracies. Skull and Bones selects new members among students every spring as part of Yale University’s ‘Tap Day’. Theories have suggested that The Order of the Skull and Bones actually run the CIA. Due to its exclusivity and elusiveness, the club draws much fascination and has been featured in many aspects of popular culture, including TV shows; The Simpsons, American Dad, Veronica Mars, Family Guy and Gossip Girl.

The Order of The Axe + Cross

The brotherhood of The Axe + Cross formed in AD 1211 in what is now Macedonia. The group was an irregular army of priests, warriors and farmers-turned-fighters who swore an oath to crush the witch threat. Cursed with immortal life, Kaulder, the Last Witch Hunter, is all that remains. Once, The Axe + Cross fought only with the unaided blade, but Kaulder learned to harness the power of the elements and wield them against the coven. His sword is called Hexenbane, has cut countless witches to smoking ribbons beneath its edge. St. Chrysostom’s church in Manhattan is the modern day headquarters of The Axe + Cross. Hidden in the catacombs below are council chambers and the world’s largest witch prison; the Sentinel.

The Last Witch Hunter is available on Digital HD from 29^th February and on Blu-ray™ and DVD from 7^th March, courtesy of Entertainment One

Microsoft to close Lionhead Studios and Press Play Studios

Chris Hare

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Mar 7, 2016

0

I’m writing this with a very big sad face that Microsoft has today confirmed that it will close Lionhead Studios and cease development on Fable Legends.

Sadly, for the UK games industry and other areas of the industry, this is not the only closure, as Microsoft will also close Press Play Studios in Denmark, and sunset development on Project Knoxville.

“These have been tough decisions and we have not made them lightly, said Hanno Lemke, General Manager, Microsoft Studios Europe, “nor are they a reflection on these development teams – we are incredibly fortunate to have the talent, creativity and commitment of the people at these studios.

“The Lionhead Studios team has delighted millions of fans with the Fable series over the past decade. Press Play imbued the industry with a unique creative spirit behind games like Max: The Curse of Brotherhood and Kalimba, which both captured passionate fans. These changes are taking effect as Microsoft Studios continues to focus its investment and development on the games and franchises that fans find most exciting and want to play.

“I speak for all of Xbox when I say that despite this news, we remain committed to the development communities in the UK and Europe, and Xbox will continue to support new IP and originality in the games we offer on our platforms, whether they’re AAA blockbusters like Quantum Break from Remedy, adventurous new IPs like Sea of Thieves from Rare, or unique new creations from independent developers like Moon Studios with Ori.

“We have nothing but heart-felt thanks for the members of Lionhead and Press Play for their contributions to Xbox and gaming. We are committed to working closely with those affected by today’s news to find them new opportunities at Xbox, or partnering with the broader development community to help place them in jobs elsewhere in the games industry should they desire.”

Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 to get free DLC tomorrow

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Mar 7, 2016

0

Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 to get free DLC tomorrow

Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 is to get bigger, thanks to the announcement of the Graveyard Variety Pack, the first free content update for the game.

This new pack releases on 8th March for all players on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Origin on PC. This free content update delivers a new map, missions, gameplay features and balancing improvements, including the brand new Zomburbified Garden Center map: Aqua Center. First appearing in the original Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare, the Garden Center has since been taken over by zombies and Dr. Zomboss has rebuilt it to become the Aqua Center.

Some of the new content coming in Graveyard Variety Pack includes:

– The all-new Aqua Center map
– New quests located throughout the Backyard Battleground offering up exciting challenges
– New gameplay and control options
– Character tweaks, improvements, and balances
– A nighttime version of The Great White North map

Sold Out and Stainless Games partners for Carmageddon: Max Damage

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Mar 7, 2016

0

Sold Out Sales & Marketing Limited today announced a partnership with Stainless Games, delivering a truly global release strategy for Carmageddon: Max Damage, launching both digitally and at retail 3rd June 2016.

Priced at £29.99 / $39.99 / €39.99 and available simultaneously for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, Carmageddon: Max Damage is a new instalment of the cult racing series and offers fans a full tank of vehicular carnage, power-up fuelled destruction and pedestrian pummelling.

Players can expect to tear up the road and plenty of unsuspecting bystanders – across a huge mix of campaign races, by going head-to-head in Car Crusher mode, or speeding towards the chequered flag in classic Death Race mode.

Garry Williams, CEO of Sold Out, said, “Carmageddon has an infamous 19 year legacy, it’s a one-of-a-kind franchise, and we felt that a Stainless Games and Sold Out partnership would be no different. We’re delighted to be riding shotgun with Stainless Games on Carmageddon: Max Damage, and look forward to the insanity ahead.”

Jason Garber, Publishing Director at Stainless Games added, “Working with Sold Out to bring Carmageddon: Max Damage to retail is not only a significant new chapter in the history of the brand and studio, but vitally, enables us to unleash our motoring mayhem upon the console world, across both the physical and digital market simultaneously.”

Rebellion announces Sniper Elite 4 coming to PS4/Xbox One and PC

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Mar 7, 2016

0

Rebellion announces Sniper Elite 4 coming to PS4/Xbox One and PC

Rebellion has revealed that the next game in the 10 million selling Sniper Elite series is launching this year for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.

Set in the immediate aftermath of its award-winning predecessor, Sniper Elite 4 continues the series’ World War Two heritage by transporting players to the beautiful and diverse environments of Italy in 1943.

Covert agent and elite marksman Karl Fairburne must fight alongside the brave men and women of the Italian Resistance to help free their country from the yoke of Fascism, and defeat a terrifying new threat with the potential to halt the Allied fightback in Europe before it’s even begun.

If his mission fails, there will be no Operation Overlord, no D-Day landings, and no Victory in Europe.

Running in native 1080p on both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, Sniper Elite 4 is the first game in the series built without the constraints of older hardware and aims to deliver the definitive World War Two shooter for a generation.

From sun-drenched Mediterranean coastal towns to colossal Nazi megastructures, daunting forests and giddying mountain monasteries inspired by Monte Cassino, Sniper Elite 4 will offer breathless emergent stealth action and unrivalled sniping freedom across maps many times the size of those seen in Sniper Elite 3.

Look at the new characters posters for “Captain America Civil War”

Chris Hare

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Mar 7, 2016

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Look at the new characters posters for “Captain America Civil War”

With Captain America: Civil War hitting the UK Cinemas on 29th April, today Marvel have released all new Character posters for the film.

Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” finds Steve Rogers leading the newly formed team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. But after another incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability, headed by a governing body to oversee and direct the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers, resulting in two camps—one led by Steve Rogers and his desire for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference, and the other following Tony Stark’s surprising decision to support government oversight and accountability.

As a Marvel fan, I’ll can’t wait for the release of Captain America Civil War.

Interview: art & technical director for Town of Light, Luca Dalcò

Gaming
News

phillvine

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Mar 7, 2016

0

Town Of Light is one my favourite narrative experiences ever. If you haven’t already please take a look at my full review here. There’s a hauntingly dark story to be told in Town of Light that is told with great artistic care. It spoke to me so much I decided to find a little bit more about some of the ideas and thoughts that went behind making Town of Light. Luca Dalcò played no small part in creating the environment and story that resonated so strongly with me so I took the chance to ask him a few questions.

Q: What was your inspiration for the story of Town of Light?

A: The inspiration for The Town of Light comes from a combination based on personal experience, a passion for history and love for videogame as a medium that is becoming mature to tell stories that are not covered by usual media. The project start as a research project in the use of Unity engine to recreate real architecture. At some point, we started our research and decided that we wanted to make a game about our discovering.

Q: Why do you think video games are good at telling this kind of story?

A: I believe the best answer is games allows you to “live” a story, to immerse yourself in something at your own pace. Since the release of the game and before, through our beta testers, we found that people want to play in different ways. Some want to know everything about Renee, some want to explore the asylum, which is real, which exists and for which you can find information and pictures on the internet. The indie scene is allowing common people to experiment, and to try to cover topics that seemed unimaginable only few years ago. Products like Hellblade, That Dragon Cancer etc are just an example on this.

Q: How much of Renee’s story and the events of the asylum are true?

A: Renee is a fictional character. We decided to not pursue a real story due to respect of the patients and their memory. However, and this was really important for us, we have collected tons of different stories and create Renee’s based on blending those to create a realistic, plausible character. We have a book with all possible details about her and we use only a fraction in the Town of Light.

Q: Did you find it emotionally challenging working with the stories from the Asylum?

A: Indeed, too often people forgot what kind of horror surround us, where we came from, what our history is telling us. We live in a world where mental health is treated with care and respect, with lots of knowledge and a sensitive approach. To get here though, was a long journey, a journey that unfortunately include some very horrible therapies and a some flawed science that desperately tried experimental therapies without having enough knowledge to provide solutions. One thing to notice is that in the 40s there were no painkillers, for example.

Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced creating Town of Light?

A: We are a small team at our first game, so the list is really long! One of the biggest challenges was balancing the narrative with respect and without spoiling the topic. This was our first aim, we did not communicate what was happening to Renee, we wanted the player to form his/her own opinion, have their own doubts growing while playing and create empathy with Renee.

Q: What do you hope people remember most after playing Town of Light?

A: We would like for people to remember the past of mental health and how lucky we are now. We would also like them to think about how mental health is something more near to us than people usually believe, hopefully removing the stigma of talking about it.

The Town of Light is really a game you must experience if you are even slightly interested in mature games. It’s a great game with a story and an important message and it’s well worth your time.

From Zelda to Super Mario Advance 2 out this week for Nintendo

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Mar 7, 2016

0

What’s out this week in the World of Nintendo for the 3DS and the Wii U, from Super Metroid for the New 3DS vis Virtual Console, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past to Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 on the Wii U.

Super Metroid

(Nintendo)

New Nintendo 3DS

(Virtual Console – Super Nintendo)

Nintendo eShop from 10/03/2016

Super Nintendo launch offers – Week B:

€3.99/ £3.59 / CHF 5.60 if you downloaded The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (New Nintendo 3DS) using the same NNID, only until 17/03/2016.

Regular price:

€7.99/ £7.19 / CHF 11.20

When space pirates snatch the last remaining Metroid, bounty hunter Samus Aran is called back into action! Use new abilities like the Grapple Beam and X-Ray Scope to navigate the massive labyrinths of Planet Zebes, battling enemies and enormous bosses with an arsenal of beams, missiles and bombs. Super Metroid is renowned as one of the greatest 2D action games ever made, and paved the way for the Metroid Prime series with its innovative blend of exploration, action and secrets galore.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

(Nintendo)

New Nintendo 3DS

(Virtual Console – Super Nintendo)

Nintendo eShop from 10/03/2016

Super Nintendo launch offers – Week B:

€3.99/ £3.59 / CHF 5.60 if you downloaded Super Metroid (New Nintendo 3DS) using the same NNID, only until 17/03/2016.

Regular price:

€7.99/ £7.19 / CHF 11.20

On a dark and stormy night, young Link embarks on an adventure he – and you – will never forget! Princess Zelda has been taken prisoner and an evil wizard is attempting to unleash Ganon, the king of darkness. Only Link has the courage to save Hyrule! A Link to the Past is the critically-acclaimed Super NES chapter in the Legend of Zelda saga; famous for its atmospheric graphics and sound, ingenious dungeons, and for introducing now-classic items such as the Hookshot, Pegasus Boots and Master Sword.

Super Mario Advance (Nintendo)

Wii U

(Virtual Console – Game Boy Advance)

Nintendo eShop from 10/03/2016

€6.99/ £6.29 / CHF 9.80

Super Mario Advance Special until 24/03/2016*

A popular launch title for the Game Boy Advance, Super Mario Advance features two classic Mario games in one. Super Mario Bros. 2 returns with an enhanced version unique to GBA, with new features not present in the original, and improved graphics and sound. Play as Mario, Luigi, Toad or Peach, and escape the mysterious land of Subcon. Also in spruced-up form is arcade classic Mario Bros.: Mario and Luigi’s first appearance together, featuring fast-paced platforming as you rid the levels of pipe-dwelling critters.

*Super Mario Advance Special: You can get the third game for Free if you buy two of Super Mario Advance, Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 or Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 with the same NNID until 24/03/2016

Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 (Nintendo)

Wii U

(Virtual Console – Game Boy Advance)

Nintendo eShop from 10/03/2016

€6.99/ £6.29 / CHF 9.80

Super Mario Advance Special until 24/03/2016:

Free if you buy two Super Mario Advance games* with the same NNID.

Mario hasn’t even had a chance to savour his victory in the original Super Mario Advance, and already he’s back for more in Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2. This game is a perfect recreation of the Super Nintendo™ classic Super Mario World, featuring every last secret exit and all levels of platform-jumping joy. While planning the perfect vacation on Dinosaur Island, things go awry for Mario and Luigi when they learn that Princess Toadstool has once again been kidnapped by the ever-diabolical Bowser. Being chivalrous plumbers, Mario and Luigi set out on a massive adventure to rescue their long-time friend. To reach their goal, they’ll have to crush Bowser’s Minions and solve some of the most challenging puzzles they’ve ever faced. Like any Mario game, Super Mario World is crawling with secrets. In addition to hidden blocks and vines within the levels, many levels feature hidden exits which take a lot of exploration to discover. Finding these hidden exits is the only way to explore all of the levels in the game.

*Super Mario Advance Special: You can get the third game for Free if you buy two of Super Mario Advance, Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 or Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 with the same NNID until 24/03/2016

Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3

Wii U

(Virtual Console – Game Boy Advance)

Nintendo eShop from 10/03/2016

€6.99/ £6.29 / CHF 9.80

Super Mario Advance Special until 24/03/2016:

Free if you buy two Super Mario Advance games* with the same NNID.

Strap yourself into the red or green dungarees of Mario or Luigi as they jump, bounce, slide, fly and swim their way across eight enormous worlds. Their mission? To battle the forces of Bowser and his troublemaking kids, who have turned all the local kings into animals. What makes Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 so special? Is it the pixel-perfect controls? Could it be the superb level design, packed with secrets and surprises? Or maybe it’s the cool power-ups like the flying Tanooki Suit, sea-swimming Frog Suit, or the whirlwind-summoning Warp Whistle? Boasting vastly improved graphics and sounds over the NES original, plus never-before-seen special features, Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 will give everyone a chance to relive – or experience anew – a true Miyamoto masterpiece.

*Super Mario Advance Special: You can get the third game for Free if you buy two of Super Mario Advance, Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 or Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 with the same NNID until 24/03/2016

STEEL RIVALS

(nuGAME)

Wii U

(Download)

Nintendo eShop from 10/03/2016

€6.99/ £5.99 / CHF 9.90

STEEL RIVALS is a fighting game for your Wii U. Play single match against another player or AI opponent, win the tournament to unlock new costumes for your characters or play survival mode to get a high score you can show off. With plenty of playable characters, unlockable outfits and stages all in HD quality graphics.

Stella Glow (NIS America)

Nintendo 3DS

(Card/Download)

Nintendo eShop from 11/03/2016

€39.99/ £34.99 / CHF 51.90

For an entire millennium, the world has been devoid of “song”. Only 5 Witches left in the land are able to use “song magic.” However, Hilda the Witch of Destruction plans to eliminate the other Witches and the world with her curse. Alto and the Regnant Knights must now do all they can to stop Hilda, starting with recruiting the other Witches.

Download code for the theme “Stella Glow: The Witches and Bubu” for Nintendo 3DS included with every purchase.

Bird Mania Party

(Teyon)

Wii U

(Download)

Nintendo eShop from 10/03/2016

€1.99/ £1.79 / CHF 2.80

Take to the bright blue skies and fly the distance! The addictive and upbeat Nintendo 3DS™ hit game is now landing on Wii U™! Fly past treetops, bushes and stinging bees and dash for crazy combos. Collect bonuses and unlock achievements to up your score right to the top as you zoom at the speed of lightning to the pumping music! Invite friends and start Bird Mania Party! Team up with your buddy to master a challenge in a co-op mode or race for the top spot on Leaderboards in a competition mode for up to 5 players.

Dreamals

(XINESS)

Wii U

(Download)

Nintendo eShop from 10/03/2016

€4.99/ £4.49 / CHF 7.00

Having been summoned to a dream world, the three animals embark on an adventure to go back to their world. Each animal can move only in one direction. Combine them wisely to find a path to the key.

Star Ghost

(Squarehead Studios)

Wii U

(Download)

Nintendo eShop from 10/03/2016

€8.99/ £7.99 / CHF 12.59

Star Ghost is an exciting evolution of the side-scrolling shoot-em-up. Patrol 12 star systems in the most advanced star fighter ever built. Navigate the perilous fragments of exploding planets, survive intense asteroid fields and dogfight with deadly Sentinel ships as you defend against the relentless onslaught of the formidable Metagon empire.We are all counting on you Commander. Its’s time to save the human race!

Word Puzzles by POWGI – Demo

(Lightwood Games)

Wii U

(Demo)

Nintendo eShop from 10/03/2016

free

Nintendo 3DS

(Demo)

Nintendo eShop from 10/03/2016

free

Enjoy more great POWGI word puzzles with this bumper collection of six new games! Solve hundreds of pencil-and-paper style puzzles using the stylus and intuitive touch-screen controls. Get extra challenges by touching any amiibo to generate special puzzles, just for you! The puzzles included are: Word Maze,

Mixups, One Word, Flowers, Circles and Crossovers. POWGI puzzles are all expertly hand-crafted for your enjoyment and puzzling pleasure!

Blast ‘Em Bunnies

(Nnooo)

Nintendo 3DS (Download)

Nintendo eShop from 10/03/2016

€4.99/ £2.99 / CHF 4.99

Blast ‘Em Bunnies: Clown Skin Pack

(Nnooo)

Nintendo 3DS