Asura’s Wrath – Taking Anger To New Heights

asura`s wrath title page

Here we are again in the world of Anime, this time it's all about gods and mega beings. ASURA'S WRATH (sounds like something you get after a chili cook off) is a new game from CAPCOM and CYBER CONNECT 2. Like I have said before this is a game that is for the Anime enthusiast, if you’re looking for something conventional then this is not the place for you, instead this title is more of a movie with some gameplay thrown in for excellent measure.

The tale revolves around a character known as  ASURA, a rootin' tootin' kick bottom demigod, betrayed by his fellow gods (usual tale, these god's can't be trusted). He is thrown out of heaven, losing his wife and child into the bargain, and is resurrected centuries later, by the force of his rage. Seeing what a mess the world is in, ASURA becomes even more agitated (this guy certainly has some issues) and embarks on a series of outrageous mega battles with other deities, resulting in some spectacular fight scenes.

cut scene from asura`s wrath, asura with extra arms punching

This all takes place over a period of 12,000 years. You can imagine after being stitched up by his mates, his wife murdered and daughter kidnapped, ASURA is not in any mood to relax and go on. In fact he runs about, ranting and raving like a madman, beating the living daylights out of any thing that gets in his way.

ASURA WRATH, like many of the Anime type games, is tale driven, which of course means many drawn out cut scenes. All of which are perfectly rendered and thought out, intercut with what I would describe as "Boss battles". Certainly not conventional, but very Anime.

The game itself is 18 episodes long, each one consisting of opening credits and some really nice illustrations which make ASURAS WRATH more of an experience rather than a game. There is plenty of variety in the game play even though it is mainly 10 minutes of "cut scene" and 5 minutes of "Boss battle".

If you are looking for a conventional RPG then this isn't for you. I am sure many gamers will feel a bit cheated by the lack of actual gameplay. In fact the whole thing is only 6 hours long, most of which is cut scenes.

This fusion of Science fiction and Asian mythology has been done before. The really over the top battle scenes certainly are very spectacular, it’s just a pity that the game doesn't have more game play. Granted the tale is fascinating, but is this a game or a DVD? For the price I do reckon there should be more interactivity, and I can imagine that many gamers will be hitting the "skip" button often after a few hours of play. There will be DLC sometime in the near future but will it be more "cut scenes" or gameplay?

The actual gameplay itself is excellent. I loved it with plenty of variety and a selection of different moves. There are a number of QTE's (quick time events) in which you are prompted to press certain buttons at certain times, but these really have no bearing on the outcome, just on you ratings at the end.

ASURA'S WRATH is a fantastic game, if you are into the whole Anime, Japanese crazy over blown action genre. Otherwise be warned that if you are willing to fork out forty bucks or so and expect an normal RPG, then you will be disappointed.

It is refreshing to see companies that are willing to try something new and push the boundaries, that is a healthy thing in the industry. This is a fantastic concept, but the lack of game play for the price will place many people off. It certainly is a fantastic experience to behold, but it should have been released on download with each level as a DLC to keep the cost down.

cut scene from asura`s wrath, asura with extra arms

Summary

ASURAS WRATH is a game like no other, rich in tale and perfectly animated. It would work as just a movie in itself, but to non Anime lovers it would just be a bit long winded and lacking in game play. If you are thinking of giving it a go just be aware that you will be sitting around watching more than playing, and it is not a very long experience for the money.

I give ASURA'S WRATH 8 out of 10 because it is another ground breaking and original thought but the lack of game play is off putting.

  • Asura's Wrath
  • Developer: Cyber Connect 2
  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Xbox 360©
  • Playstation 3©
  • Genre: Action
  • Age Rating: 18
  • Release Date: 9th March 2012

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Mass Effect

  • Experience a rich and engrossing tale where your choices choose the fate of galaxy
  • Engage in emotionally charged interactions with the most realistic digital actors ever seen in a video game, using an innovative new dialog system
  • Immerse yourself in an incredible new adventure from world-well-known masters of the RPG; BioWare
  • Stunning high resolution graphics, optimized GUI and controls for PC gamers
  • Dominate the battlefield with new individual squad member command system

Product Description
You take the role of Commander Shepard starship Normandy, the last hope for all life in the Galaxy. Saren, a rogue member of the elite and untouchable Spectre agents, has learned the secret to unleashing an apocalyptic force upon the galaxy, and only you stand in his way. To save the lives of billions, you must do whatever it takes to stop Saren and prevent the return of an ancient force bent on the destruction of all organic life.... More >>

Mass Effect

The 10 toughest Skyrim Achievements and Trophies – and how to get them

CVG is #1 for Skyrim. We've proven it already with our guide to getting the best armour in just two hours, the complete guide to World walls and dragon shouts, and our unmissable tips to getting married and making a fortune.

But, in Skyrim, there's always something larger, better and more hard to take on - and it doesn't get much more hard than the 10 Achievements and Trophies below. They're amongst the toughest questions in the entire game - and the perfect way to sign off last year's largest game.

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ONE WITH THE SHADOWS

How to get it: return the Thieves Guild to its former glory

To get this award, you need to join the Thieves Guild and complete a number of small jobs provided by Delvin and Vex - five in each of Whiterun, Markarth, Windhelm and Solitude, which unlock an additional quest in each city when the quintet of jobs have been completed. The jobs are assigned at random, so if you're given one in a city you've already cleared then speak to Delvin or Vex and tell them you want to quit - then get a new assignment until you have the city you want.

To access the final Thieves Guild quest you must have finished the main guild storyline up to and including Darkness Returns as well as the additional quests in the four cities above, then speak to Brynjolf to start Under New Management and return the guild to glory. In some conditions this award can be missable if you don't retain your Thieves Guild armour until the end of the quests - so keep it on you or store it safely in your house as a precaution.

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WAR HERO

How to get it: capture Fort Sungard or Fort Greenwall

Once you side with either the Imperials or the Stormcloaks, a set of Civil War quests will open up that culminate in a battle for one of these forts. But, this award is potentially missable if you've previously completed the main tale quest Season Unending, as during this quest your decisions determine which factions gain control of these forts. If the faction you side with already rules both forts then you cannot capture them and therefore can't get the award.

To avoid this, either complete the Civil War quests before the Season Unending tale quest, or ensure the decisions you make in Season Unending give one or both of these forts to your opposing faction so you can win them back later.

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THIEF

How to get it: pick 50 locks and 50 pockets

By picking the locks on all the doors and chests you learn while exploring 50 locks should come naturally, but picking 50 pockets takes a bit more effort. Ideally you should join the Thieves Guild as the armour you receive will improve your pickpocket skills, then find a sleeping NPC and sneak up on them. Each item you remove from (or add to) their inventory counts, so a quick way to boost this award is to save your game, swap a handful of items then either reload if you get caught or save again and continue. Keep repeating this and you'll unlock the reward in no time.

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News round-up: Vita launches, new Metal Gear Solid confirmed, Borderlands 2 dated

It's been a fantastic day for gaming headlines, which were largely dominated by the PlayStation Vita launch, but some other major tales held their own against Sony's new console.


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Speaking in an interview earlier today, Sony Computer Entertainment UK managing director Fergal Gara told CVG that the consumer response to PS Vita has been "very encouraging", that a Vita price cut isn't on the company's radar, and that cross-platform play between PS3 and Vita is likely to become a huge focus for the platform holder in due course.

Elsewhere, Kojima Productions revealed its staffing up for the "next" game in the Metal Gear Solid series, presumably referring to MGS5, the awesome-looking Borderlands 2 was given a September release date, Microsoft accidently outed upcoming Mass Effect 3 DLC, and Nintendo announced a Brain Training game for 3DS.

New Borderlands 2 and Lollipop Chainsaw trailers also grabbed our attention.

Wednesday February 22:

  • PS3 and Vita are 'each other's best accessories,' says UK PlayStation boss
  • Sony UK says Vita launch is 'very encouraging'
  • PS Vita price cut 'not on our radar,' says Sony UK
  • Brain Training announced for 3DS
  • Game Gear games coming to 3DS next month
  • EU PS Store Update: Starhawk beta, Virtua Fighter 4, SSX
  • Mario Tennis 3DS gets May release - full Nintendo schedule
  • Mass Effect 3 'From Ashes' DLC appears early on Xbox 360
  • Borderlands 2 gets September release date
  • Asura's Wrath PS3 vs. Xbox 360 comparison video
  • Alan Wake's American Nightmare hits Xbox Live
  • Vita offers 'long term piracy protection'
  • Capcom, Namco Bandai, Sega teaming up for 3DS game
  • Lollipop Chainsaw trailer is shamelessly over the top
  • God of War dev, others helping to complete The Last Guardian
  • Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock is 1st Vita game to use Unreal Engine 3 - trailer
  • Sony: US Vita sales data is 'very, very positive'
  • EA announces The Simpsons: Tapped Out
  • Cancelled Call of Duty: Devil's Brigade detailed, shown off
  • Kojima Productions hiring for 'the next Metal Gear Solid'
  • POLL: Will you buy PS Vita today?
  • 'Not enough demand for Vita UMD transfer,' says Sony
  • Sony launches PS Vita in UK: 'Gamers have been waiting for something truly next-gen'



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Borderlands 2 gets September release date

Borderlands 2 will launch in the US on September 18 and internationally on September 21.


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Fans who pre-order the title from participating retailers will get access to the 'Borderlands 2 Premiere Club', netting them a number of bonus in-game items, which are detailed below.

2K said the Gearbox developed PS3, Xbox 360 and PC game will be "larger, better and more badass" than its brilliant predecessor. According to the press release:

Borderlands 2 features all-new characters; skills; imaginative, diverse new environments with unique missions and enemies; and more exciting and fun weapons, equipment and loot than ever before. All of these features come together in a tale that takes players to the world of Pandora to take down the notorious Handsome Jack and his corrupt Hyperion Corporation as a solo campaign or with up to four cooperative players.

Borderlands 2 will allow friends to play together locally via split-screen, as well as online with drop-in-drop-out capabilities. With seamless cooperative gameplay and action, Borderlands 2 is extremely accessible for gamers and their friends to play alone or together in a variety of configurations.

"Borderlands 2 is a passion project, through and through," said Randy Pitchford, President of Gearbox Software. "The result is a sequel that has improved every successful aspect of Borderlands while innovating with an all-new experience."

Gamers who pre-order Borderlands 2 from participating retailers will gain access to the Borderlands 2 Premiere Club, allowing them to download the Gearbox Gun Pack, a Golden Key and the Vault Hunter's Relic. The Gearbox Gun Pack is a collection of unique guns to help players start their journey on Pandora. The Golden Key is an in-game item used to unlock a rare item in the mysterious Golden Sanctuary Loot Chest found in Borderlands 2. The Vault Hunter's Relic is an in-game item that boosts players' gear-hunting fortune while playing solo or teaming up with friends.

For more on the game, check out this Borderlands 2 preview.



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Need for Speed Hot Pursuit

  • Hot Pursuit contains 1-8 player online support as well as leader boards
  • Play as either cops and racers in both a tremendously deep, fully-defined single player career and a groundbreaking multiplayer
  • The Need For Speed Autolog system connects friends directly to each other's games
  • Whether taking down suspects with a variety of cop weapons or using evasion equipment to outsmart the cops
  • Feel the power of busting suspects in supercharged cop interceptors like the Lamborghini Reventon or outsmarting the law
  • Players will always have a method for gaining an edge over their opponent

Product Description
Need for Speed Hot Pursuit players will experience the thrill of the chase and the rush of the escape as they play through full careers as both a cop and a racer – solo or connected. The blistering speeds, brutal busts and heart-stopping getaways are all connected via Need for Speed Autolog. This network not only connects friends for epic head-to head pursuits and races, but also enables players to compare performances and stats, thereby setting the stage for the ... More >>

Need for Speed Hot Pursuit

‘Not enough demand for Vita UMD transfer,’ says Sony

Sony Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida has clarified why the UMD Passport Program, which allows Japanese gamers to download digital versions of their PSP games, won't be coming the US or Europe.


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Speaking to Wired, Yoshida said the PSP is significantly more well loved in Japan, and indicated there just isn't enough demand for the program in the West.

"The system has been introduced in Japan, where there is a much larger demand for PSP games," he said.

"When you look at the release schedule of new titles there are still lots of PSP games being released in Japan and being announced for release. Lots of people who are interested in trying Vita are also interested in playing PSP games that they might buy before Vita comes out, and will not necessarily choose the digital version. So there is a lot more demand... to introduce a program like that."

Yoshida also said prices for digital PSP games are very reasonable, so those interested can get their hands on what they want without breaking the bank.

"The other point is that when you look at PSP titles sold digitally in the States or Europe, games are sold for a really reasonable price. You can buy Final Fantasy Tactics for $10. That's a fantastic price.

"There are many, many games that are sold at an affordable price. Because people in Japan are not getting the digital copy for free, because it costs us money to develop and maintain the system so we are asking people to pay somewhere between $5 and $10 to receive the digital copy in addition to what they have on the UMD.

"When you compare that to the price of games here, PSP games in Japan are sold at a much higher price, so people see the value in spending the $5 to $10 to get the digital copy," he added. "But when the games are already sold at a lower price in the U.S. we see less value in introducing that kind of system."

PS Vita launched at midnight last night launched in the UK. We were at the event and snapped a few pictures - have a look.

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Grand Theft Auto IV & Episodes from Liberty City: The Complete Edition

Product Description
Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete PS3Amazon.com Product Description
Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete is the ultimate Grand Theft Auto IV game experience available. The perfect choice for both players coming to Rockstar Games' open-world third-person action-adventure masterpiece for the first time, as well as fans of the series looking for the most complete GTA IV experience possible, Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete has everything players need to delve into every ... More >>

Grand Theft Auto IV & Episodes from Liberty City: The Complete Edition