Natural Doctrine Information Announced!

Natural Doctrine Gets Street Dated

Originally Published on the Official Blast Away the Game Review Facebook Page

Written by Aaron Johnson

NIS America is proud to be releasing Natural Doctrine, on September 16 in North America and on the 19th in Europe for the PS3, PS4, and the PS Vita game systems. Developed as Kadokawa Game Studio's inaugural title, Natural Doctrine is a hardcore strategy game that will challenge master tacticians, and strategists alike, as this title will truly test your ability to conquer the evils that lurk in the vast networks, of mines and ruins, in the areas surrounding the fortress city of Feste.

Natural Doctrine will feature cross-play, cross-save, and stunning visuals. Seasoned veterans, and novices alike, will venture underground, into dangerous caves, to collect the rare material known as Pluton. On your first trip into the pits, of these mines, your band of explorers soon realize that things may be more dangerous than you had imagined, when you encounter a brand-new type of evil lurking beneath the depths of the surface.

The Settlers: Kingdom of Anteria Preview

The Settlers: Kingdom of Anteria

Originally Published on the Official Blast Away the Game Review Page

Written by: Casey “Tigger” Todd

Ubisoft released information about their new game, The Settlers: Kingdom of Anteria; and it looks to be a fun experience for those into the style of gameplay. Releasing on the PC, fans of the series can enjoy it, later this year.

“By reinventing our approach to the franchise, The Settlers - Kingdoms of Anteria offers players a brand new experience full of new possibilities to explore,” said Christopher Schmitz, Director of Product Development at Blue Byte. “Without a doubt, this is the most innovative Settlers’ game we have ever created.”

You can subscribe to the newsletter( http://www.thesettlers.com/ )  to stay up on all the latest news. We will keep you updated on all information that comes out. For now, enjoy the trailer.

Fairy Fencer F Gets September Release Date

Get Your Fairy Dust Ready for Fairy Fencer F™ In September!

Originally Published on the Blast Away the Game Review Facebook Page

Written by Dustin Murphy

Any fan of import games should be excited, especially when the names Yoshitaka Amano (concept artist) and Nobuo Uematsu (composer) are mentioned. Both are well known for their renowned and classic works with the Final Fantasy series. As of today, NIS America has announced that Fairy Fencer F will be flying its way onto your PlayStation 3's this September on the 23rd for North America. Europe will see it dropping by on the 26th! So shine off those controllers and get ready for another amazing turn-based RPG title by famed developer COMPILE Heart. Stay tuned for our review and for those unfamiliar with the title, read below for the official information from the amazing doods over at NIS America!

About the Game:

Long ago, a dreadful war was fought between the Goddess and the Vile God. Because they were equally matched, they both created a vast number of special weapons imbued with their godly energy, each containing the life force of a fairy. Armed with these weapons, the deities continued their conflict until they finally sealed each other away into the great unknown. A long time has passed since this ancient conflict, and the weapons created by the Goddess and the Vile God have since been scattered across the world. These weapons—now known as “Furies”—are highly sought after by warriors who call themselves “Fencers”. It is said that whoever collects a Fury will be granted one wish. When a young man named Fang decides to rashly pull a Fury from a stone, he inadvertently becomes a Fencer himself, forever altering the course of his destiny.

Key Features:

Robust Combat System – Witness the next evolution of Hyperdimension Neptunia's battle engine! Move your characters in a fully 3-D environment as you link combos in thrilling turn-based combat! Exploit enemy weaknesses to trigger Avalanche Attacks and watch your party gang up on opponents! Send your enemies sky high with Launch Attacks, then follow up with an Air Attack to send them crashing back to Earth! And if fights get really tense, simply transform into your upgraded Fury Form and really bring the pain!

Untold Levels of Customization – Use the Furies you collect to give your characters powerful abilities, or use them to customize dungeons to your exact specifications! Need a little more "oomph!" in your swing? We've got a Shaping Effect for that! Want some extra experience points after battle? We've got a Shaping Effect for that too! But what if you're a masochist who wants everyone—allies and enemy alike—to deal DOUBLE damage? Oh, you best believe we've got a Shaping Effect for that!

Artistic Pedigree – Enjoy the dulcet tones of renowned composer Nobuo Uematsu, the composer for many of the Final Fantasy titles. With character designs by Tsunako (Hyperdimension Neptunia) and Yoshitaka Amano (Final Fantasy I-VI), the line between cute and menacing has never been more blurred!

New to Nintendo eShop This Week

New to Nintendo eShop This Week

Originally Published on the Blast Away the Game Review Facebook Page

Written by Dustin Murphy

 With every few chances we get, there's a new release window, and Nintendo is more than excited to let us tell you what they are!

 For those of you interested or want an idea of what's coming to the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, we got the list right here, and are excited to share the titles with you. Below we have provided the official list that Nintendo has given us and hope that you take advantage of their sales!

Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS and Wii U:

Shovel Knight – Play as the eponymous Shovel Knight, a small knight with a huge quest: to defeat the evil Enchantress and search for his lost beloved. He wields a Shovel Blade, a multipurpose weapon with techniques that have been lost to the ages. Exclusively on Wii U, read in-game messages from other players or write messages of your own with Miiverse integration using the Digger’s Diary. Participate in battles between two Shovel Knights in the Nintendo 3DS exclusive StreetPass Battle Arena, a crazy battle game in which anything can happen. Click here to watch the newest trailer.
Nintendo eShop on Wii U

Try All Five Sports: New 48-hour Wii Sports Club Free Trial* – Baseball and Boxing are available today at 6 p.m. PT on the Nintendo eShop version of Wii Sports Club! To celebrate, we’re offering all five sports in a new 48-hour trial offer from 6 p.m. PT on June 26 until 11:59 p.m. PT on December 31, 2014. This offer is in addition to the 24-hour trial offer for first-time users of the digital version of Wii Sports Club. *Note: once game play is initiated, your trial will be available for the next 48 hours.
Virtual Console on Nintendo 3DS and Wii U

Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse™ – Now available on both Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, take on the role of Trevor Belmont, forefather of Simon, and battle Dracula in a time long before the events of the first two Castlevania games. In addition to his trusty whip, Trevor has the ability to transform into one of three different companion spirits that he meets at various points in his quest: Syfa, a young vampire hunter capable of powerful magic; Grant, a ferocious pirate who can climb on walls; and Alucard, forgotten son of Dracula who can shoot fireballs and transform into a bat. Lead on with bravery as you overcome 17 levels of never-ending horror. Click here to watch the trailer for Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse.

Nintendo eShop Sales:

Ubisoft Summer Game Sale – Select Ubisoft Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games are on sale in the Nintendo eShop at up to 75 percent off. This offer is valid until 9 a.m. PT on July 7.

ATLUS Games – ATLUS is discounting select games in the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS, including Code of Princess and Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked. Check them out now! This offer ends at 9 a.m. PT on July 7.

Urban Trial Freestyle – Race through a wide range of urban environments in this fresh take on the action-bike-racer genre. Starting today through 9 a.m. PT on July 10, Urban Trial Freestyle is 60 percent off in the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS.

Nordic Games – For a limited time, select games from Nordic Games are on sale in the Nintendo eShop on Wii U, including Darksiders II. Visit the Nintendo eShop for full details. This offer is available until 9 a.m. PT on July 8.

Disney’s Frozen: Olaf’s Quest – For a limited time, Disney’s Frozen: Olaf’s Quest is available at the discounted price of $19.99 in the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS. This offer ends at 9 a.m. PT on July 31.

Also new this week:

• BrickBlast U! (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• Monkey Pirates (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• My Arctic Farm (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• My Jurassic Farm (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• Cocoro - Line Defender (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Hidden Expedition Titanic (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Plain Video Poker (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Quell Reflect - Demo Version (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• SKYPEACE (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Toy Stunt Bike – Full and Demo Versions (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Anne’s Doll Studio: Antique Collection (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo DSi Shop on Nintendo DSi)
• Anne’s Doll Studio: Lolita Collection (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo DSi Shop on Nintendo DSi)
• Anne’s Doll Studio: Princess Collection (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo DSi Shop on Nintendo DSi)
• ANONYMOUS NOTES CHAPTER 4 - FROM THE ABYSS (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo DSi Shop on Nintendo DSi)
• Mysterious Stars: The Samurai (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo DSi Shop on Nintendo DSi)
• In addition to video games available at retail stores, Nintendo also offers a variety of content that people can download directly to their systems. Nintendo adds new games weekly to the Nintendo eShop on the Wii U system, as well as the Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 2DS and Nintendo 3DS XL systems, the Nintendo DSi™ Shop for the Nintendo DSi system and the Wii™ Shop Channel for the Wii console.

For more information about their consoles and other features, please visit:http://www.nintendo.com/wiiu, http://www.nintendo.com/wii,http://www.nintendo.com/3ds or http://www.nintendo.com/ds.

Shovel Knight Returns Us to Classic Gaming with Nintendo!

Nintendo Returns to Classic Retro Gaming with Shovel Knight

Originally Published on the Blast Away the Game Review Facebook Page

Written by Dustin Murphy

 Ever wanted a reason to return to retro gaming? Well the indie scene has given us a few reasons, and all of them have been good. This time it's being delivered to the Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS by Yacht Club Games. The game will launch with both classic platforming and adventure at its core mechanics, which will leave players enjoying what games stemmed from.

 In this upcoming title players will take the role as Shovel Knight. This man is small in stature with a much larger quest upon his shoulders to complete. This quest is not as simple as it may seem. Especially with two quests going at once: defeat the evil Enchantress and seek the safety of his beloved lady. This quest however, will not be simple for our little Shovel Knight. He will take on an evil set of foes, known as The Order of No Quarter, which means they have either stolen his lunch money, or they are simply trying to stop him from pursuing the Enchantress, and saving his beloved lady.

 From what we have learned, Shovel Knight will be made with several things in mind: Stereoscopic 3D for 3DS, exclusive Battle Arena mode for the StreetPass feature of the 3DS, and an exclusive Miiverse functionality for the Wii U.

Official Information from Nintendo Entertainment:

“With Shovel Knight, Yacht Club Games is leading a new indie charge in the Nintendo eShop, strengthening an already great lineup of content,” said Steve Singer, Nintendo of America’s vice president of Licensing.

Since its announcement in 2013, Shovel Knight’s polished game play and beautiful presentation have made it a worldwide phenomenon, garnering effusive praise from players and critics alike:

IGN - “Shovel Knight’s charm stands out far beyond its aesthetics – the music is incredible, it controls like a dream, and it manages to be challenging while never being unfair.”

Alexa Ray Corriea, Polygon - “...playing the game, I felt not only nostalgia, but I felt at home.”

Kyle MacGregor, Destructoid - “Playing Shovel Knight makes me grin like an idiot.”

Kevin Cassidy, GoNintendo - “Shovel Knight is the real deal. Yacht Club Games has made something really special with this game. Ridiculously good!”

M.H. Williams, US Gamer - “I will say, this is the most ‘Nintendo’ game I've ever played.”

Shovel Knight launches June 26 as a digital download in the Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. Remember that Wii U and Nintendo 3DS feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visithttp://www.nintendo.com/wiiu and http://www.nintendo.com/3ds.

For further Shovel Knight details:

Shovel Knight Website: http://www.shovelknight.com/

Shovel Knight Launch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgnD4WRzgjI

Shovel Knight Twitter: https://twitter.com/yachtclubgames

Shovel Knight Facebook: facebook.com/yachtclubgames

Valiant Hearts by Ubisoft Montpellier Available World Wide

Valiant Hearts Available Now, World Wide

Originally Published on the Blast Away the Game Review Facebook Page

Written by Dustin Murphy

 If there's anything that has grabbed my attention, it's Valiant Hearts, which uses the Ubiart Engine. As of this week we are proud to tell you on the behalf of Ubisoft, Valiant Hearts can be obtained on all XBox and PlayStation platforms as well as PC. The cost? 14.99 USD.

 For those that are unfamiliar with the new title, Valiant Hearts: The Great War™, puts players in a story that takes place during World War I, and shows the journey that four destiny-crossed people must undertake, and will give players the chance to give players a touching yet comical experience. With all the main characters having been drawn together under some odd cause, players will soon learn the idea of friendship, love, sacrifice, and tragedy that will occur as they attempt to keep their humanity against the imprints that war will put upon their lives. Can all of their risks and friendships save them from an untimely death or heartbroken loss? 

 Valiant Hearts: The Great War™ is being developed by the small team over at Ubisoft Montepellier, which many of you will know for their titles: Beyond Good and Evil®, Rayman Origins® and Rayman® Legends. The game is also using their well known UbiArt Framework, which allows for easy crafting of the artistic features of the game, but also a very wide open color pallet. For those who haven't experienced such games, definitely give Valiant Hearts: The Great War™ a chance and experience the magic that Ubisoft Montpellier has created. For more information please visit their official website: http://valiantheartsgame.com/

WARRIORS OROCHI 3 Ultimate Street Dated

Unleash Your Inner Warrior in September With Warriors Orochi 3 Ultimate

Originally Published by the Blast Away the Game Review Facebook Page

Written by Dustin Murphy

 Does your inner warrior cry for the heat of intense and large scale battles? If so, your wait is almost over. As of today, Tecmo Koei has announced that Warriors Orochi 3 will be returning to home consoles September 2nd, 2014. What does this mean for those of you whom played the earlier version? Content, tons of new content, which means much more fighting to partake in.

 For those interested, WARRIORS OROCHI 3 Ultimate will be headed to PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®4 computer entertainment systems, PS®Vita and Xbox One. Those consoles will also feature a pre-order bonus for earlier adopters. Players who do get it will get a special Halloween costume set for the character Zhao Yun from DYNASTY WARRIORS, Mitsunari Ishida from SAMURAI WARRIORS. Think that's it? Nope! GameStop is also offering you all a chance to get the well renowned character Kaguya exclusively at GameStop, and of course costumes for Kaguya, Nuwa, and Taigong Wang at Amazon and Best Buy, in their respective order mentioned.

 Wait, that's not all! We've also learned that our friends over at TECMO KOEI America will be attending Anime Expo starting July 3rd, through July 6th, 2014, and they will be showing off the following titles for you to see: WARRIORS OROCHI 3 Ultimate, Atelier Rorona Pus: The Alchemist of Arland (check out our review here: Blast Away the Game Review: Atelier Rorona Plus ~ The Alchemist of Arland Review), and their upcoming title SAMURA WARRIORS 4. All of these titles will be playable and will be enjoyed by anyone. Additionally. TECMO KOEI would also like us to let you know, especially you cosplayers, that you are highly invited to their booth, especially if in TECMO KOEI or Team NINJA characters so that you can enter for a daily raffle! Their booth will be located at 1521 and 1523.

Official Information from TECMO KOEI:

 Fans will experience WARRIORS OROCHI 3 in a brand new light as they enter the fray with the implementation of new generation console features, new storylines and scenarios. There is enough new gameplay content and depth of replayability to satisfy warriors of all levels including special cross over characters such as Sophitia from the SOULCALIBUR series and battle stages from Atelier, DYNASTY WARRIORS, NINJA GAIDEN Sigma 2 and SAMURAI WARRIORS.

New Features in WARRIORS OROCHI 3 Ultimate:

- One Warrior against a Thousand— Densely populated battlefields with up to 100 enemies on screen, each with progressive AI add to the exhilarating battle, amplified by new moves including Aerial Special attacks, Triple Rush (a system which allows the player the ability to switch between individual characters or unleash attacks as a party of 3) and True Musou Burst, the powerful finishing move executable by up to 6 characters

- New and Crossover characters— The legion of warriors is larger than ever with 145 playable characters including the introduction of Tamamo and Yinglong, just 2 of 9 that are new to the series, cameos include Xu Shu from the DYNASTY WARRIORS franchise and Kasumi from DEAD OR ALIVE 5 with more to be announced including the Atelier and SAMURAI WARRIORS series

- Captivating Lands and Stages— Lands and battlefields are dramatically rendered drawing from the dark, sinister imagery in the OROCHI series totaling 51 distinct stages with cross-over stages melding universes including Atelier, DYNASTY WARRIORS, NINJA GAIDEN Sigma 2 and SAMURAI WARRIORS, furthermore, Musou Battlefields allow for customization including character models and battle cries

- The mythology of the OROCHI universe expands— A new main storyline brings the heroes together again after the death of the Demon Snake as they are called upon by a mysterious stone to return to the chaotic din of battle. Additionally, new side stories provide a multitude of new scenarios and uncover secrets, the story extends with the ability to battle from a different point of view or even “what if” hypothetical stages that exist in a parallel world

- Gameplay modes— Adding to both Online and Offline competition, new modes include Duel Mode, a fusion of team battles (up to 3 vs 3) and card battles, Craft Weapons function to alchemy even more powerful weapons, Officer Requesting and Summoning, Formation Skills and Dragon Portals that can be used to escape the battlefields, weaken enemies or recover party members Life Gauge

- Share experiences Online— PS4™ system players will be able to capture screenshots and live stream, share and see live comments which can impact either players’ games or co-op in Story mode, Free Mode and the new Gauntlet Mode

- Cross-Play and Cross Save functionality— Co-op, data sharing and saving, and save data is now possible between PS3™ system, PS4™ system and PS Vita system versions, including save data importing of the original WARRIORS OROCHI 3 on PlayStation

WARRIORS OROCHI 3 Ultimate is developed by Omega Force and published in North America by TECMO KOEI America. The PlayStation 3 and PS Vita versions will be available exclusively through the PlayStation® Store for $49.99 (PS3) and $39.99 (PS Vita) respectively and the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions will be available for $59.99 on September 2, 2014. This title has not yet been rated by the ESRB..

For the latest WARRIORS OROCHI 3 Ultimate news follow us onwww.facebook.com/koeigames or @TecmoKoeiUS or visithttp://www.tecmokoeiamerica.com/wou3.

Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland Review

Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland - Making Big Booms!

Originally Published on the Blast Away the Game Review Official Facebook Page

Review by Dustin Murphy

Pros:
-Amazing big screen experience as well as handheld experience
-Loses no graphical integrity between PS3 or PS Vita.
-Farming in the game is seamless and offers hours of fun
-Completing side quests are very rewarding
-Very well written story and even character interactions
-Cross save access between PlayStation 3, but also PlayStation Vita.

Cons:
-For newcomers the deadlines could be hard to reach
-Combining ingredients to some can be a hassle and very expensive if they don't have days to farm the items needed
-Sometimes created items during alchemy will have a rainbow colored image in the results image.

Final Score: 8.25 out of 10


  For many, the Atelier franchise is a very welcomed experience. It is one that has managed to define itself as a cross between four unique types of games: graphic novel, RPG battle-screen system, map-based dungeon crawler, and 'cooking' (synthesizing to be more accurate). What makes this game unique is how well it all is twisted together in one. In the story of this game we get to take control of Rorona, the Alchemist of Arland. 

  
  The games story takes place over the course of three years. In the beginning we learn that we are playing (as the title suggests) as Rorona, an alchemist's apprentice, which is there because she did something to put her into servitude. During the time of her servitude she and her master Astrid are approached by Sterk who is a Knight of Arland. In his visit they learn that the Alchemy shop is being threatened to be shut down. In doing this it means that both Astrid and Rorona would be expelled from the Kingdom of Arland to live outside of its protective walls. In doing so, Rorona is given the shop, and is told she must succeed for them to remain there. Doing this sets off a chain of events, which leads to Rorona seeing her parents, which leads to her also find out they are going to take trips in order to spend some time together. This also leads to Rorona getting constant gifts, which are unique, and help her do what she needs in order to keep the store afloat. 

 Over time Rorona runs into unique set of characters such as Cordelia, Lionela, Pamela, and even the silly, but serious chef with a serious frying pan, Iskel. These characters are not the only ones you will get to encounter of course. It is these characters that help drive the game and will give players a rather unique look into what drives Rorona into doing what she does. With these characters, players will get to experience a noticeable upgrade to the game itself. This upgrade includes one that is most precedent to players who are familiar with the original: Rorona’s upgraded character model. This is of course only one of the few upgrades that we do get to see and experience. Many of them will be dormant in the background until unlocked. One of these that is most notable is the New Game+ option, which includes the ability for players to experience the tie in between Atelier Rorona and Atelier Totori’s storylines. Thankfully this also allows players to continue on where they left off and explore a whole new world. This includes new costumes to do it in (not that those can’t be found in game before hand). The most unique part is for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita users who have other games in the franchise on their memory cards or hard drive. They will get to unlock more costumes over time that allow for them to unlock added bonuses. One of these is not limited to the idea of bonus outfits that can be used throughout the game after having unlocked New Game+ and allowing access into the games Time Capsule. 

 Several changes have been made thanks to the games upgrade system, which allows for players to be confident in their purchase. This game also is not limited to, but also includes up to these upgrades, which can be found and witness throughout the title itself: New characters (includes boss battles and interactable characters), revamped 3D models, revamped synthesis system, revamped battle system, new decorations, new illustrations, additional events, and much more. Just note that for PS3 and PS Vita users, it does require some play time as well as attention to details. 

 The best part of this game was not just the ability to take on quests or read the conversations that take place, and give it a graphic novel like feel. Instead it was also the ability to explore the world, gather items needed to term quests as well as term side quests, but also small request missions, which allow for players to enjoy more than just the graphic novel style of the game. Instead this allows for a heavy amount of interaction as players can unlock new zones, items, and even craft equipment that will help them in future occasions. Lets not also forget, this will allow for players to level up, and work on getting prepared for future fights. Some of this exploration will include boss fights, harder enemies to fight, and allowing players to take time so that they can unlock new abilities and synthesis recipes. Also lets not forget earning cole (in-game currency) to pay for their hirelings such as Stark, Cordy, and others. This will require players to pay attention to how much they have and to help them note that their money could be running low for future items, goods, and hired party members (only two at a time can be hired). 

  In Atelier Rorona, as mentioned, we were able to experience the many quests within the game. The most unique part about this title in the JRPG world is that it requires plenty of exploration of each of the zones and even requires players to revisit several of them in one visit. This will drive players to memorize what drops where and how many of it they will need. Players will need to note that items do lose their value for synthesis. This is something that is highly recommended to get quite a bit of attention to, especially the value number. The higher the number, the more it is worth, and this is something worth watching for over time. One thing that players can note is during synthesis items can all have different traits and will allow for players to unlock these traits as they level up synthesis and learn new abilities. Some of these traits will allow for items to have more value, last longer, and have added effects. Some of these can also be used in order to provide unique item healing, increased damage in combat, and the added chance to survive against harder enemies as the game goes on.

 Overall, Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland is a very unique experience. With a very alive world as well as characters, players can experience a unique twist on storytelling, but also a reason to laugh. With this game, you can expect a few good laughs, but also endless hours of fun, which is just what we experienced and got to enjoy. 

Graphics: With a massive upgrade to what graphics are on the PS Vita, players can definitely expect to see a unique take on what the PlayStation Vita can handle. The PlayStation 3 version will undoubtedly shine just the same.

Sound: The game even on the Vita presented a huge entertainment experience that allowed for a very enjoyable experience. With great sound file integrity, the game shines heavily on the PlayStation Vita, and will not leave any doubts on the PlayStation 3.

Controls: Thankfully, the game is very easy to learn and will not leave any questions unturned. Using primarily the analog sticks, ‘X’, ‘O’, ‘Triangle, ‘Start’, and ‘Select’, players will not have trouble learning this game as they play it.

Release Date: June 24th, 2014. Price? 39.99 USD for PlayStation Vita and 49.99 USD for PlayStation 3.

For More Information about Tecmo Koei visit http://www.tecmokoeiamerica.com/

For More Information Regarding Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland visit: http://www.tecmokoeiamerica.com/roronaplus/#home

The Order: 1886 Gets New Gameplay Trailer

The Order: 1886 Gets New Gameplay Trailer

Originally Posted on the Official Blast Away the Game Review Facebook Page

Written by Casey "Tigger" Todd

 The trailer of developer Ready at Dawn’s The Order: 1886 was fun to watch. We were shown a rewritten history, one with guns that didn’t exist in such a time, one which had a werewolf eating the flesh off of a killed human.

 The Order: 1886, is a Playstation 4 exclusive, that, I believe, will put Playstation over the top. It is being touted as the exclusive title that will win people over. The transition between CG story and gameplay was smooth, and barely noticeable. The game looks gorgeous, and ran smoothly.

 I have to admit, I am curious as to how it will play, and can’t wait till gameplay is available. We, as gamers, have to wait till 2015 for a release, however, this is definitely a game we should want to put on our wish list. Keep in touch as we get more news for you.

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain - Darkness Emerges in New Trailer

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Originally Posted on the Official Blast Away the Game Review Facebook Page

Written by Casey "Tigger" Todd

 Konami and Kojima-san have outdone themselves again. Today, or late last night if you saw it leaked, the official E3 trailer for Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain was shown, and boy oh boy it did not disappoint. The trailer was one with no voice, with "Nuclear", performed by Mike Oldfield(great song choice) playing in the background, and appeared to show mostly story driven scenes, with a dash of game play in it. It was just enough to wet our lips and excite all Metal Gear Solid fans till the next trailer comes out.

 This new trailer, does give us a hint towards how dark, and angry, this story will be. We see Big Boss’ face covered in blood, he seems more scarred and tattered after the incident in Ground Zero. Now we all have our theories on what will happen, and how this will link the story lines of Big Boss and Solid Snake, but I can tell you, I can’t wait to see what amazement Kojima-san has for us.

 We will sadly have to standby and wait, as there is no release date yet, however Konami has done a great job of wetting our lips and keeping fans of the series happy. Stay tuned as we hunt down all the information we can on this epic game, in an epic series!

Grand Theft Auto V Heads to Next Gen and PC

Grand Theft Auto V on PlayStation 4?

Originally Posted on the Official Blast Away the Game Review Facebook Page

Article by Josh Turner

Update: Rockstar after their stage presence has also confirmed that Grand Theft Auto V will also be headed to XBox One and PC

 Wow. Just... wow. Today has been a massive day for both platforms with the games that have been announced, and shown. Batman, Halo, Assassin's, etc. The list goes on, and on. However, I don't think any game made anyone's eyes bug out quite as bad as the announcement of GTAV next gen. However, the reports, and monologue provided by Sony is sketchy at best right now. Leads one to believe that this game. No, this behemoth, could be a exclusive for PS4.

Here is why. 

Reason One: Why didn't Microsoft announce this if they are having such a tight relationship with Xbox? I.E. DLC first on xbox, exclusive content, etc.

Reason Two: Gameplay captured using PS4. If this was a multi-plat re-release, why didn't they just say that? Why just single out the PS4 like they did?

Reason Three: This one, straight from the horses mouth. Your online saves, character, progress. Everything from your PS3, and Xbox 360 will carry over to PS4.

Granted, all of this that I am writing, besides the announcement it self is pure speculation, but is justified due to the evidence presented during it's reveal. If this is true, even if it's only a timed exclusive, this could be a major blow to the Xbox-One.

What's your thoughts? Would you buy a PS4 just for GTA, or could you care less? Let us know in the comments below.

Assassin's Creed Unity Gets Street Dated

Assassin's Creed to Enter the French Revolution October 28th

Originally Posted on the Official Blast Away the Game Review Facebook Page

Written by Dustin Murphy

 Assassin's Creed® Unity was truly revealed today as we mentioned earlier with a first look gameplay trailer. What took us away of course was the fact that it is a four person, cooperative title that will kick off a next gen and PC exclusivity this fall. We have learned that Assassin's Creed Unity will be launching world wide on October 28th, this year.

 What does this mean? Folks that are still hanging on to the last generation will not get to experience the new title, which is unfortunate, but will promote a core development cycle for both XBox One and PlayStation 4.

 The amazing Assassin's Creed team over at Ubisoft has announced that the studio in Montreal will be obtaining support from nine other teams from around the world. The setting we know, of course, is within Paris during the French Revolution, which took place in 1789. We have learned that the streets of Paris will give us a glimpse at starving inhabitants, irritated patrons, and of course an entire country ready to take up arms. Among the calm before the storm, we will be seeing a young man by the name of Arno. Arno of course is wounded by the loss of those around him and has set out on his trek for redemption against what has occurred. Doing so will set him into the middle of this struggle and, of course, transform him into a Master Assassin like those before him.

At the core of what we have seen at E3, it is beyond evident that the franchise will be re-invented with this title, including the core form of the game, which is the mechanics. Stealth, navigation, and combat have seen a turn around in how the game will work to better benefit the players. We have learned that you, the player, will be fighting and moving your way through a full-scale open-world of Paris France, and this is all due to the new age consoles that have begun to take their place as the current generation. Players will have a full world before them where they will be able to experience richer and more lush combat experience, an entirely new, more believable stealth mode, and also a new cover system, which reigns in the use of new crowd manipulation abilities that allow for easier assassinations and more complex situations.

With what we know, we've also become witness to a very lively single player, but this game is also about something else; a story driven co-op experience. This will allow for four players to team up and experience a story unlike any other before. They will each get to take the mission on in a way that will promote their use of tools such as cooperation, agility, brute force, and stealth. all this to be used in order to support each in various play-styles. Doing this will require a unique skill for cooperation, and of course effectiveness as a group. Without this, the benefit of a team is gone, and is causing many issues.

With this information, players will be able to pre-order the Assassin's Creed Unity Collector's Edition, which will include a 16'' figurine of Arno as an assassin. The statue will have him poised upon an iconic gargoyle, and of course comes with a music box, which plays a remixed version of the games theme, the official soundtrack, and of course an art book and of course two in-game missions. For those who pre-order the title, they will receive two bonus offers made available to them by Ubisoft. The first will be an exclusive mission called "The Chemical Revolution". It will offer up to thirty minutes of additional gameplay and will allow players to help Lavoisier the "Father of Modern Chemistry" to escape from his kidnappers and help him by retrieving his poison bomb formula.

The following piece is the second offer. Players can access the Guillotine Spin to Win new spins and content every Friday through launch, which allows consumers to win new and incredibly amazing prizes unlike before. Players will also have a chance with five more spins and more chances to win. What doe this mean? Players can go to the following URL today for a chance to win the prizes below: AssassinsCreed.com/play

Potential prizes include:
• Exotic trips – Paris, Ubisoft Montreal, Comic-Con
• Games and digital content
• Exclusive apparel and gear
• Home Entertainment Systems
• And more

Also with the release date announcement of Assassin's Creed Unity, we have also learned the Phantom Blade, a life-size replica has become available for purchase. This item will have a limited-run for ordering by the famed award-winning McFarlane Toys. This item will contain the following pieces and are "functional": hidden blade, retractable crossbow arms, and a soft firing dart. How much will this run you? 59.99 USD while supplies last in select countries starting October 28th, 2014.

For more information on Assassin’s Creed, please visit: assassinscreed.com and facebook.com/assassinscreed.

For the latest on all of Ubisoft’s games, visit the UbiBlog:http://www.ubiblog.com/

Rainbow Six Siege Announced

Rainbow Six Siege Announced, Patriots is History

Originally Posted on the Official Blast Away the Game Review Facebook Page

Written by Dustin Murphy

 A few years ago at the same event, we were introduced to the future of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six, and that was with the title - Patriots. With time the game had fallen silent, missing, and unfortunately never released. As of today, it's official, it has been canceled, but like a Phoenix from the ashes, we've learned that Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege was in the works.

 As of today we have learned the latest entry will debut sometime in 2015 on all next gen consoles and PC. Why's that? Well mostly due to the fact the hardware currently available is much, much, more powerful than the previous generations. With what we saw, we have no doubt the true power of the PlayStation 4, XBox One, and high end PC's will be fully revealed.

 Fortunately, we have learned that the famed team over at Ubisoft Montreal will be developing the title. This is the first time in any Rainbow Six title that we have learned that players will be fighting in very lethal close-quarters combat. What does this mean? Prepare to feel claustrophobic, prepare to feel as if you can't breath, and of course, feel free to be aware of your surroundings. Why do I mention this? We have learned that Ubisoft Montreal has decided to add in destructible environments. Walls will break, doors will explode, and we have no doubt that floors could possibly fall in around you. In this game, we also have come to realize, it is fully inspired by real world counter-terrorist organizations, and lets us fully experience in a game, what their lives are like.

 We have also learned that the game will allow us to have deployable item such as shields, mines, barbed wire, reinforced doors and walls, and much much more. Feel like using the terrain against the enemy? Feel free to deploy sheet charges, rappelling tactics and of course your weapons to take advantage of your surroundings. Think you have what it takes to be truly tactical? We have learned that thanks to the Realblast engine created by Ubisoft Montreal, the destruction will be realistic, unscripted, and of course fully dynamic. This means bullets will differentiate in size of destruction, but also means explosives can also change the game majorly. Walls will be shattered, windows will be busted, and doors will get shot in. Lets not forget that floors and ceilings are also fair game from what we have seen. Think you are safe? Xavier Marquis, creative director at Ubisoft has given us a reason not to. Players will be in the mainstream with us.

 “As fans of Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six and tactical shooters in general, we set out to create the game we always wanted to play within the counter-terrorism universe. We asked ourselves ‘how could we capture the incredible tension and unique tactics of these confrontations?’ We found the answer in the Siege gameplay and procedural destruction.” said Xavier Marquis, creative director at Ubisoft. “Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege is the game that Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six fans have been waiting for, and first-person shooter players will be drawn to its unique gameplay.“

From more information on Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, please visit: www.rainbowsix.com

For the latest on all of Ubisoft’s games, visit the UbiBlog: http://www.ubiblog.com/

Assassin's Creed Unity Gets Gameplay Demo at E3!

Assassin's Creed Unity Gets Gameplay Demo at E3!

Originally Posted on the Official Blast Away the Game Review Facebook Page

Written by Dustin Murphy

 When Assassin's Creed first premiered seven years ago, on the XBox 360 and PlayStation 3, we were introduced into a world that was being torn apart by the political agendas set forth by the Templars. Inside of it we also got to see a take on history like never before. This has been a trend that has never broken, but one game seeks to break such a trend. In Assassin's Creed Unity, we have now learned that the game will be cooperative, and will feature a story that takes place during the French Revolution (queue up Les Misérables anyone?). 

 In the unique E3 gameplay we saw, we've also learned that the new traversing system has changed, and so has the depth of graphics. Not only a beautiful portrayal of realistic animations, but also of terrains. We have also gotten to see the new crowd blending mechanic. Want to know if you and your friends are blending in? Just make sure you have a smokey blue feature around you and make haste to your targets! In the trailer we got to see up to four players splitting up and taking out guards, which can easily lead up to a quick objective completion. This not only heavily influences the focus on community, but also communication, which will surely play a major role in the game. Assassin's Creed Unity has also been set to release this fall. Stay tuned as we, hope to, learn more as the launch comes closer.

Rise of the Tomb Raider Announced!

Rise of the Tomb Raider Announced
Originally Posted on the Official Blast Away the Game Review Facebook Page

Written by Dustin Murphy

 To many of us, the series has been a long winded series, and one that deserved the reboot it got; with very realistic human like responses, from Laura, as well as those around her. In the new trailer, revealed at E3, we see Laura sitting in a psychiatrists office. He's questioning if she is still having problems, digging into the roots of them, and of course giving us glimpses into what Laura has become as she treks through post events from the last game. In the Rise of the Tomb Raider we get to see a very beautiful engine that reflects upon what we saw with the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition.

 The most interesting part of the trailer is that we saw her traversing mountains, corridors, and even into a giant cave, which in turn revealed to us an amazingly large tomb before her. We can only hope that not only does true sized tombs return, but also the open world we came to know, and love.

Battlefield Hardline Beta Goes Live Today!

Battlefield Hardline Beta Goes Live Today!

Originally Posted on the Official Blast Away the Game Review Facebook Page

Written by Dustin Murphy

Update: Currently PlayStation Network is undergoing maintenance in order to get the beta available. If you run into the error trying to retrieve it, please try again later.

 For those of you watching E3, EA unleashed something surprising, a full blown preview of Battlefield Hardline. What else do you want to know? For PC and PlayStation 4 users, the beta is live. For PS4 users, all you have to do is one thing, put in your PS4 disc or go to your digital copy, go to the Hardline advertisement, click it, and download the beta. As of this moment we do not know if it requires the disc for you to play, but we do know it's live, and we are currently downloading it. Stay tuned for our hands-on-impressions as we look forwards to bringing you the best and most honest take on the beta that we can.

Halo: Master Chief Collection Announced

Halo: Master Chief Collection Announced

Originally Posted on the Official Blast Away the Game Review Facebook Page

Written by Dustin Murphy

 With the newest entry to the Halo franchise right on the horizon, we were't surprised when we learned that Halo 5: Guardians is getting a bit of a highlight, and that highlight is Halo: Master Chief Collection, which will be coming to your XBox One this November 11th at the affordable cost of $59.99. These games will all come on a single disc and will include Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, and Halo 4. What else does it include instead of just the throwbacks? Well the most interesting part, but not unexpected, was the fact that Microsoft has decided to include a beta to Halo 5: Guardians, which will allow for a mutliplayer beta. This to us is normal since it follows the past Microsoft trend they have with the Halo series.

 What peaks our interest the most is the fact that all of the Halo titles will run at a steady 60 frames per second at 1080p. This is something we are quite interested to see how it plays, but also how it looks, given the fact we've not seen much in the means of 1080p and 60fps on the XBox One so far. What's the most unique thing about this connection? It contains all formerly released DLC for each title, but also includes all the original achievements that players could want and new ones for Halo 2 Anniversary. 1,000 per game, counting up to a grand total of 4,000 achievement points. For those to looking to expand their Halo achievements, this is definitely worth something grasping. The part that interests us? The games themselves will work with Halo Waypoint will be supported by this release as it heads this way. What Halo will you go for first? If anyone had to choose, we'd suspect Halo 2 from most fans, and guess what? Fans can do so. They can truly hop around each game at their own regard. Does this mean you can grab your hands at the multiplayer of each game? From what we understand, yes you can, and that is something you'll be able to enjoy. What else does that mean? All the problematic unbalanced mechanics are still fully intact, and that includes my favorite thing ever from Halo, BRX. So mash away and feel free to pistol whip your friends. How will this work? We aren't sure if the multiplayer will be in each game or a separate multiplayer hub that players can choose, but we are interested to see how the multiplayer will be fully integrated into the system.

 You can access multiplayer maps across the titles by their gameplay type (like Team Slayer, for instance), and 343 will create playlists within individual games as well as all of those in the Collection. For example, these playlists round up all the final four levels of each title. Custom games are included, but 343 says it's not sure if The Forge map editor will be offered. The company did say, however, that dedicated servers would be used for the title's multiplayer.

 With the new announcement, there is no surprise or shortages of what we can want, Halo 2 Anniversary is there. In all of the full blown re-done glory. What does this mean? Beautiful HD rendered graphics that will hopefully give you, the players, a true Halo 4-esque graphics. Interested in playing an old version like Halo Anniversary: Combat Evolved? Well you can. Fortunately, they have announced that players can actually choose to switch between the old rendering and the new with the single press of a button. What does this mean? Hello Halo 2 classic! This will however tie into the upcoming Halo 5 series, but how?

 This can be seen as a prologue, which will feed players the ability to play the previous games, and work their way forth to the Halo 5 title, and of course understand what happened. For those who are interested in buying it, you will not be short on surprises, 343 and Microsoft have also announced a digital series called Halo: Nightfall, which as before, will appear as a weekly release, which of course gives it a bit of a time to build up anticipation. We can only hope that Nightfall will build up to Halo 4 like it should, and will give us a look inside of why we saw Master Chief in the desert.