Quantic Dream’s KARA is beautiful, but familiar

There has been a huge buzz surrounding Quantic Dream’s latest tech demo entitled KARA.  The video which is posted in this article is a true sight to behold.  Quantic Dream once again proves what can be done with graphics in a video game and more importantly shows that the Playstation 3 still has some serious potential in that department.  Graphics aside Quantic Dream also manages to pull some emotional heart strings in the 7 something minute video (like the original Heavy Rain demo).  I applaud Quantic Dream for their achievement with KARA and also congratulate them on the immense reception it is receiving, but the minute I saw this video I immediately thought of a super obscure Japanese Xbox game called N.U.D.E. @ (Natural Ultimate Digital Experiment).  I have never played N.U.D.E.@ because it was a japan-only Xbox title, but it looks like KARA and this share some similar attributes from the outside looking in.

Meet KARA

Meet whatever her name is

I am unsure if Quantic Dream drew inspiration from N.U.D.E.@, but the similarities in the character design are far too coincidental to be ignored.  This similarity does not discount what KARA is or could be, but I do think this comparison is worth noting and is why I am doing it.  Watch the KARA tech demo and I am going to keep my eyes peeled for this comparison to surface somewhere else.  Let us know what you think about the video by sounding off in the comments section and as always you can follow us on Twitter @GamersAbstract and like us on Facebook for more content.

Xbox Live DOTW 12/13 – 12/19

Xbox Live keeps the deals rolling and this week is no different.  The theme for this week’s discounts is Japan’s Finest.  These anime inspired/themed titles are on sale for this week only and come to you at a pretty deep discount.  So I will not keep you waiting any longer; here are you Xbox Live Deals of the Week.

Xbox Live Deals of the Week 12/13 – 12/19 – Japan’s Finest

• Bangai-O HD – 400 MSP (50% off)
• Hard Corps Uprising – 600 MSP (50% off)
• Radiant Silvergun – 600 MSP (50% off)
• Guwange – 400 MSP (50% off)

Need Points? (via Amazon)

• Xbox Live 1600 Microsoft Points – Online Code
• Xbox Live 4000 Microsoft Points – Online Code

There you have it folks; your Xbox Live deals of the Week.  Check back often for new deals and as always you can follow us on Twitter @GamersAbstract and like us on Facebook for more content.

 

I think I could get used to living in Japan

Anyone that really knows me knows that one day I would love to visit Japan and possibly even live there if the opportunity presented itself.  This latest video featuring CheapyD and Scott Popular made me drool with envy.  The store they toured “Super Potato” is a retro gaming store in Japan and would make someone like myself instantaneously broke.  They had such an incredible selection of video games and other video game related merchandise that was beyond appealing to me.  I have been infatuated with Japan for quite some time and it is something that I have a hard time explaining to others and sometimes myself.  When I see videos like the one above it just sends goose bumps down my spine in a good way.  There is so much to digest in Japan beyond just gaming and it is something that I can hopefully fulfill in my lifetime.  I want to give props to CheapyD and Scott Popular for this video and I look forward to seeing what other special gems Japan has to offer via your video series.  As always you can follow TGA on Twitter @GamersAbstract and like us on Facebook for more content.

Disaster Report [Not the Game]

By now we all aware of the devastation that has fallen upon the citizens of Japan.  They are all in our thoughts and we hope for a successful recovery.  The Japanese game industry has been affected by this disaster too.  Square-Enix has temporarily shut down Final Fantasy XI/XIV servers to help aid in the relief process.  Metal Gear Online has also had its servers suspended until further notice.  Due to limited electricity arcades are also running on a shortened operating schedule.  Sony’s upcoming racer Motor Storm: Apocalypse has been indefinitely delayed in Japan and Irem’s Disaster Report 4 has been canceled.  I think that the delay and cancellation of these aforementioned games is appropriate as it would be extremely insensitive to do otherwise.

Major Japanese publishers Nintendo, Sega, and Namco-Bandai are also coming out and making cash donations to the Red Cross of Japan.  Sony has also made a sizable donation and has donated 30,oo0 radios to help coordinate and assist relief workers.  I hope Japan gets the support it needs to recover properly and we can help by donating to the Red Cross.  If you visit this link you can help the effort right from your computer.  If any other video game related news surface regarding the disaster I will be sure to report it, but until then stay informed and do what you can do to help.