Batman: Arkham City Box Art revealed

Another of the forthcoming games that I can't wait to get my hands on: Batman: Arkham City. 


Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment today released the official front of box art for Batman: Arkham City.  The game will be available from October 21^stin the UK for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Games for Windows PC and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system.

Batman: Arkham City builds upon the intense, atmospheric foundation of Batman: Arkham Asylum, sending players soaring into Arkham City – five times larger than the game world in Batman: Arkham Asylum – and the new maximum security “home” for all of Gotham City’s thugs, gangsters and insane criminal masterminds. Set inside the heavily fortified walls of a sprawling district in the heart of Gotham City, this highly anticipated sequel introduces a brand-new story that draws together a new, all-star cast of classic characters and murderous villains from the Batman universe, as well as a vast range of new and enhanced gameplay features to deliver the ultimate experience as the Dark Knight.

Batman: Arkham City is based on DC Comics’ core Batman license. Fans can visitwww.batmanarkhamcity.com to sign up to receive update regarding the game and join the discussion on the community site at http://community.batmanarkhamcity.com to participate in forums, read upcoming developer diaries and stay abreast of all the latestBatman: Arkham City news.

Uncharted 3: Drakes's Deception Beta NOW AVAILABLE

Available now on the PSN store and free to those who are subscribers to the PlayStation Plus (even those that are currently enjoying the free month).


Go download it now and let us know your thoughts.


Here's what you need to know:

• The Uncharted 3 beta launches today, June 28th, and will be exclusive to both PlayStation Plus subscribers and those who pre-ordered inFamous 2.
• The beta will enter its second stage come July 4th, being available to anyone with access to the PlayStation Store.
• The beta will close on Wednesday, July 13th..
• Three maps and eight game modes will be available over the duration of the beta.
• 8 Boosters, 4 Power Plays, and 4 Kickbacks are enabled during the beta.
• The estimated download size of the beta file is 1.7GB.
• Not only will the beta include competitive multiplayer, three co-operative modes including Arena, Hunter, and Adventure will also be made available.
• Stereoscopic 3D is enabled for you fancy lot out there.
• Four basic character models will be available to play as, though there are dozens of customisation options to tamper with.
• Split-screen co-op will also feature in the beta, allowing you to track your Facebook friends too.
• 25 is the current beta level cap. This will not carry over into the retail version of the game, though performing specific in-game actions will unlock Uncharted 3 unlockables including exclusive decals, and avatar, and even bonus cash.

Deadly Premonition coming to Xbox LIVE 5th July 2011

Huge cult hit soon available to download from Xbox Games on Demand
Rising Star Games today announced Deadly Premonition is coming to Microsoft Xbox LIVE Games on Demand. One of Rising Star Games’ success stories of 2010, Deadly Premonition developed a cult following after receiving hugely contrasting reviews from top games publications and respected reviewers. Deadly Premonition went on to be nominated for and, in some cases, win an impressive number of awards. With review scores ranging from 2 to 10, this was the game of the year that people were compelled to try for themselves.

Developed by Access Games, Deadly Premonition is an open-world game set in Greenvale, a secluded rural town in North-West America. Playing as FBI Special Agent Francis York, gamers are charged with solving the shocking, ritualistic and brutal murder of a local girl, unravelling the mystery via clues, lies and a trail of bodies. Agent York travels around Greenvale in a variety of vehicles – entertaining gamers with facts about movies along the way – encountering eccentric natives, supernatural creatures and a folklore killer, who stalks his victims in a blood-drenched raincoat. Agent York’s appearance changes in ‘real time’ (shaving, showering and eating are essential), and this level of hygiene has consequences as it influences the townsfolk’s perceptions of him. Side quests and mini-games, such as darts, fishing and collecting trading cards also feature.

“Deadly Premonition is a quirky and unique title we are proud to have published,” says Martin Defries, managing director, Rising Star Games. “We knew there was an audience for the title and we delivered them the game they wanted. Now Deadly Premonition is on Games on Demand it will give even more people a chance to marvel at this completely individual title and decide for themselves what they think of the most controversial title of 2010.”

Deadly Premonition is to be released on the Xbox Live Network via Games on Demand 5^thJuly 2011, courtesy of Rising Star Games www.risingstargames.com.

Tips and Tricks for F.E.A.R.3

Here's some great hints and tips from the team behind F.E.A.R 3 - this'll help maximise your gaming experience.

Tips and Tricks
1. Maximize your score by fulfilling multiple challenge requirements, playing on higher difficulties,
and completing each level as fast as you can.  Use your special abilities often and combine the
challenges to make sure you maximize each kill.

2. Exploration is crucial – search each level extensively for hidden ammo caches, psychic link
bodies, and the all-important Alma doll.  The psychic links and Alma dolls appear in random
locations, so make sure you fully explore on each playthrough.

3. When playing co-op, psychic links can be shared or stolen.  If you’re looking to set an individual
high score, steal them.  If you want to set a team high score, share them.  Even though you only
get 750 points for psychic links, since you both receive the reward it adds a total of 1,500 to
your team score.

4. Ranking-up improves various stats including things like ammo capacity, health, and slow-mo.
Maximizing your Rank is essential to play on the Insane difficulty.  Replaying a level with a higher
rank also makes it easier to set a high score and compete for the top position on the
leaderboards.

5. The ranks are determined by your total score and the perks are universal in main campaign, coop, and multiplayer.  If you are having trouble in one mode, go spend some time in another to
rank up and then try again.

6. The Arc Beam weapon reflects off of walls and floors to hit nearby enemies, and can hit more
than one at a time – very useful when Armacham Soldiers are hiding behind cover.

7. The Phase Caster is one of the toughest enemies in F.E.A.R. 3.  Make sure you kill him as soon as
possible.  The Phase Caster will keep calling in reinforcements as you take them out.

8. The Scavengers can be difficult for Fettel to defeat.  One method to quickly dispatch them is to
levitate the enemy, get close, and push melee for the instant kill.  At the same time, if there are
multiple Scavengers, you can always suspend one while killing another with the stun blast.

9. In multiplayer mode ‘F**king Run!,’ sending a teammate ahead with a Riot Shield is a good way
to add an extra layer of protection to the rest of the team.

10. Also in ‘F**king Run!’ multiplayer mode, the slide tackle is your strongest asset.  Not only does it
keep you moving forward, but it also takes out enemies.

11. Plan ahead when playing multiplayer mode ‘Contractions.’ Storing all of your ammo on the top
level of your safe house will take longer, but pays off in later waves.

12. Don’t try to stay in one body when playing multiplayer mode ‘Soul King.’ Body to body
possession is a strategic part of the mode.  You can escape other players by jumping from body
to body across large portions of the maps.  If you’re going to die, possess a new body with full
health.  If you see an enemy getting the drop on the competitor, possess it and get the kill.

13. Multiplayer mode ‘Soul King’ is designed to be competitive all the way until the end.  The last 30
seconds of each round are the most hectic and critical. You should try to stay in second or third
place so that you can sweep in for victory in the closing seconds of the round by killing the King.

14. In multiplayer mode ‘Soul Survivor,’ getting a kill while in Last Stand will revive you.  However,
ammo is limited, so try not to use your Last Stand handgun ammo unless absolutely necessary.
Have squad members revive you whenever possible.

15. The “We'll Try Again Tomorrow” achievement / trophy is easiest to get in the first 3 waves of
The Commute multiplayer map

F.E.A.R 3 - - It's here, so feel the fear today!!!!!

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment launches F.E.A.R. 3

Paranormal first person shooter unleashes frenetic combat in new chapter of storied horror franchise

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has announced the launch of F.E.A.R. 3, a paranormal horror first person shooter continuing the F.E.A.R. heritage of frenetic combat, compelling narrative and tension-filled gameplay while evolving the franchise with unique divergent co-op. The chill-inducing game is now available in <Insert Territory> for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC.

“F.E.A.R. 3 provides all the hallmark thrills the series is known for delivering along with new blood-pumping multiplayer modes,” said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Production and Development of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The game is staying true to its roots while improving on the experience with divergent co-op and high quality multiplayer created exclusively within the F.E.A.R. universe.”

In F.E.A.R. 3, players can take on the role of Point Man, a genetically enhanced super-soldier, or the undead spirit of his brother Paxton Fettel, a paranormal entity who possesses incredible psychic powers.  The two brothers have a vicious history but must work together in an uneasy alliance to pursue Alma Wade, their tortured and psychically gifted mother, who is about to give birth to something that could destroy the world.

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Day 1 Studios enlisted two horror masters, legendary film director John Carpenter (Halloween, The Thing) and writer Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), to consult on the cinematics and script.

F.E.A.R. 3 evolves the F.E.A.R. franchise by introducing a unique system called divergent co-op, along with social gameplay that gives players distinctly different abilities that affect their own play and the experience of gamers they are playing with… or against. The game also offers a robust scoring and challenge system, which encourages replay, tactical variation, and exploration throughout the game.

Gamers will have access to four distinct online multiplayer modes—F**king Run!, Contractions, Soul Survivor and Soul King—each offering a unique combination of cooperative and competitive play distinctively set in the F.E.A.R. universe.

F.E.A.R. 3, developed by Day 1 Studios, is rated PEGI 18 and is available now at retail stores nationwide for the Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 system and Windows PC.

For more information, please visit www.whatisfear.com, Facebook at www.facebook.com/whatisfear or follow @Fear3Videogame on Twitter.

GAMEfest tickets now on sale

Today the team at GAME announced the availability of tickets for its GAMEfest event which takes place at the Birmingham NEC from 16-18 Sept 2011. 


You can check out more information about the new show and buy your tickets here www.game.co.uk/gamesfest


Tickets cost £10 for anyone aged 12 or over and £5 for anyone under 12 years old. To buy tickets, would-be attendees need to own a GAME reward card. If they do not currently own one, they can go to www.game.co.uk or to any GAME store to sign up and then go to the website to buy the tickets.

In addition GAME can now also confirm that Sony, THQ, Bethesda and Sega will all be attending showing off their latest titles. They join the likes of Microsoft, Nintendo, EA, Activision and Disney – making this the must-attend gaming event in the UK.

L.A. Noire "Nicholson Electroplating" DLC Out Now

 As you may know, the penultimate DLC case for L.A. Noire, “Nicholson Electroplating” is now available for download via PlayStation Network (£3.19) and Xbox LIVE (320 MS Points). For holders of the Rockstar Pass, the case is now unlocked for download at no charge.

About Nicholson Electroplating

At 9:45 in the morning, a thunderous explosion rocks Los Angeles. City blocks are flattened and smoke and ash fill the air. Detectives Phelps and Biggs race to the site of the former Nicholson Electroplating plant to find a pile of unanswered questions. What caused the explosion? What were Nicholson's employees working on? And where are chief chemist Dr Harold McLellan and his mysterious female assistant?

The all-new case sees Phelps and partner Biggs digging for clues amongst the rumble of city blocks devastated by the explosion. Over the course of their investigation not only will the duo interrogate new witnesses and suspects, but also explore entirely new locations including the hangar that houses Howard Hughes’ famous Spruce Goose. 

May's Mysteries: The Secret of Dragonville trailer

We've mentioned previously about the Professor Layton style game May's Mysteries: The Secret of Dragonville that's coming to the  Nintendo DS in August  - they official trailer video has been announced so here it is.

The trailer shows off key game features including: spectacular cinematics, character reveals, screenshots of gameplay and a selection of puzzles that feature in the game.

May’s Mysteries: The Secret of Dragonville, sees our eponymous hero embark on a thrilling and charming adventure to find her missing brother. Featuring sumptuous hand-drawn animation, May’s Mysteries: The Secret of Dragonville is a real charm, which will see players tackle over 270 puzzles and mini games as they venture through 80 mysterious locations, meeting close to 50 intriguing characters spread across four worlds.

May’s Mysteries: The Secret of Dragonville is to be released August 2011.

It been a three day Gamefest for me

Sorry there hasn't been any action on the blog since Sunday but it's been down to intense game play. I've had a mega session... here's what I've been playing and my initial thoughts on the games some in depth reviews will follow shortly.

Mainly I've been playing Alice: Madness Returns - Well what on earth happened to poor Wonderland?  This is a great game that frustrates at the same time as providing enjoyment.
Alice is no longer the sweet, blonde haired maiden who enjoys the companionship of rabbit and the Cheshire Cat , she's more like Amy Winehouse (sorry Amy!).  She's still slim and attractive (in a way) but she's bedraggled, aged and definitely confused. Unlike Amy though, Alice has spent the last ten years inside an asylum, along with a very odd Dr...

Anyway back to the game, you're plunged into the now even more warped world of Wonderland, but it's not like you remembered. It's  full of things that want to kill you - teapots with eyes,  blobs of tar with dolls heads attached,  ghostly sailors and more. They're all full of anger and rage  - much like Alice herself.  Armed with a deathly blade, a heavy duty hobby horse and a powerful pepper grinder you fight your way across Wonderland and it's many lands.

It's worth noting the weapons are found early on in the game and by collecting 'teeth' yes 'teeth' you can upgrade the weapons to max power.  You also have to search for flying pigs noses - yep you read that right too. - See I told you Wonderland was now messed up!

Other collectibles include your memories, from childhood and before the asylum, bottles of potions and parts of roses that need painting (which end up giving you extra life points).

All the old Wonderland characters are there  - just not how you remembered them and it's your job to help them in there own weird way.

The graphics in the game are great - with the added touch of 'shrink sense'  a strange power that overcomes Alice when she's small. Early in the game you drank the potion and now have the ability to shrink whenever you want to, this 'sense' is used for discovering hidden keyhole locations (that usually contain memories) and seeing platforms and routes that are otherwise invisible.

This game is great and thoroughly enjoyable, as mentioned at the beginning it's often frustrating as the enemies are fairly tough (some tougher than others). 

If you like the world of the odd, like a challenging platform style game then go buy Alice: Madness Returns.

Secondly I tried out the new 'Shadow of the Damned' woah now that's a warped mind.  A step above the likes of Alice, this is all about the underworld and life in the underworld. Demons, Ghouls and more are after you.
Playing Garcia Hotspur (that pains me to write that as a Liverpool fan LOL) and with your trusty skull aide - who conveniently transforms into all sorts of equipments and tech you are trying to save the soul (and body) of your girlfriend Paula.  If Garcia had known what he was going into I'm certain he'd have just let her go!

I'm only part way through this game, but I have to say DAMN it's good, scary and gives you the thrill of gaming - even your gun is a Boner!

A full review will follow shortly but I'm sure I can already say if you're over 18 go buy it!

I also had further sessions on Crysis 2  - the game never ends......

Lego: Pirates of the Caribbean - the best Lego game in a long while. Love it, completed it but enjoy it so much doing it with the kids now.

Red Johnson's Chronicles - nice download puzzler

only disappoint for me at moment is the much anticipated Green Lantern, I had such high hopes for that game. A Marvel super hero that has created a less than marvellous game. My complete review will be up soon on this, but first thoughts are don't waste your money.

Anyway back to game play - speak soon Games Booth (over and out)

Red Johnsons Chronicles

While the PSN was down some of you may have missed the launch of a new puzzler / thriller game that was available for download only. Well I kept on top of it and have now downloaded it for my enjoyment - I love a puzzler every now and again.

Red Johnson's Chronicles is available for £7.99 from the Playstation Store and downloads directly to your console. 

It's a puzzler in every sense of the word. You play Red and your role is to help solve the fatal shooting of a 'man on a bridge'. By using your brain you have to find clues, interrogate suspects and solve many puzzles - from rewiring a CCTV camera to picking locks. 

I'm enjoying the laid back approach this game has - it's kind of taxing the brain yet has a sense of calm with it. 

I'll tell you more on completion, but at the moment I can say it's something you should spend £8 on.

New Maps for Call of Duty@ Black Ops on June 28th

CALL OF DUTY^®: BLACK OPS ANNIHILATION CONTENT PACK COMING FIRST TO XBOX LIVE ^® JUNE 28

New Content Pack for Global Phenomenon Call of Duty: Black Ops To Hit soon

 Call of Duty^®: Black Ops, the best selling game ever on the Xbox 360, is ready to blow fans away with the worldwide release of its third content pack on 28^th June^,:  Call of Duty^®: Black Ops Annihilation.   Black Ops continues to draw millions of gamers online globally, logging billions of gameplay hours since its launch in November.  Fueled by the breakthrough  First Strike  and  Escalation  content packs, the blockbuster title is also already the highest selling add-on content in Xbox LIVE history, according to Microsoft.  In fact, more gamers play Call of Duty on Xbox LIVE than on any other platform. The newest offering, Annihilation, will launch first on Xbox LIVE and features four new multiplayer maps and a Zombie experience that’s sure to keep gamers coming back for more.

“With  Annihilation,  Black Ops fans will get four exciting and unique multiplayer settings with  Hangar 18, Drive-In, Silo and  Hazard,”  said Treyarch Studio Head, Mark Lamia.  “Players will also enjoy an all-new Zombies experience , Shangri-La, an exotic and mysterious map filled with deadly traps, dark secrets and innovative gameplay that will challenge even the most daring Zombie hunters.”

Developed by Treyarch and published by  Activision Publishing, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI),  Call of Duty: Black Ops is rated PEGI 18.  For additional Call of Duty^® updates, visit www.callofduty.com/blackops and also via Twitter @Treyarch.

Additionally, to celebrate the upcoming release of  Call of Duty^®: Black Ops Annihilation, Treyarch will host a Double XP weekend beginning Friday, 1^st July.

Hello Kitty and Friends are loving life

If any of you have little girls, then this may just be the game to keep them quiet for a little while.
Loving Life with Hello Kitty & Friends is available now for the Nintendo DS, here's some information about the game and some screen shots for you to peruse!

Loving Life with Hello Kitty & Friends from Bergsala Lightweight AB has now hit the shelves. The follow-up to the hugely successful Happy Party with Hello Kitty & Friends offers a host of new features including: jobs, shopping and helping Hello Kitty’s best friends with their homework. Loving Life with Hello Kitty & Friends for the Nintendo DS is out today, published in the UK and PAL markets by Bergsala Lightweight AB and proudly presented by Rising Star Games.

Play with Hello Kitty and her friends over five distinctive areas: Hello Kitty’s room, the shops, the food court, shopping area and playing with Hello Kitty’s friends. In Hello Kitty’s room you can customise furniture, clothing and accessories. At the shops you can put on unique uniforms for each shop, play fun mini-games and help out at various shops; all run by Hello Kitty’s friends. In the food court you can work in various jobs to earn Puro (the in-game currency), and play more mini-games based on the shop you choose to work in. You can use the Puro you’ve earned to purchase goods and visit Hello Kitty’s friends in the various shops. You can also play an additional eight mini-games with Hello Kitty’s friends.

 

 

E3 Replay: Battlefield 3 for PS3

FOR ALL THE REAL SOLDIERS OUT THERE TAKE A LOOK AT THIS VIDEO! LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW PLEASE!

DICE’s Battlefield 3 had an incredible showing at last week’s E3, racking up over 30 award nominations. But for many shooter fans, one question remained — “Where’s the console version?” Well, tonight those questions are answered as DICE’s own Johan Dohl stops by Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to give Jimmy the first hands on with Battlefield 3 for PS3. Be sure to set those TIVO’s, and for more information on Battlefield 3 be sure to watch our interview with Patrick Bach, Executive Producer on Battlefield 3 below.

One more thing! If you missed the news at PlayStation’s E3 2011 Press Conference, the PS3 version of Battlefield 3 will include the full version of Battlefield 1943 on the Blu-ray disc — an exclusive bonus just for PS3 owners.

Physical Warfare Pack available to all Battlefield 3

Another announcement from the Battlefield 3 team  - the physical warfare pack will be available to all players later this year - check out the link below

Physical Warfare Pack available to all Battlefield 3 players later this year - Battlefield: Bad Company - Battlefield Blog

Rage comes to consoles!

Here's a game some of you may know from playing on your iPhone or iPad - it's the stunningly graphical RAGE 

It's coming to consoles this September (16th)  - here's some screen shots for you. If you love Crysis, Gears of War that sort of game then Rage is for you!

Let us know what you think of these shots?

Newly announced Xbox 360 Wireless Speed Wheel

This looks like my kind accessory! Nice design from Microsoft here.

Experience Every Turn From the Driver’s Seat with the Xbox 360 Wireless Speed Wheel

 

 Racing enthusiasts will have wireless gaming freedom in any room of the house with the new Wireless Speed Wheel offered exclusively on Xbox 360.  With intuitive and approachable controls, the Xbox 360 Wireless Speed Wheel makes it easy for novice and veteran gamers alike to jump in and take off in any driving game for Xbox 360.  
Launching in early October, the Wireless Speed Wheel is completely wireless and controlled intuitively with precise steering, standard controller buttons/triggers, and haptic feedback with rumble.  The device is compatible with all racing games right out of the box* and will be available for £44.99 ERP. This device combines a fun and immersive driving experience with the biggest racing game of the year, the best rated “Forza Motorsport.”  
With trigger buttons for gas and brake, combined with a rumble feedback, the Xbox 360 Wireless Speed Wheel provides intuitive standard controller buttons that immerse the driver into the game, whether you like to white knuckle it down the race track with your hands at “10 and 2” or “9 and 3.”
The new Xbox 360 Wireless Speed Wheel balances the realism of a wheel with the feel of a controller for greater user edge in game play.  It includes buttons for game specific functions including triggers, ABXY and D-pad along with green bands of lights on each handle to provide visual cues when necessary. 
For more information on the Wireless Speed Wheel, visit www.xbox.com. 

The War of the Worlds Video Game

CHECK OUT THE PRESS RELEASE BELOW!

Sir Patrick Stewart Lends his Voice to Upcoming The War of the Worlds Video Game

Beloved star of the stage and screen will narrate unforgettable side-scrolling experience, coming to Xbox LIVE^® and PlayStation^®Network


Other Ocean Interactive is proud to reveal that Sir Patrick Stewart, the acclaimed TV and film star, will be lending his voice talents to The War of the Worlds, its upcoming cinematic side-scrolling platformer, coming to Xbox LIVE®Arcade and PlayStation®Network. Based on the classic novel by H.G. Wells, The War of the Worldsshowcases Stewart’s distinct voice as the narration for the game, which follows one man’s experience in 1950s London during a decimating alien invasion.

Known to millions for his role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the popular TV show Star Trek: The Next Generation, as well as his performance as Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film franchise, Stewart has enjoyed tremendous success over his decades-long film career including several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.  However, providing narration for The War of the Worlds is an experience that hearkens back to Stewart’s childhood.


“As a young boy, I remember watching the The War of the Worlds so many times I was quoting the lines,” said Stewart. “The alien invasion both terrified and fascinated me and the movie has stuck with me since then. Now, being part of this project will provide a new way for gamers around the world to experience a fresh new take on a classic.”


The War of the Worlds is a dark and breathtaking new vision inspired by the classic H.G. Wells novel, retold as a single player, 2D action-adventure. The gameplay narrative parallels the timeline and events from the 1953 movie adaptation, but introduces a new story arc, characters, locations, and sub-plots.  With gameplay paying homage to classic cinematic platformers such as Flashback and Out of This World, players follow the exploits of an unknown everyman struggling to escape the Martian invasion of London and rescue his family. Forced to think through insurmountable odds, players will outsmart an army of alien tripods, spiders and drones as they make their way through a landscape of total devastation.


The War of the Worlds will release for Xbox LIVE Arcade and PlayStation Network later in 2011. For more information, please visit Other Ocean’s website at www.otherocean.com.

Lego: Harry Potter Years 5-7

So as you all know my wife is a huge Lego games fan - recently let down by the new Lego Star Wars Clone Wars, but now back on top after completing the amazing Lego: Pirates of the Caribbean.

The Lego franchise is massive globally and it seems like there's no stopping them - only last week at E3 in Vegas did they announce that the next instalment in the Lego Harry Potter saga will grace the Xbox 360, PS3, PSP, NGP Wii, DS and 3DS Q4 2011.

Based on the last three  Harry Potter books and final four films, LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 takes players through Harry Potter’s heroic adventures in the Muggle and wizarding worlds.  From Privet Drive in Little Whinging to Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and Hogwarts – plus new locations including Grimmauld Place, the Ministry of Magic, and Godric’s Hollow – players will encounter new faces, new challenges and new magic, preparing them for the ultimate faceoff against Lord Voldemort™.

“In LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7, we are giving gamers a truly epic conclusion to the most successful movie franchise in history with delightful gameplay for fans  of  all  ages,”  said  Tom  Stone,  Managing Director, TT Games. “We have built upon the first game and are giving fans even more magical abilities, puzzle solving and exploration, in addition to our distinctive brand of hilarious LEGO humour and charm.”

LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 builds upon the magical gameplay, lessons and potion-making skills learned in LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 to equip gamers with the tools necessary to challenge a host of new foes and some familiar ones (including He Who Must Not Be Named).  The upcoming title is actionpacked from start to finish, including loads of new lessons, spells, and bonus content for hours of family friendly gaming.

Duke Nukem Forever makes it onto our shelves.

The wait was finally over on Friday when Duke Nukem Forever became available.  It seemed liked a very long wait (in fact it was a long wait) but it's finally here. 

The legendary Duke Nukem Forever® has arrived and is now available in the UK on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC. For over 15 years fans have waited in video game purgatory for the launch of the almost mythical Duke Nukem Forever and now June 10, 2011 will forever mark the day that the magnificent King triumphantly returned to kick alien ass and chew bubblegum.
“June 10 in the UK will forever be celebrated as the day that the legendary Duke Nukem Forever went from video game folklore to Earth shattering reality,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “For 15 years fans have waited in limbo just yearning to hear those two little lovely words strung together, Now Available. Today, the acronym ‘DNF’ changes its meaning to a ‘Day to Never Forget’. I am proud to announce that the wait is finally over and that Duke Nukem Forever is truly Now Available.”

Over 15 years in the making, Duke Nukem Forever has become one of the most hotly discussed and eagerly awaited entertainment properties ever. For more than a decade, the game has gone from being highly-anticipated when it was announced in April of 1997, to mythological status when all signs of it would disappear for years on end, to finally earning its rightful place atop the video game throne with the June 10, 2011 UK launch.

From the game’s inception, the legendary George Broussard and his team of immensely talented and passionate designers, artists and programmers at 3DRealms devoted themselves to bringing Duke Nukem Forever to market. When all appeared lost, a small team of dedicated developers, known as Triptych Studios, saved Duke Nukem Foreverfrom what seemed like vaporware death and resurrected the king.  Their heroic efforts alongside Gearbox Software, Piranha Games and many other contributors finalized George’s dream by bringing the full-fledged triple-A title to retail.

Apologising to no one, Duke Nukem Forever is the high-octane video game equivalent of a Hollywood summer blockbuster. Starring the legendary lady killer and alien slayer, Duke Nukem Forever introduces gamers to a blastastic time filled with head-popping, bone-rattling action, brazenly crude humor, impossibly statuesque women dying for affection, and catchy one-liners that will have you laughing out loud.

Duke Nukem Forever is rated BBFC 18. For more information on Duke Nukem Forever, please visit www.dukenukemforever.com.  

2K Games is a division of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

May's gone but her mysteries are coming in August

Today Mastertronic announced its forthcoming title May's Mysteries: The Secret of Dragonville (although the official press release called it Drgaonville LOL).

This looks like an interesting game for playing if you're in the mood for a puzzle game. Sometimes we have to take a break from shooting people and enjoy the other types of games on the market.  Looks a bit like the Professor Layton games it seems.

Anyway here's the info about May's Mysteries: The Secret of Dragonville coming out in August 2011 for the Nintendo DS.

 

 

May’s Mysteries: The Secret of Dragonville, sees the eponymous hero embark on a thrilling and charming adventure to find her missing brother. Featuring sumptuous hand-drawn animation, May’s Mysteries: The Secret of Dragonville is a real charm, which will see players tackle over 270 puzzles and mini games as they venture through 80 mysterious locations, meeting close to 50 intriguing characters spread across four worlds.

The game offers a unique combination of gaming styles, making it the most comprehensive puzzle adventure yet. The 230 brain teasers are complemented by 25 highly-detailed hidden object scenes (featuring over 500 individual items), 13 rhythm-action games and many more.

Developed by V5 Play, May’s Mysteries: The Secret of Dragonville is a lavish adventure, boasting over seven minutes of jaw-dropping full-screen animated cinematics throughout the course of the 25 hour adventure. It is mind-boggling, but never unfair, offering stacks of challenge for players of all ages.

“Puzzle adventures, hidden object games and rhythm action titles make for some of the most popular handheld games,” says Neil McKenna, Product Director, Mastertronic, “but never before has a game offered all three – and so much more. May’s Mysteries: The Secret of Dragonville is an incredible piece of software which will captivate all who play. We think May could become the poster child for puzzle adventures, and we can’t wait for DS owners to fall in love with a new heroine this August.”

Features:
·         Over 270 mini-games, including 230 logic puzzles, 25 hidden object games and 13 rhythm games
·         Intriguing storyline adventure with 80 locations in four worlds
·         Charming hand-drawn graphics
·         47 individual and unique characters
·         Eight musical themes
·         Seven minutes of high-quality, full-screen cinematics
·         Over 25 hours of gameplay

 

On test: Xbox 360 headsets from Tritton and Plantronics

We've been putting two xBox 360 headsets to test over the last month, so in order to give you the low down on each of them and make a comparative decision we've done a head to head overview - giving you both the positive and negative points of these two headsets.

So let's begin - the two headsets in this test are the Tritton AX 120 and the Plantronics GameCom X95

So let's give you the run down and overview of the Tritton AX120 first:

The Tritton AX 120 is powered by USB, the AX120 outputs the game and chat audio through the two tuned speakers. You can adjust your chat volume and voice volume separately on-the-fly allowing you to optimise your audio-experience.  

The Tritton AX 120 works with the Xbox 360 and PC for gaming but can also be used to attach to your MP3 player (adapter dependant), the mic is removable so this doesn't look stupid when listening to music. 

If you want to connect to any of the above, the box contains multiple wires and more than likely will contain the wire you need.  It has an audio input adaptor for Xbox which you use if you connect by HDMI cable, a cable to split the audio into AV for connecting to Xbox or TV. 

I tested this on both my Xbox and my PC and for the most part it worked well - although the mic wouldn't work on my PC and the top volume however, shouldn't be used as it produces a volume the headset just can't cope with and quality is lost. The headset still works if you take out the high volume which is OK if you're playing a game where low volume will suffice and if you like to play your music at a decent level - not ear blasting. . 

If you've chosen to buy a wired set of earphones then I guess the wires issue won't be the same for you, but in days of wireless connectivity it bothered me a little. The big plus about this set of headphones is that Tritton have kindly proved you with all the additional leads you need to connect to other devices, so no additional expense. 

So overall here's the key points of the Tritton AX 120 gaming headset for the Xbox 360.

Positives

·          - What you need is in the box

·          - Works on more than just your Xbox

·          - Fully adjustable head strap

·          - Mic volume and sound volume are separate.

·         -  Mic is detachable so can be put away when not in use

Negatives

·         -  Its wired. You connect the headset and Xbox controller to a little box giving you 2 wires to contend with when playing.

·          - Distance you can sit from the xbox is limited by the wire

·          - Highest volume isn’t needed as the headset can’t cope with it.

·          - Couldn’t get the mic to work on my pc but worked fine on Xbox.

      So onto the second set that was tested the Plantronics GameCom X95 - it's a wireless headset for the Xbox 360. Technically it's not a wireless headset as it plugs into the Xbox controller, but it is wireless from the console.  

 

      

      The freedom from the console did mean that I enjoyed using these headphones that and the fact they are also comfortable to wear. I could sit back on my sofa and play without tying myself up in leads - although I am looking forward to testing a wireless headset and controller is created for the Xbox  - like that for the PS3. I did almost fall asleep whilst watching a film with these on, which shows how comfy they are. Although the mic isn't detachable like that of the Tritton it can be very well hidden inside the head strap for easy, discreet storage when not in use.      

      What does let this down quite a bit is the fact that if you want to connect via HDMI which most of us does - you have to purchase an additional audio input to get sound.

Positives

·         -  Wireless (away from the console) and I did manage to walk in next room before loss of sound

·          - Sound quality good

·          - Comfy on the ear.

·          - Mic stores in head strap

·         -  Controls on the ears to decrease and increase volume

  

Negatives

·        - If you connect by HDMi cable you will need to buy an audio input for the Xbox to get sound.

·        - If you like very loud to ear bleeding volume your out of luck.

·         -  Batteries are required for the headset but it is wireless so you have to expect this.

So which of the two did I prefer  - well I have to give it to the Plantronics GameCom X95. I liked these and the ease they give to walk around and over react without fear of injury from a wire was great. Having to buy an additional part to use was a bit of a let down as a lot of people will connect by HDMI cable. However the wireless freedom gives greater benefit that a small additional outlay so out of these two headset my recommendation goes to the Plantronics GameCom X95 but the Tritton AX 120 is a great starter headset for anyone who doesn't move too much when playing the Xbox. 

Prices vary depending on outlets and whether you buy in store or online but generally the Tritton AX120 comes in about  £35 - £55 from places such as GamingZap and Argos and the Plantronics from £50 - £75 from play.com and other online outlets.