Saturday 31 August 2013

"Inside the Square – The Making of" video

PRODUCT INFORMATION
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII
Formats: PS3, X360
Out: 2013
Publisher: Square Enix



Deadfall Adventures Collector’s Edition revealed

Nordic Games confirms release of premium edition


Nordic Games is pleased to announce that its cinematic Lost World-esque blockbuster, Deadfall Adventures, will be available as both a Collector’s Edition and Standard Edition, out on November 15th for Windows PC and the Xbox 360 Entertainment System from Microsoft.

The boxed PC and Steam version of the game can be purchased as a Standard Edition and Collector’s Edition priced £34.99 and £44.99 respectively, the Xbox 360 Standard Edition and Collector’s Edition are priced £44.99 and £54.99 respectively. Those who pre-order the Standard Edition through Steam will automatically be upgraded to the Collector’s Edition. In some territories, the same will be applied to the retail version, with more information on the eligible territories to be published in due time.

The boxed/digital PC Collector’s Edition will include:
  • The Game
  • DLC 1: the Allan Quatermain Revolver skin (single- and multiplayer)
  • DLC 2: 3 exclusive multiplayer skins (Arab Mercenary, Arctic Quatermain and Skeleton)
  • Making of movie (DVD)
  • Original soundtrack (Audio CD)
  • Artbook (on disc)
  • Manual (printed, listed here just for the sake of completeness)

The boxed Standard Edition will include:

  • The Game
  • Manual (printed, listed here just for the sake of completeness)

“What we’ve added to the Collector’s Edition is a real bonus for players; they’ll be able to enjoy the prestigious produced edition that includes a wealth of content that is also great value for money,” said Reinhard Pollice, Business & Product Development Director at Nordic Games. “The game will propel players into a first person shooter with around 70% action and 30% traps/riddles. We carefully balanced the pacing between action and mind work to let the story sink in properly.”



“We are really excited to deliver such a unique title to gamers all around the world. We have been working very hard to make sure that stepping in the boots of an adventurer will be a fulfilling experience for every fan of the Lost World genre” comments Artur Falkowski, Game Producer at The Farm 51. “Deadfall Adventures is a game for shooters and puzzle-solvers. It's not just another story to finish - it's all about traveling the world, exploration and visiting places forgotten by time. Pyramids covered in sands, monumental temples carved into ice, and remote Mayan cities; all of this awaits you in Deadfall Adventures” Falkowski adds.

The game uses Unreal Engine 3 to produce one of the finest spectacles this generation has enjoyed, as players battle natural and not-so-natural enemies. Along the way, fiendish puzzles, deadly traps and stunning set pieces will make this one of the greatest adventures ever told – let alone played.

In the long-forgotten temple complex, the thrill of the chase awakens the true adventurer in Quatermain, as he and Agent Goodwin strive to be one step ahead of the Nazis and the Russians, one step closer to obtaining the Heart of Atlantis. Deep in the temples, where age-old guardians awake from their eternal slumber, Quatermain soon learns that his great-grandfather's stories are not as crazy as he had always believed. For all things live forever, though at times they sleep and are forgotten.

Deadfall Adventures will be released on November 15th 2013 for Windows PC and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

For more information visit the Deadfall website (http://www.deadfall-game.com), like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/deadfalladventures), or follow us on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/deadfalladv).








PRODUCT INFORMATION
Deadfall Adventures
From: Nordic Games


Saints Row IV – A must have game, in another dimension!

So if you’ve ever played any of the recent Saints Row games you’ll know it’s based on the roles of the street gang ‘The Saints’ and their exploits in Steelport, the city they rule. Saints Row IV takes it one major step further, the Saints now rule the free world and The Boss is now the President of the United States.  Stay with me…. I haven’t slipped into a parallel world myself, but this game has!

As before you can customise your character (the President), therefore if you want him to be a buff, green guy with an American flag tattooed on his face (yes that’s what I chose) or a Clark Kent style geek with thick rimmed specs and quite a slim, weedy appearance then go for it. Whatever floats your boat as they say!

The world has been taken over my aliens and they have transported you to a virtual Steelport simulation world, where people are bad, guns rule and you have amazing superpowers.  Guns rule, is a cool part of Saints Row IV, from rocket launchers early on whereby you need to cause mayhem, to the super cool dubstep gun, which fires music waves accompanied by Dubstep tunes to take down the enemy.

The superpowers while cool seem to take away the whole original feeling of Saints Row.  Jumping over buildings, flying through the air, outrunning super cars and sending enemies flying by telekenisis just isn’t the normality of a street gang.   Now, I know at this point you’re saying but it’s not normality it’s a virtual simulation – but hey ho, it’s still supposed to be an instalment in a popular gaming franchise.   If this is IV wherever will the Deep Silver / Violition team go with V or VI?

The overly large leader of the aliens is Zinyak, a sort of character that seems to have been separated at birth from Johann Schmidt (the Bad Guy in Captain America).



He’s ready to piss you off: he knows which buttons to press and how to get right under your skin, but it works both ways.  He’s constantly sending Zins to attack you and you’re constantly using a bad ass weapon to wipe them off the virtual earth.

This game takes you and your character to extreme levels of ridiculousness with some of the sublime and outrageousness thrown in.  While there’s less smut than the previous Saints Row III, there’s certainly its fair share of innuendos.


The narrative within the game is a little dull, you have to go through all the ‘conversation’ options before you can move onto the next part – which can be particularly frustrating in one ‘computer’ scene.
There’s loads of hidden agendas within this game, such as collecting spores – see how many you can get! As well as the side missions and the online game play.

Even if you have never played any of the previous Saints Row games  (because this really doesn’t follow along the lines of it anyway) you can enjoy this game.

There’s loads of laugh out loud moments, especially when creating the character, giving him a personality etc.
Go out and grab yourself this game, have fun and enjoy hours and hours of endless online gameplay.
My online review will be up online soon!

Games Booth Rating 9/10

PRODUCT INFORMATION
Saints Row IV
Formats: PC, PS3, X360
Out: 23/8/2013
Publisher: Deep Silver

Crytek Brings Acclaimed Free-to-Play FPS to Xbox with “Warface” for Xbox 360

Microsoft Studios and Crytek announce plans to launch “Warface” for Xbox 360 in early 2014; unveil stunning cinematic video


Crytek and Microsoft Studios today lifted the curtain on “Warface,” officially announcing that the award-winning PC title will arrive on consoles for the first time on Xbox 360 in early 2014.

True to its pedigree, “Warface” will feature vivid graphics and gameplay for intense, first-person shooter action. Centred on the soldiers of the elite force, “Warface” enables players to join the front line in competitive and cooperative mission battles with others from around the world.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Crytek to introduce this award-winning PC franchise to a console audience for the very first time,” said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president, Microsoft Studios. “Our relationship with one of the world’s most talented developers continues to grow, as we bring ‘Ryse: Son of Rome’ to Xbox One, and ‘Warface: 360 Edition’ to Xbox 360.”
A picturesque video trailer, created by renowned Crytek, also released today, showcases the futuristic world of “Warface” and introduces us to the elite Team Warface soldiers as they battle the ruthless Blackwood military force.

“Warface” will be available on Xbox 360 as a free-to-play with Gold title1.

For more details, please visit http://warface.com/xbox and stay connected tohttp://news.xbox.com.


F1™ 2013 CLASSIC TRACK CIRCUITO DE JEREZ SHOWCASED IN NEW HOT LAP VIDEO 



Codemasters® today released a new video showing one of F1 2013’s classic tracks, Circuito De Jerez, in its full in-game glory for the first time, now playing atwww.youtube.com/formula1game. F1™ 2013 is the latest entry in the award-winning series of officially licensed FORMULA 1™ video games and will launch on October 4th in the UK for the Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC from Steam and is available for pre-order now.

In the Circuito De Jerez Hot Lap video, viewers get a taster of some of the classic content set to debut in F1 2013 as ten-time GRAND PRIXTM winner Gerhard Berger pushes the 1988 Ferrari F1-87/88C to its limits around the legendary former home of the Spanish GRAND PRIX. Former FORMULA ONETM driver and F1 2013 technical consultant Anthony Davidson narrates the hot lap, advising on how to maximise their speed around the iconic track in the new video, now playing at www.youtube.com/formula1game.

F1 2013 will also feature all the cars and stars from the 2013 season, allowing gamers to race as Lewis Hamilton in his Mercedes and Sergio Perez in the McLaren-Mercedes for the first time, and includes all of the rule changes, tyre changes and remodelled handling to authentically reflect the challenge and exhilaration of racing 2013’s stunning roster of cars. A range of enhancements, improvements, split-screen and online multiplayer, plus new and returning game modes deliver the most complete simulation of a FORMULA ONE season in videogame history, with more detail to be revealed.


F1 2013 features Classic content for the first time in the series of official FORMULA 1 games from Codemasters in a new game mode, F1 Classics, introduced by legendary broadcaster Murray Walker. F1 Classics features a new fictional racing series, allowing players to race cars, drivers and circuits from different eras. Teams are represented by drivers who raced in specific cars, such as Mario Andretti in the 1986 Team Lotus 98T, and drivers who have also represented each team in different eras. Classic content is also available in a range of other game modes, including split-screen and online multiplayer modes.

F1 2013 comes complete with two Classic Tracks – Circuit De Jerez and Brands Hatch - plus teams, cars and drivers from the 1980s. F1 2013: CLASSIC EDITION – a premium, limited edition version of the game featuring bespoke box art - expands this content with further drivers and cars from the 1990s plus two additional tracks – Imola, former host of the San Marino GRAND PRIX and Estoril, past home of the Portuguese GRAND PRIX. F1 2013: CLASSIC Edition will be available in a run of just 10,000 units in the UK and is available to pre-order now.

GERHARD BERGER PUTS THE 1988 FERRARI THROUGH ITS PACES AROUND CLASSIC CIRCUIT IN NEW VIDEO ATwww.youtube.com/formula1game.

Gamers can find a full list of the classic content set to feature in both F1 2013 and F1 2013: CLASSIC EDITION at www.formula1-game.com.

To get all the latest F1 2013 news straight from the studio, race over to www.facebook.com/formula1gameor follow the team on twitter at www.twitter.com/formula1game.

PRODUCT INFORMATION
F1 2013
Formats: PC, PS3, X360
Out: 4/10/2013
Publisher: Codemasters



 Assassins Creed 4 Actors of Black Flag video


PRODUCT INFORMATION
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
Formats: PS3, WiiU, X360, XO, PC, PS4
Out: 1/11/2013 (PS3 WiiU X360)
 2013 (XO)
 TBA (PC PS4)
Publisher: Ubisoft

Batman™: Arkham Origins Blackgate – ”New Management” Trailer Reveal

Today, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment unveiled a new gameplay trailer forBatman: Arkham Origins Blackgate entitled ”New Management”. In addition to showing off the art style and gameplay of the first Batman: Arkham handheld game, several of the villains Batman will tangle with in Blackgate Prison are shown.  One of the Dark Knight’s most famous enemies, Solomon Grundy, is also revealed to be part of the game for the first time.


Developed by Armature Studio, Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate brings the coreArkham pillars to a handheld format for the first time to Sony and Nintendo handheld systems. Featuring stealth gameplay, free-flow combat, and Batman’s infamous gadgets,Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate captures the genuine Arkham feel players have come to appreciate. A companion game to Batman: Arkham Origins, players can continue the storyline of the console version and discover more details of the Dark Knight’s past. After gang-fueled uprisings occur within the walls of Blackgate Prison, Batman is called in to restore order and put an end to the rebellion before the chaos implodes. With gripping 2.5-D graphics, fully voiced narrative, and a captivating storyline, players will explore deep inside the bowels of this remote island penitentiary that plays an important role in the Arkham universe.

Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate will release on PlayStation Vita and Nintendo 3DS. Batman: Arkham Origins developed by WB Games MontrĆ©al will be available for the PS3™, Xbox 360®, the Wii U™ system, and Windows PC.  Both games will release worldwide on Oct. 25, 2013. 

PRODUCT INFORMATION
Batman: Arkham Origins
Formats: PC, PS3, WiiU, X360
Out: 25 October 2013
Publisher: Warner Bros.
“Halo 4” Global Championship Finals Commence at PAX Prime
World’s best “Halo” players battle for glory and share of $300,000 in cash, including a $200,000 grand prize

Spartans, get ready to tune in for the year’s biggest live “Halo” competition. The “Halo 4” Global Championship kicked off at the Rooster Teeth Expo, and then invaded gamescom last week. Featuring battles from the best-selling “Halo” game ever*, the “Halo 4” Global Championship Finals Weekend kicks off at PAX Prime in Seattle, Washington, promising heart-pounding competition among the world’s most formidable “Halo” players.

With a $200,000 grand prize on the line, Microsoft is hosting the Finals at Benaroya Hall, 30thAugust until 1st September from 11am to 5pm PT Friday and Saturday, with a live stream from 4pm to 6pm PT on Sunday. Hosted by Major Nelson and former G4TV hosts Blair Herter and Jessica Chobot, the event will feature musical performances by rappers MegaRan and K-Murdock, and a Cortana tribute by singer/songwriter Malukah. There are three ways to watch the weekend-long tournament festivities:

·         Xbox Live Dash. The Halo 4 Global Championship Finals will be streamed live on 1stSeptember at 4pm PT on Xbox Live and HaloWaypoint.com. In addition, viewers will get a first look at Xbox One exclusive launch titles, new announcements, and original content throughout the stream.

·         Live Competition at PAX. Come see the action live and watch the competition at Benaroya Hall from 30th August – 1st September. The first 1,000 PAX badge holders will receive a complimentary swag bag that can be picked up after the tournament ends for the day, and everyone who attends in person will have a shot at winning an Xbox One or Special “Halo” Edition Surface Pro!

·         Twitch TV. Tune in via the 343 Industries Twitch TV Stream (http://www.Twitch.tv/343Industries) as the top “Halo 4” players from around the globe battle it out from 11:30am to 6pm on Friday, and 11:30am to 4pm on Saturday.

“Halo 4” Game of the Year Edition Revealed
In addition, 343 Industries and Microsoft Studios have announced the “Halo 4” Game of the Year Edition, packed with hours of new content including the all-new “Halo 4” Champions Bundle and the War Games Map Pass at a fantastic value**. As a bonus, receive over 15 pieces of in-game and avatar content from the “Halo 4” campaign plus the all-new Master Chief Avatar Cloak inspired by “Halo” for Xbox One. Pricing and availability will be announced during the Global Championship Finals on Sunday 1st September.  



Grand Theft Auto V: Watch The Official Trailer now


PRODUCT INFORMATION
Grand Theft Auto V
Formats: PS3, X360
Out: 17/9/2013
Publisher: Rockstar
Developer: In-house

THE MAGIC OF SKYLANDERS SWAP FORCETM MAKES ITS WAY TO
NINTENDO 3DS THIS AUTUMN

Leader in the Toys-To-Life Genre Unites with the #1-Selling
Video Game Hand-Held Platform to Deliver Unprecedented Fun for Fans 

Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI) is gearing up to deliver the innovation of “dynamic swapability”  to the top selling Nintendo 3DS™ hand-held system¹ this autumn with the highly anticipated launch of Skylanders SWAP Force.  The $1.5 billion Skylanders® franchise continues to lead the video game industry in overall retail sales worldwide.2 
The Nintendo 3DS version of Skylanders SWAP Force offers gamers a unique adventure complete with its very own story, levels and special starter pack characters. A truly complementary experience to the console version,Skylanders SWAP Force on Nintendo 3DS will hit retail destinations worldwide with three new characters – Rattle Shake, Volcanic Eruptor and Free Ranger – which are not found in any other Skylanders Starter Pack.  So if fans buy both a console version and the Nintendo 3DS version of Skylanders SWAP Force, then they will end up with four SWAP Force Skylanders, giving them 16 different combinations.
“Skylanders fans have been very supportive in expressing what they’d like to experience in the Nintendo 3DS version of Skylanders SWAP Force, and we really took their input to heart,” said Alex Peters, Vice President, Activision Production. “The game plays smoother and crisper than ever before, and with kids’ collections becoming larger and larger, we were able to add more depth and gameplay variety than any other hand-held version of Skylanders.”

The story of Skylanders SWAP Force on Nintendo 3DS begins in Boomtown, home of Skylands’ favourite pilot, Flynn. As the town is celebrating Flynn as their hometown hero, a new villain known as Count Moneybone sneaks his way into Boomtown to kidnap Cali, long-time friend to Flynn and the Skylanders.  Now it’s up to Portal Masters everywhere to assemble the Skylanders and SWAP Force to save Cali and defeat the evil Count Moneybone. 
Skylanders SWAP Force gives kids an unprecedented level of choice by allowing them to swap the top and bottom halves of the toys to transform 16 SWAP ForceTM characters into more than 250 unique combinations3Skylanders SWAP Force on Nintendo 3DS is compatible with all of the toys from Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure® and Skylanders Giants; additionally, all of the characters’ abilities, levels and customization will carry forward toSkylanders SWAP Force. Like the game’s console version, the level cap for all characters has been raised from 15 to 20, enabling players to continue building the skills and experience of their favorite Skylanders. 
Skylanders SWAP Force on Nintendo 3DS, developed by n-Space, will be available on 18th October in Europe. The game is rated PEGI 7. For more information, visit: www.skylanders.com.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Skylanders Swap Force
Formats: 3DS, PS4, Wii, WiiU, XO
Out: 18/10/2013 (3DS)
 2014 (PS4 Wii WiiU XO)
Publisher: Activision


Take the first look at the "Free Fall" downloadable bonus Multiplayer map for Call of Duty: Ghosts, in this behind the scenes video from Infinity Ward and Activision.


Infinity Ward Executive Producer Mark Rubin and the Call of Duty: Ghosts development team discuss the moving environments featured on this dynamic map.

Pre-order Call of Duty: Ghosts at GAME and get the map that drops you into a shattered skyscraper on the brink of collapse.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Call of Duty: Ghosts
Formats: PC, PS3, X360
Out: 5/11/2013
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Infinity Ward