We have more exciting news following the recent launch of Skylanders Giants – Wave 2 character assets are now here!

To learn more about these characters, please see below for their biographies. 

HOT HEAD Element: FIRE
Phrase: Hey! I’m on Fire!
Bio: Hot Head had always been a short tempered fire giant. But it was when magical oil was discovered in Skylands that fuel was really added to the fire. As exciting as the discovery was, the celebration lasted only 5 minutes – coming to an abrupt halt when Hot Head needed to cool off and plunged into the thick black pool, causing the entire island to explode! Though it would be another 2,000 years before magical oil was discovered again, the impact that it had on Hot Head was immediate. He was instantly infused with magical oil, giving him the ability to generate an infinite supply of fuel – making him incredibly volatile, highly combustible, and ready to torch anything that got in his way. 

SPROCKET
Element: TECH

Phrase: The Fix is in!

Bio: Sprocket was raised with all the privileges of a rich, proper Goldling. But she cared little for fancy things. Instead, she spent most of her time growing up in her uncle’s workshop, learning how to build and fix his many mechanical inventions. But everything changed on the day her uncle mysteriously vanished. When she eventually discovered that Kaos had been behind his disappearance, she constructed a battle suit and went after him, leaving the luxury and comfort of her family’s wealth behind. From that moment on, Sprocket was dedicated to fighting the forces of evil, while never losing hope that she would be reunited with her beloved uncle. 

FLASHWING
Element: EARTH
Phrase: Blinded by the Light!
Bio: Flashwing’s true origins are a mystery. But her first appearance came when Bash made a wish that he could fly and looked up to see a shooting star streak across the sky and land in a valley below. In the centre of the glowing impact crater was a large, brilliant geode – which suddenly cracked open to reveal Flashwing. Bash may not have soared that day, but his heart sure did, because Flashwing was beautiful… and lethal. As soon as Bash stepped closer, the gem dragon turned towards him. Not knowing if he was friend or foe, she blasted him off of the cliff with a full force laser pulse from her tail! Perhaps Bash flew that day after all.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Skylanders Giants

Formats:  3DS, PS3, Wii, X360, WiiU Out:  19/10/2012(3DS PS3 Wii X360) TBA (WiiU) Publisher:  Activision

CALL OF DUTY®: BLACK OPS II SOUNDTRACK COMING TO iTunes

Academy Award Winning Composer Trent Reznor and

Legendary Soundtrack Composer and British Academy of Film & Television Arts Nominee, Jack Wall, Deliver the Explosive Call of Duty: Black Ops II Soundtrack

In just a matter of days, as fans around the world prepare for the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops II, they’ll also be able to immerse themselves in the music of the game with the epic soundtrack.  Featuring a brooding theme by Trent Reznor and the masterfully written original score by Jack Wall, the soundtrack for Activision and Treyarch’s hotly-anticipated blockbuster delivers on the emotional intensity of the game. The music is a reflection of the complex narrative being told by Treyarch, taking players on an audible journey around the world, influenced by the cultures and conflicts that will immerse players in the experience.

"The story surrounding the single player campaign was of paramount importance to the developers at Treyarch. I wanted to do my part to give that story as much emotional depth as I could with the music. I think the fans will really appreciate how deep the story is in Call of Duty: Black Ops II," said Jack Wall.

Releasing the same day as Treyarch’s blockbuster game, the Call of Duty: Black Ops II soundtrack, featuring more than 40 tracks, will be available online on iTunes and through select digital marketplaces.  Additionally, the Soundtrack will be included in both the Call of Duty: Black Ops II Hardened Edition andCall of Duty: Black Ops II Care Package Collector’s Editions, respectively.

Trent Reznor, one of the most critically-acclaimed talents in the music industry known recently for his award-winning composition on the score for The Social Network, as well as the riveting feature film The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo brings his distinctive style to the biggest entertainment property of the year. Jack Wall, one of the most well-known and highly-acclaimed composers in the video game industry, composed the emotional score for Call of Duty: Black Ops II, bringing the visceral title’s audio landscape to life. 

Call of Duty: Black Ops II is scheduled to release worldwide on 13^th November.  Developed by Treyarch, the title will be published by Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), and is rated ‘M’ for Mature. For more information, visit www.callofduty/blackops2,www.facebook.com/codblackops, or @Treyarch on Twitter.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Call of Duty: Black Ops II

Formats:  PC, PS3, X360 Out:  13/11/2012 Publisher:  Activision

Painkiller Hell & Damnation unleashed today for Windows PC

Spooktacular free Cemetery Halloween Edition DLC available to all those who have pre-ordered or purchased during Halloween both off and online

 Nordic Games is proud to announce that the eagerly awaited Painkiller Hell & Damnation is out now for Windows PC.

The infernal gates of hell have been opened for PC gamers to set Daniel Garner free from Purgatory and escape the evil supernatural powers. Players can now get their hands on the game in both Standard and Collector’s Edition formats, in time for a hellish Halloween.

For those who have pre-ordered the game or purchased during Halloween and activate their product code before 5pm GMT on November 1^st, there will also be an extra special reward. Players simply need to activate their product on Steam and automatically claim the goresome free DLC pack. This exclusive pack will provide a unique Halloween themed map that will contain a frighteningly large number of Halloween inspired rewards, enemies, weapons and bosses in addition to a special Halloween achievement. Destroy pumpkins, collect lollipops, battle against Pumpkinhead Ghostriders and fight on a deathly carousel in the perfect addition to the goriest game to blast its way on to PCs in years.

“Players will endure the most hair-raising Halloween experience this year with Painkiller,” says Nik Blower, Sales and Marketing Director, Nordic Games. “It’s the deadliest incarnation of the series so far, the graphics are stunning and the unique gameplay remains true to old-school FPS ideology that made the original game so well loved.”

The campaign features an all-action crusade that can be played in single player mode, co-operative mode across four chapters, and several multiplayer-modes. A vast array of demons and fiends will be encountered along the way.

The bonus Collector’s Edition content will include stickers, postcards from hell, ten tracks from the heavy metal soundtrack, a making of DVD, in-game tarot card for single player power-up and  exclusive multiplayer skin. The package will also comprise of all the material from the Standard Edition including game disc and A3 size poster.

The full features list includes:

• A modern remake of two Classic shooters, Painkiller and Painkiller: Battle Out Of Hell
• 14 adrenaline filled levels, including 4 Boss levels
• Over 30 of the nastiest, darkest creatures from Hell
• Devastating and unique arsenal of weapons
• Enormo-boss-fights
• Singleplayer and co-operative campaigns spread across 4 chapters; the entire Singleplayer campaign can be played by two players in co-op mode (Lan or online)
• Numerous Player vs. Player (PvP) and Player vs. Environment (PvE) Multiplayer modes
• PvE- Coop
• PvE- Survival
• PvP- Duel
• PvP- Deathmatch
• PvP- Team Deathmatch
• PvP- Capture the Flag
• The soundtrack is forged in the same furnace as the weapons: Heavy Metal!
• Powered by Unreal Engine 3®
• Steamworks fully integrated

Anti-Features

• NO Kill-streak bonuses, airstrikes, or suicide bombings
• NO auto-heal
• NO AK-47, NO M16 or other weapons like that; just a healthy dose of .666 calibre weapons!
• NO upgraded weapons with scopes, attached rocket launchers and extended ammo clip

Painkiller was critically-acclaimed when originally released in 2004 and continues to offer adrenaline fuelled gameplay that can be experienced across four chapters. Its lightning-fast movements enables skilful players to get into the heart of the fast-paced gameplay, topped off with stunning enormo-boss fights requiring sneaky tactics.



Developed by Polish studio The Farm 51 and powered by Epic’s world-renowned and highly-respected Unreal Engine 3, in stunning and painstakingly redrawn high definition.
Painkiller Hell & Damnation will be available to buy for Windows PC priced £17.99 and £24.99 respectively. The console versions for PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft uncut versions, and Windows PC cut versions will be available on the 22^nd January 2013.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Painkiller Hell & Damnation

Formats:  PC, PS3, X360 Out:  31/10/2012 (PC)   22/01/2013(PS3 X360) Publisher:  Nordic Games

 

XBOX 360 TRANSFORMS A COUNTRY TO LAUNCH EPIC BLOCKBUSTER “HALO 4”

Xbox 360 changes the game by taking over Liechtenstein in 2012’s biggest entertainment launch 

 In a ground-breaking world first, Xbox 360 yesterday became the only brand to ever transform the Principality of Liechtenstein by taking over some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, including a 13^th century castle and a working mine, to create a real-life replica of the “Halo” universe within the heart of Europe to mark the launch of “Halo 4”. 

For one day only, the mountainous landscapes of the normally tranquil Liechtenstein countryside became a stage for an epic sci-fi saga as Xbox 360 created a mysterious alternate universe inspired by the video game franchise which has sold a staggering 46 million copies worldwide since launch in 2001. 

Super fans and worldwide media from 16 different countries were catapulted into this off-world environment to take part in a theatrical experience which saw them travel to a top secret location before being unexpectedly thrust into a war zone which recreated brutal battle grounds through pyrotechnic explosions, thunderous sound effects and cinematic set builds. 

““Halo” is a $3 billion blockbuster franchise which has shaped entertainment history and defined a generation of gamers,” said Chris Lewis, Vice President, Interactive Entertainment Business, Microsoft EMEA.  “From the world’s first ever red-carpet premieres for a video game to sending a man strapped to a jet-pack 50-foot above London’s iconic skyline, “Halo” launches have continually broken the mould and we are back with a colossal bang for “Halo 4”, transforming a country on the biggest scale imaginable”.

“Halo 4” is the start of a new saga in the “Halo” story which is set to cause a sensation when it hits stores on Tuesday 6th November 2012.  Acclaimed film director David Fincher, the creative visionary behind Hollywood thrillers such as "Fight Club" and "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo", produced an action-packed launch trailer for the game and American talk show host Conan O’Brien and actor Andy Richter are voicing two of the game’s characters.  The “Halo 4” Original Soundtrack was composed by award-winning producer and composer Neil Davidge, long-term co-writer and collaborator for music production outfit Massive Attack. 

Transforming Liechtenstein
Xbox 360 worked with the government-owned Liechtenstein Marketing, which promotes Liechtenstein as a tourism destination and a place to do business, to transform the country.  The unique makeover included: 
·         Reimagining a 13^th Century Castle – standing on a 70-metre high spur of rock, Gutenberg Castle, one of the most important historical landmarks of Liechtenstein, took on a new guise as  a futuristic military fortification where guests become among the first to play “Halo 4”
·         Overtaking an entire quarry – a working mine became a jaw-dropping arena for sci-fi adventure, with an appearance from the hero of “Halo 4”, the Master Chief, amidst a series of pyrotechnic explosions
·         Creating a Military Camp in the countryside – a local farmer’s field become a post-apocalyptic battle ground
·         Finishing touches included the use of bespoke props, special effects and pyrotechnics
·         Immersive theatre –15 actors took guests on a two-hour adventure which involved decoding a series of cryptic clues to help save mankind from extinction by fighting off the threat of an attack

Developed by 343 Industries exclusively for Xbox 360, “Halo 4” ushers in the return of mankind’s greatest hero, the Master Chief, in a newly envisioned sci-fi adventure.  Set nearly five years after the events of “Halo 3,” “Halo 4” follows the Master Chief as he ventures into a mysterious new world and discovers an overpowering ancient evil that threatens to annihilate mankind. 

Launching worldwide exclusively for Xbox 360 on 6 November 2012, “Halo 4” is the next blockbuster instalment of the iconic franchise that has shaped entertainment history and defined a generation of gamers. Developed by 343 Industries, “Halo 4” continues the story of the series’ iconic hero the Master Chief as he returns to confront his destiny and face an ancient evil that threatens the fate of the entire universe. “Halo 4” takes the series in a bold new direction by delivering its most epic and explorative campaign yet, alongside an emotionally resonant story and a ground-breaking multiplayer offering unlike anything before it – setting the stage for an epic new sci-fi saga.

The standard edition of “Halo 4” will be available for £49.99 (RRP), and the Limited Edition, which includes an extended 90-minute version of the live-action digital series “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” and additional bonus content, will be available for £69.99 (RRP). Fans can also pick up the Xbox 360 Limited Edition “Halo 4” Console Bundle for £269.99 (RRP) and a standalone Xbox 360 Limited Edition “Halo 4” Wireless Controller for £39.99 (RRP). Please visithttp://www.xbox.com/Halo-4 for more details.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Halo 4

Format:  X360 Out:  06/11/2012 Publisher:  Microsoft

 LEGO The Lord of the Rings - Humor Video

Taking players through the epic story events from the critically acclaimed motion picture trilogy,  LEGO  The Lord of the Rings adds a humorous spin on the timeless fantasy tale and is sure to be one of the most sought after games for families this holiday season. To celebrate the game, WBIE today released a lighthearted humor video for the title, showcasing some of the most memorable moments from the films reimagined in an unmistakable LEGO way. 

LEGO The Lord of the Rings will be coming to the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 system, the Wii™ system and PC.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

LEGO The Lord of the Rings

Formats:  3DS, DS, PC, PS3, Wii, X360 Out:  23/11/2012 Publisher:  Warner Bros.

Guardians of Middle-earth MOBA Mastery Video #1

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Monolith Productions today released the first installment of the newGuardians of Middle-earth “MOBA Mastery” video tutorial series.  Each installment examines some of the basics of the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game genre and provides strategies for new or veteran MOBA players as they play Guardians of Middle-earth. This first MOBA Mastery episode dives into the essentials of Guardians of Middle-earth.

The first MOBA Mastery video 

In Guardians of Middle-earth, gamers team up as the most powerful heroes from the greatest fantasy epic of all time, bringing up to 10 players together in a competitive multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game.  Featuring tie-ins to the upcoming film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the game allows players to develop and master more than 20 iconic characters. Play as Gandalf, Gollum, Legolas, Sauron and more, forming memorable and unlikely alliances with and against friends. Gamers will have the ability to connect with other players via an in-game voice communication system, as well as access to a comprehensive online stat and leader board system where they can track friends’ victories and defeats, and more. Available December 2012 at select retail stores and via download for Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 and PlayStation Network.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Guardians of Middle-earth.

Formats:  PS3, X360 Out:  Autumn 2012 (online) Publisher:  Warner Bros.

Tritton Kunai Headset

My usual choice of mic and earphone has been a basic in earphone bluetooth earpiece that I've had for years, that's purely because I know it works well and it's a case of if it ain't broke don't fix it - or in this case, don't buy something that you really don't need (especially when i usually just have the TV up loud etc).

Anyway I knew it was time to change to something more modern, something that made me truly hear all the sounds going on around me during game play, but which ones would I buy, how was I to decide.  

The opportunity to test out one specific set came thanks to Tritton's Kunai for PS3, so I thought I'd share my thoughts on them with you, so here (or maybe I should say hear) goes. 

First thing you notice when the package comes through the door is the size of them, when used to a small in ear bar with mic, these things look enormous - they aren't though. They actually fit lovely around my ears, the comfort factor is fantastic and to say they are large they're certainly not heavy in any way at all.  I'm actually going to take a minute to tell you about the comfort of these earphones as I feel like a lot of thought went into this by the manufacturers.  The cushioned pads are large enough to cup small to average ears completely, or to softly nestle against larger ones.  On top of the cushioning, they swivel, yes, swivel, they feel a bit like a memory foam mattress on your ears, they kind of mold onto your ear form.  It's not only the earpads that move, the headband part does to, allowing for them to reach over a whole manner of head sizes.  

Onto the sound quality, according to the official website for the earphones 'The Kunai outputs game and chat audio through a pair of precision-tuned, amplified 40mm speakers employing Neodymium magnets.'  Don't know what magnets have to do with it, but the sound quality coming through these headsets was amazing. I tested them with two very different games, F1 and Battlefield (of course).  On the track, raring to go in my super sleek F1 car, the engines are revving all around me and my god can I hear them.  I felt like I was there myself, sitting in the drivers seat.  I can honestly sit here and say that these headphones really gave me an immersive experience.    On the field of war, no-one stood a chance against me this time,  I could hear those creeping up behind me trying to stab me in the back and could hear team mates chattering away. It was during this game that I knew these earphones were doing something for me, this was when a friend said "Mate you got a new mic or something you're really clear, I can even hear your muttering language."  Who cares what he can hear I was on a dog tags roll!   What I should've done is actually told him to go and get some Tritton Kunai as it has the ability to turn down game chatter, but keep the game play volume up.  That way he could've tuned my 'muttering' out. 

My only one 'downer' of this headset is it's wired,  to be fair though it is a long wire so you don't have to sit on top of your PS3 to use them, I just feel that with kids and a dog wandering around it's safer to be wireless, but until digital wireless audio lives up to HD standard we all have to make some sacrifices. 

Anyway, after several very enjoyable hours of game play wearing this headset, ignoring the wife and kids and yelling louder than I really should have, I can honestly say these are fantastic and well worth the RRP of £49.99, which is an acceptable price and easily a Christmas present price for any loved one into gaming.  

PRODUCT INFORMATION

TRITTON Kunai Stereo Gaming Headsets

From:  Mad Catz

THE BOOT ROOM | FIFA 13 COMPLETE DRIBBLING TIPS

In this week's The Boot Room we discuss the finer points of the new EA SPORTS FIFA 13 face off dribbling functionality which allows players to face their opponent and use precise dribble touches combined with true 360 mobility with the ball.

Match magazine's Darren Cross explains that using the left trigger and right triggers enables players to use this tactic when attacking, which makes space for a pass, or to run right past the defence!

Darren also outlines his favourite manoeuvre of baiting opponents - where, once in control of the ball he hops back, enticing his challenger to come in and try to snatch it back. The end result? Their momentum takes them in the wrong direction and gives you a bit more space to move sideways and away - a good tactic to use in the box to draw a foul.

Matt and Darren also explain the finer points of the criminally underused Precision Dribbling 2.0 - a handy mode that can be used by holding LB on your controller.

POSTED BY EA News 

PRODUCT INFORMATION

FIFA 13

Formats:  PS2, PSV, PS3, X360, 3DS, PC, Wii Out:  27/09/2012(PS2 PSV)   28/09/2012(PS3 X360)   Q3 2012(3DS PC Wii) Publisher:  EA Developer:  In-house

BUY FIFA 13 ON ORIGIN FOR PC

Rockstar Games Announces Grand Theft Auto V Coming Spring 2013

Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), is very proud to announce that Grand Theft Auto V is expected to launch worldwide during spring 2013 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. 

Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto V is coming to Xbox 360 and PS3 during spring 2013 (Photo: Business Wire)

Developed by series creator Rockstar North, Grand Theft Auto V is the largest and most ambitious title in the series to date. Set in the sprawling city of Los Santos and the surrounding area, Grand Theft Auto Vdelivers a world of unprecedented scale and detail bursting with life, from mountaintops to the depths of the ocean.

"Grand Theft Auto V builds on everything we've learned about open world game design," said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. "We can’t wait to share it with fans."

Beginning November 5, 2012, Grand Theft Auto V will be available for pre-order in stores everywhere. For all other information and updates on Grand Theft Auto V including the latest trailers, please visithttp://www.rockstargames.com/V/.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Grand Theft Auto V

Formats:  PS3, X360 Out:  Spring 2013 Publisher:  Rockstar Developer:  In-house