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Xbox One Announced

The Next-Gen wars have truly begun!

After months of speculation, Microsoft finally revealed its next-generation console today: the Xbox One. Microsoft called the system an “all in one system” for games, entertainment, and television.

Microsoft also announced it’s specifications which includes 8GB of RAM, an 8-Core CPU, a 500GB hard drive, a Blu-ray drive, HDMI in and out ports, USB 3.0, 802.11n wireless, and more. It also includes a new version of the Kinect sensor. Amongst rumors, it has been finally confirmed that the Xbox One will not require an always-on internet connection.

The news came during today’s much-hyped Xbox Reveal event and puts numerous rumors to rest including names like Fusion, Xbox 720, Xbox 8 and Loop. It also ends the need for the system’s long-running codename, Durango.

More information was revealed as the day progressed and here are some excerpts and insights:

Analysts who had wondered whether the company could follow up on the success of its Xbox 360, first unveiled in 2005, said its successor offered a complete entertainment system designed for the family.

“The Xbox One really looks to advance the state of video game technology and entertainment in a way that we haven’t seen before,” said Brian Blau, a director of Gartner Research.

“The Xbox One is a real advancement, one that will transform the way we experience TV, games, music, movies and more. From what we can see so far Microsoft has met and far exceeded expectations for the Xbox One. This is Microsoft branching out into the living room to reach more of a family audience rather than a core gaming audience.”

Fred Huet, a managing partner at Greenwich Consulting, said Microsoft had thrown down the gauntlet to Sony’s PlayStation and other rivals. “The Xbox One is set to mark the beginning of a new generation of games, TV and entertainment.”

The Xbox One, which will be available from the end of the year, will be powered by 300,000 servers, more than the entire world’s computing power in 1999, said Whitten.

An improved, ultra-sensitive Kinect sensor will track wrist and shoulder rotations and be able to read users’ heartbeats. Its main camera can record 1080P RGB video at 30 frames per second.

Microsoft executive Yusuf Mehdi wowed the audience by calling out commands and using minimal hand gestures to manipulate content on the Xbox One. He said “a new set of universal gestures to control your TV” would banish the fumbling confusion many feel with existing remotes. TechCruch called it a “massive, massive upgrade” from the original model.

A “snap mode” similar to Microsoft Windows 8 experience allows users to run two activities – such as watching TV and browsing the internet, or using Skype – simultaneously. It offers a second screen.

The Xbox One has 8GB of Ram, along with a Blu-ray drive, 64-bit architecture and a 500GB onboard hard drive. Microsoft also unveiled a new version of its camera-based Kinect system with better motion and voice detection. It showed how users can watch live sports on TV while getting updates on fantasy leagues on a split screen. In an effort to stay ahead of rivals, Microsoft said new content for the popular Call of Duty game can be downloaded on the Xbox One before any other system.

But Microsoft gave little detail on games, apart from glimpses of EA’s Fifa and Madden stalwarts, some shiny cars in Forza Motorsport 5 and a confusing glance at Quantum Break, a futuristic action adventure that appears to mix televisual sequences with gameplay.

Microsoft said more games would be shown at next month’s E3 video games conference in Los Angeles.

The previous model, the Xbox 360, was launched eight years ago, and has been the leading games console for the past two years.

The Last of Us Preview

Naughty Dog certainly has a flair for creating immersive environments and stunning characters and The Last of Us, really let’s them shine through. Watch the latest preview for ‘The Last of Us’ in this stunning trailer. Be prepared for scares, thrills and stunning visuals!

PlayStation 4 Price and Release Date Rumors

A new rumor suggests that PlayStation 4 is due this November and will be available at two price points. According to Kotaku, anonymous sources say the PlayStation 4 is currently planned for two SKUs at $429 and $529 respectively, though “that could change.”

The source also suggests that “you’ll also be able to control the PS4 remotely from your tablet or smartphone. You’ll be able to use a mobile device to chat with your PS4 friends or buy games which are then automatically downloaded to your machine.” The second half of that rumor seems to be in line with Sony’s recent changes to the accessibility of the PlayStation Store, which expanded to browsers last month.

Finally, the source suggests “that every PS4 will come with a PlayStation Eye; that a new spectating feature will let you watch other friends play games from your console’s dashboard, even when you don’t own the game they’re playing; and that the console will support local network play via Vita.”

Stay tuned for more updates post the event.

Splinter Cell Blacklist Collector’s Edition Goodies

Collector’s editions of games are usually something that only the elite gamers (deep pockets) could afford – and that hasn’t changed in the recent past, BUT it’s also brought out some really wicked stuff that even the ones without deep pockets tend to dig deep to shell out. One such addition is the Splinter Cell Blacklist Collector’s Edition.

Splinter Cell Blacklist publisher Ubisoft has revealed the Collector’s Edition for the upcoming stealth game. The Paladin Multi-Mission Aircraft Edition for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 will be priced at $169.99 and be available on August 20 (in North America and Latin America only). The box will include a copy of the game, a copy of the 88-page Splinter Cell Echoes graphic novel, a poster, the “Billionaire’s Yacht” co-op map, the Upper Echelon Pack containing the “Dead Coast” co-op map as well as the Gold Sonar Goggles and Upper Echelon Suit in-game items, and a radio-controlled version of the Paladin airplane that hero Sam Fisher and his Fourth Echelon team use as their aerial base of operations. The Paladin is, according to Ubisoft, a “custom three-channel, dual-motor plane modeled after the in-game mobile headquarters.”

Yes, it actually flies.

DMC: Devil May Cry 2013 Wallpapers

Check out the latest collection of DMC: Devil May Cry 2013 wallpapers!

First Impressions of the ‘God of War: Ascension’ Multiplayer Beta

I’m always wary of ‘Beta’ releases – but like any other God of War fan I was overjoyed to get my hands on the Multiplayer Beta and it did not disappoint.

The first thing you’ll notice about the beta is that the multiplayer is not just an add on, but it’s actually a very polished experience. I’m not sure how many will buy the game just for the multiplayer, but it’s good to see that some actual thought has gone into the game.

Players start off leading their hulking avatar through Mount Olympus, surrounded on all sides by the founding brothers—Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades—along with the treacherous Ares. Only Zeus and Ares can be followed in the beta, and each one grants certain bonuses over the other, though you can always switch between the two throughout.

Once you’ve pledged allegiance to your god of choice, a tutorial begins explaining the basics of combat. As before, attacks are divided into heavy and light while the circle button knock back enemies with a kick. Attacks can be charged and special moves can pulled off when the L1 is held along with one of the attack buttons. To keep these from being spammed, there’s a delay between them that gradually recharges. Parries can be performed and are critical for taking enemies off guard and then dishing out some punishment.

GoW Ascension_ (4)

Attacks can be followed up in the air and there’s also a grab button that works similar to when Kratos spears an enemy with his blades. Magic attacks are also available, and an item button produces different effects depending on what’s equipped, typically something to interrupt the flow of enemy combos. There’s quite a few options for combat, and one of the central tricks is to keep a combo going for as long as possible before your opponent can get back on their feet with varied attacks.

After the tutorial is completed, players are dropped into the multiplayer suite where they can outfit their warrior with armor, magic, items, weapons, and relics that give boosts in certain areas. A persistent ranking system unlocks additional items and whatever is equipped will gradually become stronger with use. Since every item has different properties—including the weapons and their movesets—there’s enough incentive to experiment with different combinations although you can always stick to one set of items and max them out first.

There are two modes available in the beta: Favor of the Gods and Team Favor of the Gods. The first is a four-player free-for-all that drops everyone into a forum to fight for the amusement of Hercules. He’ll periodically cause a shockwave throughout the arena that’ll catch unwary fighters and if you’re not too careful you may get knocked off. The goal of this mode is to rack up kills over your fellow warriors and open any chests that may appear in order to collect points. The player with the highest score wins.

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Health and magic will appear sporadically as will items that can shift who the battle favors. Environmental weapons include a magical spear, a sword, and a club, all of which are great for taking enemies down quickly. Keep an eye out for Kratos’ own Blades of Chaos, making the warrior wielding them unstoppable. Cunning warriors can knock their enemies into spiked walls or set off a volley of arrows that engulf the arena, should they need to rely more on their wits than their brawn.

Team Favor of the Gods takes place in the Desert of Lost Souls with a cyclopic titan chained in the background. Players are divided into teams of four—one Spartans, the other Trojans—and fight for control points around the map. More traps litter the landscape like spikes and fire and can be set up to automatically spring whenever an enemy steps over them. Once a team is close to the score limit, the gods will hurl a spear that can be used to fell the titan. A brief quick-time event will show up as the player splits open the titan’s jaw while their teammates work together to kill it.

All the gore of the main game carries over. Every warrior is stunned once they’re near death and can have a brutal kill performed on them. Depending on what weapon is equipped, players can be gutted, sliced in half, or have their faces bludgeoned in. It feels exactly how a multiplayer version of God of War should feel: quick, brutal, and gory. More importantly, the beta captures the essence of the series. You really do feel like you’re fighting for the bemusement of several deities as you slice and dice other muscle-bound warriors clad in gladiator armor.

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The only downside is that you can’t just go online and pick a fight with anyone – the engine matches your skill levels to similar players and then throws you all in to go crazy. I’m not sure how long this can be sustainable, but time will tell.

Overall – this feels like it’s a very integral part of the God of War experience and it translates so well into multiplayer. I’ve no doubt in my mind, that when this game is out and the story line is done and dusted, you’ll be spending quite a few hours on this.

Most Anticipated Games of 2013

2012 is now done and dusted. It was a great year for gaming and on the first day of 2013, it’s only fitting that we take a look ahead on whats coming up. Here’s our list of most anticipated games of 2013.

The Last of Us

Format: PS3
When: 7 May 2013
Publisher: Sony

Naughty Dog has been naughty and coming off the lines of ‘I Am Legend’; a zombie outbreak with a difference sees an airborne fungus transforming 99% of humanity into flesh-craving monsters. The survivors subsequently dividing into factions that might not always sport the best intentions towards their fellow-man. The Last of Us follows the bid for existence of Joel and Ellie as they pick their way through the ruins of the American East Coast in Naughty Dog’s first all-original franchise since Uncharted. The game promises everything, here’s hoping the developer can pull-off what’s already looking like one of 2013′s finest.

Aliens: Colonial Marines

Format: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC
When: 12 February 2013
Publisher: Sega

The officially licensed shooter-sequel to James Cameron’s Aliens will have you screaming like never before. The Game amps the tension and gameplay into one hell of a ride. What’s interesting is the Wii U version promises to use the console’s GamePad as a surrogate for the film’s famous motion-tracker…goose bumps already? It’s enough to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Format: PS3, Xbox 360
When: 22 February 2013
Publisher: Konami

Platinum Games (Bayonetta) and Kojima Productions (Metal Gear Solid) combine their considerable talents in an all-action take on the usually espionage-centric Metal Gear series. Revengeance seems set to not only prove there’s plenty of surprises left in the series yet, but also resurrect the ailing career of Raiden, as the much criticised character returns as a sword-wielding cyborg ninja. Expect both blood and hydraulic fluid to fly as he cuts a swathe through enemy cyborgs via a control system that’s just as tight as in previous Platinum Games titles and with the added twist of ‘Blade mode’ which allows for precision slicing-and-dicing.

BioShock Infinite

Format: PS3, Xbox 360, PC
When: 26 February 2013
Publisher: 2K Games

Ken Levine is a genius…we know that…and when he applies his considerable creative flair to a project you have to stop and smell the coffee, because you know it’s an experience you’ll not want to miss. Thus with BioShock infinite, it not only ranks amongst our top favourites of 2013, but probably everyone out there can’t wait for it. Infinite takes place upon the floating city of Columbia, an impossible metropolis built upon a corrupted notion of the all-American dream. Expect to have your moral compass compromised and your mind warped by the vertigo-inducing heights. Don’t fall off!!

Grand Theft Auto V

Format: PS3, Xbox 360
When: Q2 2013
Publisher: Rockstar

5 years since GTA 4 and we can’t get any more hyper about this. What would 2013 be without a Rockstar game. Three protagonists, the huge sandbox of Los Santos to play in and the series’ usual trademark black humour mean that this will sell like the proverbial hotcakes next spring. Based on all the screenshots and videos we’ve seen, it’s sure set to push the bar higher and farther than ever before.

Gears of War: Judgement

Format: Xbox 360
When: 19 March 2013
Publisher: Microsoft

This game will take you back to where it all began. Documenting the events before the Gears of War series, this one for sure is not to be missed. Going by the trailers and screens we’ve seen, it’s not only stunning, but has brought in some interesting gameplay mechanics and increased production value to make this one of the best looking games of 2013 already.

Tomb Raider

Format: PS3, Xbox 360, PC
When: 19 March 2013
Publisher: Square Enix

Tomb Raider explores the origin story of Lara Croft and her ascent from a frightened young woman to a hardened survivor. It’s a re-boot for all practical purposes and it looks amazing! We’re really hoping that it brings in a new dimension to the way 3rd person games should be played.

God of War: Ascension

Format: PS3
When: 12 March 2013
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Do we really need to talk more about this? The God of War franchise has certainly reached cult status and defined an iconic place in video gaming history. With God of War Ascension, we can only wait to see how it pushes the franchise further!

DmC: Devil May Cry

Format: PS3, Xbox 360, PC
When: 15 January 2013
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

A reboot, a new attitude and new gameplay mechanics make this game to die for in 2013. We’ve already played the demo and we’ve loved it! Can’t wait for the full exprience…and that’s just 15 days away!!

Dead Space 3

Format: PS3, Xbox 360, PC
When: 5 February 2013
Publisher: Electronic Arts

Dead Space 3 makes our list because it brings in new horror elements and a new co-op mode. While it all sounds rather dry, one look at the trailer and your goosebumps will have goosebumps. Stunning visuals, immersive gameplay and a new co-op mode make this on to our most anticipated list. Not to mention the new weapons upgrade bench. Wicked!

Injustice: Gods Among Us

Format: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U
When: April 2013
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

What’s left to be said about this upcoming DC-Mortal Kombat-esque brawler. You get to play as your favourite DC Super Heroes and villains in a 1 on 1 style combat game. Features pretty much everything from Mortal Kombat we’ve known to love and then some.

There you have it folks, our top most anticipated games of 2013. Yeah, sure there are several games that you probably don’t see here – Crysis 3, Metro, Watch Dogs, MGS – etc. etc; not to undermine any of these games, but honestly, those are games we probably want to review first before getting our hopes up too high

To see how the previous year ended read our Game of the Year 2012 review

Game of the Year – 2012

Well Folks, it’s that time of the year again! Where we bring you the low down on the greatest games 2012 had to offer. We break it up by genre, thereby bringing you the best game in its respective category! Let’s get started!

Best RPG Game

Mass Effect 3

In our view, Mass Effect 3 deserves the win as it combined everything from a great story, graphics, improved gameplay mechanics and a stunning sound track. Sure, some may say, the ending was a let down, but if you consider the overall scheme of things, this game really shines and BioWare and EA have really delivered a winner!

Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, PC

Read our review here

Other Nominations:

Diablo III
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
XCOM: Enemy Unknown
Rainbow Moon

Best Action Game

Sleeping Dogs

Sleeping Dogs was on of those games which really changed the dynamics of action games this year. Isn’t it a GTA clone you say? Yes, but what Rockstar didn’t bring to the table was over the top production values which makes Sleeping Dogs the ‘best action game’ of the year.

Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, PC

Read our Sleeping Dogs review

But to be fair, it was only challenged by the following Nominees:

Dishonored
Spec Ops: The Line
Max Payne 3

Best Adventure Game

The Walking Dead

Adventure games are always hard to rate, but what make The Walking Dead standout was it production values. A unique delivery system and not to mention the thrills, horror and sense of adventure it brought with it. We had a tough choice between these 3:

Lone Survivor
Thirty Flights of Loving

Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, PC

Best Racing Game

Forza Horizon

I had a really tough call with this one, but I had to hand it to Forza, purely because of its multiplayer capabilities and it’s realism when it comes to car mechanics. Sure sure, disagree all you want – but you know it’s the only way to respect the Ford F-150′s habit of flipping over on fast corners. Like all previous Forza games, once you’ve gotten the handle on things, is a very very rewarding experience.

Available on: Xbox 360

Overtook the following nominees:

F1 2012
Need for Speed: Most Wanted
Trials Evolution

Best Shooter

Halo 4

Halo 4 – hands down this year for us for the best shooter. It probably won, because honestly, there were not a lot of quality shooters released this year – LOL! Just kidding. This actually was the toughest section for us – it really was a toss-up between Borderlands 2 and Halo 4 – but when you really think about it, the depth that Halo 4 brought in this time along with amazing visuals; AND brilliant multiplayer; it just left Borderlands 2 out at the border.

Available on: Xbox 360

Other nominees:

Borderlands 2
Call of Duty Black Ops 2
PlanetSide 2

Best Fighting Game

PlayStation All Stars Battle Royale

This year was a fightfest!! The fighting games really gave us something to fight for. The games that really stood out for us were Persona 4, Skull Girls and PS All Stars. Sf X Tekken was also really good, but compared to the rest, it just fell short.

Available on: PS3

Read our review here

Other that went down fighting:

Persona 4
Street Fighter X Tekken
Skull Girls

Best Sports Game

FIFA Soccer 13

The FIFA games have come a long way – we can recall right back to the SNES days of FIFA and its various iterations on other consoles – and it’s only gone from strength to strength, and this year even, it still stands out as the best sports title of the year. Over the last 3 years or so, FIFA has managed to up the ante on its multiplayer and hence remains one of the best titles to date even for non soccer fans.

Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, PC

The others that came close to scoring:

MLB 13 The Show
NBA 2K13
NHL 13
SSX

Best Strategy Game

XCOM: Enemy Unknown

Reviewing strategy games is the most satisfying of the lot. You know that unless you get to spend several hours on a title and enjoy it, it’s not even worthy to be up here. XCOM allows you to do just that. It’s one of those rare titles, that will keep you up all night, just keep success at your finger tips, not hard enough to cry, but just hard enough to try again and see great progress at every turn. It’s one of those games, where failure, IS an option and will only lead to greater things. It’s unique and challenging approach make this turn-based game our strategy game of the year!

Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, PC

Those that came tactically close:

FTL (Follow the Light)
Magic: The Gathering — Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013
Plague Inc

Game of the Year 2012 – Award goes to…..

Journey

Available on: PS3

The Game Druid’s Game of the Year 2012!

Read our review here

Why does Journey Win the Game of the year? It didn’t even fit into any of the categories above!!

For us ‘Journey’ makes for the perfect game of the year, because it’s something so ground breaking in terms of delivering experiences that make you feel at leisure, yet, fill you with a sense of urgency. The discovery as you go along is so rewarding, making players feel that they’re in control. It’s graphics, soundtrack and the message that it brings with it is so amazing that you just can’t get enough.

No matter how you interpret Journey, there’s no denying how memorable the experience is along the way.

on that note….Here’s wishing all you dear readers a very very happy new year!

Anna Moleva featured on Game Cover of BioShock Infinite

Who is Anna Moleva?

Here’s what Irrational Games Insider had to say:

Anna Moleva, who often goes by “Ormeli“, is a cosplayer from Moscow who has personified other video game characters before. But her uncanny portrayal of Elizabeth from BioShock Infinite really brought her to our attention.

We were so amazed by her dedication and her resemblance to Elizabeth that we decided to ask her if she’d like to be involved in helping bring Elizabeth to life in our box, our key art and our upcoming television ad.

Well, Anna got back to us; along with some recent headshots that we used to align with Elizabeth’s character model and garnered some remarkable results.

Today we are very pleased and delighted to announce that Anna is the official face of Elizabeth! We also hope to have her make special appearances at select events as well so keep a look out!

Anna and Liz

Dead Space 3 Demo Dated

EA is planning a demo for Dead Space 3 which is set to arrive next month. Gamers can grab the download starting on January 22, while Xbox 360 fans can get involved one week earlier by signing up here.

According to EA, the demo will offer the following:

“In the demo, players will be thrust into deep space terror when unwilling hero – Isaac Clarke – and all-new co-op companion – Sergeant John Carver – crash land on Tau Volantis, an unforgiving ice planet teeming with Necromorphs. Dead Space 3 takes the franchise’s core elements of suspense, horror, action and sound and introduces them to all-new elements – including co-op play – that allows players to work together to take down the most ambitious Dead Space experience yet.”

The full game will be available in North America on February 5 and on February 8 in Europe.