Barrel Roll Gaming

E3 2013: Star Wars Battlefront trailer (and what I want to see)

2013-06-15T15:46:00.000+10:00

During E3 2013, Electronic Arts announced that they were going to release a new entry in the Star Wars Battlefront series. They announced it by way of a teaser trailer which showed that it will be developed by DICE (Battlefield, Mirrors Edge). The trailer had a first person perspective view of somebody walking over an icy environment with a crashing Snow Speeder and the foot of an AT-AT. The planet is likely to be Hoth and the era, The Galactic Civil War. The game itself is likely to span multiple generations though as previous games did.

Now on a personal level I was pretty upset to find out that EA had the Star Wars license, simply because I don't like many of the games they publish. But that's just my opinion, I do love Star Wars though so I'm really looking forward to seeing how this goes. Since the last Battlefront game (Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron on PSP) technology has progressed enough to really open this series up. I would love to see full open battles that allow you to fully shift between land and space battles. I have this ambition in life, to battle multiple enemies on fantastical planets with a blaster rifle, then hop in my signature fighter and take to the skies nailing Tie Fighters all over the shop. This game needs to fulfill this ambition, seamless transition between numerous fronts. I would also love to see a return to strategy. Commanding a large infantry, knowing that the wrong move could mean changing the fate of the galaxy. I wasn't a massive fan of the custom class thing from the PSP games, I would like to see the focus back on base classes. Each class should be specialized, not just carry individual weapons. Things like running speed, stamina, skill with weapons, team leadership and expertise with terrain should be included in base class stats. Each class should be individual and unlike any other. The shame should be said with vehicles, different vehicles for different jobs.

Remember the Rogue Squadron series? Yes I do and space fighting should be like this, I understand the difficulty of managing to make two full types of game and fusing them together so one game play type may have to suffer. But in my perfect Battlefront game doesn't suffer, It puts me in the boots of the soldier and doesn't let me exit the experience, even when I want to. Of course the game will have online multiplayer, I had serious fun with previous Battlefront titles with multiplayer. But I would also like to see split screen make a prominent stand. I would hate to see a Call Of Duty style, easy kill system, It works for CoD but I wouldn't like it in Battlefront, In this game everybody needs troops of equal skill that evolve only with player's abilities and not perks, Oh also imagine 30 vs 30 battles.

I want Seamless transitions, specialized soldiers, real tactical action, massive multiplayer. There is one last thing I want to cover, story. I would love to see battles from the expanded universe, use pure imagination so that we play the battles our own way. Lets see some hardcore war characters and heroes that we make. But I would also love to see some classic heroes return, It isn't a Battlefront game without Han and his awesome shooting animation.

Thanks for reading. Have a teaser trailer.

Sofys word on the street: Virtual Console Titles

2013-06-14T18:49:00.000+10:00

Hey Nintendo fans! Good news for you! Nintendo will be celebrating the unveiling of Mega Man in its latest Super Smash Bros, by releasing (for an extremely low price of $6.50) as virtual console games. Mega man 1-4 will be available.

Also, they're having a massive sale on other virtual console titles like Metroid and Mario going for 30 cents each! This is a great offer, I recommend you pick them up while the price is cheap! See you next time in: Sofys word on the street!

Batman: Arkham Origins

2013-06-14T18:32:00.002+10:00

The latest installment in the ever successful Batman series by WB: Arkham Origins is set to release on the 25th October for Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii U. A very similar spin-off title called Arkham Origins Blackgate will launch the same day for handheld consoles.

Developed by WB Games Montréal, Batman: Arkham Origins features an expanded Gotham City and introduces an original prequel storyline set several years before the events of Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City. Taking place before the rise of Gotham City’s most dangerous criminals, the game showcases a young and unrefined Batman as he faces a defining moment in his early career as a crime fighter that sets his path to becoming the Dark Knight. As the story unfolds, players will meet many important characters for the first time and forge key relationships.

Batman: Arkham Origins is the next installment in the blockbuster Batman: Arkham videogame franchise and will be available for the Xbox 360®, PS3™, the Wii U™ system, and Windows PC. The handheld version developed by Armature Studio, Batman: City Origins Blackgate™ will be available for the Nintendo 3DS™ handheld system, and PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system. The game will release on all platforms worldwide on Oct. 25, 2013.

E3 2013: Halo trailer (XONE)

2013-06-13T21:12:00.000+10:00

Halo is back and looks as stunning as ever in its first reveal at E3.

The video depicts a cloaked Master Cheif walking through a desert type place, possibly a new planet? He could have crash landed, oh the speculation! :D Master chiefs suit appears to be scratched and damaged, his visor cracked. And suddenly SURPRISE a mech-type thing appears out of nowhere.

That is all really that has been revealed of the game thus far. Speculation arises. Does he have a new A.I. companion? (sorry, if you haven't finished Halo 4 :/). Where is he? Why is his suit damaged? And most importantly: What is that Mech thing?!

Hopefully this will be available at launch of the new console, but if it becomes an annual franchise with no effort put into it... A lot of fans will be at the doors of 343, banging on the doors with torches and pitchforks.

Nintendo made a big mistake not releasing the Wii U in 2013

2013-06-13T18:52:00.001+10:00

Honestly, the mistake was huge.

The Wii U could've had double the success of its mediocre launch last year if Nintendo actually took the time to make the console up to scratch graphics wise (I know, it was a gigantic leap forward for the company, but it isn't up to the high benchmark the PS4, and (maybe) the Xbox One have set and polishing up those awfully slow loading times would've done the console some justice.

But why last year? With the fairly ordinary reveal of the Xbox One and the better reveal of the PS4, there's one drawback for both: you have to pay to play online. This is one thing Nintendo could've highlighted at their 2013 E3 Nintendo Direct.

If the company did decide to release what I think to be the best of the three consoles and did what they did in 2012 in 2013 instead, it would've been way more successful.

Also, Nintendo not releasing GOOD exclusives on launch was a bad idea. Sure you had New Super Mario Bros. U, but there was no release titles that caught anyone's eye. If they had released it this year with Super Smash Bros., The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD (or, even better - a new Zelda) plus Mario Kart 8 and what seems to be a good new Mario title in Super Mario 3D World, the Wii U would have had the upper hand in the console war.

Let me know what you think, and stay tuned for rant time with James. It'll be on a topic you know I love: annual franchises. -_-

Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director's Cut no longer Wii U exclusive

2013-06-13T07:56:00.001+10:00

A press release made by Square Enix lately has confirmed that Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director's Cut is no longer a Wii U exclusive.

Listings for Deus Ex on Wii U started to spread around the Internet a few months ago, pressuring Square Enix to confirm the game complete with new features which use the Wii U game pad, utilizing new ways to hack terminals and other interesting changes. One of the stand out features for the game was "fixing" the boss battles, which were received negative feed back from critics and fans in the original release. The new boss battles give players a numerous amount of different ways to tackle the enemy, instead of just gunning them down.

In a press release, Eidos-Montreal general manager Stéphane D’Astous said "After our Director's Cut announcement we received an overwhelming response from the community asking us to bring this ultimate edition of human revolution to other platforms, you asked for this." I guess it is nice that the company have listened to fans. Apparently SmartGlass and PS Vita will replace the Wii U Game Pad for touch specific controls.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director's Cut will be released on Wii U, PS3, Xbox 360, PC and Mac later this year.

E3 2013: Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze trailer (Wii U)

2013-06-12T17:00:00.000+10:00

Now this one was a surprise. There has been some speculation recently regarding rumors of Retro Studios having some big project to show off. Little did we expect, the team have returned to the country.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a sequel to 2010's Donkey Kong Country Returns, it sees DK having to fight off a mob of (wait for it) enemy Vikings. As before the Kremlings will not be joining the cast this time, but Dixie Kong will be. Dix will be able to use her hair to lift the other player up off the ground if combined with DK.

The graphics also look enhanced thanks to the Wii U having HD capabilities. One of the features announced with this was dynamic camera, this allows players to get great views of the levels and makes it all seem very thrilling. Two player local Co-Op also returns as does DK's ground pound move. Look forward to this one sometime later in the year.

E3 2013: Super Smash Bros. trailer (Wii U, 3DS)

2013-06-12T08:04:00.001+10:00

Well, we all knew this was coming. Nintendo left it right until the end to formally announce the new entry to the Super Smash Bros franchise, and as some expected, will be released on both Nintendo 3DS and Wii U.

Both versions seem similar except of course, graphical details and the 3DS seems to have levels based off hand held games. Nintendo showed a few stages in a brief trailer, they also announced (quite humorously) that the villager from the Animal Crossing series will be a new character. At the end of the trailer we got to see that Mega Man will also be joining the battle complete with some classic moves which were showcased in retro style. Unfortunately we have to wait until 2014 to own this, but expect information to be released over the next few days.

Mega Man will retain his 8-bit design
In a special Nintendo Direct after the main one, Smash designer Masahiro Sakurai talked some more about the game. He discussed The Villager and how he will be able to collect his opponents attacks and used them against them. He also talked about the character models for Samus and Pit and how they have been updated on the Wii U version to match their latest games. He went into detail about Mega Man's moves. Then he introduced the Wii Fit Trainer as a new character.

I kid you not!

E3 2013: Super Mario 3D World trailer (Wii U)

2013-06-12T07:54:00.001+10:00

In this morning's Nintendo Direct, a sequel to Super Mario 3D Land was announced, inspired by the NES classic Super Mario Bros. 2. However, this time around it's coming to Wii U.

This new entry into the 3D Mario series sees the return of Princess Peach as a playable character. Along with Luigi and Toad, each character has their own unique powers which are reflected in their personalities. Inspired by Super Mario Bros 2 on NES, Peach will float, Toad will have speed and Luigi will have a hopping jump. This new announcement also notified us that a new power up for Mario call "Cat Mario" will allow players to scratch, jump and climb up walls. The game will also utilize Co-Op play and competitive play as well.

Mario fans can look forward to this later in the year.

E3 2013: Mario Kart 8 trailer (Wii U)

2013-06-12T07:50:00.000+10:00

Mario Kart is back and is adding some cool new mechanics that is sure to entice the kart fan.

Announced during Nintendo Direct, Mario Kart 8 is looking pretty good. It will utilize a new anti-gravity format that will allow players to drive upside down and vertically. The karts also seem to have anti gravity units attached to them which look pretty cool. The hand gliding and under water racing from Mario Kart 7 returns, while bikes, last seen in Mario Kart Wii, make a come back.

Satoru Iwata also stated that this game will utilize the Wii U's online multiplayer in exciting ways. In terms of character selection we saw all of the usual classics; other than that I guess we will just have to wait and see. Apparently Nintendo also intend for players to be able to showcase highlight reels of races through Miiverse using Mario Kart TV.

Mario Kart 8 will be released in 2014 for Wii U.

E3 2013: X trailer (Wii U)

2013-06-12T07:44:00.003+10:00

In a previous Nintendo Direct in January, Nintendo showed us a glimpse of gameplay from a Monolith Soft game simply titled X. Now we have more information abut this game with some gameplay footage.

It highlighted the massive open worlds that were present in Xenoblade Chronicles, however this time it can be traversed in vehicles and giant human looking mechs (this has Xenosaga written all over it.) The graphics looked amazing and the glimpse into the battles showed us that it will be similar to Xenoblade. From looking at the trailer the game seems to be coming along nicely and should help make 2014 a very interesting time for Wii U owners.

E3 2013: Just Dance 2014 trailer (XONE, PS4, Wii U, X360, PS3, Wii)

2013-06-11T19:48:00.001+10:00

"Oh no, not I, I will survive, I may quote 70's songs in articles, but I will stay alive." Oh, a new Just Dance was announced today.

Featuring hits from One Direction to Gloria Gaynor, Just Dance 2014 includes online multiplayer with the new Dance Floor mode, while Wii U owners can use the GamePad to further MC the dancing.

Just Dance 2014 drops October 1 on Wii U, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii, with Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions coming later.

E3 2013: Need for Speed Rivals trailer (XONE, PS4, X360, PS3, PC)

2013-06-11T19:27:00.001+10:00

Need for Speed fans are in for a good haul with not only a new game in Need for Speed Rivals announced but also a movie set to be released soon.

Need for Speed Rivals once again includes police but in a unique way: making street racers and police bitter rivals, both thinking that the other is the enemy (like Sony and Microsoft if you think about it.)

Need for Speed Rivals will be released on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC November 21, with Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions to come later.

Press Release

EA AND DREAMWORKS LIFT THE CURTAIN ON NEED FOR SPEED THE MOVIE
‘Breaking Bad’ Star Aaron Paul Enters the World of Underground Racing in a Quest for Revenge… and Redemption – Coming to Theaters March 14, 2014

Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) LOS ANGELES, Calif– June 11, 2013 – Today Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) and DreamWorks Studios debuted the first behind the scenes footage from next Spring’s theatrical release, the action racing film Need for Speed, based on the best-selling videogame franchise from EA. The film’s star, Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), took center stage during “The Download: EA 2013 Preview” to unveil the footage, alongside the custom Ford Mustang he drives in the film. The car is part of an exclusive partnership between DreamWorks and Ford Motor Company for the movie. This one-of-a-kind vehicle will crossover from the big screen to the highly anticipated videogame, Need for Speed Rivals, which will be available in Australia, November 21, 2013.

Need for Speed Rivals is playable for E3 attendees on the show floor at the EA Booth (South Hall #1601) this week, Tuesday June 11 through Thursday, June 13.

Need for Speed marks an exciting return to the great car culture films of the 1960s and ’70s, tapping into what makes the American myth of the open road so appealing. The story chronicles a near-impossible cross-country journey for our heroes—one that begins as a mission for revenge, but proves to be one of redemption. Featuring the same exciting elements that has made Need for Speed one of the best-selling franchises in games – hot cars, epic chases and high-octane action, the film stars Aaron Paul, Imogen Poots (V for Vendetta) and Dominic Cooper (Captain America: The First Avenger). Need for Speed is penned by George Gatins with writing partner and brother John Gatins (Flight) and directed by Scott Waugh (Act of Valor). The film will open in theaters worldwide beginning March 14, 2014.

“The Need for Speed movie will embody everything that fans of action racing films want to see – hot cars, high stakes street racing and mind-blowing stunts,” said Scott Waugh, Director of Need for Speed the movie. “The adrenaline fueled story across America will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.”

Need for Speed Rivals is the newest entry to EA’s best-selling racing franchise. A collaboration between Ghost Games and Criterion Games, Need for Speed Rivals glorifies the heat of competition in the legendary rivalry of cops and racers. Gamers play as either a cop or racer, where each side of the law has its own set of high stakes challenges, rewards and consequences. This time, the stakes are at their highest as racers put their Speed Points on the line and risk losing them all if busted. Developed on the advanced Frostbite™ 3 engine, Need for Speed Rivals also introduces the revolutionary AllDrive system that erases the line between single player and multiplayer, automatically connecting gamers to their friend’s racing world. Paths will cross on the open road, creating a world where no two moments will ever be the same.

Need for Speed Rivals, will be available in Australia on November 21, 2013 for the Xbox 360® games and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PC. The game will launch later this year on Xbox One®, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft and on PlayStation 4. For more information about Need for Speed, please visit http://www.needforspeed.com/en_AU/. To join the conversation on Need for Speed, please visit http://www.facebook.com/needforspeed, follow us on Twitter® at www.twitter.com/needforspeed, or sign up for the official Need for Speed newsletter at www.needforspeed.com.

About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, personal computers, mobile phones and tablets. EA has more than 285 million registered players and operates in 75 countries.
In fiscal year 2013, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.8 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality blockbuster brands such as The Sims™, Madden NFL, FIFA Soccer, Need for Speed™, Battlefield™ and Mass Effect™. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news. Origin, Frostbite, The Sims and Need for Speed, Mass Effect, Battlefield, Battlefield 4 and Frostbite are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. and its subsidiaries. John Madden, NFL and FIFA are the property of their respective owners and used with permission. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About DreamWorks Studios
DreamWorks Studios is a motion picture company formed in 2009 and led by Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider in partnership with The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group. The company’s recent releases include Spielberg's "Lincoln," starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones. The film has grossed over $270 million at the worldwide box office and was nominated for twelve Academy Awards® with Daniel Day-Lewis winning for Best Actor. Other releases include "Real Steel," starring Hugh Jackman and directed by Shawn Levy, Steven Spielberg’s "War Horse," based on Michael Morpurgo’s award-winning book and nominated for six Academy Awards® including Best Picture, and "The Help," which resonated with audiences around the country and earned over $200 million at the box office and received four Academy Award® nominations with Octavia Spencer winning for Best Supporting Actress. Upcoming films include the comedy "Delivery Man," starring Vince Vaughn, the WikiLeaks drama "The Fifth Estate," and car racing actioner "Need for Speed."
DreamWorks Studios can be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/DreamWorksStudios and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/dw_studios.

E3 2013: Dying Light trailer (XONE, PS4, X360, PS3, PC)

2013-06-11T17:39:00.000+10:00

Although they may not have had a conference, WB Games still got around to showing off a few trailers, including one for a new game called Dying Light.

But what is Dying Light? Well, basically the population is hit by an outbreak of a disease and you have to go all Hunger Games-slash-Minecraft style looking for supplies and weapons to defend yourself. Oh, and there's predators that come out at night.

Dying Light will release on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC sometime in 2014.

E3 2013: FIFA 14 trailer (XONE, PS4, X360, PS3, PSV, 3DS, Wii, PSP, PC)

2013-06-11T17:24:00.000+10:00

E3 is here and that means trailers! EA Sports have kept the FIFA series alive for 20 years now, and FIFA 14 is looking like the best instalment yet.

The trailer includes Lionel Messi and some of the Barcelona team discussing the world game, with some pre-alpha game footage. Nothing special, but cinematic nonetheless.

FIFA 14 will be released on PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita, and Nintendo Wii on September 26; no word on a release date for Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

Press Release

PLAYERS AND STADIUMS FEEL ALIVE IN EA SPORTS FIFA 14 ON XBOX ONE AND PLAYSTATION 4

EA SPORTS FIFA 14 Available Now For Pre-Order

Sydney, Australia – June 11, 2013 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) announced today that EA SPORTS™ FIFA 14 will feel alive with players who think, move and behave like world-class footballers, and dynamic stadiums that come to life, on Xbox One®, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, and PlayStation®4. Fuelled by EA SPORTS™ IGNITE, which blends new technology with the best rendering, run-time physics, animation, intelligence, locomotion and online systems from across EA into one powerful, new engine, FIFA 14 will elevate its award-winning gameplay to new heights*.

For the first time ever, fans will feel the electricity of a living stadium, and experience the majesty of the world’s greatest football theatres. Players now have four times the decision making ability than the current generation of footballers in EA SPORTS FIFA, enabling each player to have Pro Instincts—human-like reactions, anticipation, and instincts. The leap forward in intelligence is matched by innovations that deliver true player motion. Now in FIFA 14, every step matters with Precision Movement that enables players to explode out of each step and every turn like real athletes, preserving their natural momentum. Plus, the artistry and athleticism of footballers will come to life with Elite Technique that world class players express in every match.

“Innovation is the engine that drives our FIFA team and this year we’re building the most technologically advanced and authentic sports experience in history,” said David Rutter, Executive Producer of the EA SPORTS FIFA franchise. “ FIFA 14 on next gen consoles will feel alive with players who possess human-like intelligence, reactions and instincts, players who move and behave like real athletes, and stadiums that buzz with electricity and excitement.”

FIFA 14 will have stunning accuracy and visuals and the world inside the stadium comes alive as the emotions of new 3D crowds rise and fall around the stories on the pitch. Players are also aware of the match and what needs to be done to get a result—their sense of urgency increases as the match draws on, and if a goal is needed, they rush to take a throw-in, corner or goal-kick if time is running down.

Players in FIFA 14 will make intelligent decisions with human-like anticipation and reaction times. All 22 players on the pitch possess Pro Instincts to anticipate and react to the play around them, just like world-class footballers. Players will move more instinctively with the ball, anticipating and reacting to tackles by skipping over out-stretched legs to avoid collisions, using stiff arms to fend-off defenders or to brace for collisions, and turning their bodies to brush through contact. Defenders will anticipate moves to seal off opponents and intercept passes, and slow down attackers by hooking or holding an arm.

With 10 times more animation depth and detail, EA SPORTS IGNITE delivers the dynamic movements and biomechanics of the world’s best footballers. Precision Movement enables players to plant, pivot and cut, and explode out of each step. The fidelity of movement has a game-changing effect on gameplay. Players feel more grounded, agile and athletic, and manage their momentum with distinct foot plants and push-offs, bringing the authentic motion of professional footballers to FIFA 14. Harnessing the power and memory of the new consoles, FIFA 14 also delivers Elite Technique—hundreds of new skills, including new types of shots like side volleys, deflections and first time screamers, and new types of passes, such as touch, over-head, slice and lobs. Hundreds of new behaviors include trapping the ball in stride at pace, panic turns when defenders are beaten, off-balance shots, missed shot reactions, and more are a result of the massive increase in memory of the new consoles.

FIFA 14, developed at EA Canada, will release worldwide within the next 12 months on Xbox One and the PlayStation 4, and is available for pre-order** now at http://www.origin.com/au and other retailers. A version of FIFA 14 will also release on the Xbox 360® games and entertainment system with Kinect™ from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system with PlayStation Move support, Windows® PC, Nintendo Wii™, Nintendo 3DS™, PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system in Australia on September 26 and New Zealand on September 27. FIFA 14 on mobile will be available on iPhone®, iPad®, and iPod® touch as well as Android devices this fall. Other mobile platforms will be revealed later.

For more information about EA SPORTS IGNITE visit www.easports.com/ignite or join the EA SPORTS community at http://www.facebook.com/easports. Follow us on Twitter @easportsfifa and use the hash tag #FIFA14. For information about FIFA 14 visit www.easports.com/fifa. The games have not yet been rated.

EA SPORTS is one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, with top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, fan programs and cross-platform digital experiences. EA SPORTS creates connected experiences that ignite the emotion of sports through industry-leading sports videogames, including Madden NFL football, FIFA, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA® Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® golf, SSX™, and EA SPORTS UFC. For more information about EA SPORTS, including news, video, blogs, forums and game apps, please visit www.easports.com.

*Not all features available on all gaming platforms.
**Offer restrictions apply. Please see www.easportsfootball.com for details.

###
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, personal computers, mobile phones and tablets. EA has more than 285 million registered players and operates in 75 countries.

In fiscal year 2013, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.8 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality blockbuster brands such as The Sims™, Madden NFL, FIFA Soccer, Need for Speed™, Battlefield™ and Mass Effect™. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news.

EA SPORTS, The Sims, SSX, Need for Speed, Mass Effect and Battlefield are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. and its subsidiaries. John Madden, NFL, NBA, NCAA, NHL, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR, UFC and FIFA are the property of their respective owners and used with permission. “PlayStation” and “PSP” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. iPad, iPod and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

E3 2013: Microsoft announces Xbox One price and release date

2013-06-11T07:48:00.000+10:00

Microsoft Australia have confirmed that the Xbox One will be launching in Australia on November 30 this year for AUD$599, which is less than many gamers were thinking of.

Kotaku have already gone and done the maths, and basically the console is $528 plus GST (10% = $52.80) plus a random figure of $18. $18 isn't bad when you think about it.

EB Games have already updated their price for anyone interested in preordering. Anyone?

E3 2013: Konami Pre-Show in a nutshell

2013-06-07T17:58:00.001+10:00

Although E3 may not officially begin until the late hours of Monday evening, for Konami it's already time for their pre-E3 show. Here's what went down, in a nutshell.

The first main title featured was PES 2014, with a new engine called Fluidity, used to create more realistic images. On top of that, a more realistic play style, with the ability to change the bearing center of a player, team moral and player motivation levels. Cue trailer.

Hideo Kojima came on next introducing Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, promising a much darker tone compared to previous games. The game is set in 1984, with a 49-year old Snake being portrayed by actor Kiefer Sutherland. If you thought PES had an emphasis on realistic gameplay, wait until you see MGS V.

Castlevania Lords of Shadow 2 was the last featured title in the show. Lords of Shadow 2 the story turns dark with the main character being Dracula. Gameplay wise, you have the ability to roam free and a free camera is included, while the music is taking the direction of following your character's emotions. Oh, and there was a damn long trailer too.

What did you think of the show? Let us know your thoughts below!

E3 2013: Who? What? Where? When?

2013-06-07T08:00:00.000+10:00

So there's this big thing called E3 coming up, with plenty of gaming companies hosting different conferences. We find it's hard to keep track, so we've compiled all the information on E3 conferences into one, easy to understand page!

Microsoft

Date: Tuesday, 11th June
Time: 2:30am AEST (2:00am ACST, 12:30am AWST, 4:30am NZST)
Livestream: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hub

EA

Date: Tuesday, 11th June
Time: 6:00am AEST (5:30am ACST, 4:00am AWST, 8:00am NZST)
Livestream: http://www.ea.com/e3

Ubisoft

Date: Tuesday, 11th June
Time: 8:00am AEST (7:30am ACST, 6:00am AWST, 10:00am NZST)
Livestream: http://uplay.ubi.com/en-GB/

Sony

Date: Tuesday, 11th June
Time: 10:30am AEST (10:00am ACST, 8:30am AWST, 12:30pm NZST)
Livestream: http://ustream.tv/playstation

Nintendo

Nintendo Direct

Date: Tuesday, 11th June/Wednesday, 12th June
Time: 12:00am AEST (11:30pm ACST [Tues], 10:00pm AWST [Tues], 2:00am NZST [Wed])
Livestream: http://e3.nintendo.com/

Pokémon X and Pokémon Y Panel

Date: Wednesday, 12th June
Time: 11:00am AEST (10:30am ACST, 9:00am AWST, 1:00pm NZST)
Livestream: http://e3.nintendo.com/

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag to launch in book form

2013-06-05T08:08:00.000+10:00

The hype has already begun for Ubisoft's upcoming release of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, and Ubisoft is certainly fuelling the fire, with the announcement of an official novel, art book and game guide, all due out in late October and early November.

First up, the novel is due out in the UK on November 7 and the US on November 26, with localisations to follow.

The Golden Age of Piracy – a time when greed, ambition and corruption overcomes all loyalties - and a brash young captain, Edward Kenway, is making his name known for being one of the greatest pirates of his time. In the brilliant new novel, Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag, discover the story of how Edward, a young privateer, became one of the world most deadly pirates and was drawn into the centuries-old battle between the Templars and the Assassins.

The Art of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag will be released in English on October 28.

The recently announced Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag sees a sea change for the franchise with a harsh new setting in the Golden Age of pirates. With intricately detailed environments and finely honed and evocative historical re-imaginings, this is a world into which you can immerse yourself and feel the echoes of the past come to life. Continuing in the footsteps of this already world-renowned franchise, Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag brings to life a time of enormous diversity and passion, ensuring it will be the biggest and best release yet. Highlights in the game, and in the art book, include one of the largest never-before-experienced nautical gameplay ever offered, with an amazing range of locations and action.

A special slipcase edition will also be available, limited to 500 copies and including two exclusive Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag concept art prints, signed by the artists.

Finally, there's the official strategy guide, due out on the same day as the game (October 31 in Australia).

The Assassin’s Creed IV official strategy guide, on sale from the launch day of the game, will be available in English, French, Spanish, German and Italian.

This guide is published by Piggyback across EMEA, and Prima Games in the US.

Created by the team working on the highly acclaimed guides to Assassin’s Creed® III, Assassin’s Creed® Revelations, Assassin’s Creed® Brotherhood and Assassin’s Creed® II, this book will provide all information players could need to finish fully the game, or to enjoy a more in-depth gameplay experience:

100% Complete achievement guide

All the game’s secrets

A revolutionary walkthrough

A story analysis

A multiplayer strategies dedicated section

Tables and statistics for an in-depth understanding of game mechanics

As a bonus, the strategy guide also includes a map poster covering all in-game locations.

Will you be picking up any of these books?

Sofy's Word on the Street...

2013-05-30T18:40:00.000+10:00

With all the next-gen releases just around the corner, many retailers are having sales on current gen of games. So, this is a good time to invest or buy some of those higher dollar games because retailers want to get rid of them.

Who knows, you might find some Wii U games for sale as well, cause they're technically a next-gen console. Just thought I'd give you a heads up, happy buying. ;)

Out this Week: Fuse, GRID 2

2013-05-30T08:26:00.002+10:00

In this week's game releases, Fuse blasts onto Xbox 360 and PS3, while racer GRID 2 shifts into launch on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

GRID 2 (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)

RRP:
PS3 - $89.95
360 - $89.95
PC - $79.95
EB Games:
PS3 (Accelerate Edition) - $88.00
360 (Accelerate Edition) - $88.00
PC (Accelerate Edition) - $78.00
Gametraders:
PS3 - $79.95
360 - $79.95
PC - $72.95
JB Hi-Fi:
PS3 (Pole Edition) - $79.00
360 (Pole Edition) - $79.00
PC (Pole Edition) - $69.00
Ozgameshop (import):
PS3 - $49.99
360 - $49.99
PC (physical copy) - $35.99
PC (code via email) - $29.99

Fuse (PS3, Xbox 360)

RRP:
PS3 - $89.95
360 - $89.95
EB Games:
PS3 - $88.00
360 - $88.00
Gametraders:
PS3 - $79.95
360 - $79.95
JB Hi-Fi:
PS3 - $89.00
360 - $89.00
Ozgameshop (import):
PS3 - $60.99
360 - $60.99

Fuse: Tips and Tricks

2013-05-30T08:26:00.001+10:00

Insomniac's newest title Fuse is out today, so how else could you be prepared than with a tips and tricks video straight from the pros; the team at Insomniac Games.

In the video, you will learn how to combine your weapons to gain maximum points in co-op, master Echelon mode, and watch Insomniac’s lead designer strategically leap between agents at-will in combat.

Fuse is out today on PS3 and Xbox 360. See where you can find it cheapest here.

Rant Time with James: Xbox One???

2013-05-30T08:08:00.000+10:00

I don't know which idiot at Microsoft decided to give the next-gen Xbox its revolting name, but I (being an Xbox fanboy) was severely disappointed. Not only did they do what we were all dreading the PS4 was going to do, by not letting you use new games with out a fee (I'll get onto that later), but have you even seen the console?

Talk about the Xbox One. They have gone back to the first generation with bulky console designs alongside the brick that is, Kinect 2.0. These are a list of some more cons I will go over

I thought this was a GAMING Console?
No one cares about its other stupid features...It is called a GAME console for a reason

ESPN partnership? NOBODY CARES! Especially in Australia where it probably won't be available.
TV, movies, Skype? NOBODY CARES! Especially in Australia where our Internet is too slow.
Smartglass? NOBODY CARES!

Paying fees for used games...
Don't get me started on this poppycock (or if you'd rather insert profanity here) - money hungry Microsoft are making you pay twice for a freaking game if it is used. For people that aren't as well off and that have to buy used games, Microsoft doesn't care about you. You have to pay AGAIN! Obviously the amount of the fee wasn't touched on as it was probably a ridiculous sum! Not to mention you have to buy more than one game if you share the console with another user, in my case, my brother, you have to either buy 2 copies of the game or pay a fee, which is RIDICULOUS! And no, your friend cannot borrow your game without renting it from you.

Requires a connection to the Internet once every 24 hours
Ok, so now, not only do you force people to buy games a second time, but for people that are unable to afford Internet (or people that don't have it) are unable to use this poor excuse for a GAMING console. No more playing Xbox at your Grandparents house, unless they're hipsters, and if you don't want / can't afford the Internet, Microsoft says NO!

Significantly less powerful than PS4
All the advantages that Microsoft gave the PS4 in the first place (with the horrible release). But, now they have decided to make the damn thing less powerful than its competitor, which makes no sense and most likely, with all the money you have to pay for the thing + all the little extra fees, it won't be worth it.

Kinect is watching you, always.
You have to be self conscious about what you do in front of Kinect (take that as immature as you'd like), but honestly, Kinect scans the room. With its infra-red scanner, heat sensor and camera. It is constantly spying on your house, family and viewing habits.

No Backwards compatibility
Of course money hungry again to play games from the previous (and successful) console, you will probably have to buy them from the Marketplace, kinda like Nintendo's Virtual Console.

Most likely going to have to pay to play online
No comment.

Business as usual at Microsoft. I am really considering a PS4. The thing that will win most gamers over are the exclusives. For that, we will have to wait for E3. What do you think?

Rayman Legends announced for PS Vita, launching alongside console versions

2013-05-29T08:55:00.000+10:00

Ubisoft have announced this morning that Rayman Legends, formerly a Wii U exclusive which was pushed back to August to launch on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, will be launching on PlayStation Vita. However, it won't be delaying the console version, and instead will launch alongside it on August 29.

The Vita edition of Rayman Legends will include the same content from the console versions, with the inclusion of five Vita-specific maps playable with Murphy the fly, seen in previous Rayman games. On top of this, Ubisoft Montpeller have included two new costumes: a Prince of Persia costume for Rayman and a Splinter Cell costume for Globox.

Rayman Legends will launch on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U and now PS Vita on August 29. Which version will you be picking up?

Curiosity: What’s Inside the Cube? winner becomes God of Godus

2013-05-28T08:22:00.002+10:00

It's been an interesting seven months for Peter Molyneux and 22Cans' social experiment Curiosity: What’s Inside the Cube?, and a winner has been announced in 18 year old Bryan Henderson of Edinburgh, Scotland.

Bryan told Wired in a phone interview that "I only registered for the game earlier this morning, about an hour before I won the thing."

In "winning" Curosity, Bryan will become the all-mighty God in 22Cans' upcoming game Godus, a game which people become gods over their own worlds. He will also recieve a "small piece of that pie" every time someone pays for something in Godus.

Congratulations Bryan. You lucky God.