2K has revealed its post-launch plans for Battleborn, which it says it plans on adding more value to the base game in the form of both free content updates and paid add-on packs.
Five new playable heroes will release sometime after launch – completely free – for all platforms, bringing the total roster to 30;
The first of the five new heroes will be Alani
Additional competitive multiplayer modes, maps, balance updates, and community features will also be released in free updates;
Five new add-on packs will release sometime after launch. Each pack will cost £3.99 and include a PvE Story Operation, exclusive skins and taunts;
All five packs can be purchased as part of a Season Pass for £15.99
A Digital Deluxe Edition of Battleborn will be available for £62.99 and includes the game plus the Season Pass and additional cosmetic customizations
Battleborn launches with a roster of 25 playable heroes on PS4, Xbox One and PC on 3rd May. There’s also an upcoming Open Beta to stress test servers and more info on that will be released soon.
Starting with the free content updates, Battleborn will receive five new playable heroes sometime after launch across all platforms, bringing the total roster of Heroes to 30. Additional competitive multiplayer modes, maps, balance updates, and community features will also be released for free.
Ubisoft announced that TrackMania Turbo, the latest installment in the Trackmania franchise developed by Nadeo, which is an Ubisoft studio, goes into open beta from March 18 at 1pm UK time to March 21 at 1pm UK time on new-gen consoles. TrackMania Turbo will be released on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PC on 24th March.
TrackMania Turbo is racing onto new-gen consoles for the very first time, and gamers are invited to play in an immersive arcade racing universe featuring next-gen graphics and a brand new art direction that incorporates elements of racing culture and references to 90s arcade gaming.
TrackMania Turbo features “easy to learn, hard to master” gameplay. Players’ skills are challenged in 200 head-spinning tracks divided into four environments, each one with its own gameplay style. Using the Trackbuilder tool, players are empowered to design their own outlandish tracks and share them. They can also add more variety to their experience by generating random tracks with ease. Finally, players can also be joined by their friends either in local or online multiplayer, with dozens of game modes on offer. With the huge variety of options available in TrackMania Turbo, players can enjoy a highly replayable experience.
To participate in the TrackMania Turbo Open Beta, players can connect to their console’s digital store to download it, starting 18th March at 1pm UK time.
Agent 47 has had a bit of a tough time of it since his outstandingly popular cult classic outing in Blood Money. There was a long wait for the sequel and when it arrived most were disappointed by his new lack of options. In all honesty Absolution is my guilty pleasure because despite almost all fans of the classic hating it I actually enjoyed it. It’s easy to forget all the good things Absolution did right and the ways it moved the franchise forward. A quick note to avoid confusion, the new game is called Hitman so I refer to Hitman himself as either Agent 47 or 47 through this review. Yeah, thanks for that one IO.
One of the greatest ways Absolution did that is in its control system. The new cover mechanics and just about every way in which Agent 47 interacted with his environment was a vast improvement over previous titles that finally brought Agent 47 into the modern gaming era. That’s something that has been kept very much alive in Hitman. The lessons learned from absolution are well implemented and realised without too much tinkering or interference. True, there are a lot of good features to Blood Money and some of 47’s older games but the controls are not one of them.
All those who hated Absolution can rest assured that Freedom is the order of the day. Almost everybody agrees Agent 47 needs some choices in his techniques. Why turn up to a party and simply shoot your target then calmly walk away when you can elaborately create a trap involving some kind of falling chandelier? Try though I might I cannot think of an answer to that. Nor can I resist poisoning my target or drowning them in a toilet. There’s something sadistically comical to playing as 47 when this kind of freedom presents itself.
Hitman has done some soul searching and found the magic still alive somewhere deep within. Agent 47’s latest outing makes a triumphant return of the ridiculous, hilarious and elaborate methods of execution we have all come to love. The open world for you to explore is ridiculously huge with options presenting themselves at every turn. There is no chance at all that you can complain at a lack of choice anymore. It seems that someone listened to the fans and more importantly acted on it in a significant way.
One of my favourite features introduced in Absolution was the challenges that catered totally for OCD geeks like myself to go and squeeze every last drop of gameplay possible. Luckily Hitman offers the same feature but with the reinstated freedom and open world level design they are far more relevant. With Absolution you basically had to complete the level in the wrong way or in a totally impractical way. With Hitman it simply encourages you to take a look at what’s possible in the level and explore every avenue open to you. It makes far more sense, it’s far more fun and adds a ton of replay value.
Which is a good job because as it stands there is only one level available in Hitman. Oh yes indeed. If you hadn’t heard Hitman is going to be an episodic release. Oh. Dear. God. If there’s one thing fans love more than anything it’s a single player game that drip feeds content over time. It’s undeniable that there is plenty to do in Paris (the only currently released level) but that really isn’t the point. To have listened to the fans and taken feedback to create a better game this is a sure-fire way to revert any of that progress and basically piss everybody off. It doesn’t matter if it’s right or wrong or even if it makes sense, fans don’t like it. It’s hardly like the gamer community is subtle about expressing opinions either.
I’m a little torn on my opinions because there really is so much to do with even the single level but that’s only because I’m willing to replay it so much and find everything there is to find. More casual players will be left waiting after only one mission which seems unfair. It’s definitely a strange choice that has the community divided. I’m willing to forgive and forget given how good the release is but really I’d rather wait until everything was on offer.
Visually Hitman is definitely a nice looking game. It doesn’t have that punch that Absolution had when it first arrived but that’s entirely due to the inherent limitations of an open design. The detailing and intricacies of the map make a far greater impact in the long run than stunning visuals with no interaction – I’m glairing at you The Order 1886. Hitman has correctly prioritized substance over style which pays off once you let yourself get sucked into the atmosphere. Lighting adds a subtle layer of realism over everything that really helps set the whole thing off.
It’s nice to see a return of the old values in this way. The Hitman HD collection that was released a few years ago was met with joy by pretty much everyone and that ran on visuals a couple of generations old. Frankly it’s difficult to care as you reveal your sawed off shotgun from a bunch of flowers and for a brief second feel just a little bit like The Terminator.
The greatest design features from best-of-the-bunch Blood Money run strong through Hitman. The freedom is back allowing for some beautifully elaborate ‘accidents’ as well as simply cracking out the fibre wire and garrotting your target in whatever disguise fits best. Absolution hasn’t been totally forgotten either and the mechanics that were established live on in Hitman with a few tweaks here and there. Thankfully so do the challenges that allow you to replay a mission almost endlessly to explore its more intimate details and test your skills.
The only real negative lies in the episodic release schedule. It’s not all that bad given how much content is packed into a single level and once all the pieces are released the pain will die down but I’d still rather see a full release. It’s a bit of a shame to make such a good revival for Agent 47 only to irritate fans on release with something like this. As I said it doesn’t matter who’s right or wrong, it’s the fans negative feeling that remains and it’s tarnished the release of an otherwise outstanding game.
Hitman is moving forwards by moving backwards and checking out what it’s done right in the past. The best of Blood Money and Absolution have come together to make Hitman a brilliant package. There’s huge potential for the future too as maps get added to expand the open world. If you can get over the slightly tedious episodic release Hitman reminds us why Agent 47 is still one of the greats.
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announced today the release of the new LEGO Dimensions Midway Arcade Level Pack and highly collectable DC Comics Superman, DC Comics Aquaman and Ghostbusters Stay Puft Fun Packs. Players can customise their building and gaming adventures in LEGO Dimensions with the purchase of these Wave 4 expansion packs which provide additional gameplay, buildable characters, and rebuildable 3-in-1 vehicles and gadgets with special in-game abilities.
All expansion packs provide gamers the opportunity to use everything interchangeably, anywhere throughout the game, for a crazy mash-up multiverse.
The Midway Arcade Level Pack comes with a buildable Gamer Kid minifigure and G-6155 Spy Hunter vehicle and Arcade Machine – all playable in the game, and unlocks more than 20 classic arcade games from Midway Arcade as an exclusive level. These classic games include Seven Twenty, Badlands, Blasteroids, Championship Sprint, Defender, Defender II, Gauntlet, Gauntlet II, KLAX, Joust, Joust 2, Marble Madness, Paperboy, Rampage, Road Blasters, Robron, Spyhunter, SuperSprint, Timber, Toobin, Cyberball, Vindicators and Xybots.
To get started, players attach Gamer Kid to his LEGO Toy Tag and place him on the LEGO Toy Pad to bring him to life in the game, where he can help them put rogue Midway Arcade characters back where they belong. Players can activate Gamer Kid’s Stealth, Laser, Speed, Invulnerability, and Super Strength abilities to solve puzzles and battle enemies. When things get dangerous, players can boost their gameplay with the G-6155 Spy Hunter which can be rebuilt into The Interdiver and Aerial Spyhunter, or the Arcade Machine which rebuilds into the 8-Bit Shooter and The Pixilator Pod for upgraded in-game abilities. Gamer Kid also unlocks the Midway Arcade Adventure World to provide players with additional open-world gameplay.
The DC Comics Superman Fun Pack includes a buildable Superman minifigure and Hover Pod. Players can bring the Man of Steel to life in the game and activate his Flying, Dive, Invulnerability, Laser Deflector, Freeze Breath, X-Ray Vision, and Super Strength abilities to solve puzzles and overpower enemies. The Hover Pod will boost gameplay, and can be rebuilt into a Krypton Striker and Super Stealth Pod for upgraded in-game abilities.
The DC Comics Aquaman Fun Pack features a buildable Aquaman minifigure and Aqua Watercraft. Players can dive into gameplay as the King of the Seven Seas and activate his special Dive, Growth, Atlantis and Hazard Cleaner abilities to solve puzzles and take down rivals. The Aqua Watercraft comes in handy for swift getaways, and can be rebuilt into a Seven Seas Speeder and Trident of Fire for upgraded powers in the game.
The Ghostbusters Stay Puft Fun Pack comes with the first-ever buildable Stay Puft minifigure and Terror Dog. Players can become everyone’s favourite marshmallow man and activate his Hazard Protection, Big Transform and Super Strength abilities to solve puzzles and battle enemies. The Terror Dog can be called in as back-up and rebuilt as the Terror Dog Destroyer and Soaring Terror Dog for upgraded powers in the game. The pack also allows access to the Ghostbusters Adventure World where gamers can play as any one of the four Ghostbusters characters.
It’s fairly safe to say anyone who has seen the new Star Wars film probably fell in love with BB-8, and now you can get your own BB-8 and control him using your smartphone thanks to Sphero.
This is how Sphero describes BB-8:
“Meet BB-8 – the app-enabled Droid that’s as authentic as it is advanced. BB-8 has something unlike any other robot – an adaptive personality that changes as you play. Based on your interactions, BB-8 will show a range of expressions and even perk up when you give voice commands. Set it to patrol and watch your Droid explore autonomously, make up your own adventure and guide BB-8 yourself, or create and view holographic recordings.
It’s now possible to explore the galaxy with your own trusty Astromech Droid by your side. BB-8 is more than a toy – it’s your companion.”
Features
• Authentic Movement // Guide your BB-8 with a smartphone or tablet
• Listens & Responds // BB-8 recognizes and reacts to your voice
• Holographic Communication // Record and view virtual holographic videos with BB-8
• Autonomous Behavior // BB-8 has a mind of its own – explore the Star Wars galaxy together
• Adaptive Personality // Your BB-8’s unique attitude and actions evolve as you interact
• Internal guidance system includes a gyroscope and accelerometer.
• Height: 11.4 cm / Width: 7.3 cm / Weight ~200 g
What’s in the box?
The box contains your very own BB-8 (it’s in two pieces to begin with), a charging cradle, a USB cable and some paperwork.
A Closer Look at BB-8
This is the charging station – think of it like BB-8’s bed!
Here is the bottom part of BB-8.
And here is his head – it just drops onto his body.
And here is the little guy all ready to go!
Getting BB-8 ready
When you have played BB-8 into his charging cradle (bed) and connected the USB cable to your computer or plug socket, BB-8 starts to charge. Whilst he is charging he glows and changes colour and moves around on the cradle. It’s rather fun to watch!
The App
In order to control BB-8, you need to download the free app.
When you first fire up the app and pair it with your BB-8, the app checks if there are any firmware updates for BB-8, and if there are performs the updates for you.
There are three modes within the app. There is also a Settings options, and this one controls various sounds and music options, along with whether voice recognition is on or off.
The next mode in the app is called Drive. This enables you to take manual control of BB-8, using your finger to guide him around the room. You can also choose from a number of commands that are a lot of fun to play with.
The next mode is called Patrol. What this option does is send BB-8 off on his own little adventure. You can monitor his progress from within the app as well.
My favourite mode is called Message which gives you the opportunity to record your own holographic message just like Princess Leia did in the original Star Wars movie.
There are a number of preset holograms you can select from. You view them using the smartphone app whilst holding the phone over or near BB-8.
You can of course record your own message with your own face – and that’s exactly what I did. What? Come on, you know you are going to do the very same thing!
Final Thoughts
As soon as I saw Star Wars The Force Awakens I knew that BB-8 was going to be this generations R2-D2 and that there would be a lot of toys and merchandise. This BB-8 is by far the coolest of all of the BB-8 merchandise and I was very happy to be able to get my hands on one.
Setting up the BB-8 was both simple and quick – and fun to watch him charging. There is nothing worse than having to wait ages to use something like this, so it was a good move to have BB-8 almost interact with his charging cycle.
The app that controls BB-8 is free and is available on iOS, Android and even Windows Phone, yes, Windows Phone! After you pair your device with BB-8, which is simple and fast, then you can start playing with him.
I liked that there were multiple modes to choose from. As I already mentioned my favourite was the message mode because I could record my own holographic message.
The other two modes were also a lot of fun – BB-8 could either be controlled by the app (including being able select a number of pre-programmed items) or have him just go around on his own and explore. Controlling his was very easy, the app tells you exactly what you have to do and reminds you if it detects you are having problems. Although I did have a number of occasions where he just ending up either in a corner or behind something and he just couldn’t get out!
Battery life was very good on BB-8, you get around an hours worth of play, as was his ability to stay upright and in one piece.
BB-8 is most definitely the droid you are looking for – now move along (and buy one)!
BB-8 App-enable droid powered by Sphero is available now priced around £129.99.
Today at a GDC 2016 presentation, Andrew House from Sony announced details for its PlayStation VR. The PlayStation VR will launch in October, for £349/€399/$399.
With a special version of Star Wars Battlefront will also be coming to virtual reality exclusively on PlayStation VR. With other planned PSVR-supported titles include Uncharted 4, The Last Guardian, and Horizon: Zero Dawn.
Altogether Sony says 50 games will be supported on PSVR between launch and the end of the year.
It will include Playroom VR, a newly-minted version of the demo software, for free. Plus, a “cinematic mode” will let you play any existing PlayStation 4 game or watch Netflix using it.
Details on other entertainment options are said to be coming soon, you will need the PlayStation camera for the PlayStation VR to function with is sold separately.
Beginning on 18th April, fans who’ve played Gears of War: Ultimate Edition on Xbox One or Windows 10 will begin to receive tokens in waves for early access to the beta. Following the conclusion of early access on 24th April, all qualifying Xbox Live Gold members on Xbox One will be invited to join the beta until it ends on 1st May.
In addition, we’re extending the timeframe for Gears of War: Ultimate Edition players to qualify for early access to the Gears of War 4 beta to the 11th April (previously 1st March). To qualify, just log on to Xbox Live and play Gears of War: Ultimate Edition on Xbox One or Windows 10 by 6 a.m. GMT, 11th April.*
*To qualify for early access to the Gears of War 4 Multiplayer Beta on Xbox One log in to Xbox Live and play Gears of War: Ultimate Edition on Xbox One or Windows 10 by 06:00AM GMT, 11th April. Tokens for the beta will be distributed in waves through the Xbox Live messaging system and begin arriving Monday 18th April. For both Early Access and Xbox Live Gold periods, must be 17+. Xbox One, broadband internet (ISP fees apply) and Xbox Live Gold membership (sold separately) required. Beta dates, content, and features subject to change. See https://GearsofWar.com for the latest information.
Numskull Designs have a lot of very cool merchandise, including some retro PlayStation gear you should check out.
Featuring a minimalistic monochrome style, this Official PlayStation Blue Print Wallet is a cool way to show the dark side of your Sony style. With a retro gaming design, based on a schematic layout of the original PS1 console, this wallet has a cool gaming feel without shoving it in your face.
What kind of refined, worldly person doesn’t want retro gaming themed cufflinks? Especially these ones. These Official PlayStation Symbols Cufflinks with symbols from the PS1 controller buttons bring class to any formal outfit by adding that little Sony twist.
Put down your mug on one of these Official PlayStation Coasters. You’ll want to once you see how exact of a copy they are – even down to the indented PlayStation logo on the sides, these coasters look just like original PS1 games cases! And with Wipeout, PaRappa The Rapper, Gran Turismo and Destruction Derby it’s one hell of a line-up! They also come with felt feet to secure them in place and are easily cleaned!
The Treasure-hunting adventure Adam’s Venture: Origins will release on PS4, Xbox One and PC on Friday, 1st April, publisher Soedesco has announced.
Developed by Dutch studio Vertigo Games, Adam’s Venture: Origins is described as an “extensive remake” of 2009’s episodic PC series that sees players exploring ancient ruins, solving puzzles and racing to discover the lost rivers of the Garden of Eden.
The game is said to re-imagine the franchise “as a fully formed non-violent, next-generation adventure game”, with levels set across the globe in the 1920s.
“Streamlined with the power of Unity 5 and replotted to forge an engaging narrative, this is the definitive Adam’s Venture experience,” reads the game’s description. “Over the course of their adventures, players will find themselves crossing the globe, visiting locations like Jerusalem, Oxford, and even Temple Mount.”
If you are busy playing The Division, you might want to get yourself some merchandise to go with the game.
For the very first time Numskull brings to its RPG agents a brand new range of Official Tom Clancy’s: The Division Merchandise including T-Shirts, Console Skins and an Urban Survival Stainless Steel Mug, fit for any combat operation
To successfully complete the objectives of The Division, any agent must ensure that they are prepared. This includes bringing ample provisions for survival in the urban wasteland. Bring this Official Tom Clancy’s The Division Stainless Steel Mug and be prepared for the worst.
Take back the city for civilisation with this Official Tom Clancy’s The Division Toxic City T-shirt. New York is under attack from both the pandemic and the rioters, and only those activated under Directive 51 can provide any salvation to the ailing state.
You are a member of an anonymous unit of high-trained agents, and your time is now. Represent the Strategic Homeland Division in its fight against the rioters and the Black Friday virus with this Official Tom Clancy’s The Division SHD Emblem T-shirt.
Society has fallen so you must rise, as a member of The Division is up to you to take on the factions intent on retaining the status quo in the city. Whether you’re battling the misguided intentions of The Cleaners, or the pure evil of The Rikers, take them on with this Official Tom Clancy’s The Division SHD Emblem Xbox One Skin Pack.
Take the fight to the forces of disorder in the dark zone with this Official Tom Clancy’s The Division SHD Agent PS4 Skin Pack. This skin pack design features an unknown agent of the division set against a backdrop of the crumbling New York skyline.
These are a really great addition for any fan of the game – and stay tuned, as we are giving some of this away shortly!
Oddworld Inhabitants Inc has today announced Oddworld: Soulstorm, which is now being co-developed by Oddworld’s own internal teams in California and the UK; and in conjunction with Frima Studio in Québec, Canada.
A follow-up to Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty, Oddworld: Soulstorm picks up from Abe’s genesis and directly follows on from the overthrow of RuptureFarms and the liberation of his blighted workmates.
Having defeated Molluck The Glukkon, his former boss and RuptureFarms’ meanest inhabitant, Abe soon finds himself – along with 300 newly emancipated Mudokons – without food, water or a place to call home. Stranded alone in the desert, they find solace in a strange new brew – a delicious drink that has insidious ramifications for their newfound freedom.
“There was a deeper, darker, and more sinister story that we never got to tell,” explains series creator, Lorne Lanning. “Soulstorm gives us the opportunity to flesh out more meat on the bones of an original spine, but re-tell the fable from a very different angle.”
“Abe has a long way to go and plenty more adversity ahead. Soulstorm is going to be a much heavier trip for him.”
Oddworld: Soulstorm will continue to chew up the themes of environmentalism, capitalism, consumerism and addiction that critics and fans found so engaging in the “AAA Indie” release of Oddworld’s last pensive platformer, New ’n’ Tasty.
“We can’t wait to show you what we’ve got planned for Soulstorm” says executive producer Bennie Terry.
“We think Oddworld fans are really going to dig what we’re brewing, and we’ve got some great surprises in store this time around we don’t think anybody’s going to predict,” he added. “I’ve been tasting it, and it’s definitely got twice the twisted flavor.”
Soulstorm, the highly volatile new game from Oddworld, is slated to explode in the latter half of 2017.
Introducing Soulstorm
– Witness Abe’s horrifying conflict with a terrifying new machination.
– A fresh narrative – a complete story retake inspired by our original tale.
– A big visual and cinematic leap aiming to break new ground for Oddworld.
– Intelligent new mechanics, twisted new devices enabling highly explosive deviousness.
– A dark parable that tells an epic tale of a volatile society pushed to its limits.
Sierra has revealed that King’s Quest Chapter 3: Once Upon a Climb, the next instalment in the new King’s Quest, is expected to release worldwide on the 26th April.
King’s Quest Chapter 3: Once Upon a Climb is a romantic comedy adventure featuring a beloved character from the series’ classic beginnings: King Graham’s wife and Gwendolyn’s grandmother, Queen Valanice.
Developed by The Odd Gentlemen, King’s Quest is available to download as either the Complete Collection (a bundle including all five chapters and a bonus playable story epilogue) or via the King’s Quest Season Pass (a bundle containing Chapters 2-5) on PS4, Xbox One and Steam.
The previous tales King’s Quest Chapter 1: A Knight to Remember and King’s Quest Chapter 2: Rubble Without a Cause are also available to purchase individually.
Bethedsa has today release the official trailer for Fallout 4: Automatron, which will be available for download across Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC on Tuesday, 22nd March, and will cost £7.99 GBP or come free with the season pass.
In Automatron, the mysterious Mechanist has unleashed a horde of evil robots into the Commonwealth, including the devious Robobrain. Players are tasked with hunting them down and harvesting their parts to build and mod your own custom robot companions. You’ll be able to choose from hundreds of mods; mixing limbs, armor, abilities, and weapons such as the all-new lightning chain gun. You can even customise their paint schemes and choose their voices.
Automatron marks the first add-on release for Fallout 4 and In April, Bethedsa is expanding the capabilities of settlements with Wasteland Workshop, and in May is releasing the Far Harbor expansion, the largest landmass Bethesda Game Studios has ever created for post-release content.
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment released a new LEGO Marvel’s Avengers video featuring Super Heroes from the recently released Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War Character Pack.
Based on the highly anticipated Marvel Studios film hitting theatres on 6th May, this add-on content is currently available as a FREE download exclusively for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 players.
Super Heroes once united now find themselves divided! Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War Character Pack expands the game’s already impressive roster of Super Heroes, featuring nine playable characters from the highly anticipated blockbuster, including Agent 13, Black Panther, Captain America, Crossbones, Falcon, Iron Man (Mark 46), Scarlet Witch, War Machine, and Winter Soldier. The pack also debuts the Marvel Cinematic Universe character versions of Black Panther and Crossbones, with both variants appearing in a console videogame for the first time.
LEGO Marvel’s Avengers allows players to relive the most amazing moments from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while also experiencing classic Avengers characters and content from acclaimed Marvel Comics.
The game is available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS and PC.
