The Dead Island: Definitive Edition will be released on PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on 31st May, publisher Deep Silver has announced.
Included is the original Dead Island, Dead Island: Riptide and 16-bit retro sidescroller Dead Island: Retro Revenge, along with all the DLC you can handle.
Dead Island and Dead Island: Riptide have been completely overhauled utilising Techland‘s next gen engine, adding significant visual and performance upgrades, whilst introducing cutting edge current-generation graphical effects:
· Higher Quality Textures Game textures have been redone in a higher resolution and the level of quality has been improved across the board
· Photorealistic new lighting system The lighting system in the game has been vastly improved, providing a much more realistic look, enhancing the stunning tropical setting
· Physically based shading The introduction of new physically based shading techniques due to the latest iteration of the Chrome Engine means a higher quality look to the game models and objects as they react in a more realistic way to various lighting conditions
· Image quality enhancements via anti-aliasing The addition of more sophisticated anti-aliasing means that console players can now experience Dead Island without unsightly “jaggies“ – meaning a much cleaner look throughout
Improved-quality game models and geometry assets All major geometry assets (for example: NPCs and character models) highlight a marked quality increase
HBAO and motion blur effects The introduction of Horizon-based Ambient Occlusion adds an extra layer of depth and realism to the world
Through a better implementation of object shadows, while the all-new motion blur effects will provide a much more cinematic feel to the game experience.
Updated game UI Providing a more consistent look between both Dead Island and Dead Island: Riptide. Increase to equal quality level for seamless game experience.
The Current-gen Console Experience The Dead Island Redux Collection will also of course take advantage of the latest console features such as Online 4 Player Co-op, PS Vita Remote-Play (PS4), Share-Play (PS4), streaming and recording
Power Fists Power-up And last but not least, The fan favourite unofficial PC mod will also now be added to both products. Punch your way through the mayhem with craziest power-up ever!
Features at a glance:
Retro look meets melee-based combat
Featuring leaderboards, achievements and plenty of depth
Game mechanics include power-ups, super attacks and a combo system
Dead Island Definitive Collection is a compilation containing Dead Island Definitive Edition, Dead Island: Riptide Definitive Edition and also includes for free Dead Island Retro Revenge!. It will be available at retail and digital for a suggested price of £29.99/$39.99/€39.99
The games run at 1080p and 30 frames per second, with improved textures, better models, a new lighting system and a consistent user interface across the main two games.
Nintendo had plenty to say with this new Nintendo Direct. Nintendo shed further light on its spring line up, revealing more information about the games everyone knew about and also revealing a few new ones that came as a complete surprise.
Today’s Nintendo Direct kicked off with one of Nintendo’s biggest, as well as its more controversial, games of the year. Star Fox Zero is going full speed ahead into its 22nd April date. Producer Shigeru Miyamoto touted its resemblance to Star Fox 64, in terms of its branching paths. However, there appears to be more commonality than just that. The story appears to be getting the reboot treatment, as anyone that has followed the series closely will notice a few things that don’t quite gel with the stories of previous games. Also, our own Steve Watts noticed bits of recycled dialogue from Star Fox 64. So is this a remake? A reboot? That’s still not entirely clear.
What is clear is that the game’s control scheme will maintain the maligned GamePad gyroscopic aiming system, with Miyamoto stressing that players can get better with practice. But Nintendo did add one new element that addresses anyone that has issues with this control scheme. A newly-revealed two-player mode will allow one player to control the Arwing with a Pro Controller, just like the old days, while a second player can focus on shooting with the GamePad screen. As far as ways to address control criticisms, that’s certainly an idea, alright.
There’s also a Star Fox spin-off game that’s set to debut in April, called Star Fox Guard. This game sees players jumping into a tower defense-style game, where they set up 12 cameras to find and defeat incoming attackers. There are 100 stages included, along with the ability to create custom levels. The physical version of Star Fox Guard will come packed in with Star Fox Zero for a full $59.99 price tag (no UK pricing). Those looking to pick up the games a la carte can get Star Fox Zero for $49.99 (no UK pricing) at retailers or digitally or Star Fox Guard for $14.99 (no UK pricing) on the Nintendo eShop only. Picking up one digital edition will give users a $4.99 (no UK pricing) eShop discount on the other.
Splatoon may not be getting anymore new maps, but the updates are still coming on strong. New updates were detailed, with a new balance patch set to hit on Tuesday, March 8. A second two-part update will issue adjustments to matchmaking, Ranked Battles, and Splatfests, starting in April. Weapon set recommendations, referred to as “Sheldon’s Picks,” will also encourage users to play around with some of the game’s less-appreciated weapons.
Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games has been given a release date on Wii U. The latest sport-taculuar crossover between the two classic franchises is set to hit the console on 24th June, with two new events: Rugby Sevens and Rhythmic Gymnastics Clubs. All of the events will be held in areas modelled after the real-world venues set to house the Olympics this summer. The 3DS version of Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games is set to hit on 18th March.
Super Mario Maker is set to receive its biggest update yet with addition of even more course elements. These should completely change the way course makers are approaching the game, as Nintendo will introduce keys/locked doors and keys that spawn upon collecting pink coins. The brutal Skewer column from Super Mario World is also making its return, which should make castles even tougher. A Super Expert Mode is also being introduced, which challenges players to complete six Super Expert levels with 100 Marios, with 12 new Mystery Mushrooms as the reward. This latest update is set to hit Super Mario Maker on Wednesday, 9th March.
Publisher Atlus is getting in on the Wii U fun with an all-new IP called Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE. The Persona publisher is kicking off a new story, where players must confront a powerful force invading modern-day Tokyo. There are turn-based battles, weapon crafting and fusion, and a blend of Atlus’ RPG mechanics and the strategy of Nintendo’s own Fire Emblem series. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is set to release on 24th June.
Bandai Namco is also bringing some new IP action to Wii U, with a free-to-play game called Lost Reavers. This is an online co-op action game, where friends team up to take on zombies and solve the tricky puzzles within the world’s temples to find treasure. Players can level up and unlock new skills, while also earning enough in-game currency to pick up new weaponry. The Lost Reavers open beta is kicking off on 14th April, while the finalized version hits Wii U on 28th April.
Paper Mario’s 2016 will not be restricted to playing second fiddle to Mario and Luigi. The paper plumber will also be coming to Wii U this year in Paper Mario: Color Splash. This action-adventure game puts Paper Mario and company on Prism Island, which has lost all of its colour. But when Paper Mario’s hammer gets upgraded to the Paint Hammer, it’s up to him to bring colour to anything it hits, whether it’s a colourless piece of landscape or a listless Paper Toad.
Pokken Tournament is set to hit in just a couple of weeks, so there isn’t much more that Nintendo can add prior to its release. But it did detail how some of the in-game leagues will work, as well as a few of the customization options for your trainer. (Yes, there are still Pokemon Trainers here.)
Nintendo’s Bill Trinen also briefly detailed the new My Nintendo rewards program, which will reward players for purchasing digital games, as well as playing around with Nintendo apps. That includes Miitomo, which is set to launch later this month.
Mario and Donkey Kong have pretty much run out of ways to engage in Mini warfare, so they’re letting everybody else get in on the fun with Mini Mario and Friends Amiibo Challenge. Compatible Amiibo can be scanned in to run through standard Mini-style stages. Each of the Amiibo will have their own unique abilities. This game will be a free download on both Wii U and 3DS on 28th April, but users can get early access with the purchase of any Amiibo on 25th March from GameStop, Amazon, or Best Buy in the USA. Series 4 of the Animal Crossing Amiibo Cards have also been locked in for a 10th June release, where the Isabelle Amiibo will also be available a la carte.
There haven’t been many reasons to upgrade from a 3DS to a New Nintendo 3DS, but Nintendo is about to give it a little more effort. Super Nintendo games will make the jump to the 3DS Virtual Console. While they’ll be available on all 3DS models, only the New Nintendo 3DS will be able to access ‘Perfect Pixel’ mode to play these games in their original resolution. Super Mario World, F-Zero, and Pilotwings are available right now, while Donkey Kong Country, Super Mario Kart, and Earthbound will hit on March 24. April 14 will see the arrival of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Super Metroid, and Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest.
Game Freak is an odd duck of a developer, which is why it’s unusual to see them attempt to blend horse racing and solitaire. Players control a jockey that make headway on the track through successful solitaire moves, while also saving boosts for final-second bursts down the stretch. There’s a leveling system, as well as a breeding system, with adorable ponies and none of which get sent to the virtual glue factory. Pocket Card Jockey is set to hit Nintendo 3DS as a digital download in May.
Azure Striker Gunvolt has found a home on numerous platforms, but the sequel will hit Nintendo 3DS first. Gunvolt will be back, but so will Copen, who will act as a playable character. Copen will come with an ability to copy the ability of the game’s seven new boss characters to use for himself. That’s pretty mega, man! Azure Strike Gunvolt 2 is set to release this summer on Nintendo 3DS as a digital download, but until that day comes, 3DS owners can pick up the original game on the eShop at a discounted $9.99.
Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation is moving towards its 10th March release date, where owners of the current Birthright or Conquest can pick it up for $19.99. As for the games already out there, new DLC has been released in the form of the Museum Melee and Ghostly Gold maps for $2.49 each. A third map, called Royal Royale, will hit on 17th March, at which point new maps will made available weekly through 21st April. Those that have purchased Map Pack 1 will get Museum Melee, Ghostly Gold, and Royal Royale at no extra charge.
Hyrule Warriors Legends is also set to hit this month on 3DS, but Nintendo isn’t finished revealing new characters just yet. Medli from The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker will also become playable shortly after launch, around the time of the first DLC pack’s release. What’s that? Yes, there is a Season Pass, why do you ask? The Season Pass will throw in four DLC packs and a bonus costume for Ganondorf this year. As for those that own the Wii U version of Hyrule Warriors, should they pick up the retail 3DS version, they’ll receive a special transfer code to bring Linkle, Skull Kid, Tetra, King Daphnes, and Toon Link (also, Ganondorf’s Trident weapon) to that version of the game.
Nintendo’s Art Academy series has already covered Pokemon in the past, so what happens when it tackles Disney? Disney Art Academy will allow users to sketch and colour over 80 characters from the Disney and Pixar libraries. A sharing feature will also be included. Disney Art Academy is set to release on 3DS on 13th May.
Bravely Second: End Layer is already starting to hit European regions, but the wait in North America is almost over. The free demo is set to hit on 10th March, but this is no mere demo. Remember that it’s a completely separate side story not seen in the main game, where players will also be able to earn bonuses for that main campaign when it hits on 15th April.
It’s been a long wait for anyone aching to finally jump into a North American version of Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past, but the wait is almost over. Nintendo hasn’t issued an exact date, but has confirmed a 2016 release window.
In addition to over 30 classes and turn-based battles filled with new spells and abilities, players will find refreshed character models and a re-localized story.
Those that have worried about the 3DS line up drying up likely felt very much reassured with today’s Nintendo Direct, especially with the reveal of Monster Hunter Generations. The latest entry in Capcom’s wildly popular action RPG series has been out in Japan for some time, but now it’s making its way out West. There’s a new style system and Hunter Arts on display in the game’s debut trailer, which can be seen below. In addition to that, Fire Emblem fans will find new armour based on Marth’s look in the series. Those that have Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate save data will get some bonus items, but for those that have yet to discover that particular game, Monster Hunter Generations is set to hit 3DS this summer.
Now we hit the damage control portion of today’s Nintendo Direct, as Metroid Prime Federation Force producer Kensuke Tanabe discusses the odd-looking entry into the Metroid Prime series. He starts by noting that it started life as a DSi game, as part of a collaboration with Next Level games. But with other titles taking priority, the project was shelved until last year’s reveal of the New Nintendo 3DS hardware. With more powerful hardware at their disposal, Federation Force was revived. As for the story, Tanabe saw it as an opportunity to explore a completely unexplored element of the Metroid Prime lore and expand on the role of the Galactic Federation and its conflict with the Space Pirates, as a whole. Tanabe acknowledges that there’s far more explaining to do and he will do so at a future date.
The Rhythm Heaven series is coming back with the release of Rhythm Heaven Megamix. There are over 100 rhythm games, including 30 new ones and a handful of ones from the original Game Boy Advance version never release in North America. It’s looking like a much more rhythmic version of WarioWare and should be interesting to see when it hits later this year on 3DS.
This Nintendo Direct concluded with the reveal of an all-new Kirby game. Kirby: Planet Robobot finds Dream Land under siege by a new mechanical race of invaders. Kirby must do as he always does and use his Copy Powers to defeat them, along with a few new Copy abilities. The hook for this game will see Kirby utilize a new robotic supersuit called the Robobot Armour, which can likewise use Copy powers to deliver more mechanical pain. The game will also feature a Team Kirby Clash mode for a four-player co-op boss rush, where players can then level up to take on more powerful quests and enemies.
And just like in Super Smash Bros., Kirby can use his Copy powers picked up in that game by using Amiibo. For example, Mario gives Kirby fire, while Link gives him a sword. A new Kirby line of Amiibo was also revealed, with new versions of Kirby, Meta Knight, King Dedede, and the all-new Waddle Dee. Both Kirby: Planet Robobot and the new Kirby Amiibo are set to release on 10th June.
The Geneva International Motor Show kicks off this week in Geneva, Switzerland – and in the spirit of the event, we’ve got some big Forza news to share. Microsoft and Forza developer, Turn 10 Studios, are partnering with Lamborghini to feature the all-new Lamborghini Centenario super sports car as the cover car of the next chapter in the Forza racing series.
You’ll have to wait for our Xbox media briefing at June 2016’s E3 Expo for the title or any big details on the next Forza game. However, the Centenario will be available “First in Forza,” which means that Xbox One owners across the globe get to experience the virtual version of this incomparable car before it makes its debut in the real world. With its V12 architecture, the Centenario’s naturally aspirated engine produces 770 horsepower, powers from 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, and from 0-300 km/h in 23.5 seconds – with a top speed of more than 350 km/h.
“We’re excited to continue our long history of working with Lamborghini and to be part of their 100-year anniversary by celebrating the Centenario as the featured cover car of the next Forza game,” said Head of Xbox Phil Spencer. “It’s an honour to announce our partnership at one of the world’s biggest automotive shows, and we look forward to unveiling the game at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo.”
Additionally, starting today, Turn 10 Studios’ Lamborghini Super Trofeo series will create a platform that engages the automotive and gaming communities in a brand-new type of motorsport.
All “Forza Motorsport 6” players can participate in the Super Trofeo series; in the first season, players compete in “Rivals” time trial events, as well as ranked multiplayer Leagues using the 2014 Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo. Based on their leaderboard and division performance in “Rivals,” players will be gifted the exclusive 2015 Huracán Super Trofeo – and they will be invited to participated in the series’ second prize-filled season.
I originally reviewed Mortal Kombat X on its release and was immediately impressed with just what it delivered for fans of the series and for giving the series a full on refresh. It followed on from the advances in Mortal Kombat 9 and benefitted from Injustice: Gods Among Us. It went on to win numerous ‘Fighting Game Of the Year’ awards for 2015. This week saw the GOTY ‘Mortal Kombat XL’ released and just under a year from the original launch, does it still pack a gruesome punch?
Mortal Kombat XL features the main game with its full cinematic story mode, the Towers and online modes but also includes all the DLC content that includes both Kombat Character packs, costume packs and classic Fatality packs. That gives Mortal Kombat XL a roster of 33 playable characters who along with the traditional roster also includes iconic film characters Jason Vorhees, Alien, Predator, Leatherface new to the game Triborg and Bo’Rai. That is really an astonishing number of fighters to get to grips with.
For those not familiar with Mortal Kombat X I will go through its modes starting with the Story Mode. The story is set twenty years after the climatic events of MK 9. And introduces the next generation of MK fighters Cassie Cage, Jacqui Briggs, Kung Jin and Takeda who must step up to defend Earth Realm from the threat that still exists in the form of the fallen Elder God Shinnock and Quan Chi. Made up of twelve chapters with each one giving the player the chance to control of a character in the story and uses fights in-between story driven cut-scenes. Even playing this again still makes me feel it is a superb way to get to know the new fighters in this game whilst enjoying a well told story. What I liked was the little details such as testing that the player is paying attention with some scenes having Quick Time Events such as pressing a button at the right time to interact with the scene. The story mode is worth playing through as it will unlock new character outfits and fighting areas as well as earning Kombat coins, XP for both your profile and your chosen Faction. It takes around four hours to complete and is as fun offline mode to enjoy.
Another great single player mode saw the return of the iconic Towers n the game is first fired up, it will ask the player to choose a Faction. Faction War is a new element to the series and as you player MKX, you will earn both XP for yourself but also points for your Faction, just by playing the game. Factions compete for glory and should you come across another player who is part of another Faction, it triggers a faction battle where bonus points can be won for your Faction by victory. Your Faction will set you daily challenges to complete as well in-game objectives in order to build points. You can even call upon a Faction Fatality which gives an extra brutal finish which is especially fun if you are fighting a player from a rival faction.
The single player side to MKX sees the return of the iconic Towers mode which was enhanced to include Living Towers which feature three online Towers; Premier (weekly Tower), Daily Tower and Hourly Tower. Each are made up of modifiers that can help or hinder either character in a Tower match. The challenge is to get the highest score possible and beat the towers. I found the Hourly Tower great fun as it refreshes with new modifiers and challenges every hour, so always giving the player something new to do, with the traditional and Living Towers the player can choose one that best suits them and is a great way to practice with a character before taking them online to challenge other players competitively.
What I found to be the most impactful change from MK9 to the Mortal Kombat series brought in with MKX are the new character Variations. Each fighter has three variations to choose from, with each one giving the player a different move set or bonus to use in combat such as boosting their special abilities for attack or defence. Depending on which variation you pick can change the combos and special moves of that fighter which ultimately determines your playing style. It adds a new level of depth to Mortal Kombat fighting system and with MKXL having 33 characters, it will take some time to work through the roster to learn how the variations can help your chosen character but also learning those of other characters to know how to counter them.
MKX is still a satisfying fighting game which has only been enhanced with the wealth of new content now included in this version. The Fatalities and Brutalities are still gruesome but glorious when pulled off. I love the visceral X-Ray moves which can be used to deal huge damage once your ‘revenge’ bar has filled up from moves executed and damage taken. I will say if you are coming to the game for the first time that the online player vs player mode can be daunting as you will meet more advanced players especially in casual but it having such a great amount of offline modes to practice with and an outstanding training and practice element that you never feel out of touch if willing to learn.
Mortal Kombat X was a game changer for the series when it first released but gave a swift kick up the backside to fighting games on new gen consoles. Something that is a vast contrast to how Street Fighter V released, with such an abundance of game modes and now every bit of DLC included just makes this such good value for money if you are looking to pick up for first time. If you already own the base game you can upgrade to XL for £19.99. There really is no better time to pick up Mortal Kombat X and this GOTY version really is the definitive edition to have.
Street Fighter V has had a rather troubled road to release, first the controversial decision to make it a console exclusive for PlayStation 4 as well as a PC release. Then the news just before launch that it was releasing incomplete with some of its core modes coming to the game in March, post launch. It released on February 16th and suffered server problems for the first week. Three weeks on I feel I can offer my thoughts on just why SFV has been a let down, and sadly so.
Firstly I will start with what is actually positive about SFV, its gameplay. For SFV the fighting system has been overhauled to make each of the sixteen characters on the roster feel unique in battle. The new V-Abilities add a way in for the more casual player but also a new level of depth for the experienced Street Fighter player. V-Abilities adds three elements to each character’s make up and replaces the focus system from SSF IV.
The three elements are V-Skill, V-Reversals and V-Triggers and are different to each character and can change their fighting style in rather intriguing ways. The V-Skill grants a fighter an extra ability such as Ryu’s parry move. The V-Reversal can be used to escape a beatdown and potentially flip the attack in their favour but with it being different for each character it has a natural pros and cons aspect to its use. The V-Trigger activates a buff to each character in different ways which can add extra damage, give access to extra combo moves or enhance defensive skills. The V-Abilities really make the gameplay feel smoother and more accessible to all levels of player.
The gameplay changes make the core of SFV, the fighting, very satisfying and can give each fight a dynamic battle which engages the player on all levels. It feels fresh and well thought out with feedback from SSF IV clearly taken into account to improve it once again.
It is because of how fun and rewarding the gameplay is in SFV that makes the rest of the launched version of the game such an infuriating mess that put quite simply feels like an insult to the Street Fighter legacy and its fans.
SFV is not the first game to release but have game modes added or activated post launch, but it is now well documented just how bare bones a release SFV actually is. The game lacks the traditional Arcade mode, something all fighting games have almost as a default game feature and is usually the starting point for many Fans heading into a Street Fighter title. Writing this three weeks post release and Capcom have hinted that an arcade mode could be brought back which means it was never even considered, which is staggering to me.
There is a very basic ‘Prologue Story’ mode ahead of the planned full cinematic story mode coming to SFV in June. June! This Prologue gives some back story for the roster but as a game mode it is really laughable at best as the AI is set to its lowest setting and all feature 3-5 single round fights with a storyboard cut scene narration style. You can complete all sixteen character prologues in an hour. Perhaps the mode’s only redeeming aspect is that you earn a good amount of the new in-game currency system, Fight Money. It can be used to buy new characters when available and costumes from the in-game shop which has yet to be opened, coming this month in March. Sigh!
There is a survival mode which puts the player’s chosen character into a 30 match battle with only a single health bar but after each single round fight you can purchase supplements to restore health or to boost another skill helping you fight on further. I found it fun and a good way to get to know the new roster especially trying out unfamiliar characters to you but it is still no replacement for a true arcade mode and survival modes are usually seen as an extra mode in fighting games but it feels strange that it has been included as a main mode in such a stripped down final version for release.
The main focus of SFV right now is the online competitive mode featuring Ranked and Casual matches online. For many, this has been the main defence for why SFV was released in such a reduced manner. But not every fan of Street Fighter wants to be part of what can be a very daunting competitive side which is why I feel so strongly about the lack of an Arcade mode and other offline game modes such as the challenge mode which again, will be added in March, being such a disappointment. On launch SFV suffered many issues with its servers but happily at time of writing they have improved greatly. The cross-platform play between PS4 and PC players is seamless and works really well which was initially a concern of mine. There is a Lounge Mode to have battles against friends but right now it only allows one on one battles, not so much a lounge but a small sofa!
The main bug bear with the online currently is the surprising lack of any ‘Rage Quit’ punishment in particularly for the Ranked matches. It has been highlighted by players that a player can rage quit out of a ranked match and will not lose any ranking points and keep any win streak intact and move on to another fight and the other player will not gain anything despite doing nothing wrong. Almost all competitive modes in other games have some sort of penalty whether it is a loss of points, it counting as a win for the other player or a time out from matchmaking for repeating offenders. Capcom have responded by saying they are looking to add a severe punishment for rage quitters but currently they have simply asked for players to name and shame offenders online using the PS4 Share button.
I wanted to love Street Fighter V, I really did being someone with the same familiar story of growing up going to the nearest Street Fighter II arcade machine in a shop after school with friends and lining up to have a go. I started SFV a week after release in order to allow the servers to settle and give it a fair chance. But due to its unfinished state I can not in good conscience give it a definitive review score right now.
I am angry as a Street Fighter fan to see what has been thrown up as a ready for release game. Despite it visually looking the best it has in the series with locations and character designs, the texture on player models tear so badly it just detracts from the new visual style and animation details. That combined with the criminal lack of solo game modes and a limited online experience, it really is a disgrace that Capcom or more so Sony PlayStation felt it was OK to release it this way.
As a result this is very much a review in progress and I will be revisiting the score once the March update has added the remaining game modes and store. Right now for me SFV feels as though it never left the Beta stage and is in a preview condition which for this series is unforgivable especially when you compare it to its nearest rival Mortal Kombat X which released almost a year ago in a much more complete state and who has just released its GOTY Mortal Kombat XL version which highlights even more what SFV is lacking.
With far more negative points than positive ones right now, all I can praise about SFV is the gameplay but that is not enough to give a standing score which is fair. Capcom were clearly not ready to release it and it sets a dangerous precedent that PlayStation pushed it to market so incomplete. It entered the UK Top 20 sales charts at number 2 but slipped to 10th after just a week. The poor reaction by fans to its unfinished version is in sharp contrast to the surprisingly glowing reviews on the first week which let it off for having so much content not ready. I however simply cannot let all that slide and my score below, for now, reflects that.
*Review score based at current released version of Street Fighter V to be updated following March Update
Blowfish Studios‘ first-person shooter and world-building hybrid Gunscape is now available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Mac and Linux. A Wii U release is planned for Q2 of 2016.
Gunscape enables players to create, share and play first-person shooter maps of their own design as well as enjoy levels made by other individuals on all five platforms. In addition to player-created single-player and multiplayer maps, gamers can blast through a campaign designed by the developers.
An intuitive tool kit for level creation offers a wide variety of weapons, enemies, environments and props, many instantly recognizable and paying homage to iconic first-person shooters throughout history.
Gunscape supports up to four players on PlayStation 4 in addition to eight on Xbox One and PC for split-screen multiplayer. All platforms support up to 20 players online.
Game Features
Create, share and play levels or just enjoy those made by other gamers
Three types of maps: single-player, co-op campaign or competitive multiplayer
Classic competitive game modes: Deathmatch, Last Man Standing, Gungame, Infection, Capture the Flag, Team Deathmatch and Team Survival
Two – eight player split-screen multiplayer and up to 20 online
Cross-platform map sharing
An intuitive level creation toolkit
A wide selection of weapons, enemies, environments and props to build with ” We can’t wait to see the innovative level designs players will create, and with cross-platform sharing, there will be an endless amount of content to keep gamers busy,” said Benjamin Lee, CEO of Blowfish Studios.
Gunscape is available for $19.99 in North America and €19.99 in Europe on PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace and Steam. A free to play version is also on Steam, with optional microstransactions to purchase additional level design elements, which come standard in the premium versions.
Publisher astragon and developer stillalive studios are happy to announce that the long-awaited Bus Simulator 16 has officially left its depot and is now available from traditional retailers and via digital download for PC and Mac with a recommended retail price of £18.99/€24.99.
In Bus Simulator 16 players slip into the shoes of a budding bus operator in the lively city of Sunny Springs. In this role they will be able to drive buses including licensed vehicles by the famous German bus and truck maker MAN. In addition to steering the buses themselves, they will also get the chance to set up and manage their very own bus company in cooperation with their friends.
Early on, novice bus drivers will start in the outskirts of the city, learning how to drive the buses and becoming familiar with their faithfully reproduced, fully operational cockpits. They will also need to prove their skills in the transportation of passengers and by creating their initial bus routes and timetables. The better the player manages all these tasks the better the image of their company will become. This in turn will not only reflect upon the popularity – and with that the finances – of the bus operator, but will also gradually unlock other city districts and new buses. With their increased financial income players can then buy new buses and hire additional drivers, who can then be assigned to the player’s bus routes.
Randomly occurring events will provide new challenges to every bus driver’s day: Be it passengers running late at the bus stop, wheel chair users who need the assistance of access ramps for boarding, stuck doors, emergency vehicles, construction works, traffic jams and even passengers who have had one drink too many! Just as in real life, players will have to make the right decisions and take the correct course of action to avoid running behind schedule and to ensure customer satisfaction. The built-in route editor will also enable players to easily create completely new bus routes as well as amend existing ones. This guarantees long-term variety within the open, freely drivable game world.
Virtual bus operators who love to play together will enjoy the multiplayer mode in Bus Simulator 16. Here, up to 32 participants at once will be able to operate a bus company. All of them will have joint access to the management menu of their business and will be able to create and change routes, buy new buses, manage the staff, assign lines to others, talk to each other in the game chat and much, much more.
Now for something a little different on the website today, Nespresso are to delight coffee aficionados as it introduces its first ever smartphone connected coffee machine, to suit their increasingly connected lifestyles. The new Prodigio machine enables users to prepare coffee remotely, be alerted when they are running low on their favourite Grands Crus and receive notifications to empty the capsule container or top up the water tank. The machine gives consumers the opportunity to brew their coffee from the comfort of their bed on a Sunday morning or from the dining room table when entertaining.
Using Bluetooth Smart technology, the Nespresso Prodigio machine seamlessly links with the renowned Nespresso smartphone app to enrich the coffee experience of the user. With the swipe of a few buttons on the app, users are able to brew any of the range of 23 Nespresso Grand Cru coffees from the comfort of their sofa for the ultimate in luxurious coffee moments. The ‘intelligent’ machine simplifies life for the user, offering:
Capsule ordering
Automatic brewing at a given time
De-scaling kit ordering and reminders
Capsule container full warnings
Empty water tank alerts
Error and maintenance alerts
All of the services will be directly linked to the smartphone app for seamless integration.
Francisco Noguiera, Managing Director for Nespresso UK & Ireland commented “Nespresso is synonymous with quality and style and the new Prodigio machine reflects this, combining an elegant aesthetic and ease of use. At Nespresso, we aim to continually surprise and delight our Club Members and we have listened to the consumer need for greater convenience and personalisation of products. This unique way of accessing the perfect cup of coffee will demonstrate the brand’s commitment to showcasing the latest coffee technology.We believe that the Prodigio is sure to become every coffee lover’s essential kitchen companion.”
The Prodigio is available in two colours, Silver and Titan. The Prodigio&Milk comes with an integrated Aeroccino3 milk frother, making it ideal for lovers of milk recipes. With multiple size settings, the machine has the ability to serve Ristretto, Espresso and Lungo coffee sizes.
The Nespresso Prodigio machine will be available from 1st March 2016 and will be priced at £159. The Prodigio&Milk will be priced at £199. The machine can be purchased from Nespresso Boutiques, Nespresso.com and leading department stores and cookshops.
Codemasters & Koch Media today released the DiRT Rally community trailer, showcasing the incredible driving skills of the game’s players, ahead of the game’s launch on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows PC(DVD) on 5th April 2016.
The DiRT Rally Community Trailer is the result of an initiative by the team and the DiRT community to demonstrate the mind-blowing level of skill and talent of the legions of players who have been clocking hundreds of thousands of hours of playtime in the game since its release on Steam Early Access.
The DiRT community responded in droves, sending reams of footage of their best experiences with the game so far which showcase their racing flair and powersliding prowess across the game’s rally and FIA World Rallycross content. The resulting trailer is a stunning selection of the very best footage received. “We were absolutely blown away by both the volume of footage we received and the amazing rallying skills our players have” said Paul Coleman, Chief Games Designer “It’s really humbling to see so many dedicated people taking the time to send us their videos.
DiRT fans, we salute you, and we can’t wait to welcome console players to our awesome community soon!” To date, Dirt Rally’s dedicated players have clocked up over 160 million kilometres, raced 4.7 million clean stages and performed nearly 4.2 million barrel rolls in their quest to join the world’s elite DiRT Rally players at the top of the leaderboards.
Available to pre-order now is the limited run DiRT Rally Legend Edition, which includes the full length feature documentary Colin McRae: Rally Legend.
The film tells the full story of the rally icon that inspired the DiRT series from the man himself and charts his career from the earliest days, through to his domination of the rallying world and his involvement with the famous Codemasters games. Also included in the Legend Edition is the Fully Loaded MINI Pack, which unlocks and fully upgrades the MINI Cooper S from the start of the game, gives an exclusive livery for the car and provides a unique team mechanic with perks.
In the UK, the Legend Edition also includes the Fully Loaded Ford Pack, featuring the Ford Escort Mk II, exclusively at GAME while a limited edition SteelBook complete with Driver’s Guide is available for gamers pre-ordering at Amazon.
Gamers pre-ordering the digital edition of DiRT Rally will receive both the Fully Loaded MINI Pack and the Fully Loaded Rallycross Pack, which unlocks the Mini Classic Rallycross and provides the same benefits as the other packs.
Io-Interactive has today released the ‘Season Premiere’ trailer for the upcoming Hitman game. Launching on 11th March, the trailer celebrates that Agent 47 is back and in the prime of his career in a new, live and ever-expanding, episodic game that will give players new contracts and challenges to complete every week as well as major content drops every month until season end.
Featuring the track “Men Today” by Health, the trailer showcases the Prologue and Paris locations from the first episode as well as the Italian coastal town of Sapienza dropping in April and a first glimpse at several areas from the Moroccan imperial city of Marrakesh arriving in May.
HITMAN will launch on 11th March for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows PC.
Disney Infinity announced what’s ‘Next’ for the toys-to-life game this morning. And there’s plenty to get excited about, with Disney going into more detail on Marvel Battlegrounds out 25th March in the UK.
Marvel Battlegrounds features a story where robotic doubles have stepped in for many of Marvel’s mightiest heroes, a plot concocted by the team of Loki and Ultron. That leads into the introduction of the brawler/beat-’em-up style of gameplay into Disney Infinity. All of the game’s Marvel figures will be compatible with this game mode.
Ant-Man, who shrinks to the size of an ant but increases his strength to pack a whopping punch
Black Panther, the leader of Wakanda who defends his homeland with acrobatic skills and his legendary claws
Vision, a brave and noble synthetic warrior who will fight to bring peace to the world
Marvel Battlegrounds will feature eight arenas, spanning the Avengers facility to the Wakandan Mines and even to Knowhere, the outpost featured in “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
Additionally, a new Marvel Battlegrounds-themed Power Disc Pack will be sold separately and contains:
Cosmic Cube Blast – Unleash a powerful energy blast on nearby foes
Darkhawk’s Blast – Blast obstacles with a powerful energy beam
Nova Corps Strike – Call upon the Nova Corps to unleash a tactical strike from above
Ghost Rider’s Motorcycle – Take a ride on the wild side with Ghost Rider’s flaming motorcycle
Also in the new video from Disney Infinity today, showed certainly something on the way for Star Wars, but Disney may have slyly hinted at what’s coming up for the main Disney animation studio and Pixar with one of the presentation’s final quotes.
“We’ll see you next time where we’ll give you an update on our favourite fish and peek through the looking glass,” Disney Infinity VP John Vignocchi said to end the stream.
It doesn’t take much thinking to conclude that he’s referring to a pair of upcoming Disney films: “Finding Dory” and “Alice Through the Looking Glass.” Both of those films are set to come later this year and it looks like Disney Infinity figures are in the works for both. And given the statement about new Play Sets on the way, there’s an outside chance that one of those may be in the works for each, as well.
Deep Silver today unveiled the Homefront: The Revolution Goliath Edition, a strictly limited collector’s edition packed with exclusive content. Alongside a boxed copy of the game, the Goliath Edition includes
: · A radio controlled scale replica ‘Goliath’ Drone, with working lights and six-wheel suspension. The Apex-manufactured Goliath is one of the most fearsome weapons in the KPA’s Counter-Insurgency arsenal
An exclusive Steel Book
A 32 page Art Book featuring Resistance-themed concept art and cutting edge Apex weapon and vehicle technology
The ‘Revolutionary Spirit’ pack (details below)
The Homefront: The Revolution Expansion Pass, entitling access to major single-player expansions – further information to be revealed at a later date
All post-release content for Homefront’s co-operative Resistance Mode including new missions, challenges, features and additional items and equipment will be delivered FREE as part of Dambuster Studios’ commitment to supporting this mode for 12 months.
“We’re planning for a dedicated team to work on additional single-player content for at least a year after release” said Hasit Zala, Game Director at Dambuster Studios. “We have some exciting ideas that we hope to develop further post launch, but the overall goal is to add some surprising new experiences to the world of Homefront that complement our 30 hour single-player campaign. All additional single-player content will be covered by the Expansion Pass.”
In addition to announcing the Goliath Edition, Deep Silver confirmed a number of additional pre-order bonuses: Pre-Order Homefront: The Revolution to secure the REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT pack, which includes both the Red Skull motorbike skin and Golden pistol skin for use in the single-player campaign, and instant unlocks of the Marksman Rifle, Sniper Scope and Remote Explosives for your Resistance Mode character.
All Digital pre-orders come with the LIBERTY PACK, featuring two pieces of rare combat gear unlocked and ready to personalise your Co-Op character with – the Liberty Body Armour and KPA Shock Trooper Helmet.
Further pre-order bonuses are available with selected retailers in each territory:
Kickstart your Co-Op Freedom Fighter’s career with the GUERRILLA CARE PACKAGE – 5 ‘Resistance Crates’ full of random weapon blueprints, attachments, equipment and more!
Wage guerrilla warfare in style with the WING SKULL PACK, including the Wing Skull motorbike skin and the Silver Pistol skin in the single-player campaign
Enhance your guerrilla skills with the COMBAT STIMULANT PACK to give your Freedom Fighter a critical boost in the heat of battle!
Limited edition Steel Books, and Steel Posters are also available from selected retailers worldwide
Homefront: The Revolution is scheduled for release on 17th May 2016 in North America, and 20th May 2016 in all other territories on Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft. , PlayStation 4 and Windows PC.
Native Mac and Linux versions are also in development.
Ubisoft has nnounced that The Last Maharaja add-on content for Assassin’s Creed Syndicate is now available on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows PC.
Twin Assassins Jacob and Evie Frye join Duleep Singh as he fights to reclaim his birthright as the last Maharaja in this entirely new story for Assassin’s Creed Syndicate.
In his quest to reclaim his heritage, Duleep, with the help of the Frye twins, will take on the Templars while testing his friendship with the queen.
The Last Maharaja is available as part of the Season Pass, which includes: Jack the Ripper, A Long Night Season Pass exclusive mission, the Streets of London gameplay pack, two top-tier sets of gear and weapons, and an exclusive XP boost.
The Last Maharaja is also included in the Gold Edition of the game and is available for purchase separately.
