Techland today unveiled the opening cinematic for the studio’s highly anticipated open-world action survival game Dying Light. After a thought-provoking story trailer released last week, players can now catch a glimpse of the events that set the game’s dramatic storyline in motion.
The intro paints the background for a mysterious outbreak in the ill-fated city of Harran which the rest of the world can do little to help, setting the stage for a political tug-of-war between Harran’s Ministry of Defense and the Global Relief Effort – a privately funded international humanitarian organization.
Entering the quarantine zone established to contain the unknown plague, players will assume the role of Kyle Crane, an undercover operative sent on an infiltration mission that at first seems both necessary and morally clear, yet in reality turns out to be just a move in a game of chess for the highest stake.
Dying Light is coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and the PC, and is scheduled for release in 2015 on 27th January in the Americas, 28th January in Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and 30th January in Europe.
Polk have released an Xbox One gaming headset called the 4 Shot, and here is our review.
Built for Xbox One and audio on the go, the 4 Shot reproduces Polk’s heritage of more than 40 years of award-winning high-performance sound. Your passion for games and music will find their true expression in the 4 Shot. Polk engineers teamed up with Microsoft sound designers to create an audio profile custom tuned for popular titles like Halo and Forza. Working together, they created an audio experience that transports you into the game, no longer are you just an observer. Because the 4 Shot is made for gaming and music, it is designed with a two mic system. It has a first-of-its-kind retractable mic for communication on the go and for listening to music. Moreover, it also includes a newly developed extended boom mic, the Chat Pro mic, which provides optimal chat and sound quality for gaming on the XBOX One. The 4 Shot Gaming Headset does not play games when it comes to sound.
Features
4 Shot delivers the best headphone experience possible, thanks to Polk’s 40 years of innovative, high-performance audio expertise.
The 4 Shot was tuned in collaboration with leading game sound designers to take you deeper into a virtual world, creating the most balanced, natural and realistic audio experience.
Polk Optimized Electro-acoustic Tuning (POET) delivers legendary Polk sound in a headphone: rich, immersive and realistic.
Street-style design looks just as good plugged into your Xbox One as it does on the go.
Compatible with Xbox One, PCs with combined headphone and mic port, smartphones & tablets.
Two microphone options purpose-built for high quality chat performance.
Retractable near-field gaming microphone is never in the way; designed for use on the go with your smartphone or tablet.
Chat Pro mic with boom microphone designed for pinpoint pickup on the latest games.
Included headset adapter connects directly to your wireless Xbox One controller, placing audio controls at your fingertips.
Lightweight, ergonomic headphone design never gets in the way of your concentration.
Spring Steel Headband with stitched leatherette padding, pivoting ear cups and comfortable, plush over-ear pads.
Specs
Final Thoughts
The 4 Shot is a very comfortable headset – you can wear it for hours and not feel like your head is being crushed! There is a lot of banding on the headband and also on the earphone cups.
Whilst the 4 Shot itself may look a little “plasticy”, it is actually very sturdy.
When the 4 Shot was released there were some issues with the mic’s chat performance, so I spoke with Polk about it:
“Polk has a longstanding reputation for product excellence and we pride ourselves in doing all that we can to ensure our customers love those products. Upon learning about the 4 Shot mic’s chat performance, we discovered there is no technical issue with the 4 Shot’s microphone hardware. Instead, it is a firmware issue and testing the 4 shot with your smartphone will show the microphone works great. However, to ensure that our consumers have the ultimate gaming and chat experience, we immediately took matters into our own hands and developed the POLK CHAT PRO boom microphone. This boom mic unit is designed to improve sound quality when chatting with gamers and friends via the Xbox One. The POLK CHAT PRO is included in all purchases of the 4 Shot, whether purchased on PolkAudio.com, online or at our authorised retail partners. With that said, we will continue to work internally to resolve any perceived issues with chat performance so that our customers can have the most heart-pumping and enjoyable gaming experience.”
Polk have included the Xbox One headset adaptor in the box so you don’t have to worry about buying one separately.
The 4 Shot comes in Ink Black or Nova Blue.
I really liked using the Polk 4 Shot and for Polk’s first Xbox One gaming headset it’s certainly one to consider.
The agreement gives Mad Catz the right to ship to multiple territories and release the FightStick for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3, Xbox 360.
Xbox 360 version
The Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2 features premium components and build quality, alongside a hinge-top design which provides easy internal access, allowing gamers to swap out artwork designs and internal components with ease.
“Our Tournament Edition 2 FightStick was warmly received when it launched alongside the Xbox One console in 2013 and we’re pleased to be able to introduce our next-generation fighting game controller to a greater audience of passionate gamers.” said Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz. “Our FightStick business provides positive contribution to our growth, particularly in territories such as Asia where our presence continues to expand. We look forward to remaining leaders in this category throughout this new console cycle.”
Warner Bros. Pictures have released a trailer for San Andreas, starring Dwayne Johnson, Paul Giamatti, and directed by Brad Peyton.
After the infamous San Andreas Fault finally gives, triggering a magnitude 9 earthquake in California, a search and rescue helicopter pilot (Dwayne Johnson) and his estranged wife make their way together from Los Angeles to San Francisco to save their only daughter.
But their treacherous journey north is only the beginning. And when they think the worst may be over…it’s just getting started.
The action thriller “San Andreas,” from New Line Cinema and Village Roadshow Pictures, reunites Dwayne Johnson with director Brad Peyton and producer Beau Flynn, following their collaboration on the global hit “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.”
The film also stars Carla Gugino (“Night at the Museum,” TV’s “Entourage”), Alexandra Daddario (“Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters,” TV’s “True Detective”), Ioan Gruffudd (“Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”), Archie Panjabi (TV’s “The Good Wife”), Hugo Johnstone-Burt (Australian TV’s “Home and Away”), Art Parkinson (TV’s “Game of Thrones”) and Oscar nominee Paul Giamatti (“Cinderella Man”).
“San Andreas” is produced by Beau Flynn (“Hercules,” “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island”). Tripp Vinson (“Red Dawn”) also serves as producer. Richard Brener, Samuel J. Brown, Michael Disco, Rob Cowan, Steven Mnuchin and Bruce Berman are the executive producers, and Hiram Garcia is co-producer. The screenplay is by Carlton Cuse, story by Andre Fabrizio & Jeremy Passmore.
The creative filmmaking team includes director of photography Steve Yedlin (“Looper”), production designer Barry Chusid (“The Day After Tomorrow”), editor Bob Ducsay (upcoming “Godzilla”), VFX producer (upcoming “Into the Storm”), VFX supervisor Colin Strause (“The Avengers”), and costume designer Wendy Chuck (“Twilight”).
Shot on location in The Gold Coast and Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, and in Los Angeles and San Francisco, “San Andreas” is slated to open in theatres in both 3D and 2D format beginning Friday, May 29, 2015.
New Line Cinema presents, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, a FlynnPictureCo. Production, “San Andreas.” It will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy is available to download across Europe this Thursday 11th December on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS. Players can experience the original trilogy that started it all in this collection of all the classic courtroom cases.
Included in this release are newly remastered versions of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Justice For All, and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Trials and Tribulations all in one digital package for €29.99 / £24.99 / $29.99.
Full of classic investigative adventures, the Phoenix Wright trilogy is known for delivering intriguing storylines full of drama, twists, and intense courtroom showdowns, not to mention an ever-growing comical cast of characters. With newly remixed sound, high resolution re-drawn graphics and 3D support, the original trilogy has never looked and sounded better! As a new feature, the Japanese version of the game, “Gyakuten Saiban 123 Naruhodo Selection”, will also be included, allowing players to switch between the Japanese and English versions in-game.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy introduces rookie lawyer Phoenix Wright during the early years of his career on his quest to find the truth. Players will need to investigate crime scenes, collect evidence, and question witnesses to prepare for epic courtroom battles and prove the innocence of their client. Nothing less of a full acquittal will do in this court of law. Players must find the contradictions in witnesses’ testimonies and expose the truth!
The electrifying pinball table from Zen Studios and Marvel based on the Lethal Protector himself, Venom, is launching this week across Zen’s pinball platforms on PS3, PS4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, Steam, Mac, iOS, Android, and Amazon! To celebrate, Zen Studios has released a brand new trailer showcasing some of the spectacular gameplay found in the table.
The Venom pinball table features Eddie Brock as the Symbiote-empowered villain as he faces not just his mortal enemy, Spider-Man, but also the threat of his twisted offspring, Carnage. Can Venom and Spider-Man team up to defeat a greater threat?
Zen Pinball 2 on PS3, PS4 & Vita: $2.99/€2,99/£2.49, North America December 9th, Europe December 10th
Zen Pinball 2 for Mac: $2.99/€2,99/£2.49 on December 10th
Pinball FX2 for Steam & Xbox 360: $2.99/€2,99/£2.49 on December 10th
Pinball FX2 for Xbox One: $2.99/€2,99/£2.49 on December 11th
Zen Pinball 2 for Wii U: $2.99/€2,99/£2.49 on December 11th
Zen Pinball / Marvel Pinball for iOS: $1.99/€1,79/£1.49, December 11th
Zen Pinball HD / Marvel Pinball for Android & Amazon: $1.99/€1,79/£1.49, December 11th
Bungie and Activision announced today that Destiny Expansion I: The Dark Below is now available for download on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One and Xbox 360. Destiny Expansion I: The Dark Below marks the first official expansion to the Destiny universe that adds new content to almost every activity in the game, featuring weapons and gear to earn through new story, cooperative and multiplayer activities.
“Destiny is and always has been a long-term vision for us,” said Pete Parsons, COO of Bungie. “An important part of that vision includes listening to the community as we shape what comes next. Since launch, we’ve made significant real-time improvements to the game based on player feedback, and our first Expansion will include the things people want more of in the Destiny universe. These are new activities, gear and weapons, along with another fan-favorite Raid, that expand the gameplay experience.”
Destiny Expansion I: The Dark Below features the following:
New Loot – Earn new weapons, armor, and gear, including new Legendary and Exotic items.
Level Increase – Raise your Light Level to 32
New Story Missions and Quests – Journey through new Hive-themed story missions and quests where you are tasked with stopping the resurrection of an ancient god, Crota
New cooperative Strike – The Will of Crota, pits you and your Fireteam against Omnigul as she works to expand the Hive army at the command of her master, Crota
New six-player Raid – Assemble your six-player Fireteam to attempt Crota’s End, set deep within the depths of the Hellmouth with all-new gameplay mechanics and enemy bosses
New competitive multiplayer arenas:
Pantheon – Set in an ancient Vex temple inside the Black Garden that features Vex-designed landscapes and tight corridors
Skyshock – An old interplanetary defense array that offers engagements for both vehicle and infantry
The Cauldron – An abandoned Hive ritual site that offers close-quarter combat
New EV-30 Tumbler Sparrow – Players that purchase and redeem the Destiny Expansion Pass or Destiny Expansion I: The Dark Below by January 15, 2015 will receive the EV-30 Tumbler Sparrow, enabling its riders to drive fast, take flight, and perform a set of mid-air tricks
PlayStation Exclusive Content* – PlayStation players will also get access to an exclusive cooperative Strike, TheUndying Mind, and exclusive exotic weapon, The 4th Horseman shotgun
Players can purchase Destiny Expansion I: The Dark Below individually ($19.99/£19.99), or as part of the Destiny Expansion Pass ($34.99/£34.99), which includes both Expansion I and Expansion II, on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, and Xbox 360.
BANDAI NAMCO Games Europe S.A.S has today announced that the ‘Fighting Edition’ will battle its way to fighters’ favourite retailers on the 19th December.
As the creator of two of the biggest and most famous fighting-game licenses ever made, BANDAI NAMCO Games is proud to give to all players’ in UK a chance to become the strongest of all fighters on TEKKEN 6,TEKKEN TAG TOURNAMENT 2 and SOULCALIBUR V! This banging bundle will be available from the 19th December for PlayStation 3.
3 games for an incredible price: that’s the massive bargain all gaming lovers will enjoy! Technical prowess, prepared mind and solid combos are the requirements to master this bundle:
TEKKEN 6: gorgeous graphics and destructive environments, largest character roster ever, a brand new action game mode and a grand online mode.
TEKKEN TAG TOURNAMENT 2: multiplayer match, pair play, massive playable roster, new stages benefiting from the environmental FX and tons of offline/online features.
SOULCALIBUR V: a master assassin in the person of Ezio Auditore available, A new chapter following the story of Patroklos, Multiple & Dynamic fighting styles and an amazing online mode to face off against the competition
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has today announced the return of its Inside Games Arcade exhibition, part of the EGX Rezzed consumer show that runs from 12th to 14th March 2015, which is now open for submissions.
BAFTA’s Inside Games Arcade offers British developers the opportunity to showcase their latest games to the public. Featuring titles from individuals and larger development studios, Inside Games Arcade promises the gaming public a unique opportunity to discover the diverse range of games being created here in the UK, as curated by BAFTA’s Games Committee.
Kelly Smith, Head of Television and Games at BAFTA, said: “The selection of games that BAFTA will showcase at Inside Games Arcade will celebrate the finest talent that the UK games industry has to offer. We’re looking to feature a broad spectrum of games that will appeal to a variety of attendees, so regardless of the platform, genre or background of the game’s developers, everything will be considered.”
As long as games are in a playable state and created here in the UK, they will eligible for exhibition at the event. Developers will need to supply a build of the game to be considered for entry; BAFTA will supply equipment and screens to display games at the Inside Games Arcade. Game submissions can be made here: http://apply.bafta.org.
Public tickets to Inside Games Arcade (12 to 14 March) and the British Academy Games Awards (12 March) are available here: www.egx.net/rezzed/tickets
Industry tickets to the British Academy Games Awards, which include champagne reception, awards ceremony, buffet supper and after party, are available here: http://tickets.bafta.org.
With Destiny’s first expansion pack out this week, we have a Q&A with Eric Osborne (Urk), Community Manager at Bungie….
· What is The Dark Below in a nutshell?
“The Dark Below is Destiny’s first expansion, offering players more content for every activity type in the wake of hundreds of post launch updates. It offers players new Legendary and Exotic weapons and armor, new story missions and quests, new levels to achieve, new Crucible maps, a new Strike, and a new Raid, set deep within the Hellmouth on the Moon.”
· What was the main inspiration behind this?
“We wanted to provide players with more of everything. We also wanted to react directly to what we saw players doing daily in Destiny.”
· What’s should people be most excited about?
“We know that new weapons and armor are going to go over really well with players. Their appetite for finding the latest and greatest Destiny gear is insatiable. We’re really excited about Eris, a new quest giver we’ve added to the Tower, who serves as the nucleus for all the Hive-themed adventures.”
· What new weapons and gear can we expect?
“All of the Legendary Weapons and Armor you can already find on Vendors will receive upgrades, alongside existing Exotics. We’re also introducing new Exotics, new Legendaries, and new Raid gear across the board. Eris has new bounties, new vanity items, and some fun new quests to go on, as well.”
· How soon after completing the game did the team start working on The Dark Below?
“We’re always trying to stay one step ahead, but work on The Dark Below didn’t officially wrap up until well after launch. We wanted to take the feedback and player behavior we were seeing and incorporate as much of it as possible into our first expansion.”
· What has most surprised/ excited you the most about people’s reaction to the game so far?
“How much they are playing, and how often. We have historical estimates we used to predict how players would take to Destiny that was based on a decade of supporting one of the more engaging action games out there. Players blew those estimates out of the water.”
· What’s next?
“Lots of fun! We’ll obviously be watching and listening the reaction to The Dark Below. Our sustain team is busy building out and testing a bevy of upcoming patches. Beyond that, we have some more content in the works, too, but it’s far too early to dig into the far flung future just yet.”
Are you going to play Destiny The Dark Below? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
The Banner Saga 2 published by Versus Evil further revealed for the PS4, Xbox One (via ID@Xbox) and PC as its platforms, along with a 2015 release window.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has experienced a second delay until 19th May, 2015, developer CD Projekt Red has announced.
In an open letter explains the game’s ambition means there are still bugs that need to be fixed and some features are not yet working correctly. As a result, the game has been pushed back by 12 weeks.
Dear Gamers,
Ever since we started working on The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, we knew it would be an ambitious game. We wanted, and still aim, to give you an incredible experience, an epic adventure in a vast, completely open fantasy universe.
The sheer size and complexity of The Witcher, key features of the title, have had a decisive impact on production. Now, nearing the end of our work, we see many details that need to be corrected. When we release the most important game in our studio’s history, we must be absolutely sure that we did everything we could to limit any bugs to a level that will allow you to enjoy the game thoroughly.
With this in mind, we took another look at current workloads and what they mean for the team. Even though everyone is working at full speed, we concluded that we need another 12 weeks, so we are shifting the release date of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt to May 19th, 2015.
We owe you an apology. We set the release date too hastily. It’s a hard lesson, one to take to heart for the future. We know what we want to do to make Wild Hunt one of the best RPGs you will ever play. And we continue to work hard to achieve just that. So, we apologize and ask for your trust.
Thank you for the all support you show us on a daily basis. We truly do appreciate it. It has fueled us in our passion since the start and will continue to do so.
Monolith and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment have paid homage to the vibrant and dedicated Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor community by releasing a new trailer that celebrates users’ unique experiences with their own personal Nemesis.
The trailer was unveiled at The Game Awards, where Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor was honoured with winning the prize for Best Action / Adventure Game of 2014.
Get ready for a piece of the action in Battlefield Hardline where you choose to be the law or break the law in this fresh, new take on Battlefield. Inspired by great TV crime dramas.
Hardline delivers a gripping single player campaign filled with player choice and exciting new innovations in multiplayer with maps and modes set against the war on crime.
To be released on Playstation 4, Playstation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC on 20th March 2015 (17th March in US)
