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Watch Elise in a new Assassin’s Creed Unity Trailer

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Jul 29, 2014

Watch Elise in a new Assassin’s Creed Unity Trailer

Today Ubisoft has released a new CGI trailer for Assassin’s Creed Unity that shows Arno racing against time and through a dense and chaotic central Paris in order to prevent the beheading of Elise, a character central to Assassin’s Creed Unity’s story. As an independent young noblewoman, Elise is determined to secure her place in the Templar dynasty amidst the chaos of the French Revolution. Her quest leads her to cross paths with Arno and establish an unlikely bond with him.

In addition to the new trailer, Ubisoft is offering fans the chance to discover a novel by Oliver Bowden based on Assassin’s Creed Unity. This new paperback from Penguin Random House builds on Bowden’s past Assassin’s novels – with 3 million copies sold to date — and examines an era when the divide between the rich and poor is at its most extreme, and a nation is tearing itself apart. Told from Elise’s perspective, the book follows her and Arno as they are drawn into the centuries-old battle between the Assassins and the Templars – a world with dangers more deadly than they could ever have imagined — and fight to avenge all they have lost.

Finally, fans can now also order “Elise: The Fiery Templar,” a high quality figurine designed by Ubicollectibles that features Elise as she sets her sights on her target with her gun poised and sword sheathed at the ready on her back. This collectible can be assembled into a diorama with the “Arno: The Fearless Assassin” figurine.

Additional digital content for Assassin’s Creed Unity also is included with the purchase of this collectible.

Assassin’s Creed Unity will be released worldwide on 28th October. The novel Assassin’s Creed Unity will be available in November. “Elise: The Fiery Templar” figurine will be released on 14th October. The “Elise: The Fiery Templar” figurine will be available across EMEA territories and can be ordered now via the Uplay shop

Riders of the Rustlands DLC Out Now for Trials Fusion

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Jul 29, 2014

0

Riders of the Rustlands DLC Out Now for Trials Fusion

Ubisoft released Riders of the Rustlands, the first of six planned downloadable content packs for Trials Fusion. Available now for Season Pass holders and at £3.99 for players without the Season Pass, Riders of the Rustlands brings new tracks, challenges, editor objects and achievements to Trials Fusion.

In Riders of the Rustlands, players will meet the forgotten people that live just outside the boundaries of Trials Fusion. Ignored by the government and left to their own devices, these rogues are forced to use, build and scavenge what they can to make a living. Rival camps have sprung up in the battle for resources and once-thriving facilities have been reduced to wastelands. Drastically visually different from the gleaming cities in Trials Fusion, the Rustlands give players a new playground to explore as they learn more about these outcasts.

Ten new tracks have been added, consisting of six Classic Trials tracks, two Supercross tracks, one Skill Game, and one FMX track. In addition, there are 18 new Track Challenges, including secret locations and more hidden squirrels to uncover. Track editors also have dozens of new obstacles at their disposal including wrecked vehicles and the warehouses featured in the Rustlands to help create the track of their dreams.

With more than one million players, Trials Fusion continues to gain popularity as riders strive for perfection on each course. The team at RedLynx Studios has no plan to slow down, five more downloadable content packs are being created including Empire of the Sky, the next piece of DLC set in floating islands coming in August, as well as the free updates coming throughout the year that will introduce new features to the game.

The Season Pass is still available for purchase for £15.99. Players will receive Riders of the Rustlands today and all future DLCs at no additional cost.
Developed by RedLynx in collaboration with Ubisoft Shanghai and Ubisoft Kiev, Trials Fusion offers players an unlimited array of obstacles and challenges as they race against the clock to set track records.

LEGO Ninjago: Nindroids Out this week for 3DS and PS Vita

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Jul 29, 2014

0

LEGO Ninjago: Nindroids Out this week for 3DS and PS Vita

The heroes of LEGO Ninjago are ready to battle! Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, TT Games and The LEGO Group today announced the release of the high-kicking action-adventure videogame, LEGO Ninjago: Nindroids, available 1st August in the UK for the Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita. Developed by Hellbent Games in partnership with TT Games.

“Adding LEGO Ninjago: Nindroids to our popular LEGO Ninjago franchise is very exciting,” said Tom Stone, Managing Director, TT Games. “Hellbent Games has delivered the action game Ninjago fans have been waiting for – with all the characters, comedy and thrills that make the franchise such a success.”

Based on the first five episodes of the animated television series “NINJAGO: Masters of Spinjitzu,” the LEGO Ninjago: Nindroids videogame takes players to New Ninjago City where the Ninja face a technological threat by the evil Digital Overlord and his robotic army of Nindroids. Playing as their favourite Ninja – Jay, Zane, Cole, Kai or Lloyd – players battle through more than 30 exciting levels with cool vehicles, signature weapons and the new Technoblades, all the while partaking in missions to help save the city.

Players will recognise their favourite LEGO building sets as they gear up as Samurai X, shoot down enemies in Zane’s Ninjacopter, dodge missiles in the Kai Fighter, pilot Jay’s Thunder Raider, smash up the streets in Cole’s Earth Mech and tear through the forest on Lloyd’s Golden Cycle. Alongside intense combat, players can visit the New Ninjago City Hub, home to Grand Sensei Dareth’s Mojo Dojo, Doomsday Comix and Mr. Noodle’s Noodle Bar.

PAC-MAN and the Ghostly Adventures 2 gets a date

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Jul 29, 2014

0

BANDAI NAMCO Games UK today announced today PAC-MAN and the Ghostly Adventures 2 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U and Nintendo 3DS for release on the 3rd October 2014 for the UK, and the 14th October in North America.

PAC and His Friends Return to Defend Pacopolis with New Worlds, New Characters and New Power-Ups.

PS4 1.75 updates out adds 3D Blu-ray support

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Jul 29, 2014

0

PS4 1.75 updates out adds 3D Blu-ray support

The newest PS4 System Software 1.75 is now ready to download now, with the new version 1.75 adds a few minor patches and support for 3D Blu-ray playback, which many users have been crying out for since day one of the console launch.

Konami Announces Gamescom lineup

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Jul 29, 2014

0

Konami Digital Entertainment will use this year’s gamescom event to showcase major advances in its METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN and PES 2015 titles.

Europe’s largest consumer event, gamescom is again held in Cologne between August 13^th-17^th. Both games will be shown in differing forms at KONAMI’s stand (Hall 7.1), and will perfectly demonstrate the versatility and power of Kojima Productions’ FOX Engine, whilst delivering a new experience in visual quality and the power of the new wave of console systems.

METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN:

METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN follows the events of the recently released prologue, METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES – and gamescom will give visitors the chance to see the sheer scale and ambition of the new title. METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN focuses on Snake, the series´ hero, as he embarks on a mission fuelled by revenge. The new game boasts huge open-world areas with stunning attention to detail, as the true power of the FOX Engine is revealed. These additions and the capabilities afforded by the new wave of consoles has allowed series creator, Hideo Kojima, to realize the scale and story he has always envisaged.

KONAMI will use the Cologne event to present new details about the game, cementing its reputation as the most extensive and ambitious METAL GEAR SOLID ever.

METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN will be released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

PES 2015:

PES 2015 is centered on the mantra ‘the pitch is ours’, reflecting the on-field focus of the new game. Boasting new levels of visual acuity and in-game advances that include new shooting, passing and player AI, PES 2015 offers a crisper, more responsive experience and the most accurate offering of a top-flight match to date. The FOX Engine also enhances the graphical elements, from the players’ likenesses and movement, to the natural look of the on-field action, crowds and stadiums, truly bringing the game to vivid next gen life.

With the addition of PES ID, teams will be automatically set up to play as they do in real-life, with key players used as they should be. These players are also instantly recognizable via their running styles and how they perform. The individuality of the players is further enhanced with seamless animations. Movements flow effortlessly, depending on the player’s position in relation to the ball and its speed.

PES 2015 will be released in Autumn for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and additional formats. gamescom will see KONAMI presenting a playable version of PES 2015 on the new generation of consoles for the first time at a large public event, allowing visitors to experience the many advances first hand.

“With METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN and PES 2015 we will be proudly presenting two of our strongest brands at Europe´s biggest games show, to a huge audience keen for new details,” said Martin Schneider, General Manager at Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. “Both games show the commitment and energy KONAMI is bringing to the new formats. We look forward to sharing such important releases with the huge audience at the most vital European event in the gaming calendar.”

Classic Shadow Warriors Coming to Xbox One and PS4

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Jul 29, 2014

0

BANDAI NAMCO Games Europe S.A.S. and Devolver Digital announced today a retail distribution partnership to release the retro-inspired reboot Shadow Warrior on the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One this 26th September, 2014.

Based on the 1997 classical hit, Shadow Warrior is an ambitious reboot, reimagined with a blend of modern design, inventive combat mechanics, and a contemporary retelling of Lo Wang’s comical rise to legend. The game tells the eccentric tale of Zilla Enterprise’s corporate shogun, Lo Wang, who is ordered by his employer to track down and acquire a legendary blade. Forced into a timeless battle, Lo Wang learns of the blade’s connection to ancient gods from another realm, pushing our world to the brink of destruction. Aided by Hoji, a banished spirit from this mysterious world, Lo Wang must use a masterful combination of gun, blade, magic and wit to discover the truth behind the demonic invasion and banish the encroaching forces back into the darkness.

Shadow Warrior on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One will benefit from a high quality reshaped graphics and boasts tons of exciting content exclusive to make Lo Wang’s adventure even more sanguinarily thrilling:

New Arena mode where Lo Wang faces off against waves of enemies in three custom-designed environments
All-New Campaign content featuring the head of the nefarious Zilla Corporation.
Exclusive weapons including the sledgehammer from Serious Sam 3, the katana from Hotline Miami, the “Zilla Enterprises Z45 katana” and “classic Shadow Warrior katana”

“Our fans have been very vocal about bringing Shadow Warrior to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One so we’re absolutely thrilled to be working with our friends at Bandai Namco to have Wang bring a sword to a gunfight” Fork Parker.Devolver, CFO at Devolver Digital.

The Hunger Games: Our Leader The Mockingjay Teaser Trailer

Andrew Edney

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Jul 28, 2014

0

Lionsgate have released OUR LEADER THE MOCKINGJAY TEASER TRAILER ready for the franchise’s incredible return on 20th November 2014.

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 1 opens nationwide 20th November 2014.

The worldwide phenomenon of The Hunger Games continues to set the world on fire with The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, which finds Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in District 13 after she literally shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin (Julianne Moore) and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a nation moved by her courage. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 is directed by Francis Lawrence from a screenplay by Danny Strong and Peter Craig and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the third in a trilogy written by Suzanne Collins that has over 65 million copies in print in the U.S. alone

Directed by: Francis Lawrence

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen), Josh Huctherson (Peeta Mellark), Liam Hemsworth (Gale Hawthorne), Woody Harrelson (Haymitch Abernathy), Elizabeth Banks (Effie Trinket), Julianne Moore (President Coin), Philip Seymour Hoffman (Plutarch Heavensbee), Jeffrey Wright (Beetee), Sam Claflin (Finnick Odair), Jena Malone (Johanna Mason), with Stanley Tucci (Caesar Flickerman), and Donald Sutherland (President Snow).

Are you going to see it? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies teaser trailer

Andrew Edney

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Jul 28, 2014

0

From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”, the third in a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien.

“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield and the Company of Dwarves. Having reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug, the Company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world. Enraged, Smaug rains his fiery wrath down upon the defenseless men, women and children of Lake-town.

Obsessed above all else with his reclaimed treasure, Thorin sacrifices friendship and honour to hoard it as Bilbo’s frantic attempts to make him see reason drive the Hobbit towards a desperate and dangerous choice. But there are even greater dangers ahead. Unseen by any but the Wizard Gandalf, the great enemy Sauron has sent forth legions of Orcs in a stealth attack upon the Lonely Mountain.

As darkness converges on their escalating conflict, the races of Dwarves, Elves and Men must decide – unite or be destroyed. Bilbo finds himself fighting for his life and the lives of his friends in the epic Battle of the Five Armies, as the future of Middle-earth hangs in the balance.

“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” is released in UK cinemas 12 December 2014.

Review: Sonic Jump Fever (iOS)

Duncan Aird

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Jul 28, 2014

2

I was asked if I would be interested in reviewing Sonic Jump Fever. Enthusiastically, I bounded at the opportunity and said I’d love to. Always happy to give Sonic a shot, even with past discrepancies. Personally, I found Generations and Lost World pretty entertaining, for what they were. SEGA were finally turning things around for Sonic, and perhaps wanted to do the same for mobile devices.

Oh, but no. It didn’t take long to dawn on me this could not be a mere written review. This experience was going to need full documentation. So, without further ado, I give you the live and uncut first hour I spent with Sonic Jump Fever; SEGA’s latest free-to-play Sonic game on iOS:

Here we see the jumping off point of booting up the game – and yes, despite looking like a Las Vegas slot machine has thrown up on your iPhone, the first screenshot really is the “main menu”.

You can upgrade your character’s power up abilities, or add boosters to gain more rings, more points, or better bonus opportunities. Everything is looking peachy so far, if a little standard.

This is the “standard” timeline of a level in Sonic Jump Fever: Your character jumps automatically, and the goal of the entire game is to jump as high as you can before the time runs out. There’s also an option to double jump if you tap the screen while in the air.

Once in a while you’ll get a mega leap where you’re flung upwards Dragonball Z style to try and tilt your way to grab more coins. When you finally reach the end of the level/time limit you’ll hop into a hot air balloon and throw little animals up into the basket. Every time you miss an anonymous crowd will boo at your failure to rescue the cute little buggers.

You’re given a score for your ability to hold your phone in an upright position for 60 seconds, and now the real fun begins…

WELCOME TO THE ADVERTS! Now, before I get assaulted by all the Sonic fans, I’m aware that a free-to-play game is likely to have some adverts to subsidise the lack of upfront cost. These adverts at the end of completing a level, and a quick pop-up to let you know you can pay for boosters if you want, is reasonable. However, you haven’t seen anything yet.

Don’t worry if you felt £1.49 wasn’t a good enough bargain, because there are Red Star packs of all kinds available. Going all the way to a £69.99 value! That’s not just value, that’s “BEST VALUE!”.

Sonic Jump Fever understands, should you decide to pay £69.99 for Red Stars, that videogames can still be rather addictive at times. This is why there is an Energy Bar that only allows you to play your game so many times before having to pay more money, or leave your phone alone to go outside and do something equally trivial until it recharges.

After waiting, or paying for some of those Red Stars, you can leap right back into the action of… bouncing up to the top of the screen.

Seems I have discovered a Chao. This randomly popped up out of nowhere after I completed a level run.

Only get one free though, I tried to look for another one but it was asking me to pay Rings – because of course.

Oh! It did turn out to be useful. Seems this particular Chao makes more platforms appear from another dimension for me to spring from. I’ll admit it’s a partially useful… power up, I guess? Doesn’t really change the gameplay at all though.

Plus some more adverts. Lots of more adverts, even got an unskippable video this time! The roller-coaster fun ride of Sonic Jump Fever is really heating up now.

Thank you, SEGA! Refilling my Energy Bar for free meant I got (/had) to keep playing this session.

There’s also a daily spin function (because of course there is) which largely gives you utterly pointless items, at least in my experience. The screenshot above was my first win, and the subsequent three wins following it. Maybe I’m merely extremely lucky, but it felt like being trapped in a perpetual loop of winning £1 on a £1 scratchcard.

Figured out the tiny little video-clip symbol means you can watch an advert to earn stuff. Like more spins. So I got to watch another advert. To earn another spin. To potentially win more spins.

Yes, I’m aware by this point you’re probably bored out of your skull – image how I feel.

WHOA! WAIT! HOLD THE PHONE!… Am… Am I playing the same level over and over again?!

I’m no idiot, I noticed the jungle style was on every level play through, but the layouts are near identical! It’s the same god damn pattern. Play the one level, win around 100 coins, see another god damn bloody advert, and do it all again until your energy runs out. The pattern never changes.

Got a new highscore. Nothing is achieved from this, aside from a leaderboard with nobody. Felt it was worth mentioning because it’s honestly the most exciting thing that’s happened in the last 10 minutes.

Had a thought. The Energy Bar has a video-clip symbol. Does this mean I can sit here watching adverts to earn more energy to play the game for longer? Then watch more adverts?

YES! YES IT DOES! Oh joy of joys.

More adverts. More highscores as I’ve damn near memorised this level now. Even more adverts…

Oh my glob… Did… Did I unlock Sonic?! FINALLY! Everybody take note, rejoice in the streets, because after nearly 40 minutes of playing SONIC JUMP FEVER I have been able to find SONIC in this SONIC game.

It was all totally worth the effort. The repetitive levels, the boosters, the adverts, now I get to… play the same level again but with a Sonic-skinned character? REALLY?! Oh for the love of all that is unholy.

And no, Sonic Jump Fever, I will not rate your greedy, advert-ridden game right now because you’re hoping that I’m still riding that Sonic high. Nor will I pay £2.49 to play the same pissing boring level 6 more times. Seriously, £2.49 to refill an energy meter? Who buys these things? Who gives money to acts this shameless?

Up to Level 6 now, profile-wise. Keep running low on Rings though, because they keep limiting my Energy Bar and I can only gain around 8-100 RIngs per run. Guess I’m watching some more adverts to get the 100 Ring bonus on the “main menu”. Wonder if I can do this indefinitely…

… So far so good…

… It concerns me this appears to still be working…

… I’m earning more Rings sitting here watching this craptastic adverts than I was playing the game. Faster too, because this process doesn’t involve depleting a sodding Energy Bar – and then watching adverts to refill thee Energy Bar.

… Okay, I’m stopping here. Been sat watching these tedious videos for nearly 5 minutes now. On the plus side, now have a very upgraded Tails. Time for some more gameplay!

Holy shit, everybody. Free baby dragons. Want one. I would name them ChiliBreath.

It’s getting to the point where the adverts in between levels are making other games seem more appealing than the one I’m currently playing.

I need to state, by the way: These screenshots are all taken separately. When you see a screenshot of my chosen character standing waiting for the level to begin, or an advert, they’re all taken at different times. It just happens to be the same damn thing every time.

CoinDozer?! You’re losing me here, Sonic Jump Fever. These adverts are starting to get far less appealing.

At this point I’m reviewing the adverts as much as I am the game itself, because they get as much screen time.

DinoHunter sounds pretty fun. I was actually Tweeting about wanting a dinosaur hunting game quite recently.

This was the highest highscore I’ve been able to grab too. No idea how. Helped to level me up to Level 7 though. Sure do hope Level 7 gameplay improves the title. We can ride this wave all night then. We’ll be able to keep this live coverage all the way until we complete the entire game – together!

… I quit.

Dishonored and Crimson Dragon Coming to Games for Gold

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Jul 28, 2014

0

Dishonored and Crimson Dragon Coming to Games for Gold

Today Microsoft has announced its Xbox LIVE Game with Gold for August.

Those with an Xbox One will be able to pick up Crimson Dragon and Strike Suit Zero on 1st August, while Xbox 360 owners will get access to MotoCross Madness. With Dishonored will be added on 16th August.

LEGO Batman 3 Reveals Cast and Characters

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Jul 28, 2014

0

LEGO Batman 3 Reveals Cast and Characters

At this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham took revellers on an out-of-this-world adventure, complete with star-studded appearances and galactic new reveals, including a groovy new 1960’s Batman mode voiced by none other than legendary actor, Adam West.

To celebrate Adam West’s return as 1960’s Batman in LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and TT Games are excited to release a new behind-the-scenes trailer featuring the talented cast, including Adam West, Troy Baker, Laura Bailey, Travis Willingham and more.

LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham Comic-Con trailer, plus exciting new playable characters from the DC Comics Universe, including Adam West, Arkillo, Blue Beetle, Booster Gold, Hawkman, Krypto, Mr. Mxyzptlk and more!