Events

Ubisoft releases trailer for Fighter Within

Andrew Edney

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Nov 13, 2013

Ubisoft have released a trailer for their forthcoming Xbox One game Fighter Within.

This trailer offers a humorous look at a few of the moves featured in Fighter Within, available at launch of the Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft.

Through Kinect, players will utilize their body — instead of a controller — to duke it out with their friends, throwing punches, jabs and kicks. Fighter Within offers the thrill and exhilaration of a fight with none of the fallout, giving players an adrenaline rush and a bang-up time with their friends.

WD Expands My cloud Family with Four Bay Personal Cloud Storage System

Chris Hare

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Nov 13, 2013

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WD Expands My cloud Family with Four Bay Personal Cloud Storage System

Western Digital has expanded its recently introduced My Cloud family of personal cloud solutions with My Cloud EX4, a high-performance four-bay network attached storage (NAS) solution for creative professionals, prosumers, workgroups and anyone looking for a reliable way to save, share, back up, stream and manage massive amounts of digital data.

“The reception for our recently introduced My Cloud personal cloud platform was extremely positive,” said Jim Welsh, executive vice president and general manager of WD’s branded products and consumer electronics groups. “Our single drive My Cloud system is the perfect solution for users that want an easy and private way to store all of their data at home and then share, save and manage it from anywhere in the world, on any device. Expanding our My Cloud platform to a four-bay system delivers the advanced features, customisation capability and capacity that many of our customers are looking for.”

Featuring the category leading WD Red line of hard drives specifically designed for home and small office NAS systems, My Cloud EX4 customers enjoy ultimate reliability from the trusted name in storage. WD Red drives are powered by NASware 2.0 technology, which improves drive reliability and protects customer data in the event of a power loss or disruption. Additionally, WD Red hard drives feature 3D Active Balance Plus, an enhanced balance control technology that significantly improves overall drive performance and reliability.

My Cloud EX4 provides several capacity options, allowing customers to choose from a drive-less enclosure that allows customers to customise their capacity and add additional drives as their library of digital content grows, or an 8 TB, 12 TB or 16 TB model. With Easy-Slide-Drive technology, My Cloud EX4 allows customers to easily install or hot-swap drives in seconds, without the need for a screwdriver, toolkit or trays. Additionally, customers can attach a compatible USB 3.0 hard drives to the USB expansion ports on the My Cloud EX4 to instantly expand their storage capacity.

Ultimate Data Protection

My Cloud EX4 arms users with multiple options to secure digital data from a potential loss by providing RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 or allowing users to select from spanning and JBOD modes for even more options to manage data. Customers can also use their My Cloud EX4 to back up all of their computers and devices with WD SmartWare Pro software for PC users. Mac users can utilise all the features of Apple Time Machine backup software to protect their data. The My Cloud EX4 can also backup itself, either to another My Cloud EX4 in a different location, or to cloud services such as Amazon S3 and ElephantDrive. To ensure 24/7 data protection and reliability the My Cloud EX4 includes redundant power supplies and Ethernet ports.

Advanced Streaming and Serving

My Cloud EX4 serves as a home’s digital entertainment hub, configurable for up to 16 TB of movies and music that can then be streamed to any DLNA/UPnP certified multimedia device such as gaming consoles, smart TVs and WD TV Live media players. The Twonky 7.2, DLNA-certified 1.5 media server and iTunes server make for simple streaming of large movie and music libraries.

Additionally, the integrated file server, FTP server, backup server and P2P download server provide advanced data serving options for My Cloud EX4 users.

Customers can also customise their NAS, monitor system health, manage users and energy saving features with the My Cloud EX4 dashboard, as well as use a suite of third party apps, including aMule, Icecast, Joomla!, phpBB, phpMyAdmin and SqueezeCenter.

Anywhere Access to My Cloud EX4

Available for iOS and Android devices, the WD My Cloud mobile app allows users to view photos, stream video and share, save and manage files from anywhere on their smartphones or tablets. The mobile app makes file sharing and collaborating simple and secure, allowing customers to easily email files, share files as a link, and print and open files with third party apps. The My Cloud mobile app integrates major public cloud services so that customers can easily transfer files from their Dropbox, SkyDrive and Google Drive public cloud accounts.

Price and Availability

My Cloud EX4 is currently available at select retailers and online at the www.wdstore.co.uk . MSRP is £319.00 for the drive-less My Cloud EX4, £679.00 for 8 TB, £799.00 for 12 TB and £999.00 for 16 TB. The My Cloud mobile app currently is available for download from the App Store and Google Play. My Cloud EX4 comes with a two year limited warranty.

Compatibility

My Cloud EX4 is compatible with Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, OS X Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Lion, Snow Leopard, as well as DLNA/UPnP enabled devices.

Child of Light walkthrough trailer with Brianna Code

Andrew Edney

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Nov 12, 2013

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Ubisoft released today a walk-through trailer with lead programmer Brianna Code, offering an inside look at the turn based RPG set in the magical world of Lemuria.

The game is created by a small team of seasoned developers based in Ubisoft Montreal. Child of Light has been developed on Ubisoft’s UbiArt Framework, a powerful engine that lets programmers and artists bring their art to life by allowing original concept art to be inserted unedited into the game world. In Child of Light, the effect is that playing becomes akin to stepping into an interactive painting.

Child of Light is a re-imagining of classic fairy-tales, inviting players on an epic adventure into the magical painted world of Lemuria. Players will uncover mysteries, participate in turn-by-turn combat inspired by classic JRPGs, and explore a mystical kingdom. The game puts players in the shoes of Aurora, a child stolen from her home, who, in her quest to return, must bring back the sun, the moon and the stars held captive by the mysterious Queen of the Night. Helped by her companion Igniculus the firefly and several unlikely allies, Aurora will face her darkest fears, including dragons and other mystical creatures in this modern take on a coming-of-age story.

Brianna Code has more than 10 years of games programming experience, until recently focusing on AI in AAA games. She started at Relic Entertainment in Vancouver on the critically acclaimed RTS Company of Heroes, moved to Pandemic Studios in Australia, and returned to Canada to join Ubisoft Montreal in building the Assassin’s Creed franchise with AC2, AC Brotherhood, and AC3. Very interested in contemporary art and design, she has also exhibited photography and procedurally generated art in Vancouver and Montreal. Brianna is currently Lead Programmer on Child of Light.

AC4 – Black Flag Companion App Lands for iOS and Android

Chris Hare

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Nov 12, 2013

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AC4 – Black Flag Companion App Lands for iOS and Android

Today, Ubisoft announced that the Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag Companion App is now available for free from the App Store for the iPad, and all tablets connecting to Google Play.

Elevate your Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag experience with this unique companion App that turns your tablet device into a second screen that provides you with features that further immerse you into this Caribbean world.

The Companion App is an indispensable tool for all would-be pirate captains. It acts like your very own quartermaster, so that you will never need to break the flow of gameplay by pausing the game to navigate through certain menus. You are now free to fully concentrate on the job at hand – to gain wealth and infamy on the high seas and in exotic cities.

The free App includes:

Interactive World Map – More exhaustive than your in-game map; see your mission objectives in real-time, set waypoints, zoom in and out, and search for locations with the tip of your finger. It’s also a great way to involve someone else in your single player experience as a friend can be take on the role of your quartermaster.

Kenway’s Fleet – You can now interact with the main game 24/7, wherever you may be. Use the ships that you have captured to send on missions, secure routes and collect cargo and currency. The Atlantic Ocean is thriving with opportunities and you’ll need many ships to take full advantage. You can even help secure your Uplay friends’ routes and get rewarded.

Progress Tracker – All your game data is stored here, including main mission progress, crafting completion, and your current game status.

Treasure Maps – Find treasure maps in-game and see them on your second screen while you cross-reference the real-world location on your TV.

Initiates Wall – Display received messages, notifications from your friends and find community challenges.

Animus Database – Easily view, at your leisure, all the Animus Database entries unlocked in the main game.

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor Coming to Current and Next Gen

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Nov 12, 2013

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Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor Coming to Current and Next Gen

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has today announced Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor , a next-generation, third-person action game set in Middle-earth that explores an original story of vengeance and redemption. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is in development for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and Windows PC.

In Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, gamers take on the role of Talion, a valiant ranger whose family is slain in front of him the night Sauron and his army return to Mordor, moments before his own life is taken. Resurrected by a Spirit of vengeance and empowered with Wraith abilities, Talion ventures into Mordor and vows to destroy those who have wronged him. Through the course of his personal vendetta, Talion uncovers the truth of the Spirit that compels him, learns the origins of the Rings of Power and ultimately confronts his true nemesis.

“In Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, players will explore the dark and very personal theme of vengeance in a world where decisions have a consequence, and those consequences persist even after death,” said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Production and Development, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The game introduces new gameplay mechanics to the action genre, creating opportunities for emergent and customized gameplay that will be rewarding for players.”

Every enemy that players face is a unique individual, differentiated by their personality, strengths and weaknesses. Through the Nemesis System, enemy relationships and characteristics are shaped by player actions and decisions to create personal archenemies that remember and adapt to the player and are distinct to every gameplay session. Gamers are able to craft their own battles, enemies and rewards within the dynamic world that remembers and adapts to their choices, delivering a unique experience to every player.

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is under development by Monolith Productions. The team has collaborated with Middle-earth Enterprises, Peter Jackson and the artists at Weta Workshop to ensure that the settings, characters and story align authentically within canon.

Dark Souls II Collectibles Announced for the UK

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Nov 12, 2013

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Dark Souls II Collectibles Announced for the UK

NAMCO BANDAI Games UK today has announced a range of exclusively produced goods available throughout selected UK & Ireland retailers with pre-orders of the ‘Black Armour’, ‘Collector’s’ and ‘Standard’ editions of Dark Souls II. These limited items will only be available while stocks last in the lead up to the highly anticipated release on March 14^th, 2014.

With a staggering demand for Dark Souls II™ since announcing the ‘Black Armour’ and ‘Collector’s’ editions, the passionate fan base will now benefit even further when pre-ordering the highly anticipated sequel to its predecessor, Dark Souls.

“These items will be awarded at no extra cost to fans who have shown such valued support and demand for the next installment of FromSoftware’s award-winning franchise” said Lee Kirton, NAMCO BANDAI Games UK PR & Marketing Director. He continues “These goods are an additional incentive to the already existing, high-valued Black Armour and Collector’s Editions and are available for a limited time only”.

GAME

Pre-order the ‘Black Armour’, ‘Collector’s’ or ‘Standard’ edition of Dark Souls II from GAME and receive a specially produced T-shirt. Available only with pre-orders and while stocks last.

AMAZON.CO.UK

Pre-order the ‘Black Armour’, ‘Collector’s’ or ‘Standard’ edition of Dark Souls II from Amazon* UK and receive 1 of these 4 highly collectable ‘steel art cards’ (12x15cm) featuring conceptual artwork from the game. Individually etched with their own unique number and limited to 2,500 per design, each will also be inscribed with Yui Tanimura’s signature – Game Director of Dark Souls II.

*To be posted online soon on Amazon.co.uk. All pre-orders placed from now until then will be fulfilled with the incentive included

ZAVVI

Pre-order the ‘Black Armour’, ‘Collector’s’ or ‘Standard’ edition of Dark Souls II from ZAVVI and receive a 22 page Dark Souls II ‘Into The Light’ comic written by acclaimed British writers Andi Ewington & Rob Williams, with artwork provided by Simon Coleby. Fans will receive a physical copy numbered and signed by the creators themselves.

SHOP TO

Pre-order the ‘Black Armour’ or ‘Collector’s’ edition of Dark Souls II from ShopTo and receive an exclusive iPhone 5 cover specifically designed for the game.

INDEPENDENT RETAILERS

Throughout the UK and ‘Advantage’ distributors, many independent retailers will carry a one off high-gloss and collectable Dark Souls II poster limited to pre-orders only. These limited edition posters come printed with their own unique number and protective tube casing.

GAMESTOP UK

Pre-order the ‘Black Armour’, ‘Collector’s’ or ‘Standard’ edition of the game from GameStop UK to receive a high-gloss and collectible Dark Souls II poster, limited only to a small number of pre-orders. These limited edition posters come printed with their own unique number and protective tube casing

Skydrive Coming to Xbox One at Launch

Chris Hare

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Nov 12, 2013

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SkyDrive is coming to the new Xbox One will bring photos and videos to your TV. Starting on 22nd November, when the new console becomes available, SkyDrive on Xbox One will allow users to enjoy photos and videos in their own personal collection, or those that have been shared with them.

The app also takes advantage of exclusive Xbox One features: Open photo albums from channels in the OneGuide, play music alongside your slide show with Xbox Music, and control the whole app with gestures and voice, courtesy of Kinect. It all starts with the simple command, “Xbox: Go to SkyDrive.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2Vlsqft27I

BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea – Episode 1 Out Now

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Nov 12, 2013

0

BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea – Episode 1 Out Now

2K and Irrational Games announced today that BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea – Episode 1 is available for download worldwide on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Windows PC starting today.

BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea – Episode 1, developed by Irrational Games, is the second add-on content pack for the award-winning BioShock Infinite, and features Booker and Elizabeth in a film noir-style story that places them in a shining Rapture on the eve of its fall from grace.

GamesTM recently called BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea – Episode 1: “…intelligent, indulgent and nostalgic in equal measure, left dangling on a transfixing narrative hook.” Xbox360Achievements claimed it to be: “…a masterclass in how story-driven DLC should be.” IGN concluded: “It feels damn good to be back in Rapture.”

BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea – Episode 1 can be purchased separately for £11.99, or as part of the BioShock Infinite Season Pass, which is priced at £15.99. The Season Pass, which is available for purchase via online marketplaces on all available platforms starting today, contains £27 of playable content for £15.99, including both Burial at Sea episodes, the previously released Clash in the Clouds add-on pack, as well as the Early Bird Special Pack that has powerful weapon upgrades, exclusive gold weapon skins and infusion bottles to upgrade player abilities.

“It’s been particularly rewarding to return to Rapture with Booker and Elizabeth,” said Ken Levine, creative director of Irrational Games. “We were inspired by both Columbia’s and Rapture’s storylines, and merged them into something new. The icing on the cake is seeing the BioShock Infinite team build entirely new sections of the underwater city in the Infinite engine.”

BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea – Episode 2 is in development at Irrational Games and brings gamers something they have been asking for since they first met the character of Elizabeth: the chance to see the world through her eyes and face challenges as she would. In this second episode of Burial at Sea, players will experience a new storyline, and a new stealth-oriented gameplay experience.

Ready ready for The Mandate from Perihelion Interactive

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Nov 12, 2013

0

Ready ready for The Mandate from Perihelion Interactive

A new developer log from Perihelion Interactive features The Mandate‘s Technical Director, Vegard Myklebust, in a behind-the-scenes look at the art and animation creation for the game. The video has been released by Perihelion Interactive – along with some ship interior renders – to mark the Kickstarter campaign surpassing its halfway-funded milestone.

The Mandate has raised over $250,000 of its initial funding target of $500,000, and recently announced a series of stretch goals that will add further content to an already feature-packed release.

Perihelion will also be hosting an AMA (Ask Me Anything) for The Mandate<http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/> on Reddit on Wednesday 13 November from 5pm EST (11pm CET, 10pm UK). Fans are invited to submit questions live to The Mandate team on anything to do with the Tsarist space opera RPG, which is set for release on PC, Mac and Linux during Q1 2015.

The Mandate is a six-player, cooperative, sandbox sci-fi RPG, planned for release Q1 2015 on Windows, Mac and Linux. Set in a dystopian future controlled by a Russian Empire inspired by the Tsars of history, you take on the role of a captain at the helm of an evolving, dynamic ship that a crew of hundreds call home. As captain, you’ll command a crew of officers selected and honed by you, taking them into epic space battles, boarding operations and galaxy exploration. Whilst epic in scale, The Mandate takes the concept of sci-fi RPGs to the next level by rooting the drama in your relationship with the crew – they and the galaxy map will adapt and react to the strategic choices you make, the battles you win… and those that you lose.

Drawing inspiration from the likes of X-Com, Fallout, Mount & Blade, Sid Meier’s Pirates! and Star Trek Online, The Mandate was in the top 3 games on Steam Greenlight before being successfully Greenlit on 29 October 2013, and has already raised over $250,000 in its Kickstarter http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1964463742/the-mandate campaign, due to end on 1st December 2013.

Watch the Official Call of Duty App Video

Chris Hare

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Nov 12, 2013

0

Watch the Official Call of Duty App Video

The Call of Duty app is the all-new mobile and tablet experience designed to work hand-in-hand with Call of Duty: Ghosts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dt0GRng-l7o

The new Call of Duty app adds a new dimension to Call of Duty: Ghosts multiplayer by allowing fans to stay connected to the game on the go, and offers new features like Second Screen functionality and the all-new Call of Duty Clan Wars metagame, to create an even greater experience.