Events

Metro: Last Light Faction Pack DLC out next week

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

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Jul 10, 2013

Metro: Last Light’s Faction Pack DLC is set for worldwide release on Steam and Xbox LIVE on July 16th, and will hit the PlayStation Network on July 16th in North America and July 17th in Europe and the rest of the world.

The ‘Faction Pack’ includes three original single player missions, each casting the player as a different specialist from the warring Factions. Returning to some classic locations from Metro 2033, these missions feature new weapons, the return of a truly terrifying mutant foe, and offer three distinct gameplay challenges…

· As a Special Detachment Sniper of the Redline, players must infiltrate a heavily guarded Reich Outpost at night, under the cover of a deadly radioactive storm…
· … before defending the front line as a Reich ‘Heavy’, armed with some of the most devastating weaponry found in the Metro.

· Lastly, players take the role of a Polis Ranger in training, tasked with exploring the vast Library complex for artifacts and relics. Salvage can be exchanged for ammunition, filters and hazard suits allowing ever deeper exploration into the Library. Rangers are advised to light torches and leave a trail of lights so they can find their way back to the base before their precious oxygen runs out…

The Faction Pack will cost just $4.99 / £3.99 / €4.99 / 400 MSP, and is the first of four DLC packs to be included in the Metro: Last Light Season Pass, which at $14.99 / £11.99 / €14.99 / 1200 MSP offers a discount over buying the packs separately, and also includes an additional exclusive weapon, the Abzats.

Deep Silver also revealed additional details on the content of the future DLC packs.

· The ‘Tower Pack’ presents a unique experience for seasoned Metro gunslingers – a challenge based game mode, with online Leaderboard support, as players fight their way up the combat simulator known as The Tower

· The ‘Developer Pack’ boasts a fully stocked Shooting Gallery, the AI Arena and Metro Museum… And a bonus solo mission – The Spiders’ Nest – offers some new tools for dealing with an infestation of the skittering Spider mutants

· Lastly the Chronicles Pack will feature original single player missions that cast the player as three of the game’s standout characters – Pavel, Khan and Anna – and explore their side-stories away from Artyom’s adventure

And also here is our interview with Dmitry Glukhovsky:

Check our out review of Metro Last Light here.

For more information about Metro: Last Light, please visit www.enterthemetro.com.

Review of Mars: War Logs from Focus Home Interactive

phillvine

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Jul 10, 2013

0

Review of Mars: War Logs from Focus Home Interactive

The start of Mars: War Logs sees a bunch of POW’s being transported in a drab train car with a narration of the titular War Logs provided by one of the key characters of the game, Innocence. It instantly becomes obvious that an inspired script and A-grade voice acting are not going to be on offer. The introduction does nothing to entice you into the world that MWL has to offer. It’s a chore to get to the promised and inspiring world of – a POW camp. So long dreams of a sci-fi world of wonder.

First order of business at the POW camp soon sees the camp bully attempting to rape Innocence. OK then. Surprisingly there’s nothing particularly dark or tense about this scene, considering its topic, largely because you’ve spent about 30 seconds “bonding” with Innocence and probably 15 of those seconds where spent wondering if you read the name right. Innocence though, really? It’s not even a metaphor, it’s just written there for the audience in a glaringly obvious and patronising attempt to appear deep and meaningful.

Luckily, just before Innocence becomes an extremely ironic name, the hero of the hour steps in to save the day. Roy. With yet another name likely to go down in history, Roy is a veteran of the war and about as generic as they come. Dialogue options are equally as obvious offering little to no interaction outside of deciding on your character’s morality. The dialogue often trips over itself in a clear attempt to insert the dialogue options that need to be there for the morality system. Even if you mine your way through the excessive use of expletives, don’t expect subtlety and nuance from Mars: War Logs.

This clumsiness extends to more than just the dialogue too. The combat is awkward and clunky without the lightness and finesse of a better system. Blocking and parrying into counters, rolling around on the floor and throwing dirt in your enemies eyes are all predictably key concepts. There’s absolutely no problem with a 3rd person combat system like this so long as it’s responsive, smooth and (call me superficial) looks cool. But it’s all to easy to get trapped in a corner with three or more enemies hacking away at you while ensuring that any attempt you may have to fight back goes constantly interrupted. And enemies hit hard too. I often found that toughened veteran Roy’s survival directly linked to his ability to stay out of arms reach of even the most basic space-thugs. It’s contradictory to his character and becomes quite tedious but the core of a good combat system does exist somewhere under the bleak Martian rubble.

Progressing through the game to explore Mars it becomes apparent that the colour pallet used to create it consisted almost entirely of various shades of brown and red. And some redish browns. I may even have seen a brownish red at one point but I don’t want to get any hopes up. It’s a dreary world that doesn’t get much less dreary through progression. Admittedly areas do open up but are grounded and limited by unimaginative quests.

A key to any successful WRPG is the level up system. In MWL levels are frequent and rewarding with the usual roster of upgrades to abilities and passive effects. Complementing this is a reasonably comprehensive crafting and foraging system that sees you making some pretty nasty weapons. A bit later on in the game when you have powerful electric based attacks the combat does become more exciting but is still held back due to its sloppy mechanics.

Clipping is a constant nightmare and character animations are in tow with much older titles. Lip-syncing and voice acting really don’t help sell the characters in any way either. It is very difficult to care about anything that happens on Mars given that ultimately there’s no reason to care about anything that happens to the characters on Mars. The overall visuals would definitely be passable and wouldn’t hold the game back from greatness if there was something to look at other than dust, rubble and rusty metal.

This is a budget game which obviously presents certain limitations. Unfortunately, attempting to make something worth £100,000 with only £10 just isn’t possible. Unfortunately the scope of the game feels very limited by its own budget. It’s an ambitious project that had potential to prove that a budget title can be a great RPG without all the bells and whistles of AAA titles. Sadly it has gone further to prove that in fact the opposite is the case. The visuals and size of the game are not the problems holding it back.

The problem lies in its lack of imaginative characters, quests and story telling. Coupled with a potentially great combat system chained down by a sluggish feel MWL pushed for greatness but missed. There are features with grounds for a great RPG in MWL but they never materialise into anything significant. It’s definitely ambitious but unfortunately the budget can be felt at at every turn.

Reviewed on PC. Available now on Windows PC and September 2013 for PSN and XBL.

BEYOND: Two Souls Making of video released

Andrew Edney

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Jul 10, 2013

0

Sony have released a Making of video for BEYOND: Two Souls.

Here it is:

From the visionary mind of David Cage, director of the award-winning Heavy Rain, comes the most powerfully emotional experience on PlayStation 3. A singularly unique psychological action thriller delivered by A-list Hollywood performances, BEYOND: Two Souls takes you on a thrilling journey across the globe as you play out the remarkable life of Jodie Holmes.

Born with a connection to a mysterious entity with incredible powers, Jodie was different. In an adventure spanning 15 years of her life, your actions will determine Jodie’s fate as she faces extraordinary challenges, danger, and heart wrenching loss on a journey to discover the truth of who she is. Beyond promises an emotionally-charged journey unlike any video game before.

• Dive into a gripping and unpredictable psychological action thriller starring Academy Award-nominees Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe.
• Explore stunning and varied settings across the world in an epic journey through 15 years of a character’s life.
• Control Jodie and an invisible entity through spectacular action sequences and puzzles with unique controls.
• Experience cutting-edge technology from Quantic Dream in one of the best-looking games ever seen on the PlayStation 3.

BEYOND: Two Souls is due for release on October 10th 2013 on PS3.

Sennheiser Announces Momentum On-Ear Headphones

Jim McCarthy

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Jul 9, 2013

1

Sennheiser Announces Momentum On-Ear Headphones

Sennhieser has announced an on-ear addition to their Momentum line of headphones. Read on for details!

Today Sennheiser launches the latest addition to the MOMENTUM family in a range of on-trend colours in a new compact on-ear design.

Injecting vibrant blue, pink, green and cream colours into Sennheiser’s range of headphones, the new MOMENTUM On-Ear is crafted from the finest materials and inspired by a team of international design experts and trend scouts.

The new compact MOMENTUM On-Ear headphones are stylish without compromising on sound quality. Incorporating a high performance transducer system which offers uncompromising rich and detailed sound performance with a slight bass emphasis, these headphones deliver a technically advanced audio experience you would expect from the Sennheiser brand.

The new headphones feature a headband and earpads finished in high-tech Alcantara®, a specialised luxury material loved by yacht and automotive upholsterers for its unique combination of softness, durability, and breathable comfort, whilst giving the wearer a great listening experience on the move, even in noisy urban environments. Lightweight sliders of premium brushed stainless steel complete the high end look and a single sided detachable cable with in-line remote and mic for Apple iDevices means easy control for music, making and receiving calls.

The MOMEMTUM On-Ears are priced at £169.99 and will be available from John Lewis or via Sennheiser’s online store from mid-July.

Synology DSM 4.3 Beta Available

Storage & NAS

Jim McCarthy

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Jul 9, 2013

0

Synology has finalized their beta for DSM 4.3, and it is now available for general download. Read on for details!

Synology has finalized their beta for DSM 4.3, and it is now available for general download. DSM 4.3 is an update to Synology’s operating system and promises better cloud integration, faster performance and other benefits. In addition, Synology is giving away three units to the three beta testers who provide the best beta feedback, so check out the download link today if you are running a compatible unit. After all, you can’t win if you don’t participate! Here is the press release:

Synology® Unveils DiskStation Manager 4.3 Beta

Unleashing the brilliance of your private cloud

Milton Keynes, United Kingdom – July 9, 2013 – Synology UK Ltd today announced the beta availability of DiskStation Manager (DSM) 4.3. Powered by a multitude of features in DSM 4.3, users are entitled to:

Efficient, flexible and unified storage platform.

Business productivity powerhouse.

Intelligent private cloud that streamlines files sync and sharing.

User-centric multimedia experience.

Handy and intuitive mobile apps.

“We are excited to introduce DSM 4.3, which paves the way for businesses to build a smarter IT infrastructure and offers the multimedia experience that caters to every users needs,” said Vic Hsu, CEO of Synology Inc.

In the era of Big Data, businesses need a robust and reliable storage platform to stay responsive. DSM 4.3 supports Windows® Offloaded Data Transfer (ODX) to offload the resource consumption required on the host server to Synology NAS, reduce client-server network traffic and CPU usage, as well as enhance large-size data transfer speed in virtual and physical environments. Together with Synology’s unique cloning technology, DSM 4.3 can deliver up to 10 times performance gain and saves up to 99.9% of storage space. In addition, SSD TRIM technology enhances data re-write efficiency and prolongs SSD lifetime. Synology High Availability (SHA) evolves with a new management wizard for hardware and cluster management, plus Link Aggregation and VLAN support.

DSM 4.3 equips IT admins and users with higher levels of operational efficiency. It supports HFS+, NSFv4, Windows DFS links and Symbolic Link to advance file-sharing capability. Speed Limit Scheduler lets IT admins schedule file transfer cap by user, group or service for optimal bandwidth utilisation. Furthermore, Synology takes the lead to let users sign in Google Apps using their existing LDAP credentials managed on DiskStation. DSM 4.3 weaves intelligence into users’ private cloud. Cloud Station supports selective sync feature as well as Linux and trust domain accounts, offers 30% faster data transfers, and saves only the changed block in historical versions. File Station streamlines sharing process by allowing users to create folder share links and download files by dragging and dropping them to the desktop. Mail server strengthens its security level by incorporating ClamAV® (Antivirus Essential), new anti-spam tools, and an auto-Bcc feature. VPN connection is also made secure and reliable via L2TP over IPSec and unlimited reconnection capability. DSM 4.3 puts users first. Photo Station 6 is redesigned with a sleek user interface and versatile displaying modes to enhance viewing experience. Flexible privilege controls over albums plus Windows AD, LDAP, and trust domain support streamline album management. Video Station now gives users the freedom to create libraries and the flexibility to grant other users privileges to browse the custom libraries. With DVB-S supported in Video Station, users can access more TV channels from satellite signal. Enjoying multimedia content on the road has never been more intuitive with DS series apps. DS audio supports playlist editing and offline listening on AndroidTM in addition to iOS devices. DS photo+ offers a more pleasant viewing experience by yielding all the space to photos, displaying tags and categories created on Photo Station, and showing photos on Google TVTM. DS video is available on RokuTM TV to stream multimedia content on bid screen. DS cloud allows users to select specific folder or SD card to sync data. DS file now supports Windows Phone with comprehensive features. Please visit www.synology.com/dsm/dsm4.3_beta.php for more details.

Synology DSM 4.3 Beta Reward Program

Synology will hand out a DS213air to three beta testers who provide the most valuable assistance and feedback. Please visit www.synology.com/support/beta_dsm4.3.php for more details.

DSM 4.3 beta and the new packages are available at www.synology.com/support/beta_dsm4.3.php. Visit the live demo site at www.synology.com/products/dsm_livedemo.php to try out the new features.

Availability

Synology DSM 4.3 beta is free to download and is compatible with DiskStation or RackStation models, x10 series and onward. Supported models include:

RS10613xs+, RS3413xs+, DS2413+, DS1813+, DS1513+, DS713+, DS413, DS413j, DS213+, DS213, DS213air, DS213j, RS3412xs, RS3412RPxs, RS812+, RS812RP+, RS2212+, RS2212RP+, RS812, RS212, DS3612xs, DS1812+, DS1512+, DS712+, DS412+, DS212+, DS212, DS212j, DS112+, DS112, DS112j, RS3411xs, RS3411RPxs, RS2211+, RS2211RP+, RS411, DS3611xs, DS2411+, DS1511+, DS411+II, DS411+, DS411, DS411j, DS411slim, DS211+, DS211, DS211j, DS111, RS810+, RS810RP+, DS1010+, DS410, DS410j, DS710+, DS210+, DS210j, DS110+, and DS110j.

Welcome to GTA V – The Official Gameplay Video

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Jul 9, 2013

0

Watch the First Official Gameplay video of Rockstar GTA V. The gameplay video got Jetski’s, beaches and even Golf and more. Are you going to Pre-order the game now after watching the video, Grand Theft Auto V is coming September 17, 2013 are you ready for PS3 and Xbox 360.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-xHcvug3WI?feature=player_detailpage%5D

Nvidia Announces Free Splinter Cell – Blacklist For Geforce Cards

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Jul 9, 2013

0

NVIDIA today announced it is working with Ubisoft to deliver the most dramatic and intense gaming experience possible for Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Blacklist. And starting today, gamers who purchase a GeForce GTX 660, 660 Ti, 670, 680, 760, 770, or 780 from a participating partner will receive a free copy of Splinter Cell Blacklist Deluxe Edition for PC, which will be released on 23rd August in the UK.

NVIDIA engineers are working closely with the Ubisoft Toronto development team to incorporate an array of cutting-edge gaming technologies for Splinter Cell Blacklist including Direct X tessellation, NVIDIA HBAO+, TXAA antialiasing and surround technologies to ensure gamers can experience smooth frame rates and awesome visuals in all of their covert missions.

In Splinter Cell Blacklist, Sam Fisher returns as leader of 4^th Echelon, an elite counter-terrorism unit armed with a new mandate to hunt down the masterminds behind The Blacklist, a series of deadly escalating attacks on U.S. interests. To stop the Blacklist countdown, gamers will choose the best way to face any challenge by tapping into Sam’s arsenal of lethal skills and training. The biggest game in the award-winning series, Splinter Cell Blacklist features an immersive single player story, distinct co-op missions, and the return of the legendary Spies Vs. Mercs multiplayer mode; all supported by a universal economy and customisation system that allows players to completely customise their game experience.

For a full list of participating partners, please visit: www.GeForce.com/FREESplinterCell. This offer is good only until December 31, 2013

Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons Named First Summer of Arcade

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Jul 9, 2013

0

Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons Named First Summer of Arcade

Xbox Live Arcade title Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons has been selected as the first game to kick off Xbox Live’s Summer of Arcade 2013 and will be available on XBLA worldwide on 7th August.

Created by visionary Swedish film director Josef Fares and developer Starbreeze Studios, Brothers features a unique control scheme that sees gamers guide the ubiquitous pair simultaneously as they embark on an epic fairy tale journey to save their ailing Father. This is one journey you will never forget.

The game has been rated PEGI 16 and will be priced at 1200 MSFT points and £11.99 for PSN and Steam.

Meet the Eternal Descent – Heavy Metal Heroes End Bosses

Apple

Chris Hare

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Jul 9, 2013

0

Today Eternal Descent unveils the real-world musicians who will appear as boss characters when Eternal Descent: Heavy Metal Heroes arrives on iOS platforms on 17 July 2013.

Eternal Descent: Heavy Metal Heroes explores the unholy alliance that has long existed between the worlds of heavy metal and fantasy comics. Brainchild of British guitarist and comic creator Llexi Leon, Eternal Descent: Heavy Metal Heroes is an action-packed, 3D scrolling endless brawler. Carve a path through hordes of daemonic minions and fight your way to Hell – all to a killer soundtrack. Set in a fantasy universe where lost souls lurk in every shadow and darkness veils sinister designs, heavy metal could be the key to salvation… or the gateway to destruction!

In addition to a cast of original characters, Eternal Descent: Heavy Metal Heroes will feature appearances and original performances from Joe Satriani, Arch Enemy, Wayne Static, Periphery, Andrew W.K., and many more rock/metal music acts appearing through regular updates. Numerous real-world instrument brands such as ESP, Jackson and Dean Guitars have endorsed Eternal Descent: Heavy Metal Heroes, allowing the game to accurately portray cameo musicians with their signature instruments for real shred guitar action!

Evil Disco Storm bringer, Wayne Static (Static-X) returns to electrify the city streets, leaving a wasteland in his wake.

> Beware: High Voltage!

> Original Voice Acting and SFX Performances.

> Collaborated on unique Boss Theme featuring ‘Pighammer’ audio masters.

> Reprising his role from the Eternal Descent comic series (Vol.1 #4)

Metal Master Michael Amott ( Arch Enemy, Spiritual Beggars) commands his Khaos Legions at the gates of hell.

> Imbued with Khaos Magic and Hellfire!

> Original Guitar performances from Arch Enemy’s ‘Khaos Legions’.

> Collaborated on unique Boss Theme based on ‘Yesterday is Dead And Gone’.

> Reprising his role from the Eternal Descent comic series (Vol.2 #5-6)

Fight your way through to the depths of the underworld and face a mysterious final boss.

> Dark Lord of the Pit!

> Original Guitars and theme by ED creator Llexi Leon.

Eternal Descent: Heavy Metal Heroes will be available on 17 July on iTunes for £1.99, with a series of updates and expansions planned throughout the year. Android, PC and home console versions of Eternal Descent: Heavy Metal Heroes are planned throughout 2014.

Deus Ex: The Fall Coming to iOS on 11th July

Apple

Chris Hare

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Jul 9, 2013

0

Square Enix has announced that Deus Ex: The Fall, the winner of seven “Best Mobile/iOS Game” awards at E3 2013*, will be coming to iOS devices this Thursday, 11^th July.

Deus Ex: The Fall will be available for $6.99/£4.99/5.99€ from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, or at www.AppStore.com.

Developed by Square Enix’s Mobile division in Europe, in collaboration with the original Deus Ex: Human Revolution team at Eidos-Montréal and N-Fusion, Deus Ex: The Fall is a full story driven action-RPG and the first Deus Ex in the series to be developed for and released on mobile and tablet devices.

Deus Ex: The Fall will be compatible with iPad 2 and above, iPhone 4S and above, and iPod Touch 5 and above.