Pro Racecar Driver Brad Keselowski is in Watch Dogs

0

Ubisoft has announced that professional stock car driver and team owner, Brad Keselowski, will be featured as a non-playable character in Watch Dogs. Using Keselowski’s likeness, he will be featured as one of the many in-game citizens roaming the streets of Chicago that players will be able to profile.

 

Keselowski is not the only familiar face players can meet on the game’s busy sidewalks. Earlier this year, Ubisoft announced that actress and comedian Aisha Tyler will also greet players as a non-playable character.

Watch_Dogs_Brad_Keselowski_Interview

In addition to racing, Keselowski owns Keselowski Racing, which fields two full-time teams in the Camping World Truck Series. He currently races for Penske Racing in NASCAR, driving the No. 2 Ford Fusion in the Sprint Cup Series and the No. 22 Discount Tire Ford Mustang in the Nationwide Series. Keselowski is one of only two NASCAR drivers to have won a championship in both the Sprint Cup Series and the Nationwide Series.

 

Watch Dogs will be available on both next-generation and current generation platforms this November.

Enter the world of Metro in a new light with the ‘Developer Pack’

0

Deep Silver has announced that the ‘Developer Pack’ – the third piece of add-on content for Metro: Last Light – will be available worldwide on Steam and the Xbox Live on 17th September, and will hit the PlayStation Network on September 17th in North America and September 18th in Europe and the rest of the world.

There are three main parts to the Developer Pack

·        Players can experiment with every gun and attachment combination in the Shooting Range, and complete unique marksman challenges for each weapon

·        The AI Arena allows players to pit customisable squads of human soldiers and mutants against each other or prove themselves in several challenges

·        Lastly, players can explore Metro’s cast of characters, and human and mutant foes, up close in the ‘Metro Museum’

2013-08-20_14-48-27

The Developer Pack also includes an original solo mission – The Spider’s Nest – that will truly test the nerves of arachnophobes. Use your wits, your lighter, your torch… and the brand new Flamethrower to escape from a spider infested catacomb…

The Developer Pack will cost just $3.99 / £3.19 / €3.99, and is the third of four add-on packs to be included in the Metro: Last Light Season Pass, which at $14.99 / £11.99 / €14.99 offers a discount over buying the packs separately, and also includes an additional exclusive weapon, the Abzats.

2013-08-20_14-47-43

The final add-on content for Metro: Last Light – the ‘Chronicles Pack’ – will feature three original single player missions that cast the player as four of the game’s standout characters – Pavel, Khan & Ulman, and Anna – and explore their side-stories away from Artyom’s adventure.

2013-08-20_14-44-51

For more information on the Developer Pack, head over to EnterTheMetro.com

Square Enix Release Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix

0

Square Enix Ltd today announced that KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX is now available in stores exclusively for the PlayStation3.

084-DonaldGoofy

In KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX, players can revisit the celebrated KINGDOM HEARTS universe once again with Sora, Riku and the timeless cast of Disney characters, including Mickey, Donald and Goofy. The game marks the first time a KINGDOM HEARTS title has made its way onto the PlayStation®3 system.

067-RikuMaleficent

The fully remastered HD compilation includes the critically acclaimed KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX, previously exclusive to the Japanese market, and KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories. The compilation will also feature HD cinematic story videos from KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days, enhanced gameplay mechanics and PlayStation 3 system trophies.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnD2xXtxUkI?feature=player_detailpage%5D

“The first KINGDOM HEARTS game was released more than 10 years ago, and following that, my only regret was never releasing KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX overseas,” said Tetsuya Nomura, director of the KINGDOM HEARTS series. “With the release of KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX, fans everywhere now have the chance to play the game in a brand-new high-definition format – and with that, I’m very pleased.”

022-PoohPigletBridge2

Key Features

Three-in-One – One disc provides gamers with three titles: KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX, KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories and HD remastered cinematics from KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days

  • HD Graphics – The character models and facial features have been updated, and the      background textures have been completely overhauled; this is the most gorgeous KINGDOM HEARTS game to date.
  • Improved Controls –      Revamped camera controls and commands create a more seamless gameplay  experience.
  • Adventure through Beloved Disney Worlds – Worlds include Agrabah (Aladdin), Atlantica (The Little Mermaid), Halloween Town (The      Nightmare Before Christmas), Monstro (Pinocchio), Never Land (Peter      Pan), Olympus Coliseum (Hercules), 100 Acre Wood (Winnie the Pooh),      and Wonderland (Alice in Wonderland).
  • New Content KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX includes new weapons, items, Heartless enemies, abilities, synthesis recipes and Gummi ship missions
  • All-Star voice cast – The talented roster includes Haley Joel Osment (Sora), Hayden Panettiere (Kairi), David Gallagher (Riku), Mandy Moore      (Aerith) and Jesse McCartney (Roxas).

005-IntroSoraSunsetWaving

Bethesda releases The Elder Scrolls Anthology

0

Bethesda have released The Elder Scrolls Anthology on the PC.

TES_Anthology_group_ESRB_thumb1

For the first time in the history of the award-winning saga, experience The Elder Scrolls as one extraordinary collection. The Elder Scrolls Anthology features all five critically-acclaimed games, plus official add-ons in a premium collectible box set – beginning with The Elder Scrolls: Arena and concluding with The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Legendary Edition.

The Anthology also includes a set of five physical maps detailing Tamriel, Iliac Bay, Morrowind, Cyrodiil and Skyrim. Own this essential collection and experience the series that defined the open-world genre.

Arena

Assume the role of a lone prisoner and travel to Tamriel’s most famous and dangerous sites to collect the shattered Staff of Chaos and save the Empire from the evil Imperial battlemage, Jagar Tharn. The Anthology features the original version of Arena and will launch within a DOS emulator.

Daggerfall

The ancient golem Numidium, a powerful weapon once used to unify Tamriel has once again been unearthed. In the power struggle that follows, the King of Daggerfall is murdered and his vengeful spirit haunts the kingdom. The Emperor Uriel Septim VII sends you on a heroic path to put the king’s spirit to rest and ensure that the golem does not fall into the wrong hands. The Anthology features the original version of Daggerfall and will launch within a DOS emulator.

TES_ANTH_inside_discs-daggerfall_thu

Morrowind

To fulfill an ancient prophecy, the Emperor sends you, an unknown Imperial courier, to the island of Vvardenfell to rid the land of Morrowind of a dark curse. Through a series of dangerous and magical quests, you are transformed into one of the Empire’s most enduring heroes. Also includes: Tribunal and Bloodmoon add-ons, plus The Elder Scrolls Construction Set.

TES_ANTH_inside_discs-morrowind_thum

Oblivion

With the Empire ready to crumble, the gates of Oblivion open and demons march upon the land. In the shadow of evil, a hero will rise from the ashes of a fallen Empire. You must find the true heir of the Septim line and restore him to the Imperial throne, while unraveling the sinister plot that threatens to destroy all of Tamriel. Also includes: Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles expansions.

 

Skyrim

Dragons, long lost to the passages of the Elder Scrolls, have returned to Tamriel. The future of Skyrim, even the Empire itself, hangs in the balance as they wait for the prophesized Dragonborn to come; a hero born with the power of The Voice, and the only one who can stand amongst the dragons. Also includes: Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn add-ons.

TES_ANTH_inside_discs-skyrim_thumb4

The Elder Scrolls Anthology is available now on the PC for for £49.99.

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

Elite: Dangerous winning composer video

Here is the capital ship battle video used as part of the composer selection process for Elite: Dangerous. The video contains the music created for the pitch by the winning composer Erasmus Talbot.

elite-dangerous_thumb3_thumb_thumb

Here is the video:

The video also helped them develop other aspects of the game such as ship materials, GUI layout and special effects. Look out for David Braben’s next dev diary where he will talk about why we created this video.

You can can follow the latest developments for Elite: Dangerous on their website: http://elite.frontier.co.uk.

Win a copy of the Samsung Galaxy S4 For Dummies book from Wiley

For new and inexperienced users who want to maximize the performance of their Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone, just-published Samsung Galaxy S4 For Dummies will be an invaluable guide and we have 2 copies to give away.

9781118642221_cover.indd

Aimed at the user who is intimidated by the technology and baffled by the documentation and online support, all aspects of the suite of devices are covered. From setup and configuration, to extensive use of the phone features and capabilities – texting, e-mailing, accessing the Internet, maps, navigation, camera and video, social networking, taking pictures, watching movies, downloading apps, synching with a PC, and expanding the phone’s potential with new software releases – this book’s approach is ideal to help users to get the most out of their Samsung Galaxy S 4 Android smartphone.

What you have to do to win

So all you have to do to win a book is to click on the Contact Us link here or at the top of the page and tell us what your favourite feature of the S4 is.

Usual contest rules apply, and the two winners will be selected at random and will each get a a book. This contest is open to anyone in the world, just make sure you tell us where you are! And you can enter more than once, just only one entry per day will be accepted.

The contest closes Saturday 21st September, so good luck.

Good luck and thanks to our friends at Wiley for the books.

Review of the WD Red 4 TB NAS Hard Drive

With storage requirements becoming bigger and bigger all the time, WD have released a new 4 TB drive in their Red NAS range, and here is our review.

WDRed_CoverOn_HighFront_4TB_HiRes

The new WD Red hard drives include a new version of NASware 2.0, which further improves drive reliability and protects data in the event of a power loss or disruption. WD Red hard drives also feature 3D Active Balance Plus, an enhanced balance control technology, which significantly improves overall drive performance and reliability.

Who are WD?

From their website:

We are thousands of people worldwide working to enable you to store, collect, access, and use a vast and growing body of digital information. Our reliable hard drives and solid state drives, marketed under the WD and HGST brands, are everywhere that digital information and content is found: in the cloud, supporting your mobile digital lifestyle; in business and personal computers; in external storage devices; in the digital video recorder in your home; and in sophisticated medical, military, aerospace, automotive, manufacturing and telecommunications systems. We also make media players that enable you to enjoy your digital content on the biggest screen in your house – your TV. Our customers range from some of the largest companies in the world to individual users like you.

Specifications

specs

A Closer Look at the Drive

CDW Review of WD RED 4TB NAS Drive - 6CDW Review of WD RED 4TB NAS Drive - 8CDW Review of WD RED 4TB NAS Drive - 7CDW Review of WD RED 4TB NAS Drive - 9

Performance Tests

HD Tune Pro

CDW Review of WD RED 4TB NAS Drive - 2

The average read speed was 115.9 MB/s.

CDW Review of WD RED 4TB NAS Drive - 1

The average write speed was 113.0 MB/s.

CDW Review of WD RED 4TB NAS Drive - 4

CDW Review of WD RED 4TB NAS Drive - 3

CrystalDiskMark

Showed a higher read and write speed.

CDW Review of WD RED 4TB NAS Drive - 5

Final Thoughts

The WD Red drive comes in a variety of sizes from 750 GB all the way up to the 4 TB version we are reviewing here.

This is one of the only 4 TB drives on the market today so if you need a lot of storage, and a good speed, and you plan on using the drive in your NAS then you really should look at this drive closely.

Also, this drive comes with a 3 year warranty. Now this may not seem like a major selling point to some people but believe me over the years I have had my fair share of failed drives and so it’s nice to know that anytime during that 3 year period WD will replace my drive if I have a problem – after all, you are spending a lot of money on it!

Every WD Red hard drive also comes with professional support services which includes a premium dedicated 24/7 support line. I didn’t need to use them during the course of this review, but having that option there if you need it is very good.

The performance of the drive is very good – especially as these drives are optimised and designed for use in a NAS, so if you want a reliable, good performing storage drive for your NAS then this will be right up your alley.

The WD website also has a NAS Compatibility Selector which enables you to check if these drives are compatible with your NAS – it’s certainly worth checking, although you will find all the usual suspects are supported.

The retail price for the 4 TB drive is around £169.99 but as usual look around for a good deal.

CDW-Rating-Banner-black-5

Learn more from the WD website.

Apple releases OS X Mountain Lion v10.8.5 update

0

Tonight saw Apple release OS X Mountain Lion v10.8.5 after a fairly long beta.

Screen Shot 2013-09-12 at 21.17.44

The OS X Mountain Lion v10.8.5 Update is recommended for all OS X Mountain Lion users. It improves the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac.

This update:

Fixes an issue that may prevent Mail from displaying messages
Improves AFP file transfer performance over 802.11ac Wi-Fi
Resolves an issue that may prevent a screen saver from starting automatically
Improves Xsan reliability
Improves reliability when transferring large files over Ethernet
Improves performance when authenticating to an Open Directory server
Addresses an issue that prevented a smart card from unlocking preference panes in System Preferences
Contains the improvements included in MacBook Air (Mid 2013) Software Update 1.0

Have you updated yet? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

SEGA Releases GO DANCE for the iPhone and iPad

0

image010

SEGA, has released a new rhythm game, GO DANCE for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch that allows players to dance to hit songs aiming for high scores.

image004

GO DANCE utilizes Extreme Reality motion-capture technology to turn the FaceTime Camera into a motion-sensor to detect player’s movements while
imitating avatars dance on screen. Movements are recognized and scored in real-time and gamers can share their scores to compete with others around the world via Facebook or email.

image008

Players can move to the rhythms of chart topping hits with additional songs, backgrounds and avatars coming soon. With real motion-based dancing, chart topping tracks and the ability to customize avatars and backgrounds, GO DANCE provides music and dance fans with an all-new experience that lets them play at anytime and anywhere.

The GO DANCE App is available for $ 1.99 from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at http://www.itunes.apple.com/GODANCE

Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag Next Gen trailer

Ubisoft have released a brand new trailer for Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag focusing on the Next Gen capabilities.

6655_ACBF_NAVAL_GRAB_002_070513_thum[1]

This brand new trailer for Assassin’s Creed 4 Black Flag focuses on some of the technical achievements of the next-gen version:

I also recently interviewed Ashraf at E3:

What do you think of Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Nokia Lumia 1020 now available in the UK

0

The Nokia Lumia 1020 is now available to buy in the UK. Establishing a new benchmark in smartphone imaging, the Nokia Lumia 1020 boasts a second generation 41MP sensor and reinvents zoom, enabling people to discover more detail than the eye can see. With Nokia’s innovative PureView technology, including optical image stabilisation, the device is able to produce some of the sharpest images possible by any digital camera.

Nokia_lumia_1020_color_range

The Nokia Lumia 1020 will be available to pre-order from Thursday 12th September and consumers can take advantage of an exclusive ‘pre-order offer’ which includes free Nokia Camera Grip, wireless charging back cover, wireless charging plate and tripod worth £150 with every device.

The Nokia Lumia 1020 will be available in store from Wednesday 25th of September from all major retailers and network operators including, 3, O2, Vodafone, EE, Phones4U & Carphone Warehouse. Consumers visiting retail stores will see for themselves how amazing the 1020 images can be by viewing a gallery of photographs taken by the renowned National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez using the Nokia Lumia 1020.

Lord of the Rings Online Helm’s Deep Expansion to launch 18th November

0

Warner Bros has announced today that The Lord of the Rings Online: Helm’s Deep, the next expansion to the award-winning free-to-play massively multiplayer online roleplaying game (MMORPG) developed by Turbine, will launch on 18th November 18. Helm’s Deep will continue the Epic Story into the western plains of Rohan, allow players to take an unprecedented role in the legendary battle for Helm’s Deep while advancing to the new level cap of 95.

press_pack_epic_story_02

“Helm’s Deep is the site of the most memorable battle in Middle-earth and we’re excited to announce our launch date and introduce some great new in-game items for anyone who pre-purchases the expansion,” said Kate Paiz, Executive Producer of The Lord of the Rings Online. “We’ve come to a really exciting and momentous point in the story, and we can’t wait to show players how the game will bring this classic clash to life. This technical and gameplay innovation brings massive conflicts to life like never before and is another huge leap forward for MMO players in Middle-earth.”

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1dYG_5681o?feature=player_embedded%5D

THE LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE: HELM’S DEEP FEATURES:

·         Experience the Battle for Helm’s Deep – Fight to defend Helm’s Deep starting as early as level 10, when your character enlists as a soldier in the Battle of the Hornburg, the most epic conflict yet in The Lord of the Rings Online.  Earn rewards for your contribution to the war effort – win or lose, your skill makes a difference!

·         Explore new landscapes across Western Rohan – Explore the Westemnet of Rohan and rally each of the five ridings as Rohan returns to glory. Traverse the capital of Edoras, mysterious Dunharrow, and the fortress of the Hornburg within Helm’s Deep.

·         Advance from levels 85 to 95 – Experience 10 new levels, from 85 to 95, with new skills and completely updated class specializations. Both mounted and un-mounted combat will challenge you as you war against the evil forces of Saruman.

·         Continue the Epic Story – Encounter beloved characters such as Aragorn, Éowyn, and Éomer. Restore King Théoden to his rightful throne while you defend the peoples of Rohan at Helm’s Deep.

press_pack_western_rohan_02

Beginning today, players can take advantage of special pre-purchase offers:
PREMIUM EDITION – £44.99
Features all Helm’s Deep content, with level cap increase. This edition also grants these great items:
·         Armour of the Hammerhand – an exclusive full set of Rohirrim cosmetic armour
·         +10 quest log slots
·         Crystal of Remembrance – adds one additional legacy to your legendary weapon
·         Helm’s Deep Title – Helm’s Enforcer
·         Helm’s Deep Title – Helm’s Avenger
·         2000 Turbine points

Pre-purchasers will also receive these items that can be used immediately in the game:
·         Shield of the Hammerhand (Statted Cloak  +25%XP, scales to level of wearer)
·         Exclusive War-steed Bundle (The Steed of the Hammerhand) – an exclusive Rohirrim mount with matching War-Steed appearance

BASE EDITION – £29.99
Features all Helm’s Deep content, with level cap increase. Also grants these items:
·         Hauberk of the Hammerhand – an exclusive Rohirrim cosmetic chest piece
·         Helm’s Deep Title: Helm’s Enforcer
·         1000 Turbine points

Pre-purchasers will also receive these items that can be used immediately in the game:
·         Token of Hornburg (+25% Monster XP)
·         The Steed of the Hammerhand – an exclusive Rohirrim Mount

press_pack_big_battles_02

Dishonored: Game of the Year Edition

0

dishonored_goty_logo

If you missed the experience of Dishonored collection with the Game of the Year Edition. This complete compilation includes Dishonored, winner of over 100 Game of Year awards, as well as all of its additional content – Dunwall City Trials, The Knife of Dunwall, The Brigmore Witches and Void Walker’s Arsenal. Out on the 11th October for £29.99 (UK) | €39.99 (EU) | $69.95 AUD

Developed by Arkane Studios, Edge Online’s 2012 Studio of the Year, Dishonored is an immersive first-person action game that casts you as a supernatural assassin driven by revenge. With Dishonored’s flexible combat system, creatively eliminate your targets as you combine the supernatural abilities, weapons and unusual gadgets at your disposal. Pursue your enemies under the cover of darkness or ruthlessly attack them head on with weapons drawn. The outcome of each mission plays out based on the choices you make.

 DishGOTY_PackFront_X360_UK_2D

Content (in addition to Dishonored):

The Knife of Dunwall

In The Knife of Dunwall, take on the role of Daud, the legendary assassin who killed the Empress.  After assassinating the Empress, and forever changing the fate of Dunwall, you embark on a search for redemption. Gain access to Daud’s new weapons, gadgets and supernatural abilities as you traverse through parts of Dunwall yet unseen, including the city’s whaling centre, Rothwild Slaughterhouse, and the heavily guarded Legal District.

 Brigmore Witches_Wolf_01

The Brigmore Witches

Continue your journey as the legendary assassin, Daud, in The Brigmore Witches. This conclusion to Daud’s story will put you at odds with warring gang factions and the dangerous Brigmore witch coven. Journey through undiscovered locales within Dunwall, including Drapers Ward and the Brigmore Manor, where you will be met with supernatural forces that test the limits of your new weapons and abilities.

shExt_assassin

Dunwall City Trials

In Dunwall City Trials, experience Dishonored’s flexible combat system, stealth gameplay, and distinct settings in a whole new way as you make your way through 10 distinct maps that feature a variety of challenges. Put your stealth, combat and mobility skills to the test as you clear demanding objectives, unlock new achievements and secrets, and climb up the global online leaderboards.

 

Void Walker’s Arsenal

With the Void Walker’s Arsenal add-on pack, gain access to four content bundles previously available only through pre-ordering Dishonored. These bundles offer unique character bonuses, additional bone charm slots and more.

Arma 3 available today and launch trailer

0

Arma 3_logo_black

Arma 3 is out today and is available in digital and physical retail stores worldwide, Bohemia Interactive is proud to announce today’s much-anticipated release of Arma 3. The brand new launch trailer introduces players to the authentic, diverse and open combat in Arma 3’s massive military sandbox.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1YBZUxMX8g?feature=player_detailpage%5D

Set on the Mediterranean islands of Altis (270 km²) and Stratis (20 km²), Arma 3 features 12 singleplayer showcases, 3 factions showcases, 9 multiplayer scenarios, 10 firing drill challenges, more than 20 vehicles and 40 weapons, 5 factions, the scenario editor and modding support. The post-launch campaign will be made available via  3 free DLC episodes after release. The complete overview of content can be found  here.

“We’re incredibly proud of the release of Arma 3, as well as of the unique collaboration with the people who joined for the early-access development. We experienced some significant setbacks in the past years, but the fantastic public response to the Alpha and Beta kept us going,” said Joris-Jan van ‘t Land, Project Lead on Arma 3.

arma3_beta_screenshot_8

“Together we’ve made a game that truly meets its potential – while establishing a platform to build upon and grow even further. Our long-term commitment to Arma 3, in combination with the creative modding community and Steam Workshop, means this is just the kick off. We thank everyone for their splendid support and welcome you all to join our journey ahead.”

People can purchase the regular Arma 3 (44.99 EUR/39.99 GBP/59.99 USD) or the Arma 3 Digital Deluxe Edition (49.99 EUR/42.99 GBP/64.99 USD) from  Steam and Store.bistudio.com. A boxed version of Arma 3 is also available at many of the major retailers.

arma3_e32013_screenshot_07.jpg

Last but not least, Arma 3 Alpha and Arma 3 Beta participants will be able to play the final game after downloading the automatic update on Steam.