“That’s this year.” he pointed out, before adding that any delay would be “one month at most, unless there is an issue at the certification level.”
MOGA – New Handheld Mobile Gaming System – Now On Sale
The MOGA Mobile Gaming System, which is the new mobile gaming experience is now officially on sale in the UK. The MOGA system is a mobile gaming systems and transforms existing Android smartphones and tablets into portable, precision gaming devices, making clumsy and uncomfortable gaming on phone screens a thing of the past.
The MOGA Mobile Gaming System, consisting of the MOGA Pro and MOGA Pocket, will start retailing in the UK today. The MOGA Pocket will be sold online at GAME, Carphone Warehouse, TescoDirect and Amazon.com, while GAME will also sell both the MOGA Pocket and MOGA Pro exclusively in store until October.
The game-changing MOGA Pocket Controller features dual analogue sticks, shoulder triggers and four action buttons, and connects wirelessly via Bluetooth, transforming consumers’ existing smartphones and tablets into precision gaming systems – with no extra hardware required. Using the MOGA Arm to secure your smartphone, MOGA Pocket gamers benefit from a uniquely slim and sleek ergonomic design that maximises portability, whilst also minimising wrist fatigue during gaming sessions. Perfect for the gamer-on-the-go, the MOGA Pocket has a discreet, compact design.
The MOGA Pro Controller is designed for mobile gamers looking for extended playtime with console style feel. Designed for maximum comfort and control, the MOGA Pro has full-sized grips, dual analogue sticks and a D-Pad, bringing console-class gaming to the mobile environment. With the MOGA Pocket, there is no need for batteries as the controller is fully rechargeable and also HID enabled to grant a mobile gamer access to an even wider collection of gaming titles.
“With so many consumers and gaming influencers willing to recommend our products and our clear vision of where mobile gaming is heading, we are very confident of replicating the success we’ve had in the United States. The UK consumer is typically a very early adopter of new technologies and we’re eagerly anticipating their reaction to our products”, commented Eric Bensussen, MOGA President. “We really believe that this system is going to be a game changer in the mobile gaming sector, allowing consumers to play anywhere, anyhow, ultimately revolutionising their experience”.
The MOGA Controllers benefit from an extensive library of games that can be accessed via the free, downloadable MOGA Pivot app. All a user has to do is download the app from Google Play to their tablet or smartphone to reap the rewards of MOGA Enhanced game titles. The Pivot App is constantly updating, providing MOGA users with an extensive collection of new games every month.
RRP:
MOGA Pocket- £29.99
MOGA Pro- £39.99
For more information please visit MOGAanywhere.com and get the latest news at www.Facebook.com/MOGAanywhere or Twitter.com/MOGAanywhere.
Review of The Cave From Sega
You know you’re in for some noggin-scratching fun when Ron Gilbert shows up with yet another new idea to tickle your head muscle. As a huge fan of the swashbuckling adventures of yore, I dusted off my well worn spelunking gear and dove straight in.
I was not off to my best start. For a good couple of minutes I sat there, stupidly staring at the screen, blissfully unaware I was meant to be playing the game. After making some excuses, I chose my characters. From the seven available miscreants, only three are permitted at a time to enter the foreboding cave. I chose myself a Knight, a Hillbilly and a Scientist, fairly confident in thinking that they would cover a nice Venn diagram of obscure talents and traits.
Comprised entirely of floaty platforming mechanics and plenty of mysteries to furrow one’s brow at, The Cave alternates frequently between the two, ensuring that neither your head, nor your thumbs get numb for too long. Heading on down into the shadowy depths, I came to realise that any real form of linearity was as absent as those poor four I had to leave behind before entering. With no real tutorial, you are left, unfortunately for me, to your own devices after the first section. Progression to some extent depends upon your character choices, in that different sections of the game require a specific individuals talent to advance.
These sole areas of the cave hold unquestionably, the most pondering puzzles of the game. Being unique to each character, they also house what little story surrounds them. How you press forwards in these segments breaths a little life into what these people are actually like; they are often not what you would expect! A chivalrous Knight can blur your perception of what made him chivalrous in the first place, or perhaps question your assumption that he even was at all!
Made for replayability, Double Fine Productions have made it so you can’t possibly see everything in one run. Demanding multiple ventures with alternate characters makes up for the slightly lacking completion time. Clocking in at around 3-4 hours per playthrough, you’ll still be getting your moneys worth, providing your (hopefully) insatiable lust for enigmas and dark humour doesn’t run dry.
The art direction and overall presentation could draw you back in however. In typical Double Fine fashion, the design is unique, detailed and colourful. The dark sense of humour is genuinely funny; The Cave’s mockingly sincere quips make it very difficult to get frustrated after dying in a myriad of sarcastic ways.
Fortunately for you impatient people out there, the checkpoint system is gratuitously forgiving, often respawning you mere seconds away from your demise. It’s worth mentioning purely as the fall damage threshold is a little more punishing than you might expect. Especially worth keeping in mind due to the almost incomprehensible amount of rope climbing involved. However, to be fair, I would assume there is quite a lot of rope climbing involved with cave exploration!
Altogether, The Cave is probably exactly what you would expect from the inner workings of Ron Gilbert, the mash up of a 2D/3D adventure in a staunch visage of his earlier work is clear to see. The humour’s there, the joyous sensation of solving a particularly fiendish puzzle is there, as are a couple of knowing nods to loyal fans.
What’s not to like? Well, a couple of things I suppose. I would have preferred more interaction with the characters as their dark pasts are oddly a joy to behold, yet feel a tad underutilised and unfulfilled. The most baffling conundrum posed in the game however, is the inclusion of seven characters in a game where you may only chose three at a time. Still haven’t cracked that one…
Reviewed on PS3, also available on Xbox 360, Wii U and PC.
Microsoft to Invest in New Data Centre for Xbox LIVE Cloud Services
A new Xbox One cloud server centre called Project Mountain will involve Microsoft spending $700 Million. With that amount setting up a new cloud server centre in Iowa in Des Moines, in order to support Microsoft’s cloud computing services and Xbox Live.
According to a report on GI.biz, the investment will take Microsoft’s total spend to around $1 billion. Microsoft has already revealed that Xbox Live will be supported by 300,000 servers across its network, which seems pretty impressive.
Lenovo Announced the IdeaPad S210,S400,S500 Touch and the U330,U430 Touch
Lenovo has announced several new touch-enabled Windows laptops, along with Lenovo Miix, a platform-bending multi-mode device that adapts to a user’s every need. As a 10.1-inch tablet that converts instantly into a fully-functioning, Windows 8 laptop, the Lenovo Miix combines versatility and power in one touch-enabled device. The IdeaPad S400 Touch, S500 Touch, S210 Touch, U330 Touch and U430 Touch all hail from the company’s S Series and U Series, which are notable for their thin and lightweight designs.
The new Lenovo Miix, S Series and U Series devices demonstrate Lenovo’s commitment to “touch” as a defining trend in consumer computing. Research analyst firm IDC expects the penetration rate of touch laptops, which now sits at close to 15 percent, to double next year. Leading that trend, Lenovo is innovating across traditional technology segments – such as desktop and laptop PCs – with its new multi-mode, touch-enabled devices.
“Users don’t want to choose between a laptop and a tablet. They want both without compromise, and Lenovo Miix delivers,” said Vincent Fauquenot, vice president Products and Channels, Lenovo EMEA. “Bringing touch to our laptops is about more than adding a touch-enabled screen. It requires a rethink of the way we interact with our devices, starting with the expectations of customers for a fluid, intuitive user experience. With these devices, touch becomes mainstream.”
The new Lenovo Miix multi-mode device, S Series and U Series laptops run Windows 8, providing users a touch-optimized experience utilizing Intel processors for superior performance. The devices also offer pre-loaded software to improve user experience with security and support applications, internet solutions, multimedia and productivity software.
“Lenovo continues to develop sleek and slim touch devices, and the new Miix tablet is a great example of its innovation,” said Jordan Chrysafidis, vice president of WW OEM Marketing, Microsoft Corp. “We look forward to continued collaboration with Lenovo to provide amazing devices and experiences to customers that want all the capabilities of a PC in a very mobile tablet design.”
Lenovo Miix
The latest entry to Lenovo’s rapidly expanding range of multi-mode PC innovations, the Lenovo Miix is a 10.1-inch Windows 8 tablet with a PC processor, perfect for entertainment and productivity on the go. Sporting a “quick-flip” detachable folio case with an integrated AccuType keyboard, the Lenovo Miix instantly switches between PC mode and tablet mode to quickly adapt to user’s needs.
The Lenovo Miix display has a 10.1-inch HD (1366×768) IPS display that is accessible in both laptop and tablet mode. The device runs on an Intel Atom dual core processor and comes with 64GB of built-in eMMC storage, expandable up to 32GB with a micro-SD slot. The Lenovo Miix tablet weighs in at only 1.2 pounds and is just 0.4 inches thin. It also includes integrated Bluetooth 4.0, WiFi and/or optional3G-GPS connectivity and boasts up to 10 hours of battery life.
Lenovo Miix
IdeaPad S400 Touch/S500 Touch/S210 Touch
Lenovo S Series laptops are defined by their elegant design and full performance at an attractive price point. Designed to look even more stylish with a tactile metallic finish and a thin (from 0.8 inches) and light (from 3 pounds) frame, S series devices pack a solid punch with far greater performance than comparably priced laptops. The IdeaPad S400 and S500 can be configured with up to 3rd generation Intel Core i5 processors and optional discrete graphics. The IdeaPad S210 is equipped with up to to 3rd generation Intel® Core™ i3 processors. All three devices also offer Dolby Advance Audio v2 certification for high-quality immersive experiences with multimedia. Lenovo Companion, Lenovo Support and Lenovo Cloud applications help S Series users easily share data and access their computer’s full functionality, while OneKey Recovery makes data backup and recovery simple. The S400 and S500 come with 14-inch and 15.6-inch HD widescreen displays, respectively. The S210 comes up with an 11.6-inch HD widescreen display.
IdeaPad S400 Touch
IdeaPad S500 Touch
IdeaPad S210 Touch
U330 Touch/U430 Touch
The Lenovo IdeaPad U series laptops are notable for their very thin and light designs, starting from only 0.77 inches, as thin as a smartphone, qualifying them as Ultrabooks™. U Series devices are ultra-responsive, offering advanced options such as motion control, voice control and a multi-touchtouchpad. The latest touch-enabled U Series laptops also offer 10-point capacitive multi-touch. U Series are available with up to 4th generation Intel Core i7 processors plus optional NVIDIA GeForce graphics with DirectX 11 and up to 1TBHDDwith 16GB SSDor 500GB SSHD with integrated 16GB NAND flash or 256GB SSD storage, all packed into a metal frame that still stays light at as little as 3.7 pounds. The U330 Touch comes with a 13.3-inch HDor FHDdisplay and the U430 Touch comes with a 14-inch HD+ or FHDdisplay.
U330 Touch
U430 Touch
Pricing and Availability*
The Lenovo Miix will be available August beginning at £449.99
The IdeaPad S210 Touch will be available August beginning at £349.99
The IdeaPad S400 Touch will not be coming to the UK market.
The IdeaPad S500 Touch will be available August beginning at £549.99
The IdeaPad U330 Touch will be available August beginning at £649.99
The IdeaPad U430 Touch will be available August beginning at £699.99.
Bungie’s Destiny Given Huge Financial Backing by Activision
Bungie’s Destiny has become the biggest ever investment in terms of a new IP by Activision. That’s according to CEO Eric Hirshberg who stated as much in a new interview with IGN.
“It’s a sizeable investment – probably one of the biggest investments in a new IP that’s ever been made in this industry,” he told the site. “We wouldn’t be making that investment if we didn’t believe in the potential.
“From the earliest days of sitting down with Bungie and hearing their vision for the game, it was a truly impressive and ambitious idea. To me, the best thing about it is that it has elements that are tremendously familiar as well as elements that are tremendously innovative. I think that’s a great combo.
“At the end of the day, it’s a first-person shooter by Bungie. Everyone who loved Halo is going to love Destiny. At the same time, what you saw on the stage with Sony is a demo of the shared world shooter, this demonstration of how you’re in a PvE experience fighting artificial intelligence, but you have other live people popping up who you may know or you may not know.
“I think it strikes a great balance between being something that people will immediately spark to and something that will have a lot of new discoveries as well.”
Nokia Announces the Nokia Asha 501
Nokia announced that the Nokia Asha 501, the first of a new generation of smartphones to run on the new Asha Platform, will start selling this week in Thailand and Pakistan, with availability in India soon to follow. The new device will roll out in subsequent weeks across countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.
“The new Nokia Asha 501 helps people quickly access everything they love with just a simple swipe,” said Timo Toikkanen, executive vice president, Mobile Phones, Nokia. “Coupled with beautiful design, it’s a smartphone with both style and substance, offered at a great price.”
The suggested retail price for the Nokia Asha 501 is 99 USD before taxes and local subsidies.
Standout colour and design
The Nokia Asha 501 is available in a choice of six striking colours: cyan, bright red, yellow, bright green, black and white*. Its seamless design comes in just two parts: a durable, removable shell and the scratch-resistant, tempered glass display. The compact, easy-to-use Nokia Asha 501 weighs only 98 grams, for the ultimate in portability.
Fast, intuitive user interface
The Nokia Asha 501 works with just a simple swipe. Swipe unlocks the phone, closes apps and is used to shift between two screens: ‘Home’ and ‘Fastlane’. Home makes full use of the three-inch capacitive touchscreen, displaying a traditional application launcher. Fastlane is the second screen that adapts to display recent activity on the phone as well as upcoming events, helping people multi-task. Fastlane also supports social integration with Facebook and Twitter, by allowing people to post directly from within Fastlane.
Instant access to apps and more
The new Asha comes with the Nokia Xpress Browser pre-loaded, which compresses Internet data by up to 90%, making mobile browsing faster and more affordable. People can enjoy a world of entertainment on the Nokia Asha 501, including pre-installed social apps like Facebook and Twitter; chat services like Line, Nimbuzz and WeChat; as well as up to 40 free EA games available to download, such as Plants vs. Zombies. Even more free apps and games are available from Nokia Store, including HERE Maps** and the new Nokia Xpress Now content discovery web app.
Hexodiux Out Now for PC via Steam Coming to Xbox This October
Developed by Brain Slap Studios and published by NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe, HEXODIUS throws players into the heat of the blaster battle as they conquer multiple game modes and explore six varied worlds, each with a multitude of challenging arenas. The goal is to reach the exit of the Hexodius complex unscathed, but the droids are on the hunt and there’s nowhere left to hide.
Players will explore the entire Hexodius complex with its variety of tricky and surprising gameplay mechanics designed to unseat all but the swiftest and most level-headed drone warriors. Master all the difficulty settings, conquer the story mode, smash the mighty bosses, then aim for the top of the online leaderboards where the real action is. Are you ready to engage?
HEXODIUS is available today via Steam, and is coming to Xbox Live in October 2013.
Episode Two of the Payday Web Series 2 is Here
When left the Payday crew, they were trying to make their escape from the First World Bank vault as security closed in on them. Problem one – they need to get out alive. Problem two – they need to get the cash out. Problem three – those are the least of their problems!
Nominated for 7 awards at E3 2013 and winner Polygon – Editor’s Choice Award E3 2013 and Co-Optimus – E3 2013 Game of the Show, Payday 2 the game releases on Steam, PS3, 360 this August – pre-order now to receive the Lootbag DLC.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbFrvg8J9rY?feature=player_detailpage%5D
Arma 3 Beta Available on June 25th
Bohemia Interactive confirmed the 25th of June as the official release date for the Arma 3 Beta. Building upon the well-received Arma 3 Alpha, the Arma 3 Beta features a varied selection of brand new content – including 10 vehicles, 7 weapons, 4 showcase missions (Combined Arms, Supports, Commanding & Night), 2 multiplayer scenarios and 4 challenges.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Stratis (20 km²), the Arma 3 Beta turns its focus towards firepower and logistics. The Challenges game mode will also be making its first appearance, enabling players to practice their weapons handling and movement across a selection of firing drills. Plus, all of the content from the Arma 3 Alpha will be available, alongside the popular scenario editor and modding support.
Joris-Jan van ‘t Land, Project Lead on Arma 3, adds:
“Having just showed off the Beta for Arma 3 at E3 2013, we are keen to get it into gamers’ hands quickly. Bringing some heavy firepower and additional transport options will allow for more diverse scenarios in both singleplayer and multiplayer. We also can’t wait to open up the Steam Workshop scenario publication, which will make content-sharing with other players much more convenient.”
People who are currently participating in the Arma 3 Alpha will gain access to the Arma 3 Beta through an automatic Steam update. Those who are new to Arma 3 can join in by purchasing the Arma 3 Beta (which includes a version of the full game) from Steam or Store.bistudio.com.
The price of the Arma 3 Beta, in comparison to the Arma 3 Alpha, will be increased. The regular Arma 3 Beta will be available for 34.99 EUR/29.99 GBP/44.99 USD (current price: 24.99 EUR/19.99 GBP/32.99 USD), while the Arma 3 Digital Deluxe Edition will be sold for 44.99 EUR/39.99 GBP/59.99 USD (current price: 39.99 EUR/34.99 GBP/49.99 USD). Please note that the current (heavily discounted) Alpha deal, which includes Beta-access and the full game, will still be available until Tuesday June 25th.
Those who would like to sponsor development further have the option to purchase the Arma 3 Supporter Edition (69.99 EUR/59.99 GBP/91.99 USD) from Store.bistudio.com. The Arma 3 Alpha Lite, a free but limited variant of the Arma 3 Alpha, will be discontinued after June 25th.
More information on Arma 3 can be found on http://www.arma3.com
Bayan Audio announces the Soundbook portable wireless stereo speaker
Soundbook from Bayan Audio is a small yet powerful, portable wireless stereo speaker sporting a range of functions, that’s ready to play when you are. Simply open the cover and in seconds you’ll be amazed by the rich, clean audio delivered by this compact, beautifully designed device.
Soundbook works both as a speakerphone and FM radio – perfect for whether you’re on the move, in the office or at home. What’s more the very latest Smart Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology has been combined with aptX codec to ensure the widest connectivity and enhanced performance, allowing you to make the most of your media. In addition, auto-pairing NFC makes connecting to compatible mobile devices a simple touch, and TDMA noise rejection ensures clear, uninterrupted streaming whilst the built-in battery is ready to power your playlist with up to 10 hours on a single charge.
Coming in two classic colour options – Silver/ Turquoise or Charcoal/ Burnt Orange, Soundbook is designed without compromise using materials that are both tactile and precision-made. Attention to detail is intrinsic to both its build and superior sound quality.
The elegant aluminium casing and ballistic nylon cover/stand with concealed FM antenna add strength and integrity as well as marking out Soundbook’s distinctive look.
Key Features
* Up to 10 hours streaming wireless music on a single charge
* Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology for maximum compatibility
* Advanced audio compression technology for more detailed sound via aptX
* Integrated FM radio with ‘invisible’ aerial
* Built in Microphone for hands-free conference calling
* Auto connect / pairing with Smartphones or Tablets with NFC
* Solid aluminium casing with flip-back case and stand
* TDMA noise rejection eliminates interference from other electrical equipment around you so you can continue to enjoy your music
* Priced at £149.99 including VAT.
Travel-friendly design with more than a hint of luxury:
Constructed with a slim and sleek aluminium casing with concealed aerial, Soundbook exudes style and luxury. Available in a choice of two colours (silver/turquoise or charcoal/burnt orange) you can match your favourite style as well as your music taste and it is the perfect size and shape to slip into your bag, making it easy to carry anywhere and everywhere you travel.
Soundbook boasts a strong, ballistic nylon cover which doubles as an on/off switch, so you don’t need to remember to switch it off to save battery and you simply open it to play. The cover also flips over to act as a stand, providing stability when you need it most and protecting Soundbook in your bag or suitcase.
With international power adaptors included in the box, Soundbook is equipped for travel far and wide, for both business and pleasure.
Automatic conference call mode for hassle-free chat:
You won’t need to worry about being out of reach whilst enjoying your music – Soundbook automatically switches to conference-call mode when a call comes in, allowing you to use the built-in microphone to make hands-free conversation a breeze. Once you’re finished, Soundbook simply switches automatically back to your music so you won’t miss a beat.
Advanced technology for a simple, high quality connection:
Using the latest Smart Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology, including advanced audio compression technology aptX, Soundbook delivers quality audio playback from a number of devices including Smartphones, Tablets and Notebook / PCs. The Smart Bluetooth 4.0 is also compatible with version v2.10 and above
Integrated NFC technology ensures a hassle-free, fast and easy way to pair with compatible source devices – requiring only a single touch to connect and get started with your playlists.
Soundbook defies its small size with 15W stereo, powerful bass and detailed top note reproduction, a combination that provides the first class listening experience you would expect from Bayan Audio. So whether you’re in your hotel room or relaxing in your living room, Soundbook is powerful enough to fill the space with your favourite music.
Pricing & Availability:
Soundbook from Bayan Audio will be priced at £149.99 including VAT and will be available to buy at www.bayanaudio.com from 7th July 2013.
Technical Specifications:
Amplifier Power Output 15W Stereo
Drive Units 2 x 1” long throw neodymium, 1 x 2” passive bass radiator
Frequency Range 70Hz to 20 kHz
Bluetooth Bluetooth – a2dp music profile with aptX + hands free profile
Power input (charger) voltage 100V – 240V ~ 50 / 60 Hz
Battery Life > 10 hours
Inputs 3.5mm Aux audio jack input, Bluetooth 4.0 aptX (built in), FM radio (built in), microphone (for hands-free calling)
Outputs 3.5mm audio output for connection to other speakers or headphones
Auto Connect / Pairing One touch connect and disconnect with Bluetooth 4.0 or integrated NFC
Dimensions 160mm wide x 88mm tall x 38mm deep
Deus Ex Machina 2 – Play the First Playable Demo
The world’s first interactive movie Deus Ex Machina 2, brings you the first playable demo, Fertilizer And Birth! Deus Ex Machina 2 is the re imagination of the classic 1984 Game Of The Year, Deus Ex Machina, the first true multimedia video game ever made. Written by Mel Croucher, creator of the original game, published by Automata, the first video games company in the UK, this brand new version is a darkly comic cradle-to-grave roller coaster of your entire life. It takes you on a surreal journey from before your own birth, all the way through the temptations and dangers of your life, and beyond your own death. Christopher Lee’s narration ranges from chilling to deeply moving as he takes over the role played by “Doctor Who” Jon Pertwee in the original version. The music’s great too! The late lamented Ian Dury has been remastered for a “live” reprise of his original role, including his kick in the teeth duet against video games that encourage greed and violence.
Deus Ex Machina 2 has been translated into 19 languages, the soundtrack album has been released, and the book of the game includes the no-holds-barred inside story of how the computer games industry started and where it’s heading. But before the reborn version of his classic game is let loose, Mel Croucher is determined to get as many players involved as possible to have their say on how it looks and plays. “All I had to do was stay alive for another thirty years and wait for the technology to catch up,” Croucher says. “That and wait for the wonder of crowd-funding to be born.” He declares, “Back in the day, we never sold out to banks, advertisers or parasites, we only ever dealt direct with our players. Now we can reward them in advance thanks to mechanisms like Kickstarter.”
Guild Wars 2 Sky Pirates of Tyria coming Tuesday
ArenaNet today announced the latest Guild Wars 2 content update, Sky Pirates of Tyria, which will is scheduled to go live on June 25. The update brings players a robust update to the ongoing Living World saga, along with a new dungeon to explore, new events, rewards and features, not to mention the announcement that Custom Arenas and Spectator Mode is coming out of beta.
In regards to the Living Story content, Lion’s Arch is in chaos following a murder at the Dragon Bash. Inspector Ellen Kiel is spearheading the investigation and is gathering teams of deputies to capture the perpetrator. Players will need to sharpen their weapons and skills to track down the slippery culprit responsible for the crime. Players will join together and partake in multiple events that will lead them through thrilling content and discoveries as part of this update.
Details of the update include:
- New Story Dungeon: Aetherblade Retreat – Find the hidden entrance to the Aetherblade base and take the fight to the pirates. It’ll take skill, courage, and no small measure of agility to battle through to the Aetherblade Captain and First Mate.
- Sea of Sorrows Scavenger Hunt – In this new, permanent content, players search for clues to the locations of 12 plaques that have been set up to honor the history of the city and its founder, in the novel Sea of Sorrows by our very own Ree Soesbee, narrative designer, ArenaNet, hitting store shelves and Amazon on Tuesday, June 25.
- New Rewards – A variety of new rewards are available, including Aetherblade caches, a First Mate Horrik miniature companion, a stylish monocle and more.
- Skill and Trait Balance Update – The largest balance patch ever is being introduced in this build, which includes significant updates to traits and skills to introduce more viable build diversity. Every profession trait line is seeing changes. Updates also have been made to some less popular skills to improve their effectiveness.
- Custom Arenas and Spectator Mode leaves Beta – Custom PvP arenas allow players to host private matches, and customize their map settings. This feature is leaving beta, which means that Custom Arena Starter Kits will be available for anyone to purchase in the Gem Store. Spectator Mode also is officially out of beta. Together, these two features allow for practice, competitive play and tournaments.
- Mortar Mastery Joins the Growing List of World vs. World Abilities – Players can increase their mortar effectiveness by training in Mortar Mastery. Improvements in this line include increasing mortar blast radius, beefing up on damage, reducing skill recharge, and even adding a new skill, Mortar Barrage.
And in case you missed it, we recently interviewed the Guild Wars 2 Game Director Colin Johanson:
Check out our review of Guild Wars 2Are you playing Guild Wars 2? Let us know by leaving a comment below.





















