30 Day Trial for Disney Plus Added to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

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From today, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members will be able to stream all of the great entertainment available with Disney+, including content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. From old favorites to the latest epic movies, series and Originals from the world’s best storytellers, including the new season of The Mandalorian, we’re excited to provide this trial as a Perk to our members. Ultimate members who are new to Disney+ will be eligible to claim the 30-day subscription trial through the Perks Gallery on their Xbox console, on the Xbox app on Windows 10 PC, or through the Xbox Game Pass mobile app on iOS and Android.

Once the Perk is claimed, members will be directed to the Disney+ site activate their subscription. Disney+ is also available on Xbox One and will be available on Xbox Series X and S, so you can download the app via the Microsoft Store.

If you’re interested, don’t wait too long! Members can claim and activate the trial until January 31. Not a bad way to celebrate the launch of the Xbox Series X and S Consoles huh!

The Next Generation of Xbox is Finally Here as Xbox Series X/S Have Launched!

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It seems like a lifetime ago when Microsoft dropped jaws all over the gaming world back in December 2019 when the Xbox Series X console was revealed when no one, and I mean NO ONE saw it coming. Since that surprise it has been a long 11 months in many way for the world and everyone which due to COVID saw all physical gaming events cancelled and in the year of next generation consoles launching, online only events and a very long wait to learn how much it would cost and when they would become available. Well Xbox fans no longer have to wait…almost, as the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles have launched globablly:

There is always something exciting when a new console launches and today Xbox has two, the premium Series X and affordable all digital Series S. Some retailers have reported more stock of both here in the UK will be available but you will need to be quick.

In a year of misery and difficult times for many people, not everyone is able to jump into the next generation of Xbox but they have made sure to not leave anyone behind where possible. Today will also see EA Play come to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with Jedi Fallen Order joining the library as well today. Various launch events will be taking place online to celebrate launch day so make sure you check out the official social media for Xbox to learn more.

This is perhaps the biggest leap in console gaming in my lifetime, I hope everyone waiting for their new console gets that knock on the door early and if you are heading out to collect yours please be safe, take care and get home safely.

Two Minute Review: Classic Panels from Geomag

Playtime can be fun with the Classic Panels from Geomag, here is our two minute review.

Swiss made Geomag Classic Panels feature the most powerful magnetic rods for you to build limitless constructions. Magnets are positioned on both ends of each rod. Connect rods to the metal sphere then use plastic panels to reinforce and decorate your design. The indication of the polarity visible on the rods also allows you to better understand all the potential of magnetism and to make faster constructions at the limit of the laws of physics. This STEM product is designed to encourage fine motor skills, learning by playing and creativity and imagination. Geomag is the original magnetic construction toy.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The Classic Panels we were set was the 35 piece set, model number 470.

The entire set is made from 100% recycled plastic and comes with its own storage box, which is very useful as you really don’t want to lose any of the pieces!

You can create anything your mind (or the mind of your child) cam think of, and its a lot of fun to put something together and feel that snap as the magnetic pieces come together.

The Classic Panels set is available now priced around £14.99. There are different sized sets, so have a look and see which one fits you best. This will make an excellent Christmas present.

You can learn more from the GeoMag website.

DesignNest MagnetCubes Rollercoaster Marble Run

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With Christmas approaching, you might want to take a look at the DesignNest MagnetCubes Rollercoaster Marble Run.

Effortlessly attach – With no glue or connectors needed, MagnetCubes is ready to play right out of the box. Each cube is fully magnetic, so it can be easily attached to other cubes. Simply unpack and build!

Build. Rebuild. Combine – Easily connect multiple structures together. The structure becomes a complex and impressive multi-level design. MagnetCubes gives you far more freedom to build a near infinite variety of miniature roller coasters and structures instantly.

Infinite design possibilities – With 64 cubes and various action pieces, people will have the ability to build any different tracks by their imagination and logical mind. Great for keeping your mind sharp, limber and most importantly, interested!

Build taller and faster – Keep stacking the modular open-ended building blocks together. Be amazed at how easily, quickly and massively tall structures can be made without toppling over.

Starter Pack Contents – 64x MagnetCubes, 32x Clip, 4x U-turn, 10x Straight, 10x Quarter-turn, 4x Down, 3x Marble.

The DesignNest MagnetCubes Rollercoaster Marble Run is so much fun and is so easy to create some really cool roller coasters. Everything just clips together effortlessly and is fun for all the family. This is definitely something to have under the Christmas tree this year, aimed at ages 8 and above, you won’t want to stop playing with it!

The DesignNest MagnetCubes Rollercoaster Marble Run is available now priced around £39.99.

You can learn more from the 2tech.co.uk website.

Playmobil Back to the Future Advent Calendar

This year, the classic 1980s film Back to the Future celebrates its 35th anniversary. To commemorate the milestone, PLAYMOBIL has launched a brand-new, limited-edition Advent Calendar featuring classic scenes from the iconic film franchise. 

Begin the countdown to Christmas with an exciting PLAYMOBIL Back to the Future Advent Calendar! Behind every door is a gift, from figures to vehicles to accessories, providing children (and adults) with 24-days’ worth of time traveling entertainment during the lead up to the big day. Once all the surprises have been discovered, the box folds open into a backdrop to complete the iconic town square scene.

Recreate iconic scenes from Back to the Future and Back to the Future II! Including Marty McFly and Jennifer Parker having a chat, and Doc Brown and Marty in the Twin Pines Mall carpark from 1985.

For fans that want to travel a bit further back in time to the 1950’s, Marty can meet, and escape from Biff on his skateboard. It’s nearly 10:04 and Doc Brown needs to get to the clock tower, harness the lightning and channel it into the flux capacitor!

Plus each calendar comes with a lenticular effect picture. Watch as the McFly family disappears before your eyes!   

As someone who saw Back to the Future when it first came out (wow, 35 years ago) I was, and still am a huge fan of the franchise. I would have loved this advent calendar as a kid, and now my son gets to experience it too.

There are 97 separate pieces in the set and you can recreate the movie or you can create your own story, it’s up to you.

This is a great advent calendar to share with your children, even if it’s really you who wants to open it each day and play with it.

You can order yours now from Smyths Toys priced around £29.99.

You can learn more and take a look at the other advent calendars on the PLAYMOBIL website.

Review: Paw Patrol Dino Rescue Chase Deluxe Vehicle

With the new range of Paw Patrol Dino Rescue toys just released, we take a look at Chase and his Deluxe Vehicle from SpinMaster.

Go on exciting dino rescues with all new PAW Patrol Dino Rescue Deluxe Vehicles and Pups.

Featuring dinosaur-inspired details, a working tool, a rev up motor and large wheels to conquer any terrain, Marshall’s rugged vehicle is ready to roll into action! Unbox the mystery figure from the packaging to discover a colorful dinosaur to use in all of your rescue adventures! 

Features

  • REV UP MOTOR AND WORKING TOOL: Each pup’s dinosaur-inspired deluxe vehicle is ready for awesome dino rescues, with large wheels, a rev up motor and working tool! Rev it forward and watch it go!
  • COLLECTIBLE PUP FIGURE: Wearing their Dino Rescue uniform, place your pup behind the wheel of their Deluxe Vehicle. These pups are ready for prehistoric adventures!
  • MYSTERY DINOSAUR FIGURE: Open the package to reveal a surprise dino figure to use in every rescue mission! Collect all 6 Dino Rescue Deluxe Vehicles (each sold separately) and save all of the dinos!
  • The PAW Patrol Dino Rescue Deluxe Vehicles makes a great gift for kids aged 3 and up. No batteries required. Works with the Dino Patroller team vehicle (sold separately).

A Closer Look

There’s also a Mystery Dino in the box:

Final Thoughts

In the cartoon, Ryder and his team of pups have just found the Dino Wilds – a brand new never before seen area of Adventure Bay that just happens to be populated with dinosaurs.

Chase’s new Dino Deluxe vehicle can be revved up and move on its own, which is a lot of fun. As you would expect from Chase’s vehicle it has a movable launcher on the back and Chase can sit in the drivers seat and take control.

As well as Chase and his deluxe vehicle, you also get a mystery surprise Dino which adds to the fun.

Both Chase and his vehicle are a lot of fun to play with and make a great addition to any Paw Patrol set you may already have. There are lots of other new Dino additions as well, but more on those in another review.

The Paw Patrol Chase Deluxe Vehicle from SpinMaster is available now priced £19.99.

Review: Paw Patrol Dino Rescue Skye Deluxe Vehicle

With the new range of Paw Patrol Dino Rescue toys just released, we take a look at Skye and her Deluxe Vehicle from SpinMaster.

Go on exciting dino rescues with all new PAW Patrol Dino Rescue Deluxe Vehicles and Pups.

Featuring dinosaur-inspired details, a working tool, a rev up motor and large wheels to conquer any terrain, Marshall’s rugged vehicle is ready to roll into action! Unbox the mystery figure from the packaging to discover a colorful dinosaur to use in all of your rescue adventures! 

Features

  • REV UP MOTOR AND WORKING TOOL: Each pup’s dinosaur-inspired deluxe vehicle is ready for awesome dino rescues, with large wheels, a rev up motor and working tool! Rev it forward and watch it go!
  • COLLECTIBLE PUP FIGURE: Wearing their Dino Rescue uniform, place your pup behind the wheel of their Deluxe Vehicle. These pups are ready for prehistoric adventures!
  • MYSTERY DINOSAUR FIGURE: Open the package to reveal a surprise dino figure to use in every rescue mission! Collect all 6 Dino Rescue Deluxe Vehicles (each sold separately) and save all of the dinos!
  • The PAW Patrol Dino Rescue Deluxe Vehicles makes a great gift for kids aged 3 and up. No batteries required. Works with the Dino Patroller team vehicle (sold separately).

A Closer Look

There’s also a Mystery Dino in the box:

Final Thoughts

In the cartoon, Ryder and his team of pups have just found the Dino Wilds – a brand new never before seen area of Adventure Bay that just happens to be populated with dinosaurs.

Skye’s new Dino Deluxe vehicle can be revved up and move on its own, which is a lot of fun. As you would expect from Skye’s vehicle it has movable wings and a winch on the back and Skye can sit in the drivers seat and take control.

As well as Skye and her deluxe vehicle, you also get a mystery surprise Dino which adds to the fun.

Both Skye and her vehicle are a lot of fun to play with and make a great addition to any Paw Patrol set you may already have. There are lots of other new Dino additions as well, but more on those in another review.

The Paw Patrol Skye Deluxe Vehicle from SpinMaster is available now priced £19.99.

The Medium Delayed Until January 28th 2021 for Xbox Series X/S

Thought it was not due to release until December originally, today it has been announced that Xbox Series X exclusive ‘The Medium’ has been delayed until January 28th 2021:

This makes yet another title to slip its release date, especially in a month where Cyberpunk 2077 has been moved to for its third delay this year, now releasing on December 10th. With the world as it is and many people trying to work from home, extra time to deliver the game they want players to experience is still far better than releasing one broken.

The Medium is a third-person psychological horror game that features an innovative dual-reality gameplay and an original soundtrack co-composed by Arkadiusz Reikowski and Akira Yamaoka. Discover a dark mystery only a medium can solve. Use your unique psychic abilities to uncover its deeply disturbing secrets, solve dual-reality puzzles, survive encounters with sinister spirits, and explore two realities at the same time

This comes jut 4 days before the launch of the next generation of Xbox with the series X and S consoles on November 10th.

‘One Special Day’ Raises over £500,000 for Special Effect Charity!

Gamers’ charity SpecialEffect is delighted to announce that, thanks to a record number of partners from the games industry, their One Special Day fundraising campaign on Friday 2nd October has raised over £500,000.

The charity, which has experienced an upturn in demand for their services since the first COVID-19 lockdown in March, are incredibly grateful to their friends from the worldwide games industry who have rallied to support their life-changing work. From donating UK income from mobile and PC games, to a special Humble Bundle and a series of socially-distanced ‘virtual’ challenges, industry partners large and small have raised vital funds to help SpecialEffect continue to find cutting edge solutions to help people with physical challenges play and avoid isolation.

SpecialEffect’s CEO and Founder, Dr Mick Donegan said “All of us at SpecialEffect are delighted and humbled at the outcome of our 5th and most successful One Special Day 2020 ever and are massively grateful to friends throughout the games industry. They’re not only ensuring that we can carry on meeting the ever-growing demand to help disabled gamers to play, but also the demand to help developers all over the world to make their games more accessible to all.”

More information about One Special Day can be found at  www.onespecialday.org.uk 

SpecialEffect are an award-winning charity that enables people with physical disabilities to benefit from the fun and inclusion of video games. They support people of all ages through personalised assessments and equipment loans.

Discover more at http://www.specialeffect.org.uk.

Post Campaign Plans for Outriders Revealed!

SQUARE ENIX has revealed “Expeditions”, the challenging post-campaign content for OUTRIDERS, the high-intensity RPG-Shooter from People Can Fly, the developers of Gears of War: Judgment and BULLETSTORM, and Square Enix External Studios, the minds behind SLEEPING DOGS and JUST CAUSE.

“Expeditions” will challenge even the most accomplished Outrider and push them to their limits. Battle through a series of tough-as-nails missions to unlock the most powerful equipment in the game.

“Expeditions expand on the story of the OUTRIDERS campaign and features the toughest challenges in the game. They’re meant to be played with a team of skilled and coordinated Outriders,” said Bartek Kmita, Creative Director of OUTRIDERS at People Can Fly. “Powerful equipment and efficient character builds, along with true skill and mastery over your class, are necessary to succeed and reach the highest levels of Expeditions.”

For more information, watch the rest of OUTRIDERS Broadcast #4 – Expeditions here: 


OUTRIDERS will release on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC on February 2nd, 2021 and Google Stadia later in 2021.

For more information, visit www.outriders.net

OUTRIDERS Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/outridersgame
OUTRIDERS on Twitter: https://twitter.com/outriders
OUTRIDERS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outridersgame
Subscribe to OUTRIDERS on YouTube: www.youtube.com/outriders
Join the OUTRIDERS Discord: discord.gg/outriders

Help Celebrate Launch of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla with Odin’s Hootenanny Today!

Ubisoft announced Odin’s Hootenanny, a digital variety show to celebrate the upcoming launch of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, to be held today on 6th November at 5pm UK time.  Proudly presented in partnership with Xbox Series X|S, featuring segments from Xbox, IGN and BAFTA, Odin’s Hootenanny will be hosted by actor and comedian, Danny Wallace, who is best known to fans for his portrayal of Shaun Hastings in the Assassin’s Creed series. 

The livestreamed event will feature a host of exclusive content, including a gameplay reveal from the Xbox Series X version of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla as well as a Viking game-show featuring plucky ravens, red-hot forges and much more.  The full show will include:

  • Eivor Critiques IGN’s Viking Skills: Magnus Bruun, the talented Danish actor behind male Eivor provides live commentary direct from a Viking long-hall in Denmark as Amy Mallett and Stevie Coales seek to prove their mettle in dark-age Leicestershire.  In true Viking fashion, Magnus’ commentary is brutal and unforgiving, not to mention colourful.
  • BAFTA presents The Art of Storytelling: In an extended BAFTA Guru feature, Elle Osili-Wood sits down with Narrative Director Darby McDevitt to explore the storytelling of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.  
  • Xbox On presents Assassin’s Creed Valhalla on Xbox Series X. An extended gameplay segment showcasing Assassin’s Creed Valhalla on the new Xbox Series X hardware.
  • Modern-Day Flyting: Gaming rapper and self-proclaimed Rhyme Minister, Dan Bull will go head-to-head with British rap star Lethal Bizzle in a modern interpretation of a dark-age flyting battle, filled with sarcastic wit. 
  • A Very Viking Gameshow: A live-action, socially distanced game-show where two teams of the UK’s finest presenters and content creators, including Bex Bomb, Elle Osili-Wood, Gav Murphy and Marcus Bronzy square off in a series of Viking challenges, including axe-throwing and mind-games (and Kerplunk) with an actual raven named Loki.

“I’ve been a huge Assassin’s Creed fan from the beginning and delighted to be part of the series, and Valhalla looks like it’ll be the best so far,” said Danny Wallace, presenter of Odin’s Hootenanny.  “So when Ubisoft tempted me out of the house with ravens, skulls and axes, how could I turn them down?”

Odin’s Hootenanny will premiere at 5pm GMT on Friday, 6th November.  Tune in at:

Ubisoft UK Twitch – https://www.twitch.tv/
Assassin’s Creed UK: https://www.youtube.com/user/assassinscreedUK
IGN UK: https://www.ign.com/uk

Xbox UK to Celebrate Xbox Series X/S Launch with 6 Hour Stream with Chance to Win a Series X Console on Monday 9th November!

It is hard to believe that we are just four days away from the launch of the next generation of Xbox consoles as the Series X and S release on November 10th. Whilst the US Xbox team will be having their own launch day celebration, our very own Xbox UK team are having their own launch celebration on Monday 9th November:

This six hour stream by the Xbox UK’s own Content and Streaming team ‘Xbox On’ from 6pm GMT on Monday evening on their Twitch Channel which will showcase actual Xbox Series X next generation gameplay on a variety of launch week titles such as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Yakuza: Like a Dragon and others.

Not only is this a great chance to see these games in their full Xbox Series X/S glory for those lucky enough to be getting their own consoles on the 10th but an opportunity to win an Xbox Series X console for those who were unable to should not be missed!

DIRT 5 Out Now!

Codemasters today celebrates the launch of DIRT 5 for the PlayStation 4, the Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X, and PC. DIRT 5, developed by the Codemasters Cheshire studio, offers a diverse mix of game modes from traditional racing across multiple terrains, arena creation through Playgrounds and a host of multiplayer features including three party games.

DIRT 5 delivers amplified racing across 70 routes, 10 locations and 13 vehicle classes. Players must master the likes of rally cars, rock bouncers, buggies, and more if they’re to prove themselves in the DIRT Series. The Career boasts the voice talents of gaming icons, Troy Baker and Nolan North, alongside Donut Media’s James Pumphrey and Nolan Sykes, and cameos from the world of gaming and motorsport. 
 
In the most ambitious DIRT title to date, Playgrounds allows players to Create, Share and Discover custom arenas across three event types; Gate Crasher, Smash Attack and Gymkhana. Once verified by the creator, Playgrounds are available for anyone to download, and post their best scores to the global leaderboards.
 
“DIRT 5 is finally available, and we can’t wait to jump into the lobbies with our players,” said Robert Karp, DIRT 5 Development Director at Codemasters. “The team has done an incredible job, and there is so much variety. From Playgrounds to party modes to all-action racing, DIRT 5 gives racing fans so much of what they love and a whole lot more.”
 
DIRT 5 on Xbox Series X|S is available worldwide on 10 November. The PlayStation 5 version launches in North America, Australia and New Zealand on 12 November and the rest of the world on 19 November. A Google Stadia version will launch in early 2021. The game supports Xbox Smart Delivery and PlayStation’s free upgrade when players switch to an Xbox Series X|S or PlayStation 5.
 
Keep up with all the DIRT 5 news and follow updates from the studio on InstagramYouTubeTwitter and Facebook.

Review: Watch Dogs Legion

I have really enjoyed the Watch Dogs series up to now, the current “baby” series of the Ubisoft line up with only two entries so far. Legion itself was originally slated for an early 2020 release until the disastrous launch and reaction to Ghost Recon Breakpoint put all Ubisoft plans on hold and it was delayed until October 29th, just one week before the Xbox Series X/S globally launches and the PlayStation 5 in the US. This is a very busy time for games and with Assassin’s Creed Valhalla out on the 10th November, Watch Dogs Legion has to do enough to make sure its standout on its own, so does it do enough to warrant your attention at this crazy time of console launch and silly season of game releases?

In the four years since we last visited the Watch Dogs universe in 2016, that world has changed very quickly with technological leaps in artificial intelligence, drones and AR/VR technology changing the world quickly. London is now a city on the cutting edge of this technology, currency has changed from the £ to cryptocurrency with driverless cars and culture now reflecting this new world of technology. Dedsec, the heroic hacker group who challenge anyone who would use technology to impose their will on the people, is still going strong and the London branch discover a plot to blow up Parliament in a V for Vendetta meets HACKERS merger of plot devices. Sending an operative to put a stop to it, they quickly discover that another Hacker group calling themselves Zero Day is taking responsibility for the attack and not only that, but they have outsmarted Dedsec in every way, not only have they set up Dedsec to look like they planned the bombing, but just as the bomb in parliament is about to be deactivated, Dedsec are raided by armed and well trained  attackers who slay the members of Dedsec with only their leader Sabine able to escape and Bagley, their own super AI shutdown. Zero Day was thorough in their planning, though the bomb at parliament was stopped, several others around the city then go off and Dedsec is blamed.

The resulting aftermath leads the UK Government handing the security of London and task of hunting down Dedsec to Albion, who quickly seize power in the city with armed soldiers, checkpoints and bases in every borough of London. You as the player are then recruited by Sabine and tasked with rebuilding the London branch of Dedsec and to investigate who was really behind the bombings, who Zero Day are and freeing London and its people from Albion control. Sounds like we have some work to do!

It has to be said that Watch Dogs Legion is the best looking game Ubisoft has done yet for me, this is after Assassin’s Creed Odyssey of course but you can really see how that engine has been refined and it looks incredible on the Xbox One X bringing London to life, I can only imagine how this game will look on the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 with boosted visuals including raytracing! London is truly brough to life here with all the recognisable landmarks there to see and visit. But as a Londoner familiar with the streets between these landmarks, I do get a real buzz both walking and driving down the streets between those landmarks, all recreated so close to flawlessly can you could use it to learn to navigate Central London. Of course, some changes have been made such as no real-world branded shops but having the game contained to one large city space still offers so much to visit and do, I am really looking forward to seeing this on the next gen consoles.

So, to answer the question does Watch Dogs Legion do enough to stand out on its own, In short, yes. Watch Dogs Legion set itself a massive challenge right from the very start with its evolution of its gameplay from the previous titles. The action this time has come to London which is very personal to me as someone born, raised and still lives in London. Assassin’s Creed Syndicate made Victorian London a playground for me so I was incredibly eager and a little nervous to see a more current even if set a couple of decades in the future, version of my home town. But there is one massive factor that quite frankly Legion is relying on which if it works would make it awesome but if it failed it would be a complete non starter as a video game so, Legion already has that hurdle to jump over. That hurdle….the ability to play as ANYONE.

This system actually works incredibly well and was the biggest concern I had for Legion. This system allows any and all people in the world to be a recruit for Dedsec and therefore playable by the player and each will have certain requirements in order to recruit them adding an abundance of side activity to do as you have to convince them to join Dedsec. These side missions can be helping to solve a problem for them such as hacking and erasing incriminating evidence Albion has on them or helping by rescuing a friend of theirs. Once recruited, they join your team and can be hot switched to at any time outside of combat of course. This is really important because the system will randomly generate how they look but more importantly, the skills they have. Some people may have a certain weapon or their own personal vehicle. The skills however is the most important thing with some having more positive ones than others such as some having boosted melee combat skills, better hacking skills or extra perks such as being able to help your team out passively by helping to make money, giving a discount for things or reducing the arrest or injury time should a recruit be taken down.

But they can also have negative perks as well, we have all seen the early gameplay trailers showing the more elderly people you can recruit and these “Granny Gangstas” as I came to call them, will move slowly and be unable to use the cover system. Some may even have a flatulence problem meaning that during a stealth section they will quite literally fart which will alert guards and drones to your presence. Some will even have a death wish meaning they will try to get themselves killed which is even more damaging when you play with ‘Perma Death’ switched on. In Legion, your recruits can be injured so badly they can’t be used for a certain time, they can be arrested removing them from the pool of recruits for a certain time but with Perma Death turned on, should they die then they are dead and you lose them for good. This can really suck if you happen to be using a character with a particularly good set of skills gets killed in a careless gunfight or an explosion. Now this mode is optional but believe me, this is the only way to play the game if you want to experience the “play as anyone” system because once the novelty of using a Granny or a farting person has worn off, and you are into the seriousness of playing the missions which can be challenging, once you build a good team of recruits tailored for any mission type, to lose one can be a big problem, especially if they are so unique that the chances of finding someone else with the same skills is rare.

That is where Legion really comes alive for me, completing the style of Watch Dogs missions that can require stealth, hacking or just good old-fashioned gunplay and Legion blends the grittiness and tone of the first Watch Dogs game with the more colourful and vibrant Watch Dogs 2. Legion certainly finds the right balance with big missions and hard impacting themes of how technology could both help and be abused as it continues to evolve. It also suffers from repetitive missions especially in the side and recruitment missions which often will have you completing multi-step missions that simply take you from one part of London to another meaning you spend a lot of times in vehicles or using the fast travel system of moving between London’s tube stations. Now I never bully became bored of doing these missions but I did find myself simply recruiting a full squad of 34 members and just keeping them and even when one was lost through the perma death mechanic I just simply never replaced them.

More issues come as a result of the game constantly needing to populate London with potential recruits and I came across many doppelgangers of those I had recruited on the streets of London with their clones from appearance right down to appearance and skills without them having a different name from the one I had in my team. The world also fails to really respond to your actions, once you have freed boroughs from Albion’s influence it would be nice if you had to fight to main them or the threat of losing them via your actions. You can pretty much go around beating up or killing anyone you want without any repercussion’s other than the Albion guards maybe searching for you but its so easy to escape or they just give up so quickly its never really troubling to get away. Which is a shame because London does feel alive and the culture of London is reflected in the different types of people including accents although whilst some are regionally correct for certain parts of London, often the voice of a random person won’t suit that person. I often had an elderly voice for someone who was young or a posh English accent for someone who was suppose to be a street punk.

Overall Watch Dogs Legion is great fun with a solid main story and enough to give players to do and I am really looking forward to the co-op/Multiplayer side which is due to launch in December for the game. Visually stunning and a great soundtrack brings my city of London to life in a way only Watch Dogs can and I had and am having great fun playing it. Once boosted with Series X/S or PS5 enhancements pushing the visuals and performance of the game even further, than Legion is a great title to have if you are getting one of the next gen consoles and it really is just a solid game experience that does enough to stand on its own but I can see how it will be overshadowed by AC Valhalla and particularly Cyberpunk 2077 should it actually release this year.

Watch Dogs Legion is worth your attention if you are a fan of the series and will other enough gameplay to make it fun to have and not a bad way to try out your shiny new next gen console should you get one or find one under your Christmas tree this year. It will be interesting to see what DLC will bring to it with the Season Pass but for now, there is enough here to keep you going and it will never not be fun to recruit a team of OAPs and have them take down an entire enemy base!