Techland and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has released a video to give you a deeper look at the technology behind Dying Light. With the next generation of consoles upon us, Techland harnessed the added power to develop a physically based lighting system using its in-house Chrome Engine 6. This allows them to not only create realistic lighting and shadows in the game world but more importantly make the game world more authentic and immersive.
Konami Digital Entertainment has extended the reach of its popular myPES social element of PES 2014, with the release of a dedicated app for iOS users, with an Android version to come shortly.
myPES was introduced in PES 2012 in a very basic form, and was designed to allow the sharing of results within the PES community. It has now been extended greatly and the free app allows for more detailed player and game data to be shared between users.
The app is released alongside the second PES 2014 Data Pack, which includes functions to support sending stats data from PES 2014. The companion app thus allows users to check and organise their match stats on their iOS and Android device, and offers analysis of shots, possession, passing, and patterns of play. The build-up to goals, potential weaknesses in the opposition, and data to adapt playing styles against key opponents can then be viewed.
The app is also key to building community structures within PES 2014. Groups can be created, and myPES will track results and rank players accordingly. Users that do not have their consoles connected online will have the option to save their stats through a QR code displayed after matches, which can be scanned using the app to synchronise results for future analysis.
Konami Digital Entertainment has released Data Pack 2 for its PES 2014 title, adding a wealth of new elements to the popular football simulation.
The free DLC brings all team rosters fully up to date, and also adds 800 new faces for additional realism. Amongst those benefitting from incredibly realised likenesses are Manchester United’s Da Silva twins, Boca Juniors’ Riquelme, Real Madrid’s Isco and England midfielder, Jack Wilshere.
Similarly, following feedback been gathered from the PES community, the download also adds a many much-wanted elements to the game. The update extends PES 2014’s online elements, with the long awaited addition of the 11 Vs 11 mode, enhancements to chat elements, and gameplay tweaks. A new ‘Team Play’ lobby system has been incorporated, together with Online competitions and Master League Online competitions.
The popular myPES element is also reintroduced in a greatly expanded form. Working via a new dedicated app, myPES enhances the competitive element of PES 2014, ranking all users and a bank of stats related to each match played. Full details of myPES’s exhaustive new content will be released imminently.
New official kits have also been added, with third kits added to the likes of Santos, Palmeiras and Flamengo, while sponsorships have been amended where necessary. New adidas, Nike, Puma and Mizuno boots have also been included, and will be available via the game’s Edit mode, which has also been enhanced for ease of use with the addition of the player base copy and even more user-friendly options.
Independent games publisher and developer GIANTS Software announced today that Farming Simulator 14 has launched on the iTunes App Store and Google Play for mobile and tablet devices. Featuring a wide range of farming tools and machines from well-known manufacturers, Farming Simulator 14 provides a realistic farming experience that fans of the franchise and new players alike will enjoy!
Download Farming Simulator 14 for £1.99 from the iOS App Store here, or on Google Play here.
The app will also be available for Windows 8 Phone, Microsoft Surface RT and Amazon Kindle later this year. Farming Simulator 14 will also launch on Playstation Vita and Nintendo3DS in spring of 2014.
“GIANTS is pleased to commercially release our latest iteration of the most popular farm simulator in the world”, said Thomas Frey from GIANTS Software. “We’ve put hours of research into creating an even more realistic experience with Farming Simulator 14 than with its predecessor and can’t wait for our fans to try it out today on iOS and Android, and soon on Windows 8 Phone, Microsoft Surface RT and Amazon Kindle”!
The 2014 version of Farming Simulator comes with a new redefined look and double the equipment to use as its predecessor. Players can take control of a huge range of authentic farm machines from agricultural manufacturers, including Case IH, Deutz-Fahr, Lamborghini, Kuhn, Amazone and Krone, and then set their agricultural workers to the tasks of growing and picking fruit, corn, canola and wheat. Successful time and resource management will help players turn a hefty profit to purchase new tools and supplies in the shop to grow their farm even more.
Launched in 2008, the Farming Simulator franchise has become a global phenomenon with over 4 million downloads on mobile, PC and other main platforms such as Xbox 360™, PlayStation®3, Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation®Vita
This week for the Nintendo Wii U and 3Ds is the demo of Sonic Lost World Demo for both consoles available from the eShop. Also out is Ubisoft game of Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag on disc and aswell as a download via the eShop (£55.99/€69.99). With Lego Marvel Super Heroes out this week on disc and download for £44.99/€49.99, and the Legend of Zelda : A Link Between Worlds for the 3DS via card and e-Shop(£39.99/€44.99). How most more Nintendo 3Ds game this time from Warner Bros Games is Lego Marvel Super Heroes : Universe in Peril (£39.99/€39.00).
Square Enix Ltd has announced today that FINAL FANTASY X|X-2 HD Remaster will be released 21st March 2014, for the PlayStation 3.
Two of the most acclaimed FINAL FANTASY adventures of all time are back. Return to the world of Spira, the sport of Blitzball and fall in love with a cast of fan favourite characters including Tidus and Yuna, looking better than you’ve ever seen them before. The creators’ original vision is stunningly realised with today’s technology to deliver the definitive versions of these classic RPGs.
PlayStation 3 owners can get both games in one single-disc bundle. Choose from the standard edition or a special Limited Edition version, which includes an exclusive to Europe and PAL territories 48-page art book showcasing an elegant collection of concept art from the games, along with commentary from the original FINAL FANTASY X and FINAL FANTASY X-2 development teams, and a special message from Producer Yoshinori Kitase. Additionally, the PlayStation 3 release will also be available as a digital download via PlayStation Network.
Full details of the PlayStation Vita version and release timing will be revealed at a future date.
Features
Product Information
PlayStation 3 boxed versions:
PlayStation 3 digital download version:
So I was one of the crazy people who went out to Best Buy at midnight on Friday to buy a PS4. Andrew asked me for my initial impressions…read on for details!
So I was one of the crazy people who went out to Best Buy at midnight on Friday to buy a PS4. Andrew asked me for my initial impressions so here goes!
I procrastinated on pre-buying the PS4 until it was too late; all outlets were sold out on pre-order when I went to buy one. Therefore, I decided to head down to the local Best Buy for their midnight release to see if I could snag one. I headed out shortly after 9pm, showed up at the store and saw 29 people in line ahead of me. I took my slot on line and struck up conversations with the other customers, talking release games and swapping plans of what to buy with the PS4. Best Buy handed out tickets to each of us, as their stock was limited, and then allowed us to come into the store one at a time to buy one. 44 people lined up and only three went away empty-handed…and the Best Buy employees were a pleasure to deal with. After ringing up our sales, they let us hang out in the store until the midnight release time, so a few of us watched TV and killed some time. Once midnight hit, we were each given our PS4 and we left. Thanks to Best Buy #207 for a great shopping experience!
I was home by 12:45am, and went ahead and set up the PS4. The day-one patch came down just fine, but PSN was down. After fooling around with PSN for about 30 minutes, I went to bed and tried again at 6am. I was able to set up the unit very quickly, then went to work. If PSN had been up and working, setup with a pre-existing PSN account should have taken 15 minutes.
I loaded the Call of Duty Ghosts PS3-PS4 upgrade via PSN, and the download took a few hours. PSN was clearly being stressed; hopefully that works more smoothly in future downloads.
The graphics are really fantastic. Light and shadows are a step up from the PS3, and the overall games just look great. Here are some Killzone Shadow Fall screenshots for you to look at:
The visuals are stunning, especially in comparison to the PS3.
The new Dual Shock 4 controller is a real step up, and the integrated touch pad is useful. The camera is optional, and does not seem to add much yet, but I have liked how it helps to log you in using facial recognition.
Social sharing is interesting; the above screenshots were shared on Twitter from inside the game, and videos can also be shared on Facebook. You can also live-stream your gameplay on Twitch.TV and UStream, along with your audio commentary and viewer comments, but that is streaming in a fairly low resolution. Of course, none of this was possible on the PS3.
Remote Play to the PS Vita is really nicely done, with no lag. I was able to connect with the PS4 and stream Killzone Shadow Fall on the Vita one floor removed from the PS4 in my house…this looks like a feature that I might use in the future!
We’ll have a full-blown review soon, but in the meantime (especially for UK fans who have to wait for two more weeks) hopefully this gives you a taste, and enjoy these product pictures an screenshots!
Studio MONO have released a statement regarding the cancelation of the Kickstarter campaign for InSomnia.
![f87112d6bc5ce6629d8104c376f32e56_lar[2]](https://i0.wp.com/moviesgamesandtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/f87112d6bc5ce6629d8104c376f32e56_lar2.jpg?ssl=1 "f87112d6bc5ce6629d8104c376f32e56_lar[2]")
It is with some regret that we have decided to cancel the current Kickstarter campaign for InSomnia. However, we want to make it absolutely clear that this isn’t the end of InSomnia, rather an opportunity for us to regroup and come back again in a few months stronger and wiser.
We have received great feedback and support for the project (and a massive thank-you to everyone that has already backed us), but it soon became apparent based on that feedback that there were key components in our campaign that we had overlooked, that we needed to reveal a lot more about certain aspects of the game and to ultimately provide a much better explanation of what InSomnia is and what it is not. For example, a lot of people took from the Kickstarter page that is some sort of modern MMORPG which is not the case. This was obviously our fault. So, based on this we have taken the difficult decision to bring the campaign to a halt. Our focus over the next few months will be on the copywriting and further developing the game itself before we return at the end of January with a much better campaign.
Once again, deep thanks to all the backers for your support and feedback which we have listened to and taken on board and we look forward to unveiling the new and improved InSomnia campaign soon.
To keep updated on the project’s progress, keep an eye on the InSomnia facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Insomniathegame and the InSomnia twitter feed at https://twitter.com/insomniathegame
From Paradroid to Pinball Dreams. Andrew Hewson shares experiences & insights from his pioneering videogames career in this new book.
Hints & Tips for Videogame Pioneers is a new book by Andrew Hewson, founder of Hewson Consultants, 21st Century Entertainment and the founding Chairman of UK videogames trade body ELSPA (now UKIE).
If you were a Spectrum, Commodore 64, Amstrad, Atari ST or Amiga gamer, then the chances are you played games published by Andrew’s companies.
So check out the Kickstarter today, and consider getting involved.
This Teksta Robotic Puppy will become your new best friend! With the ability to respond to your own voice and physical gestures, it is just like having a real life puppy. He has over 100 physical and interactive play features including a ball and a bone for you to play with.
Teksta is a life-like robotic puppy that responds to your voice, physical gestures, lights and sounds.
He barks, cries, whimpers and uses expressive eye patterns to share his feelings. With over 100 physical and interactive play features, he also includes a ball and a bone.
The puppy comes in both pink and blue and will make someone very happy this Christmas.
The Teksta Robotic Puppy is for children of ages 5 years and over and retails for £59.99.
At the recent Dream Toys 2013 event, Leapfrog Toys were showing off some great products for Christmas.
The LeapPad Ultra is the brand new kids’ learning tablet aimed at 4-9 year olds. Ready to go straight out the box, it is bigger, brighter and better than ever before.
It comes armed with a seven-inch touch screen, 100% kids safe Wi-Fi, peer-to-peer gaming and chat functions, a long-lasting rechargeable battery, plus two megapixel front and back cameras and video recorders.
There is also 8GB of storage that can store over 40,000 photos and a learning library of over 500 educator approved games, apps and more.
LeapPad Ultra comes with 11 apps and 10 songs out of the box and retails for £119.99.
Learn more about the LeapPad Ultra here.
LeapReader is a revolutionary new learn-to-read-and-write solution for 4-8 year olds offering three unique literacy experiences in one – Learning to Read, Learning to Write and Learning Through Listening.
LeapReader reads words and sentences aloud whilst also encouraging children to trace letters, words and numbers through stroke-by-stroke audio guidance.
By practising these skills together, children learn to become confident, independent readers.
LeapReader also has a built-in rechargeable battery and comes with a sample book as well as a preloaded audio book and trivia game.
The LeapReader retails for £39.99.
Learn more about the LeapReader Reading and Writing System from here.
Our favourite platforming duo return for the latest, and final, ‘future’ entry in the series for this generation. Do they have one more good adventure left in them, or will they simply fizzle out in their intergalactic swan song for the PS3?
Ratchet and Clank’s journey starts out all too normally, despite obviously being an eyebrow-raising setup for disaster that is. Escorting the, villainous Vendra Prog to the Vartax Detention Center is the aim; all Ratchet and co have to accomplish is not getting ambushed by her nefarious twin brother Neftin Prog en route. Ah well, never mind, cue ensuing chase and capture plot!
After utilising your sparkling new Lombax approved gravity boots to escape from the aforementioned ‘situation’ you eventually get dumped on one of the games five planets to attempt to discover the whereabouts of your missing captive. From here on out, it’s back to basics with learning how to perform basic moves and combat roles with the diverse myriad of weaponry Ratchet can have at his disposal. Exploration for bolts is encouraged as they are the currency for purchasing new weapons; on top of this, raritanium, a much rarer resource is used to upgrade your arsenals effectiveness. Bolts are scattered around in much the same way as previous games as either a reward for killing enemies or in some of the liberally scattered, destructible crates that grace the map.
Upgrading your weapons is a must, as Ratchets basic melee attack will not only leave you vulnerable to attack from range, but it’s also pretty weak. Each weapon, on your first playthrough, will level up to a maximum of three via using it against enemies. Each level can give inordinate bonuses such as double damage; along with unlocking more options for the generic upgrades that require the fabled raritanium. Due to the simply insane amount of gloriously unique weapons on offer, that’s going to take some time! Along with some old favourites, some new additions have also made an appearance such as the Repulsor which is essentially a shotgun that can be upgraded to fire stasis like rounds that suspend enemies helpless in mid air. Other new toys to play with include a jack in the box themed Nightmare Box that scares enemies and focuses their attention for some time. Especially useful on the higher difficulties against the games later bosses.
The jetpack makes a welcome return to help add some verticality to not only the platforming but the combat as well. Only available in certain, designated areas the jetpack gives a great amount of freedom to movement and exploration with it’s satisfying handling model. One of the planets let’s you use it liberally and entirely, save for refuelling. The all important controls are tight and responsive when platforming too, meaning it’s very rare that you miss a jump or fail to avoid a well telegraphed boss attack.
Puzzles now incorporate a new ‘portal’ style gun letting you target two available points and create a beam to bridge the gaps, not particularly taxing, but they do offer some respite from the constant fighting. Other puzzles use our much neglected friend Clank to participate in small 2D platforming sections where gravity can be manipulated using the right thumbstick. Navigating the small, maze-like areas can be potentially difficult with the many, often moving, hazards in your path. The goal being to guide him to a sleeping pink dog, punch it (don’t ask) and then hightail it back to the start whilst being chased by the understandably angry dog.
Not the longest game by any means, Ratchet and Clank took approximately 7-8 hours to complete, acquire all the ‘hidden’ collectibles and finish the arena mode. On my subsequent playthrough on the newly unlocked challenge mode, which is essentially a more difficult new game plus, I managed to complete it on hard in approximately 3-4 hours with very little stress. Having said that, I still haven’t levelled all the weapons to max, nor bought the super expensive final armour upgrade either, so there’s definitely still some incentive to go back, aside from it being just simple, unequivocal fun that is.
The visuals, art style, weapon and character designs are fantastic. In true Insomniac fashion, they’ve made a brilliantly welcome world with vibrant colours, unique villain character models and gloriously excessive guns to play with. Considering the amount of effects that can be going off on screen in any large battle, it’s impressive to see a game looking this pretty without sacrificing performance. The voicework and script work well if slightly lacking on the series trademark humour front; yet still manages to crack a smile from time to time.
If you’re a fan of the series, it would be a shame to pass this up, from cameos such as the largely useless Captain Qwark to the final level’s museum section, the love for the franchise is clearly evident. Being a budget title, the ride may be short and sweet, but it’s back to basics approach will not only entice old fans, but garner new ones in the process.
Reviewed on PS3, available only on PS3.
Gioteck, the gaming accessories manufacturer, has announced the launch of its range of headsets for PlayStation 4.
Beating the competition to release a range of accessories in time for the console’s launch, Gioteck’s design team has updated models from the current product range to ensure they are compatible with the next-gen PS4 console as well as creating a new fresh design within its popular chat range.
The new range of seven headsets has been created to give gamers a third-party alternative to official Playstation products, offering them unique chat and audio headsets with cutting-edge design at affordable prices. Gamers will be able to get their hands on a majority of the range later this month (29th November) with the exception of the EX-06, which will hit shelves on 7th December.
Available from all good retailers, including GAME, ASDA, Tesco and Sainsburys, check out the new range below:
Chat & Stereo:
EX-06 (RRP: £69.99)
Key features:
EX-05s (RRP: £39.99)
Key features:
AX-1 (RRP: £29.99)
Key Features
HS-1 (£19.99)
Key Features
Chat Only:
MH-1 (£19.99)
Key Features
· Chat only, connects directly to PS4 controller
· Leatherette ear-cup for comfort
· 30mm high-quality driver
· Comfortable headband and book mike
· Noise isolating microphone for clear voice communication
· 180⁰ rotating microphone arm for users to switch from left to right ear
· Push/pull mute functionality
· Flat anti-tangle cables
EX3-R (RRP: £19.99)
Key Features
· Chat only, connects directly to PS4 controller
· Advanced sound quality
· New sleek design inspired by the PS4 console
· In-ear comfort aided by soft rubber moulds for the speaker
· Intuitive controls on face of headset
· Flexible earhook customised for the perfect fit
· Noise cancelling microphone
EX-03 (£14.99)
Key Features
· Chat only, connects directly to PS4 controller
· Rubber coated body with over-ear design for comfort
· Topped with midnight camo faceplate
· Flexible earhook and microphone
· Noise cancelling microphone for clear voice communication
· Ear buds sit comfortably in the ear canal, reducing external ambient noise
· Large sound chamber for fuller sound
· Rechargeable battery for 6+ hours of continuous game time, easily recharged via micro USB connector
join the Gioteck army and stay up-to-date on Twitter (@gioteckarmy) and Facebook
It’s all too common these days. A game about a young boy and girl trapped in an unfamiliar, and rather unpleasant, world trying to figure out why their forms can only be seen in the rain. Another one of those is it?
You play as a nameless young boy who unknowingly crosses over into a different world to discover that he is invisible unless he is standing in the rain. His primary goal is to catch up to a silhouette of a girl who seems to be suffering from the same lack of visibility. Soon it becomes obvious that they are not alone as strange creatures prowl the night looking to generally cause you grief.
Rain has a very dark feel to it aided and brought to life by a sound track that wouldn’t sound out of place in an original Resident Evil title. In fact the game’s theme is Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy which is pretty melancholy on its own. Vulnerability caused by fear of the Unknown (no that isn’t a typo) and no combat ability at all with fixed camera angles and old school survival horror music make Rain quite chilling. The journey the two characters share becomes very involving despite the fact there isn’t a single spoken word in the entire game.
There was enough emotion to make the ending endearing but throughout most of the game focus is given to creating the haunting atmosphere. I would have liked more of the emotional side of the characters’ journey to play a bigger part earlier but the conclusion is still satisfying once that journey is over.
The actual gameplay of Rain is split between platforming, relatively simple puzzles and sneaking past evil nasty things that lurk in the Rain world. It’s quite a strange concept to get used to that if you step out of the rain you will become completely invisible, apart from a few subtle footsteps on the ground and the occasional bottle that you knock over. Before long your used to it and more often than not the game won’t ask you to use the mechanics as if you where Sam Fisher to stealth past assault rifle toting villains.
The same goes for the puzzles and platforming. You are never really required to do anything that seems to work against the game’s mechanics although sometimes you may think so. On a few occasions I found myself adamantly trying to complete a puzzle or enemy encounter the way I assumed it was supposed to be done. Every single time this happened the correct course of action turned out to be the more obvious, simple one. The real key to playing through Rain smoothly without constant retries is to just go where the camera points you and not over think a problem.
And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that because Rain is certainly more focused on the journey and discovering what’s going on. But in that capacity I did find it unnecessary how many times I failed a puzzle because I released ‘O’ instead of holding it and had no time to retry but rather had to wait for the fail screen and retry. A game that’s so heavily centred around a story and discovery really doesn’t need to have brutally timed puzzles that only serve to cause failure and ultimately break the pace.
That’s not to say I ever spent 3 hours attempting the same puzzle and getting frustrated to the point where I tried to wring out my pad like a dish cloth. But difficulty that comes from awkward timing rather than clever puzzles is never a good thing and It just doesn’t add anything to the experience on Rain. The puzzles are quite simple but fit nicely into Rain’s pace and frankly I would have been much happier had I not had to retry once during my entire playthrough. Luckily you will spend more time enjoying the puzzles or enemy encounters than not and it certainly isn’t enough of a problem to spoil the game.
Given the intentionally limited colour palette Rain looks very good. The almost constant rain effects surprisingly never really intrude but definitely leave a mark. Subtle footsteps and rustling newspapers and dustbins react to your presence as you walk invisibly under shelter reminding you that you still exist. Rain certainly isn’t colourful but it does a very good job of not becoming boring or lifeless.
Rain is a very enjoyable platformer that explores a mysterious world and interaction between two nameless strangers trying to help one another find their way. The lack of speech somehow makes their interaction all the more poignant. A lack of emotion until the end of the game hinders Rain’s exploration of this relationship in full but overall Rain has a satisfying conclusion.
Occasionally the timing of the puzzles can be frustrating, and waiting for your companion to catch up can be tedious, but overall the gameplay is simple and effective. On occasion it feels as though the gameplay sections are in the way of the rest of the game which is a shame but again it’s not enough to spoil the real enjoyment of Rain. Definitely worth a play for anyone interested in an emotion driven platformer with an atmosphere in keeping with Limbo.
Only available on PS3
