What is Windows Home Server?

Microsoft offer Xbox LIVE Gold access free this weekend in the UK

Andrew Edney

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Apr 30, 2013

Microsoft are offering Xbox LIVE users who do not have a Gold account free access to the Gold services for this weekend only.

Get ready for an unmissable weekend of gaming and entertainment with the next Gold Unlocked Free Live Weekend. From 12.00pm midday BST on Friday 3^rd May until 23:59 BST on Sunday 5^th May, enjoy multiplayer gaming with Gears of War: Judgment, EA SPORTS FIFA 13 Ultimate Team Spring Classic, Halo 4 and many more – all for free!

Football fans can take part in the EA SPORTS FIFA 13 Ultimate Team Spring Classic in-game tournament all weekend for the chance to win 1,000,000 in-game coins plus other prizes. Petrol heads should check out the Forza Rivals Mode events for both Forza 4 and Forza Horizon. On Halo 4, play a total of ten Spartan Ops or War games missions over the weekend and receive Double XP on your next ten missions!

The full list of online gaming also includes Double XP on Gears of War: Judgment, Assassin’s Creed 3 and Far Cry 3. Multiplayer functionality will be unlocked across all Xbox games, including recent releases such as Tomb Raider, so prepare yourself for an epic weekend of online gaming and entertainment with your friends on Xbox Live.

As Xbox Live continues to expand its offering of world leading entertainment apps, you can enjoy content from the likes of Now TV, LOVEFiLM and Netflix. If you’re in the mood for a blockbuster movie check out Jack Reacher and more on Xbox Video. Existing Gold customers will also be rewarded with TV Tokens to watch shows such as Breaking Bad, Being Human and Vampire Diaries on Xbox Video this weekend.

Fans are also invited to enhance their Xbox 360 game and entertainment experience with Internet Explorer, as well as Xbox SmartGlass which turns their phone or tablet into an intelligent second screen.

To try some of these exciting new features along with all the other existing Xbox Live Gold experiences for free, visit the Xbox Dashboard and log in to Xbox Live.

Preview of Lost Planet 3 from Capcom

Andrew Edney

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Apr 30, 2013

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We recently got to play some Lost Planet 3, both single player and multiplayer, and here is our preview.

Lost Planet 3 introduces Jim, a rig pilot who leaves Earth to take on a hazardous but lucrative contract on E.D.N. III. Working for Neo-Venus Construction (NEVEC) who are preparing the planet for colonization, Jim joins his fellow pioneers at the Coronis base and begins surveying the uncharted terrain and obtaining samples of the planet’s energy supply – Thermal Energy.

With NEVEC’s existing Thermal Energy reserve running low the fate of the Coronis mission depends on the natural source of the energy supply being located. Realizing that this is a great opportunity for a huge pay-off and early ticket home to his family, Jim braves the risk of the treacherous environment and threat of the indigenous Akrid. Acting as a home away from home and boasting an array of tools that can assist Jim on the field, the utility rig provides Jim’s safety and is essential for not only his contract work but also his protection against the ever-changing climate.

Lost Planet 3 is being developed by Spark Unlimited, a studio best known for its first-person shooters like Legendary and Turning Point: Fall of Liberty rather than being developed in house by Capcom.

Single Player

The single player campaign starts when Jim first arrives on E.D.N. III. He hasn’t exactly arrived smoothly. The first few minutes act both as a mini tutorial and also as an introduction to the planet and some of the characters.

From then on its a case of working your way to the base, meeting various people and then getting your rig and going out. The more dangerous the mission, the more money you make. Moving in the rig can be slow, as you would expect from a rig, and so a little patience is required. For the most part you are outside of the rig, especially later in the game when you activate a new feature called Platform Mode. What this does is convert your rig into a mobile platform that collect T Energy.

During these platform missions, the rig is vulnerable to attack and your mission is to both protect the rig, repair it when necessary and fight off the hordes of akrids that what to both kill you and destroy the rig.

You can accelerate the repairs on your rig using the the thumb sticks on the controller, and while its fairly simple, it takes a little getting used it.

Something more sinister is going on around E.D.N. III, so expect the story to unfold, after all, you are replacing a character called Diaz who disappeared after both complaining about NEVEC and talking about conspiracy theories.

Multiplayer

The multiplayer modes we had the opportunity to play were Akrid Survival mode and Scenario mode, along with a few different maps.

Scenario mode had one team attacking the other teams base, where as Akrid Survival mode had the teams trying to survive wave after wave of Akrids. Check out the interview with Andrew later on for a better description.

If you want to see multiplayer in action for yourself, check out these videos which contain new footage captured at the event:

Akrid Survival Mode Multiplayer Outpost Map

Scenario mode Multiplayer Stronghold Map

Scenario Mode Multiplayer Alpha Lair Map

Final Thoughts

I enjoyed playing both the single and multiplayer modes. For single player, it look a little while to get into, but once the action kicked off there was no stopping it. The facial expressions on the various characters are done really well, as are the graphics in the game.

The music fits really well, adding a dark and scary atmosphere to an already dark and scary planet!

During the game you also receive video messages from your wife Grace, and these are a nice little touch that serves to remind you just what Jim is actually doing there.

Multiplayer is a lot of fun, although I can see it becoming a little repetitive, although to be fair we only got to play a small part of it, and I did really enjoy it. Also it does help to play with a team who understand the meaning of teamwork!

All in all I look forward to playing more Lost Planet 3 when it’s released.

And don’t forgot to check out our Exclusive interview with Andrew Szymanski who is the producer of Lost Planet 3:

Lost Planet 3 will be released August 30th on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

What do you think of it? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Deep Silver releases brand new KILLER IS DEAD trailer

Andrew Edney

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Apr 30, 2013

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A brand new Killer is Dead Trailer is available for you all. This time, we celebrate the lovely ladies in Mondo’s life.

“KILLER IS DEAD” is set in a not-so-distant future similar to (but not the same as) the world we know now. The player takes control of an executioner named Mondo Zappa who wields a Japanese sword in his right hand and brandishes interchangeable weapons in his left artificial arm. His ultimate goal is to execute various heinous criminals scattered around the world and beyond.

Here is the new trailer:

Completely unique visuals and outstanding stylish action come together to deliver an unprecedented gaming experience in “KILLER IS DEAD.” This brand-new action title is being jointly developed by KADOKAWA GAMES and GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE, with SUDA51 lending his trademark sense of style at the helm. It will be available worldwide in summer 2013.

Visit the Official Site at www.loveandkill.com

EE Brings 4G to More UK Towns

Gadgets
News

Chris Hare

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Apr 30, 2013

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EE has expanded its 4G network to cover an additional 12 towns in the UK. The service has now gone live in Aylesbury, Berkhamsted, Billericay, Blackpool, Brentwood, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Lytham St Annes, Marlow, Pontefract, Thame and Windsor, taking the total of connected towns and cities to 62.

The latest expansion sees EE 4G reach more than 50% of the UK population and puts the company on course to meet its target of 70% coverage by the end of the year.

EE pledged to double the speed and capacity of its 4G mobile network this summer, taking average speeds to more than 20Mbps and headline speeds to 80Mbps plus.

“Our rollout of the country’s first 4G mobile network is continuing at a great pace to ensure that we are connecting people right across the UK to one of the fastest mobile networks in the world, as quickly as possible,” said EE chief executive Olaf Swantee.

“Consumers and businesses in the UK use mobile internet more than any other market, and rely on it for long commutes; there is a demand for the best mobile services, and we’re working to meet that demand.

“We’re committed to rolling out 4G to 98% of the population by the end of 2014, and that includes the double-speed 4G that will launch this summer.”

EE announced earlier this month that its 4G customer base has reached 300,000 six months after its launch.

iOS 7 Design Will Resemble Windows Phone

Apple

Chris Hare

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Apr 30, 2013

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iOS 7 Design Will Resemble Windows Phone

pple’s forthcoming iOS 7 interface will be “very, very flat” and will step away from its current gloss and shine approach, it has been reported.

Several sources who claim to have seen the latest update described a more simplistic design for the operating system, with one even comparing it to Windows Phone, according to 9to5Mac.

If true, the significant changes could be a difficult transformation for iPhone users, who are accustomed to the current iOS design, which has remained relatively similar since its inception.

An interface redesign for iOS has been widely speculated since Jonathan Ive took control as head of the new human interface (HI) department in October 2012 – he is said to be against “flashy”.

The move would mark a shift away from the iOS’s design to a simplistic look, which could mean a downscale of heavy textures, glossiness and real-life digital elements such as the yellow notepad.

Other significant changes thought to be coming to the OS include new-look icons for Apple’s native apps, as well as redesigned tool bars and tab bars. It is also reported that Apple has been testing adding ‘glance-able’ information and system option panels, like Notification Center. One early idea for implementing the new panels is said to be through left and right side swipes.

Despite the changes, sources highlighted that it would not be more difficult to use than previous versions as the core apps and the system would still function the same.

A date for the release of iOS 7 has not been set, but it is due to be revealed at WWDC in June, which could signal a release as early as Autumn.

Is Respawn Entertainment First Title a Xbox 720 Exclusive?

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Apr 30, 2013

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Respawn Entertainment – the studio formed by the creators of Call of Duty – will reportedly release its first game as an Xbox exclusive.

According to Kotaku, the company’s debut title will come to Microsoft’s Xbox 720 and Xbox 360, but will not arrive on rival PlayStation and Nintendo consoles.

The report claims that the game is “a futuristic multiplayer-centric online shooter”, with sources suggesting that it will be always-online.

It is said to be a “battle of Davids and Goliaths” with heavily-armed foot soldiers fighting alongside Titans – giant exoskeletons piloted by soldiers.

The studio recently filed an application for the game trademark ‘Titan’, leading many to speculate this will be the name of the title.

Little has been officially revealed regarding Respawn’s debut project other than a blurry screenshot, although the studio has confirmed that it plans to bring the game to E3 in June.

Respawn Entertainment’s Blurry First Game Teaser

Call of Duty – Ghosts Teaser Site Revealed

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Apr 30, 2013

0

Call of Duty: Ghosts has received what appears to be its own teaser site ahead of this week’s alleged reveal. Visitors to the Call of Duty website are being redirected to a page featuring an image of a ghostly face.

Closer inspection reveals that the face is made up of many smaller images of fans who have connected with the site via social media.

Call of Duty: Ghosts box artwork was recently leaked by Tesco, as well as information about its next-generation game engine and release date.

Infinity Ward is believed to be developing the title for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, next-generation consoles and PC.

Call of Duty: Ghosts will allegedly take place in the future, but utilise current technology and weapons in line with a “major plot event”.

The single-player campaign is said to include more destructible environments, with multiplayer maps featuring interactive areas and traps.

Activision is expected to unveil the game on 1st May.

App Update: TomTom for iOS updated to version 1.14, bringing map updates and more

Apple

Andrew Edney

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Apr 30, 2013

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TomTom have just updated their TomTom App for iOS to version 1.14, bringing an updated map and other updates.

What’s New in Version 1.14

– LATEST, UPDATED TOMTOM MAP: because roads are constantly changing, on average 15% of roads change every year, your TomTom App update comes with the latest and most up-to-date map.

– ADVANCED PLANNING UPDATE: change your pre-planned route without having to start from scratch. You can now change the starting point, destination, or departure time – and see how it affects your drive and arrival time.

– KEEP YOUR SETTINGS: If you are using the iCloud backup feature you can now delete the app to free up space when updating. Make sure that iCloud is enabled on your device, then open and close the TomTom app to make a backup. Now delete the app to free up space and download the update from the App Store.

You can buy TomTom from the Apple App Store

Have you used it? What do you think of it?

Make Skype Calls Directly From Your Outlook.com Inbox

Andrew Edney

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Apr 30, 2013

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Starting today, Microsoft is rolling out a preview version of Skype for Outlook.com, bringing two great communication experiences together — all in one place! As part of our commitment to bring you the very best ways to communicate, this Skype for Outlook.com preview is beginning to roll out in the United Kingdom and will be made available in the United States and Germany in the coming weeks. In the coming months, audio and video calling powered by Skype will be available in every Outlook.com inbox. By adding Skype conversations to your modern email, Microsoft is creating yet another way for you to connect to the people you care about most.

With the preview version of Skype for Outlook.com you can enjoy Skype video and audio calls right from your inbox — less typing, more talking! For those of you that aren’t familiar, Outlook.com is a free personal email service from Microsoft. In the first six months after launch, Outlook.com attracted 60 million new users, making it the fastest-growing email service in history.

Even with the best email service, sometimes text isn’t enough. We all face those situations where it’s just easier to jump on a call to talk something through. Sometimes that quick call can accomplish more than a long email reply. That’s why we are bringing Skype audio and video calling to your Outlook.com inbox. Now, with Skype for Outlook.com, you can choose the right medium for your message, whether it is an email, call, video call or instant message (IM) — you can connect with your Skype and Messenger friends all in the same place.

Diablo III for PS3 Now Available for Preorder

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

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Apr 29, 2013

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PlayStation gamers, the time has come to prepare for your confrontation with the Lord of Terror. Select retailers around the world have now begun taking preorders for the upcoming PlayStation3 system version of Diablo III—see the official website for a list of participating retailers. Fully reimagined for couch-based gaming, Diablo III for PS3 will go on sale later this year for a suggested retail price of $59.99. Further release details, including region-specific availability, will be announced at a later date.

Players who preorder the PS3 version of Diablo III will receive an exclusive in-game item: the Infernal Helm, which grants an experience point boost to any character who wears it, accelerating their progression as they rise in power. Certain retailers will also offer limited-edition preorder bonuses—check with your local retailer for further information. The PS3 version of Diablo III will be available fully localized in English, German, French, Spanish, Russian, Italian, Polish, and Brazilian Portuguese.

“We’ve poured blood, sweat, and hellfire into creating an epic Diablo III experience for PlayStation gamers,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “In addition to including all the improvements from the PC version over the past year, we’ve made several updates to Diablo III for play on the PS3. We got a ton of positive feedback from players who tried the game at PAX East, and we can’t wait to get it into everyone’s hands later this year.”

The PS3 version of Diablo III has been custom-tailored for PlayStation gamers, with updates to the game’s thrilling boss battles, an all-new user interface featuring an intuitive control system, and a dynamic camera perspective that will make vanquishing evil feel like second nature on the PlayStation. Players can take on the vile denizens of the Burning Hells alone or in a party of up to four via same-screen local cooperative play, online play over the PlayStation Network, or any combination of online or local players. Once gamers experience the rush of Diablo III’s unique brand of hack-and-slash gameplay from the comfort of their couch, Sanctuary will never be the same.

Diablo III continues the epic Diablo storyline, with players taking on the role of one of five heroic characters—barbarian, witch doctor, wizard, monk, or demon hunter—embarking on a perilous quest to save the world of Sanctuary from the corrupting forces of the Burning Hells. As players make their way from the demon-besieged town of New Tristram to the Diamond Gates of the High Heavens, they’ll engage in pulse-pounding combat with hordes of monsters and challenging bosses, grow in experience and ability, acquire artifacts of incredible power, and meet key characters who’ll join them in battle or aid them along the way.

Diablo III was originally released for Windows^® and Macintosh^® PC on May 15, 2012 and within 24 hours became the fastest-selling PC game of all time. As of December 31, 2012, Diablo III had sold through more than 12 million copies worldwide. To learn more about Diablo III, please visit the official website at http://www.diablo3.com.

Deep Silver releases Redemption trailer for Metro: Last Light

Andrew Edney

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Apr 29, 2013

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Deep Silver today released a new in game trailer for Metro: Last Light, titled ‘Redemption.’ Anna, the Spartan Order of Rangers’ top sniper and daughter of their uncompromising leader Miller, talks about the hope of the survivors that rests on Artyom’s shoulders. Will he be able to lead humanity to salvation, and find personal redemption in the tunnels of the Metro?

In the year 2034, a nuclear war has turned the world into a post-apocalyptic wasteland. In Moscow, the tunnels of the Metro have become a new home for the former inhabitants of the city. Within the catacombs, they fight for their survival, fending off hordes of hideous mutants born from the toxic atmosphere, as well as other factions desperate to take control of what little hospitable land remains. As they fight, they also search for a doomsday device that could be the key to their victory. A civil war is inevitable. During these dark hours, the players will embody Artyom, and become the last light for all of mankind.

Here is the new trailer:

And check out our interview with Huw Beynon:

And also our interview with Dmitry Glukhovsky:

The game will be available from May 14, 2013 in North America and May 17, 2013 across Europe for PlayStation 3, the Xbox 360 and Windows PC.

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

Company of Heroes 2 Theatre of War mode announced

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

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Apr 29, 2013

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SEGA today announced that Company of Heroes 2, will ship with an all-new mode called Theatre of War on top of its gripping cinematic campaign and critically acclaimed competitive multiplayer.

Theatre of War allows Relic Entertainment to tell different stories from the conflict in the form of new playable single player and co-operative content. The mode includes solo challenges where players are pitted against overwhelming odds, AI battles against an enemy commander with a unique play style and co-operative scenarios for fans to enjoy with their friends.

At the launch of COH2, the Theatre of War mode will include missions from key battles in 1941. Choosing either the Soviet Red Army or the Germans, players will visit different locations across the Eastern Front and take part in some of the most famous battles that occurred that year. Each faction has 9 unique missions included. More Theatre of War missions will be added to the game at a later date, including the previously announced mini-pack for all eligible pre-order customers.

Greg Wilson, Producer of Company of Heroes 2, commented, “We get a lot of requests from fans to showcase specific conflicts from the war and it isn’t always possible to fit these into the campaign. Theatre of War gives us the opportunity to deliver these new gameplay experiences to our fans.”

Quinn Duffy, Game Director commented, “Theatre of War acts as a perfect bridge between the game’s single and multiplayer content providing a high level of re-playability and helping to introduce traditionally solo players to the online elements of the game.”

Underpinned by the cutting-edge Essence 3.0 Engine, Company of Heroes 2 brings tactical strategy to life like never before, thanks to the realistic ColdTech weather system, the revolutionary dynamic line of sight system TrueSight, and realistic destructibility.

Company of Heroes 2 will be available for PC on June 25^th 2013. For more information check www.companyofheroes.com,

And check out our interview with Quinn Duffy from the Eurogamer Expo last year:

And below are some more screenshots to keep you going:

What do you think of Company of Heroes 2? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Watch_Dogs gets a release date and collectors editions

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

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Apr 29, 2013

0

Today, Ubisoft announced that its highly anticipated title Watch_Dogs will hit store shelves in the UK on November 22, 2013 on PlayStation3, Xbox 360, the Wii U and Windows PC, as well as at the launch of PlayStation4. The game is also planned for other next generation consoles.

Players will be able to choose from a selection of four different editions, offering a variety of digital and physical content allowing for a deeper immersion in the Watch_Dogs universe: the Dedsec Edition; the Vigilante Edition; the Uplay Exclusive Edition and the Special Edition.

Details of the Watch_Dogs collector’s editions are as follows:

The Dedsec Edition (available at select UK retailers)

This premium edition includes:

Ø Physical content:

– A 23cm Aiden Pearce Figurine

– Steelbook

– DedSec Collector box

– Watch_Dogs Artbook: artworks and illustrations that inspired the game

– Original soundtrack of the game

– Watch_Dogs map of Chicago

– Set of 4 collectible cards: discover Watch_Dogs iconic characters through augmented reality

– Set of 3 exclusive badges

Ø Digital content: 3 single payer missions with up to almost 60 minutes of additional gameplay:

– Palace Pack: A police raid is planned on the luxury palace of an Internet mogul. His impressive databanks have intimate details on thousands of people…including Aiden Pearce. Break inside, wipe those hard drives and escape before the raid begins.

Rewards unlocked upon completion of the ULC mission: investigation bonus allows gamers to unlock more investigative opportunities inside the network databanks, and ATM hack boost which boost the cash rewards when hacking bank accounts.

– Signature Shot: A biometrics weapon has been smuggled into Chicago for a captain of the Black Viceroys gang. The weapon only works for the first person who holds the gun. Breach a stronghold, steal the package and be the first to hold the weapon.

Rewards unlocked upon completion of the ulc mission: black viceroys gang colours outfit and biometric assault rifle.

– Breakthrough Pack: A secret gathering is underway. The Chicago Club is negotiating power with Corporate CEOs. The Club has hired scramblers to block surveillance devices. Drive around the city to find the scramblers and take them out. Retrieve all names from the meeting and upload their images to the world.

Rewards unlocked upon completion of the ULC mission: vehicle expert perk allowing players to get free vehicles from underground car contact and earn discounts on select cars.

The Vigilante Edition (available exclusively at Game in the UK and GameStop in Ireland)

This edition includes physical items to replicate Aiden Pearce’s iconic look:

Ø Physical content:

– Vigilante Collector box

– Aiden Pearce’s cap

– Aiden Pearce’s mask

– Original soundtrack of the game

Ø Digital content: 1 single payer mission:

– Palace Pack: A police raid is planned on the luxury palace of an Internet mogul. His impressive databanks have intimate details on thousands of people…including Aiden Pearce. Break inside, wipe those hard drives and escape before the raid begins.

Rewards unlocked upon completion of the ULC mission: investigation bonus allows gamers to unlock more investigative opportunities inside the network databanks, and ATM hack boost which boost the cash rewards when hacking bank accounts.

The Uplay Exclusive Edition (available exclusively via the Uplay website)

This exclusive edition is available only on the Uplay website, and includes:

Ø Physical content:

– Exclusive Steelbook

Ø Digital content: 3 single payer missions with up to almost 60 minutes of additional gameplay:

– Palace Pack: A police raid is planned on the luxury palace of an Internet mogul. His impressive databanks have intimate details on thousands of people…including Aiden Pearce. Break inside, wipe those hard drives and escape before the raid begins.

Rewards unlocked upon completion of the ULC mission: investigation bonus allows gamers to unlock more investigative opportunities inside the network databanks, and ATM hack boost which boost the cash rewards when hacking bank accounts.

– Signature Shot: A biometrics weapon has been smuggled into Chicago for a captain of the Black Viceroys gang. The weapon only works for the first person who holds the gun. Breach a stronghold, steal the package and be the first to hold the weapon.

Rewards unlocked upon completion of the ulc mission: black viceroys gang colours outfit and biometric assault rifle.

– Breakthrough Pack: A secret gathering is underway. The Chicago Club is negotiating power with Corporate CEOs. The Club has hired scramblers to block surveillance devices. Drive around the city to find the scramblers and take them out. Retrieve all names from the meeting and upload their images to the world.

Rewards unlocked upon completion of the ULC mission: vehicle expert perk allowing players to get free vehicles from underground car contact and earn discounts on select cars.

The Special Edition (available exclusively at Game in the UK)

This special edition features an exclusive single player mission:

Ø Digital content: 1 single player mission:

– Breakthrough Pack: A secret gathering is underway. The Chicago Club is negotiating power with Corporate CEOs. The Club has hired scramblers to block surveillance devices. Drive around the city to find the scramblers and take them out. Retrieve all names from the meeting and upload their images to the world.

Rewards unlocked upon completion of the ULC mission: vehicle expert perk allowing players to get free vehicles from underground car contact and earn discounts on select cars.

The Watch_Dogs editions can be pre-ordered at the retailers indicated above and at UBIShop by visiting: http://shop.ubi.com/WatchDogs

In Watch_Dogs, players will assume the role of Aiden Pearce, a new type of vigilante who, with the help of his smartphone, will use his ability to hack into Chicago’s central operating system (ctOS) and control almost every element of the city. Aiden will be able to tap into the city’s omnipresent security cameras, download personal information to locate a target, control systems such as traffic lights or public transportation to stop a chase, and more. The city of Chicago is now the ultimate weapon.

Stay connected to Watch_Dogs by visiting the official website: http://www.watchdogsgame.com

Watch_Dogs gets a new gameplay trailer

Andrew Edney

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Apr 29, 2013

0

Watch_Dogs from Ubisoft has a new gameplay trailer:

Watch_Dogs will hit store shelves in the UK on November 22, 2013 on PlayStation3, Xbox 360, the Wii U and Windows PC, as well as at the launch of PlayStation4.

Stay connected to Watch_Dogs by visiting the official website: http://www.watchdogsgame.com