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New Wii U System Update Now Live, adds faster load times and more

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Apr 26, 2013

The Wii U has received a system update. Announced last week, the update is the first of two planned updates to make the system load menus and software faster.

It adds the ability to download game and system updates in the background, and will also automatically download and install updates in a new standby mode.

Elsewhere, users will be able to transfer data between USB devices; holding B on the system start-up will boot the console straight to Wii mode; and the Internet Browser offers more control options.

Finally, Virtual Console and Panorama View software will be introduced to the eShop tomorrow (27th April).

This week Nintendo released the beta version of the Miiverse for PC and mobile browsers.
Nintendo recently announced that it missed its fiscal forecast due to poor Wii U sales.
The firm is also planning to scrap this year’s E3 press conference in favour of smaller, behind-closed-doors events.
The Wii U system update notes in full:
Addition of Standby Functions Feature

This feature enables data for purchased software, system updates and software updates to be downloaded and installed automatically even after the console has been turned off.

Updates to Miiverse

Controls using the Wii Remote, the Wii U Pro Controller and the Classic Controller are now supported.
The input screen for handwritten posts is now also displayed on the TV.
The input screen for handwritten posts now features an undo/redo button.

Updates to the Internet Browser

Controls using the Wii Remote and the Wii U Pro Controller are now supported.
It is now possible to switch search engines when performing a keyword search.
It is now possible to navigate to the start page from bookmarks.

Update to Nintendo eShop

When purchasing downloadable software, any available updates for that software will be downloaded at the same time.

Updates to Download Management

It is now possible to reorder downloads.
Newly purchased downloadable software will automatically install once the download completes.

Updates to Parental Controls

The “Viewing Distributed Videos” restriction has been changed to “Entertainment Excluding Games”. A screen requiring parental consent will be displayed before the first use of any non-game software (including video-viewing software) or other new service.

Enabled Direct Opening of Wii Menu

When the Wii U logo is displayed after turning on the console, holding down the B Button on the Wii U GamePad will open the Wii Menu directly. (If no default user has been selected on the console, the user-selection screen will be displayed, and a user must be selected.)

Updates to System Settings

Under Data Management, two USB storage devices can now be connected to move and/or copy data. You can move and/or copy data between the system memory and a USB storage device or between two USB storage devices. (Up to two USB storage devices can be connected when moving, copying or deleting data. In all other cases, only one USB storage device can be used at a time.)
Under Data Management, you can now move, copy or delete data for a selection of software titles.
The TV option now includes the option to adjust the screen size of the display on the TV. (This replaces the similar options previously available within Miiverse, Nintendo eShop, and the Internet Browser, which have now been removed.)
The “Auto Power-Down” option has been renamed to “Power Settings”, which now includes both the auto power-down setting and the new standby functions feature.

Improvements to System Stability and Convenience

Improvements have been made to system stability and convenience for greater user enjoyment.
The time required to start the Wii U console, launch built-in applications, exit software and return to the main menu, jump between applications and jump between software and Miiverse has been reduced.

Nintendo not planning E3 Press Conference, favouring ‘Smaller Events’

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Apr 26, 2013

1

Nintendo not planning E3 Press Conference, favouring ‘Smaller Events’

Nintendo will not hold a major press conference at this year’s E3 Expo, company president Satoru Iwata has confirmed. Iwata made the announcement during a Nintendo financial results briefing on Thursday morning (25th April), and revealed that the company will still have a presence at E3, albeit in a different form.

Nintendo’s president Satoru Iwata

“At E3 this year, we are not planning to launch new hardware, and our main activity at E3 will be to announce and have people experience our software,” said Iwata. “Many people are certainly very interested in learning more about the Wii U titles that we are going to announce.

“We will use E3 as an ideal opportunity to talk in detail mainly about the Wii U titles that we are going to launch this year, and we also plan to make it possible for visitors to try the games immediately. As a brand new challenge, we are working to establish a new presentation style for E3.”

Iwata further explained that despite the lack of a “large-scale presentation” for a global audience, Nintendo will instead host “a few smaller events that are specifically focused on our software lineup for the market”.

He also confirmed that two closed events will take place – one for “Western gaming media” and another for North American distributors.

Nintendo Direct will be used – along with other methods – to distribute tailored regional information about software launches for audiences in Japan and other overseas regions.

Iwata, who does not plan to speak at E3 this year, added that the company is “continuing to investigate ways to deliver information about our games directly to our home audience around the time of E3”.

“We will share more information about them once they have officially been decided,” he concluded.

This year’s E3 Expo will take place between June 11 and 13 at the Los Angeles Convention Centre

Assassin’s Creed 4 Black Flag – The Watch Trailer

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Apr 26, 2013

0

Assassin’s Creed 4 Black Flag – The Watch Trailer

If you sign up to The Watch, the exclusive VIP program dedicated to Assassin’s Creed fans! Stay up-to-date on the latest news about Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag and access privileged features such as contests, quizzes, riddles and more. Show off your knowledge of the Assassin’s Creed universe and collect achievements to climb the ranks. Get on board now and join The Watch.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PtJOJG_sy8?feature=player_detailpage%5D

Are you going to Pre Order the Game to get access to The Watch?

SEGA launches House of the Dead: Overkill – The Lost Reels

Apple

Andrew Edney

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Apr 26, 2013

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SEGA Europe, Ltd. and SEGA of America, Inc. today launched The House of the Dead: Overkill – The Lost Reels on the App Store and Google Play.

Based on the 2009 Wii hit, The House of the Dead: Overkill- The Lost Reels is a universal app compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch and is available for £2.99 on the App Store and for all Android devices on Google Play.

Developed by Magic Pockets, The House of the Dead: Overkill- The Lost Reels puts fans back into the action with Agent G and Detective Washington as they fight their way through Bayou City to Papa Caesar’s Mansion in this gritty arcade shooter. Fans can either play in Story mode fighting their way through three levels of carnage, or Survival mode, where they will face wave after wave of blood-thirsty mutants. Intuitive controls, accelerometer compatibility, and the unlockable Frenzy Tap makes blasting mutants a breeze.

Players can upgrade their arsenal through fun in-app purchases and track their skill by earning achievements. With its b-movie style action and over-the-top humor, The House of the Dead: Overkill – The Lost Reels will ensure hours of finger-blasting fun.

Here is the trailer:

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

2K announces The Bureau : XCOM Declassified

Andrew Edney

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Apr 26, 2013

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2K and 2K Marin, makers of BioShock 2, announced today that The Bureau: XCOM Declassified will be released on August 20, 2013 in North America and August 23, 2013 internationally on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Windows PC. XCOM: Enemy Unknown, developed by Firaxis Games, dazzled turn-based strategy fans and rebooted the classic franchise. Now The Bureau will deliver a new experience within the XCOM universe.

Set in 1962 at the height of the Cold War, The Bureau tells the origin story of the clandestine XCOM organisation’s first encounter with a mysterious and devastating enemy. Originally established as America’s covert defense against the Soviet Union, The Bureau must adapt and overcome a threat unlike anything the world has faced before. As special agent William Carter, players will call the shots and pull the trigger, leading their squad of agents in the high-stakes secret war for humanity’s survival. Paramount to repelling the outside threat is The Bureau’s ability to cover-up the enemy’s existence in order to prevent worldwide panic.

“We’re thrilled about 2K Marin’s refined vision for The Bureau: XCOM Declassified,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “The game has evolved through a creative and iterative development process, and the result is a narrative-driven experience that is smart, engaging, and challenges players to think tactically.”

“The Bureau tells the story of XCOM’s mysterious beginnings,” said Morgan Gray, creative director at 2K Marin. “We’re expanding the universe with a declassified tale of government conspiracy and heroic cover-ups told through third-person tactical gameplay.”
In the spirit of the XCOM franchise, The Bureau’s calculated combat design requires players to think and act tactically. The game’s third-person perspective gives the player a sense of spatial awareness and grants them the freedom to transition in and out Carter’s unique Battle Focus ability seamlessly – heightening the tactical shooter action. The Bureau also fully embraces the concept of permanent consequence. As our last line of defense, every command can mean the difference between life and death for Carter, his squad and mankind.

“The team has been working hard to leverage core XCOM elements like tactical decision-making and permanent death of squad mates in a purposeful way that makes this a unique tactical shooter,” added Gray. “To that end, The Bureau will challenge players unlike any other third-person tactical shooter.”

The Bureau: XCOM Declassified can be pre-ordered today at all participating retailers. Those who pre-order will receive the Codebreakers side-mission as a bonus. In this special campaign side-mission, a communications facility responsible for intercepting and interpreting the enemy’s transmissions has gone dark. Special Agent Carter and his squad must make contact with any remaining personnel and investigate the incident.

And here is the trailer:

The Bureau: XCOM Declassified is not yet rated by PEGI. For more information, please visit Facebook, or the official web site: http://erasethetruth.com.

About The Bureau: XCOM Declassified
The year is 1962, JFK is President and the Cold War has the nation gripped by fear – but a far more powerful and insidious enemy than communism is threatening America. Known only to a select few, a top-secret government unit called The Bureau begins investigating and concealing a series of mysterious attacks by an otherworldly enemy. As special agent William Carter, players call the shots, pull the trigger and lead their squad in a gripping third-person tactical shooter set within a high-stakes, covert war to protect humanity. The Bureau has been erasing the truth for decades. The time will come for the truth to be revealed.

STAR TREK The Video Game beams in today

Andrew Edney

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Apr 26, 2013

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STAR TREK The Video Game is out today.

The action-packed combat game launches in the UK & EU on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC today, prior to the May 17th theatrical release of Star Trek Into Darkness. The game is based on a stand-alone storyline that continues the adventure of iconic characters Kirk and Spock as they work together to stop the legendary ‘Gorn’ enemy race bent on conquering the galaxy.

Check out our recent interview with Brian Miller below:

We will be bringing you our review soon.

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

Xbox 720 ‘to be released Early November, Launch with Two Price Models’

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Apr 25, 2013

0

Xbox 720 ‘to be released Early November, Launch with Two Price Models’

Xbox 720 is to be released early November, according to a report. Blogger Paul Thurrott, who previously leaked the planned May 21 reveal ahead of time, has disclosed alleged new information about the system’s launch.

Microsoft will launch the system in early November with two pricing models.

One will be a standalone version for $499 (£320), while the other is a $299 (£190) version that requires the consumer to sign up to a two-year Xbox Live Gold subscription.

The system will be based on the “core” version of Windows 8, allowing similar apps that run on the PC operating system to appear on the console.

Thurrott also confirmed previous reports that the new Xbox would support Blu-ray, and that while it must be online to use, it “isn’t as Draconian as many seem to believe”.

It was added that a third, cheaper Xbox 360 could also be released this year.

Nokia to Hold Lumia Event in London Next Month

Chris Hare

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Apr 25, 2013

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Nokia to Hold Lumia Event in London Next Month

Nokia has said it will be hold a special Lumia event in London on the 14th May. The Media invites for the event, was a very cryptic clue that will focus on the Lumia. “See what’s Next” says on the invite with “The Nokia Lumia Story Continues”. the event will run from 10AM until 4PM and will focus on what’s next for the Next Generation of Nokia Lumia.

It’s not immediately clear yet from the invite exactly what Nokia plans to unveil, but the Nokia suggests the company is ready to reveal a new smartphone. Could it be the “Catwalk” images of Nokia’s alleged device emerged recently, suggesting that the company may be ready to introduce its First aluminum Lumia.

MICHAEL. FRANKLIN. TREVOR. Grand Theft Auto V Trailers Coming April 30

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

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Apr 25, 2013

0

Rockstar have sent out a heads up about new trailers coming for GTA V.

No other information was given to us, but they are the names of the three main characters and so we await the 30th for more information.

Grand Theft Auto 5 from Rockstar Games will be released later in the year.

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

Call of Duty : Black Ops 2 Uprising DLC dated for PlayStation 3 and PC

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

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Apr 25, 2013

0

Beginning 16^th May, PlayStation3 and Windows PC players will have the opportunity to play Uprising, Activision and Treyarch’s second epic DLC Map Pack for the record-breaking Call of Duty: Black Ops II. Uprising. This includes four new multiplayer maps, plus “Mob of the Dead,” a bone-chilling new Zombies experience that takes players to the notorious prison island of Alcatraz. Several of Hollywood’s most iconic actors round out the cast of Prohibition-era mobsters, including Ray Liotta, Michael Madsen, Chazz Palminteri and Joe Pantoliano to bring this horrifying adventure to life.

Following the tradition of the original Call of Duty: Black Ops fan-favourite Zombies mode “Call of the Dead,” Call of Duty: Black Ops II Uprising’s wildly creative new “Mob of the Dead” Zombies experience puts players on the island of Alcatraz, in the shoes of the four mobsters: Billy Handsome (Liotta), Al “The Weasel” Arlington (Pantoliano), Salvatore “Sal” DeLuca (Palminteri) and Michael “Finn” O’Leary (Madsen). All four are serving time in Alcatraz Prison, only to discover that being behind bars is the least of their problems. In order to survive, players must work their way through the steel cells and ageing concrete buildings while fighting off a multitude of zombified prisoners and guards trapped on the island with them.

Uprising also debuts four new diverse multiplayer maps, each set around the globe:

Magma – Set within a modern Japanese village, volcanic eruptions carve multiple paths throughout the town.

Encore – Taking place in the aftermath of a deserted London music festival, Encore leaves numerous opportunities for run-and-gun, close quarters combat.

Vertigo – A futuristic high-rise mega-structure located in India featuring dizzying vistas and multi-tiered pathways.

Studio – A contemporary re-imagining of “Firing Range,” the fan-favourite multiplayer map from the original Call of Duty: Black Ops. “Studio” is a Hollywood movie back lot with a variety of cinematic themes that range from Sci-Fi to the Old West.

Fans can purchase Uprising as a standalone Map Pack for a suggested retail price of £11.59. Call of Duty: Black Ops II game is sold separately, and is required to play this Map Pack.

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Online gets 0.11.0 patch

Andrew Edney

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Apr 25, 2013

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Today, Ubisoft announced the launch of the 0.11.0 patch for its free-to-play PC shooter, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Online. Continuing to listen to community feedback, the Ubisoft Singapore development team has crafted a patch containing a host of new content, features and game service improvements that will further enhance the Ghost Recon Online experience.

Here is the trailer:

Attica Heights – Ghost Recon Online goes to Singapore

Leading the charge is the brand-new map: Attica Heights – a high security building set against the iconic skyline of Singapore’s business district. Attica Heights is the second map designed for the Holdout game mode and forces players to make quick tactical decisions in a unique split-level environment. The verticality of the map takes the fight on and directly above the vital capture point, splitting the teams’ focus between two floors and giving players alternate routes to the action.

Try Before You Buy – Firing Range and Field Testing

Players will be able to fully test any weapon in the Firing Range. Whether it be firing on the move or behind cover, assessing the weapon damage on virtual targets or getting a better feel of a weapon’s handling and recoil, the Firing Range will enable players to optimize the selection of weapons within their arsenal.

With new tiers of weapons unlocking as players level up within Ghost Recon Online, the Field Testing system will award temporary trial versions of the weapons as they become available. These trial versions can be taken into three standard matches and are a great way to test a weapon’s performance in real battlefield situations.

The OMEGA Pack – Armed to the teeth

Security for the mysterious Attica Heights facility is handled by the elite OMEGA Private Military – the poster boys for the OMEGA Pack. These urban-specialists use brand-new gear and weapon designs that are optimized for close quarters combat with short ready times and high rates of fire. And now players will be able to optimize their own equipment load-outs with new headgear and upgraded weapons sporting new camouflage, all from the OMEGA Pack.

Project TOPOS: Beta Map Testing

Project TOPOS: Beta Map Testing allows the community to play prototype maps with their clan mates and most importantly, help improve the design of the maps with their feedback on the forums. More feedback = Better maps.

Mystery Boxes and Bundles – New ways to gear up

0.11.0 also delivers more ways for players to get their hands on the right gear for the job. Four new bundles will ease the players’ progression as they level up, giving them all the essential equipment they could need. Players looking for vintage, limited-edition weapons can now find them in the new Mystery Boxes. Each box has a possibility of dropping rare and valuable items, adding a hint of chance to a game where luck don’t live.

We interviewed Theo last year:

Developed by Ubisoft Singapore, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Online delivers a premium online multiplayer shooter experience that is downloadable and playable for free on PC. Players can choose between three classes: Assault, Specialist, or Recon, to suit their particular style of play. As they evolve through the game, each Class character can deploy unique Class Devices and other hi-tech equipment to enhance not only their individual combat effectiveness, but also that of their team. Players can enhance their game experience by using either in-game points or premium currency to purchase and equip their Ghosts with weapons, gear and other boosts. Tactical team play is crucial for victory in the fierce online matches with up to 16 players.

Play Now, Play Free at www.GhostReconOnline.com.

Deep Silver reveals new details on Ride to Hell: Route 666

Andrew Edney

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Apr 25, 2013

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Deep Silver today is putting the pedal to the metal with more details on the upcoming action game Ride to Hell: Route 666. In the world’s first real time tactics beat’em up, players will beef up their pack of road warriors, provide them with the right gear, and take them to the streets in a merciless battle for every mile of the legendary Route 66. The trip starts this summer, when the game is scheduled to hit the PlayStation Store, Xbox Live and Steam.

Tactics are essential when up against a colorful cast of enemies. Players will be able to bark orders at their fearless gang members to bring them into the right formation on-the-fly with easy, accessible controls. Clever tactics will be rewarded, opening up enemy defenses and allowing you to get in on the action: as the leader of this lawless bunch, you can support your warriors at the front line or issue instructions from the back. Pick up and play action controls allow the players to get involved in the fight at any time. You’ll also be recruiting new members to join your gang, with each one bringing their own special abilities to a fight, from big bad bruisers to sultry medics.

Ride to Hell: Route 666 is set within the Ride to Hell universe, a world of bare-knuckle violence, and rip-roaring motorcycles. Later this year the setting will be extended by two further titles featuring the unique and incomparable biker lifestyle; Ride to Hell: Retribution and Ride to Hell: Beatdown.

And here is the announcement trailer:

Ride to Hell: Retribution tells the story of a lone rider, Jake Conway, a man with either a gun in his hand or a girl on his lap (and on more than one occasion both!). He’s on a merciless path of revenge against a brutal biker gang called The Devil’s Hand, armed to the teeth with an arsenal of deadly weapons to enact his vengeance on foot and on bike. The only law Jake answers to is his own. Hit hard, ride fast and leave ’em in the dust June 2013 for Xbox 360, Windows PC, and PlayStation3.

The Ride to Hell universe will be rounded out with Ride to Hell: Beatdown, a rock’n’roll brawler set to light up the mobile space, on the go! More details on this title will follow soon.
Ride to Hell: Retribution is developed by Eutechnyx, Ride to Hell: Route 666 by Black Forest Games.

For more information about the Ride to Hell universe, visit http://www.ridetohell.com.

Phineas and Ferb: Quest for Cool Stuff announced

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

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Apr 25, 2013

0

Majesco Entertainment Company along with Disney Interactive, announced today that Phineas and Ferb: Quest for Cool Stuff is expected to launch this August. Based on the top-rated Emmy Award-winning hit series, Phineas and Ferb: Quest for Cool Stuff will release on the Xbox 360, Wii U, Wii, Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS.

Majesco also plans to release a unique Phineas and Ferb smartphone and tablet game in August, which will feature Agent P and the rest of the O.W.C.A. (Organization Without a Cool Acronym).

Join Phineas and Ferb as they travel to out-of-this-world places in their newest invention, the A.T.T. (All-Terrain Transformatron). This upgradeable, customizable, ultra-cool amphibious ride helps the boys hunt for lost loot to display in their backyard Museum of Cool. Phineas and Ferb: Quest for Cool Stuff features many of the fan-favorite characters from the hit show, including Perry the Platypus — aka secret Agent P, Candace, Isabella, Buford, Baljeet, and the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz, who is determined to unleash his latest creation, the “get-rid-of-cool-stuff-inator” on the Tri-State Area.

“Phineas and Ferb is a wonderfully inspired property marked by clever writing, iconic characters and outrageous adventures that appeals to the kid in all of us,” said Jesse Sutton, Chief Executive Officer, Majesco Entertainment. “This new interactive experience delivers all of the spontaneous fun from the show with a multiplatform release across consoles, handhelds and mobile platforms.”

Phineas and Ferb: Quest for Cool Stuff Features Include:

Multiple Gameplay Modes:
Exploration Mode: Switch on-the-fly between ambitious innovator Phineas and silent, but stoic “Man of Action” Ferb as they explore an ancient lost temple, underwater caverns and more in search of treasure!
Build, upgrade and customize the A.T.T. (All-Terrain Transformatron vehicle), then take it on treasure-seeking adventures around the world.
Action Mode: Transform Perry from subdued pet to super Agent P and battle the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz.
Original Storyline: Experience four intertwining episodes filled with witty humor and outlandish adventures.
Museum of Cool: Display the loot collected inside including the lost Atlantis hieroglyph, caveman’s first stone wheel, floating baby head, and much more.

Phineas and Ferb: Quest for Cool Stuff is expected to release this August. For more information on the game, please visit www.MajescoEnt.com.

Sony shows off the new PlayStation 4 DUALSHOCK 4 controller

Andrew Edney

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Apr 25, 2013

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Sony have released a new video showing off their PlayStation 4 DUALSHOCK 4 controller.

In the video, PlayStation 4 developers discuss some of their favourite DUALSHOCK 4 features, what makes each feature unique and how it will make your gameplay experience much more dynamic.

Here it is:

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