The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, which gives access to both Xbox Game Pass for console and PC which also includes Xbox LIVE GOLD is the most value for money subscription server in all of gaming right now, there really is no competition for it. So it came as a surprise last week that Xbox announced a brand new feature called ‘Perks’.
Through Perks, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members will now regularly receive new benefits including DLC, in-game content and more – all free and included with membership.
Kicking off already, the first line up of perks include:
World of Tanks: Mercenaries: A global multiplayer free-to-play game dedicated to tank warfare in the mid-20th century. Start your journey with three powerful tanks and more!
Sea of Thieves: The essential pirate experience, from sailing and fighting to exploring and looting – everything you need to live the pirate life and become a legend in your own right. With Perks, you get a free Ori-inspired Ancestral Sails, Figurehead, Hull, and Flag to adorn your ship.
Smite: Become divine in the #1 MOBA on Xbox, with a bundle that unlocks five Gods, special character skins and voice packs so you can ride into the battle of the Gods in style. With Smite, join a community of 30 million players and defend your portal in showdowns in the Collesium.
For subscribers in the US you will also get:
Phantasy Star Online 2: Enter the world of one of Japan’s biggest online RPGs with a special content bundle, which includes unique emotes, in-game cosmetics including an Xbox jacket, a gold ticket Mission Pass and in-game currency with a Meseta Crystal. Available to members in the US and Canada only.
This is a tremendous addition to an already incredible subscription and over time hopefully more and more can be added. The ‘Ori and the Will of the Wisps’ ship set for Sea of Thieves is already my favourite in the game!
The Gamer Network and ReedPOP have announced that EGX Rezzed, the UK-based consumer, trade and careers event for video games, will now take place 2nd-4th July at Tobacco Dock London.
With more information on specific show items like the Jesse Cox Late Night show coming soon, the Oxventure dungeons and dragons show will now take place on Friday 3rd July and Saturday 4th July.
For anyone who has already purchased tickets to EGX Rezzed, these tickets will remain valid! For those unable to make the new dates, refunds are being offered, or customers can choose to transfer their ticket for EGX 2020 tickets, the dates of which are due to be announced next week. Stay tuned!
Customers looking to refund or transfer their tickets should contact the Customer Services team at egx.helpline@reedexpo.co.uk
Stay tuned to the EGX website and social channels for more details on plans to highlight and celebrate some of the games, talks and other content that have been lined up for Rezzed: Digital!
My Thoughts….
This is very early to be announcing new dates considering the current state of real world events, whilst it certainly gives fans hoping to go something to look forward to, the reality of it actually happening is very uncertain but I really hope it does, I love EGX Rezzed and was gutted when it had to be postponed.
Sony has been keeping the PlayStation 5, their next generation console, firmly in the dark from fans for months now but yesterday they suddenly announced that today (March 18th 2020) that they were going to actually host an online even that would offer a deep dive of the PlayStation 5. Naturally PlayStation fans and the rest of the gaming world sat eagle eyed on the presentation which came only a few days after Microsoft dropped tech demos showcasing the fast loading times and quick resume functions of the Xbox Series X, but more on that a little further on.
This “Deep Dive” was lead by the PS5 lead system architect Mark Cerny and to say those expecting a big reveal in the style of the Xbox Series X marketing trailers to this point would be surprised and disappointed as this briefing was certainly not for fans hoping for anything similar to how Xbox have presented their new generation console. To be fair to Sony, this was exactly what they described, a very technical driven look at the architecture aimed at developers more than the fans.
So let us begin with those very numbers:
Via Windows Central
Courtesy of Windows Central who kindly put down all the numbers in a nice comparison with the PlayStation 4, and it is clear that the PS5 is definitely a technological leap when shown against the PS4 but the numbers fail to look to impressive against the Xbox Series X. That said, Sony have also focused on the SSD storage and fast loading times as the core driving component to the PS5 much like Microsoft have, and the visual power will produce some staggering graphics on the next generation of games. The audio chip revealed also made Microsoft declare that the Series X also has a special dedicated sound chip which they had not really focused on before.
However it is with backwards compatibility that the PS5 seems to be lacking but in a move that was clarified in the days following this briefing, at first it was suggested that only the top 100 most popular PS4 titles would work on the PS5 as compared to Microsoft’s reveal that all Xbox One and accessories will work with the Series X. Sony did come out and say that the number of backwards compatible games was going to be a lot bigger than what was suggested in this talk.
Final Thoughts…
Just under a week since this briefing and we have yet to see what the PS5 looks like or any glamorous marketing and adverts for the next generation of Sony Consoles. Personally, I would have kept this briefing behind closed doors and released snappy trailers to showcase the PS5 to fans, this was a very technical focused briefing designed to inform developers but it was obvious that fans were hoping to actually see the console itself, the controller and learn about launch titles to play on it, something that Microsoft has been revealing since December 2019.
I have no doubt that the PS5 is going to be one hell of a console and whilst on paper the Xbox Series X looks to be more powerful, the PS5 is certainly no slouch either and PlayStation fans are in for an incredible time some holidays 2020. With so much happening in the world right now (reason why this is being posted a week later than planned) time will tell if any of it will have an impact on the launch of the next generation of consoles from a production side to supply and especially to the developers working on next generation games.
Either way, now Sony is actually talking about the PS5, so going forward hopefully we will get to see what the console looks like, see it in action and start the real road to holidays 2020.
Families and children can now easily discover a wide range of entertaining and educational shows and films, with the launch of a new children’s experience on BBC iPlayer. Rolling out on internet-connected TVs from today, it brings together the best from CBBC and CBeebies, and other suitable BBC programming, all in one place.
When selecting who’s watching iPlayer, there’s now a monster shaped ‘children’ button, which opens a treasure trove of viewing – from hit shows like Hey Duggee and Bing to David Walliams classics such as The Boy in the Dress, Gangsta Granny and Mr Stink – which return to iPlayer. Children can easily find something to watch thanks to more ‘child-friendly’ categories, that let them pick and browse between Trending, Drama, Funny and Cartoons – as well as giving easy access to the CBeebies and CBBC channels.
The children’s experience has been designed to give confidence to parents and carers that kids are watching suitable shows – with content curated from across CBeebies, CBBC and other suitable BBC programmes and brands.
To make the service even more special, it has been given a distinctive, bright and bold design – helping children understand that this is a dedicated experience just for them.
Alice Webb, Director BBC Children’s and Education says: “Keeping children informed, educated and entertained at home during these unprecedented times is going to be even more important than ever. Whether it’s being a number detective with the Numberblocks, going on a global adventure with Go Jetters, or learning about the planet’s deadliest animals with Deadly 60 – this new experience gives children of all ages a place to go to do that. We can’t promise solving the sibling tiffs over what to watch – but we can make it even easier to bring families and kids an incredible choice of shows and films on iPlayer. Children and parents can be assured the BBC will be for them during these challenging times.”
Dan Taylor-Watt, Director of Product, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds says: “We know more and more iPlayer viewing is happening on the biggest screen in the home. We’re now making that experience even better for children – so they have a safe place to enjoy their favourite shows, discover new ones – and learn more, especially at the moment. And over time, this experience will get even better, with recommendations increasingly tailored to them – making sure they get the best kids experience possible.”
EE has joined forces with Amazon to enable new and existing EE pay monthly mobile customers to make and receive calls hands-free on their Alexa devices around the home.
No more missing a call because your phone is in the other room or you’re cooking, Alexa will say “incoming call from mum” when she is calling, and customers can simply say “Alexa, answer” to start the call through their Alexa device – even if their phone isn’t nearby or has run out of battery.
The service is easy to set-up and there’s no extra charge for doing so. All customers need is their Alexa device and the Amazon Alexa app on their phone to get started. Calls come out of their monthly allowance and out of allowance calls will be charged at the standard rate.
EE customers’ smartphone and their Alexa device will ring simultaneously when someone calls, giving customers the option to answer on either device when in the home. They can also answer calls even if their phone is off or out of service.
Customers can make calls through simple voice commands to access contacts in their mobile address book or simply by speaking the full mobile or landline number out loud.
Sharon Meadows, Director of Partnerships, Devices & Business Development, at EE said: “We’re always looking for ways to offer customers exciting new products and experiences, and by working with Amazon we’re enabling them to make and receive mobile calls hands-free on their Alexa devices for the first time. We’re creating one converged, smart network to keep our customers seamlessly connected to their friends, family and the things that matter most.”
“Customers use Alexa every day to help them stay connected with loved ones around the world,” said Brian Oliver, Director of Alexa Communications. “Today, in collaboration with EE, we are thrilled that customers are now able to make and receive EE calls with Alexa, making it even easier to stay in touch.”
EE offers a range of Amazon Echo devices through EE Retail, EE Telesales and the EE online shop. Pay monthly mobile customers can choose a device and spread the cost over 11 months with Add to Plan, interest free – they just pay with their phone bill. Plus, if they buy any Amazon Echo device from EE, they’ll receive a £20 discount off their next purchase from a selection of EE’s smart home range.
For more information customers can visit ee.co.uk/alexa or simply text ‘Alexa’ to 150 to start the set up.
The original DOOM games were perhaps my first real
experience playing the FPS genre, and I have fond memories of my ICT teacher installing
DOOM on the school’s LAN in order for us to play at lunchtime and after school
in what could be seen as the very first ‘Slayer Club’. Since then the series
become legend with a couple of attempts to reboot it and a very interesting big
screen outing starring The Rock which is worth watching if just for the giggles
alone. Then in 2016, DOOM was remade from the ground up and it literally kicked
a whole in gaming as it brought back classic DOOM gameplay but in a new world built
upon lore and battles that were just adrenalin fuelled rushes of death metal
fury. To say I was hyped and excited to get my hands on DOOM Eternal would be
an understatement….but dear god was the wait worth it!
*Note that at time of writing, our early access to the game meant that the Multiplayer servers had yet to be turned on, which they will be on 20th March for the release day. This review will focus on the Campaign and a further review of the ‘Battle Mode’ MP will follow once servers go online*
I was fortunate enough to have been able to play a demo of
DOOM Eternal at both EGX and XO19 in 2019 and I was just hit with the awesome
that was DOOM Eternal was shaping up to be. Not only did it feel like I was back
in the ‘Ripping and Tearing’ action that I fell in love with in DOOM 2016, but
the game was actively kicking my butt and I thought I was good at DOOM. It made
me excited and determined to get DOOM Eternal in my Xbox One X as soon as possible
and have been chomping on the bit until my calendar finally reached March 2020.
DOOM Eternal picks up right after the climatic ending to
DOOM 2016 as the Slayer has returned to Earth to find it fully invaded by the
forces of Hell. Onboard his new base of operations, the Fortress of DOOM and
with the UAC AI construct VEGA (Slayer made a copy of it before destroying the
original in DOOM 2016) serving as his ally, the Slayer picks up his gun, puts
on his Praetor suit once more and teleports into the fight once more, a Slayer’s
work is never done, thankfully for us! The Slayer’s aim is to find and kill the
three Hell Priests responsible for both making the invasion property and for the
continuing growth of demonic forces on Earth. The small remaining human
resistance is not able to hold out for much longer and the rumours of the
legendary Slayer arriving is giving some hope!
I really have to start by saying I bloody love DOOM Eternal’s
campaign which feels bigger and bolder than DOOM 2016. Moving the action to
Earth just adds that little something extra when playing a story about trying to
save the last of humanity from the forces of Hell. Visually and especially true
when playing on the Xbox One X, DOOM Eternal is just beautiful to look at with
enemies looking more detailed than ever but it is the environments and levels
that just pop right off your screen. Seeing the devastation of Earth cities who
have all fallen to the demons is very much all judgement day focused and the
Slayer has arrived in the final hours to try and do some good. Of course, doing
good for humanity is quite subjective for the Slayer, as all he pretty much
wants to do is to literally continue his mission to “Rip and Tear” through any
and all demons he comes into contact with. DOOM Eternal really is a feast of visual
delight that only delivers more and more courses to dine on as you play through
the campaign.
Once again, all the action in DOOM Eternal is boosted beyond measure thanks to the music which is designed to augment the Adrenalin from the fighting and it does exactly that, bringing one of the elements I loved about DOOM 2016 smack into DOOM Eternal. The heavy metal just enhances what is already a very heart pumping fighting experience with the action being non stop and the only real indication that you have slayed all the enemies is when the music calms and stops. But out of the action the music helps create the atmosphere of where you are and from the heavy metal when the battle kicks in to just accompanying you as you explore the levels and the eclectic range of the music is not something you would expect from a DOOM experience.
It is in the fighting where DOOM always comes alive and it continues to be the most visceral shooting experience you can have right now. Eternal has doubled down on the demon encounters you can have with all the familiar demon types returning as well as some new enemies to sink your brand-new Praetor wrist blade into. The fluidity of being able to switch to a new weapon means you will always have a weapon to hand with different weapons having an increased effect on the types of Demon you meet along the way. The Praetor suit itself has seen a few upgrades since the Slayer was on Mars, a shoulder mounted launcher can now act as a flame thrower and fire both Frag Grenade and Ice Bombs once unlocked through the campaign which can be combined together for massive area damage. The new Praetor wrist blade gives a new slice n dice animation to the glory kills which are also back, stagger an enemy so they glow and you can trigger a glory kill with RS to perform an execution resulting in some health items dropping for the slayer. I love the variety of the Glory Kill animations for all demon types they just add that little bloody thirsty satisfaction right in the middle of a fight and also gives some much-needed health when needed.
Another thing I found satisfying about Eternal is the upgrading
system and there are a lot of things you can upgrade from the weapon’s themselves
which can have new modifications added to give weapons an alternate fire mode
such as the standard shotgun getting sticky bombs to shoot or turning it into a
full auto shotgun. These mods can then be enhanced further using “weapon points”
earned by just using the weapons in combat. Upgrade enough and you can unlick
the master level for that weapon. The Praetor Suit as well can be enhanced with
Sentinel Discs and Crystals, the crystals will improve an attribute, attributes
can be boosted twice with each one either increasing health, armour or ammo
levels so choosing which to activate and boost will help you as you progress
through the campaign. Sentinel Discs can be used to improve five elements of
the suit; Fundamentals to quicken ledge grabs and weapon mod switching, Exploration
to add elements that the new 3D map system will reveal, Environment to reduce
damage from explosive barrels and acid, to enhancing both Ice and Frag grenades
to extend their duration and range.
The end result is one hell of a powerful Slayer and choosing which weapons and suit upgrades to activate at what time will certainly help as you create a build for your Slayer. A personal tip from me is to activate the upgrades for the Flame Thrower and both grenade types to give extra health and armour drops when used so for example in my current Slayer build, I will use the Ice Bomb to freeze a group of enemies, use flame thrower to set them alight so they drop armour packs and drop a frag grenade to explode them all for extra health, just watch the health and amour packs fly! This tactic in the middle of a huge fight will keep you battling on at those almost dead moments. The thrill of that last moment Glory Kill for ammo or getting that tiny bit of health or armour to prevent you dying and having to restart the fight is one of the things I adore most about DOOM Eternal.
The campaign is a real joy to play through as was DOOM 2016
and they have definitely expanded the story to feature more lore, which I will
no spoil but what started in DOOM 2016 to give the series an entire history of
story continues and is only enriched further in Eternal. Gameplay wise there is
a more focused element on exploring maps which the redesigned 3D map really
helps players to navigate levels to find all the collectibles. The platforming gameplay
has grown as well, with more jumping and ledge climbing now involved in the
levels to not only progress but to find secrets and collectibles. Now I can see
some people having niggles with this aspect but for me, having a brief platforming
and jumping around section is a nice break from the relentless fighting once it
starts. I did find it a little clumsy at points as you begin to double jump and
air dash distance to reach new ledges and if you fail to wall grab, which by
the way is a very satisfying animation and angry sounding move, you often will
fall but at least it will not kill you as you just respawn at the point where you
made the jump with the failure only costing you some health.
I also really advise having a good look around the Fortress
of DOOM to reveal its own secrets because they are worth finding and again, I
do not want to spoil anything so please, have a good walk about in between
missions to see what you can discover and unlock. Eternal even has its own
Battle Pass of a sort with the Event section which gives rewards for completing
challenges in game which can unlock new player profile pics and titles no doubt
for showing off in Battle Mode, weapon skins and Slayer skins too, all can be
applied before you launch into campaign or Battle Mode.
Final thoughts are that DOOM Eternal is just sheer majestic
mayhem wrapped around story and lore many long-term fans have always wanted and
newcomers will really appreciate. The combat is just heart pounding and it will
test you, even on normal difficulty and I relished this about Eternal. This is
a game that makes you feel the fight just without the injuries. Each time you fall
you just come back more determined to win the war the next time and this is a
war, the campaign has a superb pace and difficulty curve that prepares you for
the big fights later and if you study and work on the build of your Slayer, these
big battles can be some of the most challenging but satisfying fights you will
have in an FPS game.
Bigger, badder and more DOOM than ever before, Eternal is offering a lot from day one, and I really hope the MP in Battle Mode is just as polished and fulfilling as the Campaign. DOOM Eternal is everything I was hoping for and I am really looking forward to taking on the Master Levels which are reworked versions of campaign missions but with the difficulty pushed to the max with more powerful demon types replacing the normal mission enemies. I just really loved my time with DOOM Eternal and it is going to be something fans of the series are going to just going to go crazy for as well. DOOM Eternal just continues to elevate this series going into a new generation of gaming.
Ripping and Tearing has never been more glorious, pass me my Super Shotgun…time to go pick a fight!
Finally Sony are about to reveal more about the PlayStation 5, they have been uncharacteristically quiet with Microsoft releasing an abundance of information about their next generation console, Xbox Series X, ever since December 2019. Now via their official Twitter, PlayStation have confirmed a special event to take place tomorrow at 4pm GMT March 18th 2020.
Tomorrow at 4pm GMT, PS5 lead system architect Mark Cerny provides a deep dive into PS5’s system architecture and how it will shape the future of games.
The World’s Greatest Super Heroes square off once-and-for-all against the despotic Darkseid – with the fate of all humanity hanging in the balance – in Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, the next entry in the popular series of DC UniverseMovies. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC, the feature-length animated film will be released by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Digital starting May 19 2020, and on DVD, Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray Steelbook & Blu-Ray Minifig May 18, 2020.
Culminating a six-year animated journey that began with the release of Justice League War in 2014, Justice League Dark: Apokolips War finds Earth decimated after intergalactic tyrant Darkseid has devastated the Justice League in a poorly executed war by the DC Super Heroes. Now the remaining bastions of good – the Justice League, Teen Titans, Suicide Squad and assorted others – must regroup, strategize and take the war to Darkseid in order to save the planet and its surviving inhabitants. This is truly the war to end all wars, and only the victor will live to enjoy the spoils.
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War features the largest Super Hero cast in the history of DC Universe Movies with dozens of actors/characters spotlighted in a grand ensemble of talent reprising their roles from this six-year story continuum. Matt Ryan (Legends of Tomorrow, Constantine), Jerry O’Connell (Carter, Bravo’s Play by Play, Stand by Me) and Taissa Farmiga (The Nun, The Mule, American Horror Story) anchor the cast as Constantine, Superman and Raven, respectively – the triumvirate determined to assemble the forces necessary to lead humanity’s final attack. Alongside that trio are the long-running core of Justice League voices — Jason O’Mara (The Man in the High Castle, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) as Batman, Rosario Dawson (Briar Patch, Daredevil, Sin City) as Wonder Woman, Shemar Moore (S.W.A.T., Criminal Minds) as Cyborg and Christopher Gorham (Covert Affairs, Insatiable, Ugly Betty) as The Flash – as well as JL-adjacents Rebecca Romijn (X-Men, The Librarians) and Rainn Wilson (The Office, The Meg) as the voices of Lois Lane and Lex Luthor, respectively.
Tony Todd (Candyman) is the voice of the film’s key villain, Darkseid. The cast also boasts appearances by Camilla Luddington (Grey’s Anatomy) as Zatanna, Ray Chase (Justice League Dark, Final Fantasy XV videogame) as Jason Blood/Etrigan, Roger R. Cross (24, The Strain, Arrow) as John Stewart & Swamp Thing, Liam McIntyre (Spartacus: War of the Damned, The Flash) as Captain Boomerang, Hynden Walch (Teen Titans Go! Vs. Teen Titans) as Harley Quinn, Stuart Allan (Batman vs. Robin, Batman: Bad Blood) as Robin/Damian, Sachie Alessio (Batman: Hush) as Lady Shiva, and John DiMaggio (Futurama, Batman: Under the Red Hood) as King Shark.
Directors Matt Peters (LEGO DC: Batman – Family Matters) and Christina Sotta (Young Justice) helm Justice League Dark: Apokolips War from a script by Ernie Altbacker (Batman: Hush, Justice League Dark) and Mairghread Scott (Wonder Woman: Bloodlines), who is also credited with creating the story. Amy McKenna (The Death of Superman) is producer, and Jim Krieg (Batman: Gotham by Gaslight) is co-producer. Executive Producers are Sam Register and James Tucker (Reign of the Supermen, Justice League Dark).
“Justice League Dark: Apokolips War is an epic story of supernatural proportions. A blockbuster, battle royale of a film filled with intense action and heartfelt emotions, serving up spotlight moments for our cast of unique characters,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Senior Vice President, Originals, Animation and Family Marketing. “This incredible thrill-ride takes us to the edge of the DC universe and sets the stage for an exciting new chapter.”
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War Special Features for DVD, Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray Steelbook & Blu-Ray Minifig
DC Showcase: Adam Strange (Animated Short) – On an asteroid mining colony, mysterious drifter Adam Strange is dismissed as an interplanetary derelict. But when the miners open a fissure into the home of a horde of deadly alien insects, his true identity is exposed. He is space adventurer Adam Strange, whose heroic backstory is played out in flashbacks as he struggles to save the very people who have scorned him for so long. Charlie Weber provides the voice of Adam Strange, alongside with Roger R. Cross, Kimberly Brooks, Ray Chase and Fred Tatasciore. Adam Strange is produced and directed by Butch Lukic (Batman Unlimited franchise), who also conceived the original story – which is written by J.M. DeMatteis (Constantine: City of Demons).
Darkseid: New God/Evil Classic (New Featurette) – This documentary explores the machinations of one of fiction¹s greatest Super Villains as we learn more about what fuels Darkseid¹s drive to becoming a galactic Atilla the Hun and the importance of Deities in our classic and modern fiction.
Filmmaker Audio Commentary – Observations and behind-the-scenes insight from Executive Producer James Tucker, Directors Matt Peters and Christina Sotta, and Screenwriter Ernie Altbacker.
Look Back: Justice League Dark (Featurette) – John Constantine leads a group of misfit characters that use magic to vanquish their opponents. This is the dark version of the Justice League taking on the malevolent forces that go beyond our plane of existence.
Look Back: Batman and Harley Quinn (Featurette) – Take a peek at the animated feature film, Batman and Harley Quinn, featuring the creators and talented voice cast.
From the DC Vault: Justice League Action, “Zombie King”
From the DC Vault: Justice League Action, “Abate and Switch”
From the DC Comics Vault: Teen Titans, “Nevermore”
A Sneak Peek at the next DC Universe Movie, Superman: Man of Tomorrow – An advanced look at the next animated film in the popular DC Universe Movies collection.
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War will be releasing on Digital starting May 19 2020, and on DVD, Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray Steelbook & Blu-Ray Minifig May 18, 2020.
E3 may have been cancelled but Microsoft is still full on the road to the next generation of console with the Xbox Series X and yesterday they dropped more information including tech demo videos to show real time comparisons between the Xbox One X console, currently the most powerful home console in the world and the Xbox Series X…which is just staggering to see in action finally!
Starting with the tech demo videos, Xbox has revealed just how fast the Xbox Series X console will be thanks to finally making the jump to SSD storage for the console, this is a custom built SSD for the console and will improve load times significantly from the Xbox One X:
Demo uses backward compatible Xbox title to demonstrate load time technology and does not represent gameplay optimized for Xbox Series X. Through Xbox Series X’s revolutionary Velocity Engine Architecture, gamers will experience more time playing and less time waiting as loading times will be greatly decreased and fast travel systems will be just that: fast.
Demo uses backward compatible Xbox titles to demonstrate Quick Resume technology and does not represent gameplay optimized for Xbox Series X. Quick Resume is a new feature powered by the technical capabilities and the innovative Xbox Velocity Architecture Engine in the Xbox Series X. Quick Resume enables players to seamlessly switch between multiple titles from a suspended state almost instantly, returning you to where you were and what you were doing, without waiting through long loading screens.
These tech demo videos are quite honestly, insane and as someone who only recently moved from an original Xbox One to the Xbox One X and was impressed with the jump in performance, what has been shown really are mind-blowing and perhaps showcasing the biggest jump in hardware performance than any previous new console generation.
We now know the the full system specs as well and they are impressive:
CPU 8x Cores @ 3.8 GHz (3.6 GHz w/ SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU
It is interesting to know that the console will have expandable storage via an expansion card, which suggests to be that Microsoft will release its own branded expansion card which means a price that they can set themselves and no third party version to look to try and cut costs as a customer. If you have ever price searched the Xbox own branded external drives you will notice a high price for only average storage capacity compared to those you can freely get elsewhere. Will see how this develops following launch.
Microsoft and Xbox are very confident about the Xbox Series X and whilst the cancellation of E3 may have prompted the early release of the above, I sense this was always the plan as Microsoft are no longer waiting to see what Sony are releasing about the PlayStation 5 at this point outside of the pricing model which hopefully they will announce during their now “online briefing” instead of the big E3 showcase they originally had planned.
Resident Evil fans can get an early taste of the upcoming survival horror game, Resident Evil 3, with an action-packed playable demo that will be available starting this Thursday, March 19 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC players via Steam. The Resident Evil 3: Raccoon City Demo lets players step into the boots of the legendary heroine Jill Valentine, as she teams up with Carlos Oliveira and the Umbrella Biohazard Countermeasure Service (U.B.C.S.) to evacuate civilians from a crumbling Raccoon City. While Jill is fighting to save innocent civilians, she must also save herself from the relentless bioweapon Nemesis, whose sole objective is her demise.
The Raccoon City Demo will reveal a brand new cinematic trailer exclusive to demo participants upon completion, and will be available starting March 19 at 00:00 h ET / 04:00 h GMT / 05:00 h CET on Xbox One and 13:00 h ET / 17:00 h GMT / 18:00 h CET on PlayStation 4 and Steam.
As if Jill’s battle was not daunting enough, Capcom also invites players to test their limits with a challenging Mr. Charlie scavenger hunt within the Raccoon City Demo. Twenty Mr. Charlie statues are strewn across Raccoon City; can you seek and destroy all of them with Nemesis hot on your heels? An on-screen counter will help players keep track of their acquired statues and a final count will be displayed upon the demo’s completion.
Later this month, fans can also get a sneak peek at Resident Evil Resistance, the asymmetrical 4 vs 1 multiplayer experience that is included with Resident Evil 3. In the open beta starting March 27, players have the option to take on the role of Daniel Fabron, one of the game’s four Masterminds, to run twisted experiments using various bioweapons and traps on a group of everyday civilians. In turn, players can band together as one of four of the six Survivors, each possessing a unique ability to help their team escape the experiment before time runs out.
The Resident Evil Resistance open beta starts March 27 at 03:00 h ET / 07:00 h GMT / 08:00 h CET for Xbox One and PlayStation 4, and 13:00 h ET / 17:00 h GMT / 18:00 CET for Steam. The open beta will end when the game launches on April 3.
Resident Evil Resistance will be included with Resident Evil 3 on April 3, 2020 for PlayStation 4, the Xbox One family of devices including Xbox One X, and Steam.
Ahead of the April 10th launch of FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE, SQUARE ENIX has unveiled the first in a series of videos which gives viewers a deep-dive into the creation of one of the most anticipated videogames of all time.
Bringing together interviews with the game’s creators, artists and developers, the series gives an exclusive look at some of the secrets behind the development of FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE – from the game’s story, characters, combat and action to its stunning music and spectacular visual design. The first video features insight from renowned developers including:
Yoshinori Kitase (Producer)
Tetsuya Nomura (Director & Concept Design)
Kazushige Nojima (Story & Scenario)
Naoki Hamaguchi (Co-Director – Game Design / Programming)
Motomu Toriyama (Co-Director – Scenario Design)
FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE will be available for the PlayStation 4 on April 10, 2020. The FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE Demo is now available to PlayStation 4 system owners across the globe, allowing players to experience the opening chapter from the game. Those who download the demo before May 11, 2020 will also receive an exclusive PlayStation 4 system theme when the full game launches next month. To download the demo now, visit: https://sqex.link/FF7RDemo.
To celebrate the release of SUPERMAN: RED SON on DVD and Blu-ray, we are offering you the change to win a copy on Blu-ray.
What if the Man of Steel was raised behind the Iron Curtain? So begins DC’s acclaimed Elseworlds story, Superman: Red Son, now the next entry in the popular series of DC Universe Movies. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC, the feature-length animated film arrives – along with a new DC Showcase animated short, Phantom Stranger – from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Digital Download from February 25, 2020, and on Blu-ray, Blu-ray Mini Fig, Blu-ray Steelbook and DVD on March 16, 2020.
Based on DC’s famed Elseworlds tale from 2003, Superman: Red Son takes place in an alternate reality where the spaceship bearing the last survivor of Krypton crash lands – not in rural Kansas, but in Stalinist Russia. Can this Cold War-era Earth survive the coming of a Soviet Superman?
Golden Globe-nominated actor Jason Isaacs leads a stellar cast as the voice of the alternate, Soviet take on Superman. Joining Isaacs is Diedrich Bader (American Housewife, Veep, The Drew Carey Show) as Lex Luthor, Amy Acker (Angel, Person of Interest, The Gifted) as Lois Lane, Vanessa Marshall (Young Justice, Star Wars Rebels) as Wonder Woman, Phil Morris (Seinfeld, Doom Patrol) as James Olsen, Academy Award winner Paul Williams (Goliath, Phantom of the Paradise) as Brainiac, Roger Craig Smith (Batman Ninja, Batman: Arkham Origins) as Batman, Sasha Roiz (Grimm) as Hal Jordan, Phil LaMarr (Futurama, Pulp Fiction, Justice League/Justice League Unlimited) as John Stewart, Jim Meskimen (Parks and Recreation, Impress Me) as John F. Kennedy, Travis Willingham (Critical Role, Batman: Bad Blood) as Superior Man, William Salyers (Regular Show, Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders) as Joseph Stalin, and Winter Ave Zoli (Sons of Anarchy, Bosch) as Svetlana.
Superman: Red Son is produced and directed by Sam Liu (Reign of the Supermen) from a script by J.M. DeMatteis (Batman: Bad Blood, Constantine: City of Demons). Jim Krieg (Batman: Gotham by Gaslight) is co-producer. Amy McKenna (The Death of Superman) is producer. Executive Producers are Sam Register and Bruce Timm (Batman: The Animated Series).
How to enter to win
We have two copies on Blu-ray to give away, simply enter below:
In breaking news that will sadly surprise no one, EGX Rezzed has just announced that the event originally scheduled for March 26-28th 2020 has now been postponed to a possible Summer schedule instead:
A message to our fans regarding COVID-19, having monitored the situation closely and following conversations internally and with our partners, we have taken the incredibly difficult decision to move EGX Rezzed to Summer 2020. Read more at – https://t.co/tYbV8zMjWrpic.twitter.com/LbHyUDqs3C
“A message to our visitors regarding COVID-19. Last updated: 13th March 2020
According to many, Rezzed is the best games show in the world. It doesn’t take half a day to walk from one end to the other. It isn’t deafeningly loud, and every room offers something different. It’s a great mix of indie games, fun experiences, cool spaces to hangout and has the odd blockbuster dropped in. Loads to do and perfect for discovering a hidden gem.
Every year the Rezzed team work long and hard to deliver the best possible experiences for everyone who attends the show. We know exactly how much Rezzed means to so many people and we’re passionate about creating a safe space for you all to get together, be yourselves and experience the most amazing games from the most creative minds, with the most amazing community. The well-being of this community, from our attendees and exhibitors to our staff on-site is of the utmost importance to Reedpop, and we take pride in creating a positive environment to celebrate indie games and indie game culture.
Having monitored the situation around COVID-19 constantly over these last few weeks and following many hours of conversation internally and with our partners, we have taken the incredibly difficult decision to move EGX: Rezzed to Summer 2020 with date and announcement forthcoming. We did everything that we could to try to run the event as planned, but ultimately, maintaining social distancing is neither feasible at, nor in the spirit of, the interactive and community nature of Rezzed. It is the community that makes Rezzed so special and it is our duty to make sure that your safety comes first.
To all our fans, your ticket(s) will be valid for the new Rezzed dates and no further action is needed on your part. Should you be unable to attend the new dates when we announce them or have any additional queries please contact our Customer Services team at click here to email.
Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by the COVID-19 virus in what is an incredibly challenging time, and we remain determined to run EGX: Rezzed in 2020 for everyone who has looked forward to and wants to attend the show.
Thank you for all the messages we have received over these last few weeks, this feedback has been invaluable in helping us determine these next steps.
Stay tuned to our website and social channels for the latest information about when three days of indie gaming fun at EGX: Rezzed will take place.”
E3 itself was cancelled this week and with the Corona Virus situation taking hold on a global level, gaming events like this being affected is sadly all too expected. If you have plans to go to any gaming events this year, including Gamescom 2020 where travel and accommodation need to be booked in advance, do take the time to check if you are covered by insurance or can get your money back in the event of the Corona Virus measures changing or cancelling plans.
Everyone is started to feel the impact of the precautionary measures being taken to combat the Corona virus with the situation changing almost on a daily basis with advice and responses meeting the growing concerns of the public.
Naturally this having a knock on event for the TV and Film industry in terms of filming on location as well ultimately, on the cinemas films will be shown in regard large groups of people being confined to a cinema screen during this growing crisis. As a result a large number of big name releases have been delayed, some even without a new release date and it the list is growing. Below is a list of the films recently announced to have had their release dates moved:
No Time To Die
Mulan
Antlers
A Quiet Place 2
New Mutants
F9: The Fast Saga
Peter Rabbit 2
The love Birds
Blue Story
New release dates for some have yet to be announced with F9: The Fast Saga being moved to an April 2021 release giving it almost a full year delay. This is an ongoing situation so more may join and some new release dates may even shift again from their planned later this year new release.
Cinema chains are also watching the situation as well with some countries now banning any venues that can hold large groups of people together and yesterday I received an email from Cineworld here in the UK who sent the following statement to all their customers:
“As a valued customer, we wanted to update you on the steps Cineworld are taking to help minimise the spread of COVID-19.
We are continuing to follow and monitor official guidance from the UK Government and Public Health England carefully. It is of vital importance for us to be in a position to ensure that any and all procedures are in place to support the health and well-being of our customers and staff members.
To help combat the spread of COVID-19, we have been putting precautionary safety measures in place, including:
Educating our staff on prevention Emphasizing frequent and proper hand washing Cleaning high contact points more frequently Providing hand sanitizer Working with local health authorities
In line with government guidance, we are continuing to operate as usual. We will continue to keep in touch with you and follow official guidance from the UK Government and Public Health England carefully.
Thank you for your continued passion for cinema.
Best wishes,
The Cineworld Team”
This is no doubt a situation that will change going forward into the foreseeable future and could see more and more delays in releases and with production of TV and film schedules.
