With the release of Life is Feudal: Your Own, BITBOX Ltd. has prepared a new video showcasing the numerous gameplay enhancements, upgraded DirectX 11 visuals, and completely reworked UI coming to the medieval, multiplayer sandbox on 17th November.
Watch the new gameplay video of Life is Feudal: Your Own
With the jump to DirectX 11, Life is Feudal: Your Own offers players an even more richly detailed atmosphere, including more intricate textures, improved lighting effects, and realistic foliage.
You can see side-by-side comparisons here:
More than just a visual upgrade though, the launch release also represents a tremendous leap forward in terms of gameplay, with the improved UI and crafting giving players better tools and knowledge to create, build, and become a vital part of the community.
As seen in the video, the physics-based combat of Life is Feudal: Your Own brings authenticity to the battlefield. Every swing and thrust, including the force of the attack, is controlled by a player’s movements, And, with no lock-on targeting, players must always be mindful of positioning; strategically maneuvering to out-flank opponents and maximize the momentum of attacks.
Life is Feudal: Your Own is coming 17th November for the PC.
The German publisher astragon Entertainment has announced that TruckSim, the open-world truck simulation game for iOS and Android devices, will be available in the Apple App Store as well as on Google Play on November 25th priced at £2.49/€2.99.
Developed by the award winning team of kunst-stoff, TruckSim will provide players with a multitude of challenging tasks as they drive across an open world encompassing the vast highways and cities of Central and Western Europe. Starting as a small independent hauler, players will look to develop their company gradually leading it to greater and greater success.
Featuring licensed trucks by German manufacturer MAN, aspiring haulage magnates will begin their transportation career with a rickety vintage truck with which they will undertake small deliveries earning their first cash sums. These funds can then be used to gradually purchase newer and better trucks to add to their expanding fleet of vehicles. More trucks means more trailers, each of them allowing players to transport a wider range of goods. Haulage companies, once the contracts begin to increase, will also have the opportunity to hire other drivers and dispatch them out on additional delivery routes.
With a variety of tasks from standard delivery orders up to the transportation of hazardous goods, a huge network of roads spanning 310 in-game miles corresponding to 15,534 real life road miles across 20 world famous cities including London, Milan and Paris, all behind stunning mobile graphics, will ensure that TruckSim will please simulation fans wherever they play.
*Note: This is a first impressions piece based on playing the EA Access ten hour trial of Star Wars Battlefront and is not a review of the full game*
We are just one week away from the release of Star Wars Battlefront and thanks to EA Access, Xbox One subscribers to the service have granted early access to the full game with a ten hour trial. After playing the Beta last month, I felt that developer DICE succeeded in making Battlefront feel like a true Star Wars experience and not a reskinned Battlefield.
But the Beta had some issues with weapon balance, spawning points and a perceived heavy advantage for Imperial forces over the Rebels with greater range of vehicles. I was very keen to not only try out the other modes and features ahead of release but also to see if the issues raised after the beta had been addressed. So here are my first impressions of what I managed to try out in the ten hour trial and again, this is not a review of the full game.
The benefit of this EA Access trial is that subscribers get to play the full game a week early. Achievements can be collected and progress will carry over into the main game when purchased on release. The first thing the game suggests to the player to do first is the tutorial section. I found this to be an excellent introduction to the various playing styles in Battlefront. Five tutorials will teach the player the basics to the game such as how to play as a ground soldier, how to pilot an X-Wing in the legendary Beggars Canyon, how to control an Imperial Walker, ride a speederbike on Endor and learn how to play as Hero characters with Darth Vader and the Emperor. What I felt was a nice touch was the final training mission which teaches players how to fly an Airspeeder and take down imperial walkers and AT-AT’s with a Grapple Line. Completing these training tutorials will prepare players for Battlefront and we’ll worth completing even if you participated in the beta.
There are two gameplay options for Battlefront with Multiplayer modes and Single Player or co-op Missions. The Missions side has Battles and Survival modes. Battles will have the player or the player and a co-op partner take on AI enemy as either the Rebel or Imperial sides. The winner is the first side to collect 100 tokens which are dropped when killing an enemy. You can retrieve tokens dropped by fallen teammates to prevent the other side collecting them and scoring. The player can choose a higher difficulty and complete side challenges to earn greater rewards. Completion times are saved and compared to your friends times for that competitive edge. You can also play a Hero version of each Battle where the player will pick a hero character to play as.
Survival mode which was in the beta, is basically a horde mode where the player takes on waves of enemy with increasing tougher enemies. Again scores are recorded to compare with friends. Both modes have maps on each of the iconic Star Wars locations of Hoth, Endor, Tatooine and Sullust. These are really fun modes for the Star Wars fans not wanting to jump into the Multiplayer side straight away.
The bread and butter of Battlefront is of course the Multiplayer and it delights in having various modes to enjoy. Traditional FPS modes are given the Star Wars twist and there is something for everyone:
• Blast – Team Death Match mode
• Cargo – Capture the Flag style mode
• Drop Zone – Secure Pods first and defend
• Droid Run – Three Droids active on map, first side to claim all Droids win
• Hero Hunt – Defeat the hero to become the hero
• Heroes vs Villains – First side to defeat enemy team’s heroes win
• Walker Assault
• Supremacy
• Fighter Squadron
Whilst trying these modes out I was left in awe of the maps they were played on. One of the strong elements that grabbed during the beta was just how Battlefront captured the very essence and wonder that makes Star Wars so special. Just as I was in awe of the Hoth location, experiencing Endor’s Forrest as a ground trooper was especially amazing as a lifelong fan of Star Wars. Every map features such details that combined with the sound effects and music, really bring the locations of Hoth, Tatooine, Sullust and Endor just come to life in this game.
The variety in the MP modes was a surprise and all of them were enjoyable, more so when you join friends in the action and can share the experience. I had criticised the lack of space battles in the game but can honestly say that the Fighter Squadron mode does make up for it. Dog fighting in the skies in star fighters from either side really is a dream come true for this game. Players will take on AI enemy fighters as well as player controlled ones in a race to score 200 kills to win. Much like ground battles, hero power ups can be picked up which will switch the player to either the Millennium Falcon or Boba Fett’s Slave I ship. Switching to cockpit view and the huge grin on my face said it all.
The modes range from small team skirmishes to big battles with 20 vs 20 match ups. The one sided advantage players who took part in the beta felt that the Imperial sides had feels less so seeing the range of anti vehicle weapons that can be unlocked with credits earned from gameplay. Blast and Cargo stood out more for me and Droid Run was a nice change of pace. Supremacy is a big battle objective mode where the goal is to capture and hold 5 control points. With such diversity in gameplay modes and so many items, weapons and customisation options, Battlefront has a huge amount of content for an FPS title and for Star Wars fans this will provide more than enough fanboy moments to relish.
Sadly some issues highlighted in the beta I found still to be a problem in the full game. Spawning can be rather frustrating with the player either being spawned far away from the action or spawning smack down where the enemy team are. Weapon hit markers are still incredibly floaty where one kill your weapon will be highly effective and the next the shots will not register. Not withstanding how intricately the maps have been designed for visual impact, I found that depending on the mode type, they hold many camping spots for one side over the other. Whilst playing Cargo, the Imperial Hanger map positioned the Imperial side where they could easily control the high vantage points above our Rebel spawn area. With the full game obviously players can take their time to learn the maps far better than a ten hour trial permits, but the above niggles added frustration despite the player feedback from the beta highlighting them. Hopefully they will be addressed post release.
Overall my time with this early access trial has made me more excited for the potential Battlefront has for players. It delivers a Star Wars experience that can be enjoyed solo but enhanced greatly when shared with friends. I enjoyed it so much that my heart sank as my trial timer counted down to the final minutes and made me want to carry on immediately and explore the game fully on its release next week. Giving fans and subscribers to EA Access an early glimpse at the full game was a generous and clever way to both promote Battlefront and EA Access as a service.
The Force is certainly strong with Star Wars Battlefront!
Star Wars Battlefront will release on November 19th in the UK for Xbox One,PlayStation 4 and Origin on PC
If you are looking for some toy ideas for Christmas, why not take a look at the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Classic Collection.
The Classic Collection Action Figures reflect the look of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from the 80’s TV show. Each Turtle stands 6″ tall, features 34 points of articulation. These perfect, old-school cartoon recreations will leave you screaming: Cowabunga.
Inspired by the original 1988 TMNT animated series, each collector-quality figure featuring 34 points of articulation, includes signature weapons and comes on a personalised man hole cover base.
Leo, Donnie, Raph and Mikey are mutant turtles who have been trained in the art of ninjutsu by their rat sensei, Master Splinter. Emerging from their sewer lair, the reptile brothers confront the world of New York City, facing villains more dangerous and pizza more delicious than anything they could have imagined! Help the turtles battle with Shredder, the Kraang and loads of super-powerful mutants, and learn your Ninja skills today! Turtle Power!
These collectable action figures retail for around £10 and with the new movie coming out next year they are bound to be quite popular.
Nintendo debuted a new Nintendo Direct presentation today, revealing details about several new and upcoming Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games.
Some of the exciting news included the reveal that iconic video game character Cloud from FINAL FANTASY VII will be added as a playable DLC fighter in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. Other notable announcements included the reveal of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD for the Wii U console, and news that the Pokémon games that started it all – Pokémon Red Version, Pokémon Blue Version and Pokémon Yellow Version – will launch with wireless communication functionality on Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS family systems on February 27th.
Some of the highlights revealed in the presentation include:
Wii U and Nintendo 3DS
A New Challenger Approaches!: Cloud Strife – the legendary protagonist from the classic RPG game FINAL FANTASY VII – will enter the battlefield as a playable fighter in Super Smash Bros.for Wii UandNintendo 3DS in the future. Additionally, a special broadcast – the last one for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS – will be released in December. More information is available at http://www.smashbros.com/en-uk/dlc
Animal Crossing Series amiibo: Resetti, Blathers, Celeste and Kicks join the ranks in early 2016.
Wii U
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD: Originally released for Wii and Nintendo GameCube systems in 2006, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD is a visually-remastered remake of The Legend of Zelda series. The new game launches on 4th March in a bundle with a detailed new amiibo figure modelled after the Wolf Link and Midna characters in the game, plus an official soundtrack. The game will also be compatible with five other The Legend of Zelda amiibo from the Super Smash Bros. Collection.
The Legend of Zelda for Wii U (name not final): Next year marks the 30th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda series. And with that comes The Legend of Zelda for Wii U, the next entry in the legendary series. During the Nintendo Direct presentation, it was revealed that certain saved data from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD on the Wolf Link amiibo can be carried over to this new game. To help ease the wait somewhat, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass and The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks have been released on Wii U Virtual Console shortly after the presentation. Until November 19th, players who buy one of these two for € 9,99 (£8.99 in the UK) will get 50% off the other if purchased on the same Wii U.
Pokkén Tournament: A collaboration between The Pokémon Company and BANDAI Namco Entertainment, Pokkén Tournament is a new fighting game that lets players use their favourite Pokémon characters to battle it out in fighting arenas. Fans who purchase a first-run version of the game at retail will receive a limited-edition Shadow Mewtwo amiibo card that immediately unlocks the character in the game after tapping it to the GamePad. Pokkén Tournament launches in spring 2016.
Star Fox Zero: It’s a new beginning for the Star Fox series, with a unique control scheme that uses both the TV screen and the screen on the GamePad, players pilot multiple vehicles through intergalactic levels with Fox and his classic crew in Star Fox Zero. The game launches exclusively for Wii U in April 2016.
Splatoon: On 13th November a free software update adds over 40 pieces of new gear including more winter items, while a new stage called Museum d’Alfonsino will become available on 14th November. Further stages and features will be added in future updates through January.
Super Mario Maker: In December, a new web portal that can be accessed anytime, anywhere will offer a more detailed search function to find and filter levels on the go, register them to your “Play Later” list and then have them ready to play when you get home!
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Massive RPG Xenoblade Chronicles X launches exclusively for Wii U on 4th December, and Nintendo Direct viewers were treated to some unforgettable scenes directly from Planet Mira.
FAST Racing Neo from Shin’en (Wii U): It’s almost here! The high-octane racing game with up to four-player local multiplayer and up to eight-player online multiplayer, launches exclusively in the Nintendo eShop on Wii U in December.
Typomanfrom Brainseed Factory and Headup Games: Using the GamePad in a unique way, in Typoman players set out on an adventure to explore the incredible power of words, how they can be used to survive the environmental hazards and overcome vicious enemies. The game launches exclusively on Nintendo eShop on Wii U on 19th November
Nintendo 3DS
Pokémon on Virtual Console: The original Pokémon games that started it all – Pokémon Red Version, Pokémon Blue Version and Pokémon Yellow Version – are coming to Nintendo 3DS on February 27th, the same day that the original games first released in Japan in 1996. Using the wireless communication on Nintendo 3DS family systems, players can trade Pokémon with other players.
Hyrule Warriors: Legends: Take the epic Hyrule Warriors experience on the go! Hyrule Warriors: Legends offers players the entire Hyrule Warriors game on Nintendo 3DS, but with even more content! This time, Tetra, Toon Link and the King of Hyrule from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker join the Skull Kid from The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask on the battlefield. In addition, new character Linkle, a girl who lives in a small village filled with Cuccos and wields two crossbows, joins the large cast of playable characters. Players will be able to command multiple characters on the battlefield for strategic moves and immediately switch between any of them to be in the thick of battle at all times. Hyrule Warriors: Legends launches also as part of a Limited Edition bundle including a Compass watch and the game on 25th March.
Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam Bros.: The hilarious Mario & Luigi series meets the charming Paper Mario series in Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam Bros., launching on December 4th. Using compatible amiibo, players can create a corresponding character card in the game, which have powerful effects during battle.
Fire Emblem Fates: There are multiple adventures waiting to be experienced in Fire Emblem Fates in 2016. By purchasing one of the two main games – Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright or Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest – either at retail or on Nintendo eShop, players choose to embark on a unique quest with a different story and different experiences. After purchasing one game, the downloadable version of the other is available at a reduced price via an in-game purchase. There will even be a third downloadable version, Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation, which will reveal some secrets about the story that will affect the way you think about the other paths. For fans of the series, a special edition will be available that includes all three games, plus an artbook.
The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes: New free DLC is coming on 3rd December, adding Linebeck’s Uniform and Fierce Deity Mail outfits, each with unique powers, and the new Den of Trials with more than 30 stages to conquer. The upcoming software update also makes it more convenient to get Friendly Tokens by purchasing them from the Street Merchant once the princess’s curse has been lifted. Additionally two adjustments will ensure a more comfortable online experience: by answering a question before matchmaking, you will be matched with other players who gave similar answers, plus players who leave a game in progress through the Pause menu can be added to the blacklist.
Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon: Players can become one of 20 Pokémon in Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon, launching on February 19th. With turn-based battles and ever-changing dungeons, players can encounter every single known Pokémon in the game – all 720 of them!
Nintendo Badge Arcade: Freshly available on Nintendo eShop shortly after the presentation, Nintendo Badge Arcade is a free-to-download game that lets players control a variety of badge catcher machines to earn badges from popular titles used to customise their Nintendo 3DS HOME Menus. Players can purchase plays using Nintendo eShop funds or enjoy 5 free practice plays per day in which with a bit of luck free plays can be won.
DRAGON QUEST: The line-up of RPGs on Nintendo 3DS continues to grow with classic games DRAGON QUEST VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past and DRAGON QUEST VIII: Journey of the Cursed King. Both remastered titles are coming in 2016.
Pokémon Picross: The popular Picross series meets the lovable world of Pokémon when free-to-start game Pokémon Picross launches exclusively in the Nintendo eShop in early December.
Bravely Second: End Layer from Square Enix, Inc.: The successor to the cherished Bravely Default arrives in Q1 2016, also as part of a Deluxe Collector’s Edition including an Original Soundtrack CD, Agnès Mini Figurine (not Amiibo figure) and a Deluxe Artbook of around 250 pages.
FINAL FANTASY EXPLORERS from Square Enix, Inc.: In the first FINAL FANTASY action-RPG on Nintendo 3DS, journey to an island filled with mystical crystals. Up to four players can connect in local or online multiplayer and team up, assigning allies 4 different combat roles. More than 20 jobs can be learned, each with its own set of special skills. At launch on 29th January, it will include all the DLC that was previously released in Japan. The game will also be available as part of a Collector’s Edition that includes an artbook, a 20-track CD sampler, a Nintendo 3DS case and exclusive quests that unlock legendary FINAL FANTASY weapons.
Mega Man Legacy Collectionfrom Capcom: Capcom’s iconic Blue Bomber has been a classic part of Nintendo history since the NES days. Mega Man Legacy Collection launches on Nintendo eShop on February 23rd and features faithful reproductions of the first six NES Mega Man games (Mega Man 1–6), plus new ways to experience these classics with Challenge Mode’s remix stages and Museum Mode’s repository of original production art.
SteamWorld Heist from Image & Form: For a limited time, players that purchase side-scrolling, turn-based strategy shooter SteamWorld Heist in the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS when it launches in December will receive an exclusive Nintendo 3DS HOME Menu theme.
Following the release of the final episode of LIFE IS STRANGE, has announce that will be getting a boxed Limited Edition release on January 19th 2016 in the US and January 22nd 2016 in PAL territories.
“The response to Life is Strange really has blown us away,” explained Luc Baghadoust, producer at DONTNOD Entertainment, “to be able to share that experience with our fans in a traditional boxed format is something we’re really excited about and the decision to include the extra items for the Limited Edition is a direct response to fan requests.”
The Limited Edition includes a directors’ commentary, a physical 32-page art book, and 14 licensed tracks from the game’s official soundtrack as well as 8 tracks from the game’s composer Jonathan Morali. A full list of included tracks can be found below:
1. Syd Matters – ‘To All Of You’
2. José González – ‘Crosses’
3. Angus & Julia Stone – ‘Santa Monica Dream’
4. Sparklehorse – ‘Piano Fire’
5. alt-J – ‘Something Good’
6. Local Natives – ‘Mt. Washington’
7. Bright Eyes ‘Lua’
8. Mogwai – ‘Kids Will Be Skeletons’
9. Amanda Palmer – ‘In My Mind’ (feat. Brian Viglione)
10. Message To Bears ‘Mountains’
11. Breton – ‘Got Well Soon’
12. Mud Flow – ‘The Sense of Me’
13. Foals – ‘Spanish Sahara’
14. Syd Matters – ‘Obstacles’
Original Score by Jonathan Morali
15. Jonathan Morali – ‘Golden Hour’
16. Jonathan Morali – ‘The Storm’
17. Jonathan Morali – ‘Blackwell Academy’
18. Jonathan Morali – ‘Kate’
19. Jonathan Morali – ‘Timeless’
20. Jonathan Morali – ‘Timelines’
21. Jonathan Morali – ‘Night Walk’
22. Jonathan Morali – ‘Max & Chloe’
LIFE IS STRANGE follows the story of Max Caulfield, a photography senior who discovers she can rewind time while saving her best friend Chloe Price. The pair soon finds themselves investigating the mysterious disappearance of fellow student Rachel Amber, uncovering a dark side to life in Arcadia Bay. Meanwhile, Max must quickly learn that changing the past can sometimes lead to a devastating future.
Lucasfilm and visionary director J.J. Abrams join forces to take you back again to a galaxy far, far away as Star Wars returns to the big screen with Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The film stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Max Von Sydow. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk are producing with Tommy Harper and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers.
The IMAX release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of An IMAX 3D Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images coupled with IMAX’s customised theatre geometry and powerful digital audio create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.
Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. today announced today a global partnership with ESL to launch the official METAL GEAR ONLINE Global Championship. Launching in December of this year, the league kicks off its first global tournament season where online stealth shooter fans can compete for glory and cash prizes.
Players of METAL GEAR ONLINE – METAL GEAR SOLID V: The Phantom Pain’s competitive multiplayer mode – now have the opportunity to showcase their sneaking skills within the METAL GEAR ONLINE community. The league will hold weekly online tournaments worldwide starting 1st December through 29th Feb, 2016, with competitions being held in four regions: North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia/Australia.
With the global support of ESL, competitions will be conducted throughout the month per region where winning teams earn cash prizes for demonstrating their dominance on the battlefield – $1,000 USD will be rewarded per region per month, with a total prize pool of $12,000 USD. In addition, participants in the league will be able to earn points to build their professional rank to become the next legendary soldier.
METAL GEAR ONLINE is built around a dedicated squad-based competitive multiplayer structure. The mode has been fully redesigned with the familiar gameplay and aesthetic styling of the acclaimed METAL GEAR SOLID series. The online element introduces Tactical Team Operations and features a ‘class system’ that more uniquely defines the strengths and abilities of player characters on the battlefield.
With the new Star Wars film, The Force Awakens opening next month, there are lots of cool toys you can get for Christmas, including a talking Finn action figure.
Standing at 13.5”, Finn is a fully articulated action figure that has 15 phrases and sound effects from the new movie. There is a button on his right arm that lights up his blaster and plays the sound effects. There is a button on his chest that plays the phrases from the movie, although you will have to wait until December 17th to find out where they fit in the story.
The 13.5” talking Finn action figure is available now for £20.95.
My love for action adventure genre of video games started with the original Tomb Raider series. The puzzles, exploration and action along with the charismatic hero Lara Croft made the series one of my favourites in gaming. When the news came that Square Enix was planning to reboot the franchise back in 2013 with a new game and origin story, I had my doubts. But the game was incredible and succeeded in not only making the series relevant again but also in setting a new benchmark for how rebooted game series should be done.
It has not been a smooth road for ‘Rise of the Tomb Raider’ with the controversial Xbox console exclusivity for a full year angering many of the Tomb Raider fan base. With Xbox clearly hoping to have something to challenge the Uncharted series for PlayStation and Square Enix looking to build on the success of the reboot, can ‘Rise of the Tomb Raider’ live up to the pressure and hype ?
It has been one year since the events of Yamatai and the impact they had on Lara as a person and on how she now sees the world. The young Miss Croft has become determined to clear her father’s name and prove to the world that his final work on proving the existence of a supernatural artefact known as ‘The Divine Source was valid. Fuelled by her encounter with the supernatural Himiko the Sun Queen and knowing that the world is not so black and white, Lara enters a race against a secret organisation known as Trinity who are also searching for the Divine Source.
From the very first cut scenes it is clear that Rise of the Tomb Raider is out to make a big impact. Visually this is the finest looking game on Xbox One right now for me. Using the game engine for cut scenes allows a seamless transition from cut scenes to gameplay so that the player is never pulled out of the experience. The story will take Lara from to Siberia and the contrast in visuals for each location are stunning. Reacting to fan feedback from the last game, these areas are far larger to play in and explore. Filled with collectibles to find, challenges to complete and hidden areas with Crypts and chests to discover, the amount of content to enjoy outside the main story sections really is impressive. Happily the now tradition of being able to progress in the game but travel back to previous locations returns with the campsite fire fast travel system. To give you an idea of just how large the playing locations are, at the completion of the main story I had 36 campsite fire locations to fast travel to.
Lara in the first game was presented as an inexperienced and young woman but who was tenacious, courageous and determined. Resisting the temptation to have Lara become a complete package adventurer, for Rise of the Tomb Raider Lara is very much still learning the skills we know she will later become a master in. Lara is now clearly more of a capable fighter and almost comfortable with the use of violence. Progressing through the story will again allow the player to upgrade Lara’s skills in three categories; Brawler, Hunter and Survivor. The crafting system has been retained but very much enhanced by the notion that Lara is still learning. Now Lara can scavenge materials and can learn to create ammunition on the fly. For example Lara can strip a tree of its branches and collect feathers from bird nests and can craft arrows for her bow. Lara will then learn how to craft trick arrows such as poison gas or flame arrows and using materials can also make these, even in the middle of a fight.
As a result the combat feels far more fluid and the game will blend high action sequences and big story moments to simply just giving time to explore areas. It maintains a consistent pace that drives the story but allows for moments the player can pause to take a breath and absorb the experience. Everything you do from completing story sections, exploring areas and finding collectibles all give the sensation that Lara is evolving into the hero fans know she will become.
One of the biggest criticisms of the last game was the lack of actual tombs to be raided. Lara has spent a year researching her father’s files along with the world’s legends and is driven to explore them all. There are nine tombs to discover and explore as optional challenges alongside the main story. Some will require Lara to obtain certain skills or equipment before they can be tackled, meaning whilst their locations can be discovered, it will be a case of returning to them later. But the tombs are well constructed with puzzles that are challenging but straightforward and rewarding to complete.
As much as I am impressed with how the game plays not everything that has been retained is welcome. The frustrating inch perfect jump traversal is back where if Lara needs to jump to a certain ledge, missing that by the slightest inch will result in Lara falling to her death when you would expect her to just grab the ledge. I also found that the new trick arrows and ability to craft them when needed do make some of the battles a little too easy so the bow became my get out of jail card. But these niggles did little to take the shine off a well polished game.
Rise of the Tomb Raider is a superb sequel for a series still in the reboot phase in the eyes of fans. Whilst the story is still linear, there is so much extra gameplay activities for the player both during the main story and after to gather all the collectibles that it has huge replay value. Competitive multiplayer has been replaced with a new challenge mode called Expeditions which task the player with replaying game sections but against the clock. Using an online Leader board system, players can compare scores with other players and friends. Cards are all the rage and here they are used to provide modifiers for Expedition to help score more points by assisting with bonus perks or weapons or they can be used to add more of a challenge. Card packs can be purchased using in game currency or by the dreaded micro transactions with real world money.
I enjoyed my time with this game so much that it has quickly jumped high on my top games of the year. Though few risks were taken with what was previously successful with the last game, what has been added has indeed enhanced the playing experience. Lara Croft is steadily on her way to becoming an iconic hero for the modern generation of gaming. Strong willed, determined and brave, Lara’s story is a thrilling experience that starts with a bang and continues with all the punch of a Hollywood blockbuster. If Xbox wanted a challenger to Uncharted 4 next year, they certainly found it with Rise of the Tomb Raider.
The final of six episodes in the Game of Thrones season, ‘The Ice Dragon’ will be available starting Tuesday, 17th November on PC/Mac, PS4, Xbox One and other platforms.
This marks the first time in Telltale’s release history that a finale will be available to download simultaneously across all console, PC/Mac and mobile platforms, day and date, worldwide.
The season will also debut on disc at retailers in North America beginning 17th November on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, and Xbox 360 and beginning 20th November in Europe on these consoles as well as for PC.
2K and Gearbox are excited to introduce Borderlands: The Handsome Collection Gentleman Claptrap-in-a-Box Edition this holiday season.
In addition to featuring a dapper, app-controlled “Gentleman” Claptrap unit, complete with stylish mustache, top hat and monocle, the new edition also includes the critically-acclaimed Handsome Collection, featuring both the Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel games, alongside all add-ons campaigns, playable character packs, level cap upgrades, combat arenas and character customization packs.
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection Gentleman Claptrap-in-a-Box Edition will be available for purchase in the UK this November 27th from Gamestop for a RRP of £269.99 on XBOX One and PlayStation 4.
Key Features of Borderlands: The Handsome Collection Gentleman Claptrap-in-a-Box Edition include:
•Borderlands: The Handsome Collection, which includes the critically-acclaimed Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel and Borderlands 2 in one package;
•All bonus add-on content, adding hundreds of hours of gameplay at an incredible value*; •Transferable save files from Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, or PS Vita onto the next-gen consoles with cross-save functionality •Cooperative gameplay for up to four players, either online or local; •Upgraded Four-Player Split-Screen for same couch gameplay. •An iOS and Android app-controlled Gentleman CL4P-TP unit, complete with a variety of gadgets such as a camera, a variety of playable phrases, and a microphone to communicate through its speaker.
When the Earth is destroyed by a mysterious alien race, the last of humanity escapes and crash-lands on the mysterious planet Mira. Facing the threat of extinction, players must survive the perils of their new home in Xenoblade Chronicles X, an RPG set in a massive open world just waiting to be explored in-depth, releasing exclusively on the Wii U on 4th December.
In this new RPG from the creators of Xenoblade Chronicles, players can create their own character and explore a planet five times bigger than the world in Xenoblade Chronicles. A rich variety of hostile wildlife makes Mira an inhospitable place, and players will need to master a deeply strategic real-time battle system to survive.
During combat, your avatar can switch between different battle classes that allow them to become more adept at long-range or close-quarters combat, as well as issue tactical orders to up to three AI partners. Party members will also advise players on when to use special skills, known as Arts, to boost their allies or blast away foes. Each class has access to different Arts, and strategic use of these can be instrumental in turning the tide of the battle.
Outside of combat, players can focus on the necessities of exploration and survival by taking jobs in eight different divisions. Those who want to focus on discovering the massive, open environments and scavenge for new materials can take a job as a Curator, while joining the Harriers will allow players to concentrate primarily on defeating the dangerous monsters that roam the landscape. Another choice, Outfitters, spend the bulk of their time helping to develop the giant weaponised mechs known as Skells. Eventually, players will be able to pilot the Skell themselves, allowing access to places they couldn’t find before, providing even more possibilities for exploration.
By using the Wii U GamePad, players can access the navigation system, which displays a hexagonal map grid to plot the course ahead to avoid ambushes from giant monsters, uncover new resources, and fast-travel between previously discovered locations. The game can also be played on the GamePad screen alone.
Xenoblade Chronicles X brings the series online for the first time, making it possible to team up and take on co-operative missions as a party of four. Players can also join a party of up to 32 asynchronous characters with whom they can trade items and weapons, even if they are not battling together. In addition, avatars created by other players can be recruited into your team as AI party members, providing you with even more avenues for strategy in the midst of battle.
Explore humanity’s final frontier in Xenoblade Chronicles X for the Wii U, as it launches across Europe on 4th December. The game will also be available as a bundle with a Wii U Premium Pack console and as a Limited Edition. Users who purchase Xenoblade Chronicles on Nintendo eShop on Wii U will be eligible for a 10 Euro (£9) discount on Xenoblade Chronicles X if they buy it on Nintendo eShop on the same Wii U console*** before 18th December 2015.
Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. has today announced that its popular mobile title (iOS, Google Play), Star Wars: FORCE COLLECTION (SWFC), launched a new campaign based on the film, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” The countdown campaign, which leads up to the movie’s launch, will include login bonuses for a chance to obtain a new “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” card.
Additionally, new character cards, ongoing events and fresh features – including improvements on the Enhance/Evolve functions, and new Skills and Support Abilities – will be available mid-December.
SWFC is a card battle game which takes its place in the Star Wars universe. Players take command of more than 400 heroes, villains and vehicles, such as Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. Create your own deck and challenge your rivals by placing cards so you can utilize your card’s skill and force attribution. Real-time Legion battles where players can fight other players around the globe are also available.
