WildStar INVASION: Nexus – Detailed

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

-

Apr 8, 2015

NCSOFT and Carbine Studios have just posted a deep dive article on the “Initialization Core Y-83” – WildStar’s exciting new 20-player raid arriving with the upcoming release of the INVASION: Nexus update.

Unlike current raids in WildStar, Initialization Core Y-83 will not require the completion of an regular attunement process. It will offers players a bite-sized raid experience that potentially could be completed in less than 30 minutes, two levels of difficulty and plenty of rewards for those who takes on the encounter.

Go to the WildStar blog for more information.

Mortal Kombat X coming to mobile this month

Chris Hare

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Apr 8, 2015

0

Mortal Kombat X coming to mobile this month

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (WBIE) has today announced that Mortal Kombat X for mobile devices, a free-to-play game bringing the next evolution of fighting games, is now available for download on the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

Developed by award-winning game designers NetherRealm Studios, the game delivers striking graphics and brings the legendary Mortal Kombat fighting gameplay experience to more players than ever before through mobile devices. Mortal Kombat X is available now for free on the App Store and is coming soon to Google Play.

“NetherRealm perfected the art of mobile fighting games with Injustice: Gods Among Us, which has been downloaded more than 43 million times since it launched in April of 2013, and with WWE Immortals, which has more than eight million downloads since January 2015,” said Greg Ballard, Senior Vice President, Mobile, Social and Emerging Platforms, WBIE. “The team has outdone themselves with its latest offering, creating an authentic Mortal Kombat mobile experience from the ground up, bringing players all the signature, over-the-top fighting gameplay mechanics that are hallmarks of the franchise and delivering on WBIE’s quality games-as-a-service promise.”

Mortal Kombat X for mobile devices blends fighting and card collection for a whole new way to experience the legendary Mortal Kombat franchise, now designed specifically for phones and tablets. More than 24 fighters make up the initial roster, including legendary characters like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Kano and Raiden, as well as all-new fighters including Cassie Cage, D’Vorah and Kotal Kahn. Players will be able to collect upgradeable gear to buff up their fighters, as well as unlock finishing moves for even more dramatic, over-the-top Fatalities.

Daily events and online multi-player battles are available now in the mobile game, with additional Challenge Mode characters coming soon. The new Allies feature allows players to “borrow” a friend’s character to aid them as a fourth fighter in their battles.

When the console and PC versions of Mortal Kombat X launch on 14th April, connectivity between platform versions will go live. This ecosystem among platforms will introduce team-based Faction Wars for the first time ever, and empower players to unlock special content between the mobile game and console or PC versions by completing tasks and achievements within each version. Every connected Mortal Kombat X player can participate regardless of platform device.

ROCCAT Kave XTD 5.1 Analog out this month

Chris Hare

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Apr 8, 2015

0

ROCCAT Kave XTD 5.1 Analog out this month

ROCCAT Studios, has added a new member to the Kave family with the ROCCAT Kave XTD 5.1 Analog, set to hit online stores and retailers this April.

ROCCAT Kave XTD 5.1 Analog for Europe for €119,99 and £94.99 in the UK and hits shelves in the US around mid of April for $119,99.

The XTD 5.1 Analog brings true premium 5.1 surround sound headset technology to your gaming experience, with all of the bells, whistles and comfort features gamers have come to know and expect from a ROCCAT offering.

The fully immersive, this Kave headset comes equipped with two 40mm driver units, a 30mm vibration unit in each ear cup, a dual-mode remote for highly efficient, time-saving audio control adjustment, and a convenient LED light-tipped mouthpiece that ensures you know when you’re on a live mic or muted. Inspired by the original Kave, the most successful true 5.1 gaming headset ever, we studied our original designs and analyzed gamer feedback to craft the 5.1 Analog’s features. We kept what worked, and made advances where we knew this new headset could shine. One of those advances, of course, was in sound clarity.

Here is a closer look at the inline remote on the Kave XTD 5.1 Analog

The Kave XTD 5.1 Analog blazes a new path in pure, high quality in-game audio. This is the first analog gaming headset to feature an interference isolator, a revolutionary technology that provides zero noise interference.

The electromagnetic interference most gamers simply accept as a part of gaming audio experiences is a thing of the past. The Kave XTD 5.1 Analog provides nothing but clean, crisp audio in full, high quality surround sound.

René Korte, CEO and founder of ROCCAT Studios effuses about the Kave XTD 5.1 Analog, “Not only is this headset a technically on-point peripheral in function, but the build is amazing. Looking at it, you’d never guess it was twenty five percent lighter than the original Kave. That’s an ultra-light build packed with features, and so easy to wear during long gaming sessions due to a bevy of comfort options. To us, quality is innovation, be it something nobody has ever thought of, to making something that everyone has seen feel like a new experience. That’s the Kave XTD 5.1 Analog. That’s ROCCAT philosophy in practice.”

Mii Plaza Kicks off International StreetPass Week

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

-

Apr 8, 2015

0

Mii Plaza Kicks off International StreetPass Week

It’s about time for owners of a Nintendo 3DS take to the streets, as Nintendo announces International StreetPass Week between 16^th and 27^th April. This celebration of all things StreetPass coincides with the release of two new games for, and a major new update to, StreetPass Mii Plaza. This week-and-a-bit of activity will bring together players’ Mii characters from across Europe, USA and Canada, as well as gifting Nintendo 3DS owners with a special Mii of Nintendo of Europe president Satoru Shibata, and a free, commemorative HOME Menu theme.

By visiting any Nintendo Zone location during International StreetPass Week, Nintendo 3DS owners can receive up to six international Mii visitors to their system, via StreetPass Relay. From the furthest reaches of south-western USA or northern Canada to the most easterly part of Germany in Europe – and many places in between – exciting and exotic Mii characters will be shared between Nintendo 3DS systems around the western world.

At participating Nintendo Zone locations, visitors can also get a download code for a free Nintendo 3DS HOME Menu theme exclusively made for International StreetPass Week, as well as encounter the special Mii of Nintendo of Europe president Satoru Shibata. To find a Nintendo Zone location simply visit the Nintendo Zone Finder at zone.nintendo.co.uk.

More Mii characters means more puzzle pieces collected, more map locations obtained and more heroes to assist players in the wide variety of StreetPass Mii Plaza games already available, as well as the two exciting new ones releasing on 16^th April: StreetPass Fishing and StreetPass Zombies.

In the soothing StreetPass Fishing, players visit islands to try to catch more than 150 types of fish and legendary monsters with bait received from Mii characters via StreetPass. In the action-packed StreetPass Zombies, players receive weapons based on the hobbies of their StreetPass Mii Plaza characters to defeat a horde of zombies.

Fans can download an update to StreetPass Mii Plaza, enabling them to customise their greetings, as well as purchase StreetPass Mii Plaza Premium, which adds features such as StreetPass Birthdays and the new VIP room.

StreetPass Communities all over the UK will be holding events during International StreetPass Week, to celebrate StreetPass and the two new games coming to the StreetPass Mii Plaza.

The events across the UK will give Nintendo fans a chance to play the new StreetPass games as well as revisit classic Nintendo 3DS titles including Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Pokémon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire, Kid Icarus: Uprising, and Mario Kart 7.

Mortal Kombat X Launch Trailer

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

-

Apr 7, 2015

0

Today, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment released the Mortal Kombat X Official Launch Trailer, preparing fans and gamers for the epic narrative of Mortal Kombat X to unfold on 14th April.

The launch trailer, directed by System Of A Down bassist Shavo Odadjian, sets the stage with glimpses of iconic moments, a cast of new and returning Kombatants and heart-pounding fight sequences set to the band’s hit song, “Chop Suey!”

Buy a piece of Dead Island history…

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Apr 7, 2015

0

Today is your lucky day if you are a Dead Island fan, here is your opportunity to own a piece of franchise history. As part of last year’s Escape Dead Island launch gamers was invited to brave the ‘Escape The Crate’ experience an interactive mystery box wherein participants were tasked with solving a series of clues in order to escape within the time limit.

Now that crate is available to purchase on eBay.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20ft-SHIPPING-CONTAINER-CHARITY-AUCTION-/271831669402

It has its own front door, desk, lights, drawers, bed and other cool stuff! It could be used as a portable office. Or you could even have a lay down when work gets too tough or ponder over your day’s achievements as you lean against the fireplace. The possibilities are endless.

Furious 7 DLC pack comes to Forza Horizon 2

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

-

Apr 7, 2015

0

Microsoft today released the Furious 7 DLC pack for Forza Horizon 2, Whereas the Furious Forza stand alone game was free, the Car Pack will cost you a few pounds, although for your cash you get the following cars in your game.

Furious 7 DLC pack

– 1970 Dodge Charger R/T
– 1970 Plymouth Cuda
– 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
– 2014 Maserati Ghibli S
– 1970 Plymouth Road Runner
– 2015 Dodge Charger R/T
– 2015 Dodge Challenger
– 1998 Toyota Supra (this month’s free car)

Two expansions & more announced for The Witcher 3

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

-

Apr 7, 2015

0

Two expansions & more announced for The Witcher 3

CD Projekt Red has today announced two massive expansions Hearts of Stone & Blood and Wine for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

“With the development of Wild Hunt coming to an end, the team has embarked upon the creation of two new really big adventures set in The Witcher universe,” says Marcin Iwiski, CD Projekt Red co-founder. “We remember the time when add-on disks truly expanded games by delivering meaningful content. As gamers, we’d like to bring that back. We’ve said in the past that if we ever decide to release paid content, it will be vast in size and represent real value for the money. Both our expansions offer more hours of gameplay than quite a few standalone games out there.”

Hearts of Stone will take Geralt on an all-new, 10-hour-plus adventure into the wilds of No Man’s Land and the nooks and alleys of Oxenfurt, where he’ll try to complete a contract from the mysterious Man of Glass. Caught in a thick tangle of deceit, Geralt will need all his cunning and strength to solve the mystery and emerge unscathed.

Blood and Wine, a 20-hour-plus tale, will introduce the all-new in-game region of Toussaint and will take Geralt to a land untainted by war, where an atmosphere of carefree indulgence and knightly ritual masks an ancient, bloody secret.

“While we’re offering the Expansion Pass now, we want to make one thing clear: don’t buy it if you have any doubts. Wait for reviews or play The Witcher and see if you like it first. As always, it’s your call,” Iwiski concludes.

The upcoming expansions will offer gamers new adventures, gear and foes and will feature characters both new and dearly missed – all crafted with maximum attention to detail and quality by the joint forces of CD Projekt Red’s Warsaw and Cracow studios.

Hearts of Stone will premiere in October, while Blood and Wine is slated for release in the first quarter of 2016.

Both expansions will be available on all three platforms: Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4.

Star Wars Digital Movie Collection coming to Xbox Video

Chris Hare

-

Apr 7, 2015

0

Star Wars Digital Movie Collection coming to Xbox Video

Disney, Lucasfilm, and Twentieth Century Fox are set to release all six (so far) Star Wars films in one great digital HD package called the Star Wars Digital Movie Collection. This will be the first time that all six Star Wars films will be released in digital HD plus unreleased bonus material.

For those who purchase the complete Star Wars Digital Movie Collection through Xbox Video will receive two bonus gifts for purchasing the complete Star Wars Digital Movie Collection.

Here’s a peek at what you’ll get when you buy the Star Wars Digital Movie Collection:

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
Star Wars: Attack of the Clones
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
Star Wars: A New Hope
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi

In addition to all six of the Star Wars films listed above, you will also receive two exclusive bonus items. The first is a R2-D2 Xbox Live avatar companion and the second is the Star Wars Pinball Pack for Pinball FX 2, a free-to-play game offered on Xbox One and Xbox 360.

Disney added another special bonus video exclusively for Xbox customers who pre-order the Star Wars Digital Movie Collection through Xbox Video. You will get access to an Xbox-exclusive Star Wars bonus material, and all six epic Star Wars films will be added to your video library on April 10th. So act now and pre-order the Star Wars Digital Movie Collection on Xbox Video.

Mortal Kombat X trailer showcases Goro’s attacks

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

-

Apr 7, 2015

0

Mortal Kombat X trailer showcases Goro’s attacks

NetherRealm Studios has released a new gameplay trailer starring everyone’s favourite lovable half-human, half-dragon Goro, over the weekend.

Goro’s trailer shows off some of his four-handed attacks as he mercilessly pummels his opponents, and burns them to a crisp using his fire-based attacks. And what would a gameplay trailer be without a taste of one of Goro’s fatalities. And, boy – it does not disappoint.

Mortal Kombat X will be released on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on 14th April.

Review: Mad Catz Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2 for Xbox One

Andrew Edney

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Apr 6, 2015

0

Mad Catz have a FightStick for the Xbox One you might want to take a look at – its called the Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2 and here is our review.

Fight your way to the top of the leaderboards with Mad Catz’ Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2 for Xbox One. Continuing the legacy of the original TE FightStick, this version builds premium, arcade-quality Sanwa Denshi parts into an arcade stick that’s both ready for competition and perfect for customization to make it your very own.

Specifications

Authentic Japanese-style Sanwa Denshi joystick & buttons
Premium-quality components with genuine arcade layout
Controller lock/unlock button prevents accidental button presses
LEDs light up your FightStick during play (LED PCB sold separately)
Removable ProCable for easy storage and travel
Internal storage compartments hold extra tools and parts
Intuitive top panel design for easy artwork customization

What’s in the Box?

The box contains the FightStick, a small screwdriver, some instructions and the usual set of Mad Catz stickers.

A Closer Look

All of the Xbox One controller buttons and triggers are available as buttons on the top of the FightStick.

To top also has the Xbox button along with two other buttons, an on/off/haptic selector and a locked and unlocked selector which toggles between modes to disable certain buttons as the last thing you want in the middle of a big fight is to accidently knock the menu button!

At the front of the FightStick are the other two buttons from the Xbox One controller.

Here is where you connect the Procable before connecting the other end to your Xbox One via USB.

And here is the FightStick in all it’s glory.

The underside of the FightStick contains foam padding which helps to ensure that even with long periods of use it is still comfortable to have on your lap.

The Mad Catz button allows the top of the FightStick to be opened.

Opening Up the FightStick

You can customise the FightStick and to do so you can open the top panel at the push of a button.

Inside is the Procable that you will need to connect the FightStick to your Xbox One.

You can customise the FightStick with an LED PCB and translucent buttons, although these are sold separately.

Final Thoughts

If you play a lot of fighting games then you might want to consider buying a FightStick if for no other reason than saving your controller from eventual destruction!

The FightStick is heavy enough that you don’t feel like it is going to move or slip, and the addition of the foam on the underside also helps with the comfort factor. I used the FightStick for several hours with it sitting on my lap and I didn’t feel any discomfort. The same can’t be said for my fingers from all the button bashing!

The joystick and buttons are made by Sanwa and they are the very same parts found in Japanese arcade cabinets. The buttons make a reassuring click when you press them and both the buttons and the joystick are very responsive.

Connecting up the FightStick to my Xbox One was simply a case of connecting the Procable to the FightStick and then plugging the other end into the Xbox One.

One nice little touch is that when the FightStick is connected to your Xbox One, the Mad Catz logo glows red.

The beauty of this FightStick is that it can be customised, including LED lights and a new top panel. You can pretty much do whatever you want to it. To remove the top panel you will need a small screwdriver and that’s where the little Mad Catz screwdriver that was in the box comes in handy. It’s only a little thing but Mad Catz thought of everything.

You can even buy a carry case for the FightStick if you want to take it around with you.

Using the FightStick compared to using a standard controller is like the difference between night and day. I was certainly winning more fights with the FightStick.

The Mad Catz Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2 for Xbox One is available now for £139.99 and is a must have if you like your fighting games, and with Mortal Kombat X just around the corner, there has never been a better time to get one.

You can learn more from the Mad Catz website.

Review: Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E.M Mobile Wireless Keyboard

Andrew Edney

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Apr 6, 2015

0

Mad Catz have released their S.T.R.I.K.E.^M Mobile keyboard and here is our review.

Designed around a compact tablet sized footprint, the S.T.R.I.K.E.^M is designed for home or mobile use and can pair with up to four devices simultaneously.

Features

• Compact keyboard for mobile and desktop platforms

• Integrated OFN (optical finger navigation) cursor control, ideal of web browsing, navigation and touch games.

• Bluetooth connectivity for multi-platform wireless gaming and productivity.

• Adjustable white LED backlighting

• Rechargeable battery – 18 hours life (backlit), 45 hours life (no backlight)

• Quick switch between 4 paired devices for seamless multi-tasking

• Dedicated multi-platform media buttons

• Up to 33ft (10m) operational range

• Micro-USB port for battery charge and firmware updates

• Smart Device stand, supports devices up to 10” screens.

What’s in the Box?

S.T.R.I.K.E.^MMobile Keyboard
Smart Device Stand
Micro-USB Charge Cable
Travel Pouch
Quick Start Guide
Mad Catz stickers

A Closer Look

The S.T.R.I.K.E.^Mcomes in it’s own protective sleeve, which make it easy to carry around without worrying it will get damaged.

Here is the top down view of the S.T.R.I.K.E.^M.

On the left hand side of the S.T.R.I.K.E.M there is a volume barrel, various media buttons, mouse buttons, a backlight button and a Bluetooth button. There is also an LED display which displays details of the battery, which device is connected (the S.T.R.I.K.E.M can support up to 4 devices) and a CAPS display.

The right hand side also has mouse buttons, along with an OFN (Optical Finger Navigation) Sensor which can be used by people who can’t access their touch screen devices.

On the bottom of the keyboard is the Home button. The WASD area is also marked.

On the top of the S.T.R.I.K.E.M is the power switch and the charge port.

And here is the underside of the S.T.R.I.K.E.^M.

Final Thoughts

The S.T.R.I.K.E.^M comes in a choice of three colours – white (the one we had for review), red or black. All of them look great so just pick the one that you like the most.

The S.T.R.I.K.E.^Mfeels very comfortable to use either as a gaming keyboard or just as a normal keyboard. In fact, I am writing this review on the S.T.R.I.K.E.^M. It has low profile P.U.L.S.E. scissor keys with a 60g actuation force with a crisp click response for both typing and gaming and has anti-ghosting in the key gaming WASD area for a much better gaming experience.

The S.T.R.I.K.E.^Mcomes with its own carry case and is very lightweight. You can easily slip it into a bag ready for use anywhere on the go. There is also a small stand that will support tablets up to 10” for making your experience that much better.

Out of the box it comes with a charge so you can use it straight away and the battery life is excellent. You can get around 45 hours of use of it if you not use the backlit keyboard, or if you do want to use the backlit keyboard you can get around 18 hours, so that should cover every situation you face. When in dark room the backlight works great though.

Pairing the S.T.R.I.K.E.^Mwith a device is quick and simple, and you can have up to four devices paired at any one time making it easy to switch between devices at the touch of a button, and the LED display on they keyboard will show you will device you are paired with too. It works with Android devices, iOS devices, Windows, Mac and even Mad Catz own M.O.J.O. console.

The integrated OFN is a nice touch (no pun intended) and is very easy to use, making tasks such as web browsing so much easier – this was a really great addition, so well done Mad Catz.

If you plan on using the S.T.R.I.K.E.^Mto watch movies or listen to music then the dedicated media buttons will be very useful as well.

I really love the S.T.R.I.K.E.^M, it’s easy to use, small enough to carry, and works flawlessly with all of my devices. I never leave home without it!

If you are looking for a lightweight mobile keyboard that can work with multiple devices and that’s great for gaming on the go, then the S.T.R.I.K.E.^M is the keyboard for you – so what are you waiting for?

The S.T.R.I.K.E.^M retails for £79.99 and is available now.

You can learn more from the Mad Catz website.

Unboxing the ZBOX Retro March 2015 Box

Gaming

Andrew Edney

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Apr 6, 2015

0

The ZBOX is a monthly geek box themed around your favourite geeky interests, from zombies and the undead to retro games and pop culture – here we unbox the Retro March 2015 box.

Each ZBOX contains over £40 worth of exclusive, licensed merchandise. Let’s take a look what was in the Retro March 2015 box.

There is a packet of Flumps sweets!

A box of Pixel Bricks – you might get the Ghost or you might get Pac-Man.

Some Sonic the Hedgehog socks to keep your feet warm when you do all that running.

A Joystick Junkies t-shirt.

The ZBOZ Magazine filled with retro articles.

A Steam key for Tango Fiesta.

A Lemmings door hanger.

And that’s it……

Each box sells for £19.99 which includes postage and packing. You can find out more from the Zavvi website.

Have you tried the ZBOX yet? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Win The Red Road The Complete First Series on DVD

Andrew Edney

-

Apr 6, 2015

89

To celebrate the release of The Red Road The Complete First Series on DVD, we are giving three lucky winners the chance to win it.

From the creator of Prisoners comes an addictive thriller exploring the dark past of two rivals whose lines will cross once again when an unholy alliance is forged between them. Prepare to face the past as THE RED ROAD: THE COMPLETE FIRST SERIES comes to DVD on 6^th April, courtesy of Entertainment One.

THE RED ROAD: THE COMPLETE FIRST SERIES is the new original series about two warring communities and features a lethal cast including; Jason Momoa (‘Game Of Thrones’, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice); Martin Henderson (‘Secrets & Lies’, Devil’s Knot); Julianne Nicholson (‘Boardwalk Empire’,’ Masters of Sex’, August: Osage County); Tom Sizemore (Black Hawk Down, Heat); Antoni Corone (Need For Speed, Green Zone); Tamara Tunie (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Flight); Griff Furst (Focus, Now You See Me), and Lisa Bonet (High Fidelity, Enemy Of The State)

Still waters run deep in The Red Road: The Complete First Series, a gripping thriller that explores what happens when two opposing visions of the American dream collide. When tragedy forces a mesmerising ex-con, Phillip (Momoa) directly into the path of embattled local cop Harold (Henderson), both men must face their past and confront their most jealously guarded secrets. As the ghosts of the past start to emerge the consequences are terrible and both men’s lives start to unravel as hitherto forgotten mistakes destroy everything in their wake.

How to enter to win

We have three copies of The Red Road The Complete First Series to give away on DVD:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Usual contest rules apply, and the winners will be selected at random. This contest is open to the UK only – sorry!

The contest ends at 12.00AM on Tuesday 21st April, and The Red Road The Complete First Series is available on DVD now courtesy of Entertainment One.