SQUARE ENIX today released a new trailer for KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.5 ReMIX from the recent Jump Festa event that took place in Japan.
Picking up from where KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX ends, the trailer features fan-favorite characters like Sora, Roxas, Riku and Naminé alongside the Disney cast including Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Hercules, King Mickey, Captain Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean) and others – now in stunning high-definition graphics.
Be merry with the Mighty Thor this holiday season and give the gift of Thunder with the LEGO Marvel Super Heroes: Asgard Character Pack, featuring LEGO minifigures Malekith, Kurse, Sif, Volstagg, Odin, Hogun, Fandral and Jane Foster!
Watch the brand NEW trailer featuring the Prince of Asgard, Thor, alongside his friends and allies here.
You can get your hands on the awesome LEGO Marvel Super Heroes: Asgard Character Pack for £1.59, and the LEGO Marvel Super Heroes: The Super Pack for £3.99. Both DLC packs can be downloaded exclusively on Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and PC.
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes: The Super Pack gives players more Super Heroes and Super Villains, plus new vehicles and races. Play as fan favorites Dark Phoenix, Winter Soldier, Symbiote Spider-Man, Hawkeye, Falcon, and Beta Ray Bill. Leave more damage with LEGO Big Figures Thanos and A-Bomb, and speed through 10 new races aboard the Spider-Mobile and Hawkeye’s Sky Cycle.
This week Nintendo starts it festive fortnight, out this Friday 27th December Pokémon Bank 30 days free trial if it is started before 31st January 2014. Pokémon Banks costs £4.49/€4.99 per year.
With Super Mario 3 discounted for both the Wii U and 3DS via the (Virtual Console – NES) it will be £2.79/€3.99 until the 2nd Jan 2014. Also discounted is Assassin’s Creed Iv – Black Flag for the Wii U via the eShop for £38.99/€48.99, Assassin’s Creed III for the Wii U discounted to just £7.99/€9.99. A lot of Wii U titles are discounted for the festive fortnight from Nintendo have a look around the eShop for both consoles the Wii U and the 3DS.
If after your potentially countless hours of exploration and piracy on Black Flag you still feel the need for some extra Assassin’s goodness Ubisoft has you covered. The Freedom Cry DLC adds a few more hours of violence and story telling following Edward Kenway’s temping right hand man, Adewale.
But rather than concerning itself with plundering and exploring the massive amount of hidden treasures that Black Flag has to offer, or really anything to do with Assassins (or Templars was it?), Freedom Cry is a much more narrative driven experience. Adewale’s chief concern being to free slaves and generally make life miserable for their tyrannous captors. And when it comes to either of these tasks Adewale is certainly more than able.
He trades swords for a single giant machete and multiple pistols for a shotgun-like blunderbuss. It’s nice to have some new weapons to play with and though there are only a couple of upgrades to each they are well thought out given Freedom Cry’s 5 or 6 hour length. There’s certainly a raw brutality fighting with the machete that resonates with Adewale’s story and the plight of the slaves.
Right from the start it’s clear that Ubisoft aren’t scared about telling a story and making you uncomfortable at times if it helps sell the story. When dealing with issues such as slavery it’s all too easy to be presented with a diluted and relatively friendly version of the horrors that where carried out. Especially where video games are concerned. But there are some truly horrific moments in Freedom Cry and I never felt like the story was held back or censored.
Whilst walking around Port-au-Prince there are various mini objectives and side missions for you to accomplish and free as many captives as possible. It’s difficult not to intervene and put a stop to whatever injustice you see before you. It’s also difficult not to feel just a little bit like a very violent machete wielding batman when you air assassinate a jailor or guard. And when you’re done your newly freed friends will happily join the ranks of the freedom fighters that slowly gather and grow in number in hiding below the city.
Unfortunately they only really serve as a way to unlock new weapons and equipment for Adewale and as a numerical counter to keep track of your vigilante-ing. It does slightly diminish the good deeds you perform that ultimately these newly free men become ‘just numbers’. But as far as the game’s mechanics are concerned it works fine and despite the fact you will need no incentive whatsoever to help captives unlocking new stuff always helps.
There is definitely a reduction in the amount of sea faring objectives and I found myself spending almost no time at all at sea. Given Freedom Cry’s time frame unless you plan on spending time getting the upgrades just for the fun of it, which is certainly worth considering, it’s likely you won’t have much time to progress the ship far anyway. But Freedom Cry is refreshingly combat heavy so if you fancy a fight, running around freeing people will actually get you somewhere.
Some of the missions however didn’t benefit from the combat. Like the final assassination in the last missions where my target ran at me and before I even realised it I had relieved him of his head with an axe. Other than that you will be tailing people and listening in on conversations. I know I’ve said it in all my Assassin’s Creed IV reviews but it’s getting to be beyond a joke now. To be honest I stopped laughing halfway through Black Flag’s main game.
Even the DLC with a fair few changes to fundamentals still makes its bread and butter following people and listening to them. I cannot believe that Ubisoft doesn’t have more creative minds than this. In fact I know they do. Some new objectives would be nice! And the first time you tail someone, having to stay no more than 20 or so metres away and ensuring a clear line of sight, past a guard that essentially acts as a moving restricted zone you will have some real fun. There where also a couple of bugs in some of my objectives, like targets not spawning or markers being placed in impossible to reach locations but I may just have been unlucky.
All things considered Freedom Cry is a great bit of DLC that extends your AC IV experience in a surprisingly meaningful and poignant way. It’s nice to see no compromises or pulled punches when dealing with such a heavy topic. Unfortunately objectives are still more or less the same two or three tasks repeated, but just for less time.
Also a lot of the freedom of Black Flag is lost but given the time frame and inevitable limitations in scope for a DLC it never really becomes a problem. And the maps you play on feel full and certainly don’t lack in detail or feel inferior to their Black Flag counterparts. All in all a great bit of DLC that nicely extends Black Flag and tells a good tale while it’s at it.
Gaijin Entertainment is pleased to announce the release of update 1.37 for its military MMO game War Thunder. The update introduces a new progression system, numerous new planes and combat maps, DirectX 11 support and many other improvements.
This major update introduces more than 20 new aircrafts, including the long-awaited Ki-84 Japanese fighter and German attack plane Hs.129B-3, featuring the enormous 75-mm cannon. With the release of update 1.37, more than 300 historically accurate aircrafts are now available in War Thunder!
8 new maps provide diverse combat scenarios, and all of the game locations got a serious visual overhaul thanks to updated render with DirectX 11 support.
With the new progression system War Thunder pilots can chose the aircraft they want to unlock next, and every battle on any plane of this nation will bring this moment closer. This allows players to progress more quickly through the branch of the research tree they prefer. At the same time, both new and existing players will keep their achievements, earned modifications and previously purchased planes.
And, with the upcoming addition of Ground Forces Expansion, every player will be researching tanks and other vehicles from the beginning, regardless of previous experience with War Thunder.
The Long expected Update – 1.37 – will bring several significant changes to the game, such as:
A completely different progression system. All vehicles are divided into 5 ranks instead of 20, to get a new aircraft a player will have to research a previous one, researching the desired vehicle has become faster. More details in the recent issue of Developers’ Diaries.
New render with the support of DirectX 11, improving graphics quality and performance up to 25% (on some video cards).
Many of new planes have been added, such as the Soviet fighters the I-185 and the La-9, the American P-400 (an export variant of the P-39 Airacobra for the RAF). The German Bf 109 F-1 and Bf 109 F-2, The Hs. 129B-3 attacker with an incredible 75 mm cannon, the series of Japanese Ki-84 fighters and others.
New “Custom Battles”. Now the battles are hosted on a dedicated War Thunder server and not on the player’s side. This will provide ease of use and a high quality connection for online tournaments, clanmates and for all those who play custom battles.
More than 70 aircraft have their Flight and Damage models tuned to fully meet the historically accurate data. Please refer to our forums for the full list and current flight models state report.
The mission editor is now added to “test flight” mode and you can test any desired aircraft in different situations, choose the scenario of a battle, the weather and the number and power of your opponents.
Dynamic Campaign mode has been significantly reworked.
– Any researched but un-purchased aircraft from 1.35 can be purchased without researching and upgrading previous planes in a line.
– “Custom battles” are now hosted on dedicated servers.
– “Custom Battles” can now have up to 32 players in one battle “
– “Dynamic Campaign” allows a player to choose a historical period in which the mission will take place.
– Planes for the “Dynamic Campaign” Missions are chosen by the server. Players have an opportunity to fly aircraft they have not bought/researched yet. -Cooperative mode in Dynamic Campaign and Quick editor is temporarily removed; it will be returned a little bit later, reworked and improved.
– Distance for “highlighting” of ground targets in Simulation Mode (previously known as FRB) is reduced by 1 km – New options for purchasing Golden Eagles (more variants of GE packages have been added) – Bots now do not now fly biplanes only – they use aircraft of different types and ranks;
– The “Marker” system has been changed. If an enemy has a higher altitude than you, it will be harder for him to define the type of your aircraft against the ground (distance to recognize aircraft type has been reduced by 20% when the plane is against the ground)
Interface:
– Game modes have been renamed: Historical Battles are now known as Realistic Battles, Full Real Battles are renamed to Simulator Battles
– In the player profile the level and miliatry rank(Prestige) are displayed. Military Ranks(Prestige) are awarded for reaching certain levels.
– Aircraft and battle settings in “Custom battles” can be changed by the host without exiting the game room and closing the session
– Modification window interface changed, research tree interface changed
Graphics:
– New render with DirectX 11 support.
– Graphics for all maps and locations have been reworked.
– Models and cockpits for certain aircraft have been fixed.
– Visual models for the I-16 type 18 and the I-16 type 28 have been fixed.
– Pilot indicator is added for air brake status, the modifications are mounted on the wings Ju.87 B-2, R-2, D-3 and D-5;
– Changed the reflex sight on D.520, N1K2-J, N1K2-Ja;
– Fixed and fully functional counters for ammunition status on the Bf.109 series (Exception is a numerical counter in the Emil, others have visual indicators);
– Added ammunition counter bar indicators on all aircraft series Fw.190, the A-5/U2 , F- 8, as well as on the A- 5 ( shows ammo MG-FF) and A-8 (not functioning due to the absence of pendant arms);
– Added the ability to put on the ground adjusted trim tabs. (Which cannot be adjusted in flight);
– Improved rendering of fire, explosions and smoke ;
– Added a new effect for burning fuel tanks . Each fuel tank has its own fire effect.
Sound:
– Reduced volume of sound effects for aerobatic smoke;
– Added sound effect for indication of game start whilst client is minimized;
– Optimization of sound interface parameters;
– Fixed sound settings of multiple bullet hits on the player aircraft;
– Added new sound effects for the gun BK-7, 5 inside and outside the cockpit;
– Added new sound effects for the gun Vickers Class S inside and outside the cockpit.
Changes in DM:
– Fixed the damage model for the XP- 55 ;
– Wellington ( all models) – Fixed the damage model of the fuselage ;
– Fixed the damage model for the D.520 and D.521;
– Fixed the damage model for wings of IL-2 , IL -2M , IL- 10 .
Changes in FM:
Flight models partially adjusted or completely corrected according to datasheets/passports : A6M3, A6M3 mod 22, A6M3 mod 22ko, A-20G-30, A-26C, A-26C-45-DT, B-25J-1, B-25J-20, B-25J-30, Havock Mk I, P-47D-25, P-47D-28, I-16 type 18, I-16 type 28, P-400, P-39Q-15, Typhoon Mk-Ia, Typhoon Mk. Ib, Typhoon Mk. Ib/L,I-15 bis, I-15 WR, I-15 М-22, I-15 K, I-185 М-82, Yak-3, Yak-3P, Yak-9U, Yak-9UT, Yak-9P, P-26A-33, P-26A-34 M2, P-26B-35, SBD-3, Tempest Mk. II, Tempest Mk. V, Tempest Mk V (Vickers P), P-36A, P-36A Rasmussen’s, P-36C, P-36G, B7A2, FW-190D-9, FW-190D-12, FW-190D-13, Spitfire L.F. IX,SB-2 M-100,I-153 М62, I-153 P, Ki-84 ko, Ki-84 otsu, Ki-84 hei, Swordfish Mk.I, B-17E, B-17E/L, B-17G, B-24D, He 51 A-1, He 51 B-1, He 51 C-1, Bf.109 E-1, Bf.109 E-3, Bf.109 F-1, Bf.109 F-2, Bf.109 F-4, Bf.109 F-4/trop, Bf.109 G-10, Bf.109 K-4, Lа-9, Fw.190A-5, Fw.190A-8, Beaufighter Mk VIc, PBY-5, PBY-5a, Hs.129 B-2, Hs.129 B-3. Corrected and updated : –
– Hs.129B- 2 (B- 3) : added startup of the engines smoke effect, jet wash moment (compression model) for counter-rotating propellers removed ; FM configured according to datasheet/passport data ;
– For many planes adjusted effect of engine overheating . Permanent engine overheating leads to the gradual destruction of aircraft propulsion units, until the engine stops. Engine damage is indicated in the interface damage indicator (paper doll) – pink, red and black motor;Implemented in simulation and realistic mode
– Many aircraft corrected fuel consumption according to datasheet/passport data and modes of operation of the engine;
– For all aircraft included the effect of heaviness of rudder at high speeds (the higher the speed of the aircraft, the higher the pressure of the oncoming air, the more resistance is needed to overcome). Implemented in sumlation and realistic mode
Weapons and modifications:
United States:
– Added M10 for guiding planes P-39N- 0 , P-39Q- 5 , P-51D- 5 , P-51D- 20 NA, P-51D- 30 , P-47D- 28 , A-20G- 30 ;
– Added HVAR missiles for the F- 86 Sabre ( all versions) ;
– Fixed bomb load for internal bomb bay B-17E (6×1000 pounds instead 8×1000 pounds );
– Fixed bomb load for internal bomb bay B-17G (4×1000 pounds instead 8×1000 pounds );
– Expanded bombing armament on P-63A- 10;
– Fixed calculation of the weight of bombs for U.S. ;
– Fixed vertical angle aiming for the top turret B-24D;
United Kingdom:
– Tempest Mk.V: added 250 – pound bombs under the wings on pylons ;
– Tempest Mk.II: added 2×250- 2×500 pound and pound bombs under the wings on pylons ;
– Wellington ( all models) : expanded bombing loadouts ;
– Lancaster: expanded bombing loadouts ;
– Beaufighter Mk.X: 12,7 mm M2 Browning machine guns replaced by 7.7 mm machine guns Browning;
– Fixed calculation of the weight of bombs for Britain ;
Germany :
– Added preset 2x936kg torpedoes for He.111H- 6 ;
– Added modification pendant arms BK-3.7 for HS.129B- 2 ;
– Removed 500kg bombs at Bf.109 series G;
– Number SM.79, available for purchase, reduced to 4 . Withdrawn from sale versions: S. 79 1937 and S. 79 1942 ;
– Modification to U4 Me.410 now has , in addition to 50mm BK 5 gun , two 20mm MG 151 cannon ;
– Ammunition BK 5 increased by 1 shell – a shell being charged in the breech ;
– Ammunition Ju.87G- 1 increased from 6 to 12 shells per barrel ;
– Added 20mm motor gun for Bf.109G- 6. Standing motor 30mm gun is now available as a retrofit ;
– Added BK 7,5 gun caliber 75 mm (for gunship Hs.129B- 3);
– Added 13 mm machine gun instead of 7.92- mm machine gun on Me.410B-1/U2.
– Ammunition guns MG-FF Aircraft Fw. 190A-5/U2 changed from 60- to 90 shells per barrel ;
– Added 15 mm MG 151 cannon version ( for fighters Bf.109F- 2);
USSR :
– New Yak- 9UT got 37mm and 45mm hydraulic gun ;
– I -185 ( M-82 ) got rockets and bombs .
– La-5 – removed modification ” Rear Armour plate “;
– Fixed ammunition for machine guns ShKAS the Il -10 (750 on the breech );
– Number of SB-2 , available for purchase, reduced to 4 . Withdrawn from sale versions: SB-2M -103 MB- 3, SB-2M – 103U;
– Number of Yer-2, available for purchase, reduced to 4. Withdrawn from sale versions: Yer-2 M-105 TAT and Yer-2 M- 105R TAT.
Japan:
– All planes of the line A6M “Zero” have the opportunity to bear 2x60kg bombs under the wings ;
– Ruler Ki- 84 has the ability to b under the wings 2×50 or 2x250kg bombs ;
– Ki- 43 -2 has the ability to bear 2×50, 2×100 or 2x250kg under the wings ;
– Ki- 61 -lb and Ki- 61 -lc can now bear 2×50, 2×100 or 2x250kg under the wings ;
– N1K2-J – has the ability to bear under the wings 2×250 kg bomb load ;
– Fixed calculation of the weight of bombs for Japan;
– Ammunition for guns Ho- 5 aircraft Ki- 96 and Ki- 102 increased from 200 to 400 shells;
– H6K4 – removed army bomb type 92;
Common:
Striking effect of bombs 50 – 250kg and rockets of all calibers changed to realistic values given in terms of effect on armoured targets :
Rockets caliber 82-114 mm ( RS82 , M8) may destroy medium tanks only with direct hit , heavy tanks are not affected ;
Rockets caliber 127mm – 152mm ( RS-132 , HVAR, RP- 3) destroy medium tanks within 1.5-2m , heavy – with a direct hit ;
100 lbs bombs (50kg) – perhaps can destroy medium tanks within 2 – 3m, heavy – with only a direct hit ;
250 lbs bombs. (100kg) – possibly destroy medium tanks within 4-6m, heavy – within 2-4m ;
500 lbs. bombs (250kg) – possibly destroy medium tanks within 6-8m, heavy tanks – within 4-6m .
Torpedoes performance changed according to their characteristics:
Torpedo Mk.XII – maximum drop height of 40 m
F200- 450 torpedoes and F5W (licensed copy of Italian with the same performance characteristics) – the maximum drop height – 120m.
Torpedo 45 – 36AN obr.1939 year – the maximum drop height of 45m.
Torpedo Mk.13 – early sample (without box stabilizer) – maximum drop height – 30 m;
Torpedo Mk.13 – late sample (box- stabilizer) – maximum drop height – 250 m
Torpedo Type 91 mod.2 and mod.3 – maximum drop height – 300m.
Mission and maps:
New maps :
[ Operation ] The defense of Stalingrad
[ Operation ] Saipan
[ Ground Strike] Ironridge
[ Ground Strike ] Albion ( for low levels )
[ Ground Strike ] Sandy Beach
[ Domination ] Sicily
– All Ground Strike missions for the arcade have zones for bombing. Destruction of each zone takes 10% victory points off the opposing team.
– Missions [ Operation ] Kuban , [ Operation ] Ruhr, [ Operation ] Ardennes, [ Operation ] Berlin , a number of changes aimed at increasing the role of bombers and attackers. In particular: – Reducing the amount of land held units, affecting the victory points. These are “ heavy class” units , which can only be destroyed by bombs, missiles and large-caliber guns;
– Added zones for bombing. Destruction of each zone takes 10% victory points off the opposing team; – Completing mission tasks takes 10% victory points off the opposing team;
– Adjustment of ground vehicle movement to improve the balance and greater dispersal techniques on the map;
– Bombers and attack aircraft in the air mission start being closer to enemy ground units, so they will be able to at least have one effective attack. Separate missions:
– Added Korean theater, which includes three new missions: “Storm Warning “, “Hunting Blind “and “Dangerous Intelligence.” – In the mission of the Pacific theater of battle added: “The Battle of Saipan,” “Battle of Guam” and “The Battle of Iwo Jima ”
Wargaming has announced the release of Update 1.1 for its recently launched flight combat MMO action game, World of Warplanes. The update introduces a substantial amount of new content, including 14 aircraft, two battle arenas, and new epic and tiered achievements.
“This update is focused on making the player experience more enjoyable by addressing a number of technical and gameplay balance issues,” said Vlad Belozerov, Director of Global Operations for World of Warplanes. “We’re also excited to give players the chance to try out a new line of German fighters.”
The German tech tree is bolstered with the second line of fighters, featuring nine Focke-Wulf warplanes, known for their overall balance, combat performance, and maneuverability. The latest update also enriches the game with five new premium aircraft, all Tier 5, including the Russian Curtiss P-40 M-105, the UK Miles M. 20, the US Grumman XF4U-1, and the German Messerschmitt Me 209V.
Other significant additions include two new battle arenas—Adriatic and Castle, a broad list of new achievements and customization items, as well as major improvements for mouse and joystick controls, balance tweaks, and general bug fixes.
To celebrate the first content update for World of Warplanes since launch, Wargaming is awarding all players that log into the game between December 23, 2013 and January 16, 2013, with a free in-game premium plane, the Curtiss Model 68C Hawk III. This item is available exclusively to this event.
With 2014 promises to be a very happy New Year for fans of extreme racing, as Nordic Games has unveiled its plans to revive the best-selling MX vs. ATV series.
Nordic Games secured the rights to the MX vs. ATV series as part of its agreement to acquire a range of THQ’s intellectual property earlier this year. Now the firm can reveal it has assembled a team of former MX vs. ATV staff along with other, high-profile developers to properly resurrect the franchise. This dedicated team will be taking it to even greater heights while retaining the ingredients that made MX vs. ATV so successful. It’s no coincidence the team is based in Phoenix Arizona where it all began in the mid-90s. Perhaps one can be forgiven for borrowing from the well-worn cliché: the Phoenix has truly risen from the (digital) ashes.
Led by Ken George and comprising of numerous MX vs. ATV staff along with game development veterans including Dave Dwire, Mike Mamula, Brad Bowling, Scott Hofmann, Justin Walsh, David Knudsen, and Chris Gilbert, the new team’s first title will be MX vs. ATV Supercross due for release in the first half of 2014 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, Mac and Linux. As the title suggests, MX vs. ATV Supercross is centred around the popular Supercross sport and has the scope of a downloadable game.
The team is also maintaining the existing MX vs. ATV Alive and MX vs. ATV Reflex code and bringing back as many features as possible including multiplayer on consoles, Motoclub Depot, and more to be announced soon.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be working with Nordic Games because they appreciate the team’s passion and dedication to bring the feel of real motocross racing to MX vs. ATV fans. Not just the adrenaline rush, but the whole experience from top to bottom.”, says Ken George, Executive Producer of MX vs. ATV Supercross. “A lot of the original team members have been aching to continue their passion: building the most authentic off-road racing games possible. The hiatus is over, and the team is back to work on MX vs. ATV with great new things to come.”
“We’re all devoted fans of the MX vs. ATV games,” adds Reinhard Pollice, Business & Product Development Director at Nordic Games, “so being able to play a part in continuing this brilliant series is a dream come true. We’re absolutely committed to ensuring Ken and his team receive the best support and the freedom to create the games they love making – and we’re confident that the series will continue to grow from strength to strength. Supercross is just the start of our MX vs. ATV plans. 2014 and beyond will prove to be a hell of a ride.”
Activision have released the OfficialCall of Duty: Ghosts Season Pass Trailer.
With the Season Pass, players will get four downloadable content packs: ONSLAUGHT, DEVASTATION, INVASION, AND NEMESIS – each containing new multiplayer maps, bonus weapons, and a four-part episodic Extinction experience. Upon purchasing the Season Pass, players now get instant access to the downloadable multiplayer map, FREE FALL, as well as the Team Leader Digital pack, complete with a unique MP character head, weapon camo, reticle, player patch, player card and player background.
Are you buying the season pass? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
Watch the new trailer for Sniper Elite 3: “TOBRUK” launching 2014 on PS4, Xbox One, PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 from developer Rebellion and publisher 505 Games.
Following OSS agent and elite sniper Karl Fairburne amidst the terrifying bombardment of the ancient city of Tobruk in Libya, this new trailer introduces viewers to the unique location and next-generation technology in Sniper Elite 3.
A new generation of gaming is underway and it is time to look forward to all the exciting things happening on Xbox One and Xbox 360 in 2014.
The upcoming year will bring a collection of new titles and experiences including “Titanfall,” “Kinect Sports Rivals,” “Project Spark,” and “The Division,” reaffirming that Xbox continues to be the best place to play.
“D4: Dark Dreams Don’t Die” (Microsoft Studios) – From the creator of “Deadly Premonition,” Hidetaka “Swery65” Suehiro along with Access Games presents “D4: Dark Dreams Don’t Die,” an interactive and episodic mystery series that fully utilises Kinect with seated gameplay and voice recognition. Players assume the role of a detective with the curious ability to dive back in time as he tries to solve his wife’s murder and prevent it from occurring.
“Tom Clancy’s The Division” (Ubisoft) – “Tom Clancy’s The Division” takes place in New York three weeks after a lethal virus, released on Black Friday, has swept through the city. One by one, basic services have failed. Society has collapsed into chaos. The President invokes Presidential Directive 51, and The Division, a top-secret unit of self-supporting tactical agents, is activated. When the lights go out, their mission begins. Discover a persistent, online, open-world New York where exploration, combat, and RPG player-progression are essential.
“Dragon Age: Inquisition” (EA) – Explore a vast, fantasy world at the brink of catastrophe in “Dragon Age: Inquisition,” a next-generation action RPG, where your choices shape and drive the experience. In this upcoming video game from BioWare, makers of “Mass Effect 3” and “Dragon Age: Origins,” you’ll make your mark in an expansive, story-driven open world filled with complex characters, challenging combat and difficult decisions. A cataclysmic event has plunged the land of Thedas into turmoil. Dragons now darken the sky, casting a shadow of terror over a once-peaceful kingdom. Mages have broken into an all-out war against the oppressive Templars. Nations rise against one another. It falls to you to restore order as you lead the Inquisition and hunt down the agents of chaos – your choices will forever change the Dragon Age.
“Dying Light” (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment) – “Dying Light” is a first-person, action survival horror game set in a vast and dangerous open world. During the day, players traverse an expansive urban environment overrun by a vicious outbreak, scavenging the world for supplies and crafting weapons to defend against the growing infected population. At night, the hunter becomes the hunted, as the infected become aggressive and more dangerous. Most frightening are the predators which only appear after sundown. Players must use everything in their power to survive until the morning’s first light.
“EA SPORTS UFC” (EA SPORTS) – With its first new major sports league partnership in over a decade, EA SPORTS presents “EA SPORTS UFC.” The next-generation of fighting has been built for the Xbox One by the team behind the critically-acclaimed “Fight Night” franchise.
Powered by EA SPORTS IGNITE technology, “EA SPORTS UFC” brings the action, emotion and intensity inside the Octagon™ to life in ways that were never before possible. The next-generation of True Player Motion not only showcases the diverse, powerful and fluid of attacks of elite mixed martial artists through Precision Movement, Dynamic Striking and Strategic Submission Battles, but also brings the combatants to life with Full Body Deformation and Real-Time Exertion. The simulation of Human Intelligence takes leaps forward with the strategic and adaptive MMAi system and is expressed through the most realistic characters ever created in a sports game.
“The Elder Scrolls Online” (Bethesda) – “The Elder Scrolls Online,” the latest chapter of the award-winning franchise, will bring the legendary experience online for the first time. Whether you play with your friends or adventure alone, the game’s innovative combat system allows you to focus on action and tactics, not the UI. Use any weapon or armour at any time and customise your abilities to play the way you want as you uncover the mysteries of Tamriel and seek heroic quests on your own terms. Explore the far reaches of Skyrim, the mysterious lands of Morrowind, the sprawling metropolis of Daggerfall and beyond. The choices you make, from the alliance you join to the battles you fight, will shape your destiny and the world of Tamriel.
“Kinect Sports Rivals” (Microsoft Studios) – “Kinect Sports Rivals” is the next generation of the best-selling Kinect franchise, “Kinect Sports,” that brings your favourite sports back in re-imagined ways, and delivers new sports and events made possible only with Xbox One’s revolutionary technology. “Kinect Sports Rivals” puts you in the game like never before, tracks your movements and expressions with incredible accuracy, and offers never-ending competition with your friends and rivals. The all-new Kinect instantly scans and creates a stylised digital version of you, your Champion, then drops your virtual athlete into the ever-evolving world of “Kinect Sports Rivals.” Compete in a world full of competitors on one of three global teams, each with its own philosophy and playing style. The competition starts in spring 2014.
“Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes” (Konami) – World-renowned Kojima Productions showcases the latest masterpiece in the Metal Gear Solid franchise with “Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes.” “Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes” (on sale Spring 2014) is the first segment of the “Metal Gear Solid V” Experience and prologue to the larger second segment, “Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain” launching thereafter.
“Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes” gives fans the opportunity to get a taste of the world-class production’s unparalleled visual presentation and gameplay before the release of the main game. It also provides an opportunity for gamers who have never played a Kojima Productions game, and veterans alike, to gain familiarity with the radical new game design and unparalleled style of presentation.
The critically acclaimed “Metal Gear Solid” franchise has entertained fans for decades and revolutionised the gaming industry. Kojima Productions once again raises the bar with the FOX Engine offering incredible graphic fidelity and the introduction of open world game design in the “Metal Gear Solid” universe. This is the experience that core gamers have been waiting for.
“Minecraft: Xbox One Edition” (Mojang) – “Minecraft: Xbox One Edition” will deliver the Minecraft experience to Xbox One. Building off the hugely successful “Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition,” the edition on Xbox One will give players larger maps for bigger adventures, expanded multiplayer features, and feature enhancements powered by the Xbox One platform.
“Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare” (EA) – Prepare your peashooters! “Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare” delivers a best-in-class multiplayer shooter experience with the fresh humor of the wildly popular “Plants vs. Zombies” series. Powered by the Frostbite 3 engine, “Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare” features stunning 3D worlds, blooming with vibrant colours and unique landscapes. Players will take on the roles of plants and zombies across a mine-blowing world that is full of surprises.
“Project Spark” (Microsoft Studios) – “Project Spark” is the ultimate digital playground for creative gamers of all ages. It’s a powerful, yet simple way to build and play your own worlds, stories, and games. Share all of your creations with a dynamic community, and play what the community makes. “Project Spark” brings creation to life and presents endless opportunities for play. Delivered as a free digital download and available on Xbox One, Xbox 360 and Windows 8.1, “Project Spark” lets creators carry over in-game progress from one platform to another, while providing new ways to interact with Kinect and Xbox SmartGlass.
“Sunset Overdrive” (Microsoft Studios, Insomniac Games) – “Sunset Overdrive” breaks the mold of traditional shooter games by delivering an open world that can change every day, influenced and inspired by the game’s community of players. Developed exclusively for Xbox One by Insomniac Games, “Sunset Overdrive” is an always-changing, open-world shooter set in the not-so-distant future where a catastrophic event has left your city overrun by mutants. With an arsenal of kick-ass, overpowered weapons and a knack for traversing the city with hyperagility, it’s not the end of days. Your story is just beginning.
“Thief” (Square Enix) – Garrett, the Master Thief, steps out of the shadows into the City. In this treacherous place, where the Baron’s Watch spreads a rising tide of fear and oppression, his skills are the only things he can trust. Even the most cautious citizens and their best-guarded possessions are not safe from Garrett’s reach.
“Titanfall” (EA, Respawn Entertainment) – Crafted by one of the co-creators of “Call of Duty” and other key designers behind the “Call of Duty” franchise, “Titanfall” delivers a brand-new online experience that combines fluid, fast-paced multiplayer action with heroic, set-piece moments found in traditional campaign modes. Set in the near future on a distant frontier torn apart by war, “Titanfall” drops players in the middle of a conflict between the Interstellar Manufacturing Corporation and the Militia. The action is rapid and varied – featuring parkour-style wall running, massive double jumps and the ability to hijack titans. The freedom to shift back and forth between pilot and titan allows players to change tactics on the fly, attacking or escaping depending on the situation and extending the action vertically to new heights.
“Warface” (Crytek) – “Warface: Xbox 360 Edition” is a global, free-to-play, online first-person shooter for Xbox 360, created by Crytek. Powered by the CRYENGINE it offers intense online co-operative and competitive multiplayer action set in the near-future. Players engage in thrilling multiplayer battles on the frontline to solve the conflict between the elite “Warface and Blackwood forces. “Warface: Xbox 360 Edition” keeps gameplay fresh and exciting by providing new content on a regular basis, including daily co-operative campaign missions and a continual supply of new maps, weaponry, boosts and more.
“The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” (CD Projekt Red) – “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” is a unique combination of non-linear storytelling and open world exploration – a fantasy RPG focused on player choice, tactical combat and an immersive environment. Spinning the tale of Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster hunter, “The Witcher 3” aims to attract gamers with a mature and compelling narrative told like no other. With over 100 hours of hand-crafted core and side quest gameplay, “The Witcher 3” redefines the genre, shaping the next generation of RPGs.
“World of Tanks: Xbox 360 Edition” (Microsoft Studios) – As the custom-built Xbox 360 version of the global online multiplayer phenomenon dedicated to tank warfare in the mid-20th century, command some of history’s most powerful tanks and experience intense combat. The excitement of battle is enhanced by working together with your tank platoon to win the fight, which puts you in the driver’s seat of some of the world’s most powerful armored vehicles. Engage in global online tank combat where team-based tactics and coordination are the keys to victory.
Cut the Rope 2: Om Nom’s Unexpected Adventure arrives today as an iOS exclusive for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, delivering 120 levels of rope-cutting and candy-collecting fun. The sequel to the physics-based phenomenon takes Om Nom out of the box and into the world for the first time, introducing five new locations and characters, each with unique game mechanics that help Om Nom in his pursuit of candy. The new characters interact with Om Nom and their surroundings, creating a totally new experience for Cut the Rope, one of the most successful and beloved mobile gaming franchises.
The game features five new friends, the Nommies, who are helping Om Nom find his way home:
Roto carries Om Nom through the air to the best candy catching locations
Lick makes small bridges with his tongue to help Om Nom reach his goal
Blue multiplies and lifts Om Nom to new levels of candy hunting fun
Toss throws objects of all sizes, including candy, to help Om Nom satisfy his sweet tooth
Boo scares Om Nom to jump to new heights
“This is the first true sequel to Cut the Rope,” said Misha Lyalin, ZeptoLab CEO. “We’ve shaken up the formula and really wanted to push the envelope on what today’s mobile platforms can offer. The new gameplay elements, design and graphics will thrill Cut the Rope fans and attract a new generation of players.
For the first time, players can move Om Nom around on the screen with the help of Nommies and various gameplay elements. Players can also collect items to access secret levels, use power-ups such as balloons and candy rain, and customise their game by selecting different types of candy and new accessories for Om Nom.
In addition to the game, Om Nom and the Nommies continue their adventures in the third season of the award-winning animated shorts Om Nom Stories™, which debuts a new episode today.
The developer Press Play and Microsoft Studios comes “Max: The Curse of Brotherhood” – launching tomorrow (20th December) on Xbox One.
In this cinematic adventure filled with action-packed puzzles and creative puzzle-solving, Max must confront evil at every turn in a hostile and fantastical world to save his kid brother, Felix. Armed only with a Magic Marker, Max sets out on a perilous journey across deserts, eerie lantern-lit bogs, ancient temples and lush green forests to get his younger sibling back. Along the way, Max gains the powers to manipulate his environment and overcome seemingly impossible obstacles.
“Max: The Curse of Brotherhood” for Xbox One will be available for £11.99.
Xbox Entertainment Studios today announced an original documentary series to debut exclusively on Xbox in 2014. Xbox will produce the series with two-time Academy Award winning producer Simon Chinn (Searching for Sugar Man and Man on Wire) and Emmy winning producer Jonathan Chinn (FX’s 30 Days and PBS’s American High) through their new multi-platform media company, Lightbox.
“Our collaboration with Xbox offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a unique series of films around the extraordinary events and characters that have given rise to the digital age,” said Simon Chinn. “Our goal is to produce a series of compelling and entertaining docs which will deploy all the narrative techniques of Simon’s and my previous work. It’s particularly exciting to be partnering with filmmakers like Zak Penn who come to this process from other filmmaking disciplines and who will bring their own distinctive creative vision to this,” added Jonathan Chinn.
“Jonathan and Simon Chinn are the perfect team to spearhead this series for Xbox. They are consummate story tellers and they plan to match their creative sensibility with the best talent in the industry” commented Nancy Tellem, president, Xbox Entertainment Studios. “These stories will expose how the digital revolution created a global democracy of information, entertainment and commerce, and how it impacts our lives every day.”
The first film in the groundbreaking series investigates the events surrounding the great video game burial of 1983. The Atari Corporation, faced with overwhelmingly negative response to “ET the Video Game,” buried millions of unsold game cartridges in the middle of the night, in the small town of Alamogordo, New Mexico.
Fuel Entertainment, an innovator in cross-platform content development, secured the exclusive rights to excavate the Atari landfill and approached Xbox. Lightbox will document the dig planned for early next year.
Filmmaker and avid gamer Zak Penn (X-Men 2, Avengers,Incident at Loch Ness) will direct. This episode will not only document the excavation, but place the urban legend of the burial in the context of the precipitous rise and fall of Atari itself.
“When Simon and Jonathan Chinn approached me about this story, I knew it would be something important and fascinating,” said Penn. “I wasn’t expecting to be handed the opportunity to uncover one of the most controversial mysteries of gaming lore.”
Shooting begins in January. The series will air exclusively on Xbox One and Xbox 360 in 2014 and will be available globally in all markets where Xbox Live is supported.
