Mature Gaming » 360

Microsoft reveal Great British Celebration products

gazzara — Tue, 01 May 2012 10:20:28 +0000

In a celebration of all things British this summer, Microsoft is releasing an Xbox 360 Special Edition 4GB Kinect Celebration Pack and special edition Union Jack mouse.

Available from Friday 25^th May, the Celebration Pack features a special edition white Xbox 360 4GB console, Kinect Sensor and wireless controller, whilst the Great British Mouse available from Thursday 3^rd May is emblazoned with the distinctive design of the Union Jack flag.

Featuring an ambidextrous design and a Nano Transceiver small enough to leave plugged into your notebook when you’re on the go, the Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 is the perfect companion for a mobile lifestyle and can be used on just about any surface¹ thanks to Microsoft’s BlueTrack Technology and all for just £29.99.

At £249.99, the Celebration Pack includes free commemorative Union Jack skins to decorate your console, sensor and controller. Also available with the bundle is two Kinect games (Kinect Adventures and Kinect Sports) and three months Xbox LIVE Gold subscription, allowing you to access and enjoy the very best in entertainment this summer, all on this stylish limited edition console.

The great value Celebration Pack not only brings controller-free gaming to your living room, but also allows you, your family and friends to enjoy the expansive catalogue of live and on-demand television, movies, sports and music. And with the power of Kinect, you can control all of your experiences simply by using your voice or gesture.

Join in the Great British celebrations this summer with Microsoft!

DiRT Showdown demo available now

gazzara — Tue, 01 May 2012 10:00:59 +0000

Featuring both a full-impact solo race and a devastating multiplayer demolition derby event, the DiRT Showdown demo will launch worldwide today and will be available from Xbox Live Marketplace, PlayStation Network and Steam on PC.
To mark the launch of the demo, Codemasters has released a ‘Demo Derby’ video showcasing the all-action motorised mayhem that players can experience today.

In the demo, the single player ‘8 Ball’ race, players take part in a chaotic, full-impact race in the shadow of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, using boost to sprint ahead of rivals and speeding through crossover points where drivers can dodge or takedown opponents. Once players have completed the race, they can challenge a friend online to unlock the ‘Rampage’ multiplayer mode. In ‘Rampage’, eight drivers feed their appetite for destruction in an online demolition derby event, earning points for crashes, smashes and eliminations.

Gamers who download the DiRT Showdown demo are also invited to sign up for RaceNet*, the free new online extension for Codemasters Racing games, which enables players to track their Races, Rivals and Rewards. Launching in beta, players who register now will be able to join in community challenges and once the full game launches, track their progress in game and track challenges with their friends. Gamers who join RaceNet will also be rewarded with an exclusive ‘RaceNet’ livery for use in the full game and will receive $20,000 in-game currency for DiRT Showdown when it races into retail on May 25^th.

A special ‘Hoonigan’ edition of DiRT Showdown is now available to pre-order exclusively from GAME and Gamestation. Sporting unique packaging, the DiRT Showdown: Hoonigan Edition will include an in-game cash boost, an online XP multiplier plusMonster Energy liveries for the Kohler D350, Duke Coupe and Ford Fiesta Gymkhana 3 and Hoonigan liveries for the Holbrook Growler, Logan Vulture and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X JUN, redeemed via an online code.

DiRT Showdown will deliver a new world of competitive and combative racing as players race, crash and hoon their way to ‘Showdown’ finals on a chaotic tour of motorised mayhem when it launches May 25^th for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

*RaceNet will launch in BETA alongside the DiRT Showdown demo and will be a free new online extension for all Codemasters Racing games. Through RaceNet, players will be able to track their races, rewards and rivals. With a dedicated team and long-term vision, RaceNet will continually evolve to bring together Codemasters Racing games in one place. More details and features will be unveiled when DiRT Showdown launches. Discover RaceNet at www.racenet.codemasters.com

MUD FIM Motorcross World Championship demo available now

gazzara — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:22:04 +0000

Milestone and Black Bean Games have announced today that a playable demo is now available for their upcoming motocross game, MUD FIM Motocross World Championship.

The demo is downloadable now via the PlayStation Network and will also be available for Xbox Live member from Friday 27^th April 2012.

MUD is the only game that includes three official competitions: the MX1 and MX2 championships and the epic Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. MUD also boasts a brand new game engine, 12 Grand Prix races, official track locations and 6 huge arenas for freestyle stunts.

MUD FIM Motocross World Championship is scheduled for release on Friday 4^th May 2012 for the Xbox360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

The Witcher 2: Assassins Of Kings – Enhanced Edition – Review (360)

gazzara — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 22:51:44 +0000

When CD Projekt RED and Namco released The Witcher 2: Assassins Of Kings last year on PC a lot of heads turned and a lot of eyes opened to a new RPG on the block that not only got the basics of an RPG absolutely spot on, but it was also one of the most technically gifted RPG’s around as well as one of the most adult.

Now CD Projekt RED has ported this stunning game over to the 360 as an enhanced edition, including over 4 hours of extra storylines, features and cinematics to make this the most complete edition yet. Has “dumbing down” the game to the 360 had an effect on the quality of the title overall? Hell no, CD Projekt RED have just escalated their credibility into the stratosphere with a conversion that doesn’t detract from the original and is as breathtaking an experience as the PC version.

Following up from the original Witcher title and based on the book by Polish author, Andrzej Sapkowski, you again take control of anti-hero and one of the few remaining Witchers left, Geralt Of Rivia, a human in essence but have been enhanced and something that leaves an air of distrust in a lot of humans minds.

During the prologue, Geralt is interrogated in a prison in the kingdom of Temeria by Vernon Roche, the commander of a group of Temerian special forces known as the Blue Stripes, regarding the assassination of the king of Temeria, King Foltest. Geralt recounts the events leading up to Foltest’s death, during which he acted as Foltest’s bodyguard. During an uprising against Foltest by noble families of Temeria, Foltest personally leads the battle in order to recover his illegitimate children, Anais and Boussy, who are being held by the rebels. Once Foltest finds his children, he is killed by an assassin disguised as a blind monk, who escapes before Geralt can react. Geralt is then found by Temerian forces and mistaken for Foltest’s killer. After hearing Geralt’s confessions, Roche decides on Geralt’s innocence and aids him in escaping the prison. The two, along with Triss Merigold, a sorceress, Geralt’s companion and, up until Foltest’s assassination, royal advisor, then travel to a trading post named Flotsam, in search of the kingslayer.

The Kingslayer is first introduced in a stunning piece of film at the beginning of the game, technically adept in its performance and a real statement at letting any purchaser of The Witcher 2 on the 360 that CD Projekt RED have not only created an exceptional port but have also been as true to the graphical brilliance of the PC version as the 360′s capabilities allowed it.

Although The Witcher 2 submits itself to many of the standard conventions in the RPG genre, a lot of attention has been paid to every detail of these to deliver a narrative that is deep, engrossing, comedic, heart warming, terryfying and just downright stunning. Your traditional main story takes centre stage with various mini quests that will eat up your time but what really stands out is how this world has been crafted and how The Witcher 2 breaks most traditional RPG theories, especially those based around the Tolkein novels. Worlds in other fantasy stories normally fluffily edge themselves around the true political stances of the worlds that are created but The Witcher 2 challenges you to face up to the reality of what this world is about by throwing you head first into the adult, mature and dark streets and surroundings of various cities, trapsing between the slums of the non humans and the better living conditions of the humans.

Political alliances, rascism and a very adult theme at times, along with the language to go with it puts The Witcher 2 at a different level to other RPG’s and the theme has been handled with care for the most part, not exploiting the fact that these phrases have been put in, although there were a couple of times when my eyes were open a little wider to what was being said than normal. Nudity also has its place in the game and appears early on in the game with Gerald’s trist with Triss where nipples and pubic hair are revealed which adds to the adult and ,mature manner of the game. Again, it has been handled properly and not glorified for the sake of wanting to shock. It is there to serve as part of the storyline and plays out as it would perhaps in a film, something that we are seeing more and more as games mature further into the realms of film convention.

One of the other big draws from The Witcher 2 on PC was the fighting system which still remains one of the best around. Again, drawing inspiration from traditional RPG fighting systems and also ploughs ahead with its own stamp utilising swordplay, magic as well as ranged attacks and special abilities like setting traps. Alternating between weapons, potions and the like is as easy as pressing the left bumper to bring up a wheel in which you can select what you need. As the wheel is displayed the gameplay slows down in time ala bullet time and whilst the action is still going on very slowly you have the time to make the required choices and carry on when the wheel is disappeared. This opens up a whole new world of inventive and strategic gameplay like setting traps and choosing the right weapons as well as well as getting the right magic spells setup for certain creatures and although the whole concept will be a little confusing at first you will come to terms with it quick enough. If you are unsure then an in depth, yet quite long, tutorial will show you the ins and out of combat and get you up to speed ready for you to enter the kingdom of Tameria.

Graphically, the 360 version, to my surprise, looks breathtaking considering it is running on a 6 year old console and although it does lose a little of its sheen and suffers from the odd drop in frame rate and texture popping up a little late. If you have a powerful enough PC then it is a little obvious what you would really play it on but the CD Projekt RED can be proud of their achievement here as the colours are vibrant and the vistas will still take your breath away, even though some areas are a little fogged in places.

Overall, CD Projekt RED have produced an RPG that puts itself out there as one of the games that lead this genre and other publishers would do well to further examine some of the features of the game as well as the tightly scripted narrative that is mature in content yet deep and rich in experience encapsulating the true essence of the sometimes brutal extremes of living in the 12th century. I stated earlier that if you have a powerful enough PC then it is best played on this format but for all of us lowly console owners, you can be rest assured that the money you are spending is money well spent and this game deserves to be an addition to any RPG fan out there as well as any newcomer that fancies dabbling in a world of magic, swordplay and fantasy.

If you haven’t already purchased The Witcher 2: Assassins Of Kings – Enhanced Edition then you can buy it here at a very reasonable price.

Summer Stars 2012 demo out now

gazzara — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:06:42 +0000

Deep Silver and 49Games today released a demo for Summer Stars 2012, a sports game for the Xbox 360 (compatible with Kinect for Xbox 360), PlayStation 3 with PlayStation Move support, and Wii.
The trial version shows off the disciplines of 200m Sprint, Archery and Mountain biking and highlights the variety of Summer Stars. From classic athletics to fun and thrilling sports, every player can enjoy their favorite summer discipline. The demo is available now and can be played with up to four persons and supports Kinect for Xbox 360 and PlayStation Move.

Summer Stars 2012 lets players experience a large variety of events, special challenges and competitions at exciting venues around the world. With more than 18 different disciplines & challenges, Summer Stars 2012 covers a whole range of summer sports. Players can prove their talent in disciplines like Triple Jump, Mountain Biking, Diving or Sprinting and become a top athlete in the career mode.

In multiplayer mode, they can compete directly with up to three friends or family members on split screen – delivering a gripping “just one more go” experience. Summer Stars 2012 also leaves it up to the players to decide how far they will be physically involved in the gameplay: the game supports traditional arcade-style controls as well as motion control via Kinect for Xbox 360, PlayStation Move or Wii.

Summer Stars 2012 is released 1st June 2012.

The Witcher 2 – Meet Givalt of Rivia video

gazzara — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:25:20 +0000

CD Projket RED, the developers of The Witcher 2 Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition for Xbox 360 and PC, have published a new video about their protagonist — Geralt of Rivia.

The movie called “52 and a half” is made using the game’s REDengine, the tool which makes the game one of the best looking titles on this generation’s hardware. THE MOVIE DOES NOT CONTAIN IN GAME FOOTAGE and is a stand-alone story set in The Witcher’s universe.

The Witcher 2: Assassins Of Kings Enhanced Edition is scheduled for April 17th 2012 on Xbox 360 only.

Tonnes of free goodies for Witcher 2 fans

gazzara — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 18:57:20 +0000

CD Projekt RED Group has just wrapped up their Spring conference for 2012, and it’s been chock full of news from all of the companies in the group. Witcher 2 developer CD Projekt RED have revealed that they will be giving away an iOS comic set in the Witcher universe; The Witcher: Enhanced Edition is coming to the Mac platform; CDP RED have started a “Write your own review” program where they are giving away 1000 copies of the anticipated The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition for Xbox 360 to enthusiast reviewers, all owners of The Witcher 2 will receive a complimentary backup copy of their game on DRM-free digital distributor GOG.com, the pre-download of The Enhanced Edition patch for The Witcher 2 will start before April 17th and Polish developers showed gameplay footage from the upcoming Edition of the game.

The iOS comic that they are distributing free through the Apple store stars witcher Geralt in a perilous situation where the reknowned monster hunter may finally meet his match, fighting a cunning werecat in a battle to the death and where politics may force him to stay his hand. This comic, made specially for the iPad, is an interactive journey replete with motion graphics, sound, music, and interactive elements that make this one of the most interactive sequential stories ever brought to iOS. It will be available for iPad and iPhone on the 17th of April.

The Witcher is also arriving on Mac computers, starting from the 5th of April. Everyone who bought the game on Steam for their PC will receive a free copy of the Mac version, and all of the dedicated Mac gamers who have been waiting for their chance to play The Witcher: Enhanced Edition can now pick this award-winning hardcore RPG up for just for 9.99 USD/ 7.99 EUR/ 6.99 GBP/ 9.99 AUD.

PC Witcher 2 fans could find two announcements addressed directly to them. First of all everyone who bought or will buy The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings for PC will receive a free back-up digital copy of the game from GOG.com – it doesn’t matter where or when you got the game. For details go herehttp://www.gog.com/en/page/witcherbackup

The second news regarded the upcoming update to Enhanced Edition. PC users will be able to download the patch starting from the 11th on April. The update won’t be active until April 17th, but people who already can’t wait to start playing the new quests and witness the new content can start their download as soon as possible.

Good news for Xbox gamers. CD Projekt RED is known for listening to their community and is embarking on an audacious crowdsourced review campaign whereby they will give 1000 copies of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition for the Xbox 360 to enthusiast reviewers. Interested fans who want to write their very own, original review are welcome to go to thewitcher.com/review. Just fill in the form and in a few days CD Projekt RED will contact you.

The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition will be released for Xbox 360 and PC on the 17th of April.

New Trials Evolution gameplay trailer released

gazzara — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 22:30:11 +0000

Ubisoft and RedLynx have today unleashed a brand new gameplay trailer for Trials Evolution which has now been dated for April 18th in the U.K.

Bust out of the warehouse into an outdoor world. Multiplayer comes alive, in your living room or on Xbox LIVE. Build your own tracks with the included editor. Join us on Facebook and get a chance to play Trials Evolution before everyone else:http://www.facebook.com/trials.official

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 content collection #1 released

gazzara — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 22:57:38 +0000

Activision Publishing announced today the availability of Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 Content Collection #1, the largest and most eagerly anticipated DLC release in franchise history.

Fans of the world’s most popular FPS were promised a wider variety of content at last autumn’s inaugural Call of Duty XP fan celebration, and Content Collection #1 delivers. For the first time ever, two intense Special Ops missions, “Black Ice” and “Negotiator,” are riding shotgun alongside four new multiplayer maps—Liberation, Piazza, Overwatch and Black Box. Collection #1 is available first on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360 for 1,200 Microsoft Points. The collection is open to all; a premium Call of Duty Elite membership is not required. The DLC pack will be rolled out to other platforms at a later date.

“Call of Duty MW3 Content Collection #1 is the biggest DLC pack ever for Call of Duty,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing. “We’re serious about delivering the best value to our fans and just as we promised last year, it’s not just maps anymore. With six pieces of playable content, that’s more content and bigger variety than we’ve ever been able to include before in aCall of Duty DLC for the same price.”

Content Collection #1 sets the bar for variety, value and fan-service in the FPS DLC marketplace, featuring six fully-fledged Call of Duty experiences. The full loadout includes:

·         Black Ice: This Special Ops mission plunges combatants deep into a frozen diamond mine via a snowmobile in order to infiltrate a secret weapons plant and initiate the self-destruct sequence to take the facility offline for good.
·         Negotiator: India is the backdrop for a Special Ops hostage extraction, where gamers must execute flawless breach-and-clears and negotiate a maze of surface streets to ensure the safety of rescued civilians.
·         Liberation: Players take up positions in a militarised Central Park in the heart of NYC, a sprawling deathscape ripe for long-range sniper and LMG kills.
·         Piazza: An idyllic seaside village, an Italian getaway gone rogue, where blind corners and a complex warren of branching pathways pose danger at every turn.
·         Overwatch: A compact, sky-high battle arena set in a construction site atop a New York City office tower.
·         Black Box: Players seek tactical advantage in multi-level hillside homes overlooking a downed Air Force One, as a luxe SoCal neighborhood turns into a warzone.

Witcher 2: Assassin’s Of Kings Enhanced Edition – 360 So what’s new?

gazzara — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:27:14 +0000

Namco Bandai have today released a snew video which details what is new in the enhanced 360 version of Witcher 2: Assassin’s Of Kings.

Compared to the initial PC release, the Xbox 360 edition will feature lots of new and exciting content: Additional hours of gameplay, Upgraded interface, designed specifically for the platform, New Game Introduction and cinematics and much more. Find out all these new elements in the new trailer.

The Witcher 2: Assassins Of Kings Enhanced Edition is scheduled for April 17th 2012 on Xbox 360 only.