A reliable sign you’re playing an absorbing game is how it makes the time fly. I was constantly interrupted by my TV’s two-hour auto-shutdown notification throughout my time with The Witcher III: Wild Hunt. Geralt’s adventures will cut through the days and nights so fast it’ll shock you.
The Witcher III marks the series’ debut on PlayStation and as such will be played by many gamers unfamiliar with the past games. There’s no getting around the fact that you’re going to be at a loss just diving in, I’d seriously advise reading a few wiki summaries of past events and brushing up on some of the main characters so you won’t feel too left out. Continue reading The Witcher III: Wild Hunt (Review) – An unpolished classic?→
UK Beta users of game streaming service, PS Now, have reported that the new prices that have been added to the service and they’re pretty outrageous. How Sony expects to succeed with such high prices for rentals is beyond anyone’s imagining, especially seeing as many titles can be bought outright physically for similar prices. There’s a lot of work to be done, if PS Now wants to survive beyond launch. Continue reading Sony’s PS Now UK Rental Prices are taking us for chumps→
The consumer model of the Oculus Rift has just been unveiled via a live stage show broadcast on Twitch. Here are all the updated details about the Virtual Reality headset that you’ve been waiting for along with the new game announcement details and some incredible details about TWO new controller input options that have just been confirmed.
Coming in Q1 2016, the Virtual Reality headset has been eagerly awaited for the last few years since smashing its kickstarter goal and more recently, being acquired by Facebook for millions. And we’re edging ever closer to making Virtual Reality an actual reality. So how about some details about that consumer model headset? First up, it’s no longer this awkward, large and bulky set of boxes and straps. The ergonomics of the headset have been tweaked over the years to create a lightweight unit, that can be put on with the simplicity of a baseball cap. Continue reading Oculus Rift rundown of new details and new controllers→
It’s been a long time coming, but we finally caught a glimpse of full-on gameplay for the eagerly-awaited Hellblade. Until now, we’d only seen gameplay through basic design animation tests during Ninja Theory’s dev diaries.
The story for Hellblade has taken a new turn. Senua’s trip into hell is actually a manifestation of her mental illness after the trauma of a Viking invasion. Sounds a bit Silent Hill to us. Psychosis is now a central theme of the game and the studio has been working with Psychiatrist and Professor of Health and Neuroscience at Cambridge University, Paul Fletcher, to develop these themes. Fletcher said: “True understanding of mental health is not simply about books, lectures or verbal descriptions but from deeper engagement on all levels. Working with Ninja Theory has shown me the potential that gaming has for sharing in a character’s experiences and engendering empathy in ways that go well beyond those offered by simple academic descriptions. Maybe this approach will contribute powerful new ways of challenging stigma.” Continue reading Hellblade E3 trailer finally shows some gameplay→
We’re a lucky generation. It’s never been cheaper to buy behemoth-sized TV screens and the visuals for games and movies have never been clearer thanks to the rapid dominance of HD screens and the success of the Blu-ray medium for the movie industry and as a physical media for console games. But there’s a tiny issue spoiling games today. One so small, you’ll probably have to squint to see it.
It’s all in the small print. Why, with these massive screens and crystal clear pictures, do we constantly have to squint or move closer to read the text in video games? The Witcher III: Wild Hunt is another in a long line of big-name games that should really know better. Continue reading Witcher III and many others are being spoiled by a tiny problem→
If ever a PS4 game deserves its own extensive strategy guide, it’s Bloodborne. Sony’s PS4 exclusive by From Software has rapidly become the PS4’s most essential title, adored by fans of Demon’s Souls and the Dark Souls series, as well as a fair few new fans, myself included.
I know what many of you are thinking, ‘why do I need a guide book, when the internet is out there?’ It’s a fair point and one impossible to ignore during this review. But having browsed multiple online wikis and read the weighty 550 pages of this guide with official information gathered from the devs themselves, it’s clear that this hardback guide is an essential purchase for fans of the game, whether they’re just getting started, looking for ways to finish off those last few bosses, master the incredible depths of the Chalice Dungeons or discover new weapons and how to use them. No stone is left unturned. Continue reading Bloodborne Collector’s Edition Strategy Guide Book (Review) – A light in the dark→
So, Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection is finally official. Sony confirmed the PS4 remaster of the trilogy this morning with an announcement trailer, but we’ve been running cheap preorders since yesterday. It would have been nice to have seen some actual gameplay in the reveal trailer but it’s a safe bet that’s being saved for their E3 show.
New-gen remasters are a source of controversy amongst many gamers, and we’ve certainly seen a few dubious ones ourselves. But rather than judge them as a whole. we like to think we examine each one on it’s own merits. So let’s take a look at Uncharted and try to establish if this is a quick cash-grab while Sony treads water or an essential purchase. Continue reading Uncharted PS4 Collection – Treading water or essential purchase?→
The new E3 trailer for Battleborn has been released early and it’s looking pretty good. We’ll remain cautious until we’ve got our hands on the new FPS/MOBA hybrid as Gearbox’s output in recent years has varied considerably (Borderlands series – ace. Aliens: Colonial Marines and Duke Nukem’ Forever – balls.).
It’s undeniably pretty though, reminding me of the colourful aesthetic of WildStar. Unlike WildStar though, Battleborn will be coming to the PS4 and Xbox One as well as the PC. With any luck we’ll find out how the FPS/MOBA model is going to work out as more details emerge during E3. Continue reading E3 Battleborn trailer shows off gameplay→
You’ve all seen the new Fallout 4 trailer right? Go on, we’ll wait. Well it’s time to gauge the reactions of gamers around the world by examining one of the hottest trending topics we’ve seen in a while.
Hands up. Whose PS4 or Xbox One is completely full already? Quite a few of you we imagine, especially seeing as most games seem to move in with about 40GB of space on your hard-drive.
Today we’ve heard leaks about a new 1TB hard-drive PS4 model and the rumours of an Xbox One slim with a bigger drive have been doing the rounds too. Of course, PS4 owners can buy their own 1TB drive and install it and there was briefly a 1TB XO (the COD model), but why the hell has it taken Sony and Microsoft so long to wake up to the fact the 500GB drive is a joke? Continue reading 1TB PS4 and Xbox One models are appallingly overdue→
The announcement of this standalone expansion prequel to last year’s excellent Wolfenstein: The New Order was an excellent surprise and the news that it was only going to cost about £15 was even better. Fast forward a few short weeks and you can pick up a copy for about a tenner. You’re looking at the best bargain of 2015, folks.
While the majority of the last game was set in the alternative version of the 1960s where the Nazis won WWII, The Old Blood takes place towards the end of the war in the mid 40s. You’re attempting to infiltrate Castle Wolfenstein, an enormous fortress built into the side of a mountain. The word ‘imposing’ doesn’t really do it justice as you approach it via cable car. Continue reading Wolfenstein: The Old Blood (Review) – “Ein Hotdog!”→
The latest trailer for Lego Jurassic World ties in neatly with the new movie as it gives you a tour of the newly opened Jurassic World theme park. We’re sure the opening will run smoothly. No wait, little Lego people are running for their lives and I’m pretty sure I saw a Raptor doing a wheelie on a bike. Clear your backlog people, this game is going to have you glued to your seats until that Platinum Trophy pings. Enjoy the trailer and take a look at our roundup of the best preorder deals for every format below. Continue reading Lego Jurassic World trailer takes you for a tour while we dig up the best prices→
Today’s new video for Batman: Arkham Knight shows seven minutes of continuous footage from a segment of the game. This gives us an excellent impression of the different play styles available in the space of a few short minutes. We’re always happy to see gameplay over snappily edited snippets of cutscenes.
Over the course of seven minutes, we’ll see Batman swoop over Gotham’s beautifully lit Chinatown, before he dives through a building’s glass skylight and straight into an indoor brawl with no loading sequence at all. This part of the story sees him rescuing a rather underdressed Poison Ivy (where are your pants, Ivy!) from Scarecrow’s goons. There’s nothing spoilery to look out for though.
After a quick cutscene Batman gives her a lift in the batmobile to Gotham PD, giving Warner and Rocksteady the chance to show off how you can smash through buildings for shortcuts as alternatives to the route-planning line on the HUD. There’s a brief battle against the Arkham Knight’s armoured tanks on the way, which is a good excuse to transform the Batmobile into Battle Mode for some quick strafe and shoot rocket-fuelled fun. Take a look for yourself below and maybe play through Asylum and City to get ready for Batman: Arkham Knight in a month’s time. Continue reading 7 mins of new Batman: Arkham Knight footage→
Next month’s PlayStation Plus games have just been announced and it looks like the lineup has stepped things up a little after a few thoroughly average months. Or has it?
If you’ve already bought Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes during one of it’s many placements in the PSN sales, then you could argue that you’re looking at another decidedly indie lineup. Call of Juarez: Gunslinger (ok, not very indie) is certainly worth a look if you didn’t play it two years ago. The remaining titles range from the vaguely familiar (Cloudberry Kingdom) to the incredibly vague (Super Exploding Zoo).Continue reading PlayStation + June 2015 lineup back on track?→
Today, Capcom announced that they are working on Resident Evil 0 HD, a remastered HD port of their 2002 GameCube exclusive. While some HD ports/remasters feel like opportunistic cash grabs, we like to think that this one is a good thing; not just for us eager gamers, but for Capcom and the Resident Evil series in general. Here’s why.
As fondly remembered as the GameCube was, the fact is it got hammered by the competition. Capcom were easily the most supportive third-party though with the original Resident Evil remake (or REmake), Resi 0 and of course, the incredible Resident Evil 4. Continue reading Why Resident Evil 0 HD is great news for the series and gamers→
Seen the movie yet? With some solid reviews behind the remake, we’re getting more excited for Avalanche’s game as it slowly edges near its September release. Today’s new trailer gives us some insight on the story for the game. That’s not to say it isn’t packed with explosions and brutal vehicular combat.
Take a look at the trailer below and we’ve rounded up the cheapest pre-order prices we can find too. Although, we imagine some better prices will come along before September 4th. Continue reading Mad Max Savage Road story trailer→
Rockstar are taking legal action against the BBC in relation to Game Changer, the broadcasting company’s upcoming drama about the Grand Theft Auto series. Rockstar are suing for trademark infringement and have released a statement (via IGN):
“Take-Two Interactive has filed suit against the BBC for trademark infringement based on their movie currently titled ‘Game Changer’ as it relates to Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto video game series”
“While holders of the trademarks referenced in the film title and its promotion, Rockstar Games has had no involvement with this project. Our goal is to ensure that our trademarks are not misused in the BBC’s pursuit of an unofficial depiction of purported events related to Rockstar Games.”
“We have attempted multiple times to resolve this matter with the BBC without any meaningful resolution. It is our obligation to protect our intellectual property and unfortunately in this case litigation was necessary.” Continue reading Rockstar suing BBC over GTA Drama→
Season Pass content can be tricky to navigate, especially when you’re not sure how a piece of paid content is going to work out. At Dealspwn we always advise waiting for some coverage or reviews before putting any extra cash down, especially for season passes. We really enjoyed Mortal Kombat X at launch and have been impressed with the variety of characters already on offer. So how about the DLC ones? Well, here’s our review of the first to arrive, the infamous, Jason Voorhees.
The indestructible star of the Friday the 13th movies (yes, except the first one) initially seemed a rather odd choice for the series, as he’s never been known for his pace and the idea of him performing combos seems a bit absurd. Thankfully, NetherRealm have given him a generous injection of pace and a decent skillset with linkable moves, while maintaining his sinister style. Continue reading Mortal Kombat X Jason Voorhees DLC (Review) – This is why they run→
As fans of Heavenly Sword and dev team Ninja Theory, we can’t wait to get our hands on Hellblade. The studio is aiming for a AAA action title, but made by a smaller team with a tiny budget. It’s an ambitious project, and they have been very open with their approach since announcing the game and have shown us multiple dev diaries from incredibly early stages of the game.
Today’s diary shows how the team have been creating multiple small ‘vertical slice’ demo for playtesters and the press. With a refreshing display of honesty, they freely admit that the first few were not great and left playtesters frustrated. With the latest build set to be shown to members of the press before E3, they have their fingers crossed that they have improved.
There’s no set release date for Hellblade, and with such a small team, we’d be surprised if it happened this year. As with any game though, we’d rather wait until the game is ready than play a malnourished product. Enjoy the video below and be sure to head to their site to see past entries in the series. Continue reading Hellblade dev diary shows development challenges→
Gaming reviews, previews and features by Brendan Griffiths
The No Sleep Gamer 