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Xbox One Matches PS4 Day One Sales, But They Shouldn’t Celebrate Yet

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Microsoft’s Xbox One has matched the impressive day one numbers of PS4 consoles sold in the first 24 hours since launch. Both machines sold over 1 million machines on day one. Microsoft are currently celebrating their most successful launch yet as the numbers beat those set by the original Xbox and the Xbox 360.

But should they be really be cracking out the champagne? As it turns out, Sony seems to have the upper hand. Microsoft released their console in 13 different territories including, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, UK, and USA. That covers all the largest gaming markets outside of the Far Eastern ones like Japan and China. Continue reading Xbox One Matches PS4 Day One Sales, But They Shouldn’t Celebrate Yet →

Action, Platformer, Platforms, PlayStation 3, Reviews

Ratchet & Clank: Nexus (Review)

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Get your Zurkon!

Sony’s long serving pair are back for another dose of platforming and mad scientist-style firearms. Let’s get straight to what you want to hear, yes, Ratchet & Clank: Nexus is a return to form after the misguided effort that was Q-Force. So, with no threats of ridiculous tower defence to worry about we’re free to enjoy the series as it was always meant to be.

That said, I’ve been surprised to see Insomniac continue to work on the series since they started working on non-Sony titles, but I supposed something has to pay the bills between Fuse and Sunset Overdrive (an upcoming Xbox One exclusive). This could explain why we’re getting a shorter Ratchet adventure than usual, but in fairness, it’s only £20.

Continue reading Ratchet & Clank: Nexus (Review) →

Features, Hands-on previews, Platforms, PlayStation 3, Previews, Video, Xbox 360

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 – Hands-on Playthrough Video

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If you read my hands-on preview of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 a few weeks ago you may be interested to take a look at my new hands-on preview video. Taking place at what may turn out to be the first stage of the game, you’ll see a variety of new weapons in action such as the Void Sword and the Cestus Claws. And you see Gabriel rip a knight into what can only be described as a red splash. It’s messy.

With only Ryse on the horizon, this is one of our most eagerly-awaited hack n’ slash titles. Kratos better come out of retirement soon if he doesn’t want to lose his title.

Continue reading Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 – Hands-on Playthrough Video →

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Job Listing Suggests Co-op for Uncharted 4

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Uncharted has always seemed like a great game to include some campaign co-op gameplay and it could well be on the cards for Uncharted 4 if a recent job listing post on Naughty Dog’s website is anything to go by.

The developer of the Uncharted series and The Last of Us is currently on the lookout for someone to fill the position of, “Game Designer (Co-op).”

Elements mentioned in the listing included: Continue reading Job Listing Suggests Co-op for Uncharted 4 →

Features, Platforms, PS4, Xbox One

10 Top Tips for Preparing for Your Xbox One or PS4

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After years of waiting, the PS4 and Xbox One are now unbearably close. However, let’s take some time to make sure we’ve planned ahead for the perfect launch experience on the day. You may have more left to do than you think. So don’t get caught out on launch day, check out our 10 Top Tips for Preparing for Your Xbox One or PS4. Then we can all go back to staring at our calendars.

Continue reading 10 Top Tips for Preparing for Your Xbox One or PS4 →

Features, PC, Platforms, PlayStation 3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One

What’s Right and What’s Wrong with Call of Duty: Ghosts’ Single Player

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Infinity Ward’s latest shooter, Call of Duty: Ghosts, hit the shelves this week and has again proved a big success, although not to the same degree as previous titles. There’s been a drop in sales, albeit one which could be explained by players waiting for next-gen versions later this month. The critical reception has taken a hit too though as the series dips into the ‘dreaded’ yellow zone on Metacritic with a current average of 75 instead of the usual 80-90 range.

Much of the criticism has been aimed at the game’s single player element, which is surprising, given that Infinity Ward should know what they’re doing by now. Have they become lazy? Are we expecting too much? Have our tastes changed? Or do we just want to get on with the multiplayer?

Well, today let’s tackle the single player side of Ghosts, by looking at what’s strong and what’s wrong with it. My experience and thoughts are based on my recent complete playthrough of the campaign on the PS3.

Continue reading What’s Right and What’s Wrong with Call of Duty: Ghosts’ Single Player →

Features, Platforms, PS4, Xbox One

11 Essential Preparations Before You Buy a PS4 or Xbox One

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With the arrival of the PS4 and Xbox One being unbearably close, we’ve decided to try to calm down for a few seconds to make sure we’re prepared. As it turns out, we still have lots to do and we imagine you do too. So, don’t get caught out on launch day and check out our 11 Essential Preparations Before You Buy a PS4 or Xbox One. Then we can all go back to staring at our calendars. Continue reading 11 Essential Preparations Before You Buy a PS4 or Xbox One →

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No Football Manager for Next-Gen Consoles

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Sports Interactive studio boss Miles Jacobson, has dashed hopes of console gamers playing Football Manager anytime soon, telling MCV [print edition], “We have no plans for next-gen at all.”

So, despite the architecture of the new machines resembling PCs more than ever, it would seem Sega and SI are yet to be convinced. Past form seems to be a key issue as Jacobson went on to say, “We didn’t have a lot of success on the 360. We did on the first version on Xbox, and we usually see ourselves going up year-on-year not falling.”

Continue reading No Football Manager for Next-Gen Consoles →

Action, Platformer, Platforms, PlayStation 3, PSN (PlayStation Store), Reviews, XBLA, Xbox 360

Castlevania: Mirror of Fate HD (Review)

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A Better Reflection

 

The 3DS was always going to struggle with the ambitious graphics in Mirror of Fate, but we no longer have to fend off its ugly with a crucifix, because Konami have unleashed a HD makeover on the PS3 and Xbox 360 digital stores and at a bargain price of £9.99.

For those of you who missed the 3DS version, the game ditches the 3D action feel of Lords of Shadow for something more in line with the classic 2D Castlevania games. So expect lots of platforming, exploration and fending off opponents from both sides.

Continue reading Castlevania: Mirror of Fate HD (Review) →

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Call of Duty: Ghosts Free Fall Map is a GAME Exclusive

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“Look, We’re Knocking Down Skyscrapers Too!”

That’s what this trailer for the Free Fall pre-order DLC incentive seems to be shouting, as Activision try to muscle in on Battlefield 4’s key multiplayer feature, massively changing environments in multiplayer maps. To be fair, Call of Duty: Ghosts’ new map looks like a hell of a lot of fun too.

Infinity Ward’s Mark Rubin, is pretty excited about the new map: “It [the new map] introduces our new mechanic, dynamic maps – this idea of bringing that sort of cinematic single player experience to multiplayer. You’re playing in a building that is falling over and is wedged between two other buildings. The floor you’re on is actually the glass windows from the side of the building so you see this world in a very topsy-turvy sense as it’s plummeting down to the streets below.”

The pre-order map will be available from multiple outlets in the US. European console gamers face a one-store exclusive policy in each territory though, with Game being the only option for UK gamers. Tease yourself with a trailer after the break and decide if you want to put your money with the big purple one. Continue reading Call of Duty: Ghosts Free Fall Map is a GAME Exclusive →

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Orchid Smashes Into Killer Instinct’s Roster

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The Killer Instinct reboot is the only next-gen fighter on the horizon and we’re seeing more characters being added to the free-to-play(ish) title. The latest addition is Orchid, a baton-wielding female fighter who transforms into a tiger. So yeah, she’s a bit feisty.

The new trailer shows her giving a hell of a beating to Jago and there’s a bit of tease for Spinal being the next character to be announced too. If you haven’t heard already, the game will be an exclusive free download on the Xbox One, but all the characters -except for Jago- will have to be paid for separately. It’s an interesting concept, especially as many fighter fans usually stick with a small handful of characters, so it could work. Fingers crossed that you’ll at least be able to try them out before buying though. For more details on pricing and bundles click here. Continue reading Orchid Smashes Into Killer Instinct’s Roster →

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Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 Trailer Ups the Drama

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Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 is looking to end the Lords of Shadow saga in style early next year. Although, if you’re yet to play any of the series, I’d advise staying away from this trailer as it gives away the endings for the first game and Mirrors of Fate. Speaking of Mirrors of Fate, which was originally a 3DS game, I’ll have a review of the HD remake for you later on today. While you’re waiting, check out my recent hands-on preview of Lords of Shadow 2. Continue reading Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 Trailer Ups the Drama →

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Contrast Gameplay Trailer Moves in the Shadows

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This is our first proper look at some gameplay for the upcoming platformer from Compulsion Games, Contrast. Set in 1920s Paris, with a burlesque-noir carnival style, your journey will follow the story of the little girl Didi and her imaginary acrobatic friend, Dawn.

In an interesting twist, you will be able to jump into the shadows, turning parts of the game into a 2D platformer. It looks like you will use both dimensions to solve puzzles and move around the game world. We’re getting a similar vibe to dimension-shifting games like Super Paper Mario, Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams or the upcoming Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. This is a good thing.

PS4 gamers with a PS+ subscription will get the game for free at launch. Elsewhere it will be released on Xbox 360 and PC on November 15th and PS3 on November 20th. Continue reading Contrast Gameplay Trailer Moves in the Shadows →

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Ubisoft Release Seven Minutes of South Park Gameplay

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On the one hand, we’re a bit annoyed to see South Park: The Stick of Truth delayed again. But on the other, we think the March 4th release date will give it some room to breathe. It was never going to stand a chance in the Christmas rush to be honest, even with that interesting December release date.

To keep you interested, Ubisoft have released seven minutes of gameplay showing a mix of cutscenes, turn-based combat and even a little peak at the equip screens, complete with ‘Weapon strap-ons.’ The more we see of the game, the more it looks like it might actually fulfill its potential, as it seems to be nailing the look and humour of the show. Who would have thought we’d be turning to South Park for a traditional turn-based RPG experience though? Continue reading Ubisoft Release Seven Minutes of South Park Gameplay →

Party, Platforms, PlayStation 3, PS4, Reviews, Xbox 360, Xbox One

Just Dance 2014 (Review)

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That’s no way to treat a chair

It’s always exciting when games pop through the letterbox, but a few years ago, I was sent Sony’s DanceStar Party for the PS Move. I was dreading it, but ended enjoying it a lot more than I expected. So, when Just Dance 2014 turned up one bleary-eyed afternoon with its neon-nightmare box art, I knew it was that time again. Time to close the curtains. To apologise to the cat in advance. Time to move the sofa too close to the door. Time to stretch. Time to have a beer. Oh, and time to borrow a Kinect.

This is the fifth full game in the series, which has become frequent enough to ditch the numbered sequels and stick a year on the box. You’d be forgiven for thinking not much has changed; the art style is largely the same with real-life dancers on-screen painted in thick bright colours. Steady improvements have been made to the game itself though. Admittedly, the series started on the Wii with a motion controller that wasn’t up to anything more complex than bowling.

Continue reading Just Dance 2014 (Review) →

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Heavenly Sword Gets A Movie and Trailer

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Learning that Heavenly Sword was being turned into a CGI movie was a pleasant surprise, especially seeing as the original game was released way back in 2007. As any fan of the PS3 game could tell you, it’s cinematic potential is huge.

New details have been revealed recently, but they’re not exactly fan-pleasers. Andy Serkis (of The Lord of the Rings‘ Gollum fame) put in an excellent vocal and facial motion-capture performance for the game, but has been replaced by Alfred Molina. No disrespect to Molina, but this was a role Serkis owned.

As with any film based on a game, it would seem there’s been a bit of unnecessary creativity with the story, namely an introduction of a brother (played by Thomas Jane) for Nariko, which just about derails the story from the start. In the game, a prophecy foretold the birth of a boy to save the world from evil, but Nariko was born instead and largely shunned by her tribe. At least Anna Torv (Fringe) reprises the lead role as Nariko. Continue reading Heavenly Sword Gets A Movie and Trailer →

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Rainbow Moon Coming to the Vita December 3rd

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RPG fans rejoice! The Vita is getting some much-needed love in the form of the excellent Rainbow Moon. This will be a port of last year’s PSN exclusive and will now feature cross-save support.

SideQuest Studios told the US PS Blog that the game will run at a slick 60 FPS and will include 30 new features, bug fixes and improvements. They elaborated by saying, “XP counters in the victory screen can now be skipped, items can be used directly from the quest vendor, and left-stick control has been improved, reducing the chance of walking in unintended directions while in battle mode.“

As a player of the original, improved movement on the battlefield sounds like good news and will hopefully reduce the number of wasted turns. Cross-save support sounds great, especially if you never got around to finishing the original and the game should be an excellent fit for the Vita as you’ll be able to whip it out for a quick grind anywhere. SideQuest are also currently in talks with Sony to get a discount for owners of the original PSN game and cross-buy could be on the cards too. Continue reading Rainbow Moon Coming to the Vita December 3rd →

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Killzone: Shadow Fall Story Trailer

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Killzone: Shadow Fall is looking like the must-have PS4 exclusive on launch day. This new trailer gives us more details on the plot than any of the past videos and it’s shaping up to be very interesting indeed. Series fans will notice a reference to Visari and we’re presuming it’s his daughter who is now leading the Helghast. The game is set 30 years after the original trilogy and finds both sides fighting over the same planet since the destruction of Helghan.

Killzone has never been shy of putting a large emphasis on the story and it feels like Guerrilla Games are gearing up for something epic this time. Fingers crossed Rico won’t be making a cameo though. Don’t forget to check out our multiplayer hands-on report too. Continue reading Killzone: Shadow Fall Story Trailer →

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Tearaway Nears Completion – Have a Trailer

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Less than a month to go now before the November 22nd release date for Tearaway. The Media Molecule-developed platformer looks set to be worth the wait for the nearly-forgotten PS Vita. The new trailer shows off how the game would only ever work on the Vita thanks to the front and rear touch features, a camera and a microphone. All of these control inputs will be used to create a unique platforming adventure.

Take a look at the new trailer after the break and don’t forget to check out Jon’s Photo Diary from a recent preview build of the game. Continue reading Tearaway Nears Completion – Have a Trailer →

Gaming reviews, previews and features by Brendan Griffiths