March 2011 Archives

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THIS Easter I can guarantee one thing: it isn't the Easter Bunny the kids are going to be talking about, it's the Nintendo 3DS.

Following hot on the heels of Microsoft's Kinect for the Xbox 360 comes Nintendo's foray into the next generation of gaming.

Just as Kinect revolutionised the way we see console gaming by doing away with controllers altogether, Nintendo once again redefines the handheld gaming genre with the 3DS.

The hype has been huge. 3D gaming WITHOUT glasses.

Not possible, surely?

I was sceptical. I thought it was marketing overdrive from Nintendo that could not live up to the promise.

And I was wrong. This IS 3D gaming without any glasses required.

The graphics are crystal-clear with huge depth, and it feels like the action is going to burst out of the screen.

In terms of computer gaming, this is history in the making - and it does need to be seen to be believed. Michael French, who is editor-in-chief of games industry magazines MCV and Develop, believes the impact will be significant.

"Nintendo 3DS turns 3D into something mass-market and credible," he told me. "It has the potential to win over the sceptics and impress those used to watching 3D film and TV encumbered by glasses.

"The launch looks set to be the biggest hardware release in the UK yet, with pre-orders at in excess of 120,000. That's already much higher than the Wii's large-scale launch in 2006.

"Depending on stock availability, up to 150,000 could be sold in the first weekend. After that, it depends on availability. But sales could well be much higher if there are enough units out there."

Not only has Nintendo delivered on the 3D promise, but it has done so with very high-end graphics and a handheld console bursting with hidden extras and class. This is wi-fi compatible, has a 3D camera and even comes with built-in motion and gyro sensors for a whole new range of possibilities in terms of gameplay.

Control systems have been tweaked, too, with a new 360° circle thumb-pad to give you effortless control of the action. It has built-in dual speakers on each side of the screen, an extendable stylus, built-in microphone and touch-screen.

If James Bond was into handheld gaming, this is surely what he would carry around between shooting people with his Walther PPK and bedding busty blondes.

It's innovation at its best and once again sees Nintendo - veterans of the industry with a track record of consistently delivering ground-breaking products - pushing the boundaries and striving to be number one.

If you don't believe me, walk into any electrical store, games store or supermarket where you see one on display, pick it up - and prepare to be astounded. This is the future, it's here, join in...

The Games

NINTENDOGS 3D: Quite simply a huge hit in our house. The dogs look even cuter in 3D and the gameplay is vastly improved.

SUPER STREET FIGHTER IV 3D: One of the more grown-up titles. For fans of the franchise this is perfect. The backdrops look fantastic and it plays like a dream.

RIDGE RACER 3D: A very traditional racer which is blisteringly quick, very responsive and works well with the 3D. Unspectacular but entertaining.

RAYMAN 3D: A remake of the old Dreamcast classic Rayman 2. Brought to life for a new generation with colourful 3D and quirky gameplay.

SUPER-MONKEY BALL 3D: Another big hit in our house. This is a lunatic game based around puzzles. Tilting the monkey ball round the puzzles is excellent with the new motion sensor.

GHOST RECON: SHADOW WARS: An adult title aimed at older gamers. This is a slick, turn-based RPG game presented from a bird's eye view. Not groundbreaking but solid and enjoyable.

SPLINTER CELL 3D: Another classic gets a revamp. This is a good action adventure game loaded with weapons and requiring some tactical nous. A little let down by the clumsy control system.

ASPHALT 3D: A high-octane, well-polished racer. Plenty packed in, and some great graphics, but ultimately lacking in anything fresh.

RAVING RABBIDS: TRAVEL IN TIME 3D: Sixty different levels over four different time periods, this insane adventure will delight fans young and old, whether they're new or diehard fans.

HOMES in Birmingham are full of unused gadgets despite the fact more than half of Brummies consider themselves 'technology-savvy', a survey revealed.

The survey, commissioned by energy supplier npower, found 81 per cent of people quizzed in Birmingham admitted they hoarded items such as blenders, curling tongs and grilling machines in cupboards around their homes but did not use them.

A quarter also said they frequently bought items on a whim, knowing they would probably never use them, and 17 per cent admitted they had never worked out how to use some of their gadgets.

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On the heels of being named the Fastest Selling Consumer Electronics Device by the Guinness World Records, the Kinect for Xbox 360 game Kinect Sports was named Best Family Game at the GAME British Academy Video Games Awards yesterday evening.

Overall, Kinect titles were up for six awards, including Family Game, Technical Innovation, and the GAME Award of 2010 which is the only public-voted category. In addition, legendary game developer, Peter Molyneux of Lionhead Studios and "Fable" fame, was awarded the prestigious British Academy of Film and Television Arts' Fellowship.

"We'd like to congratulate our extraordinary developers and partners on their BAFTA award nominations, particularly Rare for their win for Kinect Sports. They've delivered truly revolutionary, and fantastically immersive and fun experiences, that can't be matched on any other platform," said Neil Thompson, Microsoft's General Manager, Retail Sales & Marketing Division, UK & Ireland.

"As the recent Guinness World Records distinction has shown, millions of families and gamers have gotten off the couch and moving, dancing and getting fit with Kinect. We promise that there are even more controller-free games and entertainment for all ages and interests still to come."

The full list of BAFTA wins and nominations include:

Kinect Sports: Winner for Best Family Game
Kinect Adventures: Family
Kinectimals: Family, Technical Innovation
Dance Central: Family, GAME Award of 2010
Halo: Reach: Action, Multiplayer, Technical Innovation, GAME Award of 2010
Fable III: Original Music
Alan Wake III: Story, Original Music, Use of Audio
LIMBO: Artistic Development, Best Game, Gameplay, Use of Audio, GAME Award of 2010

Kinect for Xbox 360, the revolutionary controller-free way to experience games and entertainment, has sold more than 10 million sensors worldwide to date, with eight million units in just the first 60 days of launch.

It looks like this could rival even those Star Wars Lego games...

Shoppers across the UK's high streets were shocked this week to see a procession of giant lizards delivering copies of a new videogame to retailers prior to its release.

The nine-foot long 'dragons' took copies of Dragon Age 2, released on Friday 11th March, to stores in medieval-style carts to ensure the safe delivery of the first batch of new games.

Dragon handler and expert Trevor Smith commented: "At nine-foot long and weighing around seven stones each, these giant reptiles were trained very carefully to ensure they could safely deliver the games to stores in time for its release this week.

"I think it definitely surprised a few passers-by to suddenly see such an unusual creature stalking the streets!"

Sophie Orlando from Dragon Age 2 publishers Electronic Arts added: "Dragon Age 2 is set to be a big release for this year and we wanted to ensure that the games reached their destination in a unique fashion - and what better way of protecting this game than by the nearest living animal to the fire-breathing dragons featured in the title."

Trevor Smith and his handlers at Animals Work have had over 20 years experience with water monitor lizards and have supplied the animals to the film and TV industry.

Dragon Age 2 is released on Friday 11th March and is available on the Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and PC.

For more information on Dragon Age 2 or copies of the game, please contact the EA press office on 0207 100 9999 or EA@mischiefpr.com, visit www.DragonAge.com or follow the game at www.twitter.com/dragonage

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In a nod to the recent sales success of Kinect, Guinness World Records has officially named Kinect for Xbox 360 the fastest selling consumer electronics device, which sold an average of 133,333 units per day for a total of 8 million units in its first 60 days between 4 November 2010 and 3 January 2011. The record confirmation comes just after the latest release of the Guinness World Records 2011 Gamer's Edition, which features dedicated sections to Kinect.

"The sales figures here speak for themselves," said Gaz Deaves, Gaming Editor for Guinness World Records. "According to independent research, no other consumer electronics device sold faster within a 60-day time span, which is an incredible achievement considering the strength of the sector."

More transformative Kinect games and entertainment experiences to come
While the accolades continue to roll in for Kinect, there is still so much more controller-free entertainment to be enjoyed for the 50 million Xbox 360 owners worldwide. Beginning this spring, get ready to play more games, watch more movies and TV shows, and enjoy more social experiences with Kinect for Xbox 360 including:

Avatar Kinect. Coming this year, Avatar Kinect is a new social entertainment experience on Xbox LIVE that brings your Avatar to life. Using the power of Kinect, control your Avatar's movements and expressions - when you smile, frown, nod and speak - your Avatar will do the same. With Avatar Kinect, you can hang out with up to seven friends in a variety of creative themed environments and capture animated videos that you can share via Facebook. Whether friends getting together to socialise, social networkers looking for new ways to speak to their community or just fun reenacting your favourite movie lines, Avatar Kinect opens up a whole new world of creativity and social interactivity.

Body and Brain Connection (NAMCO BANDAI Games). Developed under the supervision of renowned Japanese neuroscientist Dr. Ryuta Kawahima, "Body and Brain Connection" challenges players of all ages to exercise both their minds and bodies with fun, fast-paced mini-games ranging from math, logic and memory to reflex and physical-orientation exercises using the full-motion capabilities of Kinect for Xbox 360. "Body and Brain Connection" is now available on Xbox 360.

Michael Jackson The Experience (Ubisoft). Featuring songs from Michael Jackson's extensive catalogue, as well as an array of his signature, awe-inspiring dance moves, "Michael Jackson The Experience" is the ultimate interactive game that enables players to be the star of the show, with no controllers or microphones required. "Michael Jackson The Experience" will be available on Xbox 360 beginning 15 April.

Child of Eden (Q Entertainment/Ubisoft) - Winner of several E3 awards, "Child of Eden" is a multi-sensory shooter from the mind of renowned game designer Tetsuya Mizuguchi that will send players diving into a kaleidoscopic matrix of synchronised music and mind-blowing visuals. Since "Child of Eden" was designed with Kinect for Xbox 360 in mind, only on Xbox 360 players will experience the controller-free magic that provides a new dimension of immersion when the game launches later this year.

The Gunstringer (Twisted Pixel Games). From the developers that brought you award-winning hits like "Splosion Man" and "The Maw" comes an all-new Kinect-exclusive title, "The Gunstringer" for Xbox LIVE Arcade. Take control of an undead marionette in an epic Wild West stage production that requires your puppeteering and quick draw shooting skills to exact revenge on the Gunstringer's enemies - all controller-free. "The Gunstringer" will be available on Xbox LIVE Arcade this spring.

Kung Fu Panda® 2 video game (THQ). Po the Panda is back and ready for another epic, action-packed adventure in the "Kung Fu Panda 2 video game." The kung fu action is taken to a whole new level with the addition of Kinect as players pick up where the movie sequel leaves off, helping Po and the Furious Five use full-body kung fu moves to save kung fu forever. The "Kung Fu Panda 2 video game" will be available on Kinect for Xbox 360 this May in line with the theatrical release.

Carnival Games: Monkey See, Monkey Do (2K Play). The "Carnival Games" series is back with exciting new ways to play! Available exclusively for Kinect for Xbox 360 on 15 April, this full-body experience features 20 new family-friendly games and attractions that bring the midway to life, including Alley Ball, Shark Tank and a Monkey Barker dance-off, as well as interactive prizes and surprises!

Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment). Available this autumn, kids and parents will embark on an uplifting and funny family adventure exclusively on Kinect for Xbox 360. Join Cookie Monster, Elmo and other Sesame Street characters as they explore a living storybook titled "Once Upon a Monster." Meet zany new monster friends, help them solve their problems, forge friendships, and learn important life lessons along the way.

Image by bhautikjoshi via Flickr

This is a very belated review of a title I should have covered at Christmas.

When it comes to fitness games though I suppose it is never too late.

When Kinect was launched before Christmas I reveiwed all of the launch games apart from this one and I have to say it is worth the wait unlike some of the earlier ones.

This game puts the Kinect to full effect and actually succeeds in working effectively rather than just trying to.

This actually brings up a representation of yourself on the screen and tracks your every movement.

The detail is actually incredible with the Kinect mapping the detail on your clothes and if you stick your tongue out then so do the mini-you on the screen.

Fascinating stuff and the first real sign I have seen of just how much is left in the Kinect locker.

The game itself takes all the best bits from Wii Fit and adds a lot more, it's not the same fun theme although there are some good party games.

You choose how you want to play whether it is with a personal trainer to help you meet your specific fitness goals or you can choose different classes such as Yoga, Martial Arts, or Tai Chi.

The ability to track the calories as you burn them and physically watch yourself doing the exercises on screen is excellent and it helps having the trainer to watch also.

This is very much like having your own fitness class in your front room and once you have overcome the feeling of looking a bit daft you will love how fun and effective this actually is.

I can't fault this game, excellent execution and superb graphics and technology that really does work.

Image by Dekuwa via Flickr

One thing is certain, Bulletstorm is going to go down a storm with fans of first-person shooter games.

With such a dirge of games ripping off shooters and trying to spread the genre as flat and as lifeless as it can be it's nice to see a new game come along that actually tries to sit up alongside your Call Of Duty titles, Gears Of Wars and Halo's.

This game ironically does add a fair few flavours into the mix that we have already seen but then just like Levi Roots and his Reggae Reggae Sauce it adds a bit of spice and something fresh and unique.

Is this a cooking review? Hell no but you do get to fry a lot of the opposition.

Playing as Grayson Hunt, an ex-mercenary turned space-pirate in a futuristic Utopia it's actually a decent old script from Marvel Comics writer Rick Remender which gives the game sone real kudos from the off. You are stranded on a planet full of crazy stuff deseprately trying to escape and exact revenge on the man who caused you to be there. Some great plot twists along the way make it a hugely enjoyable sci-fi adventure.

Escaping is an issue though as you find yourself surrounded by hordes of mutants and gangs in a very dangerous world.

Don't worry though you find yourself equipped with some glorious and einventive weaponry with which to do damage. Yu have a crazy lightning whip you hurl at enemies to pull them towards you and suspend them in the air so that you can tear into them up close. Or you can hurl them up into the air for a bit of clay pigeon shooting style warfare.

There are a million and one ways to kill the enemy, each has it's own little touch of genius

The guns and gadgets at your disposal are amzing and designed with fun and and destruction in mind.

That's the key elemnt of this game really 'kill with skill', it's about taking out the enemies in style - the classier you do it the more the points rack up.

Sure it is gory, and yes it is not for a the kids but this is a hugely stylish and innovative shooter.

Certainly it's not the best I have ever played but it is well up there with the best we have seen recently, a little to pulp and comical to be taken seriously by the gaming snobs I suspect.

What I really liked the most was the colours, that sounds a bit daft when talking about a frenetic shooter oozing with firepower, but it's. The use of colours in this game whether it is the characters or the lush urban settings - it looks amazing.

Judging by this trailer the latest Phineas and Ferb trailer the latest game due out at the end of the month should be a big hit with the kids...

We will have the full review in a few weeks time...