Batman: Arkham Origins is getting ready to release at the end of this week, so now it the final few days of Warner Bros. trying to prepare players for what they will be doing once it is released. So, what better way than a 17 minute long gameplay video showing off a bit of the world and mechanics.
The gameplay video does show off quite a bit from an early part of Batman: Arkham Origins, but makes it a point to show off the Batcave in the video, which is the first time we’ve really gotten to play in The Batcave in the Arkham series. Center for Challenges, Case Files, Quick Travel, and the workbence, this video provides a nice introduction to it. But, the video doesn’t just stop there as it follows Batman on a mission to infiltrate the Police Department.
Those wanting to some of Batman: Arkham Origins features in action can watch the trailer embedded below, but anyone wanting to avoid spoilers of any kind will just have to wait a few more days. Batman: Arkham Origins is set to release worldwide on October 25th, 2013 for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, and PC.
2K Games has announced the upcoming DLC that will be on its way for WWE 2K14, which will also be included in a Season Pass. It seems that they are planning on releasing the DLC in 3 groups with the first coming in November and the last in January. But, fans that aren’t looking for paying for extra content will still be able to benefit as some additions will be coming for free.
The first group will be coming just after the games release kicking off with the nWo pack of characters (Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, Syxx, Curt Hennig, Scott Steiner and The Giant) that will be available day one. Then at a later time the Accelerator will also release, which basically unlocks everything. However, The Giant will be available to everyone with WWE 2K14 for free.
The second group will be the WWE Super Stars and Moves Pack landing in December and will add the two Superstars Fandango and Big E Langston, plus three Divas Brie Bella, Nikki Bella and Summer Rae. But, it wont just be the 5 additional characters, as well as 30 new moves. Those not getting the content will still be able to add Summer Rae for free though.
The third and final group will be WWE Legends and Creations Pack, with Hall of Famers Bruno Sammartino and “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, Superstars “Ravishing” Rick Rude and Jake “The Snake” Roberts, and two new playable Superstars WWE Manager and Virgil. The Creations side of it will add 15 new Superstar parts for making characters, but those not interested in the full thing can still get Virgil for free.
The Season Pass itself will include all three of these groups of content, plus exclusive online badges and “The Outsiders” themed Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. The three bigger packs (nWo Pack, WWE Super Stars and Moves Pack, and WWE Legends and Creations Pack) will be available for £6.99, while The Accelerator will be only £1.59. The full Season Pass will be available for £15.99 totaling to about 25% savings.
So, at the very least fans getting WWE 2K14 will be able to get The Giant, Summer Rae, and Virgil after the games releases for both Xbox 360 and PS3. But, those wanting all or just piece meal of the additional content now know what’s coming. Those wanting a better look at the game can check out our Hands-On Preview.
In anticipation of the PlayStation 4’s launch, Sony thought it appropriate to take a digital walk through memory lane, celebrating its history before a new chapter begins.
The ‘#4ThePlayers‘ video – which can be seen embedded at the bottom of this article – is a live action trailer, inspired by your #PlayStationMemories. It journeys through the last 18 years, starting at the launch of the original PlayStation 1 console in 1995, all the way to the present and looking into future. Spotlighting classic exclusives that defined the PlayStation gaming brand, like Tekken and Gran Turismo, the video also highlights bad posture and terrible hairdos.
Does anyone else think the promotion for the PS4 has been extremely overt in its sycophancy? Watch the trailer below and let us know if it appeals to you.
Earlier today, Hewson Consultants Ltd, the company behind a number of classic games of 80’s like Nebulus and Uridium, revealed that they will be Kickstarting an informative new book. “Hints and Tips for Videogame Pioneers” is designed with the intention of sharing the experiences of a whole host of video game industry professionals through the last 3 decades.
Andrew Hewson, the founder of Hewson Consultants, had this to say, “When I started in the games industry with a ZX80 and a typewriter, it was an era of open platforms and cutting edge innovation. Today, thanks to digital distribution and the re-emergence of open platforms, we are returning to the kind of industry in which small creative teams can flourish. This book is an opportunity for me to share my experiences from two decades at the cutting edge of gaming with the industry pioneers of tomorrow.”
There are 29 days left to back the project and you can find its Kickstarter page here.
Filmmakers Jeanette Garcia and Daryl Rodriguez, from Miami are creating a documentary on the history of video games, with the help from Kickstarter. The film is said to star many gaming innovators such as Atari co-founder Nolan Bushnell, Activision co-founder David Crane, Centipede co-creator Dona Bailey, Adventure creator Warren Robinett, Night Driver creator Dave Shepperd, Atari VCS Donkey Kong programmer Garry Kitchen and many others.
The first chapter in the documentary series is World 1-1 and focuses on Atari, how Atari created a new industry, and follow video game history from Steve Jobs to the first popular home console. Using a combination of interviews, archival footage, and reflection, it retells the story of the roots of our favourite past time.
In World 1-1, we will see the early games that existed before the arcade era. We will also see how innovative Atari was to create the games industry years before it should have happened and follow the highs, falls and devastating mistakes that almost destroyed the entire industry.
Australia will be premiering the opening of a new cinematic experience, ‘TILT Action Sports Film Festival’, from November 11-15 this year. Sports fans can expect to see the world’s biggest surf, skate and snow icons, including; Mick Fanning,Tony Hawk, Danny Way, iconic film director, Taylor Steele and many more sporting heroes featuring in the documentary action films.
Presented by Sony Action Cam and Garage Entertainment, with support from Event Cinemas in the nation’s capitals and a host of regional independent theatre’s; TILT aims to create an extreme -double feature- sports movie experience for only $15 (concession) and $20 (adults) per night.
Michael Lawrence, Director of Garage Entertainment stated, “TILT Festival is a festival of stories, for movie-goers who love stories. Rather then being about action sports, these films are some of the most compelling stories behind its stars, set against a backdrop of adventure that will visually inspire. TILT brings these films to the big screen – where they belong”.
As shown in the preview trailer below, the film festival dedicates a double-feature film each night for the main sports themes:
11/11-Snow: McCONKEY (feature length documentary about the late freeskiing and ski-BASE jumping Shane McConkey)
12/11-Skate: Bones Brigade (story of Tony Hawk, Rodney Mullen), Waiting for Lightning (biopic about Danny Way)
13/11-Surf: Serendipity (Anthony Hussein Hinde’s journey of discovery in Maldives), Innersection: Black (debuts 13 sections of pure surfing footage filmed globally in Taylor Steele & Nathan Myers open-source free-surfing comp)
14/11-Snow: Few Words (Candide Thovex’s highs/lows as a world champion freestyle/free-ride skier), Into the Mind (exploring how athletes overcome the fatal risks to achieve their sporting goals)
15/11-Surf: Fanning the Fire (celebrating Mick Fanning), Missing (Taylor Steele’s film inspired by Fanning, who takes a life changing global adventure over 21 days)
‘TILT Action Sports Film Festival’ will run in the following locations; NSW Event Cinemas (Bondi Junction, Cronulla, Newcastle, Shellharbour) and Independent Cinemas (Avoca), VIC Village Cinemas (Jam Factory, Geelong), SA Event Cinema (Marion), QLD Event Cinemas (Coolangatta, Pac Fair and Noosa), WA Event Cinema (Innaloo) and TAS Event Cinema (Hobart).
Don’t miss out on the epic sports adventure this November, book your TILT tickets here.
Alrighty. Here we are once more to look into the ongoing experience that is Kill la Kill. It’s Episode 3, following on from Episode 2 (see I can count) and it’s time to take a little look into that leader we all love to hate: Satsuki Kiryuin.
As the episode begins we are treated to a flashback and get to see Kiryuin back when she was a cute little kid, not the stern faced, totalitarian leader we all know today. We learn that she was promised a Kamui of her own, named Junketsu (Purity), as her “wedding dress” and is more than a little ticked of that someone in the world beat her to the punch and wore one of these powerful garments…and you do not want to tick this lady off.
Doing things in half measures never works
We jump back to class, which is once again about Germany, with Ryuko staring daggers at her “teacher” Mikisugi. After following instructions he left pinned to Mako, poor girl, they meet to discuss the whole Kamui situation and the information he promised her for serving that tennis pro some justice. After he makes himself a little to comfortable, Mikisugi explains the make-up of the Goku Uniforms. As it so happens there exists a material known as Life Fibres which can draw out the potential in humans. One Star Uniforms are 10% Life Fibre, Two Star are 20% and Three Star are 30%. However, the Kamui are revealed to be a startling 100% comprised of these wonderful fibres…hence the power.
Meanwhile at the Sewing Club Hideout…
An experiment is taking place. One to create a new weapon, a uniform with 50% Life Fibre purity. Deciding to sew the uniform onto a captive student, it is then decided that this was indeed a bad idea, as the student begins to hulk out and go on a rampage. The situation is contained by the mysterious Houka Inumuta, after which he ponders the ability of some to wear the 100% pure Kamui when their 50% test was such a failure. Makes ya think doesn’t it?
A new power is born
Bringing it back to the flashback, Kiryuin decides to visit her old home and change up her wardrobe a little. Declaring that she will embrace even shame to further her goals, she dons the second Kamui and reveals her true power…and much, much more.
Without going into too much detail, Kiryuin and Ryuko meet once more…and it’s a lot more violent this time. It’s Kamui vs Kamui and no one is holding anything back…intentionally. Senketsu reveals to Ryuko that she has not been using her true power in her previous fights. It appears that her embarrassment may be limiting her acceptance of her true Kamui form and all the awesome, sexy strength that comes with it. So after coming to terms with the visual nature of Senketsu, Ryuko unlocks some wicked power and continues her fight with the President. It’s pretty cool. After some epic blows are dealt by each contender, the fight is called of…for now. Kiryuin decides that if Ryuko longs for a rematch, she will first have to battle her entire entourage of faithful lackeys. Ryuko gladly accepts this challenge, exclaiming that Kiryuin must reveal the truth to her when she wins. With the terms set and desires burning strong, it’s looking to be an all out school rumble.
Mako takes the stage
All in all, Kill la Kill continues full speed on its path through crazy awesome town. This episode does however provide us with some more details regarding the power of clothing and the truth behind the mysterious Kamui. Still not sure why papa Matoi made it so revealing…I’m just chalking that up to an anime trope at this point. Swords clashed, fabric shredded and teachers stripped…pretty standard really.
Ace of Diamond Episode 3 – Not Qualified to be a Pitcher?
At every turn, Ace of Diamond throws a curve ball that knocks all expectations right out of the park. It isn’t often that a sports anime can truly provide genuine and impactful surprises, but such was the case with the latest episode of Ace of Diamond.
Expected Eijun to join Seidou’s Baseball Team and quickly get involved in some games? Well that doesn’t look to be the case. Rather then having Eijun make it onto the team and start playing for Seidou, he has some major obstacles thrown his way. Due to some hazing from upper classmen, Eijun makes a terrible first impression on the teams coach and instantly mires himself as nothing but a kid running laps, not even worthy of being a bench warmer in this tough coach’s eyes.
We come to fully understand how difficult Seidou Academy is going to be for Eijun when we learn that the team has over 100 players in their roster, but only 9 can play in games. The cream has to rise to the top one way or another and it is not gonna be an easy road for Eijun. After failing a throwing test from Coach Kataoka, Eijun is told that he must give up on playing as a pitcher. The tragedy here is that Eijun’s natural curve ball pitch worked against him here, if he had thrown a straight ball it would not have been a problem. But we get the sense that Kataoka is more aware of Eijun’s talent than he lets on.
Eijun struggles to adjust to the tough nature of Seidou Academy and must come to the harsh realization that maybe his dreams are simply out of reach. He carries a heavy burden indeed but we see that he is resolute to fulfill his promise to his friends back home. He is set on becoming Seidou’s ace. What the coach has to say on the matter, means nothing to Eijun. He will become the ace of the diamond, that much is true in his mind at least.
Interestingly this episode isn’t exactly focused primarily on Eijun’s struggle to win over the coach, but rather it focuses on building the setting of Seidou Academy and its expansive cast of characters. We are introduced to several characters that look to be major players in the series moving forward. We met Kazuya last week, but this time around we meet Eijun’s room-mates and of course their no nonsense coach. Each character is pretty well detailed in the episode and we get a greater look at this intriguing school.
While at first Ace of Diamond appeared to be your standard sports anime with a hint of something special, we seem to be heading into territory reminiscent of something like Silver Spoon. This baseball school scenario is certainly a fresh idea and it is hard not to be swept up in the antics of Eijun on his path to becoming a ‘legendary ace’. The question does remain though, when will we see some baseball action?
Thus far we have seen plenty of theory behind the sport and gotten a glimpse at why these characters love it so very much, but we have yet to see a proper game play out. Will Ace of Diamond being playing the long game or will we get straight into the action sooner rather than later? It remains to be seen where Ace of Diamond will head from here, but for now Eijun’s struggles to make it onto the team are thoroughly engaging.
The take away here is the sense of realism to Ace of Diamond that eclipses its theatrics. Not all hopes and dreams are able to accomplished, sometimes life gets in the way. It looks to be the story Ace of Diamond aims to spin, a bittersweet tale of sacrifice.
To celebrate the recent release of FIFA 14 – and in the name of competitive spirit – EA Sports has announced the launch of Thank FIFA 14 it’s Friday, or #TFIFA14IF, where players are challenged to compete and win in FIFA 14 play-offs, or pay the penalty. Sounds more ominous than it is…
To accompany the launch, FIFA Apology Rules – a set of competitive challenges that friends can assign to each other should they lose their FIFA 14 showdown – have also been established. From the tricky, to the flat out wacky, these are very social and ultimately add to the fun of the festivities. EA Sports would love players to hold their own FIFA parties and create their own additions. They’re also encouraged to share photos and videos using the hashtag #TFIFA14IF, the best of which are to be shared with the community at large on the EA Games Australia Facebook group. Here are a few examples:
Give your friend a “WAG” makeover
Strike a pose like a model on a magazine cover
Bow down and worship your winner five times!
Arbie Artinian, EA SPORTS Label Marketing Manager, said;
The competitive spirit fuelled by a game of FIFA has been around for as long as the game itself. Now with the FIFA Apology Rules and Thank FIFA 14 it’s Friday movement, we are supporting our community in taking this up a notch. With a whole new level of realistic gameplay, enhanced ball physics, new venues and more teams from across the globe to play than ever before, FIFA fans now have the opportunity to take the game to a whole new level, and put their skills in the spotlight via a friendly #TFIFA14IF showdown.
EA Sports will also be setting these challenges across its live and outdoor FIFA 14 program, featuring a range of FIFA Apology tasks alongside the FIFA 14 Vans as they take the FIFA competitive spirit across the Australian Eastern seaboard.
There is nothing like the roar of aircraft engines done right in videogames. Particularly when it’s the humble splutter of propeller-driven planes. Wargaming has released a new video for flight combat MMO World of Warplanes, giving us an insight into how their audio engineers recorded real engine sounds at Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino, California. See it below!
The video shows off the accuracy of engine and afterburner sounds from different camera angles in-game, recorded right from the tarmac of the airstrip. World of Warplanes is available to play for free on the PC.
We had a lengthy interview with the guys from Wargaming at EB Games Expo 2013 about the upcoming Tankasia Tournament. Be sure to check it out!
