Razer’s latest peripheral, the Razer Onza Xbox 360 Controller can now be pre-ordered ahead of its arrival toward the end of February; with its sister peripherals, the Razer Onza Tournament edition and Razer Chimaera soon to follow.
The controller stands out as one of the most sleek looking pads around, offering a professional-standard, responsive gaming experience to everyone. The Razer Onza carries adjustable analog sticks for precision movement and aiming/camera-control in-game, programmable buttons which can take on the function of any button on the controller for ultimate customisation to suit your play style, and a defined D-Pad for improved accuracy which is ideal for those impartial to the odd beat ’em up.
Amongst these practical benefits come other design features: a shimmering, glossy finish, back-lit buttons and ergonomic rubber handles which probably boast improved grip to the controller too.
It’s certainly looking like an impressive piece of kit that could be vital for giving you an egde online on the battlefield. It looks like it has something to offer everyone, no matter what your favourite genre is, and if it lives up to claims and controls as good as it looks then we’re in for a real treat.
For more information and a better look at the controller, check out the video we captured at TGS 2010 that features an interview with one of the Razer staff members who gives a rundown of what the controller has to offer, interviewed by our very own MasterAbbott.
This morning at 1:00AM AEST (or 15:00 CET) was an event of magnificent proportions. This event was the Nintendo Europe live conference for the 3DS. The event had previews on games, features and functionality of the device. The most impressive thing about the event would have to have been the 3DS itself, so sleek, so pretty and so very beautiful.
The night itself was full of special appearances by various producers, designers and business partners with Nintendo and other developers. These guests include – Laurent Fischer, NINTENDO Marketing Europe; Jonathon Ross, Comedian/Host; Mr. Ono, CAPCOM; Mr. Enomoto amd Mr. Hatsumi, KONAMI; Mr. Shibata, NINTENDO; and lastly David Sproxton, Executive Chairman Aardman Animations. As you can tell from some of these names they’re not western and didn’t speak English too well so we had a handy translator on the scene who remained unnamed throughout the event.
The 3DS device is feature packed and utilises new networking technologies to create a new dimension in gaming. The new technologies vary from screensizes and 3D utilisation to new ways to Network your device and share data between hotspots. This technology is what separates the 3DS from it’s rivals and even from its own predecessor, the DS.
The tech demonstrated and previewed at the event are:
Slide Pad – The slide pad offers three-dimensional movement throughout games, similar to a gamepad analogue stick, only it’s a tablet that slides.
Top Screen – The screen on the top half of the device will be larger than the top-screen on the DsiXL.
Backwards Compatibility – The 3DS is fully backwards compatible with both DS and Dsi titles. Gameboy, Gameboy Advanced and Gameboy Colour games were previewed to be available from the 3DS E-Store. Purchases from the DSi E-Store may be fully transferrable.
Cameras – The 3DS has 3D cameras built onto the device. There was also something about a game where you can use pictures of faces to play some kind of space shooter.
3D – Glasses free 3D.
Motion Sensing – The 3DS comes fully equipped with Gyroscopes and other methods to detect any movement the player may be making. It seems weird to have in a device that is designed to played in a specific location for the 3D to work. But, by removing the actual 3D and replacing it with movement, is that not a different third kind of dimension?
SpotPass – SpotPass is a new innovation by Nintendo where your 3DS leeches off wifi hotspots in order to update content. The LED power indicator illuminates while this happens. Works through sleep-mode.
StreetPass – A kind of LAN that automatically connects to nearby 3DS devices to share data or play some type of game, it works in sleep mode as well. In some cases a game may not even have to be inserted for this to occur.
Wifi Connection – Similar to the one the Wii and DS uses.
Adhoc LAN – Basic 3DS to 3DS Local Area Connection.
Configuration – Allows you to configure the 3DS’ features and connection sharing modes.
3D Slider – The 3D depth slider allows you to control the level of 3D for maximum comfort or battery consumption.
Colours – At launch both a blue and a Black model are expected to be released.
Layout – The 3DS’ layout is similar to the DS with the exception of a slidepad at the top-left corner, the power button being located to the bottom right just outside the lower touch screen and ‘Start’, ‘Select’ and ‘Home’ buttons being against the lower touchscreen.
Mii’s – Using the Mii maker tool, you can either use a photo of yourself as a reference for the software and then edit your Mii, or make one from scratch.
Over the course of the night there were many games being previewed and showcased. These included –
The Legend of Zelda – Ocarina of Time 3D
Starfox 3DS
Dead or Alive Dimensions
PES 2011
Splinter Cell
Ghost Recon
Mario Kart
Rayman Raving Rabbids 3DS
Lego Starwars
Super Streetfighter IV 3DS
Asphalt Racing
Pilotwings 3DS
Steeldiver
Paper Mario 3DS
Metal Gear Solid
Animal Crossing
Kid Icarus
The Sims 3
Samurai Warriors
Resident Evil: Revelations
Resident Evil: Mercenaries
Nintendogs/Cats
and a few other great looking games.
It is expected that the launch window of the 3DS will have 25 titles appearing within it.
The night was quite epic to have watched and appearing throughout it were some amazing video clips to demonstrate the capabilities of the 3DS. These videos were both informative and quite creative. Hopefully it is an indicator as to what the handheld will bring, creativity and innovation. The 3DS will hopefully stir the imagination of developers and create new and interesting ways to play games, hopefully at least some of them will be challenging enough to be rewarding to gamers while still remaining open to newcomers. The 3DS will be epic.
Sure the title may sound a bit like a slogan but hey when you can explore a labyrinth full of danger what else can you expect? Well you can expect to pick up the quest in game if you happen to pre-order from Gamestop. When you pre-order from Gamestop you will receive the exclusive dungeon quest which is called a Labyrinth and pulls straight from the Greek Labyrinth in its complexity.
Plus it wouldn’t be safe to go alone so it is always good to take a large sword along, and with your pre-order you will also be getting the two-handed sword Lucidendar to help cleave your enemies in two. You can catch some footage of the special Labyrinth dungeon below and also see the Luciendar sword above, including the stats that the weapon will be giving your hero when you equip it.
Red Faction: Armageddon, developed by Volition inc. and set to be published by THQ, has been showcased through a new story trailer. The video gives a nice glimpse at the game universe, the interesting range of hostile creatures, and a suggestion as to the plot and main character. While it has been left shrouded with a fog of mystery for dramatic reasons, the video sets a background to the tale, and the in-game footage shows that visually it doesn’t look dissimilar to Dead Space given its space-age setting and creepy, lurking enemy-types.
Are you planning on picking this up when it launches in March this year? Or will it more likely be a case of ‘Armageddon outta here’?
If for some reason you did not have enough announcements of 3DS titles today, you are in luck as Ubisoft have now announced eight titles they will be releasing this year for the 3DS. No, none of the Imagine series titles as of yet! Instead we are seeing many big name franchises as well as new titles that are all included in is what is to be Ubisoft’s first venture into the 3D world. From the familiar face of Rayman to the new puzzler “James Noir’s Hollywood Crimes” there is something for everyone in this batch, so let’s now get started in listing these off.
Rayman 3D
Remember back near the beginning of the Nintendo DS when Rayman was released? That title was of course an “improved” port of the first Rayman game, and Rayman 3D will be more of a sequel as it is an adaptation of Rayman 2: The Great Escape which was originally seen on the Sega Dreamcast. Ubisoft is promising major updates for this remake though with accessibility, progression and the learning curve all being completely overhauled. Being honest, I was not the biggest fan of Rayman DS but this new title may just get the once loved mascot back to the glory he deserves.
Rabbids 3D
Over the past few years, the little Rabbids have turned into a powerhouse for platformers and party titles alike. At the moment there isn’t too much known about Rabbids 3D overall aside from a few clips which identifies this title as a platformer, but if the huge success of the past titles is any indication, The Rabbids are destined for greatness in their new outing.
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars
If you want to make in entry into a new console, sometimes the best approach is to completely shift genres instead of giving the players the same old title with a new look. That is exactly what Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars is aiming to do. Shadow Wars is a Tactical, Turn-Based Strategy take on the Ghost Recon series that features eye-popping 3D cut scenes and in-game effects, deep team management options and a 1vs1 multiplayer mode on the same console.
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell
Sam Fisher may be giving Snake a run for his money on the 3DS with this new installment of the popular stealth/action series. Using stereoscopic 3D as well as the brand new control scheme to enhance the realism and offer a more intense experience, Splinter Cell is without a doubt a front-runner of Ubisoft’s first offerings on the 3DS.
James Noir’s Hollywood Crimes
Imagine Professor Layton, add in a much darker world and plot covered in murder and twists and you have James Noir’s Hollywood Crimes. This fresh IP tackles the adventure and puzzle genres while putting the player fully into an interactive world where the plot and mystery unfolds.
Asphalt 3D
Gameloft’s portable racer is revving up for a comeback after seeing much success on the DS, PSP, and the mobile scene. This new entry is set to include 40 licensed vehicles, 17 exotic track locations and complete StreetPass functionality.
Combat of Giants Dinosaurs 3D
Laugh if you will at this title as Combat of Giants is bringing what young fans loved about the Battle of Giants series and adding a full 3D prehistoric world where players can customize and explore. Kids title or not, battling dinosaurs in 3D still sounds like an awesome concept to me.
Driver Renegade
With Driver San Francisco right around the corner, Ubisoft is giving the portable scene some love as well with Driver Renegade. Players will embody the Driver series hero John Tanner and use the accelerometer to unleash their urban driving skills with some high octane 3D car chases.
Quite a line up Ubisoft has! Now I know many of you might want a date, and the good news on all of these titles is that each will be released during the first half of 2011 so we are just months away from these titles spilling into shelves and onto consoles. For anyone getting a 3DS at or near launch, 2011 is going to be the summer of the portable for sure. Now you can tell us in the comments section which one of these are you most looking forward to.
Electronic Arts and Two Tribes are partnering up to release a new game on the iPhone and iPod Touch. Check out the trippy trailer below for details. In the game, you get to free cute piranha’s from ice blocks by matching blocks super fast. Like, Superman fast. Three different game modes will be available. You will be able to battle enemy fish in Fish Fight, blitz your scores and time in Minute Match or exhaust your brain in Puzzle Mode. Plus Facebook and Twitter integration will allow you to brag to all your online buds. And what is an iPhone game without Retina Display graphics?! Check out the official website for the game and test yourself to see if you are a swap-aholic!
You didn’t think we would make it through a the whole 3DS announcement day without a sports title, did you? Of course, if you are going to bring a franchise into 3D, Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer seems to be a perfect fit. During the 3DS event earlier today we seen a trailer for the PES 2011 3D and it honestly looks to be amazing with how the depth perception is used in game.
Instead of typical camera angles we have seen on titles of this genre in the past, PES is looking to be quite different as the camera in game centers around the player’s movements to bring out the full 3D effect and as result, mix in perfectly with the 3DS’ 3D screen. This feature also allows for better distance perception, allowing the player to get a better and more realistic view so passes and shots can go down with little to no error.
Of course the 3D is a nice touch, but PES 2011 will also feature in many things that fans have come to know and love about the esteemed soccer franchise. The game will include a UEFA Champions League option which will let users build a team from scratch to take on the club and the global scene of the sport. Players can select one of 60 National and 170 club sides and lead them to glory within a range of challenging tournaments and leagues. Konami is also promising more enhanced AI so the players on the field react perfectly to all moves done on the field as well.
Konami has even factored the StreetPass feature into this title as well, allowing players to exchange data, with one user being proclaimed the winner depending on their stats in game.
With play-by-play commentary, local wireless multi-player, and many more features, it seems that PES 2011 is set to change the way we think about the franchise altogether. You can check out the trailer below and watch the game in action. As for a release date, well, there isn’t an official number at the moment but Konami does have PES 2011 listed for Spring, so this will be one to keep an eye out for when it eventually releases.
Bulkypix, Press Start Studio and Sanuk Games will be releasing their nun slaying zombie game on the European PlayStation Store on February 2nd, 2011. The game will be availabe for PSP and PS3 at a price of €2.99 / £2.49 on the Mini side of the Playstation Store.
Get engrossed in the manga adventure by helping the Sister Angelika kill all evil. Mighty scythes and artillery will help you along on your to way to domination of the undead!
“We’re very excited to bring TWIN BLADES to Playstation Minis” says Philippe Rapin, co-founder of Press Start Studio, “Sanuk Games has a proven track record of delivering quality ports and the Playstation ergonomics makes it a platform of choice for such an action-packed game.”
With all of the big heavy hitters announced today for Nintendo’s new handheld we also received word that The Sims 3 will be one of the titles appearing on the system later this year. The good news is that while this is probably going to look and play a lot like the other versions of The Sims 3, it is incorporating many of the 3DS’ features to make a whole new experience. One of the most promising new features will allow users to trade Sims with everyone via the Nintendo StreetPass which is sure to open many new doors to the whole game itself.
Popular features such as Karma Powers from the console release will also be in the mix with a few new 3DS exclusive powers that will also be presented in a unique way, allowing players to blow into the mic to unleash butterflies or shake the system to have an earthquake pound down on your Sim.
Other features include:
• First Complete Life Simulation from The Sims franchise on the Nintendo 3DS! Create any Sim you can imagine and control their lives. Control multiple Sims within your household and enjoy life’s special moments as you interact with their world.
• Build a Sim With Your Own Likeness! Use the 3DS camera to capture your own likeness and create yourself as a Sim. With the stylus, you can sculpt your Sims’ facial features, choose their hair styles and clothing and dictate their personalities.
• Travel to Different Zones with Your Sims! These zones will be unique destinations for your Sims and will contain community features and buildable lots for your Sims’ homes.
While the idea of moving the Sims 3 was smart of EA, the way they seem to be going about utilizing the system’s features may make this one of the best Sims outing yet. The Sims 3 will be available sometime later this Spring so I am guessing around May for the 3DS and is yet another fantastic looking title to get hyped up about as we grow closer to the launch of the console itself.
Similar to Activision, THQ will be releasing exclusive downloadable content on the Xbox 360. At launch, a map entitled “Suburb” will be available on the Xbox 360. Presumably, the map will eventually make it to the Playstation 3 as well. Most likely, even more downloadable content will also be released. The Inside Xbox show will also have more details on the the”Suburb” map. So, go check that box! Although this may be upsetting for Playstation 3 owners, this is a good move for Microsoft. Who knows! Maybe the next generation will not be about exclusive games, but about marketing deals done in back room deals.
