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Born Ready Games expands the Strike Suit universe with new content
Heroes of the Fleet DLC and Mod Tool for Strike Suit Zero releasedDevelopment studio Born Ready Games has released their Heroes of the Fleet DLC and Mod Tool, including Steam workshop support, for their space action game Strike Suit Zero.
The Heroes of the Fleet DLC, which brings five new missions to the original game is now available on Steam (RRP $6.99 / £4.99 / 5.99 €). The Mod Tool can be downloaded for free by anyone who already owns Strike Suit Zero. In addition, a Mega bundle containing both Strike Suit Zero and Strike Suit Infinity, the new Heroes of the Fleet DLC, the Raptor Strike Suit as well as the digital artbook is now available.Until 26 May, all Strike Suit content can be purchased from Steam for a 50% discount.
James Brooksby, CEO at Born Ready Games said: “We know our fans have been patiently waiting for more content and that’s why we’re happy to provide this new challenge for them to take on. With the mod tool, we are excited to see what our community can create. We know how passionate they are and hope this will enable them to channel their passion and creativity into the game. We’re also busy working on Strike Suit Zero versions for Mac, Linux, and the Oculus Rift VR headset. An early Oculus version will be shown to public at the Geekopolis event in Paris next weekend.”
More details about the space action game Strike Suit Zero and the standalone score-chaser Strike Suit Infinity are available on the official websites www.strikesuitzero.com, http://www.strikesuitzero.com/infinity.
For further information on Born Ready Games, please visit www.bornreadygames.com.© 2012 GamesMediaPro. All rights reserved.
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Makers of Son of Nor PROVE mind control is genuine as claims of fakery emerge
Following the release of the video demonstrating the partnership stillalive studios have formed with Emotiv to allow players to control the gameplay mechanics with brain activity, there have been suggestions from viewers that the device and its functions are not genuine.
Today stillalive studio released a further video outlining exactly how the Emotiov EPOC devise works with Son or Nor to quash rumours of fakery and demonstrate the phenomenal function the Emotiv EPOC brings to the 3rd person action adventure PC/Mac/Linux title.
Julian Mautner, CEO of stillalive studios says in the video; “In response to our recent video about the Emotive EPOC mind control device, we got a lot of scepticism. I don’t blame [people] at all because I know how insane and fake it really sounds. So I want to show how the thing works; if you have a certain thing in your mind then the EEG data of that specific thought is stored and as soon as you think it again it will recognise it and trigger some action.” Mautner goes on to demonstrate this in the video by shooting a fireball from his characters hands by only thinking the action.
“The cool thing about the EPOC device is it recognises more than brain activity, it also recognises facial expressions.” Maunter adds as he demonstrated this by raising the landscape by raising his eyebrows and lowers it with clenched teeth. “The other very cool thing is it can actually measure your emotions; if you are excited or if your are bored or if you’re full of anxiety, [for example] and you can use that data with Son of Nor. For instance, the sound tracks could be selected according to your current emotional state.” Mautner concludes.
The video and claims made by stillalive studios are 100% genuine and backers to the Kickstarter campaign (http://bit.ly/SonOfNor) can pledge to have the EPOC headset included in the reward package; when bidding $300 backers will get the EPOC device plus a digital copy of Son of Nor, a $530 pledge will secure backers an EPOC device plus a pysical collectors edition of Son of Nor.
If Son of Nor is successfully funded through Kickstarter, the team anticipate a release in Q2 2014.
© 2012 GamesMediaPro. All rights reserved.
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Roth Launches £249 Bluetooth Equipped Soundbar
Roth BAR3 sound bar system delivers Bluetooth technology, a wireless subwoofer, and eight different digital sound projection settings
The latest model in the critically acclaimed Roth soundbar range, the BAR3 is designed for TV stand or wall mounting – table mounts and wall brackets are supplied – while the wireless subwoofer design adds further to the system’s positional flexibility. As well as Bluetooth, connectivity options count an optical input, plus a pair of 3.5mm stereo mini jacks. That means plenty of room to connect the likes of a set-top-box, plus other non Bluetooth-enabled equipment, such as a CD player or, say, tuner. So the BAR3 not only alleviates your TV’s underwhelming sound, it also acts as a ‘sound hub’, channelling audio from the typically diverse range of music devices found in today’s homes.
In typical Roth style, user convenience is fundamental to the final design, but terrific sound quality claims equally important billing. Behind the BAR3’s metal grille sit four mid-range drivers and two high-frequency tweeters, as well as 60 watts of digital amplification. Additionally, the compact, yet powerful, wireless subwoofer flexes up to 100 watts of low frequency muscle into the mix. The result is an evenly integrated performance that leaves flat panel TV speakers for dead. (And, mercifully, silent.)
Smart design touches, such as the dimmable LED display and the subwoofer’s glossy mirror-top finish, almost complete the BAR3 package. Last, but not least, is the wholly accessible SRP of £249.00 inc. VAT. Expect to see the curative Roth AV BAR3 on sale and available for home visits from July 2013 onwards. © 2012 GamesMediaPro. All rights reserved.
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Blast from the Past: Medal of Honor: Frontline (2002)
The power of gaming is such that it has the innate ability to transport gamers to any world. Titles such as the Mass Effect series, Ratchet and Clank and the Dead Space franchise have proven time and again that creation is without limitations in the world of console gaming. One would assume, however, that the real challenge for developers would be replicating a real event or world without sacrificing authenticity.
In recent years, the Assassin’s Creed franchise has become the template for so-called “historical tourism”. Replicating fixed moments in time, the franchise has successfully recreated some of the most visually pleasing locations whilst crafting one of the current-generations most complex and engaging storylines. Despite the well documented shortcomings of Assassin’s Creed III, no one could fault the stunning recreation of an America on the verge of its greatest ever social shift.
Long before the exploits of the Assassins and the Templars, however, EA’s Medal of Honor franchise was perhaps, the most significant proponent of historical tourism. Medal of Honor’s first foray into PS2 gaming came in the year 2002 and was welcomed warmly by gamers, receiving a score of 88/100 on Metacritic. Placing gamers in the shoes of Lt. Jimmy Patterson, Medal of Honor: Frontline sought to capture the fury and horror of the Second World War, reflecting the desperate struggle for victory in the defining event of the 20th century.
Few games have given players such a ferocious introduction as MOHF, as gamers are thrown immediately into the horror of Omaha Beach on D-Day. Incredibly reconstructed, Frontline’s introduction perfectly reflected the wrath of battle and the fear that poisoned the hearts of the soldiers in the thick of the fighting. There were no supermen here. No 7ft tall beast, furiously tearing their way through the enemy to reach his goal, there was only flesh and blood. Men were shockingly torn to shreds by the unrelenting machine gun fire from the German bunker at the top of the beach.
The opening cut scene of the sequence was a glorious device as gamers could move only their heads, helpless to escape or assist the chaos that horrifically unfolded around them. In capturing gamers within a fixed position, Medal of Honor: Frontline expertly highlighted the insignificance of the individual within the theatre of war. It is all too common in the world of console gaming to find ridiculous character archetypes being created, as underlined by the multiplayer aspect Assassin’s Creed 3. An enjoyable and varied experience, the mode nonetheless overplayed the idea of character archetypes, making it somewhat difficult for the average gamer to find even the remotest amount of empathy with their chosen character.
In a sense, character archetypes define what makes gaming so popular, the freedom to become a fantasy. A certain amount of escapism is without doubt a major draw for console gamers, so franchises understandably look towards more farfetched, outlandish character creation. Medal of Honor: Frontline, therefore should be commended on its restraint within the first sequence in avoiding the typical soldier archetypes and respecting the idea of all men being equal. MOHF thus introduced some level of authenticity within the action sequences, which gave the game a very individual approach to the first person shooter.
What added to the intensity of fight sequences was a dark tone and powerful graphic capabilities. Visually, this was a masterpiece, never breaking from the typically dull tones, Frontline was able to maintain a profound connection to its subject matter, particularly in an early sequence fighting through the remains of a French village. Graphically the game was beautifully restrained, preventing colourful explosions of red and gold in favour of a
more realistic representation of the destructive powers of WW2 weaponry. Soldiers moved realistically, their momentum reflecting the fear and fury of the contextual situation in which the action took place.
The construction of enemies was also aided by a remarkably smart AI. Responding reactively to the impact of a bullet, soldiers comedically hopped about after receiving a wound to the leg, while headshots instantly sent them sprawling to the ground. And while the tight corridors of the German bunkers atop Ohama Beach prevented gamers from witnessing any tactical genius from their foes, soldiers were far more responsive in open ground, lending to the authenticity of the title.
Unfortunately, however, Medal of Honor appeared to betray its original objective of authenticity as the game progressed. A ridiculous sequence in which players stow away on a German U-Boat is an unforgivable departure from its refreshing appeal of authenticity, pushing the game more towards the template of the many 007 releases of the era. This seemed a disappointing and unnecessary addition to a game.
Even more disappointing was the fact that this was not an isolated incident within the title. The game seemed to forget the stunning achievements of the opening sequence, flaunting a level of authenticity unlike anything else on the console. What followed was a ridiculous sequence of events culminating in the search for and eventual destruction of a German secret weapon (which is revealed to be a highly advanced jetfighter called HO-IX). The result of this sequence of events was disappointing, the title lost its uniqueness, conforming to the commonly accepted ideals of an overcrowded market. For a game that’s authenticity has been widely applauded, this is an unforgivable sin.
It seems to be a failure on the part of MOHF that is was unable to make use of such a bountiful subject matter to build on the achievements of such an unforgettable opening sequence. I for one, find it difficult to believe that in six years of World War, EA Games were unable to find more realistic and truthful sequences of battle without having to resort to a Nazi super-weapon storyline and all the enjoyable gunplay in the world can’t hide the fact that Frontline was not the game it should truly have been.
Medal of Honor is truly deserving of its platinum release, the opening sequence is one of the defining moments of the second generation of console gaming, capturing so many of the emotions of war within a single mission. Unfortunately, Medal of Honor: Frontline loses itself as the game progresses in pursuit of a more adventurous experience. This betrayal of values taints what should be an individual and authentic title, pushing it too far towards the more fantastical archetype of the Call of Duty franchise. Still, however, an enjoyable and interesting experience, Medal of Honor: Frontline scores a respectable 7 out of 10.
By ANDREW MICHAEL SMITH
Publisher: EA Games
Developer: EA LA
Version tested: PlayStation 2
© 2012 GamesMediaPro. All rights reserved.
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Socially Cool: Pivot Power Paysback
Fed up of endless wires, cables and plugs that don’t utilise space? Then try the Pivot Power, an adjustable electrical power strip that holds large adapters in EVERY outlet! Pivot Power has a unique form which allows it to bend and twist in multiple configurations allowing you to save space.
• Flexible form that bends into circular, semi-circular, and zig-zag shapes
• Five outlet pods, which can be adjusted so that large power bricks don’t hog space
• Surge protection.
The Pivot Power costs 29.95 from www.prezzybox.com.
Quirky are looking for UK designers, inventors and people with just good problem solving solutions, who can to suggest ideas for new products! Quirky is a social product development company. Your product ideas come in, their community works on them, they sell your product worldwide, and 30% brought in gets distributed amongst you and the product’s influencers. © 2012 GamesMediaPro. All rights reserved.
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UP London Festival Showcase changes launch date
Urban Prototyping (UP) London Festival Showcase will be hosted on the streets of Shoreditch on 27 May.
A series of innovative experiments created by designers, developers, architects, artists, makers, activists and social scientists to make the streets of London resilient, dynamic spaces which encourage social interaction.
UP London promotes complementary opportunities to traditional planning and procurement processes through rapid, inexpensive and temporary prototyping projects.
Some of the prototypes on display include:
- Space Recommender System- how social networking can be used to contribute to the pleasure of urban strolling; giving the visitor to a city the chance to act like a local
- Digital Grass- explores relations and levels of connectivity of urban spaces by employing the use of several digital grass units that react to human interaction
- 999 app- a new emergency services solution- location and personal data sent automatically to emergency services, amongst other xx
- Data Store- freestanding shelving structure which imitates part of a retail space- engaging people to think about data- to encourage data literacy
- InspiredCity- this web/app gives users a hyper-local list of volunteering opportunities from individuals, charities and community organisations to encourage participation
- X-Voice- a project exploring the heritage of space through sound installations hidden in the community and reacting to human interaction
- Sight Line- system which improves street signage to add layers of useful information and to make more user-friendly for sight impaired users
- Mogees- a system which enables any surface to be turned into an input device to manufacture sound
- Wi-Fun-Gi- aims to give a voice to green spaces such as trees or green roofs, a soundscape generated by sensors attached to plants and played through solar power sensors
- OP-L (Operator London)- a working ‘design provocation’ that triggers interest in a platform for sharing audio information across London
During this one day only UP London has sponsored the installations around Hoxton Square to coincide with Digital Shoreditch and to be open to public interaction.
The UP Festival is funded by Sustainable Society Network+, NEMODE the UK Research Council (RCUK) Digital Economy Programme and led by Imperial.
© 2012 GamesMediaPro. All rights reserved.
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Rugby Challenge 2: The Lions Tour Edition to be drop kicked to GAME Kingston for first UK hands-on
Tries before you buy
Listen up rugby fans and listen up gamers! Next week GAME Kingston will be giving you the opportunity to get your hands on the upcoming Rugby Challenge 2: The Lions Tour Edition weeks ahead of its worldwide release.
From 2 – 5pm on Wednesday the 22nd of May, the highly anticipated new rugby title developed by the highly regarded Sidhe (due for worldwide release on 13th June) will be available for all comers to play ahead of release.
Gamers heading to Kingston’s GAME store can expect refined and expanded gameplay, as well as a range of new features including quick taps, quick lineouts, mauls from lineouts, interceptions, contesting ball at the breakdown, removing players from the ruck and number 8 scrum pickups.
“We’re thrilled to host the first ever hands-on of Rugby Challenge 2,” said [Rob McManus, GAME Kingston Store Manager. “It’s a fantastic title that’s aptly timed for the British & Irish Lions tour about to take place in Australia, and we’re proud to bring it to GAME customers before anyone else.”
Rugby Challenge 2: The Lions Tour Edition boasts a variety of modes to play in, single player and multiplayer, as well as over 110 teams and 50 stadia, with official team, competition and special licenses. It will be released for PlayStation®3 and Microsoft Xbox 360® on 13th June.
GAME Kingston can be found in the Bentalls Centre, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 1TP – follow @GAMEKingston for updates.
For more information on Rugby Challenge 2: The Lions Tour Edition, visit RUGBY CHALLENGE 2 and GAME/RUGBY CHALLENGE 2© 2012 GamesMediaPro. All rights reserved.
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METRO: LAST LIGHT LAUNCHES AT BLOCKBUSTER
The highly anticipated video game, Metro: Last Light hits Blockbuster stores on Friday 17th May across the country with fans eagerly awaiting its release. The game is a sequel to the cult classic Metro 2033, gaming buffs are impatient for the next instalment in post-apocalyptic Moscow.
Metro: Last Light can be picked up at half the price when trading in a selected Xbox 360 or PS3 game, plus there is a guaranteed £25 buyback.* And remember at Blockbuster, you can get your hands on the latest movies and games before you’ll find them anywhere else on the high street.
The game, set in the year 2034, is located beneath the ruins of post-apocalyptic Moscow, in the tunnels of the Metro. While deadly threats continue to lurk from the outside and within, a civil war is stirring that could wipe humanity from the face of the earth forever.
The next generation technology boasts stunning lighting and physics, setting a new graphical benchmark on both console and PC. The game is available to experience on XBOX 360 and PS3.
Experience the thrilling combat in one of the most immersive, atmospheric game worlds ever to be created, at Blockbuster.
HOT OFFERS
Discover amazing bargains at Blockbuster this week as it empties its warehouse to make way for the arrival of brand new stock! Find up to 50% OFF all movies, games and accessories and up to 50% EXTRA credit when you trade in any movie, game or console.
© 2012 GamesMediaPro. All rights reserved.
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Rush Bros. gains Steam release date and selected tracks from the legendary Infected Mushroom
XYLA Entertainment is proud to present Rush Bros., a side-scrolling platform racing action game featuring music-reactive level design arriving on Steam for PC and Mac on May 24th 2013.
“Rush Bros. started as a modification to Portal 2 co-op which turned the players against each other. The unique multiplayer mechanics and dueling Dubstep DJ themes became a metaphor for the unique social dynamic of cooperation through competition.” – Ian Boswell, Game Designer, XYLA Entertainment.
The world’s first split screen online multiplayer platform racing mode complements the single player to crank up the excitement levels as you thrash the in-game soundtrack or use your own music collection as DJs Bass and Treble battle for supremacy. Fast and furious action is combined with innovative reactive level design – the music you play influences the dynamics of traps, obstacles and backgrounds. Change the beats, change the level…
XYLA is also proud to announce a partnership with psytrance / electronic duo Infected Mushroom who have supplied selected music for the soundtrack. Gamers can even play as band founders Erez Eisen and Amit Duvdevani in a custom Infected Mushroom level.© 2012 GamesMediaPro. All rights reserved.
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Focus Home Interactive reveal the official websites of Pro Cycling Manager 2013 and Tour De France with a batch of screenshots
Pro Cycling Manager 2013 and Tour de France 2013 – 100th Edition: the new official website and new screenshots!
Today is a big day for all cycling fans who can discover, right now, the new official website of the games Pro Cycling Manager for PC and Tour de France 2013 for consoles! Also optimized for smartphones and tablets, this new website lets cycling fans access all info on both official games of the Tour de France, wherever they are!
Filled with information and exclusive screenshots, the site contains all there is to know about Pro Cycling Manager 2013 on PC and Tour de France 2013 on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360: newcomers will discover how both games play, but also long-time fans of the series will learn about all the new exciting new features both games offer this year!
The website’s gallery regroups many exclusive images, and will welcome very soon the first videos of Pro Cycling Manager 2013 and Tour de France 2013 – 100th Edition. Finally, the website is also a real hub for the community: you will find there all the latest news, real-time information about the game on the social networks, as well as the Dev Blog of the developers, Cyanide, who will regularly release exclusive information!
On the occasion of this grand opening, we offer you to discover now 4 new screenshots, that you will of course also find on the big gallery of the website!
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