November 2012

Wii U: Assassin’s Creed III

Posted on November 24, 2012 by Jason Bassett

Being a fan of the franchise of Assassin’s Creed III, it was so hard to wait for the Wii U version. I finally got the time to play the game and beat it within a short time. It’s been a while (see: year) since we have seen what the Assassins were up to since Ezio’s stories ended. Well, after Juno took over Desmond and showed him the end of Ezio’s storyline, we have been waiting to see what the new guy, Connor, will be like.

It should be noted that this isn’t a review. It is merely feedback of Assassin’s Creed III on the Wii U. I will be discussing how the game plays using the Wii U GamePad and the Pro Controller. On that note, let’s talk about the Wii U version.Read More

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Skylanders: Giants | Review

Posted on November 23, 2012 by Broken Joysticks

So how do I describe Skylanders: Giants? On the surface this would appear to be something far out of my experience, as I am not really the intended audience for this kind of game. But if My Little Pony can find an audience outside of its intended market then maybe I can find some enjoyment from  an overly colour saturated kid’s product.Read More

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Wii U: The Next Generation is Here! Part One

Posted on November 23, 2012 by Jason Bassett

It’s finally here.

Nintendo finally launched its brand new console and I have spent a week drooling and playing on it for the last week now. It’s only been five days, but other than my day job, I have done nothing but use every bit of the console since its release on November 18, 2012. From the consumers lining up at Gamestops across the US to the heart aching 5GB update, users all over the US are now falling in love with the system. The Wii U is unique with its gamepad controller that acts as a tablet and it has brought some interesting ways to play games like Assassin’s Creed III, but the real games to try are ZombiU and Nintendo Land. From here on out, I will be speaking about my experiences with both the Wii U GamePad and the Pro Controller, along with the aforementioned video games above. Read More

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Nintendo Requests Not To Turn Off Your Wii U While Updating

Posted on November 23, 2012 by Les Major

You’ve probably seen in any number of games, or even on your PC not to turn it off while updating or saving. Nintendo is reminding users however due to the lengthy initial update for the Wii U. They “highly recommend that any Wii U owner does not stop the system update while in progress.”

Updating may take an hour or more the first time depending on your internet speed. Powering off during this may damage your system. The update enables numerous features including Miiverse, Wii U Chat, the eShop, and the ability to download video-on-demand applications.

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Clan Of Champions Now On Playstation Network

Posted on November 23, 2012 by Les Major

NIS America has annouced that Acquire’s new game “Clan of Champions” has reached the Playstation Network store. Featuring arena style combat in  the tight confines of a ruined kingdom gamers either enter the fray in single or multiplayer. Versus combat also adds to the gameplay as you earn new skills and customize your character to your chosen fighting style.

Previously released on Steam, the PSN version is priced at $29.99 and the PC version is selling for $39.99

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Call of Duty: Black Ops II | Review

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Jason Fayta

Version tested: Xbox 360

It’s that time of year again. The days are becoming darker; your wallet is getting lighter, and your waist is growing larger. To curb these seasonal blues, Activision is here with Call of Duty: Black Ops II (hereafter Black Ops 2), the ninth entry in the series and the fourth developed by Treyarch. You may not remember there being nine Call of Duty games, and that’s because Activision is cognizant of the stigma sequelitis projects. After Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, they dropped the sequential numerical approach and adopted subtitles to differentiate installments. Besides, Call of Duty 9: Black Ops II sounds absurd, and cynical gamers may be less likely to demur Black Ops 2 as opposed to Call of Duty 9.Read More

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Phil Harrison speaks; Declares new competition

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Broken Joysticks

In recent memory, Microsoft Games Studios has made great strides in acting as a focused competitor to Sony and Nintendo. However, in a recent statement by Microsoft’s Vice President of the Interactive Entertainment Business and always surprising Phil Harrison, there is sure to be more challenges awaiting for them just around the corner.

Harrison spoke at the London Games Conference, where he had plenty to say from broadening the studio’s horizons to revealing who their new competitors are.

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Return To GTA’s Vice City On iOS And Android Devices December 6

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Seung Lee

In celebration of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City‘s tenth anniversary, Rockstar has decided to go back and touch the original game up a bit for mobile devices. Both fans of iOS and Android will be able to relive all of the Miami-inspired bliss on December 6, 2012, for only $5. Expect high-resolution graphics (retina support included!), updated character models, better lighting, improved shooting controls, and a fully customizable button layout.

Read more to see a list of all of the devices that’ll be able to handle the portable mayhem this December.

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Microsoft Details Their Black Friday Sale

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Joshua Rust

Like so many other retailers, Black Friday is a time to get really good deals. Xbox Live is no exception as Microsoft has announced their lineup for Black Friday. There are some really good arcade titles, some Windows Phone games, Avatar stuff, and game add-ons. So check out everything below!

Games on Demand

  • Left 4 Dead 2 – $19.99
  • Portal 2 – $19.99
  • The Gunstringer – $19.99
  • Dead Island – $19.99

 

Xbox Live Arcade

  • Magic 2013 – 400 MSP
  • Spelunky – 600 MSP
  • Rock Band Blitz – 600 MSP
  • Warp – 400 MSP
  • South Park: Tenorman’s Revenge – 400 MSP
  • Space Channel 5: Part 2 – 400 MSP
  • Daytona USA – 400 MSP
  • SEGA Vintage Collection: Golden Axe – 400 MSP
  • SEGA Vintage Collection: Streets of Rage – 400 MSP
  • SEGA Vintage Collection: Monster World – 400 MSP
  • SEGA Vintage Collection: Alex Kidd & Co. – 400 MSP

 

Windows Phone Games

  • Assassin’s Creed HD: Altair’s Chronicles – $1.99
  • Carcassonne – $1.99
  • Cracking Sands – $1.99
  • Gravity Guy – $1.99
  • Mush – $1.99
  • Sonic 4: Episode I – $1.99

 

Game Add-Ons

  • Sleeping Dogs High Roller Pack – 120 MSP
  • Sleeping Dogs Top Dog Gold Pack – 120 MSP
  • Sleeping Dogs The Red Envelope Pack – 120 MSP
  • Magic 2013 Expansion – 200 MSP
  • Left 4 Dead 2 The Sacrifice – 280 MSP
  • Left 4 Dead 2 The Passing – 280 MSP
  • The Gunstringer El Diablo’s ‘Merican Adventure – 120 MSP
  • The Gunstringer Real Big Shootin’ – 120 MSP
  • Darksiders II Argul’s Tomb – 200 MSP
  • Darksiders II Death Rides Pack – 200 MSP
  • Dead Island Ryder White – 400 MSP
  • Dead Island Bloodbath Arena MP Mode + Leaderboards – 400 MSP
  • Forza Motorsport 4 Porsche Expansion Pack – 800 MSP
  • Forza Motorsport 4 July Car Pack – 280 MSP
  • Forza Motorsport 4 August Playseat Car Pack – 280 MSP
  • Forza Motorsport 4 September Pennzoil Car Pack – 280 MSP

 

Avatar Marketplace

  • Ninja Moves Frost Dragon – 120 MSP
  • Ninja Moves Ninja Training – 120 MSP
  • Ninja Moves Demon Ninja – 120 MSP
  • Energy Katanas – 160 MSP
  • Dual Toy SMGs – 160 MSP
  • Titan Hammer – 120 MSP
  • Toy Sniper Rifle – 120 MSP
  • Underworld Boss Outfit Red – 120 MSP
  • Future Soldier – 160 MSP
  • Bat Swarm Prop – 120 MSP
  • Werewolf Transformation – 120 MSP
  • Vampire Wings – 120 MSP
  • Werewolf Warlord – 160 MSP

 

This sale only lasts until November 26th so make sure you make haste if there is anything you’re wanting to buy.

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Rara.com Streaming Music Service – Mini Review

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Les Major

You can listen to Halo 4’s soundtrack on Rara.com so this is counts as video game news. This service was something I never knew I wanted. Recently, Microsoft launched their Xbox Music service and I decided to give that a go. Playing tons of albums I wanted on my Xbox seemed great, so I gave it a try on a desktop computer figuring that with all the mobile options surely there would be a PC option. Oh there is, for Windows 8 only. So that’s how I ended up searching and found Rara.com was available in Canada.Read More

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Hero U: Rogue To Redemption – Funded

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Les Major

This just in, the new game by Quest For Glory creators Lori and Corey Cole, as well as some of Brawsome team and Fable Foundry Creative Studio, has been funded on Kickstarter! They’ve reached their goal and the legendary game creators will be coming back with a new title focused on reform school life for a rogue who failed his initiation.

So they’re back! No longer will we have to look back and wish for more games by Lori and Corey Cole. That day is here! It was a long battle too, with the final funds coming in just at the last moment with a flood of supper pouring in over the weekend.

If you’re interested in more details, check out their Kickstarter page! The team has kept up with tons of updates to inform investing fans about the awesome project they have underway.

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Improved ESPN & New Karaoke App for Xbox Live Announced

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Broken Joysticks

As someone who uses the ESPN App to peruse the high caliber programming that ESPN has to offer, like re-airings of CFL games or the Scripps National Spelling Bee prelims, it’s nice to know that Major Nelson has announced the big update for the app. The brand-new ESPN App is no longer an over-glorified version of ESPN 3 (where sports are often ignored) and is an absolute collaboration of all things that make up ESPN thanks to the culmination of WatchESPN. Now this app will allow every ESPN channel and its programming available to Xbox Live Gold users, including all their respected broadcasts of NBA, MLB, and Monday Night Football games.

On the other side of the of the app inclusion is the announcement of Karaoke from Stingray Music, which looks to provide Xbox 360 users with a more reasonable karaoke experience that Lips may have abandoned in recent memory. Since Stingray Music has had success with the Karaoke Channel on televisions, computers and even on smartphones, video game consoles seemed like the next logical step. Obtaining music in this is hardly an issue; Instead of downloading songs to sing-along to, the app will stream a random collection of free songs that anyone can enjoy. However, to use the full collection of songs, Microsoft Points are needed and even then it’s only to rent from a few hours to an entire day. Of course a microphone is needed, as you are going to need something to sing into, be it a wired or wireless microphone, or just even a headset.

Both of these will not only utilize Kinect, but are also prepared for Smartglass integration to enhance the app’s usage. The ESPN App is currently available with Karaoke ready for December, and will hopefully provide those that aren’t playing Halo 4 or Black Ops 2 with something more sociable when company is over.

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Assassin’s Creed III | Review

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Joshua Rust

Very few instances in American history have a greater importance or significance than the Revolutionary War. It marks a time when the colonists stood up to their motherland and fought for freedom and independence. We all know the story… or do we? What if there was a more sinister plot that the history books left out? What if the Templars & Assassins secretly altered history for what they believed was the true vision of America? I can’t think of a better point in history to bring one of the most intriguing fictional storylines in gaming today.

Without ruining too much of the opening sequences, you start out as Haytham Kenway which isn’t the actual main protagonist of Assassin’s Creed III. It’s a change of pace for the series and will probably surprise most when the plot comes to fruition. Fans of Desmond will be pleased to find out that he is also still controllable during certain stages of the game. As for how Conner, the Assassin, ties into the plot of things–well the people at Ubisoft did a fantastic job of giving you a reason for vengeance as you will see through the early game progression. The plot is actually very well written. It’s filled with twists and turns and plays out nicely if you stick around to see the end.

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Disney Readying a “Skylanders-Slayer” For Next Year

Posted on November 17, 2012 by Joshua Rust

Disney Interactive looks to cash in on the “gotta collect ’em all” success that Activision is having with their Skylanders franchise. According to Stitch Kingdom, this new game that will tentatively be hitting Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, Wii U, & 3DS is cleverly titled: Disney Infinity. Yep…very clever indeed.

Stitch Kingdom states they have seen “a video produced for retailers which will be used to educate them on the product as well as familiarize them with the content.”Disney Infinitywill use plastic character tokens (sound familiar?) that will interact with a “flat device that connects via USB for console and infrared for handhelds.”

The starter pack will included iconic characters such as Monster Incs’ Sully, Jack Sparrow from Pirates, and Mr. Incredible from…well The Incredibles. Other characters that are rumored for a later release include:  Mike Wazowski, Randall, Hector Barbossa, Davy Jones, Mrs. Incredible, Syndrome, Dash, Violet, Woody, Jack Skellington, Agent P, Rapunzel, Anna, Ice Queen, Sorcerer Mickey, Tow Mater and Francesco Bernoulli.

Additional expansion packs (Adventure Packs…) will be available at launch as well. Such as Radiator Springs with Lightning McQueen & Holly Shiftwell. Toy Story In Space with Jesse & Buzz Lightyear. The Lone Ranger packed with The Lone Ranger & Tonto. As well as Phineas & Ferb packed with…you guessed it! Phineas & Ferb.

But those are only the “first expansion” packs expected as Disney looks to take a bite out of the Skylanders market. To me, this has its pros and cons. It’s good for the kids first and foremost. More parents can spend time with their kids enjoying these family style games. As I have with my daughter on Skylanders. The cons would have to be with two different series out there, money is going to go fast. Also I think it may hurt Skylanders in return, but then again it may push the developers to compete with each other and produce an even better product.

Maybe Disney will incorporate Marvel characters and Star Wars characters too… Look for more details on Disney Infinity here as the become available.

 

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