Yes, the image you see above was taken from Grand Theft Auto V, and yes, it looks incredibly awesome. Thanks to Shortlist, who posted the image alongside a contest to win a GTA V collector's item, we have a wonderful little sneak peak of what lies in store for us this coming spring.
The site has since replaced the image with a different one, which means we obviously weren't supposed to see it yet—a little to late now though, don't you think? The damage (if you can even call it that) has already been done.
Don't forget that next week on the 14th, Rockstar will be releasing a new trailer for the game. If I were a betting man, I'd say that the video will likely feature some sort of jet ski thievery.
God of War: Ascension demo bundled with Total Recall Blu-ray
Single-player E3 2012 demo for Sony's new action game included with Colin Farrel action film's release on December 18.
A single-player demo for God of War: Ascension will be bundled with the director's cut Blu-ray version of Total Recall, as well as the film's Blu-ray/DVD combination pack,announced Sony.The film is due at release on December 18.
The demo included in the bundle is the same single-player experience that Sony showed off five months ago during the 2012 Electronic Entertainment Expo. It is not clear if the demo will be released later publicly.
The blood-soaked affair(above) shows Kratos laying waste to a horde of enemies in a seaside location. It caps off with Kratos lobotimizing an elephant-like enemy before a gargantuan sea creature emerges from water.
God of War:Ascension is a prequel to the original trilogy that will tell Kratos'origin story. It is due out March 12.2013 exclusively for PS3 and includes a series-first multiplayer mode.
Why Valve's big Picture puts Apple on alert
Video game developer and publisher Valve is bringing gaming and distribution software Steam to the living room, with its new Big Picture mode now available in beta form.
This new mode for Steam allows users to plug their PC or laptop into their TV and access all that Steam has to offer - games, a digital store, internet browsing, communication and more - from the comfort of their sofa.
Big Picture also enables users to play PC games, traditionally operated using a keyboard and mouse, with a game controller. While this was already possible on a PC, Valve has designed Big Picture specifically with the controller in mind, even going so far as introducing a Daisywheel, a tool for typing with the thumb sticks and buttons of a control pad, which initial reports suggest runs much smoother than expected.
While the idea of playing PC games from the comfort of the lounge - rather than at a desk elsewhere in the home - might be appealing, what is really interesting is the introduction of a smooth user interface for Steam designed for big-screen televisions. This interface is introduced along with what Valve is calling "the world's first first-person web browser", with a cursor moved across the screen thanks to the flexibility of game controller analogue sticks.
Valve describes its reasons for creating Big Picture as a way to allow people to do more from the comfort of their own homes.
"Sometimes, you just want to hang out in the living room. Why should you have to give up all your games, your community of friends and all the things you love about Steam when you're there? With Big Picture mode, you don't have to," it said, citing customer demand for a living room-friendly Steam client as further motivation for introducing it.
There have long been rumours that Valve has interests in the living room space, with reports earlier this year suggesting it is preparing to challenge Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo with a home console.
The introduction of Big Picture potentially offers more than just a games system. The user interface could be mistaken for Apple TV - the iPhone maker's own entertainment hub - which Steam's television-friendly software has arguably taken some inspiration from.
Entertainment and computing collide
And while Steam is currently focused on video games, with Apple TV on the other hand offering access to music, movies and apps, it is not so far fetched to think that what was once only a PC game developer founded by disgruntled Microsoft employees might now have Apple firmly in its sights.
After all, Steam users will soon be able to purchase non-games software, such as video and photo editing tools, enabling them to use Big Picture to perform multimedia editing through their TV screen rather than on the much smaller display of a MacBook. Videos also currently run through Steam, although predominantly, if not only, in the form of game trailers, but this at least proves that the technology is capable.
The key element that could work in Valve's favour here is cost; Apple's TV box is priced at £99, but Steam's Big Picture is completely free. There is no need for consumers to go out and buy extra products in order to bring Steam into their living room; they just need to connect their desktop or laptop to the TV. The trick Valve has up its sleeve here is that Big Picture will be Mac compatible, potentially allowing it to acquire users from directly under Apple's noses.
It seems that what at first glance might just appear to be Valve implementing a new way of playing video games for their loyal users, is actually a lot more when examined in depth. It marks a bold first step for the video game publisher and operator of the Steam digital distribution service away from the bedroom into the living room, and it is a move that could make it a major player in the increasingly converged areas of home entertainment and home computing.
Angry Birds Star Wars released for iOS, Android, Kindle and Windows
Game Developer, Rovio has released the latest version of its Angry Birds game, and this time it has a big dose of George Lucas' Star Wars.
Angry Birds Star Wars is available now for iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Amazon Kindle Fire, Mac OS X and PC's including Windows 8.
We've had a go, of course, and we can tell you that the angriest of birds are engaged in the stariest wars.
You will play with birds that look like your favourite Star Wars avatars Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia and Chewbecca, R2D2 and C3PO, and attack pigs that look like Darth Vader, Tusken Raiders, Stormtroopers and others.
It has been quoted saying Peter Vesterbacka, CMO of Rovio Entertainment,"It's a banner day for us.This is our best Angry Bird's game yet, and we're excited for our fans to finally meet Luke, Leia, and the rest of the gang! But it's more than just a game launch: we think fans are going to just love the new animated trailer and the Angry Birds Star Wars products, sure to be a big hit this holiday season" , as Christmas coming further they have also released a load of merchandise that you can buy, place on shelf and accumulate dust.
The action of the first level takes place on tatooine, but others happen in space, where the physics of gravity come into play much like Angry Birds Space. The Star Wars Birds can use lightsabres and the Force to attack pigs. There are 80 levels and chances to power up your birds when playing. There are hidden levels that can be unlocked and more levels will be released in future promises Rovio.
GTA Vice City stepping onto iOS and Android Devices
After the launch of GTA III in 2001,Rocskstar Games launched GTA Vice City on October 29,2002. The year 2012 marks its 10 successful years on various gaming platforms and as a conjunction to the 10th anniversary of GTA Vice City,Rockstar Games are looking forward to launch it on certain iOS and Android devices later this year as they have earlier introduced GTA III on iOS and Android devices. The upcoming version will bring full experience to the mobile devices with high resolution graphics and certain enhancements.
Wednesday 7 November 2012
500 GIG PS3 for Rs.19.990
PS3 500GB is being costed around $399.99 in US and we've just got the word from Sony that a 500GB super slim PS3 will be available in India from this week for Rs.19,990. Bundled along with console for no additional cost will be two of Sony's most sought out games-Gran turismo 5 Academy Edition and uncharted 3:Drake's Deception game of the Year Edition. The package will replace 320GB Move Bundle that now stands discontinued. While Sony hasn't officially announced a release date for the 12GB PS3, sources lead us to believe that it could be available in stores this week too.
Platforms: PS3($59.99), Xbox 360($59.99), PC($24.99)
Rating:4/5
Similar Games:Infamous 2
Fewer sequels have had higher expectations to live upto to than Assassin's Creed III. The game has been in development for nearly 3 years and you can see why.
Assassin's Creed III takes place a few centuries after we stealth killed Templars as Ezio Auditore. The setting now moves to the American Revolution, with a new protogonist - Connor Kenway.
It isn't drastically different from previous installations, but there are several new elements apart. The biggest of these is that a large chunk of a game takes place in forests. This brings with it Connor's ability to free-run across trees,as well as side activities like hunting and trading system.
The core gameplay remains the same - the free-run across rooftops, assassinate Templars, and remain incognito as much as possible. The combat follows pretty much the same block , parry, counter-attack formula, but the addition of the bow and arrow and the new rope dart as well. Desmond has a bigger role this time.Saying any more, however, would be spoiler territory.
Verdict: The game isn't the revolutionary sequel fans may have expected, but the new setting and tight gameplay make this an instant buy for all action-adventure fans.
Forza Horizon
Platforms: Xbox 360($59.99)
Rating:5/5
Similar Games:Need for Speed:Most Wanted
Open world. Off-road driving. Dynamic day and night transitions. These aren't things you would associate with the Forza Motorsport franchise, but surprisingly there happen to be the three key ingrdients that boost the game.
Forza horizon is an open-world racer, and there's plenty to do on it - break speed records, perform stunts, find exotic cars, and challenge other drivers. The game basically features the Horizon Festival, which consists of a variety of races but very now and then you'll enter showcase events, where you're given a car and put in outlandish scenario, such as racing against a plane.
The Colorado game world is a joy to drive around in, partly for a scenery, but mostly to how well the roads are laid out. The races are masterfully designed, but the things can get tricky at night, as there are no street lights in the countryside.
Online multiplayer is broken up into lobbies based on experience level, and they allow you to enter into a variety of races.The series'signature playground modes return as well, including Cat and Mouse,King,and Infected.
Verdict: Forza Horizon manages to cram a lot of incredible features into one game. The end result of that,is quite simply the complete racing game.
Medal of Honor Warfighter
Platforms: PS3($59.99), Xbox 360($59.99).
Rating:3.5/5
Similar Games:Battlefield 3
Medal of Honor Warfighter never aspired to reshape the genre so if you're already a bit jaded with all the shooters on the market, this one will do nothing to change your mind.
That being said, Warfighter is still quite enjoyable and it manages to ruffle up some good moments like a vengeance fuelled solo romp through a floating ship in the middle of the sea, a frantic car chase through the busy streets of Dubai and a rather satisfying conclusion. A special mention has got to be made of the game's audio that we personally felt was best we've experienced in a shooter till date.
But for everything Danger close does right, there are design decisions that make no sense. Why is the AI so bad? Why do our own players love running the battlefield while we're firing at enemies?More importantly, why do they insist on taking cover exactly the same spot we have? Of course, multiplayer is the backbone of Warfighter and the game largely succeeds in that arena. Think of it as a cross between Call of Duty's frantic infantry combat and battlefield 3's slow paced, authentic-ish warfare.
Verdict: While it isn't a must buy, Warfighter is definitely an enjoyable game that could have been a lot better had it received that extra coat of polish.
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