Archive - 2014

Batman: Arkham Origins Comic-Con Exclusive Figure

2014/07/07
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, SDCC

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LOS ANGELES (July 7, 2014) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, announced today its exclusive, limited edition BATMAN Arkham Origins collectable figure under licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, on behalf of DC Entertainment.

A 2014 San Diego Comic-Con exclusive, the new figure depicts a younger Batman when he first started on his path as the Caped Crusader. The figure incorporates the details of his powerful physique, and the metallic color variation showcases the careful sculpting used in its development. The articulated cape allows for multiple poses, from gliding through the night sky with his cape spread wide, to a more dormant stance with his wings closed and stowed.

Included with the figure are his iconic Batarang and grappling gun, as well as a display stand.

500 of these limited edition figures will be available for purchase at the Square Enix booth (# 3829). An additional 500 will be available online at https://exclusives.na.square-enix.com/.

Product Details

BATMAN: Arkham Origins
PLAY ARTS -KAI- BATMAN Limited Color Version
(SDCC 2014 EXCLUSIVE)
Release: July 2014, Limited Distribution
MSRP: $99.99

To view currently available Play Arts -Kai- action figures go to: http://square-enix-shop.com/us/.

ROCCAT Kave XTD 5.1 Digital Review

2014/07/07
Jerry Paxton
News, Peripheral Review, Peripherals News, Reviews

roccat-kave-xtd-digital-surround-imageROCCAT’s Kave XTD 5.1 Digital headset is a powerhouse of PC gaming audio. Something to note about this headset, aside from its classy, dark looks, is that it is a true 5.1 channel audio solution. Unlike some headsets, which use virtual surround technologies to emulate 5.1 channel sound from two drivers, the Kave XTD 5.1 Digital actually houses six drivers to perform its 5.1 channel magic.

Setting up the ROCCAT Kave XTD 5.1 Digital headset is straightforward and involves plugging in the desktop control module to your PC via USB port. This desktop control module also houses its own sound card. So, if you have an additional, discrete sound card in your PC, you will want to set your default audio output to the Kave XTD 5.1 Digital prior to playing any games. The desktop control module looks like it was pulled straight out of the world of TRON with vivid blue lighting elements on a dark body. It is also designed smartly in that it won’t just fall off your desk at the slightest shake or shock. An additional element to the desktop control module are its 5.1 channel speaker outputs in case you want to connect a physical speaker system instead of using the headsets. This is an excellent design choice on ROCCAT’s part.

A special mention needs to be given to ROCCAT’s Smart Link technology, which allows you to pair your smartphone to the Kave XTD 5.1 via Bluetooth. This allows you to take calls while you are playing you favorite PC game. This is a real innovation and something that more headset-makers need to consider when designing future models.

One area where the ROCCAT Kave XTD 5.1 Digital lacks is its microphone pick-up quality. My teammates mentioned several times that I sounded distant and did not come in as clearly as other headsets I have tested while playing with them. The actual operation of the microphone is very user-friendly, with the boom mic being easy to flip down and up, out of the way if needs be.

Its audio quality is very good, with great low and high-end sounds – definitely a respectable amount of bass befitting its true 5.1 channels. Its mid-range sound doesn’t play through as well as the low or high-end audio but, overall, the sound is perfect for playing your favorite PC games. Throwing a good smattering of installed PC games at the ROCCAT Kave XTD 5.1 Digital, I enjoyed wearing and listening to them in Call of Duty: Ghosts, The Banner Saga, The Dead Linger, State of Decay, Skyrim, and a ton of other titles. The headset is rather large, but didn’t become uncomfortable even after many hours of gameplay. I did notice some ear perspiration – but no discomfort.

Retailing for $169.95, the ROCCAT Kave XTD 5.1 Digital headset may seem expensive. However, when you compare its price to competing models, the Kave XTD 5.1 Digital proves to have a high value per dollar ratio – especially when you consider this is true 5.1 channel sound.

[easyreview title=”ROCCAT Kave XTD 5.1 Digital Review Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]

Product Page

ROCCAT Kave XTD 5.1 Digital Official Trailer

Tt eSports Level 10 M Hybrid Gaming Mouse Review

2014/07/07
Jerry Paxton
News, Peripheral Review, Peripherals News, Reviews

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Thermaltake has been making PC gaming peripherals for quite some time – one of their newest being the Level 10 M Hybrid gaming mouse. The idea behind the mouse was to take the things that worked on their Level 10M gaming mouse and refine them while also including the option to play in a fully-wireless mode.

In terms of its design, the Level 10 M Hybrid gaming mouse is very similar to its predecessor – with the exception of a long boom protruding forth from the front of the mouse and an enhanced side grip on its right side. The forward-mounted boom is the interface where the wired cable plugs into. Unfortunately, this boom can be a bit of a problem if you are playing on a desk or mousing area with limited space as it had a tendency to hit things – but, I digress. The shape of the mouse is able to be slightly adjust by using the included adjustment key, and we found that using either a claw or palm grip was possible with just a few height and tilt adjustments. Thermaltake teamed up with BMW DesignworksUSA for the product, and it truly is a beautiful-looking mouse – not very ergonomic, mind you, but beautiful.

Thermaltake has made going back and forth between wired and wireless modes very easy. Embedded into the wired mouse cable, you will find the wireless adapter that plugs into your computer’s USB port. The mouse also comes with a small wireless plug that plugs into that forward boom we wrote about earlier. Once both are plugged in and a small switch on the bottom of the mouse is set to “on”, you are off and running. Simply reverse the process to go back to wired gaming mode. It is worth noting that the wired cable is responsible for charging the mouse’s internal battery. So, be sure to plug it in every so often to keep the charge full. One thing this is lacking on the Tt eSports Level 10 M Hybrid is an on-mouse battery indicator. It is so helpful to be able to see when you will need to plug in ahead of time and checking the levels in software is not always practical. Just some food for thought, Thermaltake!

Also, be sure to check the Tt eSports website for any firmware or software updates for the Level 10 M Hybrid gaming mouse. Speaking of software, the control suite is useful and offers a lot of customization in being able to set the mouse’s multiple profile modes. The lighting options on the mouse are a bit puzzling to me, as there are not many things that light up in comparison with other models on the market. More so, the previous Level 10 M featured a light up dragon design which glowed through the grill on the top of the mouse. The Level 10 M Hybrid lacks this lighting effect. It doesn’t affect performance, of course, but was definitely high on the cool-factor side of things.

**UPDATE: I should note that, usually, the Tt eSports Level 10M Hybrid dragon logo DOES light up when in wired mode. We ended up getting a model that had a defect in that it did not light up when plugged in. We did not know this until a company spokesperson contacted us about our review.

The mouse’s internal Avago ADNS A9800 laser sensor has been the source of controversy in the past with some gamers complaining about its built-in mouse acceleration, a feature than many tournament-level players disapprove of. I used the Level 10 M Hybrid with a variety of games for a decent amount of time and did not notice much issues with mouse acceleration in my evaluation. I took on foreign armies in Call of Duty: Ghosts, went retro with Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines, and took to space in the current build of Star Citizen’s Arena Commander.

Overall, I am impressed with the performance of the Tt eSports Level 10 M Hybrid by Thermaltake. Not only does it have a cool style and design but, also, solid gaming performance. While Thermaltake has listed the mouse with an MSRP of $109.99, you can find it online at several retailers for about $20 dollars cheaper.

[easyreview title=”Tt eSports Level 10 M Hybrid Gaming Mouse Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]
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World of Tanks Blitz Review (iOS)

2014/07/04
Ripper71
Mobile News, Mobile Review, News, Reviews

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We here at Gamingshogun.com understand that, economically-speaking, times can be tough. So, when there is a game that can be played for free – that is, truly free and not free-to-play, pay-to-win, we make sure to let our readers know. A great case in point is World of Tanks, which completely free for the PC and an absolute blast to play. You can pay a bit to enhance you experience or speed up your leveling but in the end the better player wins the match not the most expensive tank. They then translated this same idea to World of Tanks Xbox 360 Edition with the same success. Fans of these games have been chomping at the bit to get their hands on World of Warships, the next title in the saga – but first comes a pleasant surprise, World of Tanks Blitz for the iOS platform.

The graphics haven’t suffered at all in the translation to the small screen, they are crisp and clear and extremely detailed which is important as players have come to expect historical vehicle accuracy from the series. Also, the tech trees are enormous which was surprising to me as tech trees are generally scaled back much more in mobile games. There are only three nations to start with but their are so many vehicles and upgrades that you probably won’t come even near to completing them all before another nation is added.

My next expectation was very small matches, I guessed probably just 4 vs. 4 so the systems could handle them. I was very pleasantly surprised to find myself in 7 vs. 7 matches so that the excitement of multiple players hunting and strategy was still maintained. 14 players do a nice job filling up a map. which is another great point about this platform, it has all kinds of maps, many being familiar, scaled down versions of the PC and 360 maps with some of the maps even feeling brand new. Part of this might be due to different priorities in a maps detail making it look different (sand gets less detail than a building or a stack of wood) and yet if you have a strategy on the rebuilt maps it might just still work to your advantage.

If you have spare funds to spend the premium account is worth it’s money in speeding up leveling and in game currency and there are vehicles and special ammo you can buy to give you a slight edge or at least a faster level to a new class.  Hardcore players though tend to believe in earning your bones in this game so you will find both bought and earned tanks on a pretty even playing field.

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The only real problem with the game is the inherent problem of the platform itself: Its controls. You have to use your right thumb to move the tank, your left thumb to move your view then whatever finger you want to hit the zoom and fire buttons. The controls are greatly simplified and adapted to touch screen technology but in the end you still find your left thumb slipping off the tank controls or bumping the wrong one. In some cases you might even find your thumb sliding up and prematurely hitting the fire button giving away your position. There are thumb attachment sticks that can be purchased and stuck to the screen but I have never found them to be particularly consistent and if you get used to one and it pops off mid match you might find yourself in a world of trouble.

 

Final Thoughts:
World of Tanks Blitz gives you the opportunity to play a great title on the go with most of the console or PC features intact. This is a great accomplishment that Wargaming.net should be proud of and sets a new standard for shooting games, particularly vehicle-based ones, on the iOS platform. I look forward to seeing what they add on or come up with next.

[easyreview title=”World Of Tanks Blitz Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]

Amazing Las Vegas Comic Con Gallery

2014/07/04
Ripper71
Geek News, News, Screenshots / Photos

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As comic book and pop culture conventions go, the Amazing Las Vegas Comic Con is definitely still in its infancy at just a couple years old. The community support for it however makes it very likely to become one of the more popular cons in the Western United States. With Jim Lee as the guest of honor and a slew of the biggest names in comics, it was a fairly intimate atmosphere for the big guns and the indie writers to mix, mingle and show their wares.

One of my personal heroes, Len Wein, who has created over a hundred characters in is writing lifetime talked the future of Swamp Thing with me while a couple of artists Eric Mengel (of Ocho) and Denny Riccelli (Get That Chicken and Cousin Harold) talked about the con circuit and what it’s like when you are the “away team” comics compared to being the “home team” ones in Arizona. It was an opportunity to meet the author of one of my favorite current titles Chew, John Layman, and geek out with him about Mars Attacks and how he fulfilled a life dream by getting to write Mars Attacks On Ice! There were stories of boarding schools in hell, Bigfoot on distant planets and lots and lots and lots of talk about Guardians of the Galaxy. There were special editions covers and posters for all kinds of characters imaginable and in the middle of it all Maximum Comics had a Midway full of games.

You didn’t have to be a comic fan to be into the convention as there were tons of geek interests represented: Panels on how to write books by the Winner Girls and even makeup lessons from a whole slew of the casts of SyFy’s FaceOff. Not only was cosplay in full effect but the Heroes of Cosplay were present in the form of Holly And Jessica. There were costume contests and kids cosplay on parade and even cartoons on a big screen Saturday and Sunday.

This convention has taken off thanks to Maximum Comics support and I am already looking forward to next year.

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Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem Ride Review

2014/07/04
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Misc Review, News, Reviews

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Last weekend, I had the opportunity to go out to Universal Studios Hollywood, enjoy the overall park and attractions as well as check out the new Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem ride. Like many of Universal Studios’ recent attractions, Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem relies mainly on high frame rate, 3D film for its visuals along with a mild motion platform. This ensures that young people have an enjoyable ride that is also not too intense for older riders. The outside facade of Gru’s house is outstanding and Universal Studios’ designers should be congratulated in their creation.

The queue area begins rather bland, save for some fun pictures of minions strewn about. After getting your 3D glasses, riders are escorted into the main queue ares which features an entertaining pre-show with Gru and his three girls as it is explained that guests are here to be transformed into minions. Guests are then led into the main theater area where there are multiple seating booths – each fitting two rows of four riders all facing a projector screen. A lap bar comes down over guests’ legs and the show begins – each seating booth lifting a small distance off the floor in order to provide motion to go with the ride’s video.

Admittedly, I was not prepared for the high frame rate video of ride. The last time I experience high frame rate was while watching Peter Jackson’s first Hobbit film and it took me about three minutes or so to adjust. Unfortunately, I did not have that kind of lead-in time on the ride, which is not very long. Despite the lack of adjustment time, I had a very fun time riding Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem. I try not to spoil plot points of games or attractions – but, I will mention that the ride itself is filled with Minion fun and carnage including a very cool showing of what the little guys are capable of when they all team up and work together.

Overall Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem is a fun motion ride that kids will love and the older riders will enjoy too – just be prepared for the high frame rate video if you have never seen the technology in action before.

[easyreview title=”Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]
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Images from Minion Mayhem and Around Universal Studios Hollywood:

QuakeCon 2014 Schedule of Events

2014/07/04
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, QuakeCon

quake-2014

id Software and Bethesda Softworks have released the official schedule of events for the upcoming 2014 QuakeCon in Hilton Anatole in Dallas, TX from July 17 – 20.

Thursday, July 17th

  • The Elder Scrolls Online PvP Tournament
    • 12:00pm – 1:00pm | Streaming Live from the Bethesda Booth via Twitch.tv/Bethesda
  • Hugo Martin’s Portfolio Reviews
    • 12:00pm – 2:00pm | id Software Booth
    • Hugo Martin, Art Director | id Software
  • The Elder Scrolls Online Trials Tournament
    • 1:30pm – 2:30pm | Bethesda Booth
  • Annual QuakeCon Welcome & Attendee Exclusive DOOM Reveal
    • 6:00pm | QuakeCon Attendee Exclusive | Ventrilo Main Stage

Friday, July 18th

  • The Elder Scrolls Online PvP Tournament
    • 12:00pm – 1:00pm | Streaming Live from the Bethesda Booth via Twitch.tv/Bethesda
  • Hugo Martin’s Portfolio Reviews
    • 12:00pm – 2:00pm | id Software Booth
    • Hugo Martin, Art Director | id Software
  • The Bonus Round with Geoff Keighley
    • 1:30pm – 2:30pm | Streaming Live from the Ventrilo Main Stage via Twitch.tv/Bethesda
  • The Elder Scrolls Online Trials Tournament
    • 1:30pm – 2:30pm | Bethesda Booth
  • The Future of The Elder Scrolls Online
    • 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Streaming Live from the Ventrilo Main Stage via Twitch.tv/Bethesda
    • ZeniMax Online Studios panelists include: Matt Firor, Game Director | Paul Sage, Creative Director | Jared Carr, Art Director | Rich Lambert, Lead Designer | Brian Wheeler, Lead PvP Designer | Nick Konkle, Lead Gameplay Designer | Jesse McIntyre, Lead Programmer
    • Moderated by Jessica Folsom, Community Manager
  • Friday Night Magic Tournament and 2015 Magic the Gathering Core Set Release Party
    • 7:00pm – 11.30pm | Table Top Village
  • Master Pancake
    • 9:000pm – 11:30pm | Ventrilo Main Stage

Saturday, July 19th

  • PC Perspective Hardware Workshop
    • 12:00pm – 2:00pm | Ventrilo Main Stage
  • The Elder Scrolls Online PvP Tournament
    • 12:00pm – 1:00pm | Streaming Live from the Bethesda Booth via Twitch.tv/Bethesda
  • Hugo Martin’s Portfolio Reviews
    • 12:00pm – 2:00pm | id Software Booth
    • Hugo Martin, Art Director | id Software
  • The Elder Scrolls Online Trials Championship
    • 1:30pm – 2:30pm | Bethesda Booth
  • Ticket to Ride Tournament
    • 2:00pm | Table Top Village
  • Designing the Perfect Game
    • 5:00pm – 6:00pm | Streaming Live from the Ventrilo Main Stage
    • Panelists include: Feargus Urquhart, CEO at Obsidian Entertainment | Chris Kluwe, former NFL punter, co-author of Genesis: Prime, Beautifully Unique Sparkleponies | Rick Malambri, actor Step Up 3D, Twitch.TV streamer | Matt Grandstaff, Global Community Lead at Bethesda
    • Moderated by Andrew Reiner, executive editor at Game Informer Magazine, co-author of Genesis: Prime
  • Tournament Finals Party!
    • 8:30pm | Ventrilo Main Stage

In addition to the full schedule of events, attendees will also have the opportunity to check out various exhibitors and sponsors on the show floor, including:

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QuakeCon 2014 Exhibitors:

  • 505 Games
  • Common Ground Games
  • BAWLS Guarana
  • BenQ
  • Bethesda Softworks
  • CPU Magazine
  • Dallas Pets Alive
  • Ecomaster Technology Corp.
  • Enermax & LPEA
  • Final Boss Entertainment
  • Fractal Design
  • FRAGApparel
  • Gigabyte
  • GX-Gaming
  • Ilya Films
  • In Win
  • Magic Box
  • Miners Source
  • Minor Hosting LLC
  • Minor Key Games
  • Modders Inc.
  • NVIDIA
  • PC Perspective
  • Symbiote Studios
  • Therma Take-MSI
  • Treehouse
  • Upper Cut Circuit

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QuakeCon 2014 Sponsors:

  • AT&T
  • DELL/Alienware
  • ibuypower
  • Intel
  • Logitech
  • Origins
  • PCPartPicker
  • Plantronics Gaming
  • Red Bull
  • Seasonic
  • Ventrilo

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QuakeCon Exhibit Hall Hours are:

  • Thursday, July 17th: 10am – 6pm
  • Friday, July 18th: 10am – 6pm
  • Saturday, July 19th: 10am – 6pm

Table Top Village Hours (including retailers):

  • Thursday, July 17th: 12pm – Midnight
  • Friday, July 18th”: 10am – Midnight
  • Saturday, July 19th: 10am – Midnight

QuakeCon, the ultimate video game festival, will take place at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, TX on Thursday, July 17 – Sunday, July 20. Doors to QuakeCon will open on Thursday, July 17th at 10:00am CT and will remain open through July 20th.

The free event is open to general admission attendees thanks to the support of id and Bethesda Softworks, as well as the QuakeCon volunteer staff and the 2014 event sponsors and exhibitors.

To pre-register for QuakeCon go to: http://registration.quakecon.org. For more information on QuakeCon 2014 visit www.quakecon.org.

Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth Release Date

2014/07/04
Jerry Paxton
News, Windows PC News

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New York, NY – July 3, 2014 – 2K and Firaxis Games today announced that Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth, the new science fiction-themed entry in the award-winning Civilization franchise, will be released globally on Friday, October 24, 2014 for Windows PC. Fans who pre-order Civilization: Beyond Earth from participating retailers will receive the Exoplanets Map Pack, which includes six custom maps inspired by real exoplanets, at launch.

This map pack includes: 

  • Kepler 186f: This lush forest planet is one of the oldest known Earth-like planets;
  • Rigil Khantoris Bb: Orbiting the closest star to our solar system, the historical records of this arid continental planet’s settlement are well-preserved;
  • Tau Ceti d: This planet of seas and archipelagos features a booming biodiversity and a wealth of resources;
  • Mu Arae f: Tidally locked in orbit around a weak star, the southern hemisphere of this planet is a blistering desert where the sun never sets, while the northern hemisphere is perpetually in frozen darkness;
  • 82 Eridani e: An alien world of scarce water and wracked by tectonic forces;
  • Eta Vulpeculae b: A mysterious new discovery with unknown terrain.

Civilization: Beyond Earth for Windows PC is available for pre-order at participating retailers. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB and will be available globally for Windows PC on October 24, 2014 for a suggested retail price of $49.99.

About Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth:

Civilization: Beyond Earth will propel the development of humanity beyond the traditional timeline of a Civilization game by exploring the future of mankind on an alien world. For the first time, players will lead factions divided by contrasting cultures and evolve their new civilizations to reflect their chosen style of play. Players will experience an array of new gameplay possibilities, including nonlinear technology progression through the new Tech Web, the introduction of a new Orbital Layer, and a new Quest system that will unlock additional details about the alien world in addition to new resources and upgrades.

For more information on Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth, please visit www.civilization.com, become a fan on Facebook, follow Civilization on Twitter and subscribe to Civilization onYouTube.

Arma 3 Community Guide Ground Vehicle Crew

2014/07/04
Jerry Paxton
News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

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July 3, 2014 — Bohemia Interactive today released a brand new video to further introduce the role of the ground vehicle crewman in Arma 3. Just as in real life, most vehicles in Arma 3 require multiple people – either controlled by AI or co-operative players – to operate efficiently, which are typically divided into a driver, gunner, and vehicle commander position. The new video takes a closer look at each of these crew member’s responsibilities, while exploring some of the core principles of ground vehicle combat.

In continuation of the official Arma 3 Community Guide series, the Ground Vehicle Crew video is narrated by Andrew Gluck (better known as Dslyecxi, former service member and leader of the popular Arma community group Shack Tactical), who discusses the strengths and weaknesses of ground vehicles, the responsibilities of each vehicle crew member, and some of the basic communication protocols. While there are many more ways to play Arma 3, it represents one possible method by which players can go more in-depth with their vehicle operations in Arma 3’s open military sandbox.

With a dozen episodes released so far, earlier Community Guides covered topics such as infantry combat, multiplayer teamwork,helicopters, sniper- and launcher teams, combined arms warfare, air assaults, guerrilla warfare, and the Arma 3 Zeus DLC. The complete Community Guide playlist is available on Arma 3’s official YouTube Channel.

The regular edition of Arma 3 (44.99 EUR/39.99 GBP/59.99 USD) or the Arma 3 Digital Deluxe Edition (49.99 EUR/42.99 GBP/64.99 USD) – which includes the Arma 3 soundtrack, tactical maps of Altis and Stratis, a tactical guide of more than 350 pages, and Bohemia Interactive’s debut game Arma: Cold War Assault – is available for purchase on Steam and Store.bistudio.com. A boxed version of Arma 3 is sold at many major high-street retailers.

For more information, please visit http://www.arma3.com and/or follow Arma 3 on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.