Focus Home Interactive has just announced the launch of the Wargame AirLand Battle official website as well as sent out some new screenshots from the upcoming RTS.
Author - Jerry Paxton
NEW YORK – February 14, 2013 – Pyle®, manufacturers of home, car and pro audio equipment, unveils its latest in turntable innovation with the Retro Belt-Drive Turntable (PVTT2U). This classic briefcase-styled USB turntable is designed with form and function in mind. The sleek and stream-lined fold-away unit is portable and made with two built-in anti-magnetic speakers. Updated with cutting edge technology combined with nostalgic design, the PVTT2U offers the ultimate fusion of sound and style.
Not only can you play your favorite vinyl records, but you can also connect to your PC directly via USB port, allowing for easy conversion of classic vinyl’s to MP3s. The PVTT2U comes with everything you need to get connected and edit your music collection, all starting with a simple plug in. Take advantage of all the PVTT2U’s features by editing actual music files and creating playlists for any occasion with the included software. Combine the best of digital and analog technologies when you turn your bulky stack of vinyl records into a compact digital music library.
The PVTT2U delivers high quality performance for every audio need imaginable, including wireless playing capability. The rechargeable battery and briefcase-style allows for music on-the-go, making the PVTT2U ready when you are! Charge the turntable by connecting to your computer via the USB cable or by plugging into a wall outlet using the included AC-USB adapter.
This unique turntable will fill any room with incredible audio and can even provide your home theater system with a richer sound by connecting to the RCA line. This modern musical powerhouse arranged into an elegant vintage package will take care of all your music needs at home or on the go.
“We pride ourselves on providing the most unique music technologies. We found a way to reach our retro lovers and bring them to the best of the modern age and technology that the music world has to offer,” says Abe Brach president of Pyle Audio.
Pyle’s Retro Belt-Drive Turntable Features Include:
- Three Turntable Speeds: 33, 45, 78 RPM
- Belt-Driven Automatic Turntable
- Ceramic Stereo Cartridge
- 45 RPM Adapter
- Two Built-in Stereo Anti-Magnetic Speakers
- USB Port For Connection to PC to Convert Vinyl to MP3
- Stereo RCA Output
- Rechargeable Battery
- Free Audacity Software Included For Vinyl-to-MP3 Conversion
- Dimensions: 10.63” x 13.78” x 4.33”
Some new information has surfaced about the controller for SONY’s soon-to-be announced PlayStation 4/Codename Orbis console. If true, this is a HUGE leak! If false, it is another rumor in a sea of rumor/fervor surrounding the upcoming console, which is reportedly going to be announced at a February 20th event in New York City. I find it strange that this rumored controller does not feature analog sticks – usually, a mainstay in controllers of today. Perhaps SONY is breaking away from the usual sticks to virtual ones?
These images and details supposedly come from a source at a N.Y. PR agency who took on SONY as a client recently. This source leaked the images and information to VGrevolution.
Rumored “SplitShock” Controller Images
The Rumored Release Sent by SONY to the agency, confirming the console’s name WILL be the “PlayStation 4” as well as several other details.
Rumored Letter from SONY
Welcome to the Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC family. The following information is for your employees to initiate your print and web advertising campaign.
With the upcoming release of the PlayStation 4 console, we have redesigned the DualShock 3 controller to remain on the forefront of innovation. With this in mind we have created the SplitShock controller. There are three major changes from the DualShock 3 controller that will give our consumers an edge over our competition.
The first and most immediate change when a consumer looks at the SplitShock is the removal of the analogue sticks and the inclusion of touchpads in their place. The touchpads serve the same function as the analogue sticks.
When a consumer is not playing a game, the SplitShock touchpads function as a track pad with both halves making a larger area to swipe and select items. The touchpads are also fully programmable by developers. This gives them the freedom to use the touchpads as they see fit. For example, if the game doesn’t require analogue controls, the touchpads can be used as an alternate input device. This allows games ported from IOS or Android the ability to retain their original control scheme.
Because of the need to have a comfortable experience when using the track pad function or a dual touchpad controls, the width of the SplitShock is one inch wider when compared to the DualShock 3.
The second innovation on the SplitShock is the “SHARE” button. The SplitShock contains an internal 4 GB memory chip. This allows consumers to store any pictures, music, or movies on their SplitShock controller. It will also synch with their PSN account and stay updated with their profile.
When a consumer presses the “SHARE” button, any files on the SplitShock can be used on another PlayStation 4. If they are a PlayStation Plus subscriber, they can also share full games that are registered to their PSN account. The limit to this is that the files can only be shared within 15 meters of a Playstation 4 console.
For the time being, this function is only enabled between a SplitShock controller and a PlayStation 4 console. In the future this function will be enabled across all of Sony’s product line.
The final innovation is how we came up with the SplitShock name. Because of the improvements made to the Sony Duel Eye, the PlayStation Move sensors have reduced in size and have been integrated into the SplitShock controller.
With a press of a button, the SplitShock separates into two halves. This opens up yet another way for developers to customize whatever control system they desire. While the SplitShock is in split mode users can experience a full motion control setup that consumers have become accustomed to with the Move and Navigation controller combination. Another benefit is that since both halves of the SplitShock are Mirrored, even left handed players will have no issues.
With these innovations for the SplitShock controller, we are giving our loyal consumers a chance to interact with the PlayStation brand in ways they have never imagined before.
Archos has announced that they will be selling a line of “Platinum” range of tablet devices with IPS screens, quad-core CPUs, and more. Two of the three tablet devices are set to release later this month – a third, 11.6″ device is set for launch in April. Checkout the press release below for more info.
Official Press Release
Denver, CO – February 14, 2013 – ARCHOS, an award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, introduces the Platinum range, a new line of tablets that feature a sleek aluminum design combined with the best high definition IPS displays, quad-core processors and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. There will be three tablets in the range including an 8-inch, 9.7-inch and 11.6-inch all of which deliver true vivid colors, sharper text and amazingly fast performance.
The entire Platinum range will all share the following features:
- High-Definition IPS display with capacitive multi-touch screen
- QUAD core CPU at 1.2 GHz with 8-core GPU, with 1080p video decoding
- 2 GB RAM
- Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
- Full access to the 700,000 applications
- Archos Media Center applications
- Front and Back Cameras
- Mini-HDMI and Micro SD ports
The ARCHOS 80 Platinum, an 8” tablet, features a 1024×768 resolution IPS screen and when compared to the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 it is almost twice as fast, has double the RAM and has a back camera for a fraction of the cost. The 80 Platinum will be available in February for $199.
The ARCHOS 97 Platinum HD, a 9.7” tablet, features a stunning 2048×1536 resolution IPS screen, which is comparable to the Retina display found in the iPad, but is 40% less expensive.
The 97 Platinum HD will be available in February for $299.
The ARCHOS 116 Platinum, an 11.6” tablet, features a 1920×1080 resolution IPS screen, unlike anything currently on the market. The 116 Platinum will be available in April for $349.
After hearing news that Gas Powered Games Chris Taylor had put the company’s Project Awakened on hold, today we have found out that the game developer has been acquired by World of Tanks behemoth, Wargaming.net! More details below in the press release.
Official Press Release
14th February, 2013 – Wargaming, the leading free-to-play MMO developer and publisher, today announced its agreement to acquire Seattle-based developer Gas Powered Games, the maker of memorable and critically acclaimed franchises such as Dungeon Siege, Supreme Commander and Demigod.
Wargaming will take full ownership of Gas Powered Games, bringing into its fold a contingent of veteran developers, including CEO and company founder Chris Taylor. The acquisition will further bolster Wargaming’s push into multiplatform expansion, including the recent acquisition announcement of Chicago-based Day 1 Studios and MMO middleware provider Big World Pty Ltd.
“Gas Powered Games’ heritage and development pedigree shows us just how valuable an addition Chris and his company will make to the Wargaming family,” said Victor Kislyi, CEO of Wargaming. “Gas Powered Games has a long track record of providing incredibly engaging AAA gaming experiences and we can’t wait to start working with them.”
“Wargaming growth in recent years has been tremendous, and we’re looking forward to joining one of the fastest growing gaming companies in the world,” added Chris Taylor, CEO of Gas Powered Games. “I’m sure our experience and expertise will help us contribute even more to Wargaming’s global success.”
Looks like NCsoft has licensed the new Unreal Engine 4 from EPIC Games. The license is reported to be for an as-yet unannounced game the developer is working on.
Official Press Release
CARY, N.C. and SEOUL (February 14, 2013) – Epic Games, Inc. has licensed Unreal Engine 4 to NCSOFT through a long-term deal that grants the renowned publisher and developer of massively multiplayer online (MMO) games to utilize Epic’s groundbreaking technology and tools for upcoming projects. NCSOFT secured its license through Epic Games Korea and is the first Korean studio to license Unreal Engine 4.
“Unreal Engine 4 is an extremely fascinating game engine in terms of its unprecedented efficiency and performance,” said James Bae, chief product officer of NCSOFT. “We plan to release our best game ever using our Unreal Engine expertise and the new state-of-the-art Unreal Engine 4 tools.”
“NCSOFT’s first Unreal Engine mega hit, ‘Lineage II,’ has remained in Korea’s top 10 games for 10 years, and people have been blown away by the leading-edge Unreal Engine 3 visuals of ‘Blade and Soul,’” said Ray Park, territory manager for Epic Games Korea. “With Unreal Engine 4 in their hands, NCSOFT is set to redefine MMORPG success all over again.”
Under this new agreement, NCSOFT is building onto its track record of shipping top-tier games of massive size and scale using Unreal Engine technology. The studio’s Unreal Engine 2-powered “Lineage II” has blazed trails across the MMO landscape and has sustained a massive player base over the past decade. Their top-ranking “Blade & Soul” was developed with Unreal Engine 3 and has become one of Korea’s most popular games. “Blade & Soul” recently swept the 2012 Korea Game Awards, winning the coveted Presidential Award along with top technical honors for best graphics, sound and character.
Additional details around NCSOFT’s Unreal Engine 4 projects have yet to be announced.
On February 4th, 2013, I got the chance to head up to the offices of 47 Communications in Los Angeles and preview Codemasters upcoming GRID 2. The preview was basically showing us some of the game’s single player component – an area which many racing titles skimp on in favor of multiplayer race modes. In a surprising turn of events, it appears as though GRID 2’s single player campaign is expansive, and revolves around a “dual journey” concept. The first of these journeys is the evolution of the W.S.R. (World Series Racing) race league. The idea behind the league is that fictional “gearhead” and multi-million dollar mogul, Patrick Callahan, wants to unify the various racing leagues around the globe and organize a tournament to find out just who the best racer is. It is a lofty goal, as there are a huge number of racing groups, leagues, and clubs to contact, gain the respect of, and ultimately get to join. Callahan can’t do this job alone, so he recruits the player to help him. Thus begins the second journey, that of the player.
GRID 2’s single player game takes place over four racing “seasons”, each sending the player to various parts of the world to spread the word of the W.S.R. In order to gain player experience, racers must do well in various events in order to gain fans. Fans are the main currency of the game. As the player progresses, you will get informed as to fan opinion of your deeds through short cut-scenes of various social media feeds. Additionally, Codemasters has teamed up with ESPN, which has created several SportsCenter segments for the game. These segments feature ESPN personalities such as Toby Moody and add a real-world feel to the experience.
Here is some gameplay footage from GRID 2
After getting briefed by the devs, I got the chance to go hands-on with the game in a few different areas, vehicle types, and tracks. The “feel” of the vehicle handling was convincing, although I really need to check the game out using a racing wheel to be sure. Damage modeling is well-implemented and it is weirdly satisfying to see bits of the car you are driving scrape off when colliding with a wall. In the build I tried, damage was relegated to visuals only. In the game, however, gamers will be able to turn on full damage modeling, which can result in things like bent frames, blown tires, and a lot more. “Repairing” your vehicle is done by using a “flashback”, which rolls time back slightly before whatever collision you sustained. If you are out of flashbacks, you cannot continue and have to restart the race. When I asked if GRID 2 would be available on next-gen systems from Microsoft and SONY, the developers were clearly not going to touch my question with a ten foot pole. However, it would not surprise me if, based on their dodgy response, that they were not at the very least considering a next-gen version.
As far as the game’s multiplayer is concerned, the guys from Codemasters Racing weren’t discussing it just yet, but they did say that more details would be released soon.
Overall, my time with GRID 2 was positive, and knowing that at least one of the developers is big on PC sim gaming makes me very happy that I will be able to use this game with a huge array of racing wheels, shifters, and more. PC racing games often take a back seat to their console counterparts – this time, it looks like it is being given at least equal attention! I will definitely be picking up GRID 2 on launch day to bring you a full review.
GRID 2 is due out on May 28th, 2013 for, so far, the Windows PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 platforms.
Click me.
2K Games and Irrational Games have released a Valentine’s Day card for all the gamers out there. Bioshock Infinite is due out on March 26, 2013 for the Windows PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 platforms.
Right from the opening cutscene of Aliens: Colonial Marines, I was geeking out. The game’s James Horner-inspired soundtrack sets a moody, heady tone and I was very excited to take on this would-be sequel to the 1986 film, “Aliens”. You are a marine aboard the Sephora, a Colonial Marines vessel sent to investigate the overdue marines from the film. Upon arrival, you find the Sulaco, their troop ship, in orbit around their last known location, LV-426. You fans of the film series may be asking what the Sulaco is doing there, as we last saw it outside the orbit of a prison world in “Alien 3”. All will be answered…
Nostalgia reigns supreme in Aliens: Colonial Marines, and sharp-eyed gamers will notice that Gearbox Software has translated the aftermath of the events in “Aliens” to the game levels chillingly-well. In the Hadley’s Hope missions, they have gone so far as to include the exact broken grates where Hudson was pulled down into the floor during the battle of the Operations Room. Acid holes match up and there are even callbacks to the special edition scenes of the film. If you are an Aliens fan, you are in for a treat. I can’t begin to count just how many Easter Eggs from “Aliens” you will find in this game.
The gameplay of Aliens: Colonial Marines is smooth enough (for the player, but more on that later). Moving about, crouching, melee, and iron sight shooting all work well – unlike the wooden controls of Rebellion’s AvP game from a couple years ago. Most weapons have a realistic pop-up effect due to recoil and it can be quite a challenge to keep a sight picture on your fast-moving target as the muzzle jumps about. Moving around causes your weapon to sway into the direction you are moving slightly, adding a realistic effect to player motion. Using the welder seen in the film is a bit of a no-brainer. You simply walk up to a door and hit “E” to begin sealing it or opening it. This option has to be scripted in per door – you can’t weld any door you like. The welding in “Aliens” took a while and added to the tension of the moment. Welding in the game goes by much quicker. I think the suspense would have been better served by slowing it down, making you think about the Xenomorph that may or may not be sneaking up behind you.
Read more on the next page….
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Hamburg, February 13, 2013. InnoGames just released initial user interface visuals and character screens from the upcoming pirate action game Kartuga. As the closed beta nears, additional information on the use of items was also presented; through leveling up as well as killing enemies, players obtain numerous objects of varying rarity – equipment as well as consumables. Since ships are the game’s main characters, those items won’t be swords and mana potions, but, among others, cannons, crew members and ammunition.
While leveling up, players unlock an increasing number of consumable and equipment slots on their ships, which can then be filled with various items. Several types of cannons, special ammunition, and a number of offensive and defensive consumables are just the beginning – ship layouts can also be equipped. Therefore, it is even possible to change ship types on the fly to another stored in dock slots. On top of that, five types of crew members can be equipped and provide ships with additional bonuses, according to their role on board: Carpenters for example make the ships more durable, while Gunners improve weapon and skill properties.
Kartuga is an Action-MMO with RPG-elements, designed in Unity 3D. At the core of the game, developed by Ticking Bomb Games, is cooperative PvP. Closed beta will begin in the coming weeks. Players can already preregister at www.kartuga.com.
With more than 100 million registered players, InnoGames is one of the world’s leading developers and providers of online games. The Hamburg-based company has scored major successes with games such as Tribal Wars, Forge of Empires and Grepolis.