This has turned out to be a great day for geek-kind as the viral marketing campaign for Ridley Scott’s upcoming Alien prequel sci-fi flick, Prometheus has begun! It comes to us in the form of the official website for Weyland Industries (which eventually combines with Yutani Corp to form Weyland-Yutani a la Alien and Aliens) AND a video keynote from TED 2023, fifty years before the movie is said to take place. In the video, Guy Pearce (who plays Weyland) gives a keynote speech about wanting to change the world, comparing humanity to the Gods of old. Check it out!
Author - Jerry Paxton
Hamburg, 28 February 2012 – ROCCAT Studios today announced the upcoming availability of the Savu Mid-Size Hybrid Gaming Mouse – a competition device that “fusion welds” an ideal blend of performance and customizable features into a robust, perfectly-balanced, medium-size design.
The Savu offers a combination of unprecedented, true 4000 dpi optical sensor power, world famous Easy-Shift[+] technology allowing for advanced button configuration, and a lighting system delivering 16.8 million colors. What’s more, it’s the world’s first mouse to feature a stats and trophy system – called the ROCCAT Achievements Display, or R.A.D. — something previously known in similar form only in online gaming. Designed specifically for fans of mid-size gaming mice, the Savu also pampers the hands with an ergonomic right-hand thumb rest and soft-touch surface.
Hamburg-based ROCCAT Studios says the Savu severely outperforms every gaming mouse in its class and is sure to set a new standard in the mid-size field. CeBIT 2012 visitors can catch the Savu debut at stands from Acer (Hall 22, Booth 24) and XMG by Schenker Notebooks (Hall 23, Booth A01-3.1). The Savu is expected to hit shelves internationally early May.
“The Savu raises the bar for optical mid-size gaming mice significantly,” says René Korte, ROCCAT Founder and CEO. “It really is a dream piece of machinery for gamers who love medium-size gear and a welcome addition to our powerful mouse line-up.”
With its advanced Pro Optic sensor, the Savu delivers true 400, 800, 1600 and 4000 dpi – placing it at the pinnacle of optical gaming mice. The latest R3 sensor also delivers lag-free gaming without any interpolation, and provides ultra-precise feedback during even the fastest movements – all so players can command with the utmost accuracy.
The Savu comes standard with exclusive Easy-Shift[+]™ technology, which lets gamers set two functions for each mouse button and the scroll wheel, essentially transforming a seven-button mouse into a 12-button one without the clutter of unnecessary additional buttons. Easy-Shift[+]™ also lets gamers take advantage of Easy-Aim, which automatically reduces the dpi setting when in sniper mode – delivering pinpoint accuracy at the touch of a button. And thanks to advanced Omron switches, the Savu’s two main buttons feature consistent and precise pressure points – as well as high durability for a long life.
The Savu features a large, customizable rear light bar, which users can set in their choice of 16.8 million colors – to add to the atmosphere of gaming sessions. Players can also activate a color cycling feature, as well as a “breathing” function, which instructs the mouse to pulse in a choice of color.
The Savu also marks the debut of the ROCCAT Achievements Display – or R.A.D. – a fun and useful application that tracks and rewards a wide range of gaming feats, such as mouse movement, button clicks, scroll steps, etc. The driver-based software compiles user data, provides a range of statistics for analysis, and hands out trophies when exceptional milestones have been reached. It’s an entertaining way for gamers to keep track of their mouse skills – and it even lets players share their accomplishments with others via social network sites, like Facebook.
See the Savu in action for the first time at CeBIT 2012 at the Acer Stand, Hall 22, Booth 24, and at the XMG by Schenker Notebooks Stand, Hall 23, Booth A01-3.1.
Further information available after 6 March 2012 at:
As the rumor-mill predicted, Apple has announced its next iPad press briefing for March 7th at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco. Among other rumors for the iPad 3 (or iPad 2S depending on how they brand it): A retina display, improved camera, increased processing power, reduced charging dock connector size, and more! Exciting times these are!
TOKYO, Feb. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment Inc, today announced that the sales of the PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) portable entertainment system reached over 1.2 million units worldwide as of February 26, 2012. PS Vita experienced an initial burst of momentum when it launched on December 17, 2011 in Japan followed by Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea. Newly launched in North and Latin America, Europe and PAL territories as well as in Singapore on February 22, 2012, sales have exceeded expectations surpassing over 1.2 million units worldwide, firmly establishing PS Vita as the must-have portable entertainment device across the world. Software sales across the globe have surpassed 2.0 million units at both retail and on PlayStation®Network.
“PS Vita was designed to deliver the ultimate portable entertainment experience, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the reaction we’re seeing from consumers and the pace at which PS Vita is selling,” said Andrew House, President and Group CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. “The market has responded and there is clear demand for a mobile device capable of providing a revolutionary combination of rich gaming and social connectivity within a real world context. To sustain momentum, we’re working closely with 3rd party developers and publishers to ensure the best games and franchises possible will be available on PS Vita, and our software line up for the remainder of 2012 will have something for everyone across the globe.”
“The PS Vita is an impressive piece of hardware that brings gaming to a whole new level,” stated Bob Puzon, vice president of merchandising at GameStop. “Based on the opening weekend sales that we’ve seen at stores across North America, and our successful midnight launch events, consumers have clearly recognized this as well. We’re doing our best to keep units in stock to satisfy the strong demand.”
PS Vita introduces new ways to play, delivering deep and immersive gameplay experiences that have never been offered on any other handheld gaming device. Equipped with dual analog sticks, a vibrant 5-inch high definition OLED multi-touch screen, powerful quad core processor, six-axis motion sensing system, built in microphone, and front and rear cameras, PS Vita is the ultimate portable entertainment system. In addition to the ultimate portable gaming experience, by having both Wi-Fi and 3G network connectivity, together with various applications, PS Vita will enable infinite possibilities for users to “encounter,” “connect,” “discover,” “share” and “play” with friends wherever they are.
With more than 25 titles currently available in North and Latin America, Europe and the PAL territories and Japan* respectively including EA SPORTS FIFA Football, Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom®3 from Capcom, UNCHARTED™: Golden Abyss, WipEout® 2048 and Escape Plan from SCE Worldwide Studios, as well as over 70 titles in development, PS Vita is poised to drive continued momentum across the globe.
SCE will vigorously promote PS Vita as the next generation portable entertainment platform and work towards expanding the portable gaming market.
* Titles may differ by countries and regions.
A bit of background on this particular piece. Ripper71, one of our esteemed writers, is under the weather. Please send him your good thoughts and jujumugumbo in his recovery! In the meantime, however, I will try to do an adequate job of reviewing a game which was originally on his plate: Jagged Alliance: Back in Action. This game is basically a modernization of the classic game Jagged Alliance 2. It brings crisp 3D graphics to the table as well as a mixture of real-time and turn-based combat (the original only featured turn-based).
How is it?
During my short time with the game, and being a fan of the original, I would have to say it is pretty darn good and well worth your money. The action is still very tactical, even when using the real-time mode (which younger gamers will probably find more appealing than us “old” guys), and it brought back a lot of fond gaming memories of Jagged Alliance 2 while also making plenty of new ones. There is a ton of equipment to outfit your mercenaries with on your quest to liberate a small island nation from a vicious despot. Mercenaries also have personalities and skill load-outs of their own and, some, don’t even like each other! A particular mercenary might not want to work with you if you are employing another individual.
Aside from controlling squads in an isometric view, you will also have to macro-control multiple squads as they maneuver across the island. Plan carefully, as by trekking across the game world in this manner, squads lose stamina until they get a chance to rest a while. Also of particular coolness is that, after you liberate a a map area from the regime, you will see militia units pop up, which you can then outfit with gear. These NPCs will help defend the territory from enemy troops whether you are there or not! Of course, they don’t always win but it is better than using harsh language and rude gestures to route the enemy.
All that being said, Jagged Alliance: Back in Action does have some low-points. Unfortunately, the game’s AI can be downright wonky. Ranged characters do not always auto-defend themselves from opponents who get in close for a melee strike, even when set to guard, and the detection rate of enemy soldiers seems to sway back and forth between making them seem like near-sighted elderly people to highly-trained US Navy SEALs.
Overall
Overall, Jagged Alliance: Back in Action is a fun and tactical game of combat which will provide you with a lot of fun – even if there are some frustrations thrown in every so often. Just make sure to save a lot and you will be fine. Now, get ordering up another thousand rounds of .45 ACP for your mercs, they are running low!
From the creators of Shank 2 comes Mark of the Ninja, a game focusing on stealth and ninja tactics. Not much is known just yet but, after participating in the link below, I feel as though this will be one to watch.
Budapest, Hungary – February 27 – Sine Mora, the highly-anticipated shmup from Digital Reality and Grasshopper Manufacture coming exclusively to Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, will be heading to XBLA gamers everywhere on March 21, 2012 for 1,200 Microsoft Points.
Trailer
Redwood City, Calif. – February 27, 2012 – Electronic Arts Inc (NASDAQ: EA) today announced Robert Griffin III, former Baylor University quarterback, will be featured on the cover of EA SPORTS™ NCAA® Football 13, set to hit retail shelves on Tuesday, July 10. In addition to RG3, a fellow Heisman Trophy winner will appear on the cover of NCAA Football 13 based on a fan vote.
Beginning March 12, fans can log on to the EA SPORTS NCAA Football Facebook page to vote for one of eight Heisman Trophy winners to accompany Griffin III on the cover of NCAA Football 13. The candidates include former University of Southern California running back Marcus Allen, former Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie, former The Ohio State University running back Eddie George, former The University of Michigan wide receiver Desmond Howard, former Oklahoma State University running back Barry Sanders, former University of Georgia running back Herschel Walker, former Florida State University quarterback Charlie Ward and former University of Houston quarterback Andre Ware.
The first student-athlete from Baylor to win the Heisman Trophy, Robert Griffin III – popularly known as “RG3”— also won the Davey O’Brien Award and was named the Associated Press College Football Player of the Year in 2011. In 2008, RG3 was named the Big 12 Conference Offensive Freshman of the Year by the league’s coaches, setting the school’s rushing yards record for a freshman and for a quarterback with 843 yards for the season.
Developed in Orlando, Florida by EA Tiburon, and licensed by The Collegiate Licensing Company, a division of IMG College, NCAA Football 13 will be available on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. NCAA Football 13 is available for pre-order now.
EA SPORTS™ is one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, with top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, global videogame competitions and breakthrough digital experiences. EA SPORTS delivers experiences that ignite the emotions of sport through industry-leading sports simulation videogames, including Madden NFL football, FIFA Soccer, NHL® hockey, NBA basketball, NCAA® Football, Fight Night boxing, EA SPORTS MMA and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® golf, and EA SPORTS Active.
For more information about EA SPORTS, including news, video, blogs, forums and game apps, please visit www.easports.com to connect, share and compete.