Xbox 720 to ban used games?

Recently there has been speculation surrounding the Microsoft Xbox 720 and if the console, when released will ban used games.  This rumour first appeared on the internet when it was published on Edge.

Looking further into this the rumour currently seems to be complete speculation despite Edge informing they have

“…some concrete information from first-hand sources that points to the inevitable end of used-gaming.”

The reason they have behind this quote all comes down to the internet access on the 720.  The internet may allow for games to be downloaded straight onto the system resulting in the players never having to purchase a disc.  If true then many stores will also be affected by this decision.

“The Xbox 720 will have to have an Internet connection for it to work, which doesn’t bode well for used-gaming. Most games seem like they will be purchased through the system.”

Personally I hope that this is just a rumour and once the console has been announced they will put an end to the rumour.

Meanwhile, a board post has appeared on the IGN boards (please note that any user can upload to an IGN post and they are not always accurate, although IGN members are keen to stay ahead of the game) which discusses the following;

“Wii U May Be the Only Next Gen System to Support Used Games”

However Sony still have to announce the latest PS4.  If the alleged posts proves true then, like the Xbox 720 rumour, the PS4 will not allow used games to work.  We will have to wait until 20th February 2013 to find out.  No one as of yet has spculated that the PS4 will not allow used games to work, however it may not allow previous PS3 games to play.

(See our PS4 posts here, https://pwnersmanual.wordpress.com/2013/02/01/sony-ps4-update/

https://pwnersmanual.wordpress.com/2013/01/19/special-report-playstation-4-ps4-the-latest-surrounding-rumours/)

Personally with so much backlash against this alleged rumour then there is a high possibility it is false otherwise Microsoft may not see their sales as high as they would like with the 720. On the plus side the Xbox 720 is alleged to be equipped with a 1.6GHz eight-core AMD CPU, D3D11.x 800MHz graphics, and 8GB of RAM, along with a new Kinect sensor.

Do you think this is just a rumour? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Sources;

BGR (2013) GameStop warns that Microsoft could ‘significantly diminish’ appeal for new Xbox if it bans used games. [online] Available at: http://bgr.com/2013/02/08/xbox-720-gamestop-used-games-322732/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheBoyGeniusReport+%28BGR+%7C+Boy+Genius+Report%29 [Accessed: 11 Feb 2013].

Examiner (2013) Xbox 720 banning used-games all but confirmed. [online] Available at: http://www.examiner.com/article/xbox-720-banning-used-games-all-but-confirmed [Accessed: 11 Feb 2013].

IGN Boards (2013) Wii U May Be the Only Next Gen System to Support Used Games. [online] Available at: http://www.ign.com/boards/threads/wii-u-may-be-the-only-next-gen-system-to-support-used-games.452870757/ [Accessed: 11 Feb 2013].

Just Push Start (2013) Gamestop Says Xbox 720 Sales Will Suffer With Ban Of Used Games. [online] Available at: http://www.justpushstart.com/2013/02/gamestop-says-xbox-720-sales-will-suffer-with-ban-of-used-games/ [Accessed: 11 Feb 2013].

Super Bowl and Video Games

As we hope you are aware today, 3rd February, is Super Bowl Sunday and will see either the Baltimore Ravens or San Francisco 49ers crowned Super Bowl XLVII champions, in America’s biggest sporting event!  No matter who you are supporting, or if you are going to play video games instead, here is a special blog post featuring American Football games.  Time to eat some football shaped Oreos.

Madden NFL 13

This video game has been talked about a lot recently in the sporting world, this is because people are looking at this game to predict a winner for today’s event.  Featured on the TIME website as number one for “Super Bowl XLVII: 9 Wacky Ways of Predicting the Winner”

Madden NFL 13 – Ravens

“This annual bellwether is played not on the gridiron, but on the couch. The Madden gurus pitted the two teams against each other, in a game of Madden 13on an Xbox 360. Final score? Ravens 27, 49ers 24. Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco was crowned MVP after completing 70% of his passes and tossing two touchdowns. Sure, it’s just a video game  but it’s a painstakingly accurate one: Madden’s simulation has successfully predicted seven out of the last nine Super Bowls, and came within two points of predicting the exact final score of Super Bowl XLIII in 2009.”

Of course we will see how accurate this is tonight but right now it’s time to focus on the Madden NFL 13 game itself.  To see the final few seconds of this gameplay see the video clip at the end of this post.

Madden is available in stores now for Xbox 360, PS3, Vita, Wii, Wii U, Madden NFL 13 Social is also available on iPhone, iPad and Facebook.  This is very good news for all Vita gamers as Madden NFL 13 is the first Madden game to be released on the PlayStation Vita, as well as this it is also the first game in the series to have Kinect support for Xbox gamers.

With a player capacity of 1-4, and online multi-player capacity of 2-6.  This game redefines its previous, with an all new game design and, new pass-ready system and improved play action.  This game has set out to entice us, especially if you have played a Madden game before.  This game also features a new read and react defensive AI system which is the most intelligent pass defense to date, Madden NFL 13.  This game has some impressive real style virtual frame work.  This game certainly has come along way since it was first released in 1989.

IGN quote;

“Madden NFL 13 revolutionizes the way sports video game career modes are played with Connected Careers—a completely new and fully connected universe defined by deep gameplay, unique storylines and social integration. The game continues to evolve the sport sim experience with cutting-edge Infinity Engine technology, revolutionary Connected Careers and a complete audio and visual overhaul that delivers best in class presentation.”

Madden 13 Game Cover

Cover Art

On the game cover we see a very realistic looking Calvin Johnson, known to many as Detroit Lions wide receiver. 

John Madden Football 1989

Pre 1993 the EA Sports American football video game series was known as John Madden Football. Named after pro footballer and Super Bowl winning coach, John Madden.

Game play footage Madden ’89

Super Bowl 2013 Predictions: Ravens vs. 49ers in Super Bowl 47

Sources; 

IGN (2012) Madden NFL 13 (PlayStation 3). [online] Available at: http://uk.ign.com/games/madden-nfl-13/ps3-128098 [Accessed: 3 Feb 2013].

Unknown. (2013) TIME. [online] Available at: http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/01/29/super-bowl-2013-9-wacky-ways-of-predicting-the-winner/#ixzz2JpXpgO3V [Accessed: 3 Feb 2013].

YouTube (2013) Super Bowl 2013 Predictions: Ravens vs. 49ers in Super Bowl 47. [online] Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3WWFpzbhX5o#! [Accessed: 3 Feb 2013].

Disney Infinity

A few weeks ago, on 15th January 2013, Disney Infinity was announced to the world during an exclusive media event at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood.  Set to be a new video game where a spark of imagination unlocks the freedom to play with some of your favorite Disney and Disney/Pixar characters.  This game wants to take us to infinity and beyond (pun definitely intended) so lets go and explore what this game is about.

Have you ever dreamed about writing your own story and having your favourite Disney/Pixar characters join together  and star in it?  This game can make that dream a reality. Disney Infinity, a third person adventuring mode, sees you accessing characters and environments by standing a series of chunky toys in different slots on the Infinity Base, this base is essential to the game as it allows the characters you have chosen to appear on screen before you.  With the characters you have chosen you can choose to either play in worlds native to the characters or make your own worlds.

The Infinity Base which allows characters to appear in the game

It’s creativity and playfulness combined. If you’ve dreamed of ever having different Disney characters meet and explore their own missions then with good old Disney magic, this is a dream come true.  Personally for me what would be interesting to see is what characters it features and which ones they do not feature, for example can you have ‘The Beast’ from ‘Beauty and the Beast’ appear or have all the classic Disney characters unfortunately disappeared.

Characters in the world

To play this video game to it’s full potential you will have to purchase additional features, there are power discs, playset pieces and hexagonal skin and item discs as well. The playset pieces unlock themed levels, the power discs which add buffs and abilities to characters when stacked underneath them, and the hexagonal discs allow you to unlock vehicles, items, wallpapers and give you even more to use when creating your own levels.  With each play set created to give you an estimated 15+ hours of game play this could be worth it.

John Pleasants, Co-President of Disney Interactive, says it is a “new interactive gaming platform.” He goes on to state, “Disney Infinity is not a single game.”

There will initially be 40 interactive pieces and 17 characters to collect, but additional pieces, sets, and characters will release over time.

• The Disney Infinity starter pack will be $74.99(features the game, 3 figures, Infinity Base, Play-set token for three adventures (Monsters University, Pirates and The Incredibles) and upgrade token.)
• Other play sets/expansion pack will be $34.99(2 figures and a Play-set token for as yet unannounced franchises for launch)
• Additional three-packs of figures for $29.99 (3 figures)
• Individual figures for $12.99 (1 figure)
• Power-disc pack for $4.99 (2 tokens in each foil pack but unseen before purchase)

If you purchased one of each of the above it will cost $157.95 (around £99.80)

We can’t help but feel this is true

What you do in this game is up to you.  You can do a mission summoning a range of ‘prank’ devices to install at specific spots in a level, for example – things like call boxes which produce fly swats that knock characters around the map, or manhole covers that spring them into the air. Although each individual sets is reserved only for the specific characters whose worlds they draw upon. There will be no pirates around the plazas of Monster University and no superheroes on the deck of the Black Pearl.  Editing is all done without leaving the game world or switching to another mode which of course is a plus. You simply equip your character with a magic wand that lets them highlight and manipulate things. You can load in new texture packs and sky domes by stacking power disks onto the Infinity Base alongside your figurines. The entire process will feel pretty effortless which allows for smoother game play.

To view the Disney Infinity Trailer click on the link  

Infinity has been set for a June release on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, Wii U, 3DS, PC, and mobile devices.

These 3 characters will be included in the starter pack

Game footage

Possible characters available

E3 2013, what we know so far

Although June does seem a while away right not we absolutly cannot wait for E3!  For that reason we’ve decided this blog post will feature what we already know about this years E3 and will be regulary updated with the latest news.  So you don’t miss out on this we will regularly post on our Google+ page when this post has been updated, be sure to check it out and please like this post.  Here is a quick link to our Google+ page https://plus.google.com/u/0/103896170333263244118/posts    Don’t worry if you are new to gaming, have never heard about E3 before, or currently do not know who will be at E3, all is explained and revealed below, just for you.

When is E3?

This year E3 is on 11th to 13 June at  Los Angeles Convention Center, California.  The show hours are; 12:00PM – 6:00PM on Tuesday 11th June 2013, 10:00AM – 6:00PM on Wednesday 12th June 2013 and 10:00AM – 5:00PM on Thursday 13th June 2013.  Please note all times are Pacific Time Zone, UTC-8.

What is E3?

E3 stands for Electronic Entertainment Expo.  If you want to be among the first to know anything that happens in the gaming universe then it probably will be announced or revealed at E3.  As quoted on the website the event;

 “…draws tens of thousands of professionals to experience the future of interactive entertainment. The most influential people leading the most innovative companies in the industry attend E3 to see groundbreaking new technologies and never-before-seen products for computers, video game consoles, handheld systems, mobile and social, and the Internet.”

This is the largest trade show and covers all aspects of gaming.  You cannot rightfully be a true geek until you have either been lucky enough to attend or sat on your laptop at home watching live the latest streaming of E3 coverage.  (Or so that is my definition)  An Expo floor pass for all 3 days will set you back $795 ($995 after 29th April 2013), a Industry pass is free with the catch being you have to be a qualified Interactive Entertainment Industry, meaning  professionals only.

Who is attending?

There are over 90 exhibitors so far! To see the full list visit the ‘E3 exhibitor directory’ link at the end of this post.  We have selected the best below;

• • • Activision Publishing, Inc.
    • Capcom U.S.A., Inc.
    • CI Games
    • Disney Interactive
    • Electronic Arts
    • Epic Games Inc.
    • Gameloft
    • IGN Entertainment
    • Microsoft Corporation
    • NAMCO BANDAI Games America
    • Nintendo of America Inc.
    • OnLive
    • Sony Online Entertainment
    • Wargaming.net
    • Warner Bros. Interactive

Latest News

Entertainment Software Association (ESA) have announced they will continue to hold this event in Los Angeles until 2015.

There is a possibility of Sony announcing the PS3 for the first time.  This has been hinted at with the past with Sony being in no rush to make an announcement, with the GDC (Game Developers Conference) happing in March maybe Sony will wait until June.

If you are a Nintendo fan then you’ll like this. Nintendo has confirmed that the next Super Smash Bros. game, which is to be a new 3D Mario game and a Mario Kart for Wii U will make their debut at E3.

More News Coming Soon!!

Such as the E3 2013 mobile app!  (if you prefer you now download the E3 2012 mobile app (available for Apple devices only) which features maps, photo gallery and a special E3 insider feature)

Links

E3 (2013) Exhibitor Directory. [online] Available at: http://e313.mapyourshow.com/5_0/exhibitor_results.cfm?type=alpha&alpha=@&CFID=78168060&CFTOKEN=f5644dccd231e99-1963A875-E1AA-7D72-EA0FE36A9180FC2C [Accessed: 23 Jan 2013].

E3 (2013) Welcome to E3 2013 . [online] Available at: http://www.e3expo.com/homepage/ [Accessed: 23 Jan 2013].

GenGame (2013) Major Nelson is Particularly Excited About E3 2013 for Some Reason | GenGAME. [online] Available at: http://gengame.net/2013/01/major-nelson-is-particularly-excited-about-e3-2013-for-some-reason/ [Accessed: 23 Jan 2013].

IGN (2013) Smash Bros, Mario, Mario Kart Confirmed for E3 2013 – IGN. [online] Available at: http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/01/23/smash-bros-mario-mario-kart-confirmed-for-e3-2013 [Accessed: 23 Jan 2013].

pwnrsmanual (2013) Dates for your geek calendar! (Part 1). [online] Available at: https://pwnersmanual.wordpress.com/2013/01/11/dates-for-your-geek-calendar/ [Accessed: 23 Jan 2013].

Dates for your geek calendar! (Preview! Part 2)

July

August – 20th August will finally see the return of Sam Fisher.  Published by Ubisoft, exclusively for  PlayStation3, Xbox360 and PC.  From looking at the trailer this sees to be located somewhere in the Middle East.  As appose to previous games where he has been based in America, for example Washington DC, or other locations on the globe.  This time around he dons a new suit, while still focusing on the incredible stealth needed to complete all previous six Splinter Cell games.  New ‘bad guys’ are back bringing with them a whole new meaning to the words ‘bad guy’ and ‘interrogation’.  Could this new release date (pushed back from Spring 2013) hint towards when the two new consoles are to be released?  Either October/November 2013.

Playing the game with stealth or at a more fast paced, action speed, the choice is yours.

View the trailer online here -> http://uk.ign.com/videos/2013/01/16/splinter-cell-black-list-inauguration-trailer

September – Geek Event – Eurogamer Expo

The 26th to 29th of  September sees London’s very own Earls Court transformed into Eurogamer Expo.  In short this is the United Kingdom’s version of E3.  Over 50,000 people attended Eurogamer Expo last year (source; http://www.eurogamer.net/expo/) and this year the event promises to be even bigger.  There are many different categories of what to expect at this event. After attending a  tournaments or developer sessions you can head over and visit a gaming industry fair, (this is a must for anyone who is eager to have a career within the gaming world) or have a hands-on experience trying out many different consoles which include not only PC but handhelds as well.

As this is a major event we will post a special blog during the 26th to 29th of September to inform all our blog followers what is happening, so if you can not attend you will discover the latest news first.

You may be wondering which organisations are attending, for now this is being kept top secret.  With partners last year that included PS3, WiiU and Xbox 360 and supported by EA, Onlive and Ubisoft this will be a very special event.

Please note:  As announced on the forum by the Managing Director of Expo, there will be no ‘booth babes’ at Eurogamer Expo this year.  For more information please see the forum link below at the end of this blog.

October

(more to come soon)

November

Prepare for the Black Friday and Cyber Monday rush!

December

(more to come soon)

 

Reminder

Don’t forget to check our website and this blog for new posts daily!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/774884/Websites/claire/site/index.html

Grand Theft Auto V

 

Some of you may remember a short while ago completing our ‘Video Game survey’, we asked the question “What video games are you looking forward to in 2013?”  Thanks to your answers we can now reveal that 55% of you, like us, can not wait to play Grand Theft Auto V (known to some as Grand Theft Auto 5) come (17th) SEPTEMBER 2013. 

Please note: The date was originally due for release either 15th March or 17th May, with us being informed sometime in ‘Spring 2013’.  Grand Theft Auto and Rockstar games announced yesterday, 31st January 2013, the release date has been pushed back a few more months.  This unfortuantly means we do have to wait a little longer and by then we will all be saving our money for either the new Xbox720 or PS4…we can’t help but wonder if this change in date does have a connection with the consoles release date.

About Grand Theft Auto

If you have never played a Grand Theft Auto game before and you are interested in playing here is a little background information to fill you in. Enjoy.

Grand Theft Auto is a game series developed by Rockstar North (formerly known as DMA Design) and published by Rockstar Games.  Which fits into three different video game genres action-adventure, open world and crime.  In a nutshell the objective of the games is to steal cars.  All GTA  games are essentially known as a “sandbox game” the player can not only create how they play but they have tools to modify the world them. Having this “free-ability” does not occur often in the world of video games.  You have the opportunity to drive around in some very stylish modern cars. It is the missions, the rare cars and the map (by itself has a reputation for having one of the largest open world maps)which keeps its players hooked and returning for more.

This is a video game which appears realistic, even though the cities are fictional, the characters and its own universe appear genuine to the player.

When released, although it is the fifth Grand Theft Auto Game including the expansion packs would make this Rockstar North fifteenth GTA game.  Other titles are;

Grand Theft Auto, with expansion pack London, 1969 (also a London, 1961, edition). Grand Theft Auto 2, III, Vice City, San Andreas, Liberty City Stories, Vice City Stories, IV, The Lost and Damned, Chinatown Wars, The Ballad of Gay Tony, Episodes from Liberty City. 

Grand Theft Auto V

Grand Theft Auto V is due to be the largest and most ambitious title in the series to date.  With the exception of one previous expansion all GTA games have been located within America, this game continues with that and is set within the sprawling city of Los Santos and the surrounding area.  For thos who have played previous GTA games popual video game website IGN quote;

“The map of GTA V is approximately as big as San Andreas,Red dead redemption,and 2 Liberty Citys together”

This is clear that the map, which will be surrounded by water and countryside (one screenshot on the GTA website shows a person close to shark, this hints at the Ocean now being open for players), will once again not disappoint.  There are also rumors suggesting we could see a 32 person multi-player for consoles, however there will be no co-op.

Consoles

Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 release is confirmed with a possible Wii U and PC release.

Whilst Rockstar has confirmed that GTA 5 will be limited to Xbox 360 and PS3 gamers at launch, the publisher has speculated on future format roll outs, hinting at a potential Nintendo Wii U and GTA 5 PC release by stating that “everything else is up for consideration.”

It is available to pre-order now for Xbox 360 and PS3.  If you can not wait for the game then this is a must!

Vehicles

Grand Theft Auto would just not be the same without its vehicles ..in fact then the game might just be called theft or grand theft…but then how would people escape from the police so easily?  Essentially vehicles are the essence of the game, they are characters within their own right.

Below are a list of cars you can see just while watching the trailer, click on the trailer link at the end of this post and see how many you can spot.

            –  Sentinel – Speedophile 2000 – Cheetah – Serrano – Buggy  – Bohdi  – Landstalker – Shamal – Quad

Estimated verdict

Grand Theft Auto is essential for any gamer.  You can steal cars, fly helicopters, ignore the law and get away with crime, or at least try out run the police, be the old styled gangster you may have once dreamed of becoming.  After all it is much better to do these things in the game and vent any anger you may or may not have rather than real life.  Remember that!  Choosing between carrying out missions or the freedom of doing anything you want in a big city which GTA V presents to us will show just how much the series have improved. This is a bold direction so prepare yourself for new missions, new adventure and more fun in the latest chapter.

Trailer

Click on the links below to see the Official Grand Theft Auto Trailers;

Reminder

Don’t forget to check our website and this blog for new posts daily!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/774884/Websites/claire/site/index.html

Sources;

Collider (2012) GRAND THEFT AUTO 5 Release Date and Images . [online] Available at: http://collider.com/grand-theft-auto-5-release-date-images/219817/ [Accessed: 20 Jan 2013].

Complex Gaming (2012) “Grand Theft Auto V” Multi-player Aims to Redefine Your Definition of Open-World Games. [online] Available at: http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/11/grand-theft-auto-v-multi-player-aims-to-redefine-your-definition-of-open-world-games [Accessed: 20 Jan 2013].

Game (n.d.) Grand Theft Auto V. [online] Available at: http://www.game.co.uk/en/grand-theft-auto-v-136366#details [Accessed: 20 Jan 2013].

Gamespot (2013) Grand Theft Auto V. [online] Available at: http://uk.gamespot.com/grand-theft-auto-v/ [Accessed: 20 Jan 2013].

Grand Theft Auto V Trailer (2013) Grand Theft Auto V. [online] Available at: http://www.rockstargames.com/V/videos/video/10261 [Accessed: 20 Jan 2013].

IGN (2013) Vehicles – GTA 5 – IGN. [online] Available at: http://uk.ign.com/wikis/grand-theft-auto-5/Vehicles?objectid=20593 [Accessed: 20 Jan 2013].

Rockstar Games (2011) Grand Theft Auto: The Official Site. [online] Available at: http://www.rockstargames.com/grandtheftauto/ [Accessed: 20 Jan 2013].

Softpedia (2012) PC Version of Grand Theft Auto V Leaked by Retailers, Out on December 15 . [online] Available at: http://news.softpedia.com/news/PC-Version-of-Grand-Theft-Auto-V-Leaked-by-Retailers-Might-Come-Out-on-December-15-322627.shtml [Accessed: 20 Jan 2013].

T3 (2013) GTA 5 screenshots revealed ahead of release date. [online] Available at: http://www.t3.com/news/gta-5-screenshots-revealed-ahead-of-release-date [Accessed: 20 Jan 2013].

Trusted Reviews (n.d.) GTA 5 release date leaked by retailer as March 15. [online] Available at: http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/gta-5-release-date-leaked-by-retailer-as-march-15 [Accessed: 20 Jan 2013].

Special Report: PlayStation 4 (PS4) The latest surrounding rumours

2013 sees the release of two very different rival consoles.  The Xbox 720 and the PS4.  With the Xbox720 already being covered, (here’s a link for anyone who would like to read it https://pwnersmanual.wordpress.com/2013/01/14/special-report-xbox-720-the-latest-stage/) it’s time to focus on the, soon to be, arrival of Sony’s PlayStation 4.

Rumours are speculating that Sony are to hold an “apple-like” event to announce the PS4 to the world.  In order to have an “apple-like” event you will need a main speaker, a conference with people in the respecting field and the all important press for publicity.  The annual Game Developers Conference (GDC),  being held on the 25th to the 29th March 2013 (expo dates 27th to 29th March) in San Francisco  California presents the perfect opportunity for this.  Although, there is still the possibility of the announcement being made around 11th to 13th June at E3 in Los Angeles in California.

(Update: Kazuo Hirai CEO of Sony  has announced today (21st January) that it will let Microsoft make the first move.  This could lead to Microsoft announcing the all new 720 at the annual Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, California held on 25th to 29th March.  Therefore maybe the new PS4 will be announced at E3)

Whenever the announcement happens all eyes will be awaiting to see if Sony have decided to continue with the 18 button DualShock controller they are known for globally.  If this does happen it could drastically change not only the video game business for Sony but also other companies will await the reviews.  If they drop the DualShock controller for an LDC touchscreen will this then lead to an impact on future Xbox’s and game consoles?  With the 720 also being released this year it does not look like Microsoft will make any similar drastic changes soon.

Time for a makeover?

Launching more than 16 years ago,

3rd December, 1994 – Japan
9th September, 1995 – North America
29th September, 1995 – Europe
15th November, 1995 – Australia

the world was able to lay it’s eyes on this; what is known to many as the first of the ubiquitous PlayStation series.

By March 31, 2005, the PlayStation and PSone had shipped a combined total of 102.49 million units, becoming the first video game console to reach the 100 million mark.  Every time Sony add on to the PS family they make certain that  they continue to push limits and boundaries.  The original PlayStation really does own it’s title as a “classic” and has given many children and adults great memories of continuous hours of game play.

Now come March…or June we may see this;

                      or                  

The image on the left is taken from the “Official PlayStation 4 Magazine” website, a link will be at the bottom of this post.

This does seem impressive and clearly shows the modern menu, which we have seen on other PS consoles, along with several options.

The image on the right is taken from the website “Geeky Gadgets”, again a link will be at the bottom of the post.  Here we do see the DualShock controller but what is interesting is it’s built around a screen.   This would certainly allow for better cross play experiences especially between the already great consoles PlayStation 4 and PS Vita.  Featuring a touch screen would certainly raise competition with the WiiU.

Mock up designs are now appearing on the internet with some looking great and featuring the essential buttons along with the new screen.  For more mock up designs see the Push Square link below,  this one is my personal favourite,

Mock up design

Whatever it will look like people are speculating biometric sensors, a processor with a run-capability of 1.84 teraflops, if this sparks true it will be 50% more powerful than Xbox 720.  A downside is one rumour sees the PS4 ignore the possibility of backwards compatibility and focusing firmly on the next generation, this means if you want to continue playing PS3 games it’s best, for now, to keep hold of your PS3. You never know one day it could be useful for vintage gaming.

If the PlayStation 4 real name changes to become known as Orbis or Omni. Whenever it is released, possibly December 2013,  Sony will not disappoint and release another great console ready for gamers and PS fans everywhere to have many fun hours of game play on.

UPDATE 7th February 2013

One of Japan’s biggest newspapers, the Asahi Shimbun, has run an interesting story they hint towards the new PlayStation 4 will cost over 40,000 Yen, or about $430/£270/€320.  Interestly they only converted the price from Yen into $, perhaps Europe may have to wait a little longer for the PS4.  For more on this story see ‘The Verge’ link below.

Reminder

Don’t forget to check our website and this blog for new posts daily!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/774884/Websites/claire/site/index.html

Sources;

Digital Trends (2013) PlayStation 4 drops the DualShock controller after 15 years | Digital Trends. [online] Available at: http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/playstation-4-drops-the-dualshock-controller-in-favor-of-a-new-wii-u-style-dna-sensing-pad/ [Accessed: 19 Jan 2013].

GDC (2012) Game Developers Conference. [online] Available at: http://www.gdconf.com/ [Accessed: 19 Jan 2013].

Geeky Gadgets (2013) PlayStation 4 Controller To Have A Touchscreen? . [online] Available at: http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/playstation-4-controller-to-have-a-touchscreen-19-01-2013/ [Accessed: 19 Jan 2013].

Offical PlayStation Magazine (2012) PS4 News – Official PlayStation Magazine. [online] Available at: http://www.officialplaystationmagazine.co.uk/2012/01/30/ps4-sony-ceo-says-we-will-probably-be-the-last-to-announce-something/ [Accessed: 19 Jan 2013].

PS4 (2013) PS4 Site – Playstation 4. [online] Available at: http://www.ps4site.com/ [Accessed: 19 Jan 2013].

Square, P. (2013) Which of These PS4 Controller Mock-Ups Is Your Favourite? – Push Square. [online] Available at: http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2013/02/which_of_these_ps4_controller_mock_ups_is_your_favourite [Accessed: 8 Feb 2013].

Tech Radar (2013) PS4 release date, news and rumours. [online] Available at: http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/consoles/ps4-release-date-news-and-rumours-937822 [Accessed: 19 Jan 2013].

Telegraph (2013) PlayStation – Sony’s gaming highs and lows. [online] Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/picture-galleries/9776067/PlayStation-Sonys-gaming-highs-and-lows.html [Accessed: 19 Jan 2013].

The Guardian (2013) PS4 rumours: ‘50% more powerful than Xbox 720’. [online] Available at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/gamesblog/2013/jan/18/xbox-720-ps4-rumours [Accessed: 19 Jan 2013].

The Verge (2013) PlayStation 4 report suggests $400+ price . [online] Available at: http://www.theverge.com/2013/2/6/3961512/ps4-price-and-release-date-in-asahi-shimbun-report [Accessed: 7 Feb 2013].

Dates for your geek calendar! (Part 1)

There are some events we simply cannot wait for at Pwnrsmanual. We’ve hunted them down and now we’re sharing them exclusively with you! With over 140 video games being released this year we’ve done our research and are bringing you what we believe will be the best game(s) that month, along with a small description.  We will also feature some special events that you cannot afford to miss!  So clear your calendar, add them to your diary and prepare for a great year!

January

DmC  Devil May Cry – This dark gothic fantasy video game hosted by Capcom is due for release on 15th  January.  Is set to bring much needed improvement on the original Devil May Cry (released 7th Dec, 2001).  This game centres on Dante, who is non other than a half-human, half-demon vigilante who hunts and kills demons in order to save the human world from their treacherous attacks. Everything is not what is seems; expect head shots and zombie attacks!  (Rated M – Mature – 17+) Available for XBox 360, PS3 and PC (through Steam, Origin and Gamestop).

To see the trailer click on the IGN: DmC link at the end of this blog.

If you simply cannot wait to start playing this game, or perhaps want to try it out for yourself before you purchase the game, then a demo is now available on Xbox live and the PlayStation network.

February

Dead Space 3 – This third person horror video game which is developed by Visceral and Electronic Arts (EA), will be released for Microsoft Windows (PC), PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on 5th February for everyone in the United States of America and the 8th February for everyone in Europe (Rated 18).  As the title may suggest, it is the third main installment to the ‘Dead Space Franchise’.  This can only mean one thing for ‘Dead Space’ fans, Issac Clarke is back for a third time!  Crash-landed on the frozen planet of Tau Volantis, Issac and John must put everything they know to the test if they want to stop the apocalypse.

This time Issac brings a requested feature along with him.  Finally, Visceral have made weapon crafting available.  Weapons play a vital part in most video games and this one is no exception.  You can now hunt for materials to make your own weapons with and create all important survival tools.  It’s time to comb the harsh environment for raw materials and scavenged parts if we want to see an end to the Necromorph plague.

Crysis 3 – Another game release in February for EA, this time they have partnered with  Crytek, an award winning developer.  This episode is set in New York where the year is 2047.  In order to survive you need  the armour abilities of your unique and ever reliable Nanosuit as well as stealth.  In this first-person shooter the player becomes Prophet, where power is everything and everyone is a target in his quest for retribution.  It’s time to hunt on 22nd February.  Available for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3.

March

After the excitement of New Years, and that holiday in February known as Valentine’s Day, you deserve a reward with not one, but three exciting games this month;

God of War: Ascension – With exclusive features to unlock and multi-player, you can choose your own quest.  Aim for freedom and vengeance and discover the origins of Kratos as he aims to avenge, or you can seek your own glory in multi-player battles (limited to 8 players per battle).  Published by Sony, available for PS3.  Release date TBA.

Gears of War: Judgement – Devolved by Epic Games, Gears of War: Judgment is an upcoming third person shooter video game.  It is the fourth installment to the Gears of War series.  Unlike many sequels to games where they develop more of the story, this instead transports you back to before the original.  This the first Gears of War where Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago are not lead roles.  The player dives straight into the action with encountering the immediate aftermath of Emergence Day (in fact, 30 days after).  It brings not only a new game play element but also a new scoring system, where within each separate section of the game you have the chance to earn yourself three stars. The stars vary in colour depending on your score, and this helps you to unlock special content. Published by Microsoft Studios for Xbox 360 (Rated M).  With a special bonus for worldwide fans who pre-order, we recommend doing so today so that you don’t miss out! Let the adventure begin on 19th March.

BioShock: Infinite – Set in 1912  off the coast of Maine, Columbia,  this installment is based on a floating city, unlike the underwater setting used in the two BioShock games previously.  In this first-person shooter the player becomes  Booker DeWitt, a private detective who’s main goal is to find Elizabeth, a young woman who has gone missing in the floating city and return her unharmed.  Irrational Games have took it upon themselves to upload the first few minutes of this game onto YouTube (contains spoilers). For anyone who would like to see this a link is available at the end of this blog.  From watching you can tell that this is an intense story line and another success for the BioShock franchise.  It’s time to explore the strange new world.  Available for Xbox360, PS3 and PC (Rated M).  NEW RELEASE DATE 26th March.

(Game Developers Conference 25th to 29th March 2013 hosted in San Francisco, California – Xbox 720 and PS4 announcement?)

April

Injustice: Gods Among Us – Based upon the fictional although popular DC Comics universe, this is set to bring a new era to the already existing fighting games. Warner Bros. are keeping fans guessing as to exactly which characters will feature in this game.  The list includes Batman, Harley Quinn, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Joker, Green Lantern and many more.  It is promised that the lines between good and evil, right and wrong, justice and injustice, will disappear as we see what many DC Comics fans eagerly love to watch; major fighting battles between their favorite superhero and super villain, or even superhero versus superhero.  Nothing will stand in the way.  Available for PS3, Xbox 360 and the WiiU. Release Date: 16th April, 2013.

May

The Last Of Us –  Published by Sony and Naughty Dog available 7th May is currently exclusive to PS3 (Rated 18).  Set in the post apocalyptic world there are three known characters – our protagonists,  Joel, Ellie (who is arguably the central character) and Bill. There are also three known enemies – the infected, the scavengers and the military.  This game has sparked controversy by featuring a woman, the character Ellie, on the front of its design. While most people agree she has a right to be there some people still disagree and feel she should be ‘pushed to the back’.  There will be both single player and multi-player modes.  Within this game we can tell there has been a deadly virus, even though it may have been 20 years since a fungus has been on the loose, everyone is in the Quarantine zones as told by the military. Ellie has to escape her zone, and here is where the game begins!

June – Major geek event – E3

11-13th –  E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) is being held in Los Angeles Convention Center. Don’t worry if you are not a company/organisation/exhibitor, or if the $795 (increasing to $995 after 29/4/13) 3-day show floor pass is too expensive, you can view this event online in the comfort of your own home at http://www.e3expo.com/homepage/

There are already 90 exhibitors including;

• Activision Publishing, Inc.
• Capcom U.S.A., Inc.
• CI Games
• Disney Interactive
• Electronic Arts
• Epic Games Inc.
• Gameloft
• IGN Entertainment
• Microsoft Corporation
• NAMCO BANDAI Games America
• Nintendo of America Inc.
• OnLive
• Sony Online Entertainment
• Wargaming.net
• Warner Bros. Interactive

Here at pwnrsmanual not only are we stoked for this event but we are sure it will not disappoint any gamer.  We will be hosting a special E3 pwnrsmanual blog during the 11 to 13th June so make sure you sign up to our blog to stay one step ahead and receive all the latest gaming news.

           Reminder

Don’t forget to check our website and this blog for new posts daily!

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/774884/Websites/claire/site/index.html

Soucres;

BioShock infinite (2013) Bioshock Infinite . [online] Available at: http://www.bioshockinfinite.com/home [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

Crysis (2012) Crysis. [online] Available at: http://www.crysis.com/uk/crysis-3 [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

Dead Space (2012) Dead Space 3 Official Website. [online] Available at: http://www.deadspace.com/ [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

Devil May Cry (2013) Devil May Cry. [online] Available at: http://www.devilmaycry.com/ [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

EA (2013) Dead Space 3. [online] Available at: http://www.ea.com/dead-space-3 [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

EA (2013) Crysis 3. [online] Available at: http://www.ea.com/crysis-3 [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

Gamespot (2013) Random Encounter Live – Devil May Cry. [online] Available at: http://uk.gamespot.com/features/random-encounter-live-devil-may-cry-6402288/ [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

Gamespot (2012) Crysis 3. [online] Available at: http://uk.gamespot.com/crysis-3/ [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

Gamespot (2012) The Last of Us – Story Trailer. [online] Available at: http://uk.gamespot.com/the-last-of-us/videos/the-last-of-us-story-trailer-6401314/ [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

Gamespot (2012) GS News – The Last of Us multiplayer mode confirmed. [online] Available at: http://uk.gamespot.com/the-last-of-us/videos/gs-news-the-last-of-us-multiplayer-mode-confirmed-6401362/?contsessid=49e76b47e8b794543a4657015ac65201&prevBounce=6401508 [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

Gamespot (2012) The Last of Us. [online] Available at: http://uk.gamespot.com/the-last-of-us/ [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

GameTrailers (2012) Dead Space 3. [online] Available at: http://www.gametrailers.com/games/u3wp8c/dead-space-3 [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

GameTrailers (2012) God of War: Ascension . [online] Available at: http://www.gametrailers.com/games/l1qove/god-of-war–ascension [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

GameTrailers (2012) Gears of War: Judgment – Overview Interview. [online] Available at: http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/13g21s/gears-of-war–judgment-overview-interview [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

GameTrailers (2012) Gears of War: Judgment – GameTrailers. [online] Available at: http://www.gametrailers.com/games/c3bewy/gears-of-war–judgment [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

IGN (2013) DmC – IGN Trailer. [online] Available at: http://uk.ign.com/videos/2013/01/04/dmc-cg-trailer [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

IGN (2013) Dead Space 3 Release Date Announced. [online] Available at: http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/08/14/dead-space-3-release-date-announced [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

IGN (2013) Dead Space 3. [online] Available at: http://uk.ign.com/games/dead-space-3/pc-22618 [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

IGN (2013) Crysis 3. [online] Available at: http://uk.ign.com/games/crysis-3/pc-132098 [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

IGN (2013) God of War: Ascension . [online] Available at: http://uk.ign.com/games/god-of-war-ascension/ps3-121511 [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

IGN (2013) BioShock Infinite. [online] Available at: http://uk.ign.com/games/bioshock-infinite/xbox-360-14258637 [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

IGN (2013) Injustice Adds The Joker, Green Arrow, Green Lantern – IGN. [online] Available at: http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/10/10/injustice-adds-the-joker-green-arrow-green-lantern [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

IGN (2013) Gears of War: Judgment’s Campaign Will Break You. [online] Available at: http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/12/12/gears-of-war-judgments-campaign-will-break-you [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

 

Joystiq (2013) Crysis 3; ‘7 Wonders’ . [online] Available at: http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/crysis-3-7-wonders-third-episode-explores-the-law-of-cause-and/ [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

Joystiq (2013) A few more Gears of War: Judgment pre-order perks. [online] Available at: http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/a-few-more-gears-of-war-judgment-pre-order-perks/ [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

Metro (2012) Naughty Dog refuses sexist box art for The Last Of Us. [online] Available at: http://metro.co.uk/2012/12/13/naughty-dog-refuses-sexist-box-art-for-the-last-of-us-3315463/ [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

Next-Gen Gaming Blog (2012) DmC main. [online] Available at: http://nextgengamingblog.com/blog/dmc-devil-may-cry-preview/dmc-main/ [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

NowGamer (2012) Next-Gen: E3 2013 . [online] Available at: http://www.nowgamer.com/news/1660291/nextgen_e3_2013_will_have_whats_next_now_in_video_games.html [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

PlayStation Arena (2012) PlayStation Arena. [online] Available at: http://playstationarena.com/ [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

Senior, T. (2012) BioShock Infinite. [online] Available at: http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/10/23/bioshock-infinite/ [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

Tech2 (2013) Crytek announces release date for Crysis 3. [online] Available at: http://tech2.in.com/news/gaming/crytek-announces-release-date-for-crysis-3/632112 [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

Twitter (2013) Devil May Cry. [online] Available at: https://twitter.com/DevilMayCry [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

YouTube (2012) First Few Minutes of BioShock Infinite. [online] Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60zmVrtIBzw [Accessed: 13 Jan 2013].

Hello fellow Pwnr

Welcome to the first ever Pwnrsmanual blog!

What is pwnrsmanual?

This is an extension of our website, https://dl.dropbox.com/u/774884/Websites/claire/site/index.html, where we’ll post any additional topics, announce new features to our site and exclusive reviews to keep you ahead of the game!

Why the name?

We know some people may be wondering about the name and whether it means anything.  Firstly, we did think of many different names which related to gaming.  After much consideration we decided to go with this, ‘pwnrsmanual’.  If you are a ‘geek’ we hope you understand the name, if not, here is a short explanation.  In the world of video games, when typing for whatever reason such as writing in a forum, the way the word is written can alter from how the original word is written.    ‘Pwn’ means the word ‘own’, therefore ‘pwnr’ means ‘owner’. This is ‘pwnrsmanual’, which translates to ‘owners manual’.

2012 – A great year

Not only did we survive the end of the world (sorry..we couldn’t resist!), but games released in 2012 raised the bar yet again making everyone everywhere (well… at least us) excited to see what gaming will be like 12 months from now.   Is there room for games to improve after Assassins Creed 3, Call of Duty: Black Ops II and Dishonored? Of course there will be!  For your chance to vote and have your say in what you think should be known as “the favorite game of 2012” please complete the survey at the end of this blog. It was not only games released in 2012 but also a launch of a new console.  The Wii U, Nintendo’s first console in six years, launched on 18th November in the United States of America, 30th November in Europe, and the 8th December in Japan.  Although, having mixed reviews, Nintendo can certainly celebrate;

Nintendo sold more than 460,000 Wii Us in December, which brings the console’s U.S. total to nearly 890,000 sold after 41 days in the market. In money terms, this equates to more than $300 million in the U.S. alone, which compared to the original Wii, means the Wii U has surpassed its predecessor by $30 million through its first six weeks.  For more information visit the Gameranx link below.

Unfortunately the start of 2013 has seen a sad end to the Play Station 2 (PS2) with Sony announcing on the 4th January that all production worldwide has ended. Although, after twelve amazing years it is known as the most successful home games machine of all time, selling no less than 150 million units sold worldwide.

Launched in 2000, the successor to the original PlayStation ended up with a library of more than 10,000 games titles by 2011, with 1.52bn individual games sold since launch. “At the height of the PlayStation 2’s success, the word effectively came to mean video games for a lot of people,” said Anna Marsh, a game designer who worked on Tomb Raider and Hitman.  For more information visit, http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2013/jan/04/playstation-2-manufacture-ends-years

With all the hype surrounding Xbox at E3 last year (Electronic Entertainment Expo – an annual video game conference and show hosted in Los Angeles, California) maybe Microsoft will reveal a release date for the new Xbox 720 at the 2013 E3.  Maybe the new Play Station 4 from Sony will announce their release date. All that’s left do is wait until 11-13th June to find out!

In the meantime, please complete this short survey, http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WNSXQ66, created by us so not only can we bring you more of what you want in the future but also announce your favorite game of 2012 and the runners up in a future blog post! Don’t forget to keep checking the website, https://dl.dropbox.com/u/774884/Websites/claire/site/index.html, too.

Sources:

BBC News (2012) Nintendo Wii U gets November date. [online] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-19583826 [Accessed: 10 Jan 2013].

E3expo (2013) Welcome to E3 2013 | E3 2013 – What’s Next NOW: June 11-13, 2013. [online] Available at: http://www.e3expo.com/ [Accessed: 11 Jan 2013].

G4tv (2012) E3 2012 June 5 – E3 News, Previews, Press Conferences, Trailers, Demos – Video Game Conference. [online] Available at: http://www.g4tv.com/e3-2012/ [Accessed: 10 Jan 2013].

Gameranx (2013) Wii U Sales Nearly at 890,000 Units in the United States, 460,000 Units Sold in December. [online] Available at: http://www.gameranx.com/updates/id/11957/article/wii-u-sales-nearly-at-890-000-units-in-the-united-states-460-000-units-sold-in-december/ [Accessed: 10 Jan 2013].

Mail Online (2012) Wii’re back: Hundreds queue for ‘Wii U’ as Nintendo launches first home console in six years as it looks to take on the tablets. [online] Available at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2240899/Nintendo-Wii-U-UK-release-date-Hundreds-queue-London-new-home-console.html [Accessed: 10 Jan 2013].

Tech Radar (2011) E3 2012: all the latest news. [online] Available at: http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/e3-2012-all-the-latest-news-1082083 [Accessed: 11 Jan 2013].

Video Gamer (2012) What was announced at E3 2012? All the news and rumours – VideoGamer.com. [online] Available at: http://www.videogamer.com/news/what_was_announced_at_e3_2012_all_the_news_and_rumours.html [Accessed: 11 Jan 2013].