Tag Archives: xbox
The new Xbox to be announced!
Firstly let me just say due to academic reasons I’m sorry this blog has not been updated frequently however please keep checking back as I plan on more frequent updates this summer!
Now that is out the way as I’m sure many of you are aware the Xbox (the new console, one up from the 360) is due to be announced today 9am Pacific time which is 5pm for everyone in England.
This announcement will finally recall the look and features of the new Xbox by Microsoft and set aside the rumours allowing us to immerse between fact and fiction.
Make sure you watch the event live on YouTube or IGN or catch up on the event later for those of you who will be busy during this time.
Here is the link for those of you who would like to watch the event via IGN with IGN editors Ryan McCaffrey and Daemon Hatfield joining them is the one and only Peter Molyneux, Fable Creator and former Lionhead boss.
http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/05/08/watch-the-xbox-reveal-event-live-on-ign
Xbox 720 Reveal Date
Ever since Sony shown off it’s latest console, the PlayStation4, to the world gamers, including myself, have all been wondering what will the Xbox 720 look like and just how Microsoft are going to respond.
Rumours have always been appearing on the internet however just like what happened before Sony lured gamers with the “see the future” event these rumours may start becoming truth. There is no confirmation of the name, price, or release date Microsoft are being very quiet however we could be close.
21st May 2013
This is the date every gamer, Microsoft, Sony fanatic should be aware of.
“Windows watcher Paul Thurrott revealed recently that Microsoft is planning an Xbox event for May 21st, and we understand this date is accurate. This is the tentative date for a next-generation Xbox announcement, but Microsoft had originally planned an April 24th event.” According to The Guardian.
Companies such as The Verge, IGN also suspect a May release date which will then benefit Microsoft by showing off their latest console just one month later at E3.
IGN quote that “Despite fears to the contrary, Thurrott also asserted in the podcast that the Xbox 720 will be a gaming device first and foremost, and will not attempt to serve as an entertainment hub for the living room. Supposedly another model of the console was originally planned to target that niche, but the idea has since been put on the back-burner.”
The Xbox720, who’s name may be changed, will hopefully focus more on gaming rather than an entertainment system,however download content such as movies may once again make the 720 an entertainment system. It is rumored to make use of Windows 8 and a separate unit set to appeal to the more ‘casual gamer’.
Interestingly it may have to be connected to the internet therefore being DRM, as quoted once by Thurrot,
“The thing that interests me, going back and looking at some of the stuff I got a long time ago, it actually says ‘must be internet-connected to use’ in the notes,” he explained, before adding, “And that’s all I have, but it does say that.”
This could be Microsoft way of exploring cross-platform opportunities which may eventually lead towards a phone and television set. However this is another story.
Please remember as of yet there is no comment from Microsoft.
Sources;
IGN (2013) Veteran Tech Blogger Spills Xbox 720 Reveal Date, Pricing and More – IGN. [online] Available at: http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/04/08/veteran-tech-blogger-spills-xbox-720-reveal-date-pricing-and-more [Accessed: 9 Apr 2013].
The Guardian (2013) Press Start: Xbox 720 event rumoured for May. [online] Available at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/gamesblog/2013/apr/09/press-start-game-news [Accessed: 9 Apr 2013].
The Inquirer (2013) Microsoft might announce the Xbox 720 in May. [online] Available at: http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2259815/microsoft-might-announce-the-xbox-720-in-may [Accessed: 9 Apr 2013].
What’s Your Tag? (2013) Xbox 720 Reveal Date and Pricing. [online] Available at: http://whatsyourtagblog.com/2013/04/08/xbox-720-reveal-date-and-pricing/ [Accessed: 9 Apr 2013].
Xbox plan to announce the 720 soon!
With all the hype surrounding the latest PS4 and the announcement which took place last week in New York, Microsoft have indeed reacted to this, although not in the way that you may have expected.
Of course there is, and probably will always be, a dispute between Sony and Microsoft who are the biggest competitors when it comes to Video Game Platforms, WHOIS data, has allegedly stated that XboxEvent.com was registered yesterday.
Another rumor is that Xbox may reveal the Xbox720 at E3 on 11th June, however with the Game Developers conference happening very soon perhaps Microsoft may decide to announce then.
More will be released on this story soon!
Updated 17th April 2013: Please note that since this post has been published the website mentioned is now removed. Please visit https://pwnersmanual.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/xbox-720-reveal-date/ for more Xbox 720 news.
Top 10 Best Selling Video Games of January 2013 (USA)
The NPD Group have revealed the Top 10 highest selling Video Games sold in America during 30th December 2012 and 2nd February 2013 (January period). They are the following:
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Call of Duty: Black Ops II (360, PS3, Wii U, PC)**
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Far Cry 3 (360, PS3, PC)
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Just Dance 4 (Wii, 360, PS3, Wii U)
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NBA 2K13 (360, PS3, Wii, Wii U, PSP, PC)**
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Madden NFL 13 (360, PS3, Wii, PSV, Wii U)
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DMC: Devil May Cry (PS3, 360)
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Halo 4 (360)**
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Assassin’s Creed III (360, PS3, Wii U, PC)**
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Skylanders Giants (Wii, 360, PS3, 3DS, Wii U)**
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FIFA Soccer 13 (PS3, 360, PSV, Wii, Wii U, 3DS, PSP)
**(includes CE, GOTY editions, bundles, etc. but not those bundled with hardware)
Liam Callahan, who works for NPD, reflects upon the January period quoting
“With the exception of Capcom’s new Devil May Cry, January saw no major releases to speak of on the top ten, so 2012′s year-end hot sellers like Call of Duty and Far Cry 3 continued to top the charts. That said, new releases did fare a bit better than in past January periods.”
Some of the above figures may come as a surprise to many, with Just Dance 4 beating games such as Halo 4 and DMC, however it is important to take into account the release dates, target audiences and importantly sales of individual games being combined into groups by platform. For those who love the game ‘Ni No Kuni’, this came close ranking at number 11 however it would have ranked number 7 if sales of individual games were not combined into groups by platform.
Sources;
IGN (2013) NPD: Black Ops 2, Far Cry 3 Top U.S. Sales Charts for January – IGN. [online] Available at: http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/02/14/npd-black-ops-2-far-cry-3-top-us-sales-charts-for-january [Accessed: 18 Feb 2013].
NPD (2013) Video Game Industry Market Research – Video Gaming Trend Analysis – NPD.com. [online] Available at: https://www.npd.com/wps/portal/npd/us/industry-expertise/video-games/ [Accessed: 18 Feb 2013].
PlayStation 4 PrototypeController vs PlayStation 3 Controller
There is much speculation behind the PS4 controller but has it already been revealed? In just a few short days (3 to be exact), Sony are set to announce the reason behind their “See The Future” announcement. Of course all clues (the most obvious one being the PlayStation symbol buttons appearing in the “See The Future” teaser trailer) lead to the announcement being highly rumored of the new PS4. Let’s look at the apparent prototype and how it compares with the current controller.
You can read more about the Sony announcement here; https://pwnersmanual.wordpress.com/2013/02/01/sony-ps4-update/
Special Report: PlayStation 4 (PS4) The latest surrounding rumours
In these, I discuss some ideas as to what the new controller will look like. This is a main focus point to the PS4 as Sony are thinking of dropping the much loved dual shock controller. I’m sure Sony have a very legitimate reason behind this, for some people playing on a PlayStation and growing up with the dual shock this has become a key feature of gaming.
An apparent “trusted source” has released the following image of what the PS4 controller may look like, and although this is a prototype it is set to change between now and when the console is announced, it does make me wonder if the controller can really be changed all that much.
Prototype PS4 controller
The image seems to be confirmed by gaming website “IGN” however I cannot help but feel a little let down that the screen is smaller than anticipated, although I do like how it looks like Sony have ‘leveled-up’.
The above image shows a breakdown of all the features on the prototype controller while below is a breakdown of features (and their functions) on the current PlayStation3 controller.
Comparing these two pictures it is easy to spot the resemblance and note what Sony have (for now) altered. There are people who also note a resemblance between the Xbox controller and Dreamcast VMU.
New Features on the PS4 Prototype
Analog Sticks – although not new in concept as they feature on the PS3 controller, the analog sticks appear to be slightly further apart though they remain level, which of course is a good thing, unlike the Xbox 360 controller’s unevenly placed sticks. However, the sticks themselves are concave – like the Xbox 360’s.
Touch Pad – the new front controller should embark a touch pad that can be used in different ways depending on the choice of publishers. It is also possible according to other rumors that this surface hides a small LCD screen. This is highly rumored.
Motion-Tracking LED – It is this technology that equips the PlayStation Move and will hopefully have been developed to be more precise.
Also the R2 and L2 buttons may actually be more in line with spring-loaded Xbox 360-like triggers.
Sources;
IGN (2013) This Is PlayStation 4’s (Prototype) Controller. [online] Available at: http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/02/15/is-this-playstation-4s-controller [Accessed: 18 Feb 2013].
Logic Sunrise (2013) [ Rumors ] Prototype of the new controller PS4 (SplitShock) *shift*. [online] Available at: http://www.logic-sunrise.com/en/news-599731-rumors-prototype-of-the-new-controller-ps4-splitshock-shift.html [Accessed: 18 Feb 2013].
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/
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].
Games released week of 11/02/2013
Over the past few days New York City and it’s surrounding areas such as New Jersey, Maine and even Canada have been affected by Snowstorm “Nemo“. This blizzard has left a staggering 31.4 inches of snow in Gorham, Maine according to breakingnews.com, caused 4,300 flights to be cancelled which including all those to and from New York City airports, created 200 traffic accidents in Ontario, Canada and tragically claimed the lives of four people in the United States and Canada.
To anyone who is affected by this please be careful and take precaution. Here in England it’s another rainy Sunday and no matter where you are there aren’t that many things which beats spending the weekend gaming. Even if you can’t do that currently then there is always next weekend 😉 To some people this may be just another week however cheering things up it’s time to look ahead at the games being released this week.
Tuesday 12th February, 2013
PC Games
- Curse of the Werewolves – Deluxe Edition – Viva Media
- Aliens Colonial Marines Season Pass [Download] – DVG SEGA
Xbox360
- Aliens: Colonial Marines – Sega of America
- Aliens Colonial Marines (Collector’s Edition) – Sega of America
PlayStation 3
- Aliens: Colonial Marines by Sega of America
- Aliens Colonial Marines Collector’s Edition by Sega of America
Friday 15th February 2013
PC Games
- SpellForce 2 Faith in Destiny Scenario 3: Last Stand [Download] by DVG Nordic Games – February 15, 2013.
This weeks best game – Aliens: Colonial Marines
Sources;
Breaking News (2013) 31.4 inches of snow reported in Gorham, Maine. [online] Available at: http://www.breakingnews.com/item/ahZzfmJyZWFraW5nbmV3cy13d3ctaHJkcg0LEgRTZWVkGODc6QwM/2013/02/09/314-inches-of-snow-reported-in-gorham-maine-twcbreaking [Accessed: 10 Feb 2013].
Huffington Post (2013) Four Killed After Canada And US Hit By Snowstorm ‘Nemo’. [online] Available at: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/02/09/snowstorm-nemo-claims-four-lives-in-us_n_2650934.html [Accessed: 10 Feb 2013].
NY Times (2013) Storm’s Heavy Snow and High Winds Lash at the Northeast. [online] Available at: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/09/nyregion/major-snowstorm-arriving-in-northeast.html?hp&_r=1& [Accessed: 10 Feb 2013].
VG Releases (2013) VGReleases.com : February 2013 Release Dates : Video Game. [online] Available at: http://vgreleases.com/ReleaseDates/All.aspx [Accessed: 10 Feb 2013].
BioShock Infinite
A game which in particular i am really excited about its release is BioShock Infinite. Not only is this game one of the best games released in March it could also possibly be one of the most anticipated and exciting games to be released this year. Having the release date already been pushed back twice (October 16th, 2012 and February 26, 2013) this game will finally be released on the 26th March, I decided to discuss this game ahead of its release and see what adventures await before us. Published by 2K games and developed by Irrational Games.
Genre Platforms
First-person shooter PS3, Xbox 360 and PC
Booker and Elizabeth
About the game
Set in 1912 you become Booker DeWitt, a main character and also a a former Pinkerton detective. The storyline we know of so far is short, the main goal is to find Elizabeth, a young woman who’s gone missing and been held captive in the floating city and return her unharmed. Unfortunately we can tell it won’t be simple otherwise then the game would be very short. She is guarded by Songbird, a monstrous, winged creature who has become her only friend.
Drawing off the two previous BioShock games (BioShock and BioShock 2) the game could very likely be another game with its main focus being on the story line this may not appeal to all gamers, however if you do like games which have a lot of shooting then this game could be worth playing and switching between a shooting game and this to gain the fast pace, BioShock previous games have been very deliberate and paced. There is also a possibility of the story line continuing further. Like previous BioShock games, the player has the option to use a combination of weapons, gear, psychokinetic powers granted through “vigors” against his attacks.
BioShock Infinite Gear
Breaking away from the underwater setting of the first two games most of the action takes place in a floating city held aloft by dirigibles. The floating city is supposedly Columbia, once a symbol of America’s success as a nation, floating around the world as a traveling World’s Fair, a marvel of human innovation. Hence the logo being similar to a torn American flag with a Carnival twist. If you would like to discover more view the trailers or a special look into the first 5 minutes of BioShock Infinite at the end of this post.
Awards
In 2011 Bioshock Infinite was announced as the big winner of E3 with four awards. They are;
- Best of Show
- Best Original Game
- Best PC Game
- Best Action/Adventure Game
For a full list of winners see the Game Critics Award link at the bottom of this post.
BioShock Infinite Artwork
Try BioShock Infinite if you like…
RPGs, FPS, Resident Evil, BioShock, BioShock2, Borderlands
Trailers
Sources;
1Up (2013) Two Possible Reasons for BioShock Infinite’s 2013 Delay. [online] Available at: http://www.1up.com/news/bioshock-infinite-13-delay-possible-reasons [Accessed: 7 Feb 2013].
Bioshock Infinite (2011) The Game. [online] Available at: http://www.bioshockinfinite.com/the-game/ [Accessed: 7 Feb 2013].
Game Critics Awards (2011) Game Critics Awards 2011 Winners. [online] Available at: http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2011winners.html [Accessed: 7 Feb 2013].
Polygon (2012) BioShock Infinite hands-on: Mysteries in the clouds. [online] Available at: http://www.polygon.com/2012/12/7/3739008/bioshock-infinite-hands-on-preview [Accessed: 7 Feb 2013].
YouTube (2013) City in the Sky Trailer. [online] Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRjNMQZ1qBk [Accessed: 7 Feb 2013].
YouTube (2012) BioShock Infinite Beast of America Trailer. [online] Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gBVZj6ROV0 [Accessed: 7 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].
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