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Sony announce new titles at Paris Games Week

31/10/2017

 
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​After a slightly disappointing showing at E3, Sony took the stage in Paris for a live conference full of reveals.

by Chris Brand
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@pass_controller

Having been previously announced for PC and Mac, it was confirmed that The Voxel Agents' indie title, The Gardens Between, is coming to PlayStation 4 in 2018.

The colourful puzzle game stars best friends Arina and Frendt as they explore a series of surreal garden islands.
A PS4 exclusive from the team behind Entwined is expected to release next year; Concrete Genie allows players to paint using the Dualshock 4's built-in motion sensor.

Aside from cleaning up graffiti, you'll be able to create landscapes which come to life and design your own cast of unique creatures to hang out with in this unique, third-person action-adventure.
If you've been longing for an open world game set in feudal Japan, Ghost of Tsushima is for you.

Sucker Punch Productions’ (Infamous) new IP sees you venture to 1274 as the Mongol army begin their invasion of Japan with Tsushima Island. The fate of the island rests on the shoulders of a battered samurai facing overwhelming odds.

The following footage is captured using the in-game engine.
Spelunky 2 was excitingly confirmed to be in production, with the sequel to Mossmouth’s addictively excellent, procedurally-generated platformer reaching PS4 and PC (fingers crossed for a Switch version) at an unspecified later date.

It looks like you’ll play as the offspring of the original’s Indiana Jones-inspired lead protagonist, but not much else is currently known. Check out the debut trailer below.​
Another sequel in the works is the follow-up to "everyone’s favourite Mexican-themed co-op-multiplayer dimension-swapping Metroid-vania beat-’em-up platformer,” (and breathe), Guacamelee.

Guacamelee 2 sees you rejoin the masked luchador seven years after the events of the original. This time it's not just Mexico that's in danger, but the very fabric of time and space itself! You can bring along up to three friends to help save the world in co-op.

The Hong Kong Massacre comes from independent Swedish outfit, Vreski. The top-down twin-stick shooter is also releasing on PC, Mac and Linux next year.

You'll be tasked with hunting down the leader of a criminal organisation, achieving this goal by finding key gang members who are scattered across the game's levels.

Codemasters are back with another racing title: ONRUSH. It features physics-defying, all-out arcade action, standing in firm contrast to the company’s driving sims - it's less about tweaking vehicle setups and more about pure adrenaline.

Oure aims to give players a "unique dream-like experience of freedom".

You play as a young child who is thrust into another world by reluctant parents. You must use the abilities of both your human and dragon forms to amass magical power and solve strange mysteries.


The game is available on PS4 right now, launching alongside its announcement during the live Sony presser.
Also on show were two new games coming to PlayStation VR.

Blood and Truth casts the player as Special Forces soldier, Ryan Marks. Marks is on a dangerous mission to save his family from a ruthless criminal overlord.

Stifled is a horror game with minimalist visuals and a strong focus on sound.

Making gentle noises through PS VR’s integrated microphone will light the otherwise pitch black world to reveal a path, but it will also draw the attention of creatures that you'll want to be avoiding.


Stifled launches today, 31 October (happy Halloween).

If you've got a couple of hours spare, you can watch Sony's full presentation below, where they also shared more on some of their biggest previously announced games, including Spider-Man, God of War, Detroit, and The Last of Us Part II.

What did you think of the show? Is PlayStation’s 2018 looking bright? Let us know in the comments below, or venture over to our forum.
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You still have a few days to cast your vote in the Golden Joystick Awards 2017

30/10/2017

 
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Voting for this year’s Golden Joystick Awards is still open; you've got until 3 November to make your voice heard. There are 21 categories in total, covering the best games, studios, streamers and eSports teams.

by Chris Brand
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@pass_controller

As you would expect, some of the biggest games of the year have been nominated in multiple categories.

Destiny 2 is one such game, with Bungie’s shooter sequel in the running for Best Audio, Best Multiplayer Game and Ultimate Game of the Year, whilst Nathon Fillion is nominated for Best Gaming Performance as Cayde-6.
There's stiff competition from Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, however, as Ninja Theory’s independent AAA venture is in with a chance of winning Best Audio, while Melina Juergens has been nominated for Best Gaming Performance thanks to her work as the titular Senua.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is also up for Best Audio, as well as Ultimate Game of the Year, Best Visual Design and Nintendo Game of the Year.

Link will be facing off against Mario for the coveted Nintendo Game of the Year award, as the mustachioed mascot has three entries in this year's competition:
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle and Super Mario Odyssey (keep 'em peeled for our review).

Horizon: Zero Dawn has found itself nominated in six different categories, namely Best Storytelling, Best Audio, Best Visual Design, Best PlayStation Game, Ultimate Game of the Year, and Best Gaming Performance for Ashly Burch's portrayal of the game's protagonist, Aloy.

Other titles looking to be crowned PlayStation Game of the Year include
The Last Guardian, Uncharted: The Lost Legacy and Nex Machina: Death Machine.

Over in the Xbox Game of the Year bracket, AAA blockbusters like
Gears of War 4 and Forza 7 will be taking on some smaller, but no less engaging, titles such as Slime Rancher, Cuphead and Pit People.

There's now a group for Best VR Game and whilst they are fewer in number, the quality shines through.
Superhot VR and Resident Evil 7: Biohazard are definitely in with a shout.


Here are all the categories you can vote on:

  • Best Storytelling
  • Best Visual Design
  • Best Audio
  • Best Gaming Performance
  • Best Indie Game
  • Best Multiplayer Game
  • Studio of the Year
  • Best VR Game
  • eSports Play of the Year
  • eSports Team of the Year
  • eSports Game of the Year
  • Best Steamer/Broadcaster
  • Handheld/Mobile Game of the Year
  • Nintendo Game of the Year
  • PlayStation Game of the Year
  • Xbox Game of the Year
  • PC Game of the Year
  • Breakthrough Award
  • Most Wanted Game
  • Still Playing
  • Ultimate Game of the Year

Head on over to see the full list of nominees and cast your votes. Everyone who votes will receive a free ebook from a selection of gaming-related titles, if you needed a little extra motivation.

Share your picks with us below or over in the forums.
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ENDED: Rogue Trooper Redux giveaway

30/10/2017

 
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Greg Hayner is our lucky winner this week.

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by Sam Sant

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@SlamShotSam


An Xbox One copy of Rogue Trooper Redux, Rebellion and TickTock Games’ remaster of 2006’s Rogue Trooper, is this week’s giveaway prize.

​Based on the
Rogue Trooper comics from 2000 AD, who were also responsible for Judge Dredd, Redux brings the game’s visuals up to date while making slight tweaks to the gameplay. Whether you want to take a stealthy approach, go in gung-ho, or settle somewhere in between, this is a game you can play your way.

I reviewed it last week, concluding that, despite being short on content, what there is of Rogue Trooper Redux is good ol’ fashioned fun. You can read the review in full for more info.

If you’re desperate to join the GIs and visit Nu-Earth, but you aren’t drawn as our winner, you can pick the game up for £19.99 on Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch or Steam.

You’ll need to be in it to win it first, mind. Giveaway entries can be registered via Gleam below, Monday through Friday.

Good luck!
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Rogue Trooper Redux giveaway
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Max: The Curse of Brotherhood is getting a PS4 release

26/10/2017

 
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Originally an Xbox One exclusive, Press Play’s Max: The Curse of Brotherhood is heading to PlayStation 4 next month in both physical and digital formats.

by Liam Andrews
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@pass_controller

Max: The Curse of Brotherhood is a 2.5D “cinematic fairy-tale adventure” with Scandinavian storytelling elements that sees the titular hero set out to try and rescue his younger brother from the evil lord Mustacho. The game first launched on Xbox One in 2013, before arriving on Xbox 360 and PC soon after.
Max: The Curse of Brotherhood will be available to download digitally on PS4 from 8 November, with the physical edition releasing two days later. Both editions of the game have an RRP of £15.99/€19.99/$19.99.
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HITMAN - Game of the Year Edition sneaks onto PC and consoles next month

25/10/2017

 
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This is the first new content release since IO Interactive became an independent studio and, judging by the amount of content on offer, it hasn't hurt them at all.

by Chris Brand
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@pass_controller

The whole package includes the complete first season and a brand new campaign, entitled Patient Zero. There will be more Escalation Contracts, new weapons, suits and challenges, along with enhanced lighting in all locations and improvements to existing features.
In Patient Zero, Agent 47 must race against the clock to prevent a virus from spreading. The campaign takes place over four levels (Bangkok, Sapienza, Colorado and Hokkaido) which have been reworked from the originals with new gameplay opportunities, disguises, characters, challenges, gameplay mechanics, AI behaviour and HUD elements.

The new outfits, which you can see below, are the fan-favourite Corky The Clown, the tactical Raven Suit and the stylish Cowboy Suit. Each comes with its own themed weapon and unique Escalation Contracts.
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A free update releases the same day which adds a redesigned UI with a new colour scheme and visual style, new Contracts mode features, lighting improvements, a commemorative Elusive Target coin for anyone who has participated in one of the limited-time events, Xbox One X enhancements and various bug fixes.

IO are also reactivating the Elusive Targets. If you've already completed or failed an Elusive Target mission you won't be able to try them again, but you can mop up any you missed out on the first time around. They will still be time-limited and the first one will be reactivated soon after the patch.

HITMAN - Game of the Year Edition launches 7 November and can be yours for $60 (or regional equivalent). Those who already own the first season can upgrade for $20.

Are you diving back in to eliminate any missed Elusive Targets? Let us know below or over in the forums.
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Shadow of War expansion pass content detailed

25/10/2017

 
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Warner Bros. have revealed what owners of the Middle-earth: Shadow of War expansion pass can look forward to getting their hands on in the coming months.

by Liam Andrews
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@pass_controller

The expansion pass consists of four DLC packs, two of which add new story missions and two that introduce new enemy tribes to the game’s Nemesis System. The first two expansions, which feature the Slaughter Tribe and Outlaw Tribe, will release in November and December respectively, while the Blade of Galadriel and Desolation of Mordor story expansions have February and May launch windows.
For those who don’t own the expansion pass or the Gold Edition of the game, each of the four expansions will be available to purchase separately for £11.99, with the exception of the Desolation of Mordor DLC, which will cost £15.99.
 
Periodic free updates will be available to all players, such as the one arriving alongside next month’s Slaughter Tribe DLC that introduces endless Shadow Wars.
 
Here’s the full list of each expansion’s contents:
 
Slaughter Tribe Nemesis Expansion

  • The gruesome Slaughter tribe invades Mordor introducing new missions, Epic and Legendary Orcs, tribal showdowns and fierce battles, brought to life through the Nemesis System.
  • New Slaughter tribe fortress with Overlord throne room, monuments and outposts.
  • Players can hunt down Legendary Slaughter tribe Orcs for a new Legendary gear set with additional upgrade challenges.
  • Slaughter Orcs are the most bloodthirsty in Mordor, capable of ambushing players at any point, creating a deadly new challenge for players.
  • Available November 2017.
 
Outlaw Tribe Nemesis Expansion

  • The proud Outlaw tribe arise within Mordor introducing new missions, Epic and Legendary Orcs, tribal showdowns and intense battles, brought to life through the Nemesis System.
  • New Outlaw tribe fortress with Overlord throne room, monuments and outposts.
  • Players can hunt down Legendary Outlaw tribe Orcs for a new Legendary gear set with additional upgrade challenges.
  • The Outlaw tribe is home to the most rebellious warriors in Orc society, outcasts who have a deep contempt of all those who would rule them, be they foreign invaders or Lords of Mordor (whether Dark or Bright).
  • Available December 2017.
 
Blade of Galadriel Story Expansion

  • Play as Eltariel, an elite assassin known as the Blade of Galadriel, and go head-to-head with the newest addition to the ranks of the Nazgûl.
  • Wield Eltariel’s dual Elven blades and harness the Light of Galadriel with a host of deadly new combat abilities, skills and gear.
  • Encounter memorable new Nemesis characters, such as Flint and Tinder and the Slayer of the Dead, while battling the Nazgûl and learning more mysteries of their past.
  • Gain eight unique Legendary Orcs who can return to join your forces in the main story campaign with new abilities added to the Nemesis System.
  • Unlockable Eltariel character skin for the main story campaign.
  • Available February 2018.
 
Desolation of Mordor Story Expansion

  • Play as Baranor, the Captain of Minas Ithil and survivor of the city’s demise, in a new story expansion where players will command the forces of Man against a new Orc threat to the East.
  • Unite with Torvin, the Dwarven Hunter, to craft powerful new combat gear, including the shield, gauntlet, chain and glider.
  • Hire mercenaries to create a human army and conquer the all new desert region of Lithlad.
  • Fight to survive in Mordor as a human without the power of a Ring or a wraith to cheat death in a new rogue-like campaign mode.
  • Unlockable Baranor character skin for the main story campaign.
  • Available May 2018.
 
Do you own the Shadow of War expansion pass? What piece of DLC are you looking forward to the most? Let us know below.
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Microsoft to stop manufacturing Kinect

25/10/2017

 
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The life of the maligned Xbox peripheral is drawing to an end, with Microsoft confirming they will no longer continue to manufacture Kinect.

by Liam Andrews
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@pass_controller

The news was broken by Co.Design, who were told by one of the creators of Kinect, Alex Kipman, and GM of Xbox Devices Marketing, Matthew Lapsen, that once retailers have sold off all their stock, that’s it. The motion-tracking camera first released back in 2010 on the Xbox 360, before getting an upgrade for the launch of the Xbox One in 2013.
Kinect 2.0 was initially touted as an integral part of the Xbox One experience, with a device included with every console. But this plan was soon ditched by Microsoft, with the company instead shifting focus to a more “traditional gaming” experience in an attempt to compete with the PS4.
 
Both the recently released Xbox One S and the upcoming Xbox One X lack a Kinect port.
 
According to Co.Design, Kinect has sold around 35 million units since its inception seven years ago, and Microsoft will “continue to support Kinect for customers on Xbox, but ongoing developer tools remain unclear”.
 
The company aren't completely abandoning experimental technology, however, as they are still working on the HoloLens AR headset, of which the Kinect sensor remains a part of.
 
Are you sorry to see Kinect go? Let us know below.
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Injustice 2 coming to PC, open beta starts tomorrow

24/10/2017

 
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Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment have announced plans to bring NetherRealm’s superhero brawler to PC.

by Liam Andrews
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@pass_controller

Injustice 2, which is currently only available on Xbox One and PS4, will be available on the Windows Store and Steam sometime this autumn, but players can get to grips with Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and co. ahead of the game’s full release when an open beta kicks off tomorrow on Steam.
The game, which was described as having “sumptuous presentation, unrivalled storytelling” and “deep customisation systems” by Sam in our review, is being developed for Windows and Steam by QLOC, the studio behind the PC version of Mortal Kombat X.
 
Are you looking forward to playing Injustice 2 on PC? Let us know below.
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First batch of original Xbox titles available on Xbox One

24/10/2017

 
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Xbox One's backwards compatibility feature stretches back even further, as thirteen OG Xbox titles are available to play now.

by Chris Brand
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@pass_controller

According to IGN, who were lucky enough to test out the feature ahead of release, all games will be enhanced with 1080p resolution, improved frame rates and quicker loading times.

Here's the full list of playable games:
  • Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
  • Ninja Gaiden Black
  • Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge
  • Fuzion Frenzy
  • Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
  • Psychonauts
  • Dead to Rights
  • Black
  • Grabbed by the Ghoulies
  • Sid Meier’s Pirates!
  • Red Faction II
  • BloodRayne 2
  • The King of Fighters Neowave

If you aren't the sort to keep old games for an extended period of time, fear not, digital versions do the job too and can be purchased in the Xbox store.

Multiplayer is still possible in a few titles using system link (and works across the Xbox One family of consoles) but online multiplayer is a no go, as the servers for Xbox games were shut down quite some time ago.

What titles would you like to see added to the list? Let us know below or over in the forums.
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ENDED: Rise of the Tomb Raider giveaway

23/10/2017

 
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A big congratulations to Aran Kieskamp (@​evil_aranna) on being randomly drawn as this week's winner!

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by Sam Sant

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@SlamShotSam


A Steam key for the excellent sequel to the excellent 2013 Tomb Raider reboot is up for grabs in this week’s giveaway.

​Rise of the Tomb Raider
sees players control a young Lara Croft as they embark on an adventure taking them to a number of beautiful locales fraught with traps, puzzles and further dangers. Throw survival-based guerrilla combat into the mix and you have a game that we thoroughly recommend.

If you aren’t drawn as our winner, you can purchase Rise of the Tomb Raider’s 20 Year Celebration edition on PC for just £15.99 from our partners at CD Keys (it’d set you back £39.99 on Steam).

Entries can be registered Monday - Friday via Gleam below.

Good luck!
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Rise of the Tomb Raider giveaway
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