E3 Day 1 Recap – Next Gen Sure is Pretty

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Hey guys and gals, sorry this update has taken so long but its been pretty crazy here on the show floor. Obviously both Sony and Microsoft booths are standing room only as everyone is eager to get a glimpse of the next generation of console gaming. I started my day by hanging out in the Sony booth and played most of the confirmed launch titles for the PlayStation 4. Unfortunately Watch Dogs, and Infamous Second were only theatre demos and no recording was allowed. However I did get a chance to play Killzone Shadow Fall behind the scenes with the Lead Designer of the game. I was impressed, obviously it looks stunning and learning from the competition Killzone has adopted new methods of traversal and enemy takedowns that break up the monotonous gameplay that has hampered many shooters lately. Also the environments have been opened right up with multiple side objectives that help alleviate the feeling of alway being in a corridor or shooting gallery. Killzone also introduces a new drone sidekick that you can use to setup up zip lines accross the environment, hack computer terminals or simply attack your enemies, just to name a few of its abilities. I can easily say that Killzone Shadow Fall will be a day one purchase for me. I also had a chance to try out the Vita version of Killzone Mercenary and I can say that Vita will finally be getting the quality shooter we’ve been looking for. Tearaway for Vita was another stand out title that I got to spend some time with and it looks to be a great little adventure platformer.

 

After spending a better part of 4 hours playing around in the Sony booth I moved onto Microsoft and the PR mess that is Xbox One. Honestly I’m pretty excited for Xbox One regardless of some terrible choices they’ve made in terms of DRM, I’m sure the Xbox will have some great features and of course exclusive software. Unfortunately Microsoft didn’t want to talk about anything but games so little was learned about the console itself that we don’l already know. In their booth I got play RYSE, Forza 5, and Killer Instinct. I had a blast playing Killer Instinct except that I couldn’t combo worth shit, but it was still great. I uploaded a video and you can for yourselves, a nice side effect of all the power in these new consoles can be seen in all the lighting and particle effects.

 

Forza 5 looked pretty impressive as well but I’m not much of a car guy so I can’t really speak to any of the improvements. A cool feature Forza demoed though were the new triggers in the Xbox One controller which have rumble built in. With this extra level of rumble added  things as simple as starting the engine or the skidding of the tires added a new dimension which was pretty neat. We also got to see the Mclaren P1 which was pretty sweet, now wheres that extra million I had hidden away?

 

Finally I ended my day with a pretty lengthy play through of the RYSE demo aka QTE the video game. All jokes aside, RYSE is still pretty sweet and had a real gritty feel. the combat system was very similar to the most recent Batman games with parrying attacks and building up chains. The graphics were unbelievable and I felt like I was killing with the best of the Spartans though it remains to see if much is added otherwise it could probably get pretty repetitive. So thats about it for my late day 2 recap, things have been pretty crazy and I”l be back with more soon.

 

By Ricardo “Rico” Ferreira
@RicF

Call of Duty: Ghosts – All Access June 9th 11am PT

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Call of Duty: Ghosts – All-Access, is a live, 30-minute broadcast that will kick off E3 for Call of Duty and features an exclusive first look at gameplay levels from the title, as well as exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the Infinity Ward team, and more.

Here is how you can watch the Call of Duty®:  Ghosts – All-Access program:

  • Live on DIRECTV (also available for on demand streaming through the DIRECTV Everywhere platform, as well as on demand through DIRECTV on Demand)
  • Tune into Callofduty.com for the livestream
  • The Machinima app on Xbox 360

The program airs on June 9th, at 11 am PT / 2 pm ET.
For further information visit www.callofduty.com/ghostswww.facebook.com/CODGhosts or follow @CallofDuty.

By Ricardo “Rico” Ferreira
@RicF

A very interesting way to look at the used game issue.

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The issue of used video games is a big one right now. Everyone is up in arms about it, due to the fact that the new generation of consoles is right around the corner, and they have yet to announce how this is going to work. I came across this video earlier and I thought it brought up some very good points. While I am not sure if I agree with all of it, I think the author pretty much nails it on the head, in explaining why, when it comes to video games, used games are a real issue. Take a look at this video below and feel free to tell me what you think in the comments.

By Dayne “Anjel” Cody
@DayneCody

Grand Theft Auto V Special Edition and Collector’s Edition Available for Pre-Order

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Rockstar just announced full details of the Special Edition and Collector’s Edition of Grand Theft Auto V – which will be available for worldwide pre-order starting today from participating retailers. As an additional bonus, those who pre-order any edition of Grand Theft Auto V (including the Special Edition, Collector’s Edition or the standard retail edition) between now and September 17th will get access to pilot the Atomic Blimp in-game vehicle.

High above the streets of Los Santos floats the Atomic Blimp, hawking Los Santos’ finest tire company (whose products are available in any LS Customs garage). Pre-order now to gain the ability to pilot the most iconic and leisurely aircraft in the Los Santos skies (please note that all pre-orders made before today will also get access to the blimp).

 

gta5preorderse1The Grand Theft Auto V Special Edition includes:

  • Full retail copy of Grand Theft Auto V
  • Collectible SteelBook with Exclusive Artwork – This special SteelBook features double-sided, never-before-seen artwork of Michael, Trevor and Franklin. Custom color and metallic treatments bring out the detail of the artwork created exclusively for this SteelBook.
  • Blueprint Map – This exclusive, additional 21.5” x 26.75” map displays a blueprint view of Los Santos and Blaine County. Cryptic markings indicate locations for fast cash and other points of interest for the up-and-coming entrepreneur.
  • Special Ability Boost – Michael, Franklin and Trevor each have a unique special ability. With this boost, the special ability bar will generate 25% faster.
  • Stunt Plane Trials – Single player Stunt Plane Trials let you take on additional aerial challenges spread throughout Los Santos and Blaine County.
  • Bonus Outfits, Tattoos and More – Michael, Franklin and Trevor get bonus outfits in their wardrobes, character specific tattoos at tattoo parlors, and special deals from shopkeepers across Los Santos and Blaine County.
  • Additional Weapons – When visiting Ammunation stores in single player, merchants will have special weapons in their inventory available for free: the Pistol .50, Bullpup Shotgun and melee Hammer.

 

gta5preorderce1The Grand Theft Auto V Collector’s Edition includes all the contents of Grand Theft Auto V Special Edition as described above plus:

  • Grand Theft Auto V Security Deposit Bag with Logo Key – Inspired by the heists in Grand Theft Auto V, this custom 10.75” x 8.5” money bag features a pop-up style lock and laser cut logo key to secure important items. The reverse side features a pressed Rockstar Games logo on the security mount with a framed ID window.
  • Grand Theft Auto V New Era 9FIFTY™ Snapback Cap – This exclusive New Era 9FIFTY™ cap features an embroidered Los Santos logo on the front, a stitched, black Rockstar Games logo on the wearer’s left side, a Grand Theft Auto ‘V’ logo applique on the opposite side, and snapback closure for an adjustable fit.
  • Custom Characters for Grand Theft Auto Online – Get classic Grand Theft Auto characters to use within the Grand Theft Auto Online Character Creation System.
  • Unique Vehicles and Garage Property – Players will instantly receive a garage to store custom vehicles. In single player, the garage will be stocked with the 1930’s style Hotknife hotrod and the CarbonRS sports bike. In Grand Theft Auto Online, players will get the high-end Khamelion electric car.
  • The Grand Theft Auto V Collector’s Edition comes packaged in a premium outer box featuring a foil embossed Grand Theft Auto V logo on the top, finished with a matte, scuff-resistant film lamination, housing all of the contents.

The Grand Theft Auto V Collector’s Edition and Grand Theft Auto V Special Edition are the perfect way for fans to celebrate the return of GTA, with special digital content and exclusive Grand Theft Auto V physical items. Grand Theft Auto V Collector’s Edition will retail for $149.99, while the Grand Theft Auto V Special Edition will retail for $79.99. All versions are now available for pre-order until September 17, 2013 while supplies last.

Pre-order now from Amazon: Grand Theft Auto V

via Announcing the Grand Theft Auto V Special Edition and Collector’s Edition –  Rockstar Games.

By Ricardo “Rico” Ferreira
@RicF

Call of Duty Black Ops II $20 at Costco

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Just came from doing some grocery shopping and noticed this wicked deal, Call of Duty Black Ops II for $20. They have the PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii U versions on sale unfortunately no PC version. I missed this game in the winter but for $20 you can’t pass on this good of a deal.

By Ricardo “Rico” Ferreira
@RicF

Krieg the Psycho, New Borderlands 2 DLC Available Today

Krieg the Psycho

Krieg the Psycho is here! Take your shiny meat bicycles for a ride as Sir Hammerlock tells you more about Krieg the Psycho. Krieg is now available as a separate character DLC for 800MSP or $9.99 on PSN/Steam. Borderlands 2 is rated M for Mature.

via Krieg the Psycho Launch Trailer – YouTube.

By Ricardo “Rico” Ferreira
@RicF

Bungie’s New Game Destiny Revealed

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After a long period of darkness, Bungie is ready to unveil its new universe filled with mystery, adventure, and action. For the first time, the team — including studio co-founder and project director Jason Jones — talks about its vision, and the creative process behind Destiny, Bungie’s most ambitious project yet.

via Destiny ViDoc – Pathways Out of Darkness – YouTube.

By Ricardo “Rico” Ferreira
 @RicF

Borderlands 2 FREE Golden Key Code (Updated Jan. 1st, 10:00 AM PST)

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Let’s kick the New Year off right with SHiFT codes for a Golden Key in Borderlands 2!

PC / Mac SHiFT Code: K3CJT-FRWZK-KRBBT-BJJ33-CB6TH
Xbox 360 SHiFT Code: C3CT3-TTBF9-RH6JF-WF3T3-XR3T9
PlayStation 3 SHiFT Code: CJ53B-66ZH5-JWK5T-9TKB3-JHC39

These codes will be active through the end of January 6, 2013 – be sure to use them before then!

These codes will be active for a couple days and will be usable once per account.
Remember these codes are redeemed in game via the Shift interface.
Go here if you need help: http://support.gearboxsoftware.com/forums/21326242-shift

By Ricardo “Rico” Ferreira
@RicF

Grand Theft Auto V New Trailer and Screenshots

Check out the new trailer for Grand Theft Auto V and a bunch of new screenshots.

By Ricardo “Rico” Ferreira
 @RicF

Through the Matrix: Official Transformers Fall of Cybertron Video

by Ricardo Ferreira

Metroplex comes to the aid of the Autobots in this amazing Trailer for Transformers Fall of Cybertron.