Remember SOPA? Sorry if i've brought up any purposefully-repressed memories. Fortunately, the world saw some kind of sense (or more likely certain members of congress saw that popular opinion was so against the acts that there was little money to be made from them), and it was put to bed. But it seems corporations' war against people sharing stuff has merely swapped battlegrounds, and it is now the games industry whose freedom is potentially to be restricted.

A quick look over to IGN today and any casual browser of the internet will be beset by rumours that the next generation of consoles, most specifically the Xbox 720, could introduce a feature which locks games to a single owner. The upshot of this is that we will no longer be able to buy pre-owned games, or lend games to a friend.

I suppose the ideology behind this is sound enough. You want a game, you pay for the game, and the people who made the game get the money, thus allowing them to make more games and continue the industries happy cycle. However, in order for games to be sold, they need retailers. And figures show that the most popular game retailer over here in the UK, the imaginitively titled 'GAME', makes more money from pre-owned game sales than it does from original sales. And even then, GAME and its rivals are struggling. Many GAME shops have had to be closed in the last year, due to sales being stolen from them by cheaper online services like Amazon. If we cut away the majority of these stores' income, then games won't have a place to be sold, and no matter what ideology you use, that will never be a good thing for the industry.  Read More  »

The much anticipated SoulCalibur V is in reach of gamers, as we near February 3rd 2012. In comparison to its predecessor, the developers have gone for a much faster and agile approach to combat. Now featuring a central gauge, which allows you to execute special moves. As the story takes place 17 years after SoulCalibur IV, players can expect 50 new and old characters. Including Assassins Creed's Ezio Auditore.

There's a lot more focus on the story, providing a more engaging and immersive experience. Revolving around the swords; SoulCalibur and Soul Edge (wielded by Azure Nightmare). Fans of the series can expect multiplayer to return and an extensive character creation mode. Allowing you to alter your height, voice and the size of limbs. There's enough clothes, paint, tattoos and accessories etc, to create the warrior you desire.

SoulCalibur V will be released on 3rd February 2012 for PS3 and Xbox 360.

Hideo Kojima's epic Metal Gear Solid series,  has been given HD treatment and will be released on PS3 and Xbox 360. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker and the original MSX releases (Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake) have been compiled onto one disk in HD.

Metal Gear Solid 2 & 3 are arguably the best stealth games on Playstation 2. Taking players on an immersive experience, with brilliant voice over's  and second to none  espionage action. Fans of the series will be ecstatic to know, that achievements and trophies are supported in this collection. 

Solid Snake fanatics will be glad to hear there's  a limited edition, exclusive to Zaavi. Containing the following content:

•    A copy of the game
•    A variant steelbook
•    1x  Metal Gear Solid T-shirt
•    250 page art book

MGS: HD Collection will be released on 3rd February 2012 for PS3 and Xbox 360.

Catherine is a unique puzzle game developed by Japanese studio; Atlus. The themes of the game are quite unorthodox and mature, considering what players are usually accustomed to. When Vincent (the protagonist) is being pressured to marry his girlfriend, his life turns complicated. To make matters worse, he wakes up with another woman. Worried his girlfriend will discover his unfaithful act, he is constantly having nightmares.

Throughout the game you'll switch between a bar and Vincent's nightmares. In the bar you can drink with a couple of friends or chat with people to progress the plot. In his nightmares the core gameplay mechanics kick in. Here the player is presented with blocks that can be pushed and pulled, to reach the top of the tower block. Certain blocks have attributes such as spikes or bombs for increasing difficulty. Epic but deranged bosses are another aspect to consider, as your climbing the tower.

If you're tired of the usual run and gun title then step into the shoes of Vincent Brooks, on 10th February 2012. When Catherine is released on PS3 and Xbox 360.

Dropping the 'Smackdown vs Raw' title for WWE 12, A new chapter in WWE games has been made. This latest decision is set to give the series an overhaul, with better graphics, camera angles used in WWE programming, simpler controls and more modes.

Create an Arena is a brand new mode, with the tools to create your own logo, style of rope, barricades, outside mats and announcer tables. This is excellent fan service by Yukes, allowing players to create their own PPV arena or even replicate an old one.

The ring is a lot more realistic now that physics have been applied to it. Reacting to a move performed in the ring, as you see in real matches. The animation system  has also been improved, allowing players to interrupt a move and perform combos during tag matches . Previously you had to wait for the finisher or move to end, before you could grapple someone again. Read More  »

Ezio's final chapter is here, available on Xbox 360 and PS3 (PC owners will have to wait until 2nd December 2011). Desmond is trapped in the Animus and in a coma. In order to escape he must relive Ezio's final memories, to ultimately stop the Templars controlling the world. Searching for clues left by his earliest ancestor Altair, players will find themselves switching between characters throughout the campaign.

The Saints are back and bigger than ever, with a celebrity status, manic missions and a new city to explore. When a flamboyant gang known as the Syndicate, threaten the livelihood of our favourite gang, the Saints retrieve what's strictly theirs and more.

New cars, planes, jets, customizable options/items and weapons have been introduced. The handling of cars has been vastly improved to drive more smoothly, than the arcadey handling of past installments. Customizing vehicles returns with new rims, body kit options and colour pallets for spray painting your car.

Saint Row's character creation tools are more extensive than ever, with more taunts, clothing, accessories and skin tones to create characters such as the Hulk or even the Red Skull from Captain America.  Character creations can even be shared and downloaded by players all around the world now.

With 14 days left till release, time is limited to pre-order Batman: Arkham City. You should pre-order the game while you still can, to embrace many of the epic pre-order incentives and avoid disappointment.

Below is pre-order incentives provided by high street and online retailers, around the UK:

Available at most retailers (GAME, Amazon, ShopTo) in limited quantities (On Xbox 360, PC and PS3) is Batman: Arkham City's Collector's edition. The contents of the package includes: 

•    A custom Batman statue produced by Kotobukiya,
•    Collectible art book,
•    Early access to the  Iceberg Lounge Challenge Map
•    Batman: The Dark Knight Returns skin.
•    Batman: Arkham City album
•    Batman: Gotham Knight.

Read More  »

F1 2011 has been shipped to retailers worldwide, speeding off shelves across the globe. The new installment available for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC, is a follow up to last year's BAFTA award winning F1 2010.

Celebrating its release, a launch trailer has been revealed. Showcasing the fantastic lighting and weather effects, all captured in slow motion. The main and authentic features of the game are also present in the trailer. Such as the DRS system, 2011's safety car and the fantastic visuals thanks to Codemaster's EGO engine.

Co-op Championship mode is a major feature this year, allowing you to play a whole season with a friend. Alternatively you can play amongst friends and family at home this year, in Split screen mode. Players will also be able to race against 16 players online with 8 AI cars, simulating a 24 car grid.

You can expect to see all the official teams in F1 2011 and a handheld Playstation Vita and Nintendo 3DS version coming soon. As if the launch trailer hasn't convinced you enough, check out F1 2011's developer diaries right here. Race along to your nearest retailer to purchase F1 2011 for PS3, Xbox 360 or PC right now.

In this six part developer diary, the technology, story, weapons, world, enemies and sound of Rage is explored. Starting with its origin and id Tech 5, which drives this beautiful but distortedly world. A Unique feature of id Tech 5 is it's mega texture technology, which allows you to seamlessly create layers upon layers of textures. Creating new experiences and putting an end to repetitive environments.

An Asteroid called Apophis which will pass by earth around 2036, is the cause of destruction in Rage. Players control an ark survivor who wakes up 100 years later, to witness the aftermath. Government officials known as the Authority, want to control the direction of humanity. The Resistance have other ideas and despise them, in every aspect you can think of. Bandits and other settlers in the environment, are not so welcome to fresh faces.

Probably the most unique aspect of Rage, is the various ammo types of guns collected throughout your playthrough. Pistols can shoot full automatic rounds and crossbows can fire electric bolts for example. Engineer or gadgets items in the game, range from sentry bots to remote controlled cars with bombs.

Check out the developer diaries below, of what is easily the most Epic, diverse, FPS this fall. Rage will be released on 7th October 2011 for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. Pre-order details on Rage's Anarchy Edition can be found right here. Read More  »

Codemaster's Birmingham has been very busy since releasing the exceptional hit F1 2010 and promises a grander experience for F1 2011. This year's focus is on Multiplayer and creating an authentic yet fun instalment.

Co-op Championship mode is a major feature of F1 2011. Allowing you to play a whole season with a friend, for the Constructors title. Players looking at each other's stats, will definitely spark competitive race's. The team leader receives all the upgrades first, giving them the edge.

Split screen races will bring the exhilarating rivalry on the track to your living rooms. Raising competitive tensions between family and friends. Car handling has been strengthened and improved, with a lot more control over under steer and over steer. Read More  »

Christmas is around the corner and Microsoft recently gave us a peek, at what games their releasing this Xmas. Among the titles I saw were Microsoft and Third party publishers games. Including Gears of War 3, Assassins Creed: Revelations, Batman: Arkham City, Forza Motorsport 4 and Ghost Recon: Future Soldier.

Gears of War 3 Hands-On

The build I played presented me with, co-op multiplayer mode Horde 2.0. Me and 4 other players were placed in a close quarters map, of wave upon wave of enemies. The weapons felt tight accompanied by brilliant sound design.
Although my time was short, this was the most intense co-op mode i've played to date. Epic's found that balance of belonging and  relying on  your team, for survival. This will fulfil the slot of many nights to come, shouting down your headset at friends and gamers around the world.

The newest feature in Horde 2.0 is fortifications, allowing you to deploy barriers, decoys, sentry guns and turrets. Fortifications can be upgraded with money earned from killing foes. Money can also buy you back into the game, after you've died. New weapons and ammo scattered around the map, can also be purchased. Alternatively Team mates can trade weapons, share ammo and give one another money. Read More  »

The main events building up to this final chapter is showcased in the opening cinematic of Gears of War 3. Introducing a new threat to the Gears universe is the Lambert. Anya Stroud, formerly a communications officer, now dons the Delta squad uniform. Ready to battle on the frontline, in the last stand.

When the launch of Gears of War 3 arises on 20th September 2011, players will be entitled to the first four pieces of DLC, via a season pass. With a season pass you'll be making a saving of 33 percent as opposed to buying DLC separately. The season pass will be purchasable for 2400 Microsoft points, on the day of Gears 3's release.

Add on content is set to extend both your campaign and multiplayer experience, beginning with the first release this November. The Gears of War 3 season pass, also includes an exclusive Liquid Metal weapon set.

Dead Island is a first person open world, horror/adventure hybrid. Heavily focused on co-operative play and melee combat. Taking place on a zombie invested island, with strong themes of survival and RPG elements. There are four playable characters to choose from including Xian Mei (Undercover Cop), Sam B (Rapper), Logan (Former NFL Star) and Purna (Former Sydney Cop).

Every one of them has a class type ranging from a jack of all trades who is a all rounder with weapons and abilities (durability, strength etc). The Assassin is handy with a firearm, a tank is heavy, strong but slow. Lastly the leader specialises in handling melee weapons.

Slashing away at enemies you'll notice layers of meat and flesh being apparent, compliments of the games damage system. Depending on a well placed shot or slice, limbs will dismember. 

Once combined with items you've found. weapons and firearms are customizable at a fee. Money plays a big part of Dead Island and can be looted from bags and dead bodies. Every kill rewards you with experience points, utilizing a skill tree system you can enhance your combat skills.

Being an open world game you got to have transportation. In Dead Island you can drive any vehicle you find. Friends can even ride shotgun, while you run over zombies. Read More  »