In the Darkness II Jackie Estacado will be taking you on a trail of destruction, as he becomes one with his powers again. Whilst tackling an unknown faction, craving for the possession of the darkness. First and foremost the art direction, is the most striking element of the game. The developers have approached the visuals, with a comic book presentation in mind. Reflecting the gritty but rich world of the mob in terms of the atmosphere.

Bloodshed is aplenty especially when you use the darkness, to dismember your enemies. Controlling the demon arms with your left and right trigger buttons, can either initiate a slash, Melee attack or a projectile launch at your enemy (e.g. a car door). The shooting mechanics are accurate and deadly. Firearms and demon arms are both as lethal as each other.

Once combined you can take out  waves of enemies, in an entertaining but gory fashion. Adding to the experience, is the ability to dual wield any pistol or sub machine gun.  The Darkness II is shaping up to be a unique, must have shooter for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Watch this space as we approach February 10th 2012, when The Darkness II is released for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.

HK-47 from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

For me, one of the most memorable characters from modern video games is the HK-47 droid, first seen in Lucasarts’s 2003 RPG Knights of the Old Republic.

HK-47 is an assignation droid discovered by the main character, Revan, on the planet of Tatooine (where everything in Star Wars seems to happen).  Once his assassination protocols are re-activated, he becomes an invaluable party member – provided useful support in combat, as well as some genuine laugh-out-loud lines in the game. Two examples of these lines are when he appeared to be daydreaming, he responded with:

“I was having the most wonderful dream, a dream of killing all humans.  And I think you were in it”.

And when spoken to individually when in a party, he cheerfully responds:

“I am most eager to engage in some unadulterated violence.  At your command, of course, Master.”

Why I really like the character of HK-47 is because of the memorably psychotic dialogue – referring to all organic creatures as “meatbags”, and cheerfully encouraging  your character Reven to pick the most homicidal dialogue choice.  Should you help one group and they’ll give you what you want? Not if HK-47 had a choice.  As a character, he also particularly stands out in the sometimes rather po-faced Star Wars universe – his homicidal suggestions bringing some much needed levity to the game. Read More  »

The Postal Dude is back in the third instalment of the franchise, taking place in the fictional open world of Catharsis. Following the same formula of Postal 2, players will engage in day by day activities, doing various jobs to make ends meet.

Introducing a karma system, players can either help the police department or wreak havoc amongst the community. Choosing the latter will lead to a world of hatred towards you and a whole lot of enemies. Controversial characters such as Osama Bin Laden, make a return in Postal III.

Alongside the Al Qaeda is corrupt Government officials, crazy fast food mascots, Randy Jones of the Village People, Porn star Ron Jeremy, Film director Uwe Boll and Playboy Playmate Jennifer Walcott. Each Celebrity has a role in the game, Jennifer is the leader of the Postal babes, Ron is the Mayor and Randy is the leader of a biker gang for example.

Gore is an ever present feature in Postal III, with limbs exploding after every bullet. Postal Dude will have an arsenal of weapons at his disposal. Including, a machete, shovel, nightstick, Pistol, Shotgun, Assault Rifle, M-60, baseball bat, tazer, rocket launcher and a gasoline tank to name a few. 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  »

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  »

Warhammer 40,000 : Space Marine is a third person melee combat, shooter hybrid. Brilliantly fusing to the two together in a gore gushing action epic. At your disposal all times is the Chainsword, for up close and personal dismemberment. Attacking Orks lightly with this weapon stuns them, which can lead to a  brutal execution.

Weapons like the Bolt pistol, Heavy Bolter and Vengeance Launcher are also available, among others collectable throughout the game. The sheer amount of Orks attacking you is overwhelming and constantly keeps you switching between grenades, guns and melee combat.

Health is easy depleted by the hordes of Orks but can be regenerated by killing enemies. Fury mode gives you blind rage to kill anything in sight without affecting your health. Dishing out melee attacks or mowing down foes is always rewarding in Fury mode and is easily generated with every kill.

With a fantastic cinematic experience and an epic combat system second to none, you should watch this space. Warhammer 40,000 : Space Marine is released on 9th September 2011 for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

Specialist video game retailer GAME is holding its first Event, open exclusively to reward card holders. GAMEFest will take place at NEC Birmingham on 16th - 18th September.

You can expect to play games such as, Batman: Arkham City to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. It's great to see the giants of the games industry, finally visiting Birmingham for a change.

The prices are a steal, adults (Aged 12 onwards) can enter for £10 and Children (Aged 11 and under) for £5.

Feast your eyes on the list of games, from publishers attending GAMEFest:

Microsoft Xbox 360:

Gears of War 3

Sony Playstation 3:

Resistance: 3

Uncharted 3: Drakes Deception

Nintendo:

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Super Mario: 3D Land

MarioKart 7

Kid Icarus: Uprising

Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D

Activision:

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

EA:

Battlefield 3

Need for Speed: The Run

Fifa 12

Mass Effect: 3

THQ:

Saints Row: The Third

WWE 12

U Draw Game Tablet

Disney: Read More  »

Xbox 360 and PS3 owners will be able to play Batman: Arkham City in stereoscopic and anaglyphic (red and blue/green glasses) 3D, when it releases in the UK on October 21st 2011.  In other words anyone who invested into a 3D TV can don their shutter glasses, for a stereoscopic experience of breath taking environments in Arkham City.

Like the game of the year edition of Akrham Asylum,  gamers with a standard HDTV can also experience 3D. By wearing the anaglyphic red and blue/green 3D glasses.  It's not the same as stereoscopic 3D but it does the job on a budget. Check out our review of Arkham Asylum's anaglyphic experience here.

PC owners can also control the dark knight in 3D with Nvidia's 3D Vision PC's. The inclusion of PhysX and DirectX 11 effects, is an even better treat for PC gamers.  You can expect there to be more trash flowing in the streets and effects like fog to be present. Arkham City is getting closer to a game of the year award, with every announcement.  Check out yesterdays Mr. Freeze reveal right here.

Ubisoft's wild west series returns, with a new setting and plot. Revolving around three characters taking on the Cartel. In a modern twist on the wild west, the Cartel are today's outlaws and our protagonists are the law. With no demand for a present day western, how will this direction fair with the fans?

Firing up the campaign, your presented with the option to play as either Kim (FBI), Ben (LAPD) or Eddie (DEA). Each character has their own agenda (side objective) and will get a call from a friend or colleague. Requesting you to collect illegal guns from a scene or steal a surveillance tape for example.

You gain points for obtaining a secret item, which leads to unlocking new guns. While doing this you mustn't be seen by one of your partners. Getting caught sets you back and your partner, gets rewarded for catching you out. Only when your playing with a friend is this feature most effective. Sadly your A.I teams are blunt and won't bother, to carry out this objective.

Read More  »