gamecca magazine 56: february 2014

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Fight the good fight in AC4 Freedom Cry

Emancipation

Don’t Starve

Resogun

Contrast

and more...

For the Taking...Thief ’s long awaited return...

40 games to get in 2014Get Them!

Free Online Mag

www.gladgetmag.comSimplicity in information!

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Unwanted iPads can benefit children with autism

A Good Cause

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New technology at CES 2014Future Now

Africa’s medical imaging gets a boost

Looking WithinSe

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for 2014

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Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z

The Sims 3: Roaring Heights

Toukiden: The Age of Demons

Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes

MXGP: The Official Motocross Videogame

Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures

Wargame: Red Dragon

NASCAR ‘14

Don’t Starve

Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag - Freedom Cry

Resogun

Contrast

Warframe

War Thunder

DC Universe Online

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From the Editor

Game Write

What gamers really deserve...

The Shadows Beckon

The One True Keeper returns...

Previews

Some games to look forward to

The Soapbox

Oh, Michael...

40 Games to get in 2014

The games (that we know about) that we think will rock this year

Reviews

7 games investigated

A Year in Games

2004... gaming was awesome a decade ago

Hardware

Hardware that you need to have

Ramjet’s Rantality

Not really about apples, no...

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gamec c a56 5Copyright © 1337 Media CC 2009 - 2014

GAMECCA is published by 1337 MEDIA

Taking fun seriously!

All rights reserved. No content may be reproduced, copied or transmitted without the express permission of the publishers. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editors and publishers. All Trademarks and Registered Trademarks are the sole property of the respective owners.THIS MONTH’S COVER

Thief makes a welcome return this month!

See our feature on page 10.

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Inside

Editor:Walt [email protected]

Writers:Alex ScanlonCharlie FrippJames Francis Lein BaartNthato MorakabiRob EdwardsSuvesh ArumugamTauriq MoosaWalt Pretorius

Letters:[email protected]

Competition Entries:[email protected]

Newsletter Subscriptions:www.gameccamag.com

Design & Photography:1337 Media cc

Marketing Contact:Katia [email protected]

GAMECCA Vol. 5 Issue 56February 2014

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Get Ready...by Walt Pretorius

This has been one of those years that has been somewhat slow

to kick off. Sure, we’re only a month in, but if you change your angle slightly, it becomes “we’re already a month in”. January has been extremely quiet on the gaming front, filled with more anticipation than products. Still, there are eleven months yet to come, and the games start appearing soon. Things like Thief, Fable Anniversary, Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition and Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII are all on the cards for February, with even more to follow in March. So we sit at the brink of early-year gaming awesomeness right about now, holding our breath for numerous titles that will take our experiences even further, thanks to recently released new consoles.

Speaking of which, South Africa and a few other

territories around the globe are waiting in anticipation for a firm release date for the Xbox One. At present, all we can really say is that it is coming this year. But, as I said before, there are still 11 months to go in this year, and the end of it is a long way off. Hopefully we will get a little clarity on a firm release date soon – that would be enough for now. And besides which, Ramjet might blow a brain-gasket if we don’t.

Here at Gamecca, we are also anticipating a big year for our magazine and associated products. We will be offering a lot more this year, in terms of daily news, the return of our podcast and our video reviews, and a whole lot of other plans. Keep an eye on the official website (www.gameccamag.com) to find out more details as they become available.

From this end of the year, things are looking particularly

bright for gaming. There are awesome products on the way and while our South African Rand is looking a bit weak against the currencies that determine how much we pay for games, the stellar performance of the PS4 at retail up to this point implies that things are going to be fairly good for gaming here. We certainly hope so here at Gamecca, because our passion for gaming will only be fuelled even more by growth in our local market.

I hate to make predictions, though, because they are fragile things. So I will rather remain optimistic and hope for the best, both here in South Africa and the gaming world at large. What I can predict is that this year we will be focussing on growth and improved delivery of all kinds of content – just the kind of stuff we know our valued readers want. Keep an eye on this space! gF

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This week I came across your typical forum rant from the typical angry

gamer. In it, the individual screamed at the clouds of release dates and completion, pounding his fists on his keyboard to form vaguely comprehensible sentences demanding that Watch Dogs be released; demanding that Ubisoft say something because there’s been no official word since their blogpost about the delay.

Watch Dogs is one of the few reasons I get up in the morning - aside from cats, income & writing. When I first saw it, I was immediately obsessed and have remained a static tongue-rolling maniac whenever it is mentioned or shown.

I had budgeted and planned for the entirety of 2013 to acquire a PS4 specifically for Watch Dogs; had bought my first TV in anticipation as well as expensive Sennheiser headphones.

Then the delay happened. And bam: suddenly my efforts felt wasted, it felt like something had been stolen

even though I’d never even held it.

Of course, delays for me are (almost) always a good thing: It means the creators respects the game enough to release it “when it’s done”, rather than when it will make an income. I know – only secondhand - how hard it is to make a game, especially a game of the size, scale, and distinctiveness that is required for Watch Dogs. Indeed, Ubisoft took a hit to their stock when it was announced – and no doubt they knew this would happen – but they kept their resolve.

Acknowledging a developer’s need to delay a game I had been building my 2013 around didn’t mitigate my initial disappointment. Expectations are the bane of existence, especially when we’re given tastes of that which we desire.

I understand the frustration of encountering silence; of picking at the scabs of leaked release dates (March 2014 said one online retail store, before amending its page;

March 2014 said a preview in Official Xbox Magazine, etc… though, we know that just can’t be true; aided by the fact that the lead voice actor communicated May/June in a Tweet.)

But what I don’t understand has always been how some feel that because they’re sad, because they’re disappointed, this entitles them to digitally beat on creators.

You are not entitled to a game. You are owed nothing in this life, in general, let alone a digital space to kill make-believe people. You are not so hindered in your existence because someone amends a game, delays a game, critiques a game, that you can send death threats to developers, like Treyarch’s game design director David Vonderhaar; or rape threats to critics or writers like Anita Sarkeesian. This bizarre forum fury is precisely why its difficult for so many to take gaming seriously as a form of creative expression, wonder, and passion.

Again: I am so lacking in

life that my entire 2013 was dedicated to obtaining Watch Dogs on a next-gen console. I felt the delay more than most as any of my friends and my annoyed partner know – since I just never shut up about it (indeed, I wonder how many I’ve put off obtaining that game, due to constantly talking about it – er, sorry, Ubisoft!). Yet, this is not Ubisoft’s “fault” that I have so little else happening to me; that my social calendar is a countdown to when I can get alone time in Ubisoft’s beautiful recreated Chicago. I’m just another consumer – I do not own Ubisoft and I do not own Watch Dogs and they, importantly, do not own or owe me.

We are entitled to what we purchase: we are entitled to a proper functioning game. That is all. We are not entitled to a game now; we are not even entitled to quality! We are not special snowflakes in the marketplace, but another wallet. To forget that is to be an petulant child, not a thoughtful adult or consumer. This needs to stop.. g

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The views expressed in this column are not necessarily those of 1337 Media or Gamecca Magazine.

What Gamers are Owed...

by Tauriq Moosa

TIME TO LEVEL UPASUS Radeon R9 280X, R9 270X and R7 260X DirectCU II series graphics cards

Enjoy Faster, Quieter and Cooler Play How do ASUS engineers push Radeon R9 and R7 GPUs so much further? By �tting the R9 280X, R9 270X and R7 260X graphics cards with DirectCU II cooling technology — something no other manufacturer can do because DirectCU II is an ASUS exclusive.

Highly-conductive copper cooling pipes are put in direct contact with the GPU so heat is dissipated with extreme e�ciency. Compared with reference designs, ASUS R9 280X, R9 270X and R7 260X with DirectCU II allow the new Radeon GPUs to run up to 20% cooler and three times quieter. For you as a gamer, this means ultra-stable play with very low

noise.

R9 280X goes one step further, with an exclusive 10mm heat-pipe that transports 40% more heat away from its R9 GPU. What’s more, the surface area of

ASUS engineers also put lots of work into ensuring R9 280X, R9 270X and R7 260X will serve you long into the future, dust-proo�ng the cooling fans to signi�cantly reduced the build-up of debris — so your ASUS graphics card performs at its best for much longer.

As well, R9 280X is �tted with an exclusive ASUS CoolTech technology — a cool name for an exceedingly cool fan. This innovative cooler’s hybrid blade and bearing design, with inner radial blower and outer �ower-shaped blades, delivers multi-directional air�ow to accelerate heat

Finally, fans of ASUS graphics cards will be well aware of GPU Tweak — our fantastic tool that lets you control GPU and video-memory clock speeds and voltages, cooling-fan speeds and power consumption. It’s all controlled with an easy-to-use interface, so you no longer need to be an expert to overclock. You can even use the GPU Tweak Streaming feature to share on-screen action and messages live over the internet to let others can watch as you play!

It’s time for graphics cards that deliver more. It’s time for ASUS R9 280X, R9 270X and R7 260X.

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Overclock and Tweak with EaseR9 280X, R9 270X and R7 260X are equipped with exclusive with ASUS DIGI+ voltage regulation and Super Alloy Power technol-ogy. Solid-state capacitors, concrete-core chokes and hardened MOSFETs and DIGI+ VRM’s multi-phase power and digital voltage regulation ensure graphics card stability and clean power, even during the most intense gaming sessions. This great technology even reduces power noise by as much as 30%

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Accessible and intuitive graphics tuning for everyone

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The Return of the One True KeeperThe Shadows Beckon

by Lein

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of Thief’s gameplay, Thief 2 was by all definitions a pure stealth game, with none of the tacked-on combat levels of its predecessor. Once again stepping into the shoes of Garrett, even more cynical and jaded than before, The Metal Age took players through a treacherous tale of deceit, corruption and unbridled ambition in the City. The level design, as before, was fantastic, with extensive maps that contained a multitude of routes to most objectives. The A.I. had seen vast improvement, making for challenging scenarios that forced you to pay attention to the slightest of details, be it blood spilled on the floor from an arrow or an unconscious guard poorly hidden. All in all, with its expanded design, tweaks to its gameplay and intriguing plotline, Thief 2 proved to be the pinnacle of stealth gaming, though unfortunately this would not save series developer Looking Glass Studios from bankruptcy.

immensely to its immersion. What made The Dark Project truly special though was both its brilliant level design and superb setting. Taking the role of Garrett, a one-time Keeper who left to pursue his dreams of illicit wealth, Thief threw players into the murky metropolis known only as “the City”, a medieval steampunk settlement riddled with conflict between forces of chaos and order. It was a game that demanded patience and careful planning to proceed through its varied and vast levels, as while combat was an option, players quickly learned that that crossing swords was an easy invitation to a swift death. Stealth then was not an option so much as it was a demand, and the only blemish for an otherwise flawless title was that at certain times combat became unavoidable.

Thief 2: The Metal Age was quick to rectify these mistakes though. More a refinement than a revolution

For a fan of stealth games there are few things more appealing than the idea of a long, torturous wait, with hours spent crouched in shadows,

waiting for the best moment to strike or the perfect opportunity to flit to another darkened corner. Be it a mansion, warehouse or base, nothing is impenetrable, no matter how many weary eyes patrol the corridors. You are a ghost, passing through with barely a whisper to mark your presence, and if you are seen, you are the last sight they will ever behold. It’s a style of gaming that has remained almost unchanged for the last fifteen years, and whether it is a spy, assassin or commando, there is one character that they will always owe some part of their heritage to: the thief.

In many ways 1998 can be considered the birth of the stealth genre. The years preceding it had seen

a drastic improvement in gaming hardware across the spectrum, and developers were racing to take explore the possibilities that had opened up. The honours for the first 3D stealth game belong to Tenchu: Stealth Assassins, which was closely followed by the now iconic Metal Gear Solid. It was Thief: The Dark Project though that truly embraced what are now considered to be the core fundamentals of a stealth game, and in doing so created a legacy that all such titles still look to.

What made The Dark Project so revolutionary was its utilisation of available technology. It was the first game to actually make use of shadows and lighting as core mechanics, which complimented the advanced audio simulation that was likewise integral to the gameplay. It was also the first stealth game to play from a first person perspective, a unique design for the time that added


want the authentic Thief experience, it should be noted that all of the new abilities and mechanics are completely optional.

The release of Thief then has many fans of the franchise waiting with baited breath. The stealth genre is a different beast nowadays, and never has the appellation of “action stealth” been more appropriate, with true stealth gameplay relegated to a favoured option rather than an absolute necessity. While the changes that have been revealed have left many feeling worried, Eidos Montreal have proven their mettle when it comes to reboots, and there are few doubts that Thief is in capable hands. Garrett’s latest iteration looks to be as silent and invisible as ever, still the ghost just out of sight. The master has come home, the valuables are waiting and what’s yours is mine. g

a pure stealth game, as combat is now viable approach. Finally the inclusion of the “Focus” ability, which will cause time to slow down as well as highlight objects of interest, has had many fans trembling for fear of the demise of an icon is gaming history.

There is however more than enough reason to hope that Thief will be everything old-school gamers want it to be. To start with, the game looks simply amazing, with the City brought to life in all its shadowy glory in a sumptuous display of visual prowess. Garrett is appears more skilled and adept than ever, as gameplay videos have revealed the master thief to possess a fluidity and grace that makes his old incarnations seem clumsy by comparison. Likewise, the focus is still firmly on stealth, with Eidos Montreal promising that combat should be a last resort rather than a first choice. And for those that

It would be four long years before gamers would see the next Thief title hit the shelves. With the series having been picked up by Ion Storm Austin, which had brought over many former Looking Glass Studios employees, Thief: Deadly Shadows marked a new stage in the evolution of the franchise. Gone was the set mission progression of previous titles, with Ion Storm instead opting to allow players to explore the City in what would now be termed an open-world game. Hampered by the lack of technology to support it, most conspicuous in the long loading times when moving between rather small districts, it was an intriguing concept that ultimately did not live up to its potential. At its core though Deadly Shadows was nevertheless a Thief game, with Garrett, the always unwilling anti-hero, still vulnerable as ever to the predations of all too

twitchy guardsmen. While the game was noticeably easier than before missions remained as tense as ever, largely due to their unnerving atmosphere, and the plot was just as enthralling.

All things considered then there must be an immense weight on Eidos Montreal’s shoulders to get the newest entrant into the series, Thief, right. It’s been nearly a decade since the last release, and as with any reboot, it’s a perilously thin-edge between maintaining the integrity of the franchise while updating it for newer audiences. As usual there have been a number of announcements that have caused outrage in the gaming community, not least of which was the decision to replace long time voice actor Stephen Russell with Romano Orzari, mainly due to the performance capture used in development. Thief will also be conforming to modern standards in that it is no longer

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Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden ZBecause every game needs zombies!

The Sims 3: Roaring HeightsYet another expansion...

Metal Gear Solid V: Ground ZeroesThe prequel sequel

Pac-Man and the Ghostly AdventuresHe’s back!

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The long wait is almost over… well, it feels longer than it really is. But the awesome gaming goodness that we know will be accompanying the newest consoles and top-

notch PC hardware is almost here. So, in the meantime, check out these titles, to help you plan your buying for the next few months…... g

Highlights

Thief © 2014 Square Enix Ltd. All rights reserved. Developed by Eidos-Montréal. THIEF, the THIEF logo, EIDOS-MONTRÉAL and the EIDOS logo are trademarks of Square Enix Ltd. SQUARE ENIX and the SQUARE ENIX logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. “ ”, “Playstation” and “ ” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. “ ” is a trademark of the same company. AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, Radeon and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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Could there be anything better?

Ninjas & Zombiesby Charlie Fripp

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However, there is one difference - Ultimate Technique mode has been replaced with Bloodlust which, when activated, allows Yaiba to decimate multiple enemies around him in quick succession.

In terms of zombies, there will also be a number of different kind, all with different abilities. While the standard infected will be enough of a headache, there are Electric Infected, Burning Infected, Toxic Infected and even The Terrible Two - the result of an experiment gone horribly wrong, this two-headed monster is as big and destructive as a tank.

The Ninja Gaiden franchise has been known as being one of the more difficult games to master, but fans of the franchise should definitely get this one. g

agrees to work with the organisation to exact his revenge against Ryu, while also agreeing to help put a stop to the spread of zombie infection.

“Only now, a zombie outbreak threatens to plunge the world into darkness. Now literally and figuratively armed by cutting-edge technology, he’ll have to carve a path through legions of grotesque and deformed undead to reach Ryu Hayabusa. With Hayabusa racing against time to determine the source of the infection, Yaiba must leave his own parallel trail of destruction if he’s to exact his revenge,” developers Team Ninja stated.

Ninja Gaiden Z takes on the same combat system as before, with a score multiplier on the right-hand of the screen accumulates the player’s hit-count on the enemy.

The Ninja Gaiden franchise has come a very long way: the first title was released in 1988 on NES, and followed up with Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark

Sword of Chaos in 1990. From there, the series has just expanded, being released on almost all platforms known to entertainment... aAlthough, the franchise had a dry spell from 1995 to 2004, when no new titles were released.

Sticking to the original hack-and-slash format, players of the series can look forward to a new iteration: Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z, set to be released in March. This time, gamers will take control of the powerful ninja Yaiba Kamikaze.

According to sources, “he was once part of a clan that

tested the abilities of its ninja by putting them up against a highly skilled member, in this case being Yaiba himself. However, he eventually grew tired of his weak apprentices and decided to massacre his clan and leaving the survivors to their deaths.”

Riding high on his victory, he challenges Ninja Gaiden mainstay Ryu Hayabusa. As the dust settles on their epic battle, Yaiba realises that he has lost the fight, with Ryu managing to cut off him arm and injuring his eye.

One mysterious organization later, and Yaiba has his arm and eye replaced with mechanical replicas. While working for the organization, he learns of an outbreak – and here is where the title gets interesting: zombies.

Still reeling from his defeat again the great Ryu, he

Genre: Action

By combining a great franchise with zombies is either a good thing, or very bad.

Developer:Publisher:Distributer:

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Even though there is a fourth version of The Sims on the way later this year, EA are still keeping the Sims 3

juggernaut rolling, with a new expansion due (theoretically) this month. The Sims 3: Roaring Heights is named after a whole new location that players will be able to explore and populate with their little “enjoyment-slaves”. Roaring Heights presents a new city, resplendent with Art Deco skyscrapers and tons of new locations.

One of the big punts that Roaring Heights is getting is the new Fixer-Upper Car. This will be a project for Sims to undertake, restoring a messed up classic vehicle to its former glory before taking it out on the town.

And Roaring Heights will also be a shopping destination for your Sims. There will be dozens of new customisation and fashion items (read as clothes and furniture) available only in Roaring Heights, adding to the already massive collection of stuff you can gleefully clutter your little computer people’s lives with.

And for veterans of the franchise – at least for those that played The Sims 2 – some familiar faces, in the form of the Capp Family, will make a return in Roaring Heights.

This expansion will present players with a thrilling new beach-side city, as well as a lot of new things to get up to, new Sims to meet and lots more. Pretty much like almost every other Sims 3 expansion, really... g

Another expansion for the massive Sims 3 collection

High on Lifeby Walt Pretorius

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Genre: Simulation

Another expansion gets added to the ever growing Sims 3 pile... this time with a new city and vehicle restoration projects.


MaxisElectronic ArtsEA South Africa

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Slayers – a group of clandestine warriors of an ancient era tasked with the protection of the human race from the

demonic beings known as the Oni. The Slayers have continually sought to serve the human race, keeping in the shadows of history. That is until that fateful day when the earth was ripped open, timing warping beyond all recognition as the borders between the human world and the home of the Oni merged into one. This catastrophe was known as the Awakening. Eight years later, a warrior rises from the assembly of Slayers and is thrust into the front lines of the feud, on a mission to bring to an end the Oni menace.

Players create their own custom warrior, either male or female, with various customizable options to fill the role of the warrior that must take on the Oni fiends for the sake of mankind. Players will also be able to forge and upgrade their weapons and characters as they see fit. There will be several weapons to choose from, each one varying in attack technique and special attributes.

A number of Slayers will assist players through the campaign, powerful warriors each with their own unique personalities and sets of skills that sets them apart. These Slayers can be upgraded with strong battle abilities that will allow them to either defeat smaller Oni with a single blow or severe the body parts of larger Oni, along with various other abilities.

A series of fighting arenas will be available for play, each one representing an era from Japanese history though contorted by the demonic miasma. Perfect battlegrounds for a title that looks worth getting into. g

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Rise of a hero against the demonic hordes.

Against the Darkness

by Nthato Morakabi

Toukiden: The Age of D

emons

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Genre: Action

Eight years after the events of the Awakening, a warrior takes to the front lines, battling against demonic hordes as part of the warriors - Slayers.


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Mixing up the formula

The Return of Snake

by Lein Baart

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frankly jaw dropping Fox Engine. While screenshots and trailers are always a dubious source of information, if the final product is even close to the images released, Ground Zeroes should be a veritable visual feast. According to Kojima the engine was designed with current/old gen hardware in mind, so for the vast majority of gamers that still have to upgrade, Ground Zeroes should not be a grudge buy.

In many ways Metal Gear Solid 5 looks to be a title(s) that is set to align the series with modern standards and expectations. Yet despite this, there is enough experimentation and innovation in the game that any gamer should feel more than a twinge of anticipation for its release. g

More unusualness abounds in that Ground Zeroes will serve as the “prologue” to the second Metal Gear 5 release planned for this year, namely The Phantom Pain. What this actually means in terms of game length remains to be seen, but Ground Zeroes is to be launched as a stand-alone title. Following on from Peace Walker, the game will see you once again step into the role of Snake (a.k.a. Big Boss), with many of the characters from the prequel set to make a return. Despite the non-linear nature of the mission structure, Kojima has assured players that they will still “understand the encompassing message by the end”, and fans should expect the same level of intricate plot weaving as before.

Supporting all this genre-defying craziness will be the

The Metal Gear franchise is one that is virtually impossible to explain to those that have never picked up one its innumerable iterations.

Steeped in gaming myth, and having trod the twisted paths of Hideo Kojima’s imagination, simply having the series explained to you will do nothing to alleviate the headache caused by trying to grasp a franchise that is close to three decades old. Newcomers should not despair though, as Metal Gear 5: Ground Zeroes’ release is just around the corner, and Kojima is seemingly doing everything he can to pull in a younger generation.

While this might cause no small amount of trepidation for existing fans of the franchise, Ground Zeroes looks

to be a genuinely exciting addition to the venerable series. Despite the elaborate measures employed to conceal its development, enough details have been revealed to paint a picture of a Metal Gear release that wants to put aside the stealth-heavy aspects of earlier titles in favour of a more action orientated approach seen in modern “stealth” games. To compliment this a whole host of new mechanics will make an appearance, including slow motion executions and regenerating health, giving the game a decidedly Splinter Cell: Conviction slant. Add to this an open world structure, non-linear mission selection and the inclusion of a day/night cycle, and suddenly Ground Zeroes seems to be a very different beast than the Metal Gear games that came before it.

Genre: Stealth Action

What should be a worthy addition to the series, Ground Zeroes looks set to welcome a new generation to the world of Metal Gear


Kojima ProductionsKonamiSter Kinekor

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There are a number of motorcycle racing games on the market for various platforms, but while they are fun to play,

they aren’t very engaging and often a more arcade version of the real thing. Well, MXGP is setting out to change that stereotype.

Being the official videogame of Motocross circuit, it features 60 officially licenced riders and bikes, 14 tracks based on their real-world counterparts, and rider will have to race according to the rules from the official MX1 and MX2 2013 FIM Motocross World Championship.

Having a reputation to uphold, the title aims to project all aspects of the sport as realistically as possible, and developer Milestone claims that it will feature realistic bike physics, rider motion-captured animations, dirt systems, and a new terrain deformation system.

While there will be single races available, the title will also feature a career mode, where riders will be able to sign racing contracts with Official MX Teams, and then depending on their results, have to race for the championship.

In terms of controls, on the PlayStation 3 version the title has been developed with support for Dual Stick controls, so players can control both riders and motorbike. The left analogue stick controls the motorbike and the right one controls the rider’s weight distribution.

Graphically from what we have seen, the title provides detailed visuals on the riders, bikes and surrounding. If the title delivers on all of their promises, it might just be one of the better Motocross games available, as the rest have been lacklustre in design and physics. It could be worth keeping an eye on this one. g

Around the track we shall go

Kicking Up Dustby Charlie Fripp

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Genre: Racing

It might just be a motocross game that is pretty good.


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Q2 2014

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Betrayus, the ruler of Netherworld, and his army of evil minions are on a mission to take over PacWorld one ghost at a

time and it is up to Pac-man, Cylindria and Spiral to save the day. The trio must work together to keep PacWorld safe, sending Betrayus’ minions and the cowardly Betrayus crawling back to Netherworld. Using the amazing Power Berries to gain cool abilities, Pac-man and his buddies must also fight to prevent the Power Berries from falling into the hands of the sinister Betrayus and his minions.

Players will take control of Pac-man and traverse through the series of levels throughout PacWorld, gobbling up the various ghosts. The playful Pacman will wiggle his tongue to scare enemies silly, turning them blue and edible. Through the use of Power Berries, Pac-man will transform into various forms depending on the berry consumed. Metal Pac will allow players to attach onto magnetized platforms, Ice Pac freezes enemies, Fire Pac toasts enemies and Chameleon Pac turns invisible and is able to swing from poles using Chameleon Pac’s tongue to reach new areas as some of the possible abilities.

Players will be able to either tackle the Single Player Campaign, fighting for freedom, friendship and future, with the defeat of Betrayus and his minions or they could compete against 3 other friends in a multiplayer chase. The multiplayer chase pits each player against one another in a race to see who will catch Pac first.

Players will visit slime infested ruins, dark caverns and a spherical, colourful city, amongst others, as they embark on Pac-man’s biggest adventure with classic Pac-man gameplay restyled for an epic three dimensional game. g

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Berry power Pac-ing a punch

With a Twistby Nthato Morakabi

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Genre: Action-Adventure

Pac-man and his two friends protect PacWorld from the ghosts of Netherworld by ingesting berries that give them powers and taking on the evil Betrayus.


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Mar 2014

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The real-time strategy game of yesteryear is a dying breed it seems. Gone are the days of precisely timed build orders,

turtling and rushes, and while older gamers may weep for a sub-genre crushed by the weighty march of progress, it’s undeniable that real-time tactical games have more than competently filled the void.

Considering the Wargame franchise’s relative obscurity, Wargame: Red Dragon may not be a title that will have armchair generals slavering in anticipation, however it is a game that looks to offer more than enough to get strategy pundits excited. Eugen Systems, the developers behind the highly innovative R.U.S.E., are set to release their third instalment in as many years, and Red Dragon is shaping up to be every bit as good as its predecessors.

Set in the tail-end of the Cold War between 1975 and 1991, Red Dragon, as the title may imply, will be shifting the action to Asia, in the process adding five new nations and more than 450 units. The highlight of sequel though will be the addition of naval and amphibious units, just to add another layer of complexity to a series known for bombarding its players with stats and measurements.

Red Dragon also has more to offer than pure numbers though, as the single-player campaign, always the weakest element of the franchise, looks to be getting a thorough working over, while multiplayer should offer the same dauntingly intricate and refined strategy experience as ever. It won’t be a game for the faint of heart or the easily bored, but for those that love strategy and immensely deep gameplay, Red Dragon is definitely a title to keep your eye on. g

The cold war with a side of wasabi

Numbercruncher’s Dream

by Lein Baart

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Genre: Real-Time Tactics

Red Dragon is a game that looks to be as rewarding and sophisticated as its prequels, provided you’re willing to master its complexities


Eugen SystemsFocus Home InteractiveApex Interactive

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TBC 2014

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There are some folks out there that think NASCAR racing is about driving fast and turning left. But this

sport is a lot more complex than just that, and has a truly massive fan following. So large, in fact, that Deep Silver and Eutechnyx decided to allow fans to vote on who would grace the cover of the 2014 edition of their NASCAR game. With more than 700 000 votes cast, the honour went to three time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart.

The new game will allow players to not only work through an extensive and detailed career mode, but will also allow them to recreate some of the greatest moments of the NASCAR season… right down to exact car and track conditions. Naturally official teams and tracks will also be present in the game, giving the player the opportunity to race against virtual versions of top notch NASCAR drivers.

Multiplayer will enable players to enjoy drop-in and drop-out races against enthusiasts from around the world, as well as establish leagues (which will be fully supported by all manner of leader boards and statistics).

While American sports are a little niche here in South Africa, NASCAR ’14 promises to be an extremely detailed driving simulator in which the smallest of adjustments could make all the difference. You may not be a fan of the sport, but if you’re a petrol head the attention to detail might just be right up your alley. g

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Not just about driving in circles…

Round the Bendby Walt Pretorius

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Genre: Racing

Car enthusiasts will likely find the attention to detail in this title rather thrilling.


EutechnyxDeep SilverApex Interactive

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Feb 2014

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Let’s face it, being famous can suck. Despite your many

achievements, successes and popularity, one small public (or even private) slip up and you’re the butt of every joke and the subject of every meme for the next 3 months. Shia Lebeuof set the Twittersphere alight when he blatantly plagiarised graphic novel author Daniel Clowes for a short film he produced. The Hollywood star then plagiarised a public apology from Yahoo! Answers, adding further fuel to the fire. Although the actor later claimed that this was part of a “performance art” performance designed to launch his #stopcreating campaign, it seems like no one really bought it. Madonna has been

in similar hot water for posting pictures of her son, Rocco, posing with alcohol and using the N word to describe him in her posts.

But nobody has tickled the funny bones of the internet community as much as Hollywood director Michael Bay. The famous filmmaker was invited by electronics giant Samsung to help them launch their new range of HD curved screens to the public at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2014 in Las Vegas. The man who brought the world Armageddon, Transformers and will soon be re-inventing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was all thumbs when he stepped out on stage in front of the crowd and then gradually had a mini-melt down which eventually led to him

unceremoniously walking off again, leaving Samsung Exec Joe Stanziano to pick up the pieces. Bay later claimed that he skipped a line of scripted dialogue on the teleprompter, which caused the fiasco. The teleprompter operator clearly tried to compensate, at which Bay tried to ad lib, but eventually gave up and stalked off.

Although Bay posted an apology and his embarrassment, this didn’t prevent a tsunami of parodies. In fact, over 25,000 people tweeted about Bay’s faux pas. The next day saw another 36,000 tweets keeping the joke alive. While some of us might have been relieved to have the focus on Bay distract people from the antics at our former president’s state

funeral, this tweet just shattered that dream:

“Michael Bay melted down in Vegas after his teleprompter malfunctioned. He should have hired sign-language interpreter from South Africa”

Here another one I enjoyed:

Michael Bay runs off stage cause he cant read teleprompter...Least Shia Lebeuof can memorize lines he didn’t write”

But the cherry on the top was Tina Fey’s parody of him at the Golden Globe awards, saying that Michael Bay had described the next award presenters as “Umm … Aaah … I can’t do this”.

Cheer up, Michael, we pretty sure all of this will be forgotten once you get Optimus Prime back on our screens! g

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Bay Dot Bomb

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by Suvesh Arumugam

Ah, yes, there are still 11 months ahead of us in 2014 and, seeing as how there haven’t seen many releases in January, that means there’s a whole lot of great gaming still on the way. We know this for a fact, and so we decided to present our beloved readers with 40 games that they should keep their eyes out for in 2014.Why 40? Why not? It seems like a good round number, and let’s be honest… 40 games would keep you good and busy. But these aren’t the only games coming this year. We might get twice, or even three times as many. We can’t be sure, because some of the announcements haven’t been made yet, release dates have yet to be firmed up on a lot of titles, and some publishers are playing their cards very close to their chests.So while you go through our aplhabetical list of awesome, bear in mind that – in this wonderfully exciting industry – things can (and do) change all the time. The list we have is based on the time of writing, and anything can (and might just happen).That said, it’s time for us to get to the…

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Child of Light

Dark Souls 2

So when someone says “Alien” in the same breath as “video game” we generally start cringing. Let’s face it, the attempts to bring the USCMC of the second movie (Aliens) to life have generally been a little… well, sucky. But this time around the developers are returning to the roots of the series – the first film – and putting the player in the role of a lone character, doing battle against a lone alien. Brutal, scary stuff, potentially…

Be the bad guy… well, that’s a first in the Castlevania franchise. This time around, you’ll get to be Dracula himself, and sow some undead chaos in the gothic-horror world. We’re basing our excitement on the previous Lords of Shadow game, which was pretty damned sweet when all is said and done.So get ready to quaff some blood, develop some vampiric powers and re-enter the gothic-horror world of Castlevania! Soon, too…

Alien: Isolation

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2

Ubisoft tend to do a wide array of games really well, which makes us optimistic for Child of Light. This reimagining of classic fairy tales sees the player take the role of Aurora, a child stolen from home and challenged with exploring a dark and mysterious world. Accompanied by her firefly sidekick, Aurora will engage in JRPG style combat and discover a whole bunch of mysteries, all the while learning about herself. Sounds intriguing…

So for the more masochistic players out there, From Software is making another game that will see you getting dead a lot. Following the trend set by the popular, agonisingly tough first game, Dark Souls 2 will challenge players on every level, show no forgiveness and leave very little room for error. And, as to be expected, it will be set in thrilling dark fantasy world, crammed with treasures and monsters keen to snack on your character.

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Dragon Age III: Inquisition

Driveclub

Bungie (the guys who made Halo) and Activision will be joining forces for Destiny, an action adventure will a compelling sci-fi-setting. As a defender of the last human city, you will travel throughout the solar system doing battle with humanities enemies and discovering cool stuff.This massive game will also feature a high degree of customisation, allowing players to stamp their own mark on what promises to be an exciting universe.

Part of the excitement for this title stems from the fact that the Wii U desperately needs good games… and Donkey Kong always delivers. In this platforming romp, players will take on Vikings who have taken over Donkey Kong’s tropical home. Hey, why not? The hero’s a giant ape, after all. Dynamic, transforming levels will add a new twist to the experience, which is spread across five different islands. And there will be co-op multiplayer, too.

Destiny

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

BioWare very seldom disappoint, but we’re also hoping that they can make up a bit for the last Dragon Age game. The world will be full of adventure and action, with outcomes affected by the player’s actions. It will also be an open world, driven by the Frostbite 3 engine (so at least we know it will look good). And with fantasy RPG games being a little out of vogue, apparently, it will be a welcome return to the genre for fans.

With GT6 not making it on to the PS4, Sony’s newest console needs an exclusive driving game. And Driveclub looks pretty exciting. It’s all about driving awesome cars, of course, but it’s also about sharing the experience with friends. To this end, Driveclub will be something of a vehicular MMO, with players constantly connected to online servers for an enhanced experience. It sounds pretty promising, as long as they get the physics right…

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Fable Anniversary

inFamous: Second Son

It’s gonna be a long night… Dying Light places the player in the role of a survivor of a vicious outbreak. In this first-person survival horror, players will spend the day scavenging for parts and supplies, and the night trying to survive the onslaught of aggressive undead hordes and other predators. Weapon crafting, four different playable characters and more zombies than you can shake a spiked, electrified stick at… we think it sounds awesome!

EA Sports did a great job with boxing in Fight Night, but Mixed Martial Arts was always better left to THQ. Now that THQ is gone and EA have snapped up the coveted UFC license, they’re looking to step up their game and deliver a new UFC title that is brutal and realistic. This includes the first-time use of full body deformation, which will add even more realism thanks to the power of the latest consoles. We’re excited to see what EA Sports does with this...

Dying Light

EA Sports UFC

The original Fable might not have delivered on all of its promises, but it was still a pretty awesome game. And it’s getting a make-over. Changes to the rerelease of the original will include improved graphics, an improved interface and a more seamless experience, Smartglass supports and… wait for it… achievements. This last one is quite a thing for fans, because the original game never had them. And we all love chasing achievements, don’t we?

While inFamous fans may wail at the fact that Cole McGrath has been replaced by a dude wearing a beanie for this latest instalment of the inFamous franchise, Second Son is about so much more than poor headwear choices. Using the power of the PS4, this game promises a massive, super-powered punch in virtually every field, and should leave fans of free-roaming action titles breathless. And it’s just around the corner…

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LEGO: The Hobbit

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA to their friends) games are extremely popular, so it’s a no-brainer to smash a popular genre into a popular license and see what happens. Infinite Crisis will be a super-hero flavoured MOBA, and a DC Universe flavour to be specific. Various character have already been announced for the game, including Batman, Catwoman, Joker, Wonder Woman and, of course, Superman. It looks like great fun, and it’s going to be free-to-play, too!

It may have seemed ridiculous at first, but the recipe of combining Disney properties with a Final Fantasy style world really worked. 11 years after the first game was released, the third core title in the Kingdom Hearts franchise will see a mature Sora once again teaming up with Disney characters to save the day. There really is a charm to doing combat using Goofy and Donald Duck, and fans of this unusual franchise will likely be thrilled with this new adventure.

Infinite Crisis

Kingdom Hearts 3

Is anyone really surprised by this? They shouldn’t be – LEGO The Hobbit is, quite frankly, a no-brainer for Warner Bros and Traveller’s Tales, and will no doubt present the player with tons of stud-grabbing, brick-building action. And we’re fine with that, because LEGO games are getting better and better – just look at Marvel Super Heroes as an example.While we don’t know too much yet, it’s pretty safe to assume that this title will follow the expected LEGO formula and will be great fun.

While a direct Final Fantasy sequel is a rare thing, it doesn’t herald the end of the world. Not our world, at least… in Lightning Returns, the player will take control of the titular character in a bid to save a doomed world from destruction. Possibly most exciting is the new battle system the game will bring in to play, which will give the player more direct control over Lightning. Fans should be rejoicing…

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Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Why haven’t they made this game before? Players will take on the role of the iconic Mad Max in an action-packed wasteland romp that will include scavenging, fighting and tons of driving. Max’s car will be the player’s greatest achievement, with tons of mods and upgrades available for the all-important vehicle.Intense exploration of a massive world will also provide players with tons to do, find and fight. We’re thinking… awesome…

Mario Kart has been the definitive kart racing game for… well, pretty much for as long as there have been kart games. In this eighth instalment, players will be able to get all gravity-defying, with the ability to race up walls and even over ceilings. That means great 3D courses, And, of course, favourites from previous versions, like plane and submarine races, will also be making a return. And, as a bonus, it’s a potentially great game for Wii U owners.

Mad Max

Mario Kart 8

There will be two Metal Gear Solid V releases this year, with Ground Zeroes acting as a prologue for The Phantom Pain. And it will bring some new ideas with it. For example, this will be the first MGS game that features open-world design, allowing players to complete missions in the way that they want – rather than being forced into anything. Also, it will offer main missions and side tasks, for even more sneaky action.

Following on the heels of Ground Zeroes, The Phantom Pain will take players back into the world of Snake. While there are not too many details floating around at the moment, one can only assume that ideas introduced in Ground Zeroes – like open world game play – will permeate The Phantom Pain. It will also be powered by Kojima’s new FOX engine, so we’re sure it’s gonna look awesome as well as be great fun to play.

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Plants VS Zombies: Garden Warfare

Quantum Break

The most difficult murder to solve would be your own. Well, that’s what players will get to do in Murdered: Soul Suspect. Playing as the recently deceased Ronan O’Connor, players will have to investigate their own murder in order to free their soul from limbo.It’s an interesting concept, and one that we think holds tons of potential. And with Square Enix at the publishing wheel, it should prove to be an excellent experience.

There are few games that will give players as much option as Project Spark. In fact, it almost isn’t even a game at all – instead, Project Spark is a product that will allow players to create all manner of digital content, including games.And it will give the player far more control than Minecraft or LittleBigPlanet. Additionally, it will be community driven, with users able to share content freely. It’s going to be interesting to see what results come out of this one.

Murdered: Soul Suspect

Project Spark

Take all the addictive action that made Plants VS Zombies so popular and combine it with one of the most popular game genres – shooters. That’s the recipe for Plants VS Zombies: Garden Warfare, and we’re pretty sure it’s going to be crazy. There aren’t a whole lot of details yet, but we do know that the game will include 24-player multiplayer, 4 player online co-op and customisation options. Time to lock and load, plant warriors.

We all know what happens when they base games on movies, or movies on games… but Quantum Break will be a very different idea. Instead on being based on each other, the game and associated TV series will affect each other, with player decisions changing the show and the show changing the game. It’s ambitious, and the idea of the holistic entertainment experience is extremely exciting. We can’t wait to see how this plays out.

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The Crew

The Division

Rime tells the tale of a boy who needs to escape from a mysterious island by way of exploration and puzzle-solving. This cel-shaded adventure will tell its story without spoken narrative, and has been influenced by a wide variety of things, including films like Spirited Away and artworks by Salvador Dali.It has already been compared to Team ICO, Journey and Wind Waker – we’re pretty sure it is going to be a unique and powerful experience.

Written and voiced by Matt Stone and Trey Parker (the creators of South Park) this game will smack of authenticity. The player will take a highly customisable character into the world of South Park, visiting familiar locations and interacting with well-known characters in their quest to become cool. A massive arsenal will also be available in the quasi-fantasy quest, which is sure to be crammed with off-colour humour and awesome fun.

Rime

South Park: The Stick of Truth

Ubisoft are finally going to take on the street-racing genre, and we’re pretty interested to see what the results will be. The Crew is an ambitious game that will take players across the USA in a bid to infiltrate a notorious street-racing game. Seamless multiplayer, customisable vehicles and varied terrains will be the order of the day in this action packed racer, which will also feature companion apps to make sure the action goes wherever you are.

When New York City is decimated by a lethal virus, basic services and society breaks down. The Division, a top secret team of operatives, is activated by the President, and take to the once-familiar streets of this giant city to deal with this emergency situation.Bearing the Tom Clancy name, The Division promises to be action packed, tense and realistic. Exploration and RPG-style progression will add to what undoubtedly will be an action-packed thrill-ride.

PS4

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The Order: 1886

The Sims 4

Set around 1 000 years before the events in Skyrim, The Elder Scrolls Online is a much anticipated MMORPG that many are calling a potential WoW-killer. With a rich legacy spanning 20 years, this franchise seems made for an MMO environment, and a perpetual single-server will automatically place players with friends and like-minded players in this ambitious fantasy adventure. Deep customisation will also allow players to leave their mark on the vast world of Tamriel.

From Shinji Mikami, the creator of the Resident Evil series, comes a game that revitalises pure survival horror, combined with incredible graphics. When a homicide detective gets trapped in a strange, horrific world while investigating a mass murder, it is up to the player to survive a tortured and twisted world.We’re hoping that this game lives up to its promises and gives us a real survival horror experience… we’ve missed them!

The Elder Scrolls Online

The Evil Within

We love the idea of alternate histories, and The Order: 1886 will deliver just that. Set in a different version of Victorian London, this game will fuse technology and mythology in a tale that rewrites familiar history with strange twists. Playing as a member of an elite order of knights, the player will undertake missions in a world with gadgets and tech that never existed, and populated by mythological beings. It looks pretty exciting.

Sims fans, pay attention. The newest version of your favourite addiction will show improvements across the board, from improved AI to better tools and more intuitive, “hands-on” character creation. It’s hardly surprising to see that there is a new Sims game on the way, even as new expansions for The Sims 3 continue to roll out. And we’re pretty sure that the improvements to the title are going to amaze players the world over.

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Titanfall

Tropico 5

The good news is that there is a new Witcher game on the way. The bad news is that this title will be the final game in the series. But it also looks like it will be the most ambitious – and that’s really saying something. A true open-world environment will await players as the non-linear story evolves. Players will be provided with a massive world to explore, and tons of RPG-style action to enjoy as Geralt’s adventures come to a close.

We’ve waited a very long time for Garrett, the Master Thief who introduced us to stealth gaming long ago, to make his return. The release of Thief is just around the corner, and the stealth-centric game is sure to thrill many with its massive setting and challenging dynamics – not to mention a great story. We’ve been away from Thief’s steam-punk inspired universe for far too long, so this journey should be a great combination of new experiences and nostalgia.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Thief

Titanfall will take players to an all-new universe in which battle is done on-foot, or in 24 foot tall combat machines. The fast-paced action will demand a lot from players, who will need to change tactics on the fly as their situation alters during the course of battle.This is a multiplayer only game, but it will also combine elements usually found in single player experiences, making Titanfall a forward-thinking, exciting sci-fi action shooter.

Tropico has always been a unique management experience, and this fifth instalment will be no different. Running from the 19th to the 21st Century, the game will allow players to create the ultimate banana republic, complete with corruption, nepotism and scandal. The game will also allow up to four players to co-operate (or compete) in multiplayer for the first time in the franchise’s history. It looks like El Presidente is getting another term in office.

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Wolfenstein: The New Order

Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z

Street Fighter IV fans will be thrilled to hear that the Ultra edition will add five new characters (for a total of 44 playable fighters) and six new environments to this extremely popular fighting title. In addition, the developers have addressed numerous balancing and dynamic issues in this version, and have worked several new game modes into the mix as well. What it all adds up to is the ultimate Street Fighter experience, coming soon.

Anticipation for Ubisoft’s new free-roaming hacking action title is at fever-pitch, thanks to a last minute delay late in 2013. Players will be able to take to the streets of a virtual Chicago and experience the illicit world of hacking in this exciting title. A massive world and top-notch technology will drive it forward, and we’re pretty sure that Watch_Dogs will be up for numerous awards at the end of the year. Get hacking!

Ultra Street Fighter IV

Watch_Dogs

The original FPS returns with a twist: this alternate history supposed that the Nazi’s won World War II, and that the world is a very different place. Set in Europe in 1960, The New Order will see the hero, BJ Blazkowicz, take on the global Nazi government and its merciless troops in a game that borders on sci-fi and is sure to be crammed with awesome action… all brought to life by id’s Tech 5 engine.

What’s better than a ninja game? A cyber-ninja game… with zombies! And that’s exactly what you’ll be getting with this title. Not only will it follow the expected brutality of a Ninja Gaiden game, but you’ll even be able to tear bits off of zombies and use them as weapons. Zombie arm nunchuks, anyone? You bet, and a whole lot more. One thing’s for sure… it’s going to be gory and very, very violent…

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PC | PS4 | XO | PS3 | X360

PC | PS4 | XO | PS3 | X360

PS3 | X360

ETA: Q3 2014

ETA: Q1 2014 ETA: Mar 2014

ETA: TBC

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Don’t StarveIn the dead of night...

Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag - Freedom CryFighting for emancipation

ResogunA side-scrolling bit of awesome

ContrastShadow-play...

WarframeFreemium sci-fi action

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It’s been very quiet on the video game front; we have all waited for January to run its course in impatient anticipation of the releases, which start up this month.

But contrary to popular belief, there have been things to play – particularly for PS4 owners. This month’s reviews take a look at the free and free-to-play games floating around on the PlayStation Network… and there are some great options waiting there for those needing a good gaming fix. g

Highlights

and grinding tasks. Personally, I loved it – the constant restarting meant that each time I had a better grip on how to survive the harsh environment.

Speaking of which, the game is extremely adjustable. Don’t like the odd wolf creatures that come storming into your camp? Leave them out. Want to play only in daylight, or in summer? Feel free. Don’t Starve allows the player to determine a lot of their own challenge level, thanks to myriad adjustments that can be made to the difficulty level. But it remains challenging none the less, and is a game that some will love, and others will love to hate.

It is definitely a breath of fresh air in the video game market and, as a bonus, is available for free for PSN Plus members. That’s awesome value, because Don’t Starve (if the bug bites) is a game that you could play for years without mastering all of the environment’s intricacies. g

literally running the gamut from gold to manure. To this end, the player will spend a lot of time looking for stuff, or transplanting useful items if they decide to establish a base of operations.

There really isn’t much of a goal to this game, other than survival. Sure, there are other worlds to explore, which will reveal the game’s dark and twisted story line, but this is not mandatory. In fact, you may play through several sessions without ever discovering a portal to another world. That’s just the nature of Klei’s sadistic creation.

The cartoon-like graphic style of the game holds its own charm… if fact, the entire game does. Whether playing as the Scientist, the pyromaniac Firestarter, the insomniac Librarian or any of the other characters, the world and concept behind Don’t Starve will appeal to a certain type of gamer, while it will drive others insane with frustration

Sometimes gaming can be a massively masochistic pursuit. This is particularly the case for those games that have come to be classified as

“roguelike”. Death, in these titles, is inevitable, permanent and frustrating. And if this definition is applied to Klei Entertainment’s Don’t Starve, it is a perfect fit.

Don’t Starve puts the player in control of a Scientist (initially) who is transported to a mysterious and dark world. Why this happens only becomes clear as the player progresses through the game but, with that said, this clarity may never be found. That’s because Don’t Starve is brutally uncompromising. The player simply has one mission – to survive – but the game does everything in its power to prevent that survival. Whether it be nasty creatures that spring upon the player, or

even seemingly innocent turkey-like creatures that gobble (ahem) up the player’s carefully cultivated berry fields, the world is out to get the Scientist, or any of the other characters the player unlocks during the course of the game. Cheap and nasty deaths abound, leaving the player to restart from the beginning in a randomly generated world where nothing is certain.

The main game dynamic comprises finding food and supplies during the daylight hours, using them to craft items and keep the character healthy (mentally and physically) and then spending night time huddled close to a fire and hoping that nothing springs out of the shadows to ferociously devour the hapless adventurer. There is a wide variety of things to be made, from tools through to weapons and cultivated vegetable patches. There is also a wide variety of natural resources to be gathered –

…everything can hear you scream.

In the Wildernessby Walt Pretorius

Rev

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Don

’t S

tarv

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AT A GLANCE:

Score

Genre: Adventure

Equally frustrating and rewarding, Don’t Starve is a game that will allow the player to explore (and survive) in a massive, randomly generated world.


Klei EntertainmentPSNPSN

Parental Advisory Accessibility

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PrejudiceDrug UseSexLanguageViolence

80

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are often more challenging in Freedom Cry, and the vast exploration opportunities of the former are sadly lacking here.

Still, Adewale’s tale is tightly constructed and beautifully told, even if the main villain is a little flat, and the player will be able to find numerous challenges in their approach to freeing slaves and bolstering the numbers of the rebellious Maroons. On top of that, Port-au-Prince is a lively, vibrant setting to explore, and the action is brutal and heavy handed. Adewale feels more like an assassin than Kenway ever did, despite his less-finessed combat, and the overall plot simply feels like a better story than that of Black Flag – even if it is a much shorter experience. But you cannot get away from the fact that the player simply doesn’t have enough freedom here, which does shackle Freedom Cry’s experience a little. g

the idea that there isn’t much freedom in a game with the word in its title.

Freedom Cry features a story that is arguably much stronger (and more important) than the sometimes lacklustre tale told by Black Flag. It’s not much of a trade-off for the freedom that gets taken away from the player, but the plot is intriguing, and Adewale makes for a very different type of character to play. Where Edward Kenway was about finesse in combat, Adewale is about brute force. He is armed with a massive machete, as well as a blunderbuss – a slow firing old-world version of a shotgun that can take down multiple targets at a time.

Freedom Cry adds another enjoyable look at the Caribbean, and brings up some rather important plot devices… but ultimately, it feels like Black Flag Lite. The joy of ship battles is certainly lessened, although these

So what happened to the Jackdaw’s first mate – the brooding ex-slave Adewale – when he left the ship for a life among the Assassins? Well, that’s

something that Freedom Cry, the recently released DLC expansion for Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, sheds a little light on.

Set some fifteen years after the conclusion of the story presented in the main title, Freedom Cry takes us to an all-new location: Port-au-Prince, in the West Indies. It is in this French town that Adewale encounters a resistance movement of slaves fighting for their freedom, and helps them undertake steps towards achieving this lofty goal.

The setting is great, and very different from that of Black Flag. However, it is also much smaller in size, and the joy of exploration that Black Flag presented the player with is all but absent from Freedom Cry. This

forces the player to concentrate on the three odd hours of main story line, with maybe another two hours thrown in for side quests. It’s short, but it is also quite rewarding. The player will constantly be presented with opportunities to free slaves. As the number of freed slaves increases, the player will be granted new equipment and bonuses. However, the overall impact of freeing slaves on the title is less than it could have been – in the end, it becomes a moral choice for the player whether they want to do it or not.

These opportunities arise all over Port-au-Prince, ranging from helping runaways to escape through to crashing auctions and even liberating entire plantations. Some of the story missions are locked until the player has freed a certain number of slaves or completed certain side missions, which is good and well, but once again reinforces

Emancipation and machetes…

For Freedomby Walt Pretorius

Rev

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AT A GLANCE:

Score

Genre: Adventure

Though short and less free than Black Flag, Freedom Cry tells a better story and is well worth the effort


UbisoftUbisoftOnline


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80

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action in Resogun can get. The screen is often crammed with enemies and bullets, and the player will need to keep moving and keep their wits sharp to make it through the whole game in one session.

While Resogun may not feature the best graphics around, the presentation – in terms of looks and audio – is perfect for the experience the game provides. The controls, too, are carefully put together; the left analogue stick controls movement, while the right controls which direction the guns are firing in. That’s left or right, no angles. This fire direction adds further to the need for quick thinking and a tactical approach.

Resogun is a very fine game, and certainly an excellent title considering the price. Not only is it engaging and addictive, but it pays homage to a very popular, older kind of game on one of the latest gaming platforms. g

humans held captive by the alien invaders is also a way to earn points, extra lives and bombs. Speaking of which, the player’s upgradeable main gun isn’t the only thing in their arsenal. They also have the aforementioned bombs, a powerful overdrive beam and a boost ability that destroys enemies the player’s ship zooms through, ending in a massive concussion that all but clears the screen. While using them can generate extra score, not using bombs gives the player a bonus at the end of each level. That makes the decision whether to use them or not a tactical one – at least in terms of score. Similarly, overdrive recharges only as the player collects the debris of defeated enemies, while the boost recharges slowly over time. With special abilities being limited, the player has to make use of them carefully.

This is doubly true when considering how crazy the

Side-scrolling shooters are a mainstay in video gaming that started almost at the same time as gaming did. They have waned, though, in recent

years; finding a decent side-scrolling shooter is difficult at best. But not anymore, thanks to XDEV’s excellently-constructed Resogun. But before I launch into explaining why you want to play Resogun, it is important to note that this title is available for free to PSN Plus members. That’s a double-whammy… not only is it a free game, but it’s a great one on top of it.

Calling Resogun a side scroller is a little inaccurate, though. Each of the levels is actually cylindrical. That means that the player will be able to use the wrap-around nature of the levels to plan their strategies and attacks. Pretty much all of the level is visible all of the time, although the back of the cylinder may be hidden by

buildings and other décor. The levels all look very similar, although each one does feature its own flavours. But that’s OK, because Resogun is a game that isn’t about exceptional level design. It’s about game dynamics and compelling action.

To this end, the player is given three ships that they can choose between from the get-go. One is fast but has weaker weapons, one is slow but powerful and one is balanced. Taking your favourite ship through the whole game from start to finish shouldn’

T take much more than an hour, but the compelling nature of the game will have you coming back time and again; Resogun is a score-junkie’s dream, and leader boards will have you constantly trying to better your previous performances.

Score isn’t just gained from shooting bad guys – saving

The action here is just crazy!

Save the Last Humans

by Alex Scanlon

Rev

iew

Res

ogun


AT A GLANCE:

Score

Genre: Shooter

It’s fast paced, addictive and truly sublime – Resogun is an excellent homage to those awesome side scrollers of yesteryear.


XDEVSCEEPSN


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Sadly, though, it is not a game that impresses constantly, but rather leads the player through numerous pitfalls interspersed with almost-realised brilliance. There are levels that can be extremely unforgiving, although the game isn’t overly punishing should the player’s avatar meet an untimely end. Additionally, there is the occasional bug that may bring the player to their knees.

On the whole, though, it remains a fairly enjoyable experience, provided the player is willing to forgive its occasional quirks. The world that is presented to the player – as well as the ideas behind it – really are the saving graces of the game, and go a long way to securing engagement (while some other factors do their best to scupper it). Ultimately, Contrast will be a matter of taste… but seeing as how it’s available at the very best of prices, there really is no harm in trying it out. g

underutilised.That said, the game can be a lot of fun and deliver

the kinds of rewards that puzzle gamers look for from their games. In addition, the whole world is beautifully portrayed, with an ambiance and mood that is both celebratory and dark. A interesting twist to the way that the world is presented is that, as Didi’s imaginary friend, Didi is the only human being that the player can see. Everyone else is represented as – you guessed it – shadows. The performances of these characters is necessarily hammed up, as they only have voice performance and silhouettes to rely on. Sometimes, though, it feels a little too overdone, which breaks the player away from the overall effect somewhat.

Contrast is a game that will thrill some with its simple-yet-complex puzzles, and others with a unique visual style.

1920’s Paris: in the City of Lights there lives a young girl with an imaginary who relies on shadows. That is the basic premise behind

Contrast, one of PSN Plus’ free-to-download titles that accompanied the launch of the PS4. The fact that the game is free is great, but not everyone is going to jump for joy when they experience the mix of 3D motion and 2D puzzling that makes up Contrast’s roughly five hour play time.

The young girl is Didi, and she comes from a less-than-ideal family situation. Her mother works nights as a showgirl, and her father runs ridiculous attempts to make a fortune and win back the mother’s hardened heart. While Didi’s mother works nights, Didi often escapes the drudgery of their small flat and her sad life by going on adventures with an imaginary friend – a

willowy circus performer with the amazing ability to enter the world of shadows. It is as this imaginary friend that the player enters Didi’s world, and it is the ability to become a 2D shadow character that gives Contrast its unique charm.

See, by arranging light sources and objects, the player can create 2D movement puzzle areas which can be traversed while the circus performer is in the shadow world. It’s a great idea and makes for some challenging puzzles that require a degree of precision to solve.

But the puzzles also become Contrast’s weakest point. It seems at times that the developers ran out of ideas and turn to old hats like shifting boxes around to keep the player entertained. These sections stand in stark contrast (sorry) to the ingenious shadow puzzles, and lead one to believe that the better part of the game is simply

A unique puzzler for the PS4

Shadow Dancingby Walt Pretorius

Rev

iew

Cont

rast


AT A GLANCE:

Score

Genre: Puzzle

Contrast delivers some unique ideas and a wonderful setting, but fails to capitalise fully on either.


Compulsion GamesTBCPSN


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74

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existent narrative.And there comes another massive problem with this

title. It doesn’t do much to help the player along. It has a brief tutorial, which explains the controls well enough, but upgrading characters or selecting missions – even buying equipment – is massively unintuitive. And when you’re spending money on those upgrades, that’s a rather poor show from the developers.

Warframe has a lot of potential, and can be enjoyable for various reasons. However, as it stands, it is far too unbalanced and unhelpful to appeal to much more than a small cult following. It feels just a little rushed out, which really is a pity, because it could have been so much more than what it currently is. Still, if hacking and shooting your way through lots of enemies sounds like fun, it’s worth a try. Your wallet may come to hate you, though.. g

The missions get very repetitive after a short time. While they may have varying final objectives, they all come down to running through corridors and killing lots of nasty alien invaders. This can be fun, particularly if you’re willing to try out different suit, weapon and tactic configurations – and most especially if you’re playing with a good group of allies. But it doesn’t take long for things to start looking like kill-rinse-repeat. Even though there are various types of aliens to take on, each requiring a slightly different approach, the game never manages to break away from that nasty “re-do” idea, despite having a massive amount of missions to complete. It takes MMO grinding to new heights.

And why are you fighting these nasty aliens? Well, the game never really gets into that. So if you’re after a plot, you’ll probably get more thrilling entertainment reading the back of a cereal box than following Warframe’s almost-non-

So-called freemium games are becoming more and more common. The business model is more than likely a direct result of two elements: piracy and

second-hand sales. Freemium games work in a rather insidious way; give people the basic game for free, and then charge then for optional extras that enhance the game. That’s fair enough – many freemium titles have managed to gather good followings, thanks to a decent balance between what you get given and what you have to buy. But Warframe doesn’t hit that balance well at all. Players are initially given just enough to start getting interested, but low in-game earnings make it almost impossible to advance their character without spending large amounts of cash.

At its core, Warframe is not a bad game. It’s a third person co-op sci-fi kill-everything-that-moves kind of

game, and features a great core dynamic. The action is fast paced and intense, and really allows a player to take on the foe in a variety of ways, thanks to numerous weapons and combat suits (the titular Warframes). The controls are well structured, even making decent use of the PS4 controller’s touch-pad very effectively. So, in short, playing Warframe can be lots of fun… at least at first.

The game’s unique look and overall presentation is fairly impressive, and its transition on to the PS4 platform was well handled. The Warframes and weapons all have a great approach to their aesthetics, making the game quite appealing visually. In addition, varied character types mean that there is something for everyone’s preferred play style in Warframe, from all out action to sneaking and stealth. But initial impressions can soon wane as Warframe fairly quickly devolves into action-packed drudgery.

Didn’t I do this before?

You Again!by Rob Edwards

Rev

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War

fram

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AT A GLANCE:

Score

Genre: Action MMO

Warframe has lots of good ideas, but unbalanced freemium policies, stubborn unhelpfulness and repetition can ruin the experience.


Digital ExtremesTBCPSN


18+Casual

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60

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War Thunder has been available for PC for a while. But the fact that the freemium World War II MMO

simulator can also be downloaded for PS4 is a big plus for those who are still waiting for the new Sony console’s game library to expand.

As it stands, War Thunder is still in a growth phase. While developers Gaijin plan to make the game a complete World War II simulator that brings players from around the world on to the battlefield in the air, on the ground and at sea, the game is restricted to flight simulation for the moment.

But that’s OK… while we wait for the ground forces expansion, we can thoroughly enjoy a simulation that features a ton of beautifully recreated and iconic aircraft, doing pitched battle against players from around the globe.

Aside from great graphics and intense combat, WarThunder features a fairly robust (if grind driven) research model that allows players to expand their stable of planes at a fairly steady pace. It’s actually quite fun planning out which upgrades and aircraft to research next.

Another great aspect is that Gaijin managed to establish a great freemium model – here, expenditure of cash helps the player along, but it not absolutely necessary. Not spending money means that it will take the player longer to progress, while those that want to speed through things can easily buy some reasonably priced boosts. These can speed research or even increase the number of units a player can deploy.

War Thunder (in its current state) is a competent arcade-simulator that has translated extremely well onto the PS4 platform. And with new additions on the way, it’s sure to become a fantastic, chaotic and incredibly enjoyable MMO experience. g

g amec c a r ev i ew • i s s u e 17 • N ovembe r 2010g amec c a5664

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War Thunder seeks to become a definitive WWII simulator

All Out War!by Alex Scanlon

War

Thu

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AT A GLANCE:

Score

Genre: Combat MMO

A great start to what may just become the definitive World War II MMO.


GaijinGaijinPSN


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78

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The PS4 is offering quite a lot of freemium MMO content for those willing to do the initial download. And the initial download

for DC Universe Online (which has moved to a freemium model) is pretty chunky. But once you get through it, this revamp of the game, which was originally released three years ago, is a delight for comic book fans.

For those that haven’t played it, DC Universe allows you to create a super-hero of your own design and enter the world of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and many more as you progress through tons of MMO missions in a quest to become truly powerful.

The main difference between the PS3 version and the PS4 version of DC Universe Online is that the game has received a pretty extensive graphics overhaul. Therefore, if you have played the PS3 version, you’re in for a prettier game this time out… and your account will still work. You won’t get a new story, though, unless you keep up with the title’s ever growing library of expansions and add-one (all of which are really reasonably priced).

If you are new to the game, and you’re a super-hero fan, DC Universe is a real treat. The only downside is that, after three years, you may battle to secure the cool name you wanted for your hero. That and the fact that the game does include quite a lot of grinding to get where you need to. Of course there are little boosts available for purchase, but the freemium model employed here is mostly related to small DLC “episodes”, which makes the game pretty fair in terms of extra expenditure.

If you haven’t played it yet, or you have upgraded your console, the PS4 version of DC Universe is well worth the big (free) download. g

Heroes and villains everywhere!

Heroic Chaosby Walt Pretorius

DC U

niverse Online

g amec c a56

Review

AT A GLANCE:

Score

Genre: Action MMO

DC Universe Online is a great MMO for super-hero fans, and has made an effortless transition to the PS4


Warner BrosSCEEPSN


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65

2004g amec c a56

Never in gaming have so many been waiting for so much from so few. Half-Life 2 was how sequels should be done: superior to its excellent

predecessor, it spawned two pseudo-sequels and then… nothing. Still, ten years later and it may still be

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A YEARIN GAMING

So, you are this prince and your dad rules the galaxy or something, so you have to roll stuff into a huge ball. There are not enough words here to

explain the wonderful, challenging insanity of this game, other than it robbed us of many lazy Saturdays rolling into pencils, sunbathers and cows.

The disappearance of the Dungeon Keeper series has left a hole in the hearts of would-be autocrats, only briefly filled with games like

Overlord. But when it comes to epic bad guys, many of us would prefer to be something similar to Bond villains. This game even had “lasers”.

Enjoying GTA V? Of course you would: it is the well-groomed child of GTA IV and San Andreas - for some the best GTA made, until V came along. A

huge world, a new city and the permanent reminder that you do not even need to finish a GTA game to play it to its fullest.

The Xbox was a scrappy machine that fought hard for its brand. Japan, firmly PlayStation country, didn’t like it. But Ninja Gaiden, a modern sequel

to the old school Tecmo game, gave it some Tokyo street cred by becoming an exclusive slice and dice extravaganza for the platform.

There is no way to explain the anticipation for this game. Even a leaked alpha set the Internet on fire. And when it arrived, Doom 3 truly was

awesome and went on to deliver an equally awesome expansion. Then John Carmack started caring more about rockets and id Software went south.

You had to be something special to stand out among 2004’s shooters. Riddick was that kind of special. A prequel to the movie Pitch Black,

we learn how the titular antihero got those eyes and escaped Butcher’s Bay. By killing a lot of guards. That’s what you get for locking up Riddick.

The biggest selling game console of all time is the PlayStation 2. Second, by a nose hair, is the dual-screened Nintendo DS. Go do an image search

for “it prints money”. The animated version is even better. THAT, ladies and gentlemen, is the Nintendo DS. *drops mic*

Half-Life 2 Katamari Damacy Evil Genius GTA: San Andreas

Ninja Gaiden Doom 3 Chronicles of Riddick Nintendo DS

by A

lex Sca

nlon

Logitech continue their run at retaking the gaming periphe

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TLogitech spent many years as prominent manufacturers of speakers and headsets. But, over time, the competition for this lucrative

market – particularly the headset arena – has become more and more intense, with companies focussed on production of personal audio devices making massive inroads into it. Logitech, with their broader focus, became less prominent (indeed, this counts for many of their gaming peripherals) as the newcomers gained strength.

But Logitech are still capable of doing battle in the lucrative gaming-oriented peripheral market, and they seem more than willing to do so with their renewed “G” range of products. While some have been a little disappointing, they have also managed to produce devices that are really rather good – including the G230 Stereo Gaming Headset.

Comparing this headset to some of the surround sound units that are available on the market is pointless – it is almost an entirely different kind of product. But when put up against other stereo offerings, the G230 performs admirably, both in terms of comfort and sound quality.

The almost rectangular over-ear cups are well padded, with a breathable mesh helping ensure that the user will not get hot and bothered after using the G230 for extended periods of time. The headband is also well padded, and the ear-cups are fitted with 90 degree swivels, which allows the ear cups a wide range of movement; enough to lay flat if the user rests the headset around their neck.

Connected to the left ear-cup is a generous cable, ending in two 3.5mm jacks. One is for audio, and the other works with the positionable, noise-cancelling boom mic, also attached to the left ear-cup.

The whole unit feels extremely well built, with a vibrant red trim adding to the overall aesthetic. The looks imply great sound, and they don’t lie. The G230 produces great stereo audio, thanks to the 40mm drivers housed in each ear-cup. Volume is handled by a somewhat simplistic in-line controller, which also has a mic mute function.

Being a stereo headset armed with 3.5mm jacks, the G230 is a bit more versatile than just being a gaming headset. It can be used with a variety of devices (anything that uses a 3.5mm jack) which adds more value to an already decent device.

The main question, of course, comes down to whether stereo will serve the user’s purposes for the headset’s intended main function – gaming. The answer is a matter of taste, but if stereo is a preference (as it is with many gamers) then the G230 will do the job perfectly well. Its sound quality is good across the whole audio spectrum, and it is a comfortable device to use for extended periods. With devices like this, Logitech should have little problem regaining past glories. g

The Right TrackL

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Summary

The G230 are a very good option for those wanting a stereo gaming headset armed with 3.5mm versatility.

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Tech Specs:

StereoIn-line controlsFoldable mic boom‘‘Lay flat’’ ear cups40mm drivers

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Staying competitive in the PC peripheral market can be a tough job. This is especially true when it comes to

peripherals and controllers aimed at video games, and is particularly true in the case of the not-so-humble mouse. The market is packed to bursting with great brands and fantastic devices, and with the combination of innovative design and aggressive marketing, making a dent is difficult. Reputation helps, of course, and Logitech is relying heavily on past glories to ensure that they remain relevant in an increasingly-competitive arena. But with products like the G602 Wireless Gaming Mouse – which forms part of their “new-look” gaming peripheral stable – that shouldn’t be too difficult.

It does bear mentioning that gaming mouse devices fall into sub-categories, even if they pretty much all do the same thing in principle. The G602, for example, falls into a category that appeals to players of MMORPG titles. In other words, it features more than the usual amount of buttons, taking as much control away from the keyboard as space allows, and giving it to the mouse. With 11 control inputs, it isn’t the most we have seen crammed on to a Logitech mouse, but the button placement on the G602 is far more sensible than some of their previous efforts. While it is still friendlier to those with bigger hands, the eight extra buttons are well-positioned for easy access. Six are arranged in two rows on the left hand side of the mouse – effectively turning it into a right-handed only device – and two are arranged at the upper, outer side of the main left mouse button.

The G602 offers a distinctive look, too. It possesses a stylish asymmetrical design that sees the right button jut out further than the left, and a generous thumb rest is positioned below the left side buttons. This gives the mouse an overall sci-fi and certainly serious appearance.

And it performs remarkably well, considering that it is a wireless mouse. While most gamers will generally opt for a cabled device, Logitech have been making almost-lag-free wireless gaming mice for ages, and that technology continues in to this product. It features two modes (performance and endurance) which either ups the DPI to 2500 (performance) or maximises battery life by dropping the DPI to 250. There isn’t much in-between, which won’t sit well with those who tweak multiple DPI settings for optimal performance. At 2500 DPI, it also isn’t the most sensitive mouse around.

But for its intended purpose – playing MMORPGs or strategy titles – the sensitivity is perfectly fine. It is also finished with materials that lead to greater levels of comfort.

The G602 may not be the most sensitive mouse around, but it does the job well enough to be a good option. g

Wireless


Score

80

Summary

While not the most sensitive mouse around, the G602 is great for things like real-time strategy and MMORPG gaming.

ManufacturerDistr ibuter :

Onl ine:

LogitechLogitechwww.logitech.com

Tech Specs:

2500 dpi resolutionUp to 1440 hours battery lifePerformance / Endurance modes11 programmable controlsWireless USB reciever

••••• ••

Pros

•••••

Great battery lifeAwesome looksExcellent materials

Cons

•••••

Not very sensitive

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g amec c a56

KKeeping up with PC upgrades can be quite a challenge these days, as the component industry seems to be in

ultra-high gear in terms of new product releases. And the people that take advantage of these advancements (mostly video game developers) keep consumers on their toes by following trends closely. So it often becomes a case of either buying more affordable components more often, or making a more expensive purchase in the hopes of staying current for longer.

There are no components more affected by this upgrade spree than graphics cards. These essential pieces of equipment are being constantly improved, and their vital role in certain operations – once again with a strong emphasis on gaming – means that the user will inevitably find that choice staring them in the face.

If you’re prone to choose the second option, then MSI’s new GTX780 Lightning is an awesome option, This graphics card truly is a monster; it offers the user a ton of power, at the cost of being a really massive, heavy component.

One of the biggest improvements that MSI have made to their graphics card range with this particular device is new cooling technology. They’ve moved on from the TwinFrozr II system to what they are calling TriFrozr. The obvious visual change is that the card has three fans. The first two cool the GPU, memory and power module, while the third (central) fan is dedicated to keeping the PWM frosty. The cooling ability of this system is enhanced by increased heat sink areas, as well as more airflow directed towards the card’s seven 8mm heat pipes.

The end result is a card that, despite the power delivered by the GTX780 chipset and 3GB of VRAM, runs remarkably cool. The fans even spin in reverse for 30 seconds after start-up, blowing dust out of the card. That means that heat due to dust build-up is also minimised.

Armed with Military Class 4 components, this particular card delivers quite a punch. To indicate the level of work that the card is doing, a side-mounted LED displays different colours, ranging from red for heavy load through to green for a light load. This requires a box with a clear side panel to take advantage of, and it may only appeal to tweakers and overclockers. But it is still handy to have.

Speaking of overclocking, the GTX780 Lightning is very effective for that end. The improved PWM allows for more precise and direct control, with faster response times. Everything can get set via MSI’s Afterburner software.

This card costs a lot, but the expense is well worth it. Here we have a powerful graphics card that will certainly outlast smaller models in the current generation. If you’re willing to pay the price, it will serve you well for (theoretically) many years to come. g

••••••

Pro

sC

ons

Score

92

Summary

When it comes to routers, picking the right one can make a lot of difference... and this one falls into that category.

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Tech Specs:

ADSL/VDSLSimultaneous Wi-Fi & Gigabit LAN450 plus 450MbpsDual CPUAiCloud support

• • • •

Ver

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72 73

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Genius is a brand that has been around for a long time. Pretty much everyone has used a Genius product (probably a

mouse) at some time or another. The brand is a stalwart of computing… so it is little surprise that Genius has a dedicated gaming range, in the form of the GX Gaming stable.

Part of this range is the Cavimanus headset, and it is a device that shows that – in the face of names like SteelSeries, Razer, Thermaltake and Logitech – Genius can certainly stand its ground.

The Cavimanus is a virtual 7.1 surround sound headset. This means that it employs one driver per ear-cup, rather than some other brands, which make use of numerous drivers. Yet the effect is really quite good, and the overall audio quality delivered by the 40mm neodymium drivers is top notch. The whole sound spectrum is beautifully brought across – particularly when the headset’s vibration function is turned on, resulting in a bass boost as well. Sound can also be tweaked in numerous ways via a comprehensive software suite associated with the Cavimanus.

But that means that its best performance is on PC. The gold-plated USB plug it is fitted with would imply PC only, but it can be used with devices like a PS4 as well – although without the benefit of the software and voice chat. What it lacks in versatility, though, it makes up for in great sound quality.

Speaking of voice, the Cavimanuc has a foldable boom mic built into the left ear cup. It seems very short at first glance, but the mic’s performance is solid, none the less.

The Cavimanus is solidly constructed out of durable plastic, all black with a red trim. The padding on the ear cups and headband is generous, resulting in a comfortable experience, even after a protracted period of use. Unfortunately the ear-cups don’t swivel at all, but that shouldn’t be a problem for too many users.

All the Cavimanus’ controls are worked into the left ear-cup. The vibration function can be turned on or off with the press of a button, and volume is controlled with a radial dial. The mic is muted by folding it back, which is pretty simple. In fact, the controls being housed on the ear-cup makes controlling the volume and other functions extremely simple, and always easy to get to.

The Cavimanus Virtual 7.1 Channel Gaming Headset only suffers from one true set-back, then: it doesn’t offer the versatility of a headset armed with a 3.5mm jack. But, in all honesty, if it did, it would be a run-of-the-mill stereo headset, which it most certainly isn’t. It’s a great option for PC users wanting rich sound, and a good offering from Genius. g


Real Genius by W

alt Pre

torius

Score

84

Summary

While it Is tied to USB-capable devices (read as PCs) the Cavimanus offers great sound and good levels of comfort.


Onl ine:

GeniusTVR Computerswww.tvr .co.za

Tech Specs:

40mm driversFoldable mic boomOn-cup controlsGold plated USBAudio softwareVibration function

••••• ••

Pros

•••••

ComfortableGreat soundSensible control placement

Cons

•••••

USB only

Great performance

from

an ind

ustry

74 75

WWhen it comes to sound, one really has to consider what it is required for. Most people who listen to music or play games will

use headphones in an environment where others may be bothered. But every now and then, a good set of speakers comes in extremely handy. And a good set of portable speakers even more so.

The SP-i250G stereo speaker set makes up part of Genius’s GX Gaming range. As such, they are identified as speakers for gaming but, unlike a mouse or even a headset (which generally incorporates a mic for gaming, but even then isn’t all that exclusive to the pass-time) speakers really don’t fall into a category for gaming or non-gaming. Let’s be brutally honest. They’re speakers. They produce sound, whether for gaming, music, movies or whatever else you may need audio for. Identifying these as portable gaming speakers is a bit of a stretch.

But let’s set the marketing stuff aside and take a look at the speakers themselves. The SP-i250G set is comprised of a pair of satellite speakers that are powered by 40mm neodymium drivers. They’re omnidirectional and rechargeable, with a USB plug supplying power and connection to the chosen device they will be used with. In addition, the cable handily incorporates a 3.5mm jack as well, for added versatility. You can use these babies with virtually anything.

Each is individually turned on and off, and volume is adjusted individually too, via a large ring that runs along the whole outside of the speakers. It takes a little extra work to get your volume balanced, but it is not too difficult to master. What’ trickier is determining which speaker is going to produce which channel – left or right. Because they individually plug onto the cable, one would have hoped that the cable would indicate channel, but no such

luck. OK, so switching the two around is easy enough, but it would have been nice to have an indication right off the bat.

Each speaker outputs 3 watts of sound, which means that they’re not exceptionally loud. The audio is crisp, though, and the omnidirectional design of the speakers means that they can deliver decent performance. The bass notes, unfortunately, are a little light… we have seen Genius make better use of 40mm neodymium drivers in their Cavimanus headset, also reviewed in this issue.

These speakers deliver a decent amount of battery life, but lack some of the bells and whistles of other, similar products. They have no wireless connection options, for a start, and come down to being very simple. If you need to make use of speakers while gaming, listening to music or anything else, they will certainly get the job done… but they don’t necessarily trump a good set of headphones. g

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Score

76

Summary

They’re not a bad set of speakers, but their simplicity might not appeal to some. They’re very versatile, though...


Onl ine:

GeniusTVR Computerswww.tvr .co.za

Tech Specs:

StereoRechargeableUSB / 3.5mm jack compatible40mm drivers

••••• ••

Pros

•••••

Very portableEasy to connectGood battery life

Cons

•••••

No wireless optionsNo channel indication

Sp

ea

kers

tend

to

be a

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76 77


Everywhere

AAlmost everyone loves to play a video game from time to time. But not everyone wants to get all hard-core… consoles are expensive,

as are games, and the complexity of modern video games doesn’t appeal to everyone.

And then there are people on the go, who want a gaming solution that can accompany them. Once again, hand-held video game consoles are also pricey, and also feature games that are sometimes very complex.

The other problem with portable gaming, of course, is screen size. A smartphone or tablet can allow for a lot of games to be played, but sometimes you want a screen that is bigger.

If you’re looking for something quick and easy, with a wide variety of inexpensive games available, then the GameStick may be the solution you are looking for… and it doesn’t compromise on screen size. The

system is comprised of a controller and a receiver that plugs directly in to a TV or monitor’s HDMI port. That means a whole collection of games (which are stored on the receiver) can be available with minimal set-up, in an extremely portable package.

Comparing the GameStick to one of the modern consoles would be an exercise in futility. It obviously cannot pack the punch of those machines. However, it does allow for a wide variety of Android games to be played, which can be purchased and downloaded from the GameStick library online. Extra storage can be added by way of a microSD card (up to 32GB), which slots into the receiver (which the makers refer to, correctly, as the “console”). The console itself offers 8GB of storage, which is a fair whack, considering the size of most of the games available is rather small.

Using a Bluetooth connection, the controller wirelessly

interfaces with the console, making playing pretty simple. The controller has a very old-school look to it, but featured dual analogue sticks and is fully functional. For transportation purposes, the console fits into a slot at the top of the controller, making the whole package pretty compact. Sure, you have chargers and some cables to take along too, but these can be buried a little more, as the unit doesn’t require recharging all that often.

It isn’t a next generation console, and the games available for it tend to be simpler and lighter than one would expect from one of those. Because of this, the GameStick is great for quick fixes – while it may not be as convenient as a hand-held (with an integrated screen) it is pretty handy if there is a TV about. And with inexpensive titles that appeal to a wide variety of tastes, it is something that the whole family can enjoy, at home or on a trip. g

Score

80

Summary

It might not be the most powerful game console around, but ease of use and a huge library adds lots of appeal.


Onl ine:

GameStickComet Computingwww.cometcomputing.co.za

Tech Specs:

Android basedARM CPU8GB storageHDMI compatibleBluetooth 4.0Built-in Wi-Fi1080p resolution

••••• ••

Pros

•••••

Very portableMassive game libraryEasy to use

Cons

•••••

Games may be too simple for some

Ga

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tick

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by W

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…as long as you’re near an HMDI capable display

78 79

Rev

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g amec c a56gamec c a56

TThe quest to build the perfect graphics card is, essentially, a never-ending one. There will always be new chipsets and new

advancements, thanks to the unstoppable march of technology that sweeps us (and out wallets) along in a maelstrom of upgrades and expenditures. In fact, it’s pretty much impossible to keep up, unless you print your own money. So the next best thing is to get hold of a graphics card that is going to remain a viable option for some time. And that means going big… both in terms of price and specification.

There isn’t too much bigger than Asus’ rather remarkable Radeon R9290. Powered by an AMD Radeon R9290 chipset, this card has a blistering-fast graphics processor. But that’s not all. It also features a whopping 4GB of RAM, putting it right at the top end of cards we have seen in the past. And reminding us how fast technology is progressing… it wasn’t that long ago (in real world terms) that a 500MB card was considered somewhat extravagant, and maybe even unnecessary.

The same cannot be said for the large amount of RAM featured on this card; all that space makes for even smoother performance. And the proof really is in the pudding. This card is one that pretty much flies through even the heaviest loads with ease, while not generating lots of noise or egg-frying temperatures.

And it’s pretty big in terms of actual physical dimensions, too; this card is a bit bigger than “normal”, but isn’t the largest we have seen.

The Radeon R9290 comes with all the features one would expect from an Asus graphics card. These include things like their extremely efficient Direct CU II cooling system, which gets rid of heat extremely fast thanks to 10mm copper heat pipes and a larger dissipation area (not to mention direct contact with the GPU). And then there’s the rather sweet DIGI+ VRM system, which uses 10-phase power and digital voltage regulators to ensure less noise and a longer life-span. And, of course, there is the GPU Tweak software, which helps overclockers and other squeeze a little more power out of the card through easily-modified clock speeds.

Being a really powerful card, with a fantastic chipset and more than a little RAM, this component won’t be found in the cheap seats. However, saving up the cash and getting a device like this is going to serve you better than a quick (cheaper) fix that will not go the distance that the R9290 can – both in terms of ability and longevity. Its performance will quickly set aside any woes generated by an empty wallet – the capabilities of this card are worth every cent. g

Score

90

Summary

The Radeon R9290 costs a pretty penny, but it is packed with excellent performance and expected Asus reliability.


Onl ine:

AsusAsuswww.asus.com

Tech Specs:

Radeon R9290 chipset4GB VRAMDirect CU II technologyDIGI + VRMGPU Tweak software

••••••

Pros

•••••

Very quickLots of RAMEfficient

Cons

•••••

Quite Bulky

by Alex Scanlon & UpwardsA

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80 81

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Building a computer around a solid backbone is an extremely important concept. You can have the best graphics card, hard drives, SSDs and

other components, but if your motherboard isn’t up to the task, you’re going to run into all kinds of problems, ranging from small annoyances right through to major issues. Sometimes cutting through the hype can be tough, and companies are not above obfuscating things by throwing around appealing catch phrases to sell a few more units. ASRock didn’t do that with the Z87 Extreme9/ac, though… all they did was produce a fantastic multipurpose motherboard, and put it out there for us to find.

The Z87 Extreme9/ac truly is a magnificent motherboard. It leaves behind all the decorative pretensions of other motherboards and delivers the user a black board with brushed sliver trim. But don’t let these plainer looks fool you; like a sleek and understated high performance car, this board has punch in every area that counts.

It starts with very clever technology. From premium gold capacitors through to dual-stacked MOSFETs, the Extreme9/ac manages to not only deliver a lot of power, but to deliver voltage to the CPU extremely smoothly. It is also good for overclocking, and comes complete with a suite of software that allows for easy tweaking of voltages and other overclocking necessities.

Even without extra components, it offers quite a lot. With support for up to three monitors directly from the board’s numerous graphic outputs, through to excellent on-board sound by way of a Purity Sound system, this board is great for media use as well as power computing. In addition, it featured support for four-way SLI and CrossFireX, depending on your flavour of graphics card.

It even features on-board Thunderbolt ports (2 of them) for truly speedy data transfer.

The Extreme9/ac is a very feature-rich motherboard, but all those features don’t mean much if the performance isn’t up to scratch. The good news is that it really does deliver – smooth, powerful and reliable operation are the order of the day here. In addition, ASRock have taken numerous steps towards making this board as user-friendly as it is robust and reliable.

It’s not the cheapest motherboard around, but the real joy of it is that you get a lot of bang for your buck. This board doesn’t rely on over-inflated brand reputations or specialised branding to rake in a bit of extra cash. Rather, you get what you pay for with the Extreme9/ac. It is extremely versatile, too, and is a great option for a wide number of applications. It is a solid and dependable backbone for any computer system and, like it’s serious looks imply, it really means business. g


Business

Score

93

Summary

This is a serious motherboard, crammed with excellent features and lots of versatility.


Onl ine:

ASRockTVR Computerswww.tvr .co.za

Tech Specs:

Z87 chipsetTriple monitor supportDehumidifier functionDual-stack MOSFETsGold CAPsIntel 4th Gen CPU

••••••

Pros

•••••

Smooth operationVery stableVersatile

Cons

•••••

Quality costs...

by W

alt Pre

torius

But great for fun, too

!

82 83

I haven’t weighed in on this yet, because I am one of those positive

people who always tried to see the glass as half-full. I am sure you’ve picked up on that character trait. But inevitably, when you’re being treated like a mushroom, you get to this spot… this utter annoyance at being kept in the dark and fed manure that simply makes my blood boil.

Still, I will be a professional, so I will use an analogy to make my point. I like analogies.

So, two farmers are bringing out a new kind of, oh, I don’t know, let’s go with apple. The one apple is green, and the other is red. But they’re both apples, and the whole world is extremely excited about biting in to their flesh and tasting the juicy sweetness. So the one farmer comes out and says look, they’re awesome apples, but you have to eat the ones you buy all by yourself. And you have to be in the farm yard while you do

so. The other farmer – the one with the red apples – stands back and watches the villagers throw their toys. He then steps forward a little while later and says “hey, our apples are good, you can have them in any spot, and you can give the apples you’ve bought to anyone you like.” And the village goes nuts for the statement, with parties, bonfires and much quaffing of mead.

The other farmer takes a look at this and realises that his apples may start losing popularity. Sure, a few of the green apple fans are defending the farmer but, for the most part, everyone looks like they’re craving red apples. So he steps up and says “hang, on, I was kidding. You can share your apples with everyone, and you can eat them anywhere… as long as you visit my farm at least once a week or so.” And so the villagers, still pretty pleased about the red apples, respond that they’re willing to accept that. The green

apple fans are beaming, but there are suddenly more red apple fans about.

A little girl steps up and asks the farmers when the new apples will be available for consumption. Red apple farmer says “tomorrow, for most houses in the village. Some houses will have to wait until the day after, and a few others until the day after that.” There’s a bit of grumbling but the villagers can accept the statement, because they have a clear idea of where they stand with the red apple farmer. The green apple farmer steps up and says “the mansion on the hill will have them tomorrow. As for the rest of you, you can damn well wait until I am good and ready to tell you when you can have them.” And the villagers stare at him, totally incredulous at his attitude.

“Can you give us a hint?” the little girl asks the green apple farmer.

“I could,” he responds, “but I don’t feel like it. I don’t know how popular my

apples are gonna be, see?”Cut to a few weeks later.

The red apple farmer is sold out of apples, and the demand is fever pitch. The green apple farmer is claiming that he has sold a lot of apples, but the truth is that he has only supplied a few houses, and still won’t tell any of the other villagers when they can expect green apples. And the villagers are getting angry… red apples are looking a lot more tempting, because the villagers know where they stand with the red apple farmer. The green apple farmer only really cares about the mansion on the hill, and refuses to see the damage that keeping the people in the village in the dark is doing to his reputation. Does he even care? Who knows?

So, there’s my analogy. And if it isn’t plain enough for you, let me spell it out: Microsoft, tell us when we are getting our damned green apples! Your silence is an insult to loyal fans. g

g amec c a5684

Not Really About Apples...

Ra

mje

t’s R

anta

lity

by Ramjet

The views expressed in this column are not necessarily those of 1337 Media or Gamecca Magazine.

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gamecca magazine 56: february 2014

Documents