Train2Game News: Call of Duty: Ghosts Onslaught coming soon

Call of Duty GhostsGamers mark your calendars as the first of four massive Downloadable Content Pack offerings for Call of Duty: Ghosts, is on the way with Call of Duty: Ghosts Onslaught.

Onslaught debuts four unique multiplayer maps, each with their own distinct environments, small to medium scale and varied gameplay, as well as the all-new “Maverick” dual-purpose Assault Rifle/Sniper Rifle. Anchoring Call of Duty: Ghosts Onslaught is “Episode 1: Nightfall,” the first instalment in Extinction’s four-part episodic narrative that delves deeper into the storyline and features new characters, a new weapon and new alien species including a towering, three-story tall alien enemy.

Onslaught is also included as part of the Call of Duty: Ghosts DLC Season Pass, which gives fans access to four epic Call of Duty: Ghosts DLC Packs planned to release in 2014 – Onslaught, Devastation, Invasion and Nemesis. Additionally, Call of Duty Ghosts DLC Season Pass holders get instant access to the downloadable multiplayer map, “Free Fall,” as well as the Team Leader Digital Pack, which comes with a unique multiplayer character head, weapon camo, reticle, player patch, player card and player background.

“We know our fans have an appetite for new gameplay content all year long and the team here is committed to delivering a full season’s worth of amazing new maps, weapons and more, starting with Onslaught in January,” said Mark Rubin, Executive Producer at Infinity Ward. “This year will see an assortment of content for players to dig into, with new, uniquely themed maps, new multiplayer weapons and an episodic Extinction story arc that introduces new characters, new locations and new weapons as they try to uncover the genesis of the aliens’ existence.”

Call of Duty: Ghosts’ initial DLC Pack will include the first instalment in Extinction’s four-part episodic narrative, “Episode 1: Nightfall.” Introducing a narrative driven by two new characters and featuring two all-new alien species and an exclusive weapon, “Episode 1: Nightfall” is a fast and frenetic, action-packed continuation of the original Extinction experience in Call of Duty: Ghosts. Set in a remote facility hidden deep within the Alaskan wilderness, the shadowy Nightfall Program has been researching the origins of the newly revealed alien threat. A small recon team of elite soldiers must infiltrate the site to retrieve intel and exterminate the hordes of savage creatures and along the way uncover a three-story tall terror unlike anything they’ve faced before.

Call of Duty: Ghosts Onslaught is set to launch on 28th January first, exclusively on Xbox Live for both Xbox One and Xbox 360.

Train2Game News: Max: Curse of the Brotherhood Review

MaxFor my first review of 2014 I got to review my first Xbox One Game, Max: The Curse of the Brotherhood.

Max: The Curse of Brotherhood is a 2.5D side-scrolling platform video game developed by Press Play for the Xbox 360 and Xbox One. The game is a reimagining of Press Play’s previous work, the 2010 Max and the Magic Marker.

This is in essence the first arcade game to be released on the Xbox One and it is a good starting point. The graphics for the game are not the ultra realistic that most current games for the XB1 are, they are a nice cartoon style that still looks very attractive on the next generation console.

The game play reminds me of Limbo but it does miss that charm that Limbo has which makes it the classic game it is. Max uses his Magic Marker to create; pillars, vines, branches, water slides and Fireballs to navigate his way through the levels and overcome puzzles. When I first saw the trailers for the game I assumed the magic marker was going to be controlled using Kinect which could have shown off how well it can work but the game only uses the controller.

There is a nice level of humour within the game with the main antagonist being called Mustacho which never failed to make me smile. Speaking of Mustacho though, when facing him it has to be one of the most frustrating final bosses I have ever faced.

Throughout the game where death doesn’t hold much of a punishment apart from being restarted at the puzzle you were on, during the boss this becomes incredibly irritating.

My issue with the final boss aside, Max: Curse of the Brotherhood was still an entertaining first arcade game for the Xbox One. If you enjoyed Limbo you will enjoy this.

Max: Curse of the Brotherhood is out now on Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

Train2Game News: SEGA announce Alien: Isolation

AlienSEGA of America, Inc., SEGA Europe, Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products announced Alien: Isolation.

A thrilling first-person survival horror experience that will focus on capturing the horror and tension evoked by Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic film. Developed by Creative Assembly, Alien: Isolation is due for release in late 2014 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Windows PC.

On a decommissioned trading station in the fringes of space, fear and panic have gripped the inhabitants. Players find themselves in an atmosphere of constant dread and mortal danger as an unpredictable, ruthless Xenomorph is stalking and killing deep in the shadows. Underpowered and underprepared, you must scavenge resources, improvise solutions and use your wits, not just to succeed in your mission, but to simply stay alive.

“In Alien: Isolation, we have taken the series back to the roots of Ridley Scott’s 1979 movie, the original survival horror,” said Alistair Hope, Creative Lead at Creative Assembly. “Our Alien is a truly terrifying creature, as intelligent as he is hostile, relentless, brutal and unstoppable. This is the Alien game fans of the series have always wanted.”

“Creative Assembly has created a truly incredible gaming experience, capturing perfectly the very core of what has made the Alien franchise remain relevant after 35 years,” said Jeffrey Godsick, president of Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products. “This partnership has led to the creation of a game that is simply outstanding and sets the tone for what is to come this year for the 35th anniversary of Alien.”

Throughout 2014, Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products will be honoring the milestone 35th anniversary with a yearlong celebration marking the beginnings of the Alien legacy by releasing commemorative and fan-favorite products.

Train2Game News: Elder Scrolls Online release date

elder-scrolls-online-logoBethesda have announced when their highly anticipated Elder Scrolls: Online will be released with a new gameplay trailer to go with it.

The Elder Scrolls Online, the latest chapter of the award-winning franchise that brings the legendary experience online for the first time, will be launching worldwide for PC and Mac on April 4, 2014. The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions will follow in June 2014.

Players can choose their own style of play as they embark upon an epic adventure across all of Tamriel, playing alone on a heroic quest as in previous Elder Scrolls games, exploring the huge, rich world with a few select friends, or playing with hundreds of others in massive PvP battles to save the Empire.

“We are thrilled to bring this game to consoles, in addition to the PC and Mac,” said Matt Firor, game director of The Elder Scrolls Online. “It’s something our fans have been requesting since we first announced the title, and something our team is excited to offer. Everyone will be able to play The Elder Scrolls Online the way they want to play”

You can see a brand new trailer for the game below:

Train2Game News: 32 developers announced for ID@Xbox

Xbox OneMicrosoft has revealed thirty two teams have signed up for their independent publishing programme, ID@Xbox.

Head of ID@Xbox Chris Charla announced the list of thirty two developers today with studios from all over the world including big names like Double Fine and Team 17 all the way down to smaller first time studios developing for Microsoft like The Men Who Wear Many Hats and Iron Galaxy.

Microsoft claims to have shipped over 50 SDKs to independent teams working on Xbox One projects, and intends to enable retail Xbox One units to be used as a dev kit in the near future.

“Bottom line, we’ve been blown away by the interest in the ID@Xbox programme, and we can’t wait until the games start shipping so players can experience the amazing titles that the independent developers will be bringing to Xbox One,” said Charla.

Iron Galaxy’s Dave Lang, makers of Divekick, added: “All developers care about is being able to make the games they want and get them into the hands of as many people as possible. Now, thanks to ID@Xbox, Iron Galaxy can bring Divekick to a Microsoft platform for the first time. We’ve been working on Xbox One games for a while now, and because of that you can bet Divekick will take advantage of all the platform’s unique capabilities.”

Microsoft are certainly stepping in the right direction to help the little studios get their foot in the door and get their games seen by a wider audience.

If you are interested in joining the current list of developers visit http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/developers/id

Train2Game News: UK Top 20 Games – 02.12.13

Call of Duty GhostsAfter last week saw the addition of all the Xbox One games, this week is the addition of all the PlayStation 4 titles following its launch last week. Perhaps thanks to the launch of the PlayStation 4 Call of Duty: Ghosts has retaken the number one spot in the charts.

All formats

Week ending 16 November 2013

POS.  TITLE 

PUBLISHER

 LAST
WEEK 

1

CALL OF DUTY: GHOSTS

ACTIVISION

2

 

2

FIFA 14

EA

1

 

3

BATTLEFIELD 4

EA

3

 

4

KILLZONE: SHADOW FALL

SONY

 

5

ASSASSIN’S CREED IV: BLACK FLAG

UBISOFT

4

 

6

LEGO MARVEL SUPER HEROES

WARNER BROS

 

7

GRAND THEFT AUTO V

ROCKSTAR

8

 

8

NEED FOR SPEED: RIVALS

EA

13

 

9

JUST DANCE 2014

UBISOFT

14

 

10

BATMAN: ARKHAM ORIGINS

WARNER BROS

16

 

11

SKYLANDERS SWAP FORCE

SKYLANDERS

12

 

12

MINECRAFT: XBOX 360 EDITION

MICROSOFT

11

 

13

KNACK

SONY

 

14

SUPER MARIO 3D WORLD

NINTENDO

 

15

FORZA MOTORSPORT 5

MICROSOFT

5

 

16

DISNEY INFINITY

DISNEY

15

 

17

LEGEND OF ZELDA: LINK BETWEEN TWO WORLDS

NINTENDO

9

 

18

DEAD RISING 3

MICROSOFT

7

 

19

TOMB RAIDER

SQUARE ENIX

 

20

FOOTBALL MANAGER 2014

SEGA

22

 
< previous week

Leisure software charts compiled by Chart Track, (C)2013 UKIE Ltd

These charts cannot be reproduced either in print or online without obtaining permission from Ukie. If you wish to reproduce the charts in print or online, please contact david.smith@ukie.org.uk for the appropriate license.

Train2Game News: UK Top 20 Games – 26.11.13

FIFA 14This weeks charts see the addition of the Xbox One games. Thanks to many of the Xbox One bundles coming with FIFA 14, the football game has taken the number one spot away from Call of Duty: Ghosts.

All formats

Week ending 16 November 2013

POS.  TITLE 

FORMAT

 LAST
WEEK 

1

FIFA 14

XB360

3

 

2

CALL OF DUTY: GHOSTS

XB360

1

 

3

BATTLEFIELD 4

XB360

4

 

4

ASSASSIN’S CREED IV: BLACK FLAG

XB360

4

 

5

FORZA MOTORSPORT 5

XB1

 

6

LEGO MARVEL SUPER HEROES

XB360

2

 

7

DEAD RISING 3

XB1

 

8

GRAND THEFT AUTO V

XB360

6

 

9

LEGEND OF ZELDA: LINK BETWEEN TWO WORLDS

3DS

 

10

RYSE: SON OF ROME

XB1

 

11

MINECRAFT: XBOX 360 EDITION

XB360

7

 

12

SKYLANDERS SWAP FORCE

WII

8

 

13

NEED FOR SPEED: RIVALS

XB1

 

14

JUST DANCE 2014

WII

11

 

15

DISNEY INFINITY

XB360

13

 

16

BATMAN: ARKHAM ORIGINS

XB360

9

 

17

WWE 2K14

XB360

12

 

18

PROFESSOR LAYTON AND THE AZRAN LEGACYLEGO

3DS

10

 

19

TOMB RAIDER

XB360

17

 

20

POKEMON X

3DS

16

 
< previous week

Leisure software charts compiled by Chart Track, (C)2013 UKIE Ltd

These charts cannot be reproduced either in print or online without obtaining permission from Ukie. If you wish to reproduce the charts in print or online, please contact david.smith@ukie.org.uk for the appropriate license.

Train2Game News: Xbox One SmartGlass app available now

Xbox One SmartGlassThe release of Xbox One is nearly upon us but before Xbox One arrives on Nov. 22, you can download the Xbox One SmartGlass app today.

The Xbox One Smartglass App is separate from the Xbox360 app that you may currently own on your smartdevice. You may remember from the Xbox One launch announcement that Microsoft are planning on making this app a lot more integral to your console experience.

Of course you may wonder what the point to getting the app would be before the console is even released. Until the console is released you may want to try these three things to wet your appetite for the next generation console:

  • Search for the perfect game. Don’t waste any time – search for new Xbox One games so you can jump right in when your console is ready. Xbox One SmartGlass also lets you view information such as game details, achievements and challenges so you’re ready to get going with your favorite games. You can even check out the Game DVR clips already uploaded by the community!
  • Keep up with friends. Connect with friends and the Xbox Live community even before you finish setting up your console. Use the app to see what your friends have been up to, check out their latest achievements, or read your messages while you’re waiting.
  • Personalize your dashboard. Pin your favorite games and apps to the Home screen so you jump into your favorite activities right when you finish setting up your console and log into Xbox Live.

Connecting Xbox One SmartGlass to your Xbox One is easy. Just use the same wireless network on your Xbox One SmartGlass-enabled device as your Xbox One and open the app to automatically connect to your console. Once synced, you can use Xbox One SmartGlass to fly through your console set-up by using gestures to navigate and your device’s keyboard to log in to Xbox Live.

Additionally, Microsoft have partnered with developers to deliver some amazing experiences for movies, games and apps available on day one and beyond worldwide. These include Star Trek Into Darkness, Fast & Furious 6, Dead Rising 3, Just Dance 2014, Battlefield 4, Internet Explorer and Machinima.

The Xbox One SmartGlass app is available for download now on all iOS, Android and Windows 8 smart devices.

Train2Game News: Call of Duty: Ghosts for £9.99

Call of Duty GhostsIf you are a Call of Duty: Ghosts fan who is upgrading to one of the next gen consoles then good news! You don’t have to buy the game again at full price.

Activision have made it nice and simple for you to get your current generation copy of Call of Duty: Ghosts on the next generation console. For just £9.99 you can download the next generation version straight to your console. This offer obviously only applies to people who already own the game on Xbox360 or PS3.

You will even get to keep hold of your season pass and gamer profile so you won’t lose all the hard work you have put in to the game already and you will still be able to get all the future DLC that will come out for the game.

To upgrade your game from Xbox360 to Xbox One it can be done through Xbox Live. To upgrade from PS3 to PS4 there is a unique code with the game you will be able to use.

If you have held out on getting the game with your next generation console it will be available for £64.99 from selected retailers.

The Xbox One is out this Friday for £430 and the PlayStation 4 is out 29 November for £349.

Train2Game News: Kinect 2 Camera cover

Kinect coverInterWorks Unlimited, leading multi-platform gaming accessory developer, today announced the InterWorks Unlimited Xbox One Privacy Cover accessory for the Kinect 2.

The designer’s first peripheral in a line up for Xbox One, the InterWorks Unlimited Xbox One Privacy Cover features a sturdy design that installs around the embodiment of the Kinect 2 Camera providing a lens cover for quick access to motion gaming or privacy protection whenever you need it.

Throughout the development of the InterWorks Unlimited Xbox One Privacy Cover, InterWorks Unlimited engineers worked closely with Microsoft specifications to ensure 100% compatibility with the Kinect 2. The result is a fine crafted accessory that does not hinder your Kinect 2 operation, but instead enhances it. Using the exclusive lens cover technology, the InterWorks Unlimited Xbox One Privacy Cover puts the user in control, giving the gamer the power to change from motion control gaming to private use and back with the swipe of your finger. Definitely easier than unplugging the Kinect power cable everyday.

In addition to privacy protection, the InterWorks Unlimited Xbox One Privacy Cover also provides protection for your Kinect 2. With the high cost of new consoles, one can never be too careful with protecting that investment. The InterWorks Unlimited Xbox One Privacy Cover provides needed protection from dust, fingerprints, and scratches.

The InterWorks Unlimited Xbox One Privacy Cover is available now at select National Retailers and online outlets, with an MSRP of $19.99. Gamers who want to get the product early, well before the console launch, Order on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Privacy-Cover-XBOX-ONE/dp/B00GK3CL26