NEWS | Week beginning May 25th | FIFA 16, amiibo Heist & A new Xbox One Controller?

Good afternoon guys, how you all doing? Good! Or unlucky. I don't know. Anyway, have three new stories!

Firstly, EA have announced that FIFA 16 will include women's national teams. 

Alex Morgan, USWNT player.
Looks... great...

For the first time in FIFA's history, the game will feature women's national teams. Twelve national teams will be available to play which include, England, USA and Brazil. The full roster can be viewed here. The teams will be available in Kick Off, Offline Tournaments and Online Friendly Matches, however, female teams can only play against female teams, "Keeping in line with how women's football is played in real life at this level", as quoted by EA in a recent Q&A.

This is definitely a good move by EA, they have received a lot of flak over the years for a number of different reasons. Crappy servers, micro-transactions and 'copy & paste' features all come to mind when thinking about EA and the FIFA series. The launch of new 'Price Ranges' in FIFA 15's Ultimate Team mode also didn't help EA's image, as many feel they are ruining the game from the inside, so widening the spectrum of what is available in the game is a huge step for EA, and maybe, just maybe, they'll start to regain the fans they've lost over the years.

Next up, this story isn't necessarily interesting, but it is certainly remarkable. 

If you see any of these around,
they're stolen...

First, some information to give this story some sense if you've never heard of amiibos.

 Some of you Nintendo fan-people may know of the figurine character's known as 'amiibos'. They are essentially figurines of famous Nintendo characters, such as Mario, Luigi, Metroid, etc. Some of these figurines are rarer than others.

On Friday, Splatoon, a new Nintendo release for the Wii U was released, and as expected, new ambiios were released alongside the game. If you pre-ordered the special edition of Splatoon, whch was only available at GAME, you would have got a rare Squid amiibo.

Now onto the remarkable. The lorry that was carrying GAME's, and the UK's entire shipment of special edition copies of Splatoon were stolen. A group of people stole the whole entire lorry and the shipments. After these events, Nintendo has said they won't be replacing the stolen goods. GAME has also come out and said they will reduce the price of the game for anyone who pre-ordered the special edition from £52.99 to £42.99. 

The reason this story surprised me is because, well, why would anyone steal plastic figurines in such a large magnitude as this! It's not like they tucked a couple figurines under their shirt in a shop, they stole a whole entire lorry! The lengths that some people would go to have such figurines is truly remarkable to me. They obviously forgot to pre-order the special edition...

Item 9 is the Expansion Port and
Item 16 is the 3.5mm Jack...

Finally, Microsoft are reportedly going to release a new Xbox One controller. Documents were found on Microsoft's support site, now-removed, stating that a new controller could be released soon. It will include an Expansion Port on the base of the controller, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack. This suggests that Microsoft are removing the need for the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter, which comes both with the console and can be purchased online.

Nobody is really sure if these rumors are true or not, but the truth could be revealed at the gaming conference, known as E3, in June. 

So, what did you think of the news stories this week? Are you happy that Women's National Teams are to be included in FIFA 16? Are you surprised that people are stealing amiibos in such a magnitude as this? Will you be buying the new Xbox One controller, if it is in fact released?

Let me know in the comments below!

As always, thank you for reading. I truly am grateful for your support over the months!

Connor :)

NEWS | Week beginning May 18th | GTA 5, New Need for Speed & PS5???

Good afternoon guys, welcome back for another week of video gaming news!

First up, GTA 5, the hugely successfully sandbox-action game, has passed 5 million physical sales in the UK.

There ain't no stopping GTA!

The machine that is Rockstar just cannot stop creating great games. They've given us games such as GTA IV, which sold 25 million + globally , Red Dead Redemption, which sold a whopping 13 million + globally  and of course, GTA, which has only just passed 5 million PHYSICAL sales in the UK. These figures do not include downloads on platforms like Steam. Globally, GTA V has sold over 50 million copies.
GTA V can unarguably be considered as one of the most successful video games to ever be released, and with the release of DLC and constant updates, we can expect the figure of 50 million to rise still.

Well done Rockstar!

Next up, a new Need for Speed game has been announced. EA has confirmed a new Need for Speed game has begun development and the game is expected to be released in Autumn 2015. The game has been pitched as a 'full-reboot' and will feature 'deep' customisation, urban car culture and an immersive narrative that will stretch throughout the game.

"I'm in me mums car. Broom Broom..."

Ghost Games executive producer, Marcus Nilsson, has said "Need for Speed is one of the most iconic names in gaming, and we're returning it to greatness in this reboot. Pulling on our 20 years of history, and then taking a year out from releasing a game, we are making the game we've always wanted to. We're listening to the fans and delivering an experience that will capture their imagination and unleash their passion for cars and speed."

The last NfS game I remember playing was NfS Carbon. I always used to use the Mazda RX8 in a orangey/red colour. The races in the game were thoroughly enjoyable. even if I wasn't very good at them! It's good to hear that a new NfS is being released. We haven't seen a NfS game in a while so it'll be refreshing to see another game in the series!

Here's the teaser trailer if you haven't already seen it:

Too soon?

Finally, it looks like Sony is already starting development on a next-gen system. Could it be the PS5?!
An advertisement has been uncovered for a senior game programmer, which states that Sony requires assistance in "developing a game used for research and development purposes related to our next generation gaming system".
Although it may seem like Sony could simply be hiring programmers to help increase the PS4 experience, the fact that they said "our next generation gaming system" gives theimpression that they are talking about something new altogether.

Would you welcome another new console? The next/current generation of consoles were only released in 2013, yet we're already seeing rumors of new consoles in the works. What would you like to see in the PS5?

Sorry it's a short one this week. With my exams upcoming I have loads of revision/work/coursework to get done. As soon as my exams are done, normal service will resume!

Thanks for reading!

Connor :)

NEWS | Week beginning May 11th | PS4 Pirating, Minecraft & The Witcher 3

Good evening guys!

Just letting you all know that my exams are coming up pretty soon so I'll only be posting news for a while till my exams are all done and dusted. I'll then try to post more of the old-school stuff like before. Just a little heads up!

So, let's get into this weeks news!

"We be stealin' all ya games!"

Firstly, someone's been hacking the PS4. According to news site VG247, retailers all across Brazil have found a way to hack into PS4 hardware and pirate games onto PS4 consoles. The process is simple really, the retailers connect hardware to the PS4's 'innards', the games are then copied over onto the system. Now you're probably thinking, "they must be charging hundreds for this?!". Well you'd be wrong, the procedure costs around 100 US Dollars, which converts to around £65. 10 games could usually cost around £300-£400, so this procedure is a lot cheaper than buying games legally. However, the procedure voids your warranty, meaning if your PS4 breaks, you have to pay for a new one.

Brazilian authorities are swiftly trying to track down the retailers offering this deal and stop them, as this is an obvious form of privacy, and game developers/publishers are losing out on big bucks.
Would you consider getting these pirated games given the opportunity, or do the right thing and buy them legally?

Minecraft. Let your imagination
go wild...

Next up, if you hadn't already guessed it, Minecraft has officially become the most uploaded game on YouTube. Since the games' release in 2009, more than 42 million Minecraft videos have been uploaded on the video sharing site. 'Minecraft' is also the second most searched word on YouTube. It's quite amazing how much of an impact Minecraft has had on both YouTube and gaming in general. There are hundreds of thousands of YouTube channels dedicated to only uploading Minecraft content, whether it be Let's Play videos, mod reviews, skin reviews, etc. Minecraft has become a force in the video gaming industry, and will probably be for many years to come.

This game is going to be 'wild'. Get it?!

Finally, the much anticipated Witcher 3 gets a new CG Cinematic launch trailer. I haven't really reported on The Witcher 3 as it didn't really sound too appealing to me. However, after watching that trailer, my opinion on the game has most defintiely been changed. Although it is a CG trailer, and the game won't as good as that, I want the game to look as good as that. The trailer showed off the possibility of having destructible environments, as well as a range of different potions and weapons (the blue sparkely grenade looks sweet!). Hopefully, the gameplay is as smooth as it is in trailer, because if it is, we could have a hit on our hands.
The game is being released on the 19th May, which is tomorrow, so make sure you go out and get yourself copy. We could have a possible Game Of The Year contender on our hands folks, so make sure you don't miss out!

Here's the trailer if you haven't already seen it:

So, what do you think of my picks for the news this week? How do you think Sony will respond to the game piracy in Brazil? Do you watch Minecraft videos on YouTube? Will you be picking up The Witcher 3 tomorrow? Let me know in the comments below!

As always, thanks for reading!

Connor :)

The greatest video game ever?

Evening guys! There'll be no news this week as there hasn't really been anything to report on, so, I'm going to treat you with one of my old-school posts again. How exciting!

Video games have been around for a long time, and in that period, many great games have been released. From the retro to the modern, the likes of Tetris to the likes of GTA, which game is the greatest game ever?

The Computer Space console. 

The first ever commercial video game, simply called, 'Computer Space' was released in 1970. The aim of the game? To avoid the fire of enemy UFO's and gain a higher score than the enemy. If you do get a higher score, then the player is rewarded with another 90 seconds of gameplay. This cycle then goes on until the player does not get a high enough score. Computer Space is accepted as the world's first commercially sold coin-operated video game. Although it is not as famous and successful as games like 'Pong', released around similar times, Computer Space was innovative and it helped establish the basic form of arcade games. You may not consider Computer Space as the best game ever, but it certainly helped set up the games that we see today.

OG Tetris. Not as pretty as modern Tetris

Now, we all know Tetris. No explanation is needed really. Blocks fall down from block heaven and you need to fit them in the right holes. Simple enough. The well-known game was developed by a Alexey Pajitnov while working for the Academy of Science of the USSR.
Tetris has been one of the most influential games to ever be released. Ever. It's one of those games that everyone knows. From your grandad and grandma to your little brother and sister. Everyone knows the game and I think the game will be known forever more, due to its simplicity as a game, as well as the legacy it has created,  Tetris can be considered as one of the best games to ever be released and forever will be.

When released on June 6th 1984, it took the world by storm.  Did you know Tetris was the first game ever to be bundled with a console? Did you also know that over 50 official versions of Tetris have released, as well as there being over 10 unofficial versions released. As I've already said, Tetris is one of the most influential games ever to be released, and I'm sure it will continue to be as influential as it has been in the future.

The greatest CoD?

So many games have been released since Tetris. The Call of Duty series, World of Warcraft, Runescape, Grand Theft Auto, etc, etc. All great in their own different ways.

First up. Call of Duty. Many consider the Call of Duty games as very repetitive, however, you cannot argue that it is a very successful series. Most of the CoD games usually have a great storyline as well as very competitive multiplayer. Many thousands of people play Call of Duty each year, and around 18 million people pre-ordered Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare around the world, according to chart website VGChartz. This shows how popular the series is. With the release of Black Ops 3 in November, you can expect those numbers to increase further.

200 million registered accounts
and counting...

Now onto the MMO's. Both World of Warcraft and Runescape can easily be put into the category of influential games. World of Warcraft hit 10 million registered subscribers last November and Runescape has over 200 million registered accounts created, and currently holds a Guiness World Record as the world's largest free MMORPG and most-updated game. Not much really needs to be said about these two games. Both games combined have over 300 million registered users. Updates and content are still being released for both games and they have helped inspire a whole range of different MMO's, such

as Diablo, Guild Wars, EVE Online, etc. Would you consider both these as the best games ever, or just hugely inspirational and successful games?

So many great GTA games...

Finally, we have GTA. I don't think there has been one unsuccessful GTA game (well maybe that one that came out for DS). There's GTA San Andreas, Vice City, Liberty City, GTA 4, GTA 5. All hugely successful games. GTA 5 being a prime example. GTA 5 has shipped 45 million copies since its release on previous-gen consoles in 2013. It can be considered as one of the most successful video games ever. Millions play GTA, especially seeing as the game was just released on PC. The amount of freedom available to players, as well as the massive multiplayer experience and free DLC and compatibility packs definitely puts it up there.

So, what would you consider as the best game ever? Are you a fan of the retro games, or the more contemporary games? Do you agree with me and the games I have suggested or do you have other games in mind? Let me know in the comments down below!

And as always, thanks for reading!

Connor :)

Are Video Games as bad as they're made out to be?

Good evening guys, I hope you're all having a great weekend! I haven't done one these in a while, so I felt like I owe it to you guys! So, let's get into it!

Video Games. I play them, you play them (well you wouldn't be here if you didn't), we all play them. They're great. Such a wide variety of games and genres out there to indulge yourself in and get yourself lost in. Some of you might play for a moderate hour or two a night, where-as

This guy is making something great,
you can just tell.

some of you might play 5 - 6 + hours a night (you should be revising). However, some people think they're not as good as they're made out to be. Obviously, there's two sides to the Video Game story, and to give a fair argument I need to give both sides yadayadayada. You get the idea...

As a person who loves Video Games, and reports and writes about them weekly, to you, my loyal readers, I need them. If Video Games weren't a thing, what would I do, report on actual news?! Nobody wants to see that. Video Games, give me, and others like me, a chance to report on something that they love, I enjoy sitting here on my laptop writing for hours on end. It's fun. If reporting on Video Games is fun, how do you think making them feels? There's obviously hours and hours put into the process of making a Video Game, yet, being able to see your finished project out there, with people playing and playing, loving your game, must be an amazing sensation. I'm currently making a game at Sixth Form, and of course, it's no Call of Duty, but it's something I've worked hard on. It's a long and difficult process, yet the feeling I get when my friends are playing it, pulling their hair out because they can't make it over one particular jump fills me with joy, as it rightly should.

Video Games are also a wonderful source of entertainment. As previously mentioned, there's a wide range of genres out there, from shooters, to sports, to puzzle to sink your teeth into. As some enjoy watching sports, playing poker, etc, some enjoy playing Video Games. You have the ability to get lost in a great expansive adventure that could last for hours on end. Don't get me wrong, you can easily get drawn into a good game of football or a film, but do you have the ability to control what you're seeing in a game of football or a film? I don't think so.

"The TV is over there mate"

What about the physical benefits of Video Games too? It's been proven that Video Games not only improve reaction times in a person, but hand-eye coordination too. Reactions are very important, they could help you, I don't know, jump out of the way of that bus hurtling towards you, or maybe, catch your Grandma's priceless vase that you just knocked off the table. All very real problems that can be avoided!
Hand-eye coordination is also important. Playing FIFA is a great example. All the god-damn skill moves available to you, pulling them off without looking at the controller is a big task, especially from someone like me anyway. Also, typing. Can you type a whole paragraph w1ith0ut it l00kin like th1s? For those of who lucky souls going off to Sixth Form or College next year, writing essays and exam questions is something that happens often, as a current Sixth Former, I know. Being able to type without looking at a keyboard is a skill that is very useful.

As I said before, to give a fair argument I need to give both sides of said argument. Yeah I know, sucks right?

Grab a friend and play some games!

Video Games can lead to isolation and addiction in some. As previously mentioned, Video Games give you the opportunity to get lost in a great, expansive adventure. As great as that is, you can get TOO drawn into it. Ever had that feeling where you tell yourself "Just one more level", "Just one more round", etc? If you keep telling yourself this, you're never going to stop playing. You'll just want to keep going and going, staying inside by yourself and playing. Isolation is a big thing, and not a good thing either. If you want to stay inside and play Video Games, play with a friend, either online or physically. That way, you're reducing isolation and you still get to play. Win win!

Another side effect of Video Games is an increase in aggression. Have you ever played a game of FIFA or Call of Duty, then got incredibly frustrated as you keep on getting killed by that Level 1 noob who has no idea what the hell he's doing, or conceded a sweaty header in the 90th minute? I know I have, and it isn't fun. Controllers get thrown and words that should not be said get said. Ask my Dad, he knows! An increase in aggressive behaviour isn't good for anyone. Not yourself or the people around you, so keep it calm, alright?!

Now here's the bit where I give my final opinion, after giving each side a fair case, and I think you know which side I'm going to pick, well you should do anyway.

Me playing FIFA...

I love Video Games. They're great. The opportunity to get lost in a number of different ways is presented to you, whether it's taking your local club all the way to the top or saving mankind from the undead, the opportunities are endless. Without Video Games, I'd have to read a newspaper, or watch repeats of Friends again and again (not like I don't that anyway or anything). Video Games give me a chance to blow off some steam and relax for an hour or two, doing what I want in a world that isn't real. Where else do you get the opportunity to do that? I love Video Games, and honestly, I don't think they're as bad they're
made out to be. Of course, you're going to want to just play "one more game", but that's for you to control. If you feel you might be getting just a bit too angry, or if you feel you've been playing for a bit too long, then give them a break, as you'll only be ruining the experience for yourself...

I hope you enjoyed reading this lengthy post. I know I hadn't done one of these for a while so why the hell not?!

Thanks for reading, and as I said yesterday, your on-going support and loyalty to me and my blog is greatly appreciated!

Connor :)

NEWS | Week beginning April 27th | The Last of Us, P.T. & Just Cause 3

Good Evening guys! Another week of news inbound!

Firstly, The Last of Us's DLC 'Left Behind' is to go standalone. The single-player DLC from one of the best games of 2013 is to go on sale on the Playstation Store as a standalone, and you won't need the game to play it. It will be priced at £7.99 and will go on sale the 12th May.

Concept art from the DLC...

The Last of Us is one of the best games ever to be released on the Playstation. The narrative and plot of the game is very enthralling and mesmerising. It is very easy to get lost in the story of Joel and Ellie. The DLC for the game takes places during the plot of the game, covering sections of the game that isn't  really covered in the main game. From first-hand experience, I have played the DLC and it is just as good as the main game itself, so if you own a Playstation, and have any sort of interest in The Last of Us, I suggest you pick it up on the 12th of May!

Here's the cinematic trailer for any of you interested:

Next, P.T. has been cancelled and removed from the Playstation Store.
Do you remember the hype that P.T. received when it was first released? Not much was known about the playable teaser, all that was known that it was incredibly terrifying, and probably, one of the scariest games to be released in a long time.

Search "P.T." on YouTube and
see what horrors await!

However, the game that P.T. was teasing, Silent Hills has been cancelled by publishers Konami. There was thought to be a power struggle between Konami and the developer of the game, Hideo Kojima. Due to this, Silent Hills has been cancelled and Kojima has left Konami. Konami has however said that they are "committed to new Silent Hill titles".

The teaser was removed from the Playstation Store on Wednesday. Didn't get a chance to play it, don't fret, people are selling their Playstation's with the teaser installed! Hooray! How much you ask? Well, some listings on the auction site eBay go up to £1000. If you're willing to pay that much, go ahead and grab yourself one! Actually, one second thought, don't do that...

Same old, same old?

Finally, the much anticipated Just Cause 3 has had a gameplay trailer released. If you've heard of the Just Cause series, you know what you're in for. A free-roam sandbox game with enough explosions to make GTA jealous. Looking at the trailer, it honestly looks very similar to Just Cause 2. The game looks to be set in a very beautiful unheard of Asian country, plenty of explosions, as previously mentioned, vehicle theft, shooting people, etc, etc. Pretty much everything you'd expect from a Just Cause game.
The trailer also mentions that if you preorder, you'll receive 'The Weaponised Vehicle Pack', with three luxury weapons armed with weapons a car shouldn't have. But hey, its Just Cause. What do you expect?!

Here's the trailer if you haven't already seen it, courtesy of GameSpot:

Again, as always, thanks for reading guys. Your ongoing support and continually coming back really helps me out and motivates me to post more! Again, thanks!

Connor :)