Everything You Need to Prepare for Ryse: Son of Rome December 4, 2013

Greetings to all the Sons of Rome out there.  The game, Ryse: Son of Rome launched alongside the Xbox One last week, but there was a lot of content that Microsoft released before the game’s launch that I never had the chance to post up on this site.  So, for anyone who is currently working on completing the game or starting on their later playthroughs, here’s some interesting content which should provide further information on the game’s universe and set up the game’s story.

First off, there is a four part live action series, Ryse: Son of Rome – The Fall.

The second thing is a three part comic series which details a history of the game’s mythology.  The cool part about this is that by checking out these comics you can get the chance to unlock free gold for use in the game, as long as you tie it to your Xbox Live GamerTag as you read.  You can check out the comic and earn yourself some free multiplayer gold here.

Ryse: Son of Rome is out now exclusive to the Xbox One.

Gears of War Free From Games With Gold December 2, 2013

Microsoft’s Games With Gold promotion continues this month with one of the first truly killer apps for the console on its first year of release, Gears of War.  The game that made us ask the question why hasn’t anyone put a chainsaw at the end of an assault rifle before?

I have many fond memories playing this game with friends.  It’s drop in and drop out cooperative play is common in today’s games but it was revolutionary when it was released.  Previously, if a game even supported co-op at all (and there weren’t many that did), getting a friend into the game was a complex and annoying process that frequently didn’t work.  After Gears of War proved cooperative play could work in a major title, it has become the gold standard for cooperative single-player campaigns.

Gears of War will be free until the 15th of the month to all Xbox Live Gold Subscribers.  Just download the game on your Xbox 360 and its yours forever, even if your Gold account expires.  Once you have the game downloaded, don’t forget to download the game’s two multiplayer map packs free off Xbox Live Marketplace as well.

Gears of War is out now.  After the 16th, it looks like the Xbox Live Arcade game Shoot Many Robots will be the next Games With Gold free game.

Nintendo Direct – 3DS Louvre Guide Video November 27, 2013

One of the most famous museums in the entire world is the Louvre located in Paris, France.  Let’s face it, unless you are an art buff, you may not be aware of all the important details behind many famous works of art, and tour guides aren’t always available.  Since at least the 90s, many museums have offered special audio tours provided on an interactive CD-ROM.

Well, the Louvre has done something different.  When you ask for an interactive tour, they give you a Nintendo 3DS.  Now, that program that the Louvre offers will soon be available to download on the Nintendo eShop, and yes, it will work if you bring it with you to the museum.

Speaking as someone who’s already been to the Louvre, this makes me want to go back.

Playstation Home Giving Away Classic PS1 Games November 23, 2013

Does anyone remember when I was raving about Sony’s E3 2013 Quest in Playstation Home?  Well, it looks like Sony is doing something like it once again to celebrate the launch of the Playstation 4.  A new area, dubbed the Greatness Awaits space, has a quest that all PS3 owners can join.  If you participate in it you can earn download codes for three classic Playstation games, Warhawk, Twisted Metal, and Destruction Derby.

You will enter the Greatness Awaits playspace automatically the next time you log into Playstation Home.  To start the quest just talk to the guy next to the giant Playstation Vita.  The PS1 games can be redeemed through the Playstation Store.  They should be playable on the PS3, PSP or PS Vita.

Playstation Home is free to play only on the Playstation 3.

Xbox One Released November 22, 2013

Last night at midnight, Microsoft released their newest console, the Xbox One. It is out now for a price of $499 US.

Expect a ton of Xbox One videos all weekend! We’re going to be going over every inch of this new console with a fine toothed comb. So just sit back, relax and enjoy this image.

BEYOND: Two Souls Advanced Experiments DLC Trailer November 21, 2013

The first DLC for BEYOND: Two Souls has been released into the wild for any person who wishes to play it.  The Advanced Experiments level takes place during Jodie’s specialized training on behalf of the CIA and pushes Jodie and Aiden’s skills to the absolute limit.  Since there are no spoilers present during the level, you can enjoy it at any point in your game progress.  Here is the DLC’s official trailer.

If you preordered BEYOND: Two Souls at GameStop and got the Special Edition version of the game, you already have this DLC.  Otherwise, the price is $4.99 US.  BEYOND: Two Souls is out now exclusive to the Playstation 3.

Xbox One Smartglass App Released November 20, 2013

When it was first announced, Microsoft promised that the Xbox One would be controlled in three ways. One was by a controller, second was by the Kinect and the third was through a completely revised version of Xbox SmartGlass. Today, in anticipation of the release of the Xbox One on Friday, Microsoft has released one part of that control system, the Xbox One SmartGlass app.

The new SmartGlass app allows for secondary Xbox One control and new features in games that support it, like the launch title Dead Rising 3 or the upcoming Metal Gear Solid V. Curiously, Microsoft chose not to update the already existing Xbox Smartglass app, and instead released the updated SmartGlass for Xbox One as a completely seperate app. So if you already have SmartGlass installed on your mobile device or PC, you’ll need to go searching for the new version.

The Xbox One SmartGlass app is free to download on your iOS, Android or Windows device right now. Just search for the Xbox One SmartGlass app in your respective digital marketplace.

The Last of Us: Between the Lines with Barry Kibrick November 20, 2013

Between the Lines, a show known for tackling topics inspired from great literature, has discussed a video game for the first time ever.  In this video, host Barry Kirbrick sits down with Naughty Dog Creative Director Neil Druckman to talk about the deeper philosophical meanings present in this year’s PS3 hit The Last of Us.

As a person who was an English Major in College, I enjoy a great debate over a story, and its fantastic to see one taking place over a video game.

The Last of Us is out now exclusive to the PS3.

Dead Rising 3 Launch Trailer November 19, 2013

We’re three days away from the launch of the Xbox One and with it an entirely new generation of Xbox games.  For me, the most anticipated game of that launch is going to be Dead Rising 3 from Capcom.  Today, Capcom released the game’s official launch trailer, and after seeing it I have to remark how much of a difference music has in changing the mood of something.

Dead Rising 3 is coming November 22nd, 2013 exclusive to the Xbox One.

Remedy at D.I.C.E. Europe 2013 November 19, 2013

Remedy’s Managing Director Mattias Myllyrinne did a presentation recently at D.I.C.E Europe 2013.  While the majority of his presentation is on the importance of video game development studios being able to adapt to an ever changing marketplace, he does talk briefly about his studio’s most recent Xbox One exclusive title, Quantum Break.  Since it is not a launch title, there hasn’t been a lot if information coming out about this game recently, but it is on my radar for being my own most anticipated Xbox One title.

Regardless, even without the Quantum Break segment, people in the gaming industry need to watch this presentation as he talks about some very important information that I believe is essential to the continuing success of the gaming industry.

Quantum Break is coming exclusive to the Xbox One.