Gamecca Magazine September 2011

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Rugby World Cup 2011Deus Ex: Human RevolutionUFC Personal TrainerFrom DustFruit NinjaA New BeginningCubic Ninjaand more...

Open SeasonMore Human...

Deus Ex: Human Revolution

The Goal LineRugby World Cup 2011

Summer fun on Dead Island

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From the Editor

UnstuckMud-slinging

Summer Slay-cationZombie bashing on holiday

Previews8 upcoming titles

Meanwhile, in GermanyA dozen-and-a-half Gamsecom titles

PS ZealotFinally getting the goods

Xbox BeatStaying true...

House of MarioAmbassadors and repairs

Reviews17 games to keep you busy

FlashtasticGames for art’s sake

MobilitySome new offerings from Gameloft

Essential ClassicsThe first cyberpunk

HardwareCool stuff to own

From SpaceA personal vendetta...

CompetitionsLogitech F540 Wireless Headset

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THIS MONTH’S COVER

Tropical islands and zombies are made for each other...

Read our feature on page 10.

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Inside

Editor:Walt [email protected]

Writers:Alex ScanlonAlexia PestanaBrian Murdoch Bryan BanfieldCharlie FrippChristo van GemertDion ScottenDylan BouchJames Francis Lein BaartSuvesh Arumugam

Letters:[email protected]

Competition Entries:[email protected]

Newsletter Subscriptions:www.gamecca.co.za

Design & Photography:1337 Media

Technical Support:Brian Murdoch

Marketing Contact:Katia [email protected]

g amec c a c on t en t s • i s s u e 27 • S e p t embe r 2011 5Copyright © 1337 Media CC 2009 - 2011

GAMECCA Vol. 3 Issue 27September 2011

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.

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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations

Forza Motorsport 4

Rage

Saint’s Row The Third

Need for Speed: The Run

Dead Rising 2: Off the Record

Rugby World Cup 2011

Deus Ex: Human Revolution

UFC Personal Trainer

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3

Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet

From Dust

WSC Real 11

Fruit Ninja

Hacker Evolution

Cubic Ninja

Air Conflicts: Secret Wars

Victoria II

The Sims 3: Town Living Stuff

History: Great Battles Medieval

A New Beginning

Europa Universalis 3 Chronicles

Kinect Sports

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I am quite pleased to see that Xbox Live services in this country seem to be improving. At least,

the content you can buy off of it is. In the past month we’ve seen a few new games released for Xbox Live Arcade, as well as some DLC that wasn’t available before – most notably all four DLC offerings for Borderlands, which caused quite a hiccup in the workflow around here.

We have decided to start taking a more serious look at DLC and games that can be downloaded off of services like XBLA and PSN. And why shouldn’t we? They’re games too, after all, and some of them are absolutely fantastic. Check out our review of From Dust in this issue for a good example.

Seeing this kind of progress makes one feel a little better about being a gamer in South Africa. While we aren’t huge on the international gaming industry’s radar, at least we aren’t being denied too much because of that. Still, we have a long way to go. Hopefully the price drops we have seen recently in the Nintendo 3DS and the PS3 will help stimulate the market.

The XBLA titles that we downloaded this month were something of a blessing, because it has been extremely slow. That said, we have seen two of the biggest releases of the year happening in the past month: Deus Ex: Human Revolution for the hardcore folks, and Rugby World Cup 2011 for… well, for everyone who loves rugby, really, which (judging by the amount of Springbok jerseys you see out and about in the lead up to the world cup, is a lot of people). RWC 2011 may not be the biggest seller

internationally, but it’s pretty big news for us here at the southern tip of Africa. And apparently it’s selling like hot-cakes.

With more than half of the year gone, we are around a month away from the start of the Festive Season game release rush, which generally kicks off around October. There are some interesting titles on the way, which is great, but it does appear to be a ‘smaller’ year than last year was, at least in terms of volume. But with titles like Battlefield 3, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Batman: Arkham City, Uncharted 3, Assassin’s Creed: Revelations and a whole bunch more coming, it looks like we’ll be having a case of quality over quantity.

Of course, there were a bunch of new reveals and announcements made at Gamescom, too, which we also take a look at in this issue.

And finally, I

want to welcome Lein Baart to our writing team. I should have done it last month (my bad) but better late than never, right?

OK, on with the show. Even in a ‘dry’ month, we still manage to bring you 17 game reviews… we hope you enjoy them! g

by Walt Pretorius

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Getting There...

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© 2011 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Screen images are simulated.

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With the release of big name games, there will always be the expected

mud-slinging. Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 will go head-to-head this year, and although BF3 will release before the latest instalment of COD, both parties are certain that their game will trump the other.

The bad-mouthing got increasingly personal over the last couple of weeks, with Battlefield being the main culprit in igniting the hatred from the COD faction.

Electronic Arts’ Corporate Communications Officer Jeff Brown recently fired the latest salvo in Activision’s executive Eric Hirshberg’s direction, by saying “Welcome to the big leagues Eric - I know you’re new in the job but someone should have told you this is a competitive industry.”

“You’ve got every reason to be nervous. Last year Activision had a 90 share in the shooter category. This year, Battlefield 3 is going to take you down to 60 or 70. At that rate, you’ll be out of the category in two to three years. If you don’t believe me, go to the store and try to buy a copy of Guitar Hero or Tony Hawk.”

Those are really harsh words coming from a senior employee of

a professional company. Is there a place in the gaming industry for child-like bickering? Is it really necessary for them to air their misguided dislike towards a competitor?

I know that it’s only business, but with talk like that, no wonder there is a clear line between the COD fans and the BF fans. I like both games and played a lot of COD when it came out, but then BF Bad Company 2 came along. I can honestly say that I haven’t touched COD since then, and I’m really looking forward to BF3.

There are just so many exciting things about the game that make my heart race, and although I played the last COD, I’m not so sure if I even want to play Modern Warfare 3. Sure, I’ll probably play it for comparison and review purposes, but from what little info I have to compare it to BF3, I think I know which one will spend more time on.

But even if I personally think that BF3 will be better than COD, I don’t go around and rub it in people’s faces. Sure, when it comes from me people will just say that I’m a fanboy, but when an executive starts with the banter, where does that leave us?

I’m not so sure, as I was brought up to have manners and not to say nasty things about people. As the old saying goes “If you have nothing

good to say, don’t say anything at all”. I would have expected to see Electronics Arts follow that philosophy too, and half-heartedly expect EA CEO John Riccitiello to calm things down a bit.

But on the other side, Activision isn’t all that innocent. They have done their fair share of mud-slinging, and tend to be the mean kid on the block who tries to look like the cool guy. What prompted Brown’s comments was Hirchberg saying that EA doesn’t want BF3 to succeed, but rather see Modern Warfare 3 fail.

“(Competition) It’s healthy. But it’s one thing to want your game to succeed and another thing to actively, publicly say you want other games to fail. Recently a competitor of ours was quoted as saying that he wants to see Call of Duty ‘rot from the core’. My job is to help our incredibly talented, passionate teams to make the best games they can, not to throw insults around at others. But I actually feel this kind of rhetoric is bad for our industry,” Hirchberg told an audience at Gamescom.

It’s like the big bully trying to bully the kid who is bullying the others – if that makes any sense. The kid who starts a fight, and then tells the teacher the other kids are hurting him. I’m not so sure how that makes me feel.

Look, the fact of the matter is that there has been a lot more publicity been put into BF3 and COD: MW3, and it will definitely show in retail store. I just hope that the constant name-calling and mud-slinging will stop after the games are released, because someone is going to have egg on their faces while the other softly cries in the corner. g

by Charlie Fripp


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Summer Slay-cation!Sun, sand and blood...

Ah, yes, the last few balmy days have implied that summer is definitely in the air here in South Africa. It’s time to start

making plans to head out on holiday but the prudent traveller may want to avoid the island of Banoi. There are two main reasons for this… the first is that it is fictional, and booking travel plans to a fictional place will probably prove to be somewhat challenging. The second is that this idyllic paradise is in for the fight of its life, when a full blown zombie infestation grabs hold of the tropical island.

Going on holiday in the middle of a zombie apocalypse is not really high on the itinerary of most people, but gamers will likely enjoy their stay in Banoi when Dead Island hits shelves in just a few days’ time. Since the initial – and extremely impressive – trailers first appeared, this first-person zombie-basher has got tongues wagging.

The player will be the guest of the luxurious Royal Palms hotel, one of the jewels of Banoi, when the game kicks off. But, inexplicably, a zombie infestation turns the beautiful island into a horrific killing ground. Funny, that… with extremely few exceptions, zombie outbreaks are always unexplained. The shambling, brain-hungry undead just kind of show up, like the cousin everyone hoped wouldn’t find out about the family Christmas party.

Whatever the case may be, they’re there at the same time as the player’s character and, because it’s generally difficult to reason with those who have risen from the grave, the island of Banoi will become the stage for an all-out battle for survival.

Naturally, this does raise a few questions… will room-service still be operating? Will the hotel provide you with a wake-up-call before the zombies burst in? Will beach access be restricted to the living only? And, most importantly, how exactly will you get off of the island?

None of that is probably very important during a situation when every moment could be your last, but look on the bright side… a zombie outbreak on a tropical island would mean a smaller population of potential shambling bad-guys. Less than, say, an outbreak in New York City.

The developers of Dead Island are promising us

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by Walt Pretorius

Summer Slay-cation!Sun, sand and blood...


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a number of cool aspects to the game. The combat will concentrate on melee style fighting, allowing the player to get up close and personal with the foul undead predators. We would prefer medium to long range, because they will likely not smell too good. But this approach is fairly unique, and should make for some incredibly tense moment, whether in single player or with up to three additional players in co-op modes. Co-op modes are always great in zombie games (as we saw in the Left 4 Dead series) mainly because, with a little luck, your friends will get eaten before you. And this co-op will be seamless, mind you, so that players dropping in and out of the story won’t wreck your experience.

To enhance the carnage, weapon customisation has been built into the title. What form this takes we’re not too sure, but we’re guessing that improvisation will be the order of the day. Additional customisation will come through RPG elements for character development. Throwing an RPG element into a zombie-basher may seem strange, but we suspect the potential for a strong story-line because of it. Also, there will be various character classes in the game, with additional skills and abilities that will be unlocked as the game progresses.

Quite honestly, we have seen ideas like co-op play and improvised weapons before in zombie games, but the combination of these elements looks like it will be a winner. Developers Techland also have a few accolades under their belts, including the Call of Juarez series, so expecting a lot from this title isn’t unreasonable.

What sets Dead Island truly apart from the hordes of other zombie bashers out there is the unique setting. Zombie games generally see the player in more urban environments, and we suspect that the setting might be something of a character in itself. But here’s the really interesting thing: people may find the idea of a game like this set on a tropical island unusual but, if you take all the popular fiction about zombies out of the picture, it makes perfect sense. See, zombie mythology pretty much comes from tropical climates.

Zombies are part of Voodoo folklore (which is actually spelled Vodou, just so you know.) They


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appear in both Haitian Vodou and West African Vodun, and are said to be dead people raised in the service of a bokor, or sorceror. Modern science has tried to explain away the phenomenon (yes, there are scientists out there that believe zombies exist – run for the hills now!) Wade Davis, a Harvard ethnobotanist, believed that the combination of naturally occurring neurotoxins and dissociative drugs could turn a normal person into a shambling remnant of their former selves, open to suggestion and control – thus resulting in the tale of zombies. He set out his findings in two works: The Serpent and the Rainbow; and Passage of Darkness. Both were based on field studies in Haiti.

Davis’ work has generally been criticised, however, particularly his allegations that Vodou practitioners keep stables of zombies to act as slaves. However, the phenomenon itself hasn’t been discredited, and has been attributed to anything from drugs to cultural expectations and mental illnesses.

And even South Africa has zombie legends; according to some beliefs, a dead person can be changed into a zombie by a small child, and that the spell can only be broken by a powerful sangoma (that’s a ‘witch doctor’ for those who don’t know.)

Whether zombies are real or not, we can’t say. But they are popular. In 1929 William Seabrook’s book The Magic Island introduced the idea to American audiences. But it was 1968’s film Night of the Living Dead that propelled them into being extremely popular, if rather distasteful, members of the horror-monster fraternity. Since then they’ve been everywhere.

From ancient mythology through to modern entertainment, zombies have captured the minds of people around the world (when all they were really after were the brains.) It is no small wonder that we see them so often in video games and, as history shows, these games just keep getting better.

Will Dead Island, with its unique approach and setting, be the crowning achievement for zombie games thus far? At very least, it seems like it will be one of the best we’ve ever seen. Ask us again in a few days, when it has officially launched… if we’ve survived the zombie-apocalypse, that is. g


g amec c a p r ev i ew • i s s u e 27 • S e p t embe r 2011

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3The definitive shooter?

The Elder Scrolls V: SkyrimVast fantasy adventure

Forza Motorsport 4Another lap coming around

Need for Speed: The RunThe biggest race

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Now that August is done, all the major trade shows (OK, the two major trade shows) that relate to our market are done and dusted. It’s time to sit back, relax, and await

the flood of games coming at the end of the year.We take a look at a few of those in this issue and, we’re sure

you’ll agree, there is some exciting stuff ahead. You’ll notice bigger franchise names creeping into our preview section as publishers get ready to release well-known and highly anticipated sequels for popular games. It’s all about making money over the Festive Season.

Not that we’re complaining... g

Highlights

RELEASING 8 SEPTEMBER

characters from the title, giving different perspective from the plot.

The missions will vary, but will include arriving at a certain checkpoint, eliminate enemies at a location, defending their ground to reach an objective, or planting explosive charges on an enemy installation. The player’s health will also regenerate over time.

For the Co-Operative missions, the gameplay will be similar to the Nazi zombie survival missions from the previous iteration, but this time the enemies will spawn in different strategic locations, instead of spawning at the same place throughout the levels.

An aspect that made Call of Duty so popular is the massive multiplayer section. Infinity Ward recently

Call Of Duty’s Modern Warfare franchise has always been extremely popular, but this year it might just have to take a back seat to another war-time title.

With the competitor launching before Infinity Wards’ Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, it has a lot to prove,

Modern Warfare 3 will in actual fact be the eighth Call of Duty title, and with such a long line of expertise, by now Infinity Ward should know what works and what gamers want. As an interesting side-note, this instalment will be the first Call of Duty game to have built-in support for colour-blind gamers.

In terms of gameplay, the title will sport three modes: Campaign, Co-operative and Multiplayer. In the Campaign mode, players will once again assume the role of various

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announced that they have revamped the entire killstreak and reward system, improving on previous developer Treyarch’s design.

While Black Ops used an in-game currency system, this has been removed together with some perks that gave some players an advantage over those who didn’t have them. It is also expected that large variety of maps and multiplayers modes will be present.

In terms of the plot, the game will once again follow Task Force 141 members Captain John “Soap” MacTavish, former SAS Captain John Price and Russian informant Nikolai who are on the run after killing the rogue U.S. Army Lieutenant General Shepherd from Modern Warfare 2.

Nov 2011It will sure be a great game, but

whether it can keep up is anyone’s guess.

Developer: Infinity WardPublisher: ActivisionDistributor: Megarom

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With most games of an epic nature, the main antagonist will also be reprised in the form of Russian Ultranationalist Vladimir Makarov, while several new playable characters will make their appearance, including Derek “Frost” Westbrook, Sandman, Marcus Burns and Yuri, a Russian federal security agent.

The storyline will follow on immediately from the plot of Modern Warfare 2, in which the Russian Federation continues to invade the US, while other battles will take place in Somalia, Sierra Leone, Moscow and Dubai.

From what we have seen in terms of gameplay from trailers and screenshots, it very visually appealing, but whether it can keep up with the competition is yet to be seen. But it will definitely be a must-buy for any Call of Duty fan. g

around, Bethesda are promising that we will get more of the same, but more. The whole idea behind open world fantasy role-playing has been reimagined for this title, which will mean more freedom and more choices, which will naturally have all kinds of consequences on the game.

One of the areas where the player will have tons of freedom is in defining their character. There won’t be set rules and regulations; the player will be able to combine tons of different skills, abilities, items, spells and weapons to create a character that is truly unique. This freedom will allow the player to tackle the game in the way they want to, rather than following the dictates of the developers.

In addition to this new approach, many of the game’s technical aspects will benefit from an overhaul – not least of which will be the visuals. The developers are promising an awe-inspiring experience, with an all-new graphics

Choices: they’re great. Life without choices would be a bland, predetermined thing in which people would go about their daily slog without ever having to put

anything on the line, without ever being able to determine who they are through the things they decide. So, if choices – and we’re talking freedom here, not limited ‘this or that’ kind of affairs – are so valuable in real life, why shouldn’t they be prominent in video games?

Sure, we get choices in games, but they tend to be options, rather than real choices. But when you’re staring down the gullet of a fearsome dragon, you want choices. And Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim will offer both – choices and dragons.

The Elder Scrolls franchise has been around for a long time, and has generally thrilled players with its inventive fantasy setting, tons of action and flexibility. This time

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Dragons!The next instalment in the epic franchise

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engine delivering extreme detail in massive, breath-taking settings.

And then, of course, there are the dragons. They’re making a long awaited appearance in the franchise, which is great, because dragons and fantasy role playing go together like… like… like two things that go together really well. Not only that, but the player’s character will be what is called Dragonborn, which will enable them to… um, we’re not exactly sure, to be honest. The press release says ‘learn their secrets and harness their power’. That could mean a whole bunch of things that we’re sure will be really cool.

Whatever the case may be, the Elder Scrolls titles have an excellent track-record, and we see no reason why Skyrim should be any different. We will know for sure next month. g

Nov2011With the series’ exemplary track

record, the next Elder Scrolls game should be awesome!

Developer: BethesdaPublisher: BethesdaDistributor: Ster Kinekor

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a new arsenal to ply Ezio’s deadly trade with, as well as tougher opponents to dispatch.

Improvements to Eagle Vision will also help the player be a deadlier assassin this time around, and new customisations – notably bomb-crafting – will add an even deeper level to the already complex experience that is Assassin’s Creed.

We’ve been promised improvements to the free-running system, too, which should be exciting.

One thing’s for sure – this third chapter is most welcome. Of course, that does raise questions about where the series will go next, as Desmond Miles carries on experiencing his ancestors’ lives through the Animus in his fight against Abstergo Industries. But that speculation should probably wait a while… Assassin’s Creed Revelations will doubtlessly demand our full attention when it arrives in November. g

There’s something appealing about getting into the shoes of a great video game hero, and in recent years we have seen few quite as great as

Assassin’s Creed II’s Ezio Auditore. Well, we’re going to getting the third opportunity to fill the Renaissance Italian master assassin’s shoes very soon, when the third (and reportedly final) chapter of Ezio’s story hits the shelves.

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations will, once again, take place during the Renaissance period, but our protagonist will be travelling a perilous journey to Constantinople to take on a growing army of Templars.

Each iteration of this series has delivered a proven better experience, so we’re holding out high hopes for this fourth title in the series. And the developers are saying that’s what we should expect. In addition to all new locations and all new adventures, the player will get

Ezio the ThirdA Renaissance in free-roam gaming.

by Alex Scanlon

Nov2011The third chapter in the Assassin’s

Creed II saga will doubtlessly thrill fans.

Developer: UbisoftPublisher: UbisoftDistributor: Megarom

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wear, which will play a huge part in the game, giving the hardcore fans a little more to cheer about.

This title will also be integrated with the Kinect, which will be a plus for the hardcore races. There are several ways to use you Kinect with Forza 4; the first will be controller- free – grab the imaginary steering wheel and race with auto brake and accelerator (which is not the best part).

Then there is Auto Vista mode. Auto Vista will allow the gamer to walk around the car in a virtual showroom so to say; look at every detail of any car, open doors, or the bonnet and have a look at the engine or even the

If you own a PS3, you would say that Gran Turismo is the best driving simulator, but if you have an Xbox then you would say the same about Forza - and if you

own both consoles, you may well say that Forza is still the better driving game. Forza 4 will be the next generation of simulation driving games, as Turn 10 enlisted the help of real racing drivers to test cars and tracks and supply feedback for the ultimate realistic feel on the tarmac.

The graphics have been drastically modified in such a way that the game will be photo realistic, even with light changes (day to sunset, sunset to evening). Other realistic details added into Forza 4 are damage, as well as tire

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Burn RubberSpeeding away from the competition

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finer details of the interior… all while Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson gives a detailed description of the car.

The third option, which will be the most appealing to the hardcore fans, is the Kinect Head Tracking System, which will allow the gamer to look into corners. With the head tracking system the camera view will move and give you a clearer view of the chicane as you look into the corner so that the player can hit every corner properly and perfect there driving around any track. The will also be Kinect voice support, which will allow the user to navigate through the menus by speaking.

Forza 4 will not just have the voice over of Jeremy

Oct2011I don’t think we will see a better

racing game this year

Developer: Turn 10 StudiosPublisher: MicrosoftDistributor: Microsoft

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Clarkson but also the Top Gear test track, which the gamer can use the reasonably priced car (Kia Cee’d) and challenge the top times set by the famous guest that appeared on the Top Gear show. In addition to all the Top Gear content already included, Forza will also have Car Football in the World Tour Mode, which also appeared in the TV series.

Although this sounds all very good, we can’t tell you how great it really is until we have a copy. All the information that has been available for us on the “interweb “ only reveals that Forza will be a instant classic for all racing genre fans; hardcore and beginners alike will be able to jump straight into the game, with various assist settings. g

driving (think Burnout), and players will be able to upgrade their cars with money won from races.

Taking a leaf from the Fallout series, it will also feature a role-playing element, in which players will have an inventory and different ammo will determine the customisation of weapons. As with any post-apocalyptic world, it’s not only inhabited by humans, but mutants will make traveling the vast area a bit more challenging.

From what we have seen so far, the game is visually appealing, and if the iOS spin-off is anything to go by, it will be a brutal game with lots of body parts flying around.

Although the FPS Rage has been in the making for about three years, the hype only started to turn up in the last couple of months. id Software is

surely going to great lengths to make a brilliant shooter, and rightfully so - they were also the makers of the hugely-popular Doom and Quake franchises.

Similar to games like Fallout and movies like Mad Max, the plot for Rage transports players into a near-future post-Apocalyptic world in which the asteroid 99942 Apophis crashed into earth. Although there is an emphasis on shooting, the title will also feature a large amount of

Rage

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Actually, the graphics look amazing, and it won’t be hard for gamers to completely live themselves into the game. The title has also spawned a graphic novel, which gives players a better understanding of the plot.

In terms of the game’s actual story and how it plays out, should be really interesting indeed. Matthew J. Costello, who worked on the plot of Doom 3, is also working on the Rage plot, and while mutants will make up a good portion of the enemies, there is apparently a huge twist in the middle of the title, which will spin the game in a new direction, with new enemies to boot.

Oct2011Taking on a post-Apocalyptic plot,

Rage should be one of the hidden gems of the year.

Developer: id SoftwarePublisher: Bethesda SoftworksDistributor: Ster Kinekor

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The setting for the game is the classic “climactic event followed by the emergence of humans” scenario, where the main character has been seeking shelter from the asteroid in what is known as the Ark. Not all the humans survived, and with no memory or any recollection of his mission, the character sets out to find food and friends.

It’s promising to be a great title, and fans of the Fallout series should be really impressed. We’ve seen it too many times, but whether or not it can live up to the hype is yet to be seen. But, from all the video and screenshots floating around, it should be one wild ride. g

good cars… sport, muscle or just regular cars, each with different handling, made choosing a getaway car very important.

Saints Row’s story line will be determined by the gamer and their choices in the game, and every decision can change the story and the ending.

Gamers will be able to customize their character and will have almost an unlimited choice as what it can look like.

The player will also be able to set age, give the character scars, and even select a voice.

Will it be the GTA killer? Time will tell. g

Saints Row was always a second choice to GTA, but now there might be another option in the open world game genre. Saints Row: the Third

will have an all new look, with beefed-up graphics and story modes, and the free game should impress most GTA fans.

With a huge variety of weapons available, destruction will be our number one priority. There will be a number of weapons available to the character straight away, like air strike attacks from passing jets, remote controlled machine guns and much more, but will this title have decent vehicles for the getaway? GTA always had

No Saints HereThe third trip into mayhem

by Dylan Bouch

Nov2011It may be a potential GTA killer, but

we’ll have to reserve judgement on that until it’s released.

Developer: VolitionPublisher: THQDistributor: Ster Kinekor

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Learn the dark secrets of Kratos as two God of War®

adventures are remastered for PlayStation®3 by the team behind the epic PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable)

originals, with Trophies and stunning HD and 3D graphics.

GOW COL GAMECCA.indd 1 2011/08/30 3:33 PM

events.As far as the plot goes, players will be participating in

the underground world of illicit, high stakes racing, and apart from the police chasing the player down, there will be other factors as well. Being a competition, gamers will be racing against 200 other drivers, who will do anything to get to New York first.

The Run will also be the first racing game to feature the famous Frostbite 2 engine from DICE, which will be seen in their latest game Battlefield 3. The engine allows for stunning visuals and vehicle physics that have never been seen before. But something that will be familiar to NFS players will be the Autolog system, seen in the last instalment of NFS Hot Pursuit.

Need For Speed is sure to tug at the heart strings of any NFS fan, and with its stunning visuals and new plot, it has a lot to deliver.

Electronic Arts and Dice have never really disappointed in the past, so let’s hope that The Run won’t see gamers running away from the title. g

There couldn’t be a better premise for a video game than Electronic Arts’ latest iteration of Need For Speed. Taking the franchise to new highs, or should

that be speeds, Need For Speed: The Run will see gamers engage in a massive cross-country race.

It’s obviously a bit more technical than that, but in short, players will have to race from San Francisco to New York by any means possible. The game will span the entire US, but don’t fret about the size. Although it will be a daunting task, gamers won’t be required to stop at ever small town, as stops in the game have been pre-determined, and Las Vegas, Denver and Detroit have already been confirmed.

There is also another exciting element to it - and it’s a first for the franchise - in which gamers will be able to get out of their chosen modes of transport and hoof it across cityscapes. Actually, it will be a bit of a necessity if players want to stay ahead. There are just certain places where cars can’t go, and in order to lose a tail, it will be vital to swap cars. It is understood that these “out-of-car” scenes won’t be free-roaming, but rather a series of quick-time

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Going Cross-CountryRunning away from speeding cars seems smart...

by Charlie Fripp


Nov2011With an exciting new plot and game

mechanics, The Run should be awesome.

Developer: EA Black BoxPublisher: Electronic ArtsDistributor: EA South Africa

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out maximum zombie carnage – and more of the type of action that fans of the franchise love.

In addition, the entire system has been the recipient of an extensive overhaul, meaning an all-round better gaming experience. Also, the idea of taking photographs and being rewarded for them is back.

Fans of the franchise will likely rush off to buy the game, but we’re hoping that there will be a little more variety added to this title… and no-one that is in need of Zombrex treatments! g

There may be people out there who wondered about what happened to Frank West after the conclusion of the original Dead Rising game.

Did the photojournalist vanish into obscurity? Was he the victim of a government cover-up after the events in Willamette? Did he move to Hawaii and become a beach-bum?

Nope, Frank is back in action in Dead Rising 2: Off the Record, an expansion for Dead Rising 2. This game will feature new missions and environments for the player to explore, new objects to strap together – in order to dish

To be Frank…The photographer returns!

by Rob Edwards

Oct2011Frank West returns in this Dead

Rising 2 expansion, armed with attitude and camera.

Developer: CapcomPublisher: CapcomDistributor: Ster Kinekor

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ADistributed Exclusively by Apex Interactive Tel: (011) 796 5040

www.apexint.co.za Email: [email protected] rights and trademarks and logos are copyright of their respective owners.

www.apexactive.co.za


Featu

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GermanyMeanwhile, in


While everyone whoops and cheers at the releases shown at E3, it is good to remember that Gamescom is also a great source of new

gaming news.The thing is, though, that E3 generally gets the scoop

on many new announcements and, as far as the Western World goes, it is the most important game expo on the calendar.

So why, then, have another show just a few months later? Well, Gamescom also serves as an important expo for games, as thousands of journalists, gaming industry folks and enthusiasts stream to Germany to see it.

From a South African market perspective, Gamescom could be considered as more relevant. Sure, there are very few games shown at E3 that don’t come here, but with South Africa falling under Europe in most game distribution

cases, it makes sense to pay attention to an expo that takes place in a European territory.

Additionally, many of the smaller production companies based in Europe are not able to exhibit at E3, but can do so at Gamescom more easily. This means that some announcements and games that don’t make it to E3 still get their fifteen minutes...

And then, of course, Gamescom offers all publishers the opportunity to show games to those that don’t make it through to LA for E3. Additionally, they can show any progress that has been made on games that were displayed earlier in the year.

So, without further ado, we offer you a look at a dozen and a half games that were on show in Germany this year... we’re sure you’ll agree that there is some great gaming ahead of us!


Featu

re Borderlands 2Release Date: Q2 2012Platforms: PC, PS3, X360

A Game of Thrones: GenesisRelease Date: Q4 2011Platforms: PC

Prey 2Release Date: 2012Platforms: PC, PS3, X360

It’s hardly a surprise, really… the success of the first game is spurring on a sequel. But it’s a spiritual sequel, actually: Borderlands 2 will feature all new characters, skills, environments, enemies, weapons and equipment, as well as a new story. It will, however, still be taking place on that deadly and quirky world, Pandora.

Based on the books by George R R Martin (which also spawned a popular TV series) this game will present the player with a deep and intrigue-filled strategy title. But it will not only be about war… victory will be achievable through diplomatic and economic means as well. We say bring on the medieval-fantasy strategy…

It’s been almost six years since the last Prey game was released, but Bethesda have announced the sequel to that 2006 title. Prey 2 will afford the player the opportunity to explore an open, alien world, crammed with intrigue and intense action. This one looks like it could be rather exciting.


Prototype 2Release Date: Apr 2012Platforms: PC, PS3, X360

Wargame: European EscalationRelease Date: Q1 2012Platforms: PC

Steel Battalion: Heavy ArmorRelease Date: TBCPlatforms: X360

There’s more over-the-top carnage coming in the form of Prototype 2, which will put players in the role of a new infected protagonist. Sgt James Heller will develop a massive arsenal of biological weapons and will present the player with new opportunities for extreme free movement within the game world.

The makers of R.U.S.E and Act of War: Direct Action are bringing us an intriguing strategy game that pretty much sees World War III break out. All good, it’s just a simulation, folks. Technology will be the name of the game for this title, including near infinite zoom levels… from space right into the heart of the action. Boom!

OK, they haven’t been saying much about this, but (from the screen shots and trailer) it looks to be an all-out war involving infantry and mechanised war robot thingies. At least, that is what it looks like… The one thing we can say for sure is that this Capcom title will be full of action, explosions and general mayhem. That’s the way we like it.


Featu

re LeedmeesRelease Date: TBCPlatforms: XBLA

Dragon CommanderRelease Date: 2012Platforms: PC, PS3, X360

Edna & Harvey: Harvey’s New EyesRelease Date: TBCPlatforms: PC

Everyone should – in theory – remember Lemmings. OK, so take that idea and combine it with Kinect, and you get Leedmees, a game in which you need to get the little guys home… and your body is the bridge.It doesn’t look very complex, but it certainly is the kind of game that will keep folks busy (and likely frustrated) for ages.

Set in the epic Divinity universe, Dragon Commander will combine RPG gaming with turn-based strategy. And your troops will be dragons. Even in turn-based games, dragons are cool, and getting them to do your bidding may be the coolest thing ever. We hope it lives up to our expectations.

The phoenix-like rise of point-and-click adventure games continues… but this time the quirky Edna and her sidekick Harvey will not be the main characters of this adventure from Daedalic. Rather, a convent schoolgirl named Lilli will take centre-stage. But we’re pretty sure the off-beat humour and enticing puzzling-adventure style game play will be back.


LuciusRelease Date: Q4 2011Platforms: PC

Tekken HybridRelease Date: Q3 2011Platforms: PS3

Zombie Apolcalypse: Never Die AloneRelease Date: Oct 2011Platforms: PSN, XBLA

We bet no-one reading this was quite the trouble child that Lucius is. Born to a rich family and wanting for nothing, Lucius finds out that he is actually the son of Stan himself, and has to further the Big Bad Guy’s goals on Earth. We’re betting there is more than a little tongue in cheek to be found in this 3D adventure.

OK, time for Tekken fans to like, totally geek out. Tekken Hybrid will include Tekken Tag Tournament HD, Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Prologue, and a full length CG feature film, called Tekken: Blood Vengeance, in 3D. It will be a PS3 exclusive… you need a Blu-Ray disk to fit all of that stuff on!

Zombies just never get old… probably because they’re dead. Whatever the case may be, we love games with Zombies in them, and so Konami is producing a sequel to 2009’s Zombie Apocalypse. Will you and three friends survive the holocaust, or will your brains be fried up with a side order of brains?


Featu

re War of the RosesRelease Date: 2012Platforms: TBC

Anno 2070Release Date: Q4 2011Platforms: PC

Darksiders IIRelease Date: 2012Platforms: PC, PS3, X360

Team based medieval melee, anyone? If slashing through hordes of enemies with a sword, axe or other primitive implement of dismemberment is your bag, look out for War of the Roses. Oh, yeah, there will be a single player component to the game as well, featuring a progression system to create the most bad-ass knight ever.

Historically (pun alert) the Anno series has been, well, historical. But Blue Byte are turning their eyes to the future, presenting the player with a city-builder management title set in a world affected by climate change. With management games being rather scarce, and the Anno series’ good track records, we’re looking forward to this one!

OK, here’s another one that’s no surprise. The sequel to Darksiders will see War’s brother, Death, trying to redeem War after he is blamed for starting the apocalypse prematurely. If you ask me, playing War in the first game was great, but Death is probably going to be so much cooler.

Binary DomainRelease Date: TBCPlatforms: PS3, X360

Lollipop ChainsawRelease Date: 2012Platforms: PS3, X360

PowerUp HeroesRelease Date: Oct 2011Platforms: X360

The creator of the Yakuza series is working on Binary Domain, a tactical squad based shooter. Set in Tokyo in 2080, the player will have to do battle with hordes of invading robots. We kind of just hope that it will feature less reading than Yakuza… otherwise it won’t exactly be fast-paced…

From the questionable minds of the team behind Shadows of the Damned comes Lollipop Chainsaw, a game that will pit a cute cheerleader against a zombie horde. It might be really cool, but time will tell. In the meantime, gimme a Z! Gimma an O! Gimme an M…

Tired of having a plain old Xbox avatar? Ubisoft’s PowerUp Heroes will give you the opportunity to turn yours into a superhero. With 12 hero types to choose from and lots of game modes, we’re thinking this is going to be the combination of superhero battles and party games… which could be fun, you must admit.


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As a full-time student this year, I’ve rarely got the chance to play every game

that piques my interest, and that list grows longer every year! A recent gaming spree really blew my mind as to the variety of games we can now access as ordinary consumers. Traditionally, South Africans have always got the short end of the stick when it comes to variety and timing of any form of entertainment, be it movies, TV series or music. However, the digital age has put pressure on distributors and retailers to stock bigger varieties, broader categories and more up-to-date products, as consumers are now much better informed. And they can pretty much order anything online, so no more dictating to the market, as many sole distributors have in the past. Whereas a few years ago we were still held back from technology releases, sometimes by 6 months to a year, that gap is pretty much closed now.

The best evidence is the representation of South African journalists and press at this year’s Gamescom. For the first time, to my knowledge, SA will be represented to the gaming world as a significant prescence in the gaming market, and readers and game enthusiasts can now look to local press regarding the cutting edge of gaming technology and trends. Aside from getting information directly from the source, and not through news agencies, SA gamers will now have channels to start giving feedback and input into the products we consume.

Sounds good, but what does it actually mean? Well, for years SA has been a secondary market, as far as games are concerned. Most developers and development houses focus on the big territories like the US, UK, Japan and Germany (not unlike the music industry) and other markets follow on with their closest neighbour. This generally means that our local distributors “clone’ their big brother’s marketing campaign and products, and there is very little development specifically for the SA market. Also, any product which is considered as niche in the major market, will pretty much not be considered to have a chance in an SA market. In practical terms, this is why games like NHL, Madden NFL, NBA and the like are not marketed, and generally unobtainable, despite having a fan base. We’re simply not

considered big enough to market more than the big winners overseas like the FIFA’s and Call of Duty’s. Another major issue is support. Up till recently, Sony didn’t have a dedicated South Africa support channel, which is now in place.

With video games becoming a major force in the entertainment world, it’s only logical that South Africa is represented as a force in this industry. While PlayStation developing in SA is still a fledgling enterprise, more and more games mention, feature or are somehow affiliated to SA. We are finally starting to see more and more interest in what we have to say about what the rest of the world is playing. Let’s hope that this new level of interest in SA gamers will make for a better gaming experience for all South Africans! g

by Suvesh Arumugam


Getting the Goods!

PS

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TThere comes a time in every gamer’s life of gaming when they have to face a particular

dilemma: “I have not finished title X but I really want to start playing title Y!”

This can lead down a dark corridor of gaming. Let’s take a look at this together.

If you have been following this column for a while you will know that I am a die-hard gamer. As a matter of fact when I started dating my wife I let her know I was a gamer and that she needed to know that I do sit in front of my Xbox for hours and when in this state do not enjoy being interrupted.

She was fine with this. So we continued dating. Hey, I have heard worse.

When I first purchase my Xbox 360 I quickly got sucked into the mind-set of: “I must own a lot of games.” I would purchase titles, new and traded-in, and so my Xbox 360 collection began.

Titles would stack up faster than I could finish them and it continues to this very day. One thing I have not been able to do is play multiple titles at once. Nope. Not me. I am mono-game-ous. I have tried. And failed. It normally ends up with me never going back to the title I left.

I have played disc releases and popped in and out of an Xbox Live Arcade game while doing so. But that is not cheating. I just felt like something different. But when you start to mix disc releases then all hell can break loose, hence the fact that I am not poly-game-ous.

You have to remember all the different control schemes. Re-train certain skills. Or you just forget who

you are supposed to kill or what side you are really on. Or, heavens forbid, the story lines collide in your mind and you are left with a glazed look in your eyes wondering whose side you are on.

Flash back to Mass Effect. That play though took me 25 hours plus. I ended with a level 47 Shephard. No unhallowed disc touched that tray while I was out saving the galaxy. I was not unfaithful. Mass Effect 2… ditto.

I watch social network sites as feeds from various titles pop past with multiple achievements unlocked for many, many poly-game-ous players. How do you manage it?

I have a friend that works with me who suffers from the destructive illness named “I must play everything.” Most poly-game-ous gamers suffer from this.

Typically these Xbox gamers bounce from title to title so fast that they don’t ever get to enjoy the titles for what they are fully worth. Then it on to the next title and reading all the review sites to make sure there is no title, story or adventure they have missed.

I’m sure their lives are all CGA. When you are able to, slow down your gaming. Enjoy every title. Complete the side missions. Reveal all there is to reveal. Your world is so much more HDMI.

Have fun. Racing through titles is left to your Need for Speeds and your Forzas.

I love being wrapped up in my game worlds. I am a bit of a completionist. Maybe that is why I am a mono-game-ous gamer. My Xbox and I have a very healthy gaming relationship, thank you very much. g

by Bryan Banfield


Monogamey?

Xb

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eat

®

INTENSE ARCADE FIREFIGHTS DEPLOY A POWERFUL ARSENAL OF WEAPONS IN CAMPAIGN, CO-OP AND COMPETITIVE MULTIPLAYER

TEAR APART THE ENVIRONMENTSHRED THROUGH COVER AND ENEMIES TO CARVE YOUR OWN UNIQUE PATH OF DESTRUCTION

RACK UP YOUR BODYCOUNTEXECUTE SKILL KILLS, BUILD COMBAT CHAINS AND COLLECT INTEL TO EARN UPGRADES AND UNLEASH AIRSTRIKES

© 2010 The Codemasters Software Company Limited (“Codemasters”). All rights reserved. “Codemasters”®, “EGO”®, and the Codemasters logo are registered trademarks owned by Codemasters. “Bodycount” is a trademark of Codemasters. All other copyrights or trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are being used under license. Developed and published by Codemasters. Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies

and are used under license from Microsoft. “2”, “PlayStation”, “PS3”, “ ” and “À” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

“THE DEVELOPERS SAY IT’S ‘ALL ABOUT THE GUNS’ AND IT SHOWS’ IGN

“BODYCOUNT’S WEAPONRY FEELS SHOCKINGLY POWERFUL” EDGE

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BECOME A FAN ON FACEBOOK: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BODYCOUNTGAME

The Nintendo 3DS is a great console that has seen a few changes this last month. The

price dropped from R2799 to R1899. That’s an amazing R900 off of the recommended retail price of the system. There are a few reasons why this happened, but that’s not what we are going to talk about now.

The main question is; will the people that bought there console in the six months that it’s been out, at the higher price, feel robbed or unfairly treated because they did not get this deal? Well, that seems to be top of mind on Nintendo’s side. The 3DS Ambassador Program has been detailed as a free reward to those customers. So getting your 3DS registered online before the 12th of August was a big thing to prove that it was purchased before the price drop. Don’t worry too much if you missed it as they have made a plan for those with proof of payment.

So after this process your 3DS serial code will be linked and 20 free games for this year will be yours in the 3DS Ambassador Program. What if my console breaks? What happens to my downloaded

games if something happens to the console? Not that this happens often as Nintendo still maintain their 1% breakage record, but what if it happens to me?

Mine needed to be repaired (nothing big, just that the screen was too loose on the hinge). I was going to get it fixed at some point but after this news it was time. I took my 3DS in to get it repaired but was prepared if it had to be swapped for a new one. If it got swapped I still had a few days to then get the new console online for the registration. When I got there it was a bit of a mix up because the regular 3DS repair technician was not in, but in the end I found out all the different ways to get your 3DS repaired.

Firstly the technicians will be able to take apart the 3DS and replace

faulty parts or fix small problems with the console. If a replacement will be faster or cost less then the unit will just be swapped out. I had a special case because of the registration and the downloaded games I would lose. So they just replaced the top half of the console with a new one. The serial number and console remained the same.

If the console needs to be replaced there is a special procedure that Nintendo can follow to transfer the data and account information across to the new unit. Yip, simply knowing your login and password to Club Nintendo is not enough to move the account. A special pass-code will be provided by Nintendo UK, requiring both serial numbers of the new and old consoles. Both consoles will be plugged into a computer and turned on to transfer all of the information from the one console to the other, including the Club Nintendo account.

The good news is that all of this is free. No purchases of a transfer pack that you will only use once and no cost of service because it happens only a small percentage of the units sold. The bad news is that you actually need to be able to power up the other console. If it is broken to a degree that it can’t be turned on, or has been stolen, then your downloaded games are gone.

I have a gold status Wii Ambassador Account with enables me to a full range of free games, so many games that I don’t even get time to play them all. The 3DS Ambassador Program, I am sure, will have the same continuing benefits because you will be labelled as a true Nintendo fan… and Nintendo care for their own. g

by Brian Murdoch


Going for Broke

Ho

use

of

Mario wiicare

[email protected]

www.nintendogamer.co.za

You won’t only find reviews, news and great communityfeatures at www.nintendogamer.co.za. You will also find extremely informative FAQs all about the Wii & DS platforms, and the games you can play on them.

wiicare...for DS too

At www.nintedogamer.co.za, we want to make sure that the most accurate information & support is free and easy to find.

g amec c a r ev i ew • i s s u e 27 • S e p t embe r 2011

Rugby World Cup 2011The competition is almost upon us!

Deus Ex: Human RevolutionMore human than human...

UFC Personal TrainerNot for slackers!

From DustGuiding civilisation...

Cubic NinjaTilt, twist, tilt...

52

56

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Reviews

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Ah, yes. There is the discernable snap of spring in the air. The birds are singing. The bees are buzzing. The trees are budding. We love spring and summer here

in South Africa. Sure, the outdoor activities and sports in our climate are wonderful, but the real reason is that, with summer comes the end of the year...

And with the end of the year comes the massive gaming flood! But, until then, here are 17 games to keep you busy... g

Highlights

TM © Rugby World Cup Limited 1986 - 2011. All rights reserved. Published by 505 Games. Developed by HB Studios 2011 ©. All Rights Reserved. KINECT, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft.

“2”, “PlayStation”, “PS3”, “ ” and “À“ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.RWC 2011 Official Licensed Product.

Distributed Exclusively by Apex Interactive Tel: (011) 796 5040 www.apexint.co.za Email: [email protected]

All rights and trademarks and logos are copyright of their respective owners.

www.apexactive.co.za

A

The Rugby World Cup, when it rolls around, holds a special place in the hearts of us South Africans. Well, most of us, anyway. Aside from the fact that

we are the current holders of the Web Ellis cup, there is also the nostalgia brought about by the 1995 World Cup, which took place at a volatile time in this country and is seen by many as one of the factors that helped South Africa get through some very rough times – the Springboks lifting the trophy, accompanied by Nelson Mandela, at the end of that series was something that united a nation previously divided.

Then again, it’s far simpler than that. We are a nation that is, for the most part, rugby-mad. It is our national sport, and from a young age kids start playing it. So, with the 2011 World Cup on our doorstep, the mania that is gripping the country is almost as high as that when we

hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup.But rugby is not often the subject of video games. While

all kinds of sports get the treatment, rugby games are few and far between. There may be a number of reasons for this but, realistically, it comes down to the fact that it is not as widely played as soccer. That, added to the fact that there are probably more people who will buy NFL games in the USA than there are those who would buy rugby titles in the whole world, makes this kind of game something that might not necessarily be viable for big name publishers to push out.

But the world has changed in terms of video gaming, too, and HB Studios, who worked on the last rugby game we saw, as well as a number of EA Sports titles, have decided that the time is right to produce a new title – this time for the HD consoles. And while EA Sports didn’t want

g amec c a r ev i ew • i s s u e 17 • N ovembe r 2010gamec c a r ev i ew • i s s u e 27 • S e p t embe r 201152

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to publish it, 505 Games snapped up the opportunity to present the rugby playing world with a title that is nothing short of gold in the right territories: a game based on the 2011 Rugby World Cup, with the full backing of the International Rugby Board.

While playing Rugby World Cup 2011, the player will be able to select their favourite national team and take on the rest of the world in this esteemed competition. All the teams that are playing in the World Cup are present and accounted for, although there are some that aren’t licensed. Oddly, that pretty much comes down to Australia and New Zealand. Their absence is strange, although probably due to a bit of ‘politics’, what with another rugby title due for release shortly (which has those two teams licensed, but very few others.)

As far as the licensed teams go, player names are

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perfect (even in the voiced commentary) and likenesses are… well, ok, they’re not great. During cut scenes (which add a nice TV-like feel to the game) you can recognise some of the players, but we’re not talking at a FIFA level here. Habana, for example, I though was recognisable, Matfield wasn’t… not enough hair in-game. During actual play, only hair-colour sets players apart, so trying to get the ball to a specific player can be tough.

But that doesn’t really matter, because the feel of real rugby has been captured by the game. This includes the organised chaos and opportunistic ideas that lead to it not mattering who carried the ball across the line, just as long as tries are scored. The game flows, thankfully, and the player is afforded many opportunities to push towards the opponent’s goal line, thanks to a combination of a sensible control system and a decent AI supporting their efforts.

The organic flow of the game has also been captured well, with knock-ons, late tackles and all the other infractions coming into play.

Whether it’s running the ball up the field or piling into a ruck to gain possession, Rugby World Cup 2011 does things well. It is, without a doubt, the best rugby game that we have seen to date. That said, it didn’t have much to compete with from before, and there are still a few chinks in this title’s armour that may leave players wanting here and there. It seems, for example, that the team players on the field are a little too similar in abilities. Sure, they have a wide array of skills and aptitudes that have been captured and classified for this game (all of which can be adjusted by the player in the team management section) but once play starts the subtleties of these differences aren’t immediately apparent. They do become

obvious in score differences, though – a top team will annihilate a weaker team, but more evenly matched sides will lead to a better match-up.

Another little niggle is that it seems, at times, that the AI is a little elastic. This might not be in the actual programming, but every now and then the player’s team will develop a case of the ‘slow and stupids’, while the opposing team might suddenly be inspired by an uncharacteristic infusion of skill and speed. It keeps the game exciting, but it does lead to a bit of frustration for those who want to annihilate the enemy with Murrayfield-style scores differences.

There are two camera angles available – either side on, or behind the player’s team. The second view is great for single player, as it helps make sense of the passing controls. The first view is the most fair for multiplayer


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Although not perfect, it is the best rugby game to date; fluid, chaotic, organic and fun.

Developer: HB StudiosPublisher: 505 GamesDistributor: Apex Interactive

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match-ups, which is an arena in which this title shines. We predict a whole bunch of party-style mini World Cup tournaments happening between friends.

The controls, while simple at first glance, allow for a great variety of play in all those situations that crop up in a normal game of rugby. Pushing through tackles, punting a ball over the poles for a drop-goal, intercepting a poorly timed pass and making a mad dash for the try-line… all of these (and more) add to the fluid nature of this often very exciting title. It’s the kind of game that will have you screaming in both triumph and frustration, and spectators will likely be cheering when their favourite virtual team breaks through the opposition’s defence.

With good graphics, excellently scalable difficulty levels, sensible controls, a decent AI and excellent multiplayer opportunities, Rugby World Cup 2011 is great fun. It is

accessible to players with wide degrees of skill, thanks to the difficulty levels, and can provide enjoyment to newcomers and experts alike. Admittedly it is not the best game in the sports game genre, but it certainly is the best rugby game we have seen up until now, and the attachment of the IRB endorsement and the World Cup brand make it a perfect game for a huge number of South African rugby fans. The added accessibility of the title makes it something of an entry-way into gaming for those who haven’t played before, which is a great thing. It could have done with a little more polish, though. Additionally, it only deals with national teams, but it isn’t restricted to the World Cup… there are tours and test matches to be enjoyed as well. In short, as far as sports games go, few are as perfect for our market as this one… it will be a very welcome addition to any rugby fan’s gaming library. g

Science fiction has pretty much always been a popular genre of entertainment. Right back to Jules Verne (and probably before) the miracles of

futuristic science has thrilled readers, movie-goers and even video gamers. Yes, there weren’t video games that far back, but you get my meaning…

Naturally, science fiction has a few sub-genres. One of these is a more niche genre that gained popularity thanks to authors like William Gibson and movies like Blade Runner. Called Cyber Punk, this genre generally depicts a gritty world (normally Earth, because the genre avoids space travel) ruled by shadowy corporations, and populated by suppressed masses. Another popular theme in Cyber Punk is cybernetics, and the augmentation of normal humans with computer and robot parts.

It is considered by many to be the most realistic form of science fiction; many of the technological and societal ‘predictions’ made by Cyber Punk authors seem rather likely in the future. Some have even happened already.

It is into this sub-genre that the Deus Ex franchise falls. It’s been seven years since we have seen a Deus Ex game, and eleven years since the release of the original but, in all honesty, Deus Ex: Human Revolution was well worth the wait.

The game puts the player in the shoes of Adam Jensen, an ex-SWAT security specialist working for Sarif Industries a giant biotechnology corporation. A raid on Sarif’s labs leaves Jensen fighting for his life – the only way to save him is to fit him with a wide array of cybernetic augmentations. Six months later, a barely recovered Jensen is called in to investigate a case, which soon


Lots of options in this oneby Walt Pretorius

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leads him down a path of intrigue, corruption and global conspiracy. It’s prime Cyber Punk stuff, with a plot that is complex yet clear, and a setting that is deep and detailed.

While the plot unfolds around Jensen, the player will be able to learn more about this detailed world through eBooks that can be found scattered around the game world. These are often hidden in unlikely places, which goes to demonstrate one of the game’s most important principles – while the story is linear, the game is not. There are lots of places to find and explore, many of which have no bearing on the game, and may not even contain an ammo pick-up or eBook. They just exist because they should. And, even better, sometimes they have a hidden purpose.

See, one of the things that Human Revolution does is inspire thinking outside of the box. The player will


be able to ‘purchase’ upgrades and new cybernetic augmentations as the game progresses, but there is no way that they will be able to get all of them. So the best idea is to specialise in certain areas, like stealth or hacking abilities. At first glance, this specialisation can hamper the player’s progress at times, but a little lateral thinking and exploration will reveal that there is almost always (in main story quests, at least) more than one way to complete a mission or reach an objective. Can’t hack the lock on a door? Then look for a vent to allow access. That kind of thing.

This freedom allows the player to run the kind of character that they want. If they prefer a stealthy, hacker approach, fine. If they want a combat monster, that’s fine too. So is anything in between. And what’s even better is that none of these is particularly easier or more difficult

to play. A stealthy character will have to deal with the difficulties imposed on cracking and sneaking past security systems, while a gunfighter will need to cope with tough enemies and ammo that isn’t exactly plentiful. That said, there are experience bonuses for being sneaky, so leaning in that direction may improve character development.

This game is tough. Even at the easiest difficulty levels it can be unforgiving, although the freedom that it affords the player means that a smart player will be able to turn bad situations around, given a bit of skill and luck. The AI enemies seem to be aware of their ‘mortality’, and will use cover and ambush tactics. Thankfully the game offers a good variety of weapons, all of which can be upgraded and augmented (much like Jensen himself.) The choices of weapons and grenades will also help a player define their style… they have a limited inventory, so carrying every

gun around won’t be possible.With role-playing-like interactions and a number of main

and side quests, Human Revolution is slightly reminiscent of the Mass Effect series – in spirit, if not in feel. But the looks of the game are rather unique. The developers decided to move away from the blues and silvers so often associated with the looks of science-fiction, opting to rather go for burnished coppers and rich ochres in their colour palette. This combines with awesome details, a very well defined visual style (strongly influenced by Art Deco) and excellent effects to make Human Revolution a visual feast. Add good voice acting and excellent, atmospheric music and sound effects, and this title becomes a treat for the senses.

This high level of production combines with a well-crated plot to deliver the player an experience that is truly


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A brilliant gaming experience, this game allows tons of player freedom.

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exemplary. The controls are easy to master, and the overall flow of the game is good, thanks to the freedoms afforded the player.

It is maybe a little too tough at times, though. Some of the side quests, for example, will require specific skills, and Jensen can’t take a hell of a lot of physical punishment, even though he is a bit of a super-soldier.

Another complaint can be levelled at the game’s loading times; the complex levels take a while to load, and difficult areas (that may require a lot of reloading) may become frustrating. On the upside, the player can save the game at virtually any point, which mitigates things just a bit.

Still, the experience is well worth the potential frustration. As the plot evolves (with the player’s choices a big factor in how things play out) and the game play intensifies, Deus Ex: Human Revolution becomes one of

the more satisfying video gaming experiences that we have seen in a while. And although it is not perfect, the small errors and annoyances that creep up on the player from time to time are not enough to scupper a great game.

A multiplayer experience would have been a nice inclusion, but this game prefers to keep things solo. It’s a surprising move, really, considering how prominent multiplayer gaming has become, and it does harm the title’s replay value a bit. But with so much so see, find and explore in this world, it’s no deal-breaker. Even without a multiplayer component, Deus Ex: Human Revolution is great. And we expect that the inevitable DLC content will be just as good.

This one is a must for those who like their action gaming to have substance. It’s a thinking man’s shooter, and an overall great gaming experience. g

It all started in 1993 with Rorion Gracie and his desire to prove to the world the effectiveness of his family’s fighting style, Gracie Jiu Jitsu.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has grown from strength to strength and is now the fastest growing sport in the world. Each UFC event now pulls in over 60 million US Dollars.

I must admit, I am a massive Xbox fan boy but that status is quickly being rivalled by my love for this sport. The desire to train with these athletes and have personal coaching sessions with some of the top trainers and coaches this sport has to offer were only dreams until now.

Let’s not get mixed up here. UFC Personal Trainer will not help you win your first MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fight, nor will it teach you how to fight in any way but it will get you into shape. That is for damn sure!

There are three coaches in the game for players to choose from, and all of them are top notch MMA

trainers - Greg Jackson, who has trained around 34 top MMA fighters; Mark Dellagrotte, well known for adapting Muay Thai for MMA and exploiting opponent weaknesses; and Javier Mendez, the well-respected trainer from the American Kickboxing Academy.

These top names are the ones who will put you through your paces, which were also worked on the National Academy of Sports Medicine. The result is an extremely comprehensive fitness game.

Players can select their trainer and workout level, as well as the kind of workout they want: cardio, endurance or strength with intensity levels one to three. And then they get to work… seriously!

Although the workouts aren’t extremely long, they are very intense. A workout that lasts roughly 17 minutes will have you sweating like crazy. All the fitness exercises are based on martial arts disciplines, including wrestling, kickboxing and Muay Thai.

The Kinect is the perfect way to experience this game,


Lets Get It On!Finally, a serious personal training title.

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thanks to its full-body tracking. Players are asked to make sure that they are highlighted green in the octagon in the bottom right corner before an exercise, which requires quite a long distance from the Kinect unit.

The Kinect does an effective job of tracking your body motion throughout your work out. I was getting irritated when I felt that the tracking was not what it should have been only to find that I was cheating on exercises and not completing them “correctly”. The Kinect was able to keep an eye on me, just like a real trainer would. It simply would not count my push ups because I was not going low enough.

Players are able to jump into a 30 or 60 day routine, based on their needs and customisable to a player’s level of intensity and what a player wishes to get out of these challenges. These training sessions are plotted on the in-game calendar and are marked off as a player trains. The system also marks the session you have skipped.

Players are also given the freedom to customise routines


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A great workout session, with the Kinect acting as the perfect feedback tool.

Developer: Heavy Iron StudiosPublisher: THQDistributor: Ster Kinekor


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to their liking. I could not find the one that requires you to lie on your

back and breathe deeply to regain your breath, though... All through these training sessions players are coached

and motivated with philosophies that are close to the trainer’s heart, like the importance of getting out doors and going for a run (these guys know gamers sit and get no exercise), and the importance of staying healthy.

The motivation during the workouts are, however, very repetitive and some of these clips play on repeat, back to back.

Graphically the title offers amazing high quality video tutorials but in game graphics are on par with other UFC titles THQ have released.

When all is said and done, your work out complete and it’s time to hit the showers, players might not find this a title they will come rushing back to, especially if they have limited gaming time. But those serious about fitness probably will. g

The Dynasty Warriors franchise has been around for quite some time and, 25 games in, it doesn’t look like they’re going to be stopping soon. This

may or may not be a good thing. See, aside from the fact that they will change settings every now and then, these games really are just a repetition of what came before; Anime-inspired button-mashing. The only discernable difference in these games is that the characters the player controls look different from one title to another. The game dynamics, controls and overall concepts were set in stone ages ago, and just don’t change.

Perhaps fans like that kind of thing. There is a certain level of comfort that familiarity brings, after all. But the world of video gaming is dynamic and ever-changing. Getting stuck in a rut, as this series appears to be, isn’t a good thing at all.

In Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3, the franchise leaves behind the quasi-fantasy setting that the series often

makes use of (which, they claim, is based on actual history from time to time) and makes for the far future, when battles are fought between massive robots and battle-suits. We would postulate that future battles will be fought at great distances, not in the melee style skirmishes shown here, but this is a work of fiction, I guess, so…

The player, when taking on the extremely long single player campaign, will collect a vast number of Gundam battle-suits, customise them (and their almost equally numerous pilot characters) and take to the field in an attempt to best the enemy. These battles require the player to fight off enormous waves of enemies in an effort to capture key areas on the battlefield. The more areas the player captures, the weaker the enemy becomes- until a sort of level boss shows up. When the level boss goes down, the player wins the battle.

It sounds like a great idea, but your Xbox controller’s X button will hate you for it. That’s because you’re going


Bash!X, X, X, X… and then some more X for good measure.

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to be mashing the button so much that your thumb will possibly fall off. Sure, the other buttons are used, but winning a battle means repeating the same moves over and over again as you wade through tons of samey bad-guys. While different Gundams have different moves, the controls never change.

The action is interspersed with little bits of story information that are more confusing than illuminating. And they aren’t voices, either. Speaking of which, the voice acting takes on the form of that annoying dubbed-Anime style, and characters will repeat the same phrase over and over again. They will literally say the same inane thing eighteen ties in a row, we kid you not.

Everything is tied together by a visual style that is, although fairly impressive in terms of effects, a bit dated. In fact, that’s a perfect description for Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3 on the whole – it feels old. While other franchises are moving forward and evolving, the Dynasty


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It’s more or less the best Dynasty Warriors game ever made, but that will only mean something for fans.

Developer: Namco BandaiPublisher: Tecmo KoeiDistributor: Nu Metro


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Warriors games just don’t seem to move anywhere. Perhaps there is a big fan base for the idea of punishing your thumb.

But it doesn’t have the kind of depth, tactical complexity or variety that gamers are demanding more and more these days.

Fans of the series will likely enjoy this title. It is, quite honestly, one of the better Dynasty Warriors games on the market, with plenty to do in terms of upgrading and other Gundam management.

But the meat-and-bones of the title – the combat – is severely lacking in so many ways. It turns the game into a mindless bash-fest (both of buttons and bad guys) with very little strategy needed to get through it. If that’s your thing, go for it.

If you’re looking for a title that offers a bit more complexity and tactical challenge, it is unlikely that Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3 will satisfy you. g

One thing that is certain about Shadow Planet Products’ Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet is that it’s neither insane nor twisted. Although the title

can be described as cute and even whimsical at times, there is nothing in the actual gameplay that suggests massive twists and turns.

Playing as a little flying saucer, gamers will have to steer the little metal disc in all directions in order to reach the end destination. And one thing is for sure - the world is massive. Although it’s a side-scroller, the environment is huge and it will take players a good while to navigate around the obstacles.

Navigating around isn’t so difficult, but it’s the large amount of nasties along the way that hinder your progress. Taking place in an alien world, there all kinds of enemies that players will encounter. Some will fly towards you; others will shoot things, while alien bats will

make swooping movements when players get near.Speaking of enemies, the alien space ship will naturally

need defences against these attackers. The ship comes equipped with a laser cannon that can be upgraded throughout the game to pack a bigger punch, and a force field of sorts will keep any projectiles at bay.

The player will be able to map several weapons and attachments to the four face buttons of the Xbox controller, but it can become a bit tricky when something is needed that is not readily available.

Apart from the laser cannon and shield, the ship has a gripper that is used to hold on to objects, pick up rocks and pull levers.

Later on during the game, players will be able to collect a missile launcher, but these need to be sought out. The weapon upgrades are usually not on the beaten path, and players will have to be ready for a rough battle if they want


Not ReallyIt’s more confusing than insane

by Charlie Fripp

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title, but the enemies are really the only thing that gamers should be on the lookout for. The puzzles, on the other hand, vary in difficulty. Some will be fairly easy to solve, while others will require a bit more head-scratching in order to complete.

In terms of graphics, the title is reminiscent to earlier side-scrollers, but obviously with a bit of a boost. To put it accurately, it kind of looks like an alien equivalent to the Samurai Jack cartoon, as it’s done in the same style with dark colours contrasted by a lot of light.

Using the analogue sticks, the controls are incredibly easy to get used to, but because players will be flying the ship in confined spaces, a lot of bumping and ship bruising will occur. Luckily scattered throughout the levels are what look like healing plants, that spew orbs towards the player,


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Although it has its fun parts, it nothing like what the name implies.

Developer: Shadow PlanetPublisher: MicrosoftDistributor: XBLA


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repairing any damage. Although the title isn’t the best game as a stand-alone, it

is one of the better XBLA games that have been released in a long time. It’s incredibly time-consuming, which could be a good or a bad thing. But with that said, the game isn’t very long. Giving it a first play-through, gamers can expect about six or seven hours of it, which is actually more than what some popular FPS offers these days.

But, if gamers are fans of side-scrollers, alien ships and a bit of mental stimulation, then Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet will be right up their alley.

The cute ship will soon take on a personality of its own as it glides (or bumps) through the underground caves, waterfalls and caverns.

It players have the Microsoft Points to buy it, they really should - whether it’s worth it, is a different question all together. g

There’s something about absolute power in a video game that is extremely appealing. While From Dust doesn’t grant the player complete

omnipotence, it gives enough for them to feel that they have the ability to rule the world… albeit an odd, primitive one.

From Dust is, on the surface, an unassuming downloadable title from Ubisoft. It places the player in the role of some kind of godly creature, or force of nature.

Either way, the player is something of a guardian spirit for a tribe of primitive people seeking to recreate the lost civilisation of the ancient ones who disappeared a long time ago. It is up to the player to give a little guidance and a lot of assistance in this matter.

To help the tribesmen gain prominence in the world, the player is granted powers over the geography of the world in which they live. The main power is called Breath, and

it can be used to pick up and move earth, water and lava. Other powers are specific to the levels that the player is going through, although they are repeated in various levels. These special abilities are dependent on the totems around which the tribe build their villages, and can include things like increased carrying capacity, producing earth from nothing, temporarily solidifying water and similar effects. The tribes themselves can also gain abilities, like holding water at bay, which are hidden on certain maps.

So, in short, the player issues simple orders to the tribe (more or less in the form of ‘capture this totem’ or ‘go get this special power’) which they follow to the best of their ability. It is up to the player that the tribe can access the areas he wants them to go to.

This can mean building a bridge out of earth, or using lava to create a rock dam to change the course of a river, or any other thing like that. In that way, From Dust feels like a more complex form of the classic Lemmings,


OK, maybe not ‘ultimate’…by Walt Pretorius

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although the tribesmen have enough sense to not hurl themselves blindly along the path; they will stop when their way is blocked.

Just this aspect along would have made From Dust an intriguing game – a sort of geographical puzzle that the player would need to solve. And best of all, in this regard, is that there really isn’t a right or wrong way to do things. It’s a bit like a sandbox game… literally. The player can replay a level a few times, and might not use the same solution twice.

But that would, in essence, be too easy. Fun, but too easy. So, to keep the player on their toes, the world in which the game takes place is a savage place, full of erupting volcanoes and tsunamis. One of the very first levels will have a player building land bridges and diverting rivers to get to a special power that will hold water at bay, so that the first village isn’t swept away by an impending tsunami… and doing so in a very short time limit. This


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An awesome puzzle title that will keep you coming back for more.

Developer: UbisoftPublisher: UbisoftDistributor: XBLA / PSN


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deep-end level does get the player thinking in the right way, though, and subsequent levels make more sense thanks to it.

Aside from the forces of nature that threaten the survival of the tribe, the player will also have to deal with their own decisions. Deciding to divert a lava flow early in the missions, because it is an easy way to achieve a short term goal, may result in massive problems later.

That same lava flow may dam up until it bursts its banks, flooding down onto a helpless village. Or something to that effect.

From Dust is wonderfully challenging, and often requires the player to think out of the box to get through the levels. Sadly, it is very short, but the levels can be replayed (particularly the last level, which is a true sandbox experience). It is one of the best games we have come across on Xbox Live Arcade to date, and hopefully sets a new benchmark for those that will follow. g

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Sports simulation games come pretty much in two categories. Action sims like football, hockey and the like are continuous, and usually have a

limited time frame, divided into periods. They are ideal for gaming, and especially social and online gaming. Skill sport sims however, like golf and cricket, take forever in real and digital life, and social gaming is a nightmare unless there are agreements between players about time limits and such. It’s no wonder then that skill sports sim games aren’t usually in the top ten lists, except for the occasional groundbreakers like the Tiger Woods series. Rarely do these games have enough pick up and play value to keep the average gamer interested, and it’s mostly solo players and sports fanatics who get the most benefit out of the game.

WSC Real 11 seemed, at first, to be exactly that. Developed by Dark Energy Sports, and officially

endorsed by World Snooker, it claims the usual realism, statistics and venue recreations that most simulators normally do. The cover features Ronnie O’ Sullivan, who fans of the sport will know as 3 time world snooker champion. The game also features other top players, as well as all the major snooker tournaments of the world. There is a character builder, but the option are quite limited, and pretty much anyone you choose ends up looking like Scrat from Ice Age. You can then enter your character into Season Mode and follow the championship tour of snooker tournaments around the world. For the non-purists, the game also features a 8-ball and 9-ball pool season, and there are also Versus and Online modes which feature both snooker and pool. Completing an 8-ball season unlocks the Golden Cue tournament, a “Color of Money” style knockout event.

The gameplay at first is fairly hard going. There is no


Corner PocketSink or snooker in this precision game

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difficulty setting, and the opponents play proper snooker from the very first game. Relying on what little snooker my dad taught me before I discovered Shooters, I was severely thrashed in my first few games. Any fan of the sport will know that losing literally means sitting back and watching your opponent win, and that’s not a great feeling. But the game has a decent tutorial and lots of nifty features to enable to turn the tables in your favour. The trick is patience.

The skill is planning every shot a move or two ahead. Using the view and spin options, you can either place the ball very cleverly to be in a good pot position for your next shot, or to snooker your opponent and earn a foul. The controls are very accurate, and camera angles give every possible view to make your shot selection. WSC also rewards tricky or skilful pots with different camera angles, and decent replays see that great pot one more


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A fun game that will satisfy sports fanatics

Developer: Dark Energy SportPublisher: KochDistributor: Apex Interactive


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time from various angles! Progress earns you skills points which ironically make the game easier. More power, more spin and better assisted aiming makes placing your ball for your next shot a little easier. Before trying out the Season, it would be better to brush up your skills in Freeplay or Quickplay mode.

Any sports game that can’t accommodate more than two players is going to suffer. With the FIFAs and NBAs of the world, it’s unlikely that you’ll whip out WSC at a beer and chips party (even though they pool tables in bars). But I found the game got more interesting the more I got into it, and it offers a great challenge to the solo gamer, to improve scores, to win by bigger margins and beat the top players.

You might have an occasional gaming dominance dispute in a two marathon session, but otherwise WSC is strictly for the sports trophy collector. g

to chop fruit, while avoiding bombs that will penalise you. It’ that simple. And yet it is thoroughly addictive, and great fun (particularly when playing multiplayer.)

There are a handful of modes available, but they all come down to the same thing… chopping up fruit.

The graphics are crisp and clear, and carry a quasi-oriental feel with them.

The music does the same, so being a Fruit Ninja has a feeling of authenticity (even if the concept is a little ridiculous.)

You’ll need to keep your movements clear – flailing around like a mad thing may cause problems with detection. But, for the most part, it’s great fun overall. g

My arms hurt. I would love to say because I was beating up bad guys, but actually, I have been chopping fruit. All kinds of fruit: apples,

peaches, mangos, pineapples, bananas, coconuts, passion fruit, strawberries…

While it may sound like I have been concocting an exotic fruit salad, the truth is that Fruit Ninja, which has finally made it to the Kinect system thanks to Xbox Live Arcade, will give you more of a work-out than any culinary adventures ever could.

Fruit Ninja is an unassuming game that won’t chew up a lot of bandwidth when you download it. In fact, it’s downright simple: using your arms as blades, you have

Beat the hell out of fruit.by Walt Pretorius

Accessibility


AParental Advisory

Casual

Hard-CoreMedium 80

Score

An unassuming yet thoroughly addictive game!

Developer: Half BrickPublisher: Half BrickDistributor: XBLA


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Chop Chop!

We’ve all seen hackers in the movies, and if you’re reading this magazine you’ve probably thought, even if for just a moment, “I want to

do that!” Enter Hacker Evolution Collection, a series of text-based puzzle games that will make you think you can take on any system. I can just hear PSN trembling.

Let me reiterate, this game is text-based. No fancy 3D, just four windows with static pictures and a command console. Your mouse could be thrown out the window, and it wouldn’t make an iota of difference beyond a bit more typing. While this will likely be off-putting for some, Hacker Evolution is a fairly good puzzle game.

The collection, Hacker Evolution, Hacker Evolution: Untold and an expansion for each, has you take on the role of Brian Spencer, though you never see or hear your hack-happy alter ego. The basic premise has you searching for and breaking into servers, where you then proceed to

muck about. You have to be efficient, as almost each action raises your trace level, and for the first game at least the only way to lower this is by spending cash.

Speaking of cash, these games are more tight-fisted than a Scotsman on a bargain hunt. Money transferred from servers is limited, and you’ll be spending most of it on the “killtrace” command, rather than on upgrades. This makes the game somewhat slow paced, particularly in the earlier levels. The sequel is kinder in this regard, but in both it’s easy to run out of cash, requiring you to restart the whole game.

Hacker Evolution, with its thumping techno music, synthesised computer voice and minimalist display will certainly create the illusion that you are actually a hacker.

It’s a niche game, but for those with patience, well worth it. g

IntrusionNo system is safe!

by Lein Baart

Accessibility


3+Parental Advisory

Casual

Hard-CoreMedium 79

Score

A unique, thoroughly enjoyable game that hits all the right buttons in terms of atmosphere and style.

Developer: ExosyphenPublisher: Lace MambaDistributor: Apex Interactive


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Cubic Ninja is an unusual game and one that makes you think outside of the proverbial box (or cube). I am fascinated by a game that makes you think

laterally and that’s maybe why Sudoku is my all-time favourite pass time, as it gives you some many different ways to solve the number in one spot. The main aim of Cubic Ninja is to get a cubed ninja through the more than 100 stages to the exit.

There is a bit of a story line but it is just another flavour of the Mario story; your box princess is in another puzzle and another boss will have to be beaten. After each boss you do, however, save one of your friends. It is a 3DS only game and although its 3D effects are impressive they are almost the last feature of the game that I care about.

The tilt controls are what do it for me. Moving the

Ninja will have the player moving the console to the left and right and at times having it high above your head, causing the poor ninja to squash his face against the screen. Spinning the console around and around is the most preferred way of playing the game but there is an option to use the circle pad.Using the circle pad is the only way to enable the 3D effect and still stay in the sweet spot to view the 3D. The circle pad mode does seem like cheating, though.

The game’s competitive element is time and it is sad that the controller mode times are not stored differently. You will never know which way that friend has achieved that incredible time on that stage.

Dropping the ninja from side to side in the stage and bashing his way to the exit does not seem too much fun unless there is some danger. Spikes, fire, floating enemies


Move It!Tilt, twirl, tilt…

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and even the stage moving and squashing the ninja are just some of the dangers. The slightest touch on any of these will result in an instant death. There are 5 levels with almost impossible boss battles at the 20th stage of each level.

At the end of each level a new ninja friend is unlocked and they all have different attributes that will either make stages harder or easier, like having no friction or being very heavy, or even being oddly shaped. The stage time is separated as to which ninja you completed it with, so once finishing the game with the one ninja the whole game can be replayed as a different ninja.

The new ninjas are not the only thing unlocked in the game because as the player completes a particular type of obstacle it becomes available in the stage construction area. So even though the out of the box stages are very


Accessibility


7+Parental Advisory

Casual

Hard-CoreMedium 89

Score

A different game that requires a unique approach, and some lateral thinking.

Developer: UbisoftPublisher: UbisoftDistributor: Megarom


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challenging, a new challenge can be created and shared with friends.

There is StreetPass for the stage ghost times and custom stages but if your StreetPass count if very low then QR Codes can be used to share custom stages online with others, or download a few new ones.

The movements of the game, using the tilt mode, will be harder to play in closed spaces like the back seat of a car. It will make everyone look at you while playing on the Gautrain or bus… but yeah, I don’t care. That seems like the main reason for having the circle pad mode, I would think.

I did however prefer leaning off the edge of my bed to access some other hard to reach places… until I fell off.

This is truly a game that Nintendo love to see on their console because of its uniqueness, so well done Ubisoft. g

Flight simulations, to be clear, are nuts-and-bolts, technical endeavours that only appeal to the true enthusiast.

They are also much more rare than one would think, but that’s probably because, realistically, the market for them is quite small. Air Conflicts: Secret Wars is not a flight simulator. It doesn’t even tread that middle ground that certain games attempt, in which the flight controls are a little more technical while the action stays intense. Nope, this is an arcade flyer… a game in which staying in the air is easier than it should be, where the action can get intense (to the point of Michael Bay style intensity) and there are always tons of enemies to shoot down.

Yet it tries to do something more than just put the player in the seat of an aircraft and point him in the direction of the nearest Luftwaffe patrol.

On some levels, it gets things right, while on others it falls a little short.

Air Conflicts: Secret Wars tells the tale of a group of pilots during World War II. However, instead of being the flying aces of this air-force, or cadets taking to the skies for that nation, it tells of a group of partisan warriors; not members of any particular army, but allied with one none-the-less. It makes for an interesting backdrop, one that hasn’t been explored much in the past. But it doesn’t have too much bearing on the game, other than giving the missions a slightly different flavour.

See, instead of the normal dog fights and bombing runs that one would expect from a game like this (and that are present, none the less) the game will also have the player doing sneaky supply runs and the like, adding a bit of variety to the mix. The variety does get a bit stale through the game’s 49 missions, though – although not to a degree that you wouldn’t want to play them. And there’s still a bit more to do here than your average World War II arcade flyer has on offer.


Sneaking in the CloudsArcade flying action for all

by Walt Pretorius

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What scuppers the game to a degree is its lack of polish. A little more would have seen this one being really great, instead of its current status of ‘fun distraction’. The missions are enjoyable, but sometimes the controls feel just a little off. The story is interesting, but would have benefitted from a little more depth, and some animated cut scenes.

That said, the game is fun, and the visuals are not bad at all, with detailed models and good effects. The controls aren’t bad, although sometimes the hit detection seems to vary a bit, particularly when going for ground targets. The planes are responsive and fun to fling around, but some of the missions get a little too pedestrian. And sometimes the consequences of messing up don’t seem to be severe enough. For example, a stealthy mission in which the player is spotted results in having to shooting down a few more fighters, rather than in a nail-biting, ‘how am I going to get through this’ situation.


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Casual

Hard-CoreMedium 77

Score

A satisfying arcade flight game, even if it does nothing revolutionary.

Developer: BitcomposerPublisher: Deep SilverDistributor: Apex Interactive


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There are a lot of different planes to try out, and the arcade nature of the game gives the player some leeway in the ability to get airborne and have fun, without having to stress too much about the actual, real world physics of the situation.

It allows the player the satisfaction of blasting their way through droves of enemies with relative ease, instead of bogging down in pedantic detail. Basically, it’s lots of fun, without becoming burdensome.

But it doesn’t rise into the realms of being remarkable, when all is said and done. It’s not a disappointing title – in fact, it can deliver lots of enjoyment in both single and multiplayer modes – but it doesn’t do much to make the player sit up and say ‘wow’. It’s good fun, and an enjoyable distraction… it will even deliver the player a satisfying gaming experience. But it isn’t a revolutionary game-changer. And that’s OK, really, because not every game can (or should) be one. g

Paradox Interactive is a developer known for its complex and detailed strategy games. While each series has a different emphasis they all tend to

borrow elements from each other. Thus anyone who has played any of Paradox’s other grand strategy games will feel at home with Victoria 2... somewhat.

Victoria 2 puts you at the helm of any nation between 1836 and 1939, the grand age of the Industrial Revolution. The game places strong emphasis on management of the internal affairs of your nation, though warfare still has a (small) part to play. From handling your population’s militancy and desire for social reform, to influencing the choice of ruling party and Upper House, Victoria 2 is less a game about ruling than it is about nudging people to make the choices you want them to make. While this is truly a fascinating and intriguing concept, it becomes a game where you are more a spectator than participant.

Victoria 2 is a game that thrives on detail, and expects

you to do the same. While ultimately none of it useless, the extent of numbers, such as your population’s stats, leaves it with a feeling similar to reading spread-sheets. There are numerous options to tweak your budget, balancing the needs of your populace while striving to remain in the green, manage your diplomatic relations, engage in trade (though this is mercifully automated), research technology and build armies and factories. All this choice sounds fantastic, however too often you are left with little to do beyond tweaking a couple of these aspects.

By far the most important aspect of the game is managing your population, meeting their needs by adjusting taxes, influence their opinions on a staggering amount of issues and just generally ensure their happiness, so as to avoid revolution. Your total population is divided on several lines such as occupation, religion and province, with each subgroup having their own desires, anger and consciousness. Militancy and consciousness


The Age of PatienceYou’re going to need plenty of it!

by Lein Baart

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play a huge role, both being used to determine how likely different sectors of the population will take up arms against you. Meeting your populations’ wants will decrease these attributes over time, but by and large these are affected by pop-up events and your reactions to them.

Your capability to take a direct hand in the economics of your nation is often hamstrung by the ruling party and their choice of policies. Usually unable to build anything yourself beyond railroads, naval bases and forts, you are left with using subtle persuasion as your only means to influence the capitalists of your nation to build employment-creating factories. Additionally, you are unable to enact reforms without the majority support of the Upper House, which means in conservative governments there is little to do beyond exercising extreme patience.

Victoria 2 suffers from a lack of involvement. A large number of the processes are simply automated, or else you are unable to make changes due to politics. For large


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Casual

Hard-CoreMedium 75

Score

A brilliant idea that did not translate too well, give it a try if you like a very detailed game.

Developer: Paradox InteractivePublisher: Paradox InteractiveDistributor: Apex Interactive


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stretches of time you are left twiddling your thumbs until the next election or random event happens. While the perfectionist can always find something to tweak, these are mostly small changes that have little immediate effect.

For the aggressive players, Victoria 2 focuses on empire management, rather than empire building. Wars are not common, and starting them frivolously will quickly culminate in you being descended upon by multiple nations. However, revolts are a huge annoyance, typically beginning with little reason and can soon engulf your nation.

Technically, Victoria 2 is a good game, with good visuals and an impressive, age-appropriate musical score. The world is huge and richly detailed, and the A.I. is generally quite capable.

This is a title for the extremely patient. The game’s premise is unique, but it acts more as a simulator than a game, though it is still entertaining in its own way, and fascinating to watch. g

to fill virtual shopping carts with.Of more note, though – and something that makes

this more than just your average Stuff Pack – are the additional venues and community lots that it introduces. These add a little to the game dynamic, which is better than average for a Stuff Pack, but they don’t change the game dynamic… which products like this one aren’t meant to.

Overall, it adds to the game, but (like all Stuff Packs) is really optional. It’s not going to change the way the game works at all, and is really only there for those who want more variety in their Sims 3 world. g

It is starting to seem like there is a new product released for The Sims 3 every other month or so. While they’re not quite that common, there are a

lot of things hitting the shelves for this popular game – enough to make keeping up fairly difficult.

This new stuff pack, called Town Life Stuff, adds a whole lot of new things that players can put into their Sims’ homes.

This includes new clothing and interaction items, too. It seems that the people behind this franchise believe that the person with the most stuff wins, because the sum total of all the expansions has added quite a range

More is MoreYet another truckload of new virtual possessions.

by Walt Pretorius

Accessibility



Casual

Hard-CoreMedium 78

Score

More stuff, but thankfully with new community lots and venues too.

Developer: Sims StudioPublisher: Electronic ArtsDistributor: EA South Africa


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Great Battles Medieval is a strategy collaboration between Slitherine Software and the History Channel, depicting one of the most epic battles

in human history. The game features several clips from History channel on the French and English 100 Year War, which was waged from 1337 to 1453. The House of Valois and the House of Plantagenet engaged in one of the most brutal battles for ascendancy in European medieval history, lasting just short of a century. The ancestrally French Plantagenets (having seized the English throne) invaded France, led by “Black Prince” Henry. After years of fighting and broken treaties, Henry convinced mad and dying French King Charles to relinquish his crown, on condition that he married his niece. This led to a brief peace, until fate (or divine providence) delivered St Joan of Arc! The teenage peasant girl convinced Charles the Dauphin, the rightful heir, to rise up against the English and ultimately lead

France to liberation (though Arc herself was famously executed).

The history lesson is the storyline to the game. The main part of the game is to wage a campaign as either the English or the French. As the English, you lead the Black Prince’s forces as he successfully invades France in the first part of the war. A cunning tactician, and known for merciless brutality, his campaign has the simpler objectives within the game, mostly to attack key objectives and gain ground throughout France. As the French, you replay the part of St Joan’s campaign in the second part of the war, and this has much harder objectives (Joan’s survival is obviously a must in earlier stages). Each key historic battle is preceded by a History channel insert, which is fairly detailed and sometimes hints at battle strategy. As the game progresses, you are able to spend cash earned in raids and battles on upgrading new or existing troops. To begin with you have a limited squadron


Testing MettleBattle it out in Europe’s greatest war!

by Suvesh Arumugam

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of peasant archers, infantry and a general. Aside from the main campaigns, there are side skirmishes and raids that can score extra money and experience points for the big pushes!

Preparing for battle is everything, and careful thought must be put into troop selection and deployment. Generally, even if you are blessed enough to score generously on cash and skill points, your troops will be grossly outnumbered. Do not expect to set a strategy and sit back and watch! Constantly monitoring your troops and repositioning is the key. The fact that AI troops are always a few beats behind is your biggest advantage. Enemy shields and armour play a huge role, and attacks must match offence with armour ratings. Morale is a factor, and it’s important to make sure that troops are not flanked or left leaderless. The game also offers Battle Cards, which can rally fleeing troops, or energise them in battle for a short period. There are many other cards like Weather,


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Casual

Hard-CoreMedium 69

Score

A brilliant idea, but the final product lacks the polish that one would expect.

Developer: Slitherine Publisher: SlitherineDistributor: Apex Interactive


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Bravery, Leadership and Sudden Panic that can turn the tide in a battle.

GBM is not a title I would normally play, but I was pleasantly surprised by the fun and historical trivia value. After my first play, I immediately watched “The Messenger” and any other period film I could find about the war depicted. Sadly, the clips from the History channel are surprisingly poor quality, and really brings down the overall feel of the game. There are one or two other modes, like Skirmish (once-off battle) and Multiplayer (head to head on line), but I don’t see those really interesting anyone but die-hard enthusiasts. The game features a pretty easy to follow tutorial, if you’re not a usual strategy fan, and the game is very simple in comparison to other titles.

If you’re a history buff or first time player, this is a decent title to pick up, but serious strategy enthusiasts may find it lacking. g

3D graphics are great, but they have a way of losing something in the mood. Yet the third dimension is not to blame. Rather, it’s the camera.

The ability to look around takes something out of the drama. When locked to a fixed angle, the game’s artists can evoke things through the scenery, if they do it right. Good adventure games all have this in common - rich and interesting environments make up half of the experience. Titles such as The Dig and Beneath A Steel Sky are prime examples.

They are also two of the games that come to mind when playing A New Beginning, an adventure by the same team that crafted Edna & Harvey. But unlike that adventure game (which was reviewed here two months ago), this is a far more polished product. Edna & Harvey was a student project turned commercial, but A New Beginning has budget and time behind it.

The story starts unusually as you take charge of a reclusive former scientist. While solving a rather

domestic chore, a strange girl shows up at his remote cabin. She claims to be from the future and his technology is needed to save the world.

There is little doubt in her story, mainly because you play large chunks of the game as her, other times as the scientist. Named Fay, she comes from a time when the Earth has been shattered by a cataclysmic global event. As solar flares threaten the remnants of humanity, groups are sent back in time to prevent the cataclysm. But they get their time wrong and it falls on the shoulders of Fay to save the world.

Adventure is all about presentation and A New Beginning does a sterling job of this. In a review last month another adventure game, The Next Big Thing, was hailed as one of the best adventure games made in a long time.

This almost beats it. Perhaps nostalgia has come knocking: if you have played a lot that the genre offered in the ‘90s (a theme these reviews keep returning to), this


It’s like an adventure game highlight reel!by James Francis

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game will really take you back in a million subtle ways. The puzzles are tricky, but not tough and the art just shows how much the genre can benefit from today’s higher resolutions. Granted, the ability to highlight hot spots, thus eliminating annoying pixel hunting, streamlines things considerably. As with The Next Big Thing such a feature takes the frustration out of proceedings. But there is no hint system and A New Beginning will have you scratching your head.

The control system is very nice. Holding down the mouse button while over a hot spot brings up a circular menu with different options. It takes the guess work out of some items.

Another nice touch is how easy it is to use the inventory. Given Edna & Harvey’s clumsy interface was, this is a huge advancement for Daedalic.

As mentioned, the game evokes the ghosts of The Dig and Beneath A Steel Sky, perhaps even elements of Rex Nebular and a real oldie, Flight Of The Amazon Queen.


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Casual

Hard-CoreMedium 90

Score

A great adventure game that, despite some performance issues, really shows why this genre once ruled the world.

Developer: Daedalic EntertainmentPublisher: Lace Mamba GlobalDistributor: Apex Interactive


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It’s a sci-fi adventure, though the story actually takes you through a range of environments. A New Beginning a fun ride, only marred by the rare language glitch and less than stellar performance on mid-range machines. The game appears to be particularly rough on Celeron chipsets (even dual core) and the lack of graphic settings is annoying. Then again, what exactly might be tweaked other than the resolution? (And that would really spoil the nice environment art.) The engine could definitely use some streamlining - other recent adventure games run considerably smoother. But it doesn’t mar the experience. Just don’t expect this game to run well on low-end machines.

Overall A New Beginning is a fun adventure. The story is a tad sanctimonious and Fay can be annoying, but it is a blast taking on the puzzles and exploring the environments. They might not make ‘em like they used to, but studios like Daedalic Entertainment are certainly finding the way again. g

multitude of new features.Like most strategy games, EU 3 will require the manuals

to be a constant companion, at least for the first couple of hours. While the tutorial does a good job in showing you the basics, there are so many factors and levels of decision-making required that a tutorial simply could not cover. Tooltips abound though, appearing whenever you hover your mouse over a particular point. The interface is elegantly designed, allowing you to access whatever functions you need with relative ease.

While the game’s age does show somewhat in its graphics, the musical score is excellent.

The gameplay is slow at times, nevertheless war can be a nail-biting affair, and during times of peace the game can be sped up so that years flyby in a couple of seconds, allowing a nation to grow without you needing to manage every detail. g

There are plenty games that seek to show what history would have been like had something been done differently. Some, like Civilization, take us

back right to the dawn of history, allowing us mould the world as we want, while others throw us into a specific period, rife with conflict and politics. Few, however, have managed to capture the intricacies and complexities of ruling a nation as the Europa Universalis series.

Europa Unversalis 3 Chronicles is as a truly grand and epic game. The set, including the expansions Napoleon’s Ambition, In Nomine, Heir to the Throne and Divine Wind, puts you in control of any nation that existed between 1399 and 1820. In fact there are over 250 playable nations, each accurately rendered at the time you choose to start the campaign. For those that played the original game, released back in 2007, there are several important changes that have been made, and a

History is written by the victorby Lein Baart

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Casual

Hard-CoreMedium 81

Score

A thoroughly enjoyable, well thought out and well executed game.

Developer: Paradox InteractivePublisher: Paradox InteractiveDistributor: Apex Interactive


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Conquest

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very well… sound effects from each sport correspond to their relative sport and the cheering crowd makes for a great overall impression.

The controls (in terms of reading the player’s movements) are smooth and don’t lag or feel slow. Before each challenge there is a short tutorial (which can be skipped) to teach the correct movements for each sport. The movements are not too complicated so even your younger or older family members can join in.

There are six different sports to play in various modes such as the player against AI, up to four human players or even party modes.

The Kinect Sports is slightly better when played with a group in party mode; everyone can join in and have a good laugh. g

Every console has a movement based sports title now, but Kinect Sports, which was released at the same time as Xbox 360’s Kinect system (and

which we’re treating as a better late than never review) is certainly one of the better ones, thanks to the Kinect system’s excellent implementation within the game.

The graphics are very similar to most other Kinect games; not realistic, but still well handled.

With this being a sports game, you will expect a crowd at each event, which has also been done quite well too. A cool feature which I enjoyed and spent a lot of time on was conducting the crowd; the player stands in front of the crowd in a stadium and raises their hands to start the stadium cheering and lowers them to stop the noise. The in-game music and sound effects go with this title

Knock Outs and AcesVirtual athletics and real movements…

by Dylan Bouch

Accessibility



Casual

Hard-CoreMedium 78

Score

Great fun but even better with a group of friends

Developer: RarePublisher: MicrosoftDistributor: Microsoft


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Not all games are about blowing up aliens, balancing blocks or collecting gold coins. In the world of interactive art, games tend to have more

meaning - or less. Some art games make no sense, others evoke emotions and symbolism that you don’t generally

encounter. Many make you think (and some make you motion sick). But interactive art games show that if you are not tied to notions of ‘entertaining’ the gamer, things can become very interesting.. g

g amec c a r egu l a r • i s s u e 27 • S e p t embe r 201192

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For Art’s SakeGames can be more than games...

By James Francis

http://jayisgames.com/games/grey/Nothing leaves a hole in someone’s life like death, leading to feelings that can aptly be described as grey. Hence the name of this game: a woman sits glumly, for reasons that are not entirely clear at the start. You play a character trying to cheer her up and you do it by exploring the level and bringing certain objects to her. Each object adds a different shade of colour to the world, eventually making it bright and sunny for her again. You explore the platform world at your own pace, finding solace in the moody graphics and soundtrack.

Grey

http://armorgames.com/play/5355/immortallThis is not a happy game. When aliens land on our planet, will we welcome them? Will we try to kill them? After crashing on Earth, you have to keep moving forward. You befriend a small girl, then her brother and eventually the rest of the family. In turn they befriend you and join you on your journey. But soon you stumble into a war and you have to protect the family or choose to protect yourself. This subtle but jarring game has multiple endings, depending on who lives and dies.

ImmorTall

g amec c a r egu l a r • i s s u e 27 • S e p t embe r 2011 93

http://www.i-am-bored.com/bored_link.cfm?link_id=36880Save a life, take a life and find love. This vexing puzzle game is a study in actions and reactions, decisions and consequences. Manipulate the objects and people in the game to create a sequence of events, leading to those three objectives. It’s not as simple as it sounds and you can often do the wrong thing. But eventually the path forward becomes clear as you play god and change the world for its inhabitants.

Serendipity in 2D

http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/540741You get up, you get dressed, you greet your wife and you go to work. Every day you go through the motions - the same routine over and over. But what if you changed the direction a little? What if you decided to go the other direction, not go to your cubicle, abandon your car in traffic? What the hell is the little old lady in the elevator talking about? This game has multiple scenarios that you need to uncover before you can reach where you need to be.

Every Day The Same Dream

http://www.secrettechnology.com/scrape/scrape1.htmlHow often do you play a game with a disclaimer at the start proclaiming this as the easiest, hardest, slowest, fastest, strangest, ugliest, most beautiful and... wankiest game you’ll experience? You don’t have to play this and it will probably start making your brain stutter after a while. There is no point and the more you try to make sense of this, the less sense it makes. In fact, you’ll wonder why you are playing Scrape Scraperteeth at all. But for a bizarre piece of surreal art, it’s certainly something else...

Scrape Scraperteeth

Gameloft is probably one of the best companies to buy and download mobile games from. Although many free games can be downloaded from the

Android and Apple market places, games from Gameloft is of a higher quality and have an active community attached to it.

Some of the Gameloft titles are also available for free from the respective markets, but the website groups them together for easy browsing. So for this month, we are going to take a look at some of the latest releases from Gameloft, with the titles spanning a variety of genres. g


Mo

bilit

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Latest and GreatestTop titles from a great publisher

by Charlie Fripp

It’s hard to find really good golfing games for the mobile, and while Let’s Golf is by no means a serious title, it sure is one of the better games out there. It’s not a serious title by any means, but that is what makes it so fun. Players will be able to create their own avatars for the game, and take part in tournament from the Great Wall of China to all the way in space. The graphics are fantastic and the controls are really easy.

Let’s Golf 3 HD

Ambushed and left for dead outside an unfamiliar town, players assume the role of a cowboy who is simply trying to make his way home. But naturally thing don’t go according to plan… Playing out over a variety of maps and settings, this third-person shooter will have Western fans hooked in no time. The graphics could have been a bit better and the controls a bit cleaner, but the constant action at least makes up for it.

Wild West Guns


Silent Ops will see players joining a secret organisation that protects the general population from the latest 21th Century threats. In the James Bond-type shooter, players will assume the role of three different agents, each with their own special abilities. The game is actually very close in style to the British spy, so gamers will know that action waits around every corner. The graphics are stunning, but it does come at a price – because the title is in HD, a hefty download is needed.

Silent Ops

Everybody loves a good Spiderman game, and Total Mayhem in no different. The title utilises the full 3D capabilities of the iPad to create a game that looks visually stunning with great controls. The controls actually only consist of four buttons, so it’s very easy to get used to. In terms of plot, Spiderman has to save New York from the worst breakout of Super Villains ever. The game is great for any Spiderman fan, although it might become a bit frustrating at times.

Spiderman Total Mayhem 3D

Racing games have always been very popular, and GT Racing Motor Academy is one of the most visually appealing titles as a mobile game. As expected, players will be able to race for the podium with 25 manufacturers and more than 100 licensed cars, which can all be upgraded. The controls on the iPad feature a simple brake and accelerate button, making it very easy. The game looks stunning, has a lot of cars to choose from and should be in any motor racing fans’ collection.

GT Racing Motor Academy

for example, didn’t allow for this… the only ‘customisation’ the player could do was selecting which weapon to use…

One of the earlier games to introduce these ideas, including branching plot lines and character customisation, was the original Deus Ex.

It wasn’t the first game to do so, but it was one of the very first first-person shooters to be more of an adventure game than a ‘shoot everything that moves’ title. And what it did back in the year 2000 was pretty damned amazing for the time.

In our Deus Ex: Human Revolution review (on page 56) we praise the title for allowing player freedom and lots

We’re kind of getting used to games that allow us choices. That’s not a bad thing, really, because they allow us to make our gaming

experiences more satisfying. We can even sound all arty and say that these experiences allow us to express ourselves through our gaming. It may sound odd, but it is true.

It wasn’t always like that (and sometimes still isn’t). As this kind of experience gets more common, it serves us to remember that there was a time when customisation of characters and weapons – even affecting a plot with our choices – just didn’t happen. Earlier first person shooters,

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Deus ExStarting the Revolution

by Walt Pretorius


of customisation, but these ideas were introduced by this very first Deus Ex release, eleven years ago.

But these weren’t the only limits that Deus Ex pushed. The overall game dynamic was of an extremely high standard – something that was expected from publishers Eidos at the time. The graphics were, for the day, awe-inspiring, and the branching plot was exciting and deep. The latest title in the franchise isn’t introducing these ideas – rather, it is refining ideas that have been in the franchise from the word go. And even though more and more games are doing it these days, the Deus Ex franchise does so extremely well.

If you are able to get hold of this particular game, do so. It’s well worth the effort to take a look at where the series started, and how it has evolved over the years. And it’s quite amazing to see what Eidos managed to do with the game a long time ago (in terms of the gaming industry.)

It’s always good to keep an eye on roots and history, and to be appreciative of what came before. And with a game like this it is easy to do. Even though the graphics and overall system may be dated, the original Deus Ex is still a great game. g


Yes, Please!Versatility… with no strings attached.

by Walt Pretorius

g amec c a h a rdwa r e • i s s u e 27 • S e p t embe r 201198

Logi

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dset

There are a few issues with using headphones for gaming. Overall, the experience is great, yes, but there are a few niggles, particularly

when it comes to console gaming. First of all, there’s the question of the cable. If you play at your desk, using a monitor for visuals, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. That said the cable does get in the way sometimes.

Then there is the issue of in-game chat. It’s normally fine as far as PC gaming goes, but it gets tricky with console gaming. There are a few headphones out there that allow for it – some even allow for usage on multiple systems – but almost all of them require component cable inputs, which doesn’t work if you’re making use of HMDI cables. And then there’s that whole wire issue once again…

Logitech has as close to the perfect solution to all of these problems as we have seen, in the form of the Logitech F540 Wireless Headset. This rather bulky

headphone set not only eliminates wires, but it allows for usage on virtually any system, with any kind of cable set up. And it’s not a pain to set up at all. Better yet, it can be left set up more or less permanently. Which is handy if you have more than one console.

It all comes down to the receiver. This box has plugs for component cables from the PS3 and Xbox 360, as well as an auxiliary audio jack, in the form of a 3.5mm input. It’s this last input that solves problems for HDMI users – if the monitor you’re using has a headphone out port, a jack to jack cable trakes care of things. Further, the receiver has a USB connection of PS3 chat. A removable cable that connects the headset to the Xbox controller takes care of Xbox chat. And, if you’re using component cables, the auxiliary port can be connected to virtually anything else.

The system makes use of 2.4GHz wireless, meaning fast, responsive performance. The sound quality is good, in terms of audio and chat, and independent volume controls (for chat or audio) built into the left earphone make things

g amec c a h a rdwa r e • i s s u e 27 • S e p t embe r 2011 99

AT A GLANCE:

Manufacturer: LogitechDistributor: LogitechOnline: www.logitech.comRRP: R1 660.00

PROS:• Versatile• Excellent sound• No wires!

CONS:• Bulky• Slightly pricey

Versatile, powerful and comfortable… everything you want in a gaming headset.

TECH SPECS:• 2.4 GHz• 3 channels• On-ear controls• 10 hour battery life• Fully adjustable• Laser tuned drivers

97Score

even easier. In fact, all the controls needed are built into the headphones, including power, channel selection and microphone muting.

The noise cancelling mic can be fully adjusted, and features a mute light to show if it is active or not. The headphones have an adjustable headband and comfortable, noise isolating earpads.

The batteries of the wireless headset can deliver up to ten hours of performance, depending on environmental and usage conditions, and are recharged via a generous USB cable that connects to the receiver. They can also be used while charging, which is a bonus.

This headset is a brilliant choice for gamers who want the freedom and versatility it provides. It costs a bit more than normal, wired headphones, but the expenditure is well worth it.

The excellent sound quality and comfort are beautifully balanced by versatility and little clutter. This headset is well worth every cent you will spend on it! g

Power for EveryoneA useful, if niche, item…

by Rob Edwards


HEC

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Have you ever been in a situation where a person desperately begs you to find out if you have a charger compatible with their notebook? We

have. Now we’re not going to pass judgement here… OK, we are. Surely carrying your recharging adapter with you is logical?

But we cannot ascribe common sense to everyone. In fact, common sense seems to be pretty uncommon these days. So, the next time you are faced with that situation, wouldn’t it be nice to help the person out while you look down your nose at them? Sure it would… you could feel helpful and superior all at once.

In order to achieve that satisfying feeling, though, you will need a device like the HEC UA100A Universal Notebook Adapter. This smart little item isn’t something that everyone is going to buy, but it would come in very handy as a back-up charger in an office environment – or even as a replacement charger for someone who needs a new one. It would even be extremely useful if travelling with more than one notebook.

Quite simply, it is a charger that will work perfectly with any of the world’s leading laptops. It does this by coming with eight interchangeable tips that will interface and provide power to virtually any notebook you can think of. Some won’t even need a tip, increasing the configuration options to nine.

Some care does need to be exercised when using the device, though, because different laptops require different voltages.

An in-line dongle features six dip switched to change voltages, and the system therefore supports laptops with 15V, 16V, 18V, 19V, 21V and 24V requirements. Just be sure to check on the base of the laptop to make sure which voltage is required before use.

As well as having standard wall socket functions, this unit can also draw power via USB.

If we have to be brutally honest, we can’t see where we would use this around the Gladget offices. But, equally honestly, we cannot deny that it would be a useful device in many situations… one of those things that you would


AT A GLANCE:

Manufacturer: HECDistributor: Pinnacle AfricaOnline: www.pinnacle.co.zaRRP: R499.00

PROS:• Versatile• Reliable

CONS:• Bit of a niche item

It might not be something that everyone needs, but those that do will love it.

TECH SPECS:• 100W• Variable output• 9 tips• Compatible with most notebook brands• USB power option

79Score

rather have and not need than need and not have, really. It’s a versatile device that is easily portable, and would add immeasurably to the arsenal of travelling businessmen and other people who need to carry a laptop around with them.

An added bonus for those travelling overseas is the USB charging facility, which means that if you’re stuck without the right kind of wall socket converter, you can still milk someone else’s PC for power.

On the downside, the eight included tips are small, and may easily be lost.

Then again, if you’re the sort to buy this kind of device, you’re probably going to be the sort who always knows where your car keys are and pedantically organises everything in your laptop bag. You probably won’t lose these.

Whatever your reasons may be for getting the HEC UA100A, you can rest assured that it will deliver excellent, reliable performance. It is a bit of a niche device, but it is one that can prove extremely handy, none the less. g

Now here’s a little bit of awesome. It’s the perfect solution of people who want to find the balance between carrying good sound around

while still travelling light. The folks over at Go Rock have developed a pocket-sized speaker system that will really impress.

This rechargeable stereo speaker set is held together by powerful magnets in the bases of the units. When you want to use them, simply split them apart, connect the retractable power cable from one speaker to the other, plug the retractable input cable into your music player (like an MP3 player or phone) and hey presto! Awesome, fairly loud sound. Those that want a little extra bass can extend the speakers a bit, thanks to a concertina system, but we didn’t notice much of a difference.

With great sound, a USB recharge function and retractable wires, these are pretty much the ultimate in portable speaker solutions. The sound clarity is excellent, with little to no distortion, and the battery life is pretty good too.

And the price? Well, that’s excellent too, making these diminutive yet extremely good speakers and excellent

deal to boot. Music fans who want something they can use anywhere to share their tunes with friends seriously need to look no further. g

Dynamite!Small packages and all that…

by Alex Scanlon

Go

Rock

Mob

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peak

ers


AT A GLANCE:

Manufacturer: Go RockDistributor: Pinnacle AfricaOnline: www.pinnacle.co.zaRRP: R299.00

PROS:• Small• Convenient• Excellent sound

CONS:• No real difference in ‘bass boost’

These diminutive speakers are big on quality!

TECH SPECS:• 4W output• 6 hour battery life• Retractable cables• USB charging

95Score

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Lots of PlugsA versatile and affordable audio option.

by Walt Pretorius


Nith

o 3

in 1

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Hea

dset

We have seen quite a number of Nitho’s products in the past, all of them related to enhacing console gaming to some degree.

In fact, all of them have either been for PS3 or Wii, with very little showing on the Xbox 360 front. We have been assured that we will be looking at some of the Xbox specific stuff in the future, but in the meantime we have the Nitho 3 in 1 Gamer’s Headset, which works with PC, PC3 and, yes Xbox 360.

Straight off the bat, we have to say that we’re a little disappointed that this headphone system demands the use of component cables. We kind of like HDMI here, and limitations in the way that the plugs on the Xbox work mean that you can’t try a jerry-rigged combination of the two if you want to be able to use this headset with an HDMI device. Of course, you can always try and find yourself a cable that has a 3.5mm jack on one side and two RCA plugs on the other. That will work just fine, and will add versatility to the set-up. But it will require

an extra purchase, and you may run into stereo problems.Once you have the headphones set up, you’re in for a

treat. The sound quality from these Nitho headphones is extremely good, with a beautifully wide range of tonalities. To be honest, we were pleasantly surprised, not having expected such good performance from them. Not only is the sound crisp and clear, but it gets fairly loud, too, without distorting.

The same can be said for chat functionality. The high-quality microphone won’t let you down, either on PS3 or on Xbox 360.

If you’re planning to use these headphones with multiple systems, you may find yourself juggling the plugs a bit, as they cannot be permanently set up to all three compatible devices at the same time. It’s a bit of PT, but nothing that will break your back.

The headphones are foldable and fully adjustable, and are very comfortable to use, even for extended periods of time. The ear cups are generous in size, and do not


AT A GLANCE:

Manufacturer: NithoDistributor: GammatekOnline: www.gammatek.co.zaRRP: Xxxx

PROS:• Great sound quality• Versatile• Sturdy

CONS:• Component cable usage required

Versatile and well built, these headphones still suffer from the ‘component cable’ complex.

TECH SPECS:• PC• PS3• Xbox 360• USB powered• 3.6m cable

79Score

place undue pressure on the user’s ears. The adjustable microphone can also be unplugged from the earpiece when not in use, for added comfort.

The headphones need to be plugged in to a USB port to be used. They are USB powered, and will therefore consume one port no matter what device they’re used with. This seems a bit redundant for Xbox usage (on PC and PS3 the USB port delivers microphone supports, as well as sound on the PC.) But that’s the way they’re designed, so you kind of have to live with it. The cables for the component plugs and the USB plug could have been a bit longer, and may result in needing to rearrange things a bit, if they’re too short.

The overall cable length is fairly generous, and an inline volume switch has separate controls for game and chat volume. There is no mic mute function, but then again, you can just unplug the microphone.

On the whole, these are a versatile and good quality headset. They do the job they’re mean to rather well. g

Really PortableGood quality, great convenience

by Rob Edwards


Go

Rock

Cub

e

There is something extremely annoying about those people who treat their mobile phone as an entertainment system. We’re not talking

about people who use it to listen to music through headphones… rather, we mean those who insist on playing music through the generally awful external speakers housed in the phones. Not only do they annoy us, but the music sounds terrible. If you’re one of them, rest assured – it doesn’t make you look cool.

Rather, play the music through this device. That will have the desired effect on the coolness scale, trust me. The Go Rock Cube screams cool in every way it can.

The system is comprised of two speakers that are held together by a powerful magnet. To use, simply pull them apart, connect the retractable power cable, plug in to your music player via the (again retractable) 3.5mm jack, and you can share good quality sound with your friends. And if you’re after even more coolness, connect the speakers to your phone via Bluetooth.

Both speakers have an extendable base that holds

controls, like volume (and track selection, when used with Bluetooth). The various retractable cables are also stored in the speaker bases, and include a USB cable that can be used to charge the devices internal lithium-ion battery.

The functionality of this device is excellent. It offers a no-mess, no-fuss solution to portable music, thanks to everything being housed neatly in the unit when not in use. Setting it up is fairly easy (and using all those retractable cables looks rather impressive.

The sound quality is pretty decent, although we have two small complaints. At high volumes, we picked up a little distortion – not from the bass, mind you, but from the higher notes. Additionally, the bass performance could have been just a little better. It’s not terrible, but there is a bit of room for improvement.

The battery life is excellent, though, and the Bluetooth functionality adds quite a lot of versatility to the device, particularly when used with a smart-phone.

In addition, the speakers are very well built. They feel very solid, and even the extendable bases seem like


AT A GLANCE:

Manufacturer: Go RockDistributor: Pinnacle AfricaOnline: www.pinnacle.co.zaRRP: R560.00

PROS:• Look great• Sound good• Awesome design

CONS:• A bit light in the bass department

Good sound combined with great convenience.

TECH SPECS:• Bluetooth enabled• Retractable power cable• Retractable line- in cable• Rechargeable• Surround sound• PumpBass technology

82Score

they’re made to last. The magnets that hold the speakers together for transporting are similarly very strong, so dropping one of the speakers while holding the other is unlikely.

Using surround sound technology, the Go Rock Cube delivers excellent stereo, despite the fact that the speakers have to be connected by a rather short power cable. We would have lived to see a slightly longer cable there, but that would probably have negatively affected its retractability.

You’re not going to run a disco with these speakers – they simply aren’t that loud. But, for small gatherings that need music (without the benefit of power supplies being nearby, for example) the Go Rock Cube is a great solution. Its compact build and decent sound delivery make it a great option for those who want to carry their music with them, but have too much pride to play it through a phone’s integrated speaker. The impressive design and well-thought-out execution of these speakers will probably add a few style points, too. g

I moan a lot. But that’s okay. I have my little spot, here on the back page, where I can

write about anything. I try stick to videogames, and things sorta have to remain family-friendly, but here’s where I can rant, rave or just propose silly ideas.

This month I’m gonna rant about EA; the people responsible for the world’s most popular games, like The Sims, The Sims 2 and The Sims 3. Don’t forget the million-selling add-ons to those games, such as The Sims: Pet Vacation, The Sims: Barbie Funhouse, The Sims: Kiss Your Life Goodbye and The Sims: Superheroes.

EA’s made literal truckloads of cash from these and other cashcow franchises. It resuscitated the corpse of Medal of Honor to flog it for a while longer, and the Need for Speed franchise has now been fragmented into three distinct genres: arcade racers, pretend simulation racers and a GTA competitor. Electronic Arts truly has mastered the art of diversifying. Also known by more cynical people as “having a finger in every pie”.

And so it behoves me to question why on earth is acting like a child on a playground. The issue here is very specific, and a personal cause, but read on.

The highly successful Forza Motorsport franchise, developed by Turn 10 Studios and published by (EA competitor) Microsoft Game Studios has featured Porsche cars since its first incarnation. Now, with the fourth game around the corner, we’ve found out that Porsche will no longer feature. This comes down to EA holding the exclusive rights to the

brand (how did Porsche get suckered into this?) and also because EA thinks it is a conflict of interest. Its own Need for Speed: Shift titles are supposed competitors to the Forza brand, so EA thinks it needs every competitive advantage it can get. For reference, Need for Speed: Shift 2 has sold less than 550 000 units worldwide, on three platforms. Forza 3 has sold in excess of 5-million units (on one console).

Forza 4 will sell millions, again, and people EA’s passive-aggressive denial of the Porsche license has achieved nothing. Some fans might ask why there’s no Porsche in Forza, and the more clued-up fans will thumb their noses at Electronic Arts.

The fans are the ones suffering. Porsche is also suffering – there’s no denying that videogames are great for building brands. While I’m sure I’ll miss out on some potentially fun games, I’ll stand by my boycott until EA realises there’s more in the world than just its own greedy ambitions.

[Um. Perhaps it’s time that we include one of those disclaimers about the author’s opinion not necessarily being the opinion of the publishers, and so on… - ed]. g

by Columnist A


Seriously?

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pace

http://www.gamecca.co.za/issues/Gamecca%20-%20Index.php?Page=1&Content_Month=June 2010&Content_Type= - Content

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Gamecca Magazine September 2011