Technology 2014 Summary / 2015 Predications
The future’s so bright in technology gear and various media as 2014 ends and we look on the horizon to 2015.
Games
LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham Review on PlayStation 4
Now that this LEGO game series has connected the Dark Knight and Boy Wonder to their DC superhero counterparts, developers TT (Traveller’s Tales) expand LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham‘s gameplay with even more action, content, and extras plus the first ever Season Pass for a LEGO game to nab all the substantial downloadable content (DLC) and extras nicely coinciding with Batman’s 75th anniversary.
Soldak Entertainment Announces Zombasite Coming in 2015!
Soldak Entertainment is an indie developer making great games, mostly in the RPG genre. From the incredible Depths of Peril, the never-old Din’s Curse, light-but-fun Kivi’s Underworld to the sprawling space adventure Drox Operative. Now for their next game they are dipping into the undead with Zombasite, a post-apocalyptic fantasy action RPG coming in 2015 to Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax Review on PlayStation 3
Fun fighting action from the Japanese action-RPG game series continues a strong showing here in the States as players get eight new characters and several new scenarios set in the fictional rural Japanese town of Inaba in the Persona 4 Arena Ultimax video game.
Heroes of Might & Magic III – HD Edition Coming January 2015!
I discovered the Heroes of Might & Magic (HOMM) strategy-RPG game series with the excellent HOMM IV, but quickly discovered HOMM III was the pinnacle of the series. Ubisoft has announced that they are releasing a HD restoration of the game called Heroes of Might & Magic III HD – Restoration of Erathia, coming to PC, iOS and Android tablets.
Just Dance 2015 Review for PlayStation 4
Since its launch in 2009, Ubisoft’s Just Dance 2015 represents the sixth installment in the active game series where players keep to the beat and closely follow the colorful silhouette dancers. This game keeps on giving more content and unlockables as players dance through the tracks by themselves or with up to eight friends plus extra fitness and karaoke gameplay.
The Shadow Sun Released on Android, Price Cut on iOS!
It has been nearly a year since I reviewed The Shadow Sun by Ossian Studios for iOS, calling it “the first original RPG on the App Store that isn’t a port or a pale imitation, and it is actually worth playing”. Now the game is available on Android and the price is $4.99 on both platforms!
Hyrule Warriors Review on Nintendo Wii U
Zelda game series fans get a comprehensive and immersive experience as Nintendo and Koei Temco combine the famous franchise with the hack-and-slash Samurai (Japanese) and Dynasty (Chinese) Warriors series gameplay. Hyrule Warriors action-filled title delivers free roaming fun and various mission objectives amid epic battlegrounds, with expanded actions like climbing and swimming so players can fully experience the boosted graphics.
LEGO Maniac Gamers Get First Season Pass with LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment’s new release LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham includes the first Season Pass in the LEGO game series. This Pass is available for Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PS3, and PC (not for the PS Vita, Wii U, and 3DS versions) and includes six add-on content packs with new character access.
Assassin’s Creed Unity/Rogue Pre-Release Guide
This year the historical action/adventure-filled Assassin’s Creed game series gives players two comprehensive experience based on different consoles on Tuesday, November 11. Assassin’s Creed Unity will release on the “next-gen” PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Assassin’s Creed Rogue on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, which will likely be the last Creed installment on these consoles.
Disney Infinity 2.0 Releases Second Wave
Developed by Avalanche Software and published by Disney Interactive Studios, Disney Infinity 2.0 has released the second “wave” of figures, power discs, and other items. This newly released wave includes Merida and Stitch in the Starter Pack and the separate figures Aladdin, Tinkerbell, Maleficent, and Donald Duck plus Hiro and Brymax from Big Hero 6.
PlayStation 4 Console Update Releasing October 28
Sony’s firmware update for their PlayStation 4 game console will release on Tuesday, October 28. This significant update will include SharePlay, YouTube sharing options, music files playable via external storage, and background visual themes. This update will prime players for the holidays and follows recent significant updates on the PlayStation Vita, Xbox One and Nintendo 3DS.
PlayStation TV Offers Gaming Options with Video Streaming
The PlayStation TV device ($99 MSRP) expands the streaming box experience into the video game realm to include games on PlayStation Vita, PSP, PS One, and PlayStation 3 using their cloud streaming PlayStation Now technology plus games on PlayStation 4 using Remote Play.
Destiny Review on PlayStation 4/Xbox One
Destiny has come calling to gamers everywhere as Bungie, the game producer that brought the world Halo, offers several game elements, styles, and genres in one action role-playing, first-person shooter (FPS). Though the story gets deeper than needed, players can easily find amazing experiences, challenges and victories amid a post-apocalyptic world set 700 years into the future.
Fury Comes in Bundles to World of Tanks Game
Fury has come to the World of Tanks as Wargaming and Sony Pictures team for a synergetic punch! Sony Pictures’ new WWII action film Fury (in theater October 17) is featured in new World of Tank game bundles on PC, Xbox 360 and iOS. These bundles feature a Fury-branded iconic M4 Sherman Tank commanded by the film’s lead character, Wardaddy.
Get Origin Offers Dragon Age: Origins Game for Free!
Dragon Age: Origins is now free on PC from the Origin game distribution service from Electronic Arts through the special “On the House” program. Dragon Age: Origins is a role-playing action video game originally released in 2009 and reviewed by us here. Be aware that you’ll need an internet connection to access the online services and features.
Disney Infinity 2.0 Edition Review on PlayStation 4
Developed by Avalanche Software and published by Disney Interactive Studios, Disney Infinity 2.0 unleashes the Marvel Universe into the gameplay based on playsets, discs, and set pieces all physically placed on a base pad so players can put characters directly into the game with free gameplay options in digital versions.
Go Under The Sea With My New Fave – Nightmares from the Deep 3 Davy Jones!
When I reviewed the original Nightmares from the Deep back in 2012, I remarked that the “pacing is perfect, the story works well, and the overall experience is entirely positive and something you will remember for quite a while”. The sequel was even better, and the final entry saves the best of the series for last!
The Sims 4 Releasing Free Content Until the End of 2014
Maxis and Electronic Arts will release free content for their latest installment of their popular life simulation game series, The Sims 4. Players just log in EA’s gaming service Origin then enjoy updates the rest of the year including the recently released special Star Wars costume set and Halloween items with pool coming in November.
Dragon Age Inquisition’s Unique Character Creation Tool
Dragon Age Inquisition will feature a unique character creation tool (male and female) when the game officially releases on November 18. Dragon Age Inquisition is the next-generation RPG from BioWare set in an epic, dark fantasy world where players are empowered to shape and drive their experience with tough choices that allow them to experience moments based on those decisions.
Disney Infinity 2.0 Marvel Super Heroes Sizzle in Sales
Since the September 23rd launch, Disney Infinity Marvel Super Heroes figures, starter packs, and play-set adventures have literally been flying off the store shelves for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC, and iOS. Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Spider-Man are all represented in this second coming of the popular hybrid toy / video game.