Gamecca Magazine January 2017

Take Control

Next Generation

Razer Raiju PS4 Controller

MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon

Final Fantasy XV The Last Guardian Don Bradman Cricket 17 Steep and more...

Go Pro

Downhill!

Steep

To Glory

Final Fantasy XV

Top Ten 2016

New PS4 Power

Beast The Last Guardian

Our Picks of Last Year’s Games

Braving the battlefield in For Honor

ISSUE 91 / Vol.8 January 2017

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Gamecca Magazine: © Copyright Nova Mentis (Pty) Ltd. (2009 – 2016)

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appy New Year! On behalf of myself and the entire Gamecca Crew, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours the very best for 2017. And what a year it is going to be…

Now that the fireworks have (thankfully) been silenced and the hangovers have (equally thankfully) worn off, it’s time to look ahead as our blue planet begins it’s next trip around the sun. Everyone is writing down their resolutions (some of which may even be adhered to) and preparing to take the bull by the horns for another 12 months. It seems, though, that this year there is a lot more positivity going around… for many people, 2016 was something of a rough ride, even if just because so many of our idols passed away. And so we look bravely ahead, ready for what 2017 has in store for us. Which might, mind you, include more than a few surprises. There are terrible conflicts happening in the world, the USA is about to inaugurate arguably the most controversial president that country has ever elected, and here in South Africa we’re awaiting social and political developments with a little apprehension, and a little hope.

We live in interesting times, that’s for sure. There is a lot of uncertainty in the world at the moment, a lot of “wait and see” that will certainly keep us all on our toes for the next twelve months.

But there are some things that we are already sure of… like the vast

From the Editor

rd

TheNextTrip

by Walt Pretorius

amount of very cool video games that are already confirmed for release in 2017. Sniper Elite 4, For Honor, Ghost Recon: Wildlands, NieR: Automata, Mass Effect: Andromeda and Horizon: Zero Dawn are just a few of many that are already well on their way, and the internet is heaving with videos showing trailers of the awesome games that are incoming soon.

And, of course, South African PlayStation 4 players can get their hands on PlayStation VR later this month, too, which may just be a game changer for Sony’s console.

We can be sure that 2017 will feature some very good gaming indeed, and some exciting new hardware, too.

This year will also – in a few months – see Gamecca magazine’s 100th issue. That will be the October 2017 issue, to be exact, and as it slowly approaches, a sense of what Gamecca Magazine has achieved over the years has started sinking in. As a publication, Gamecca will celebrate its eighth birthday in July of this year, with an issue published every month since July 2009.

And we’re going to continue to publish a new issue each month for as long as our hands can hold controllers! There are a lot of plans for Gamecca in the coming months and years, and I am excited to see how the magazine evolves and grows through 2017. I hope you enjoy the journey with us.

Right, that’s enough from me… welcome to the first issue of Gamecca Magazine in 2017. It’s going to be a great year. g

mgeect 2 c7a 9 1 ggl a ad

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THIS MONTH’S COVER

Take to the ancient battlefield in For Honor

Publishing Editor Walt Pretorius

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Feature: The Love of Battle Test your mettle with For Honor

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Previews: Games 12 titles arriving soon

walt@novamentis.co.za

Art Director Katia Taliadoros katia@novamentis.co.za

Writers: Alex Scanlon Clive Burmeister Iwan Pienaar Lein Baart Noelle Adams Nthato Morakabi Rob Edwards Sibonisile Motha Suvesh Arumugam Walt Pretorius Letters: letters@gameccamag.com

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Feature: Top 10 Games of 2016 We select our favourites from the year that was

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Reviews: Games 9 games analysed

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Regular: IndieView Don’t be Thoopid!

90

Regular: Legacy A final look at what came before

Competition Entries: competitions@gameccamag.com

Newsletter Subscriptions: www.gameccamag.com

Marketing Contact:

Copyright © Nova Mentis (Pty) Ltd 2009 - 2017

walt@novamentis.co.za

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.

GAMECCA is published by Nova Mentis (Pty) Ltd

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Feature: Going Pro New power in the PlayStation stable

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reviews: Optimising Excellence Intel takes 14nm to the limits

108

reviews: Hardware 8 tech toys to fall in love with

124

Regular: Internet Fighting the real terrorists

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Regular: Living Digital Diving into the Digital world

132

COOL STUFF: Movies The final showdown

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COOL STUFF: Board Games 2 table top winners

146

COOL STUFF: RPGs a new lease on life

150

COOL STUFF: Comics illustrated literature

158

COOL STUFF: Books Feed your brain!

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Gamecca Vol. 8 Issue 91 January 2017

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s e d’ c E oi h C

“Final Fantasy XV is a grand adventure in a massive and often awe-inspiring setting”

Final Fantasy XV

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16 18 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 30 32

Features The Love of Battle Gamecca Tot 10 Games of 2016

PReviews Overload Mirage-Arcane Warfare State of Mind SiegeCraft Commander Chroma Squad Quantum Replica Outcast – Second Contact To Azimuth Tales of Berseria Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm 4: Road to Boruto Conan Exiles Strafe

Reviews 58 64 70 72 78 80 81 82 83

Final Fantasy XV The Last Guardian Don Bradman Cricket 17 Steep Stories: The path of Destinies Tiny Troopers: Joint Ops Invisible, Inc. Hyper Void Color Guardians

RegularS 84 90

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IndieView Legacy

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The Love of Battle GAMING

Hacking through the ancient world

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For Honor

e By: Lein Baart

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GAMING

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here can be little doubting that Ubisoft has become a dominant power in the industry, though it is arguable that it has only achieved this in the last decade or so. While the publisher was a serious force before this time, a feat built mainly on the backs of the Tom Clancy and Prince of Persia franchises, since the phenomenal success of the likes of Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry Ubisoft has cemented its position as one of the top tier players. However, as large companies are wont to do, this has led to a series of rather cautious decisions being made over the years, with not only a litany of sequels being released but even the creation of seemingly standardised gameplay mechanics being used across various series. As competent and familiar as these mechanics may be it has introduced an element of genericness to the publisher’s stable of titles, which is

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why when Ubisoft announced not only a new IP but a shift into an entirely different genre during E3 2015 it caught the attention of so many gamers. For Honor may have been kept relatively under wraps for the majority of its development, but its potential to break new ground has got more than a few excited for its impending release.

Billed as hack-and-slash brawler, most of the hype surrounding For Honor has centred on its multiplayer offering, though it will launch with a single-player campaign. Set in a world which experienced an unspecified cataclysmic event over a millennia ago, three factions, each inspired by real-world warrior cultures, have engaged in a seemingly perpetual war fuelled by a mysterious figure calling herself Apollyon. While plot details beyond this are scarce, Ubisoft Montreal have stated the campaign will detail the events leading up to the current war, examining

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For Honor

why the Chosen (samurai), the Legion (knights) and the Warborn (Vikings) continue to fight. It’s important to note that For Honor will be an entirely fictional setting, with the developers taking pains to stress that the factions will be representative of the popular perception of each of the above cultures, so don’t expect a strictly historical recreation of what it meant to be a warrior in medieval times.

By far the most eagerly anticipated aspect of For Honor will be its multiplayer, which at launch will be comprised of three maps (one for each faction), five playable modes and four classes. While these classes will be the same across the factions, each will present a different spin according to the culture they belong to, with the vanguards providing a decent mix of offence and defence, the assassins utilising speed and agility, the heavies specialising in heavy armour

and high damage attacks and the hybrids providing a blend of abilities. It is important to note however that each hero will come with its own fighting style and skills, so while the classes give a general description individual flavours might vary drastically. Also of note is that it looks as if players will not be locked into a specific faction when joining a multiplayer match, so expect to see Vikings and samurai fighting side-by-side.

As far as modes go Dominion, which will require two competing four-person teams to hold key map positions in order to gain points, appears to be the core of the multiplayer offering. Seemingly inspired in part by the Dynasty Warriors franchise, the mode will feature hordes of relatively weak soldiers that players must swat aside in order to reach their true foes. The soldiers however will serve a purpose beyond acting as sword fodder, allowing

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GAMING

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players to recoup health as well as assisting in the capture of locations, though the main draw of the game will undoubtedly be the duelling between players.

It’s the duelling system, called the Art of Battle, which will lie at the heart of For Honor. Activated by targeting a specific opponent, the mechanic will allow players to shift between three stances, namely right, left and top, from which they will be able to attack and parry.

Stances will be switchable even during a combo, and as successfully defending an attack will require players to align their stance correctly, it should turn duels into a complicated dances of manoeuvring to catch your foe off-guard. Complementing this will be the inclusion of revenge mode, in which a bar is filled as you block and take damage. Once activated revenge will provide players will increased defences and uninterruptable attacks,

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meaning that even in situations in which you find yourself outnumbered by enemies you should have a chance of levelling the playing field. The whole system builds towards an experience that will hopefully be far more than the hackand-slash descriptor applied to the game, and while fans of titles such as Mount and Blade and Chivalry: Medieval Warfare might find creative director Jason VandenBerghe’s statement that Ubisoft “has cracked sword fighting” a tad hyperbolic it cannot be denied that For Honor’s premise is exciting.

For Honor is not without its concerns however. The first is that the single-player campaign will require players to be always online, a grievous sin in the eyes of most gamers that Ubisoft has made before. The publisher has stated the requirement is due to the fact that “some elements of progression, which is hosted online, are shared across story

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For Honor

and multiplayer modes”, though many will undoubtedly find this troublesome, particularly in a country like South Africa with its limited internet access. Another issue that For Honor may run into is the use of the peer-to-peer network system that the developers are planning to implement for multiplayer. Recently leaked by an alpha tester despite a non-disclosure agreement, the use of P2P over a dedicated server-client configuration has caused more than a few concerns regarding the lag that typically accompanies this type of connection, and in a game that will require precise timing and reflexes this can be ruinous, though Ubisoft have stated that no player will be given an inherent advantage. It should also be noted that there is still time for these problems to be ironed out before release, and it has not been unheard of for a game to completely overcome troubles experienced during alpha testing.

There is a passion seldom seen from big publishers driving the creation of For Honor, particularly from Jason VandenBerghe, and it’s difficult to remain uninfected by the enthusiasm being exuded by the development team.

VandenBerghe has repeatedly stated that this game is about discovering your inner warrior, and what values that entails, and there are few players that can resist the siren’s call that is so clearly evident here. Thankfully there appears to be little reason to, as almost everyone who has managed to get their hands on For Honor have come away raving about the mechanics, the intenseness of its battles and the exhilaration on offer. The game’s success will depend almost entirely on the stability of its multiplayer systems however, though should Ubisoft make good on its promises you can expect For Honor to dominate online for some time to come. g

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Overload GAMING

It’s raining exploding bots!

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Overload

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AT A GLANCE First-person Shooter

One can only hope that Revival Productions have accomplished what they set out to create with this game.

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

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Revival Productions Revival productions Online

ETA

Mar 2017

Platforms

GENRE

by Sibonisile Motha

evival Productions here have taken the time to focus on creating a game that is more of an experience. This attention to detail in making a 6 degrees of freedom gameplay title, is what has made this game closely followed throughout its development and announcement.

For those who may not be aware, the concept of 6 degrees of freedom refers to how a body moves in a 3Dimensional space. In Overload, you will notice the movement all around especially when it comes to shooting.

On the topic of shooting, the team over at Revival Productions has revealed that there will be 12 upgradable weapons for the player to choose from and enjoy. A demo was released in 2016 that showcased the game’s VR capabilities. As I mentioned this game is all about the feel and experience of playability. The visuals and sound were no exception to the fact. Evident even in their prototype trailer, the graphics are beautiful and sharp, and the sound compliments the events that would be taking place on your screen. All these things come into play in making the process of shooting down robots highly delightful and almost indulgent. There is a 15 level single player campaign mode, and also a multiplayer expansion (this option will be free for those who helped back the game on Kickstarter).

Some of the guys on the team that went into making Overload, were also responsible for the Descent titles.

So you are in good hands ladies and gentlemen. Exploration will be inevitable throughout the game. So it would best to say take your time and enjoy the view and exploding metal in your face on the way. g

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

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Mirage: Arcane Warfare GAMING

Q1 2017 Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

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Torn Banner Studios Torn Banner Studios Online

PLATFORMS

Swords and Sorcery

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

GENRE

AT A GLANCE First-person Shooter

Fans of Chivalry should find plenty to like here, and those looking for a fun brawler would do well to give Mirage a look.

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by Lein Baart

hen Chivalry: Medieval Warfare first launched in 2012 it was to modest fanfare.

Often compared to Mount and Blade and War of the Roses, both of which were also multiplayer medieval-themed first-person brawlers, it was a game noted for its lightening-paced combat, simplified controls (in comparison to the aforementioned titles) and humorously gory deaths, and quickly developed a passionate fan base. Not content to stick with the status quo however, Torn Banner Studios have decided to shift their focus in a slightly different direction, though fans are not likely to be disappointed.

Inspired by Persian/Arabic lore, Mirage: Arcane Warfare will see much of what made Chivalry so endearing return, though this time around magic will be a core mechanic. Labelling itself as a “skillbased multiplayer FPS”, Mirage will feature six classes at launch (Vypress, Alchemancer, Taurant, Tinker, Vigilist and Entropist), and while each of which will come with three abilities, some will be better suited to trading blows upfront.

Torn Banner have stated that the combat mechanics of Chivalry will be left virtually untouched, and with players being able to dodge and block ranged attacks the studio has described Mirage as feeling “like an intense melee sword fight from 20 feet away”.

Fans however can expect to see more than just the combat mechanics making a return, as the core game mode will see teams working to complete objectives across a variety of maps that will include “opulent palaces” and “bustling market bazaars”, though other as yet unnamed modes will also be included. Lastly the overthe-top gore that made Chivalry a standout will also be implemented in all its bloody magnificence, so expect to see limbs and heads flying aplenty. g

Mirage-Arcane Warfare

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State of Mind

E M W A VIE G E R P

State of Mind

Explore the grey area – transhumanism.

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

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Daedelic Entertainment Daedelic Entertainment Online

PLATFORMS

GAMING

TBA 2017

a whole - transhumanism. Here, one of the main characters you will be able to play as is a journalist by the name of Richard Nolan. In a world of conflicting existences, Richard loses his wife and child – mind uploading – he, however has the unfortunate event of experiencing being split.

Although part of him was uploaded into a virtual world, the rest of him still exists in the dystopian reality.

He embarks on the identity-crisis quest to find his family and himself.

This turns out to be much bigger than him and all he could have imagined.

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

GENRE

Not much information has been given regarding other playable characters and other storylines.

With stunning graphics and colours that tell a story themselves, and a look into worlds and ideas that seem to be the very direction humanity is hoping to take with AI, the battle of boundaries commences.

Thrillers can either go really wrong or really right. Making a story-driven thriller with so many themes to explore as well two completely different worlds you can interact in, this may be a Daedelic Entertainment jewel. g

AT A GLANCE Thriller, 3D , dystopian adventure

From the visuals to the story, this has the makings of being a fan favourite in thriller games.

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by Sibonisile Motha

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have had a strong admiration for Daedelic Entertainment for their choices in releasing games that are deviants from the norm in the gaming industry. State of Mind is one of those titles. Initially announced at the E3 Conference earlier this year, State of Mind is looking to take the leap of faith in creating a multipleplayable character game. One of the most evident and noticeable traits of this game are the visuals.

Very artsy and almost fragmentedlooking, this is no coincidence. The game’s narrative deals plays around with the idea of being a fragment of

SiegeCraft Commander

E M IEWW A VIE G EEV R PR

Siegecraft Commander VR TD

GAMING

Jan 2017 Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

Blowfish Studios Blowfish Studios TBC

PLATFORMS

by Lein Baart

T

ower defence has never exactly been a booming subgenre. However, beloved by mobile and flash developers alike, it has nevertheless remained a popular pastime amongst both the casual and hardcore, and as usual this has caused more than a few attempts to bring tower defence into the mainstream, with titles like Plants vs. Zombies achieving a fair degree of success.

However, as Blowfish Studios have undoubtedly found, capturing the public’s eye can be a tricky business, despite having what are generally regarded as solid games in their Siegecraft series. Apparently undeterred the studio is once again set to release another entry, and one that is looking to make a few deviations to the standard TD formula.

Essentially blending light RTS elements with tower defence, Siegecraft Commander will be eschewing the typical maze levels in favour of a more openended design. Players will be required to fling towers from existing buildings, which will then automatically create a wall between the two points, enabling weblike structures to form. However if these nodes are taken out any connected towers will automatically be destroyed, which should thus require players to invest a serious amount of forethought. As usual there will be a range of towers on offer, including ones that allow soldiers to be generated, and the game will be playable either solo or online, with turn-based options available for those venturing into multiplayer.

Interestingly Siegecraft Commander will also feature support for VR technologies, though how exactly they plan to implement this remains unclear at the moment. While it’s unlikely that VR will completely redefine the subgenre, it should mesh well with the series’ propensity to emulate Angry Birds when shooting towers and projectiles. g

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

GENRE

AT A GLANCE Tower Defence

Though it’s unlikely to completely redefine the genre, Siegecraft Commander should be enjoyable for those looking to while away the hours

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GAMING

TBA 2017 Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

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Behold Studios Bandai Namco Megarom

PLATFORMS

Lights. Camera. Power up.

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

GENRE

AT A GLANCE Tactical RPG

Be the star, producer and critic of your show. Power rangers meets behind the scenes meets good ole fights.

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by Sibonisile Motha

Chroma Squad

ave you ever been stuck in a job you don’t like? Have you ever felt like, “You know what? I can do way better than this job right here?”

Well so did the characters of Chroma Squad. And what better way to upgrade from your current job than to be a power ranger? That is the story of Chroma Squad. A group of stunt men quit their jobs and pursue their dream of creating their own studios and show. It just so happens to be inspired by the Power Rangers. In this game it is safe to say you will have two main tasks – to build your studio and entertainment empire and kick as much ass as possible in front of the camera.

Although initially released for PC in 2015 through Steam, Bandai Namco has stepped in to publish the game for other platforms such as the PS4, PS3, PS Vita & XBOX One. The player is in control of a lot of elements throughout.

Driven by the pursuit of high ratings of your show, you will fight through different episodes (these are the stages of the game) and with enough ratings, you can earn money to improve your studio and production. At the same time you can also decide on the actors, their suit colour, and even their team name.

In combat, this tactical RPG will be fun. Your actors will be able to gain abilities and even get to a point where they can team up in combo attacks. As you progress in the game, so will the character’s abilities.

I appreciate the approach to the gameplay in a world of endless shows and dramas. g

Chroma Squad

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Quantum Replica

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Quantum Replica

Cyberpunk Big Brother vs Time Manipulator.

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

ON3D Studios 1C Publishing TBC

PLATFORMS

GAMING

Q2 2017

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

GENRE

interconnected map leading between each of the areas. This also includes hidden rooms and sections that only exploration will reveal.

The second major feature of Quantum Replica, is the ability to manipulate time. Although no distinct abilities have been defined, trailers show one of the abilities as “hiding” in time, and slowing it down, with defeating bosses granting more time-manipulating abilities.

Dubbed as fast-paced, stealth action, players will traverse the trap infested city peppered with enemy forces ready to take you down, while working to keep out of their sight using the amazing abilities at your disposal. g

AT A GLANCE Action-adventure

Manipulate time, remain hidden, and forge forward in order to learn about your forgotten past, and the high-security metropolis that wants you dead.

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by Nthato Morakabi

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did not anticipate the tenacity of the individual… nor the incredible power that resides within them. Yet, the entity’s persistent search for answers will not be an easy task.

Quantum Replica is an isometric view, cyberpunk title created by Columbian independent developer ON3D studios.

Players take up the role of the unknown entity, hoping to learn more about their forgotten past and the reason why they have been thrust into the bustling, neon-lit megacity.

The map has been described as Metroidvania, a combination of classic games Metroid and Castlevania, where the game features one large

urveillance. Solace.

Segregation. The government has sealed of a sprawling cyberpunk metropolis to preserve the ever expanding population within the megacity. An artificial intelligence hive runs the city divided into five distinct zones. Every citizen is registered and watched… and freedom, is a closely guarded taboo.

An unregistered, unknown entity wakes up at the heart of the expansive metropolis with no memory of who or what they are. Immediately classified as a most wanted, the pervasive security forces and AI seek to eradicate this anomaly. However, they

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GAMING

Mar 2017 Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

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Appeal Studio Big-Ben Interactive Apex Interactive

PLATFORMS

Alien open-world

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

GENRE

AT A GLANCE Action-Adventure

While it’s difficult to say if the gameplay will hold up 18 years on, fans of the classic should be ecstatic to say the least

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by Lein Baart

Outcast – Second Contact

utcast was a game ahead of its time.

Released in 1999 to spectacular acclaim, it is now considered one of the forerunners of the open-world genre, and was praised for its art, design, sound and writing, bringing to life a fantastic alien world in exquisite detail. While it wasn’t perfect by any means (it required a monster of a machine to run, was extremely buggy and its reliance on software rendering meant it could look awkward at times), it was nevertheless beloved by most who played it, though its poor sales quickly relegated it to cult status. Appeal Studios, the original developer, have never given up on their creation however, and despite a failed Kickstarter some years back they have managed to secure a publisher willing to payroll a reboot, now known as Outcast – Second Contact.

For those unfamiliar with the first game, Outcast will see players take the role of Cutter Slade, a former NAVY seal sent to a parallel universe in order to retrieve a probe whose destruction has created a black hole that now endangers Earth.

While the protagonist’s name and description of the plot may sound as if it was lifted right out of a straight-to-TV B-movie, the beauty of the original lay in the richness and complexity of its world and your ability to explore it at your leisure, and Appeal have taken pains to ensure that everything will be faithfully recreated. Indeed aside from “cutting-edge graphics and reworked controls for optimum immersion”, it certainly appears that the studio are striving to create a faithful rendition, though they have promised “many things that will even surprise fans”. g

Outcast – Second Contact

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only

R1999 .95

ATIC AUTOM UPDATE

e to includ e Prim Amazon 2017 Q1 coming

AVAILABLE AT:

makro.co.za

Distributed Exclusively by Apex Interactive Tel: (011) 796 5040 Email: sales@apexinteractive.co.za All rights and trademarks and logos are copyright of their respective owners. www.apexinteractive.co.za

To Azimuth

E M IEWW A VIE G EEV R PR

To Azimuth

A Twilight Zone narrative experience

GAMING

TBA 2017 Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

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[bracket] games [bracket] games Online

PLATFORMS

by Nthato Morakabi

T

hey are here. They have come for me. Their taking me – to Azimuth.”

Eli Windham’s history of alcohol and drug abuse following his return from a third tour in Vietnam, had seemed to come to an end. Susannah, his sister, aided in his reformation. Guiding him back to sanity. Only for Eli to suddenly disappear. Law enforcement are convinced he’s tumbled back down the rabbit hole into his dilapidating behaviour but Susan is convinced otherwise. She reaches out to her other brother, Nate, to help her find Eli. Together, their search spirals away to the implausible, of space agencies, truth control, conspiracy theories, familial ties, and mental illness. The siblings seem to be the only ones convinced… that Eli has been taken by extra-terrestrials. [bracket]games delve into 1978 with their sci-fi title, To Azimuth. Azimuth is defined as the direction of a celestial object from the observer, a nod to the X-Files, and similar alien abduction tales that inspired the game.

Playable as either Susannah or Nate, To Azimuth interweaves either character’s unique stories into each another. The creators have gone to extensive lengths to build a definitive world, littered with clues and pieces of information hidden in the self-contained environments, related to the overachieving story, of which some aren’t true. Choosing to collect or ignore these clues will affect the progression of the story.

On a second playthrough, you can import character’s decisions to the other, changing the complete flow of the story.

With gorgeous 2D polygon art, hued in Sepia overtones correlating with the era and mystery that To Azimuth emphasises, this indie developed game looks like a promising narrative experience. g

“

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

GENRE

AT A GLANCE Adventure

A narrative adventure, tinged with mystery and conspiracies of alien abduction, To Azimuth is a nod to the X-Files and its kin.

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Tales of Berseria GAMING

Jan 2017 Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

Bandai Namco Bandai Namco Megarom

PLATFORMS

Hell hath no fury…

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

GENRE

AT A GLANCE RPG

With the first solo heroine and lots of room for a great game, Tales of Berseria can be a beacon in the Tales series.

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by Sibonisile Motha

ith Anime becoming increasingly popular, games with an Animestyled storyline approach are becoming more appealing. This has allowed these types of games to be more commercial.

Bandai Namco has another ace up their sleeves with Tales of Berseria.

I am a lover of a good plot in a game.

A good story can even persuade me to forgive other flaws in a game. Tales of Berseria is not only an action-packed title but a story-driven one. You will play as Velvet, a beautiful and spirited woman hell-bent on vengeance. This is a good thing – to play the role of someone whose intentions don’t necessarily fit the mould of hero, and where anything heroic is simply a coincidence. Velvet’s story begins after a tragic and life-changing incident turns her into someone full of rage and revenge. In the process, her abilities become unleashed and needless to say, the people were never ready for the no chill that is about to be unleashed upon them by Velvet.

With this being a highly story-driven game, character development is essential. If you know anything about Anime, the reason we binge watch shows with a healthy 300+ episode list is because of the characters and story. In this title you can expect great cut scenes that will enhance your gameplay. Velvet will be wielding a variety of weapons she can use, but also a supernaturally powerful hand you wouldn’t even want to have a nightmare of being slapped with.

The visuals show that there really is no need to deviate from the graphics that have done the Tales series justice.

Great gameplay mechanics will be the element that can make this game shine.

So far we have information on 2 of the 4 planets that the player will traverse upon: Earth and Kyrron (a notso-friendly planet with a mysterious creature known as “The Abomination of Lord Rhek’en”…sounds delightful).

Visually looks to be a nice looking game with loads of potential and out to impress. g

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Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm 4: Road to Boruto

Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm 4: Road to Boruto

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The Son Surpasses the Father

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previous DLC pack featuring the iconic Sound Four launched earlier this year featuring Orochimaru’s elite bodyguards, Sakon/Ukon, Jirobo, Kidomaru and Tayuya. The Road to Boruto DLC will also introduce newer, more powerful versions of Hokage Naruto and Adult Sasuke, with new fighting styles and set list to reflect their changes.

Both the physical and digital release of the DLC will be available on Xbox One, PS4, and PC via Steam. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 will also be the last game in the series. g

AT A GLANCE Fighting

The future of the Hidden Leaf Village begins, as father and son clash in this DLC expansion based on Boruto: Naruto the Movie.

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by Nthato Morakabi

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anime. The new story mode, Road to Boruto will be set in a future Hidden Leaf Village, containing new areas to explore, and changes to the environment including Naruto’s face on the Hokage-iwa. It will follow the story of young Boruto living under his father’s shadow, as Naruto works to balance being a father and the Hokage. Based on the Shonen Jump manga and Boruto: Naruto the Movie, the DLC will also feature the epic battle between Sasuke and Kinshiki.

The character roster will obviously be updated to feature Boruto and Sarada, but will incorporate the

n the climactic battle for the fate of the world, Naruto and Sasuke surpassed all those before them when they defeated the progenitor of the ninja world, and creator of all chakra – Kaguya. In the years that followed, Naruto was selected as the Seventh Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village. His marriage to Hinata bore two children, Boruto and Himawari Uzumaki. This is the story of Boruto.

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4” Road to Boruto is a DLC expansion that will allow players to continue experiencing the world of Naruto, following the end of the

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No Mercy

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AT A GLANCE FPS

A blend of old and new ideas, Conan Exiles should offer a few twists to the traditional survival formula Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

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ETA

Jan 2017

Platforms

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by Lein Baart

he evolution of gaming can sometimes appear to go little faster than a crawl, with derivative after derivative, each with their own insubstantial gimmick, being launched to seemingly ride the coattails of whatever is most in vogue at the time.

However that does not mean that the medium is devoid of true inspiration, though as the survival genre has shown the two extremes are often intertwined.

Conan Exiles appears to be a game representative of both, offering enough innovation to generate excitement while still cleaving firmly to the conventions that the likes of Minecraft and DayZ laid before it.

Set in the Hyborian Age of Robert E. Howard’s fictional mythos, Conan Exiles will allow for most of the gameplay that typifies survival games, with players having to gather resources, craft items and buildings and “engage in dynamic, bloody, fast-paced combat.” For those wary of the ruthlessness of multiplayer environments the game will be playable either alone or on privately hosted servers, though it will offer public persistent worlds if you are looking to go up against human foes.

Conan Exiles is planning to bring a few new tricks to the table however. Central to the game will be the ability to capture and enslave thralls, breaking their will on “the Wheel of Pain”, who can aid in various tasks such as defence or worship.

There will also be the introduction of an insanity mechanic, caused by the corruption gained from exploring ruins, as well as the ability to summon avatars of the gods by cutting out the heart of conquered enemies on altars. It all works to recreate Howard’s oft-brutal setting, and should make for some very interesting moments online. g

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Strafe

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Strafe

Ground-breaking graphics from 1996.

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with a countless number of levels, there will be tons of replayability for you to enjoy (noting that each one will be different). So what’s the storyline of a crazy game like this?

You finally get the opportunity to take on a unique annual scrapping mission to go where no other spacecraft has gone – the very edge of the galaxy. Aboard the ICARUS, things go wrong and you end up alone and without the ship. All you have is yourself, a gun and the teleporter to head back to ICARUS. Have fun ladies and gentlemen. g

AT A GLANCE First-person shooter

This title seems to have as much action & fun as it does personality and a sense of humour.

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for a game that would bring back the nostalgia of Doom and the FPS experience, in the honest graphics.

So how have they taken this up a notch? One word: levels (modern pun intended). Everytime you load the game you will experience new levels of the game. This means you will be faced with the very likely possibly of having to deal with new enemies, difficulties and secrets. Mention has been made of the many secrets scattered throughout the game in the form of monsters, secret rooms and even secret weapons. Combined

o right off the bat Strafe is a ridiculously fun firstperson shooter with the 90s styled pixelated graphics. The thing that makes the approach to promoting this game is the contrast in intentionally advertising it as a revolutionary game in terms of graphics and shooter approach. A genius move because immediately one would think that there is nothing to be desired from a game that actually seems to be a regression in realism graphics. This is far from the case of Strafe. Pixel Titans saw the gap in gaming world

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TOP 10

GAMES OF 2016

2017 already has some very exciting games on the way. But that doesn’t mean that the games that came last year aren’t still awesome... and there

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were a lot of them to enjoy. It’s difficult to pick between so many great games, but we did anyway... so here is our list of the Top 10 Games of 2016. Let the count-down begin...

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TOP 10 GAMES of 2016

SPECIAL Mentions

Picking the Top Ten Games of 2016 is a little tougher than you may think, and there were more than a few that just missed making it onto our list. But we wanted to tell you what they were, none the less. Below are ten games that were just edged out... if this was a Top Twenty list, they would have been on it.

The Division

XCOM 2

Dark Souls 3

Quantum Break

Forza Horizon 3

Deus Ex: mankind Divided

Mafia 3

Gears of War 4

Dirt Rally

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Far Cry: Primal

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TOP 10 GAMES of 2016

2016 saw a number of departures from trodden paths, but none were so massive as the one taken by Far Cry: Primal.

This game did not step back in time, but rather leaped. It thrust players into a world almost completely alien to them, placing them in the role of a Stone Age warrior fighting to protect and provide for his tribe.

And yet Far Cry: Primal managed to maintain ideas central to the first-person shooter genre, and provided an accessible and highly entertaining adventure in a massive, vibrant and dangerous world.

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Watch_Dogs 2

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The original may have suffered from some criticism, but almost everyone who took on Watch_Dogs 2 had tons of fun with its massive open world, well-crafted game play and exciting action.

With a recreated version of San Francisco as its setting, Watch_Dogs 2 provided the player with tons to do, along with great graphics and dynamics. Seamless multiplayer integration took things further, too, and it managed to effortlessly improve on the previous title in a great number of ways. And the freedom of play style was a big hit with fans, too.

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DOOM

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TOP 10 GAMES of 2016

The rebooted version of what is arguably the world’s most famous (and most violent) video game was a pleasant surprise. DOOM managed to not only pay a great homage to the original game by using settings and enemies that were familiar, but also by using game-play elements (like health, ammo and armour pickups) that simply fell out of fashion years ago.

Yet the game didn’t feel dated or anachronistic, thanks to excellent visuals, a pulse-pounding sound track and a few modern concepts hidden among its nods to the original. Best of all, though, is it allowed the player to once again feel like the ultimate bad-ass.

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The Last Guardian

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TOP 10 GAMES of 2016

The Last Guardian was an often delayed game that some thought might never actually be released. But the impressive, massive game from the studio behind Ico and Shadow of the Colossus brought a strange and engaging new world to gamers in the closing weeks of 2016.

Playing as a young boy who befriends a savage, legendary beast, The Last Guardian was all about teaching an AI creature to be friendly and co-operative while exploring a mysterious realm filled with ancient ruins and puzzles.

While it might not have been everyone’s cup of tea, The Last Guardian was a great achievement, none the less.

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Battlefield 1

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TOP 10 GAMES of 2016

It might not have been the best year for Call of Duty, but the Battlefield franchise managed to shine as it turned its gaze away from modern battlefields and rather investigated the War to End All Wars‌ World War 1. While some had to get used to a very different pace of play and different dynamics, thanks to weapons and equipment more than a century old, Battlefield 1 struck a chord with players the world over.

With a unique single player experience and a multiplayer game as compelling as ever, Battlefield 1 certainly was one of the finer games of 2016.

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Dishonored 2

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TOP 10 GAMES of 2016

Stealth games don’t come along all that often, so Dishonored 2 was a welcome addition to 2016’s release list.

A direct sequel to the original game, Dishonored 2 allowed players to play as one of two characters, and explore a massive steam-punk fantasy setting, all the while developing their skills (both natural and supernatural) and watching their actions change the world around them.

Dishonored 2’s massive playground and great replayability – not to mention many options to express play style through clever skill implementation – made it a definite must-play game for 2016.

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Final Fantasy xv

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TOP 10 GAMES of 2016

The long-running Final Fantasy franchise can sometimes be intimidating to newcomers, but Final Fantasy XV delivered an experience that was great for veterans and first-timers alike.

A massive world awaited the player as they took to the road as Prince Noctis who, accompanied by his three close friends, undertook a journey of vengeance and retribution.

With tons to do and see, Final Fantasy XV was a game to sink your teeth into, and the enormous world provided to the player was varied and full of amazing things to discover. Certainly one of the best Final Fantasy titles of recent years.

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Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

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Nathan Drake’s final adventure (his first specifically made for PS4) was a crowning achievement for the long running Uncharted franchise. Massive, breath-taking vistas combined with compelling characters to deliver a story that spans the whole of Nathan Drake’s life, from his childhood through to his retirement.

But Uncharted 4 brought more than high adventure to the table ass it told a poignant and sometimes emotional tale of family and lost hope rediscovered, making it not only a great action adventure, but also a massively entertaining work of digital art. Uncharted 4 was the kind of sendoff that Nathan Drake deserved.

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Overwatch

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TOP 10 GAMES of 2016

Overwatch arrived amid a massive fanfare, and marked Blizzard’s first serious foray into the online first-person multiplayer arena as developers. And what a trip it was.

Servers full of keen players explore the various characters on offer, finding an excellent balance throughout the game that allowed even newcomers to make meaningful contributions to their team’s efforts.

Bright, stylized graphics and non-stop action were the hallmarks of Overwatch, which featured a cast of chaotically cool characters to choose from. Intense competition was sure to follow, and servers are still heaving with players competing in this action packed, accessible online FPS.

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Titanfall 2

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TOP 10 GAMES of 2016

One of the things that Titanfall 2 managed to do – which not many FPS games get right anymore – was deliver a great single player campaign, as well as thrilling online multiplayer.

Titanfall 2 saw players take on the role of a pilot, a highly trained super-soldier who, while deadly on foot, could also deploy a massive battle machine called a Titan. The single player game explored the relationship between man and machine, while challenging the player with diverse levels and threats from both enemies and environments – not to mention an almost platform-like traversal element.

And the multiplayer? A well-balanced, action packed and exciting game awaits all who take it on.

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Final Fantasy X GAMING

One hell of a road trip

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Final Fantasy XV

by Walt Pretorius

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of vengeance as they set out to right the wrongs done to the city-state of Insomnia by an evil enemy Empire. Given the massive scope of the game and the long play time, one really would expect that Final Fantasy XV’s narrative lives up to its aspirations, but it does fall short in places.

The story feels more like a backdrop than an overarching theme at times, and at others it gets a little muddy… motivations can be a little unclear here and there, the love interest is there, but isn’t given a lot of attention other than a few emotional cut scenes, and the apparent urgency of the journey gets downplayed by the game’s open world nature.

With that said, the journey that the four friends go on is as important as the story that motivates them, and the relationship between the characters is as engaging as any narrative. Players take on the role of Noctis, the

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he Final Fantasy franchise has worked hard to achieve that status that it is afforded by gamers, but through the years one can argue that it has become increasingly alienating to newcomers – the barriers to entry are certainly there in these games, which tend to be complex and very deep. So when Final Fantasy XV kicks off with a splash screen that declared that it is both for series veterans and newcomers, once cannot help but wonder what lies ahead.

In making Final Fantasy XV accessible, yet retaining the spirit of the franchise, Square Enix knocked some balls out of the park, but missed others entirely. The end result is a massive game that feels great and looks incredible, but is a little lacking in some areas none the less.

The story, as to be expected, has grand and sweeping aspirations. It follows four life-long friends on a journey

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Final Fantasy XV

crown-prince who has to fight for his birth right and homeland. He’s a bit emo at times, sulkier than we would have liked, but the situation he is forced into isn’t exactly easy, so when you don’t want to slap him, you can forgive him. With him are Ignis, Prompto and Gladiolus; Ignis is the bookish, responsible sort who literally takes care of the group by dong the bulk of the driving and the cooking (yes, cooking is important here). Aspiring photographer Prompto is the joker, complete with clownish singing and a dislike for responsibility. Gladioulus is the brawn. And even though they tie into stereotypes, these characters have a lot of depth to them, which is discovered during the game’s long driving sessions and cut scenes. As does their relationship – these are not four guys thrown together by circumstance. Rather, they have been friends for a long time, and the player is getting a glimpse at

the complexity of their relationship. It is one of the high points of the game.

They play an important role in combat, too. Prompto prefers ranged weapons, while Ignis is something of a stealthier flanker, and Gladiolus just plain hits things.

The AI governing their actions is very good, and the player can develop a strong reliance on the three AI companions. They will target opponents correctly, will support the player and will even rush to the rescue if Noctis is in trouble. Additionally, they can be given commands to use special abilities, and will chain attacks with the player whenever the opportunity arises. How well the AI works is great, but it does manage to highlight how… uninspired… combat is in Final Fantasy XV. While the animations and such are fantastic, creating a feeling of a chaotic scrap every time, the controls that the layer

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are more restricted. There isn’t a massive variety of weapons for the companions, although some of them are upgradable. Noctis, on the other hand, can take on numerous side quests to retrieve magical weapons bequeathed to him by his forefathers. Using these is great, because they pack a big punch… but they also drain Noctis’ health while he uses them, so a careful balance is important. That’s probably the most strategic that combat gets here.

Even magic feels like it’s been nerfed this time around – spells are subject to both a cool-down period and limited uses, with spells needing to be created from energies that Noctis syphons from the environment. And there are very few options for spells, too… even though they do great damage, they’re almost unnecessary.

Thankfully the game is not all about combat – there is a

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uses are a little too simple. Holding down one button will launch and endless combo of swings and thrusts, while holding down another will automatically block or dodge pretty much any attack. Every now and then a QTE style prompt – with a lot of grace time – will pop up, for a parry or to engage in a link-attack. And that’s pretty much it. Save for Noctis’ special warping ability, that is. The prince has magical abilities, and one of them is being able to cross distanced at great speed to deliver devastating warp-strikes, or warp away to a high point where he can recover a little before warping in another strike. It’s a nice idea, but it certainly doesn’t do much to change the fact that combat can get tedious in Final Fantasy XV. In terms of equipment, there is a fair amount to use.

Noctis can use any weapon, while his companions

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Final Fantasy XV

lot to do and see in the vast landscape offered in Final Fantasy XV. Sadly, the game goes from an open world affair to a shoe-horned linear game after a few hours, but thankfully the player can get back to the open world once the forced stuff is done. There are even side quests that can only be completed once the main game is done and dusted, so there is enough reason to keep going back.

And Square Enix has said that some of the pacing issues brought up by the linear section of the game will be addressed in future patches.

And there are the little things, the inconsequential elements, like gathering ingredients for meals to be prepared by Ignis, taking Noctis fishing or posing for a great photo for Prompto, that add cohesion and charm to the experience.

When all is said and done, Final Fantasy XV is a grand

adventure in a massive and often awe-inspiring setting.

Where it is weak, it is not very weak, but where it shines it is really bright. It’s accessibility to newcomers will likely bring many new adherents to the fold, but it never compromises on delivering the kind of experience that veterans want either. And while the narrative falls over itself every now and then, the overall experience, as well as the interactions between the characters, are well worth experiencing.

If cruising a massive open world in an awesome car and doing tons of stuff – right down to preparing people’s favourite meals and camping under the stars – sound like fun, the massive, varied and fascinating world of Final Fantasy XV is an excellent destination. It’s more than a tale of vengeance… it is a road trip, a true, detailed adventure and a tale of coming of age. g

AT A GLANCE Adventure

REVIEWED ON

Seven at its weakest points, Final Fantasy XV is a good game. It is full of stuff to do and crammed with unique character.

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

Square Enix Square Enix Megarom

PARENTAL ADVISORY

16+ gamecca91

Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

AWARDS

Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Casual Ed’s Choice

PS4 PLATFORMS

GENRE

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

Score

85 63

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The Last Guard GAMING

An exercise in subtlety…

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The Last Guardian

by Walt Pretorius

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ne of the worst aspects of the modern game market is that we have solidly entrenched genres that almost everyone tries to shoe-horn the products into.

Almost everyone… every now and then something comes along that doesn’t necessarily defy genres, but does chuck out a bunch of the accepted norms within those classifications. These bold moves often deliver spectacular results… but the average consumer is steady in their expectations, and the comfort-zone shattering that these titles deliver isn’t always welcome. As a result, some truly amazing experiences can get lost in translation, simply because they do not tread well-worn paths.

This is the danger that faces The Last Guardian. This long awaited and massively delayed game comes from the same studio that produced the exemplary titles Ico and Shadow of the Colossus and, like those games, it breaks with convention wherever it can.

The result is a game that is powerful and engaging, but also demanding of the player.

The game starts off with the player’s character, a young boy, waking up in a cavernous space. Nearby, a massive beast – Trico – lies chained and wounded. Why the boy is there is unclear, but that’s kind of The Last Guardian’s thing… it doesn’t lend itself to giving the player a lot to work with in terms of narrative, with only a scattering of clues towards what is going on given to the player at seemingly random times.

In fact, The Last Guardian is not one for hand-holding or spoon feeding. Why the boy is there, where he needs to go and what he needs to achieve are pretty much mysteries, except for the fact that the boy doesn’t belong where he is, and he needs to

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go back where he belongs (which is equally mysterious).

What is certain is that Trico – the massive birdcat-dog-beast – is vital to him doing just that. But getting Trico to co-operate is a whole other matter. See, the game alludes to how it can be done, and when the player gets the boy near to something that can be manipulated or moved, The Last Guardian will prompt you (briefly) with the controls required. But the fact that the barrels scattered around the massive, complex (and beautiful) landscape contain food for Trico… well, you need to figure that out for yourself. The game will hint at the fact that you can climb onto the massive beast, too, but it won’t drop hints that some puzzles can only be solved by you doing so, to reach higher areas.

This means that virtually everything that needs to be done – from training Trico and winning his (or her) confidence, through to figuring out how to traverse certain areas – is entirely up to the player. There is no map, no HUD (except for the odd control prompt) and no hint system. There is just a massive playground, filled with ancient ruins, and a potentially dangerous creature to try and tame. And The Last Guardian doesn’t give you any indication as to how well you may, or may not, be doing with that endeavour. Everything comes down to clues, some of which are extremely subtle. Watching Trico’s body language is one of them, and how the beast responds to commands is another. In fact, subtlety is all the rage in the Last Guardian. At times even slightly illogical means of puzzle solving, like climbing down Trico’s tail to reach a lower level, are not even hinted at. This is a game that demands poking, prodding and exploring to get through, as well as trying out gamecca91

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The Last Guardian is full of mystery, beautiful to

behold, and a truly engrossing title for those who like their games less

‘‘bang bang’’

and more head-

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

12+ AWARDS Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Ed’s Choice

Score

82

AT A GLANCE

PARENTAL ADVISORY

REVIEWED ON

PLATFORMS

scratchy.

SCE Japan Studio SCEE Ster Kinekor

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Adventure

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

Its sedate pace and deep end tactics won’t sit well with those who prefer an experience that gives them more guidance, and while the puzzles break down to a logical conclusion (for the most part) sometimes finding the way forward can be a long and frustrating process. Additionally, getting Trico to do what you want can be tiresome on occasion.

But those that loved this same developer’s previous titles, Ico and Shadow of the Colossus, will find a lot familiarity here, and that will hold some appeal. The cleanliness of the screen, the almost deep-ending of the player and the story that is more about a bond tan an overarching narrative are all things that will really work for some players, but not for others. The Last Guardian is less about racing through and more about digging in and really losing yourself in a fantasy world, full of mystery and delivering little by way of answers.

The truth is that The Last Guardian is more about the experience, and the growing bond between the boy and the beast, than it is about a grand tale. And if you can accept that idea – the idea that this is all about the journey, and not so much about the destination – and are willing to meticulously experience everything the game has to offer, warts and all, then you will likely enjoy what The Last Guardian has to offer. Just don’t expect huge explosions and headshots… rather, The Last Guardian offers a pedantic journey in a game where almost everything is given to the player by way of subtle hints and clues, and things are only confirmed when they work, or by the player carefully observing the world. That makes for a great gaming experience, but not one for impatient types. g

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numerous options until you find the one that works.

The taming of Trico is integral to successfully getting through the game, but it can also be one of the game’s most frustrating parts. Trico has a mind of his own, displaying an interesting and powerful AI behind the creature. While he will generally follow the player around, it is up to the player to get Trico to listen to commands.

Sometimes he won’t. And at others he will, but will still get things wrong.

Whether this is a coding issue, or just the game acting in unpredictable ways because, let’s be honest, this is a massive man-eating mythological beast we’re dealing with here, is not entirely clear.

But sometimes getting Trico to do what you want can be a chore, particularly when the camera can start getting belligerent in tight spaces. It seems to have real difficulty with Trico’s size, and you’ll find yourself battling to get a clear view of what is going on at times.

When it does work, the visuals it shows are great.

The world is rich, detailed and lively. Trico, too, is beautifully realized, with feathers and fur (and sometimes ominous glowing eyes) that look good enough to stroke. In addition, Trico is possessed of numerous animations that not only give clues to how the creature is responding to the boy, but also to what his actions are – even what the great beast is thinking.

The boy, though, is The Last Guardian’s visual anomaly. He looks pretty flat and decidedly dated, and doesn’t seem like he belongs in the setting (he doesn’t, yes, but that’s beside the point).

In the end, The Last Guardian is a powerful game, but it is a game that won’t appeal to everyone.

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Don Bradman Cricket 17 Getting there

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development team behind Don Bradman Cricket don’t have to fight for consumer spend, and get the lion’s share of revenues to put back into developing the next title. But it also means that they don’t have to fight for consumer spend by being the best that they can be. Don Bradman Cricket 17 becomes the best cricket game we have ever seen by default, simply because the only comparisons that can really be made are between it and older Don Bradman titles. That doesn’t instil much confidence, and neither should it.

With that said, it is obvious that the team behind Don Bradman Cricket 17 really do want to create the best game that they can. You can see it in the way that batting and bowling have improved from the previous versions of the game. Batting, for example, is now a more complicated affair. Building on the arcade-like “push a stick where you

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he thing that pushed a sports team to strive for greater heights and better performances is competition. Sports teams all want to be the best in their given discipline, and to advance they need to play against other teams, Healthy competition is what makes them strive and achieve.

The same can be said for the video game industry – healthy competition is important in making sure that games improve. But when it comes to cricket games, there isn’t much. In fact, big names like EA have pretty much abandoned the sport, leaving very few examples of cricket simulators in the market. This is both a good and a bad thing for the games that are there… which, these days, pretty much equates to the Don Bradman Cricket franchise.

Being the only real contender means that the

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look like they belong on this generation of consoles, with flat feeling textures and animations that certainly could have been handled better being the order of the day.

Still, it is a lot of fun to play, if you can get past the fielding frustration, and the crack of the willow on the ball is thrilling every time. The controls will take some learning (cricket isn’t exactly a simple sport, after all) but once you’re going, the action can be as exciting as a multi-record breaking ODI final.

Although they don’t have anyone to battle against, it is clear that developers Big Ant have their hearts in the right places. There is a love for cricket behind Don Bradman Cricket 17, and it shows. There is still a way to go before they have perfected this particular formula, but Don Bradman Cricket 17 is certainly moving in the right direction as a simulator. g

AT A GLANCE Sports

REVIEWED ON

While there are still a few rough edges here, Don Bradman Cricket 17 makes strides in the right direction as a cricket simulator

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

Gig Ant Tru Blu Games Megarom

PARENTAL ADVISORY

3+ gamecca91

Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

AWARDS

Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Casual Ed’s Choice

x0 PLATFORMS

GENRE

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

Score

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by Rob Edwards

want to hit” of the previous version, the player can now select a number of different shot classes, adding a lot more finesse to the matter.

The real winner, though, is bowling. The player is given many more options, and “nicking out” an opposing batsman has been improved to a massive degree. This means that a strategic player can truly trim their deliveries and take their bowling to a whole new level, which makes for a more exciting game.

And you had better be on the ball with those deliveries, because the fielding is horrid. Fielders seem unresponsive, and the AI really doesn’t act the way that a modern cricket team should. It is really easy for opposing batsmen to take advantage of quick singles, and the wicket keeper’s AI is a really hit-and-miss affair.

Another weakness are the visuals. They certainly don’t

E M W A IE G EV R

Steep GAMING

All downhill from here…

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Steep

by Walt Pretorius

73

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GAMING

E

xtreme sports games are a different kind of beast, purely because the sports they are based on are also not exactly run-ofthe-mill. Extreme sports are, by their very nature, more adventurous than things played on fields. And it is this sense of adventure that Steep tries to capture, by giving the player as much freedom as they can get. It is, therefore, less of a sports game and more of an Alpine adventure, in which the player can take on snowy mountains in one of four disciplines: snowboarding, skiing, paragliding and wingsuit flying. Throw in a massive playground which lets the player go pretty much anywhere they please, and things can get really interesting.

It needs to be stated that Steep is a game that will appeal to a certain type of player. It manages to combine break neck speeds with long, plodding sections that may have some falling asleep, while others may jump at the chance to explore the game’s truly massive world.

One of the central ideas in Steep is drop zones, points at which numerous routes down the mountains start. Once a drop zone is unlocked, the player can use it as a fast travel point, and can visit it to undertake numerous different challenges. Some challenges are set, while others allow a bit of freedom in their execution. Most involve barrelling down a snowy slope at speeds completely on the wrong side of sane. Some, though, encourage the player to reach a particular point by whatever means they choose – and these are the ones that are both plodding and sublime. It all comes down to how much you enjoy exploring the massive game world, and the scenery that it puts on display. With little

74

idea of what is on the way between point A and point B, the player can employ any of the four disciplines at their disposal, as well as the trusty old “on foot” method, to reach these points. This activity can be a challenge in itself, akin to exploring uncharted territory, and there will be times when a bad call means a long, slow climb up a snowy slope. It can be highly enjoyable, but it is not particularly action packed.

Strapping on a pair of skis or a snowboard, however, is a completely different prospect. Performing one of the game’s downhill challenges is an exhilarating and often white-knuckled affair, with sudden drops and tight curves mingling with the expected trees, boulders and the occasional building that need to be dodged.

Completing challenges is a lot of fun, and allows for a lot of expression. The player is never squeezed into a box.

Just because a particular course is all about speed doesn’t mean you cannot throw in a trick or two as you blast down the snowy slopes, and virtually everything you do earns you experience.

The impression of speed that Steep generates is great – it really feels like you’re heading across the snow at speeds that are extremely insensible, and combined with the great overall looks, you can almost feel the frost nipping at your fingertips.

The same counts for the wing suit, although maybe more so. If you ever considered the idea of dressing up like a flying squirrel on acid and rocketing down a slope inches above the ground to be a sane activity, Steep will likely prove you wrong.

Wing suit flying is a personal favourite, but that doesn’t mean that I didn’t spend more than a few moments wondering where that tree (rock, mountainside) came gamecca91

Steep

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75

GAMING

76

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Steep

GENRE

Step is a wonderfully complete winter sports simulation, with great looks and a massive world on offer... if that’s your thing,

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

12+ AWARDS Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Ed’s Choice

Score

79

AT A GLANCE

PARENTAL ADVISORY

REVIEWED ON

PLATFORMS

of course.

Ubisoft Annecy Ubisoft Megarom

gamecca91

Sports

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

is no tangible change in upgrading equipment, which is a bit of a let-down – even in the real world, some equipment is better than others, but that doesn’t come across in Steep.

Rather, the unlocking of equipment seems to tie in more to bragging rights, which the game allows for with its seamless multiplayer component.

Theoretically, the slopes are full of other players. But good luck getting any of them to do challenges with you – co-ordinating events is a pain in Steep, so most players seem to just do their own thing, treating it as a solo experience in a multiplayer world. Other players from around the globe become window dressing and occasional obstacles, and little more.

Like with virtually any other sports title, Steep is taste and interest driven.

Being from sunny South Africa, winter sports like those depicted in Steep fascinate me, because I am unlikely to ever get involved in them to any great degree. In other words, the game is less of an enthusiast simulator to me, and more of an oddity, a trip to a world that I know little about, save what I have seen on TV or read about online. That doesn’t make the game any less enjoyable, but it really doesn’t fit into any kind of paradigm that I have.

However, the great physics, super-fast action, varied events and massive world to explore have appeal all by themselves, and a great, speedy downhill plunge is as exciting to an armchair sportsman as it is to someone who knows everything there is to about these activities. Ultimately, Steep is what you make of it. But you cannot fault the great visuals, impressive sense of speed or wonderfully huge world. g

XO

from.

While skis, snowboards and wing suits provide that adrenaline punch that drives home the idea of how nuts people who do this stuff in real life actually are, paragliding adds a sedate, floaty experience to the mix.

It feels, quite honestly, out of place, and it manages to avoid the excitement of the other three disciplines quite successfully, even when you’re racing. In fact, you’re likely to find your favourite discipline and stick to it (I doubt it will be paragliding) which is fine, for the most part. But to advance through the game, you need to perform challenges across all four disciplines – something about which Steep is unclear about initially – so you will spend time floating around the Alps suspended from a parachute, like it or not.

Additionally, Steep is a little vague on the whole paragliding thing – while other tutorials that the game has on offer are extensive, it seems like paragliding is the redheaded step-child that didn’t get too much of the right kind of attention. You’ll need to experiment to figure it out, but if you’re like me, you’ll do just enough to get through the paragliding challenges.

Steep is far more realistic in its approach that previous winter extreme sports games (read as SSX) were, which is both to its credit and its detriment.

The zaniness of SSX is missing, but Steep doesn’t really need it, because it is impressive in many other ways. However, the progression that SSX offered is also missing… the XP you earn in Steep goes towards unlocking new kit and events exclusively, and even when you get a new snowboard or skis, the change is pretty much cosmetic. There

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Stories: The path of Destinies

E M W A IE G EV R

Stories: The path of Destinies Digital Ground-Hog Day

REVIEWED ON

With branching story lines

PS4

and tons of replayability, Stories would have ben great if it wasn’t so buggy...

PLATFORMS

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

decent, although you can expect inexplicable frame rate dips. And the skill and equipment upgrade system, while simplistic, is well implemented, with a real feeling of progression throughout the game.

Sadly, Stories has more than its fair share of frustrating bugs and hiccups, making what could have been a great indie game something of a middling one. Hopefully the developers will patch things up, because there is a lot of potential for fun here – the frustration is just a bit too distracting, though. g

Spearhead Games Spearhead games Online

PARENTAL ADVISORY

12+ gamecca91

Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

AWARDS Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Ed’s Choice

Score

RPG Adventure

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

GENRE

GAMING Bound of flame

AT A GLANCE 78

again at the beginning, with all the knowledge, skills, and equipment you gathered along the way intact. And so you get to give the tale another try, forewarned and hopefully fore armed.

The result is a long game that features a lot of repetition as you try and find the one true course to the best possible outcome. It’s sort of an anti-rouge-like, really.

Stories is a fun game, even if it is simple. The combat is fast paced and even has the chance for a bit of finesse. The graphics are very

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by Alex Scanlon

t

he name says it all: Stories: The Path of Destinies is a game in which player choice has a big impact. That isn’t something that you see often in an indie game, really, and while actual actions don’t really impact on the outcome of the game, each chapter ends with a choice that the player has to make. Most of them lead down a bad path, and the player will invariably come to a sticky end as each path concludes. But here’s the kicker for this rather unique title – dying at the end means starting

T

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Action

It’s light, breezy and violent... Tiny Troopers is a fun time killer, but offers little more than that.

REVIEWED ON

PS4 PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

GENRE

AT A GLANCE

GAMING Bound of flame

Cute killers

PLATFORMS

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

Kukouri Mobile Wired Productions Online

PARENTAL ADVISORY

12+ gamecca91

Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

AWARDS Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Ed’s Choice

Score

Tiny Troopers: Joint Ops

65

by Rob Edwards

iny Troopers: Joint Ops puts the player in command of a squad (varying from one to four) cute soldiers, armed to the teeth and fixing for a fight. Their enemies are equally cute but no less deadly, and the game will see the player working through a large number of missions to get through its to campaigns. And, of course, like any good shooter, it has zombie modes, too.

One needs to be realistic when playing this game – it’s a port from a mobile game, so expecting tons of depth or long missions is a pointless exercise.

Yet Tiny Troopers: Joint Ops is surprisingly deep when you consider this, with numerous upgrade options for equipment that increase damage, range, firing rates and so on. The soldier’s outfits can also grant buffs, and completing levels allows soldiers to gain ranks, which makes them tougher.

Keeping high ranking soldiers alive becomes a thing in Tiny Troopers, because the stronger they are, the better. If they die in a mission, they can be revived using collectible medals, but there are really limited, so not dying at all remains the best option.

Tiny Trooper: Joint Ops is, ultimately, highly repetitive and fairly basic. But it is a lot of fun, too, if you’re looking for a light, twin stick style shooter. It gets pretty addictive, too, and running up high combat modifiers so that you can earn more cash for the numerous upgrades can be very entertaining. The game also allows for in-mission purchases of explosives and the like, as well as the hiring of one-mission only specialists.

It’s fun, in the end, but not ground breaking; Tiny Troopers: joint Ops is a light time killer, but little more. g

Tiny Troopers: Joint Ops

E M W A IE G EV R

T

Relying on stealth rather than violence, Invisible Inc is a fresh and challenging turn-based game.

REVIEWED ON

PS4

PLATFORMS

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

Klei Entertainment Klei Entertainment Online

PARENTAL ADVISORY

16+ gamecca91

Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

AWARDS Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Ed’s Choice

Score

Turn-based Strategy

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

GAMING

GENRE

AT A GLANCE

Taking turns to sneak…

80 81

by Alex Scanlon

Invisible, Inc.

urn-based games have never really had mass appeal, but in a game like Invisible Inc, the turn-based system is vital. Set in a cyberpunk future, Invisible Inc is about a company of hackers and intrusion experts that gets attacked. With only 72 hours to find those responsible, it is up to the player to lead the operatives in various missions to uncover clues, gather equipment and free additional operatives.

What sets Invisible Inc apart right from the get-go is that this game is based on stealth.

You’re not going in guns blazing (although, if you want to change the difficulty and pretty much ruin the spirit of the game, you can). Everything is about finding cover, timing movements and incapacitating guards, rather than making sweet shots. In fact, attacks never fail in Invisible Inc, which tells you almost how unimportant they are to the game.

Everything is about managing time and resources. While the player can get more power for the powerful Incognita AI (which helps them in a support role, powering intrusion programs and the like) it is still a limited resource. Time is also limited, and the longer a player spends in missions, the les time they will have to reach their end objective.

Similarly, each character has a limited number of moves each turn, and incapacitated guards will awaken after a number of turns pass.

It’s a challenging and fun game, when you get down to it, more reliant on head scratching than a quick trigger finger. Those that want a more cerebral game will likely enjoy this one, which also features persistent equipment and skills for when you fail (and you will). This is a satisfying game, overall. g

Invisible, Inc.

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NAME OF Hyper VoidTHE PRODUCT

E M W A IE G EV R

Hyper Void Bending space…

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It has a few frustrating elements, but Hyper Void can be a fun space shooter once you have wrapped

REVIEWED ON

PS4

your head around it.

PLATFORMS

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

In|Framez In|Framez Online

PARENTAL ADVISORY

7+ gamecca91

Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

AWARDS Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Ed’s Choice

Score

Shooter

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

GENRE

AT A GLANCE

GAMING Bound of flame

by Rob Edwards

h

yper Void is the kind of shoot-‘emup that delivers exciting highs, and devastating lows. A lot of this can be put down to some odd design decisions…

In this game, the player is the pilot of a space ship that travels through worm holes to access combat hot spots. Even the worm holes have enemies in them, and this leads to the first element that makes Hyper Void both exciting and frustrating – see space has a shape here, and ship movement is according to those spaces. That’s all fair and well – sometimes you’re on a flat plane, sometimes on a curved one, and sometimes even on one that folds around. But the control of the ship lacks consistency. For example, when trying to loop all the way around a folded space, at some point the direction required for travel changes. Until you get that down, you’re going to lose valuable split seconds orienting yourself.

The space ship has three weapons, which each have a firing cycle. This adds a little strategy to Hyper Void, which is a fresh approach to the genre. But all three weapons are available right from the start, which degenerates the sense of progression through the game. The same can be said for enemies, which become extremely repetitive before long, and certain random events – imposed upon you by a virus in-game – feel more frustrating than challenging.

With all of that said, Hyper Void is visually fantastic, and it is a great way to kill a few hours. It can be tons of fun to play, once you wrap your head around some of its stranger concepts, and its 30 or so mission will provide you with tons of space bad-guys to blast through. g

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W

Platform A simple yet challenging endless runner, Color Guardians can be fun (and frustrating) for the whole

REVIEWED ON

PS4 PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

GAMING

GENRE

AT A GLANCE

In the fast lane…

family.

PLATFORMS

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

Fair Play Labs Fair Play Labs Online

PARENTAL ADVISORY

7+ gamecca91

Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

AWARDS Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Ed’s Choice

Score

Color Guardians

70 83

by Walt Pretorius

hen a bright and cheerful world is threatened by a terrible monster that drains all of the colour from it, it is up to three heroes – Rod, Grock and Lia – to set things straight. That is the premise behind Color Guardians, a fun endless runner game that will have you shaking your fist in both triumph and defeat.

Color Guardians is a simple automatic side scroller that sees the player’s character running along a track made up of three lanes. To collect the vital colour orbs, the player will have to switch between the lanes to grab them. But there are two catches – Rod can only collect red orbs, Grock yellow, and Lia blue. So as the orbs change colour, the player needs to instantly switch between the heroes. Additionally, a well-timed spin means that the player will get more orbs than if they just run over them.

That’s really all there is to it; Color Guardians is a game about timing, and little more. But it can be extremely challenging and lots of fun to play.

The difficulty curve, however, is a bit spikey, rising up and dropping off unpredictably. Also, checkpoints are not particularly well spaced, and a sudden difficulty spike may see you going back to the start of one of the game’s impressive 55 levels.

Color Guardians is charming and inoffensive, and while it is great for youngsters, sometimes the challenge levels may see them battling. Still, it is a fun way to kill more than a few hours, and is a bit more than a brainless lane switcher, when all is said and done. It’s good fun for the whole family, but it’s best played in short bursts to avoid it becoming repetitive. g

Color Guardians

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EW

VI

R

TE

IN

Being T

Taking on the mo

T GAMING

hoopid is the relatively small, but dynamic and team of passionate gamers featuring South Africa’s top talent. And they prove

84

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Indie View

By Nthato Morakabi

Thoopid

obile juggernaut

that making games isn’t just about high-end specifications as they take on the massive and highly lucrative mobile gaming market. gamecca91

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EW

VI

R

TE

IN

GM: Thoopid is a… provocative name. Who came up with it and, like,

Was there a similar game for you?

TH: From early games

GM: Right and where

such as Asteroid to modern

does that source of

classics like Clash of Clans,

inspiration that guides

ourselves something as

we wanted to be part of this

you to creating a

stupid as Thoopid? Well,

unfolding global phenomenon

successful gaming

when you try to say our

that is gaming.

experience come from,

why?

TH: Why’d we call

both in gaming and

name you sound stupid, so we’re already one up on

GM: That’s a long time

outside of gaming?

you. Besides, it’s all about

period between those

gaming, right?

two titles, does that

character design, music –

mean gaming plays a

really it’s potentially endless

GM: Right. So, what’s

major role in your life?

as good games reflect life

the story behind Thoopid

TH: As a casual mobile

and game development?

gamer, I generally smash

How did it all start?

out quick but frequent game

TH: Playing games has

plays. Basically every time

TH: Film, books, animation,

and are only constrained by our imaginations.

GM: Now that’s deep.

been a life long passion and

I’m expected to wait for

So since you’re in the

interest for the founders of

something I jump on a game.

indie dev scene, is there a gaming community

Thoopid. After talking about making our own game for

GM: Ah yes the beauty

you’ve plugged into that

about a year we decided that

of mobile gaming. In light

assisted in your game

it was time for action. We

of that, what does the

development?

each proposed a concept,

role of being a Game

and voted. Ultimately

Developer mean to you

and tapped into resource

Snailboy won and we

both as a gamer and as a

from the community. It’s

proceeded to build our first

developer?

still developing and we look

game in the platform genre.

TH: Well, as a developer and a gamer, you know what

GM: In our previous

TH: We’ve sought advice

forward to playing a role in helping to growing it.

constitutes a successful

GM: Now this next

chats to developers we

gaming experience. So you

found that many of them

are always trying to achieve

question has been

were gamers in their

that something special. But

answered in varying

youth and were inspired

you also realize how difficult

forms so we want to ask

by a particular game.

a successful game play loop

something different?

GAMING

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is to achieve and build.

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Indie View

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87

EW

VI

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GAMING

IN

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to an aspiring developer looking to study?

Indie View

What would you say

the next 5 years?

TH: The global games

GM: What can you tell

market reaches $99.6 Billion

us about it? Story, key

in 2016, of which mobile is

features etc, that make

a successful game draws

generating 37%, and at a

your game?

on multiple skills from art

compound annual growth

direction, 3D animation,

rate of approximately 7% the

of this fun mobile platformer

sound development, coding,

industry will be absolutely

game, Snailboy stole the

project management and

huge in 5 years.

hearts of gamers all over

TH: Bear in mind launching

marketing skills. So there really are multiple directions

TH: In the first instalment

the world. He is back now

GM: And that’s big

with many more features,

that one can pursue. They

news for you yes?

challenges and 10x larger

are not limited to a single

Since you develop for

environments, Snailboy: Rise

role.

mobile, are you planning

of Hermitron has definitely

on focusing on other

stepped it up a couple of

platforms?

notches.

GM: Yes. A lot of people tend to forget the scope

TH: Yes, at the moment we

In his next adventure he

of development. In your

are developing games for

stumbles into the great

growth, there must have

mobile devices. We would

depths of the ocean where

been challenges you’ve

not like to limit ourselves

he makes new friends,

faced as Thoopid… would

to only one platform and as

goes on quests to find

you care to share those

time goes by, technology is

stolen shells and defeat his

challenges with us?

providing us with a greater

enemies.

TH: Completing a game can

number of opportunities.

be a very exhausting pursuit

Making the games should be

– physically, mentally and,

as fun.

for mobile yes? What platform are you looking

you guessed it, financially.

We have also struggled

GM: Let’s get down

with resource shortages

to your gaming side

and finding the right level of

of things. Is Thoopid

skills.

currently working on anything?

GM: Yes, it is a difficult

GM: So, this will be

TH: We are in the final

to release it on?

TH: It will be released on iOS

GM: And in terms of a release date?

industry; so where do

stages before the soft

you think the industry is

launch of Snailboy: Rise of

soft launch in December

heading, a prediction of

Hermitron

2016. g

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TH: We are aiming for a

89

cy a eg

l

Legacy: R GAMING

The Second Generation o

90

gamecca91

Legacy: Rise & Fall

Rise & Fall

of Video Game Consoles

By Lein Baart

gamecca91

91

L

cy a eg

egacy has celebrating held dear b the world, understand gaming ind current sta As the last entry in th that we throw ourselv time, to an age in whic by most to be little mo The second generation may not have been the medium we know and it remains one of the m industry has seen ove existence.

l

Genesis

To start with we’ll ne background for this hi we turn to the pioneer the man behind the cr Odyssey, the world’s f in 1972 with just a han importantly ping-pong clones that quickly fol distinguishable by the were quite literally har itself. While the Odyss success it wasn’t until their own version of th titled “Home Pong”, th and by 1977 there we variations of the conso leading to first crash o year.

The Resurre

GAMING

While the crash of 1 manufacturers flee fro a few companies that second generation tec before when Fairchild the Fairchild Video En the first console to us rather than hardwired earnest when Atari cre Atari 2600 (known the Computer System) in of a fully embedded C could be created and s cartridges, and it wasn became aware that th than just Pong availab

92

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s

eed at least a little istory lesson, and thus ring work of Ralph Baer, reation of the Magnavox first console. Released ndful of games (most g), the Odyssey and the llowed were perhaps most e fact that these games rdwired into the console sey alone was a moderate l Atari decided to create he machine, appropriately hat the fad really exploded, ere literally hundreds of ole being created globally, of the industry in the same

ection

1977 saw most om the market, there were persevered. While the chnically began a year Semiconductor released ntertainment System, se a micro-processor circuits, it only began in eated the now legendary en as the Atari Video 1977. The inclusion CPU meant that games sold on entirely separate n’t long before the public here were more games ble. By 1979 the 2600’s

popularity was booming, becoming the most sold Christmas gift of the year, and just a year later sales had doubled on the back of licenced ports of arcade games such as Space Invaders, Asteroids and Breakout. By 1982 the industry was truly a powerhouse, generating over $3 billion in sales, with some of the most revered titles in history, including the likes of Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Mario Bros. and Pitfall!, being created during this time.

Signs of the Fall

There were however indications that trouble lay ahead. The unbelievable success of Atari unsurprisingly invited competition, and from 1980 onwards consoles like Mattel’s Intellevision and the ColecoVision provided a serious threat to Atari’s dominance. This alone would have been great for the industry, however the early eighties also saw the market flooded by a slew of clones from manufacturers and retailers wanting their slice of the pie, and by the end of 1982 analysts began warning of over-saturation.

It was a situation echoed in the games of the time. During its early years Atari had been insistent that programmers were not to be given any credit or special rewards for the games they created, which eventually led to a group of four men breaking away to form Activision in 1979, the world’s first third-party developer.

This paved the way for other companies to begin creating their own titles, often for competitor’s products, and a string of start-ups emerged entirely dedicated to ripping off popular games, a situation exacerbated by outdated copyright laws. Once again 1982 signalled a major crisis for the industry, as between June and December the number of available games quadrupled to 400, many of which were utterly rubbish.

The final warning came from rise of the computer market. Even during the eighties computers were vastly superior to their console brethren, offering huge improvements in hardware capabilities that allowed significantly more complex titles to be developed. Initially regarded as something of a niche item, personal computer sales skyrocketed once companies such as Commodore began to directly compete with console manufacturers in terms of price, and the public began to adopt PC’s as their preferred gaming platform.

The End is Nigh As should be obvious by now the video game industry was headed for disaster, and the prophecies were eventually fulfilled with the video game crash of 1983. Inundated

gamecca91

Legacy: Rise & Fall

been a column that, whilst g those titles that are still by many gamers across is ultimately dedicated to ding just how it is that the dustry has gotten to the ate in which it finds itself. his series, it is only fitting ves even further back in ch gaming was considered ore than a passing fad. n of video game consoles e absolute genesis for the love, but it many ways most influential eras the er its roughly forty years of

with cheap, pathetic clones of consoles and games alike (typified by the likes of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial), many chose to embrace the allure of the PC, and in two years alone the market shrunk by 97% to just over $100 million.

Retailers abandoned video games entirely, suffering huge losses as they flogged off cartridges and consoles at dirt-cheap prices, whilst scores of fly-by-night studios simply closed up shop. For many the crash heralded the end of video games entirely, and indeed 1984 saw an almost entirely barren market. It should be noted however that this was mainly a problem for the Western world, as the Asian landscape had already begun to create its own systems and games, and it was from these eastern lands that gaming would be reborn anew.

Parables

The importance of the end of the second generation of video game consoles is, in reflection, almost impossible to fully predict. In many ways the crash of 1983 altered gaming fundamentally, and the responses to the event are seen to this very day. To begin with the removal of western manufacturers cleared the way for a then little known company called Nintendo to begin promoting both its consoles and games in the west, though so tarnished was the console name that it had to go to ridiculous lengths to rebrand the NES as a general entertainment system. This lead to an entire generation being raised on games such as Mario, The Legend of Zelda and Sonic (once Sega entered the fray), ensuring Japan’s dominance in the market for years to come, and it’s a fascinating thought exercise to imagine just what gaming would be like without the prevalence of these franchises.

There are however other legacies to consider.

In response to the floods of derivatives manufactures began enacting strict licencing controls, limiting what could appear on their systems in order to ensure the quality of their games. While the rise of indie studios has diminished this control to some extent, for years after the NES’ release third-party developers were mostly absent from the console scene, and in part this has fuelled the intense rivalry between consoles that is one of the hallmarks of the market. In many ways it can be argued that the mobile platform is experiencing something similar to the flood of games that brought down the second generation, and it remains to be seen what lessons will be taken to heart. g

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Hands-on with the more p

In May 2016, Sony announced that the PlayStation 4 entertainment system had cumulatively sold more than 40 TECHNOLOGY

million units world-wide, making it the fastest selling console in the history of the PlayStation brand. In June of 2016, VGChartz 96

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Going Pro

gpro

powerful PlayStation 4 Pro

reported figures that put the PS4 sales figures at just over 42 million, with Xbox One at 21 million and the Wii U at 13 million. In the slightly more than three years that the PS4 has been on the market, it has become a dominant force in console gaming. gamecca91

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he console war is far from over, though, and the new battlefield is one that has a lot of people excited: 4K. This ultra high definition delivers visual clarity on a level that has never been seen before, and those using 4K capable screens – whether

TVs or monitors – are treated to a level of visual fidelity that is unprecedented. In order to keep up with this trend, both major console manufacturers – Microsoft and Sony – are upping their game, creating updated versions of the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 respectively. It is Microsoft’s chance to undo numerous fumbles that plagued the Xbox One, and Sony needs to keep on their game in order to stay in the top spot.

The first move in holding on to the position is the release of the PlayStation Pro, a “mid-life” version of the PS4 with upgraded hardware. In addition to this release, Sony has also released the PS4 Slim, a slicker and smaller version of the original console.

Comparing the two is an interesting matter.

While both have the same processor (an 8 core AMD Jaguar x86-64) and the same amount of RAM (8GB GDDR5), the real difference is in graphics power. The Pro has a 4.2 TFLOP AMD Radeon GPU, while the Slim features a 1.84 TFLOP GPU from the same manufacturer. And here’s where the Pro’s strength lies – vastly improved graphic performance.

While the main benefit of this lies with using the Pro with a 4K capable screen, the truth is that the much more powerful graphics processor benefits those using plain old HD screens too. It does so by stabilizing frame rates and delivering improved graphics in terms of texture quality and polygon counts, where possible (if the developers put them into the game, that is). In doing so, the Pro becomes a PS4 that is not just great for those that have a 4K viewing device, but anyone who wants to game on a PS4.

OK, so on paper the Pro is a much more powerful version of the PS4, at least in terms of graphics… but what is it like to use? Right out of the box, the

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the PS4 Pro. The first is that is does not

experience is different from the original PS4, and the PS4 Slim. The Pro is a fair bit

allow for playback of Ultra HD BluRay disks,

larger than the original PS4, and creates

even though it can deliver 4K graphics. The

quite an impression. It uses the same angled

next is the fact that there is still no support

design, but now has ridges on the front, back

for saving games on an external hard drive,

and sides, and leaves behind the (finger print

despite the fact that it has that extra rear

loving) shiny black areas; the whole thing is

mounted USB port. The obvious assumption

finished in a tasteful matt black.

was that this was the primary function of the third USB port, but it seems like that port has

On the front, the Pro features the disc slot, as well as mechanical power and eject

something entirely different in store for the

buttons (a vast improvement over the touch

user – Sony’s silver bullet, PlayStation VR.

sensitive buttons used by the original PS4).

It also has two USB ports, as before. But

it is a big motivator behind the Pro upgrade.

at the back there is the welcome addition

While a standard PS4 will be able to run

of a third USB port, as well as the expected

PSVR, to maintain the required 60 frames

connectors: LAN, HDMI, optical audio and

per second would mean that some texture

the PS Camera port. The power connector

detail will need to be compromised. But that

has also changed, making use of a kettle cord

won’t be the case with the pro, which will be

style connector.

able to deliver smooth, high frame rates with

Another change on the inside is that the

all the graphical bells and whistles in place.

PS4 Pro now comes with a native 1TB hard

And that rear USB port? It is required for the

drive (double the size of the original PS4

VR system. But we’ll have more on the VR

drive) but you will lose some of that storage

side of things for you once it has officially

space to the OS and other necessary

launched in South Africa towards the end of

software. The Slim, incidentally, comes in

this month.

either 500GB or 1TB flavours.

So do you need a PS4 Pro? The answer

Turning the Pro on will deliver the exact

is not entirely simple. While the idea of

experience that one would get from the

purchasing another PS4 may be one that you

PS4, and so it should… it is still a PS4, after

balk at, if you have a 4K TV, or if you want

all, even if it has upgraded hardware. The

generally improved visuals, or if you are keen

menu and operating system are unchanged.

on the whole VR thing, a PS 4 Pro really is

However, additions like HDR support are

the way to go. If you don’t already own a

welcome (even though they are across the

PS4, going the Pro route is a no-brainer – it

board for the PS4 range).

might be more expensive than other options,

TECHNOLOGY

The PS4 Pro also comes with a moderately

but you are going to get more out of it, and

updated DualShock 4 controller. For the

the improved performance will allow it to

most part, however, the changes are simply

stand up to other future purchases (in terms

cosmetic, although the fact that the light bar

of new TVs and the like). It is the next step

colour now shows on a small strip at the top

for Sony, and it delivers the goods… the

of the touch pad as well is a nice addition.

competition needs to pull out all the stops

There are a few things that folks are still not all that happy about when it comes to

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VR is undoubtedly important to Sony, and

to remain relevant here, particularly with the addition of VR. g

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TECHNOLOGY

Optimising 102

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Optimising Excellence

gExcellence No more “tick-tock” for Intel

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I

t has been around

optimisation”; the first two

18 months since

stages resemble the previous

Intel took a big

“tick-tock” stages, with a new

leap forward with

production system shrinking the

the introduction

technology during “process”

of Skylake

and a new microarchitecture

processors,

introduced during “architecture”.

a move that saw a number

The third step – “optimisation”

of improvements in terms of

– is a process in which the new

computational power and overall

technology introduced by the

CPU performance. These new

previous two is pushes to its

processors were extremely

limits. And that’s where Kaby Lake

exciting, but time and tide wait

comes into play. Broadwell was

for no man, and no technology.

the “process”, Skylake was the

Intel has not rested on any kind

“architecture”, and Kaby Lake is

of laurels that may have been

the “optimisation”.

achieved with Skylake’s excellent power, and have rather forged

processors to be developed by

ahead into a whole new generation

Intel, codenamed Cannonlake, will

of processors. These new CPUs go

feature a new 10nm manufacturing

by the codename Kaby Lake, and

process, beginning the new three-

they are ready to deliver even more

phase cycle again.

speed and power.

Kaby Lake marks a departure

it is a optimisation, the manufacturing process (at 14nm)

philosophy. This philosophy, which

and the microarchitecture remains

was adopted by Intel in 2007,

unchanged from that of Skylake.

would see a stepped progression

Rather, the focus has been on

system in developing new

driving the CPUs to their limits.

While Kaby Lake and the

the processor technology shrinking,

preceding Skylake have the same

while every “tock” would see a

IPC (instructions per cycle) rating,

new microarchitecture design.

optimisation improvements made

Following this philosophy, there

to the microarchitecture mean

would be either a “tick” or a “tock”

that Kaby Lake processors deliver

every year to 18 months – most

improved clock speeds. That

recently, Skylake was the “tock”

means that even though the same

to Broadwell’s 14nm fabrication

IPC is delivers to the processor,

process “tick”.

the clock speed increases of Kaby

Intel have moved away from this system, though, introducing a third stage to the process.

TECHNOLOGY

Back to Kaby Lake. Because

for Intel’s “tick-tock” design

processors. Every “tick” would see

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This also means that the next

Lake (up to 300MHz) will result in faster performance.

Additionally, the clock speed

Their new philosophy is described

changes of Kaby Lake processors

as “process-architecture-

have been improved. What this

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Optimising Excellence

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means is that it takes less time for

7700T (2.9GHz clock rate). In the

the new CPU to transition from

mainstream range will be the four

one frequency to another. In other

core, four thread i5 processors,

words, changing from low to high

ranging from 3.8GHz clock rate

performance modes (or vice versa)

(7600K) to 2.4GHz clock rate

is much quicker, which results in

(7400T). The i5 range will feature

improved performance and overall

the most options, with seven CPU

responsiveness.

flavours available, compared to

Improvements have also been made to the graphics core,

i3 ranges. The i3 processors will

meaning that 3D graphics and

have two cores and four threads,

4K playback are much better

and will range in clock rates from

with Kaby Lake. Additionally, up

4.2GHz (7350K) to 3.9GHz (7100).

to 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes from the

performance to the table but, as

the PCH (platform controller hub)

mention, improved support for

also speak of overall improved

existing and new technologies. The

performance for components.

200 series chipsets are opening new options for manufacturers

chipset generation, the 200 series,

of motherboards to take full

into play, and will have full support

advantage of the new generation’s

for Intel’s new Optane non-volatile

performance and capabilities.

memory technology.

One such motherboard is MSI’s

Those that have been resisting

Z270 Pro Gaming Carbon, which

the Windows 10 upgrade are

we review in this issue, as well as

going to have to reconsider their

MSI’s Z270 Krait Gaming, which

decision if they upgrade to a Kaby

we will review in next month’s

Lake CPU, though – these are the

edition of Gamecca Magazine.

first Intel CPUs to have restricted

With CPU technology being

Windows support. Kaby Lake

updated so quickly, it is difficult

CPUs will only support Windows

to keep up. But the performance

10, and moving forward Intel have

of Kaby Lake is excellent, and this

announced that all new processors

generation will most certainly keep

will only be compatible with the

any user going for a good long

latest version of Windows.

while. If, like many, you cannot

Like before, Kaby Lake

TECHNOLOGY

Kaby Lake not only brings better

CPU and 24 of the same from

Kaby Lake will also bring a new

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the three of the i7 and four of the

upgrade with every new release,

processors will be identifiable using

making the shift with Kaby Lake

the now familiar “ix” classification

will mean that you are taking

system. At the top of the range

advantage of the best that Intel’s

will be the performance-oriented

14nm process and architecture

i7 processors, sporting four cores

have to offer. While things are still

and 8 threads. Performance in

at the 14nm scale, Kaby Lake is

this range will run from the 7700K

as good as it is going to get… and

(4.2GHz clock rate) through to the

that’s really good, all told. g

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H C EW E T VI E R ThermalTake

Massive TM

TECHNOLOGY

Stay frosty!

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Notebook Coo

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A notebook cooler is a great way to preserve your equipment, and the Massive TM has several features that make it a

AWARDS

AT A GLANCE:

SUMMARY

Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Ed’s Choice

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the Thermaltake Massive TM features a large, vented, brushed aluminium plate that sits directly under the notebook. All the controls are at the base of the unit (closest to the user, in other words) and a USB port at the rear draws power from one of the notebooks USB ports.

In order to ensure maximum user comfort, the Thermaltake Massive TM has three height levels that can be used.

Naturally the device cannot sit flat on a desk (because that would prevent effective airflow) but the three settings will work for pretty much anyone.

It’s an extremely effective cooler, even though it can get a little noisy while in Turbo mode.

Additionally, an option for an external power source would have been great, because it does cost one USB port to use, and on some notebooks USB ports are rare. But it might just be worth the sacrifice of one USB port to ensure that your notebook stays frosty, even in hot conditions.

Many people might consider a device like the Thermaltake Massive TM to be something of a grudge purchase, or something that they can get away with not using. And that might be true, but the fact remains that notebooks can generate a lot of damaging heat, particularly under strain. Making sure that your notebook stays in prime condition is never a bad idea, and the Thermaltake Massive TM is a good step towards doing just that. g

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TECH SPECS • • • • • • • • •

Twin 120mm fans 4 temperature sensors LCD display Auto / Manual modes Lock function USB powered

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by Alex Scanlon

otebooks are generally very well designed, because cramming all those components into a limited space can be very tricky. When you’re squeezing in everything that needs to be in place, air flow can become a tricky prospect… but cooling for notebooks is as important as it is for desktop PCs. And that’s where products like the Thermaltake Massive TM come in. This notebook cooler is designed to keep your expensive equipment frosty, prolonging its lifespan and improving performance.

There are a number of options available when it comes to notebook coolers, but the Thermaltake Massive TM has a few features that really stand out. The first is an array of four adjustable heat sensor. These can be positioned to monitor heat and accurately report to the user via an LCD screen at the base of the Massive TM. The unit can automatically adjust the fan speed of the two large 120mm fans, or the user can choose to control the speed manually (basically switching between Normal and Turbo) to increase cooling or decrease fan noise. Temperature is displayed in both Celsius and Fahrenheit, and can be monitored from the individual sensors. A handy lock can also be engaged, to avoid mishaps or unwanted setting changes.

With support for notebooks from 10” right through to 17”,

ThermalTake Massive TM Notebook Cooler

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H C EW E T VI E R Razer

Raiju

PS4 Controller

Now we’re talking!

S

TECHNOLOGY

ony haven’t been very generous with licensing controllers for the PS4. It’s taken a while, but we are now seeing a handful of third-party controllers arrive for the PS4… but with the arrival of Razer’s Raiju, everyone – even Sony – really needs to sit up and take notice.

There are simply so many great features on the Raiju that it is difficult to list them all. First of all, it’s wonderfully shaped, feeling more like an Xbox One controller in the hands than a PS4 controller, but still with the side-by-side analogue sticks. It has a great weight, too, and non-slip panels on the grips (that don’t need to be stuck on like you had to do with razer’s Xbox One controller, the Wildcat). There is a great feel to the sticks, as well as all the face and shoulder buttons, too.

Speaking of buttons, the Raiju comes with four extra, programmable buttons – two on the inside of the shoulder buttons, and two triggers on the base of the controller, between the hand grips.

These triggers can also be removed, thanks to a handy tool provided with the Raiju.

And then there’s the control panel at the base of the Raiju. It resembles the audio controls from the Wildcat, and allows the following actions: configuring buttons, switching between the two on-board profiles, muting the mic and – this is enough for me to fall in love forever

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– controlling the volume of the sound coming out of your headphones. No need for menus and other stuff… just hold in the button and adjust the volume using the D-Pad. Why Sony never thought of building a decent, quick volume control system into the PS4 controller is beyond me, but this takes care of it.

The Raiju also comes with preinstalled thumb grips, but these can be removed (like the triggers) if you prefer.

There is one downside to the Raiju that may, or may not, be a problem for some.

It isn’t a wireless controller.

Like the Wildcat, the Raiju is a “tournament” controller, and during competitive play, you don’t want any issues from laggy communication (not really a thing) or batteries going down (really a thing). So, to that end, the Raiju needs to be constantly connected to your PS4.

It comes with a long, removable cable, which also has a break-away plug in case of mishaps. But there will be those that simply don’t like the idea of being connected to their console via a cable. They might think differently after they give the Raiju a spin, though.

And it all gets packed in a neat, sturdy case, too. As is often the case with third party designs, Razer have really hit a home run with the Raiju. It is responsive and comfortable to use, and offers features (even something small like volume control) that really set it apart. Good job, Razer! g

Razer Raiju PS4 Controller

As a third party controller, the Raiju schools the original PS4 controller in many, many ways. It’s a great controller, if you don’t mind the wire.

AWARDS

AT A GLANCE:

by Walt Pretorius

SUMMARY

Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Ed’s Choice

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TECH SPECS • • • • • • • • •

4 extra buttons 2 profiles Volume control Thumb grips Mic mute Wired

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H C EW E T VI E R Cooler

Master

Mastermouse S Almost ambidextrous…

TECHNOLOGY

I

am pretty certain that left handed people are getting used to the idea that if they cannot find an ambidextrous mouse, they need to find a device specifically created for left-handed users.

These aren’t always that easy to come by, so the ambidextrous mouse is, more often than not, a go-to.

But these days even those are becoming less common. I am not left handed, but a mouse that can be used by left-handed people is something I pay attention to. And so when Cooler Master state that the Mastermouse S is ambidextrous, I feel content that it is another option for my left-handed gamer friends. Only thing is, the Mastermouse S is only ambidextrous in theory.

The shape is right, following a symmetrical form that one often sees in ambidextrous mouse design.

Neither of the main buttons is more prominent that

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the other, and the scroll wheel is perfectly aligned for both left and right handed users. Thing is, the Mastermouse S has side buttons, accessible by the thumb if you’re right handed. But they’re only on one side. I thought, perhaps, that being part of the Master series meant that the mouse could be customised by the user, switching the side buttons as needed. But that’s not an option. So, when you get right down to it, the only way in which it is ambidextrous is as a right handed five button mouse, and as a left handed three button mouse.

With that little rant done, it is important to note that the Mastermouse S is actually a really good mouse, when all is said and done. It is a sleek, trimmed down mouse that doesn’t have many features, but it offer great performance. The 7200 DPI sensor comes with five preset DPI levels that can be changed on the fly,

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Cooler Master Mastermouse S Gaming Mouse

Gaming Mouse

by Alex Scanlon

AT A GLANCE: SUMMARY

TECH SPECS • • • • • • •

Although not 100% ambidextrous, the Mastermouse S is a reliable and effective input device.

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7200 DPI sensor 5 DPI presets Five buttons RGB lighting

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and the whole affair is really responsive. Additionally, it is sized well for both palm and claw grippers, and it is finished with a really comfortable non-slip coating.

To round it all off, it offers customisable RGB lighting with numerous effects available, over two different lighting zones.

The Mastermouse S is a great device for those who don’t mind a little more control coming from the keyboard. It’s shaping and finish make for a comfortable experience, even after long sessions, and it is really well built. It might not be bristling with buttons, but this one certainly gets the job done, and rather well at that. In fact, the only real problem that the Mastermouse S is that it isn’t really what it claims to be – not 100%, at least. But if you’re a forgiving leftie, or right handed, it makes for a decent way to get gaming with a reliable input device. g

Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Ed’s Choice

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H C EW E T VI E R MSI

GeForce GTX 10 D

TECHNOLOGY

Do it for the Pascal

oing what we do here at Gamecca, it is important to stay connected to what consumers are actually doing. While we get excited about fantastic, top of the line new products, the truth of the matter is that the average consumer, particularly here in South Africa, often does not have the disposable cash to rush out and buy the biggest and best components or tech toys.

Many people have to make do, and that’s where a product like MSI’s GeForce GTX 1050 come into the picture. On paper this card doesn’t outperform top models of generations that are a few years old, but the important thing that it does do is offer users a more affordable way to get onto NVidia’s Pascal architecture.

Why is that important?

Well, Pascal is a more energy efficient architecture, for a start, and it allows for a slicker performance all around, even on the lower end cards like this one. So while the MSI GeForce GTX 1050 might not be a great performer at 4K resolutions, or might not be suitable for VR, it is still (in terms of technology) a step up from previous cards.

If you’re after blazing performance, it isn’t the best bet, in all honesty. But if you’re happy with a card that is stable and delivers a reliable performance at standard HD resolutions, it is something to consider.

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And if you’re looking at toeto-toe performance, it still beats the RX 460 in terms of energy efficiency, power and operating temperature levels.

The MSI GeForce GTX 1050 is a surprisingly small card, when you consider the large, twin fan monsters that MSI seem to enjoy bringing to the market. With only one large cooling fan, it is a little less than half the length of other 1000 generation offerings from MSI, which may work in the favour of some consumers and certainly does a lot to improve overall airflow in any PC case (because a big graphics card is like a massive wind break in a PC box, really.) The single fan does a great job in keeping the smaller card cool, though, and there’s less noise to contend with, too (even if the bigger cards are still surprisingly quiet).

While the diminutive GeForce GTX 1050 may not have all the bells and whistles afforded to even the GTX 1050 Ti, it still is built to perform at its peak, and last as long as possible. With its energy efficiency and low operating temperatures, as well as good quality components, this card can – in a gaming rig – last a theoretical 12 years, which should be long past your next upgrade.

It’s a decent way to get Pascal into your PC, and it works well, as long as you don’t expect the insane performance of the bigger 1000 generation cards. g

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NAME MSI GeForce OF THEGTX PRODUCT 1050 Graphics Card

Graphics Card

SUMMARY It might not be the best performer of the generation, but it is energy efficient, is based on Pascal architecture, and works a charm at HD resolutions.

TECH SPECS • • • • • • •

GTX 1050 chipset 2GB RAM Afterburner software HDMI port DisplayPort DVI port

M A NUFA CT UR E R M SI

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Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Ed’s Choice

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AT A GLANCE:

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H C EW E T VI E R Roccat

Lua

Gaming Mouse

TECHNOLOGY

Sleek simplicity

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Roccat Lua Gaming Mouse

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by Walt Pretorius

AT A GLANCE: SUMMARY

TECH SPECS

A good option for those who want an uncomplicated mouse, the Lua’s simplicity may prove a little too much for those who want a feature-rich mouse.

Ma nuf a c t ure r: D i s t ri but e r: Onl i ne :

• • • • • • •

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3 buttons 2000 dpi 7 dpi presets Set illumination Ambidextrous

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o you really use all the buttons on your mouse? It’s an interesting question, really, considering that the average gaming mouse will often feature the number of buttons it offers as a selling point. But, once again, do you really need all those buttons? If the answer is yes, then the Roccat Lua may not be the best option for you. However, if the side buttons and extra features on your mouse are gathering dust, you may well want to pay attention to this one.

This is the first three button mouse we have seen on review – as a gaming mouse – in a very long time. But it hearkens back to a more “classic” era, when mouse devices weren’t all about special features. And, because of that, the Lua comes across as a sleek performer, armed with the main left and right buttons, as well as a scroll wheel (and a DPI switching button, mind you, which would make it a four button mouse, according to some marketing departments).

Whichever way you look at it, the Lua is sleek and simple, as well as being ambidextrous. It’s an uncomplicated affair, but don’t for a second think that fewer buttons mean less power. While the Lua doesn’t break any sensitivity records, its 2000 DPI sensor gets the job done more than well enough for most gamers on the more casual side of the spectrum. The device also features seven preset sensitivity levels, ranging from 250 to 2000 DPI, which can be adjusted on-the-fly.

The Lua features a great shape. It’s fairly compact, but manages to be that without compromising comfort. It is almost the perfect gap between palm and claw grip shapes, and makes use of a “no-sweat” side coating, as well as a soft touch surface.

All in all, it is a very decent mouse, but it really does appeal more to those that don’t take their gaming extremely seriously. It is a great place to start, in other words, or makes for a very good option for casual gamers. Those that demand more from their peripherals may find the DPI a little too low, and the three button set-up a little too concentrated on keyboard controls. Additionally, the Lua is not as customisable as other mouse devices, even down to the illumination, which is set at a rather attractive blue.

It all comes down to what you need in a mouse. If you’re after something that will effectively get you into gaming and offer reliable performance, it works out just fine. If, on the other hand, you expect more than just the basics from a mouse, the Lua’s sleek, uncomplicated design might not work for you. g

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H C EW E T VI E R Mediabox

Media Player Streaming TV for everyone!

TECHNOLOGY

T

V on demand. It’s a big thing, and it getting a lot of traction here in South Africa. As internet service delivery improves and more and more people are getting connected using faster and faster systems, the idea of watching what you want, when you want is really making consumers take notice. And while we still don’t have the blazing speeds that are available in some overseas territories here in South Africa yet, with the right device you can stream video with a connection as slow as 2mbps.

Your choices are to get hold of a Smart TV (which can be costly), use a media PC (also potentially costly), use a console or similar connected device (which can lead to clunky control systems), cast from a smart device (which has a host of inherent problems, if you think about it) or to get a media player.

The Mediabox is a great bet if you go for the last

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option, because it has been properly localised for the South African market. So while it offers preinstalled software for international services – like Netflix – it also comes with our local providers’ apps ready to roll: Showmax, DSTv Now, Supersport HD, and so on. It’s really hassle free, and requires nothing more than an internet connection, power and a TV that can handle an HDMI plug or AV cables. Oh, and you’ll need subscriptions to the services, too – just buying the Mediabox doesn’t get you those.

Once you have the Mediabox installed (and it is really easy) it uses dual band WiFi or an Ethernet cable to connect to your router. And then it’s down to enjoying everything on offer. Control comes in the form of a Bluetooth remote, complete with airmouse functionality (which can take a bit of getting used to).

Powering the Mediabox is a 1.5GHz processor, which

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Mediabox Media Player

by Walt Pretorius

AT A GLANCE: SUMMARY

TECH SPECS • • • • • • •

It’s a great way to get local and international streaming TV services, and it’s simple to use and very good at what it does.

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Preloaded apps Dual band Wifi Airmouse Bluetooth remote HMDI output AV output

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more than handles anything that streaming services can throw at it.

And in addition, the Mediabox has two USB ports, as well as a MicroSD port, for external media. In short, it provides the exact kind of functionality that a Smart TV would provide, and can display in standard definition or HD, depending on your preference and internet connection. The big difference is in the pricing, as well as device compatibility. Some of the local providers only support specific Smart TV brands, which just so happen to be the most expensive brands on the market. But the Mediabox will work with any TV, meaning that not only doesn’t it have to be a Samsung or LG TV, it doesn’t have to be a pricier Smart TV either.

It’s a smart step for those who want to enjoy the pleasure of on-demand TV, without all the hassles or expenses of other options. g

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A worthy successor

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by Rob Edwards

AT A GLANCE: SUMMARY

TECH SPECS • • • • • • •

Kaby Lake is extremely promising, and the Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon is a great option to take advantage of this generation of CPUs with.

Ma nuf a c t ure r: D i s t ri but e r: Onl i ne :

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Z270 chipset DDR4 RAM compatible Steel Armor reinforced Optane support VR ready Customisable lighting

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t wasn’t all that long ago that everyone was getting excited about Skylake. Hell, many people haven’t even managed to upgrade to that CPU generation yet – but that is not going to stop Intel. Kaby Lake is here, and this new processor generation is taking things further than before. With CPUs that deliver up to 300MHz more power and a host of other really cool stuff, Kaby Lake is the place to be.

And MSI, naturally, are right there in the thick of it.

The new Z270 chipset boards are already forming a strong part of MSI’s strategy, and the Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon is right up there with their top offerings for the generation.

So let’s stop talking about Kaby Lake and start, rather, talking about the MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon. Right off the bat, it looks the part. This is a visually striking motherboard, with a matt charcoal main board supporting components that are either black, metallic silver or finished with a carbon fibre look. There are also silver accents on the heat sinks and cover plates. Most of the silver on the board, though, comes from MSI’s armor plated ports; two of the three PCIe ports, and all four of the RAM slots, are armour plated.

The Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon is also all about speed, and has numerous features that support that ideal. Top of the list, though, is the board’s support for Intel’s new Optane technology, which promises to bring speed and stability to all manner of memory and storage. In addition the Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon offers faster PCIe performance, boosted DDR4 Ram speed and blazing fast USB 3.1 Gen 2 technology. Additionally, as expected, gaming traffic is priorities over the Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon’s LAN port.

Using Military Class V components adds durability to the board, in addition to that provided by the Steel Armor ports. Also, increased thermal dissipation technology not only keeps things cooler in general, but helps prolong the board’s life, and numerous protective systems keep the Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon guarded against electrostatic discharge, power surges and more.

And it’s customisable, too, with illuminated areas using 17 different effects across the RGB colour spectrum It even comes with a Mystic Light extension for even more blinky bits in your PC case.

As the first Z270 motherboard we have seen here at Gamecca, the MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon is an impressive offering. MSI did a lot to improve what they brought to market with the previous generation of boards, and the refinement and lesson learned really do show well here. This is an excellent brand, with a strong knowledge of what makes great components – which also shows in the Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon. g

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Quick indeed!

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Graphics Card

With impressive looks and a performance to match, the Quick Silver shows just how capable a GTX 1070 can be.

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AT A GLANCE:

SUMMARY

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affair runs a charm. To ensure that it does so, it has twin turbine style fans and a custom cooling system that puts the GPU chip in direct contact with cooling elements. And to keep things quieter, the fans only spin up when the card hits around 60 degree Celsius, meaning that it only starts making a noise when under strain. And if you’re gaming, you probably won’t hear it over the explosions.

Armed with a host of features and utilities, the Quick Silver is a great way to get into the whole VR thing, as well as move into 4K resolutions. While the GTX 1080 is the true master of VR and 4K, you will most certainly get better than decent performance out of a wellbalanced GTX 1070, and that’s what MSI did with the Quick Silver. Like a precision-tuned German performance sedan, the Quick Silver has been tweaked and trimmed to deliver the goods. While it might still pale next to a GTX 1080, it will knock almost any competitor in its weight class right out of contention.

This is a very exciting generation for NVidia, because the spectrum that their 1000 series covers is very wide indeed, both in terms of costs and performance. But when third party manufacturers like MSI produce a card like this, it is easy to see that the generation isn’t all about the 1080. This is a great card indeed. g

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GTX 1070 chipset 8GB RAM Twin Frozr VI technology 3x DisplayPort HDMI port DVI port

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by Rob Edwards

hen it comes to picking a new graphics card, things can be a little disconcerting. The main reason for that is the fact that the new generation of NVidia GPUs is extremely – and we mean extremely – expensive at the upper end. Even stepping from the 1070 to 1080 is a big leap in terms of cost. But if you can afford to take the 1070 plunge, there are numerous options that squeeze all kinds of power out of NVidia’s second fiddle GPU. One such variant is MSI’s GeForce GTX 1070 Quick Silver.

And it’s a beauty.

Right out of the box, the Quick Silver looks impressive. There’s no typical MSI black with red trim here. Rather, the Quick Silver lives up to its name; black with brushed silver accents.

The entire back plate – the part you’re going to see the most when it is installed – is silver, emblazoned with a Quick Silver and Gaming Series logo. And, for good measure, white LED lights accent the look even further.

But while good looks are cool, what really counts is performance, and this particular GTX 1070 has it in spades.

While not as punchy as a GTX 1080, it still puts in an impressive performance.

The GTX 1070 chipset is supported by a generous 8GB of GDDR5 RAM, and the whole

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The death of privacy and opinion?

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it seems strange that those very institutions and proponents of capitalism are at the heart of the controversy around privacy and the collection and use of data.

A recent change in policy in Australia is shining a spotlight on this issue, while a lawsuit in America is also giving us pause to wonder just what the right to remain silent means, and what can and will be used against you in a court of law.

In 2014, Australia passed laws requiring all telecommunications and Internet Service Providers to retain information relating to their customer’s communications. This includes telephone numbers dialled, IP addresses, session information and the like. This information was required to be kept for a minimum of two years. At the time, the legislation was described by everyone from the Prime Minister to the Attorney General as being a measure solely for combatting terrorism. However, just a year later, the story changed somewhat when law enforcement agencies began to see the value in using the metadata collected in tracking pedophiles and other serious criminals (or gathering evidence against them). However, authorities assured the public that the data collected could never be used for copyright or private civil lawsuits.

A new amendment could see this change though. The Attorney General recently announced a review into the current metadata collection laws to determine whether they should be used in civil lawsuits. While a parliamentary committee had reviewed the laws and recommended that they should specifically prohibit civil litigants, they left the door open for exclusions, and this review could open the door much, much wider.

The internet has long been synonymous

Have we forgotten the true nature of terror?

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The War on Real Terror

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V series like “The Man in High Castle” on Netflix constantly remind me that we’ve forgotten about the true nature of terror. If you haven’t seen the series, it’s an imagining of the world (especially the United States) in a world where the Germans and Japanese won World War Two (and establishing facism as the dominant doctrine on the planet), and now control America, in a similar way to the way the Allies controlled East and West Germany during the Cold War. With Germany rising to be a world power, the common conception of Nazi authoritarian rule is in place, restricting information, movement and association. Watching these brings a familiar sense of dread, especially coming from the Iron Eagle/ WarGames / Hunt For Red October generation, where communist or Nazi rule was made out to be the most dreadful thing possible, while Western (American) society would bring about freedom and a better life for all (where have I heard that one?).

The typical cold war nightmare was the dashing western agent or soldier being led into a grey interrogation room, where a (insert facist regime here) intelligence officer would reveal a detailed file, full of reports and photographs indicating that they know everything and everyone involved in the subject’s life, down to fine details. Even the best spy and war novelists couldn’t have foreseen the incredible level of detail and insight the internet would provide, let alone that the information would require no case officers or surveillance, it would be voluntarily offered in the form of status updates, geolocation “check ins” and visual media uploaded by the subject on social media.

Now that the cold war is over, and the Nazis are mostly dead or forgotten,

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with anonymity, coupled with freedom of speech. What you say on Reddit, might not stay on Reddit, but your identity was always presumed to be your secret (like a vote or sexual preference). But could the telling of such secrets be compelled?

And the more scary question is, if the data exists somewhere, what’s in place to stop people from accessing it?

Donald J Tobias is a Manhattan attorney, who was outraged to find a terrible review of his business on Google.

The three word review, posted under the handle “Mia Arce”, simply stated “It was horrible!”. Tobias immediately requested that Google remove the review, or provide him with the name and contact information (as well as IP, MAC

“...downloads or political views might land you into hot water...”

TECHNOLOGY

and payment information) of the person who posted the review. Google refused to do so. This did not please Tobias, who immediately filed a lawsuit with the State of New York, requesting that the court compel Google to release the information to him. Under New York law, if the court go ahead with the libel suit, the information of the defendant will need to be revealed in order to compel the accused to appear in court, so the implications are massive.

While the case is still pending, internet activists have been flocking to write defamatory reviews of the attorney to show their displeasure with the lengths Tobias has gone to. “Mia Arce” being an anagram for America has probably not helped the lawyer’s case much.

One journal reported that Tobias was so inundated with bad reviews, that he has offered to drop his law suit if Google can remove the reviews and ensure they stay

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removed. Google has since removed many of the reviews, though there is no statement confirming that they have accepted Tobias’ offer.

While Edward Snowden’s revelations have firmly dislodged our trust in Facebook, Google and Microsoft when it comes to protecting our private data from the government, we’ve certainly started to come to terms with this.

However, the notion that private individuals or companies can gain access to our private information under some obscure legal loophole, that’s in no way connected to terrorism or serious crimes, will make most of us think twice about what we post on the internet.

I recently saw a story on social media about a customer who posted a negative comment on a business’s Facebook page. The brand’s response was this: “Since you rated us 1*, we aren’t able to guarantee a refund before we close as that would be considered good service…if you remove the rating we can arrange delivery …”

It’s a scary thought that your downloads or political views might land you into hot water, but imagine if your opinion of a product, your honest review of a movie or a general rant on social could lead to private companies penalising you directly in some way or another - from degraded service to lawsuits. That sounds like true tyranny.

The current laws in South Africa protect individuals from being sued for libel or defamation where an personal opinion is expressed. That was the ruling the infamous “Worst 4X4XFar” case involving Isuzu/General Motors, as well as the now infamous Cell C banner case.

However, if not being able to express an opinion anonymously becomes the norm, the internet as we know it may cease to exist. g

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DIGITAL Transformation Diving into the Digital World

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The War on Real Terror

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By Iwan Pienaar

commonly asked questions of users.

Subsequently, these have grown into more customised ‘agents’ that can now help you plan your next holiday (it’s never too soon), answer basic medical questions (self-diagnosis beware), and even provide financial guidance (beating human investors most of the time).

AI is expected to be one of the most exciting areas of innovation this year with the technology hitting the mainstream in a big way. Sure, some of us might still prefer to speak to a real person, but when the chats are happening over text we might not even be able to work out whether it is a robot or a human we’re speaking to.

Part of the excitement of this new way of doing things is that companies must find fresher and more innovative ways to package products and services to us. It’s going to be less about the physical world and more about getting new experiences.

So instead of hardware and software, we will get more enhanced digital experiences built on AI, virtual reality, and other elements. Even in South Africa where these technologies are still in their relative infancy, we can expect 2017 to bring with it a wealth of new and funky experiences guaranteed to change the way we view the world, real world or digital.

As mentioned in our earlier columns, the Internet of Things (IoT) will amplify these experiences.

Being connected around the clock is nothing new. The benefits of having access and sharing information all the time are plentiful despite how cynics feel about it.

The connected devices of the IoT landscape will further enable companies to shape and tailor solutions for our specific requirements. Just think about how this personalised data can be taken to the next level to give you clothes that always fit, medicine that always heals according to your specific biological make-up, and diets tailored to your unique metabolism to name just a few.

We as consumers have become incredibly demanding because of these moves happening already. gamecca91

Brand loyalty has become a thing of the past as we focus on those companies that are best able to serve our immediate needs. And thanks to the internet and the digital world, this means that there are what feels like hundreds if not thousands of competitive offerings to choose from. Again, this points to having unique experiences. If a brand does not provide us with this or gives us it in a way that screams brilliant customer service, we can just move on to the next.

Fundamentally, a digital world also means less privacy. It is a sacrifice many people feel should be embraced to benefit from more customised, unique, and better products and services. Already, it is increasingly difficult to not have Google and Facebook use your data in ways to personalise content. Knowing what you search for, accessing your email for certain keywords, knowing who your friends and family are might seem sinister at best. Yet, despite the privacy concerns around this, people tend to quickly forget them when they receive completely customised content responding to their likes and wants.

Does this make us all more trusting or less so? Does this open the door for more advanced hackers to access our information and target specific people they don’t like? Do our lives revolve too much about what happens in the digital world and too little on the ‘real’ one?

Maybe.

The trick with the digital lifestyle, as with anything around technology, is to maintain a balance between the old and the new and still having common sense prevail. If you are fine sharing and disclosing personal information to benefit from more customised products and services, just bear in mind that not all companies have your best interests at heart.

Here is to a happy and safe 2017.

We’re happy to be your guide in this digital world and will continue to provide you with the best tips, tricks, and advice on embracing this new lifestyle. g

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Digital Transformation

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igital transformation - two words that are set to change the way we work and live in 2017. Welcome to a new year and a new column. Hopefully, you managed to get some much-needed digital detox during the festive season and are ready to take on the coming months with a fresh perspective.

Don’t worry though, we’re not going to bore you with the way the digitalisation of everything around us is going to change business processes and strategies. Instead, the focus will be on what it means for you – a typical South African internet user and technology fan (you are reading a digital magazine after all).

For one, you’ll start noticing that companies are going to start marketing directly to you as an individual. While there’s still going to be the traditional mass advertising campaigns on radio and TV, 2017 will bring with it a more nuanced approach. Already, the likes of Facebook and Google are giving you more customised ads based on what you click on, search for, share, and like. This will only accelerate in the coming months as the complex algorithms controlling these systems improve. Sure, you might feel that Big Brother is watching but will you really care all that much when you get products and services designed for your exact tastes and budget?

This reflects the real-time nature of our lives. It also impacts the way companies provide us with services and support. It’s no longer good enough to wait hours for a response to a query. Instead, the digital world demands immediate answers to questions and problems.

Furthermore, people don’t care that there is a telephone and fax number for a business. They want to engage with the company using their preferred method of communication whether that is email, social media messages, or even a chat bot.

On the topic of bots, artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved significantly over the past several months. So much so that Skype, Facebook, and others have introduced them as a great way to provide support to some of the most

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Resident Evil: The Final Chapter

Board Games 142 144

Doom Star Wars: Destiny

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Deadlands Reloaded

COMICS 150 152 154 156

Grizzlyshark TP Vol 1 IVX #0 Reggie and Me #1 Runaways – The Complete Collection TP Vol 1

BOOKS 158 160

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The End s Nigh...

The ultra-successful Resident Evil movie franchise draws to a close this month. gamecca

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ho knew that when the first Resident Evil film was released in 2002 that the action-horror hit would spawn the most successful video-game-tomovie franchise of all time?

To date, the five releases that make up the series have earned almost $1 billion worldwide – in addition to a Guinness World Record for that accomplishment.

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Now, the sixth, and reportedly last, Resident Evil movie, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter looks set to propel the franchise past the $1 billion milestone.

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WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE FINALE In the dramatic conclusion of the Resident Evil movie saga, pistol-packing heroine Alice (Milla Jovovich) and her allies are fighting for humanity’s survival. In a world ravaged by the T-Virus, Mankind is just 48 hours from extinction. In a last-chance effort, Alice must return to Raccoon City and the place where it all started: the Hive, a secret research base beneath the headquarters of Umbrella, the corporation that created the T-Virus. A cure exists, but reaching it won’t be easy. There’s an army of undead and monstrous creatures in the way, in addition to old enemies like scientist Dr Isaacs (Iain Glen) and Umbrella head Albert Wesker (Shawn Roberts).

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Paul W.S. Anderson, who has written all six Resident Evil movies, is behind the camera for the fourth time with The Final Chapter. Meanwhile, fans hoping for a mass return of game characters like Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine and Ada Wong may be disappointed. Only Ali Larter’s Claire Redfield is back at Alice’s side. The women are joined this time by a band of survivors played by models-turned-actors Ruby Rose, Eoin Macken, William Levy and Rola.

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SOUTH AFRICAN FLAVOUR & BEHIND-THE-SCENES DRAMA Resident Evil: The Final Chapter has actually taken longer than the other sequels to reach our screens. It was announced all the way back in 2012, around the time Resident Evil: Retribution came out. However, a planned 2015 release had to be delayed when leading lady Jovovich fell pregnant with her second child.

What may be exciting for South African fans is that when filming did finally get underway in mid 2015, it was on location in Cape Town and Hartbeespoort Dam. Locals even got the chance to play zombie extras in key scenes.

The South African shoot wasn’t without drama, however. A motorcycle stunt went horribly wrong, leaving British stuntwoman Olivia Jackson in a coma for two weeks.

Later, she had to have her left arm amputated. Tragedy struck the set a second time when a South African crew member, Ricardo Cornelius, was killed by a Hummer that rolled off its rotating platform.

Despite these accidents, production remained on schedule. Resident Evil: The Final Chapter opens in the United States on 27 January in 3D and 3D IMAX. It hits South African cinemas on 3 February.

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Why out of all the big screen video game adaptations has Resident Evil achieved the most success? Despite a lukewarm response from critics, the Resident Evil movies have consistently been very profitable. In fact, all the films except the first one have opened at #1 at the box office.

It helps that Resident Evil is based on one of the most iconic game franchises of all time. Capcom’s Resident Evil – or Biohazard as it’s known in Japan – has set the standard for survival horror games for two decades. Its popularity is global, and extends to its live-action films.

It’s worth noting that the Resident Evil movies are only loosely based on the games, with main character Alice invented for the screen. However, the films have always respected the games, and included nods to figures, settings and scenes from the source material. This has always excited fans eager for more thrilling tales of man vs. monster.

But perhaps the biggest reason for Resident Evil movie success is how well the films stand alone. You don’t have to be familiar with the games to enjoy 90 mindless minutes of a tough, sexy heroine kicking zombie butt with flair.

Resident Evil has wide appeal, fitting into the Zombie Apocalypse entertainment bracket along with smash hits like The Walking Dead and World War Z. Audiences love this subgenre, and clearly can’t get enough of the gory action that Resident Evil provides.

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A QUICK RECAP The Final Chapter is the sixth Resident Evil movie released in 15 years. Before watching the franchise’s big screen conclusion, here’s a summary of the other five films to get you up to speed with the story.

Resident Evil (2002) Where it all began. Amnesiac Alice (Milla Jovovich) dons a red dress and joins a band of mercenaries to infiltrate the Hive, a secret subterranean research facility belonging to the Umbrella Corporation.

There, the deadly T-virus has created hordes of zombies and mutated creatures. Michelle Rodriguez is another recognisable face in the cast.

Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004) The action shifts from the Hive to the streets of Racoon City. The city is in quarantine as the Umbrella Corporation prepares to nuke it and all evidence of the escaped T-Virus. Alice joins forces with cop Jill Valentine (Sienna Guillory), a protagonist from the Resident Evil games, and must battle the monstrous Nemesis.

Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)

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The Mad Max one. Set five years after the events of the first film, the T-virus has destroyed civilisation.

Alice wanders the desert wasteland with her new telekinetic powers. She befriends game heroine Claire Redfield (Ali Larter), who leads a convoy of survivors, and battles Dr Isaacs (Iain Glen), an Umbrella scientist who transforms into a Tyrant.

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Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010) The first Resident Evil movie in 3D. Now without her special abilities, Alice flies about in her plane, and a lot of the action is set in a zombie-besieged prison.

Claire Redfield is back, joined by her fan-favourite brother from the games, Chris Redfield (Wentworth Miller). The Big Bad this time is Umbrella’s sleek, super-powered chairman Albert Wesker (Shawn Roberts).

Resident Evil: Retribution (2012) Retribution follows on directly from Afterlife’s cliffhanger ending. Many familiar faces from past films return as clones. Meanwhile, Alice battles her way through simulated environments in a high-tech facility controlled by rogue AI, the Red Queen. Fans of the Capcom games also finally get to see characters Ada Wong (Li Bingbing), Leon S. Kennedy (Johann Urb) and Barry Burton (Kevin Durand) on the screen.

Still can’t get enough Resident Evil?

In addition to the live-action movies, there are also two CGI-animated films from Japan that more closely reference the games and their characters.

2008’s Resident Evil: Degeneration is set between Resident Evil 4 and 5, while 2012’s Resident Evil: Damnation follows the fifth game. A third featurelength film is reportedly set for release later this year.

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CATAN

Building a mini empire

DOOM LIFESTYLE

Unleash Hell on your table top

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of card play in DOOM, with all players

their inspiration from a whole

having access to their own cards, but

bunch of sources, but there

once you wrap your head around how they

are only a few that take their cues from video games. One such board game is

Like many strategy games, DOOM

DOOM, based on the popular first-person

comes with variable maps and missions,

shooter of the same name, which saw a

each with various modifiers and

well-received reboot last year. And as you

conditions (once again described by

might expect, the DOOM board game

specific cards). Players can also create

is all about blasting your way through

their own scenarios fairly easily, because

hordes of demonic invaders in a Martian

the overall balance of DOOM is extremely

facility.

robust.

What is particularly great about the

Perhaps the most impressive thing here

DOOM board game is that it makes use

is the level of production quality. While

of an asymmetrical system. This kind of

all the components are high quality, the

gaming has proven to be very popular in

detailed playing pieces are particularly

titles like Nuns on the Run and Letters

impressive. Four distinctly different

From Whitechapel – it sees a group

marines rub shoulders with a wide variety

of players working together to defeat

of demons taken from the video game,

another group, generally made up of only

including Imps, Cacodemons, Hell Knights

one player.

and a massive Cyber Demon.

Being a strategy game means that

players take the part of marines, while

DOOM has a number of complex rules,

another player controls the demons. In

but it is actually less complicated to play

other words, this game is intended for two

than a number of other strategy games

to five players, and it scales beautifully

out there. Unlike the video game, which

when using different numbers of marines,

is crazy and chaotic, DOOM works well

thanks to a simple but effective card-

when approached tactically – even though

based rule adjustment system.

it has a fair share of elements that add

intimidating. It has what appears to be a

chaos to the mix.

Strategy fans will likely have a ball with this game, and its carefully balanced

form of a wide variety of cards. But all

dynamics make it a fun game for any

that these do, really, is make setting up

number of players (within the game’s

take a little longer; the various types of

capabilities, of course). And setting it

cards have clear functions, and they make

up looks so damned impressive – you’ll

playing the game a much simpler affair

find yourself making sound effects while

(because many of them are character or

you play! DOOM is a must-play game for

rule reference cards). There is quite a lot

strategy enthusiasts. g

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Asymmetric Strategy 2-5 Players 2-3 Hours Fantasy Flight Games SolarPop www.fantasyflightgames.com gamecca91

Summary

lot of “moving parts”, particularly in the

Ages

A high quality strategy game for those that want to lay waste to demon hordes in a table top version of the famous video game.

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by Walt Pretorius

In the case of DOOM, one to four

Out of the box, DOOM looks pretty

AT A GLANCE

fit together, it isn’t too difficult at all.

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Star Wars: Destiny LIFESTYLE

What if Darth Vader fought Rey in Mos Eisley

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Summary

AT A GLANCE

#of Players:

Dice, Card

Ages

An interesting “what if” game set in the Star Wars universe, Destiny has some great ideas and approached to dice and card gaming.

10+ 88 Score

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by Alex Scanlon

Genre:

thanks to the combination of dice and cards, it brings a chaotic random element to the game which requires players to modify tactics on the fly.

Destiny is not a particularly complicated game to play, although it does have some ideas and nuances that need getting used to. The cards and dice work together to open up move options for the players (which are more or less randomly determined, thanks to dice rolls), and players need to eliminate their opponent’s characters and take control of battlefields. With decks limited to 30 cards, the game can be a quick and intense experience… losing all your characters or running out of cards spells doom.

Character cards can also be modified with equipment, while other events depicted on some cards are not dice based. Structuring a deck is key, but the task is made simpler by a handy guide in the rules leaflet.

The look of Destiny is really rather unique. All the cards feature recognizable art work, rather than photographs, and the dice are larger than the standard size found in dice collecting games. Additionally, the dice faces have full colour illustrations on them, rather than symbols or indented pips.

The great thing here is that the game does actually allow for a strategic approach, as long as players modify tactics according to their luck. This isn’t “just another dice game”, and Star Wars fans should get a kick out of combining different characters and settings in this well-designed game. g

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tar Wars has, for several decades, been a very valuable property. There have been a ton of things produced drawing their inspiration from George Lucas’ epic universe, and the release of movies like The Force Awakens and Rogue One are bringing more and more fans into the already enthusiastic a full Star Wars fold. And considering that we have been promised a new Star Wars movie every year for the foreseeable future, this is a franchise that is not going anywhere.

There have been numerous table top games created from the Star Wars universe, and the latest is Star Wars: Destiny, a collectible card and dice game from fantasy Flight Games.

At first glance, Star Wars: Destiny is very focused on The Force Awakens; the starter packs are based on either Rey or Kylo Ren, and each contain nine dice and 24 cards, as well as the special tokens you need to play the game. However, once you start getting booster packs (each containing five cards and one die) you notice that this game spans the Star Wars universe.

Characters like Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Qui-Gon Jinn and General Veers rub shoulders in this game, doing battle in settings like the Emperor’s Throne Room, Mos Eisley Space Port and the Separatist Base. Destiny is not just about the new Star Wars, but all of it, which is a great boon for fans and collectors alike. At present, there are 174 cards and 67 dice that make up the full collection.

Destiny allows for some intriguing “what if” battles to be fought, and

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Deadlands

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Genre: System: Manufacturer: Distributor: Online:

Western / Horror Savage Worlds Pinnacle Entertainment DriveThru RPG www.drivethrurpg.com

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Summary

AT A GLANCE

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Welcome bac

An effortless meshing of favourite genres lies at the core of Deadlands Reloaded, with the added power of the Savage Worlds system driving it

Score

95

COOL STUFF: RPG

by Walt Pretorius

s Reloaded

ck, partner…

More than a few years ago, an RPG came out that meshed together a whole bunch of concepts to create an alternate vision of the historic Wild West. It was called Deadlands, and it was nothing short of awesome.

The good news is that Deadlands is alive, and is part of the ever-growing and always excellent Savage Worlds system. At the core of Deadlands are two rule books – the Player’s Guide, and the Marshall’s Handbook (the Marshall is, in case you hadn’t guessed, what Deadlands calls the GM). gamecca

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W

hat makes Deadlands such a unique setting for a role playing adventure

Those familiar with Deadlands will find that very little

is that it is an effortless blend of

has changed in terms of the setting, although this Savage

several genres. The Wild (or, more

Worlds version has a lot more definition regarding the

accurately, Weird) West may be the overall flavour,

state of the world, a world in which the American Civil

but healthy doses of steam-punk, gothic horror and

War never ended. There are also additional rules for

fantasy help make Deadlands a fun, often chaotic and

characters, and some new options, including Martial

sometimes crazy gaming experience. This is a world in

Artists. But the overall flavour is unchanged, giving a truly

which gunslingers rub shoulders with wizards disguised

great setting a brand new lease on life.

as card sharks (and calling themselves Hucksters), LIFESTYLE

returned from the grave.

Just like the Rifts expansion for Savage World,

where mad scientists build powerful machines

Deadlands is more complete that the Companion books,

powered by magical Ghost Rock, where priests battle

but is still fully integrated into the system, meaning that

the undead‌ and even have some friends that have

the already unique setting can be modified with other

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COOL STUFF: RPG

expansions for this great rule system.

enemies, of course… but never fear, Deadlands is

You might not want to do that, though – at least not

crawling with all kinds of critters to take aim at. From

initially. Deadlands is the kind of game that really lets

traditional gothic terrors through to creatures with a

you sink your teeth into it, and it is ripe for all the bad

strong Lovecraftian flavour, there are plenty of nastiest

puns and over-used tropes from every Spaghetti Western

roaming the Badlands of the Weird West, and all of

ever made. Those are part of the joy – and hilarity – that

them are looking to make the player characters dead.

Deadlands can deliver. It’s effortless use of popular

In Deadlands, though, death is sometimes only the

genres means that everyone is going to find the kind of

beginning, a doorway to even more power…

character they want to play, from undead gunslingers

By adding Deadlands to the Savage World system,

through to demon-possessed shamans, and pretty much

while still retaining rules systems (like the use of poker

everything in between.

cards for spellcasting) that made the original such fun, it’s

All those steam powered gizmos and magically

creators have given it a new lease on life, and made an

enhanced gadgets don’t mean a thing if you don’t have

already great game even better. Well done indeed. g

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Title:

Grizzlyshark TP Vol 1

Writer:

Ryan Ottley

Artist:

Ryan Ottley

Publisher: Rated:

COOL STUFF: Comics

GET GRAPHIC Image Mature

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by Clive Burmeister

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I really love comics where there is a single person responsible, writer and artist and creator in one. And it’s because every time, no matter how different the books, the passion of the creator just shines through. You can see it’s his baby, and it’s a personal vision, a dream put onto paper. That being said, I’m worried about Ryan Ottley’s dreams, and general state of mind. This book is insane, as the title kind of gives away. But it’s also such a lot of fun. If you like the occasional off-thewall, crazy horror/ comedy/ satire, then this might just be for you. It’s funny, it’s bloody, it’s a little sick, it’s actually pretty awesome.

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Title: Writer: Artist:

COOL STUFF: Comics

GET GRAPHIC IVX # 0 Charles Soule Kenneth Rocafort

Publisher:

Marvel

Rated:

Teen +

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by Clive Burmeister

The Inhumans rely on the Terrigen Mists to release the Inhuman powers in regular people. While only a few people manifest powers and become Inhumans, to the nonaffected people the mists are harmless.

However, to mutants, exposures to the Terrigen mists are poisonous, and can result in death. The Mutant race, already decimated and on the verge of extinction, wants to destroy the mists and thus eliminate that threat.

But to the Inhumans, the mists are sacred, and the only way to make new Inhumans, and they will not let the Terrigen be harmed. While X-Man Dr. Henry McCoy (aka The Beast) works with Inhuman scientists to find a way to stop the cloud being poisonous to Mutants, Emma Frost plots war against the Inhumans.

Animosities between the sides is at a boiling point, and conflict seems inevitable.

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Title:

Reggie and Me #1

Writer:

Tom DeFalco

Artist:

Sandy Jarrell

Publisher: Rated:

COOL STUFF: Comics

GET GRAPHIC Archie Comics Teen

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by Clive Burmeister

Reggie Mantle is often seen as the villain of Riverdale, the mostly peaceful town where the Archie stories take place. But is Reggie really such a bad guy? He may have a bad side, and he really enjoys pulling pranks, but beside that he’s really popular, all the girls love him and all the guys respect him (at least according to Reggie and his trusty dog Vader). Reggie and Me is a new series in the Archie reboot, but with two major differences that make it stand out. Firstly, it’s a book about the bad guy, and while it’s not really disputing he is the bad guy, it’s refreshing to see stories from his side. And secondly, the comic is told from the perspective of Vader, Reggie’s best friend, who just happens to be a dog.

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Title: Writer: Artist:

COOL STUFF: Comics

GET GRAPHIC Runaways – The Complete Collection TP Vol 1 Brian K. Vaughan

Adrian Alphona / Takeshi Miyazawa

Publisher:

Marvel

Rated:

Teen +

gamecca91

by Clive Burmeister

Brian K. Vaughan is one of those writers that don’t really seem to ever disappoint. With hits like “Saga” and “Y the Last Man” to his name, he has quite a following. But a lot of people didn’t really notice that he did some earlier work for the mainstream publishers. Back in 2003 Vaughan started a series for Marvel aimed at teenagers, capturing all the angst and drama associated with popular teenage media, and incorporating it into the Marvel universe, with exciting new heroes and villains, and a brilliant story that just seemed to get bigger and more captivating as it went on. Now available in the reprinted Complete Collections, this is one of those books that will make a person love comics.

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Standard Hollywood Depravity Robot Noir...

Title:

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Author: Publisher: Genre:

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Red Right Hand Adam Christopher Tor Books Mystery

COOL STUFF: Books

R

aymond Electromatic set his optics upon the dame as she scurried under the cover of darkness. His air filter picked up the distinct scent of gunpowder, and further investigation revealed a bleeding body in a corner.

The dame was Honey. The girl his

boss had sent him to find. The girl he was supposed to kill. As he enters the bar filled with hulking, shadowed, hired guns, Raymond realizes there’s more to his mission than he knows. As the last robot on Earth turned into a hitman, and his programming working against his objectives, Raymond questions his mission; is Honey still the target, or is there bigger fish to fry.

This short novella swings us into an alternate past where robots once thrived and have now been destroyed, save for one. Written to portray the era of the mafia, Go-Go dancers, and British bands on American soil, a deeper mystery comes to the fore on a single night.

Not your classic whodunit, Standard Hollywood Depravity twists the age-old questions regarding humanity of robots, and the underlying fear of a mechanical era, in a gritty, intriguing mystery. g

by Nthato Morakabi

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Idle Ingredients Catering Evil...

Title:

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Author: Publisher: Genre:

160

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Idle Ingredients Matt Wallace Tor Books Horror

COOL STUFF: Books

I

t’s been a month since the tragic event left the kitchen staff of Sin Du Jour fearful. Renovations are still going when a charismatic candidate is invited for a major event. Catering should have been smooth sailing, however a liaison with an undeniable

hold over the men steps in and begins to divide the cooks. Hell nips at the heels of the chefs from Sin Su Jour and their head chef will do whatever it takes to save them.

With the past holding them hostage and the future uncertain, it seems yet another risk filled day in the lives of the demonic caterers.

A unique tale focused on caterers who cook for the paranormal and demonic hordes of both hell and Earth. The battle against the forces of evil continue in this fourth instalment about the staff of the Sin Du Jour. Written with fantastic humour, wit, action, and drama, Idle Ingredients is the perfect recipe for a short enjoyable tale with a unique cast and even more unique storyline. g

by Nthato Morakabi

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r

Ramjet’s rantality

eally, technology world? Really?

Every year, just as the new year starts rolling, CES takes place, and we all get a glimpse at what we won’t be able to afford for the next 365 days. And every year, there is something new to marvel at, and something new to go “wow, that’s insanely cool” about.

But it is also a time for us to take a look and say “well, that latest upgrade I spent a fortune on now kind of sucks because there is something better on the way”. Because there will invariably be something that comes along at the celebrated show that will make you regret spending your money “too soon”.

Like 8K TV, which was announced this year.

Seriously? We’ve only just wrapped our minds around 4K, guys. We finally have consoles and PC components that can deliver 4K… and now you spring 8K on us? OK, this is a bit of an aside, but when exactly will this resolution thing stop? I look at the images on a 4K

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TV, and they are seriously crisper than the world I see around me. I think I see in HD, and I have to be honest, it’s good enough. So an HD TV is good enough for me, too. Moving into Ultra HD, like 4k, means that the world I watch on TV is more real than the real world I see around me. Sort of. It’s mind boggling in every aspect.

Back to the point (as much as I have one). I love the march of technology, although these days is has started feeling more like a hobnail-booted invading army. And I am starting to believe that the unstoppable juggernaut of technological advancement is bad for us. I mean, come on, it’s stressful.

Let’s say, for example, it’s time for your mobile phone contract upgrade – for those of you that have a contract.

You get to go into the store and select a handset. Aside from the fact that there are already so many to choose from, who’s not to say that some manufacturer will release an even better handset the second after you sign on the dotted line? It in

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BY rAMJET

Seeing in HD...

anxiety inducing, I tell you.

All those people that bought 4K TVs on Black Friday are probably kicking themselves right about now (because most people who currently own 4K TVs are the kind of folks that are only happy with the most current technology). 8K may take a while to materialize on store shelves, but it will probably get here before the life span of those hard-won Black Friday 4K TVs is over. The agony! The angst!

The truth of it is, though, that the rest of us will probably amble along as we need to, upgrading as and when we can, according to what our budget allows. I have found this to be a much less stressful approach to having stuff around me.

I have long made peace with the fact that if I buy something today, it will be obsolete tomorrow. Chasing the latest technology is simply pointless, because you will never be able to get ahead of it, no matter how you try. Try accepting that… you will find peace in the HD world. g