Gamecca Magazine August 2017 by Gamecca Magazine

ISSUE 98 / Vol.9 August 2017

www.gameccamag.com

Aven Colony Micro Machines World Series That’s You! and more...

Glass Tower

Thermaltake’s View 31 PC Case

Micto Machines World Series

New World Aven Colony

Under Pressure

Roccat’s Isku + Force FX Keyboard

Small Stuf f

Selfie Time

That’s You!

Go Nuts! Crash Bandicoot: N.Sane Trilogy

Mayhem!

Getting crazy with Agents of Mayhem

Free Online Mag

H W

Read Online for Free! Read all new and back original and unaltered issues free at:

Bronze Award SCORE 80-84

Read on www/gameccamag.com Read on Issuu (Also available on your App Store) Read on Facebook

Silver Award SCORE 85-89

Gold Award SCORE 90-94

Platinum Award SCORE 95-100

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All Game Reviews in Gamecca Magazine are based on code provided by Publishers / Official Distributers. Nova Mentis (Pty) Ltd / Gamecca Magazine do not hold any responsibility for any malicious exploitation that any reader should experience due to unauthorised distribution. Nova Mentis (Pty) Ltd / Gamecca Magazine will not be held accountable for any injurious detriment or pernicious damage to personal equipment or software due to use of unauthorised downloaded files. Action will be taken against any person or persons engaging in unauthorised distribution of Gamecca Magazine.

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Ed’s Choice Awar

From the Editor

NatureVsNurture

he nature of being a gamer

by Walt Pretorius

It’s a strange kind of elitism, really,

is something that is very

because it is so specific. And it runs

interesting to me. I am not

in all directions. And it has been

talking about the willingness

around for as long as I have been

– or desire – to get lost in

writing about games, which is close

virtual worlds. I don’t think

on two decades now. Maybe one day

that is what defines a gamer.

all video gamers will stand united,

Rather, I am referring to broader

and will be joined by board gamers,

concepts, things that define gamers

card gamers and table top gamers.

in wider terms. Like, for example, the

Maybe… but I doubt it. And that

passion that gamers have for their

really, truly is sad.

chosen hobby. While not everyone

But enough philosophy from me…

who plays games is passionate,

let’s take a look at the issue. It’s a

anyone who is willing to use the

little slow on the gaming front, but

identifier “gamer” most certainly is.

our cover game, Agents of Mayhem,

So, I wonder; are passionate people

should spice things up a bit later this

attracted to gaming, or does gaming

month. As a spin-off of Saint’s Row, it

foster passion in people?

promises to be all kinds of crazy.

What is unquestionable is that it is

Other than that, things are a little

there, and it is fervent. So fervent,

quiet for a while yet. There are some

in fact, that the passion they have

pretty big games on the way, but

for gaming causes divisions within

we have roughly two months to get

the very culture of which they are

through before the flood gates open

part, deep rivalries that defy my

and our wallets wail as the end of

understanding.

year flood hits shelves. Until then,

For example, the way that people

there are a few great games to get

who love one particular game in a

through, too, and a bit of time to

genre have a disdain for those that

finish up all those that we haven’t

like a different game in the same

got through just yet. 2017 is looking

genre… Battlefield and COD fans,

great for gaming.

for example. And let’s not even start

Alright, that really is enough from

on console vs console, or, worst of all,

me. We’re two issues away from

PC vs console bunfights. The other

triple digits, and we’re not going to

day I noticed a comment online that

get to the Big 100 with me talking

said that people who play games on

and you not reading. So, on with the

cell phones aren’t gamers at all.

show… enjoy! g mgeect 2 c7a 9 8 ggl a ad

THIS MONTH’S COVER

Get ready for crazy action in Agents of Mayhem...

Publishing Editor Walt Pretorius

Feature: Making Mayhem An insane Saint’s Row spin-off incoming...

Previews: Games 13 games to look forward to

walt@novamentis.co.za

Art Director Katia Taliadoros katia@novamentis.co.za

Writers: Alex Scanlon Clive Burmeister Iwan Pienaar Noelle Adams Nthato Morakabi Rob Edwards Sibonisile Motha Suvesh Arumugam Walt Pretorius

Reviews: Games 5 games thoroughly investigated

Regular: IndieView the power of passion

Letters: letters@gameccamag.com

Competition Entries: competitions@gameccamag.com

Newsletter Subscriptions: www.gameccamag.com

Marketing Contact:

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: wired up! Face it... wires are better...

reviews: Hardware 7 bits of great tech

Regular: Internet the copyright war continues

COOL STUFF: Movies No ordinary blonde...

106

COOL STUFF: Comics illustrated literature

114

COOL STUFF: Books Brain food, anyone?

Gamecca Vol. 9 Issue 98 August 2017

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s e d’ c E oi h C

“Veterans of the Bandicoot’s fast-paced and often frustrating platforming adventures will love the fact that their favourite marsupial has a fresh coat of paint.”

Crash Bandicoot: N.Sane Trilogy

16 20 24 26 27 28 30 34 36 38 39 40 42

Features Making Mayhem

Reviews Project CARS 2 Dishonoured: Death of The Outsider FIFA 18 Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire Mega Man Legacy Collection 2 Life is Strange: Before the Storm Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite Dead Alliance PES 2018 Cat Quest Redout Hellblade: Sensua’s Sacrifice Total War: Warhammer II

Reviews 46 50 54 58 60

Aven Colony Micro Machines World Series Crash Bandicoot: N.Sane Trilogy That’s You! Don’t Die, Mr Robot!

RegularS 62

IndieView

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U AT

GAMING

Making M Following in the fo 10

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Agents of Mayhem

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By Walt Pretorius

Ma yhem ootsteps of crazyâ&#x20AC;¦

U AT

GAMING

olition have made a good number of games over the years, but one of the franchises they developed that made a lot of impact – for better or worse – was Saint’s Row. This game, which started out as something of a Grand Theft Auto clone, allowed the player a massive amount of customisation as they took to the increasingly crazy and over-thetop open world settings presented in the titles. It became, by the time that the fourth instalment of the franchise came along, so chaotic and over-stated that the question of where the franchise would go to next became extremely difficult to answer. Saint’s Row had burned through its dose of crazy antics. It had become so extreme that there was, pretty much, nowhere left to go for the franchise. And even then, Saint’s Row IV

was followed up by a standalone expansion, Gat Out of Hell. This is significant, because the ending of this expansion gave Volition a new direction in which to take the franchise. Based on Gat Out of Hell’s “recreating Earth” ending, Agents of Mayhem is a spin-off of the Saint’s Row saga. So where exactly are Volition taking us now? Agents of Mayhem is a super-powered third person action game, set in an open world and aimed at a single player experience. Let’s take a deeper look… Set in a futuristic version of Seoul, Agents of Mayhem puts the player in control of 12 anti-hero operatives working for MAYHEM (the Multinational Agency for Hunting Evil Masterminds). MAYHEM Headquarters are

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Agents of Mayhem

The ARK, where the player can upgrade and customise the 12 heroes that will be at their disposal. And, of course there are the “heroes” of the story: Hollywood, a reality star turned elite soldier; Fortunate, a roguish female pirate; Hardtack, a burly and brawny sailor; Kingpin, a former gang leader; Oni, an exYakuza operative; Yeti, the subject of a secret Russian experiment; Scheherazade, a mysterious assassin; Braddock, an unfairly dismissed soldier; Daisy, a cybernetically enhanced hottie; Joule, a fashionable engineer; Rama, a doctor-turned hunter; and Red Card, a wild and unpredictable ex-sports star. A 13th operative, Johnny Gat (very familiar to fans of the Saint’s Row franchise) will be available to pre-order clients. Incidentally, MAYHEM is led by Persephone Brimstone

(a character from Gat Out of Hell) and is funded by the Ultor Corporation. On the other side of the fight is LEGION (the League of Evil Gentlemen Intent on Obliterating Nations). Lead be the nefarious Dr Babylon, LEGION has taken over the world, and only the misanthropic brood that makes up MAYHEM can stop them. Originally slated for release almost a year ago, Agents of Mayhem has benefitted from quite a bit of additional work, thanks to a few delays. However, the game will be out this month, and it should serve Saint’s Row fans up a dose of familiar and unfamiliar concepts. Unlike the Saint’s Row games, which revelled in character creation and customisation, Agents of Mayhem will present the player with only the characters

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U AT

GAMING

W listed above. There is, of course, a strong possibility that more characters will be made available as DLC, but the point is that the player won’t be creating their own character. That’s not a massive problem – many games have prescribed characters – but it is quite different from what we expect from a Volition sandbox game. Still, there will be a level of customisation available, so players who like to develop and tweak their characters should find solace in that. Another difference is that the player’s character will be part of a three-member team. These teams can be put together by the player, and they will also be able to switch between characters on the fly, which will add a great sense of variety to the game dynamic. The game play itself doesn’t look to be too far

removed from what we got used to in the Saint’s Row games, but this time around it looks like it will feel less nonsensical overall. Thanks to the fact that all the characters in the game are basically super-powered to some degree or another, the game world will make a lot more sense, where the world of the Saint’s Row games became more and more crazy – even silly – as the franchise wore on. One thing that will make a questionably welcome return is the humour. Saint’s Row was full of off-colour humour, and Agents of Mayhem looks no different. If it follows the same pattern, most of the jokes will be laughed at because they are funny, and some will be laughed at because it’s preferable to cringing. And, as to be expected, there will be tons of action,

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Agents of Mayhem

with huge explosions, hordes of enemies and non-stop, often nail biting fighting to keep your blood pumping. Whether the action will feel as devoid of consequences as it did in the later Saint’s Row games remains to be seen – the characters have a boss this time around, so perhaps going absolutely crazy will mean at least a slap on the wrist in Agents of Mayhem. Then again, given the name, maybe not. One of the tag lines for the game is “They needed heroes… they got the Agents of Mayhem”. That, on its own, should speak volumes at the flavour and nature of the game. From the videos, trailers, game play snippets and other bits and pieces that can be found online, it seems that Volition have gone all-out with Agents of Mayhem. The game looks really great and will hopefully be supported

by a strong control set, allowing the player to rely maximise on the mayhem that the title promises. Saint’s Row was the kind of game that you either loved or hated. Even though it broke away from its clone status (by going absolutely nuts), this is a stigma that followed the franchise with every release… hopefully, this semireboot-spin-off will break away from that idea entirely, while not forgetting its roots. But it is quite possible that Agents of Mayhem will have that same “love it or hate it” nature that marked its source material. Whatever the case may be, the game appears to be a lot of fun, judging by the footage we have seen, and will deliver more than a few laughs, as well as tons of action. We will know for sure later this month, when Agents of Mayhem hits shelves. g

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Project CARS 2

GAMING

Built by everyoneâ&#x20AC;¦

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Project CARS 2

by Nthato Morakabi

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Development which is owned by developer Slightly Mad Studios. WMD is a new platform for game creation where developers can submit ideas to an active gaming community, and raise the funds needed to develop them. This was how Project CARS 2 was brought into development and lead to the creation of this game development crowdfunding platform. The development of the game will bring 180 beautifully crafted and faithfully recreated vehicles from 35 elite level brands. Each carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s architecture was approved by its maker, the handling tested and approved by real-world drivers. Each vehicle has been carefully selected to represent an era of racing to capture the essence of motorsport in its glory. The cars are to be divided by the five disciplines of

GAMING

imulated driving is nothing new to gamers. Gran Turismo lead the scene for a while before Forza Motorsport drifted in to vie for first place. Even Need for Speed (one of the original sims) at one point tried to nudge its way into this racing subset (hint hint same developers). Project CARS, however, seems to be closing the gap between itself and the two motorsport giants and mostly thanks to fans who know Slightly Madâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work. Project Cars 2 continues to herald the legacy with improved authenticity, beauty, and stronger technically advanced racing that Slight Mad Studios dub the ultimate driver journey. In June 2015, a month after the first Project CARS title rolled out, donations were opened by World of Mass

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Project CARS 2

motorsport and 29 motorsport series in-game. These include in-game Open-Wheel Formula cars from the 1963 Lotus Type 25 CLIMAX to the 2018 Formula X, Indycars of both speedway and road course, to WRX, GTs and Open Road vehicles. A truly comprehensive list of vehicles. Supplementing the extensive list of cars is the number of tracks that developers say is “the largest track roster on consoles.” 130 unique layouts from around the world have been built from 60 faithfully created venues, twenty of which have been scanned and added to the list. The tracks were chosen to reflect nine of the motorsport disciplines and of course the 29 in-game series. Lastly, and only because there’s so much to mention, Project Cars 2 improves its dynamic weather conditions.

LiveTrack 3.0 brings a never-before-seen level of integration between the racing surface, weather conditions, and vehicle physics. Things like wind, ambient & track temperature, barometric pressure, height above sea level, and time of day will all come in to play. These will have a direct influence on brakes, tire behaviour, engine performance, aerodynamics, and radiator cooling. Fluid dynamics such as rainfall will now saturate track surfaces, meaning there will be puddles on some race tracks. All dependent on the type of surface and rate of absorption. All in all, Project Cars 2 has an inspiring origin that spans over twenty decades of amateur mods, aspiring professional game developers, and Tommy Milner,Watch “Built by Drivers” to augment your Project Cars 2 experience . g

AT A GLANCE Racing

It’s not just racing, it’s a truly awe-spiring dive into motorsports with all its authenticity.. Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

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Slightly Mad Studios Bandai Namco Megarom

Sep 2017

Platforms

GENRE

ETA

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

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Dishonoured: Death of The Ou GAMING

You can’t escape what’s inside of yo

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Dishonoured: Death of The Outsider

by Sibonisile Motha

utsider

ouâ&#x20AC;Ś

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Outsider, she will see herself taking a more leading role, despite working side-to-side with her mentor. With what starts of as an ambitious and daring bank heist, leads to the ultimate face-off. The title itself denotes a seemingly Mission Impossible scenario – the death of a supernatural-like entity (the Outsider) who was once an ordinary man that became the unfortunate victim of a ritualistic sacrifice that would result in him being reborn (well, kinda sorta) with godlike powers. My favourite aspect of this upcoming title is Billie’s unintentional but inevitable ties to the Outsider himself, and how these elements are literally embedded into her. Firstly, her most noticeable weapon is her knife. It just so happens to be the knife that was used to

GAMING

hen E3 took place this year, there were some relatively exciting upcoming games announcements. One of those was Dishonored: Death of The Outsider. Bethesda Softworks announced this game as a standalone title in the Dishonored franchise. This is obviously good news for those who haven’t gotten around to playing any of the Dishonored games so far created. They accomplished that by having a character that was more of a support in the previous games, as the protagonist - Billie Lurk. For those not entirely aware of Billie’s role in the franchise, she was protégé and second-in-command to legendary assassin Daud. But in Death of the

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Dishonoured: Death of The Outsider

sacrifice the Outsider about some four thousand years ago. Secondly, is her most distinct visual feature, her eye piece, so to speak. This is no ordinary pirate patch ladies and gentlemen, it actually contains a sliver of the void (that ominous place where it seems the Outsider and other godlike entities before him would reside), but not just any sliver of the void, but a sliver of the god before the Outside. This artefact gives her a unique ability called foresight. And not forgetting her arm that is constructed with fragments of the void itself. Her existential link to the Outsider could have us seeing some great moments and interactions, and possibly the most legendary assassination in the franchise. Combat in this game will see the use of Billieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

pretty awesome abilities such as a teleporting skill that enables her to teleport to a point where she has been. There is also a void attack that emits a rather strong blast to an enemy. In conjunction to the sword she has, her skillset as an assassin come in handy even in close combat. Arkane Studios has done a great job in delivering good story games. With stunning visuals to aid the journey that will be darker than not into the worlds of Karnaca, the foes will bring you face-to-face with fierce, deadly and even grim combat. Getting new fans while making existing ones happy in the Dishonored world may prove to be a nice challenge for Arkane Studios. Pulling this one off may make this a standout standalone game. g

AT A GLANCE Action, first-person stealth

With a perfect protagonist in Billie Lurk, this story may just be the right match for the Outsider and soon-to-be new fans. Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

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Arkane Studios Bethesda Softworks Ster Kinekor

Sep 2017

Platforms

GENRE

ETA

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

E M W A VIE G E R P

FIFA 18 GAMING

Fuelled by the Best

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FIFA 18

AT A GLANCE Sports

Greater detail and gameplay improvements carry the FIFA legacy onwards to brighter futures. Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

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EA Sports Electronic Arts Prima Interactive

ETA

Sep 2017

Platforms

GENRE

by Nthato Morakabi

ach year, EA Sports churns out a new rendition of a FIFA title. Each year something special is included to create a an immersive, realistic football simulator. And each year they do exactly that. Not without any contention though… FIFA 17 introduced the Frostbite engine to the series. Delivering authentic facial expres-sions, detailed environments, and true-to-life action. Most notably the newest game mode “The Journey”, allowed players to step into the life of Alex Hunter as a budding football player in the English Premier League. FIFA 18 brings The Journey: Hunter Re-turns and introduces Christiano Ronaldo to Alex Hunter’s return. And speaking of Ronaldo, motion capture brings the Real Madrid star’s acceleration, skills, run cadence, and shooting techniques to life. The “Real Player Motion Technology” brought into FIFA 18 has new responsiveness and player personalities that feel and move like their real-life counterparts. Upgrades to the FIFA titles will include the following: Team Styles like Barcelona’s Tiki-taka short pass styles to Bayern Munich’s highpress, Recognised tactics of the world’s best clubs come to life in FIFA 18. You will be able to enjoy the time and space to read plays with the New Player Positioning. Attacking and exploiting space has been improved with the improved tactics. Immersive atmospheres will include authentic chants and dynamic crowds that let players interact with fans during celebrations. Authentic sun positioning combine with cinematic atmospheres, signature pitch-side fixtures, on-pitch debris, and club and stadium specific banners, enhanced by Martin Tyler and Alan Smith’s adaptive commentary add to the changes in pitch quality. FIFA 18 improves gameplay and atmospheric aspects of the series, with FUT, Seasons and more carrying on the FIFA legacy. g

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

GAMING

TBA 2018 Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

Obsidian Entertainment Obsidian Entertainment Online

PLATFORMS

Who knew Light is bad?

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

GENRE

AT A GLANCE RPG

An improved developed sequel that give veterans and newbies alike a chance to explore Eros in an epic story.

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by Sibonisile Motha

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire

n 2015 Obsidian Entertainment decided to create and develop their own RPG, Pillars of Eternity. In it you were The Watcher, someone with the amazing ability to read people’s memories and even peek into their souls. It was positively received by the gaming audience. Fastforward to 2017 and the journey continues in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. This time you’re faced with the task of having to confront the god of light (in all fairness you had to, I mean, the guy did kinda obliterate most of your hard work in creating a stronghold). With the god of light’s true intentions shrouded in mystery, your journey to getting answers and probably saving the world of Eora once more will be far from easy. Obsidian Entertainment invested their time in improvements from the first title. From the visuals to allowing players who played the predecessor to import their game save. This is an especially nice feature for day 1 players, as the story in Deadfire takes place where they would have ended. Not to worry for those who haven’t played the first game because you can essentially fillin-the-blanks to craft a scenario where you will pick up from, or you can just give yourself a clean slate. There will be a lot more openworld exploring freedom in this isometric RPG. And who knows what secrets and treats have been hidden throughout the game just waiting for you to find – just make sure you stay alive. There will be four main factions that you can interact with – become an ally, traitor or enemy. If you still don’t trust Obsidian with your entertainment in this game, they reached their funding goal in one day…g

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire

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Mega Man Legacy Collection 2

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Mega Man Legacy Collection 2 The Blue Bomber legacy continues.

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

Capcom Capcom Ster Kinekor

PLATFORMS

GAMING

Aug 2017

remastered HD, keeping its nostalgic 8-bit charisma. Now, August 2017 returns the Blue Bomber in his second Legacy collection. The Mega Man Legacy Collection 2 will faithfully reproduce remastered HD versions of Mega Man 7 to 10 with their timeless 8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit charm. The relentless and nefarious Dr. Wily has expanded his Robot Masters and as Mega Man it will be your duty to defeat them all. This second collection 2 will feature additional content, such as time trials, remix challenges, and online leaderboards. Prepare to enjoy the music

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GENRE

player for a melodic trip down memory lane. An extensive gallery will reveal rare illustrations for perusal. Also included will be additional modes originally released as DLCs for Mega Man 9 and 10. These will contain playable characters and extra stages. Sadly, Keiji Inafune left Capcom before three new Mega Man titles were complete. He opted to create the notreally-but-totally-Mega-Man spiritual successor Mighty No 9. While it did not garner as much success as expected, it was the closest we had to a new Mega Man rendition. And to hope. g

AT A GLANCE Side Scrolling Shooter

Mega Man 7â&#x20AC;&#x201C;10 bursts into the Next-Gen scene in glorious remastered HD.

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by Nthato Morakabi

ega Man a.k.a. Rokkuman. Created in 1987 by Akira Kitamura and carried forward to greatness by Keiji Inafune, Mega Man has become one of the most recognised Capcom characters in the gaming world. He appears on almost every console since the Nintendo Entertainment System, features in a number of Capcom crossover titles, and has a new series n the works. The launch of this Legacy collection comes as no surprise. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to re-introduce the Blue Bomber to audiences (and wallets) new and old. In August 2015, the Mega Man Legacy Collection brought Mega Man 1 to 6 in

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Life is Strange: Before the Storm The butterfly effect continues

you made to change life-altering outcomes. This made for a truly immersive game that got people as involved and invested in the story and characters just as much as the developers were. When Life is Strange was first released over two years ago, it made a lasting impression on players mainly due to the engaging storyline and player ability to control time. This ability to go back in time to rewrite the future was a nice complication to how the game itself unfolded for the characters and the playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall experience. A prequel to the original title, Before the Storm is the first of an episodic trilogy. This time around, however, there will be no time manipulating abilities.

GAMING

am personally a fan more of a good storyline in games, so much so that I tend to even overlook gameplay if the plot was good enough. But the balance between gameplay and story is a rare find (unless of course your name is David Cage). Games that are relatable with real-life and decisions have made titles that incorporate this increasingly popular. Much like reality, every choice we make has an outcome, and often with the misfortune of only realizing the extent of the consequence when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s too late. Life is Strange did a stellar job of creating a world and setting that provided the player with a gift that no one has in real-life â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fixing (or at least trying) the mistakes

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Life is Strange: Before the Storm

showcased a gameplay trailer to tease us as to what we can expect from the upcoming episode. There are clues that show the link between this title and the first release. For example, Rachel, the girl who was missing in Life is Strange, is present as Chloe’s close friend. We will get to see Rachel and maybe the things that led to a lot of what we saw and came to know first. Chloe’s appearance and personality may affect the decisions you choose to take. Knowing how outgoing and rebellious she is, you may feel it’s only right for her to do the wrong things sometimes, or you can choose to look deeper and give her a second chance – if that option is available. g

AT A GLANCE Adventure

The Life is Strange titles have rarely gotten it wrong thus far. Removing the time manipulation ability leaves us with pure story to explore. Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

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Deck Nine Games Square Enix Megarom

Aug 2017

Platforms

GENRE

ETA

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

by Sibonisile Motha

Now this is good and bad news for us indecisive folk. The butterfly effect is going to be pretty major in this regard. There is no going back once you have made a choice, whether things turn out the way you like or not. This element is a great feature to a story driven title like this one. In Before the Storm, you play in the shoes of Miss Chloe Price – the rebellious, stubborn and straighttalker. You will be playing her younger self, her sixteen year old self to be precise. This gives us the frontrow seat to her life and interactions with others and herself prior to the events that took place in Life is Strange. The game’s developers, Deck Nine, at E3

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Marvel vs. Capc GAMING

Rivalries and alliances of infinite p

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Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite

by Nthato Morakabi

com: Infinite

proportions

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machines from separate universes come together to end humanity as it stands. First is Hank Pym’s (Avengers…uh comics) highly intelligent robot Ultron with a thirst for human blood. The second is Dr Cain’s (Mega Man X) first and most destructive Reploid, Sigma with a strong hatred for human life. Third are the Reality and Space infinity stones that both these villains have. The two villains fuse together with the stones to form Ultron-Sigma and consequently merge the Capcom and Marvel universes. Now, an epic clash of heroes, villains creates the most unlikely alliances to defeat this superpowered villain and save the universes. The story will take place on iconic locations that both Capcom and Marvel fans are sure to recognise. In addition to the story mode, the usual Arcade mode will still be available

GAMING

hen anyone following the Marvel Cinematic Universe hears the word Marvel followed by the word Infinite, I’m pretty sure goose bumps break out across their skin. Unless you’re not a fan but… who isn’t? Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite is the beautiful nolegal-issues, do-what-we-want crossover between Marvel Comics and the Capcom universe. Oh and it also involves the Infinity Stones so feel free to geek out a little. Marvel vs. Capcom has been around for almost two decades now although it began as the coin-operated arcade game X-Men vs Streetfighter. This sixth title in the series will feature, for the first time, a cinematic single-player story mode. We have a really clever storyline where two genocidal

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Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite

3 and MvC: Infinite. Firstly, the game has been simplified and labelled as more “elegant”. Infinite also moves away from its predecessors with a 2v2 fighting and no support characters or call-in assists. This has already come under criticism as we await the game’s launch. Nonetheless the six Infinity stones have been introduced to significantly change the game. According to producer Mike Evans, the stones will level the playing field to compensate character deficiencies and augment character strengths. Each stone will have a unique ability such as boosting damage, accelerating movement speed or limiting an opponent’s movement. MvC: Infinite is a change to the franchise. Whether it’s for better or worse, only time will tell. g

AT A GLANCE GENRE

Fighting

An ultimate evil and six Infinity Stones force heroes and villains from the Marvel and Capcom universes to forge an alliance. Or face destruction. Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

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Capcom Capcom Ster Kinekor

Sep 2017

Q3 2014

Platforms

as well as Training and Mission game modes. Capcom have promised robust online modes and content. From ranked and casual matches, to global leader boards. Players will also have the option of watching games in Spectator Mode. The revealed character roster seems to be quite extensive, with newly introduced Marvel characters from the MCU making appearances. These include Black Panther, Doctor Strange, Gamora, Ultron and the highly anticipated Captain Marvel. The rest of the Marvel characters are returning favourites Captain America, Rocket Raccoon, Spider-Man, Thor, Hulk, Iron Man and more. Capcom continue highlighting the Blue Bomber, only this time its Mega Man X and his rival Sigma. Jedah Dohma from Darkstalkers 3 was also announced. There are set to be quite a number of changes between MvC

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

Dead Alliance

E M IEWW A VIE G EEV R PR

Dead Alliance S

o what do you do after a zombie apocalypse and you just happen to be one of the few survivors left? Make friends and create a wonderful utopian society where those that are left (hopefully still sane) live in absolute harmony where they share everything and smile and have the happily ever after story? No. Not when the developers of Dead Alliance have a completely different idea in mind. How different, you ask? Well, since the apocalypse, it’s safe to assume that resources are scarce right? So why waste something as precious as ammo on zombies and your enemies when you can use zombies as your weapons? That’s exactly what the team behind Dead Alliance decided to do. This is a unique multiplayer shooter that has used what was often the major villain in apocalypse games, zombies, and turned it into a variable that can work to your advantage and also your opponents. Like I mentioned, the game setting is post zombie apocalypse and the remaining human survivors have formed military factions to protect themselves and each other. The good news is that this comes post the discovery of various tools that can be used to control zombies. These come in the forms of pheromones, scents and even sounds. You will still have access to weapons but use them wisely. Faced with other players online, you must strategize your use and abuse of our undead friends because your opponent can use them too. A different take on a shooter and zombie game with traces of survival horror, Dead Alliance may keep you playing for hours until you resemble our undead friends. g

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Aug 2017 Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

Maximum Games, IllFonic, Psyop Games Maximum GamesOnline Online

PLATFORMS

by Sibonisile Motha

You see? Zombies are great-ish…

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GENRE

AT A GLANCE Action

With a combination of popular gaming genres, there’s something for everyone.

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PES 2018 GAMING

The Beautiful Game in beautiful detail

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PES 2018

AT A GLANCE Sports

PES 18 revamps graphics and gameplay for a deeper, realistic football simulator sure to appease soccer fans. Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

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Konami Konami Ster Kinekor

ETA

Sep 2017

Platforms

GENRE

by Nthato Morakabi

here’s an unnecessary rift between PES and FIFA players, reminiscent of the old Xbox/PS debate. Someone’s always asking which one is better rather than appreciate what each one brings to the table. And both these football simulators bring unique aspects to the beautiful game. PES 18 continues to push the boundaries of realism. Real-life scanning was used to create authentic player models. Reworked animations to accurately capture player movement. Facial animations to reflect ingame situations. Improved HUD elements reinforcing the “broadcast” feel in pre-match build-ups and during games. New cutscenes, real day and night lighting, authentic press conferences, realistic locker rooms... They’ve done a lot. Some fundamental changes will improve varying aspects of game play. Physicality Representation, Strategic Dribbling, Full Body Touch, Opposition Awareness, Realistic Ball Physics, and Controlled Improvement revamp the way players move and react on the pitch. Every touch, dribble, and pass works towards careful ball control for strategic plays. While PES is celebrated for fluid gameplay and realistic graphics, the Konami team have also worked on fun and competitive aspects in their game modes. My Club comes back stronger. Become a Legend is all about the player taking a football star and rising to the top. The Master League is a manager mode with a difference. Random Selection Match returns with better presentation and features. A new game mode integrates local play into an online 2v2 or 3v3 Co-Op match. Up to three players can compete online either as guests on a single console or with automatically matched online players. With the Champions and Europa League licenses, PES has an edge over FIFA. Nonetheless we can look forward to an amazing, beautifully detailed game. g

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GAMING

Aug 2017 Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

The Gentlebros PQube Limited Online

PLATFORMS

Unleash the fists of furry!

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GENRE

AT A GLANCE Puzzle Adventure, RPG, Action

One can only hope that the cute factor will just be a bonus in a really good adventure RPG.

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by Sibonisile Motha

Cat Quest

have always been suspicious of the power of cats, I mean their cuteness is almost hypnotizing, something’s not right I tell you. But who cares about my opinion when The Gentlebros have made an RPG where it’s a world of cats, the cutest mind you (damn you Gentlebros!). Can cute even be classified as a genre of a game? Regardless, you get to play the role of a cat whose sister has been catnapped by the evil Drakoth (the evil!). The only way to get her back is to search, loot and fight your way through the huge world of Felingard. With it being an open world you will be faced with the (probably easy) decision to get your paws into endless side quests that will have you meeting special and inevitably adorable characters. As if the natural born fur wasn’t cute enough, you can customize the equipment and apparel you have. Each piece affects and enhances certain abilities. From protection, resistance and health, the clothes make the kitty. The most obvious contrast in this game is having charming characters in a storyline that is quite tough and filled with combat. And on the subject of combat, Cat Quest’s combat is real-time. So you will need to use your furry brain to fight hard and smart. Whether you decide to stick to the main story or wander off because you just couldn’t help but scratch side quests, this game was created to be as much of an action adventure as it is fun with tons of awwwww moments that hopefully won’t get too much in the way of you actually finishing the game. g

Cat Quest

E M W A VIE G E R P

Redout

E M W A VIE G E R P

Redout

You may want to revisit your old physics notes

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

34BigThings srl 34BigThings srl Online

PLATFORMS

GAMING

TBA 2017

school vertigo feeling when playing this one. The game looks visually satisfying, with beautiful detail to the geometric shapes and dystopian world that adds to the experience. Unreal Engine 4 comes through for your eyes to give you all the eye-catching environments you will see. Speed and smart will be your greatest asset, but fun will be the most important to have when travelling at those high speeds trying everything in your might to not crash and burn (but maybe that can be fun to watch too).

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV NS

GENRE

This game has been available for PC for a while now, but PS4, Xbox One and just recently announced, Nintendo Switch players will be able to have a copy for their beloved consoles. A VR version of this game is also available which be an even better way to experience a game with this speed (just make sure you have a bucket close by in case youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not really great at dealing with motion sickness). Going old school with new school technology seems to have been the way to go with this one. g

AT A GLANCE Racing

Redout is paying its respects to old school arcade racers.

gamecca98

by Sibonisile Motha

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great when developers create inspired games that are not created with the intention to steal an idea but rather to pay homage to it. This is what the folk over at 34BigThings have said is the case for them making Redout. The way I can describe this game is simply a really cool and futuristic-looking fast-paced racing title. To make sure that the game really delivers on a racing experience, Redout makes heavy use of physics in the motion of your ship. Staying true to arcade racing, you can expect the old

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice T

he first time I saw the trailer for Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, I immediately got the sense of inner conflict, one bordering on madness. Turns out I was right. Two things made this woman a great pot for insanity: one, she was taking a treacherous journey through Viking mythology hell (alone mind you), and two, she was doing it for love. That is the premise of this game’s story. Developed by Ninja Theory, this game tells the story of Senua, a woman willing to go to hell and back (quite literally) to retrieve the love of her life’s soul. This quest will push her beyond anything she has ever known, as she will not only have to fight the demons around her but the ones that seem to dwell in her head. A lot of effort was put into the game’s experience design. The player will experience the transitions in Senua’s mind and turbulent emotions that will at times blur the lines between reality and mental battles. This is a stunningly presented game. The face motion capture add to the visuals that paint an unapologetically striking image for you to see. The dark and grim imagery keeps you remembering the kind of game you’re playing. Considering the fact that you are fighting a rather supernatural battle here, you can expect that the combat sequences will most likely make you feel like you’re where Senua is. From what has been given about this game, there seems to be some really good close combat skills from our protagonist which will make for some thrilling fight scenes. I am very hopeful that this title will deliver on an all-round experience. g

GAMING

Aug 2017 Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

Ninja Theory Ninja Theory TBC

PLATFORMS

by Sibonisile Motha

Love through hell and back

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GENRE

AT A GLANCE Action adventure

A game that captures the essence of purpose and the insanity of pursuit with beauty.

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Hellblade: Sensua’s Sacrifice

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E M W A VIE G E R P

Total War: Warhammer II GAMING

The Great Vortex Calls to You.

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Total War: Warhammer II

AT A GLANCE Real-time Strategy

The second of a three-part series, Total War: Warhammer II centres around four races battling to control the Great Vortex in Ulthuan. Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

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Creative Assembly SEGA Ster Kinekor

ETA

Sep 2017

Platforms

GENRE

by Nthato Morakabi

n azure tower of light and magic whirls in the distance. The Great Vortex. Forged millennia ago by a conclave of High Elf mages, the Great Vortex draws in the Winds of Magic. Even as Chaos hordes lie defeated in the Realm of Chaos, the arcane maelstrom weakens, and the world once again stands at the brink of destruction Four races hasten toward the Great Vortex. Some seek to heal it and avert calamity. Others hope to harness the magic for their own evil. Who shall carry the fate of the world. Total War: Warhammer is one of those games with a unique conception. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s based on tabletop miniature wargaming. In fact, the tactical, turn-based strategy that players will employ in Total War: Warhammer II is exactly how these games are played. This digital rendition is the second instalment in the trilogy, continuing to set the story and in fantasy rather than history. Players can expect to play through the Great Vortex Campaign, a new game mode in the Total War series. The story will take place across the continents of Lustria, Ulthuan, Naggaroth and the Southlands. Players become you one of 8 Legendary Lords between four iconic races taken from Warhammer Fantasy Battles. Players will need to perform arcane rituals in order to stabilise or disrupt The Great Vortex while the other three races work against you. The various races will also have unique playstyles and distinct campaign mechanics, narrative, methods of war, armies, monsters, Lores of Magic, legendary characters, and new battlefield bombardment abilities. As a bonus, if you own both Warhammer titles, Creative Assembly will provide a combined map consisting of regions from both gamesâ&#x20AC;Ś for free. g

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E M W A IE G EV R

Aven Colony GAMING

Building a new worldâ&#x20AC;¦

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Av e n C 9o 8l o n y

Aven Colony

by Walt Pretorius

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E M W A IE G EV R

Colony is not a 4X game, because that kind of complexity would be a real challenge to bring into a console game. The premise of the title is that humanity is spreading to the stars, and it is up to the player to establish numerous bases on the planet Aven. To do so, the player will need to construct numerous different buildings and tunnels (because the atmosphere on Aven isn’t friendly to human lungs). Buildings range from habitation and entertainment through to mining and power generation, and there is a fair amount for the player to do. However, the complexity that the game does present doesn’t come from picking the exact right building and developing it over time; pretty much every building is available from the word go, and can be upgraded as long as you have the required resources. Rather, the intricacies of Aven Colony lie in the management of the

GAMING

aking a game from its traditional platform and transitioning it onto a platform on which it really shouldn’t work too well, and doing it effectively, is quite a challenge. And that’s what Team 17 (the guys behind the ever-popular Worms games) had to do when they made Aven Colony. This title is a management title, which is something that is normally at home on PC. But Team 17 wanted this game on consoles too, and while a few concessions needed to be made in order to achieve this, it actually plays pretty well. One would assume that the biggest problem that Aven Colony presents comes in the form of controls. While they do sometimes act up a little, the truth is that the developers did a fine job in placing everything the player needs at their disposal. But that also required the simplification of certain aspects of the game; Aven

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Aven Colony

colony – making sure the air is good, that there is plenty of water and power, managing storage and so forth. It works, and the varied biomes the player will build in each have new challenges. But the game lacks an important aspect of management games – depth. Every colony will feel a lot like the last one, which is pretty sad. The player will have to complete a number of pretty simplistic missions, whether with the colony itself or using a rather hands-off long-range exploration system. But none of these take more effort than putting in a little time. Aven Colony feels light because of this. Trade, for example (while important purely because the system used for resource storage is a bit clumsy, and you constantly want to be moving stuff through there, rather than build a colony made up of tons of storage areas) is

extremely soft here. Every trade option is a prescribed deal. You can trade one thing for another, with no leeway for adjustment. Sure, controls may have been an issue here, but adding a deeper menu for this kind of activity wouldn’t have broken them. Ultimately, Aven colony is a great game for those who want a management fix, without too much bother. However, bother is part of what makes the genre so appealing, and the result is that Aven Colony feels like an “also ran”, rather than a game that successfully transitions the platform divide. That said, the developers are working on expansions already, and the game is, admittedly, a fun distraction. It will keep you occupied, if nothing else, and the visuals are pretty enough to keep you engaged as you face the dangers and challenges (muted though they may be) of this new world. g

AT A GLANCE Management

REVIEWED ON

Aven Colony is enjoyable enough for a console management title, but it could have benefited from just a little more depth.

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

Mothership Team 17 Online

PARENTAL ADVISORY

12+ gamecca98

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

75 49

E M W A IE G EV R

Micro Machines GAMING

Where are all the cars?

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Micro Machines World Series

by Walt Pretorius

s World Series

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E M W A IE G EV R

games crammed with comedy and bright visuals. And they were crammed with cars and tracks. Codemasters, the team behind this latest miniature car racer, decided to take the brawling aspect of the game and actually legitimise it in a new mode â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Battle mode. In this mode, rather than racing around a track, players move around an arena and try to best each other with weapons unique to their chosen vehicle. It works extremely well, actually, and is complete with recharging weapon powers that can have riotously funny results. But the two biggest chinks in Micro Machines World Seriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; armour shop up here quite clearly (as they do in other, more traditional racing modes). The first is the stable of cars. While they are full of character and extremely unique, there are only twelve to choose from in the initial release. That, considering

GAMING

ometimes the decisions that developers take are mysterious, to say the least. Take some of the decisions made for Micro Machines World Series as an example. But to fully understand why these decisions are odd, you need to first know (or remember) what these games brought to the table in the past. The Micro Machines games have always been a little irreverent, a little crazy, and lots of fun. They might be all about racing tiny cars around tracks littered with everyday objects, but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not exactly racing games. Sure, winning races is what they were all about, but they were really almost more like brawlers and fun party games than anything resembling an acceptable racing game. They were about getting your friend knocked off the screen, and about crazy antics as much as crossing the finish line first. They were fast and furious (yes, I went there) little

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Micro Machines World Series

Micro Machines history, is really very weak. Even though the vehicles have unlocks that can be earned through a generous helping of loot crates (and who doesn’t love loot?) the truth is that there simply isn’t enough variety in the miniature vehicles. When you get to the next chink, it’s even worse… the tracks. There are a measly 10 tracks to choose between and, when you analyse them, they are almost identical. They’re all based on a rectangular border, with one (or maybe two) chicanes, split tracks or hairpins thrown in for good measure. Aside from the changes in the settings (which really don’t affect the game dynamics at all) they are not massively varied. The multiplayer aspect of the game is, as before, the most fun, with online and local options (the latter being the most enjoyable). Battle mode features strongly here too, but its

various game modes are, once again, extremely similar to each other. It’s fun to play, but in short bursts; you’re likely not going to spend the day on the couch with some friends playing any kind of Micro Machines World Series multiplayer mode. That makes this one of the weakest releases in the Micro Machines stable. Sure, adding a new game mode (with a few multiplayer options) might be a great way to evolve a franchise, but when it comes at the apparent expense of the crazy levels of variety that were something the franchise was known for, it is a misstep. And that is what Codemasters did here – maybe not a big misstep, because this is still a lot of fun to play, but a misstep none-the-less. There will likely be a lot of DLC for this title, but the truth of the matter is that it feels far to light on initial install… and that may turn many potential fans away. g

AT A GLANCE Racing

REVIEWED ON

It can be a lot of fun, but extremely limited track and car numbers cut what little depth there was in the franchise to the quick.

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

Codemasters Codemaster Apex Interactive

PARENTAL ADVISORY

7+ gamecca98

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

70 53

E M W A IE G EV R

Crash Bandicoo N.Sane Trilogy GAMING

Still crazy after all these yearsâ&#x20AC;¦

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Crash Bandicoot: N.Sane Trilogy

by Walt Pretorius

ot:

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E M W A IE G EV R

franchise to new hardware in a way that isn’t just great for fans, but is meaningful. And that’s because the developers behind it, Vicarious Visions, took the time to really dig into what would improve the game on every level. There were some things that they should have looked deeper into, sure, but for the most part, the player is given three enjoyable games in this collection. The weaker of the three is, as expected, the first game. This is largely due to the fact that it still feels pretty limited when compared to the latter two, in terms of movement and player options. The strongest point is arguably Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes back – while Crash Bandicoot: Warped (the third title in this collection) is still great, it doesn’t offer up the often punishing challenges of Cortex Strikes Back. There are times when Warped feels a little too easy, where Cortex Strikes

GAMING

emaking and remastering games seems to take up a lot of developers’ time these days, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The process of recreating a game that was released just before this latest generation of console hardware ends up with games like The Last of Us being displayed in even more glorious splendour. But when it comes to older games, there is far more room for dropping the ball. Still, things like WipeOut have made a great transition to the newer hardware, and being an older game means that players end up with multiple titles for the price of one. The case is the same with Naughty Dog’s Crash Bandicoot games. The original three games have been given a new lease on life in the form of the Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy, a PlayStation 4 exclusive. This collection brings the once extremely popular platforming

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Crash Bandicoot: N.Sane Trilogy

Back manages to feel brutal pretty much the whole way through. In terms of upgrading the whole affair, Vicarious Visions did a great job. Starting with the visuals, which are brighter, crisper and much clearer – to the point that enemy tells are now far more useful in-game. Everything feels so much more polished in visual terms. The audio has also been tremendously improved, with a revamped sound track and new set of sound effects that really do their job well, and go far beyond what we first experienced when Crash Bandicoot was first released many years ago. And, of course, the controls have been tweaked. They’re not perfect – swimming underwater, for example, is still painful, and the racing sections in Warped leave a lot to be desired. But for those that have experienced these

games before, the improvements are vast. That might not really be the case for newcomers, though, particularly as far as the first game is involved. Vicarious Visions also added a few elements, like putting time trials into the first two games, and giving the player the option to play as Crash’s slightly saner sister, Coco. It’s a cosmetic change, really, but it’s nice to have. Overall, this game is more for the fans of the original titles than for newcomers. There is only so much that can be tweaked and polished without having to create a whole new game, after all. So those that don’t know Crash Bandicoot may feel that these titles are a little anachronistic in a few ways. But veterans of the Bandicoot’s fast-paced and often frustrating platforming adventures will love the fact that their favourite marsupial has a fresh coat of paint. g

AT A GLANCE Platform

REVIEWED ON

This remastering of the classic Bandicoot games is great for fans of the less-thansane marsupial.

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

Vicarious Visions Activision Megarom

PARENTAL ADVISORY

7+ gamecca98

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

86 57

E M W A IE G EV R

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s You! GAMING

Make fun of everyone!

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GENRE

This humorous, selfie-fuelled quiz game is great

by Rob Edwards

for a group of friends who want to have a good laugh and don’t mind downloading a

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

12+

Wish Studios SCEE Online

Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

AWARDS Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Ed’s Choice

Score

AT A GLANCE

PARENTAL ADVISORY

REVIEWED ON

PLATFORMS

smart phone app.

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

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Party

PS4

something different. There are question rounds, for example, which follow the “who would be most likely to” kind of route. Then there are drawing rounds, in which a photograph of one player is drawn on by the others, and the best image is voted for. There are impression rounds, in which players have to take a selfie of themselves mimicking an on-screen image. And so on, and so forth… Played with the right crowd, That’s You! can be a lot of fun. It is a great party game, with a simple concept and a nice use of cross-platform technology, and it is a very decent proofof-concept for the Play Link idea. It’s not always family friendly, though, so it’s best played with likeminded friends, rather than Grandma and Uncle Fred. Some of the questions border on being off-colour, and the narrator sometimes (hilariously) elaborates on things in ways that may make you blush if mom is in the room. Son are putting a lot of stock into Play Link, and as a result, That’s You! is being offered as the free-fix to get you hooked on the idea. It is available for free on PSN for a limited time, so there is little reason to not enjoy this game, unless you’re stingy with your downloads. It doesn’t fill any massive gap – it could hardly be called an “important” game, other than for Sony’s future plans – but it is a lot of fun, when you get down to it, and can provide a lot of self-deprecating entertainment over an evening. Not everyone will really sink their teeth in, and the short games can get a little frustrating, but if you’re after some light and often very funny entertainment with friends, That’s You! is a very good way to go. g

That’s You!

mart phones are everywhere these days, and with that comes the idea of taking selfies. Say what you want about these often impromptu self-portraits, people love taking them And it is this – in part – that Sony is buying into with That’s You!, a game based on their new Play Link idea. This concept ties player’s smart phones to their PS4, using the smart phones as controllers. This means, of course, that you will need to download a fairly sizeable app to play That’s You!, which can also be used outside of the game to create your own questions (adding to the 1 000 already on offer) and make drawings, as well as play a mini-version of That’s You!, based on drawing, called Pass It On. The real fun, though, is playing together on a PS4. When to players take part, it becomes a sort-of co-op question game that reveals how well the two players know each other. It’s not the best mode, though – That’s You! works better with more players. In fact, getting as close to the maximum five players as possible is recommended, because the more players you have, the longer the game lasts – one round for each player, plus a bonus round. And that’s a good thing because, even with five players, each game feels a little too short. Each round takes players to a new setting, ranging from things like an apartment overlooking the Paris Skyline through to a creepy attic. What they have in common is that they are all beautifully created and rich in detail. But these settings have little to do with game dynamics, other than offering a bit of eyecandy. Each round will task the players with doing

E M W A IE G EV R

Don’t Die, Mr Robot! GAMING

Exploding fruit and all…

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GENRE

It looks and feels simplistic, but this

by Alex Scanlon

game has a lot of depth on offer, even if it is best enjoyed in short

PC X0 PS4 Wii U X360 PS3 PSV 3DS

Infinite State Infinite State Online

Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

AWARDS Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Ed’s Choice

Score

AT A GLANCE

PARENTAL ADVISORY

REVIEWED ON

PLATFORMS

bursts.

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

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Puzzle

PS4

deaths are a variety of enemies that roam the small playing area, which the player needs to dodge, or destroy. Dodging is clear enough, but destroying can only be accomplished by collecting inexplicably explosive fruit. When the fruit explodes, it takes out anything in its blast radius. The fruit appears at random, popping up at intervals in whatever spot on the screen it likes. The clever player, however, won’t rush for every piece of fruit as it appears, because fruit explosions can cause chain reactions, resulting in lots of destroyed enemies and tons of what is really important here: score. Games tend to be generally brief, making it a great time killer that won’t have you spending hours searching for the next check point. That doesn’t mean that you won’t get white-knuckled long streaks, of course, which will allow you to crow on the leader boards. The main game can feel fairly stale before long, but thankfully the developers have included a number of “remixes” that task the player with achieving specific goals, ranging from racking up high scores through to avoiding enemies (without any fruit in the level) for as long as possible. Don’t Die, Mr Robot! is a fun distraction, when all is said and done, complete with responsive controls and a level of depth that is surprising for such a simple game. But, ultimately, it isn’t a game that will keep you engaged for hours on end, unless you’re one of those types that needs to constantly battle for the top rank in the leader boards. Even then, too much of this game can become tiresome. It is best treated as a filler. g

Don’t Die, Mr Robot!

o often, we are overly impressed by great looks, while elements like game dynamics and depth take a back seat. Just take a look at any forum or social media site in which PC gamers are crowing about their machines (as they are wont to do, loudly and at the drop of a hat) and one of the first things they boast about is visuals. Not frame rate, mind you, because this does have a very big impact on the way a game plays, but rather they talk about how good a game looks. We often see comparisons of visuals on different platforms, not just from end users but from press and the like, too. So when a game doesn’t have great visuals, it is immediately at a disadvantage. And that’s one of the things that plagues Don’t Die, Mr Robot! It simply looks too… well, simplistic. Originally designed for the PS Vita, Don’t Die, Mr Robot! made the leap to PS4 recently, but very little was done to make the game feel more at home on the new platform. In fact, everything on the screen (which would be clear on a Vita) looks huge, and the playing area feels, as a result, really small. Add to that the fact that the characters on-screen are little more than colourful cartoonish sprites, and things don’t bode very well for the game in the visuals department. But it will only be a short while after you start digging into the game that the visuals will stop mattering as much. That’s because Don’t Die, Mr Robot! is a thoroughly addictive game. Quite simply, the player has to avoid dying. But you will die, and die a lot. The game tells you so in a nice voice. The instruments of these

Tons of

Digging into the worlds of Quin

A GAMING

dventure and creativity drives game development for the team at 2 Ton Studios, a Seattle based development team working on some very exciting stuff. We

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Indie View

Passion

ntin Pan and Red Thread Games

By Nthato Morakabi

recently discovered a pause in their thrillseeking schedule to have a chat to Stephen and Sara Danton about how they started, and where they are headed. gamecca

GAMING

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GM: Which is amazing and you delved into the indie scene… Stephen: Yeah, I worked at Microsoft for about ten years and I had a lot of fun; awesome team, and a great job. But after ten years you start looking for other opportunities. You think about your childhood and how great it would be to create your own game. So Sara and I collaborated on games. We did a game jam and got 11 out of 800 entries. That was cool. After that Sara and I talked about it more and decided to jump in head first. We quit our jobs in earnest around 2015. Sarah: It really just started off as an experiment, I guess

it kinda still is but going into it we just thought, let’s try it. I was an Interior Designer for a bit and knew my way around Photoshop and Illustrator. The idea was taking games we enjoyed as kids, and things that inspired us creatively and injected that into our games. GM: You mentioned wanting to create games from a young age, but where did that concept of getting into the indie scene really begin? Stephen: It’s hard to say. For as long as I can remember I used to play games with my brother Greg and his best friend Casey (we’re still really close today) and afterwards we’d talk about how we could make them better. I got away from it for a bit after high school. In University I studied Psychology since I didn’t really know what I wanted to do and after a couple of years realised that’s not what I wanted to do. So I decided I’d learn how to program with the intention of creating a game. But progamming was insane, I didn’t know what I was doing I almost quit until I spoke to my professor, I think he was a gamer too his nickname was Froggy, and he told me to stick with it. Then it sort-of clicked and I fell in love with it. GM: Obviously you’re gamers and its big in your life, how does that feed into your game development? Stephen: A lot of people say they are inspired by games, but for me it’s about being part of this group of small teams who are super passionate, trying to do different things and often realizing those ideas as successful indie games. Unique for their novelty. So there’s

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Indie View

GM: Please introduce yourselves and who you are as 2 Ton Studios, your role and the whole… history? Stephen: Well we are Stephen and Sara Danton and I started 2 Ton Studios with my brother Greg. Since our surname is Danton and there’s two of us, we decided to go with 2 Ton as in 2 Danton. Sara: And that was in 2010? So it’s been a while now Stephen: I was working at Microsoft while creating games was a hobby. This is around the time the Windows phone came out. My brother was doing the same so we created our first game called Flying Heads. Basically you juggle zombie heads by shooting them, sort of like Fruit Ninja, you know? Then we worked on Ninja Boy which was actually quite successful and kinda gave us the confidence to carry on. My brother then moved to work as a concept artist for AAA studios. He’s currently the lead concept artist for Gears of War.

a lot of pride which Sara and I also want to be part of. It drives us. GM: Sort of related to that, a two-part question, what is your personal inspiration and what inspires you during game development? Stephen: That’s a tough one as there are so many things that inspire us on a regular basis but in regards to games, well for me at least was, can I do something in the digital or real world, that matches my imagination. So I would explore that. Miyamoto speaks about how creating Zelda was about capturing the feeling of going into a dark cave, had a left and right path and making that decision. I had the same experience living in British Colombia where I made the same choice chasing our dog and getting lost in a forest. That experience stuck with me, and in development I try and create experiences like it. Sara: My inspiration is similar, that kind of exploring, hiking or travelling and seeing new places, and trying to put that into an experience that’s different to games we’ve played thus far. Stephen: Yeah Sara is a daredevil, she sky dives and bungee jumps and I think creating those experiences is a big motivation for Sara. Sara: And inspiration in the game? Stephen: Our games are generally based on travels and specifically with our game Unto The End it was our trip to Northern Scotland and Iceland, we went on a whole bunch of hikes and Iceland is a great place to just go get lost in. It was like a modern-day adventure. We continually tap into these when capturing the

GAMING

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GM: So the Indie Dev community is amazing in terms of scope. In South Africa we have MakeGamesSA where devs come together and meet. Are you part of such a community? Stephen: Uh yeah, we had something similar in Seattle, there’s a bit of a community there which we joined when we started getting serious. Also, we’ve spent some time travelling. Sara: We have also been working on prototypes so for the past year we haven’t really been part of one specific community. Stephen: Right now, we get most of our connections through Twitter and through our publisher but we’ve been very quiet. Probably in the next year we’ll get back into it. GM: Yes, I saw on your website that you were working on a lot of side projects which you put aside for Unto The End… Stephen: We had six or seven prototypes before we got to Unto the End. Sara: Yeah, we have lots of ideas which we could do in six or so months but everything turned into almost two years of just learning. Stephen: It took us this long to be comfortable enough that our ideas can at least be realized, rather than having ideas that are too big and not being able to do them or ideas that aren’t big enough. Sara: Now we moved from two to three people and learning what three people can do. Every day feels like school. GM: On that topic, would you share any

challenges and victories during your growth as an indie company? Stephen: The list is so long! Sara: We’ve needed help finding people to work with, it has been difficult. Being such a small team we lack resources. But definitely one of our victories was Will Manis. Stephen: We’re very thankful for Will. He used to work with me at Microsoft, has tons of experience and he recently retired. He wasn’t in game development and we sort of pulled him out of retirement. Another thing that was hard for us is wearing so many different hats. You have to do things you’re not necessary comfortable with. Sometimes you’re just happy you got something right like “Hey the character walks now. That’s amazing” but it’s not amazing it has got to be good so people get immersed in the game. You have to be self-critical while building confidence in yourself and those two are always working against each other. It’s still hard to get over that, to be good enough that you can confidently criticize yourself. GM: Unto the End, what can you share with us so far about it? Stephen: Well the elevator pitch is that it’s a 2D combat adventure inspired by cinematic platformers from the past. We’re trying to capture the mood and tone and narrative beat of say Inside or Limbo but instead of puzzles, we have combat encounters. It’s not about using a sword to kill an enemy but also sneaking and hiding. The player can have a unique path through the adventure and really play it in their own way. There are many layers to this onion, it’s not just a combat adventure,

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encounters and a narrative, but also asking questions about the game. Like what does it mean to get revenge, what does it mean to trek through foreign lands, or to kill the creatures you see when some could be innocent. Well it’s just an indie game not to sound too lofty but it’s something we’re aiming for. GM: And where did the idea stem from? Like was there a concept idea first or did it grow from a series of ideas? Stephen: It was definitely a growing kind of thing, we were inspired by our trips and our passion for landscape. Also Poncho was a great game and Limbo of course. I think the main forces behind Unto The End were Poncho mechanics with a bigger sort of storynarrative in Limbo-esque pacing in the landscapes of Iceland and Northern Scotland. GM: What platform goals do you have for the release? Stephen: Well first and foremost we’re going to PC - Steam, since Sara and I are more comfortable with that and there’s a great community on Steam. Afterwards we’ll head to Xbox and PlayStation. We’ll try other avenues too so more hands can sharing the experiences we created. GM: So when can we expect to play? Stephen: We have said 2018 and we are hoping to keep to it. Everything is coming together well. We’re looking to get a playable closed beta to the press by the end of this year and then we’ll see the reaction and move from there. g

Indie View

visuals for environments.

Features 70

Wired Up!

HARDWARE Reviews 76 78 80 82 84 86 88

Thermaltake View 31 PC Case Cooler Master MasterMouse MM520 Gaming Mouse Roccat Isku+ Force FX Keyboard Cooler Master MasterPulse MH320 Gaming Headset MSI Core Frozr L CPU Cooler Cooler Master MasterSet MS120 Gaming Combo Razer Kraken Pro V2 Analog Headset

RegularS 90

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TECHNOLOGY

tu a Fe

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Wired Up!

Wired Up! Old fashioned wires are still the most reliableâ&#x20AC;Ś by:

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: Lein Baart

TECHNOLOGY

tu a Fe

gamecca98

PCs were still in what

and the tournament

the

could be described

grade devices made

most

as “the earlier days”.

for the top players. All

Wireless headsets

of them, from mice to

predate both by a

keyboards to console

annoying things that

long while, with Neil

controllers, have wires.

any gamer - PC or

Armstrong’s famous

It all comes down to

console – has to come

words when walking on

a question of reliability,

to grips with is wires.

the moon transmitted

which can further be

Wires and cables can

via wireless headset,

broken into numerous

easily cause clutter,

but they only arrived

factors. At the core of

and virtually anything

in the gaming scene

it all, however, are the

that gets connected

much later. And as for

signals that wireless

to a PC or console

gaming controllers, it

devices send when

requires some kind

was only when the PS3

they are used. Let’s

of wire. It is relatively

and Xbox 360 hit the

look at the example of

easy for the situation

market that wireless

a wireless mouse…

to get out of control,

controllers became a

unless the person

really big thing.

using the system

So why, then, with

For a wireless mouse to work, it needs to make use

makes extremely sure

all those amazing

of radio frequencies

that they manage their

advances in wireless

(RF). There is an RF

cables. Even then,

technology filling the

transmitter in the

problems can arise

airwaves all around us,

mouse, and an RF

with wired hooking up

are wires still a thing?

receiver connected

on other objects, or

Why not just leave

to the PC. The

just getting in the way.

wires for the history

transmitter records all

books and make use of

of the movement and

all wireless devices?

button click data, and

This was a problem that every PC user faced until some very

The answer is not

bright people figured

particularly simple, as

which then relays the

out how to make

it comes down to a

information to the PC.

wireless devices. You

number of factors, but

It is, on paper, a great

may thing that this

once you have read it,

system. But there are

was a fairly recent

and if you are serious

chinks here.

development, but the

about your gaming, you

first keyboard goes all

may never go wireless

frequencies work in

the way back to 1983,

again. And if you want

certain bandwidths,

and the first wireless

that statement to bear

with wireless

mouse was released

a little more weight,

peripherals general

in 1991, back when

take a look at eSports,

making use of the

gamecca98

Wired Up!

ne of

sends it to the receiver,

See, radio

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2.4GHz frequency,

or rapid control inputs.

or refreshed, this may

thanks to its long

See, the signal from

never be a problem

range. Now, if there

the RF transmitter

for you. But, once

are several devices

to the RF receiver is

again, it could be, and

around running on

really fast, but it isn’t

a device that has too

the same frequency,

constant. This could

little power may stop

interference can occur.

get very technical,

working, resulting in

It’s pretty rare for that

which we’ll avoid;

interrupted gaming or

to happen, but it is a

suffice to say that

other usage.

possibility, none the

the constant signal

less – so much so that

delivered by a wired

comes to gaming

devices like dual-band

device is more reliable

– particularly

Wi-Fi routers use two

and responsive, and

competitive gaming

separate frequencies

does not result in lag.

on any level – wires

to cut down on RF

And while lag might

win hands down. You

noise.

not happen all the

may not like them,

time (or even often

but they are still

to a wired device.

at all) it could have

the most reliable

Short of the cable

a massive impact

way to get signal

being damaged

on performance in a

from a system to a

or cut, there is no

game – just like online

peripheral. Wireless

interruption in the

lag does.

devices may have a

Compare that idea

signal from the

TECHNOLOGY

place in the world at

mouse to the PC (or

is the matter of

large, but they don’t

whatever other device

power. Wired devices

really fill a needed

is being used). It is

draw their power

gap in gaming.

reliable and accurate,

from the port that

without any chance of

they are plugged

really, for anyone who

interference.

in to, but wireless

takes their gaming

devices require an

seriously and wants

that bothers PC

independent power

to get the best from

players particularly,

source, normally

the devices that are

is lag. Have you ever

in the form of

available to them, is

played a game with a

a removable or

not to avoid wires,

wireless mouse, only

rechargeable battery.

but to learn how

to have the screen

Battery technology

to work with them

jerk a little when you

has come a long way

effectively. A smart

move? That’s the

in the last while,

management system

result of signal lag,

and if you’re diligent

and as many wires

and it mostly happens

about keeping

as you can get is the

during fast movement

batteries recharged

way to go. g

Next up, something

And then there

So, when it

The best advice,

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Wired Up!

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H C EW E T VI E R Thermaltake

PC Case

What a view!

TECHNOLOGY

f you’re going to build yourself a dream PC, you better have a really nice case to show it off in. And, quite honestly, there are few cases better suited to that than Thermaltake’s View 31. This case is designed to be fully modular, allowing the user to make changes with optional extras (like a nifty GPU riser that mounts the graphics card sideways, minimising strain on the motherboard (and helping to show the device off) available to create the perfect build. There are a few niggles here… it is an expensive case, and the optional extras can drive the price up even further. It only ships with one three-bay drive cage, for example, although the limited edition comes with a GPU riser and an extra 140mm Riing fan (for a total of three)… but more about those later. Another niggle is that this case is heavy (thanks to

the 4mm tempered glass side panels) and bulky. The bulk is a good thing, though, because few cases are this roomy, and provide this degree of air-flow. And then, lastly, there are the drive options. The View 31 does not allow for the inclusion of any kind of optical drive. It helps the aesthetic of the case to not have an optical installed, and these days many people don’t need optical drives anymore… Additionally, it would have been nice to see some dedicated SSD mounts, particularly considering that the View 31 has a lot of space at the rear of the motherboard base plate. Oh, well… With all of those complaints out of the way, let’s get to why this case is great. As I said before, it is extremely room, thanks to its increased width. The space behind the motherboard base plate is very generous for manic cable managers (and with a glass plate for a side panel,

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Thermaltake View 31 PC Case

by Alex Scanlon

AT A GLANCE: SUMMARY

TECH SPECS • • • • • • •

Lots of glass and space make this a great, beautiful and effective PC case.

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

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4mm glass side panels 140mm Riing fans Modular Watercooling support Mid-tower case

SCORE

T he rma l t a k e T V R D i s t ri but i o n w w w . t v r. c o . z a

AWARDS

you had better be one). On the other side there is a lot of room as well, to allow for things like the GPU riser. But even if you don’t use that extra, it is a great space for air flow. Which brings us to those Riing fans. Yes, that is spelled correctly. The Riing fans sport a circular RGB light that illuminates through the case’s smoked front panel, adding an immensely stylish aesthetic to the overall appearance. This case has tons of fan space. It can handle three 140mm fans in the front, three at the top, one at the back and two at the bottom. The same numbers count for 120mm fans, although 200mm fans can be used as well (fewer, naturally). Water cooling is also supported. This is easily one of the best looking PC cases on the market today – and it is perfect for stylish builds to be showed off in. g

Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Ed’s Choice

97 77

H C EW E T VI E R Cooler

Master

MasterMouse M

TECHNOLOGY

Get one in your claw!

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Cooler Master MasterMouse MM520 Gaming Mouse

Gaming Mouse

by Alex Scanlon

rip is something that is far more important than many people think. We’re talking, of course, about the way that people grip their mouse. The user, particularly during long sessions, needs to be as comfortable as possible – so a comfortable right-hand position, while it is on the mouse – is essential. That means, further, that the mouse needs to be the right kind of size and shape for the grip that is employed, whether palm or claw style. Out of necessity, given the above, a claw grip mouse needs to be shaped in such a way that that the mouse can easily be controlled using mainly the fingers. And the designers at Cooler Master got that idea right when they created the MasterMouse MM520. It is specifically designed to enhance the comfort of those who prefer the claw grip style. With that said, the mouse can also be used quite comfortably with a palm grip, even though Cooler Master have devices that favour a flatter hand in their range, too. The MM520 really is a great device. It is powered by an Avago 3360 Optical sensor that delivers a dpi range from 100 to 12 000 – which is plenty sensitive. The MM520 stores up to four dpi presets, too, with on-the-fly sensitivity switching. The MM520 looks good in terms of ergonomics – the shape of the mouse is beautifully curved, with a generous ring finger support worked into the side. On the outside of that is a further grip panel. The thumb side is deeply contoured, and the main buttons are convex to allow comfortable finger placement. Two large side buttons are placed just above this area – they’re a little tough to get to at first, but they are easy to discern using just touch, thanks to their shaping. The MM520 offers six fully programmable mouse buttons, and connects to the PC via a generous cable. And aesthetics can further be adjusted through three RBG lighting zones (the wheel, the logo at the back of the mouse and a thin strip at the bottom rear of the mouse) all of which are customisable. The MasterMouse MM520 marks quite a step forward for Cooler Master as a peripheral manufacturer. While the mouse feels a little light, it delivers a great level of response and sensitivity, and it glides effortlessly over any surface, thanks to generous feet. It is a sturdily constructed and effective mouse that is, above all, extremely comfortable for those that want to use a claw grip style, with well placed, sensible indentations and grip areas. While it may not be ambidextrous, it certainly is one of the better claw grip designs we have seen in a while. g

AT A GLANCE: SUMMARY

TECH SPECS

A great claw-grip mouse, the MM520 is extremely sensitive, and sensibly designed.

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

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• • • • • • •

12000 dpi sensor RGB lighting Six buttons Fully programmable

Co o l e r Ma s t e r Co o l e r Ma s t e r w w w . c o o l e rma s t e r. c o m

AWARDS

MM520 G

Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Ed’s Choice

SCORE

88 79

H C EW E T VI E R Roccat

Isku + Force FX

Gam

Under pressure!

TECHNOLOGY

occat may not be, here in South Africa, at least, one of the best known peripheral manufacturers, but the company has some really great design and technology ideas that could propel it to a position right among the biggest heavyweights of the industry. And the new version of their Isku keyboard stable shows off more than a few. The Roccat Isku+ Force FX is, when you get right down to it, a great gaming keyboard. In fact, there are only two things that people may have potential issues with when it comes to this device. So let’s get them out of the way… the first is that it is a membrane keyboard, rather than a mechanical one. While many people love the feel of a membrane keyboard, gamers tend toward mechanical. The second is that it’s RGB lighting, while adjustable

in terms of brightness and colour, is universal. Had it featured per key illumination, or even illumination zones, it would be right up there among the cream of the gaming keyboard crop. As it stands, it comes pretty close, though, and no-one who purchases a Isku+ Force FX will have much to complain about. It is crammed with features, but the one that is the most revolutionary (and will take a little more getting used to) are the six pressure sensitive keys that it features. These keys (the WADS keys, as well as the Q and E keys) can be set to one of three modes. The first is normal, no different to any other key. The second is a pressure sensitive mode, handy for games that need varied pressure input (like a car accelerator in a racing game). The third is a three-function mode; each key has three functions, like different movement rates, or even three totally different functions, that are activated if the key is

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Roccat Isku+ Force FX Keyboard

ming Keyboard

by Alex Scanlon

AT A GLANCE: SUMMARY

TECH SPECS • • • • • • •

This keyboard features great pressure sensitive keys and tons of programmability, which is great for gamers who want tons of control. Ma nuf a c t ure r: D i s t ri but e r: Onl i ne :

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6 pressure sensitive keys 8 macro keys Easy-Shift [+] RGB backlighting 5 profiles

SCORE

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AWARDS

depressed enough. For someone like me, who generally hammers keys a little more than I should, it takes some getting used to… but when you have it, it’s great to have a deeper sense of control coming from your keyboard. In addition, the Isku+ Force FX features five profiles, which make use of five macro keys on the left of the keyboard, as well as three thumb accessible macro keys built into the generous wrist rest. Using the Easy Shift [+] key (which doubles as the CAPS LOCK key) enables a secondary function for all the macro keys, as well as for 20 of the standard keys. There are a number of other features, like great responsiveness and more, that the Isku+ Force FX has on offer. But the shining stars here are the sheer number of alternate functions, whether the keys are shifted, or whether they are pressure sensitive. This is a great keyboard. g

Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Ed’s Choice

90 81

H C EW E T VI E R Cooler

Master

MasterPulse MH M Get going!

TECHNOLOGY

ost of us graduate towards better devices during our lifetime. Whether it is because we get to a point where we realise that we want things that are just a little better, or simply that we have more money to spend later on, moving from entry level to enthusiast is something that most people will do during the time they spend as gamers. Because of this idea, there needs to be an entry point, and smart companies make sure that they address all ends of the scale. That’s what Cooler Master have done with the MasterPulse MH320 headset. This is a device that speaks to the entry-level market. With that said, the idea that entry-level is poor quality doesn’t really apply here. Considering the very decent price of the MH320, it is better than expected in terms of performance. The only real issue here is that it feel anachronistic – it makes use of some old fashioned ideas that may not serve it too well in the long run… but it also isn’t a headset that will let you down. The two main ‘oldfashioned’ aspects of the MH320 are the jack arrangement, and the boom mic. In the first case, the MH320 makes use of 3.5mm jacks, one for the speakers, and one for the mic. That’s perfect for PC users, who need to make use of a splitter cable if they use an integrates 3.5mm

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jack anyway. But those that want to use the MH320 with other devices – like game consoles – will be left without a mic function. That hampers the versatility of the MH320 somewhat, but if you’re the type that enjoys single player games more (like me) it really just becomes an issue of a dangling jack. The mic, while effective, looks and feels a little old fashioned. It folds away when not needed, and is fully positionable. It works perfectly well, despite looking like it comes from a few years back. On the plus side, the MH320 features a great in-line control for mic and volume, which is always a bonus. In terms of comfort, the MH320 is very light, with a light-weight, self-adjusting headband helping reduce the overall weight. In addition, the over-ear cups are very generously padded, and the closed backs of the cups help minimise passive noise. Housed in the ear-cups, the 40mm drivers deliver sound that is good, if not great. They tend towards the bass side of the audio spectrum, with solid mid-tones and slightly muffle highs. Still, they are more than serviceable when it comes to sound delivery. Those wanting a capable and affordable entry level headset can look at the MH320 with confidence… they are a great audio solution for those starting out their journey into the world of gaming. g

Cooler Master MasterPulse MH320 Gaming Headset

Gaming Headset

by Walt Pretorius

SUMMARY This is a great entry level headset for those who want to get ahold of quality at a better price.

AWARDS

AT A GLANCE:

H320

Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Ed’s Choice

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SCORE

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

Cooler Master Cooler Master www.coolermaster.com

TECH SPECS • • • • • • • • •

40mm drivers In-line control Positionable boom mic Stereo 3.5mm jacks

H C EW E T VI E R MSI

Core Frozr L

TECHNOLOGY

Keep it cool, manâ&#x20AC;¦

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CPU Cooler

AWARDS

AT A GLANCE:

Although it might not be effectively for the higherend of power users, most people will find great benefit in employing this CPU cooler. Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Ed’s Choice

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SCORE

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

MSI TVR Distribution www.tvr.co.za

TECH SPECS • • • • • • • • •

120mm fan included AMD & Intel compatible 4 8mm heat pipes Nickel-coated base plate Customisable side covers

by Rob Edwards

SUMMARY

efficiently. One of the problems with tower coolers is that they take up a lot of space, but the Core Frozr L has been designed to accommodate other components, principally a graphics card in the motherboard’s first PCIe slot. Additionally, the unit comes with a reinforcing back plate to help minimise strain on the motherboard, and can be used with virtually any AMD and Intel configuration. The install is pretty simple, too, as far as these things go. Lastly, the Core Frozr L allows a modicum of customisation. It might not be as customisable as, say, AMD’s new breed of CPU coolers, which have a nifty LED light ring on them, but its cover panels can be customised. It ships with a silver and a black cover panel, both of which feature MSI’s shield logo. Cooling is something that really needs to be taken seriously, particularly when it comes to the CPU. Most of us rarely manage to strain our PC’s temperature tolerances significantly, but why take chances? With a device like the Core Frozr L, you can be pretty certain that it will do the job far more effectively than anything that comes in the same box as a CPU. Also, for those who are running naturally cooler systems, and have good air flow running through their case, the system can be used fanless, for less noise. g

MSI Core Frozr L CPU Cooler

oolers are not exactly the cool kids on the hardware block. Most people don’t even give them too much thought. But PCs – particularly those that run at high speeds, like overclocked rigs – need really good cooling systems. Even if you are not overclocking, keeping your CPU as cool as possible will lengthen its life expectancy, so it’s a good idea. Whether the MSI Core Frozr L will be enough cooling for an overclocked PC is arguable. But it certainly will enable users to carry a lot of heat away from their CPU, thanks to carefully construction and good technology. The Core Frozr L is basically a tower cooler that is comprised of a heat sink section, as well as a fan. The unit comes with one 120mm fan as standard, which makes use of MSI’s TORX fin design to maximise airflow. Additionally, it comes with a second set of fan clips for those who want to set up a two fan push-pull configuration, to drive even more air through the heat sinks. Speaking of the heat sinks, MSI have introduced airflow technology to direct more air over the fins and heat pipes, maximising the Core Frozr L’s cooling potential. The fins are made of aluminium, which helps keep the unit lighter as well. The four 8mm heat pipes run directly from the nickel-plated base plate, dragging heat away from the CPU extremely

H C EW E T VI E R Cooler

Master

MasterSet MS12 A great place to start…

TECHNOLOGY

ombo sets are, without a doubt, an entry-level affair. And, as a result, most people expect them to be of a much lower quality than higher end devices. But that really isn’t the case with Cooler Master’s new MasterSet MS120. Entry-level it may be, but poor quality doesn’t feature here. The set is a little unbalanced, with that said. The mouse is certainly the weaker offering here, even though it is not a bad mouse. The six button mouse is ergonomically designed to suit both palm and claw grip styles, with a generous finger support on the outer edge and good grip contouring. It is powered by an Avago 3050 Optical sensor that delivers a dpi range of 500 to 3 500. That’s not particularly high but, all things considered, it certainly gets the job done. The mouse also features four levels of on-the-fly dpi

adjustment, so the sensitivity it does offer can be fully utilised. In addition, it had three RGB lighting zones, a high quality coating and durable switches. Basically, it is not a bad mouse at all, if a little low in dpi, which should speak volumes for the keyboard that it is bundled with. At the core of the keyboard is Cooler Master’s Memchanical switches. They feature a 3.8mm travel distance and a 1.8mm actuation point, making them comfortable to use and very responsive. They also are compatible with Cherry keycaps, should you need them to be. Best of all, though – and almost unheard of in an entry-level combo set – is that it features per key RGB backlighting. The use of per key lighting isn’t as common as one would think, even in higher level devices, so it’s great to see it here. The keyboard also features an adjustable repeat rate,

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Cooler Master MasterSet MS120 Gaming Combo

Gaming Combo

by Alex Scanlon

AT A GLANCE: SUMMARY

TECH SPECS

This combo set contains a good mouse and a great keyboard – it is a very good place for entry-level gamers to start.

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

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• • • • • • •

3500 dpi mouse 6 button mouse Mem-chanical keyboard Per key lighting

Co o l e r Ma s t e r Co o l e r Ma s t e r w w w . c o o l e rma s t e r. c o m

AWARDS

and an anti-ghosting system that handles up to 24 keys, as well as a WIN lock, all packaged together in a keyboard that looks really great. Overall, this is a better combo kit than we are used to seeing, and that includes other offerings from Cooler Master. It certainly still does sit in the entry level category, but it holds a place higher up within that definition, almost as though it wants to break free of that label. This is most applicable to the keyboard, of course, which could easily be regarded as a higher-level product. The mouse, even though it is more than decent, is what holds the combo set back. That’s a good thing, though – just because people buy entry level products doesn’t mean they should be saddled with sub-standard devices. And anyone who wants to get hold of a decent entry level combo kit can do so with confidence when it comes to the MS120. g

Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Ed’s Choice

SCORE

81 87

H C EW E T VI E R Razer

Kraken Pro V2 T Audio for all!

TECHNOLOGY

he philosophy of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is one that works well for certain businesses. Razer is a company that adheres to this principle rather tightly, as demonstrated in their willingness to stick to similar formulae year after year. One of the things that they stick to is design. We see it quite often from this company – a new product that might be tweaked under the hood, but for all intents and purposes looks exactly like products that came before. And one such range are the Kraken headsets. And that’s pretty understandable. Why change something if it works? The Kraken’s comfortable and rugged design, not to mention distinctive looks, have served Razer well, and it is unlikely that we will see this particular range of headsets getting any kind of major design overhaul any time soon – and even less likely that they will be replaced. The latest addition to the Kraken range is the Kraken Pro V2, an analog headset aimed squarely at the burgeoning eSports market. And it is in this product that we see Razer weighing up impressive performance for versatility, with the latter winning hands down. Let’s be really brutally honest here: virtual surround sound is great and all, but stereo is really more than sufficient for effective playing of (and competing in) most games. Deciding

to go with stereo also blows the market open, thanks to the standardisation of devices – these days, a headset with a 3.5mm integrated jack can be used with pretty much anything out there, including all gaming solutions. Why make a device specific to a platform when you can make one that works with them all? And that’s exactly what the Kraken Pro V2 does. Armed with powerful 50mm drivers, the Kraken Pro V2 delivers great audio across the entire audio spectrum. It also has wonderfully generous padding on it’s distinctive, round over-ear cups and headband, as well as a mic arm that retracts neatly into the left ear cup. But what is perhaps best for particularly console gamers is the in-line volume control. Changing volume on a console is a pain at best, so this easy control (something which is surprisingly rare on headsets these days) is a massive bonus. To say that the Kraken Pro V2 offers the best sound quality around would be untrue – there are headsets that are better in terms of audio fidelity. But it does offer very good audio, and its versatility, backed by Razer’s general level of dependability and great design, make it an excellent option for those in the market for a new headset… particularly if they’re after a good, nofrills option. It’s straight to the point. g

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Analog

NAME Kraken Razer OF THE Pro PRODUCT V2 Analog Headset

g Headset

SUMMARY A great all-rounder, with a solid build and all the versatility you need.

TECH SPECS • • • • • • •

50mm drivers 3.5mm jack Retractable mic In-line controls Light-weight headband

M A NUFA CT UR E R Ra zer

DISTRIB UTOR Ap ex I n ter a cti ve

AWARDS

w w w. a p ex i n t. co. z a

Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Ed’s Choice

SCORE

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by Walt Pretorius

AT A GLANCE:

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Torrentia Reign TECHNOLOGY

More from the digital battlegroundâ&#x20AC;Ś

mgeect 2 c4a 9 8 ggl a ad

by Suvesh Arumugam

advise their users to use VPN (virtual private network) services to hide their identities. This was mostly devised to help users mask their IP address, which could identify their location and ISP. Knowing a user’s IP address would allow the copyright holder to alert the service provider, who could then trace the IP address back to the individual. Users on an ISP network are usually assigned a dynamic IP address when their internet session starts, so the ISP can tell exactly who held the IP address when the infringement occurred (provided the time stamp is accurate). Under the current status quo, the service provider generally alerts to the user to the breach, but no further action is taken. The copyright holder would need to obtain a court order to force the ISP to reveal the identity of the user. Using a VPN introduces a middle man, an intermediary server the disguises the connection. So instead of a user connecting directly to a torrent site, the user connects to a server that connects to the torrent site. This makes it impossible for the user to be identified, unless the VPN server is able to be scrutinized, which is near impossible since the server could be anywhere in the world. This is also how some users bypass DRM (digital rights management) which restricts certain services like Hulu, Netflix and Amazon Prime in specific regions when they may not have distribution rights for the materials they broadcast. Many users also use other DNS (Dynamic Name Servers) such Google DNS or UnoTelly, that will allow a user to access sites even if the ISP has blocked the IP address of a site on their DNS lookup. With these two systems in play, it could be virtually impossible for an ISP to block any site or network.

SAFACT is trying a new tactic...

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Torrential Reign

ecord Companies, film studios and other content producers have made no secret of the fact that they dislike torrents and internet downloads. While the traditional media industry is slowly coming to grips with the digital age, they are certainly not giving up without a fight. I’ve written a few pieces about copyright holders targeting users through civil lawsuits and criminal proceedings. While the law is on their side, practicality is not. For every prosecution, there are likely a million (or a billion) people that it’s simply too difficult to trace, catch and prosecute. As digital copyright laws evolve, so too do privacy laws, which are often at odds with the monitoring and evidence collection methods used by the agencies involved in prosecuting offenders. Even though copyright law is often at the forefront of digital law, it’s generally not a priority for authorities, who are more concerned than ever with hackers and fraudsters using the internet as their new playground. SAFACT (The South African Federation of Against Copyright Theft) is trying a new tactic. They were recently reported in IT journals to have presented a list of piracy sites to ISPA (The Internet Service Providers Association of South Africa). ISPA was requested to issue a request to all it’s members of internet service providers to block the sites in question. While the proposal is still under discussion, the federation is apparently prepared to take legal action to compel the blocking of piracy sites, if the association and its members do not voluntarily comply. Users and ISPs will debate the practicalities of enforcing a policy of this nature. Many torrent sites already

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The more burning issue though is one of net neutrality. While some countries have long established censorship, like China and North Korea, with extensive firewalls limiting internet access to restricted content, this is generally frowned upon. However, even some western countries like the United Kingdom have gradually embraced a high level of internet censorship, by forcing ISP to block certain sites at ISP level that relate to piracy, hate speech, drugs, gambling, and so on, but even ones related to dating and alcohol. This has drawn criticism from many advocates of a free internet. As this trend grows around the world, there are precious few places where the internet is

“... a bit like a conspiracy theory.”

TECHNOLOGY

unregulated. Another issue that may require discussion is how far this could go. Whether the SAFACT proposal is successful or not, this could open the door for other businesses to seek to secure their digital rights and revenues. Recently Uber drivers and traditional metered taxi associations have been embroiled in a bitter battle to secure profitable territories and protect incomes. While this is relatively recent in South Africa, it’s a dispute that’s raged all over the world. Taxi drivers held several strikes which eventually turned violent with several Uber drivers being hospitalised and one killed. However, one could imagine that instead of petitioning the government to act against Uber, they might seek to have ISP’s simply block the app on their network, which would effectively cripple the lift sharing service.

Cryptocurrency is fast becoming a global economic force. With one bitcoin equating to $2,723 US, many tech savvy investors are favouring cryptocurrency over investing in traditional forex. South African banks were recently reported to be developing their own cryptocurrency, tentatively called Springblock, which they hope will get them into the blockchain game. However, it’s not likely they would be able to easily adapt as old-style brick and mortar businesses at the rate of tech start-ups who are set to revolutionise the industry. Similarly, other industries like insurance are already seeing start-ups, like Amity, looking to use blockchain methodology to challenge the traditional insurance model. Both insurance and banking companies are hard pressed to keep up with technology by recruiting and developing the talent to maintain their control over their industries. However, the easier (and arguably cheaper fight) would be to compel ISP’s to block apps and sites that provide these services, since it would completely destabilize them. Perhaps these last examples might seem a bit like a conspiracy theory. After all, copyright holders battling piracy (which is illegal) is not quite the same as traditional businesses fighting digital change. But both examples do show is that innovation is a growing advantage for the little guy (and possibly a crippling disadvantage to established business). The force that controls changes in technology in the digital age has a critical edge over money, influence and power, which have traditionally controlled the market. What’s also clear is that the player who listens to the consumer and gives them what they want (regardless of how reasonable, practical or legal that is) is going to be at an advantage over the other. g

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Torrential Reign

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Movies 69

Atomic Blonde

COMICS 106 108 110 112

Defenders #1 Aliens - Defiance Volume 1 The Boys Volume 1 – The Name of the Game Spawn #1 Director’s Cut

BOOKS 114 116

Taste of Marrow A Long Day in Lynchford

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LIFESTYLE

The Latest Action Hero Goes Atomic 96

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Cool Stuff: Movies

oine c

In Atomic Blonde, Charlize Theron is re-Bourne as a Bond-style Cold War spy. gamecca

LIFESTYLE

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Cool Stuff: Movies

e are living in a post-Wonder Woman world. That movie’s

mammoth success seems to be a pretty good indicator that people want to see more larger-than-life heroics from female characters on the big screen. Audiences are primed to root for more well-written and respectfully treated women who know how to handle themselves in a fight. It’s also now the tail-end of the US Summer. In terms of movies, it’s that time of year when edgier genre fare for adults finally has space on the release schedule amidst the family-friendly superhero movies, robot-centric sci-fi and animated fare. One of these end of Summer releases is espionage actioner Atomic Blonde.

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WHAT’S IT FOR ABOUT Loosely based on 2012 graphic novel The Coldest City (by Antony Johnston and Sam Hart), Atomic Blonde centres on Lorraine Broughton (Charlize Theron), a top-secret agent for Britain’s MI6. The year is 1989, and the fall of the Berlin Wall is imminent – along with the end of the Cold War. Lorraine is sent to Germany’s capital to investigate the murder of a fellow spy, and recover a dossier containing the identities of all undercover agents in Berlin. In the process, she is forced to cooperate with slippery station chief David Percival (James McAvoy). Other recognisable faces in Atomic Blonde’s cast include Sofia (Kingsman, The Mummy) Boutella as a French operative, and character actors John Goodman and Toby Jones as the Western intelligence heads who oversee Lorraine.

MAKING OF THE MOVIE

LIFESTYLE

Oscar winner Charlize Theron has already proved her blockbuster action credentials with her role as shaved-head Furiosa in Mad Max Fury: Road, and the title character in substantially less acclaimed Aeon Flux. Theron did the vast majority of her own stunts in Atomic Blonde, after training with the stunt team for several hours a day over the course of three months. For the record, Atomic Blonde comes from John Wick cohelmer, and future Deadpool 2 director, David Leitch. Before stepping behind the camera, Leitch was a veteran stunt performer and stunt choreographer of 20 years, so the man knows his way around an action scene. Theron, meanwhile, also produced Atomic Blonde. Not only was the part an opportunity to prove that she could pull off such a physical role at the age of 41, but she was enticed by the character of Lorraine. Unlike most soft-hearted, “nice” movie heroines, Lorraine is ice-cold and unapologetic. Closer to the Daniel Craig version of James Bond, Atomic Blonde’s lead is ruthlessly efficient and tough. She takes a beating as often as she dishes them out.

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Cool Stuff: Movies

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EARLY WORD Atomic Blonde actually had its world premiere back in March at Texasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s South By Southwest film festival. By the time you read this article, the movie will have hit American cinemas, on 28 July. So there is a moderate amount of opinion already online about Atomic Blonde. Critics who attended earlier screenings of the film have called it exceptionally stylish. Visually, it oozes periodappropriate punk attitude with its combination of synth music and neon lighting. Atomic Blonde also features one of the best fight scenes in years, captured in a single, apparently unbroken 10-minute shot. On the downside, the film might be a case of too much style over substance. Some reviewers have wished there was more heart and humour in Atomic Blonde. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve also complained that the movie becomes overloaded with twists towards the end. Still, Atomic Blonde is supremely cool and slickly made as far as action films go. It features bruising, visceral battles, an amazing 80s soundtrack and a fantastic performance by Charlize Theron.

LIFESTYLE

The film releases in South Africa on 25 August.

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Cool Stuff: Movies

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CINEMA’S OTHER LADIES OF ESPIONAGE While woman-fronted superhero films are rare, that fortunately isn’t the case for spy thrillers. Over the past 30 years, there have been several high-profile hits to centre on female agents and assassins.

La Femme Nikita (1990) This French thriller was a star-maker for actress Anne Parillaud and writer-director Luc Besson. Parillaud’s Nikita is a teen junkie who commits murder during a robbery. Instead of life in prison though, she is recruited and trained to be a killer by a shadowy government organisation. La Femme Nikita was also remade across the Atlantic as Point of No Return, starring Bridget Fonda, and led to two TV series.

The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996) Geena Davis flexed her action heroine muscle for a second time – following pirate adventure Cutthroat Island – with The Long Kiss Goodnight. Davis plays amnesiac school teacher Samantha Caine, who discovers she is actually expert CIA assassin Charly Baltimore. Samuel L Jackson is a private detective drawn into Samantha’s complicated, and suddenly dangerous, life.

Salt (2010) Angelina Jolie stars in this twisty box office smash about Evelyn Salt, a CIA operative accused of being a Russian sleeper agent. Salt goes on the run, while trying to clear her name. Jolie was committed to doing as many of her own stunts as possible in the movie. Interestingly, the Director’s Edition and Extended Cut of Salt are substantially different to the movie’s theatrical version.

Haywire (2011)

LIFESTYLE

Acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh recruited women’s MMA pioneer Gina Carano for this hard-hitting, but arty, thriller about a black ops agent betrayed by her handlers. Mallory Kane sets out to exact revenge and outmanoeuvre the assassins sent to kill her. Carano’s co-stars include such big names as Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender, Michael Douglas, Channing Tatum and Antonio Banderas.

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Cool Stuff: Movies

Hanna (2011) More arty espionage, combining action and dark fairy tale. Here Saoirse Ronan is Hanna, a teen assassin who has been raised and trained by ex-CIA operative Erik (Eric Bana) in a remote part of Finland, completely cut off from civilisation. When Hanna reenters society on a mission to kill senior CIA officer Marissa (Cate Blanchett), their battle reveals secrets about the girl’s origins.

Colombiana (2011) Produced and co-written by La Femme Nikita’s Luc Besson, Colombiana has more of a crime focus than espionage, but it does centre on a female assassin. Zoe Saldana is Cataleya, the daughter of a Colombian hitman murdered by his drug lord employer. Cataleya follows in her father’s footsteps professionally, building up to the moment she can get justice for her family.

Spy (2015) Here’s something a little different: a female-fronted spy movie with an emphasis on laughs. Melissa McCarthy is Susan Cooper, a middle-aged CIA analyst who makes an unlikely transition from desk operations to field work in an attempt to stop the sale of a nuclear weapon. Jason Statham, Rose Byrne and Jude Law also star. Highly praised, Spy was recognised as one of the best comedies of 2015.

Special mention: Red (2010) & Red 2 The two movies may have centred on Bruce Willis’s character, but Helen Mirren’s Victoria Winslow emerged as an audience-favourite: a veteran weapons expert who kills for the British government.

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Title: Writer: Artist:

COOL STUFF

GET GRAPHIC Defenders #1 Brian Michael Bendis David Marquez

Publisher:

Marvel

Rated:

Teen +

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by Clive Burmeister

An old enemy linked to Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist and Daredevil is back on the scene and has made his vendetta against the team personal. With blatant daylight attacks against all the members, not only endangering many civilians, but even landing Jessica Jones in the hospital, the team decide enough is enough and that they need to find this villain and stop him before he takes things too far. But only when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s too late do they begin to realize that they are playing right into his hands. With all the characters of the team headlining their own popular TV shows recently, Marvel is right on the money bringing this well written, energetically illustrated, and thoroughly enjoyable comic to the shelves. Now you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to wait for the next Netflix series to enjoy your favourite characters, just pick up Defenders #1.

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Title: Writer: Artist: Publisher: Rated:

COOL STUFF

GET GRAPHIC Aliens - Defiance Volume 1 Brian Wood Various Dark Horse Teen +

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by Clive Burmeister

In space no-one can hear you scream. Private First Class Zula Hendricks of the Colonial Marine Corps was not only disturbed and a little horrified when the screaming started, and that she could quite clearly heard it, but a little surprised that the squad of WeylandYutani Corporate Security Drones did actually scream when confronted with certain death. And from there it all went downhill. Pretty soon she found herself in the middle of an impossible mission to exterminate every near indestructible alien xenomorph they could find, with an AWOL combat synthetic for a partner; and an army of marines and the galaxyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most powerful corporation trying to stop them. Brian Wood brings the terrifying energy and suspense crucial to the Aliens universe into an action packed and gripping story, like the seasoned veteran writer that he is.

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Title: Writer: Artist: Publisher: Rated:

COOL STUFF

GET GRAPHIC

The Boys Volume 1 – The Name of the Game Garth Ennis Darick Robertson Dynamite Mature

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by Clive Burmeister

Superheroes keep watch over the world, but who keeps watch over the superheroes. What happens to civilian casualties in their super battles, and do they even care? And what happens when all that power goes to their heads? Meet The Boys, a ragtag group of special individuals working for the CIA who have a personal stake in seeing the super heroes held accountable for their actions and reminding them that they’re not in charge. Garth Ennis, arguably one of the best comic writers in the industry, really ups the stakes with this book, with his brilliant plot and “inyour-face” writing, you’ll be dying to see what happens next. It won’t be long after reading this book before you’re hooked and wanting to collect them all. Just a note, this one is definitely rated M for mature readers!

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Title:

Spawn #1 Director’s Cut

Writer:

Todd McFarlane

Artist:

Todd McFarlane

Publisher: Rated:

COOL STUFF

GET GRAPHIC Image Teen

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by Clive Burmeister

Marking the epic 25th anniversary of Spawn, the Director’s Cut issue not only lets us relive what for many of us was one of our earliest comic experiences, in Spawn #1, but also gives us prints of McFarlane’s original black & whites and a commentary by him providing a page by page summary of his creative process on this classic issue. As one of the founding members of Image comics, which is well known in today’s circles for producing some of the best comics in the industry, McFarlane has proven himself as an accomplished writer and artist, and Spawn was the dream that made it a burning desire to get him there. There aren’t many comics, or comic creators, that can boast 25 years on a single title.

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Taste of Marrow On the brink

Title:

LIFESTYLE

Author: Publisher: Genre:

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Taste of Marrow Sarah Gailey Tor Books Fantasy

COOL STUFF: bOOKS

inslow Houndstooth is a man on the brink of self-destruction. In the past couple of months, he put together the finest crew of cons, outlaws, assassins, and saboteurs. Together they blew the Harriet Dam chocking the Mississippi, freeing feral hippos

into the river, while giving back America its greatest waterway. Only things didn’t work out as well as he’d hoped. The crew is scattered, each struggling through changes they didn’t expect. A struggle for identity after a life of crime haunting every step. And the past continues to chase them. Sarah Gailey is an author with a memorable nuance to her writing style. She captures each of her characters with unique qualities and characteristics making them stick out. The word choice and word play work to ground the story in the Mississippi but more than that, on these revered hippos the story centres around. Even the flow of the story runs smoothly from beginning to end, tying up loose ends and loosening some for what will surely be another story. This is the second book in the River of Teeth series, a historical fantasy where gender means little to society. A story of love and sacrifice. Of

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by Nthato Morakabi

allegiance. Of hope. g

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A Long Day in Lynchford Overshadowedâ&#x20AC;¦

Title:

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Author: Publisher: Genre:

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A Long Day in Lynchford Paul Cornell Tor Books Fantasy

COOL STUFF: bOOKS

Long Day in Lychford is the third book in Paul Cornellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Witches of Lychford series. Following the Lost Child of Lychford, the trio of witches find themselves in tumult between themselves and a crumbling British governance. Friendships are tested,

roles are questioned and the small town of Lychford is suffering. The story revolves around an occurrence of something dark and mysterious overshadowing Lychford. Unwary hikers are led over magical borders by their smartphones, an endless rave keeps the town awake, and an unfurling feud seems to be on the precipice. What can these three rural witches do against the unknown? Paul Cornell continues to build on the Witches of Lychford series with this seemingly intermediary novella. Reverend Lizzie must quell the fairiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; anger regarding the odd happenings in the village. The police are on their tether following two disappearances with Autumn as their prime suspect. Judith struggles with her role as mentor to her wards. All three witches must face perilous circumstances that will guide the way forward for each of them. For a storm is brewing and it may sweep everything away. and impending doom, it truly is a long day in Lychford. g

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by Nthato Morakabi

Journeying through magical borders, racism,

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BY rAMJET

Heartless... M

Ramjet’s rantality

aybe I am just getting older. Well, I am getting older, that’s an indisputable fact. But maybe I am getting too old for hanging around on the internet all day and watching arbitrary stuff. Because, quite frankly, a lot of it is arbitrary, unimportant rubbish that people love sharing for some or other reason. But between all the cute Husky videos and “wow, isn’t it amazing that we can cook something” videos and “hey, look at me being special for doing something completely mundane” selfies, I have found something that really disturbs me to the core. I have found a lack of empathy. Now, those of you who have read my columns a few times may well sit back at this point and ask “what the hell do you know about empathy, Ramjet?”. Just because I say nasty things about people that

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are disagreeable to me doesn’t mean that I can’t understand the emotional condition of others. I might not be the nicest person you’ll ever meet, but I can still put myself in someone else’s shoes… more so that most of the people out there who post things like “Fail Compilations”. Personally, I find it difficult to laugh at the suffering of others. I know it sounds strange coming from me, but when I see a video of a guy trying to show off and cracking his nuts irreparably as a result, I don’t laugh. I think he is an idiot, sure, but I don’t laugh. Because I can imagine what he must he going through at that moment. Humour seems to be a lost art. Among all those “share if you see the hidden cat” and “don’t you feel grownup because you can remember a song that is ten years old” posts are things that are meant to make us laugh

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at the misfortune of others. Sure, there are lots of funny videos on the internet, but those particular ones… no. Maybe I just don’t get the generation that grew up with the internet. Call them Millennials, if you wish, or whatever, I don’t care for those kinds of labels. But there seems to be a trend here that says “well, it happened to you, not me, so it’s funny”. But is it really? People have accused this generation of being self-entitled and self-serving, and the willingness to laugh at the misery of other folks seems to be evidence that those accusations are bang on the money. You cannot teach someone empathy. You cannot instil a caring for others. It’s either there, or it isn’t, and it seems that it is less and less common these days. And seeing as how these people are going to be running the world one day, I think we might all be a little screwed as a result. g