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buy online today with Exertis Gem
buy online today with Exertis Gem
CONTENTS 05 EDITOR’S COMMENT
Faye Le Duc introduces 2014’s first edition of The Future
06 WE WANT ONE
We have a look at a little speaker that’s ready for anything, meet BOOM’s Swimmer
09 NEW TO US
February’s update on all things Exertis Gem
12 Q&A
Exertis Gem’s new Inventory Planner Joe Collis takes the spotlight in this month’s Q&A
10 FEBRUARY FRENZY
Take advantage of 2 weeks of fantastic deals in Exertis Gem February Frenzy sales promo
15 LEAP MOTION
Leap Motion, the tiny intuitive motion controller that can track all 10 fingers
21 MAXELL
Maxell assurances sound quality from its Soundbar speaker (with awards to prove it!)
25 KASPERSKY
The Kaspersky 2014 range, which product is right for your customers?
26 SOUTH PARK: THE STICK OF TRUTH Hilarious, childish but down right fun, the stick of truth is a brilliantly crafted RPG adventure that plays like a feature length episode of South Park
28 WATCH_DOGS
Set in the not too distant future, users take the role of hacker who can use his skills to control the city around him
31 THIEF
Sneaking through the shadows, players take the role of a master thief who must uncover a truth before his world is torn apart in this first person action stealth title
32 XBOX
Discover must have Xbox Live, games and accessories for the first quarter
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03
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buy online today with Exertis Gem
editor’s comment
Editor’s Comment
to find out more
With the first quarter well under way, there’s a new sense of direction for Exertis Gem. With a profusion of new vendors joining our portfolio with their exciting products (GameStick, Bayan Audio and Sound United with Polk, Definitive Technologies and Boom to name but a few) our category offering is getting stronger and stronger with each month that passes. The breadth of brands available from Exertis Gem is increasing to ensure that we cater for all requirements and stay ahead of the game, offering customers the best possible choice in a competitive environment. In this month’s edition of The Future we’re delighted to welcome some of our new partners, as well as introduce some exciting new titles from our gaming publishers.
Faye Le Duc Trade Marketing Manager
Joe Collis, a long-standing member of the Exertis Gem family, talks in more detail about his role on page 12, whilst ‘Hot Reviews’ (page 13) boasts some of the latest Consumer Electronics reviews from the past month. Our February Frenzy promotion starts on the 3rd February for 2 weeks, giving you an opportunity to take advantage of some fantastic deals from top brands including Microsoft, both SDA and Xbox, Turtle Beach, Ubisoft, Symantec, Kaspersky and more! The promotion ends on the 14th February so be sure to contact your account manager to find out more. The PCR Awards 2014 take place on the 14th March and for the first time ever we’ve been nominated for a whopping FIVE awards including Software Distributor, PC Gaming & Hardware Distributor, Peripherals Distributor, Distributor of the Year, and Marketing & PR. Check out page 7 for more information about the awards. I’d like to thank all of our customers and partners who nominated us for these awards and wish all the nominees the best of luck on the night!
Faye
Managing Editor Faye Le Duc
Publisher Exertis Gem
Editorial Assistant Brendan Adams
Exertis Gem St. George House, Parkway Harlow Business Park, Harlow, Essex CM19 5QF
Design Sophie Hammond Amber-sky Watts Digital Support Peter Cox Gaming Editor Kristan Reed
Head of Marketing and Retail Services Katie Rawlings
Contact Details Telephone Office: +44 01279 822800 Sales: +44 01279 822822 Facsimile Office: +44 01279 416228 Sales: +44 01279 412604 To place an order please call 01279 822822 between 9am-6pm Monday-Friday, or visit store.exertisgem.co.uk to buy online* To open an account please visit www.exertisgem.co.uk/account or call our new accounts team on 01279 822800. *Trade account required. Printed in the uk by Cadmium Multimedia www.cadmiummultimedia.co.uk
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05
we want one
to find out more
BOOM SWIMMER BOOM products are renowned for providing a sturdy and durable experience that adjusts to any listening situation, with a unique design aesthetic that’s reflective of an active and artistic lifestyle. The BOOM SWIMMER is testament to that vision with its very unique yet functional design. This lightweight portable Bluetooth Speaker has a long, flexible tail which can be wrapped around objects or bent into a stand to support itself. The SWIMMER's tail unscrews and a suction cup can be fitted to expand the mounting possibilities, upgrading the bass when fitted to any flat surface. Not only is it extremely portable, the SWIMMER is IPX7 rated, meaning it can be immersed into a meter of water for 30 minutes with the tail on. The BOOM SWIMMER is water-proof, dust-proof & shock resistant, enabling it to cope with almost any environment it faces, whether that’s the beach, pool, shower or park. Featuring a rechargeable lithium ion battery, a 2 hour charge time gives customers 8 hours of playback at maximum volume, or 16 hours at half volume. This bundle of audio joy can literally be taken and attached anywhere, in almost any condition, letting customers connect and play their favourite music in a matter of seconds.
i
For more information on BOOM, contact your Exertis Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or go online at store.exertisgem.co.uk
news
Exertis Gem News February Frenzy returns
Feel the love with exclusive deals and promotions Our annual February Frenzy promotion is back in its 6th consecutive year, bringing fun to the channel with an abundance of discounts and incentives to Exertis Gem’s customers. From the 3rd to the 14th February, Exertis Gem will play host to top brand covering Gaming, PC, IT and Consumer Electronics. Each day is exclusively sponsored, giving focus to every vendor on their respective day, resulting in 2 weeks packed with not-to-be-missed offers. The promotion has been notoriously successful for Exertis Gem and its customers; with a fantastic chance to capitalise on the post-Christmas uplift in software and
accessory sales, February Frenzy delivers outstanding deals to support retail in the build-up to Easter. Details of the deals will be available online at store.exertisgem.co.uk/februaryfrenzy, through Exertis Gem’s dedicated sales team and announced by a daily e-newsletter, just email online@exertisgem.co.uk to subscribe. If you don’t yet have an account with Exertis Gem now’s the perfect time to join us. Call us on 01279 822 822 or go online to www.exertisgem.co.uk/account. We welcome all new trade accounts eager to sign up and take advantage of the huge savings on some great brands.
We couldn’t have done it without you! Exertis Gem nominated for 5 PCR Awards We are thrilled to announce that we have been nominated for 5 of the prestigious PCR Awards which recognises and rewards key players within the IT channel. Our customers and partners have all voted making us the 2014 finalists for Software Distributor, PC Gaming & Hardware Distributor, Peripherals Distributor, Distributor of the Year, and Marketing & PR. A committee of 100 industry experts will vote on the winners before the event, which takes place on Thursday March 13th 2014 at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington.
Dhalco partners with Exertis Gem
Dhalco launch ‘Easy Website In A Box’ to UK retail Dhalco pride themselves on delivering a personal, but highly professional service, creating exceptional, innovative web designs solutions for consumers and businesses. Their offering covers all areas of web design from basic personal sites or start-ups, to a full, professional ecommerce for businesses. Using their expertise, Dhalco have produced Easy Website In A Box, a sophisticated yet simple to use, low cost solution for website creation. Ideal for start-ups, small businesses, tradesmen, and entrepreneurs, the software is designed for anyone who needs a professional looking web presence and/or online shop within a matter of hours and without any technical knowledge. Dhalco has now also partnered with McAfee to bring security protection to websites. Every website created with Easy Website In A Box will now be fully secured and certified by the world-class leader in website security, McAfee Secure. This is all part of the Easy Website In A Box package offered by Dhalco.
Software Category Manager for Exertis Gem, Neil Smith, commented “Dhalco have fully concentrated their efforts on producing a fantastic piece of web creation software that will appeal to the majority of consumers, regardless of their tech-knowledge. The significant rise of e-commerce trading has placed increased pressure on businesses to enhance their online presence; Easy Website In A Box provides the tools to do exactly that. We look forward to working with them to grow their brand in the UK retail channel.” For more information on Dhalco’s Easy Website In A Box, please contact our dedicated sales team on 01279 822 822 or go online to store.exertisgem.co.uk and search ‘Dhalco’
The PCR Awards 2013 event saw Exertis Gem proudly crowned as Gaming Distributor of the Year, a category in which we offer a broad range of products from multiple publishers like Xbox, Nintendo, Take 2, Ubisoft and Konami, and peripheral vendors like Steel Series, PDP, Logitech, Turtle Beach, Mad Catz and Thrustmaster. Katie Rawlings, Head of Marketing and Retail Services, states her delight in the multiple nominations commenting “Being selected as finalists for 5 separate awards in such competitive categories not only makes us very proud, but reflects the dedication our teams demonstrate across the business. From dynamic trade marketing initiatives, constant engagement with our retailers and seamless warehouse services we offer as a business, Exertis Gem strives to support the channel.” We would like to thank everyone who voted and wish all nominees the best of luck on the night!
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Providing an extensive and varied range of products and services to the retail and reseller markets, we are delighted to welcome Dhalco’s excellent range of web design solution software to their portfolio.
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07
to find out more
new to us
to find out more
Polk
The speaker specialists
Exertis Gem is pleased to announce its exciting new partnership with Polk Audio, an award-winning designer and manufacturer of high performance audio products. Polk manufacture custom engineered gaming audio, and with its partnership with Microsoft, they have a phenomenal new line of licensed gaming products that are optimised to deliver finely-tuned audio to the Xbox 360® and new Xbox One. Their headphones pack 40 years of Polk expertise in high-end home speaker technology into a lightweight and ergonomic design for a sonic performance, taking listeners deeper into their games. Their sound bar’s, like the N1, are engineered with custom audio settings that reveal more of a game’s reality than ever heard before. Gamers can select Halo® or Forza Motorsport® modes during game play, or choose Cinema or Music when using the Xbox One for entertainment outside of gaming. “Our audio category has seen tremendous growth throughout the year, and with the launch of Xbox One. Offering brand diversity to our customers is fundamental to the continuation of the sales momentum” said Jon Sutherland, Head of Category for Exertis Gem. “Polk delivers impressive high-end audio products and its licenced Xbox headsets perfectly complement our best-in-class Xbox accessory offerings. We’re delighted to be working with Polk to launch and grow the brand’s presence in the UK.”
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For more information on Polk, contact your Exertis Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or go online at store.exertisgem.co.uk
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09
to find out more
10
to find out more
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11
Q&A
Q&A
Follow Exertis Gem for the latest news & updates
Introducing Joe Collis We spotlight Exertis Gem’s Inventory Planner for Consumer Electronics, Joe Collis, who talks about his new position and time at Exertis Gem Hi Joe, you’re now 1 month into your new position as Inventory Planner for Exertis Gem, what are your thoughts so far? A month in and I’m really enjoying it. Moving from a sales background of 8 years it’s certainly a big change for me, but one I am relishing. I’m looking forward to progressing myself in this area of Exertis Gem. Can you tell us more about what your role entails? Analysing inventory levels and keeping great vendor relationships is key. Keeping up to speed on sales trends and also engaging with the sales teams (hoping I’ve still got some friends in sales!) to deliver maximum product availability for my categories/vendors into our customers. I work alongside the Category Manager for my area to create opportunities, help implement new strategies, procedures and facilitate sales opportunities.
What has been the highlight of your career with Exertis Gem? Being part of the Xbox One launch last year was a big highlight for me. Although I was around for the launch of Xbox 360 in 2005 I wasn’t directly involved with gaming at the time so working alongside Microsoft to deliver the Xbox One console to our customers was a great experience. Describe yourself in 3 words? Loyal, outgoing (going out to the pub) and hardworking Tell us a fact which most people don’t know… It is impossible to lick your elbow. See….told you! Tell us a joke… Where there’s a will………..there’s a relative.
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All the better for seeing you with.
Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft
Consumer: H5D-00014 £69.99 Business: 6CH-00002 £35.65
ЈUG-00014 £24.99
Consumer: Q2F-00015 £89.99 Business: 5WH-00002 £54.44
LifeCam Cinema
12
LifeChat LX-3000
LifeCam Studio
hot reviews
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Anyone looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker should put the Bayan Soundbook at the top of their shopping list. It’s beautifully designed and constructed and delivers a clean, crisp sound with plenty of detail. Pairing to a mobile or tablet via Bluetooth is simple and stable while the FM radio is a nice addition. JON MYLES, HI FI WORLD
Our rating
EXCLUSIVE TO
SOL REPUBLIC might sound more like a bad beach bar in Magaluf than the maker of the year’s best headphones, but when they look and sound this good it’d be rude to hold a dodgy moniker against them, especially when the near-indestructible Master Tracks could survive a night in said bar. So while the headband might be bendy, the sound is anything but, with plenty of punch and drive. Tough stuff rarely looks good either, which makes the Master Tracks all the more deserving of an accolade. Rugged, talented and good looking – sounds just like the Stuff team. No wonder we like them so much. STUFF
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In almost every other area it beats the Apple with an immense app store. RADIO TIMES
Offering lightning fast navigation and expandable storage capacity, the Roku 3 is a terrific streaming TV gizmo. T3 GADGET MAGAZINE
A tiny box with a lot of apps, including Netflix, Now TV and BBC iPlayer, Spotify recently joined the party, and the others are being added all the time. STUFF
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10 fingers, two hands and one huge leap A tiny device with huge possibilities
The Leap Motion Controller tracks both hands and all 10 fingers with pinpoint precision and incredible speed. That wide-open space between a person and their computer is now theirs-to play, create and explore. Reach into another world without actually touching anything.
Play
Jump to the highest level before even starting. Customers can get way, way, more into the game by using their hands to move in any direction, with precision. This allows them to dive into realistic, 3D interaction at its best. Steer, slice, grab, push, pull, crush, and shoot with their hands and finger. Try popular games from Airspace like Fruit Ninja, and Cut the Rope, or new experiences like the music-driven game Dropchord and first-person shooter Blue Estate.
Create
Make a masterpiece out of thin air. With the Leap Motion Controller, customers are the instrument. Strum, drum, sketch, draw, and paint with fingers. Customers can sculpt as easily as they would with clay. Use their own drumsticks to beat a snare drum in AirBeats. Flip through a recipe for lasagne in Allthecooks Recipes without saucing up the screen. It's the best way to create just about anything, because it's done by hand.
Explore
Reach for the stars. Grab a planet while at it. When learning about the world through 3D motion-control, life really comes alive. Customers can fly through 3D cities in Google Earth. Zoom around the planets in Solar Walk, take apart a skull in Cyber Science or simply catch up on the latest news in The New York Times app. When they reach into their computer, the learning never stops.
Webcode LM-C01-UK SRP £69.99
Visit www.leapmotion.com
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15
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Bring more power to a playlist Introducing British born Bayan Audio We are delighted to announce a new partnership with British brand, Bayan Audio, and their extensive range of audio technology products which will complement and expand our consumer electronics offering.
Their products work with audio systems, smartphones, tablets or laptops, so wherever customers store their sound, Bayan Audio has the right products that work for them.
Passionate about sound quality and beautiful design, Bayan Audio was founded in 2011 in the UK, with the aim to create outstanding products to help customers enjoy sound wherever they are.
Bayan Audio believe that natural materials such as wood produce the best sound performance, so they try where possible to use them in all their products, and if they have to use plastics, they make sure it's recycled.
In today's world, time is precious and choices are endless, so they have designed products which can be used quickly and easily with existing technology to let customers enjoy sound straightaway.
When customers buy Bayan Audio they can enjoy the simplicity of using their products, but know that internally they are engineered with the latest technology and materials.
Soundbook X3 buy online today with Exertis Gem
The latest addition to Bayan Audio's Soundbook range of Bluetooth wireless speakers is the Soundbook X3, powerful enough to fill a room with rich sound as well as being portable yet practical. Soundbook X3 defies its size with smooth, defined bass, pronounced, clear vocal range and detailed high note reproduction. It delivers quality audio playback from a number of devices including smartphones, tablets and laptops and also offers both a speakerphone feature and integrated FM radio. Soundbook X3 is designed with advanced audio compression technology aptX to maintain CD quality over the Bluetooth connection, allowing customers to lose the wires without losing the audio quality. FEATURES: • High grade aluminium enclosure for less energy loss and better audio performance • Advanced audio compression technology for more detailed sound via aptX • Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology for maximum compatibility • FM radio with integrated aerial • Power share port to charge a smartphone or MP3 • Quad 1.5" Drivers plus passive Bass - Combined 20W of sound Black – Webcode BSB3-55-BK-608 SRP £249.99 White – Webcode BSB3-55-WH-609 SRP £249.99
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Black – Webcode BSB1-55-BK-604 White – Webcode BSB1-55-WH-605 SRP £149.99
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17
Meet The SOL REPUBLIC Master Tracks 2013 Headphones of the year
Master Tracks
Master Tracks are the first interchangeable over-ear headphones to deliver incredible sound, design, and performance. Delivering an immersive music experience, Master Tracks balances powerful bass with clear highs and vocal accuracy. These wonderfully crafted headphones are fitted with an inline mic + music control which is compatible with most Apple, Android and Windows devices. Its lightweight construction and adjustable SonicSoft™ speaker cushions allows for increased noise isolation and comfort. Its FlexTech™ headband is constructed of an advanced polymer compound, meaning it’s virtually indestructible, even if it’s twisted, bent or crushed. A three-button remote lets users adjust the volume, skip music tracks and answer/hang-up calls, and the mic captures high clarity audio when chatting. Articulating SonicSoft™ Speaker cushions provide the perfect fit for optimised noise isolation. Weighing a mere 243 grams, the lightweight design means customers can enjoy their music in endless comfort. Customers can even swap out the cables and Sound Track headbands to quickly personalise the look, in the world’s first interchangeable headphones. Master Tracks also comes with a slim-Fit carrying case for easy transport, so they can travel securely and safely, ready for when they are needed.
The SOL REPUBLIC Philosophy SOL REPUBLIC believes music has the power to move the listeners, touch them and inspire them. A good song can help them run faster, think clearer and live better. For every great moment, there is a song that goes with it - they believe this is their “Soundtrack Of Life” (SOL) and have committed to making it better through sound, style and technology. Whether customers listen to EDM, country or hip-hop, SOL REPUBLIC headphones are engineered to deliver true sound they can feel. The newly developed X3 Sound Engines deliver an immersive music experience balanced with powerful bass, clear highs and vocal accuracy.
Webcode Gunmetal Grey - 1601-30 White - 1601-32 Electric Blue - 1601-36 SRP £169.99
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Sound quality assured The complete home entertainment system from Maxell
Maxell MXSP SB-3000 DIGITAL SOUNDBAR TV SPEAKER The Maxell MXSP-SB3000 is a 2.1 channel Soundbar, with built-in sub-woofer, designed to sit discreetly beneath big-screen TVs weighing up to 80kg. With a unique design and programmable remote control, it has been designed to add high quality audio to slim-TVs that typically lack the muscle of a dedicated home theatre system. It also features Bluetooth connectivity for playing music directly from a mobile device, and a USB port which can charge a Smartphone or Tablet. The integrated subwoofer delivers 100w, while a pair of front speakers delivers 30w each. The D class amplifier uses SRS Wow HD Audio technology to offer high definition clarity of sound, TruBass reproduction for a sculpted bass response, and a range of sound modes for cinema, music, speech and sport. Its remote control can be programmed to operate a TV as well as the Soundbar, while a sleek touch sensitive panel at the front of the Soundbar allows for manual control. Inputs include 3x HDMI, 1 Optical and 1 Coaxial. There is a single HDMI output that plugs into the TV. The MXSP-SB3000 has a VFD dot LED matrix display which gives bright and clear information that can be read at a distance, but can be remotely dimmed so as not to distract from the TV. Webcode MXSP-SB3000 SRP £220
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We haven’t seen a Maxell thing in our testing rooms in a very long time, so we were pleasantly surprised when the company put forward the MXSP-SB3000 in the new soundbase category. And we are pleasantly surprised again when it sounds
pretty damn good.
We quickly warm to the Maxell’s
crisp, clear and incredibly easy-going sound. Run it in, connect it to your telly, and simply enjoy a smooth and engaging performance.
MXSP-SB3000 Soundbar February 2014
Other Award Nominations • Awarded AV Forums ‘One of the best Soundbars of 2013’ • Awarded ‘T3 Test Winner’ in a Group Test of Soundbars in T3 January 2014 issue. The product was also awarded 5 stars • Awarded 5 stars for Price/Performance in HiFi Test Magazine in Germany • Featured in AskMen website’s Top 10 Best Soundbars
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21
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Upgrading to Windows 8? Make everyday tasks more fluid and intuitive
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Microsoft Sculpt Comfort Mouse
Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse
The ultimate Windows mouse
Streamlined curves maximise comfort
The Sculpt Comfort Mouse’s intuitive, modern design and high functionality make it the perfect complement to the Windows 8 experience.
The advanced design of Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse maximises wrist comfort while making navigation effortless. Shaped to encourage a more natural hand, wrist, and forearm posture, Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse helps prevent the pain of repetitive stress injuries.
The blue Windows touch tab provides quick and easy access to a customer’s favourite Windows 8 features. Quickly navigate to the Start screen and access apps faster. Pressing the centre of the sleek blue tab will switch between the users current app and the Start screen. Or they can simply swipe up on the tab to cycle through all of open apps, or down to reveal all the open apps and select the one they want. It also features Bluetooth connectivity, to easily pair the device with a PC or tablet. While BlueTrack technology lets the mouse work on virtually any surface. The right-handed thumb scoop design and Tilt wheel allow customers to quickly and comfortably scroll left, right, up and down. Webcode H3S-00001 SRP £34.99
Microsoft Sculpt Comfort Keyboard
Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse perfectly integrates with Windows 8 featuring a dedicated button for one-touch to access to the Start screen, back button for faster navigation and 4-way scroll wheel for navigating up, down, left and right. Microsoft goes to great lengths to ensure that its mice not only provides efficient, precise control, but also feels good doing it, whether in light use or for long stretches at a time. The Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse is the latest addition to the Microsoft range of Health Computing products, making PC use safer and more comfortable. Webcode L6V-00003 SRP £49.99
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Designed for comfort The Sculpt Comfort Keyboard is equipped with hotkeys that gives customers one-touch access to some of the most commonly used functions in Windows 8, so they can search, share, or access their settings in the blink of an eye. The keyboard is also packed with ergonomic features including a contoured keyset, removable padded palm rest, and palm lift, designed to encourage a more natural, relaxed positioning of the arms, hands and wrist, providing greater comfort. Research shows that 90 percent of people use only their right thumb to hit the space bar, and that the backspace key is one of the most frequently used keys on a keyboard. That’s why Microsoft has built a larger, split spacebar that includes a backspace bar on the left-hand side. The new design helps improve typing speed and provide improved comfort. Webcode V4S-00006 SRP £49.99
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Believe in better protection PURE 3.0, the ultimate PC protection for the Home Kaspersky PURE 3.0 Total Security is the ultimate PC security solution delivering everything customers need to protect their computer. Including protection for a customer’s digital identity and important documents, photos, music and passwords – it provides the latest, sophisticated malware and internet threats. Special features add further layers of protection when online shopping or banking, Kaspersky PURE 3.0 also secures customers money and accounts against cybercriminals.
Kaspersky PURE 3.0 Total Security delivers a faster, more effective response to today’s ever-evolving threats. New Automatic Exploit Prevention technology blocks attacks that try to gain control over PC’s or steal personal data by exploiting vulnerabilities within commonly-used applications. While unique Safe Money technology ensures that the websites customers visit are secure - preventing anyone from being exploited by a fake or phishing websites. Safe Money will also offer to open customers chosen website in a special, protected mode. Secure Keyboard and Virtual Keyboard deliver additional protection against keyloggers, hackers and identity thieves when entering personal information online.
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Furthermore, Kaspersky’s Password Manager generates strong passwords, securely stores passwords in an encrypted vault and automatically logs customers on to websites and applications. Kaspersky PURE 3.0 also includes award-winning parental controls - to help keep children safe and responsible. Packed with incredible features Kaspersky PURE 3.0 is the all-encompassing PC security protection software package. • Protects against all types of malware and Internet threats – using Kaspersky’s latest security technologies • Delivers additional security for financial transactions – via Kaspersky’s unique Safe Money technology • Secures data – with flexible backup & restore features, including free online backup • Protects identity – via powerful password management features and keyboard security technologies • Preserves PC’s performance – by working in the background and providing PC Cleanup tools • Enhances protection for most precious files – with easy-to-use encryption technology • Simplifies security – so you can manage protection for multiple PCs… from one PC Webcode KL1911UXCFS SRP £49.99 - 3 User 1 Year
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25
PRESSBUZZ
RMS
*MIXED
The fan service is off-the-charts. The visuals are 100% dead-on with the show, such that if someone doesn't see you manipulating a controller, they will genuinely think you're watching an episode.
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IGN
Ubisoft should have
a hit on their hands. GAMEREACTOR
For those who have accepted Parker and Stone's ways, though, this could be one of the best tie-in games that has ever found its way to any console. VIDEOGAMER
It's shaping up to be a solid role-playing game with a biting, delightfully juvenile sense of humour. POLYGON
Goin’ Down To South Park: A Brief History of South Park games
1998
SOUTH PARK N64, PS1, PC
26
1999
SOUTH PARK: CHEF’S LUV SHACK N64, DREAMCAST, PS1, PC
2000 SOUTH PARK RALLY N64, DREAMCAST, PS1, PC
2009
SOUTH PARK LET’S GO TOWER DEFENSE PLAY! XBOX LIVE ARCADE
2012
SOUTH PARK TENORMAN’S REVENGE XBOX LIVE ARCADE
2014
SOUTH PARK The Stick Of Truth XBOX 360, PS3, PC
PLATFO
UBISOFT | XBOX 360 & PS3 - £49.99 | PC - £39.99 | 7th MARCH 2014
EXCLUSIVE TO
A
role-playing game with a difference hits the shelves this Spring, with the arrival of Ubisoft’s long-awaited South Park: The Stick Of Truth
This is the definitive interactive South Park experience - written and voiced by the creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, The Stick Of Truth promises true fan service, with a look and feel exactly like the infamous animated cult TV show. Described as “an epic quest to become…cool,” this relentlessly irreverent title is set in “the perilous battlefields of the fourth-grade playground,” where a young hero must earn their place as a friend of Stan, Kyle, Cartman and Kenny, discover the lost Stick of Truth and become South Park’s saviour. Developed by the renowned Obsidian Entertainment (Fallout: New Vegas, Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic 2), players can not only expect satisfying RPG play mechanics, but plenty of fart gags too! Recruit classic South Park characters, arm up with a legendary arsenal of magical weapons and mystical armour, then defeat crabpeople, underpants gnomes, hippies and other crazy foes straight from the imagination of the South Park creators. There also promises to be customisation options galore, too, with “something like a billion” character, clothing, and weapon combinations. South Park: The Stick Of Truth has already garnered plenty of positive press in the build-up to its release. One described it as “a bit like watching an extra-long episode of the TV series.” The 2D animation style has been replicated perfectly by Obsidian, while the combat gameplay has been heavily inspired by the style used in classic Japanese RPGs. Exploration of the environment takes place in 2D, but when players meet the enemy, the environment switches to a Final Fantasy-style battlefield, with a turn-based combat system.
• • •
3
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REASONS TO STOCK
Based on the hit TV series Written and voiced by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone Broad commercial appeal
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Players can stealth attack with dodge balls, or create explosions by farting near fire. One thing’s for certain - this is pure South Park from start to finish. South Park: The Stick Of Truth is a fantastic use of the license, and perfect example of fan service, and will be one of the biggest sellers this Spring. Get in touch with your Exertis Gem account manager today for more details on Ubisoft’s latest blockbuster.
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EXCLUSIVE TO
UBISOFT | XBOX 360, XBOX ONE, PS3 & PS4 - £54.99 | PC - £44.99 | DEDSEC EDITION - £99.99 | SPRING 2014
D
eveloped by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft, Watch_Dogs is brought to you by the team behind the smash hit franchises Splinter Cell and Assassin's Creed.
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Set in the not too distant future in Chicago city, enter a world where everyone and everything is connected. Digital footprints are left from the information people share, and the city is continually monitored by complex operating systems. Watch_Dogs puts the player in the role of a gifted hacker and former thug, Aiden Pearce, whose criminal past led to a violent family tragedy. As he seeks justice for those who are responsible for these painful events, Aiden manipulates almost every part of the city, using his ability to hack the Central Operating System (ctOS).
Watch_Dogs played as well as it looked. VIDEOGAMER
Thanks to contributions from Driver developer Ubisoft Reflections, Watch_Dogs also boasts a high octane driving experience, with 65 vehicles to explore the city with. Watch_Dogs will also deliver ultra-realistic lighting, dynamic AI inhabitants, a robust reputation system and stunning visuals, all thanks to the gorgeous 'Disrupt' game engine. All versions were developed in tandem, without trimming down the mechanics for different platforms, so gamers will enjoy the same great experience no matter their system. Players can monitor and hack everyone and everything in real-time via a mobile phone. Access security cameras to avoid detection, download information to locate a target or control traffic lights to cause a mass vehicle pile-up. Players can even halt a train and board it to evade the authorities or raise a bridge to narrowly escape your enemies. The city is their ultimate weapon.
Player choice is also a key feature of the game, and the decisions made will create a "ripple effect" on not just the story, but the city and the life of Chicago's population.
When hacking is no longer enough, Pearce can always resort to force. Mete out street justice with melee attacks or take down enemies’ fierce gunplay. Said to rival anything in the shooter category, Watch_Dogs grants players access to more than 30 traditional weapons.
It’s nice to know that all the fuss is worth it. METRO
Watch_Dogs’ multiplayer works as an elaborate game of cat-and-mouse. A player becomes a generic NPC avatar in another player's world, and must attempt to upload a virus to the other player’s mobile device. The player will be notified of the virus, and must track down the rival hacker to stop them before the hack is complete. The multiplayer will be unavailable during story missions, so players won’t need to worry about other hackers interposing an important moment. Watch_Dogs will be this year’s first major releases this year. Get in touch with your Exertis Gem account manager today.
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The hacking system is certainly the game's biggest strength, providing lots of inventive and additional ways to achieve objectives.
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DIGITAL SPY
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It's no shock to say that 'Watch_Dogs' is a brilliantly ambitious and graphically stunning new take on the open-world action genre.
PRESSBUZZ
HUFFINGTON POST
At its core Watch_Dogs uses some well-worn genre mechanics, but it overlays these with both a level of visual sheen that only next-gen can provide, and the type of large-scale interactivity that hasn’t been seen before. It’s hugely enjoyable to thrash around in. OFFICIAL PLAYSTATION MAGAZINE
Watch_Dogs has some GTA in its genes, but playing it doesn’t feel like playing GTA. It’s not satire and it’s not silly. There’s nothing funny about driving over pedestrians, or shooting into a crowd. PC GAMER
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• • •
REASONS TO STOCK
Ubisoft's biggest new brand launch since Assassin's Creed Seamless single player and multiplayer experience Huge open world to explore
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Mario Party: Island Tour
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NINTENDO | NINTENDO 3DS - £34.99 | 17th JANUARY 2014
M
ario Party makes its long-awaited 3DS debut this month, featuring 80 brilliant new multiplayer minigames and seven challenging boards designed with portable play in mind. The follow-up to 2007’s 8-million selling DS classic supports up to four players from just one Game Card, and players are invited to roll dice, swap cards, race on rockets, climb mountains, and even ride a magic carpet.
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• • •
REASONS TO STOCK
First handheld Mario Party since 2007 80 multiplayer minigames Play solo or with up to four friends on one Game Card
Each board has its own rules and twists, with a host of competitive and co-operative minigames to enjoy. Players can even fly solo and take on 30 floors of tricky trials and boss battles within Bowser’s Tower. Contact your account manager today for more information on this essential handheld title.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
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NINTENDO | Wii U - £44.99 | 21st FEBRUARY 2014
A
ll the ground-pounding, barrel-blasting and mine cart action from the Donkey Kong Country series is back in Retro Studios’ fantastic new Wii U exclusive. In this latest platform classic, players must help Donkey Kong and his simian friends get back their home from Vikings. Set across five varied islands, players can buddy up with Dixie or Diddy Kong and experience dynamic underwater and frozen stages that twist, turn and transform in new ways.
GET THE GAME GUIDE
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Official Game Guide Webcode 9780804162524 SRP £14.99
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Meanwhile, the game’s co-operative multiplayer mode lets players share the fun with a friend, and enjoy what is sure to be another classic Nintendo exclusive. Get in touch with your account manager today, and don’t miss out on this essential title.
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• • •
REASONS TO STOCK
Key Wii U release Follow-up to 2010’s huge-selling Donkey Kong Country Returns Classic co-op platforming fun
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SQUARE ENIX | XBOX 360 & PS3 - £44.99 | XBOX ONE & PS4 - £54.99 | PC - £39.99 | 28th FEBRUARY 2014
A
fter an absence of almost ten years, the celebrated Thief series returns.
Square Enix’s hugely anticipated first person stealth title stars Garrett, a master thief who must step from the shadows and uncover the truth before his world is torn apart.
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• • •
TM
REASONS TO STOCK
Major reboot of the celebrated stealth series Groundbreaking visuals offer unprecedented immersion Play it your way
Boasting an unrivalled set of skills, Garrett must pull off challenging heists, target inaccessible loot, and uncover the city’s best kept secrets. Players will get to do it their way: take down guards silently, use multiple arrow types to manipulate the environment, or use special focus abilities to get what they want. With ground-breaking visuals, Thief promises a tactile and visceral first-person experience that delivers unprecedented immersion.
GET THE GAME GUIDE Thief Official Game Guide Webcode 9780804163125 SRP £14.99
Don’t miss out - call your Exertis Gem account manager today.
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Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes
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KONAMI | XBOX 360 & PS3 - £44.99 | XBOX ONE & PS4 - £54.99 | PC - £39.99 | 21st MARCH 2014
K
onami’s stealth blockbuster series returns this March with a revolutionary openworld take on the classic stealth gameplay. Designed as a prologue to the upcoming Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Ground Zeroes puts players in the shoes of Snake (a.k.a. Big Boss).
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• • •
REASONS TO STOCK
Major new release in the Metal Gear Solid series Openworld gameplay Next generation game engine
Promising total freedom of play, Ground Zeroes allows players to undertake missions their own way, without restrictions or boundaries. Sneak through undetected, or go in all-guns-blazing. Kojima Productions’ stunning FOX Engine, meanwhile, offers a true next-generation game engine which will revolutionise the Metal Gear Solid experience. Available on four platforms, Ground Zeroes looks set to be a huge hit for Konami. Don’t miss out - call your Exertis Gem account manager today.
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EXCLUSIVE TO
Amplify entertainment. Make gaming experiences more immersive with the best games and accessories. buy online today with Exertis Gem
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Xbox One Wireless Controller
The Xbox One Wireless Controller lets customers experience the action like never before with impulse Triggers that deliver fingertip vibration feedback, redesigned thumb sticks and an all new D-pad provide greater precision. The entire controller fits more comfortably in your hands. With over 40 innovations, it’s simply the best controller Xbox has ever made.
Xbox 360 Wireless Controller
The Xbox 360 Wireless Controllers help players get deep into the game. Enjoy multiplayer action with up to three friends; players can take complete control of the fun and play anywhere in the room! When the game is on, don’t let wires trip up your customers. Webcode NSF-00002 SRP £34.99
Webcode S2V-00003 SRP £44.99
Something old something new, all must haves.
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Forza Motorsport 5.
Setting a benchmark for driving simulations, Forza Motorsport 5 will thrill gamers with the chance to race a fantastic roster of the most desirable cars on the most exciting tracks across the world. The game even learns over time how players and their friends drive, and delivers 'real human behaviour' during races. That means real characteristics, real mistakes, and therefore real victories. Webcode V5D-000010 SRP £49.99 Available Out Now - Xbox One
Fable Anniversary.
Fully re-mastered with HD visuals and audio, Fable Anniversary is a stunning rendition of the original game that will delight faithful fans and new players alike. Imagine a world where every choice and action determines what you become. Fable Anniversary includes all-new exclusive content, including: Achievements, The Lost Chapters DLC and Xbox SmartGlass™ integration. Webcode 49X-00009 SRP £29.99 Available 7th February 2014 - Xbox 360
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Fable 3.
Fable 3 is the third instalment to the action-packed and critically acclaimed Xbox 360 franchise that has sold more than six million copies. Fans new and old will now embark on a new epic adventure, where the race for the crown is only the beginning of their spectacular journey. Webcode LZD-00005 SRP £19.99 Available Out Now - Xbox 360
Gears of War Judgment.
Fourth in the series and developed by Epic Games and People Can Fly, Gears of War: Judgment returns players the battle against the Locust in this sci-fi action shooter. A prequel to previous titles the story takes players to the immediate aftermath of Emergence Day. Unique the series every main character is playable through the campaign, and each of them have their own parts of the story. Webcode K7L-00010 SRP £39.99 Available Out Now - Xbox 360
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hot picks
to find out more
Top 5 Software ‘Hot Picks’
1
Watch_Dogs
2
Thief
3
Publisher Ubisoft Format PC, Xbox 360, PS3, Xbox One & PS4
Publisher Square Enix Format PC, Xbox 360, PS3, Xbox One, PS4
PRE-ORDER NOW Spring 2014
1
XO SEVEN XBOX ONE HEADSET
PRE-ORDER NOW 28/02/2014
2
Xbox One Wireless Controller
3
Green Afterglow Controller for Xbox 360
4
Xbox One Play and Charge Kit
5
Black Melee Headset for Xbox 360
Forza Motorsport 5
Publisher Microsoft Format Xbox One
4
South Park: The Stick of Truth
5
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
Publisher Ubisoft Format Xbox 360, PS3
Top 5 Accessories ‘Hot Picks’
PRE-ORDER NOW 07/03/2014
Publisher Ubisoft Format available Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, Xbox One & PS4
Publisher Turtle Beach Webcode 731855022250 SRP £149.99
Publisher Microsoft Webcode S2V-00003 SRP £44.99
Publisher PDP Webcode 0708056537074 SRP £19.99
Publisher Microsoft Webcode S3V-00003 SRP £19.99
Publisher Polk Webcode AM1915-A SRP £169.99
Top 5 Xbox Live ‘Hot Picks’
1
Battlefield 4 Xbox Live 12+1 Month Gold Membership Publisher Microsoft Webcode 52M-00410 SRP £39.99
2
Microsoft Xbox £25 Gift Card
3
Microsoft Xbox Live 3 Month Gold Membership
4
Microsoft Xbox £15 Gift Card
5
Microsoft Xbox £50 Gift Card
Publisher Microsoft Webcode K4W-00046 SRP £25.00
Publisher Microsoft Webcode 52K-00013 SRP £14.99
Publisher Microsoft Webcode K4W-00535 SRP £15.00
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XBOX ONE PREMIUM FIFA 14 BUNDLE WEBCODE 7UV-00036 SRP £449.99
Publisher Microsoft Webcode K4W-00045 SRP £50.00
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Visit store.exertisgem.co.uk/hotpicks/gaming for further information
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