store.gem.co.uk August 2012
F1 2012 IS STILL VERY MUCH a thinking man's racing game...with careful strategising and tactics required to win races Xbox360achievements
” ”
THERE'S MORE THAN ENOUGH to suggest that F1 2012 will be another quality outing for the series
” ”
Eurogamer
© 2012 The Codemasters Software Company Limited ("Codemasters"). All rights reserved. "Codemasters”®, “Ego” ® and the Codemasters logo are registered trademarks owned by Codemasters. “Codemasters Racing”™ and “RaceNet”™ are trademarks of Codemasters. An official product of the FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP. The F1 FORMULA 1 logo, F1 logo, F1 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP logo, FORMULA 1, FORMULA ONE, F1, FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, GRAND PRIX and related marks are trade marks of Formula One Licensing BV, a Formula One group company. Licensed by Formula One World Championship Limited. All rights reserved.
All other copyrights or trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are being used under license. Unauthorised copying, adaptation, rental, lending, re-sale, arcade use, charging for use, broadcast, cable transmission, public performance, distribution or extraction of this product or any trademark or copyright work that forms part of this product is prohibited. Developed and published by Codemasters.
CONTENTS 05 EDITOR’S COMMENT
Faye Le Duc shares the best bits of July and what to look forward to in August at Gem
06 WE WANT ONE
The Nintendo 3DS XL, handheld gaming just got bigger
07 GEM NEWS
THQ join Gem in time for the launch of Darksiders II
09 NEW TO US
Feel the bass with new audio partner VIBE
11 Q&A
The Future gets to know Paul Langley, our Leisure Software Divisional Manager at Gem
13 SYMANTEC
Register for the Norton Partner Portal today
15 LOGITECH
Follow your own pattern with the new Graffiti Colour Collection
17 MICROSOFT
Microsoft webcams and headsets to keep you in the picture
19 KASPERSKY
Win your logo on a Kaspersky race car and tickets to the Ferrari Challenge!
23 STEELSERIES
Enhance your Guild Wars 2 gameplay with accessories from SteelSeries
24 CODEMASTERS
F1 2012 is back with the latest release in the popular racing series from Codemasters
26 UBISOFT
Become a real guitar hero with Ubisoft's amazing new music title, Rocksmith
30 THQ
Win big with Darksiders II, the sequel to the popular 2010 title
32 KONAMI
With new features and life-like characters, PES 2013 is back
www.facebook.com/gemgroup
TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk
@gemdistribution
www.linkedin.com/company/gem-distribution-ltd
TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK
03
COMEDITOR’S editor’s comment
Who can believe that it is now just a matter of weeks until the Back to School promotional period begins, marking the start of what promises to be a busy peak period. The first of Gems Back to School sales kicked off in July giving our customers the opportunity to grab a bargain and stock up in time for September. As well as some fantastic bundles, multi-buy offers and excellent pricing, Gem were delighted to welcome some new vendors to the party. Announced earlier last month, Gem is now the exclusive distribution partner for THQ, publishers of the Saints Row and WWE series. They have a fantastic portfolio of strong titles and a tantalising roadmap for the next 12 months creating endless opportunities for bespoke added-value bundles in stunning retail packaging.
Faye Le Duc PR & Marketing Manager
The first THQ title Gem will be fulfilling is Darksiders II, launching on the 21st August. To ensure its success, Gem has worked with THQ to produce an excellent range of POS for you to kit out your stores. What’s more, we’re running a Best Dressed Store competition - giving you the chance to win £200 Gem credit, Xbox 360 4GB Console and your very own copy of Darksiders II Collector’s Edition. For more info, check out page 30. Round 2 of the Gem Back to School sale starts on Monday 13th August through to Friday 17th August, so make sure you keep an eye on store.gem.co.uk/backtoschool so you don’t miss any of the outstanding deals. The infamous Gamesaid Golf and Spa day hosted at the Grove last month raised a whopping £75,000 for charity. We’re proud to be sponsors of the event and are absolutely delighted that the hard work and efforts paid off! A big thank you to those of you who played, got pampered and donated.
Faye
Managing Editor Faye Le Duc
Publisher Gem Creative
Web Executive Peter Cox
Gem Distribution Ltd St. George House, Parkway Harlow Business Park, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5QF
Design Sophie Hammond Finn Maclean Amber-Sky Watts Gaming Editor Kristan Reed
TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk
Head of Marketing 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.gem.co.uk to buy online* To open an account please visit ww.gem.co.uk or call our new accounts team on 01279 822800. *Trade account required. Printed in the uk by Cadmium Multimedia www.cadmiummultimedia.co.uk
TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK
05
we want one
Nintendo 3DS XL ™
Handheld gaming just got bigger Since Nintendo revealed plans to launch Nintendo 3DS XL, we’ve been itching to get our hands on it and on the 28th July, we did just that. The new version of the Nintendo 3DS, with a screen 90% larger than its original counterpart, creates an even more immersive entertainment experience for users, delivering a wealth of games and video content that can be enjoyed on the go. Nintendo 3DS XL features an updated form factor and will be available in Silver + Black, Red + Black and Blue + Black. The new system’s battery life outperforms that of the original Nintendo 3DS, and it comes bundled with a 4GB SD card, which owners can use to store content such as downloadable games and videos from the Nintendo eShop. Who wouldn’t want one?
i
For more information on Nintendo 3DS™ XL, contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or go online at store.gem.co.uk
EDITOR’S gem news
Gem News Gem announce brand new division Design & Sourcing added to Gem’s portfolio of retail services Last month, Gem announced the tactical launch of Gem Design & Sourcing to significantly enrich the dedicated services to retail the distributor already provides.
Gem benefit from being able to source and manufacture any type of product direct from its Asian counterpart, already housing an experienced and professional team.
Gem offer a fantastic proposition to retail partners by utilising their facilities in the Far East. They have experienced and dedicated local staff, sourcing and manufacturing at the highest quality on behalf of customers. GDS, as it will be known, is able to deliver desirable ‘retail own-label’ products that offer differentiation in design and quality, whilst their existing brand – Exspect – will serve as a ‘product only label’.
From exclusive customer own label accessories, niche product development, licensing to special products, such as working with 3rd party partners on establishing high volume, low risk, and diverse product category opportunities; GDS can literally offer a service to suit the requirement of today’s tough consumer, who look for high quality goods but at a more affordable price.
THQ partner with Gem Gaming giant select Gem as their exclusive UK distributor Gem Distribution has been appointed as THQ UK’s exclusive distribution partner following a tender process to manage the independent retailers in the UK. The first title Gem Distribution will be working on is the highly anticipated Darksiders II which launches on August 21st. Of the new partnership, Jonny Harvey, THQs UK & Ireland Sales Director commented;
We are delighted to have appointed Gem Distribution to work as an extension of our own Sales team to reach the UKs independent retailers. We were looking for a partner who will be as dedicated to our business as we are and are confident we have found this in Gem Distribution.
GDS appoint new Sales Manager Joanne Gilman joins Gem Design & Sourcing Following the launch of the new division, GDS is delighted to welcome Joanne Gilman who will be taking on the role as UK Sales Manager. Joanne will report into Gem’s Head of Business Development, Philip Munro, whilst working closely with Mike Sanderson, General Manager, Gem Design & Sourcing. Joanne joins GDS from Magicbox, who are a design led brand, selling into the Audio & Telecoms market both as Magicbox brand and also as an own brand label. Jo worked on both a local and DI basis, meeting with major retailers in the Far East to explore needs and opportunities. In addition to this, Jo brings a wealth of experience in both Business Development and Marketing, having held the role of Sales & Marketing Director at IDS UK for over 10 years.
Gem Distribution’s UK General Manager, Darren Houghton concurs saying;
We are thrilled to add THQ to the extensive portfolio of UK publishers represented by us. THQs forthcoming titles including Darksiders II, Metro: Last Light and South Park The Stick of Truth represent a major opportunity for independent retailers, we are looking forward to developing a long term relationship with THQ.
Gem welcome VIBE Audio New VIBE Optisound range available now VIBE Audio, manufacturers of innovative audio equipment, have partnered with Gem to supply the Optisound range to Gem’s extensive customer base. The products available will include the Optisound Game 5 Subwoofer, Optisound TV 5D Subwoofer and the Optisound TV 6D Subwoofer. Each one combines with existing TV speakers to enhance the viewing experience for movies, sports, games and TV programmes –delivering an immersive cinematic experience from an easy-to-hide box. For more information on the VIBE Optisound range, please contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822 822
TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk
TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK
07
EDITOR’S new to us
The bass of gaming Founded in 1993, VIBE Audio is committed to the design and manufacture of innovative audio equipment. With industry defining products such as the VIBE BlackAir Vented 12 Bass Enclosures, LiteAir Amplifiers and the competition level BlackDeath range, VIBE Audio is a major force in the international car audio market, currently exporting to over 50 countries internationally. VIBE Audio’s global success in the audio market has allowed them to leverage on their experience and expand into new segments including home cinema, marine and personal audio.
Optisound is a powerful subwoofer that works with the existing TV speakers to enrich the entertainment experience when playing games and watching TV. Bass is not directional so it appears that there is sound being produced in areas of the room other than just the TV, creating an impressive surround sound experience whilst remaining hidden from view. The synergy between the VIBE Optisound Subwoofer’s and Gem’s existing customer requirements presents endless opportunities for added value bundles.
Gem is delighted to welcome the well-known brand to their portfolio of audio vendors to supply the Optisound range.
TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk
TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK
09
A Wireless N HD media player that brings all the stuff you normally watch on your computer to your HDTV; movies and TV programmes streamed from the Internet, over 200 different apps and a full web browser Webcode DSM-380 SRP ÂŁ229.99
Q&A
Follow Gem for the latest news & updates
Paul Langley
Leisure Software Divisional Manager, steals the spotlight in this months Q&A As a veteran of Gem, you’ve been with the business for many years, what changes have you seen in recent times? As the retail channel is fully aware, the key topic at present is the economic climate. Consumers are becoming more price savvy and prepared to hunt for a bargain to keep up with the latest and greatest products that our market has to offer. With the increased competition from major high street and online retailers, how does your team strive to help our Indies to grow their business? There is no doubt that over the last couple of years the business has evolved drastically; with the diversification of supermarkets and online competition driving down RRP’s, it has become more apparent that our traditional independent retail stores are expanding into other areas beyond their normal expertise to ensure a broaderproduct offering and of course, the additional margin this brings. My team and I strive to offer outstanding deals in the form of ‘when bought with’ or ‘multi-buy’ offers to
ensure that our account base can increase their business along with ours. We’ve had some great titles launch this year such as Spec Ops: The Line, Max Payne 3 and Ghost Recon– which games are you most excited about as we move into peak? My personal choices for peak are: Rocksmith (Ubisoft) and Borderlands 2 (Take 2) in September, Assassins Creed 3 (Ubisoft) and Forza Horizon (Microsoft) in October and of course Master Chief pays us all a visit in November! Rumour has it you’re in a boy band, is this true? I can confirm that the rumours are true, lead vocal and bass for “The Hamwahs” with Brother, Uncle and Cousin (Facebook and Twitter pages available) - all classic covers! Simon Cowell will simply not leave us alone. And finally, who would play your character in a movie? A tricky one, would have to be either Rik Mayall or Keith Lemon.
Clive Hudson shares ROKU’s updates... Streaming video and film is a relatively new concept in the UK, so when we started ROKU less than six months ago we realised we needed a consumer education programme as well as an attractive sales story for our resellers. The BBC iPlayer has been around a while, with many people accessing this on their PC. The arrival of Netflix begged the question from the market: “How can I watch all this stuff on my TV?” ROKU lets you do this and is aimed at the middle marketnot necessarily the tech–savvy. The products are priced reasonably enough to be a solution for a second or bedroom TV (as well as your main one!) and most importantly, very easy to set up. This easy usability has been one of the key drivers for our business in the US and now looks to be having the same effect here. Our PR investment has been a key part of our launch, with a very strong review programme that is continually
TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk
evolving, as the interest in streaming TV becomes more apparent across a wide range of media sectors. Both models have been reviewed by major national newspapers including The Sunday Times, Daily Telegraph and Mail on Sunday and key consumer technology media such as T3, Reg Hardware and Pocket-Lint. We’ve also received significant broadcast coverage with both products featuring on BBC Click and The Gadget Show. The PR is also delivering company and product news, with regular announcements on channel updates and new content partners being made to the press. To help create further demand for our partners, we recently started extensive Google advertising, channelling the clicks from our website to our partners resulting in a big uplift in sales. This month we have launched new retail packaging, so ROKU is not now just an online brand. Call your Gem account manager to see how you can be part of the streaming revolution!
Clive Hudson Vice President - Europe
TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK
11
Ranked #1 in both protection and performance* Stop viruses, spyware, online identity theft, and more with the security solution proven to detect and eliminate online threats.
• Defends your customers against viruses, spyware, and online attacks • Stops online threats from damaging your customers computers, stealing their personal information, and their hard earned cash • Allows your customers to work online safely, without annoying slowdowns or disruptions • Help your customers to protect their kids online with award-winning Norton Online Family © 2012 Symantec Corporation. All Rights Reserved *Ranked #1 in Overall Protection and Remediation: AV-Test GmbH, “Real World Protection and Remediation Testing Report,” August 2011.*Ranked #1 in Performance: PassMark Software, ”2012 Consumer Security Products Performance Benchmarks,” August 2011.
Protecting the Stuff that matters™
Succeed with the new Norton Partner Portal The all new Partner Portal is now live! Based on your feedback, the Norton Partner Portal has been completely redesigned with streamlined user navigation, and now includes more sales and marketing tools as well as the latest product pricing and promotions. In addition, you can take advantage of personalised support and the latest Norton news. Plus, download your very own copy of Norton free of charge! Some of the new features include; NortonSocial - A unique web based solution that enables you to republish your choice of Norton news, useful articles and posts via your own social media networks, giving your customers key information. ChannelNews – Allows you to receive the Norton news you want, when you want it. Simply set your personal communication preferences by product, news type and frequency so you will only hear from them when you want, with the news that will make a difference to you. As a registered user of the Norton Partner Portal, Norton will give you complimentary versions of their award winning products, to help kick start your sales by giving you the chance to experience the speed of Norton for yourself. These Not for Resale (NFR) one user, one device product keys are valid for 12 months. As a registered user of the Norton Partner Portal you will also have the opportunity to take part in their promotions and win some great prizes. Last year they gave away a holiday to California, a VIP trip to the Tour de France and a Lotus Elise!
To make sure you don’t miss out register at www.nortonportal.com today! TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk
TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK
13
Win with
Logitech
From the 16th July to the end of August, Gem customers have the chance to enter an exclusive Logitech competition to win an abundance of top-notch prizes.
1st PRIZE
Ultimate Digital Home Music System
2nd PRIZE Supreme Desktop Package
3rd PRIZE Logitech Mouse
The raffle scheme will reward you based on your total spend between Monday 16th July to Friday 31st August 2012. To qualify, you must spend at least £150 for which you will receive 1 raffle ticket. If your spend exceeds £300 you’ll win 5 raffle tickets, however, should you order over £600 worth of Logitech products you’ll receive a whopping 10 raffle tickets!
Each week selected products will carry bonus raffle tickets when purchased as part of your order. To find out what these products are, call your account manager or check out
www.gem.co.uk/logitechraffle
Each raffle ticket will go into a draw from which the winners will be selected at random on Wednesday 5th September 2012 and announced on Gem’s website and via our Social Media platforms.
Follow Your Own Pattern Introducing the Global Graffiti Collection from Logitech
Logitech® Wireless Mouse M325
Smoother Web surfing. Happier hands Between Facebook feeds, YouTube searches and massive media libraries, there's a lot of scrolling to do these days—and it can get pretty tedious. Say good-bye to choppy scrolling and tricky touchpads thanks to the Logitech® Wireless Mouse M325. Designed for Web use; micro-precise scrolling makes Facebook, shopping on Amazon and scrolling through Google searches easier whilst tilting the wheel moves you backward or forward on the Web. Webcode White Paisley 910-003007 Inks Gears 910-003012 SRP £29.99
Logitech ® Wireless Keyboard K360
Beautifully convenient. Conveniently compact The Wireless Keyboard K360 enhances the comfort of a laptop or netbook in a familiar layout but in a space-saving design that's roughly 20% smaller than Logitech’s standard keyboards. The six internet and media hot keys and 12 programmable F-keys make regular tasks easier, and it’s virtually hassle-free with a 3-year battery life and plug-and-play setup that takes seconds. Webcode Ink Gears 920-004119 SRP £29.99
Logitech ® HD Webcam C270
HD video calling that's simple The HD Webcam HD 720p makes video calling via instant messaging applications even easier with Logitech Vid™ HD – the free, fast and easy way to see loved ones face to face. The webcam utilises Logitech RightLight™ technology to automatically adjust in poor lighting conditions to produce the best possible image, whilst Logitech RightSound™ technology minimises background noise to deliver clear conversations. Webcode White Paisley 960-000906 Coral Fan 960-000905 SRP £24.99
TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk
TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK
15
Stay Tuned into Life
Microsoft webcams and headsets to keep you in the picture Why use an external webcam? • • • • •
We’re already seeing significant travel cost savings and reduced logistics complexity with LifeCam Cinema and its HD capabilities, which also helps us meet our corporate sustainability and green IT goals
Higher quality video Better optics Larger aperture Flexible camera angle Direction, increased field of view and the ability to easily manage security
Rick Echevarria, Intel VP, GM, Business Client Platforms.
Capture and share it all in glorious HD Microsoft ® Lifecam Cinema 3000
Never miss a thing with the Lifecam Cinema from Microsoft, with a high-quality 720p HD widescreen video and crystal clear audio. Relax while the camera automatically sharpens images and TrueColor adjusts exposure for bright, vibrant footage. For even sharper video, take advantage of the high-precision glass lens and ClearFrame Technology to improve the picture even in low light conditions. Webcode 6CH-00002 SRP £42.99
Make every conversation more productive Microsoft ® Lifechat LX-6000
This headset delivers whether you’re on a crucial call or trying to meet a deadline in a distracting workplace. The stereo ultra-wideband digital audio provides clear, acoustically accurate sound. The noise canceling microphone makes sure you get heard even in noisy surroundings. And the specially designed earpieces provide comfort for the longest days. Webcode 7XF-00001 SRP £49.99 TM
Multitasking made easy Microsoft ® Lifechat LX-4000
This headset with a single earpiece lets you hear what’s going on around you and still take care of business. The ultra-wideband digital audio provides clear, acoustically accurate sound. The highly sensitive, noise cancelling microphone gives you the confidence that you are being heard even when you’re surrounded by a noisy workspace. Webcode 7YF-00001 SRP £41.99 TM
TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk
TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK
17
• 8 Paddock passes up for grabs • Your logo on the side of the race car • The Full Ferrari Motorhome hospitality experience • Ferrari Challenge Series - Silverstone - Sunday 16th September
to be in with a chance of winning with Kasperky LAB
to be in with a chance of winning with Kasperky LAB
Race ahead with Kaspersky New reseller incentive scheme rewards performance Kaspersky Lab has launched an exciting new incentive programme for high performing resellers. Up until 4th September 2012, qualifying resellers will have the chance to win tickets for Kaspersky’s Ferrari Challenge Series at Silverstone on 16th September 2012. With full Ferrari motorhome hospitality, this is a truly awe-inspiring experience. The winning resellers will each receive a pair of tickets to host a guest which can be a customer, colleague, a friend or a family member. The No.1 prize winner will also have their company logo on the Kaspersky race car itself, giving them a taste of being a sponsor for the day. Kaspersky Lab is one of the fastest growing IT security vendors, thanks to their market-leading security products. Not only do they offer world-class support, they value your business, support your efforts, reward your achievements and help you increase sales.
To be in with a chance of winning, place your Kaspersky orders through www.gem.co.uk/kaspersky or contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822 822
TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk
TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK
19
• Works with virtually any TV
Roku LT Streaming Player
• Connects to your wireless network • 720p HD video**
SRP
£49.99
Webcode 2400EU@IND ** 720p HD streaming not available from all content partners
ROKU to host NOW TV
®
Brand new internet TV from Sky soon to be available on ROKU
Building on the increasing popularity of watching TV over the internet, NOW TV will offer access to Sky Movies – the UK’s most popular subscription movies service – in a new way. It is easy, flexible and great value with no contract, set-up costs or installation. Available to anyone in the UK with an internet connection, NOW TV is available on PC, Mac and selected Android smartphones; on iPhone, iPad within the next few weeks, on Xbox later this summer and YouView when it launches. NOW TV will continue to develop for other platforms and devices, including ROKU later this year.
Clive Hudson, European Vice President of ROKU,comments; “We are delighted that NOW TV will be available on ROKU. Many channels have been added onto our service since we launched in January, and Now TV is a pointer to the quality of content we are now able to attract. The availability of NOW TV on ROKU is yet to be announced, but we will make sure The Future readers are amongst the first to hear the date.”
More great Sky content will also be added in the coming months, with Sky Sports due to launch on NOW TV before the end of the year. This will enable NOW TV customers to enjoy live action from the Barclays Premier League, UEFA Champions League, England Test cricket, Heineken Cup rugby, ATP tennis, the Masters from Augusta and much more. The introduction of Sky Sports will be followed on NOW TV by must-see shows from Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, Sky Arts and Sky Living, including home-grown drama, original comedy and US shows.
2 Connect to Network
1 Plug it in
3 Enjoy
OR WI-FI
ETHERNET® XS only
For more information on the ROKU range, contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or visit store.gem.co.uk
TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk
TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK
21
FLUX YOURSELF. IN STYLE. Designed to go anywhere and everywhere; Flux provides a high quality audio experience whether you are on the go, competing at gaming tournaments, at the office, or kicking back at home.
CONNECT
SHARE
CUSTOMISE
You can connect to any device, PC, laptop, smartphone/iphone/ipad. It comes with two cables in box to do this. It includes an inline microphone.
You can share music, there are two audio jacks, so someone can plug into your headset to listen to what you’re listening too.
It’s customisable – you can replace the ear caps and cushions with different colours and brands.
Immerse yourself in Guild Wars 2 with SteelSeries New peripherals to enhance your gameplay
With the release of Guild Wars 2's fast approaching, it's the perfect time for fans and players to invest in some new gaming gear. With this in mind, SteelSeries has partnered with ArenaNet, the world’s premier developer of massively multiplayer online games, to produce a new line of Guild Wars 2 branded gaming peripherals.
Guild Wars 2® Gaming Headset The Guild Wars 2 Headset is a slim-profile, on-ear design that delivers superbly engineered in-game sound via 40mm driver units. Built for portability and ease of use, its travel-friendly design allows the ear cups to fold inwards and lay flat when wearing the headset around the neck; it also collapses at the ear cup hangers for quick and compact storage. With its matte white headband and glossy red, white and black logo design it exemplifies the iconic Guild Wars 2 look and feel. Included with the headset is a red 3.5mm PC cable connection with an in-line, omni-directional microphone and mute controls for gaming and online chat. It also offers 2 input jacks, one on each side of the headset which allows a friend to plug-in and share.
Guild Wars 2® Gaming Mouse Bursting with Guild Wars style, this red, white and black mouse is synonymous with the game, evoking the artistry of the Guild Wars 2 in-game world. With best-in-class hardware switches, a pro-grade laser sensor ranging up to 5,700 CPI, the Guild Wars 2 Mouse is designed to deliver players the best in gaming performance. Its ambidextrous all-grip design includes 7 programmable buttons, all of which can be fully customized with SteelSeries Engine software. Players can create macros, utilize pre-defined profiles and store an unlimited amount of profiles. The Guild Wars 2 Mouse also features an XL-size high-performance UPE material feet for a smooth, consistent glide as well as a 2m 6.5ft red rubber cord, certainly one not to be missed.
Guild Wars 2® QcK Mousepads This Steelseries Qck Guild Wars 2 Logan Edition mousepad provides users with an accurate and consistent glide through the combination of this high quality cloth material and an optimized textured surface. The specially designed non-slip rubber base prevents the pads from sliding, no matter where the mousepad is placed. It has been enhanced and tested with professional gaming teams, from the mini to the heavy, the QcK series offers something for every gamer regardless of their space and set-up.
For more information on the Steelseries range, contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or visit store.gem.co.uk
TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk
TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK
23
There's a lot of content under this hood and it's guaranteed to be fun for any fan who wants themselves another racing sim GAMING EXCELLENCE It seems like a solid game that's trying to expand it's audience without sacrificing it's core. That's always a good thing CO-OPTIMUS After checking out F1 2012 for a bit, the one thing I was left replaying in my mind was the game’s amazing sense of speed ESPN
EXCLUSIVE
TO GEM
F1 2012 CODEMASTERS | XBOX 360 & PS3 - £49.99 | PC - £29.99 | 7th SEPTEMBER 2012
24
SCAN HERE
To gain more information on this fantastic new title
RACING PROS HAVE THEIR SAY ON F1 2012 I think Codemasters have done a super job of giving regular people a proper insight into what a FORMULA ONE car is like SAM BIRD, TESTER FOR MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS TEAM
When I came to Abu Dhabi I couldn’t go to the simulator so I switched on the videogame and started to play. It actually worked because when I got here I felt like I’d already driven [the circuit]. It was my first race in GP2, first ever time in GP2, and I won in my first race so it actually helped STEFANO COLETTI OF SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO
T
he latest in Codemasters' world-leading Formula One series arrives in September, and promises to take players even closer to the experience of becoming an F1 driver. The headline addition of F1 2012 is the all-new Young Driver Test mode. Players are introduced to the world of Formula One via a sequence of tutorials that give a full insight into the best way to handle racing’s most exciting and responsive cars. Once they're ready for life in the fast lane, players are offered the ultimate challenge of becoming a professional driver for a team at the 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship. Driving specialists Codemasters says that F1 2012 gives players the unparalleled thrill of Formula One driving, and has bolstered its latest edition with a host of new features.
With the choice of some of the fastest cars in the world at their disposal players will get to race against and alongside the elite drivers racing in F1 today, including Brit stars Jensen Button and Lewis Hamilton, as well as Sebastian Vettel, Mark Webber, and legend Michael Schumacher.
F1 2012 will allow every driver's racing personality to shine through, and playing style can be adjusted accordingly, with a plethora of options available for everyone. Casual players can make the game less punishing, while the hardcore crowd can get their crew to tinker with every element of the setup before they hit the asphalt.
Teams such as Lotus, Red Bull, McLaren Mercedes, Williams and Sauber will battle it out for the big prize, and the attention to detail across the full spectrum of the game is expected to be astounding, thanks to the advances in Codies' EGO Engine 2.0.
As Codemasters says:
All 20 circuits will be featured in the championship, including the brand-new United States Grand Prix at Austin, Texas - a track that won't even be completed in real life until two months after the game's September release.
Players can look forward to "wide-ranging technical and gameplay advancements" as well as "extensive competitive and co-operative multiplayer components."
The famous Hockenheimring circuit in Germany will also be making a welcome return to the calendar, alongside all the world-famous venues, including Monaco, Silverstone, Monza and Suzuka.
The game will feature all 12 Formula One teams and all twenty-four drivers competing in the 2012 season.
The blistering online play once again allows the full grid of 24 drivers to race for the chequered flag, with 16 human players battling it out alongside eight AI drivers.
TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk
F1 2012 is set to deliver the most accessible and immersive Formula One game for fans of all abilities Call your Gem account manager today and don't miss out on the anticipated huge demand for this fantastic new title.
• • •
3
REASONS TO STOCK
Latest in the No.1 series A raft of improvements Key release in the run-up to Christmas
TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK
25
ROCKSMITH
AUTHENTIC GUITAR GAMES
UBISOFT | XBOX 360 & PS3 - £64.99 | 28th SEPTEMBER 2012 | PC - £54.99 | 19th OCTOBER 2012
26
Visit the Ubisoft microsite www.gem.co.uk/ubisoft
Rocksmith
Marketing Campaign - £1m Spend TV
Focus at game launch and on music TV channels
Print ads running in MI Pro & Music Week magazines
Online
VOD appearing on Videology and 4OD Search campaign targeting guitar enthusiasts Youtube and ultimate-guitar.com advertising Facebook advertising to recruit fans
Community
Festival ticket giveaways and other competitions Work with community & tuition sites to create advocate videos
PR
Specialist and mainstream advocacy programme Battle of the Bands launch event Schools of Rock
Experiential
Festival tour from June until September including Isle of Wight, Reading and Bestival XFM Winter Wonderland Sponsorship
Trade
In store demos Online tutorials Link deals with guitars in music retailers Platinum sponsorship of MI Pro Retail Conference & Expo
Partnerships
Partnership with Epiphone XFM partnership including breakfast show sponsorship from launch until Xmas
B
Players can choose from lead parts, rhythm, and combo guitar arrangements of each song, and once they've mastered each song, they will be able to go away and perform them in real life once the game is turned off.
Promising the most authentic guitar experience in music gaming, players simply plug in a real guitar or bass and learn to play along to a fantastic, diverse selection of classic tracks.
Unlockable minigames allow players to focus on specific skills, and players can choose from an expansive catalogue of songs in numerous contrasting styles.
ecome a real guitar hero with Ubisoft's amazing new music title, Rocksmith.
No plastic, no faking, Rocksmith is the first and only game where your 'controller' is any real guitar. Put simply, it's the next stage in the evolution of the guitar game, where players will develop real skills and real styles while playing real music. Suitable for complete guitar novices picking up the guitar for the first time or experienced musicians, Rocksmith features gameplay that automatically adjusts to each player’s skill level. This innovative tuition system makes playing music visually intuitive and promises to make skilled musicians out of any one, regardless of their prior experience.
TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk
As Ubisoft says; You’ll experience it all with an actual guitar. Nothing compares to playing a real guitar. Except playing Rocksmith. Don't miss out on this fantastic, unique new music title.
Rocksmith also includes Bass mode, which means that anyone can plug in and learn the bass arrangement on all on-disc and downloadable songs. Better still, accompanying bassists (of any experience level) can improve their skills via a selection of tutorial videos and technique challenges. If players don't own a dedicated bass, the game even supports six string guitars to emulate a four string bass. Using the bundled Real Tone Cable input jack provided with the game, plug in and play through an in-depth library of music including everything from the latest hits to classic rock songs.
• • •
3
REASONS TO STOCK
A unique music game that uses real guitars Large selection of great songs Supports bass for multiplayer action
TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK
27
TBC
BORDERLANDS 2 TBC
2K GAMES | XBOX 360 & PS3 - £49.99 PC - £39.99 | 21st SEPTEMBER 2012
EXCLUSIVE
TO GEM
T
Five years have passed since the events of the original Borderlands, and the nefarious Handsome Jack is aiming to destroy Pandora's existing colonist population and industrialise the planet.
Dubbed a "role-playing shooter" by Texan development veterans Gearbox, Borderlands 2 will boast all-new characters, skills, and diverse new environments with unique missions and enemies.
Players must put a stop to his plans, rescue four vault hunters and take him and his corrupt Hyperion Corporation down by any means necessary.
It's an embarrassment of riches for gamers, with Borderlands 2 featuring many more exciting and fun weapons, equipment and loot than ever before.
The new lead character of this bombastic affair is the deadly Gunzerker - a warrior with deadly skills that allow him to dual-wield any two weapons found in the game.
But perhaps best of all, players can now team up with up to three other players for seamless drop-in/drop-out online co-operative gameplay, or go for two-player offline split screen for the ultimate in old-school couch-based shooting fun.
And this dual wielding ability is a cool skill that becomes deadlier as you progress, allowing players to do do more things with two guns than they ever imagined possible.
he hotly anticipated sequel to the 2009 shooter classic arrives this September, and promises to be bigger, better and more exciting in every department.
TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk
Dual pistols? Of course. Dual machine guns? Yep. Dual rocket launchers? Check. Dual Sniper Rifles? Uh-huh.
Players can even experience with other styles, with many tactical choices and classes to choose from. As ever, many hours will be spent levelling up characters and choosing from one of the millions of procedurally generated guns, shields and grenades. It's not a game that lacks depth, that's for sure. Make new friends, arm them to the teeth and fight alongside them on your relentless quest for revenge and redemption. If you want a sure-fire blockbuster, you've come to the right game.
• Sequel to the 2009 blockbuster • 4 player online co-op • One of the biggest titles of 2012
TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK
29
With the more customisable combat experience, and some excellent platforming sections, Darksiders II is shaping up to be something very compelling TELEGRAPH The sheer size of the game sounds incredibly ambitious GAMESPY Fans of the original will be pleased with Darksiders II, and the game’s arresting art and hack-and-slash combat are sure to appeal to fans of other, similar franchises GAMEFRONT The switch from a mostly straight forward action game to an action-RPG is one that the Darksiders series definitely benefits from, and we can't wait to finally to get our hands on it IGN Vigil is looking to bridge the experience, mixing together the build-your-own-adventure approach of the MMO with the context and plot of games like the original Darksiders, and The Legend of Zelda. It's a best of both worlds approach, but it looks like it could work wonders VIDEOGAMER
DARKSIDERS II THQ | XBOX 360 & PS3 - £49.99 | PC - £39.99 | Wii U TO FOLLOW | 21st AUGUST 2012
30
WIN £200 GEM CREDIT!
SCAN HERE
TO ENTER THE COMPETITION TODAY
an Xbox 360 4GB Console and a copy of Darksiders II Collector’s Edition To enter, order your POS and kit out your store before the 21st August 2012 when the competition closes. Upload your photo to www.gem.co.uk/darksidersII for a chance to win!
EXCLUSIVE
TO GEM
T
he sequel to one of the most exciting titles of 2010 hits store shelves this month, on a mission to take action RPGs to dizzying new heights.
Developed once again at the acclaimed Vigil studio, this 'parallel' sequel follows the same timeline as the original Darksiders, but expands both the story and the action in every direction. Darksiders II boasts many classic gameplay elements, and fuses them into an impressively ambitious, yet remarkably coherent whole. With slick action-RPG style combat alongside compelling platform adventuring, it cherry picks the best elements of Zelda, Tomb Raider, Prince Of Persia and God Of War and creates something equally impressive. Although Darksiders II is a sequel in the traditional sense, the events actually take place in a parallel timeline, with the focus on the adventures of one of the other four horsemen - Death. With his brother War (the star of the original) framed, and subsequently banished, for starting the apocalypse early - Death is compelled to clear his name. Knowing that his incorruptible brother must be the victim of a conspiracy, he journeys to the netherworld to seek help from its powerful rulers.
TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk
Said to be more than double the size of the original, Darksiders II puts players in a truly epic adventure filled with danger and surprises. To unravel the secrets within, each captivating environment is filled with deadly creatures and challenging puzzles that will test gamers to the limit. As they progress, players gather loot, earn experience, level up, and gradually unlock a plethora of new skills and moves that give them the upper hand against the increasingly deadly enemies within. Armed with a fearsome array of scythes and axes, the ultra-agile Death can cut a swathe through a crowd of determined enemies, before showing off his free-running athleticism elsewhere. An ever-increasing array of gadgets and rechargeable special moves once again play a key role, with grappling hooks, death grips and various monumental Wrath powers unlocking as players progress through this 30-hour plus adventure. As well as being able to call upon your trusty steed, Despair, when traversing the overworld, you can also call upon a raven guide called Dust to give you small clues for where to head to next.
Another subtle improvement to the formula comes from the game's MMO-style 'loot' system. As you battle your way through the game, you'll accumulate many items that - once worn - can influence how Death fights. The game’s enhanced skill tree also grants players much more control over Death's abilities, making Darksiders II much more of a genuine RPG than the original. With its rich narrative, stunning Jesper Kyd score and beautiful cinematic production values, Darksiders II is a strong contender to be one of 2012's biggest and best games. Contact your Gem account manager today to order this superb title.
• • •
3
REASONS TO STOCK
Sequel to successful 2010 debut Better in every department Many times bigger than the original
TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK
31
EXCLUSIVE
TO GEM 3 • • •
REASONS TO STOCK
Dedicated fan base Exciting new features and gameplay Strong marketing campaign
PES 2013 KONAMI | XBOX 360 & PS3 - £49.99 | PC - £24.99 | DS - £39.99 | Wii - £19.99 | 28th SEPTEMBER 2012
32
O
For PES FullControl, it's all about giving "Total Freedom of Control." Everything from the first touch, to the dribbling, shooting and passing has been overhauled to give players greater flexibility.
By working directly with fans of the franchise, PES 2013 delivers "total freedom" to play any style of ball. For the first time players will be granted full control over shots, and will result in "the most faithful recreation of modern day football to date," according to Konami.
Player ID, meanwhile, focuses on the individual elements and movements of each player, from their likeness and signature skills and tricks to the way they trap the ball, shape to shoot, or even celebrate.
ut next month, PES 2013 will see the series returning to its roots, with an emphasis on the individual skills of the world’s best players.
Faithful realism will be evident throughout, with players modelled to match the running motions, abilities and playing styles, and the flicks and turns of their real-life counterparts. Konami says that three key elements will form the basis of PES 2013’s innovations: PES Full Control, Player ID, and ProActive AI.
For ProActive AI, Konami aims to unite the control and realism with players that will respond tactically and find space like professionals at the top of their game. As a result, the game flows more authentically. In addition, training options have been enhanced, while new additions flesh out the Football Life features, with improved transfer negotiations and better feedback on up and coming players.
PES 2013 is also an incredibly deep game, and many of its options have been enhanced to exploit these key additions to the gameplay • Performance Training: The training sessions are a popular part of the PES series, and are vital to mastering the new level of total control. A series of walk-thru guides will ease the player into the intricacies of quick passes and manual shooting. Training sessions also allow the player to refine the control over secondary players via the improved off-the-ball control, and the deft footwork of lobbing a goalkeeper. • Football Life: Introduced in PES 2012, Football Life is an umbrella term for the series' popular Master League and Become a Legend Mode and features a variety of changes and additions in PES 2013.. In the new game players will find new ways to bolster team performance by earning money to add special coaches to work on the team's weaknesses, while transfers are more open with clearer reasons as to why negotiations are stalling. In the Become a Legend mode players are given feedback on how they need to improve to break into the squad. • Online: Master League Online will introduce a new ranking system called Rival Ranking which sources players at a similar level. The community side of the game will be split into 240 cities across the globe, and will show when local players are online. Leagues can be created, and messages and challenges sent. The series' myPES synchronization with Facebook also returns, and will go into more detail. Match reports covering pass success rates, possession, etc, will be detailed, as will each user's top scorers, runs of results and scoring patterns. These can then be posted on the user's Facebook wall for bragging rights.
TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk
TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK
33
NEW SUPER MARIO BROS.2 NINTENDO | NINTENDO 3DS - £39.99 | 17th AUGUST 2012
E
Coins rain down from overhead pipes, trails of coins are left behind special gold enemies and gold pipes transport Mario into coin-filled caverns.
Released exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS, this exciting sequel allows both Mario and Luigi to join in the fun at the same time, thanks to a brilliant two player multiplayer mode.
Gold rings turn enemies into valuable gold versions, and a Gold Flower gives Mario the ability to turn almost anything in his path into coins. It's up to players to grab as many riches as possible throughout this crazy adventure!
Playable over a local wireless connection, two players who own the game have the option to enjoy the entire game with a friend - just as they could on New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
As you'd expect from Nintendo, the wi-fi StreetPass feature has been used in a cool new way, with the new Coin Rush Mode allowing players to collect as many coins as possible across three levels, letting them challenge their friends to beat the high score.
veryone's favourite moustachioed Italian plumbers are back for some classic side-scrolling platform action, in the fantastic New Super Mario Bros. 2.
Nintendo has revealed that completing a level is only part of the fun, with each level in the the colourful Mushroom Kingdom bursting with more coin-collecting opportunities than ever before.
34
Elsewhere, players can expect lots of cool little touches and returning features from previous classic titles,
including the return of Mario's Raccoon form, that gives him the ability to fly and access hidden areas. With a ton of compelling new levels to conquer, new Wi-Fi co-op play and the promise of exciting new downloadable content later, New Super Mario Bros. 2 is another must-have for 3DS from Nintendo.
• All-new side-scrolling Mario classic • Follow-up to one of the biggest-sellers of handheld history • Exclusive to 3DS
Š2012 Nintendo. Š2012 Sora Ltd. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Nintendo 3DS is a trademark of Nintendo. 2012 Nintendo