IC Gaming iBuyer's Guide - Dec 2011 by Hypertext Media

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Assassin’s Creed: Revalations

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© 2011 THQ Inc. All Rights Reserved.THQ, Saints Row, Saints Row The Third and their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of THQ Inc. Windows, the Windows Start button, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies, and “Games for Windows” and the Windows Start button logo are used under license from Microsoft. “ ”,“PlayStaion”, “PS3” and “ ” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. “ ” is a trademark of the same company. All Rights Reserved. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Wii is a trademark of Nintendo.

SRIII CONNECT AD.indd 1

2011/11/21 3:50 PM

DECEMBER 2011

GAMING

his issue of the gaming buyer’s guide not only offers you a top selection of must-play games across every platform, it’s going to help you discover what kind of gamer you are, and to learn the difference between an RPG and an MMO. For the sports addict, there’s FIFA and Forza, and if you’re all about firstperson shooters, this year they come in three! Battlefield 3, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Gears of War 3 – all top titles! But if your New Year’s resolution for 2012 is to get up off the coach and get fit, gaming might be the way to do it thanks to innovative devices like the PlayStation Move and Xbox Kinect. No matter if you love to dance, or are looking for a virtual personal trainer, “extertainment” means it’s time to cancel that gym contract. Interested in a new console? Incredible Connection has some amazing bundles (a 32-inch TV!) worth considering. And don’t forget that there is a wide range of video game accessories from headsets to steering wheels and more.

Features

02 16

What type of gamer are you?

Forza Motorsport 4 Gears of War 3 Just Dance 3 Kinect Sports: Season 2

22 24

Technojargon: Gaming Glossary

L.A. Noire Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 Need for Speed: The Run

PES 2011 Rage Resistance 3 Rugby World Cup 2011

Exertainment: Gaming is good for your health

Enhance the Action!

Product reviews GAMES

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations Batman: Arkham City Battlefield 3 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

Dance Central 2 Dead Island Deus Ex Human Revolution DiRT 3

Disney Universe Driver: San Francisco F1 2011 FIFA 12

EDITOR Tiana Cline - tiana@hypertext.co.za TECHNOLOGY EDITOR Deon du Plessis - deon@hypertext.co.za

Saints Row: The Third Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure Super Mario 3D Land The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword The Sims 3: Pets The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

Warhammer 40’000: Space Marine WRC: FIA World Rally Championship 2 WWE ‘12 Zumba Fitness 2

GAMING BUNDLES

Happy gaming. The Incredible Connection Team

PUBLISHER Brett Haggard - brett@hypertext.co.za

Published for and on behalf of Incredible Connection by Hypertext Media Communications (011) 023 8001 info@hypertext.co.za

Palestation 3! All-in-3 Get Kinected Hardcore hardware Ration pack Essentially Xbox BattleStation

f e At u R e

– By Christo van Gemert

There are two kinds of gamers: casual and hardcore. For one, the fun comes with variety and accessibility. For the other, it’s about practice, focus and domination. But sometimes the lines can be blurred…

What type of

GAMER

are you? I

n the eyes of a dedicated hardcore gamer there’s no compromise, and winning can come at whatever cost. Obviously, though, not everybody plays games this way. After all, there’s a reason we can casually dismiss things as “just being a game”. The market is shifting, though. Casual gamers are being targeted as people who are new to gaming, and want a bit of digital fun that fits in with their lifestyle.

2 | HARDWARE BuyER’s guiDE | NovEmBER 2011

The Nintendo Wii, PlayStation Move and Xbox Kinect are all aimed at casual gamers, but many hardcore gamers will also dabble in the dark arts of movement-based gaming. It’s difficult to draw distinct lines. Instead, there are different kinds of hardcore gamers and casual gamers. Let’s redefine some of those boundaries.

f e At u R e

The office gamer You know the type. They’re not in the market for a game console and they’ll definitely not call themselves a gamer. But the office gamer is a gamer nonetheless. That free Flash game you play during your lunchbreak, or in an empty Friday-afternoon office is still a game. Waiting in line and whipping out your phone to play Tetris or Angry Birds? Yup, gamer. Even logging into Facebook and helping a friend out with their farm or virtual dollhouse is still called gaming. There’s no denying it, either, because this new frontier of casual gaming is being pioneered by the companies that sell the cheap, 99c games on the various app marketplaces. You might not be in the market for a PlayStation 3 or monster PC, but you can rest safe in the knowledge that somebody out there is thinking of the next time-killer you’ll rely on while sitting in the waiting room at the dentist.

This sounds like me! Okay, office gamer. You might be stuck in Farmville, but there’s something on the shelves right now with your name on it. Try out The Sims 3: Pets. It’s as casual as you’re going to get, and you don’t even need a console to run it.

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f e At u R e

– By Christo van Gemert

This sounds like me! As a newcomer, you’re probably still finding your feet and figuring out what you like. Don’t jump right into any game that’s a sequel without getting its predecessors. A good start would be Uncharted 3, and its two forebears. Zumba Fitness 2 will be fine on its own, and also consider Just Dance 3. Fun, family games include Disney Universe, Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure, and Legend of Zelda.

The newcomer Newcomers are completely new to console or PC gaming. As this form of digital entertainment sheds its “geeks only” image it’s becoming more socially acceptable to spend an evening on the couch raiding tombs, evolving your professional soccer skills, or getting into shape – all virtually, of course. Newcomers are the targets of the extensive marketing campaigns to try out the latest and greatest game or gaming gadget – and it’s effective, because it helps move units, and hopefully grow the fan base for a particular franchise. A newcomer might not pick up Call of Duty on a whim, but they’re likely to buy the Xbox bundle with four free games. You know, just to see what this TV games thing is all about. You won’t remain a newcomer for long, though.

The social gamer Social gamers can easily be described using a bit of a stereotype. Meet Kevin, a social gamer. He wouldn’t call himself a gamer, nevermind a specific type of gamer, but he is one. He’s a regular guy. He goes to gym, hangs out with his friends some nights and has a girlfriend. But on a Friday night, after two beers at the local, he’ll invite some friends around to his place for a bit of FIFA. Why play alone when you can have friends join in on the fun? Sports games lend themselves heavily to this stereotype, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that Kevin will be the only kind of guy who’s going to play them. In fact, while Kevin quite fancies his chances in a digital penalty shootout, there’s probably a 12-year-old kid who plays online and is ranked number four in the world. And that’s exactly why social gamers play with friends. Everybody gets the same amount of game time, nobody takes it too seriously and as a result the competitive play will always be fun.

4 | gAmiNg BuyER’s guiDE | DEcEmBER 2011

Anything with an extensive single player story mode will probably not be found in a social gamer’s collection, but never say never – games are fun, and when friends aren’t around you might still be up for a bit of digital entertainment.

This sounds like me! You need the latest and best sports games, or play-with-friends titles on the shelves. Check out F1 2011, FIFA 2012, PES 2012, Rugby World Cup 2011, and WWE 2012. Other “serious” games have cooperative play, so also consider Gears of War 3 and Forza Motorsport 4.

f e At u R e

The casual hardcore gamer Also known as the group formerly known as casual gamers. It’s not a catchy title, and the definition is equally complicated. These are people who will play any release, big or small, and everything else in between. Forza Motorsport 4, Uncharted 3, FIFA 12, Wii Sports, and more. If it has buttons and there’s fun to be had, casual hardcore gamers will give it a go. They’re have their fingers on the pulse of the industry and eagerly await new releases, whether it’s to catch up on the next part of the saga, or to try out an all-new experience. Casual hardcore gamers can also be very picky about what they play. They’re fine-tuned gaming machines and know what they want, but have enough sense to give everything a fair go. They’ll play it, but if it’s rubbish they’ll bin it – or trade it in on something better.

This sounds like me! Most things are fair game, here. Chances are you’ve played the big names, and now it’s time to sink your teeth into a sequel: Uncharted 3, Deus Ex, Resistance 3, The Witcher 2, Skyrim, and Batman Arkham City, just to name a few.

Casual hardcore gamers can also be formidable opponents. Just because they don’t specialise in any one thing doesn’t make them easily dismissible. If anything, hours of gaming on various platforms and genres make them lethal, specifically because basic concepts come easily to them.

The professional hardcore gamer These are the professional guys. They dedicate hours a day to perfecting their craft. Pro gamers won’t just be good at one game, they’ll be good at a type of game: first-person shooters, racing sims, sports games and fighting games are the usual genres. They’re can still be casual at heart, and enjoy the big titles with fascinating stories or vast open worlds. In the same way that a professional tennis player might still enjoy a round of golf, or loafing on the couch. There are different kinds of pro gamers, too. The take-no-prisoners, trash-talking pros and the more gracious, learned masters. When playing on line multiplayer – and you’re most likely to encounter them online – you could either be at the mercy of a ruthless pin-point precision sniper, or you could be partnered up with a veteran who’s very good at what he does, but is willing to impart some knowledge on a fellow gamer. Winning is the fun, here, and it can pay off big time: professional gaming is popular across the world. Contests are held, prize money is huge, and local pros can even earn Springbok colours for pushing some buttons.

This sounds like me! Seriously competitive stuff is the name of the game, and the best ones on the list are Battlefield 3 and Modern Warfare 3, if you specialise in shooters. Racing experts can’t go wrong with Forza Motorsport 4, while virtual football stars will have their work cut out for them in FIFA 12’s online modes.

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GAMeS

ASSASSIN’S CREED: REVELATIONS

BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY

BATTLEFIELD 3

CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE 3

GENRE Action/Adventure

GENRE Action

GENRE First-person shooter

AGE RATING 18

AGE RATING 16

ABOUT

Master assassin Ezio Auditore walks in the footsteps of the legendary mentor Altair, on a journey of discovery and revelation. It is a perilous path - one that will take Ezio to Constantinople, the heart of the Ottoman Empire, where a growing army of Templars threatens to destabilise the region.

Written by five-time Emmy-Awardwinner Paul Dini, Arkham City is set inside the heavily fortified walls of a sprawling district in the heart of Gotham City. This highly-anticipated sequel introduces a brand-new story, an all-star cast of classic characters and murderous villains from the Batman universe, as well as a vast range of new and enhanced gameplay features.

In Battlefield 3, players step into the role of the elite U.S. Marines where they will experience heart-pounding missions across diverse locations including Paris, Tehran and New York. As bullets whiz by, walls crumble, and explosions throw you to the ground, the battlefield feels more alive and interactive than ever before.

Set in a world on the edge of annihilation as Makarov and his terrorist organization unleash destruction and chaos across the globe. Modern Warfare tech to deliver exhilarating, action-packed experiences across Single Player, Special Ops and Online Multiplayer modes.

GAMEPLAY

Feel the impact of bullets and explosions, drag your fallen comrades into safety, and mount your weapon on almost any part of the terrain. Battlefield 3’s cutting edge animation, spectacular visuals and real as hell battle gameplay attack your senses and make you feel the visceral warrior’s experience like no other FPS.

GAMEPLAY A refined and expanded online multiplayer experience returns with new and additional modes, maps and characters, allowing you to test your assassin skills against others from around the world.

NEED TO KNOW Become a deadly assassin, test your skills against the best and uncover the mysteries of Desmond’s past.

An authentic Batman experience with advanced, compelling gameplay. Expect high-impact street brawls, nail-biting stealth, multifaceted forensic investigation and epic super-villain encounters. Batman also has access to new gadgets such as the Cryptographic Sequencer V2 and Smoke Pellets, as well as new functionality for existing gadgets that expand the range of Batman’s abilities.

NEED TO KNOW

GAMEPLAY

NEED TO KNOW Impressive single and multiplayer action that takes you to the heart of the battle.

GAMEPLAY Playing as a member of several special-forces units and armed with the most advanced weaponry, players work with Delta operators and reunite with familiar characters to enter a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse as they race across the globe to stop a mad man before it’s too late.

NEED TO KNOW Alongside the game is a revolutionary new social network called Call of Duty Elite designed to help fans play better together.

Become the Dark Knight… or play as Catwoman.

OVERALL SCORE

6 | gAmiNg BuyER’s guiDE | DEcEmBER 2011

OVERALL SCORE

GAMeS

DANCE CENTRAL 2

DEAD ISLAND

DEUS EX HUMAN REVOLUTION

DiRT 3

GENRE Music

GENRE First-person shooter/Action

GENRE Role-playing

GENRE Racing

AGE RATING 12

AGE RATING 18

AGE RATING 12

ABOUT

The sequel to the best-selling music game for Kinect, Dance Central 2 features simultaneous multiplayer dancing and all-new routines set to a soundtrack featuring Usher, Rihanna, Montell Jordan and more. Meet new dance crews and get down with friends to prove once and for all who really has the best moves.

Set in an open world tropical island, hordes of zombies await players around every corner. With firearms and ammunition being scarce the player must rely on discovering and utilising items as weapons for self-defense and fighting off zombie hordes in intense melee combat.

You play Adam Jensen, a security specialist, handpicked to oversee the defense of one of America’s most experimental biotechnology firms. But when a black ops team breaks in and kills the scientists you were hired to protect, everything you thought you knew about your job changes.

Race through the snow, rain and dirt and experience dramatic night races with the most rally content in the series yet. With more cars, more locations, more routes and more events than any other game in the series, DiRT 3 also has more than double the track content of 2009’s hit.

GAMEPLAY

This gruesome zombie action game with RPG elements combines first-person action with melee combat, character development and customisation of a vast array of weapons. Dead Island was inspired by classic zombie movies and has a gritty and engrossing campaign that can be played with up to four players in co-op mode.

Shoot your way through your enemies, sneak up behind them without being traced, hack systems to retrieve crucial information, or use your social skills to extract information from key characters. Human Revolution uniquely combines action-packed close-quarter takedowns with intense shooting. Unlock new abilities and increase your stealth, social, hacking or combat skills.

Enjoy a career as an elite professional driver, competing in off-road racing events from the forests of Michigan to the national parks of Kenya - racing as a professional rally star you’ll enjoy intense racing across three continents. Then, push car control to the limit in Gymkhana inspired showpiece challenges.

NEED TO KNOW

When facing a zombie apocalypse, there is only one thing to do: Survive.

A perfect mix of action and role-playing – an open-ended masterpiece.

With Over 100 routes across 9 locations, DiRT 3 raises the bar for authentic and accessible off-road racing.

OVERALL SCORE

GAMEPLAY Friends can team up in Perform It or go head-to-head in a simultaneous dance off within Dance Battle. Refine your moves with detailed per-limb feedback. Players can drop in or out at any point during a song. The game also has a fully integrated Music Store so players can expand their song selection.

NEED TO KNOW Dance to an unparalleled soundtrack of more than 40 new dance hits and classics.

OVERALL SCORE

NEED TO KNOW

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GAMeS

DISNEY UNIVERSE

DRIVER: SAN FRANCISCO

F1 2011

FIFA 12

GENRE Action/Adventure

GENRE Racing

GENRE Sport

AGE RATING 7

AGE RATING 12

AGE RATING 3

ABOUT

Disney Universe is an off-the-wall nonstop action adventure that’s perfect for the whole family. Disney worlds and characters mix up for the first time as players suit up in iconic costumes and face challenges in legendary Disney worlds.

Testing your driving skills with over 30 challenge races and 80 “dares” spread all across the city, Driver: San Francisco is all about rediscovering the cinematic driving experience. Race over 120 licensed cars on more than 200 miles of road network and get involved in some of the most intense chase sequences ever seen.

From the paddock to the track, F1 2011 takes players closer to the experience of being a F1 driver than ever before. A new Parc Ferme area, an expanded and revamped Paddock, new Pit Lane, celebration and reaction cinematics and an enhanced media interaction system immerse players in the glamour, pressure and excitement of F1.

Built on the game-changing Player Impact Engine, FIFA 12 was made to deliver real-world physicality in every interaction on the pitch. Transformed to look and feel fresh and new from prematch to final whistle, FIFA 12 delivers an authentic Match Day experience with faster and easier in-game navigation.

GAMEPLAY

Ram, tail and overtake in 19 different, frantic and addictive multiplayer modes including online competitive modes, split screen competitive modes and split screen cooperative modes. Then, record your best stunts and chases with the Film Director replay mode to edit and share your movies online.

Building on the multiplayer options from last year’s F1 game, split-screen racing is included for the first time in this game along with competitive online racing where up to 16 players can go head-to-head and with 8 AI drivers added to simulate the full grid of 24.

Revolutionary gameplay innovations make FIFA 12 deeper and more engaging. All-new Precision Dribbling creates a higher fidelity of touch on the ball for better control in tight spaces. Defending has been re-designed to make it as skillful and the Player Impact Engine monitors contact between players in real-time, able to detect real injuries.

GAMEPLAY Suit-up as iconic Disney and Disney Pixar characters (such as Aladdin, Alice and Stitch) and embark on adventures to power up their hero, battle powerful adversaries and master challenging puzzles to save the universe. You can team up with up to four friends to solve puzzles or defeat enemies or toss your friend into trouble.

NEED TO KNOW More than 40 classic and contemporary Disney characters to dress up as and save the universe.

OVERALL SCORE

8 | gAmiNg BuyER’s guiDE | DEcEmBER 2011

NEED TO KNOW

NEED TO KNOW Be the driver, live the life, go compete.

When not racing, you can earn cash to buy cars, and purchase garages around the city to store them in.

OVERALL SCORE

NEED TO KNOW Over 500 officially licensed clubs with more than 15,000 players.

OVERALL SCORE

GAMeS

FORZA MOTORSPORT 4

GEARS OF WAR 3

JUST DANCE 3

KINECT SPORTS: SEASON 2

GENRE Racing

GENRE First-person shooter

GENRE Music

AGE RATING 3

AGE RATING 18

AGE RATING 3

AGE RATING 12

ABOUT

With more than 80 car manufacturers, Forza 4 features unrivaled diversity. The all-new World Tour Mode boasts new tracks, unending choice and hundreds of hours of gameplay as you travel the globe The game has the most accurate physics engine, cockpits and damage on every car as well as assists that allow casual gamers to enjoy the race.

Taking place 18 months after the events of Gears of War 2 and the loss of the human stronghold of Jacinto. Marcus, Baird, Dom and company continue their fight to save human civilisation, as they battle the Locust and face new threats from within the planet.

A popular and addictive music title from Ubisoft, Just Dance 3 has beautifully detailed backgrounds and graphics that back each song perfectly. No matter if you’re dancing solo or jamming with 4 friends, this is the dance game you should pick when you just want to have fun.

In the first Kinect Sports, soccer, bowling, table tennis and boxing were some of the top games to play. Season 2 features six full, new, team-based and individual sports - tennis, golf, American football, baseball, skiing and darts - with unique challenges and activities for each.have fun.

GAMEPLAY

Try the impressive single-player campaign or play five-on-five multiplayer. There’s also a four-player campaign co-op experience. New multiplayer game modes include ‘Beast Mode’ - offering a new twist to the game where you take on the role of the locust horde and their assorted variations.

GAMEPLAY

Just Dance 3 has 40+ tracks from multiple genres, featuring popular artists, and chart-topping tracks. Rank on leaderboards with your friends in an all-new leaderboards system. Compare each other’s score on each song to see who’s the best dancer. Try the Just Sweat mode for workout plans and playlists – stay fit and have fun doing it.

See the Kinect in action! Whether you’re calling an audible in American football using in-game voice commands, or crouching down to get a detailed read of the green in golf, this game really shows off the intuitive gameplay and effortless immersion that only Kinect can deliver.

Autovista Mode means you can walk around a virtual showroom, crouch down to look at the car’s details, or open the doors and hood using the power of Kinect. Immerse yourself with Kinect Head Tracking, which pans the camera view based on how you naturally look into the corners when you’re hard charging.

NEED TO KNOW New content, cars and ways to play the highest rated racing franchise.

OVERALL SCORE

GAMEPLAY

NEED TO KNOW A must-play ending to the trilogy - fight to save the human race from the jaws of extinction.

OVERALL SCORE

NEED TO KNOW From Bollywood to J-Pop, Katie Perry and Duck Sauce, everyone will find their groove playing Just Dance 3.

OVERALL SCORE

NEED TO KNOW Challenge your Xbox LIVE friends to a game of darts or share your in-game videos.

OVERALL SCORE

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GAMeS

L.A. NOIRE

LEGEND OF ZELDA: OCARINA OF TIME 3D

LEGO HARRY POTTER: YEARS 5-7

NEED FOR SPEED: THE RUN

GENRE Action/Adventure

GENRE Role-playing

GENRE Action/Adventure

GENRE Racing

AGE RATING 18

AGE RATING 12

AGE RATING 7

AGE RATING 12

ABOUT

Cole Phelps is a LAPD detective thrown headfirst into a city drowning in its own success. Corruption is rampant, the drug trade is exploding, and murder rates are at an all-time high. In his fight to climb the ranks, Phelps must unravel the truth behind a string of arson attacks, conspiracies and brutal murders.

A 3D take the Nintendo 64 classic – Link sets off on a legendary journey through time to stop Ganondorf, the Gerudo King of Thieves who is seeking the Triforce, a holy relic that gives its holder ultimate power. The graphical upgrades and three-dimensional (glasses-free) depth breathe new life into the expansive world of Hyrule.

Based on the last three Harry Potter books and final four films, this game takes players through Harry Potter’s heroic adventures in the Muggle and wizard worlds. From Privet to Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and Hogwarts - plus new locations including Grimmauld Place, the Ministry of Magic, and Godric’s Hollow.

Compete in The Run, an illicit race across the most iconic and treacherous roads from San Francisco to New York. There are no rules and no allies in the cities, deserts, mountains and canyons than stand between you and the finish line.

GAMEPLAY

Using groundbreaking animation technology that captures every detail of an actor’s facial performance, L.A. Noire is a violent crime thriller that blends breath-taking action with true detective work. Search for clues, chase down suspects and interrogate witnesses as you struggle to find the truth in a city where everyone has something to hide.

An improved and intuitive interface, coupled with the easier navigation offered by playing in a world with 3D visuals, give players better control as they solve puzzles, travel through time and explore this immersive world. Whether you’re a first-time player or a regular visitor to Hyrule, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is a new adventure for everyone.

Play through 24 story events and return to Hogwarts where there are 16 different lessons to attend. Learn and use all new charms and spells including the Unforgivable Curses. Master advanced duelling skills to defeat Voldemort's Death Eaters as you battle toward the ultimate showdown with the Dark Lord himself.

NFS: The Run features an accessible online racing experience with matchmaking technology – join races already in progress instead of waiting in lobbies. Alternatively, create a party with friends and pick a playlist of your favourite challenges. Level up to earn access to exclusive vehicles, upgrades and abilities.

NEED TO KNOW A unique blend of cover-based shooting and detective work.

OVERALL SCORE

10 | gAmiNg BuyER’s guiDE | DEcEmBER 2011

NEED TO KNOW Gorgeous 3D cutscenes and animation add a new dimension to the tough Zelda title.

OVERALL SCORE

NEED TO KNOW

GAMEPLAY

NEED TO KNOW An illicit, high-stakes race across the country.

Unlock over 80 characters including, Fenrir Greyback, Bellatrix Lestrange and Professor Horace Slughorn.

OVERALL SCORE

GAMeS

PES 2012

RAGE

RESISTANCE 3

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011

GENRE Sport

GENRE First-person shooter

GENRE Sport

AGE RATING 3

AGE RATING 18

AGE RATING 3

ABOUT

Players dictate the pace of movement, with all-new AI elements incorporated so teammates make runs and offer support in one-on-one situations. Zonal marking and positional defending are also massively enhanced; ensuring players are forced to work harder to split the opposition defence.

An asteroid hits Earth and in an effort to save civilization, “Arks” are constructed but many humans who were above ground during the impact unexpectedly survived, while mutants roam the dead cities. And a tyrannical government, bent on creating a new world order, has begun the search... for you.

Be right in the centre of the mud, sweat, tears and passion as you take your team through the pool and knockout stages, right the way to the final. Back your team, take on your hardest rivals and fight every inch for the right to proudly lift the Webb Ellis Cup.

GAMEPLAY

Four years after the epic conclusion of Resistance 2, dishonourably discharged Sentinel Capelli is in hiding from the invading Chimeran menace with a pocket of survivors, including his new wife and young son. But when Dr Malikov arrives with a desperate plan, he sets into motions the events of Resistance 3.

A new cursor switching system has been implemented using the right analogue stick to switch to any player on the field. The result is a game that, more than ever, represents the key attributes of the world’s greatest players and truly captures the essence of top-flight football.

Take on bandit gangs, mutants and the Authority’ using exotic weapons and gadgets, such as sentry bots and remote controlled bomb cars – burn rubber across the wasteland in your very own super buggy! Upgrade and customise your car, then test your skills as you battle four-wheeling bandit clans and participate in deadly races.

NEED TO KNOW The most ambitious and advanced football experience yet?

OVERALL SCORE

NEED TO KNOW An open post-apocalyptic world with unique characters and side quests.

OVERALL SCORE

GAMEPLAY In addition to an epic single-player campaign, Resistance 3 offers twoplayer online or split-screen co-op through the single-player campaign, and a new, focused progression-based multiplayer experience which allows players to take part in the global resistance by battling in locations set around the globe.

NEED TO KNOW

GAMEPLAY Recreate your favourite Rugby World Cup moment by taking your pick of the 20 participating teams, guiding them through the pool phase and onto the final. Players also get the chance to fight for the glory of their chosen nation online, challenging other players to one-on-one matches on Xbox LIVE and the PlayStation Network.

NEED TO KNOW

A unique and action-packed adventure from beginning to end.

Replay the New Zealand vs. France finale or give South Africa a chance to take home the trophy.

OVERALL SCORE

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GAMES

SAINTS ROW: THE THIRD

SKYLANDERS: SPYRO’S ADVENTURE

SUPER MARIO 3D LAND

THE ELDER SCROLLS: SKYRIM

GENRE Sport

GENRE Action/Adventure

GENRE Role-playing game

AGE RATING 3

AGE RATING 7

AGE RATING 3

AGE RATING 18

ABOUT

You’re in control of the Saints at the height of their power. Steelport is ripe for the taking, and it’s up to you to make the city your own. Mold the skyline based on your choices, outfit your crew and make life-or-death decisions that will change Steelport, and the Saints, forever.

Kids take on the role of a powerful Portal Master, who can control over 30 different characters, including the beloved purple dragon Spyro. Embark on a journey and explore mythical lands, battle menacing creatures, collect treasures and solve challenging puzzles as a part of a quest to save their world.

Super Mario 3D Land reinvents everything fans love about Mario with the first platforming environment in true 3D. Experience a new sense of depth, distance and speed while running, jumping and stomping on enemies throughout the levels. 3D visuals make it easier for players to judge the depths and distances in their environments.

Compared to Fallout’s post-apocalyptic environment, Skyrim’s lush fantasy world of dragons, mythology and magic is something to behold. This popular RPG series once again wows gamers with completely customisable characters (across 10 species), open quests and endless, detailed and interesting environments.

GAMEPLAY Play as your favourite train wreck celebrity-turned reality TV star or don a cape as Steelport’s newest superhero (or villain) – this is a sandbox game where customisation is king. So why not collaborate with a friend to create your own dynamic duo for co-op play? This one is definitely for mature gamers.

NEED TO KNOW This is now your city, these are now your rules – have fun!

OVERALL SCORE

12 | GaminG Buyer’s Guide | decemBer 2011

GAMEPLAY In addition to the highly collectible design and personalities of the toys themselves, each character has different powers and abilities, opening different experiences inside the game. Players can drop in and out of each level with as many different characters as they like, making each players experience unique.

GAMEPLAY Mario can perform a rolling somersault attack or run fast with a dash move. Tanooki Mario returns – use the Tanooki suit tail to attack enemies and float gently down from great heights. New enemies include tailed and stacked Goombas and Piranha Plants that spit ink to obscure a player’s view.

NEED TO KNOW

A game where your toys come to life – what more could a younger gamer want?

Your favourite Mushroom Kingdom plumber in fully rendered 3D landscapes.

OVERALL SCORE

GAMEPLAY With professional actors lending their voices, an enchanting, emotive soundtrack and unbelievable dragon battles (choose from 100s of weapons, spells and abilities), Skyrim is a game you’re going to be playing for a very, very long time. Skyrim reimagines the open-world fantasy epic, pushing the gameplay and technology of a virtual world to new heights.

NEED TO KNOW Live another life, in another world… with dragons!

OVERALL SCORE

GAMeS

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SKYWARD SWORD

THE SIMS 3: PETS

THE WITCHER 2: ASSASSINS OF KINGS

UNCHARTED 3: DRAKE’S DECEPTION

GENRE Action/Adventure

GENRE Sport

GENRE Role-playing

GENRE Action

AGE RATING 12

AGE RATING 3

AGE RATING 18

AGE RATING 16

ABOUT

Explore a massive, multi-layered world that seamlessly blends soaring exploration in a sea of clouds with intense ground-based adventuring that blurs the line between the world and traditional Zelda dungeons. Forests, volcanoes and deserts require players to think on their feet as they solve puzzles, overcome obstacles and escape deadly traps.

Each platform brings a new world for players to explore from the Xbox 360 version where players will unlock achievements by solving mysteries around town, or in the PC version where they’ll be able to take their pets on play dates or meet other Sims at the dog park…

The sequel to developer CD Projekt’s mature-themed fantasy role-playing game based on the works of author Andrzej Sapkowski. The Witcher 2 features an engrossing storyline that redefines the standard for non-linear game narration. In addition, the original, brutal combat system uniquely combines tactical elements with dynamic action.

Inspired by a British Army officer T. E. Lawrence (AKA Lawrence of Arabia) the charismatic fortune hunter, Nathan Drake, embarks on a perilous, high-stakes adventure following in the footsteps of Lawrence, from the streets of London to the heart of the Arabian Desert in search of the lost city.

GAMEPLAY

The Sims 3 Pets players can create, customise and control over a hundred different kinds of cats and dogs like the Australian Shepherd and the Maine Coon, and can breed and share them with friends providing endless possibilities to create new and exciting breeds.

GAMEPLAY

The Uncharted universe provides online players with a unique multiplayer experience, bringing the cinematic elements of the single-player campaign into multiplayer. Drake can now take on opponents in more ways than before: hand-to-hand combat with multiple opponents, contextual melee attacks, and new stealth options.

Skyward Sword boasts the most realistic sword combat, turning every encounter into a challenge of both brains and brawn. Wii MotionPlus technology accurately translates the angle of every sword slice, effectively putting Link’s blade in the player’s hand. And then there’s the puzzle solving…

NEED TO KNOW

GAMEPLAY

NEED TO KNOW Everyone Sim needs a virtual best friend.

Skyward Sword redefines Zelda, introducing an arsenal of items, upgrades and rewards.

OVERALL SCORE

A complex, realistic and mature story touching upon subject matter seldom seen in other RPGs. Expect believable, true-to-life characters with their own motivations and goals, highly varied and breath-taking locations, and a greater freedom of exploration that provides increased game realism and a wider range of tactical options.

NEED TO KNOW

GAMEPLAY

NEED TO KNOW Trek into the heart of the Arabian Desert.

A captivating story, dynamic combat system and beautiful graphics.

OVERALL SCORE

WWW.iNcREDiBlE.co.zA | 13

GAMeS

WARHAMMER 40’000: SPACE MARINE

WRC: FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP 2

WWE ‘12

ZUMBA FITNESS 2

GENRE Action/Role-playing

GENRE Racing

GENRE Sport

GENRE Music

AGE RATING 18

AGE RATING 3

AGE RATING 16

AGE RATING 3

ABOUT

You are a Space Marine, one of humanity’s elite warriors, the last line of defence between mankind and its enemies. Through extensive genetic modification and years of rigorous training that would kill a normal man a Space Marine becomes superhuman. The only thing standing between this planet and its total destruction is your Space Marine.

Live the life of a real rally driver through the career mode of WRC 2. Start from scratch by creating your own racing team, win prestigious victories to increase your funds and improve your reputation. Play with more than 30 different car models in 13 official tracks and 4 offline and 4 online modes.

THQ’s flagship franchise has been redesigned to deliver the most realistic WWE action ever. With new Predator Technology, an overhauled gameplay experience and new broadcast TV presentation that promises the most fluid, dynamic, authentic and actionpacked WWE simulation experience.

Following the worldwide best-selling original, Zumba Fitness 2, players can now get a total body workout with 32 electrifying new routines and music track, including hits from today’s hottest artists including Pitbull, Nicole Scherzinger and Yolanda Be Cool & DCup.

GAMEPLAY

Create your own team and manage them during your ascent to the WRC. Find the best mechanics on the market to maximize the performance of your car, hire skilled managers to unlock profitable sponsorships ... and strive to earn a contract with one of the WRC teams.

WWE ‘12’s best-in-class creation suite gives you the ability to create Superstars, entrances, finishing moves, storylines and all-new capabilities. Take control of your WWE career in a bigger and better WWE Universe – your actions determine your destiny and shape your experience, as storylines, matches, alliances and d rivalries are built based on your decisions.

Follow along as celebrity Zumba instructors guide you through each routine. New 3D models of each instructor make playing the game feel like taking a real class. You’ll learn 20 different dance styles, from fan favourites like Merengue, Samba and Cumbia to new additions like Axe, Bollywood, Latin Pop, Belly dance and Pasodoble.

NEED TO KNOW

Features all 40 clubs that played in the Copa Santander Libertadores 2010.

Get fit with 5 different game modes in 5 stunning, dynamic environments.

OVERALL SCORE

Combining intense melee and ranged combat, Space Marine puts players into the boots of one of humanity’s elite soldiers, genetically engineered and equipped with state of the art weapons and armour. Players are dropped right into the action as they battle, using the most devastating weaponry mankind has at its disposal.

NEED TO KNOW Defend an Imperial Forge World, from an invasion by the savage and brutal Orks.

OVERALL SCORE

14 | gAmiNg BuyER’s guiDE | DEcEmBER 2011

NEED TO KNOW The Road to Wrestlemania is fraught with action, drama, challenges, storyline twists and surprises.

OVERALL SCORE

FOREVER EVOLVING. FOREVER UNITING. FOREVER FOOTBALL. FOREVER PR0 EVO.

CLASS IS PERMANENT

Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/PES

Official Licensed Product of UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE™. Official Licensed Product of UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE™. All names, logos and trophies of UEFA are the property, registered trademarks and/or logos of UEFA and are used herein with the permission of UEFA. No reproduction is allowed without the prior written approval of UEFA. adidas, the 3-Bars logo, the 3-Stripe trade mark and Predator are registered trade marks of the adidas Group, used with permission. adiPURE, adiZERO and F50 are trade marks of the adidas Group, used with permission. Official licensed product of A.C. Milan. © 2011 Real Madrid. All other copyrights or trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used under license. ©2011 Konami Digital Entertainment. Windows, the Windows ” Start button, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies, and “Games for Windows” and the Windows Start button logo are used under license from Microsoft. “ ”,“PlayStaion”, “PS3” and “ ” is a trademark of the same company. All Rights Reserved. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Wii is a trademark of Nintendo. **UEFA Europa League not are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. “ included in Wii, PSP and PS2 versions.

PES2012 CONNECT AD.indd 1

2011/11/21 4:19 PM

H e A Lt H y G A M i n G

eXeRTAinmenT:

gaming is good for your health Why trek to the gym when you can just as easily play video games in the comfort of your home? Motion control, in-built accelerometers and movement-tracking cameras are turning coach-potato gamers into health nuts. 16 | gAmiNg BuyERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guiDE | DEcEmBER 2011

hile first-person shooters (like Call of Duty and Battlefield) and car racing simulations (Forza, Gran Turismo) are increasingly popular video game genres, it was Zumba Fitness that stayed on the gaming charts for over 3 months. Outlasting and outselling bigger and more anticipated titles, Zumba Fitness is a simple game where players follow on-screen dance movements. With no voice acting, repetitive action and less-than average graphics, one can only wonder if excertainment is finding its own place in-between all the mature-rated titles.

e X e R tA i n M e n t

Advanced athleticism Technology, in the form of the Nintendo Wii and PlayStation Move’s motion controllers has made this possible. And then there is the Xbox 360 Kinect, a camera that can recognise the human body and has inspired creative applications and innovative uses in healthcare, education, art and more. Never mind the fact that video games are being used to supplement therapy for ICU patients or help autisitic children to learn, they’re now being used to combat obesity by providing a safe and creative space to get fit. The question remains – can video games which get you active be seen as a legitimate form of exercise?

dance yourself fit

Wii tennis elbow? Take, EA Sports ACTIVE, a fitness game from Electronic Arts (EA) in which you can customise daily workouts and weekly programmes according to your fitness level. It focuses on improving muscular strength, endurance and flexibility, as well as improving cardio, which can help achieve fitness goals including building muscle, increase energy levels and weight loss. EA SPORTS Active 2 products will offer the same, high-quality exercise experience with over 70 new exercises and fitness activities including exercises not possible before the Total Body Tracking wireless control system. This is clearly not a game. What’s more, is a study, conducted by the University of Wisconsin’s, proved that EA Sports Active improves aerobic capacity and has a

Are you strapped in? What’s important to remember with exertainment video games is that while the Xbox Kinect is a hands-free experience, when using the Wii or PS Move you’ll more than likely be holding a controller or using some sort of leg strap/waistband to allow the game to pick up your activity.

healthy effect on body composition when used regularly as part of a health-conscious lifestyle. EA Sports ACTIVE (and now Sports ACTIVE 2) is not the only exertainment option that integrates Wii, Kinect and Move, other titles in this category include Wii Fit Plus, Get Fit with Mel B, UFC Personal Trainer and the upcoming Adidas MiCoach. One of the best options is Your Shape: Fitness Evolved from Ubisoft which offers yoga and downloadable content packs – want an extra cardio class or Bollywood dance, it’s there. Players can also connect to an online portal which will help you keep track fitness goals and compare stats with friends.

What’s a workout without the right music mix? A number of video game publishers have put together titles which encourage movement with licensed tracks and choreographed moves. The added benefit is that you’ll burn calories. And while these games may not necessarily be focused on exercise, there are usually added benefits like the Just Sweat mode in Just Dance 3 which tracks your overall calories and unlocks special achievements. Following the worldwide dance movement popular at gyms and as a home DVD system, the upcoming Zumba Fitness game (Zumba Fitness 2) has an integrated progress tracker that lets you follow every stat relating to your gameplay. Other dancing games to look our for are Dance Central 2 (from the makers of Guitar Hero), Everybody Dance and The Black Eyed Peas Experience – a no-brainer if you love their music. Even though there are a number of great titles specifically designed to help you get fit, dancing or not, if you’re getting up and moving around, games like Wii Sports which incorporate the whole body can also be a form of light exercise. That is why old age homes are using the Wii to treat patients recovering from strokes, broken bones, combat injuries and surgery – it’s called “Wiihabilitation” and it works.

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GAMinG bunDLeS

Palestation 3! Sony’s iconic PS3 is known for its monolithic black design, whether it’s the piano gloss finish of the original or the matte appearance of the newer slim console. What we’ve not had, though, is a PS3 of a different colour – and this pure white console changes all of that. It even comes with a matching controller, and to sweeten the deal this specific bundle comes with a second controller thrown in. It’s perfect for those who want to replace their old PS3, or have been holding out for something that matches the décor.

All-in-3 Even though it’s been a good five years since the new high definition-capable consoles have hit the shelves, but some folks are still on standard-def TVs. This bundle takes care of everything, for a lot cheaper than you’d expect. It’s got a PS3, a 32” LCD TV, and a generous sampling of content: a Pirates of the Caribbean Blu-ray film and a PS3 game. That way you get to immediately sample the high-def goodness you’ve been missing out on.

18 | gAmiNg BuyER’s guiDE | DEcEmBER 2011

GAMinG bunDLeS

Get kinected The Xbox has been on local shelves since 2006 and quite a few things have changed. If you’ve not yet bought one, but wanna see what the hype is all about, this family-friendly bundle is perfect. It includes the Xbox with a 250GB hard drive, and all accessories, an Xbox Kinect – the movement-sensing camera – and two games. One of those games is great fun for the kids, and the other – Sports Central 2, for the Kinect is even more fun for the whole family.

hardcore hardware If you know what kind of gamer you are (see pages 2 – 5) and that kind of gamer happens to be “hardcore”, then this bundle is for you. Whether you want to jump right into the deep end or replace your existing console with the newest one, this 250GB holiday bundle is ideal. Specifically, though, because it includes one of the greatest, most competitive shooters you’ll find this Christmas: Battlefield 3.

GAMinG bunDLeS

Ration pack If you already have an Xbox 360 and it doesn’t need replacement, this game and controller combo will be exactly what you need. Let’s face it, you can never have enough Xbox controllers, and if you’re going to be jumping into hours of online play with Battlefield 3, you might as well do so with a fresh controller. Remember to pick up a pack of rechargeable AA batteries, or the Xbox Play and Charge kit, to keep this baby powered up.

essentially Xbox Choice is good, and to remind us of that there’s this plain ol’ Xbox 360 console, with all the included accessories. It has built-in wireless, a wireless controller, a gaming headset and a 250GB hard drive. It also includes two free games – and all of this costs the same price as a regular Xbox. This means more choice, budget allowing, for some games you really want to get!

Battlestation If you’re still hobbling along on a PS2, with no high-def graphics in sight, maybe it’s time to upgrade. This PS3 bundle includes a copy of the highly acclaimed Battlefield 3, which will get you up and running in your fight for dominance online. Standard PS3 features apply: 320GB hard drive, built-in wireless, a Bluetooth DualShock 3 controller, and all the required cables to get it hooked up.

20 | gAmiNg BuyER’s guiDE | DEcEmBER 2011

NEED-TO-KNOW SpEcS:

• All-new 16 megapixel EXR CMOS sensor • 30x optical zoom covering 24-720mm

(35mm equivalent) • 3.0 inch tilting rear LCD with 460,000 pixels • Full resolution high speed shooting – high speed video capture at up to 320 fps • Advanced Anti-blur technologies • 1600% wide dynamic range • Longer battery life (up to 350 frames with 4 x AA batteries) • Electronic Horizon level function • RAW shooting (RAW or JPEG or simultaneous RAW+JPEG) • Full HD movie capture using H.264 (MOV) format • New 27 mode EXR Auto mode • Colour fringe reduction and improved corner sharpness • 360° Motion Panorama mode • Photobook Assist function

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HOW TO!

Jargon-buster

Gaming Glossary

By Deon du Plessis

Gaming has a special language all of its own that can be pretty strange to outsiders. Our jargon guide breaks down some of the more common terms in a bid to improve communications between the sides. RTS Real-time Strategy. These games usually involve the establishment of a base, where units and production buildings are created, which are then used to attack the enemy. The challenge comes in balancing the task of gathering resources with which to build more units, and protecting your base until you’re ready to attack and then micro-managing the final attack on your enemies’ bases. It’s all done in real-time, so there is no pausing of the action, and popular games in the genre include Starcraft 2, Warcraft 3 and the Age of Empires series.

FPS First Person Shooter. This massively popular genre is played from the perspective of a character holding a gun, and plays as if you’re sitting directly behind their eyes and controlling their movements and aim with your PC. The action is usually hard and fast and more realistic than in other genres, and in addition to a single-player campaign most modern FPSes include a multiplayer component that pits players’ skills against each other. Popular examples include Quake, Call of Duty, Crysis and Battlefield.

RPG Role Playing Game. These slower-paced games simulate the playing of a role within a game world. Roles include thieves, warriors, magicians, paladins, clerics, priests and more.

22 | GaminG Buyer’s Guide | decemBer 2011

Choosing a role to play specifies what abilities the gamer’s character has and can use in the game world; these games tend to involve a lot of monster-slaying, quests to complete and loads of virtual loot with which to outfit and improve the player’s avatar. They set themselves apart by taking place in believable game worlds and presenting players with choices as to how they’d like to solve quests. The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, the 3 Gothic games and the Two Worlds series are great examples of modern role playing games.

AcTion RPG This genre uses the roles mentioned previously to create the basic abilities of the games’ protagonists, but the gameplay is far more about the action of sword-and-magic combat and the eternal pursuit of better equipment than it is about exploration, character development or moral choices. They tend to be fast-paced, very pretty to look at with more focus on just having fun than anything serious. Blizzard Entertainment’s iconic Diablo series, Dungeon Siege 1, 2 and 3 and Titan Quest are Action RPGs.

MMoRPG Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game. This type of game takes the concept of a role playing game, and sets it online, where thousands of players play together at the same time, in the exact same game world. The game worlds of MMORPGs are absolutely huge, often with multiple

continents to explore, thousands of quests to complete, tons of loot to collect and usually a crafting system of some sort that, with practice, lets players create their own armour, weapons and items. Players “level up” by accumulating experience points (also called XP) through quests and monster-slaying, and social interactions are encouraged through the in-game chat system where players can shoot the breeze, ask for help or broadcast their intention to sell their uber l33t Sword of Purity +5. Blizzard’s World of Warcraft is the most successful of these, with others like Aion, The Lord of the Rings Online and Rift bringing up the rear.

Turn-based sTraTegy Similar in concept to real time strategy games, turn-based games also involve resource collection, unit production and combat, but it’s done in turns. This allows for much more strategic thinking, as the player is not pressed to respond immediately to situations, and can really think through a move or moves before committing. These games are for ponderous thinkers and not action-lovers looking for a quick fight. Good examples of this type of game are Sid Meier’s Civilization series, Heroes of Might & Magic and the Total War series.

n00b This derogatory (but not really rude) term is meant to belittle new players to any game, although it’s the competitive online types like Call of Duty and the Battlefield where the term is used the most. It’s a derivative of “newbie”, just written using what is known as “leet speak”, a dialect made up by gamers that replaces letters of the alphabet with numbers. If someone calls you a n00b, they’re basically telling you that you don’t appear to know what you’re doing. It’s all harmless fun, and parents need not come down hard on their kids for using it.

Pwn This has to be one of the best words to come out of “leet speak”. Its origins are rooted in the original Counterstrike multiplayer game, where victorious players would loudly claim to “own” their opponents after a fierce firefight. The typing skills of the average Counterstrike playing being what they are, “pwn” was written about as often as “own”, to the point where it came to mean the same thing. Gamers have taken it even further, going so far as to use the term in verbal conversation, and pronouncing it “poan”. Thanks to the Internet, being “pwned” now means anything from being virtually shot in a game to breaking bones while doing something stupid to being hit in the face by a soccer ball. Don’t believe us? Search for it on YouTube, and let the schadenfreude commence.

www.incredible.co.za | 23

GAMinG HARDwARe

– By Deon du Plessis

GAminG: Enhance the Action!

Sometimes all a game needs to go from good to great is the right hardware to enhance the experience. We take a look at a few examples.

steering Wheels Nothing makes a driving game better than a steering wheel that bucks and shudders in your hands as you screech round corners and smash into obstacles and opponents. Force feedback steering wheels, as such devices are known, are a brilliant way to make you feel like you’re actually driving rather than simply twiddling your thumbs with a video game controller in your hands…

motion Controls

mice & keyboards Simple keyboards work just fine when gaming on a PC, but sometimes having specific buttons that you can program to execute your instructions at a single push means the difference between winning and losing. Mice, too – extra programmable buttons and the ability to adjust the cursor’s sensitivity on the fly put just that much more control in your hands than the twobutton, scrolly-wheely types do.

24 | gAmiNg BuyER’s guiDE | DEcEmBER 2011

Handheld controllers are all well and good, but they don’t make you feel like you’re really interacting with your game worlds. Motion controls, on the other hand, most certainly do. By using your body to control your games, you become physically involved and gaming becomes more of a sport than ever before. All 3 console companies have their own versions available, and of course the best way to find out which is best is to own all 3. On the bright side, you could go from couch-bound zero to muscular hero if you try all 3 out for a few months…

headsets Playing a game with headphones that have built-in surround-sound capabilities gives it a whole new dimension that flat, 2D audio just can’t manage. Physically ducking your head as bullets seem to whiz by overhead or ping into the woodwork seemingly just a few inches away adds so much intensity and richness to the gaming experience that you’ll wonder how you lived without it before. Grab one that also has a boom-mounted microphone for in-game voice chats, and your gaming world will be forever changed for the better.

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