Release Date: May 21st, 2013

Developer: Firebrand Games

Publisher: Activision

Platform: [Reviewed: XBOX 360], PlayStation 3, PC

Genre: Racing

Rated: T for Teen

When you think of Fast and the Furious, you can’t help but think of some of the streets fastest and most whipped out rides. Secondly is the likes of Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Tyrese Gibson, Michelle Rodriguez and more. Now Firebird Games is giving you a reason to think more “interactive” as they’ve developed a new Fast and Furious game titled “Showdown.”

It’s not too often where most gamers may put a game in their console and have mixed feelings through the main screen;  literally before starting  off any sense of gameplay. Prepare yourself, this is one of those games.

The story kicks off in Moscow where Former S.A.S.  Owen Shaw  (Luke Evans) and Letty Ortiz (Michelle Rodriguez) are ripping the streets, destroying anyone that comes too close by flipping vehicles. From here, the story shifts over to Toretto’s crew. While all are under investigation, detectives believe that both Hobbs and Shaw’s crew are somehow working together.

From there, the story just goes everywhere and becomes more about the racing and shooting up enemies that are looking to take you out. Most of the chapters consist of time trials, eliminations, races and special objectives.

If you went out to the box office and saw Fast & Furious 6, you’ll have a much better grasp of where the story is leading you through gameplay.

On each chapter there are secondary objectives as well. Mindlessly, you must pause the game to review this list. You would think as an objective, it would be displayed on screen, not here. However, completing them will unlock mods and other special items for challenge mode.

There’s also a challenge mode full of mini games like speed check that has you being marked by camera with the fastest speed possible, or air support that allows you to “get In the chopper” and provide air support. Some of the modes are interesting but isn’t enough to hold it all together.

Mechanics are far on the rough side as you delve into the story. Sometimes you’ll feel control of the vehicle, and later realizing drifting can easily spur the vehicle out of control.  There’s also parts of the game where the A.I. seems to almost work against you on certain missions. For example, on a mission with Han and Rio, you are pulling down cell towers. If you play as Han, Rio sometime park too far for you to grapple the towers. Even if you switch characters to pull in closer and switch back, Rio will again drive further away, making the pull difficult.

Expect to not only see but hear character likenesses throughout the campaign. However graphically, Showdown is a mess. Imagine The Sims creating an action-packed video game, if you have that in mind, you’ve just pictured Fast & Furious  Showdown.

I now have to wonder, especially since the same horrific method was done with The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct, does Activision really care about some of the titles they publish? This is the second title this year that Activision could have cashed in big on, instead they allowed the developers to embarrass themselves with piss poor quality. Think I’m joking? If this had been Call of Duty: Showdown, the game would’ve been amazing. But it isn’t.

Fast & Furious wasn’t the worst either. It sets in as one of those games that could’ve possibly been much more than it is, but something was missing.

The Scores

Gameplay: 2.5/5

Visuals: 2/5

Audio: 4/5

Controls: 3/5

Value: 2/5

Overall Rating: 2.5/5

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Now is the time to be more amped than ever. The XBOX HAS BEEN REVEALED PEOPLE! Over the many years of XBOX, we’ve seen and heard of the number red rings and AC bricks. But the good of the console has done way more than outweigh the bad. The XBOX has today become hands down one of the most immersive systems for not only gaming, but entertainment as well.

XBOX Has officially revamped the system to be everything it can be, which means it will allow you do to everything that your mind could process and more. Microsoft today has introduced the XBOX ONE.

At first, I began to think that the title One is a very ridiculous name to come up with. I wasn’t so much digging “Durango” and sort of loved the “Infinity,” but One? It was until Microsoft painted the picture and showed us the product, something that Sony has yet to do. It is genuinely all in one.

Yusuf Mehdi started the presentation of the system by interacting with Skype and TV.  One of the most innovating concepts is the ability to switch over from gaming to television and television to internet explorer as fast as you can change a channel on your cable box.

When heading back to the dashboard, the XBOX ONE remembers everything you done from the last game you’ve played to the last movie you’ve watched.

The XBOX ONE also has a new feature called Snap Shot that physically allows you to add a second screen on the interface, granting multitasking for various selections. Watch a TV show while you surf the internet, or order tickets. It’s all done with a quick pan in, grabbing the screen and shrinking the size down for additional capabilities.

Wanting to keep up with your fantasy teams? Whether it’s NFL, NBA, FIFA, you name it, by simply telling the Kinect to “show fantasy,” every score will immediately reflect on screen how your fantasy players are affected. It’s a huge win for gamers not just on the console, but fantasizing victories in various online leagues.

Skype will play a huge roll THIS YEAR on XBOX ONE as you will now have access of group calling to friends and family through the power of Kinect.

Watching television has just become a whole lot better. Simply saying “Show the Guide” takes you to a new world in XBOX.  Simply name the TV show and watch it. If not the show then name the channel itself. Even telling the XBOX ONE to “Go Home” will keep the show rolling on your dashboard.

How is this all possible?

8GB of RAM, Blu-Ray Drive and USB 3.0 is promising to make this system spark more than fireworks on the 4^th of July.

The new Kinect was heavily mentioned, most importantly how the system will track more joints and movement than its predecessor, creating a deeper understanding of how you, the player moves. The controller also has new triggers and d-pad giving the gamer a better feel of what they find more comfortable.  Yusuf mentioned that they listened to the gamers and personalized every enhancement “for the gamers, by the gamers.”

XBOX Live will now run under the usage of 300 thousands servers in comparison to the 15K it’s currently using. Cloud gaming and more, could possibly be more closer than we imagined. With a dedicated DVR, gamers will be able to find the “perfect” match when jumping on XBOX Live, finding their preference in competition. Hopefully more about this will be revealed come E3.

Andrew Wilson with EA Sports also stepped on the stage today introducing a new gaming engine, “defining sports at its highest level.” Key mentions were things like “human-like intelligence,” 10 times more animation and details” and how you can win with “true player motion.”

My response is “OMG! Gaming has NEVER looked as real as we’ve seen today from EA Sports.” Amazing details, smooth animations and mechanics; I’m truly excited to partake in what EA has to offer!

Other titles were briefly mentioned as well like Forza Motorsports 5 and Remedy Studios, developers behind MAX Payne 1 and 2, Bullet Time and Alan Wake, showcased a new franchise called Quantum Break.

Speaking of franchises, XBOX promised within the next year 15 exclusive titles, 8 of which will be new franchises.

Last was the huge new of a Halo TV series coming soon under the direction of none other than Steven Spielberg. All I can say is after today, gaming will never be the same again.

For a better look at the console, controller and kinect itself check out the gallery below.

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Stay connected this year with the all-new Connected Franchise. As I gazed upon the new trailer, I couldn’t help but remember having all of these capabilities in previous Madden titles. So I just said to myself “oh, that’s nice.”

But then they displayed an advance connected career where your face becomes “the face,” by adding your face or becoming one of the current team owners creating a full team for marketing, staffing, finances and team success. If that’s enough, you have the media again adding their two cents. But in Madden NFL 25 you have the ability to respond to some media inquiries.

I am interested to see exactly how will Madden NFL 25 make the Connected Franchise sell. This was one of the first trailers that excited me and then let me down at the same time. We had the options to tweaking stadiums, changing seats and adding television all before. How will this year be different?

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Resident Evil Revelations has to be the shortest, and for a brief moment, the most uninteresting Resident Evil I’ve ever previewed. Operation Raccoon City stepped away from the tradition, but was almost more interesting this this. Allow me to explain.

In the Revelations demo, you play as Jill Valentine and partner Parker Luciani in search for Chris and Jessica on the SS Queen Zenobia, a huge boat someone on the ocean (not mentioned specifically in the demo).

During the search, you’ll run into a few B.O.Ws that will slowly attempt to seal your fate. Eventually, you find Mr. Redfield captured and will need to locate a crew key to grant him freedom. The problem for me is how fast this can be done, ultimately ending the demo.

Jill is equipped with a handgun, knife and a Genesis that allows her to discover things the normal eye may overlook. This was my second issue with Revelations. Since when do you need a peripheral to find keys and bullets?

Now to give credit to the Genesis, if you play this feature on the WiiU, it should hopefully be quite tasteful if used as the Genesis while researching items, etc. But the demo only shows you a map.

After you shoot down, decoy or hand grenade a B.O.W. their blood looks unbelievably fake. The blood spreads out and visually looks like spilled ketchup. Is this a game rated T for Teen, or is it that the developers decided to lighten up the sense of maturity.

The demo almost left me not wanting to try the full game which would’ve saddened the inner child that grew up in that mansion from the very first Resident Evil. However, I saw the road to redemption after I played through the most challenging difficulty, Infernal.

As a twist, you begin with a shotgun and machine gun. All of the ammo and herbs have been relocated. And there are a hell of a lot more B.O.Ws that you will encounter. In short, the way that Resident Evil should be played, and will be reviewed!

Even with this game being originally released last year for the Nintendo 3DS, I felt like parts of the experience for the consoles remained at the handheld level. But who knows, this demo was very short, leaving room for an amazing story. Expect our review next week to reveal our final thoughts.

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If you ever wondered what Bruce’s experience was like before stepping into his recent character known as the “Dark Knight,” this is your one clear opportunity to witness Batman evolve.

Rocksteady has stepped out of the development and WB Games Montreal has moved in. Before the crime hit its peek and Gotham City became what it is today, Warner Bros are inviting you to watch the full story unfold. Meet important characters for the first time and Batman find his calling  in Arkham Origin.

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I can hear the crowd beginning to chant “defense, defense!” Madden NFL 25 has just released a new trailer touching up on the defensive line and how crucial their changes were to the game.

Last year was all about offense with the introduction of the Infinity Engine. This year, defense has a their own “read and react” called heat seeker tackling. It will allow your defense to find a better route, granting you a greater opportunity to make the tackle at the right time. Size does matter!

How, it’s the difference in your timing that a big guy may fall or bulldoze over you. To intensify the collision between running backs and your lineman, new dives and lunge tackles have been added. Once you manage to make contact with the running back, you can create a force impact with the hit stick, making a every tackle have a huge impression.

To me Madden is already demonstrating from another standpoint authenticity. Detailed improvements are still to come, leading up to the release, but EA Sports has started on the right foot, and tackled on the left!

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The Darkness is growing rather close and fresh blood in the air. Kalypso is giving you more than enough to quinch your thirst and plenty of ways to get the job done. Check out the new gameplay trailer that showcases a few of your talents.

Dark is scheduled to release this Summer for XBOX 360 and PC.

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Their issue has become a gamers true PAYDAY! See what I did there.

August 20^th the mask will come on again as the crew is looking for a comeback! While little is known as of now, follow Overkill on www.facebook.com/paydaytheheist and twitter.com/paydaygame or log on to http://www.overkillsoftware.com/.

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Alright, it’s time to discuss yet again the one true title you’ll find me pouring more hours into than Call of Duty. Yep, It’s WWE. And now with the title in the hands of 2K Sports, my heart can only wonder where will we go from here.

“Some” gamers are disappointed with the title no longer being held by THQ while other are rejoicing the change in publishers. Then there’s a handful that’s even disgusted with Yuke’s still handling the development. When the smoke clears, we’re eyeing down the publisher who has the final say so.

And two things are official so far: The Rock will be on the cover of WWE 2K14 and the titled is expected to release October 29^th.

While we can throw over a hundred things we want to see fixed, chances are 2K14 won’t be the year of change. With development also complete for WWE 2K14, it’s going to be more quality assurance than anything from 2K and Take-Two Interactive, along with the brand plastered on the cover.

This doesn’t mean 2K isn’t going to step in if needed however, just that Yuke’s is been given an opportunity to show off.

As far as 2K Sports taking over the WWE Games franchise, I for one am excited. To me, this screams better graphics, better commentary and more. All we can hope for is 2K to create WWE 2K14 with the mindset “Next-Gen.” We want innovative. We want next level.

Make me believe!

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Release Date: May 14th, 2013

Developer: 4A games

Publisher: Deep Silver

Platform: [Reviewed: XBOX 360], PlayStation 3, PC

Genre: First-Person Shooter

Rated: M for Mature

Metro 2033, based on a novel written by Dmitry Glukhovsky, became a sleeper title that was both a hit and miss by critics. However, THQ knew they had an exciting concept and insisted on allowing the 2^nd installment to see the light of day. Unfortunately, the publisher was swimming in debt and forced to liquidate all their assets. Now in the hands of Deep Silver, Last Light has, while underground, resurfaced.

Last Light continues its post-apocalyptic setting as new recruit Ranger, Artyom, a child in 2033 now a soldier fighting for a better tomorrow. Life in Moscow after the nuclear explosion gets no better than the subway as the radiation on the surface, even 20 years later, is just as lethal as day one.

In the original Metro 2033, aliens called the “dark ones” invaded the underground civilization. As a twist,  there’s one Dark One that you must try and save, giving your people hope through their own blindness. The Rangers however aren’t the only group searching for the Dark One.

Last Light is a shooter that will have you preserving bullets and strategizing every instance. You’re given a gas mask to breathe through the radiation, bullets to kill when the time calls, or use them as currency when traveling.

With bullets, you can buy attachments, explosives and exchange for other bullets accommodating your needs. In most cases you may already have what you need and can progress without merchants. Some may find it most helpful for lighting up mutants with dynamite.

Similar to 2033, expect to keep a look out for additional gas filters, as an indicator located on Artyom’s wrist counts down the allowable time of the filter strapped on. Without it, death is imminent.

As I progressed, turning off all light sources and drawing the enemies towards me for a quick stealth kill strongly became my preference; and that’s only one of the options Last Light allows you to proceed. Deciding to attack the enemy head on or carefully lure them in, both methods are quite solid. Just note that once you’re spotted back up in called in, which at times are heavy armored soldiers that will require precision on your part.

Expect to run across Spartas, the Reichs and Communists throughout that will aide and attempt to kill you, depending on their motives. I enjoyed certain areas in the campaign where I had moments to simply be a spectator and enjoy  areas of underground Moscow. Most notable example would have to be when Artyom has the choice of focusing on going home or taking a breather and enjoy a theater show. Moments like these shows that 4A Games genuinely wanted gamers to not just play but embrace the good and trying times of the post-apocalyptic setting.

Metro Last Light slowly drew me in, which I was more than appreciative of. When delving into FPS, the strongest replay factor is the multiplayer aspect.  But in M:LL, Artyom character drives the gameplay and is far beyond captivating.

One issue that I encountered twice throughout gameplay was my system (XBOX 360) freezing. While shooting a swarm of mutants at one time, the game completely locked up on me. It did again at another key moment of the game as well (no spoilers).

Last Light looks amazing. Despite a few tears in the map or a minor glitches may cause an enemy to lock up (happened once), the mechanics are fluid and enticing. The game does an exceptional job of creating the dark, gloomy lifestyle that comes from losing everything and surviving with anything left.

Even with everyone around you having plenty to say, Artyom never says a word. Even through interrogation, his lips are sealed. During transitions on the other hand, Artyom briefly shares his thoughts before delving further into the campaign.

Metro Last Light overall experience is nothing less than extraordinary. The story build, survival and shooting aspects are all unforeseen, but the delivery is astonishing. It’s a shooter that’s NOT a replication of Call of Duty but mirrors its own previous success. Unquestionably a triumph for both 4A Games and Deep Silver.

The Scores

Gameplay: 4.5/5

Visuals: 4.25/5

Audio: 4.5/5

Controls: 4.5/5

Value: 4.25/5

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

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