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XBOX SERIES X

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The Xbox Series X is almost upon us and we got the chance to give it an unboxing, firstly we have to say that the console is a thing of beauty! It’s a radical new design and is built to stand up but it can also be laid down flat. Though personally we think it looks best standing up!

There is lots to shout about about the new Xbox, for example, most importantly though, the Xbox Series X is the most powerful Xbox console to date! With 4K true gaming at up to 120 frames per second and 8K HDR (High Dynamic Range) Capabilities.

Optimised for Xbox Series X

Some games will be optimised for Xbox Series X and will come with the “Optimized for Series X” logo on the box.

What the icon means is that the game will include incredible load times and frame rates of up to 120 frames per second, giving players a much steadier framerate. All of these games will have been built natively using special Xbox Series X|S development environment. This also includes games that have been rebuilt specifically for the Xbox Series X|S. It means that the developers have gone that little extra mile to make sure that every aspect of the Xbox Series X|S has been utilised to give you the best experience available to you, no matter what Xbox you play on.

Being optimised also means that the console will be using the custom processor and Variable Rate Shading and hardware-accelerated DirectX Raytracing. Which will give players a more dynamic and realistic environment to play in. It means that you will get true to life lighting in your worlds and accurate reflections on things like walls and water, in real time too!

Load times will also be vastly decreased on optimised games as it will use the SSD and software, to help loading both in and out of games.

For a full list of ‘Optimized for Xbox Series X|S’ titles please click here!

Power

The Xbox Series X truly is POWERFUL. Inside the system is 12 teraflops of processing power, which is housed in the system on a chip (SOC) will work with AMD’s Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architectures to create worlds that are truly out of this world and hyper realistic. Therefore helping to create those true to life lighting environments. Helping to recreate shadows, lighting and accurate reflections.

Audio

The audio is just as important as the visuals and Microsoft haven’t forgotten either. The system will have 3D Spatial Audio. 3D Spatial Audio is the next evolution of audio tech and it uses advanced algorithms to create a world within your living room. It will make you feel like you are at the center of your game. Furthermore the console supports a wide range of audio technologies, including, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, Dolby True HD with Atmos and up to 7.1 Linear PCM!

Speed

Games on the Xbox Series X load incredibly quick and are VASTLY improved over the previous generation. This is mainly thanks to the Xbox Series X’s usage of SSDs.

Games are also able to be continued where you left off no matter what you are doing, this is very very impressive. As it doesn’t even matter if you load up another game! Microsoft are calling this ‘Quick Resume’ and we cannot wait to give it a go for ourselves soon!

Storage

The console itself comes with 1TB of on board storage. However, we’re sure that many of you will want more storage for more of your games. Well, there is an official expansion card available, which will be sold separately. The 1TB Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S. It will plug into the rear of the console via a dedicated slot. It will provide the additional storage and will perform at the same rate as if it were an onboard SSD!

Backwards Compatibility

The Xbox Series X is backwards compatible with all four generations of game consoles. Your Xbox One gaming accessories will work as will your backwards compatible games. Services like Xbox Game Pass will also work with the Xbox Series X. Backwards Compatible games will benefit from the increased power of the newer console. As it will be able to run with steadier framerates, faster load times, improved resolution and visuals.

Controller

The controller is very similar to the original controller on the Xbox One, bar a few core changes. It uses USB – C instead of micro USB’s for charging. 

A dedicated share button on the middle of the controller, between the thumb sticks. This will make it much easier to share videos and images. 

A brand new ‘hybrid’ d-pad that is inspired by the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2. Which will make controlling games a lot more precise and easier. It is designed for responsive play as the D-Pad has a dish shape to hold your thumb comfortably. 

The size is slightly changed to accommodate more people, for example there is new textured shoulder triggers, which, much like the original Xbox One are rumble enabled! 

Furthermore on this new controller the Xbox Series X will use Dynamic Latency Input. This reduces the usual 8ms! Perfect for those who like first person shooters!

Xbox Series X Full Stats

  • CPU: 8x Cores @ 3.8 GHz (3.66 GHz w/ SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU
  • GPU: 12 TFLOPS, 52 CUs @ 1.825 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU
  • Die Size: 360.45 mm
  • Process: 7nm Enhanced
  • Memory: 16 GB GDDR6 w/ 320mb bus
  • Memory Bandwidth: 10GB @ 560 GB/s, 6GB @ 336 GB/s
  • Internal Storage: 1 TB Custom NVME SSD
  • I/O Throughput: 2.4 GB/s (Raw), 4.8 GB/s (Compressed, with custom hardware decompression block)
  • Expandable Storage: 1 TB Expansion Card (matches internal storage exactly)
  • External Storage: USB 3.2 External HDD Support
  • Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-Ray Drive
  • Performance Target: 4K @ 60 FPS, Up to 120 FPS

Final Take…

So there we have it, the lowdown on the Xbox Series X. We’re very impressed and we cannot wait to put it through its paces!

Keep an eye on our YouTube channel for more videos about the Xbox Series X!

Pre-Order an Xbox by clicking here!

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Virgin Media, Marvel's Avengers

Marvel’s Avengers Exclusive Virgin Media Skins

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Are you a Virgin Media customer? Are you a gamer? If you answered yes to both of those questions, then have we got some good news for you! All Virgin Media customers are eligible to get timed exclusive Marvel’s Avengers skins! They’re applicable to all six of the Marvel’s Avengers main characters and are exclusive to Virgin Media in the UK. Better yet, Virgin Media Customers will also be given early beta access to the game this weekend Friday 14th – Sunday 16th August.

The outfits are only available to Virgin Media customers and are inspired by developer Crystal Dynamics’ favourite comic book looks. While the outfits feature the iconic Virgin Media red and can be added to all of the main characters. They’re exclusive to Virgin Media customers and cannot be worn by anyone else at the time of launch.

Marvel’s Avengers allows players to personalise the attire of their favourite Heroes and even customise their abilities and moves to suit how players play the game.

The exclusive outfits (Virgin Media customers will have 90 days to claim the outfits) include:

  • Hulk:  Ascendancy Outfit
  • Black Widow: Lucent Shadow Outfit
  • Captain America: Burning Might Outfit
  • Iron Man: Jet Stream Armor Outfit
  • Ms. Marvel: Event Horizon  Outfit
  • Thor: Light Breaker Outfit

Virgin Media, Marvel's Avengers

Virgin Media customers should also keep a keen eye on social media and streaming platforms! Why? As there are more suprises and exclusive content to come from the partnership between Virgin Media and Marvel’s Avengers!

Virgin Media customers to get early access to Marvel’s Avengers beta

Beta Access is also available to Virgin Media customers. As they have thousands of beta codes to give away to their customers (Xbox or PC) when entering online.

The access is only available to gamers who have pre-ordered the game on Xbox or PC, though with Virgin Media’s offering to it’s customers, it now means that anyone can download and play the beta.

The beta allows players to get hands on with the game before it’s full launch on September 4th. Players will get the chance to experience single player or co-op War Zone missions where players can connect and join forces with friends online. All whilst playing their favourite Avengers character.

Ahead of the beta launching, Virgin Media teamed with with Arekkz Gaming to give Virgin Media customers a run down of what to expect. Check out the video above for more!

“There is no better time to be a gamer, a fan of Marvel’s Avengers and, of course, a Virgin Media customer. Not only are we giving our customers incredibly stylish and exclusive skins, we are also giving them early beta access to assemble with friends online and play as their favourite Super Heroes.” Cilesta Van Doorn, Director of Brand and Marketing at Virgin Media

“We’re so excited to be partnering with Virgin Media across the entire Marvel’s Avengers campaign.  We’re delighted to be able to offer Virgin Media customers the opportunity to jump in and experience what’s it’s like to be an Avenger ahead of the game’s official release on September 4th. As we close in on launch, we’re delighted to be coming together to offer their customers something unique and creative. These skins are all about taking things to another level.” Karl Stewart, Head of Worldwide Strategic Partnerships for Square Enix

Marvel’s Avengers

Marvel’s Avengers is a story-driven, third-person action-adventure game. Players reassemble and rebuild their Avengers roster in an original, cinematic single-player campaign, then battle solo or online alongside friends as part of the Avengers Initiative, with new missions around the globe. In Marvel’s Avengers, gamers can customize Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and then harness their unique powers to defend the world from escalating threats for years to come.

Virgin Media skins

The exclusive suite of Virgin Media skins will be available for 90 days from September 4. More information will be shared soon on how Virgin Media customers can redeem the skins.

Virgin Media beta

To access the beta, those interested will need to redeem the Virgin Media code via the Square Enix website:

  1. Visit virginmedia.com/beta
  2. Fill in customer details on the registration form and click enter
  3. You will receive an automated email with a unique beta code
  4. Visit playavengers.com/redeem
  5. Log in using your Square Enix Members account. If you do not have a Square Enix Members account, you can create one from this page
  6. Enter your pre-order code in the box provided
  7. Select your preferred platform
  8. Click on Submit
  9. You will then be redirected to the confirmation page. If the Beta Code is available, it will be displayed on the page, and you will receive it via email too. If your code is not available yet, you will receive an email containing your code when it is ready, and it will be available on the website

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Beyond Blue – Ocean Exploration

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Beyond Blue looks like a fantastic ocean adventure game. It’s set against the near future backdrop of Earth’s oceans. Beyond Blue will offer scientific support of real world exploration and outreach initiative, Ocean X, embracing it’s minimally invasive exploration techniques.

Beyond Blue will tell the story of a crew of scientists, led by oceanographers Mirai and Andre. They are keen to test their Ocean Sense Network. This holds the power to literally shine a light on the unexplored depths of the ocean.

The game will also focus on the Western Pacific ocean amid a large multispecies gathering of cetaceans and other creatures. You will play as Mirai to use the technology to better understand the urgent threats that our oceans face. Beyond Blue will also feature never before seen footage licensed from BBC Studios’ Blue Planet II. Furthermore it will help to expand upon the game’s story, educating players on the social and emotional lives of whales.

Beyond Blue Development Team Says….

“We are extremely excited to share Beyond Blue with everyone,”

“We have taken care to craft a visual and audio experience that immerses players in the beauty of the ocean and the amazing creatures that inhabit it, while hopefully doing so with some interpretation and artistry.”

“Players will explore diverse environments ranging from a sun-dappled, oasis-like atoll down through the gauzy blue ‘twilight’ zone where only the faintest amount of light reaches to the midnight of the abyssal zone, where rarely seen creatures produce their own light in an environment otherwise devoid of light.” Michael Angst, CEO, E-Line Media, Creative Director for Beyond Blue.

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Final Fantasy VII Remake Review

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Final Fantasy 7 Remake Review: Is it worth an hour?

Final Fantasy VII Remake is THE game that all Final Fantasy fans are waiting for. Arguably one of the best games, Final Fantasy VII is getting remade for a modern look and a lick of paint. Is it worth an hour of your time? Watch and you'll see 😉

Posted by How To Kill an Hour on Thursday, 9 April 2020

Final Fantasy VII Remake

Final Fantasy 7 one of the most beloved video games EVER! , wanna know how beloved. We’re taking original, remastered, Prequel, Animated Movie, features in Super Smash Bros, Dissidia, Kingdom Hearts, FF7 manga and the list goes on. So to say the excitement for Final Fantasy 7 Remake is huge is an understatement. Check out our Final Fantasy VII Remake review below!

This review contains minor spoilers ahead. No story spoilers.

Final Fantasy 7, FF7, is the game that I always honour as the title that made me a hardcore gamer. So if it wasn’t for this title, I may have never worked in gaming.

So quick backstory for those of you who are like,So wtf? Is Final Fantasy 7?

The original is turn based role playing game created by Japanese development studio Square enix in January 1997!! Damnnn I’m getting old. FF7 released on the PS(one) took the world by storm, taking you on the adventures of Cloud, Tifa, Barrett and crew.

Now the Final Fantasy Remake is a new game brand a new vision inspired from original, now big man ting. I was super nervous starting this game, when I heard the opening sequence which matches the original to a t, my heart sank.

Long gone are the miss mash of shapes, trying to visually present 3D, we now have a beautiful, like stunning game, with colours that pop! MPCs who’re actually living out their lives and one of the best games I’ve seen on my 4K TV.

And man to see Cloud, Tifa and Barret in all their 3 dimensional glory. Mind blowing.

So does this beloved game, still make me  feel the same? Well yes, yes and no!

Yes!

So Final Fantasy 7 Remake, kept very true to most of the original story, but also added most of new things, including Seporath, the games glooming bad guy, he’s a major part of FF7R and messes with you through the game.

The game does an amazing job of helping you build relationships with characters, even characters like Jessie, who took a back seat in the original is a huge and major part of your story now. And midgar has a more realistic feel, the streets look like somewhere you may of visited or seen on your favourite TV show,

Yes

One of the reasons FF7 is loved and adored. Is it’s cast, FF7R feels so diverse, with characters of all different races livin together, and the leading cast is incredible;

Cloud strife, is beyond iconic and easily the most memorable in the FF series, his gruff loveable personality can’t be missed as he stores around with his giant busted sword. And he looks better than I could ever manage.

Barrett the gruff, strong black male who cares so for the planet, his people and his family more than anything and will die fighting to protect them, stays very true to the original although he’s very Mr T like.

The games leading ladies, Arieth, the caring girl next door, who is super funny and got banter for day’s, which really surprised me. Furthermore she looks stunning in that opening cutscene.

Also everyone’s favourite, Tifa, the strong, independent female, who can kick ass while looking super hot at the same time. Plus she showed a vulnerable side that I really enjoyed.

No!

Although we all reference the original game. Final Fantasy Remake is new title that’s basically redoing an old idea. One of the main changes is the the combat system. It has been completely rebuilt, and it’s soooo f** cold, the game goes all out with real time action, with options to choose your magic and special attacks, via menu. The combat is fast paced, colourful, dramatic and at times a challenge, you can take control of the all characters by pressing side on your D-pad. This has completely changed the feel of the game and makes it feel completely modern. And the music, the musicccc has been completely enhanced to accompany the new style.

FF7R is not a perfect game. Some sections feel super padded out, in a typical JRPG fetch quest fashion, sometimes when your talking to characters the conversations on the street overtake yours and the but these are such small complaints, their like having a ugly spoiler on your Lamborghini, but it’s still a Lamborghini!!!

Now I could talk about this game all day long, you much give this game a try and you can right now as there a free demo on the PSN store and you need this game in your life.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Review

So it looks like Final Fantasy VII is THE game that all Final Fantasy fans are waiting for. Arguably one of the best games, Final Fantasy VII is getting remade for a modern look and a lick of paint. While the question remains. Is it worth an hour of your time?

Well, the answer to that question is yes. Yes it is. It’s worth many hours of your time.

While it’s been altered to bring it to the modern era and attract more fans and bring new eyes to the Final Fantasy Franchise. You can either play in classic Final Fantasy turn based battle mechanics. Or you can play in a more modern fluid battle mode. Furthermore, the characters are well balanced and are very relatable. Whilst still retaining what we fell in love with them for all those years ago.

Also, it’s very pick up and play and even Final Fantasy novices can get into it. Also, they don’t need to worry about what has gone on in previous games. So, they can simply play this game as their 1st foray into the franchise and be hooked. Within minutes as well!

Final Fantasy VII Remake Plot

The world has fallen under the control of the Shinra electric power company. A shadowy corporation controlling the planet’s very life force as Mako energy. In the sprawling city of Midgard, an anti-Shinra Organization calling themselves Avalanche have stepped up their resistance.

Cloud strife, a former member of Shinra’s Elite soldier unit now turned mercenary, lends his aid to the group, unaware of the epic consequences that await him. A spectacular re-imagining of one of the most visionary games ever, the first game in this project will be set in the eclectic city of Midgard and presents a fully stand alone gaming experience. [Square Enix]

 

 

Written and reviewed by Mr Midas

So, what are you waiting for? Purchase Final Fantasy VII Remake here!

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The Opening 30mins of Final Fantasy VII!

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The Opening 30mins of Final Fantasy VII Remake! Gameplay!

Final Fantasy VII Remake is out very soon and with thanks to Square Enix we got to play the game early! Here's the first 30 minutes for your enjoyment!

Posted by How To Kill an Hour on Wednesday, 4 March 2020

Final Fantasy VII Remake is out very soon and with thanks to Square Enix we got to play the game early! Here’s the first 30 minutes for your enjoyment!

Final Fantasy VII is THE game that all Final Fantasy fans are waiting for. Arguably one of the best games, Final Fantasy VII is getting remade for a modern look and a lick of paint. Boy oh boy does it look good! We’ve had a little play and we’re really enjoying what we’ve been able to get our hands on so far.

It’s very pick up and play and even Final Fantasy novices can get into it. Also, they don’t need to worry about what has gone on in previous games. They can simply play this game as their 1st foray into the franchise and be hooked. Within minutes as well!

Final Fantasy VII Plot

The world has fallen under the control of the Shinra electric power company, a shadowy corporation controlling the planet’s very life force as Mako energy. In the sprawling city of Midgard, an anti-Shinra Organization calling themselves Avalanche have stepped up their resistance.

Cloud strife, a former member of Shinra’s Elite soldier unit now turned mercenary, lends his aid to the group, unaware of the epic consequences that await him. A spectacular re-imagining of one of the most visionary games ever, the first game in this project will be set in the eclectic city of Midgard and presents a fully stand alone gaming experience. [Square Enix]

Stick with How To Kill An Hour for a FULL Review soon!

So, what are you waiting for? Pre-Order Final Fantasy VII here!

Also, listen to the guys chatting about this by clicking here!

Keep up to date with everything How To Kill An Hour by signing up to our newsletter by clicking here!

While you’re there, let us know what you think of the show by clicking here!

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Follow us on Twitch by clicking here!

 

Zombie Army 4: Dead War Review – Is it worth an hour?

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Zombie Army 4: Dead War – Is it worth an hour?

Welcome to How To Kill An Hour, this is Worth An Hour, the show where we take a look at your favourite games and ask are they worth an hour of your time? In this week’s episode we’re taking a look at Rebellion ZombieArmy 4: Dead War!

Posted by How To Kill an Hour on Tuesday, 11 February 2020

In this episode of Worth An Hour we’re taking a look at Zombie Army 4: Dead War!

Hitler’s hordes are back for more in this spine-chilling shooter from the makers of Sniper Elite 4! Abominable occult enemies, epic weapons and a harrowing new campaign for 1-4 players await in 1940s Europe, as you fight to save humankind from undead Armageddon!

Graphics

First up is the graphics:

This game looks FANTASTIC, the graphics are crisp, beautiful and gritty. The levels look very realistic and really bring a sense of Zombie devastation to life. You can really imagine what it must smell like.

Which brings me on to the blood in this game. There’s lots of it. This game is not for the faint hearted, your innocent grandma or kids. Bodies explode, heads disintegrate and limbs get torn to smithereens.

It’s gorey, sticky and absolutely amazing. Just what you want from a Zombie game.

Sounds Design

The sound design is brilliantly done, each of the guns sound brutal, especially the chain gun, a lot of fun to use mowing down hordes of zombies with that!

Plus the special moves sound even better, such as the slowing down of time to get juuuust the right shot on, really makes you feel as if time is slowing down.

Zombies sound just how you’d expect them too, with an added umph, just to make you feel a little bit uneasy. This is especially true in level 2 with the sacrifice it just sounds scary, makes you feel very uneasy!

The X-Ray sounds are just as gruesome, you hear every flesh wound, every organ squish and every skull crack. You seriously see yourself sitting there going – cooooor in that type of amazement where you don’t wanna watch but you can’t take your eyes off of it.

The character quips in the game are also there, as with many Rebellion games, the voice acting is incredible and there funny one liners are there too! Stand still for too long and the characters will give you a funny quip to get a move on!

Gameplay

Last up is gameplay

Zombie Army 4: Dead War is split up into 3 different modes, campaign, weekly events and horde.

Horde

Horde is very very fun, you take on a horde of zombies in waves, and as with many Rebellion games, the level gets bigger as you progress further into the waves, and as you do so, so do the difficulty and the amount of zombies increases.

But what I especially liked is the fact that you have to conserve ammo! There’s ammo crates that you always have to run back to when you run out of ammo, this makes it a little bit more realistic and that much more challenging!

I got to try it in single player mode and multiplayer mode, unfortunately i didn’t get to play it with a full squad as I was playing a review copy of the game but I image how much fun this game will be with 4 people as I really enjoyed it with just 2!

Upgrades

You can upgrade your guns to make taking down the enemies that much easier and there’s special moves which will help you out of a hole if you need it. Such as the brain buster for the pistol. Slow down time, pick your targets and then take them out. These can be upgraded as you progress through the game to kill more enemies.

Or slow down time with a rifle and pick your perfect spot!

Epic Melee’s are LOTS of fun too! These can also be changed, I got to have a go of the machete and electric fist.

Or get Get 10 melee kills and you get something called an epic take down. These are short cut scenes which show BRUTAL takedowns which change depending on what you have in your hand. Stomp on some heads, execute some zombie ass and that’s just two choices!

Comedy

The game is also very quirky throughout the different levels there’s different little things you can interact with that can make you laugh. Such as using a typewriter, washing your hands, use a vending machine or even play draughts!

X-Ray kills are also back! These kills are epic, if you time things just right, the game will go into a cut scene and follow the bullet into the enemy…..showing you everything! However I managed to shoot someone in the d**k. Twice.

However, on the third attempt I got a head shot!

The Zombies

The zombie’s themselves aren’t no pushover….in a crowd of them anyway….you’ll soon find yourself getting surrounded and eventually dying, so make your shots in a tactical manner! You can run away from them but they’ll always find a way to find you!

The bosses even more so, they just won’t leave you alone! There’s always a specific way to kill a zombie boss, the two I’ve tried, I had to shoot something on their back, and they have heavy guns too. Defeat them. You get the gun. Just got to defeat them first.

Throughout the levels there’s various different tasks you got to complete too, it’s not as simple as going from A to B. Which I love! I had to get fuel for a boat, cogs for a bridge mechanism all the while avoiding getting eaten by Zombies. Did I mention you only get to use your handgun whilst carrying things? – Yeah, that makes it 10 times as harder. Good luck.

Stomping on Zombie corpses allows you to get various different pick ups such as ammo or health, which is vital in this game! Always carry a medi pack!

Upgrades

You get various different perks in the game such as the offensive which allow you to (review footage here) and the defensive which one of them allows you a second chance at life. Get ‘killed’ and then you stay on the ground for a while, shoot and kill a zombie and you get a second chance at life. You got lucky….only once though. Die again and that’s it you’re done. Sorry.

Finally you get ranked throughout the game, that’s throughout horde, campaign and weekly events. Increase your rank, increase your upgrade points to upgrade your guns, unlock various perks and then upgrade the perks as you rank up too!

Campaign

The two campaign levels I played were very very good. The first level was ok, I see that more of a introductory level to how the game is and the game mechanics, as boy oh boy did things go up a notch in level 2. I was dying so much. My health was depleted and I had no midi-kits rookie mistake. So ended up just running away from them for the most part and then turning back to shoot the horde of Zombies chasing me.

The 2nd level had this crazy zombie shark too which was something to behold, although I didn’t want to wait around too long to see if it would come back and bite my ass.

The story is great and the characters keep you entertained and interested in where things are going throughout, definitely worth having a play through, especially with some friends!

Weekly Events

These are a beautiful twist on the Zombie Army 4: Dead War campaign. The weekly event that I played had various different tasks to complete. One of them was complete the first campaign level only using a rifle and a pistol. This made things very difficult! But I loved the twist on it and it brought an extra layer of replay-ability to it.

Just another way to keep things fresh and I loved it!

I’m really looking forward to the different weekly events that Rebellion are going to put on, I’ll definitely be keeping my eye on them as it keeps things fresh and alive – unlike most things in Zombie Army 4: Dead War.

Overall thoughts

In conclusion this game is TONS of fun, I mean I only played it briefly with 4 people and that was very enjoyable. Get 3 other friends involved and you got a party on your hands.

Zombie Army 4:Dead War is without doubt one of THE BEST zombie games I have played in YEARS! Hats off to rebellion for creating a stellar multiplayer game that doesn’t get stale or boring or repetitive. There’s a reason why Rebellion are renowned for creating great shooting games and great zombie games at that.

I really really enjoyed it and cannot wait to see how much I can upgrade my character and their weapons.

Gonna have to pick up a squad now and go kick some zombie ass!

Pick it up and play it for many many hour, you won’t regret it!

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Episode 341 Kofi Kingston (BONUS)

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Life Is Strange 2

Life Is Strange 2 interview with Philip Bache

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Life is Strange 2 Interview with Philip Bache

We recently got the chance to sit down with the voice over director and director of performances for Life is Strange 2 from Square Enix Mr Philip Bache. Who told us about the characters, actors and what it was like directing the actors in Life is Strange 2!

Posted by How To Kill an Hour on Wednesday, 15 January 2020

Life Is Strange 2 is an award winning episodic video game from Square Enix and is a continuation of the incredibly popular and successful video game series Life Is Strange!

The game is a long awaited sequel from game developers DONTNOD Entertainment. It features the lives of two brothers Sean and Daniel Diaz. They are forced to run away from their home in Seattle. Following the consequences fo a tragic incident. Furthermore they head to Mexico, to get away from it all. While hiding a sudden, yet, mysterious supernatural power.

Sean becomes responsible for his much younger brother. Life on the road is tough for him, as he begins to realise, his decisions will impact the lives of whom he comes in contact with forever.

(Life Is Strange)

Play Through

Life Is Strange 2 is not an all out action game that will have you constantly on the move. It is a movie like game that requires you to make decisions throughout the game via a multi-choice screen. The choices you make will alter the path you take along the way. However, even the small, seemingly mundane choices have huge consequences later on down the line. It is a lot like a movie, a movie that you can control. We certainly had a lot of fun playing it and we’re sure that you will to!

Listen to the guys chatting about this on the podcast by clicking here!

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Purchase Life Is Strange 2 from your respective digital store platform!

Zombie Army 4 Dead War interview with Ryan Baker

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Zombie Army 4 Gameplay and interview with Ryan Baker

Hitler’s hordes are back for more in this spine-chilling shooter from, Rebellion, the makers of Sniper Elite 4 in Zombie Army 4!Abominable occult enemies, epic weapons and a harrowing new campaign for 1-4 players await in 1940s Europe, as you fight to save humankind from undead Armageddon!Here we get to exclusively play some of the game and sit down and chat with lead designer Ryan Baker!

Posted by How To Kill an Hour on Tuesday, 7 January 2020

We’re big fans of Rebellion so jumped at the chance to sit down with lead designer of Zombie Army 4 Dead War, Ryan Baker, check out our interview with him above!

Zombie Army 4: Dead War

Hitler’s hoards are back and they want to cause just as much havoc! Take on the Zombie hoard with some pretty epic weapons (flamethrower anyone?) whilst taking on a brand new harrowing and spin chilling campaign in 1940’s Europe. As you fight to save humankind from the undead Armageddon!

Zombie Hitler may have been defeated and cast to the depths of hell. However he has risen once again and this time he’s hungrier! You can continue the alternate history of the Zombie Army Trilogy in huge new levels. Uncover Zombie Hitler’s sinister plan which takes players across Italy and beyond! The fight takes place in corpse riddled canals, Zombie Zoos and other inexplicable places!

The Horde Mode has been expanded and made bigger and better. How I hear you ask? Well the longer you surive the bigger the map gets!

The famous X-Ray Kill Camera returns! Watch in gory slow motion as the bullets and bombs destroy bones in X-Ray!

Characters

Build up your character that suits how you play. For example you can become a guardian angel. This character will take damage for your teammates! You can even harness the power of fire, lightning and upgrade your guns at workbenches. As you can create some pretty out of this world guns. A pistol with a flaming bayonet or an assault rifle that shoots lightning!

Zombie Army 4: Dead War has some gnarly enemies, shadow demons, explosive suicide generals, hulking armoured elites and much more!

Zombie Army 4: Dead War looks very scary, crazy and a lot of lot of fun! We cannot wait to get our hands on the full game!

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Monster Hunter: IceBorne

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The MASSIVE new Monster Hunter DLC – Monster Hunter: Iceborne is out now and it is amazing! We really got our teeth stuck into this one! If you’re a fan of Monster Hunter series you know exactly what you are getting yourself into and this new DLC is nothing short of fantastic! The Iceborne DLC brings players a whole new world, even more powerful monsters to hunt and challenging master rank quests! A brand new quest rank for seasoned players!

Monster Hunter: Iceborne: Summary

The Monster Hunter:Iceborne DLC is basically a brand new game in the form of a DLC pack, it’s so big!

The game revolves around the Research Commission noticing something unsual about a flock of Legiana fleeing from the Ancient Forest. They board the Third Fleet’s airship and cross the sea in pursuit of them. It is here where they discovered a new land, a new land which is locked beneath snow and ice. The Research Commission then embark out into the ice cold region known as the “Hoarfrost Reach”.  A new region completely unexplored and home to new monsters, and endemic life will be one of the Commission’s most important goals.

New Life

The new land that you have discovered, Hoarfrost Reach is a cold, inhospitable region. It’s covered in tons and tons of snow and ice. From the outside it looks inhospitable. Yet it is teeming with unique and endemic life.

Hoarfrost Reach has a variety of different areas to explore. You’ll uncover more and more parts of the map as you continue investigations. As you do so you’ll soon discover that the Hoarfrost Reach is the largest locale in MonsterHunter: World!

While unearthing different areas of the Hoarfrost Reach you’ll discover things such as Popo’s. Popo’s are herbivores with a thick coat which help fight against the cold. They are generally docile, but will run off in a heard if you attack them. Yet, the adult males of the pack will protect their offspring with their tusks if provoked.

The snow is so thick, it will sometimes reach your waist. Therefore it is up to you to pick hot peppers to craft into hot drinks to keep warm. Not only that a lot of the area is formed of layers of icy walls. Be careful of unsure footing and narrow passes. It may look beautiful but it can also take your damage you if you are not careful.

Monster Hunter: Iceborne
Monster Hunter: Iceborne
Monster Hunter: Iceborne
Monster Hunter: Iceborne

 

Monster Hunter: Iceborne The Monsters

Velkhana: An elder dragon with the power to freeze all in its path.

According to ancient legend, it can freely control the cold, and unleash an icy blast of breath.

Brachydios

This marine-blue brute wyvern uses its saliva to prime the sticky slime coating its massive arms, rendering it highly explosive.

Barioth

The snow-white flying wyvern with huge tusks found in the frozen tundra. It uses its forelegs and tail to traverse ice with ease.

There are LOADS more Monsters you can see them by visiting Monster Hunter: Iceborne’s official website here!

Evolved Hunting Actions

In Monster Hunter: Iceborne you have got access to a whole new set of Hunting Actions! You have access to brand new moves, slinger combos and much more! For example the clutch claw is an extension of the slinger. The slinger will allow players to grapple on to monsters. Therefore allowing players to control the monsters movement!

Not only that you can grapple on to monsters with the claw. Then use special attacks with your weapons! Better yet you can use a brand new feature called “flinchshot” which will fling monsters forward!

Ever want to use your slinger whilst you have your weapon unsheathed? Now you can! Regardless of what weapon you have! There’s a whole heap of new weapon moves available to you in Iceborne which you can view videos of each one by clicking here! 

Raider Ride!

This new feature is really cool, you can use small monsters tailriders as modes of transport! Whistle to call one and then get ready to ride! Pin your destination on the wildlife map and you get transported immediately! However, if you don’t pin a destination the raider will find tracks so you can track a target whilst prepping for a hunt!

While you cannot control the monster directly whilst doing this, you are able to use your slinger, open your map, amongst other actions!

Seliana

Seliana is a brand new base which has been built as the headquarters for investigations in the Hoarfrost Reach.

Seliana comes complete with a variety of facilities and features to rival Astera. Seliana is powered by the land’s plentiful geothermalenergy and features all of the same facilities that you are used to. Such as Ecological Research Center, the Smithy and the Resource Center. The layout is designed to ensure even easier accessibility to each of the different facilities.

There’s so much more to check out about your new headquarters, get an in-depth look at Monster Hunter’s Iceborne official site here!

(Capcom)

You can purchase Monster Hunter: Iceborne here (This includes the original Monster Hunter World game, if you already own Monster Hunter World, you can purchase the add on through your prospective shop on your console PS Store / Xbox Store)

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