PlayStation 2013 Event Round-Up

"Over the next couple of hours..." Andrew House stated a mere 9 minutes into the Sony PlayStation event, and boy, was he accurate with that timing. I think everyone was expecting something a little shorter, but despite it's length, did the presentation fall short? Or is this stuff that gaming dreams are made of? You've seen the presentation, so here's an opinionated round-up for ya.

The Nerdy Christmas Guide 2012

Welcome to the 2012 edition of the nerdy Christmas guide! If this isn't your first time here, you may notice that I was much more organised last year and the 2011 edition was out on the 4th December. However, this year, I'm not so well put together. Hell, even some of my Christmas presents aren't wrapped yet! I'm wild! So, in case you're still struggling to find something special for your special someone, look no further then the below:

Why you NEED to play The Walking Dead

Phew, that was one emotional rollercoaster! Of course, I am referring to Telltale's critically acclaimed adventure horror series, based on the original Robert Kirkman's graphic novels. Obviously! For 5 months this series has kept me glued to my small silver screen on release day for a solid 3 hours.

But, what is it about The Walking Dead that we all liked so much about it? I'd like to say it's zombies, but I think we are all down off that weird 'zombie high' that we all seemed to be on this year. Zombies are kind of done now, and yet, this series kept mine and many others attention to the very end. I can only conclude because although The Walking Dead is on the surface another 'zombie game', it is just that. Only on the surface a 'zombie game'.

Nintendo WiiU: Casual Conquered

The Nintendo WiiU has launched in the USA and as we eagerly await the next generation this side of the pond, I decided to explore what the new console could mean for the industry, gaming enthusiasts and the casual gamer alike.

The next generation of console gaming from Nintendo is aiming to unite families, says Miyamoto. According to him families have stopped enjoying the same activities in the living room, but the WiiU is trying to change that by offering a single device where you can play games, browse the Internet and it evens works as a TV remote. Miyamoto told IGN, "This time around with Wii U, each of the seemingly different activities we are doing today can be united by taking advantage of both the big TV screen and the smaller, more personalised screen on the Wii U GamePad. And with a Wii U GamePad, TV can be an improved experience as well. For example, web browsing on a TV screen is possible today, but not convenient; with Wii U it is much easier. Above all I think the Wii U is going to be able to unite each and any family by taking advantage of the TV in a more efficient way."

It all sounds very exciting, the idea of the next generation landing in our living rooms within the next week, however, I am not convinced. I won't brand it a failure like many publications have, after all, we all know thelegs that Nintendo products have it. However, I have my concerns about the new bit of kit.

Gamescom 2012 Round-Up

Köln, Germany, is something of a second home in my household. However, it is also home to the biggest public gaming event in the world, attracting more than 275,000 visitors this year and over 600 exhibitors from 40 countries. Whereas usually I descend onto the city to visit the in-laws and have a relaxing break, this time I was there to embrace the gaming industry. 

Spanning 10 halls, Gamescom boasts an entertainment and an event level, as well as a business area. Although the business area is reserved for those in the trade, all other halls are fully accessible by members of the public. Attending for two days, the girlfriend and I decided to visit as trade for the second day, to get a feel for the atmosphere behind the scenes.

Whether you are visiting as trade or simply as a games enthusiast, Gamescom is definitely something of a spectacle.

KoA: Reckoning Review

Yearly instalments of the same franchises are something we all keep on our radars but they never bring anything completely new to our collection. Sure, they expand on many series we know and love, but they rarely reinvent the wheel. By no means has 38 Studios and Big Huge Games brought us something that completely redefines the RPG series, however, what it has concentrated on, it excels in.

The game begins with a cinematic of the story of Kingdoms of Amalur. As you watch the story unfold before your eyes, you discover that your character has been unfortunate enough to die during an epic battle. A small, humble gnome is then shown carrying your body on a stretcher of sorts, modestly covered with a blanket, whilst his companion walks along side him saying that he needs to know whom is dead. Just as the cinematic is about to show the gnome uncover your blanket shield, you are thrown into the 'customise your character' menu. Here you decide your sex and race. Players are able to select from four different race varieties, including two human races and two races of elves. As your character has been essentially brought back from the dead, you are 'fateless' within the world of Amalur. This lends the story to follow any path your character wishes to pursue.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD: A Welcomed Return?

Isn't nostalgia lovely? Y'know, like searching through your childhood boxes and finding your old POGs, or Pokémon cards. Like these childhood memories, Tony Hawk is also synonymous with the '90s. Pro Skater was released in 1999, and rapidly grew into a very successfully franchise. However, after Tony Hawk's recent stints on the 360 and PS3 it's no surprise that Activision decided to take him back to his roots.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD is exactly that. Tony Hawk at his roots. The remake features seven levels from Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2, together creating the ultimate nostalgic collection. The visuals of the remake is, undoubtedly, better than the original, yet in the late '90s we can all agree how stunning we thought it was. For it's time, it was. Now it has merely just been 'HD'd' to be brought up to today's standards. 

Although, the HD remake has had one thing 'improved', the map now allows for perfectionist to find where every collectible and objective is. Pardon me sounding like my Grandad, but, it was much more difficult in my day! Although in true Tony Hawk style, there's always more after the 'end'.

Upon booting up the first level in career mode it is all too easy to get caught up in the excitement of feeling like you are a kid again.