The Latest UK Video Games Chart
Push Start is going to start providing you with the UK’s gaming habits. The titles below are what gamers of the UK are playing right now… or at least what they were playing last week. We’ll aim to provide you with this information every Monday.
January 1St – 7th
1. FIFA 12
2. Battlefield 3
3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
4. Just Dance 3
5. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
6. Zumba Fitness
7. Need For Speed: The Run
8. Saints Row: The Third
9. RAGE
10. Assassin’s Creed: Revelations
11. Forza Motorsports 4
13. Zumba Fitness 2
14. Mario Kart 7
15. Mario & Sonic London 2012 Olympic Games
16. Super Mario 3D Land
17. Football Manager 2012Sonic Generations
18. Kinect Sports: Season 2
19. Rayman Origins
20. EASports Active 2
Aliens: Colonial Marines Collectors Edition Revealed
Looking at the image you will notice that it appears there will be 3 exclusive in-game multiplayer weapons, a new game mode, a dossier and a resin display model to bog at. Aliens: Colonial Marines is due this spring.
The picture of the Collector’s Edition was pulled from the Internet but that’s what ‘save picture as’ and print screen buttons are for. It’s due for Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Nintendo 3DS and the WiiU
CES 2012 Gaming Report from the Microsoft Keynote
While we don’t come to CES necessarily expecting big news in the gaming world, it’s hard not to look to the big reveals of previous years such as the NES and the original Xbox. You can’t help but hope for something big each time the annual CES press conferences come round.
Not to mention that this is Microsofts last year at CES so maybe the stakes are slightly higher this time since they may want to go out on a bang!
Here at Push-Start, we’re focused on the gaming side of CES 2012, so don’t come expecting to find out the latest on 3D Tv’s and HD Camcorders, instead come to read the content that matters to you, the gamer. You’ll find two articles, one for the Sony Keynote, and one for the Microsoft Keynote. Below, you’ll find the Microsoft wrap up, head over here for the Sony one.
Microsoft Roundup
Well, what an introduction. Featuring a remix (with added auto-tune) of shots from Microsoft CES Keynotes past, set the stage for a more laid back approach to the presentation. Kicking off with Ryan Seacrest joining Steve Ballmer on stage to discuss the overarching work of Microsoft through Windows PC’s, Mobiles, Tablets and the Xbox.
After first some discussion of Windows Phone 7 updates, with new devices heading into the family from Nokia and HTC, including the HTC Titan 2, Microsoft headed into talking about their work on Windows 8.
Cut the Rope made an appearance on the new Windows Store. Aiming to launch in late February, it will feature instant ‘Try Now’ functionality for demos. In addition to the paid apps, there will also be a number of free apps to further expand the audience, not to mentioned that it will be available in over 100 languages A new focus on touch interfaces will open up a new variety of applications and games for Windows gamers.
Image from http://www.businessinsider.com/
After an ‘interesting’ appearance from the Tweet Choir, it’s time for the Xbox section of the keynote. Discussing how far they have come in the industry in the last 10 years, with specific reference to the near 40 million Xbox Live Subscribers currently connecting and playing.
Moving onto the Kinect and talk of the Natural User Interface, they discuss the 18 million Kinect sensors which have shipped worldwide. After a demo of the new Kinect voice features available with the recently released Xbox 360 Dashboard Update last month, they moved onto noting the additions of Comcast Xfinity, Verizon Fios and News Corporation (Fox News, Wall Street Journal and IGN content) to further bolster the TV offerings for the Xbox 360.
Kinect Sesame Street TV, delivering two way TV in an interactive form. Working in collaboration with the Sesame Workshop, this new experience turns the TV show into fully interactive content. Using voice and gestures, you can interact with the TV content created specifically for the game. An example shows throwing coconuts to Grover, and later using Augmented reality to put yourself into Elmo’s Room. It is currently unclear if this is a retail title, or delivered digitally.
Kinect is heading to Windows on February 1st. Microsoft is working with a wide variety of companies including Mattel, Siemems and American Express to deliver content and applications for use specifically with Kinect with Windows.
So, what’s next? METRO, METRO, METRO, WINDOWS, WINDOWS, WINDOWS according to Steve Ballmer!
With not even a hint at the future of the Xbox brand or gaming in general, the Keynote was not of huge importance for gamers. With the majority of the focus on Windows Phone and Windows 8, it seemed Microsoft was reiterating their focus on all areas of the business as they bring their final CES presence to a close.
So, who’s looking forward to E3 2012?
Mad Catz® reveal The SOULCALIBUR™V Arcade FightStick Soul Edition
While I can’t say that I’m much of a fighter, both in real life and in the video game world, the idea of having the arcade experience at home has always interested me.
Those wonderful peripheral designers over at Mad Catz have just announced their new FightStick designed for use with SoulCalibur V and all other major fighting games.
Featuring an 8-Button Layout with Multi-Speed Turbo functionality, the FightStick also is produced using Premium-Quality components with a Genuine Namco Noir Layout! While I can’t speak for FightSticks myself, I’m sure this will interest fans who will want to start saving as the price is coming in at an RRP of $159.99 US/ £149.99 UK / €159.99 FR.
The entire feature set, as well as various images can be seen over at their official site, as well as options for ordering for either the Xbox 360 or PS3.
“We are pleased to be working with Namco Bandai Games and supporting the launch of SOULCALIBUR V with our portfolio of fighting game controllers.” said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. “As market leader in the FightStick sector, it is important we partner with the leading fighting game franchises and continue our long-term strategy of supporting the product category and community by delivering specialty products for the passionate consumer.”
SoulCalibur V launches for the Xbox 360 and PS3 January 31st (US) and February 3rd (Europe) 2012.
Netflix Arrives in the UK and Ireland
Today it was announced that the popular entertainment streaming service Netflix would be crossing the pond. Yup, if you’re living in the UK or Ireland and you’re willing to be separated from £5.99 a month you can access Netflix and its bountiful selection of films and TV programmes. If you’re not quite sure about the service and in need of a little persuasion then you’ll be happy to know that the first month is free for everyone across multiple platforms, all you need to do is head over Netflix.com. If you’re wondering what devices support Netflix then look no further than about an inch below this paragraph;
- Smart TVs
- Game Consoles (Wii, 360, PS3)
- Blu-ray Players
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Mobile Phones
“We are starting 2012 in the best possible way: by giving consumers in the UK and Ireland an amazing entertainment experience,” said Reed Hastings, co-founder and chief executive officer of Netflix. “Now, you can enjoy as many great films and TV programmes as you want, when you want, where you want, for one low monthly price with no contracts or commitments.”
At launch, Netflix is offering films and TV programmes from All3Media, the BBC, CBS, Channel 4’s 4oD, Disney UK & Ireland, ITV, Lionsgate UK, MGM, Miramax, Momentum Pictures, NBCUniversal, Paramount, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox and Viacom International Media Networks, there will be more than enough to satisfy anyone that is thinking of adopting the service into their home.
Resident Evil Raccoon City Gets ‘Triple Impact’ Trailer
Capcom have just released a brand new Resident Evil Operation Raccoon City Triple Impact Trailer which shows off the brutal triple threat combat between the Umbrella Security Service, US Spec Ops and zombies and B.O.W’s.
Introducing the six members of the US Spec Ops team – Tweed, Dee-Ay, Harley, Willow, Shona and Party Girl. Sent into the ill-fated Raccoon City to determine the source of the mysterious T-virus outbreak the US Spec Ops team will use their elite skills and training to defeat the USS team and ensure the truth behind the outbreak is revealed.
Compete in single player campaign or team up with up to three friends and take on the role of a member of the crack USS squad and battle against all the opposing forces at play in Raccoon City. With the zombies and B.O.W’s adding chaos to the action and the return of favourite Resident Evil enemies all roads will lead to hell when Resident Evil Operation Raccoon City releases on March 23rd across Europe for Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. The PC version will follow shortly after console release.
Max Payne 3 Screens Celebrate the New Year with Sun and Explosions
2011 Game of the Year awards are still coming in, yet here in 2012 we’re gearing up for games that are no doubt going to be nominated for next year. One of these games is Max Payne 3, and if the three most recent screenshots are anything to go by, it’s looking to be a good chance indeed.
Each shows off a different aspect of what we can expect from the third entry in the seminal noir action game. The first shows of the controversial change in setting and character for Max, swapping the dark snow swept street of “Noir York City” for the sun bleached favelas of Brazil. Payne himself has also changed, from leather coat cop to bald headed badass.
Next up, we can catch a glimpse of the new cover system, another controversial feature some believe may detract from the previous entries bullet-time ballet.
Finally Rockstar and Max have seen in the new year like everyone else – with a visually pleasing explosion, although on a very different level to the usual fireworks.
Max Payne 3 is looking to be one of the first must-have games of a very interesting year and will be available for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 March 2012.
Screenshot leak reveales two new Street Fighter X Tekken characters
M.Bison and Ling Xiaoyu have been revealed to be joining the Street Fighter X Tekken cast. But it seems Capcom were planning to reveal them later rather then sooner as knowledge about the new characters came via a leaked screen shot rather then an official announcement from Capcom.
M.Bison has been a important part of the Street Fighter series history, from giving players joypad throwing fits in Street Fighter II and Street Fighter Alpha 3, to being a very competitive character in the Street Fighter tourney scene. Ling Xiaoyu has been a lovable (and deceptively powerful if tricky to use) character in the Tekken series, starting when she made her debut in Tekken 3 for the PlaySation (along with her Panda). So her inclusion isn’t a surprise either.
Personally, the more the merrier and I hope Capcom have some more surprises in store for us for Street Fighter X Tekken, even though the release date for the game (early 2012) is fast approaching.
Experience the new Gears of War 3 “Fenix Rising” map pack
For those playing multiplayer in Gears of War 3 who have reached the level cap, it won’t be long before you’ll have some new challenges and content, as arriving on January 17th is ‘Fenix Rising’, the third major DLC pack coming from Microsoft and Epic Games.
You’ll be getting a lot of content with ‘Fenix Rising’, so I’ll let the press release explain what you’ll be up to next year:
On 17 Jan, the battle for Sera rages on as Microsoft and Epic mark the New Year with the release of “Fenix Rising,” the third major game add-on for the most critically-acclaimed shooter of 2011, “Gears of War 3.” Featuring five spectacular new multiplayer maps inspired by significant locales in the “Gears of War 3” campaign, “Fenix Rising” also introduces four new character skins and a new system that allows players to rank up through level 100 multiple times to unlock exclusive emblems and weapon skins.
With the purchase of the add-on, players who attain level 100 will have a choice to “Re-up” for another tour of duty to showcase their valor and dedication as elite “Gears of War” fans. Their experience and rank will be reset, but all other progression (including TrueSkill rating) will remain intact. Players can “Re-up” up to three times, earning a new rank icon color each time: Bronze (default level 100), Red, Green and Gold. Each “Re-up” level after Bronze also awards the player an exclusive, custom weapon skin that cannot be obtained by any other means:
- Re-Up Plasma – Animated flowing plasma in gold.
- Re-Up Omen – Shiny, red Omen.
- Re-Up Electric – Animated, golden electric shocks.
Available on Xbox LIVE for 800 Microsoft Points or included as part of the “Gears of War 3” Season Pass, “Fenix Rising” expands the multiplayer battlefield with an arsenal of stunning maps that deliver endless hours of frenetic online action across Versus Multiplayer, Horde and Beast Mode:
· Academy –The lineage of the Fenix family can be traced back along a distinguished line of military officers. Officer training at the Oracle Academy was simply the expected path for Marcus, and he had visited the grounds many times in expectation that he would walk the same path as his ancestors. But it was not to be, and Marcus broke with tradition to be with his best friends Dom and Carlos. Like any number of fine Seran traditions, the Academy is now lost to the invasion of the Locust Horde.
· Anvil – The fortress of Anvegad was called Anvil Gate because its impenetrable walls were forged in the fires of war. Huge cannons sat atop battlements that guarded sprawling walls running the line of the UIR borders. Marcus went there to find Hoffman, and they both thought that Anvil Gate would offer protection from the incoming forces of Locust and Lambent. They were wrong, and little remains other than the ruined shell of a once mighty fortress.
· Depths – The excessive opulence of Azura defied all normal reasoning. Adam Fenix however could see the cracks in the veneer of splendor from the moment he arrived at this underwater processing center. All that beauty mattered not at all once he was held captive by the Locust. Out of options, he had to find a way to contact Marcus, and finally reveal the truths he’d been keeping to himself for all these many years.
· Escalation – Haldane Hall has been the home of the Fenix family for countless generations. But the only history that matters to Marcus are his memories of warm summer evenings spent with his mother, Elain, relaxing in the estate’s gardens. Sadly, all the estate’s history and beauty was lost when the Locust destroyed it in an attempt to kidnap his father.
· The Slab – Convicted for insubordination and treason, Marcus was incarcerated in Jacinto Maximum Security Prison. Known as “The Slab”, this prison is not a correctional facility – it’s a place where Sera’s worst offenders are locked up and forgotten. The inmates are brutal, parole is not an option, and the average life expectancy is about two years. But that was before the Locust showed up, and what couldn’t get worse, suddenly did. Now your life expectancy there is around 2 minutes.
Additionally, players who purchase “Fenix Rising” will gain access to the following character skins for use in Versus Multiplayer and Horde Mode (if COG):
· COG:
o Recruit Clayton – Clayton was born a Gear, grew up a Gear, and on the very day he became eligible, he signed himself up to become the capable, confident, and devoted Gear he’d always known he could be.
o Thrashball Cole (Limited Edition) – The Cole Train prefers to take the most direct path to the Locust Horde in any situation. What he lacks in finesse, he makes up in raw energy.
· Locust:
o Savage Marauder – Locust Marauders were the first to form any sort of organisation outside of the Hollow – if their brutal infighting and bloodthirsty raiding parties could truly be called organised.
o Savage Kantus (Limited Edition) – The Savage Kantus were profoundly impacted by the loss of the Hollow. They have reverted to a primal, shamanistic state, and their battle cries have taken a dark, melancholy turn. Few sounds are as terrifying to human ears.
Players can obtain “Fenix Rising” and all the previously released add-on content for “Gears of War 3,” including “RAAM’s Shadow” and the “Horde Command Pack,” and secure access to one more upcoming game add-on by purchasing the “Gears of War 3” Season Pass for 2400 Microsoft Points, which entitles them to the first four game add-ons for a total discount of 33 percent.
Microsoft and Square Enix team up to create an exclusive Final Fantasy XIII-2 Weapon
Square Enix today announce that a new, exclusive piece of DLC will be made available for Final Fantasy XIII-2. The DLC in question is Azrael, a bow type weapon that only Serah can use. This exclusive piece of content was created through collaboration between Square Enix and Microsoft and will be exclusive to the Xbox 360 version. If the prospect of a fancy 
new weapon is appealing then you won’t have to wait long as it will be made available on February 7th 2012, just three days after the release of the game. If you’re curious as to what is so special about this bow then I hope this helps.
“This weapon is named after an angel who represents spirits and death. It is believed to possess the power to change the owner’s destiny, and your Chain Bonus is upgraded when equipped. Serah alone has the ability to wield this legendary weapon.”
So, if you think the prospect of wielding Azrael pulls at you bow strings (see what I did there) then makes sure you buy Final Fantasy XIII-2 for the Xbox 360 and have 80 Microsoft points ready to spend.
