Stuff Gaming Supplement 2011

November 2011 A Motivate Publication GADGETS / APPS / G E AR

GAMING From Mario to Master Chief, here’s a preview of the sweetest titles on the gaming horizon

XBOX 360 PS3 PC PLUS SO MUCH MORE

Join fortune-hunter Nathan Drake as he embarks on his most perilous adventure yet. His search for the lost Atlantis of the Sands will take him from the mean streets of London to the unforgiving Arabian Desert, as trouble hunts him down, every step of the way.

Visit eu.playstation.com

“2”, “PlayStation” and “ ” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Also, “PS3” is a trademark of the same company. “SONY” is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation. Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception™ ©2011 Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC. Published by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. Developed by Naughty Dog, Inc. “Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception” is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. All rights reserved.

Motivate Publishing FZ LLC Building 8, Office 508, Dubai Media City, United Arab Emirates email us stuff@motivate.ae surf us www.stuffmideast.com Editor-in-Chief Obaid Humaid Al Tayer Group Editor & Managing Partner Ian Fairservice Group Senior Editor Gina Johnson Editor Thomas Shambler Senior Designer Clarkwin Cruz Chief Sub Editor Iain Smith Contributor Mike Priest General Manager Group Sales Anthony Milne Advertisement Manager Omran Naseem Senior Production Manager S. Sunil Kumar Production Manager C. Sudhakar

Haymarket Publishing

Licensing Director Tim Bulley Licensing Executive Isla Friend Managing Director Kevin Costello Publishing Director Susan O’Hare Editor Fraser Macdonald © All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers. Liability: while every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequence arising from it. In the case of all product reviews, judgements have been made in the context of the equipment available to Stuff at the time of review, and value-for-money comments are based on US$ prices at the time of review, which are subject to fluctuation.

Stuff is published monthly in China, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Lithuania, Malaysia, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Ukraine.

Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

Head Office Motivate Publishing, PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE Tel +971 4 282 4060; Fax +971 4 282 7593 Dubai Media City Motivate Publishing FZ LLC, Building 8, Dubai, UAE Tel +971 4 390 3550; Fax +971 4 390 4845 Abu Dhabi Motivate Advertising, Marketing & Publishing PO Box 43072, Tel +971 2 677 2005; Fax +971 2 677 0124 London Motivate Publishing Ltd Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER

WELCOME Gaming is massive.

No longer a pastime reserved for spotty teens in dark rooms or geeks dressed in wigs and pointy ears (although if that is you, respect). Gaming is everywhere. But to get maximum enjoyment from the games you play, not to mention save some cash, you’ll need to avoid the rotters. That’s where we come in; we’ve packed the next 28 pages with the hottest games this side of Sera, with the usual ‘quirky’ titles thrown in for good measure. We’ve got the finest firstperson shooters, our pick of adventure titles and even something for those looking to lose some weight (yes, gaming is more than twiddling thumbs and eating pizza). Enjoy...

04 Uncharted 3:

Drake’s Deception Treasure hunter extraordinaire

09 Rage

Like Mad Max but with bigger guns

15 UFC Undisputed A hardcore game for a hardcore sport

18 Forza

Motorsport 4 So real you’ll expect a ticket

21 Kinect Star

Wars Virtual lightsabres.

Need we say more?

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception Launch date November 2011 Platforms

PS3

Bungling every-man adventurer Nathan Drake is back, complete with his half-tucked shirt and a returning cast of characters.

His latest escapades have him retracing the footsteps of T. E. Lawrence in search of a legendary lost city, the Iram of the Pillars. You can expect highstakes action sequences straight out of your favourite Hollywood blockbuster and a level of script writing and characterisation that is rarely ever touched by any other game in the medium. And if we know Drake, you can also expect jokes, lots of dumb jokes.

4

stuffmideast.com

DanceStar Party Launch date November 2011 Platforms

PS3

Using the PlayStation Move controller Sony wants to get you out of the fatboy and boogey with the best of them. With 40 songs from a plethora of artists including Bodyrockers, Tinie Tempah and the Chemical Brothers, each track has a sweat-inducing dance routine that you can learn by mimicking the on-screen dancers. You also have the option of watching the song’s original music video or flipping over to the PlayStation Eye to check yourself out. But whatever you do, don’t post the results to YouTube, thanks.

stuffmideast.com

5

Move Fitness Launch date November 2011 Platforms

PS3

Fear not, PlayStation owners jealous of the current crop of fitness games showing up on other platforms. You’re now covered with this title that boasts over 25 fun exercises to get your blood pumping. Designed specifically with the Move controller in mind, the sensiblytitled Move Fitness will have you punching, samurai sword slicing and basketball throwing in no time and all with pin-point accuracy thanks to PlayStation’s proprietary tech.

6

stuffmideast.com

Medieval Moves: Deadmund’s Quest Launch date Platforms

Available now PS3

From the same team that brought you Sports Champions, one of the best selling launch Move titles, Medieval Moves: Deadmund’s Quest is a fantasy, action adventure game that is played with the Move controller and uses a unique set of motion control functionality, allowing players to seamlessly transition between throwing projectiles, sword fighting and archery for an intuitive and immersive gameplay experience.

Recommended for fans of walloping skeletons on the head with a broadsword.

stuffmideast.com

7

Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 Launch date Platforms

Available Now Xbox 360/PS3

Stuff’s favourite footy franchise gets match fit for its 2012 season and has taken a back to basics approach focusing on everything it got right in previous installments and adding a few new additions to make the virtual beautiful game that much prettier. The new Teammate Control system allows players the ability to control a second man either during play or at a set-piece for an additional level of realism.

Ultimate Marvel VS Capcom 3 Launch date November 2011 Platforms Xbox 360/PS3/PS Vita Featuring all the original 36 playable fighters from Marvel Vs Capcom: Fate of Two Worlds as well as an additional 12 new characters, including the likes of Ghost Rider, Doctor Strange and even Phoenix Wright. We’ve never been quite sure whose idea it was to mix these two completely disparate franchises together in a battle arena but the fast, fun and frenetic pace of this game is proof enough that it was a genius one.

8

stuffmideast.com

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Launch date November 2011 Platforms Xbox 360/PS3/PC Skyrim’s main story revolves around the player’s efforts to defeat a dragon god who is prophesied to destroy the world.

Set two hundred years after its predecessor, Oblivion, the game takes place in the land of Skyrim in the midst of a civil war after the assassination of the king. Does that sound epic enough for you? It certainly does to us and we have already notified family and friends that we’re shutting ourselves away from the world for a few weeks when this game ships, anything less would be doing the year’s best RPG an injustice.

Blackwater Launch date Platforms

Available now Xbox 360

The first official First Person Shooter to be made exclusively with Microsoft’s hands free motion controller in mind.

Blackwater utilizes Kinect in a number of new and interesting ways letting players fully immerse themselves into the experience of what it’s like to be on a Blackwater team without being dropped into a real combat situation. Sounds good to us, all the fun and none of the shrapnel.

stuffmideast.com

9

Rage Launch date

Available now

Platforms Xbox 360/PS3/PC Set in a Mad Max-esque postapocalyptic future Rage takes the best bits of your favourite horror shooters like Doom 3 and combines them with the heart-thumping racing action of MotorStorm and Burnout. Not only is this a completely novel concept, but the game has been in development since 2007.

As a result, everything from the aforementioned mash-up gameplay to its jaw dropping visuals have been tuned to glorious perfection.

10

stuffmideast.com

Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City Launch date November 2011 Platforms

Xbox 360/PS3

Finally, a Resident Evil game that gives us the other side of the zombie infested series’ story. Set between the events of Resident Evil two and three, players take on the roll of an officer in the Umbrella Security Services tasked with destroying any evidence of the Umbrella Corporation’s illegal activities.

Aside from torching physical evidence, it also happens to include the ability to take out several key characters from the previous games – now’s your chance to get revenge on any of the annoying characters you may not have liked. We’re looking at you Leon Kennedy.

Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection Launch date November 2011 Platforms

Xbox 360/PS3

Relive the events of Metal Gear Solid two and three as well as the PSP hit Peace Walker, and all in glorious high definition. With a revamped control scheme to take advantage of all the extra buttons that the new generation systems have, the PS3 versions also have the added bonus of ‘transfarring’ which allows players to switch between their home console and the PS Vita (when it gets released) for a seamless gameplay experience.

This is the ultimate seasonal gift for the Solid Snake aficionado in your life.

12

stuffmideast.com

WWE ’12 Launch date Platforms

Available Now Xbox 360/PS3

A revamp of the long storied wrestling series, this renaming and rebranding brings about some fairly notable changes including the removal of weak/strong grapple system in favour of characters suplexing and drop-kicking opponents based on their current physical state. Expect a full roster of all of your favourite ‘roided up wrestlers from both the RAW and Smackdown franchises as well as an in-depth story mode that’ll put players right amidst the chaos of the WWE.

Puss n’ Boots Launch date Platforms

Available now Xbox 360/PS3/Wii

Arguably the best character to come out of the Shrek films is not only getting his own feature length film, but also his own video game to boot. Following Puss’ escapades through the events of the film, the game will feature full support for both Microsoft’s Kinect and the PlayStaion Move, meaning it’s time to brush up on your nimble feline swashbuckling skills in preparation for its release.

uDraw GameTablet Launch date Platforms

Available now Wii

This nifty accessory takes the motion-controlled interactivity of the Nintendo Wii to the next level. Acting as a one-to-one electronic sketchpad it comes bundled with uDraw Studio, a game that allows users to draw, colour and paint to a surprisingly intricate level of detail, giving you the ability to finally realise that Super Mario mural that you’ve had stewing in your head for years now. Recommended for all aspiring pixel artists out there.

14

stuffmideast.com

UFC Undisputed 3 Launch date Platforms

Available now Xbox 360/PS3

Boasting a roster of over 150 fighters, including big names like as Brock Lesner and Forrest Griffin, as well as the addition of Featherweight and Bantamweight divisions. Some key gameplay updates from previous installments include a brand new submission system, Pride Mode and traditional or simplified control options, depending on your playstyle, making this hands down the most complete mixed martial arts game ever to feature two sweaty men pummeling each other in the middle of a ring.

Adidas miCoach Launch date Platforms

Available now Xbox 360/PS3

It’s time to get off the couch and whip that gamer-frame into shape - Adidas miCoach is an interactive fitness game that not only targets specific sports but also helps to improve your overall fitness. Using the Kinect or PlayStation Eye camera players can scan in a likeness of themselves into the game for added realism and thanks to the Adidas sponsorship, get comments directly from pros like Kaka and Dwight Howard.

Probably about how unfit you are compared to them.

stuffmideast.com

15

Kinect Sports: Season Two Launch date November 2011 Platforms

Xbox 360

Microsoft’s controller-free sports title returns for its second season, to get players sweating up a storm in their living rooms without the need of any pesky button mashing. Included on the disc are golf, skiing, baseball, tennis, American football and Stuff’s personal favourite virtual video gaming activity, darts. The voice control feature has also been bumped up to over 300 commands giving it that extra realism kick when you shout “Fore!” on a particularly good drive.

16

stuffmideast.com

Dance Central 2 Launch date November 2011 Platforms

Xbox 360

From the folks that brought you the two social gaming juggernauts of Guitar Hero and Rock Band comes the next evolution in music inspired electronic entertainment. Dance Central 2 is the sequel to the Kinect-enabled boogie-a-thon where players can cut the rug along to their favourite tunes with over 600 individual dance steps. Features new to this latest version include voice control, drop-in drop-out functionality as well as simultaneous 2-player gameplay. Just make sure you get your groove right before taking your moves out in public.

stuffmideast.com

17

Forza Motorsport 4 Launch date

Available now

Platforms

Xbox 360

It’s taken four tries at refining the same engine but the folks at Turn 10 have finally achieved the perfect driving sim – from the gorgeous graphics to the sublime, accurate handling to the sheer number of available cars Forza 4 is nothing short of every gear head’s wet dream. We especially dig the Autovista mode that allows us to walk around a virtual garage using Kinect to oogle at all the fancy automobiles we could never hope to afford, complete with pithy commentary from none other than Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson.

18

stuffmideast.com

Gears of War 3 Launch date Platforms

Available now Xbox 360

The story of Marcus Fenix and his merry band of COG soldiers draws to a close in this finale to the much-lauded third person shooter series. With the introduction of a four player co-operative campaign mode, a new exploding enemy type called the Lambent and the ingenious revamp of the Horde 2.0 multiplayer mode, developer Epic Games duly lives up to their name by pulling out all the stops to give the franchise a superb send off.

stuffmideast.com

19

Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Launch date November 2011 Platforms

Xbox 360

Releasing on the tenth anniversary of the original game, this remake of the First Person Shooter that forever changed the course of console gaming is more than just a fresh coat of graphical paint. While we agree that it sure does look pretty, we’re loving the addition of things like Skulls and Achievements that weren’t part of the series until the later games. Throw in Kinect support, online multiplayer modes and 3D TV compatibility and we’re ready to jump back into the firefight with our old pal Master Chief.

20

stuffmideast.com

Kinect Star Wars Launch date November 2011 Platforms

Xbox 360

Quite possibly the best use for Kinect’s hands-free motion control yet, this gem of a game will have you busting out your inner Jedi in no time. Using the Kinect’s motion tracking sensors players use their hands to throw objects by manipulating the Force, or alternatively mow down advancing Storm Trooper hordes with a virtual lightsaber. And what Star Wars game would be complete without pod racing or piloting an X-wing? That’s right, that’s all in here too.

stuffmideast.com

21

Kinect Disneyland Adventures Launch date Platforms

Out now Xbox 360

Stuck for somewhere to take the family on holiday because you blew all your cash buying up this year’s hottest video game titles? Never fear, shell out for just one more and you take them on a virtual tour of the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ all courtesy of Microsoft’s nifty Kinect tech. A large portion of the theme park has been virtually recreated including popular rides such as the Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain.

22

stuffmideast.com

1

1Battlefield 3 - Razer Imperator

US$80 | razerzone.com The Razer Imperator can be cranked up to a mighty 6400dpi in a couple of seconds, as well as offering a lightning-fast USB connection. The rubberized grip will be a godsend for weapon fumblers, and help you outfrag the competitors.

2

2Battlefield 3 – Scarab mouse pad

3

US$40 | razerzone.com Razer pad’s have been custom-built for effortless swipes, making it easier to track and take down enemies with deadly efficiency. The textured surface gives your mouse added accuracy in a firefight, and the improved rubber base makes for more stability and control.

3 – Blackwidow 3Battlefield Ultimate keyboard

US$140 | razerzone.com The Blackwidow keyboard sports mechanical key technology. It won’t go pushing buttons for you, but it will give you a more tactile response, handy for issuing quicker commands. You can record macros on the fly, without the need for complex menus.

3 – Onza 4Battlefield Tournament Edition 4

Razer Electra Headphones

US$70 | razerzone.com When it comes to gaming, hearing the enemy team fumbling behind the bushes is a major plus. It helps then, to have a decent pair of cans.

These Electra headphones from Razer are just the ticket, ready to pipe out bass-heavy tunes or the sounds of gunfire at a moment’s notice.

24

stuffmideast.com

US$60 | razerzone.com The Onza Tournament Edition Xbox 360 controller is a nice way to remind your fellow competitiors just how 1337 you really are. There’s adjustable resistance analogue sticks, two additional programmable buttons, and gamer-friendly back-lit buttons.

Thrustmaster Ferrari F1 Wheel Integral

US$700 | thrustmaster.com There are racing peripherals, and then there are racing peripherals.

This one’s the latter, not just a plastic steering wheel with a Ferrari logo emblazoned on the front; this one is an exact replica of the wheel inside the Ferrari F1 2011 motor.

Now who feels the need…

Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Italia

US$110 | thrustmaster.com If you’ve always fancied a Ferrari but lacked the bulging bank account necessary to buy one, this Thrustmaster wheel for the Xbox 360 is just what you need. It’s a replica of the Ferrari 458 Italia, which for the uninitiated, is the star of Forza Motorsport 4.

JETPACK JOYRIDE

Available now | iOS From the studio that brought us the mega-popular Fruit Ninja, this highly addictive side-scroller lets you guide protagonist Barry Steakfries across a treacherous lab collecting coins, while avoiding deathtraps.

SCRIBBLENAUTS REMIX

Available now | iOS Complete with the ability to use adjectives; you’re fully armed with everything you need to solve a series of puzzles with nothing but your imagination and a mastery of the English language.

INFINITY BLADE 2

November | iOS How do you follow up the most gorgeous looking game ever released on iOS? Simple, you build the sequel on the newest version of its hardware, the iPhone 4S, which has seven times more graphical fidelity.

BURNOUT CRASH

Available now | iOS Players wreck their car into oncoming traffic in the hopes of racking up multipliers and setting off chain reaction explosions. Vehicular pinball at its chaotic best.

stuffmideast.com

25

TOP 100 BEST

GAMES EVER

All month the Stuff team have debated, thrown punches and yelled abuse, whittling away at retro arcade titles, hardcore shooters, crafty platformers and games with plumbers to come up with this. The definitive list of the top 100 best games ever. Check them out right now...

To see the full 100, head to stuffmideast.com/bestgames