Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends Complete Edition - PS4 and PS Vita Review

Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends Complete Edition - PS4 and PS VitaOriginally Published and Copyrighted by Blast Away the Game Review on 3/30/2014Review by Dustin Murphy

Note: For a review with images, please visit Blast Away the Game Review over on Facebook.

Pros:
-Graphics that noticeably have a refined polish that earlier entries did not.
-A bit smoother frame rate than Dynasty Warriors 8 thanks to the more powerful hardware to support the game itself.
-Controls still remain fluid like, easy to use, and haven't seen a whole lot of polish since previous entries. This is a non-occurring thing for the better.
-New characters add in a fresh breath of air for each of the games kingdoms; Wu, Shu, Wei, and a Lu Bu's own new campaign.
-New in-depth weapon system allows for an enhanced experience with weapon swapping and tactics needed to bring down enemies.
-Beautiful scenery sets an amazing world come to life out of the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms, with unique takes on old tile sets.

Cons:
-Sometimes severe frame rate drops can cause some players to find themselves turned off from this title.
-Difficulty with Ambition mode to some once at Ultimate may be a turn off. This is only truly for the challenge accepting people.
-Tutorials seem a bit bland for those freshly coming into the series.

Final Verdict: 8 out of 10

Final Thoughts: Dynasty Warriors 8 XL CE takes me back to the days of when I was a youth. Playing Dynasty Warriors days on end with seemingly no stop. With this version we see the world of Dynasty Warriors expand with new characters, levels, stories, and even content such as the additions to Ambition Mode, Free Play, and even the campaign for Lu Bu. Lets not forget the Ultimate Difficulty, which will leave some players banging their head on walls wondering why they even tried without a decently leveled character.

 Many people will tell you that Dynasty Warriors has not changed since the first few installments, which makes me want to hit my head against the wall, and weep. Having skipped a few entries since Dynasty Warriors Next on the PS Vita launched, I'm able to see a lot of changes. In Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends I got to experience several new things that peaked my interest as an avid Dynasty Warriors fan. The first and foremost was the expansion of the things to do away from what we are normally used to with modes such as Free Mode, for me the new Ambition Mode, and of course the ever fun challenge mode that pitted me against some at times almost impossible goals to complete in order to beat the mission I was on. In turn such difficulty came with a high reward of accomplishment as I would pursue each one.

 Dynasty Warriors is a franchise that has kept itself unique in many ways. Many will see it as a hack 'n slash, beat 'em up, RPG. and strategy game combined into one. Doing this has made the franchise unique in the means that players can up the difficulty in order for it to scale with their characters and weapons. The difficulty alone will bring on new challenges as players will take on new unit leaders, rewards, and of course in some instances; new characters to play. Completing each mission also will allow players to enjoy a new feature - what if missions. These what if missions provide an alternative to what could have happened depending on the choices made and the end results.

 The newest thing I did take note of is the feared Lu Bu campaign. This story arch provided an insight to how the villainous and feared warmonger would be. As a character I remember once running from more than once across snowy fields in Dynasty Warriors 4 Xtreme Legends finally became on I did not have to fear. Taking the reigns as him I found myself eagerly and deliberately wiping out throngs of enemies without a second thought. Using some of them even as impact points for his combo's that easily allowed for me to pick up high damage numbers for combo chain's as well as my K.O. chain. With his story we also get to experience something new, at least it was for me, cut scenes that smoothly cut in and out of missions while in them. These cut scenes do not seem to interrupt the campaign in the slightest and gives it a rather fluid feel as we go through all of it. With it we get to see everything from Lu Bu's fame, fear, and fortune only to witness his pieces are moving across the chess board in place for complete rule and power.

 After having spent quite a bit of time with Lu Bu's campaign, it was time to slowly migrate away from it and visit the Ambition Mode. Ambition mode out of all them is what grabbed my attention. The trick here? It's almost never ending so it seems. With around thirty hours into it and a little under that in the campaign, I found myself more constantly returning to the Ambition mode. In it players will find each mission in progress timed. Their time can be regained by defeating enemy officers and doing specialized objectives that can be found in the mission info portion of the pause menu. By completing missions, defeating enemy officers (named enemy officers), players will gain more allies for their forces. Players will also be able to take on missions that will have in their info, what special enemies may be there, and this is definitely something worth going for. Why? It'll allow players to have MORE playable characters to choose from versus the one they started out with.

 In addition to Ambition Mode, players will also get to choose the Ultimate Difficulty, which will definitely make them go in for a challenge. Note that these enemies are very hard, will not be forgiving, and will easily kill a player that is not prepared. This is not for the faint of heart by any means necessary.

 Another addition is several new characters, each unique in their own fighting styles and weapon choices. The one I spent the most time with? Chen Gong, who controls "spirits" to fight for him. As ludicrous as it sounds, it fits the tone perfectly. It also gives a perfect accent to do what I felt was proper. The thing that many will find enchanting is Lu Bu's daughter - Lu Lingqi. Much like her father she is a force to be reckoned with that will very quickly dispatch the entire enemy front-line within a blink of an eye.

 Fa Zheng was one to grab my attention when I was digging through the Shu officers only to find a teenage like man who carried a magic carpet like cloth. Why did this catch my attention? The fact he has a magic cloth that can easily attack large groups of enemies and be combo'd into his Musou attack. In rage mode? He'll just clear out the battlefield with it very quickly, making the favors go in his direction rather quickly.

 The next one that caught my attention was Yu Jin out of the new characters who serves the Wei faction underneath leader Cao Cao. The most amazing thing about him is his finesse with Hook weapons. Why do you ask? The fact they are fast, devestating and can easily clear out a few enemies while stunning others only to leave them open for an undeniably painful combo. Doing this also leaves his ultimate open for a dizzying whirlwind of dispatched enemies and blur. Though when surrounded this is very useful, and will allow for players to quickly escape combat in order to heal if needed be.

 Last, but not least is Zhu Rhan of the Wu faction. I found myself quickly emptying out enemies from a distance with his bow. Why? Because it's extremely useful when trying to avoid the hordes of enemies or even possible frame rate lag, which has been experienced with this title as mentioned before. Though I didn't spend as much time as I wanted with him, he is definitely one many players will take a liking to, especially with his attitude, cunning, and quick use of the battlefield.

 Overall, Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends Complete Edition is by far one of the best versions of Dynasty Warriors I've ever played since 2001 when I was first introduced to the series by a reluctant stop at the local Hastings movie, books, and games store. Why? Because it's a series I've come to love and with the vast improvements as well as push to make the game even longer. I can't go without saying that I thoroughly enjoy a once in a while brawler that won't require me to shout orders to friends or random players. Instead? I control the battlefield and the outcomes. Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends Complete Edition is one that will not let any players down. Instead they will find themselves thoroughly enjoying the game as time passes through. They will also find themselves not regretting a moment of it either.

 Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends Complete Edition is now available on the PlayStation 4 and the PlayStation Vita handheld. Prices may vary and should hold players over while those waiting for a Samurai Warriors installment get their fulfillment in proper fashion.

Graphics: One of the best looking Dynasty Warriors games I have played since Dynasty Warriors 6. The graphical details from armor shines to detailed clothing, facial movement, and even hair has lead me to see the game has a bright future ahead with Omega Force at the reigns.

Sound: Much like previous installments, many of the old sound files, voice overs, and even weapon sounds have returned. With a bit more detailed use of environmental sounds, players will feel as if the detail is beginning to truly shine through.

Controls: On both the PS4 and Vita Versions, I was able to find myself enjoying the game regardless of how the controls worked. However we would like to see a bit more use of the back touch pad and button combo's in order to bring forth new attacks on the PS Vita. Aside from that, this game runs smooth, controls are easy, and players will not be disappointed in the very few changes made.

For More Information About Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends Complete Edition please visit the provided page below.

http://www.tecmokoeiamerica.com/dw8xl/

Writer Rant: Departure of an XBox Fan Boy

Writer Rant: Departure of an XBox Fan Boy

Originally Published and Copyrighted by Blast Away the Game Review on 3/29/2014

Written by Dustin Murphy

 Many of us have that day where our favorite console has become a thing of the past. That day to some is a betrayal when you have made your gaming "family" of friends and decide it is time to move onto bigger, better, and tougher things. Mine started in 2005, my parents got me the next vision of gaming, the Microsoft XBox 360. They dropped the cash, brought it home, and gave me it for Christmas. Low and behold after six years I was a die hard fan, playing exclusive franchises such as Halo, Forza, Bioshock, Mass Effect, and a few others. Sadly those franchises began to lose their polish as Microsoft Exclusives. Shortly after we saw Bioshock, Mass Effect, and even Dragon Age depart their exclusivity and or timed content become a thing of the past as Sony and Steam began to pump ahead and once more reignite a console war. With Gears of War on my mind, it was time to once more take the reigns of the awkward thumbstick alignment that Microsoft had made. Of course that was after coping with thirteen failed consoles over the nine year period. 

 In that period I spent time playing only PlayStation exclusives and enjoying them more than I could ever have imagined, dumping hundreds and hundreds of dollars into Microsoft peripherals and of course Microsoft titles for my 360. Some exclusives and some not. I bought charger docks, controllers, hard drives, subscriptions and even stood up against anti-game fan type fan boys and girls. It wasn't till I saw the XBox One release did I realize how little gamer's, journalists, and us as a community seemed to matter in the eyes of Microsoft when Don Matrick took to the Microsoft stage and revealed any console gamer's worst fear - DRM. He confirmed the one thing many of us had not hoped to hear. That Microsoft would lock our games to our consoles, not allow for used games, and would ultimately make us pay to even think of using a game that is used. It was something that made my jaw hit the floor and utter dismay and call the co-founder for B.A.T.G.R., Jesse Olvera, and pretty much curse Microsoft with every ounce of fury in my heart. I denounced Microsoft instantly, swearing I'd never go back, and that I was done being betrayed after that. Let alone the fact I had thirteen XBox's from buying two new ones due to hardware failures and having my original replaced more than once before finally giving it to my little brother. During this grace period though something new struck me with a sincere bit of shock - Sony's PlayStation Vita. Soon after having experienced the Party Chat, online multiplayer, and amazing (compared to PS3's) download speeds, my jaw hit the floor. I was soon experiencing what I had always wanted out of Sony - a better internet support for gaming. Why was this amazing? Well lets read to find out more.

Part 1 - Social Gaming Takes an Amazing Turn -

When my father brought home that beautiful white box for Christmas, my heart did not ache, I received something that had been the talk of the gaming industry; an XBox 360. With it I got my subscription, a 20gb console, and of course a new experience for what I considered high end gaming. It wasn't before long I would make friends, take to Gears of War, and begin to curse at myself or the game in sheer frustration due to the seemingly fine tuned controls. It was there though I began to play games with friends, send messages, and of course private chat. Before long it became a daily thing. Games such as Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas franchise, Ghost Recon, Gears of War, Call of Duty, and more began to follow. My gaming experience on the XBox 360 began to venture forth. It wasn't shortly after did I experience the first part of what began as the Red Ring of Death or RRoD epidemic to consoles. My console ended up as a fatality, the graphics card ended, and so my whiny gamer frustration occurred. Before too long I was once more taking back the reigns of Call of Duty Modern Warfare and chucking grenades out like a kid in a candy store. Frag after frag I would enjoy this as my friends and I laughed at the ludicrous stunts we pulled. Our party chats were full, our Gamerscores were jumping, and so was our hunt to be the top dogs of our gaming aspect. It happened, we took over the Rainbow Six scene like it was nothing. Sure we didn't MLG, but it happened. We were upsetting clans, becoming known, and holding our own.

After years of having gamed offline with my DreamCast, PlayStation 2, PC, and others - I was beginning to enjoy online gaming. After all the while I began to understand why PC gamer's took to services like GameSpy and such like a storm. It was fun, it didn't require a bunch of control flicks, and a boring night with a Little Ceasers pizza. Instead I was finally seeing why gaming was fun with people. Though It began to have its downfall. I began to witness name calling, trolling, modding, and even the ugly side of Online Moderation through Microsoft and of course the game developers themselves. Unfortunately, this still exists. All of it that is. It didn't change my outlook though. I still took to online gaming, laughed night after night, and eventually began to work so I could be useful and enjoy my new hobby. It was then did I realize though that something was amiss. Costs went up, game aspects went down, and of course internet speed requirements went up. That was easily taken care of though over time having found what I needed to do in order to make my XBox work better, but unfortunately came another ten consoles within a seven year span. We did mention the RRoD issue? Well that was all she wrote. It went on, but my adventure did not stop. Instead I got to see my favored console turn into a media box. It allowed me to play games, watch movies, rip music to the hard drive, and jam to my games while chatting with friends. Let alone experience graphics that I never had thought possible in all my days. Even my friends were awestruck when they watched what I did, but the adventure was beginning to come dull. The service seemed to be focused more about music, tv, and well more services. This to me was not what I was interested in. Instead it began to slowly drive me away, pitching my interests elsewhere. I found myself once again hooking up my consoles such as the DreamCast, Nintendo 64, GameCube and of course my Wii. I enjoyed it a lot as the XBox itself had seemed to begin lacking in games as well as entertainment that had fit my interests. I began to find it a bit tedious to be quite sure. Then there was news. Rumors of the upcoming next project arose.

Project Natal. It was something amazing, even as we watched games come to life, and of course Lion Head Studios revealed their first interactive simulator; Project Milo. It was a game that attempted to assure us that gaming would change and we would see the future of interactivity. Sadly we did not. The day never came. Instead we got games that seemed focused on fitness, kids, and nothing truly hardcore for the gaming community that wanted something that made the games more in-depth to them. Instead we got voice controls. Things that only mattered if the command was truly necessary. Games like Mass Effect became easier to micromanage, but after a while it began to die out as well. However, it wasn't before long Microsoft began to whisper something new. We heard them speak out about a new project - Durango (formerly XBox 720 due to movies like Real Steel). This is when it began to fall apart.

Part 2 - Fare thee well Microsoft -

As a gaming journalist, this topic is dangerous, and one that treads on fire and brimstone. After having had my experiences after all the Microsoft confirmations, then back peddling my adventure with Microsoft began to die a slow and painful death. having started to take to the PlayStation Vita and my Nintendo 3DS for gaming as well as my PlayStation 3, my adventure of almost fifteen years with Microsoft began to slowly die a painful death. My XBox Classic was already stuck in the closet top shelf along with its rather short library of games. Sitting, collecting dust, and inevitably withering away. It wasn't before long that my XBox 360 began to do the same; except it never left its TV stand, now it just sits there, sulking at my PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Wii U, PlayStation Vita, and well upsetting enough for it my Nintendo 3DS. It had become a dark day in November of 2013. My XBox Live ran out, I wished my friends farewell and hope to see them soon, gave them my PSN ID, and told them I'll see them when I see them.

That does not go to say I was disgruntled and or distasteful with my departure. Instead it was bittersweet. I felt like I was betraying my favorite franchises from Halo to Forza only to be shortly followed by Alan Wake. All of these said games brought me great memories, new friends, and tales I wouldn't have experienced like I did on the XBox 360 thanks to the social aspects of Party Chat, Kinect video chat, and of course picture messaging the most annoying faces ever. As it began to come to an end, I felt my heart breaking as it seemed betraying my friends seemed to become realistic as we denounced our ability to interact as each of us began to pick sides. Some of us going PlayStation 4, some to XBox One, others to Wii U, and some of course to Steam (PC). It was decided. Some of us would no longer game together. Unfortunately it did become a sad, but true reality. With time I began to settle in, enjoying my new life in the Sony universe with games such as Uncharted, Gravity Rush, and of course the PS Vita exclusive; Toukiden: The Age of Demons. Lets not forget exclusives to PC/PS4 such as Warframe and Blacklight Retribution. However, my leaving Microsoft still was not easy and to this day is still there. Long lost friendships, memories, and of course gaming experiences became treasured memories over the past few months. But, what did I bring in from all of it?

Part 3 - A New Adventure Begins -

Upon leaving Microsoft it was time to pursue PlayStation Plus; the paid membership to exclusive deals and "free" games. Of course free only comes with the subscription, so I openly refer to it as a unlimited rental service, not a big deal. This service has of course lead to game purchases, closed beta's, and even offers that can only be obtained by doing so. With functions such as Party Chat, multiple console cross-play and of course high end graphics, I've yet to come across as disappointed. At 49.99 a year, it has been a great adventure so far with some cross library games for both my PS4 and Vita. Though only time will tell how it goes. With a few of my friends from the past consoles coming over, and a new social aspect group - the times seem good. As for Microsoft? My confession as a long time fan is simple. My trust was betrayed, Microsoft has struck dirt with their choices, and only time will tell if I were to go back or not.

Readers,
Out of everyone who reads are page it is an interesting take on what people have to say or even think about the new consoles. With this rant of sorts, have you left Microsoft? If not why? Is there a reason that keeps you from doing so? For those of you that have, what's your new poison of choice? PlayStation 4, Wii U, PC or something else? Let me know in the comments. 

Image Note: We do not own the image below. It is an image commonly seen online. The image will be removed upon request of owners.

Soul Sacrifice meets Toukiden: The Age of Demons in New DLC

Soul Sacrifice Missions Available for Toukiden: The Age of Demons!

Originally Published and Copyrighted by Blast Away the Game Review on 3/27/2014

Written by Dustin Murphy

 When it comes down to Soul Sacrifice and Toukiden, I can honestly say I'm excited. Both games are amazingly crafted and provide endless hours of fun and amazement. Today that amazement and fun has justly been once more energized with new content for Toukdein: The Age of Demons, which allows for a cross-over from Soul Sacrifice in new missions that can be downloaded via the PlayStation Store. These new cross-over missions allow for players to enjoy a set of multiplayer focused objects in order to the multiplayer. These new missions are called "Hell's Guard Dog" and "Dogs of War", which let players fight the three headed hell-hound Cerberus. These missions are available via the Portal Stone and Multiplayer lobbies, which allows for players to take on these missions in groups. 

 With the occurance of this DLC, we've been able to join several things together. Let alone will you get these two new missions among the other DLC's available, you will also get to enjoy the noteworthy and thematic armor from Soul Sacrifice called "Noble Raiment's". This is also available from the store, which will allow you to enjoy this content, free of charge. How will you go through Japan's history in order to save it from the Oni invasion? Will you go alone? With friends or will you brave it face first in any form possible?

 TOUKIDEN: THE AGE OF DEMONS casts players in the role of a Slayer: a skilled warrior charged with hunting monstrous Oni (demons) that threaten all of humanity. With a rich story exploring many eras of Japanese history, memorable characters, stunning visuals, complex combat system, and four-player support, TOUKIDEN: THE AGE OF DEMONS represents the most ambitious title to date from the team at Omega Force. TOUKIDEN: THE AGE OF DEMONS is set in a vibrant, fantasy infused representation of Japanese history spanning from the Asuka period to the final days of the Tokugawa shogunate. New Slayers will begin their journey on the frontlines of battle in the Utakata Village, build a party from a cast of memorable characters, and join the hunt for adventure with up to four friends via ad-hoc multiplayer. TOUKIDEN: THE AGE OF DEMONS has been rated “T” (TEEN) by the ESRB.

For more new about TOUKIDEN: THE AGE OF DEMONS visithttp://www.tecmokoeiamerica.com/toukiden/ and don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/koeigames, follow our blog at www.tecmokoeiamerica.com/toukiden/ and follow us on Twitter @TecmoKoeiUS.

About TECMO KOEI AMERICA CORP:
TECMO KOEI AMERICA CORP. is a publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Burlingame, California. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of TECMO KOEI HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. TECMO is best known for the Dead or Alive®, Ninja Gaiden®, Tecmo Bowl®, and Fatal Frame® series. KOEI is best known for its Dynasty Warriors® and Samurai Warriors® franchises. On April 1, 2009, TECMO KOEI HOLDINGS CO., LTD was established as a result of the TECMO, LTD. and KOEI Co., Ltd. merger.

“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc

Wolfenstein®: The New Order™ Panzerhund Edition Announced!

Wolfenstein®: The New Order™ Panzerhund Edition Announced!

Originally Published and Copyrighted by Blast Away the Game Review on 3/26/2014

Written by Dustin Murphy

Today we are proud to hear some great news regarding the second installation of Wolfenstein® getting another intallation, which will once more take us players up against the Nazi Regime. Today players can now pre-order this one starting today. It will be available May 20th for 100 USD and will feature a bundle of amazing goodies. Of course I can't do all this listing on my own. Below is a list from the official email from Bethesda's amazing PR Team! With this list all we can say is, we really hope we can get our hands on this and show you all just how amazing this thing is!

This Panzerhund Edition, limited to 5,000 units worldwide, comes packaged in a vintage footlocker-style box, each with an individually stamped number plate (approximately 20" x 10.5" x 8.5"), that includes the following items:

-An 8 inch fully articulated hand-painted Panzerhund statue and base.
-Classified folder containing salvaged secret war documents including maps, case files, letters, blueprints and an x-ray
-A set of 14 full-color ‘vintage’ postcards from Wolfenstein’s alternate 1960’s, bound in a display book
-Three embroidered patches
-Custom replica dog tags
-An exclusive Steelbook case to house your copy of the game

**Actual game sold separately.


Go visit the Bethesda store today to pre-order or fully pay off!: store.bethsoft.com.

Wolfenstein: The New Order, the first-person action-adventure shooter under development at MachineGames, is slated for release in North America, Europe and Australia on May 20th on the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. As an added bonus, everyone pre-ordering the game will be invited to access the DOOM beta with their copy of Wolfenstein. For more information on the DOOM beta access pre-order bonus, as well as applicable terms and restrictions, please visit:www.wolfenstein.com/doom.

Wolfenstein: The New Order has been rated M for Mature by the ESRB. For more information on the game visit:www.wolfenstein.com.

Opinion: Has The Console Wars Ended?

Opinion: Has The Console Wars Ended?

Originally Published and Copyrighted by Blast Away the Game Review on 3/23/2014

Written by Dustin Murphy

As a long time fan of gaming, I've always wondered how games would changed, and as I was growing up I witnessed this wonderment. Over the years I have seen games change from 8-bit sprites to 1.6 billion Polygons possible on the PlayStation 4 as well as PC. This is a feat in ages I had never thought possible, even when the Sega DreamCast had launched and my mind was openly blown. However, I want to rewind a bit before we ultimately go into a debate I'm sure will flare a few sparks as you the readers will ultimately put your voice in on.

In 1986 is where it started for me. I was one and my dad had been playing Donkey Kong, Jr. With it he openly put a joystick in my hand, and from there my gaming adventure began. By the time I was five, I was already mastering The Legends of Zelda, Dynowarz, Metal Gear, Ninja Gaiden, G.I. Joes, Kid Icarus, and a library galore. Within a few years we saw the first commercials for the Sega Genesis release, and even more beautiful graphics release in order to compete with the NES, but not shortly after the powerful 16-bit graphics on the Genesis launched, so did the SNES. It was there that the console wars had begun. Sega and Nintendo had officially started to battle it out. Both trading blows, lead Sony to start developing their first console in silence. With the two battling it out, Sega and Nintendo both launched multiple consoles and encouraged first and some third party support. The exclusives burnt wild and gamers began to hunger for more. Shortly after the launch of the Sega Dreamcast, Sony entered the field, and dealt a powerful blow with the PSOne. Sweeping the world by storm, Sony began to dominate after a lawsuit that pushed Sega into the background and ended their hardware development. With them out of the picture Sony and Nintendo took the place of a former battle that had been started by Atari and Nintendo.

As I grew up the loyalists for Sega, Nintendo, and PlayStation never blew over. All three companies were delivering major advances in gaming technology. With more sprites, animations, and even colors, games began to take a turn to becoming what we know them at as of now, but lets take a bit of a flash back for a moment. Do any of you remember how beautiful the DreamCast was? Innovative it was? Sega truly helped open a flood gate with the console, especially with online features for the console. Many of us entered the world of console based online gaming thanks to games like Tony Hawk on the DreamCast, Phantasy Star Online on the GameCube and DreamCast. It was an age of evolution as our consoles began to do what our computers had only previously done. Lets not forget Sega's take on mobile gaming with their Nintendo competitor the Sega GameGear in order to hash it out with the GameBoy only later to evolve in the Sega VMU, which was the memory unit for the DreamCast. All these little ticks between the two is what revolutionized gaming. Only to current day come forth once more as an image. The Six Axis controller for the PlayStation 3.

To many gamers, this was new, motion sense was not a gaming thing to do. It was unique, questionable, and even possibly a detriment to gaming. However we saw something splendid come out of it - interactive games and movies. With games such as Lair, Killzone 2, Killzone 3, Ratchet and Clank, Uncharted, and many others to come; motion gaming took the world by storm with small features hidden inside of each title. Later on Microsoft followed suit of what Nintendo and Sony were doing. With the Wii being the focal point of motion gaming, Sony and Microsoft joined them completely. Sony with the Motion Controller and Microsoft with the Kinect. Sony of course had already started doing this back on the days of the PlayStation 2's eye toy thanks to the Eye of Judgement card game.

Over the years Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft have been pushing for innovation, better graphics, motion gaming, and of course interactivity. We've seen Sony use motion gaming through the Dual Shock evolution as well as PlayStation Eye Camera, Nintendo with both the Wii Motion Plus, and Microsoft with Kinect. These things have added new depths to our games that have never been seen before. These capabilities have also made it so that gamers who can’t use controllers or prefer not to can get more immersive in their titles, but can this be dangerous?

With the technology that pushes gaming we are seeing multiple forms of gaming come to interactivity such as the Nintendo 3DS’ touch pad, the Microsoft Kinect as well as PlayStation Camera both allowing PlayStation and XBox users alike merge into a form of storytelling and narrative acted out with their words or motions based on body movement with their hands and or entire body. This type of immersion is what has honestly retriggered the console war. It’s no longer just about graphics, processing power, download times, services, exclusive, and studios - instead it’s about who can make the immersive console possible. Even Nintendo has taken a stab at it with the Wii U, which is by far one of the nicest consoles I’ve played. Sure the PS4 is beautiful, has great games that I’m hooked on as does the XBox One, but the Wii U has offered something a bit more unique. The GamePad, MiiVerse, and of course community play on most games that is still free. Let alone their virtual console that allows gamers to purchase some of their all time favorite titles from their NES, Genesis, GameBoy, and even SNES days. Hopefully before too long N64 and GameCube days! This type of immersion is what will fuel and drive the very alive console war that has been boiling since the dawn of video games.

Though in return we have seen Microsoft do something similar with Smart Glass and Sony return the punch with their PlayStation App and of course the Second Screen App for video games that are appearing on the PS4. This could offer some struggle for Nintendo as the other two competitors attempt to do what Nintendo has already done. To me however, the console war has begun to dwindle off. Why you might ask. Let me explain below.

Lets rewind to the days of the SNES, GameBoy, Sega, Sega Saturn, Sega CD, N64, PSOne, PS2, GameCube, XBox Original, and of course the Wii. These consoles all offered something unique - exclusives that went on and never saw light of day on other consoles except for the descendants of the previous. Nowadays we don’t see that much of this. Sony and Nintendo however have remained throwing the gauntlets on the ground using third party developers and some in-house developers in order to do this. Microsoft on the other hand after their previous franchises Halo, Gears of War, and Forza, has slowly been losing steam. Sure with games on the horizon such as Quantum Break, Loco Cycle, Halo 5, and a few other games does not have much to offer that would truly reel in players. With the XBox One slowly filling households as the lack of PlayStation 4’s to the public has proven to be a problem, which could fuel a surge in first party games from Microsoft Studios. Though the question comes out to this - will they be able to offer the uniqueness in games that companies such as Nintendo and Sony have to offered? The chances are unlikely thanks to Nintendo and Sony having great third party support with exclusives. To me the console war is raging, but is slowly dying due to cross-platform launches. It may not be too long before we see the console war truly die out if something doesn’t happen and quick.

Readers, this is where you come in. Even with this being a bit of a rant, I’ve written it to fuel a few things in your head. Is the console war dead to you? Does it matter? Should it matter? Do you think the biasing a fandom over one console versus another is a waste of time? Let us know in the comments. We would love to see how you voice your opinion. As always, keep it reader friendly for readers of all ages, and we hope you all have a healthy debate with no flaming involved.

Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes Review!

Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes - Sneaking into Next Gen!

Originally Published and Copyrighted by Blast Away the Game Review on 3/19/2014

Review by Dustin Murphy

Note: PS4 was console of use for the review

Pros:

-Graphics that will set the par and expectations for many gamer's on next generation consoles.
-Controls on the PS4 were smooth, easy to use, and optimized use of the DS4 itself as a whole.
-Missions are fun, easy to do at times, and provide a unique challenge and approach to each.
-Keifer Sutherland's voice is on-par with David Hayter and gives fans a great experience in doing so.
-High resolution texture files and detail count provide a movie like cinematic experience that will make players hunger for MGS V: The Phantom Pain.

Cons:

-Metal Gear V: Ground Zeroes is short, very short, but on the upside provides plenty of side missions and difficulties to complete. Don't forget this.
-XOF badges are hard as heck to find and can only be done so in the main campaign of Ground Zeroes.
-Audio dialog is at times hard to hear due to the sound effects cutting over them.

Final Score: 8.5 out of 10.

Final Thoughts: Even though Ground Zeroes was short, I am in shock, amazement, and find myself GLUED to the game even after having beat it a multitude of times. The Dejavu Mission is something definitely for the nostalgia and WILL not disappoint even the hardest of die hard fans. MGS V: Ground Zeroes is one of those titles that honestly set the par graphically, audio wise, and even story wise for the next generation.

 'Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes' is one of those titles I'll have to admit was disappointing at first when the reports of a two hour campaign arose, and so my hopes seemed dashed. After having picked up the game, paid the 29.99 USD, and installed the 3.9GB's of game, I can easily and quickly say, what I experienced, was worth it.

 Upon entering the new world of 'Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes' I was quite amazed by the introductory that explained the prior events that occurred in 'Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker" from the days of the Sony PlayStation Portable and later PlayStation 3 and XBox 360 thanks to the HD and Legacy Edition of 'Metal Gear Solid'. After having been given that fresh breath of air back into a game series that needed a new set of controls, voices, and even a hefty load of moving on from an old system, 'Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes' did not disappoint in this either. After having watched the introductory to the game (roughly 10-15 minutes of footage), players are dropped off on a mysterious military base where Snake has tracked former team member to the Militaires Sans Frontières - Chico. On the mission to save Chico we find that not everything is what we think. Listening to the codecs (openly handed to you for Paz, Chico's must be found), we find that Paz is not who we suspected or thought at all. Instead she's entirely something else. We are also introduced to Skull Face, the hideous monstrosity of an enemy that we've seen many times in the Ground Zeroes and Phantom Pain trailers. After all these clips it was time to take a peak into the new mechanics that Hideo Kojima and his amazing team did to push next generation consoles such as the PS4 - our console of preference for this review. (XBox One version will be reviewed in the future, but at this time we are limited to PS4)

 In doing this, Hideo Kojima and his team at Fox Hound Studios introduce us to a new sense of tactical espionage. Instead of having that annoying stamina and health bar, players are greeted with a new thing many games have done - screen reddening, but this one is like film burning apart from a projector. What was interesting about this is - you still die and fast. After going into combat it was time to figure out what buttons do what. Pressing up on the D-Pad pulled up a weapons menu, allowing me to choose a tool of my choice to either knock out enemies, kill them, or completely avoid them through distractions and deception. For me? It was simple - stealth. With a few guard notifications, knockouts, and of course interrogations through an amazingly upgraded CQC system that allowed Big Boss to stun enemies, get info such as enemy locations and ammo drops, or simply call for other guards to distract them while I slipped away. Thanks to this new system, I was able to enjoy a change of pace that was not there before in previous titles. Thanks to the new layout of controls, I pushed 'X', I was able to get Big Boss to crouch in shrubs, behind boulders, and of course hang off cliffs if I was in the right spot. After holding it I was able to see Big Boss hit the ground, and go into prone, which allowed for a better point of view to hide from. Luckily, this also means the new cover mechanics kicked in. Hugging instantly to walls and going out of lines of sight, Big Boss was easily able to tranquilize enemies or slip away into the rain shrouded walk ways. While doing so I was able to blow out bulbs in order to further make it difficulty for guards to find me or simply create a distraction to mess with their non-linear patrol walks.

 The most interesting thing to this entire title was one change I'd been waiting to see and will point out - voice actors. Thankfully we see the original cast return for Master Miller, Chico, Paz, and of course a few other familiar characters. We also get to hear the newly voiced Big Boss, famed actor, Keifer Sutherland (24, Lost Boys, Flatliners). Thankfully his take on Big Boss actually gave me hope to see him take the reigns as Big Boss. With this change we see a more emotional and responsive Big Boss that makes the character truly believable, and with this, we can easily applaud the actor who made Jack Bauer in 24 a lifelike character. With this, he brings the same triple a performance to 'Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes'. With this we are easily excited to see him take his place as this character while awaiting to see if David Hayter will once more return as Solid Snake in 'Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain' or if we have to wait till MGS VI.

 After having taken in the games main campaign and cinematic experience, it was time to move onto the side missions. I was able to do all of them on normal and hard, with a completion sitting around 6 hours total in order to gain a few of the trophies that have proven difficult to even obtain. One of them is a stealth mission that will lead players to take out multiple targets and remain undetected so the others do not run. Another is to rescue a high value target that has been captured and to return this person back to the team. This will give any player who enjoys this mission while be highly amused and enjoy it. Others range from finding hidden intelligence as well as a mission only known as the famed - Deja Vu mission.

 With these missions I was finding myself amused in order to get an S-Rank in order to provide I was good or just simply setting new records with head shot's, sending enemies flying, and of course randomly running enemies over with the vehicles found within the base. After doing these I had to sit back, go through all the side content, and listen to the codecs. Doing this allowed for me to find out more of the story that is very quickly leading up to 'Metal Gear Solid V: Phantom Pain' and absolutely will leave us hungering for more till the rumored release window of Spring 2015 for the next installment.

 With this review the hardest thing to point is, there was so many changes to the games mechanics that players themselves would have to experience and develop a hate or love relationship with it only to decide whether or not they truly enjoy this title.

Graphics: This title has set a par that I have never seen before. Sitting at 1080p with 60 fps, I was amazed with the high resolution textures, lighting features, and of course the attention to detail when it came to every aspect of this, I couldn't find one frame rate hiccup, one aspect that looked muddied or wasted on.

Sound: Top-notch, in theater like, ear rattling, gun blasting, and amazingly realistic, this game provides an experience that should be in theaters. Even the score itself stands right there with my expectations as a long-time fan.

Controls: With all the changes the controls are easier to work with and access. With the even how the codec has been changed, binoculars having been reworked, I can honestly say that this game has some of the easiest controls I've ever used in a title. Even the touch pad itself has been finely tuned in order to provide this experience.

New Ninja Gaiden Z Screenshots Land!

New Ninja Gaiden Z Shows Amazingly Large Boss Fights!

Originally Published and Copyrighted by Blast Away the Game Review on 5/13/2014

Written by Dustin Murphy

Author's Note: For the Full Gallery go to Blast Away the Game Review's Facebook Page!

 It seems the closer and closer we get to Tuesday, the more and more excited we get for Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z as blood seems to openly flow from every weeping wound an enemy can endure. Well the new ones have done equally the same as we are introduced to a new mysterious, gigantic, and amazingly detailed boss. Stylized in a hand-drawn animation, Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z sets up a new look we hope that future titles may endure if Yaiba sticks around for the long run.

 You the gamer's will take control of this new hero as we are set out to embark on his journey starting March 18, 2014 when YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z launches on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft followed by the Steam® (PC) release on March 21, 2014. It will release for 59.99 USD on consoles and a limited time price of 49.99 USD on Steam® (PC).

Official Release Information:

Team NINJA today released new images which offer a glimpse into a bizarre battle with a massive boss in YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z. As Yaiba faces off against seemingly countless forms of the mysterious boss, he will have to engage every skill he has learned on his journey. With meteorites crashing around him, before he knows it, he’ll be not only fighting in space, but in a temple reminiscent of an ancient America civilization. What does all of this mean? Players will find out starting March 18, 2014 when YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z launches on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft followed by the Steam® (PC) release on March 21, 2014.

In YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z, players will battle fierce zombies as Yaiba, a cyborg ninja who will do anything to get revenge and stay alive. Cleaved in two, he is brought back to life with cyber-technology. Brandishing his ninja sword and the mecha weapons in his cyber arm, he slaughters zombies with brutal, over-the-top abandon. Step into a stylized living comic book where stunning graphics depict a world gone mad. Hordes of undead can only be stopped by Yaiba’s willingness to use any means necessary to get the job done. Will he kill by turning his cyber arm into a razor chainsaw for slicing up undead—or just rip off an opponent’s arms to use as zombie nunchucks? Both possibilities fill Yaiba’s heart with twisted laughter in this upcoming collaboration between famed developers Team NINJA and comcept’s Keiji Inafune.

More information about YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z can be found at www.YaibaNGZ.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/YaibaNinjaGaidenZ and Twitter https://twitter.com/YaibaNGZ.
                   
For more news about Team NINJA, visit http://teamninja-studio.com, and don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/teamninjastudio and follow us on Twitter @TeamNINJAStudio.

Warframe Update 12 on PS4 Review

Warframe PS4 Review (Update 12 Version)

Originally Published and Copyrighted by Blast Away the Game Review on 3/9/2014

Reviewed by Dustin Murphy

Authors Note: Before reading, please note, this review is regarding patch 12 and its content, not the game as an overall.

Pros:

• Vauban's Tesla ability no longer crashes the game.
• Game's interface has been fixed so that it is less cluttered and allows the narrative from Lotus, bosses, Stalker, and Harvester to come in animated with less screen use.
• Health, Shields, XP, and party grid has been streamlined to the right side of the screen so that players can truly enjoy the game.
• Frame Rate has been smoothed out to ensure the game runs better, but still has hiccups.
• A few new weapons and skins have been added, which has definitely given the game a more broad feel.
• Zephyr, the new Warframe encourages clans to become active, which is a very nice change.
• Frost Prime's avalanche has been changed from a cast time to a duration period, which is very welcome. Gives a definite feel for means of survival
• PORTS! Yes we can now choose ports in order to get an open NAT, but this requires an app restart. Take time to find out WHAT ports work for you.
• Fans of Domination will enjoy the new Earth - Forest tile set on Interception missions.
• People wanting hunted by Stalker/Harvester are now notified rather than getting a screen blur like before.
• Mods that have more than one mod that's not leveled are now stacked, making it easier to sell, fuse or transmute mods.

Cons:

• VSync has seemingly been disabled, which causes screen tearing, not a good thing. The option to enable or disable would be nice.
• Unfortunately the frame rate is still a problem. Hopefully this gets hammered out as the PS4 gets updates as well as the game itself. 
• Vacuum on carrier? It's broken. By broken it won't suck up items that YOU have caused to drop, only team mates.
• Vauban's Tesla Coils are leaving an AWESOME lightning show on screen since they don't disappear when duration or having been replaced happens.
• Zephyr's tornado causes an item mayhem for those who do not use Carrier as their sentinel. 
• Stalker... Dies like a chump? What?
• Grineer models for some enemies have black textures where their face should be. This has been seen in the Tower missions.

Final Verdict: 7.75 out of 10

Final Thoughts: Even with all the main-streaming to the UI and the reduction in clutter, there is still noticable frame rate lag that leaves players at times in the 60fps range in 1080p to sometimes single digits, but for those who are veterans, it's tolerable. We still hope to seriously see this hammered out in later versions. Overall with screen tearing, etc, aside. Warframe has improved for the better and is truly becoming a masterpiece I can gladly say is the dungeon crawler of third person shooters. Keep up the hard work Digital Extreme's. We definitely look forward to more difficult enemies, new planets, new bosses, and even new void mission types.

Warframe is a game I have come to love just like my days as a kid sitting in front of my dad's old Windows 98 Gateway Desktop in order to play Diablo II when it came out. It was there I spent hundreds of hours awake playing it in order to make my characters better, sit on the leader boards, and make a grind house of blood and viscera. Digital Extreme's has taken a less visceral turn with Warframe as we've mentioned in previous reviews. Instead we see a grim future where Earth has become inhabitable, Warframes keep balance, and little is known about what is left of the human existence. With little story aside from codex's players can assume there is a huge universe surrounding Warframe and room for story to grow, but that's not what we're here to target today. Instead we are targeting how Warframe has grown to improve in this new patch. Warframe went from a game that was only promoted through free-to-play, word-of-mouth, and eventually grew bigger with Sony's PlayStation 4 promotion of "Ninja's Play Free", which they do.

In Update 12 for PS4, we've seen a lot of changes, some for the worst, and some for the best. As you are able to note in my pro's and cons of Update 12, there were a few things myself, my team, and even co-writers have experienced. This is something that has become a blessing in disguise as Warframe seems to be improving in stability, content, and community feedback. In Update 12 we saw a few new things come in. The biggest is Zephyr, the new Warframe who can be built in the Dojo (Clan Key and via the Tenno Research Lab. Helping your clan do this? Is highly recommended as she takes roughly 2,000 or more Oxium in order to start getting the blue-print for. The rest of the parts? Pretty easy to get with clan assistance.

The most noticeably part of the patch is Zephyr. She is a Warframe that is unique due to her abilities to control wind. With her first ability, Tailwind, she is able to quickly maneuver up into the air, or if moving forward, quickly flow into combat. Once to her location, players can chain her ability dive-bomb in order to do large amounts of damage over a decent area of exposure. Beforehand, players can also use her ability Turbulence to mitigate damage from projectiles for a short time. In turn, this gives her a direct feed and control of the battlefield for a short period. Her most powerful ability is unique, Tornado. This is where a few of us are expecting players will be able to start fusing abilities with other Warframes in the future. Her ability Tornado is unqiue in the means that it can be altered by elemental damage from weapons, charged attack melee, and of course abilities (it may have been a bug, but we have had Saryn's miasma effect a tornado). With her ability Tornado, players have a huge destructive force before them that gives them direct control over the battlefield. Overall she is a unique Warframe, that many will say is a glass cannon, but one if used right, can easily win over the battlefield.

Interception is the other biggest change for us to note aside from the UI (which we will cover). Interception replaced Mobile Defense missions on Earth. By doing so they have also introduced an old mod that has once more returned; Natural Talent. It is only available via this mission type on Earth. With the debut of this mission type, players will encounter what most will recognize as domination. A team of four is highly recommended as the enemy does seem to adapt to the situation and spawn rapidly throughout the map. After teams have reached 100% capture ratio, they will then go on an extermination in order to rid the field of enemies. It is highly recommended to leave the last man alive in order to collect all crafting materials, mods, ammo, credits, and energy drops for the team. This will help in later waves where it does get rough.

Now lets discuss the new UI and how it works. The changes are pleasing however. The old clunky health numbers, shield numbers, and even XP bar has been moved. Instead of how it was, now it is replaced with large blue and red numbers, blue shields and red health, but of course the XP bar is right under them. This is also a nice change, because now players can monitor the state their Sentinel is in. The other nice part? The group grid no longer covers half the screen when being used, instead it is listed right under your own using very little space if anything. The most indicative thing though is the change to the mini map. Extraction is now a green blip on the screen changed from the red indicator that was at hard times to decipher from being an objective or the exit. What is also nice is objectives are now white with yellow markings on the inside. A player bleeding out is now represented instead of a percent, by time. This is something that is very nice as players can now dash their way across the map if needed be knowing they are running out of time. Revival in process is now represented in a percentage versus that of time, which we are unsure of why.

The best part of this patch aside from those highlighted? The in-game mail from Stalker and Harvester notifying you that you are being hunted by them. Unfortunately their difficulty now is quite a joke. They can be easily killed compared to that of before. With just a few bullets out of a Soma or a few bolts from Dread, they will crumble apart and forfeit their loot, if they drop anything.

Overall, the patch has been a quite welcoming thing, but players will still be able to notice screen tearing in the graphics, frame rate issues, and of course small bugs here and there we are sure will be squashed in the upcoming weeks if we see a patch come soon. For those of you playing on Warframe on PC and PS4, what changes would you like to see? What kinds of weapons, Warframes, story elements? Let us know in the comments.

For the full notes, please follow this link: Warframe Forums - Update 12 Zephyr Rises Build & Notes

Bionic Fighters Starts Crowdfunding on Kickstarter Later This Month

Bionic Fighters Starts Crowdfunding on Kickstart Later This Month.

Originally Posted On and Published by Blast Away the Game Review on 3/5/2014

Source: Imagination Vent PR Team

Currently in development for: PlayStation 4, Steam, and OUYA, Bionic Fighters is a fast paced platform fighter with an emphasis on fluid and agile movement with inspired items thrown in. To win, players must defeat their opponents by knocking them from the stage. As players land direct hits, their opponents suffer greater and greater ‘knock back’ from each successive attack they suffer. The more damaged a player becomes; the more difficult it is to return to the stage successfully. The best players will be the ones that can instinctively utilize their characters specific traits, along with randomly dropped weapons onto the stage to their advantage.

Bionic Fighters is in development for both competitive and casual players alike. The controls will be easy to learn, but with more advanced techniques available. However, we are also including a "Bionic Smash" gauge to enable casual players to more easily compete against more experienced fighters. Players will have varied outcomes tied to the degree in which they succeed at executing the techniques. Bionic Fighters has an ambitious campaign that is coming directly to Kickstarter on March 31st, 2014! Keep an avid eye out for this party style fighting game, and prepare yourself for a memorable throw down that you won't readily forget.

Stay in touch with us at Imagination Vent's official Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Imagination-Vent-inc/499831726763427

Our Take:

Games like this have been slowly dying out due to the lack of them taking the risk as well as chance in joining the online gaming community as well as indie scene. It seems after having spoken with the team as well as their sheer will power, Imagination Vent is really looking to strive forth and have a solid faith in their project. We wish them the best of luck in making their goal and hope to see their title on our PCs and consoles before too long.

Follow Dustin Murphy on Twitter:https://twitter.com/GamingAnomaly and G+https://plus.google.com/u/0/+DustinMurphytheGamingAnomaly/

QuakeCon 2014 - First Round Orders Going Live Today!

QuakeCon 2014 First Round of Pre-Order Seating Begins!

Originally Published and Copyrighted by Blast Away the Game Review on 3/5/2014

Written by Dustin Murphy

Official Statement by Bethesda-Zenimax

When it comes to gaming events, we are always excited to hear about events such as E3, GDC, TGS, PAX East, and especially QuakeCon. With QuakeCon 2014 just around the corner, we are beyond excited to see the information emerge to inform us what is available

We’re pleased to announce that QuakeCon 2014 online pre-registration for the BYOC Select-a-Seat with QuakeCon done Quick package is set to open for attendees today, March 5th at 7pm CT/8pm ET at: registration.quakecon.org. The BYOC Select-a-Seat with QuakeCon done Quick package, which includes fast passes for the entire event, includes:

BYOC Select-a-Seat with QuakeCon done Quick
Includes Fast Passes for the Duration of the Event
$175 (Limit of 250 packages available)
· Select and Reserve a guaranteed seat of your choice in the BYOC area

· Express lane fast-pass registration for the BYOC

· Express lane fast-pass to every speaker, panel, and public event at QuakeCon

· Limited reserved access seating for all panels, presentations, and events

· Official QuakeCon 2014 BYOC T-Shirt

· Official QuakeCon 2014 Lanyard

· Special Limited Edition Signed and Numbered Print


Additional packages will become available for purchase in the coming weeks via the QuakeCon pre-registration site. Full descriptions for each of the limited packages, and the dates they will be available for purchase are below. (Please note: Press registration will open on March 12th.)

PREMIUM PACKAGES | DESCRIPTIONS & AVAILABILITY

Round 2 | Wednesday, March 19th at 7pm CT/8pm ET
BYOC Select-a-Seat + Swag Pack Presented by Logitech® G
Full of Limited Edition Items and Guaranteed Reserved Seating
$150 (Limit of 500 packages available)
· Select and Reserve a guaranteed seat of your choice in the BYOC area

· Official QuakeCon 2014 T-Shirt

· Official QuakeCon 2014 BYOC T-Shirt

· Official QuakeCon 2014 Lanyard

· TWO Special Limited Edition T-Shirts

· Poster and Exclusive Drawstring Backpack for The Evil WithinTM

· QuakeCon 2014 Branded Logitech G430 Surround Sound Gaming Headset

· The Elder Scrolls® Online Branded Mousepad

· 1-year ‘Pro’ Subscription to QUAKE LIVE®


Round 3 | Wednesday, April 2nd at 7pm CT/8pm ET
BYOC Select-a-Seat
Includes Guaranteed Reserved Seating
$50 (Limit of 1,250 packages available)

· Select and Reserve a guaranteed seat of your choice in the BYOC area

· Official QuakeCon 2014 BYOC T-Shirt

· Official QuakeCon 2014 Lanyard

Round 4 | Wednesday, April 16th at 7pm CT/8pm ET
Swag Pack Presented by Logitech® G
Full of Limited Edition Items
$120 (Limit of 500 packages available)

· Official QuakeCon 2014 T-Shirt

· TWO Special Limited Edition T-Shirts

· Poster and Exclusive Drawstring Backpack for The Evil WithinTM

· QuakeCon 2014 Branded Logitech G430 Surround Sound Gaming Headset

· The Elder Scrolls® Online Branded Mousepad

· 1-year ‘Pro’ Subscription to QUAKE LIVE®


While general attendance remains free, attendees wishing to participate in the QuakeCon 2014 BYOC, must pre-purchase one of the ‘BYOC Select-a-Seat’ packages through our online registration site to guarantee a seat. Once the packages sell out, we’ll be giving people the opportunity to win BYOC seats via social media giveaways, contests, and via our event partners leading up to the show. As all seats will be accounted for prior to the show, this year we won’t have seats available on-site or on a first-come-first serve basis. Be sure to keep an eye on our QuakeCon twitter account (twitter.com/QuakeCon) and QuakeCon Facebook page (www.facebook.com/quakecon) for all the details on how to win!

About QuakeCon
QuakeCon, the ultimate video game festival, will take place on-site at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, TX on Thursday, July 17 – Sunday, July 20. Doors to QuakeCon will open on Thursday, July 17th at 10:00am CT and will remain open through July 20th. For more information visit: www.quakecon.org.