VIDEO GAME NEWS: Hail to your Chief, Baby - Deep Silver

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Being Prez is hard work, but hey, someones got to do it.  Our friends at Deep Silver have let us know that they're releasing the Inauguration Station for Saints Row IV that will allow you to shape your future President in time before election day on August 20.

"Download the free Inauguration Station ahead of the release of Saints Row IV and create your very own, unique President now!

Enter the election campaign and promote your President in the community on saintsrow.com - the crazier, the better!

Presidents created in the Inauguration Station can be uploaded via the website and can then be transported to virtual Steelport in Saints Row IV to use as playable characters at the game’s launch.

Saints Row IV: Inauguration Station is available today on the Xbox Live® online entertainment network for the Xbox 360® games and entertainment system from Microsoft, as well as through Steam as a digital download for Windows® PC and from tomorrow on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system through PlayStation®Network for the rest of the world. The Inauguration Station will be available on PlayStation®Network in the Americas on August 13, 2013.

Tip: You can download your characters from Saints Row: The Third to update them for Saints Row IV.  Head over to www.saintsrow.com to browse an online gallery with thousands of shared community characters."

To do so please go here:

 

In addition to this:
From the people that brought you a 4ft Dildo Bat


To fanfare the launch of Saints Row IV in style, Deep Silver has been working until their ear drums bleed to create a full size replica of one of the most popular weapons within the game. The Dubstep Gun has been lovingly recreated by a dedicated team making what has to be one of the best replica videogame weapons ever made.

The replica is fully functional*, measures more than a meter in length and weighs 3½KG.  With four inputs, trigger activated play and pause and touch button control panel, the Dubstep Gun is designed to allow everything from the hardest hitting dubstep tracks to 80’s classics to be played loud and proud with a maximum of ease. The term ‘Ghetto Blaster’ has never been so apt! 

The technical features are:
•        Four inputs
o        Line in, SD card, 2 USB ports and radio connectivity
•        Pre-loaded SD card with authentic Saints Row IV dubstep tracks
•        Powerful rechargeable lithium ion battery providing an hour of use
•        Touch Button controls
•        Additional trigger activated play and pause function
•        Custom pearlescent finish
•        Multitude of jazzy lights
•        Black custom case finished in aluminum to keep the gun safe when not in use


Only three of these custom made, hand built beauties will be made, but Saints Row fans do not despair, stay tuned for details of how to own your own Dubstep Gun, and drop your enemies like a dirty bassline.

*the dubstep gun will not cause death or injury when used correctly, that’s just in the game, but it will make people dance.  Please dance responsibly.





Web:  http://www.saintsrow.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/saintsrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/saintsrow
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/saintsrow  

Hope this has got you all ready and remember, Hail to the Chief, Baby,



Gareth and Lady Eleanor

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Saints Row 4: Commander in Chief: Hail to the Chief Week and other Saints Row News - Deep Silver

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
In Honour of the President of Saint's Row, Deep Silver has declared that its Hail to the Chief Week.

Yesterday we released the Animal Protection Trailer, so today we move on to the next one:

Hail to the Chief #3: Weapons of Mass Abduction

In addition tothis our friends at Deep Silver have let us know this:

"Publisher Deep Silver revealed today that the upcoming, over-the-top, open-world action game Saints Row IV has gone gold and fans are now able to pre-order a season pass for the planned downloadable content (DLC) for EUR 9,99 / £ 7.99 at participating retailers.  The Season Pass for the much awaited Saints Row IV from developer Volition will include two brand-new mission packs and the Season Pass-exclusive “Rectifier” anal probe weapon, which will help you, the President of the United States, get the ‘inside’ information from your enemies as you save Earth from a dangerous alien infestation.
 
Included in the Season Pass is the Director’s Cut of the previously announced “Enter the Dominatrix” DLC,  a tongue-in-cheek vision of what this content was originally going to be like, along with a second mission pack coming in late 2013.
 
Season Passes will be available for purchase on all platforms and include  upcoming add-on content worth more than EUR 15 / £ 12. Saints Row IV launches on current-gen consoles and PC on August 20^th in North America and August 23^rd in the rest of the world.  "




We wish you all the best with this,  


Gareth and Lady Elenaor

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Saints Row IV: Hail to the Chief Week - Deep Silver

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
In Honour of the President of Saint's Row, Deep Silver has declared that its Hail to the Chief Week.

As such there's going to be a set of trailers released.  Here is the first one, so sit back and prepare for our feature presentation:

Hail to the Chief #2: Animal Protection

And in case you missed this one Hail to the Chief #1: Saints Force One

We wish you all the best with this,



Garethe and Lady Elenaor

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Saint's Row 4: Independence Day Speech - Deep Silver

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Four Score and Several years ago, this great nation under god, came into being, so on this day, when America celebrates its independence, we thought that, in conjuction with our friends at Deep Silver and Koch Media, that we'd bring you something a little different.

Something thats definitely a little more kickass.  So without further ado we give you Saint's Row IV: Independence Day Speech (as voiced by the talented Keith David.)

 
We can't wait to rock, sock and machinate the Xeno Scum.  




Gareth and Lady Eleanor

VIDEO GAME NEWS: E3 Trailer for Saints Row 4 - Deep Silver

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Our Spy working undercover for the Prez of the United States has managed to sneak footage out to us that is destined for E3 showing the trailer for the Latest Saints Row title released later this year.

Not only does it look slick, but the Saints are taking the streets back like never before leaving the player in no doubt as to who will be triumph against the Alien oppressors.

So sit back, prepare for something special and enjoy this feature:

We can't wait to rock, sock and machinate the Xeno Scum.



Gareth and Lady Eleanor

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Koch Media Extravaganza: Metro: Last Light, Saints Row IV: Collectors Edition, Ride to Hell: Retribution - Koch Distribution

Hail Mighty Readers,
Our friends at Deep Silver and Koch Media have been very busy recently and this mega game update is all thanks to them.  
So without further ado please enjoy everything they have to offer:
 
4A Games, development studio and creator of Metro: Last Light, today released an extraordinary asset for the game. 

The Mobius was created by Alexander Bereznyak, aka Monakh, who was originally employed by 4A as a capture artist. Soon it turned out that his talent was needed in the production team and he took over the role as lead technical artist. But over a couple of months, he continued to work alone on this trailer. 

Saints Row IV fans learned the power of democracy today as Deep Silver announced the details of its highly anticipated fan sourced Saints Row IV Collector’s Edition: the Super Dangerous Wub Wub Edition. The Super Dangerous Wub Wub Edition is now available for preorder at all UK gaming retailers in limited quantities at a recommended retail price of £89.99.

Included in the Super Dangerous Wub Wub edition is a 12 inch Dub Step gun replica capable of rendering your enemies absolutely speechless with the power of wub. The ultra-high quality weapon replica packs a party with a bitchin’ design, sweet tunes directly from the in-game Dubstep Gun and a laser sight. Make no mistake, it’s time to get down.

Additionally the Super Dangerous Wub Wub Edition comes with an awe-inspiring 8 inch Johnny Gat Memorial Statue for all Saints to be able to pay tribute to the greatest Saint while kicking ass in the name of Liberty. Future generations will gaze upon Johnny’s grandeur while learning the history of his glorious murdering sprees with the Third Street Saints.

And because no president is ever without “the button”, the Super Dangerous Wub Wub edition comes with a pocket-size Dubstep Doomsday Button so fans can drop bombs on the go.
Fans purchasing the collector’s edition will also receive all in-game items from the Commander in Chief pre-order bonus, which include a Screaming Eagle VTOL that fires rockets out of its talons and can invoke the “Sonic Scream” attack, a limited edition American iconic ‘Uncle Sam’ uniform decked out in the American flag colours and a stimulus package of epic proportions – the ‘Merica gun – everyone’s American dream weapon.

The Super Dangerous Wub Wub Edition of Saints Row IV is now available for preorder and will only be available as long as supplies last.

Saints Row IV launches in the UK on August 23rd



Finally we're onto a future game of immense murderous rampagous fun.  The forthcoming Ride to Hell Retribution.
 
The opportunities are almost endless: In Deep Silver’s upcoming action game Ride to Hell: Retribution, players can create their own personal motorcycle from a large variety of different parts within the game. From the engine to the handle bars, almost every part of the bike can be adapted to their taste – and make it the hottest ride ever! Ride to Hell: Retribution takes players on a trip into a world dominated by motorcycle gangs and violence, where a man’s mettle is proven through the roar of his engines and the weight of his fist. The game will be available from June 2013 across North America and Europe for the Xbox 360® games and entertainment system from Microsoft, Windows® PC and PlayStation 3.

Ride to Hell: Retribution tells the story of a lone rider, Jake Conway, a man with either a gun in his hand or a girl on his lap (and on more than one occasion both!). He’s on a merciless path of revenge against a brutal biker gang called The Devil’s Hand, armed to the teeth with an arsenal of deadly weapons to enact his vengeance on foot and on bike. The only law Jake answers to is his own. Hit hard, ride fast and leave 'em in the dust. Ride to Hell : Retribution is developed by Eutechnyx.

For more information about the Ride to Hell universe, please visit www.ridetohell.com.

VIDEO GAME REVIEW: Metro: Last Light - Deep Silver

Release Date: 17/05/13
Publisher:  Deep Silver

SYNOPSIS:

It is the year 2034.

Beneath the ruins of post-apocalyptic Moscow, in the tunnels of the Metro, the remnants of mankind are besieged by deadly threats from outside – and within.

Mutants stalk the catacombs beneath the desolate surface, and hunt amidst the poisoned skies above.

But rather than stand united, the station-cities of the Metro are locked in a struggle for the ultimate power, a doomsday device from the military vaults of D6. A civil war is stirring that could wipe humanity from the face of the earth forever.

As Artyom, burdened by guilt but driven by hope, you hold the key to our survival – the last light in our darkest hour…

Key Features:

A gripping, story-driven first person shooter, Metro: Last Light is the hugely anticipated sequel to 2010’s critically acclaimed classic Metro 2033.
Experience thrilling combat with an exotic arsenal of hand-made weaponry against deadly foes – both human and mutant – and use stealth to launch attacks under the cover of darkness.
Explore the post-apocalyptic world of the Moscow Metro, one of the most immersive, atmospheric game worlds ever created.
Fight for every bullet and every last breath in a claustrophobic blend of survival horror and FPS gameplay.
Next generation technology boasting stunning lighting and physics sets a new graphical benchmark on both console and PC.



REVIEW:

I love a dark apocalyptic future and after Gareth had filled me in about the novel by Dmitry I couldn’t wait to get my hands this game. After all when you have dark, dingy, claustrophic tunnels, and open air environments that leave you feeling vulnerable, then it’s a game that brings the atmosphere to the max for the gamer.

Add to this a rarity of ammo that will leave you carefully choosing the weaponry that suits your gameplay style to maximise its usage alongside making sure you have enough air filters to survive the toxic areas and all round it’s a game that will haunt you long after you switch off the console. (To make the most of this I played it late at night in the dark whilst wrapped in my duvet.)

The graphics are solid, the sound effects have the player keenly listening to the background for early warning signs of impending attack and when added to vocal talent that really takes you deep into the game all round made this a cracking experience for me as a player.

Throw into this a twisted double dealing plot, the chance for the player to put something right that the protagonist did wrong in the past alongside never truly knowing who you’re allies are all round made this a great experience for me as a gamer. I’ll definitely play through again soon just as soon as my dreams return to normal. Great stuff.

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Dead Island Riptide: They Thought Wrong Trailer - Deep Silver

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Our friends at Deep Silver, have let us have a sneaky peak at the latest trailer for this forthcoming game, and if you thought things got bad in Dead Island, then think again as the gang reunite with a new member added to thier ranks.

 

So for your viewing pleasure the latest trailer:

 
Join us on release date as Lady Eleanor slaughters her way around the inhabitants.  



Gareth and Lady Eleanor

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Deep Silver let us know about Two Great Games - Deep Silver

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,

We've got two cracking updates from our Friends at Deep Silver today the first features the undead title Dead Island: Riptide with the second being the cracking futuristic Apocalyptic Metro: Last Light.  Here's what they've had to say:
 
"Deep Silver today revealed more details about the upcoming DLC packs for players pre-ordering Dead Island Riptide, the next installment of the Dead Island franchise.
Pre-order DLC #1: The Survivor Pack
· A BBQ Blade! This special pre-order pack contains an exclusive weapon only available here! How better to dispose of the wretched zombies than with a sharp blade? Add in some workbench-modifying and hook it up to a few fuel tanks to bring some heat to a zombie’s heart! The so-called “BBQ Blade” lets you wade through zombie hordes with ease!
· An XP/stats booster! Want that extra edge to level up faster than your peers? Here’s your chance!
· A special shop! The Survivor Pack will grant you access to a shop offering a special discount on weapons and items! Happy shopping!
The Survivor Pack DLC will be made available to everyone who pre-orders the game before its release in regions where it is available.

Pre-order DLC #2: Fashion Victim
Tired of seeing your character go around wearing the same clothes all the time? The “Fashion Victim” pre-order DLC includes a set of new skins for all the player characters (Logan, Purna, Sam B., Xian Mei, and “the new guy” John Morgan) in co-op mode.

In the UK, the Fashion Victim DLC will only be available through preorders from GAME Ltd

Content will be redeemable via download on Xbox LIVE® for versions of the game on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows® PC and via the PlayStation®Store

These DLC packs will also be available to buy individually with the release of Dead Island Riptide. The Survivor pack will be available for 400 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360 or for £3.99 on PlayStation Network and Steam. Become a Fashion Victim for 160 Microsoft Points or for £1.49."

Dead Island Riptide will be released on April 23, 2013 in the USA and Canada and on April 26, 2013 in European countries for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, for the Xbox 360® and for Windows® PC.

For more information, visit one of the following official Dead Island sites:
Official Website: www.deadisland.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/deadislandgame
Youtube: www.youtube.com/deadislandgame
Twitter: twitter.com/deadislandgame

"Deep Silver today announced the release date for Metro: Last Light. The first person shooter and highly anticipated sequel to the extraordinary Metro 2033 will be available from May 14, 2013 within Northern and Latin America and May 17, 2013 across Europe for PlayStation®3, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Windows PC.

“The new release date is the ideal way to strike the balance between bringing the best out of Metro: Last Light and not keep the fans waiting longer than necessary.” , said Dr. Klemens Kundratitz, CEO of Koch Media. “We won’t leave that time unexploited and will work closely together with 4A Games to make the game even better. It will receive all the attention it deserves.”

"Since it has been made public that we took over the Metro franchise, the fans keep asking for a release date. Now we can finally announce when they will be able to get their hands on the game! We would like to thank all of the Metro fans for their patience. And we can assure them that we have a lot more coming their way with the franchise.”, said Menno van der Bil, International Commercial Director, Deep Silver.

In the year 2034, a nuclear war has turned the world into a post-apocalyptic wasteland. In Moscow, the tunnels of the Metro have become a new home for the former inhabitants of the city. Within the catacombs, they fight for their survival, fending off hordes of hideous mutants born from the toxic atmosphere, as well as other factions desperate to take control of what little hospitable land remains. As they fight, they also search for a doomsday device that could be the key to their victory. A civil war is inevitable. During these dark hours, the players will embody Artyom, and become the last light for all of mankind.

The plot of Metro: Last Light was written by Dmitry Glukhovsky, acclaimed author of the novel Metro 2033 which inspired the creation of both video games. Also, Glukhovsky is responsible for all dialogues in Metro: Last Light. Glukhovskys novels Metro 2033 and Metro 2034 have sold more than 2.000.000 copies worldwide. In 2013, his latest book Metro 2035 will be also available outside of Russia.

For more information about Metro: Last Light, please visit  www.enterthemetro.com."

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Zombie Wedding Extension Date from Deep Silver

 

Hail Guy's and Ghouls,
We know that you're feeling the love in your undead hands out there today (mainly because of that heart you've just ripped out of the nearest blood bag), but we wanted to let you know that our friends at Deep Silver have extended their Zombie Wedding Dead-line for a little while longer.

Here's what they had to say:
"Deep Silver today announced that it is extending the closing date for applications for the Dead Island Riptide zombie wedding to 14 March 2013.

In return for becoming the official Dead Island Riptide zombie couple, Deep Silver will host a Dead Island Riptide-themed zombie wedding ceremony and send the winning undead couple on a luxury Caribbean honeymoon.

Deep Silver has been overwhelmed by the entries from engaged couples looking to be zombified for a Dead Island twist on a traditional beach wedding ceremony. Standout entries so far include Emma and Ivor who filmed a mini-zombie apocalypse:

a slideshow charting the long-distance undead relationship of Megan and Jason 
and an audition featuring some hilarious blood-swallowing outtakes from Harri and James 

Applicants are encouraged to post a message or record a short video message to YouTube explaining why they are the ideal undead candidates for the ceremony, and to share the link via the official Dead Island Riptide Zombie Wedding page on Facebook

For a guide on how to apply, Deep Silver has put together this YouTube video: 

A panel from Deep Silver will then review all applications and contact a shortlist of candidates to see if they have what it takes for the ultimate undead accolade. The new closing date for applications is 14th March 2013, with the winning couple being announced at the beginning of April.

For further information and full terms and conditions, go to the official Facebook page:

Gamers will be able to take on the zombie hordes once again when Dead Island Riptide is published by Deep Silver in UK on 26 April 2013 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and for Windows PC."

So just to recap, here's you chance for a zombie wedding, so if you were in the Caribbean and some devottee of Baron Samedi has ripped out your heart before the wedding, this should be a walk in the park for you to win.  

(Incidently if you somehow forgot that its Valentines Day, you can visit Dead Island Riptides Facebook page and send an E-Card, with a selection to choose from appearing throughout the day.)

Best of luck,



Gareth and Lady Eleanor

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Dead Island Riptide Zombie Killing Truck - Deep Silver, Koch Distribution

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Our friends at Deep Silver, have let us have a sneaky peak at their kickass Zombie Killing Truck (zombie not included).  

Built by Fabricators, Xquisite, the team has taken a completely standard Ford Ranger pickup truck and transformed it into a fully fortified zombie killing machine. Featuring fully armoured windows, rear mounted mini-gun, lethal spiked wheels and a menacing front end barricade.
      
“The truck is the perfect tool to help us push the Dead Island Riptide brand,” stated Nick Turner, Product Manager at Deep Silver. “Pickup trucks play a large role within the Dead Island series and we’ve brought this to life by building our own fortified truck.”

You can watch the trucks two part creation through this link:

Hopefully you're as excited as we are and we'll look forward to seeing you on the new island as Lady Eleanor slaughters her way around the inhabitants. Gareth and Lady Eleanor

VIDEO GAME REVIEW: Of Orcs and Men - Koch Media

Release Date: 25/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

In a brutal world at war, where the Empire of Men seeks to expand its domination and impose its beliefs, Goblins are systematically persecuted and slaughtered, while Orcs, if not killed in battle, are destined to be enslaved.

Play as Arkaïl, an elite Orc soldier of the legendary legion of Bloodjaws, a league of warriors devoted to victory in the war against Humankind. As a veteran group of warriors who have seen the most brutal of battles, the Bloodjaws are appointed to complete a mission that could change the course of the war: kill the one man responsible for all of the bloodshed, the one who has, for years, exhorted the human masses to loath and fight the green-skinned people... the Emperor himself.

Goblin, Styx will soon join you to aid you in your mission. He is everything Arkaïl is not. While Arkaïl focuses on power, due to his incredible strength, Styx benefits from darker powers and stealth abilities, making him the perfect assassin. From the filthy alleys at the foot of the Great Wall to the depths of the Empire of Men, your heroes will face the greatest dangers throughout their epic quest.


REVIEW:

Originally this title came onto my radar a while ago and since I’m a fan of the Greenskins I’ve always wanted a game told from their point of view in much the same way that it’s come over in books from authors like Stan Nicholls and Mary Gentle.

Which is exactly what this game brings to the table. Its set in an imaginative world with the Orc’s fighting a losing battle, hounded from their own lands by the Empire of Men who out of desperation launch one final assault financed by the Emperor’s enemies. Here you play as the Orc Warrior Arkhail and his sneaky goblin assassin guide Styx which brings all the elements of a well told story together with some twists blended together with solid combat sequences where you fight it out using a similar technique as was employed within Dragon Age and Koch’s own Game of Thrones where with each level you can pick new skills as well as being able to bump your stats.

At first you will find it a little disorientating as you figure out your fighting style choices alongside working out which armour and weaponry suits you better. But for me the key elements that really sell this is the character interaction alongside the storyline. It was great fun to play especially watching them develop however one of my major problems was the fact that Arkhail would go berserk and leave you unable to do anything until his rage burnt out. It did effect your choices and even the option to use burn some of the rage for hit points really didn’t effect it much as one swipe later it bumped up even higher than it was before you tried to use it and whilst all in, it was a whole load of fun my other major gripe was that I felt that the game was a little too short with me completing it in less than a weekend.

Don’t get me wrong, I had tons of fun handing out Greenskin justice but when you’re paying top whack for a game you expect it to last for quite some time.