Hail Mighty Readers and those of the Calloused Thumbs,Our friends at Deep Silver have let us know about the release date for the forthcoming Risen 2. Here is the information:"Risen 2: Dark Waters will be available on April 27, 2012 for Windows PC, on May 22, 2012 in the USA and Canada and on May 25, 2012 in European countries for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3.Risen 2: Dark Waters will be available via digital distribution for PC, and for both PC and consoles as a retail version, as well as a Collector’s Edition in certain territories."
Hail Mighty Readers and those of the Calloused hands,
Our friends at THQ have let us know that they've uploaded a development video for Darksiders 2 (out later this year) to whet you appetite. If like us you can't wait to play as Death and charge against the hordes against your fellow Horseman Brother, then this will hopefully go some way to act as a balm on your gamers soul.Have fun and remember to keep tuned to see further developments.Gareth
OK, this is another game that we're looking forward to as massive fans of the whole South Park Franchise. Whilst details are currently a little sketchy here's what is currently know:
“South Park: The Game” is an epic role-playing adventure that will allow the user to befriend Stan, Kyle, Cartman and Kenny and explore the quiet little mountain town like never before.“Our goal is simple: to put creative talent first,” said Danny Bilson, EVP Core Games, THQ. “Matt and Trey are arguably two of the most important comedic talents of their generation. Bringing their vision of South Park to the interactive space is a dream-come-true.”The finished game will be available for the following platforms:Xbox 360PS3PCMore as we find out.
Hail Mighty Readers, In another look forward on the game front we bring to you Darksiders 2, it runs timeline wise at the same period as the original and having looked at these two ads we think you'll agree that it looks like a top notch game thats built upon the success of the first.PromoDeath LivesThe story is as follows:Awakened by the End of Days, Death, the most feared of the legendary Four Horsemen, embarks upon a quest to restore mankind, and redeem his brother's name. Along the way, the Horseman discovers that there are far worse things than an earthly Apocalypse, and that an ancient grudge may threaten all of Creation . . . Can DEATH really become mankind's savior? The original Darksiders, released in January 2010, received critical acclaim including the Best Fantasy Game 2010 award from IGN. Darksiders followed the story of WAR, wrongly accused of starting the apocalypse, on a quest to reclaim lost honor and take revenge on those who wronged him.This game will be available on the following formats in the Summer of 2012:Xbox®360 Playstation®3 PCWii UTMTo keep up to date sign up on facebook: Darksiders
Hail Mighty Readers,Well its a new year, so we thought that we'd let you know about a game thats captured our imagination and one that we're looking forward to playing.Risen 2: Dark Waters Plotline:Many horrible years have passed since the Gods abandoned the world and the titans rose from the confines of their prisons. They devastated everything in their path with unstoppable force. However, there is a place on the southern tip of the Old Empire which still seems safe from the clutches of the Titans – the “Crystal Fortress” in Caldera. It is the headquarters of the Inquisition and a place of refuge for the people. It is repeatedly attacked by sea monsters, and supply ships are sunk en route. Nobody knows how long the walls will hold; food and weapons are gradually running out. The nameless hero, devastated by the developments on Faranga, now drowns his sorrows in rum in the harbour town Caldera. As the situation grows more and more dire due to the shortage of food, he sets out on a mission to put an end to the sea monsters once and for all. During his adventurous journey he not only faces new and immense challenges, he also meets old acquaintances who help him on his quest. This game has been created by Deep Silver and Piranha Bytes and will be available currently in February 2012.In addition to this you can see developer diaries here:Episode 1Episode 2Finally to whet your appetite you can watch the trailer here.
Hail Mighty Readers,
We wanted to give you a special treat, and for those who are looking forward to Skyrim, this is just for you. Our friends at Bethesda let us know about this special live action trailer.
Hope you enjoy,
Gareth and Lady Eleanor
Hail Mighty Readers, We're on the final climb to Christmas so aren't we supposed to be having a Fiesta? Well thanks to our friends at THQ, we've managed to get our hands on the game trailer to get you in the mood for the release on 2nd December and we're currently utilising the skills of a certain Cat Burglar of Santiago de Compostela in order to get some goodies from our friends at Random House.So prepare to learn the sword, prepare to learn evasion and prepare to fight for the people... but not before a glass of milk. Haha.
Hail Mighty Readers,
Our friends at Bethesda have let us have a couple of screenshots to help you get in the mood for Skyrim in less than a month. We're super excited about it here at Falcata Times Fortress with Lady Eleanor already with her pens, lamination paper, notepads and is currently doing Controller exercises to prepare for massive game sessions as she slaughters Orcs, Draughs, Dragons and anyone else who gets in her way.
Apparently the phone shall be banned and of course your's truly is already been booked for supply duty which also includes pints of coffee with chocky biscuits to keep her strength up. All additional supplies greatly received.
Now I'll have to get on with building my own shelter to protect me from her wrath although in all honesty, I don't give it great odds of surviving the first assault.
Fear for me, and if there's no personal message in just over a months time, remember that I went down cowering in the corner. LOL
All the best,
Gareth 
Hail Mighty Readers and Gamers,Our friends at Bethesda have let us know about some natty Xbox 360 Avatar wear that you'll just love, whether its the funky Skryim T-Shirt or the natty Skyrim Cap but personally we love the Nord Helm, so you can Barbarian up your character.These will be available on Xbox Live from the 13th October, so remember save those points, grab the bonuses from the games you already own, and start talking like a Barbarian for the 11 November. After all, its dragon slaying time.
Yes, our friends at THQ have made sure that they sent the swashbucking feline our way to help promote this brand new game coming from them in December in time for the film release. Here's what they had to say:This winter, gamers will discover just how much swordsmanship, charm and flair one cat can contain, in THQ’s (NASDAQ: THQI) Puss In Boots video game, scheduled for release just prior to the debut of the new animated comedy-adventure from DreamWorks Animation SKG, INC (NASDAQ: DWA).Available on Kinect™ for Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3 (Move-compatible), Wii™ and Nintendo DS™, the Puss In Boots video game takes players on a wild journey into the past of the legendary hero, long before he met Shrek.In this swashbuckling adventure, players must master the ways of the sword and tap into their sly feline capabilities to help Puss clear his name, repay the citizens of his hometown of San Ricardo, and even serenade a few señoritas along the way.“This title beautifully brings to life all the charm, action and humor inherent in the Puss In Boots origin story,” said Martin Good, Executive Vice President of PlayTHQ™, the company's division for kids, family and casual games. “The depth of this journey, the richness of the atmosphere and the level of interaction with environments make for very exciting gameplay.”With real-time swordplay woven throughout the Puss In Boots video game, players will swing, kick, block and unleash special attacks, like the adorable yet deadly “Claw Frenzy.” With practice, players will also master Puss’ stealthy ways as they climb, leap and sneak to avoid detection.On Kinect for Xbox 360, players can actually become Puss, stepping into his boots and utilizing full-body motions to fight off banditos – dodging attacks, engaging in fast-paced sword fights, strumming the guitar, and wiggling to escape enemies’ clutches.In the PlayStation Move-compatible version for PlayStation 3, players can choose between their trusty controllers or the Move remote, which allows them to engage in motion-based swashbuckling. Taking up the Move remote allows players to master the sword in a full-motion sword fighting experience.With Wii, adventurers use the Wii Remote™ to slash with Puss In Boots’ sword, the Nunchuk™ to dodge enemy attacks, and button combinations to perform special attacks that deliver devastating damage to foes.On Nintendo DS handheld systems the movie’s storyline continues with an all-new plot that finds Puss engaging in dynamic swordfights, flamenco style dance battles and dozens of other mini games for endless on-the-go fun.So remember, this December pray for Mercy from Puss in Boots as we're about to Fiesta...
Hail Mighty Gamers,We've heard from our spy network at THQ that today announced that the next title in its Homefront® franchise will be developed by multi-award winning FPS veterans Crytek."Selecting Crytek to take Homefront forward underscores our strategy of working with the industry's best talent," said Danny Bilson, EVP Core Games, THQ."Homefront's unique setting and storyline captivated gamers the world over. With Crytek's industry leading technology and legendary experience in the FPS genre, we're supremely confident that the next Homefront will deliver that AAA-quality experience that players demand.""We see Homefront as a really strong universe that has a lot of potential and that has been expertly created and marketed by THQ," said Cevat Yerli, Founder, CEO and President of Crytek. "We believe that bringing our level of quality, creativity and production values to the next Homefront title, creates an opportunity for both THQ and Crytek to deliver a truly blockbuster game. It's really important to us that THQ has the faith in giving us a lot of creative freedom over one of its most important properties to allow us to bring the Homefront world to life in a new and innovative way."The first Homefront title was released in March 2011, and proved to be a commercial success for THQ. The yet to be named sequel is scheduled for release in THQ's fiscal year 2014 on console and PC platforms.About Homefront:The year is 2027. The world as we know it is unraveling after fifteen years of economic meltdown and widespread global conflict over dwindling natural resources.A once proud America has fallen, her infrastructure shattered and military in disarray. Crippled by a devastating EMP strike the USA is powerless to resist the ever expanding occupation of a savage, nuclear armed Greater Korean Republic.Abandoned by her former allies, the United States is a bleak landscape of walled towns and abandoned suburbs. This is a police state where high school stadiums have become detention centers, and shopping malls shelter armored attack vehicles. A once-free people are now prisoners ... or collaborators ... or revolutionaries.Meanwhile, the splintered nations of Europe struggle to maintain peace at home, as the global economy continues its downward spiral, and civil order disintegrates. The world is teetering on the brink of ruin ...
Release Date: 09/09/11
SYNOPSIS:
Terror. Violence. Madness. Bedlam. A holiday paradise gone mad. A tropical island turns into total chaos after a mysterious zombie outbreak. Cut off from the rest of the world, the player’s only chance to survive is to fight to the death and find a way to escape from the island.
Dead Island combines first-person action with a heavy focus on melee combat, character development and customisation of a vast array of weapons. All of these gameplay features are presented in a dark story inspired by classic zombie movies with a gritty and engrossing campaign that can be played with up to four players in co-op mode.
Set in an open world tropical island, hordes of different festering zombies await players around every corner while they embark on a variety of thrilling missions through the holiday resort. With firearms and ammunition being scarce the player must rely on utilising found items as weapons for self-defence and fight off zombie hordes in intense melee combat. A diverse range of items can be collected and will later serve to transform the player’s ordinary makeshift weapons into serious instruments of destruction.
In addition to satisfying even the most bloodthirsty action fan’s fantasy, Dead Island also features role-playing elements which allow the player to develop one of the game’s unique character classes according to their preferences, all the while learning new skills and fresh tactics during their journey through the perilous environments of the island. What’s more, anytime during a game up to four players can seamlessly join together and experience the intense combat and immersive story with cooperative gameplay.
With the all-new Chrome Engine 5 powering Dead Island, the game will use the latest installment of Techland’s acclaimed proprietary game engine, allowing the player to experience the tropical island paradise in graphical splendour with diverse environments like lush forests and detailed city environments.
REVIEW:
Since the “family” advert to the game I’ve been more than interested in this title from Deep Silver. As such when the letter box slammed shut with an unearthly clatter, I knew that it had arrived. So, after ripping open the packaging like a zombie at an all you can eat brain buffet. I decided to have a swift training montage to get myself fully in the mood. So after a few Romero’s, a zombie story or two and of course “Thriller”ing (and no I categorically refused to Pan’s People around the front room to Boris and the Crypt-kickers) I was ready to roll.
Let’s get things straight from the start, Dead Island is not big on story, it’s a game where you run around the island of Banoi, immune to zombie infection, battering, kicking as well as running the rotting undead over in various cars, doing missions for other survivors in order to help achieve everyone’s escape. It’s fun, it has some great effects and the character that you choose at the beginning effects your style of gameplay. Add to this the clever level up (where you can add various skills to your character in order to give them one up on the undead) and it’s a game that has all sorts of potential and differing options for each player’s personal style of play.
The other thing that you have to add to this game is that it’s a massive free roaming environment, so at times if you’re not making careful use of the map, you can find yourself all over only to kick yourself at having explored too far and have to slog your way back through hordes to get back to the proper location.
Whilst I’ve said that it’s not big on plot, the game play angle is quite wide and varied with a zombie level of the same as the character which will increase from one or two attacking you at the beginning to larger numbers the further you progress as well as hardened bully boys that will give you a little trouble until you learn a good few tricks. (Personally I’m a huge fan of the trumped up Sickle for lopping off arms and heads, although a good wrench is also a solid back up for caving in some undead skulls.)
Finally add to the whole thing, various weapons with upgrade options, as well as the chance to make your own weapons from bits and pieces found around the island, and you know that the player will have a whale of a time in this zombie, blood, guts and brain smashing mash up which will last upwards of 30 hours (around 50 if you complete all the side missions.) Although if you’re looking for a complex plot such as Resident Evil you will be disappointed. Personally I’d say that this game will appeal to film fans of Dario Argento as well as George Romero and book fans of David Moody as well as Jonathan Maberry especially if you want lots of action and a good amount of splatter. A nice bit of fun all in and a title that I’ll be playing through a number of times to see the other characters skills in action.
Release Date: 09/09/12
SYNOPSIS:
In Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine you are Captain Titus of the Ultramarines, humanity's last hope for survival in a war-ridden future. Step into the armour of this superhuman warrior and use a lethal combination of deadly weapons to crush overwhelming alien forces. Fight against the savage Orks and the unholy forces of Chaos in a brutally violent world based on the richest science fiction fantasy ever created.
Storm Into Battle – Step fearlessly into the heart of combat as an unstoppable Space Marine. Never hide, never cower, just purge all that stand in your way.
Unleash Visible Violent Death – Using an innovative new combat system, switch seamlessly from high-calibre ranged weapons to devastating close-combat strikes. Taking out an enemy has never been so satisfying.
Experience the dark future of Warhammer 40,000 – Jump into a rich universe of awe-inspiring landscapes, deadly enemies, immense battles and ruthless annihilation.
Take the Battle Online – Form your own Space Marine squad or Chaos Space Marine warband and face off in 8 vs 8 online matches. Gain experience and unlock new weapons and armour to customize the Devastator, Assault, and Tactical Marine classes.
REVIEW:
For years fans of the Warhammer 40K world have been entertained with table top battles, a multitude of books and of course the odd game for the PC well now, Warhammer 40K has arrived on the console and to be honest it’s a game that’s been years in the making.
Whilst this game does have a Gears of War feel (and let’s face it that’s hardly a surprise) what it does well is give the reader a good solid story and a multitude of battles to fight their way through to various goals, the save points are numerous and allow you to make the most of each level and with hidden audio files to find (servo skulls) it means that you’ll spend time looking through all the graphically impressive backgrounds. Add to this an armoury of weapons from hand to hand like Chain Swords, Power Axes and of course the Power Hammer and the reader is in for a real treat, gun fans won’t feel under done with classic plasmas, lascannons and of course the much coveted Storm Bolter.
Yet for all this there are some failings, first of all the game has one setting, that’s all out charge, you can’t take cover and snipe, you have to pray to the Emperor as you hack slash and fire your way through the ranks originally of Orks and then Chaos Marines, there’s no real chance for strategy or to line up the tactics that have been prevalent throughout the series within. Should another game be in the making I’d suggest this as an addition.
Add to this that you need online access to get the most from the additional features (as you fight your way up the ranks against friends with your own squad) as well as unlocking additional armour and weapons and it’s something that many fans will be upset with as the chance to have split screen one on one battles aren’t there. Finally the last disappointing status is the relative short gameplay, which whilst the graphics are stunning and the vocal talent decent it lasts around 12 hours which sadly at full price will leave you feeling a little short changed.
Which, when everything considered at the time of year release with it coming out towards the Christmas rush will leave it facing off against titles such as Batman Arkham City, Gears of War 3 as well as Elder Scrolls Skyrim and Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood could leave this a little lower on the priority list. A great shame to be honest.
Hail Mighty Readers and Twitchy Trigger Finger Gamers, Our friends at THQ, have let us know about the E3 Premiere Trailer that is now for you to view here.Keep your eyes peeled, your E-Guns Clean and prepare for the whole new game based on the books by Dmitry Glukhovsky. To view all you have to do is like and away you go. Have fun and prepare for war, this is going to get down and dirty.
In this third person arcade style shooter, players take on the role of an elite Space Marine team sent to assault a giant Ork Kroozer en-route to an Imperial Forge World. Do you have what it takes to take out the Warboss and prevent the WAAAGH!Players who complete the first mission in Kill Team will unlock the deadly Power Sword weapon for use in multiplayer in the upcoming Warhammer® 40,000® Space Marine®. Sheathed in a power field, it cuts through armor and flesh alike and features unique animations, combos and damage output.Kill TeamTM allows players to choose from four unique classes, including ranged specialists the Sternguard Veteran and Techmarine, and more melee focused classes like the Vanguard Veteran and Librarian. With two-player same screen Co-operative play, multiple weapon upgrades and six iconic Space Marine chapters to select from, Kill Team is a must-play for fans of Warhammer® 40,000®.More information can be found on the Kill Team tab on Space Marine's Facebook page.
Release Date: 01/07/11
SYNOPSIS:
Set personal goals and achieve real results with an unparalleled mixed martial arts (MMA) fitness program designed by leading MMA training experts and certified by UFC and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
UFC Personal Trainer provides players with an extensive assortment of effective and challenging MMA-inspired exercises, in both pre-set and customizable routines, to build strength, increase endurance, burn calories and get results.
Personalized instruction and tips from the MMA trainers guide players to stay motivated, get fit and track their goals with a helpful in-game journal.
In addition, the game's Ultimate Training Mode enables players to participate in high impact agility drills, with opportunities to earn rewards and have fun with friends in a competitive, multiplayer environment.
Authentic UFC Fitness Experience - Certified by UFC and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), UFC Personal Trainer is designed by leading MMA training experts Mark DellaGrotte, Greg Jackson and Javier Mendez to deliver a challenging and motivating UFC fitness experience that includes the best and most effective exercises utilized by today's renowned UFC fighters
Intense Mixed Martial Arts Exercises - Learn over 70 MMA and NASM certified exercises, including moves from disciplines such as wrestling, kickboxing and Muay Thai, that are designed to improve strength, endurance and conditioning through use in a variety of routines. Each in-game routine is specialized to target specific muscle groups, as well as factor individual skill levels and fitness goals
Customisable Workeout Routines - Focus on specific fitness objectives by building personalized routines with up to 12 different exercises. Each custom routine can also be modified to increase or decrease intensity of the game's pre-set pace, enabling players to fully max
REVIEW:
For years if you wanted to work out you had pretty much two choice:
1) You’d have to go to a gym and face ridicule at being out of shape.
2) You’d have to hopefully find a Fitness Video or DVD that suited you.
As a guy, your options were restricted even further and your choice was restricted to one, Sugar Ray Leonards Boxout. Yet with all visual work outs you have one major problem, that you are not doing it correctly despite your best efforts and risk injury that can occur at any point, so much so that when you do injure yourself it’s a hell of a lot harder to start up again after a period of recovery.
Thankfully recent developments in the gaming market have come to peoples rescue and whilst it was the Wii that started the whole work out craze one of the major problems was that the equipment wasn’t designed or built for people over a certain weight to utilise. Here for the first time, is an interactive work out piece of software (note I don’t call it a game) that is designed to give you a thorough work out utilising floor space and your Kinect. You don’t need any fancy equipment, you don’t need to buy additional hardware and you don’t need to worry about doing it correctly as the programme monitors what you do at each point and corrects you as it goes along.
Back that up with customisable settings so that you get the work out you want and it’s a real dream. Yes you’ve got to undergo a fitness test to begin with but that’s so it can set the difficulty for you and yes it may not be for everyone but for a guy to have something to help them get fitter that doesn’t involve dancing is a minor miracle in itself and let’s face it, it’s not just guys that don’t want to dance about my other half can attest to during her UFC workout.
All in, for me, this was a cracking concept and one that I look forward to doing each day, yes it’s going to take time to get the results I want but I’ve got no one shouting or looking over my shoulder demanding to use the equipment or laughing at my physique and when you add it to a healthy lifestyle things can only go up. This is a great idea, beautifully executed and one that the user will see positive results from, a plus point in all directions.
Hail Mighty Readers,Well as you're probably already aware E3 is on and there has been some interesting developments in the gaming world. Perhaps one of the more relevant titles at the moment is the news of Assassins Creed Revelations.Here's a direct link to the new trailerSome gameplay footageAnd if you're like us, you'll be pumped and ready for Ezio's final outing (for now at least.)
In other news we've also been hearing things about THQ's Warhammer 40K Space Marine Chaos. Its definitely going to be slick and whilst for some its got a Gears of War feel, it definitely steps out on its own. Here's a direct link to the trailer although please remember that you have to be 18 to view.
Feedback from friends in the know have also asked us to let you know that its definitely something different to the market and if you love the books, the odds are you'll definitely love the game. Just remember hackin' Greenskin's ain't easy.
Release Date: 22/10/10
BOOK BLURB:
In the kingdom of Asgarnia, though the Knights of Falador defend the land and protect the people, they face threats that clamor from all sides. A young woman's stormy arrival launches a chain of events that endangers the very fabric of magic. The knights must solve the riddle of Kara-Meir or everything they hold close may be lost. Their one hope may lie with an untested squire named Theodore.
REVIEW:
To be honest I’ve not played the MMO game that has inspired this offering which left me completely in the dark as to what to expect from this outing. That isn’t a bad thing but at times conversions from one world to the other have proved to be sadly disappointing to either the gamers or readers.
What unfurls within is a tale where the reader can get behind the world and heroes who populate as they fight for survival in the brutal harsh reality that they inhabit.
The prose is reasonable, the characters quirky and it’s the dialogue and overall arc that makes this a bit of pure escapism. If anything this tale feels a little too simplistic and doesn’t require much in the way of thinking but that’s not a bad thing as at times that’s exactly what the reader wants from a title. I’ll keep an eye out and see what TS turns up with next time, it should be another fun romp to a world with simpler views.
BOOK BLURB:
This is the thrilling prequel to "Dragon Age: Origins", the hit role-playing video game from award-winning developer BioWare! After his mother, the beloved Rebel Queen, is betrayed and murdered by her own faithless lords, young Maric becomes the leader of a rebel army attempting to free his nation from the control of a foreign tyrant. His countrymen live in fear; his commanders consider him untested; and his only allies are Loghain, a brash young outlaw who saved his life, and Rowan, the beautiful warrior maiden promised to him since birth. Surrounded by spies and traitors, Maric must find a way to not only survive but achieve his ultimate destiny: Ferelden's freedom and the return of his line to the stolen throne. This is a must-read for fans of the multi-awarding winning game.
REVIEW:
I more or less fell onto this title by accident, purely as I wanted to play the game as I’d heard a lot of good things about it. What David Gaider has done however is create an interesting as well as pretty solid prequel that will not only enthuse the reader but also gives some great background to the world as a whole. The prose is sharp, the action pretty tightly stuffed within but above all its his characterisation alongside dialogue that really will have the reader enjoying the title. Overall, this is a great offering and one that has a similar sort of feel to the opening of Waylander 2 (In the Realm of the Wolf) by David Gemmell for the reader.
BOOK BLURB:
This is another thrilling prequel to Dragon Age: Origins , the hit role-playing video game from Bioware! After 200 years of exile King Maric has allowed the legendary Grey Wardens to return to Fereden. Their arrival brings news that one of their own has escaped into Deep Roads and aligned himself with their ancient enemy, the monstrous darkspawn. Maric agrees to help the Grey Wardens, leading them into the passages he traveled through many years before, chasing after a deadly secret that threatens to destroy not only the Grey Wardens but also the kingdom above. This is an essential read for fans of the award-winning game.
REVIEW:
The second title in the Dragon Age series and pretty much does what the first one did whilst presenting a great title, great story arc and characters that you really want to travel with. Beautifully written and an ideal companion for not only the game but readers on the road this title will thrill, amuse and above all deliver what every fantasy reader wants in their break from the real world. A cracking offering although personally I’d advise reading the first novel prior to this as it does contain spoilers.
BOOK BLURB:
In the first, desperate days of the Human-Covenant War, the UNSC has enacted the Cole Protocol to safeguard Earth and its inner colonies from discovery by a merciless alien foe. Many are called upon to rid the universe of lingering navigation data that would reveal the location of Earth. Among them is Navy Lieutenant Jacob Keyes. Thrust back into action after being sidelined, Keyes is saddled with a top secret mission by ONI. One that will take him deep behind enemy lines, to a corner of the universe where nothing is as it seems.
Out beyond the Outer Colonies lies the planet Hesiod, a gas giant surrounded by a vast asteroid belt. As the Covenant continues to glass the human-occupied planets near Hesiod, many of the survivors, helped by a stronghold of human Insurrectionists, are fleeing to the asteroid belt for refuge. They have transformed the tumbling satellites into a tenuous, yet ingenious, settlement known as the Rubble—and have come face-to-face with a Covenant settlement of Kig-Yar . . . yet somehow survived.
News of this unlikely treaty has spread to the warring sides. Luckily for the UNSC, this uneasy alliance is in the path of the Spartan Gray Team, a three-man renegade squad whose simple task is to wreak havoc from behind enemy lines in any way they see fit. But the Prophets have also sent their best—an ambitious and ruthless Elite, whose quest for nobility and rank is matched only by his brutality. . . and who will do anything to secure his Ascendancy and walk the Path.
REVIEW:
Fan’s of the best selling XBOX game series will absolutely get a blast out of this title that’s set in the past to the games timeline as the Cole Protocol is an early adaptation to space travel that prevents the Covenant from finding Mankind’s homeworld, Earth. Written in that Spartan style that many of todays readers are enamoured with, it is a great addition as it gets to give the series a sense of history that many felt has been missing from the various other books out there.
What perhaps does make this novel unique is the perspective from which its set. That of an invaded colony trying to get back to Earth and survive, sort of a take on the Battlestar Galactica mythos if I’m honest. Whilst perhaps trickier than a lot of the other novels to dive into, it is well formed, the concept a great one and written with skill alongside carefully crafted characters that will make the story just pop. An interesting offering and one that has made me make a note of the authors name so I’ll chase other titles by them.
