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Review: Call of Duty Black Ops 2

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It is taken us a time to get through this review but to be honest, we wanted to get through as much of the sport as possible in order to provide a fair review of exactly what Call of Duty Black Ops 2 has to offer. Therefore hit the jump and go into the whole assessment and see what we think of the latest entry in to the Call of Duty franchise.
Lets have the essential stuff from the way first, Activision was nice enough to send us an evaluation copy of Call of Duty Black Ops 2. And boy oh boy, are we pleased because this game has already taken over the most my Xbox time and has also managed to knock of Borderlands 2 as my go to game right now. The overall game is the newest addition to the Call of Duty team, and the newest from growth team Treyarch.
The game takes ideas from the last Black Ops and brings them in to the year 2025 rather than emphasizing previous wars, or ‘contemporary’ wars like other items to the business. The original thought of moving the series in to the future put some question marks around this subject – how can it work, what could they do, is this merely a step towards the Terminator? Well Treyarch jumped completely force on this game and made it seriously one of if not the best Call of Duty to date.
Original Impressions:
Call of Duty Black Ops 2, takes exactly what is loved in these activities and pushes them farther. The move, the story, the problems, everything just gets adopted a level in the place of resting on what has already been done. The story absorbs you while you are playing, you are interested in the people, and the piece, you really find yourself playing through it quickly like a good book that you can’t deposit just so you can find out anything regarding the story.
The online experience is exactly what we love about Call of Duty, the guns, the action, the intense struggles. It can easily be played in 20 minute breaks, or all day on end and you merely do not get enough of it. If you do eventually get tired of the multitude of game ways in regular on line play, well you can jump in to Zombies for what is a completely different experience and game that adds hours more enjoyable in a completely different way.
Gameplay:
The gameplay is what we have come to expect from your Call of Duty franchise: the single person is demanding and engaging, the multiplayer is frantic, rapid paste and sucks you in, and yes there’s zombies. It’s everything that you realize and love (or hate) about Call of Duty games, and brings back a very important factor that after the first Black Ops felt sorely missing in Modern Warfare 2, diving.
The history style missions can seem familiar at times, but that’s to be expected considering we’ve been enjoying Call of Duty activities for a long time now. The story itself is what you are playing for now and this game does not let anyone down because office, it’s the absolute most in-depth story so far.
Graphics:
Treyarch did too much to polish the look of this game, although there’s nothing new running behind the scenes in Black Ops 2. The identity types are improved and the levels are more attractive. You truly wish to be able to set off route in these levels and discover more. The guns are more refined and there are now themes as possible supply your weapons with for a slightly ‘customized’ feel, which is a good addition but nothing over the top.
The artwork improvements aren’t only in the single player mode, you notice the improvements within the multiplayer also. The identity models are very different depending on your gun choices and factions demonstrably. The gun types are improved and look different on the basis of the accessories you provide, that will be not anything new, but they look better and smoother.
Single Player Campaign:
The story puts you in the shoes of David Mason, the daughter of the character Alex Mason from the first Black Ops game. Treyarch has done an excellent job of reaching into the potential in a way that invests you in it, rather than putting you in it. You are used to the story line, the figures pull you in and makes you want to play through the next mission so you can under stand more about what it’s that got us here.
The plan plays similarly to other Call of Duty activities, with jumps between stages and activities. You play through studying different points of the story through each mission and encountering different problems and opponents. An interesting perspective between this game and past installments is time; the game is set in the future but the activities that put everything in motion occurred in days gone by. Which means you play through different acts in different times utilizing different tools and play forms. It really increases the game-play since in ‘future’ tasks you’ve better technology and equipment for your use so you can perform through differently in these missions.
Throughout your play through you still have to discover ‘intel’ and do little problems that don’t always change the outcome of the sport, but you get more points for completing them all and you can evaluate your play through report against your friends to see who did the best. It’s nice that Treyarch included a numbers display so you can have a look at that and observe how many items of ‘intel’ you missed or other factors that you can make an effort to accomplish during future play throughs to obtain additional details, in all honesty this is just for completionists out there and doesn’t actually change your game.
Multiplayer:
Call of Duty multiplayer is either loved or hated by players, and often hated by individuals who like it. It feels like coming home, but like coming home after someone has really done some improvements across the place. The sport is quicker than before and every thing seems better than it did in previous entries.
You have your regular game modes, both core and hard-core. There’s also league play now, which will be an additional advantage for having ordered the season pass. You’ve your common activities, demolition, capture the flag, death match, there’s also the one in the chamber, individual processes like gun sport and sticks and stones. There is a little for everyone: whether you want larger level battles or quick busy free-for-all, you will get what you are looking for.
Right now, the machines still appear to be fighting to maintain, if you’re in a bigger party you can get dropped or lose your party. You even have times where you wait around for a reception to refill, or you crash from a game. You also have to deal with the variety migration all through activities which may get annoying, however it is to be expected with influx of players working to the game day in and day out.
The one thing that is missing is larger area maps. Everything is confined and small, every road gets the generally annoying sides to camp, and there are capture corridors where you are never going to cope with alive. There is not really anyway to ‘snipe’ since there are so many crowded areas so you better be ready to perform and gun. Hopefully this will be solved with potential maps, but at launch, incomparable close-up fighting.
Zombies:
One of the main trying to sell details of Black Ops 2 was the reunite of Zombies and it does not let’s down. Originally, there is some concern (at the very least from me) that will be a lighter version of Left 4 Dead, but it’s not, it’s a completely different experience. The zombies get harder with each wave, and if you do not work with your group you are most certainly not likely to survive. There’s also now the zombie coach, it will take you from area to area with within the chart to start different weapons. If you’re not on the bus when it leaves the city, well you’re in for hard times because your team mates probably are not caught with you.
The weaker side of zombies despite the newest introductions is that the zombies originate from spots, and you are able to do the standard range kill regime to rack up lots of points. It might get very similar and lose its appeal especially when you have people in the game who are only doing the circle kill point grab. The best choice is to play with friends and make it an enjoyable romp through zombie disarray and make it a closed match which means you do not need certainly to deal with this down side.
That small down side does not remove from the fun of Zombies, but it does allow you to miss the challenge and gameplay of Left 4 Dead, but hey, one game can’t be anything can it?
Summary:
In general, this is the better version of Call of Duty so far and really makes you remember why you love this team. There are games out there that appeal to different types of participants and gameplay, but why Call of Duty is the master of them all this game reminds you. The story is the most advanced, the aspects are the most sophisticated, and the game itself makes you wonder if there is everywhere that this team could go without new hardware for the designers to push.
Recommendation:
Buy, and obtain the season pass too!
Thanks again to Activision for giving us a review copy, we are still enjoying it!
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New ASUS ROG CG8490 Gaming Station

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Taking their inspiration from ancient and modern armour designs of both Eastern and Western cultures, ASUS have created a new gaming station PC named the ROG CG8490, which they have just launched at Computex 2010.This new monster gaming station is equipped with a Intel Core i7-980X six-core processor and 12GB DDR3 memory. Combined with dual overclocked Radeon HD5870 graphics cards and direct X 11, the ROG CG8490 unleashes a 20% balanced overclocking capability.The ASUS ROG CG8490 also has a new thermal design with multiple oversized fans for quick heat dispersion, which gives the system superior stability.

ASUS have also released the world’s first 15″ G51 gaming notebook with NVIDIA’s 3D Vision-enabled graphics and next generation GPU, along with two other high-performance gaming notebooks the G53 and G73.

Unfortunately there are no details on prices or availability at the moment.

Here’s the press release….
Complete ASUS ROG Product Line Delivers Complete ASUS ROG Product Line Delivers Unparalleled Enthusiast Experience

Throughout its full product line of desktops, notebooks, motherboards and graphics cards, ASUS ROG maintains unwavering dedication to meeting the needs of the community with constant attention to developing extreme products that bring to life gaming’s most exciting aspects.

The ASUS ROG leadership role in gaming has been established through close contact with gamers around the world, with team members themselves enthusiasts. This has made bringing the finest products to market intuitive, resulting in great success.
Built to Dominate the Battlefield-CG8490 Desktop

Committed to a wide panorama of hardcore gaming, ASUS ROG motherboards and
graphics cards have been the choice of gaming champions since the brand’s inception in 2006. Now ASUS brings users the ultimate gaming station to combine a tradition of winning performance with uncompromising reliability.



The new ROG CG8490 unleashes over 20% balanced overclocking capability* compared to reference on absolute high-end components optimized to perfection – the all new for 2010 Intel Core i7-980X six-core CPU starts proceedings, followed by a massive 12GB of fast DDR3 memory, while the dual overclocked Radeon HD5870 graphics cards not only immerse your gaming reality in three-display Eyefinity, but also do DX11 visuals justice. The unique design draws inspiration from ancient and modern armor of both 
Eastern and Western cultures, built tough to withstand punishment and resist degradation, while the leading-edge thermal design with multiple oversized fans banishes heat quick and gives the system superior stability. 

This desktop provides reminders of how good full-on desktop gaming can be. Notably Superior Gaming-G51 3D, G53 and G73 Notebooks 

The ROG approach has led to gaming notebooks with unrelenting performance. The brand new 15.6″ G53 has full support for 3D gaming and the new HDMI 1.4 revision, resulting in spectacular action. G53 is also the world’s first 15″ gaming notebook with NVIDIA’s 3D Vision-enabled next generation GPU. 

The distinctive F117 stealth bomber design is inherited from the G73Jh, and also deploys aggressive cooling and an illuminated keyboard to ensure prolonged gaming enjoyment. 

The new 17.3″ G73Jw model features the worldwide premiere of NVIDIA’s new generation mobile GPU platform on a 1080p 3D-ready notebook, adding full 3D 
support and sheer graphics muscle to the popular king of notebook gaming, the G73 range. It stands as one of the most powerful gaming machines available, and together with the G51 3D, sets the standard for 3D excitement in the home and on the move. The new G73Jw also packs NVIDIA’s next generation GPU for smooth, realistic three dimensional gaming action. 

For true aficionados, these are the ultimate extreme performance portable 
gaming choice. 


Immensity Shows ROG Leadership-Lucid and onboard GPU 

ASUS ROG leads the market for both Intel and AMD gamers with motherboard 
solutions that bring out the best in hardcore performance. New super-motherboard Immensity, now still in the concept stage and to be shown at Computex, will display Lucid, a technology that makes it possible to bridge at least two graphics cards regardless of chipset or vendor. Immensity will also deploy with the incredible addition of an onboard GPU, the first motherboard in the world to do this in conjunction with Lucid 
technology. This guarantees unequalled performance and flexibility for serious users. 

The Rampage III Extreme features Intel’s X58/ICH10R chipset, plus exclusive overclocking tools such as ROG Connect, OC Kit, RC Bluetooth and now all-new iPhone-based overclocking control. These have made it an official benchmarking record breaker, while the Extreme Engine Digi+ thermal design ensures stability even under extreme stress, so overclocking can be done safely. 

Likewise, the Crosshair IV Formula brings gratuitous gaming and tuning enjoyment to AMD builds, including the world’s first dual-channel 2000MHz DDR3 for AMD, adding the benefit of Core Unlocker to the mix – users can tap hidden cores on new AMD CPUs. Turbo Key II makes for complete overclocking control, while GameFirst guarantees better performance in online gaming. 


Unstoppable Graphics-MATRIX5870 and ARES cards 

On the path to photorealistic immersion, ASUS ROG shows the way with better implementation of graphics card technology. The MATRIX5870 takes AMD’s design and bolsters it with added features such as iTracker 2, ProbeIt and the Super Hybrid Engine, garnering superlative overclocking potential balanced with excellent power efficiency. 

The gargantuan ARES super-card comes in as one of the world’s most powerful desktop graphics card solutions, with total gaming muscle in the form of twin Radeon 5870 cores, 4GB GDDR5 and massive cooling. 

Both of these powerhouses enable complete gaming and overclocking freedom, coupled with native DX11 support and the unique ROG flair for design. 

With this strong, diverse lineup of solutions for every kind of gamer, ASUS ROG stands as the clear lead choice in PC gaming gear. The brand’s following remains especially strong among avid DIY gamers looking to build their own rigs, and thanks to the efforts of ASUS ROG members, the community can expect many more years of extreme performance and trend-setting design.

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Gaming Notebook Review – Alienware M17X

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Dell Inc. acquired Alienware as being a subsidiary in March 2006; however, Alienware was established about Ten years ago. Alienware had specialized in high end desktops, laptops and workstations. Previously, most major manufacturers, including Dell had failed to see the potential with the high performance gaming market. Because the interest in gaming laptops grew, Dell was drawn towards Alienware.

Alienware’s name itself plus the names of the company products are inspired through the successful TV series, The X-Files. Even types of its laptops have extra-terrestrial themes.

Alienware’s absorption into Dell failed to give you drastic changes to its products. Alienware actually got a lot of leverage now as it is still equipped with autonomy in terms of design and marketing as it advantages of Dell’s supply chain, purchasing power, and production capabilities.

There’s no doubting the belief that the Alienware M17x is often a gamer’s machine. The look is just not ambiguous in any respect. LED lights are found everywhere for the M17x so we especially just like the option that enables an individual a personalized lighting combo.

Like most gaming laptops, the M17x is very heavy. Which is made heavier due to the metal trimmings, the eccentric design, the chassis, and it is internal parts. Perhaps the lid is heavy. Portability is decreased since we doubt that folks would enjoy carrying anywhere near this much weight around.

We love to its full-sized keyboard that’s as responsive as any laptop we’ve tried. The M17x is able to do multimedia tasks extremely well. The figures say all this: 17-inch display using a 1920 x 1200 high-definition resolution. Furthermore, its speakers produce clear and loud sounds.

Alienware does are convinced that the M17x will be the “the strongest laptop inside universe.” Nobody is sure about this but we’ll go and say that it ranks quite high on that list. Internet connected computers provides you with two Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 280M graphics cards and a 2.53-GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme Quad QX9300 CPU. Using these, no game would be fat to play.

Additional features in the M17x include HDMI, VGA, Ethernet, four USB 2.0, eSATA, DisplayPort and FireWire ports, plus, a memory reader, plus an ExpressCard/54 slot.

SPECS Available choices (From Dell’s website)

CPU – Intel Core 2 Suo P8600 (3MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB) around Intel Core 2 Extreme Quad QX9300 (12MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB)

RAM – 4GB, 6GB, 8GB DDR31

Display size – 17-inch WideXGA+ 1440 x 900 – (900p) LCD, 17-inch WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 – (1200p) LCD

Operating System – Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit), Windows 7 Ultimate (64-bit)

Battery Life – About 3 hours

Graphics – Single 1GB GDDR3 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260M, SLI Dual 1GB GDDR3 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 280M

Pros

It’s difficult never to obsess regarding the Alienware M17x featuring its many top-of-the-line features and sheer power. We like its style and its sturdiness. A lot of people would find the customization options useful, plus has outstanding graphics. Because it can be configured, it can be more practical than the others.

Cons

The load of the Alienware M17x is often a minor problem. Upgrading these devices is costly along with causing more inconvenience as it adds more importance.

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FIFA 14 Hack Tool [FREE Download] [No Survey] [Direct Download]

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Last year’s FIFA 13 from EA Sports delivered an excellent simulation of the world’s most popular sport, albeit one that essentially translated the home console versions to a touch screen using virtual buttons. Still, considering the warm reception and strong sales, you might expect more of the same from this fall’s FIFA 14 on iPhone and iPad. Surprisingly, that’s not the case. Sure, FIFA 14 is notably bulked up, offering more leagues, teams, players, and features than ever before, but the biggest change comes from its significantly overhauled gameplay approach.
“We thought there should be something more,” explains Lucian Cotreanti, product marketing manager at developer Electronic Arts Romania, regarding the previous console-like design. “We started by saying, ‘How can we redefine what the football experience is on a touch device?'” Considering the usual language of touch screen games, the answer quickly became clear. “There should be no more buttons,” he says the team decided.
Enter a new approach in which the screen is relatively uncluttered, letting you focus on comfortable touch commands to dominate on the pitch. Player movement is lightly automated, though you can drag from your player’s spot to create a path forward, almost like in Flight Control. Tapping another player passes the ball to him, and when you approach the goal, you can swipe to take a shot. The controls are similar in style on defense, with a tap of an opponent triggering your nearest player to engage, and swipes used for slide tackles.
While the new controls streamline the game approach to some extent, they feel great and really geared towards the mobile touch experience. And surprisingly, they even enable some more advanced tactics. The ability to position your entire team with just a few quick drags allows you to create on-the-fly formations, plus the swipe-to-shoot command comes with surprising depth. “The speed and the length of my swipe determines the strength [of the shot],” notes Cotreanti. You can even curve your shots to add some extra finesse.
It’s fair to expect that entrenched FIFA fans might not be keen on giving up some level of control, even if it unclutters the screen to let the glossy game visuals shine through. No worries – EA Sports says that a legacy control scheme will be available with the classic virtual buttons, letting you play FIFA 14 much like last year’s entry. But the new controls feel really stellar in execution so far, and the fresh approach is sure to make touch soccer a more inviting experience for casual fans.
In addition to the fresh play style, FIFA 14 is also larger and sleeker than any previous iOS entry. Additional leagues are included, bringing the total to more than 30, with 600+ teams and more than 16,000 players included. Furthermore, the menus will look closer to the console versions’ front end, and big features like online play and FIFA Ultimate Team will be joined by other new modes, which EA Sports says will be revealed prior to the expected fall release. The iOS version will also feature full commentary tracks in French, Spanish, German, and Italian, in addition to the default English, and those bonus languages will be available as free in-app downloads to minimize the core app install size.
Download FIFA 14 Hack Tool HERE: http://goo.gl/CEXhvf
It’s tough to imagine a losing scenario here with FIFA 14. The new control approach is smart and accessible, while the previous control scheme is still baked in as an option, plus the game is larger and richer than ever before. Soccer fans that need the latest and greatest mobile fix can expect the iOS game to launch alongside the console versions later this year.
FIFA 14 iOS download is now available in the US App Store, recently we all saw it release in the New Zealand App Store and many USA iDevice owners were a little disappointed that NZ got the release before they did. As they say “Better late than never”, and now it is ready to download and install.
Giants EA Sports have gone out of its way to produce a masterpiece, we have not really got into playing the game in full yet but we will do soon., but what we have seen looks awesome.
Users will be able to download FIFA 14 onto iPhones, iPads and the iPod Touch for free, but be prepared to pay money through in-app purchases. You will have the ability to upgrade, which will unlock three extra modes including Manager, Tournament, and Kick Off!
FIFA points will be available to get your manager budget higher, this is great because it will allow you to buy A-players, you can also buy the premium unlock for $6.49.
There is no way we would install this onto an iPhone or iPod Touch, we believe FIFA 14 for IOS is more suited to the iPad. Playing this game on the bigger screen is a must to get the full beauty. You can still play the game on say the iPhone, the controls have been modified to make it comfortable, it is as simple as holding and dragging the players to move them around the football pitch, then just tap to pass and to shoot you just swipe the screen.
The game comes with all the professional football stars, 33 leagues, over 16,000 players, over 600 licensed teams, 34 authentic stadiums and commentaries in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
Download FIFA 14 Hack Tool HERE: http://goo.gl/CEXhvf
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