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Everything we know about Watch_Dogs
With the release finally being less than two weeks away, which should get you very excited, now seems as good a time as any to put together everything that we know about Watch Dogs. Here’s the little that we know, just to get up to speed and in the mood for everything this brilliant looking game is promising.
First things first, the story. Ubisoft Montreal have done their best to keep the story under tight lock and key, telling us as little as possible about Aiden Pearce’s journey. We have of course been drip-fed bits and pieces to whet our appetite, giving us snippet after snippet of game-play mechanics. Seemingly the story is a very simple tale of revenge. According to the developers, Pearce, and his talents for hacking, has captured the attention of the wrong people, culminating in a chase that ended with the death of his niece. We join Pearce here, as he seeks those responsible. Whether that is for answers, or for revenge, we haven’t yet been told. What the developers are assuring is that the story is more than just revenge, and more than just a chase after the culprits, that there will be some exciting bumps in the road for the player to endure.
The developers have said the story goes much farther than Pearce’s own story, farther even than Pearce himself. The core mechanic, and the pulse of the idea around it, questions our safety and secrecy in a world so inter-connected. The developers have avoided questions surrounding the actual plot by telling us about what the world Pearce inhabits is like. The story revolves around the smart phone, as the access through which secrets are gathered, through which everything we hold dear is laid down for Pearce to see. Very early demo’s have seen this at work, scanning an NPC to gather information on them. Income, health, security level (likelihood of attack) etc, etc,. So the story becomes less about the characters and seemingly more about the idea of what we have sacrificed by allowing all of our secrets out into the open.
Second of all, the game-play mechanic; the hacking. This is the core, the very heart of the game. This is what everybody is so excited about. The idea of using a smart phone to do just about everything in the game. We have seen game-play of this mechanic at work, of Pearce changing traffic lights to cause a crash for his target. Or raising and lowering drawbridges which serves to either trap a person, perhaps killing them, or as an effective way to make good your escape, cutting off the pursuers. The city is riddled with CCTV camera’s, all of which are hackable, and provide you with as many eyes as you need. During a tech demo we watched as Pearce scrutinised each NPC, full biographies visible over every-single inhabitant of Chicago, chose a man with a fancy job title, and hacked into his bank account, withdrawing his money into your pocket straight from the ATM. This is all made possible by the use of an electric grid which controls and is connected to every electronic system in the city, this is the CtOS (CenTral Operating System), and it’s what you hack into.
Rumours have said that as you progress your hacking abilities progress too. Meaning at the start of the game you have only the core abilities at your disposal, and as the game progresses, so does your grip over the city. This might leave a number of people upset, if all you want to do is power-down the city and watch as the people panic. But it’s a slow method of easing the player into a complicated system. It would certainly be inadvisable to throw everything that is possible at the player at once. Not just from a technical point of view, but from a game-play, and a story one too.
Aiden Pearce is not the only hacker in town. A few weeks back we were given another tease in the form of a character trailer, introducing the main characters, and describing them in ways that aren’t very wholesome. Pearce certainly seemed edgy around them on-screen, pointing a gun at one, and not describing the others wholesomely. It ended with a tantalising voice-over; “In a city of 3 million people,you’d be surprised how few you can trust”. As of yet who the characters really are, what role they have to play, and what they are to Pearce remain a mystery. Certainly they were introduced in the way you would introduce a team of allies, like the A-Team, but I certainly didn’t get the vibe that they would help Pearce no matter what. Quite the contrary.
Of course we can’t forget the city. In this video, which explains everything, we see a detailed version of the real-life Chicago, painstakingly crafted into the game, as a 1:1 model, featuring all the most well-known locales and sights. Which in itself is a very impressive feat. From there the city has been added to, to make it more accessible as a game, to the player. Security cameras have been added in, more ATM’s, all of which provide a platform to move the story forward. The city has become a hyper-connected grid of power and accessibility, all of it vulnerable to someone who knows how to get into it, and has the intent do so.
I know that a lot of people dislike a game that ought to be inherently single-player, be turned into multiplayer. I heard the same arguments about Assassins Creed: Brotherhood, whose multiplayer was, eventually, well received. In Watch_Dogs gamers can enter other peoples worlds (yes, like Dark Souls) and pose as an NPC to toy with the player, or city, as they wish. This combination of the multi-player and single-player is purely in the hands of the player, it can be turned off, or set so only friends can enter your world. What the benefits and drawbacks of this (other than death) are, are yet to be told. Whether or not this player can aid you in missions, or what their limitations are, is only speculation. We may not find out until we have the game booted up in front of us. Without knowing a good purpose for the multi-player, it does feel like an unnecessary addition included for the novelty. This may not be the case, and the multi-player might turn out to be a fun, vital part of the game that people prefer to divulge, rather than avoid. Only time will tell.
The city is full of individual NPCs who Ubisoft have promised are all different. Who express different reactions and different personalities. Easier victims to rob, or attack, and the ones to avoid who have powerful friends. NPCs can be attacked, and robbed, allowing the player the choice to intervene, at their own personal risk, or to ignore the proceedings and continue on, like nothing ever happened. These randomised events happen all over the city and the player can choose to do as they wish, and deal with whatever ramifications are borne from it when they occur.
Lastly is transport. Because a city this big would suck to have to walk over. The city is thriving with cars and bikes that you can steal, all of which are accessible through the CtOS. Trams and trains are also available, and can be stopped, and directed, and drove at the players whims. Being chased? Stop the train with your phone, hop aboard and get the hell outta’ there. The city is also accessible through foot, utilising a nice bit of parkour can get you to the roof of a building, or across roof-tops. How parkour heavy the game will be is difficult to say, Chicago’s rooftops won’t be as accessible as any of the Assassin Creed games were, so it makes it hard to judge where the emphasis for traveling will be. Whether or not boats can be driven hasn’t been mentioned, which drives me to think they are not. But who knows? I’m sure Ubisoft don’t want to give too much away, and spoil the surprise.
I’m not without my misgivings. We gamers have been promised an awful lot pre-release only to be mightily disappointed. What makes Watch_Dogs different is that we haven’t yet explored the capabilities of the new generation of consoles, and that is what the game is trying it’s best to do. Perhaps not every single NPC will be individual, after all, there are hundreds of them. What other limitations there might be depend on what you want out of the game, the combat may be lacklustre, or the accessibility of the city through the CtOS might not be quite as extensive as you wanted, or imagined, or we have been promised. But are these little naggling doubts enough to dissuade me from handing back in my pre-order? Or waiting in the queue at the midnight release to play it as early as possible? Certainly not! This game looks to me like it will be in with a good chance of winning Game of the Year, and it wouldn’t surprise me if it did. So I know I’ll be waiting to pick up the game at 12:01 on the 27th of May, will you be?
Are you tired of playing video games all day long? Why not take a break and watch some video game-based movies on Hulu in NZ? With its vast collection of movies and TV shows, Hulu is the perfect platform to satisfy your gaming cravings.
From action-packed thrillers to heartwarming dramas, we would recommend you to get Hulu in NZ, because Hulu has it all. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 7 video game-based movies that you must watch on Hulu in NZ.
Assassin’s Creed (2016)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Director: Justin Kurzel
Major Cast: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons
Runtime: 1 hour 55 minutes
The first on our list is the movie adaptation of the popular video game franchise “Assassin’s Creed.” Starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, this movie follows the story of Callum Lynch, who discovers he is a descendant of a secret society of assassins. With stunning visuals and breathtaking action scenes, this movie is a must-watch for any Assassin’s Creed fan.
Rampage (2018)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Director: Brad Peyton
Major Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Malin Akerman
Runtime: 1 hour 47 minutes
If you’re a fan of monster movies and video games, “Rampage” is the perfect movie for you. Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, this movie is based on the classic arcade game of the same name. The movie follows a primatologist who teams up with a genetically modified gorilla to stop two other genetically modified animals from destroying the city. With its over-the-top action and humor, “Rampage” is a fun-filled ride from start to finish.
Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Director: Jeff Fowler
Major Cast: James Marsden, Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz
Runtime: 1 hour 39 minutes
For all the Sonic fans out there, “Sonic the Hedgehog” is a must-watch movie. Starring Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, this movie follows Sonic as he teams up with a human cop to stop Dr. Robotnik from taking over the world. With its fast-paced action and lovable characters, “Sonic the Hedgehog” is a movie that both kids and adults can enjoy.
Mortal Kombat (2021)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Director: Simon McQuoid
Major Cast: Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson
Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes
If you’re a fan of the Mortal Kombat video game franchise, you won’t want to miss the 2021 movie adaptation. With its gory fight scenes and iconic characters, this movie is a love letter to the fans of the game. The movie follows a group of fighters who are recruited to participate in a tournament to determine the fate of the world. With stunning visuals and non-stop action, “Mortal Kombat” is a movie that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Warcraft (2016)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Director: Duncan Jones
Major Cast: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster
Runtime: 2 hours 3 minutes
Based on the popular MMORPG game, “Warcraft” tells the story of the battle between humans and orcs. Starring Travis Fimmel and Paula Patton, this movie follows a group of human heroes as they try to stop the orc invasion. With its epic battles and stunning visuals, “Warcraft” is a movie that will transport you to a world of magic and adventure.
Tomb Raider (2018)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Director: Roar Uthaug
Major Cast: Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Walton Goggins
Runtime: 1 hour 58 minutes
Based on the popular video game franchise of the same name, “Tomb Raider” stars Alicia Vikander as the iconic Lara Croft. The movie follows Lara as she sets out on a dangerous journey to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance. With its intense action scenes and captivating storyline, “Tomb Raider” is a movie that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
Resident Evil (2002)
Genre: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson
Major Cast: Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Eric Mabius
Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes
Last but not least, we have the classic zombie horror movie “Resident Evil.” Starring Milla Jovovich as Alice, this movie is based on the popular video game franchise of the same name. The movie follows Alice and a group of survivors as they try to escape from an underground research facility infested with zombies. With its tense atmosphere and pulse pounding action, “Resident Evil” is a must-watch for any horror or action movie fan.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the top 7 video game-based movies that you must watch on Hulu in NZ. From the high-flying action of “Assassin’s Creed” to the terrifying zombie outbreak in “Resident Evil,” each movie offers its unique take on the beloved video games that inspired them.
Whether you are a die-hard gamer or a movie enthusiast, these movies are sure to satisfy your craving for pulse-pounding action and adventure.
Hulu in NZ offers a fantastic selection of movies and TV shows that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. With these top 7 video game-based movies, you can immerse yourself in the world of your favorite games and enjoy them on the big screen.
Fighting games have been a major sub-genre of the industry since the dawn of gaming. While the original fist-fighting game came out in 1976, the genre arguably peaked in the 1980s. Dozens of franchises came smashing down arcades, from Mortal Kombat to Tekken.
But gamers do not need to visit the local gaming center anymore to get in on the action, as platform fighters and hand-to-hand combat have long gone mobile. So, are you up for a brawl? Whether you’re into brutal MMA fights or formidable superhero battles, let’s round up some of the best fighting games to play on Android.
Marvel Contest of Champions
While movies and comic books are still at the core of its extended universe, Marvel has also expanded to the gaming medium. Much to mobile gamers’ dismay, though, exhilarating brawler games like Marvel’s Avengers and massive crossovers like Marvel vs. Capcom never made it to smartphones. But Marvel Contest of Champions is more than epic enough to make up for it.
Developed by Kabam, this versus-fighting action game features a pretty strong line-up comprising virtually every Marvel character in the book. Beloved heroes like Wolverine, Spider-Man, and Hulk are all set for battle throughout iconic Marvel locations, such as Asgard, Stark Tower, and Wakanda. Yet players may as well pick supervillains to pit against the good guys. So, assemble the strongest super-heroic team and combine each champion’s unique set of devastating attacks and special abilities. Better yet, this mobile Marvel game allows for competitive multiplayer fighting.
Skullgirls: Fighting RPG
Skullgirls is a solid contender for best mobile fighting game out there. This fighting RPG by Autumn Games has got some incredibly responsive battle animations going for it, and just enough grind to keep players engaged for hours on end. Fun special moves and combos take fast-paced combat to the next level, serviced by colorful background visuals and a jazzy soundtrack that may feel out of place but gives the game that much more flavor.
And all kicking and pummeling aside, Skullgirls has much in the way of the story, too. In an original twist on the genre, this 2D RPG features an all-female cast of quirky yet fierce hand-animated characters. Players may even customize their fighter while searching for the elusive Skullgirl and stopping her from destroying the city of New Meridian.
Mortal Kombat
Alongside Capcom’s Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat is probably the best-known fighting franchise in the world. The series stemmed from the idea of making a video game starring action movie superstar Jean-Claude Van Damme. Funnily enough, JCVD would eventually play center stage in the live-action adaptation of Street Fighter. Still, Mortal Kombat spawned countless installations, TV series, and feature films.
And gamers can now experience the visceral fighting and trademark Fatalities that made the franchise so infamous straight on mobile. Mortal Kombat shows off a whopping roster of over 130 warriors, who level up through challenges of increasing difficulty. Teaming up fighters with matching synergies, mobile players can tackle ferocious enemies in online competitive mode or all on their own. This mobile version of the legendary game also includes a card collection feature.
EA Sports UFC
The intensity of the Octagon translates superbly to the gaming medium. Released by Electronic Arts on multiple platforms, EA Sports UFC quickly became the go-to title for gamers with a knack for mixed martial arts. And the mobile version doesn’t disappoint, pitting up to 97 UFC fighters against one another in heated fashion – and even martial arts legend Bruce Lee as an unlockable bonus. EA Sports UFC may thus be the perfect mobile game to dive into while waiting for the next big superstar comeback.
Meanwhile, prominent fighters like Valentina Shevchenko and Nikita Krylov will keep fans on the edge of their seats in upcoming UFC events. And MMA enthusiasts can even spruce up the experience with a gamble. Reviewers like SBO have laid down the most profitable online bookies for punters to explore. The best sportsbooks offer a range of betting options on MMA, ranging from method of victory to total rounds. Lofty bonuses and welcome packages also await newcomers. And online punters can make bank out of even more sports, from the ultra-popular to the niche.
Fighting games are as old as time. But with improved gameplay and ever-so-striking aesthetics, they’ve remained fresh throughout the decades. And players can now get their fists to do the talking on mobile, from retro titles to inventive entries.
The 21st century has been a great time for gaming and online casinos. We’ve seen explosive growth in both sectors, with new technologies and platforms emerging constantly. The following 10 years promise to be even more exciting, as we’ll see even more innovation and growth in the gaming industry, as well as the online gambling industry.
In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the trends that we think will shape the next decade of gaming and online casino development. So whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore gambler, read on to find out what the next 10 years have in store for you!
The increasing popularity of online casinos and gaming
With many people stuck at home, they turned to digital platforms for entertainment, including gaming and slots sites. As a result, these sectors have seen explosive growth over the past few years. With the increasing popularity of technology, games have moved from physical pieces to digital pixelated ones, allowing for even more immersive and engaging gaming experiences.
With the online world ever-growing, it was only a matter of time before gambling followed suit. Nowadays, casinos are looking for ways to pull in more business through rewarding online slots promotions, as opposed to the regular operations in brick-and-mortar casinos. In addition, advancements in technology have allowed for the development of online slots, poker rooms, and other casino games that are not only secure and safe to play but also offer a level of quality that is comparable to land-based casinos.
Although we have made a lot of progress, especially with online casinos and online slots games, there is still more to come. Here are some of the changes we predict for this billion-dollar online casino industry in the next ten years:
The increasing legalization of online casinos globally
As online gaming becomes more and more popular, we are seeing an increased push for the legalization of online gambling in countries all around the world. With more people playing on digital platforms and experiencing the benefits of online casinos, governments are recognizing this trend and moving towards changing laws to allow for wider access to these online gambling sites.
For example, in the United States, more states are beginning to implement legal gambling solutions due to the US federal government softening its regulations. And this trend will likely continue in the coming years, as more countries begin to recognize the benefits of legalizing online casinos which include increased tax revenues and a better way to regulate gambling in the digital age.
Virtual reality gaming
With the rise of virtual reality technology, we can expect to see casinos offer more immersive gaming experiences. Players will be able to experience realistic casino environments and games through VR headsets, allowing for an even more realistic gaming experience. Game developers are constantly releasing new concept games to online casinos, and we can expect these same sorts of fun, attractive experiences to be available in the next few years.
Blockchain Technology for Transparent and Fair Gambling Systems
Another major trend that we will see in online casinos and gaming over the next decade is the use of blockchain technology. With this technology, players can rest assured that they are getting a fair chance to win while enjoying secure transactions and transparent gambling systems. Blockchain technology allows for all casino transactions to be recorded on an open ledger, making it difficult for casinos to manipulate the outcomes of games. As a result, players can enjoy more trust, transparency, and fairness in their online gaming activities.
Game development
When visiting an online casino, it is essential to find an operator that provides a good variety of games. For instance, slots games are very popular in the digital environment, finding a provider with a good variety of slots games will chance your experience. You could find different slots themes and choose the slot game you like the most. In the next ten years, we could be expecting new games integration with better graphics, creative and fun. Game developers will have a higher demand and they will be providing cool slots themes and other casino games.
Top of the line Live Dealer Games
Finally, we will also see more sophisticated live dealer games in online casinos and gaming over the next decade. With the rise of 4K and 5K resolution cameras, online casino providers have been able to offer gamers a much more realistic viewing experience.
These live dealer games can be streamed from various locations, allowing more people to join and play different types of online games. With a more advanced streaming quality, players can now interact with real dealers in real time and enjoy a variety of table games such as roulette, slots, blackjack, and baccarat. With so many exciting changes coming our way, we can look forward to even more engaging gaming experiences in the years ahead!
In Summary
Overall, it’s clear that the gaming and online casino industries are undergoing major changes as we look toward the future. Whether you’re an avid gamer or just a casual player, there are exciting developments on the horizon that will shape how we interact with these platforms – and how they affect our daily lives. So if you’re looking for the best possible experiences from the gambling and casino industry, in particular, be sure to keep an eye out for these exciting online casino trends as well as online slots promotions that suit your playing style.
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