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Path of Exile Preview

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path of exile

 

For those of you who have not seen or played Path of Exile before, this is an action RPG in the style of a Diablo game, but this is more in the Diablo 2 mould than Diablo 3. Path of Exile is currently in closed beta form, but you can purchase a beta key for $10 that lets you play the game until it goes into open beta in a few months time. This game is being developed by Grinding Gear Games who are based in New Zealand and will release this game as free to play with some microtransactions.

There are currently only 2 acts in the beta version of the game and are roughly the same size the acts in Diablo 3, but Grinding Gears are working on the third act which should be released very soon so there is a pretty reasonable amount of content here and when it’s free to play who can argue with that.

There are six character classes to choose from, Duelist, Witch, Templar, Shadow, Marauder and Ranger, but  unlike Diablo 3 you are not tied down to certain skills and certain weapons. My level 45 Ranger for example is a ranged character that uses a bow, but I can also use defensive magic spells and summon zombies that create a bit of a meat shield for me as my defense is lacking somewhat as all I have in my hands is a bow. I wish my Diablo 3 Demon Hunter had some of those skills as I pretty much die it two hits on Inferno. The character building is extremely flexible and I’ve seen some really interesting skills being mixed together to create some very powerful characters. One of the best builds I’ve seen was a Witch who is the Wizard of Path of Exile if you like had magic skills as you would expect, could summon creatures to fight along side her, but also had a powerful sword and shield and could mix it up close in melee range. The class you choose to play the game only really determines where you start on skill tree map, but after that you have a lot of freedom to develop your character anyway you want and talking of the skill tree map, wow its a whopper !

Path of Exile’s Skill Tree…Yes, It’s Big!

A bigger skill tree a have never seen in a game and it looks quite daunting the first time you look at it, but really the only area you need to concentrate on is the area where your character was placed on the map. Each time you level up as well as getting a health and mana bonus you receive a skill point which you can place on the skill tree, but you must start from your base on the map and the skill points must be linked together to create a chain. Its a good system once you fully understand it and you can plot away around the tree in advance of level ups in what ever way you want to develop your character.

Or course like all good action RPG”s it needs to have a loot system and Path of Exile has a pretty good one. Loot drops in the usual ways by killing monsters, searching chests and breaking barrels open and has pretty much the same color code system that Diablo 3 has where as grey and white are low level items and blue and gold are the high level items with gold being the best of course. You do need to look at the items very closely as the stats are not compared with what you have equipped like in Diablo so you may gain big on stats in one area, but lose out on some useful stats in another if you just blindly equip item without paying to much attention. Amour and weapons that you find can also be upgraded by blacksmith whetstones and armorer’s scrap that add +1 quality to the item up to a maximum of +20, this improves weapon damage and amour protection. Anybody who was frustrated by the loot system and auction house in Diablo 3 will be interested to here that there is no gold in this game at all. You trade items for items with traders in the main villages in the game I have found the loot drops during play to be pretty good also. During most play sessions I have found something that I can equip to improve my character in one way or another so you won’t have to do endless hours of farming for gold and items with this game. You can equip magic find items which also help find quality items.

Your character is not the only thing that levels up in this game as skill gems that you find in the field and get given to you for completing quests also level up and become more powerful. These gems are equipped to open sockets in your weapons and armor and can also be linked to other gems to make them even more powerful. For example I have a summon zombie gem on my body armor and linked to that gem I have a minion speed gem and a minion extra life gem to make my zombies much more powerful in battle.

For the most part Path of Exile is a very pretty game, some of the dungeon areas are a bit dark and gloomy, but this just adds to the realistic gritty feel of the game. Areas never feel recycled and the beach and jungle areas look particularly beautiful when you see them for the first time.

Life’s a Beach…

Path of Exile is pretty lite on story as are most action RPG’s to be fair. You start as a prisoner on a ship and then cast adrift on an island for crimes that you have committed with only one weapon to defend yourself. Its a pretty unfriendly island that you end up on as you soon meet zombies that throw fire bombs at you, mages that rain fire balls on you, skeleton archers firing arrows at you from all directions and large bird type creatures that try to peck you to bits, but you soon find plenty of weapons and armor to deal with most things. There are the usual boss fights throughout the game and you will come across elite versions of enemies that are much tougher to kill, but have some nice loot to drop when you manage to finish them off. There are small village areas in each act which is a safe haven away from monsters where you can trade items, stash some of your loot, gain quests and things to do and meet up with other players and join their game if you want. The game does require you to have a constant internet connection at all times like Diablo 3 and you will have to create an account and login every time up play if you buy a beta key. Whether this will change when the game gets a full release I don’t know.

If you played Diablo 3 and felt disappointed by the simplistic leveling system, frustrated by the end game loot drops and felt tied into certain character builds then this is a game you should definitely take a look at. The character building is extremely flexible, loot drops always keep you interested and the size of the skill tree takes your breath away the first time you see it. I believe this is Grinding Gears first game and they have done a remarkable job so far. In the four months or so that I have been playing the game I have not had even one crash, noticed hardly any bugs or glitches and even though you do need a constant internet connection to play I have experienced very little server lag while playing and I can’t say the same about Diablo 3 which I have also been playing over the last few months and I seem to suffer server lag every time I play. This game also works very well with Nvidia’s 3D vision technology if you are lucky enough to have one of those setup’s. Its pretty amazing that this will be a feel to play game when it get a full release hopefully later on this year. For more information go to www.pathofexile.com.
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Top 7 Video Game Based Movies You Must Watch on Hulu in NZ

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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.

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Top Fighting Games on Android

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Fighting Games on Android

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.

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What to Expect from Gaming and Online Casinos in the Next 10 Years

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Cards,Mouse,Coins and dice.

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.

Casino

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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