Set almost five years after the events of “Halo 3,” “Halo 4” takes the series in a bold new direction and sets the stage for an epic new sci-fi saga, in which the Master Chief returns to confront his destiny and face an ancient evil that threatens the fate of the entire universe. In addition to a rich story and campaign, “Halo 4” introduces a groundbreaking new multiplayer offering, called “Halo Infinity Multiplayer,” that builds off of the “Halo” franchise’s rich multiplayer history and promises to continue to innovate and redefine the way people think about storytelling and multiplayer experiences.

Microsoft and 343 Industries announced what is called “Halo Infinity Multiplayer.” The largest starship in the UNSC fleet, the UNSC Infinity, will serve as the hub of your Spartan career. While at the Infinity, you will encounter all of the sights and sounds that go along with your starship and its crew. As you progress across the different multiplayer and cooperative game modes, your Spartan appearance, weapon arsenal, and role on the battlefield will change.

According to the Microsoft press release, “the story of the UNSC Infinity intersects with the Halo 4 campaign, then continues on in a brand new story-driven experience known as Spartan Ops.” Through a series of weekly high-quality, action-packed, cinematic episodes on Xbox Live, Spartan Ops will tell the continuing story of the UNSC Infinity, following the events of the Halo 4 campaign. These episodes will focus on the Infinity leaders and crew while featuring a new team of Spartans known as the Majestic Squad. The weekly Spartan Ops gameplay missions will be playable in single player, or cooperatively with up two three friends. Using the cinematic episodes as a backdrop, players will encounter objective-based missions while attempting to uncover the secrets of Requiem, the mysterious Forerunner world. Luckily, Spartan Ops will be included in the Halo 4 game at no additional charge.

Also while on the Infinity, players will be able to customize their own Spartan-IV soldier and compete in what are called War Games. These competitive multiplayer games take place on the combat deck of the Infinity and will feature “fresh, immersive new game modes and strategies to help you progress your Spartan-IV career, while also delivering an experience that’s still distinctly and uniquely Halo.” The details on all of the different game modes in War Games will be revealed at a later time.

Aside from the new multiplayer modes, weapons, vehicles, and armor abilities, Halo 4 has an all new loadout and player progression system. There is also a “new armor modification system that introduces gameplay-enhancing customizations for the first time in a Halo game.” These customizations can be used in both Spartan Ops and War Games matchmaking playlists, allowing a deeper, creative experience for gamers. The new progression system goes even further by encouraging players to customize their Spartan to style that they play. Players earn and activate various combat enhancements, which are called specializations. These specializations will feature many enhancements, from stealth to all-out assault.

The Halo 4 Limited Edition will cost $100 and will include the following:

War Games Map Pack Access: 9 maps, in the form of three future competitive multiplayer map packs with each including three locations, available for download post-launch.

Specializations: Early Access to six specializations, which in addition to making your Spartan stronger, will also unlock new customization options.  These are available on launch day for limited edition buyers.  Purchasers of the standard game will have to wait longer to gain access to these six specializations.

UNSC Infinity Briefing Packet: includes an armor customization schematic, a blueprint of the massive starship itself, and insight into what it means to be a Spartan-IV soldier.

Bonus Content on Xbox Live: unique in-game Spartan IV armor skin, unique in-game assault rifle weapon skin, exclusive in-game emblem, Xbox Live avatar prop, and a Xbox Live Spartan IV armor set.

“Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” Special Edition: extended 90-minute version of a live-action digital series that will literally bring the Halo Universe to life.  The events told in the series, will tell the story of what happens leading up to the events in the Halo 4 campaign.

Additional Exclusive Videos: The Making of “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn,” bonus in-fiction content expanding the characters and stories of “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn,” and a special featurette: “Bringing Gaming into Reality.”

For more details visit http://www.xbox.com/halo.

So how do you guys like the new game features?  Is the Limited Edition worth the $100 price tag? Let us know what you think!

Developer: Majong               Release Date: May 9, 2012

# Of Players: 1-4 players       ESRB: NR

Platforms: XBOX360 (also available on Android, IOS, Wii, PS3, PSP, DS, Mac, and PC)

For the few out there who don’t know, Minecraft has been officially released on XBLA since May 9, 2012. Before the release many people were already playing on their computers or their phones and tablets, so it wasn’t an unknown in the gaming world. In fact Minecraft was one of the first big indie games of now to bring in such a large fan base. The limitless possibilities of the game are a big plus for most people because in Minecraft you control everything, but are truly worth the 1600 Microsoft points ($20)?

The thing that drew me toward getting the game on Xbox was primarily the use of a controller. I had played on a tablet and using my finger, even on the 10” Screen of the Galaxy Tab, just wasn’t cutting it for me. The idea of the game was nice, but it was more effort than I wanted to use. On release day, like millions of other people I downloaded the game. I did play the demo first and I was intrigued enough by the ease of using the controller and how easy it was to get around so I figured I should give it a thorough chance.

When you start the game you are brought to a menu that gives you the options of Play Game, Leaderboards, Achievements, Help & Options, Download Content, and Exit Game. Multiplayer is an option for split screen as well when you select Play Game, but the one thing to keep in mind in this case though is the multiplayer is only available with component or HDMI cables and 720p or higher. A lot of people failed to notice this before downloading even though it did state HD required, and now they’re angry.

Moving from that the game itself is pretty good. Once you begin to play you are brought to a tutorial, which gives you a few achievements right there. If you have ever played Minecraft before the only real adjustment you have to make is a quick reveal of the buttons, but it’s rather intuitive so the transition is rather easy. After the tutorial you are free to go through an arch way into the expansive world of Minecraft. This is where everything becomes different for everyone because of Minecraft being tailored to personal experience. You build what you want, where you want, with what you want. You also do the same for destruction. You can collect things; you fight monsters at night, and can kill a pig for pork chops. The world is your gaming oyster.

The playing options are expansive as well because of the ability to play online with others, and not just in the split screen mode. You can travel to random people’s worlds and vice versa. The graphics are good for what it is, which is a game built on simple graphics, nothing too complex, and blocky; but that is the beauty of Minecraft: its simple premise. Based on the rating scale I would have to give Minecraft an 8. Its fun, it offers a lot to do when there is nothing better, and what better way to have a valid excuse to play with blocks than to do it while gaming. The story is what you make of it, but if you don’t make something of it the game can become moderately boring rather quickly.

Photos from http://robotgeek.co.uk/ and http://gamer-uk.co.uk/2012/02/03/xbla-minecraft-box-art-revealed/

Developer: RedLynx             Release Date: Apr 18, 2012

# Of Players: 1-4 players       ESRB: E10+ – Everyone 10+ (Mild Violence)

Platforms: XBOX360

Trials Evolution is the new follow-up to the highly popular Trials HD motorcycle racing game exclusively from RedLynx for the Xbox 360 gaming system.  The RedLynx team took its Trials HD predecessor and gave it the Trials Evolution reboot.  The new multiplayer and social aspect of the game will allow the game to continue its staying power as you will continually want to claim the king of the hill over your friends.

Review:

When RedLynx released its first installment back in 2009 I was into playing other motorcycle racing games and didn’t feel like Trials HD was going to be anything but some glorified marketplace download that wouldn’t last.  As the months kept ticking away after its release I continually stayed away.  My interest in the game began to change when I started seeing high positive reviews and high star ratings.  The event that finally got me to break down and download the game was that one of my friends, “Sgt. Cougar” explained to me “it’s like Excitebike on ROIDS.”  For those of you who are old enough to remember…Excitebike was introduced on the original Nintendo Entertainment System and remains as one of the top games for that console.  I finally broke down and downloaded Trials HD.  From that day I have been hooked on the game!

The Basics:

The layout (controls/environment) for Trials Evolution is not overly complicated in that you have gas, brake, and tilting (change rider position).  The real challenge comes as you attempt to gain controller finesse by making all 3 controls come together in harmony (good luck!).  The Trials Evolution environment takes you on quite a journey as you navigate over some crazy terrain that will disorient you and test your patience for longevity.  This is certainly a nice change from Trials HD which basically took place in different warehouses.

Level Progression:

Leveling up in Trials Evolution isn’t all that different from Trials HD.  You first begin with a tutorial that will guide you through the basics and then you are released to the wolves.  As with most games you first start on the easy tracks in an attempt to gain confidence/mastery of your riding abilities.  However! As the levels increase from easy to extreme you realize just how much the mastery of the 3 controls really becomes important to your overall success.  Trials Evolution works on an award system where you earn bronze, silver, or gold medals for completing a course.  The better your time and the less you fall off will give you higher medals.  Medal plateaus are the key element to progressing to higher more difficult levels.  Higher medals also earn you money which can be used to buy unlocked items such as new bikes, bike parts, and gear.

Skills games are another aspect of the game that you don’t want to miss.  You can tell that the RedLynx team was having some serious fun when they were coming up with ideas on how eccentric they could make these side levels.  There are quite a few skills games like Gas Problems, Freestyler, and S.P.H.E.R.E that will test your abilities.  A nice feature of these side levels is that you are able to earn medals which help you reach your medal plateaus for level progression.

Tournaments make another area of the game that gives you a chance to earn medals.  Tournaments take you on a set number of tracks and average your time and falls for an overall score.  This overall score will then grant you either a bronze, silver, or gold medal.

Multiplayer:

Making its debut with Trials Evolution is the new multiplayer experience.  You have two options in this game mode where you can either play locally (up to 4 players) or on XBL (up to 4 players).  Within the multiplayer environment you can choose to play Supercross, Trials, or Hardcore Trials.  I have found the multiplayer XBL side to be a bit of a hit and miss.  Connecting can either be an easy process or you can wait 3-5 minutes before a game is located.  Not sure if this is due to the number of players online or a server connection issue.  Matchmaking seems a bit random as you may be placed with newbies or sheer experts.  Those items aside…the multiplayer experience is still a good addition to the games overall value.

Track Editor:

Another feature making its return to Trials Evolution is the Track Central.  Track Central is the track editor portion of the game that allows you to come up with your own freak of nature style track.  Upon completion of your track you can up-load it and share it with the rest of the Trials Evolution world.  You can also download, and rate other people’s tracks.  The track editor does take some time to get used to so don’t think you are going to go in and bust out the best bad ass track you can think of in 5-minutes.

Menu Navigation:

The menus are easy to navigate through and they don’t lend themselves too much confusion.  Some notable areas to pay attention to is under the single player menu you can view your stats along with your friends’ stats.  In this area you can also set rivals so that when you are racing you will see what your rivals have achieved.  I find this a very helpful option so that you can always see where you need work in order to remain top dog.

Overall Impression:

For a 2^nd installment in the Trials family I found Trials Evolution to be well worth the 1200 Microsoft Points.  RedLynx did their homework and certainly delivered a game with some new and exciting experiences.  Between the racing, tournaments, skills games, multiplayer, and track editor there is enough in this installment to keep everyone happy.  The social aspects of the game will also continue to help hold its staying power as you fight to remain in the top spot.

Perhaps you are unaware on how to customize your online appearance. Let me guide you. Once you are logged in:

1. Select the profile link in the upper right hand corner of the screen (next to your name)
2. Once your profile page has loaded select “Change Avatar”
3. Browse and upload an image from your computer to be used as your avatar.
4. Crop to fit and save!

That is all you need to do to get away from that generic logo and get something more snazzy!

1. When you are logged in from the upper most menu bar choose dashboard.
2. From there, use the menu bar on the left and select profile.
3. Entered the desired name you want displayed (within reason) in the Nickname field.
4. Once entered, use the drop down box in the section “Display name publicly” to select your nickname you entered moments ago.
5. Once your nickname is chosen as the publicly displayed name…scroll down and click “Update Profile”

That is all you have to do. I hope this helps and remember it is strictly optional.

So says The Verge’s Tom Warren who says Microsoft will be bringing a Kinectified version of its Ineternet Explorer 9 to the console’s ever-expanding list of functions. With a supposed announcement coming soon at E3 in June, it’s a bit of news that’s more interesting because the Xbox 360 isn’t the first to get something — it’s the last.

Maximum PC’s Brad Chacos who is a part of one of many outlets rereporting The Verge’s article asked, “One thing we never understood about the Xbox 360: it’s made by Microsoft, so why the heck doesn’t it have a web browser? Even the friggin’ Wii has a web browser.” And given that Microsoft’s Internet Explorer accounts for a majority of the browsers being used in the United States and that they gave Sega a web browser for the Dreamcast, people are curious why they’re finally adding it now.

“Adding a web browser is likely not all that difficult for Microsoft, but the timing of such an addition is quite interesting,” said Tecca’s Mike Wehner.

With apps for Youtube, Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Zune — Will the console browser allow connectivity to different media sites in addition to the ones that run off apps, and will it use Flash? Also, will it require Xbox Live Gold? With Microsoft selling consoles on a pay-per-month subscription plan, it looks like they’re really pushing the console as more than just a video game machine. Hopefully they don’t charge an arm and a leg for a compatible USB keyboard.

Since the graphics of this game are controlled by the players they quality can range from crude stick figures (cough-cough) to digital works of art. The interface of the game is smooth and straight forward. Nothing seems awkward or out of place. Overall it is easy on the eyes. This is a visual game and not dependent on sound what so ever. The sounds of the menus and painting compliment the app nicely but do not add dynamic effects, nor should they. This app is fun and easy to pick up and play. It is not over complicated with different brush shapes or effects. It is simple and straight forward. Being that this app is available on both Android and iOS devices you have a better chance of playing with friends regardless of what device they use.

The major draw back is the degree of accuracy you have when drawing on a phone. I currently use the iPhone 3G(s) and the precision is pretty low due to the screen size. I have opponents who use tablets and their drawings are typically more detailed. That is pretty much the game…turn based drawing and guess, but more fun than you might think. This game comes in two flavors, free and paid ($1.99). The paid version is ad free, nothing more.What app would be complete without in app purchases? You can also purchase coins to unlock more colors and options if things are not progressing as quick as you would like.

If you find yourself giving this app a try be sure to find me by my username: Sgt Cougar

Now that you are back online with A-Gamer, what are your thoughts of the new site?

(Questions should be posted in the Support Group)

Earlier today, Rockstar Games released the launch trailer for the much-anticipated action shooter, Max Payne 3. According to Rockstar Games’ website, the story of Max Payne 3 goes as follows:

For Max Payne, the tragedies that took his loved ones years ago are wounds that refuse to heal. No longer a cop, close to washed up and addicted to pain killers, Max takes a job in São Paulo, Brazil, protecting the family of wealthy real estate mogul Rodrigo Branco, in an effort to finally escape his troubled past. But as events spiral out of his control, Max Payne finds himself alone on the streets of an unfamiliar city, desperately searching for the truth and fighting for a way out.

Max Payne 3 will be released for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC systems. It will hit store shelves on May 15 in North America and May 18 in Europe.

A-Gamer is managed and maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers. Each administrator, besides being tasked with regular content deadlines, recruitment, and moderation of members, has their own specialty areas. Below you will find a staff directory with specialty areas and a link to their profile. Use the profile page to send a private message to a specific administrator to address an idea or concern in their area. All of them are here to help in any way they can. So, feel free to get a hold of any of them, and they will get back to you as soon as they are able to.
(Remember, they are volunteers so it might take a little longer than you would like sometimes.)

ClumsyG /Administrator
Navigation & Category Management
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Group Management
Press Release Contact
Marketing Assistant
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Mad Max722 / Treasurer
Finance & Purchasing
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Mandalore / Administrator
General Quality Assurance
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Promotes Contributors to Authors

Sgt Cougar / Owner
Oversees all site activity
Manages AGMR Points & Lottery
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xFairyofNightx / Administrator
Calendar Management
Facebook & Twitter Management
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You can always check out the A-Gamer staff by scrolling to the bottom of the any page on the site. Under the Thank you for visiting message you will see the link “Staff“. It is as simple as that! While you are at it you can always look at the link next to it “Help Wanted” This is where administrators will post when they are looking for help. If you think you have something to offer that will help the site you can always contact an administrator via private messaging also.