If you have ever wondered what it would be like to be the mayor of your local town / city, think no more! The SimCity series began back in 1989. The series has since grown in popularity, with the most recent release this year (2013).  SimCity Societies was by far the worse game in the series; the game took a U turn from the traditional gameplay, which didn’t go down well with fans. Thankfully, SimCity (2013) returned to traditional SimCity gameplay. Cities XL is another game providing similar gameplay which you might want to check out.

Rollercoaster Tycoon Series

We’ve all been to theme parks, right? But what would it be like to run one? If the idea of running your own theme park sounds good, you’ll probably want to check out the Rollercoaster Tycoon series. It all began back in 1999, thanks to the developer Chris Sawyer. Gameplay generally involves building huge rollercoasters, constructing new rides, placing retail shops and constructing beautiful scenery. But don’t forget the ultimate goal which is to make profit each level comes with a variety of challenges. Fans of the series are awaiting Rollercoaster Tycoon 5, and whilst there is no word on when it might be released, it’s surely only a few years away. Another classic you might want to check out is Theme Park.

Airport Tycoon Series

Airports are busy places, but what would it be like to manage one? Airport Tycoon puts you in the position where you have to run and develop entire airports. The series’ first began  in 2000. The player is able to construct terminals, run ways, control towers, service buildings, and more.

Casino Tycoon

I remember when I use to play casino games with 21Nova, it put me in the mood to see what it would be like to actually run and own my very own casino. The Casino Tycoon series was developed by Cat Daddy Games back in late 2001. The game features Marlon Brando from The Godfather.

Tropico Series

Can you turn a beautiful deserted desert island into an economic powerhouse? This is the task at hand with the Tropico series. The series started back in 2001, developed by PopTop Software. There are three different gameplay modes: scenario, campaign and random.

Following up with community feedback, new additions include:

• Realism Mode: Players can filter the server browser to find matches with Realism mode, enabling gameplay settings that include friendly fire and exclude death messages and the killcam.
• Co-operative Mode: Player-controlled security forces can hunt for AI insurgents in specially designed maps.
• Expanded Maps: By popular demand, “Heights” is being experimented with to create a more expansive environment. Players will also see a new night version of the Siege map named “Contact.”

INSURGENCY is a first-person team-based shooter for up to 32-plus players designed for Windows® PC and Mac OS X (and later on Linux), using Valve’s Source Engine and distributed through the Steam platform. If the name INSURGENCY sounds familiar, that’s because it’s based on the popular total conversion for Half-Life 2 — Insurgency: Modern Infantry Combat –that saw more than a million free downloads and was awarded the ModDB “Player’s Choice Mod of the Year” in 2007.

Players can join the “Early Access” by going to the INSURGENCY site at: www.playinsurgency.com.

The Sony PS4 will run on a PC based chip, Instant Boot-Up, Vita Integration, and Cloud-Based PS3 Games.

The PS4 will be coming this Christmas. It runs off an x86-based CPU (central processing unit) – similar architecture to that found in most desktop computers – and an “enhanced” PC GPU (graphics processing unit). The system will also run from 8GB of unified memory.

The PlayStation 4 will come with an all-new DualShock 4 controller, which includes a touchpad, a “share button” and a lightbar, which allows a separate camera to track its movement.

The console also includes new hardware dedicated to video compression to make it a more social device.

Sony haven’t revealed the price or pictures of the console.

Mark Cerny, the system creator, says that the console will have no boot-up time. Once you press the on button you will immediately be at the Home screen. Downloading will be able to run in the background whilst doing different tasks, it will even be able to download whilst switched off – a system ready enabled for next-gen internet connections.

David Perry, founder of Gaikai, says that every possible title will be available via the PlayStation Store as a digital download. The PlayStation Vita and PS4 will be closely integrated – “Our long-term goal is to make every PS4 title playable on the Vita,” says Perry.

David suggests that Sony also have a long-term goal, which is to make the entire catalogue of PS1, PS2, and PS3 games available on any device. However, there are no confirmed deadlines for this.

Key PS4 Features:

You can follow that latest developments with the PS4 at our new base for PlayStation 4.

News article source: here

Los Santos: a sprawling sun-soaked metropolis full of self-help gurus, starlets and fading celebrities, once the envy of the Western world, now struggling to stay afloat in an era of economic uncertainty and cheap reality TV. Amidst the turmoil, three very different criminals plot their own chances of survival and success: Franklin, a former street gangster, now looking for real opportunities and serious money; Michael, a professional ex-con whose retirement is a lot less rosy than he hoped it would be; and Trevor, a violent maniac driven by the chance of a cheap high and the next big score. Running out of options, the crew risks everything in a series of daring and dangerous heists that could set them up for life.

“Grand Theft Auto V continues to push the series forward in new ways; Rockstar North are creating our deepest, most beautiful and most immersive world yet,” said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. “We are very excited for people to learn more about the game in the coming months.”

The September release date moves the launch back from its original projected release window of spring 2013 in order to allow additional development time. The biggest, most dynamic and most diverse open world Rockstar Games has yet created, Grand Theft Auto V blends storytelling and gameplay in new ways as players repeatedly jump in and out of the lives of the game’s three lead characters, playing all sides of the game’s interwoven story.

All the classic hallmarks of the groundbreaking series return, including incredible attention to detail and Grand Theft Auto’s darkly humorous take on modern culture, alongside a brand new and ambitious approach to open world multiplayer.

This app is beautifully displayed with a 3D poker table, and this app doesn’t require an internet connection to play. The game is designed for a 2-5 player game. You can connect with friends locally and play via Bluetooth, allowing you to play with other friends with the same device.

Useful tips on how to play:

1. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on all player devices
2. Use one device, preferably an iPad, as Poker table: Select “Cash Game” or “Tournament Game” from the menu and select “Start Game”
3. Select “Join Table” on the other devices and start playing.
4. You can set a bet by dragging on a chip stack from top to bottom.

Whilst ‘Sparkling Poker’ doesn’t allow you to connect with random players across the world, which would certainly be a useful feature, the app is perfect if you have a few mates who have a passion for poker and own iPad or iPhone. This app if perfect for the ‘local multiplayer’ experience. This neat little app is definitely worth checking out, *useless you’re a lone wolf, and after all it’s free!

Rating – 7.7 / 10

Through Menfes Interactive, Memphis Jookin G2G (Generation to Generation) will bring the future of dance to the present.

What features will Memphis Jookin G2G’s ground-breaking Gameplay offer?

• Create endless dance move combinations.

• Attend an interactive school that teaches a dance.

• Work your way into a MMO virtual dance community.

• In this new age fantasy, climb your way up the industrial ladder of an intergalactic dance world gaining:

- Entrepreneurial status to sell in-game products while building a consumer network
based on your skills.
- Receive real world virtual endorsements and All-Time Rank status.
- Special “god like” upgrades to become an urban dance legend.
- Host your own tournaments on our servers.
- Own properties that are used by your user network.

• Once a legend, your personal network is supplemented with additional bonuses and upgrades as you grow because of their connection to your wealth, power and respect……until they think they are as good as you.

• Communicate with qualified users through a virtual email system that allows challengers get in your face and show a virtual dance demonstration to “call you out” or “join your squad” based on user status ranking.

• Play for real product prizes in live hosted game tournaments. (Free Entry at any level).

• Physically develop your character in every way for Free by gaining gameplay upgrades.

• Earn Upgrades for your characterʼs gear to power up your style (without added user detail) for a limited time during gameplay.

Rating – 7.7 / 10

Unlike many other needlessly complex pseudo-simulators however, here you’ll find arcade-like elements and plenty of unique puzzles amidst fairly straightforward FPS controls.  In other words, this title is part RPG, FPS and Strategy – a true hybrid.

Visuals

While the graphics aren’t exactly cutting-edge, they’re still somewhat enjoyable despite some minor glitches and pixilation issues.  Aside from that, you’ll be surrounding by fire and smoke most of the time, trying to help out your comrades and rescue helpless civilians.

In the audio department, there are a couple of notable individuals participating via voice-over work – John DiMaggio (Futurama) and James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer).  Needless to say, they both turn in excellent performances worth of B-movie fame.

Gameplay

As previously mentioned, puzzles play an important role in this game, and they usually come in the form of creating pathways, cutting off gas leaks, or switching off electrical sources.  What’s truly interesting about this title is that gamers might actually learn something about firefighting through it (however it’s still fun).

Players can also directly control the water cannons mounted on the fire trucks, which is a great way to help contain larger blazes.  It’s actually quite a lot of fun and a refreshing change of pace to wield an axe in a situation that doesn’t require you to chop down some ogre or mutant.  Instead, you’ll use your axes, crowbars and extinguishers to save lives.

Verdict

Yes, “Real Heroes: Firefighter” is a slightly generic game that probably belongs in the budget section at your local video game dispensatory, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth your time.  This title brings a unique style of gameplay to the forefront which is extremely different from the usual sordid fare of gritty warfare and space marine exploits.  What’s more, there are even useful tidbits about fires and firefighting which are dispensed throughout.  So it’s probably a good game to play through at least once if only to absorb some relevant safety knowledge.

Rating -  7.9

Miner Wars 2081 is a 6DOF (six degrees of freedom) action-survival space-shooter simulation-game set in the year 2081, 10 years after the destruction of all planetary objects in the Solar System. Player operates an advanced mining ship in a fully destructible and open-world environment, which remains persistent as he completes missions or plays online with others. Realism and survival are key aspects of gameplay.

“From day one, I have been pushing myself and everyone in the team to make the best 6DOF (six degrees of freedom) gaming experience of our lives and I’m incredibly proud of my team and our supportive community. Together we have achieved this goal.” said Marek Rosa, CEO and Creative Director of Keen Software House, author of Miner Wars 2081.

We tried to push boundaries of innovation on many fronts – first by developing our own voxel engine VRAGE, allowing us to present fully destructible and persistent environment, set in an open world area containing the whole Solar System, then by polishing intuitiveness of the game controls. We believe that good gameplay starts with immersion and you achieve that only if the game reacts exactly how player expects it.

Miner Wars 2081 is just the first piece in what we want to become a large Miner Wars universe. In this first title we focused on the journey of two brothers, Marcus and Apollo Rainier.  Trying to uncover what they expect to be a groundbreaking discovery leading to ancient times, they travel through the whole Solar System, visit vastly different sectors, and cooperate to fight with warring factions.  In a desperate attempt Apollo is forced to seek the help of the dark side – The Fourth Reich. We believe that players will enjoy the immersion and story, which is supported by heavyweight musical lineup and professional voice acting.

“Releasing Miner Wars 2081 is the culminating point of my work in the last three years. I am very happy that now I can start focusing on our next projects. I am full of ideas and Miner Wars 2081 just scratched the surface of what can we achieve with our in-house engine – VRAGE. Miner Wars MMO will blow your minds; Also I can’t overlook that the community demands for the continuation of the story and gameplay introduced in Miner Wars 2081.” said Marek Rosa as he jumps in excitement.

“I personally want to thank to our community for supporting as for all these years, keeping our forums troll/hater-free and especially for helping us to get through Steam Greenlight” said Marek Rosa.

6DOF (six degrees of freedom) games are back baby!

Miner Wars 2081 is also available in retail stores in Czech and Slovak Republic. Players may expect an update with Czech localization.

What’s the story?

Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 White serve as a direct sequel to 2011’s Pokémon Black and Pokémon White and can be used with the Pokémon Dream Radar and Pokédex 3D Pro. The action takes place two years after the previous games and is set in Unova once more, though the region has seen a great deal of change in the time that has passed. As a player, you can choose from one of two new heroes, take on new rivals and gym leaders, and hunt down new Pokémon like the Black and White Kyurem.

What are the badges?

There are a number of badges for you to chase in the games. First off there is the Basic Badge, which you’ll receive once you’ve defeated the Gym Leader Cheren, this will get your Pokémon up to a Level 20 so they will obey your commands. After this, the Toxic Badge will be awarded should you be able to beat your next opponent Roxie and bring your warriors up to Level 30. Then it is onwards to the Insect Badge, Bolt Badge, Quake Badge, Jet Badge, Legend Badge and Wave Badge, before you can progress to the Pokémon League Championship and Champion Quests.

What’s new?

There are loads of new features to Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 White that you’ll want to explore and all new locations, like the underwater tube that allows you to travel through the sewers beneath Castelia. You’ll have access to a Pokédex of 300 Pokémon right from the outset and will be able to use your Black Kyurem and White Kyurem’s Freeze Shock and Ice Burn moves right away. Other Pokémon to look out for include Tornadus, Thundurus and Landorus and by giving them the Reflecting Mirror you’ll be able to change their forms. There are also mini-games to enjoy like the Pokéwood movie-making game and Pokémon Musicals.

All in all, this latest Pokémon adventure looks set to be everything fans of the series are crying out for – and may even be a great way for new players to join in the Poké-fun!