Gears of War: Judgement

To equip fans for the impending launch of “Gears of War: Judgment” on March 19, Epic Games and Microsoft recently premiered a new cinematic trailer showcasing the intense, grub-stomping action and thrilling gameplay of the hotly anticipated blockbuster.

Featuring the hit single “Shooting the Moon” from acclaimed UK band Mona, the trailer offers a glimpse of “Judgment’s” heart-pounding campaign and embodies the bold defiance, bravery and heroism of fan-favourite Damon Baird and Kilo Squad as they face an unjust trial and fight to rescue the planet Sera from the brink of annihilation. The trailer was rendered entirely in-engine on Unreal Engine 3, showcasing the stunning graphics of the most visually spectacular “Gears” game yet.

“Judgment” is a tribute to the die-hard ‘Gears’ fans who have been with us since the beginning and an amazing experience for anyone who loves intense action and gripping, cinematic storytelling,” said Alan Van Slyke, Senior Producer of “Gears of War: Judgment” at Epic Games. “Thanks to the support of partners at People Can Fly, we’ve pushed the ‘Gears’ franchise in all-new directions while bringing back some of the key elements that put us on the map, and we can’t wait to share it with the world on March 19.”

Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition.

With the release of Skin Pack 4 for Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition, we’re excited to announce that Microsoft will soon bring “Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition” to retail as a disc-based version that will let gamers who are not currently connected to Xbox LIVE experience the thrill of Minecraft! This version of “Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition” will contain all the same features and content included in the current version, as well as the new additions coming soon in the ninth title update to the game. The retail game will be exactly the same as the digital version in every way, including support for multiplayer connectivity between the retail game and the digital download, and the retail disc version will receive all the same content and feature updates as the digital version ongoing.

The retail disc will arrive in stores in Australia on June 6, 2013 for AU$29.95 RRP

Halo Infinity Multiplayer experience: Castle Map Pack

The third major expansion in the Halo Infinity Multiplayer experience, the Castle Map Pack, launches Monday, April 8. The Castle Map Pack brings players three medium-to-large, stunning maps that emphasise vehicular warfare and large battles over open spaces, where team strategy is key to successfully conquering the battlefield.

Daybreak places you amidst military facilities, against the backdrop of an idyllic mountain range, while Outcast plunges you into the natural tunnels and arches of a secluded rebel outpost. Perdition takes players into the heart of an urban battleground, where tactical speed and situational awareness are essential to achieving victory.  The Castle Map pack provides 9 new Achievements worth a total of 250 Gamerscore.

To offer a glimpse of the new maps, 343 Industries released a trailer for the Castle Map Pack, available now on Halo Waypoint. Full descriptions of the new maps and modes are below:

New Battlegrounds: Castle Map Pack

• Daybreak: Two UNSC bases oppose each other in this large asymmetrical map. Teams must split focus between attacking the enemy base while playing close defence to their own. Claim your team’s sniper rifle to cover the central Man Cannon, or grab a Warthog to push through the side channels and flank the enemy base. The Rocket Launcher and Banshee both spawn in positions diagonal to the starting bases; claiming their firepower early is crucial to land the first flag cap or take an early lead in kills.
• Outcast: Controlling vehicle paths is critical in this circular map set in a desert environment. Outcast features frequent Mantis vs. Wraith battles, so teams must keep their drivers informed with constant communication to get the drop on enemy vehicles. While driving the Mantis, you can target fusion coils in tunnels to flush out camping opponents directly into your rain of fire, or cover your flag runner’s dash to a friendly Warthog. If you find yourself without a vehicle, race to the secondary bases to secure a power weapon or drop on enemies for a game-changing hijack.
• Perdition: Blending long sightlines, vehicles, and close-quarters combat, Perdition caters to nearly any gameplay style. Wheelmen and gunners will be right at home in this urban environment as a well-placed Warthog can lock down a quarter of the map, securing valuable ordnances for the team. Learning the interior routes is essential to both escaping danger and finishing off ranged kills. Be sure to look for the Gravity Hammer in Power Station 3 – an ideal revenge weapon against a pesky sniper or a big surprise for an enemy Warthog.

The Castle Map Pack will be available on Xbox LIVE for 800 Microsoft Points. Players who purchase the “Halo 4”War Games Map Pass or “Halo 4” Limited Edition will receive access to all three Map Packs (Crimson, Majestic, and Castle). 

New Playlist: “Castle DLC”  

The Castle Map Pack brings a new playlist to the War Games experience called “Castle DLC,” a six-versus-six playlist that focuses on both team play and coordinated objective gameplay. 

The new maps will also be integrated into existing Infinity Slayer, Big Team Objective, and Dominion playlists. DLC maps will appear in a playlist if all members of the match have the content purchased or the War Games Map Pass.