SQUARE ENIX is pleased to announce that a new gameplay series video for FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is now available. 

Entitled “The Moogle”, this video contains new footage of one of FINAL FANTASY’s most beloved creatures. In FINAL FANTASY XIII-2, the Moogle, named Mog, accompanies Serah on the adventure and has several functions; each of which help give the player more variety and choice over their game experience. Mog transforms into Serah’s weapon during combat. The Mog Clock allows the player to pick up bonuses, or penalties during battle. Serah’s companion will also help players by finding lost artefacts, difficult to reach objects, and items hidden in time.

This is the fifth in a series of new gameplay videos, so watch this space for the next instalment.

Melbourne Australia, Jan 9 2012 – Impulse Gamer interviews David Yardin from the upcoming Marvel Street Art exhibition in Melbourne Australia…

Tell us how you got involved in the Marvel Street Art Event?

C. B. Cebulski over at Marvel’s NY offices contacted me about participating in a Marvel event “down under”, and told me they wanted to showcase some of my Marvel comic art in a week long exhibition at the RTIST Gallery. It sounded cool to me, so I was more than happy to jump on board. I’ll be there at the opening of the exhibition of the Marvel Street Art Event on the 14th January from 2:00pm to 5:00pm to interact with the fans, and answer questions. The exhibition of my work will be going right through to the 21st January.

For the full interview – http://www.impulsegamer.com/interviewdavidyardin.html and more information about this awesome free exhibition!

The escalation of hostilities between NATO and the Warsaw Pact continues! Wargame: European Escalation, the new real-time strategy game for PC from Eugen Systems (R.U.S.E. ™, Act of War™), today delivers a new series of images from the front-line.

The tension between the two superpowers increases again, as Germany becomes a gigantic battlefield that threatens to spread to the rest of Europe. While NATO and the forces of the Pact have only fought on German land so far, both are trying desperately to push the front-line deep into their opponents’ territories. Discover all this in the 5 new screenshots released today, showing the forces from both sides battling fiercely over Europe!

These 5 screenshots show the great progress made by Eugen Systems on the game and its powerful engine. Battlefields are richer, bigger than before, confrontations even more spectacular… all is aimed at creating a grand visual showcase, while still providing a real depth to strategy. Battles in Wargame: European Escalation are as impressive as there are profoundly tactical! This is all but a mere taste of what awaits all virtual commanders in the huge solo campaign and in its complete multiplayer mode, when the game releases in 2012!

Industry Leader Presents Newest Video Game Headset and Accessory Lineup at CES 2012, plus a Special Surprise Announcement January 11 on SpikeTV

Sydney, Australia, January 9, 2012 – Turtle Beach, the market leading pioneers of the console gaming headset category, today announced their line of new products being unveiled at the International Consumer Electronics Show this year. Cutting-edge technologies being introduced in these products range from new interference-reducing dual-band 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi RF wireless tech, customizable Dolby® Surround Sound speaker angles and a new line of mobile lifestyle headsets designed for gamers on the go. All newly announced Turtle Beach products will be available for demonstration along with the full product assortment, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall 1 – Booth #21327, during the International Consumer Electronics Show from January 10 to 13, 2012.

2012’s product lineup follows another banner year in 2011 for the company; based on NPD data Turtle Beach is the number one gaming headsets/headphones company and the number one overall for third party console video gaming accessories based on dollar volume. Numerous awards and accolades were collected for its many new products in 2011 and the company is poised to deliver more “firsts” in 2012. 

In addition to the products listed below, Turtle Beach and Spike TV will be hosting an exclusive new product reveal only available on the Spike TV “CES ALL ACCESS LIVE” show airing on Wednesday, January 11 in Australia and New Zealand. Tune into “CES ALL ACCESS LIVE” during the 6:00 AM hour (AEDT) to see the world exclusive reveal of the latest unannounced Turtle Beach product. Visit http://dialedin.com/mtvnetworks41/CES/Sizzle for more information about “CES ALL ACCESS LIVE”, or check with your local cable provider to catch this year’s biggest announcement in the gaming headset category. 

New Console and PC Lineup 

Ear Force X42 Wireless Dolby® Surround Sound Xbox 360® Headset 

Ear Force X32 Wireless Stereo Xbox 360® Headset

• Replacements for the very popular Ear Force X31 and Ear Force X41 models, these headsets include new 2.4/5GHz dual-band Wi-Fi technology that actively navigates the wireless landscape in your home or office and finds the open bandwidth to eliminate interference with 2.4GHz wireless devices and LANs. With massive 50mm drivers, the X32/X42 headsets will not only outperform their predecessors, they represent the ultimate blend of value and wireless performance for Xbox gamers.
• Ear Force X32 MSRP: USD $99.95; Ear Force X42 MSRP: USD $159.95
• Availability TBA 

Ear Force DSS 2 Surround Sound Processor for Stereo Headsets

• The latest iteration of Turtle Beach’s award winning Dolby® Surround Sound Processor (DSS), this updated model revolutionizes the surround sound experience with six variable speaker configurations, offering custom tuned angles to optimize the surround sound effect for any listener.
• DSS2 is sold alone, or bundled as part of several new Turtle Beach surround sound wired headset models, also debuting at CES.
• The Ear Force DSS2 is available now on the Turtle Beach website for USD $79.95 

Ear Force Z11 Wired Stereo PC Gaming Headset

• The latest addition to the Ear Force PC headset lineup, the Z11 brings an affordable, high-quality stereo experience to PC gamers, with acoustically angled 50mm drivers for rich audio and crystal clear communication.
• MSRP: USD $39.95 
• Availability TBA

M-Series Mobile Lifestyle Headsets 

Building on the success of their console and PC gaming product lines, Turtle Beach is introducing three new headsets designed specifically for gamers on the go. The M5 and M3 headsets, along with the M1 Earbuds, are engineered to deliver the same legendary audio quality found in all Turtle Beach gaming headsets, while providing compatibility with a broad range of smart phones, tablets and mobile gaming devices. 

Ear Force M5: Mobile Gaming Headset

• The M5 mobile gaming headset features high-fidelity 40mm audio drivers and full-sized, noise-isolating ear cups with breathable mesh cushions for enhanced comfort. The M5 delivers premium audio quality for gaming or listening to music. Features an in-line mic with call control in a sleek, compact design for hands-free calling and crystal clear communication.
• MSRP: USD $49.95 
• Availability TBA

Ear Force M3: Mobile Gaming Headset

• Designed for optimum portability, the M3 features a compact, fold-flat design for easy storage, while its comfortable noise-isolating ear cups and 40mm drivers deliver extreme comfort and high-fidelity audio. The M3 also includes an in-line mic for hands- free calling and online communication.
• MSRP: USD $39.95
• Availability TBA

Ear Force M1: Mobile Gaming Earbuds with In-line Mic

• These noise-isolating earbuds are specially-designed for enhanced stability and comfort with an around-the-ear fit. They feature high-performance 10mm drivers with neodymium magnets that deliver a dynamic audio range with deep bass response and superior sound quality. The M1 also includes a sleek in-line mic and durable tangle-free braided cable.
• MSRP: USD $59.95
• Availability TBA 

For more information on these and all Turtle Beach products, please visit www.TurtleBeachAU.com

About Turtle Beach

Turtle Beach (www.turtlebeach.com) designs and markets premium audio peripherals for personal computer and video game platforms, including its acclaimed line of Ear Force gaming headphones and headsets crafted for Xbox 360 and PS3 game consoles and PC games. Turtle Beach, headquartered in Elmsford, New York, is a brand of Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc., which has been at the forefront of music and audio technology for more than three decades and is recognized as a pioneer of today’s PC audio industry.

Turtle Beach and Ear Force are registered trademarks of Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc. XBOX 360 is a trademark of the Microsoft group of companies. “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories. All other trademarks are property of their respective holders and are hereby acknowledged.

Special features include The Lost Tapes and on the Blu-ray, an all new Extended Cut 

Paranormal Activity 3, the haunting prequel to the evergreen horror franchise comes to DVD and Blu-ray on February 16^th. 

The masterminds behind the first two films return to craft a chilling new episode in the Paranormal Activity story. Directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, the filmmakers who created the unsettling cult sensation Catfish, Paranormal Activity 3 takes audiences back to where it all began. 

It’s 1988 and Katie and Kristi (the two sisters from Paranormal Activity 2) are living with their mother Julie and her boyfriend Dennis. It is a happy, innocent time and all seems right with the world. But when Kristi starts becoming a little too obsessed with her imaginary friend and odd things start happening around the house, Dennis is persuaded to set up video cameras to make sure that his family is safe. And what he discovers is they aren’t. 

The Paranormal Activity franchise is well known for breaking box office records and Paranormal Activity 3 is no exception. Among other accolades, the movie achieved the biggest theatrical debut for a horror film ever, ultimately earning more than $200 million worldwide.

Included on the Blu-ray and DVD will be special features such as: The Lost Tapes, that reveals footage not seen in the film, as well as a scare montage. The Blu-ray will also include a special Extended Cut of the movie. 

Paranormal Activity 3 is available on DVD and Blu-ray from February 16th 

DVD TECHNICAL DETAILS

BLU-RAY TECHNICAL DETAILS

64GB, 128GB, and 256GB Capacities Enable Extended Capture of 1080p Full-HD Video and High-Quality Images

Key Messages:
• Industry-first 256GB CompactFlash® (CF) card provides enormous storage capacities and impressive performance for capturing more high-definition (HD) video content and high-resolution still images
• Minimum guaranteed transfer speed of 60MB per second supports rapid transfer of content from the card to computer, and allows sustained, burst-mode shooting and extended capture of HD video, significantly accelerating workflow*
• Includes the latest version of award-winning Image Rescue® software to recover lost or deleted photo and video files, even if they’ve been erased or the card has been corrupted**

Multimedia Elements:
• Lexar Image Gallery
• Supporting Product Information

Sydney, Australia, 9 January, 2012 – Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory products, today announced new Lexar® Professional 400x CompactFlash® (CF) card capacities, including the industry’s first 256GB memory card. Also available in 64GB and 128GB capacities, the increased capacity options provide enormous storage capabilities and impressive performance for photographers and videographers to capture large volumes of high-resolution images and high-definition video. These increased capacities also open the door for new uses in the industrial and commercial markets where higher capacity hard disk drives have previously been used. For additional information about the Lexar Professional 400x CF card, visit www.lexar.com.

The new Lexar Professional CF card capacities are speed rated at 400x and provide a minimum guaranteed transfer speed of 60MB per second, allowing professionals and advanced photo and video enthusiasts to enjoy extended capture of 1080p full-HD video and sustained, rapid-fire shooting.* When paired with UDMA 7-compatible devices, like the Lexar Professional USB 3.0 Dual-Slot Reader, the new Professional 400x CF card capacities provide rapid transfer of content from card to computer, significantly accelerating the digital workflow and enabling photographers to spend more time creating and less time waiting.

“With enhanced quality available now in the HD video format, I know just how quickly memory space can disappear! My work style is fast and spontaneous and storage capacity is a big issue
for me. Having the freedom to keep shooting without having to stop to change cards helps my creative flow tremendously,” said Scott Duncan, Lexar Elite Photographer. “Lexar Professional cards have always given me the large capacities I need to focus on my shooting, and the performance I require to get my footage onto my computer for editing.”

All Lexar product designs undergo extensive testing in the Lexar Quality Labs to ensure performance, quality, compatibility, and reliability with more than 800 intended digital devices.

“More professional photographers and enthusiasts are embracing the fact that they can capture high-quality images and HD video with their digital SLR. As a result, they’re shooting longer and longer, and need a storage solution that won’t interrupt the creative process,” said Manisha Sharma, director of product marketing for cards, Lexar. “The new capacities of the Lexar Professional 400x CF card empower photographers to just keep shooting, without the need to change cards or risk missing once-in-a-lifetime shots or footage.”

The Lexar Professional 400x CF card includes a free copy of the latest version of award-winning Image Rescue® software, worth US$33.99, to help recover lost or deleted photos and videos, even if they have been erased or the card has been corrupted.** Additionally, the Lexar Professional 400x CF card comes with a limited lifetime warranty and free, dedicated professional technical support. The new 64GB and 128GB capacities of the Lexar Professional 400x CF memory card will be available in January, with RRPs of $316.20, and $537.50 respectively. Lexar is currently sampling the 256GB capacity of the Professional 400x CF memory card to commercial and industrial customers, as well as strategic imaging industry partners, to assure compatibility and reliability with current and future applications. The 256GB Lexar Professional 400x CF card is expected to be released for consumer purchase in the first half of 2012. 

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About Lexar
Lexar is a leading global brand of Lexar Media, Inc., a subsidiary of Micron Technology, one of the largest semiconductor manufacturers worldwide. Lexar offers industry-leading products in all major flash memory categories, including USB flash drives, innovative backup drives, high-performance memory cards for photography, and all popular form factors of memory cards for mobile devices. Lexar products are available worldwide at major retail and e-tail stores, and at www.lexar.com. For more information about Lexar products, visit www.lexar.com.

About Micron
Micron Technology, Inc. is one of the world’s leading providers of advanced semiconductor solutions. Through its worldwide operations, Micron manufactures and markets a full range of DRAM, NAND and NOR flash memory, as well as other innovative memory technologies, packaging solutions and semiconductor systems for use in leading-edge computing, consumer, networking, embedded and mobile products. Micron’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ under the MU symbol. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc., visit www.micron.com.

*Minimum 60MB/s read transfer, write speeds lower. Speeds based on a TestMetrix certified tester. Actual sustained speed may vary depending on host device. x=150KB/sec **Image or other data recovery is not 100% guaranteed. ©2012 Lexar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Information is subject to change without notice. Lexar, the Lexar logo, Image Rescue, and When Memory Matters are trademarks or registered trademarks of Lexar Media, Inc. Lexar Media, Inc. is an authorized licensee of the CompactFlash trademark. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Australia, January 2012:  The number one DLP projector brand in the world, BenQ, has released their W1060 – a Full HD Home Entertainment Projector with 1080p definition, 3D colour management and brilliant image performance – for just $999.00.

The projector is ideal for all your home entertainment applications – video gaming, watching movies (including Blu-ray) or sporting events, and with a full 10-bit panel driver, 2000 ANSI lumens and high contrast ratio of 5000:1, this 1080p HD projector provides exceptional visual detail even in a relatively bright room. 

Its super-easy to set up with dual HDMI cables, has its own 10watt in-built speaker and will throw from 60” to 120” diagonal projection in any sized room.  Furthermore, it’s white in colour so it blends in to modern contemporary surroundings, sleek in design and lightweight, but most impressive of all is this little projector’s price tag at under $1000.  Big screen AV has never been more affordable. 

Available now from Officeworks nationally – $999.00 online or instore. 

Features include:

• Long lamp life (6000 hours in eco mode – most competitive projectors offer 3000-4000 hours making this projector ‘low-cost’)
• Sharp, full HD, brilliant image performance (reliable adjustable picture quality with true to life colour performance which is virtually immune from colour decay)
• Hassle-free HDMI connectivity (easy set-up and pack-up)
• Digital zoom
• Big built-in speaker

To find out more, go to Officeworks, or visit them online at www.officeworks.com.au or alternatively contact BenQ at www.BenQ.com.au or call (02) 8988 6500.

At CES Las Vegas 2012, Parrot, a global leader in wireless devices for mobile phones, reveals the AR.Drone 2.0, the new generation of its renowned high-tech quadricopter that can be controlled by Wi-Fi using a smartphone or tablet1.

HD camera, video recording, flight data sharing, new piloting mode, increased stability, and a brand-new look! The AR.Drone 2.0 offers experiences like no other!

A flying HD camera
While in flight, the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0‘s front camera transmits, in live, what the quadricopter sees onto the pilot device’s screen.
For the first time, with a resolution of 1280×720, it shows a view from the sky in High Definition, with smooth and unbelievably clear images.
The pilot enjoys an experience like never before, as if he was on board. For gaming purposes, this camera can also recognise specific shapes and colors to show augmented-reality elements on the smartphone’s screen.

Record and share flying experiences
Thanks to the new AR.FreeFlight 2.0 piloting application, players can record their own HD videos and watch them or share them with the AR.Drone community.
Additionally, with the “travelling” feature, the pilot can film HD video sequences like a professional! Simply select the direction of travel (forward, back, sideways) and the duration, and the AR.Drone 2.0 does the rest.

AR.FreeFlight2.0, a new piloting and sharing platform
Besides flying the AR.Drone, the new application AR.FreeFlight 2.0 – available to download for free from the AppStoreSM and AndroidTM Market- offers players a new interface and many options.

• FreeFlight: Access to the piloting application. The player can record flights, take HD videos or photos, and save them in his piloting device. All the flight data (altitude, speed,                         duration and place) can be saved, checked by the pilot and shared with the community.
• Guest Space: Access an overview of the AR.Drone2.0, the best flight videos and practical information.
• Drone Update: Access the AR.Drone2.0‘s free software updates.
• AR.Drone Academy: Get geolocation data of the best flight zones, watch other pilots’ videos and access their flight data.
• AR.Games: Access applications/games available for the AR.Drone.
• Photos/Videos: Directly access your own videos and photos. They can be watched or uploaded to Youtube for the community to enjoy.

‘Absolute Flight’, a revolutionary ultra-intuitive flight mode
After the AR.FreeFlight 2.0 pilot application has been loaded onto an iOS or AndroidTM smartphone or tablet, the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 connects to the device via WiFi. Once this has happened, all the on-board instruments appear on its screen, which becomes the “cockpit”.
Press briefly the take off button and the four brushless motors turn on. The AR.Drone 2.0 takes off.
Flying is very simple. With your thumbs placed on either side of the screen, a control button automatically forms beneath each one:

• Press and hold the left button and the AR.Drone 2.0 follows the movement of the pilot’s device: it moves forward, backwards or sideways when you tilt the tablet forward, towards you, or to the left or right.
• Slide your finger over the right button, and the quadricopter rises, descends, or rotates right or left.

Thanks to Parrot’s patented new ‘Absolute Control’, mode, the player accesses an even more intuitive piloting system.
With a 3D magnetometer, the AR.Drone 2.0 knows its precise orientation with respect to the smartphone, which becomes the reference point. The pilot no longer needs to care about the orientation of the AR.Drone 2.0’s front camera, which will accurately track the smartphone’s motions and tilts.
Experienced players will select ‘Relative Flight’ mode, the conventional flight mode. This disables Parrot AR.Drone 2.0‘s magnetometer. The pilot manages the quadricopter’s orientation, with no assistance.

Surprising stability at any altitude
The heart of the AR.Drone 2.0 contains MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems). A 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis gyroscope, a 3-axis magnetometer, and a pressure sensor give the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 surprising stability:
§ Two ultrasound sensors analyse flight altitude up to six meters. New! A pressure sensor completes the device, and affords great vertical stability.
§ Four blades, specially designed for the AR.Drone 2.0, make it possible to carry out particularly fluid flights.
§ A second camera, placed beneath the quadricopter and connected to the central inertial unit, measures the craft’s speed using an image comparison system.

Two hulls made for both types of flight
The Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 has two hulls with specially designed contours. Made of EPP (a material used in creating car bumpers), they are light, highly resistant and protect the quadricopter’s parts.
For outdoor flight, the contoured hull, available in three colors (orange/yellow; orange/green; orange/blue), reduces wind resistance and preserves the AR.Drone 2.0‘s handling and stability.
When indoor, a second hull protects the blades from any impacts. The black-and-white cockpit, underlined with a red stripe, reinforces the quadricopter’s mysterious, thrilling appearance.
Finally, light-emitting diodes (green in front, red in rear), positioned on the landing gear, help the pilot track the orientation of his AR.Drone 2.0 in space for easier flying.
An Open Development Platform
In order to expand the use of the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 and its compatibility with other OSs, and to develop new flying games and applications, Parrot is providing developers and members of the AppleR and AndroidTM community with a software development kit.
By logging in at https://projects.ardrone.org and accepting the terms of the license, developers can access the source code used to fly the AR.Drone 2.0. A wiki and a tutorial are also available. A forum lets them discuss their work and share feedback with Parrot engineers.

Now that the calendar’s officially turned to 2012 here’s a fresh trio of new screens from Max Payne 3 to kick off the barrage of new info and media on the game that we’ve got in store for you over the coming weeks and months.

Check ’em out below and in full HD at the Max Payne 3 splash page – and look for much more Payne throughout January – including the launch of the game’s official website and an all-new Design & Technology Series video coming soon!

Max tears a path of destruction through a Comando Sombra hideout.

On the chase deep within Sao Paulo and, as always, dressed to kill.

Max waits for the perfect moment to take down a member of the Cracha Preto.

Gear up and take Earth back in the Action RPG, Mass Effect™ 3! On March 8, Earth is ground zero in a battle to save the galaxy, and EA and BioWare are giving gamers an opportunity to arm themselves with cutting edge weapons and armour to prepare for the upcoming war. Starting today, fans who pre-order Mass Effect 3 at select retailers in Australia and New Zealand will receive the following items:

• N7 Warfare Gear – Exclusive to fans who pre-order at GAME and Mighty Ape, which includes:

N7 Valkyrie Assault Rifle – Deliver two rounds per shot with deadly accuracy and stop the opposition dead in their tracks with superior high caliber rounds.
N7 Defender Armor – Improved shields and health, players can survive even the most punishing of battles and withstand sustained enemy fire. The N7 Defender Armor also offers:
o Increased ammo capacity. Additional ammunition compartments to ensure players are always battle-ready.
o Amplified weapon damage. Built-in power cells provide an additional punch to weapon fire.

• AT-12 Raider Shotgun – Available to PC players who pre-order through EA’s Origin service*.

The AT-12 Raider Shotgun fires a large pellet spread, ensuring maximum coverage for close-range targets. Designed for superior rapid fire, the AT-12 allows for optimal recovery time between shots.

• Omni-Blade Edition – Exclusive to EB Games, which includes:

M55 Argus Assault Rifle – Deadly at any range, the Argus boasts quick burst-fire to ensure ammo conservation and maximum accuracy on the battlefield.

An inflatable Omni Blade

A Collectible Metal Pack

The Mass Effect franchise is set in a science fiction universe blending world-class shooter combat with interactive and cinematic storytelling and space exploration. It is one of the most highly decorated series in the history of games, having earned over 200 international awards including the 2011 AIAS Interactive Achievement Award for Game of the Year for Mass Effect 2. Recently announced as the winner of Spike TV’s 2011 Video Game Awards Most Anticipated Game of 2012, Mass Effect 3 enhances all elements of gameplay from its critically acclaimed predecessors and tells the beginning and end of the epic war against a highly advanced alien race, and Commander Shepard’s desperate struggle to take Earth back.

Learn more about Mass Effect 3 at www.masseffect.com or follow us on Twitter® at www.twitter.com/masseffect.