REVEAL OF GEAR OF WAR 4

A tweet from the Gears of War channel teases that the game's "next big reveal is coming soon." A countdown clock on the Gears of War website is ticking down to three days from now, on the morning of Monday, April 11. This is apparently when the announcement will be made, whatever it is.

The website itself is potentially confusing, as it shows only a number of hours left, but producer Rod Fergusson says it should be read as three days and a number of hours.

Gears of War community director Adam Fletcher teased the reveal further, saying it will come completely out of left field.

Gears of War 4 is scheduled to launch on October 11 for Xbox One. A PC version may also be released, but nothing has been confirmed at this stage. In other news, it's been confirmed that the game will offer split-screen play for multiplayer, though frame rate drops to 30fps when playing this way.

The Gears of War 4 multiplayer beta will begin later this month--check out this post to find out how to get in. On the subject of multiplayer, Fergusson recently said Gears of War's multiplayer--since Gears of War 1--has been "under-served," and explained why Gears of War 4 will change that.

NEW HALO 5 XBOX ONE "ADVANCED" CONTROLLER OPTIONS

An update for Halo 5: Guardians coming next week will introduce, as promised, some new "advanced" Xbox One controller options. With the update applied, players will be able to further customize shooting and aiming elements such as Look Acceleration, Inner Dead Zone, and Outer Dead Zone.

As explained on Halo Waypoint, the new Look Acceleration option adjusts the time it takes to achieve top look speed. When it arrives next week, the value for this setting will default to 3. If you want an experience that more closely resembles the Halo 5 multiplayer beta, you should use the 2 setting, 343 says.

Inner Dead Zone, meanwhile, pertains to the region around the analog stick's center position that disregards input; this is meant to prevent camera drift when you aren't actually touching the stick. Sometimes analog sticks don't return perfectly to the center (due to controller wear, etc.), and the new Inner Dead Zone customization options should help you have a better experience.

You'll need to test things out to find out what works best.

"Try turning the Inner Dead Zone down to 0 percent and test if you run into cases where after releasing the look stick, the camera continues drifting," 343 said. "If you do get drift, increase the inner dead zone setting a bit and try again. Ideally, you want as small of a deadzone as possible so that you're maximizing as much of the analog stick as possible."

The third new Xbox One controller option coming to Halo 5 next week is Outer Dead Zone. This will allow you to tweak the point at which the analog stick records 100 percent input.

"Outer Dead Zone is used to prevent slow turn (when you are applying 100 percent input on the look stick but not reaching top look speed). The larger the Outer Dead Zone, the sooner you will hit 100 percent," 343 said.

As with Inner Dead Zone, 343 provided some tuning recommendations to help you find out what works best.

"Try turning the Outer Dead Zone down to 0 percent and test if you run into cases where you can't hit the 'pegged state' and encounter slow turn," 343 said. "If you do get slow turn, increase it a bit more and try again. Note that the majority of cases we found where people were encountering slowturn were somewhat hard to discover as the problem tended to be inconsistent and were often happening only when clenching, torqueing, or rotating the analog stick around the edges a tad. So you might need to experiment with this one a tad more before settling on the proper setting."

343 also notes that the default values for Halo 5's three new controller options are unchanged from the settings as they exist today. That is to say, 343 is not changing how Halo 5 plays for everyone, but only giving players who do want more choices--and there seem to be quite a few--exactly that.

You can click through the images in the gallery above to get a closer look at the new options.

These changes come to Halo 5 through The Cartographer's Gift update, which is confirmed to launch sometime next week. 343 will showcase this update as part of a livestream event today.

We are excited to share with you that as part of next week’s update, we have added some additional options to the Controller Menu that will allow you to further customize your shooting/aiming experience. Included with the Cartographer's Gift update are customizable settings for:

Look Acceleration

Inner Dead Zone

Outer Dead Zone

Here is a quick overview of each and some guidance on using them.

LOOK ACCELERATION

Look Acceleration adjusts the time it takes to hit max look speed when you peg (apply 100% input in any direction) the look stick. The higher the setting, the quicker you will reach top speed, and the lower the setting, the longer it takes to reach top speed. 

Currently, this value defaults to 3. For Halo 5's launch, we made the Look Acceleration a tad faster than it has been in past games and the Halo 5 Multiplayer Beta. This was done in part to help you make large aim corrections a bit faster (for example, if someone is attacking you from behind it allows you to more quickly do a 180). If you would like the Look Acceleration to match the Multiplayer Beta, use a setting of 2 here. 

INNER DEAD ZONE

The Inner Dead Zone refers to a small region around the analog stick’s center position where we disregard input. Inner Dead Zone is used to prevent drift (camera movement when you aren’t applying any input to the look stick). This is caused because the analog sticks do not always return perfectly to center for a variety of reasons (manufacturing tolerances, wear and tear on the controller, etc). Note that the default we use here aligns with the platform recommended value and is what past Halo games have also used. 

Recommended tuning process: Try turning the Inner Dead Zone down to 0% and test if you run into cases where after releasing the look stick, the camera continues drifting. If you do get drift, increase the inner dead zone setting a bit and try again. Ideally, you want as small of a deadzone as possible so that you're maximizing as much of the analog stick as possible. 

OUTER DEAD ZONE

The Outer Dead Zone allows you to adjust the point at which the analog stick registers as hitting 100% input. Outer Dead Zone is used to prevent slow turn (when you are applying 100% input on the look stick but not reaching top look speed). The larger the Outer Dead Zone, the sooner you will hit 100%. 

Recommended tuning process: Try turning the Outer Dead Zone down to 0% and test if you run into cases where you can’t hit the "pegged state" and encounter slow turn. If you do get slow turn, increase it a bit more and try again. Note that the majority of cases we found where people were encountering slowturn were somewhat hard to discover as the problem tended to be inconsistent and were often happening only when clenching, torqueing, or rotating the analog stick around the edges a tad. So you might need to experiment with this one a tad more before settling on the proper setting

Finally -- note that the default values on these parameters are all identical to what we (and you) have been using previously. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about this update changing anything. If you don’t touch them, the game will play identically to how it has. But for those of you that want the ability to more intimately adjust your aiming experience, these parameters should provide more fine-tuned control that will help better adjust the game to your specific controller hardware and personal preferences.

RESIDENT EVIL REVELATIONS 2

Although Resident Evil Revelations 2 doesn't recapture old glory or reach new heights for the series, it contains moments of inspiration where its action-adventure gameplay and mostly compelling mystery plot marry together beautifully. Capcom’s horror doesn't frighten, but as an action-adventure it’s elevated by this occasional synergy, and the excellent bonus Raid mode.

Revelations 2’s four episodes dance between two timelines, each with its own pair of characters, to weave together a mystery that kept me hooked right up until its finale. In one, reliably endearing Claire Redfield and ‘tude-filled Moira Burton - who I also liked, despite her tendency to swear for the sake of swearing -  are two unlikely friends, thrust together by an evil ‘overseer’ who is keeping them captive for reasons unknown.

Resident Evil fan-favourite Barry Burton is back in the second timeline, joined by mysterious newcomer Natalia, a little girl whose memory harbors half-remembered secrets. Each episode manages to keep its cards close enough to its chest that I was compelled to play the next one – perhaps the only justification for Revelations 2’s four-episode structure – and there’s a humour in the characters that I found refreshing.

Pairing off these characters does more than serve the story, though, as your companions are legitimately useful in ways that make gameplay more interesting. Moira’s flashlight is used to blind

Resident Evil Revelations 2.

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The Evil WithinResident Evil 5Dead Island enemies and find hidden objects for Claire, and Natalia can see enemy weakpoints and crawl through tiny spaces where Barry can’t fit.

Revelations 2 is at its best when it makes us use all these skills at once. Its most satisfying moments involve switching between characters on the fly - or shrieking instructions at your partner if playing in split-screen or online co-op - in order to make it through particularly tricky or dangerous areas.

Both Natalia and Moira are physically underpowered, too, which can lend to a sense of hysteria. There’s a thrilling section in Episode 3, for example, where Moira and Claire must escape an enemy-filled building by working together against the clock. Moira can’t defend herself against giant enemies, so you’ve either got to make a run for it or you’ve got to switch to Claire and pump bullets into them from afar.

I would have liked to have seen more of this kind of co-op play across the board, but unfortunately Revelations 2’s biggest sin is its boring corridor environments.There’s a significant lack of environmental detail here - ‘unbreakable crates’ is as spicy as it generally gets - and its crumbling interiors are painted in far less than 50 shades of grey.

Equally unimaginative enemies roam them. While there are a handful that stand out - Claire faces off against a deliciously gross monster at the end of episode 3, while the final boss will likely inspire fan-art - most enemies are generic shamblers or walking pustules with glowing red spots. In 2015, these monsters aren’t only played out - they’re simply not scary.

Fortunately, traditional Resident Evil puzzles do eventually spice things up, after a conspicuous absence in the first few episodes. Episode 3 introduces some classic brain-benders, including one that involves Barry and Natalia working together to move a box from one end of a level to another. It’s all nonsense, of course - the justification is that the giant box is an outdoor ‘power source’ - but it incorporates some clever level design and provides a nice break from the running and gunning.

There’s far more consistency outside the main campaign. The Raid minigame is a highlight, played either solo or co-op. Raid mode challenges you to clear out a huge number of shooting galleries under the recommended level without healing yourself, offering bragging rights and unlockable characters as a reward. At 130 medals down, I’ve only scratched the surface, yet I’m compelled to continue: Raid offers real longevity outside of the main campaign.

VIDEO LINK : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ytrIg10Rpc

APRIL UPDATE IMPROVES XBOX ONE`S

Microsoft has detailed the next Xbox One system update, which brings with it some minor, but much appreciated new features.

The April system update is being distributed to preview program members first, as usual, but it'll be coming in two parts. The first of these should now be in the hands of testers, and consists of three features, as detailed by Major Nelson.

With the update installed, achievement notifications will include more than just the name of the achievement you've unlocked. You'll be able to see the description for the achievement, sparing you the effort of having to open the achievements app in order to see exactly what it is you just accomplished. Should you want to still open the achievements app, it should now open more quickly when launched from a notification.

Party chat has been improved and will now help to identify what problem may be preventing you from chatting with other users. It will do this by informing you of networking issues or privacy settings that are getting in the way of being able to chat, as well as by identifying other problems--such as your Kinect's chat being disabled, as shown in the image above.

Finally, game hubs are being made more easily accessible from the activity feed. You'll be linked to a game's hub from posts involving that game, including achievements, video clips, and screenshots.

Details on the features coming in the second part of the April update's preview will be announced next week.

PREDATOR ON MORTAL KOMBAT X?

Yesterday, an Xbox Store listing revealed that the Predator, the alien from the movie of the same name, will be a playable character in Mortal Kombat X for those who buy the game's premium edition.

Now, publisher Warner Bros. officially announced that the Predator will be included in one of four pieces of DLC. The other three pieces of DLC add the previously announced Jason Voorhees, Tanya, and Tremor. Each of the packs will also include new skins for existing characters.

Here's a complete breakdown of what's included in each of the packs:

The Ultimate Horror Pack:

Playable character Jason Voorhees

Horror skins Vampiress Mileena, Kraken Reptile and Pharaoh Ermac

The Klassic Pack #1:

Playable character Tanya

Klassic skins for Kano, Sonya and Liu Kang

The Predator / Prey Pack:

Playable character Predator

Predator-themed skins Commando Johnny, Infrared Scorpion and Carl Weathers as Jax

The Klassic Pack #2:

Playable character, Tremor

Klassic skins for Quan Chi, Jax and Kung Lao

In the Americas, all of the above content will be included in the Kombat Pack, which comes with the Mortal Kombat X Kollector’s Edition by Coarse, Limited Edition and Premium Edition. The Kombat Pack will also be available for purchase separately for $30.

Check out GameSpot's detailed list of what's included in each of the Mortal Kombat X special editions.

At launch, Kombat Pack owners will get the Samurai Pack, which contains three new skins: Ronin Kenshi, Samurai Shinnok and Jingu Kitana. Those who buy the Kombat Pack will also get the content earlier, before it's sold individually.

The game launches April 14 for Xbox One, Xbox 360

VIDEO LINK : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_1WiEHvtS0

SURVIVAL TIPS TO SUCCEED IN EVOLVE

The four-on-one multiplayer of Evolve looks deceptively simple. Jump into the shoes of a Hunter, and it'll feel like a first-person shooter. Even playing as the Monster can initially feel like an action-focused roaming brawler. But this is a game with a great deal more depth than it appears at first glance. No, don't shy away, we're here to help: Follow these key bits of advice to get yourself up to speed.

Know Your Role

In Evolve, every character is unique. And every Hunter is vital. Since you're never entirely sure which character you're going to spawn as, you need to get familiar with them all. But, more importantly, you need to operate within that character's given role. For example, if your Medic spends more time trying to damage the Monster than healing your team, you're gonna have a bad time. Learn the roles, and play the role you're given. You'll have plenty of opportunities to play other roles in the future.

It's Dangerous to Go Alone

Because each Hunter class supports every other, it's absolutely crucial to stick together as much as possible. The last thing you want is to have your Assault Hunter halfway across the map when you've trapped the Monster. And being low on health without a Medic around is nothing short of infuriating. So keep tabs on your teammates... and at the very, very least, stay in constant communication with each other.

For Monsters, a Little Stealth Goes a Long Way

Let's review the basics of Evolve: One player controls a Monster. Four players do everything in their power to destroy the Monster. As powerful as the Monster can be, it's hard to escape the fact that it's four against one. One way to gain an edge as the Monster is to be as stealthy as possible. At the start of the match, of course, you'll want to run like hell. But as soon as you've got some distance between you and the Hunters, take it slow and careful. The quieter you are, the harder it'll be for them to find you. And for the love of all that is holy, avoid the groups of roosting birds. They'll put the Hunters on your trail immediately.

Don't Get Tunnel Vision

No matter your role, it's easy to get too focused on the ultimate goal of the match, whether it be taking down a Monster or simply surviving as one. But remember that some sidetracks are worth it. Most especially, hunting albino creatures can result in seriously beneficial buffs for you or your team. You can harvest bonuses that slash your special-ability cool-down times, boost your armor, or even expand your clip size. Just don't get too distracted, or you might find your enemy creeping up behind you.

Mix it Up...

When you look at the progression path for both Hunters and Monsters, you'll notice that each item or ability has its own individual challenge. For example, the Medic needs to heal a certain amount of teammate damage, tranquilize the Monster a certain number of times, and place a certain number of targets on the Monster with the sniper rifle. Each class has similar challenges, and so does the Monster. Only after completing all of these objectives can you level up and unlock a new character. It can feel like a bit of a grind, but it serves two important purposes: First, it forces you to get comfortable with all of your role's abilities; and second, it gets you access to upgraded characters, who are dramatically better than the base model.

...But Not All at Once

Here's the trouble: If you try to focus on all these objectives in a single game, you'll find yourself overwhelmed. Monsters really need to specialize; you only get a handful of upgrade points when you evolve to Tier 2 and Tier 3, and trying to spread those points to all your abilities is going to leave you underpowered and vulnerable. So whether you're playing as Monster or Hunter, pick just one or two abilities to focus on each round.

The most important thing to remember about Evolve is that it's a much more complex and strategic game than it appears. Pay attention to your roles and your goals, though, and you'll survive.

Well, some of the time.

You can test your monster-hunting abilities immediately; Evolve is available right now on Xbox One!

EVOLVE GAMEPLAY VIDEO

POWERSTAR GOLF FOR XBOX

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Game Description : Powerstar Golf takes your game to new heights with innovative new features never before seen in a golf game. 

Play through beautifully stylized 18-hole courses in exotic locations, unlocking new characters and gear as you go. 

Each unique character has strengths to leverage, customized gear to unlock, and a special ability all their own. 

With hundreds of clubs, balls, and unique sets of gear, you’ll find a million ways to step up your game and impress your friends! The downloadable version of this game supports English.

Size:3.88 GB

Released: 11/22/2013

Developer:Zoë Mode

Publisher:Microsoft Studios

Genre:Family, Sports & Recreation

Price:$19.99

POWERSTAR GOLF REVIEW : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqLatqGky7Q

XBOX ONE HAS THE BEST GAMES EVER!

Our exclusive games won more than 100 awards at E3, twice as many as our closest competitor.

Xbox One was built by gamers, for gamers.

The perfect balance of power and performance, Xbox One takes gaming to a whole new level. Stunning realism. Advanced AI that adapts to the way you play.

And a new generation of multiplayer that is both smarter and faster. Xbox One is simply the best gaming console we’ve ever made.