PlayStation®4 Pro launches in NZ

PlayStation®4 Pro launches in NZ

Sony Interactive Entertainment New Zealand (SIENZ) today launched PlayStation®4 Pro (PS4™ Pro), a high-end system that supports cutting-edge imaging technology to make games look richer and more detailed than ever before. PS4 Pro, which supports dynamic 4K gaming and 4K entertainment* is now available in New Zealand at a suggested retail price of NZD $639.95 inclusive of GST. Blockbuster PS4 games, including Call Of Duty®: Infinite Warfare (Activision), Ratchet & Clank™, The Last of Us™ Remastered, and Uncharted™ 4: A Thief’s End (SIE Worldwide Studios), have been updated to take advantage of PS4 Pro’s increased power, taking the graphics and visual experience to all new heights.     “The launch of PS4 Pro is an immensely exciting moment for PlayStation. Never before have we introduced a new console in the middle of a platform’s lifecycle,” said Jim Ryan, President of SIEE and President of Global Sales & Marketing, SIE “By providing developers with a new way to showcase their creativity, PS4 Pro enables us to prove our commitment to innovation, as well as deliver captivating gameplay experiences for the players.”      PS4 Pro leverages the latest imaging technology by supporting dynamic 4K quality*resolution and High Dynamic Range (HDR). The powerful CPU and GPU of PS4 Pro allows developers to create higher-quality games that output dynamic 4K quality* graphics with unprecedented visual precision, or smoother and more stable frame rates. Like all PS4 consoles, the system is also compatible with HDR imaging technology that produces more realistic, strikingly vivid visuals that are truer to the way the human eye naturally sees. The introduction of PS4 Pro, which sits alongside the standard PS4, will provide consumers with more choice. Users can play every PS4 game on both PS4 Pro and the standard PS4, which was recently released in a slimmer and lighter model at a suggested retail price of NZD $489.95 inclusive of GST. PlayStation®VR is compatible with both systems.  PS4 Pro and the standard PS4 will also share the same user interface and have access to the same vibrant online community. Users are able to select their console of choice, based on their needs and preferences. In addition, Netflix on PS4 Pro will receive an update at the system’s launch, enabling users to stream 4K content such as “Narcos Season 2” and “Luke Cage.” Around 600 hours of 4K content are expected to be released on Netflix by the end of the year. YouTube, already one of the largest sources of 4K content, is also receiving an update to support 4K content on PS4 Pro. For gamers who own an HDTV that does not support either 4K or HDR, PS4 Pro provides a number of benefits, such as higher or more stable framerates, and enhanced graphics and environments.

Win a double pass to see ALLIED

Win a double pass to see ALLIED

“ALLIED” is the story of intelligence officer Max Vatan (Brad Pitt), who in 1942 North Africa encounters French Resistance fighter Marianne Beausejour (Marion Cotillard) on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. 

Reunited in London, their relationship is threatened by the extreme pressures of the war.

Starring Brad Pitt & Marion Cotillard

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

In Cinemas November 24

- Rating TBA

To celebrate the release of Allied, you can win a double pass to see the film

To enter simply email to this address: darrensworldofentertainment@gmail.com or CLICK HERE NOW!

Ghostbusters: Blu Ray Review

Ghostbusters: Blu Ray Review 

Rating: M
Released by Sony Home Ent

"I ain't afraid of no ghost" goes the rallying cry from Ray Parker Jr's iconic theme.

But based on the online furore resultant from Paul Feig's first look Ghostbusters trailer, it appears many were fearful of an all female cast taking on the mantle of Bill Murray, Dan Ackroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson's characters.

So in its newest iteration, it's all about the nostalgia and the ladies when Manhattan is under siege from a phantom menace. Enthusiasts Erin Gilbert and Abby Yates (Wiig and McCarthy respectively) discover an increase in activity in New York - and coupled with nuclear engineer and loose cannon Jillian Holtzmann (Saturday Night Live's Kate McKinnon) and subway worker Patty Tolan (Leslie Jones), they set out to save the day.

Thirty years on from their first appearance, the Ghostbusters are back for a new generation.

While large swathes of this film are bathed in the same kind of nostalgia that JJ Abrams executed with Star Wars: The Force Awakens (and indeed the film struggles to etch out its own identity), there's no escaping the fact this 2016 Ghostbusters is essentially the same film as 1984 Ghostbusters, but with the original group appearing in various cameos (as well as others from the series).

It's hard not to read into the furore that's surrounded the film's inception when the script throws in such meta- lines like "Ain't no bitches gonna hunt no ghosts" (from an online commenter on one of the group's uploaded videos) and a Melissa McCarthy put down about reading comments late at night, but for the most part, director Paul Feig wallows in what made the original Ghosbusters so much fun - silly goofiness in between some paranormal moments.

The team gels solidly but never spectacularly together throughout, and while McKinnon manages some zany moments, her antics have a tendency to stick out within the group.

Certainly, Wiig and McCarthy channel earnest into the ineptness of the group and their estranged friendship and Jones' street-smart Patty fits in as she brings something of value to the group. There's certainly no tokenism here and there's never any sign that all of this has been retro-fitted to an all female lead cast - and the very fact that even has to be mentioned decries the state of Hollywood in 2016. It's not a film that makes smart commentary about women in the 21st Century - nor should it. It's a film that has a simple brief and sticks to it.

Essentially, Ghostbusters 2016 is a kids' movie, a family outing for all, that may have benefited from a burst of extra humour (a lot of the laughs come from Chris Hemsworth playing dumb as receptionist man-candy Kevin) over its 2 hour run time.

There are certainly moments towards the end that feel flat and dialogue that chugs rather than flies, but it's more a script issue than an ensemble problem. It culminates in a Godzilla CGI Spooktacular/ Avengers portal mash-up that may lack some stakes and a series of cameos that start to stand out, but it certainly never lacks any reverence for its source material or a reason for being.

Much maligned it may be, and while it's a case of setting expectations to a lower end of the spectrum, there's nothing offensive about this reboot. Many may be afraid of this, but to be frank, the 2016 version of Ghostbusters is silly, disposable fun in a world that just takes itself too seriously sometimes. Maybe if they get the sequel that's hinted at in a post-credits scene, there's work to be done, but for now, this reboot is fine. 

Battlezone: PSVR Review

Battlezone: PSVR Review

Platform: PS VR
Developed by Rebellion Games

Imagine a game that was a mix of Tanks and Tron - that in a nutshell is the rather brilliant Battlezone, from Rebellion the people who bring you 2000AD.

A modern reboot of the classic game from 1980, this game is one of the best of the  current crop of PSVR releases.

Taking a first person perspective and throwing you into the cockpit of a tank that you then move about taking on enemies and shooting down saucers, and trying to progress to seize strategic targets. But you need to exercise a degree of caution as you blast your way around as weapons take time to reload and vital seconds could cost you your life.

Strategically the game sends you across a grid that you have to clear each section of before you can progress; like a sort of Adventure Game but for tanks. As you progress other areas unlock and you go hurtling into a new conflict with a desire to ensure that you win.

Destroying tanks and saucers, flying drones et al unlocks data for you to retrieve, weaponry to buy and also ammo. Different colour cubes scatter the landscape as you shatter their illusions and blow them all away.

As it's a tank, motion sickness is kept to a very minimum with little to no impact on this game as you move around the different arenas. The first person viewpoint adds a lot too with the very real feeling that you're inside a beast; sure there's a minimalist approach to what's inside, but quite frankly when you're taking on the bad guys, you only need a radar and an indication of what weaponry you have available to use.

Battlezone is a great game; it's fun and simple; it may be based on a game from the 80s with an 80s vibe to the gameplay and presentation, but it makes the very best of the VR's new wave. Simply put, this is one of the must-have titles of the first wave of releases.

New DEADLINE Mode and Shotaro Bike - Plus Special Bonuses in GTA Online

New DEADLINE Mode and Shotaro Bike - Plus Special Bonuses in GTA Online

New DEADLINE Mode and Shotaro Bike - Plus Special Bonuses in GTA Online

Turn the streets of Los Santos into a stylish electronic videogame battle to the death with the latest update to GTA Online. Achieve hyper speed on the futuristic Nagasaki Shotaro and demolish foes with the power of your light trail in the new Adversary Mode, Deadline. Check out the new trailer above and read on for more details, including special GTA Online bonuses happening now through Monday, November 21st. 

NEW VEHICLE: NAGASAKI SHOTARO

Light up the night with the blazingly fast Nagasaki Shotaro. Packed with enough energy to power the Los Santos grid and sporting the looks of an auto show concept vehicle, the Shotaro delivers a driving experience that is out of this world. Experience the delights of the Shotaro first in the new Deadline Adversary Mode, which will unlock the bike for purchase at Legendary Motorsport, and the Deadline Outfit is also unlocked for purchase at any clothing store. And for a limited time, proud new Shotaro owners will get a free Nagasaki Logo Tee added to their wardrobe. 

DEADLINE 

Deadline pits up to four players against another, each mounted on a different colored Shotaro, which emits a temporary light trail as you ride through the arena. Any competitor unfortunate enough to come in contact with said trail meets an instant explosion. Make calculated movements to force opponents to cross your trail’s path and take advantage of strategic power-ups for a competitive edge; use Boost to speed ahead and cut off your opponents, slow down time with Zoned for precision movement, or leap your opponent’s light trail with Hop. Step in the arena now and earn Double GTA$ and RP through November 21st.

UNLOCKABLE IN-GAME T-SHIRT & BONUSES

Feeling a sense of pride after picking up your latest mode of transport? Show your colors and shine bright in the Nagasaki Logo Tee, free with any Nagasaki Shotaro purchase. 

In addition to the Double GTA$ and RP in Deadline, get a boost to your Biker Business with 25% off Business supplies and resupplies plus an extra 50% GTA$ and 2X RP from Biker Business Sales. Plus, take advantage of discounted weapons and tactical vehicles listed below from now through the 21st.

Properties

• Biker Businesses – 25% 

Vehicles 

• Karin Technical – 25% (Heist completion requirement waived)
• Savage – 25% (Heist completion requirement waived)
• MTL Brickade – 50%

Weaponry

• Bullet Ammo – 25%
• Throwables and Explosives – 25%
• Body Armor – 25%
• Drum & Box Magazines – 25%

PREMIUM RACE: OVER THE BRIDGE (NOVEMBER 8TH - 21ST) 

Suit up and put that crotch rocket to work across the La Puerta Freeway and Los Santos’ docklands in the Over the Bridge Stunt Race, locked to Bikes. As always, it’s Triple RP to all whom participate with generous GTA$ prizes for the top three finishers.

Tom Clancy's The Division - Expansion II Survival public test now available

Tom Clancy's The Division - Expansion II Survival public test now available

TOM CLANCY’S THE DIVISION^® EXPANSION II: SURVIVAL PUBLIC TEST NOW AVAILABLE

Sydney, Australia — November 9, 2016 — Ubisoft^® has announced that a new Public Test Server (PTS) is now available for Windows PC players to join until November 13. The PTS will be used to test Update 1.5 as well as Survival, the second major expansion for Tom Clancy’s The Division^®.

In this new expansion, players will face extreme conditions after their chopper is taken down by a snowstorm. As Division agents, they have information about a potential cure for the pandemic and they will need to be extracted from the Dark Zone. Finding warm clothes, supplies, food, water and medicine will be vital to their success. However, the environment is not the only danger out there; players must also be aware of 23 other agents and face off against the Hunters, a new mysterious and deadly enemy who is always one step ahead of them.

To view the trailer click the image below

In Survival, players will be able to choose to enable either PvP or PvE. In PvP, while the Rogue mechanic does not apply, agents can fight against or cooperate with other players in every corner of New York, even outside of the Dark Zone. In PvE, players will be able to play in cooperation with other players, PvP is disabled, even in the Dark Zone.

Nocturnal Animals: Film Review

Nocturnal Animals: Film Review

Cast: Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Isla Fisher, Armie Hammer
Director: Tom Ford

There's an icy coolness that infects many frames of Tom Ford's sophomore cinematic outing, adapted from the 1993 novel Tony and Susan by Austin Wright - and it may leave you quivering in its wake.

A terrific on-edge Adams plays gallery owner Susan Morrow; unable to sleep, with cracks emerging from under the veneer of her calm composure and falling out of love with her salesman husband (a smarmy Hammer), she's intrigued when a manuscript from her former husband Edward shows up unexpectedly.

Entitled Nocturnal Animals and dedicated to her, Susan starts to read the tale of Tony and his quest for revenge after his family is kidnapped and brutally killed off a highway in West Texas....

Juxtaposing a gritty Texas crime tale that plumbs the depths of depravity and desperation with the cool pristine glamour of the art scene works incredibly well for Ford's visual aesthetic and feel.

This is a film that oozes style and fortunately, has the substance and the power of its actors to back it up as the inter-woven threads of the narrative spool ever tighter together.

Parts of the film burn with a deplorable and detestable intensity that's distinctly uncomfortable and sickeningly gripping; the sheer ugliness of the novel unfolding in front of Adams' Susan is vividly brought to life by a stunning turn from Gyllenhaal. As Tony, the man stuck in a truly horrific dilemma as his family are snatched in front of him, Gyllenhaal recaptures some of the intensive fire that burned so brightly in Nightcrawler.

Adams is stand-out as well, imbuing an emotionally detached Susan with that desire to know more but a repulsion to do so; early on, there's subtlety in her less-is-more delivery approach (Though there is an argument for saying she does little else in the back half of the film other than supply reaction - but, to be honest, she brings so much with simple facials and reactions to the unfolding fiction).

Equally, in flashbacks, Gyllenhaal brings a softness to the role of former husband Edward as we unpack the story of his and Susan's romance as another thread unwinds.

However, it's also the ensemble that excel as well - from Shannon's determined Southern lawman to Taylor-Johnson's hillbilly sleaze, there's much to luxuriate in this darkly delicious psychological puzzle as it plays out in its sophisticated manner.

While there's much debate to be garnered from the ending (and to a degree, whether there's style over substance in the present day storylines), there's a haunting melancholia that proves hard to shake from the revenge elements of Nocturnal Animals. There's no denying Ford's style and preciseness which shines from the screen (thanks largely to the work from cinematographer Seamus McGarvey) - the callous and ugly nature of Edward's story makes a great contrast to the pristine world that Susan inhabits.

Don't be surprised if Nocturnal Animals proves difficult to loosen its grip on you; one suspects come awards time, there'll be recognition for this piece of obtusely seductive noir and more acclaim for Ford's singular vision and execution.

Rating: