Sony Press Conference | E3 Round-up

So time to answer the question that was on everyone's lips at E3, could Sony compete against the heavy-hitting Microsoft? The answer? Ehh kind of. In all seriousness they pulled some great trump cards but overall the line-up seemed a little over-rated. Check it out below for yourself.

The Last Guardian
Holy Christ this is it. The final chapter in the infamous "Shadow of the Colossus" trilogy is almost upon us. An exclusive demo of the game showcased some of the incredible scenery that the games so well renown for.  No exact date as of yet only the promise of this title landing on the PS4 at some point next year. But if the trailer is anything to go by it is certainly going to be worth the wait.

Horizon: Zero Dawn
Think Jurassic Park meets Destiny. This in-development title had promising gameplay boasting ferocious looking mecha-dinosaurs galore. All of this set against an expansive ravaged terrain to explore. Unfortunately it's still in development with Guerrilla Games but it looks to be an immersive future play.

Hitman
Yet another Hitman to add to the repertoire. However this time around Sony promises this is "the most ambitious Hitman game ever." The trailer featured Agent 47 running around and taking out  a target with a sniper so nothing really out of the norm here. It boasts some exquisite looking cutscenes though so to their credit it looks like a step in the right direction.

Street Fighter V
Adding another to the PS4 exclusive roster is the classic fighting franchise, Street Fighter and it's making one hell of a come-back. Two new challengers have entered the fray (Cammy and Birdie) and apparently so has the beta which is expected as early as July. The official release is March 2016.

Dreams
Courtesy of the geniuses behind LittleBigPlanet their latest project Dreams promises big on the creativity factor. Incorporating the DualShock 4 to draw to your hearts content, watch on as your creations come to life! Quirky looking preview which just goes to show the only limit to this game is your imagination.

Destiny: The Taken King
It's no secret that Sony haven't really delivered when it comes to expansions for Destiny. But all of that's changed with this latest installment. We're talking bigger badder enemies, new and improved gear and some awesome looking maps. Ready yourselves as the DLC will be launched September 15th 2015.

Microsoft Press Conference | E3 Round-up

Now it's Microsoft's turn. What did they have to offer last night of the Xbox variety?

Backwards Compatibility
Yes that's right. All those 360 games you spent years collecting can now also be played on the Xbox One! Digitally purchased games will start showing up automatically in your game library. Retail Xbox 360 disks won't work natively with the Xbox One, but will initiate a download of an Xbox One-compatible version when inserted. 

Elite Controller 
From October 2015, you'll be able to get the highly customisable Xbox Elite Controller which holds a whole host of different features and gadgets. It has hair triggers and improved thumbtack sensitivity. But mainly, the customisation allows you to swap out some components & the D-pad and players can do some button remapping.

Halo 5: Guardians
No-one really cares about the story in Halo do they? Well anyway, the multiplayer is getting a new, interesting premise reminiscent of Titanfall, where the AI is going to be mixed with real players in Halo 5's Warzone.

Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2
Now this looks like its gonna be more fun than the first one. With new plant and zombie types to master, you'll have to get some practice in before the early 2016 release.

Rise of the Tomb Raider
Available on 10th November 2015, this timed-exclusive got a brand-new gameplay demo for you to feast your eyes on. Get ready for some tomb raiding.

Fallout 4
Bethesda kept some of the most important info to themselves during their conference to save for Microsoft. You'll be able to port mods onto the Xbox One with the all-new Fallout. And you'll also get Fallout 3 for free when you buy the One version!

Bethesda Press Conference | E3 Round-up

Here's our review of what developer, Bethesda, had to offer at E3 2015!

Doom

Doom looks freakin' brutal as per usual. But with the intense graphical transformation, killing demons have gotten a whole lot more gory. So if tearing the jaws off demons is your jam, you've got to wait until the middle of next year to play it on Xbox One, PS4 and PC.

Dishonored 2

Players get the choice of playing as Emily Kaldwin, or Corvo Attano from the original Dishonored and Emily's Father. Coming in Spring 2016, who you choose will impact what special abilities you have. Corvo's short teleporting abilities or Emily's grappling hook arm of DOOM. Or just grappling hook arm. She can also shadow walk which was originally cut from the first Dishonored. There wasn't really much else in the trailer so look forward to more details closer to release.

It's being released on PC, Xbox One and PS4. There's also Dishonored: Definitive Edition coming to PS4 and Xbox One.
Fallout 4
November 10th. This year. Not long until the most freedom-inducing Fallout yet. The gameplay demo showed off the new engine and an exclusive look into the customisation with some very impressive face-sculpting of either a male or female character. (They're really pushing this whole gender choice thing... Ubisoft.) The freedom comes from the choices you can make, and you're never locked into conversation. So can just walk away from it! 

You can play retro arcade games on your new and improved Pip-Boy. And a real replica Pip-Boy will be bundled into the collector's edition. A smartphone can be slotted into the replica Pip-Boy’s screen and an app installed in order to deliver a second screen experience. 

There are also a few new game mechanics, including a brand new crafting system. One of the best is that you will be able to create settlements on your travels, which will soon bring in traders giving you some of the best weapons in the game. Using Minecraft style customisation, you'll draw these in quick. And they've announced a fun looking iPhone game called Fallout Shelter which is available to download now for free!

FourPlay Presents... E3 2015!

In the next few days, we at FourPlay (Nat & Melissa) will be bringing you all the exclusive news coming straight out of E3. With conferences coming from game developers like Bethesda and Square Enix, be prepared for some big announcements regarding Fallout 4 and Final Fantasy. 

There are also the usual players, Sony and Microsoft hoping to one up each other once again. With a new console upgrade rumoured from Microsoft, its all been quiet in the Sony camp, so expect something special there. Then there'll be the usual Ubisoft showing yet another Just Dance and yet another Assassin's Creed. And Call of Duty. Obviously.

We'll give you in-depth analysis to each press conference, and give you the lowdown on the highlights. So, you don't have to sit through boring-ass conferences. We'll do it for you.

Here are the times just in case you want to join us. And if you're in the UK, just add 8 hours to the times below!

Stay tuned...

Orange Is The New Black Season 3 | TV Review

The time has come again. 13 hours of my life in the past 36 hours has been dedicated to this breakthrough Netflix series. And what a return to Litchfield it was. Orange Is The New Black has come leaps and bounds above any other series in breaking the boundaries set by TV. Without a doubt, this season has topped Season 2, maybe not quite Season 1.

The ever-changing dynamics within the series are pivotal in its quality. The Litchfield we see in episode 1 of the series is completely unparalleled to the same place at the end of episode 13. As has been the case in all 3 seasons. Not only that, but the characters development through these changes are incredible. Although in some particular characters, it makes them worse.

Take Piper for example. Although she's considered the main protagonist she is one of the most annoying. So she's her usual self in the first half of the season, but the second half, she just becomes a mighty asshole for zero reason, and this adds absolutely nothing to her character. She's been demoted to a side character which has been a long time coming. It makes Orange Is the New Black feel more like an ensemble than it did before. Most of the characters put on some real stellar performances, queen Laverne Cox as Sophia and Kate Mulgrew as Red. With all the side characters, theres a danger with overshadowing some of the ones with potential, which somehow they've managed to avoid. Before now. 

One of the most hyped characters before the show, Stella, played by Ruby Rose is somehow slipped into the series halfway through to provide some kind of friction between Piper and Alex. But there's literally no explanation as to why she's there, and she's gone before you know it. And Alex just disappears for some reason to allow all this to happen although her and Piper are stuck together by some special lesbian glue in the first few episodes.

*faints*

Laura Prepon made a sparkling return though. She put on one of the best performances in the series as she was jailed again. What's most notable is her pure chemistry with Piper whether they're at each others throats or doing it in a bin bag. However, her showing of her spiral down into paranoia and fear of the unknown after ratting out her drug lord boss is in stark contrast to anything on the series beforehand. Their exploration of this and depression in the prison is very comparable to the real world which is a strange thing to achieve in a prison show.

The thing this season lacked, was the extremely dramatic end that the other two seasons had. In the final hour and a half episode, it fizzled out like some flat orangeade. It was incredibly anti-climatic compared to some of the other moments earlier in season 3. This was always a danger since their wasn't a Disney-style villain like Vee in season 2 who was bound to get their comeuppance at some point. Their were a number of different inconveniences for a lot of the characters, which never really added up to much at the end. Or at least, you don't see the resolutions of these, which is once again, unsatisfying. In other words, meh.

What really packed a punch was the ability to go from all jokes around to complete heartbreak in the click of their fingers. That's always been something OITNB has held in high regards, and they certainly haven't lost that in their third outing. exploring back stories of Norma, the mute and Chang, the old Chinese lady who brushes her teeth with salt, gives even more insight into the lesser-known characters of the series. In particular, the back stories of Flaca and Daya really hit home. The story of Pennsatucky takes a very upsetting turn that is definitely out of the blue, and one of the most heartbreaking in this series.

OITNB has lost some of its charm in season 3 compared to previous series, mainly because of some severe lacking qualities, and making Piper an unnecessary asshole who needs a punch in the face. Other than that, its freedom to explore issues that are rarely touched upon elsewhere, and the ever-diverse cast's adaptability to their cause and emotions along with the fluctuating mood throughout each episode is what makes Orange Is The New Black.

8/10

Muse - Drones | Album Review

English rock giants Muse are the main talking point this week with the release of their seventh studio album, Drones.

Muse have always been a band who have had controversy surrounding them, due to their unpredictable changes in musical direction and their unavoidable similarity to 70s icons, Queen. However, credit has to be given to a band who have not been afraid to step out of their comfort zone from the get-go and create a plethora of alternative music, which has cemented their name as one of the biggest bands in the world today.

Drones was promised to be Muse's "heaviest release" to date, which excited a number of cult fans who prefer the band's more guitar driven songs. With multiple listens to the album, it is debatable whether Drones fulfils that need.

The album kicks off with single Dead Inside, assisted by singer and multi-instrumentalist Matt Bellamy bellowing "Dead Inside" as the song transcends into a simplistic drum beat filled with reverberation and the occasional squeals from a synth.

Dead Inside is compelling and runs in a similar vein to Undisclosed Desires, taken from Muse's 2010 output, The Resistance. Following Dead Inside is an excerpt called Drill Sergeant which oddly pumps you up for Psycho.

It is fair to say that Psycho could be deemed as the heaviest track on the album, yet it's still accessible. It contains the notorious, jittery riffs that Muse have been accustomed to writing. The added distortion gives Psycho that further depth of emotion and the song's name is justified.

Mercy is the track on every Muse album which is purely for a mainstream target audience who cannot get to grips with the experiment songs. Admittedly it is a grower, but it lacks the musical talent which Muse possess.

All can be soon forgiven when the up-tempo drum beat kicks in alongside the Van Halen style guitar tapping in Reapers. The best track on the album by a country mile, Muse mean business with this one. The progressive elements combined with the raw power from Bellamy's vocals make Reapers an addictive listen and a certified head-banger.

As soon as the breakdown in Reapers subsides, the rest of the album's mediocrity creeps in. The Handler is an extremely solid song but slightly lacks the excitement that Reapers contains. Also as with Muse's recent albums, the experimental songs complete the second half of Drones.

Revolt is a cringeworthy song with one of those choruses which you'll feel guilty for singing along to in your head all day.

Muse continue their ambitious approach with the 10 minute epic The Globalist, and it truly doesn't disappoint. The transitions into each section are remarkable and the song does its job of captivating the listener throughout its lengthy duration.

Just when you thought it was over, Muse end the album with title track Drones, a three minute a cappella, almost Gregorian chant style song which is both enlightening and makes you question what you've just heard.

Drones is a favourable album and the first half is brilliant and is a celebration of Muse's return with guitar-based tracks, however the second half will take time for many people to get used to. It is without a doubt a much better album than previous album The 2nd Law and it is a step in the right direction for Muse.

Make sure you catch Muse at Download Festival this Saturday and witness a show you'll never forget!

Rating: 7/10

Stand-out tracks: Psycho, Reapers, The Handler, The Globalist.

2000 Trees Festival Preview

Festival season is shaping up to be incredible this summer, with the intimate music event 2000 Trees just over a month away.

Based in the heart of the Cotswolds, 2000 Trees is a fairly new addition to the festival world, just eight years in its infancy. In the past it has seen notorious acts such as Frank Turner, Twin Atlantic and Band of Skulls showcase their talents to a capacity of just 5000 fans.

This year sees American punk rock band Alkaline Trio and upcoming British rockers Deaf Havana headline the festival, in what is looking to be a very exciting year for 2000 Trees.

Here are FourPlay's Top Five picks for acts you should watch over the duration, with the festival kicking off from July 9th-11th.

1. Deaf Havana

Friday's headliners Deaf Havana are a dead cert to watch. They have spent their career breaking barriers in the British rock scene and after a prominent line-up change, they have continued to make their mark in the public eye. Musically, Deaf Havana are remarkable and their refreshing sound and relatable lyrics makes them a loveable act. Not only are they solid on record, they are also a phenomenal live act and one that are deserving of a headlining slot.

2. Fort Hope

FourPlay favourites Fort Hope are embarking on their UK festival tour and have chosen 2000 Trees to stop off at in July. They are an act working their way up the ladder after recently being picked up by BBC Radio 1 and have been nominated for a Kerrang! award. The fact they are playing an abundance of festivals mean they take their live act seriously and are not afraid to showcase their talents. Equipped with an arsenal of incredible songs, they are going to be a highlight at 2000 Trees. 

3. Nothing But Thieves

Another upcoming act I hold in close regard are Nothing But Thieves. The Southend quintet have also seen BBC Radio 1 keep a keen eye on them, and for a valid reason. Being often compared to Muse has to be a huge compliment for a band who have only been together for a couple of years. Big things will be expected from NBT and fans will be waiting with anticipation to hear their monstrous songs such as Wake Up Call and Itch live.

4. Bare Knuckle Parade

Every festival contains niche acts and 2000 Trees manages to gather them extremely well. Bare Knuckle Parade are a five-piece from Bath, who I can only describe as Mumford and Sons colliding with a softer A Day To Remember. As eccentric as they are, Bare Knuckle Parade have a well-crafted and unique sound which caters for a number of audiences. Keen to uphold their momentum, they will draw a crowd of curious music fans who will be exciting to see such an uncommon, yet brilliant act.

5. When We Were Wolves

Last but not least, we have post-hardcore band When We Were Wolves from Newport. Without a doubt the heaviest band on my list, When We Were Wolves will provide 2000 Trees with brutality and chaos. The influences from British acts such as While She Sleeps, and Bury Tomorrow (who are also at the festival) are evident in the band's sound. However the way that WWWW have crafted their material is remarkable. It's not just your staple, monotonous metal tracks. The emotion is clearly heard in the vocals and instrumentally, the sound is cranked up and ferocious. They are definitely an act to watch out for in the future.

Make sure you check out the bands' music and if you haven't bought a ticket for 2000 Trees yet, make sure you do at http://www.twothousandtreesfestival.co.uk/ as it is not worth missing!