GROUNDBREAKING “FREESTYLE GUITAR SOLO” GAMEPLAY REVEALED FOR ROCK BAND™ 4

 Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. (“Harmonix”) and Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (NYSE MKT/ TSX: MCZ) are excited to reveal that new and groundbreaking “Freestyle Guitar Solo” gameplay is coming to Rock Band 4, the next generation of the award-winning social and interactive music gaming platform, for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One™, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft®.  In order to ensure they can start rocking on launch day, fans can now pre-order the game and hardware; details can be found a thttp://www.rockband.com. Rock Band 4 will be available October 6. The latest Rock Band 4 assets can be found at http://www.rockband.com/e3

Video: Rock Band 4 E3 "Freestyle" Trailer
Video: Rock Band 4: Behind-the-Scenes with Freestyle Guitar Solos

LEAVE THE NOTES BEHIND – IT’S TIME FOR YOUR SOLO
In Rock Band 4, guitarists can now express themselves like never before, leaving their own mark on their favorite tracks with new “Freestyle Guitar Solo” gameplay. No music lessons or expertise needed, “Freestyle Guitar Solos” allow players of any skill level to string together face-melting and truly original legendary solos. Using Positive Grid’s BIAS revolutionary amp and effects modeling technology, players will experience the sound and feel of legendary modern and classic rigs, giving player-created solos an incredible and authentic tone.

Featuring remarkable depth that will challenge even the most seasoned Rock Band players, with “Freestyle Guitar Solos,” players can take the fantasy of becoming a guitar god to the next level! “Freestyle Guitar Solo” gameplay complements a suite of new features that take the full-band game experience of Rock Band to the next level, including advanced vocal gameplay, update party features, and a dynamic band story campaign.

MORE MUSIC, MORE FUN
More than 1500 songs are planned to be compatible with Rock Band 4. An eclectic mix of on-disc songs have also been confirmed, with more announcements on the way leading up through launch.

New music includes:

• Avenged Sevenfold – “Hail to the King”
• Benjamin Booker – “Violent Shiver” *
• Elvis Presley – “Suspicious Minds” *
• Fleetwood Mac – “You Make Loving Fun”
• Jack White – “Lazaretto”
• The Killers – “Somebody Told Me”
• Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars – “Uptown Funk” *
• Queens of the Stone Age – “My God Is The Sun” *
• Scandal – “The Warrior” *
• Spin Doctors – “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong”
• The Who – “The Seeker”

* Indicates newly announced song

Starting today, fans can pre-order the following hardware and software bundles:

• Band-in-a-Box™ Bundle, which includes Rock Band 4, a Wireless Fender™ Stratocaster™ Guitar Controller, a Wireless Drum Kit Controller and a USB Microphone. 
• Guitar Bundle, which includes Rock Band 4 and a Wireless Fender Stratocaster Guitar Controller. 

For more information on Rock Band 4 and to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements, head over to http://www.harmonixmusic.com and http://www.madcatz.com, and follow @RockBand and @MadCatz on Twitter for updates.

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite
Facebook: Fangirl Review

e3 2015 Overview

This year's e3 was interesting to say the least. Gamers alike flocked to the internet to see the conferences that the big 3 presented as well as what other publishers such as Square Enix, Capcom, and Ubisoft had to offer. I am not going to get into the debate of who won, that is just enciting an unnecessary riot that I wish to avoid. I am just going to talk about some of the items presented and leave it there. 

Microsoft Conference:  They announced backwards compatibility by explaining that Mass Effect will be available this Holiday season so players on Xbox One can play with their Xbox 360 friends. That is huge for me since so many of my friends are still on 360. WooHoo! Halo 5 Guardians was highlighted a warzone was presented for 24 players. Recore game shown. New wireless controller presented. Plants vs Zombies Garden Warfare 2 for next spring. Other games presented Forza Motorsports 6, Dark Soul III, Tom Clancy The Divison, Rainbow Six Siege, Beyond Eyes, Tacoma, Cup Head, Xbox Game Preview - check out a selection of games that are still in development. Rare Game Collection - you get to play Battletoads! Rise of the Tomb Raider, Fable Legends will be free to play. Valve and Microsoft partner and Hololens demonstration with MineCraft was mind blowing. If they can pull it off it at a reasonable price it will be awesome. - Gears of War Ultimate Edition for gears fans and Gears 4 presented. 

Sony Conference: The Last Guardian shown with great cut scenes. Horizon Zero Dawn reminds you of Monster Hunter. Hitman - its assassination time. Street Fighter V will be exclusive. Expansive world for No Man's Sky which has a space theme to it almost as if you will be flying. Dreams was stunningly beautiful and gives you a chance to build your own world. Other games coming - Destiny The Taken King, Assassin's Creed Syndicate, World of Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy VII remake coming first to PS4. Project Morpheus explored. Playsation Vue allowing users to pay per channel versus paying for a bundle. Playsation partnering with Activision - Call of Duty Black Ops III - basically all those DLCs you get will be on PS first. Star Wars will be in Disney Infinity. Star Wars Battlefront gameplay shown. Uncharted 4: The Theif's end for all you Uncharted Fans. 

Nintendo: Nintendo's conference was filled with cute puppets. We get to see the new Star Fox 0 and how the gamepad will be utilized. More gameplay and explanation behind Mario Maker. Skylanders Superchargers - with a Donkey Kong and Bowser skylander figurine was presented. Zelda Triforce Heroes for 3ds which plays up more of puzzles and dungeons. Also introduced Hyrule Warriors Legends for 3ds; additional characters and stages will be added to make it more expansive than the Wii U version. Various other games were presented such as Fire Emblem Fates, Mario Tennis Ultra Smash, Xenoblade Chronicles X, Happy Home Designer - Animal Crossings, Yarn Yoshi amiibo with gameplay footage for Yoshi's Wooly World. Also Yo-Kai Watch, Mario and Luigi Paper Jam.

Square Enix: Kingdom Hearts with Tangled presented. Just Cause 3 with a new feature of a wing suit, New Nier project on the hoizon. Lara Croft Go - turn based game. Heaven sword - Final Fantasy XIV, Dragon Quest Heroes, Life is Strange, Final Fantasy VII for iOS coming as well, Kingdom Hearts Unchained, Kingdom Hearts III announced. Final Fantasy XV shown.

Ubisoft: South Park : The Stick of Truth sequel "The Fractured but Whole". For Honor gameplay, Awesome Level Max, Just Dance 2016 - you can use your smart phone as a controller, new streaming service so you can get new songs all year long. 

Bethesda: Bethesda had their first ever e3 case. They presented a new Doom game which considering the love of first person shooters it is a good bet for them as long as the online multiplayer is strong. Dishonored 2 was presented. There are two characters that you can play but very little information presented. Fallout 4 which will have you creating your player and seeing the world before and go from there. There is now a Fallout mobile app which is called Fallout Shelter and get to make your own vault. Also you can get your hands on an actual wearable Pip-Boy. 

This is by no means everything that occurred at e3 2015 but just an overview so you can talk to your friends about it. I was very excited about the backwards compatibility for Xbox, Mario Tennis Ultra Smash, No Man's Sky, and all the cool VR fun that was presented. My only complaint is the same as always which is I wish there was more gameplay footage. What did you think of e3 2015?

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite
Facebook: Fangirl Review

Two New Characters Added to Street Fighter V Roster, Beta Program and Release Timing Detailed

Here come TWO new challengers! Announced at the Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. press conference, as part of the 2015 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Capcom has confirmed the additions of Cammy and Birdie to the esteemed Street Fighter V lineup. Both characters will make their return to the Street Fighter universe, where they join previously-announced classic characters Ryu, Chun-Li, Charlie Nash, and M. Bison. Many more new and returning characters will be added to the diverse roster, offering a wide variety of fighting styles for players to choose from.

Cammy has been a staple of the Street Fighter series since her debut in Super Street Fighter II, and returns faster and stronger than ever before in the upcoming Street Fighter V. Utilizing a wide variety of quick ground and aerial attacks to pressure her opponents, her rush down style will suit offensive minded players of all types. Birdie makes his long awaited return, having last appeared in the Street Fighter Alpha series over 10 years ago. Completely redesigned and reimagined, Birdie’s “larger than life” look masks the fierce power packed into his long range chain attacks and up-close command grabs, making him a threat from every distance.

A new trailer and new screens showcasing Cammy and Birdie in action in Street Fighter V is available now. Additionally, a trailer highlighting the new battle system was released last week, so make sure to check out everything here! Also announced today, the first online beta program for Street Fighter V will be exclusive to PlayStation®4 players and will run for five days, from July 23 to July 28. In North America, those who pre-order the game through select retailers or through PlayStation™ Network (PSN) will be granted automatic access to the beta. In Europe and Asia, players interested in participating in the beta program can visit www.streetfighter.com and follow the various steps to sign up for a chance to join the fight! Additional beta programs will be taking place throughout the rest of the year and more details will be shared at a later date.

Finally, Capcom officially confirmed that Street Fighter V for PS4™ and PC will be released in Spring 2016.

About Street Fighter V:
The legendary fighting franchise returns with Street Fighter V! Powered by Unreal Engine 4 technology, stunning visuals depict the next generation of World Warriors in unprecedented detail, while exciting and accessible battle mechanics deliver endless fighting fun that both beginners and veterans can enjoy. Challenge friends online, or compete for fame and glory on the Capcom Pro Tour. Street Fighter V will be released exclusively for the PlayStation 4 and PC. Through a strategic partnership between Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Capcom, the next generation Street Fighter experience will offer cross-platform play that will unite fans into a centralized player base for the first time ever. The path to greatness begins here: RISE UP!

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite
Facebook: Fangirl Review

STAR OCEAN: INTEGRITY AND FAITHLESSNESS ANNOUNCED FOR THE AMERICAS

Square Enix’s Sci-Fi RPG Title Slated as PlayStation®4 Computer Entertainment System Exclusive. SQUARE ENIX® today revealed that STAR OCEAN®: Integrity and Faithlessness™, the latest chapter of the highly celebrated sci-fi role-playing game (RPG) series will be coming to the Americas. Developed by tri-Ace, the celebrated studio behind the STAR OCEAN series, and with character design by akiman (Akira Yasuda), the game is set to arrive in 2016 exclusively for the PlayStation®4 system.

STAR OCEAN: Integrity and Faithlessness is an epic adventure that introduces seamless transitions between gameplay and dynamic cut scenes, adding a new layer of depth and immersion to storytelling in the series. The popular real-time action battle system from previous titles has been overhauled with improved game mechanics and action sequences for a truly uninterrupted in-game narrative. Set between the events of STAR OCEAN: The Second Story and STAR OCEAN: Till the End of Time, STAR OCEAN: Integrity and Faithlessness takes place centuries after humans have left Earth for the stars. On a planet in the distant Faykreed star system, the swordsman Fidel Camuze and his childhood friend Miki Sauvester set out to protect their village from being swallowed in the tides of civil unrest.

The English debut trailer can be viewed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/SQEXMembersNA.

STAR OCEAN: Integrity and Faithlessness will be released for the PlayStation®4 system in 2016 and is not yet rated. Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings.

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite
Facebook: Fangirl Review

STAR WARS BATTLEFRONT - WALKER ASSAULT GAMEPLAY TRAILER AND SCREENSHOTS

 DICE gave fans across the galaxy their first look at Star Wars™ Battlefront™ gameplay with the debut of Walker Assault. Featuring up to 40-players, Walker Assault is one of the larger multiplayer modes in Star Wars Battlefront and pits Rebel forces against the Empire in an epic battle.

COLLECT, RAISE, AND BATTLE ICONIC MONSTERS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN WORLD OF FINAL FANTASY

Epic Journey with Adorable Heroes and Monsters Coming to PlayStation®4 Computer Entertainment System and PlayStation®Vita Handheld Entertainment System in 2016. SQUARE ENIX® today unveiled WORLD OF FINAL FANTASY™,expanding the FINAL FANTASY® universe for a new generation of gamers. Players will collect, raise and take into battle the monsters of FINAL FANTASY lore, drawing on a rich history of iconic creatures, from the charming to the ferocious. WORLD OF FINAL FANTASY will be available in 2016 for the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®Vita systems.

WORLD OF FINAL FANTASY combines classic RPG gameplay mechanics with fresh and imaginative toy-like visuals. As a brand-new title in the FINAL FANTASY franchise, this game can be enjoyed by both fans and newcomers to the series. Players will lead a pair of twins through varied FINAL FANTASY worlds and encounter the adorably familiar monsters therein. Capture and raise such familiar beasts as cactuar, chocobo, and behemoth to discover alternate forms and learn new abilities. One of the key features of the game is a “stacking” ability – the siblings can adjust their size, turning small enough to jump onto the monsters during combat, or vice versa, shrink the monsters small enough to ride on the twins. By customizing and stacking their army of monsters, players can create strategic tower combinations and take on the most challenging opponents.

A new trailer introducing the twins’ journey in the WORLD OF FINAL FANTASY can be viewed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/SQEXMembersNA.

Related Links

Official Homepage: http://worldoffinalfantasy.square-enix.com

Official Facebook® Page: www.facebook.com/FinalFantasy

Official Twitter®: www.twitter.com/FinalFantasy

WORLD OF FINAL FANTASY will be available for the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®Vita systems. This title is not yet rated. Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings.

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite
Facebook: Fangirl Review