Will Call of Duty WWII Save the World? - Video Game

Call of Duty is arguably the one of the most popular game franchise throughout the world but over the years Call of Duty has deviated further away from the gameplay elements that make it great which have resulted in a lot of backlash from the fans. After Call of Duty: Black ops II, Call of Duty games kept on becoming more sci-fi rather than about actual combat and quite frankly most new games felt like a sci-fi shooter rather than Call of Duty games fans had come to love.

Activision has taken Call of Duty games back to the roots in hopes to save the dying franchise which means that no more robots, jet packs or outer space combat. But after all the damage that has been done to the franchise can Call of Duty WWII save the series?

How Did It Come To This?

The worst point of the franchise definitely came from Infinity Ward that completely converted the game into a Crysis-esque space shooter. Needless to say, that wasn’t what any fan of the franchise wanted which resulted in Call of Duty Infinite Warfare having the second most disliked reveal trailer on YouTube.  After years of disappointment, fans expect Call of Duty World War II to deliver the “boots on ground” combat that made them fall in love with the franchise rather than more sci-fi outer space combat. Call of Duty Infinite Warfare also had 50% less sales than Call of Duty: Black Ops III which wasn’t that good either. Everything Activision has done has gone against what the players have wanted giving rise to a lot of doubt to whether Call of Duty WWII be different.

The final blow came from the immense success Battlefield 1 had thanks to it “staying on the ground” and delivering an exciting, realistic and gore-filled depiction of World War 1 which fans loved. The success of battlefield 1 coupled with the extremely bad feedback and sales seem to have finally put Activision on the right track but is it too late?

Will Call of Duty WWII Save The Franchise?

Fans – including us  – are expecting a lot from Call of Duty WWII and Activision doesn’t have enough space to mess up anymore.  Call of Duty WWII is either going to bring the series back to life or bury it once and for all. From the trailers and bits of online gameplay, as of now, we can only assume that Call of Duty WWII will have a narrative driven story campaign and a much larger multiplayer experience than any other Call of Duty game.

The campaign looks grittier, violent and hopefully will be an accurate depiction of World War II delivering more depth than generic FPS games. Activision has also added in an entirely new co-op zombie’s campaign that is sure to bring some fans the franchise has lost over the years. Can Call of Duty WWII save the franchise? Considering Activision is finally listening to the fans and giving them the game they want, Call of Duty WWII has everything that it needs to make a great Call of Duty game.

Call of Duty WWII will be at E3 2017 and we’ll keep you updated with all Call of Duty WWII leaks, rumors, and release date updates.

Call Of Duty WWII Video Game on PS4, Xbox One and PC will be out on 3rd November 2017 and any preorder will have an early access to the private BETA (Only available before the official release date)

Written by Hitari Editorial Team

What Do We Know About Destiny 2

Destiny 2 is making a comeback on the PS4 and Xbox One along with releasing on the PC for the first time which has me gotten really excited! Destiny 2 is bringing a lot of changes to the game and we’re here to let you about all the big changes coming to Destiny 2.

Competitive Overhaul: 4v4 Teams

One of the biggest changes that came to Destiny 2 was the complete overhaul of the online multiple. Destiny 2 multiplayer gameplay modes like PvP will now require only 4 players! This feels like a great move on Bungie’s end to help the community increase interaction and allow players to make new friends – even if they are shooting at you.

A Story-Driven Campaign

Destiny 2 comes with a brand new campaign that is guaranteed to get anyone excited. The Red War campaign will feature a story driven narrative and from what I can tell from the gameplay reveal have an overall darker, have more cinematic, and will finally make the characters likable – hopefully. 

Raise Your Banners; Destiny 2 Clans Are Official

If you’re someone that was part of a Clan in Destiny 1 then you’ll be happy to hear that Clans are officially supported in Destiny 2! Bungie is making a lot of changes in Destiny 2 to increase interaction between players and help the community grow which is something we all can appreciate. Destiny 2 will also have multiple tools that help you grow and style your clan. A reward system will also be used to distribute awards to every clan member regardless which member wins which makes it more than worth it to join a clan. Even if you don’t want to be in a clan they’ll still matter to you thanks to guided games. 

Need Someone To Raid With?

Bungie has introduced a new feature called Guided Games In guided games which will allow solo players and clans to play together in strikes and raids by using the new guided games feature. You can find what player or clan needs more players to play in raids or strikes and through guided games, these players will be grouped together. The number of times I had to cancel my plans for a raid in Destiny 1 was way too high but with guided games, everyone can finally enjoy Destiny's best content. It is expected heavy penalties will be placed on players that abuse the new guided game feature. According to Bungie, there's a high chance that people that play together might want to join the clan they played with further helping the community grow and interact which is something all of us can appreciate.

A Bigger Better World

One of the biggest issues with the original Destiny game was that the world felt rather small and empty. Luckily, Destiny 2 is going to be bigger, better and have a whole lot more to do in the world. The world of Destiny 2 will be filled with treasure maps and lost sectors that will make exploring the world actually fun. There will be a lot more quests and four brand new worlds - Earth, Titan, Io, and Nessus- filled with mystery for you to explore. The best part is that you can take part in all activities without having to go to orbit!

Preorder your copy of Destiny 2 PS4 , Xbox One or PC and get BETA early access Now - Out in 8th September 2017.

Written by Hitari Editorial Team

Learn how NOT to die in The Surge - Video Game Tips and Advice

There’s a reason why The Surge is being called the Sci-fi version of Dark Souls which is simply because you die – a lot. The Surge has become infamous for its Dark Souls like gameplay and many people have pointed out the similarities between Dark Souls and The Surge.  You’ll be facing alien, robots and mutated aliens that can probably take half your health bar with a single attack. To help you out, here are some ways to how not to die in the surge. 

Learn How To Time Attacks & Finishers

First and foremost, you need to learn how to time your attacks. Mashing buttons isn’t going to help you take down enemies and you have limited stamina that won’t let your spawn infinite attacks. In the start, the maximum attacks your character can make in succession is 3 – 5 times so making these count is extremely important. If you manage to bring an enemy’s health down by 80% and have at least you’re your stamina then you can pull off an awesome finisher which will leave you vulnerable to attacks from other enemies.

Hit Them Where It Hurts

If you’re thinking that by progressing in the game you’ll find a piece of armor or a power-up that will make the game a bit more forgiving, then you’re wrong. The Surge will keep grinding you until the very end but that doesn’t mean you can’t take down enemies fast rather you can take down enemies without dying from the get go by targeting their weak spots. If the enemy’s area you’re locking onto is yellow that means it’s armored, if it’s blue it means that it is undefended and takes more damage from attacks.

One Enemy At A Time

If you’ve ever played a souls game then you know how bad it can get when facing a mob of characters. This holds true for the Surge as well. If you get surrounded by enemies, even if you have to take on two enemies chances are you’re going to die. Always take enemies down one at a time and if you find yourself being pushed into a corner – run as fast as you can. Taking enemies down one at a time means you can focus on getting better armor and gain more experience.

Get Good Armor

I’ll let you know this upfront, better armor doesn’t mean you’ll be able to take down any enemy you want. No matter how strong your armor gets, there will still be enemies that can take out more than half your health in a single attack throughout the game. Getting better armor does raise the chance of survival and lets you take more hits. By farming for materials for the crafting system and an upgrade system in the early game to gain better armor which can make the game a “bit” more forgiving.

LEARN!

I can’t stress this point enough but if you want to make it through to the end you’ll have to learn the games mechanics, enemy attack patterns and boss patterns. Learning the enemy’s combo patterns is absolutely crucial unless you want to keep dying over and over again. Unlike Dark Souls, the “hit-and-run” strategy isn’t very effective since most enemies can cover the distance in a short time which is why learning enemy attack patterns is the only way you can make it through to the end.

Written by Hitari Editorial Team.

Top Tips on how to Store and Care for your Sony PlayStation VR Headset

If you own a PlayStation VR Headset then you need to know how to properly care for the device. It's an expensive piece of hardware that could easily break if you handle or store it wrong. Here are some top tips and useful accessories to ensure your PSVR headset stays in top working order.

Storage

It's tempting to not purchase a carry case for the PSVR but not doing so places your headset at risk of breakage. Even if you don't plan to take your headset anywhere, owning a VR Storage Carry Case allows you to keep your headset in a protective case.

This VR Storage Carry Case uses a 'hard' outer shell that protects the PlayStation VR and makes it very difficult to damage the device. There are no officially created cases from Sony but all of these cases are able to protect the PSVR from damage.

Headset Stand

While a hard case is great for storing a PlayStation VR headset, a headset stand is an alternative option for storing the device while putting it on display.

This Universal VR Headset Stand and Organiser is very presentable as the PSVR fits nicely on the stand. Gamers who want to put their PSVR on display should look at getting a headset stand instead of a carry case.

Cleaning

When you first get a PlayStation VR you should look at getting a PSVR Starter Kit which contains a range of useful items to keep the Sony device in tip top condition.

This Playstation VR Starter kit comes with a cleaning cloth, lens protectors, a cable tidy and also a silicone jacket for the PS4 controller. A kit like this one contains everything you need to keep the new Sony VR headset in a good condition.

Please feel free to leave your comments and ideas on how to store and protect your VR Headsets.

Call Of Duty Infinite Warfare Beta Code Redemption Instructions

PRE-ORDER AND GET BETA ACCESS*

Be one of the first to experience Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare with the Multiplayer Beta!

BETA REDEMPTION INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Pre-order Call of Duty: InfiniteWarfare and 

2. Visit www.callofduty.com/beta and log in or create an account to redeem your Beta Access code.  Make sure to select the gaming platform you plan to play Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare on and the region you plan to play in.

3. After redeeming your Beta Access code, more detail will follow on how and when you can access the Beta. 

To ensure you receive updates on the Beta please double check your email address and make sure it is up to date in our system.  To check or make changes to the email address you have registered with Activision please visit your Call of Duty profile here.

PLEASE NOTE:

Beta startsOctober 14, 2016 on PS4™ system; Xbox One to follow. 

Actual platform availability and launch date(s) subject to change. 

Beta not available on PC. 

See www.callofduty.com/beta for more details. 

Minimum Beta duration is 3 days.  

Limited time only, while beta codes last, at participating retailers. 

Internet connection required.

FIFA 17 Pre Order Codes Redemption Instructions

Here are the instructions on how to redeem your FIFA 17 Preorder Code: 

Playstation 4 / PS4

To redeem your code:

EITHER access the PlayStation®Store in the main menu, select REDEEM CODE and follow the on-screen directions, OR

1. Create an account on your PSN-enabled PlayStation®system (or use your existing account).

2. Select the PlayStation®Store icon on the PS4™ system Home Screen.

3. On PlayStation Store, select ‘Redeem Codes’ at the bottom of the menu on the PS4™ system.

4. Enter the code. Please note that the code is case sensitive and must be entered exactly as displayed.

5. Once the code has been entered correctly, select ‘Continue’ on the dialog box from the PS4™ system.

6. Select ‘Download’ to start downloading the content.

7. Select ‘Continue’ to complete the code redemption on the PS4™ system.

Playstation 3 / PS3

To redeem your code:

EITHER access the PlayStation®Store in the main menu, select REDEEM CODE and follow the on-screen directions, OR

1. Open an account on the PlayStation®Network (or use your existing account).

2. From the PlayStation Network icon on the XMB™, select ‘Account Management’.

3. Select ‘Redeem Codes’.

4. Enter the above code. Please note that the code is case sensitive and must be entered exactly as displayed.

5. Once the code has been entered correctly, click ‘Continue’.

6. Once you accept the terms, you will be taken to the download screen.

XBOX ONE

Redeem your code on Xbox Live

1. On Xbox One™ with Kinect®, say “Xbox, use a code” or go to Xbox Store > Games >

Use a code.

2. Use the QR code or enter the 25-digit code. You can also redeem the 25-digit code

at live.xbox.com.

Need a Microsoft® account? Make one for free at live.xbox.com.

4 MB storage, FIFA 17 Standard Edition (sold separately), and account on

Xbox Live® required. Xbox Live download code valid for one-time use only with

Xbox One systems. Subject to Xbox Live System Requirements and Terms of Use at www.xbox.com/live/termsofuse.

XBOX 360

Xbox Live Code Redemption Instructions

NOT AN XBOX LIVE MEMBER YET? Follow these steps fi rst before redeeming

code:

1. Connect your Xbox 360® to a broadband Internet connection.

2. Press the silver/green Xbox Guide Button on the controller.

3. Select Create Profi le & follow instructions to create profi le name & avatar.

4. Select Join Xbox Live® & follow instructions to setup your Microsoft® account.

TO ACTIVATE YOUR XBOX LIVE CODE:

1. Sign in to your Microsoft account.

2. Press the silver/green Xbox Guide Button on the controller.

3. Navigate to Games tab.

4. Select Redeem Code & enter code.

Codes can also be redeemed at live.xbox.com.

FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT, PLEASE VISIT https://help.ea.com.

THIS STANDARD EDITION PRE-ORDER OFFER IS BEING ISSUED TO YOU FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CREDIT, CHARGE, DEBIT OR GIFT CARD. OFFER EXPIRES SEPTEMBER 27, 2016.  GOOD ONLY FOR NEW PURCHASES OF "FIFA 17" ("PRODUCT").  CODE INCLUDED WITH PURCHASE GOOD FOR 1 DRAFT TOKEN ENTITLEMENT EACH WEEK FOR USE IN FIFA ULTIMATE TEAM MODE (“FUT”) FOR A TOTAL OF 5 CONSECUTIVE WEEKS.  CODE MUST BE REDEEMED BY OCTOBER 16, 2016 TO RECEIVE ALL 5 DRAFT TOKENS AND WILL NO LONGER BE VALID AFTER  NOVEMBER 13, 2016. LATE CODE REDEMPTION WILL RESULT IN FORFEITURE OF PREVIOUS WEEKS’ DRAFT TOKEN ENTITLEMENT.  DRAFT TOKEN WEEKLY OFFER IS VALID FOR 7 DAYS AND MUST BE REDEEMED WITHIN THAT TIME PERIOD.  FAILURE TO LOG INTO FUT AND SELECT “MY PACK” TO REDEEM DRAFT TOKEN IN ANY GIVEN WEEK WILL RESULT IN FORFEITURE OF THAT WEEK’S OFFERING.  FIRST DRAFT TOKEN, 1 LOAN PLAYER (FOR 8 MATCHES) AND FUT KIT WILL BE ENTITLED IMMEDIATELY UPON CODE REDEMPTION.  VALID WHEREVER PRODUCT IS SOLD. OFFER MAY NOT BE SUBSTITUTED, EXCHANGED, SOLD OR REDEEMED FOR CASH OR OTHER GOODS OR SERVICES. MAY NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER PROMOTIONAL OR DISCOUNT OFFER, UNLESS EXPRESSLY AUTHORIZED BY EA; MAY NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY PREPAID CARD REDEEMABLE FOR THE APPLICABLE CONTENT. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED, TAXED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW.  SEE FINAL PRODUCT DETAILS, EULA AND CONTENT PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY AT WWW.EA.COM/1/PRODUCT-EULAS, IF AND WHEN AVAILABLE.  INTERNET CONNECTION, EA ACCOUNT, ACCEPTANCE OF PRODUCT AND ORIGIN END USER AGREEMENTS (EULAS), EA PRIVACY AND COOKIE POLICY AND TERMS OF SERVICE; INSTALLATION OF THE ORIGIN CLIENT SOFTWARE (WWW.ORIGIN.COM/ABOUT) AND REGISTRATION WITH SERIAL CODE MAY BE REQUIRED TO PLAY. EA PRIVACY AND COOKIE POLICY AND TERMS OF SERVICE CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.EA.COM.  YOU MUST BE 13+ TO REGISTER FOR AN EA ACCOUNT.  EA MAY RETIRE ONLINE FEATURES AFTER 30 DAYS NOTICE POSTED ON WWW.EA.COM/1/SERVICE-UPDATES.

Is Pokemon Go Causing Fatal Harms?

Pokemon Go is a highly addictive and attractive mobile game for all iOS and android users. This is a really interesting game that makes you travel between the real world where you live and the virtual world of Pokemon in order to find as many Pokemons as you can. Basically, this makes you forget the difference between reality and appearance. Wow! You look into the real settings but through your mobile screen. After all, you cannot find Pokemon out of your device. The setting may be real but Pokemons are never so. So, while you search for the Pokemons in various locations like water, road and forest, you don’t actually look into them resulting in unimaginable situations. For example, there was one player who found a real dead body while looking for a Pokemon in water!  Is the aim of the game to get you gifts like that?!

As Pokemons approach nearer, your smart phone will vibrate to let you know. Once you've encountered a Pokemon, take aim on your smartphone's touch screen and throw a Poké Ball to catch it. Be careful when you try to catch it, or it might run away! Also look for PokéStops located at interesting places, such as public art installations, historical markers, and monuments, where you can collect more Poké Balls and other items. The game does not show you the location of each character, you will just have to walk around and find them. However, there have been a few websites popping up recently that revealed all the Pokemons locations such as PokeVision and Poke Radar which the makers of PokemonGo are understandably unhappy about and looking to get them shut down soon!

Undoubtedly, after the game came into being, it won million hearts and a huge number of fans started installing the game in their mobiles. But, at the same time, we cannot ignore the incidents that this addictive game caused. There are reports of players getting tracked by criminals and robbers and coming to know about it only after they lost their valuables. Similarly, there are cases of road accidents while players tried crossing the road fully engrossed in the game. Hence, while creating interest on one hand, this addictive game is leading to so many fatal consequences. So, who will take the responsibility of the harms brought about by this game? Therefore, should it be banned? Well, this is a million dollar question the answer to which is too tough to work out. 

Whatever may be the case, because of the great craze of this game, new 3DS Pokemon games will be launched this year namely Pokemon Moon Nintendo 3DS Game and Pokemon Sun Nintendo 3DS Game. Both of these role-playing video games are certainly the biggest release heading the 3DS Games titles this year with an unimaginable hype of fans and trends. Nintendo has also announced that the game will include for the first time nine languages and also there will be a ‘fan edition’ that includes steel-book cases, a collectable item for all Pokemon lovers to look forward to. Yet, these new games will not include the dangers that are looping behind the PokemonGo Game as these are a story setting role-play games on Nintendo 3DS Consoles and there will also be a special limited edition Pokemon 3DS XL Console released at the same time in November 2016. As a fan of all Pokemon series I can not wait to welcome these Pokemon Sun and Moon new to the series with open arms although some might have some reservations which we will discuss another time! 

Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. :)

Where Eagles Die Comic DLC on Carmageddon Max Damage Game

Each customer who pre-ordered Carmageddon Max Damage Game will get 2 codes (one format specific [Car Bundle] to go with the format which they purchase and 1 GENERIC [Where Eagles Die Comic code in addition)

Carmageddon MAX Damage Car Bundle - Only for Xbox One DLC codes
and
Carmageddon MAX Damage GENERIC Where Eagle Die Comic DLC codes



The instructions for the 'Where Eagles Die Comic' DLC code are as follows:

1. Go to http://www.carmageddon.com/digitalcomic
2. If you already have a Carmageddon.com account, login and move to step 5.
3. Click on the "Register" link and fill in your details
4. You will be sent an email for verification
5. Check your email inbox for an email from "Carmageddon". Click the link in the email to verify your account

Leave your comments below. :)

Hearts of Iron IV Colonel Edition Release Keys Update!

This is an update regarding the Hearts of Iron IV Colonel Edition PC and its release keys. 

Due to German law, the one available is a censored version of the game for German customers.

How does this affect the keys you already purchased?

The keys that you have are open world wide and will work in all countries expect Germany (exception to any region activation locked keys that you might have, which will only be activated accordingly to the region it is locked to).

Hope this helps someone!

What's Wrong with Virtual Reality (VR) Headsets?!

Virtual Reality is closer than ever and is introducing new and developing technology advancement. It has been trying to make our fantasies as real as a computer can do while standing or sitting making us feel that we really are in this world, and we really are doing this and that. Scientists have been working on developing the most realistic simulated worlds using virtual reality technology. A requirement for such environment is a computer that will be able to project a 3D world that looks as real as possible. The programs should also be able to track user's movements to adjust to the environment accordingly in order to give the user the feeling of total immersion into the virtual environment called telepresence. Telepresence is the standard measure of virtual reality that will give users the impression that he is no longer in his own world thus giving the VR experience.

Virtual Reality headset or goggles are the most common form of VR devices that looks like a visor that wraps entirely around the normal field of the user's vision. It then projects a three-dimensional world replacing what the user would normally see. When users tilt their head or move their body, the display will also move to match the user's movement, creating the illusion to the user that he or she is actually inside that virtual world giving them the VR experience.

In virtual reality headsets or virtual reality goggles, the quality of the display is vital. A good VR system should have an excellent image resolution and high sound quality which will give users an outstanding experience with VR headsets.  Scientists are also developing a Virtual Reality feature called Haptic systems that lets the user touch a virtual feedback. A great example would be virtual tennis tournament, in this game the user can actually feel that he or she is holding a tennis racket. 

Computer and video games have been the focus for developing VR's, and we are now starting to feel and see its development. Since the early years, developers have been trying their best to create computer and video games with high graphics that will give players the feeling that they are in the game. There are more and more games being developed in a high-quality image that can be entirely played in VR that lets players experience the game more realistically.  The Sims, a popular game all over the world allows users to have a virtual life in which they can control everything and be successful. There are also games that allow players to interact with the virtual world with the use of other devices. An entry level VR Headsets is now available on Hitari website iCandy Virtual Reality Goggles that will let users feel like they are fighting someone or shooting someone in front of them. The icandy virtual reality goggles have a 163mm wide and 83mm high screen size that is compatible with IOS phones and Android phones that can load vast amount of games from the app store and Google play making it easier to choose and download games. It is lightweight that lets user have realistic simulated environment experience.

With the rising of virtual technology, most people especially parents’ fear that their children develop some negative social effects of VR, and some argue that VR may bring people much closer to the world. The problem is even today, almost all young people that share both physical and virtual communities’ uses smartphones and devices to keep in touch.  Virtual reality goggles have their own advantages and disadvantages like any other devices being invented; we just have to make sure that we can balance reality from a virtual world. The positive thing about virtual reality headset is, players don't just have to sit all the time while playing, VR headsets let users play while standing and moving their body.

A VR if used correctly and professionally can help children development by reacting to their actions. People with anxiety and depression can also use virtual reality headset to help them relax and get positive energy. Employees that are living in different countries can also use it for work by wearing it during a meeting or conference, giving them the feeling that they are in the actual venue and making communication much easier. With these capabilities, it will not be impossible to create products virtually and change them without building and scraping it.

Destiny Taken King - New Challenges New Rewards and New Live Updates!

Here is a new update for Destiny Taken King which is now available!

This is a great update at no extra cost.

The Update Details as follow: 

NEW CHALLENGESNew Campaign Mission
Return to the Prison of Elders, New Taken Arena & Challenge Mode
New Strike, The Blighted Chalice
Reprised Strike, Winters Run

NEW REWARDSMax Light Level raised to 335
Updated Exotics and Legendries
Updated Faction and Prison of Elders Gear
New Chroma Gear – further customisation
New Vanity Gear Sets – including New Taken Themed Gear
New Sterling Treasure – Obtain 3 per week

NEW LIVE UPDATESUpdates to the Warlock Class
Higher Light Iron Banner & Trials of Osiris Gear
Balance & Playlist Updates
Increased Vault Space

Hurricane Steering Wheel and Pedals Instruction amended for PS4 Console

On A previous blog post, we mentioned the In-Game Control set up for the Hurricane Steering Wheel and Pedals PS4. 

However, there has been some instruction updates in setting up the Venom Hurricane Steering Wheel for PS4. Check the section in the instructions about firmware updates that you may need to follow:

Click here to Download the New Instruction Manual

There are also some compatibility issues with 1TB PS4 system C-Chassis (CUH-1200) model. We now include a USB hub in the box which resolves the problem and the steps to resolve this issues are as follow:. 

1. First start by connecting the USB Hub (supplied) into any spare port on your PS4 system.
2. Then connect the USB plug from your Hurricane Steering Wheel into any spare port on the USB Hub.
3. Now continue to follow the main instructions for Connection & Installation.

If you have already purchased this PS4 model and do not have have a USB hub, please get in touch with us via email ( info@hitari.co.uk ) and we will arrange for one to be sent to you.

Hurricane Steering Wheel and Pedals PS4 - In-Game Control Setup Guide

Here is a list of the games that we know the Hurricane Steering Wheel with Pedals for PS4 / PS3 might not work properly with and some guidance on how to use it with these games.

• The Crew PS4 (With this you have to use automatic gears)
• Need for Speed PS4 Games (You have to use automatic gears, also there are some pedal issues on PS3)
• Grand Turismo  (You have to use automatic gears, also there are some pedal issues on PS3)

There may be some issues with Project Cars PS4, but we are not 100% sure so if anyone has tested this with this game please confirm your findings.

It's not all Bad though, it is only 3-4 games that might have issues but the good news is the Hurricane Steering Wheel works fine with other PS3 / PS4 Racing and Car games including for sure Drive Club PS4 and F1 2015 PS4 as these were tested and confirmed working perfectly fine. 

It should be noted that you will need to change the control settings in game for the above two games and the instructions are as follow: 

Drive Club PS4
When in a race pause the game > setting > controls > dualshock4wireless controller > Button Configuration. Then change gear up to R1, Gear Down to L1 and make sure that there are no button clashes.


F1 2015 PS4
When in a race pause the game > Settings > Customise Controls > Driving Controls > Press Square > Gear Up to R1 > Gear Down L1 and make sure that there are no button clashes
  
The product manufacturer Venom is committed to improve their product and will hopefully eliminate the majority of faults that have come up and they will keep us informed of any software/firmware updates to ensure compatibility with as many racing games as possible.

Over all, it's a great PS4/PS3 essential product, officially licensed by Sony and reasonably priced with direct support from the manufacturer! 

If you have any further details to share please feel free to leave your comments below. 

Skylanders vs Disney Infinity vs Amiibo - A Battle of Characters!

Back in 2011 the Skylanders figures hit a bemused market.  Who would want a system where you had to place physical images of your gaming characters on a ‘Portal of Power’ and use Near Field Communications (NFC) just to make them come alive in your game?  As it turned out, many gamers were intrigued by the notion and despite being slated for the lack of on-line multiplayer options, the system was well received by players and the gaming industry in general. The so called Toy-to-Life concept started with  Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventures but soon started to produce other titles as the gaming public too it.  The initial foray was quickly followed up with Skylanders Giants, Skylanders Swapforce, and Skylanders Trap team and the franchise started making serious money.  Plainly there was a market to be filled with these characters, and others were swift to follow on with the Skylanders success.

Disney quickly followed up on the success of Skylanders with its own Infinity system.  It featured a huge array of figurines taken from films as diverse as Pirates of the Caribbean to Monsters Inc. and followed a similar arrangement of NCF interface to the Skylanders game.  By swapping figurines on the connected base, you could introduce alternate players into the video game. Disney followed up on the game with Disney Infinity: Marvel Superheroes a couple of years later to huge approval from the market.  However cranky the system might have looked when Skylanders first launched, it was an undeniable success.

It was that success that led Japanese company Nintendo to develop the Amiibo system in 2014 in a bid to take on the might of the other two systems.  Each one has its own strengths and weaknesses, and what works for one games may not be what another is looking for in an NFC system.  Here we offer an honest appraisal of all three in several categories.

Functionality. 

The three systems split into two distinct sections here, with the Skylanders and Disney offerings using the standard NFC interface. Allowing fast swap-out between the characters.   There are a couple of distinct differences between the two though, with the latest version of Skylanders – the Trap team variant - allows capture of enemies via trap crystals, adding them to your own roster.  The Disney Infinity system has a true sandbox feature allowing the player to construct their own adventures featuring any character they own.   The Amiibo system is designed for use with the Wii U and the characters are activated by pressing them against the Wii U gamepad.  Once done, your character can be imported into Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart 8, or Hyrule Warriors Wii U Games.  This are the only three games that currently support the system though Nintendo is working hard to increase the player base with more titles.

So in terms of flexibility and gameplay, the Disney system tends to edge ahead of the Skylanders and both are way ahead of the Amiibo system, but watch this space as it could all change in the future.

Price

The Skylanders starter pack tends to be the most expensive of the three systems and is part of the game package and includes the base which you need to run as a minimum.  Additional figures are sold as either packs of three or two and a new game level.  There is also a roaring trade in preowned figures and with the Skylanders system getting on for five years old, there are plenty of second hand figures available out there.

Disney is the cheapest of all three but generally less than the Skylanders.  If you shop around you can find some amazing deals that really do make it a much more affordable toy.  The starter kit generally comes with two figures – that’ll be Merida and Stitch for the Toy Box 2.0 series or Iron Man and Black Widow for the Marvel Superheroes set.  Additional figures can be purchased individually or as playsets which give you two additional figures and extra story levels.

Amiibo figures are sold individually and are not associated with any particular games, and increase functionality of those figures within the games they are played in. For example, Hyrule Warriors Wii U will work either with or without Amiibo, but by adding the system, you will get further features and gameplay. The price is slightly higher than Disney but as a collector of these figures, they may well be worth a lot in the future – same can be said about Disney characters – these are the characters we will grow to watch and love and they will probably exist forever!

Fun Factor.

The Skylanders system is fun and easy to use.  Swapping characters is effortless and seamless within the game, making it a gas to play.  While the in-game characters may not be a instantly recognizable as the Disney or Nintendo characters, they have a certain charm and are likely to become collectable by those using it, so players will strive to complete the whole series, and with over 300 figures available, that could amount to a serious outlay.  And it is unlikely that it’ll stop anytime soon with more figures and increased variants in gameplay, so those who have already laid out for the system are only going to keep going.

The Disney system is just as good as the Skylanders one in terms of flawless gameplay and the figures obviously have the appeal of being well-known, they are finite in number and if the system is going to keep going, it will be via gameplay tweaks rather than by increasing characters endlessly.  But the good folk at Disney studios are certainly up to the task and the system is likely to see some really interesting updates for years to come.

The Amiibo is the new kid on the block and while it’s still in its infancy in terms of characters, Nintendo is likely to want to catch up with the others quickly, so you can bet that they will throw everything they have at the problem.  The main problem with the Amiibo is that it is essentially an enhancement to existing games rather than creating new games.

Where to spend your money.

All three systems have their pros and cons but gaming on all three systems is fast and fun, though undeniably enhanced in the sandbox modes of the Disney and Skylanders versions. Plainly the Amiibo system is at a severe disadvantage as it is so new and is so different from the other two.  You can’t help thinking that if Nintendo had copied – within the confines of Intellectual Property rights – the Skylanders and Disney systems and used their well known characters such as Mario and Zelda within a sandbox environment, it might have greater appeal, but perhaps the fact that it is different will be its making.That said, the figures work well in a number of associated programs and that number will only grow as Nintendo broaden their base, which will probably make the Amiibo system a lot more flexible as time passes.

If you are already a system owner – or the parent of a system owner - then you will appreciate the financial outlay associated with owning it, and are unlikely to want to start investing in one of the others as well as funding one you already own.  If you are new to the genre, then you are in for a treat and a not insubstantial decision as you try and figure out the best suited to your budget. In the end, it’s likely to come down to personal preference for characters or systems that you already own, but one thing is for certain, you will begin an experience that will keep you entertained for many years to come.  All of the systems will see future updates and expansions so really, whatever you choose, the potential is huge most likely be sticking around for a long time – If you are still undecided please do not hesitate to contact Hitari Customer Care via email address (info@hitari.co.uk) who will be be happy to help!

Getting the most out of your Gaming Console - Tips and Tricks!

You’ve torn off the wrapping and now it sits before you; your new console is a wonder to behold.  You’ve read the reviews and you know what it can do.  All you want to do now is start playing, but hold on a minute, this is a device that has so many more facets than the previous generation; are you sure that you are really getting the most out of your console?

The Xbox One has been designed as more of a total entertainment system than the PS4, but they both have a swag of tips and tricks that can make using them a far more immersive experience.  Before you just play it, see what other things you can do with it.  For example:

Get free games for Xbox One.  The Xbox store has loads to download, and with many games in beta form, you get to try before you actually commit to spending a significant amount on it.  Some games need a gold account while others are completely free, but all of them are likely to give you a good idea of what you will be getting.

Use your smartphone as a keyboard on PS4.  Entering text strings has always been a bit laborious, even with a dedicated keyboard, but now you can pair your smartphone with your console using the same PSN ID number, you can use your phone to input text on the second screen option.  Just hit the keyboard icon and you are away.

Stream games to your PS Vita.  Inputting text is not the only thing that you can do with a paired PSN ID; you can stream whatever game is spinning on the PS4 to your PS Vita handheld console, so Destiny in the bath is a distinct possibility.

Show the world your best bits.  Xbox One has a wonderful side app that allows you to record and save the last thirty seconds of gameplay, so if you’ve just performed a full 720 double kickflip and Pop shove it, you just yell ‘Record it!’ at your One and save it to prove the fact to unbelieving friends.

Get your Save Games anywhere.  With an internet connection, you can access your save games from any Xbox One console, as all of them are saved to cloud storage.  That means that if you can access the cloud, you can also reach your save points, so pick up where you were round your friend’s house!

Share your feats online with PS4.  The Sony console has both Ustream and Twitch installed you can share your gaming adventures with friends over the internet.  The built-in share button allows you to either stream your gameplay on either of the platforms, or add straight from the PS4 camera.  Depending upon which game you are playing, connected viewers are also able to add commentary on your exploits.

Play your PS4 Games on Xbox One.  While it’s not an ideal situation, you can connect your PlayStation through your Xbox via the HDMI connector.  Not sure what advantages it brings but hell, it’s exciting!

 The new generation consoles have so much to offer in terms of connectivity and apps that it would take ages to cover them all.  Some aspects are better than others, but you can be sure that you will continue to be amazed for some time to come.