NEW RELEASES

After a slow few months in the video game world, the holiday lull is finally over so get your funds in order, because these are the games you should be paying attention to.

On February 6, popular Xbox series Fable receives a high-definition upgrade in the form of Fable Anniversary (Xbox 360).

Just one week later the tale of Lightning finally comes to a close with the Japanese role-playing game Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII (PS3, Xbox 360) putting you in the titular character’s shoes at the end of days.

One of the stranger releases of the month comes in the form of Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare (Xbox 360, Xbox One) – a 3D action game spin-off from the incredibly popular mobile game.

If you own a Wii U, don’t fear, there’s something for you too! In Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze everybody’s favourite Kong hits shelves on Febrary 22 with even more traditional 2D platforming fun for the whole family.

If you like your gaming a little more hardcore, though, hold out until February 27 for the long-awaited return of the popular PC Thief series (PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC), setting you up in a grim, desolate world littered with shiny things to steal and baddies to foil in Thief 4.

Rounding out the month on February 27 are two violent action games, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 (PS3, Xbox 360) and Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z (PS3, Xbox 360). The former has you taking down demons as the legendary Dracula, while the latter will have you gallivanting about as a deadly ninja brought back to life, dedicated to seeking bloody revenge in a zombie apocalypse.

Yes, it’s a month with a little something for everyone, so clear the couch and expect to enjoy some serious gaming time.

AUSSIE NEWS

Revisiting A Classic Debate

A new book project, created by Australian games journalist Matthew Sainsbury, has hit Kickstarter aiming to examine the classic “games as art” debate. The project, titled The Interactive Canvas, hopes to raise AU$60,000 to produce and distribute a 200+ page full-colour book filled with in-depth interviews with both local-based and international video game developers. Sainsbury claims the final book will include 30 developer interviews including the likes of Jonathan Blow (Braid, The Witness), Hidetaka Suehiro (Deadly Premonition), American McGee (American McGee’s Alice), and Konrad Tomaszkiewicz (The Witcher series).

Gamers Welcome The Next Generation

Naysayers who claimed video game consoles were on the decline due to more casual-based experiences found through Facebook and smartphones have been proven wrong by staggering sales numbers for both Sony’s PlayStation 4 and Microsoft’s Xbox One. Out in front is the PS4 with 4.2 million units sold worldwide (up to December 28 2013) – making it the biggest console lunch of all time. Not far behind, however, is the Xbox One boasting 3 million units sold worldwide. With strong numbers like these, it seems as though the console market won’t be closing anytime soon.

PlayStation 4 Woes

Speaking of consoles, if you’ve been looking to invest in a brand new PlayStation 4, but failed to pre-order a unit for launch, chances are you’ve been met with the disappointing reality of console shortages across the country.

Well, turn that frown upside down because Sony Computer Entertainment Australia has claimed that February will be your best bet to track one down. Replenishment for customers who haven’t pre-ordered has reportedly already begun to take place, but if you’ve still been unlucky, your second Christmas may very well come quite soon.

REVIEW

Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1 Open Air Gaming Headset

If you’re serious about gaming on your PC, chances are you’re constantly on the lookout for a new gaming headset. With strong market dominance behind them, ordinarily you’d likely turn to both Razer and Turtle Beach’s extensive offerings. Take a gander outside the norm with the Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1 Open Air Gaming Headset, though, and you might just be pleasantly surprised.

Don’t let the bulky exterior fool you, the ATH-ADG1 looks big, but has actually been designed with comfort in mind. Large cups to cover your ears and a generous amount of cushioning means you’ll be able to enjoy long gaming sessions without having to deal with an excessive amount of weight on your head. That said, while the unit isn’t overly heavy, its size still may cause it to drop down every now and then for some players. Bizarrely, there’s no real way to control the height of the head band meaning the whole matter is out of your control, and although it’s a small niggle for me, it’s still one that could be a serious deal breaker for some. 

If you can overcome that issue, expect some supreme audio performance. The premium 53mm drivers with Bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils (the first of its kind in a gaming headset) comes in clear as day without any major hiccups or any annoying distortions. Plus, with Audio-Techoca’s core Open-Air design, you’ll still be able to hear most of your surroundings at the same time. Just be aware that, should you live in a noisy environment, that might not be such a great thing. 

As a whole package, the Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1 Open Air Gaming Headset is a top of the line product worthy of your time and money. Just make sure you’re comfortable with some of its core design choices before you make the final commitment.

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