Leipzig Games Convention

The Leipzig Games Convention in Germany is considered to be the gaming event of the year. This year the event was filled with some amazing new announcements as well as some really cool videos. In this feature, I will try and list all the big news at GC, include my favorite videos and eagerly await your response (read, fanboy flame wars).

The Sony Extravaganza

Sony made some really big announcements this year, including the big daddy of 'em all -Heavy Rain. Yes, Heavy Rain was finally shown with some real-time in-game footage of this dark thriller exclusive PS3 title. The game developed by Quantic Dream will be releasing next year, but ever since the first trailer called The Casting was shown off at E3 2006, gamers world over have been eagerly awaiting some new footage.

The new footage showed some really interesting gameplay as well as good details on the characters. We are still waiting for the HD-footage, but until then check out the Cam footage below.

ASUS Rampage Extreme

Intel's X48 Express chipset has been around for long and we think it is high time we reviewed one such motherboard that features this chipset. The problem thus far was that these motherboards were not easily available in India, since the X38 and P45-based motherboards were already selling well. Another reason was that, the X48 supports only DDR3 and you cannot use DDR2, which was possible with the other chipsets.

But it is clear now that DDR3 is the way to go and DDR2 will eventually be phased out. Major motherboard manufacturer ASUSTek has launched a premium board - Rampage Extreme, of the Republic of Gamers (ROG) franchise.

The philosophy of ROG is simple - mercy rules are only for the weak, and bragging rights means everything. We have this powerful piece of hardware with us and we will put it through our test routine to see how well it tears it apart.

Radica PSP Accessories

Every gizmo guru would know the potential of accessories. These gadgets are a part of ones personality and they take it very seriously. The iPod for example has created a parallel market for gadget-bling. Another such gadget with a cult following is the PSP (Playstation Portable). Here is a list of the recently launched Radica Black Diamond PSP accessories.

PSP Skinfit Shield

Couldn't wait to get your dirty hands on your brand new PSP, but can't stand the ugly fingerprints and dirt on it. Then the PSP Skinfit Shield is the accessory for you. It's a second skin for your PSP, to keep it clean and tidy. The PSP Skinfit Shield is a Silicone protective case, which is comfortable to hold. It not only protects your PSP, but gives a good grip as well. It also has a snap-on protective lens, which reduces glare and protects the screen from scratches. It has perfectly placed openings for the various ports and attachments. This is a great accessory and is vital to protect your PSP. But remember this act's as a dust cover for the PSP but tends to gather a lot of dust itself. It's priced modestly at Rs. 499.

PSP UMD Manager

The UMD Manger is a protective case for your UMDs. It's very important for the traveling gamer, who wishes to carry his options with him. It's a very sleek case, same size as the PSP. It helps you manage your UMD's. You can store up to 4 UMD's. There is a window that allows you to view the UMD titles. A spring loaded ejection allows for easy access, to load and unload your UMD. It's priced at Rs. 799, steep for the utility.

Game Expert Reviews

If you are even remotely connected to the world outside and have an iota of interest in gaming, you surely have heard about Mirror's Edge. It's different; it's unique and so clean that you may think the developers have a bad case of OCD.

The game uses some new ideas in FPS gaming, like avoiding combat and running away. Before anybody jumps to conclusions, let me tell you the game does not preach non-violence, it merely suggests that you avoid it for as long as possible, and when necessary, smack the living crap out of your enemies. Surprisingly, it works. A few hours into the game and you will run away from trouble even though your inner FPS veteran calls you chicken. Now let s get into the details about the game.

You play a runner called Faith, in a city where information exchange is prohibited. The entire city is under surveillance, information is far more important in the future and that s where the runners come in place. The runner is basically a messenger, who is agile and athletic enough to overcome most obstacles and make sure that the information is passed on undetected by the authorities. The runner concept reminds me of James Cameron s "Dark Angel", yeah the one that introduced the world to Jessica Alba (*yeah, let's all thank James for this beautiful contribution).

The plot is not the game forte, as 15 mins into the game and your sister is framed for murder. You have to help her prove her innocence. It's so 1980s, I am sure David Hasselhoff couldn't digest it. The plot goes through the usual twists and turns. There is an emotional side to it as well as some surprises, but nothing that will keep you connected to the character or even remotely interested.