Hitman series update details next iteration, promises no magic pockets

Fans of IO Interactive's Hitman series, rejoice: the developer has detailed in brief the next iteration in the series, which is destined for the next-generation consoles and PC. In an open letter posted on the franchise's website today, IO Interactive details what it has been up to and what gamers can expect, saying it is building the next release "using the best parts" and such from what it has already accomplished to "fulfil the core Hitman fantasy".

Work on the next game in the series has been underway, aiming to bring a version that shows "Agent 47 at the prime of his career", doing so with the ICA's support and that of his handler, Diana Burnwood. In this particular iteration, gamers will be presented with a concentrated focus on "the core Hitman fantasy", revolving around exotic locations and the elimination of targets using various tools.

The next version will feature the largest levels yet, and with them will come "an extreme level of detail", with both a non-linear and open design to let gamers play across what it calls huge checkpoint-free sandbox levels. The game is being built upon the Glacier 2 engine, and the artificial intelligence promises to offer opportunities for getting creative within the giant levels.

Building upon that idea is the return of Contracts Mode, as well. Under Contracts Mode, gamers can both build and experiment with different challenges and, if desired, share them with other gamers. Rounding it all out is a simple, "we have removed 47's magic pockets. We believe that's all we need to say about that subject."






SOURCE: Hitman

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Lenovo to start bundling Windows 8 Start menu replacement Pokki

Windows 8 users tend to be polarized on one particular issue – the lack of a Start Menu. Some don’t mind its absence, but others have taken issue with the choice and sought alternatives. One such alternative has been SweetLabs’ Pokki replacement menu, something that Lenovo will begin including pre-loaded on its Windows 8 PCs.

The move might satisfy some users who find the absence of a start menu disconcerting, but could be seen as unwanted bloatware by others, particularly due to its hocking of various apps. Pokki displays apps within the menu, encouraging users to download items like – for example – Angry Birds. The offerings show up alongside the bottom of the menu with an “Install” button above them.

According to Bloomberg, Lenovo plans to start including the SweetLabs software on Windows 8 computers in the “next several weeks,” with the first round going out to countries that speak English. Eventually Pokki will also make its way onto other Lenovo computers as well, though when that will happen hasn’t been specified.

In addition to the apps, something that seems to compete with Microsoft’s Windows Store, is also a more common array of items one expects to see in the Start Menu: Control Panel, Computer, the various folders (Documents, Music, etc.), and some preferred applications, whether that be a browser or word processor or something else entirely.

Pokki became available when Windows 8 went live, and has since then been downloaded about 3 million times. According to the company’s co-founder and CEO Chester Ng, Lenovo approached SweetLabs during an Intel Capital conference. The company is also said to be in talks with other manufacturers, and may find its way onto more computers in the future.




SOURCE: Bloomberg

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