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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Xbox One and PlayStation 4 availability jumps for new year

Head to your local retail outlet this week and you may see an image of their video game and entertainment section a whole lot different from what it was a few weeks ago. Both Microsoft and Sony have successfully ramped up production to keep with the times now - perhaps a moment too late - that the holiday season has arrived. Both the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One can once again be found on store shelves - in some stores for the first time ever.

It became clear this past September that Microsoft was in full production mode with the Xbox One, bringing retail availability up to the hilt here at the end of the year. This console can now be found in both online and offline outlets throughout the United States, at least, with groups like Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart, and the Microsoft Store bringing up availability in all realms.

Availability, in this case, is marked by the original console being readily on-sale without added components. Even at lowest stock, the Xbox One seemed to remain on sale in bundle form, carrying with it an extra controller, a few games, and online passes to boot. The prices for these bundles was, of course, sky high in appreciation of the features oboard.

We've contacted several retailers throughout our areas - North Dakota, SoCal, Arizona, and in some areas in Florida, and have found Xbox One availability to be roughly the same as the PS4. While the PlayStation 4 is not - of course - available at the Microsoft Store, each of the other major retail locations seems to have replenished stock - at least in outlying areas.

UPDATE: It would appear that the PS4 has, once again, sold out at Walmart online. Sony may indeed be struggling with keeping production up after all.

Larger cities continue to struggle to keep the consoles in stock, but calling ahead has opened up for potential users in the meantime. In the weeks leading up to the release of the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 as well as the few weeks between then and Christmas, some locations refused to answer any and all questions about the units: the Microsoft Store included.

Now you'll be able to jump in with basically any physical store location with a simple phone call and ask ahead. Chances are you'll be in luck with a basic unit. Have a peek at our full Xbox One review as well as our full PlayStation 4 review while you're at it. You'll find so much detail your eyes will bug out of your head.

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Battlefield 4 banned in China

The first-person shooter Battlefield 4 has had its fair share off odd events since the dawn of its arrival, but this newest China-based oddity has to take the cake. Due to the supposed discrediting of China’s national image in the futuristic plot line of the game, Battlefield 4 has been banned from sale as of this week. As quick as possible, says the Chinese Ministry of Culture, the game is to be removed from physical shelves as well as all China-based online sales channels.

Those that’ve already downloaded the game in China will be unable to access any online content and are encouraged to delete the game from their consoles and PCs. The Chinese Ministry of Culture suggests that Battlefield 4 is “an illegal game, with content that endangers national security, and is all about a cultural invasion.”

    ”Battlefield 4 relevant available downloads, patches, news, and other requirements [shall be] deleted within 24 hours.” - Chinese Ministry of Culture

Apparently the bit in the game where American soldiers must march into China to help in a state of social instability is not entirely welcome as a possible futuristic outcome in the country at the moment.

Outside of China you’ll find Ballefield 4 to have gotten a sorely needed patch for Xbox One earlier this month. There’s been some not-so-kind action on the PS4 with DDoS attacks, and otherwise news has been positive.

Take a hook down to the Battlefield search portal here on SlashGear for more action through the past as well. As one of the most popular break-out titles for both the PS4 and the Xbox One here at the start of this generation, you can expect a whole lot more through the future as well!





VIA: CTech, CCTV

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PlayStation 4 to blast Sony Music Unlimited tracks during gameplay

With the launch of the PlayStation 4, Sony’s own Music Unlimited service will be getting a rather sizable reboot. This system update will allow consoles like the PlayStation 4 to work with a new user interface that’ll be allowing gamers to get a handle on the music they’ve purchased – or plan to purchase – much quicker and easier then in past iterations. This version of Music Unlimited will also be able to be launched from the DUALSHOCK 4 controller with a press-hold of the PS button.

“Built-in” with PlayStation 4 is a good way of describing how Music Unlimited will be functioning with the console. Working with a library of over 22 million songs, it’s likely Sony will continue to roll with this service well into the future – also evidenced by the PS4 launch too, of course. There’s also a Music Unlimited entry point through PlayStation 3, PS Vita, PC, Mac, Apple devices of all kinds, and Android smart devices, too. 

Each of these systems work with a free usage model as well as a Premium annual subscription – speaking of which, Sony is also suggesting that PlayStation Plus members check their availability of a reduced-price model this season as well. This all means one thing: Music Unlimited is set to continue to be a big title for Sony for the foreseeable future.

Holding down the “PS” button on your PlayStation 4 DUALSHOCK 4 controller launches a use-anywhere user interface for Music Unlimited, while users will be able to listen to any track at the same time as they’re playing games with the PS4 from launch. Sound like a positive update to you?

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YouTube app update for iOS and Android brings “Cast” previews

Readying itself for the likes of Chromecast, PlayStation 4 (already on PS3), Google TV, and more, YouTube has been updated this week in its iOS and Android forms. This app already allowed the user to play any and all (save no-mobile) videos with ease, now the app will allow users to watch a video or Cast a video. This added bit of functionality had worked with devices like the Nexus Q and PlayStation 3 and Google TV in the past, but here we’re seeing a “preview” screen appearing along with the ability to add said video to a queue.

Updating the YouTube app on your Android or iOS device this week will allow you to take part in Google’s newest and cleanest user interface yet, this part of an overarching smoothing-out of Android apps that’ll be taking place over the rest of this summer. This update brings on the browsing of channels for playlists as well – that’ll bring you the “play ALL the videos” ability you’ve heard so much about (if you’ve never seen playlists on your desktop computer, that is).

One of the strangest updates to YouTube in this push is the second screen. Like you were using a Samsung Galaxy S 4 (or something similar), you’re now able to watch a YouTube video while you’re searching for another YouTube video to replace it. All you’ve got to do is hold your finger on a video and drag downward.

Now we get to see if such an ability is actually useful, or just there for kids to show their parents that they’ve got a better handle on the mobile universe than they once expected.

Once a video is placed in the lower right-hand corner of your display, you have the ability to go back to full screen with a swipe upward or to dismiss said video with a swipe to the right. This update should be available for both Android and iOS devices (like the iPhone and iPad) right this minute – have at it!

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