Thursday, 27 June 2013
Starcraft 2 Malaysia Vengeance Cup Finals set to be held on June 29
Starcraft 2 is a globally-known eSports title and there is no question of its massive fanbase here in SEA and in particularly Malaysia as well. Local teams are getting stronger and more importantly disciplined to further their level into the international scene, and this weekend will mark an important date for all aspiring professional Starcraft 2 players in Malaysia.
En route to the South East Asian Regional Vengeance Cup officiated by Blizzard themselves, the top teams of the country will be fighting it all out in the Malaysian finals to take the glory of nationally representing us in the upcoming regional tournament, set to be held in Thailand from the 31st of August to the 1st of September.
The Malaysian Vengeance Cup Finals will be held on the 29th of June at Autosurf Cafe, Subang starting from 1pm. As mentioned, the champions will hold the rights of representing Malaysia, along with RM1500 and Razer gears. Though both 2nd and 3rd placings will unfortunately not make the cut, they too will be generously rewarded with Razer gears along with RM1000 and RM500 respectively.
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
Chaos Online Cash Shop opens, announces first Malaysian Invitational Tournament
You might have heard of Asiasoft's latest blockbuster title, but don't mistake it for yet another of their MMOs. Instead, it's the new kid off the block when it comes to MOBAs (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) and yes, we're talking about Chaos Online here. Featuring over 80 heroes at launch, which is actually very impressive itself already, Asiasoft has evidently from their streams of advertising push, already set their eyes to expand Chaos Online in this region.
Asiasoft has recently officially launched the Chaos Online's Cash Shop and will also therefore put Heroes up for permanent purchase, along with the likes of Potions, Skins, and Charms for improved performance. With this announcement, only 30 Heroes will be available for play for free based on a rotation basis, as with other MOBA counterparts League of Legends.
At the same time, Asiasoft has also announced that the first Chaos Online Invitational Tournament will be held from 6 - 7 July with up to RM4,800 worth of prizes up for grabs. This tournament will be held at FTZ Subang Jaya so for all MOBA enthusiasts who wish to get a first look at how the elites get their hands on this new title in town, do check them out or visit chaos.playcybergames.com/main/en/invitation.
Tuesday, 25 June 2013
Riot to grow League of Legends eSports scene with inspiration from Olympics
As one of the largest game around the world currently, League of Legends has undeniably garnered and won over a massive fanbase throughout the years since its first debut, and has grown from strength to strength continuously improving and enlarging the set of lineup it offers. Being huge is also being one of the most popular titles in the world of global eSports, and one of the most famous lines in the industry's history is by Brandon Beck, the co-founder of its founding company Riot Games.
“eSports will be an Olympic event in my lifetime”True enough, Riot Games has taken the bold step to take League of Legends and more essentially pushing the eSports industry forward to move up the ranks and incorporate the industry with elements inspired by the Olympics.
"We looked at the more traditional sports like baseball, football, basketball, soccer", vice president of eSports and special projects at Riot, Dustin Beck pointing out to Edge, "and a big thing that we'd never seen done before is an all-star game"
To proposition eSports to a level of Olympics quality (or so to say), not only should the technical abilities be improved or only the community-engagement level be pulled up, but it should also ultimately front a sense of meaning and fulfilled experience.
"We’ve hired people with experience at the Olympics. Our head of global content is a three-time Emmy Award winner. We’ve also added some other core elements that I think have been missing from eSports," he explains, "we do a really good job of storytelling behind the scenes. We want to know who Dyrus is. We want to know who Dyrus’ dad is."
How the community has always been responding to League of Legends as a globally-known, globally-respected eSports title have been exceptional to say the least, but as Beck pointed out, it really is time for eSports to start showcasing and to start developing the individuals of the sports and up, up beyond their current fame. Their potential is already known by avid fans, gamers alike, but it's also time to bring his story, his choices, and his growth to another level where it becomes mainstream.
And that's what eSports desperately needs, becoming anything but mainstream.
Wednesday, 19 June 2013
Dota 2 confirmed for full release this summer but not in Asia
Though officially still in beta, Dota 2 has long established its name as the successor to arguably the first and renown MOBA title Defense of the Ancients. Valve has made Dota 2 as tightly-sealed as possible a few years ago when it first started. Beta keys used to be traded at quite a premium price (you can still buy one now at $30), but in the past 2 years Valve has since genuinely opened it up to anyone and almost everyone with a dozens or so beta keys flying around the globe like nobody's business.
Speaking to GameSpot, Doug Lombardi Marketing VP of Valve has recently confirmed that Dota 2 will be fully released in the wild this summer but more specifically we speculate before the religiously annual The International 3. It is also rumoured that this will come after the launch of both highly-anticipated heroes Abaddon and Legion Commander.
However, Lombardi also clarified that this will first only be opened in North America and Europe leaving Australia and more particularly Asia where some of top teams reign from, in the dark for now. This is actually understandable as we've known that Valve is still bulking up to work on their server infrastructure in order to ensure a truly smooth experience once the doors to its cult opens up to the public. But once again, it really doesn't make a wow difference once it opens up as most of us are probably gaming on it right now. Well unless,Valve do have something in store for us, something they have been known for.
However, Lombardi also clarified that this will first only be opened in North America and Europe leaving Australia and more particularly Asia where some of top teams reign from, in the dark for now. This is actually understandable as we've known that Valve is still bulking up to work on their server infrastructure in order to ensure a truly smooth experience once the doors to its cult opens up to the public. But once again, it really doesn't make a wow difference once it opens up as most of us are probably gaming on it right now. Well unless,Valve do have something in store for us, something they have been known for.
Tuesday, 18 June 2013
Microsoft confirms Xbox One game prices
With this in mind, Microsoft in a statement by one of its representatives to Polygon has revealed that they will be selling first-party Xbox One games at $59.99 (RM189), which is a reasonable price as with current-gen game prices.
However, it is also important to note that third-party games may be priced at a slightly higher rate, especially considering that with such a big leap into hardware capabilities, developers will have more work to perfecting and enhance every single bit of graphic details in-game.
Opinion: World of Tanks to launch on Xbox 360, here's what we think
My eyebrow frowned, my face, tight. My eyes, sharp and searching, my breathing controlled. The announcement of world of tanks for the Xbox 360 console system brought mixed feelings to me. How mixed? Well, let’s just say that I myself don’t understand what’s coming out of my mouth. I’m not saying that I disapprove of it, but I will say, it brought up certain concerns, yet, at the same time, brought excitement.
First of all, let’s start with the good part of this news. Well, as we all should have known by now, world of tanks is a hugely successful online game on the PC. It’s already a tried and tested game that has managed to grow exponentially within a short space of time. So it coming into the Xbox 360 would only help to improve its success.
But, in terms of features...
“The title will feature revamped controls, matchmaking, a new user interface and other features to take advantage of the Xbox 360’s technological capabilities and online features.”This was the first thing that I noticed as I read through the press release. I am pleased to know that they are making all sorts of effort into making the conversion as efficient as possible, and to hopefully make it perfect the first time around (Hats off to wargaming). This would also make it very interesting and appealing. Never have I thought of playing world of tanks on a 52 inch LCD screen TV with a xbox 360 controller. And never have I imagined inviting my Xbox Live friends to join in on the pure steel carnage (although I don’t own a Xbox 360).
But, what I eagerly look into would be the possibility of playing it split screen with a friend beside you. Just imagine it, you playing split-screen with a friend, then he decides to push you out of cover with his big arsed KV5, and so naturally, you get killed. You would then hear him sneer in laughter and grin at your face, and then suddenly, SLAP! You slapped the grin out of his face. Just the thought of this is irresistible, and is making me froth in my mouth (no, I don’t have rabies). These are moments that are almost priceless, and if they do pull this off, it would be a great milestone of an achievement, thus cementing their future in multiplayer games.
However, what worries me most is that first of all, Wargaming was a PC exclusive. This means that all their game titles was released for the pc, and pc only. And so they are entering a new, hostile environment that is filled with landmines here.
Trying to break into the Xbox console environment will be very difficult. They need to watch their step, and take measured, calculative decisions if they don’t want to fail. I will admit, this is a very bold action, and one that worries me, but if they do pull this off, and hopefully they do, then it will be a huge success.
If they do this right, it will be very big for Wargaming. They have the capabilities, they have the resources and they have the motivation. But the biggest question would be, how far are they willing to go? As they say, the sky has no limits. But for Wargaming, the clouds are blocking out the horizon. Will they succeed and go through the clouds? Or will they falter and get lost in the dark horizon? Only time will tell. And so until then, I shall sit here on my chair, continuing the painful grind for the top tier French medium. And hopefully by then, it would have been released.
---------------------------------
Written by: Kautsar / Malaysian Rep
Saturday, 15 June 2013
Metro: Last Light PC Review
The heavy Russian accent. The unmistakeable comradery and bravado atmosphere. The utter terror of running out of battery for your flashlight, and frantically trying to pump this device that you carry with you to power it back on. Yes, that is anti-climatic, but welcome to Russia.
And with that said, I welcome you to the much awaited, and much anticipated, Metro: Last Light. A game based on the best seller Metro:2034 by Dmitri Glukhovsky, and a direct sequel to Metro:2033. Although, not many people seem to know about this game, if you happen to have a copy sitting around collecting dust on your shelf (no matter which metro, 2033 or this new one), then follow these simple, easy to follow steps:
1. Install it
2. Get a Russian Ushanka (google it if you do not understand)
3. Turn off the lights in your room (if you’re outside, blow the sun up)
4. Play at maximum volume
So, what makes it such an awesome game that I require you to blow the freakin’ sun up? Is it the graphics? Is it the story? Is it the unique gameplay? Well, lets just say, its all of the above.
Top-notch Graphics
Let'start with its graphical capabilities. We all know what metro 2033 was like right? (waits for a show of hands) Well, Metro: Last Light is a leap forwards in terms of graphics. It employs tessellation, which means the tiling of a plane using one or more geometric shapes, thus, a more realistic looking object. But, the most noticeable improvement is in the lighting. My god, I can’t remember how many times I shot at a shadow, thinking it was a target, wasting precious ammo then slowly facepalming myself. Only to turn around then get my face clawed out, again.And when this happens, you know the lighting was fantastically done, the shadows move according to the light source smoothly, something that some games fail to deliver. And the lighting in itself sets a very eerie atmosphere, you’d see light as a source of hope, but in this game, it slowly becomes something that you fear, and it does make you paranoid.
But besides these, the most important feature is ultimately the level of detail that goes into each and every object in the game. You see a ragged cloth floating in the air? Go up to it (but whatever you do, do not sniff it, it might be a sick trap) and just stare into each and individual holes within that rag. You see a cave? Go into it, and look at the texturing of the rocks and how the water slowly drips down the wall of it. It is beautiful. And dare I say it? I don’t mind living in a post-apocalyptic world like this one. They put so much attention into each and every object in-game, although much of it is due to the tessellation technology they employed it to the maximum.
However, it isn't only all about the new toys and upgrades that they introduced this game, but more essentially how they seamlessly combined all of them setting the mood in a perfect balance. They don’t immediately shove it into your face shouting ‘HEY LOOK AT MY BRILLIANT GRAPHICS’ like some cheap prostitute in the middle of the streets that’s only wearing short skirt and a shirt that shows a cleavage that ends all cleavage. But instead, it slowly unravels itself as you play the game. You will constantly be in awe with what they do with the graphics, you would be amazed at how a ray of light looks as if its descending from the heavens and then gets blocked out by the clouds, you’d be amazed at how the water reflects a source of light, making it shimmer. It is just beautifully executed.
Thursday, 13 June 2013
Logitech Malaysia unveils revised G Series lineup, talks about local gaming scene
Logitech Malaysia recently organised a gathering with some of the most influential tech/gaming writers in the local industry to talk about what's in and what's next for the local gaming community. (As a newcomer) we were fortunate enough to be invited over to join in the discussion along with a hands-on experience with the company's latest G Series gaming gears.
With its launch and a re-branding in their lineup, it is apparent that the company is now strongly-committed to invest in and to further develop a quality set of PC gaming gears aimed towards both the casual gamers and the more hardcore ones.
Regional Marketing Director for South East Asia Logitech, Kuah Hsiang Nung, demonstrating the effectiveness of choosing the ideal gaming mouse weight.
"Science Wins" will lead the re-branding of these gears with emphasis on how all the nitty-gritty details can essentially affect both gameplay performance and control. I personally do believe and after testing them out feel that Logitech's 'theory' behind their products do improve the experience overall.
While the gaming roundtable offered us an insight into all their G Series gaming gears, it soon became clear that not only is Logitech interested in product features like macro buttons and erm LCD screens, but also all the tech behind it as Kuah of Logitech SEA repeatedly pointed out that Logitech isn't just about making gaming gears, but more of "precision equipments".
With its official unveiling of the G Series in Malaysia, we were also treated to test their gears out with a generous few matches of FPS and MOBAs. One pretty important feature Kuah pointed out was the lineup's 'angle snapping' ability which basically means the equipment's stability and control while moving the mouse and this can be apparent as you stray across a straight line in a perfect motion.
One of my personal favourites the Logitech G700s rechargeable gaming mouse
This I feel is essential in today's gaming equipments as I believe that at the end of the day, one would only go for a piece of gaming gear if it provides the perfect control and therefore the trust and reliability it extends to gamers. To this, Logitech's high-end G700s (retailing at RM299) in particular has proven so far to have mastered that extend of control.
During the session, Kuah also notably expressed the company's interest in exploring the possibilities they can be part of in both the local and regional gaming community which most definitely includes the up-and-coming eSports scene. At the same time, he has also revealed that Logitech is working with certain game titles to develop certain exclusives, though details of that is understandably can not be revealed as of yet.
It's always good to see gaming (gear) companies like Logitech to show a deep interest in the Malaysian gaming industry especially for our eSports scene I talked about, that there really is a massive gap of potential for both industry professionals and even amateurs like our site to explore, contribute, and develop together.
If you are similarly passionate about our local gaming scene or have any ideas/upcoming events, do say hi! at hello@theshadowgamer.com
Wednesday, 12 June 2013
[E3 2013] Xbox One to only launch in Asia late 2014, Malaysia yet to confirm
This year's E3 saw the official unveiling of Microsoft's version of next-gen consoles Xbox One. While it has been announced that it will be launching this November in 21 countries at a price of $499 in the US and $599 in Australia, it became apparent that countries in Asia will not be part of the 21 first-launch countries.
While the likes of Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore missing out might be a surprise, let's be honest, the rest of the Asian countries really didn't stand a chance. Nevermind, at the end of the day, we have also been pretty used to waiting, not only consoles but even for some of the more popular mobile gadgets.
However, in a rather disappointing news, Microsoft has revealed that not only will we get the second-in-line treatment, but any countries in Asia, or in particularly highlighted "Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and India ", will need to wait till "late 2014" for its localised launch. This, again, is baffling for there has yet to be any word of an Xbox One launch in Japan, one of the most significant gaming market around the world as well.
And for Malaysia, well, we can't really say much as it has always been so even for the past two generations. But to be fair enough, the highlights and selling points of the Xbox One is not only about the games, but all the other online and TV services which ultimately requires a tight infrastructure and licensing issues to settle with localised industry players.
What's your take on this? Frustrated? Confused? Mind****ed? I am. But again, have this influenced your next-gen choice?
Tuesday, 11 June 2013
Xbox One to launch in 21 counties this November, will Malaysia make the cut? [Updated]
It's time for the next-generation in video gaming and with Microsoft taking centre stage first in the globally largest video gaming convention E3, it's signature Xbox One has officially been unveiled. As with a whole lineup of massive blockbuster titles and sequels such as Forza Motorsport 5, Metal Gear Solid 5: Phantom Pain, a next-gen Halo and a significant new release Titanfall, Microsoft has also announced the console's availability and pricings.
The Xbox One is set to launch this November in 21 countries, but on which countries in particular have not been detailed, and will be sold at a launch price of $499 in the US, 499 Euros in Europe and $429 in the UK which then suggests a possible price of between RM1600-RM2200 in Malaysia or similarly converted in our neighbouring Asian countries.
Besides the US, UK and countries in Europe, some other countries that comes into mind that will also most likely make the cut for the November launch would be Australia, Singapore and Japan. I would most certainly hope that Microsoft will take into account Malaysia but as with recent trends on other Microsoft products (cue Surface Pro), there might be a little delay.
Nevertheless, if you still cant wait to get your hands on the console that will probably define the entire next 5-7 years of video gaming, Microsoft has opened up a pre-order page in the US and well, i'm pretty sure you can work your way around to get that shipped right here on our shores.
[Updated]
Nevertheless, if you still cant wait to get your hands on the console that will probably define the entire next 5-7 years of video gaming, Microsoft has opened up a pre-order page in the US and well, i'm pretty sure you can work your way around to get that shipped right here on our shores.
[Updated]
Monday, 10 June 2013
The Malaysian Guide to E3 2013
(photo credits: gamespot.com)
Gamers unite. The largest and most significant gaming convention in the world is at the time of writing a few hours away from us. Held religiously in Los Angeles, there's always a degree of doubt and uncertainty when for most of us who live about half the world away comes to being part of this global event.
Sure, we would stay up all night long and glue our eyes to freaking press conferences for all the latest, next-gen reveals, but when and where the heck do we watch them online?
Here's the best part, if you're in Malaysia/Singapore (+8GMT) we've decided to help you dissect and compile (embed a few live videos as well!) all the information you need to follow E3 2013 online. For our neighbouring countries, well just do the maths and plus or minus a few hours.
Schedule: June 11
12.30am - Microsoft (Xbox One)[http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hub]
4.00am - EA (Battlefield 4, Plants vs Zombies 2)
[http://www.ea.com/e3]
6.00am - Ubisoft (Watch Dogs, Assassin's Creed 4)
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=29uRvifupqQ]
9.00am - Sony (PS4)
[http://us.playstation.com/ps4/]
10.00pm - Nintendo (Wii U)
[http://e3.nintendo.com/]
Introducing the all-new, all-Malaysian, six-man DuskBin Dota 2 team
From left: Jian Shen "Dy-" Chong , Jason "Jny-" Siew , Shi Yuan " Shiyuan" Soh, Kelvin "MtR-" Chong, Jun Wei "BoyZ" Gan, Kok Chun "MissyZ" Wong
DuskBin, a local (Malaysian) eSports team who specialises in multiple other games have recently unveiled its new Dota 2 team roster. The team has been inactive for quite some time but has made a statement that they will be back in both the local and international Dota 2 scene with a more experienced and strategic lineup and also most importantly a consistent training schedule.
DuskBin.Dota 2 will feature an all-Malaysian, six-man roster boasting of Jny, MissyZ and BoyZ who were all from team FishBall. Mtr, Dynasty and 6th-man Shiyuan will then make out the rest of the all-new DuskBin, led by an experienced Jny.
But forming a new team and even a polished brand image will not immediately mean success, and to this DuskBin have set up a dedicated training facility in Petaling Jaya, Selangor with top-notch gaming equipment sponsored by i-Rocks. In-house trainings are carried out every week from Friday to Sunday, while weekdays will see the team having to train online due to their personal commitments.
In a statement on their official team website, DuskBin has also unveiled plans to compete in the upcoming E2MAX qualifiers in Singapore, and have also announced their commitment to compete in as many tournaments as possible.
Wargaming opens up 15th office in Japan in plans for global expansion
Wargaming, most significantly known for its massively multiplayer online World of Tanks has recently further expanded globally with the launch of its newest publishing office in Tokyo, Japan. This expansion would also mark the company's 15th office around the world and especially made even more significant due to Wargaming's 15th anniversary.
In a bold move into making sure its presence around the world is clear cut solid, Wargaming's newest office will focus on everything from publishing duties to customer service as it prepares to roll out the global blockbuster in Japan. CEO of Wargaming Victor Kislyi also announced that the company will be hiring top professionals from the country to manage and ensure the best possible experience for all its players, adding that:
“As Wargaming continues its global expansion, there’s no possible way we can ignore the importance of the Japanese market, besides being one of the major video games markets in the world, it’s also a place where free-to-play gaming is growing by leaps and bounds."
It is interesting to observe the speed of expansion Wargaming has carefully and determinedly planned for World of Tanks, from its exploding phenomenon in the global eSports scene to the intense marketing around the world, it is indeed a more than welcoming addition.
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