Future of Our Salmon A Vision of Restoration in the Columbia River Basin October 17-18, 2012
The Future - October 2012
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store.gem.co.uk October 2012 THE WAKE-UP WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR OXM ” ” I ONCE AGAIN FEEL JUSTIFIED in making this one of my most anticipated games of the year THE ESCAPIST ” ”
description
October 2012 edition of Gem's The Future magazine.
Transcript of The Future - October 2012
store.gem.co.uk October 2012
THE WAKE-UP WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR
OXM
”
”I ONCE AGAIN FEEL JUSTIFIEDin making this one of my most anticipated games of the year
THE ESCAPIST
”
”
CONTENTS
www.facebook.com/gemgroup @gemdistribution www.linkedin.com/company/gem-distribution-ltd
05 EDITOR’S COMMENTFaye le Duc introduces the biggest issue of the year
07 GEM NEWSDate and bundles announced for the Wii U launch
11 Q&AGet to know Gem’s very own Head ofMarketing Katie Rawlings
13 WE WANT ONECineMobile puts whole movie collectionsinto the palm of a hand
14 GEM LOGISTICSThe Future explores Gem’s 250,000 sq ft.Logistics facility in Raunds
17 KASPERSKYKaspersky showcase their 2013 securitysoftware range
19 CORELMasters of design Corel launch a fantastic competition
25 ROXIORoxio show us how to capture every gamingmoment in HD
27 PLANTRONICSPlantronics takes us through their range of GameCom headsets
28 UBISOFTUbisoft present the latest in their adventureseries, set in the American Revolution
30 MICROSOFTHalo 4 marks the return the Spartan heroMaster Chief
32 MICROSOFTForza’s all new rubber burning race titletakes to the open road
38 2K GAMES2K’s Sci-Fi Strategy is reborn with XCOM: Enemy Unknown
0303TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UKTO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk
The Christmas countdown has officially started, and with only 12 weeks to goand an abundance of new products hitting the shelves, we’re hopeful thatthis is going to be one of the best in a while.
Nintendo has finally announced that the Wii U Console will be out next month intime for the Christmas rush with some great titles available at launch, from third-party blockbusters to Nintendo classics there will be a game to suit every taste.Early viewings and reviews have delivered a promising start and we’re delighted tobe part of the parade.
Microsoft has launched 3 new limited Christmas bundles to provide your customerswith money saving gift ideas at outstanding prices. The Xbox 360 250GB ConsoleHoliday Bundle includes Skyrim, Forza 4 Essentials Edition & 1 Month of Xbox LIVEGold, whilst the Xbox 360 4GB Console and Kinect Holiday Bundle features two hitfamily games, Kinect Disneyland Adventures & Kinect Adventures with 1 Month ofLIVE Gold, a 4GB Xbox 360 Console and Kinect Sensor. The Xbox 360 250GB Consolewith Kinect Holiday Bundle features a total of three amazing Kinect Games, DanceCentral 2, Kinect Sports and Kinect Adventures; as well as 1 Month of Xbox LIVEGold free for a limited time this Christmas.
As always, we have an abundance of promotions and competitions coming to youthroughout October. For the launch of the new PaintShop X5 range and Roxio Game Capture HD Pro, Gem is delighted to introduce 2 exclusive competitions, givingyou the chance to get your hands on a new laptop with PaintShop Pro X5 Ultimate ortwo tickets to London Excel’s Gadget Show with an overnight stay!
I’m thrilled to let you all know that, since the new Future launched in February, this isour biggest edition with the largest circulation, so I wanted to say a big thank you toour readers and customers. Suggestions and feedback are always welcome so feelfree to get in touch – [email protected]
EDITOR’S COM-
Faye Le Duc PR & Marketing Manager
Managing EditorFaye Le Duc
Editorial AssistantBrendan Adams
Web ExecutivePeter Cox
DesignSophie HammondAmber-sky Watts
Gaming EditorKristan Reed
PublisherGem Creative
Gem Distribution LtdSt. George House, Parkway
Harlow Business Park, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5QF
Head of MarketingKatie Rawlings
Contact DetailsTelephone Office: +44 01279 822800
Sales: +44 01279 822822 Facsimile Office: +44 01279 416228
Sales: +44 01279 412604
To place an order please call 01279 822822 between 9am-6pm Monday-Friday,
or visit store.gem.co.uk to buy online*
To open an account please visit ww.gem.co.uk or call our new accounts team on 01279 822800.
*Trade account required.
Printed in the uk by Cadmium Multimedia
www.cadmiummultimedia.co.uk
editor’s comment
05
Faye
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Gem News
Gem Logistics nominated for National Award
Northamptonshire-based Gem Logistics has beennominated for an award in a prestigious nationalcompetition which recognizes excellence in the UKlogistics and warehousing industry.
Gem Logistics, which operates a 250,000 sq ft storage facility in Raunds, Northamptonshire, is inthe running to be named the United Kingdom Warehousing Association’s Best New Member 2013.
With nearly 700 members, the United KingdomWarehousing Association (UKWA) is the leadingtrade body for the logistics sector and its awards are highly coveted within the industry that the association represents.
Gem joined UKWA in the summer. Before being accepted into the Association the company had todemonstrate that its facilities, service offering andbusiness model met a number of key criteria laiddown by UKWA.
The company not only passed the UKWA entry test,but so impressed the Association with the quality ofits operation that Gem Logistics were immediatelyput forward as a potential winner of the Association’s Best New Member Award.
Frank Ring, Gem’s Business Development Manager, commented:
We are delighted to have been recognized in this way. To be nominated forthis award reflects very well on our companyand, of course, our staff. We are delighted toreceive this accolade.
The winner will be announced at a ceremony at London’s Dorchester Hotel in July 2013.
EDITOR’Sgem news
07
Gem bolster Creative departmentGem Creative hires Production Coordinator to meet increasing demands
Suzanne joins Gem from leading independent publisher Intent Media who iswell known for its business publications and websites such as MCV, PCR and Toynews plus many dedicated trade events including London Games Conference, PCR Bootcamp and a host of awards ceremonies. Suzanne has awealth of experience in production and project management having also spentseveral years as Production Manager at EMAP.
In this newly-created, broader production role, Suzanne will help to developand maintain Gem Creative’s solid and trustworthy reputation as a standalonemedia and creative agency whilst also functioning as a marketing department,supporting the wider divisions within Gem, streamlining the projects thatcome to the team on a daily basis. This new appointment is aimed at furtherbuilding Gem Creative’s presence and assuring it provides its customers with awide, multi-service offering.
Suzanne will play a vital part within the POS creation element of Gem Creative, assisting the designers to speed up the production and delivery ofprojects as demand for in-store solutions grow.
Nintendo Announce Wii U LaunchNew console to reach the UK before Japan in November
Following a year of build-up, last month Nintendo announced that their highly anticipated new home console, Wii U, will be hitting the shelves across Europeon the 30th November 2012, an impressive 8 days aheadof the Japanese launch.
Wii U is a HD console that offers more choice and variety of gameplay than ever before, with brand newgaming experiences enabled by the innovative Wii UGamePad controller, whether playing alone or togetherwith friends. The Wii U GamePad offers an integrated second screen and can also be used independently of theTV set with certain software.
Available from Gem, two launch hardware packs havebeen confirmed along with the strongest line-up of launchsoftware in Nintendo history including third-party heavyhitters such as FIFA 13, Call Of Duty®: Black Ops II,
ZombiU™ and RAYMAN® LEGENDS as well as in-housetitles like Nintendo Land and New Super Mario Bros. U.
Of the two new launch bundles, the Wii U Basic Pack features a Wii U console with 8GB internal storage and aWii U GamePad, both in white, whilst the Wii U PremiumPack contains a black Wii U console and Wii U GamePad,and with 32GB of internal storage provides more space for downloadable digital content. The Premium Pack alsocontains a stand for the GamePad and console, a chargingcradle for the GamePad, a sensor bar and the NintendoLand software. Both packs also feature a HDMI cable andAC adapters for console and GamePad.
For more information on Nintendo’s Wii U and the launch titles coming to Gem, please contact your Gem account manager.
TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UKTO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk
We’re partnering with Norton to provide the coolestreseller promotion yet. Order the latest Norton security software through your Gem account manager for the chance to win a luxury ski trip forfour to Chamonix, France (worth €10,000) and othergreat prizes, including Salomon ski jackets, Oakleysunglasses and The North Face outdoor packs.
On 1st October 2012 the race is on, so prepare to put your sales skills to the test. Simply log in to register at www.nortonportal.com/promoand order Norton products to increase your chancesof winning.
Win a luxury skiingholiday to Chamonixwith NortonSymantec launch their 2013 resellerpromotion with Gem
UKWA recognise Gem Logistics ascontender for ‘Best New Member 2013’
p07_GemNews v8_Front Cover 05/10/2012 17:17 Page 1
The Complete Creative KitDesign & Marketing services for all industry sectors
Unique. Bespoke. Flexible.
Trade Marketing | Retail Marketing |
Print Design Services Customised Bundling | PR
Bespoke Packaging & Stickers | Online Design Services
Unique Design Services | Planograms | Merchandising
Media Buying | Dedicated Customer Magazine ‘The Future’
Social Media Management
Contact Gem Creative on: (T) +44 (0)1279 822800 | (W) www.gem.co.uk/gemcreative | (E) [email protected]
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new to us
Brand new and for a limited time only, Microsoft has created three fantastic bundles crammed with free games and content to hit the shelves in time for Christmas.
09TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UKTO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk
MicrosoftHoliday Value BundlesGive the gift of games
250GB KINECT HOLIDAY BUNDLEERP: £299.99Webcode: S7G-00082
The ultimate bundle to get families moving this Christmas:the new 250GB Kinect Holiday Bundle contains everythingto entertain festive families everywhere, including theXbox 360 S 250GB Console and Kinect Sensor plus £80(ERP) of additional items including:
•Xbox 360 S 250GB Console:Sleek and quiet, with built in wi-fi and a huge 250GB hard drive for content storage. Plus the Kinect Sensor which continues to bring games and entertainment to life in extraordinary new ways.
•Kinect Sports: The biggest selling Kinect title of all time, harnessing the power of Kinect to turn living rooms into world-class sports arenas. Featuring soccer, beach volleyball, bowling, table tennis, track & field, and boxing. (Full Packaged Product)
•Dance Central 2:The best-selling dance game on Kinect. With another killer soundtrack, the best routines and all-new multiplayer features. (Xbox LIVE Games on Demand Download Token)
•1 Month Xbox LIVE Gold Membership:Opens a whole world of online entertainment possibilities, spanning the very best in games, TV, movies & music.
4GB KINECT HOLIDAY BUNDLEERP: £249.99Webcode: S4G-00150
Better with Kinect: this Xbox 360 S 4GB Console bundleincludes a Kinect sensor to bring games and entertainmentto life in extraordinary new ways, plus over £40 (ERP)worth of added value items including:
•Kinect Disneyland Adventures:A ticket to the magical world of Disneyland through Kinect. Allowing kids and Disney fans of all ages to explore the park and enjoy immersive adventures based on popular attractions. (Full Packaged Product)
•Kinect Adventures:Another family favourite requiring skill and speed in order to jump, dodge, and kick through 20 pulse-pounding fun adventures. (Full Packaged Product)
•1 Month Xbox LIVE Gold Membership:Opens a whole world of online entertainment possibilities, spanning the very best in games, TV, movies & music.
250GB HOLIDAY BUNDLEERP: £199.99Webcode: R9G-00152
As well as an Xbox 360 S 250GB Console, this uniquelimited bundle contains value added content worth over£90 (ERP) including:
•Forza 4 ‘Essentials Edition’A genre defining racing game, delivering stunningly beautiful graphics with the majority of cars, tracks and challenges from the original game included. (Full Packaged Product)
•Skyrim:Winner of more than 200 Game of the Year Awards, the game that revolutionises the open-world fantasy epic and is now even Better with Kinect! (Xbox LIVE Games on Demand Download Token)
•1 Month Xbox LIVE Gold Membership:Opens a whole world of online entertainment possibilities, spanning the very best in games, TV, movies & music.
For more information on the Microsoft Holiday Bundles, contact yourGem account manager on 01279 822822 or go online at store.gem.co.uki
Follow Gem for the latest news & updates
Q&A
11TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UKTO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk
Katie RawlingsHead of Marketing takes to the hot seatNearly 2 years under your reign and Gem Creative andGem’s marketing team are thriving, what’s your secret? It’s been a challenging 2 years, but my secret? I haven’t gotone, which is probably the key. I give my team completetransparency to what’s going on and what is expected to helpus progress as a service provider, which in turn builds trustand morale. A happy team is a proactive team and thatcertainly shows through the quality of work we’re producingfor our clients.
How has Gem Creative’s services evolved since joiningthe team? Since launching as a creative agency in 2008 whilstcontinuing to serve Gem as it’s dedicated marketingdepartment, Gem Creative has added additional resource tothe team which in turn has meant a wide variety of skill sets,our list of services as a creative agency vary from traditionalprint design, in-store display solutions, bundling to socialmedia management and web design. We also welcomecompanies who aren’t currently working with Gem to utilisethe services we offer, as they’ll find that we are far more costeffective than most traditional creative agencies out there.
Digital services are more in demand than ever before,how do you and your team keep up? We constantly research and listen to the needs of clients tokeep up with the demands for new ways in which to promoteand sell products. We benefit from working with Ztorm, whoare also owned by Gem and can offer many different digitalopportunities, specifically to enhance the physical product.Along with this, we are also looking into augmented realitywhich is booming right now and if set up correctly, is a greatway to support traditional marketing & PR.
Print or Online? Print for me I’m afraid, I’m an old fashioned kind of girl andlike to feel I’ve really purchased something. I own a kindleand iPad (lucky me) but would never think to download a bookor paper onto it. I like a good rummage in a library or to buy abrand new book off the shelf, open it up, give it a good sniff(love newly printed paper) and flip through the pages.
How do you relax away from work? Being with friends (and lots of red wine). Plus kidding myselfthat I will go for ‘that run’.
2012 started with a bang for Corel with the acquisition of the Roxio portfolio from Rovi Corporation which wasgreat news for us. Roxio Game Capture SD joined theCorel portfolio so for the first time we had a product thatplayed in the fast-moving gaming market, a growth sectorwith a great deal of social media buzz.
Indeed Corel has continued to invest in the popular GameCapture brand with the recent launch of Roxio GameCapture HD Pro, a premium SKU that encapsulates gamers’desire to record and share their high definition game play in HD. Roxio Game Capture HD Pro lets users capture real-time game play from Xbox 360 or PS3 whilestill playing in full HD, as well as live streaming; you caneven add voice-over or webcam commentary and editfurther on PC with the powerful video editing software that is included.
At the start of the summer Corel also acquired the market-leading Pinnacle Studio range of products and atthe end of August the latest versions - Pinnacle Studio 16,Pinnacle Studio 16 Plus and Pinnacle Studio 16 Ultimate-launched in the UK.
Pinnacle Studio 16 is the fastest, easiest, and mostaccurate video-editing software available for creatingincredible home movie memories in HD or stereoscopic 3D.It fits perfectly within the Corel digital media portfolio, butwe’ve also been very busy launching new versions offlagship design package CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6and full-power photo-editing suite Corel PaintShop Pro X5.
For further information on Corel, contact your Gem accountmanager on 01279 822 822 or visit store.gem.co.uk
2012: An exciting year for CorelWe talk to Daniel Bastone, Corel Channel Manager for UK, Ireland and Africa who explains why…
Daniel BastoneChannel Manager for UK, Ireland and Africa
cineMobile Plus
For more information on cineMobile Plus, contact your Gem accountmanager on 01279 822822 or go online at store.gem.co.uki
With an incredible array of mobile devices now available on the market, cineMobile Plus providesan excellent solution to consumers wanting to take their movie and audio collection where ever they go.
Packed with outstanding new exclusive, features cineMobile Plus offers Video and Audio copying, converting, compilation and creation tools. In three easy steps consumers can downloadfiles from popular websites including YouTube, Facebook and Google video or transfer files straightfrom a DVD. cineMobile Plus makes it simple to keep a large media collection in the correct format,and has a range of options to convert and optimize video and audio files ready for playback on acomputer, game console, phone, tablet or other media device.
The software is available in 6 different packages; cineMobile Plus is our top pick. Although it missesout on the Blueray copying and burning options available on the Ultimate HD, it features absolutelyeverything else as well as a super-efficient true 1:1 DVD copier.
Keeping your media on the move
we want one
13TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UKTO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk
14 Visit www.gem.co.uk/gemlogistics [email protected]
Gem Logistics are rapidly establishing a reputation as an outsourced warehousing and logisticsservice provider to retailers, resellers and other businesses, with Amazon, Argos, M&S, Tesco, Comet,and DSG among the growing list of grocery and retail clients.
“Immaculate”, “Impressive” and “The site is extremely clean and tidy both inside and out,” were howWeetabix’s Quality Assurance Team described Gem Logistics' state of the art, fully owned 250,000square foot, £15m grade 1 distribution centre at Raunds, Northants.
Gem Logistics began life as the distribution operation of Gem, the home entertainment and consumerproducts distributor that has acted exclusively on behalf of Microsoft UK since 1988. Gem Group alsorepresents Xbox, Codemasters, Take Two, Ubisoft and Essential music. Gem are the largest distributor forLogitech in Europe and have over 25 years’ experience in providing “best in class” distribution solutions,
expanding the business where necessary to support the growing requirements of retail, and in 2011/12processed a total of 65 million units a year to pick and pack. In 2011/12 Gem despatched in excess of2.9M units to the end user, up from 1.7M the previous year, and assembled over 6.6M units ofpromotional and bundled items.
Having proved their dexterity in developing logistical solutions for these discerning clients, Gem Logisticsare keen to extend further by branching out into new product sectors for the third party logistics industry and further widening their client base and the market areas they cover. The approach is paying off, withGem being a nominee for Best Newcomer in the 2013 UKWA Awards, to be presented at the Dorchesternext July. Gem continues to win new clients, including recently awarded contracts for Dr Martens andSimplehuman UK.
Your flexible and highly secureoutsourced logistics partner
15
WHEN WAS GEM LOGISTICS AS A BUSINESS SET UP?The Gem Group started in 1984 with two very important guysselling video games on market stalls in Harlow, and wasbought by DCC in 1995. Gem Logistics has been operatingsince 2009 and also has another 150,000 sq.ft DC nearBlackburn, Lancashire. Since then it has been an outsourcedlogistics provider to video games publishers, DVD & musicstudios and retailers, and the European supply chain providerfor Codemasters, Essential Music, Take Two and Ubisoft.
WHO OWNS GEM GROUP?Gem is backed by DCC plc, a €10.7 billion procurement, sales,marketing, distribution and business support services groupemploying around 9,000 people, which is listed under SupportServices on the Irish and London stock exchanges, and hasfive divisions - DCC Energy, DCC Sercom, covering IT,communications and home entertainment, DCC Healthcare,DCC Environmental and DCC Food & Beverage. DCC Sercom,the division which includes Gem Group, comprises SerComDistribution, a leading distributor of IT, communications andhome entertainment products in Britain, Ireland and France,and SerCom Solutions, which provides outsourcedprocurement and supply chain management services inIreland, Poland, China, Mexico and the USA.
WHAT DIFFERENT CLIENT SERVICES DOES GEM LOGISTICS OFFER?We provide a multi channel, national and internationaloffering, from store distribution and RDC deliveries to end userfulfilment. We also offer extensive value-add propositionsreturns and quality control on site flow wrap machinery toenhance service, value and profit delivery.
HOW ARE YOU SET UP TO SERVICE CLIENTS, IN TERMS OF ACCOUNT HANDLING TEAMS?We offer a dedicated client service team and IT systemsintegration, with real-time stock and service level reporting.
WE'RE GOING TO FOCUS THIS CONVERSATION ON THERAUNDS DISTRIBUTION CENTRE, BUT HOW MANY OTHERDISTRIBUTION CENTRES DO YOU HAVE IN THE UK? WHATABOUT EUROPE?We have one other UK distribution centre in Altham, nearBlackburn, Lancashire and two distribution centres in France.
WHEN WAS THE RAUNDS DISTRIBUTION CENTRE SET UP?Raunds opened in September 2010.
HOW BIG IS RAUNDS?Raunds has 250,000 square foot of total space. The firstphase of racking has 35,000 pallet positions. There are sixlevel access doors and 23 dock levellers, and it canaccommodate all short, medium and long term secure storagerequirements. We offer a variety of different types of rackedstorage, including open bulk areas, for maximum accessibility.We have six floor level doors to our loading bays, withcovered canopies for all weather working.
SPEAKING OF ALL WEATHER WORKING, HOW IS YOURWAREHOUSE SET UP TO DEAL WITH SNOW?HAVE THE TRUCKS GOT IN AND OUT SUCCESSFULLY OVERTHE LAST FEW WINTERS?Snow has never been an issue in our 50 metres wide yardarea. GEM plans ahead with snowplough attachments for ourall-weather fork trucks, and grit spreading attachments. We even have an on site emergency generator, and can easilylast for seven days without support from outside powersources. The aircon units in the server room are constantlymonitored, and have separate power supplies to the back upequipment and text alarms to mobile phones for anytemperature variances.
DOES RAUNDS WORK 24/7?We do so when required, and are very flexible to our clients’ needs and such things as product launch schedules.We fully understand the need to meet their expectations andmarket deadlines.
WITH HIGH VALUE GOODS PASSING THROUGH YOUR DOORSDAY IN DAY OUT, SECURITY IS HIGH PRIORITY. WHATSECURITY DO YOU HAVE?You're right, with so much at stake, protecting our clients’assets is our top priority. Raunds and our other sites atAltham, near Blackburn, have state of the art technology toprotect our clients’ goods, multiple modern digital colourcameras, perimeter beam detection system, hard driverecording/saving of footage, infrared cameras, swipe controlaccess on all doors, manned security, aircraft style standardsecurity, full body searching and walk through scanners with100% security checks on all staff leaving the warehouseareas. No mobiles, drinks, bags or food are permitted in thewarehouse at any time.
WHAT IT SYSTEMS DO YOU HAVE? We have an integrated solution, which encompasses ERP(Enterprise Resource Planning), EDI (Electronic DataInterchange), APS (Advanced Planning and Scheduling), NewWarehouse Management, financials, E-commerce, and theWarehouse Management System we purchased in 2004. Wehave invested £180,000 in upgrades to keep the systemcurrent and meet the ever-changing client needs and markets.
WHAT DIFFERENT CLIENTS IS RAUNDS SERVING AT THE MOMENT?We are currently serving Simplehuman, who recently signed a four-year contract, Weetabix, Dr Martens, Codemasters,Essential Music, Union Square Music, RSK Entertainment,Ubisoft, Take Two Interactive and 505 Games, to name a few.
DO YOU OFFER CLIENTS WEB-BASED INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR ACCOUNT?Yes, we do. Gem Logistics' on-line web portal providesaccess to live information relating to clients’ product salesand inventory via a secure password protected web browser.The system allows authorised client personnel to query andrun reports from live data using the same product, customerand order references as those used on their in-house system.It provides access to real-time purchase order status, returnsauthorisation requests, sales order status and inventoryenquiries with a full stock movement audit trail without theneed to wait for end of period reporting or the double handlingof data importing. This is all done using data screens andreports, which can also be automated and delivered via emailor FTP.
DO YOU WORK WITH RETAILERS?Yes, we do. Gem Group supply products to a large majority ofthe UK retail sector, from Amazon to Tesco. Our sales teamboast strong relationships with buyers to support their supplyneeds and sales objectives. Gem Group supply acomprehensive range of products from many of the leadingentertainment and technology suppliers, enabling us toprovide a compelling product proposition, of which the logistics service is a key part. Gem Group have beenMicrosoft’s sole UK distributor since 1988 and are theexclusive UK distributors for Codemasters, Take Two, Ubisoftand Xbox. They are the largest UK distributors for Logitech inEurope, and also act for McAfee and Symantec. We bringthese relationships and experience to the table when we offerclients an outsourced logistics service through Gem Logistics.
WHAT OTHER PRODUCT SECTORS ARE YOU LOOKING AT?We are looking at moving into healthcare, consumergoods/FMCG, food & drink, garments and the public sector.
WHAT ABOUT CLIENTS FROM OUTSIDE THE UK?Yes, we are happy to work with overseas companies wantingto establish businesses here. We have had recent approachesfrom Canadian companies wanting to branch into UK markets.
HOW ARE YOU PLACED TO HELP COMPANIES MAKE THEMOST OF THE CURRENT SLOW ECONOMY?We help reduce costs and provide a shared user benefit andeconomies of scale. We are close to Felixstowe Port andDaventry International Rail Freight Terminal, the traincontainer port.
HOW GREEN ARE YOU AS A COMPANY?Our green credentials include a low Carbon foot print,intelligent lighting, recycling of our heating, dedicated doors toplastic and cardboard recycling compactors.
FINALLY, WHERE DO YOU SEE GEM LOGISTICS GOING FROMHERE? ANY PLANS TO OPEN SIMILAR DISTRIBUTIONCENTRES IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY?Yes indeed, Gem will consider every commercial propositionon any scale or size and will look to continue to forge longterm flexible working partnership strategy, with our currentclients and any new potential clients.
FRANK RINGBusiness Development
Manager, Gem Logistics
Q&A
GEM LOGISTICS - 0845 456 6400www.dcc.ie
gem logistics
TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UKTO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk
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For more information and to buy today contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or visit store.gem.co.uk
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19TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UKTO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk
Get creative with CorelWin the NEW PaintShop Pro X5 Ultimate and a laptop
To celebrate the launch of Corel’s new PaintShop® Pro X5 range, one lucky customer willhave a chance to win a copy of Corel® PaintShop® Pro X5 Ultimate and a laptop to gowith it.
PaintShop Pro X5 Ultimate is the latest and premium edition to Corel’s image editingsoftware range. With spectacular performance, it provides an extensive range of tools toproduce high-end graphic designs and photo editing. With a sophisticated interface butfamiliar workflow and layout to other graphic tools, there’s so much that makes thissoftware unique from its ease of use to its rapid response. Organising images is simpleand it offers brilliant tools including award-winning NIK® Color Efex Pro™ 3.0photographic filters, REALLUSION® FaceFilter Studio 2 for outstanding portraitretouching, and a creative collection of royalty-free backgrounds, brushes and textures.
Using its integrated tools, images can be tagged for people and places and once theuser’s finished with an image it can be instantly shared on Facebook, Flickr and Google+.It’s everything a designer would want in their photo-editing armoury but with superiorspeed and more power than ever before, it’s unparalleled.
To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic price, all you need to do is buy 5 or moreunits from the PaintShop range i.e. PaintShop® Pro X5, Corel® PaintShop® Pro X5Ultimate or Corel® Photo & Video Suite X5 through your Gem account manager or onlineat store.gem.co.uk before 26th October 2012.
One lucky winner will be selected at random and contacted by us as well as anannouncement made through our website and social media platforms.
For more information contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or visit store.gem.co.uk
BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN A FANTASTIC PRIZE
FOR MORE DETAILS CONTACT YOUR GEM ACCOUNT MANAGER
®
Hardcover skin & folio stand for iPad Minivisit store.gem.co.uk to view the full Trust range
21
Perfect pricing for presentsTrust introduces a stylish new selection of seasonal peripherals
The Vivy Wireless Mini Mouse has a sleek ambidextrous design, making it delightfully comfortable in either hand. The Plug and Start feature meansthis mouse can be used without installing drivers and works on demand,wherever and whatever device it’s needed for. The wireless model isextremely precise using 2.4GHZ technology, giving it an impressive range of 8 metre signal strength.
The wireless receiver is a micro USB, which can be stored inside the mouse to keep it compact on the move. The Vivy Wireless Mini Mouse uses BlueSpot technology that works on almost any surface whether it iswood, stone, carpet, black or white, being much less sensitive to dust oruneven planes whilst using less energy. It’s a responsive portable mouse butwhat’s so significant about it is it has one of the most competitive prices onthe market.
TrustVivy Wireless Mini Mouse
®
The Eleno Premium Headsets look remarkablysophisticated with an ultra-modern style. The fittings arefinished with a brushed metal look surrounded by aglossy piano black finish, leatherette luxury ear cups andtrim around the head band.
The headsets are fitted with a detachable microphone,giving the headset flexibility to be used for web-calls,gaming or just as a high quality set of head phones.These premium quality headsets can be used on anotebook, tablet, smartphone or any device capable ofsupporting the 3.5mm headphone and microphoneinputs, and with an inline remote control fitted adjustingthe volume is simple.
TrustEleno Premium Headset
®
The Magnus Deluxes has to be one of the mostcomfortable headsets available. With its “essence ofretro”, and its cream coloured padding elegantly stitchedand banded by a rich mulberry, it looks stunning.
This headset has extra-large ear cups which aredesigned to completely cover the ears to making themsatisfying soft however long they’re worn. With featuresincluding a call pick up button and inline microphone itmakes these perfect for a smartphone or PC, and morethan a set of headphones for music.
TrustMagnus Deluxe Headset
Urban is certainly how these headsets look, the UrbanRevolt features smooth, clean lines, dashed with strikingred boarder surrounding the cups.
With an extraordinary dynamic range, the acoustics arebalanced perfectly with deep bass harmonised with richmids and trebles, it provides top quality audio. TheUrban Revolt are compatible with most devices, makingthese fashionable headsets ideal for an on-the-go activelifestyle where customers can listen to music, chat andtake calls.
TrustUrban Revolt Headset - Bazz
®
Trust Headsets Trust’s products are renowned for their contemporary designs, coupled up with exceptional value. We take a look at 3 head-sets all very different but with one thing in common, they are extremely attractive.
®
TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UKTO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk
• Works with virtually any TV
• Connects to your wireless network
• 720p HD video**Roku LTStreaming Player SRP £49.99
Webcode 2400EU@IND** 720p HD streaming not available from all content partners
Building on the increasing popularity of watching TV overthe internet, NOW TV will offer access to Sky Movies – theUK’s most popular subscription movies service – in a newway. It is easy, flexible and great value with no contract,set-up costs or installation. Available to anyone in the UKwith an internet connection, NOW TV is available on PC,Mac and selected Android smartphones; on iPhone, iPadwithin the next few weeks, on Xbox later this summer andYouView when it launches. NOW TV will continue todevelop for other platforms and devices, including ROKUlater this year.
Clive Hudson, European Vice President of ROKU,comments;
“We are delighted that NOW TV will be available onROKU. Many channels have been added onto our service
since we launched in January, and Now TV is a pointer tothe quality of content we are now able to attract. Theavailability of NOW TV on ROKU is yet to be announced,but we will make sure The Future readers are amongst thefirst to hear the date.”
More great Sky content will also be added in the comingmonths, with Sky Sports due to launch on NOW TV beforethe end of the year. This will enable NOW TV customers toenjoy live action from the Barclays Premier League, UEFAChampions League, England Test cricket, Heineken Cuprugby, ATP tennis, the Masters from Augusta and muchmore. The introduction of Sky Sports will be followed onNOW TV by must-see shows from Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, SkyArts and Sky Living, including home-grown drama, originalcomedy and US shows.
23
ROKU to host NOW TV Brand new internet TV from Sky soon to be available on ROKU
®
Plug it in Connect to Network Enjoy1 2 3
WI-FI ETHERNET®
XS only
OR
For more information on the ROKU range, contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or visit store.gem.co.uk
1
TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UKTO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk
For more information contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or go online at store.gem.co.uk
© 2012, Corel Corporation. All rights reserved. The Roxio Logo and Roxio Game Capture Logo are trademarks of Corel Corporation.All other logos are the property of their respective owners. PC required for video capture and editing.
Webcode RGCHDPR1EFEU SRP £129.99
25
Win a trip to London’s Gadget Show with Roxio’s new Game Capture HD ProAn overnight stay in the capital city with passes to the Gadget Show is up for grabs
We are thrilled to announce that Roxio® will be giving one lucky customer the chance to win two tickets tothe Gadget Show Live at London’s Excel centre, as well as an overnight stay in London for two!
Game Capture HD Pro extends Roxio’s already ground-breaking technology to the next level. Now record videoand audio in full HD, capture real-time footage from an Xbox® 360, PlayStation 3 or Nintendo Wii andshowcase those great moments of gameplay in stunning high definition quality.
Gamers can get creative with the extensive editing tools. The software allows users to mix, blend, addtransitions, crop, create picture-in-picture, add special effects, text, audio and voiceovers. Stream directly toTwitchTV with live commentary or upload footage on a favourite sharing site like YouTube or Facebook.
Roxio not only provides gamers one of the best game capturing kits on the market but continues to offer great competitions.
To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, all you need to do is buy 5 or more units of Roxio®Game Capture HD Pro through your Gem account manager or online at store.gem.co.uk. You will receive oneentry into the competition for every 5 units ordered, so the more you buy, the greater your chance of winning.But this competition is only live for a limited period of time so make sure you order before 31st October 2012.
One lucky winner will be selected at random and contacted by us as well as an announcement made throughour website and social media platforms.
For more details on the Roxio competition contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or visit store.gem.co.uk
TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UKTO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk
27
Gaming has never sounded so goodPlantronics offer a range of headsets to suit every type of gamer.
Aimed at gamers looking for a decent headset but not wanting to pay that premium pricetag, the GameCom 380 delivers a set of elegant headphones at amazing value. The mid-range headsets offer a high quality sound with a crisp mids, tight treble, and a deepresonating bass as well as a noise-cancelling microphone. With all the controls on theheadset, adjusting the volume mid-game is simple and gamers will never need to take theireyes off the action.
The production quality is exceptional, and with strong cords it’s built to last. Using a 3.5mmaudio and headphone jack it’s compatible with PCs and sound cards. The large pads swiveland fold flat and do an excellent job of isolating external sounds, keeping gamers focusedon the action without any distractions. Now bundled with the Arcade racing title:Trackmania(2) Canyon.
Webcode 86050-15 SRP £39.99
GameCom 380 + Trackmania(2) Canyon
The GameCom 780 is an incredible stylish and light weight Gaming headset. Thesepremium headsets offer an immersive 7.1 surround sound provided by DolbyHeadphone and Pro Logic LLX technology. It has a lengthy 2 metre USB cable andthe controls are mounted on the earpiece instead of an in-line controller. Thesurround sound features can be toggled on and off by the touch of a button andincludes PC software allowing users to get the right sound with a selection ofpreset audio profiles.
The speakers are stereo 40mm studio quality pods delivering a rich punchy sound.Its fold down microphone has built in noise cancelling technology, keeping the voicechannel perfectly clear. Long gaming sessions can be enjoyed in comfort with itsfitted cushions and with the ability to rotate flat on spin joints when its times for abreak or they need to be stored. Now bundled with a choice of 1 game.
Webcode 86051-15 SRP £89.99
For more information and to buy today contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or visit store.gem.co.uk
®
Tried and tested, the GameCom 307 pushes the standards of what entry level head-sets should be. Representing a combination of astonishing value with an RRPof under £25, an excellent sound quality, they are perfect for any new or budgetconscious gamer unwilling to compromise.
While the GameCom 307 may not offer the seek style of the GameCom 380 and780, they certainly do provide a great set of stereo head phones with a decentmicrophone that deliver exactly what gamers need to hit the ground running. TheGameCom 307 headset is an absolute bargain and is now bundled with the visuallystunning sand-box first person shooter FryCry2.
Webcode 85750-16 SRP £24.99
GameCom 307 + Farcry®
GameCom 780 + 1 Game (-Assassins Creed Revelations - Driver: San Francisco - Might & Magic Heroes VI -Anno 2070)
®
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28
UBISOFT | XBOX 360 & PS3 - £54.99 | PC - £39.99 | 31st OCTOBER 2012
ASSASSIN’S CREED III
The 40-million selling Assassin's Creed franchisereturns this month, with a game that promises to bethe most compelling in the celebrated
action-adventure series yet.
The result of four long years of development at Ubisoft's world class studio in Montreal, Assassin's CreedIII will provide players a masterclass in single andmultiplayer gaming.
In this latest edition to the series, Assassin's Creed III hasa new central star in Connor Kenway, a fierce warrior bornof both Mohawk and British blood.
Set in the American Revolution era of 1753 to 1783, anincredible adventure unfolds as players journey from theuntamed frontier, to bustling colonial towns and thechaotic battlefields where George Washington'sContinental Army fought the British Army.
With revolution in the air, Connor fights tyranny for thefreedom of his clan, and his actions ultimately help prompta bloody crusade.
Players will find themselves immersed in a variety of epiclocations and scenarios; fighting through blood-soakedbattlefields and crowded city streets, to perilouswilderness and beyond. Assassin's Creed III will, Ubisoftsays, offer
the most stylised and fluidcombat experiences in thefranchise to date.
As ever, stealth and crowd combat remains right at theheart of the gameplay, and players will engage in battlearmed with lethal new skills.
True assassins will be able to stalk enemies and take themout quietly and effectively, with an expanded arsenal ofweapons that includes tomahawks, rope darts, firearms,and, of course, the signature blade of the Assassin's Order.
Meanwhile, an improved combat system will deliver moreintense, gut-wrenching battles than ever before.
Thanks to Ubisoft's new 'Anvil Next' game engine, playerswill experience a breathtakingly realistic world thatredefines gaming - one that
delivers the brutality andbeauty of a nation caught in anepic war for independence.The games is said to boast revolutionary physics that takethe title to the next level. With improved animation andnew weather systems, Assassin's Creed 3 looks positivelynext generation.
Fully featured multiplayer is also a big part of the package,with new maps and more than 12 modes included,including Domination. All-new characters make it into themix, including females assassins.
The game's storyline will also be an important factor inmultiplayer this time, with "a persistent, evolving storyline,running parallel to the game's modern day plot."
Via a series of challenges every month, players will be ableto access new files and videos that shed new light onproceedings. New content will be made available over thecourse of the year.
All told, Assassin's Creed III is the complete package, andis guaranteed to fly off the shelves. Get your orders in forone of this must-have title.
Visit the Ubisoft microsite www.gem.co.uk/ubisoft
3REASONS TO STOCK
• Guaranteed big seller• Revitalised gameplay• Comprehensive marketing campaign
29
This feels like Ubisoft hascreated a next-generation gameand by some form of wizardry
T3
One of my most anticipated games of the year
THE ESCAPIST
The wake-up we've been waiting for
OXM
Looks as if Assassin's hasfound the revolution it needed
EUROGAMER
This game is going to besomething special
IGN
Feels like a perfect ‘revolution’
STRATEGY INFORMER
EXCLUSIVE PS VITA VERSION ASSASSIN'S CREED III:
LIBERATION
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30
EXCLUSIVETO GEM
MICROSOFT | XBOX 360 - £49.99 | 6TH NOVEMBER 2012
Five years on from the release of Halo 3, thelegendary Master Chief returns in an epic newtrilogy.
Boasting fresh ideas and a new developer in 343Industries, the first part of the 'Reclaimer Trilogy'once again centres on the adventures of John 117,a.k.a. the heroic Master Chief.
When an ancient evil threatens to destroy humanity,the cybernetically-enhanced super soldier is onceagain pressed into action to avert disaster.
Accompanied by his long-time AI companionCortana, the pair venture into a mysterious new worldknown as Requiem, with the fate of the entireuniverse in jeopardy.
With 343 Industries now firmly in control of theseries' creative destiny, fans can look forward to afresh approach for the acclaimed sci-fi shooter.
Mystery, exploration and discovery will be keyelements of this epic adventure, with the developerpromising the kind of grand scope and scale that willwow series veterans and newcomers alike.
It will be, the team says, "a game that reachesbeyond the series' traditional FPS roots to offer amore diverse gameplay experience that incorporateselements of exploration and discovery."
Unlike the original trilogy, Halo 4 has been designedfrom the ground up as a three game arc, meaningthat players can expect...
a more complete connectivitybetween all of their future media thanever before.
As players strap on the boots of the Master Chief, amassive array of futuristic human and alienweaponry, abilities, and vehicles await.
Players will ultimately wage war against thePrometheans, a deadly new class of technologicallyadvanced foes that will require innovative newcombat tactics to defeat.
In addition to the game's campaign mode, Halo 4 willalso boast a new, separate story-driven mode calledSpartan Ops.
Here, the story of the UNSC Infinity links with theHalo 4 campaign, and then continues on in anepisodic adventure.
Season 1 is said to offer five objective-basedmissions and cinematics over the first ten weeks,and, like the campaign mode, can be played eithersolo or cooperatively with up to three other players.
In short, Spartan Ops promises to blend immersive storytelling, high-quality cinematics andaction-packed gameplay to deliver...
an unprecedented serialisedexperience.
Of course, these deep, narrative rich modes will alsobe complemented by world class multiplayerfeatures, including an all-new mode known as HaloInfinity Multiplayer.
The multiplayer component takes place in a hub-likeenvironment of the UNSC Infinity - said to be thelargest starship in the UNSC fleet.
With its expanded suite of multiplayer modes,weapons, vehicles and armour abilities, a newloadout and player progression system, and a newarmour modification system, Halo 4 represents hugestep forward for the brand.
Players can look forward to reimagined Capture theFlag and Oddball modes, as well as the addition of acommunity-created mode known as Grifball. On topof that will be the an array of familiar classic modes.
But whatever mode players choose during theirmultiplayer career, they will always be in control oftheir own custom built Spartan-IV super soldier.
Microsoft has pledged that the multiplayerexperience will be embedded in the fiction of Halo...
like never before.
Player choices will affect not only have an influenceover the appearance of their Spartan, but theweapon loadout and their role on the battlefield.
Put simply, Halo 4 is one of 2012's true blockbusters.
Call your Gem account manager now for moreinformation about this future classic.
1999 Steve Jobs announces at Macworld that Halo will
be released on PC and Mac.
2001 Halo: Combat Evolved released on Xbox as a
launch title.
2003 Halo: Combat Evolved released on PC.
2004 Halo 2 released on Xbox, bringing online
multiplayer to the series for the first time.
2007 Halo 2 finally comes to PC.
2007 Halo 3 released on Xbox 360.
2009 Halo Wars, an RTS spin-off released on
Xbox 360.
2009 Halo ODST released on Xbox 360.
2010 Halo Reach released on Xbox 360, a prequel to
the Halo trilogy.
2011 Halo Anniversary released on Xbox 360 - a 10th
anniversary HD remake of the original
Combat Evolved.
2012 Halo 4 released on Xbox 360 - the start of the
'Reclaimer Trilogy'.
A Brief History of Halo
31TO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK
It's still Halo - and for now that shouldtell you everything you need to know
EUROGAMER
The series seems to be in good hands
WORTHPLAYING
Halo fans shouldn't worry. 343Industries has made sure that multiplayeris very familiar, and the campaign hasmagnificent production values
NOWGAMER
Over 200 of the world’s mosthardcore Halo fans are making Halo 4 and,so far, it shows
CVG
Sit down with Halo 4 and pick upthe controller and it feels new, butcrucially, it feels like Halo - no rails, noscripting, no quicktime events, and noneed to worry
3REASONS TO STOCK
• Return of a blockbuster brand• One of 2012's biggest titles• Triple A marketing backing
Halo 4 LIMITED EDITION
INCLUDESFor true fans of the series, a Limited Edition version provides prestigious extras.
With 9 maps available to download post-launch, early access to 6specialisations at launch, used to achievehigher ranks and unlock new customisationoptions, an extended version of Halo 4:Forward Unto Dawn the live-action digitalseries, unique Spartan armour and AssaultRifle skins, an exclusive in-game emblem,Xbox-LIVE Avatar prop and Avatar SpartanIV armour set, and UNSC Infinity BriefingPacket the Limited Edition of Halo 4 is notjust for aimed at collectors, but any gamerwanting to get the fullest possibleexperience from the Halo series.
EXCLUSIVETO GEM
GAME REVOLUTION
INCLUDESCustom Designed Console with sounds, 2 Custom Wireless Controllerswith D-Pad and Blue Led Lights, 320GB Hard Disc Drive, Standard Halo 4 Game, Exclusive Downloadable Content & Wired Headset
EXCLUSIVETO GEM
32
Wheel-spinning motorsport action returns tothe Xbox 360 this Autumn, with the release ofForza Horizon.
Developed by Brit studio Playground Games, thisopenworld spin-off promises to bring a vibrantfestival atmosphere to the action-racing scene.
The setting for this year's Forza is the fictitiousHorizon Festival, a central hub
where music and cars collide, a place where competition meets culture.Set to a pumping, diverse multi-genre soundtrackcurated by Radio 1 DJ Rob da Bank, Forza Horizon will deliver "visceral moment-to-moment gameplay"and "an immersive pick-up-and-play experience".
This exciting new title dares drivers to explore theidyllic Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and pull-offdaring driving manoeuvres.
Released exclusively on Xbox 360, the game offerson-road, off-road and dirt road driving, and playerswill experience all of them bathed in
dramatic 24 hour lighting.
The new action-based gameplay tasks players withshowing their skills behind the wheel in a series offestival events. Alternatively, they can compete ininstant street race challenges where pink slip eventsput their reputations on the line.
To make progress in the game, players must collect 'Wristbands' by winning races, destroyingproperty and displaying their driving prowess on anexpansive open road.
Players can also prove themselves on the world stage online and compete with rivals in a variety ofintense challenges.
With its top-tier visuals, authentic physics, realistichandling, and a diverse line-up of cars to drive, ForzaHorizon promises to be an essential arcade drivingexperience in the run-up to the all-importantChristmas sales period.
MICROSOFT | XBOX 360 - £49.99 | 26th OCTOBER 2012
3REASONS TO STOCK
• Latest in the 10-million selling series• Exciting openworld spin-off of Forza• Exclusive to Xbox 360
33
Forza Horizon is a pleasant surprise. Its vehicle handling feels immediately accessible, yet it can betweaked for extra doses of both challenge and reward... thislooks like a racer that's worthy of your attention.
GAMES RADAR
Forza Horizon is shaping up to be the perfect spinoff:it still feels like Forza, but in a new, fun way... A casual cruisethat can still get intensely serious if you want it to.
IGN
A driving model that's pleasing without ever being patronising.
OXM
Blasting down the freeway, hitting an offramp,feathering off the gas, giving the e-brake just a tap, and thenflicking the stick to slide into a drift I held with the gas allthe way through - that's it right there.
SHACKNEWS
PLAYGROUND GAMESTHE TEAM BEHIND FORZA HORIZON
The UK-based studio that has co-developed Forza Horizon with Turn 10might be releasing its debut title, but some of the key team members havebeen making top-selling racing games for more than 20 years.
Based in Leamington Spa in the heart of the Midlands county ofWarwickshire, Playground Games started up in 2009, with veterans fromsome of the best developers in Britain, including Bizarre Creations (ProjectGotham Racing, Blur), Codemasters (Colin McRae Rally, DiRT, Race Driver),Black Rock (Pure, Split Second) and Criterion (Burnout/Need For Speed).
Three years down the line, the company now has over 100 full-time staff,and looks poised to deliver an international blockbuster hit at the first timeof asking. Playground Games is sure to be a name we're going to becomefamiliar with over the coming years.
Forza Horizon already looks like a quality game. And ifit'll let me roar through Colorado canyons under a night sky,with the radio turned up loud, the engine echoing off walls of red rock and the headlamps washing across dusty tarmac, I'm sold.
EUROGAMER
TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UKTO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk
35TO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK
2K GAMES | XBOX 360 & PS3 - £44.99 | PC - £19.99 | Wii - £29.99 | PSP - £14.99 5th OCTOBER 2012
NBA 2K13 • Perennial best-seller • Exec Produced by Jay-Z• An authentic but accessible game
featuring the all time biggest stars of basketball
EXCLUSIVETO GEM
The Worlds favourite basketball simulation returns forsome more top-level slam-dunking action.
Produced by multiplatinum recording artist and hip-hopmogul Jay Z in conjunction with 2K games; this year’sinstalment of the top-rated NBA video game and thefollow-up to the award-winning NBA 2K12 will feature araft of refinements including new, immersive, pick-up-and-play mechanics that give gamers more controlthan ever before.
The big news this year is the new Control Stickfunctionality. Essentially, the shot stick has been switchedfrom the default right stick to the control stick, whichallows players to have far more ball control than ever.
For example, if a player moves the stick to the left, the ballwill move to the left, while rolling the stick in a circle pullsoff a spin move.
Via a series of intuitive button combos, players will be ableto weave through opponents, take to the air and skilfullyunleash devastatingly accurate slam dunks.
Player movement physics have also been tweaked,meaning that fast changes of direction and foot-plantingnow feels truer, and more authentic than ever.
In tandem with that is an improved animation system. Infact, over 4000 animations have been shot for the game,which will help the game look even more convincing. But itdoesn't end there. Players can totally customise theirplayer's look, playing style and career path as you rise upthe ranks from rookie to megastar in the all newMYCAREER mode.
Players will also now look more realistic, with 'Wrinklemaps' utilised to simulate the actual muscles in the face,ensuring that realistic expressions can be seen throughoutthe game.
Numerous exciting modes will be present in 2K Sports'latest offering, including the likes of Past Vs. Present, Rising Stars Challenge, NBA All Star Game, Three-PointContest and more.
Past Vs. Present mode taps into the rich history of NBA,and allows gamers to settle the arguments about which
player would have been the better dunker. With legendspast and present all included in the glittering line-up,
players can face off the likes of Michael Jordan againstBlake Griffin or Derrick Rose against Kevin Durrant.
With all the superb features that gamers expect, includingonline multiplayer and an array of brilliantly fun modes,NBA 2K13 is certain to take the series to new heights.
PRE – ORDER RECEIVE BUMPER BONUS PACK
Fans that pre-order NBA 2K13 will receive a newdownloadable NBA All-Star content package. This add-oncontent will be set in Houston, the site of the 2013 NBAAll-Star Game and will allow fans to stage their ownNBA All-Star Game, including three NBA All-Star events:the Foot Locker, Three Point Shootout BBVA Rising StarsChallenge, and the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest featuringall-new intuitive, pick-up-and-play controls!.
36 Visit the Ubisoft microsite www.gem.co.uk/ubisoft
UBISOFT | XBOX 360 & PS3 - £39.99 | PC - £29.99 | Wii - £29.99 | 2nd OCTOBER 2012 Wii U - £TBC & RELEASE DATE TBC
37TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK
It's time to take the party to another level, with thereturn of Ubisoft's all-conquering dance franchise.
Due for release in October, Just Dance 4 is set to crankup the fun factor even further, with brand new featuresand over 40 hot new hits for dancers to strut their stuff to.
Billed as "the perfect catalyst for the best parties, nomatter what the occasion," Just Dance 4 boastsinnovative ways to play like the all-new Battle mode, an upgraded Just Sweat mode, as well as fun, irreverent dances.
Everything players know and love about Just Dance hasbeen honed and refined with Just Dance 4, with the bestnew music promised from a variety of top artists from avariety of popular genres old and new.
Hot recent hits like "Good Feeling" by Flo Rida, and"Moves Like Jagger" by Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilerahead up the feelgood tracklist, but Ubisoft promisesthere's plenty to suit all tastes.
Tracks from legendary artists such as Barry White andThe B-52's feature prominently too, to make sureeveryone gets up to dance. And if that's not quite enough,players can also download from the expanding catalogueof new songs on the in-game store.
As Ubisoft proudly proclaims;
Case in point: the all-new Battle mode invites players tochallenge their friends across 6 rounds of dance battles.
Elsewhere, players can team up and form a dance crewand enjoy songs that feature four concurrent danceroutines.Each player gets their moment in the spotlightwith unique choreographies and moves for each member.
And for players who want to get fit while they dance, thepopular Just Sweat mode has received a major overhaul.Brand new workout sessions, personalised programs,and a real calorie counter have all been added to the mix,to ensure players get a proper workout.
The real fans, meanwhile, have plenty of extra content tounlock to keep them going. With alternativechoreographies to discover for their favourite tracks,players can enjoy ultra-challenging and outlandishroutines to really test themselves.
Just Dance 4's Dance Quests allow players to discoverand win up to six challenges per song, with morerewards to unlock for advanced players.
And if that wasn't exciting enough already, all thefavourite modes from previous versions like Duet Modeand Dance Mash-up Mode return, with more than 45mash-up choreographies featured.
For that personal touch, players also have the chance to create and personalise their own dancer card. Oneach, players can also check out all their awesomedance stats, such as their favourite tracks, best scores,and challenges.
With versions available on all console platforms, JustDance 4 is set to be another essential game to stock forthe all-important festive period.
3REASONS TO STOCK
• Latest in the best-selling dance series• Features 40 of the best new tracks,
and legendary classics• All-new Battle mode, and upgraded
Sweat mode
With Just Dance 4, the party never ends!
KEY
FAC
TSJU
ST D
AN
CE
4 • Just Dance 3 was the second best-selling title of 2011 with over seven million units sold
• Since debuted on the Wii in 2009, the Just Dance franchise hassold over 25 million units worldwide
• Spin-offs from the series include: Just Dance Summer Party, Just Dance Kids, Dance Juniors, Just Dance Disney Party, Abba: You Can Dance, The Smurfs Dance Party, Michael Jackson: The Experience, The Black Eyed Peas Experience and Dance On Broadway
• Gamers spend 23 million minutes a day playing Just Dance• 7.5 million songs are danced to per day
ARE YOU READY FOR
WII U?Be the ultimate party host
with the Wii U GamePad™Create your playlist, choose
the next song, write livemessages on screen, take
pictures and videos of yourbest moments, and share
them with your friends.
Puppet master modeChange the choreography in
real time by selecting yourfriends’ next dance move onthe Wii U GamePad™ touch
screen!
Somebody wants to watch TV?
Take the Wii U GamePad™with you to another roomand use it as a standalone
system to keep on dancing.
TO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk
38
XCOM: Enemy Unknown takes the classic real-timestrategy series right back to its turn-based roots thismonth, with the release of a reimagining of the
1994 classic.
Developed by legendary Civilization developer FiraxisGames, the game puts players in control of the XCOMProject, the most secret elite paramilitary organisation inthe history of mankind.
As the XCOM commander, yourgoal is to defend against aterrifying global alien invasion.Faced with aggressors with far superior technology andcapabilities, the task seems hopeless.
Faced with such overwhelming odds, players mustcarefully gather and utilise resources, research, develop and advance technologies at their operational base, as well as recruit, grow and marshall units in battle withappropriate combat strategies. XCOM: Enemy Unknownexpands on the legacy of Mythos' renowned original inevery sense.
Not only will the game feature a rich new story, newenemies and technologies, but couples tactical turn-based gameplay with incredible action sequences andon-the-ground combat.
In what promises to be a truly tactical affair, players willdirect soldier squads in turn-based ground battles anddeploy air units such as the Interceptor and Skyranger.
The game's central campaign mode will span the globe,and the XCOM team will engage in over 70 uniquemissions, and be expected to interact and negotiate withgovernments around the world.
The game also features intense multiplayer gameplay forone-on-one tactical deathmatch battles. Players are allocated a limited amount of resources to put together asquad of up to six humans, aliens or a mixture of the two.
Unlike previous console versions of strategy titles, the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions will not be streamlined or 'watered down' versions of the PC edition. Instead,Firaxis has optimised each version's user interfaceaccordingly rather than scale down the game's ambition orremove features.
Firaxis Games' latest will be right at the top of strategygamers' must-have lists.
PRE-ORDER NOW to guarantee your EliteSoldier Pack DLC, free in limited launch copiesof XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Elite pack includes:
• Classic X-COM Soldier: Players will instantly receive a new recruit in their Barracks inspired by the original X-COM: UFO Defence. The khaki jumpsuit and blonde, flattop hairstyle will return in its full glory, modernised with the rest of the XCOM universe
• Soldier Deco Packs: Players can customise their soldier with several aesthetic upgrades to armour suits including the new Hyperion and Reaper soldier armour kits
• Complete Colour Customisation: A variety of colours and tintsfor all armour sets in the game allow players complete control to customise their squad’s look
2K GAMES | XBOX 360 & PS3 - £49.99 | PC - £29.99 | 12th OCTOBER 2012
XCOM:ENEMY UNKNOWN • The return of an all-time classic
• Latest title from strategy experts Firaxis
• Optimised for console or PC
EXCLUSIVETO GEM
