Transformers: Fall of Cybertron
Activision
PS3, Xbox 360, PC
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Due to unfortunate events that have unfolded over the past few years, any mention of the word Transformers is now more likely to conjure up images of Shia LaBeouf engaging in eye-wincing CGI nonsense alongside an assortment of General Motors-approved robots and a lingerie model boasting the same on-screen presence as an Ikea wardrobe. Michael Bay has done much to destroy childhood memories in his quest for billions.
Thankfully, in video game land, he's left well alone, which is possibly why, as his cash-spewing creations get more turgid with every release, the games simply improve. And this is even more true with those that ignore the films altogether, as 2010's War for Cybertron - which was much more a hat tip to the old cartoons - proved.
Its follow up, Fall of Cybertron, takes up the story where High Moon Studio's critically acclaimed third-person actioner left off and sees the Autobots desperately trying to escape their dying homeworld while those dastardly Decepticons do everything they can to destroy them in the process.
Building on War's blueprint, Fall starts at a frenetic pace and rarely stops for a breather. Like its predecessor, the story modes see you move chapter-by-chapter through various Transformers characters from both sides, each boasting unique characteristics, personalities and transformation abilities that display a clear devotion to the original series. And although many make a return, there are several new additions likely to give fans a special buzz, particularly when Grimlock's monstrous T-Rex form makes a fire-breathing appearance, or the Combaticons unite to create their colossal Bruticus. The city-sized Metroplex also gets a decent slice of the action, too.
The action is slick, with transformations available at the push of a button and nice touches such as being able to switch firing arms to help when shooting from behind cover, although the lack of any actual cover mechanism was sorely missed.
But away from the vast battle arenas, the non-shooty story elements of the gameplay are of a rather basic push-this-button-then-go-there routine and the dialogue whiffs somewhat of fromage (but if you've seen the cartoons you'll appreciate it's a fair representation). Things do improve when you take up the Decepticons' devious reins (while undeniably brave, Optimus's earnestness can get a bit much after a while), but the campaign is distinctly linear and there's never really a hint that you might be able to affect the course of action.
A considerable development from the first game comes in multiplayer, which benefits hugely from the amount of customisable options. Anyone with a spark of creativity is likely to spend a good chunk of time messing around with colour combos (of which there are 50) and decals before they even consider one of the four different multiplayer modes and 10 maps at their disposal.
Unlike so much over the past decade, Fall of Cybertron is a worthy title to feature the Transformers name and improves on what was already a quality title. While it might not keep advanced gamers entertained for too long, misty-eyed fans of the original cartoon will appreciate the loving dedication that has gone into it. And everyone will enjoy causing havoc with a Grimlock's robotic fire-breathing Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Sneak Peek: Far Cry 3 returns to its roots
Ubisoft
Out on November 29
PS3, Xbox 360, PC
Fans of big guns and idyllic beaches were no doubt saddened when Ubisoft moved Far Cry from the first game’s lush South Pacific archipelago setting to central Africa for the sequel. Thankfully, we’re back amid the palm trees for the third instalment, which sees users play a lost American tourist marooned on an island in the Indian Ocean populated mainly by mentally unstable and somewhat violent inhabitants. It looks remarkably slick, with the trailer hinting at some sublime graphics and a vast array of characters, vehicles and weapons, including a rather cool bow and arrow (for stealth, of course). Oh, and aside from gun-toting baddies, there’s a load of vicious animals lurking about, too. There probably won’t be time to get a tan.
Aido brings gaming downloads closer to home
Those out there who still use their trusty laptops or home computers for gaming purposes will probably have heard of Steam, the online platform that enables you to buy and download pretty much any game out there. Closer to home, the Dubai-based Viva Entertainment has launched something similar, adding game downloads to its online store, www.aido.com. There are more than 800 titles to choose from, including a few for Mac (let’s face it, we don’t really get a fair deal, do we?) and prices start at a mere Dh12. And as an introductory offer, you can get 20 per cent off your first download.
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Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
Top tips to avoid cyber fraud
Microsoft’s ‘hacker-in-chief’ David Weston, creator of the tech company’s Windows Red Team, advises simple steps to help people avoid falling victim to cyber fraud:
1. Always get the latest operating system on your smartphone or desktop, as it will have the latest innovations. An outdated OS can erode away all investments made in securing your device or system.
2. After installing the latest OS version, keep it patched; this means repairing system vulnerabilities which are discovered after the infrastructure components are released in the market. The vast majority of attacks are based on out of date components – there are missing patches.
3. Multi-factor authentication is required. Move away from passwords as fast as possible, particularly for anything financial. Cybercriminals are targeting money through compromising the users’ identity – his username and password. So, get on the next level of security using fingertips or facial recognition.
4. Move your personal as well as professional data to the cloud, which has advanced threat detection mechanisms and analytics to spot any attempt. Even if you are hit by some ransomware, the chances of restoring the stolen data are higher because everything is backed up.
5. Make the right hardware selection and always refresh it. We are in a time where a number of security improvement processes are reliant on new processors and chip sets that come with embedded security features. Buy a new personal computer with a trusted computing module that has fingerprint or biometric cameras as additional measures of protection.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
How to avoid crypto fraud
- Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
- Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
- Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
- Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
- Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
- Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
- Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
Game Changer
Director: Shankar
Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram
Rating: 2/5
SQUADS
Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (capt), Azhar Ali, Shan Masood, Sami Aslam, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Usman Salahuddin, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Asghar, Bilal Asif, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas, Wahab Riaz
Sri Lanka: Dinesh Chandimal (capt), Lahiru Thirimanne (vice-capt), Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Roshen Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Rangana Herath, Lakshan Sandakan, Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Gamage
Umpires: Ian Gould (ENG) and Nigel Llong (ENG)
TV umpire: Richard Kettleborough (ENG)
ICC match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM)
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Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
Company Profile
Company name: NutriCal
Started: 2019
Founder: Soniya Ashar
Based: Dubai
Industry: Food Technology
Initial investment: Self-funded undisclosed amount
Future plan: Looking to raise fresh capital and expand in Saudi Arabia
Total Clients: Over 50
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Hidden killer
Sepsis arises when the body tries to fight an infection but damages its own tissue and organs in the process.
The World Health Organisation estimates it affects about 30 million people each year and that about six million die.
Of those about three million are newborns and 1.2 are young children.
Patients with septic shock must often have limbs amputated if clots in their limbs prevent blood flow, causing the limbs to die.
Campaigners say the condition is often diagnosed far too late by medical professionals and that many patients wait too long to seek treatment, confusing the symptoms with flu.
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