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Top 10 Most Anticipated Games of 2013

Beyond
January 14, 2013 By In Games, Saving Money

What’s that? You’re still playing last year’s games? Well, you’d better get a move on, then! With the possibility of two new console releases before Christmas, not to mention a bevy of brilliant games on current-gen consoles, it’s going to be a landmark year for gaming.

Of course, buying all of those games might be quite expensive – especially if you’re buying them at full whack. With that in mind, we’ve listed our most anticipated games for twenty thirteen, and where to find them at the best price. So, without further ado, here are the games we’re most looking forward to this year…

1. BioShock Infinite

Never mind the duller-than-dishwater box art, which resembles every other shooter since time began. BioShock Infinite is shaping up to be something very special indeed. Set on the floating city of Columbia, you play as Booker Dewitt – a former Pinkerton agent on the lookout for Elizabeth, a young woman who has been held captive by the mysterious ‘Songbird’ for years. The combat should be familiar to anybody who’s ever played BioShock, and there’s even a novel ‘skyhook’ system that allows Booker to zip around Columbia like an old-fashioned rollercoaster. It’s Beauty and the Beast: The Game, basically, and we can’t wait to get our hands on it.

Best price: Pre-order your copy from £27.85 at Zavvi.

2. Tomb Raider

Let’s face it; Tomb Raider has been treading water for years. Indeed, while the series has almost recovered from the low point that was TR: Angel of Darkness, recent releases have done little to shake up the existing formula. Fortunately, the latest Tomb Raider game does just that. Casting Lara Croft as a nigh-on-foetal 21 year old, this is an origins story in every sense of the word. With limited skills, spectacular set pieces and a greater emphasis on survival, this promises to be Lara’s most epic adventure yet.

Best price: Pre-order your copy from £29.95 at Zavvi.

3. Gears of War Judgement

What do you do when you’ve blown up an entire locust army, and there’s nobody left to shoot? Well, you make a prequel of course! A joint venture between Epic Games and People Can Fly – the Polish studio behind Bulletstorm, Gears of War: Judgement is shaping up to be the surprise hit of the year. Set before the events of the original game, this latest instalment centres of Augustus Cole, Damen Baird (as well as fresh faces, Sofia Hendericks and Garron Paduk) as they attempt to save the city of Halvo Bay from a “frightening new enemy”. Gulp.

Best Price: Pre-order your copy from £39.85 at ShopTo.net.

4. Ni No Kuni

Japanese role playing games have fallen out of favour lately, but Ni No Kuni looks set to remind us what makes them so special. A joint collaboration between Level 5 (Dragon Quest, Professor Layton) and animation giant, Studio Ghibli (Spirited Away), Ni No Kuni looks to be a journey to warm the heart.

Best price: Pre-order your copy from £34.95 at Zavvi.

5. DMC: Devil May Cry

Never judge a book by the cover.  Ninja Theory’s bold reimagining of Capcom’s demon-hunting epic caused quite a stir online, with many fans wondering why series hero Dante now resembled a sort of depressed Harry Potter, but we needn’t have worried. DMC Devil May Cry is possibly the most confident, stylish and amusing DMC yet.

Best Price: Pre-order your copy from £37.98 at Zavvi.

6. Grand Theft Auto V

It’s been almost five years since Rockstar’s crime-centric opus, Grand Theft Auto IV, and since then, we’ve been left dreaming about the future of the franchise. Fortunately, Rockstar have been doing just that, with GTA V shaping up to be the studio’s most imaginative and ambitious game yet. Set in Liberty City, the latest instalment features three playable characters, Michael, Trevor and Franklin, whose stories merge to create something that would give Quentin Tarantino the willies. Colour us excited.

Best Price: Pre-order your copy from £39.99 at Amazon.

7. The Last of Us

Zombies have been done to death in television, movies and games of late, but The Last of Us looks truly original. Developed by Naughty Dog – the studio behind Uncharted – The Last of Us tells the story or Joel and Ellie, survivors of a deadly virus that has wiped out the majority of humankind. It’s Joel’s almost paternal relationship, and witty banter, with Ellie that makes the game so special, though. See? Who says you can’t make a zombie game with braaaaiiins!

Best price: Pre-order your copy from £39.95 at Zavvi.

8. Beyond: Two Souls

Few studios ‘get’ cinematic spectacle quite like Quantic Dream. Indeed, as fans of Heavy Rain will know, their games feature some of the most adult themes, characters and storylines ever devoted to disc. Fortunately, the studio’s latest game, Beyond: Two Souls, looks set to continue this lofty tradition, casting Ellen Page as Jodie Holmes – a young girl plagued by psychic abilities. Set over 15 years of Jodie’s life, Beyond: Two Souls explores the meaning of life, and looks to be a truly unique experience.

Best Price: Pre-order your copy from £39.95 at Zavvi.

9. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Helmed by critically-acclaimed studios Kojima Productions and Platinum Games, Metal Gear Rising bears all the hallmarks of its madcap creators:  gobsmacking production values, a brilliantly daft name, and all the high-octane action you could ever ask for. Essentially Bayonetta with a Metal Gear Solid veneer, this will surely be one of the most explosive and enjoyable action titles on console.

Best Price: Pre-order your copy from £34.99 at Amazon.

10. Crysis 3

Remember that bit in the Simpsons Movie, when a gigantic dome is placed on top of Springfield as a punishment for destroying the ecosystem? Well, Crysis 3 is a lot like that. Set in a freshly-domed New York, it’s up to Prophet (the nanosuited hero from the previous games) to liberate The Big Apple in a revenge mission to end all revenge missions. Of course, behind all the sci-fi silliness lies a beautifully-designed first person romp to get the pulse racing.

Best Price: Pre-order your copy from £29.95 at Zavvi.

Be sure to check out myvouchercodes.co.uk for all of the latest gaming discounts, including 10% off video game pre-orders at Zavvi and The Hut.

The Ten Best and Worst James Bond Gadgets

jetpack
October 22, 2012 By In Entertainment, Gadgets, Technology

As James Bond celebrates 50 years on the big screen with the release of the latest film Skyfall, we run down the best and worst of Q’s ingenious inventions for 007.

The Bond films follow a formula that goes something like this: action + gadgets + girls + exotic + music x action = Bond.  Without one of the essential ingredients, it just isn’t the same.

The gadgets supplied to 007 by Q branch have provided us with countless memorable moments over the years, and it’s good to remember that without them, our hero would surely have been killed on his second assignment.  For me, the moment when Bond gets introduced to the gadgets by the brilliant Q (Quartermaster), played by the legendary Desmond Llewelyn, was always the best part.  It’s almost a sneak peak of the rest of the film, as you try and work out how and when James Bond is going to use them.

But with half a century of technology under his belt, some of Bond’s gadgets are of course better than others.  Do these beauties bring back fond memories?

The Best

James Bond Attaché case – From Russia with LoveAttaché case – From Russia with Love
The love affair between Bond and gadgets began with the standard issue (with added extras) attaché case.  The briefcase packed a real punch, containing a folding AR-7 sniper rifle, 40 rounds of ammunition, a throwing knife that popped out of the side, and 50 gold sovereigns.  But most spectacular of all was tear gas disguised as a bottle of talcum powder, expertly used by 007 to thwart SPECTRE villain Red Grant.

James Bond - Golden Gun - The Man with the Golden GunGolden Gun – The Man with the Golden Gun
This gadget is pretty unique, because it is not even one that belonged to James Bond.  The golden gun, as used by Christopher Lee’s assassin Scaramanga is just too cool for school.  The gun is a DIY treasure using a pen as the barrel, inserted into a cigarette lighter and a clip disguised as a cigarette case, and finally a cuff-link as the trigger.  As the name of the film suggests, the gun is solid gold, as are the bullets that get loaded one at a time.  Just don’t lend the pen to anyone!

Magnet Rolex – Live and Let Die
The watch has been one of the mainstays of Bond gadgetry.  But king amongst them all has to be the snazzy Rolex from the voodoo enriched Live and Let Die.  The watch also doubled up as a highly intense electro-magnet, handy for both deflecting a bullet and for undoing zippers on ladies dresses (not necessarily in order of importance).  The dial of the watch can also be used as a circular saw, which helped Bond escape from ropes at the finale of the film.

James Bond - Rappelling Belt – GoldeneyeRappelling Belt – Goldeneye
Whilst it may look like a normal looking leather belt, as it’s the world of Bond nothing is quite as it seems.  The belt features a length of ultra-thin, but strong wire under the buckle.  Bond used the gadget to escape from some Russian archives, swinging over his pursuers and through a glass window.  Although clearly inspired by Batman, the rappelling belt is an essential piece of kit to help get you out of awkward situations; family get-togethers perhaps?

James Bond - Aston Martin DB5 – GoldfingerAston Martin DB5 – Goldfinger
Ok so it’s a car, and not strictly a gadget.  But hold your horses; this car has plenty of secret firepower.  Revolving licence plates, tyre slashers, a bulletproof shield, machine guns behind the headlights and smoke and oil sprayers at the back isn’t bad for starters.  Most famous of all was the ejector seat which helped to get rid of an unwanted passenger.  The Aston Martin DB5 continues to be iconic, and makes a welcome return in Skyfall.

The Worst

James Bond Crocodile submarine – OctopussyCrocodile submarine – Octopussy
Despite not being a total failure, the most ridiculous Bond gadget has to be Roger Moore’s mini crocodile submarine.  It is just impossible to take this thing seriously.  Some gadgets are designed for a single purpose, but the Crocodile submarine takes it a step further, and is also designed for a single scenario.  Outside of India and a few other places around the world, the thing just wouldn’t blend in.  And let’s not get started on what customs would make of it.

James Bond - Snooper – A View to a KillSnooper – A View to a Kill
The remotely controlled ‘Snooper’ device uses video and cameras (as eyes) and microphones to survey locations that are supposedly inaccessible to humans.  Nice idea, and no doubt very handy for circumstances such as chemical leaks and bomb alerts.  Unfortunately our cute friend is only used to snoop on Bond getting all hot and bothered in the shower with his latest conquest.  Poor Snooper blew its tiny little mind after the camera stopped rolling!

James Bond Man-crusher phone box – GoldeneyeMan-crusher phone box – Goldeneye
While only seen in Q’s lab, the phone box from Pierce Brosnan’s first outing as Bond is notable for its cringe effect.  The concept is simple; an airbag bursts out when you pick up the phone receiver, crushing whoever’s making a call against the glass.  But the airbag is not fatal, so quite what the point would be remains elusive.  Perhaps it was planned to be used as a deterrent against guys using it as a urinal on a Friday night?

James Bond - Ticker tape watch – The Spy who Loved MeTicker tape watch – The Spy who Loved Me
Undoubtedly revolutionary at the time, the ticker tape watch can be viewed as sort of a precursor to text messaging.  Unfortunately the message on the ticker tape is nowhere near as discreet.  Not only is it noisy, but having top secret messages printed on a substance that is not the easiest thing to destroy is far from ideal.  More often than not, you can imagine that messages would just get stuck in pockets, ready for that covert dry-cleaner to swipe.

James Bond - Invisible car – Die Another DayInvisible car – Die Another Day
I think someone got over excited on the Bond crew when they decided to use the Aston Martin Vanquish in Die Another Day.  The opportunity to make the Vanquish ‘vanish’ must have been too strong to resist, unfortunately.  Whilst stealth technology is very much a reality, it is impossible to suspend disbelief that an invisible vehicle could pass within feet of you and you wouldn’t even notice.  Plausibility just went straight out of the car window.

 

What are your favourite 007 gadgets? Let us know by making a comment below.

From Screen to Console: The Best Video Games Based on Movies

Spiderman2
October 16, 2012 By In Games, Lifestyle

Hey, wait! We know what you’re thinking! Games based on movies are almost always terrible, right? Cobbled together on meagre budgets, and rushed out to coincide with the latest blockbuster, most video game tie-ins are shoddy to say the least.

Of course, there are exceptions to the rule. Indeed, over the years we’ve been treated to some absolutely brilliant gaming tie-ins, which just goes to show that when a developer has the time, money, and (more importantly) freedom to express themselves, fantastic things can happen.

So, without further ado, here’s our pick of the best games based on films…

The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay

Chunkier than Vin Diesel’s arms (seriously, what’s up with those?), Escape from Butcher Bay set the benchmark for all movie tie-ins with its blinding campaign, impressive gunplay and beautiful visuals. Based on the Chronicles of Riddick franchise, it was more than just a ‘shooty’ romp. The game boasted some pretty tense stealth sections, thanks largely to the game’s atmospheric locale – a sprawling prison, filled to the brim with maniacal murderers.

Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga

George Lucas doesn’t give a hoot about his sci-fi masterpiece, but the talented bunch at Traveller’s Tales most certainly do. Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga packs all six films onto one disc, and re-imagines them in building-block form. Perfect for kids and adults alike, this Star Wars collection is a genuinely amusing romp through sci-fi history.

The Warriors

Never mind that the movie is half a century old; Rockstar’s The Warriors still feels as fresh as a blood-stained daisy. This atmospheric, retro-inspired brawler takes Walter Hill’s classic movie of the same name, and delves deeper into the seedy, underground world of New York gangs. Essential gaming.

GoldenEye 007

Heralding a new wave of shooters on console, GoldenEye is frequently cited as one of the most important games ever made – and for good reason. Boasting a stupendously rich single player experience, innovative gadgets, and a breathtaking multiplayer mode,GoldenEye reinvented the first person shooter on console. Based on the 1995 James Bond film of the same name, this one’s a true classic.

Spider-Man 2

Spider-Man is no stranger to the world of video games, but this film adaptation is arguably his greatest. Taking major cues from Grand Theft Auto, this mission-based sandbox game not only captures the feel of Sam Raimi’s sequel, but stands as a fantastic game in its own right. Put simply, Spider-Man has never felt so good.

Scott Pilgrim vs the World: The Game

Based on the 2012 movie, Scott Pilgrim vs the World, this zany scrapper is surprisingly good fun. Loosely following the plot of the graphic novels, it’s up to Scott Pilgrim – along with love-interest Ramona Flowers and pals Kim Pine and Stephen Stills – to battle their way through seven, retro-inspired levels. Oh yes, and defeat Ms. Flowers’ seven evil exes along the way. The perfect game to play with your mates.

If you fancy giving these classics a go, MyVoucherCodes has all the latest gaming discounts and vouchers – so check if you can save some money before you buy.

Have a you got a favourite game that’s based on a film? Let us know in the comments below.

 

3 Simple Money Saving Steps

supermarket
October 9, 2012 By In Lifestyle

I think it was Shakespeare who first said “Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves” (OK, maybe it wasn’t The Bard, but it was definitely somebody clever) but as true and simple as this is, it’s definitely easier said than done.

See, the realities of the modern world are such that all of us have a hard time looking after the pennies, meaning the pounds will inevitably suffer. If saving money was as easy as putting a few pence aside once a week, there would be no need for money saving advice, and you wouldn’t be sat here reading this now.

So what can we do? Well, there is no magic formula to saving money but if you follow our three step principle, you’ll find it much easier to look after the pennies.

Step One – Switch!

The first step is something that you should do as soon as is humanly possible (obviously finish reading this article first!) and that is to think about switching your utilities, insurances, credit cards and even your bank account, phone, mobile contract and broadband.

Too many people renew year on year without even considering switching to another company. However, if you can get the same service, for a lower price, why wouldn’t you switch? Spending a couple of hours comparing prices today could save you hundreds of pounds.

Step Two – Think!

Next time you’re in the supermarket and you’re about to pick up the leading brand of baked beans, think about the price and look at the other options. At the time of writing, the price of beans in Tesco varies from 26p to 70p per can. Multiply this saving by pasta, meat, washing powder, snacks and soon the cost of your shopping plummets.

Every time you are about to click the ‘Buy’ button online and just before you make it to the checkout in any store, stop for a second and think, “do I need this?” and “could I get this cheaper elsewhere?”

The difference will be remarkable.

Step Three – Be Open!

This is perhaps the hardest of the three steps and that is to admit to people that you are trying to save money. When friends ask you on a night out, or your partner drops hints about going to dinner, or the kids put pressure on you about a theme park trip, it can be so difficult so say, “no, I can’t afford it.”

This step will take some practice, but don’t feel bad as it’s human nature to worry about losing face, and admitting that you’re short on cash in front of your friends is very difficult. Once your family and friends know that you’re looking after your pennies, they won’t abandon you; instead, think of some low cost or free activities you can all do together. Maybe your money saving will catch on.

So while it’s not the easiest thing in the world to save money, taking our three step approach will certainly put you on the right track.

Have you tried any of these steps? Let us know in the comments.

 

This is a guest post by UKMoneyMarket.co.uk

 

How to Spot a Fake Gadget: Bad Copies you Need to Avoid!

fake main
October 8, 2012 By In Gadgets, Technology

As we all hunt around for the latest gadget bargains, it can be easy to let the price tag overtake basic common sense.  But don’t be fooled by fakes; they are rarely the bargain they appear to be.

Whenever a new piece of technology hits the market you can be sure that within a few months a fake version will emerge.  However not all fakes are out to dupe people, some are openly rip off and are probably only a fraction of the price of the real thing.  So what is the harm?

The appeal of fake gadgets can be great, given that must-have gadgets tend to be expensive and in some instances hard to get hold of.  But beware: imitation isn’t always the sincerest form of flattery.  Many fakes are produced by unscrupulous characters that are not only out to rip people off, but to fund dodgy dealings with the proceeds.  Moreover you could end up with a piece of substandard kit that has no guarantees or legal rights.

So while that new piece of kit may look like an absolute bargain, it might be a good idea to think twice before you part with your cash.

Here are some often copied gadgets and how to spot a fake version:

Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones

These much wanted headphones are prime pickings for the fakers, with even retailer HMV being taken in by the scam.  It has been reported that customers have bought the genuine article and then several weeks later returning with a fake pair for a refund.  Ultimately the fake tell-tale signs can be spotted in the packaging when looked at closely, as it tends to be of a poorer quality with counterfeit items. As an example, the text will be pretty blurry and the image of Dr. Dre is very dark on the fake packaging, meaning that you can’t even see his right ear.  So simply look out for Dr. Dre’s ear when making your purchase!

Samsung Galaxy S III

Even the most hyped Android device out there isn’t immune from the fakers.  Unbelievably the clone device comes fully loaded with Android 4.0, a 4.8 inch 1280×720 multi-touch screen, dual-SIM card slots and a not inconsiderable 2500mAh battery.  The dimensions of the smartphone are exactly the same as the original, although the clone weighs slightly lighter than the original. But as you would only recognise this if you had held the real Galaxy S III, what are the other tell-tale signs?  Well first off, the Samsung logo on the reverse of the phone looks substandard, and the front doesn’t even have one.  Plus the old adage of ‘too good to be true’ applies, with the knockoff version at about half the price of the real thing.

iPad 2

It wasn’t too long ago that Apple were freaking out about an apparent outbreak of iPad-like clones, and the problems with the fakers hasn’t completely gone away.  You can buy convincing, (usually Chinese-made) copycat tablets online, and they usually advertise the fact that they are not the real thing.  But just sometimes unscrupulous firms will try to pass them off as the real deal, and this is when it becomes a nightmare for the consumer.  The fake iPads look very similar to the real thing, but there is a noticeable difference in weight, and detailing on the reverse.  But it is in the software that the most noticeable differences occur; you just don’t get as much for your money.

SD Card

If you’re shopping on eBay for cheap memory cards, you are more than likely going to receive a fake product.  Quite a statement to make – but there are numerous versions that have flooded the market over the last few years.  The packaging will be factory sealed on genuine items, but it is pretty hard to judge that when buying online.  Don’t expect to notice a difference when you put the card in your device either; you will be surprised to find that it reads the correct gigabyte in the properties.  One way to check true capacity is to copy at least 60% data of the `claimed’ capacity and check the card in 2-3 days’ time.  There will be lost data in all fake ones.

Dyson Air Multiplier

Dyson’s bladeless fan is truly something to behold, and clearly the fakers thought so too, because clone models are now appearing from China.  The patented technology from Dyson is based on years of research and development, and within a year of release in 2009, the technology had been copied, although it must be said to a lesser quality.  One of the big selling points that Dyson promote is the virtually sound free angle, but the same cannot be said of the rip offs.  Reports suggest them to be noisy with a distressing vibration as they buffet the air.  Proof that years of development sometimes pays dividends.

 

Remember – if you’re looking to buy an expensive item like the ones above but don’t want to pay full price, it’s always worth checking MyVoucherCodes for a discount before you head to the check-out.

Have you ever been taken in by a fake?  Share your experiences in the comments below...

Student Discount Shopping: Get Ready for Freshers’ Week!

Graduates in Cap and Gown
September 27, 2012 By In Lifestyle

Freshers’ Week is most famous for heralding seven days of alcohol fueled havoc, and of course the inevitable Freshers’ flu that will haunt you in the days to come.

But another important aspect of the week’s festivities (to my mind at least) is fashion. True, the majority of this week will revolve around fancy dress, but it’s also important to consider how much more you will be going out – which you will be a lot – therefore, you’ll be needing more evening appropriate items in your wardrobe. Picking up your university party pieces can be an expensive procedure and, despite the new wad of loan money that has just landed in your account, it’s important to know where to scope out the best student discounts (you’ll thank me come Christmas).

There are a whole host of great brands out there that frequently offer fantastic student deals to make things a little easier for you. Right now MyVoucherCodes has an incredible selection of student discounts and codes available for you to snap up. In fact, it’s pretty easy to build yourself an entirely new wardrobe from student discounts. Here’s how…

Shoes:
As the weather turns colder, kit yourself out in some sturdy yet stylish winter shoes from Schuh. Ankle boots are a great choice for this season as they can easily be dressed down for lectures or dressed up for the evening. Smart shoes are an essential for guys – you don’t want to be labelled ‘that bloke who got turned away from the club for wearing old, smelly trainers’. They can make for an expensive purchase though, so this 10% discount code for Schuh will definitely come in handy.

Schuh Womens Shoe was £80 Now £72 with 10% Student Discount

Schuh Mens Formal Shoes was £55 Now £49.50 with 10% Student Discount

Clothing:
Student discounts are wonderfully useful for picking up party wear essentials. A great way to avoid the drama of throwing everything around your room trying to find something to wear is to purchase yourself a staple LBD. Finding that perfect little black dress will assure effortless evening style – add a witches hat and some ghoulish make up and you’ve got that Halloween outfit sorted too! Our Motel Rocks discount codes and student deals at Missguided means you’ve got a great selection to pick from. For the male of the species, going out attire may not cause as much emotional turmoil but it can never hurt to be prepared – you want to make a good impression after all – check out our student deal with Bank to get 20% off a new shirt.

Miss Guided Black Dress was £22.99 Now £19.54 with 15% Student Discount

Bank Mens Shirt was £30 Now £24 with 20% student discount

Accessories:
With all that use your new student card will be getting you need something to carry it round in, right? Clutch bags are a really useful night out staple and really on trend for the season. Grab your student discount for Dorothy Perkins and find a clutch large enough to fit all your night out essentials in (just don’t accidentally leave it in the loo!). You should maybe consider making space for books too, rucksacks have made a rather unexpected comeback – they are also super practical for lugging all that work to and from lectures. ASOS has a great selection of men’s rucksacks that are just as great for the girls, and they’re currently running a 10% discount exclusively for students.

Asos Earrings was £15 Now £13.50 with 10% student discount

Dorothy Perkins Womens Clutch was £15 Now 13.50 with 30% student discount

Asos Bagpack was £32 Now £28.80 with 10% student discount

So despite those looming exam dates and the promise of tomorrow’s hangover, you can rest assured you won’t be flunking your style classes thanks to MyVoucherCodes.

Heading to Uni? Challenge Your Fellow Freshers to These Multiplayer Games

wii
September 24, 2012 By In Games, Lifestyle

Heart stopping deadlines, clothes with holes in them, and mysterious hairs in the bathtub. Nobody ever said student life was going to be easy, and that’s especially true for the hapless majority living in student accommodation.

Student life certainly has its share of challenges, but there’s quite a lot to enjoy, too. Chances are, you’ll make loads of new friends, learn how to cook (beans on toast, mostly), or reinvent yourself with a crazy new hairdo or something.

Living with strangers might be a bit awkward at first, though, so why not break the ice with a good old fashioned video game session? These multiplayer games are sure to get the conversation flowing, and, ultimately, decide who’s going to fish the hairs out of the plug hole again.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii

Everybody loves a platformer, but few are as brilliant as Mario’s side-scrolling escapades. The latest console offering, New Super Mario Bros. Wii, brings all the best bits from the eighties and nineties games (including those famous sound effects), and makes it playable for up to 4 players. There’s also a Coin Battle mode, which should come in handy for allocating chores to losing players.

Halo Reach

With its much-vaunted “thirty seconds of fun” philosophy, Halo remains one of the most played shooters ever made. A far cry from the military styling of Modern Warfare, Halo’s skirmishes recall the golden days of arena shooters like Unreal Tournament and Quake, where killcounts meant everything, and lightning-quick reaction speeds were the name of the game. Halo Reach takes things a step further, with exhilarating jetpacks, beautiful maps, and an improved Firefight mode – in which players take on increasingly difficult waves of enemies, often to hilarious effect.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

When the original Modern Warfare launched in 2007, it redefined online shooters, boasting a novel ‘perk’ system, customisable gear and the best guns in the business. Almost half a decade later, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is every bit as fantastic, offering a raft of new modes, breathtaking visuals, and support for up to 32 players online. You can also play the game’s solid campaign with others, making for one of the most exhilarating multiplayer experiences on console.

Street Fighter IV

During the mid noughties, fighting games had lost their cool. Thankfully, Street Fighter IV changed all that, offering a fighting experience that not only caters to seasoned pros, but to newcomers alike. Of course, it probably helped that the game looked amazing, with cel-shaded visuals that evoked the genre’s heyday, only with a cool and modern twist.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Ever wanted to know who’d win in a fight against Link or Kirby? Well, now you can. The latest instalment in the long-running franchise, Super Smash Bros. Brawl extends its reach outside of Nintendo history, and is very much a love letter to gaming as a whole – featuring such newcomers as Solid Snake and Sonic The Hedgehog. Fun, fast and frenetic, Super Smash Bros. Brawl is the perfect multiplayer game.

Have we left out your favourite multiplayer game? Let us know in the comments thread below.

Remember to check out MyVoucherCodes for all the latest gaming discounts.

Back To School Clothes: How to Save Money on Uniform Essentials

school
August 29, 2012 By In Top 10

As the school holidays draw to a close, the time has come to kit out your kids for the term ahead.

This can be a challenging task. First of all, school clothes need to be durable and resilient to the inevitable daily wear and tear – but you don’t want to fork out a fortune for something that won’t fit in a matter of months. Getting the balance between great quality and great value is vital. And with so many deals out there at this time of year, it can get difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff.

We’re always looking for ways to save you money here at MyVoucherCodes, so we’ve put together our pick of the best value school uniforms right now.

Morrisons
Morrisons’ uniform is basic but it gets the job done. There isn’t much of a range of styles or colours – which isn’t great if you’re raising a mini fashionista – but it’s a great option if your child’s school colours are navy or red. All items come in at £2.50 each and most are 100% cotton and tumble dryer safe.

Polo Shirts: £2.50
Sweatshirts: £2.50
Trousers: £2.50
Skirts: £2.50

Tesco F&F
Tesco have a much wider range of products coming in a variety of colours. They also offer a uniform embroidery service for extra personalisation. Another benefit of Tesco uniform is that most of the products come in multipacks, meaning you can buy in bulk at an affordable price.

Polo Shirts: £2.00 (pack of 2)
Sweatshirts: £3.00
Trousers: £5 (pack of 2)
Skirts: £5 (pack of 2)

Sainsbury’s
Not only are Sainsbury’s skirts and trousers stain repellent and hard-wearing, they are also among the cheapest out there with packs of two on sale for just £4. Sainsbury’s also have a fantastic back to school webpage with some amazing healthy lunch ideas, as well as tips from mums and a really useful back to school check list.

Polo Shirts: £3 (pack of 3)
Sweatshirts: £3 (pack of 2)
Trousers: £4 (pack of 2)
Skirts: £4 (pack of 2)

ASDA George
ASDA uniform was recently voted best in the UK for overall value by Which?. A study, conducted by the independent consumer watchdog, put ASDA up against uniform heavy weights like M&S and Tesco and showed ASDA to provide the best quality products weighed up against price. This shows that high quality products can be bought at budget prices.

Polo Shirt: £2.50 (pack of 2)
Sweatshirts: £2
Trousers: £3
Skirts: £3.50

Marks & Spencer
M&S has always sat a little more on the expensive side of the fence when it comes to school uniform, but they do make up for it in quality. Their motto ‘Buy Once Buy Right’ demonstrates a dedication to producing long lasting garments. Plus they’ve recently introduced a number of nifty innovations (like scuff resistant shoes and anti-ink stain shirts) that you just don’t get with the likes of Morrisons. Bear in mind though, the bellow prices are based on the M&S’s costing for small size items – their prices increase depending on the size of the garment.

Polo Shirts: £3 (pack of 2)
Skirt: £3.50
Sweatshirts: £2
Trousers: £3

Like so many things in life, mastering your school uniform shopping  is ultimately a case of trial and error. More importantly you need to consider what your child will be comfortable and happy in.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this. Where do you buy your school uniform from? Which stores do you think give best value for money? Get in touch we’d be happy to hear from you. Be sure to check out the latest Back to school deals from MyVoucherCodes.

Budget Travel: Destinations you can Visit for £50, £100, £500 and £1000

honey-zante
August 3, 2012 By In Travel

We all have different travel budgets for our holidays and weekends away – some of us want to spend a week or two in luxurious surroundings, while others are more than happy with a no-frills break. Whatever your budget, we take a look at some of the best destinations to visit for your money.

£50 – Butlins in Skegness

There’s no need to get on a plane and jet off to the other side of the world to have a good time as there’s many great places to visit right on our very own doorstep. For some good old fashioned family fun, a trip to Butlins in Skegness is hard to beat and from just over £50 per person, the price isn’t bad either! A three night stay at the resort in Skeggy will include a standard room with a choice of double or twin beds, as well as complete access to an array of sports facilities, live entertainment, funfair and splash water world and best of all, it’s as cheap as chips!

£100 – Aberdeen

Head north of the border by spending just over £100 for a luxury two night stay at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Aberdeen. With an indoor pool, wonderfully decorated double rooms and a fitness centre, the hotel is the perfect setting for a romantic weekend break in Scotland. Although, not as popular as Glasgow and Edinburgh, there is still plenty to do in Aberdeen. Just eight miles north of the city is Balmedie beach – a great place to spend a morning or afternoon offering top views of the North Sea (weather permitting). The city also boasts a picturesque harbour, art galleries and castles, as well as a range of evening entertainment.

£500 – Greece

Those who want to jet off a bit further afield can head to the historic country of Greece for under £500. Two people can spend a week at the Alykanas Beach hotel in Zante for an action packed holiday in the sun for next to nothing. With spacious, bright and modern accommodation, the hotel boasts fantastic facilities. You’ll be able to keep cool too in the huge Olympic sized swimming pool – ideal for doing a few lengths as the sun shines down. With an array of bars and clubs, Zante is famous for its vibrant nightlife – finding such a good holiday deal means you’ll have more money to spend on enjoying it to …

£1000 – Morocco

With towering mountains, sandy deserts and a stunning coastline, Morocco really is a North African gem and for just £1000, two people can spend a week visiting this fascinating country. Staying at the recently built Red Hotel in the popular city of Marrakech, this promises to be a spectacular holiday. Located just 15 minutes away from the airport, the hotel has modern rooms with funky red walls, as well as a rooftop swimming pool. Spend a week exploring the hustle and bustle of the souks, trekking on the back of a camel or sampling a range of tagines flavoured with saffron.

For an extra bit of help, have a look at MyVoucherCodes’ travel discount codes – you’re sure to find something to suit your budget.

Four Household Items Worth Splurging On with Tesco Voucher Codes

cleaning
July 26, 2012 By In Homeware, Lifestyle, Top 10

We all love to save a bit of money, but let’s face it – some household products just aren’t worth scrimping on.

These items are often referred to as “false economies”, meaning they might be cheap compared to similar products on the shelves, but as the quality isn’t as good, they often end up costing you more in the long run.

From locking your bike up with a cheap padlock, to washing up liquid that’s short on bubbles, here are four things that are worth spending a bit more money on…

Razors

Although attractive next to the pricey high end versions, cheap disposable razors not only take double the time to work, but you’re more likely to cut yourself too. If you’re getting money off your weekly shop with our Tesco voucher codes, you can avoid the scabs and painful razor burn by investing in a good quality one, and you won’t have to replace it as often, saving you even more money.

Sun Cream

Products like moisturisers are fair game, but when it comes to sun cream, we say don’t scrimp on the skin protection without checking the details on the bottle first. Not only will a good quality SPF cream feel less greasy and sticky on your skin – meaning you’re more likely to put it on regularly and stop yourself from burning – but making sure the cream you’re buying has a five star UVA rating is important too, as it protects from the skin damage you can’t see.

Loo Roll/Tissue paper

When it comes to loo roll, we say treat yourself. And we’re not talking about the double layered velvet textured paper with scented ducks on them, we just mean go a step above the brown recycled ones that feel like tracing paper against your skin. The same goes for tissues; the only thing worse than having a runny nose is wiping it with something that shares the same texture as a fast food napkin. Ouch.

Bin Liners

Bargain bin bags always seem like a good idea when you’re faced with rows of packaging all offering the same thing but for vastly different prices. But the novelty of your wafer thin plastic purchase soon wears off when you’re picking rubbish off the kitchen floor after the bag’s split, mopping up a leaky mess from a hole caused by a cereal box, or getting through the pack twice as fast by using two bags at a time.

Over to you – which household items do you splurge on, and what can you get away with buying cheap?

 

 

*Image from Google Images