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Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm Canadian Leader Announced

2018/12/11
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Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

December 11, 2018 – 2K and Firaxis Games today revealed that Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier will lead Canada in Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm, the second expansion pack for the critically acclaimed and award-winning Sid Meier’s Civilization VI, which will be available for Windows PC on February 14, 2019.

Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier is remembered for his strong advocacy for uniting French and English-speaking citizens under one national banner.

The Laurier Unique Ability allows Canada to build farms on Tundra terrain while the Four Faces of Peace Unique Ability prevents Canada from declaring surprise wars on opponents or declaring war on City-States, but also ensures that surprise wars can’t be declared against Canada. Along with Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier, the Ice Hockey Rink and Mountie arrive as Canada’s Unique Building and Unique Unit.

For more information, including further details on Canada’s Unique Ability, Unique Building and Unique Unit, please see 2K’s official Civilization blog: https://2kgam.es/2PomFDM

Universal Studios Hollywood Unveils Holiday Gift Ideas

2018/12/11
boothby
Geek News, News

Universal City, California – December 11, 2018 – As last minute shoppers begin searching for perfect Christmas presents, UniversalStudios Hollywood is helping to take the guesswork out by assembling a list of some popular gift giving items and stocking stuffers from such fan favorites as The Grinch, Harry Potter, Minions, Jurassic Park and Hello Kitty and friends.

Here’s a short list of some fun,inspirational items:

For the naughty on the list, Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures’ Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch movie takes center stage with an assortment of fun must-haves, including green faux-fur adorned hats, gloves and scarves as well as pajamas.

Magic is always in the air during the holidays, making treasures and treats from “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” some of the best gifts.  From bespoke Christmas ornaments inspired by the Wizarding World to Honeydukes one-of-a-kind sweets, there is something for every Harry Potter fan this season. Other spellbinding collectibles that are sure to top any witch or wizard’s wish list include decorative Hogwarts castles now globes, the Hogwarts crest and mascot ornaments representing each of the houses, as well as a collection of unique tree toppers and house pennant garland.

This year, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” is also introducing specialty gift wrapping that is inspired by packages delivered by the Owl Post in the Harry Potter film series. 

A visit to the shops adjacent to the “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” ride and Super Silly Fun Land as well as the all-new Animation Studio Store offer a chock full of Minions in an array of shapes and sizes as well Agnes’s all-time favorite, the fluffy Unicorn,available in a variety of huggable plush toys to wearable backpacks for back-to-school fun.  For the more mischievous on the list, the iconic Zapper and Fart toys will make lasting memorable gifts.

The Animation Studio Store is also home to Hello Kitty with a variety of themed merchandise primed for holiday gift giving and stocking stuffers.

While the Jurassic era may have spanned time, millions of years ago, guests can keep the giant T. rex dinosaurs close at heart with popular Jurassic Park and Jurassic World t-shirts and hoodies, both in homage to the theme park’s iconic “Jurassic Park” thrill ride which closed earlier this year and in anticipation of its newest edition, the “Jurassic World” ride, opening in 2019.

For those on the list who have been extra good, an Annual Pass to Universal Studios Hollywood is the ultimate gift.  For limitless fun all year long, along with a variety of discounts and perks to the theme park and CityWalk, a Platinum, Gold or Silver Annual Pass will make 2019 shine daily for friends and family.

Last minute shopping made easy at Universal Studios Hollywood is complemented by the theme park’s annual holiday programs, including nightly snowfall during “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” plus the spectacular dazzling light projection transformation of HogwartsTM castle through “The Magic of Christmas at HogwartsTM Castle.”  “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” takes place daily through January 6, 2019.

“Grinchmas™” at Universal Studios Hollywood features a Who-lebration of fun fit for The Grinch, his faithful dog Max and a roster of Who-ville Whos.  The annual event comes to life with a towering 60- foot tallwhimsical “Grinchmas” tree where Martha May Who-vier and the Who Dolls take center stage performing energetic musical sets as they usher in the Christmas season in style, along with the Who-liday Singers—a hip boy-band ensemble—who perform a cappella concerts showcasing amix of Christmas favorites and pop rock.

“Grinchmas” takes place daily from December 14 through December 30, 2018.

Spirited holiday décor and festive whimsy permeates throughout the theme park, including “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and the adjoining “Super Silly Fun Land” as a crew of very merry and mischievous Minions gleefully spread Christmas cheer to visitors of all ages.

The holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood is included in the price of theme park admission.  More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood onFacebookand follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter. Admission to Universal CityWalk is free. More information is available at www.CityWalkHollywood.com.

Mountain High Announces 4th Annual Santa Saturday

2018/12/11
boothby
Geek News, News

WRIGHTWOOD, Calif. – Dec. 11, 2018 – Skiers and snowboarders dressed in Santa Claus costumes are invited to Mountain High this Sunday, December 16 to participate in the fourth annual Santa Sunday.This holiday event serves as a fundraiser for Protect Our Winters, a climate change advocacy group for the snow sports community. Every Santa who attends receives a free lift ticket valued at $84 with a $20 minimum donation to Protect Our Winters.

“We originally created Santa Sunday to raise awareness and funds for Protect Our Winters, a cause that’s deeply personal to all of us here,” said John McColly, Mountain High vice president of marketing and advertising. “Climate change continues to have a significant impact on winter resorts and we are doing what we can here in Southern California to help.”

Protect Our Winters, a nonprofit charity, seeks to engage and mobilize the snow sports community to lead the fight against climate change through educational initiatives, advocacy and community-based activism.

“We’re very happy to be part of this event for the fourth consecutive year,” said Torrey Udall, Protect Our Winters director of development and operations. “In addition to creating a lot of holiday cheer, it provides us with resources to protect the winter season that we all depend on. We are thankful to Mountain High for supporting us with this really fun Christmas time fundraiser.”

To take part in Santa Sunday, guests are asked to pre-register for the event and donate a minimum of $20 to Protect Our Winters. Receipts for online donation must be presented at registration to claim a day ticket (an 8-hour ticket is regularly $84).

Once a skier or snowboarder has successfully registered, including making her/his donation, that participant must wear a Santa suit complete with hat, beard, coat, belt and pants to Mountain High on December 16. Participants must pick up their tickets, sign liability forms and be at the Snowflake Chairlift at 9:00 a.m. to participate in the Santa Sunday group ride.

Santa Sunday Schedule:

·         8:00 a.m. – Arrive early, pick up ticket in Big Pines Base Lodge. Bring Protect Our Winters donation receipt, photo ID and completed Santa liability form. 

·         9:00 a.m. – Meet at the bottom of Snowflake Chairlift for photos

·         10:00 a.m. – Meet at the bottom of Blue Ridge Express for Santa Sunday ride

·         11:00 a.m. – Hashtag all Santa photos with #mhsantaselfie to win 

Sheltered Coming to Nintendo Switch

2018/12/11
boothby
Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch

11th December 2018 – Team17, a global games label, creative partner and developer of independent, premium video games in partnership with Unicube announced that Sheltered is releasing on Nintendo Switch™. Sheltered will be available digitally via the Nintendo eShop from 18th December priced at £9.99/$14.99/€14.99 with a 20% discount for the launch week. On Nintendo Switch, Sheltered includes the base game plus the Surrounded and Stasis additional content.

Sheltered is a post-apocalyptic disaster management game that gives a whole new meaning to the term “nuclear family”. After a global apocalypse, you take on the role of protecting four family members living in a deserted underground shelter. Their wellbeing and survival are your responsibility. One bad decision and a loved one is gone, forever.

Combat claustrophobia, radiation and mental exhaustion as you cling desperately to life in the cramped, cold underground shelter. You’ll have to leave the scant protection the shelter offers behind as you’re forced to venture outside into the dangerous, desolate wasteland to scavenge for vital supplies which could ensure your family’s survival for just one more day. Also, pets! Choose between a dog, cat, fish, snake or horse as your loyal companion.

Key Features:

First time on Nintendo Switch: Sheltered is available on Nintendo Switch for the first time! Enjoy the apocalypse on the go in handheld mode or at home in TV mode or table top mode.

Extra content: Additional scenarios Surrounded and Stasis are included.

Family comes first: Keep your family alive and protect them from the ravages of the harsh post-apocalyptic world.

Make the shelter a home: Maintain your shelter – keep it secure, habitable and make sure that the family have enough resources to survive. Protect your shelter from hazards and infiltration!

Customisation: Your family is unique to you; you decide their gender, names and their appearance.

RPG mechanics: As your family develop, their stats will adapt with an evolving experience and trauma system. Attributes, strengths and weaknesses will dynamically change based on your choices.

Crafting system: Create comforts for your family’s shelter and equipment for aiding exploration.

Exploration: Send out your family to explore and gather resources for everyday living and crafting.

Recruitment system: Recruit outsiders with different personalities, integrate them into your shelter life and earn their loyalty.

Dynamic encounter system: Your family will encounter various threats including roaming factions and feral beasts.

Turn-based combat: For those that cannot be reasoned with, violence can be used as a last resort. Your family may depend on it.

Vehicles: Make exploration quicker and safer.

NieR:Automata Game of the Year Edition Announced

2018/12/11
boothby
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Windows PC News

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 11, 2018) – SQUARE ENIX® announced today that the award-winning post-apocalyptic action role-playing game (RPG) NieR:Automata™ is returning to the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and STEAM® as NieR:Automata Game of the YoRHa Edition on February 26, 2019.

The NieR:Automata Game of the YoRHa Edition features the base game, alongside exciting digital content, including the 3C3C1D119440927 Expansion DLC, four pod designs (Grimoire Weiss Pod, Retro Grey Pod Skin, Retro Red Pod Skin, and Cardboard Pod Skin) and the Machine Mask Accessory. Those who purchase the PlayStation®4 system version will also receive an all-new Dynamic Theme, a set of 15 PlayStation™Network avatars featuring characters from the game, and the Play Pod and amazarashi Pod skins. Those who purchase on STEAM will receive two new wallpapers and the in-game Valve Accessory.

With over 3.5 million shipments and digital sales since its initial release, NieR:Automata received critical acclaim across the globe for its deep, captivating storyline from Director YOKO TARO, award-winning soundtrack by Keiichi Okabe, and fantastic blend of action-packed high-speed 60fps battles. Developed in collaboration with PlatinumGames Inc., the title delivers the perfect mix of action and RPG gameplay in a beautifully desolate open world as players battle as androids 2B, 9S and A2 in the fight to reclaim the world for their human creators.

NieR:Automata Game of the YoRHa Edition is releasing on February 26 for the PlayStation®4 system and STEAM for $39.99. This title is rated M (Mature). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at http://www.esrb.org for more information about ratings.

For more information, please visit: http://nierautomata.com.

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Announced

2018/12/10
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News

SAN FRANCISCO – Dec. 10, 2018 – Hunters around the globe can prance in joy! Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced Monster Hunter World: Iceborne™, a massive expansion for the highly-acclaimed more than 10 million unit-selling Monster Hunter: World™. The new content will be available for download in autumn 2019 for PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and the Xbox One family of devices, including Xbox One X, with more details on the PC release to be shared in future announcements. The content-rich Monster Hunter World: Iceborne will feature new quest ranks, locales, monsters, moves and gear in addition to a full narrative experience that continues on from the ending of Monster Hunter: World. The Monster Hunter: World base game is required for the expansion and is currently available across consoles and PC. More information on the expansion will be shared next spring. A new teaser trailer offering a sneak peek at the upcoming Monster Hunter World: Iceborne expansion is available to download from the Capcom press site now.

In addition, there is plenty of exciting content for current players of Monster Hunter: World to look forward to soon. Capcom is working on a special collaboration with CD PROJEKT RED to bring professional monster hunter Geralt from The Witcher® 3: Wild Hunt into the New World early next year. Unique quests will offer a brand-new type of gameplay that blends the immersive RPG experience of The Witcher 3 with Monster Hunter: World. The voice actors for Geralt have also contributed newly recorded dialogue to further enhance this collaboration.

In the meantime, the Kulve Taroth Siege, a special event quest which allows up to 16 players in groups of four each to team up towards a common goal, will return on December 20. This time however, a tougher Arch Tempered version of this colossal monster which yields more powerful rewards awaits hunters. As another special thank you to hunters around the world, to mark a year since Monster Hunter: World launched we’d like to announce The Appreciation Fest, coming up on the anniversary of the game’s release in January 2019. The Appreciation Fest will include a newly decorated Gathering Hub, special equipment that can be obtained in brand new quests and a slew of new anniversary quests for everyone.

For players who have not yet tried Monster Hunter: World, a free Trial Version of the base game will be available on PlayStation®4 system and Xbox One starting tomorrow, December 11 at 4pm PST through December 17 at 3:59pm PST. Offering a hefty preview, the Trial Version allows new players to experience quests up to the 3-star level and online multiplayer up to Hunter Rank 4. This will provide plenty of opportunity to try out a variety of quests, craft and upgrade equipment, and join in on the game’s trademark cooperative multiplayer action with existing owners of the game. In addition, any saved progress transfers over to the main game, so new players are encouraged to start their hunting journey.

In Monster Hunter: World, players take on larger than life monsters in a variety of vast, living, breathing ecosystems either solo or with up to three other hunters via online co-op, complete with drop-in functionality, a first for the series. The story follows the journey of the elder dragons as they begin their once a decade migration across the sea to a land known as the New World in an event referred to by inhabitants as the Elder Crossing. As part of the Guild’s Research Commission, players must embark on a grand journey to this massive, mysterious land and uncover the secrets behind this phenomenon. The Monster Hunter World: Iceborne expansion will build upon this story when it releases in autumn 2019 for PlayStation®4 system and Xbox One. For all the title updates revealed today, including the Monster Hunter World: Iceborne expansion, Capcom is planning to develop PC versions as well, and will share more on the availability in future announcements.

Funcom and Petroglyph Unveil Conan Unconquered

2018/12/10
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Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

OSLO, Norway – December 10th, 2018 – The mighty barbarian returns, this time in the first-ever strategy game set in the brutal and savage world of Conan! Funcom is thrilled to announce Conan Unconquered, a strategy game releasing in Q2 2019 where players must build the ultimate stronghold and assemble an unconquerable army that can stand against wave after wave of enemies in increasing numbers and difficulty. The game is published by Funcom and created by the veterans at Petroglyph, a team that includes several of the lead developers on the classic and original strategy games such as Dune 2 and Command & Conquer.

“It is both a professional and personal honor to be working with the genre veterans at Petroglyph,” said Funcom CEO Rui Casais. “My first love is strategy games and I spent endless hours playing Dune 2 back in the day. The current team at Petroglyph is responsible for some truly great strategy games, including Star Wars: Empire at War, and I can think of no one better to bring to life the first ever strategy game set in the world of Conan the Barbarian.”

“We’re extremely happy to be working with Funcom on a game that uses the compelling backstory of Conan’s Black Colossus,” said Petroglyph CEO Chuck Kroegel. “Both companies have worked very close, developing new technology and ideas that truly made this a team effort in every sense. The iconic creatures, villains, and heroes of the Conan universe have contributed greatly to what our early beta testers indicate is a really fun and exciting game that continues to get better every day. Partnering with Funcom has truly made this Conan game experience unconquerable!”

Conan Unconquered high-pace strategy game where players face wave after wave of enemies in ever-increasing numbers and difficulty. To withstand the savage hordes players must build an unconquerable stronghold and put up walls and other defensive measures to avoid utter destruction. While the game can be played entirely in single-player, two players can also play together online to build a shared stronghold while fending off the enemy hordes allowing for a unique, cooperative multiplayer experience.Conan Unconquered is inspired by the Black Colossus story. Funcom has previously developed and published Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures and Conan Exiles, the latter which has become the bestselling and fastest-selling game in Funcom’s 25-year history. Funcom have previously communicated that it is also working on a single-player Conan game that will be revealed at a later date.

For more information, please visit www.conanunconquered.com.

Knott’s Merry Farm Unveils NYE 2018 Plans

2018/12/07
boothby
Geek News, News

BUENA PARK, CA (December 2018) – The countdown to the New Year is on at Knott’s Merry Farm! With special fireworks, live entertainment, and extended hours, plus Knott’s signature rides and attractions, Knott’s New Year’s Eve celebration is the place to experience an unforgettable night.

Unique one-night-only entertainment serves up fun for a variety of ages and interests including a family-friendly comedian, dance lessons and more. Guests are invited to count down to the New Year with festive music, party hats, noisemakers, and endless fun. To culminate the evening and the final seconds of 2018, Knott’s will light up the night sky with a dazzling firework display at the stroke of midnight.

·         Martini Pop Swing Band is on hand to play the slickest standards ever. Professional swing dancers and instructors will be there to make sure guests don’t miss a single step.

·         The Calico Mine Stage will blast unforgettable pop and rock music courtesy of the ladies of The Suffragettes.  It’ll have guests dancing in the aisles.

·         DJ Howly brings the party to the farm for a special New Year’s celebration with high-energy music and dancing taking place at the Calico Mine Stage.

·         Next to the Calico Mine Stage, the PEANUTS characters will be posing for pictures with guests to celebrate the New Year.

·         The stage will be set at Boardwalk BBQ as two sets of 88 keys go head to head in full keys wage war with PianoMania Dueling Pianos.

·         Family-friendly comedian, Chipper Lowell, brings his hilarious comedy, magic and audience participation to the Bird Cage Theatre.

·         Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies, four country boys from deep in the hills of Anaheim will have the crowd’s toes tappin’, hands clappin’ and guts bustin’. The best darn tootin’ entertainment this side of the Santa Ana freeway. The comical and musical number can be seen at the Wagon Camp.

·         Fiesta Plaza will feature DJ JC playing upbeat music and will host a dance instructor to teach guests how to dance the Latin way.

·         Midnight Fireworks Spectacular, guests can ring in the New Year with a bang as the park’s skies wonderfully light up for an aerial fireworks display that will leave the young and young at heart in awe.

·         A New Year’s Eve celebration is not complete without a delicious meal. Spur’s Restaurant is serving up a special New Year’s Eve buffet from 4pm-10pm; prices are $34.99+tax for adults, $29.99 for Seniors (62 and over0 and $18.99+ tax for kids (11 and under).

In addition to the special New Year’s Eve entertainment, guests can experience all the magic of Knott’s Merry Farm’s festive lineup of entertainment, delectable food, and holiday shopping including:

·         Merry Christmas, Snoopy! In this exciting show filled with whimsical and spectacular ice skating, Snoopy enjoys all of the best parts of the season including trimming the Christmas tree, awaiting Santa’s arrival and attending the festive Christmas Ball!

·         When the sun sets on the farm, the buildings and paths in Ghost Town twinkle brightly to the beat of holiday favorites as snow gently falls. Park goers can enjoy the nightly Snow and Glow experience  on School House Road and Main Street in Ghost Town.

·         Another nighttime tradition at Knott’s Merry Farm is the joyous Tree Lighting Ceremony. The Calico Tree Lighting Ceremony features the Calico Bell Choir and the mayor of Calico gathering around the tree for an illuminating Christmas celebration.

·         The holiday season celebration continues in Camp Snoopy with a lively performance at the Camp Snoopy Theater A Peanuts Guide to Christmas features delightful mash ups of holiday songs with a cheerful and heartwarming dose of the Peanuts Gang.

·         In the intimate setting of Ghost Town’s historic Bird Cage Theatre, catch a live performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol or O. Henry’s A Gift of the Magi.

·         Savor the ultimate comfort foods with Knott’s world-famous holiday treats. Santa’s Christmas Cabin serves up holiday delights like Santa’s homemade cookies, mouthwatering pastries, winter wine, craft beer, and more. Guests can also enjoy the fresh made-to-order churros from the Churro Factory as well as the legendary cooking at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. 

·         In Ghost Town, the streets transform into a shopping wonderland with the Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village that offers dozens of local artisans selling their unique gifts.

Obsidian Unveils The Outer Worlds Single Player RPG

2018/12/07
boothby
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

New York, NY – December 7, 2018 – Private Division and Obsidian Entertainment today announced The Outer Worlds. Co-game directors Tim Cain and Leonard Boyarsky, original creators of Fallout, have reunited for this new single-player RPG from the renowned team at Obsidian, developers of Fallout: New Vegas, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II, South Park: The Stick of Truth, and the Pillars of Eternity franchise. The Outer Worlds will be available in calendar 2019, during Take-Two’s fiscal year 2020 (ending March 31, 2020) on PC, PlayStation®4 system, and across the Xbox One family of devices, including Xbox One X.

In The Outer Worlds, you awake from hibernation on a colonist ship lost in transit to its destination on the edge of the galaxy, only to find yourself in the midst of a deep conspiracy threatening to destroy the colony. As you explore the furthest reaches of space and encounter various factions, all vying for power, the character you decide to become will determine how this player-driven story unfolds. In the corporate equation for the colony, you are the unplanned variable.

“It’s great to be working with Tim again. It’s rare to find a co-creator who compliments your skill set so well – Tim’s great at the things I’m not and vice versa,” said Leonard Boyarsky, co-game director at Obsidian. “But what we both seem to have a knack for is making in-depth single-player RPGs where the player can define their character and play the game any way they choose.”

“There’s something very special about the combination of my lighter humor and Leonard’s darker take on things. It affects everything in the game – the setting, the characters, the dialogs,” added Tim Cain, co-game director at Obsidian. “Plus, we have a great team here at Obsidian, and we’re making sure The Outer Worlds delivers what players want from a new RPG universe.”

“Obsidian’s pedigree in creating excellent single-player RPGs that empower meaningful player agency in combination with the characteristic dark humor of Tim and Leonard is second to none,” said Michael Worosz, SVP and head of Private Division. “With The Outer Worlds, the team is crafting an incredible new sci-fi RPG that celebrates the world-building and player-driven storytelling the studio is known for in fresh and exciting ways.”

Check out The Outer Worlds official announcement trailer on YouTube now.

The Outer Worlds will be available in calendar 2019, during Take-Two’s fiscal year 2020 (ending March 31, 2020) for PS4™ system, Xbox One, and PC. The Outer Worlds is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information on The Outer Worlds, subscribe on YouTube, follow on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook, and visit www.TheOuterWorlds.com.