Archive - 2013

Nether Releases Community Chosen Features

2013/12/19
Jerry Paxton
News, Windows PC News

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CHICAGO – December 19, 2013 – First-Person Urban Survival game Nether is giving early access fans what they’ve been asking for…literally, by releasing a bevy of new features chosen by the community, including a subway system that allows alternative routes for exploration, a wing glider that can be used for flying from rooftop to rooftop, and a new massive nether character. These features are the first in a series of ongoing content updates that are being developed in conjunction with community feedback and voting.

All new features include:
A Subway System – a brand new subterranean tunnel system that adds a whole new layer of depth to the decimated cityscapeA Wing Glider – allows players to make quick getaways or tactical moves by flying from rooftops to lower level roofs or platformsA New Nether – heavy, Golem enemy, massive in size and damage, requiring cooperative play to bring it downNew “Surge” Objective – a new world-objective that has players kill a mini-boss that attacks random areas of the city for an experience boostNew in-game items, including a flashlight, compass, road flare and smoke grenades

Nether will continue using player input on features for future updates and fans can currently vote here to determine if the next update will include either a helicopter or motorbike as an in-game mode of transportation.

“Our goal with Nether has always been to create content and a gaming experience that includes the community,” said Chip Sineni, Creative Director at Phosphor Games. “Since launching Nether into early access we’ve received tremendous feedback from our fans and we’re psyched to release the first set of public-driven features for everyone to enjoy.”

Nether is a first-person urban survival gaming experience unlike any other. Nether forces players to make quick life-saving decisions in an unforgiving environment. In this post-apocalyptic urban world, death is waiting around every corner, at the top of high-rise buildings, and in the grasp of powerful teleporting creatures known as nethers. To navigate this high-tension environment, players must use skill and cunning in order to obtain food, weapons, supplies, and other resources necessary to survive in a desolate and dangerous city. Players will need to choose whether or not to team up with others or go at it solo against the nethers, other players, and unpredictable, treacherous world objectives. In the end, players must decide if they will Prey or Pray.

More information on this title can also be found at http://playnether.com as well as at http://facebook.com/playnether or on Twitter @PlayNether.

Swann Bubble Bomber Review

2013/12/18
Ripper71
Gadget Review, Geek News, News, Reviews

Ask anyone on the team – when it comes to gadgets, I act like a kid. When it comes to toys, I become a kid.  I laugh, become prankish, and in general shed about 32 years off my maturity when I get a toy.  So when Swann sent us their Bubble Bomber RC Helicopter it was as if Christmas had arrived on our doorstep. The question was would it be so difficult to use that the novelty would wear off before the battery life like one of my previous flying RC ships?

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Description:
Meet Swann’s Bubble Bomber RC Helicopter. It’s proof that you’re never too old to have fun. The Bubble Bomber has all the cutting edge features of a modern remote controlled helicopter including powerful 2.4GHz wireless transmission, video game-styled controller with dual joysticks, trim control and more. It’s designed with Swann’s Easy-Fly Gyro technology to make it surprisingly easy to fly. Best of all, the Bubble Bomber can dump bubbles on targets you select at the push of a button using the remote control. It’s like being at the helm of a mission where your key objective is get up to mischief. Bombs away!

Hands On:
Ok the moment you fire this bad boy up you can’t help but smile. The body has a sweet looking grey and blue paint job but the lights are all police: flashing red and blue with a search light on the front. They can be turned off which helps conserve battery life, especially in bright daylight where it is less exciting but they look so cool when they are going.

Anyone who had never flown an RC craft have a quick lesson to learn in aerodynamics which they will either learn and embrace or give up flying ships forever. My first experience was with a drone, lower end model without a gyro or self stabilizing unit. It is fun as it takes off, then either dashes into an object or loses it’s air cushion stability and flips. It has sat for many months on display with an “I will master that another day” approach to it. Admittedly it does look nice on the stand.

If most of that last sentence was just some sort of techno babble to you that’s ok because most of those issues aren’t involved with a Swann RC. Swann realized that most of the fun in flying an RC aircraft is in the flying, not the mastering. They put in a gyro balance unit into all of their mini copters and make the trim as easy as pressing a left or right button if you feel the need. In other words you don’t need to know too much about aerodynamics to fly one, ignore the L/R buttons, don’t worry that a gyro isn’t just a Greek dish. Try to be gentle on the control adjustment and use one lever to lift off and the other to go directions, not much different from a game control (the remote actually looks like an XBox 360 remote). If you do care about why the plane crashes into the ceiling when it gets close or why it gets unstable too close to the ground the instruction book does explain it quite well.

Other buttons let you control the lights (on/off, flashing pattern), turbo for a little boost (advanced, you won’t need turbo anytime soon), and one of the most interesting buttons… bubbles. This particular model has a built in bubble blowing system which is just something you don’t see every day. This particular model is built with a reservoir in the front to hold bubble fluid and an auto bubble blower system in the body leading to the back where they come out. They are cute little bubbles about the size of a nickel and can be used in play as dropping bombs or to torment/delight family members by raining bubbles down upon them. If this is performed by a child (or a childish adult) supervision should be required so that an RC helicopter with spinning blades doesn’t rain down as well. It goes through bubble fluid pretty quick and the fluid is pretty hard to load (think I spilled more than I loaded) but it is a fun trip while it lasts.

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The blades may sting a bit on contact they will probably survive that impact and many others. Swann built the blades to fold upon impact with a surface adding to their durability and the frame of the helicopter is metal adding greatly to it’s toughness. When I opened the package and saw the spare blades I was a bit concerned but after many cringe worthy crashes I forgot where I left the spares and stopped being so worried. This little helicopter can do some fun stunts and flying, spectacular crashes just became part of the play. I didn’t try for them exactly but I was laughing instead of cringing soon.

Flight time between charges is estimated at 7 minutes. That sounds like a bummer and I remember with RC cars it definitely was, running them up and down the street with little control required the time flies and battery dies. There is something about RC aircraft though where you get so excited about getting them airborne and avoiding obstacles that the time doesn’t fly as fast. Maybe it has to do with getting pumped when you manage a minute of air time dodging household items then crashing because you get too low or too high or someone bats at it. RC car time is continuous use whereas the copter isn’t using much juice isn’t flying because of a crash. I played with it for over a half hour at a time without running out it’s juice, though when I was bubble bombing one of our cats with all the lights on I was probably getting close. Flight time with minimal lights and no bubbles going seem to last a long time so don’t sweat the 7 minute mark.

The aircraft is designed for indoor because of one major reason: air. Swann RC copters are tough enough to crash into harder surfaces than a sofa (man I hit the sofa a lot) but it doesn’t take much of a disturbance to take down ANY RC copter. Without getting too technical helicopters have difficulty in winds higher than 50 miles an hour, these copters are 1/80 the size of a standard helicopter making it 80 times more sensitive to wind. At that rate remote helicopters have trouble at .628 miles per hour which is a speed air conditioners and household fans can reach, yet alone old Mother Nature. If you can find a good open space without wind go for it, this baby has over 100 ft. transmission range and a great vertical climb, give it room to run and it will fly like crazy.

Last Call:
The bubbles are a bit hard to load, maybe a little open and closable hole to allow air to escape would make the bubble solution go in easier without having to fight so much. Otherwise the Swann Bubble Bomber is a beautiful, fantastic and easy to use RC flying machine. Strangely I think I have more holiday spirit now because I always wanted one of these growing up but they were too expensive, too difficult to fly and required too much room. The Bubble Bomber solves all those issues and adds the magic of falling bubbles.

[easyreview title=”Swann Bubble Bomber Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″ ]

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SwannEye HD Pan & Tilt Wi-Fi Security Camera Review (Gadgets/Tech)

2013/12/18
Ripper71
Gadget Review, News, Reviews, Tech News, Tech Review

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We here at Gamingshogun.com are very security conscious, especially since we often review cutting edge technologies or top of the line airsoft gear. It is easy to say that in our headquarters and at our houses we will often have gaming stuff worth more than our cars! I also have an added issue of a really bad back that has me laid up a lot and when the doorbell rings for deliveries I can’t always immediately get up and get to them. As a result, I have been particularly vocal in volunteering to cover any security cameras that might come our way. Then, just like Christmas, Swann offered us the opportunity to review their new SwannEye HD Pan & Tilt Wi-Fi Security Camera and I found I could rest more comfortably both in my bed and in my travels.

Features:

  • Internet security camera packed with features for home & small business surveillance 24/7
  • Saves video & HD pictures to an SD card & send email notification when motion is detected
  • Remotely Pan up to 350 degrees horizontally and Tilt up to 100 degrees vertically over the Internet or on your Smartphone or tablet
  • Easy 3 step set-up using a QR code & your Smartphone or tablet with no networking required
  • Hear every sound & conversation thanks to built-in microphone & speaker
  • Use the free app to view on your Smartphone or tablet including iPhone, iPad & Android devices
  • Compatible with Android, iOS, PC and Mac
  • Share videos & images through your social network at any time with ease

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Hands On:
I have already had some impressive experience with Swann while reviewing their Bubble Bomber mini helicopter and so I know they make quality products. Their main business however is home security systems, they have something to suit just about every need, so I was expecting to be even more impressed and I was. It started with installation which if you have the right kind of router makes it practically plug and play. In my case I didn’t have the right kind of router so it was a different process but still only took about ten minutes. I was following the steps and suddenly there was the camera feed before I expected it. If you have ever hooked up a gaming console to the internet it is much like that only easier.

Once I had it set up it was time to test the features. If you are accessing it through a computer you get a nice sized boxed image with a virtual remote next to it which looks similar to a tv one but allows you to pan, tilt, record, take stills, listen, speak through, adjust quality, just about anything you would want to do with a camera remotely. Everything about the system is designed to be user friendly and if you have any questions their short manual has the answers.

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If you are accessing the camera through your phone (in my case my iPhone) you can do just about anything you would have done with the computer interface only easier with a phone screen size in mind. On the computer you click a button to pan or tilt, on a phone you simply swipe your finger, the farther across the screen you swipe the more it pans or tilts. This isn’t near as precise as the computer controls but so much easier and truly designed with the little screen in mind so that even my huge fingers can work it.

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All this can be logged onto via the internet so if you have a device that can view video with an internet connection odds are Swann has software that will work with it. The applications are staggering, any use you could have for a security camera is available in this model for home or work. Want to know who is at your door and interact via an intercom system? You can do it with this camera and your computer or phone. Want to scan your yard to see if there is a dog doing it’s business there? You can check and record the perpetrator as evidence. That part alone has tons of applications in the business place and at home. You don’t even have to be watching it, you can set it up to record motion and it will save it down to a SD disc you can check later. Want to know what is knocking over your trashcans late at night? The camera has 8 built-in LED IR lights that illuminate up to 30 feet and the camera automatically switches from regular video to infrared when the lighting gets too low (the LED lights are visible on the camera so good concealment from smarter bad guys might be a consideration). Anywhere you can plug in to an outlet you can have camera coverage that you can check at home and on the go. The picture frame rate quality is dependent on the signal strength when in Wi-Fi mode but when plugged directly into the network is solid HD quality. You can record the video or stills on any device you are watching it on or use the before mentioned SD card in it’s base.

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Last Call:
I could use a whole network of these cameras in my life, especially with their versatility. I plan to have the camera pointed out the front window during the day to see who knocks and probably pointed at a particular rug one of our cats pees on at night to find out who the culprit is. When I travel I will have it pointed at my most valuable items and check from time to time to see if one of our cats are in the room so we can talk to it if we are feeling kitty homesick. When the coyotes get active outside our back fence I might set it up on infrared to see just how big the pack is and how close they get to our house. I may even use it for something as mundane as web chatting or when going to visit friends have the camera pointed at art we have out that they gave us to show them we put it up and everything. I can think of so many uses the only trouble I will have is using just one. SwannEye HD Pan & Tilt Wi-Fi Security Camera is the right fit for any home or business surveillance needs.

[easyreview title=”SwannEye HD Pan & Tilt Wi-Fi Security Camera Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″ ]

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Divoom Bluetune Bean Bluetooth Speaker Review

2013/12/18
Ripper71
Gadget Review, News, Reviews, Tech News, Tech Review

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Bluetooth speakers are popping up all over the place these days, so we here at GamingShogun.com are always looking for a speaker that does a little more or has a competitive edge due to shape, quality, or size. When the Divoom Bluetune Bean crossed my desk we had found a little speaker with a lot going for it.

Description:
I think if Jack had heard what the Beans were capable of right away he wouldn’t of hesitated in trading in that old cow for it.  That same magic went into designing and making the extraordinary Bluetune-Bean.  The Bean is meant to go everywhere you go without the need for you to have ample pocket or bag space.  Use the sturdy clip and stick it on your belt loop purse, stroller, anything you can think of.  Enjoy your music in utter convenience with Bluetooth wireless streaming.  We’ve also included a Mic so you can answer your phone calls with the Bean.

It gets said a lot but in this case affordable has truly never sounded so good.  Priced so that anyone can easily enjoy this fantastic little device.

All speakers have built in iON lithium rechargable batteries so you never need to buy batteries.  Listen for hours and recharge in no time!  Connect to your favorite music devices such as: Stereos, Mp3 Players, Ipods, iPad, Phones, Game Systems, TV’s, Computers, Laptops, Electric Guitars, and more!

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Features:
– Pocket sized speaker
– Built in Microphone
– Big wireless sound
– Clip on design18/divoom-bluetune-bean-bluetooth-speaker-review/3588_5-600×450/
– Built-in rechargeable battery
– Sporty look

Hands On:
I’ll admit to a little size prejudice when the Bean arrived, because most of my gaming mice are bigger than it. Actually it is almost identical in size to the wireless mouse that I take on trips with me, a tiny thing that would fit in a pocket or in the smallest compartments of a suitcase, tote bag, or backpack. It came with a tiny charging cord, a small metal hoop attached to the top of it, and a ring clip to attach to a bag or something.

One I got it out of the packaging I was able to palm it and its surface had a nice, unpolished rubber finish which continued around the sides that reminded me of a racket ball except it is shaped like a bean (or a mouse).  There are two rubber buttons on one side and a rubber cover protecting it’s charging port giving it a pretty solid protection from dropping and elements feel to it.  It is plain an unassuming, which I found to be a nice key feature to it.

For such an unassuming speaker, the surprise is really in the diversity of uses for it.  If you hold down the on button it will turn on and beep, at that point you take any device that takes bluetooth connection and it will be ready to pair with it.  It took less than 10 seconds to pair it with my phone, less than 15 before I had music playing from the speaker.  After that I found just how useful it was all around the house.

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We were going out to dinner when my wife got home from doing some shopping.  I was listening to music from the speaker while getting ready with my phone charging in the bedroom.  My wife called and I pushed the other button on the side of the speaker, the phone one, and it picked up and we started talking hands free through it while I continued getting ready.  Call ended and my music started back up.  I carried the speaker through the house while I got ready.  When we left I put my phone in my pocket and hung the speaker in the car.  If anyone called all I had to do was push the button and be hands-free safe talking while driving.

That was all the uses with just my phone and its music.  The Bluetune Bean is perfect if you just want to leave it in your car for a hands-free device for phone calls or directions at a very affordable price.  It is perfect if you want to leave your phone on the charger and walk around the house listening to music, podcasts, or internet radio.  The limits really are only what devices you connect with.

The sound quality is really good and can be fairly loud without distortion.  There isn’t a whole lot of bass packed into it, if you are trying to rattle your windows with the thumps this might not be for you, otherwise it is.

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Last Call:
Divoom’s Bluetune Bean Bluetooth Speaker  is a little marvel with big sound pack into a bean smaller than a computer mouse.  It has the extras you would want from a bluetooth speaker and more, with its built-in microphone and telephone interaction this is the perfect hands-free device to hang in your car for taking a call or listening to mapping directions while keeping your eyes and hands on the road.  Its six hour battery life and low price aren’t bad either.

[easyreview title=”Divoom Bluetune Bean Bluetooth Speaker Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″ ]

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Disneyland Holiday Festivities 2013 Review

2013/12/18
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Misc Review, News, Reviews

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Disneyland has once again performed a holiday makeover on both of its Anaheim, CA parks. At Disneyland, the large thoroughfare of Main Street, USA has been totally decked out for the holidays, with a gigantic Christmas tree located right when you walk into the park. There is also garland and holly strung up all over to bring in the season. Over in New Orleans Square, the holidays have taken a more creole twist, with New Orleans inspired decorations merged with some Halloween stuff. The reason for this is because the “Haunted Mansion” ride has been turned into the “Haunted Mansion Holiday” experience, with a [The] Nightmare Before Christmas makeover. Frontierland gave some old-world Americana holiday decorations, and we were very impressed with all the lights decorating the various buildings as day turned to night.

Over at Disney’s California Adventure park, the holiday transformation is also on display. In the park’s Buena Vista Street themed area, old Hollywood style gets made over with lights, Christmas trees, and lots of holly. The most drastic holiday makeover of either park, however, is that of the new Cars Land themed area. Already featuring some beautiful art designed inspired by the Cars movie franchise, the holiday version of the area is a thing of beauty. Each of the various shops and buildings have their own unique style and theme based on the character that owns or inhabits it. In a move of genius, each of the Cars Land shops and buildings has its very own Christmas tree made from various pieces of automotive equipment. Hanging snowflakes are constructed out of wrenches, license plates adorn trees, and one Christmas tree is literally a towering mass of tires. The attention to detail is exquisite.

Cruise through the images of our day’s adventure below, and we highly recommend you check out the Disneyland transformation before its over!

[easyreview title=”Disneyland Holiday 2013 Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]

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Thief – Stories from The City Part 2 Trailer

2013/12/18
Jerry Paxton
News, PlayStation 3 News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox 360 News, Xbox One News

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Montréal (December 18, 2013) – Square Enix® and Eidos-Montréal™, the award winning studio behind the critically acclaimed Deus Ex: Human Revolution®, today released the second trailer in a series of stylized videos that focus on the rich narrative and characters of THIEF’s corrupt and broken city.

Each trailer in the series tells a story from the perspective of a different character describing life in the broken, repressed City that is being ravaged by the ruthless Baron Northcrest and the mysterious sickness known as ‘The Gloom’.

“Let me tell you about the City. 
We both know a thing or two about survival. We have grown old together.
Time and again it has been brought down, only to rise from its own ashes.
But this time is different. The balance has shifted;
There will be blood. Seeping, oozing; bleeding from every artery in this city.
But still… there is one who may yet be the key.
One who fears the light inside him as much as the darkness.
Yes… He will do nicely”

Nobody knows how old the Queen of the Beggars actually is; rumor has it she’s as old as The City itself. Some say that although she is blind – she sees through the eyes of the rats that riddle the city streets. Despite being on the lowest layer of society, the Queen of the Beggars operates the beggar’s court with more respect, diplomacy and wisdom, than many of the people with real positions of power in the City. She is a wise, some say all knowing character whose words, beliefs and judgements should be revered.

THIEF is due for release on February 25, 2014 in North America.

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Knotts Berry Farm Unveils New Years Eve Plans

2013/12/17
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News
1 Comment

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BUENA PARK, CA – 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 ring in 2014.

Special one-night-only entertainment serves up family fun for a variety of ages and interests, including the Midnight Party on the Midway! Count down the New Year with music, stilt walkers, party hats, and noisemakers for everyone. And new this year, the Knott’s Sky Cabin, adorned with special lighting effects, will dramatically rise to the top of the “K” tower to count down the final moments of 2013. The cabin will reach the top at the stroke of midnight and the skies above Knott’s will be ablaze with colorful fireworks!

There’s live entertainment everywhere you turn. Adding to the line-up of can’t miss performers are:

  • Krazy Kirk & The Hillbillies! From the deep country hills of Anaheim, these boys will have toes tappin’ hands clappin’ and guts bustin’ during the best darn musical comedy show ever performed on the Wilderness Dance Hall stage.
  • The Reflexx, the ultimate 80’s party band, headlines the Calico Square Stage with a blast to the past of radical music from Depeche Mode, Flock of Seagulls, A-Ha, and more. And before The Reflexx take the stage, DJ REESSO spins popular high energy music in the Calico Square.
  • Comedy Magic of Dana Daniels will fill the Boardwalk Ballroom with uproarious laughter as he combines clean comedy, astounding magic, and a psychic parrot in his show.
  • Sharp Turn Ahead will headline the Camp Snoopy Theater with the up-and-coming teen duo’s fresh combination of energetic acoustic guitar and smooth keys, playing original tunes and covers of today’s pop hits.
  • Salsa Dancing with Louie Angon, DJ JC & Snoopy invite you to show off your dance moves at Fiesta Plaza and groove to the beat of this spicy music scene that’s Hot Hot Hot!
  • Party in the Dance Hall is home to boot scootin’ line dancing and two-stepping good times led by Dusty, the line dance caller on the Wilderness Dance Hall stage (between Krazy Kurk sets).
  • It’s Christmas, Snoopy will present encore performances into the evening. Join Snoopy and his pals as they skate their way through the joys of the Holiday season.
  • Snoopy’s Magical Nights of Lights features thousands of sparkling lights and holiday music throughout Camp Snoopy all night long, beginning at dusk.

Knott’s New Year’s Eve Celebration is included with regular daytime admission. Park hours are 10am to 1am. A 2014 Knott’s Season Pass is a great way to visit on New Year’s Eve. 2014 passes offer a year of family fun and includes one free visit in 2013. And for a limited time, purchase a Season Pass for as low as six easy payments of $13! To purchase Season Passes or tickets, or for more information about Knott’s Berry Farm, visit www.knotts.com or download the Knott’s mobile app for your smartphone today. And join the conversation using #KnottsNYE.