Archive - 2014

The Shout! Factory Announces San Diego Comic-Con 2014 Plans

2014/07/14

JULY 12, 2014 — Over the years, Shout! Factory has become a mainstay of Comic-Con International, and its pedigree of unique home entertainment products, panel events and convention exclusives elicits a deafening chorus of oohs and ahs from Comic-Con attendees. As a leading multi-platform entertainment company, Shout! Factory continues to expand its reach to a multitude of pop culture fans spanning Shout! Factory, Shout! Kids and Scream Factory™. This year, Shout! Factory returns to Comic-Con International 2014 with a dynamic lineup, featuring a revealing panel event, a showcase of new home entertainment products, Comic-Con exclusive items and engaging booth activities. Fans and convention attendees are invited to join in on the excitement at the Shout! Factory booth (#4248) on the main convention floor.

If your idea of fun is binge-watching pop culture entertainment and geeking-out over enduring cult TV hits, retro-horror/sci-fi classics, outlandish comedies and fantastical CG-animated movie adventures, you will not want to miss this year’s panel event: An Inside Look at Shout! Factory, Shout! Kids and Scream Factory on Friday, July 25, 2014 at 7pm (Room 23ABC). Join Brian Ward (DVD Producer), Melissa Boag (VP, Kids & Family) and Jeff Nelson (Sr. Marketing Director) as they make special announcements and unveil exclusive sneak peeks of upcoming Blu-ray/DVD collector’s editions and new movies coming to theaters this fall. This is a fan-driven insider’s event filled with lively discussion and more than a few surprises. This panel discussion and Q&A will be moderated by entertainment writer & critic Kyle Anderson (NERDIST.com).

Shout! Factory makes its mark at Comic-Con this year with the MY LITTLE PONY: EQUESTRIA GIRLS – RAINBOW ROCKS photo booth, numerous Comic-Con exclusives, exciting booth activities and special advance screenings of two highly anticipated CG-animated movies – SLUGTERRA: RETURN OF THE ELEMENTALS from Nerd Corps Entertainment and THUNDER AND THE HOUSE OF MAGIC from renowned 3D filmmakers Ben Stassen and Jeremie Degruson before they hit movie theaters across the country.

Shout! Factory Booth (#4248) and the studio’s Shout! Factory Store will once again be a must-visit destination on the convention center floor. Poised to ignite fans and Comic-Con attendees of all ages, the Shout! Factory booth will showcase the latest offerings from fan-driven product lines, fan interactive activities, premium giveaways and much more! The Shout! Factory Store, located in Shout’s booth, is back at Comic-Con this year with a pedigree of exclusives and upcoming home entertainment offerings.

For continuing updates on Shout! Factory’s Comic-Con activities and news, please follow us on Twitter @ShoutFactory, hashtag #SDCC14 and the studio’s official Facebook page facebook.com/shoutfactoryofficial.

SCHEDULE OF SHOUT! FACTORY EVENTS AT COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL 2014 PANEL, FILM SCREENINGS, IN-BOOTH ACTIVITIES, VIP APPEARANCES AND MORE!

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Preview Night

Thursday, July 24, 2014

10:30 AM

Power Rangers appearance at Shout! Factory booth #4248

1:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Slugterra’s Burpy The Slug appearance at Shout! Factory booth.

Friday, July 25, 2014

10:30 AM

Power Rangers appearance at Shout! Factory booth #4248

11:30 AM – 2:30 PM

MY LITTLE PONY: EQUESTRIA GIRLS – RAINBOW ROCKS Photo Op at

Shout! Factory booth #4248

3PM

SIGNING EVENT! Jason David Frank from the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Slugterra’s Burpy The Slug appearance at Shout! Factory booth. Get your picture taken with Burpy the Slug

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

AN INSIDE LOOK AT SHOUT! FACTORY, SHOUT! KIDS AND SCREAM FACTORY Panel Event

Location: Room 23ABC, Convention Center

Saturday, July 26, 2014

10:30 AM – 1:30 PM

MY LITTLE PONY: EQUESTRIA GIRLS – RAINBOW ROCKS Photo Op at Shout! Factory booth

11:50 AM

Special Film Screening of SLUGTERRA: RETURN OF THE ELEMENTALS

Location: Marriott Marina Ballroom D

1:30 PM

Special Film Screening of THUNDER AND THE HOUSE OF MAGIC

Location: Marriott Marina Ballroom D

3:00 PM

Power Rangers appearance at Shout! Factory booth #4248

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Get a free exclusive Fire Elemental figurine!

9:30 AM

Power Rangers appearance at Shout! Factory booth #4248

10:30 AM – 1:30 PM

MY LITTLE PONY: EQUESTRIA GIRLS – RAINBOW ROCKS Photo Op

1:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Slugterra’s Burpy The Slug appearance

SHOUT! FACTORY BOOTH (#4248) HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

MY LITTLE PONY: EQUESTRIA GIRLS – RAINBOW ROCKS PHOTO BOOTH

In celebration of the new animated movie MY LITTLE PONY: EQUESTRIA GIRLS – RAINBOW ROCKS, Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios, will feature an interactive photo kiosk at the Shout! Factory booth. Join the fun and savor the moment with props and fun. You’ll get a printed photo and can pick-up a digital copy online to easily share with your friends.

COMIC-CON EXCLUSIVES!

Come by to get your MY LITTLE PONY:FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC poster and receive a free, exclusive MY LITTLE PONY: EQUESTRIA GIRLS – RAINBOW ROCKS poster tube (while they last)!

Limited-Edition SCREAM FACTORY™ Blood Red T-Shirt

Stop by Shout! Factory booth for your FREE 2014 Button Pack and other SCREAM FACTORY goodies including collectible keychains, screen wipes and more!

Come by to get your Free TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS poster

SPECIAL FILM SCREENINGS PRESENTED BY SHOUT! KIDS AT COMIC-CON

SLUGTERRA: RETURN OF THE ELEMENTALS (Saturday, July 26 at 11:50 AM, Marriott Marina Ballroom D)

Shout! Factory, Screenvision and Nerd Corps Entertainment have teamed up to bring a new feature-length original movie Slugterra: Return of the Elementals to cinemas across the U.S. beginningAugust 2, 2014. In Slugterra: Return of the Elementals, Junjie, a new member of the Shane Gang is a master of the mysterious slug slinging art of Slug Fu! But even with the power of five slingers, the Shane Gang are in over their heads as they attempt to protect the five legendary Elemental Slugs, ancient slugs of great power and the forebarers of all slugs in Slugterra. When an evil alliance starts hunting down the Elementals, Eli and his friends — old and new — take off in pursuit of the greatest threat their world has ever faced! (2014, Rated TV-Y7-FV)

THUNDER AND THE HOUSE OF MAGIC (Saturday, July 26 at 1:30 PM, Marriott Marina Ballroom D)

Directed by renowned 3D filmmakers Ben Stassen (Fly Me To The Moon, Sammy’s Adventures: Escape From Paradise) and Jeremie Degruson (A Turtles Tale: Sammy’s Adventure), with original music by Ramin Djawadi (Pacific Rim, Game Of Thrones), THUNDER AND THE HOUSE OF MAGIC is a whimsical animated family adventure, bringing to life a unique story with a great sense of humor, positive values and universal appeal. Brimming with spectacular CG animation and endearing characters, this internationally acclaimed motion picture delivers a fun and highly entertaining movie experience for kids and the entire family.

THUNDER AND THE HOUSE OF MAGIC tells the story of Thunder, an abandoned young cat seeking shelter from a storm stumbles into a mysterious mansion owned by Lawrence, a retired magician. With all of Lawrence’s animal friends, including Jack the Rabbit and Maggie the Mouse, and a dazzling array of automatons and gizmos, you’d think this fantastically strange house wouldn’t have any vacancies. But as far as Lawrence is concerned, there’s always room for one more! Just as Thunder begins to feel at home, trouble strikes when Lawrence ends up in the hospital and the magician’s naughty nephew tries to trick him into selling the house. But Thunder and his newfound friends have a few tricks up their sleeves as they put aside their differences to defend their home with a delightfully spooky strategy.

(2013, Not Rated: For All Audiences)

SHOUT! FACTORY, SHOUT! KIDS and SCREAM FACTORY HOME ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS

MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC: THE KEYS OF FRIENDSHIP

Ponies make the best friends! With that in mind, My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic: The Keys Of Friendship is coming to DVD on July 29 in the U.S. and Canada from Shout! Kids in collaboration with Hasbro Studios. The five episodes include “Rarity Takes Manhattan,” “Pinkie Apple Pie,” “It Ain’t Easy Being Breezies,” “Twilight’s Kingdom, Part 1,” and “Twilight’s Kingdom, Part 2.” A fun sing-along is included as a bonus feature. Since her arrival in Ponyville, Twilight Sparkle has learned the true meaning and value of friendship. With her very best friends — Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy and, of course, Spike — Twilight goes on the greatest of adventures and comes back with even more lessons learned. All of this has earned Twilight her wings and the crown of a Princess and now you can learn what Princess Twilight Sparkle has learned and take with you The Keys Of Friendship.

TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED: THE COMPLETE SERIES

The long-awaited third season of TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED is finally available on DVD! Fans of the popular TRANSFORMERS classic animated adventures can relive the excitement and action of OPTIMUS PRIME and his team of AUTOBOTS through the complete TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED series, including the never-before-released Season Three DVD, in one exciting home entertainment collection. From 2007-2009, TRANSFORMERS fans and kids were introduced to this high-octane action adventure series, which chronicles the brave AUTOBOTS as they seek to protect the ALLSPARK, their new adopted home Earth and their human friends from the Earth-bound super villains.

TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON: THE COMPLETE SERIES

This summer, relive some of the most astonishing classic action battles of ROBOTS IN DISGUISE and complete your home entertainment collection of the rare UNICRON Trilogy with TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON: THE COMPLETE SERIES, featuring all the action-packed episodes collected in one deluxe 7-DVD box set. In 2005, TRANSFORMERS fans were introduced to the animated series TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON, the third installment of the rare UNICRON Trilogy – consisting of ARMADA, ENERGON and CYBERTRON. UNICRON has been defeated, but his destruction has created a black hole, which is threatening the AUTOBOTS’ home world of CYBERTRON. It’s up to OPTIMUS PRIME, his team of heroic AUTOBOTS and their new human friends — Coby, Lori and Bud — to secure the four mystical Cyber Planet Keys, in order to destroy the black hole. Unfortunately MEGATRON and the DECEPTICONS are always lurking. And if the Cyber Planet Keys fall into their hands, it could mean the end of life as we know it. The race is on!

MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000: VOLUME 30

This summer, escape from your daily grind with an idyllic getaway aboard the Satellite of Love with the release of Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume 30 on July 29th, 2014. Featuring four episodes previously unavailable on DVD – The Black Scorpion, Outlaw (of Gor) aka Gor II, The Projected Man, and It Lives By Night, the latest volume is loaded with bonus features including new featurettes Stinger Of Death: Making The Black Scorpion; Shock To The System: Creating The Projected Man; Writer Of Gor: The Novels of John Norman; Director Of Gor: On Set With John “Bud” Cardos; Producer Of Gor: Adventures With Harry Alan Towers, theatrical trailers, four exclusive mini-posters by artist Steve Vance and more!

HERZOG: THE COLLECTION Blu-ray™

A visionary creator unlike any other, with a passion for unveiling truths about nature and existence by blurring the line between reality and fiction, Werner Herzog is undoubtedly one of cinema’s most controversial and enigmatic figures. Shout! Factory will release Herzog: The Collection on July 29th, 2014. Limited to 5,000 copies, the 13-disc box set features 16 acclaimed films and documentaries, 15 of which are making their Blu-ray debuts. Herzog: The Collection also features a 40-page book that includes photos, an essay by award-winning author Stephen J. Smith, and in-depth film synopses by Herzog scholars Brad Prager and Chris Wahl. Bonus features include English and German audio commentaries, the documentaries Herzog In Africa and Portrait: Werner Herzog, interviews and original theatrical trailers

GINGER SNAPS Blu-ray™ (gift-with-purchase items: limited-edition poster + SCREAM FACTORY coasters)

Fifteen-year-old Brigitte Fitzgerald (Emily Perkins, Insomnia, Juno) and her nearly-16-year-old sister Ginger (Katharine Isabelle, Freddy Vs. Jason, See No Evil 2) are both best friends and outcasts. Obsessed with dying and bound by a childhood pact to stay together forever, they loathe their mind-numbing existence in the suburbs of Bailey Downs. One night, the two girls are heading through the woods when Ginger is savagely attacked by a wild creature. Ginger’s horrible wounds miraculously heal over, but something is not quite right about her. Ginger is irritable and in denial. But to Brigitte, it is obvious that a terrifying force has taken hold of her sister. Bonus features include new interviews with director John Fawcett, writer Karen Walton, actors Emily Perkins and Jesse Moss, producer Steve Hoban, make-up effects artist Paul Jones, composer Mike Shields and editor Brett Sullivan, a new “Women in Horror” panel discussing Ginger Snaps, an audio commentary with director John Fawcett, an audio commentary with writer Karen Walton, deleted scenes with optional commentary by John Fawcett and Karen Walton, The Making Of Ginger Snaps – vintage featurette, Creation Of the Beast – vintage featurette, Being John Fawcett – vintage featurette, cast auditions and rehearsals, theatrical trailers, TV spots, production design and an artwork photo gallery.

PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE Blu-ray™ (gift-with-purchase items include limited-edition poster + SCREAM FACTORY coasters)

The music made him do it! Phantom Of The Paradise, the darkly satirical cult favorite from acclaimed writer and director Brian De Palma (Carrie, Dressed To Kill) makes its American Blu-ray debut . The Faustian tale of Swan (Paul Williams, who also wrote the acclaimed score) an evil record tycoon who is tormented by the disfigured composer Winslow Leach (William Finley, Sisters) he once wronged, this Academy Award-nominated horror musical classic is packed to the rafters with bonus features, including new interviews with Brian De Palma, Paul Willaims and Tom Burman; new audio commentary with producer Jack Fisk, a new audio commentary with Jessica Harper, Gerrit Graham and the Juicy Fruits (Archie Hahn, Jeffrey Comanor and Harold Oblong aka Peter Eibling); as well as a DVD of additional bonus content, including a new interview with producer Edward R. Pressman, a new featurette, the neon poster art, and much, much more!

MOTEL HELL Blu-ray™ (gift-with-purchase items include limited-edition poster+ SCREAM FACTORY coasters)

People come from far and wide to sample Farmer Vincent’s distinctively flavored dried, smoked sausages, but one might well ask why there are so few people staying at the nearby kitschy Motel Hello. Also, have you ever wondered about the secret ingredients that make his meats taste so darn good? The ‘80s cult classic, horror-comedy film MOTEL HELL, directed by Kevin Connor (At The Earth’s Core, The House Where Evil Dwells) takes a frighteningly funny look into the different kinds of critters that make up Farmer Vincent’s fritters with plenty of surprises. Packed with insightful bonus content and all-new interviews, this definitive collector’s edition also contains a collectible cover featuring newly rendered retro-style artwork and a reversible cover wrap with original theatrical key art.

WITHOUT WARNING Blu-ray™ (gift-with-purchase item: SCREAM FACTORY coasters)

The hunting season has begun. Earth is the new hunting ground for an alien life form that preys on human fear and feeds on human flesh. Beyond any known terror, mankind is about to become the next endangered species in the 1980 sci-fi horror cult classic WITHOUT WARNING, also known as IT CAME WITHOUT WARNING, from celebrated exploitation filmmaker Greydon Clark (Joysticks,Satan’s Cheerleaders). A non-stop ride into extra-terror-strial mayhem, this highly sought-after sci-fi creature thriller stars Oscar® winners Jack Palance (Batman) and Martin Landau (Ed Wood), Tarah Nutter (Bitter Harvest), Christopher S. Nelson (Roller Boogie), Cameron Mitchell (Blood and Black Lace), Neville Brand (Eaten Alive), Sue Ane Langdon (UHF), Ralph Meeker (Kiss Me Deadly), Larry Storch (F Troop) and featuring David Caruso (CSI: Miami) in an early role and Kevin Peter Hall (Predator) as the alien. Arriving for the first time on Blu-ray™ and DVD, WITHOUT WARNING Blu-ray+DVD combo pack contains insightful bonus content, as well as a collectible cover featuring newly rendered retro-style artwork and a reversible cover wrap with original theatrical key art.

About Shout! Factory

Shout! Factory, LLC is a diversified multi-platform entertainment company devoted to producing, uncovering, preserving and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their entire careers sharing their music, television and film favorites with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory’s DVD and Blu-Ray™ offerings serve up feature films, classic and contemporary TV series, animation, live music and comedy specials in lavish packages crammed with extras. Shout’s audio division boasts GRAMMY®-nominated box sets, new releases from storied artists, lovingly assembled album reissues and indispensable “best of” compilations. In addition, Shout! Factory maintains a vast digital distribution network which delivers video and audio content to all the leading digital service providers in North America. Shout! Factory also owns and operates Timeless Media Group, Biograph Records, Majordomo Records, HighTone Records and Video Time Machine. These riches are the result of a creative acquisition mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. Shout! Factory is based in Santa Monica, California. For more on Shout! Factory, visit shoutfactory.com

Red Hood Vs Punisher Super Power Beatdown Video

2014/07/14

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos

Machinima Prime has released a new “Super Beatdown Video” featuring the Red Hood vs. the Punisher. Enjoy!

Video

Arma 3 Boot Camp Update Trailer

2014/07/14

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

JULY 14, 2014 — Bohemia Interactive today released Arma 3 Bootcamp – a major new update for Arma 3, which delivers additional single- and multiplayer tutorials, a Virtual Reality training environment, a character- equipment- and weapons-viewer called Virtual Arsenal, refinements to the fatigue and weapon sway game mechanics, plus the anticipated Addon integration for Arma 3’s Steam Workshop. The update is further introduced in the brand new Arma 3 Bootcamp trailer.

SP Campaign
The ‘Bootcamp’ singleplayer campaign is the best place to get started with Arma 3. Introducing the basic principles of infantry combat – actions, navigation, and weapon handling – a short prologue campaign challenges new players to complete real objectives.
MP Bootcamp
Multiplayer Bootcamp is a great way for veteran players to help newcomers adapt to Arma 3. Offering a structured set of challenges for both trainees and instructors, MP Bootcamp uses the Zeus framework to give players the tools they need to create a tutorial gameplay on-the-fly.
VR Training
VR Training enables you to learn about basic game mechanics within the confines of a virtual world and practice without penalty. A variety of training topics focus upon individual gameplay elements, where players are guided to complete simple objectives with the support of contextual hints and tips.
Virtual Arsenal
Virtual Arsenal is a character, equipment and weapon viewer, which enables you to cycle through and try-out in-game assets, configure custom settings – such as identity types and insignia – and export loadouts to script or used in Arma 3 Zeus scenarios.

Trailer

In addition to the new content, Bohemia Interactive also took the opportunity to further refine the fatigue and weapon sway mechanics in Arma 3. Weapon Sway and Inertia is intended to simulate the inherent advantages that lighter and more compact firearms possess (particularly in close-quarter situations) as compared to relatively more cumbersome weapons. For Arma 3, this means that players may turn as quickly as they like, but shouldn’t expect their sights to line up dead on target if they are carrying heavier weapons. The improvements to the Fatigue system are related. While players will always be able to run, their rate of movement can now be limited based on the weight of their gear, their state of health, and the management of their stamina.

Last but not least, the Bootcamp Update implements a further integration of the Steam Workshop in Arma 3. Whereas before the Steam Workshop was limited to player-created Arma 3 scenarios, people will now also be able to upload and share addons, such as custom weapons, vehicles, gear, and much more. Additionally, the first iteration of Arma 3’s dedicated Game Launcher has been published, which functions as a separate executable that enables players to more easily set starting parameters and helps to organize, maintain, and load installed Arma 3 mods.

The Arma 3 Bootcamp Update is now available for free to all owners of Arma 3 and will download and install automatically via Steam.

The regular edition of Arma 3 (44.99 EUR/39.99 GBP/59.99 USD) and the Arma 3 Digital Deluxe Edition (49.99 EUR/42.99 GBP/64.99 USD) – which includes the Arma 3 soundtrack, tactical maps of Altis and Stratis, a tactical guide containing more than 350 pages, and Bohemia Interactive’s debut game Arma: Cold War Assault – are available for purchase from Steam andStore.bistudio.com. A boxed version of Arma 3 is sold at many major high-street retailers.

For more information, please visit http://www.arma3.com and/or follow Arma 3 on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Tekken 7 Announced at EVO 2014

2014/07/14

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

JULY 1X, 2014 – CARY, NC – Today at the Evolution Championship Series (EVO) fighting game tournament held in the Westgate Las Vegas Hotel & Resort, BANDAI NAMCO announced TEKKEN 7, the latest installment of the venerable franchise, powered by the award-winning Unreal Engine 4.

“The power and flexibility means that we can focus our efforts on making TEKKEN 7 the best possible game without worrying about spending time creating a stand-alone graphic engine,” said Katsuhiro Harada, TEKKEN series Executive Producer/Game Director at BANDAI NAMCO. “With Unreal Engine 4, we could rapidly achieve visual quality expected on next-gen platform and go beyond it. Not only is Unreal Engine 4 powerful and easy to use, but it allows us to immediately bring TEKKEN 7 to any platform we desire.”

TEKKEN 7 took center stage at EVO, bringing the competition to a halt with a sizzling trailer hinting towards the ambitious technical feats that Unreal Engine 4 will make possible for Harada and the TEKKEN development team. Working closely with the Epic Games engine group in Japan and leveraging the might of UE4, these two teams are fueling the next generation of fighting games.

“The Tekken franchise is beloved and we couldn’t be more excited to be working with the talented team at BANDAI NAMCO,” said Taka Kawasaki, Studio Head at Epic Games Japan. “This marriage is perfect – the most powerful engine in gaming along with one of the most enduring brands in fighting games. We have no doubt that these forces coming together will yield fantastic results.”

Tekken 7 joins a long line of games that have been announced recently and shown to be powered by Unreal Engine 4. Crackdown, EVE: Valkyrie, Fable Legends and many others round out the rapidly growing list of games using the engine. Developed by Epic Games, the award-winning Unreal Engine is known for its cutting-edge graphics technology, world-class toolset and scalability across PC, console and mobile platforms. Since its public launch as a $19 per month subscription-based service at the 2014 Game Developers Conference (GDC), Unreal Engine 4 has been evolving at a rapid pace. Development of the engine has been driven further by feedback from the community and numerous updates from Epic’s team of world-class engineers.

For more information on Unreal Engine 4, please visit www.unrealengine.com

Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution 2 Review (iOS)

2014/07/14

Ripper71

Mobile News, Mobile Review, News, Reviews

When it comes to strategy video games no other name holds as much weight as Sid Meier. I have played Sid Meier’s games on multiple platforms one of my all time favorite being Pirates both on the PC and PSP. I was honestly amazed they were able to get a full game on to such a small disc as the PSP UMD but the UMd was a very underestimated drive with quite a capacity. Going into reviewing Sid Meier’s Revolution 2 on the iOS I again had lower expectations and was again surprised because the simple fact is that if the put the Sid Meier name one something you are getting the full experience.

First off the graphics and sounds are great, just what you would expect on a PC but not quite what you are used to on an iOS platform. The controls were smooth, I actually preferred them greatly to the PC ones since everything was point, click or slide and designed specifically for iOS. The menus were very intuitive and if you couldn’t figure out what to do next you could always get a hint or replay the tutorial.

Controls are great, graphics are nice but if a title doesn’t have great gameplay it is worthless. Somehow they managed to fit a full, PC game-like experience into a little iOS title. You can choose scenarios, maps, famous leaders and empires, and you have several levels of difficulty. If you want a quick easily play you can randomize and choose a low level of difficulty. You will still get a decent amount of playtime you just won’t have to be at it all day. If you really want to challenge yourself to diety level in which case you had better save often and use all 9 of the save slots because you may find you have to go back two or three turns to keep the enemies from running you down.

In the games there are multiple aspects such as diplomacy, military, culture, economy, all the different things you have some to expect from Sid Meier. The higher the difficulty the deeper you need to dive into each of these and tweak minor nuances. Lower level it is mostly whether or not you are ready to take on another empire or whether you should be building walls instead of instead of libraries. One lesson I definitely was reminded of early, don’t pick too many fights, a little diplomacy might keep your empire on the map.

Last Call:
Sid Meier’s Civilization 2 on the iOS is a full PC experience on the go. You can play it on your iPad or iPhone and have an equally great time. It works with all levels of players and gives massive diversity so that you can play casual or a simple map that takes days to complete. It is hard to imagine how they will be able to improve on the strategy genre on a portable device, but I would be surprised if it says “Sid Meier’s” on it when they do.

[easyreview title=”Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″ ]

Screenshots

Cartoon Network Announces Comic-Con 2014 Plans

2014/07/12

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, SDCC

July 11, 2014 — Cartoon Network invades Comic-Con® International: San Diego 2014 showcasing all of its’ hit original animated comedy series with star studded panels, signings, screenings, costume contests, exclusive giveaways and more! The Network will offer the ultimate fan experience! Get an inside look at the hottest animated shows on TV with exclusive clips, panels and Q&A sessions sure to answer all of those burning questions — straight from the series creators, producers and voice talent. Fanboys and fangirls rejoice! The epic Adventure Time ConQuest will return for the third consecutive year with an all new treasure-filled journey throughout the San Diego Convention Center.

Always a favorite on the Convention floor, the Cartoon Network booth will pay homage to popular series Adventure Time, Regular Show, Steven Universe, Uncle Grandpa, and Clarence. Fans can immerse themselves in their favorite shows, with three different one-of-a-kind “selfie” photo experiences and collect exclusive Comic-Con giveaways including five different Cartoon Network themed buttons each day.

The party doesn’t stop when the convention floor closes! For the first time ever, Cartoon Network will present special night time screenings exclusively for the Comic-Con audience, offering fans an insider look at some of their favorite shows. Other Cartoon Network series featured at San Diego Comic-Con include Teen Titans Go!, LEGO® Ninjago, and LEGO® Legends of CHIMA™.

Below is a list of Cartoon Network series panels, fan events, screenings and signings at 2014 Comic-Con International in San Diego, Calif., Thursday, July 24 – Sunday, July 27, 2014. Events as well as series producers and talent scheduled to appear are subject to change. Details on the Adventure Time ConQuest will be announced shortly.

For continuing information about Cartoon Network at San Diego Comic-Con and for real-time updates during the convention, please follow us on Twitter at @CartoonNetPR. Official hashtag #CNSDCC.

CARTOON NETWORK PANELS

FRIDAY, JULY 25

Cartoon Network presents a back-to-back panel extravaganza featuring Uncle Grandpa & Clarence followed by Adventure Time, moderated by the super-talented man-of-many-voices Tom Kenny.

CARTOON NETWORK PRESENTS: UNCLE GRANDPA & CLARENCE

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Hilton Bayfront – Indigo Ballroom

Good Mornin’! What’s better than a panel of one Cartoon Network Comedy? TWO CARTOON NETWORK COMEDIES! That’s right fans, prepare yourself for double the comedy, double the fun and double the friends with Uncle Grandpaand Clarence! Join the always entertaining cast and crew for a behind-the-scenes look at two of the newest hit shows on Cartoon Network. It’s woooooorth it. Joining us from Uncle Grandpa will be creator Pete Browngardt (Uncle Grandpa), Kevin Michael Richardson (Mr. Gus) and Eric Bauza (Belly Bag). Joining us from Clarence will be Spencer Rothbell (Head of Story), Tom Kenny (Tiny Miracle, Uncle Grandpa and Sumo, Clarence) and Eric Edelstein(Chad).

CARTOON NETWORK PRESENTS: ADVENTURE TIME

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Hilton Bayfront – Indigo Ballroom

Oh my glob, what would Comic-Con be without Adventure Time? Never fear, fans, Cartoon Network is bringing back the most mathematical show on TV to San Diego Comic-Con 2014. You know what time it is! So get off your lumps and hang out with the fantastical cast and crew as they dish on all things Adventure Time and share never-before-seen footage. The following friends will be joining us from the Land of Ooo for a super sick panel: Jeremy Shada (Finn), John DiMaggio (Jake), Tom Kenny (Ice King), Olivia Olson (Marceline), Kent Osborne (Head of Story), Adam Muto (Co-Executive Producer) and MORE!

SATURDAY, JULY 26

Cartoon Network presents a back-to-back Panel Extravaganza featuring Steven Universe and Regular Show.

CARTOON NETWORK PRESENTS: STEVEN UNIVERSE

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Hilton Bayfront – Indigo Ballroom

Believe in Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl… and STEVEN at this star-studded, musically inspired gem of a panel brought to you by Cartoon Network. Sure to delight your eyeballs and earlobes, you won’t want to miss a moment of the magic. Get the inside scoop and exclusive content from the following guardians of the universe: Steven Universe creator Rebecca Sugar, Ian Jones-Quartey (Supervising Director), Zach Callison (Steven), Estelle (Garnet), Deedee Magno Hall (Pearl), Michaela Dietz (Amethyst) and Tom Scharpling (Greg).

CARTOON NETWORK PRESENTS: REGULAR SHOW

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Hilton Bayfront – Indigo Ballroom

Dude, the extraordinary hit comedy from Cartoon Network is returning to the spotlight in San Diegoooooooooooooooh! It’s been the Year of the Rigby, a season filled with hilarious adventure and shockers! Brace yourselves for a specialRegular Show panel with even more fun and surprises – including never-before-seen footage. So bring your bros and let’s get this party started! The following slackers will be joining us all the way from the park: Regular Show creator, JG Quintel (Mordecai), William Salyers (Rigby), Roger Craig Smith (Thomas), Minty Lewis (voice of Eileen & Storyboard Artist), Matt Price (Story Editor) and Sean Szeles (Supervising Director).

SUNDAY, JULY 27

LEGO®: LEGENDS OF CHIMA™

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Room 25ABC

Brian Bowler (Brand Marketing Director, The LEGO Group) will take you on an exclusive, inside look at the development of LEGO® Legends of CHIMA™ with Tommy Andreasen (Senior Creative Manager, The LEGO Group), John Derevlany (Writer, The LEGO Group), and Samuel Johnson (Senior Product Designer, The LEGO Group). Hear how the TV series and toys came to life, with the team behind the theme!

WB PANEL: Teen Titans Go!

11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Room 6BCF

Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Beast Boy and Raven continue the fun in Teen Titans Go! with all-new comedic adventures, giving viewers a look at what life is really like as a teen super hero … once the cape comes off.

LEGO®: NINJAGO PANEL

2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Room 5AB

Join the LEGO® Ninjago team to hear about the development of the LEGO®: Ninjago TV show and toys. Tommy Andreasen (Senior Creative Manager, The LEGO Group), Dan Hageman (Writer, Ninjago TV Series), Kevin Hageman (Writer, Ninjago TV Series), and Simon Lucas (Product Designer Manager, The LEGO Group) will discuss the behind-the-scenes development of the LEGO Ninjago product line and TV series, with Brian Bowler (Brand Marketing Director, The LEGO Group) moderating the panel.

CARTOON NETWORK SCREENINGS

THURSDAY, JULY 24

CARTOON NETWORK PRESENTS: ADVENTURE TIME ROYAL BALL

9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Room 7AB

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Princess Bubblegum cordially invites you to the first ever Royal Ball of Ooo at San Diego Comic-Con! Join us for an hour filled with mathematical magic as we screen a royal handful of your favorite Adventure Timeepisodes, including a world premiere! But wait, there’s more! Wear your favorite Adventure Time inspired outfit for this special celebration and you have the chance to walk away with a righteous prize! Now come one, come all (until we reach capacity!) for a ball of laughs, a ball of costumes, and a ball of royal awesomesauce!

FRIDAY, JULY 25

CARTOON NETWORK PRESENTS: A LOTT’A FUNNY, featuring CLARENCE, UNCLE GRANDPA, STEVEN UNIVERSE & THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL!

9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Room 7AB

After a long and exhausting day at the ‘Con, come chillax with Clarence, Uncle Grandpa, Steven Universe, and Gumball as they SQUEEEEZE into an hour of laughs for all to enjoy! Back-to-back-to-back-to-back episodes of NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN fun-stuffs is what awaits you at this exclusive San Diego Comic-Con screening event! And don’t forget to massage your mind muscles because if you can answer some ‘toon trivia, you might just win a prize! Aaaaw….new friends!

SATURDAY, JULY 26

CARTOON NETWORK PRESENTS: THE REGULAR SHOW ROCK-A-THON

8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Room 7AB

You and your best bros are totally invited to take the stage at The Regular Show Rock-A-Thon. Awwwwww yeauuuuh! Join Cartoon Network for the most rockin’ hour ever as we cut a rug to some classic episodes and jam out to a brand new one before anyone else gets to see it. But that’s not all — we challenge YOU to come correct with your best Regular Show number. The more awesome your performance, the more likely you are to WIN a prize! So what are you waiting for? Practice your funky fresh flow and let’s get this party started! Participation is limited.

CARTOON NETWORK SIGNINGS

All signings are at the Cartoon Network Booth #3735. Tickets are required and can be obtained at the booth.

FRIDAY, JULY 25

12:00 p.m. Uncle Grandpa & Clarence

2:00 p.m. Adventure Time

SATURDAY, JULY 26

12:00 p.m. Steven Universe

2:00 p.m. Regular Show

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com) is regularly the #1 U.S. television network in prime among boys 6-11 & 9-14. Currently seen in 97 million U.S. homes and 194 countries around the world, Cartoon Network is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for kids and families. In addition to Emmy-winning original programming and industry-leading digital apps and online games, Cartoon Network embraces key social issues affecting families with solution-oriented initiatives such as Stop Bullying: Speak Up.

Skylanders Heading to San Diego Comic-Con

2014/07/12

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, SDCC

July 11, 2014 — Skylanders, the video game that pioneered the Toys-to-Life™ genre, will descend upon San Diego Comic-Con for the first time in the franchise’s history starting on July 24. Fans will be among the first in the world to get hands-on experience with Skylanders Trap Team™, the newest installment to the Skylanders franchise. To celebrate, Activision Publishing, Inc. will award more than $5000 in prizes to the best Skylanderscostumes of the show. Fans now have a chance to bring their creativity to life by dressing up as one of their favorites, such as Spyro, Stealth Elf, Eruptor, Kaos or any of the characters from the Skylanders universe.

The costume contest will take place at the San Diego Comic-Con panel, “Skylanders: The Creative Process of Bringing Toys to Life,” where members of the Skylanders team will offer insights into the development process of one of the world’s most beloved and successful Toys-to-Life video game franchises. Panel speakers include comic book writer Ron Marz (Green Lantern, DC vs. Marvel), famed voice of Kaos Richard Horvitz (Invader Zim, Billy and Mandy), Activision’s Senior Vice President of Consumer Marketing, John Coyne, and Toys for Bob’s Director of Toy and Character Development, I-Wei Huang.

Prizing for the costume contest is as follows:

Grand Prize: $4,000
Runner Up: $1,000
2nd Runner Up: Collection of rare Skylanders toys

WHEN:

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Media Call Time: 5:45 p.m.

Event Begins: 6:00 p.m.

WHERE:

San Diego Convention Center, Room 7AB

111 W. Harbor Dr. San Diego, CA 92101

Razer Announces Atrox Arcade Stick for Xbox One

2014/07/12

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Peripherals News

LAS VEGAS (EVO 2014) – Razer™, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today unveiled the Razer Atrox Arcade Stick for at The Evolution Championship Series (EVO) 2014, the world’s largest fighting game tournament. Tested by some of the world’s best eSports athletes, the new console controller is customizable and constructed with modders and competitive gamers in mind.

Razer is building on the success of the original Razer Atrox Arcade Stick for the Xbox 360®, applying many years of collective gaming experience from pro gamers and the Razer community. Some of the world’s best eSports athletes who beta tested the Razer Atrox Arcade Stick for Xbox One will be participating in EVO 2014, including Team Razer member Xian, the event’s defending champion. Additionally, Razer partnered with Microsoft to design a limited edition faceplate for Killer Instinct – the exclusive launch title for the Xbox One, which is being showcased at EVO 2014.

The Razer Atrox Arcade Stick for Xbox One is the definitive Arcade Stick for tournament-grade gaming. It features eight genuine Sanwa™ Denshi buttons and an ergonomically authentic arcade layout. The inside of the platform opens up at the touch of a button, making it a breeze to customize for all tastes and play styles. Users are able to swap in their own personal designs for a unique look and feel by way of a honeycomb structure that allows for easy customization of internal components.

Dedicated slots inside the controller can be used to store the included alternate bat-top joystick, detachable USB cable and bundled screwdriver that can be used for easy modding.

“We designed the Razer Atrox Arcade Stick for Xbox One on the same principles that made the Razer Atrox for Xbox 360 so popular amongst the fighting game community,” says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO. “Professional gaming is growing rapidly into a global phenomenon, and gear like the Razer Atrox Arcade Stick for Xbox One will help fighting game players everywhere dominate the opposition in style, match after match.”

Razer previously demonstrated its ability to produce tournament-grade console products with the Razer Sabertooth and Razer Onza Xbox 360 controllers and the Razer Carcharias Xbox 360 gaming headset. For more information on the Razer Atrox Arcade Stick for Xbox One, go to http://www.razerzone.com/gaming-controllers/razer-atrox

Price: $199.99

Availability: Razerzone.com – August 2014

Worldwide – August 2014