Archive - 2014

Video Games Live Announces E3 Performance

2014/04/18
Jerry Paxton
E3, Geek News, News

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Los Angeles, Calif. (April 14, 2014) – VIDEO GAMES LIVE, a complete celebration and multimedia concert experience featuring music from the most popular video games of all time, is making its way to Los Angeles at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. Ticket prices starting at $25.95. Tickets for VIDEO GAMES LIVE go on sale Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at www.AXS.com. For more information, visit: www.videogameslive.com.

It’s the power & emotion of a symphony orchestra mixed with the excitement and energy of a rock concert and the technology, fun and interactivity of a video game all completely synchronized to amazing cutting edge video screen visuals, state-of-the art lighting, special fx and special on-stage interactive segments with the audience.

VIDEO GAMES LIVE is a multimedia concert experience featuring the best music and exclusive synchronized video clips from the most popular games from the beginning of video gaming to the present. Performed by top orchestras and choirs, the show combines exclusive video footage and music arrangements with synchronized lighting, solo performers, stage show production, special FX, electronic percussionists and unique interactive segments. Whether it’s the power and passion of the more recent blockbusters or the excitement of remembering the sentimental classics you played growing up, it will truly be a special night to remember for the entire family. The show has a segment dedicated to the old retro arcade classics – but there is also modern music and older, more memorable pieces that no one has ever heard played live.

A show created and produced by legendary video game composer and industry icon, Tommy Tallarico is personally involved in every show. Aside from producing, Tommy is on stage for every show as emcee and performing on guitar. The video game industry puts on the show to help encourage and support the art and culture that video games have become. VIDEO GAMES LIVE bridges a gap for entertainment by exposing new generations of music lovers and fans to the symphonic orchestral experience while also providing a completely new and unique experience for families and non-gamers.

In 2010, Video Games Live and PBS joined forces to create an exclusive nationwide PBS special based around the highly successful Video Games Live concert series. Recently described by the New York Times as “Captivating!” and “Bombastic!”, the record breaking and award winning Video Games Live has continued its mission to demonstrate to the world how artistic and culturally significant video games and their music have become. Performing to sold-out crowds around the globe, Video Games Live has been thrilling gamers, families and mainstream audiences since its initial inception in 2002. “This is an incredible opportunity for us to reach an audience that normally may not be familiar with how far video games have come and how amazing the music can be,” said prolific game composer and CEO of Video Games Live, Tommy Tallarico.

The live show features audience participation with special interactive segments where people from the audience come up and compete while the orchestra plays the music in perfect synchronization with the visuals on screen.

New Bound By Flame Screenshots Released

2014/04/18
Jerry Paxton
News, PlayStation 3 News, PlayStation 4 News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News, Xbox 360 News

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Focus Home Interactive has released some new screenshots from its upcoming RPG, Bound By Flame, which is set for release on PlayStation®4, PlayStation®3, Xbox 360® and PC on May 9, 2014.

Screenshots

Alien: Isolation Lo-Fi Sci-Fi Trailer

2014/04/17
Jerry Paxton
News, PlayStation 3 News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox 360 News, Xbox One News

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April 17, 2014 — “This isn’t a world of holograms and touchscreens; there’s no sense here that technology is going to save you.” – Alistair Hope, Creative Lead.

To stay faithful to the original source, Alien: Isolation™ takes a retro look to the future with a design aesthetic which developer Creative Assembly describes as lo-fi sci-fi. It’s clunky, it’s chunky, it’s push-button and analogue. There are no phasers or lasers, and the smartest weapons you find may be tied together with duct tape and string. A world very much of CRT not LCD, Alien: Isolation may be set in the future but it’s very much baked in the past.

Alien: Isolation is a first-person survival horror game capturing the fear and tension evoked by Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic film. Players find themselves in an atmosphere of constant dread and mortal danger as an unpredictable, ruthless Xenomorph is stalking and killing deep in the shadows. Underpowered and underprepared, you must scavenge resources, improvise solutions and use your wits, not just to succeed in your mission, but to simply stay alive.

Alien: Isolation will be available from October 7, 2014, for Xbox One, PS4™, Windows PC, Xbox 360 and PS3™.

Trailer

Swann Launches SwannSecure All-in-One Wi-Fi Video Monitoring System

2014/04/17
Jerry Paxton
News, Tech News

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Santa Fe Springs, Calif. – (April 17, 2014) – Swann Security, an industry leader with more than 25 years of security monitoring experience, announces the SwannSecure™ All-in-One Wi-Fi Video Monitoring System. The newly introduced surveillance system offers not only a quick and easy do-it-yourself security solution, but also day and night HD quality video that is accessible remotely from mobile devices and tablets.

The SwannSecure system offers a powerful 720P high definition camera, capable of recording up to a distance of 50 feet/15 meters and producing high quality images both in daylight and at night using its IR cut filter. In addition to clarity, the camera features a built-in microphone allowing users the opportunity to both see and hear what is going on while they’re away from their homes or businesses. For added security, the camera’s cable is thread through the vandal resistant stand to prevent intruders from cutting it. The cord is not exposed to the elements, offering the versatility for indoor or outdoor usage.

“We are continuously listening to consumer feedback and developing new products based on those needs,” says Jeremy Stewart, Swann’s VP Global Marketing. “More and more, people want to take home security into their own hands, whether it’s setting up their own security systems or checking on their homes or businesses whenever and wherever they want. SwannSecure provides these advantages while also pushing them to their limits for a truly exceptional product.”

Viewing live-feed is easy via the 7” touch screen Wi-Fi monitor/recorder, which offers a widescreen format. For checking video on-the-go, users can watch the feed using the free SwannLink™ app, compatible with Android devices, iPhone and iPad.

SwannLink connectivity uses peer-to-peer technology, a new method of connecting to the internet using the SwannLink server in the cloud and a product ID number. Each SwannSecure system includes a unique QR code and ID number, and once scanned; the QR code checks the ID number on the server to confirm the owner’s username and password. It then connects the user directly to the SwannSecure using a secure 128-bit encrypted connection.

The system’s motion triggered video recording capability means users can extend recording for longer periods of time. The system includes an 8GB micro SD card (memory is expandable up to 64GB) that saves video feeds. A mini HDMI port allows users to view live or recorded HD video on their HDTV or LCD monitor and also connects to a hard drive for an easy back-up option.

The SwannSecure retails for $379.99 at B&H, Fry’s Electronics online.

Knott’s Berry Farm Mine Ride Sneak Peek and Camp Snoopy Media Event

2014/04/17
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Screenshots / Photos

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This morning, we were invited to Knott’s Berry Farm to check out some of the upcoming additions and rennovations being performed on both the venerable Calico Mine Ride attraction and the park’s “Camp Snoopy” street area.

While touring the Calico Mine Ride, we were fortunate to be witness to the first test of the attraction’s steam effects system. Why is this a big deal? Well, the ride was originally intended to feature steam rising from the various vents throughout the “mountain” but those systems eventually broke down and were not replaced… Until now. The ride has not seen steam used in this way for about 20 years! Check out the video of the first steam test below as well as images from our tour of the new Camp Snoopy – which, is still partially under construction

The Calico Mine Ride was created by legendary ride designer Bud Hurlbut back in 1960 while Camp Snoopy joined Knott’s Berry Farm in 1983. The upgrades to both the mine ride and Camp Snoopy are looking to be completed around Summer time, but that date is somewhat fluid given the dynamic nature of the construction projects.

Video

Photo Gallery

Styx: Master of Shadows New Trailer and Screenshots

2014/04/17
Jerry Paxton
News, Screenshots / Photos, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

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Cyanide Studio and Focus Home Interactive have released a new trailer and set of screenshots for their upcoming stealth RPG, Styx: Master of Shadows.

Trailer

Screenshots

World of Tanks Update 9.0 Will Release on April 17

2014/04/16
Jerry Paxton
News, Windows PC News

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April 16, 2014 — Wargaming today announced that Update 9.0: New Frontiers for World of Tanks will release in North America on April 17, 2014.

This addition kicks off Wargaming’s plans for a massive visual overhaul for World of Tanks throughout 2014, featuring enhanced graphics for all battle arenas, tanks and in-game objects, high definition models for ten armored vehicles, and an all new Historical Battles game mode.

In New Frontiers, the American M4 Sherman, Soviet T-54, and German Tiger I are among the first ten iconic tanks to be revamped with high definition models and textures. New physics functions including blow-off turrets upon explosion of the ammo rack, and realistic suspension behavior in the HD models, create a more realistic environment allowing players to delve deeper into tank battles.

The new Historical Battles game mode pits enemies against each other in some of World War II’s most legendary tank encounters. Tankers will command historically-outfitted vehicles and relive three of history’s iconic battles: Operation Spring Awakening, the Battle of Kursk, and the Ardennes Breakthrough.

For more information about World of Tanks and to download the award-winning, free-to-play action MMO, visit:

War Thunder Update 1.39 Goes Live

2014/04/16
Jerry Paxton
News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

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(MOSCOW, RUSSIAN FEDERATION) – April 16, 2014 – Gaijin Entertainment has announced that update 1.39 for their WWII MMO mega-hit War Thunder is live. This major update is a milestone for Gaijin Entertainment as they release several new features including the support for user generated content, squadron battles, the addition of even more planes, and early access to Ground Forces Expansion.

War Thunder now supports user-generated content and players have access to special downloadable tools.  From now on users are able to create their own planes, from adding the tiny details inside the cockpit to truly personalizing their plane’s skin or creating a completely new model. A quick-check system ensures that newly created planes fit within the game’s parameters before allowing players to use them on local PC in custom missions or share them with the community.

Players can go one-step further in the creative process by using stand-alone maps and missions editor. Players can ingeniously build upon existing maps, using them as a blueprint, or go off on an inspired tangent to devise their own brand of new maps. Players can share as well as test out user-generated content via a special area housed within the War Thunder forum. Click here for instructions: http://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=War_Thunder_CDK

1.39 also offers Squadron Battles – competitive events for player created factions complete with PvP-rating for squadrons, calculated by the Elo system. In addition, update includes an additional 18 new aircraft, changes in the interface and improvements for player progression. Last, but not least, update 1.39 will allow those players who currently possess codes for the Ground Forces Expansion Closed Beta to be the first to play as either a tank or an aircraft 24/7, but not from the very start. Gaijin Entertainment will slowly implement Ground Forces Expansion into the update to ensure seamless gameplay.

The new mission called Battle of Kursk is based on a real life historic engagement that took place July – August 1943 where the Soviets defeated the German strategic offensive, thereby turning the tide on the Eastern Front. In the game, Kursk will provide players with AI-tanks, field artillery and planes fighting alongside real players.

For more information on the update: http://warthunder.com/en/game/changelog