Archive - 2015

Heavenstrike Rivals First Look Trailer

2015/02/17
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Mobile News, News, Trailers / Videos

heavenstrike_rivals_announcement_screenshot

LOS ANGELES (February 17, 2015) – In anticipation of the global launch of the brand new tactical RPG multiplayer HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS™ later this month, Square Enix Inc. today released a first look video featuring Paul Croft from MEDIATONIC and Masanori Ichikawa of SQUARE ENIX. DetailingHEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS basic features, the video also includes a concept movie showcasing the unique in-game world.

Currently in open beta in Australia, Canada, Ireland, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia,HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS releases worldwide later this month.

Developed as a brand new IP for mobile platforms, HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS was created and brought to life through partnership between SQUARE ENIX and UK based developers MEDIATONIC Ltd., (Amateur Surgeon). The project has had a collaborative approach with Japan-based Yumiru Corporation supporting development – keeping it in the SQUARE ENIX family. The game also features characters designed by Ryoma Ito (FINAL FANTASY® TACTICS ADVANCE) and music by Ryo Yamazaki (FINAL FANTASY XIV).

In HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS, players enter a war-torn world on the brink of extinction and embark on an epic adventure full of simple, yet highly immersive, tactical battles. The once-prosperous aerial kingdom of Lunnain lays in tatters, assaulted from above by the Fallen – ruthless nightmare monsters that seek only complete destruction. But the people of Lunnain will not take their fate lying down, and their strike back at the heavens starts now.

The new HEAVENSTRIKE RIVALS battle system has been designed especially for mobile devices – it’s intuitive and easy to learn, but allows the player to unearth deep strategic possibilities, quick-entry player-vs-player combat and hundreds of unique characters to collect, grow and evolve. Moreover, players must fight their way to the top of the game’s leaderboards for heavenly global domination.

Game Features:

  • Battle against players across the world in real time in simple, yet deep, tactical battles – all built especially for mobile devices
  • Collect and train more than 200 fully-animated units
  • Embark on an epic quest across Lunnain to save the legendary Seven Sisters
  • Climb the Sacred League to earn epic rewards
  • Take part in regular events and weekend Arena competitions
  • Play with characters designed by Ryoma Ito (FINAL FANTASY TACTICS ADVANCE)
  • Enjoy music by Ryo Yamazaki (FINAL FANTASY XIV)

 

LBX Tactical Costa Ludus Armatus Plate Carrier Review (Airsoft)

2015/02/16
Jerry Paxton
Action Sports, Airsoft News, Airsoft Reviews, Articles, Geek News, News, Reviews

4019-mc-2_4

Modular plate carriers and chest rigs are steadily becoming the new hot ticket in tactical gear for airsoft players (and, for that matter, real steel shooters). There are a number of modular systems on the market from companies like Haley Strategic Partners, Velocity Systems, and several others. In this review, we are looking at the relatively new entry into the modular plate carrier field from LBX Tactical: the Armatus Plate Carrier and its M.A.P. (Modular Adaptive Panel) system. Co-designed by famed shooter and veteran Chris Costa, the LBX Tactical Armatus Plate Carrier secures its modular panels in place with two sheathed buckles and a large rectangle of velcro. However, even with the name recognition of both Costa Ludus and LBX Tactical, we were left wondering how the Armatus would stand up to the test of real usage. So, the folks at AirSplat were nice enough to send us a unit over for review. We were able to get one of the Armatus Plate Carriers with triple M4 magazine pouch panel in MultiCam as well as an additional modular panel so that we could attach our own pouches to it.

General Features

  • Low profile plate carrier with fast-clip front panel <
  • Carrier comes w/ LBX-4020B Triple M4 Panel <
  • Built in padded shoulder straps <
  • Reinforced drag handle
  • Removable elastic cummerbund
  • Front zipper admin pocket(4.5″ x 5.75″)
  • Loop iD Front(3″ x 5.75″) Back(9.5″ x 3″)
  • 500D Cordura
  • *M: Standard Medium 10″ x 12″ ESAPI Plate
  • *L: Standard Large 10.125″ x 13.25″ ESAPI Plate

4019-mg-1

The LBX Tactical Armatus Plate Carrier is a high speed solution to being able to wear a plate carrier into an engagement, airsoft or real, while making it easy to change your pouch or MOLLE gear configuration.  The Armatus Plate Carrier features a built-in, zip-up admin pouch that, while not very big, is spacious enough to hold a folded-up map or even a small, in-field notebook. Constructed from double stitched, 500D Cordura construction, the Armatus Plate Carrier has both front and rear plate panels with an elastic cummerbund that helps keep the rig snug against the wearer’s torso. The cummerbund is a double elastic band and allows for a great fit, but does not feature any MOLLE webbing at all. In fact, neither does the rear plate panel. The only MOLLE area on the Armatus Plate Carrier is located on the front plate panel’s M.A.P. area. Currently, LBX has a variety of M.A.P. panels – from triple M4 pouch models to medical pouch models. They even have a great set of M.A.P. panels with HSGI TACO mag pouches on them! While this lack of back or side MOLLE webbing seems like an out of the gate “con”, it is really a double-edged blade. While it might not allow the user to make use of added MOLLE space for pouches, it does allow the user’s arms to swing free at his or her sides. If you wear your mag pouches and/or pistol holster on a battle belt, you will love it as you can draw a sidearm or grab magazines without obstruction.

The good news is that, while at the 2015 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, LBX Tactical announced that they would be releasing a MOLLE cummerbund adapter. When this optional accessory is released, it will make the plate carrier just that much more versatile. There is no word yet on an exact release date or pricing on the MOLLE side pads. Another thing worth mentioning is that the LBX Tactical Armatus Plate Carrier is not compatible with the Velocity Systems Swift-Clips, a widely used attachment method for modular panels featured on a variety of plate carriers out there.

4020a-group-1

It should also be noted that the folks at LBX Tactical and Costa Ludus have created a M.A.P. compatible, full-length rifle bag with easily accessible space for your various panels. Basically, the LBX Tactical Armatus Plate Carrier is really just the tip of a modular panel spear waiting to be explored and put to use in the field. I wore the Armatus Plate Carrier with training E-SAPI plates installed and, while not as heavy as actual armor plates, the whole rig was comfortable and performed great. Despite needing some additional MOLLE space for my preferred loadout, which includes some utility pouches and a rip-away EMT pouch, I loved how fast and unencumbered I was while wearing it.

Overall, the LBX Tactical Armatus Plate Carrier is an excellent choice for a high-speed plate carrier. It is built to withstand both airsoft and real steel usage, so you know you are getting a quality-made product. Also, the mission configurable nature of the modular panels is high flexible and makes swapping loadouts on the fly is a breeze. The LBX Tactical Armatus Plate Carrier retails for $199.95, in either MultiCam or Wolf Grey. The base model includes a triple M4 magazine panel. The optional modular panel retails for $44.99 – both the plate carrier and modular panels can be found at online retailers like AirSplat.com.

[easyreview title=”LBX Tactical Costa Ludus Armatus Plate Carrier Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]

[button target=”_blank” style=”” class=”btn_blue” link=”http://gamingshogun.com/gamingshogun-rating-system/”]Learn About Our Rating System[/button]

A Special thanks to AirSplat.com for allowing us to borrow this product:

airsplat-logo-hi-res_2

Sword Coast Legends Announced with Trailer and Screens

2015/02/13
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Screenshots / Photos, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

sword-coast-legends

ORLANDO, Fla. (February 13, 2015) — Independent developers, n-Space and Digital Extremes, today announced Sword Coast Legends™, a party-based PC RPG set in the Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms universe from Wizards of the Coast.

For release on Steam and other digital distribution platforms in 2015, Sword Coast Legends offers an all-new way to enjoy the time-tested magic of playing Dungeons & Dragons as a shared storytelling experience. By bringing the roleplaying dynamic between players and a Dungeon Master (DM) to life with a first-of-its-kind real-time DM mode, Sword Coast Legends delivers a unique experience where a Dungeon Master guides players through customizable adventures. The DM mode is not entirely focused on adversarial play typical to 4v1 games. Instead, active DMs engage and empower entire parties to have more fun in a way that best suits the desired experience.

“We are huge D&D fans and are thrilled to create a modernized storytelling experience in the iconic Forgotten Realms universe,” said Dan Tudge, President, n-Space. “Developing a new way to experience such a beloved and culturally influential franchise is a dream come true for our team. We are giving players a way to experience the magic of playing D&D as either a player or the DM.”

Sword Coast Legends is designed for both Dungeons & Dragons fans and any gamer yearning to return to the golden era when complex story-driven, party-based RPGs dominated the PC. True to both camps, Sword Coast Legends is being built with the day-to-day involvement of and collaboration with Wizards of the Coast and is designed to support post-launch game content with additional Module expansions.

“Following the biggest and most exciting year yet for Dungeons & Dragons, Sword Coast Legends captures the spirit of D&D in a fresh, party-based RPG experience,” said Nathan Stewart, Brand Director for Dungeons & Dragons at Wizards of the Coast. “With the director of Dragon Age: Origins and contributors from Neverwinter Nights and the Baldur’s Gate series driving development of Sword Coast Legends, we feel n-Space has the deep industry experience and talent required to deliver a new way for D&D players to experience exactly what a DM can add to the adventure.”

Sword Coast Legends, which features compelling gameplay with co-operative party-based adventuring, and the unique real-time DM mode, is now available for pre-order at a discounted $34.99 USD. In traditional PC RPG fashion, optional collector’s editions are also available for a limited time and include intricately crafted statues and cloth maps, among many other exclusive in-game bonuses.

To learn more about Sword Coast Legends and to pre-order a copy and participate in the Community today, please visit the official website at: www.SwordCoast.com

Trailer

Screenshots

Space Hulk: Deathwing ‘Rise of the Terminators’ Trailer

2015/02/13
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

spacehulk_deathwing-01 copy

February 13, 2015 — The development of Space Hulk: Deathwing, the First Person Shooter for PC and consoles from StreumOn Studio, gains momentum, with the glimpses of the game’s first environments now emerging. Each and every one of the game’s elements have been carefully crafted by the talented teams from StreumOn, with flawless regard for detail and respect for the Space Hulk license created by Games Workshop.

This is perfectly illustrated in the new trailer Rise of the Terminators. Supported by an original soundtrack from band Kadebostany “Walking with a Ghost”, its powerful images will immerse you in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Terminators and Genestealers come alive and clash together in a deadly struggle, and this is only beginning.

Space Hulk®: Deathwing™ is a First-Person Shooter experience of Games Workshop’s classic Space Hulk boardgame set in the universe of Warhammer 40,000, developed on Unreal Engine 4 by Streum On Studio, the team behind E.Y.E: Divine Cybermancy. Published by Focus Home Interactive and co-produced by Cyanide Studio, Space Hulk: Deathwing offers players the chance to experience a desperate battle against Genestealers in the claustrophobic tunnels of a Space Hulk, as they will gain skills, new abilities and new equipment thanks to experience earned during perilous missions.

Space Hulks drift along the currents of the Warp, the immaterial dimension of Chaos. Made up of gigantic mangled asteroids, derelict ship wrecks and other spatial debris, they sometimes grow to the size of a moon and often contain treasured and ancient lost technologies. However, they are ripe with danger including infestations of the lethal Genestealers.

Players take on the role of a Space Marine from one of the most secret and most feared Space Marine Companies: the Deathwing from the Dark Angels. Strap on your Terminator armour and equip the emblematic weaponry of the Space Marines to overcome the threats awaiting you in the Space Hulk. As a Librarian, you will also master the destructive powers of the Psykers. Your skills and performance in battle grant you Fervor Points, to spend on 4 skill trees allowing you to improve your abilities, unlock new powers, access powerful relics and devastating new weapons.

Trailer

ScareLA 2015 Moving to Pasadena Convention Center

2015/02/13
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News

scare-la-278 copy

LOS ANGELES (Friday, February 13, 2013) – ScareLA, the Southern California Halloween convention, is excited to announce its expansion to a new venue, the Pasadena Convention Center for the event’s 2015 edition on August 8 and 9, 2015. The move will increase the con’s show floor to over 100,000 sq. ft. to accommodate a growing list of vendors, attractions, and entertainment. Tickets presale is scheduled to launch within the following week with aggressive discounts for fans and e-mail list subscribers.

“ScareLA 2015 is off to a great start with our expansion into the Pasadena Convention Center,” said Lora Ivanova, ScareLA Executive Producer and Co-founder. “What that means for our fans is: more spooky vendors, easier access to classes and stage content, bigger interactive haunt exhibits and hotels within walking distance for anyone coming from out of town or wishing to make this a true mid-summer Halloween staycation. Our team is busy curating our 2015 programming and cannot wait to share our scary passion with Los Angeles this August!”

Debuting in 2013, ScareLA was created to celebrate the rich Southern California Halloween industry and community, from its iconic seasonal theme park events, to stand-alone haunted attractions and even home haunts. The event has become a mecca for horror lovers on the West Coast and beyond extending the Halloween season through the summer. Attracting nearly 4,000 guests in 2013, and more than 6,000 in 2014, ScareLA has become one of the fastest growing independent conventions in the U.S. to-date.

“We’re very excited by ScareLA’s rapid growth, and the Pasadena Convention Center allows us to provide room for more guests, more exhibitors, larger displays, and bigger monsters,” says ScareLA Executive Producer and Co-Founder David Markland.

Featuring multiple parking lots, hotels, convenient public transportation, and fantastic dining options all within walking distance, the Pasadena Convention Center makes attending ScareLA easier than ever before.

The 2015 ScareLA program will take advantage of the new venue’s larger stages to host exclusive presentations from fan favorites such as Knott’s Scary Farm, Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights, Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor, Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest and more!

Guests returning to ScareLA will find a larger show floor with more Halloween/horror vendors, expanded classroom and workshop spaces, and a wide variety of live entertainment and immersive “mini haunt” experiences.

For more information and to sign up for ScareLA’s email list, visit www.scarela.com. Like ScareLA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ScareLAcon, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @ScareLosAngeles. Join the conversation on social media using #ScareLA.

Factory Entertainment Gets George R.R. Martin License

2015/02/12
boothby
Geek News, News

408368-2

Concord, CA – Factory Entertainment, Inc., the Concord, California-based producer of licensed toys and collectibles, announced today that it has entered into a multi-year licensing agreement with renowned novelist, screenwriter and television producer, George R.R. Martin.

Best known for his international bestselling epic fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire, which includes A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons, George R.R. Martin is considered to be by Time Magazine, one of the most influential people in the world.

Factory Entertainment will be debuting its first product at New York Toy Fair, February 14th through the 17th, 2015 (booth #4952), a collectible plush of George, dressed in his trademark fisherman’s cap and suspenders. Featuring 10 exclusively recorded audio quotes, Mr. Martin truly speaks for himself!

A number of other products are currently in development.

“We’re thrilled to have been selected to partner with George R.R. Martin to produce collectibles honoring one of the most iconic contemporary figures in fantasy literature” said Jordan Schwartz, President and CEO of Factory Entertainment. “We cannot wait to debut what we have in store at Toy Fair,” Schwartz continued, “we’re sure that fans of Mr. Martin’s work will love what they see!”

Six Flags Great Adventure Celebrates Valentines Day

2015/02/11
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

Animal trainer receives a sea lion kiss

Jackson, NJ – February 11, 2015 – Bring together two kissing sea lions, a pair of love birds and the married couple that makes it all possible, and you’ve got a recipe for Valentine’s Day at Six Flags Great Adventure. This weekend, three special couples will celebrate their love Six Flags-style – California sea lions Kenobi and Dichali, blue and gold macaws Eugene and Ariel, and their caretakers, animal training supervisors David and Jessica Peranteau.

Animals brought Dave, a Philadelphia-area native, and Jessica, an Ohio native, together 19 years ago when they were both hired as marine animal trainers. The couple married in 2000 and has traveled the world working with land and marine mammals ranging from tiny hedgehogs to massive orcas. The two settled in New Jersey at Six Flags Great Adventure in 2004, and have developed thriving animal education programs in addition to nurturing and training more than 100 exotic animals, including hand-rearing capuchin monkeys, otters, lions and bears. They have a five-year-old son, Noah, who knows that animals are part of their family. Noah even shares his birthday with the park’s first-ever baby sea lion, Magoo, who was born June 25, 2014.  “I feel like I have two children born on the same day,” Jessica said.

“Animal care requires incredible dedication 365-days a year,” Dave Peranteau said. “Jess and I care so passionately about the animals and know that by educating the public about animals, particularly ones that are threatened, endangered or extinct in the wild, we ensure that future generations like Noah’s will be able to see and appreciate them just as we do.”

Something Is In the Water…It Must Be Love

Each morning then the sea lion trainers arrive for work at Fort Independence aqua stadium, they find California sea lions Kenobi and Dichali snuggled up together, sound asleep.

Although sea lions are not monogamous by nature, these two have developed a strong bond and enjoy spending the majority of their time together. The flippered couple serves as an integral part of the theme park’s animal education program, displaying natural and learned behaviors. One of their most memorable behaviors is a kiss.

Kenobi and Dichali often give kisses to each other, and occasionally share that moment with special guests and their trainers. Jessica Peranteau admits that there is something special about a sea lion kiss.

“It is cold, wet, and prickly.  Add a few fish ‘breath mints’ and a sea lion kiss is something you will never forget,” she said.

Cousins to seals and walruses, sea lions are native to the Pacific coast. Males can weigh up to 800 lbs., and although Kenobi is described as sweet and timid, the nine-year-old has a loud roar that earned him the nickname “T-Rex.” Dichali, who is eight years old, is described as extremely intelligent and loves to learn new things. “She loves to ‘test’ new trainers to make sure they are as smart as she is,” Jessica added.

Love Is in the Air

When you ask the Peranteaus to identify the most loyal and long-standing couple in their care, without hesitation they name Eugene and Ariel. They are a stunning pair of blue and gold macaws, whose species can be found in the rainforests of Central and South America. Blue and gold macaws are monogamous by nature and mate for life, so these two appear to be in their relationship for the long haul.

“Eugene and Ariel are madly in love, and are both quite jealous creatures. Eugene clearly dislikes male trainers around Ariel, and although Ariel can be quite flirtatious with men, she can be rather rude to female trainers who get close to Eugene,” Jessica said.

An attentive mate, Eugene often grooms Ariel’s feathers. The birds are in their twenties, and with an average life span of 60 to 80 years, appear to have several decades of companionship still ahead of them.

Guests can see Kenobi and Dichali in the theme park’s Fort Independence arena, and Eugene and Ariel on the Safari Off Road Adventure, beginning April 3. For more information on Six Flags Great Adventure, visit www.sixflags.com/greatadventure or call 732-928-2000.

Cities: Skylines Gets Release Date and Trailer

2015/02/11
boothby
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

cities-skylines-01

STOCKHOLM – February 10, 2015 – Paradox Interactive and Colossal Order, architects and constructors of mighty gaming monuments, are happy to reveal that Cities: Skylines, the city simulation game for PC, Mac, and Linux, will be in the hands of aspiring building magnates and town planners everywhere on March 10th. Starting today, players can also pre-purchaseCities: Skylines and receive in-game items and other content.

To celebrate this announcement (and also because Paradox and Colossal Order are just really lovely people), a brand new gameplay trailer has been released alongside a pre-order campaign offering additional content and items for anyone purchasing the game prior to March 10th. This includes:

•    Five additional in-game items (Basketball Court, Botanical Gardens, Merry-go-round, Bouncy Castle, Dog Park), adding fun, style and practicality to any town!
•    Digital art book containing building blueprints and other original concept art
•    Four digital postcards

Cities: Skylines can be pre-ordered at www.citiesskylines.com.

Get a look at the lively cityscapes of Cities: Skylines in the new trailer here: