Archive - 2015

PowerSkin Pop’n3 Battery Charger Review

2015/02/09

A lot of people think of CES as lasting through Friday but the reality is many companies are packing up on Thursday and done and gone by Friday afternoon. This means if you have Friday appointments it never hurts to be early, on time might be late for someone trying to catch a flight out. So I try to hit my Friday appointments early which freed up my day to add one on the fly, and it was one I am very happy I made because it introduced me to the PowerSkin Pop’n3 Battery Charger.

Features:
– Extra Power: PoP’n 3 utilizes state-of-the-art, patented dual suction adhering technology to stick right onto the back of smartphones for an easy to hold, seamlessly integrated charging experience. 4000 mAh of power gives your smartphone up to a 150% charge, including the iPhone 6. Just stick it on, plug it in, and keep your life PoP’n.

– Easy On, Easy Off: Attach PoP’n 3 to most smooth surfaced phones and cases with its patented soft rubber suction cups and state-of-the-art circular nano adhesive anchor. This easy, one-hand, flexible approach to power means you can pop it on when you want, and pop it off when you’re done.

– Integrated Design: Built-in cable provides a powerful yet simple solution for your charging needs, easily plugging into any size phone case. Sleek, high-gloss durable finish, and plastic hardshell make this unique product the perfect phone companion.

– Verified Technologies: XPAL Inside™ technologies include: proprietary ultra-efficient battery cell formulation, hardware/software safety protection mechanisms, smart power management system, broad temperature operating range, and flame retardant material/construction.

– Good to Go: We all know the frustrations of charging batteries while on the go, juggling the phone in one hand and the battery in the other…. now there is a better way. This charger is a functional and practical solution for everyone looking to add more battery life to their phone, but not wanting to compromise its streamline look and feel.

Hands On:
This was the first time that PowerSkin showed up on my radar and I am kind of surprised considering how handy their product is pretty darn handy. Their original design involved two pieces which works well and I could see being useful on less suction cup friendly surfaces by having a solid bridge at the bottom between the case and the power pack helping hold it in place on the back of the phone. This is a nice way to go and very portable though maybe a bit less convenient on the go with the bridge in your pocket with the battery.

Their latest innovation with the Pop’N3 is a much more elegant solution with a lightning cable built into the bottom of the charger which plugs tightly into the phone. This makes it so that you don’t have to worry about two pieces (if you did) and still works to hold the charger in place. They have also added a single sticky surface in the center of the phone to keep it in place in case the suction cups weren’t completing the seal. I mention this mainly because some phone cases like a wallet one I recently tested by Speck don’t have the full surface area for the suction cups and started sliding around the back, the disc helped secure it perfectly. It is also a hard shell case, I found the slippage to not be an issue or rubberized cases at all.

The low form allows for you to continue using the phone in any manner you choose while still charging it. With a 4000 mAh of power you can expect around 18 hours of additional talk time or 150% charge which will definitely help get you through the day without taking up much real estate in your pocket or in your hand. You can even just attach it and plug it in as you head out the door and let it keep charging as you use your phone.

Last Call:
The PowerSkin Pop’N3 battery charger has definitely earned a place in my regular phone charging rotation. It gives a great charge with a very convenient built-in cable and attach-and-forget form. I’m glad I made the appointment and got PowerSkin on my radar for my battery charging needs. I especially have my eye on their upcoming product Inked (get it? Octopuses squirt ink) which incorporates custom printing on a battery case which I have a logo or two I can’t wait to test on it…

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

MyCharge RazorMax Phone Pack Review

2015/02/09

Ripper71

Mobile News, News, Reviews, Tech News, Tech Review

MyCharge is one of the most secret and well known booths at CES 2015. They’re well known because they give out free beer and excellent phone battery chargers and secretive because their entire display is behind locked up doors. Last year I showed up on the last day, a last minute stop suggested by their marketing person and it was all taken down. Feeling a little like Indiana Jones showing up right after tomb raiders made off with the treasure, I got a press kit and made plans to see it the next year. One of their better known batteries you might have heard of has earned the nickname “the Swiss Army knife of phone chargers” since it has built-in lightning cable, mini USB cable and a USB plugin for other devices with about 27 hours of talk time added to your device. It even has it’s own wall plug built in so that it great for travel and parties. So I showed up a day early for my appointment this year.

First I had to stop for my beer and a power pack that included a power pack and charging cord in a handy little container shaped like an energy drink that people kept trying to figure out how to drink with their beer. Once they were onboard, the drink in my belly and the power pack having charged my phone (they come ready to charge in the package which if you are buying one in a bind is really handy), I made my way into the closed doors. It was surprisingly spacious and lacked a single booby trap so it was more comforting and not at all tomb-like. They took me through their different selections in their current line then gave me their latest baby, the MyCharge RazorMax.

Features:
– 27 hours of talk time
– Four-light LED battery indicator, shake to check battery level
– Smart-sense: ensures complete device compatibility
– Rapid-recharge: powerbank charges up to 65% faster than competitors
– Max-power: maximum power transfer from powerbank to device
– Hyper-charge: ultra-fast charging of your devices; 30% faster for iPhone 6
– Power-stay: maintains battery power for up to 1 year
– High-density battery: the smallest and lightest powerbank
– Safe-cell: provides the highest level of battery safety
– Pass Through Charging: will charge the powerbank and connected device simultaneously

Hands On:
I first started testing this battery not on a planned routine but rather out of necessity. I had left my phone off the charger overnight and had been listening to music all morning and suddenly got a really long honey-do list. I grabbed my phone, saw it was at 30% and went to my power pack supply. There in it’s wrapper with a “comes pre-charged” sticker was the new RazorMax. It is about the size of a business card holder or older iPod with about the same width. It is extremely small form for a power pack that boasts a 27 hour talk time charge, the only drawback being you need to bring your own cables. Small price to pay for a tiny pack to slip in your pocket on your way out the door.

I managed to make it to my first stop, some car servicing before I found myself in the waiting room texting and riding the internet with the battery plugged in waiting for the screen to go blank. Instead, despite multitasking the phone, the charge was going up quickly. It was no time before my phone was fully charged even with usage and all through the day, a very long one, I would run the battery down a bit then popped the charger on and kept going. When all was said and done I plugged the pack in and not my phone at the end of the day knowing that if I need to charge my phone I can use the same outlet since the power pack has pass through charging.

This battery packs a lot of juice into a little tiny device well worth the trouble of carrying a cord along with you. It will fit into even small pockets while not adding so much weight that it pulls your pants down. It comes with two USB ports so you can still power more than one device at a time. With the fast charging you also don’t have to slow down what you are doing on the devices to give charging a chance, you and someone else can just charge away while living your socially active, game-filled lives.

Last Call:
The MyCharge RazorMax Power Pack gives a great big charge in a little light aluminum brick you can slip in your pocket. It won’t slow you down or run out of juice while you are on the go and once charged it holds the charge so you can count on it on the fly. MyCharge has definitely earned a place of honor among my power pack collection and I can’t wait until next CES, going into the hidden recesses of the MyCharge booth and seeing what power they will bring next. I promise not to bring my whip and fedora.

[easyreview title=”MyCharge RazorMax Power Pack Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″ ]

Nyko PS4 Modular Charge Kit And Battery Pak Review

2015/02/09

Ripper71

News, Peripheral Review, Peripherals News, PlayStation 4 News, Reviews

There is nothing more frustrating than running out of power in your wireless controller in mid-match – except maybe all the cables that run from the system to charge things. Luckily, Nyko has come up with something to help with both these issues in the Nyko Battery Pak and the Nyko Modular Charge Kit for the PS4.

PS4 Modular Charge Kit Description:
Easily keep your PlayStation 4 controllers charged and your PlayStation 4 system looking like new. While this item comes with two micro usb cords for the PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 controllers, the Modular Charge Kit also includes a hidden cleaning brush in order to easily dust the console and it’s accessories. This kit allows you to keep your console both looking and performing in perfect condition.

Features:
– Cleans and Charges: Allows for easy charging and cleaning of the PS4 controllers and console
– 2 Micro USB cords: Allows for dual charging of two PlayStation4 DualShock4 controllers
– Hidden cleaning brush with detailing edge: allows for easy dusting of console surfaces

Nyko PS4 Power Pak Description:
Add double the battery power to the DualShock®4 with the Power Pak from Nyko Technologies. The Power Pak adds an additional 1000mAh Lithium-Ion battery, doubling the capacity. The design of the Power Pak keeps the ergonomics of the Dual Shock 4 intact, while matching the curves, décor and grip of the controller. All ports, buttons, and features of the controller are unimpeded by the extended battery, allowing for full control of all games. The Power Pak attaches to the Micro USB port on the top of the controller, allowing for easy installation. A USB pass-through port allows for easy recharging of both the Power Pak and the internal Dual Shock battery simultaneously using a standard Micro USB cable. The Power Pak is also fully compatible with Nyko’s Charge Base for PS4.

Features:
– Extended Playing Time: Play up to 2x longer with the Power Pak
– Ergonomic: Lightweight and unobtrusive design allow you to game as normal
– USB: Easily recharge both the Power Pak and controller with any Micro USB cable
– Design: Easily attaches to the Dual Shock 4

Hands On:
This year I got a chance to check out a couple of Nyko’s newest products at CES this year but it was even better getting hands on, especially when I was having a rough time with my back and laid up in bed. Battery life definitely started to come into play when I was laid up and barely able to move. Each night I would charge my controller and the battery, each day I would start playing again wearing the juice down. It did seem like I was getting double battery life and it was really, really handy. It only slightly increased the weight of the controller when attached and the slight increase in profile was welcome in my huge hands. Whenever I go back and forth between systems my fingers tended to slip off the bottom of the PS4 controller and now they have a place to rest.

The PS4 Modular Charge Kit attaches to the side of the PS4 and blends seamlessly into the side of the black versions. Even though it stands out on the white version like I have it does so in a nicely contrasting fashion. The controller battery is also black and makes a nice contrast on the white controller and makes the system match up with it even better.

Once attached it can be separated in half, the upper half a cleaning pad to wipes dust off the system and the lower half to store cables and such in including the two included retractable charging cables. The compartment isn’t large but it can fit a couple of cables and multiple batteries, both rechargable and otherwise. As someone who lives at the edge of the desert I am always looking for something to brush dust off of things with.

Last Call:
The Nyko Modular Charge Kit and Power Pak are a great addition to your PS4 system and not only look nice and clean up your cables but it can also extend your gameplay which is always welcome to marathon gamers.

[easyreview title=”Nyko Modular Charge Kit & Power Pack Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”3″ ]

Seidio Obex iPhone 6 Plus Case

2015/02/09

Ripper71

Mobile News, Mobile Review, News, Reviews

If you haven’t heard about Seidio you probably don’t shop around much for smartphone cases and accessories. Most people just go with big companies with the even bigger marketing campaigns. I know a ton of people who just use Otterbox because that is what their friends use. They developed a reputation and they do have a solid product. Quite often people choose a case that doesn’t fit their form function because they think they have to choose between style and durability. These people haven’t tried the Seidio Obex Phone Case.

Features:
Water Protection
– Anti-reflection acrylic glass protects the camera lens without interfering with photo quality
– Waterproof membranes shield the microphones and speakers while maintaining sound quality
– Case meets the IP68* rating, signifying that it is both dust-tight and protected against complete, continuous submersion

Drop Protection
– Exceeds the MIL-STD-810F** standard and can survive drops from up to 6 feet
– Internal structure is designed to protect your Apple iPhone 6 in the event that it is dropped or compressed
– Combination of Polycarbonate (PC) and Thermoplastic Silicone Vulcanizate (TPSiV®) materials provide protection from impact
– Raised edges on case and 4H hardness rated screen protect create a barrier from external elements

Everyday Protection
– Designed so your Apple iPhone 6 remains fully functional for daily use
– Easy, two piece installation eliminates the worry of loose pieces after case assembly
– Soft rubber stoppers keep dust and liquids out of headphone and charging port openings while still allowing easy access in dry conditions
– Case will not interfere with radio signals, Bluetooth, or NFC (Near Field Communication)

Hands On:
Normally for phone case reviews I don’t put in a features section, I just go over the features individually. In this case however the Seido Obex has so many elements that are important that it is easier to just show you what they have then tell you my personal experiences and tests.

A couple of key things to note is that it is pretty much everything proof, it is designed to be waterproof, dust proof, snow proof and impact proof. I’m a klutz who lives part-time in the high desert where there is yearly snow and constant dust. This case seems practically designed for me. If you are outdoorsy at all this is definitely for you or sports enthusiast or maybe just a klutz who might fall into his pool. I have a family member who has gone swimming with their phone tucked into her swimsuit a couple times and this might have saved her some grief.

The Obex has rubber blockers that seal off the ports not being used so that moisture can’t get into the phone proper and there is a membrane that keeps water in but lets sound through. Combine that with a protective face shield that still conducts touch and you can make your text while the weather attacks. When it comes to connectivity through face plates I am particularly picky, I have to have solid connection with the screen while I play games on it and more than a few shields (including the stick-on variety) have failed to pass the muster. I have a very short list of ones that do and thankfully this is on it.

When it comes to drop testing I have said it before and I will say it again: I am a huge klutz and this phone has had its share of bouncing off things including hard floors and decorative rock, even some not very decorative rock as well. Don’t forget stairs, I am a mess of stairs and escalators.

Last Call:
The Seidio Obex is the perfect case for the person who are exposed to the elements or at least expose their phones to them. It may even be more phone protection than the average person needs but then when has that stopped anyone?

[easyreview title=”Seidio Obex Case Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]

Knott’s Supreme Scream to Color Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

2015/02/09

boothby

Geek News, News

February 9, 2015 — This Valentine’s Day week through the end of March (seven weeks), Supreme Scream, towering over 312 feet in the air, will be lit in pink and glow for miles in honor of the Knott’s for the Cure program.

At dusk, starting Monday, February 9 – Friday, March 27, Supreme Scream along with the famous Calico Mine Ride, Knott’s Berry Farm Main Gate and the Camp Snoopy waterfall, will glow pink in support of Knott’s for the Cure, a second annual partnership with Susan G. Komen® Orange County.

The Knott’s Berry Farm for the Cure program, running January 5 – March 27, will help raise money for breast cancer awareness, screening, treatment, and support right here in Orange County and fund groundbreaking research. Proceeds from special pink online tickets, $39 adults & $35 Jr./Sr. available online only at knotts.com, and exclusive merchandise will benefit Komen Orange County.

Dead or Alive 5: Last Round Tournament Series Announced

2015/02/09

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 3 News, PlayStation 4 News, Xbox 360 News, Xbox One News

February 9, 2015 — Today Team NINJA proudly announced the official DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round tournaments – BATTLE ROYAL 2015. In celebration of the final installment of DEAD OR ALIVE 5, Team NINJA has partnered with Big E Gaming and Final Round LLC to bring the most competitive and comprehensive DEAD OR ALIVE tournament in the history of the franchise to the people. With 12 tournaments in total, including 11 qualifier events at major destinations across North America and 6 sponsorships to the grand finals at NEC XVI in December, BATTLE ROYAL 2015 will be a landmark tournament tour for the entire DEAD OR ALIVE community. More information about BATTLE ROYAL 2015 can be found at the DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round Official website: http://teamninja-studio.com/doa5/lastround/us/battleroyal2015.html.

BATTLE ROYAL 2015 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE:

Winter Brawl 9: $500 pot bonus. 1st place prize – *Player sponsorship to Grand Finals.
- Date: 2/20/15 – 2/22/15 Location: Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, Essington, PA 19029
Final Round 18: $500 pot bonus. 1st place prize – *Player sponsorship to Grand Finals.
- Date: 3/20/15 – 3/22/15 Location: Hilton Atlanta Airport, Atlanta, GA 30354
NorCal Regionals: $500 pot bonus. *Points towards the Grand Finals.
- Date: 4/3/15 – 4/5/15 Location: 300 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
SoCal Regionals: $500 pot bonus. 1st place prize – *Player sponsorship to Grand Finals.
- Date: 5/1/15 – 5/3/15 Location: TBD, Orange County, CA
East Coast Throwdown: $500 pot bonus. *Points towards the Grand Finals.
- Date: 6/13/15 – 6/15/15 Location: Empire Meadowlands Hotel, Two Harmon Plaza, Secaucus, NJ 07094
EVO 2015: Side tournament. $1000 pot bonus. *Points towards the Grand Finals.
- Date: 7/17/15 – 7/19/15 Location: Bally’s Paris Las Vegas casino & hotel, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Summer Jam 9: $1000 pot bonus. (free entry tournament). *Points towards the Grand Finals.
- Date: 8/21/15 – 8/23/15 Location: Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, Essington, PA 19029
TFC: $1000 pot bonus. (free entry tournament). 1st place prize – *Player sponsorship to Grand Finals.
- Date: 9/11/15 – 9/13/15 Location: Hilton Hotel, 3415 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27609
Absolute Battle: $500 pot bonus. *Points towards the Grand Finals.
- Date: TBD Location: TBD, Dallas, TX
GUTS: $500 pot bonus. *Points towards the Grand Finals.
- Date: TBD Location: TBD, CT
Paradise: $500 pot bonus. Official qualifier for Final Round 19. *Points towards the Grand Finals.
- Date: 11/20/15- 11/22/15 Location: Town and Country Resort & Convention Center, San Diego, CA 92108
- *1st place sponsorship prize (flight, hotel, venue and entry to Grand Finals)
- *Top 2 players with the most points from NCR, ECT, EVO, SJ9, AB, GUTS and Paradise will win flight, hotel, venue and entry to Grand Finals.
NEC XVI: The Grand Finals. $3000 pot bonus. Winner is guaranteed player sponsorship to 2016 finals.
- Date: 12/3/15- 12/6/15 Location: Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, Essington, PA 19029

DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round will take to the ring to deliver the signature DOA fighting style, wrapped up in the most graphically impressive version of a DEAD OR ALIVE game ever seen. Combatants will present an unparalleled level of life-like detail, and smooth striking animations that will firmly place every fighter in the heat of the moment. The game’s dynamic interactive stages once again boast a range of visually striking locations from around the world, while offering even more destruction, deadly new danger zones and a higher level of strategic choices for players to utilize in the quest for victory. Character customization options get even deeper, as DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round will offer over 400 open and unlockable costumes, including 31 brand new costumes consisting of winning designs created by actual Dead or Alive players. Brand new hairstyle and accessory options round out nearly endless possibilities to adorn the fighters for any occasion. Players can bring their run of rosters, costumes and save data from DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Ultimate, as previously purchased DLC content will be transferable from last gen consoles to the PS4 and Xbox One (PS3 to PS4, Xbox 360 to Xbox One).

Currently in development by Team NINJA, more details about DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round will be revealed in the coming weeks. This title has been rated “M” for Mature by the ESRB.

For more news about Team NINJA, visit https://www.facebook.com/teamninjastudio, and the DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round Official page: http://teamninja-studio.com/doa5/lastround/. Don’t forget to “Like” us on the Dead or Alive Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/deadoralivegame and follow us on Twitter @TeamNINJAStudio.

HyperX Releases Enhanced Cloud II Gaming Headset

2015/02/09

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Tech News

Fountain Valley, CA – February 9, 2015 − HyperX®, a division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the launch of HyperX Cloud II headset. Shipping now, HyperX Cloud II features a newly designed USB sound card audio control box featuring 7.1 virtual surround sound, in addition to the great features and benefits of the previous award-winning HyperX Cloud headset.

Fully designed by HyperX sound engineers, the LED backlit audio control box delivers hardware-based (no drivers needed) 7.1 virtual surround sound with independent audio and microphone volume control. Gamers can easily toggle on 7.1 virtual Surround Sound with a push of a button to emulate having seven positional speakers for enhanced gaming. HyperX Cloud II is USB-powered for PC and Mac to amplify audio and voice, as well as 3.5mm stereo compatible for PS4 and Xbox One

The microphone is digitally enhanced with noise cancellation, auto gain control and echo cancellation via the USB sound card. Certified by TeamSpeak and Skype optimized, HyperX Cloud II provides clearer voice quality, game sounds and reduced background noise. The ear cups and headband are 100-percent memory foam to provide maximum comfort when gaming for hours.

HyperX will also launch its second gaming surface, HyperX FURY Pro Gaming Mouse Pad. Made of cloth material and soft padding, HyperX FURY mouse pads offer optimal precision, comfort and stability. HyperX FURY mouse pads are available in four sizes, and are portable and durable to suit any gamer’s environment.

“We are excited to expand our line of HyperX accessories with the new Cloud II and FURY mouse pad,” said Lawrence Yang, business manager, HyperX. “We can now offer gamers a 7.1 virtual surround sound headset that has all of the comfort and style of the original HyperX Cloud. These two new products give gamers great sound and control so they can enjoy a fully immersive gaming experience.”

HyperX Cloud II is available in red, gun metal, and limited edition pink (coming soon) and is backed by a two-year warranty and legendary HyperX reliability.

HyperX is the high-performance product division of Kingston Technology encompassing high-speed DDR4 and DDR3 memory, SSDs, USB Flash drives, and gaming accessories. Targeted at gamers, overclockers and enthusiasts, HyperX is known throughout the world for quality, performance and innovation. HyperX is committed to eSports as it sponsors over 20 teams globally and is the main sponsor of Intel Extreme Masters. HyperX can be found at many shows including Brasil Game Show, China Joy, DreamHack and PAX.

For more information, visit the HyperX home page.

HyperX Cloud II Features and Specifications:

Headset:

Transducer Type: dynamic Ø 53mm
Frequency Response: 15Hz–25,000 Hz
Nominal SPL: 98±3dB
Operating principle: closed
Nominal impedance: 60 Ω per syste
T.H.D.: < 2%
Power handling capacity: 150mW
Sound coupling to the ear: circumaural
Ambient noise attenuation: approx. 20 dBa
Headband pressure: 5N
Weight with microphone and cable: 320g
Cable length and type: 1m + 2m extension
Connection: single mini stereo jack plug (3.5 mm)

Microphone:

Transducer Type: condenser (back electret)
Polar Pattern: cardioid
Frequency Response: 50-18,000 Hz
Operating principle: pressure gradient
Power supply: AB powering
Supply voltage: 2V
Current consumption: max 0.5 mA
Nominal impedance: ≤2.2 kΩ
Open circuit voltage: at f = 1 kHz: 20 mV / Pa
THD: 2% at f = 1 kHz
Max. SPL: 105dB SPL (THD≤1.0% at 1 KHz)
Microphone output: -39±3dB
Length mic boom: 150mm (include gooseneck)
Capsule diameter: Ø6*5 mm
Connection: single mini stereo jack plug (3.5mm)

¹Controller adapter required.

HyperX can be found on:

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/hyperx

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hyperxcommunity

Twitter: http://twitter.com/hyperx

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/164609?trk=tyah

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+kingston/posts

Mortal Kombat X New Features Trailer

2015/02/06

boothby

Geek News, News, PlayStation 3 News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox 360 News, Xbox One News

February 6, 2015 — Today, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and NetherRealm Studios released the latest video for Mortal Kombat X, which gives fans an overview of the numerous features that they can experience in the upcoming game. Additionally, viewers will get a behind-the-scenes look at Faction Wars as NetherRealm Studios team members discuss details of how this feature will connect Mortal Kombat X players around the world.

Mortal Kombat X will be released worldwide on April 14, 2015 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and Windows PC.

Trailer

Gratuitous Space Battles 2 Enters Open Beta and New Trailer

2015/02/06

boothby

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

February 6, 2015 — Positech Games is pleased to announce that the follow up to 100,000 plus selling Gratuitous Space Battles is available from today on open beta. Unsurprisingly named Gratuitous Space Battles 2, this new title once more does away with all the long winded base building and delays found in other strategy/management/simulation space-based games. Simply construct your ships from modular components, arrange them into fleets, give them orders and then sit back, watch the laser beams fly, hulls explode and hopefully win the day – or is that night, hard to tell in space.

A sequel wouldn’t be a sequel without a heap of new stuff and GSB2 doesn’t disappoint. Head of Positech Games and its lead (only) programmer, Cliff Harris, has been listening to what players of the original game loved and didn’t love so much plus what they would like to see in a follow-up. Here’s what’s been added:

Designer ships – No two cruisers need ever look the same again thanks to the in-built visual ship-editor; design your ships your way and then show them off in online battles
Presented in glorious technicolor – Brand new built from scratch purpose built graphics engine makes the action look 100% better*
More ships – Choose from a number of new ship classes
Expand your horizons – Built-in and easy to use multi monitor support
Mods rule – Easy to edit text and CSV files readily available
Keep in line – Pre-set formation orders now retain their shape regardless of number of ships lost
Give us a lift – Carriers are now required to transport all fighters into the battlefield
Fill me up – Fighters now have limited fuel and need to refuel at their parent carrier

Gratuitous Space Battles 2’s open beta is available now for PC from http://www.gratuitousspacebattles2.com/register.html for 500 Martian Kriptogs or in earth money $24.95USD, that’s about £16.50. Those purchasing now will receive access to the beta plus a Steam key for the full release that will also see Mac and Linux versions plus additional languages added.

Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin Screenshots

2015/02/06

boothby

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

February 6, 2015 — BANDAI NAMCO Games America Inc. today released new assets for DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin, available April 7, 2015 for the PlayStation 4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, all-in-one, games and entertainment system from Microsoft and STEAM for Direct X11 enabled PCs. The new assets highlight the updated graphics, expanded story, new enemy placements and the new Forlorn NPC invader.
Additionally, a new patch is now available for current DARK SOULS II owners free of charge. The update will give players access to The Scholar, a new NPC to shed new light on the DARK SOULS II story, as well as expanded item descriptions, online matchmaking improvements and other gameplay tweaks.

DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin, the new vision for DARK SOULS II will include updated graphics and performance, new enemy placement, increase in online players, additional gameplay enhancements, all three DLC missions released for DARK SOULS II (Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the Ivory King), as well as all the new content found in the update mentioned above, currently available for DARK SOULS II players.

DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin will also be available through a physical retail release for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system, and digitally for PC DirectX 9 systems on April 7, 2015. This new version of DARK SOULS II will include content from the new update for current DARK SOULS II players, enriching the player’s journey through Drangleic, as well as all three DLC missions released for DARK SOULS II.

Screenshots