2K Games and Firaxis Games have released their official E3 2015 XCOM 2 gameplay video for your enjoyment.
Archive - 2015
June 25, 2015, Milpitas CA, USA – Tesoro Technology USA Inc., a manufacturer of high-tech gaming peripherals, announces the Thyrsus optical gaming mouse. Named after the staff of Dionysus, the Thyrsus features comfortable, ergonomic design, a high-precision optical sensor, and 6 fully programmable thumb buttons for MMO and MOBA games.
6 Programmable Thumb Buttons for Macro Control
Instead of the ordinary 1 or 2 thumb buttons, the Tesoro Thyrsus has 6 buttons positioned for thumb control, making a total of 10 fully independent and programmable buttons. The 64Kb of onboard memory allows users to configure up to 5 gaming profiles, 35 macro keys and 1600 recordable actions. The Tesoro Thyrsus is easy to control in the new, specifically designed software. Gamers can adjust the DPI, polling rate up to 1000Hz, and the multicolor LED illumination as well as program the 6 thumb buttons.
Comfortable and Confident Control
Omron switch technology gives the Thyrsus added durability, tactile feedback and satisfying clicks. The ergonomic design and rubberized coating on both sides give maximum comfort and grip. Gamers can pick from 6 levels of sensitivity adjustable up to 8200dpi. Accuracy is assured with 150 ips (inches per second) motion detection and 30g acceleration. A braided, 2 meter gold-plated USB cable lends added durability and prevents fraying.
New Tesoro User Interface (UI)
The Thyrsus utilizes Tesoro’s new UI which has been redesigned to be more user-friendly. Gamers can easily adjust the DPI, record macros, set profiles, and change the illumination color.
Technical specifications:
- 10 million click duty cycle Omron switches
- 6 levels of sensitivity adjustable up to 8200 dpi
- 64 KB Built-in Memory
- 6 fully programmable thumb buttons for MMO/MOBA
- Total of 10 fully programmable keys
- Full speed processor with 1000 Hz polling rate
- Customizable multicolor lighting
- Soft-touch finished surface
- 2 meter braided cable with gold plated USB plug
- 150 ips (Inches per Second) motion detection and 30 g acceleration
- New TESORO Thyrsus Software
- Model number: TS-H8L
MSRP and Availability
The Tesoro Thyrsus will be available this August in North America for the suggested retail price of $ 69.
Product photos and detailed specs are available at:
http://www.tesorotec.com/
About Tesoro Technology USA Inc.
Established in 2011, Tesoro Technology USA Inc is a team of multinational gaming enthusiasts with over 30 years industry experience with one objective – make ultra-durable products that give the best gaming experience. To achieve this, Tesoro conceptualizes products from the input and feedback from the gaming community, and then builds them using the highest grade components. As a gamers company, Tesoro continues to expand into new horizons and push the limit further with each product unveiling. To learn more visit Tesoro’s website: http://www.tesorotec.com.
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., – June 24, 2015 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA), the National Hockey League (NHL®) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) announced today during the 2015 NHL Awards™ that three-time Stanley Cup® Champions Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane from the Chicago Blackhawks® will both appear on the cover of EA SPORTS™ NHL® 16. This marks the first time in franchise history that the cover has featured two teammates as well as the Stanley Cup trophy. Kane and Toews are also the only athletes to appear on an EA SPORTS™ NHL cover twice. The duo spotlight embodies the spirit of NHL 16, where you’ll play together and win together.
“I’m honored to not only share the Stanley Cup Championship with Patrick, but to share the EA SPORTS NHL 16 cover with him too,” said Toews. “Our team’s passion and dedication have made this all possible – and I’m sure fans will be fired up about it.”
“Being teamed up with Jonathan for the NHL 16 cover is a great feeling,” said Kane. “I never would have imagined being on the cover twice, and the fact this is happening on top of our team taking home the Cup is unreal.”
“Congratulations to both players; they are a perfect fit for this honor,” said Dave McCarthy, NHL Vice President of Consumer Products Marketing. “What the Chicago Blackhawks have been able to accomplish in the last six years has been nothing short of remarkable and I’m excited that this year’s NHL 16 cover will reflect the spirit of teamwork.”
”We would like to congratulate Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane on this well-deserved honor of being chosen as the duo cover athletes,” said Adam Larry, NHLPA Director of Licensing and Associate Counsel. “Hockey fans show great passion and interest in the EA SPORTSvideo game franchise each year, and they will be pleased to see these two outstanding teammates grace the cover of NHL 16.”
Built with more fan feedback and insights than ever before, NHL 16 delivers your most requested features and modes along with new experiences that make NHL 16 bigger and better. With new levels of depth across single player and team modes, combined with improved gameplay balance and innovation as well as new tools to help you play at your highest level, NHL 16 lets you play together and win together.
NHL 16 hits store shelves on September 15, 2015 in North America and September 17, 2015 in Europe for Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, and PlayStation®4. EA SPORTS™ NHL® Legacy Edition brings together the most popular modes and award-winning gameplay features from nine years of NHL hockey and will be available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. Become a fan of EA SPORTS NHL® on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
June 24, 2015 — Now a mainstay at San Diego Comic-Con International, Shout! Factory returns to the convention in 2015 with a dynamic line-up sure to delight pop culture enthusiasts of all ages. Shout! Factory is a leading multi-platform entertainment company, and its Comic-Con offerings, which span its popular Shout! Factory, Shout! Kids and Scream Factory™ brands, are sure to please devoted fans of popular home entertainment properties, collectors and pop culture enthusiasts alike. This year, Shout! Factory unveils an exciting panel event, new home entertainment products, Comic-Con exclusives and engaging booth activities. Fans and attendees are invited to join in on the excitement at the Shout! Factory booth (#4118) on the main convention floor.
Convention attendees who are genre and horror film buffs, obscure franchise fanatics, animation aficionados, fans of retro television or who just have a penchant for pop culture entertainment will not want to miss this year’s panel event: An Inside Look at Shout! Factory, Shout! Kids, Scream Factory and Shout! Factory TV on Friday, July 10th, at 7:30 pm in Room 24ABC. Join Brian Ward (BD/DVD producer), Melissa Boag (vice-president, Shout! Factory Kids), and Jeff Nelson (senior marketing director, Scream Factory) as they give you an exclusive sneak peak at upcoming Blu-ray and DVD collector’s editions and make some very special announcements. This fan-driven event featuring lively discussion and a Q&A is moderated by Eric Goldman (executive editor at IGN).
Shout! Factory Booth (#4118) and the studio’s Shout! Factory Store, located in the Shout! Factory booth, will once again be essential destinations on the convention center floor. Showcasing highly anticipated current and upcoming offerings from Shout! Factory’s most popular brands, the booth also features convention exclusives, an autograph signing, interactive fan activities including a green screen photo booth, daily sweepstakes giveaways and much more.
For continuing updates on Shout! Factory’s Comic-Con activities and news, please follow us on Twitter @ShoutFactory, on Instagram @shoutfactory, and the studio’s official Facebook pagewww.facebook.com/shoutfactoryofficial.
SHOUT! FACTORY BOOTH (#4118) HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
The Shout! Factory Green Screen Photo Booth: During all convention hours Thursday through Sunday, commemorate your SDCC experience with a free digital photo at our photo booth! FromMST3K to Scream Factory, My Little Pony to Power Rangers, we’ve got a backdrop to fit your fandom! Once we’ve snapped your picture and you’ve chosen your background, you can share your photo digitally via the social media platform of your choice.
Kaiju Scavenger Hunt:
To celebrate the upcoming The Kaiju Movie Marathon, Shout! Factory TV is teaming with Famous Monsters Magazine (booth #1507) for a kaiju scavenger hunt! Visit both booths to collect each half of a special postcard, and then turn in the completed postcard at either Shout! Factory’s or Famous Monster’s booth to collect your limited-edition Godzilla poster!
My Little Pony Costume Contest: Is your My Little Pony cosplay so good even Rarity would be impressed? Come show us! If you are dressed as a My Little Pony character, come to the Shout! Factory booth (#4118) and have your picture taken in the green-screen photo booth to enter. Each day (Thursday– Sunday) one winner will be selected to receive a $100 Amex gift card. The grand prize winner a $150 Amex gift card PLUS an entire set of EVERY My Little Pony release by Shout! Kids! No purchase necessary. Rules and restrictions apply.
Comic-Con Exclusives!
Scream Factory’s highly sought-after button packs are back! Stop by the Shout! Factory booth (#4118) for your FREE 2015 Scream Factory Button Pack
Excited for the My Little Pony: Equestria Girls-Friendship Games later this year? Stop by our booth to get your FREE, exclusive My Little Pony: Equestria Girls-Friendship Games Button (while supplies last).
We’re also giving away other Shout! Factory goodies, including Shout! Factory cloth shopping bags and Shout! Factory TV screen wipes.
Schedule Of Shout! Factory Events At Comic-Con International 2015
Wednesday, July 8th
Preview Night
Thursday July 9th
12 p.m. Power Rangers appearance at Shout! Factory booth #4118.
All Day My Little Pony Costume Contest at the Shout! Factory booth #4118.
All Day Shout! Factory Green Screen Photo Booth
Friday July 10th
1 p.m. Meet Samantha Newark (original speaking voices of Jem and Jerrica in
Jem and the Holograms) Special signing with SDCC exclusive posters
at the Shout! Factory booth.
7:30 p.m. Panel: An Inside Look at Shout! Factory, Shout! Kids,
Scream Factory and Shout! Factory TV
Room 24ABC, Convention Center
All Day My Little Pony Costume Contest at the Shout! Factory booth #4118.
All Day Shout! Factory Green Screen Photo Booth
Saturday July 11th
12 p.m. Power Rangers appearance at Shout! Factory booth #4118.
All Day My Little Pony Costume Contest at the Shout! Factory booth #4118.
All Day Shout! Factory Green Screen Photo Booth
Sunday July 12th
9:30 a.m. – Shout! Factory Green Screen Photo Booth
3 p.m.
All Day My Little Pony Costume Contest at the Shout! Factory booth #4118.
Shout! Factory, Shout! Kids And Scream Factory Home Entertainment
Highlights For SDCC 2015
The Last Unicorn: The Enchanted Edition (BR/DVD/Digital Combo Pack)
One of the most beloved fantasy films of all-time, The Last Unicorn has enraptured generations of fans with its poetic tale of a brave unicorn’s journey through a mystic land seeking others of her kind. Showcasing the latest hi-definition restoration of the uncut film, endorsed by Peter S. Beagle, The Last Unicorn: The Enchanted Edition is brought to life with exquisite detail never before seen, to ensure the most satisfying film viewing experience for all fans, old and young alike. The release also comes loaded with brand new bonus features, including an audio commentary with Peter S. Beagle, Michael Chase Walker, Connor Cochran, Terri Kempton and Travis Ashmore; “Highlights from The Last UnicornWorldwide Screening Tour with Peter S. Beagle,” the featurette True Magic: The Story of The Last Unicorn, and animated storyboards, as well as the original theatrical trailer.
Dog Soldiers Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack)
Six Men. Full Moon. No Chance. The terrifying thriller Dog Soldiers gets the Scream Factory treatment with a Collector’s Edition Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack. Dog Soldiers features a new 2k scan HD transfer supervised and approved by director Neil Marshall and comes loaded with brand-new bonus features, including an audio commentary with director Neil Marshall, a look at the model of the sets created by production designer Simon Bowles and the featurette The Making of ‘Dog Soldiers’, featuring new interviews with director Neil Marshall, producers Christopher Figg and Keith Bell, actors Kevin McKidd, Sean Pertwee, Darren Morfitt, Leslie Simpson and Emma Cleasby, special effects artist Bob Keen, special effects supervisor/creature designer Dave Bonneywell, production designer Simon Bowles and director of photography Sam McCurdy. Dog Soldiers also includes Neil Marshall’s short film Combat, theatrical trailers, and a still gallery.
MST3K: Volume XXXIII (DVD)
This summer you can get your kicks with the cool cats on the Satellite of Love, in orbit with some of the cheesiest movies ever made. Don’t be a square, it’ll be a gas! On July 28th, 2015, Shout! Factory will release Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume XXXIII, featuring four episodes never before on DVD: Daddy-O, Earth vs. the Spider, Teen-Age Crime Wave and Agent For H.A.R.M. The set also includes a bevy of brand-new bonus features including the featurettes Beatnick Blues: Investigating ‘Daddy-O’, This Movie Has Legs: Looking Back at ‘Earth Vs. The Spider’ and Film It Again, Sam: The Katzman Chronicles; interviews Tommy Cook: From Jungle Boy To Teenage Jungle and Peter Mark Richman: In H.A.R.M.’s Way, MST hour wraps, theatrical trailers and four exclusive Mini Posters by artist Steve Vance.
Thunderbirds: The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
In 5…4…3…2…1…Thunderbirds are GO! Available for the first time on Blu-ray, the re-mastered high-definition transfer showcases Gerry Anderson’s visionary Supermarionation technique in exquisite detail never before seen, and promises audiences of all ages an outstanding showcase of thrills, action, and adventure with no (okay, maybe some) strings attached. Featuring all 32 episodes of the popular science-fiction series in a 6 BR set, Thunderbirds: The Complete Series also includes the documentary “Launching Thunderbirds”, which includes a never before seen interview with Gerry Anderson, and a vintage publicity brochure as bonus features.
Nightbreed: The Director’s Cut [Limited Edition] (Blu-ray)
After 25 years, fans and horror enthusiasts can finally experience NIGHTBREED like never before! Scream Factory, in conjunction with Warner Bros., was able to find the long-thought-missing original film elements and combed through over 600 boxes to locate not only the lost scenes but a treasure trove of never-before-seen footage as well. With lost footage meticulously restored, the result is not only a more faithful adaptation of Clive Barker’s book Cabal, but also what he originally intended NIGHTBREED to be. This three disc, extremely limited set contains the new director’s cut, the theatrical cut, and is loaded with brand new bonus features.
The Decline Of Western Civilization Collection (Blu-ray)
The highly-celebrated and long-awaited trilogy known as The Decline Of Western Civilization will receive a deluxe box set release. The 4-disc set contains Penelope Spheeris’ The Decline Of Western Civilization (1980), The Decline Of Western Civilization Part II : The Metal Years (1988), and The Decline Of Western Civilization Part III (1998), a 40-page book containing an essay written by rock historian Domenic Priore (Riot on Sunset Strip: Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Last Stand in Hollywood), rare stills, and bonus features including extended interviews, a commentary recorded by Dave Grohl in February 2015, and more. This is the first ever official Blu-ray or DVD release of the films.
Hackers: 20th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray with poster)
Hack the planet! A highly stylized cyberpunk exploitation fantasy, Hackers is a joyous ride through ‘90s cyberpunk subculture. The Hackers: 20th Anniversary Edition also includes the brand new bonus feature The Keyboard Cowboys – a 3-part documentary looking back at Hackers including all-new interviews with director Iain Softley, cast members Fisher Stevens, Matthew Lillard and Penn Jillette, visual effects artist Peter Chiang, wardrobe designer Roger Burton, hacking consultants Nicholas Jarecki and Emmanuel Goldstein and film critic Mark Kermode.
The People Under the Stairs (Blu-ray with poster)
In horror master Wes Craven’s The People Under The Stairs, a young boy is trapped inside the fortified home owned by a mysterious couple. Suddenly thrust into a nightmare, he quickly learns the true nature of the house’s homicidal inhabitants and the secret creatures hidden deep within the house. The People Under The Stairs comes loaded with bonus features, including Audio Commentary with writer/director Wes Craven, Audio Commentary with actors Brandon Adams, A.J. Langer, Sean Whalen, and Yan Birch, House Mother – an interview with actress Wendy Robie, What Lies Beneath – interviews with special make-up effects Artists Greg Nicotero, Howard Berger and Robert Kurtzman, House of Horrors – an interview with director of photography Sandi Sissel, Settling The Score – an interview with composer Don Peake and much more!
Wyrmood: Road of the Dead (Blu-Ray)
In the aftermath of a comet breaking up over Earth, most of the planet’s population quickly succumbs to a strange disease which turns them into “zombies.” Few survive, and those who do, quickly discover all existing fuel sources have been rendered useless by the plague. A raucous, blood-soaked post-apocalyptic epic filled with inspired vehicular mayhem and unrestrained gore, Wyrmood: Road of the Dead is one of the most wildly entertaining genre films in years. This critically-acclaimed rambunctious adventure comes loaded with bonus features, including an audio commentary with the Roache-Turner Brothers, the featurette The Wyrmdiaries: Behind the Scenes of WYRMWOOD, Crowdfunding Videos: Wyrmwood Production Pitch, deleted scenes, a seven minute teaser scene, a gallery of storyboards by the director and the theatrical trailer.
Robot Jox (Blu-Ray)
In the distant future, mankind has forsaken global wars for battles of single combat. The world has been divided into two opposing super powers, with each side represented by trained champions. Their weapons are huge robotic machines, capable of battle on land, sea and in the air. From celebrated director Stuart Gordon (Re-Animator, From Beyond) and executive producer Charles Band comes ROBOT JOX, a riveting sci-fi action adventure. Arriving for the first time on Blu-ray, this highly-anticipated release contains insightful bonus content, including new interview with actor Paul Koslo, audio commentary, behind-the-scene footage and much more.
Howling II: Your Sister Is A Werewolf (Blu-Ray)
After countless millennia of watching, waiting and stalking, the unholy creatures known as werewolves are poised to inherit the earth. Legendary horror icon Christopher Lee (The Lord of the Rings, Count Dracula) faces off against sexy cult favorite Sybil Danning (Battle Beyond the Stars, Chained Heat, Grindhouse) in this terrifying descent into a world of nightmares that turns out to be all too real! This high-anticipated release contains extensive bonus content, including all-new interviews with actor Reb Brown, actress Sybil Danning, special make-up effects artists Steve Johnson and Scott Wheeler, audio commentary, behind-the-scenes footage and much more.
I, Madman (Blu-ray)
After a spine-tingling paperback catches the imagination of bookstore clerk Virginia, she seeks out the author’s second book, I, Madman. But once she opens the cover, its eerie tale of obsessive love comes to life, catapulting a disfigured, scalpel-wielding killer from the world of fiction onto the streets of Hollywood with one demented goal: to win Virginia’s love, one murder at a time! Arriving for the first time on Blu-ray, this long-awaited release contains insightful bonus content, including interviews with director Tibor Takacs, actor & artistic supervisor Randall William Cook, screenwriter David Chaskin, actor Clayton Rohner and actress Stephanie Hodge, behind-the-scene footage, audio commentary and much more.
June 24th, 2015 – (Burbank) This fall, Chris Hardwick’s Nerdist Industries brings you a new vision of terror with sci-fi horror film The Hive, the first release under his Nerdist Presents film label. Nerdist is bringing the film to Comic-Con for fans to get their first look at the future of horror; a film James Gunn calls, “The most horrifying love story ever!”
From the producer of Scream, Nerdist Presents The Hive turns the contagion genre on its proverbial bleeding ear. The cross-genre thriller starring Gabriel Basso (Kings of Summer, Super 8), Kathryn Prescott (MTV’s Finding Carter, Skins), Jacob Zachar (Greek) and Gabrielle Walsh (Vampire Diaries, Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones) received raves after its debut at Fantastic Fest in Austin and Nerdist Founder and CEO Chris Hardwick said, “THIS MOVIE IS SO MUCH DAMN FUN. The first time I saw it I was blown away by how fresh and inventive the story was, which is no small feat in horror. I knew right away I wanted to help get this movie into the eyes and earholes of horror fans.”
When Camp Yellow Jacket has fallen into chaos, teen counselor Adam wakes up in a boarded up cabin with no memory of who or where he is. His only clue as to what’s happening are the notes he’s scrawled for himself on the walls and the disturbing physical transformation he must overcome. The only memories he has aren’t his own, yet those memories may be the key to Adam’s survival.
In speaking on the release, prolific horror producer Cary Granat, who made the film with producers Ed Jones, Vincent Seiber, and Jared Mass, said, “We are thrilled to have the Nerdist Presents brand on The Hive. The Nerdist team reminds me so much of the early days of Dimension in that they are aggressive, smart, innovative, in touch with their audience, and focused on creating new rules to marketing.”
Coming to theaters and digital movie platforms this fall, Nerdist Presents The Hive is the next generation of horror film from Director Dave Yarovesky with fast paced scares, biting humor and a wicked soundtrack featuring Steve Aoki.
Nerdist Presents The Hive Comic-Con Schedule
Friday, July 10th
12:00-12:30pm – The Nerdist Conival @ PetCo Park
A conversation with director Dave Yarovesky and the cast.
Saturday July 11th
1:00-2:00pm – The Nerdist Panel w/ Chris Hardwick (Indigo Ballroom)
Director Dave Yarovesky joins Chris and the Nerdist team for their annual panel.
3:30 – 4:30pm – Nerdist Presents The Hive (Horton Grand Theater) Ticketed Event*
Director Dave Yarovesky and the cast host an intimate panel where fans can get their first look at the film.
New York, NY – June 24, 2015 – 2K today announced that NBA 2K16 will feature Michael Jordan on the cover of this year’s Special Edition. The next iteration of the NBA video game simulation series that’s been top-rated for the last 15 years*, will celebrate Jordan’s Hall of Fame legacy and give fans even more options to customize their in-game experience.
Gamers that pre-order the Special Edition will receive NBA 2K16 on Friday, September 25, four days before the standard launch, along with memorabilia and other in-game content, including:
- Jordan NBA 2K16 Poster;
- Jordan Fathead® Wall Cling;
- Digital Jordan shoes for your MyPLAYER;
- Digital Jordan T-shirt for your MyPLAYER;
- Digital Jordan jersey for your MyPLAYER;
- 30,000 Virtual Currency;
- MyTEAM VIP+:
- 3 Emerald Packs AND a new Special Edition Exclusive Moments Card.
Jordan’s appearance on NBA 2K16 marks the third NBA 2K cover appearance for the 14-time NBA All-Star, six-time NBA World Champion, five-time NBA Most Valuable Player and NBA Hall of Fame inductee.
“I’m excited about this year’s NBA 2K’s Special Edition,” said Michael Jordan. “NBA 2K16 allows gamers young and old to not only experience and re-create some of my greatest moments on the basketball court but also customize their players with Jordan shoes and apparel.”
The NBA 2K16 Michael Jordan Special Edition will be available in both digital and physical formats for $79.99 on PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One.
2K previously announced that three of the NBA’s top superstars will be making their cover debuts on the standard edition of NBA 2K16: Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry, Houston Rockets’ James Harden and New Orleans Pelicans’ Anthony Davis. The game will also highlight an all-new MyCAREER mode that was written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee.
Developed by Visual Concepts, NBA 2K16 is not yet rated by the ESRB. NBA 2K16 will be available for PlayStation®4 system and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox One and Xbox 360; and Windows PC platforms on September 29, 2015.
Fans can pre-order NBA 2K16 at participating North American retail and online vendors, ensuring they receive their copy and in-game bonuses ahead of the game’s September 29 release date. While game covers will be distributed at random, each game box includes a foldable insert with all 3 individual cover athletes, ensuring the ability to insert the cover of their choice into the front of box.
Follow @NBA2K on social media and look for the hashtag #BeTheStory for the latest NBA 2K16 news.
I recently attended the premiere event for Fast & Furious – Supercharged at Universal Studios Hollywood a few days before it officially opened to the public, and the studio really pulled out all the stops for the event. Four “picture cars” were on display from the Fast & Furious franchise for photo ops. There were speeches by Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti, NBC Universal CEO Steve Burke, and NBC Universal Vice Chairman Ron Meyer, as well as appearances by Fast & Furious stars Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, and Jason Statham.
A cool little stunt show kicked off the ceremony, which culminated in a car jumping and crashing through the Fast & Furious – Supercharged billboard amidst a shower of fireworks and confetti, and then it was off to our tour trams to head on over to the show building.
Fast & Furious – Supercharged takes over the area that used to house the Mummy tunnel tour finale. A fun, historic note: This structure used to house the avalanche ice tunnel as well as the Battlestar Galactica finale. It also provides a terrific closer to the world-famous tour.
Throughout the studio tour, Universal has placed a couple hints and glimpses of what is to come. Dominic Toretto’s Dodge Charger is parked hidden around a corner on Wisteria Lane, and there are video interruptions of the tour guide demanding that one of the park’s guests be turned over to the FBI (this part wasn’t real clear on the truncated studio tour we experienced). Suffice it to say, your studio tour tram is headed into a dilapidated garage, where the Fast & Furious gang is having a house party.
That first “house party” sequence of the attracion is weird and cheesy and filled with less-than-Oscar-worthy acting. But, then again, it’s Fast & Furious. You didn’t come here for Shakespearean theatre. You came for fast cars, explosions, and all the rest! In the second half of the experience, you get your wish. Your tour tram rockets out of the garage, chased by the bad guys (and their helicopters, and the Fast & Furious crew). Walls are demolished, cars are wrecked, helicopters are hung off of by your heroes, and unfinished freeway off-ramps are jumped all while your tram jerks and drops in sync with the action. If you’ve experienced the King Kong 360 3D experience during the studio tour, you already have an idea how Universal pulled this off.
The action you see is a combination of actual stunt work mixed in with some great (and some not-so-great) CGI. In my opinion, King Kong 360 3D has better-looking CGI, but the illusion of movement is better in Fast & Furious – Supercharged.
Fast & Furious – Supercharged is not a “ride”. Transformers The Ride-3D is a ride. Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem is a ride. Jurassic Park – The Ride is a ride. Fast & Furious – Supercharged? Not a ride.
But, it IS a whole lot of fun!
Hopefully, Universal Studios will iron out all the bugs in this finale (we had to go through the building three times, since it kept quitting on us halfway through the “super speed” area), because it really is a terrific way to end the tour on an exciting, fast-paced note. Definitely check it out.
We’d like to thank the folks at Universal Studios marketing and PR for helping make this preview event possible. Also, we would like to thank Norm from HorrorBuzz for sending over a few higher quality photos for us to use (our camera was having some issues).
Photo Gallery
Los Angeles, CA (June 23, 2015) – AEG Facilities’ Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) is thrilled to announce that the venue will host Anime Expo (“AX”) for the next five years (through 2019), solidifying LA’s on-going partnership with the event organizer, The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (“SPJA”), while reinforcing the LACC’s position as a top destination for large-scale, multi-day events. The SPJA presented its first event in 1992; AX functions as a convention for promoting Japanese Pop Culture and the arts related to Japanese Animation and as a communication forum for fans and industry professionals. Since its inception, Anime Expo has grown to become the largest anime convention in North America.
The 2015 edition of Anime Expo is just over a week away (July 2-5) and this year’s attendance is projected to reach 100,000 unique / 280,000 turnstile attendees, exceeding previous attendance records (2014: 80,000 unique / 220,000 turnstile attendees; 2013: 61,000 unique / 180,000 turnstile attendees). “2015 marks Anime Expo’s 24th year and we are excited for another successful event in Los Angeles; the show has consistently grown in all aspects over the years and we’ve found a very welcoming and supportive home in Los Angeles,” commented Marc Perez, Chief Executive Officer of The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA).
AX is a critical annual event for Los Angeles; through direct and indirect spending on travel, lodging, meals, and entertainment convention attendees stimulate the City’s economy and support local businesses and jobs. “Los Angeles is excited to welcome Anime Expo back to the L.A. Convention Center for the next five years,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “L.A. is the creative capital of the world and a perfect home for North America’s largest anime and manga convention. We value our partnership with The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation and the Anime Expo (SPJA), which generates $55 million for our local economy every year.”
With Downtown Los Angeles experiencing exponential growth, the City is more equipped than ever to welcome large-scale events such as AX. “Los Angeles is booming right now, especially the Downtown L.A. area. In recent years, heavy investment in the area has led to an upswing of businesses and developments as well as to the consistent addition of hotels surrounding the Convention Center,” noted Ernest Wooden Jr., President and CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board (LATCB).
Preparations for AX 2015 at the LACC are well underway, with AX activating the entire facility for the first time ever for this year’s show. “We’re very pleased that Anime Expo has selected the LACC for its upcoming events, including next year’s milestone 25th anniversary, which is a great achievement for our Center and for the City alike,” concluded Brad Gessner, AEG Facilities Senior Vice President and General Manager for the Los Angeles Convention Center.
SAN RAFAEL, Calif., June 23rd, 2015 — Leading and award-winning developer and publisher of digital entertainment Telltale Games, in collaboration with award-winning developer Gearbox Software, creator of the beloved Borderlands franchise, and publisher 2K, today announced the release of ‘Catch a Ride,’ the third of five episodes for Tales from the Borderlands: A Telltale Games Series.
The episode is available today on PC and Mac from the Telltale Online Store, Steam, and other digital distribution services, and on the PlayStation®Network for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3. The episode will be available Wednesday, June 24th on the Xbox Games Store for Xbox One® and Xbox 360, and will be available for compatible iOS and Android-based devices via in-app purchase starting onThursday, June 25th.
“Our collaboration with Gearbox and 2K kicks into high gear with this third episode in a story that dives even deeper into the Borderlands universe,” said Kevin Bruner, CEO and co-founder of Telltale Games. “The humor is some of the best in the season so far, and choices are more important than ever. We wouldn’t want to spoil too much, but fans can expect to see even more intense action, more faces they’ll recognize from Pandora, and one core character in particular that holds the key to the group’s big score.”
Set on the unforgiving world of Pandora after the events seen in Borderlands 2,Tales from the Borderlands is a five part episodic game series full of Borderlands’ trademark humor following two adventurers on their quest for greatness.
In Episode 3, after a dizzying escape from a very-near-almost-certain-death scenario (involving statuesque buttocks), Rhys and Fiona find themselves looking for another piece of the puzzle that will lead them to the untold riches of Vault key ownership. Lost in the mysterious jungle of an Atlas terraforming facility, Fiona finds help from an unexpected mentor, Rhys continues to share brain-space with the disembodied mind of a dead dictator, and love is in the air. Pursued by the ruthless criminal ‘Queenpin’ Vallory, and with very little help from Vaughn’s accountancy skills (or stellar abs), getting anywhere near the Vault will be entirely up to you.
GamesBeat awarded the season premiere of Tales from the Borderlands a96/100 score, calling it, “A hilarious knockout,” adding, “Zer0 Sum stands tall as the ultimate point-and-click science project: combine the beloved Borderlands lore and setting with the shining vision of an artistic studio, crank up the heat, and enjoy.” GameSpot awarded the episode a 9 out of 10 score, calling the episode,”…a beautiful new twist on the Borderlands experience with loveable leads and breathless action sequences.” Destructoid also awarded the game a 9 out of 10score, saying, “Telltale really knocked it out of the park with this one,” later adding,”…this might be the funniest Borderlands game to date.”
In their review of Episode 2, Polygon praised writing that “crackles with the sort of life and energy that drives the best comedy,” while IGN said “it constantly oscillates between thrilling action scenes, hilarious back-and-forth banter, and some poignant character moments… I consider myself completely on board for Telltale’s wild ride.” Entertainment Weekly also declared it “one of Telltale’s most engrossing series yet.”
Tales from the Borderlands: A Telltale Games Series – Episode 3: ‘Catch a Ride’ is rated ‘M’ (Mature) for Violence, Blood and Gore, and Language by the ESRB. The series is published digitally by Telltale Games in partnership with Gearbox Software and 2K.
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June 23, 2015 — The HBO series GAME OF THRONES and the new Robert Kirkman CINEMAX series OUTCAST, produced by FOX International Studios are confirmed for panels and autograph sessions at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2015.
Fans can follow @GameofThrones for live coverage of the GAME OF THRONES panel and #GoTSDCC to join the conversation. For OUTCAST, fans can follow @Cinemax and use #Outcast.
Below is information on the two panels.
Friday, July 10
The GAME OF THRONES panel in Hall H at 2:30 p.m. will be moderated by Seth Meyers (“Late Night with Seth Meyers”). Panelists include: executive producer Carolyn Strauss, director David Nutter and cast members (in alphabetical order) Alfie Allen (Theon/Reek), John Bradley (Samwell Tarly), Gwendoline Christie (Brienne of Tarth), Liam Cunningham (Ser Davos Seaworth), Natalie Dormer (Margaery Tyrell), Conleth Hill (Varys), Hannah Murray (Gilly), Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark), Carice van Houten (Melissandre) and Maisie Williams (Arya Stark). Autograph signing is at 4:15 p.m.
Saturday, July 11
OUTCAST, the upcoming Robert Kirkman series based on the Skybound/Image comic produced for CINEMAX by FOX International Studios (FIS), will give audiences a first look with its debut at Comic-Con. The panel will be in Room 6A at 3:00 p.m. and will be moderated by Kumail Nanjiani (HBO’s “Silicon Valley”). Panelists include: creators and executive producers Robert Kirkman and Chris Black, cast members Patrick Fugit (Kyle Barnes), Philip Glenister (Reverend Anderson) and Wrenn Schmidt (Megan Holter), and two surprise special guest panelists. Autograph signing is at 5:45 p.m.
The autograph signings will take place in the Warner Bros. booth #4545. Warner Bros. follows Comic-Con’s ticket drawing/wristband distribution procedure for all signings. All ticket drawings and wristband distributions will take place in the morning of the day of the specific signing at the Sails Pavilion floor, between Ballroom 20 and Rooms 6A, 6BCF and 6DE.
PLEASE NOTE: Cast and producers scheduled to attend are subject to change.