Archive - 2015

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Gets April 7 Opening Date at Universal Studios

2015/12/08

Universal City, California, December 8, 2015 – It’s official: “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” will open at Universal Studios Hollywood on Thursday, April 7, 2016, marking the highly-anticipated arrival of the West Coast’s dynamic new immersive experience at The Entertainment Capital of L.A.

This eagerly-awaited news coincides with the launch of the destination’s spellbinding campaign, which is stylistically designed to sweep guests into the land’s magical world through the lens of imagination.

The campaign is anchored by a new television spot designed to build suspense and enthusiasm while evoking a sense of wonder and succinctly capture the magical appeal that “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” has for cross-generational consumers as it announces the April 7 opening date.

In making the exciting announcement, Universal Studios Hollywood illuminated the land’s Hogwarts castle to signal the arrival of today’s momentous news.

To see the new campaign spot including a glimpse of the new land and today’s news, please click here.

More than five years in the making, and inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters that were brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” is being masterfully recreated with impeccable detail as a real-world interpretation at Universal Studios Hollywood. The land will be faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including Hogwarts castle which will serve as its iconic focal point.

From its snow-capped roofs and cobblestone streets to the historic British sensibilities that characterize the whimsical look and feel of the land, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will transport guests of all ages to the very places they read about in the stories or watched on the silver screen.

Upon entering the land through the archway, Hogsmeade will bustle to life with the same vitality of a quaint local village: merchants hard at work, a train conductor welcoming new arrivals and a pub packed to the gills with hungry patrons, but with the added element of enthusiastic guests intent on experiencing them all, including the land’s signature ride, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” and the family outdoor coaster, “Flight of the Hippogriff™.”

An achievement in pioneering theme park ride technology, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” will make its U.S. debut at Universal Studios Hollywood in hyper-realistic 3D-HD designed to further immerse guests in an already engaging storyline. The multidimensional thrill ride features a groundbreaking robotics ride system, fused with elaborate filmed action sequences and immersive visceral effects. In this updated adaptation of the ride, guests will sport Quidditch-inspired 3D goggles as they venture through journeys experienced by Harry and his friends, spiraling and pivoting 360-degrees along an elevated ride track on a whirlwind adventure of a lifetime.

Also within “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” the enchanting family coaster, “Flight of the Hippogriff™” will open as Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor roller coaster.

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will resonate with immense detail, inviting guests to revel in Harry Potter’s world with the opportunity to enjoy authentic food and beverage at multiple locations, including Three Broomsticks™, and Hog’s Head pub, as well as the Magic Neep and Butterbeer™ carts.

A foray through the shops will add to the authenticity of the land with eight retail venues and locations, including Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko’s™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods™.

Currently, Universal Studios Hollywood in-park guests can experience and purchase authentic merchandise, including wands, robes and other collectibles from “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” available within the Features Presentation shop, located just inside the theme park’s main entry.

As the countdown to the April 7^th opening date continues, the website invites guests to learn more by signing up for the latest news and information at www.universalstudioshollywood.com/harrypotter/signup.

Join the conversation online using #WizardingWorldHollywood. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Bandai Namco Unveils Ace Combat 7

2015/12/07

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos

SAN JOSE, Calif., (December 5, 2015) – Leading interactive entertainment media publisher and developer BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. is pleased to announce that ACE COMBAT 7 is in development at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment’s internal development studios in Tokyo, Japan. ACE COMBAT 7 marks the franchise’s first outing on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system. Putting gamers in the cockpit of the most advanced war planes ever developed, ACE COMBAT 7 delivers the fiercest air combat experience ever through photorealistic visuals, intense dog-fighting action, a multitude of authentic and futuristic aircraft to fly, and an immersive storyline.

Developed utilizing Unreal Engine™ 4 and trueSKY™ technology, ACE COMBAT 7 leverages the power of the newest generation gaming consoles and is poised to blow players away with the latest evolution of its graphics engine. Beautifully rendered cloud-filled skies and highly detailed cityscapes enhance the sense of unparalleled speed and set the stage for the most engaging aerial battles in the franchise’s storied 20 year history. ACE COMBAT 7 will provide an arsenal of ultra-modern super weapons and formidable enemies that the series is known for. Aces who have proven their combat prowess in ACE COMBAT 7’s campaign mode can take their dogfighting skills online for furious online multiplayer battles.

PlayStation®4 players will be further immersed in ACE COMBAT 7’s realism through exclusive features developed specifically for the Sony PlayStation®VR.

“ACE COMBAT 7 delivers the culmination of 20 years of aerial combat game development expertise, resulting in the most realistic and exciting ACE COMBAT game to date,” said Eric Hartness, Vice President of Marketing at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “It’s no small feat for any video game franchise to thrive over two decades; ACE COMBAT’s longevity lies in its ability to deliver authentic and intense flight combat action, presented through amazing visuals, all wrapped in a unique and compelling storyline. We look forward to seeing players suit up and become ace pilots.”

ACE COMBAT 7 is rated “RP” for Rating Pending by the ESRB. The game will be coming to the Americas for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system. To find out more about ACE COMBAT 7, head over to http://www.acecombat.com. To learn more about BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc.’s other products go to: http://www.bandainamcoent.com/home.html or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS.

Ubisoft Reveals Eagle Flight VR Game with Trailer

2015/12/07

Jerry Paxton

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

SAN FRANCISCO — December 5, 2015 — Today, at the PlayStation Experience conference, Ubisoft revealed Eagle Flight, a Virtual Reality game that sends players to the skies of Paris to experience the freedom of flying. The game, which will be available on major VR platforms including PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift and HTC Vive for PC, is scheduled for release in 2016.

Developed by a team from the FunHouse, a division of Ubisoft Montreal, the game lets players become an eagle and fly over Paris and its iconic landmarks, 50 years after humans have left the city. Nature and wildlife has taken back the city, creating a rich playground and offering an incredible experience of free flight and adventure. The game offers both a single player experience and a multiplayer experience that allows players to work in a team with up to six players in two modes.

Eagle Flight has been developed specifically for VR with a strong focus on accessibility and comfort. As a result, the game features an Ubisoft-developed VR control technology breakthrough that provides players with intuitive and precise controls. The new technology greatly reduces chances of motion sickness while enabling players to quickly master their skills in order to perform impressive stunts and experience the true sensation of flight.

“We’re excited to make the dream of flying come true with Eagle Flight,” said Olivier Palmieri, Game Director, Ubisoft Montreal. “Virtual reality has created new and amazing opportunities for game developers and we wanted to offer a full VR game that took full advantage of the technological advances. With the breakthrough we’ve been working on, we’re confident Ubisoft’s first game developed solely for VR will be a truly enjoyable experience for everyone who plays it.”

For more information about Eagle Flight, please visit eagleflightgame.com.

2015 GamingShogun Holiday Gift Guide Part 2

2015/12/07

Jerry Paxton

Articles, Geek News, News

It’s that time of year, GamingShogun readers, for part 2 of our official holiday gift guide series! If you missed part 1, click here to see it. Without further adieu, here are some more of the products that we would highly recommend as gifts to your friends, loved ones, or even yourself!

Mega Gifts ($1000 and up)

Seabreacher X Watercraft ($80,000 and up)

The Seabreacher represents a dramatic breakthrough in recreational boating. Unlike conventional watercraft that only operate on a two dimensional plane, the Seabreacher operates more like an aircraft with full three axis of control – pitch, roll, and yaw. This allows the vessel to carve left and right, jump over, dive under, and cut though the waves. Our latest model is even capable of 360 degree barrel rolls on the water!

Product Page

Expensive Gifts ($200 to $999)

Samsung S34E790C Glossy Black 34″ Curved WQHD Cinema Wide Monitor ($799.99)

With the latest innovations in technology, monitors have evolved to feature stunning curved screens that match the natural curvature of the human eye, providing a more uniform and comfortable viewing experience. With a best-in-class curvature and an ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio, the Samsung Curved Monitor SE790C delivers unrivaled comfort and truly immersive viewing. The SE790C has what it takes to provide truly vibrant picture quality and comfortable enhanced viewing from any angle.

Amazon Product Page

Saitek Heavy Equipment Precision Control System ($299.99)

This one is especially for the farming simulator gamers in your life. Saitek’s Heavy Equipment Precision Control system is the best PC gaming controller ever made for construction/farming/utility sim games. From brodie knob on the steering wheel to the elaborate side control panel, this is a unit the industrial sim geek will love and cherish.

Amazon Product Link

Mid-Level Gifts ($50 to $199)

Creative Sound BlasterX H5 ($129.99)

Creative Labs Sound BlasterX H5 pro-gaming headset is one of the best stereo gaming headphone sets you can buy. It features a lightweight and ergonomic design with leatherette memory foam ear cushions and 50mm drivers.

Amazon Product Link

Merge VR Goggles ($99)

Experience virtual reality using the device you’ve already got in your pocket – your smartphone. Play games, fly into space, explore an unknown world, or watch a concert from your living room just by downloading apps. Sculpted of soft, lightweight foam that fits comfortably to the contours of every face, the goggles are durable enough to be tossed into a backpack, taken on the go, and shared among friends.

MergeVR Product Website

Mad Catz C.T.R.L. R ($49.99)

This wireless, Bluetooth 4.0 gaming pad is perfect for your smartphone, Fire TV, PC, or M.O.J.O. devices. It has a great, solid construction as well as responsive controls.

Mad Catz Store Website

Inexpensive Gifts ($0 to $49)

ECHO Universal Professional HD Camera Lens Kit ($29.99)

This is a 2 in 1 tiny clip-on detachable HD lens for mobile phones & digital cameras. With the macro lens, can be taken picture of a tiny object clearly in the details. Wide angle lens is suitable to take picture of large ranges, such group of people, buildings and landscape. New design universal clip can attach every 37MM Thread Digital SLR Pro Lens on your mobile. Turn your mobile into DSLR Camera easily.

Amazon Product Page

Telltale Games Announces Upcoming Batman Adventure Game Series

2015/12/07

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

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Dec. 4, 2015 — Leading developer and publisher of digital entertainment, Telltale Games, with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment, today announced an interactive episodic game series based onDC Comics’ iconic Batman™ that is set to premiere in 2016. The official title for the Telltale series is yet to be revealed.

The episodic game series will premiere digitally on home consoles, PC/Mac, and mobile devices. Specific platform details are yet to be announced.

“At Telltale, we’ve been honored to bring our unique approach to interactive storytelling to some of the biggest entertainment franchises in the world, and we’re excited to announce that we’ll soon be exploring what it means to be Batman in an all-new series starting next year,” said Kevin Bruner, Co-Founder and CEO of Telltale Games. “This iteration of Batman will give fans a first-hand opportunity to dive deeper into the complex life and mind of Bruce Wayne, the duality of his own identity, and the struggle of responsibility in saving a city overcome with corruption and villainy.”

“Telltale has an established track record of creating award-winning content for some of the best properties in the world,” said David Haddad, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “We look forward to working with the team as they deliver a new interactive way for fans and gamers to experience the rich narrative world of Batman.”

Revealed on-stage at The Game Awards 2015 in Los Angeles, you can watch the announcement teaser trailer on Youtube: https://youtu.be/hrG_GfF_wWk

For more information on Telltale Games, visit the official website, Facebook, and follow Telltale Games on twitter.com @TelltaleGames.

The Walking Dead: Michonne – A Telltale Games Series Trailer

2015/12/07

Jerry Paxton

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

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Dec. 4, 2015 — Leading publisher of digital entertainment Telltale Games and Robert Kirkman’s Skybound Entertainment, announced today that The Walking Dead: Michonne – A Telltale Games Series will premiere this February in a three episode event.

Stepping into the lead role of Michonne, award-winning actress Samira Wiley(Orange is the New Black) will portray the iconic character from the comic book series haunted by her past and coping with unimaginable loss and regret. The story explores her untold journey during the time between issues #126 and #139. Through this three-episode Telltale Games series, players will discover what took Michonne away from Rick, Ezekiel, and the rest of her trusted group… and what brought her back.

The Walking Dead: Michonne – A Telltale Games Series will be available asa stand-alone three-episode series on PC/Mac from the Telltale Online Store, Steam, and other digital distribution services, the PlayStation®Network for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3, the Xbox Games Store for Xbox One® and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, compatible iOS devices via the App Store, and Android-based devices via Google Play and the Amazon App Store.

“We’ve been hard at work on this very special exploration of The Walking Dead universe that will further bridge together our game series with the canon of Robert Kirkman’s comic though one of its most complex characters struggling to maintain her own humanity,” said Kevin Bruner, Co-Founder and CEO of Telltale Games. “Deeply haunted by the decisions of her past, putting players in the role of a character like Michonne to navigate the broken world around her is an experience that feels uniquely Telltale, and something we simply cannot wait for The Walking Dead fans to play.”

To date, The Walking Dead: A Telltale Games Series has sold more than 50 million episodes worldwide, earning more than 100 Game of the Year awards from outlets including Metacritic, USA Today, Wired, Spike TV VGAs, Yahoo!, The Telegraph, Mashable, Polygon, Destructoid and GamesRadar, and was also the recipient of two BAFTA Video Games Awards for Best Story and Best Mobile Game.

The Walking Dead is set in the world of Robert Kirkman’s award-winning comic book series and offers an emotionally-charged, tailored game experience where a player’s actions and choices affect how their story plays out across the entire series.

For more information on the game, visit the official website, Facebook, and follow Telltale Games on Twitter. For more information on The Walking Dead, Robert Kirkman, and all of his titles, visit www.Skybound.com and www.TheWalkingDead.com.

Shaq-Fu: A Legend Reborn Debut Gameplay Trailer

2015/12/04

boothby

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

MAPLEWOOD, New Jersey – Dec. 4, 2015 – Big Deez Productions has released the premiere gameplay trailer for its upcoming action game, Shaq-Fu: A Legend Reborn. This first look at the reignited title in motion was unveiled by Shaquille O’Neal during his special appearance at The Game Awards in Los Angeles.

“It was a thrill to join in a celebration of gaming’s biggest triumphs with the long-awaited return of one of its most towering figures. We can’t wait for fans to unleash the fury of the Big Diesel himself when this wildly stylized take on Shaq-Fufinally arrives,” said Big Deez’s CEO, Matt Karch.

An infamous icon of 16-bit gaming reimagined for a new generation, Shaq-Fu: A Legend Reborn is an intense, combo-fueled, side-scrolling, beat ‘em up adventure starring the renowned sports star and entertainment personality. Master unique martial arts fighting styles to conquer the world’s greatest challengers. Made possible by the fervent passion of the crowdfunding community, it features modern audiovisual and gameplay design forged by a new team of developers inspired by the tongue-in-cheek fun and humor of the original game.

Shaq-Fu: A Legend Reborn is expected to launch as a digital title on consoles and Windows PC via Steam next year. For the latest information, please like http://www.facebook.com/ShaqFuALegendReborn/.

About Big Deez Productions
Big Deez Productions is a collaboration between Saber Interactive, developers of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo: Master Chief Collection, God Mode and others and Mine O’Mine a company that manages many Shaquille O’Neal’s business partnerships. Based in Maplewood, NJ the company has multiple development studios across making great games and bringing fun interactive experiences to life.

Double Fine Unveils Psychonauts 2 Crowdfunding at Video Game Awards

2015/12/04

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

*UPDATE – As of 12/4/15, the Fig campaign has over $1 Million dollars!

December 3, 2015 – Standing on stage the Video Game Awards in Los Angeles tonight, Double Fine Productions President and CEO Tim Schafer announced the launch of a Psychonauts 2 crowdfunding campaign on new games crowdfunding site Fig (www.fig.co)

“Our fans constantly ask us to make Psychonauts 2, and often we’ve talked about doing it” said Schafer “The problem is that through traditional means we’ve never been able to raise a budget high enough to do it justice. When we crowdfunded Broken Age in 2012 and broke all the records with the amount we raised, it really showed me the power of our community, and it made me think… maybe we can do this, maybe we could make Psychonauts 2 this way!”

Double Fine will be putting up a significant portion of the development funds ourselves, and getting another piece of the budget from an external partner. This Fig campaign will make up the third piece of the budget.

“None of these three parts on their own is enough” continued Schafer, “but together they add up to a sequel worthy of Psychonauts!”

In addition to offering traditional crowdfunding reward tiers, the Psychonauts 2 campaign will be the first in history to also offer investment opportunities for both accredited and unaccredited investors.

Psychonauts was released in 2005 to much critical acclaim, and has since become a cult classic, with a huge fan base around the world. It follows the story of a young psychic named Razputin in his quest to join the Psychonauts—an elite group of international psychic secret agents — as he runs away from the circus and breaks into their secret training facility: Whispering Rock Psychic Summer Camp.

In Psychonauts 2, Raz will realize his dreams and visit the Psychonauts Headquarters as a fully established agent. But when he gets there he finds it’s not the spectacular place it once was, and he quickly realizes that the Psychonauts need him, more than he needs them…

The sequel will be developed in house by the award winning team at Double Fine Productions, with Tim Schafer as project lead, alongside original collaborators including co-writer Erik Wolpaw, artists Peter Chan, Scott Campbell, and Nathan Stapley, composer Peter McConnell, voice actors Richard Horvitz and Nicki Rapp, and voice director Khris Brown.

People interested in backing for rewards, or investing in Psychonauts 2 can check out the campaign at www.fig.co

Far Cry Primal Beast Master Trailer

2015/12/04

Jerry Paxton

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

San Francisco — December 3, 2015 — Today, Ubisoft^® revealed Beast Master, a new feature empowering players to tame predators they find in the open world and use them as weapons. From wolves to sabretooth tigers to cave bears, and yes, even the honey badger, players will be able to summon these animals at any moment and use them as they like, from taking down their enemy, scouting the area or acting as a distraction during battle and hunts. With these animals at the player’s side, there will be many opportunities to fight enemies to take back control of Oros.

The latest installment of the critically acclaimed Far Cry franchise will hit stores on February 23, 2016, on PlayStation^®4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One and will release on March 1 for Windows PC.

Additionally, Ubisoft has announced the Far Cry Primal Deluxe Edition with SteelBook for customers in North America.

Deluxe Edition with SteelBook (North America)

The Far Cry Primal Deluxe Edition with SteelBook is the ultimate package for fans to get access to all digital content available and the exclusive collectible SteelBook.

Physical Content

Far Cry Primal game
Exclusive SteelBook
Map of Oros
Official soundtrack

Digital Content

Digital content including a complete pack of Legend of the Mammoth missions, new weapon and four enhancement packs.

Legend of the Mammoth missions: Up to almost 45 minutes of additional gameplay where the player will have the unique opportunity to play as the largest animal in Oros, the almighty mammoth, and feel the power to stomp its enemies and defend its herd from other beasts and humans.
- Duel of beasts: A powerful rhino spirit dares to challenge your might. Battle him and his herd across treacherous cliffs to assert your dominance.
- The trapped elder: Bloodthirsty hunters have trapped your leader. Crash their camp and lead the elder to freedom.
- Hunt the hunter: The time for revenge is now. Lead your herd to crush those who threaten your survival.
A new weapon, the Blood Shasti Club: A bloodstained club of bone and teeth once wielded by Ull, the vicious leader of the Udam. This weapon is unbreakable and cannot be consumed by flame.
Four enhancement packs: Early access to rare resources and unique customization options.

Far Cry Primal brings players back to the Stone Age, a time of extreme danger and limitless adventure, when woolly mammoths and sabretooth tigers ruled the Earth, a time when humans were not at the top of the food chain but were fighting to climb it. As the last survivor of your hunting group, you will learn to craft a deadly arsenal, fend off fierce predators and outsmart enemy tribes to conquer the land of Oros and become the apex predator.

For more information about Far Cry Primal, please visit farcrygame.com.

For more information about editions and pre-order offers for Far Cry Primal, please visit farcrygame.com/preorder.

Dark Souls III Release Date Announced

2015/12/04

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Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

December 4, 2015 – BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. today released new video assets as well as announced a Collector’s Edition, Day One Edition, and the release date for DARK SOULS™ III, their highly anticipated action role-playing game from famed Japanese developer FROMSOFTWARE. DARK SOULS III will be available throughout North America and South America on April 12, 2016 for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One®, and PC via STEAM®. DARK SOULS III provides players with an all-new world filled with heinous enemies, hidden secrets, and captivating environments as they search to destroy the awakened Lords of Cinder and discover what has happened to this apocalyptic land.

The DARK SOULS III Day One Edition is priced at $59.99. Fans are encouraged to pre-order DARK SOULS III to make sure they secure their free Day One Edition upgrade, which includes the following items:

-DARK SOULS III software
-Prima Starter Guide
-Official DARK SOULS III Soundtrack
-Exclusive O-Sleeve packaging

The DARK SOULS III Collector’s Edition is priced at $129.99 and will feature the following items:

-DARK SOULS III software
-Prima Starter Guide
-Official DARK SOULS III Soundtrack
-Official art book
-Cloth game map
-10” Red Knight Statue
-Collector’s box

The DARK SOULS III Day One Edition and Collector’s Edition are exclusive to the PlayStation 4 system and XBOX ONE versions of the game and will be available at participating retailers while supplies last.