Archive - 2016

Tyranny Gameplay and Mechanics Dev Diary Video

November 4, 2016 – Any lingering questions about Tyranny can be asked directly of the development team on Wednesday, November 9, when the designers at Obsidian Entertainment join the community for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) on Reddit. The event will start at 11:00 a.m.Pacific Time, and will be found at https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/.

Next week, Tyranny will be available worldwide from digital retailers everywhere. Players who pre-order the game now will receive a set of unique in-game items, and will also be able to pre-load the game to their PC and have it ready to play when Tyranny is launched. Tyranny is available for pre-order now on Steam, as well as on other digital retailers such as GOG.com and the Paradox Store.

In Tyranny, the grand war between good and evil is over – and the forces of evil, led by Kyros the Overlord, have won. The Overlord’s merciless armies dominate the face of the world, and its denizens must find new roles within the war-torn realm. Players’ decisions will have far-reaching consequences and change both the land and its people, providing a non-linear, highly replayable experience.

For more information about Tyranny, visit http://www.tyrannygame.com/.

Space Hulk: Deathwing Gets New Trailer and a Release Date

November 4, 2016 – Space Hulk: Deathwing, the upcoming first-person shooter set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, will be available for download on PC, December 9. With only one month left until release, the whole team at Streum On is working non-stop to add the final layer of polish to the game and deliver the best possible experience to players. Streum On now needs player support, Steam pre-order players are invited to join the upcoming Betas.

Starting next week, we will invite a limited number of pre-order players to join a closed-beta to help the developers gather the latest technical and gameplay feedback for the game. Then, starting around November 20, ALL players who have pre-ordered the game on Steam will be able to get their first taste through a new beta. Players will be able to experience the game’s tutorial to learn the basics before teaming up to complete a mission from the game’s campaign with up to 3 other players in co-op! These betas will be the perfect opportunity to gather the latest feedback from players in order to offer the best possible gaming experience.

deathwing-deal

In the meantime, discover today a new trailer for the game, Enter the Space Hulk, introducing the developers’ meticulous attention to detail and introduces the plot of its campaign, playable in both solo and coop.

Each Space Hulk is an amalgamation of ancient ships and space debris, and Olethros is filled with lore from the 10,000 years since the dawn of the Imperium to the 41st Millennium. You will be exploring Black Templar ships, troop transports, and even pirate vessels that were lost in the Warp and became part of the Space Hulk OIethros’ bowels. Streum On Studios made sure that every inch of the colossal ships, each corridor and each room, contains highly detailed designs, unique architectural styles, and references to Warhammer 40,000 history.

An incredible amount of care was also given to the enemies and their AI. The Genestealers have many variants with unique abilities and skills, combined with their AI utilizing pack tactics and ambushes that are faithful to the lore.

As a Terminator Armour-clad member of the Deathwing, you have access to the most advanced weapons the Imperium has to offer. Available to you and your squad are the iconic Stormbolter and other famous Space Marine weapons and variants.

Don your Terminator power armor, take up your Storm Bolter, and bring glory to the Emperor in Space Hulk: Deathwing when the game launches December 9 on PC. The game will release early 2017 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Pre-order now the game on Steam and get access to the pre-order Beta, 15% off and one in-game weapon – the Lost Mace of Corswain.

Knott’s Merry Farm Returns for Holiday 2016

BUENA PARK, CA. (November 2016) – Starting November 19, Knott’s Berry Farm celebrates the merriest of seasons as it wondrously transforms into Knott’s Merry Farm with thousands of twinkling lights and cheerful holiday décor throughout the park. Spend the most wonderful time of the year at Knott’s Merry Farm relishing the Christmas season with thrilling attractions, festive new live entertainment, a Christmas crafts fair, delectable holiday food, cheerful carolers performing seasonal classics and nightly snow falling on the lively streets of Calico.

Debuting this year, It’s The Merriest Christmas Show Ever, Charlie Brown at the new Calico Mine Stage. The Peanuts gang is at it again, this holiday season they have put on the greatest Christmas pageant ever with Charlie Brown directing, of course. Charlie’s one wish is to spend the holidays with his family, especially with Snoopy, who is visiting his family around the world. Will Snoopy make it home in time for Christmas? Join Charlie and the gang for a charming Christmas show as they perform traditional upbeat holiday classics and spread Christmas cheer. Find out if Snoopy returns home in time for a magical and festive holiday season to celebrate Christmas with Charlie, Sally and the rest of the Peanuts. Select dates, November 19January 8.

For the first time ever, the bustling streets of Calico are overflowing with seasonal joy as its gleeful citizens, from this summer’s Ghost Town Alive!, help guests celebrate the holidays with Christmas in Calico. New this year, Calico’s Town Hall offers plenty of holiday activities for all to enjoy. Little ones can pen Christmas letters to jolly ol’ Santa Claus or gather round for a special reading of the holiday classic the Night before Christmas by the Calico citizens. Everyone can also lend a hand around town by delivering gifts to some of the folks in Calico. Just outside Town Hall, cheerful Calico Carolers roam the festive streets sharing the sounds of the season though songs and hand bell chimes.

Just a couple feet away from the new Calico Stage, at the recently added Calico Park, is where this year’s joyous night time tree lighting tradition takes place. This all-new Calico Tree lighting Ceremony features the Calico Bell Choir and the Citizens of Calico as they join together around the tree for an illuminating Christmas celebration filled with, music, laughter and happiness. Tis the season to be jolly, so gather round the electrifying Christmas tree and experience as the colorful lights come alive when Dr. Carter tests his newest electrical Christmas invention in Ghost Town.

It’s our favorite time of year when the Wilderness Dance Hall in Ghost Town joyously transforms into Santa’s Christmas Cabin for the holiday season. Create fond new memories with the entire family by visiting the jolly fellow himself, Santa Claus. Santa is sure to delight the young and young at heart. Send your season greetings to family and loved ones with special picture of the occasion, pictures can be purchased onsite. Indulge in one-of-kind seasonal treats like Santa’s freshly-baked cookies, mouthwatering pastries, exquisite chocolate dipped cheesecake on a stick, seasonal craft beers, gourmet hot chocolate with marshmallows and hot spiced holiday wine, plus much more.  Knott’s world-famous holiday treats can be found all throughout Ghost Town, including fresh poured-to-order maple lollipops at the Gold Trails Hotel, delectable homemade holiday churros from the Churro Factory and extra creamy Santa’s Milk and Cookie shakes from Coasters.

Returning this year, the PEANUTS® gang, and a cast of world class ice skaters perform in the breathtaking ice show, Merry Christmas, Snoopy! in the 2,100 seat Charles M. Schulz Theatre. In this whimsical show, Snoopy enjoys all of the best parts of the season, including trimming the Christmas tree, awaiting Santa’s arrival, and attending the Christmas Ball!  Select dates, November 19January 8.

The holiday season celebration continues at Camp Snoopy, with an all-new show debuting at the Camp Snoopy Theatre, A Peanuts Guide to Christmas. The Peanuts give their take and unique wisdom in a primer designed to help everyone survive the holidays. The show features delightful mash ups of holiday songs with a cheerful and heartwarming dose of the Peanuts gang. Relax and unwind at Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village, as Ghost Town transforms into a shopping wonderland with dozens of local artisans selling their unique crafts and gifts.

The annual Christmas Crafts village includes artistic craft holiday shops featuring power chainsaw sculpting and elegant glass blowing demonstrations.Entrance to the Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village is free Monday through Thursday, November 21 – December 8, and is included with theme park admission every day. In the intimate setting of Ghost Town’s historic Bird Cage Theatre, Knott’s melodrama company brings to life Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and O. Henry’s A Gift of the Magi performances available on select dates during Knott’s Merry Farm.

When the sun sets on the farm, the buildings and paths in Ghost Town twinkle brightly to the beat of a holiday favorite as snow gently falls on all guests. Park guests can enjoy more of the nightly snow and glow experience in most of Ghost Town, from School House Road to the Saloon and down to the Assay Office. The toe tappin’, hand clappin’, comedy and bluegrass of Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies continues their Knott’s Merry Farm residency this holiday season in the Birdcage Theatre on select nights.

The perfect stocking stuffer is now on-sale! A 2017 Season Pass includes one free admission in 2016, unlimited visits in 2017 with no blackout dates, discounts on select food and merchandise, and access to exciting year-round seasonal events. For affordable year-round fun for everyone on your “nice” list, Season Passes start at just $90.00, the best price of the year for a limited time.

For More information about Knott’s Berry Farm please visit knotts.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm app for your smart phone.

KING Art Games Announces Iron Harvest

Bremen, Germany, November 3, 2016 | Developer KING Art Games and artist Jakub Różalski today announced Iron Harvest, a real-time strategy game for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. The game takes place in the world of 1920+, an alternate version of our own world where mankind, fascinated by technology, engines and iron, invented powerful walking machines. Once mighty weapons on the battlefields of the Great War, they are now part of everyday life.

Mighty factions fight for influence, while hidden forces are working towards the destabilization of Europe, determined to set the world on fire once again.

1920+ was developed by Polish artist Jakub Różalski and earned him a cult-following because of his beautiful artworks painted in the style of the old masters.

“We love games like Company of Heroes or Men at War and want to bring a similar gameplay experience to this fantastic world Jakub created,” Jan Theysen, Project Lead at KING Art Games explains. “You lead hero characters, mechs, and soldiers into epic battles in open sandbox maps. Cover mechanics and dynamic destruction play a major role in combat.”

The game is in its early development phase and is scheduled to launch 2018.
Website: www.iron-harvest.com | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ironharvest/

NYKO Unveils Miniboss Wireless NES Classic Controller

LOS ANGELES – November 3, 2016Inventive console accessories manufacturer Nyko today unveiled Miniboss, a wireless controller for the highly anticipated NES Classic Edition game console. Built to complement the visual look and design of the console, Miniboss offers complete wireless freedom of up to 30 feet. Nyko will also release Extend Link, a six foot extension cable for the wired Nintendo NES Classic controller that triples its reach. Both Miniboss (MSRP $19.99) and Extend Link (MSRP $9.99) are available for pre-order at Nyko.com and GameStop.com, and will be available later this month at Amazon.com and in GameStop stores.

“The original NES is a legendary console that so many of us have fond memories of, and we’ve set out to create an accessory that offers what we at Nyko do best – augment the gaming experience with creative design while respecting the charm of the hardware it complements,” said Chris Arbogast, Nyko’s Director of Sales and Marketing. “We envision gamers playing the amazing lineup of NES Classic Edition titles on their massive flatscreens at home, which require a little more distance from the screen than the old tube TVs. The Miniboss will allow us to play from the comfort of our couch without having to pull the console out to our coffee table.”

Miniboss Key Features

  • Precise button mashing action with complete wireless freedom
  • Two offset ergonomic face buttons
  • Four-way directional pad for perfect up, down, right, and occasional left movement
  • Cord-free gameplay up to 30 feet

Extend Link Key Features

  • Six foot extension cord triples the length of controller cord
  • Enables gameplay at a comfortable distance from screen
  • Compatible with some Wii and Wii U wired controllers

To learn more about Nyko and its various products, visit:

Knott’s Berry Farm Announces Fire and Law Tribute Days

November 3, 2016 – As a thank you to all fire and law personnel in our community, Knott’s Berry Farm will once again be offering their Fire and Law Tribute Days. Knott’s will offer free theme park admission for fire and law personnel and one guest. From November 28, 2016 – December 16, 2016 up to six additional tickets can be purchased for only $32 each. From January 9 – January 31, 2017 up to six additional tickets can be purchased for only $27 each. Fire or law enforcement ID required.  For information and promotion details visit knotts.com/promotions.

November 28 – December 16, 2016 & January 9 – January 31, 2017

Personnel that is eligible: ATF Agents, Bailiffs, California Dept. Of Forestry, California Highway Patrol Officers, City, County, State and Federal Police (sworn officers and civilian employees/support staff), City, County, State and Federal Fire (sworn officers and civilian employees/ support staff), Correctional Officers, County Sheriff Officers, Ambulance Company Emergency Medical Techs, Department of the Youth Authority, District Attorney’s, FBI Agents, Homeland Security, Police Explorers, Peace Officers, Probation Officers, Reserve/volunteer Fire/Law employees, Sherriff’s, U.S. Forest Service Personnel, U.S. Marshals, Wildland Firefighters

Available during park operating hours

Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, CA 90620

Hot Butterbeer Comes to Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Universal City, CA, November 2, 2016 Delightful, delicious and hot.  Three wonderful words that describe hot Butterbeer™, the newest addition that will be offered seasonally at Three Broomsticks at “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Like its traditional and frozen counterparts, hot Butterbeer is reminiscent of butterscotch and shortbread that’s been perfectly fine-tuned as a Hogsmeade treat.

Three Broomsticks, an aged rustic tavern, caters to guests with an array of authentic British breakfast, lunchtime and dinner fare while they are seated at custom-made wooden tables, chairs and benches in a warm and inviting atmosphere inspired by the Harry Potter books and films.

The eclectic menu offers such tasty staples as Bangers & Mash (savory grilled English sausages with creamy mashed potatoes and minted peas), Shepherd’s Pie (ground beef and vegetables, crowned with a crust of mashed potatoes), Beef Sunday Roast (prime rib of beef with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and gravy), Beef, Lamb & Guinness Stew, and Fish & Chips.  In addition to Butterbeer Potted Cream, Sticky Toffee Pudding rounds out the hearty British fare.

Scrumptious traditional English breakfast items invite guests to start their day at “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” including the Eggy Bread breakfast (freshly baked baguette dipped in a cinnamon egg batter and lightly sautéed, sprinkled with powder sugar and served with bacon, strawberries and real maple syrup.), as well as traditional English breakfast (fresh scrambled eggs, sausage links, bacon, baked beans, baked tomato, and potatoes) and traditional American breakfast (fresh scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon and link sausage with butter croissant).

Gathering inspiration from historic British taverns, the adjoining Hog’s Head pub features original draught beers and spirits created exclusively for the land, including Hog’s Head Brew, Dragon’s Scale, Wizard’s Brew and Fire Whiskey.  Also available are Pumpkin Fizz and Gilly Water and the three Butterbeer choices: traditional, frozen and hot.

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

Maize PC Release Date

November 2, 2016What would happen if stalks of corn could walk? Talk? Crack jokes? You probably never considered it before, but now you’re starting to, aren’t you? Discover the answer, and get an earful of puns soon, as today Finish Line Games is happy to announce that Maize, an absurdist first person puzzler adventure with a corny twist, will be launching on Steam and the Humble Store on December 1st, 2016!

Meet Vladdy, your new best friend, in the new trailer:
https://youtu.be/0zqCLQSRZuU

Explore the winding cornfields of Maize for clues, venture your way into the super secret research bunker beneath the desolate farmstead, meet a colourful cast of characters along the way, including silly sentient corn stalks, a grumpy Russian robot bear, and two scientists who maybe shouldn’t be scientists.

Maize will be available for $19.99 USD, on December 1st, 2016.

For more information follow @FinishLineGames on Twitter, or visit maizethegame.com

Dishonored 2 Book of Karnaca Narrative Video

November 2, 2016 – We’ve just released a new narrative video for Dishonored 2, titled ‘Book of Karnaca’. Learn more about the world of Dishonored 2 and its characters from The Outsider in this new video – creatively ‘illustrated’ as a pop-up book. You can check out the new video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdJL0qTXPJU.

Reprise your role as a supernatural assassin in Dishonored 2, the next chapter in the award-winning Dishonored saga by Arkane Studios, set to launch worldwide on November 11, 2016 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Delilah, a mad witch armed with powerful black magic, has seized the throne from Empress Emily Kaldwin, leaving the fate of the Isles hanging in the balance. As either Emily Kaldwin or Corvo Attano, travel beyond the legendary streets of Dunwall to Karnaca – a once-dazzling coastal city that holds the key to restoring Emily to power. Armed with the mark of the Outsider and powerful new supernatural abilities, hunt down your enemies and forever alter the fate of the Empire.

Anyone who pre-orders Dishonored 2 will be able to play the game one day before the official worldwide release, on 10th November, and will receive a copy of Dishonored: Definitive Edition.

For more information about the game please visit dishonored.bethesda.net.

Kaliber Gaming Retikal Pro FPS Gaming Mouse Review

About a month ago, I reviewed IOGear’s Symmetre mouse, and was somewhat not impressed.  I wasn’t a fan of the design nor the feel of the mouse, even though the performance was pretty good.  Today, I get another crack at a mouse from IOGear, this time it’s the Retikal Pro FPS Gaming Mouse.  Will the Retikal fare better then the Symmetre in my hands, or will it earn the same fate of being banished to the bottom of the “Extras” drawer?  Let’s find out with my full review.

Features

The Retikal is designed to be a much more traditional mouse then the Symmetre, which means it feels proper in your right hand (as long as you are right handed).  The Retikal comes with 9 programmable buttons, one of which is featured as a sniper mode button.  Essentially, this button will slow down the mouse speed to allow you to focus in, but it doesn’t slow down the game so unless you are already in the vicinity of the head, slowing the mouse down won’t do you much good.  The Retikal can hit up to 5000 dpi (1000 more than the Symmetre) and can switch dpi on the fly, as well as profiles with just a button press.  The Retikal also features a USB 2.0 braided cable, which I do love.

So, my biggest negative with the Symmetre was the feel of the mouse, and unfortunatly that is also my biggest negative with the Retikal.  While the Retikal feels initially better in my hands then the Symmetre did, it never once matched the feeling of some of the higher end mice that I have owned over the years.  I literally felt like I could snap the Retikal in two with one hand.  The Retikal is light and flimsy feeling, has almost no weight to it, and does not feel sturdy enough to handle some rough gaming hours.  This is all based on my own preferences when it comes to the feeling of a mouse, but there it is.

  • USB 2.0 eSports professional optical gaming mouse
  • 9 programmable buttons with custom programming software
  • Non-slip rubber coated click wheel and thumb rest
  • Up to 5000dpi with shift-on-the-fly adjustment
  • Sniper button- instantly increases aim accuracy
  • Instantly switch between 5 profiles
  • Adjustable weight system for precision tuning
  • Sculptured housing designed for FPS gaming
  • LED backlighting with “breathing” effect
  • Pixart 3310 optical sensor
  • 128K built-in memory
  • 125/500/1000Hz adjustable report rate
  • 6400 fps frame rate
  • 130 ips speed

Aesthetics

The Retikal looks slick, with the logo glowing blue on the palm rest and the wider frame of the mouse to fit your hand.  There is a nice pad near where your thumb rests that’s made out of a slip proof material, which increases your grip on the mouse.  Right above your thumb is where the sniper button is located.  While I didn’t really like that button as a feature, it is placed in the best place possible.  Just don’t accidentally hit it while you are playing, you will get a nasty surprise.  Overall, the Retikal is a clean looking mouse, but does not do anything special either.

Performance and Specifications

So I took the Retikal out on few gaming dates with my new PC, and saw what it could do.  The last week saw some increased play time in H1Z1:  King of the Kill, World of Warcraft, and some Battlefield 1.  While the performance was decent, I could not get rid of the feeling that I was going to break the mouse, and absolutely hated the weight of the Retikal.  Maybe I’ve gotten too use to my Bloody mouse, but the Retikal did not feel natural in my hands, though it performed pretty well.  I was never happy with the mouse sensitivity that I set it to, and would switch dpi on the fly a few times more then I’m used too.  I tried out the sniper button, but did not like the immediate slow down of my mouse.  It’s a good idea, just one that I would never use.

Final Thoughts

I know it sounds like I’ve been rough on IOGear these last couple of reviews, but the market is a tough place and there are a lot of mice out there.  Finding one that truly fits your play style and sense of touch can be tough, and once you found your range then anything outside of that just feels off.  The Retikal is an entry level gaming mouse, priced at roughly $26.00, so the investment isn’t high if you are looking to use it.  The Retikal is a decent mouse for the price tag and will perform well enough.  There are better mice out on the market, though not many under $30.  This one’s a toss up for me, the Retikal is pretty much the definition of an average mouse, so if you need one for under $30 I would say check it out.


Kaliber Gaming Retikal Pro Gaming Mouse Review Score:

[mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#eded00″ type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#eded00″ type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#eded00″ type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star-o” color=”#eded00″ type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star-o” color=”#eded00″ type=”fa”] (3 out of 5)