Archive - 2016

Bloody ML160 Commander Laser Gaming Mouse – A Review

For about the last week, I have change out my normal mouse for the new Bloody ML160 Commander Laser Gaming Mouse from Bloody.  These types of reviews always take a little longer than a game review, since really for the first day or two you are just getting used to the configuration and the feel of the new mouse.  So, putting my Roccat Lua into the drawer of my desk, I connected the ML160 to my desktop and took it for a spin through a week of normal computer use, that featured some MMORPGs, FPS, and normal PC use such as web browsing and writing.

Features

The ML160 has a nice set of features.  The obvious feature right out of the box is the replacement of the right mouse button for a 9-key number pad for mmo games.  Out of all the features, this was the one that I had to work my brain around since I have never used a mouse like this before.  The 5 key acts as your right mouse for everyday use, but when played in an mmo game, the number pad really shines.  The key response for all the mouse buttons, not just the number pad, is measured at less then .2 ms.  Truth be told, I could really feel that response speed when clicking the buttons.  Games felt much more responsive when using the ML160 versus my old Roccat.

Other features of the Bloody ML160 include 17 buttons overall that perform different actions (two on the side, left mouse, middle mouse wheel, 9 key pad buttons,  and 4 profile buttons), metal pro mouse boots for smoother gliding on the desktop, an infrared mouse wheel, adjustable resolution, and 4 weapon profiles.  After my adjustment time with the ML160, I have to say it is the most responsive mouse I have ever used.  I never felt any type of delay between the button press on the mouse and the action in game.

bloody-ml60-1

Aesthetic

The ML160 has a nice aesthetic to it.  The mouse is large enough to fit in my hands and I never feel like I struggle with the over all design of the mouse. The only design issue I had is with the lack of a right mouse button for every day computer use.  Even as I type this and need to make corrections, my brain has to register where my finger is on the number pad.  What would have been idealistic would have been a slightly more raised 5 key, or some sort of nodule on the 5 key for finger placement.

The ML160’s buttons are backlit in red, which really makes the Bloody hand print logo show up nicely on the mouse.  The mouse wheel is also red when using the first weapon profile, then will switch to green, yellow or blue depending on the next profile you use.  Through the software, you can adjust these colors if you like. The cord for the mouse is a nice braided cord that is a great length when connecting the mouse to the back of your computer.  I never feel like I have less cord then I need.

Performance and Specifications

The ML160 performed fantastically during my week of using it for all of my gaming and computing needs.  Overlooking the right mouse button I mentioned earlier, the 9 key pad set up was great for running my mmo games.  I was able to use abilities without key strokes, and the abilities would fire off almost immediately.  Bringing my middle finger back to the 5 key as the home position was still problematic in high stress situations, but one I can live with.

The weapon profiles were fun to play with.  Each profile is designed to be used with a particular style of gun, so if you have a 3-burst weapon you would want to set your mouse to profile 3.  This feature will help keep your shots accurate and on target.  The ML160 also had 6 sniper modes that also helps increase your accuracy by adjusting your mouse movements and sensitivity to your weapon.  I have no idea if the ML160 made me a better gamer in my fps games, but it felt better to play these games.  I felt that I had the drop on people when we would meet due to the responsiveness of the ML160.

Sensor AVAGO A9800 Laser
Buttons 17
Connector USB 2.0 / 3.0
Cable length 1.8 meters
Size 126 x 81 x 40 mm
Weight 153 grams
System requirements Windows (all versions)

bloody-ml60-2

Final Thoughts

The Bloody ML160 is a great gaming mouse, not only for mmorpgs but also for fps games.  Excluding the minor issue of finding the home key on the number pad quickly when needed, the ML160 feels superior when it comes to responsiveness and accuracy for my game playing.  I found the ML160 light in my hands while I played and easy to move around the desk.  The mouse felt great and comfortable while I played, and even with just every day computer use.  If you solely play fps style games, then the ML160 may not be the perfect fit, but if you have any mmorpgs in your game rotation, then I highly recommend the Bloody ML160 as a great gaming mouse.  The Bloody ML160 is available now for $79.99.

[easyreview title=”Bloody ML160 Commander Gaming Mouse Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]

Todd Robbins Joins ScareLA 2016 Lineup

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (May 27, 2016) — ScareLA, the summer Halloween convention set to open doors August 6-7, 2016 at the Pasadena Convention Center for its fourth year, is thrilled to announce the addition of Todd Robbins to the event’s growing line-up of celebrity scare entertainment masterminds. Attendees will be the first to experience Robbins’ immersive one hour show specially designed for ScareLA audiences.

Todd Robbins presents Dark Illusions & Even Darker Reality – an unforgettable live experience with chillingly true stories and sinister illusions that will make audiences laugh, scream and lose their mind all at the same time. “This is truly an amazing talent,” stated celebrity radio host Howard Stern, reflecting on Robbins’ scintillating performance.

Todd Robbins is famed for being the host of Investigation Discovery’s True Nightmares and star of the haunting off-Broadway hit “Play Dead” (directed by Teller of Pen & Teller). This summer, he will bring an hour of his infamous trickery exclusively to ScareLA 2016.

“We are absolutely thrilled to add Todd Robbins to our 2016 ScareLA lineup,” stated Lora Ivanova, Founder and Executive Producer of ScareLA. “His original approach to creating chillingly immersive theatrical performances is a perfect fit for the spirit of creativity and interactivity of our convention. This year we are truly pushing the boundaries of what is possible as we work to create the most unforgettable experience for guests of all ages and challenge their imaginations. What better way to kick off the scare season this summer than with a touch of dark magic? We can’t wait to celebrate Halloween early with Todd and our fans.”

For more information and to purchase tickets for ScareLA 2016 : Season of the Witch event, visit www.scarela.com.

Call of Duty: Black Ops III Calling Cards to Support Veteran Hiring

SANTA MONICA, Calif. 27 May 2016 – Activision Blizzard (Nasdaq: ATVI) today announced an expansion of its in-game program that supports the Call of Duty Endowment’s nationwide effort to help veterans find high-quality careers. Available through Call of Duty®: Black Ops III, the Call of Duty™ Endowment (C.O.D.E.) Valor Calling Card Set is a pack of three exclusive, animated calling cards each depicting epic scenes from military action across the sea, air and land, honoring those who have served in the armed forces.  Designed by Treyarch, the C.O.D.E. Valor Calling Card Set is on sale for a suggested retail price of $3.99. All gross proceeds received by Activision will be donated to the Endowment, which will use all funds to help veterans secure quality careers after their military service.

The Endowment is a non-profit, public benefit corporation founded in 2009 by Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick. With a mission to identify and fund the best and most effective employment-focused veteran-serving organizations, the Endowment has funded nearly 23,000 job placements to date, at an average cost-per-placement of less than $600 and with a 6-month retention rate of 89 percent.

“To date, the Call of Duty community has contributed over $1 million to help veterans through the in-game program,” said the Endowment’s Executive Director Dan Goldenberg. “With this funding, our grantees will place over 1,800 veterans into high quality jobs. Through this campaign alone, the Call of Duty community has essentially put an entire brigade back to work, which is tremendous.”

Goldenberg added, “Sony and Microsoft have been indispensable partners in this effort, as the in-game program would not be possible without their generosity. We are grateful for their continued support.”

“Treyarch strongly supports the Call of Duty Endowment’s mission,” said Treyarch Studio Head, Mark Lamia. “The Calling Card program allows the Call of Duty: Black Ops III community the opportunity to easily contribute and make a meaningful impact to this worthy cause.”

JINX Releases Warcraft Movie Apparel and More

SAN DIEGO — May 27, 2016 — Jinx Inc. (stylized J!NX) has launched a new line of licensed apparel and accessories featuring the iconic imagery of Legendary Pictures’ upcoming fantasy action film, Warcraft.

An arsenal of stylish men’s and women’s t-shirts, hoodies, hats, wallets, bracelets, key chains and more proudly show off the heroic characters and symbols at the heart of the franchise’s Alliance and Horde factions. This extensive haul of loot is available online today at JINX.COM and the Blizzard Store, as well as in-store and online through retailers like Hot Topic, ThinkGeek and GameStop EU.

Based on Blizzard Entertainment’s long-running gaming series, Warcraft will bring the epic conflict of orcs and humans to the big screen when it arrives in cinemas onJune 10. J!NX has been creating high-quality creative merchandise for fans of the hugely popular online game World of Warcraft for years, as well as all other Blizzard titles, including Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft, Heroes of the Storm, StarCraft II and Diablo III.

About J!NX
J!NX, a leader in gaming products, currently produces apparel, toys and accessories for more than 35 different licenses. Complete with an in-house J!NX brand, the company has been rapidly expanding in the gaming market since being founded in 1999.

Knott’s Berry Farm Hires New GM

May 27, 2016 – Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN) is pleased to announce that Jon Storbeck has been hired as Vice President and General Manager of Knott’s Berry Farm.  Jon will join the company on May 30, after a distinguished career of more than 30 years at The Walt Disney Company.

Mr. Storbeck replaces Raffi Kaprelyan, who has been promoted to Regional Vice President of Cedar Fair.

“During his time with Disney Parks & Resorts, Jon demonstrated the leadership traits that make him particularly well-qualified for this role.” said Raffi Kaprelyan.  “As Vice President and General Manager, Jon will report directly to me and oversee all aspects of Knott’s Berry Farm’s operations, ensuring we continue to deliver the high-quality guest experience that Knott’s is known for.”

In his new role, Mr. Kaprelyan will oversee Knott’s Berry Farm as well as several other parks in the Cedar Fair system.  “Raffi has driven the record-performance of Knott’s Berry Farm and we are excited to have his leadership applied to more of our parks.” said Richard A. Zimmerman, Chief Operating Officer of Cedar Fair.

Space Run Galaxy: Gameplay Trailer

May 27 2016 – Focus Home Interactive and Passtech Games are joining forces again to release Space Run Galaxy on PC this year. Space Run Galaxy is the sequel to 2014’s Space Run, the game from one-man studio Passtech, which attracted over hundreds of thousands of players with its dynamic and original gameplay.

Today’s Gameplay Trailer showcases all the main gameplay mechanics from the game. Buck Mann, one of the greatest runners in the galaxy, lets you in on some trade secrets. Players must defend their ship and its cargo as it travels the stars to deliver goods to their clients across an entire galaxy, with four solar systems and over 50 zones to visit. The brand new Gameplay Trailer shows the game’s unique spin on tower defense with brand new features including a persistent online universe where you can trade and run for other players.

Balance creativity and efficiency with Space Run Galaxy’s shipyard! Players can build and customize their spaceships: from the shape and colours of the body to the guns. Then they can attach connectors and upgraders to improve the abilities of their weapons, shields, and utilities. Modules can also have active abilities that either temporarily change the attributes of the weapon or fire an overcharged shot in a direction of your choosing.

The brand new cast of characters and clientele are wackier than ever before! Space Runners can dare to bring more cargo, but more cargo means less guns and less guns means more problems. To add to the fun, the weird and wacky clientele of Space Run Galaxy have all sorts of new and dangerous cargo to deliver.

The persistent online universe lets you take on contracts from your fellow players, or hire them to ship goods for you – in exchange for a reward of your choice. If you’re so inclined, you can even corner the online Black Market – buy low, sell high, and soon you’ll be the contraband kingpin of your sector!

As the dangers get deadlier and the stakes become higher, players can eventually increase the size of their ships and unlock more powerful weapons. After all, only the greatest runners will stand a chance against the mysterious perils of the galaxy… if you thought pirates and asteroids were the worst of it, you ain’t seen nothing yet!

Space Run Galaxy releases in June for PC.

Heroes & Generals – Videolog: ‘Devyatayev – Squad’ update

May 27th, 2016 Copenhagen — Reto-Moto introduces a new Squad experience for the popular WWII MMOFPS Heroes & Generals, changing the way players fight together, bringing them closer to each other, improving the gameplay experience and supporting their efforts towards victory.

Furthermore, the ‘Devyatayev – Squad’ Update brings the new Soviet T-20 Komsomolets terrain vehicle, new camouflage uniforms for all factions, the German Panzerwurfmine and more exciting news.

The new Squad feature helps new and Veteran players to get together and fight to succeed on the battlefield. Every Squad member benefits from each other by being awarded experience for fighting together in a Squad and for achievements on the battlefield. Additionally, for every Squad member with a Veteran Membership, every other member gets a five percent bonus of the Veteran Membership for free.

“Soldiers go to war fighting for their country but end up fighting for their friends. The new Squad system makes it much easier to stay and fight with your friends and find new ones” says Jacob Andersen, Game Director at Reto-Moto. “We all know that working together as a team greatly enhances your chance for success. The team at Reto-Moto has worked hard on this new feature for many months and we are all really proud to deliver the new Squad system so our players can be more successful on the battlefields.”

The Soviet T-20 Komsomolets is a Squad-friendly vehicle, with plenty of space for soldiers to hitch a ride to the frontline. Squads can quickly advance from one control point to the next, while being protected by light armor and supported by a light machine gun – an uber-useful vehicle for all Soviet Squads!

All factions receive new camouflage uniforms, which help soldiers to stay unseen in any kind of terrain. Additionally, having similar camouflage uniforms in a Squad can be a fantastic way to show you fight together, even if you fulfill different roles.

For the German troops, we introduce the new Panzerwurfmine, which is a throwing anti-tank grenade that grants more mobility than the existing ground or magnetic mines.

The ‘Devyatatev’ update is named after the Soviet Soldier Mikhael Petrovich Devyatayev, who managed to escape a labour camp with the help of three other soldiers. His story is representative of the whole update’s significance: Working together will lead to success.

The full changelog for the ‘Devyatayev – Squad’ update can be found here.

The Assembly – Behind The Scenes #2: Art & Sound

May 27, 2016 – Today, we’re continuing our candid exploration into The Assembly’s development with this access-all-areas look at the game’s VR environments – with a glimpse into some never before seen areas.

Take a look at the video below to discover the lengths we’ve gone to draw you into the world of The Assembly. In it, you’ll find out how we’re using 3D audio, realistic architecture and intricate details, all designed to make you feel as though you’ve been transported into the mysterious underground facility in which our game is set.

We hope you enjoy finding out how we’re crafting our upcoming interactive story in first-person VR. If you’d like to find out more, simply follow the links below.

Would you like to know more about some of the artistic techniques we’ve used to bring our interactive story to life? If so, check this out: The Assembly: Creating a Believable World. If sound design, ambience and music is more your thing, then you’ll want to have a read of this: The Assembly: in VR, hearing is believing.

We’re here for you, virtually

If you have any questions about The Assembly, feel free to send us a message via The Assembly’s Facebook page or tweet us with the hashtag #TheAssemblyVR.

You can also find nDreams on Facebook, reach us via our dedicated subreddit, find more videos on YouTube and check out the game’s board on Pinterest for more screenshots.

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands Trailer – We Are Ghosts

May 26, 2016 – Watch this brand new trailer and see how the Ghosts decide to take on a massive and dangerous open-world. Sent behind enemy lines, Ghosts will have to cripple the Santa Blanca cartel’s operation, breaking alliances between the drug lords and the corrupted government, and saving the Bolivian population from the cruelty of El Sueño, Santa Blanca’s ruthless leader.  To do so, players will have a total freedom of choice to accomplish their missions how they want and watch as the world reacts to their actions.

Fans of Ghost Recon Wildlands can pre-order the following editions:

Standard Edition available for $59.99 – Take down the cartel, become a ghost and explore Bolivia.  A few years from now, Bolivia has become the largest cocaine producer in the world.  As a Ghost, you must stop the cartel by any means necessary.  Create and fully customize your Ghost, weapons, and gear.  Lead your team and take down the cartel, either solo or with up to three friends.

Deluxe Edition available for $69.99 – Includes the Standard Edition and the digital Deluxe Pack which includes: the Huntsman rifle and motorbike, three emblems, three weapon camo, three character customization items and a XP booster.

Gold Edition available for $99.99 – Includes the Deluxe pack and Seasons Pass content, giving players access to two major expansions as well as exclusive digital content featuring equipment packs, an exclusive vehicle and epic weapons.

Collector’s Edition Standard available for $119.99, Deluxe available for $129.99 and Gold available for $159.99 – Includes the edition of your choice with a Santa Muerte figurine and collectible posters designed by Ken Taylor.

Fans who pre-order the game will also receive a bonus mission, “The Peruvian Connection.”  Players will embark on a perilous mission among the high mountains of Bolivia to break the alliance between Santa Blanca and the Peruvian Cartels.

These editions can be pre-ordered at the Uplay Shop by visiting http://shop.ubi.com/

For more information about Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands, please visit: http://ghostrecon.com

For the latest on all of Ubisoft’s games, please visit the UbiBlog: http://blog.ubi.com.