Archive - 2017

SEGA Announces PAX West 2017 Lineup

2017/08/29
boothby
Geek News, News, PAX

August 29, 2017 – SEGA is bringing two of their most hotly anticipated titles to the PAX West 2017 show-floor with Total War: WARHAMMER II and Sonic Forces™ both playable in the SEGA booth, located on Level 4, Booth 1601.

Sonic Forces will be showcasing three action-packed stages featuring Modern Sonic, Classic Sonic and an all new, series-first, fully customizable Hero character, blazing through enemy laden levels at breakneck speed. Sonic Forces puts players in a world already taken over by Dr. Eggman and his evil group of henchmen, which includes Chaos, Metal Sonic, Shadow and Zavok who are ready to create next-level panic and disorder. Come along and check it out on one of our 8 PlayStation 4 stations.

Once you’re done with collecting rings, take up arms and crush your foes in Total War: WARHAMMER II. The second part of Creative Assembly’s epic fantasy trilogy brings players a breath-taking new narrative campaign, set across the vast continents of Lustria, Ulthuan, Naggaroth and the Southlands. The Great Vortex Campaign builds pace to culminate in a definitive and climactic endgame, an experience unlike any other Total War title to date. There will be two playable quest battles on offer across 27 PC’s, featuring three out of the four races available at launch: Skaven vs Lizardmen and Skaven vs Dark Elves.

Sonic Forces is out this Holiday for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC and Nintendo Switch. Total War: WARHAMMER II is out on September 28th for PC. For more information about SEGA or any of its products, log on www.sega.com

New Era Added to War Thunder

2017/08/29
boothby
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Tuesday, August 29th — At gamescom 2017, Gaijin Entertainment announced that its popular vehicular combat MMOG War Thunder will soon add a sixth rank for Ground Forces via the upcoming New Era Update. The new rank will feature armored vehicles from the 1960’s through the 1970’s and introduce new ground combat technologies, such as composite and reactive armor.

New mechanics added to War Thunder will significantly expand gameplay in top-rank battles, offering exciting challenges and skills to master to players. Stabilized cannons, one of the common features of Rank VI vehicles, allow players to shoot effectively on the move, while smokescreen launchers increase survivability after detection and open-up new tactical opportunities. The introduction of modern armor technology will offer improved protection against HEAT shells and allow players to act more aggressively on the battlefield, which will see the addition of a great variety of new armored vehicles from the second half of the 20th century.

At Gamescom, the Soviet T-64A and US-American M60A1 RISE (P) were presented as the first vehicles on the new rank to feature modern armor technology. The T-64A, the world’s first mass-produced tank featuring composite armor, became a worldwide standard in tank production. It’s composite armor, which is a combination of several layers of different materials, offered improved protection against HEAT shells. In X-Ray view during the hangar screen, players of the T-64A can see in detail the protection their armor offers.

The M60A1 RISE (P) will be the first tank in War Thunder to feature Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA). Explosive-filled containers placed atop regular armor provide additional protection against HEAT shells. When hit, the detonation forces the container’s upper plate against the HEAT shell’s penetrator (a jet of metal moving at hypersonic speed), greatly reducing its effectiveness. Overwhelmingly useful against the first hit to the area, this type of protection leaves the armor below vulnerable to follow-up shots. The updated hit camera will clearly show attacking players which parts of ERA were hit and destroyed.

Additional iconic vehicles from the second half of the 20th century include the American-German MBT-70 project, or KPz 70 for the German variant. Both feature a powerful 152mm cannon capable of shooting conventional shells and guided missiles. The M50 MAG ‘Ontos’ is a powerful US tank destroyer armed with six 106mm recoilless rifles. The world-famous BMP-1 personal carrier will enrich the Soviet tree with an amphibious multi-purpose vehicle equipped with a regular cannon and ATGMs.

Besides new post-war machines, the “New Era” Update will add new ground and air vehicles from earlier periods and some new maps. More information is available on War Thunder’s Development Blog here: https://warthunder.com/devblog

XCOM 2: War of the Chosen Launch Trailer

2017/08/29
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

New York, NY – August 29, 2017– 2K and Firaxis Games announced today that XCOM® 2: War of the Chosen, the expansion to the 2016 award-winning strategy title, is now available for Windows PC. XCOM 2: War of the Chosen is already receiving critical praise with Eurogamer saying it is “A must for anyone who’s completed XCOM 2”, along with Game Informer awarding it 9.25 out of 10 and calling it “One of the most rewarding strategy games in years”.

XCOM 2: War of the Chosen takes the incredible experience of XCOM 2 and provides players with all new features and allies to combat ADVENT, who have deployed three deadly new aliens called the “Chosen.” To aid XCOM in its fight to liberate Earth, players will have access to three new resistance factions, each with their own unique Hero class, in addition to new weapons, options to form bonds between soldiers and a new photo booth feature to create custom propaganda posters.

“With XCOM 2: War of the Chosen, Firaxis has developed a series-defining expansion to the award-winning XCOM franchise,” said Matt Gorman, VP of Marketing at 2K. “With a multitude of gameplay advances and new experiences, Firaxis Games has continued to redefine XCOM 2’s endlessly replayable campaign.”

“We can’t wait for fans to get their hands on XCOM 2: War of the Chosen. The array of added features, enemies, and allies give players a completely new tool set to employ tactics and strategies as they dive into the expanded narrative. In addition, we’re excited about the new Challenge mode that will let players hone their tactical skills against other players around the world,” added Jake Solomon, creative director of XCOM 2 at Firaxis Games.

Key features for XCOM 2: War of the Chosen include: 

  • New Factions & Hero Classes: Three additional factions represent pockets of resistance to ADVENT – the Reapers, Skirmishers and Templars – each with its own Hero class can be recruited to stand with XCOM:
    • The Reapers are infiltration specialists and stealth marksmen living on the fringe of society. Reapers utilize a powerful weapon called the Vektor rifle, as well as a special Claymore explosive – a targetable incendiary device that, when placed and activated, does not cause the Reaper to break Concealment;
    • The Skirmishers are former ADVENT soldiers who have chosen to rebel against their masters. The Skirmisher is an offensive powerhouse, capable of dealing with threats running the gamut from up close to afar, armed with a grappling hook to help close distance and a wrist mounted Ripjack capable of piercing the enemy with deadly force;
    • The Templars are a reclusive, monastic group of soldiers that have dedicated themselves to pushing their minds and bodies with psionic energy to the brink of humanity, honing their psionic energy with religious fervor into powerful weapons.
  • The Chosen: These powerful adversaries are unique ADVENT enemies tasked by the Elders to recapture the Commander at all costs. Masters of asymmetrical warfare, the Chosen will kidnap, interrogate and ultimately kill XCOM’s soldiers. They can even invade the strategy layer and ravage XCOM’s global operations; The Chosen include:
    • The Hunter stalks its prey from across the map: tracking, wounding and disabling XCOM units at range;
    • The Warlock utilizes a variety of psionic abilities to sow destruction on the battlefield;
    • The Assassin are a stealth-based melee unit who prefers to fight at close range, preying upon XCOM units with her katana.
  • New Alien and ADVENT Threats: Adopt new tactics alongside the new faction allies to counter a deadly new alien known as the Spectre, the explosive attacks of the ADVENT Purifier, the psionically charged ADVENT Priest, as well as the creeping swarms of The Lost.
  • New Photo Booth: Immortalize your soldiers during their trials by creating customizable war-and-meme-worthy posters that are both sharable and can be found while in game.
  • New Environments and Mission Objectives: Players can engage in wide-ranging tactical missions, from abandoned cities devastated by alien bioweapons during the original invasion, to underground tunnels and xenoformed wilderness regions.
  • Enhanced Strategy Layer: Manage Covert Actions, Resistance Orders, and XCOM’s relations with factions while countering enemy operations from the Avenger.
  • Greater Customization & Replayability: Soldiers cultivate bonds with compatible teammates for new abilities and perks, while the SITREP system dynamically adds new modifiers to the tactical layer to make sure every mission provides a unique challenge.
  • Challenge Mode: New regular community challenges featuring unique missions not found in the campaign that rank players on a global leaderboard.

XCOM 2 is rated T for Teen by the ESRB and available for PlayStation®4 system, Xbox One and Windows PC. XCOM 2 is also available for Mac and Linux by Feral Interactive. XCOM 2: War of the Chosen is available now for Windows PC, will be available on September 12, 2017 for PlayStation®4 system and Xbox One, and will be available for Mac and Linux by Feral Interactive at a later date. For more information, please visit www.XCOM.com, become a fan on Facebook, follow the game on Twitter or subscribe to XCOM on YouTube.

For more information on the Mac and Linux version, Please visit http://www.feralinteractive.com, find Feral Interactive on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/feralgames or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/feralinteractive.

Firaxis Games is a 2K studio. 2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

Divinity: Original Sin 2 New Trailer and More

2017/08/28
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

GHENT, Belgium – Aug. 28, 2017 –  Larian Studios has today released a brand new trailer for the highly anticipated RPG Divinity: Original Sin 2, featuring final art and character designs not previously seen. View the trailer at https://youtu.be/bTWTFX8qzPI and download Divinity: Original Sin 2 on Steam when it launches on September 14 for $44.99!

Today’s trailer shows fans what to expect when the game launches next month: a rich and beautiful world, varied characters and progression paths, a deep RPG experience, an intricate turn-based combat system, and more. It also includes first quick glimpse at an undead character, the game’s sixth and final origin story character, who has yet to be revealed.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a fantasy RPG that will take up to 4  players on a branching story to save the world of Rivellon. Its deep, turn-based combat system and advanced AI will give veteran players a significant challenge, while it’s pen and paper level of RPG freedom will give roleplayers room to improvise, experiment, and bend traditional video game rules.

With six origin characters with unique stories to unravel, a classless character development system including more than 200 base skills and spells, and a vast world map full of adventure and secrets, players will only scratch the surface of Divinity: Original Sin 2 with their first playthrough.

The first act of Divinity: Original Sin 2 is now available on Steam Early Access at http://store.steampowered.com/app/435150/. Download today or wait until launch for the full and final version on September 14th!

Keep up with all things Larian and Divinity on social media:

Square Enix Unveils PAX West 2017 Lineup

2017/08/28
boothby
Geek News, News, PAX

LOS ANGELES (August 28, 2017) – SQUARE ENIX® returns to PAX West at the Washington State Convention Center from Sept. 1-4, with a diverse lineup of hands-on game demos, panels and giveaways.

At the SQUARE ENIX booth (#2141), fans can be the first to get hands-on with Secret of Mana® andFINAL FANTASY® XV POCKET EDITION. Other demos include DISSIDIA® FINAL FANTASY NT, FINAL FANTASY XIV: Stormblood™, FINAL FANTASY XV MULTIPLAYER EXPANSION: COMRADES, LIFE IS STRANGE™: BEFORE THE STORM and LOST SPHEAR™.

The SQUARE ENIX Products booth (#SKY3) will have exclusive FINAL FANTASY 30th Anniversary items for sale, as well as FINAL FANTASY Trading Card Game events and demonstrations throughout the weekend.

FINAL FANTASY XV WINDOWS EDITION is also playable at the Razer booth (#2343).

Development team members from various SQUARE ENIX titles will speak on several panels and attend events during the show, including:

LIFE IS STRANGE: BEFORE THE STORM- A New Series Has Begun 
Friday, September 1 from 1:00 PM – Hydra Theater
Join the key developers from Deck Nine Games to celebrate the recent release of the first episode in a brand new series in the award winning videogame franchise LIFE IS STRANGE. The discussion will be kept spoiler free, but will consist of multiple, never heard before details of the game, including insight into what players can expect from the new series. The panel will include a lengthy Q&A session to gain further insight direct from the development team.

MOBIUS FINAL FANTASY 1-Year Anniversary Panel
Friday, September 1 from 5:00pm – 6:00pm – Hippogriff Theatre
Renowned FINAL FANTASY Producer Yoshinori Kitase will discuss future updates, as well as how the team developed the first FINAL FANTASY RPG experience custom-tailored for mobile.

LIFE IS STRANGE: BEFORE THE STORM LAUNCH PARTY with What’s Good Games
Friday, September 1  from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Unicorn (1118 E Pike St, Seattle)
Join the crew from What’s Good Games and developers from Deck Nine Games to celebrate the launch of the first episode of LIFE IS STRANGE: BEFORE THE STORM. Rock out with your favorite moments from the series, enjoy refreshments and a chance to win games, SQUARE ENIX prizes and custom What’s Good Games items.  For additional information about the event visit: https://www.facebook.com/WhatsGoodGames/.

FINAL FANTASY XIV: Stormblood – Tales of Localization & Lore
Saturday, September 2 from 1:00pm – 2:00pm – Hydra Theater
English Localization Lead Michael-Christopher Koji Fox will discuss various topics on the lore and localization behind FINAL FANTASY XIV: Stormblood. He will also be answering various lore-related questions gathered from the official forum.

The PAX West 2017 lineup of titles includes:

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY NT 
Platform: PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system
Developer: Square Enix/Team Ninja (Koei Tecmo)
ESRB: Not yet rated
Release: January 30, 2018
Developed in partnership with Team NINJA from KOEI TECMO, DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY NT includes a roster of more than 20 beloved FINAL FANTASY characters and ten iconic battle arenas for players to join in 3 vs. 3 battle. There will also be two DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY NT tournaments throughout the weekend, where the victors will win an exclusive Battle Tours Champion T-Shirt. Find out more details at:http://bit.ly/sechallonge. Winners of each free play round will also receive an exclusive Warrior of Light Gil Coin while supplies last.

FINAL FANTASY XIV: Stormblood
Platform: PlayStation®4 system, Windows PC, Mac®
Developer: SQUARE ENIX
Release: Available Now
Stormblood is the second expansion pack for FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, featuring a new level cap, new jobs (red mage and samurai), exploration of underwater environments, battle system updates, new dungeons and much more. Fans can also stop by the booth to receive a FINAL FANTASY XIV:Stormblood-themed red mage hat, or team up in an attempt to defeat the powerful primal, Susano, for a chance to win an “I Beat Susano” T-Shirt.

FINAL FANTASY XV MULTIPLAYER EXPANSION: COMRADES
Platform: Xbox One®, PlayStation®4 system
Developer: SQUARE ENIX
Release: Autumn 2017
The FINAL FANTASY XV UNIVERSE continues to grow with the release of FINAL FANTASY XV MULTIPLAYER EXPANSION: COMRADES. Players can create their own avatars and play with their friends to bring the Light back to the Kingdom of Lucis.

LIFE IS STRANGE : BEFORE THE STORM
Platform: Xbox One®, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Windows PC
Developer: Deck Nine
ESRB: M for Mature
Available: August 31, 2017 for Episode 1
LIFE IS STRANGE: BEFORE THE STORM features Chloe Price, a 16-year-old rebel who forms an unlikely friendship with Rachel Amber, a beautiful and popular girl destined for success. When Rachel’s world is turned upside down by a family secret, their newfound alliance gives them the strength to overcome their demons.

LOST SPHEAR
Platform: Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®4 system and Windows PC (STEAM®)
Developer: Tokyo RPG Factory
ESRB: Not yet rated
Available: January 23, 2018
The LOST SPHEAR adventure presents the journey of Kanata and his comrades, who set out to stop the world from being Lost forever by using the power of Memory. PAX attendees who have pre-ordered the game from the Square Enix Online Store can receive an exclusive LOST SPHEAR T-Shirt.

Secret of Mana
Platform: PlayStation®4 system, PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system and Windows PC (STEAM)
Developer: Square Enix / Q Studios
Release: February 15, 2018
Secret of Mana is a faithful remake of one of the greatest RPGs of all time, reborn for the first time with modern 3D graphics, voice over and updated gameplay. New and old fans alike will be able to experience the same magic and fantasy found in the original classic.

MOBILE:

FINAL FANTASY XV POCKET EDITION
Platform: iOS, Android and Windows 10
Developer: SQUARE ENIX
Available: Autumn 2017
FINAL FANTASY XV POCKET EDITION features the main characters and story of the console version in an episodic format, with a completely redesigned art style and casual touch controls optimized for mobile gameplay. All ten episodes will be available when the game launches, with the first episode available to download for free.

FLAME vs BLAZE 
Platform: iOS and Android
Developer: SQUARE ENIX
Available: 2017
FLAME vs BLAZE™ is an original and competitive MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena game) for mobile devices that allows players to engage in fast-paced and exciting single or multiplayer matches on the go. All fans who play the game will receive an exclusive FLAME vs BLAZE shoulder bag.

KING’S KNIGHT -Wrath of the Dark Dragon-
Platform: iOS, Android
Developer: SQUARE ENIX
Available: 2017
KING’S KNIGHT -Wrath of the Dark Dragon- is a nod to one of SQUARE ENIX’s earliest scrolling shooting games, King’s Knight.  It features a completely new story and world, with multiplayer support for up to four players.

MOBIUS FINAL FANTASY
Platform: iOS, Android and Windows PC (STEAM)
Developer: SQUARE ENIX
Available: Now Available
The first ever console-quality FINAL FANTASY game specifically designed for mobile devices, MOBIUS FINAL FANTASY™ takes players on an RPG adventure filled with deep character customization, ongoing live events and HD graphics that push the boundaries of the mobile platform.

About Square Enix, Inc.
Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix group of companies. Square Enix, Inc. is affiliated with a global network of leading development studios such as Crystal Dynamics® and Eidos Montréal. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 135 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 71 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 60 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/

Insidious: Beyond the Further Coming to Halloween Horror Nights

2017/08/28
Jennifer Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News, Trailers / Videos

Universal City, CA, August 28, 2017 – Beginning Friday, September 15, paranormal activity grips “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood in the all-new disturbing maze, “Insidious: Beyond the Further,” inspired Universal Pictures and Sony Pictures’ Stage 6 Films upcoming supernatural thriller, Insidious: Chapter 4.

The creepy new maze will delve deep into brilliant parapsychologist Dr. Elise Rainier’s past, starting with a childhood in which her paranormal abilities emerged…until her mother’s untimely death by a demonic entity.  Troubled by a lifetime of evil supernatural spirits trapped in the Further—a vacuous netherworld caught between the living and the dead—Dr. Rainier will take guests on an unsettling journey back in time through a portal into the Further…to defy the most depraved and intimidating beings that have tormented her since the 1950s.

Opening in theatres nationwide on Friday, January 5, 2018, Insidious: Chapter 4 is a Blumhouse Production, Oren Peli Production distributed by Universal Pictures domestically and Sony Pictures’ Stage 6 Films internationally.  Directed by series newcomer Adam Robitel, the supernatural thriller is written by co-creator Leigh Whannell and produced by Insidious series regulars Jason Blum, Oren Peli and co-creator James Wan. The film stars Lin Shaye as Dr. Rainier, who faces her most fearsome and personal haunting yet: in her own family home.

“Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood brings together the sickest minds in horror to immerse guests in a living, breathing, three-dimensional world of terror. Featuring an all-new slate of unrivaled film production quality mazes, frightful scare zones and a fully re-imagined “Terror Tram” experience uniquely themed to today’s most definitive horror properties, “Halloween Horror Nights” will taunt, terrorize and torment guests with spine-chilling haunted attractions as part of Southern California’s most extreme Halloween experience.

To date, “Halloween Horror Nights” will also feature the following mazes: “American Horror Story: Roanoke,” based on FX’s critically-acclaimed, Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award-winning television series; “The Shining,” inspired by the greatest horror film of all time; and “Ash vs Evil Dead” from the hit cable series based on the cult classic.

Updates on “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood are available online at HalloweenHorrorNights.com/Hollywood and on Facebook at: “Halloween Horror Nights – Hollywood,” Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter at @HorrorNights as Creative Director John Murdy reveals a running chronicle of exclusive information. Watch videos on Halloween Horror Nights YouTube and join the conversation using #UniversalHHN.

Insta360 ONE 4K 360 Degree Camera Launches

2017/08/28
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Tech News

Los Angeles, August 28 – Insta360 today launched the ONE, a versatile 4K 360 camera that represents a breakthrough for both immersive storytelling and for the way that we capture and share traditional framed video.

“We set out to make the easiest-to-use, most versatile 360 camera in the world, and the ONE is the result of those efforts,” said JK Liu, CEO and founder of Insta360. “The ONE isn’t just a step forward for 360 videography. With its unique FreeCapture technology, it stands to change the way we think about cameras in general.”

The Insta360 ONE shoots 360 video and photos at resolutions of 4K (3840*1920@30fps, 2560*1280@60fps) and 24 MP (6912 x 3456), respectively. It significantly advances Insta360’s signature adaptability and convenience, offering three modes of operation: standalone use, remote control via Bluetooth, and control via a direct connection to a smartphone’s charging port.

The iPhone-compatible version is available now, with an Android version on the way.

Shoot First, Point Later with FreeCapture

The Insta360 ONE introduces groundbreaking FreeCapture technology. Using FreeCapture, users can effortlessly hone in on the key moments of a spherical video, translating the original 360 footage into a standard 1080p fixed-frame video that’s ready to share anywhere – all from their smartphone.

The process to create a FreeCapture video on the ONE is as innovative as it is intuitive. First, users hit record and effortlessly lock in every detail of an experience, as though they had a multi-cam setup covering every angle of the scene.

Then, when they’re done filming, they simply connect the ONE to their phone and offload the experience. This is where FreeCapture works its magic.

Leveraging a phone’s onboard gyroscope, FreeCapture lets users simply peer into the original 360 scene using their phone display as a viewfinder. Whatever they see as they point their phone into the original experience is what they’ll capture in a fixed-frame video. In other words, users can stand in the present moment while they film a past experience – using exactly the same hand motions they would always use to capture a video on their phone.

Never before has this editing technique been achievable on a phone, and it opens the door on a new era in videography, allowing anybody – from a journalist to an outdoor adventurer – to effectively act as their own camera crew.

FreeCapture also allows users to seamlessly shift from standard perspectives to the unique shots that are only possible with 360 cameras, such as “tiny planet” and “rabbit hole” effects.

Everything Epic in ONE

While maintaining the mobile-friendliness of all of Insta360’s products, the ONE adds a range of new features that makes it the premiere standalone 360 camera for consumers.

The ONE achieves six-axis image stabilization with an onboard gyroscope, ensuring that it records smooth video without sacrificing quality – even in rough-and-tumble situations.

Advanced stabilization is also what makes possible the all-new bullet time mode, which has to be seen to be fully appreciated. Using only a selfie stick or a string attachment, creators can capture up to 240 FPS slow-motion shots where the ONE circles them dramatically, always keeping them center-frame—while the accessory used to spin the camera is flawlessly concealed. (The ONE shoots at a maximum of 120 FPS, while 240 FPS video is achieved algorithmically with the companion app.) Epic shots such as those innovated by the Wachowskis and Swiss skier Nicolas Vuignier can for the first time be captured by anyone, with no hassle.

The new SmartTrack feature lets users automatically capture a 1080p fixed-frame video where the subject of their choice is always centered. It means users can first capture everything, and then let the ONE give them a ready-to-share, classic-sized video that keeps the spotlight on their key subject.

Meet the Invisible Selfie Stick

After attaching the ONE to a selfie stick, the stick will be automatically erased from the footage. Once the stick’s out of the picture, the ONE works like a flying camera – capturing stunning 360 views from an overhead angle.

With its compact form and a built-in socket for standard 1/4“-20 screws, the ONE is Insta360’s most versatile camera ever. It can be instantly mounted on helmets, drones, cars, tripods and a wide range of other tools and accessories.

The ONE’s IP68 waterproof housing (sold separately) is effective at up to 30-meter (98.4 feet) depths and makes it ideal for filming watersports and underwater scenes.

A purpose-built selfie stick and Bluetooth remote control will also be available for purchase to let users easily achieve the bullet-time effect and other “flying camera” shots, while an included string attachment will make the effect achievable straight out of the box.

Total Creative Control

The ONE offers an HDR (high dynamic range) shooting mode and supports taking pictures in RAW format and videos in Log format, allowing for convenient, precise post production.

It also shoots time-lapse 360 video, and its full-featured camera settings offer manual control of exposure value, ISO, shutter speed, white balance and more.

To find out more, please visit: https://www.insta360.com/product/insta360-one/.

Availability

The Insta360 ONE is available now at https://mall.insta360.com/ and via authorized dealers such as Amazon and B&H. Shipments will start September 5.

The US retail price of an Insta360 ONE – including a camera, a two-in-one case and camera stand, a MicroSD card, a Micro-USB cable, a lens cloth, and a string attachment to achieve the bullet-time effect – is USD $299.90.

The LA Ghost Train Returns for 2017

2017/08/26
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News

In a surprise move today, it was announced that the incredible LA Ghost Train will once again be sending guests on its rails through a spooky and fun ride. After a year dark due to a controversial decision by the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum board of directors to cancel the event, there was a changeover in leadership and the current board decided to reverse that course of action. The LA Ghost Train is the most fun, spooky haunted event in Southern California – and it is ESPECIALLY perfect for the whole family to go and enjoy together.

Even better is the fact that Gary Baker, the man who was in charge of the event for many years, has returned to the organization to produce this year’s event! He knows what made the LA Ghost Train the incredible time it was, so I have no doubt this year’s LA Ghost Train will be equally amazing.

The LA Ghost Train is located in Griffith Park (full address below) and its first night of operation this year, fittingly, is Friday, October 13!

The event is located at:

5202 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027

You can see our review and photo gallery from the 2015 LA Ghost Train here, and maybe gain a bit more understanding of why we love it as much as we do.

F1 2017 TV Launch Spot

2017/08/25
boothby
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

Larkspur, Calif. – August 25th, 2017 – F1 2017, the official videogame of the 2017 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™, is available now on PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One and Windows PC (DVD and via Steam). Featuring a host of new features and improvements, this is the most complete FORMULA ONE™ game ever created by Codemasters®:http://www.formula1-game.com/preorder.html.

To celebrate the release, Codemasters® and Koch Media have released the F1 2017 TV trailer which can be viewed on the game’s official YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/ptVF5MOkMsE.

With a greatly-expanded Career featuring classic car invitational events, a new Championships mode, four alternative circuit layouts and multiplayer improvements, F1 2017 is set to be a real hit with F1 fans around the world.

GAME FEATURES

Expanded Career:

Players can make history as they hone their skills and develop their car over multiple seasons in the Career. First, they create their driver by selecting from a range of avatars, including female drivers for the first time, helmet designs (including community created versions), race numbers and then the team they want to begin their Career with. The Research and Development system is heavily expanded, with 115 upgrades now available, while the player also has to manage their engine and gearbox. Earn resource points by taking part in new Practice Programmes including ‘Fuel Management’ and ‘Race Pace’. The classic cars also take center stage in the enhanced Career mode as players are invited to race them in the new Invitational events.

New ‘Championships’ Mode:

Championship mode allows players to experience unique race events following different rules and structures from the official Championship in both modern and classic cars. For example, the Classic Street Series sees you race the iconic cars around the six street circuits on the calendar.

Race Classic F1 Cars:

Get behind the wheel of 12* iconic F1 cars from the history of the sport. The classic cars are also integrated into the Career mode, and can be raced in both Single Class and Multi Class Races. Players can race the following cars:

·         1995 Ferrari 412 T2

·         2002 Ferrari F2002

·         2004 Ferrari F2004

·         2007 Ferrari F2007

·         1988 McLaren MP4/4* – (DLC car in F1 2017 Special Edition)

·         1991 McLaren MP4/6

·         1998 McLaren MP4-13

·         2008 McLaren MP4 -23

·         1992 Williams FW14B

·         1996 Williams FW18

·         2006 Renault R26

·         2010 Red Bull Racing RB6

Alternative Track Layouts:

As well as the 20 official 2017 circuits, there are four additional shortened track layouts in the game for the first time: Britain, Bahrain, USA and Japan. Players can also race the stunning Monaco circuit atnight.

Enhanced Multiplayer:

Race either the modern or classic cars online with a full grid of 20 players in both public and private sessions. The game now offers two dedicated “spectator” spots as well as improved multiplayer matchmaking, new online stats and levelling system, and all multiplayer session types.

*Consumers who pre-ordered or purchase ‘Day One’ copies of F1 2017 will have access to the iconic 1988 McLaren MP4/4, as part of the ‘F1 2017 Special Edition. Alternatively, the McLaren MP4/4 car will be available to be purchased at a later date. The eleven other classic cars are available in all editions of the game.

Retro-Bit RES+ Retro Console Review

2017/08/25
Ripper71
Geek News, News, Reviews, Tech Review

I am an old school gamer with a hoarding problem. I keep hold of my game systems, disks, and cartridges even when I go onto the next system that comes along.  So, even though I have a PS4 and an Xbox One, I also have an Atari 2600 system, two original NES consoles, a Super NES console… But I digress.  A big problem for my gaming is time. Time gives us room to make technological advancements and these advancements make playing those original consoles troublesome. For example, I’m not going to keep a CRT television around just so I can play an Atari or NES. There are some ways around this but these workarounds seem to come at the expense of visual quality and clarity.  Retro-Bit makes new consoles that accept old cartridges and disks, and utilize the latest and greatest connections and outputs. Enter: the RES Plus retro game console.

Game On:

The first thing I noticed about the RES Plus when I pulled the system from its box is that it is only about the size of an NES cartridge.  That means for play at home or on the go it takes up very little space.  I can toss the RES Plus and a couple games in a suitcase and head out the door in minutes.  It also means that it can be taken from one room to another, plug it into an HDMI port and be right back into the game!  Or as I mentioned before if I am playing a game and it is time to head off on a trip I just grab the system and it is so compact I can put it anywhere in minutes.  If you are having a hard time getting enough room for an HDMI connection the system also works with an AV one.

The RES Plus is a top loader as apposed to the original NES, which was a front loader. Being a top loader makes it nice because, without even turning on the system, you can tell which game is loaded for play.  For transportation you might be a little more likely to disconnect the cartridge rather than leave it plugged in but that is really the healthiest for the cartridge and the system anyways.  Plus leaving your cartridge in during transporting was believed to be one of the main reasons your system would start having trouble reading games.  The original NES required you push the cartridge in until you couldn’t any longer then you pushed it down.  A lot of people would then leave it in that position when moving it around in the room or taking it over to a friend’s house.  Sometimes the cartridge would pop up due to being shook around instead of the ejection process and, as gamer rage is not a new thing, sometimes people would eject the cartridge roughly.  As a result, it got so players would have to delicately push the cartridge down into position JUST right to make it work… or there was the dreaded folded cardboard trick where you had to fold some up an place it between the cartridge and the top of the loading section to make it work.  No side plugging and engaging with the RES Plus, just push down the cartridge straight down in the top until you can’t anymore and you are ready to play!

One of my other favorite aspects of the RES Plus is the power system.  You can plug the power cable into a standard outlet and play away but sometimes when you are on the road the power outlets are far, far away.  Thankfully, with the RES Plus, the very end of the power cord detaches to allow you to plug into a USB port. In other words, you can plug it right into a USB battery like you might use to recharge your phone on a trip.  At that point your game play is only limited to the amount of juice in your battery. Brilliant!

The game system comes with two 6′ long cable controllers that are a variation of the original NES systems though you shouldn’t have any problem using other controllers like I have for my NES systems such as the NES Advantage, QuickShot, Zinger, you get the idea.

How is the quality? The quality is great! I played on my HD television display and was simply delighted by these classic games that I feared I may not ever get the chance to enjoy again in their full glory.

One of the best things about the system would be its price point, pretty much no matter where you buy it you get it for $40 new, picking up an actual NES with all its wear and tear will usually cost you more than that.

Game Over Man, For Now:

Retro-Bit has given old school gamers a gift when it comes to the RES Plus, one that is great at home and even better on the go.  This system will be a new part of my travels and will let me set my NES systems up on display somewhere instead of taking up space on my media center.  Now I just need to get ahold of the other Retro-Bit systems to make even more room on my shelves.

Retro-Bit RES Plus Console Review Score

[mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#dd3333″ type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#dd3333″ type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#dd3333″ type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#dd3333″ type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#dd3333″ type=”fa”] (5 out of 5 Stars)