Archive - 2018

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Announces New Experiences, Food, and Show

2018/05/17

Universal City, CA, May 17, 2018 — From the moment guests enter The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” at Universal Studios Hollywood, they are transported to Hogsmeade village, which this summer will introduce new wand magic experiences, authentic costume replicas, lunchtime menu items and the popular return of “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle.”

With a gentle flick of the wrist and just the right touch, guests can cast spells throughout “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at dazzling wand magic locations. This summer’s installation of two additional spells ups the tally to 15 thrilling wand magic experiences to practice. The Incendio fire-making spell will conjure flames of varying size based on skill level, and the Alohomora spell will unlock a series of intricate locks that may reveal the fiery breath of a creature hidden behind a secret door.

Three Broomsticks expands its lunchtime menu with a selection of traditional British fare, including:

Ploughman’s Lunch, featuring an imported selection of ham, salami, country paté, English cheese, homemade pickles and a warm scotch egg served with bread, cranberry chutney and grain mustard
Cheese Toastie with Chicken, featuring grilled English Cheddar cheese with chicken, crispy bacon, mustard and sliced tomato topped with a sunny side egg served with a fresh salad or potato wedges
Sunday Roast Sandwich served on a freshly baked baguette filled with warm prime rib, caramelized onions, English Cheddar, horseradish sauce and homemade garlic pickles served with fresh salad or potato wedges

Guests can channel their inner wizards at Gladrags Wizardwear with a wide array of apparel inspired by the films. The billowing house robes worn by the students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and accompanying house uniforms, including hand-loomed cardigans from Scotland, scarves and ties are available for purchase. New to Gladrags Wizardwear this season is a high-end replica of Professor Severus Snape’s robe, as well as a replica of Hermonione’s dress worn at the Yule Ball as seen in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, which is now available in adult and children’s sizes.

Other wizard attire includes a replica of the cardigan worn by Neville Longbottom in the Battle of Hogwarts scene in the film series finale. Select attire is available in a variety of sizes from toddler to adult.

Just like the talking mirror in the Harry Potter films, Madam Malkin’s Talking Mirror makes quite a reflective entrance this summer, located in the corridor between Dervish and Banges™ and Gladrags Wizardwear. Speaking with an English accent, the Talking Mirror will entertain guests with a variety of complimentary remarks.

“The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” returns for a limited time only, beginning Sunday, June 24.

As night falls on Hogsmeade village, “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” shines brightly with an awe-inspiring spectacle that showcases the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin, and culminates with awesome beams of lights that fan into the night sky. The colorful state-of-the-art light display and special effects projection is accompanied by a special musical arrangement created by Academy® award-winning composer John Williams based on his original scores composed for the film series. The musical arrangement that emanates in a surround sound environment was conducted by prolific arranger William Ross and recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra in London.

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” at Universal Studios Hollywood is a masterful recreation, faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including as its iconic focal point, Hogwarts castle.

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” transports guests of all ages to the very places they watched on the silver screen.

The architecturally stunning land also includes the captivating and highly acclaimed “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” thrill ride, enhanced with 4K-HD and ride film projecting at an astounding rate of 120 frames-per-second for an even more immersive glimpse into Harry Potter’s world, as well as “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor family coaster.

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” resonates with immense detail, inviting guests to enjoy authentic food and beverages 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 adds to the authenticity of the land with such retail venues as Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko’s™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges™, Gladrags Wizardwear, Filch’s Emporium™ of Confiscated Goods and the Hogsmeade™ Station.

Additional information on Universal Studios Hollywood is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Join the conversation online using #WizardingWorldHollywood. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Largest Touring Observation Wheel Comes to The Queen Mary

2018/05/17

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

May 17, 2018 – For the first-time ever, The Observation Wheel at the Queen Mary will make its debut appearance at the historical ocean liner with daily rides starting Friday, May 18 through Sunday, June 17. Believed to be the largest traveling observation wheel in the Western Hemisphere, guests can sip on beverages (alcohol is available for purchase), enjoy company of up to 6-8 people per cabin, and take in the birds-eye view of the picturesque Long Beach sky line and the majestic Queen Mary within the climate-controlled cabins. Enjoy the one-of-a-kind Observation Wheel with family and friends during the day starting at 11am, or dazzle-up the experience and enjoy the Observation Wheel after dark as the ride impresses with over half a million LED lights.

ABOUT OBSERVATION WHEEL:
The Observation Wheel was built in the Netherlands and arrived in the United States in 2017. This is the first time a wheel of this size will be in the Long Beach area, and will be arriving from the Coachella Valley, where it was home to the recent desert festivals. At 50m/164ft-tall, La Grande XL is believed to be the largest travelling observation wheel in the Western Hemisphere. Built to a design by Ronald Bussink Professional Rides, the R50XL construction was transported to the USA from the Netherlands on 22 trailers/containers.

WHERE:
The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802

WHEN:
Friday, May 18 – Sunday, June 17
Daily, 11am – 10pm

TICKETS:
Tickets are available at longbeachwheel.com

Observation Wheel Adult (12-59) Admission is $15
Observation Wheel Military (ID Required) Admission is $10
Observation Wheel Child (4-11) Admission is $10
Observation Wheel Senior (60+) Admission is $10

Spintires: MudRunner ‘The Ridge’ DLC Announced

2018/05/17

Jerry Paxton

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

May 17, 2018 – Spintires: MudRunner is the ultimate off-road experience, taking players on hostile roads and harsh environments. Available on PC and consoles, Spintires: MudRunner is releasing the free Ridge DLC on the 29th of May, a free content update that includes a new map, new vehicles, and new add-ons to explore and experiment with. The Ridge is a coastal map split in half by a mountain ridge. Players will need to take a lot of care if they’re looking to cut time by travelling across the center.

In addition to a brand new map, two new vehicles are being introduced, the D-538, a heavy duty tractor, and the B-6A, a lightweight tractor. These two vehicles can be used on any map, provided you have enough progression points unlocked. Completing The Ridge requires players to utilize a new type of delivery gameplay called Scavenging. Logs are now scattered across the map, and players will have to find them at various locations in the wild to complete deliveries and earn unlock points.

Spintires: MudRunner offers incredible content and unique experiences – it’s a genre of its own, reinventing the rules and offering new challenges for players looking for emergent encounters and true-to-life off-roading situations. Dedicated players and driving enthusiasts will appreciate the hyper-realistic driving sensations thanks to an advanced physics engine, a differential transmission system, soft-tire simulation, as well as realistic interactions between vegetation, mud, water, and your vehicle.

Spintires: MudRunner’s next free content DLC, The Ridge, is coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Steam on May 29.

Sennheiser Announces CX Sport Wireless Headphones

2018/05/17

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Tech News

Old Lyme, CT — Sennheiser’s new CX SPORT brings joy to any workout with brilliant sound. The in-ear Bluetooth headphones offer the freedom of wireless listening in an ultra-lightweight, splash- and sweat-resistant design.

Designed to move, the new CX SPORT features ergonomic fins that keep the earbuds comfortably secure. The headphones can either be worn around the neck or in front, with a cable organizer that adjusts the cable length, and an optional clip that can be used to fix the CX SPORT on the workout shirt. With a choice of three fin sizes and a selection of four sizes of ear adapters, it is easy to find a perfect fit that blocks outside noise and helps athletes stay focused.

Thanks to Sennheiser’s exacting quality standards, the CX SPORT is tough enough to take on any challenge with extra assurance provided by splash and sweat resistance. The headphones are equipped with a proprietary speaker system from the audio specialist, delivering clear, detailed sound with an enhanced bass response.

“For many, headphones are a true workout essential. We have designed the CX SPORT to deliver everything athletes need to get the most out of their workout session – great sound, secure fit and a robust but lightweight design”, said Marcel Salzmann, Product Manager at Sennheiser.

Breadth of features, slimline design

Despite its slim design, the CX SPORT has a breadth of advanced features to keep pace with everyday life. Multi-connection capability allows the headphones to be connected to up to two devices simultaneously. Meanwhile, Bluetooth 4.2 and Qualcomm® apt-X™ ensure uncompromised wireless Hi-Fi sound. When using the CX SPORT for watching videos, Qualcomm® apt-X™ Low Latency compatibility keeps the audio transmission perfectly in sync with the visuals. Ease of use is ensured by a three-button inline remote control for managing music and calls, as well as by convenient voice prompts that provide notifications of pairing and battery status.

The CX SPORT has a six-hour battery life, which can be fast charged via USB in just ten minutes to offer a further hour of playback, and fully charged in 1.5 hours. The headphones come supplied with a neoprene carry pouch.

The CX SPORT is available now at the Sennheiser webshop and will be available worldwide from June at a price of $129.95 USD (MSRP).

Bandai Shokugan Announces Voltron Super Mini-Pla Pre-Orders

2018/05/16

boothby

Geek News, News

Anaheim, CA, May 16, 2018 – Bluefin, the leading North American distributor of toys, collectibles, and hobby merchandise from Japan and Asia, announces an exciting new release for pop culture, giant robot and anime fans as it opens pre-orders for the Voltron Super Mini-Pla from Bandai Shokugan brand.

Voltron is the newest addition to the Super Mini-Pla product line from Bandai Shokugan and is set for release in September by authorized Bluefin retailers nationwide and also from select leading online outlets.

Pre-orders are available now; MSRP will be $62.00. Bluefin is the official North American master distributor for Bandai Shokugan.

The legendary hero from one of the greatest giant robot anime action series of the 1980s returns in collectible form in an impressive new model kit that stands more than 7 inches tall when completed. The Black Lion, Red Lion, Green Lion, Blue Lion, and Yellow Lion are each fully articulated and poseable and combine together to form the iconic Voltron robot. Accessories include a shield and Blazing Sword. Parts from each of the lions also may be combined to form a Shokugan original mega-blaster weapon.

As the Super Mini-Pla name implies, this compact model kits offer simple pre-colored snap-together assembly. A nipper or sprue cutter (sold separately) is highly recommended for assembly, but the kits do not require glue.

Collectors are also invited to enjoy these additional Bandai Shogukan Mini-Pla model kits distributed by Bluefin that are available now.

Shokugan Super Mini-Pla Power Rangers Titanus · MSRP: $150.00 ·

Available Now!

The 3^rd and latest release of the Super Mini-Pla series features the mighty Titanus. Fans can combine the new kit with the Megazord and Dragonzord to form the Ultrazord – the ultimate Power Rangers robot. Titanus can be posed in both Carrier Mode and Attack Mode and moves under battery power. A must-have for any ardent Power Rangers fan.

Shokugan Super Mini-Pla King of Braves Gaogaigar · MSRP: $43.00 ·

Available Now!

Back by popular demand is the King of Braves Gaogaigar. A must-have item for any sci-fi model builder and/or fan of the Super Mini Pla series. Gaogaigar is able to be constructed from 4 component smaller robots – Gaigar (Galleon), Stealth Gao, Liner Gao and Drill Gao. Enjoy this kit that features high detail construction.

Shokugan Power Rangers Dragonzord Super Mini-Pla Kit· MSRP: $45.00 ·

Available Now!

Catch the debut of the Dragonzord, the Zord of the Green Power Ranger. Enjoy the Dragonzord by itself or go into Dragonzord Battle Mode by combining it with the Mastodon, Saber-Toothed Tiger, and Triceratops Zords from the Megazord kits. Collectors also can combine all of the components from the Power Rangers Megazord Super Mini-Pla Set to create the all-powerful “Mega Dragonzord.”

About Bluefin

Based in Anaheim, CA, Bluefin built its reputation as a leading distributor of Japanese toys, collectibles, novelty and hobby products. In recent years, Bluefin has grown to include a range of high quality collectible lines from Asia and has established itself as the official North American consumer products and retail development partner for Studio Ghibli. Selling to thousands of specialty, chain and independent stores, Bluefin is an official North American distributor for Bandai Hobby, Bandai Shokugan, and Storm Collectibles, and is the sole provider of Bandai Tamashii Nations products, and is also the exclusive and official distributor for Mr. Hobby, SEN-TI-NEL and Flame Toys.

Additional information is available at:

Green Hell Announcement Trailer

2018/05/16

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

Warsaw, Poland – May 16th, 2018 — Creepy Jar, an independent studio made up of ex-Techland Warsaw team members (Dying Light, Dead Island, Nail’d), proudly announces Green Hell, a first-person, psychological survival simulator set in the uncharted depths of the sweltering Amazon rainforest. Clinging to life, the player is set on a journey of durability as the effects of solitude wear heavy not only on the body but also the mind. How long can you survive against the dangers of the unknown?

Check out the announcement trailer and also don’t miss the exclusive gameplay reveal live on Twitch today; Wednesday, May 14th at 12 PM Pacific, 3 PM Eastern, 7 PM UTC

Green Hell will enter Early Access for Windows PC later this summer with plans to hit consoles at a later date.

The player is dropped into the impenetrable, emerald depths of the Amazon rainforest; the Green Hell. Having no memory of how you got there, your goal is simple: survive. Stuck in a beautifully nightmarish environment, it will take fortitude of mind and the most primitive of means to escape.

With only a radio at your disposal the player will follow a familiar voice through a seemingly endless and ruthlessly inhospitable jungle. Bit by bit, you will unveil more of the mystery of how you came to be in this hostile situation, and what you discover just might be worse than what you fought so hard against to survive.

Key Features

Realistic Survival Simulator – Green Hell puts great focus on realism in both its world building and gameplay. Everything that is crafted or built is necessary for survival, and was consulted on with experts. The Amazon is not a typical forest; threats are literally crawling under your skin.
Psychological Thriller – Waking up in the middle of the Amazon with no recollection of how you got there or how you’ll get out, the hardest battle you’ll face is the fight against yourself and your weaknesses and fears.
Fully Alive Amazon Rainforest – Every effort has gone into recreating the lush world of the Amazon in painstaking detail. An exotic and dangerous place, this jungle is filled with many hazards beyond predators including toxic plants, illnesses and infections, all waiting to bring the player to their demise.
Body Inspection – Dangers lurk around every bend but they also live under your very skin. Paramount to your survival is checking your body for parasites, infections, and wounds. Take care or suffer the consequences.

The Crew 2 Closed Beta Info and New Trailer

2018/05/16

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

SAN FRANCISCO – May 16, 2018 – Today, Ubisoft announced that the closed beta for The Crew^® 2 will take place from May 31 at 8 am UTC to June 4 at 8 am UTC on PlayStation^®4 computer entertainment system, the Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X and Windows PC. Players can sign up now for a chance to have beta access at thecrewgame.com/beta. Pre-load will be available for Closed Beta selected players on all platforms starting May 29.

During the closed beta, players will experience the first level of the progression system as they compete in races across all first four disciplines – Street Race, Rally Raid, Powerboat and Aerobatics – against the backdrop of a fully redesigned USA, via land, water and air. To create more adrenaline-fueled experiences, players can use the Fast-Fav feature and instantly switch their vehicle type depending on the type of terrain they will encounter: an airplane flying underneath San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge can turn into a boat with the touch of a button. As part of the closed beta, players can participate in the Motor Trend Classic Challenge which takes racers to New York City and has them compete with vehicles from the street racing family. Fueled by original series, exclusive events, top personalities and leading experts, Motor Trend is the #1 destination for automotive super fans via the Motor Trend app on iOS/Apple TV, Google Play, Roku, Xbox, Chromecast and Amazon platforms or via MotorTrend.com.

Developed by Ubisoft Ivory Tower,* a studio based in Lyon, France, The Crew 2 will let players experience the thrill of the American motorsports spirit inside a fully redesigned USA. The game’s playground pushes physical boundaries to let driving and open world fans test their skills, solo or with friends, in nonstop competition and exploration. From coast to coast, drivers will explore America and compete to become the greatest motorsports champion by collecting a wide variety of exotic cars, bikes, boats and planes, and dominating the motorsports scene on the land, on the water and in the air. They will find challenges and inspiration among four different motorsports families: street racing, off-road, pro racing and freestyle, and will be given a broad set of options among a wide selection of vehicle types.

For the latest news on The Crew and other Ubisoft games, please visit news.ubisoft.com.

For more information about The Crew 2, please visit thecrewgame.com and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/thecrewgame.usa and on Twitter at twitter.com/thecrewgame using hashtag #TheCrew2.

RIDE 3 Announcement Trailer

2018/05/16

Jerry Paxton

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

Milan, 16h May 2018: Milestone, one of the leading and longest established racing game developer in the world, is glad to announce its successful IP dedicated to all two-wheels lovers is returning for the third chapter this year, releasing on November 8th on PlayStation®4, Xbox One and Windows PC/STEAM.

RIDE franchise is one of the most consolidated in Milestone’s portfolio, a series of titles dedicated to all motorbikes’ fans. The series has established itself as a tribute to the motorbike culture, recognized as unique in its genre thanks to the extremely wide offer, with RIDE 2 winner of the Guinness World Record for Most licensed bikes in a videogame, and to the game experience it offers.

While continuing the franchise’s tradition, RIDE 3 has been revised especially in terms of realism, customization and for the variety of content included: a mix of elements that make this third edition of RIDE the ultimate motorbike encyclopedia, a realistic and adrenalin-packed title dedicated to those addicted to racing.

RIDE 3 has a whole new heart, Unreal Engine 4, and a completely revised experience: whilst maintaining the identity of the series, this title brings a bunch of new features and elements that will make the player feel the adrenaline like a real rider. The list of tracks has been increased to satisfy everyone’s tastes and needs: there will be GPs and Supermoto tracks for those who wants to feel like professional riders, Country and City circuits to ride in the most iconic places around the world, Road Races to race on road circuits and Drag Races for those who love acceleration races that take place on straight tracks.

Engagement of players will be brought to the next level in this chapter of the series, especially thanks to the innovative customization options which include an innovative Livery Editor, to expand the customization to a completely new standard, where players will be given a unique limit when customizing their bikes: their creativity.

These are only some of the innovations that RIDE 3 is set to bring to the players, and if that’s not enough, key features of the game will also include:

More than 230 bikes at DayOne divided into 7 categories, including a new one;
12 brand new tracks, for a total amount of 30 tracks;
Diverse customization possibilities, which will enable players to customize their bikes both from a mechanical and aesthetic point of view.

Mechanical customization options will include more than 500 customizable bike parts: players will be able to create their perfect ride deciding whether to pimp their engine or intervene on brakes and suspensions, as well as modify the transmissions or adjust the wheels as they prefer. Aesthetic customization will include an innovative Livery Editor for limitless creativity, to design the livery of your dreams and share it online;

Extreme realism reached thanks to the introduction of Unreal Engine 4, used for the first time in a RIDE title, which ensures a great visual rendering as well as detailed particle and lighting effects and a photorealistic level of the environments. Moreover, with the new graphic engine Milestone’s team has been able to include night modes for the first time in a ride title. Last but not least, the Drone Scanning System has been used to reproduce all tracks down to the smallest detail;
A completely revised career mode based on volumes, a unique experience that tells the story of a specific bike category, manufacturers or iconic tracks;
Improved AI, a new physics simulation and a revised collision system.

Trick ‘r Treat Coming to Halloween Horror Nights

2018/05/16

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, News, Trailers / Videos

Universal City, CA, Orlando, FL (May 16, 2018) – Beginning September 14, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort will bring Legendary Pictures’ cult Halloween classic Trick ‘r Treat to life in all-new Halloween Horror Nights mazes that dare guests to live by the rules or suffer the consequences.

Based on the critically-acclaimed and fan-favorite movie directed by Michael Dougherty, the “Trick ‘r Treat” maze will transport guests to Warren Valley, Ohio on Halloween night to celebrate the holiday’s dark traditions. Recreating some of the anthology’s most iconic scenes, the disturbing new maze invites brave thrill-seekers to become entwined within the secrets of this sleepy suburban town.

Guests will experience some of the film’s most grisly scenes and encounter hauntingly familiar characters. They will meander through Mr. Kreeg’s infamous house, watch as college students viciously transform into bloodthirsty werewolves and dismember the town, as well as come face-to-face with Sam – the spirit of Halloween – who readies to punish those who break the holiday’s tradition.

Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights” is the ultimate Halloween event. For more than 25 years, guests from around the world have visited “Halloween Horror Nights” in Hollywood and Orlando to become victims inside their own horror film. Multiple movie-quality mazes based on iconic horror television shows, films and original stories come to life season after season. And, the streets of each coast’s event are transformed into highly-themed scare zones where menacing scare-actors lunge from every darkened corner.

Additional details about Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights” will be revealed soon. Select tickets and vacation packages for Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights are on sale now. For more information about “Halloween Horror Nights” at either Universal Studios Hollywood or Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

NITE Team 4 Demo Now Available

2018/05/16

boothby

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

Montreal, May 15th 2018 – NITE Team 4 is promising to be unlike anything you’ve ever played. Part 24 and Mr Robot, part Orwell, this story-driven hacking adventure game is poised to launch later this summer. To prepare future Agents of the Dark Web, Alice & Smith today announced that a brand new Demo version of the game is available via Steam to get players familiar with the tools and missions of NITE Team 4.

“We’re asking a lot of our players,” said Andrea Doyon, Puppet Master and Co-Founder of Alice & Smith. “The tools and techniques used in NITE Team 4 are easy to learn, but difficult to master. What other game asks you to learn how to hack networks and delve into private company files? This demo should help prepare you for when you start day one at the NITE Team 4 Academy this summer.”