Archive - 2018

Thrustmaster Unveils TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod

2018/01/26

London, January 26, 2018 — After more than two years of questions and requests from our community, Thrustmaster® is proud to finally be able to make the announcement that people have been waiting for: all the thrills of drifting and rally racing are now right at your fingertips, with the TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod. This product is the latest innovative component in Thrustmaster’s ever-growing racing ecosystem, and offers a choice of two different modes: progressive handbrake, and sequential gearbox. The icing on the cake? It’s officially licensed by Sparco®!

A major, groundbreaking development

Painstakingly developed in close collaboration with Sparco®, the brand that defines standards for racing gear, Thrustmaster’s TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod is the third product to hit the market as a result of this unique partnership. Its goal is the same as that of its two predecessors: to transport gamers right to the heart of an ultra-realistic racing experience. Hot on the heels of the previously released full racing wheel and an add-on rally wheel, the TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod is a versatile new element in Thrustmaster’s racing ecosystem, opening up the following exciting possibilities:

Progressive handbrake mode, for perfectly-proportioned action; or
Sequential gearbox mode, for incredibly efficient gear shifting.
Drifting in GT or rally racing: gamers will love being able to fully explore and master both styles!
Totally realistic immersion in games and simulations: at 3.3 inches/8.5 cm tall, the handle is a 1:1 scale replica of those in Sparco®’s rally and drifting range.

The TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod’s powerful design is based on cutting-edge engineering:

The unit is rock-solid mechanically, thanks to the use of extremely high-quality materials – 90% of which are crafted of metal, including industrial flat coil springs with 8.8 pounds/4 kg of resistance.
It allows for both smooth and abrupt braking actions.
It incorporates Thrustmaster’s award-winning H.E.A.R.T HallEffect AccuRate Technology™ for ultimate precision that won’t decrease over time, thanks to a contactless magnetic sensor.

Infinite possibilities for all driving styles

The handle’s height is fully adjustable.
The TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod’s handle can also easily be turned 90° for horizontal handbraking in GT mode, in addition to the normal vertical position for rally mode.
The unit features a handy attachment system for cockpits, thanks to its built-in M6 screw threads.
Gamers wishing to use the unit in a more common way – such as on a table or desk – will be able to opt for Thrustmaster’s related clamp (sold separately), which can also accommodate a TH8A for a complete setup including a progressive handbrake and a shifter.

Full PC compatibility

The TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod has been specially designed for PC gamers, and is compatible with Windows® 10, 8 and 7. What’s more, although it’s been created with owners of Thrustmaster racing wheels in mind (in particular the T150, TMX, T300 series, TX series, T500 RS, TS-PC RACER, TS-XW RACER and T-GT, all of which are sold separately), it’s perfect for owners of any racing wheel from all other brands as well!

The TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod is now available, at a suggested retail price of £239.99

Monster SuperStar S100 Speaker Review

2018/01/26

Ripper71

News, Reviews, Tech News, Tech Review

Monster has been a top name in audio for quite a few years now with “Head Monster” Noel Lee being a well known pitchman who surrounds himself with celebrities such as Joe Perry and Iggy Azalea. While at CES we were lucky enough to get a hold of the entry level Monster SuperStar S100 Bluetooth speaker, which had some excellent punch for its price point.

One of the better selling factors of the Monster SuperStar line is its water resistance. Most speakers take a little splash and short out but this one can handle a bit of submersion and be just fine. This is known as a IPX7 rating which means it could handle rain, snow, splashes, and showering. This last part is particularly nice because I can’t hear my phone when in the shower and I like to listen to music. I can just hang it on the shampoo rack and I’m good to go. Along those same lines I can use it when in the bath which could give it a decent splash and it should still be fine. Another feature on the Monster SuperStar S100 is that it also functions as a speaker phone! The microphone pickup and phone audio are both terrific and I have no provlem using the Monster S100 as a speakerphone in the future.

The Monster SuperStar S100 and, for that matter, the entire SuperStar line are shaped in a semi triangle form factor with the corners rounded off and covered in rubber. This shape and rubberized coating help the small speakers to take impacts in stride. It actually bounces a little like a ball when dropped and rolls until the impact is neutralized. Speaking of design, the Monster SuperStar S100 features a black and dark gray body with attractive silver accents making for a very stylish speaker.

Of course, all of this means squat if the speaker can’t output a wide range of sound. Thankfully, it has an exceptional sound punch for such a small speaker. The SuperStar S100 has bass that doesn’t turn muddy and treble that doesn’t go tinny. If someone didn’t actually see the SuperStar S100, they might have thought it was coming from a much bigger model. Additionally, while the speaker battery is rated to last 6 hours, my tests showed it lasting more like 7. Whether this was a fluke or just Monster being conservative, I don’t know, but I like it!

I will most often use the Monster SuperStar S100 with my iPad. The built-in speakers on those tablets are terrible and with the Monster SuperStar S100, my tablet becomes a real powerhouse of personal entertainment. Games, movies, and music all sound loud and crisp!

Last Blast:

The Monster SuperStar S100 made it through my review without any problems. Its price point of $59.99 is very reasonable – especially when you consider that you are buying a brand known for quality and reliability. I have gotten Monster products in the past and they are still working great – they make things to last. Thanks to these reasons, the Monster SuperStar S100 will now be my go-to travel speaker. If you are in the market for a portable Bluetooth speaker, you should go get one, you won’t regret it.

Monster SuperStar S100 Review Score

[mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#81d742″ type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#81d742″ type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#81d742″ type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#81d742″ type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#81d742″ type=”fa”] (5 out of 5 Stars)

DRAGON BALL FighterZ – Launch Trailer

2018/01/26

boothby

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

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (January 26, 2018) – Leading anime video game developer and publisher BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. today announced the launch of DRAGON BALL® FighterZ in the Americas for the Xbox One, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, and PCs via STEAM®. As the official Game Critics Awards: Best of E3 2017 award winner for Best Fighting Game, DRAGON BALL FighterZ is the definitive DRAGON BALL fighting game experience combining classic 2D fighting game dynamics with characters from the renowned DRAGON BALL universe, one of the most popular and iconic anime franchises around the world.

Developed by Arc System Works, a celebrated developer of 2D style fighting games; DRAGON BALL FighterZ delivers explosive graphics and over-the-top gameplay combining classic 2D fighting visuals with advanced 3D character models that look and feel as if they are ripped straight out of the DRAGON BALL anime series. The game is already gaining critical acclaim with GameSpot.com giving DRAGON BALL FighterZ a 9/10 saying “FighterZ is complex and distinct enough to be enjoyed by fighting game competitors, but there’s no question that it’s been designed to tap into the hearts of Dragon Ball’s most dedicated fans…” While IGN.com scores DRAGON BALL FighterZ with an 8.5/10 saying “FighterZ is fast, fluid, and cerebral.”

DRAGON BALL FighterZ gives fans the opportunity to take their favorite DRAGON BALL characters into battle and bring to bear some of the most famous moves from the DRAGON BALL universe such as Goku’s “Kamehameha”, Vegeta’s “Big Bang Attack”, and Frieza’s “Death Ball”. Featuring 3 vs. 3 battle mechanics, players assemble their teams and take to the field-of-battle to experience eye-popping fights that are sure to wow any fighting game aficionado. DRAGON BALL FighterZ debuts an original character – Android 21 – whose creation was supervised by DRAGON BALL creator, Akira Toriyama. The game also features a unique storyline, dynamically told through animated cut-scenes. With its cast of fan-favorite characters, players will surely train and master more than one fighter and style, delivering richer gameplay and motivation to take down the competition.

“DRAGON BALL FighterZ has been a pleasure to work on since we announced the game at the Microsoft E3 press conference last year. Throughout the year, we’ve received nothing but high praise, support, and excitement from media and fans alike; the energy surrounding this title is definitely over 9000!” said Eric Hartness, Vice President of Marketing at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “Now that the game is in the hands of players, we’re looking forward to seeing both fighting game and DRAGON BALL anime fans battle for bragging rights in DRAGON BALL FighterZ.”

DRAGON BALL FighterZ is available now in the Americas for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4 system, and PCs via STEAM with a MSRP of $59.99. For more information regarding DRAGON BALL FighterZ and additional titles from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., please visit: https://www.bandainamcoent.com, or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS, or join the conversation on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BandaiNamcoUS.

Dungeons 3 Once Upon a Time DLC Announced

2018/01/25

Jerry Paxton

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

Ridgewood, NJ, January 25, 2018 – Just when you thought it was safe to return to the daily grind of slapping snots and destroying unicorns, the Absolute Evil decides to go one step further (well three actually) and announce three, yes three, new DLC packs for highly-acclaimed dungeon sim Dungeons 3. Once Upon a Time (the first of the DLC packs to launch) is planned for release on February 2nd and will further expand the Evil One’s fiendish grip on PC, PlayStation®4 and Xbox One.

After the devastating battle royale at the end of Dungeons 3, the Absolute Evil decides that its time to take a vacation, and travels to Fairyland. This despicable land is home to the Good Fairy, a disgustingly respectable and virtuous creature who has been arming heroes with invigorating potions and is generally the detestable source of all good deeds. With the help of some bewitched heroes (and more than a few exploding sheep) the Absolute Evil sets off to put an end to this story once and for all. The Once Upon a Time DLC packs in three new campaigns, three new Evil hubs, new wall tile set for the dungeon and an all new boss – the Good Fairy (and exploding sheep, don’t forget the exploding sheep).

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire Release Date and Pre-Order Details

2018/01/25

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Windows PC News

Irvine, California – January 25th, 2018 – Independent developer Obsidian Entertainment, in partnership with indie powerhouse publisher Versus Evil announced the launch of pre-orders today for Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. Consumers can now digitally pre-order the Standard, Deluxe, and Obsidian Editions through Steam, GOG.com, and Obsidian.net, as well as other digital retailers. The physical Obsidian Edition of the game, which includes additional in-game content and physical items for gamers to enjoy, is available for pre-order at all major gaming retail stores.

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire will launch this April 3, 2018 on Windows PC, Mac, and Linux platforms.

By pre-ordering the Standard, Deluxe, or Obsidian Edition, fans will receive three unique in-game digital items:

St. Drogga’s Skull – Crafted from a sabre and the skull of a martyr it will slash and burn enemies in combat, while also guiding players through the darkest reaches of the Deadfire.
Beakhead, the Hawk (In-Game Pet): Beakhead, the white hawk, took a liking to your ship soon after you arrived in the Deadfire. Captains in the Deadfire are only as effective as their crew, and with this jaunty first-mate by your side you’re bound to find success at sea.
The Black Flag: This flag is said to have been flown by a mysterious and rowdy band of seadogs from a far-off land, who dyed their sails black with a stain made from ground-up dragon glass. Dark and intimidating, but somehow attractive, nonetheless.

The standard edition of Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire will cost $49.99, digital and physical retail, while the Deluxe Edition will be priced at $59.99. The Deluxe Edition will include the game’s official soundtrack composed by Justin Bell, composer of the soundtrack to the firstPillars of Eternity. Additionally, the Deluxe Edition includes: an in-game pet, a Deadfire themed special in-game item, a digital pen and paper RPG starter guide, a high-resolution game map, and Volume II of the digital guide book, published by Dark Horse.

The Obsidian Edition is priced at $74.99 for the digital version, and includes everything that comes in the Deluxe Edition as well as the first three DLC expansions for Pillars of Eternity II, which each cost $9.99 to purchase separately, although these will not be available for separate purchase until the game’s official launch.

The physical version of the Obsidian Edition will cost $79.99, and will include the same content as its digital cousin, but also additional, physical rewards: a cloth map of the Deadfire region, an Explorer’s notepad and a set of postcards that render the Deadfire Archipelago in beautiful detail.

“Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is our first sequel here at Obsidian and we’ve created something incredible. At Obsidian, we are all about stories, worlds, and characters, and in Deadfire we’ve done it again with a vast open world explorable by the player’s own customizable ship, character customization with enough options to make any RPG player want to make a hundred characters, and an exciting narrative that truly delivers on the reactivity that makes our games special. We’re confident that new and returning players will find Deadfire to be the RPG experience of the year,” said Obsidian Entertainment CEO Feargus Urquhart.

DONTNOD Presents Vampyr Episode 2 – Architects of the Obscure

2018/01/25

Jerry Paxton

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

January 25, 2018 – DONTNOD Entertainment invites fans to their studio for a second time, further revealing the creative process behind their upcoming action-RPG, Vampyr. Dontnod Presents Vampyr – Episode 2: Architects of the Obscure unveils more exclusive gameplay footage, while the creative team delves into the visuals and music that bring 1918 London to life. Two more episodes of this four-part webseries, produced and realized by the video department of Focus Home Interactive, will release weekly each Thursday.

In Episode 2: Architects of the Obscure, DONTNOD reveals the areas of London that you will explore and impact during your time in Vampyr. Each of the four districts have their own distinct style and groups of citizens, which can flourish or perish depending on your actions. Whitechapel and the Docks are ravaged by poverty and crime, while the West End benefits from a wealthier population – and is the district of choice for Ekons plotting in the shadows. Pembroke Hospital gives Dr. Reid the opportunity to put his medicinal skills to great effect, while tempting the doctor-turned-vampire with helpless citizens that hold him in a position of trust.

This latest episode also introduces the music of Vampyr, including insight from composer Olivier Deriviere. He discusses how he developed the game’s original score with consideration for its unique setting and atmosphere, as well as how the inner dilemma Jonathan faces translates into the music. Eric-Maria Couturier, of the Paris Ensemble InterContemporain, drives Vampyr’s soundtrack as solo celloist, and here offers an exclusive performance that showcases his unique style.

DONTNOD Presents Vampyr – Episode 2 is available to watch today, with two more 5-minute episodes released weekly every Thursday. For more information, visit the recently-relaunched Vampyr website.

Vampyr releases Spring 2018 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.

Six Flags Great Adventure Wants to Be First Solar-Powered Theme Park

2018/01/25

boothby

Geek News, News

JACKSON, NJ – January 24, 2018 – Six Flags Great Adventure and its partner KDC Solar today announced that construction will begin soon to make the New Jersey property the world’s first solar-powered theme park.

“This is a proud day for our company. This project represents a giant step toward becoming a net-zero carbon facility,” said Six Flags Great Adventure Park President John Winkler. “We are pleased that we were able to come to a satisfactory agreement with all parties involved. Clean energy is right for the environment and our future, and we look forward to decades of environmental stewardship with our partner, KDC Solar.”

The 23.5-megawatt solar project will include solar carports over select parking lots and 40 acres of ground-mounted solar panels. Six Flags expects construction to begin by March and for the solar facility to be fully operational by the end of 2019.

In addition to the production of clean energy and helping to limit the park’s reliance on harmful fossil fuels, KDC Solar will use more than 99,000 hours of union labor in constructing this project.

As conservationists for nearly 45 years, Six Flags Great Adventure has cared for more than 70 different species of animals, including some that are endangered and even extinct in the wild. The Jackson theme park recycles more than 60 percent of its annual waste, including manure, paper, plastic, wood and mixed garbage. The theme park eliminated the use of paper towels in favor of energy-efficient hand dryers, and is firmly committed to other energy-saving programs. In addition, Six Flags will preserve more than 200 acres of forest, wetlands and wetlands transition areas.

“We are continually searching for new ways to operate more efficiently and enhance our role as good stewards of the environment,” Winkler said.

“We are pleased to move forward with this groundbreaking solar project. Six Flags has been a patient and cooperative partner throughout this process, and we look forward to delivering clean renewable electricity to Six Flags. Once operational, this project will be the largest net metered solar project in the State of New Jersey and very much in line with Governor Murphy’s pledge to support renewable energy,” said Alan Epstein, President and CEO of KDC Solar.

Pure Farming 2018 Best Things Come in Threes Trailer

2018/01/25

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

Jan. 25, 2018 – Wroclaw, Poland | Techland Publishing and Ice Flames have released a brand new Pure Farming 2018 trailer, entitled “Best Things Come in Threes” showcasing the Pure Farming 2018’s three unique game modes tailored for different preferred playstyles.

Pure Farming 2018 features the following game modes:

Designed to introduce players to farming simulation, My First Farm teaches the ins and outs of modern agriculture. Thanks to detailed objectives and helpful tips, players will learn, step-by-step, how to use farming machinery, harvest crops, produce green energy and more.

Farming Challenges consist of 20 hour-long scenarios that challenge players with several extreme situations that farmers around the world have to cope with. Using predefined resources, players will need to save their crops from fire, sustain the farm despite a severe drought, endure a locust attack, and more.

Last, but definitely not least, Free Farming mode gives players a complete freedom in how they play. Players can set the parameters of the game and simply run the farm their own way. With all machinery and facilities available for purchase from the get-go, the goal is to build a global farming empire – with absolutely no hand-holding. Just as in real life, in Free Farming the players’ success depends on their efficiency and decision-making skills.

You can see all the different ways to approach farming here:

Developed by Ice Flames and published by Techland Publishing, Pure Farming 2018 will be available on March 13th 2018 on PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Visit the official Pure Farming 2018 Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as the game’s official Website to stay up to date with all upcoming farming announcements

Age of Conan Introduces Saga of Zath Server

2018/01/24

boothby

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

Oslo, Norway – January 24th, 2018 – Funcom’s free to play MMORPG ‘Age of Conan’ just introduced the brand new Saga of Zath server. The time-limited server will be available until the 15th of May, when the game celebrates its tenth anniversary, and gives players a fresh new start and a chance to get their hands on unique rewards.

Players will be rewarded for reaching level 20, 50 and 80. They can earn exclusive rewards such as new titles, a full set of new social armor and an epic weapon set, cloak and necklace.

On the new Saga server players also gain access to the all new Hoard of the Third Raider which contains a host of new treasures, such as a monstrous armored spider mount! Players can claim the unique rewards on a second character of their choosing and their character on the Saga server will be transferred to the main server after the Saga server ends.

“We wanted to offer veteran players the thrill of starting fresh on a new server and new players the opportunity to start on equal footing with everyone else.” Says producer Josh Mills. “Players can not only earn great rewards for themselves on the Saga of Zath server, but they can also work together towards a common goal which will unlock a reward for everyone.”

If anyone is able to defeat the strongest raid boss in the game they get a unique title and every player on the server is rewarded with the Embrace of Zath vanity cloak. This challenge will be very difficult as they must conquer the monstrous Ethram-Fal, a Stygian wizard infused with the immense power of the Emerald Lotus.

‘Age of Conan’ is free to play and can be downloaded from www.ageofconan.com. It is one of the most critically acclaimed massively multiplayer online games of all time following its launch in 2008.

Plex Announces VR Support with Cowatch Capability

2018/01/24

boothby

Geek News, Movie News, News, Windows PC News

January 24, 2018 – Today Plex has announced the addition of virtual reality, a completely new way to enjoy the video content you love via Plex. Plex has always been at the forefront of platform development, ensuring its users have access to a great media experience on any device at any time, and now that will include the increasingly popular world of VR. The complete blog post can be found here https://www.plex.tv/blog/plex-now-virtual-reality-daydream/, but here are the highlights:

Plex VR is compatible with Google Daydream VR headsets and Daydream-ready Android phones
Watch your Plex video content with up to four friends, in real time, with voice chat
Play local media on your Android device (including 3D and 360/180 video)
Offers a selection of “scenes,” such as a drive-in movie theater, adding that extra layer of ambiance to your viewing experience
VR streaming is free for all Plex users and a Plex Pass is required for the co-watching feature, as well as some of the “scenes,” though Plex is offering co-watching to all for a week at no cost when you start using Plex VR