Archive - 2018

SteelSeries Unveils New Rival Gaming Mice

CHICAGO – October 2, 2018 – SteelSeries, the global leader in gaming peripherals, is proud to announce the industry-changing Rival 650 Wireless gaming mouse with features such as lightning-fast Quantum Wireless 2.4GHz wireless connection and fast charging. SteelSeries also introduces the Rival 710, using the same iconic chassis as the original Rival 700 and features new innovations from SteelSeries, including the new TrueMove3 sensor.

“We’ve truly revolutionized the wireless gaming mouse with features that have never been seen in the category, like the precision of the TrueMove3+ sensor and fast charging technology,” said SteelSeries CEO, Ehtisham Rabbani. “The Rival 650 is a gaming mouse designed for competitive gamers who want the most accurate sensor available and unlimited physical and technical customization options.”

Rival 650 Wireless

The introduction of the SteelSeries TrueMove3+ dual sensor system was a major milestone in gaming sensor technology. The TrueMove3+ dual sensor system features the SteelSeries TrueMove3 as its primary sensor, but also includes a second optical sensor that exclusively tracks lift-off distance. The Rival 650 Wireless uses this same groundbreaking technology, but now this high level of precision can be experienced wirelessly for the first time.

The Rival 650 Wireless uses the Quantum Wireless 2.4GHz wireless system with 1,000Hz (1ms) polling for incredibly low latency and to ensure a strong, consistent wireless connection. The 650 Wireless is also the first wireless gaming mouse to feature fast charging. When connected to a USB port that supports fast charging (and depending on the mouse’s RGB lighting profile), a five minute charge will give the mouse over three hours of battery life, and a 15 minute charge will provide over 10 hours of battery life.

In addition to the wireless capabilities and precision sensor technology, the Rival 650 also features the Rival 600’s innovative weight system. The customizable side-loaded weights allow users to tune their center of gravity with 256 different weight combinations for the perfect balance for any grip or play style. The mouse comes with eight included 4g weights.

The TrueMove3 is a 12,000 CPI, 350 IPS optical sensor that SteelSeries built exclusively with sensor industry leader, PixArt. Its ultra-low-latency, rapid-response tracking delivers the most natural and accurate mouse movement. Unlike other mouse sensors bogged down with inefficient jitter reduction and tracking latency, TrueMove 3’s 1-to-1 tracking from 100 to 12,000 CPI delivers true eSports-level performance. The TrueMove3 was first introduced with the Rival 310 and Sensei 310 gaming mice. The custom-engineered TrueMove3 SROM dramatically reduces response time and greatly increases accuracy.

The second sensor allows gamers to adjust their lift-off distance to customize when the sensor stops and starts tracking when the mouse is lifted off its mat. This eliminates extra movement when gamers pick up and put down their mouse. The second sensor also features linear optical detection for true depth perception for the world’s most precise lift-off detection down to 0.5mm.

The Rival 650 is also compatible with SteelSeries Engine Software, which unlocks an impressive arsenal of Engine Apps that make customization of the 8-zone RGB lighting easy and intuitive. The Discord and GameSense Engine Apps allow for chat notifications, in-game events, and more.

The Rival 650, exclusively featuring the SteelSeries TrueMove3+ Dual Sensor System, is available in NA for $119.99 and in EMEA for €129.99.

Rival 710

The original Rival 700 was introduced as the world’s first modular gaming mouse with its OLED display and tactile alerts. The new Rival 710 builds on the original design and adds the high performance and accuracy of the TrueMove3 sensor and 60-million click switch durability. Alongside these new features, the Rival 710 still uses tactile alerts for immersive gaming and an OLED display for notifications and customization.

With the Rival 710, the mouse is no longer merely an input device, gamers can now feel in-game events, aiding them in critical decision making. Gamers can customize every aspect of the alerts from intensity to vibration patterns. The Rival 710 is also fully modular. It comes with a modular cable system, and both the sensor and back cover can be customized or exchanged with other variants available on SteelSeries’ website.

The OLED screen and SteelSeries Engine integration allows you to access quick settings and new customization options. Gamers can access their sensitivity settings, button mapping settings and switch profiles from the OLED menu, and with SteelSeries Engine, gamers can personalize the display with their gamer name, favorite team logo, GIF or real-time notifications with compatible software like Discord or Dota 2.

The Rival 710 is available in NA for $99.99 and in EMEA for €109.99.

Bandai Hobby Star Wars B-Wing Starfighter 1/72 Scale Model Kit Review

Bandai Spirits Hobby has a long history of putting out some really fun and detailed model kits – most notably the long-running Gundam series. They also have a large series of snap together Star Wars models which have received a lot of acclaim for their attention to detail. While at the 2018 San Diego Comic Con, we were fortunate to receive one of their new B-Wing Starfighter models. At 1/72 scale, this model looked very detailed from the display version we saw at their booth, and I couldn’t wait to get it home and build it. More exciting was that this special convention variant of the B-Wing came with a small LED light unit that would create engine glow when activated.

Opening the box, I took note of the various pieces and pallets, as well as the beautifully detailed instruction manual (and limited edition supplement for the lighting unit). One thing that has always been nice about Bandai’s model kits is their ability to be assembled without any tools or glue (although more on that later). I unwrapped all the plastic pallets and began construction of my B-Wing Starfighter.

Bandai has laid out its instructions in a very logical order, and you will begin building the kit in modules. For the B-Wing, this means starting with the cockpit. I painted the instrumentation somewhat using a couple acrylic paint pens and then applied a couple of the included water decals. As a novice model painter, I had some trouble getting the pilot right but it works enough at a distance. There is no lighting in the cockpit, so making out tons of detail is difficult. The cockpit assembly came together and I then moved on to the thruster housing/powerplant of the B-Wing. The lighting module installed without issue and is easy to turn on and off – it simply slides out the aft of the model and features a small slider switch. I tend to paint as I am building – I know some would say that is a model builder sin, but it’s what I like to do when possible. Some models are best painted in pieces, some as you go, and some after completion. I definitely still have a lot of detail I can paint into the B-Wing, and I plan to revisit it at some point to do so. For now, I think it looks nice on my model shelf.

The included stand of the B-Wing is very beefy, needing to be as the model is bulky and a respectable weight – especially compared to Bandai Star Wars models like the 1/72 scale A-Wing (shown in the photographs to give a sense of size). The B-Wing can be displayed with its S-foils retracted or extended, as well as with its orientation in horizontal or vertical configurations.

Overall, Bandai Hobby’s Star Wars B-Wing Starfighter is an outstanding model kit – especially if you can get the version with the lighting unit. The model features a ton of detail and easy construction to boot.

505 Games Unveils NYCC 2018 Panel and Signing

CALABASAS, Calif. – Monday, Oct. 1, 2018 – Publisher 505 Games is delivering new reveals and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks at New York Comic Con (NYCC) this year in a panel loaded with the cast and creators of Control, the highly anticipated action-adventure third-person shooter videogame from celebrated development studio Remedy Entertainment (Max Payne, Alan Wake).

The NYCC panel, “A New York Mystery: Meet the Cast of Control,” boasts an unprecedented look into the creation of the upcoming game Control, with a new character reveal and the premiere of a behind-the-scenes vidoc. Featuring Remedy’s creative director Sam Lake, and the game’s talented actors, including familiar faces Courtney Hope (Games: Quantum Break, Star Wars: The Old Republic; TV: The Bold and the Beautiful), James McCaffrey (Games: Max Payne 1-3; Alan Wake; TV: Rescue Me, Jessica Jones) and Matthew Poretta (Games: Alan Wake; TV: The Good Wife), the panel will also offer exclusive sneak peeks of the game’s making of process with the actors and revelations about the headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Control.

Following the panel, NYCC attendees will be able to meet Control’s cast and creators for an autograph session.

Control NYCC panel snapshot:

  •  “A New York Mystery: Meet the Cast of Control

o   WHENFriday, Oct. 5, 6:30 p.m. EDT

o   WHERE: Javits Center, Room 1A18

o   WHAT: Panel with cast and creators of Control, discussing how they are bringing Control’s characters to life, New York’s role in the story, and the creative process behind the game

o   WHO: Panelists Sam Lake, Courtney Hope, James McCaffrey and Matthew Poretta

  • Post-panel cast and creator autograph signing

o   WHENFriday, Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m. EDT

o   WHERE: Javits Center, Room 1A18

o   WHAT: Meet-and-greet and autograph signing with cast and creators of Control

o   WHO: Panelists Sam Lake, Courtney Hope, James McCaffrey and Matthew Poretta

WWE 2K19 Never Say Never Commercial

October 1, 2018 – 2K today released the final pre-launch trailer for WWE 2K19 that brings all of your favorite WWE Superstars together in spectacular fashion. Beginning its global television flight today, this action-packed piece includes gameplay clips, WWE Superstar quotes and anecdotes from cover Superstar AJ Styles himself on why in WWE, you can Never Say Never.

The impressive lineup of talent in the trailer includes cover Superstar AJ Styles, pre-order focus talent “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey and Rey Mysterio, Collector’s Edition Hall of Famer Ric Flair and his daughter, Charlotte Flair, 2K Showcase’s Daniel Bryan, Undertaker, Asuka, The Miz, Rusev, Naomi, Jeff Hardy and more.

WWE 2K19 is available to play on October 5 for those who pre-ordered the game for Early Access and releases widely on October 9.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Official Gameplay Trailer 2

Rockstar Games has released the second part in the Red Dead Redemption 2 gameplay video for your viewing entertainment. Red Dead Redemption 2 is an epic tale of outlaw life that seamlessly blends story with action, and exploration with choice – all under the constant threat of danger. Red Dead Redemption 2: Coming October 26, 2018 to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One systems.

Namco Museum Arcade Pac Launch Trailer

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (September 28, 2018) – Leading video game and interactive entertainment developer and publisher, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., today released NAMCO MUSEUM™ ARCADE PAC™ for the Americas, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch™ video game system. Players will enjoy a 2-in-1 package of nostalgic hits including a collection of some of the biggest arcade games that started the arcade craze of the 1980s with PAC-MAN™, GALAGA™, and Dig Dug™, or battle friends in Score Attack mode or square up one-on-one against a giant boss in the flashy maze madness of PAC-MAN Championship Edition 2 PLUS™, all in the comfort of home or on the go on the Nintendo Switch.

NAMCO MUSEUM™ ARCADE PAC™ features Namco Museum classics such as PAC-MAN, GALAGA, SPLATTERHOUSE™, and THE TOWER OF DRUAGA™ along with ROLLING THUNDER™, SKYKID, and TANK FORCE. Additionally, the highly acclaimed PAC-MAN CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION series makes its comeback to the Nintendo Switch in PAC-MAN CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION 2 PLUS featuring eye-popping 3D graphics and over-the-top visuals, the latest version of the classic game takes chomping and chasing through mazes to a crazy new level. Players can enjoy this experience by themselves or with friends in an all new co-op mode, PAC-MAN CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION 2 PLUS 2P, available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.

“NAMCO MUSEUM™ ARCADE PAC™ brings together over 30 years of gaming into the palm of your hand on Nintendo Switch,” said Abelina Villegas, Associate Brand Manager for BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “From the traditional classic arcade experiences like PAC-MAN and GALAGA to the more modern multiplayer experience of PAC-MAN Vs, and hyper kinetic look and feel of PAC-MAN CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION 2 PLUS, there’s something for players of all ages!”

NAMCO MUSEUM™ ARCADE PAC™ is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB and has a MSRP of $39.99. For more information about NAMCO MUSEUM™ ARCADE PAC™ or other titles from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., please visit; https://www.bandainamcoent.com, follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS, or join the conversation at https://www.twitter.com/BandaiNamcoUS.

Life is Strange 2 Launch Trailer

LONDON (September 27, 2018) – SQUARE ENIX® is thrilled to announce that Life is Strange™ 2, the next entry in the critically-acclaimed and award-winning franchise from DONTNOD Entertainment, is now available.

The first entry in the all-new five-episode season of Life is Strange 2, is out now on XBOX ONE®, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Windows PC.

Discover a story of two brothers, 16-year old Sean and 9-year old Daniel Diaz, who have to flee their home in suburban Seattle after a tragic event that changes their lives forever. Further complicating matters is the manifestation of an exciting new power that has wide implications on Sean and Daniel and the relationship between them. Things may never be the same again.

The story of Life is Strange 2 takes place over the course of a year, as Sean and Daniel try to make their way from Seattle to their fathers’ home town of Puerto Lobos, Mexico.

Life on the road is difficult and there are many shades of grey; there is never a truly ‘correct choice’, there is only your choice. Daniel is watching your every move, and he is learning from your actions, so consider your decisions carefully!

The key aspect of Life is Strange 2 is this role model dynamic between the brothers. The decisions you make in Episode 1 will have far-reaching consequences and will influence the relationship with Sean’s little brother Daniel over the course of the 5-episode season.

“We are incredibly happy to finally share this new Life is Strange story of brotherhood and coming of age with the world,” said Raoul Barbet and Michel Koch – Co-Creative Directors of Life is Strange. “We hope fans will embrace our new story and characters with the same passion they showed for the first season.”

Raoul Barbet and Michel Koch’s Life is Strange team at DONTNOD Entertainment return with an all-new hard-hitting narrative adventure. Life is Strange 2 continues the core franchise tradition of telling compelling stories about relatable characters, realistic settings and real-world issues, all laced with a supernatural element, with a new tale that tackles themes like brotherhood, raising and teaching a child, responsibility and coming of age.

“Life is Strange is a franchise that is near and dear to our hearts here at Square Enix External Studios, and we are very proud to share the first Episode of Life is Strange 2 with players all over the world,” said Jon Brooke – VP of Brand Marketing at Square Enix External Studios. “It’s an exciting first step into a brand new season of Life is Strange, and a great new entry in the vast interconnected Life is Strange Universe we are building.”

Visit the LIFE IS STRANGE official website: https://lifeisstrange.square-enix-games.com

LIFE IS STRANGE official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LifeIsStrangeGame/

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LifeIsStrange

Razer Unveils Nari Wireless Gaming Headset Line

(SAN FRANCISCO) – Razer™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, announced the Razer Nari Ultimate wireless gaming headset with Razer HyperSense, advanced haptic technology that delivers an added dimension of touch to gaming, movie and music experiences.

Razer HyperSense was developed together with Lofelt™, a German engineering firm that specializes in creating haptic technologies for immersive, natural, lifelike experiences.

“Lofelt is committed to raising the standard for haptic feedback to match the high-quality audio and video we’re used to in today’s devices.” said Daniel Büttner, chief executive officer at Lofelt. “Teaming up with Razer is an incredible opportunity for us to demonstrate the value of the cutting-edge technology we developed. I’m thrilled we are at the forefront of realizing the true potential of advanced haptics and can’t wait for gamers to level up their gameplay with the Razer Nari Ultimate featuring Lofelt’s haptic technology.”

Razer HyperSense utilizes haptic drivers that generate multidimensional haptic feedback, enhancing positional awareness with stereo capabilities. The technology works across all formats of gaming, music and movies without specific integration by converting audio signals into tactile feedback in real time.

The Nari Ultimate was also engineered with innovative comfort technology that includes an auto-adjusting headband for a fuss-free fit, swiveling ear cups to fit every head shape, and cooling gel ear cushions that keep gamers feeling cooler for longer periods of time compared to traditional memory foam ear cups. The cooling gel ear cushions feature hidden indented eyewear channels for a more comfortable fit with eyewear, as well.

The Razer Nari Ultimate also utilizes THX Spatial Audio which was introduced with the Kraken Tournament Edition. This feature creates realistic depth and immersion by simulating 360-degree sound with pinpoint accuracy for greater awareness during gameplay. The headset has game/chat balance, and it works in both wired and wireless mode for added compatibility across PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.

Razer Co-Founder and CEO Min-Liang Tan said: “Razer consistently creates products with innovative technology to give gamers the best gaming experience possible. With the Razer Nari Ultimate, we are championing a whole new way for gamers to feel their games through Razer HyperSense.”

The Razer Nari is available in three versions: Razer Nari Ultimate, Nari, and Nari Essential. The Razer Nari Ultimate described above delivers the most gaming audio value for gamers at $199.99. The Razer Nari at $149 omits Razer HyperSense while mirroring the Razer Nari Ultimate in comfort, sound technology and all other features. The Razer Nari Essential focuses on core wireless gaming headset features with THX Spatial Audio, comfort with an auto adjusting headband, and cooling gel ear cushions and lag-free performance at $99.99.

For more information about these headsets, please visit

For more information about Razer HyperSense in the Nari Ultimate, please visit:

Product Availability:
Nari: 27 September 2018 on RazerStore, with full retail to follow
Nari Ultimate & Nari Essential: Q4 2018

Tropico 6 Beta Available Now and new Trailer

RIDGEWOOD, NJ (September 27, 2018) – Citizens of the world, it’s time to pack your bags and set sail for paradise! Kalypso Media and El Presidente himself are thrilled to announce that fans pre-ordering the PC version of Tropico 6 on the Kalypso Shop will gain instant access to an exclusive closed beta, allowing gamers around the world to preview the latest entry in the acclaimed strategy series. If that’s not enough, they can also help themselves to a 10% discount, with an additional 15% off for first time customers registering a new Kalypso community account!

There will be two mouthwatering pre-order options for budding dictators to choose from. The Standard Edition is available with a 10% discount and direct access to the beta, while the special El Prez Edition also comes with a 10% discount and immediate beta access, but also adds some special in-game content (a tourist outfit for El Prez and a Flamingo Pond for the presidential palace), the digital soundtrack and a fabulous digital calendar.

The beta itself will initially contain a generous amount of content for eager Tropicans to get stuck into, offering the complete tutorial spanning all four eras (Colonial, World Wars, Cold War and Modern Times), two sandbox maps demonstrating Tropico’s new archipelago system in all its glory, and two full missions to sample the kinds of challenges that wannabe dictators will face in the full release. Supported languages include English, French, Italian, German, Spanish and Russian, while the Tropican Ministry of Propaganda and Misinformation has also confirmed that additional content and features will be added to the beta closer to full release.

To celebrate the announcement, Kalypso has prepared an all-new live action trailer featuring the benevolent leader himself: