Author - Jerry Paxton

Wargaming.net Unveils PAX Prime 2014 Lineup

2014/08/22

August 21, 2014 — Wargaming today announced its presence at PAX Prime 2014, taking place in Seattle, Washington August 29th through September 1st. Located at booth 3617, Wargaming team will offer a variety of exciting entertainment, prizing, and gameplay activities for show attendees.

On display and playable will be the global phenomenon World of Tanks for the PC, the award-winning World of Tanks: Xbox 360 Edition, the flight combat MMO World of Warplanes and the recently launched and critically acclaimed World of Tanks Blitz for iOS devices. In addition, PAX Prime 2014 will also mark the very first North American hands-on for Wargaming’s highly anticipated naval combat title World of Warships, brought to the show in a special behind closed doors experience.

The fun will also continue with a full schedule of stage activities, interviews, and special guests, complete with prizing from partners such as Plantronics, Intel, J!NX, Razer and more. The festivities will also be livestreamed on the Wargaming official Twitch channel, where stream viewers will get their own chance to walk away with prizes and bonus codes.

Wargaming will also bring to Seattle the conclusion of the Wargaming.net League North American eSports finals. Scheduled to take place at the Showbox SoDo in Seattle on August 30th from 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM, the event will pit the top World of Tanks players in the Americas against each other for a chance to win a share of a $100,000 prize pool as well as the chance to attend the global Grand Finals in 2015. Attendees will not only get to see some of the country’s best players prove their skills, but also walk away with premium tanks and other swag to be given out throughout the event. For fans not at PAX Prime 2014, the entirety of the competition will also be streamed at the Wargaming.net League channel on Twitch.

Square Enix PAX 2014 Lineup

2014/08/22

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

SEATTLE (Aug. 21, 2014) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX interactive entertainment products in the Americas, is inviting fans to come experience their upcoming lineup at this year’s PAX Prime, taking place in Seattle, WA from August 29 to September 1.

Attendees will get the chance to play the latest titles from Square Enix’s impressive roster of role-playing games, including the musical rhythm RPG THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY CURTAIN CALL™, the HD-remastered compilation KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.5 ReMIX, and the recent releasesDRAGON QUEST™ VIII: Journey of the Cursed King™ and DRAGON QUEST IV: Chapters of the Chosen™ for mobile devices.

Fans can also experience other major titles from Square Enix, such as, Lara Croft® and the Temple of Osiris™, the sequel to Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light; the team-based multiplayer action game Nosgoth™; and massively competitive mobile title Hitman: Sniper™.

Fans of the Hitman franchise will also have the opportunity to participate in Hitman: Snipertournaments that will be held hourly in the Square Enix booth. At the end of each day, the player with the highest score from all of the tournaments, will have their high-score integrated into the final game at launch with a special elite treatment.

There will also be a special Hitman: Sniper community event held by Unity and Square Enix Montréal at the Hard Rock Café on Friday, August 29th from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Grand Prize winner at the community event will win an impressive prize package, which includes the opportunity to be integrated into the game as a villain for Agent 47 to eliminate with their custom 3D model.

PAX Prime attendees can visit the Hitman: Sniper community event at the address below:

WHEN:
Friday, August 29
8 p.m. – 11 p.m. (Tournament Period)
8 p.m. – 2 a.m. (Event Period)

WHERE:
Hard Rock Café
116 Pike St
Seattle, WA 98101

To check out what Square Enix has to offer at PAX Prime 2014, please visit the Square Enix Booth atBooth #3630.

The full lineup includes:

HD Consoles and PC Lineup

LARA CROFT AND THE TEMPLE OF OSIRIS
Platform: Xbox One, PlayStation®4, Windows PC
Developer: Crystal Dynamics
ESRB: T (Teen)
Available: December 9, 2014

Developed by Crystal Dynamics, Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris is the sequel to the critically acclaimed Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light. In her new adventure, Lara Croft travels to Egypt and must join forces with rival treasure hunter Carter Bell and imprisoned gods Horus and Isis, to defeat the evil god Set. Featuring a four-player co-op story, players must work together to explore the temple, defeat hordes of enemies from the Egyptian underworld, solve devious puzzles, and avoid deadly traps. All the while, players will compete for treasure, powerful artifacts, and ultimate bragging rights.

KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.5 ReMIX
Platform: PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system
Developer: Square Enix
ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10+)
Available: December 2, 2014

KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.5 ReMIX is a fully remastered HD compilation of KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX and KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep FINAL MIX. Both games will be available for the first time in North America for the PlayStation®3 system. Theatrical cut-scenes from KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded will also be included in the compilation. The game is a follow-up to last year’s KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX and will also lead into the highly anticipated KINGDOM HEARTS III.

NOSGOTH
Platform: Windows PC
Developer: Psyonix
ESRB: Rating Pending
Available: In Closed Beta

Nosgoth is an upcoming free-to-play multiplayer experience from the Legacy of Kain series of video games, involving humans and vampires locked in a bloody struggle against one another. Players can play both as Humans and Vampires in the game, level up individual classes and purchase upgrades to further power up your character.

Handheld and Mobile Lineup

THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY CURTAIN CALL
Platform: Nintendo 3DS™ system
Developer: indieszero Co., Ltd.
ESRB: T (Teen)
Available: September 16, 2014

Combining hallmark FINAL FANTASY music with role playing game (RPG) elements, the newTHEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY CURTAIN CALL is bursting with new content, including the new “Versus Mode” where players can now compete head-to-head with friends and other players. The game also includes 221 songs and over 60 playable characters from the entire FINAL FANTASY series. Players can relive nostalgic moments as they tap their way through key FINAL FANTASY events, field themes and battle arrangements.

HITMAN: SNIPER™
Platform: iOS, Android
Developer: Square Enix Montréal
Age Rating: 17+
Available: Winter

Hitman: Sniper is an upcoming free-to-play, massively competitive sniper game. Take on the role of Agent 47 and scope in on your marks using skill, subtlety, smarts and subterfuge to complete your contracts. Spend your hard earned blood money on a wealth of powerful rifles and authentic, game-changing upgrades. Engage your friends in leaderboard driven challenges and prove you have what it takes to be the deadliest marksman around.

DRAGON QUEST VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
Platform: iOS, Android
Developer: Square Enix
Available: Now

DRAGON QUEST VIII: Journey of the Cursed King is now ported for the first time to mobile phones and tablets. As the first game in the series with 3D graphics, DRAGON QUEST VIII: Journey of the Cursed King lets mobile players revisit a beautiful world filled with vast grassy fields, snow-capped mountains, daunting dungeons and restless seas. Players can slide their screens to pan the camera in a full 360 degrees around the character. In addition, DRAGON QUEST VIII: Journey of the Cursed King features the original title’s revolutionary synthesizer score, orchestrated by the series’ long time music composer Koichi Sugiyama.

DRAGON QUEST IV: Chapters of the Chosen
Platform: iOS, Android
Developer: Square Enix
Available: Now

DRAGON QUEST IV: Chapters of the Chosen was originally released in Japan on the Family Computer System in 1990, and later on the PlayStation and Nintendo DS™ system. Compiling five chapters to create one epic story, traveling in a large party on a wagon, and issuing commands that allow party members to fight using their own AI has made the game a sensational hit. The mobile version includes the party conversation feature which is new for North American fans. Players can talk to their party to receive various responses throughout their adventures and experience the first game in the Zenethian Saga with the unique chapter based story system.

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

The Walking Dead: Season Two Finale Trailer and Release Date

2014/08/22

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Mac PC News, Mobile News, News, PlayStation 3 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox 360 News

August 22, 2014 — Today we would like to share the official trailer and release dates for ‘No Going Back,’ the final episode of The Walking Dead: Season Two – A Telltale Games Series.

This trailer includes a special all-new scene just for the trailer and some MAJOR spoilers for previous episodes in the past two seasons, but contains no spoilers for the upcoming season finale.

As this season comes to a close and you reflect on Clementine’s journey thus far, we ask you to consider: Who will YOU become?

The Walking Dead: Season Two Finale – ‘No Going Back’ will be available starting next week on these dates for the corresponding platforms:

August 26th: PC/Mac via Steam, the Telltale Online Store and other digital distribution services; on the PlayStation Store in North America (SCEA) for PlayStation 3 and PS Vita
August 27th: Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft; on the PlayStation Store in European territories (SCEE) for PlayStation 3 and PS Vita
August 28th: Available as an in-app purchase within The Walking Dead: Season Two on the iOS App Store

Additional platform release dates for tablets, mobile, handheld, and micro-console devices are to be announced. Please stay tuned to @telltalegames on twitter for more updates as they become available.

The Walking Dead: Season Two’s final episode, ‘No Going Back,’ will be available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and PlayStation®Network for $4.99 USD individually, or as part of a season pass option including access to episodes as they are released. On PC/Mac, the episode will be available as part of a season pass, and also available on the iOS App Store as part of a season multi-pack, or for $4.99 USD as an in-app purchase within The Walking Dead: Season Two application.

The Walking Dead: Season Two – A Telltale Games Series – Episode 5: ‘No Going Back’ is rated ‘M’ (Mature) for Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, and Strong Language by the ESRB.

For more information on the game, visit the official website, Facebook, and follow Telltale Games on Twitter.

Trailer

Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor Unveils “Soulmate” and “B340” Mazes

2014/08/22

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, News

LONG BEACH, Calif., (August 21, 2014) –The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor will rise from the haunted bows of a rich, torrid history to scare all those who dare this Halloween season beginning October 2 through November 2. Dark Harbor is pleased to unveil two brand new mazes, Soulmate and B340, and an Exclusive Encounter unlike any other haunted experience onboard the infamous cruise liner.

Graceful Gale was the belle of The Queen Mary in the 1930s. As a beautiful first class passenger Gale charmed her way across the ship’s dance floor regularly until mysteriously disappearing on her final passage in 1939. The new Soulmate maze will take over the former location of the Containment maze and bring to life the haunted spirit of the frightful Graceful Gale. The story of Gale will unravel as her true spirit is revealed and those who dare will realize that Gale may not be as graceful as she appeared, but in fact is more monstrous than ever imagined. Gale will haunt The Queen Mary in order to lure suitors into her possession. Once she captures their hearts she will have her adoring minions cut them up and reassemble them to create her “perfect mate.” But Gale isn’t so easy to please and only a few creatures are suitable enough to be her dance partner. The rest of the rejects are doomed and outcast to haunt the Queen at night.

On a 1948 Atlantic voyage, third class Queen Mary passenger, Samuel, was locked away in room B340 after a violent outburst. After hours of isolation, crew found Samuel in his room, violently ripped apart. Murdered or self-induced suicide, no one knows. B340 is a new maze through Samuel the Savage’s schizophrenic journey of isolated decent into insanity. Travel through his warped mind literally and figuratively, ultimately reaching the final resting place, but only after visitors navigate a mirage of virtual B340s. Samuel is on the loose, he’s dangerous and completely out of his mind. Through his maze you may lose your own mind and find it impossible to escape.

The new Exclusive Encounters on board the Queen Mary will take a very limited number of thrill seekers on a terrifying top secret paranormal journey through the depths of the ship that have never been open to Dark Harbor guests before. Those who dare to voyage on an Encounter will be so brave they will have to sign their life away and hope that they return safely to land.

The Monster Midway, Freakshow, Mechanical Monster, The Ringmaster and all of the terrifying spirits of the Queen will return for the horror amidst freaks, food, and live entertainment.

The terror begins October 2 and runs for 20 haunted evenings through November 2 from 7 p.m. to midnight. Ticket prices start at just $20 online, with Fast Fright, VIP Passes, and lodging packages available. Season passes are also an option for optimal adrenaline seekers. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit www.queenmary.com/dark-harbor.

Doorways: The Underworld Release Date and Trailer

2014/08/22

Jerry Paxton

Halloween, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

August 21, 2014 – Born of the seeping punctures of human imagination, Doorways: The Underworld arrives September 17. Playable as a stand-alone game or a continuation of the atmospheric horror series, Doorways: The Underworld is available for pre-order on Steam with a 25-percent discount.

Watch the Trailer

Prized for their psychic abilities, the agents of Doorways are charged with tempting the thresholds of sanity to hunt down the most depraved criminals, but Thomas Foster may have stepped too close to the edge. Confused, his memories riddled with holes, Foster’s only option is to go deeper in search of his next target; The Surgeon.

Featuring the voice talents of Sam A. Mowry (Alexander in Amnesia: The Dark Descent), Doorways: The Underworld is the latest atmospheric horror game from Argentinian developer, Saibot Studios. Doorways: The Underworld is coming to PC, Mac, and LInux, and features Oculus Rift support (for the bravely masochistic).

Steam
http://store.steampowered.com/app/311250/

Website
http://www.doorwaysgame.com/

Stronghold Crusader 2 Delayed

2014/08/22

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Windows PC News

August 22, 2014 – Firefly Studios has announced that the release date for Stronghold Crusader 2, their upcoming RTS ‘castle sim’ sequel, has been moved back from September 2 to September 23.

Simon Bradbury, Creative Director of Firefly Studios said, “Over the past two years we have stuck to our mantra that the sequel to Stronghold Crusader will be ‘ready when it’s ready’ and, although we hate having to delay the release, this is the best course of action for everyone. Our closed beta gave us vital feedback from the Stronghold community and the Crusader 2 team feels that the game needs more polish before we release it. We love being in control of our own destiny, unlike with Stronghold 3, and not being forced to release a game too early.

“In the bad old days, release dates were sacrosanct and publishers could force developers to ship even if we were not happy with the game. Now we’re in a much stronger position. Our partners, Mastertronic and Koch Media, have been very supportive and we have decided to release a better game on September 23rd.”

Firefly goes on to thank the community for their patience, outlining what the extra development time will be used for. CEO Eric Ouellette said, “As an independent developer self-publishing Stronghold Crusader 2, we are privileged to have fans who not only anticipate new releases but also show understanding when things like this happen. We are a small team working on Crusader 2 and to have a community of players who encourage us to take our time fosters a positive working environment and helps us to make better games.”

Simon Bradbury said, “We want to make the best ever 3D Stronghold game, something we’re completely happy with that lives up to the legacy of the first Crusader. By postponing the launch date we can invest time and money in return for extra polish, optimisation and bug fixes, creating a game we are proud to release.”

Stronghold Crusader 2 will be released on Steam and in stores on September 23, 2014. The game can currently be pre-ordered on Steam with 10% off, exclusive mini-campaigns and more:

http://store.steampowered.com/app/232890/

World of Warplanes Flight School Tutorial on Teamplay

2014/08/22

Jerry Paxton

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

August 22, 2014 — Wargaming today unveiled a new episode of the World of Warplanes Flight School video series. The video provides detailed information about crew assembly and formation, the characteristics of each class of aircraft, and effective ways of communicating with other pilots during the heat of battle.

As members in a flight crew prepare for battle, it is imperative for the entire team to work together effectively in order to gain more experience and credits to advance. The video provides players with tips on how to create the best flight crew possible, as well as information on each nation’s unique crew formations and aircraft advantages. Furthermore, players can learn how the voice chat system allows for clear and quick communication between crew members during an attack.

For more information about World of Warplanes and to download the immersive flight action MMO for free, visit:

http://worldofwarplanes.com (North America)

Trailer

Wargaming Reveals PvE Combat in World of Warplanes Update 1.5

2014/08/21

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Screenshots / Photos

August 21, 2014 — Wargaming is pleased to announce the global release of Update 1.5 for its flight combat MMO World of Warplanes. Update 1.5 introduces a brand new PvE game mode, inviting rookies to improve their aerial skills against computer-controlled aircraft, along with complex ground targets, a revamped superiority system, graphics improvements, and a new map.

World of Warplanes pilots can now take to the skies with the brand new 15 vs. 15 PvE mode, where a team of 3–5 players are supplemented by AI-controlled allies and compete with an enemy team of NPC warplanes. The PvE mode comes with original battle missions and achievements. Upon completion of each mission, ammo and equipment are automatically resupplied and the level of difficulty for each battle increases.

Update 1.5 introduces complex ground targets, making air-to-ground attacks more engaging for virtual pilots, as well as a complete overhaul of the game’s superiority system to balance the contribution of ground attack planes and fighters in a team’s victory.

Along with a new mode and changes in gameplay mechanics, the update will also add a new battle arena, Canyon, available for tier’s 3–10, a completely reworked National Park map available for tier’s 1–5, and new achievements for both beginners and seasoned players.

For more information on World of Warplanes Update 1.5 and to register for a free account, visit:

www.worldofwarplanes.com

Screenshots

Six Flags Great Adventure Announces September Events

2014/08/21

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, News

Six Flags Great Adventure has revealed their upcoming list of September events – including the start of their annual “Fright Fest” haunted attraction. Check out the full list below!

Six Flags Great Adventure Sept. Events

Special Appearance by NFL’s David Diehl – August 29

On Friday morning, August 29, former NFL player David Diehl will make a special appearance at the park. Visit sixflags.com/greatadventure and the park’s Facebook page for upcoming early opening and “exclusive ride time” information surrounding this sports celebrity visit.

Labor Day Weekend “Salute the Troops” Event – August 31 to September 3

Guests are invited to enjoy the final days of summer with four days devoted to our military heroes. From August 31 through September 3, active military members will receive free admission to the park with proof of ID. In addition, all family members can pay kids’ price – discounted tickets will be available for just $39.99 each.

On August 31, Nash 94.7 and Six Flags team up to present Country stars Sara Evansand Craig Morgan in concert at 7 p.m. in the Plymouth Rock Assurance® Arena. The show is part of the Salute the Troops celebration and is free with theme park admission or Season Pass.

Hurricane Harbor Water Park Season Extended – September 2, 3, 6 & 7

Water park fans can enjoy their last blast of summer with extended operating days at Hurricane Harbor. High-speed water slides, million-gallon wave pool, half-mile lazy river and kids’ water playground will be available select days through September 7.

Great Adventure Theme Park Operating Days Added – September 2 & 3

Guests can enjoy two more days of their favorite roller coasters like Kingda Ka, El Toro and Nitro, plus the record-breaking, new Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom, Safari Off Road Adventure and much more at America’s No. 2 theme park, as voted by USA Todayreaders.

Michael W. Smith – September 13

Six Flags Great Adventure and Star 99.1 present Michael W. Smith live in concertSeptember 13 in the Plymouth Rock Assurance® Arena. Smith is a Grammy award-winning musician with hits such as “I Will Be Here for You,” “Above All,” and “Breathe.” In addition, guests can join Star 99.1 at the “all-you-can-eat” family picnic lunch from 12 to 3 p.m. The concert starts at 5 p.m. and is free with theme park admission or Season Pass.

Sabrina Carpenter – September 14

Disney Channel star and Lehigh Valley, PA native Sabrina Carpenter takes the stage at the Plymouth Rock Assurance® Arena. Carpenter is an actress and singer, starring in Disney Channel’s Girl Meets World. She released her debut EP earlier this year. The concert begins at 4 pm is free with theme park admission or Season Pass.

Survival Race – September 20

Come join Six Flags Great Adventure for a family-focused 5K obstacle course and mud run. The event is for both experienced runners and couch potatoes ages 9 to 99. The mud run takes place inside the theme park with waves beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 12 p.m. A registration/participation fee is required with theme park admission or Season Pass.

Fright Fest – September 20, 21, 27, 28

Six Flags Great Adventure’s Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS® begins its 23^rd year of scares at the world’s largest scream park. Guests can enjoy family-friendly thrills by day and scare zones, terror trails and haunted houses by night. Plus, Halloween-themed shows, attractions and some of the world’s best thrill rides are available for guests to enjoy.

Zombie Race – September 20

Six Flags Great Adventure hosts a zombie-filled 5K obstacle run for participants ages 9 and up. Runners must keep their health flags safe from virus-spreading, blood-hungry zombies chasing them from every direction. Waves begin every 30 minutes from 2 to 3:30 p.m. A registration fee is required with theme park admission or Season Pass.

Final Fright Fest Zombie Audition – September 24

The final call for scare actors and technicians takes place September 24. Six Flags seeks individuals with a passion for Halloween and scaring. No prior acting or scare experience is necessary. Auditions include several fun acting exercises in a group setting. If interested, please complete the pre-employment application prior to attending an audition date, or schedule an interview for technician positions, at www.sixflagsjobs.com.

CJBC Fright Fest Blood Drive – September 27

Six Flags Great Adventure and Central Jersey Blood Center partner to host their second blood drive at the Six Flags Training Center. Each guest that attempts to donate blood to the non-profit blood collection will receive one complimentary theme park ticket valid for the remaining 2014 season.

More information is available at www.sixflags.com/greatadventure

Ancient Space Announced with Trailer

2014/08/21

Jerry Paxton

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

STOCKHOLM — August 21, 2014 — Paradox Interactive today revealed that Ancient Space, a new story-driven real-time strategy (RTS) game from developer CreativeForge Games, will be coming to Windows and Mac PCs in Fall 2014.

Ancient Space is a single-player, real-time strategy title that puts the player in command of a fleet conducting a scientific mission on the edge of the known universe, charting what lies beyond in ‘The Black Zone.’ A rich and compelling story will guide the player as they build and upgrade their fleets and then survive overwhelming odds in deadly strategic missions.

See what awaits beyond the fringes in the Ancient Space announcement trailer:

Ancient Space mixes an engrossing single-player campaign story with time-honored RTS gameplay for a suspenseful experience. Mission objectives are many, varying from exploration to stealth, from assault to defense and more.

Ancient Space is host to a cast of characters voiced by fan-favorite actors from sci-fi television series and films, including:

John Billingsley (Star Trek: Enterprise, True Blood)
Aaron Douglas (Battlestar Galactica)
Ron Glass (Firefly)
Richard Gunn (Dark Angel)
Dina Meyer (Starship Troopers, Star Trek: Nemesis, Saw)
Dwight Schultz (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Voyager)

Ancient Space Features:

New Frontiers, Classic Gameplay: Build, maintain, upgrade, and strategically command a multitude of ships in tactical battles and missions, facing aliens, pirates, and the unknown
An Explosive Space Opera: A compelling story, performed by a stellar cast, follows the player as the fleet tackles questions of humanity and science in an epic single-player campaign
Live with Your Choices: Each mission advances the plot, and introduces new challenges to be met by choosing the right crew and the right upgrades for the job

For more information on Ancient Space, visit www.ancientspacegame.com