Author - Jerry Paxton

The Grinch: Christmas Adventures Official Launch Trailer

Outright Games, the leading global publisher of family-friendly interactive entertainment, and Dr. Seuss Enterprises, a leading global children’s entertainment company, are thrilled for today’s release of The Grinch: Christmas Adventures. Based on the classic Christmas story written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss, How The Grinch Stole Christmas!, the game will take players on a mischief-filled journey throughout all of Who-ville. It is available now to play now on PlayStation 4®, PlayStation 5®, Nintendo Switch™, Xbox One, Xbox X|S, and Steam.

In this 2D platformer adventure game, fans can play as The Grinch and his faithful dog Max with up to 2 player local co-op mode, as they go on a mission to ruin Christmas for the town of Who-ville and steal all their presents. Players can also collect puzzle pieces as they go through levels to construct and unlock new abilities that will aid schemes, including a Santa disguise for stealthy sneaking and a snowboard for faster travel between locations.

With three main locations to visit – The Grinch’s cave, the countryside and Who-ville itself – fans will be treated to colourful and festive visuals inspired by Dr. Seuss’s original drawings, as well as appearances from recognisable characters. Explore and adventure, as players help The Grinch discover the true meaning of Christmas and make his heart grow three sizes.

The Grinch phenomenon began in 1957 with the publishing of the original book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Today he is one of the most culturally celebrated and beloved holiday characters that millions of families have incorporated into their holiday celebrations. Earlier this year, a sequel to the original book was released by Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Random House Children’s Books. Taking place one year after the original story, The Grinch sets out to win the Who-ville’s Christmas Crown with the most spectacular Christmas tree ever seen, but once again learns a valuable lesson about the true spirit of the holiday from an old friend. The brand continues to expand, as the #grinch has 9.3B views on TikTok, generated over 15B impressions in 2022 and The Grinch (2018 movie) is the #1 holiday movie worldwide.

Stephanie Malham, ​COO, Outright Games Ltd, said: “It has been an incredible pleasure to work with Dr. Seuss Enterprises to translate the beloved story of ‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas!’ into the world of video games. We’re bringing this incredible adventure to a whole new generation of fans, and it’s been an exciting experience adapting the core elements that make the book such an enduring classic into a completely different entertainment medium.”

Hernán Castillo, CTO from Casual Brothers Ltd, said: “‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas!’ is a classic Christmas story beloved by so many. We wanted to keep the spirit of the book alive within our game and side-scrolling platform adventures are a timeless game design that is familiar to gamers across generations and skill levels.”

The Grinch: Christmas Adventures is available now on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Outlast: The Challenges of Trials Documentary Available Now

Red Barrels via The Escapist gives a look into the creativity, challenges, and triumphs of creating The Outlast Trials. As the major Halloween Early Access update on Steam for The Outlast Trials approaches, Red Barrels via The Escapist has released its Outlast: The Challenges of Trials documentary. Available to watch now, the documentary will give an insight to the trials and tribulations, ups and downs, and creativity and triumphs for the studios first experience in creating a multiplayer horror game.

Currently in Early Access on PC, The Outlast Trials is a brand new take on the acclaimed Outlast survival horror series, set in the same terrifying universe as the previous titles, only this time you can choose to play on your own or with friends in a team of up to four people.

Set in the height of the Cold War era, players take on the role of test subjects abducted by the shadowy Murkoff Corporation. Imprisoned in a secret Murkoff facility, players will be thrust into a series of physical and mental ordeals, tormented by iconic characters, and challenged alone or in teams to survive with their sanity intact.

The Last Voyage of the Demeter Launches on Physical Media October 17th

The gripping horror tale THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER will be available with revealing extras when you buy on Digital, Blu-ray, and DVD October 17, 2023 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Based on a single iconic chapter from Bram Stoker’s classic novel, Dracula, the film tells the chilling story of the merchant ship Demeter and the strange events that befall the doomed crew as they attempt to survive an ocean voyage to London with a truly monstrous stowaway on board. THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER includes over 30 minutes of never-before-seen bonus content including an alternate opening, deleted scenes, and behind-the-scenes featurettes showcasing the making of the film.

Hailed as an “epic horror adventure” (Bloody Disgusting), THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER is directed by Norwegian horror virtuoso André Øvredal (Troll Hunter, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark), featuring a talented cast starring Corey Hawkins (Blackkklansman, In the Heights), Aisling Franciosi (“Game of Thrones”, The Nightingale, The Fall), Liam Cunningham (“Game of Thrones”, Hunger, The Wind that Shakes the Barley), David Dastmalchian (The Dark Knight, Dune, The Suicide Squad), Chris Walley (1917, The Young Offenders, Bloodlands), Jon Jon Briones (“Ratched”, “American Horror Stories), Stefan Kapicic (“Better Call Saul”), Martin Furuland (“The Last Kingdom”), Nikolai Nikolaeff (Mile 22, “Daredevil”), Woody Norman (C’mon C’mon), Javier Botet (It, Amigo).

A terrifying new addition to the Dracula legend, based on a single chilling chapter from Bram Stoker’s classic novel, THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER chronicles the doomed journey of a merchant ship ferrying 50 mysterious wooden crates from Carpathia to London. As they set sail, the crew soon discovers they are not alone on board: at night they are stalked by a hidden passenger whose monstrous thirst for blood turns the trip into a harrowing nightmare of tension, terror and unfathomable evil.

EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES ON BLU-RAY, DVD & DIGITAL: 

  • ALTERNATE OPENING – Commentary available with Director André Øvredal and Producer Bradley J. Fischer
  • DELETED SCENES – Commentary available with Director André Øvredal and Producer Bradley J. Fischer
    • o    Clemens Picking up a Stone in Varna
      o    Bosphorus and Constantinople
      o    Clemens Following Huck’s Blood Trail
      o    Clemens and Anna Talk on Deck
      o    Crew Discuss Where the Beast Is Hiding
      o    Finding the Corpses in the Crate
      o    Wojchek Finds the Captain
      o    Clemens Visits His Father’s Grave
  • FROM THE PITS OF HELL: DRACULA REIMAGINED – Learn how the creative team behind THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER conjured a new nightmare.
  • EVIL IS ABOARD: THE MAKING OF THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER – Set sail for an exclusive journey inside the making of the movie with the filmmakers and cast.
  • DRACULA & THE DIGITAL AGE – Visual effects supervisor Brad Parker leads a detailed look at the imaginative work that adds fresh layers of fear to Dracula, creates realistic water, and enhances scenery with bleeding-edge VFX.
  • FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH DIRECTOR ANDRÉ ØVREDAL AND PRODUCER BRADLEY J. FISCHER

EON Gaming Launches XBHD All-In-One Xbox Adapter

XBHD, EON Gaming’s original all-in-one Xbox adapter and successor to best-selling retro hardware accessories, including the GCHD MK-II and Super 64, launches worldwide today. Relive classic Xbox memories today like never before by purchasing at Amazon or one of EON’s worldwide retail partners, including Rondo Products, Stone Age Gamer, and Games Connection.

The first-of-its-kind adapter for the original Xbox console revives classic titles like Halo: Combat Evolved and Soulcalibur II in the best video quality possible. Defeat bosses and claim victory on multiple displays simultaneously or stream effortlessly with dual HD video outputs. Focus on the fun with lag-free, perfectly translated visuals on the original hardware with support ranging from 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i resolutions.

The XBHD removes the need for extra cables, routers, and external power sources for a smooth gaming experience. Host the ultimate LAN Party without a router by using three RJ45 ethernet connectors. Register clear audio thanks to the MiniToslink 3.5mm port for headphones, speaker systems, and capture cards.

“With XBHD, we’re reviving not only the original Xbox’s great library of games, but making lan parties with friends easier than ever” said Justin Scerbo, co-founder of EON Gaming. “The XBHD makes those nostalgic moments easier than ever with exceptional video quality, and zero lag or extra equipment needed.”

The XBHD launches worldwide today and retails for $189.99 USD via Amazon or one of EON’s worldwide retail partners, including Rondo Products, Stone Age Gamer, and Games Connection, shipping worldwide. For more information, please visit EON Gaming’s official website and join the community on Twitter for the latest updates.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Comes To Physical Media December 5

From Academy Award®–nominated writer-director James Mangold (Logan, Walk the Line) comes the final chapter in the saga of one of cinema’s greatest heroes. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny sees Harrison Ford reprise his iconic role as the whip-smart archaeologist one last time for a “rip-roaring adventure” (Maureen Lenker, Entertainment Weekly) full of “exciting action, wonderful banter and fantastic twists and turns” (Germain Lussier, io9).

The 4K and Blu-ray are loaded with incredible bonus content including five chapters that chart the making of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Join the cast and crew on an epic, globe-trotting adventure that showcases new characters, stunts, music, locations, production design and visual effects whilst also bidding a fond farewell to one of cinema’s greatest heroes. Fans of Academy Award®-winner John Williams will be delighted to learn that there is a new, exclusive “score-only” version of the movie allowing viewers to listen to the composer’s iconic music on an isolated track as they watch the film.

Additionally, collectors can find a limited-edition SteelBook® design only at Best Buy.

Walmart will also offer an exclusive 4K Ultra HD edition with custom artwork and a limited-edition enamel pin.

Film Synopsis
Harrison Ford returns to the role of the legendary hero archaeologist for this highly anticipated final installment of the iconic franchise– a big, globe-trotting, rip-roaring cinematic adventure. Starring alongside Ford are Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“Fleabag”), Antonio Banderas (Puss in Boots: The Last Wish), John Rhys-Davies (Raiders of the Lost Ark), Shaunette Renée Wilson (Black Panther), Thomas Kretschmann (Das Boot), Toby Jones (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), Boyd Holbrook (Logan), Olivier Richters (Black Widow), Mads Mikkelsen (Doctor Strange) and newcomer Ethann Isidore. Directed by James Mangold (Logan, Walk the Line) and written by Jez Butterworth & John-Henry Butterworth and David Koepp and James Mangold, based on characters created by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman, the film is produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Simon Emanuel, with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas serving as executive producers. John Williams, who has scored each Indy adventure since the original Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981, has returned once again to compose the score.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Gets 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD Release Date

Shell-ebrate the holidays with the wildly entertaining and action-packed hit TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM, arriving on 4K Ultra HD SteelBook™, 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™ and DVD just in time for gift-giving on December 12, 2023 from Paramount Home Entertainment!

Certified Fresh with a 96% critic score* on Rotten Tomatoes® and acclaimed by both audiences and critics alike, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM delivers a fresh and fun-filled adventure that the whole family can enjoy together.

The 4K Ultra HD SteelBook, 4K Ultra HD, and Blu-ray™ releases include over 40 minutes of bonus content so fans can delve deeper into the making of the hilarious and original movie.  Join the young new voice cast as they explore the “teen” in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, then go behind-the-scenes with the all-star voice cast, including Jackie Chan, Ice Cube, and many more! Explore the film’s unique animation style, plus learn to draw the leader of the Ninja Turtles, Leonardo.  Bonus content is detailed below:

• TEENage Mutant Ninja Turtles— For the first time the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are voiced by actual teenagers! Hear how each Turtle was cast and how having all four boys record together helped create the authentic camaraderie seen on screen.

• The Mutant Uprising— Get to know the Turtles’ mutant antagonists, led by the wild and original character Superfly, voiced by Ice Cube.

• New York, New York: The Visual World of MUTANT MAYHEM— Take a deep dive into the breakthrough visual style of the film’s characters and environments and how they evolved over time.

• Learn to Draw Leo—Try your hand at drawing the Turtle leader with this fun tutorial!

Synopsis
After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. Their new friend April O’Neil helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.

New Pageant of the Monsters Details Unveiled

Attention ghouls and boils! The much-anticipated Pageant of the Monsters is creeping closer and even more spine-tingling details and activities have been announced. Presented by the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters, this monstrously delightful Halloween event transforms the Pageant’s backstage into a family-friendly haunted house with an artist twist October 27, 28, 29 and 31. Tickets are on sale now at www.foapom.com/monsters.

The Pageant of the Masters’ creative team of artists and technicians have reunited to resurrect the acclaimed haunted house as part of the Pageant of the Masters 90th Anniversary celebration. Themed the “Maze of the Minotaur,” guests will be directed through the amphitheater, Pageant workshops and stage, which have been transformed into the labyrinth from ancient Greek legend. Those daring enough to enter will join the valiant Warrior Theseus and embark on a harrowing mission to rescue the Minotaur’s captives and navigate the labyrinth’s twisting passages to find a means of escape. It’s a bone-chilling celebration of creativity that’ll send shivers down your spine!

“Halloween has always been my favorite annual celebration. I’m obsessed with it,” shared Diane Challis Davy, Pageant of the Masters Director and the creative mastermind behind the Pageant of the Monsters. “When selecting the inspiration for the haunted house, I scrutinize our available sets, searching for the perfect theme to make the most of our resources. This year, it’s focused around Greek mythology, featuring Zeus, Medusa, Pandora, Poseidon, Aphrodite, Theseus, and of course, the Minotaur, among other gods, monsters, and creatures.” Davy continued, “ It’s one of the most artistic and creative haunted houses in the region, and all of our monsters are volunteers. We take immense pride in that. Catch Pageant of the Monsters in 2023 because they won’t be back for another 5 years!”

In addition to the haunted house, the Festival of Arts will also be holding a scarecrow competition inviting local community groups, clubs, organizations and individuals to participate. Deadline to register is October 20, 2023. Attendees will be able to vote on their favorite from October 27 to 29 and the winners will be announced on October 31. This competition is open to the public and cash prizes will be awarded.

Other fiendish tricks and treats on the Festival grounds include:

  • Alien autopsy, demented chef, fortune tellers and other spooky side shows
  • Face painting and airbrush tattoos
  • Up-Close Encounters with The Reptile Zoo
  • Halloween photo-ops and selfie stations
  • Play the Exquisite Corpse Drawing Game with Laguna Art Museum
  • Make paper lantern pumpkins and fall leaf watercolor notecards with Laguna Art-A-Fair
  • Draw zentangle pumpkins and create mixed media Frankensteins with Sawdust Art & Craft Festival
  • Design a crown or wand with Laguna Playhouse inspired by the upcoming performance A Cinderella Christmas
  • Hands-on Halloween crafts with LOCA Arts Education and Festival of Arts
  • Popcorn and snacks for sale by the Da Vinci Guild
  • Art displays from local artists Attila Borbás, Sheri Cohen, Linzey Christy, Brian Giberson, Rick Graves, Judith Haron, Jayne Dion, Jayne Dion, Melinda Puhó, Varsha Patel, Miche McClendon, Cheryl Walsh, Cliff Wassmann, and Patrick Whelan
  • Plus music, games, and more “spook-tacular” activities the whole family can enjoy! Food and drink will also be available for purchase from Intermission. 

Tickets are $20 for adults in advance ($25 day of) and $10 for children 12 and under. This event is not recommended for children under 5. Tickets are available online at www.foapom.com or by calling (800) 487-3378. Costumes may be worn by guests ages 12 and under. Guests 13 and older are not permitted to wear costumes. The event will take place at Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.

Funds for this event are provided in part by the lodging establishments and the City of Laguna Beach. 

For more information on Pageant of the Monsters visit www.foapom.com/monsters. To stay up to date on all things Pageant of the Masters and Festival of Arts, follow the Festival on social media at @FestivalPageant and visit www.foapom.com.

Creative Live! Meet 4K Conference Webcam Announced

Creative Technology today announced the release of Creative Live! Meet 4K, the latest conference webcam sporting an array of nifty features that sets the stage for a stunningly clear and seamless virtual conferencing experience. Equipped with an expansive wide-angle field of view, adjustable digital zoom, stunning 4K UHD resolution, and cutting-edge Sony STARVIS IMX415 CMOS imaging sensor, this latest conference webcam serves as the ideal tool for hosting virtual meetings, guiding online classrooms, and even exploring creative endeavors.

With 4K UHD resolution, backed by the Sony STARVIS IMX415 CMOS Imaging Sensor, the Creative Live! Meet 4K transforms virtual interactions into vivid experiences, teeming with intricate details, vibrant colors, and outstanding clarity. To complement this visual prowess, the Creative Live! Meet 4K also boasts an expansive wide-angle field of view, spanning up to 115°, making it an exceptional choice for accommodating numerous participants in a boardroom setting or capturing a wide range of visual content, such as whiteboard presentations. Moreover, this latest conference webcam offers an impressive 7X digital zoom capability, enabling users to zero in on crucial details without compromising image quality.

The Creative Live! Meet 4K is not just about crystal-clear visuals; it also features four pairs of ultra-sensitive omni-directional microphones, ensuring comprehensive audio capture from all directions. This makes it the perfect to-go choice for recording or hosting conferences in large meeting rooms. What sets it apart is its automated microphone gain, which accurately picks up sound sources even from a distance, ensuring that every participant’s voice is heard loud and clear. Additionally, the conference webcam incorporates 40 mm Neodymium magnet speaker drivers to offer greater audio clarity and depth to enhance the overall communication and audio experience.

On top of that, the latest conference webcam comes with built-in AI tracking and framing technology, which automatically tracks the subject’s face based on AI facial recognition features. This intelligent technology ensures the subject remains consistently centered within the frame, even when they shift positions, providing users with a stable and hassle-free visual experience. Coupled with hand gestures, users can easily trigger specific actions by simply gesturing in front of the Creative Live! Meet 4K.

For added convenience, the conference webcam also comes with a remote control and accessible mic mute button, providing a seamless way to make quick adjustments without any interruption to ongoing conversations.

Setting up the Creative Live! Meet 4K is also a breeze, as it requires no additional driver installation and is compatible with all laptops and computers running on Windows and macOS platforms. Users can also leverage the SmartComms Kit that is available via the Creative App to access a suite of smart communication features such as VoiceDetect and NoiseClean-Out to ensure clearer communication whenever and wherever.

Pricing and Availability

Creative Live! Meet 4K is priced at US$299.99 and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit creative.com/LiveMeet4K

SCUF Gaming Unveils SCUF Envision PC Game Controller

SCUF Gaming, creator of the high-performance gaming controller category (NASDAQ:CRSR), today announced the launch of its groundbreaking new line of PC controllers, SCUF Envision. Designed specifically for PC gamers, SCUF Envision redefines the PC gaming experience with its unprecedented customization and cutting-edge technology.

Offering an unparalleled level of control, SCUF Envision grants PC gamers a decisive competitive advantage, with the additional control options that have made SCUF controller synonymous with competitive gaming. Within a familiar shape, 11 additional remappable inputs compared to standard controllers, empower gamers to create a controller layout that suits their unique playstyle and puts every control within easy reach, for when it matters most.

“Our vision is to provide PC gamers who choose to play with a controller the best possible experience in their favorite games,” said Bertrand Chevalier, GM of SCUF Gaming. “Before Envision, players settled for performance on controllers that weren’t optimized for PC gaming. Now, with Envision, they have more control, and faster responses, all on a platform tailor-made for PC.”

Showcasing its versatility, SCUF Envision boasts five fully programmable G-Keys for convenient access to any PC shortcut. Additionally, the controller features two Side Action (SAX) buttons that unlock new possibilities in game configurations, along with four integrated back paddles for faster reactions and more control in your favorite games. Switch weapons, jump, or slide, all without taking your thumbs off the thumbsticks. Launch an app, mute your microphone, or even launch your stream without your hands leaving the controller.

SCUF Envision innovates further with mechanical ABXY and D-Pad buttons, which offer crisp and responsive inputs. With SCUF Envision Pro, gamers can also take advantage of Adjustable Instant Triggers, allowing them to switch between mouse-like clicks for quick FPS shots and the full trigger range for RPG and racing-style games. The controller’s hyper-fast connectivity ensures seamless and lag-free inputs, with Envision Pro unleashing ultra-low-latency CORSAIR SLIPSTREAM Wireless Technology for advanced PC gaming completely free from wires.

“SCUF has always been at the forefront of performance controllers. We introduced back-control functions back in 2011 and have continued to bring innovation to the category. Being part of the Corsair family provided the perfect opportunity to bring the best of both brands together to create the ultimate controller experience for PC gamers,” said Chevalier. “SCUF Envision represents the next evolution of gaming controllers, providing greater precision, and performance than ever.”

SCUF Envision also integrates seamlessly with the power of Corsair iCUE software, enabling gamers to customize thumbstick and trigger response curves from the same interface they use for their entire PC setup. Players can also synchronize the controller’s RGB light strip with the rest of their battlestation, elevating their gaming atmosphere to dazzling new highs.

Putting extraordinary versatility and personalization in your grasp, SCUF Envision delivers more control, more finesse, and more performance to change your game once again.

Pricing and Availability

Compatible with Windows 10 PCs, SCUF Envision starts at $129.99 and Envision Pro starts at $179.99. Both will be available from October 12th at select retailers, and from SCUF Gaming’s website: scufgaming.com/envision

Color and design customizable variants of SCUF ENVISION will be coming soon.

Web Pages

To learn more about SCUF Envision, please visit:

scufgaming.com/envision

Dead Island 2 Haus DLC Announced

Lose yourself in a surreal, psycho-horror dreamscape as you investigate a mysterious Malibu cult in Dead Island 2’s first story expansion, Haus, launching on Nov. 2.

Haus gives players an entirely new storyline to smash zombies through. Amidst the Zompocalypse, a billionaire’s secret techno-death cult fights for survival in Haus, where humanity is unleashed from its moral restraints. The group’s leader, Konstantin, prophesizes that this is the “paragon of a new future.” It’s up to players to prove them wrong.

Players will battle through Haus with new weapons and cards, which they’ll need to use against the ever-growing population of undead seeking their next meal.

Haus will be available on PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC (Epic Games Store) on Nov. 2.

New Real Estate:

Haus is set in a completely new location, a mysterious and stylish villa in Malibu where the boundaries of morality are pushed to the limit.

This nightmarish location serves as both a sanctuary and as a machine to strip away flesh and harvest the soul. Players will weave through the deranged labyrinth of biomes where rational architecture is subverted by expanding narrative spaces.

Players will have new slaying tools to survive the horror:

  • K-ROSSBOW – Crafted for precision and lethality, unleash devastating long-range firepower and explode zombified brains with ease.
  • Hog Roaster – The ultimate ticket to visceral slaying. Why only butcher a zombie when you can BBQ them at the same time?
  • Dead Islands – To take the weight off your shoulders whilst you smash undead enemies into oblivion.
  • Eight New Skill Cards –Embellish your slayer with an expanded arsenal of skills.

Follow Dead Island 2 across social media:

Facebook: @DeadIslandGame

Twitter: @DeadIslandGame

Instagram: @DeadIslandGame