Author - Jerry Paxton

Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk

A growing settlement for trade and prospecting, Phandalin is a sleepy village in the northern region of the Sword Coast. Unbeknownst to anyone, something horrible lurks in the darkness below, and it threatens all of Phandalin. If left unchecked, this threat could consume all of Faerun. It’s up to the characters to save the day!

Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk returns players to the location of the first Starter Set for the fifth edition of Dungeons & Dragons, but the stakes now are much higher and more challenging. This new adventure takes parties from level 1 to 12. It includes a fresh take on the town of Phandalin, new secrets for players to discover, and unexpected story twists that lead the characters deep into the Underdark and beyond.

“In Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk, players are immersed in a story that gets stranger and becomes more ominous as the adventure goes on,” says Amanda Hamon, Senior Designer in the D&D Studio and the book’s lead designer. “Once the nature of the threat to Phandalin becomes clear, the characters must race against the clock to save this beloved town against classic D&D villains we’ve given a fresh, terrifying twist.”

The quest to avert impending doom is available on September 19 with early access to digital content on D&D Beyond on September 5. After the encounters in the Lost Mine of Phandelver are presented, a brand-new journey unfolds that is tinged with horror as well as new creatures and magic items.

An evil and growing corruption has warped some new creatures beyond recognition. Multiple dungeons and new maps of the Phandalin region will keep parties enthralled while discovering the source of the corruption and how to stop it from taking over Faerun.

“The corruption doesn’t appear only in the story’s characters and locations, it is a part of how the book’s art and visual design shifts, too,” says Bree Heiss, Art Director in the D&D Studio. “We wanted to create an immersive and thoughtful experience for the players that was as visually compelling as the story is exciting.”

KEY FEATURES

  •  Offers Dungeon Masters and players a chance to test their mettle in a classic dungeon crawl
  •  Retains the beloved Lost Mine of Phandelver quests that unfold into a brand-new adventure with classic D&D themes and a tinge of horror
  •  Presents a bestiary with more than 20 new creatures that showcase psionic magic, mutates, and more
  •  Provides a magic appendix that includes new consumable metamagic items and duergar magic
  •  Includes a double-sided poster map with the Phandalin region on one side and the town of Phandalin plus multiple dungeons featured throughout the adventure on the other
  • ·200 pages of high fantasy adventure

Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk is available as a digital-only product through D&D Beyond, as a physical book at local game stores, or as a digital/physical product bundle through dndstore.wizards.com.

House Flipper 2 Release Date Trailer

Frozen District, the mastermind behind the renowned House Flipper saga, is back with a bang! The next evolution in home design sims is coming to PC on December 14, 2023, to reignite your creative freedom! House Flipper 2 delivers brand new features and a complete overhaul of original mechanics in a crisp new visual style, open Sandbox mode, challenging contracts, and a heartfelt story of home and community.

With the most-played demo at June’s Steam NextFest, House Flipper 2 developers Frozen District is excited to unveil brand new features:

  • All-new visual style.
  • Build homes from scratch in Sandbox Mode, recreate real-life buildings, or construct ones using your imagination.
  • Restore and renovate properties.
  • Take on Challenging Contracts in the community.
  • Experience a story of transformation told in the four unique neighborhoods of the coastal community of Pinnacove.

Following the global success of the first installment – boasting over 5 million copies sold, a peak of 18,000 players on Steam at once, and six expansion packs – House Flipper 2 seems poised to take the franchise to unprecedented heights.

Diablo IV Season Two is The Season of Blood

The Season of Blood, Diablo IV’s second season, was announced at gamescom 2023 Opening Night Live, coming October 17! General manager of Diablo, Rod Fergusson, took to the stage and welcomed actress and producer Gemma Chan as the latest addition to the phenomenal voice cast.

Season of Blood is about combatting the rise of vampires in Sanctuary while harnessing their power for your own and Gemma will be voicing the lead character, Erys the Vampire Hunter. With her help, you can embrace new supernatural powers in order to protect Sanctuary from the vampire threat and ultimately face off against the vampire lord. In addition to new Vampiric Powers, there will be a new Questline to uncover, 5 endgame bosses able to target specific Unique and Ultra Unique items as a drop, and additional quality-of-life updates listed below.

We also had an exciting milestone announced today! Since launch, Diablo IV has seen 12 million players and 1.3 billion hours of playtime since its world premiere.

QUALITY-OF-LIFE UPDATES

  • More efficient Inventory management for Gems.
  • Paragon Points, Skill Points, Potion Charges, and Obol capacity upgrades will now carry over into a new Season once achieved with an Eternal or previous Seasonal Realm character.
  • Changes to the functionality of status effects include Vulnerable, Overpower, Critical Strike Damage and Elemental Resistances.
  • All updates in the above and the ability to target specific Unique and Ultra Unique items as a drop will be available in both Seasonal and Eternal Realms.

What Blizzard shared today is just a slice of what’s in store for wanderers in Season of Blood. More to come as we approach its release. For more information, see the blog here – https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/diablo4/23989476/season-of-blood-is-dripping-into-sanctuary

Starfield Live Action Trailer

To kick off Gamescom, Bethesda Game Studios unveiled the Starfield Official Live Action Trailer, providing a peek into the wonder and mystery that Constellation is out to discover in Starfield.

Watch the Starfield Official Live Action Trailer, accompanied by an orchestral version of Elton John’s “Rocket Man,” here:

Starfield is the first new universe in over 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. In this next generation role-playing game set amongst the stars, create any character you want and explore with unparalleled freedom as you embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery.

Starfield releases September 6 on Xbox Series X|S and PC. Players can pre-order now or play day one with Game Pass. Pre-ordering either the Premium or Constellation Edition will grant players up to five days early access to the game, dependent on purchase date and subject to possible outages and applicable time zone differences.

CORSAIR Unveils Platform:6 Modular Computer Desk

CORSAIR®, a world leader in high-performance gear and systems for gamers, content creators, and PC enthusiasts, today unveiled the CORSAIR Platform:6, a highly versatile modular desk for gamers, content creators, and working professionals. With decades of experience in creating the high-performance desktop and streaming gear that their customers use on their desks every day, CORSAIR and its subsidiary Elgato are uniquely positioned to understand and provide exactly what those customers need in a gaming and workspace. Combining premium materials, a high degree of customization, and a multitude of quality-of-life features such as adjustable height and plentiful cable management, the Platform:6 sets the highest standard for an expandable, feature-rich computer desk.
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The Platform:6 supports today’s many diverse lifestyles, from the hardcore PC gamer to the remote worker in need of an organized workspace in the home. A six-foot wide surface area, which can be expanded even further, provides ample space for high-end PCs, full streaming setups, and an array of accessories. With multiple configurations offering a wide selection of features such as motorized adjustable height, choice of surface material, and an expandable rail system, customers will be able to design the perfect Platform:6 using CORSAIR’s online configurator to fit their needs and their space, or choose from several predefined bundles for the best value.
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Designed thoughtfully with an eye toward future expansion, the Platform:6 grows and adapts with its user. A modular rail system utilizing a universal standard aluminum T-channel crossbar, side rails, and top-mounted rail is built into every Platform:6, offering compatibility with hundreds of aftermarket attachments and accessories. Furthermore, CORSAIR has embraced the endless creativity of its many customers by providing flexible mounting methods for their own 3D printed accessories, enabling unparalleled personalization.
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Those who opt for adjustable height can take advantage of a Platform: 6 desk variant with dual electric motors to quickly and quietly move the desk surface to their desired position using an LCD readout controller with push-button adjustment and memory presets. The surface itself is available in your choice of classic dark walnut-stained environmentally friendly rubberwood or sturdy black laminate.

Every Platform:6 is loaded with a plethora of standard features to improve your quality of life. Included dual monitor arms are ready for a dual-monitor setup out of the box, while an oversized CORSAIR RapidRoute wire management tray keeps cables concealed in a space large enough to accommodate power strips as well. Even more wire management and small item storage comes in the form of an in-desk storage cubby with USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports, resulting in an uncluttered space that accommodates the complexity of high-powered gaming or professional setups while still looking great.Platforn6 5Expandability is the key concept that drove the design of the Platform:6, with an assortment of add-ons offering huge potential for any person to create their ideal desk. If the six-foot wide surface isn’t enough space, side extensions can be installed to either side of the desk for an extra 30cm x 70cm, with optional hanging pegboards. The Elgato Multi Frame top-mounted pegboard exclusive to the Platform:6 offers even more mounting locations to organize your gear and accessories, with adapters for Elgato Multi-Mount and Flex Arm products to mount Key Lights, cameras, or microphones directly to the rail system.

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The Elgato Multi Frame expansion is included with the flagship Platform:6 Creator Edition, also  featuring adjustable height and a rubberwood surface. Custom configurations can be designed and purchased using the online configurator when the Platform:6 officially launches. To see how the unique features and design philosophy of the Platform:6 can elevate your workspace to a higher standard, keep an eye out for the official launch later this year.

Availability and Pricing

The CORSAIR Platform:6 will be available from the CORSAIR webstore and the CORSAIR worldwide network of authorized retailers and distributors in Q4 2023.

The Platform:6 is backed by a five-year warranty, alongside the CORSAIR worldwide customer service and technical support network.

For up-to-date pricing of the Platform:6, please refer to the CORSAIR website or contact your local CORSAIR sales or PR representative.

Web Pages

To learn more about the CORSAIR Platform:6 please visit:

https://www.corsair.com/platform6

HyperX Unveils Cloud III Wireless Gaming Headset

HyperX, the gaming peripherals team at HP Inc. and brand leader in gaming and esports, today announced the release of the Cloud III Wireless Gaming Headset. Cloud III wireless delivers the ultimate in comfort and sound with up to 120 hours battery life1, offering a captivating wireless gaming experience. With legendary comfort, immersive audio with re-engineered 53mm angled drivers, and a lifetime activation of DTS® Headphone:X®2 via NGENUITY software for accurate 3D audio, Cloud III wireless is ready for gaming, wireless entertainment, untethered chat for fun or work.

The HyperX Cloud III Wireless incorporates new features and a striking new design, delivering an exceptional audio experience to gamers. Evolving from the legendary Cloud headset, known for its comfort, sound quality, and durability, the Cloud III Wireless raises the bar for gaming audio.

The Cloud III wireless gaming headset is designed to provide gamers with an exceptional audio experience. Custom-tuned by HyperX audio engineers, this headset delivers impeccable audio quality. The angled 53mm drivers enhance sound precision by directing it at an optimal angle, resulting in accurate audio that captures every detail. With the addition of DTS® Headphone:X® Spatial Audio technology, the Cloud III expands the audio into a virtual 3D space, creating a truly immersive environment. Gamers can enjoy up to 120 hours of uninterrupted gaming sessions.

The Cloud III wireless provides users with a seamless audio experience through its convenient onboard audio and microphone controls. With a 10mm detachable microphone featuring an LED mute indicator, the microphone offers improved clarity compared to its predecessors. Users can effortlessly adjust volume and mute the microphone directly from the headset earcup. Additionally, the microphone is equipped with an internal metal mesh filter, eliminating the need for a pop filter. The microphone delivers exceptional sound quality for all gaming and communication needs. The LED mute microphone indicator ensures users are always aware of their microphone status, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted communication.

The Cloud III wireless utilizes a full metal frame with a steel headband and aluminum forks for durability. It combines rugged construction with the luxurious comfort of soft, premium leatherette. Alongside plush memory foam ear pads and extra padding on the headband, it offers a comfortable fit, allowing gamers to fully immerse themselves in the game.

“We’re thrilled to release the Cloud III wireless gaming headset, it combines legendary HyperX comfort, sound and durability,” said Nathan Almond, PC audio business manager, HyperX. “HyperX remains committed to enhancing the gaming experience, allowing gamers to immersive themselves in the virtual worlds and enjoy extended gaming sessions.”

The Cloud III wireless delivers a superior gaming experience with the freedom of a fast 2.4GHz wireless connection, ensuring lag-free and reliable audio. In addition, the headset offers versatile compatibility with multiple platforms, including PC, PS5, PS4, and Nintendo Switch. With the included USB-C wireless dongle and USB-A adapter, gamers can effortlessly connect the headset to their preferred platform.

Availability

The new HyperX Cloud III Wireless Gaming Headset is available through the HyperX US Shop for $169.99. For more information on HyperX products, please visit HyperX.com.

Pricing from HyperX.com is subject to change without notice. Retailer pricing may vary.

Trine 5 Amadeus the Wizard Trailer

Have you ever heard the story about the floating boxes? We are sure Trine’s wonderful wizard Amadeus will tell you all about it! In the thrilling new character trailer released today, you will get another glimpse of the enchanting world of Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy and Amadeus’ powers! Watch the new trailer here:

With great responsibility comes great power? Well, almost – Amadeus, who is not only a dedicated husband and father of triplets but also a master of arcane arts, takes center stage in Trine 5’s latest trailer. With an array of awe-inspiring spells, Amadeus proves to be not just a great solo-adventurer but also an invaluable asset to his companions in co-op mode with up to 4 players (yes, 4!) as he summons boxes and deftly maneuvers obstacles to clear the path.

Amadeus’ magical prowess in manipulating the environment by conjuring boxes and overcoming hindrances adds a new layer of strategy and creativity for players to explore.

Trine 5 is developed by Frozenbyte in Helsinki, Finland and is coming to PC, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Xbox One™, Xbox Series S/X™, and Nintendo Switch™ on August 31st, 2023.

PDP Announces REALMz Peripheral Lineup

Leading gaming peripherals brand, PDP, is proud to announce its collaboration with multiple IP partners including, Sega of America, Inc., Hasbro® and Nintendo®, for a range of novel accessories for the Nintendo Switch™ and Xbox systems. REALMz™ is a new product line allowing gamers to immerse in the worlds of their favorite games, with each translucent case featuring an iconic character figurine in its multi-layered design. The REALMz controller and headset line is the perfect crossover, blending the line between gaming and collectability. REALMz is the latest release in PDP’s long history of figurines in the gaming space, including previous partnerships to design and manufacture the Disney Infinity figurines.

The REALMz controllers and headset are available for pre-order on Friday, August 25 on pdp.com or online at participating retailers. It will also be sold in a wide range of retailers across the EU this autumn. The line includes the REALMz Wired Controller for Nintendo Switch ($39.99), REALMz Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch ($59.99), REALMz Wired Headset for Nintendo Switch ($39.99), and REALMz Wired Controller for Xbox ($49.99).

Explore the REALMz
Discover the realm of possibilities from your favorite game universe with the REALMz product line, with each controller grip and headset containing a prominent gaming figurine inside. Uncover the world within as the controller’s unique, multi-layer design showcases classic scenes from each title. Go one step further and create additional dimensions to the story with the LED lighting effects in the controllers.

Featuring

  • Uniquely stunning controller aesthetics.
  • Controllers available in both wired and wireless, to match preferred play styles.
  • LED lighting effects to level up the look of the controller.
  • Expertly crafted collectible figurines suspended inside the controller grips and headset ear cups.

The Sonic the Hedgehog line of REALMz accessories is the first of many upcoming partnerships. Be on the lookout for designs featuring Transformers’ Optimus Prime, just in time for EarthSpark Expedition launching October 13th, as well as the beloved characters from Nintendo’s Pikmin™ franchise, coming this winter.

Teaser Trailer for V/H/S/85 Available Now

V/H/S/85, premiering On Shudder October 6th. An ominous mixtape blends never before seen snuff footage with nightmarish newscasts and disturbing home video to create a surreal, analog mashup of the forgotten 80s.

Directors: David Bruckner, Scott Derrickson, Gigi Saul Guerrero, Natasha Kermani, Mike Nelson

Producers: Joshua Goldbloom, Brad Miska, David Bruckner, Radio Silence, James Harris, Michael Schrieber, Adam Boorstin

Language: English

Running Time: 110 mins

Nightdive Studios Announces Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Coming to PC and Consoles

Today at gamescom 2023, Nightdive Studios — renowned video game remaster studio and subsidiary of Atari®, one of the world’s most iconic consumer brands and interactive entertainment producers — announced the final chapter in the trilogy: Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion! Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion was created in collaboration with Universal Games and Digital Platforms and releases on Windows PC via Steam, PlayStation® 4|5, Xbox One and Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on Nov. 14, 2023.

Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion is a faithful restoration of the classic first-person shooter originally released in 2000 for the Nintendo 64, upgraded through Nightdive Studios’ proprietary KEX Engine for play on modern gaming devices with up to a 4K resolution at 120FPS. It joins Nightdive Studios, Universal Games, and Digital Platforms’ popular Turok and Turok 2: Seeds of Evil remasters, capping off the trilogy. Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion features upgraded gameplay, high-resolution textures, enhanced lighting and rendering, and support for console gamepads with platform-specific features.

Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion is the first title from Nightdive Studios to use the latest version KEX engine, which utilizes an improved renderer to achieve a higher tier of visual fidelity across 3D models, textures, and graphical effects.

“The Turok series is one of the classic touchstones of gaming and being able to provide the newest and improved version of Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion is a great feeling,” said Larry Kuperman, Director of Business Development at Nightdive Studios. “It makes full use of the latest version of our KEX engine, and we’re excited to share the game with players later this year.”

In Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion, players choose between dual protagonists Joseph and Danielle Fireseed, siblings of Turok 2: Seeds of Evil protagonist Joshua Fireseed. Together, they must defeat the titular antagonist Oblivion and its followers, the Flesh Eaters, after the supposed demise of their brother at its hands.