Author - Jerry Paxton

Ventura County Fear Grounds Haunted Attraction Announced

2021/09/20

Halloween is coming back with a vengeance. Ventura County Fear Grounds is Southern California’s newest major large-scale open-air haunt. Produced by renowned master of award-winning macabre experiences, Edward Marks (Universal Studios Hollywood “Halloween Horror Nights”), who has designed and created hundreds of haunted attractions worldwide, challenges guests’ bravery weaving through his latest terror-inducing creations. Conjured by CBF Productions and The Producers Group, this ominous affair with the undead will take place Surfer’s Point LIVE at the Ventura County Fairgrounds starting Thursday, September 30th.

“Ventura and the Ventura County Fairgrounds have a storied history of putting on spectacular Halloween haunts and festivities over the years, and we want to pay homage to that with our Fear Grounds,” says CBF Productions’ founder Vincenzo Giammanco. “Between the area’s rich enthusiasm for the holiday and the incredible efforts and award-winning talents from our production partner Edward Marks, we are incredibly honored by the potential Fear Grounds has to be Ventura’s most exciting and frightening event of the Halloween season.”

Visitor’s adrenaline will be set into overdrive as they make their way through a multitude of terrifying encounters, including:

The Cage: Your job is to survive, and their job is to stop you.
The Terror Trail: Evil has escaped! Apologies for the inconvenience – but if you stay on the trail, nothing will harm you. We have the matter under control!
The Fright Train: Enjoy a wild train ride through 100 fields of frights.
The Dead End: All attendees will have access to The Dead End, which will be filled with delicious treats, a beer garden filled with spirits (and not just drinks), live entertainment, and disturbing social media photo opts for those brave enough.

“I am looking forward to bringing the excitement, screams, and laughter to the Ventura community by reviving the haunt culture with Fear Grounds,” says The Producers Group Co-CEO and Founder Edward Marks. “Growing up in California, Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. I can’t wait for guests to test their fears at this one-of-a-kind beachside journey to another dimension.”

Fear Grounds opens Thursday, September 30th, and will take place each Thursday through Sunday from 6-10 PM on weeknights and 11 PM on Friday/Saturday. Guests have multiple ticketing options available for purchase. For the final week, Fear Grounds will be open from Tuesday, October 26th through Sunday, October 31st.

Tickets for Fear Grounds at Surfer’s Point Live are on sale now. For safety and comfort reasons, Fear Grounds is not recommended for pregnant people, people prone to seizures, or children under the age of 13. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, face coverings are strongly recommended for all attendees: however, costumes that cover the face are not permitted to be worn inside Fear Grounds attractions. The Ventura County Fairgrounds is located at 10 W. Harbor Blvd, Ventura CA, 93001. For tickets and more information, please visit https://www.surferspointlive.com/fear-grounds.

HALLOWEEN KILLS Gets One Final Trailer Before Release

2021/09/20

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, Movie News, News, Trailers / Videos

In 2018, David Gordon Green’s Halloween, starring icon Jamie Lee Curtis, killed at the box office, earning more than $250 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing chapter in the four-decade franchise and setting a new record for the biggest opening weekend in history for a horror film starring a woman.

And the Halloween night when Michael Myers returned isn’t over yet.

Minutes after Laurie Strode (Curtis), her daughter Karen (Judy Greer) and granddaughter Allyson (Andi Matichak) left masked monster Michael Myers caged and burning in Laurie’s basement, Laurie is rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, believing she finally killed her lifelong tormentor.

But when Michael manages to free himself from Laurie’s trap, his ritual bloodbath resumes. As Laurie fights her pain and prepares to defend herself against him, she inspires all of Haddonfield to rise up against their unstoppable monster.

The Strode women join a group of other survivors of Michael’s first rampage who decide to take matters into their own hands, forming a vigilante mob that sets out to hunt Michael down, once and for all.

Evil dies tonight.

Universal Pictures, Miramax, Blumhouse Productions and Trancas International Films present Halloween Kills, co-starring Will Patton as Officer Frank Hawkins, Thomas Mann (Kong: Skull Island) and Anthony Michael Hall (The Dark Knight).

From the returning filmmaking team responsible for the 2018 global phenomenon, Halloween Kills is written by Scott Teems (SundanceTV’s Rectify) and Danny McBride and David Gordon Green based on characters created by John Carpenter and Debra Hill. The film is directed by David Gordon Green and produced by Malek Akkad, Jason Blum and Bill Block. The executive producers are John Carpenter, Jamie Lee Curtis, Danny McBride, David Gordon Green and Ryan Freimann.

Genre: Horror
Cast: Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, Andi Matichak, Will Patton, Thomas Mann and Anthony Michael Hall
Directed by: David Gordon Green
Written By: Scott Teems & Danny McBride & David Gordon Green, based on characters created by John Carpenter and Debra Hill
Producers: Malek Akkad, Jason Blum, Bill Block
Executive Producers: John Carpenter, Jamie Lee Curtis, Danny McBride, David Gordon Green, Ryan Freimann

Turtle Beach Launches New RECON 200 Gen 2 Gaming Headset

2021/09/20

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Tech News, Trailers / Videos

Turtle Beach (NASDAQ: HEAR), a global leader in gaming accessories and best-selling console gaming audio brand, today announced that the redesigned Recon™ 200 Gen 2 powered gaming headset is now available at participating retailers worldwide. Successor to the original best-selling Recon 200, the Gen 2 is available in black, white, and an all-new midnight blue color. The Gen 2 edition builds on the strengths of the original Recon 200 while offering gamers more features and functionality for the same $59.95 MSRP. The Recon 200 Gen 2’s sound is driven by powerful 40mm speakers that deliver amplified audio, and it’s rechargeable 12-hour battery unleashes even more immersive features like Bass Boost and Variable Mic Monitoring. Gamers will also enjoy new softer memory foam cushions that include Turtle Beach’s patented ProSpecs™ glasses-friendly technology, and a new headband design with added rigidity and durability. The Recon 200 Gen 2 works great with Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, PS5™ and PS4™, Nintendo Switch™, as well as with compatible PCs and mobile devices with a 3.5mm jack.

“The Recon 200 Gen 2’s blend of powerful audio performance, comfort, and multiplatform compatibility at $59.95 should place it atop any headset list for players looking to upgrade their gaming experience,” said Juergen Stark, Chairman and CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. “We already had a beloved set of core features on the original Recon 200, and with the updated Gen 2 design we have even more features for the same MSRP that made the original so attractive. Gamers will have a hard time finding another headset at this price point that competes with what Recon 200 Gen 2 brings to the table.”

The Recon 200 Gen 2’s 12-hour battery and powerful 40mm speakers offer a booming, amplified soundstage enhanced by features like always-on Bass Boost for deep lows, and the headset supports spatial sound technologies like Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos1, DTS Headphone:X1, and Sony 3D Audio. The Recon 200 Gen 2 also includes Variable Mic Monitoring so gamers can hear and adjust the volume of their voice in the headset to avoid shouting. 12-hours can go by quickly though, so the Recon 200 Gen 2 can keep delivering game audio without power in passive mode2 that delivers basic headset functionality. Additionally, the Recon 200 Gen 2’s rapid charge battery means that 15-minutes of charging will give gamers up to one and a half hours of powerful amplified game audio.

Whether chatting with teammates or trash-talking the enemy, the Recon 200 Gen 2’s high-sensitivity flip-to-mute mic captures all communications loud and clear. Gamers will also feel the Recon 200 Gen 2’s redesigned comfort with ultra-soft memory foam ear cushions and ProSpecs™ glasses-friendly technology, wrapped in athletic fabric to keep ears cool and senses sharp. Additionally, the reinforced metal headband returns in the Gen 2 with enhanced styling and added rigidity, while maintaining its lightweight and flexible structure. With a simple flip of a switch, the Recon 200 Gen 2 works with Xbox or PlayStation® consoles, and more.

For more information on the latest Turtle Beach products and accessories, visit www.turtlebeach.com and be sure to follow Turtle Beach on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Sherlock Holmes Chapter One Gets Release Date Trailer

2021/09/20

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

Frogwares have announced the release date for Sherlock Holmes Chapter One with a new trailer. A young Holmes finds himself infiltrating the more descendant and lavish circles of Cordona’s society. And as always, it’s not just tea and biscuits these elite seem to overindulge on.

The devs have also published an extensive narrated gameplay deep dive video. Get a taste of the opening quest and a deeper look at certain features of the game – such as the Mind Palace, the Holmes family mansion, how combat plays out, and also the various difficulty options that let you tweak or even turn off certain elements such as combat entirely.

With the release date now set, Sherlock Holmes Chapter One is now available to pre-order on Steam, GOG, Epic, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The team previously announced a partial old gen delay and will have more information about PlayStation 4 and Xbox One release dates at a later date.

All preorders will receive the Victorian Starter Pack which includes a special quest titled “The Lead Zeppelin”, a unique Consulting Detective and The Victorian Vampire in-game outfits, 500 Manghirs (the currency of Cordona Island) which players use for various cosmetic customization as well as a free digital copy of Sherlock Holmes Crimes and Punishments on the same platform they ordered Chapter One on.

A Deluxe Edition has also been revealed. It includes the base game + season pass that includes new quests: Saints & Sinners (Available day 1), a questline linked to Mycroft Holmes, a questline which pitches Sherlock against a mysterious shadow figure only known as M and more to be announced later.

The base game will be priced at: $44.99. The Deluxe Edition will be priced at: $59.99

All season pass content will also be available to purchase separately.

Sherlock Holmes Chapter One will be released on PC (Steam, Epic, GOG), PS5, Xbox Series X/S and later for PS4 and Xbox One.

Amazon and Blumhouse Announce Welcome To The Blumhouse LIVE Event

2021/09/20

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, Movie News, News, Trailers / Videos

Amazon Prime Video, in partnership with Blumhouse Television and Little Cinema Digital, presents the return of WELCOME TO THE BLUMHOUSE LIVE: an Emmy-nominated virtual adventure that celebrates the exclusive release of four highly-anticipated Amazon Studios and Blumhouse Television films on Prime Video this October.

On Thursday, October 14, movie fans worldwide are invited to start Halloween early by stepping inside WELCOME TO THE BLUMHOUSE LIVE. Taking inspiration from the upcoming features Bingo Hell, Black as Night, Madres and The Manor, the WELCOME TO THE BLUMHOUSE LIVE experience weaves the 4 films together in chilling synchrony into one interactive and explorable story world.

Guests can RSVP now at www.WelcomeToTheBlumhouse.live to join the exclusive WELCOME TO THE BLUMHOUSE LIVE experience. Admission is free. Spots are strictly limited.

Sequel to the EMMY-nominated event from last year, WELCOME TO THE BLUMHOUSE LIVE is a spine-chilling thriller that matches the spirit of the films, drawing you in as part of the mystery. Guests of the event will become members of a search party, exploring a labyrinth of interactive rooms, deviant characters, musical performances, 360° audiovisual hypnosis, and more unsettling twists – all contained within a 4-story virtual house.

The experience begins with the vanishing of Estela, an elderly resident of the enigmatic Welcome To The Blumhouse manor. Before she disappeared, Estela was hunting a sinister evil lurking within the house. Now, to solve the mystery of her disappearance, guests will have to follow the clues she left behind in real time, while also uncovering what she learned before disappearing. But be warned, Estela isn’t the first to disappear down these dark corridors….

The unique collaboration between streaming powerhouse Amazon Prime Video, independent studio Blumhouse Television, and creative studio Little Cinema forges a single narrative thread connecting four groundbreaking films into a cohesive interactive landscape. Demonstrating the power of shared direct experience through sound, performance, film and technology, THE WELCOME TO THE BLUMHOUSE LIVE is a truly exhilarating virtual adventure.

WHEN:

Thursday, October 14th, 2021

6:00pm PT / 9:00pm ET

Dying Light 2 Stay Human Releases Third Urban Legend Audio Story

2021/09/20

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Techland has published the third Audio Story from the Dying City series. The audiobook “Dedrick”, a tale about a father who’s lost his child in the post-apocalyptic world.

A tragedy often leads to another, even more so in The City. One of them has become a tale told by the few who still remember it. Techland has invited you to listen to a story about a father who’s lost his daughter in the middle of a post-apocalyptic city. When he finally finds her, he makes a choice that changes more than one life. Want to know what happened? Go to YouTube and let us tell you.

Frankenstein’s Daughter Getting Blu-ray and DVD Release

2021/09/18

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, Movie News, News

Cinedigm, the leading independent streaming company super-serving enthusiast fan bases, announced today that The Film Detective (TFD), the classic media streaming network and film archive that restores and distributes classic films, is releasing a special-edition version of the 1950s cult classic, Frankenstein’s Daughter (1958), starring John Ashley and Sandra Knight, on Blu-ray and DVD Oct. 19.

Fans of low-budget horror will recognize many familiar faces, including John Ashley, Harold Lloyd, Jr., and former Playboy Playmate of the Month, Sally Todd. For director Richard E. Cunha, Frankenstein’s Daughter was released in the heat of a historic year for low-budget favorites, also having directed such cult classics as She Demons (1958), Giant from the Unknown (1958) and Missile to the Moon (1958).

Frankenstein’s Daughter finds Dr. Oliver Frank (Donald Murphy) carrying on the legacy of his late grandfather, the notorious Dr. Frankenstein, by building his own hulking beast with the transplanted brain of a beautiful, young woman. Bringing a fresh twist to Frankenstein films, Frankenstein’s Daughter takes place in ”modern” Los Angeles, where—despite news reports of a female monster menacing the neighborhood—nothing stops the local sun-soaked teenagers from partying poolside.

This special-edition release marks the latest in a series of collaborations between The Film Detective and The Wade Williams Collection. Restorations of Flight to Mars (1951), Giant From the Unknown (1958) and The Other Side of Madness (1971), have also been released recently on special-edition Blu-ray and DVD.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Audio commentary track with author and historian Tom Weaver
Full color booklet with original essay by Weaver
Richard E. Cunha: Filmmaker of the Unknown, a new retrospective from Ballyhoo Motion Pictures, featuring an archival interview with the famed director
John Ashley: Man from the B’s, a new career retrospective featuring film historian C. Courtney Joyner

Frankenstein’s Daughter will be available Oct. 19 on Blu-ray ($24.95) and DVD ($19.95) and can be pre-ordered now via Amazon and MVD. For more information or to pre-order, visit https://www.thefilmdetective.com/frankensteins-daughter

THQ Nordic 10th Anniversary Showcase Unveils Six New Games

2021/09/17

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Today, THQ Nordic’s first digital showcase took place and six new games were unveiled! If you’ve missed the show, you can still watch it on the channels below.

The Six New Announcements

Destroy All Humans! 2 – Reprobed: That’s right, earthlings, Crypto is back and this time, he’s invading the swinging sixties! After the KGB blew up his mothership, Crypto seeks revenge and travels to iconic places in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, Japan, and even to the Moon! Destroy All Humans! 2 is a full remake of the original game, adding and improving features while (re-)building the game from scratch in shiny Unreal Engine 4 visuals. The game is developed by Black Forest Games who successfully re-launched the Destroy All Humans!-Franchise in 2020 and is in development for PC, PS5™, and Xbox Series S/X.

Get more info on the games’ official website: https://www.destroyallhumansgame.com/

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake
Everything is possible in the infinite expanses of the cosmos .. there might even be a reality where mayonnaise isn’t an instrument! When the mysterious fortune teller Kassandra grants SpongeBob and Patrick wishes, the two buddies unintentionally open up portals to strange Wishworlds… it’s all F.U.N. and games until their friends get lost in the portals! Explore seven distinct worlds and don more than 30 cosmic skins to rescue the universe of the brand new adventure SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake, available on PC, PlayStation™, Nintendo Switch™ and Xbox One.

Get more info on the games’ official website: https://cosmicshake.thqnordic.com/

Outcast 2 – A New Beginning
Your friendly neighborhood invader-slayer is back: Cutter Slade returns to the spectacular alien world of Adelpha in Outcast 2 – A New Beginning. Twenty years after the events of the first game, Adelpha finds itself under threat of invasion: ruthless corporations are exploiting the planet and are enslaving and even killing the people. Cutter’s mission is clear: organize a resistance, rescue the people, and get rid of the invaders. Outcast 2 is developed by the original team behind the first Outcast Adventure – Appeal Studios from Belgium. The open-world action-adventure features fast-paced 3rd person combat as well as a non-linear Science-Fantasy story with dynamic plot progress based on player actions. Outcast 2 is currently in development for PC, PS5™ and Xbox Series S/X.

Get more info on the games’ official website: https://www.outcast2.com

Jagged Alliance 3
Fans have been waiting for decades, to see the third edition of the legendary strategy franchise Jagged Alliance. The strategy game experts from Haemimont Games, well known for their work on the Tropico-Series, Surviving Mars, Victor Vran and many other great games will finally create a true successor to the beloved series. This time, the player takes command of a mercenary force in the fictional country of Grand Chien – a land thrown into chaos after a brutal paramilitary force known as “the Legion” took over. Jagged Alliance 3 will combine tactically deep, turn-based combat with exploration of a large game world with strategic elements including gaining control over territories, training local forces, and establishing multiple squads chosen from beloved mercenaries – all well known to fans of the series. Jagged Alliance 3 will have RPG-elements like special perks or level-ups for your mercenaries, as well as looting and customizing your arsenal of weaponry. Coming to PC, Jagged Alliance 3 will also feature a co-op multiplayer mode so you can free Grand Chien together with a friend.

Get more info on the games’ official website: https://jaggedalliance.com

Superpower 3
Superpower is tailor-made for all the megalomaniacs out there who are convinced they would do a much better job of running the world than the real-life leaders across the globe! In this grand-strategy game, set in the contemporary world, your goal is to lead your chosen nation to world domination or to master special scenarios. Wouldn’t it be tempting to re-establish the British Empire? Players take control of the economy, politics, diplomacy, social development, military strategy, and more. If you ever wanted to become the ruler of the world, in Superpower 3 for PC you can give it your best shot!

Get more info on the games’ official website: https://www.superpower3.com

MX vs. ATV: Legends
MX vs ATV franchise will make its PS5™ and Xbox Series X|S console debut in MX vs ATV Legends. Featuring the deepest career mode to date, MX vs ATV Legends invites you to carve your own path to the podium with unprecedented player choice including sponsorship opportunities and special invitational events. The all new Trails mode pits you against nature like never before! Your time is now!

Get more info on the games’ official website: https://www.mxvsatv.com

ELEX II
Of course, this is not a new announcement, but no less exciting: Open-World RPG ELEX II shows off its new story-trailer, explaining what drove Jax, the Beast of Xacor into isolation – and why the time has come for him to leave his exile.

Get more info on the games’ official website: https://www.elexgame.com

Expeditions: Rome
Last but not least, the development team behind the upcoming CRPG Expeditions: Rome gives an overview about what makes the game special: A story full of memorable characters and a world that reacts to your actions. The fate of Rome is in your hand, Legate!

Get more info on the games’ official website: https://expeditionsseries.com/

Halloween Horror Nights Showcases Themed Foods and Merchandise

2021/09/17

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, News

As part of its intensely immerse “Halloween Horror Nights” event, Universal Studios Hollywood is serving up a selection of terrifying treats and memorable merchandise themed to the event, which runs select nights now through Sunday, October 31.

Fans of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” maze can dine on Leatherface’s infamous Texas Family BBQ and savor a variety of unique, horror-inspired food offerings. The Roadhouse BBQ-style restaurant run by cannibals features grilled favorites such as:

BBQ Pork Ribs
BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich served with crinkle cut fries
Texas Chili & Cheese Nachos: Texas Chili with smoked brisket and chuck roast topped with cheese, pickled jalapeños and sour cream drizzle
22” Monster Hot Dog
Sweet Dessert “Bloody” Funnel Fingers with Powdered Sugar & Strawberry Sauce
Specialty Cocktails

In Plaza de los Muertos, guests are invited to toast the living and celebrate the dead at a themed bar with a choice of draft and canned beers as well as handcrafted cocktails – Marigold Floral Crown, Smoked Margarita and The Chamoy Fireball – served in a festive light-up skull mug. Inspired by Los Angeles’ diverse culture, the menu at Little Cocina includes:

Beef Birria Tacos with Red Sauce
Green Chili & Cheese Tamale, served with salsa roja
Grilled Elote Corn brushed with a lime butter and topped with spices
Horchata Churro Bites
Chamoy Pineapple Spears

In the shadow of “Jurassic World—The Ride,” guests can eat and drink at the Terror Lab, which is modeled after an experimental test lab gone bad, complete with an eerie neon glow. The Lab’s menu features:

French Bread Pizzas: house-made hoagie roll topped with either cheese or pepperoni
Mixed Drinks on ice (Vodka Mule, Rum Mai Tai, Paloma, Margarita)
Specialty Cocktail, including one with an insect lollipop
Seasonal “Halloween Horror Nights” Beers

Located adjacent to Universal Plaza sits a French-themed bistro catering to classic horror fans. Guests can imbibe on a variety of wines or the signature Sangria along with French-inspired grab-and-go items such as assorted Quiche or ham and brie baguette sandwich and “Halloween Horror Nights”-themed cookies.

Daytime parkgoers and “Halloween Horror Nights” visitors alike can both indulge in two special seasonal offerings throughout September and October.

For a limited time, Dufftoberfest will be in Springfield, U.S.A., offering German-inspired favorites from Pretzel Buns with Duff Cheese Sauce and Giant Hooray for Everything Bagel Pretzels to the ultimate Dufftoberfest beer on tap.

Fans of Illumination’s Despicable Me can find the Minion Cafe properly dressed for the spooky season with Halloween decorations and limited release items, including a Seasonal Felonious Float and a collectible Minion Pumpkin Popcorn Bucket.

Voodoo Doughnut at Universal CityWalk also gets in the Halloween spirit with specialty doughnuts throughout the season, including Mummy, Bat, Vampire, Ghost and Werewolf designs.

Horror fans can commemorate their “Halloween Horror Nights” experience with a selection of collectible souvenir items featuring their favorite event characters: Leatherface, Universal Monsters, and more. Guests can look forward to making a statement with a series of retro-themed merchandise showcasing the classic Universal Studios Hollywood logo, including jean jackets, wingback jerseys, shot glasses and collectible glasses.

A special artist signature series celebrating Frankenstein’s Monster and the Bride of Frankenstein is available for purchase as well as a collection of spooky “Halloween Horror Nights”-inspired candles.

“Halloween Horror Nights” dates are September 17-19, 23-26, 30 and October 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 21-24, 28-31. Tickets can be purchased at https://hollywood.halloweenhorrornights.com/. Advanced purchase is recommended as event nights will sell out. Guests must be 21 years or older with valid photo identification to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages.

The event also comes to life at Universal Orlando Resort which celebrates 30 years of fear this year and runs select nights now through Sunday, October 31.

For exciting updates and exclusive “Halloween Horror Nights” content, visit Hollywood.HalloweenHorrorNights.com, like Halloween Horror Nights – Hollywood on Facebook; follow @HorrorNights #UniversalHHN on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat; and watch the terror come to life on Halloween Horror Nights YouTube.

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries Legend of the Kestrel Lancers to Bring Melee Mech Combat and More

2021/09/17

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Developer Piranha Games announced today, that a new MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries expansion, Legend of the Kestrel Lancers and major updates for the base game will release Sept. 23, 2021 on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One X, Xbox One, PS4™ system, PlayStation®5, Steam, GOG.com, and Epic Games Store. Both the expansion and update are packed with first-in-series features focused on bringing a fresh experience to longtime fans and provide an accessible entry point for new players.

The Legend of the Kestrel Lancers expansion departs from the sandbox structure seen in past campaigns and offers a more story-focused experience set during the “Fourth Succession War,” one of the most famous conflicts in BattleTech lore featuring 14 missions and seven “Battle Quests” featuring large-scale conflicts set on custom battle grounds. Improved urban warfare also awaits with Mega Cities that are significantly larger than any Urban Centers previously seen in the MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries. In addition, players can look forward to more All-Out War scenarios, designed to make your hulking squad of building-sized ‘Mechs feel like part of a larger force in the field. All this comes with over 20 new Mech variants, new Jungle and Tourmaline Desert biomes, and a wide array of procedurally generated missions to take Mech warfare to the next level.

Players can also look forward to a free update to the base game, MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries adding significant first-in-series features, including the introduction of Melee Combat! For the first time in MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, players will be able to get up-close and personal with rival Mechs with the ability to swing and punch. In addition, for the first time, players will be able to switch between any of the AI-controlled Lance ‘Mechs on a mission. This seemingly small update introduces huge impacts on gameplay, essentially allowing the player to bounce between direct control of each Mech in their squad with the push of a button.

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries finds players in the battlefields of the future, dominated by BattleMechs, hulking machines of war capable of leveling entire cities. As the inheritor of a once-glorious Mercenary company, the quest for glory and revenge will stretch light years, chasing the threads of interstellar intrigue on the journey to become an elite MechWarrior and mercenary commander.

Legend of the Kestrel Lancers expansion key features:

Story Rich Campaign: Set during the “Fourth Succession War,” one of the most famous periods of conflict in BattleTech lore, players can look forward to an epic 14-mission campaign complete with custom dialogue
Urban Warfare: Explore and destroy Mega Cities significantly larger than any Urban Centers previously in the MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries
All-Out War: These grand-scale scenarios are designed to make the player feel like their Mercenary company is part of a larger force at play on the field of combat
New Biomes: The operatic scope of the campaign’s original story calls for equally impressive environments. Players can look forward to exploring new Mega City, Jungle, and Tourmaline Desert biomes on their journey across the galaxy

Base Game Update key features:

Melee Combat: For the first-time, players will be able to swing and punch with close quarters mech-on-mech combat
Mech Switching: Take on full direct control of any AI-controlled Lance ’Mechs in any mission with the press of a button

MechWarrior fans can also look forward to a physical box set edition for MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries for PlayStation and Xbox systems this November. More details will be released at a later time.