Author - Jerry Paxton

System Shock Demo Coming Today

A brand new, feature-complete demo of Nightdive Studios’ upcoming FPS/RPG hybrid, the System Shock remake, will be available for download today via the major digital services, offering players the most complete look yet of the opening chapter to Nightdive’s highly anticipated title. Nightdive Studios is also pleased to announce that pre-orders will go live today ahead of the game’s global Windows PC release in summer of 2021 on Steam, GOG, and the Epic Game Store. When System Shock launches later this year, it will also be available on Amazon Luna, the new cloud gaming service from Amazon.

As a System Shock pre-order incentive, Nightdive Studios’ upcoming updated classic System Shock 2: Enhanced Edition will be free for all early buyers.

To celebrate this momentous event, in cooperation with Alienware, the Nightdive team will also show off the latest System Shock remake build in an exclusive developer playthrough on Alienware Arena today at 11am EST.

Be among the first to glimpse at what awaits you in the enhanced cyber-horror remake. Make sure to tune in as Nightdive CEO Stephen Kick and Lead Artist Evelyn Mansell showcase the remake’s stunning new visuals and modernized gameplay, as well as go behind-the-scenes on the game’s development. Starting later today, Nightdive and Alienware will also offer Alienware Arena members a chance to obtain one of 10,000 Steam keys of System Shock: Enhanced Edition — the classic game that launched the sci-fi horror series, expertly refreshed by Nightdive to take advantage of today’s gaming hardware.

The new System Shock is a complete remake of the groundbreaking immersive sim, first released in 1994. Players, in the space-boots of an unnamed hacker who awakes after a six-month snooze, finds Citadel Station in quite the state. Murderous robots, killer cyborgs, and malicious mutants have run amok. And the station’s AI, SHODAN, seems to have developed quite the God complex.

Nightdive has given the entirely remade System Shock the full treatment, recreating the fan-favorite title for modern players with all-new HD visuals, updated controls, revamped hacking, and a renovated Citadel Station with all sorts of new areas and secrets to uncover.

System Shock features include:

  • The Return of SHODAN: The talented Terri Brosius returns to bring her unique vocal venom to the villainous AI SHODAN
  • Hackers Gonna Hack: System Shock features a totally revamped hacking system featuring new 6 Degrees of Freedom (6DoF) gameplay, providing new enemies and challenges
  • Familiar but… Different: Citadel Station is bigger and more terrifying than ever with all-new areas, traps, puzzles, and of course, plenty of secrets to uncover
  • The Sound of Terror: Re-recorded audio logs provide players with a drip-feed of horrifying lore as they piece together exactly what went wrong for the dwellers of Citadel Station
  • Robots and Zombies and Lasers… Oh My: Blast, smash, and occasionally flee from re-imagined enemies like angry Repair-Bots, “Hopper” Mobile Lasers, mutants, cyborgs, and all kinds of bloodthirsty monsters and aggressive automatons

System Shock is available to pre-order today for PC and Linux via Steam, GOG, and the Epic Game Store for $44.95. The new playable demo can also be found on each of the respective storefronts.

Horror Story: Hallowseed Now in Early Access

1C Entertainment is proud to announce Horror Story: Hallowseed, their new addition to the company’s line-up! Horror Story: Hallowseed is a story-driven psychological horror game currently available via Steam Early Access. The full release of the game is planned for this Summer for PC via Steam and other digital stores.

The Early Access version that is currently available to the players is an introduction to the game’s story. While the full version that is planned to launch this Summer, will include a bigger map, more levels to explore, plenty of new in-game events / micro-scares and puzzles to solve, and overall will provide around 6 hours of gameplay.

Horror Story: Hallowseed is a single-player story-driven psychological horror game that takes place in a fictional location, forgotten by time, all wrapped in a mysterious demonic terror! Three friends were camping in the woods, when an obscure event takes them away, causing two of them to disappear. Left alone in an unknown place, Michael seeks answers about what happened, while trying to find his friends.

Key Features:
  • Story-rich – The player is driven by the story of a village that used to follow God’s way, but an obscure power seduced some of them and condemned them to the darkness. While seeking to save his friends, Michael will uncover what role he plays in all this tragedy.
  • Micro-scares system – a random system of… scary events that are activated based on how the player interacts with the environment and will make you jump from your chair (or couch)!
  • Atmospheric – Immersive sounding and stunning visuals
  • Inspired by Horror Movie Classics: Insidious, The Conjuring and The Exorcism of Emily Rose
  • Hallowseed is the first chapter in the Horror Story series by Jeff Winner

Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead Official Teaser Trailer

Following a zombie outbreak in Las Vegas, a group of mercenaries take the ultimate gamble, venturing into the quarantine zone to pull off the greatest heist ever attempted. Here’s the official teaser trailer for Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead.

Starring Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell, Ana de la Reguera, Matthias Schweighöfer, Nora Arnezeder, Hiroyuki Sanada, Raúl Castillo, Michael Cassidy, and Garret Dillahunt.

Story by Zack Snyder
Screenplay by Zack Snyder & Shay Hatten and Joby Harold
Directed by Zack Snyder

Humankind Art of War Trailer

War is an inescapable part of human history. And when you’re trying to build an empire, the day may come when you’ll want to lead troops into battle yourself, much like Caesar or Napoleon. In HUMANKIND™, our upcoming historical strategy title, you will not only be the ruler and decision maker for your empire, but also be the one to give the battle orders directly. Prepare to master the art of war!

Feature focus #10 “Art of War” dives into some of the basics of Battles in HUMANKIND™. Units are grouped into armies, allowing players to efficiently control many units which then deploy to fight directly on the map. You’ll have full control of exactly where each unit is placed, where they move, and what they attack – meaning that you’ll be able to take full advantage of the terrain.

That’s if you choose to engage of course! An auto-resolve button has been included for those less interested in the details of war. This was just one of many requests we received as feedback during our previous OpenDev gameplay slices, where we invited the community to help us improve the game.

Check out the full video here to learn more about combat, as well as the changes being integrated thanks to community feedback.

We’ll see you on the battlefield!

The Ampliteam

Disney+ Unveils Premiere Dates and More at TCA Winter Press Tour

At today’s Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour, Disney+ paneled some of its upcoming series, including the Disney+ Original Series “Big Shot,” “The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers,” and presented a Q&A with Kevin Feige, Producer, President of Marvel Studios and Chief Creative Officer, Marvel, in support of “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier.

The streaming service also unveiled Spring and Summer premiere dates for additional new scripted series including Star Wars: The Bad Batch,” Marvel Studios’ “Loki,” “The Mysterious Benedict Society,” “Monsters At Work,” “Chip ‘N’ Dale: Park Life” and “Turner & Hooch.” The fan favorite Disney+ Original series “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” returns for its second season and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zenimation,” an animated soundscape experience, premieres its second season on the service this summer. The titles join the previously announced, highly anticipated scripted series “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” premiering on Friday, March 19, and “The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers,” coming to the service on Friday, March 26.

Disney+ shared first look images from some of the upcoming Disney+ shows, including “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” “The Mysterious Benedict Society,” “Chip ‘N’ Dale: Park Life” and “Turner & Hooch” as well as key art from “Big Shot.

Disney+ launched in late 2019 and quickly propelled to a leading global entertainment streaming service, touting over 94.9 million subscribers around the world as of January 2, 2021. Featuring critically acclaimed Originals, including fan favorite and Golden Globe Nominee for Best Television Series – Drama, “The Mandalorian,” and the global phenomenon “Hamilton,” nominated for two Golden Globes including Best Picture – Musical or Comedy, Disney+ provides an unmatched content experience as the dedicated streaming home for Disney’s beloved brands.

Disney+’s upcoming premiere dates are as follows:

MARCH

March 19 – “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier”

March 26 – “The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers”

APRIL

April 16 – “Big Shot”

MAY

May 4 – “Star Wars: The Bad Batch”

**Special Premiere Date.** The series will premiere on May 4th with the second episode premiering on Friday, May 7th. Subsequent episodes will premiere on Fridays.

May 14 – “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” Season 2

JUNE

June 11 – “Loki”

June 11 – “Zenimation” Season 2

June 25 – “The Mysterious Benedict Society”

JULY

July 2 – “Monsters at Work”

July 16 – “Turner & Hooch”

July 23 – “Chip ‘N’ Dale: Park Life”

THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER (SERIES PREMIERE) – FRIDAY, MARCH 19

Marvel Studios’ “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson aka The Falcon, and Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier. The pair, who came together in the final moments of “Avengers: Endgame,” team up on a global adventure that tests their abilities—and their patience. Directed by Kari Skogland with Malcolm Spellman serving as head writer, the series also stars Daniel Brühl as Zemo, Emily VanCamp as Sharon Carter, and Wyatt Russell as John Walker.

THE MIGHTY DUCKS: GAME CHANGERS (SERIES PREMIERE) – FRIDAY, MARCH 26

In present day Minnesota, the Mighty Ducks have evolved from scrappy underdogs to an ultra-competitive, powerhouse youth hockey team. After 12-year-old Evan Morrow (Brady Noon) is unceremoniously cut from the Ducks, he and his mom, Alex (Lauren Graham), set out to build their own team of misfits to challenge the cutthroat, win-at-all-costs culture of youth sports today. With the help of Gordon Bombay (Emilio Estevez), they rediscover the joys of playing just for love of the game.

The series features a talented new team of up-and-coming young actors including Brady Noon, Maxwell Simkins, Swayam Bhatia, Luke Islam, Kiefer O’Reilly, Taegen Burns, Bella Higginbotham, and DJ Watts. “The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers” is produced by ABC Signature, a part of Disney Television Studios. Steve Brill serves as executive producer with Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa as executive producers and showrunners. Michael Spiller is also an executive producer/director on the series, with James Griffiths serving as director/EP on the Pilot. Emilio Estevez is an executive producer and Lauren Graham is co-executive producer. George Heller and Brad Petrigala of Brillstein Entertainment Partners and Jon Avnet and Jordan Kerner also serve as non-writing executive producers.

BIG SHOT (SERIES PREMIERE) – FRIDAY, APRIL 16

After getting ousted from the NCAA, a hothead men’s basketball coach must take a job at an all-girls high school. He soon learns that teenage girls are more than just X’s and O’s; they require empathy and vulnerability — foreign concepts for the stoic Coach Korn (John Stamos). By learning how to connect with his players, Marvyn starts to grow into the person he’s always hoped to be. The girls learn to take themselves more seriously, finding their footing both on and off the court.

Series regulars include John Stamos, Jessalyn Gilsig, Richard Robichaux, Sophia Mitri Schloss, Nell Verlaque, Tiana Le, Monique Green, Tisha Eve Custodio, Cricket Wampler and Yvette Nicole Brown. Created and Executive Produced by David E. Kelley, Dean Lorey and Brad Garrett; Bill D’Elia also serves as Executive Producer. The series is a Disney+ Original produced by ABC Signature.

STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH (SERIES PREMIERE) – TUESDAY, MAY 4

Star Wars: The Bad Batch” follows the elite and experimental clones of the Bad Batch (first introduced in “The Clone Wars”) as they find their way in a rapidly changing galaxy in the immediate aftermath of the Clone War. Members of Bad Batch—a unique squad of clones who vary genetically from their brothers in the Clone Army – each possess a singular exceptional skill that makes them extraordinarily effective soldiers and a formidable crew.


HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: THE MUSICAL: THE SERIES (SEASON 2) – FRIDAY, MAY 14

In season two, the East High Wildcats, who are preparing to perform “Beauty and the Beast” as their spring musical, face off against rival school North High to win a prestigious and cutthroat student theater competition. Wigs are snatched, loyalties are tested, and ballads are belted. The season also features brand-new solos written by Olivia Rodrigo and Joshua Bassett.

The series stars Olivia Rodrigo, Joshua Bassett, Sofia Wylie, Matt Cornett, Larry Saperstein, Julia Lester, Dara Reneé, Frankie Rodriguez, Joe Serafini, Mark St. Cyr and Kate Reinders.  Guest-starring this season are Derek Hough, Olivia Rose Keegan, Roman Banks, Andrew Barth Feldman and Asher Angel. “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” is executive-produced by its creator Tim Federle (Golden Globe and Academy Award-nominated “Ferdinand”) and is “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes, and recently was awarded a GLAAD Media Award.

LOKI (SERIES PREMIERE) – FRIDAY, JUNE 11

“Loki” features the God of Mischief as he steps out of his brother’s shadow in a new series that takes place after the events of “Avengers: Endgame.” Tom Hiddleston returns as the title character, joined by Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sophia Di Martino, Wunmi Mosaku and Richard E. Grant. Kate Herron directs “Loki,” and Michael Waldron is head writer.

ZENIMATION (SEASON 2) – FRIDAY, JUNE 11

“Zenimation,” the series that creates a mindfulness soundscape experience with scenes from the timeless films of Walt Disney Animation Studios returns for a second season June 11 with all-new episodes. Season 2 features moments from over eight decades of acclaimed films – including scenes from Disney’s first feature “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” all the way through to the Studios’ latest, anticipated animated film, “Raya and the Last Dragon.” Unplug, relax, and refresh your senses with an aural experience like no other as “Zenimation” pays tribute to both the visual and sound artists who have created Disney Animation’s legacy of films. Created and edited by David Bess. Executive produced by Amy Astley. From Walt Disney Animation Studios.

THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY (SERIES PREMIERE) – FRIDAY, JUNE 25

Placed undercover at a boarding school known as The Institute, a group of orphans must foil a nefarious plot with global ramifications while creating a new sort of family along the way. Based on the bestseller by Trenton Lee Stewart which Time Magazine called “one of the best young adult books of all time,” The Mysterious Benedict Society” stars Emmy® Award winner Tony Hale in the titular role and features a standout ensemble of young actors.

“The Mysterious Benedict Society” stars Tony Hale, Kristen Schaal, Ryan Hurst, MaameYaa Boafo, Gia Sandhu, Seth Carr, Emmy DeOliveira, Mystic Inscho and Marta Kessler. The series is executive produced by Sonar Entertainment, 20th Television, Jamie Tarses, Karen Kehela Sherwood, Deepak Nayar, James Bobin, Matt Manfredi (writer/creator) and Phil Hay (writer/creator).  Showrunners for the series are Darren Swimmer and Todd Slavkin.

MONSTERS AT WORK (SERIES PREMIERE) – FRIDAY, JULY 2

“Monsters At Work” takes place the day after the Monsters, Incorporated power plant started harvesting the laughter of children to fuel the city of Monstropolis, thanks to Mike and Sulley’s discovery that laughter generates ten times more energy than screams. It follows the story of Tylor Tuskmon, an eager young monster who graduated top of his class at Monsters University and always dreamed of becoming a Scarer, until he lands a job at Monsters, Incorporated and discovers that scaring is out and laughter is in.

Ben Feldman stars as the voice of Tylor Tuskmon in the series, which introduces new monster characters alongside returning favorites, including Mike Wazowski  (Billy Crystal) and James P. “Sulley” Sullivan (John Goodman). Starring alongside Feldman as part of the MIFT crew are: Henry Winkler as Fritz, the scatterbrained boss; Lucas Neff as Duncan, an opportunistic plumber; and Alanna Ubach as Cutter, the officious rule follower.

In addition to Crystal and Goodman, returning cast members from the original movies include John Ratzenberger as Yeti and Tylor’s dad, Bernard; Jennifer Tilly as Celia Mae; and Bob Peterson as Roze, twin sister to his original Monsters, Inc. character, Roz. Voicing additional characters are Stephen Stanton as Smitty and Needleman, the bumbling custodial team at Monsters, Inc., and Aisha Tyler as Tylor’s mom, Millie Tuskmon. Produced by Disney Television Animation, the series was developed and is executive produced by Disney animation veteran Bobs Gannaway.

TURNER & HOOCH (SERIES PREMIERE) – FRIDAY, JULY 16

When an ambitious, buttoned-up US Marshal inherits a big unruly dog, he soon realizes the dog he didn’t want may be the partner he needs. “Turner & Hooch” stars Josh Peck as Scott Turner, son of Detective Scott Turner portrayed by Tom Hanks in the 1989 film of the same name.

The series also stars Carra Patterson as Jessica Baxter, Scott’s brave, street-smart partner; Brandon Jay McLaren as Xavier Wilson, a cool, enigmatic marine-turned-US Marshal; Anthony Ruivivar as Chief James Mendez, Scott’s boss with a secret soft spot for Scott’s new dog, Hooch; Lyndsy Fonseca as Laura Turner, Scott’s sweet, animal-loving sister; Jeremy Maguire as Matthew Garland, Laura’s dog-loving son; and Vanessa Lengies as Erica Mouniere, the quirky head of the US Marshals dog training program. Five French Mastiffs also star as Hooch, Scott’s slobbery, loveable French Mastiff.

“Turner & Hooch” is a Disney+ original series produced by 20th Television. Matt Nix is creator, executive producer and writer on the series. McG is an executive producer and directed the series premiere. Michael Horowitz, Robert Duncan McNeill and Mary Viola also serve as executive producers, and Josh Levy serves as co-executive producer.

CHIP ‘N’ DALE: PARK LIFE (SERIES PREMIERE) – FRIDAY, JULY 23

“Chip ‘N’ Dale: Park Life” follows two tiny troublemakers trying to live the good life in a big city park while having giant-sized, sky-high adventures. Disney’s beloved chipmunks, nervous worrier Chip and laid-back dreamer Dale, make the perfect odd couple. They’re best buddies and they drive each other nuts! In their perpetual pursuit of acorns, these ultimate underdogs are joined by Pluto, Butch and other iconic Disney characters as they face down bullies great and small. Combining classic-style cartoon comedy with contemporary storytelling, the 36 seven-minute episodes are directed by Jean Cayrol and produced by Marc du Pontavice at Xilam Animation.

Frostpunk macOS Launch Trailer

Frostpunk, the popular society survival, city-building sim from 11 bit studios is releasing today for the macOS and is available on both the Mac App Store and Steam. This much-anticipated macOS version of the game will also be available as Frostpunk: Complete Edition, which will include three expansions.

The heat provided by a steam-powered generator provides a means for life in Frostpunk’s entirely frozen world. Erecting a city from a snowy wasteland requires steady leadership, and while you cannot forget about the welfare of your society, optimization and resource management often clash with empathy and thoughtful decision-making. What will you do to ensure your people’s survival? And who will you become in the process?

Pumpkin Jack PS4 Launch Trailer

The dazzlingly spooky 3D platformer Pumpkin Jack is available now on the PlayStation®Store, playable on PS4 and PS5.

The price for the scratch to everyone’s 3D platformer itch is $29.99, €29.99 and £24.99. You can also get the soundtrack, it is available for several digital platforms, all listed here on ffm.to.

Pumpkin Jack is set in a dazzlingly eerie world – just imagine a mashup of Jak & Daxter and MediEvil made with Unreal Engine 4. Even though it was created by just one single developer, Nicolas Meyssonier, the 3D platformer features a hair-raising array of gameplay mechanics providing an entertaining playtime of 5-8 hours (one run).

Playing as Jack, you overcome tight platform sections, solve riddles (literally!) with your head, run for your life to escape giant burning barns, ride mine carts (in a classic roller coaster-ish manner of course…) and much more – and yes, using an varied arsenal of weapons you’ll fight lots and lots of foes, from small weak ones up to huge bosses all of which will test your skills.

For honoring him for this astonishing achievement feel free leave a “thumbs up” at the Release Trailer and join him on Discord or Twitter!

RØDE Unveils Wireless GO II Wireless Mic System

The world’s smallest and first truly wireless microphone has been reborn. Meet the RØDE Wireless GO II, a new ultra-compact and extremely versatile dual channel wireless microphone system. Offering the same pocket-sized form factor and professional sound quality as the best-selling Wireless GO, with a host of incredible new features making it even more powerful and flexible, this is next generation wireless audio from RØDE.

The original Wireless GO, released in 2019, revolutionised audio for content creators. With its innovative form factor, unique clip ‘n’ go versatility, and in-built microphone offering truly wireless recording for the first time, it changed the way creators captured sound for video.

The Wireless GO II offers all of these features and much more, including dual channel recording, universal compatibility with cameras, mobile devices and computers, extended range and improved transmission stability, and on-board recording capabilities. Wireless audio has changed again.

KEY FEATURES OF THE WIRELESS GO II

  • Dual channel wireless microphone system – record two sound sources simultaneously or use as a single channel wireless microphone
  • All-new Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption – delivers an extended range of up to 200m (line of sight), optimised for extremely stable operation in dense RF environments
  • 3.5mm analog TRS output, USB-C and iOS digital audio output – universal compatibility with cameras, mobile devices and computers
  • On-board recording capability – record over 24 hours of audio direct to each transmitter as a failsafe against dropouts and other audio issues
  • Ability to switch between mono or stereo recording modes – record each channel separately or combine them for ultimate flexibility in post-production
  • Flexible gain control – three-stage pad, expandable to 10-stage pad
  • Safety channel – records a second channel at -20dB as a backup in case the main channel distorts
  • Complete control over all features and functions via the RØDE Central app
  • In-built rechargeable lithium-ion batteries – up to 7 hours battery life, plus a power saver mode
  • Designed and made in RØDE’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Sydney, Australia

“The original Wireless GO was a gamechanger,” says RØDE CEO Damien Wilson. “It truly revolutionized sound capture for everyone from vloggers to business professionals producing content while working from home. The form factor and feature set had never been seen before and many have attempted – and failed ­– to replicate it since.”

“The Wireless GO II is a huge leap forward in terms of useability and versatility, while retaining all the elements that made the first edition such a success. It represents RØDE’s mission to innovate and continue evolving our product lines, always with creators in mind. The Wireless GO II is once again going to change the way people record audio for their content.”

UNMATCHED VERSATILITY

The Wireless GO II takes the versatility of the original to new heights. Each kit contains two transmitters and a single receiver, allowing users to capture two sound sources simultaneously – perfect for a wide range of filmmaking scenarios, from recording interviews to two-person vlogs. It can also be used as a single channel wireless microphone for recording just one sound source.

The Wireless GO II features a 3.5mm analog TRS output for plugging into cameras, plus a digital audio output via USB-C for plugging into smartphones, tablets and even computers. This universal compatibility with any device makes the Wireless GO II extremely versatile, ideal for everyone from filmmakers to YouTubers to business professionals.

Another groundbreaking feature is its on-board recording capability. The Wireless GO II can record over 24 hours of audio directly to each transmitter (without the need for an SD card), ensuring a backup recording is always available in post-production in case of transmission dropouts and other audio issues.

This feature is activated via RØDE Central, a new app that gives users access to firmware updates and advanced features for the Wireless GO II. In addition to on-board recording, these include activation of the safety channel, which records a second track at -20dB in case the main channel distorts, a fine gain control that expands the three-stage pad to a 10-stage pad, and more. The Wireless GO II is the first RØDE product to utilise RØDE Central, with the VideoMic NTG, AI-1 and others to be integrated in future.

Other key features of the Wireless GO II include the ability to switch between mono and stereo modes, allowing users to record each transmitter separately or combine the two for ultimate flexibility in post-production, a mute button, in-built rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that last up to 7 hours, and more.

No other wireless microphone system packs in such an incredible range of features, making the Wireless GO II one of the most versatile microphones on the market.

ULTRA-COMPACT WIRELESS AUDIO

The Wireless GO II offers the same pocket-sized form factor as the original. The receiver weighs just 32g and the transmitters weigh just 31g, with each measuring less than a matchbox, taking up virtually no space in a camera kit bag, backpack, handbag or briefcase.

The transmitters and receiver feature the same unique clip design as the original, which make them incredibly easy to clip onto talent and mount onto a DSLR or mirrorless camera, mobile camera rig, boom pole or cold shoe accessory. This also means the extensive range of Wireless GO accessories work with the Wireless GO II, including the Interview GO and MagClip GO. Ultra-compact wireless audio for any recording situation.

Each Wireless GO II kit ships with a flat TRS memory cable for plugging into cameras and three USB-C to USB-A cables for connecting to computers for charging and recording (additional RØDE cables or adaptors are required for connecting to mobile devices and computers with USB-C inputs). There is also a handy carry pouch for keeping the kit tidy and secure.

PROFESSIONAL SOUND. SEAMLESS CONNECTIVITY

The Wireless GO II has been designed to deliver professional sound while being incredibly simple to use. Out of the box, the two transmitters come auto paired to the receiver and will remember which channel they’ve been assigned to in future, ensuring a seamless setup process every time.

The system utilises RØDE’s all-new Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption, which delivers an extended range of up to 200m (line of sight) and is optimised for operation in areas with a high level of RF activity, including dense urban environments, shopping malls, universities, convention centres and offices. The internal antenna has been redesigned to ensure an extremely stable connection, and with on-board recording providing a backup of all audio, users never have to worry about dropouts again.

Each transmitter features a high-quality in-built omnidirectional condenser capsule for completely wireless recording, plus a 3.5mm TRS input for plugging in a lavalier microphone, such as the RØDE Lavalier GO.

The Wireless GO II also comes with three furry windshields, which incorporate an innovative new twist-to-lock design for recording in windy conditions, ensuring crystal-clear, professional sound in any situation.

The Wireless GO II is shipping worldwide now. Find out more information at rode.com/wirelessgoii and rode.com/wirelessgoii/learning-hub.

Razer Unveils Kiyo Pro High-Performance Webcam

Razer™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers (Hong Kong Stock Code: 1337), today announced the Razer Kiyo Pro, a USB camera with a high-performance Adaptive Light Sensor to deliver market-leading image fidelity, even in low-light conditions. Combining an ultra-sensitive CMOS sensor with STARVIS™* technology, the Kiyo Pro brings a professional level of image quality to video conferencing and streaming.

With working from home now being a large part of professional life, the demand for better image quality on video calls is greater than ever. Built-in laptop cameras lack the resolution and framerates for professional looking conference calls and most webcams struggle to cope with less-than-ideal lighting, giving a dim, blurry video image which can impact a professional presentation. The Kiyo Pro solves these issues with a high-performance Adaptive Light Sensor, providing superior imaging under almost any lighting conditions.

“For both video conferencing and streaming, smooth and crystal-clear video quality under any lighting conditions is a vital part of the experience,” said Alvin Cheung, Senior Vice President of Razer’s peripherals business unit. “The Kiyo Pro, with its fantastic low-light performance, is ideal for those working from home who want to impress their customers and colleagues, and for streamers wanting to entertain their audience with a bright, vibrant image.”

Advanced Imaging. Absolute Fidelity.

At the heart of the new Kiyo Pro is the advanced Type 1/2.8 CMOS sensor with STARVIS™ technology. STARVIS™ is a back-illuminated pixel technology, used in surveillance camera CMOS sensors, to create high quality images from visible and near infrared light regions. By incorporating this technology into the Kiyo Pro, video conference calls will have a consistently bright, clear image, even under a wide variety of typical work-from-home lighting conditions such as dim rooms, harsh lighting, backlighting or just screen lighting.

The Kiyo Pro is capable of uncompressed full HD 1080p 60FPS, for unsurpassed image fidelity and detail. The HDR 30FPS mode ramps up the dynamic range, correcting under or over exposed areas on the fly, eliminating silhouetting if the subject is lit from behind, for vibrant colors and even lighting, across the whole image.

The wide-angle lens on the Kiyo Pro gives a choice of three fields of view: 103°, 90° or 80°, making it ideal for video conferencing or streaming. The 103° view is wide enough to include everyone in a group video call or allow stream viewers to clearly see live activities, while the 80° view is perfect for professional headshot view or an engaging facecam window on gaming streams.

Flexible and fast

The Kiyo Pro has a range of extra features to adapt to any set-up and situation. With flexible mounting options for monitor, tabletop or tripod mounting, the Kiyo Pro can be positioned perfectly for use as a streaming camera regardless of the space available. The wide field of view and tripod mounting make the Kiyo Pro ideal for group conference calls, and its 16bit, omni-directional stereo microphone array ensures all participants’ voices are picked up.

For maximum uncompressed video performance, the Kiyo Pro utilizes a USB 3.0 connection to pass a 5GB/s signal. A separate privacy cover is included to both protect the lens and assure user privacy when not in use.

For more information on the Razer Kiyo Pro, please see here.

ABOUT THE KIYO PRO

Camera Specifications

  • Connection type: USB3.0

  • Image resolution: 2.1 Megapixels

  • Video Resolution: 1080p @ 60/30/24FPS / 720p @ 60FPS / 480p @ 30FPS / 360p @ 30FPS

  • Video encoding: H.264 codec

  • Still Image Resolution: 1920×1080

  • Image Quality Settings Customization: Yes

  • Diagonal Field of View (FOV): 103°, 90°, 80°

  • Focus Type: Auto

  • Mounting Options: L-shape joint and Tripod (Not included)

  • Cable Length: 1.5 meters braided cable

Microphone Specifications

  • Channels: Stereo

  • Audio Codec: 16bit 48KHz

  • Polar patterns: Omni-directional

  • Sensitivity: -38dB

System Requirements

  • PC with a free USB port

  • Windows® 8 (or higher)

  • Internet connection

  • 500 MB of free hard disk space

  • Compatible with Open Broadcaster Software and Xsplit

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

$199.99 USD / €209.99 MSRP

Razer.com: February 23rd, 2021
Authorized retailers: Q1, 2021

The Curse of Strahd Expands with Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

One of the most popular adventures published by D&D in the last few years was Curse of Strahd which begins when characters are pulled by creeping mists into a land called Barovia. But Strahd’s domain is just one of the many Domains of Dread that make up the horror-themed setting of Ravenloft. Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft refreshes the setting by giving Dungeon Masters descriptions of more than 30 Domains of Dread beyond Barovia as well as the tools to create their own horrific stories, including details on each domain’s Darklord, a ready-to-play adventure, new monsters, lineages and sub-classes. Be afraid for Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft to pull D&D fans into the Mists on May 18.

“I’m a huge fan of all things horror, so it was an absolute thrill to frame this book around bringing frightening elements like mummy lords, cosmic terrors, and urban legends to more D&D tables,” said Wes Schneider, senior game designer and lead designer of Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft. “Working with exciting new voices in horror and visual artists like D&D concept artist Shawn Wood was essential to make sure we’re updating the aesthetic for today’s fans while staying true to the roots of Ravenloft.”

The correspondence of Rudolph Van Richten and other heroes of Ravenloft, like Ezmerelda d’Avenir and the Weathermay-Foxgrove Twins, introduce a new generation of monster hunters to the Lands of the Mists. Some of the Domains of Dread might feel eerily familiar to fans such as Lamordia, which explores the horror of experimentation on creating undead beings from deceased body parts by Dr. Viktra Mordenheim. Other horrors include the surreal, fairytale masquerades of Dementlieu; treachery in the war-torn rain forests of Kalakeri; and the endless zombie hordes of Falkovnia. Van Richten’s Guide includes rules and advice for DMs to create custom domains and Darklords by portraying established horror tropes or whatever special new blend of terror they can imagine.

Players can create more terrifying characters with Dark Gifts that provide roleplaying ties to the Domains of Dread by bestowing benefits that may have a deadly cost. With Van Richten’s Guide, players can also roll up a dhampir who’s been created by a vampire, a hexblood descended from a hag, or a reborn who’s been brought back from the dead. Two new subclasses further flesh out the options with the College of Spirits for bards and the Undead pact for warlocks, as well as new backgrounds to explore and trinkets to collect.

Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft features a cover by Anna Podedworna available everywhere and an alternate cover by Scott M. Fischer only available through game stores.

The mists beckon on May 18, 2021!