Author - Jerry Paxton

Corsair Launches New Champion Series Peripherals

2021/04/09

CORSAIR®, a world leader in high-performance gear for gamers and content creators, today announced the launch of three new products in its CHAMPION SERIES range of competition-grade peripherals, built for and tested by top esports professionals. Headlining the new launches is the streamlined K70 RGB TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, with 8,000Hz hyper-polling driven by CORSAIR AXON hyper-processing technology in a compact, tenkeyless design, enabling you to take pro performance to your next event.

Two new CORSAIR gaming mice also enter the CHAMPION SERIES lineup: the SABRE RGB PRO and SABRE PRO. The first CORSAIR mice to also utilize AXON hyper-processing technology and 8,000Hz polling, the SABRE RGB PRO and SABRE PRO deliver lightning-fast inputs, along with a comfortable ergonomic shape and ultra-light weight for superior agility and control. Together, these CHAMPION SERIES gaming peripherals give you the tools you need to cut through the competition.

The K70 RGB TKL is built from the ground up for competitive players, powered by CORSAIR AXON hyper-processing technology to enable an incredible 8,000Hz hyper-polling, so that your keystrokes are delivered to the PC up to 8x faster than standard gaming keyboards. Whether you’re honing your skills in practice or playing for the championship, AXON ensures that all your inputs are transmitted as fast as possible.

CORSAIR iCUE software enables full customization of your keyboard, from per-key RGB backlighting to flaunt your team’s colors, to powerful custom macros, key remaps, and more. When taken to tournaments that often carry strict guidelines, the K70 RGB TKL’s one-of-a-kind tournament switch locks the backlighting to a static color and disables macros for instant guaranteed tournament compliance.

Every facet of the K70 RGB TKL is crafted to help players perform their best. Available with a selection of 100% CHERRY MX Red, Silent Red, or SPEED Silver mechanical keyswitches*, each key is topped with durable, wear-resistant PBT double-shot keycaps. Full N-key rollover with 100% anti-ghosting ensures every keypress registers exactly as intended, and a dedicated Windows Key Lock mode guarantees you’ll never interrupt your game.

With a portable tenkeyless design, iconic and durable aluminum frame, and detachable USB Type-C cable, the K70 RGB TKL is easy to take on-the-go and connect to any system. Dedicated media keys and the signature CORSAIR aluminum volume roller easily control media playback and volume to keep you focused on the game, while 8MB of onboard storage allow you to save up to 50 profiles to the keyboard for use anywhere.

Designed with the feedback of leading esports pros from teams such as Team Secret, Vitality, and Envy, the new CORSAIR SABRE RGB PRO and SABRE PRO strip the gaming mouse back to its purest form, and then add the latest in cutting-edge high-frequency performance to ensure every click counts. Weighing just 74g and 69g respectively, the SABRE RGB PRO and SABRE PRO have been optimized for lightweight performance, with a flexible paracord cable and an ergonomic shape that’s ideal for both claw and palm grips.

The first CORSAIR mice to feature CORSAIR AXON hyper-processing, SABRE RGB PRO and SABRE PRO transmit your clicks and movements up to 8x faster with 8,000Hz hyper-polling, so every action is delivered as fast as possible when the game is on the line. CORSAIR QUICKSTRIKE buttons – pre-tensioned for zero gap between the primary mouse buttons and their durable OMRON switches – ensure every left and right-click registers with crisp instant clicks and a difference your fingers will immediately feel.

The SABRE RGB PRO is lit by two-zone dynamic RGB backlighting customizable in iCUE, while the SABRE PRO sheds 5g for an even lighter weight without the RGB LEDs. A native 18,000 DPI optical sensor ensures high-accuracy tracking, using a dedicated DPI button to cycle through five onboard DPI presets that can also be adjusted on-the-fly independent of software.

With specially designed form and function required by top esports professionals to perform at their best, every new addition to the CORSAIR CHAMPION SERIES is an indispensable companion on your journey to the top.

*Keyswitch availability limited by region. Please visit corsair.com to view the keyswitches available in your region.

Availability, Warranty, and Pricing

The CORSAIR K70 RGB TKL CHAMPION SERIES Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, CORSAIR SABRE RGB PRO CHAMPION SERIES Gaming Mouse, and CORSAIR SABRE PRO CHAMPION SERIES Gaming Mouse are available immediately from the CORSAIR webstore and the CORSAIR worldwide network of authorized retailers and distributors.

The CORSAIR K70 RGB TKL, CORSAIR SABRE RGB PRO, and CORSAIR SABRE PRO are backed by a two-year warranty, alongside the CORSAIR worldwide customer service and technical support network.

For up-to-date pricing of the CORSAIR K70 RGB TKL, CORSAIR SABRE RGB PRO, and CORSAIR SABRE PRO, please refer to the CORSAIR website or contact your local CORSAIR sales or PR representative.

Web Pages

To learn more about the CORSAIR K70 RGB TKL, please visit:

http://corsair.com/k70-rgb-tkl

To learn more about the CORSAIR SABRE RGB PRO, please visit:

http://corsair.com/sabre-rgb-pro

To learn more about the CORSAIR SABRE PRO, please visit:

http://corsair.com/sabre-pro

For a complete list of all CORSAIR keyboards, please visit:

http://corsair.com/gaming-keyboards

For a complete list of all CORSAIR gaming mice, please visit:

http://corsair.com/gaming-mice

Colony Ship: A Post-Earth Role Playing Game Out Now

2021/04/08

Jerry Paxton

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

Iron Tower Studio announces the Early Access release of Colony Ship: A Post-Earth Role Playing Game launches today on Windows PC via Steam and GOG for $24.99.

Colony Ship is a turn-based, party-based RPG set aboard a generation ship launched to Proxima Centauri. The game features a detailed skill-based character system, multiple ways to handle quests, choices & consequences, and branching dialogue trees.

It is the Year of Our Lord 2754…

You will never feel the sun’s warmth under a blue sky, never hear the wind in the branches of a tree, and never swim in the ocean, all because you had the misfortune to be born on the Ship, chained to a fate you didn’t choose. You have never seen Earth and you’ll never see Proxima Centauri either. You’re doomed to live and die on the Ship in the name of the Mission, like your father before you, like his father before him.

The Ship is old. She had already been twenty years in service when she was rechristened Starfarer – a pretty name for a retrofitted interplanetary freighter. No one is certain the Ship will actually reach its destination, and nobody much cares, since no one alive now will live to see it. Might as well get on with your life and try to make the best of it.

Colony Ship is an isometric RPG inspired by Heinlein’s Orphans of the Sky. Your character’s world is a “generation ship,” a massive spacecraft on a centuries long voyage to colonize a distant planet. The Ship’s original government has been disbanded following a violent mutiny and you must negotiate a treacherous path among your fellow passengers and the contentious factions striving to dominate the Ship. Your choices alone will determine who your friends and enemies are.

Features
Skill-based character system, with feats and implants.
Tactical turn-based combat, featuring standard, aimed, and weapon-specific attacks.
Multiple quest solutions, mutually exclusive questlines, and a branching main storyline.
10 recruitable party members with different personalities, agendas, and beliefs (only 3 available in the first chapter).
3 main factions and a score of lesser factions and groups
A large arsenal including melee weapons, firearms, energy pistols, grenades, and futuristic gadgets like the Energy Shield, Reality Distortion Generator, and Cloaking Field.
Different environments to explore, from the Engine Room and Hydroponics to the dystopian cities of the Habitat and the Mission Control ruins (only the Pit, Armory, and Hydroponics are available in the first chapter)
Colony Ship 1.0 is currently scheduled to launch in 2022 for $39.99.

To learn more, visit: http://irontowerstudio.com/colony-ship-news
Twitter: @IronTowerStudio

Curse of the Dead Gods x Dead Cells Crossover Event Announced

2021/04/07

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 News, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

Focus Home Interactive and Passtech Games have partnered with Motion Twin and Evil Empire for “Curse of the Dead Cells,” a new crossover event featuring the smash-hit indie roguelikes Curse of the Dead Gods and Dead Cells. On April 14, players will be able to download a free update for Curse of the Dead Gods on PlayStation®4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC featuring special new content inspired by Dead Cells.

Here’s what surprises Dead Cells fans can discover in Curse of the Dead Gods when the new event kicks off next week:

New Curse — Curse of the Headless: Players will move faster but take more damage, with a visual twist emblematic of Dead Cells’ main character.
Three New Weapons: The Sword of Conjunctivius, the Broadsword of the Knight, and the Crossbow of the Condemned.
New Challenge Room that can be found during runs featuring a Dead Cells Cursed Chest, a special challenge and a rare weapon.

The update will also include other new content for Curse of the Dead Gods players, including a new two-handed weapon style and an additional Curse. For more on the game, visit www.focus-home.com/en-us/games/curse-of-the-dead-gods.

PAC-MAN 99 Out Now on the Nintendo Switch

2021/04/07

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, Trailers / Videos

Leading video game publisher and developer BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. has announced that PAC-MAN™ 99 will be available later today for the Nintendo Switch. PAC-MAN 99 is the latest entry in the long-running PAC-MAN franchise with an online multiplayer experience unlike any other in the series’ history. Ninety-nine PAC-MAN players compete against each other until one remains. Chomp down on Power Pellets to activate special power-ups and send Jammer PAC-MAN to opponents’ mazes to become the last PAC standing. PAC-MAN 99 is a special offer for Nintendo Switch Online* members at no additional cost.

Developed by Arika Co., Ltd., PAC-MAN 99 takes the classic PAC-MAN arcade gameplay that has been loved by millions around the world for the past 40 years and creates a brand-new multiplayer battle royale experience against 98 other players. Knock out other players by sending Jammer PAC-MAN to opponents’ mazes by touching a Power Pellet and defeating ghosts. Jammer PAC-MAN will clog up the competition’s maze and slow their PAC-MAN down, making it harder for them to avoid ghosts and clear out their maze of Pac-Dots. In addition to making ghosts vulnerable, Power Pellets also give PAC-MAN special abilities including increasing his speed or sending more Jammer PAC-MAN to other players’ mazes. Each ability comes with a drawback so choose your strategy wisely.

“PAC-MAN 99 delivers a frantic and fun multiplayer take on the storied PAC-MAN gameplay,” said Pearl Lai, Brand Manager for BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “The quick pick-up-and-play structure of the game coupled with the play anywhere nature of Nintendo Switch makes it the perfect experience for anyone looking for a bit of good-natured competition PAC-MAN has always been known for.”

A paid DLC bundle will be available at launch to enhance the PAC-MAN 99 experience with additional modes including an offline CPU Battle mode, private matches to play against friends, special score and time-attack challenges, and 20 alternate skins of classic BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. games including DIG DUG®, GALAGA®, and more! The PAC-MAN 99 DLC bundle can be purchased $29.99 and the classic character skins can be purchased individually for $1.99 through the Nintendo eShop.

For more information regarding PAC-MAN 99 and other titles from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. please visit https://www.bandainamcoent.com, follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS, or join the conversation on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/BandaiNamcoUS.

E3 2021 to Be An All-Digital Event

2021/04/06

Jerry Paxton

E3, Geek News, News

It’s “Game On.” for E3, as The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) officially unveils plans for a reimagined, all-virtual E3 2021 that will engage video game fans everywhere. With early commitments from Nintendo, Xbox, Capcom, Konami, Ubisoft, Take-Two Interactive, Warner Bros. Games and Koch Media, and more to come, E3 2021 will take place June 12 through June 15.

Developers will be showcasing their latest news and games directly to fans around the world. The ESA will be working with media partners globally to help amplify and make this content available to everyone for free.

“For more than two decades, E3 has been the premier venue to showcase the best that the video game industry has to offer, while uniting the world through games,” said Stanley Pierre-Louis, President & CEO of the ESA. “We are evolving this year’s E3 into a more inclusive event, but will still look to excite the fans with major reveals and insider opportunities that make this event the indispensable center stage for video games.”

While maintaining E3’s longstanding position as a central destination for industry networking — where new partnerships and connections between video game publishers, developers and media are made — the digital format for E3 2021 means more people than ever can participate.

The ESA looks forward to coming back together to celebrate E3 2022 in person. In the meantime, see you online this June!

EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid Wireless Gaming Earbuds Review

2021/04/05

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Reviews, Tech News, Tech Review

EPOS has done something really special with their GTW 270 Hybrid Wireless earbuds in that they are, to my knowledge, the first earbuds designed for gaming. It’s a bold aim as, usually, earbuds have small sound drivers and not a lot in terms of features. However, I am thankful to say that, EPOS has mostly delivered on their promise. When getting the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid earbuds out of the box, I was impressed by their shiny black case. It’s not flashy, actually rather understated – classy, if you will. The package consists of one charging case, a few earbud tips, two earbuds, and one USB-C wireless dongle. The earbud tips are nice as they come in different sizes to attempt and accommodate many ear sizes. There is just one button on the left earbud which controls various functions of the device. But, you must learn various combinations of clicks to control it though – which is a little bit of a pain.

This dongle is what makes the magic happen as it allows for low latency aptX communication from your PC or laptop to the GTW 270 Hybrid earbuds. You can also choose to pair the earbuds to devices via Bluetooth 5.1, but then you lose the aptX virtual surround sound capabilities. Sound quality was one area I expected to be subpar. How can you push all the high, mid, and low audio of a modern video game through a set of earbuds? EPOS accomplishes this by way of the aptX low latency codec. I had the pleasure of testing out a previous pair of aptX enabled headphones and found the virtual surround sound to be greatly satisfying. In the case of the EPOS GTW 270, the aptX technology is still doing its job, delivery good virtual surround sound. However, there does seem to be some loss of quality due to the lower power drivers in the earbuds themselves. It’s not bad by any means – the mids, highs, and low end audio all sound very good. This might not be the solution for those expecting a high-end audio experience like what one would find in studio headphones. For what they are designed to do – they work great!

There is one caveat to using the GTW 270s in this manner – and that is the loss of the microphone. In aptX mode, the microphone will not work as all the bandwidth is being used to delivery quality virtual surround sound. Of course, you can use the microphone in Bluetooth mode all you prefer, but at a loss of the surround sound. You can pair up to 8 devices to the EPOS GTW 270s, which is really nice in order to make the most of them. Also, I never experienced any lag when playing games using the GTW 270s, so that’s just another bonus in favor of these earbuds.

EPOS does have its own software to control the audio of the GTW 270 – its called, simply, EPOS Gaming Suite, and allows you to change the EQ as well as cycle between several presets. And, while the battery case can extend the earbuds life for around 15 hours, the earbuds themselves are billed to last about 5 hours of use which, impressively, they did in our testing.

Overall, the EPOS GTW 270 hybrid wireless gaming earbuds are a great way to take good quality virtual surround sound with your laptop games, mobile phones, Nintendo Switches, or just your PC at home. The GTW 270 Hybrid earbuds retails for $199 and are available now.

UPDATE (4/21/21): The EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid earbuds have just received a new firmware update, which unlocks the ability to connect through the USB-C dongle and Bluetooth simultaneously – although only one can be active at any time. The update can be applied via the EPOS Gaming Suite on PC.

Summer Game Fest Announced for 2021

2021/04/04

Jerry Paxton

E3, Geek News, Industry News, News

It’s official: Summer Game Fest, an industry-wide all-digital celebration of video games, will return in June, and once again include Day of the Devs: Summer Game Fest Edition. Following successful digital events in 2020, the showcase will once again digitally spotlight a select group of upcoming indie and AAA video games. Curated by the Day of the Devs team and Geoff Keighley, producer of The Game Awards, the developer showcase will feature new video game content, including world exclusive news and gameplay, plus video game musical performances.

Day of the Devs, a platform co-produced by Double Fine Productions and iam8bit, is now in it’s 9th year as the industry’s foremost indie games showcase. Day of the Devs celebrates the creativity, diversity and magic of the indie game community, taking on the form of virtual and physical events.

Developers interested in participating in the event can submit their games for consideration starting today. Developers from diverse backgrounds working on interesting and unique games are welcome and encouraged to apply through the form here: http://bit.ly/DOTDSubmit21. Submissions close on April 9.

The roster of participating publishers and developers, along with an event schedule outline will be revealed in the coming weeks. Fans will be able to tune into the showcase via all major streaming platforms and summergamefest.com.

For more information and to stay up to date on the latest, please visit summergamefest.com or dayofthedevs.com or follow @summergamefest on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.

IFC Midnight Acquires Rights to Neill Blomkamp’s DEMONIC

2021/04/01

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, Movie News, News

IFC Midnight and AGC Studios announced today that IFC Midnight is acquiring U.S. rights to DEMONIC, written and directed by Neill Blomkamp (District 9, Elysium, Chappie), from AGC Studios. Blomkamp first earned critical acclaim across the board for his debut feature and sci-fi allegory on immigration District 9 before going on to further success with such films as Elysium and Chappie. DEMONIC was co-financed and co-produced by AGC Studios and STABILITi Studios last summer and marks Blomkamp’s fourth film. Joining Blomkamp is Oats Studios collaborator, editor Austyn Daines. The film stars up-and-comers Carly Pope (Elysium), Chris William Martin (The Age of Adaline, Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem, TV’s The Vampire Diaries), and Michael Rogers (TV’s Siren, TV’s The Blacklist, TV’s Supernatural). Neill Blomkamp, Mike Blomkamp of STABILITi Studios, Stuart Ford and Linda McDonough of AGC Studios are on board as producers. Serving as executive producers are AGC’s Miguel Palos Jr., Alastair Burlingham, Charlie Dombek, Viktor Muller, and Steven St. Arnaud. IFC Midnight will release the film on August 20, 2021.

The film was also a strong seller internationally during EFM including deals with VVS in Canada, Metropolitan in France, Koch Media in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy, NonStop Entertainment AB in Scandinavia, Signature Entertainment in the UK and Ireland, Top Film in CIS and Baltics, Just Entertainment BV in Benelux, Odeon in Greece, Blitz Group in ex-Yugoslavia, Monolith in Poland, Reset Collective in Australia and New Zealand, Selim Ramia & Co. in the Middle East, NOS in Portugal, Movie Cloud in Taiwan, and Sahamongkolfilm in Thailand.

In DEMONIC, a young woman unleashes terrifying demons when supernatural forces at the root of a decades old rift between mother and daughter are ruthlessly revealed in this horror-thriller from director Neill Blomkamp.

Arianna Bocco, President of IFC Films said, “Neil Blomkamp exploded onto the filmmaking scene with DISTRICT 9 and has made his mark by creating films that challenge and subvert the genre. It’s exciting to work together on this highly anticipated new vision, and be immersed in yet another world terrifyingly similar to our own.”

Said AGC Chairman and CEO Ford, “IFC Midnight is an ideal brand for Neill’s first foray into supernatural terror to be released theatrically and in other media and we’re very confident in the job that Arianna and her team are going to do.”

The deal for the film was negotiated by IFC Films’ President Arianna Bocco and Director of Acquisitions Aijah Keith with ICM Partners and SVP of Business and Legal Affairs Anant Tamirisa for AGC Studios and STABILITi Studios.

Samurai Warriors 5 Unveils its Ultimate Skills

2021/03/25

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

KOEI TECMO America and developer Omega Force are excited to announce the latest upgrades to the SAMURAI WARRIORS 5 arsenal, introducing stunning new Ultimate Skills into the exhilarating warfare. The electrifying 1 vs. 1,000 tactical action game is currently under development for the Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®4 Computer Entertainment System (playable on PlayStation®5 via Backward Compatibility), the Xbox One consoles (playable on Xbox Series X|S via Backward Compatibility), and Windows PC via Steam®, and is set to launch across North America on July 27, 2021.

SAMURAI WARRIORS 5 takes place inside the Sengoku period, during which an inverted social order extends across Japan. As war rages, several influential figures appear across the country seeking to reign supreme over these turbulent times. Among those figures, the great daimyō, Yoshimoto Imagawa, dispatches his troops to escort the minor daimyo of the neighboring nation – Ieyasu Tokugawa – as a hostage. While everyone is assessing the situation, there is one person watching all of this occur from high above … Nobunaga Oda. SAMURAI WARRIORS 5 begins with Nobunaga, along with his childhood friend Toshiie Maeda, as they make a raid on the Imagawa Army in order to rescue Ieyasu from his captors.

In SAMURAI WARRIORS 5, this and every raid will be complemented by the all-new ability to unleash Ultimate Skill attacks on enemies. Ultimate Skills are incredibly powerful actions that can be used during battle, with players able to equip up to four types of Ultimate Skills at any one time. Ultimate Skill types include the Avalanche, enabling you to thrust your Great Spear into the earth to create a shockwave that stuns nearby enemies; Recuperation, where you can either increase your attack power or defense, or recharge your Musou Gauge; Relentless Storm, where you throw enemies into the air, beat them to a pulp, then bring them down to the ground with a strike from your Great Spear; and Pulse, an Ultimate Skill suited for continuing combos, enabling you to connect Pulse Ultimate Skills and Musou attacks.

In addition, Hyper Attacks return to the battlefield, enabling characters to travel great distance while assaulting enemies. As the Hyper Attack allows you to round up combatants and can be connected to a standard attack, it acts as the perfect starting point for any battle.

Alongside the new battle details, nine characters were also announced to join the fray. These larger-than-life personalities include Kanbei Kuroda, Shikanosuke Yamanaka, Sena, Hanbei Takenaka, Kazuuji Nakamura, Tadakatsu Honda, Toshiie Maeda, Oichi, and Nagamasa Azai. All of the game’s character models have been completely redesigned and re-imagined in a vibrant new style to help showcase the storyline’s Sengoku time period in spectacularly impressive fashion.

For more information on SAMURAI WARRIORS 5, please visit the official site, Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/koeitecmous and Follow us on Twitter @koeitecmoUS.

Razer Unveils Kraken V3 X Gaming Headset

2021/03/25

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Tech News

Razer today announced the Razer Kraken V3 X gaming headset. Taking cues from the best-selling[1] Razer Kraken X, the Razer Kraken V3 X is designed for prolonged use and improved comfort, with upgraded audio drivers for enhanced immersion and Razer Chroma™ RGB for an all-rounded gaming experience.

Armed with the Razer TriForce 40 mm Drivers, whose patented audio driver design was first introduced in the Razer BlackShark V2 esports headset family, and 7.1 Surround Sound, the Razer Kraken V3 X delivers high-end, realistic audio.

With the Razer HyperClear Cardioid Mic, the headset ensures clear communication in-game, without interference. Packed into a lightweight 285 g build with hybrid fabric and memory foam ear cushions, gamers are assured of long-lasting comfort when indulging in marathon gaming sessions.

The Razer Kraken V3 X is the brand’s most affordable headset powered by Razer Chroma™ RGB, Razer’s proprietary RGB lighting technology system with over 16.8 million colors, allowing gamers to customize their earcup lighting for enhanced immersion.

For more information, please visit razer.com/krakenv3x.