Author - Jerry Paxton

Trackmania Summer Season Trailer Released

Today, Ubisoft celebrates the first anniversary of Trackmania® with the announcement of an all-new summer season, which is available for free. Trackmania is also proud to announce that players across the globe have created over 132,000 custom maps and have set more than 61 million personal records in the past year. Ubisoft Nadeo has also enhanced the game with exciting new content and engaging activities for players to enjoy, including the most recent Royal mode and Ranked Matchmaking modes.

Players can now enjoy 25 new maps and set their sights on 100 medals. The new maps will include increasing difficulties and treacherous water features. Players will be challenged and must utilize their best skills and maneuvers to navigate new maps and beat out the competition.

Additionally, to celebrate the anniversary, players can get 20% off the one-year Club Edition and 25% off the three-year Club Edition, which is available exclusively in the Ubisoft Store from July 1–31.

Trackmania will be hosting the final round of its most prestigious competitive event, Trackmania World Cup, which spectators can enjoy on July 4.

Trackmania is available in the Epic Games Store and the Ubisoft Store.

For more information about Trackmania, please visit trackmania.com.

For more information about the Trackmania World Cup, visit trackmania-grand-league.com.

Second Extinction Pre-Season 5 Kick Off Trailer

Systemic Reaction has kicked off Pre-Season 5 of Second Extinction, the action-packed co-op shooter in which you and your friends battle mutated dinosaurs across a devastated world. Available for free today, Pre-Season 5: “Longest Days” adds a new Emergence Event enemy, new weapon and equipment, and more on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and the Microsoft Store for PC via Xbox Game Preview (playable with Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass for PC), as well as on Steam Early Access.

Pre-Season 5 Features:

  • New Enemy — Dasher Raptor: Fast and airborne, these new dinos ambush in groups for a deadly assault from all angles (Emergence Events only).
  • New Weapon — Artillery Cannon: A precision-skill weapon for Enforcers, dealing high damage if you hit directly and smaller splash damage if your shots land too far away.
  • New Equipment — Sticky Firecracker: Capable of staggering foes in an emergency.
  • Level cap raised from 25 to 50.
  • New cosmetic rewards.
  • New technical improvements, including support for gamepad remapping.
  • A wide variety of game balancing and fixes.

Second Extinction pits teams of up to three players against swarms of bloodthirsty dinos in fast-paced battles across Earth’s post-apocalyptic wastelands. Equip a range of uniquely powerful weapons and abilities and fight on your own or with friends against monstrous dinosaurs long thought extinct — now mutated and deadlier than ever! The War Effort is Second Extinction’s community-driven global metagame: by completing missions and activities, you’ll directly impact the threat level and challenges players around the world face.

Players can always find Second Extinction’s most up-to-date development roadmap at www.SecondExtinctionGame.com. For other updates, follow @2nd_Extinction on Twitter.

WE ARE SYSTEMIC REACTION

Small but fierce, we started as a group of veterans from within Avalanche Studios Group. Based in Stockholm and Malmö, we focus on crafting new and empowering games with unique settings. Drawing from our experiences within the industry, we want to create games that appeal both to us, and to you — our players. We want to play in a sandbox that lets your creativity thrive.

Our focus is freedom, exploration, and a drive to create games like the ones that kept us up at night as kids. We’ve got Generation Zero launched and Second Extinction on Xbox Game Preview and Steam Early Access — with even more to come. Join us in the sandbox!

Baldur’s Gate 3 Third Panel From Hell Announced

Baldur’s Gate 3’s Patch 5 is right around the corner, and so too is the third Panel From Hell. Since February’s release of Patch 4, we’ve been working on implementing much of the player feedback gathered since the launch of early access in October 2020.

News of what those changes are will be explored in the Panel From Hell 3, host of our first ‘LarPG’ (Larian-LARP-ARG, get it?). We’re calling it “Twitch Plays: A Most Noble Sacrifice,” and it stars a cast of real actors alongside fake — but still surprisingly good — actors (the developers working on Baldur’s Gate 3).

Take the reins as you direct our adventuring party through brain-teasing puzzles and lethal traps as they quest to retrieve an object of incredible value. Call the shots, and take the adventure home with you in our first ‘LarPG.’ We’re coming to you live from Gravensteen castle… but we can’t guarantee everyone will leave. That’s up to you…

See you on Larian Studios’ Twitch channel on July 8, 11 a.m. PT!

Final Fantasy I, II, and III Coming to Steam

SQUARE ENIX® today announced FINAL FANTASY I, II and III are coming to Steam® and mobile platforms on July 29. The pixel remaster series brings all the magic of the originals combined with quality-of-life upgrades while staying faithful to the retro design of these masterpieces. Fans can look forward to enjoying a host of updates including:

  • Redrawn 2D pixel character and background graphics, featuring iconic FINAL FANTASY character pixel designs created by Kazuko Shibuya, the original artist and current collaborator
  • Beautifully rearranged soundtracks, overseen by original composer Nobuo Uematsu
  • Improved gameplay, including controller and touch controls, modernized UI, auto-battle options, and more
  • Dive into the world of the game with supplemental extras like the bestiary, illustration gallery, music player, and the ability to save at any time

Looking back at the long history of the beloved series, the “Father of FINAL FANTASY” Hironobu Sakaguchi states, “When working on the originals, I didn’t think that the FINAL FANTASY series would be remastered almost 35 years later. The video game industry had only just been established. So, with nobody else leading the way, we had to keep moving forward at the front line. I remember how we went through a lot of trial and error at that time. I’m very happy and grateful that Final Fantasy has continued for such a long period of time.” FINAL FANTASY Brand Manager and FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE Producer Yoshinori Kitase adds, “Every time a new Final Fantasy title is released, I think there are those who want to return to the origin of the series. This project began because we wanted to create a convenient way for fans and new players to enjoy these original classics, with consistent graphics and a unified user interface.” Further, in regard to the renowned soundtrack of the FINAL FANTASY series, series composer Nobuo Uematsu also confirmed, “We are rearranging all the music tracks this time. One of the first ideas I had was to make sure to stay faithful to the originals, but of course I couldn’t just leave it in the original 3-tone sound, so they have been built up into full-scale tracks. I have made sure that the original atmosphere has been retained and each can be listened to as separate music pieces, so that fans can enjoy.”

Those who pre-purchase the titles on Steam® will receive two exclusive wallpapers, three music tracks, and 20% discount per each respective title. All six titles are also available for pre-purchase as the FINAL FANTASY I-VI Bundle for a further discount. More information on the bundle is available on Steam at: https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/21478.

FUSER Getting New Music for July

Summer is heating up, and FUSER is about kick off Hot Track Summer with some new DLC coming in the month of July. Add these songs to your crate and show off your latest mix creations on the Diamond Stage. For a full listing of songs in the game or to learn more about FUSER, visit the official website: Fuser.com

DLC Tracks arriving to FUSER in July:

  • ATB, Topic, A7S “Your Love (9PM)”
  • Beast Business “Royce Please”*
  • Katrina and the Waves “Walking On Sunshine”
  • Lil Nas X “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)”
  • The Lingala Sound “Crystal Beach”*
  • Marlon Kane “This Is How You Left Me”*
  • Skrewbert “The Game Got You”*
  • Tiësto “The Business”

* Tracks offered free to all FUSER players

Also coming to players for free in July will be Faint Shadow “Loop Pack 07“ and TK Sun “Loop Pack 11.”

FUSER: Combine vocals, beats and melodies using your own personal style to create one-of-a-kind custom mixes. With a library of more than 100 songs to choose from, plus dozens of instruments and effects and 100+ songs available as DLC, there’s always a new mix to discover. FUSER is the ultimate music playground!

Battlefield 2042 Partners Revealed

Electronic Arts and DICE have revealed the official partners for the highly-anticipated next installment in the renowned Battlefield franchise, Battlefield™ 2042, including Microsoft, NVIDIA, Logitech, Polaris and Western Digital.

Earlier this month, EA and DICE revealed the game with Battlefield 2042’s official reveal trailer, and then gave players a first look at gameplay a few days later with the official gameplay trailer on June 13. At reveal, DICE showed off the game’s first, of three, distinct multiplayer experiences, All-Out Warfare. This experience includes the next generation of fan-favorite modes Conquest and Breakthrough, now featuring up to 128* players on next-gen consoles and PC, as well as the biggest maps ever for the franchise, filled with dynamic weather, game-changing environmental hazards and spectacular world events.

In support of Battlefield 2042, EA has partnered with a lineup of leading global brands to ensure that the next entry in the Battlefield franchise is the best one yet. These partners include:

● The Official Battlefield 2042 Console Partner – Xbox: EA and Xbox have partnered to make Xbox Series X|S the official consoles of Battlefield 2042.

● The Official Battlefield 2042 PC Graphics Platform Partner – NVIDIA: EA and DICE’s partnership with NVIDIA ensures the ultimate PC experience powered by next-gen GeForce RTX gaming technologies, the AI-powered performance boost of NVIDIA DLSS and NVIDIA Reflex’s low latency mode.”

● The Official Battlefield 2042 PC Peripherals Partner – Logitech: EA and Logitech will work together to ensure players have Logitech integration for their gear, including Logitech’s LIGHTSYNC technology for peripherals and in-game audio presets with optimized EQ for Logitech headsets.

● The Official Battlefield 2042 Off-Road Vehicle Partner – Polaris: EA and Polaris have partnered to bring players the opportunity to operate authentic Polaris vehicles in Battlefield 2042, starting with the Polaris Sportsman ATV.

● The Official Battlefield 2042 Gaming Storage Partner – WD_BLACK™: EA and Western Digital’s WD_BLACK brand are committed to ensuring Battlefield 2042 gamers have the best possible gaming experience for its vast new world of immersive and realistic maps, and dynamic game play.

DICE LA will reveal the next major experience coming to Battlefield 2042 at EA PLAY Live on July 22. This new experience is a brand-new game type, made as a love letter to Battlefield fans, and one that long-time players will feel right at home with. The third experience for Battlefield 2042, Hazard Zone, is an all-new, high-stakes squad-based game-type that is a modern take on the multiplayer experience and will be revealed in more detail closer to launch.

You can learn more about the world of Battlefield 2042 here.

The Last Oricru Gameplay Overview Trailer

Prime Matter and GoldKnights today revealed the first gameplay glimpse into their upcoming debut title, the action-RPG The Last Oricru. The Last Oricru transports players to the wonderful sci-fi/medieval world of Wardenia. Players take on the role of Silver, a man who crash-landed years ago on this mysterious planet, just to be suddenly waken up from his cryochamber. The mystery of Silver’s role in the story will unfold as players begin to learn more about him as they journey through Wardenia with him.

In The Last Oricru, choices matter. Players will be able to directly influence the outcome of the game by their decisions and actions. This single player and local co-op experience is a launch title for Prime Matter, the new premium games label from Koch Media.

The newly released narrated gameplay video introduces the core elements of the game and throws players into a bloody civil war over supremacy on Wardania.

About The Last Oricru
The Last Oricru is an action-RPG with a strong emphasis on dynamic storytelling and player choice. Waking up in the living and breathing sci-fi/medieval world of Wardenia, players find themselves in the middle of a massive civil war over supremacy on the planet. Intense combat, massive battles and a dark conspiracy overshadow the once peaceful world. Choose your own path, side with the different factions and influence the outcome of the war in this choice-driven experience. The Last Oricru is designed as both a single-player and a local co-op experience.

Visit the Prime Matter website here – https://primematter.gg/en-us

Visit the official stie for The Last Oricru here – https://lastoricru.com/

Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Gets Sister of Thorn Career

Independent developer Fatshark is proud to bring new content to the console versions of the award-winning and multi-million selling Warhammer: Vermintide 2.

Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
Today the new career Sister of the Thorn reaches Xbox players. The career was released earlier this month on PC and became the most popular career to date.

Playstation 4
A really big day for the Playstation players. The Sister of the Thorn career is available today as well as the hit expansion Chaos Wastes. The latter has been a big hit on both PC and Xbox, and now it’s ready to charm – in its brutal way – Playstation players.

“A great day for all Warhammer: Vermintide 2 console players” says Martin Wahlund, CEO Fatshark. “Both the Sister of the Thorn and Chaos Wastes have been enormous successes and we are glad to release them on consoles.”

Sister of the Thorn – Xbox and Playstation 4
The Sister of the Thorn is a new career for Kerillian that brings new abilities, weapon types, talent tree, character skin, challenges as well as a new hat and new voice lines. Kerillian will use magic in a greater way than ever before and will not pull any magical punches towards any enemies she encounters. The Sister of the Thorn is the perfect member of any team as she brings the heaviest support of all careers in the game.

Sister of the Thorn Features
Briar Javelin
Deepwood Staff
New talent tree
Exclusive character skin
New challenges
New voice lines
New hat

The Good, The Bart, and The Loki Short Announced for Disney+

Today, Disney+ announced “The Good, The Bart, and The Loki,” a new Marvel-themed short from “The Simpsons” premiering Wednesday, July 7. In the new short coming exclusively to Disney+, Loki is banished from Asgard once again and must face his toughest opponents yet: the Simpsons and Springfield’s mightiest heroes. The God of Mischief teams up with Bart Simpson in the ultimate crossover event paying tribute to the Marvel Cinematic Universe of Super Heroes and villains.

Click me!

Tom Hiddleston returns as the voice of Loki in the new animated short. The God of Mischief will be seen alongside many fan-favorite characters from “The Simpsons.”

Key art for “The Good, The Bart, and The Loki,” inspired by the poster for Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Endgame,” is now available.

“The Good, The Bart, and The Loki” is the second in a series of Disney+ shorts from “The Simpsons” that highlight the service’s marquee brands and titles. The previously released Star Wars-themed short “Maggie Simpson in ‘The Force Awakens from Its Nap’” is now streaming on Disney+.

New episodes of Marvel Studios’ original series “Loki” stream Wednesdays on Disney+.

Six Flags Great Adventure Unveils July Events Including Fright Fest Auditions

Six Flags Great Adventure has released their calendar of events for the month of July – including auditions for their upcoming Halloween time staple, Fright Fest!

Coca-Cola July 4th Fest – July 2, 3 & 4

Six Flags Great Adventure will celebrate Independence Day, the ultimate American tradition, July 2 through 4. Coca-Cola July 4th Fest at Six Flags offers three days of patriotic fun and thrills including music, food, fireworks, and more. Six Flags will end each night with a bang as Coca-Cola presents a fireworks show along the Great Lake starting at 9 p.m. Guests can save up to 50% when they purchase tickets online, courtesy of Coca-Cola.

  • Dazzling Nightly Fireworks – 9 pm

Three nights of patriotic, awe-inspiring fireworks will light up the night sky above the park’s Great Lake. Paired with a soundtrack of iconic American anthems, these fireworks will be the perfect end to a thrilling day of coasters and family fun. Space along the Lakefront fills up fast, so guests wanting a seat for the 9 pm show should plan to arrive early.

  • Limited Time Offer – Star-Spangled Spritzer

Warm summer days pair perfectly with this special summer refresher, available for a limited time during the Coca-Cola 4th Fest. Made with Sprite, this red and white thirst quencher will be available for purchase at Seaport Eats, Sugar Shack, Fast Track Snacks, and Shore Eats & Treats.

  • Festive Street Performers

Towering stilt walkers decked out in their red, white and blues, fanciful hula hoopers, and other fun characters will bring the Main Street Fountain area to life.

Xpedition Dino – July 1 to 31

Daily in July, guests will have the option to drive their own vehicles or walk through this Jurassic adventure, which features 30 life-size dinosaurs with realistic movement and sound. By day, Xpedition Dino will be an add-on experience to the Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure with a custom audio tour available for streaming. After the safari closes each evening, Xpedition Dino will become a thrilling and educational walking, add-on tour to the theme park with memorable photo opportunities. Xpedition Dino will feature such iconic dinosaurs as the tyrannosaurus (T. Rex), triceratops, utahraptor, and brachiosaurus. Xpedition Dino requires a small upcharge to Memberships, Season Passes and daily tickets. Tickets and reservations should be made in advance at www.sixflags.com/greatadventure

Fright Fest Scare Actor/Zombie Auditions – July 23

Six Flags’ iconic Fright Fest returns in 2021, and the Entertainment Team is searching for individuals with a love for Halloween. In-person scare actor/zombie auditions will take place July 23 at 6 pm in Six Flags Great Adventure’s Employment Center. Group auditions are perfect for those with no previous experience in scaring, and include a fun exercise before the casting team. Applicants are encouraged to showcase their quirky, strange, funny, and creepy qualities. All participants must be at least 16 years old. Applicants will enter through the employee entrance at 609 Monmouth Road, Jackson, NJ. Candidates should apply online before attending an audition at www.sixflagsjobs.com. Fright Fest runs September 10 through October 31 on weekends and select days.

General Park Information

For more information, guests can call 732/928-2000 or visit www.sixflags.com/greatadventure, www.sixflags.com/safari and www.sixflags.com/hurricaneharbornj