Author - Jerry Paxton

McFarlane Tous Unveils The Witcher 3 Action Figure

2020/08/17
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Screenshots / Photos

One of the most critically acclaimed and popular video game franchises has linked up with one of the most innovative and creative action figure manufacturers. In a partnership with CD PROJEKT RED, McFarlane Toys is excited to announce the addition of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt action figure into their Fall 2020 lineup with the reveal of witcher Geralt of Rivia. A master of the sword, adept at combat magic, and with finely-honed witcher senses, Geralt was forged at the elite School of the Wolf and is considered one of the deadliest witchers ever trained.

The Geralt of Rivia 12-inch figure will be featured wearing his signature Kaer Morhen armor and will include Geralt’s silver and steel swords with sheaths, monster head trophies, and The Witcher branded base.

Video games produce some of the most amazing visuals you’ll ever see, and The Witcher is a huge part of that,” said Todd McFarlane, Creative Force and CEO of McFarlane Toys. “With The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, we’re now able to take these characters and literally have them jump out of your screen and create the most realistic, accurate action figure out there!”

McFarlane Toys’ Geralt of Rivia 12-inch figure will be available for pre-order in mid-Oct at Amazon.com and available at Best Buy, Walmart.com and specialty retailers worldwide in November 2020. MSRP $39.99.

Developed by CD PROJEKT RED and winner of over 250 Game of the Year awards, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a story-driven, open-world RPG set in a visually stunning dark fantasy universe full of meaningful choices and impactful consequences. As one of the few remaining professional monster slayers for hire known as ‘witchers,’ chart your own path to adventure in sprawling, monster-infested lands of the Continent. Discover unexplored landmarks and abandoned ruins, meet vivid characters with their own goals and motivations, and take on multi-layered quests as you strive to find the Child of Prophecy whose power might just be the key to saving the entire realm — or destroying it.

Fans will start to see additional new The Witcher action figures from McFarlane Toys rolling out on retailer shelves in 2021.

Razer Blackshark V2 Review

2020/08/15
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Reviews, Tech News, Tech Review

The Razer Blackshark was a favorite headset of mine for quite some time thanks to its aviation-inspired design. Hold onto your seats as the new Razer Blackshark V2 is out and, while it no longer boasts the aircraft style, it does offer some serious features and sound quality. In terms of its outward appearance, the Razer Blackshark V2 is rather simple with a dark gray/black frame and black padding. There are two green Razer logos on the headphones which are equipped with some Chroma RGB lighting and there is a volume control knob on the left ear cup along with a (removable) flexible boom microphone. The Razer Blackshark V2 version comes with its own USB sound card and this is what enables the THX features.

The new Razer Blackshark V2 offers some serious features – thanks, in part, due to its partnership with George Lucas-created THX. The biggest of these is the THX Spatial Audio technology. This virtual 7.1 surround sound solution allows gamers to customize their soundscape and get the best sound possible. It’s pretty darn amazing when in use and switching back to regular headphones afterwards is jarring… Razer BlackShark V2 users can also use THX Game Profiles as well, which are pre-made audio profiles for a variety of games, with more to come. Of course, the Blackshark V2 is compatible with Razer’s Synapse control suite and there is where you can tweak and adjust all your sound settings and profiles. The whole GUI used in this process is easy to navigate and attractive to boot, which is never a bad thing.

Also in the new Razer Blackshark V2 is Razer’s new Triforce Titanium 50mm drivers, which includes a patented design with separated ports to project high, mid, and low-level sound, mimicking a tweeter, speaker, subwoofer all in one unit. Is it perfect? No. But, it is very – VERY good. And how does all this technology stack to create an aural experience? Very well, and the Blackshark V2 provided outstanding audio quality for every game I played with it – from shooters to flight simulations. The THX music mode also provides excellent audio when jamming out to your favorite tunes. Additionally, the Razer Hyperclear Cardioid microphone has some very good audio quality and advanced, passive background noise cancellation. It has a flexible boom so you can orient the microphone wherever you wish. Making it even more flexible is the fact that you can remove it from the headphones if its not needed. Making the Razer Blackshark V2 even better is its padding. I could wear the headset for hours and never get any pain or pressure points. This is a terrific set of headphones for when endurance is needed – whether its at a tournment or just listening to music all night while doing homework.

The Razer BlackShark V2 is compatible with both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One game consoles. All you have to do is plug it in and you’re off to the races. Something that is worth mentioning is that the audio quality degrades somewhat in this mode as you do not have access to the USB sound card or the THX Game Profiles, modes, etc. However, it is still a fine headset for console use.

Making things even better is its $99 dollar price tag which, when considering the inclusion of the USB sound card, is a good value for the money. Simply put, the Razer Blackshark V2 gaming headset is comfortable, affordable, and it sounds great. The only thing which would drive my 9.3 score to a full 10 out of 10 would be wireless capability. Razer’s wireless headphones are outstanding, so I know they could put that technology in place with the Blackshark V2.

ExoCorps Coming to Steam Early Access

2020/08/14
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Independent developer Gingerbred today announced that their new sci-fi multiplayer shooter ExoCorps will be coming to Steam Early Access for PC on September 17th. Explore the vast alien landscapes on foot or go airborne with your built in full-flight jet-pack as you undertake stealth-based seek and destroy missions.

ExoCorps is the tactical combat platform of the future and an international initiative is testing new military technologies for use across the globe and into the solar system. ExoCorps units are armed with a formidable six in one multirifle, capable of delivering a range of lethal ordnance including auto-cannon fire, multi rockets, plasma bolts, and mingun onslaught. Players can also deliver long range lethality by seeking higher ground for sniper based kills with the deadly rail gun or laser.

Drawing gameplay inspiration from classic game titles such as Counter-Strike and Tribes, with a dash of the epic aerial duels featured in animes such as Macross, ExoCorps is a multiplayer arena FPS set in the near future. At its core, ExoCorps is a game where combat prowess and gaining the tactical advantage over your foe in a cat and mouse hunt to the death is the difference between success and failure.

Mastering an ExoCorps suit isn’t just about deftly evading enemy fire, as players will need to manage power resources too, since ammo and health draw from the same pool. Fly for too long and heat seeker missiles will have no problem locking on to the heat signature of the Exosuits powerful jet propulsion system. Armed with awesome firepower, some keen flying skills and stealthy ground work, players can bring the full range of their tactical combat skills to bear as they hunt down their elusive and cunning foe.

ExCorps will support Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and Capture the Flag modes and also launches with five maps, for more information check out https://exocorpsgame.com/

Bill and Ted Face the Music Soundtrack Announced

2020/08/14
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Movie News, News, Trailers / Videos

Orion Pictures’ BILL AND TED FACE THE MUSIC and Weezer have released a most excellent music video for Weezer’s new original song, “Beginning Of The End (Wyld Stallyns Edit)”. The video brings together Weezer with iconic duo William “Bill” S. Preston Esq. (Alex Winter) and Theodore “Ted” Logan (Keanu Reeves) to rock out to Weezer’s characteristic pop melodies and SoCal rock sound.

10K Projects will release Bill & Ted Face The Music, The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack on August 28, 2020. Full track listing below and pre-order the soundtrack here: https://billandted.lnk.to/soundtrack

The stakes are higher than ever for the time-traveling exploits of William “Bill” S. Preston Esq. (Alex Winter) and Theodore “Ted” Logan (Keanu Reeves). The now middle aged best friends set out on a new adventure to seek the song that will set their world right and bring harmony in the universe, with the helped by their daughters (Samara Weaving and Brigette Lundy-Paine), a new batch of historical figures and a few music legends. The film also stars Kristen Schaal, Erinn Hayes, Jayma Mays, Holland Taylor, Kid Cudi, Anthony Carrigan, Jillian Bell, Beck Bennett, William Sadler, Hal Landon Jr. and Amy Stoch.

BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC will be released on demand and in theaters on August 28, 2020.

Bill & Ted Face The Music (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) track listing:
1. Big Black Delta – “Lost in Time”
2. Alec Wigdahl – “Big Red Balloon”
3. Weezer – “Beginning Of The End (Wyld Stallyns Edit)”
4. Cold War Kids – “Story Of Our Lives”
5. Mastodon – “Rufus Lives”
6. Big Black Delta – “Circuits Of Time”
7. POORSTACY – “Darkest Night”
8. Lamb Of God – “The Death Of Us”
9. FIDLAR – “Breaker”
10. Culture Wars – “Leave Me Alone”
11. Blame My Youth – “Right Where You Belong”
12. Wyld Stallyns (feat. Animals As Leaders, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah) – “Face the Music”
13. Wyld Stallyns – “That Which Binds Us Through Time: The Chemical, Physical and Biological Nature of Love; an Exploration of The Meaning of Meaning, Part 1”

Dying Light – Hellraid Launch Trailer

2020/08/13
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

Dying Light – Hellraid, a brand new game mode for Techland’s open-world action adventure game, Dying Light, is now live. A DLC based on the developer’s currently-on-hold first-person dark fantasy slasher is a way of bringing the title to the players.

Dying Light – Hellraid allows players to descend into Hell where the players will be able to find all new weapons and slay new enemies. The game mode has a progression system, and can be played both single and in co-op.

The DLC is available on PC starting today, and will be live on PlayStation4 and Xbox One on August 14 at $9.99. Post launch support for Dying Light – Hellraid is already planned including new weapons, bounties, and others, starting with Lord Hector’s Demise planned for September. Further free updates will be available in the upcoming months.

HACK THROUGH THE HORDES OF HELL

Step into a portal to leave the familiar streets of Harran behind and emerge in an otherworldly stronghold overrun by servants of Hell. Slay brand-new demonic enemies with medieval swords, axes, and hammers as you venture through stone corridors and dimly lit chambers.

MASTER A NEW GAME MODE

Prove your skills in intense, rewarding runs through the demon-infested dungeon. Improve your Hellraid rank to access new weapons you can also wield outside of the infernal realm. With the future update you will be able to pick up bounties for additional prizes as you revisit the fortress.

RAID ALONE OR IN CO-OP

Take your chances alone or gather a party of up to 4 people and be certain Hell’s minions will always be ready for you. Prepare to face unholy forces matching your numbers and strength for a formidable challenge.

Amazon Announces Welcome to the Blumhouse for October

2020/08/13
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, Movie News, News

Amazon Prime Video announced today “Welcome to the Blumhouse”, a program of eight unsettling, genre movies produced by Jason Blum’s Blumhouse Television and Amazon Studios. Sharing the spine-tingling suspense that’s a Blumhouse signature, each film presents a distinctive vision and unique perspective on common themes centered around family and love as redemptive or destructive forces. This slate marks the first ever program of Amazon Original movies on Prime Video that are thematically connected. The films showcase exciting up-and-coming talent, alongside established actors in exceptional and shocking new roles. “Welcome to the Blumhouse” will launch in October, timed for the Halloween season, on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories worldwide.

Amazon Prime Video will launch the initial slate of four films as double features starting with The Lie directed by acclaimed writer/director Veena Sud (The Killing, 7 Seconds) and Black Box directed by up-and-coming writer/director Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr. (Born with It), both premiering on October 6. Launching the following week on October 13 is Evil Eye, from talented young directors Elan Dassani and Rajeev Dassani (A Day’s Work, Jinn) and executive produced by Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Quantico, White Tiger), and Nocturne written and directed by filmmaker Zu Quirke (Zugzwang, Ghosting) making her feature film debut. The latter four films will launch in 2021.

“We are excited to launch ‘Welcome to the Blumhouse’ with this exhilarating and provocative slate of original films for the first time ever on Prime Video. This collection from diverse and emerging filmmakers was a thrill to put together with our wonderful partners at Blumhouse Television,” said Julie Rapaport, Co-Head of Movies for Amazon Studios. “These chilling stories have something for everyone – ready to fright and delight genre fans and newcomers alike – and we are excited to share them with our global Prime Video customers.”

“We’re beyond excited that the visions of these talented filmmakers will finally be seen by genre fans around the world, especially during this time when people are seeking to escape and be entertained. And we love the innovative idea of programming like the classic drive-in or repertory theater experience,” said Marci Wiseman and Jeremy Gold, co-presidents Blumhouse Television. “Amazon have been incredible partners, linking arms and supporting the creative visions throughout the process of making these films.”

The Lie is written and directed by Veena Sud, and stars Mireille Enos (The Killing), Peter Sarsgaard (An Education) and Joey King (The Kissing Booth 2, The Act). When their teenaged daughter confesses to impulsively killing her best friend, two desperate parents attempt to cover up the horrific crime, leading them into a complicated web of lies and deception. Produced by Alix Madigan-Yorkin, Christopher Tricarico, and Jason Blum. Executive produced by Howard Green, Kim Hodgert, Jeanette Volturno, Couper Samuelson and Aaron Barnett.

Directed by Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr. (Born With It) and script by Osei-Kuffour Jr. and Stephen Herman, Black Box stars Mamoudou Athie (Jurassic World 3, The Circle), Phylicia Rashad (Creed), Amanda Christine (Colony), Tosin Morohunfola (The Chi, The 24th), Charmaine Bingwa (Trees of Peace, Little Sista), and Troy James (The Flash, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark). After losing his wife and his memory in a car accident, a single father undergoes an agonizing experimental treatment that causes him to question who he really is. Executive produced by Jason Blum, Jay Ellis, Aaron Bergman, Lisa Bruce, Marci Wiseman, Jeremy Gold, Mynette Louie and William Marks.

Based off the award-winning, best-selling Audible Original production from writer Madhuri Shekar, Evil Eye is directed by Elan Dassani and Rajeev Dassani, and stars Sarita Choudhury (Mississippi Masala, Lady in the Water), Sunita Mani (GLOW), Omar Maskati (Unbelievable), and Bernard White (Silicon Valley). A seemingly perfect romance turns into a nightmare when a mother becomes convinced her daughter’s new boyfriend has a dark connection to her own past. Executive produced by Jason Blum, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Lisa Bruce, Marci Wiseman, Jeremy Gold, Guy Stodel, Anjula Acharia, Emilia Lapenta and Kate Navin.

Nocturne is written and directed by Zu Quirke in her breakout feature debut. Starring Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria, The Handmaid’s Tale, Player’s Table), Madison Iseman (Jumanji: The Next Level, Annabelle Comes Home), Jacques Colimon (The Society) and Ivan Shaw (Insecure, Casual). Inside the halls of an elite arts academy, a timid music student begins to outshine her more accomplished and outgoing twin sister when she discovers a mysterious notebook belonging to a recently deceased classmate. Executive produced by Jason Blum, Lisa Bruce, Marci Wiseman, Jeremy Gold, Matthew Myers and Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly.

Frostpunk: On The Edge Gameplay Trailer

2020/08/12
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

With great excitement, 11 bit studios is happy to unveil all the new features awaiting players in Frostpunk: On The Edge. Frostpunk’s Lead Game Designer, Jakub Stokalski, will guide you through the additions in an all-new in-game developer commentary video. The third expansion for the survival city-builder Frostpunk will launch on PC on August 20th.

On The Edge revolves around themes of trust and loyalty. Assigned as the leader of a newly formed Outpost — settled near a newly-found Army Warehouse — you are kept on New London’s leash and bound to transfer all your precious findings to headquarters. At the same time, you have to rely on scarce food deliveries and laws enforced by your supervisor. It’s a delicate balance to navigate — each decision introduces new potential risks and unknowns. But as soon as an alternate food source is discovered by your scouts, you start to think about surviving on your own…

The next finding is an even bigger breakthrough — there are other Settlements out there willing to cooperate with you. Once you manage to gain their loyalty, designate trade routes between new allies, and regain control over your Book of Laws, then perhaps you can form a strong, independent union, and shake off New London’s yoke. And who knows, maybe one day the proud city will ask for your help?

Creating foundations for a new community comes with an array of difficulties. Confronting New London as well as dealing with other Settlements will test your diplomatic skills, but you can’t forget that in the long run, Frostpunk is all about survival. What compromises are you willing to make to achieve that ultimate goal?

On The Edge – Features List:

  • Choose your truce – Can you trust other communities? Should you respect their ways of survival or bend them to your will?
  • Establish an economical union with other outposts using the Transport Depot.
  • Help develop other Settlements by fulfilling their requests.
  • Construct safe routes on the Frostland and exchange surplus resources for those you lack.
  • Discover 16 brand new areas of the Frostland and revisit some of the old sites – learning their fate after the Great Storm.
  • Communicate with other communities thanks to brand new UI in the Administration building.
  • Try to survive without control over the Book of Laws.
  • Enable new mechanics available in the Endless Mode.

On The Edge is the third and final expansion for Frostpunk. It was preceded by The Rifts, which challenged players to build a city on the map containing a group of islands with various resources, and prequel story The Last Autumn focused on building an iconic Generator. All expansions are available in Frostpunk’s Season Pass which can be found here: https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/11780/Frostpunk_Season_Pass/.

Frostpunk: On The Edge will be available Aug. 20th, 2020 on PC via Steam, GOG.com, and Humble Store. Be sure to add the expansion to your Steam Wishlist here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1147010/Frostpunk_On_The_Edge/.

Willy Morgan and the Curse of Bone Town Launch Trailer

2020/08/11
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Developer imaginarylab, a studio dedicated to raising the bar in interactive storytelling, and VLG, a forward-thinking Italian publisher committed to offering authentic narrative-driven entertainment, have announced that their point-and-click side-scrolling adventure game with a modern twist, Willy Morgan and the Curse of Bone Town, is now available on Steam and GOG for $19.99. In celebration of its launch, the game will be discounted 15% for an entire week after release.

Learn more about Willy’s adventure with today’s launch trailer:

“Willy Morgan and the Curse of Bone Town hearkens back to the days we played point-and-click classics like Day of the Tentacle and the Monkey Island series way past our bedtime,” says Daniele Falcone, General Manager at VLG. “Old school fans can finally experience this beloved genre with contemporary mechanics and introduce their kids to a type of game we don’t see enough of today.”

Willy Morgan and the Curse of Bone Town offers a modern take on point-and-click adventure games by having players collect clues and solve puzzles in a computerized 3D pirate world. As Willy uncovers details regarding his father’s mysterious disappearance, fans of all ages are able to enjoy hilarious dialogue, whimsical characters and charming cartoon graphics. People who grew up with the genre can appreciate easter eggs that reference iconic titles they grew up during the good old days.

Key Features:

  • Non-linear gameplay – Explore without constraint, collect items and solve stimulating puzzles.

  • Unique graphic style – A fantastical world with a magical atmosphere.

  • Full HD quality – Cinematographic cutscenes and over 50 locations to see.

  • A pirate world with a modern twist – Pirates and computers? Why not?!

  • 15 NPCs to interact with – Learn about the story through several hours of interactive dialogues packed with irony and easter eggs.

  • Original soundtrack – More than two hours of original music.

Willy Morgan and the Curse of Bone Town is now available on Steam and GOG for $19.99. In celebration of its launch, the game will be discounted 15% for one whole week after release. For more information, please visit the title’s Steam page and GOG page.

Little Witch Academia: VR Broom Racing Release Date Trailer

2020/08/11
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Little Witch Academia: VR Broom Racing (LWAVR), the VR racing game from UNIVRS Inc. based on the famous anime, takes off on Oculus Quest on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020, before casting a spell on PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift, and Steam VR in early 2021.

Enroll as a guest student at the famous Luna Nova Witchcraft Academy, then ride a broom and soar through the skies across more than 10 tracks. Partner with fan-favorite Little Witch Academia characters such as Akko, Lotte, and Sucy, voiced in both English and Japanese by the anime’s voice actors. Race through the skies in first person perspective with UNIVRS, Inc.’s patent-pending motion sickness reduction technology.

Unfold a new story and dive into the LWA universe in immersive virtual reality. Pair up with fellow students while purifying ghosts, and customizing brooms. Join real-world friends in online multiplayer modes and take in the splendor of the Luna Nova Witchcraft Academy.

This adaptation of Studio TRIGGER’s hit anime series features veterans of anime and gaming such as director Junichi Yamamoto, whose past positions include opening and ending movie director on The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and storyboard artist of Batman Ninja, and sound supervisor Yukio Nagasaki (Love Live!, Arc the Lad). Along with the returning voice cast, TV series songwriter/composer Yuiko Ohara and singer YURiKA return with a new theme song “Dream Flight,” exclusive to this game.

LWAVR sees the fulfillment of a pair of successful 2019 crowdfunding campaigns, with more than $165,000 raised in total between Kickstarter, and popular Japanese crowdfunding site Campfire. The Little Witch Academia series has always been driven by fan support, with a short film raising $625,518 from 7,938 backers, and its success leading to a 25-episode Netflix series.

“The fans are the lifeblood of the Little Witch Academia series, and that principle guided us at UNIVRS when creating VR Broom Racing,” said Naoya Koji, COO at UNIVRS. “We strived to make this as accessible an experience as possible for the fans, even if it’s their first virtual reality experience, and know we will live up to their expectations.”

Little Witch Academia: VR Broom Racing releases October 13, 2020 for $29.99 on the Oculus Quest Store, featuring English and Japanese language text and voice acting. Versions for PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift, and SteamVR follow in early 2021.

To learn more, visit the official website, Facebook page, and follow Little Witch Academia VR on Twitter.