Author - boothby

The Surge 2 Essential Tips Trailer

October 2, 2019 – Deck13 and Focus Home Interactive’s latest hardcore action-RPG was released last week on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, and players have begun their treacherous journey through Jericho. Utilizing The Surge 2’s unique limb-targeting system, players will need to rip and tear new gear from their enemies through brutal executions. To aid them on their mission, today’s new trailer has some simple and advanced tips on The Surge 2’s gameplay elements.

Each fight in The Surge 2 is a desperate risk-versus-reward decision. Will you target a weak spot to end the fight quickly? Or will you target an armored part to gain powerful materials and weapons? You must utilize all the tools in your arsenal to survive, including a customizable combat drone, game-changing implants, and a new directional parrying system, all of which are discussed in the new trailer.

Discover the mysteries of Jericho City and the sources of the nanomachine plague alongside Athena, a mysterious young girl linked to your past, and escape the carnage of Jericho City.

The Surge 2 is now available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. For more information, visit http://thesurge-game.com/shop

LucasFilm Unveils Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Promotional Brand Partners

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. (October 2, 2019)—Lucasfilm announced today that they are joining forces with eight of the world’s most iconic and best-in-class  brands—Porsche, Bose, United Airlines, General Electric, McDonald’s, Samsung Mobile,  General Mills, and Dannon—for the launch of a massive global promotional campaign in support of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, hitting theaters on December 20.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is the ninth episode in the Skywalker saga and the concluding chapter in this iconic series after over 40 years of storytelling. To celebrate the highly anticipated release, Lucasfilm and the film’s eight promotional partners have joined forces via a coordinated social moment to reveal a first look at Babu Frik. The tiny droidsmith, first glimpsed in toy form during the Triple Force Friday livestream event, works among the Spice Runners of Kijimi and can reprogram or modify virtually any droid, regardless of the security measures protecting its systems. The social moment consisted of the brands posting a piece of the exclusive image to their social handles that then drove fans to the Star Wars Blog to see the full image.

The brands are also teaming up to offer fans the chance to enter an exciting sweepstakes. The sweepstakes winner will be among the first to see the film at the World Premiere of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,  as well as receive a pair of already sold-out Jedi Master ticket packages to Star Wars Celebration 2020! To see the new image, and for official rules and how to enter the sweepstakes, go to https://www.starwars.com/the-rise-of-skywalker-sweepstakes-official-rules. (General sweepstakes information can be found at the end of this release.)

“We are thrilled to be working with these world-class brands as we celebrate global Star Wars fandom and the conclusion of the epic Skywalker saga. As true fans themselves, these brands will deliver innovative and integrated programs that will delight and engage Star Wars fans everywhere,” said Asad Ayaz, President of Marketing at The Walt Disney Studios.

Lylle Breier, SVP, Global Marketing Partnerships says, “When we set out to craft our promotional campaign for Star Wars, we wanted to align with brands that were not only best-in-class, but also unparalleled Star Wars fans themselves. The truly organic fit allowed for the development of unique and inspired creative, and as a result we are very proud of the exciting and distinct campaigns that will emerge from this collaboration.”

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker promotional-partner campaigns:

Porsche: Porsche is excited to collaborate with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. The timeless design of these iconic brands will be celebrated in a way that is sure to ignite enthusiasm among two of the most passionate fan-bases in the galaxy. The collaboration coincides with both the release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and the U.S. launch of the all-new, fully electric Porsche Taycan, marking a seminal moment in the history of Porsche. For more information on Porsche or the Taycan visit www.porsche.com/usa or follow @Porsche on social media.

United Airlines: This fall, United Airlines is inviting guests to fly the friendly galaxy. Check out special nods to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker featured on board, at upcoming film inspired experiential activations and fabulous first of its kind programming for fans across the galaxy to enjoy. United Airlines will debut a special aircraft design in celebration of the conclusion of the Skywalker sagthis November, taking to the skies among approximately 4,950 flights a day to 358 airports across five continents as part of the world’s most comprehensive route network.

Bose: Bose will provide audio augmented reality experiences through the official Star Wars app, bringing fans closer to the saga than ever before. With Bose AR-enabled wearable devices, fans can unlock an all-new, 360-degree audio storytelling journey into the Star Wars universe.  Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones II, and Bose Frames each have Bose AR capabilities built in, with motion sensors embedded inside that can detect a user’s head orientation and body movement.  The Star Wars app, enhanced with Bose AR, will use that information to deliver deeply immersive audio content. For more information visit Bose.com/AR

Samsung Mobile: Samsung Mobile celebrates the release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker with a special collaboration that showcases a connected world powered by Galaxy. Samsung mobile’s vision is to be the innovator of new mobile experiences that inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. For more details, please visit https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/campaigns/star-wars-ix-collaboration/.

General Electric: GE Appliances will harness the Force of Innovation with its GE Profile series to help families make their homes and lives easier through meaningful advances in smart technology for the kitchen and laundry room. GE Profile is joining forces with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker to bring fans special film engagement opportunities with appliance retailers around the country, as well as a national advertising spot. GE Appliances is driven by the force to create “good things, for life.” Find more on the latest home solutions at geappliances.com/The-Force-of-Innovation

McDonald’s: McDonald’s is inviting families to celebrate Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker with an out-of-this-world Happy Meal experience. Each Happy Meal will include 1 of 16 exclusive, stylized Star Warscollectible characters. Plus, there’s an exciting surprise with each toy: when opened and lit up, each one reveals one of four Star Wars hologram images with a unique connection to that character. Families in the U.S. will have the opportunity to extend the excitement with a sweepstakes opportunity with each Happy Meal!

General Mills, Inc.: Big G Cereals, Chex Mix, and Nature Valley have teamed up for Do Good in the Galaxy, an interactive campaign that benefits Feeding America. Between October 15, 2019 and May 14, 2020, scan participating packages or the character tattoo found inside Big G Cereals to unlock a special activity in the official Star Wars app. Complete the game to trigger a 10 cent donation from General Mills to Feeding America, enough to help secure one meal, up to a maximum donation of $100,000. https://www.generalmills.com/

Dannon: Danone North America, the leading maker of yogurt in the U.S., is celebrating the incredible release of Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker with families across the country.  Danimals®, the No. 1 kids brand in the dairy aisle, along with family favorites YoCrunch® and Dannon®, will be dressed up as your favorite characters from Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker. Danimals® is proud to continue fueling kids’ adventures by bringing from across the galaxy 6 amazing Star Wars Smoothie bottles to collect! YoCrunch® is bringing the magic of the light side and the dark side to families with out of this world custom Star Wars-themed toppers. Dannon® non-fat yogurt drinks will include 4 intergalactic Star Wars characters for adults to collect too! Danimals®, YoCrunch® and Dannon® Star Wars items will hit shelves nationwide November 2019 in the dairy aisle. http://danimals.com/

LucidSound Rose Gold LS35X Wireless Headset Available Now at Best Buy

SAN DIEGO, CA – OCTOBER 2, 2019 – LucidSound, the fastest growing gaming headset brand designed for the gaming lifestyle, announced today that its radiant rose gold and white LS35X Xbox Wireless headset is now available exclusively in Best Buy stores throughout the nation. The team at LucidSound engaged directly with its community and has delivered the most requested color combo for its acclaimed LS35X line. The new rose gold LS35X features LucidSound signature control, high performance audio, and best-in-class functionality. The rose gold LS35X is now available exclusively at Best Buy stores nationwide for $179.99.

The LS35X is designed for and caters to gamers looking to stand out from the crowd a headset that not only provides exceptional audio quality but a clean, sleek, premium aesthetic. Featuring a rose gold frame and pure white mic and ear cups, the LS35X is the perfect headset to compliment and complete any gamer’s set up.

LS35X Rose Gold Xbox Wireless Headset Info:

  • Xbox Wireless: 100% wireless using Xbox Wireless technology, one button sync with Xbox One consoles.
  • Premium Audio: Custom tuned 50mm speakers with state-of-the-art neodymium drivers specifically engineered for gaming provide amazing surround sound for Xbox One and Windows 10 devices.
  • Geek Meets Chic: Complete your look with this perfect marriage of form and functionality.
  • Designed for Comfort: Ultra-plush, easily replaceable oval earcups include advanced memory foam for superior comfort during long play sessions.
  • Advanced Dual Mic System: Removable, flexible boom mic for intense gaming sessions and built-in discreet mic (ideal for phone calls). Mic-monitoring lets you hear your own voice, so you don’t have to shout.
  • Lightweight Metal Frame: Durable metal frame for strength and flexible headrail for a comfortable fit.
  • Intuitive Controls: Rotate and adjust volume with the left ear control, push the center button to mute game audio. Rotate to control chat mix and push the center button to mute the mic on the right ear.

Best Buy Exclusive: Gamers can find the rose gold LS35X exclusively at Best Buy stores nationwide and online now for $179.99. Visit www.bestbuy.com/site/lucidsound-ls35x-wireless-stereo-gaming-headset-black/6359242.p?skuId=6359242

Borderlands 3 Celebrates Franchise’s 10th Anniversary

October 2, 2019 – This month, it will have been 10 years since the original Borderlands debuted on October 20, 2009, and we’re showing our appreciation for a full decade of support with a five-week Borderlands Anniversary Celebration. For the entire month of October (and a little bit of November), Borderlands 3 Vault Hunters of all levels can score extra in-game loot and bonuses.

Each of the next five weeks will feature its very own theme in Borderlands 3, encouraging different in-game activities to maximize your rewards. As of Tuesday, October 1 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time, Boss Week is live and will remain active until October 8 at 8:59 a.m. Pacific Time, when the following week’s theme will begin. During Boss Week, certain bosses will have an increased chance to drop specific Legendary items. For a full boss-by-boss breakdown of Legendary loot drops, check out this blog.

Keep in mind this is just the beginning of the Borderlands Anniversary Celebration, and while we’re saving some surprises for later, here’s an early look at the calendar’s themed weeks:

  • Week 1 (October 1-7): Bonus Boss Loot!
  • Week 2 (October 8-14): Rare Spawn Hunt!
  • Week 3 (October 15-21): Show Me the Eridium!
  • Week 4 (October 22-28): Mayhem on Twitch!
  • Week 5 (October 29 – November 4): It’s a Secret…

We’ll be unveiling all the bonuses for each week’s theme every Monday this coming month on borderlands.com, so be sure to check back to see what’s in store for the Borderlands Anniversary Celebration.

Dear Esther now Available for iOS and iPadOS

Brighton, United Kingdom – October 2nd, 2019 – The Chinese Room, a Sumo Digital Studio, is proud to announce that its acclaimed first-person narrative adventure Dear Esther is now available for iOS and iPadOS devices in the App Store. Priced at £4.99 / €5.49 / $4.99, this mobile version of the game offers an intimate new way to play an award-winning experience.

Dear Esther asks the player to explore the mysterious windswept coastline and shimmering caves of a dreamlike Hebridean isle. Beginning with an unnamed narrator uttering fragments from a letter addressed “Dear Esther”, players must make sense of peculiar markings on the walls, strange machine parts, and eerie, otherworldly sightings. Dynamic narration means that no two playthroughs are the same, offering the player more than one way to interpret Dear Esther’s hypnotic tale.

Since its commercial release on PC in 2012 and console in 2016, Dear Esther has sold over one million units and is seen as a benchmark in interactive and emotional storytelling. PC Gamer said it “provokes thought and feeling in a way few other games do.” It also won praise for its visuals and music, with The Daily Telegraph saying, “Dear Esther’s visuals are majestic”.

The game has won multiple awards since release including the prize for “Excellence in Visual Arts” at the 2012 Independent Games Festival, “Best use of narrative” at the 2012 Develop Awards, “Visual Design” and four more awards at the 2012 TIGA Awards, and 5 nominations at the 2012 BAFTA awards.

“It’s exciting to introduce a brand new generation to Dear Esther,” said The Chinese Room co-founder Dan Pinchbeck. “So many people who’ve already played the game on other systems have told us they can’t wait to play it again, which is incredibly humbling. It’s gratifying to know that they’ll head back to the island one more time and that they’ll share it with a brand-new audience.”

“Dear Esther is a timeless example of pushing the boundaries of video games as a storytelling medium,” said Gary Dunn, Managing Director of Sumo Digital. “It’s fitting that this incredible game represents Sumo Digital continuing to push beyond what we’re known for. We look forward to The Chinese Room’s next game, Little Orpheus, coming in spring 2020.”

Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operation 2 Launch Trailer

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (October 1, 2019) – Leading anime video game developer and publisher BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. today announced the launch of Mobile Suit Gundam® Battle Operation 2 in the Americas for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system. The free-to-play title will be available as a digital download via the PlayStation Store.

Whether by land or by space, Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operation 2 features fan favorite Mobile Suits for pilots to strap into and lay waste to their foes. Players will fight for survival in intense 6v6 online team battles with players all around the world. Infantry battles in Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operation 2 add a new dimension to the in-game combat, giving pilots the ability to take part in the fight alongside mechas, placing bombs in enemy bases or requesting support fire to help decide the outcome of the battle. Additionally, customizable Mobile Suits offer players the opportunity to enhance their favorite mecha through Development Points earned in battle.

“The Gundam franchise is a rich universe featuring storylines full of drama, honor, and intense action,” said Shoya Yamazaki, Director of I.P. Strategy at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “By bringing Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operation 2 to the Americas, we invite western audiences to experience the Gundam world first-hand by taking part in visceral Gundam Mobile Suit battles and to dive deeper into this storied universe.”

Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operation 2 features an ever-evolving rotation of Mobile Suits, stages, costumes, and events; with more content to come following the game’s initial launch. Lastly, the top 10 Mobile Suits chosen by fans between July 18, 2019 to August 16, 2019 during the Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operation 2 “Mobilize Your Vote” polling campaign will be made available free to download from October 1, 2019 through October 31, 2019. To see which Mobile Suits made it to the top 10 list – as chosen by fans – please visit: https://gbo2online.com/.

Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operation 2 has an ESRB rating of “T” for Teen. For more information about Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operation 2 or 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 at https://www.twitter.com/BandaiNamcoUS.

Six Flags Great Adventure Announces 30-Hour Coffin Challenge Contestants

October 1, 2019 – Six Flags Great Adventure put out the call for those who would dare to spend 30 hours in a coffin during the Northeast’s largest Halloween party, Fright Fest.  When the registration deadline ended, nearly 6,000 people from all over the country had entered to be a Coffin Dweller. The Six Flags 30-Hour Coffin Challenge will take place Oct. 13 and 14 with a variety of frightful, new rules, ghastly games for the six unlucky coffin dwellers and a guest emcee — The Munsters star Butch Patrick.

The six participants will lay in a fully-covered wooden coffin for 30 hours, receive brief bathroom and phone breaks every three hours, eat their meals in their coffins, endure creepy challenges and receive unannounced visits from Fright Fest freaks and live critters like snakes, spiders and skunks. A new point system will tabulate one grand prize winner and runners up. Challenges will offer coffin dwellers the chance to earn points, and penalize them if they waive a challenge.

The six Coffin Dwellers were chosen based on the creativity of their essays. This year’s contestants are:

  • Amanda Roberts, Hopatcong, NJ – This 31-year-old Halloween fanatic eats, sleeps and breaths all things creepy. She’s a makeup artist for haunts, plays in a horror-themed punk band, works at a Halloween store and suspends herself from hooks through her flesh (known as body suspension). “Who WOULDN’T want to spend time in a coffin?! I’m so excited,” she said.
  • Michael Markawicz of Ridley Park, PA – Markawicz was inspired by a strange happening in his youth – while attending a family viewing and paying respect to his loved one, the body sat up. Death fascinated him and for the last 13 years he has been fighting to saving lives as a paramedic. The 32-year-old Halloween fanatic also survived being lost in the woods in freezing temperatures, so can he survive the cold, lonely coffin?
  • Deborah “Cricket” Alanis, Bayshore, NY – This 53-year-old mom of three wants to prove she’s got what it takes. She has survived cancer and worked as a funeral director for many years. “I’m not scared of premature entombment – bring it on,” Alanis said.
  • Kerri Platt, Forked River, NJ – Platt has stared death in the face. This 47-year-old mom nearly died in childbirth, and last year donated a kidney to save her mother’s life. This is her second year applying for the challenge and she is ready to show she is “the coolest mom ever.”
  • LynnAnn Joyce and Alairra Craven of Seaside Heights, NJ – This dynamic mother/daughter duo can’t wait for some unusual family bonding time. 44-year-old Joyce is “petrified of death” and coffins but wants to prove that she can confront her fears like her daughter, 18-year-old Craven. Craven just completed Army basic training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina and was most nervous about training in the gas chamber. The determined Joyce also has Lupus and wants to show others that “I have it, but it will never have me.”

If a contestant cannot fill his or her place in the coffin, an alternate has been selected:

  • Ashley Allen, Willingboro, NJ – The Halloween-obsessed 26-year-old is currently studying to become a mortician. She is a huge fan of Stephen King, Edgar Allen Poe and horror movies, and says that her personality resembles that of Morticia Addams of The Addams Family.

DETAILS:

Highlights of this year’s Coffin Challenge include:

  • Fully-covered coffin lid with just a small mesh hole for that ultra-claustrophobic feeling;
  • Games that include live bugs, pungent food items and trivia to earn points, penalties and a “Get Out of the Coffin” card;
  • Fewer bathroom, stretch and phone breaks – coffin dwellers will only be permitted to leave the coffin once for 13 minutes every three hours to use the restroom or their phones;
  • Sleep deprivation with Yacht Rock and songs like “Baby Shark” on repeat during overnight hours;
  • Applications accepted from individuals and pairs who want to conquer the event together;
  • Guest emcee Butch Patrick, who starred as Eddie in The Munsters, will host challenges, The Munsters trivia and the Raising from the Dead Ceremony for any survivors on Oct. 14; and
  • Scores will be tabulated throughout the event, and the grand prize winner will receive $600, two Six Flags Gold Passes and two Fright Fest Haunted Maze Passes. Runners up will receive items ranging from Fright Fest day passes to season passes.

WHEN:

Begins Sunday, October 13 at 2:30 pm with a Laying to Rest Ceremony

Concludes Monday, October 14 at 8:30 pm with a Raising from the Dead Ceremony

WHERE:

Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ – Demon District

Castle Dark 2019 Open Now

Riverside, Calif. September 12, 2019 – This fall, Castle Park takes on a sinister side as it eerily transforms into Castle Dark! The ultimate Riverside Halloween experience beckons brave souls to face their worst nightmares with eight brand new terrifying elements. The gates of Castle Dark will creek open at 7 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, Sept. 28 – Oct. 27.

Headlining Castle Dark are three Terrifying NEW Mazes, each with a different theme. Step right up folks! For terrors and horrors never before seen in Jinxx & Havoc Twisted Circus! See the twisted circus filled with freaks of nature, twisted acrobats and crazy clowns. In Meltdown, Guests must hurry to make their way through a radioactive nuclear facility in order to shut down the reactor before danger befalls the city. Finally, they might encounter The Crooked Man who walked a crooked mile, and in the process uncover something truly vile.

The Park will also be transformed by 5 Spine-tingling NEW Scare Zones. Dark Harvest, where an evil cult roams the darkness in search of souls to set free. There is also the realm of The Lady in White – a ghostly bride searches for her slain fiancé as other spirits lurk in the shadows. Carefully tiptoe through
Dia De Los Muertos as once dead family members rise from their graves at night to celebrate the witching hour. The Nightmare will bring guests face to face with The Grim Reaper and his fallen monks, while The Midway will truly frighten, as a group of evil circus performers torment all those that enter.

Castle Dark at Castle Park is a special ticketed event, requires a separate ticket for admission and is not recommended for children under 13 or the faint of heart. Castle Dark admission tickets start as low as $19.99 when you buy online in advance. Rides, arcade, and miniature golf will also be open during the event. Hours of operation may vary. Visit castlepark.com for more details and to purchase tickets.

Nickelodeon’s Are You Afraid of the Dark? Getting Beyond Fest Premiere Event

Los Angeles, CA – Tuesday, October 1st, 2019 – Beyond Fest, the highest-attended genre film festival in the US, is excited to announce the premiere event of Nickelodeon’s Are You Afraid of the Dark? The three-part limited series event sees the return of the Midnight Society, with Beyond Fest bowing the first two episodes on Monday, Oct. 7. Courtesy of Nickelodeon, the special screening is an all-ages, family-friendly event built specifically for fans young and old and free to all guests with tickets obtained via RSVP (seating is subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis, details below).

Following the screening will be a special Are You Afraid of the Dark? panel with stars Lyliana Wray, Sam Ashe Arnold, Miya Cech and Jeremy Ray Taylor, ACE Entertainment’s Spencer Berman, writer BenDavid Grabinski, and director Dean Israelite. Berman, Grabinski and Israelite all serve as executive producers. The Are You Afraid of the Dark? panel will be followed by a 35mm screening of the ‘80s thrill-ride, The Gate, a film specially selected based on its shared sensibilities with the limited series.

Across the three hour-long episodes, Are You Afraid of the Dark? will follow members of an entirely new Midnight Society, who tell a terrifying tale of the Carnival of Doom and its evil ringmaster Mr. Tophat, only to witness the shocking story come frightfully to life. Based on the ‘90s kids’ cult classic, and reimagined for a new generation, part one of Are You Afraid of the Dark? will debut on Friday, Oct. 11, at 7:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon, with parts two and three to follow Oct. 18, and Oct. 25, respectively.

The new members of the Midnight Society are: Rachel, played by Lyliana Wray (Top Gun: Maverick); Gavin, played by Sam Ashe Arnold (Best.Worst.Weekend.Ever.); Akiko, played by Miya Cech (Rim of the World, Always Be My Maybe); Graham, played by Jeremy Taylor (IT Chapter Two, Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween); and Louise, played by Tamara Smart (Artemis Fowl, The Worst Witch). The Carnival of Doom’s ringmaster, Mr. Tophat, is played by Rafael Casal (Blindspotting).

Are You Afraid of the Dark? is produced by ACE Entertainment (To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, The Perfect Date) with ACE founder Matt Kaplan and Spencer Berman serving as executive producers. The series is written by BenDavid Grabinski (Skiptrace, Happily) and directed by Dean Israelite (Power Rangers movie, Project Almanac), both of whom are also executive producers. Chris Foss is also an executive producer.

One of the Nickelodeon’s most iconic series from the ‘90s, the original Are You Afraid of the Dark? delivered riveting stories of horror to young audiences, all from a kid’s perspective. Are You Afraid of the Dark? is owned by DHX and was created by D.J. MacHale and Ned Kandel, who are also executive producers on the project.

Beyond Fest 2019 comprises of 46 features including 4 world premieres, 2 US premieres and 17 West Coast premieres of cinematic excess. Presented by Hulu, Beyond Fest takes place at Hollywood’s famed Egyptian Theatre for 14 days spanning Wednesday, September 25th – Wednesday, October 9th to generate funds for the nonprofit 501c3 American Cinematheque.

Tickets will be available via EventBrite on Tuesday , October 1st 10 a.m. PT here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-beyond-fest-premiere-of-nickelodeons-are-you-afraid-of-the-dark-tickets-74750076491

Seating is subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.