Author - boothby

SOMA Xbox One Launch Trailer

2017/12/01
boothby
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Xbox One News

December 1, 2017 – From the creators of the critically acclaimed Amnesia series, SOMA is available today for Xbox One with the addition of “Safe Mode.” Also on PC, the optional Safe Mode lets players sink into the story and atmosphere of SOMA while staying protected from harm.

Watch the SOMA Xbox One and Safe Mode launch trailer:

Isolated within the ocean’s depths, chaos has overtaken the PATHOS-II facility. Twisted creatures and corrupted robots strain the boundaries of human identity as you seek to uncover the truth, locate the last remaining inhabitants, and take part in the events that will ultimately shape the fate of the station.

With the addition of Safe Mode, players can choose to immerse themselves in the story while staying free from harm, or to leave all dangers enabled for the original SOMA experience. Just remember. There is no fighting back. Either you outsmart your enemies or you get ready to run.

SOMA is available today on Xbox One with Safe Mode. The new mode is also available for PC, and will come to PS4 at a later date.

http://www.somagame.com

Arma 3 Tac-Ops DLC Mission Pack Launch Trailer

2017/11/30
boothby
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

November 30, 2017 – Bohemia Interactive today released the brand new Arma 3 Tac-Ops DLC Mission Pack. Delivering a true boots on the ground experience on a large-scale battlefield, players will be taking part in three distinct singleplayer military operations. The DLC’s launch trailer presents a sneak peek at some of the combat situations in Arma 3 Tac-Ops.

In Arma 3 Tac-Ops Mission Pack, players are tasked to lead an infantry, mechanized infantry, and/or special forces unit across an unrestricted warzone, often with multiple objectives to accomplish. The keys to success are thoughtful mission preparation, careful movement and positioning, skillful shooting, as well as patience. Altogether, the missions should take at least 8+ hours to complete, which soon becomes more depending on playstyle and difficulty settings. Additionally, players can replay selected missions from the perspective of another unit. This, in turn, rewards them with a greater understanding of the military operation as a whole . Furthermore, people can watch special After Action Report (AAR) videos, which are presented by one of Bohemia Interactive’s military consultants, and offer mission-specific insights on military tactics and combat.

Key Features in Arma 3 Tac-Ops Mission Pack:

  • 3 Singleplayer Operations – Designed for the experienced Arma player, this Mission Pack features three challenging military operations, spread across seven missions:
    • Beyond Hope – Nine years prior to the “East Wind” conflict, civil war rages through the Republic of Altis and Stratis.
    • Stepping Stone – NATO reinforcements responding to the “East Wind” crisis must first secure the strategic island of Malden.
    • Steel Pegasus – During the invasion of Altis, NATO forces stage a daring air assault to open a second front.
  • Authentic Warfare – Experience what true military combat is like with missions that favor intelligence, caution, and patience above all else. Fight alongside multiple armed forces, and lead your unit to victory, alive.
  • Evolving Battlefield – Discover how your conduct and decisions on the battlefield can affect the operation by completing, failing, or ignoring (optional) objectives.
  • Replayability – Replay a selection of missions from a different unit’s perspective to gain a greater understanding of the operation. Try out various tactics and figure out how to achieve your objectives in different ways.
  • After Action Report (AAR) Videos – Develop your understanding of military tactics and combat with practical mission-specific insights from one of our military consultants.
  • And More – Listen to newly composed music tracks, unlock additional Steam Achievements, and take advantage of new scripted systems to help create advanced custom Arma 3 scenarios.

Arma 3 Tac-Ops DLC Mission Pack is now available for purchase on Steam and the Bohemia Store at € 4.99 / $ 5.99 / £ 4.49. People can also buy the Arma 3 DLC Bundle 2, which saves them more than 25% over purchasing Arma 3 Tac-Ops Mission Pack, Arma 3 Jets, Arma 3 Laws of War, and the upcoming Arma 3 Tanks DLC separately.

For more information about Arma 3, please visit the official website at www.arma3.com. To keep track of all the latest news, be sure to follow Arma 3 on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Steam.

Destiny 2 Teams with Amazon for Alexa-Powered Ghost

2017/11/30
boothby
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – November 30, 2017 – Bungie and Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI), announced the introduction of the Destiny 2 Ghost Skill for Alexa, giving players of one of the best-selling video games of 2017 to date* the first-ever Alexa voice integration in a live game experience**. Revealed on stage by Tom Taylor, senior vice president, Amazon Alexa and Byron Beede, Activision’s senior vice president of Product Management for Destiny at the AWS re:Invent 2017 conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Destiny 2 Ghost Skill, voiced by the in-game Ghost’s voice actor Nolan North, is available now for Alexa customers to enable, free of charge, through the Alexa app.

The Destiny 2 Ghost Skill serves as a premier companion for Destiny 2 players, creating brand-new ways to interact with the game, players can say, “Alexa, ask Ghost to…” with a variety of utterances — from “…tell me which friends are online,” to asking “…what should I do next?” giving recommendations for what to play next based on players’ real-time current progress, to “…call for back up,” which offers an easy way to interact with friends in their clan to enhance the social experience of Destiny 2, to “… equip my Raid loadout,” equipping players’ favorite weapons and armor for a number of different gameplay activities, to learning more about the world and characters of Destiny 2 with a request like, “…tell me who are the Red Legion?”

”The Ghost serves as your guide and companion in Destiny 2 the game, and now players will be able to bring that experience into the real world with them through Alexa,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision. “The Destiny 2 Ghost skill is the first of its kind and the most innovative and immersive gaming experience to date on Alexa. We’re excited to give our community of players, who are among the most-dedicated fans in the world, new ways to play Destiny 2 with the Ghost skill and Limited-Edition Destiny 2 Ghost. The lines between in-game and out-of-game have been blurred in an incredible new way.”

“Alexa is now part of the Destiny 2 experience, and we’re excited for what that means for Destiny 2 players and the future of games and voice technology,” said Steve Rabuchin, Vice President, Amazon Alexa. “Gaming is an example of where voice can create a more engaging experience in a natural and delightful way for customers. Rather than interrupting gameplay to navigate menus, players can just ask Ghost through Alexa to help with certain tasks. Players love the Destiny 2 experience, and now Alexa can make it even more immersive and fun.”

“Destiny 2 players being able to interact with a physical Ghost paired with an Amazon Alexa is just a really fun and unique idea,” said Pete Parsons, CEO of Bungie. He added, “With our partners at Activision, it’s been exciting to develop this project into a rich, useful skill worthy of Amazon’s Alexa.”

Also announced is the Limited-Edition Destiny 2 Ghost, a WiFi enabled Ghost speaker which is compatible with Alexa devices to bring the look and sound of the Ghost from inside the game into the real world. The Limited-Edition Destiny 2 Ghost is available for pre-order now at an SRP of $89.99, and can be purchased separately as a companion to Alexa devices. The physical Ghost is not needed to use the free Destiny 2 Ghost skill, but the game and an Alexa device are required. The Limited-Edition Destiny 2 Ghost will be available on December 19, 2017.

Destiny 2 is rated T for Teen by the ESRB and is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC at a suggested retail price of $59.99. The product line-up also features the Destiny 2 – Game + Expansion Pass Bundle at $89.99 SRP, the Destiny 2 – Digital Deluxe Edition featuring premium digital content at $99.99 SRP, the Limited Edition at $99.99 SRP, and the Collector’s Edition, featuring a fully-wearable Destiny 2 – Frontier Bag, Expansion Pass, premium digital content and a Cabal-themed Collector’s Box for $249.99 SRP. The Destiny 2 Ghost skill for Alexa was developed by Activision and Bungie, with support from AKQA.

For more game information, visit www.DestinyTheGame.com and follow the official Destiny social channels on Facebook and @DestinyTheGame on Instagram and Twitter. The community can interact directly with the developers at www.Bungie.net, Facebook, @Bungie on Twitter, Instagram and www.Twitch.tv/Bungie on Twitch.

Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One Xbox One Review

2017/11/30
boothby
Geek News, News, Peripheral Review, Peripherals News, Reviews

Console gaming has never been the realm of flight or space simulations. Usually, these products require a flight stick or throttle or some other sort of controller which most console gamers simply don’t own. Recently, Thrustmaster released a new HOTAS system for the Xbox One series of game consoles – the T.Flight HOTAS One. Setup in a standard stick and throttle design, the T.Flight HOTAS One is lightweight with a durable dark gray plastic shell. The throttle unit can detach from the flight stick side for a more custom control layout. Additionally, for more flight sim goodness, you can add the Thrustmaster T‑Flight Rudder Pedals for rudder control, but that is a separate purchase.

To set the T.Flight HOTAS One up, you simply plug it in! Just make sure the unit is set to Xbox One mode on the toggle switch at its base. The unit is a wired controller so into the port it goes. Currently, there is one game on the Xbox One which supports the use of this flight stick and throttle combo – Elite Dangerous! So, that is what we played while reviewing this peripheral. The flight stick acts as one would expect, as does the throttle – except you will also find horizontal and vertical thruster controls on there as well! This means you can be moving in whatever direction you need to without taking your hand off of the throttle – a key feature of a HOTAS system. The throttle even has a small detente which indicates you have moved it into the 0% thrust position. One thing that would have been a nice addition to the T.Flight HOTAS One are suction cups that could have been attached to the base. Those would help the controllers stay put during intense gameplay if they are sat on a smooth surface or desktop.

Being that I am a newbie to Frontier Developments Elite Dangerous, I started it up and was thrown into a universe of dangers. The T.Flight HOTAS One functioned very well, with the usual Thrustmaster quality that I am used to in my dealings with their peripherals. The twisting action of the flight stick reminded me of my old Microsoft Force Feedback 2 joystick and was a great way to utilize rudder control. Also, the key bindings are all customizable in case you have your own preferences – however, I just went in with the stock setup and didn’t have too much trouble learning the basic layout in a few play sessions. Going forward, it looks like Bandai Namco’s upcoming Ace Combat 7 will also support the T.Flight HOTAS One, so you will have more than one title in the peripheral’s arsenal at some point in the near future.

I did note that the USB cable which comes out of the T.Flight HOTAS One is rather short, so you might need to utilize a USB hub as an intermediary between your controller and the Xbox One console. Additionally, there is no headset port on the controller, meaning you will have to use a different solution for that purpose – whether it is an Xbox One controller nearby with a headset plugged in or a standalone headset solution.

Overall, the Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One flight system for the Xbox One is a great controller that suffers not because of its build quality or functional parameters, but because of the lack of games supporting its use at the time of this writing. Hopefully, developers will see the benefits of the peripheral in their flight games going forward.

Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One Review Score

[mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#81d742″ type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#81d742″ type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#81d742″ type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#81d742″ type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star-o” color=”#81d742″ type=”fa”] (4 out of 5 Stars)

 

Wargaming.net League Announces 2017 Final Battle

2017/11/28
boothby
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

November 28, 2017 — The Wargaming.net League’s 2017 Final Battle World of Tanks tournament will soon see its front-runners battling for their share of a $300,000 prize pool at this year’s WG Fest. A total of 12 teams will step into the eSports ring to compete in the crowning event of WGL Extended Season 2017, consisting of all the winners from regional tournaments.

Three teams from the EU—Kazna Kru, DiNG, and Oops—will take on three from the CIS—Tornado Energy, Rush, and Unique—with two teams from NA—Elevate, Top Tier Gaming—two from APAC—YaTo RSGaming, Seven Pirates—and two from China—YiNuo Gaming and Steel Man.

The Final Battle will run in two phases. The five days of playoffs (December 13–17) will narrow down the list of teams. The decisive match will be held at WG Fest (December 23). Both playoffs and the final rounds will be held at Moscow’s Expocenter.

Prize pool distribution:

  • 1st place—150,000 USD per team
  • 2nd place—75,000 USD per team
  • 3rd place—27,500 USD per team
  • 4th place—27,500 USD per team
  • 5th to 8th place—5,000 USD per team

Visit the official website for the latest information: http://en.wgleague.net/

ROCCAT Khan Pro Gaming Headset Review

2017/11/28
boothby
Geek News, News, Reviews, Tech News, Tech Review

ROCCAT has been making gaming peripherals since 2007. Recently, they released their Khan Pro gaming headset. A wired headset solution, the ROCCAT Khan Pro is available in white, silver/gray, and black color schemes. It also features futuristic styling and comfortable ear cup cushions. Most importantly, this is ROCCAT’s first gaming headset that has official “Hi-Res Audio” certification! But what does this mean for your gaming experience?

As aforementioned, the ROCCAT Khan Pro is available in black, silver/gray, and white color schemes – each attractive in their own way. Additionally, its headset band design looks like a headset from a sci-fi video game. It is a true head-turner in a veritable sea of gaming headphones, all vying for your attention. Setting up the ROCCAT Khan Pro is easy, as it connects via two 3.5mm jacks – one for the headset and the other for the microphone. Notice that this headset does not come with a USB sound card dongle, etc. And that is because the Khan Pro is marketed at e-Sports play, where sometimes computer specs have to be even across the board for fairness. Thankfully, this also keeps the Khan Pro’s price point more reasonable at just shy of $100 dollars.

The much-touted Hi-Res Audio certification is a first for ROCCAT. In 2015, the Japan Audio Society (JAS) and the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) developed a standard for high-res audio. This certification states that the product in question has to produce a high-end frequency of at least 40kHz. However, if you are playing some really cutdown MP3 file, you won’t notice any difference. You need to have an audio source that is capable of using the full range allowed by the headphones. The microphone attaches to the Khan Pro by way of a durable boom and, in my testing of IM and voice chat applications, seemed to provide the people I was communicating with a clear signal.

I got the chance to test out the ROCCAT Khan Pro gaming headphones in a variety of games – from blasting Stormtroopers in Star Wars: Battlefront II to wandering the post-nuclear Commonwealth of Fallout 4. I just didn’t try it out in shooter/RPGs either, I also downloaded some high-resolution audio files from the Web and took a listen. Overall, I was very pleased with the Khan Pro’s sound reproduction. It featured crisp highs, decent lows, and did so all while not becoming uncomfortable on my head after extended gaming sessions. In addition to the games and the high-res audio files, I just took time to listen to my iTunes music library for a bit. Even though the music files are not high-resolution, I enjoyed listening to them through the ROCCAT Khan Pro and had no issues using it for such a task. My music sounded great and that’s what matters to me most.

For just shy of $100 dollars, the ROCCAT Khan Pro gaming headset can be yours from a variety of online and brick & mortar retailers. It may only be stereo sound, but it is capable of producing some very good audio and if you are interested in listening to high-resolution sound without losing audio information, it is a sure way to do it. The ROCCAT Khan Pro is available now.

ROCCAT Khan Pro Gaming Headset Review Score

[mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#81d742″ type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#81d742″ type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#81d742″ type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#81d742″ type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#81d742″ type=”fa”] (5 out of 5 Stars)

 

Six Flags Great Adventure to Attempt World’s Largest Snowball Fight

2017/11/28
boothby
Geek News, News

Jackson, NJ — November 28, 2017 — Six Flags will attempt to break the record for world’s largest snowball fight. This national Six Flags Snow Day presented by Hallmark Channel will take place in Six Flags theme parks across North America Dec. 9. Guests can participate locally at Six Flags Great Adventure’s third-annual Holiday in the Park® at 12:30 p.m. eastern time.

The current world record of 8,200 participants was set in Canada last year. Six Flags aims to break the record with 9,000 participants.

Six Flags Great Adventure registration tables will open at 11:15 a.m., and guests will begin filling the Main Street Christmas section at 11:30 a.m. for the 12:30 p.m. record attempt. Up to 1,000 guests will receive one soft, indoor snow ball for tossing. Following the event, guests will enjoy exclusive ride time on several rides prior to the official park opening at 1 p.m.

The event is free with Season Pass, Membership and theme park admission. Guests can receive a 40% discount on general admission December 9 by bringing a new, unworn, warm winter clothing item as a donation to the Salvation Army. The offer is valid for up to four tickets and acceptable items include gloves, scarves, hats, coats, boots, heavy socks, sweatshirts, sweatpants, sleeping bags, quilts, blankets and pajamas.

Guests of all ages are welcome to participate. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to sign registration forms and photo releases. Guests will receive a participation certificate. For more information, visit https://www.sixflags.com/national/snow-day

In 2016, Six Flags broke the Guinness World Records® title for most couples kissing under the mistletoe.

Six Flags Launches Donation Drive with Holiday Express

Six Flags Great Adventure has partnered with Holiday Express to help give to those in need. Guests who donate a daily necessity by bringing it to a Six Flags ticket booth any regularly scheduled operating day through Jan. 1, 2018 will receive a $25 discount on a main gate ticket to Holiday in the Park. Accepted donation items include toothpaste, individually wrapped toothbrushes, washcloths and deodorant.

Founded in 1993 by Little Silver resident and restaurateur Tim McLoone, Holiday Express delivers music, food, gifts, financial support and friendship to those with the greatest need for the gift of human kindness during the holiday season and throughout the year. The organization is comprised of 1,700 volunteers, including more than 100 professional musicians.

Six Flags Great Adventure magically transforms into a winter wonderland for Holiday in the Park weekends and select days through Jan. 1, 2018. More than a million glittering lights, dazzling holiday entertainment, delicious seasonal treats, Santa’s village and many popular rides provide a way for guests to create holiday memories at Six Flags Great Adventure this winter. This year’s event features two new shows, a newly-themed section, plus more shopping, dining and rides than ever before. Holiday in the Park is included with all Season Passes and active Memberships.

More information about Holiday in the Park is available at www.sixflags.com/greatadventure

Seven: The Days Long Gone Combat Trailer

2017/11/28
boothby
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

November 28, 2017 – Today, Fool’s Theory & IMGN.PRO released the third in series of game mechanic trailers for their Thief-inspired 3D isometric cRPG, SEVEN: THE DAYS LONG GONE, which launches on Steam on December 1, 2017.  The first game mechanic trailer was for the first-ever climbing system for an iso-RPG. The second dealt with stealth and sneaking. The new game mechanic trailer is for when stealth and sneaking do not work, and you must fight your way out of a situation: COMBAT!!!!

In SEVEN: THE DAYS LONG GONE you play as Teriel, a master thief. As a master thief, players must sneak (video) around, leveraging environment and lighting, smoke screens, traps, using parkour skills and the first ever climbing system (video) to avoid detection. But sometimes, even the most carefully laid plans fail. What happens when Teriel cannot talk his way out of a tight spot? Then he must let the steal do the talking. Teriel can use one handed, two-handed, dual wielded, range, and energy weapons as well as some devious contraptions crafted by his own hands. Combined with his amazing ability to move and his lethal super natural powers, Teriel can be a deadly force to reckon with.

ABOUT SEVEN: THE DAYS LONG GONE

Launching December 1, 2017 on Steam, SEVEN: THE DAYS LONG GONE Standard Edition is 29.99 EUR/29.99 USD/27.99 GBP and the Digital Collector’s Edition for 39.99 EUR/39.99 USD/37.99 GB, which comes with a digital artbook, soundtrack, map, and guidebook.

You play as Teriel, a master thief possessed, in the most symbiotic ways possible, by an ancient daemon (Artanak) and deported to the prison island of Peh. Teriel, with Artanak help, unearth the island’s dark secrets and soon learn that the fate of the entire Vetrall Empire rests in balance. The post-apocalyptic world is filled with mysterious technology and Dark Age superstition, diverse communities that react to every action, and a rich ecosystem of creatures to interact with, from animals to people to monsters.  Freely explore the vast yet unforgiving open world, whether following the main story line or heading off on a side quest.

MAIN FEATURES

  • 3D Isometric RPG
  • Rich, interwoven storyline
  • Combat: multiple styles allow for players to be creative in how they tackle obstacles
  • Hero Progression System: Based purely on skill and equipment; progression unlocks new upgradable skills
  • AI Reactions: NPCs are responsive to actions
  • Open world perfect for exploration
  • Brand new climbing system
  • Stunning environments
  • Play Your Way – Stealth or brute force, freedom of choice

More information about the game can be found on the official website, and on the Facebook and Twitter profiles

Prison Architect’s Escape Mode Trailer

2017/11/27
boothby
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

TEESSIDE, UK – NOVEMBER 27, 2017 – Publisher Double Eleven, in partnership with developer Introversion Software, have today announced Prison Architect’s Escape Mode, coming as a brand-new DLC for Xbox One and PS4. The Escape Mode DLC follows the earlier All Day and a Night and Psych Ward expansions.

The award-winning game’s upcoming Escape Mode content will be available to purchase in 2018, with more details to follow in the new year.

The Double Eleven version of the Escape Mode DLC will be based on the well-loved mode for the PC version of the game from Introversion, where players can take on the role of an inmate and attempt to escape the prisons built by themselves and others. The DLC will expand on those mechanics for the Prison Architect console community, as well as adding new content.

Players can keep up to date with Escape Mode progress by following Double Eleven on Twitter (@DoubleElevenLimited). Those already signed up to Double Eleven’s DoubleID program will be the first to know, so make sure to sign up if you don’t want to miss the news.

You can view the Escape Mode DLC teaser here: