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Capt. Geordi La Forge Announced for Star Trek Online

2017/08/03
boothby
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – August 3, 2017 – Today, Perfect World Entertainment Inc., a leading publisher of free-to-play MMORPGs, and Cryptic Studios announced LeVar Burton from Star Trek: The Next Generation will join the free-to-play MMORPG, Star Trek Online. The legendary Star Trek actor will voice the character of Geordi La Forge from Star Trek: The Next Generation in two featured episodes for the PC version of the game (and available at a later date on Xbox One and PlayStation®4). The first episode will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation and releases on September 12. The second featured episode kicks off Star Trek Online’s next major update, Season 14 – Emergence, and launches this October.

Starting next month, captains can experience a new Star Trek: The Next Generation-themed featured episode titled “Beyond the Nexus.” For the first time ever, they will encounter Starfleet Captain Geordi La Forge, brought to life by actor LeVar Burton. Players will join La Forge and his crew as they investigate a distress call from a Galaxy-class ship whose crew is being mind-controlled by a mysterious energy source. The episode marks the release of a fully realized Galaxy-class interior available for purchase and includes server-wide giveaways to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Players will be able to claim the highly requested skant uniform from Season One, as well as the Type 7 shuttle that was also featured in Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Adventures with Captain Geordi La Forge continue into Season 14– Emergence, which launches on the PC version of Star Trek Online this October. The game’s next major update continues the story of the Tzenkethi war with the new featured episode, “Melting Pot.” Geordi and Captain Kuumaarke (voiced by Kipleigh Brown) accompanies players as they explore a new colony world, featuring the freshly reunited Kentari and Lukari people. After the events of “Mirror and Smoke,” they decided to reconcile their differences and start a new colony to celebrate the reunification of their cultures and technology. La Forge is integral to the development of this new colony world and has been working diligently with the Lukari to realize their dream. Things escalate quickly once the player beams down, and what starts as a simple tour, evolves into a pitched battle for the survival of the colony.

Season 14 – Emergence features a brand new Fleet Holding in a full-scale colony on the Kentari and Lukari’s new joint homeworld, which for the first time since the Fleet Starbase, features five full tiers of progression and rewards. The update will also include a Tzenkethi Red Alert, two new fleet holding defense queues, a new colony map special event, and a powerful new Primary Specialization called the “Miracle Worker.” Additional details will be revealed when Season 14 officially launches in October.

LeVar Burton is known for his iconic portrayal of La Forge on the television series, Star Trek: The Next Generation. He was also host and executive producer of Reading Rainbow, the award-winning PBS series which lives on as an educational service, recently backed with overwhelming support on KickStarter.

Star Trek Online is a free-to-play massively multiplayer online game where players can pioneer their own destiny as Captain of a Federation starship, become a Klingon Warrior and champion the Empire through the far reaches of the galaxy, or rebuild the Romulan legacy as the commander of a Romulan Republic Warbird. In Star Trek Online, players have the opportunity to visit iconic locations from the popular Star Trek universe, reach out to unexplored star systems and make contact with new alien species. Star Trek Online is currently available on PC, PlayStation®4 and Xbox One.

To download and play Star Trek Online today for free, visit www.playstartrekonline.com.

Stellaris: Synthetic Dawn Story Pack – Announcement Trailer

2017/08/03
boothby
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

STOCKHOLM — Aug. 3, 2017 — Paradox Interactive, a publisher and developer of digital entertainment for organic minds, today announced a new Story Pack for Stellaris, the sci-fi grand strategy game from Paradox Development Studio. The new content, titled “Synthetic Dawn,” will add new ways for players to experience Stellaris, focused primarily on synthetic life forms. Robot workers and citizens can now form entirely mechanical societies at the start of the game and seek greatness among the stars – including the ability to rise up and conquer those squishy organics. Stellaris: Synthetic Dawn will be released for Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs later this year.

It does not compute for you to not watch this new trailer for Synthetic Dawn:

Stellaris: Synthetic Dawn provides an all-new way for players to establish their empire across the stars, starting the game as a Machine Empire — a society made up entirely of robots. Unique game features and event chains will allow the machines to expand as a robotic consciousness, and create an AI-led network that grows to galactic dominance.

Features:

  • You, Robot: Play Stellaris as a customized robotic civilization, complete with a series of robotic portraits for science robots, worker robots, and more
  • AI, eh? Aye!: Follow new event chains and story features to lead your robot race to greatness as an intergalactic AI empire; pursue mechanical perfection in the stars
  • Rise of the Machines: Oppressed synths may rebel against their masters and form new empires — or you may even discover a fallen synthetic civilization deep in space
  • Digital Enhancements: New synthetic race portraits, and expanded voice packs for VIR

For more information about Synthetic Dawn, visit http://www.paradoxplaza.com/stellaris-synthetic-dawn/STST01DSK0000008.html.

LEGO Worlds Getting Halloween Themed Monsters Pack

2017/08/03
boothby
Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 News, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

August 3, 2017 – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, TT Games and The LEGO Group announced that Monsters, the second downloadable themed content pack for LEGO Worlds, will be available in October for $3.99. The Monsters Pack adds Monster Town, a peculiar place full of scary quests, terrifying creatures, haunted houses and ghastly vehicles sure to send chills down players’ spines.  In Monster Town, Halloween is celebrated every day! But delinquent zombies are taking their trick-or-treating a bit too seriously.  Players must use their LEGO brick building skills to repair the damage and scare away the zombies with tricks of their own.

It was also confirmed that LEGO Worlds will be coming to Nintendo Switch on September 5 and is available for pre-order. The physical version, priced at $39.99, will include two bonus packs of premium DLC, Classic Space released in July and the upcoming Monsters. The digital version, priced at $29.99, includes the base game with the DLC available separately on the eShop.  Both premium DLC packs will be available on all other platforms.

LEGO Worlds, a galaxy of imaginative worlds made of digital LEGO bricks where players can explore, discover and create together, is currently available for PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, and STEAM.

Follow LEGO Worlds at:

Mordor Expansion Launches for The Lord of the Rings Online

2017/08/03
boothby
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

August 3, 2017 – Mordor™, the long-awaited expansion for The Lord of the Rings Online™, is available to play today. This expansion allows players the ability to explore the shadowy lands beyond the Black Gate and includes:

  • Over 300 new quests: Players journey into Mordor and plunge into a new adventure, filled with lost stories, unfamiliar enemies, and the opportunity to fight through the lands around Mount Doom and beyond.
  • A new allegiance system: Pledge support to one of the factions seeking to reclaim this long-lost piece of Middle-earth. Players will be able to gain bonuses, story and exclusive gear along the way!
  • Crafting and gear updates: Players are able to customize their Hero with all-new armor, weapons, accessories, and more!
  • A new race – the High Elf. With the purchase of the Collector’s Edition or the Ultimate Fan Bundle, players will be able to ally with the High Elf.
  • Extensive landscape updates. Explore the beautiful and terrifying landscape of Gorgoroth to discover hidden treasures and additional rewards.

Players can purchase the Ultimate Fan Bundle for $129.99, the Collector’s Edition for $79.99 and Standard Edition of the expansion for $39.99. The Collector’s Edition comes with extras including the High Elf race, alliance cosmetics, exclusive title and more. The Ultimate Fan Bundle includes all of the perks of the Collector’s Edition in addition to exclusive Mordor cosmetics, an equippable XP accelerator for all characters, special relics and VIP access for one month.

You can find descriptions for each expansion edition here: http://store.turbine.com/store/turbine/en_US/custom/pbpage.lotro-mordor

Published by Standing Stone Games, The Lord of the Rings Online™ (LOTRO) is the world’s first and only MMOG based on the books of J.R.R. Tolkien. Players can experience the most famous fantasy world of all time, exploring and adventuring with their heroes through the vast reaches of Middle-earth in the fight against the forces of the Dark Lord Sauron. For more information, visit www.LOTRO.com.

Standing Stone Games, LLC is a global provider of handcrafted, story-driven massively multiplayer online games. Best-known for its acclaimed franchises The Lord of the Rings Online™ and Dungeons & Dragons Online®, Standing Stone Games designs and builds lore-rich, immersive worlds that allow you to live, play and share with our devoted communities. To learn more, visit www.standingstonegames.com.

Corsair Unveils New Corsair One Gaming PC Models

2017/08/03
boothby
Geek News, News, Tech News

FREMONT, CA – August 3rd, 2017 – CORSAIR®, a world leader in enthusiast memory, high-performance gaming hardware and PC components, today announced three powerful new configurations of its multi-award-winning CORSAIR ONE performance PC. Hailed by press as “the new benchmark for small-form-factor gaming systems*” and “a triumph in both performance and design**,” CORSAIR ONE has redefined what gamers, content creators and power-users can expect from a small-form factor PC.

Now CORSAIR takes CORSAIR ONE even further, with three new configurations pushing the limits of PC performance. Equipped with a liquid-cooled Intel® Core™ i7 7700K CPU, Intel® 200 Series motherboard and iconic bead-blasted aluminum casing, CORSAIR ONE PRO is now available with NVIDIA’s most powerful GeForce GPU, the GeForce GTX 1080 Ti in top-end models, high-speed M.2 NVMe SSD storage, and up to 32GB of CORSAIR DDR4 memory. Incredibly small and unbelievably quiet, CORSAIR ONE is now available fully loaded to master the most advanced games and demanding workloads. It’s the fastest ONE yet.

The Ultimate GeForce – Introducing CORSAIR ONE PRO with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti

By popular demand, CORSAIR ONE PRO is now available with NVIDIA’s flagship GeForce GPU, the GeForce GTX 1080 Ti, boasting irresponsible levels of graphics performance. Liquid cooled using CORSAIR ONE’s unique dual-loop convection cooling, the GeForce GTX 1080 Ti in CORSAIR ONE boosts clock speeds to 100MHz faster than an equivalent air-cooled GPU, all while running at temperatures close to 30°C cooler. Fueling the GTX 1080 Ti is an upgraded 80 PLUS® Gold certified 500W PSU, ensuring stable power and even quieter operation. Pushing the limits of 4K, VR and 3D performance, the CORSAIR ONE PRO now wields the power of the Ultimate GeForce GPU.

Feel the Need for (read and write) Speed – M.2 NVMe SSD Storage comes to CORSAIR ONE PRO

All three new configurations of CORSAIR ONE PRO now boast 480GB of advanced M.2 NVMe SSD storage, accelerating read and write speeds far beyond those possible with traditional SATA SSDs. Boot faster, load games quicker and accelerate file transfers with up to 5x the speeds possible via a single SATA SSD. Not forgetting storage capacity, all CORSAIR ONE PRO systems are also equipped with a high-capacity 2TB HDD, so there’s no choosing between speed or size; CORSAIR ONE has both.

Bigger is Better – VENEGANCE LPX DDR4 Memory, now with up to 32GB

Pushing the limits of the Intel Z270 chipset, the new top-end configuration of CORSAIR ONE increases the generous 16GB of CORSAIR VENGEANCE LPX DDR4 memory to a massive 32GB of 2,400MHz VENGEANCE LPX DDR4. Specifically selected for maximum compatibility, performance and stability with CORSAIR ONE’s Z270 motherboard, all 32GB of DDR4 stands ready for the most demanding photography, video editing or 3D rendering tasks.

I Want More – Upgrade Guides and DDR4 Kits Now Available

CORSAIR is a company run by PC enthusiasts, always eyeing the next upgrade and performance improvement. That’s why CORSAIR is happy to announce that all current and future CORSAIR ONE PCs can now be end-user serviced for both storage and memory upgrades without impacting the warranty. All CORSAIR SSDs are supported for 2.5in drive expansion, while a specially qualified CORSAIR 32GB VENGEANCE LPX DDR4 kit is now available for existing and future CORSAIR ONE owners who need extra DDR4 capacity.

Specifications for New CORSAIR ONE Configurations***: 

  CORSAIR ONE PRO CORSAIR ONE PRO CORSAIR ONE PRO
Chassis Black, VR Ready Black, VR Ready Black, VR Ready
CPU Intel i7-7700K Liquid Cooled Intel i7-7700K Liquid Cooled Intel i7-7700K Liquid Cooled
GPU NVIDIA GTX 1080 Liquid Cooled NVIDIA GTX 1080 Ti Liquid Cooled NVIDIA GTX 1080 Ti Liquid Cooled
DRAM 16GB 2,400MHZ DDR4 16GB 2,400MHZ DDR4 32GB 2,400MHZ DDR4
Storage 480GB m.2 NVMe SSD, 2TB HDD 480GB m.2 NVMe SSD, 2TB HDD 480GB m.2 NVMe SSD, 2TB HDD
Motherboard Z270 Z270 Z270
PSU 400W SFX, 80 PLUS Gold 500W SFX, 80 PLUS Gold 500W SFX, 80 PLUS Gold
OS Windows 10 Home Windows 10 Home Windows 10 Home
MSRP $2,299.99 Exc. TAX $2,699.99 Exc. TAX $2,899.99 Exc. TAX

Availability, Warranty and Pricing

CORSAIR ONE is available to immediately in North America, Europe and Australia from the CORSAIR worldwide network of authorized retailers and distributors and direct from the CORSAIR webstore. Select configurations are only available direct from the CORSAIR Webstore. CORSAIR ONE is backed by a comprehensive two-year warranty and the CORSAIR worldwide customer support network, which includes dedicated technical support, 24 Hour Phone support and an included suite of self-diagnostic tools.

For up-to-date and regional pricing, please contact your local CORSAIR sales or PR representative.

Web Pages

To learn more about CORSAIR ONE please visit:

http://www.corsair.com/one

Razer Announces Chroma Hardware Development Kit (HDK)

2017/08/03
boothby
Geek News, News

IRVINE, (Calif.) – Razer™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the Razer Chroma Hardware Development Kit (HDK), the world’s most advanced modular lighting system for PC gamers and enthusiasts. Integrated within the Razer Chroma ecosystem, the Chroma HDK offers all-in-one color customization with precise control down to the individual LED.

Users can shape and bend the LED strips to fit virtually any surface to light up an entire room, home or office for total game immersion. The individually controllable lights are integrated into Razer Synapse 3, and are powered by Razer Chroma™ technology, which unlocks customizable lighting features that can be synced across devices.

The Razer Chroma HDK supports 4 channel output with a total capacity of 64 RGB LEDs. Included in the box are 2 LED strips that have 16 LED’s each and additionally, the Razer Lightpack Extension Kit (purchased separately) comes with a pair of LED strips and extension cables.

Gamers can choose from 16.8 million colors and a variety of effects. Custom settings can be created using the all-new Chroma Studio on Razer Synapse 3 – the next generation device configurator tool that is currently in beta. Using Chroma Studio gamers will be able to synchronize lighting effects across devices and also have the ability for certain effects to be displayed continuously across peripherals based on their physical position relative to the other.

“Razer Chroma is the most advanced lighting configurator in the world, enjoyed by millions of gamers worldwide,” says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO. “The Chroma HDK allows us to take game immersion to the next level with PC cases, entertainment centers, appliances, and be used wherever else users desire.”

The Chroma HDK will be available from Q3 2017 onwards via RazerStore.com. For more information, visit Razerzone.com/Chroma-HDK

Price:

Razer Chroma HDK: U.S. $79.99 / EU € 99.99

Razer Lightpack Extension Kit for Chroma HDK: U.S. $28.99 / EU € 34.99

Availability:

Q3 2017 on Razerzone.com and authorized Razer resellers worldwide

Product features:

  • Razer Chroma HDK module with 4 lighting channels
  • Includes 2 LED strips
  • Install inside or outside your PC case
  • Works with Razer Synapse 3 and Chroma Studio
  • Razer Chroma SDK enabled Razer Chroma HDK with 4 channel lighting output
  • USB connection for data and power
  • DC output for additional power and brightness
  • Included Molex to DC power adapter for internal case lighting
  • Double sided adhesive tape for mounting
  • Razer Synapse-enabled
  • Razer Chroma SDK-enabled

Size and Dimensions

  • Razer Chroma HDK: 10 cm x 7 cm x 1.5 cm / 3.9” x 2.7” x 0.6” inches
  • LED strip length: 50 cm / 19.6”
  • Extender cable length: 30 cm / 11.1”
  • Micro USB data cable: 100 cm / 39”
  • USB to DC power cable: 150 cm / 59”

Package Contents

  • Razer Chroma HDK module
  • 2 LED strips (16 LED’s each)
  • 2 Extender cables
  • Micro USB data cable
  • USB to DC power cable
  • 4-pin Molex to DC cable
  • DC power adaptor

For more information about the Razer Chroma HDK, please visit www.razerzone.com/chromahdk.

Rise of the Goblins Now Available for Pathfinder Adventures

2017/08/02
boothby
Geek News, Mobile News, News, Windows PC News

IRVINE, Calif. – Aug. 2, 2017 – Obsidian Entertainment and Asmodee Digital today announced the launch of Rise of the Goblins, a new content pack for Pathfinder Adventures on PC, iOS, and Android devices. Rise of the Goblins offers a new adventure that puts players in the shoes of new goblin characters as they embark on a twisting tale of mischief and mayhem.

Rise of the Goblins is available now at a special launch price of $5.99 ($8.99 after this week) for PC, Mac, iOS and Android. The content will also be on sale for one week for $5.99. Purchase and download links for Pathfinder Adventures are below:

Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/539591/Pathfinder_Adventures__Rise_of_the_Goblins/

iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pathfinder-adventures/id966333863?mt=8

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.obsidian.pacg1&hl=en

Rise of the Goblins tells the other side of the Pathfinder Adventures story, and puts players in charge of the goblin attack on Sandpoint that kicks off the Rise of the Runelords campaign. Pathfinder Adventures players will get the opportunity to wreck the havoc they attempted to solve as Pathfinder’s legendary Iconic characters in the beginning of Rise of the Runelords, using updated cards that turn former barriers into boons, and vice versa. Drawing inspiration from the We Be Goblins! module for the Pathfinder tabletop RPG, Rise of the Goblins’ full-length campaign will give players the chance to experience the same type of engaging stories that brought the original Iconics to life – only this time, everyone is a goblin!

Veterans of the physical Pathfinder Adventures game will recognize Ranzak from the Skull & Shackles adventure deck and Poog from the Goblin Burn! deck, the two new goblin Iconics available for players to use in both the Rise of the Runelords and Rise of the Goblins campaigns. Ranzak and Poog have unique classes and powers from the other Iconic characters, and goblin versions of the original Iconics have also been added for players to build out their parties. Further building on the theme, Rise of the Goblins introduces new visual components (including a set of distinctly goblinoid dice) and gameplay updates to make the goblins feel even more real.

Dreadnought PlayStation 4 Now in Open Beta

2017/08/01
boothby
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos

HOUSTON and BERLIN – Aug. 1, 2017 – Grey Box, Six Foot and independent developer YAGER have launched Dreadnought, the class-based spaceship action game, into free-to-play open beta for all users on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system via the PlayStation®Store. The console-exclusive Hactar Hero Ship, a new ShareFactory theme, and two dynamic themes for the title are also available for free today through the PlayStation®Store.

In addition to the maps featured in closed beta, the PlayStation®4 open beta of Dreadnought introduces two game maps new to consoles and six bonus night map variations. It includes four game types: Team Deathmatch, Team Elimination, Training, and Havoc modes. Havoc is a cooperative mode exclusive to PlayStation®4 in which three players attempt to survive as long as possible against progressively tougher waves of enemies using ships they select and upgrade over the course of each match.

Dreadnought puts players in the captain’s chair of massive capital ships and on the front lines of tactical, team-based battles across a variety of competitive, multiplayer game modes. There are more than 50 playable vessels to master, each customizable with an array of weapons, modules, coatings and decals. Five distinct ship classes, specializing in vital roles like frontline assault, long-range bombardment, strategic support and more, offer captains unique powers to exploit the enemy team’s weaknesses and claim victory.

Dreadnought is being created for the PlayStation®4 by lead developer YAGER and co-developer Iron Galaxy Studios in partnership with Six Foot and Grey Box. It is also currently in open beta on Windows PC.

For further updates as open beta progresses, follow Dreadnought on Facebook, Twitter and Twitch.

Resident Evil Revelations Gets Release Date

2017/08/01
boothby
Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 News, Screenshots / Photos, Xbox One News

August 1, 2017 – Now updated for current generation consoles, Resident Evil Revelations is the acclaimed survival horror title featuring series veterans Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield as they investigate the reportedly abandoned “Queen Zenobia” cruise ship. This new version features a smoother 1920×1080 resolution, an improved framerate, increased environmental detail and refined creature movement, defining the best-looking version of the game to date. All previously released downloadable content is also included in the game as unlockable rewards.

Take on hordes of enemies with a friend online in the returning Raid Mode, which includes “The Ghost Ship: Chaos,” a fresh take on the popular stage with more powerful weapons and ways for players to upgrade their arsenal, and remixed enemy placements for an added challenge. Additionally, four controller schemes based on control types from across the entire series are available in this version of the game for a more flexible experience to accommodate different playstyles.

Resident Evil Revelations launches in North America at retail and digitally on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One August 29 for $19.99. A Nintendo Switch release of both Resident Evil Revelations and its follow up Resident Evil Revelations 2, which features series favorites like Claire Redfield and Barry Burton as they face untold horror, will also be available in Late 2017.

Activision Announces Continuation of Call of Duty Endowment Program

2017/07/31
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Geek News, Industry News, News

SANTA MONICA, Calif., July 28, 2017 — Activision Blizzard (Nasdaq: ATVI) today announced it is continuing its award winning in-game program that supports veteran hiring with The Call of Duty™ Endowment (C.O.D.E.) Double Duty Calling Card. With the new animated calling card, players can view a service member transform before their eyes from a uniformed warrior to a civilian on their way to work to show their donation’s meaningful impact for the veteran community. Designed by Treyarch, the C.O.D.E. Double Duty Calling Card, along with a collection of three rare supply drops, is now available in the United States through Call of Duty: Black Ops III for a suggested retail price of $3.99. All gross proceeds received by Activision will be donated to The Call of Duty Endowment (“The Endowment”), which will use all funds to help veterans secure high-quality careers after their military service.

The Endowment is a non-profit founded in 2009 by Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick. With a mission to identify and fund the most effective and efficient employment-focused veteran-serving organizations, the Endowment has funded more than 37,000 job placements to date, at an average 2017 cost-per-placement of $552, with an average starting salary of $56,784, and with a six-month retention rate of 88 percent.

“We’re incredibly excited to continue to bring new content to our community in proud support of the Call of Duty Endowment’s mission,” said Dan Bunting, co-studio head, Treyarch. “This year’s Double Duty Calling Card is animated to highlight the good work the Call of Duty Endowment does to help veterans transition to civilian life.”

“The Call of Duty community has always come out in a big way to support the Endowment and its work to help veterans. We’re so grateful for their backing,” said Dan Goldenberg, Executive Director of The Call of Duty Endowment. “To date, the in-game purchase program alone has helped our grantees get more than 4,000 veterans back to work—that’s about the size of an aircraft carrier’s crew.”

Goldenberg added, “We are profoundly appreciative of the contribution by our partners. This program would not be possible without the continued support of Treyarch, Sledgehammer Games, Infinity Ward, Raven Software, Sony and Microsoft.”

The Double Duty Calling Card and its associated collection of three rare supply drops is available now through February 7, 2018 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC platforms in Call of Duty: Black Ops III.