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Boomerang Roller Coaster at Knott’s Berry Farm Has Last Ride on April 23

2017/03/17

BUENA PARK, Calif, (March 17, 2017) – Knott’s Berry Farm says goodbye to the park’s veteran rollercoaster, Boomerang on April 23^rd. Riders will have one last chance to ride the reverse shuttle rollercoaster starting now and throughout the duration of Knott’s annual springtime Boysenberry Festival which kicks off April 1-23.

The 27 year-old rollercoaster has been a staple in the recently renovated Boardwalk area, replacing the historic “Roaring 20’s Corkscrew” in 1990. Since its opening, Boomerang has taken thrill-seekers on an enthralling two minute ride forward and backwards on its 875-foot track.

Guests will have the opportunity to take a last ride on Boomerang during the popular Knott’s Boysenberry Festival, a celebration of Knott’s Berry Farm’s historic roots anchored by the flavorful boysenberry. Newly expanded this year to 23 days, Knott’s will be showcasing a unique selection of over 75 boysenberry-inspired items from tasty food creations and rare wines to one-of-a kind merchandise that commemorates Knott’s renowned history.

For over 75 years, Knott’s has created memories for families and park goers of all ages; the park has been home to multiple thrilling rollercoasters and family attractions. The park’s team will continue to assist in strategically advancing the park’s development as it continues to grow throughout the years along with our guests.

A 2017 Season Pass is a great way to enjoy memorable events and a year of family fun. Season Passes can be purchased online starting at $91.00 or 6 easy payments of $15.16. To purchase Season Passes or tickets, or for more information about Knott’s Berry Farm, visit www.knotts.com or download the Knott’s mobile app for your smartphone today.

Starfighter Inc Kickstarter Relaunches

2017/03/17

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SAVANNAH, GA, March 17, 2017 — Straight from their popular hands-on multiplayer debut at PAX East, Impeller Studios unveiled their Kickstarter re-launch today (link) and hit 25% funding in its first hours. Their first attempt attracted 5,389 backers, but only reached 90% of their goal, so no funds came from it. Lead designer, David Wessman (X-Wing series of Star Wars Space Combat Simulators™, Blood Wake™, and Saints Row™) explained, “Last time we pitched the vision of our concept, but this time we can actually show it. The response from space sim fans and core gamers at PAX East was amazing. We’ve been able to create a multiplayer combat experience in space that is both realistic and fun.”

Project Director, Jack Mamais (designer of critically acclaimed Crysis™ & director behind the popular MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries™ title) attributes this to a very hard working team and the power of Epic’s Unreal Engine 4. “It certainly doesn’t hurt that we also have the support of some industry heavyweights such as Alienware, Logitech. Nvidia, Oculus, Thrustmaster, and Valve.”

Leading the team’s ambitious goal to have an engaging narrative is Rusel DeMaria,author of original Star Wars™ fiction for the X-Wing and TIE Fighter games and narrative lead. From their Kickstarter page: “Mission outcomes affect the balance of power and allow players to drive the evolving narrative. Thus the player community will collectively have a real effect on the corporate power struggles and politics of the Starfighter Inc. universe.”

David continued, “Every time we demo our game, we gain new fans and true believers. This is the sort of project that people get really passionate about – even folks who had no previous interest in space combat sims! We’ve been extremely fortunate to attract some amazing talent. A great example is the compelling video (link) narrated by esteemed actress Emma Samms (General Hospital, Dynasty). We’re very grateful that she donated her time to record this video! You’ll also find it under the Narrative section of the Kickstarter campaign.

Now we’re ready to rock with this new campaign. And as the Kickstarter continues over the next 30 days, we’ll reveal even more details about the ships, weapons, missions, and our innovative narrative system that will keep players immersed and directly involved in the events and the evolving universe of Starfighter Inc. We’ll also be posting more videos as well as interviews with members of the team. And we might also have some surprises (Pilot Aptitude Test – hint, hint) in store for our fans and backers.

Starfighter Inc.’s first Kickstarter Live stream is scheduled for this Sun. March 19th at 4PM Eastern: “Multiplayer Gameplay Q&A” and will be hosted by the game’s director, Jack Mamais.

“I am super excited to see the crazy space fighter child of the X-Wing and MechWarrior 2 teams.” – Luke Crane, Head of Games at Kickstarter

“It was great to meet you guys at PAX East last week. Your passion for this game shows and you and your game were a highlight of my first PAX experience. It’s only right; then, that you are also my first Kickstarter pledge!” – Chris G. (from Kickstarter comments)

Kickstarter Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/impellerstudios/starfighter-inc-0

The Surge Gets a Strong, Faster, Tougher Trailer

2017/03/17

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Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

March 17, 2017 – Deck13’s upcoming hardcore Action-RPG The Surge today unveils a new CGI trailer, showcasing intense, visceral combat between man and machine. After exploring Warren’s first day at the office in the previous trailer, we now witness him battling mechanical foes deeper within the CREO complex.

Megacorporation CREO works to reverse the devastating effects of climate change, but the facility is hit by a mysterious, catastrophic event. After awakening from a blackout caused by this disaster, Warren is thrust into a deadly new world. Robots gone haywire, insane augmented co-workers, and rogue AI―it seems like everything wants him dead.

Players are pitted in a desperate fight to survive, engaging these unpredictable foes in tight, visceral melee combat. Grow in power with The Surge’s next-gen looting system: Target and slice specific limbs off your enemies in battle, then equip the weapons or armor you dismember!

The Surge arrives May 16 and is available to pre-order now on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and, PC. Visit the official website for more info.

Wartile – Early Access Launch Trailer

2017/03/17

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Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Copenhagen, Denmark – March 17, 2017 – Playwood Project’s medieval tabletop-inspired real time strategy game Wartile is now available on Steam Early Access. Featuring stunning, highly detailed digital dioramas and innovative, tactical gameplay, Wartile takes players on a journey through intricately crafted environments as they lead a hoard of Viking warriors through a series of beautifully detailed battle boards, each with its own story and lore.

“We’re thrilled to finally launch on Steam Early Access and confident that Wartile’s impressive digital dioramas and unique gameplay will bring something new and visually jarring to the RTS genre,” said Michael Rud Jakobsen, Founder and Creative Director of Playwood Project. “The combined effort from all the team, not to mention the initial praise and reaction from press and community, has kept us going for many months and we are excited to see what players think of our efforts thus far!”

Wartile is a single player and multiplayer real time tabletop inspired game for PC with a strong turn based flavor. The game replicates the feeling of playing a tabletop game but with a tactical edge and more immediate combat. Each Battle Board is an intricately realised digital diorama complete with tiles that allow players to strategize their tactical moves and attack in real time. Units are fully customizable with armor, weapons and new stat tokens that players can pick up throughout the game by completing special challenges. Stat tokens provide points that players can add to their characters’ stats which unlock when players level up and are found in each of the various Battle Boards in the game. Players can add a tactical slant to their close quarter and ranged combat moves by utilizing Ability cards and Godly cards as their figurines gain more experience and by completing special Battle Board objectives. Godly cards and abilities can be assembled by the player before engaging in battle and used during combat. These cards can easily change the course of the fight should the odds be stacked against their favor.

The game eventually plans to include a wide range of detailed environments, including Norwegian mountains, murky swamps, rocky English coastlines, dark dungeons and sweeping grasslands. Wartile also allows players to unlock and collect an array of different characters, all with different combat abilities to provide a choice of tactical options before they embark on each quest.

Wartile’s beautifully realised digital dioramas and innovative game mechanics aim to bring a wholly unique and refreshing perspective to the RTS genre. Players will be challenged to utilise their Viking figurines carefully in both ranged and hand to hand combat as they navigate each Battle Board toward their objective. Wartile will also be making an eagerly awaited appearance at EGX Rezzed in London’s Tobacco Dock in the Unreal Showcase Zone from the 30^th March through to 1^st April.

Wartile is available now on Steam Early Access priced $19.99, €19.99, £14.99. A 10% discount offer will be in place for its first week on sale.

War Thunder Update 1.67 Trailer

2017/03/16

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Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

March 16, 2017 – Gaijin Entertainment today announced the release of their latest major update 1.67 ‘Assault!’ for its military MMOG War Thunder. The update introduces almost twenty new vehicles including Japanese tanks and three new battle locations bringing the total number of maps to more than 80 available in the game. A new cooperative game mode (Assault) will be added soon after the Update 1.67 launch.

New Co-Op game mode ‘Assault’: Coming soon, available in two iterations, the new game mode challenges players to defend a strategic location against waves of enemy ground vehicles or aircraft. For tankers, combat is fought tank to tank on the ground, with the ability to temporarily support teammates in attack aircraft or bombers. Pilots are tasked with maintaining air superiority over a zone by fending off enemy bombers approaching from all directions. As each successive wave is stronger than the previous one, players have to work together to hold out until the end, upon which they will receive well-deserved rewards.

19 New Vehicles Expand War Thunder’s Arsenal: Some interesting new machines arrive with War Thunder’s Update 1.67, including the new British self-propelled gun FV4005 with its deadly 183mm anti-tank cannon – now the largest cannon in the game by far – replacing the KV-2’s 152mm howitzer as the new heavy hitting champion. The recently introduced Japanese Ground Forces tree receives three new vehicles, including the ATGM carrier Type 60 APC and multi-turreted Type 95 Ro-Go. The other War Thunder nations also receive a stockpile of new tanks and aircraft. More information can be found in the Developer Diaries here: http://warthunder.com/devblog

Three New Map Locations – More Than 80 Maps in Total! The ‘Assault’ update includes three new battle locations including one map for air and two maps for combined arms battles. On ‘Guiana Highlands’ fighting begins at an altitude 6000 meters above sea level, with the whole area being divided into several ‘floors’ that each feature their own battle and victory conditions.

The two combined arms battles, ‘Ardennes’ and ‘Phang Nga’, are set during the early stages of the Battle of the Bulge and the Pacific War, respectively. The former puts players into the outskirts of the Belgian town of Bastogne as they fight for control over the town and the frost covered hilltops surrounding it. The latter, which will be made available in one of the upcoming Naval Pre-Beta weekends, sees players contest the coast of Thailand in a battle waged from air and sea.

DreamWorks Animation WonderCon 2017 Panel Information

2017/03/16

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Geek News, Movie News, News, WonderCon

Here are DreamWorks Animation Television’s 2017 WonderCon Panels for Voltron Legendary Defender and Trollhunters from Guillermo del Toro! Check out the details below.

DreamWorks Trollhunters, a Netflix original series
Friday, March 31st, 1:15 – 2:15 PM
Room 300AB
- Following the epic first season of the Netflix original series DreamWorks Trollhunters, join executive producers Marc Guggenheim, Rodrigo Blaas and Chad Hammes as they share their favorite moments from season 1 and take you behind-the-scenes of this critically-acclaimed series from Guillermo del Toro. The panel will be moderated by Josh Macuga of Collider.
- Panelists include: Marc Guggenheim, Rodrigo Blaas and Chad Hammes
DreamWorks Trollhunters Signing
Friday, March 31st, 2:30 – 3:30
Location: TBA
- Marc Guggenheim, Rodrigo Blaas and Chad Hammes
DreamWorks Voltron Legendary Defender Signing
Saturday, April 1st, 1:30 – 2:30
Location: TBA
- Executive Producer Joaquim Dos Santos, Co-Executive Producer Lauren Montgomery, Story Editor Tim Hedrick, Jeremy Shada, Josh Keaton, Tyler Labine, Kimberly Brooks, and Bex Taylor-Klaus.
DreamWorks Voltron Legendary Defender, a Netflix original series
Saturday, April 1st, 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Room 300DE
- Join EP Joaquim Dos Santos, Co-EP Lauren Montgomery, story editor Tim Hedrick and voice cast for an in-depth discussion of the epic second season of the critically acclaimed Netflix original series DreamWorks Voltron Legendary Defender. They’ll highlight their favorite moments and come ready for an extended fan Q&A. The conversation will be moderated by Kyle Anderson of Nerdist and panel attendees will receive a WonderCon exclusive poster created by Joaquim Dos Santos.
- Panelists include: Executive Producer Joaquim Dos Santos, Co-Executive Producer Lauren Montgomery, Story Editor Tim Hedrick, Jeremy Shada, Josh Keaton, Tyler Labine, Kimberly Brooks, and Bex Taylor-Klaus.

Corsair Unveils K63 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

2017/03/16

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Geek News, News, Peripherals News

FREMONT, CA –March 16th – CORSAIR®, a world leader in enthusiast memory, PC components and high-performance gaming hardware today announced the new K63 mechanical gaming keyboard. Continuing the CORSAIR legacy of top-quality, high-performance gaming keyboards, the K63 combines tenkeyless design, precision CHERRY MX Red mechanical keyswitches, a full complement of media keys and per-key red LED illumination. What’s more, K63 offers all this at a price that puts mechanical performance within reach of gamers wanting to step up their game to the next level. The result is a perfect combination of mechanical precision, advanced gaming features and a space-saving design that makes it ideal for compact desktops or gamers on-the-go.

Packing the best of CORSAIR keyboards into a new compact size, the K63 boasts a host of features ready to match the most demanding games. Beneath its sleek exterior and gold-contact CHERRY MX Red key switches, per-key red LED backlighting vibrantly illuminates each key. With the power of CORSAIR Utility Engine (CUE) software, every key’s lighting can be controlled individually, allowing for virtually unlimited lighting customization and control. CUE software also allows for near endless programmability, with every key individually reprogrammable with alternative commands, custom macros or dynamic lighting effects.

Dedicated volume and multimedia controls located at the top of the keyboard offer easy access to audio adjustments in-game, while dedicated Windows Key Lock and brightness adjustment buttons allow gamers to keep distractions to a minimum at crucial moments.

Precision and accuracy are nothing without control, and the K63 delivers when it matters most. 100% Anti-ghosting with full key rollover ensures that every press of the keyboard is registered, no matter how many keys are pressed simultaneously, or how fast you press them.

CORSAIR K63 Specifications

100% CHERRY MX Red mechanical keyswitches: Gold-contact CHERRY MX mechanical gaming keyswitches deliver the ultimate performance and competitive advantage.
Per-key red LED backlighting and large font keycaps: Brilliant red LED backlighting enhances the experience with dynamic and virtually unlimited lighting adjustability.
Compact, tenkeyless design: Great for travel, and you’ll have more room for your mouse.
Dedicated volume and multimedia controls: Control to adjust media on-the-fly, without interrupting your game.
100% Anti-ghosting with full key rollover: No matter how fast your in-game actions are, your keystrokes always register the way you intended.
The power of CUE: Fully programmable with CUE to assign macros to any key and create dynamic lighting effects.
Windows Key Lock mode: Stay focused and prevent accidental Windows and Context Menu key presses.

Availability, Warranty and Pricing

The CORSAIR K63 is available immediately from the CORSAIR worldwide network of authorized retailers, and distributors and is backed by a two-year warranty and the CORSAIR worldwide customer support network.

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

Web Pages:

For more information on the CORSAIR K63, please visit

http://www.corsair.com/k63

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel Refurbishment Details

2017/03/15

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Geek News, News

ANAHEIM, Calif. – An exciting, hotel-wide refurbishment is bringing new magic to the luxurious Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at the Disneyland Resort, with completely redesigned guest rooms plus a refreshed lobby, pool areas and the concierge-level Craftsman Club. The most extensive refurbishment since the hotel’s 2001 opening will elevate the premium guest experience and bring a contemporary approach to the Arts & Crafts design style.

The renovations will roll out in phases, with expected completion by the end of 2017. Guests will begin to enjoy the first phase of refreshed guest rooms starting this spring.

Recently named a AAA Four Diamond hotel by the Automobile Club of Southern California for the sixteenth year in a row, the 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa captures the romantic spirit of California’s Arts & Crafts movement in the early 20th century.

“Our renovation adds more luxury to this iconic Southern California hotel, while staying committed to its signature Arts & Crafts design,” said Dan Coleman, General Manager of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. “We want our guests to feel they are staying in a Disney hotel that’s distinctly situated in beautiful California. The revitalized design helps convey this feeling and allows us to continue exceeding guest expectations.”

Redesigned Guest Rooms
Every single element in the redesigned guest rooms will be new, creating a fresh sense of luxury – from floor and walls to furnishings, bedding and linens, as well as upgraded bathrooms. Upon entry, guests will notice beautiful hardwood flooring transitioning into soft, bright-toned carpeting. Linens and pillows are restyled in a bright, white palette and upgraded bathrooms include new fixtures. The room decor is a contemporary take on the Arts & Crafts style featuring all-new furniture made of natural oak, specially designed for each room, as well as California-inspired artwork created by artists and Disney Imagineers, including beautiful headboard walls with wood inlay designs featuring Chip ‘n Dale climbing orange trees! Guests with sharp eyes will catch other uniquely Disney details throughout these newly enhanced rooms.

Other Enhancements

Pools: The pools and surrounding areas have been redesigned with new hardscapes that reinforce the Arts and Crafts feeling of this premier Disney resort. A variety of natural stones were chosen to create a warm and welcoming environment at each pool.
Lobby: The already spectacular six-story Grand Hall lobby will continue to impress guests with new, stylish furnishings to complement the existing Arts and Crafts décor.
The Craftsman Club: The new design for The Craftsman Club, the hotel’s concierge-level lounge, will draw inspiration from the architectural and furniture designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a visionary of the Glasgow Style of the Arts and Crafts movement. New hardwood flooring, custom-designed rugs, finely-crafted artisanal furniture and specially-commissioned art will add to the sophisticated, upscale tone of the Club.

Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa is the first Disney resort hotel in the world to be located inside a theme park, providing guests with an exclusive entrance to Disney California Adventure Park. Guests staying at Disneyland Resort hotels also enjoy Extra Magic Hour, which provides early entry to select Disneyland and Disney California Adventure attractions.

For updates and progress reports on Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa refurbishment, visit www.disneyparksblog.com.

Boysenberry Festival Returns to Knott’s Berry Farm in April

2017/03/15

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Geek News, News

March 15, 2017 – The yummiest season returns to Knott’s Berry Farm this spring with the Boysenberry Festival from April 1 – April 23. The festival celebrates the flavorful berry that started it all for Knott’s Berry Farm, the boysenberry! For the first time ever, the mouthwatering festival is expanding to three weeks featuring over 75 one-of-a-kind boysenberry inspired items, drinks and live entertainment.

For 2017, the mouthwatering line-up of boysenberry fishes feature the irresistible boysenberry pizza made with arugula, goat cheese and black forest ham, a new creamy ravioli dish packed with boysenberry flavors, freshly-baked boysenberry fry bread topped off with Nutella and whip cream plus lip-smacking corn on the cob with boysenberry butter and mayo to name a few.

Returning items include a few fan favorites like the crispy deep fried alligator bites paired with farm-made zesty boysenberry aioli, finger-lickin boysenberry BBQ wings and the savory boysenberry meatballs. Plus, new this year, tasting cards will be both online and at the park. Guests will now have the opportunity purchase their tasting cards in advance. In honor of the boysenberry’s historic roots, which originate from Buena Park due to Walter and Cordelia Knott, April 3, 2017 has been officially proclaimed National Boysenberry Day. To celebrate the special day, Knott’s will be hosting several special activities and contests throughout the day at the park. There will be memorable photo ops, and exclusive give-a-ways for all guests.

Knott’s Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA 90620

Knotts.com

Danger Zone and Archer Coming to Rock Band 4

2017/03/15

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Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Xbox One News

March 15, 2017 – Iconic ‘80s songs don’t get much bigger than Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone”. Taken from one of the best-selling soundtracks of all-time, “Danger Zone” peaked at #2 on the Hot 100 and cemented Kenny Loggins’ status as the King of ‘80s soundtracks. The song (co-penned by disco pioneer Giorgio Moroder) has become a pop culture staple and true anthem.

Sterling Archer: secret agent turned private investigator turned…rock star? That’s right, in celebration of the April 5^th debut of Archer: Dreamland on FXX and the debut of Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone” in the Rock Band™ 4 DLC library, everyone’s favorite spy will be making his highly anticipated Rock Band debut this Thursday as part of the free March content update for Rock Band 4.

Bringing Archer into the Rock Band world presented a unique challenge for the art team. The Archer TV show is 2D animation with a cel-shaded style – completely different from the signature look of Rock Band. The team wanted to stay true to the Archer Style, so we created a custom cel-shader in Rock Band just for this character. The end result is an Archer that looks like he was pulled straight from TV and dropped on stage.

Archer will be available to all Rock Band 4 players when the March update hits tomorrow, March 16. Check him out in action below, and get pumped for the new season, Archer: Dreamland, premiering April 5^th on FXX.