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Audeze Announces Penrose Wireless Gaming Headset

Audeze, the leading premium audiophile headphone manufacturer, announced today the launch of their new Penrose wireless headset aimed at console and PC gamers. Extending Audeze’s family of gaming headphones, the Penrose is designed with Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Sony’s PlayStation®5 in mind.

Penrose is equipped with Audeze’s 100mm planar magnetic drivers, a broadcast quality microphone for enhanced chat and streaming, and a 2.4 GHz low-latency lossless wireless connection, so gamers can experience the best in audio quality and wireless functionality.

To commemorate this announcement, the Audeze Penrose is now available to pre-order for the limited promotional price of $249 ($50 off MSRP). Pre-order details can be found at audeze.com/penrose

The Penrose wireless headset comes with a USB dongle that can be connected to Xbox Series X, launching this fall, or PlayStation 5 gaming consoles, as well as current generation consoles and desktop computer systems. Penrose can also be connected to mobile devices using Bluetooth 5.0, with support for SBC and AAC codecs. Both wireless and Bluetooth connections can be activated simultaneously, allowing users to customize their Penrose sound settings in real time using the Audeze HQ mobile and desktop app.

The Audeze Penrose wireless planar magnetic headset comes in two versions, Penrose (for PlayStation®4 and PlayStation 5 consoles, and Windows and Mac desktops) and Penrose X (for Xbox One and Xbox Series X consoles, and Windows desktops).

Penrose will retail for $299 US, and the first 1,000 pre-orders are available for $249 US at audeze.com/penrose, and through participating international distributors. Shipments are expected in early September 2020.

Audeze Penrose features include:

  • Audeze 100mm planar magnetic drivers
  • Broadcast quality microphone
  • 2.4GHz lossless low-latency wireless
  • Bluetooth 5.0 (SBC and AAC)
  • Audeze HQ mobile and desktop app with custom EQ and sidetone toggling

For more information on the Audeze Penrose, follow Audeze on Twitter, “Like” us on Facebook, subscribe to Audeze on Youtube to see and hear video demonstrations of Audeze products, and visit the website at www.audeze.com.

DIRT 5 Features Trailer Released

Codemasters® today gets under the hood of DIRT 5™, with the lowdown on features that await players when it releases beginning October 9 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC, followed later by Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. A Google Stadia version will release in early 2021.

Having wowed racing fans when announced in May, DIRT 5 unleashes more amplified action in the new features trailer which can be viewed here:

Showcasing the variety of global settings, the racing starts in Brazil under the gaze of Christ the Redeemer. The cars hurtle across mud and lush vegetation before a transition to the scorching Arizona desert where we head deep in the heart of the canyon to an oval sand track perfect for some heart-pounding sprint car racing. The action then heads to a series of rugged wadi gorges in Morocco, with a rock bouncer taking on a mountainous landscape in a challenging Path Finder event.

DIRT 5 offers the most diverse vehicles of any DIRT game; from the outrageous 900bhp sprint cars, to rock bouncers, pre runners all the way through to traditional and modern rally vehicles. There are 13 classes in total so players will always find something to suit their driving style. Mastering front, rear and 4WD cars will prove invaluable whether tackling Career mode or jumping into a split-screen race with friends.

DIRT 5 features more game modes than any previous iteration, with unique challenges at every turn:

  • Landrush – Circuit-based, rough terrain with jolting jumps and technically challenging sections. Weather and track conditions change on-the-fly during the event to mix-up this pack race mode.
  • Rally Raid – Controlling machines built for extreme off-road, Rally Raid challenges are point to point with split routes, where drivers can grab some serious air.
  • Ice Breaker – As the name suggests, players battle short circuits that take place entirely on ice. Throttle control and precise drifting are crucial to master this mode.
  • Stampede – Hard, unforgiving natural landscape, built for rough-and-ready machines. The layout is unmarked with major undulations over mud and sand.
  • Path Finder – Another new game mode. Controlled speed and more strategy are the keys to success. Hardcore off-road terrain packed with steep jumps and rock-strewn paths.
  • Sprint – Amplified racing at its craziest. 900bhp, enormous wings and four different sized wheels. Left turns only on oval and circular tracks. One for the drifters.
  • Ultra Cross – Varied terrain and unpredictable circuit design. Classic rallycross amplified for the ultimate challenge.

The crazy world of Gymkhana makes its welcome return for the first time since DiRT Showdown. Players jump, drift and donut around purpose-built stunt arenas marked out with barrels, tires, and cones. String together tricks to trigger multipliers to hit a target score within the time limit. Gymkhana is as much about style as it is about substance.

Codemasters is pleased to confirm that DIRT 5 will allow players who purchase the PlayStation 4 version to automatically upgrade free of charge when they switch to the PlayStation 5. As previously announced, DIRT 5 also supports Xbox Smart Delivery which offers the same free upgrade when Xbox One owners change to the Xbox Series X.

“The trailer gives players an insight into the world of DIRT 5 and the breadth of content and features that await them,” said DIRT 5 Development Director at Codemasters, Robert Karp. “But we still have a few things under wraps including a feature never seen before in the DIRT series. If racing fans want some of the roughest terrain, extreme weather and thrills at every corner, then DIRT 5 delivers all of this and more.”

Keep up with all the DIRT 5 news and follow updates from the studio on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.

King of Seas Announcement Trailer

Unfold your sails, raise your anchor and prepare to set sail on a deadly adventure set in the golden age of pirates, as developer 3DClouds announce their new action role playing game, King of Seas.

Scheduled for release in autumn 2020 for Windows PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch, King of Seas immerses you in a time of pirates, ferocious sea battles, hidden treasure and lost islands, all set in a stunning procedurally generated game world. Embark on an epic journey to avenge the death of your father, navigating through unknown waters and waging battle with other ships as you stake your claim to become the king of all pirates.

King of Seas’ dynamic game world will react to your every action forcing you to evaluate your strategy at every turn and adapt to the new challenges facing you. Naval routes might change meaning you will need to look for new ways to conquer settlements or adverse weather conditions might require new, more dangerous routes to be navigated when heading to islands to trade goods or upgrade your ships. Engage with an intriguing cast of characters who may steer you towards hidden treasures or lead you into deadly traps as other pirates look to plunder your gold. One thing is for certain, there are adventures to be had and battles to fight as you shape your empire on the high seas.

“We are thrilled that after a year of hard work, we are finally ready to unveil King of Seas, our most ambitious project to date.” Commented Francesco Bruschi, Founder and CEO of 3DClouds. “We have poured all our creative talent into creating this stunning pirate world and can’t wait to share more with you in the coming weeks.”

As a sneak peek into the world of King of Seas, 3DClouds has released a teaser trailer giving you a glimpse of the stunning locations and destructive sea battles you will encounter when the game releases this autumn.

Wargaming.net Unveils Naval Heritage Tattoo Photo Contest

In honor of National Tattoo Day, Friday, July 17, the developers of World of Warships and World of Warships: Legends are asking players to show their ink as part of a global photo contest.

To celebrate the art and culture of tattoos – entwined with the naval heritage – World of Warships and World of Warships: Legends are inviting fans and community members to share images of their naval-inspired tattoos for a chance to win prizes and see their tattoo inspire an upcoming ship camouflage. Starting July 17 through July 24 players can visit the portal to upload an image here (link will be live on July 17). From July 24 – July 31 players will vote for the shortlisted tattoos, while the winning tattoos will be announced by August 13, 2020.

“Tattoos have been a part of navy culture since Captain Cook’s first voyage to Polynesia in the 1770s where he discovered intricate and beautiful body art of indigenous people,” said Philip Molodkovets, World of Warships’ Executive Producer. “For centuries sailors have been adorning their bodies with recognizable tattoos to appease the sea gods. Over the years tattoo art has become widespread form of personal expression, a way to show what you are passionate about. Therefore, with this tattoo contest we wanted to show the incredible bond between our community and the sea”, concluded Phil Molodkovets.

Find more information about naval tattoo tradition in our animated series.

The World of Warships Tattoo Contest Prize Packages:

  • The person with the tattoo receiving the highest number of votes will receive a $1,000 USD gift card to a tattoo parlor of their choice,
  • 100 random qualifying submissions will receive a pack of camouflages in World of Warships or World of Warships: Legends,
  • Camouflage gifts for 100 random players who will cast their vote,
  • In addition, the developers of World of Warships will create a completely new camouflage inspired by one of the tattoos submitted during the contest (not contingent on how many votes it receives).

For a complete list of rules, visit here.

Muppets Now Video Call Trailer

In preparation for the world premiere of the Muppets’ first-ever streaming show, “Muppets Now,” Kermit the Frog will conduct a video chat to break the news that Disney+ has ordered six half-hour muppisodes premiering July 31. With a full roster of rotating guest stars, world-class production facilities, and pure unscripted mayhem, “Muppets Now” breaks new ground for the gang in their Disney+ debut.

“The Muppets are thrilled to be doing our first-ever unscripted show! It’s going to be extremely spontaneous and very surprising; almost as surprising as the fact that we ever actually used a script in the past.”

Kermit the Frog

“This is moi unfiltered, unexpurgated, and more unbelievably fabulous than ever. If you watch only one show on Disney+ ,you really should tune in more often. But whenever you watch, make it moi on Muppets Now.”

Miss Piggy

“For the first time ever, I’m working without a joke book, folks. It’s a new kind of totally improvised comedy I call ‘bare bear’! See what I did there? Ahh! Wocka! Wocka!”

Fozzie Bear

“I knew Muppets Now was coming to Disney+ but I did NOT know they wanted Muppets Now NOW, as in right away, as in “doesn’t anybody give a warning around here’!? Gotta go upload those episodes pronto! Wish me luck; I’ll need it.”

Scooter

This season’s celebrity guests include entertainers, comedians, chefs, and more. Fans won’t want to miss all-new improvised comedy segments from their favorite Muppets including Miss Piggy, Beaker, Camilla, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo the Great, Kermit the Frog, Pepe the King Prawn, The Swedish Chef, Scooter, Uncle Deadly, among others.

Disney+ is the streaming home for the Muppets collection where “Muppets Now” will join an assortment of fan-favorite Muppet movies, series, and shorts.

Produced by The Muppets Studio and Soapbox Films, “Muppets Now” premieres Friday, July 31, streaming only on Disney+. New episodes will be released every Friday.

Necrobarista Launch Trailer Released

Necrobarista, the cinematic cel-shaded visual novel from Route 59 Games, pours onto Steam for Windows PC on July 22, 2020.

Discover a tale of mystery, magic, and, depending on who asks, the best/worst coffee around. Hidden in an unassuming alleyway lies The Terminal, a café that serves as a waypoint between the lands of the living and the dead, where any one of the patrons could be a spirit from beyond. With strict rules defining how long ghosts can spend in the corporeal realm before being forced to pass on, running this café is more complicated than your typical Melbourne coffeehouse.

Apprentice necromancer Maddy has just taken ownership of The Terminal and all its magical responsibilities. Follow her story and those of mechanics-obsessed teen Ashley, infamous Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, exasperated necromancer Chay, and a cast of other colorful characters through their dark pasts and the secrets behind the place linking them all together.

Stemming from a desire to elevate visual novels, Necrobarista moves beyond text boxes, making the narrative central to each scene with collectable keywords giving further insight into the characters and themes of the world. Every chapter of the story is interspersed with first-person exploration sequences that allow patrons to delve deeper into The Terminal while also providing the opportunity to choose which narrative threads to investigate next.

With each shot carefully composed, every new line of dialogue brings dynamism and elements of cinema to the experience. Inspired by anime, Necrobarista translates traditional 2D art styles into a vibrant 3D world and pairs those influences with a soundtrack by award-winning anime and games composer Kevin Penkin (Made in Abyss, Tower of God, The Rising of the Shield Hero, Florence).

“Necrobarista is an extra-caffeinated blend of our love for games, anime, and our hometown,” said Kevin Chen, lead designer, Route 59 Games. “The resulting brew is something uniquely Australian and we’re thrilled to finally serve up our magical world and immerse everyone in coffee puns when the game launches on Steam for PC next week.”

Necrobarista will be available for $19.99 / €16.79 / £15.49 / $24.95 AUD via Steam. Supported languages include English, French (European and Canadian), Italian, German, Spanish, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Japanese, Korean, Russian, Turkish, Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, and Dutch. Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 releases will be served in 2021.

Iron Harvest Faction Rusviet Empire Faction Trailer

Deep Silver and KING Art Games today released a faction trailer for the upcoming and highly anticipated RTS, Iron Harvest, showcasing the glorious mech armies of the Rusviet Empire. Today’s video is the first in a series introducing the factions, units and tactics players will be able to use in Iron Harvest, coming to PC on September 1, 2020.

Iron Harvest tells an epic, overarching story following three factions and their protagonists in the alternate-fiction universe of 1920+. Each of the factions offers different tactical opportunities and advantages in battle. This not only allows for an intense story spanning across 20 missions in three campaigns, but also grants players deep tactical multiplayer experiences in which strategy beats clicks-per-second at any time. Additional Skirmish and Challenge Maps allow players to challenge the AI alone or in co-op with a friend.

About the Rusviets:
After the Great War and on the brink of a revolution, the Rusviet nation is struggling to keep a constant flow of resources up and running. Resources they desperately need to fuel their huge, expensive war machines. Today’s video introduces the Rusviet Mechs and gives a first idea on how they are used best on the battlefields of Iron Harvest.

Inspired by post WWI-history, Iron Harvest tells the story of a Rusviet Empire facing internal struggles while trying to maintain a dominant position on the battlefield. Close combat with heavy mechs, or slow but highly devastating artillery are to be balanced when players lead the Rusviet soldiers to the front.

About Iron Harvest:
Iron Harvest is a real-time strategy game (RTS) set in the alternate reality of 1920+. At the dawn of the 20th century, shortly after the end of the Great War, the world is full of secrets and mysteries, of opportunities and challenges. Tradition clashes with scientific and technological progress, while Europe is still recovering from the brutal battles of the World War. To create the perfect RTS-experience the team has been working in close cooperation with global RTS-fans ever since the highly successful Kickstarter campaign. Iron Harvest will launch for PC on September 1, 2020. The console version will follow at a later date.

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint Soundtrack Coming to Vinyl

Laced Records has partnered with Ubisoft to release the original soundtrack to Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon® Breakpoint on deluxe double vinyl.

Ghost Recon Breakpoint is a military shooter set in a diverse, hostile, and mysterious open world that you can play entirely solo or in four-player co-op. The original score was composed and recorded by legendary rock producer and multi-instrumentalist Alain Johannes (formerly of Queens of the Stone Age and Them Crooked Vultures) and electronic music artist Alessandro Cortini (formerly of Nine Inch Nails). Drumming on the soundtrack was provided by producer-percussionist Norm Block. The music is deep, dark, and dirty, seamlessly blending brooding ambience, atmospheric rock and simmering synths.

28 tracks specially mastered for vinyl will be pressed onto two audiophile-quality, heavyweight 180g discs, and housed in a deluxe spine sleeve with two printed inners. Sleeve artwork was created by Yann Orhan, Paris-based graphic designer, photographer and director.

“I loved every moment of creating this soundtrack with my super talented friends Alessandro and Norm. Immersing ourselves in the Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint world and reacting off it and each other was an amazing experience. It’s definitely some of my favourite music I’ve ever been a part of,” shared Alain Johannes, Ghost Recon Breakpoint’s composer.

Alessandro Cortini, Ghost Recon Breakpoint’s composer, also commented that “it was magical to work with such inspiring musicians and friends and to be given the chance of creating the sonic landscape for the game.”

The Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon® Breakpoint (Original Soundtrack) double vinyl can be pre-ordered now via www.lacedrecords.com (www.lacedrecords.co outside of the USA) and will ship in September 2020.
Price: GBP £33 / USD $35

Find out more about Ghost Recon Breakpoint at www.ghost-recon.ubisoft.com

Star Wars: The Bad Batch is A Go at Disney+

Today Disney+ ordered its next animated series from Lucasfilm, “Star Wars: The Bad Batch.” Fresh off of the critically-acclaimed series finale of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” the Disney+ original series will premiere on the streaming service in 2021.

The series follows the elite and experimental clones of the Bad Batch (first introduced in “The Clone Wars”) as they find their way in a rapidly changing galaxy in the immediate aftermath of the Clone War. Members of Bad Batch – a unique squad of clones who vary genetically from their brothers in the Clone Army — each possess a singular exceptional skill which makes them extraordinarily effective soldiers and a formidable crew. In the post-Clone War era, they will take on daring mercenary missions as they struggle to stay afloat and find new purpose.

“Giving new and existing fans the final chapter of ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ has been our honor at Disney+, and we are overjoyed by the global response to this landmark series,” said Agnes Chu, senior vice president, Content, Disney+. “While the Clone Wars may have come to its conclusion, our partnership with the groundbreaking storytellers and artists at Lucasfilm Animation is only beginning. We are thrilled to bring Dave Filoni’s vision to life through the next adventures of the Bad Batch.”

“Star Wars: The Bad Batch” is executive produced by Dave Filoni (“The Mandalorian,” “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”), Athena Portillo (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Star Wars Rebels”), Brad Rau (“Star Wars Rebels,” “Star Wars Resistance”) and Jennifer Corbett (“Star Wars Resistance,” “NCIS”) with Carrie Beck (“The Mandalorian,” “Star Wars Rebels”) as co-executive producer and Josh Rimes as producer (“Star Wars Resistance”). Rau is also serving as supervising director with Corbett as head writer.

Wonder Women: Superstars of Paranormal Coming to Comic-Con@Home

Travel Channel’s “Wonder Women: Superstars of Paranormal” brings the badass women of paranormal to San Diego Comic-Con’s virtual Comic-Con@Home this summer. The powerful panel will premiere on the first day of Comic-Con, Thursday, July 23 at 1:00 p.m. PT/4:00 p.m. ET. Viewers can watch here: Comic-Con@Home

Appearing for the first time all together are some of the biggest female stars from Travel Channel’s hit series. Watch as they share what it is like to be a fearless female force in the paranormal industry. Panelists include paranormal investigators and researchers Amy Bruni (“Kindred Spirits”) and Katrina Weidman (“Portals to Hell”), paranormal explorer Chelsea Laden (“Destination Fear”) and psychic medium Cindy Kaza (“The Holzer Files”). Fans will be inspired by their stories and get firsthand advice from a group of women who aren’t afraid of no ghosts.

Plus, during the panel, Travel Channel will reveal news and share an exclusive clip from an upcoming special that every paranormal fan will geek-out over!