Author - Jerry Paxton

Civilization VI: Rise and Fall First Look at Cree Nation Trailer

2018/01/02
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

January 2, 2018 – 2K and F4iraxis Games today revealed that Poundmaker will lead the Cree in Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Rise and Fall. Poundmaker was a highly skilled bison caller – a man who drew bison into pounds – and greatly respected among his people. He was also recognized as an outstanding orator and went on to become a great leader.

His commitment to a lasting, just peace between the Cree and the government was born of foresight and dignity. During his life he had served as a personal agent of peace to end war between First Nations. His legacy is now honored among both the Cree and Canadians today.

For more information, please see 2K’s official Civilization blog: https://civilization.com/news/entries#civilization-vi-rise-and-fall-poundmaker-leads-the-cree-nation

HP Omen X 35-inch Curved Gaming Display Review

2018/01/02
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Reviews, Tech News, Tech Review

HP’s Omen gaming line of computers and peripherals has become quite the conversation piece thanks to its sleek, dark future design ideology. Recently, we got to check out their Omen X 35-inch curved gaming monitor, and I was simply amazed. We have gotten our hands on some other curved displays in the past and been very pleased – however, just looking at the Omen X 35 once unboxed and setup on our desk was impressive.

It features a thin, black bezel, classy OMEN text at the bottom center of the monitor, and an understated Nvidia G-Sync logo at the bottom right. Its control buttons are located along the bottom right edge of the display and are fairly easy to navigate – especially with the on-screen prompts which pop up as you press the side buttons. On the back of the Omen X 35, you’ll find HDMI, DisplayPort, USB 3.0, and USB 3.0 upstream ports, all fairly easy to reach when setting it all up. The bottom of the monitor features an RGB lighting system that can be adjusted via the control buttons on the right, and features something I have not seen yet on a gaming display. Aside from the usual cycle and solid color modes, you can set the Omen X 35’s light to whatever the ambient color on the screen is at the time! I have seen lighting systems like this on large TV displays, but never on a PC gaming monitor – it is a pretty cool effect! They also have a “work light” mode which simply displays a low-lumen white light which is nice for working at your desk without a large desk lamp available.

In terms of adjusting the display itself, the Omen X 35 is somewhat rigid in that area. You can easily adjust the height of the monitor up and down, but it does not feature a swivel left or ride range of motion. This is because of how the monitor stand is constructed. Going for that sleek, dark-future look, the monitor stand is very thin, being only a half and inch thick when looking at it straight-on. Of course, it is thicker than that when viewed from the side as it has to support the weighty display, but its minimal cross section allows for less distraction and more of a “floating display” appearance from the front. Unfortunately, this does not allow for the previously-mentioned swivel. Thankfully, swiveling the entire monitor is not difficult thanks to the distribution of weight on the monitor base.

Being the Fallout fan I am, I first tried the monitor out with Fallout 4. I have downloaded many of the HD texture and lighting mods for the game, so I was extremely impressed with how it ran. Next up on my list was a faster game – Battlefront II, which was also very impressive, and the ultra wide resolution and screen real estate felt like having two regular displays side by side, but without that annoying center bezel that multi-monitor gamers are all too familiar with. Also a bonus is that you can get better performance with one ultra wide monitor instead of two or three regular displays as you can set your video card to single display performance mode – an added bonus. Another feature of the Omen X 35 that gets overlooked in many reviews I have seen is that its 2500:1 contrast ratio – an impressive ratio.

Specifications

  • 35.03 Inches Screen (Curved)
  • 3440×1440 Resolution
  • 8-bit VA Panel (AMVA+) with 178° Viewing Angles
  • 21:9 Aspect Ratio
  • 4ms Response Time
  • 100Hz
  • Nvidia G-Sync
  • Ports: DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4
  • Other Ports: 3x USB3.0, Audio Line-Out
  • Brightness: 300cd/m2
  • Static Contrast: 2,500:1
  • Dynamic Contrast: 10,000,000:1
  • Pixel Pitch: 0.2382mm

Overall, the Omen X 35-inch curved display is a gamer’s dream. Not only is its 100Hz refresh rate blazing fast but, when coupled with Nvidia’s G-SYNC technology you will not be subject to any discernible ghosting or trails as you jump around the battlefield. Also, it has a reasonable price point (in this display category) of a little more than $900 dollars in most online retailers. If you have the money to spend, you will not be disappointed with the Omen X 35-inch curved gaming monitor.

Knott’s Berry Farm Announces NYE 2017 Plans

2017/12/27
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

BUENA PARK, CA (December 2017) – The countdown to the New Year is on at Knott’s Merry Farm with  midnight fireworks, live entertainment, and special extended hours for the one-night event. Guests can say goodbye to 2017 as the park celebrates with memorable festivities including Knott’s Merry Farm seasonal performances throughout the day on December 31st. The Knott’s New Year’s Eve celebration gives guests front row seats to the final Seasons of Fun event, of year as the park rings in 2018 with a park wide party unlike any other.

The New Year’s celebration features entertaining activities for the whole family including a family-friendly comedian Chipper Lowell, live bands throughout the park, salsa lessons and more. Guests are invited to count down the final moments of 2017 with festive music, party hats and noisemakers making this last night of the year extra special. The spectacular firework celebration sets the sky above Knott’s ablaze at the stroke of midnight as colorful fireworks light the start of the New Year. The nighttime extravaganza offers a stress-free night perfect for family and friends to come together and create new memories by starting a new tradition at Knott’s.

This year’s line-up of cannot miss entertainment:

·         Jumpin’ Joz Band and Memories Swing Dancers invite guests to jump, jive & swing to the sounds of Jumpin’ Joz. The resident “swingers” are always looking to teach some of their signature dance moves!

·         Reindeer Rockers Duo will have guests rockin’ around the Christmas tree with rock and blues versions of classic Christmas songs at the all-new Boardwalk BBQ Restaurant.

·         DJ Howly brings the party to the farm for a special New Year’s celebration with high energy music perfect for dancing, all taking place at the Calico Mine Stage.  The Calico Mine Stage will also offer a musical performance by Vanity Band, a top 40s band that will keep crowds singing and dancing as the clock approaches midnight.

·         Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies will have the crowd’s toes tappin’, hands clappin’ and guts bustin’ performing live in the Birdcage Theatre.

·         DJ JC and Salsa Instructor Maria will teach guests how to salsa and dance their way to the New Year with the top Hispanic hits of the decade in Fiesta Village.

·         To celebrate the New Year the beloved Peanuts characters will be offering a special nighttime meet and greet right next to the Calico Mine Stage. 

·         Midnight Fireworks Spectacular, guests can ring in the New Year with a bang as the park’s sky wonderfully lights up for an aerial fireworks display that will leave the young and young at heart in awe.

·         Dining at the Farm: A New Year’s Eve celebration is not complete without a delicious meal. Spur’s Restaurant is serving up a special New Year’s Eve buffet from 4pm-10pm; prices are $34.99+tax for adults, $29.99 for Seniors (62 and over) and $18.99+ tax for kids (11 and under).

The seasonal fun continues with Knott’s Merry Farm’s festive lineup of entertainment, delectable foods and holiday shopping:

·         Merry Christmas, Snoopy!, in this exciting show filled with whimsy and spectacular ice skating, Snoopy enjoys all of the best parts of the season, including trimming the Christmas tree, awaiting Santa’s arrival and attending the festive Christmas Ball!

·         When the sun sets on the farm, the buildings and paths in Ghost Town twinkle brightly to the beat of holiday favorites as snow gently falls. Guests can enjoy the nightly Snow and Glow experience throughout most of Ghost Town.

·         The Calico Tree lighting Ceremony features the Calico Mayor, carolers and the friendly Calico Saloon cast as they invite guests to sing around the tree for an illuminating Christmas celebration.

·          The holiday season celebration continues at Camp Snoopy with A Peanuts Guide to Christmas, at the Camp Snoopy Theatre, featuring a delightful mash up of holiday songs with a cheerful and heartwarming dose of the Peanuts Gang.

·         In the intimate setting of Ghost Town’s historic Bird Cage Theatre, guests can catch a live performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol or O. Henry’s A Gift of the Magi.

·         Cameo Kate and Dakota Dan host a musical holiday celebration with a special performance in the Calico Saloon Christmas Show. The old west revue show offers plenty of laughs and audience interaction in the toe-tapping, knee-slapping journey

·         Savor the ultimate comfort foods with Knott’s world-famous holiday treats. Santa’s Christmas Cabin serves up holiday delights like Santa’s homemade cookies, warm roasted nuts, hand-made tamales and more. Guests can also enjoy the all-new Holiday Pizza at Hollywood Hits, as well as the legendary cooking at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. 

·         The bustling streets of Calico also celebrate the sounds of the season with the Knott’s Calico Carolers as they harmoniously sing classic holiday tunes for all to enjoy.

·         Relax and unwind in Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village, as Ghost Town transforms into a shopping wonderland filled with dozens of local artisans selling their unique gifts.

 

Knott’s New Year’s Eve Celebration is included with regular daytime admission. Park hours on New Year’s Eve are 10am to 1am. A 2018 Knott’s Season Pass is a great way to visit on New Year’s Eve. A 2018 Season Pass includes one free visit to enjoy in 2017 unlimited visits in 2018 with no blackout dates, discounts on select food and merchandise, and access to exciting year-round seasonal events. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to Knott’s Berry Farm and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and the newly expanded Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. Now at the Lowest Price of the Year, Regular Season Passes start at just $92.00 or six easy payments of $15.33 and Gold Season Passes are $110 or six payments of just $18.33. These offers end January 7, 2018. Applicable taxes and fees apply online. Payment plans are only available at knotts.com.

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.  And join the conversation using #KnottsNYE.

World of Warships Blitz Coming to Mobile in January

2017/12/23
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Mobile News, News

December 23, 2017 — Wargaming Mobile is excited to announce that World of Warships Blitz launches January 18 on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Mobile gamers on tablets and phones will soon be able to engage in epic naval combat that combines teamwork, tactics, and skill to rule the seas in an action-packed free-to-play online shooter.

Developed in partnership with KingNet, World of Warships Blitz will let players battle each other from a massive roster of 90 legendary warships from Japan, ​USA, Germany​ ​and​ the ​USSR. ​Players can choose between ​four​ ​distinct​ ​classes such as ​agile​ ​destroyers, well-rounded​ ​cruisers, ​powerful​ ​heavy​ ​battleships​ ​and​ ​long-range​ ​tactical​ ​aircraft carriers. Captains will be able to take to the seas in rapid 7-vs-7​ player​ ​battles,​​ team​ ​up​ ​with​ ​friends,​ unlock​ ​new​ ​ships, and take part in exciting single player missions.

“As a mobile game, World of Warships Blitz is casual, easy to learn and super competitive,” said Thaine Lyman, Head of Shooters at Wargaming Mobile. “Short battles, easy controls, and an impressive roster of ships are all right there from launch. We’re happy to welcome World of Warships Blitz into the Wargaming Mobile portfolio.”

World​ ​of​ ​Warships​ ​Blitz​ ​will​ ​support​ ​the​ ​unified​ ​Wargaming.net​ ​ID, which​ ​allows players to​ ​switch​ ​between​ ​platforms​ ​and​ ​devices​ ​while​ ​retaining​ ​all in-game​ ​progress.​ In World​ ​of​ ​Warships​ ​Blitz,​ players on both iOS and Android will be able to​ ​play​ ​together​.

Both iOS and Android players can pre-register here, starting December 23 to receive the Aurora Premium ship when the game has officially launched!

To learn more about World of Warships Blitz, visit the official website:

https://wowsblitz.com/

Bloody Zombies Nintendo Switch Launch Trailer

2017/12/21
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, Trailers / Videos

(Farnborough, United Kingdom) December 20. 2017 – Video game publisher nDreams and Paw Print Games have announced their E3 award-winning co-op brawler Bloody Zombies is coming to Nintendo Switch™, the new home gaming system that people can also take on the go, on 23rd December for £10.99/€13.49/$14.99.

Bloody Zombies on Switch features extensive multiplayer support, with online and local co-op brawling for one to four players. Set in a London wasteland, bloody zombies have taken over the city and four survivors must fight together to beat back the rotting hordes across the game’s full campaign. Bloody Zombies’ highly refined freeform combat is both an evolution and refinement on genre greats, featuring an expansive, unlockable moveset that can freely be chained into brutal, discoverable combos. With extensive support for the Nintendo Switch console, Bloody Zombies features full controller and play mode support, allowing you to go from TV to handheld to table top and play with your preferred controller input.

Check out the trailer here:

“We’re delighted that Bloody Zombies is joining the host of wholesome family-friendly titles, like Skyrim, Doom and LA Noire, hitting the Switch this holiday season.” said David Corless, VP of Publishing, nDreams. “What could make Christmas more festive than helping your Granny take down a seven-foot zombie with a samurai sword, all whilst playing together on your new Switch console?”

“We’ve gone to town to create a game that is a truly modern evolution of the brawlers that we love,” said Antony White, Co-Founder and Director at Paw Print Games. “With extensive multiplayer options, an expansive campaign, and a combat system inspired by some of our favorite titles, we’re sure it will be enjoyed by genre fans and anyone else who cannot resist punching a zombie in the face!”

War Thunder Update 1.75 Brings New Aircraft and Light Tank Additions

2017/12/20
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

Wednesday, 20 December 2017 — Gaijin Entertainment today released Update 1.75 “La Resistance” for its vehicular combat MMO War Thunder. Besides adding more than a dozen aircraft, new locations, and a new reconnaissance mechanic for light tanks, the update introduces the previously announced Ground Forces research tree for France. Furthermore, the update sets the stage for the popular New Year’s marathon, where players can obtain tanks and aircraft unique to this year’s event.

The French Ground Forces research tree starts with a staggering amount of 35 vehicles from Rank I all the way to Rank VI, encompassing early tanks of the 1930s as well as modern vehicles from the late stages of the Cold War. The production of the most modern model inWar Thunder, the AMX-30V2, began in 1982 and it is still in service today with several armies worldwide.

Together with the French Ground Forces comes the new combined battles location “Maginot Line”, portraying one of the sectors of France’s famous fortification line against Germany with its bunkers, a small town and even a medieval castle. Another new location, “Middle East”, sees combat between a ruined city and an oil plant located in the blazing desert sand.

A new reconnaissance game mechanic has been introduced for light tanks of all nations, which greatly expands the teamplay value for this type of vehicles. Now, light tanks can transmit information about enemy vehicles to their teammates and can assist all allies with repairs on the battlefield. More information is available here:

https://warthunder.com/en/news/5193-development-new-opportunities-for-light-vehicles-en

The air forces of War Thunder have received more than a dozen of new machines, including the twin-engined World War II machines Yak-2, Yak-4 for the Soviet Union and the British Whirlwind. New post-war fighters wait for the US and Japan, with the F3D-1 Skyknight and F-86-F40 Kyokko, respectively.

To celebrate the festive season, pilots and tankers of War Thunder can obtain unique Premium vehicles for free. For pilots, the P-40C for the USA and a captured Fw 190 A-8 in the French tree are available, while tankers can get the British wheeled armored car AEK Mark II, which is equipped with a tank turret, and a German Panther tank that is disguised as an American M10 tank destroyer. Specifically created for the New Year’s marathon this year, these vehicles can only be obtained during this event by fulfilling specific tasks available from 22 December to 22 January. Further rewards include boosters, decals and 3D decorative items.

EVGA Unveils X299 DARK Motherboard

2017/12/18
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Hardware News, News

December 18th, 2017 – EVGA introduces you to the ultimate in raw performance for the next-gen Intel® Extreme lineup, the EVGA X299 Dark. The Dark is crafted from the ground up to be the performance apex with everything you need to make a record-breaking benching run or a 24/7 number cruncher, and nothing you don’t – a board that is as reliable as it is fast. The EVGA X299 Dark has all of the current gen top-tier component support, including:

  • 2x M.2 Key-M slots / 1x M.2 Key-E slot
  • Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready
  • 2x U.2 Ports
  • USB 3.1 Type-A / Type-C
  • Up to 64GB of 4000MHz+ (OC) Quad-Channel RAM on Skylake-X CPUs
  • Up to 32GB of 4133MHz+ (OC) Dual-Channel RAM on Kaby Lake-X CPUs
  • 2x Intel® GbE LAN with teaming support
  • EVGA’s Full Featured GUI UEFI/ BIOS
  • Legacy LGA20XX Socket Backplate for custom CPU cooling solutions (optional)

There is much to be said about a beautifully-engineered motherboard designed to handle the highest loads or the most extreme conditions, let alone the rigors and abuse constantly demanded by the best overclockers in the world and still look good doing it. This was achieved, in part, by using:

  • 12-Layer PCB
  • Highly-Efficient 16-Phase PWM
  • 100% Solid State Capacitors
  • 300% Higher Gold Content in CPU Socket
  • External BCLK / Clock Generators
  • 8 SATA Ports – 6 from Intel PCH / 2 from ASMedia ASM1061
  • Triple BIOS Select Switch
  • PCIe Disable Switches
  • ProbeIT Connector
  • PS/2 Port
  • Creative Core3D Audio
  • Intel® VROC Header

Although the X299 Dark does not feature RGB LED support, it politely reminds you that you can’t see pretty in the Dark. This board is engineered for the ultra-enthusiast, including these features:

  • Active PCH & M.2 cooling
  • 4-Way SLI Support
  • Multi-Function POST Indicator
  • Visual Guide / Bench table
  • PCIe / DIMM Status LEDs
  • Right Angle Power / Fan / and USB3.0 Headers

The X299 Dark proves once again that until you have used it, you don’t know the power of the Dark side of the EVGA motherboard lineup.

For more details, please see here:  https://www.evga.com/articles/01168/evga-x299-dark/

Universal Studios Hollywood Grinchmas and Hogwarts Holiday 2017 Review

2017/12/18
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Misc Review, News, Reviews

Universal Studios Hollywood is once again transformed for the holiday season. First of the holiday fun to take in is Grinchmas. Grinchmas uses the the sights and sounds of the 2000 film Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas to delight kids and adults. Once again, the heart of the Grinchmas event takes place around a gigantic Christmas tree, adorned with ornaments and lights, but there are also several things to do and enjoy setup around the tree. You can eat several holiday treats created for the event – my personal favorite being the “yeti doughnut” – as well as take your picture with Whoville citizens, the Grinch himself, and even the Grinch’s faithful companion: Max. You can also send your loved ones (or even yourself) a holiday card from the Whoville post office! There is also an area where you can customize your own special Grinchmas ornament. Then there is a large assortment of stage shows – from “Story Time with Cindy-Lou” to the Grinchmas tree lighting ceremony in the evening. Overall, Grinchmas is a very fun time for young and old. I also wanted to give a special shout out to the makeup artists behind the makeup of Grinchmas. Their are doing a terrific job in blending the “who” prosthetics on their actors.

Earlier this year, Universal Studios Hollywood unveiled a terrific new holiday idea for 2017 in addition to their venerable Grinchmas event: Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. After not seeing anything happen in that area of the park for Halloween Horror Nights (could we pretty please get Deatheaters next year?), the gates being not so ceremoniously-shut, this was a welcome addition to the park. The decorations hanging about in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter are decidedly rustic in nature, with boughs of holly and pine adorning the various shops and buildings of the fictional Hogsmeade village. Additionally, the Hogwarts Choir performs on the small stage with holiday-inspired harmonies – all backed up by their croaking frogs. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the attraction inside Hogwarts Castle, is also there for your riding enjoyment and has never looked better with its higher resolution 2D projection system. The Three Broomsticks has has a holiday makeover as well, offering an array of holiday themed dishes from the wizarding world, so be sure to catch lunch there during your visit. Finally, the highly-fabled hot butterbeer is back!

Of course, you will also be able to enjoy all the rest of the attractions and things that Universal Studios Hollywood has to offer. The studio tour is legendary and, despite its reliance on 3D movie-based experiences, still offers you an amazing view on the studio lot. I love doing stargazing from the tour tram as you never know who you’re going to see while being driven around – especially if you are there during the work week when shows and films are shooting. On the day we visited, which was a Sunday, the backlot was fairly quiet as one would expect, with maintenance workers buzzing about in golf carts. The area of the lot used for The Good Place is still off limits due to shooting, but hopefully they will open it up again soon. That area is a hoot to visit – especially if you are a fan of the show.

Overall, Universal Studios Hollywood has put together a great holiday celebration with Grinchmas and Christmas in the Wizarding World. There are plenty of things to do for both young and old and, after you are done in the park, you can enjoy the Universal City Walk outdoor mall. There you will find a number of interesting shops and restaurants for your holiday shopping pleasure. You can find ticket information and a lot more at the Universal Studios official website.

Photo Gallery

Fornite Survive the Holidays Event and Battle Pass Info

2017/12/15
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

December 15, 2017 – Epic Games has launched its “Survive the Holidays” event for Fortnite, which includes all-new game content for both Battle Royale and Save the World!

Some details on the update can be found below and full patch notes can be found here. Fortnite is now available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and Mac. Fortnite Battle Royale is completely free; Fortnite’s PvP “Save the World” is in paid Early Access, and will be free in 2018.

Season 2 for Battle Royale players kicks off with the all-new Battle Pass! Players who purchase a Battle Pass will immediately get sweet cosmetic loot with more than 65+ rewards unlocked for progression throughout the season. Players can get more details in the recently released “Battle Pass Overview” video.

The mode also gets a festive update with a limited-time Snowball Grenade Launcher weapon and other fun visual updates. Additionally, the game has been updated to add new daily quests, updated UI, bug fixes, and general game improvements.

The Fortnite Guide to Holiday Survival is here! This limited time holiday event brings an all-new questline, exclusive holiday-themed loot and activities, Holiday Heroes, new weapons, the addition of mini-bosses, and more.

The “Survive the Storm” event also returns on an all-new Winter survival map with festive trees, snow, and a mountain vista. Epic has also listened to player feedback on the mode and brought a number of improvements, including rebalanced difficulty, resourcing, and rewards.

As always, the update brings a ton of bug fixes and updates to the Early Access title.