December 19, 2016 – Happy Who-lidays! With the Grinch back for Grinchmas, it was only a matter of time before he got into some trouble on the Universal back lot…
Watch what happens when the Grinch steals the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood
December 19, 2016 – Relic Entertainment and SEGA have today released the latest trailer for their upcoming highly-anticipated real-time strategy title Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III. Featuring new in-game cinematics and gameplay, as well as exclusive interviews with Game Director Phillip Boulle and Art Director Matt Kuzminski, this new 6 minute video – entitled Fog of War #2 – Cinematic Faction Showcase – provides an in depth look at the game’s factions and characters and their place in the lore of the Warhammer 40K universe.
Das Keyboard is a company that has been making mechanical keyboards for a very long time, and were doing so well before most of the other gaming keyboard makers did. They are known for sturdy, well-built keyboards with a clicky, responsive user experience. So when they entered into the gaming keyboard market, many wondered what would be the result – and now we know, and it is good. Enter: The Das Keyboard X40 Pro Gaming Mechanical Keyboard.
The Das Keyboard X40 Pro Gaming Mechanical Keyboard features everything we love about Das Keyboard designs. It has a rugged frame that feels just fine along side its not-so gaming-specific brothers and sisters. Das Keyboard also has a number of interesting aluminum frames which can screw onto the top of the keyboard. This allows gamers to customize the look of the keyboard as they prefer. However, it should be known that these frames do cost extra and are sold separately.
Installing the Das Keyboard X40 Pro Gaming Mechanical keyboard is extremely simple. You can literally just plug it in for regular keyboard features or go further and install the Das Keyboard software. The software will allow you to program macro keys and save them in various profiles. This is very helpful so that you don’t have to reprogram all your keys for every game you play.
[mks_col][mks_one_half]The Good
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[mks_one_half]The Bad
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You can also disable the Windows key by simply pressing a gaming mode key on the keyboard. I have always thought that this should be a standard on every keyboard – gaming or otherwise. I hate accidentally pressing that key…. <nerd rage!/>
Typing documents with the Das Keyboard X40 Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard was great, and I love the Das Keyboard feel when the keys are clicking away as you type. It really provides a terrific, satisfying user experience.
There are some things that the Das Keyboard X40 Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard could improved upon. The first thing would be to enhance the back-lighting of the keyboard. The X40 is only capable of showing red back-lighting and, while it works fine, it is not as customizable as other brands’ offerings – some of which have millions of possible lighting colors as well as multiple color zones. That being said, the experience of using the Das Keyboard X40 in an actual game is very good! I tested the keyboard out in a variety of titles, from Star Wars: Battlefront to Fallout 4 to games with much less “twitch” factor like Civilization VI and Master of Orion. In every case, the Das Keyboard X40 was a solid and reliable keyboard.
The Das Keyboard X40 Pro Gaming Mechanical Keyboard retails for $129.00 at both Amazon and Das Keyboard’s online store. It is a great choice if you are a gamer looking for premium performance at a not-so premium price point. However, just know that you are paying for the keyboard experience – not for extra bells and whistles like 16 million color backlighting.
Das Keyboard X40 Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Score:
[mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#0066bf” type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#0066bf” type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#0066bf” type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#0066bf” type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star-o” color=”#0066bf” type=”fa”] (4 out of 5 stars)
Disneyland has once again transformed its two Anaheim parks for the holiday season. Throughout the two parks, you will find holiday decorations galore as well as some additional surprises to delight and enjoy. At Disneyland, there is the new Christmas Fantasy parade which is sure to entertain the younger guests in your group. In Fantasyland, the park has decked out It’s A Small World for the season, with an extremely-impressive makeover worth taking plenty of photos. Of course, the Haunted Mansion Holiday attraction makeover is still in effect, and has truly become a tradition for many families each Christmas season. The venerable Jungle Cruise attraction over in Disneyland’s Adventureland has also been made over for the season. “Jingle Cruise” features tons of holiday surprises, with lots of the attraction’s animatronics getting into the act.
At Disney California Adventure, they have a new holiday themed World of Color light show for guests as well as a completely made-over Cars Land area, with Christmas trees made from all manner of materials – from road cones to tires. Guests can also take their picture with the “big man” himself, Santa Clause, as well as enjoy a number of musical guests from all manner of genres singing holiday songs and a lot more. Check out park maps and the DCA website for times and dates. Additionally, there are so many good food options at DCA, I highly recommend you and your party go check out some of their culinary fare.
Towards the end of your day at the two parks, I highly recommend you making your way over to Disneyland so you can watch the “Believe… In Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular. No one does fireworks shows quite like Disneyland and this show is no different – it is amazing and wondrous as its explosions are timed to music. A lot of people will tell you that the best areas to watch are in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle, and they are probably right. However, I have also had some great fireworks viewing from inside Fantasyland, behind the castle. You miss some of the fireworks that launch over the castle itself, but the bigger ones are in prime view – you are actually so close you can get little particles of ash falling on you!
Overall, both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure are both great stops for your family’s holiday plans this year. I recommend just investing in the 1-day park hopper pass which allows access to both parks.
December 15, 2016 – Styx: Shards of Darkness is Cyanide Studio’s upcoming Stealth Adventure game arriving March 2017 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. Today, discover 3 minutes of brand new gameplay footage featuring a slew of Styx’s new tools and abilities in three different locations – Wildoran the hunters’ village, the secret Sanctuary of the Dark Elven city Korrangar, and Thoben, the city of thieves.
Styx’s second adventure builds upon the foundations laid in the tower of Akenash, with more fluid movement and climbing abilities, a richer story told with cinematics including an enhanced bestiary, side-missions to complete, as well as new and improved sneaking and assassination skills.
The titular goblin’s aerial abilities have been improved and expanded. Swing from ropes and attack from above with a slew of new tools such as the crossbow, with a range of different bolts such as the non-lethal poison bolt. The crossbow can be used not only to kill or disable enemies, but also to detach environmental objects crushing those below.
Cloning is one of Styx’s signature abilities, and they’ve received a major upgrade. One of the new upgradeable abilities is the cocoon, which is a craftable item that you can throw to spawn your clone at a distance. Another new ability is called Rebirth, which teleports Styx to his clone’s location, killing it in the process. It can be used in a number of ways – to travel to spots that are difficult to reach, or to get out of danger when things get dicey.
You will need to use all of Styx’s tools and abilities to get to your goals. If you choose to specialize in crafting, Styx gets access to another craftable contraption, the Acid Trap, which dissolves enemy corpses after they step on them. This is particularly useful against enemies whose armor cannot be penetrated by Styx’s dagger, and enemies whose body is too heavy to carry.
Styx: Shards of Darkness comes out March 2017 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC! You can preorder the game on STEAM from today 7pm CET / 10am PST to get exclusive access to the Akenash set, donning the outfit and dagger from Styx’s first adventure.
December 15, 2016 – The official video game adaptation of Chaosium’s pen and paper RPG, Call of Cthulhu, today unveils new images showcasing the horrifying locals and locales of Darkwater Island. Step into the shoes of Edward Pierce as you investigate the tragic death of Sarah Hawkins, and push your sanity to the limit to uncover the disturbing truth in this RPG/Investigation game blending psychological horror and stealth mechanics.
You are Edward Pierce, a war veteran turned private detective, in the Boston of the 20s. You have been hired to investigate, on the isolated island of Darkwater, the unusual and tragic death of Sarah Hawkins and her family. Soon your investigation will lead you to the fringes of the paranormal, where reality and illusion begins to blend… or is this really the fruit of your imagination?
Driven by the idea that mankind is irrelevant in an uncaring universe filled with inconceivable horrors, Lovecraft’s dark works have captured imaginations across the world for close to a century. Call of Cthulhu fully embraces these fundamentals, pitting you in a desperate struggle against powers that defy human comprehension. To uncover the disturbing truth of Darkwater Island, you will venture a deadly path to the very brink of insanity – a concept tightly tied to the Cthulhu Mythos. As your investigation leads you closer to the sphere of influence of the Great Dreamer, you will start to doubt everything you see. You will have to find balance between your own sanity, and your determination in finding out what lurks in the shadows – as they say that madness is the only way that can bring you to the truth.
Between the haunting environments, twisted story, and the ever-looming threat of the Great Old Ones, Call of Cthulhu promises a darkly satisfying experience for Lovecraft fans and newcomers alike.
Call of Cthulhu: The Official Video Game releases 2017 on consoles and PC.
December 14, 2016 – We’re pleased to announce that Bloodfall, the third and final premium DLC pack for DOOM, is now available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. You can check out our launch trailer here.
Priced at $14.99 / £11.99 / €14.99 / A$23.95, Bloodfall includes the following for DOOM’s multiplayer:
o Empyrian – fight in an ageless colosseum held aloft by opposing energies, as the gilded embattlements slowly crumble
o Boneyard – battle in the outer realm of Hell, where the landscape is made entirely of demon flesh, teeth, and bone
o Outbreak – engage in intense combat throughout a UAC facility transformed after underworldly science breaks free from containment
For more information please visit DOOM.com and Bethesda.net.
December 14, 2016 – Deck 13’s new hardcore action-RPG The Surge today unveils a few minutes of unedited gameplay, showing the visceral, uncompromising combat, the limb-cutting system, and a few of the brutal enemies prowling the dysfunctional CREO Complex.
While some of the earlier enemies encountered while exploring the complex – namely, your former fellow workers – have erratic behavior and may be defeated easily if you are not reckless, others are much more “combat-ready”, and will hunt you down relentlessly.
Result of unspoken experiments, volatile prototypes built from secret nano-technology, or simply efficient death machines built for maintaining security in high-risk environments, these enemies leave no room for mistakes during combat. The slightest misstep, or moment of hesitation, will certainly mean death for you. However, these enemies wear some of the best equipment, weapons and implants you can claim for your own use. You’ll have to decide if you wish to secure a victory, attacking their weak spots, or make your life a bit harder and aim for their armored parts, hoping to recover this precious equipment that will make you stronger, faster, tougher.
Balance the need for better equipment versus your own survival… but remember, you’ll definitely need to power yourself up when you inevitably face the world’s bosses, that will put your skill to the test!
Make the most of your exo-suit, armors, and almost limitless armament combinations to survive CREO when The Surge slices its way onto PS4, Xbox One, and PC in 2017.
Universal City, California, December 13, 2016 – Universal CityWalk unwraps a multi-million dollar renovation of its AMC Theatre to create an all-new state-of-the-art Universal Cinema, debuting just in time for the holidays and offering movie-goers a chance to catch the latest seasonal blockbusters from the comfort of deluxe, recliner seating.
For film buffs, CityWalk has long been the epicenter for fans seeking an environment that matches the excitement of their favorite blockbuster movies. As part of if its bold revitalization, CityWalk now elevates the movie-going experience to new heights as the 18-screen and IMAX AMC Theatre updates with the most technologically advanced sight and sound achievements. A complete remodel of the split level structure includes the installation of deluxe recliner seats in 18 theatres—the equivalent of those found in Hollywood screening rooms—making every seat, the best seat in the house.
Each redesigned theatre has been fully upgraded with Christie RGB Laser projection, Dolby Atmos immersive surround sound and equipped with Christie Vive speakers for optimal audio performance. The installation of new, state-of-the art screens, perforated to enable 360 degree audio, complement the overall enhancements.
The recent upgrade to the IMAX theatre features next-generation 4K laser projection and 12-channel sound systems designed to enhance the entire movie-going experience and provide audiences with sharper, brighter, clearer and more vivid digital images than ever.
The Director’s Lounge Cocktail Bar—an all-new dedicated and stylish second level retreat, flanked by the upper level theatres—adds a charismatic new dimension to the space as it blends high-tech elegance with chic sophistication for casual pre- and post- movie-going fun. Beverages served at the Lounge can also be taken into the second level theatres.
Additionally, movie-goers can enjoy $5 Movie General Parking with the purchase of a movie ticket.
The below December holiday film release schedule offers movie-goers a diverse selection of blockbusters to enjoy at the new Universal Cinema, including:
Opening Film Cast
Dec. 16 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Mads Mikkelsen
Dec. 16 Collateral Beauty Will Smith, Helen Mirren, Edward Norton
Dec. 16 Solace Anthony Hopkins, Jeffrey Dean Morgan,
Colin Farrell
Dec. 21 Assassin’s Creed Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard,
Jeremy Irons
Dec. 21 Passengers Chris Pratt, Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Sheen
Dec. 21 Sing Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon,
Scarlett Johansson
Dec. 21 Patriots Day Mark Wahlberg, J.K. Simmons, John Goodman
Dec. 23 Silence Liam Neeson, Adam Driver, Andrew Garfield
Dec. 23 Why Him? Bryan Cranston, James Franco, Zoey Deutch
Dec. 23 A Monster Calls Sigourney Weaver, Felicity Jones, Toby Kebbell
Dec. 25 Live By Night Ben Affleck, Sienna Miller, Zoe Saldana
Dec. 25 Fences Denzel Washington, Viola Davis,
Stephen Henderson
Since 1993, CityWalk has boosted the city’s rhythm through a foundation built on providing memorable entertainment experiences. With a series of dramatic enhancements currently underway that includes the introduction of new restaurants, shopping experiences, visually aesthetic design features and the completed state-of-the-art movie theatre renovation, the spotlight shines brightly on CityWalk as it continues to resonate as one of L.A.’s most influential lifestyle centers.
More information on CityWalk is available at www.CityWalkHollywood.com. Regular updates can also be found on CityWalk’s Twitter @CityWalkLA, Facebook-Universal CityWalk Hollywood and on CityWalk’s Instagram @CityWalkLA.
SAN FRANCISCO – December 13, 2016 – Today, Ubisoft® announced that Rocksmith® 2014 Edition – Remastered will now feature all-new acoustic instrument support, allowing acoustic players to join the four million people who have learned to play guitar and bass through the award-winning Rocksmith® method, the fastest way to learn guitar.*
The free update comes with three new modes including Microphone Mode, Disconnected Mode and Endless Replay Mode in Guitarcade. With Microphone Mode, players can go acoustic. They will be able to plug in a dedicated USB microphone to a console or computer that will detect the notes played on an acoustic instrument. By placing the microphone near their acoustic guitar or bass, players will be able to take full advantage of Rocksmith without plugging in their instrument.
Disconnected Mode enables players to learn songs without plugging in an input device. With this mode, note detection is deactivated and players can read the notes on the screen for more casual practice sessions. Now with Endless Replay Mode, players are able to immediately restart their session in Guitarcade rather than starting back at the game menu after each round.
“We’ve been looking for a way to bring Rocksmith to aspiring acoustic players for a long time, so we’re thrilled to unveil today’s updates,” said Nao Higo, executive producer, Ubisoft San Francisco. “This year our song catalog grew to more than 900 tracks, and we added new features for all players with the free remastered upgrade. Now, millions of acoustic guitarists can enjoy Rocksmith too. We’re focused on providing our players with the best guitar learning experience possible and will continue looking for ways to grow and support our community.”
Along with these new modes, players can now edit their song lists from the Learn a Song menu, as well as the Nonstop Play menu. There is also the added ability to choose other arrangements in Score Attack and the ability to replay the Welcome to Rocksmith introductory lesson, as well as an updated Calibration sequence for greater accuracy. The new update will be distributed as a free patch for users on all platforms.
For more information about Rocksmith 2014 Edition – Remastered, please visit rocksmith.com.
For the latest on all of Ubisoft’s games, please visit ubiblog.com.
*Research Strategy Group Inc. – March 2013 – US nationwide in-home placement study
