Author - Jerry Paxton

Genius Releases GX Maurus X Gaming Mouse

2013/07/23
Jerry Paxton
News, Peripherals News

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July 23, 2013, Chino, California – Genius today launches the GX Gaming Series Maurus X, a stylish FPS/RTS gaming mouse, in North America. With its large, ergonomic design, customizable lighting, six buttons, and quick-change DPI function, the Maurus X will help gamers stay a step ahead of the competition in today’s highly competitive gaming world.

Bigger is Better
Larger and heavier than the original Maurus, the Maurus X is designed for maximum comfort, so gamers can play for hours without experiencing any wrist or hand soreness. And thanks to its 50g (1.8oz) metal weight, precision movements can be executed with ease.

Performance Plus Style
The Maurus X not only performs like a high-end gaming mouse, it looks the part too. The rear logo and mouse wheel light up in a bold red, and the intensity and pulse rate can be modified. Meanwhile, the top of the mouse features a polished black and red surface, while the sides have textured, rubbery grips for total control.

Assign Up to 8 Macros
All six buttons, plus the scroll up/scroll down mouse wheel inputs, are fully customizable, so gamers are able to assign up to eight macros. The intuitive Maurus X GUI makes creating macros a breeze, and also lets users quickly switch between five profiles.

Adjust DPI on the Fly
Changing the DPI on a mouse has never been easier. With a press of a button, gamers can adjust the DPI from 800 up to 4000. Plus, with its overclocking SG-Core-i sensor and up to 1000hz adjustable polling rate, the Maurus X provides highly accurate targeting even at low DPI settings.

Price and Availability
The Maurus X is currently available in North America for the suggested retail price of $49.90.

Technical Specifications:

  • Image processing: 6400fps
  • Acceleration: 20G
  • Motion detection: 60IPS
  • Lift height: 1-5mm
  • Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 4cm (4.7 x 3.2 x 1.6in.) (L*W*H)
  • Weight: 178g (6.3oz)

Package Contents:

  • Maurus X gaming mouse
  • Scorpion interface driver
  • Extra footpad set
  • Multilanguage instruction manual

Product photos and detailed specs are available at:
http://www.gx-gaming.com/?action=products_detail&wtype=feature&id=18

The World’s End Review and Comic-Con Screening Q&A

2013/07/22
Jerry Paxton
Film Review, Geek News, Movie News, News, Reviews, SDCC

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While at this week’s San Diego Comic-Con, we got invited to a special showing of Edgar Wright’s “The World’s End” – the final installment in his “Blood and Ice Cream” trilogy, which began with Shaun of the Dead and was followed-up by Hot Fuzz. In The World’s End, a group of childhood friends are brought back to their home town of Newton Haven almost 20 years after their attempting to complete “the golden mile” – a 12 public house pub crawl. Much like in real life, however, our home towns often seem to change from how we remember them as kids. In the case of Newton Haven, the change comes from the fact that it seems like the town’s inhabitants have been replaced by… Something else entirely.

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We arrived at the screening and got all checked-in, then found our seats in the media section of the auditorium. Then, shortly before the movie began, we were surprised that none other than Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg (who tweeted early that day he had returned to the UK), and Nick Frost were going to watch the movie with us and do a short Q&A afterwards! Edgar Wright actually said prior to the screening starting that we were the first U.S. audience to see the final film before its release date. Other celebs in the house included Nathan Fillion (Firefly) and Bill Paxton (Aliens). Paxton being there was somewhat ironic as, at one point during the movie, an “Aliens” reference was made which got a huge laugh from the audience – not just because it was funny, of course, but because we had Pvt. Hudson in our theater with us! Game over man, game over!

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It was an utter pleasure to see so many returning actors from previous Edgar Wright films and even his TV series, Spaced. Look for cameos by Mark Heap, Julia Deakin, and others! Wright continues to impress as a filmmaker and it seems that, with each film he makes, he adds another tool or skill to his directorial toolbox. Even The World’s End’s fight sequences feel very much like those in “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”, and with good reason – he used the same fight choreographer in both films! The World’s End moves along at a speedy, yet-comfortable pace that delivers the perfect amount of information to the viewer at any one point during the film. Even when the action heats up, I was clearly able to make out what was going on.

-SPOILERY VIDEO – Here is our video from the pre and post QA with Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, and Nick Frost – SPOILERY VIDEO-

Part One

Part Two

-END SPOILERY VIDEO-

The film’s climax and resolution took several unexpected turns, leaving me pleasantly surprised that I couldn’t figure out what was going to happen ahead of time. My only hope is that the team of Wright, Pegg, and Frost will team up more often so that we don’t have to wait so long before getting another of their masterpieces.

Overall, The World’s End is an exceedingly-fun piece of filmmaking which viewers will, like Wright’s films before it, find something new in it at each screening. Looking back on my screening of the film and my entire Comic-Con experience, I feel hard-pressed to replicate the geeky awesomeness of seeing this film with its makers when it gets its actual release on August 23, 2013. But, I look forward to trying… Cheers!

[easyreview title=”The World’s End Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″ ]
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QuakeCon 2013 Tournament Lineup Announced

2013/07/22
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

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Bethesda Softworks and id Software have announced the official tournament lineup for their 2013 QuakeCon event which takes place in Anatole, Texas from August 1 through 4, 2013.

THE QUAKECON 2013 TOURNAMENT LINEUP:

The Intel QUAKE LIVE Duel Invitational Master (official rules, register here)

The Intel QUAKE LIVE Duel Invitational Masters Championship will feature known professionals and top QUAKE LIVE competitors in an exclusive tournament. Up to thirty-two (32) of the world’s best QUAKE LIVE players, hand selected by tournament staff from the open online registration, will face-off in the 1 vs.1 duel for $18,000 in a double elimination bracket, with each match played in a best-of-three-games format. With two competitors remaining, thousands will gather to watch as these two best-of-the-best survivors go head-to-head in a single elimination, best-of-five-games throw-down with a $9,000 check written to the champion.

QUAKE LIVE Clan Arena 3v3 Open (official rules)

The QUAKE LIVE Clan Arena 3v3 Open will feature 3 vs. 3 competitions for up to thirty-two (32) teams battling it out in a single elimination bracket and best-of-three games format, with the two top teams advancing to a best-of-five Grand Final. Teams who come out on top will share prizes of $6,000, including $3,000 for the team of champions.

DOOM 20th Anniversary Challenge (official rules)

The 20th Anniversary DOOM Challenge will feature old school DOOM II gaming. Battling for a share of prizes, including $1,000 for the champion, players will compete in sixteen player Free-For-All matches that will qualify 32 players for the single elimination bracket, where each match will be played in a best-of-three-games format.

Registration Information

Those wishing to register for The Intel QUAKE LIVE Duel Invitational Master can do so at tournaments.quakecon2013.com.

Braven 855s Rugged Bluetooth Speaker Available Now

2013/07/22
Jerry Paxton
News, Tech News

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Provo, Utah – July 22nd, 2013 – BRAVEN announces the immediate availability of the BRAVEN 855s, the biggest rugged BRAVEN yet.  The 855s comes encased in a shock-absorbing water-resistant exterior, making it the perfect high-fidelity wireless speaker for sport, travel, around the house, and outdoor experiences.

The BRAVEN 855s measures less than 10 inches long and 4 inches tall, but delivers enough power to fill raucous rooms or outdoor parties with amazing audio.  Designed for the adventurer, the 855s is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, has a brute looking grill and is able to charge mobile devices including cameras, smartphones, even tablets.  Similar to the BRAVEN 850, the 855s can also wirelessly daisy chain with a second 855s or 850 speaker for a true left and right wireless stereo experience.

To produce BRAVEN’s signature powerful and rich sound, the BRAVEN 855s uses a combination of class-leading extended-range aluminum cone drivers, dual passive radiators and a digitally enhanced audio based on DTS Audio’s SRS WOW technology.  The BRAVEN 855s has an impressive playtime of up to 20 hours, uses Bluetooth 3.0 connection for effortlessly pairing, has an integrated speakerphone for hands-free calls and has an IPX3 water resistant rating.

“BRAVEN believes that award-winning audio should be accessible in all locations, and the 855s makes great music possible no matter where you are,” stated BRAVEN CEO, Warren Osborn.  “The 855s satisfies even the most demanding music lover whether they are out in the wild or just relaxing at home – and goes with you anywhere you go.”

The BRAVEN 855s is currently available for $299.99. For more information about the BRAVEN 855s or the entire line of BRAVEN wireless speakers, visit www.braven.com. Visit our YouTube page to see the BRAVEN speakers in action.

Product Details:

  • 20W output
  • 20 hours of continuous wireless playback
  • Built-in internal speakerphone and microphone
  • On-the-go ability to charge almost any USB-powered device
  • Bluetooth v3.0 EDR
  • (A2DP) 1.2 Support
  • 33 ft. operating distance
  • IPX3 water resistant rating
  • Hands Free Profile (HFP)
  • 3.5mm line-in
  • True Wireless – wireless daisy-chaining between two BRAVEN 855s or BRAVEN 850 devices for true left and right channel stereo
  • DTS SRS Wow Sound enhanced listening mode

About BRAVEN

BRAVEN is dedicated to delivering stunning audio in portable Bluetooth speakers to today’s mobile consumer. As the first company to produce a portable HD speaker/speakerphone that doubles as a mobile phone charger, BRAVEN is an industry leader that combines first-class sound with unparalleled style. With an international reach that continues to grow, BRAVEN delivers the latest innovations to fans across the world. For more information, please visit www.braven.com or connect with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bravenproducts  and Twitter at www.twitter.com/bravenproducts.

More Borderlands 2 DLC Packs Coming

2013/07/22
Jerry Paxton
News, PlayStation 3 News, Windows PC News, Xbox 360 News

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New York, NY – July 22, 2013 – 2K and Gearbox Software today announced that more downloadable content will be available for the award-winning Borderlands® 2 on all platforms worldwide* beginning this fall. The Borderlands 2 Season Pass is now complete, but more badass content is headed to Pandora with a second level cap increase, epic boss battles, and all-new head and skin sets.

This fall, players can cause more mayhem on Pandora with the Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Pack 2: Digistruct Peak Challenge, which raises the level cap from 61 to 72 for all six playable characters and will be available soon for $4.99 (400 Microsoft Points).

For the first time, new, uniquely-themed boss fights with additional bonus content will be available for individual purchase beginning this fall and continuing into 2014. Each pack will offer players a new quest leading to a boss fight and, once the player is victorious, in addition to a loot drop, a unique head and skin set for each playable character will unlock.

Additionally, new head and skin sets will be available for $0.99 (80 Microsoft Points) each, making all six of the playable Borderlands 2 characters more customizable than ever before.

“Ever since the completion of the Season Pass, gamers have been clamoring for more Borderlands 2 content,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “Starting this fall, fans will get a surge of new content further expanding the world of Pandora; giving players more reasons to stay engaged in the action-packed world of Borderlands 2.”

“The development team at Gearbox Software is very proud of the content included in the Season Pass, but we want our fans to know we’re not finished with Pandora yet,” said Randy Pitchford, President of Gearbox Software. “Soon Vault Hunters will be able to take all six Borderlands 2 characters to powerful new levels, while outfitting them with the most badass heads and skins to date.”

The Season Pass, which also contains the Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Pack, is still available for purchase and provides nearly $45.00 worth of content for $29.99 (2400 Microsoft Points), includes four extensive add-on campaigns offering dozens of hours of gameplay:

  • Captain Scarlett and her Pirate’s Booty;
  • Mr. Torgue’s Campaign of Carnage;
  • Sir Hammerlock’s Big Game Hunt;
  • Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep.

Players can also individually purchase the four add-on campaigns for $9.99 each (800 Microsoft Points) as well as the Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Pack for $4.99 (400 Microsoft Points).

Borderlands 2 is rated M for Mature by the ESRB and is available now on the Xbox 360® games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Mac, and Windows PC. For the latest Borderlands 2 news and information, please visit the official Borderlands 2 web site, and follow on Twitter and Facebook.

2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

*Borderlands 2 base game is not included in this add-on content campaign, but is required to play all of the included content.

A San Diego Comic-Con Look at The Haunted Hotel

2013/07/21
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News, SDCC

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Located in San Diego’s Gaslamp District, The Haunted Hotel came to life (or death) again for the weekend of the world famous San Diego Comic-Con. The outside of The Haunted Hotel is somewhat unassuming. In fact, if you are in a hurry, or its dark outside, you could miss it altogether. So, look sharp for the sign above the main double doors. Tickets for this event were a reasonable $17 dollars a person with a “fast pass”, VIP ticket for $10 dollars more. The maze takes a good length of time to traverse, so my party and I felt it to be a very good value. After picking up our tickets, we waited in line as monsters scared passersby and other patrons in line with us. The talent both in and out of the maze were energized and enthusiastic as they got the chance to scare outside the usual haunt season. Several times during our journey, I was very impressed by the various effects implemented by The Haunted Hotel. The attraction is definitely not afraid to experiment with motion platforms, digital projection, and a lot more – all of which makes for an haunted house unlike anything you have gone through before.

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Unlike many haunted houses which just shuffle endless lines of people through, The Haunted Hotel staff send people into the attraction in small groups to maximize scares and allow maze talent to reset in-between patrons. Usually, photos are not permitted to be taken inside the attraction, but we got special permission to snap some from the inside (see the full gallery below). Of course, we didn’t photograph everything we saw, as I hate spoiling the surprises of attractions like this for future patrons. You can expect a variety of set types as guests go from inside the ruined hotel to what is supposed to be beneath the streets of San Diego. Without giving too much away, there was one room in particular that was very effective at using both lighting and a motion base to create a very crafty illusion. In the end, The Haunted Hotel was a terrific haunted house that I would definitely visit again this Halloween season.

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As an added attraction, the Zombie Apocalypse Store was open for the weekend as well. This store is built into The Haunted Hotel property and allows patrons to purchase flares, stun guns, tactical vests, zombie apocalypse preparedness books, and a whole lot more. They even have a decent price point on some unused USMC ILBE Internal-Frame Rucksacks which make for great long range hiking packs. During our visit, my party picked up a couple of zombie-related PVC patches and a stun gun – not a bad haul!

The Haunted Hotel begins on September 27th, 2013 and runs on select dates through November 2nd, 2013. Additionally, I was told by event personnel that auditions for monster positions would begin sometime in August. Check out their official website for more information. We would like to thank Vanessa from The Haunted Hotel for making this preview look at the attraction possible!

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The Maxx Coming Back in Multiple Remastered Forms

2013/07/20
Jerry Paxton
Comics News, Geek News, News, SDCC

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San Diego, CA (July 20, 2013) – Sam Kieth’s The Maxx was a runaway sensation when initially published. Kieth’s exquisite artistry and quirky stories resonated with readers who had never seen anything quite like it before. Exploring the strange relationship between two realities, The Maxx follows the dual identities of a man caught between the real world and a heroic fantasy realm called The Outback. The Maxx ran for more than 30 issues and inspired a popular animated show on MTV.

Now, 20 years later, the striking series is returning to comic shops with fully re-mastered and re-colored printings of the classic stories, and all supervised by Kieth to ensure the highest possible quality. The Maxx: Maxximized will also feature brand-new painted covers by Kieth Additionally, IDW will-for the first time ever-release a series of hardcover Maxx collections. And if that wasn’t enough, there will also be Artist’s Editions enabling readers to finally see Sam’s beautiful and delicate line work as they never have before.

“I want to thank my pal Ted Adams,” said Sam Kieth, “for giving me and some of my books a home at IDW… I hope he doesn’t lose his shirt!”

“Sam, as usual, is self deprecating to a fault,” said editor Scott Dunbier, “he’s an amazing artist and a good friend, and I could not be happier to have him at IDW.”

Kieth will also create a set of three comprehensive new art books called The Worlds of Sam Kieth that will showcase his incredible powers as an artist, but also tell the story of who he is and how he came to be the artist he is. The first volume is debuting at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con International.

The original artist on Sandman, which he co-created with Neil Gaiman, Kieth’s enchanted style quickly grabbed the attention of readers, and his success allowed him to explore his own creations with The Maxx and Ojo. While his career in comics has found him working on some of the most iconic characters, he is arguably best known for creating The Maxx, and IDW is looking forward to being intimately involved in the next chapter of this classic character’s legacy.

G&G GR4 G26 DST Blowback AEG Review (Airsoft)

2013/07/20
Jerry Paxton
Airsoft News, Airsoft Reviews, News, Reviews

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While at AirSplat’s recent customer appreciation day at TacCity Airsoft in Fullerton, CA, I got to checkout G&G’s GR4 G26 advanced blowback AEG in the desert tan flavor. I was very impressed to find out that it had a built-in, flip out laser sight and flashlight! Additionally, the AEG comes with a very nice, contoured hi-cap magazine which acts acts as an additional grip.

Visually, G&G’s GR4 G26 is a very attractive Airsoft gun. It features an ergonomic style that is not only comfortable to use but, also, great to look at. Most players who have been in the Airsoft world for any length of time would call the furniture on this AEG “Magpul-ish”, and they would be right. However, regardless of if it is Magpul or Magpul-inspired, this gun is darn comfy to use. The embedded grip contour in the included hi-cap magazine makes for a very solid and stable place to steady your aim and I just wish they made the magazines in mid-cap form.

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The GR4 G26 and Magazine

Official Features & Specs:

  • Durable Fiber Reinforced Receiver, RIS Handguard, Stock, and Motor Grip
  • Integrated Rubber Cheek Rest and Locking Release Lever on Stock
  • Built-in Laser and LED Tac Light
  • Tube compartment integrated on the Stock. Perfect for CR123A or AA batteries
  • QD Sling attachment points at Foregrip and Stock
  • One-point Sling Attachment Ring
  • Flip-up Front and Rear Sights. Front sight blends with top rail, rear sight is fully adjustable
  • Ergonomic Foregrip and Motor Grip
  • Fully Railed Upper Receiver perfect for Optics
  • Adjustable G26 Style Stock
  • Full Metal Barrel Assembly and Stock Tube
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The GR4 G26 featured in a CoD Black Ops II ad

Length: 700-795mm
Weight: 2440g
Muzzle Velocity: 310~340 FPS (Measured with 0.20g BBs)
Inner Barrel Length: 233mm
Gearbox: Version 2
Range: 120 feet
Magazine: 300rd G&G GMAG Hi-cap magazine. (Uses all M4 / M16 series Magazines)
Package Includes: AEG, Hi-cap Magazine, Cleaning rod and manual.
Motor: Long Type
Battery: 9.6v Small or Butterfly Type (Battery & Charger Not Included.)
BB: 6mm Airsoft BBs. Best with Matrix 0.20 / 0.23 / 0.25g bb.

Manufacturer: G&G Armament

[wpcol_1half id=”” class=”” style=””]The Good

  • Built in laser sight and flashlight are very effective
  • Optional flip-up sights are nice for those who prefer using their own optics
  • Good out of the box rate of fire and FPS for CQB arenas
  • Excellent usage comfort

[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=”” class=”” style=””]The Bad

  • Hand guard doesn’t have a bottom rail for fore grip
  • Opening hand guard is tricky

[/wpcol_1half_end]

We took the GR4 G26 out to the SC Viper Airsoft field located in Norco, CA where we spent the day playing pick-up games. The gun was chronographed before the games and registered between 350 and 362 FPS, which is a nice rating to have for both field and CQB usage. The gun features G&G’s pneumatic blowback system and provides a very cool bit of feedback when the gun is fired. Unlike more traditional electric blowback systems, the pneumatic system found in this AEG is not going to reduce the life of your gun thanks to a second air cylinder design rather than relying on hooks connected to the piston.

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The forward assist button

Internally, aside from the pneumatic blowback system, the GR4 G26 houses a pretty solid version 2 gearbox with 8mm oil-less bushings. Another feature of note in this AEG is G&G’s functional forward assist feature. By pressing the forward assist button on the right side of the receiver, you release all the tension in your spring. This makes life a lot easier than having to cycle a full shot through it at the end of every game.

Overall, the G&G GR4 G26 blowback AEG is a very good value at about $275 dollars over at e-tailers like AirSplat, AirsoftGI, and Evike. Please note that the MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) for this gun as per G&G is $246 dollars, but some retailers add additional cost to it. The gun has solid performance, comfortable-yet striking style, and some neat built-in bells and whistles. This gun is at home as your primary airsoft gun and is small enough to make for a sniper’s back-up weapon.

[easyreview title=”G&G GR4 G26 DST Blowback AEG Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]
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