Author - Jerry Paxton

D23 Costume Contest Announced

2013/06/25
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

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BURBANK, Calif. – June 25, 2013 – Since the first D23 Expo in 2009, fans have shown their passion for Disney by dressing up as their favorite and most beloved Disney characters while attending the one-of-a-kind event at the Anaheim Convention Center. This year, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club celebrates that excitement and enthusiasm with the first À La Mode Costume Contest, which will take place Friday, August 9 at 2:30 p.m. in Stage 23.

À La Mode, named after The Incredibles’ couture genius Edna Mode, is the first competition of its kind to showcase fans’ creativity through costumes inspired by all things Disney, including Motion Pictures (Animation, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm); Parks & Resorts; Consumer Products; Media Networks (including Disney Channel, ABC, and ESPN); and Interactive.

Five collectible trophies—specially designed for the À La Mode Costume Contest—will be awarded to the most magical costumes in the following categories: Original Design (or inspired by…), Re-creation, Craftsmanship, Young Fan, and Best in Show.

The contest will be two (2) hours in length, and, therefore, the number of entrants is limited. Guests interested in participating MUST complete an entry from, available now at D23Expo.com. Closing date for entry is July 21. Not all applications for entry will be accepted. Applications will be evaluated on the merits of quality and quantity and selected at the producers’ discretion.

Tickets for the D23 Expo are $57 for a one-day adult admission and $47 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $50 for a one-day adult admission and $42 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available for both D23 Members and the general public, and D23 Members can save as much as $84 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for members and general admission, visit D23Expo.com.

Deadpool Announces Release of Deadpool

2013/06/25
Jerry Paxton
News, PlayStation 3 News, Windows PC News, Xbox 360 News

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Minneapolis, MN – June 25, 2013 – Mission accomplished!  I, Deadpool, have created the ultimate Deadpool video game masterpiece!  I call it…wait for it…DEADPOOL!  It’s pretty much the greatest thing I’ve made (besides my ill-fated root beer float hot tub incident of ’93) and is available now in popular retail establishments and most major chimichangerias (like a taqueria…but with chimichangas!) across North America.  Oh yeah, and those video gamey and comics guys at High Moon Studios, Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI),and Marvel Entertainment kind of helped, too.

“I’ll never forget the day I threatened convinced Peter Della Penna, the head of High Moon Studios, to make a kick-ass, third-person comic book video game with extreme combat and bikini-exploding action, starring me,” said Deadpool, Big Chief and Head Honcho of Things & Stuff regarding DEADPOOL at High Moon Studios.  “Peter looked me lovingly in the eyes and said in return, ‘Deadpool, I’ll do whatever you want; just please stop filling up my kitchen with pancakes!’  It was that first moment where I really felt like Peter and I had a connection – an understanding that has stuck with me to this very day.  Coincidentally, his family dog stuck with me too, you know…for leverage.”

Fans can rest assured that the first order of business while making DEADPOOL was purchasing a life-size replica statue of me for High Moon Studios, so that my outstanding team of talented, dedicated nerd types could gaze endlessly at it in order to make the digital me look as good as real-life me.  I also instructed them in the art of building a fast, fluid combat system that mixes all my upgradable bang-bangs with my mad kung-fu-chop saki skills and mutant abilities, so the Deadpool in DEADPOOL (i.e. that’s me…heh…), is a one-stop wrecking machine, perfect for stealth and balls-out explosive frontal assaults alike.  Forget walking away from explosions in slow motion – I jump right into them to see how hot they are…REGENERATIVE HEALING FACTOR, baby!

I also filled a windowless room with terrifying spiders and locked…er…hired veteran Deadpool writer Daniel Way and provided him with really, just a stupid amount of spiders a “package” to convince him to pen a script that would befit Marvel’s most lovable character’s debut as a leading man.  DEADPOOL is the rare game that plays with you while you play with it, delivering a $#!t ton (it’s just a better system of measurement, people – I can’t stress that enough) of fourth-wall-eviscerating humor voiced brilliantly by yours truly, doing a bang-up imitation of what it would be like if a young up-and-comer I discovered named Nolan North were trying to sound like me (Got that?…).

I am currently available and accepting dating offers – please send full-body shots.  In other news, my DEADPOOL video game is also now available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system for $49.99, as well as on Windows PC for $39.99.  If you’re not into hard, packaged goods, the digital me is also available for digital download (Did you think I wouldn’t diversify my distribution network?  In this economy?  Newbs!) on the PlayStation®Network for the PS3 and Steam.  I will also be available later this summer on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360.  And of course, I…DEADPOOL, am rated M (Mature) by the ESRB!  Because if there’s one word that describes Deadpool, it’s “mature.” Want more information?  Well, let your fingers inappropriately caress your keyboard over to www.DeadpoolGame.com, or follow along atwww.facebook.com/RealDeadpool or on Twitter @RealDeadpool.

Arma 3 Beta Released

2013/06/25
Jerry Paxton
News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

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Prague, Czech Republic, Tuesday 25th June 2013 — Supporting the development of its upcoming tactical military shooter Arma 3™, Bohemia Interactive has released the anticipated Arma 3 Beta. The Arma 3 Beta expands the game’s diversity by focusing upon heavy firepower and military logistics. Combined with the playable content from the Arma 3 Alpha, the complete package features the 20 km² island of Stratis, 20 weapons, 18 vehicles, 3 factions, 8 showcase missions, 4 multiplayer scenarios, 4 challenges, the scenario editor and modding support.

Jay Crowe, Creative Director on Arma 3, adds:
“The Beta is a big opportunity for us to involve more players in Arma 3’s development and is the next step along the road towards our full release. With a variety of new singleplayer and multiplayer scenarios and a whole bunch of new sandbox content, we’re looking forward to introducing players to what true combined arms combat really means in Arma 3.”

People who participated in the Arma 3 Alpha will gain access to the Arma 3 Beta by downloading the automatic update on Steam. Those who are new to Arma 3 can purchase the Arma 3 Beta (which includes the full retail game when released) from Steam orStore.bistudio.com.

Here they can choose between the regular Arma 3 Beta (34.99 EUR/29.99 GBP/44.99 USD) or the Arma 3 Digital Deluxe Edition (44.99 EUR/39.99 GBP/59.99 USD). Those who would like to sponsor development further, also have the option to purchase the Arma 3 Supporter Edition(69.99 EUR/59.99 GBP/91.99 USD) from Store.bistudio.com. The price of each edition will increase upon launch of the full and final game.

Arma 3 is the latest installment in Bohemia Interactive’s award-winning tactical military shooter series for PC. Set in a massive Mediterranean sandbox of over 290 km², the game will have 40+ weapons, 20+ vehicles, a wide variety of single- and multiplayer gameplay, and limitless options for content creation.

More information on Arma 3 can be found on www.arma3.com

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The Rock is the WWE 2K14 Cover Athlete

2013/06/25
Jerry Paxton
News, PlayStation 3 News, Screenshots / Photos, Xbox 360 News

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New York, NY – June 25, 2013 – 2K today unveiled the WWE® 2K14 cover art featuring WWE Superstar Dwayne “The Rock®” Johnson.  The official reveal, which took place during last night’s episode of Monday Night Raw®, showcased cover artwork designed in partnership with “The People’s Champion.”  The cover art reflects The Rock’s physicality and signature in-ring pose.  To further celebrate, 2K recently launched a consumer contest for the opportunity to create alternate cover artwork to be included with WWE 2K14 retail copies.

“I am exceptionally grateful to be chosen for the cover of WWE 2K14 and serve as the first cover Superstar under 2K’s leadership,” said The Rock, one of the most recognizable Superstars in WWE history.  “I want the cover of WWE 2K14 to electrify the people.  I want the artwork to stand out and set a new standard for all WWE video games from 2K, both today and in the future.”

Widely considered one of the greatest WWE Superstars of all time, The Rock – a third-generation competitor who followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather – rose to mainstream fame in both tag team and singles action during the late 1990s as part of the company’s highly regarded “Attitude Era.”  His impressive resume currently boasts eight reigns as WWE Champion, in addition to several reigns as WCW Champion, Intercontinental Champion and WWE Tag Team Champion.  In recent years, The Rock returned to WWE and spurred several historic moments, including a victory on January 27, 2013 over CM Punk® at Royal Rumble® to win the WWE Championship – his first WWE championship reign in over ten years.  He was last in the ring at WrestleMania 29 on April 7, 2013, which saw The Rock in action against his long-standing rival, John Cena®.

“WWE 2K14 represents a new era of the renowned WWE video game franchise, combining signature gameplay with 2K’s commitment to authenticity,” said Chris Snyder, Senior Director of Marketing at 2K.  “The Rock epitomizes a 2K cover Superstar.  His credentials are world-class, and that is something we aspire to capture on both the cover and in the video game.”

2K recently announced an original cover artwork contest, where one lucky consumer will have his or her artwork immortalized as an alternate cover distributed inside WWE 2K14 retail copies.  To submit contest entries, consumers will use Twitter to promote their images, with the hashtag #WWE2K14Cover included in their tweets.  No purchase necessary.  Currently open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. states and D.C., at least 18 years of age.  Contest ends at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on July, 23, 2013.  Void where prohibited.  Subject to the official rules, located at wwe.2k.com/covercontest.  A similar contest is also planned for Europe, with details to follow shortly.

2K’s lineup of premier sports simulation titles expands with the company’s first release in the renowned WWE video game franchise, WWE 2K14.  Developed by Yukes for the Xbox 360® games and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, WWE 2K14 is positioned to be the most electrifying, authentic and comprehensive WWE video game experience to date. WWE 2K14 is not yet rated by the ESRB and is currently scheduled for release on October 29, 2013 in North America and November 1, 2013 internationally.

For more information on WWE 2K14 and 2K, visit wwe.2k.com, facebook.com/WWEgames and @WWEgames on Twitter.

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

Rob Dyer Leaves Zynga

2013/06/25
Jerry Paxton
Industry News, News

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June 25, 2013 — Zynga’s Vice President of Partner Publishing, Rob Dyer announced today that he is no longer with the company and will be pursuing other opportunities within the mobile and social gaming space. Hired in November 2011, Dyer was responsible for cultivating and maintaining Zynga’s relationships with external development partners, working with developers to strategize on their game launches, as well as assisting in monetizing and marketing their games. Prior to Zynga, Dyer was Senior Vice President of Publisher Relations at Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) where he handled relationships with external North American developers and publishers, in addition to overseeing PlayStation Network.

Razer Surround Review (PC)

2013/06/25
Jerry Paxton
News, Reviews, Windows PC News, Windows PC Review

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Often known for pushing the boundaries of physical PC and console peripherals, Razer has made a very cool entry into the “software peripheral” market with the release of “Razer Surround”. Razer Surround is a software which promises to provide virtual 7.1 surround sound on any stereo headphone setup. Our review copy of Razer Surround has a clunky install app but we were assured that the release build installer would be a lot more streamlines. Once installed, however, Razer Surround lives inside your Synapse control panel and is interacted with like any other Razer peripheral you may have in the software suite.

The thing that makes Razer Surround a step above traditional virtual surround sound systems is the way it can be customized for any individual. When calibrating the software inside the Synapse control panel, users can adjust which “direction” sounds most like the direction a sound should be coming from. This customization is vital as, on default settings, my basic stereo headset seem just “okay”. After customizing the sound, however, the system is tremendously-more impressive.

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In testing the Razer Surround system, I basically installed and calibrated the software then went about my usual gaming routine. I played some Call of Duty: Black Ops II, StarDrive, Skyrim, and a couple other titles. To clarify the amount of gaming I did using Razer Surround, I only had the software for a few days to try it out and had to squeeze it in with other reviews and also trying to take care of things in the “real world”. That being said, I definitely noticed and appreciated the virtual surround sound in the first-person titles I played. In a game like StarDrive, the software really had no effect on gameplay. Also, while the surround sound effect is good, it is not always 100% believable and the  effect always seems to reduce bass levels all over. Razer has tried to compensate for this with a bass slider in their configurator software, but it too sounds a bit “off” when compared to true sound.

Overall, Razer Surround can add a lot of value to your stereo headphone system – especially if you can’t afford to pick up a true 5.1 or 7.1 headphone system. As a quick aside, this system does also work – albeit to a lesser degree, with stereo speaker systems! That being said, I would still use the software primarily with headphones that don’t feature true surround sound.

[easyreview title=”Razer Surround Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]
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*Note: Razer Surround will usually cost $19.99. However, from now through the rest of 2013, Razer is waiving this fee in order to help raise money for Child’s Play. Starting in 2014, this software will resume its normal retail price.

Six Flags Great Adventure Announces July 2013 Special Events

2013/06/24
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

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Six Flags Great Adventure, located in Jackson, New Jersey, has released its schedule of special events for the month of July. If you are a regular of the park, be sure to check ’em out!

Events

Six Flags Salutes Service—Military and Veterans Appreciation Week—July 1 to 7
Six Flags salutes service to our country while it celebrates America July 1 to 7 with discounts on admission to the theme park and safari for active military, veterans, their friends and family. Signs are displayed around the fountain honoring individuals and organizations. Email requests for honor signs by June 20 to njspecialevents@sixflags.com.

Independence Day Celebration—July 4 at 10 p.m.
Six Flags Great Adventure will celebrate Independence Day with a special BBQ picnic and fireworks display July 4. The BBQ picnic will run from 12 to 6 p.m. in the Maple catering grove and the fireworks and laser light show will begin at 10 p.m. on the Lakefront. Admission and BBQ picnic ticket packages are available online for $47.98 (junior ticket) and $56.98 (regular ticket). Guests may purchase picnic tickets separately if they already have a Season Pass or admission to the park. Visit http://www.sixflags.com/greatAdventure/events/CalendarEvents.aspx for more information.

July Fireworks – Thursdays in July at 10 p.m.
Every Thursday night in July, guests can enjoy a spectacular fireworks and laser light display over the park’s Great Lake. Award-winning fireworks company Pyrotecnico produced this heart-pounding show that will bring music to life in the night sky. Seating is first-come, first-serve in the Great Lake Grandstand with additional viewing along the waterfront. The shows are included with park admission or Season Pass.

Jason Derulo Concert—July 6 at 8 p.m.
Chart-topper Jason Derulo will perform at Six Flags Great Adventure July 6 in the Northern Star Arena at 8 p.m. Guests can enjoy popular songs such as “Breathing,” “Whatcha Say,” “It Girl,” “In My Head,” “Riding Solo” and his current hit, “The Other Side.” The concert is presented by Coca-Cola® and is free with park admission or Season Pass.

Appearance by Nat Geo’s Casey Anderson—July 13
Guests can meet the host of America the Wild with Casey Anderson on the National Geographic channel. Naturalist Anderson, famous for his unique relationship with a Grizzly bear named Brutus, will make appearances throughout the day in the theme park and safari. Check www.sixflags.com for more details.

MQB Concert—July 20 at 7 p.m.
Six Flags Great Adventure presents MQB Mira Quién Baila Nueva York starring Toby Love, Leslie Grace and Karlos Rose. Special guests include Henry Santos and Maripily. Show begins at 7 p.m. in the Northern Star Arena and is free with theme park admission or Season Pass.

July Jingle—July 25 to July 27
Six Flags Great Adventure will host its first July Jingle event to celebrate the winter holidays in July from July 25 to 27. The three-day celebration will include events such as fireworks, food demonstrations and a “Jingle Ball” concert July 27 featuring performances by Nikki Williams and Timeflies during the holiday-themed event.

Appearance by Animal Planet’s ‘Gator Boys’—July 27
Guests can meet the hosts of Animal Planet’s “Gator Boys,” Paul Bedard and Jimmy Riffle. Both men are longtime gator handlers and are known to swim, wrestle and even kiss alligators. They will make appearances throughout the day in both the theme park and safari. Check www.sixflags.com for more details.
For information: 732/928-1821, or visit www.sixflags.com/greatadventure