Author - Jerry Paxton

The Future of Battlefield Announcement Teased for May 6

2016/04/29

This just in from EA and DICE: Join the DICE team on May 6 at 1pm PT and witness live the world premiere of the new Battlefield™ game. Get insight into the minds of the developers as you hear from the Creative Director Lars Gustavsson and Lead Producer Aleksander Grondal on the past, present and the future of Battlefield. You will be able to join in the conversation as we open the floor to questions.

Enlist today to become a Battlefield Insider here. Get in-game rewards, exclusive content, and a sneak peek at news about Battlefield (plus news about other EA games, services, and events).

Obsidian and Paizo Launch Free Pathfinder Adventures

2016/04/29

Jerry Paxton

IRVINE, CA – Apr. 28, 2016 – Obsidian Entertainment and Paizo, Inc. today announced the release of Pathfinder Adventures, the free-to-play mobile adaptation of Paizo’s acclaimed Pathfinder Adventure Card Game. Pathfinder Adventures is compatible with Apple iPad and Android Tablet, with versions for Android phone, iPhone, and Steam in development.

“We’re huge fans and longtime players of both the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game and the Pathfinder Adventure Card Game, and feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to collaborate with Paizo on Pathfinder Adventures,” said Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart. “Obsidian has worked on a wide range of computer roleplaying games, from Fallout: New Vegas to South Park: The Stick of Truth to Pillars of Eternity. Combining our cRPG experience and passion for Pathfinder, we had an absolute blast making this game, and hope you enjoy it as much as we had fun making it!”

In Pathfinder Adventures, your party of adventurers races against time on a quest to defeat a dangerous villain. Choose each character’s class, build a deck of allies, equipment, and magic; and explore dangerous locations as you journey through an exciting fantasy adventure. As your adventures continue, your characters add unique gear and awesome magic to their decks as they gain incredible powers, all of which they’ll need to challenge more and more powerful threats.

“The creativity and dedication Obsidian brought to making the right mobile game for the Pathfinder Adventure Card Game shines in Pathfinder Adventures,” says Erik Mona, Paizo Publisher and Chief Creative Officer. “It’s fun, engaging, and lets Pathfinder fans adventure like never before. Obsidian is a great partner and we look forward to continuing to work with them making great games.”

Visit pathfinder.obsidian.net today to learn more about Pathfinder Adventures, download the game for free, and start building your party!

Corsair M65 PRO RGB Mouse Review

2016/04/29

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Peripheral Review, Peripherals News, Reviews

We recently got the chance to take a look at Corsair’s new M65 PRO RGB gaming mouse. Retailing for $59.99, the M65 PRO RGB has some very gamer-centric features that goes to illustrate exactly how Corsair has listened to fans out there when designing this latest gaming mouse. The Corsair M65 PRO RGB is available in both black and white exterior colors, and has an overall shape that looks something out of science fiction. Continuing with its aesthetics, the mouse also features some very eye-pleasing lighting effects that, while I don’t usually need lights on a mouse, really dug with this particular product. It also features a strong aluminum frame which helps protect the mouse from the strain of long-term usage and any accidental drops.

One of the most interesting features on the M65 PRO RGB is its weight-tuning system. On the underside of the mouse, you will find three weight locations – on which little weights can be added or removed in order to adjust the mouse’s center of gravity. I prefer a mouse to have a little more weight than most in order to keep my movements smoother and more deliberate, and found the M65 PRO RGB to be a joy to glide around my mouse pad. Additionally, the M65 PRO RGB features a braided mouse cable which is always a welcomed addition to a gaming mouse. So many companies are not adding this feature anymore – Corsair is to be commended for recognizing its usefulness.

Of course, the review of any gaming mouse would not be complete without mention of what its got “under the hood” – i.e. it’s sensor system. Corsair has opted to outfit the M65 PRO RGB with an optical sensor capable of up to 12,000 DPI. While I am unsure as to what company manufactured this sensor (or if it is an in-house Corsair product), I can state that it does an incredibly-fine job of tracking the mouse’s movements. When coupled with the Corsair CUE (Corsair Utility Engine) software, you can even calibrate the mouse for your particular mousing surface. The software is fairly straightforward and should not give any gamers out there trouble in figuring out what options do what.

The Corsair M65 PRO RGB gaming mouse features a number of buttons – all which can be configured for whatever control scheme you prefer. The standout to the mouse controls has to be what Corsair refers to as the “sniper button”. When pressed, it allows you to immediately alter the current DPI sensitivity setting of the mouse, which is great to be able to do when, as it is named, sniping in a first-person shooter game.

Also worth noting is the M65 PRO RGB gaming mouse’s scroll wheel. It’s easily one of those most gamer-friendly wheels I have used in a mouse. It is heavy and features some great texturing. They actually put a rubber exterior over a metal core, which makes this scroll wheel one for the record books. Of course, there cannot be that many entries into the “scroll wheel record books” but, if there were, this would be a stand out in the category. In fact, the only real issue with the M65 PRO RGB isn’t really an issue at all, and that is that the mouse is a right-handed only design. Again, this is not really an issue as it was designed to be right-handed only.

Finally, Corsair shipped us one of their MM300 Extended Edition mouse pads with this shipment, and it is worth mentioning that it is the widest mouse pad I have ever seen. It measures about 36 inches by 12 inches in dimensions and is made from foam and cloth. This mouse pad retails for about $30 dollars and is an excellent option if you need a lot of mousing real estate. It is so wide, in fact, that you can even put your keyboard on it and still have plenty of room for your mouse as well. This is kind of cool as it acts as not only a mouse pad but also a desk protector!

Overall, the Corsair M65 PRO RGB Gaming Mouse is a great gaming mouse with a lot of features built-in with the gamer in mind. Retailing for $59.99 at Corsair’s official website and various online retailers, the M65 PRO RGB is out now and well worth your hard-earned cash.

Official Corsair Product Page

[easyreview title=”Corsair M65 PRO RGB Mouse Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″ ]

[button target=”_blank” style=”” link=”http://gamingshogun.com/gamingshogun-rating-system/”]Learn About Our Rating System[/button]

FATED: The Silent Oath Launch Video

2016/04/28

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Québec, Canada – April 28th, 2016 – Canadian independent developer Frima Studio today announced that its Norse-themed virtual reality experience, FATED: The Silent Oath, is now available on the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive VR platforms. FATED takes players on one man’s quest to protect his family from the destruction of their world at the hands of the gods.

“Exploring complex emotions and parent-child relationships has allowed us to weave a truly emotional story,” said Vincent Martel, Executive Producer at Frima Studio. “In FATED, parental bonds and protective instincts are at the root of a sensitive yet thought-provoking journey.”

In its first major public presentation at PAX East last weekend (April 22-24th), players were treated to an immersive VR ‘simulation experience’, complete with wind and drizzle, vibrating seats, and reins, for enhanced realism. Check out the PAX player experience video here: http://bit.ly/FATEDPaxReactions

Developed with Unreal Engine 4, FATED: The Silent Oath is a first-person immersive adventure set in the mythical age of Vikings and built specifically for virtual reality. Written by Jill Murray, one of the writers on Assassin’s Creed,FATED tells the story of a man and his family during Ragnarök – the end times. As he travels with them, he comes across a mix of touching and terrifying events, learning about himself and his loved ones in the process, and taking the players on an emotional rollercoaster that unfolds all around them in total immersion.

FATED harnesses the capabilities of VR to bring about a leap forward in storytelling. Featuring high-quality writing, characterization and voice acting,FATED aims to transport players to a world of myth and legend, and make them feel a strong emotional connection with the story and its characters.
Priced at $19.99/£14.99/€19.99, FATED is a first-generation virtual reality game available on all three major VR platforms in 2016: first Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, and then PlayStation VR in Q4 2016.

To learn more about FATED, visit the developer’s blog: http://fatedblog.com
Like FATED on Facebook visit: www.facebook.com/Fatedgame
Follow FATED on Twitter: @Fatedgame

Casting Call for The Walking Dead Attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood

2016/04/28

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, News

April 28, 2016 – Universal Studios Hollywood is casting a wide net in search of walkers and human survivors for its upcoming new permanent attraction based on AMC’s “The Walking Dead” opening this summer. 100 male and female actors will be cast from the thousands expected to audition and should arrive prepared to channel their inner “Dead Inside.”

“The Walking Dead” attraction will be a real-life interpretation of AMC’s award-winning television series. To elevate its authenticity, Universal Studios Hollywood is partnering with “The Walking Dead’s” creative team, including visionary executive producer and director, Greg Nicotero and his special effects company, KNB Efx. Nicotero’s team, responsible for masterfully creating the show’s realistic decaying walkers, will construct prosthetics, utilize original molds and painstakingly apply paint and detailing to the attraction walkers.

For those interested in auditioning, please visit: www.USHAuditions.com to sign up for an audition appointment. Auditions will take place on Thursday, May 5 and Friday, May 6 and is expected to attract over 1000 prospective walkers.

Dead Island Definitive Collection PS4 Pre-Orders Live

2016/04/27

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Screenshots / Photos

Larkspur, Calif., April 26, 2016 – Deep Silver and Techland today released a splattering of screenshots from the remastered version of Dead Island in conjunction with the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system pre-order going live with an exclusive PlayStation®4 theme. Dead Island Definitive Collection is a compilation containing Dead Island Definitive Edition, Dead Island: Riptide Definitive Edition and for free, Dead Island Retro Revenge. It will be available digitally on May 31, 2016 for PlayStation®4, Xbox One, and Windows PC for a suggested price of $39.99.

This collection of screenshots shows off a mixture of iconic and gory gameplay as well as the beautiful scenery of Banoi from Dead Island. The images demonstrate the new high quality through the rebuilding of both Dead Island and Dead Island Riptide on Techland’s next gen engine.

With a substantial visual and performance overhaul, the Dead Island Definitive Collection introduces many cutting edge current-generation graphical effects including:

· Higher Quality Textures
Game textures have been redone in a higher resolution and the level of quality has been improved across the board

· Photorealistic new lighting system
The lighting system in the game has been vastly improved, providing a much more realistic look to the beautiful sunny tropical setting

· Physically based shading
The introduction of new physically based shading techniques means a higher quality look to the game models and objects as they react in a more realistic way to various lighting conditions

· Image quality enhancements via anti-aliasing
The addition of more sophisticated anti-aliasing means that console players can now experience a much cleaner look throughout

· Improved-quality game models and geometry assets
All major geometry assets (i.e. NPCs and character models) highlight a marked quality increase

· HBAO and motion blur effects
The introduction of Horizon-based Ambient Occlusion adds an extra layer of depth and realism to the world. Through a better implementation of object shadows and the all-new motion blur effects, players will get a much more cinematic feel to the game experience.

· Updated game UI
The updated game UI provides a more consistent look for Dead Island and Dead Island Riptide

· The Current-gen Console Experience
The Dead Island Definitive Collection will also of course take advantage of the latest console features such as Online 4 Player Co-op, PS®Vita Remote-Play (PS4(TM)), Share-Play (PS4(TM)), streaming and recording

· Power Fists Power-up
And last but not least, the fan favorite unofficial PC mod will also now be added to both products. Punch your way through the mayhem with craziest power-up ever!

Available at the same time, Dead Island Definitive Edition, and Dead Island: Riptide Definitive Edition will each be available separately and as a digital download for Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®4 and PC at suggested a price of $19.99.

All three titles, Dead Island Definitive Edition, Dead Island: Riptide Definitive Edition, plus the compilation Dead Island Definitive Collection are scheduled for release on May 31, 2016. For more information about Dead Island Definitive Collection, visit: http://deadisland.deepsilver.com/us/dide_us.html

Screenshots

Dreadnought Enters PC Closed Beta on April 29

2016/04/26

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Windows PC News

HOUSTON and BERLIN – April 26, 2016 – Grey Box, Six Foot and independent developer YAGER have revealed that Dreadnought, the class-based spaceship action game, will warp into closed beta on April 29 on Windows PC systems. Players interested in commanding their very own capital ships can still sign up for a chance to join closed beta at www.playdreadnought.com.

But wait, there’s more! Players can get guranteed access to Dreadnought’s closed beta with one of two new Founder’s Packs, available today at www.playdreadnought.com/shop. Both bundles guarantee access to Dreadnought’s closed beta, as well as several other special bonuses, including distinctive vessel variants, in-game currency and other progression-related perks.

Beyond guaranteed access to closed beta, the $9.99 Hunter Pack delivers one uniquely designed and preconfigured Medium Dreadnought Hero Ship – the Morningstar – as well as 500 Grey Box Points (GP), which can be used to buy ship emblems, decals and much more. It also provides seven days of Elite Status, granting more experience and Fleet Points (FP) per match, when the game launches later this year. Finally, the package includes an exclusive Hunter Pack ship decal, emblem and coating, plus two Fleet Recruitment Packs, which let owners give two friends guaranteed access to closed beta, the Morningstar Hero Ship, 250 GP and a Fleet Recruitment Pack ship decal and emblem.

The Mercenary Pack ups the ante with five Hero Ships – the aforementioned Morningstar (Medium Dreadnought), Outis (Medium Corvette), Silesia (Light Artillery Cruiser), Huscarl (Heavy Destroyer) and Kali (Heavy Tactical Cruiser) – as well as 3,000 GP and 30 days of Elite Status at official game launch. It also grants four Fleet Recruitment Packs and an exclusive Mercenary Pack ship decal, emblem and coating, all for $39.99.

Set in a futuristic era of all-out galactic warfare, Dreadnought turns strategic, team-based warfare into one heart-pounding, grippingly gorgeous action experience. Each of the game’s varied vessels is designed to fill a unique, class-based role – from front-line assault and scouting to long-range damage and tactical support – and can be customized with specialized weapons, abilities, cosmetic enhancements and more. Dreadnought will launch as a free-to-play title on PC with competitive online multiplayer modes.

Dreadnought is powered by Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 4 (UE4) technology and is expected to officially release on PC in 2016. For the latest updates, please followDreadnought on Facebook, Twitter and Twitch.

Alien Visions Art Book Announced

2016/04/26

Jerry Paxton

Book News, Comics News, Geek News, News

April 26, 2016 – Today is the inaugural ALIEN DAY (#AlienDay426), and UDON is celebrating by revealing our most terrifying creative collaboration yet – ALIEN VISIONS! (#UDONAlienVisions)

The ALIEN VISIONS project is an artistic tribute to the one of the most iconic and enduring science fiction / horror movie franchises of all-time. Professional artists from the comic book, film, video game, and entertainment industries have come together to show the world their impressions of the Alien movies through a series of all-new images, collected into one prestigious hardcover art book. Artists involved include Dave Dorman, Phil Noto, Kim Jung Gi, Whilce Portacio, Bengus, Shunya Yamashita, just to name a few! Learn how the iconic series has impacted these masters as they share with you their intimate thoughts of the Alien franchise.

ALIEN VISIONS will be in stores in late 2016! For more info, stay tuned to the UDONentertainment.com and our social media pages!

Special Tactics Launch Trailer

2016/04/26

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

April 26^th 2016 – US indie developer Beast Mode Games is proud to announce that their debut PC game, Special Tactics, has been extracted from Early Access and has fully infiltrated the Steam Store today priced at $9.99/£6.99.

Super refined combat mechanics, streamlined controls and killer AI drive the core of Special Tactics. Built around the core gameplay are three main modes: Campaign, Survival and Multiplayer, all delivering a balanced and deep tactical action experience with various objectives including assassination, hostage rescue and bomb defusal.

Select from five main classes including Sniper, Shotgun, SMG, Assault and Shield and choose your custom loadouts. Lay out your strategies ensuring the balance between offensive and defensive tactics will give you the best chance of success. Achieve your mission objectives and earn gold and trophies to unlock custom weapons, attachments and equipment.

Featuring full Steam integration including Friends lists, Achievements, Trading Cards and Leader boards, Special Tactics also features eight strategically designed maps at launch with more to follow.

The official Special Tactics launch trailer can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O3Bf4GbQEc&feature=youtu.be

KEY FEATURES

Single Player story driven campaign mode – missions include puzzle based take-down missions, hostage rescue, assassination, hostage escort and stealth
PC exclusive Squad Based Multiplayer – 2 vs. 1 or 2 vs. 2 – select your specific weapon for each class, choose your soldier classes then either plant the bomb or defuse it
Epic 1 vs. 1 PvP and Survival modes
Custom Match Rules such as Snipers only or Hardcore Mode
Five Main Classes – Sniper, Shotgun, Assault, SMG and Shield
Six Equipment Types – Smoke, Frag, Flash and Fire/Incendiary Grenades, Sonar Detector, Throwing Axe
Custom Weapons and Attachments – Silencers, Scopes, Foregrips and rare finishes
Replay Analysis System – Review your strategic successes and failures after every mission
Four Boosters – Armor, Range, Damage and Speed. Select one person per turn to give to a soldier

Special Tactics on Steam – http://store.steampowered.com/app/432870/

For more information please visit the official Special Tactics website at http://beastmodegames.com

The Exorcist Comes to Halloween Horror Nights

2016/04/26

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, News, Trailers / Videos

ORLANDO, Fla., UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. (April 26, 2016) – For the first time ever, supernatural thriller, The Exorcist, will take possession of “Halloween Horror Nights” in all-new horrifying mazes opening at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort beginning this September.

The twisted minds behind the nation’s best, most intense Halloween events will bring to life one of the scariest and most nightmare-inducing horror films in history.

At Universal Orlando Resort, guests will see, hear, feel – and even smell – every iconic levitating, head-spinning, vomit-wrenching, skin-crawling moment from the film. They’ll be paralyzed with fear as they witness the power of the supernatural, scream uncontrollably as they become part of Regan MacNeil’s possession and run in terror as they try to escape the horrific battle between innocence and evil.

Universal Studios Hollywood’s “The Exorcist” maze will resonate as a real life interpretation of the demonic film, daring “Halloween Horror Nights’” guests to live the nightmare experienced by a tortured Regan and her determined mother. The maze will recreate some of the film’s most haunting scenes, ushering guests into its unparalleled terror as if their very souls were possessed by the devil.

Revered as one of the scariest movies of all-time, The Exorcist earned its place in history as the first horror film nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. Directed by William Friedkin, the film also established itself as leading influence in pop culture horror, affecting a multitude of subsequent films since its terrifying debut in 1973.

Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights” is the ultimate Halloween event. For more than 20 years, guests from around the world have visited “Halloween Horror Nights” in Orlando and Hollywood to become victims inside their own horror film. The streets of each coast’s event are transformed into highly-themed scare zones where menacing “scare-actors” lunge from every darkened corner. Multiple movie-quality haunted houses are erected throughout the event, based on anything from iconic slasher films to hit horror television series to haunting original stories.

Additional details about Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights” will be revealed soon. For more information about Halloween Horror Nights at either Universal Orlando Resort or Universal Studios Hollywood, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.