Author - Jerry Paxton

Pantera Entertainment Announces Theme Park Studio

2013/04/12
Jerry Paxton
News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

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Porter Ranch, Calif.–April 12, 2013--Pantera Entertainment today announced Theme Park Studio, an advanced theme park and roller coaster builder for PC. Already in development for several months, Theme Park Studio has generated excitement and acclaim among fans of the genre. Pantera will launch a crowdfunding campaign via Kickstarter with the goal of releasing the title this fall.

Theme Park Studio is a powerful set of tools that allows players to build amazing theme parks of their own design. The simulator includes a robust coaster editor that is both easy to use and flexible, allowing rails to be bent, twisted, and shaped into almost any design imaginable. With brakes, accelerators, tunnels, and custom mesh, there is virtually no limit to what players can come up with. Prefabricated templates also provide the ease of click-and-drop designs.

Theme Park Studio breaks new ground with its new custom flat rides designer, a unique tool that gives players the opportunity to design, build, and invent custom rides, or simply select from the extensive library of pre-built rides. Extensive landscaping tools, custom scenery importing, and advanced vegetation solutions that make trees, bushes and flowers react to wind and turbulence make it possible to create stunning, picturesque environments. A full particle effects editor delivers amazing and realistic visuals, and full 3D stereoscopic support lets you experience your rides in eye-popping 3D. When your park is complete, open the gates and watch guests tour your park and enjoy the coasters and rides.

“It began as a project we wanted to build for the community, especially now that the future of other theme park franchises is in doubt,” says Steve Fielding, president of Pantera Entertainment. “Our idea was to integrate our tools and technology into one massively powerful theme park creator that gives fans unprecedented control of their designs and creations. We had a great engine and a sophisticated set of tools we had been using for internal development, and we love designing roller coasters and theme parks, so this was a great way to release a product that packs a real punch technologically.” The Season Pass recently covered the simulation on their podcast, which can be found at http://traffic.libsyn.com/seasonpasspodcast/The_Season_Pass_230.mp3

Early response to Theme Park Studio has been extremely positive. Robb Alvey of ThemeParkReview.com says, “Theme Park Studio is everything you could want in a theme park simulation game.” Adds George Taylor of Micechat.com, “Theme Park Studio should make a lot of the Roller Coaster Tycoon fans very happy as well as breathing new life into the theme park and roller coaster sim market.” Orlando Attractions Magazine says, “For all the people who want to be an Imagineer, this is the game for you.

Pantera has extensive experience creating theme park and roller coaster simulators, with a portfolio that includes one of the most advanced roller coaster designers ever created, Hyper Rails, as well as Roller Coaster Factory, 3D Roller Coaster Designer and 3D Snowboard Resort Designer on PC, and Six Flags Fun Park for the Wii.

The Kickstarter campaign launches today at: Ultimate Theme Park Kickstarter. Rewards range from themed wallpaper for a $5.00 “Park Guest” contribution up to $5,000 “Executive Producer” level, which includes a stay at the Disneyland Hotel and invitation to the Theme Park Studio wrap party, among other perks.

“We’re getting great feedback as word has spread about Theme Park Studio, and it’s really exciting,” says Fielding. “Crowd funding will enable us to produce a complete product with the features that people have been asking for, such as pre-built ride libraries, and get it to market much more quickly.”

Randers/Screenshots

German Forces Screens for Wargame AirLand Battle

2013/04/12
Jerry Paxton
News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

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Focus Home Interactive has released a new set of screenshots for their upcoming Wargame AirLand Battle featuring some of the German military forces to be found in the game.

Screenshots

Gamer Fitness #2: Bowflex Uppercut

2013/04/12
Jerry Paxton
Articles, Gadget Review, Gamer Fitness, News, Reviews

UpperCut-ClassicFly-Start

In this, the second of our Gamer Fitness articles for GamingShogun.com, I am taking a look at the new Uppercut strength trainer from Bowflex. The Uppercut is a resistance-based push-up assistance device that promises to define and sculpt your core, chest, and shoulders. The interesting thing about the Uppercut is that it helps train your upper body with several types of movements – not just traditional push-up motions.

Assembly only takes about fifteen minutes and doesn’t need to be done again unless taken apart for storage purposes. However, this installation ended up trickier than I though. The Uppercut comes in several pieces, and the tricky part is making sure that your fold-out legs are positioned properly. It is an easy mistake to make but, accidentally installing one in reverse can cause you to have to go back a few steps to correct the problem.

Once put together, I was a bit hesitant to put my body weight on the device, as it is made of a hard ABS plastic and not metal. However, the plastic is very durable and easily supported my 205 pound frame without issue. Getting on and off of the Uppercut should be done in a very methodical manner. If you do not let the Uppercut fully retract before getting off if it, it could come springing back up, hitting you. The best part of the Uppercut is that the device has a bit of flex to it. This allows you to move and not get stuck in a set arc of motion.

My biggest issue with the Uppercut is the rolling action of its four wheels. When in use – especially in the butterfly motion position, they don’t seem to roll as smooth as I would like them to on short carpet or wood flooring. This “ratchety” movement interrupts what should be a smooth exercise to perform. The best surface to use the Uppercut on is that firm, yet-rubbery gym surface. In fact, if you can pick up a square of it – large enough to use the Uppercut on, I would highly recommend it.

Aside from this, I found that the Uppercut did help take some weight off of my presses when performing various movements like one-armed push-ups, etc. This allowed me to build up strength doing them so that, when I do not use the Uppercut, I will be able to eventually.

Overall, the Bowflex Uppercut is a nice addition to your home chest workout routine. It is very helpful for those gamers who are not in good physical condition and would like to work on their upper body development. The Uppercut acts as a booster that will allow you to perform movements you otherwise would have too much difficulty performing.

**GamingShogun.com reminds you to consult your physician prior to starting any workout program.

[easyreview title=”Bowflex Uppercut Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”3″] Our Rating Scores Explained

EC-BC Hercules Laptop Backpack Review

2013/04/11
Jerry Paxton
News, Peripheral Review, Peripherals News, Reviews

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As a wandering journalist, what kind of backpack to carry around my gear in is one of the most important decisions I have to make. If I choose wrong, I might not have enough room for all the required gadgets I need or, even worse, can’t get to them in time due to poor backpack layout. It’s not enough for a backpack to fit everything – objects stored within have to be easily-accessible. The structure of the backpack is made of a tight, woven fiber that is very light and feels very durable. EC-BC calls this material “Kodra” and, while I have no idea what that actually translates to, it must have to do with being rugged, because that’s just how it feels.

In terms of overall size, the Hercules is large enough to fit up to a 17-inch laptop, but also can carry a whole lot more in its various pouches and pockets. I am very pleased with how much room there is inside the backpack for electronics, paperwork, etc. The front zippered-pocket near the top of the backpack is even lined in a nice, soft material and is designed to carry smartphones or other scratchable devices. It’s touches like these that set the EC-BC Hercules apart.

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One of this backpack’s best features is its sternum strap. Arcing across one’s sternum, this strap holds the main arm straps together and this prevents it from accidentally falling off you if you are running or jostled about. Additionally, it takes a little of the strain off of the straps by holding them tight. The sternum strap is easily one of the best features about the backpack, and allows for long term wear with much more comfort than backpacks lacking the strap. Checkout the official product showcase video:

Another feature of this backpack worth mentioning is its TSA-compliant, “fast pass” system whereby the backpack opens up, allowing easy visual inspection without your having to remove all your goodies. Aside from this, the backpack features reinforced zippers and zipper pulls which add to its durable quality. If I had to describe the Hercules in as few words as possible, I would choose “durable”, “spacious”, and “smart”.

Overall, the EC-BC Hercules Laptop Bag offers excellent internal storage space and well-placed zippers so that you can get to your stuff quickly. It retails for $139 and is available in five colors. You can purchase one of your own at EC-BC’s official website. This backpack is the perfect travel companion for those geeks among us needing a good pack for their gear.

[easyreview title=”Hercules Laptop Backpack Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″] Our Rating Scores Explained

ECBC Hercules Laptop Bag Official Specs

Colors:

  • Black – K7102-10
  • Blue – K7102-20

Fits Screen Size:

  • Up to 17″

External Dimensions:

  • 18.5″ x 12.1″ x 10.1″
  • 47cm x 30.7cm x 27.7cm

Construction Material:

  • 1000d Kodra

External Features:

  • Front zipper pocket for documents, plane tickets, passport
  • Dual zip-away powermesh water bottle pockets
  • Nylon Tube Webbing + Foam Top Carry Handle
  • Adjustable Shoulder Straps
  • Heavy-duty water resistant YKK zippers
  • ‘Outdoor Industry Tested’ Kodra material with water repellent coating
  • Padded adjustable shoulder straps with adjustment points
  • Molded back panel
  • Adjustable sternum strap
  • Foam padded top handle

Internal Features:

  • Protects up to 17″ laptop in high density foam foldout compartment
  • Removable foam spacer to accommodate smaller laptops
  • TSA-compliant FastPass foldout compartment for quicker security checks
  • Padded iPad/Tablet sleeve
  • Fleece-lined pocket for music players, camera, sunglasses, etc.
  • Main inside compartment for books, magazines, folders/paperwork
  • Cord Manager/Accessories pocket
  • Deluxe organizer panel with key hook
  • Double diamond rip-stop lining inside

GRID 2 Multiplayer Details Revealed

2013/04/11
Jerry Paxton
News, PlayStation 3 News, Windows PC News, Xbox 360 News

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Los Angeles, Calif. – April 11, 2013 – Today Codemasters® revealed how GRID 2™ will immerse players in a new world of multiplayer competition powered by RaceNet (www.racenet.com), the online extension for Codemasters Racing games which tracks players’ races, rivals and rewards. GRID 2’s multiplayer game mode will offer an entirely distinct progression system, separate from career mode, offering depth and flexibility as the best of modern online gaming comes to the racing genre.
At 10:00am PDT today, Codemasters will live stream a reveal of the game’s multiplayer features and races in action at www.twitchtv.com/gridgame. Following the live stream, the video will be available to watch on demand at www.youtube.com/gridgame.
GRID 2 Multiplayer Modes
Whether players want to dive into a quick race online or in two-player split-screen, specialize in their favorite event or become one of the best cross-discipline racers in the world, GRID 2 offers a multiplayer experience that revolves around the gamer’s play style and choices. GRID 2’s wide-range of game modes can be played online with up to 12 players, including custom races based on player preferences and choosing from pre-defined playlists to jump straight into the action. Players can modify their cars with upgrades and make their mark on the grid by customizing their car with a simple yet powerful livery editor that offers up to 6 billion different combinations. New anti-griefing technology includes player grouping, so gamers who like to trade paint will be brought together online while clean racers are more likely to find similar drivers in their online sessions.
Game modes: Race (Including LiveRoutes™), Endurance, Drift, Touge, Checkpoint, Face Off, Time Attack. Global Challenge events also includes Overtake and Power Lap.
RaceNet
RaceNet, Codemasters’ free online browser-based extension which tracks players’ races, rivals and rewards, launches fully with GRID 2 and is the beating heart of the game’s multiplayer mode. RaceNet will go far beyond visualizing progress in-game and will provide players with new objectives, rivals and rewards for progress. Players can also track community stats, leaderboards and participate in weekly Global Challenge events. RaceNet can be accessed on a player’s desktop, tablet or mobile device and will have dedicated apps set to release around launch. Players can sign up today and get ready for GRID 2’s launch by visiting www.racenet.com.
GRID 2 Rivals
Gamers will always have someone to play and always have a new challenge with GRID 2’s Rivals system, powered by RaceNet. GRID 2 features three types of Rivals:
  • Weekly Rival: RaceNet automatically selects a weekly Rival to compete against based on ability and activity in game to ensure a well-matched challenger.
  • Social Rival: Players can choose Social Rivals from friends or players previously raced.
  • Custom Rival: Players can select a Custom Rival based on parameters including event type or geographical location.
Global Challenge
Global Challenge is where player’s rivalries come to life in this brand new asynchronous game mode. Players can compete against Rivals even when those Rivals are offline and earn XP, in-game Cash and RaceNet Followers (see below) as they compete in up to nine weekly Global Challenges selected from across GRID 2’s wide range of game modes and locations. Players can track progress in Global Challenge in-game and online through RaceNet.
RaceNet Followers
As players perform on track they can gain online fame and bragging rights by increasing their RaceNet Follower base. The better they perform, and the more objectives completed, the larger the increase in Followers players will get. Followers can be stolen from Rivals by beating them in weekly Global Challenges and gained on RaceNet by taking part in online events, participating in Community Challenges and completing RaceNet objectives. Gamers can also unlock RaceNet Rivals cards on the site to show off Follower Achievements and RaceNet will showcase players with the most amount of Followers.
Get Social
Players can show off great overtaking moves or spectacular crashes online as GRID 2 allows gamers to quickly upload highlights to YouTube and RaceNet from in-game and easily share their favorite videos through Facebook and Twitter.
GRID 2, the long-awaited sequel to the BAFTA-award winning, critically acclaimed GRID™, will race into retail on May 28 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Windows® PC and is available for pre-order now.
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Ubisoft Acquires Related Designs

2013/04/11
Jerry Paxton
Industry News, News

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SAN FRANCISCO — April 11, 2013 — Today, Ubisoft announced the acquisition of Related Designs, a leading German development studio for PC strategy games, including the critically-acclaimed AnnoTM franchise. Ubisoft previously owned 29.95 percent of the company and is acquiring the remaining 70.05 percent in a cash transaction.

Established in 1995, Related Designs is a highly accomplished studio known for creating the award-winning PC titles Anno 1701TM, Anno 1404TM, Anno 2070® as well as real-time strategy games such as No Man´s Land and Castle Strike. As part of Ubisoft, Related Designs’ experienced 65-person staff will continue development of the browser-based free-to-play MMO game Might & Magic® Heroes® Online, and will work on future titles in partnership with Blue Byte, a Ubisoft studio.

“Bringing the talented teams from Related Designs into the fold at Ubisoft is a mutually beneficial evolution of the relationship that we’ve had with this great studio for the past six years,” said Odile Limpach, managing director at Ubisoft’s Blue Byte studio. “This extremely fruitful cooperation can now advance thanks to the joint teams of Blue Byte and Related Designs more easily sharing experiences and resources. Together we will continue developing awesome games, including Might and Magic Heroes Online, which we hope will become a leading free-to-play title for Ubisoft.”

“We’re happy to formally join Ubisoft,” said Thomas Pottkämper, managing director, Related Designs. “This move validates our longstanding partnership and provides our teams with additional resources to expand upon their great work.”

Cris Velasco to Score Company of Heroes 2

2013/04/11
Jerry Paxton
News, Windows PC News

Company-of-Heroes-2

LOS ANGELES (April 11, 2013) – Internationally celebrated composer Cris Velasco provides the original score for Relic Entertainment, Inc.’s Company of Heroes™ 2, the sequel to the highest rated strategy game of all time*.

Velasco is one of the most sought-after composers in the medium, best known for his award-winning music featured in the God of War and Mass Effect franchises. Recorded with world-class orchestra musicians and choir from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria and Hungary, Velasco’s score forCompany of Heroes 2 majestically captures the solemn heroism and human tragedy of the Eastern Front conflict during World War II. Company of Heroes 2 is scheduled to be released for PC on 25th June 2013.

Company of Heroes 2 moves the battle away from the common Western Front focus of World War II and refocuses on some of history’s most brutal and devastating conflicts on the Eastern Front, challenging players to take command of the iconic Red Army and repel the Nazi invaders from the very gates of Moscow.

“Cris Velasco’s score perfectly captures the heroism and tragedy that we set out to portray in Company of Heroes 2,” said Relic Entertainment Audio Director David Renn. “Cris worked tirelessly to provide us with rich and compelling music that is unlike any game soundtrack I have ever heard. From the depths of the Russian winter to the epic scale of Eastern Front battles, the score supports the game in a truly cinematic way and we couldn’t be happier with the result.”

“I approached this score from the very beginning as more of a ‘Symphony for the Eastern Front’ rather than a typical game score,” said Cris Velasco. “The music sets out to convey the horror of war and the determination of the Russian soldiers.”

Previously a BAFTA nominee and winner of “Best Original Score” at the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Achievement Awards (God of War), Cris Velasco’s music was recently honored with NBC News’ “Best Video Game Music of 2012”, GameTrailers’ “Best Soundtrack of the Year”, IGN’s “People’s Choice Award – Best Overall Music” (Mass Effect 3), and nominated for “Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition” at the 16th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards. Velasco’s upcoming score for Company of Heroes 2is highlighted among the “Most Anticipated Video Game Soundtracks of 2013” by Forbes.

Company of Heroes™ 2 will be available for PC in June 2013. For more information check  www.companyofheroes.com, and to download SEGA game assets, please visit www.sega-press.com.

*on Gamerankings.com (with more than five reviews), with an average of 93.82% based on 56 reviews. The game features similar acclaim on Metacritic.com with a Metascore of 93% based on 55 reviews.

New Screenshots for Victoria II: Heart of Darkness Released

2013/04/11
Jerry Paxton
News, Screenshots / Photos, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

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NEW YORK – April 11, 2013 – Welcome to the Victorian Age, an era of dramatic politics, rapid transformation of technology, and colonization. Victoria II: Heart of Darkness is the second expansion to Victoria II, a political simulator where the population reacts to your decisions.

Paradox Interactive and Paradox Development Studio have today released a new set of screenshots for the upcoming expansion to the storied grand strategy series, which launches worldwide on April 16.

If still images aren’t enough for you, tune into a live stream broadcasting today at 6 p.m. GMT (7 p.m. BST, 8 p.m. CET, 11 a.m. PDT) to delve deeper into Heart of Darkness and see live gameplay footage. To check out the political strife as our developers enter the scramble for Africa, head over to the official Paradox Interactive channel on Twitch TV athttp://www.twitch.tv/paradoxinteractive!

In the new video developer diary also released today, project lead Dan Lind introduces you to the expansion’s focus on the brand new Colonization features, as well as the new naval combat system. Take a glimpse of the Victorian age here:

Learn how to use your navy to expand your empire, compete against other colonial powers and struggle to maintain your overseas control. Battle your enemies on the high seas with the all-new naval combat system, which includes gun ranges and maneuvering into positions for battles, as well as new powerful battleships that join the other classes of ships to bridge the gap to Dreadnoughts.

Become a truly great power by the dawn of the 20th century in Victoria II, an experience crafted by Paradox Development Studio, creators of the critically acclaimed Crusader Kings IIand the upcoming Europa Universalis IV.

Victoria II: Heart of Darkness expansion will release on April 16th on all major digital download portals for $19.99.

New Screenshots

Magrunner Dark Pulse Screenshots

2013/04/11
Jerry Paxton
News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

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Focus Home Interactive has sent out some new screenshots from its upcoming Magrunner Dark Pulse, which will be released on the Windows PC, Xbox LIVE Marketplace, and PlayStation Network.

Screenshots