Author - Jerry Paxton

PS4 Grand Ages: Medieval Delayed Slightly

2015/09/14
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Windows PC News

grand-ages-med

Ridgewood, NJ – September 14, 2015 – Kalypso Media has today confirmed a new release date for the console version of its upcoming grand strategy title Grand Ages: Medieval. The PlayStation®4 version is now scheduled for release on October 13th for North America and October 9th for Europe/Export territories. The Limited Special Edition retail boxed version and digital release of the PC edition remains the same – September 25th.

Kalypso Media would like apologize for this revised release date which was caused by manufacturing issues beyond its control.

About Grand Ages: Medieval

It is the year 1050 AD. At the beginning of the High Middle Ages development in Europe has seen an unprecedented level of progress as a rapidly growing population spreads across the length and breadth of the continent. New frontiers are being explored, settlements founded and vast trading routes established. As the head of one of these small settlements, it falls upon you to lead your people towards greatness. Explore a vast world, gather resources, encounter other societies and use your trading expertise to expand and make your fortune. Found new cities, progress your nation with inventive technology and protect your trade routes against barbarian attacks until you are powerful enough to begin your conquest over Europe and forge a bold new empire.

Grand Ages: Medieval is a real-time strategy game from Gaming Minds. Lead your people and advance through the decades by utilizing construction, research, expansion and conquest in an area extending from Scandinavia and North Africa; to Portugal, the Caucasus and the Middle East. Rise from the humble role of a simple mayor governing a small settlement to rule over all of Europe. Experience an exciting campaign with elaborately designed cut-scenes, play by your own rules in free play or test your skills in multiplayer against up to 8 players!

Features of Grand Ages: Medieval

  • Explore a gigantic game world of over 20 million square kilometers, plot strategically where to found important cities and defend your kingdom against foreign powers
  • Raise an army and fight your opponents with knights, archers and cavalry
  • Produce and trade 20 different goods to meet the demands of your citizens and soldiers: such as coal, fruits and pottery
  • Research and utilize 50 major technological advancement of the Middle Ages: including the three-field crop rotation, the low warp loom or the longbow
  • Face devastating natural disasters like storms, fires, volcanoes, droughts, earthquakes… or even the Black Death
  • Challenging Multiplayer Mode for up to 8 players via online (both formats)

For more information on Grand Ages: Medieval please visit the official website at www.grandages.com or www.kalypsomedia.com

Creative Labs T4 Wireless 2.1 Speaker System Review

2015/09/13
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Reviews, Tech News, Tech Review

creative-t4-wireless

Creative Labs T4 wireless speaker system is an extension of their very popular T3 2.1 channel speaker system, but with great wireless capabilities. Featuring Creative Labs’ usual black, classy exterior, the subwoofer and satellite speakers are a fit in just about any office, living room, or game room.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the Creative Labs T4 features both Bluetooth 3.0 and NFC technologies. This covers just about every wirelessly-enabled audio output device on the market. We used our trusty iPhone 6 for playing various albums throughout the time we have been able to look at this system and I was consistently pleased with its output. The “SlaM” subwoofer is, as usual, capable of room-filling bass. The problem is that the bass knob on the back of the unit tends to be a bit touchy. If you are not careful, you can get some distortion in your music playback. Also, we were unable to test the NFC capabilities of the speaker system as none of us use anything that supports it. I can say that connecting to the speakers via Bluetooth is simple and you won’t have any troubles if you have connected to a Bluetooth device before.

creative-t4-wireless-sat

The speaker system is also compatible with aptX audio technology. I first got the chance to check out aptX at CES a couple years ago with a set of high-end headphones. The aptX technology is pretty darn good at calibrating sound based on the user’s preferences. Just remember that your phone or wireless audio source has to also support aptX to take advantage of it.

For movie watching, the Creative Labs T4 was terrific. I hooked up my projector to the wired input on the T4’s audio control module and went to town with flicks like Days of Thunder, Point Break, and Pitch Perfect 2. The bass-filled action of NASCAR automobiles screaming around a track was jaw dropping. Equally inspired, yet on the other end of the spectrum, was the treble-filled acapella group in Pitch Perfect 2. The high-end sound was crystal clear and the low-end stuff was booming. This is a great speaker system for your home entertainment needs – especially if you are trying to run a movie projector setup in a smaller space. If I had this speaker system in college, I wouldn’t have had to rely on crappy on-board projector speakers for hearing my movies!

One issue we ran into was adjusting the volume knob on the control module. It seemed a bit strangely sensitive when adjusting the volume. Sometimes small movements would create larger changes in volume than other times. Judging by some of the feedback we have seen, this is just one of those idiosyncrasies in the system and by no means a damning issue or problem. It just means you have to fiddle with it a bit more. If you use the remote control, things are a lot smoother.

I also hooked the speaker system to my computer for some PC gaming via the “audio in” ports on the back of the subwoofer unit. The 2.1 channel audio was great and I enjoyed many hours of Elite Dangerous as well as Metal Gear Solid V using these speakers. Just to clear up any confusion, it should be noted that the satellite speakers are not wireless – they are still attached to the subwoofer unit via cable.

Overall, the Creative Labs T4 wireless 2.1 channel speaker system is a great purchase for around $290 dollars. The speaker system is available both online and in stores and we’d like to thank Creative Labs for letting us check one of these systems out for our review.

Creative Labs T4 Wireless 2.1 Speakers on Creative Labs Website

[easyreview title=”Creative Labs T4 Wireless 2.1 Speaker System Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]

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Nevada Test and Training Range Map for DCS World Pre-Order

2015/09/13
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Screenshots / Photos, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

NTTR-8

DUXFORD, UK, September 11th, 2015 – NEVADA Test and Training Range Map for DCS World now available for pre-purchase!

Pre-purchase from: http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/modules/

The Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) has the largest contiguous air and ground space available for peacetime military operations in the free world. The NTTR land area includes simulated air defense systems, mock airbases, and several target ranges. The NTTR was also used for nuclear testing. Today, it is home to RED FLAG and other military exercises that include countries from around the world. The NTTR map for DCS World 2 includes Nellis AFB, Creech AFB, McCarran International Airport and the infamous Groom Lake AFB (aka Area 51). This map also includes the city of Las Vegas, McCarran International Airport, and Hoover Dam.

Teaser:

Key Features of NEVADA Test and Training Range Map for DCS World:

  • 366,000 sq. kilometres that covers portions of Nevada, Utah, Arizona and California.
  • Highly detailed modelling of Nellis Air Force Base, Creech Air Force Base, McCarran International Airport, and the Area 51 facility.
  • Hoover Dam and Lake Meade.
  • All VOR and VORTAC radio navigation beacons.
  • High resolution mesh and textures around the detailed airbases.
  • The entire NTTR airspace as well indication of all sub-ranges.
  • Las Vegas, Pahrump, Mesquite, Moapa, Indian Springs, Boulder City and other cities and towns in and nearby the NTTR. This also includes all major roads, railways, and power lines.

For those that pre-purchase prior to October 1st, 2015, you will receive a 20% discount and two free Red Flag campaigns (one for the F-15C and one for the A-10C). For those that pre-purchase between October 1st and the Open Alpha release in late November, you will receive a 20% discount and one free Red Flag campaign. Both of these options also include a 20% bonus savings on future purchases at full price.

Note: Customers that purchased DCS: A-10C Warthog while it was in beta (prior to February 21st, 2011) will be provided this map for free!

About DCS World

Digital Combat Simulator World (DCS World) is a free-to-play digital battlefield, focusing on military aircraft simulation. It includes a FREE TF-51D and an Su-25T attack aircraft.  DCS World includes a vast mission area of the Caucasus region that encompasses much of Georgia – the location of the 2008 conflict. Further maps will be available in 2015. Additionally, DCS World includes:

  • Powerful mission and campaign editors
  • Multiplayer
  • Massive inventory of air, land and sea combat units and weapons
  • Advanced AI
  • Fast mission generator
  • Dynamic weather and seasons
  • Training missions
  • Mission replay system
  • Pilot logbook

This exceptionally detailed and realistic world simulation engine guarantees an engaging, real-world combat experience in this flashpoint region. DCS is a true “sandbox” simulation that can and will cover multiple time periods covering many types of aircraft and ground vehicles. DCS World allows both realistic gameplay and more casual play styles to suit the player.

Download DCS World for free from: www.dcs-world.com

About The Fighter Collection

The Fighter Collection, as well as developing software for the entertainment and serious game markets, also operates, rebuilds and maintains Europe’s largest collection of airworthy WWII fighters and is based at Duxford Airfield, in the UK. For more information visit our website: http://www.fighter-collection.com/

Screenshots

Beretta ARX 160 Elite Carbine Airsoft AEG by Umarex Review

2015/09/13
Jerry Paxton
Action Sports, Airsoft News, Airsoft Reviews, Articles, Geek News, News, Reviews

arx-160-elite-force

The release of the Beretta ARX 160 AEG by Umarex and Elite Force was very polarizing, with airsofters either loving or hating its unique, exotic design. To Umarex’s credit, they have replicated the actual ARX 160 with extreme accuracy and even crafted some of the real steel features (that would not normally be on an airsoft gun) into airsoft form. We got to spend some time with the ARX 160 “Elite” carbine AEG version of the airsoft rifle and have completely fallen in love with this unique design from the land of art, history, and Ferraris (not to mention some seriously good eats)!

The real steel Beretta ARX 160 was initially part of Italy’s future soldier program to upgrade the service rifle their troops wield. The ARX 160 was built, from the ground up, for user comfort, modularity, and maneuverability – all excellent qualities to have when you are fighting in Italy’s Apennine Mountains. In 2008, Beretta released a consumer version of the ARX 160, so now the gun-buying public at large has the opportunity to own one.

The airsoft rifle comes in both black and dark earth variants and features a strong nylon fiber body measuring 690mm long when the stock is folded away and between 840mm and 910mm when the adjustable stock is deployed. The ARX 160 weighs about 6 lbs. In terms of design, the airsoft rifle accurately replicates the real steel version. It even features the attachment point for the GLX160 grenade launcher – a launch specifically created for the firearm. Weird thing is that there is no GLX160 launcher in airsoft form, yet! I am hopeful that Umarex will build one at some point soon. The airsoft rifle’s stock is adjustable and foldable, and even has a nifty system whereby power from the battery (which is stored inside the folding stock) is transferred to the AEG through the stock hinges. To my knowledge, this has only been seen in one other airsoft gun design (Ed. Note: And, in that case, not very well).

arx160-front

It chronographs at about 395FPS using .20g BBs and has a crisp electronic blow back feature that is one of the best I have seen. Usually, electronic blow back doesn’t work all that great – but, in this airsoft rifle, it is a lot of fun and adds to the shooting experience. Also, the trigger response is nice and snappy, which is always a plus when I am looking at an airsoft rifle. Finally, the airsoft rifle features multiple sling points accommodating just about any kind of sling setup you like – just beware the sling mounts are not QD, so you will need a wire loop adapter if that’s what you currently use. Coupled with its foldable stock and the ARX 160 Elite is very portable.

Two of the best features of this airsoft rifle have to be its extremely simple to use quick change barrel and spring systems. Just like the real rifle, you pull down on two toggles and the barrel assembly just slides right out of the muzzle end. Changing the spring is also simple, by folding the stock and removing a small plate. It’s features like this that an airsoft player will thank the manufacturer for time and time again. Right now, there exists only two ARX 160 barrel lengths – the 16 inch that comes standard with the ARX 160 Elite and a shorter, CQB length barrel which comes standard on the ARX 160 Sport version. I hope that they eventually put out a 20 inch barrel length (the real 20 inch barrel is being tested by Beretta) as I would love to make this a DMR platform.

The one issue I have with the Beretta ARX 160 Elite by Umarex is its iron sight system. The rear sight is next to useless for airsoft purposes. It features a rotating aperture and very small peep holes to aim with. While this is very realistic in terms of the rear sight on the actual firearm, it is something I wish they would have deviated from reality for with the airsoft version.

arx160-back

That being the case, the ARX 160 Elite has a long, monolithic top rail on which you can mount just about any optic you prefer. Also cool is that, because the stock is at a lower elevation than the top rail, you will have an easier time aiming with them when wearing face masks and trying to get a good cheek weld.

On the field, the ARX 160 is a dream to shoot. Its snappy trigger response and maneuverability are great for urban games while its velocity allows the use of heavier BBs in longer range engagements. I ran .28g BBs in this ARX 160 and was able to hit just about anything I wanted on the fields of SC Village in Southern California. I am scheduled to attend the next BB Wars event by AirsoftGI in Perris, CA and my rifle of choice is going to be the ARX 160 Elite, I liked it that much. Umarex and Elite Force have even replicated the unique magazine/bolt release of the ARX 160, which is located beneath the trigger guard.

Overall, I am giving the Beretta ARX 160 Elite carbine airsoft rifle by Umarex and Elite Force high marks for its faithful recreation of the real steel firearm. The Beretta ARX 160 Elite carbine airsoft rifle by Umarex retails for about $274.99 and is available now from most online airsoft retailers.

[easyreview title=”Beretta ARX 160 Elite Carbine Airsoft AEG by Umarex Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″ ]

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TacLace Review (Airsoft)

2015/09/13
Jerry Paxton
Action Sports, Airsoft News, Airsoft Reviews, Articles, Geek News, News, Reviews

taclace-copy

Some might think that tying the laces of your boots is an activity that has reached the pinnacle of methodology. If you thought that, you are wrong. Two US Marines crafted the TacLace system while deployed in Afghanistan, an area of the world that requires some seriously rugged footwear. They also needed a way to get their boots on and secure as quickly as possible as seconds matter – especially in their profession.

The TacLace is a cinch system made up of an elastic band, some Velcro, a push lock, and some eyelets. The exact instructions can be found on the TacLace website but, in short, you feed the ends of your laces through the TacLace band and tie them off. Then, you control the level of slack in your laces by stretching or relaxing the elastic band and relocking the lace in place with the push lock. After locked into where you need them, you wrap the TacLace around your boot and secure it by way of Velcro. In short: It’s a brilliant idea.

Here is a comparison of traditional lace tying vs the TacLace:

The TacLace makes the tying process so much easier and a whole lot quicker, I am curious as to why the military hasn’t just worked out a contract with TacLace to make it standard issue equipment. The biggest factor in terms of successfully installing the TacLace for use is in the length of your laces. You need fairly long laces to make sure there is enough slack to adjust. Thankfully, each set of TacLaces comes with 84″ inch long laces, so the company really has thought of everything.

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Personally, I have worn boots for years in both civilian and, sometimes, industrial environments. More recently, I picked up airsoft when starting this column for GamingShogun.com and I found tactical boots are a must have. Often times, airsoft games are played in adverse conditions with plenty of things that can hurt you and your feet. After using the TacLace system for a couple months now, I would not ever wear tactical boots without them. You can even use them on side zipper boots which, while no longer military approved, are still popular in the first responder and security sectors. After two months of use on and off the airsoft field, my coyote tan TacLaces are a little bit discolored from the stretching of the elastic – they have turned a slightly lighter shade than before. But, structurally, they are in great condition and have no reason to believe they won’t last a long while to come.

taclace-image-2

Once on, the TacLace does not easily come loose and the way they wrap around the top of your boot will also help to keep the boot opening closed up. Nothing worse than getting a bunch of sand or rocks in your boots!

Overall, TacLace makes the process of tying your boot laces faster and much more efficient than previously thought possible. Whether you are in a profession where every second matters or just a person looking to more efficiently don your footwear in an action sports scenario, you will love TacLaces. Plus, each set of TacLaces is just $14.99 so it won’t break your bank to pick a couple up. They are available in black, coyote tan, and olive drab color schemes.

TacLace Official Website

[easyreview title=”TacLace Review Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″ ]

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Destiny: The Taken King Live Action Launch Trailer

2015/09/10
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

destiny-the-taken-king

September 10, 2015 – Activision, Bungie, 72andSunny, Digital Domain, and RESET have come together again to create a blockbuster live-action launch trailer to build upon the excitement and momentum leading up to the global launch of Destiny: The Taken King, the first major expansion to the Destiny universe.

The spot, “Evil’s Most Wanted,” is directed by Joseph Kosinski (Oblivion, TRON: Legacy). The trailer features a Fireteam of Guardians, accompanied by their ‘Ghost’ companion, adventuring to take on the vengeful, King Oryx and his army. The spot is set against “Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin.

Destiny: The Taken King, created by the acclaimed developers at Bungie, hits store shelves worldwide on September 15th for PlayStation®4, PlayStation®3, Xbox One and Xbox 360.

You killed his son. Now Oryx, The Taken King, wants revenge. Gather your Fireteam and take on the greatest threat this universe has seen with Destiny: The Taken King on 9/15.

Trailer

Master of Orion Video Dev Diary #2

2015/09/10
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

moo-logo

September 10, 2015 — Every legend has a beginning. Over 20 years ago, the title that would eventually grow to be Master of Orion was being conceived. In the second installment of WG Labs’ series of Master of Orion Dev Diaries, members of the original team relate the days of Master of Orion’s early inception and the humble origins of the game that would both create and define the 4X gameplay genre.

In this installment, the key players in the series recount the tale of how Master of Orion was initially developed. Learn how this inspired team of producers, designers, and composers first came together and united for a single purpose. From the early days of working out of their living rooms, this lean team with a limited budget nurtured Master of Orion to create what would become one of the most definitive PC games in history.

Watch Master of Orion Dev Diary #2 below:

Battlefleet Gothic: Armada First Gameplay Trailer

2015/09/10
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

battlefleet_gothic_armada-07

September 10, 2015 – Battlefleet Gothic: Armada, the new RTS based on Games Workshop’s tabletop game, is for the first time unveiled through pre-alpha gameplay covering the basics of what to expect from Tindalos Interactive’s new game.

Developed on Unreal Engine 4, Battlefleet Gothic: Armada is an RTS in which the player takes command of one of these battlefleets composed of the most powerful spaceships from the Imperial, Chaos, Eldar and Ork forces, in a no-quarter given struggle for the control of the Gothic sector of space.

Featuring many different game modes including dramatic battles in both single and multiplayer, against players and the AI, and a full single-player campaign pitting you against Abaddon the Despoiler, Battlefleet Gothic: Armada will have you unlocking and upgrading the ships in your fleet as well as specializing the captains that helm them, each with their own behaviors.

Featuring an ambitious campaign against Abaddon the Despoiler, command the Imperium fleet throughout the Gothic sector, securing systems and making choices that will affect the story along the way. In the campaign, you’ll meet – and perhaps more! – the Eldar, and the enigmatic Space Marines as you try to vanquish the sector of Chaos influence.

Each faction has its own strengths and skills. The Imperium are heavily armored with a lot of torpedoes, powerful macro weapons and harness the awesome nova cannon. The Chaos are fast, with a longer range than the other factions, utilizing powerful lances.

Learn the basics of Battlefleet Gothic: Armada by watching the exciting new gameplay trailer, and look forward to the release in 2016 on PC.

Fallout 4 S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Video Series – Strength

2015/09/10
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

fallout-4-special-strength

September 10, 2015 — Do you know what makes you S.P.E.C.I.A.L.?

Following total atomic annihilation, the rebuilding of this great nation of ours may fall to you. That’s why we at Vault-Tec have prepared this educational video series for you to better understand the seven defining attributes that make you S.P.E.C.I.A.L.!

Strength, Perception, Endurance, Charisma, Intelligence, Agility and Luck – all of these attributes will impact how you survive and thrive aboveground.

Today we’ve released the first video in the series, starting, of course, with Strength. If you would like to share this video with your fellow citizens, we’ve included a YouTube embed below. Study these materials carefully to ensure your survival and to discover what makes you S.P.E.C.I.A.L.

Set to release worldwide on November 10, 2015 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC, Fallout 4 is the next generation of open-world gaming where every second is a fight for survival, and every choice is yours.

Fallout 4 has been rated M for Mature by the ESRB. For more information about the game visit www.Fallout4.com.

Should you have any questions please let us know.

All the best,

Your Friends at Vault-Tec

The act of using this Video (either partially or in its entirety) is a binding, non-verbal agreement between all Vault-Dwelling Parties (either Fully Resident or Temporary), Interested Vault-Dwelling Parties, and Vault-Tec Industries stating that Vault-Tec is not liable for any damages, injuries, or mental anguish inflicted during or after the perusal of the Vault-Tec Video Series either in its Full Form or Condensed Version. Use of this Video Series without sufficient understanding of Intelligence may result in death. Always consult your Vault Overseer for guidance on appropriate informational video usage.