Author - Jerry Paxton

War Thunder Open Beta Ends Game Launched

Dec 20th, 2016 — Gaijin Entertainment today announced that update 1.65 ‘Way of the Samurai’ marks the release of the originally proposed War Thunder game and ends Open Beta with all current in-game nations featuring their own aircraft and tank trees. The introduction of ships also means that War Thunder now takes the fight to land, air and sea to complement the game. Gaijin Entertainment will continue its commitment to improving the game through regular updates, as they progress toward the research trees of War Thunder Ships, which currently reside in pre-beta testing.

“After reaching this important development milestone, which marks the end of Open Beta, the goals set out for War Thunder in 2012 are now complete. We will focus on adding new features and improvements, to let virtual pilots, tankers and navy captains enjoy one of the most realistic, extensive and accessible war simulations of all time”, says Kirill Yudintsev, Creative Director of Gaijin Entertainment.

War Thunder’s ‘Way of the Samurai’ update will focus on completing the Armor of the Imperial Japanese Army, which adds 30 armored ground forces vehicles, featuring a full range of light and medium tanks as well as self-propelled guns and anti-aircraft vehicles modeled on interwar vehicles to proven mid-war workhorses and modern developments of the Cold War era.

Update 1.65 includes the integration of cockpit interiors for all aircraft with working gauges and indicators. The update contains two new maps for ground and combined arms combat, “Abandoned Factory” and “38th Parallel”. While the first challenges tankers and air support to identify targets in a maze of industrial workshops and loading bays, the latter propels players into the Korean peninsula and is the first ground combat location based on a post-World War II setting.  It also contains a dozen additional ground and air vehicles for other nations bringing the total number of available vehicles to more than 800.

In 2017, Gaijin plans to focus on two major game modes for War Thunder, the previously announced World War mode that allows players to experience massive operations across different theatres of World War II, as well as the full release of War Thunder Naval Forces for all nations.

Work will continue working on additional features such as adding new nations, new game modes and further improvements to eSport and other forms of competitive play.

Gaijin Entertainment also used the opportunity of War Thunder’s release to congratulate players with the start of a series of holiday timed events and specials. Everyone logging in to the game until New Year’s will receive a progression booster as a present. In addition, the holiday season will bring a variety of events where players can unlock several Premium vehicles and other content for free.

To find out more head over to the War Thunder devblog page here:

http://warthunder.com/en/news/?tags=Development

Six Flags Great Adventure Holiday in the Park Festival By the Numbers

Jackson, NJ — December 21, 2016 Six Flags Great Adventure offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to transform the iconic summertime thrill destination into a winter wonderland for Holiday in the Park®.

Holiday in the Park by the numbers:

  • 1,250,000+ glittering lights
  • 42,000 feet of power cords – nearly eight miles
  • 15,000 man hours to complete
  • 7,190 ornaments
  • 6,025 feet of shiny garland
  • 1,000+ poinsettias
  • 500+ Trees

o   Cut trees: 460

o   Special Oversized Holiday Trees: 54

o   190 oak trees wrapped in lights

  • 240-foot-tall Treetop Summit, one of the world’s tallest light trees built on parachute ride tower
  • 215 holiday wreaths
  • 100 set up crewmembers
  • 33 rides running
  • 20+ venues with holiday-themed menus
  • 15+ holiday photo ops
  • 12 themed areas
  • 10 giant props & inflatables

o   Includes “Stewie the Snowman,” a three-story, walk-through inflatable and 15-foot-tall Nutcrackers

  • 9 daily tree shows of “Holiday Magic – A Celebration of the Season”
  • 9 roller coasters
  • 8 elves
  • 6 Looney Tunes™ characters in holiday dress
  • 5 snow machines
  • 4 Jingle Jammers
  • 4 stilt-walking toy soldiers
  • 2 gingerbread characters: Dot & Drop
  • 2 royal beauties: Snow Queen and Poinsettia Princess
  • 1 Mrs. Claus
  • 1 Santa Claus

Holiday in the Park runs December 23 and daily December 26, 2016 through January 2, 2017. More than a million glittering lights, dazzling holiday entertainment, delicious seasonal treats, Santa’s village and many popular rides provide an escape from the hustle and bustle, and a way for guests to create their own magical, memorable holiday moments.

Signature Holiday in the Park attractions include:

  • Holiday Magic: A Celebration of the Season ─ Spectacular light show on a 52-foot-tall tree in the heart of the park that dazzles nightly every 30 minutes through eye-popping effects and classic holiday music. The only show of its kind anywhere in the country
  • Gingerbread Junction ─ Features peppermint swirl-wrapped trees, dancing lights around the carousel pavilion, Dot and Drop’s Holiday Dance Party and a giant gingerbread man towering above
  • Joy to the World ─ Tranquil pathway of lit trees, luminaries and stained glass showcasing religious holidays from around the world
  • North Pole ─ Guests are welcomed into the warmth of Santa’s home for a meet-and-greet and holiday photos, plus kids can write letters to Santa and meet a talking reindeer. Last chance to visit Santa is December 23 before he travels back to the North Pole
  • Poinsettia Peak ─ Iconic Skull Mountain coaster draped in dazzling red lights with a crimson beauty, the Poinsettia Princess, greeting guests nearby
  • Polar Point ─ Stunning, ice-blue trees twinkle with the illusion of falling snow up above, while the Snow Queen meets guests below
  • Holiday Memories ─ Green, red and gold brighten this section filled with special photo opportunities like Mistletoe Moments and giant ornaments while nearby the Jingle Jammers sing holiday tunes by the fire pits as guests toast s’mores
  • NEW – Trouble in Toyland ─ This indoor show journeys to the North Pole as Mrs. Claus aims to restore order in the Toy Shop
  • NEW – Merry Market Place – Features thousands of white lights, unique gifts, and sweet treats at this holiday-inspired market
  • NEW – The JOKER –Soar outside the confines of the track in wing cars facing other riders on this festive, 4D free-fly adventure located in a Holly Jolly Christmas
  • NEW – HARLEY QUINN Crazy Train – The whole family can enjoy this junior roller coaster themed as a villainous train
  • NEW – Sky Way – This relaxing journey 104 feet above the lights provides a scenic view of the park

The sweet and savory tastes of the holiday season can be found throughout the park. Spiked egg nog, holiday-flavored coffee and hot chocolate, peppermint and mocha fudge, holiday beers, festive funnel cakes, specialty holiday platters of sliced turkey, smoked turkey leg and chicken platters with cranberry sauce, chili bowls, harvest salads and hot soups are available in various restaurants.

Holiday in the Park also features more than 30 thrilling rides such as the Sky Way, SkyScreamer, Carousel, Big Wheel and Tea Cups. Children can enjoy 11 pint-sized thrills in Whimsical Wonderland. Coaster fans can challenge world-class rides like Nitro, BATMAN™: The Ride, THE GREEN LANTERN and SUPERMAN – Ultimate Flight, THE DARK KNIGHT Coaster, Skull Mountain and THE JOKER. All rides and entertainment are weather permitting. Frontier Adventures including Safari Off Road Adventure, Bugs Bunny National Park, Golden Kingdom and Plaza del Carnaval do not operate during the festival.

More information about Holiday in the Park is available at www.sixflags.com/greatadventure.

Sniper: Ghost Warrior 3 New Mission Revealed

December WARSAW, Poland (Dec. 20, 2016) — CI Games, developer of the Sniper: Ghost Warrior series and Lords of the Fallen, explores the dark depths of a slaughterhouse shown in a never-before-seen map location in Sniper: Ghost Warrior 3.

Located deep in the Georgian mountains, an American prisoner is being held captive in an old slaughterhouse re-purposed by separatists to be a site of body disposal. Watch as American Marine Jon North uses his skills to rescue the prisoner quickly and efficiently while he’s still alive.

Armed with a variety of weapons and equipment, Jon North’s combat prowess is fully realized when properly prepared for the mission. New to the series, the aerial drone with the proper upgrades provide an advantage before entering the area. Using Sniper skills to pick off lone separatists on watch, and then using Ghost skills to take out the enemy stealthily with the trusty knife helps create and easy way of infiltration and exfiltration.

Sniper: Ghost Warrior 3 tells the story of brotherhood, faith and betrayal in the most complete sniper experience ever. Take the role of an American sniper named Jonathan North, who is dropped into enemy territory in northern Georgia, nearby Russian borders. Explore large open-world maps with dynamic weather and a day and night cycle that actually impacts play and decisions. Customize weapon equipment, accessories, vehicles and a drone, and utilize the three pillars of gameplay to your liking: Sniper, Ghost and Warrior.

Sniper: Ghost Warrior 3 will launch on Windows PC, PlayStation®4, and Xbox One on April 4, 2017

To learn more about CI Games and Sniper Ghost Warrior 3, visit:

Fog of War #2: Cinematic Showcase

December 19, 2016 – Relic Entertainment and SEGA have today released the latest trailer for their upcoming highly-anticipated real-time strategy title Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III. Featuring new in-game cinematics and gameplay, as well as exclusive interviews with Game Director Phillip Boulle and Art Director Matt Kuzminski, this new 6 minute video – entitled Fog of War #2 – Cinematic Faction Showcase – provides an in depth look at the game’s factions and characters and their place in the lore of the Warhammer 40K universe.

Das Keyboard X40 Pro Gaming Mechanical Keyboard Review

Das Keyboard is a company that has been making mechanical keyboards for a very long time, and were doing so well before most of the other gaming keyboard makers did. They are known for sturdy, well-built keyboards with a clicky, responsive user experience. So when they entered into the gaming keyboard market, many wondered what would be the result – and now we know, and it is good. Enter: The Das Keyboard X40 Pro Gaming Mechanical Keyboard.

The Das Keyboard X40 Pro Gaming Mechanical Keyboard features everything we love about Das Keyboard designs. It has a rugged frame that feels just fine along side its not-so gaming-specific brothers and sisters. Das Keyboard also has a number of interesting aluminum frames which can screw onto the top of the keyboard. This allows gamers to customize the look of the keyboard as they prefer. However, it should be known that these frames do cost extra and are sold separately.

Installing the Das Keyboard X40 Pro Gaming Mechanical keyboard is extremely simple. You can literally just plug it in for regular keyboard features or go further and install the Das Keyboard software. The software will allow you to program macro keys and save them in various profiles. This is very helpful so that you don’t have to reprogram all your keys for every game you play.

[mks_col][mks_one_half]The Good

  • Terrific build quality
  • Great key response
  • USB pass-through port
  • Gaming mode key

[/mks_one_half]

[mks_one_half]The Bad

  • Somewhat no-frills in comparison to other brands

[/mks_one_half][/mks_col]

You can also disable the Windows key by simply pressing a gaming mode key on the keyboard. I have always thought that this should be a standard on every keyboard – gaming or otherwise. I hate accidentally pressing that key…. <nerd rage!/>

Typing documents with the Das Keyboard X40 Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard was great, and I love the Das Keyboard feel when the keys are clicking away as you type. It really provides a terrific, satisfying user experience.

There are some things that the Das Keyboard X40 Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard could improved upon. The first thing would be to enhance the back-lighting of the keyboard. The X40 is only capable of showing red back-lighting and, while it works fine, it is not as customizable as other brands’ offerings – some of which have millions of possible lighting colors as well as multiple color zones. That being said, the experience of using the Das Keyboard X40 in an actual game is very good! I tested the keyboard out in a variety of titles, from Star Wars: Battlefront to Fallout 4 to games with much less “twitch” factor like Civilization VI and Master of Orion. In every case, the Das Keyboard X40 was a solid and reliable keyboard.

The Das Keyboard X40 Pro Gaming Mechanical Keyboard retails for $129.00 at both Amazon and Das Keyboard’s online store. It is a great choice if you are a gamer looking for premium performance at a not-so premium price point. However, just know that you are paying for the keyboard experience – not for extra bells and whistles like 16 million color backlighting.


Das Keyboard X40 Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Score:

[mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#0066bf” type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#0066bf” type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#0066bf” type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#0066bf” type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star-o” color=”#0066bf” type=”fa”] (4 out of 5 stars)


Das Keyboard Product Page

Disneyland Holiday Season 2016 Review

Disneyland has once again transformed its two Anaheim parks for the holiday season. Throughout the two parks, you will find holiday decorations galore as well as some additional surprises to delight and enjoy. At Disneyland, there is the new Christmas Fantasy parade which is sure to entertain the younger guests in your group. In Fantasyland, the park has decked out It’s A Small World for the season, with an extremely-impressive makeover worth taking plenty of photos. Of course, the Haunted Mansion Holiday attraction makeover is still in effect, and has truly become a tradition for many families each Christmas season. The venerable Jungle Cruise attraction over in Disneyland’s Adventureland has also been made over for the season. “Jingle Cruise” features tons of holiday surprises, with lots of the attraction’s animatronics getting into the act.

At Disney  California Adventure, they have a new holiday themed World of Color light show for guests as well as a completely made-over Cars Land area, with Christmas trees made from all manner of materials – from road cones to tires. Guests can also take their picture with the “big man” himself, Santa Clause, as well as enjoy a number of musical guests from all manner of genres singing holiday songs and a lot more. Check out park maps and the DCA website for times and dates. Additionally, there are so many good food options at DCA, I highly recommend you and your party go check out some of their culinary fare.

Towards the end of your day at the two parks, I highly recommend you making your way over to Disneyland so you can watch the “Believe… In Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular. No one does fireworks shows quite like Disneyland and this show is no different – it is amazing and wondrous as its explosions are timed to music. A lot of people will tell you that the best areas to watch are in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle, and they are probably right. However, I have also had some great fireworks viewing from inside Fantasyland, behind the castle. You miss some of the fireworks that launch over the castle itself, but the bigger ones are in prime view – you are actually so close you can get little particles of ash falling on you!

Overall, both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure are both great stops for your family’s holiday plans this year. I recommend just investing in the 1-day park hopper pass which allows access to both parks.

Disney’s California Adventure Gallery

Disneyland Gallery

Styx Shards of Darkness – Gameplay Trailer 2

December 15, 2016 – Styx: Shards of Darkness is Cyanide Studio’s upcoming Stealth Adventure game arriving March 2017 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. Today, discover 3 minutes of brand new gameplay footage featuring a slew of Styx’s new tools and abilities in three different locations – Wildoran the hunters’ village, the secret Sanctuary of the Dark Elven city Korrangar, and Thoben, the city of thieves.

Styx’s second adventure builds upon the foundations laid in the tower of Akenash, with more fluid movement and climbing abilities, a richer story told with cinematics including an enhanced bestiary, side-missions to complete, as well as new and improved sneaking and assassination skills.

The titular goblin’s aerial abilities have been improved and expanded. Swing from ropes and attack from above with a slew of new tools such as the crossbow, with a range of different bolts such as the non-lethal poison bolt. The crossbow can be used not only to kill or disable enemies, but also to detach environmental objects crushing those below.

Cloning is one of Styx’s signature abilities, and they’ve received a major upgrade. One of the new upgradeable abilities is the cocoon, which is a craftable item that you can throw to spawn your clone at a distance. Another new ability is called Rebirth, which teleports Styx to his clone’s location, killing it in the process. It can be used in a number of ways – to travel to spots that are difficult to reach, or to get out of danger when things get dicey.

You will need to use all of Styx’s tools and abilities to get to your goals. If you choose to specialize in crafting, Styx gets access to another craftable contraption, the Acid Trap, which dissolves enemy corpses after they step on them. This is particularly useful against enemies whose armor cannot be penetrated by Styx’s dagger, and enemies whose body is too heavy to carry.

Styx: Shards of Darkness comes out March 2017 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC! You can preorder the game on STEAM from today 7pm CET / 10am PST to get exclusive access to the Akenash set, donning the outfit and dagger from Styx’s first adventure.

Call of Cthulhu Gets New Screenshots

December 15, 2016 – The official video game adaptation of Chaosium’s pen and paper RPG, Call of Cthulhu, today unveils new images showcasing the horrifying locals and locales of Darkwater Island. Step into the shoes of Edward Pierce as you investigate the tragic death of Sarah Hawkins, and push your sanity to the limit to uncover the disturbing truth in this RPG/Investigation game blending psychological horror and stealth mechanics.

You are Edward Pierce, a war veteran turned private detective, in the Boston of the 20s. You have been hired to investigate, on the isolated island of Darkwater, the unusual and tragic death of Sarah Hawkins and her family. Soon your investigation will lead you to the fringes of the paranormal, where reality and illusion begins to blend… or is this really the fruit of your imagination?

Driven by the idea that mankind is irrelevant in an uncaring universe filled with inconceivable horrors, Lovecraft’s dark works have captured imaginations across the world for close to a century. Call of Cthulhu fully embraces these fundamentals, pitting you in a desperate struggle against powers that defy human comprehension. To uncover the disturbing truth of Darkwater Island, you will venture a deadly path to the very brink of insanity – a concept tightly tied to the Cthulhu Mythos. As your investigation leads you closer to the sphere of influence of the Great Dreamer, you will start to doubt everything you see. You will have to find balance between your own sanity, and your determination in finding out what lurks in the shadows – as they say that madness is the only way that can bring you to the truth.

Between the haunting environments, twisted story, and the ever-looming threat of the Great Old Ones, Call of Cthulhu promises a darkly satisfying experience for Lovecraft fans and newcomers alike.

Call of Cthulhu: The Official Video Game releases 2017 on consoles and PC.

DOOM: Bloodfall DLC Launch Trailer

December 14, 2016 – We’re pleased to announce that Bloodfall, the third and final premium DLC pack for DOOM, is now available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. You can check out our launch trailer here.

Priced at $14.99 / £11.99 / €14.99 / A$23.95, Bloodfall includes the following for DOOM’s multiplayer:

  • Three new multiplayer maps:

o    Empyrian – fight in an ageless colosseum held aloft by opposing energies, as the gilded embattlements slowly crumble

o    Boneyard – battle in the outer realm of Hell, where the landscape is made entirely of demon flesh, teeth, and bone

o    Outbreak – engage in intense combat throughout a UAC facility transformed after underworldly science breaks free from containment

  • A new player-controlled demon: Spectre Pinky
  • A new weapon: Grenade Launcher – bank grenades off walls and deal area damage, or use the secondary fire to detonate smoke grenades
  • New equipment: Lateral Thrusters – provides short directional boosts to player movement
  • New ways to customize your DOOM Marine, including the Cultist Armor­ – armor blessed in the temple and baptized in blood
  • New hack modules

For more information please visit DOOM.com and Bethesda.net.