Author - Jerry Paxton

Happy Halloween 2016

Well, here it is: Another Halloween! Here at GamingShogun, we LOVE the Halloween season – so much so that we created a Halloween/horror related column and cover things like Midsummer Scream, Scare LA, Knott’s Scary Farm, Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights, and a whole lot more!

We still have a couple of out-standing reviews to post up, so we will be doing so soon. But, now, it is time to get your costumes on, party, hand out candy, and do whatever else your ghoulish minds can come up with.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

THQ Nordic Acquires All NovaLogic IPs

October 24, 2016: Today, THQ Nordic announced that an asset purchase agreement with NovaLogic Inc. containing all games and/or projects owned by NovaLogic Inc has been closed. In essence, that means that they’re back at it again with the acquisition of partly forgotten, but classic game IPs and this time is all about first-person military themed game franchises like groundbreaking and genre-defining Delta Force, Comanche or Joint Ops.

Novalogic’s games struck a strong chord with the market from the late 80s throughout the 00s, with its strong focus on military simulations like for example with the F-22 series, the Comanche series, and, last but not least, the Delta Force series.

“After 30 years of creating ground breaking Computer and Video Games we are proud to pass the baton to THQ Nordic. As individuals, they are enthusiastic gamers and as a company have shown the agility and acumen needed to propel our industry towards a much-needed reset”, comments John Garcia, owner, founder and CEO of NovaLogic Inc. “We are happy to see the franchises we created in such capable hands.”

“NovaLogic pioneered military simulations and military-themed multiplayer shooters with vehicular combat and also clearly targeted at an adult audience,” said Reinhard Pollice, Business and Product Development Director, THQ Nordic. “We are extremely satisfied with the new additions to our portfolio, and also very thrilled about how to continue some of said franchises, we are open for talks in this regard if any developer approaches us with a concept for a potential sequel to any IP.”

Here is an extract of the acquired franchises and brands:

  • Delta Force Series
  • Comanche Series
  • Joint Operations Series
  • Armored Fist Series
  • Tachyon: The Fringe
  • F-22 – Series
  • F-16 Series
  • NovaLogic Trademark
  • and more…

Screamfest Horror Film Festival Award Winners Announcement

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Oct. 28, 2016  America’s largest and longest running horror movie festival, Screamfest, awarded the top movies, filmmakers and actors of the festival.   The festival, which ran from Oct. 18 – 27, 2016 at the TLC Chinese in Hollywood, has launched careers – providing a platform for filmmakers and actors to showcase their latest work to enthusiasts and general audiences.

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MY FATHER DIE and THE MASTER CLEANSE tied with the most awards, each with four. MY FATHER DIE won Best Picture, Best Director with Sean Brosnan, Best Editing by Jason Eric Perlman and Sean Brosnan, as well as Best Musical Score by Justin Small and Ohad Benchetrit.  THE MASTER CLEANSE won the Best Actor category with Johnny Galecki, Best Make Up by Naomi Bakstad, Best Special FX by Nicholas Podbrey, Werner Pretorius and Creature FX Artists as well as Best Visual FX by George A. Loucas.

The following is a complete list of winners:

  • Best Short –  A Nearly Perfect Blue Sky
  • Best Student Short –  Pigskin – Jake Hammond
  • Best Editing – Jason Eric Perlman & Sean Brosnan – My Father Die
  • Best Actor – Johnny Galecki – The Master Cleanse
  • Best Musical Score – Justin Small & Ohad Benchetrit – My Father Die
  • Best Actress – Mimosa Williamo – Lake Bodom
  • Best Makeup – Naomi Bakstad – The Master Cleanse
  • Best Cinematography – Joe Dietsch – Happy Hunting
  • Best Special FX – Nicholas Podbrey, Werner Pretorius & Creature FX Artists – The Master Cleanse
  • Best Visual FX – George A. Loucas – The Master Cleanse
  • Best  Unproduced Screenplay – Plum Island  – Matthew Lee Blackburn
  • Best Director – Sean Brosnan – My Father Die
  • Best Picture – My Father Die

Actress Lydia Hearst (Condemned#Horror) served as ambassador for the festival, which showcased 73 films this year.  Along with the myriad of horror films at the festival, Screamfest hosted free screenings of TV  episodes inspired by the popular horror films WOLF CREEK and THE EXCORCIST.

Screamfest is sponsored by Pop TV, Shock Top, Birns & Sawyer, Crypt TV, Brickwork, and Dapper Cadaver. Screamfest is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission.  Screamfest is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs.

Get Social with Us:

Screamfest Official Usernames and Hashtag:

  •        Facebook: /Screamfest
  •        Twitter: @Screamfest
  •        Instagram: @ScreamfestLA
  •        Official hashtag: #ScreamfestLA

For more information visit www.screamfestla.com or email info@screamfestla.com

ABOUT SCREAMFEST HORROR FILM FESTIVAL

Formed in August 2001 by film producer Rachel Belofsky, Screamfest Horror Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that gives filmmakers and screenwriters in the horror and science fiction genres a venue to have their work showcased in the film industry. Among the numerous films that have been discovered and/or premiered at the festival include “Paranormal Activity,” “30 Days of Night,” “Trick ‘r Treat” and “The Human Centipede.” For more information, visit www.ScreamfestLA.com.

A Look at Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III’s Wraithblade

October 27, 2016 – As we gear up toward the release of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III, SEGA and Relic Entertainment will be unveiling some of the new and returning units that fans will be able to command. Keep up to date with all the latest announcements at DawnOfWar.com.

When an Eldar falls in battle, their soul must be entombed in a soul stone lest they be lost forever to the Warp. Sometimes, the spirits are joined to a Wraithguard construct during times of war. Bordering on necromantic, the practice is considered immoral – but desperate times call for desperate measures.

The most feared of these resurrected Eldar warriors are the Wraithblades. Distinguished from the rest by their unmatched fury, Wraithblades must be segregated from other ghost warriors for fear that their infectious wrath will consume their kin.

Wraithblades aren’t as quick as their allies, but can initiate combat with a long charge that gets faster over time. Skirting along the edge of a Webway Gate’s influence can be an effective way to control when your Fleet of Foot passive kicks in – surprising your enemy with a quick burst of speed. Once within close combat range, their two deadly Ghostswords and ferocity will quickly tear through enemy infantry.

Abilities:

Vengeance (Passive)

Wraithblades charge from long range and upon impact taunt the target into attacking them for a short duration. While in combat, Wraithblades gain Fury. For every 10 Fury their damage increases by 25%.

Soul Recall (requires Infinity Portal and charges)

The Wraithblade abandons its current body, sending its soul stone back to the target Infinity Portal. Double clicking this ability automatically sends them to the nearest Infinity Portal.

To learn more, and for future updates about Dawn of War III, be sure to head to DawnOfWar.com!

Armored Warfare Global Operations Release Trailer

Amsterdam, The Netherlands – October 27, 2016 Today, Obsidian Entertainment and global publisher My.com, released the new Global Operations mode for Armored Warfare. Global Operations is an exciting new approach to the tank genre, fusing PvE and PvP game modes together in a unique and explosive mix. Teams of tank commanders will not only compete against each other, but can now capture tactical bonuses that give their team a strategic edge over their adversaries. These tactical Wildcards modernize the theatre of war by adding surveillance drones, stealth bombers, and deployable anti-tank turrets functioning as support for either team. Global Operations is played on Desert Crossing, the largest map the game has ever introduced, which features game changing weather effects like a sandstorm that limits the player’s view range.

Wildcards:

One important new feature in the Global Operations mode released with the update 0.18 is the option to deploy Wildcards. These are special abilities that, based on their use, can have a major effect on the course of battle.

  • Recon UAV:  The Recon UAV represents a Predator drone that circles over a certain area, spotting all enemy units within its view range.

  • Airstrike: The Airstrike Wildcard consists of a B2 Spirit bomber that rains hell in a limited area on the map, selected by the player who managed to capture it.

  • Pillbox Deployment:  This Wildcard allows the players to deploy a series of 3 pillboxes, which fire anti-tank missiles into eight pre-determined positions on the map.

Read all about the other introductions made to Armored Warfare HERE: aw.my.com/us/news/general/introducing-update-018

Armored Warfare is a free-to-play massively multiplayer online tactical military game that puts the player into the world of modern warfare. In Armored Warfare, players get a chance to try the most powerful tools of destruction invented by mankind – from modern main battle tanks to scouts and wheeled vehicles. Using modern defense systems like anti-missile protection and smoke grenades, along with various types of armor and ammunition, players can jump into fast paced battles both in PvP mode and a vast amount of PvE missions.

Download Armored Warfare for free today, visit: aw.my.com. To learn more about Armored Warfare, please visit aw.my.com, ‘Like’ it on Facebook, and follow its development on Twitter @ArmoredWar for all the latest developer updates and news.

War Thunder Celebrates Halloween and 4th Anniversary

Thursday 27th October 2016For Halloween, Gaijin Entertainment is celebrating the fourth anniversary of War Thunder’s launch with prizes, events, discounts and competitions. Halloween specials are running from October 28th through November 2nd.

Pilots and tankers can take part in special racing events; pilots can take the helm of the infamous soviet night bomber, the Polikarpov Po-2 of the ‘Night Witches’ squadron, as they race for first place, evading opponent turret fire. Similarly, fans of ground forces can race to the Sepulchre in an enchanted M18 Hellcat tank, operating without a commander or crew. Successful racers are rewarded with a Witches’ Cauldron, yielding unique decorative items such as pumpkins and witches hats that you can adorn your vehicle with, as well as boosters that improve earnings.

Festivities will include discounts of up to 50% on vehicles, premium accounts, modifications and other in-game items. Players can look forward to new events, promotions and discounts every day culminating in a great two-day celebration of War Thunder’s fourth anniversary onNovember 1st and 2nd. No fan of War Thunder should miss this!

For more details on the War Thunder Halloween events and approaching 4th anniversary celebrations be sure to visit the news page http://warthunder.com/en/news/4304-war-thunder-four-years-and-still-going-strong-en/.

World of Tanks and World of Warships Halloween Event Details

October 26, 2016 —Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water…Wargaming has revealed the newest nightmare taking to the seas in World of Warships. Drift out into unsettling waters with the “Saving Transylvania mode today, and relive the horror through November 9. Take on waves of zombie Zikasas in a horrifying escort mission through an eerie fog in one of three decked out warships. Limited time Halloween quests will reward Credits and Experience for those who dare to take on the fearsome challenge. With hordes of enemies attacking from all angles, there is little hope of victory. You’re gonna need a bigger boat!

In tanksno one can hear you scream! On October 28, the Monster Mash begins for World of Tanks on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Xbox 360. Brave tankers can play on the creepily reworked Himmelsdorf map “Dead City” with the Spectre tank along with “awakened” monster versions of the Revenant Kraft’s Panther, Lycan T71, Gorynych KV-5 and Kaiju O-I. Two challenging PvE modes “Beware the Full Moon” on Himmelsdorf Night and “Hunt the Revenants” on Thiepval Ridge will be the ultimate showdown between the Spectre and “awakened” monster vehicles.  Half-beast, half-tank, ALL HORROR!

Gallery

For more information on these Halloween events, please visit:

World of Warships: http://worldofwarships.com/

World of Tanks Console: https://console.worldoftanks.com/

Turtle Rock Ceases EVOLVE Support

In this post on the official Turtle Rock forums, the developer has announced it is ceasing its support of EVOLVE.

Here’s the letter:

Seems like the greater things you aspire to, the more time it takes. We had huge aspirations for Evolve, and while we got to spend five and a half awesome years on planet Shear with a ragtag group of Planet Tamers and fearsome Monsters, it still doesn’t feel like enough – we were hungry for more but unfortunately today is the last day that Turtle Rock Studios can work on Evolve.

It’s always hard to leave one of our games behind. Left4Dead was no different and now it’s Evolve’s turn. There will always be a special place in our hearts for our past projects. No matter what happens with Evolve in the future, we’ll know it was born in this studio and developed by this team alongside this beautiful community.

This is the life of AAA game developers who aren’t self-funded and don’t own their own IP. We don’t get to make the call. We all know that going in but we still sign the dotted line because we love what we do. We are happy to have gotten the opportunity to do something risky, something new and innovative. We created a brand new Sci-Fi world. We got to go to planet Shear and interact with alien flora and fauna. We got to hunt down, trap and kill giant monsters together. We got to BE the monster. What an awesome experience.

The last five and a half years represents so much. We are so proud of Evolve, the Turtle Rock team and the Evolve community. Getting on the forums, Reddit, Facebook and Twitch and talking directly to you has been a highlight of many of our careers. On no other project have we ever been able to interact so directly. The Evolve community is the best we could have hoped for and we hope you come with us and become a part of the Turtle Rock community.

We want to thank all the people at THQ who initially believed in us when we were that tiny studio in a little converted warehouse with a dream of making something truly different. Thanks to 2K for picking up the mantle out of THQ’s bankruptcy and making Evolve one of the most anticipated games of 2015. Additional big thanks to 2K for reaching outside their comfort zone and funding Evolve: Stage 2 by taking a AAA game free to play, which was a first for all of us.

Most of all, we want to thank you, our players, for supporting Evolve and Evolve: Stage 2, many of you from the very beginning. You embraced our vision and fell in love with it just as we did. We have learned so much from you. Thank you all for your feedback, your support and your dedication.

We love this community and don’t want to say goodbye via a letter on a website, so we’ll be hosting one final Evolve-themed Livestream on Thursday, October 27 at twitch.tv/evolvegame starting at 12 PM Pacific Time. We’ll be there talking about our experience on the project and answering as many of your questions as we can.

There’s a lot that we really wish we could have done, especially taking Stage 2 to consoles, but it looks like that’s just not meant to be.

Those of you who’ve followed Turtle Rock Studios, this is not goodbye. We have lots of stuff in the works that we hope you’ll enjoy but we are departing on the Laurie-Anne for the last time and must bid a farewell to the planet Shear.
We’ll see you all again, another time on another world….

So long, Shear. It’s been an adventure.

Phil & Chris

Ghost Town Mine Ride & Shootin’ Gallery Launch Details

LOS ANGELES, October 19, 2016 — Spectral Illusions, makers of VR experiences Cyberphobia, The Séance, and Astral Domine announce the release of Ghost Town Mine Ride & Shootin’ Gallery, a new fully interactive Virtual Reality Horror Experience for the HTC Vive on October 28, 2016.

Explore an abandoned tourist attraction, test your shot at the Shootin’ Gallery and board the mine cart ride for a descent into hell. A thrilling new Horror Experience for the HTC Vive. Can you make it out alive? Ghost Town Mine ride is approximately a 25 minute, fully immersive experience. The player alternately moves freely and on rails as they explore the attraction and the disused mine below. Ghost Town Mine Ride was developed using the Unreal 4 engine and requires an HTC Vive headset and controllers to play.

Kerry McCarn-Ostir, Executive Producer, says, “Abandoned theme parks and roadside attractions have such an interesting look. It’s a place that embodied joy and fun, but, once they’ve sunk into disrepair, the creepiness oozes out. It’s an environment that can evoke a huge emotional response.”

“This is the first part of a larger story we have planned for future releases,” says Director/Developer Rob Ostir. “I’m pretty much obsessed with dark rides and haunted places in general and have always wanted to create a haunted mine themed experience. Virtual Reality is the perfect medium for that.”

Ghost Town Mine Ride will be released on Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/459010/

For more information:

www.spectralillusions.com

https://www.facebook.com/SpectralIllusions/

Twitter: @spctrlillusions

Instagram: @spectralillusions

Skyrim Special Edition – Gameplay Trailer #2

Epic fantasy. Stunning details. Winner of more than 200 Game of the Year Awards. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim returns with Skyrim Special Edition, available for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC on October 28. Along with the critically acclaimed game and add-ons, Skyrim Special Edition has all-new features like remastered art and effects, dynamic depth of field, screen-space reflections, volumetric god rays, and more. Watch the new trailer to see Skyrim Special Edition in action.

Skyrim Special Edition also brings PC mods to Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Now console gamers can experience new quests, environments, characters, dialogue, armor, weapons and more.

For more updates on Skyrim Special Edition , follow the game on these sites:

Bethesda.net
https://goo.gl/frggMN

Official Website
https://goo.gl/bt9UkF

Facebook
https://facebook.com/elderscrolls

Twitter
http://www.twitter.com/elderscrolls

Instagram
http://www.instagram.com/elderscrolls