Author - Jerry Paxton

ROCCAT Announces Renga Stereo Gaming Headset

2016/01/14

Hamburg, 14 January 2016 – Say hi to the Renga, the latest studio grade-stereo headset offering from German peripherals manufacturer ROCCAT. Complete with compatibility for PC, PlayStation®4, mobiles, tablets and more, it promises a premium stereo audio experience with its comfortable over-ear design built on a reinforced structural housing as its framework.

The Renga features high-spec 50mm neodymium driver units in each ear cup. The drivers are optimally aligned, providing an immersive and dynamic audio experience with crisp trebles and deep, powerful bass. The headset is designed on a reinforced skeletal frame which makes it low in weight and yet surprisingly robust. This provides the framework for a trio of comfort-providing extras, such as ventilated ear cups, an ergonomic headband and plush ear cushions. Suitable for countless hours of continued use, the Renga makes it feel like you’re not wearing a headset at all.

The inline remote control provides an easy-access overview for the most-used sound settings. This allows for on-the-fly, no-look control, enabling an intuitive gaming experience. The Renga’s crystal clear rotatable mic complements swapping easily between gaming and music playback. The premium over-ear headset experience is not just limited to the PC, however. Out of the box, the Renga’s outstanding sound is compatible with the PlayStation®4, Xbox One controllers with a 3.5mm headset jack, as well as mobiles and tablets.

“The Renga is the first of our newly-designed headsets built for just one use – the perfect stereo sound experience”, says René Korte, CEO and founder at ROCCAT. “Lightweight, robustly built and compatible with almost any device, the Renga is the everyday gaming headset that comes with an affordable price tag, without making compromises in quality.”

The ROCCAT Renga will be available in late February with a suggested retail price of 49,99 Euro/USD.

Links ROCCAT Renga

Cross Roads Escape Games The Hex Room Review

2016/01/14

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, Haunted Attraction Review, News, Reviews

Escape room challenges like The Hex Room from Cross Roads Escape Games in Anaheim, CA are all the rage these days. They offer guests an intense, brain-stimulating experience while often in the guise of a horror film a la SAW or Hostel. The core concept is that your team must complete a set of challenges and solve puzzles in order to escape. The usual formula, however, has been to put the group together and let everyone work together to solve these challenges. The Hex Room has taken this formula and turned it on its head – this time, each of your group is in their own room and must worry about solo AND group puzzles.

Going further with the horror film metaphor, The Hex Room assigns an archetypal horror film role to each of the team’s six members: The nerd, the jock, the virgin, the detective, the prom queen, and the rebel. The starting point for each person is based on his or her assigned role – giving each player a unique experience. The beauty of this is that you could technically come back six different times, and have six different puzzles to solve (Editor’s Note: The Detective role is the most challenging in the game, be warned). Cross Roads Escape Games was created by the dynamic duo of Madison and Luke Rhoades, who have attended and/or worked a multitude of escape rooms and other haunted events over the years. Their goal was to create something that stands out from the crowd and, I am pleased to write, they have succeeded.

Upon checking in, we each filled out a brief questionnaire which Madison used to determine each of our roles. I was deemed “The Virgin” and got to sport a pink “Hello Kitty” style ribbon in my short hair. One-by-one, we were each walked into the game area and sat in a pitch black room. Instructed to wait until the lights come on, I tried to survey the environment, to no avail. Then, over a loud speaker, the killer/game master/psychopath who put us all into the game introduced us to the situation at-hand. I will not spoil and of the puzzles that we encountered, but can definitely say they are challenging and will test you – both individually and as a group.

The most important tip I can provide is that everyone must be able to communicate effectively as some people will have items or clues that other people need (as you are separated, this presents a challenge in and of itself). The Detective, as previously-mentioned, is the most challenging role in the experience, as it requires the most communication, as well as the ability to delegate and compartmentalize the situation to keep everything flowing smoothly.

Given one hour for the group to complete all the tasks and escape, we managed to get out with 40 seconds left on the clock! I am proud to say that we were the first group to actually escape during Cross Roads Escape Games’ press preview week (Editor’s Note: Smug-face, activated!).

Overall, Cross Roads Escape Games Hex Room is an entertaining, fun, and creepy escape room challenge that I highly recommend. Tickets are $32 a person and, remember, you must bring a group of six people. They will not add other people into your group that you don’t know.

Check out The Hex Room’s booking page for more information!

Address:

4245 E La Palma Ave
Anaheim, CA 92807
United States

(714) 572-1004
Info@CrossRoadsEscapeGames.com
www.CrossRoadsEscapeGames.com

Photos

Knights of Pen & Paper 2 Here Be Dragons Launch Trailer

2016/01/14

Jerry Paxton

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

Paradox has just released the latest expansion for Knights of Pen & Paper 2 on PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. It’s called Here Be Dragons, and it’s an epic-level story intended to challenge high-level players with a traditional task — tracking down and slaying some honest-to-goodness dragons.

There’s also a new player type, new class (finally a Knight in Knights of Pen & Paper 2!), gman in-game bestiary, new monsters, loot, and more.

I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream Released on iOS and Android

2016/01/14

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Mobile News, News

Paris, France – January 14, 2016 – DotEmu, developer and publisher specializing in modern releases of beloved retro games, announces the release of I Have No Mouth, And I Must Scream on mobile platforms. The game has been ported in partnership withNight Dive Studios! Based on a short story by Harlan Ellison, this famous game from the 90’s immerses the player in a frightening post-apocalyptic atmosphere after a supercomputer named AM has wiped out humanity.

AM hates all humans and has decided to make the last five survivors pay for what they’ve done. These survivors are now immortal, so AM can torture them forever for its own sadistic pleasure. Guide each character through their own “hell”– reviewing their past and confronting their fears and weaknesses, all whilst clinging to the hope of someday being free.

• Change between “touch” mode and “classic” mode at any time
• Changeable graphics – player can choose between different filters
• Several languages available: English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian (subtitles only)
• Play as multiple characters – you choose the order
• Alternate endings
• Well-crafted puzzles
• No ads, no in-app purchases, no hidden costs. Enjoy all content!

A great story with an interesting, original plot that’s disturbing and thought-provoking in equal measure, I Have No Mouth, And I Must Scream is an essential title for any adventure game fan — and now you can enjoy this cult classic on smartphone and tablet with this specially-adapted version!

Download I Have No Mouth, And I Must Scream on iTunes / Google Play for $3.99

Umarex Teams with Beretta for Limited Edition Airgun

2016/01/13

Jerry Paxton

Action Sports, Airsoft News, Articles, Geek News, News

FORT SMITH, Ark. (Jan. 14, 2015) – Umarex USA is offering a limited edition Operation Desert Storm commemorative Beretta airgun in honor of the 25^thanniversary of Desert Storm. The gun has the words “Desert Storm” and a profile of the M1A1 Abrams tank on the slide. Guns will be numbered consecutively from 1 to 750.

The 750 limited edition Desert Storm Beretta airguns will be available to order on a first-come-first-served basis to dealers who place an order at the 2016 Shooting Hunting & Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show®). Orders will be taken at the Umarex booth (#15062), in Las Vegas from January 19 to January 21. Dealers are limited to 30 guns and they are expected to sell out quickly.

A portion of proceeds will benefit Boot Campaign, a national non-profit charity dedicated to promote patriotism for America and our military community; raise awareness of the unique challenges service members face during and post-service; and provide assistance to military personnel, past and present, and their families.

Adam Blalock, President and CEO of Umarex USA, Inc. said, “This month marks the 25^th anniversary of Operation Desert Storm. Because a Beretta M9 was the then-issued sidearm of the U.S. Military, it only seemed fitting that an Umarex-made Beretta, with proceeds benefitting the Boot Campaign, be used to commemorate those who served during that period in our country’s history.”

This is the third consecutive year that Umarex USA has offered a limited edition commemorative. At the 2014 SHOT Show®, a Colt 1911 commemorating World War II was offered and in 2015 the Limited Edition U.S. Marshals Colt Peacemaker was offered. The Desert Storm Beretta will serve as a tribute to the warriors who served during Operation Desert Storm of the Gulf War. A portion of proceeds will go to the Boot Campaign to help connect the 99 percent of Americans who have never served in our country’s military with the one percent that have served.

Since 2010, Boot Campaign has raised more than $12 million dollars to provide veteran housing assistance; wellness and family support; career and education grants; and financial assistance. In that time, more than one million patriots have been awakened; those who have attended Boot Campaign events, purchased combat boots, and engaged on Boot Campaign social platforms have been enlightened to the challenges facing America’s active duty and veteran families.

Learn more about the commemorative Desert Storm Beretta: UmarexUSA.com/SHOTShow.

NoScope Announces Victories in Legal Battle with Gunnar Optiks

2016/01/13

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Industry News, News

Cary, NC, United States – January 13, 2016 – NoScope Glasses is currently embroiled in an ongoing legal battle with competitor Gunnar Optiks. We feel that Gunnar’s lawsuit against us is meritless and an attempt to muscle a fair competitor out of the gaming glasses market. While the case is still ongoing, NoScope announces today that the courts have upheld NoScope’s positions and requests regarding venue disputes.

Judges in both North Carolina and California have supported NoScope’s request for a declaratory action in North Carolina. The Honorable Chief Judge Barry Ted Moskowitz of the United States District Court stated in the California order that “…The record suggests that [NoScope] brought its declaratory action in good faith…” and that “…Gunnar’s argument… distorts the purpose of the Declaratory Judgment Act.”

The North Carolina court has supported this decision, issuing an order from the Honorable Senior Judge James C. Fox of the United States District Court that states that “…Gunnar’s demands for settlement were unreasonable and coercive…” and that “Gunnar’s laundry list of demands and threats… falls far short of a good faith attempt at negotiation.”

For the court decisions and orders, please click here for the full North Carolina decision and please click here for the full California decision.

World of Tanks PlayStation 4 Launch Date Announced

2016/01/13

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News

January 13, 2016 — The wait is finally over for PlayStation^®4 tankers! Wargaming today announced that World of Tanks will launch January 19, on PlayStation^®4. World of Tanks will feature enhanced visuals, utilizing the full power of the PlayStation^®4 system along with platform specific features, a Platinum Trophy and limited-time exclusive content for logging into the game.

Built specifically for PlayStation^®4, World of Tanks incorporates platform features that elevate tank warfare on console with complete DUALSHOCK^®4 functionality, Share Play and PlayStation^®Vita Remote Play with optimized controls for the ultimate multiplayer experience. World of Tanks will offer a Platinum Trophy, along with four different Founder’s Packs containing a variety of Premium in-game content available now in the PlayStation^®Store. Players that login before January 31, 2016, will be gifted the T1E6-PS US Premium Light Tank with exclusive camouflage.

World of Tanks on PlayStation^®4 is free to all PlayStation^® accounts and does not require a PlayStation^®Plus membership to play. PlayStation^®Plus members will gain access to a Premium Bundle at launch including the exclusive Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. J German Light Premium Tank bundle with 3 days of Premium Account time along with special discounts on other purchases.

To learn more about World of Tanks on PlayStation^®4, please visit:

http://console.worldoftanks.com/

Stacey Sher Named Co-President of Activision Blizzard Studios

2016/01/13

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Movie News, News

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – January 13, 2016 – Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) today announced that acclaimed producer Stacey Sher has been named co-president of Activision Blizzard Studios, which is devoted to creating television and films based on the company’s library of iconic and globally-recognized intellectual properties, including Activision Publishing’s Call of Duty® and Skylanders®, and Blizzard Entertainment’s Diablo® and StarCraft®. Sher, who has produced more than two dozen major motion pictures, including Quentin Tarantino’s most recent film, The Hateful Eight, as well as nearly a dozen TV series and TV movies will partner with former Disney executive Nick van Dyk to co-lead Hollywood’s newest studio.

“Stacey is a rare talent behind two decades of award-winning television series and films. Her ability to collaborate with the most inspired, talented people in entertainment and her unyielding commitment to creativity make her perfectly suited to Activision Blizzard Studios,” said Bobby Kotick, Chief Executive Officer of Activision Blizzard. “As custodians of some of the world’s most successful entertainment franchises, we are thoughtfully and creatively expanding our franchises through television and films in a way that will honor the commitment our audiences make to our games.”

“Stacey’s immense talent is a great fit for Activision Blizzard Studios, and together we’ll bring Activision Blizzard’s hugely popular intellectual property to both existing fans and new audiences,” said Nick van Dyk, co-president of Activision Blizzard Studios. “Our model is unique: we have a rich library of franchises created over three decades with tens of millions of fans, direct relationships with our audiences and Activision Blizzard’s business capabilities, which enable us to operate with incredible efficiency in content creation, marketing and distribution as compared to the traditional studios. Our focused and disciplined strategy will drive tremendous franchise value for Activision Blizzard as we bring audiences new ways to engage with the intellectual property they love. I couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with Stacey in building this business.”

“As its large and loyal fanbase can attest, Activision Blizzard has created franchises that mean so much to audiences over the course of 35 years. I’m excited about our mandate to create filmed entertainment based on Activision Blizzard games that is as great as the games themselves,” said Stacey Sher, co-president of Activision Blizzard Studios. “I look forward to joining Nick, Bobby, and the insanely talented and forward-thinking team at Activision Blizzard to develop an even greater voice for these franchises by bringing them into the world of television and film.”

Sher is a two-time Academy Award-nominee, most recently for Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained, starring Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz, Samuel L. Jackson and Kerry Washington. She was previously nominated for Steven Soderbergh’s Erin Brockovich, with Julia Roberts and Albert Finney.

Sher’s film credits also include Academy Award Best Picture nominee Pulp Fiction, the 2005 Independent Spirit Award-winning Garden State, and three films with director Steven Soderbergh: Contagion, Erin Brockovich, and Out of Sight. Additional credits include Oliver Stone’s World Trade Center; Matilda; Along Came Polly; Reality Bites; Get Shorty and its sequel, Be Cool; Gattaca; Man on the Moon; Skeleton Key; Freedom Writers; Burnt; A Walk Among the Tombstones; Freeheld; Wish I Was Here; Living Out Loud; Camp; How High; AMC’s hit television series “Into the Badlands”; and Comedy Central’s “Reno 911,” for which Sher served as an executive producer for all six seasons.

Launch Date for Tropico 5 – Complete Collection Announced

2016/01/13

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Windows PC News

Ridgewood, NJ – January 13, 2016 – Have you been planning a tip-top tropical trip to the island paradise of Tropico? If so then you may need to pack yourself an extra large suitcase, as Kalypso Media (and El Presidente, of course) is preparing a premier package for the beloved strategy game on PC. Packing in both full expansions ‘Espionage’ and ‘Waterborne’ along with all 10 DLC add-ons released to date, Tropico 5 – Complete Collection contains more extras than a typical Tropican employment contract and ensures that even the most budget conscious of wannabe dictators can get their dynasties in full swing without having to raid their Swiss bank accounts for extra funds. Tropico 5 – Complete Collection will launch via digital download via Steam on January 29, and the North American PC boxed retail version will launch on February 2.

About Tropico 5 – Complete Collection:
You, as El Presidente, will first take control of the infamous island of Tropico during early colonial times and then guide it through the centuries as the world changes and moves ever forward. You must tackle the changing needs of your people, as well as opposing governments and factions, and thus lay the foundations for your own dynasty. As you move through your years in office you can promote members of your extended family on the island to positions of power: such as ambassador, commanding general or even Supreme Ruler, to ensure your legacy thrives through the eras. As your influence and wealth grows, so do the threats to your burgeoning island superpower. Can you survive both World Wars, prosper through the Great Depression, rule as an iron-fisted dictator through the Cold War and advance your country to modern times and beyond? From the 19th to the 21st century, each era carries its own challenges and opportunities.

Features:

The Complete Collection contains the full version of Tropico 5 as well as the two full expansion add on packs ‘Espionage’ and ‘Waterborne’ as well as all 10 DLC content packs (The Big Cheese, Mad World, Generalissimo, Joint Venture, Surf’s Up, Gone Green, Supervillian, Inquisition, Super Computer and T-Day.
The Eras – Start your reign during colonial times, survive the World Wars and the Great Depression, be a dictator during the Cold War, and advance your country to modern times and beyond.
The Dynasty – Each member of the extended family of El Presidente is present on the island and may be used as ruler, appointed manager, ambassador or general.
Research and Renovate – Advance your nation by discovering new buildings, technologies and resources.
Advanced trade system and trade fleet – Amass a global trade fleet and use your ships to secure trade routes to neighboring islands or world’s superpowers, both for export and import.
Explore your island – Discover what lies beyond the fog of war. Send prospectors to look for new deposits, but be wary of hostile animals and native tribes.
All new art – All artwork is re-made from scratch to provide Tropico 5 with a unique visual identity.
Cooperative and competitive multiplayer – Up to 4 players can build up their own cities and economies on any given island map. Players can choose to share resources, supply and population or declare war on each other.

Tropico 5 – Complete Collection will launch via digital download via Steam on January 29, and the North American PC boxed retail version will launch on February 2 for $39.99 (MSRP).

Homefront : The Revolution Release Date and Closed Beta Sign-Ups

2016/01/13

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

Larkspur, Calif January 12th, 2015  Deep Silver revealed today that the anticipated upcoming open-world first person shooter, Homefront: The Revolution, will occupy North American retail stores on May 17th, 2016 and May 20th, 2016 in all other territories. Players looking to join the revolution early can sign up now to jump into a closed beta forHomefront: The Revolution, running exclusively on Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, in February of this year.

A living, breathing, open world responds to your actions – you and your Resistance Cell can inspire a rebellion on the streets and turn Occupation into Revolution, as oppressed civilians take up the fight. But your enemy has the advantage – superior technology, firepower, heavy armor and air support. You must learn the art of guerrilla warfare – ambush, sabotage, infiltration, deception – and fight a running battle through the war-ravaged suburbs of Philadelphia.

In the ‘This is Philadelphia’ trailer released today, citizens get their first chilling glimpse into the world of Occupied Philadelphia in the year 2029: The birthplace of American freedom has been split into three occupied zones, each zone varying in the level of KPA police activity with each unique zone forcing players to adapt new gameplay strategies in order to further the progress of The Revolution. The ‘This is Philadelphia’ trailer showcases the unforgiving Yellow Zone, distinct from the war-ravaged wastelands of the Red Zone, and the highly militarized Green Zones, the Yellow Zone is a densely populated environment offering a unique challenge and gameplay experience to would-be Freedom Fighters.

Xbox One owners can sign up now to join the revolution in the exclusive Homefront: The Revolution closed beta. Places are limited, and the only way to gain access is through acquiring an Xbox One Beta Token; Deep Silver and Xbox will be running a number of promotions over the coming weeks that will offer the opportunity to claim a Token and take part. Your best chance of getting a Beta Token and staying informed of developments is by registering on the official Homefront website at www.Homefront-Game.com.

For more information and to get the latest updates on both Homefront: The Revolution and the upcoming Closed Beta, follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @HomefrontGame or on Facebook at Facebook.com/HomefrontGame.