Author - Jerry Paxton

Age of Conan Composer Returns for Conan Exiles

2016/12/22
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Oslo, Norway – December 22nd, 2016 – Funcom is thrilled to announce that Knut Avenstroup Haugen, the award-winning composer of the beloved and critically acclaimed ‘Age of Conan’ soundtrack, will once again return to produce new music for the world’s most famous barbarian. Haugen is joining Funcom to create an all-new soundtrack for the studio’s upcoming open-world survival game ‘Conan Exiles’ which enters Early Access on PC January 31st, 2017, followed by Xbox One Game Preview in Spring 2017.

“We are incredibly excited to have Knut join us once again,” says Creative Director at Funcom, Joel Bylos. “The music he created for ‘Age of Conan’ stands among the best ever made for gaming, and it helped bring the world of Hyboria to life for millions of players all around the world. We have listened to some of what he is working on for ‘Conan Exiles’ and all we can say is that players have something truly special to look forward to.”

“Returning to the Conan universe is an absolute pleasure, and I am very happy to once again be working with the team at Funcom,” says Knut Avenstroup Haugen. “The world of Conan is incredibly rich in culture and history, and it is a fantastic source of inspiration that allows me as a composer to explore a variety of different musical themes and soundscapes.”

The music for ‘Age of Conan’ as well as its expansions has received nominations for Best Score from several prestigious awards. Knut Avenstroup Haugen won the Best Original Song award at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards for ‘Age of Conan: The Savage Coast of Turan’ and also won Best Original Score for a Video Game or Interactive Media from the International Film Music Critics Association. The original ‘Age of Conan’ soundtrack is available on Amazon.com for streaming and purchase. The soundtrack to ‘Conan Exiles’ will be made available after the launch of Early Access on PC. In addition to the sample released today, some of the new music will also be made available through various ‘Conan Exiles´ videos to be released in January.

Conan Exiles is an open-world survival game set in the brutal lands of Conan the Barbarian, the world’s greatest fantasy hero. The game can be played on private and public servers, either in multiplayer or local single-player. In the world of Conan Exiles, survival is more than tracking down food and water. Journey through a vast, seamless world filled with the ruins of ancient civilizations, uncovering its dark history and buried secrets as you seek to conquer and dominate the exiled lands. Conan Exiles will be released into Early Access on the PC on 31 January 2017 and will hit the Xbox One Game Preview Program in Spring 2017.

You can learn more about Conan Exiles on www.conanexiles.com.

New German Destroyers Sail into World of Warships

2016/12/21
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

December 21, 2016 — German reinforcements are ready to set sail and make waves in World of Warships. A branch of nine destroyers, starting from the Tier II V-25 to the Tier X Z-52 will unleash their devastating torpedoes to take on the mightiest of enemies in their path.

The Z-52 was one of the last German destroyers to be designed and laid down before the end of World War II. Her dimensions are considered to be quite large for your typical destroyer. Thanks to her dual-purpose artillery and current (for the period) automatic AA mounts, this ship boasts very powerful AA defense.

“We’re always excited to introduce a new ship branch with exclusive features to our players,” said Artur Plociennik, World of Warships Global Publishing Producer. “German destroyers excel in a number of tactical setups, and their torpedo armament is excellent and well-rounded. I’m really looking forward to seeing how players use these ships in battle.”

The Hydroacoustic Search consumable is definitely a boon for German destroyers. Combine this with the good ballistic property of their guns and their excellent torpedo armament, and these ships can be truly dangerous adversaries for enemy vessels. However, you should be wary of battleships and heavy cruisers, and plan your attacks against these ships in advance.

You can also check out your German destroyers on the new River Thames in-game Port.

For the latest information, visit the official World of Warships website:

War Thunder Open Beta Ends Game Launched

2016/12/21
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

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

2016/12/21
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

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

2016/12/20
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

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

2016/12/19
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

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

2016/12/19
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Peripheral Review, Peripherals News, Reviews

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

2016/12/18
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

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

2016/12/15
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

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.