Author - Jerry Paxton

Heroes of the Storm Open Beta Trailer

2015/05/20
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

heroes-of-the-storm

May 20, 2015 – It’s time to rally your fellow heroes and let the battles begin! Blizzard Entertainment today announced that the Nexus portal is wide open for players everywhere, as open beta testing for Heroes of the Storm™  has officially begun for its brand-new free-to-play online team brawler for Windows® and Mac® PC. Heroes of the Storm brings together a diverse cast of iconic characters from Blizzard’s far-flung realms of science fiction and fantasy, including the Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo® universes, to compete in epic, adrenaline-charged battles.

Players can download the game and start playing immediately by heading over to  the official Heroes of the Storm website to get started. So get ready to unleash the Burning Hells with Diablo, kick up a revolution with Raynor, and seek vengeance with Sylvanas! If you didn’t get the chance to leap into the fray during our Technical Alpha or Closed Beta phases, right now is a great opportunity for you and your pals to dive headlong into our raucous online team brawler before the game launches onJune 2.

While we’re thrilled to open the floodgates for this final phase of beta testing, we’re also rapidly approaching Heroes of the Storm’s official release, and we’ve got some exciting plans in store! First, we’ll be celebrating the Heroes launch with a spectacular event in London, UK, featuring developer interviews, live musical entertainment, and much more. You can tune in from home by watching the live broadcast on YouTube, and be sure to join in the mayhem using #NexusCalling on Twitter and Facebook. You can find more details at http://www.nexuscalling.com/, and stay tuned for more updates about local events.

Download, play, and enjoy Heroes of the Storm today—we’ll see you in the Nexus!

Trailer

Knott’s Soak City Opens Daily Starting Memorial Day Weekend

2015/05/19
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

Knott's Soak City Wave Pool and Speed Slides

BUENA PARK, Calif. (May 2015) – Summer fun is just around the corner at the 13-acre water park, Knott’s Soak City. Adjacent to the world-famous Knott’s Berry Farm theme park, the water park will open daily from May 23 – Labor Day and Sept. 12 and Sept. 13. Additionally, Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City water park are pleased to announce that they will be offering FREE admission to active, veteran and retired United States Military personnel Saturday through Monday of Memorial Day weekend (May 23-25). 

Soak City is Southern California’s premier water park with a theme inspired by beach and surf towns of the 1950’s Orange and Los Angeles County coast.  Water slides and attractions at Knott’s Soak City pay tribute to the area’s rich surfing heritage with names like Malibu Run and Laguna Storm Watch Tower.  And like those at Knott’s theme park, the rides and attractions at Knott’s Soak City are truly world-class. 

Pacific Spin is Soak City’s most action-packed water adventure to date, carrying 700 passengers per hour at a maximum speed of 35 feet per second! This thrilling multi-person raft ride includes a 132-foot long tunnel that drops its riders 75 feet into a six-story funnel.  After pitching riders back and forth through swirling water, the ride culminates in a waterfall splash.  Guests with the need for more speed, can brave the waves from high atop Old ManFalls or race friends headfirst on a mat down the multi-lane speed slides of Banzai Falls.  Take in the summer sun and conquer the swells of Tidal Wave Bay’s wave pool. In addition, the park’s figure-eight Sunset River is the widest and one of the longest water park lazy rivers anywhere!

Time to relax?  With 35 semi-private cabanas available for rent by the day, guests can have it made in the shade.  Soak City cabanas are furnished with lounge chairs and an umbrella shaded table, and offer waiter service and free inner-tube rentals.  For cabana reservations visit soakcityoc.com.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday June 26 – August 9, all 2015 Knott’s Soak City, Gold and Platinum Season Passholders can enter the water park half an hour before it opens to the general public with exclusive early entry starting at 9:30 a.m.

Knott’s Soak City Orange County owns the distinction of being one of the safest water parks in the United States. For the 14th consecutive year the lifeguard staff of Soak City Orange County has been awarded the Platinum National Aquatic Safety Award for consistently exceeding the criteria for aquatic safety. This award is granted only to facilities scoring in the top eight percent of the audit criteria as established by Jeff Ellis & Associates, a leader in aquatic safety consulting for water parks worldwide. Soak City Orange County was also awarded the Decade of Aquatic Safety Excellence Award at the 2013 IASS Training in Arizona.

Guests can maximize their summertime fun by upgrading to a Gold Season Pass and ride and slide at both the Knott’s theme park and Soak City every day of the 2015 season. A Knott’s Soak City Gold Season Pass price is $99.96 or 4 payments of $24.99 when purchased online through May 25. Regular admission for the water park is just $38 and $27 for juniors (ages 3-11) and seniors (62 and over) and includes unlimited use of all water park rides and attractions; kids under 3 years old are always free.

This Memorial Day weekend (May 23 – 25) the Knott’s Berry Farm Military Tribute promotion will provide all active, veteran and retired U.S. military with free admission to Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City.  A valid military ID must be presented to receive free admission. “We would like thank our men and women in the military and their families for the sacrifice they make,” said Raffi Kaprelyan, general manager of Knott’s Berry Farm, “this program is a small way we can show our gratitude and appreciation for all of their hard work and dedication to the safety of our country.” Active and retired members of the U.S. military will also be able to purchase discounted admission tickets for members of their immediate family (maximum of six) for Knott’s Berry Farm for only $41.00 for each Regular ticket and $31.00 for Regular admission to Knott’s Soak City (no discount on Jr./Sr. ticket at either park). 

Operating days, hours and prices vary and are subject to change. For information on the day that you plan to visit, please call (714) 220-5200 or visit www.soakcityoc.com. Join the conversation by using #SoakCityOC.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Announcement June 2

2015/05/19
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

Wizarding_World_of_Harry_Potter_Castle

Universal Studios Hollywood has revealed that news on the arrival of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be released come Tuesday, June 2 at 1PM ET / 10AM PT via the park’s official YouTube channel.

For more information, visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.  You can join the conversation online using #WizardingWorldHollywood and follow Universal Studios on Instagram and Twitter at @UniStudios, and on Facebook.

Mad Catz Gets Retail Distribution of Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition

2015/05/19
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

fsx-steam-1

San Diego – May 19, 2015 – Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (NYSE MKT/TSX: MCZ) announced today that it has reached agreement with Dovetail Games for the retail and e-tail distribution of the boxed version of Microsoft’s immensely popular Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition (“FSX: Steam Edition”).  Mad Catz will distribute this version under its Saitek brand, which is the world’s leading hardware simulation producer.  Mad Catz anticipates the product to be available at retail by late spring with pre-orders beginning immediately.

“Our Saitek brand has long been recognized as the leader in simulation technology, and distributing FSX: Steam Edition allows consumers a one-stop-shop for their flight simulation software and hardware needs,” said Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz.  “Whether you’re an experienced pilot or just want to fly, FSX: Steam Edition provides a great experience.”

“We have seen impressive sales performance with FSX: Steam Edition since its digital launch in late 2014,” said Duncan Best Vice President, Retail and Consumer Marketing at Dovetail Games.  “As we continue to invest in and grow the hobby, Mad Catz is the perfect partner to help us with this, drawing on its extensive experience in the flight simulation peripherals market and its strong global distribution network.”

Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition delivers an authentically accurate aerial experience for simulation enthusiasts and those with a passion for all things flight.  Pilots can climb into the cockpits of over twenty aircraft, from commercial and fighter jets to single-engine private planes and helicopters.

More than 80 missions will test players in a variety of ways, including search and rescue challenges, test pilot scenarios, races and more.  The game features updated multiplayer functionality, Windows 8.1 support and over 24,000 airports, delivering a beautiful, connected world and vast horizon begging to be explored.

For further information, or to pre-order, please visit: http://www.saitek.com/fsxsteam

Nobunaga’s Ambition: Sphere of Influence Release Date

2015/05/19
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 3 News, PlayStation 4 News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

Battle(Rear View)

BURLINGAME, Calif. – May 18, 2015 – KOEI TECMO America is proud to announce the inaugural release of famed strategy/historical simulation IP, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Sphere of Influence. The game will be available on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system across North America on September 1, 2015. It will also be simultaneously available digitally on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and on PC via Steam®.

Having recently celebrated its 30th year anniversary, Nobunaga’s Ambition is one of the longest running franchises for KOEI TECMO Games in Japan, and during its lifetime it has received high praise by an ever-growing fan base across an array of platforms. Now, its latest chapter, Sphere of Influence, marks the series’ return to North America after 6 years of absence.

Ogasawara-san, the long-serving producer of the series, notes: “It is my distinct pleasure to be able to present the newest installment of Nobunaga’s Ambition to our western audience. I hope gamers will enjoy this one-of-a-kind strategy game that has been refined through 30 years of experience. Don’t miss it!”

Hailed as one of the best installments in the franchise’s history, this extremely intricate, deep, and meticulous strategy game is set against a backdrop of a fragmented nation. Players take the mantle of a Daimyo, a feudal lord of the Sengoku era (15th-16thcentury Japan), and fight for the great ideal of uniting the war-ridden country under one rule, thus becoming the first Shogun.

This title, centering around creating a realistic, dynamic, and dramatic playing experience, requires a high level of concentration and skill as players will need to master three key verticals in order to become a well-rounded ruler and successfully beat the game: Creation, Diplomacy and War.

In ‘Creation’, players must strengthen their clan’s standing, and deal with everyday issues like building farms & roads, growing the economy, entering trade agreements with neighbouring fiefs, etc.

‘Diplomacy’ is a playground for cultivating diplomatic relationships, employing spies, creating alliances, gaining the loyalty of subordinate officers, and growing in strength via marriage, oaths of fealty and treaties.

Finally, to succeed in ‘War’, players must train troops, level up officers according to the clan’s needs, fortify defenses, strategically position armies, and attack (or defend) to further their goals and grow their dominion.

Choosing to play either as a historical personality or a uniquely edited character, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Sphere of Influenceis both a full scale historical simulation and a bona fide strategy title, and offers an extremely wide pallet of choices for the player to shape the world as they please.

For more Nobunaga’s Ambition: Sphere of Influence news, please visit www.facebook.com/koeitecmous and follow us on twitter @KoeiTecmoUS, or visit www.koeitecmoamerica.com.

Screenshots

Dlodlo Touts Powerful VR Glasses

2015/05/18
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Tech News
dlodlo-vr-glasses
Shenzhen, China, May 18, 2015 — Dlodlo http://www.dlodlo.com/, the Virtual Reality innovators, announced today Dlodlo VR Glasses, the world’s lightest portable immersive Virtual Reality glasses.  Fashionably designed, wireless, and ultra-lightweight at just 4 ounces (120g) – four times lighter than VR headsets, Dlodlo VR Glasses are portable and comfortable with the look and fit of sunglasses — unlike competitors’ clunky and heavy head-mounted displays. Dlodlo VR Glasses also provide the highest Full HD resolution of 2K with a 16:9 aspect ratio and the fastest 120Hz refresh rate for a display without dizziness, lag, distortion, or screen door effect. Dlodlo supports 2D/3D switch video, 4K video displays and provides the largest 110° Field of View (FOV) for a no-border fully immersive VR experience. Dlodlo makes you feel like you are a star in the movie or battling in the video game for the most exciting Virtual Reality experience ever.

Works with All Bluetooth Devices — Not Proprietary, No PC Needed

Dlodlo does not require a PC or specific type of smartphone to use. It employs Android 4.4 OS with built-in Bluetooth to work with any Bluetooth device, including gaming devices, smartphones, tablets, speakers, headsets, stereo headphones, laptops, and more.  The DlodloVR Glasses have the best user interface, interaction, and an open API for a real VR ecosystem. It has a physical biomimetic optical imaging design for a wider FOV and more comfortable display. Easy to carry, wear, and use, Dlodlo also adjusts from 58mm to 70mm to help with vision problems, so you don’t have to wear corrective glasses under the device.

As Light to Wear as Sunglasses with Skin-Friendly Material

“At Dlodlo, we’ve adopted an optical imaging system with perfectly combined optical technology and physical hardware using safe, skin-friendly material that’s as light to wear as sunglasses,” said Li Gang, CEO, Dlodlo. “Our VR glasses provide a distortion-free top quality 2K Full HD resolution display with biomimetic eye contrast ratio and definition design, so the user has a wonderful visual feast when using the Dlodlo VR Glasses.”

For Gaming, Video Entertainment, Apps, Education, Sports, Medical, Real Estate & More

The Dlodlo VR Glasses are used in a variety of ways:  for gaming, movies, apps, and adult entertainment; in addition to use in schools, government, and corporations for education and training; in hospitals and medical offices during operations, research, and patient consultations; with the disabled, and much more.  Dlodlo has an interactive mode with touch and move-enabled controls, so the applications are endless.

Dlodlo VR Glasses Features:

  • The thinnest, lightest VR glasses, weighing only 4 ounces (120g).
  • The only independent OS VR glasses; uses Android 4.4 OS with no need to rely on a PC.
  • The highest HD resolution VR glasses at 2K+ Full HD clear screen resolution, with a distortion-free 16:9 aspect ratio.
  • Built-in Bluetooth 4.0 can be paired with any Bluetooth device, including gaming devices, speakers, headsets, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.
  • No dizziness, lag, distortion or screen door effect.
  • Fastest refresh rate at 120Hz.
  • First fully portable VR glasses, most portable, easy to carry and use.
  • As light to wear as sunglasses — 4 times lighter than other VR displays.
  • Uses safe, skin-friendly material.
  • Uses bionic optical design based on an imaging principle that adapts physical biomimetic optics for a wider FOV and more comfortable display.
  • 110° FOV fully immerses users into Virtual Reality.
  • Natural color effects:  uses military-grade high-definition display modules for colors closer to nature for 97% more natural color spectrum.
  • 3D Display supports 2D/3D switch and all video formats.
  • Supports external stereo headphones audio-wide.
  • Interactive mode with touch and move-enabled controls.
  • Colors:  Black, Ivory, Champion Gold.
  • Dimensions:  163.3×54.4×30.3mm (not including glasses’ arms).
  • Connector:  Micro USB 2.0, OTG and stereo headphone.
  • Battery:  2000mAh rechargeable.
  • Microphone built-in.
  • Multi-language support.

VR Device Comparison Chart (Click to Make Big)

Aliens Tribute Film, Alien Identity Announced #AlienIdentity

2015/05/18
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Movie News, News

alien-identity-image

Hollywood, CA: Sonnet Realm Films is proud to announce the development of their new Alien tribute film titled, ALIEN IDENTITY, a Science-Fiction Thriller starring Elle Viane Sonnet as Rebecca “Newt” Jorden, and directed by her husband Adam Sonnet.

ALIEN IDENTITY takes place 14 years after the events of Jim Cameron’s 1986 blockbuster, Aliens. It continues the story of Newt, the little girl we all loved, but despised to see perish in vain. They decided to bring back Newt, played by Elle Viane Sonnet as a young woman with an undeniably haunting past and an uncertain future.

“I love the character Newt. Bringing her back has been something I’ve thought about for years, which is why this film takes place after Aliens, and considers the events of Alien 3and Resurrection to be cryo-sleep nightmares,” says Writer and Director Adam Sonnet.

Amongst the many extraordinary people coming on board the project, some of the talents include: Emmy Award-Winning Make-up Artist and Creature Designer, Brian Sipe,Terminator Genisys, X-Men Days of Future Past, and Star Trek: Into Darkness; Celebrity Creature Concept Artist & Consultant, Neville Page, Prometheus, Avatar, Star Trek, Oblivion, and Falling Skies; Saturn Award-Winning Writer/Director Marc Zicree as a writing consultant, Space Command: Redemption, Star Trek New Voyages: Phase II, Star Trek DS9, Sliders, and Babylon 5; and many more exciting names soon to be announced.

More information regarding the progress of the film can be found on their website www.ALIENIDENTITY.com and on their Facebook Page www.Facebook.com/AlienIdentity

Sonnet Realm Films
Twitter: @SonnetFilms

Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth – Rising Tide Announced

2015/05/18
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

Beyond-Earth-rising-Tide

New York, NY – May 18, 2015 – 2K and Firaxis Games today announced Sid Meier’s Civilization®: Beyond Earth™ – Rising Tide, the expansion pack for 2014’s turn-based strategy title, Civilization: Beyond Earth, is currently in development for Windows-based PC. Created by Firaxis Games, Rising Tide will enhance the Beyond Earth experience by adding a variety of new gameplay capabilities and providing near limitless ways for players to create a new future for humanity on an alien planet. The expansion pack is currently scheduled for release in fall 2015.

Rising Tide will expand Beyond Earth to new frontiers on the planet’s surface and across its seas, adding more choices and diplomatic options as players build “one more turn” toward a new vision for humanity’s future. New aquatic gameplay will explore the oceans for colonization by dramatically extending the play space, while an overhauled diplomacy system will provide players with additional layers of dynamic choices and options to shape the diplomatic landscape while engaging with the AI and one another.

“Firaxis Games has an impressive track record of delivering robust and innovative expansions that radically change player experience while adding extensive replay value,” said Sarah Anderson, SVP of Marketing at 2K. “Rising Tide is no exception, offering new features and overhauled gameplay systems that will challenge players embarking on a quest for planetary domination.”

“Rising Tide builds upon the lore of Beyond Earth, breaking away the historical boundaries of the original franchise and furthering mankind’s search for a new home in outer space,” said Sid Meier, director of creative development at Firaxis Games. “Whether colonizing the planet’s oceans, acquiring new Affinities or meeting exotic new leaders, aliens and units for the first time, Rising Tide offers more ways for players to write their own stories on a new world.”

Key features of Rising Tide include:

  • Building floating settlements and accessing natural resources hidden beneath the seas of the alien planet, while alien beasts with unique abilities inhabit the water and challenge players in distinctive ways;
  • Shaping the diplomatic landscape by upgrading traits, changing diplomatic relationships, and leveraging the benefits of your allies, all with political capital;
  • Unlocking a dynamic set of Diplomatic Traits while activating different combinations in response to the changing world;
  • Playing as one of four new factions, including the Al Falah, a group of nomad explorers descended from wealthy and resilient Middle Eastern states;
  • Investing in multiple Affinities to unlock hybrid Affinity units and upgrades for the first time;
  • Collecting and combining alien relics via a new Artifact System that unlocks powerful benefits;
  • Exploring one of two new biomes, Primordial world, an untamed biome rife with volcanic activity and indicative of a chaotic landscape still forming in the new world.

Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth – Rising Tide is not yet rated by the ESRB and will be available for Windows PC in fall 2015 for $29.99. For more information on Rising Tide, please visit www.civilization.com, become a fan on Facebook, follow Civilization on Twitter and subscribe to Civilization on YouTube.

Screenshots