Author - Jerry Paxton

Activision Announces Free Upgrade to Next-Gen for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare

2014/10/08
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 3 News, PlayStation 4 News, Windows PC News, Xbox 360 News, Xbox One News

call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-screenshot-4

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Oct. 8, 2014 – As fans around the world prepare for a new era of Call of Duty® this November with the release of Call of Duty®: Advanced Warfare, Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard (Nasdaq: ATVI), just delivered a smooth transition for Xbox 360 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system fans interested in playing Sledgehammer Games’ new title on next gen.

Through Activision’s program to ease the transition between console generations, gamers who purchase a copy of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare digitally for the Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft by March 31 can download the version for Xbox One, all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft for free. The same goes for PlayStation® fans, those who purchase the game digitally on “PS3,” can also download the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system version for free.

This offer for full-game free upgrade within console family is limited to purchases of Xbox 360 and PS3 digital versions made by March 31, 2015, and does not apply to physical game copies. Additionally, all multiplayer stats transfer. Plus, all DLC purchased for in-game use, including Season Pass transfers too for free, as long as players’ Xbox Gamertag or PSN ID, remains the same.

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare launches worldwide November 4. Anyone who purchases a physical or digital Day Zero version of the game, for the first time ever, can start playing as much as a day early, on Day Zero, Monday, November 3*. Beyond the special early access to the game, the Day Zero Edition also comes with two custom weapons: the AK-12G Assault Rifle and Crossbow-B2, as well as Double XP on November 3. Additional offers may be available at retailer partners worldwide. Check with local retail outlets for further information.

Xbox One digital copies will be available for pre-order starting soon, and PlayStation digital copies are available for pre-order now. Additionally the Season Pass is available for purchase on all platforms.

For further information on the Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Free Upgrade to Next Gen Plan, Season Pass, Pre-Download, Day Zero Edition and more please visit www.callofduty.com, www.facebook.com/callofduty,www.youtube.com/callofduty or follow @CallofDuty on Twitter and Instagram.

Led by Sledgehammer Games, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is being developed for Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation®4, “PS3,” and PC. The title is published by Activision Publishing, Inc. Designed for next gen systems, Advanced Warfare is the first Call of Duty utilizing an expanded three-year development delivering a new experience on all platforms. The title is rated M for Mature with Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence and Strong Language.

ASTRO Unveils New A50, A40, and MIXAMP PRO

2014/10/08
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Peripherals News, Tech News

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SAN FRANCISCO – October 8, 2014 — ASTRO Gaming, creators of premium video gaming equipment, today announced the release of the next generation of its best-selling headsets and MixAmps.  The first release from this suite of updated audio products includes the “ASTRO Editions” of the A50 Wireless System, the A40 + MixAmp™ Pro and the standalone MixAmp™ Pro, all of which are compatible with the PlayStation®4, PlayStation®3, PC’s and Mac’s.   The “Xbox One® Editions”, featuring proprietary Xbox One ® technologies, will be released separately.  These new generation headsets and MixAmps™ will  feature all-new color schemes including accent colors and custom livery, updated audio performance and new packaging, along with the same cutting-edge performance ASTRO Gaming has become synonymous with.  The A50 Wireless System ASTRO Edition ($300), theA40 + MixAmp™ Pro ASTRO Edition ($250), and the MixAmp™ Pro ASTRO Edition ($130) are now available at select retailers nationwide and directly from ASTRO Gaming at www.astrogaming.com.

“At ASTRO, we feel that the faithful reproduction of high-quality gaming audio if of the utmost importance to the gaming experience.” said Aron Drayer, VP of Marketing, ASTRO Gaming.  “However, you simply can’t stop there.  Gaming headsets need to be comfortable to wear during marathon sessions, the microphones need to provide total voice clarity and the wireless signal needs to be steady and powerful.   This is why we spend so much time testing and developing padding and cushioning materials for our ear pads and we only use the highest end components and technology in our headsets.   We also believe gaming headphones should have style and customization options that allow the gamer to proudly proclaim his or her passion for gaming, as evidenced by our design aesthetics and our customizable speaker tag system.”

The A50 Wireless System ASTRO Edition feature set includes:

  • Multiplatform Gaming & Entertainment Solution – Designed to allow you to game when, where and how you choose, the A50 Wireless System is compatible with PS4, PS3, PC, and Mac.
  • Dolby® 7.1 Surround Sound – Hear the details you’re missing and get the drop on your opponents with stunning surround sound, pinpoint spatial accuracy and crystal clear definition.
  • ASTRO Audio® Experience – Engineered specifically for gaming, music and movies, ASTRO Audio delivers audiophile-grade sound in a richly detailed positional audio experience with three custom audio modes.
  • KleerNet™ 5.8GHz Wireless Technology – Operating at a higher frequency than most wireless devices, the A50 Wireless System provides clarity and range with less interference using the best 5.8GHz chipset available today.  Point to Multipoint – pair multiple ASTRO A50 headsets with a single transmitter.   Totally uncompressed, lossless, and lag free.
  • Superior Fit & Finish – Highly durable and designed specifically to be easily adjustable, lightweight and supremely comfortable, the A50 Wireless System can capably accommodate marathon game playing, movie watching or music listening sessions.
  • Built-in ASTRO MixAmp™ 5.8 – The A50 Wireless System puts the audio authority at your fingertips, with integrated wireless MixAmp™ 5.8 technology with embedded controls for Master Volume and Game-to-Voice balancing making all critical audio options available for on-the-fly adjustments.
  • Embedded Battery & Display Stand – Lithium-ion battery system rechargeable via USB.  Show-off and charge your A50 Wireless System on the included display stand.
  • New Custom Color Scheme – The new A50 Wireless System features a new custom color scheme — Black headset with Steel accents and Royal Blue wiring highlights.

The A40 + MixAmp™ Pro ASTRO Edition feature set includes:

  • Multiplatform Gaming & Entertainment Solution – Designed to allow you to game when, where and how you choose, the A40 + MixAmp™ Pro is compatible with PS4, PS3, PC, and Mac.
  • MixAmp™ Pro – A personal audio mixer and headphone amplifier, the MixAmp™ Pro delivers Dolby® Digital 7.1 surround sound, game-to-voice balancing, the ability to capture game audio for livestreaming, four custom EQ modes, including Pro, Core, Media and LAN or even connect multiple MixAmp™ Pros together to create a lag-free private voice network.
  • ASTRO Audio® Experience – Engineered specifically for gaming, music and movies, ASTRO Audio® delivers audiophile-grade sound in a richly detailed positional audio experience.
  • Media Controller Cable – Providing total audio control featuring an in-line mic; an in-line mute; a switch that toggles between in-line and boom mics; a multi-use call/pick-up/music track control button; and, a volume control wheel.
  • Removable Mic System – A highly precise, noise-canceling removable boom mic, which can be removed and swapped from ear to ear for a more customizable in-game communication experience.
  • New Custom Color Schemes – Featuring a two new custom color schemes – Steel Gray with Light Gray accents and highlights or Light Gray with White and Red accents and highlights.
  • Customizable Speaker Tags – A patented ASTRO feature, Speaker Tags represent a magnetic, removable and customizable system for personalizing your A40 Headset.  Special edition tags can be purchased or use the Speaker Tag Customizer to create a unique look for teams, clans, guilds or simply for pure personal expression.

.  For more information about the new “ASTRO Edition” headsets and MixAmp™, please visit http://www.astrogaming.com/headsets or http://www.astrogaming.com/accessories.

Delusion: Lies Within Review

2014/10/08
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, Haunted Attraction Review, News, Reviews

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As an avid horror enthusiast, I was elated when given the opportunity to experience Delusion: Lies Within, the interactive horror theatre experience at the Fitzgerald Mansion in Los Angeles. This play immerses the audience into a mysterious storyline and setting that digs deep into the human psyche in order to create an intimate and psychologically disturbing experience.

Upon arrival, the audience receives wristbands that denote which group they are placed in. The beautiful thing about this is that group size is very limited (10 people max per showing), which allows each person to feel as though they are truly in a horror film. Such an intimate number of people to experience the play at once sets Delusion apart from all other horror events in which people are merely herded through mazes like cattle. This approach allows people to receive individual attention and remarkable psychological thrills because each actor and monster in the play is always right on cue, and the audience does not miss a thing.

As mentioned above, Delusion is an interactive play. Unlike other horror events, there are talented and devoted actors that guide the audience through the living nightmare that is Delusion. These actors have mastered the appropriate accents and mannerism for the storyline down to a tee, making this a believable experience for the audience. While some actors are horrifying monsters throughout the manor, others take on the role of narrators. These actors do a phenomenal job at narrating the premise of the story, so that the experience feels authentic for the audience.

The premise of the story is based on Elena Fitzgerald- a reclusive novelist whose daughter went missing many years prior to the beginning of the play. Once her daughter had vanished, Elena’s mind led her to believe that if she finished writing her novel, then her daughter would be returned to her. The haunting characters that Elena had created in her novels have come to life within her house, and they continue to hold her captive within until she completes the novel. All of this is brilliantly tied together with the audience by having the audience play the part of Elena’s obsessed fans that break into her manor in order to discover what had happened to their beloved author.

The setting perfectly coincides with the storyline of the play since it is a real Victorian style manor. Upon embarking on this adventure, an actor leads the audience through a large metal gate and prompts them to find a way to break into the manor. For the majority of the play, actors switch off in guiding “the fans” through the house while remaining in character and maintaining the flow of the story. In order to progress from room to room, the audience must figure out what needs to be done and complete the tasks. Each room is very different from the others in this manor, yet the way they are presented builds upon the storyline throughout the entire experience. This is not just a typical pop-out-and-startle-the-audience kind of haunted attraction; instead, the group must work together, which makes the experience so unique and deliciously terrifying.

There are so many positive things to say about Delusion. To name a few, the duration of the play is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes in length, making it worthwhile for patrons. Also, the attention to detail, both in the setting and costumes, is remarkable. There is not a hint of any budget or time cutbacks, and I couldn’t take my eyes off of the entire experience for an instant. Furthermore, upon entering the manor, the audience is asked to turn off all cellphones. Although one would hope that people would have enough common sense and respect to do this on their own, they probably wouldn’t have done so. Since the play is a piece set back in the 1940’s, it only makes sense that cellphones wouldn’t have existed! This allows everyone to get lost in the world of fantasy without having any annoying distractions. Finally, and I cannot stress this enough, Delusion was the most unique and psychologically disturbing experience I have ever had (and I say that in the best way possible).

From the mysterious atmosphere, to the hidden passages and incredible storyline, Delusion is a one-of-a-kind experience that any horror enthusiast would return to again and again.

You can find ticket and event information at the Delusion Lies Within official website.

*Image from CreepyLA

New Hot Lap Video for F1 2014

2014/10/08
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 3 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox 360 News

f1-2014

Wednesday 8th October 6am PST – Today Codemasters® has released a new hot lap video for F1 2014. The hot lap video shows title contender Lewis Hamilton racing his Mercedes F1 W05 car around the Hockenheimring, which returns to the F1 2014 calendar, and game, having last hosted a race in 2012. The video is now playing at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxKWjDiwFJY or www.youtube.com/formula1game.

The 17 turn Hockenheimring first hosted a GRAND PRIX™ in 1970, and this year’s FORMULA 1 GROSSER PREIS SANTANDER VON DEUTSCHLAND 2014 was won by Lewis Hamilton’s rival and teammate Nico Rosberg. The two Mercedes drivers are competing to decide the title in one of the most dramatic and exciting conclusions to a FORMULA ONE™ season in years.

As the official video game of the 2014 season, F1 2014 includes all the seismic rule changes, new turbocharged cars, aerodynamics and more which have combined to deliver an unforgettable FORMULA ONE season.  Players can experience all of these new changes for the season in the game, and in addition to the return of Hockenheim, can experience the BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX run as a night race for the first time plus new circuits at Sochi in Russia and Austria’s Spielberg circuit.

F1 2014 will arrive on October 17th for the Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft, Windows PC and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. Codemasters will then introduce a new FORMULA 1™ title in 2015 for the Xbox One all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, Windows PC and for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system. With more to be announced through production for both titles, follow Codemasters F1 games blog and social channels on Twitter and Facebook for updates.

Kriss to License War Sport LVOA Rifles Through KRYTAC Brand

2014/10/08
Jerry Paxton
Action Sports, Airsoft News, Articles, News

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October 7, 2014 – Nyon, Switzerland – KRISS Group has entered into a worldwide license agreement with War Sport Industries, LLC to manufacture and distribute .22 LR and electric airsoft LVOA rifles under KRISS Group’s KRYTAC brand.

The agreement between KRISS Group and War Sport Industries represents an important step forward for KRYTAC to produce affordable training solutions based on innovative firearm products. The LVOA’s advanced design compliments the KRYTAC rifle product line with its unique silhouette and reputation for excellence.

“War Sport Industries is very excited to be partnering with KRISS Group SA in the LVOAtm trademark licensing agreement for the KRYTACtm and 22 LR product lines. The partnership brings two very innovative and “out of the box” manufacturers together to offer both training and recreational shooting products known as KRYTAC,” said Joey Boswell, CEO of War Sport Industries, LLC.

The KRYTAC LVOA .22 LR is intended to become the affordable shooting alternative for the range day enthusiast and tactical trainer by replicating the form and function of the 5.56mm LVOA rifles. The KRYTAC LVOA AEG (Airsoft Electric Gun) will provide shooters with a low impact, non-lethal training solution and replicate many of the same features of the War Sport LVOA rifles. It will be powered by the KRYTAC Nautilus 8mm Reinforced Gearbox.

The KRYTAC LVOA .22 LR and AEG are targeted for 2015. Release dates and pricing will be announced at the 2015 Shot Show Exhibition in Las Vegas, USA.

R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps Announces Halloween Events

2014/10/07
Jerry Paxton
Book News, Geek News, Halloween, Movie News, News

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New York, NY, October 6, 2014 – Ghouls and boys of all ages will celebrate Halloween with a host of frighteningly fun new Goosebumps™ activities and events! To help fans everywhere get into the spirit,Goosebumps author – and ultimate master of scares! – R.L. Stine will host his third Scholastic social media takeover on Thursday, October 30. And to further bewitch fans, Scholastic will unleash a revampedGoosebumps website, social media pages and brand-new book as well as host a special event featuring R.L. Stine at The Scholastic Store in Manhattan, and more!

“Through our new website, a movie coming in summer 2015, new books and live events, we continue to excite and engage our young fan base as well as our loyal millennial Goosebumps fans,” said Deborah A. Forte, President of Scholastic Media.

On October 30 from 2-3:30pm EST, R.L. Stine will be “trick or tweeting” with fans through social media in a can’t-miss live chat. Stine will share jokes, trivia, videos and images, plus answer questions from participants, who will also have a chance to win collectible Goosebumps prizes. Creatures from coast-to-coast can join in the conversation by using #31DaysofGoosebumps to post on the Scholastic accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Instagram, or via the Goosebumps Facebook page and newly-launched GoosebumpsTumblr, Twitter and Instagram feeds. It’s sure to be a scream!

Additional ways for fans to get Goosebumps:

  • Online: Fans can visit the interactive new mobile-friendly Goosebumps website,www.scholastic.com/goosebumps, to play engaging games and activities such as “Monster Blood” and “Which Monster Are You?”; check-out the author events calendar and news spotlight; discuss all things Goosebumps in a community forum; and review a full list of books and TV episodes, so they’ll be sure never to miss a new title or show!
  • In New York City: R.L. Stine himself will treat kids and families to a Halloween-themed afternoon, as he reads and signs some of the best-loved Goosebumps books at The Scholastic Store on Saturday, October 18, at 2pm EST!
  • With a new book: Young monsters can sink their teeth into “12 Screams of Christmas,” a special edition book and the latest title in the Goosebumps: Most Wanted series that follows the brand’s most infamous characters!
  • Through iTunes and Netflix: Families can now catch all 74 edge-of-your-seat Goosebumpsepisodes on iTunes and Netflix, this Halloween and anytime!
  • On TV: Kids can tune-in to the Goosebumps TV series for ghastly laughs on The Hub Network!

And things will get even spookier in Times Square, when R.L.Stine and Scholastic Media President Deborah Forte ring the bell for the close of the NASDAQ stock market on Halloween, Friday, October 31, at 4pm EST.

The thrills-filled Goosebumps TV series, based on the popular Scholastic books written by R.L. Stine, follows the stories of children who find themselves in extraordinary situations, serving up plenty of humor and safe scares.

The much-anticipated Goosebumps feature film, starring Jack Black, will be released from Sony Pictures Entertainment in August 2015. The movie is produced by Deborah Forte and Neal H. Moritz.

EXPIRED – Costume Quest 2 Halloween Season Giveaway

2014/10/07
Jerry Paxton
Contests, Geek News, Halloween, News, Windows PC News

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The folks at Double Fine and Midnight City have sent over 4 PC/Steam codes for their new trick-or-treat fest of a game, Costume Quest 2, and we are giving them away to some lucky readers.

This giveaway is open to all citizens of the world who are reading this and have access to a Steam account. To enter, simply head over to our official Facebook giveaway widget (powered by Rafflecopter). There are two mandatory entry options and two additional options – one of which can be repeated every day to increase your odds of being randomly selected!

This contest is over at 11:59pm (Pacific) on October 24, 2014 – so get those entries in!

*Winners will be notified within 24 hours of the giveaway’s completion. Winners must respond to notification emails within 48 hours or their price is forfeit and another winner will be chosen.

Power Practical Pronto USB Battery Now on Kickstarter

2014/10/07
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Tech News

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT — October 7, 2014 — Power Practical is launching a Kickstarter campaign for the fastest-charging portable battery pack in existence.  Called the Pronto– this battery pack is capable of storing a full smartphone charge in only five minutes. The company’s first Kickstarter campaign, the Power Pot, landed the team on “Shark Tank” where billionaire mogul Mark Cuban chose to invest in the company.

Visit Power Practical’s Kickstarter page here.

“Within seconds of meeting them on ‘Shark Tank,’ I recognized immediately how special the Power Practical team is,” said Mark Cuban. “The new Pronto is their latest innovation. There’s no battery pack like it on the market in terms of speed and power. Not one.”

Available in two models – The lightweight Pronto 5 (4,500 mAh capacity, enough for three full iPhone 5 charges) and the heavy-duty Pronto 12 (13,500 mAh, capable of nine iPhone 5 charges) both charge to full capacity in only 1 hour. Power Practical’s creation is designed with a virtually indestructible enclosure made of hard-anodized aluminum which is durable enough to withstand anything Mother Nature throws at it. Both models include a lightweight cap with an internal silicone seal to protect the ports from water and dirt.

The Pronto 12 features two high-powered USB ports, as well as a 12V adapter, allowing it to charge larger devices, such as laptops, DSLR cameras or even drone batteries.

Garnering instant notoriety following the appearance on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank, the Power Practical brand has grown immensely since its public debut. Upon its release, The Pronto becomes the immediate jewel of the Power Practical lineup, despite the rousing successes of previous launches, including the much-acclaimed PowerPot series.

Kickstarter is a key to Power Practical’s business model in bringing products to the market.  Following the successes of three previous campaigns on Kickstarter, Power Practical is again turning to the crowdfunding platform to bring its latest project to life.

The Pronto 5 is offered at the discounted price of $79 from Power Practical’s initial production run, with a special early bird pledge level of $59.  A $119 pledge lands a backer the Pronto 12, with an early bird special at $99.

Contributors will begin to receive their Pronto’s in early spring, well ahead of the Pronto’s wide-scale release.

Su-27 for DCS World Available for Pre-Order

2014/10/07
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Screenshots / Photos, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

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DUXFORD, UK, October 6th, 2014 – Su-27 for DCS World is now available for pre-purchase!

The Fighter Collection and Eagle Dynamics are pleased to announce that Su-27 for DCS World is now available as a pre-purchase from the DCS e-shop at: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/. The pre-purchase provides both a 20% discount off the retail price and access to the Open Beta coming later on November 15th, 2014.

In addition to the 20% purchase discount, pre-purchasers will receive a 20% full-price value in bonus points for future purchases!

http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/faq/bonus_rules/

The Su-27, NATO codename Flanker, is one of the pillars of modern-day Russian combat aviation. Built to counter the American F-15 Eagle, the Flanker is a twin-engine, supersonic, highly manoeuvrable air superiority fighter. The Flanker is equally capable of engaging targets well beyond visual range as it is in a dogfight given its amazing slow speed and high angle attack manoeuvrability. Using its radar and stealthy infrared search and track system, the Flanker can employ a wide array of radar and infrared guided missiles. The Flanker also includes a helmet-mounted sight that allows you to simply look at a target to lock it up! In addition to its powerful air-to-air capabilities, the Flanker can also be armed with bombs and unguided rockets to fulfil a secondary ground attack role.

Su-27 for DCS World focuses on ease of use without complicated cockpit interaction, significantly reducing the learning curve. As such, Su-27 for DCS World features keyboard and joystick cockpit commands with a focus on the most mission critical of cockpit systems.

Note: This will be a free update to owners of Flaming Cliffs 3!

Key Features of the Su-27 for DCS World:

  • A professional level flight model provides unmatched flight physics that allow you to truly feel what it’s like to fly this amazing aircraft.
  • A true model of the Su-27 flight control system that allows you to perform the “cobra” and other “out of the envelope” manoeuvres.
  • Updated Head Down Display (HDD) with more realistic data link, navigation and HUD repeater modes.
  • Highly detailed, six-degrees-of-freedom (6 DOF) cockpit.
  • Accurate Su-27 Flanker model, squadron markings, and weapons.
  • New instant action, single missions and interactive training missions.
  • Battle the F-15C in head-to-head.

Screenshots


ABOUT DCS WORLD

Digital Combat Simulator World (DCS World) is a free-to-play digital battlefield game, focusing on a military aircraft, ground unit, and naval simulation. It includes a FREE TF-P1D Mustang and a Su-25T attack aircraft. DCS World includes a vast mission area of the Caucasus region that encompasses much of Georgia – the location of the 2008 conflict. Further maps will be available in 2014.

Additionally, DCS World includes:

• Powerful mission and campaign editors
• Multiplayer
• Massive inventory of air, land and sea combat units and weapons
• Advanced AI
• Fast mission generator
• Dynamic weather and seasons
• Training missions
• Mission replay system
• Pilot log book

This all allows the creation of engaging, real-world combat missions in this flashpoint region. DCS is a true “sandbox” simulation that can and will cover multiple time periods covering many types of combat and civilian units. DCS World allows both realistic game play and more relaxed game play to suit the player.

Download DCS World for free from: www.dcs-world.com

About The Fighter Collection

The Fighter Collection, as well as developing software for the entertainment and serious game markets, also operates, rebuilds and maintains Europe’s largest collection of airworthy WWII fighters and is based at Duxford Airfield, in the UK. For more information visit our websites: http://www.fighter-collection.com/