Author - Jerry Paxton

Mordheim: City of the Damned Screenshots and New Engine

2015/03/13
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

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March 13, 2015 — Mordheim: City of the Damned, Rogue Factor’s turned based tactical RPG adaptation of Games Workshop’s tabletop game, is receiving another content update for its Early Access!

While featuring new content, today’s update also notably switches engine from Unity 4 to Unity 5 bringing improvements to the game’s lighting, shadows, and post-processing effects…maiming Skaven and Possessed – or Humans – has never looked so good!

Three new skirmish maps are available – one procedurally generated map, and two unique locations: the Bridge, and the Library. These new maps emphasize verticality, with plenty of opportunities for both ambushes and sniper nests. Today’s screenshots show these new maps, with the Skaven, Human Mercenaries, Sisters of Sigmar and the Cult of the Possessed it out for the prized Wyrdstone!

Today’s update also brings max-level warbands for all 4 currently available races. With these, you’ll get a taste of how powerful your own warband will be when experience gain and levelling will be made available in one of the future updates. You’ll also get to try dozens of new spells and skills to bring havoc on the battlefield!

More features will be added in the future, such as customisation, consumable items, and Warband levelling. Be sure to check our Steam Page for more details about what’s coming next!

Screenshots

Deep Silver Dambuster Studios Bringing Homefront: The Revolution in 2016

2015/03/12
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

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Larkspur, Calif., March 12, 2015 – Deep Silver unveiled the new logo and website today for its latest AAA in-house development team – Deep Silver Dambuster Studios – and set out their vision for the makers of upcoming open-world FPS, Homefront®: The Revolution.

Dambuster Studios was founded in July 2014, in Nottingham, UK. Lead by Hasit Zala (also Game Director onHomefront: The Revolution) the studio currently numbers 126 staff, the vast majority of whom are veterans of Crytek UK (formerly Free Radical Design).

Development on Homefront: The Revolution continues at full speed, with the game now scheduled for release on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Mac, as well as Windows and Linux PC in 2016.

“We are excited that Deep Silver’s acquisition of the Homefront IP and assets from Crytek has allowed development ofHomefront: The Revolution to continue with minimum disruption,” said Hasit Zala. “The team here believes we are working on something truly special.”

“Dambuster Studios are an extraordinarily talented group,” said Dr. Klemens Kundratitz, CEO Deep Silver. “We are giving the team every opportunity to turn Homefront: The Revolution into a best-selling title, and have set a 2016 release date to provide them the time they need to achieve this. You can expect to hear more about the game later this year.”

In addition to Dambuster Studios, the publisher owns the renowned Deep Silver Volition based in Champaign, Illinois, and mobile developer Deep Silver Fishlabs in Hamburg, Germany.

For more information about Dambuster Studios, and to view career opportunities at their purpose built Nottingham studio, visit their official website at DSDambuster.com.

Razer Seiren Microphone Review (Tech)

2015/03/11
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Reviews, Tech News, Tech Review

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Razer has been putting out a variety of products in recent years. Like TV pilots, some go on to succeed and others fade away. What is important in this pursuit, however, is that Razer is a company not afraid to branch out and try new things. The Hydra motion controller, for example, had terrific 1:1 motion translation – it just lacked developer support. Branching out into the world of high quality USB microphones, they have rolled out the Seiren. The Seiren has a host of features which readily lends itself to the podcaster, Twitch streamer, or YouTube filmmaker. In terms of its looks, the Seiren is very classy with a black aluminum body and metal grill, as well as a glowing Razer logo which is always a nice visual touch on their products (Note: You can turn this light-up logo off via a button on the bottom of the Seiren). Additionally, there is a built-in OLED display on the microphone which serves as a display for things like volume and what polar audio pattern the microphone is using.

Retailing for $179.99, the Razer Seiren is a high quality USB microphone with three 14mm condenser capsules and four polar audio patterns: cardioid, stereo, omnidirectional, and bidirectional. You can switch between these polar audio modes by way of an easy-to-use control knob on the microphone itself. Razer’s Seiren microphone also features a nifty mute toggle-button which glows green or red depending on whether it is enabled or not – this is very handy for those dimly-lit recording studios out there.

The Razer Seiren also features a built-in 16ohms headphone amplifier in case you want to plug in a monitor – something the prosumers and musicians out there will enjoy greatly. For those of you who don’t know what a monitor is, it is a pair of headphones or small speaker that outputs exactly what the microphone is picking up. For musicians, this can be a life saver as it is easier to hear your own pitch and performance so you can adjust on the fly. If you want to take your Razer Seiren even further, you can purchase an  optional shock mount and pop filter. Anyone serious about clear audio should consider this option as hissing and popping can put a damper in your audio recording day. The Razer Seiren is compatible with the Razer Synapse 2.0 control suite and that is where you will find the options to change the microphones sampling and bit rates.

Microphone Specifications

  • Power required / consumption: 5V 500mA (USB)
  • Sample rate: 192kHz
  • Bit rate: 24bit
  • Capsules: Three 14mm condenser capsules
  • Polar patterns: Stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional
  • Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz
  • Sensitivity: 4.5mV/Pa (1kHz)
  • Max SPL: 120dB (THD: 0.5% 1kHz)
  • Headphone amplifier
  • Impedance: > 16ohms
  • Power output (RMS): 130mW
  • THD: 0.009%
  • Frequency response: 15Hz – 22kHz
  • Signal-to-noise ratio: 114dB

razer_logoRazer has even created the Razer Sponsored Streamer Program out there to help budding podcasters, streamers, and musicians get their content online. This is a three-tier program, each tier dependent on your current level of experience and popularity. The first tier allows beginners to pick up the Razer Seiren bundle and non-pro Razer headphones for 25 percent off. With that, you also have a change of getting your stream/content featured on Razer’s social media channels for more exposure. You can click here for more information on the Razer Sponsored Streamer Program.

Overall, the Razer Seiren USB microphone is an excellent choice for geeks looking to stream on Twitch, host videos on YouTube, or create their own podcasts. The range of audio profiles available just by turning a knob offers a “keep it simple, stupid” approach that even a beginner can pick up. Its audio quality is excellent and the microphone easily holds its own against competitors from Blue, AT, and Rode.

[easyreview title=”Razer Seiren Microphone Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″ ]

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Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel Claptastic Voyage Trailer

2015/03/11
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 3 News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox 360 News, Xbox One News

2K_BTPS CLAPTASTIC VOYAGE_SCREENSHOT_1

March 11, 2015 — 2K and Gearbox Software present the official trailer for the fourth add-on content pack for Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Claptastic Voyage and Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Pack 2. As shown and announced on the Gearbox panel at PAX East, this add-on content pack is coming to Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on March 24th, as well as on Xbox One and PS4 via Borderlands: The Handsome Collection.

In Claptastic Voyage, Handsome Jack has found something ludicrously powerful inside Claptrap’s mind and has digitized his team to go in and get it. Claptastic Voyage offers Vault Hunters an all-new story campaign, unique enemies, weapons and irreparable psychological trauma. Also included in the add-on pack is the Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Pack 2 which raises the level cap to 70, giving each character 10 new levels and 10 new skill points to earn.

Trailer

World of Warships Closed Beta Starts March 12

2015/03/10
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

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March 10, 2015 — Wargaming is excited to announce that preparations are underway for the World of Warships Closed Beta, which will begin on March 12. Applications open for Europe at 11:00 CET, North America at 11:00 PST, and Asia at 17:00 SGT. During the test, players will dive into online naval battles, sharing their feedback with the development team to improve the experience.

Held in December 2014 and January 2015, the two World of Warships Beta Test Weekends attracted over 75,000 users. Boasting 15,000 concurrent players, there were an average of 60 battle sessions played by each tester in only four days.

In the upcoming Closed Beta, players will have access to five original maps, taking them on a journey through arctic oceans to tropical archipelagos. On their voyage, 50 U.S. and Japanese warships are available for players to challenge the seas and enemy ships.

Both nation’s cruisers are great, nimble vessels that have the upper hand against enemy destroyers, and even deal a significant blow to ships of the same class. Japanese battleships are fierce attacking ships, which, thanks to their thick armor, can also offer other vessels on their team excellent cover. Destroyers from both nations are perhaps the most maneuverable of ships, and are perfect for scouting, offering backup, and carrying out deadly torpedo strikes. The fourth and final class are aircraft carriers, initially represented by American warships. These types of ships are unmatched at attacking the enemy and providing reconnaissance—ideal for the more tactical player.

Crews (represented by warships commanders) play an integral role in gameplay. With each level, Commanders gain points that can be spent on a variety of skills divided into several ranks and categories. Players can choose to improve the Commander to best suit their play style from increasing a ship’s resistance to certain damage to decreased reloading times.

In addition to personnel training, Modernizations allow players to develop a ship’s combat capability. There are numerous Modernizations available, such as increasing a weapon’s durability or ship’s resilience to fire and flooding.

For those that enjoy working together as a team to conquer the seas, they can join forces with two other players in Divisions.

In the future, World of Warships will add Japanese aircraft carriers and U.S. battleships. Achievements for many accomplishments in battle as well as customization options will also be introduced to the game.

To learn more about World of Warships and become involved in the Closed Beta, visit.

Screenshots

Star Trek Online Delta Recruitment Recruitment Event Announced

2015/03/09
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

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REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – March 9, 2015 – Today, Perfect World Entertainment Inc. and Cryptic Studios announced Delta Recruitment – a new in-game event set to prepare the world of Star Trek Online for the upcoming Iconian War. Beginning April 2, both novice and veteran players will have the opportunity to earn unique rewards when they take their first steps to conclude a conflict that has been brewing in Star Trek Online for more than 5 years.

In an effort to deliver unique Star Trek adventures for science-fiction fans, the Delta Recruitment event unveils the invasion of the Iconians – an ancient race threatening to reassert their rule over the galaxy – creating a call-to-arms to combat this ultimate threat. With the conflict festering over the past five years of in-game content, the Iconians present a massive threat for the captains of Star Trek Online as they embark on a story rich wartime experience that will span several months.

In an effort to strengthen forces, new captains created during the Delta Recruitment event will earn progression based rewards including gear, week long events, upgrade materials, and valuable numerics through both personal and community-wide goals. Existing players will receive a new character slot to create a Delta Recruit and each of the progression based rewards comes with an account-wide unlock variant in order to keep their alternate characters up to speed while leveling a new recruit.

Star Trek Online is a free-to-play massively multiplayer online game where players can pioneer their own destiny as Captain of a Federation starship, become a Klingon Warrior and champion the Empire through the far reaches of the galaxy, or rebuild the Romulan legacy as the commander of a Romulan Republic Warbird. Its last expansion, Star Trek Online: Delta Rising, brought players into the Delta Quadrant and reintroduced them to iconic members from the Star Trek: Voyager cast including Seven of Nine, The Doctor, Harry Kim, Neelix and Tuvok. In Star Trek Online players have the opportunity to visit iconic locations from the popular Star Trek universe, reach out to unexplored star systems and make contact with new alien species.

To download and play Star Trek Online today for free, visit http://www.arcgames.com/en/games/star-trek-online

First Two Images of TV’s Supergirl Released

2015/03/06
Jerry Paxton
Comics News, Geek News, Movie News, News, Screenshots / Photos

SUPERGIRL First-Look Image (Headshot)

March 6, 2015 — Please find attached the first two images from CBS’s new pilot SUPERGIRL, from Warner Bros. Television and based on the characters from DC Comics.

  • SUPERGIRL stars Melissa Benoist as Kara Danvers/Kara Zor-El and Supergirl
  • The costume for Supergirl was designed by three-time Oscar® winner Colleen Atwood, who also designed the costumes for THE FLASH & ARROW and whose motion picture credits include Academy Awards® for her work on Alice in Wonderland, Memoirs of a Geisha and Chicago, as well as eight additional Oscar® nominations for films such as Into the Woods, Snow White and the Huntsman, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and Sleepy Hollow, among others
  • Colleen Atwood said, “In designing Supergirl, I wanted to embrace the past, but more importantly, thrust her into the street-style action hero of today.”
  • Production begins on the SUPERGIRL pilot this week

Born on the planet Krypton, Kara Zor-El escaped amid its destruction years ago. Since arriving on Earth, she’s been hiding the powers she shares with her famous cousin. But now at age 24, she decides to embrace her superhuman abilities and become the hero she was destined to be.

The SUPERGIRL pilot is from executive producers/writers Greg Berlanti, Ali Adler and Andrew Kreisberg. Sarah Schechter is also executive producing, with Glen Winter directing.

Based on the characters from DC Comics, SUPERGIRL is produced by Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.

SUPERGIRL Images

Bone Yard Effects Premieres Interactive Exhibit at ScareLA 2015

2015/03/06
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News

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LOS ANGELES (Friday, March 6, 2015) – ScareLA, the Southern California convention dedicated to Halloween, is pleased to announce the premiere of an exclusive interactive exhibit “Angels & Demons” by renowned makeup artist Larry Bones of Bone Yard Effects, this August 8 and 9 at the Pasadena Convention Center. A fan favorite for the past two years, Bones returns to ScareLA accompanied by over two dozen talented artists to transform select ScareLA attendees into beautiful and terrifying creatures from the supernatural.

“I’m so excited to bring Bone Yard Effects back to ScareLA this year,” says Larry Bones, founder of Bone Yard Effects. “I have loved being part of this awesome event for the past two years, and am amazed by how fast it is growing. As ScareLA gets bigger, we at Bone Yard have the opportunity to grow as well. I’m pleased to announce Bone Yard’s ‘Angels & Demons’ presentation. A huge team of Bone Yard artists will create either an angel or a demon character from head to toe, each with its own unique attributes. You’ll see over twenty five different characters over the weekend, and will have the opportunity to get a photo with them on our display stage. We look forward to seeing you all at ScareLA 2015!”

Bone Yard’s “Angels & Demons” demonstration will culminate in a small army of over 25 creatures roaming the show floor, interacting with guests, and making themselves available for unforgettable photo opps. The installation spurs from the convention’s unique focus on creating high quality immersive entertainment. It is to complement over a dozen onsite mini-haunts and experiences only found at ScareLA.

“Every year, Larry gives his Bone Yard Effects crew a new makeup challenge to unveil at ScareLA, and every year, they top themselves with even more creative and scarier creatures that end up wandering our show floor” says David Markland, Executive Producer of ScareLA. Co-producer and ScareLA founder Lora Ivanova adds, “In addition to his team’s amazing artistry, Larry offers an invaluable learning opportunity for makeup enthusiasts and professionals. Every step of the creature transformation shows tips from one of Hollywood’s greatest. We can’t wait to see what he creates with us this year.”

Since 2006, Larry Bones has been the department head of Makeup and Hair for Universal Studios Hollywood’s blockbuster event, Halloween Horror Nights in Los Angeles. Each season, Bones oversees the transformation of hundreds of men and women into horrific monsters that lurk in the theme park’s mazes and fog-choked scare zones. His extensive list of film and television credits include Scary Movie 2, Congo, Dawson’s Creek and Roseanne.

In addition to film and themed entertainment production work, Bones offers a line of hand-made consumer-level foam latex prosthetics, FX Faces, which will also be on display at the Bone Yard Effects booth during ScareLA. They are available for purchase online at www.boneyardfx.com.

Less than 48 hours are left of the ScareLA 50% off tickets pre-sale discount. Pre-sale ends Friday, March 13. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.scarela.com.

New Cities: Skylines Video Dev Diary

2015/03/06
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

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STOCKHOLM – March 5, 2015 – Paradox Interactive and Colossal Order, rumored to be secretly constructing the eighth wonder of the world, have today released the final installment of their video developer diary series for Cities: Skylines, the highly anticipated city simulation game for PC, Mac and Linux set to break ground on March 10th!

Lifting the lid on a variety of clever systems within the game to make your job of building your perfect working metropolis as streamlined as possible, the brand new video diary highlights that Cities: Skylines isn’t just a looker but has smarts too!

To uncover just what a clever game Cities: Skylines is, watch the brand new developer diary:

Never before seen in a city builder, Cities: Skylines contains the first integrated Dynamic Water System giving all the rivers and estuaries within the game real-world mass and direction. This will mean that you must think carefully where to place your water services to ensure that your city’s waste will go downstream and that you don’t pollute your population’s water supply!

The video developer diary also explores Zoning within the game, built to enable you to reasonably simulate a realistic city of up to one million people, along with the District Tool and the Economic Simulation model.

Players of Cities: Skylines will have total control in endless sandbox city-building gameplay across massive maps, allowing them to design and manage the metropolis of their dreams. Vast backdrops and maps provide players with countless ways to improve and expand their cities, while extensive modding support allows players to design everything from in-game parks and buildings to new landscapes.

Cities: Skylines can be pre-ordered at www.citiesskylines.com.