Author - Jerry Paxton

Digital Storm Unveils Eclipse Small Form Factor PC

2014/12/11
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Hardware News, News, Windows PC News

digital-storm-sff

FREMONT, Calif. – December 11, 2014 – Digital Storm is excited to unveil ECLIPSE – a mainstream, small form factor (SFF) PC designed to offer a premium gaming experience at an affordable price. Starting at just $699, ELCIPSE is armed to dominate the latest next gen games and deliver desktop level performance.

“ECLIPSE fills a gap in the PC gaming market,” said Harjit Chana, Chief Brand Officer Digital Storm. “There are multiple high-end SFF systems like our own BOLT II, but fewer mainstream options focused on an affordable HD gaming experience.”

The ELCIPSE’s modest footprint (L15”, W4”, H14”) takes up little space on a shelf or in an entertainment center in either a vertical or horizontal position. The system’s chassis is constructed of reinforced plastic with a steel body. A gamer friendly design makes upgrades a snap with easily accessible components and adjustable brackets and room for extra storage. Each pre-built ECLIPSE features a full-size dedicated graphics card and desktop-class Intel processor (SEE SPECS BELOW).

ECLIPSE starts at $699 and is available exclusively at www.digitalstormonline.com/eclipse.asp.

Ubisoft Announces Heroes of Might & Magic III in HD

2014/12/11
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

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SAN FRANCISCO, USA — December 10, 2014 — Today, Ubisoft announced Heroes® of Might & Magic® III – HD Edition, a return to the most popular turn-based strategy game of the franchise. Developed by DotEmu, the HD update brings the players’ experience to new heights. Heroes® of Might & Magic® III – HD Edition will be available on Windows® PC and for the first time on tablet (iOS and Android) in January 29th, 2015.

Fans of the series will get to relive an enhanced Heroes III adventure thanks to the authentic upgrades made on graphics which can now be appreciated on wide screens. This new HD edition still remains faithful to the roots of the original game by offering seven exciting campaign scenarios, 48 skirmish maps, a local multiplayer mode and a map editor (only available on PC). A new online multiplayer Steam lobby will also be deployed for players to share their enthusiasm and experiences with the rest of the Heroes III community.

“Community is at the core of the Might & Magic series, and we wanted to thank their everlasting support by bringing back the epic tale of Queen Catherine Ironfist”, said Erwan le Breton, creative director of Might & Magic franchise. “We wanted to keep the heart of what made Heroes III one of the most renowned titles of the series, while providing an enhanced visual experience and offering the possibility to also play the game on tablets”.

Fifteen years later, Heroes® of Might & Magic® III – HD Edition is more appealing and eye-catching than ever before. Players will discover a new HD experience on their quest to re-conquer the Kingdom of Erathia and forge the destinies of mighty and magical heroes.

For more information about Might & Magic Heroes III – HD Edition, please visit: http://mmh3-hd.com/

Screenshots

Razer Kraken Gaming Headset for Xbox One Available Now

2014/12/10
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Peripherals News

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CARLSBAD, Calif. – Razer™, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, is proud to announce the latest addition to Razer’s arsenal of Xbox One™ peripherals with the release of the Razer Kraken Stereo Gaming Headset for Xbox One.

The choice PC headset of eSport athletes around the world, the Razer Kraken Gaming Headset is now available for the Xbox One and comes fully equipped with powerful 40 mm neodymium magnet drivers that are tuned for clear high and mid-ranges, as well as deep immersive bass for powerful lows. The Razer Kraken Gaming Headset for Xbox One has been ergonomically designed with plush circumaural padding that creates sound isolation for a superior gaming experience.

“Our Kraken headset series has always been popular with gamers who are looking for high-performance audio and product quality,” said Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO. “Like the Xbox One, the Kraken Gaming Headset for Xbox One is designed to provide gamers with unparalleled power and performance. This new headset is joining the Razer Atrox arcade stick for Xbox One and we are excited to expand our console line further in the future.”

The Razer Kraken Gaming Headset for Xbox One features a unidirectional microphone that translates crystal clear audio with balanced natural sound tones. The flexible design allows gamers to conveniently flip the microphone out of view when not in use.

Bundled with an audio control unit that fits perfectly on the Xbox One controller, gamers will have easy access to multimedia controls right at their fingertips without the need to interrupt their gaming sessions.

For more information on the Razer Kraken Gaming Headset for Xbox One, go towww.razerzone.com/gaming-audio/razer-kraken-xbox-one

Price: US: $99.99 / EUR: €99.99

Availability:

RazerStore: Available Now

Worldwide: December 2014

Headphone features:

•      Optimized weight for extended wear

•      Closed ear cup design for maximum comfort

•      Frequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz

•      Impedance: 32 Ω at 1 kHz

•      Sensitivity (@ 1 kHz, 1 V / Pa): 110 ± 4 dB at 1 kHz Max

•      Input Power: 50 mW

•      Drivers: 40 mm, with Neodymium magnets

Microphone features:

•      Frequency response: 100 – 10,000 Hz

•      Signal-to-noise ratio: 50 dB

•      Sensitivity (@ 1 kHz, 1 V / Pa): -42 ± 3 dB

•      Pick-up pattern: Unidirectional

Audio Control Unit features:

•      Proprietary port for connection to the Xbox One Controller

•      Dedicated volume control and mute button

•      Individual controls for game and chat volume

Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition Launch Date

2014/12/09
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

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CHATHAM, KENT – December 9, 2014 – Dovetail Games, the multi-award-winning developer and publisher of the Train Simulator series and Dovetail Games Fishing, today gave flight sim fans a lift for the holiday season with the announcement thatMicrosoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition will launch on December 18 at a spectacular introductory price.

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.

First released in 2006, Microsoft Flight Simulator X’s arrival on Steam marks the first exciting steps in the global licensing deal between Dovetail Games and Microsoft announced earlier this year. In addition to distributing Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition, Dovetail Games is also working on its own original titles based on Microsoft’s flight technology, carrying on nearly three decades of tradition established by this award-winning franchise. Dovetail Games and partners will also be launching a range of add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition on Steam in the new year.

Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition will be available on Windows PC via Steam on December 18. This title is rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB.

EVE Online’s Rhea Content Update Launches

2014/12/09
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

ccp-rhea

9 Dec 2014 – Reykjavik, Iceland – Following the tremendous reception from players and critics alike to its recent “This is EVE (2014)” game trailer, which featured actual EVE player audio recordings with stunning space visuals, CCP Games has today delivered 2014’s largest update to the massive, sci-fi universe of EVE Online. The Rhea release adds dozens of major features, new ships and innovative areas of space to the EVE universe. It continues the long tradition of co-creating the game with player feedback within a very quick 5-6 week development cycle that ensures the next free update to EVE is just around the corner.

New features in Rhea include:

  • 100 new wormhole systems have been discovered in the wake of mysterious events in New Eden
  • A newly revealed wormhole system, Thera, is a location unlike any other in the universe and is home to four fully-equipped stations with a staggering amount of entry points. At over 340 astronomical units (AU) end to end, it is unparalleled in size and scope
  • New exploration sites sit amidst the shattered remnants of heavenly bodies, all pieces of a curious puzzle that may include the emergence of ominous Sleeper scouts from their wormhole havens into known space.
  • With some of the most stunning visual updates since the Trinity expansion, EVE has added physically based rendering to support the tremendous beauty and artistry of each of its hundreds of spaceships. In addition, the iconic EVE star map has undergone renovations and a functionality overhaul and a new beta version is open for testing
  • EVE‘s User Interface (UI) is modernized with more recognizable icons and an epic science fiction feel. A new opt-in keyboard ship control “WASD” feature means pilots can feel the full power of navigating their deadly ships
  • In the name of more explosions, the clone upgrade system and skillpoint loss upon death have been eliminated. Veteran players are expected to put more on the line in battle and new players feel less of a sting upon their first defeats
  • Lethal new polarized weapons deliver superior damage and tracking in exchange for all damage resistance, allowing for the perfect “glass cannon” setup
  • Two new unique ships provide gameplay opportunities in EVE‘s massive sandbox. The Amarr Confessor tactical destroyer is able to switch seamlessly between defensive, speed and sniper modes during a fight. The ORE Bowhead freighter is a logistics behemoth able to carry fully fitted battleships throughout the galaxy. The ongoing ship redesign effort brings glorious new visuals to the Blackbird, Rook, Falcon, Incursus, Onyx and Eagle

A few unannounced features and many more smaller improvements round out the epic Rhea release.

Those wishing to learn more about EVE Online and Rhea should visit the feature page, the patch notes, and recent developer blogs.

Crusader Kings II: Way of Life Release Date

2014/12/09
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

wol_white_stag

STOCKHOLM – December 9, 2014 – Paradox Interactive and Paradox Development Studio today announced that Crusader Kings II: Way of Life, the next expansion for the award winning strategy franchise, will be released on December 16th via digital storefronts worldwide. Way of Life will be available on PC, Mac, and Linux for $7.99.

Way of Life delves into the role-playing aspects of Crusader Kings II, giving players the ability to fine-tune their methods of seduction and break ups, and also the ability to set a Focus for your character that will influence the types of events that befall your character during their lifetime. Featuring hundreds of new events as well as over 20 new event pictures, Way of Life will give players control over their characters in ways never before available—for better, for worse, or for entertainment.

Way of Life features:

New diplomatic interactions – Dispatch foes by challenging them to duels, choose who to seduce, break up with lovers, spy on people, free prisonors from captivity, and more are now available to players.

Set a Focus – Give your rulers a “way of life” by assigning them a Focus that will give an immediate boost to their skills and help shape the course of their development through events and decisions – new and old. There are ten different Focuses available to your characters:

•    Rulership – Be a better king!
•    Business – Gold is good
•    Hunting – Kill the beast!
•    War – What’s yours is mine
•    Family – the most important thing, right?
•    Carousing – ahem
•    Seduction – double ahem
•    Intrigue – sneaky, sneak
•    Scholarship – We love to learn
•    Theology – Do it for the big guy upstairs

New events – Hundreds of new events have been added into Way of Life, alongside 20 new event images, which tie in directly to a character’s Focus. Specific events can be triggered only if a character is assigned a corresponding Focus.

To learn more about Crusader Kings II, visit http://www.crusaderkings.com/

World of Warships Sneak Peak Weekend Announced

2014/12/09
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

World-of-Warships

December 9, 2014 — Wargaming today announced they will conduct a sneak peek testing event for its upcoming naval online combat game, World of Warships. The event, dubbed “World of Warships: Rock-Paper-Scissors”, will take place December 12–14, 2014.

“This weekend with World of Warships, we are starting with a new model of testing and are looking forward to seeing the results of this new approach,” stated Daniil Volkov, World of Warships Development Director. “The game is still in the early stages of development. Opening it to a larger audience will allow us to get a lot of relevant feedback that will be instrumental in defining player expectations and outlining what we are to focus on in the coming months.”

The event will feature three classes of military vessels, offering players the chance to experience the unique “Rock-Paper-Scissors” approach to naval combat. Players will have the opportunity to command American cruisers and destroyers as well as Japanese battleships, cruisers, and destroyers.

World of Warships will offer its first testers the chance to experience a guided learning curve as they progress across four levels of difficulty. Players will start with cooperative PvE battles (a team of players vs. AI-controlled ships). Having grasped the basics, players will then proceed to three more tiers of difficulty, each with its own intense naval combat missions.

To learn more about World of Warships and the upcoming testing event, please visit:

http://worldofwarships.com/en/news/common/rock-paper-scissor-test-weekend/