Author - Jerry Paxton

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn Release Date and CE Details

2014/01/26
Jerry Paxton
News, PlayStation 4 News

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LOS ANGELES (Jan. 26, 2014) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, today announced that the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system version of FINAL FANTASY® XIV: A Realm Reborn™ will be released on April 14, 2014 with official service beginning on the same day.

FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn on PlayStation®4 system will be available in either a Standard Edition or Collector’s Edition with pre-orders for both starting January 27. Pre-orders for either edition will include two in-game items (Mog Cap & Cait Sith Doll minion) and the ability to participate in Early Access starting on April 11. The limited Collector’s Edition comes packaged with an art book, music CD, art cards, a themed security token, and several special in-game bonus items.

Existing players who have registered a copy of the FINAL FANTASY XIV Collector’s Edition or FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn Collector’s Edition, or who utilized the digital Collector’s Edition upgrade service, will automatically receive the two new in-game items (Fat Chocobo Mount & Wind-up Moogle minion) that are making their debut in the new PlayStation®4 system Collector’s Edition for free.

FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn PlayStation®4 system Collector’s Edition Includes:

  • Special box featuring artwork by Yoshitaka Amano
  • Art Book – The Art of Eorzea: A Realm Reimagined
  • Special Soundtrack -The Sounds of Eorzea-
  • Seventh Umbral Era Special Movie Content Disc – The Waning of the Sixth Sun
  • Art Card Set
  • Themed Security Token
  • In-Game Items – Coeurl Mount, Behemoth Barding, Baby Behemoth minion, Helm of Light, Fat Chocobo Mount and Wind-up Moogle minion

PlayStation®4 system owners will be able to join the FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn Beta Test at no charge starting on February 22. Players who own the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system version of FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn will be able to transfer their accounts to the PlayStation®4 system version for free starting April 11. Once transferred, PlayStation®4 system players will no longer be able to access the PlayStation®3 system version. To play both versions, a player must purchase the PlayStation®4 system version separately. Additional account transfer details will be announced at a later date.

FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn Standard Edition for the PlayStation®4 system will be available for $39.99. FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn Collector’s Edition for the PlayStation®4 system will be available exclusively on the Square Enix Online Store for $79.99.  A digital version of the FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn Collector’s Edition will be available for $59.99 through the PlayStation Network. PlayStation®3 system and PlayStation®4 system Standard Edition owners can also choose to upgrade to a digital Collector’s Edition to receive the in-game items through the FINAL FANTASY XIV Account Management System, Mog Station. A free 30-day trial is included for new accounts, with monthly subscriptions starting at $12.99.

FINAL FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn is rated T (Teen). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings.

Related Links
The Lodestone: http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/
Official Website: http://www.finalfantasyxiv.com
Official Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FinalFantasyXIV
Official Twitter:  @FF_XIV_EN
Official YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/user/FINALFANTASYXIV

Kingdom Come: Deliverance Hits Kickstarter Goal in 48 Hours

2014/01/24
Jerry Paxton
News, Windows PC News

Warhorse_KS_Celebration

Prague, Czech Republic – January 24, 2014 – Warhorse Studios has successful reached its Kickstarter goal for Kingdom Come: Deliverance in less than two days.

“While we were always confident in our vision for Kingdom Come: Deliverance, we never in our wildest dreams expected a response like this,”  said, Game Director and Lead Designer Dan Vávra. “We’re humbled by the outpouring of support, and admittedly a bit shellshocked.  We can’t thank our supporters enough. We are prepared to give everything we have to make an unforgettable game.”

Warhorse and its lead investor can now confirm that Kingdom Come: Deliverance will be funded through completion. The game is an open world AAA action-adventure RPG set for initial release in 2015.

Get the latest news on the game from its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/kingdomcomerpg) and official site (www.kingdomcomerpg.com). Follow Warhorse on Facebook (www.facebook.com/WarhorseStudios) or Twitter (@WarhorseStudios) to get studio news.

The Banner Saga Announces Fan Art Contest

2014/01/24
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

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AUSTIN, TX – January, 24rd 2014 – Hot on the heels of the critically acclaimed indie release The Banner Saga, indie game development company Stoic, and publisher Versus Evil, today announced an art contest for fans based on their experience in the game, using runic inspired designs.

“The Banner Saga has been applauded by reviewers and fans alike for the art style, something we are incredibly proud of. We’ve seen such great fan art for the game that it made sense to ask our fans to assist us in designing a real life banner. We are looking for designs based on the traditional Viking runic art style as seen on the Godstones in the game,” said Stoic’s Art Director Arnie Jorgensen. “One way of recording history in early Viking times was for each family to contribute (sew) their own ‘saga’ onto their clan’s banner. Similarly, we plan to include some of the best designs submitted in this contest to create a twelve foot banner depicting our fan’s experiences with the game, creating a community ‘saga’.”

The ‘Creating the Banner’ contest is now officially open for entrants to submit their original ‘Viking-style’ inspired designs at http://www.creatingthebanner.com . Winners will not only get their design included on the final life-sized banner, but they will also be sent a mini replica of the final banner for display. Full submission guidelines, rules and regulations can be found on the contest website. Submissions must be in by 11:59pm PT on Thursday March 13th, 2014.

The Banner Saga is available now for $24.99 through Steam, UPlay, GameFly, GameStop and Gamers Gate for PC and Mac. A digital Deluxe Edition is also available through select retailers for $29.99 and includes the game and complete official soundtrack composed by Austin Wintory.

Camp Snoopy Construction Update: Week Two

2014/01/24
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

Timberline Twister New Look Photo

Knott’s Berry Farm is in the process of completely overhauling its famed Camp Snoopy attraction area, which is being done in celebration of its 30th anniversary. Here is their “Week Two Update” along with some preview photos. Enjoy!

Camp Snoopy’s 30th Anniversary: Week Two Update

The first step on your journey through Camp Snoopy’s High Sierras will now be more realistic than ever. Knott’s Berry Farm’s Project Development team has broken ground in Camp Snoopy and enhanced the pathways that surround the freshly painted Sierra Sidewinder. By the end of construction, this dirt-like pavement will wind through all of Camp Snoopy’s midways. The pavement, along with new rustic lighting and fence structures, further bring to life the outdoor camp atmosphere.

Let’s take a hike over to the North end of Camp Snoopy where we find the re-themed Timberline Twister! The ride puts you in the driver seat of Charlie Brown’s entry into this year’s Camp Snoopy Pinewood Derby. Twist your way through the trees and the surrounding wilderness as you race to the finish line to help Charlie Brown win his first merit badge. As part of construction, the attraction will also feature a new loading station shade structure. The Timberline Twister is a not-so-scary kids’ roller coaster located next to Camp Bus.

New Images

Knotts Teams With Susan G. Komen OC for Special Mercandise

2014/01/23
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

knottspink

Buena Park, CA (Jan 2014) – Knott’s Berry Farm and Susan G. Komen Orange County are working together to raise money for breast cancer awareness, services and research by offering a special “Pink Ticket” and limited edition specially designed “pink” merchandise from February 1 through March 31st.

“It is wonderful to see Snoopy hugging Woodstock on top of the logo for Knott’s Berry Farm for the Cure benefiting Susan G. Komen Orange County,” said Lisa Wolter, Executive Director of the Komen Orange County Affiliate. “This partnership will raise much needed funds for mammograms and breast health outreach, and it shows the warmth and caring embrace we can all extend to women and families going through their struggle with breast cancer.”

In Orange County, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Thanks to Komen’s funding of research, new treatments and awareness of the importance of annual mammograms to detect breast cancer in its earliest and most curable stages, the survival rate for breast cancer has risen dramatically over the 33 years of the organization. The Orange County Komen Affiliate provides mammograms for uninsured women and works with other organizations to bring breast health information to people throughout the county.

The promotion will provide guests with the opportunity to enjoy Knott’s world class entertainment, attractions and specially-themed “pink” décor, while supporting an important cause that touches many women. Starting February 1, through March 31, guests can purchase “Pink Tickets” for theme park admission only online at www.knotts.com. A portion of the “Pink Tickets” proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen Orange County.

Knott’s Berry Farm has kicked off the promotion by donating $25,000 to Susan G. Komen Orange County. The money that the theme park has already donated will provide 400 women in Orange County with life-saving breast health services.

Guests entering the theme park during the time of the promotion will be greeted by a pink Knott’s Berry Farm for the Cure display adorned with Snoopy and his pal Woodstock. Guests can purchase a commemorative limited edition magnet to place on the special display in honor of, or in memory of, someone affected by breast cancer. The magnet will be sold at select merchandise locations inside Knott’s Berry Farm and all proceeds will benefit Komen Orange County.

“I am ready to buy ‘pink’ Knott’s Berry Farm merchandise for my granddaughters because I want there to be a cure before they grow up,” said Wolter.

For more information on the fight against breast cancer, please contact the Susan G. Komen Orange County office at (714) 957-9157.

For Knott’s theme park information including hours of operation please visit www.knotts.com or call (714) 220-5200. Follow and join the conversation by using #KnottsPink.

The Elder Scrolls Online Voice Cast Info

2014/01/23
Jerry Paxton
Mac PC News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

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January 23, 2014 (Rockville, MD) – Bethesda Softworks®, a ZeniMax® Media company, today announced the members of the renowned cast lending their voices to The Elder Scrolls® Online, the highly-anticipated game arriving April 4, 2014 on PC and Mac and June 2014 for the PlayStation®4 system and Xbox One®, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft. The Elder Scrolls® Online ensemble includes Academy Award nominee John Cleese (“A Fish Called Wanda,” “Monty Python and the Holy Grail“), Golden Globe winner Bill Nighy (“Pirates of the Caribbean”), Kate Beckinsale (“The Aviator,” “Pearl Harbor”), Alfred Molina (“Spider-Man 2”) and Golden Globe nominees Michael Gambon (“Harry Potter”), and Malcolm McDowell (“A Clockwork Orange”). In addition, Lynda Carter (“Wonder Woman”) returns to the Elder Scrolls series to reprise her role from The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

The Elder Scrolls Online is the latest chapter of the award-winning franchise and will bring the legendary experience online for the first time. Players can choose their own style of play as they embark upon an epic adventure across all of Tamriel, playing alone on heroic quests as in previous Elder Scrolls games, exploring the huge, rich world with a few friends, or joining with hundreds of others in massive PvP battles to save the Empire.

“This extraordinary group of actors helps bring the distinctive characters in The Elder Scrolls Online to life,” said Matt Firor, game director of The Elder Scrolls Online. “In The Elder Scrolls tradition, we sought world class talent to add a deep and enriching component to the immersive world the series offers players.”

John Cleese plays Cadwell, the cheerful and endearingly mad lost soul who is not afraid of anyone, even a Daedric Prince. Joining the cast as High King Emeric, Bill Nighy portrays a merchant prince whose luck and determination won him the throne. Kate Beckinsale takes on the role of Queen Ayrenn, the leader of the Aldmeri Dominion and Queen of the High Elves who is far more comfortable with a blade than her crown.

In addition, Alfred Molina takes on the role of Abnur Tharn, a wily old wizard and politician who is the head of the Empire’s Elder Council, and the de facto power behind the Ruby Throne. Lynda Carter plays Azura, the Daedric Princess of Dusk and Dawn from Skyrim who is a popular part of Elder Scrolls lore.  Michael Gambon voices The Prophet, a mysterious blind man who guides the player through their journey to retrieve their soul; and Malcolm McDowell plays the key figure Molag Bal, an evil Daedric god from another plane who schemes to enslave the mortal souls of Tamriel.

The Elder Scrolls Online cast also includes:

  • Peter Stormare (“Fargo”) plays Jorunn the Skald King, an unexpected monarch who led his people into an unlikely alliance.
  • Jim Ward (“WALL·E,” “Despicable Me 2”) voices Mannimarco, a renegade High Elf wizard exiled from the realm for raising the dead and the world’s most powerful necromancer.
  • Jennifer Hale appears in the role of Lyris Titanborn, a Nord half-giant, who, along with the Prophet, aids the player on their journey..
  • Kevin Michael Richardson rounds out the cast as Sai Sahan a noble martial artist and master swordsman.

The Elder Scrolls Online has been named one of the industry’s most anticipated titles for 2014 and marks a historic point for the franchise with its multiplayer online play after nearly 20 years of developing these best-selling, award-winning fantasy role-playing games for single player only. The previous chapter in this franchise was The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim® which was released in November 2011 and enjoyed worldwide critical and commercial success. As the sequel to the 2002 Role-Playing Game of the Year, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind®, and the 2006 Game of the Year, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion®, Skyrim earned hundreds of ‘Game of the Year’ awards and sold over 20 million copies.

The Elder Scrolls Online is being developed for the PlayStation4 system, Xbox One, PC, and Mac by ZeniMax Online Studios. The studio is headed by industry veteran Matt Firor who has more than 20 years of online game development experience. Working with Matt is a team of highly regarded professionals who have created some of the best known online games ever released.

The Elder Scrolls Online has been rated M for Mature by the ESRB.