Author - Jerry Paxton

Razer Announces PC Case Licensing Program

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LOS ANGELES (E3 2014) – Razer™, the world leader in entertainment devices and software, today announced a licensing program that provides for third-party production and sale of  Razer-designed and -branded PC cases.

NZXT™, a recognized leader in PC cases, was selected as a launch partner for the “Designed by Razer” licensing program based on a shared dedication to innovation.  Next month, NZXT will kick-off this new Razer initiative with the “H440 – Designed by Razer”. Under the terms of its agreement with Razer, NZXT will manufacture and distribute the H440—Designed by Razer case through its retail channels.

The Designed by Razer licensing program is open to selected case manufacturers, and it is subject to a rigorous vetting process by the award-winning Razer design and engineering team prior to approval. The new enterprise aims to take advantage of Razer’s design expertise and product engineering sensibilities. Every design feature of a licensed case will be directed by Razer in collaboration with any selected partner. Interested case manufacturers can go tohttp://www.razerzone.com/designedbyrazer to find out more.

“We have some of the world’s best designers and engineers working at Razer and we fully believe in advancing the industry no matter the cost, so it makes sense for us to share this knowledge with other manufacturers in our industry,” says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder, CEO and creative director. “It’s our goal to service the needs of the hundreds of millions of gamers worldwide and a custom Razer PC case has been sought after for some time. The NZXT H440 – Designed by Razer is the first success with this program and we expect there to be many more.”

The NZXT H440 – Designed by Razer features signature Razer green USB ports and green lighting that illuminates the rear ports. The distinct design contains a tinted window that shows off the illuminated Razer logo and the interior hardware. Custom green lighting also creates an underglow from the bottom of the case.

The NZXT H440 – Designed by Razer is the first licensed desktop case for Razer, but the latest in a storied line of products. The award-winning Razer Blade and Razer Blade Pro set new benchmarks for power and portability in the laptop space. The Razer Edge tablet won an unprecedented three Best of CES awards at the 2013 Consumer Electronics show, including overall “Best of Show.” Things culminated at CES again this year with the fully modular Project Christine concept winning the official “Best PC” Best of CES award.

For more information about the NZXT H440 – Designed by Razer PC case, please visit http://razerzone.com/gaming-systems/h440.

Price: $149.99

Availability: NZXT.com – July

Product features: 

  • Drive Bays: External 5.25 in. : 0 Internal 3.5 in. / 2.5 in. : 6+2
  • Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, MicroATX, ATX
  • 7x Expansion Slots
  • I/O Panel LED On/Off
  • Radiator Support
  • Front Side, Bottom Front, Bottom Rear Filters Included
  • (2x) USB 3.0 port (SuperSpeed)
  • (2x) USB 2.0 port
  • (1x) Microphone port, (1x) Headphone port
  • 8.66 in. / 22 cm Width x 20.08 in. / 51 cm Height x 18.71 in. / 47.5 cm Depth
  • 21.5 lbs. / 9.75 kg

Razer Unveils Two New Headsets for E3 2014

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LOS ANGELES (E3 2014) – Razer™, the world leader in entertainment devices and software, today announced the Razer Kraken Neon Series, a special edition of the brand’s best-selling Kraken gaming headsets and headphones, available in six new fluorescent colors.

Like its forerunners, including classic green and black Razer Kraken and Kraken Pros, Razer Kraken E-Panda Hooligan headphones and the Razer Kraken Forged Edition headphones, the Kraken Neon Series is outfitted with powerful drivers that pack deep and heavy bass tones to compliment acutely tuned mids and highs optimized for gaming and music listening.

A Pro version of the Razer Kraken Neon Series will feature a fully retractable microphone built into the headset for seamless connectivity to smart phones, tablets and other voice-enabled devices.

Additionally, the Razer Kraken Neon Series marks the first time that Razer has released a full colorway for a product. The wide array of color choices can be matched with apparel, footwear and accessories.

“Our community has been asking for color options in our product lines and the Razer Kraken Neon Series offers just that,” says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder, CEO and creative director. “We chose our most popular family of headsets and headphones for special stylization and are releasing them just in time for the summer months. The six colors give way to a multitude of options. I can’t wait to see the photos our fans send us.”

Gamers can further personalize their listening experience with Razer’s industry-leading gaming software, including Razer Surround Pro. The audio engine upgrades any stereo headphones to personalized virtual 7.1 surround sound and all downloads before June 30 will be automatically upgraded to Razer Surround Pro for free. For more information on Razer Surround, go to http://www.razerzone.com/surround.

Price:   U.S. $89.99 / EU €89.99 (Razer Kraken Pro Neon Gaming Headset)

U.S. $69.99 / EU €69.99 (Razer Kraken Neon Headphones)

Availability:    Razerzone.com – Order Now

Worldwide – June

Product features: 

Razer Kraken Pro Neon Series:

    • Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
    • Impedance: 32 Ω at 1 kHz
    • Sensitivity (@1 kHz, 1 V / Pa): 110 dB ± 4 dB at 1 kHz max
    • Input power: 50 mW
    • Drivers: 40 mm, with Neodymium magnets
    • Inner ear cup diameter: 50 mm (1.97 in.)
    • Cable length: 1.3 m (4.27 ft.) plus 2 m (6.6 ft.) extension cable
    • Approximate weight: 293 g (0.65 lbs.)
    • Connector: Analog 3.5 mm combined jack (headphone and mic)

Microphone:

    • Frequency response: 100 Hz – 10,000 Hz
    • Signal-to-noise ratio: 52 dB
    • Sensitivity (@ 1 kHz, 1 V / Pa): -40 dB ± 3 dB
    • Pick-up pattern: Unidirectional

Razer Kraken Neon Series:

    • Frequency response: 20 Hz – 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
    • Inner ear cup diameter: 50 mm (1.97 in.)
    • Cable length: 1.3 m (4.27 ft.) plus 2 m (6.6 ft.) extension cable
    • Approximate weight: 280 g (0.62 lbs.)
    • Connector: Analog 3.5 mm headphone jack

For more information about the Razer Kraken Neon Series, please visit www.razerzone.com/kraken-neon.

NYKO Unveils Xbox One and PS4 Accessories at E3 2014

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LOS ANGELES – June 10, 2014 – Leading gaming accessories manufacturer Nyko Technologies® today announced the upcoming product lineup to be showcased at the 2014 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), taking place June 10–12 in Los Angeles. The lineup includes Nyko’s new Modular Line, attachable accessories built to seamlessly cool, clean and power the newest generation of consoles, as well as controller battery life solutions.

“The Modular Line was built to augment the console’s functionality, ease of use, and convenience,” said Chris Arbogast, director of marketing at Nyko Technologies. “Each Modular item is designed to attach to the console and provide a specific function while working in tandem with one another. This allows users the ability to customize their system as much or as little as they please.”

The following video game accessories will be unveiled at E3 and available for hands-on demos at Nyko’s booth in the LA Convention Center: West Hall, booth #5010:

Intercooler for PlayStation®4
Intercooler for PS4 is designed to dramatically increase the rate at which hot air leaves the system, providing improved ambient temperature for the console. The device attaches seamlessly to the console, matching its décor, texture, and design. Utilizing Nyko’s patented Power Pass-Through technology, the Intercooler is powered by the console’s power cord, requiring no additional cables or plugs. This also ensures that the Intercooler will turn on and off automatically with the console.

Intercooler for PS4 will be available this summer for a MSRP of $24.99.

Intercooler for Xbox One 
Intercooler for Xbox® One is designed to rapidly and efficiently cool the system, providing improved ambient temperature for the console. Powered by the side USB port, the accessory attaches seamlessly to the system, matching its décor, texture, and design. Intercooler for Xbox One utilizes Nyko’s patented TempSmart technology to power itself on and off as needed.

Intercooler for Xbox One will be available this fall for a MSRP of $24.99.

Modular Charge Kit for PS4
The Modular Charge Kit allows users to easily charge controllers and keep the system clean. Attaching flush to the console, the Modular Charge Kit for PS4 stores two retractable Micro USB cables in a hidden compartment for recharging the DUALSHOCK®4. The top of the unit also houses a detachable cleaning brush with a slide-out detailing edge; ideal for keeping dust, fingerprints and smudges from tarnishing the console’s appearance.

The Modular Charge Kit for PS4 will be available this holiday for a MSRP of $19.99. Patent Pending.

Modular Power Station for Xbox One
The Modular Power Station for Xbox One allows users to conveniently store and charge two rechargeable fuel cells (included in the package) for the Xbox One wireless controller. The custom-designed fuel cells sit inside a hidden charging bay that blends in with the sleek lines and texture of the Xbox One. One touch of the hidden button opens the compartment, revealing the two fuel cells as well as the sync button for pairing additional controllers. The Modular Power Station for Xbox One connects to the side USB port on the Xbox One for power; no additional cords or plugs are needed. LED icons on the front illuminate to indicate charging status for both fuel cells.

The Modular Power Station for Xbox One will be available this holiday for a MSRP of $29.99. Patent Pending.

Power Pak for PS4
The Power Pak for PS4 is a rechargeable battery pack that provides up to twice the standard battery life for the Dualshock 4 controller. The 1000mAh Lithium Ion battery is housed in a sleek casing, designed to keep the Dualshock’s ergonomics intact, while matching the look and texture of the controller. The Power Pak connects through the controller’s Micro USB port, recharging the Dualshock 4 while in use. The pass-through Micro USB port allows users to easily recharge both the controller and Power Pak through a standard Micro USB cable and is also fully compatible with Nyko’s Charge Base for PS4. The unit also has a dedicated power switch, enabling users to decide when they need extra juice.

The Power Pak is available now for a MSRP of $19.99. Patent Pending.

Media Remote for Xbox One
The Media Remote for Xbox One enables complete control of media and apps on the Xbox One system. Whether watching Blu-ray movies, streaming TV shows or listening to music, the Media Remote allows for easy navigation across the entire Xbox One operating system, as well as dedicated media-playback controls. Utilizing the Xbox One’s built-in IR receiver, no additional dongles or software is needed. When used in conjunction with the Kinect sensor, the remote can also control television volume and other basic controls.

The Media Remote for Xbox One will be available this summer for a MSRP of $19.99.

All these and other products to be announced at the show will be on display at Nyko’s booth (LA Convention Center: West Hall, booth #5010).

Yager and Grey Box Announce Dreadnought

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BERLIN, GER & LOS ANGELES, CA – June 10, 2014 – Independent publisher Grey Box has issued a call to battle stations today, announcing it is working with Berlin-based studio YAGER to create Dreadnought, an aerial armada action game for PC. Set in a futuristic era of war and refuge, players will take on the role of a mercenary spaceship captain who owes allegiance to no nation, fighting for glory amidst a galaxy of chaos.

“Dreadnought harkens back to the PC space combat game we developed when we first started out,” explained Mathias Wiese, Art Director and Co-Founder at YAGER. “In the years since, we’ve been developing and testing some incredible ideas that now perfectly come together in Dreadnought. Grey Box has been an amazing partner and we’re incredibly thankful they share our vision for what Dreadnought will become.”

Battleships in Dreadnought are massive spacecraft that come in varied shapes and classes. Commanders will assume complete control, dedicating power to specific sub-systems, customizing weapons, engines, armor, abilities, crew and their ships’ aesthetics, all while collaborating with the development teams to help determine what comes next.

“We all have that dream of sitting in the Captain’s Chair,” noted Tony Medrano, Creative Director at Grey Box. “It’s an awesome feeling to control something so huge and powerful, and that feeling is present in Dreadnought. Our goal is to nurture that feeling at all costs by working with players to fulfill the creation of their dream armada. With the game announced, that feedback starts now. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Dreadnought is powered by Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 4 (UE4) technology and is set to enter public testing in early 2015. For more information, please visit www.playdreadnought.com , like the game on Facebook (www.facebook.com/playdreadnought ), and follow it on twitter (www.twitter.com/playdreadnought).

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Alien: Isolation E3 Trailer and Screenshots

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June 10, 2014 — Alien: Isolation is preparing for this year’s E3 with a new 20 minute theatre presentation and an exciting new game mode playable on the show floor. Additionally, SEGA revealed a new gameplay trailer and fresh screenshots for the game this morning.

Alien: Isolation is a first-person survival horror game capturing the fear and tension evoked by Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic film. Players find themselves in an atmosphere of constant dread and mortal danger as an unpredictable, ruthless Xenomorph is stalking and killing deep in the shadows. Underpowered and underprepared, you must scavenge resources, improvise solutions and use your wits, not just to succeed in your mission, but to simply stay alive.

Alien: Isolation will be available from October 7, 2014, for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

For more information and to keep ahead with the latest news, find us at www.alienisolation.com, follow us on www.facebook.com/alienisolation and join the conversation on www.twitter.com/alienisolation

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Magicka 2 Unveiled for PS4 and PC

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LOS ANGELES — June 9, 2014 — Paradox Interactive today announced that Magicka 2, sequel to the best-selling, award-deserving game Magicka, will be released on PC and the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system. Magicka 2 will bring the iconic spellcasting system, irreverent humor, and relationship-testing friendly fire into an all-new adventure with up to 4-player co-op. Featuring a story-driven campaign mode, new co-op gameplay features, and plenty of surprises, Magicka 2 will have players casting and blasting together on computers and consoles alike.

While you get your robe cleaned and pressed for your next adventure, witness the announcement in a new trailer:

“Millions of people enjoyed the first Magicka, even after their friends exploded their heads with an ‘accidental’ fire beam,” said Fredrik Wester, CEO of Paradox Interactive. “The next chapter of the Magicka saga is going to introduce new twists on the gameplay and customization options, all presented with beautiful art and animation on the PC and PS4®. Our players will be able to control their Wizards the way they like, assuming their fellow spellcasters let them live that long.”

In Magicka 2, Wizards will attempt to survive the next chapter of the Magicka tale, exploring a Midgård that has been ravaged by the recent Wizard Wars. Utilizing a new iteration of the dynamic Magicka spellcasting system, players will don a wide selection of robes and staffs, face new enemy classes, and seek guidance from Vlad, who is, thankfully, not a vampire.

Magicka 2 features:

•    4 Player Friendly Fire Co-op: Making and losing friends has never been better with all game modes supporting co-op, including hot-joining, checkpoints, and more supportive functionality.
•    Venture into Adventure: Witness a Midgård mostly purged of Wizard-kind, save for a few remaining madmen, and encounter hordes of fantasy creatures great and small.
•    Wizard Your Way: Try on your choice of robes, staffs, and weapons, each with special abilities of their own, to play as the Wizard of your choice.
•    The Art of Artifacts: Discover the new “Artifact” system of Magicka 2, offering new gameplay changes and options to put new twists on each level.

For more information, visit www.magicka2.com.

Assassin’s Creed Unity Announced with Co-op Gameplay Demo

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LOS ANGELES — June 9, 2014 — Today, at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Ubisoft announced that the next installment of the 76 million unit-selling Assassin’s Creed franchise, Assassin’s Creed Unity, will be released worldwide on October 28. Assassin’s Creed Unity will be released on Xbox One video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®4 from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and PC.

Assassin’s Creed Unity is being developed by the veteran Assassin’s Creed team in Ubisoft Montreal with support from nine Ubisoft studios around the world*. Set in a once-magnificent Paris, Assassin’s Creed Unity plunges into the terror of the 1789 French Revolution and features the most dense and immersive Assassin’s Creed city ever created. Through the streets of Paris, the starving inhabitants are set to take up arms for freedom and equality. In this time of chaos and brutality, a young man named Arno, wounded by the loss of those he loved, sets on a deadly path of redemption. Arno’s pursuit throws him into the middle of a ruthless struggle for the fate of a nation, and transforms him into a true Master Assassin.

Assassin’s Creed Unity reinvents the franchise, starting with the core gameplay pillars that have defined the series from the beginning: navigation, stealth and combat. Players will carve their way through a stunning, full-scale open-world Paris, thanks to the power of the new Anvil engine, rebuilt from the ground up for new generation consoles. Assassin’s Creed Unity gives players full control parkour mechanics, a reinvented fighting system for a richer combat experience, a new stealth mode, cover system and crowd manipulation techniques. Players can channel their inner Assassin, customizing weapons, equipment, outfits and specialized skills to match their play style.

In addition to the sprawling single-player campaign, players can join with up to three friends and take part in story-driven online co-op missions designed specifically for Assassins to play together. Skills and unique gear acquired in the single-player missions will be accessible in co-op and will define a player’s personalized Assassin’s style, whether emphasizing brute force, agility or stealth. Players also will select a unique co-op skill that will help the team survive, evade or fight more effectively to the benefit of the team.

In North America, gamers can purchase the Assassin’s Creed Unity Collector’s Edition. The premium collector’s edition includes the new Assassin Arno as a lifelike 16” figurine poised atop an iconic gargoyle, a music box which plays a remixed version of the Assassin’s Creed Unity theme, the official soundtrack, an art book and two in-game missions.

Players who pre-order Assassin’s Creed Unity will receive 2 bonus offers.  The first is an exclusive single player mission, The Chemical Revolution, offering 30 minutes of additional gameplay. During this mission the player will help Lavoisier the “Father of Modern Chemistry” to escape from his kidnappers and recover his poison bomb formula.

The second is access to the Guillotine Spin to Win Game. Every Friday through launch, consumers have a chance to win a new, incredible prize and receive five more  spins and more chances to win.  For a chance to win, consumers can go to AssassinsCreed.com/play and spin the Guillotine wheel and to try to hit the jackpot.

Potential prizes include:
•       Exotic trips – Paris, Ubisoft Montreal, Comic-Con
•       Games and digital content
•       Exclusive apparel and gear
•       Home Entertainment Systems
•       And more

Ubisoft also announced the Assassin’s Creed Unity Phantom Blade, a life-size replica of Arno’s new signature weapon. This limited-run collectible designed by the award-winning McFarlane Toys features a functional hidden blade, retractable crossbow arms, and a soft firing dart. Players can display this as part of their collection or wear it to complete the ultimate Assassin look. The Phantom Blade will be available while supplies last in select countries on October 28. It is priced at  $59.99 USD in the United States.

For more information on Assassin’s Creed, please visit: assassinscreed.com and facebook.com/assassinscreed.