Author - Jerry Paxton

Earth Defense Force 2025 Has Gone Gold

2014/01/21

January 21, 2014 — D3Publisher (D3P) today announced Earth Defense Force 2025 has gone gold and will be available nationwide for $49.95 for the Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system on February 18. In addition, three mission packs will be available as downloadable content (DLC) with the first pack titled “Special Ops” available starting on the date of launch.

Mission Packs to include: (Will also be available as a bundle)

Special Ops – Will feature 5 new missions for $2.99 and be available on February 18.
Mutant Rampage – Will feature 20 new missions for $8.99 and be available on February 25.
Beyond Despair – Will feature 20 new missions for $8.99 and be available on March 11.

Earth Defense Force 2025 is under development by Sandlot and is rated “M” (Mature – Blood and Violence) by the ESRB. To find out more about Earth Defense Force 2025 please visit www.EDF2025.com and www.facebook.com/EarthDefenseForce.

Stephen Barton Scores Titanfall

2014/01/21

Jerry Paxton

News, Windows PC News, Xbox 360 News, Xbox One News

Los Angeles, January 8, 2014 – The inaugural title from Respawn Entertainment (led by one of the co-creators and many of the principal developers of the Call of Duty series), Titanfall will be released March 11,2014 for the Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC, but has already garnered numerous awards and impressive buzz among critics and enthusiasts, having been shrouded in mystery for more than three years.

The game is entirely multiplayer, in a new experience that combines fast-paced action with the heroic set piece moments traditionally found in the campaign of a single-player game. There are two factions of protagonists with which players can align themselves.

This deliberate ambiguity as to who is the protagonist/antagonist, and the need for a musical signature for each side and an overall sound world unique to the game poses a great challenge for the music. Stephen Barton reflects, “in most films and games it’s pretty clear which side is the heroic side. Titanfall is much more ambivalent and complex, so that has to reflect in how the music portrays each side from each perspective.”

Relying not only on his extensive and eclectic experience as a composer, but also on his early studies of classical and ethnic music traditions, Barton is employing a vast range of both traditional and nontraditional resources, including numerous ethnic instruments, a heavy arsenal of electronica, offset with the more traditional orchestral elements familiar in cinematic music.

While some of the ethnic instrumentation for Titanfall was recorded in Los Angeles with particular specialists, Barton completed the organic aspect of the score at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, with a large orchestra assembled from the best musicians in London. In video game scores it’s becoming increasingly common to record many elements live, but it’s still a big deal for a game to do it at this level. Barton has recorded at Abbey Road numerous times before, but remains awed by Studio 1’s “iconic sound, warm but epic — everything recorded in there sounds bigger, larger than life” — as well as the “rich intimacy” of Studio 2, home to so many noted recordings of the Beatles and beyond.

For Titanfall, “the goal is to create a truly cinematic and unique soundtrack that draws you deeper into this all-new universe.”

For more information on the game and Stephen Barton, please visit www.titanfall.com, and http://www.stephenjbarton.com/

Arma 3 Episode Two Released

2014/01/21

Jerry Paxton

News, Screenshots / Photos, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Prague, Czech Republic, Tuesday 21st January 2014 — Bohemia Interactive today released the second episode of the official campaign for Arma 3. In the new episode, titled ‘Adapt’, players take on the role of Ben Kerry, a soldier trapped on the island of Altis following a Mediterranean flashpoint. The new campaign episode’s release is accompanied by a brand new trailer.

While the first part of the campaign introduced players to Arma 3’s basic infantry combat and story, episode two opens up the military sandbox further, challenging players to adopt guerrilla tactics in the face of against a stronger, better-equipped enemy. The Adapt episode is made available to people via an automatic update on Steam

“Episode One helped players get to grips with the basic skills needed to survive”, said Jay Crowe, Creative Director on Arma 3. “Episode Two introduces a whole new set of challenges, giving players more freedom and responsibility in the wide, open terrain of Altis.”

The official campaign for Arma 3, named ‘The East Wind’, consists of three episodes: ‘Survive’, ‘Adapt’, ‘Win’. The first campaign episode, ‘Survive’, was deployed in October 2013, followed by the second ‘Adapt’ episode today. The third and final campaign episode, ‘Win’, is scheduled for March 2014.

New Trailer

Screenshots

LG Unveils MP76 IPS Monitor

2014/01/20

Jerry Paxton

News, Tech News

SEOUL, Jan. 21, 2014 — LG Electronics (LG) today announced its newest 24-inch Full HD MP76 IPS monitor which combines a Crystal Float Standand LG’s super thin CINEMA SCREEN Design that makes a bold, eye-catching statement. The IPS display enables the MP76 to deliver exceptional picture quality while special features such as LG’s Flicker-Safe technology and Reader Mode contribute to an incredibly comfortable viewing experience.

“The MP76 strikes the perfect balance between modern design, superb picture quality and comfort-enhancing functionality,” said Hyoung-sei Park, head of the IT Business Division at LG Electronics. “LG will continue to create premium monitors to meet the changing needs of consumers in the home and in the office.”

The MP76 comes in a sleek metallic finish and features the transparent Crystal Float Stand, which makes the monitor appear to float in darkened surroundings.The monitor adds a touch of modern sophistication to nearly any décor thanks to its clean, understated look. It can easily be wall mounted and the upgraded CINEMA SCREEN Design, 24-inch Full HD IPS display and thinner bezel allows the MP76 to deliver an incredibly immersive viewing experience.

The MP76 incorporates in-plane switching (IPS) display technology to ensure the most vivid, lifelike color expression, rendering images accurately and in captivating detail. The movement of onscreen objects is also much smoother on an IPS monitor than on competing display technologies. Not only are motions more fluid, eye-fatigue is reduced as well. What’s more, LG’s Full HD MP76 IPS monitor offers an impressively wide viewing angle.

Users can also benefit from innovative image processing features that make for a more comfortable experience when performing common computing tasks. With Reader Mode, the background of any image can be made to resemble paper, preventing eye strain. The monitor also employs LG’s TUV certified Flicker-Safe technology to virtually eliminate screen flicker, further protecting the viewer from potential eye discomfort.

Additionally LG’s IPS monitors have garnered international acclaim over the past year thanks to their outstanding picture quality and bold designs. Industry honors include Germany’s Plus X Award, Red Dot Design Award and Japan’s G-Mark. LG’s model 29EA73 was the recipient ofthe Quality & Performance Mark (QPM) from Intertek for exceptional quality across all seven of Intertek’s test categories including color accuracy, color reproduction and viewing angle.

Starpoint Gemini 2 Announces Oculus Rift Support

2014/01/20

Jerry Paxton

News, Windows PC News

Haarlem, The Netherlands – January 20, 2014 – Video game publisher Iceberg Interactive and developer Little Green Men Games unveiled today they’re implementing virtual reality headset Oculus Rift into their highly anticipated, upcoming space sim-RPG Starpoint Gemini 2. Currently in Alpha on Steam’s Early Access program, Starpoint Gemini 2 will offer gamers the opportunity to launch fighter wings on unsuspecting enemies during space combat while utilizing Oculus Rift’s 3D, next-generation capabilities to provide unadulterated immersion.

Download the new Starpoint Gemini 2 screenshot HERE. www.starpointgemini.com/Download/OculusRift_StarpointGemini2.zip

“Even from our short time spent with Oculus Rift, we’re certain it’s a breakthrough in the making, bringing a whole new perspective on games in general,” says Mario Mihokovic, CEO of Little Green Men Games. “We’re thrilled for the ability to become a part of the VR revolution early on and can’t wait to see what we can do with it and what other developers will think of too.”

The sequel to Starpoint Gemini 1, Starpoint Gemini 2 is a unique space-simulation with role-playing elements that thrusts gamers into a fractious galactic space environment replete with 50 factions, dangerous wormholes, rift ways to speed travel, and a dynamic real-time 3D combat system. Players can pilot more than 70 distinct, fully upgradeable space craft in a universe that’s powered with realistic physics provided by NVIDIA PhysX technology.

With recent awards secured at CES 2014, Oculus Rift VR is a ground-breaking virtual reality headset for immersive gaming that’s officially supported by heavyweight industry veterans such as ID Software’s John Carmack, Epic Games, Unity, and investor Marc Andreessen among others.

Developer Little Green Men Games is looking for feedback on the development of Starpoint Gemini 2. Gamers interested in playing and sharing their experiences are invited to join the discussion on the Steam Community Hub.

Check out Starpoint Gemini 2 on Early Access for $22.99, which includes the complete version of Starpoint Gemini 1.

Paradox Interactive Convention 2014 Announced

2014/01/20

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

STOCKHOLM — January 20, 2014 — Paradox Interactive, a publisher of games and a crosser of streams, today announced a forthcoming live streaming event being held at Paradox Interactive Convention 2014 on Friday, January 24^th, 2014. Featuring players from some of YouTube’s most popular gaming channels, the guest list includes Angry Joe, NorthernLion, Quill18, EatMyDiction1, GassyMexican, lolRenaynay, Force, Shibby2142, Machinima Realm, RageGaming and Generation Hollow.

The event will feature live competition in Paradox’s latest creations, including War of the Vikings and Magicka: Wizard Wars. Viewers can witness the event on Paradox’s Twitch.TV channel at http://www.twitch.tv/paradoxinteractive on Friday, January 24, at 5:00 p.m. EDT (2:00 p.m. PDT).

Both games will be played in a 4v4 tournament format, with a never-seen-before game mode in Magicka: Wizard Wars also being added to the fray and shown to the world for the first time. Magicka: Wizard Wars play will begin at 5:00 p.m., followed by War of the Vikings at 5:45 p.m.

To learn more about Magicka: Wizard Wars and War of the Vikings, please visit:
www.wizardwars.com
www.warofthevikings.com

Keep an eye on Twitter and the official #PDXCON hashtag for more news about the upcoming event!

AEX Industries Bipod W/RIS Adapter Review (Airsoft)

2014/01/18

Jerry Paxton

Action Sports, Airsoft News, Airsoft Reviews, Articles, News, Reviews

Airsoft Extreme has a line of company-branded products that are truly well-built. One of these such items is their AEX Industries Bipod with RIS Adapter. Retailing for $39.99, this airsoft bipod features all metal construction as well as spring assisted, adjustable height leg posts. Installing the AEX bipod was very simple, with it utilizing my airsoft gun’s 20mm rail system without issue. Once tightened down, the bipod adds a “tacticool” factor to the airsoft gun – aside from its other, functional uses. A bipod is not something that every airsoft player needs to equip to his or her airsoft gun. However, once in use, the benefits of the bipod’s stable shooting platform quickly present themselves. Adjusting the height of the leg posts is fairly easy. The shooter simply moves the legs down into the protracted position, then twists each post and pulls the leg post out to the desired height. Once achieved, the leg is tightened down using the built in screws.

One of the best features that this bipod has is the ability to fold its two posts forward towards the muzzle, getting them out of the way of things while you don’t need it. This also means that the bipod can be quickly manipulated on the field depending on your tactical situation. I decided to run the bipod on my VFC / Umarex M27 IAR limited edition airsoft rifle. While not as heavy or ungainly as an M249 or other LMG, the M27 IAR is no slouch in the size department and, when laid out prone, it was such a comfort having that bipod extended. Not only did it help provide a stable platform with which to shoot from but, also, it saved my left elbow a lot of strain.

If you are in the market for a quality airsoft bipod, you can’t go wrong with the AEX Industries Bipod w/RIS Adapter. It’s $39.99 dollar price point is very reasonable and the unit has a lot of noticeable build quality. This bipod is available now.

Product Link

[easyreview title=”AEX Industries Bipod W/RIS Adapter Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″ ]

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SanDisk Connect 64 GB Wireless Media Drive Review (Tech)

2014/01/18

Jerry Paxton

Mobile News, News, Reviews, Tech News, Tech Review

One of the most interesting things I saw at this year’s Internation CES in Las Vegas was the SanDisk Connect Wireless Media Drive. SanDisk, often known for taking risks, displayed a small silver and dark gray box that, when powered on, generates its own wireless access point and allows iOS and Android smartphones to be able to use it as a media server. I know so many iPhone users who have thousands of photos on their phones (I am afraid to say, I am one of them) so this would be a great way to keep your photos and videos safe while freeing up space on your phone.

In addition to being able to use the Connect Wireless Media Drive as a media server, you can also plug it into a Mac or Windows PC and access its contents directly. For the photographers out there, this means that you can take your drive to your local photo printer, plug it into their computer, and select which you want to have developed. The device comes with either 32GB or 64GB of internal memory but each are expandable by way of an SDHC/SDXC card port so you will not run out of room anytime soon.

The server capabilities of the SanDisk Connect warrant special mention as it can support up to 5 HD video streams simultaneously. This means that if you and the family are going on a road trip, you can all stream movies, etc from the Connect while on the trip – except for you, keep your eyes on the road, pal! The device charges via USB cable and is spec’d to run for about eight hours of continuous streaming per charge. This was fairly accurate when I was simply using my iPhone 5 connected to it all day. For something capable of outputting so much wireless energy, I was surprised the battery is as good as it is.

Overall, the SanDisk Connect Wireless Media Server is such a handy device, I can’t recommend it enough. It is small, lightweight, and extremely capable of handling the photos and videos that would normally take up valuable space on your smartphone.

[easyreview title=”SanDisk Connect 64 GB Wireless Media Drive Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″ ]

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Xi3 Shows off Tech at Sundance Film Festival

2014/01/17

Jerry Paxton

Hardware News, Movie News, News, Tech News

SALT LAKE CITY — Jan. 17, 2014 — Following its “best CES ever” at last week’s 2014 International CES trade show, Xi3 Corporation has now set its sights on Utah’s famous film festival where Xi3 is debuting its vertical focus on the Entertainment Industry.

Specifically, Xi3® is showcasing the “10X capabilities” of its tiny, powerful yet ecofriendly Modular™ Computers, microSERV3Rs™ and dataCENT3Rs™ at different events and venues during the 11-day film festival. According to Xi3 Founder, President and CEO, Jason A. Sullivan, Xi3’s products are perfect for rendering, compositing, production and live performances because Xi3 systems are much smaller and use significantly less electricity than the machines typically used by creative professionals.

“After the whirlwind week we just completed at the CES trade show, it’s clear to me that 2014 was our best CES ever as we met with more executives, more partners and more buying professionals than ever before,” Sullivan said. “Clearly, our decision to focus on several vertical markets is proving successful for us, including our solutions for the health care, digital signage, and entertainment industries. It’s our unique capabilities for creative professionals that compelled us to become part of the entertainment community.

“As it turns out, our Modular Computers are the perfect engine for real-time and offline creation and production of film, video, professional audio and still imagery. In fact, the X7A Modular Computer can handle all of the rendering, compositing, and simulations of Macs and PCs that are as much as 10-times larger and use up to 10-times the amount of electricity—but it costs less than those bigger machines. Xi3 solutions are perfect for the creative mind, whether they’re used in standalone mode or with hundreds linked together in rendering clusters. And it doesn’t matter if they’re in a studio in Burbank or on location in Brazil. The bottom line is that Xi3 allows filmmakers, producers, audio professionals and visual artists to do more in less time at lower costs.”

Outlined below is a summary of some of Xi3’s initial events and activities for the business side of the Entertainment Industry.

Independent Film Makers Lounge Presented by Xi3 Corporation

Xi3 Corporation is the Presenting Sponsor of the Independent Film Makers Lounge being held during Utah’s most successful film festival. The “Indie Lounge” is being held from 10 a.m. — 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16 to Sunday, Jan. 19 at 710 N. Main Street in Park City. Xi3 is featuring its X7A Modular Computers and Xi3 microSERV3Rs at the “Indie Lounge.” These softball-sized machines from Xi3 are packed with 2 billion transistors yet are 10-times smaller and use one-tenth the electricity of comparably equipped systems.

Xi3 to Hold Panel Discussion at the “Indie Lounge”

During the 11-day film festival (January 16—26, 2014), Xi3 will conduct a Panel Discussion titled, “Making Michael Bay-like Films on an Indie Budget: How to do more in less time at lower costs with next generation technologies.” This 60-minute Panel Discussion will be held onMonday, January 20 from 1—2 p.m. at 710 N. Main Street in Park City, Utah. Seating for the Panel Discussion is limited, so interested individuals are asked to RSVP to PanelDiscussion@Xi3.com.

Xi3 Enters Ongoing Technology Partnership with Park City Live

Xi3 and Park City Live have entered into an ongoing Technology Partnership that features Xi3’s Modular Computers and other technologies throughout the venue on a year-round basis. Located in the heart of Park City near the midpoint of Main Street in the historic Memorial Building, Park City Live is Park City’s premier concert venue for live concerts, DJs and special events—especially during the city’s annual film festival.

Xi3 Installs ODIN at Park City Live—Xi3’s First “Live” Performance Studio for DJs

Xi3 has entered the pro audio market with a new development stage project code-named ODIN aimed at professional DJs. ODIN is a new concept in “Live Studio” performance systems where DJs combine digital audio and video to create unique state-of-the-art performances each night. The ODIN “Live Studio” performance booth utilizes Xi3’s powerful yet tiny X7A Modular Computers to drive the most popular studio and DJ/VJ software applications for live concerts and performances. Additionally, the Xi3-powered ODIN “Live Studio” DJ/VJ booth at Park City Live controls and takes full advantage of the BOSE Pro Audio speaker system installed earlier this week at the Park City Live venue alongside ODIN.

“Xi3 is helping create truly remarkable entertainment experiences for festival- and concert-goers during this 11-day event,” Sullivan said. “That’s because Xi3 Modular Computers are perfect for pro DJs and filmmakers alike. Our 10X technologies carry a huge advantage over comparably equipped machines, and I’m confident such advantages will provide a huge uplift for our colleagues in the Entertainment Industry. Furthermore, I personally invite all industry professionals at this year’s festival to come see, hear and experience the Xi3 creative difference for themselves.”

About the Independent Film Makers Lounge

Developed in 2010 as a destination to thousands of established and inspiring independent filmmakers, in its fourth year, the Independent Film Makers Lounge has rapidly become one of the most popular Lounges during Utah’s most famous Film Festival. The Lounge caters specifically to industry professionals, directors, producers, studio executives, and financial decision makers. Numerous celebrities join the Lounge because of the exclusivity, entertainment, and of course, the gifting. During this four-day epic event, approximately 2,000 people will attend the fully catered Lounge with its open bar. The dynamic of the Lounge, its celebrity draw and unique platform have garnered the attention of CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Hollywood Reporter, ON Entertainment and E! News, each of which have requested credentials for 2014. The hospitality of our Lounge, its filmmaking forums, live entertainment, gourmet food, and an award-winning staff add to the founding principles that have put the Independent Film Makers Lounge in a class of its own.

About Park City Live

During the one of the most influential film festivals in the country, Park City Live is traditionally the most sought after venue for parties and live events. The space, situated directly on Main Street in Park City, has played host to top musical performances from Metallica to Deadmau5. Formerly Harry O’s, Park City Live is the place to “see and be seen” as a combination of world-renowned musicians, A-list celebrities and industry executives are among the nightly after-party attendees. Park City Live is located at the World Famous 427 Main Street, Park City, Utah. For more information, visit www.parkcitylive.net.

About Xi3 Corporation

Formed in 2010 and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Xi3 Corporation utilizes “The Power of X” to bring its building block approach to the world of computing, an approach Xi3 applies internally and externally to hardware solutions and software applications. For more information about Xi3 Corporation, please visit www.Xi3.com.

Deception IV: Blood Ties Release Date

2014/01/17

Jerry Paxton

News, PlayStation 3 News, PS Vita News

BURLINGAME, Calif. – JANUARY 17, 2014 – TECMO KOEI America announced today that the upcoming title DECEPTION IV: BLOOD TIES will launch in North America on March 25, 2014 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system.

In this imaginative follow up to the classic Tecmo title ‘Tecmo’s Deception’, first released in 1996 on the PlayStation®, players get a taste of what it’s like to play on the side of evil. Much like its predecessors, DECEPTION IV: BLOOD TIES is a strategy-focused action game revolving around a deceitful main character known as the Devil’s daughter who, assisted by three Demons, defeats her foes through trickery.

DECEPTION IV: BLOOD TIES follows the story of Laegrinna, an animated fragment of an imprisoned Devil’s soul, as she battles her enemies by mischievously luring them into strategically placed traps. From rolling boulders and spiked walls to spring boards, iron maidens, human cannons, falling bathtubs and banana peels, the player can choose from a multitude of dramatic, sadistic, and comical traps in order to finish off an enemy.

However, simply setting traps is not enough, as they need to be activated in turn. Timing also plays an important role, as an untimely activation could result in Laegrinna falling into her own trap or allowing her rivals to catch her. Depending on the manner in which an enemy is killed or captured, the Devil’s three servants – Veruza, Caelea and Lilia (each representing a different aspect of cruelty: Sadistic Torment, Elaborate Death and Humiliating Demise) – reward points and upgraded traps.

Those playing the PlayStation®3 version of DECEPTION IV: BLOOD TIES will be able to upload their combos online or challenge other players to beat their highest-scoring, funniest, or most sadistic combos.

The PlayStation®Vita version boasts additional features, like Cross Play and Cross Saves between PS3/ PSVITA and touch-screen functions to select and activate traps.

DECEPTION IV: BLOOD TIES is produced by the creator of Fatal Frame, Keisuke Kikuchi and developed by Tecmo Koei. The franchise as a whole has sold more than 800,000 copies globally. For more news and information on DECEPTION IV: BLOOD TIES please follow us on https://www.facebook.com/tecmokoeiamerica or visit www.tecmokoeiamerica.com/deception4. This title has not yet been rated by the ESRB.