Author - Jerry Paxton

Konami Opens LA Games Studio

2013/09/06
Jerry Paxton
Industry News, News

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EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – September 6th, 2013 – Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced the opening of a new Los Angeles development studio. The studio will be instrumental in developing a variety of games, including installments of the METAL GEAR SOLID franchise. During an opening ceremony at the new studio, Konami discussed new details about the METAL GEAR SOLID V experience, which includes METAL GEAR SOLID: GROUND ZEROES, the prologue to METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN. Hideo Kojima, METAL GEAR SOLID creator and Director of Kojima Productions, took the stage to show the first live gameplay demo for METAL GEAR SOLID: GROUND ZEROES.

Best known for the development of the popular METAL GEAR SOLID franchise, Kojima Productions’ team in Los Angeles will be instrumental in the continued development of the franchise, particularly with the upcoming release of METAL GEAR SOLID V. Hideo Kojima will continue to provide guidance and inspiration to the employees of the Los Angeles studio.

“As gaming takes the world stage as one of the greatest forms of entertainment, it’s only natural for us to expand our operations across the globe,” said Hideo Kojima, Director of Kojima Productions. “And since Los Angeles is ground zero for the best studios, facilities and world-class talent, we are leaning on of these local resources to build an incredible team to create gaming experiences that are just as compelling as any film or television show.”

“The Los Angeles studio emphasizes Konami and Kojima Productions commitment to expanding our development footprint,” said Tomoyuki Tsuboi, President of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. “The new studio will put Kojima Productions in the heart of the west which will benefit future releases as it will introduce new talent and creativity to the development teams.”

Konami and Kojima Productions recently celebrated its 25th anniversary of the METAL GEAR SOLID franchise which is the seminal work of Hideo Kojima, Japan’s master game creator, and the progenitor of the stealth action game genre. With more than 35.4 million units sold to date, the METAL GEAR series has become a global phenomenon. Along with the gameplay, the METAL GEAR SOLID series is also known for its storyline, which blends seamlessly with the gameplay. The scenarios are based on extensive research and incorporate the drama of actual developments in society. These elements have made METAL GEAR SOLID what it is today: a mature work of entertainment that transcends national borders and the confines of video games, and one of the leading products of the Japanese content business.

Rise of Venice Goes Gold

2013/09/05
Jerry Paxton
News, Windows PC News

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September 5, 2013, Ridgewood, NJ – Kalypso Media is today pleased to announce that Rise of Venice, its merchant/political simulation game for Windows PC, has gone gold. Rise of Venice, which puts players in charge of a burgeoning Renaissance-era trading and political empire, will be released on September 27 via Steam and other digital portals.
Venice was at the peak of its power during the Renaissance and was viewed as a city of decadence, beauty and intrigue. Renowned as the linchpin of civilization and the cultural centre of Europe, Venice was the most important trading post between Western Europe and the eastern stretch of the Mediterranean Sea.  It was also the stage for political corruptions and clandestine dealings.
This is where your story begins. As a young man striving for success, power and wealth and with the support of your family, you begin to build up a trading empire across Genoa, Tripoli, Rome, Alexandria, and Constantinople in addition to many other significant cities from the Renaissance.As you progress through the ranks of Venetian society, increasing your power with smart trading moves and calling in the occasional favor, you can begin to assemble your own fleet. With this you will start to build up new production facilities and test yourself in challenging sea battles where you will face off against pirates as well as political enemies.

Features of Rise of Venice:

  • Experience a compelling story full of intrigue and treason in Venice at the time of the Renaissance
  • Trade a variety of goods in the most important cities of the time such as Rome, Alexandria, Constantinople and Athens.
  • With your own family tree you can interact with your family members, send them on missions and watch how the power of your family grows over time.
  • Meet other important families who are pulling the strings in Venice’s government and influence political decisions yourself.
  • Build your own production facilities and trading fleets
  • Take fate into your own hands and test your skills in furious sea battles
  • Multiplayer mode for up to 4 players via LAN and Internet
 For more information please visit www.kalypsomedia.com

The City of Columbia Comes to Disney Infinity

2013/09/05
Jerry Paxton
News, Nintendo Wii U News, PlayStation 3 News, Xbox 360 News

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September 5, 2013 — Today, Disney Interactive releases five new custom-built Toy Boxes for Disney Infinity players. The new Toy Boxes are available now for download free of charge on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii U. The new set of screenshots and videos showcase a variety of ways that players can build and customize their own worlds in the Toy Box mode.

Here are the five free Toy Boxes available now for download:

1.       Toy Columbia – Explore a sprawling city in the sky with infinite possibilities. (View video here)

2.       Sky Gauntlet – Put platforming skills to the test in a series of complicated challenges. (View video here)

3.       Jungle Cruise – Become the skipper in a Jungle Cruise-inspired Toy Box, full of adventure, peril, and puns. (View video here)

4.       Trench Run – Pilot a Tron Recognizer through an obstacle-filled trench to save the galaxy. (View video here)

5.       Blue Breakout – Players must find their way out of this maddening blue maze. (View video here)

Disney Infinity is available in stores now for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U, Wii and 3DS.

Players can download the new Toy Boxes by selecting “Toy Box” from the Disney Infinity Main Menu and then select “Toy Box Share” and “Disney’s Toy Boxes.” Once there they will see a list of all the featured Toy Boxes and can choose one to download. They will be able to come back every week for new Toy Boxes. Players should also let us know what they want to see because Disney Infinity developers will soon begin creating content based on player suggestions.

As a refresher, Disney Infinity’s Toy Box is a wide-open space that gives players free range to create entire levels or worlds of their own. Players can upload their creation onto Disney’s server and Disney will curate and release the best ones so all gamers can experience the magic.

 

 

Sound Blaster Omni Surround Ext Sound Card Announced

2013/09/04
Jerry Paxton
Hardware News, News

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September 4, 2013 — Creative Technology Ltd today announced an all new high performance external sound card – the Sound Blaster® Omni Surround 5.1. On top of enhancing audio playback via Creative’s SBX Pro Studio™ suite of processing technologies, the Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 goes a step further to provide a more complete playback experience. The sound card comes with a 600 ohm headphone amplifier that allows discerning listeners to hear every enhanced audio detail through powerful studio-grade monitoring headphones.

“We have always strived to ensure that our sound cards are packed with the latest features and technology, and that’s why they represent the best upgrades from simple motherboard audio to full cinematic surround sound. This principle is reflected with the all new Omni Surround 5.1. With its 600 ohm headphone amplifier, users are able to enjoy a more complete immersive experience – the amplifier supports the capabilities of studio-grade monitoring headphones by giving them sufficient power to reproduce low frequency tones that are usually ignored, bringing the listening experience to a whole new level,” says Low Long Chye, General Manager of the Audio Video Products Group.

Beyond a complete playback experience, the Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 also features impressive recording capabilities that will be appreciated by today’s new generation of audio content creators, including podcasters and budding YouTube musicians. It houses a built-in dual array microphone that records clear audio, and all recorded audio is further enhanced and cleaned up via Creative’s CrystalVoice™ technologies. Users can look forward to a painless installation process – the Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 can be connected to laptops, PCs and Macs via a simple USB cable. The device also houses conveniently accessible controls and input options.

Intelligent Features of the Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1
1. Comes with Sound Blaster Omni Control Panel, a PC/Mac software suite that gives users full access and control over advanced SBX Pro Studio and CrystalVoice technologies for enhanced audio playback and recording
2. Dolby Digital Live allows users to connect to their decoder through a single optical cable for compelling 5.1 Surround Sound in addition to a 5.1 analog output
3. Comes with a 600 ohm amplifier for studio-grade monitoring, allowing every enhanced detail to be heard with great clarity
4. Built-in dual microphone array works in tandem with CrystalVoice technology for crystal clear audio pickup and recording, perfect for voice communications or audio content creation
5. Features a simple installation process, with users able to connect the Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 to laptops/PCs/Macs via USB
6. Houses easily accessible controls and input options

Sound Blaster Audigy Rx and Sound Blaster Audigy Fx – Internal PCIe Entertainment Sound Cards
Along with Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1, Creative also revealed the all new Sound Blaster Audigy Rx and Sound Blaster Audigy Fx – two internal sound cards that represent powerful upgrades from basic motherboard audio to immersive surround sound. The Sound Blaster Audigy Rx is an advanced internal 7.1 PCIe sound card, while the Sound Blaster Audigy Fx is an internal 5.1 half-height PCIe sound card. Both cards feature 600 ohm headphone amplifiers, a 106dB SNR and full customization via their respective PC software suites. The Sound Blaster Audigy Rx has more advanced recording capabilities, with a dual microphone input for simultaneous multi-person audio recording, useful for podcasting or singing along with a friend.

Intelligent Features of the Sound Blaster Audigy Rx
1. Comes with Sound Blaster Audigy Rx Control Panel, a PC software suite that gives users full access and control over advanced technologies for enhanced audio playback and recording
2. EAX® Studio Software allows for additional customizable environmental effects to music, movies, games and voice
3. Comes with a 600 ohm amplifier for studio-grade monitoring
4. Built-in dual microphone input allows for simultaneous multi-person podcasting or audio recording

Intelligent Features of the Sound Blaster Audigy Fx
1. Comes with Sound Blaster Audigy Fx Control Panel, a PC software suite that gives users full access and control over advanced SBX Pro Studio technologies for enhanced audio playback and recording
2. Comes with a 600 ohm amplifier for studio-grade monitoring
3. Independent Line-in and microphone input allows user to play music from a smart device or MP3 player through the Sound Blaster Audigy Fx to get amazing sound quality

Pricing and Availability
The Creative Sound Blaster Entertainment sound cards are slated for availability in October 2013 at creative.com, and will be available at selected retailers, at the following suggested retail prices:

Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 US79.99
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Rx US69.99
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Fx US39.99

For in-store availability, please refer to local authorised dealers.

Night of the Living Dead Rifftrax Event Announced

2013/09/04
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News

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Centennial, Colo. – Sept 3, 2013 – The “RiffTrax Live” cinema series has been racking in the “LOLs” and “ROTFLs” with its celebrated comedic treatment of films since 2009. This fall, the stars of RiffTrax—Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett (best known for the groundbreaking “Mystery Science Theater 3000”)—are back for a hilarious never-before-seen take on the George Romero zombie movie “Night of the Living Dead.” Movie theater audiences will witness shambling zombies (and lead actors alike) meeting their end via razor-sharp mockery, as NCM Fathom Events, RiffTrax and IGN present “RiffTrax Live: Night of the Living Dead” on Thursday, Oct. 24, live at 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT and tape delayed at 7:00 p.m. MT / 8:00 p.m. PT/HI/AK.

Tickets for “RiffTrax Live: Night of the Living Dead” are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. The event will be broadcast to more than 600 select movie theaters across the country through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the NCM Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

“Halloween is a time to celebrate the simple things: neighbor kids begging at your door, cleaning splattered eggs off your car window, and of course, laughing along with the classic zombie movie that kick-started the genre. We’re thrilled to be riffing along with a great print of this much-loved film!” said Michael J. Nelson, RiffTrax creator and former host of the Emmy-nominated, Peabody Award-winning “Mystery Science Theater 3000.”

A classic horror film, 1968’s “Night of the Living Dead” kicked off the ubiquitous zombie craze. The movie begins when Barbara and her brother Johnny travel to the countryside to visit their father’s gravestone. In the cemetery, Johnny is murdered by a peculiar man and Barbara must flee to an abandoned farmhouse. Also hiding from the zombies in the house is Ben, who boards up the doors and windows. After listening to the radio and learning that a satellite returning from space has reanimated the dead, Ben and Barbara discover five additional survivors hidden in the basement. Harry—one of the ragtag band of survivors—disagrees with Ben’s leadership, and the tension between the two men intensifies. As the group waits out the apocalypse, the house is besieged by an increasing throng of living dead.

“An evening at the movie theater with RiffTrax Live is always a hilarious and fun experience,” said Shelly Maxwell, executive vice president of NCM Fathom Events. “Seeing the guys fire their wisecracking commentary at ‘Night of the Living Dead’ on the big screen is a must-see for everyone’s Halloween to-do list.”

DCS: Mi-8MTV2 Magnificent Eight Pre-Orders Available

2013/09/04
Jerry Paxton
News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

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DUXFORD, UK, September 4, 2013 – The Fighter Collection and Belsimtek now offer DCS: Mi-8MTV2 Magnificent Eight as a digital download pre-purchase for $49.99. Pre-purchase also provides access to early pre-release Beta versions of the title.

Pre-purchase DCS: Mi-8MTV2 Magnificent Eight here:

http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/index.php?end_pos=1322&scr=shop&lang=en

DCS: Mi-8MTV2 Magnificent Eight is a highly realistic PC simulation of the Mi-8MTV2, a combat transport and fire support helicopter and an upgraded variant of one of the most widely produced helicopters in the world – the Russian Mi-8 (NATO reporting name ‘Hip’). Developed by Belsimtek and Eagle Dynamics, the team behind the hit title DCS: UH-1H Huey, DCS Mi-8MTV2 continues to deliver exceptional realism and immersive gameplay within the DCS World virtual battlefield.

The simulation features accurate modeling of all primary aircraft systems, avionics, and proper functionality of nearly all cockpit switches and controls. Flight and other dynamics are modeled using real-time physics calculations and carefully tuned using actual Mi-8MTV2 documentation and pilots deeply involved in development and testing. The result is not only the most realistic Mi-8 reproduction on the PC, but a comprehensive helicopter model that correctly presents complex dynamic effects particular to helicopter flight, such as: autorotation, vortex ring state (VRS), translational lift, hover in and out of ground effect, and many others.

You are placed in the cockpit of the Mi-8MTV2 to fly combat transport and support missions as the left pilot, right pilot or gunner. The helicopter can be armed with unguided rockets, gun pods, and on-board machine guns. In the transport role, a cargo of up to four tons can be carried internally or three tons on an external sling system to deliver and retrieve supplies in a wide variety of terrain and weather conditions. A series of single missions and a handcrafted, immersive campaign plunge you into the heat of battle in the DCS World battlefield of countless AI and a variety of player-controlled fighter and attack aircraft, helicopters, and ground units. Get online to play with or against other DCS players in a synthetic online battlefield.

A quickstart guide and interactive training help you get started quickly while the comprehensive Flight Manual details the helicopter’s systems and operational procedures. A wide variety of gameplay options allows each player to tailor their difficulty level as required.

Key Features of DCS: Mi-8MTV2 Magnificent Eight include:

· Unmatched flight physics providing the most realistic and dynamic conventional helicopter experience on the PC

· Multiple player positions, including pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, and door gunner

· Accurate and highly detailed 3D cockpit featuring six-degrees-of-freedom technology compatible with head-tracking devices

· Interactive cockpit controls that allow you to operate systems using the mouse

· Accurate modeling of the Mi-8MTV2 instruments, weapons, engines, radios, fuel, electrical, and hydraulic systems

· Highly detailed Mi-8MTV2 external 3D model, liveries, and weapons

· Accurate audio environment based on custom Mi-8MTV2 sound samples

· Immersive, handcrafted campaign with a variety of transport and fire support missions

· Training with interactive and video lessons

· Multiplayer coop mode for crew members of the same helicopter under development for a later update

· Developed in close cooperation with actual Mi-8MTV2 operators

Screenshots

Xbox One Release Date Announced

2013/09/04
Jerry Paxton
Industry News, News, Xbox One News

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Microsoft has announced that its next generation gaming console, the Xbox One, will be released on November 22nd, 2013 in 13 different markets. The Xbox One will cost $499.99 and is available for pre-order at the Microsoft store and other retailers. The Xbox One’s competitor, the PlayStation 4, is set to release on November 15th, 2013.