Author - Jerry Paxton

The Hutt Cartel Now Live

2013/04/15

AUSTIN, Texas – Apr. 14, 2013 – The Hutt Cartel is making a huge play to become the next galactic superpower and only the Republic or the Empire can stop their rise! BioWare™, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA), and LucasArts announced today that the first digital expansion for Star Wars: The Old Republic, Rise of the Hutt Cartel, is now available for players worldwide. Available for $19.99 (USD), or at half price for current Subscribers ($9.99 USD), players can extend their personal Star Wars™ saga, with exciting new playable missions, new features and a striking new planet, Makeb. Playing through Rise of the Hutt Cartel will raise the game’s level cap to 55 and allow players to access a host of new, higher-level group content in the recently released Game Update 2.0:Scum and Villainy.

“We’ve worked hard over the last year to ensure we were listening to player feedback and acting on it. This month, we’re not only adding hours of new story-driven content and features with Rise of the Hutt Cartel, but we are also adding depth and content to the end game with our latest Game Update 2.0: Scum and Villainy,” said Jeff Hickman, Executive Producer of Star Wars: The Old Republic. “All of this new content, combined with a much larger, more active and engaged community since the addition of the Free-to-Play option last year, makes this the best time to join or return to The Old Republic!”

In Rise of the Hutt Cartel, players will explore a new storyline on the beautiful and exciting new planet of Makeb. Here players will continue their faction storylines as they fight against a nefarious new threat, the Hutt Cartel, attempting a take-over of the planet and all its resources. As players progress through the new levels they will earn new gear and abilities, along with access to new Elder Game content. As part of the experience, players will also be able to acquire new technological gear including Macrobinoculars and Seeker Droids, which take players on galaxy-spanning new missions to unlock valuable rewards.

Star Wars: The Old Republic is set thousands of years before the classic Star Wars movies. Players are immersed as they team up with friends online to fight in heroic battles reminiscent of the films, exploring a galaxy of vibrant planets, experiencing visceral Star Wars combat, all set to a sweeping musical score. Now, players can experience the complete storylines of the eight iconic Star Warsclasses, all the way to Level 50 without having to pay a monthly fee. experience Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Visit www.StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com/RiseoftheHuttCartel to learn more or purchase the Digital Expansion for $19.99. Be sure to checkwww.StarWarsTheTheOldRepublic.com for the latest updates and follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

EA Sports NHL 14 Details Released

2013/04/15

Jerry Paxton

News, PlayStation 3 News, Xbox 360 News

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – April 15, 2013 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) announced today the breakthrough features forEA SPORTS^TM NHL^®14 that are set to unleash the aggression, speed and skill of NHL hockey through the best technology of this console generation that EA SPORTS has to offer. Deliver game-changing hits with cutting-edge NHL® Collision Physics, built from EA SPORTS FIFA’s revolutionary Player Impact Engine. Drop the gloves with the all-new Enforcer Engine, powered by the same technology used in the critically acclaimed Fight Night franchise. Experience a new level of speed and control with the second season of the critically-acclaimed True Performance Skating engine, and dangle defenders with all-new One-Touch Dekes. In addition, fans can Live the Life of an NHL player in an all-new incarnation of the Be a Pro Career Mode, now featuring on and off-ice elements. NHL 14 will be available for the Xbox 360^® video game and entertainment system, and the PlayStation^®3 computer entertainment system. NHL 14 releases on September 10, 2013 in North America and September 13, 2013 in Europe.

“We’re very proud of the history of innovation that the EA SPORTS NHL franchise has produced on this console generation, and this year we’re amplifying that innovation by leveraging technology from teams like FIFA and Fight Night,” says Dean Richards, General Manager, NHL, EA SPORTS. “This year fans will feel the speed, skill and aggression of NHL hockey like never before, powered by some of the best EA SPORTS technology to create the best game we could ever imagine.”

The NHL 14 official trailer can be found here:

NHL 14 Features

· NHL^® Collision Physics – Developed from the same core technology that powers EA SPORTS FIFA’s critically-acclaimed Player Impact Engine, NHL® Collision Physics introduces bigger, more thrilling hits, and truer-to-life collisions. A new left-stick control scheme makes delivering a game-changing hit simpler and more rewarding than ever.

· Enforcer Engine – Powered by the same technology used in the critically acclaimed Fight Night franchise, NHL 14 will bring a brand new third-person presentation to showcase the anatomy of a fight. All players on the ice (human or CPU) remain live from the drop of the gloves to the trip to the penalty box, with no break in the action. This new technology delivers, for the first time in the EA SPORTS NHL franchise, true size and strength differentiation between players, new jostling mechanics and much more to create the most authentic and electrifying experience yet.

· True Performance Skating – Built on the breakthrough innovation that introduced physics-based skating and over 1,000 new skating animations to the EA SPORTS NHL franchise. The second year of the True Performance Skating features improved acceleration, explosive first-strides, quicker pivots and enhanced lateral skating, resulting in greater player responsiveness and unprecedented control.

· One-Touch Dekes – Experience what it feels like to be a superstar through a new, more responsive deking system controlled only with the left stick and one-button. From beginner to advanced gamers, the system allows for quicker reactive dekes and intuitive combination dekes, creating more moves than ever before.

· Live the Life – The new incarnation of the Be a Pro Career Mode, now you can truly Live the Life of an NHL player. On or off the ice, every decision you make shapes your legacy as an athlete. Interact with teammates outside of the rink. Take part in media interviews. Each choice you make will affect your relationship with fans, teammates and management, influencing your skills and progression.

· HUT & EASHL Online Seasons – NHL 14 adds the best-in-class promotion and relegation system in the sports category to the Hockey Ultimate Team & EA SPORTS Hockey League modes. Win games and advance to the next division to face tougher competition, fall short and see your team bumped down. Teams will be able to track their progress across multiple seasons.

Create the greatest fantasy team in sports with NHL® 13 Hockey Ultimate Team. In a hockey world without career lengths or a salary cap, acquire and assemble top players from around the world, then take on friends or skilled opponents from a massive online community.

NHL 14 Cover Vote to Launch on April 22, 2013

Beginning April 22, 2013, fans around the world can once again shape the face of the world’s #1 hockey video game franchise when the second annual EA SPORTS NHL^® Cover Vote Campaign launches on NHL.com/covervote.

In its inaugural year, the EA SPORTS NHL 13 Cover Vote Campaign generated more than 25 million fan votes, culminating with Philadelphia Flyers Captain Claude Giroux landing on the NHL 13 cover.

18 Minutes of Rise of the Triad Gameplay

2013/04/15

Jerry Paxton

News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Interceptor Entertainment has released an 18 minute long video of Rise of the Triad gameplay footage. Check out all the giblet-flying action below:

Video

Marvel Super Hero Squad Online Turns 2

2013/04/15

Jerry Paxton

News, Windows PC News

SAN MATEO, Calif. – April 15, 2013 – Gazillion Entertainment, a leading developer and publisher of massively multiplayer online (MMO) games, is celebrating the two-year anniversary of Marvel Super Hero Squad Online, the family friendly free-to-play online game featuring Super Heroes from the Marvel Universe.

With more than 5 million registrations since launch, Marvel Super Hero Squad Online is kicking off the two-year anniversary celebration with a series of in-game events, new feature releases, challenges, and heroes including:

New Playable Heroes – Bombastic Bagman, Venom, Spider-Man: Ends of the Earth, Spider-Man Noir and many others make their debut as playable characters.

Expanded Challenges – 20 new challenges highlighting Mayhem Mode bosses including Loki, Green Goblin, and Doctor Doom. By completing all of the challenges, players will unlock a powerful new playable villain – M.O.D.O.K.

Enhanced Abilities – Players can unlock five new levels for each character and power up their special abilities by purchasing Medallions.

New World Events – Compete daily for a chance to win Spider-Man Noir by collecting Infinity Fractals from the game world or from the store.

Since the game launched in April 2011, Marvel Super Hero Squad Online has added countless hours of exciting new game content including new game modes, fan-favorite playable Marvel Super Heroes, and unique achievements and collectibles. The past twelve months saw the arrival of over 30 new characters – including 2 new playable villains! Dozens of new missions, challenges and special events offer thrilling new gaming experiences drawn directly from the Marvel Universe. With the recent launch of Mayhem Mode, players are challenged to explore Super Hero City for dangerous villains to battle.

Marvel Super Hero Squad Online is a free-to-play, family-friendly game where players can team up with friends and adventure as legendary Super Heroes from the expansive Marvel Universe. Players can engage in exhilarating combat, explore interactive environments, and collect thousands of items. Marvel Super Hero Squad Online has over 100 playable heroes to choose from, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, Wolverine, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, Hawkeye and more. Marvel Super Hero Squad Online offers more than 30 exciting missions across four zones, arcade games, and a head-to-head collectible card game starring Super Heroes from the game!

For more information on Marvel Super Hero Squad Online visit: www.heroup.com.

AOC Unveils Cinematic 29-inch UltraWide Display

2013/04/15

Jerry Paxton

News, Tech News

Fremont, Calif. – April 15, 2013 – AOC, worldwide leader in display technology, unveils the Q2963PM, a 29-inch 21:9 super wide screen HD monitor that combines IPS LED technology with convenient connectivity to provide a cinematic display experience. The Q2963PM is equipped with dual 3 Watt enclosed speakers and WFHD 2560×1080 resolution to deliver a more immersive experience for your favorite movies and games. With multiple inputs like DisplayPort, HDMI and DVI, the display will also enable you to multiply your screen with Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture capabilities. This means you can watch a movie through a connected Blu-ray player on one half of the screen and browse the Internet through your connected laptop on the other half, and more. MHL technology will also allow you to mirror your smartphone on the monitor’s 29-inch wide screen. The AOC Q2963PM is now available for $499 at Amazon, Microcenter, New Egg, Tiger Direct, Canada Computers and other national retailers.

Cinematic Experience

The panoramic Q2963PM display offers a 21:9 aspect ratio, which allows widescreen movies to be viewed without black bars on the top and bottom of the screen. The monitor’s IPS panel also provides crisp and clear viewing from almost any angle. The Q2963PM features a Dynamic Contrast Ratio of 50,000,000:1 from viewing angles up to 178° both vertically and horizontally. Combined with 250 cd/m² brightness and a response time of 5 ms, the display is ideal for both cinema enthusiasts and office users.

Work Station Productivity

AOC’s Screen+ software allows the Q2963PM’s vast screen to be split into individual work areas, making it easy to multitask and view multiple documents simultaneously. The extra desktop real estate is perfect for comparing documents side by side or using multiple program windows. In the office, the monitor’s built-in speakers will also help to reduce cable clutter, as no external audio set-up is required. The display is also 100 mm VESA compatible so that it can be mounted to the wall to save space and create a streamlined look.

The Q2963PM offers multiple connections so that Blu-ray players, computers and other signal sources can be connected simultaneously and displayed at a high resolution of 2560 x 1080 pixels. Additionally, an integrated MHL port allows Android users to connect compatible phones and tablets directly to the monitor to mirror content to the 29-inch UltaWide display while charging the mobile device at the same time.

The Q2963PM is also equipped with an HDCP-compatible HDMI port, DVI-D and D-Sub ports, and DisplayPort in and DisplayPort out connections. Thanks to Display Port 1.2a with HBR2 multi-stream transport technology, you can interconnect multiple monitors to create a single daisy chain configuration. Your DP 1.2a compliant PC device will be able to configure these monitors into a single huge screen, or independent screens depending on your application requirement.

Energy Saving

The Q2963PM is ENERGY STAR qualified, meaning it uses about 30 percent less energy than standard units. The energy-efficient monitor consumes only 26 watts when in full operation and 0.5 Watt in standby mode. It also comes with Eco Mode and e-Saver software to help save energy, and is free of harmful arsenic, mercury and BFR/PVC laminates that can be found in other monitors.

“AOC’s new 29-inch super-wide monitor lets you see more, do more, experience more and connect more, whether you are looking to add a panoramic display to your home for watching movies or a widescreen monitor to help increase productivity at the office,” said Chris Brown, AOC Marketing Manager. “The monitor’s expansive features and versatility coupled with its competitive pricing make it a must-have for every PC user.”

Key Features

•   See More: Stunning design and clear bright images provide the perfect canvas for your visual experience
•    Do More: 21:9 Ultra-wide screen combined with AOC’s Screen+ software allows for multiple full-size applications on one screen
•   Experience More: Cinematic super wide display delivers a more immersive experience with no black bars on the top or bottom of the screen
•   Connect More: Display Port 1.2a with HBR2 multi-stream transport technology lets you interconnect multiple monitors to create a single daisy chain configuration; MHL technology allows you to mirror your smartphone on this big screen monitor; and multiple inputs like DisplayPort, HDMI and DVI enable you to multiply your screen with Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture capabilities

Corsair 900D Now Available on ORIGIN PC Desktops

2013/04/15

Jerry Paxton

Hardware News, News, Tech News

Miami, FL – April 15th, 2013, 9:00 a.m. Eastern – ORIGIN PC announced today the availability of the highly anticipated Corsair 900D full tower chassis to their award-winning line of GENESIS desktops. The Corsair 900D is the perfect solution for hardware enthusiasts looking for a desktop chassis that offers an incredible amount of expansion options with plenty of room for future upgrades. With enough space for up to nine hard drive bays, dual power supplies and support for up to 4-WAY SLI liquid-cooled NVIDIA GeForce GTX TITAN graphics cards, the Corsair 900D Chassis is a welcomed addition to the ORIGIN GENESIS family.

ORIGIN GENESIS Corsair 900D Features:

Supports Up To Five Radiator Mounting Points, Dual Power Supplies and Nine Hard Drive Bays
ORIGIN CRYOGENIC Liquid-Cooling Solution for both CPU and GPU
Supports Up To 4-WAY SLI Liquid-Cooled NVIDIA GeForce GTX TITANs
ORIGIN PC Custom Automotive Paint Finish Available

The ORIGIN GENESIS starts at $1430.00

Airsoft for Gamers #4: AEG Types

2013/04/12

Jerry Paxton

Action Sports, Airsoft News, Articles, Geek News, News

Last week, we got the chance to interview the leader of “Infidel”, a well-known Pro-Airsoft team. In this week’s Airsoft for Gamers entry, we take a look at the various types of AEGs (airsoft electric guns) and their uses. Before that, however, here is a video of one of our recent matches over at the HSP Combat Center:

A Primer on Airsoft Electric Guns

AEGs powered by electric motors represent the bulk of Airsoft guns used in games today. The concept behind the AEG is that the plastic BB is fired from down the barrel of the gun by way of a high-pressure expulsion of air. This air is shot from the gun by way of an electric motor which turns some gears, thereby compressing a piston. When this piston is compressed, the air and, hopefully, the BB fire from the gun’s barrel. Here is a very understandable video showing off the action of an AEG firing BBs:

Continue Reading about AEGs on the Next Page:

Grimlands Mac and Linux Versions Revealed

2013/04/12

Jerry Paxton

Mac PC News, News, Windows PC News

Krakow, 12.04.2013: Following numerous requests from players DRAGO Entertainment is pleased to announce the Mac and Linux versions of Grimlands. To celebrate the developer has also released the second part of the Making Of video series that focuses on vehicles and crafting:

“We always planned to bring Grimlands to more platforms besides the Windows PC”, explains Lucjan Mikociak from DRAGO Entertainment, “but the amount of requests from the Mac- and Linux communities has convinced us to make these versions happen in 2013. And there are even more versions planned down the road.”

In development at Polish studio DRAGO for over five years, Grimlands is an innovative mix of MMORPG and First- or Third Person Shooter. Thousands of players explore a huge open world that was laid in ruins by earthquakes and face the daily challenges of this deadly environment: Scarce resources fuel the PVE and PVP fights and force players to craft every item by themselves. Without level- or point-restrictions, players create their individual avatar just by playing in their favorite style and learning skills by using them. Clans fight over key locations in the game world using armed vehicles for support. Choosing if they want to be a lone wolf or trade and band together with other players is just one of the many parts of the sandbox-style gameplay.

Despite positive feedback on the last two Beta tests, a strategy-shift from development to distribution has led gamigo AG to cancel Grimlands. Following strong fan-support, the development team aims to finance the remaining work by turning to the community on Kickstarter.

We would appreciate if you would support our project by reporting on this news and linking to our Kickstarter page. Please contact us at press@drago-entertainment.com for exclusive screenshots or interview requests – we are looking forward to hearing from you!

Please note: the game footage was taken from the CBT2 build and lighting, animations and overall combat look much better now as we will show you soon.

Grimlands Key Features:

True Mix of Shooter and MMORG with aiming, stealth and cover but deep character development and customization
Unique crafting: Almost every item (Weapons, Ammunition, armor etc.) is crafted by players out of scavenged raw materials based on blue prints but depending on crafting skills, making each build special and giving incentives for player trading via the auction house
Unique skill system: Without levels or points players advance their character skills by using specific weapons or functions; allowing for diverse character builds
Huge, open game world with weather and daytime changes set in an post-apocalyptic setting
A variety of upgradable vehicles that can be driven by up to four players and used for combat
Both PVE with strong storyline told through hundreds of quests and various PVP options
Strong clan support with territorial fights that gives real bonuses for holding key locations
Dungeons for groups with easy to use group finding tool

Pantera Entertainment Announces Theme Park Studio

2013/04/12

Jerry Paxton

News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

Porter Ranch, Calif.–April 12, 2013--Pantera Entertainment today announced Theme Park Studio, an advanced theme park and roller coaster builder for PC. Already in development for several months, Theme Park Studio has generated excitement and acclaim among fans of the genre. Pantera will launch a crowdfunding campaign via Kickstarter with the goal of releasing the title this fall.

Theme Park Studio is a powerful set of tools that allows players to build amazing theme parks of their own design. The simulator includes a robust coaster editor that is both easy to use and flexible, allowing rails to be bent, twisted, and shaped into almost any design imaginable. With brakes, accelerators, tunnels, and custom mesh, there is virtually no limit to what players can come up with. Prefabricated templates also provide the ease of click-and-drop designs.

Theme Park Studio breaks new ground with its new custom flat rides designer, a unique tool that gives players the opportunity to design, build, and invent custom rides, or simply select from the extensive library of pre-built rides. Extensive landscaping tools, custom scenery importing, and advanced vegetation solutions that make trees, bushes and flowers react to wind and turbulence make it possible to create stunning, picturesque environments. A full particle effects editor delivers amazing and realistic visuals, and full 3D stereoscopic support lets you experience your rides in eye-popping 3D. When your park is complete, open the gates and watch guests tour your park and enjoy the coasters and rides.

“It began as a project we wanted to build for the community, especially now that the future of other theme park franchises is in doubt,” says Steve Fielding, president of Pantera Entertainment. “Our idea was to integrate our tools and technology into one massively powerful theme park creator that gives fans unprecedented control of their designs and creations. We had a great engine and a sophisticated set of tools we had been using for internal development, and we love designing roller coasters and theme parks, so this was a great way to release a product that packs a real punch technologically.” The Season Pass recently covered the simulation on their podcast, which can be found at http://traffic.libsyn.com/seasonpasspodcast/The_Season_Pass_230.mp3

Early response to Theme Park Studio has been extremely positive. Robb Alvey of ThemeParkReview.com says, “Theme Park Studio is everything you could want in a theme park simulation game.” Adds George Taylor of Micechat.com, “Theme Park Studio should make a lot of the Roller Coaster Tycoon fans very happy as well as breathing new life into the theme park and roller coaster sim market.” Orlando Attractions Magazine says, “For all the people who want to be an Imagineer, this is the game for you.

Pantera has extensive experience creating theme park and roller coaster simulators, with a portfolio that includes one of the most advanced roller coaster designers ever created, Hyper Rails, as well as Roller Coaster Factory, 3D Roller Coaster Designer and 3D Snowboard Resort Designer on PC, and Six Flags Fun Park for the Wii.

The Kickstarter campaign launches today at: Ultimate Theme Park Kickstarter. Rewards range from themed wallpaper for a $5.00 “Park Guest” contribution up to $5,000 “Executive Producer” level, which includes a stay at the Disneyland Hotel and invitation to the Theme Park Studio wrap party, among other perks.

“We’re getting great feedback as word has spread about Theme Park Studio, and it’s really exciting,” says Fielding. “Crowd funding will enable us to produce a complete product with the features that people have been asking for, such as pre-built ride libraries, and get it to market much more quickly.”

Randers/Screenshots

German Forces Screens for Wargame AirLand Battle

2013/04/12

Jerry Paxton

News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

Focus Home Interactive has released a new set of screenshots for their upcoming Wargame AirLand Battle featuring some of the German military forces to be found in the game.

Screenshots