Author - Jerry Paxton

Digital Storm Launches HydroLux Cooling Solution

2013/08/28

FREMONT, CA — Digital Storm today unveiled HydroLux, a complete desktop cooling solution that combines liquid and airflow cooling with fully customizable control software. Available exclusively on Digital Storm desktops, HydroLux monitors and automatically adjusts to temperature fluctuations in in real-time, marking a giant leap in the evolution of PC cooling.

“We work hard to differentiate the Digital Storm brand by engineering powerful systems that meet our customer’s high-performance demands,” said Rajeev Kuruppu, Digital Storm’s Director of Product Development. “HydroLux delivers on that promise by providing an industry leading cooling solution that can be fully customized to meet each user’s unique needs.”

The HydroLux’s proprietary Control Center software provides enthusiasts with complete control of the cooling system and chassis. This includes detailed temperature graphs, thermal linked LED lighting (pictured below) and automated airflow optimization.

With the click of a button, HydroLux can transform chassis LED lighting into a powerful tool for monitoring system temperatures. As both internal system and fluid temperatures rise, HydroLux visually displays the fluctuations by fading LED lighting from a cool blue to a warm red. To help enthusiasts know when they have pushed their system to new heights, chassis lighting switches to red every time a maximum temperature recording is exceeded.

Users can choose from quiet or extreme airflow profiles depending on preference levels, or allow HydroLux to automatically make those determinations and adjustments in auto mode. An array of temperature probes feed the HydroLux control board with real-time data, which is then used to modify fan zones accordingly, striking the optimal balance between thermals and system noise.

HydroLux employs large high-flow pumps to move as much as 300 gallons of cooling fluid per hour, increasing heat dissipation and improving overall system stability. The advanced cooling system also features strategically placed quick disconnect valves for easy service and to simplify system upgrades.

The HydroLux Liquid Cooling System is immediately available on all Digital Storm Desktops, including the recently released award-winning Aventum II.

Product Page: http://www.digitalstormonline.com/hydrolux

Tropico 5 Screenshots Released

2013/08/28

Jerry Paxton

News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

August 28, 2013, Ridgewood, NJ – Hello again from the wonderful island paradise of Tropico and greetings from Penultimo, the great man who speaks on behalf of our fearless leader, El Presidente! Today, Penultimo and the residents of Tropico are pleased to offer you a fresh new batch of screenshots taken from the upcoming game, Tropico 5, a city-builder based on the wondrous lives of the Tropican people. Download these new screens, which were recently shown to the media at gamescom 2013, and get a look at the amazing graphics and gameplay that will be featured in Tropico 5 for PC and consoles. Tropico 5 will take Tropico through a new timeline, starting in the Colonial era, and bringing the island into the present (and perhaps the future?).

You, as El Presidente, will first take control of the infamous island of Tropico during early colonial times and then guide it through the centuries as the world changes and moves ever forward. You must tackle the changing needs of your people, as well as opposing governments and factions, and thus lay the foundations for your own dynasty. As you move through your years in office you can promote members of your extended family on the island to positions of power: such as ambassador, commanding general or even Supreme Ruler, to ensure your legacy thrives through the eras. As your influence and wealth grows, so do the threats to your burgeoning island superpower. Can you survive both World Wars, prosper through the Great Depression, rule as an iron-fisted dictator through the Cold War and advance your country to modern times and beyond? From the 19^th to the 21st century, each era carries its own challenges and opportunities.

As well as a wealth of other new features, including advanced trading mechanics, technology, scientific research trees and island exploration, Tropico 5 will add cooperative and competitive multiplayer for up to four players for the first time in the series’ history! Viva El Presidente!

Features of Tropico 5

The Eras – From the 19th century to the 21st, each era carries its own challenges and opportunities. Begin your reign during colonial times and advance your nation through the modern era and into the future!
The Dynasty – Each member of El Presidente’s extended family is present on the island and may be appointed to key leadership positions, earning skills and experience in their assigned roles.
Research and Renovate – Advance your nation by discovering new buildings, technologies and resources. Transform your old buildings into modernized, hyper-efficient designs worthy of an economic superpower!
Advanced trade system and trade fleet – Amass a global trade fleet and use your ships to secure import/export trade routes to neighbouring islands and key nations.
Explore your island – Discover what lies beyond the fog of war. Send prospectors to look for new mineral and ore deposits, but be wary of hostile animals and native tribes.
All new art – All artwork is reworked to provide Tropico 5 with a distinct historic visual identity. Choose from over 100 unique buildings from each of the individual eras.
Cooperative and competitive multiplayer – Up to four players can build up their own cities and economies on any given island map. Players can share resources and citizens, or declare war on each other.

Screenshots

Guild Wars 2 Celebrating First Anniversary

2013/08/28

Jerry Paxton

News, Windows PC News

BELLEVUE, Wash. – Aug. 28, 2013: ArenaNet, developer of the acclaimed Guild Wars franchise, will celebrate a record-breaking first year for Guild Wars 2 with a huge event in Seattle’s Renaissance Hotel on Saturday, Aug. 31. This event, which coincides with the gaming expo PAX Prime, will provide ArenaNet developers and fans a chance to meet and commemorate a fantastic first year.

Released a year ago today, Guild Wars 2 ranks as the all-time fastest-selling Western massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) in North America and Europe with territorial sales topping more than 3 million in the first nine months of availability.

“The game sold so far beyond our expectations,” wrote ArenaNet president Mike O’Brien in a blog post released today, marking the anniversary. “In this first year we’ve ramped up to make Guild Wars 2 the best-supported, most-updated online world in the industry.” To read the full blog and view an infographic created to commemorate the milestone, visit https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/guild-wars-2-the-first-year/.

The Guild Wars 2 Anniversary Bash will take place in the Madison Ballroom in downtown Seattle’s Renaissance Hotel on Aug. 31 from 1-11PM PST. The event will begin with a welcome address from studio president O’Brien, followed by a sneak peek at exclusive new content and an informative panel discussion with Guild Wars 2 developers about the game’s Living World, which is delivering players exciting new content at a pace unprecedented by Western standards.

Two teams of competitive players will face off in the inaugural PvP Invitational Tournament. The two winning teams from the North American and European regional qualifying tournaments will face off in a best three out of five player vs. player (PvP) match with $10,000 in prize money on the line. It’s competitive PvP at its most intense.

Starting at 8PM, ArenaNet staff and players will mix and mingle in an anniversary party full of music and prizes.

Schedule of Events

Welcome Address – 1-1:30PM
Sneak Peek Play Session – 1:30-3PM
Panel: “The Living World of Guild Wars 2” – 3:30-4:30PM
PvP Invitational Tournament – 5-7PM
Anniversary Party – 8-11PM

For more information about the Guild Wars 2 Anniversary Bash visit https://www.guildwars2.com/en/events/pax-2013/.

Guild Wars 2 offers gamers the chance to explore a vast, ever-changing fantasy world and participate in dynamic events great and small. With active combat, a gripping personal story, and beautiful handcrafted environments, the game also offers the challenge of small team competitive player vs. player (PvP) matches and large scale warfare amongst hundreds of players in World vs. World.

For more details about Guild Wars 2, visit www.guildwars2.com.

Borderlands 2: Game of the Year Edition Announced

2013/08/28

Jerry Paxton

Mac PC News, News, PlayStation 3 News, Windows PC News, Xbox 360 News

New York, NY – August 28, 2013 – 2K and Gearbox Software today announced that the Borderlands 2 Game of the Year Edition will be available on all platforms in North America on October 8, 2013 and internationally on October 11, 2013, in celebration of the success of Borderlands® 2. With the Borderlands 2 Season Pass now complete, this is the perfect opportunity to get all of its content as well as the base game, Premiere Club content, and more in one mayhem-filled package.

“For us and for fans, the love for Borderlands 2 has been nothing short of spectacular, so it’s natural for us here at Gearbox Software to want everyone else to have a chance to experience the best-selling game and its most valuable expansion content,” said Randy Pitchford, President of Gearbox Software. “The Borderlands 2 Game of the Year Edition offers more value than ever before in one package, giving everyone an opportunity to become a legendary Vault Hunter, and join in the award winning mayhem and fun.”

With the Borderlands 2 Game of the Year Edition, players can experience every epic boss battle, increase the level for each of the six playable Vault Hunters, play all of the additional campaign content, and enjoy hundreds of hours of shoot-and-loot mayhem at an extraordinary value. The Game of the Year Edition contains over $100 of gameplay content for only $59.99 and specifically includes:

Borderlands 2 Main Game;
Captain Scarlett and her Pirate’s Booty;
Mr. Torgue’s Campaign of Carnage;
Sir Hammerlock’s Big Game Hunt;
Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep;
Creature Slaughter Dome;
Premiere Club Content:
- Gaige, the Mechromancer Character Class;
- Gearbox Gun Pack;
- Golden Key;
- Vault Hunter’s Relic;
Krieg, the Psycho Character Class;
Collector’s Edition Heads and Skins;
Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Pack 1.

“The success of Borderlands 2 has been tremendous, and the game is on-track to become the highest-selling title in the history of 2K,” said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. “With the Game of the Year Edition releasing this fall, fans will have the opportunity to get their hands on the most comprehensive Borderlands 2 bundle at an incredible price.”

Borderlands 2 is rated M for Mature by the ESRB and is available now on the Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Mac®, and Windows PC. For the latestBorderlands 2 news and information, please visit the official Borderlands 2 web site, and follow on Twitter and Facebook.

2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

Halloween Horror Nights Makeup Press Event

2013/08/27

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, News

Today, we got a first-hand look at some of the makeup designs being brought out to scare guests while at a preview event for Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights attraction. This press-only event took place inside the Globe Theater, located inside Universal Studios Hollywood. On display were several makeup demos as well as wardrobe and wig displays. Additionally, Laney Parkhurst, contestant on SyFy’s Face Off, was on-site applying her winning makeup design from a recent episode. We would like to thank Trana Pittam and Heather La Londe for making our coverage of this event possible.

Overview Video

Artist Interviews

Photo Gallery

Razer Releases Ouroboros Gaming Mouse

2013/08/27

Jerry Paxton

News, Peripherals News

1 Comment

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Aug. 27, 2013 – Razer™, the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, software and systems, announced the availability for sale in North America of the award-winning Razer Ouroboros gaming mouse.

The Razer Ouroboros features fully customizable ergonomics, allowing users to configure the mouse to comfortably fit their hands regardless of hand shape, size or grip-style. The mouse can be custom configured with an adjustable arched palm rest that allows a user to choose from various angles. The Razer Ouroboros also features a retractable back panel that can be set to any one of three positions, as well as four interchangeable side panels.

“The interest for the Razer Ouroboros has been so incredible that we’ve had to increase production far beyond what we had forecasted,” said Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder, CEO and creative director. “I ask for patience from Razer fans as we work to meet this insane demand and increase the availability throughout North America; the experience will be worth it. When creating the Razer Ouroboros, our goal was to design an all-in-one, ultra-performance product. We achieved that by giving gamers complete control to configure the mouse, from how it will perform in-game to its customizable form factor, ensuring it comfortably fits to specific users. The international media recognized its merits; now, our loyal fans in North America will get that opportunity as well.”

The Razer Ouroboros employs a cutting-edge 8200 dpi 4G laser sensor capable of accurately calibrating the mouse to any surface. This provides improved tracking responsiveness and allows users to customize lift-off tracking, creating precision control.

With wireless capabilities, the Razer Ouroboros features 1000 Hz Ultrapolling between mouse and computer, ensuring that a user’s actuations are instantly translated in a game. In its wireless mode, the Razer Ouroboros is powered by a single rechargeable AA battery capable of at least 12 hours of continuous gaming.

About the Razer Ouroboros:

The Razer Ouroboros gaming mouse is designed for both right- and left-handed gamers looking for total control over every feature on their mice. The Razer Ouroboros lets players configure various ergonomics components, – from its adjustable arched palm rest to its retractable back panel and interchangeable side grips – to get the best fit for their own hands, regardless of shape, size or grip-style. This ensures users can game for hours on end in complete comfort while minimizing fatigue.

Razer’s latest 8200 dpi 4G laser sensor powers this mouse, for ultra-precise tracking with its surface calibration and lift-off tracking features. Its dual wired/wireless capability guarantees gaming-grade performance of 1000 Hz Ultrapolling in either mode. While wireless, the Razer Ouroboros is powered by a single AA battery that promises a minimum of 12 hours of continuous gaming.

To learn more about the Razer Ouroboros, please visit www.razerzone.com/ouroboros.

Price: US$149.99

Availability: Razerzone.com and participating retailers – Available Now

Product features:

Customizable ergonomics to fit all hand sizes and grip-styles
8200 dpi 4G laser sensor
Gaming-grade wireless technology with dock
Razer Synapse 2.0 enabled
11 programmable Hyperesponse buttons
1000 Hz Ultrapolling
Up to 200 in per sec. / 50 g acceleration
Runs wirelessly on a rechargeable AA battery
Battery life: (Approx) 12 hours continuous gaming
Approximate size and weight:

o Length: 122 mm (at shortest length) – 134mm (at longest length) / 4.80 in. – 5.28 in.

o Width: 65 mm / 2.6 in.(with Finger grip panels)

o Height: 39 mm / 1.5 in.

o Weight: 135 g / 0.3 lbs. (with battery)

About Razer:

Razer™ is the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, software and systems. Founded in 1998, with its headquarters in Carlsbad, California, the company has offices in nine cities around the globe. Used by the most demanding professional gamers who compete in global tournaments, Razer provides gamers with the unfair advantage of cutting-edge technology and award-winning design. We live by our motto: For Gamers. By Gamers.™

For more information, please visit www.razerzone.com.

Logitech Expands Gaming Peripheral Line

2013/08/27

Jerry Paxton

News, PAX, Peripherals News

NEWARK, Calif. — Aug. 27, 2013 — Today Logitech introduced a mouse that redefines the boundaries of wireless gaming. The Logitech® G602 Wireless Gaming Mouse combines 250 hours of non-stop lag-free wireless game play with the precision of Logitech G’s exclusive Delta Zero™ sensor technology to help players dominate boss after boss.

And, to ensure players have the best-possible surface for their particular style of game play, Logitech has also created two new mouse pads, the Logitech® G440 Hard Gaming Mouse Pad and the Logitech® G240 Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad. These new mouse pads deliver optimized surfaces for both high- and low-DPI game play, respectively.

“When I play, I don’t want to think about anything other than my game and what my next move will be. When you look at the wireless gaming mice out there though, their primary flaw is the uncertainty of having to interrupt your game to replace batteries. Not anymore,” said Ehtisham Rabbani, general manager of the Logitech gaming business group. “We set an outrageous goal, and we hit it. Doubling, tripling or even quadrupling the battery life of ordinary wireless gaming mice wasn’t enough. We wanted to bring gamers an innovation that would change the face of wireless gaming forever. With 250 hours of battery life, the G602 does exactly that. It’s time for gamers to get real science behind them so something as fundamental as a battery doesn’t get in the way of winning.”

As the newest mouse in the Logitech G lineup, the Logitech G602 Wireless Gaming Mouse sets a new standard in wireless gaming. Without cords, clutter, or interference, the mouse’s lag-free wireless connection and unprecedented battery life allow better, uninterrupted game play. Featuring two modes, Performance and Endurance, the G602 Wireless Gaming mouse delivers 250 hours of non-stop battery life when in full gaming mode – Performance mode – and more than 1400 hours of use in non-gaming mode – or Endurance mode. The mouse features Logitech G exclusive Delta Zero sensor technology that offers high-accuracy cursor control. Plus, it has an ultra durable build with primary mechanical switches rated to a 20 million-click lifespan. And, because it features eleven programmable controls, you can easily master your favorite games by assigning the actions you use most to the buttons you want, using the Logitech Gaming Software. The Logitech G602 Wireless Gaming Mouse is expected to be available for a suggested retail price of $79.99.

And because a game-changing mouse deserves the best possible surface to track on, Logitech G has added two new mouse pads to the lineup that are tested and proven to provide the optimal surface for your Logitech G mouse.

The Logitech G440 Hard Gaming Mouse Pad is ideal for high-DPI gaming, letting you feel the adrenaline of hitting high speeds without spinning out of control. It features a low-friction, fine-textured polypropylene surface that’s kept rigid by a high-impact polymer core, giving you consistent tracking performance across the entire pad. This mouse pad was specially crafted to complement Logitech G mouse sensors to further improve their already pinpoint accuracy, enhancing your aim. And, a 3 mm, 3-layer construction keeps it in place during high-intensity gaming. The Logitech G440 Hard Gaming Mouse Pad is expected to be available for a suggested retail price of $29.99.

The Logitech G240 Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad is made for low-DPI gaming. Perfect for gamers who play first-person shooters, its heat-treated textile surface improves gliding consistency by providing just the right amount of friction to make the precise movement and control to elevate your game. The 1 mm rubber base gives the pad rock-solid stability. Like the Logitech G440 Hard Gaming Mouse Pad, this mouse pad was crafted to help you realize the full potential of your Logitech G mouse sensor, no matter which mouse in the lineup you use. The Logitech G240 Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad is expected to be available for a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Availability

Each of these products is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in September 2013. For more information please visit gaming.logitech.com or our blog.

D3Publisher Announces PAX Prime Lineup

2013/08/27

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PAX

D3Publisher has released its list of games showing at PAX Prime this weekend. Check ’em out!

Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I DON’T KNOW! – In a completely new storyline and adventure featuring the voices of the show’s most popular characters. Fans will have to save the Candy Kingdom by exploring the mysteries surrounding a massive Secret Royal Dungeon deep below the Land of Ooo.
Regular Show: Mordecai and Rigby In 8-Bit Land – Regular Show makes its first foray into the video game world when Mordecai and Rigby get transported into some of their favorite video games. The duo will have to use their best skills and unique abilities to traverse the various challenges to escape and return home in this ‘eggscellent’ journey.
Earth Defense Force 2025 – This action shooting bonanza from D3Publisher arms players with more weapons than ever before! Players will have the experience of their lives as they form elite soldier classes to send on a global quest to protect the world from alien invasion.

Outdoor Tech Launches Buckshot Rugged Wireless Speaker

2013/08/27

Jerry Paxton

News, Tech News

Los Angeles – August 27, 2013 – Outdoor Tech®, the same outdoor designer brand that brought you the Turtle Shell® Bluetooth, rugged, wireless boom box, has added another player to its arsenal, the Buckshot. Rugged, water-resistant and built for cycling as well as the rest of life’s adventures, the Buckshot delivers big sound in a small package.

“We designed the Buckshot with the modern outdoorsman in mind,” says Caro Krissman, CEO of Outdoor Tech®. “The creation of the Buckshot was driven by our commitment to make rad products that serve a real need. The speaker is fully wireless, fully portable and as rugged as they come. It is also easily bike-mountable right out of the box, so the solution for compact, safe, portable, affordable cycling sound is officially here.”

The Buckshot boasts an array of multi-functional features, listed in detail here:

Fully wireless and portable – The Buckshot wirelessly connects with your phone, tablet, laptop or any other Bluetooth-enabled device. It streams crystal clear audio for a range of up to 32 feet for 10 hours and features a built-in microphone for hands-free phone call functionality.

Versatility/Adaptability – A universal mount is included for securing the Buckshot to bicycle handlebars or anything else with a similar profile, so your music will always be along for the ride. Compact, portable music has never been a more viable option.

Rugged, dust-proof, shock-resistant and water-resistant – The exterior of the Buckshot is rubberized and rugged like much of the rest of the Outdoor Tech® line, meaning that it will survive the occasional hard knocks of outdoor life. Both shock-resistant and dust-proof, the Buckshot can be dropped or thrown around without a problem. It also carries an IPX-5 water-resistance rating, so it will withstand splashes of liquid without issue.

The Buckshot is available for $49.95 at www.outdoortech.com.

Raven’s Cry Changes Hands to Reality Pump Studios

2013/08/27

Jerry Paxton

Industry News, News, Windows PC News

Karlsruhe, Germany August 27th 2013 – TopWare Interactive announced at this year’s gamescom in Cologne that the gritty Pirate Action Adventure “Raven’s Cry” has been handed to Polish developer Reality Pump Studios. Well known for the Earth and Two Worlds series, Reality Pump brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the project, which is set for release at the end of the year.

The game has been delayed since it was first shown to the media last year, and after analysing the game’s development, TopWare made the tough decision to reorganize the project. The core storyline and dark setting of the game will remain untouched, but additional features and a new open world will be implemented by the Polish team. In addition, Topware has kept a close eye on message boards and early feedback, and will be including a few interesting tweaks and features requested by pirate fans.

“Raven’s Cry” is a mature third person action adventure title that takes players to the beautiful but deadly Caribbean islands in the 16th century. Besides its dark parable on revenge, Raven’s Cry offers fierce, eclectic naval battles and a now free to explore open world as the main character Christopher Raven carves a bloody swath of terror on both land and sea, leaving no moral boundary uncrossed on his hunt for Captain Neville and his brutal band of pirates. An economic system includes gaining gold through looting enemy ships crippled in battle, in addition to piracy, smuggling and treasure hunting. Go straight for the jugular in the main quest, or take your time and tackle the plethora of side-quests as you earn gold to hire and maintain a crew to pilot your pirate vessel. Christopher will need every advantage he can get if he is going to get his revenge and find peace for his tortured soul.

Alexandra Constandache CEO at TopWare Interactive: “Raven’s Cry has had our entire company excited from day one, and we can’t wait for the finished product. Sadly, production hasn’t moved forward in the way we wanted, so we had to make the tough decision to hand it over to the veterans at Reality Pump. Reality Pump has worked with us for twenty years on several games, including fan-favorite Two Worlds II. The experience the team gained while making the Two Worlds games has proven to be invaluable to their work on Raven’s Cry. We are looking forward to releasing a game that is not only entertaining, but also more than the typical “hero who saves the world” tale. The positive feedback we received at this year’s gamescom proved to us that we have made the right decision with this change, and to put it in Raven’s Cry terms, we are excited to finally reach the port we’ve set sail for.”

Screenshots