Author - Jerry Paxton

Battlefield 4 Dev Blog on Vehicle Customization

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EA DICE has released a new blog entry on Battlefield 4’s vehicle design, choices, and customization. The game releases for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on October 29th and later this year on Xbox One and PS4.

From the Blog Post:

“Ever since Wake Island and Battlefield 1942, taking advantage of a wide selection of vehicles has been essential for the all-out war experience in Battlefield. With Battlefield 4, the vehicle gameplay options and customization possibilities are greater than ever, especially with the new emphasis on the hectic Naval Warfare. We now hand over the word to Senior Vehicles Designer Patrick “Posh” O’ Shaughnessy for an in-depth look at the development of all the land, air and sea vehicles in Battlefield 4.”

Full Blog Post Link:

http://blogs.battlefield.com/2013/09/road-to-bf4-vehicle-gameplay/

RUSH Movie Ferrari to be Playable in F1 2013 and A New Trailer

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Los Angeles – Friday, September 13 – Codemasters® today released a new video revealing the 1976 Ferrari 312 T2 set to star in the movie Rush opening this weekend, which will be playable for all F1™ 2013 gamers who sign up on RaceNet, Codemasters’ free online community hub (www.racenet.com).  F1 2013 is the latest entry in the award-winning series of officially licensed FORMULA 1™ video games and will launch on October 8 for the Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC from Steam and is available for pre-order now.

The ‘Classics’ Trailer reveals the breadth of content set to star in F1 2013: CLASSIC EDITION. This collector’s edition features bespoke box art and expands F1 2013’s full simulation of the 2013 season and 1980s classic content with additional classic content from the 1990s and two additional classic tracks – Imola and Estoril. The trailer shows the iconic 1976 Ferrari 312 T2 in action, legendary drivers, including Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost and Michael Schumacher, racing cars that defined their eras, and contemporary content from the 2013 season. The video is now playing at www.youtube.com/formula1game.

All players of F1 2013 who are members of RaceNet will be able to receive the 1976 Ferrari 312 T2 as a free reward. RaceNet, Codemasters’ free online community hub, powers a range of features including the new ability to set Time Trial challenges for their friends, receive new gameplay challenges, track their in-game progress and compare stats against their friends. Gamers who have not yet signed up on RaceNet can do so today in advance of F1 2013’s release at www.racenet.com, where players can also connect their other supported Codemasters titles.

F1 2013’s classic content is available in a new game mode, F1 Classics, introduced by legendary broadcaster Murray Walker. F1 Classics features a new fictional racing series, allowing players to race cars, drivers and circuits from different eras. Teams are represented by drivers who raced in specific cars, such as Mario Andretti in the 1986 Team Lotus 98T, and drivers who have also represented each team in different eras, such as Michael Schumacher racing Ferraris from the 1980s. Classic content is also available in a range of other game modes, including split-screen and online multiplayer modes. The full list of classic content set to feature in both F1 2013 and F1 2013: CLASSIC EDITION can be found at www.formula1-game.com.

F1 2013 will also feature all the cars and stars from the 2013 season, allowing gamers to race as Lewis Hamilton in his Mercedes and Sergio Perez in the McLaren-Mercedes for the first time, and includes all of the rule changes, tyre changes and remodelled handling to authentically reflect the challenge and exhilaration of racing 2013’s stunning roster of cars. A range of enhancements, improvements, split-screen and online multiplayer, plus new and returning game modes deliver the most complete simulation of a FORMULA ONE™ season in videogame history. The additional classic content set to feature in F1 2013: CLASSIC EDITION will be made available as separate packs as downloadable content for F1 2013.

Hunt down all the latest F1 2013 news straight from the studio by racing over to www.facebook.com/formula1game or follow the team on twitter at www.twitter.com/formula1game.

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Sharkoon Drakonia Black Gaming Mouse Available Now

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Lake Forest, Calif. – September 13, 2013 – CompuExpert, a division of Digital Interactive Systems Corp., today announced that the latest high-quality gaming mouse from Sharkoon, the Drakonia Black, is now available for purchase. As the follow-up to one of Sharkoon’s most popular gaming mice, the Drakonia Black continues the high standard set by the original Drakonia with its enhanced features and top-tier design.

Packing the incredibly accurate Avago ADNS-9800 laser sensor beneath its gray dragon scale casing, this fierce beast offers up to 8200 DPI, indicated by the four illuminated LED lights located beside the left mouse button. Expanding on the original Drakonia model, the Drakonia Black houses an ergonomic super structure to ensure excellent stability and comfort. Designed for both casual and intense gameplay sessions, the SoftSkin surface prevents perspiration buildup while the mouse’s curved rear provides additional grip for precise control in the most heated of battles.

The Drakonia Black also features multiple customizable configurations to maximize personal performance and comfort. In addition to its multi-weight tuning system, the Drakonia Black includes 11 buttons and a 4-way scroll wheel. Each button is freely programmable with the included configuration software, making the Drakonia Black the optimal mouse for efficient real-time strategy and MMORPG gameplay.

The company that has masterfully crafted specially designed and award-winning gaming headsets for over a decade now delivers the ultimate in interactive gaming performance for maximum immersion and combat advantage.

Key Features:

  • Avago ADNS-9800 Laser sensor
  • Up to 8200 DPI with LEDs for DPI indication
  • 11 programmable buttons
  • 4-way scroll wheel
  • Sleek and ergonomic design
  • Rubberized surface for maximum grip and stability
  • Internal memory for user profiles
  • Gold-plated USB connector
  • Cable with textile sheathing
  • Multi-weight tuning system

Video preview:

Available now in-stores and online at Fry’s Electronics:

http://www.frys.com/product/7829589?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride Celebrates 5th Year

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Los Angeles, CA – September 12, 2013  The fifth year anniversary of what has become a Hollywood Halloween icon, the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, will mark a brand new program that will take Hayriders through scenes of actual hauntings.  The month-long event will once again take place in Griffith Park’s Old Zoo area, which has been home to murder, torture, paranormal activity, serial killers, and abduction. The area surrounding the “Old Zoo” and “B Rock” has been called one of the most paranormally active sites in all of California. Now these and other actual events will come back to life this Los Angeles Haunted Hayride season.

Each year, the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride works to create brand new experiences for attendees. This year will be heavily focused on scenes of haunt and disturbia as the ride chronicles old news stories of serial killings, the trapped souls of the Griffith grounds that have been reported by witnesses for over a century, the legend and curse of Petranillia, tragic orphanage fires that took the lives of those whom still wander the grounds unaware of their demise, victims of psychopathic torture, religious cult sacrifice, witch trial hangings and so much more.

“This year will be very haunting,” said Melissa Carbone, Creator and Producer of Los Angeles Haunted Hayride. “We’re really going to capture the essence of the Halloween season by erecting an enchanting world of spirits, macabra, jack-o-lanterns and spine-chilling festivities.”

The “In-Between” Dark Maze, often referred to as the best in the state, will return as a pitch black labyrinth that thrill seekers may or may not escape. Not for the faint of heart, this attraction will send scare seekers into a sea of blackness with nothing but their hands in front of them and a low voltage lantern, that doesn’t help them see as much as it helps them be seen. The demons, maniacs, and creatures residing in these walls have grown unusually large and vicious.  But beware of “Doom” the master of these walls, for he is the most vicious of them all.

Lastly, “Purgatory,” is a sideshow to entertain guests while they wait.  NEW this year is the “Carving Shack” a sit down activity where guests can pick out a pumpkin and let their creativity fly, and “Death Row” an interactive room that allows guests an up close and personal look at devices of death used throughout history.  Returning will be psychics, games, the scary-go-round, house of mirrors, movies, music, magic and freak shows, demonic stilt walkers, photo scenes, and more – there is plenty of entertainment to keep busy and all activities in “Purgatory” are included in your ticket excluding food, gaming, & merchandise.

The terror starts on Friday, October 4th.  The Annual Premiere Night will take place on October 10th, which includes press, celebrities, and sponsors.  Past celebrity attendees include Katy Perry, Demi Lovato, Jillian Michaels, Nikki Reed, Megan Fox, Sarah Hyland, Lucy Hale, Chris Colfer, Chord Overstreet, Stephanie Pratt, David Beckham, Emmy Rossum, Sarah Silverman, Ryan Gosling, Kristin Ritter, and Giles Nissan to name a few.

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride will be open from Oct 4-Oct 31 (every Thursday-Sunday in addition to Wednesday, the 30th).  General Admission is $30, Double Attraction Passes are $39, and VIP passes that surpasses the line wait are $55.  $5 Off Discount coupons are available with your purchase of any Sunkist or Squirt soda product at all Southern California Ralph’s Supermarkets.   Your purchase supports the LA Parks Foundation, preserving parks for the people of Los Angeles. TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!  Visit www.losangeleshauntedhayride.com for complete details.

Sponsors include Sunkist, Squirt, Long Beach Mini, and Ralph’s Supermarkets. Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is a Fur Free Attraction; there is plenty of blood and guts on the ride!

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Dishonored: Game of the Year Edition Release Date

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September 12, 2013 (Rockville, MD) – Bethesda Softworks®, a ZeniMax® Media company, today announced that Dishonored®: Game of the Year Edition will be available in North America on October 8, 2013 and throughout Europe on October 11, 2013 for Xbox 360™, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PC. This complete collection includes the full game as well as all of the game’s official add-on content, including Dunwall City Trials®, The Knife of Dunwall™, The Brigmore Witches™ and Void Walker’s Arsenal™.

Dishonored: Game of the Year Edition is the definitive compilation of the critically-acclaimed first-person action game that has won more than 100 Game of the Year Awards from outlets including Game Informer, PC Gamer, Yahoo!, GameSpot.com, MSNBC.com, and CNN. In addition, Dishonored received ‘Best Action/Adventure Game of the Year’ at the 2012 SPIKE TV Video Game Awards and was named ‘Best Game of 2012’ by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) video games awards.

Developed by Arkane Studios, Dishonored casts you as Corvo, a supernatural assassin driven by revenge. With Dishonored’s flexible combat system, creatively eliminate targets as you combine the supernatural abilities, weapons and unusual gadgets at your disposal. Pursue enemies under the cover of darkness or ruthlessly attack them head on with weapons drawn. The outcome of each mission plays out based on the choices you make.

“Dishonored introduced a new world and cast of characters which have really resonated with gamers around the world since its release in October 2012,” said Pete Hines, VP Marketing and PR, Bethesda Softworks. “We’re now excited to offer people the opportunity to have all of this great content in one package.”

Dishonored: Game of the Year Edition is rated M for mature by the ESRB. For more information on Dishonored: Game of the Year Edition, please visit the official site: dishonored.com.

For more information on Arkane Studios please visit: www.arkane-studios.com.

The Lord of the Rings Online: Helm’s Deep Release Date

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NEEDHAM, MA – September 12, 2013 — Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announced today that The Lord of the Rings Online™: Helm’s Deep, the next expansion to the award-winning free-to-play massively multiplayer online roleplaying game (MMORPG) developed by Turbine, will launch on November 18th. Helm’s Deep will continue the Epic Story into the western plains of Rohan, allow players to take an unprecedented role in the legendary battle for Helm’s Deep while advancing to the new level cap of 95.

“Helm’s Deep is the site of the most memorable battle in Middle-earth and we’re excited to announce our launch date and introduce some great new in-game items for anyone who pre-purchases the expansion,” said Kate Paiz, Executive Producer of The Lord of the Rings Online. “We’ve come to a really exciting and momentous point in the story, and we can’t wait to show players how the game will bring this classic clash to life. This technical and gameplay innovation brings massive conflicts to life like never before and is another huge leap forward for MMO players in Middle-earth.”

THE LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE: HELM’S DEEP FEATURES:

  • Experience the Battle for Helm’s Deep – Fight to defend Helm’s Deep starting as early as level 10, when your character enlists as a soldier in the Battle of the Hornburg, the most epic conflict yet in The Lord of the Rings Online.  Earn rewards for your contribution to the war effort – win or lose, your skill makes a difference!

  • Explore new landscapes across Western Rohan – Explore the Westemnet of Rohan and rally each of the five ridings as Rohan returns to glory. Traverse the capital of Edoras, mysterious Dunharrow, and the fortress of the Hornburg within Helm’s Deep.

  • Advance from levels 85 to 95 – Experience 10 new levels, from 85 to 95, with new skills and completely updated class specializations. Both mounted and un-mounted combat will challenge you as you war against the evil forces of Saruman.
  • Continue the Epic Story – Encounter beloved characters such as Aragorn, Éowyn, and Éomer. Restore King Théoden to his rightful throne while you defend the peoples of Rohan at Helm’s Deep.

Beginning today, players can take advantage of special pre-purchase offers:

PREMIUM EDITION – $59.99, €53,99, £44.99

Features all Helm’s Deep content, with level cap increase. This edition also grants these great items:

  • Armour of the Hammerhand – an exclusive full set of Rohirrim cosmetic armour
  • +10 quest log slots
  • Crystal of Remembrance – adds one additional legacy to your legendary weapon
  • Helm’s Deep Title – Helm’s Enforcer
  • Helm’s Deep Title – Helm’s Avenger
  • 2,000 Turbine points

Pre-purchasers will also receive these items that can be used immediately in the game:

  • Shield of the Hammerhand (Statted Cloak  +25%XP, scales to level of wearer)
  • Exclusive War-steed Bundle (The Steed of the Hammerhand) – an exclusive Rohirrim mount with matching War-Steed appearance

BASE EDITION – $39.99, €35,99, £29.99

Features all Helm’s Deep content, with level cap increase. Also grants these items:

  • Hauberk of the Hammerhand – an exclusive Rohirrim cosmetic chest piece
  • Helm’s Deep Title: Helm’s Enforcer
  • 1,000 Turbine points

Pre-purchasers will also receive these items that can be used immediately in the game:

  • Token of Hornburg (+25% Monster XP)
  • The Steed of the Hammerhand – an exclusive Rohirrim Mount

The Lord of the Rings Online™ is the ultimate adventure! This award-winning free-to-play massively multiplayer online role-playing game delivers an interactive experience brimming with life and filled with the familiar people, places, and monsters from the most famous fantasy of all time. For more information, visit www.lotro.com.

Democracy 3 Available for Pre-Order, Now in Beta

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September 12, 2013 — Positech Games, developers of Gratuitous Space Battles, Are happy to announce that once more they are bringing Democracy to the people of the world! Democracy 3 is the third in their series of complex and deep political strategy games where the player takes on the role of President or Prime Minister, charged with the task of keeping the population happy, the economy booming and preventing society collapsing around them.

Democracy 3 is the only game of it’s kind. Not an election-simulation, but a government-simulation, built around a custom-programmed neural network and unique iconic user interface that represents the thousands of simulated voters, pressure groups, policies, laws and statistics that make up a detailed model of a western democracy.
As president, you decide what laws to set, which taxes to raise (or cut) which government programs to expand, introduce or cancel, whilst keeping one eye on the countdown to the next election. All political careers end in failure, and Democracy 3 is thus a game that cannot truly be won, only eventually lost.
The game is available for pre-order and beta access now from the developers site here:
And pre-order customers will get DRM-free copies that run on PC, Mac or Linux. A steam key for the games eventual steam release is also included. There is a website with more information on the game here:
An HD trailer introducing the idea of the game is here:
http://youtu.be/JjNTeqvd_qk
And there are already some youtube lets play videos such as this one:
There is also the inevitable facebook page for Democracy 3 here:

Slickwraps: The Case Ouija Review (Mobile)

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Slickwraps has released an expanded line of iPhone 5 cases, some featuring cool wood veneer with interesting and eye-catching designs. Even cooler is that the designs are all swappable! I got the chance to check out the Ouija board model, which was a fine choice as the Halloween season draws near. You never know when you might need to perform a séance as your have a conversation!

Installing the Slickwrap onto my iPhone 5 was not difficult – one simply puts one edge of the phone into the case and then gently presses down on the other. The Ouija wrap already came stuck onto the case, and the box even included a front screen protector. I did have some difficulty laying out the screen protector without getting bubbles. I digress, though, as this has always been a skill that has eluded me. The design and look of the Ouija model was very good with precise, laser-cut lettering.

My biggest concern with the Slickwrap I looked at was the strength of the glue holding the wrap onto the case. Its edges would flare up whenever it got a bit warm. I would have to flatten the case out to get the wrap to adhere once again. I am unsure as to what can be done about this – the idea behind the wraps are that they can be swapped. Hence, the glue can’t be too strong. However, if you never plan on swapping out your wrap, I would highly suggest laying down a stronger adhesive.

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The quality of the case itself was very good, it being constructed out of a flexible, yet-strong rubberized plastic that features a slight “lip” around its edge to keep the phone securely in place. I used Slickwraps: The Case for a couple weeks and never had any issue with my iPhone 5 falling out, etc.

We actually liked this review case enough that we purchased another one. Unfortunately, the engraving on the purchased one was a bit “off”. Thankfully, Slickwraps was good about exchanging it.

Overall, Slickwraps: The Case line of iPhone 5 cases are all unique and attractive, with quality engravings on the wood model I was able to try out. There are about 90 wrap materials and designs available on their website, so you are bound to find at least a few that you like. Individual wraps costs about $20 dollars each with the case costing a bit more. You can purchase them separately or together in a bundle.

[easyreview title=”Slickwraps: The Case Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]
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