Author - Jerry Paxton

Crusader Kings II: Legacy of Rome Announced

2012/08/28
Jerry Paxton
News

NEW YORK – August 28, 2012 – Crusader Kings II: Legacy of Rome is a new expansion which will breathe a dose of hot, spicy, Mediterranean fresh air into the deliciously dark world of the critically acclaimed strategy/RPG, Crusader Kings II. The Byzantine Empire is receiving some tender loving care from Paradox Interactive and Paradox Development Studio with the new expansion pack, which will add a wealth of features to the game and build upon Crusader Kings’glory.

In the rich politics of Byzantium, you’ll find your cranky and disgruntled vassals split into factions, which will band together in revolt against your rule (they’re getting smarter)! Thankfully, your generals have improved to match them. Legacy of Rome introduces Leader Focus, with generals’ skills carrying more importance than ever before. This may prove useful if you have any generals that are (I) competent and (II) not plotting to drown you in a lake.

As for the wealth of features, let’s talk about wealth! You’ll be able to appoint your very own Orthodox patriarch instead of depending on that miserable old patriarch of Constantinople, plus you’ll have greater control over where you demand levies from your vassals, and, of course, indulge in new, Byzantine-specific events and decisions. You’ll need your regent to be at the top of their game, so it’s a good thing there are now Self-Improvement ambitions for them! It’s almost as if not everybody in the kingdom is out to get you.

The last gasp of the Roman Empire is in your hands, dear leader. Try not to screw it up.

This second expansion pack for Crusader Kings II arrives Q4 2012 on all major digital download portals for the suggested retail price of 9,99 USD.

MWO River City Reveal and PAX Events

2012/08/27
Jerry Paxton
News, PAX

MONTREAL – AUGUST 27, 2012 — Fans looking to go hands-on with Infinite Game Publishing (IGP) games or get in front of developers behind the upcoming MechWarrior Online, MechWarrior Tactics and Sins of a Dark Age have several ways to do so as IGP announces details on its PAX Prime participation this year. Hands-on demos, panels and exclusive Q&A session details for the games are below.

Fans seeking gameplay demos for MechWarrior Online, MechWarrior Tactics can do so at this week’s PAX Prime in two different booths:

Hands-on gameplay: Very limited, first come, first served access to MechWarrior Online and MechWarrior Tactics are available during PAX show hours (with some minor exceptions, as other activities will be taking place in this room).

Where: Catalyst Labs gives fans a chance to go head-to-head in epic matches with MechWarrior Online and MechWarrior Tactics, on the 2nd floor in Catalyst Games Labs Room #213.

Additionally, MechWarrior Online is playable in the NVIDIA booth #3747.

And for fans looking to get up close and personal with today’s most innovative developers in the strategy genre, check out two of IGP’s developers in this do-not-miss strategy panel:

Panel, “Thinking Tactically: The New Strategy Games”: This panel pulls together leads from four of the biggest strategy games of this year covering PC to console that are pushing the strategy genre forward to new heights. Lead producers from Trion Worlds/Petroglyph Games’ End of Nations, Ironclad Games’ Sins of a Dark Age and Roadhouse Interactive’s MechWarrior Tactics gather on stage to discuss the evolution of tactical gaming in a panel hosted by Quarter to Three’s legendary Tom Chick.

When: Sunday, 9/2 from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Where: Wolfman Theater

URL: http://prime.paxsite.com/schedule/panel/thinking-tactically-the-new-strategy-games

 

Developer interviews, other requests: Unfortunately, the developer teams’ time is limited during the show. Please feel free to contact us with your questions and requests and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Fans looking to get their Q&A on can do so with Catalyst Games Labs:

MechWarrior Tactics Q&A
Where: Second Floor, Room 213
When:   Friday, August 31st: 4:00-5:00 PM

Saturday, September 1st: 4:00-5:00 PM
Sunday, September 2nd: 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

Who: Chris Cleroux and James Romanchuk

 

MechWarrior Online Q&A
Where: Second Floor, Room 213
When:   Saturday, September 1st: 5:00-6:00 PM

Who: Russ Bullock and Bryan Ekman

Q&A Note: All in-room gaming will stop during all Q&As, including the Shadowrun Returns Q&As.

For more information on these games please visit the following URLs:

MechWarrior Online: www.mwomercs.com
MechWarrior Tactics: www.mwtactics.com
Sins of a Dark Age: www.soada.com

# # #

Reverb Publishing Publishing Ravaged

2012/08/27
Jerry Paxton
News, PAX

Twain Harte, CA – August 27, 2012 – Reverb Publishing today announced it will publish 2 Dawn Games’ stunning first-person online multiplayer title, Ravaged. Built from the ground up using Unreal Engine 3, Ravaged is an online PC first-person shooter that hammers gamers with savage balls-to-the-wall combat featuring five classes, clan support and dedicated servers.

Check out the gameplay trailer here.

Indie developer 2 Dawn Games, comprised of veteran staff members who have worked on top-tier titles Battlefield, Desert Combat, and Frontlines, have poured their collective talent into this apocalyptic combat game, packing straight-up first-person shooting, ground and air-based vehicular combat, and sprawling tactical battles for up to 32 players online. Ravaged is currently in its closed beta and players can sign up now at:http://www.2dawn.com/games/ravaged/join-the-beta

 

“Partnering with Reverb Publishing is a defining moment for us,” said Boris Ustaev, project lead for Ravaged with 2 Dawn Games. “Reverb’s model of supporting digital video game developers provides us with a full menu of production, marketing, public relations, and business development support, allowing us to focus 100 percent of our time on making the best game possible. In addition to Reverb’s support, our popular beta tests have garnered a huge, dedicated following. Couple that with our successful Kickstarter campaign, and we’re in a great position to deliver an amazing game.”

Ravaged is rated “M” for mature due to the violent subject matter, and is not intended for younger audiences. To play Ravaged at PAX Prime 2012 in Seattle, WA, please visit Reverb’s booth #3340.

“From the first time our team played Ravaged we knew it was a standout title,” said Doug Kennedy, president and CEO, Reverb Publishing. “This partnership with 2 Dawn Games is a perfect example of why we started Reverb Publishing. This very talented team has a great game and solid community as evidenced by its successful Kickstarter campaign. Reverb will now step in to help elevate the game’s visibility so gamers everywhere can jump into the action and log some kills.”

Ravaged joins Reverb Publishing’s growing roster of titles, which includes the smash-hit Dungeon Defenders, the recently-released JAM Live Music Arcade and Jeremy McGrath’s Offroad, as well as the upcoming Sanctum 2, Primal Carnage, Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller, Black Knight Sword, Orc Attack and many more. For more information on Reverb Publishing and its line-up of titles, please visit us at reverbpublishing.com, follow us onTwitter or ‘Like’ us on Facebook.

Be sure to follow 2 Dawn Games on Twitter, Facebook, and pre-order the game at the official 2 Dawn Games website.

Square Enix 2012 PAX Lineup

2012/08/27
Jerry Paxton
News, PAX

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 27, 2012) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, today announced the title lineup and fan activities planned for Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) Prime 2012, taking place August 31 – September 2 in Seattle. Square Enix will give PAX attendees a chance to play some of the most anticipated and talked-about titles to date, including TOMB RAIDER®, HITMAN®: ABSOLUTION™ and the critically acclaimed open-world cop drama SLEEPING DOGS™, now available in stores.

Additionally, Square Enix invites the general public to celebrate 25 years of FINAL FANTASY at the “Experience FINAL FANTASY” event on Friday, August 31. from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the ACT Theatre (700 Union Street). Fans will be able to reexperience their most cherished FINAL FANTASY games through dozens of playable units that span multiple generations and participate in a series of commemorative activities and games for fans of the renowned franchise. Prizes include fan-favorite character plushies and a custom FINAL FANTASY XIII-2branded PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and an Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Attendees will also be able to take their picture at the FINAL FANTASY-themed photo booth and will be able to receive a special 25th anniversary poster featuring Yoshitaka Amano’s artwork.

The “Experience FINAL FANTASY” event will also include two exciting presentations. At 5:00 p.m., there will be a special content presentation from the FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn team. At 7:30 p.m., fans will have the opportunity to learn new details about the direction of Lightning’s story through a video message from the esteemed creators of FINAL FANTASY XIII, including Yoshinori Kitase (producer), Motomu Toriyama (director) and Isamu Kamikokuryo (art director).

On the show floor, PAX attendees will be able to preview and play the following Square Enix titles at Booth 3625:

  • Sleeping Dogs – Sleeping Dogs catapults players into the role of undercover cop Wei Shen, tasked with taking down one of the world’s most fearsome criminal organizations from the inside – the Hong Kong Triads. As players explore the bustling and crowded Hong Kong island through its neon-lit side streets and sprawling street markets, an incredible story of loyalty and betrayal unfolds, where Wei begins to question his own motives as he is sucked in deeper than he could ever imagine.
  • HITMAN: ABSOLUTION – HITMAN: ABSOLUTION follows Agent 47, a cold-blooded assassin, who takes on his most dangerous contract to date. Betrayed by those he once trusted — and now hunted by the police — he suddenly finds himself at the center of a dark conspiracy and must embark on a personal journey through a corrupt and twisted world.
  • TOMB RAIDER – Armed with only raw instincts and physical ability to push beyond the limits of human endurance, TOMB RAIDER delivers an intense and gritty story about the origins of Lara Croft and her ascent from a frightened young woman to a hardened survivor.

In addition to getting the first chance to go hands-on with these blockbuster titles, fans will have the opportunity to gain greater insight into the world of HITMAN: ABSOLUTION through a dedicated panel:

HITMAN: ABSOLUTION

Unicorn Theater: Sunday, Sept. 2, from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Sven Liebold, global PR manager of IO Interactive will host a special HITMAN: ABSOLUTION panel at the Unicorn Theater. The panel will focus on “Contracts Mode,” a create-to-play experience inspired by the Hitman community. The panel will feature Tore Blystad, director of HITMAN: ABSOLUTION at IO Interactive.

Along with the panel, Square Enix fans will have several opportunities to take home fun and unique items during the show. With contests, interactive activities and more, PAX attendees will have multiple chances to win amazing prizes.

HITMAN: ABSOLUTION PHOTO SNIPING CONTEST
Upload your best photo sniping image to be entered for a chance to win a custom HITMAN: ABSOLUTION console. Runners up will receive miniature figures of Agent 47, and HITMAN-themed ties and tie clips. Participants can upload their photo entries athitman.com/photosnipe or by the photo-sniping app on the HITMAN Facebook page.

SQUARE ENIX MEMBERS PASSPORT PROGRAM
Visit booth 3625 to get your Square Enix Member Passport card. Participants will receive a stamp for every title they play at the booth. Once the passport is complete, participants can turn it in to receive a set of pins featuring custom logos from Square Enix titles and a special lanyard.

MEMBERS SWEEPSTAKES
Sign up to become a Square Enix Member for your chance to win prizes including Members exclusive promotional items and a custom Tomb Raider Xbox 360 console.

New England Patriots and Chicago Bears Capture Regular Season Crown in Madden NFL 13 Simulation

2012/08/27
Jerry Paxton
News

August 27, 2012 –The Chicago Bears and New England Patriots won their respective divisions and took home the overall number one seeds in the playoffs according to the Madden NFL 13 Season Simulation, powered by EA SPORTS Arena. The Patriots followed up last year’s Super Bowl appearance with a dominant season, securing a 12-4 record on the arm of NFL MVP Tom Brady. Brady delighted fantasy football owners everywhere by tossing a record-tying 50 touchdown passes against only 8 interceptions.

The Bears matched the Patriots’ record, also going 12-4 to win a tightly contested NFC North. Chicago needed every win they could muster, as the Green Bay Packers also ended the season at 12-4, but with the Bears holding an edge in the tiebreakers the Packers were relegated to the 5th seed in the playoffs.

The two surprise playoff teams in the AFC were the Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) and Buffalo Bills (10-6), both ending long playoff droughts. The Chiefs were a particular shock, winning the AFC West with a record of 11-5 and earning Romeo Crennel Coach of the Year Honors

The NFC experienced near total upheaval, with new champions in three of four divisions. The Atlanta Falcons (11-5) and Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) joined the Bears as new divisional winners, while only the San Francisco 49ers (11-5) were able to repeat amidst weak competition in the NFC West. In bombshell news, last year’s Super Bowl champion New York Giants didn’t even reach the postseason, finishing a disappointing 8-8.

Though the rebuilding Indianapolis Colts (4-12) had a tough season, fans were able to take solace in the fact that rookie quarterback and number one overall draft pick Andrew Luck took home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Luck managed to outduel fellow highly-touted rookie Robert Griffin III, finishing the season with 4,170 yards, 32 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. On the defensive side of things, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Courtney Upshaw was able to step into an already intimidating unit and cause enough havoc to be named Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Other award winners include Detroit Lions wide receiver and Madden NFL 13 cover athlete Calvin Johnson, Jr. as Offensive Player of the Year (97 receptions for 1,572 yards and 16 touchdowns), and DeMarcus Ware of the Dallas Cowboys as Defensive Player of the Year (18 sacks).

For screenshots and video of the Madden NFL 13 Season Simulation, powered by EA SPORTS Arena, as well as box art and other assets, please visit http://maddennfl13.newslinevine.com/.

Tune into G4’s X-Play on Monday, August 27th at 6:30/5:30pm CT to check out more video of the Madden NFL 13Season Simulation.

NFL 2012 Season Awards (as simulated by Madden NFL 13):

• NFL MVP – Tom Brady, New England Patriots

• Offensive Player of the Year – Calvin Johnson, Jr., Detroit Lions

• Defensive Player of the Year – DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys

• Offensive Rookie of the Year – Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

• Defensive Rookie of the Year – Courtney Upshaw, Baltimore Ravens

• Coach of the Year – Romeo Crennel, Kansas City Chiefs

Top Ten Offensive Performers 

Quarterback
Player Team Yards TDs INTs
Drew Brees NO

5399

48

13
Tom Brady NE

5374

50

8
Mathew Stafford DET

5288

40

14
Aaron Rodgers GB

5245

49

9
Eli Manning NYG

4853

31

11
Peyton Manning DEN

4612

35

7
Matt Ryan ATL

4602

34

7
Philip Rivers SD

4475

35

12
Jay Cutler CHI

4215

36

18
Andrew Luck IND

4170

32

20
Running Back
Player Team Yards TDs
Darren McFadden OAK

1523

16
Arian Foster HOU

1501

18
Ray Rice BAL

1425

17
LeSean McCoy PHI

1386

14
Marshawn Lynch SEA

1317

14
Chris Johnson TEN

1309

12
Matt Forte CHI

1250

9
Adrian Peterson MIN

1118

10
Maurice Jones-Drew JAX

1115

10
Fred Jackson BUF

1109

7
Wide Receiver
Player Team Rec Yards TDs
Calvin Johnson, Jr. DET

97

1572

16
Wes Welker NE

111

1430

7
Julio Jones ATL

89

1326

8
Jimmy Graham NO

100

1301

13
Larry Fitzgerald ARI

87

1222

10
AJ Green CIN

79

1189

10
Rob Gronkowski NE

82

1188

13
Brandon Marshall CHI

80

1185

8
Roddy White ATL

101

1169

7
Eric Decker DEN

90

1150

6

Top Defensive Performers

Sacks
Player Team Sacks
Jared Allen

MIN

19
DeMarcus Ware

DAL

18
Jason Pierre-Paul

NYG

17
Aldon Smith

SF

16
Jason Babin

PHI

14
Chris Long

STL

14
Clay Mathews

GB

13
Von Miller

DEN

13
Tamba Hali

KC

10
Brian Orakpo

WSH

10
Interceptions
Player Team INTs
Charles Woodson

GB

7
Eric Weddle

SD

6
Corey Webster

NYG

5
Kyle Arrington

NE

5
Darrelle Revis

NYJ

5
Brandon Browner

SEA

5
Courtland Finnegan

STL

5
Ed Reed

BAL

5
Brandon Flowers

DAL

5
Nnamdi Asomugha

PHI

5

2012 NFL Playoff Seeding
                       AFC                            NFC
  1. New England Patriots (12-4)
 1. Chicago Bears (12-4)
  1. Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
 2. San Francisco 49ers (11-5)
  1. Kansas City Chiefs (11-5)
 3. Atlanta Falcons (11-5)
  1. Houston Texans (10-6)
 4. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)
  1. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
 5. Green Bay Packers (12-4)
  1. Buffalo Bills (10-6)
 6. New Orleans Saints (10-6)

 

For more information about Madden NFL 13, please visit www.easports.com/madden-nfl.

Madden NFL 13 is developed in Orlando, Florida by EA Tiburon and will be available for the Xbox 360® video game system from Microsoft, Kinect, PlayStation®3, Wii™, and PS Vita (PlayStation®Vita) handheld entertainment system on August 28.  For more information about Madden NFL 13 please visithttp://www.easports.com/madden-nfl.

Knott’s Scary Farm Haunt Museum Ribbon Cutting Announced

2012/08/25
Jerry Paxton
Halloween, News

If you are a fan of Halloween like I am, you will be pleased to know that Knott’s Berry Farm has announced that its Halloween Haunt Museum will commence with a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 31st. We will be on-hand to bring photos and commentary from the museum, which features rare and unusual stories and exhibits from Knott’s “Scary” Farm history. Stay-tuned!

NuGuard iPad GripStand and GripBase Review

2012/08/17
Jerry Paxton
News, Reviews

Newertech was kind enough to send us a review unit of their GripStand and GripBase peripherals for Apple’s iPad tablet. The peripherals are meant to allow users to more easily handle their tablets on the go as well as on the desktop.

The GripStand is a half-shell case for your iPad which features a nice, foam cushioned inner-lining for a scratch-free fit. The GripStand’s black plastic shell is rugged and feels like it could stand up to quite an impact. One of the most outstanding features of the GripStand is that it allows the usage of Apple’s propriety SmartCover. Many half shell iPad cases do not feature this and it is a shame. The rear side of the GripStand features a ring-like handle which can rotate around to be used for both a hand grip and also a kickstand. The ring is comfortable and allows the iPad to be used in more active conditions. The GripStand would be terrific for field agents who need to work on the move. The GripBase is a desktop base station which allows the iPad to be mounted while at home or the office. The GripBase allows the iPad to be rotated about for a customized viewing angle, is very stable, and is totally compatible with the GripStand, allows the two devices to be a perfect peripheral pair. From an accessibility angle, these peripherals make the iPad much more useful for those with disabilities as well. I myself have recently had an injury to my right shoulder which makes using the iPad very difficult. These items have helped greatly.

Checkout Newertech’s website for more information on the GripStand and GripBase.

Images

Starbucks Fall Flavors Date Leak

2012/08/15
Jerry Paxton
Halloween, News

We at GamingShogun.com have learned from a source within Starbucks that the company plans to begin selling its Fall flavor line, which includes Pumpkin Spice Lattes (my personal favorite) on Tuesday, September 4, 2012. The company is notoriously silent on the release date of seasonal flavors, as stores often times have unannounced promotions for customers on launch day. Now, our internal source could be wrong but I believe this information to be accurate. We are reaching out to Starbucks for comment and will update this post if they respond.

ROCCAT Now Official Sponsor of ESL

2012/07/17
Jerry Paxton
News

Hamburg, July 17, 2012 – ROCCAT, the German manufacturer of professional gaming accessories, is now Official Sponsor of the National ESL (USA) thereby strengthening the existing collaboration between the manufacturer and the gaming community.

The National ESL is part of the international Electronic Sports League and the number one eSports league in North America. Amateurs as well as pro-gamers compete head-to-head in the games League of Legends and Iron Lady.

Through its support of the League of Legends King of the Hill Tournament, ROCCAT is creating a new highlight for every participating Go4LoL league and Pro Series team. The playoff for the first King of the Hill title will be between the winner of the monthly finals and a Pro Series team. Prizes up for grabs include $1,000 plus five bundles each comprising a ROCCAT Savu Mid-Size Hybrid Gaming Mouse and a ROCCAT Taito King-Size Shiny Black Gaming Mousepad. In the months following, the respective winners will compete against a new Pro Series team – with the winner of this match then going on to play against the sitting King of the Hill in the hope of victory and winning the monthly prize of $1,000.

ROCCAT has been represented in the North American market since 2012 with an office in Los Angeles and has been playing right at the forefront of the global premier league of gaming peripherals since the release of its first gaming mouse in 2008.

Gaming gear for pros
At ROCCAT Studios in Hamburg, ROCCAT industrial designers are designing and developing peripherals in close collaboration with the global gaming community that are specially designed to meet the needs of gamers – and by supporting the National ESL, ROCCAT is again demonstrating its close ties to international eSports. As gamers’ primary tools, the mouse and keyboard are especially important both in terms of being a core part of gamers’ gear and for their success. ROCCAT products create the best possible professional conditions to achieve new and outstanding results.

Further information:
www.nationalesl.com
www.nationalesl.com/us/lol/koth
www.roccat.org

SteelSeries Sensei [RAW] Available Now

2012/07/17
Jerry Paxton
News

CHICAGO – July 17, 2012 – SteelSeries, the leading manufacturer of premium-quality, competitive gaming peripherals, today announced that the SteelSeries Sensei [RAW] Glossy and Rubberized Editions are available now online for $59.99/ €59.99 in the SteelSeries Web Shop.

The SteelSeries Sensei [RAW] features the core essentials of a premium-quality gaming mouse, but for users that may not require all of the customization that the 32 bit ARM processor inside of the SteelSeries Sensei has to offer. The Sensei [RAW] will provide users with the same Sensei shape and size as well as:

  • BEST-IN-CLASS HARDWARE

From tournament-grade switches for intense clicking, to a pro-grade laser sensor and a CPI range from 1-5,700, the SteelSeries Sensei [RAW] delivers the best in gaming performance. Flip it over to find XL-sized UPE material feet for a smooth and consistent glide. Give it a tug or roll over it with your desk chair; the 6.5ft anti-tangle black and white cord is braided nylon.

  • ILLUMATATION

Its bright-white LED illumination is featured in 3 zones and can be configured with multiple levels of pulsation. Powered by the SteelSeries Engine software suite, users are equipped with advanced customization options and the ability to create and store an unlimited number of profiles.

  • GRIP OPTIONS

The SteelSeries Sensei [RAW] has an ambidextrous, all-grip design and is available in 2 different versions, each offering a very distinct feel for the user.   For gamers who worry about sweaty palms, the SteelSeries Sensei [RAW] Rubberized features a rubberized black, hand-sweat resistant coating that allows for an exceptional grip and soft-touch comfort even during the most frantic gaming sessions. The SteelSeries Sensei [RAW] Glossy features a glossy black, smooth exterior that both looks and feels sleek.

Additional details and images of the SteelSeries Sensei [RAW], Rubberized and Glossy editions can be found at http://steelseri.es/RAW. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for new product updates, contests and promotions.