Author - Jerry Paxton

DUST 514 Mercenary Pack Announced

2012/06/26
Jerry Paxton
News

Reykjavik, Iceland – 9 June 26 2012 – Today CCP Games is proud to announce the brand-new Mercenary Pack for its upcoming free-to-play massively multiplayer first-person shooter, DUST 514, scheduled for release later this year exclusively on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. The Mercenary Pack provides players with an arsenal of gear, game currency and a booster to expand their opportunities on the battlefield. The pack also includes exclusive items, rewarding early adopters with uniquely styled armor and weapons, in addition to an all-access pass to the closed-beta program running throughout the summer.

DUST 514‘s first scheduled Beta Event begins this Thursday, June 28, with more following every other weekend. By purchasing the Mercenary Pack, players are guaranteed access to every Beta Event, and have exclusive access to the game on off-weekends. Anyone interested in testing DUST 514 can also sign up at www.dust514.com/beta, where they will be chosen at random to participate. All participating players will receive a unique dropsuit for each Beta Event to commemorate their time testing DUST 514.

The Mercenary Pack offers a $50 USD value for a price of $19.99 USD and is now available on the PlayStation Network.

The contents of the Mercenary Pack are:

  • 4,000 Aurum ($20 USD value) – the in-game currency for DUST 514 that you can buy in the PS Store
  • 30-dat Active Skill Booster – increases earned Skill Points (SP) by 50%
  • ‘Dragonfly’ Scout Dropuit – a uniquely designed armor with unlimited use
  • ‘Toxin” ICD-9 Submachine Gun with unlimited use and a custom skin
  • HK4M Shotgun X 50
  • Hacked Drop Uplink x 50 – allows players to create on-the-spot spawn points for their teammates
  • Fused Locus Grenade x 50
  • 1.5dn Myofibril Stimulant x 50 – offers players a temporary melee damage boost against opponents
  • All Access Beta Pass – allows players to participate in every Beta Event, as well as additional play sessions during off weekends

One of the most anticipated titles of the year, DUST 514 brings intense infantry combat, large-scale warfare and deep character advancement to the PlayStation®3 in an exclusive free-to-play massively multiplayer shooter. Set in, and integrated with, the massive universe of EVE Online™, players wage war in the next generation of first-person shooters, where a single victory could prove the crushing blow to a galactice empire of thousands of online gamers.

The Mercenary Pack is available now in the US for $19.99 USD and on June 27 in Europe for 17.00 / 13.99. Players can purchase the pack via PSN. DUST 514 is currently in closed beta and is set to launch in 2012, exclusively on Playstation®3.

NBA 2K13 Cover Athletes Revealed

2012/06/26
Jerry Paxton
News

New York, NY – June 26, 2012 – 2K Sports today announced that the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant, Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin and the Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose have been crowned the cover athletes for NBA® 2K13, the next installment of the top-selling and top-rated NBA video game simulation franchise*.

”Being crowned as one of the NBA 2K13 cover athletes is a huge honor and something I always dreamt about,” said Durant, who won his third straight scoring title and led the Thunder franchise to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1996. “It’s definitely humbling to grace the cover after the likes of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird.”

“There’s so much young talent around the NBA, so it’s very exciting to be chosen for NBA 2K’s ‘New Dynasty’ alongside Kevin and Derrick,” added Griffin, who helped lead the Clippers to their first postseason since 2006. “The NBA 2K series has always been my first choice when I want to get a game in.”
                                                            
“It’s a dream come true to be one of the cover athletes for NBA 2K13,” commented Rose, the 2010-11 NBA Most Valuable Player, who led the Bulls to a league-best 50-16 record this season. “I’ve worked closely with 2K Sports since NBA 2K10, and I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of Michael Jordan as the latest Chicago Bull to be featured on the cover.”

In their young but impressive careers, Rose, Durant and Griffin have each taken the NBA by storm. All three are past winners of the NBA Rookie of the Year award, and have also amassed eight All-Star berths, three scoring titles, and one Most Valuable Player award between them.

“There are many young superstars in today’s NBA, but we’ve selected three incredible athletes for the cover of NBA 2K13 that represent the NBA well,” concluded Jason Argent, vice president of marketing for 2K Sports. “It’s clear to us that Blake, Derrick and Kevin are the most deserving guys to inherit the NBA 2K cover from Jordan, Magic and Bird.”

Developed by Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio, NBA 2K13 is not yet rated by the ESRB and will be available on October 2, 2012 in North America and October 5, 2012 internationally. The Wii U version of the title will be available during the holiday season. Fans are encouraged to pre-order now at participating retailers in order to receive the downloadable NBA All-Star content package presented by Sprite on day one at no extra cost.

For more information on 2K Sports, visit www.2KSports.com.

For more information on NBA 2K13, visit http://www.facebook.com/NBA2K.

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

*According to 2008 – 2012 Gamerankings.com and The NPD Group estimates of U.S. retail video game sales through May 2012.

NBA 2K13 is not yet rated by the ESRB. Visit www.esrb.org for rating information.

DOA 5 Pre-Order and CE Information

2012/06/26
Jerry Paxton
News

BURLINGAME, Calif. – JUNE 25, 2012 – TECMO KOEI America today detailed the preorder incentive and Collector’s Edition version for DEAD OR ALIVE 5, which will ship on September 25, 2012. The popular DOA series returns with a new look and feel while honoring the core franchise’s fighting legacy, and premiums for the game reflect this with both sensual in-game swimsuits for female characters and a deluxe set of both physical and in-game items in a sleek metal case for the Collector’s Edition. Created by Team NINJA, DEAD OR ALIVE 5 is coming off a strong showing at E3 where it was nominated for several awards, including “Best Fighting Game” by the official awards of E3, the Game Critics Awards. The game will be published by TECMO KOEI America for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

“We wanted to create a truly compelling package of rewards to make our ‘DOA Day’ launch a day to celebrate for the fans that have made DEAD OR ALIVE synonymous with intense hand-to-hand fighting combat,” said Amos Ip, SVP and General Manager of TECMO KOEI America. “Whether it’s a stunning set of female fighter swimsuits for preorders or an entire luxurious package complete in an embossed metal case for the Collector’s Edition, players will get something that enriches their gaming experience.”

Players who preorder DEAD OR ALIVE 5 at GameStop or Amazon will get an exclusive set of in-game bunny-style swimsuits for three female characters. At GameStop purchasers will get a ‘DOA Angels’ set of white swimsuits for Kasumi, Leifang, and Hitomi, while Amazon players will get a set of three ‘DOA Devils’ black swimsuits for Christie, Tina, and Ayane .

Available exclusively at GameStop, the game’s Collector’s Edition pulls out all the stops to provide a rich package of physical and in-game items for fans, starting with the first-class embossed steel case that keeps the precious goods inside safe. Along with the game, players get premium swimsuit costumes for DOA5’s full cast of playable female characters. An exclusive hardcover art book details the game’s lush imagery and the game’s stirring soundtrack CD lets fans experience the music of DOA even when they’re away from the game. Finally, a full-color poster of the DOA5 cast tops off the deluxe package of items. DEAD OR ALIVE 5 will be available for an MSRP of $59.99 for the regular edition and $79.99 for the Collector’s Edition.

DEAD OR ALIVE 5 incorporates a variety of martial arts fighting techniques into its distinctive fighting style to create a new generation of intense DEAD OR ALIVE combat. In the game, players will once again take on the roles of the cast of DOA fighters in an action-packed brawler set in visually striking locations from around the world. The famed DEAD OR ALIVE hand-to-hand combat is supported by fresh new 3D stages that dynamically change as the fight progresses. The cast of characters includes notables from the DOA series and for the first time in the series’ history, select characters from the iconic fighting series Virtua Fighter™ – Akira Yuki and Sarah Bryant.

Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin Announced

2012/06/26
Jerry Paxton
News

LOS ANGELES (June 25, 2012) – Square Enix Co. Ltd. announced the development of FINAL FANTASY® XI: Seekers of Adoulin as part of the FINAL FANTASY 10th Anniversary fan event, A DECADE OF FINAL FANTASY XI VANA’FEST 2012.

Marking the fifth major addition to the FINAL FANTASY XI adventure, “Seekers of Adoulin” will feature two new jobs. Geomancers will harness the elemental energies of Vana’diel® to aid their comrades and attack enemies alike.  As versatile duelists, rune fencers will be quick with a blade as well as incantations, and employ the power of arcane runes to sway the tide of battle both offensively and defensively.

Other key features of FINAL FANTASY XI: Seekers of Adoulin will include:

  • The additions of the Ulbuka Continent and the Sacred City of Adoulin that further expand on the FINAL FANTASY XI storyline;
  • New and stronger monsters throughout the areas that span the Ulbuka Continent; and
  • New gameplay systems such as player-built outposts, new contract work, and the introduction of special “power spots” that are hidden throughout the environment for powerful character enhancements.

Additionally, Kazushi Hagiwara, the internationally acclaimed manga artist, designed the artifact armor and weapons for the new jobs.  His artwork will bring a fresh, new look that will seamlessly blend into the world of FINAL FANTASY XI.

“A DECADE OF FINAL FANTASY XI VANA’FEST 2012” was a weekend-long fan event in Yokohama, Japan from June 23-24.  FINAL FANTASY XI: Seekers of Adoulin will be available in North America on XBOX 360® and Windows PC platforms in 2013. Detailed information on the title is available at http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/adoulin.  Release date and pricing will be available closer to launch.

World of Warplanes Carrier Aircraft Trailer

2012/06/24
Jerry Paxton
News

Wargaming.net has released some new screenshots and a trailer featuring the carrier-based aircraft featured in their upcoming World of Warplanes – enjoy!

Trailer

Screenshots

Black Prophecy Tactics: Nexus Conflict Closed Beta Underway

2012/06/24
Jerry Paxton
News

Hamburg, June 22, 2012 – It’s time to take the bridge in Black Prophecy Tactics: Nexus Conflict, where a select group of space captains can now wage tactical battles in their massive battleships during closed beta testing.

Please take note: The game was announced in February as “Nexus Conflict”. With the start of CBT, the title has been changed to “Black Prophecy Tactics: Nexus Conflict”. Please update your databases accordingly.

This free-to-play real-time strategy game by gamigo is based on the well-known universe of Black Prophecy. It lets players take command of battleships that are up to 1.5 kilometers long and can be individually equipped with a wide variety of modules and weapons. This gives players the choice of which of the classic MMO roles – tank, healer, damage dealer – they would like to take on in battle. Black Prophecy Tactics: Nexus Conflict includes a comprehensive PvP mode with a matchmaking system. Tyi and Genides are mired in a continual battle for control of important regions within the Nexus.

Features of Black Prophecy Tactics: Nexus Conflict at a glance:

  • Players command individually equipped battleships in tactically challenging real-time battles in space
  • 18 different ship types (from small corvettes to gigantic cruisers)
  • 30 regions, of which 22 can be conquered
  • more than 350 ship modules allow for comprehensive upgrades and individualized equipping of battleships
  • Skill system
  • Players take on tactical roles in a group: tank, healer, damage dealer
  • high-quality 3D graphics thanks to the Unity engine

Razer Blackshark Review

2012/06/24
Jerry Paxton
News, Reviews
1 Comment

At the recent Electronic Entertainment Expo, I got the chance to check out Razer’s new Blackshark gaming headset. I was initially impressed by the military aviation visual style they conveyed. Not usually Razer’s aesthetic, I then learned that the unit was a Battlefield 3 licensed peripheral and that made a lot more sense. Trying them on, I was very pleased with the comfort factor that the ear cups provided, and persuaded the company to send one over to us for a full review. I am a big combat flight sim fanatic and I was eager to find out how these fit into my favorite genre of gaming.

Official Razer Blackshark Gaming Headset Specs from Razer’s Product Page

Tech Specs

  • Exclusive Battlefield 3 design
  • Stereo sound with enhanced bass
  • Sound-isolating circumaural ear cup design
  • Detachable boom microphone for voice chat or added mobility
  • Audio/mic splitter adapter cable
  • Memory foam leatherette ear cushions for maximum comfort
  • 40mm neodymium magnet stereo drivers
  • Approximate Weight: 290 g / 0.64 lbs

Headphones

  • Drivers: 40mm neodymium magnets with copper-clad aluminum voice coil
  • Frequency response: 20Hz – 20KHz
  • Impedance: 29 Ω
  • Sensitivity @ 1KHz: 105dB ± 3 dB
  • Input power: 50mW
  • Cable: 1.3m rubber sheathed
  • Connector: 3.5 mm audio + mic combined jack

Microphone

  • Frequency response: 50Hz – 16KHz
  • Signal-to-noise ratio: 50dB
  • Sensitivity @ 1KHz: -37 dB +/- 4dB
  • Pick-up pattern: Unidirectional

Hardware Requirements

  • Devices with separate 3.5mm audio and mic jacks
  • Devices with combined 3.5mm audio + mic combined jack (works with all portable audio/mobile/computing devices including the iPod, iPhone, iPad, Kindle Fire, Android phones, Razer Blade, Macbook Pro, or today’s newer Ultrabooks.)
  • 1m / 3.2ft audio/mic splitter adapter extension cable included

The Razer Blackshark contains two 40mm neodymium drivers in the 20Hz – 20KHz range. I initially tested the gaming headset with my favorite flight sim right now: DCS A-10C Warthog. The military look and feel definitely helped set the mood, and the drivers put out very respectable bass response while also allowing the highs to come through, loud and clear. Small details like the spinning up of the aircraft’s external APU were noticeable and I loved the metal boom mic. You can remove that feature if you like but, if you are like me, that boom mic is one of the Blackshark’s top selling points.

Comfort is definitely an issue when it comes to gaming headsets. I have used some very weighty ones in my day that induced headaches a plenty. The Razer Blackshark is not one of those headsets – much to my pleasure. The Blackshark is very light at 290 grams and the earcups caress without chaffing. Additionally, the Blackshark did not compress the sides of my head like some other headsets I have used. Overall, this unit gets some serious marks in the comfort department.

In other games, like Battlefield 3 and Left 4 Dead 2, I, again, got very respectable performance from the Blackshark. Between those two FPS titles and the aforementioned flight sim, I can safely say that the sound reproduction on the headset is at least on par if not moderately better than other “pro” gaming headsets on the market.

Installing the Razer Blackshark is very simple, as you just plug the 3.5 mm jacks into your soundcard – there is no special software required to use it. I did try using the unit on my iPhone and, while it does provide music playback without issue – it looks a bit silly to wear them on the street.

Like the rest of Razer’s Battlefield 3 licensed products, you do get a code which will unlock a Razer-themed, in-game dog tag.

Overall, I have lots of great things to say about the Razer Blackshark. The only drawback I found with the unit is its $129.99 retail price. Considering Razer’s high-end Tiamat 7.1 is $179.99, I would have liked to have seen the Blackshark a bit cheaper. Not that the Blackshark isn’t worth paying for – I would just heavily weigh why I was buying the Blackshark when, for $50 more, I could get true 7.1 surround sound. That being said, if you are looking for a rugged, military-styled gaming headset for your home cockpit or just some great gaming sound, you will love the Blackshark.

The Razer Blackshark gaming headset is available now.

Product Images