Author - Jerry Paxton

The City of Columbia Comes to Disney Infinity

2013/09/05
Jerry Paxton
News, Nintendo Wii U News, PlayStation 3 News, Xbox 360 News

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September 5, 2013 — Today, Disney Interactive releases five new custom-built Toy Boxes for Disney Infinity players. The new Toy Boxes are available now for download free of charge on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii U. The new set of screenshots and videos showcase a variety of ways that players can build and customize their own worlds in the Toy Box mode.

Here are the five free Toy Boxes available now for download:

1.       Toy Columbia – Explore a sprawling city in the sky with infinite possibilities. (View video here)

2.       Sky Gauntlet – Put platforming skills to the test in a series of complicated challenges. (View video here)

3.       Jungle Cruise – Become the skipper in a Jungle Cruise-inspired Toy Box, full of adventure, peril, and puns. (View video here)

4.       Trench Run – Pilot a Tron Recognizer through an obstacle-filled trench to save the galaxy. (View video here)

5.       Blue Breakout – Players must find their way out of this maddening blue maze. (View video here)

Disney Infinity is available in stores now for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U, Wii and 3DS.

Players can download the new Toy Boxes by selecting “Toy Box” from the Disney Infinity Main Menu and then select “Toy Box Share” and “Disney’s Toy Boxes.” Once there they will see a list of all the featured Toy Boxes and can choose one to download. They will be able to come back every week for new Toy Boxes. Players should also let us know what they want to see because Disney Infinity developers will soon begin creating content based on player suggestions.

As a refresher, Disney Infinity’s Toy Box is a wide-open space that gives players free range to create entire levels or worlds of their own. Players can upload their creation onto Disney’s server and Disney will curate and release the best ones so all gamers can experience the magic.

 

 

Sound Blaster Omni Surround Ext Sound Card Announced

2013/09/04
Jerry Paxton
Hardware News, News

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September 4, 2013 — Creative Technology Ltd today announced an all new high performance external sound card – the Sound Blaster® Omni Surround 5.1. On top of enhancing audio playback via Creative’s SBX Pro Studio™ suite of processing technologies, the Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 goes a step further to provide a more complete playback experience. The sound card comes with a 600 ohm headphone amplifier that allows discerning listeners to hear every enhanced audio detail through powerful studio-grade monitoring headphones.

“We have always strived to ensure that our sound cards are packed with the latest features and technology, and that’s why they represent the best upgrades from simple motherboard audio to full cinematic surround sound. This principle is reflected with the all new Omni Surround 5.1. With its 600 ohm headphone amplifier, users are able to enjoy a more complete immersive experience – the amplifier supports the capabilities of studio-grade monitoring headphones by giving them sufficient power to reproduce low frequency tones that are usually ignored, bringing the listening experience to a whole new level,” says Low Long Chye, General Manager of the Audio Video Products Group.

Beyond a complete playback experience, the Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 also features impressive recording capabilities that will be appreciated by today’s new generation of audio content creators, including podcasters and budding YouTube musicians. It houses a built-in dual array microphone that records clear audio, and all recorded audio is further enhanced and cleaned up via Creative’s CrystalVoice™ technologies. Users can look forward to a painless installation process – the Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 can be connected to laptops, PCs and Macs via a simple USB cable. The device also houses conveniently accessible controls and input options.

Intelligent Features of the Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1
1. Comes with Sound Blaster Omni Control Panel, a PC/Mac software suite that gives users full access and control over advanced SBX Pro Studio and CrystalVoice technologies for enhanced audio playback and recording
2. Dolby Digital Live allows users to connect to their decoder through a single optical cable for compelling 5.1 Surround Sound in addition to a 5.1 analog output
3. Comes with a 600 ohm amplifier for studio-grade monitoring, allowing every enhanced detail to be heard with great clarity
4. Built-in dual microphone array works in tandem with CrystalVoice technology for crystal clear audio pickup and recording, perfect for voice communications or audio content creation
5. Features a simple installation process, with users able to connect the Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 to laptops/PCs/Macs via USB
6. Houses easily accessible controls and input options

Sound Blaster Audigy Rx and Sound Blaster Audigy Fx – Internal PCIe Entertainment Sound Cards
Along with Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1, Creative also revealed the all new Sound Blaster Audigy Rx and Sound Blaster Audigy Fx – two internal sound cards that represent powerful upgrades from basic motherboard audio to immersive surround sound. The Sound Blaster Audigy Rx is an advanced internal 7.1 PCIe sound card, while the Sound Blaster Audigy Fx is an internal 5.1 half-height PCIe sound card. Both cards feature 600 ohm headphone amplifiers, a 106dB SNR and full customization via their respective PC software suites. The Sound Blaster Audigy Rx has more advanced recording capabilities, with a dual microphone input for simultaneous multi-person audio recording, useful for podcasting or singing along with a friend.

Intelligent Features of the Sound Blaster Audigy Rx
1. Comes with Sound Blaster Audigy Rx Control Panel, a PC software suite that gives users full access and control over advanced technologies for enhanced audio playback and recording
2. EAX® Studio Software allows for additional customizable environmental effects to music, movies, games and voice
3. Comes with a 600 ohm amplifier for studio-grade monitoring
4. Built-in dual microphone input allows for simultaneous multi-person podcasting or audio recording

Intelligent Features of the Sound Blaster Audigy Fx
1. Comes with Sound Blaster Audigy Fx Control Panel, a PC software suite that gives users full access and control over advanced SBX Pro Studio technologies for enhanced audio playback and recording
2. Comes with a 600 ohm amplifier for studio-grade monitoring
3. Independent Line-in and microphone input allows user to play music from a smart device or MP3 player through the Sound Blaster Audigy Fx to get amazing sound quality

Pricing and Availability
The Creative Sound Blaster Entertainment sound cards are slated for availability in October 2013 at creative.com, and will be available at selected retailers, at the following suggested retail prices:

Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 US79.99
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Rx US69.99
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Fx US39.99

For in-store availability, please refer to local authorised dealers.

Night of the Living Dead Rifftrax Event Announced

2013/09/04
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News

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Centennial, Colo. – Sept 3, 2013 – The “RiffTrax Live” cinema series has been racking in the “LOLs” and “ROTFLs” with its celebrated comedic treatment of films since 2009. This fall, the stars of RiffTrax—Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett (best known for the groundbreaking “Mystery Science Theater 3000”)—are back for a hilarious never-before-seen take on the George Romero zombie movie “Night of the Living Dead.” Movie theater audiences will witness shambling zombies (and lead actors alike) meeting their end via razor-sharp mockery, as NCM Fathom Events, RiffTrax and IGN present “RiffTrax Live: Night of the Living Dead” on Thursday, Oct. 24, live at 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT and tape delayed at 7:00 p.m. MT / 8:00 p.m. PT/HI/AK.

Tickets for “RiffTrax Live: Night of the Living Dead” are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. The event will be broadcast to more than 600 select movie theaters across the country through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the NCM Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

“Halloween is a time to celebrate the simple things: neighbor kids begging at your door, cleaning splattered eggs off your car window, and of course, laughing along with the classic zombie movie that kick-started the genre. We’re thrilled to be riffing along with a great print of this much-loved film!” said Michael J. Nelson, RiffTrax creator and former host of the Emmy-nominated, Peabody Award-winning “Mystery Science Theater 3000.”

A classic horror film, 1968’s “Night of the Living Dead” kicked off the ubiquitous zombie craze. The movie begins when Barbara and her brother Johnny travel to the countryside to visit their father’s gravestone. In the cemetery, Johnny is murdered by a peculiar man and Barbara must flee to an abandoned farmhouse. Also hiding from the zombies in the house is Ben, who boards up the doors and windows. After listening to the radio and learning that a satellite returning from space has reanimated the dead, Ben and Barbara discover five additional survivors hidden in the basement. Harry—one of the ragtag band of survivors—disagrees with Ben’s leadership, and the tension between the two men intensifies. As the group waits out the apocalypse, the house is besieged by an increasing throng of living dead.

“An evening at the movie theater with RiffTrax Live is always a hilarious and fun experience,” said Shelly Maxwell, executive vice president of NCM Fathom Events. “Seeing the guys fire their wisecracking commentary at ‘Night of the Living Dead’ on the big screen is a must-see for everyone’s Halloween to-do list.”

DCS: Mi-8MTV2 Magnificent Eight Pre-Orders Available

2013/09/04
Jerry Paxton
News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

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DUXFORD, UK, September 4, 2013 – The Fighter Collection and Belsimtek now offer DCS: Mi-8MTV2 Magnificent Eight as a digital download pre-purchase for $49.99. Pre-purchase also provides access to early pre-release Beta versions of the title.

Pre-purchase DCS: Mi-8MTV2 Magnificent Eight here:

http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/index.php?end_pos=1322&scr=shop&lang=en

DCS: Mi-8MTV2 Magnificent Eight is a highly realistic PC simulation of the Mi-8MTV2, a combat transport and fire support helicopter and an upgraded variant of one of the most widely produced helicopters in the world – the Russian Mi-8 (NATO reporting name ‘Hip’). Developed by Belsimtek and Eagle Dynamics, the team behind the hit title DCS: UH-1H Huey, DCS Mi-8MTV2 continues to deliver exceptional realism and immersive gameplay within the DCS World virtual battlefield.

The simulation features accurate modeling of all primary aircraft systems, avionics, and proper functionality of nearly all cockpit switches and controls. Flight and other dynamics are modeled using real-time physics calculations and carefully tuned using actual Mi-8MTV2 documentation and pilots deeply involved in development and testing. The result is not only the most realistic Mi-8 reproduction on the PC, but a comprehensive helicopter model that correctly presents complex dynamic effects particular to helicopter flight, such as: autorotation, vortex ring state (VRS), translational lift, hover in and out of ground effect, and many others.

You are placed in the cockpit of the Mi-8MTV2 to fly combat transport and support missions as the left pilot, right pilot or gunner. The helicopter can be armed with unguided rockets, gun pods, and on-board machine guns. In the transport role, a cargo of up to four tons can be carried internally or three tons on an external sling system to deliver and retrieve supplies in a wide variety of terrain and weather conditions. A series of single missions and a handcrafted, immersive campaign plunge you into the heat of battle in the DCS World battlefield of countless AI and a variety of player-controlled fighter and attack aircraft, helicopters, and ground units. Get online to play with or against other DCS players in a synthetic online battlefield.

A quickstart guide and interactive training help you get started quickly while the comprehensive Flight Manual details the helicopter’s systems and operational procedures. A wide variety of gameplay options allows each player to tailor their difficulty level as required.

Key Features of DCS: Mi-8MTV2 Magnificent Eight include:

· Unmatched flight physics providing the most realistic and dynamic conventional helicopter experience on the PC

· Multiple player positions, including pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, and door gunner

· Accurate and highly detailed 3D cockpit featuring six-degrees-of-freedom technology compatible with head-tracking devices

· Interactive cockpit controls that allow you to operate systems using the mouse

· Accurate modeling of the Mi-8MTV2 instruments, weapons, engines, radios, fuel, electrical, and hydraulic systems

· Highly detailed Mi-8MTV2 external 3D model, liveries, and weapons

· Accurate audio environment based on custom Mi-8MTV2 sound samples

· Immersive, handcrafted campaign with a variety of transport and fire support missions

· Training with interactive and video lessons

· Multiplayer coop mode for crew members of the same helicopter under development for a later update

· Developed in close cooperation with actual Mi-8MTV2 operators

Screenshots

Xbox One Release Date Announced

2013/09/04
Jerry Paxton
Industry News, News, Xbox One News

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Microsoft has announced that its next generation gaming console, the Xbox One, will be released on November 22nd, 2013 in 13 different markets. The Xbox One will cost $499.99 and is available for pre-order at the Microsoft store and other retailers. The Xbox One’s competitor, the PlayStation 4, is set to release on November 15th, 2013.

Rob Zombie’s Great American Nightmare Interview

2013/09/04
Jerry Paxton
Articles, Geek News, Halloween, Interviews, News

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We recently got the chance to interview the producer of Rob Zombie’s Great American Nightmare haunted attraction, Steve Kopelman. The event takes place on various days from October 10 through November 2 and features not only an assortment of haunted houses but, also, a variety of musical acts.

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Q) What were the inspirations and goals in creating the Great American Nightmare?

A) The goals were to give the patrons the most “bang for the buck” while producing an event that is quintessential Rob Zombie.

Q) How long was the design process for your three haunted houses at the event?

A) We started this past February and are still coming up with new ideas.

Q) Who designed each of the mazes and what are their respective backgrounds in the field?

A) Steve Kopelman, a 32 year haunted house veteran, designed the actual mazes but the works of Rob Zombie inspired all the themes. Essentially, Rob’s movies dictated just about every scene.

Q) Is the Great American Nightmare using its own makeup artists or did you guys contract the work out to an effects house?

A) Christopher Mills of Silver Shamrock Lab is heading up our make up department. He will be overseeing all the test make-ups along with designing numerous special character masks.

Q) With the increasing popularity of haunted attractions, what does the Great American Nightmare give guests that they can’t find anywhere else?

A) Never has a haunted attraction event been so integrated with music. In addition to 3 different haunted attractions, we will feature some type of national musical act each and every night. Our price point is more than fair and we have designed something that is just bursting with activities the patrons can experience. Additionally, people ultimately go to haunted attractions to get scared and the masses haven’t had the opportunity to experience extreme haunted houses. We truly believe we are different.

Q) Is the Great American Nightmare something that you hope to become an annual event or is this a special, 1-time attraction?

A) We not only hope and expect it to become an annual event, we hope to expand the brand globally.

Q) Are there any props from the films that the event’s mazes are based on in the mazes themselves?

A) We won’t be using actual movie props but we will be recreating many scenes from Rob’s movies.

Q) Is there anything that was deemed “too extreme” for the haunt-going public that didn’t make the cut into this year’s event?

A) When it comes to this event I don’t think we could be any more extreme.

Q) How many scare actors are you guys utilizing at the event this year?

A) There will be 140 scare actors throughout the mazes.

Q) We have to ask, will the “Murder Ride” feature a “push-car” like in the film House of 1000 Corpses or is it all walk-through?

A) No, it is a walk through, but the murder rider has been expanded immensely and will cover more than 14 different serial killers.

Q) Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about the Great American Nightmare?

A) The attractions themselves are a form of immersive theatre. It will be the patrons first chance to actual live the movie rather than watch the movie. The haunted houses are not designed for those who are easily scared or offended. They would be better off attending an amusement park.

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We would like to thank Steve Kopelman as well as Kristine Ashton-Magnuson at AM-Media for making this interview possible!

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Space Hulk: Deathwing Teaser Trailer

2013/09/03
Jerry Paxton
News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

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September 3, 2013 — Space Hulk®: Deathwing™ is a First-Person Shooter experience of Games Workshop’s classic Space Hulk boardgame set in the universe of Warhammer 40,000, developed on Unreal Engine 4 by Streum On Studio, the team behind E.Y.E: Divine Cybermancy. Published by Focus Home Interactive and co-produced by Cyanide Studio, Space Hulk: Deathwing offers players the chance to experience a desperate battle against Genestealers in the claustrophobic tunnels of a Space Hulk, as they will gain skills, new abilities and new equipment thanks to experience earned during perilous missions.

Today, Space Hulk: Deathwing is being unveiled for the first time through a first teaser of the game: discover this video where a Deathwing Terminator, stranded in a Space Hulk, is being chased by a horde of Genestealers…

Space Hulks drift along the currents of the Warp, the immaterial dimension of Chaos. Made up of gigantic mangled asteroids, derelict ship wrecks and other spatial debris, they sometimes grow to the size of a moon and often contain treasured and ancient lost technologies. However, they are ripe with danger including infestations of the lethal Genestealers.

Players take on the role of a Space Marine from one of the most secret and most feared Space Marine Companies: the Deathwing from the Dark Angels. Strap on your Terminator armour and equip the emblematic weaponry of the Space Marines to overcome the threats awaiting you in the Space Hulk. As a Librarian, you will also master the destructive powers of the Psykers. Your skills and performance in battle grant you Fervor Points, to spend on 4 skill trees allowing you to improve your abilities, unlock new powers, access powerful relics and devastating new weapons.

Trailer