Author - Jerry Paxton

GTA Vice City 10th Anniversary Celebration

2012/10/26
Jerry Paxton
Mobile News, News, Trailers / Videos

New York, NY – October 26, 2012 – Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), is proud to announce the 10th anniversary of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City on October 29, 2012. Building upon the success of the groundbreaking Grand Theft Auto III in 2001, the release of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City in 2002 pushed the open-world game series deeper into pop culture with a vibrant over-the-top take on Miami, a stunning celebrity voice cast and a loving, satirical look at the cultural excesses of the ‘80s.

In conjunction with the anniversary, Rockstar will release Grand Theft Auto: Vice City for a wide range of iOS and Android devices later this fall.

“Grand Theft Auto: Vice City gave players the freedom of a massive open-world in one of the most iconic and vibrant settings ever realized in a game,” said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. “It was a defining moment in the series and we’re delighted to be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with a stunning, updated version for phones and tablets.”

To celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, there will be a series of commemorative assets released, both old and new, including never-before-seen artwork and a brand new anniversary trailer highlighting some of the most iconic scenes and music from the game.  In addition, a limited run of collectable promotional items will be made available for purchase through the Rockstar Games Warehouse (www.rockstarwarehouse.com), with select items available via online giveaways.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was originally released in October 2002 for the PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system, just one year after its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto III, changed the gaming landscape forever with its combination of open-world freedom, humor and action in a living, breathing city. Vice City expanded upon the open world gameplay of Grand Theft Auto III, combined with nostalgia for the 1980s to create one of the true high points in the marriage of video games and mainstream pop culture, loved by hardcore gamers and casual players alike. The upcoming mobile version of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City brings the full experience to mobile devices, featuring native high-resolution graphics and several enhancements unique to the iOS and Android platforms.

As one of the top-selling games of all time for the PlayStation 2, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City received numerous awards and praise from press. Rolling Stone stated, “It’s not just a new frontier for games. It’s a new frontier for humanity.” IGN concluded that Vice City is “a truly unique gameplay experience,” and “no other action game comes close.” Game Informer wrote that Vice City “doesn’t just match the magic of GTA III, it bests it in every way possible.”

Space Colony HD to Release in November

2012/10/26
Jerry Paxton
News

London, UK – 26th October 2012 – Firefly Studios, creators of the Stronghold series, has just announced that sci-fi strategy sim Space Colony is being re-released next month in the form of Space Colony HD.

Described by PC Gamer as “A fun, refreshingly light-hearted and deviously challenging sim”, Space Colony was released in 2003 to a warm critical reception from publications such as GameSpy, GamePro and G4 TV.

Space Colony HD has players build a base on different planets throughout the galaxy, defending it from hostile alien threats while also keeping their ragtag crew of colonists alive and content. Your colourful crew includes the amicable Venus Jones, Scandinavian biker Stig Svensson, cybernetics expert Mr. Zhang and even former chicken farmer Billy-Bob Perkins. Each character has a unique personality with specific skills and needs, as well as different interactions. While keeping the crew happy is important, players must also keep them alive, maintaining oxygen levels, work productivity and defending against hostile alien threats.

Space Colony is not your run of the mill life simulator. The game features a wealth of different structures, weapons, aliens and real-time strategy mechanics befitting of a base builder. Establishing mining operations, colonist facilities and perimeter defences is up to the player, as is deciding which planets to colonise. As a throwback to the Stronghold games, players can choose to take a “Military” or “Civilian” path through the game, battling indigenous life or building intergalactic golf courses instead.

Space Colony HD updates the original strategy sim with high definition graphics and a greater field of view, often allowing players to see attacks on their base and points of interest at a glance, without the need to scroll around the map. The game has been remastered to support resolutions up to 2560×1600, up from the previous cap of 1280×1024.

Space Colony HD is set for digital release on GOG, Amazon, GetGames and other notable online retailers on 8th November 2012.

More news and information on Space Colony HD can be found at www.fireflyworlds.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fireflystudios and on Twitter @fireflyworlds.

HALO 4: Forward Unto Dawn Part 4

2012/10/26
Jerry Paxton
News

Machinima, Microsoft, and 343 Industries have released part 4 in their web series, HALO 4: Forward Unto Dawn. Again, this is some truly awesome film-making here and I can’t wait to get these altogether when they all get released.

Interstellar Marines Hits Kickstarter

2012/10/25
Jerry Paxton
News

Interstellar Marines has been a project, long in-development for the Windows PC platform. Its idea is to bring to life a futuristic look at military tactics and co-op play together with a gripping campaign. Now, they have upped their already sizable ante by getting on Kickstarter. For the love of Pete, support this project!

Hitman: Absolution Voice Cast Revealed

2012/10/25
Jerry Paxton
News

COPENHAGEN (October 25, 2012) – IO Interactive A/S, a Square Enix studio, today reveals the stunning main cast of HITMAN: ABSOLUTION. This very talented group of well known Hollywood actors was brought together to fulfill HITMAN: ABSOLUTION‘s cinematic storytelling ambition.

Every actor and actress not only lent their voices to HITMAN: ABSOLUTION characters, but they were also fully motion-captured while acting their roles. These full performance captures took place in Giant Studios, the preeminent motion capture facility best known for their work on blockbuster movies like Lord of the Rings, Iron Man, I Am Legend, Avatar and many more.

THE HOLLYWOOD CAST OF HITMAN: ABSOLUTION

Agent 47 – William Mapother (Motion Capture), David Bateson (Voice)
previous work includes: Lost, Another Earth

Diana Burnwood – Marsha Thomason

previous work includes: Lost, White Collar

Benjamin Travis – Powers Boothe
previous work includes: The Avengers, Deadwood, Sin City

Birdie – Steven Bauer
previous work includes: Breaking Bad, Scarface

Blake Dexter – Keith Carradine
previous work includes: Cowboys & Aliens, Dexter, Deadwood

Sheriff Clive Skurky – Jon Gries
previous work includes: Napoleon Dynamite, Get Shorty

Layla Stockton – Traci Lords
previous work includes: Blade, Underworld

Sanchez – Issac Singleton
previous work includes: Planet of the Apes, Pirates of the Caribbean

LaSandra Dixon – Vivica A. Fox
previous work includes: Kill Bill, Batman & Robin, Independence Day

Wade – Larry Cedar
previous work includes: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Deadwood

Cosmo Faulkner – Jonathan Adams
previous work includes: Bones, 24, Boston Legal, Burn Notice

Jade – Shannyn Sossamon
previous work includes: 40 Days and 40 Nights, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Victoria – Isabelle Fuhrman
previous work includes: The Hunger Games, Orphan

HITMAN: ABSOLUTION is scheduled for release across North America on November 20, 2012 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC.

Related Links
HITMAN: SNIPER CHALLENGE Official Homepage:  www.hitmansniper.com
HITMAN: ABSOLUTION Official Homepage:              www.hitman.com
HITMAN: ABSOLUTION Official Facebook® page:    www.facebook.com/hitman
Join the HITMAN community:                                  www.barcode-society.com

Dishonored to Get Three Expansion Packs

2012/10/25
Jerry Paxton
News

Bethesda Softworks and Arkane Studios have announced that their new stealth-shooter, Dishonored, will be getting three expansion packs. The first of the three is called Dishonored: Dunwall City Trials, and will be released in December. See more info about this and the other two expansions below:

Dishonored: Dunwall City Trials, being released in December for $4.99 (or 400 Microsoft Points), will include 10 challenge maps that will test and track your combat, stealth and mobility skills. Ten distinct trials await challengers – including an arena battle against waves of enemy AI, a gravity-defying run of drop assassinations, and a race against the clock. Dunwall City Trials also features a whole new set of achievements and trophies as well as a global online leaderboard that will establish the greatest assassins for each challenge.

The second and third add-ons for Dishonored will be coming in 2013 and will each feature story-driven campaigns. Pricing on these two packs will be revealed closer to launch.

Daud, the leader of a group of supernatural assassins known as ‘The Whalers’, will be the focus of the second add-on pack, scheduled for release in early Spring 2013. Make your way through new Dunwall locales and discover Daud’s own set of weapons, powers and gadgets in this story-driven campaign. How you play and the choices you make will impact the final outcome…

Additional story details on the third add-on pack will be revealed closer to its launch next year.

Thrustmaster Updates Ferrari Challenge Racing Wheel

2012/10/25
Jerry Paxton
News

RENNES, France – October 25, 2012 – Thrustmaster, a world leader in interactive entertainment hardware and accessories,  is putting the metal-to-the-metal as they announce their best-selling, mainstream, officially-licensed Ferrari racing wheel has just got even better. With new dual PC/PlayStation®3 electronics, a new pedal set and extra buttons, racing at home is more fun than ever.

New additions:

The new version of the Ferrari Challenge features significant enhancements designed to boost the racer’s fun, including 3 extra buttons, for even greater control in the latest games. These buttons work in conjunction with a new and improved electronic system to minimize lag and improve performance. To top things off, all of the wheel’s mechanical components have been optimized as well. Worthy of a special mention is the brand new pedal set, with its ergonomics refined from A to Z. This new configuration ensures comfortable use no matter what the gamer’s size, along with optimal control of the pressure applied for acceleration and braking. The resulting design is both modern and aggressive, and also incorporates a highly effective non-slip foot rest.

The keys to its success remain: 

The Ferrari Challenge Wheel is continuing its distinguished career, having been certified triple platinum, with more than 1,800,000 units sold since it was first launched. With this history of excellence to draw from it incorporates features such as its “Mapping” function, which allows its programmability, and its dual PC and PlayStation®3 compatibility. It also features adjustable sensitivity on the wheel’s steering, along with linear resistance, all to ensure the most precise and realistic driving experience. The wheel’s automatic re-centering is yet another element which has always been asked for by racers. Its wheel-mounted sequential gearbox system adds even more realism, thanks to 2 Ferrari-style digital paddle shifters. In the center of the wheel, for easy access, are 1 D-Pad, 12 action buttons (including the 2 paddle shifters) and 1 “Home” button to call up PlayStation®3 menus.

This compact wheel can quickly and easily be stored anywhere, once its central mounting system, which provides optimal stability in games,  has been detached.  Look for it in its new packaging as well, sure to attract attention on store shelves.

The Ferrari Challenge Wheel will be available in October, at a suggested retail price of $39.99. For more information on this product, or any other made by Thrustmaster, please see our website at www.thrustmaster.com.

FUS1ON Tournament Controller by PowerA Out Now

2012/10/25
Jerry Paxton
News

Woodinville, WA. – October 25, 2012 – Gamers seeking more precision control  can now dominate the competition as PowerA™ today announced that the FUS1ON™ Tournament Controller is now available in stores. After consulting a select group of professional gamers, PowerA fused elements of history’s best controllers and incorporated leading-edge technology and materials into a single premium controller. With unique analog thumbsticks, a pro gamer-inspired D-pad, high-grade components and more, this tournament level controller offers the same precision control to any gamer seeking a competitive edge. The FUS1ON Tournament Controller for Xbox 360® and PS3®  is now available at Best Buy and GameStop as well as online at Amazon.com and PowerA.com for a suggested retail price of $79.99 USD.

“We worked alongside pro gamers from the very beginning of the development process to get real-life insights into design, aesthetics and control,” said John Moore, Vice President of Product Development at PowerA. “Extensive testing and rounds of refinement for each individual component produced the FUS1ON Tournament Controller – a brand-new, best-in-class controller designed from the ground up. We’re excited that every gamer now has the chance to play like a pro.

The FUS1ON Tournament Controller represents the top-of-the-line offering from PowerA, makers of the MOGA Mobile Gaming System. Key features of this controller include:

  • Perfect Analog Control: High grade components are finely tuned to provide durability and precision accuracy.
  • Unique Analog Stick Design: Reduces thumb fatigue during extended play sessions.
  • Precision D-Pad: Pro gamer-inspired design for precise 8-way control.
  • Custom Illumination: Controller accents and analog sticks light up in 5 different LED colors.
  • Interchangeable Grips: Two sets of interchangeable ergonomic grips offer multiple styles of comfort.
  • Braided 10-Foot Cord: Wired for tournament play and regulations; stay competitive and avoid latency.
  • Protective Travel Case: Stores and protects the FUS1ON Tournament Controller when gamers light up the gaming circuit.
  • Available for Xbox 360® and PS3®

For more information, please visitPowerA.com/FUS1ON.

Felicia Day Named CES Entertainment Matters Ambassador

2012/10/24
Jerry Paxton
CES, Geek News, News

Los Angeles, Calif., October 24, 2012 – The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® announced today that actress Felicia Day, creator and star of the hit web series “The Guild,” will serve as the Entertainment Matters Ambassador for the 2013 International CES®. Entering its third year, Entertainment Matters at CES is designed by and for Hollywood’s film, television and digital communities. Owned and produced by CEA, the 2013 International CES is the world’s largest and most important consumer technology event that will take place January 8-11, 2013, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“As an entrepreneurial and innovative content creator, Felicia Day is an extremely relevant ambassador for the 2013 CES Entertainment Matters program,” said Karen Chupka, senior vice president, events and conferences, CEA. “Her success on the internet, in Hollywood and in technology underscores her deep understanding of the intersection of content and technology and makes her a perfect ambassador. Day’s experience as an actress and content creator exemplifies the focus and goals of our Entertainment Matters program.”

Day has appeared in numerous television shows and films, most recently guest starring on the CW show “Supernatural,” and completing a two-season arc on the SyFy series “Eureka.” She is best known for creating and starring in the hit web series “The Guild,” currently in its sixth season of production. “The Guild” has been the recipient of various awards for web video excellence including an award for “Best Comedy Web Series” at the International Academy of Web Television (IAWTV) Awards at the 2012 International CES.

Day is also the executive producer of Geek & Sundry, a premium YouTube channel that features a slate of seven shows, including “The Flog,” which Day hosts. Since it launched in April 2012, the channel has garnered more than 350,000 subscribers and 24 million views. In 2008, Day co-starred in Joss Whedon’s Internet musical “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog,” which won an Emmy in 2009.

“I’m thrilled to be working with CES as this year’s Entertainment Matters Ambassador,” said Day.  “The programming and content planned for the event this year is a true celebration of how technology is transforming the way we experience entertainment.  CES is the perfect place to highlight this turning point in our creative landscape, and I can’t wait to be part of it.”

The Entertainment Matters program at the 2013 CES provides a content-focused CES experience for film, television and digital entertainment professionals. This year, the program features a variety of events and conference sessions, including: TweetHouse Presents, Innovations in Social Business, Digital Hollywood, Content in the Cloud, Variety‘s Entertainment Summit: Film & Technology and the 2013 IAWTV Awards Gala.

CEA is expanding its content-focused tracks by introducing a new conference track, Content and Disruptive Technologies. This new track will included five sessions:

  • Privacy and Security in the Cloud – Learn about the steps being taken to protect privacy and secure personal data among consumers who increasingly use cloud services to archive and share data or download and stream movies and music.
  • How the Cloud Is Changing Hardware – Explore how cloud-based platforms like Good, iCloud and OnLive are changing computers and electronics devices.
  • Anytime Anywhere Content – Viewers are increasingly turning to non-traditional ways to watch programs. Content providers and device manufacturers examine how and where the public is getting content today and which delivery platforms are poised for growth.
  • Reinventing TV through Streaming – Key industry players debate the impact that streaming content through services like Netflix, Hulu and mobile TV  has on viewing habits and what it means for traditional content delivery systems.
  • Rise of the Second Screen: What it means To Engage the Viewer – Experts explore the trend of Americans tuning into their favorite shows with a smartphone or tablet in hand. They will shed light on what “media stackers” are doing on their second, third and fourth screens

Attendees can check out content exhibits all over the CES show floor. TechZones like the new CloubBase3 Apps TechZone will display the newest and hottest products in content technology. For more information on TechZones and product categories, check out the official CES Show Floor page.

The 2013 CES will feature 3,000 global technology companies unveiling the latest consumer technology products and services across 15 major product categories including the latest in audio, automotive electronics, connected home technologies, digital imaging/photography, electronic gaming, entertainment/content and more. For more information on the 2013 International CES, visit CESweb.org.

Note to Editors: The official name of the global technology event is “International CES.” Subsequent references to the show can be shortened to “CES.” Please do not use “Consumer Electronics Show” to refer to the International CES.