Author - Jerry Paxton

Turtle Beach Unveils New Headsets for CES 2013

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VALHALLA, N.Y. – Jan. 8, 2013 – Turtle Beach, U.S. based pioneer and market-leader in gaming headsets, is showcasing its new high-end wireless and SEVEN Series wired gaming headsets during the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), at the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall 1 – Booth #20618, from January 8 to 11, 2013. The new line-up reinforces Turtle Beach’s commitment to portability – headsets that are designed to work across consoles, PCs and mobile devices – and represents a strategic expansion in the PC and mobile categories. All of Turtle Beach’s gaming headsets feature the sound quality and comfort that have made the company No. 1 in the industry.

The New High-End Headsets for the Wireless Gaming Category

Ear Force XP510 for Xbox and Ear Force PX51 for PlayStation3

Already the best-selling premium wireless headset company, two new models expand Turtle Beach’s high-end for wireless gaming. Featuring Turtle Beach’s proprietary digital signal processor (DSP), Dolby® Digital surround sound, Dual Band Wi-Fi for an interference-free connection, a rechargeable lithium polymer battery and Bluetooth technology, the Ear Force XP510 and Ear Force PX51 are the most technologically advanced headsets ever designed for console that are also perfect for gaming, movies and music on mobile devices.

With Bluetooth enabling cable-free wireless chat, the Ear Force XP510 and PX51 headsets allow gamers to take phone calls and stream music easily. Immersive Dolby® Digital surround sound while playing games or watching movies ensures an audio experience that rivals even the highest-end home theater sound system. Powered by a rechargeable battery with a 15 hour lifespan, these headsets deliver signal processed sound for uncompromised audio across any entertainment scenario. These two models continue the evolution of a new breed of wireless gaming headset that serves as the ultimate “secret weapon” in the arsenal of serious gamers seeking unmatched audio quality, sonic control and a competitive advantage.

  • XP510 MSRP $289.99; Availability Q1 2013
  • PX51 MSRP $269.99; Availability Q1 2013

Ear Force SEVEN Series

Tournament-grade quality and functionality is now available for everyone.                     

2013 marks the much-anticipated release of Turtle Beach’s SEVEN Series, the ultimate option in versatility for avid gamers on the move. Featuring the most precise and powerful tournament-grade audio headsets, first announced at the 2012 Entertainment Electronics Expo, the Ear Force XP SEVEN for console gaming; Z SEVEN for PC gaming; and M SEVEN for mobile gaming comprise the SEVEN Series and raise the bar for wired headsets.

The SEVEN Series provides total portability to meet the cross-platform needs of active gamers by leveraging a modular design for total performance control. Gamers are increasingly playing across multiple screens, with 24 percent regularly gaming on a console, PC and or mobile device in 2011*. Using unique interchangeable cable kits, the SEVEN Series uses the same headset across any platform – console, PC, Mac or mobile – and delivers a high-quality audio experience. A removable boom microphone and in-line microphone provide additional flexibility.

The SEVEN Series headsets for console and PC come with Turtle Beach’s state-of-the-art, touch capacitive Audio Control Unit which gives players the ability to instantly change the mix of game, chat and microphone audio levels to provide a competitive advantage in changing game situations. Using Turtle Beach’s Advanced Sound Editor (ASE), gamers can also replace the standard audio presets with up to eight game and eight chat audio presets – for over 64 possible preset audio mixes –  to match their personal or team preferences. Audio presets to enhance the audio quality of music and movies are also available via Turtle Beach’s thriving audio preset community.

Complementing the SEVEN Series gaming headsets is the TM1 audio mixer designed for console and PC use. Optimized for LAN multiplayer gaming, the TM1 enables tournament-grade quality and functionality for consumers and tournament organizers. The TM1 offers communication for up to six players on the same team, or two teams of three players, as well as a number of input and output features such as a broadcast feed. When combined with the Audio Control Unit, the TM1 represents the most powerful revolution in game tournament audio to date.

The SEVEN Series is the official audio headset platform for Major League Gaming, the world’s largest competitive video game league, which exclusively uses the Ear Force SEVEN Series PC and console headsets, Audio Control Units and TM1 tournament mixers during all MLG Pro Circuit tournaments. For the first time in Q1 2013, consumers will be able to purchase this tournament-grade equipment for home use.

  • XP SEVEN MSRP $279.95; Availability Q1 2013
  • Z SEVEN MSRP $249.95; Availability Q1 2013
  • M SEVEN MSRP $149.95; Availability Q1 2013
  • TM1 MSRP $249.95; Available now

Turtle Beach Upgrades PX21 Headset and Releases Ear Force PX22

Turtle Beach is announcing the Ear Force PX22, a universal wired headset that upgrades the Ear Force PX21 to offer additional benefits for an enhanced gaming experience. Licensed by MLG, the high performance PX22 features cross platform capabilities and amplified stereo sound. It will also offer variable Bass and Treble Boosts, Dynamic Chat Boost™ and a 4-pole connector for compatibility with mobile devices. By strengthening its feature set and usability, the PX22 will upgrade the overall experience of the popular Ear Force PX21. First launched in 2009, the PX21 ranks as the #4 best-selling third-party gaming headset of all time according to the NPD Group.

  • Ear Force PX22 MSRP $79.95; Availability Q2 2013

New Range of Headsets Arrive and Boost PC Gaming Audio

Ear Force Z SEVEN, Ear Force Z300 and Ear Force Z22 for PC gaming

In 2013 Turtle Beach is releasing a collection of gaming headsets that will provide superior quality, comfort, control and customization to meet the unique needs of PC gamers. From the SEVEN Series, the Z SEVEN will be the first gaming headset available for gamers in need of a tournament grade audio that can also deliver an extraordinary experience with movies and music.

The Z300 headset further supports Turtle Beach’s commitment to PC gaming with an advanced wireless solution that includes high-end features such as Dual Band WiFi for an interference-free connection, a rechargeable lithium polymer battery with a 15 hour lifespan and Bluetooth technology. The Z300 is the only Bluetooth enabled PC headset capable of answering calls or streaming music via a mobile device while playing a game.

Lastly, Turtle Beach is releasing the new USB powered Z22 headset for PC gamers in search of a high value audio experience. With full mobile compatibility and analog inputs, the Z22 is the first PC headset featuring Chat Boost, variable Bass and Treble Boost for a powerful audio performance across the sonic spectrum.

Both pricing and availability for the Ear Force Z300 and the Z22 headsets will be released in the coming months.

When combined with the Turtle Beach’s competitive advantage in distribution and retail point-of-sale presence, the company expects the new range of PC headsets to deliver innovative features and superior audio quality to PC gamers. According to The NPD Group, in 2012 Turtle Beach led all first and third party manufacturers on sales, in units and dollars, of gaming headsets.

Mobile Headset Sales Poised for Growth as More Gamers Turn to Mobile Gaming

Gaming is both a driver and a beneficiary of the huge growth in the mobile device market. After checking email, gaming represents the second most frequent use of a tablet**, and ranks ahead of making phone calls, emails and texting on smartphones. Mobile device unit sales now exceed PC sales, and for the first time in 2012 broadband use on mobile devices exceeds use on PCs***.

As the displays, processing power and battery life of mobile devices has improved; mobile video games have increased in quality and complexity. As the excellence of games and gameplay continues to improve on mobile devices, more consumers will seek a superior audio experience to compliment the raised mobile standard.

Only Turtle Beach has a full line of mobile gaming headsets to fill that need, delivering excellent audio quality at all price points. With an emphasis on portability – headsets that are designed to work across consoles, PCs and mobile devices – Turtle Beach has a distinct advantage with gaming enthusiasts who are likely to play games on multiple platforms. And within the category, only Turtle Beach is delivering a robust retail point-of-sale presence, with superior product packaging and in-store kiosks. As mobile gaming accessories emerge as a category, no gaming headset company is positioned as well as Turtle Beach to benefit and support the expanding market.         

Visit www.turtlebeach.com to sign up for updates or follow Turtle Beach on www.facebook.com/turtlebeach or twitter.com/turtlebeach/ for special content, additional product details, pre- and on-sale info and other special news and alerts.

Majesco and Disney Team Up for Phineas and Ferb Games

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EDISON, NJ  – January 8, 2013 – Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: COOL), an innovative provider of games for the mass market, announced today a relationship with Disney Interactive to start development of original video games based on the animated hit Disney television series Phineas and Ferb.

“We are thrilled to be teaming up with Disney to bring a new Phineas and Ferb game to market across multiple platforms,” said Jesse Sutton, Chief Executive Officer, Majesco Entertainment. “Phineas and Ferb is known for fun-filled adventures and hilarious gags that appeal to a universal audience, and we’re creating a game that leverages the characters and brand attributes of the highly successful series.”

The new game will be developed for retail consoles and gaming handhelds, including smartphones and tablets, and is scheduled for release in August 2013.

For more information on Majesco Entertainment, please visit www.majescoent.com, ‘Like’ us on Facebook or follow the company on Twitter @Majesco.

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes Announced

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Burbank, Calif. – Jan. 8, 2013 – Marvel Super Heroes are assembling for an action-packed, brick-smashing good time!  Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, TT Games, The LEGO Group and Marvel Entertainment announced today that LEGO® Marvel™ Super Heroes will be available beginning Fall 2013 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Wii U™ system and Windows PC, as well as the Nintendo DS™ handheld system, Nintendo 3DS™ handheld system and PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system.  LEGO Marvel Super Heroes is the first installment in the highly successful LEGO videogame franchise to feature famous Marvel characters.

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes complements the LEGO Marvel Super Heroes construction toy collection, which brings the characters, vehicles and action of Marvel’s renowned universe to the world of LEGO build-and-play adventure. There are currently eight iconic scenes from the X-Men, Iron Man and Spider-Man franchises available and more construction sets tied to the new Iron Man 3 feature film will launch later this spring.

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes offers an original storyline in which Nick Fury calls upon Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, Spider-Man, Wolverine and other heroes spanning the Marvel Universe to save Earth from such threats as the vengeance of Loki and the hunger of Galactus, Devourer of the Worlds.  LEGO and Marvel fans will enjoy classic LEGO videogame adventure and humor, while playing as their favorite Marvel characters.

“We’re very excited to bring a myriad of classic Marvel characters to life in LEGO form for some fun, family-friendly gameplay in LEGO Marvel Super Heroes,” said Tom Stone, Managing Director, TTGames Publishing. “Players will brave the ultimate mission to save the world as they explore famous landmarks in LEGO New York and take the adventure beyond Earth to iconic locations in the Marvel Universe.”

“Fans of both LEGO and Marvel have wanted this game for years, and we’re addressing that demand with more Marvel Universe characters than ever in a console game,” said TQ Jefferson, Vice President, Games Production, Marvel Entertainment.  “If you’re a fan of Spider-Man, the Avengers, Fantastic Four, X-Men, Guardians of the Galaxy or scores of other Marvel characters, this is the game for you.”

In LEGO Marvel Super Heroes, players will unlock more than 100 characters from across the Marvel Universe, including fan favorites like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Wolverine, Captain America, the Hulk, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Deadpool, Loki and Galactus!  The game will pack in a plethora of super-cool character abilities, combat-like action sequences, epic battle scenes, puzzle-solving and a unique story told with playful LEGO humor.

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes is being developed by TT Games and will be published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.  For more information, please visit http://videogames.lego.com/en-us/lego-marvel-super-heroes.

Scosche Unveils boomBOTTLE Wireless Cycling Speaker

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LAS VEGAS – January 8th, 2013– Unveiled at CES 2013, boomBOTTLE is a wireless omnidirectional outdoor speaker with weatherproof housing, designed to fit in most water bottle cages for streaming music while biking, hiking, camping and more.  The Innovations and Design Award Honoree connects to iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Android devices and more via Bluetooth to deliver remarkable sound on the go.

Dual 40mm drivers produce rich, deep audio with amplified acoustics for even the loudest of outdoor environments.  The integrated passive subwoofer features a ported enclosure for enhance bass performance.  boomBOTTLE’s built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge.   A wireless range of 33 feet eliminates the need for unruly wires and tangles.

The one of a kind speaker was designed with a durable, non-slip and shock proof TPU exterior, strong enough to withstand drops or vibrations caused from rough terrain riding.  The large rubberized buttons make it easy to skip tracks and adjust volume even during active use.

The IP4X rated splash proof casing protects boomBOTTLE from unexpected weather, sweat and other moisture.  A top flap opens to reveal safely hidden charging and audio ports.

The easily portable boomBOTTLE also makes for a great media speaker in the gym, garage or dorm room.  It delivers the same impressive acoustics when playing movies, TV shows, or games on a connected mobile device.

The dynamic speaker also includes a built-in microphone, for use as an enhanced speakerphone, capable of delivering crisp, clear echo-free phone conversations. A 3.5mm auxiliary input is also included for use with non-Bluetooth enabled devices.

boomBOTTLE will be on display along with all of Scosche’s award winning products and apps in the North Hall, Booth 3806 at the Las Vegas Convention center January 8-11th, 2013.

Follow Scosche at twitter.com/scosche or facebook.com/scosche for the latest news on all of the company’s award-winning products.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown Free Second Wave Content Released

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New York, NY – January 8, 2013 – 2K Games and Firaxis Games announced today that Second Wave content is now available for XCOM®: Enemy Unknown for Windows PC, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. The Second Wave content allows fans to choose a variety of new gameplay modifiers to enhance the XCOM: Enemy Unknown experience after completing the main campaign. The Second Wave content is available free of charge and is issued via a downloadable* title update to XCOM: Enemy Unknown.

The XCOM: Enemy Unknown Second Wave content offers a series of advanced gameplay options that unlock a new level of depth, challenge and replayability. The Second Wave content includes:

  • Damage Roulette: Weapons have a wider range of damage.
  • New Economy: Randomized council member funding.
  • Not Created Equally: Rookies will have random starting stats.
  • Hidden Potential: As a soldier is promoted, stats increase randomly.
  • Red Fog: Combat wounds will degrade the soldier’s mission stats.
  • Absolutely Critical: A flanking shot guarantees a critical hit.
  • The Greater Good: Psionics can only be learned from interrogating a psionic alien.
  • Marathon: The game takes considerably longer to complete.
  • Results Driven: A country offers less funding as its panic level increases.
  • High Stakes: Random rewards for stopping alien abductions.
  • Diminishing Returns: Increased cost of satellite construction.
  • More Than Human: The psionic gift is extremely rare.

The Second Wave content is the second of two add-ons for XCOM: Enemy Unknown. With the Slingshot Content Pack, the first add-on content for XCOM: Enemy Unknown, players meet an enigmatic Triad operative, divert an alien ship’s course, and do battle with the aliens in the skies over China in a new set of linked Council missions. The Slingshot Content Pack includes three new maps tied to the Council missions, a new playable squad character with a unique story and voice, and new character customization options. The Slingshot Content Pack is available for $6.99 (PlayStation®Network) / 560 Microsoft Points (Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network) / $6.99 (Windows PC).

Developed by the strategy experts at Firaxis Games, XCOM: Enemy Unknown has won more than 50 end-of-year awards worldwide to date. Released in October 2012 to wide critical acclaim, XCOM: Enemy Unknown received review scores of 5 out of 5 from GameSpy, 9.1 out of 10 from GameTrailers.com, and 9.5 out of 10 from Game Informer – earning “Game of the Month” honors in their November 2012 issue. In XCOM: Enemy Unknown, players oversee combat strategies and individual unit tactics, as well as base management and resource allocation while playing as the commander of a secret global military organization, XCOM. With equal emphasis on deep strategy and intense tactical combatXCOM: Enemy Unknown allows gamers to control the fate of the human race by defending against a terrifying global alien invasion.

A free playable demo* of XCOM: Enemy Unknown is available for Windows PC via Steam, Xbox 360 and PS3™. Gamers who download the demo will be guided through two levels of the single-player tutorial campaign, experiencing the combat controls and effective tactics for defending humanity against the alien threat. The two tutorial missions will also introduce players to the XCOM base, where soldier training and researching alien technology takes place, and offers a chance to experience the tactical and strategic layers of XCOM: Enemy Unknown.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the Slingshot Content Pack and the Second Wave content are all available now for Windows PC, Xbox 360 and PS3™. XCOM: Enemy Unknown is rated M for Mature by the ESRB.

For the latest news and information on XCOM: Enemy Unknown, become a fan on Facebook.

* Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network for Xbox 360, PlayStation®Network for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system or Internet connection and acceptance of Steam Subscriber agreement required.

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

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

New BioShock Infinite Screens

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2K Games and Irrational Games have released four new screenshots from their upcoming Bioshock Infinite.

Screenshots

New Age of Wushu Screenshots

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Snail Games USA has passed along some new screenshots for their upcoming free-to-play MMO, Age of Wushu.

Screenshots

NVIDIA Untethers Gaming With Project SHIELD

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JANUARY 6, 2013 – CES — NVIDIA today announced Project SHIELD, a gaming portable for open platforms, designed for gamers who yearn to play when, where and how they want.

Created with the philosophy that gaming should be open and flexible, Project SHIELD flawlessly plays both Android and PC titles. As a pure Android device, it gives access to any game on Google Play. And as a wireless receiver and controller, it can stream games from a PC powered by NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX GPUs, accessing titles on its STEAM game library from anywhere in the home.

“Project SHIELD was created by NVIDIA engineers who love to game and imagined a new way to play,” said Jen-Hsun Huang, co-founder and chief executive officer at NVIDIA. “We were inspired by a vision that the rise of mobile and cloud technologies will free us from our boxes, letting us game anywhere, on any screen. We imagined a device that would do for games what the iPod and Kindle have done for music and books, letting us play in a cool new way. We hope other gamers love SHIELD as much as we do.”

Project SHIELD combines the advanced processing power of NVIDIA Tegra® 4, breakthrough game-speed Wi-Fi technology and stunning HD video and audio built into a console-grade controller. It can be used to play on its own integrated screen or on a big screen, and on the couch or on the go.

Tegra 4 at Its Heart
At the core of Project SHIELD is the world’s fastest mobile processor, the new NVIDIA Tegra 4, which delivers enormous power from its custom 72-core GeForce GPU and the first quad-core application of ARM’s most advanced CPU core, the Cortex-A15. These, combined with its battery-saver core and energy-saving PRISM 2 technology, deliver hours of gameplay on a single charge.

Windows and Android Games
Windows and Android are the world’s most successful computing platforms, with massive ecosystems of system and software developers. While not specifically designed for gaming, both open platforms have drawn gamers by the millions. Project SHIELD is designed to allow them to enjoy Android and Windows games in a new, exciting way.

Project SHIELD can instantly download Android games, including Android-optimized titles available on NVIDIA’s TegraZone™ game store, which has already delivered more than 6 million downloads to gamers. It can also be used as a wireless game receiver to a nearby PC equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 GPU or higher.

Console-Grade Controller
Project SHIELD’s ergonomic controller was built for the gamer who wants ultimate control and precision.

Retinal Gaming Display
Brilliant gameplay and video are provided by Project SHIELD’s integrated 5-inch, 1280×720 HD retinal multitouch display, with 294 dpi. Plus, Tegra 4 with Direct Touch technology gives it touch responsiveness that is a more consistent, accurate and smooth-flowing touch input experience than a standard touch device.

Tuned Port, Bass Reflex Portable Speaker System
Deep, rich audio is critical for a great gaming experience. And Project SHIELD provides fidelity and dynamic range never before available on a portable device, through its custom, bass reflex, tuned port audio system — with twice the low-frequency output of high-end laptops.

Project SHIELD can also access Android apps such as Hulu, Netflix and Slacker Radio, so users can enjoy their movies and music anywhere without expensive, clumsy wired or wireless speakers.

Support by Leading Industry Analyst
Patrick Moorhead, president and lead analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, said: “The market has waited years for a breakthrough gaming device that offers the flexibility, quality and total enjoyment of Project SHIELD. Few companies other than NVIDIA have the vision, guts and deep gaming experience to have pulled this off.”

Support by Leading Game Developers
Yves Guillemot, co-founder and chief executive officer of Ubisoft, said: “Ubisoft is always excited about new hardware developments, and Project SHIELD promises to bring both mobile and PC gamers a great new gaming experience. Seeing the PC version of Assassin’s Creed III run on the device is a great example of this, and further strengthens Ubisoft’s long-standing relationship with NVIDIA.”

Mark Rein, vice president and co-founder of Epic Games, said: “With Project SHIELD, NVIDIA brings an uncompromising, high-performance console experience to mobile devices. Amazing games including Real Boxing and Hawken, which utilize the latest Unreal Engine technology, look fantastic on Project SHIELD. This is just the beginning, and we’re truly excited to see what more Unreal Engine developers will do with so much horsepower in such a compact gaming device.”

Bill Wagner, chief production officer at Meteor Entertainment, said: “Coming from the openness of a PC platform, we love how accessible Project SHIELD is, and the flexibility it gives gamers everywhere. Project SHIELD gives us the cutting-edge ability to bring a huge free-to-play PC game like Hawken to the handheld gaming audience.”

Support by Broader Industry
Shadowgun and Dead Trigger showed how Tegra can redefine mobile gaming on Android. Project SHIELD’s performance has allowed us to bring an even better experience with Dead Trigger 2, debuting first on Tegra 4 devices. Our fans are going to love it.”
– Marek Rabas, chief executive officer of MADFINGER Games

“Project SHIELD has changed how we approach mobile game development. Tegra 4 helped us create Bloodsword — a new game debuting with the highest resolution textures, graphics and shading we’ve ever seen on a portable device.”
– Seunghee Do, co-founder at OneQ Soft

“We are very excited to be part of Project SHIELD, and are quite amazed by the gaming potential of this device. Project SHIELD is by far the fastest mobile device we’ve worked on and it lets us put console quality graphics on a handheld device.”
– Stine Waern, chief executive officer at Ravn Studio AS

“Thanks to Project SHIELD’s performance, we’re able to use the same quality textures and shaders in Rochard as on the PC version. We’re super excited to bring Rochard to Project SHIELD, the first time it’s ever been playable on a mobile device.”
– Jan Achrenius, chief executive officer at Recoil Games

“Put simply, Project SHIELD is an amazing leap forward, enabling us to create console-quality visuals previously unthinkable on a mobile platform.”
– Arden Aspinall, chief executive officer and project lead at TickTock Games Ltd.

More information is available at shield.nvidia.com.

Company of Heroes 2 UI First-Screenshot

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Click Me to Make Big.

Relic Entertainment and THQ have released a screenshot showing off the in-game UI of their upcoming RTS, Company of Heroes 2.

From the official post at the game’s website:

One of the most important components of any Real-time Strategy game is the User Interface. Often overlooked, the UI makes all the difference in how you experience the game and execute your strategy. This is why we are happy to give you a first look at the new UI for Company of Heroes 2!

Designed to give the player a full view of the battlefield and quick unit control, all the information you need to command your army is presented in a clean, concise and straightforward manner, with many improvements being made over the original design from CoH1.

Checkout the full article for more information.