Author - Jerry Paxton

iPhone Lens Dial Review (Misc)

2012/05/21
Jerry Paxton
News, Reviews

The iPhone Lens Dial is Photojojo’s latest photographic add-on for the iPhone 4/4S from Apple. Constructed out of aircraft-grade aluminum, the sturdy case wraps around the iPhone very tightly, giving it a one-unit feel. After sliding the iPhone into the two pieces of the unit, you seal it by twisting the aluminum screw built into the iPhone Lens Dial structure. The iPhone Lens Dial has a really good weight, coming in at 10 oz. This gives the assembled phone/lens dial a “real camera” weight and helps to alleviate shaky hands.

The iPhone Lens Dial comes with three lenses: Macro, Fish-Eye, and Wide angle. Switching between the three lenses is very simple, as they are built onto a rotating dial (hence the name). Just rotate the dial for the next available lens. The dial stays put with a spring and screw assembly, which does a good job of keeping the dial in place. However, once we did run into the problem where the screw was being loosened as we turned the lens dial through its various lenses. Before we knew it, the assemble fell off the front of the unit and onto the desk. A testament to its construction, the iPhone Lens Dial was not damaged. So, just make sure that all your screws are tightened in order for reliable usage.

The various lenses all have their own pros and cons, with the 1.5x Macro lens being excellent at moving the point-of-view closer to the subject and the 0.7x Wide-angle lens being excellent for bringing in more of the scene to your videos and images. For a super-surreal effect, you can switch to the 0.33x Fish-eye lens. Additionally, the iPhone Lens Dial come with two tripod mounts – one on the horizontal and one on the vertical sides of the unit. This allows for greater customization in how your set your iPhone Lens Dial up. If you take a look at some of the images below this review, you will see the various lenses in action.

Overall, we highly recommend the Photojojo iPhone Lens Dial for the added value it will bring to your iPhone 4/4S photography or amateur filmmaking. It has become a must-bring item in my journalist’s “jump bag” and I can’t stop talking about its sturdy construction.

The iPhone Lens Dial retails for $249 over at Photojojo’s official website.

Images

Alan Wake’s American Nightmare PC Concept Art

2012/05/18
Jerry Paxton
News

Remedy Entertainment has released a ton of concept art from their soon to be released Alan Wake’s American Nightmare on PC – and we have a bunch of it here for your viewing entertainment – enjoy!

Concept Art

E3 2012 Press Conference Schedule

2012/05/18
Jerry Paxton
E3, News

Just to keep everyone up-to-date on E3 2012 goodness, here is the press conference lineup thus far. Each of these is listed in the Pacific timezone.

Monday, June 4, 2012

  • 9:30 AM – Microsoft
  • 1:00 PM – Electronic Arts
  • 3:00 PM – Ubisoft
  • 6:00 PM – Sony

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

  • 9:00 AM – Nintendo

NHL 13 New Features Unveiled

2012/05/18
Jerry Paxton
News

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – May 18, 2012 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) announced today the key features for EA SPORTSTM NHL®13, promising the biggest change to the franchise since the introduction of the Skill Stick in NHL® 07. Headlined by all-new True Performance Skating, and supported by an innovative new A.I. system dubbed EA SPORTS Hockey I.Q., NHL 13 will deliver a revamped gameplay experience that accurately captures the speed, creativity and strategy of NHL hockey. In addition, NHL 13 will also deliver new experiences that connect hockey fans to their friends and the real world of hockey with the all-new GM Connected and NHL Moments Live modes. NHL 13 will be available on September 11, 2012 in North America and September 14, 2012 in Europe.

“The NHL team has been a leader when it comes to innovation in the sports videogame category on this console generation by redefining player control with the introduction of the Skill Stick, creating connected experiences such as the EA SPORTS Hockey League and introducing real world physics to the team sports category,” says Dean Richards, General Manager, NHL, EA SPORTS. “With our feature set in NHL 13, hockey fans and sports gamers have a lot to be excited about as we are again going to deliver major innovations that will change the way you play the game”

NHL 13 delivers an innovative new gameplay experience, accurately capturing the speed, creativity and strategy of today’s NHL through:

· True Performance Skating – A game-changing innovation for the franchise that adds physics-driven skating and over 1000 new animations. True Performance Skating authentically replicates the explosiveness, momentum and top end speed displayed by today’s NHL players. True Performance Skating combined with the Skill Stick, finally gives gamers access to the entire toolset of an NHL player, delivering unprecedented control and unlocking a level of creativity never before possible in a hockey videogame.

· EA SPORTS Hockey I.Q. – An innovative new A.I. system that governs the behaviors of players, goalies and team systems. In previous NHL games, players were only aware of skaters in their immediate proximity and goalies could only react to the player in control of the puck. With EA SPORTS Hockey I.Q., all players are now fully aware of every other player on the ice, resulting in quicker, smarter and more true-to-life decision-making. EA SPORTS Hockey IQ also delivers the deepest and most customizable set of real-world hockey systems and strategies ever for the franchise.

NHL 13 will deliver new experiences that connect hockey fans to their friends and to NHL hockey with:

· GM Connected – The ultimate fantasy league with friends. GM Connected takes the franchise’s most popular offline mode, Be a GM, and allows you to play with and against your friends in your own 30-team NHL. Whether you are a hardcore sports gamer or a hockey fan that moonlights as an armchair general manager, the mode offers unrivaled accessibility and depth by allowing players to manage, play or coach on the road to building your team’s legacy. GM’s can also take their experience with them with a mobile companion app, ensuring that they never miss a single moment.*

· NHL Moments Live – Rewrite or relive history as you replay some of the most thrilling moments from today’s NHL. NHL 13 evolves the concept introduced by other sports games, introducing each scenario with real-world NHL footage to bring players closer to the intensity of the moment. Moments from the 2011-12 NHL season will ship on disc and new moments from the 2012-13 NHL season will be added as and when available throughout the season.

Fans of the franchise can expect several other improvements and innovations in NHL 13, such as:

· Team-First Presentation, which customizes your NHL 13 experience based on your favorite NHL team

· The addition of Customizable EA SPORTS Hockey IQ allowing players to create and record their own player and team strategies to a level never before seen in the franchise.

· Improvements to core offline and online modes, including Hockey Ultimate Team, Be a Pro, EA SPORTS Hockey League, a refined on-ice presentation, and more.

NHL 13 Stanley Cup® Collector’s Edition Available for Pre-Order

Celebrate over 20 years of EA SPORTS NHL hockey with the first ever collector’s edition on this console generation. With Stanley Cup-inspired digital offerings, the NHL 13 Stanley Cup Collector’s Edition includes:

  • Exclusive collectible Stanley Cup® tin featuring an embossed Stanley Cup image
  • Two Stanley Cup® Theme Hockey Ultimate Team packs featuring randomized player items from the Western and Eastern Conference Champions
  • Gold Jumbo Hockey Ultimate Team Pack (Regular) featuring 24 randomized items, including an exclusive Wayne Gretzky Hockey Ultimate Team Legend and six other rare items
  • A CCM Boost Pack featuring the all-new CCM RBZ stick (For use in Be a Pro and EA SPORTS™ Hockey League)
  • A 10% discount on a one-time purchase at shop.NHL.com
  • A complete copy of NHL 13

MSRP: $79.99

Visit the EA SPORTS NHL 13 website for more details and other pre-order offers.

*App not available in France, Gibraltar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Libya, Morocco, Serbia and Montenegro, and Syria

RuneScape: The Evolution of Combat Details

2012/05/18
Jerry Paxton
News

Friday 18th May 2012, Cambridge, UK – Jagex, makers of RuneScape, the World’s most popular and multi-award winning free-to-play massively multiplayer online adventure game, today unveiled the first details of the upcoming RuneScape combat update: The Evolution of Combat.

The Evolution of Combat project will see the biggest change in any system in RuneScape’s history. By bringing this eagerly anticipated update to life, Jagex will be completely redesigning RuneScape’s combat system to offer players an even more immersive and involving experience. On release, the Evolution of Combat update will completely revolutionise the way players fight and interact in game.

“It’s impossible to downplay the significance of this update,” stated Mark Ogilvie, RuneScape’s lead designer. “A rework of the combat system has been the most requested update from our community, and thousands of man hours have gone into developing a more fluid, interactive and tactical combat system. The Evolution of Combat update will fundamentally change the way people play and view RuneScape forever.”

Due to the game-changing nature of the release, RuneScape members will have the opportunity to be among the first to trial the new system with a limited access closed beta; the first in the game’s history. Beta registration will open to all RuneScape members on 1st June in preparation for the first beta entry on 26th June. The beta will run from 26th June until September and will allow testers the exclusive chance to preview the expansion before the rest of the world.

Speaking about the beta, Mark Ogilvie continued, “We have always valued the views and feedback our community which is why we are so excited to be launching this game-changing update with a members’ beta. By introducing this update with a limited-access beta, we are able to interact with our community in a completely new way and offer our members the chance to try the new features first, helping to shape the future of one of the most important elements of the game. I know players won’t want to miss out on the chance to take part in this exclusive opportunity, so be sure to register your interest when registration opens on 1st June.”

Further details of The Evolution of Combat update will be unveiled in due course, and those wishing to keep up to date with the latest announcements are encouraged to visit www.RuneScape.com. Players wanting to take part in the exclusive access beta will need to be an existing member or sign up to RuneScape membership by the 1st June, and continue to be a member through the beta period.

With The Evolution of Combat update on the horizon, there has never been a better time to start your RuneScape adventure. Visit www.RuneScape.com to create your free account today.

The assets (and logo) for this release can be downloaded from: http://bit.ly/EvolutionOfCombat.

DUST 514 Accepting Beta Applications

2012/05/18
Jerry Paxton
News

Reykjavik, Iceland – 17 May 2012 – Today CCP Games is proud to announce that players can register for beta access to its upcoming free-to-play first person shooter, DUST 514, set to launch later this year exclusively on PlayStation®3. The registration page is now live and players can register at www.dust514.com/beta

DUST 514 is one of the most anticipated titles of 2012, and CCP is ready to accept sign ups from fans and gamers eagerly awaiting their chance to try out the revolutionary shooter. If accepted, beta registrants will be notified with an email invitation and instructions on how to access the beta. Thousands of players have already been able to experience DUST 514 during its closed beta, and CCP is beginning to let limited numbers of players join the action. Select players from CCP’s MMO EVE Online will gain entry into the DUST 514 beta this week, as well as all those who attended the EVE Fanfest convention in Iceland this past March. The beta will continue to expand throughout the summer, and CCP will discuss more details at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3).

DUST 514 brings intense infantry combat, large scale warfare and rich character advancement to the PlayStation®3 in a system-exclusive free-to-play persistent shooter set in, and integrated with, the massive universe of EVE Online. Wage war in the next generation of first person shooters, where your next victory could prove the crushing blow to a galactic empire of thousands of online gamers.

DUST 514 is set to launch in 2012, exclusively on PlayStation®3. For more information visit www.dust514.com and follow DUST 514 on Facebook and Twitter (@dust514).

E3 attendees can experience DUST 514 in Sony’s booth in the West Hall!

Carrier Command: Gaea Mission Gets Release Date

2012/05/17
Jerry Paxton
News

Prague, Czech Republic, Thursday May 17, 2012 — Console Command – Bohemia Interactive and publisher Mastertronic have revealed the release date and launch platforms for the upcoming Carrier Command: Gaea Mission. The game will see a galaxy-wide release for Windows PC and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft on 27 September 2012.

Set in a massive archipelago, Carrier Command: Gaea Mission floats a refreshing gameplay combination of 1st/3rd person action with a hint of real-time strategy. The studio has been developing the game for Windows PC and Xbox 360 simultaneously, to ensure an optimal experience across the two platforms. The content in both versions will be the same.

Bohemia Interactive’s founder and CEO, Marek Spanel, adds:

“I and my brother Ondrej were addicted to playing Carrier Command on our Atari ST. In fact, it was what inspired us to develop games ourselves. Now, almost 25 years after the original was released, it’s exciting to see our re-imagination, Carrier Command: Gaea Mission, finding its way to the massively expanded PC and immense console gaming audience.”

Bohemia Interactive is also proud to announce their partnership with Mastertronic, who will oversee the European distribution of both the Windows PC and Xbox 360 physical retail copies.

Andy Payne, Managing Director of Mastertronic, concludes:

“We are really honoured to be working with such a talented and successful games developer as Bohemia Interactive. They have a fantastic track record of producing great games. Indeed it is a real co-incidence that one of the first games I worked on way back in the 80’s was the original Carrier Command and my company, The Producers, now part of Mastertronic, helped Rainbird get that game in the hands of real fans. With that heritage in mind, Mastertronic will shout loud and proud about Carrier Command and we will ensure we help bring legions of new fans enjoy this great game.”

Carrier Command: Gaea Mission – Play & Contribute Beta for PC

Enthusiasts can already get a taste of the unique command-and-battle gameplay by participating in the Carrier Command: Gaea Mission Play & Contribute Beta. For more information, please go to www.carriercommand.com, check out the Play & Contribute video invitation, or visit store.bistudio.com/play-and-contribute to sign up directly.

For all the latest information, please visit www.carriercommand.com or track us via our social channels:

Facebook.com/CarrierCommand
Twitter.com/CarrierCommand
YouTube.com/CarrierCommand

Xbox®, Xbox 360® and Xbox LIVE® are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

NASCAR The Game: Inside Line Announced

2012/05/17
Jerry Paxton
News

Santa Monica, CA – May 17, 2012 – Hop in the driver’s seat, buckle up and start your engines because Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) and leading independent racing game developer Eutechnyx are pleased to announce NASCAR® The Game™: Inside Line. Bringing the true NASCAR experience to consoles, the game will allow players to race with the top NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers, teams and cars, as well as feature all 23 officially licensed racetracks.  NASCAR The Game: Inside Line is planned to launch Fall 2012 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Wii™ system from Nintendo.

“We set out to reinvent NASCAR gaming last year with NASCAR® The Game™ 2011 – and we’re very proud of it. With our continued enhancements to that game, and our very passionate fans helping guide us, we have an amazing platform to go to the next level with NASCAR The Game: Inside Line,” said Dave Thompson, Executive Producer at Eutechnyx. “We’ve added a new in-depth career mode and robust online features that include realistic race weekends, and now aspiring drivers can rise up through the ranks, attract sponsors, and upgrade their car’s components in the quest to be the Sprint Cup Series Champion.”

“The collaboration between Activision and Eutechnyx produced last year’s hugely successful NASCAR game experience,” said David Oxford, Executive Vice President, Activision Publishing. “NASCAR The Game: Inside Line builds on that platform and adds a number of innovative, cutting edge features that will give fans and gamers alike the chance to participate in the sport like never before.”

Blake Davidson, Vice President of Licensing & Consumer Products at NASCAR and board member of NASCAR Team Properties, said, “The way Eutechnyx has integrated themselves into the sport has been amazing.  From the fans to the teams, to NASCAR itself and now with our broadcast partners, they have been channeling that into something that evolves our NASCAR games into revolutionary interactive entertainment.  We think the fans will really enjoy all of the new features Eutechnyx has incorporated into the latest game.”

For more info on NASCAR The Game: Inside Line, visit the game’s Web site at www.NASCARthegame.com, or follow along on Twitter (@NASCARTheGame) and Facebook (facebook.com/NASCARthegame).  This game is not yet rated by the ESRB.

First Screenshots

Omerta Also Heading to Consoles

2012/05/17
Jerry Paxton
News

Ridgewood, NJ, May 17. 2012– Kalypso Media is pleased to announce that their highly anticipated criminal empire building game, Omerta – City of Gangsters, will be coming to the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft in autumn 2012. The game, previously announced for Windows PC, is in development by Haemimont Games, creators of classic strategy titles including the most recent Tropico titles — Tropico 3, Tropico 4 and Tropico 4: Modern Times.

Omerta – City of Gangsters for both Xbox 360 and Windows PC will place players in 1920’s Atlantic City, where they’ll spend their time building a criminal empire in an attempt to dominate the city. Players will construct, buy or take over buildings to turn them into speakeasies, distilleries, illegal boxing rings and much more, as they work to generate income. With dirty money come dirty jobs – and the game switches to a turn-based tactical RPG during blazing gunfights and elaborately planned and executed heists. Unique playable and non-playable characters will perform jobs for you, including spying on, fighting with and even fire-bombing the buildings of enemy gangs.

For more information about Omerta – City of Gangsters, please visit http://www.kalypsomedia.com or https://www.facebook.com/OmertaCityOfGangsters

GUNNAR and Ubisoft Announce Ghost Recon Bundle

2012/05/17
Jerry Paxton
News

SAN DIEGO – May, 17, 2012 – GUNNAR Optiks, the world’s leading manufacturer of computer and gaming eyewear, together with Ubisoft announce the Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier and GUNNAR Optiks limited edition bundle, available at Best Buy from May 22 to June 5. For a limited time, instantly save $40 when purchasing Ghost Recon: Future Soldier together with a pair of GUNNAR Optiks MLG Phantom Onyx, Vayper Onyx, or RPG Gunmetal styles from BestBuy.com or Best Buy retail stores. With the help of GUNNAR Optiks, Ghost Recon fans can now display their passion for the series while reducing eye strain and fatigue resulting from marathon gaming sessions.

To further promote the game and their partnership, GUNNAR and Ubisoft have also created limited edition Ghost Recon: Future Solider branded eyewear accessories. The accessories feature “socket sets,” interchangeable temples for select GUNNAR gaming eyewear styles, and a Ghost Recon: Future Solider branded case.

“The launch of Ghost Recon: Future Solider is one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year and an alignment with Ubisoft just made perfect sense,” explains Jennifer Michelsen, co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer at GUNNAR Optiks. “In the game, Ghosts rely on superior training with the latest technology and weaponry to achieve their objectives. For gamers, GUNNAR is providing the latest technology in visual performance in an effort to reduce eye strain while taking out enemies with precision, accuracy, and focus for hours on end. Combined, gamers can save a little cash with the bundle and experience Ghost Recon: Future Soldier with the highest visual quality possible.”

To learn more about GUNNAR Optiks, how to purchase or win the limited edition accessories, and to find a Best Buy location with GUNNAR’s eyewear collection, please visit: www.gunnars.com/grfs

Key features of GUNNAR Optiks gaming eyewear:

  • Tint: GUNNAR’s patented amber tint filters out harsh artificial light, reducing eye irritation while enhancing contrast for a more vivid picture quality when gaming in hi-def.
  • Wrap/Shape: The frames feature highly wrapped, curved lens shape limiting air flow and maintaining moisture near the eyes, while providing a slight magnification effect optimized for viewing digital screens and helping the eye muscles to relax.
  • Material: GUNNAR’s proprietary lens material is optically pure, insuring the clearest image by eliminating distortion, impurities and haze.
  • Coatings: Reduces distractions caused by glare and reflections to help minimize eye fatigue and strain.
  • Design: Large lens surface area for wider viewing angles and flat temples that allow for comfortable wearing of headsets.
  • 20/20 or Rx: Out of the box ready for 20/20 vision or used with corrective contact lenses, and also prescription compatible in partnership with Carl Zeiss Vision with optional coverage by VSP Insurance.
  • Versatile: Don’t just use them for gaming, they also help reduce eyestrain during any activity that requires looking at a digital screen for extended periods of time. Work, writing, studying, etc.