Author - Jerry Paxton

The Stone of Madness Special Edition and Pre-Orders Announced

Tripwire Presents, the publishing division of Tripwire Interactive that focuses on releasing great games from other independent studios, today revealed the Special Edition and opened digital pre-purchase for The Stone of Madness, launching Jan. 28, 2025 on Windows PC via Steam (officially Steam Deck Verified), Epic Games Store and GOG, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S, with pre-purchase on the Nintendo Switch™ system beginning soon. Developed by The Game Kitchen, acclaimed developers of Blasphemous and Blasphemous 2, The Stone of Madness is currently available for pre-purchase for a MSRP of $29.99 for the Standard edition and $34.99 for the Special edition, which includes a digital copy of the game, digital artbook with over 60 pages of gorgeous art, and the digital official soundtrack (OST) featuring 24 songs including title song ‘La Piedra de la Locura’ available to listen to now on YouTube. All digital pre-purchases will be discounted at 10% off their standard pricing, ending on Jan. 28. Eager fans on PC can download the demo available through Steam, taking players through the multi-hour prologue experience.

Players can learn more about strengths, weaknesses, and phobias of the five uniquely flawed playable prisoners in the latest series of character vignettes released by Tripwire Presents. From young Amelia the rogue, using her small size and quick hands to sneak into forbidden areas and pilfer goods whilst avoiding the horrors of a child’s overactive imagination, to Eduardo the oversized craftsman, silently using his immense strength to overcome obstacles and avoiding dark and dimly lit areas that haunt him, each of the prisoners will work together to overcome their fears and escape…hopefully with their sanity still in tact. All five videos can be viewed via this YouTube Playlist.

The Stone of Madness is a tactical stealth adventure game set in a Spanish madhouse in the late 18th century, presented with gorgeous hand-crafted, period-inspired artwork. Located in the Pyrenees, a timeworn Jesuit monastery is home both to a madhouse and an inquisitorial prison; five mysterious characters have been imprisoned between its walls under different pretenses. Plagued by cruel punishment, madness, and despair, they will soon devise a plan to escape this place and its evil inhabitants, relying on each other to face their deepest fears.

The Stone of Madness key features include:

  • Escape the Monastery: Control all five characters independently to aid in their escape, taking care to preserve each member’s sanity as much as possible. As they explore the corridors and rooms of the monastery they may discover useful tools or clues to aid their escape. They must avoid detection at all times, the Inquisition is not known for their mercy.
  • Manage the Madness: Each character carries their own unique traumas and phobias contributing to their own respective madness. Managing their mental health will be crucial to their escape, using a system of character progression and regression. Failing to maintain a character’s sanity can trigger new negative traits including paranoia, dementia, or bouts of violence.
  • Discover the Secrets Within: Choose between two different escape plans, with each campaign featuring unique stories, objectives, and surprises. These plans will play out through a day and night cycle separating daytime actions and nighttime preparations, giving the prisoners time to rest and recover. Most actions will be best performed during daytime, even with the Inquisition’s presence, however the darkness of night offers unique opportunities, and risks. There is a reason most inmates rarely venture out after dark.
  • Experience Stunning, Hand-painted Art Style: The visuals in The Stone of Madness have been lovingly hand-painted and animated, drawing heavy inspiration from 18th-century artist Francisco De Goya. An isometric perspective allows players to explore scenes and observe minute details as if they’re adventuring through a Goya painting brought to life.

Developed by The Game Kitchen and published by Tripwire Presents, The Stone of Madness will launch on Windows PC via Steam (officially Steam Deck Verified), Epic Games Store and GOG, PS5™, Xbox Series X|S and the Nintendo Switch™ on Jan. 28, 2025. Find out more about The Stone of Madness on the official website, follow the game on X, BlueSky, Facebook, and join the discussion on Discord. This game has been rated M for Mature by the ESRB and PEGI18.

Netflix’s The Witcher: Sirens of The Deep Official Trailer

Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster hunter, is hired to investigate a series of attacks in a seaside village and finds himself drawn into a centuries-old conflict between humans and merpeople. He must count on friends — old and new — to solve the mystery before the hostilities between the two kingdoms escalate into all-out war.

ABOUT THE SERIES:

Synopsis: Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster hunter, is hired to investigate a series of attacks in a seaside village and finds himself drawn into a centuries-old conflict between humans and merpeople. He must count on friends — old and new — to solve the mystery before the hostilities between the two kingdoms escalate into all-out war.
Premiere Date: February 11, 2025
Writers: Mike Ostrowski and Rae Benjamin
Produced by: Lauren Schmidt Hissrich
Executive Producers: Mike Ostrowski, Tomek Bagiński & Jarosław Sawko (Platige), Jason F Brown & Sean Daniel (Hivemind)
Co-Executive Producer: Rae Benjamin
Creative Consultant: Andrzej Sapkowski
Director: Kang Hei Chul

Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration Returns to Celebrate 75 Years of the PEANUTS GANG

Knott’s PEANUTS™ Celebration has one more reason to celebrate this year! The beloved PEANUTS comic strip turns 75 in 2025. In honor of this significant anniversary, guests will enjoy the debut of the brand-new musical show, Let’s Celebrate, and the limited-time exhibit, “The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz.” And as they do every year, Snoopy and the PEANUTS Gang will stage a park takeover with plenty of excitement and family-friendly fun running weekends from February 8 through March 9. Guests will also experience a fun lineup of returning shows and photo ops inspired by the iconic PEANUTS comic strip. Throughout the park, guests will have several chances to play and interact with their favorite PEANUTS characters.

At Calico’s Town Hall, guests will enter a new, limited-time exhibit dedicated to “The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz.” This exhibit explores Schulz’s personal history and his role as the sole inspiration and artistic talent behind PEANUTS and its unique cast of characters. Follow along with Schulz’s story, from his Minnesota roots to his life in California and the development of the characters that make up the unique world of PEANUTS.

Also new this year, Knott’s Berry Farm presents, Let’s Celebrate, a heartwarming musical tribute on the Calico Mine Stage in honor of PEANUTS’ 75th Anniversary. Snoopy, Charlie Brown and all their friends, as well as a host of singers and dancers, remind us why Peanuts is still beloved after 75 years! The Calico Mine Stage will transform at nightfall as the park hosts Snoopy’s Legendary Rooftop Concert where the Peanuts gang and the indie band, The Jelly of the Month Club, perform a high-energy spectacle sure to have everyone dancing.

The PEANUTS-inspired festivities will continue at the Bird Cage Theatre, where the park offers an experience that teaches the young and the young at heart how to draw their favorite PEANUTS characters. The PEANUTS Sketch School will include our resident art teacher, who will provide step-by-step instructions on creating the perfect PEANUTS masterpiece.

A western escapade occurs with Franklin and Linus at Calico Park as they transform into cowboys in the PEANUTS Cowboy Jamboree. The boys want to challenge guests with some of Calico’s root-toot-tootiest games. Also in Ghost Town is Pigpen’s Pig Pen, where everyone’s favorite messy pal will join the rest of the Peanuts gang as he hosts a special meetup at the Livery Stables with some animal friends.

The best way to enjoy Knott’s PEANUTS™ Celebration – plus all of the other Seasons of Fun in 2025 – is with a Season Pass. A 2025 Season Pass includes unlimited visits for all of 2025, discounts on select food and merchandise, and access to exciting year-round seasonal events. Regular Season Passes are on sale for as low as six payments of $16, after initial payment. For an unforgettable celebration, make it a getaway and save when you bundle your park tickets with an overnight stay at the newly renovated Knott’s Hotel. For tickets and more information about Knott’s Berry Farm, please visit knotts.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm app. Join the conversation on social using the hashtag #KnottsPeanutsCelebration

Moroi Reveal Trailer

Publisher Good Shepherd Entertainment (Dicefolk, Monster Train) and developer Violet Saint today announced Moroi, a dark fantasy hack-and-slash adventure inspired by Romanian folklore, heavy metal and the brilliant works of David Lynch, will beckon you into a peculiar, puzzling world steeped in dark comedy and unsettling horror when it launches on PC in Early 2025 (https://store.steampowered.com/app/2518410/Moroi/).

Indulge in eternal torment with Moroi’s reveal trailer:

Descend into the shadow-choked depths of Moroi’s Cosmic Engine, a maddening labyrinth of twisting corridors and forgotten horrors. Plagued by amnesia, your name, past and sins are beyond memory, shrouded in darkness. As you claw your way through this realm of torment, you face grotesque inhabitants in a land where dark-as-night humor is the only silver lining. Cling to your sanity in an otherwise deteriorating existence styled as grimdark fantasy, a subgenre of fiction distinguished by bleak, dystopian settings and scenarios.

Wage war against Moroi’s battalions of mages, guards and the cursed undead while wielding a gruesome arsenal of unorthodox weaponry. Tear through the flesh of your foes with the jagged teeth of a hellish duck, or unleash a storm of projectiles with the aid of a flying brain. Around every corner lies an unexpected discovery or new instrument of death.

The labyrinth’s horrors extend beyond the bloody thrill of combat, conjuring otherworldly environments, eccentric acquaintances and puzzles calling for unconventional approaches. Moroi’s trials forgo mere riddles and sliding blocks; embrace macabre solutions like drinking blood, forcing regurgitation or scavenging through innards to forge deeper into the Cosmic Engine. Each puzzle has its own clever solution, often awarding triumph in exchange for suffering. Engage with the Cosmic’s bizarre residents to uncover the secrets of their twisted world, savoring moments of dark humor to lighten the unrelenting dread.

Escape is your only hope, the key to uncovering the grim truths that bind you. But tread carefully – the choices you make will carve your path toward one of multiple endings, shaping a fate that may prove more harrowing than the Cosmic Engine itself.

Stay up to date on the macabre reality of Moroi by following Good Shepherd Entertainment on Bluesky @GoodShepherd.Games.

DJI Unveils Flip Series of Vlogging Camera Drone

DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today announces DJI Flip, a new series of all-in-one vlog camera drones. At less than 249g1, this compact drone features foldable full-coverage propeller guards1, ensuring ultra-safe and reliable flying. Photographers can capture impressive 48MP photos and 4K videos with the drone’s 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with one tap of a button. Being fully equipped with comprehensive protection at all times, even beginner pilots can confidently navigate the skies with DJI Flip.

“Building on the success of our consumer camera drones, we are introducing DJI Flip to combine the simplicity of the DJI Neo with the stunning photo capabilities of the DJI Mini to make both aerial photography and close-up portraits accessible for everyone,” said Ferdinand Wolf, Product Experience Director at DJI. “DJI Flip combines creative tools like AI subject tracking1 and intelligent shooting modes1 with safety features like our latest foldable propeller guards and automatic braking, making it easier than ever for people to capture stunning aerial footage no matter their level of photography or drone expertise.”

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Ultra Safe and Reliable Flights Intelligent One-Tap Aerial Photography

DJI Flip makes flying safe and reliable thanks to its foldable, full-coverage guard that wraps the propellers to avoid injury or damage to the drone. Made of lightweight and strong carbon fiber string, the guard’s support structure is only 1/60 the weight of guards made with traditional polycarbonate material while maintaining the same stiffness and durability to ensure safe flights.

Intelligent One-Tap Aerial Photography
DJI Flip makes flying simple, requiring no special training in most countries and regions. This palm-sized drone is lightweight and compact, making it an ideal travel companion for capturing any adventure. Whether hiking through forests or climbing steep peaks, DJI Flip makes flying simple. With one tap of the mode button, photographers can select from six intelligent shooting modes to capture impressive footage. AI Subject Tracking1 can also be enabled to keep a subject in the frame. Six intelligent shooting modes include Dronie, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight, Helix, and Boomerang.

Strong Camera with Smart Enhancements 

DJI Flip can capture high-dynamic 48MP photos with more highlight and shadow details. The camera is powered by a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor featuring Dual Native ISO Fusion, f/1.7 aperture, and 2.4μm 4-in-1 pixels. It can also capture photos with up to 4x zoom. Intricate details can be preserved with next-gen SmartPhoto1, which combines HDR imaging, scene recognition, and more for images that pop.

DJI Flip records HDR video at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second, promising footage with true-to-life quality. It also supports slow-motion recording at 4K/100fps and 10-bit D-Log M color mode. A 4:3-aspect-ratio CMOS sensor provides enough space for vertical crops while maintaining a 2.7k resolution, optimized for smartphone viewing and social media without any cropping needed.

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DJI’s intelligent shooting features easily produce professional-grade work:

  • MasterShots: Allows DJI Flip to automatically perform diverse camera movements, shooting multiple clips and editing them with music, cuts, and effects for fast and simplified cinematic footage.
  • Hyperlapse: Select from four options, including Free, Circle, Course Lock, and Waypoint to capture timelapse footage at up to 4K horizontally or 2.7K vertically.
  • FocusTrack: Find creative ways to follow your subject with FocusTrack. The suite includes ActiveTrack 4.0, Spotlight 2.0, and Point of Interest 3.0, three powerful storytelling tools.
  • Panorama: Supports shooting 180°, Wide Angle, Vertical, and Sphere panoramic photos to capture magnificent landscapes.

Other Standout Features

  • 31-minute Max Flight Time1DJI Flip’s Intelligent Flight Battery delivers up to 31 minutes of flight time, ensuring seamless creation without battery concerns.
  • Automatic Braking1DJI Flip’s 3D Infrared Sensing System supports automatic braking for enhanced safety, even at night.
  • Next Level Video Transmission: When paired with the DJI RC-N3 or RC 2 remote controller, DJI O4 video transmission supports up to 13 kmof 1080p/60fps video transmission and has excellent anti-interference capabilities, allowing you to explore vast landscapes with clarity.
  • Fast Charging and Data Transfers1The DJI Flip Parallel Charging Hub charges two batteries simultaneously1, significantly reducing charging time. With the DJI Fly app, footage can be transferred at speeds up to 30MB/s.
  • Fly With or Without Remote Controller: The DJI Flip can be operated with the DJI RC-N3 or RC 2 remote controllers. It can also operate with the DJI Fly app or Voice Controlfor hands-free flying. When connected to your phone, it can capture audio and intelligently reduce noise, automatically filtering out propeller noise.
  • Data Protection: Local Data Mode acts like “airplane mode” on the phone by completely disconnecting the DJI Flip from the internet, ensuring all data stays only in the drone.

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Price and Availability

DJI Flip is available to order from store.dji.com and authorized retail partners, with shipping starting today, in the following configurations:

  • DJI Flip retails for $439
  • DJI Flip (DJI RC 2) retails for $639
  • DJI Flip Fly More Combo (DJI RC 2) retails for $779

RuneScape Beneath Scabaras Sands Dev Diary

Pack your waterskin and return to the scorching hot sands of the Kharidian Desert for a trilogy of new quests coming to the beloved MMO RuneScape, starting with the first quest ‘Beneath Scabaras’ Sands’, available to RuneScape members today.

The sands are stirring and corrupted scarab creatures have been sighted across the desert. The Pharaoh of Menaphos can’t sit idly by and seeks assistance to find the God of Isolation and Wisdom. The time has come to return to the Desert for a trio of quests leading to the final confrontation with the Goddess of Destruction herself: Amascut.

To embark on this new adventure, players will need to have completed the ‘Ode of the Devourer’ and ‘’Phite Club’ questlines and reached the 87 Slayer skill level. After meeting the requirements, venture to the throne room in Menaphos to catch up with some familiar faces and start this quest!

RuneScape is available now on PC, Steam, iOS, and Android, complete with cross-platform progression and play on PC and mobile.

Airborne Empire Early Access Launch Trailer

Indie game studio The Wandering Band and publisher Stray Fawn are thrilled to announce that their highly anticipated skyward adventure Airborne Empire is available now in Early Access on Steam for PC.

Airborne Empire brings the aerial city-building and colony management series to new heights. The skyward city builder tasks players with building a fantastical settlement in the clouds, all while managing resources and fighting off nefarious sky pirates. Players uncover secrets and complete thrilling quests across the massive world, in hopes of attaining enough materials to grow their settlement into a fortress and a home. Only the most daring leaders can reforge a harmonious world between the land and the skies.

Early Access Launch Trailer:

By traveling through arid deserts and dense woodlands, you encounter a vibrant cast of characters, citizens to recruit, and a slate of unlockable upgrades. Airborne Empire is the follow-up to The Wandering Band’s BAFTA-nominated Airborne Kingdom. This new experience brings expanded open-world exploration, deeper role-playing mechanics, and colorful characters, and introduces combat.

Airborne Empire is now available for purchase on Steam for PC, priced at $24.99. Visit airborneempire.com for more information, and follow The Wandering Band on X and Instagram for the latest updates.

Ravenswatch Nintendo Switch Pre-Order Trailer

The world of Reverie is about to welcome its new guardians: players on Nintendo Switch™ can pre-order Ravenswatch today to join the fight against the Nightmare on January 23, 2025.

The free update “Nightmares Unleashed” will also be available on January 23, 2024 on all platforms. It will introduce new opponents, mini-bosses and activities.

Ravenswatch is a top-down roguelike action game that combines intense real-time combat with deep gameplay and high replay value. After the success of Curse of the Dead Gods, Passtech Games returns with a new formula and game experience.

In Ravenswatch, no two runs are alike. With over 200 talents, 50 magical items, endless build combinations, 4 difficulty levels, custom game modes and online cross-play co-op up to 4 players, the game offers an addictive experience and high replay value.

Ravenswatch is now available on PC, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. The Nintendo SwitchTM version will be available January 23rd 2025.

Find out more on the official website: www.ravenswatch.com

GameMax Unveils the Dragon Knight 2 Full-Tower Gaming PC Chassis

GameMax, an emerging brand of PC gaming components including gaming cases and power supply units, is thrilled to announce the Dragon Knight 2 full-tower gaming PC chassis. Designed for high-end gaming PC and workstation configurations, the GameMax Dragon Knight 2 features a massive interior with extensive hardware support.

The Dragon Knight 2 full-tower chassis supports up to an E-ATX motherboard, up to 8x HDDs, and has 8 PCIE slots for add-in-cards and expansions other than graphics cards. It has a built-in HDD hotswap bay on the top panel that’s easily accessible. The Dragon Knight 2 comes with 5 pre-installed ARGB fans out of the box providing excellent cooling and good value for builders. The ARGB fans are fully customizable and can be synchronized with the rest of the system via the motherboard.

With its cutting-edge features and sophisticated aesthetics, the Dragon Knight 2 is poised to captivate gamers and PC enthusiasts worldwide.

Key Features

  •  Full Tower Chassis: Supports E-ATX(up to 280mm), ATX, M-ATX, and ITX motherboards.
  •  Stylish Design: Features a sleek front and top panel for a modern look.
  •  Performance Warehouse: Includes 8 PCIe slots and versatile storage options—3.5″ HDDs × 8 + 2.5″ SSDs × 2, or     2.5″ SSDs × 10.
  •  Efficient Cooling: Comes with 5 pre-installed ARGB fans for optimal airflow.
  •  Convenient Features: Accessible built-in HDD hot-swap and a 3-in-1 card reader.
  •  Powerful I/O Panel: Provides high-performance connectivity options.

Exquisite and Cool Design

The Dragon Knight 2 stands out with its bold geometric cut-out body design, creating a unique three-dimensional structure that exudes both coolness and sophistication. Its sleek, pure black exterior adds an element of elegance, transforming it into a true work of art that enhances any gaming or office setup.

Efficient Cooling Airflow

Designed to ensure exceptional performance, the Dragon Knight 2 supports both air and liquid cooling systems. It features a dedicated power supply compartment that optimizes thermal management, allowing for rapid heat dissipation. This ensures that the system remains stable and reliable even during the most demanding computing tasks.

Full Mesh Front Panel

The front panel of the Dragon Knight 2 incorporates a high-density mesh design that promotes excellent air circulation while providing effective dust protection. This thoughtful design balances aesthetics and performance, maintaining a sleek appearance without compromising on functionality.

Supports Motherboard RGB Sync Technologies

The Dragon Knight 2 is fully compatible with motherboard RGB sync technologies thanks to the integrated ARGB Hub and Lighting Control. This hub connects to the +5V 3-pin ARGB socket on compatible motherboards, enabling users to create personalized, vibrant RGB lighting configurations.

Pricing and Availability

The GameMax Dragon Knight 2 full-tower gaming PC chassis has an suggested retail price of $105.90. For more information on availability and pricing, please contact your local GameMax representative.

For more information, please follow GameMax’s social media channels below or visit https://gamemaxpc.com/x9-full-tower/4726.html

Amadeus Arrives 4K UHD Blu-ray Disc and Digital Release Date

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the epic historical film’s eight Academy Awards, Amadeus, from acclaimed director Milos Forman (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest), will be available for the first time Digitally in 4K Ultra HD and on 4K UHD Blu-ray Disc on February 25.

One of the most celebrated films in cinematic history, the theatrical version of Amadeus will be available to purchase on Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc online and in-store at major retailers and available Digitally from Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Fandango at Home and more.

Directed by two-time Academy Award winner Milos Forman (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest) from a screenplay by Academy Award winner Peter Shaffer, the film is based on the play Amadeus by Shaffer and Mozart and Salieri by Alexander Pushkin. Amadeus stars Academy Award winner F. Murray Abraham as Antonio Salieri, Academy Award nominee Tom Hulce as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Elizabeth Berridge as Constanze Mozart, Simon Callow as Emanuel Schikaneder, Roy Dotrice as Leopold Mozart, Christine Ebersole as Katerina Cavalieri, Jeffrey Jones as Emperor Joseph II and Charles Kay as Count Orsini-Rosenberg.

Amadeus was produced by three-time Academy Award winner and Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award recipient Saul Zaentz.

Amadeus received eleven Academy Award nominations and won eight Oscars – Best Picture, Best Directing Best Actor (F. Murray Abraham), Best Screenplay based on Material from Another Medium, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup, and Best Sound.

In 2019, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

The restoration and mastering of the Amadeus original theatrical cut was completed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with the participation of Paul Zaentz.