Author - Jerry Paxton

World of Warships Celebrates Lunar New Year with King Sun Wukong

2025/01/27
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Wargaming, the developer and publisher of the leading cross-platform naval multiplayer game World of Warships: Legends, is celebrating Lunar New Year. Bringing the renowned Chinese novel “Journey to the West” to life, the iconic Monkey King, Sun Wukong headlines Lunar New Year, coming to the game via Commander guise, alongside the addition of a completely new Japanese cruiser Tokachi. This Legendary February update also delivers a brand-new campaign “Rose of Picardy” with a new French battleship, plus a Legendary Tier Pan-Asian light cruiser in the Bureau, a new historical event, and a boatload more content for players to enjoy.

Embark on a Journey with Sun Wukong to Reign in Lunar New Year

Marking the Lunar New Year, World of Warships: Legends

The Lunar New Years of yesteryear are also being celebrated, as previously released content will be available for anyone who missed out, including the Celestial Guardian Commander guise. There’s even the chance to gain a completely new ship with Japanese Tier VI Premium cruiser Tokachi. Both the new and old content will be available via special Lunar New Year ‘25 crates, which can be purchased from the Store or earned via the main campaign, the new ‘Journey to the West’ mission, or special missions for select Pan-Asian and Japanese ships.

Rose of Picardy Campaign Sets Sail with New French Battleship

A new battleship is on the horizon for players to unlock, as those who complete the “Rose of Picardy” campaign can unlock French Tier VII Premium battleship Picardie. This versatile vessel comes loaded with 16 guns, a powerful secondary battery equipped with improved accuracy and penetration, and a Main Battery Reload Booster consumable to keep the devastating firepower coming. This esteemed ship can be earned by completing the campaign’s 100 milestones across five weeks with an active Admiralty Backing, with a catch-up mechanic available for any missed challenges.

A Legendary Tier Ship Comes to the Bureau

Rounding out February’s update is the addition of Pan-Asian Legendary tier light cruiser Jinan available for research in the Bureau. Jinan is equipped with 20 powerful and stealthy deep-water torpedoes, quick maneuverability, and speed on her side, making her a force to be reckoned with. Alongside the ship, players can also receive The Four Elements skin for Jinan, Pan-Asian Commander Chen Shaokuan, and various resources. Plus, the Jinan flag will be available through the “Journey to the West” mission.

Players can also dive into themed missions and historical ships with the “Across the Java Sea” event, tackle the third season of Fleet Cup, and enjoy three new seasons of Ranked Battles, along with an array of adjustments and quality-of-life improvements.

You can find the full patch notes here

Critical Role Announces LIVE Charity One-Shot to Support Los Angeles Wildfire Relief

2025/01/27
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

Critical Role, a leader in innovative, cross-platform storytelling and the creative force behind the hit Amazon Studios animated series The Legend of Vox Machina, today announced a special live one-shot aimed at continued fundraising to aid wildfire recovery efforts in Los Angeles following the devastating fires that broke out earlier this month. Through its nonprofit arm, Critical Role Foundation (CRF), in collaboration with countless fans worldwide – known as “Critters”, the company has already been able to contribute $30,000 from its emergency fund to the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund, providing immediate support to those affected. With the recovery efforts far from over, Critical Role is rallying its global community to come together and provide even more support for those in need.

WHAT: LIVE CHARITY ONE-SHOT: “FREAKY THURSDAY”

  • Critical Role will host a chaotic and interactive one-shot charity livestream titled “Freaky Thursday,” featuring Bells Hells, the beloved characters from its third tabletop roleplaying game (RPG) campaign played by Ashley Johnson, Marisha Ray, Taliesin Jaffe, Travis Willingham, Sam Riegel, Laura Bailey and Liam O’Brien, with Game Master Matthew Mercer.
  • Through Critical Role’s Tiltify page, fans can donate or purchase rewards that directly shape the story. Story elements with the most donations will take center stage in the adventure. Each fundraising milestone reached will unlock unique surprises, including new allies, unexpected adversaries, or even character sheet swaps, ensuring an unpredictable and exciting adventure shaped entirely by the community’s contributions.
  • In addition to creating grants for the below charities who are currently providing on the ground aid throughout Los Angeles, 10% of each donation is stashed into our overall emergency fund, which allows CRF to send help quickly in the event of a future unforeseen natural emergency.
  • California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund
  • Latino Community Foundation
  • LA Fire Department Foundation

WHERE:

WHEN:

  • Thursday, January 30 at 7PM PT / 10PM ET

ONGOING SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES:
Fans can continue to support Critical Role’s wildfire relief efforts through February 28th by:

For more details on the campaign and to donate today, please visithttps://critrole.com/foundation/.

Aces of Thunder Expands Roster with WWI Aircraft

2025/01/27
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Gaijin Entertainment is thrilled that Aces of Thunder, the highly anticipated VR flight combat simulation game, will feature meticulously recreated aircraft from World War I and the already announced World War II-era warbirds. Iconic fighters like the Fokker Dr.I, famously flown by the Red Baron himself, or the SPAD S.XIII, the favorite aircraft of René Fonck, Allies’ most decorated ace, will have authentically detailed cockpits, historically accurate weaponry, and realistic flight models, delivering an unparalleled and immersive gameplay experience.

Step into the boots of pioneering aviators and experience the dawn of aerial warfare. Aces of Thunder invites players to relive the epic dogfights between the Entente Powers and Central Powers. Every maneuver in the sky channels the raw intensity of history; every takeoff fills the air with the exhilarating breeze of freedom under canvas wings. These wooden and fabric aircraft, with their open cockpits and mechanical instrumentation, showcase early aviation’s craftsmanship and daring innovation.

Players will marvel at the visible springs and taut control cables stretching through the fuselage, starkly contrasting WWII-era planes’ more streamlined and concealed designs. Unlike their WWII counterparts, World War I aircraft in Aces of Thunder feature fuselage-mounted machine guns, delivering a raw and direct combat experience. The simplicity and mechanical charm of these early war machines offer a gameplay style that is accessible and deeply engaging, capturing the essence of an era where aviation was still in its infancy but already reshaping the battlefield.

Prepare for takeoff and relive the birth of air combat in Aces of Thunder. Follow the game on social media to ensure you do not miss the release date reveal.

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. Official Launch Trailer

2025/01/27
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Today SEGA of America kicks off the return of the VIRTUA FIGHTER franchise with the release of Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O., available for purchase now on Steam with a special launch discount of 20% off for a limited time (see Steam product page for details). This release marks the first time the franchise has come to the platform.

You can view the new launch trailer on YouTube here:

Based on Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown™, Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. features rollback netcode and the first new balance adjustments in over 13 years, giving players the definitive fighting experience. Combined with support of up to 60fps/4K resolution, players can enjoy smoother gameplay in their quest to become the best fighter in the world.

As a reminder, Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. – 30th Anniversary Edition is also available for purchase on Steam. This special edition, which retails for $49.99 USD, is also available with the special limited time launch discount of 20% off and includes the following items:

  • 30th Anniversary Soundtrack Collection including more than 220 unreleased tracks
  • Exclusive Artbook containing sketches and other never-before-seen art from the original game’s pre-production
  • 30th Anniversary Swimsuit Costume Set with beachwear outfits for all characters
  • DLC Legendary Pack including customization items, stages, character models and background music from the original Virtua Fighter
  • Yakuza Series Collaboration Pack with character costumes, background music, and stamps from the “Yakuza” series
  • 30th Anniversary in-game Rank Titles
  • 30th Anniversary Wallpaper set

Announced during the most recent VF Direct, fans can also look forward to the “Virtua Fighter Open Championship,” a global tournament using the Steam version of Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O., which will be held in Spring 2025. The winners of the regional qualifiers will face off at the “Grand Final Tournament.” More information will be revealed soon.

Fans can visit the official Virtua Fighter 5: R.E.V.O. website to learn more about the game or stay in the loop on the latest VF News by joining the official VF Discord community. For more information on all SEGA games, please visit the official SEGA website at www.sega.com.

FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves Open Beta Coming Soon

2025/01/27
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Today, SNK CORPORATION announced an Open Beta test for FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves. The beta for SNK’s highly anticipated fighting game will be available from February 20 to February 24 (PST) on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. Participation in the beta test does NOT require an active PlayStation®Plus or Xbox Game Pass Core/Ultimate subscription. FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves is set to release on April 24, 2025.

Rev Up for Open Beta
From February 20, 2025 (12 AM PST) through February 24, 2025 (11:59 PM PST)***, PC and console players can choose from eight total characters and throw down with friends in three online modes: Ranked Match, Casual Match, or Room Match. Those eager to hone their skills and learn dynamic combo routes can practice in the offline Training mode.

FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves introduces a stunning, comic-inspired art style that’s a visual treat for series fans, combined with fights fueled by the cutting-edge REV System to deliver dynamic matches. The open beta offers the public their first opportunity to experience the modernized action of City of the Wolves at home, featuring two distinct control schemes tailored to engage both newcomers and seasoned pros.

The FATAL FURY series debuted in 1991, igniting the fighting game boom of the 1990s that took the industry by storm. GAROU: MARK OF THE WOLVES, released in 1999, has been the most recent installment in the franchise until now. With fan favorites and new characters making an appearance, FATAL FURY returns with a classic battle system evolved for the next generation of fighters. FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves will be available physically and digitally on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, and Xbox Series X, and digitally on Xbox Series S, Steam, and the Epic Games Store.

Horrified: D&D Coming This Summer from Ravenbsurger

2025/01/27
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

Terror is in the Eye of the Beholder! Ravensburger, acclaimed publisher of award-winning board games and high-quality puzzles and toys, today, announced plans to bring iconic monsters from the world of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (D&D) to its acclaimed Horrified tabletop series from summer 2025. Under license by Hasbro and its Wizards of the Coast division, Horrified: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS will not only set players against four of the classic role-playing game’s most fearsome foes, but will also introduce new gameplay elements inspired by the mechanics of D&D.

Horrified: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS will become the fifth entry in the popular Horrified franchise from Ravensburger and will feature gameplay elements familiar to players of other games in the series. In Horrified: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, players will work together to face monsters and puzzle-like obstacles to gather item tokens, protect citizens and avoid attacks. Unique and thematic challenges for each monster further immerse players into the detailed setting and story.

“The extensive lore and world-building of D&D enables players to embark on epic journeys as they quest to battle deadly foes, uncover secrets and make memories together,” said Dan Rawson, Senior Vice President, D&D, RPG and Hasbro Direct at Wizards of the Coast. “Connection and storytelling are at the core of D&D, and we’re always looking for new ways for players to immerse themselves in the fantasy realm. Bringing the franchise’s rich characters to something like Horrified, which features narrative-driven adventure and cooperative gameplay, just feels natural.”

One of the monsters that fans can expect to see featured in Horrified: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS is the Beholder. Often described as a “Sphere of Many Eyes,” the Beholder was one of the original enemies featured in D&D’s initial launch in 1974.

In addition to familiar monsters, Horrified: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS will also introduce gameplay utilizing a d20, or 20-sided die.

“Anyone who knows anything about D&D knows how essential a d20 is to gameplay, so when the opportunity for us to create a Horrified game with D&D monsters came to us, we knew what we had to do,” said Mike Mulvihill, Game Development Manager at Ravensburger. “It is an honor to merge the historical and awesome worlds and themes of D&D with the immersive cooperative play that we crafted with Horrified. We believe we have created a board game that will please both dedicated fan bases.”

The monster challenges in Horrified: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS are designed by Peter Lee, accomplished designer behind more than 10 D&D board games and the Horrified: Universal Monsters game system. Horrified: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS is a cooperative board game for one to five players, ages 10 and up and will have an MSRP of $29.99USD/$39.99CAD.

More about Ravensburger’s Horrified

The Horrified franchise includes Horrified: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (2025), Horrified: World of Monsters (2024), Horrified: Greek Monsters (2023), Horrified: American Monsters (2021) and Horrified: Universal Monsters (2019). Beginning with those published in 2023, Horrified games are compatible, allowing players to mix monsters and worlds between editions.

Rise of the Ronin PC Announcement Trailer

2025/01/27
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Today, KOEI TECMO America and Team NINJA announced plans to bring their highly-acclaimed open-world action RPG, Rise of the Ronin, to Windows PC via Steam® March 10, 2025. Originally released for PlayStation®5, the epic Bakumatsu era tale takes players on a historic journey where a masterless warrior, known as a Ronin, must fight to forge their own destiny through the chaos of war and political unrest. The upcoming Steam version will support various PC features, including ultra-wide monitor compatibility, 8K resolution, 120fps, 3D audio, and more!

Rise of the Ronin takes place in 1863 Japan where, after three centuries of the Tokugawa Shogunate’s reign, the Black Ships of the West descend upon the nation’s borders and the country falls into a state of turmoil. With the fate of Japan now in the hands of a Ronin, players will encounter various historical figures, and the countless choices players make, like choosing whether to assassinate or protect key political figures like the anti-shogunate leader Ryoma Sakamoto, will evolve not only their destiny, but the multiple endings found in the game.

Throughout the experience, players will be able to customize weapons and styles to their liking in order to engage in the deep, accessible combat system. Various melee weapons include katana, spear, and odachi, each offering multiple styles. This leads to a variety of fighting strategy and tactics based on the types of enemies and enemy weapons confronting players. Long-ranged weapons such as guns and bows are also available depending on the situation.

Players will also be able to explore the mixed cultural landscapes of Edo, Yokohama, and Kyoto during the Bakumatsu period, with the stunning scenery actually changing with the seasons, showcasing such details as cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. Additionally, a grappling rope can be used to climb onto rooftops while an Avicula glider can be used to soar through the air, giving players the ability to capture their favorite views using photo mode.

In addition, new PC features exclusive to the Steam version include:

  • 8K resolution support
  • DirectX 12 Ultimate support
  • Ultra-wide and super ultra-wide monitor compatibility
  • 120fps support
  • Ray tracing support
  • 3D audio support
  • Customizable keyboard and mouse controls
  • AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution support
  • NVIDIA DLSSS and Reflex support
  • UI menu with mouse clickability
  • Intel XeSS graphics technology support

Fans who purchase the game before April 2, 2025 will receive the early purchase bonus of four combat styles: Hayabusa-ryu for Katana, Haybusa-ryu for Naginata, Nioh-ryu for Katana, Aisu Kage-ryu for Katana, as well as the Iga Ninja armor set, and the Iga Ninja’s katana. Pre-orders are now available.

Sword of the Necromancer: Resurrection Out Now

2025/01/24
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

Grimorio of Games is thrilled to announce that Sword of the Necromancer: Resurrection is now available! This 3D remake of the original ARPG brings fans a completely reimagined experience with modern graphics, dynamic combat, and innovative gameplay mechanics.

Dive into a heartfelt adventure filled with strategy, action, and emotion. With an artistic style inspired by the classics of the 6th console generation, Sword of the Necromancer: Resurrection delivers a nostalgic yet modernized journey like no other.

What to Expect in Resurrection

  • Turn Foes into Allies: Wield the forbidden power of the Sword of the Necromancer to resurrect your enemies and make them fight by your side.
  • Dynamic Combat: Engage in fast-paced battles with fluid controls, powerful abilities, and strategic action.
  • Tactical Summoning: Program the behavior of your summoned creatures with the all-new “Tactics” system.
  • Endless Replayability: Procedurally generated dungeons ensure every run is unique.
  • Local Co-op: Team up with a friend and conquer the dungeon together.

A Story of Love and Redemption

Join Tama, a former bandit turned bodyguard, as she descends into the depths of a treacherous dungeon to bring her beloved Koko back to life. Navigate dangerous foes and tough decisions in a dark fantasy world filled with mysteries.

Available Now!

Sword of the Necromancer: Resurrection is now available for purchase on Steam (PC), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation, Xbox One and Xbox Series for $19.99/19.99€/16.8£ as a launch offer!

Vampire Dynasty is Now Vampires: Bloodlord Rising

2025/01/24
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Development studio Mehuman Games and Publisher Toplitz Productions are pleased to reveal the updated look and new name for their horror themed story-driven sandbox action adventure, formerly known as Vampire Dynasty.

Together with the new name Vampires: Bloodlord Rising, developer Mehuman Games reveals an updated look at the game’s visuals, upgraded character design and other enhancements that have gone into the creative process of bringing the game’s characters to life within the murky and mysterious world of Sangavia.

“The deeper we went into the development, the more it became clear to us, that the content with its story focus and the strong implementation of action-adventure elements doesn’t cater to the expectations neither players nor ourselves have of a Dynasty game”, comments Robin Gibbels, Head of Producing at Toplitz Productions. “While we remain committed to the quality of the content and the gamedesign and didn’t change any of these elements, with the new name it is clear that these vampires are not standing on anybody’s shoulders and will fight for their rightful place in the open world of Sangavia.”

The progress the game made in all areas since its last public showing is mostly noticeable with the updated look of Dragos, the game’s main vampire protagonist who gets a more virile and haunting appearance, including a complete overhaul to his attire. Gone are the long flowing locks and beard, now replaced with a more chiseled clean cut design to show off his fearsome features.

Vampires: Bloodlord Rising has in recent months made visual improvements to various materials and textures including the building elements that players will utilize to build their own custom Vampire castle. An improved lighting system to the entire game has been introduced along with a totally overhauled onscreen UI system. Level appearance has also undergone visual improvements including even the smaller details such as the appearance of grass, water and even fog behavior, all benefiting from upgraded visuals.

Gameplay elements have also been expanded in Vampires: Bloodlord Rising, with a particular focus on managing subjects. From now on, the player will be able to romance transformed vampires, send them to hunt, and even perform powerful rituals!

The choice of being good or evil is a path players will need to decide, since this path shapes character development, even influencing how Dragos’ facial features evolve. Ultimately, they’ll decide who will fall prey to his vampire bite, guided by the gossip and secrets they uncover.

Vampires: Bloodlord Rising will be released into Early Access in 2025. Developer Mehuman Games will be revealing more of the game’s updates in further devlogs and insights it will share across Steam in the months ahead.

Celebrate Civilization VII with the Civ World Summit on February 8

2025/01/24
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

The worldwide launch of Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is just a few weeks away and to celebrate, 2K is hosting the Civ World Summit – a live Civ VII multiplayer showdown between five prominent members of the Civ community!

The livestream will be happening on Saturday, February 8 at 8:00 AM PST / 5:00 PM CET, broadcasting live from the XPERION Hamburg in Germany. Firaxis community manager Sarah Engel and famed Civ creator PotatoMcWhiskey will be hosting the Summit in partnership with Rocket Beans TV.

For local fans or those wanting to attend in Hamburg, Germany, tickets can be purchased here to be part of the live studio audience watching the action unfold. At home, viewers can watch on the Firaxis Games Twitch Channel, Civilization YouTube Channel, or Civilization Facebook Page.

On Twitch, there will be a special Twitch Drop reward to commemorate the event, which can be earned by watching the Firaxis Games channel or one of the partnered channels streaming the competition!* Full instructions on how to earn the Cavalry Charge Banner cosmetic for your in-game profile can be found on the Civilization VII Twitch Drops page.

Finally, there will be an exciting announcement planned during the livestream. More information about the Civ World Summit will be shared in the upcoming weeks, including the roster of all five competitors.

*Requires an internet connection, a Twitch account, and a 2K Account linked to the platform account used to play Sid Meier’s Civilization VII. 2K Accounts are free. One per 2K Account. Rewards must be claimed from Twitch Drops inventory within 24 hours. Rewards will be automatically linked to your 2K Account once claimed via Twitch. Void where prohibited. Terms apply.