Author - Jerry Paxton

Critical Role Boosters and New Starter Decks Coming to UniVersus Collectible Card Game

The time has come, Critters! On March 7th, 2025, the world of Exandria will once again open its doors to the UniVersus community with the highly anticipated release of Critical Role: Heroes of Exandria Booster Set. This epic new addition to UniVersus brings a wealth of adventures, challenges, and fan-favorite characters straight from the world of Critical Role. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a new player ready to delve into the wonders of Exandria, this release is packed with excitement.

What’s Coming:

  • Booster Set: The Heroes of Exandria Booster Set is your gateway to an unforgettable journey. Featuring over 200 cards, this set is brimming with powerful abilities, awe-inspiring characters, and thrilling strategy. Fans can collect, trade, and build their ultimate decks, exploring new synergies and mechanics inspired by the magic of Mighty Nein and Vox Machina. The set also features 20 iconic heroes that fans have been begging to see—some of the most beloved and highly-requested characters ever!
  • Two Starter Decks: Not ready to build your own deck yet? No problem! The release also includes two pre-constructed Starter Decks, perfect for players who want to jump into the action right out of the box. Each deck showcases a different pair of characters, their unique abilities, and synergistic cards that reflect their personalities and gameplay styles. Whether you’re leading with Percival de Rolo’s precision or Beauregard Lionett’s swift strikes, these decks are designed for easy pick-up-and-play action with learn-to-play references.

A Celebration of Critical Role’s 10th Anniversary

March 2025 not only marks the release of Heroes of Exandria, but also Critical Role’s 10th Anniversary—and we’re pulling out all the stops to celebrate! Expect a slew of exciting events and content that will immerse you in the world of Exandria like never before. From boss fight challenges to stunning alternate art cards and chromes, this release will be packed with surprises. Each of these elements brings the magic of Critical Role to life in UniVersus, making this a milestone you won’t want to miss! Prepare for stunning visuals, immersive gameplay, and unforgettable battles as you face down Exandria’s toughest foes.

Get Ready to Explore Exandria

The countdown has begun, and your adventure is calling! Whether you’re exploring the mysteries of Whitestone or uncovering secrets in the Menagerie Coast, the Critical Role: Heroes of Exandria Booster Set release brings endless possibilities for every UniVersus player.

Mark your calendars for March 7th, 2025, and get ready to dive headfirst into one of the most exciting UniVersus releases yet! Want to get in on the action earlier than that? Prerelease starts February 28th, 2025—stay tuned to UniVersus socials and sign up for our newsletter to receive all the latest news and announcements.

Disney Debuts Heartwarming Holiday Short ‘The Boy and The Octopus’

Disney is using the power of its timeless original storytelling to inspire joy and wonder this holiday season, with an all-new short in collaboration with Academy Award® winner Taika Waititi premiering today.

“The story manages to connect the feelings that you get around the holidays, and the joy, the goodwill and everything, with those same emotions and those same sensibilities you get from Disney films,” said Taika Waititi. “I think they go hand in hand and it’s the perfect match – and only Disney could have made something like this…with me.”

“For generations, Disney has been an ever-present part of the holiday season all over the world, and this short builds on the enduring connection that so many families have with Disney during this special time of year,” said Asad Ayaz, Chief Brand Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Taika Waititi on this timeless story of childhood friendship against the backdrop of this magical season.”

Sea Power: Naval Combat in the Missile Age Early Access Launch Trailer

MicroProse, the legendary name in strategy and simulation gaming, is excited to announce that Sea Power: Naval Combat in the Missile Age is now available on Steam in Early Access. Developed by the lead designer behind Cold Waters, Sea Power places players in command of NATO and Warsaw Pact forces, navigating the high stakes of Cold War naval warfare across pivotal global hotspots.

This highly anticipated release brings immersive, pausable real-time combat to fans of strategy and simulation games. With its historically accurate theaters of war, including the North Atlantic, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Tonkin and the Mediterranean, Sea Power enables players to experience the tension and complexity of Cold War conflict.

The game offers a sophisticated array of naval and aerial units, realistic sensors, and weaponry. Every engagement, whether a stealthy submarine hunt or a dynamic naval skirmish, requires strategy, skill, and careful adherence to rules of engagement to avoid unintended escalation.

Key Features of Sea Power Include:

  • Realistic Cold War-era gameplay, featuring advanced physics and over 150 naval units and 60 aircraft, including iconic vessels and aircraft of the 1960s-80s.
  • Dynamic theaters and scenarios set across the North Atlantic, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Tonkin, and the Mediterranean, bringing historical and fictional battles to life.
  • Pausable real-time controls and time compression, giving players the power to strategize and respond to intense battles.
  • Scenario editor and mission builder to customize missions and share them seamlessly with the Sea Power community.
  • Day 1 Steam Workshop integration, allowing players to engage with user-generated content for endless mission possibilities.

Sea Power delivers both an engaging experience for Cold War history enthusiasts and strategic depth for fans of naval warfare. Players can now dive into the thrilling world of Sea Power and command their forces through challenging, tactical scenarios on the high seas.

World War Z: Aftermath Sin City Apocalypse Announced

Bada-bing, bada-bang! World War Z: Aftermath, the ultimate co-op zombie shooter from Saber Interactive based on the blockbuster Paramount Pictures film, announced today it’s headed to Las Vegas for its next expansion with the new “Sin City Apocalypse” update, launching Dec. 5, 2024, on PC, PlayStation and Xbox. Headlining the grand opening will be the new “Vegas” premium story campaign episode, featuring three new missions in new map locations, four new survivors, and tons of glitz, glamour and gore. There’ll also be new premium cosmetics for true high rollers, along with free content such as the WASP-180 Defensive SMG weapon and a new Bells trinket.

Set against the bright lights of Sin City, the “Vegas” story episode features four new survivors in a battle which will take you through the heart of the strip into a grand casino. Fight the zekes for survival while enjoying the sights and sounds of the town, but don’t forget: this isn’t a vacation. See if you can beat the odds and make it away with your winnings – and your life – intact! The “Vegas” story episode will be available on December 5 for $9.99.

A night out on the town demands a little style, so Aftermath players will also be able to grab the new premium “Vegas Skin Pack” DLC on December 5 for $4.99, featuring a glamorous outfit for new survivor Sara Benedict, along with four dazzling new weapon skins, one each for the 1911 Protector Pistol, PAC-15 Sporting Carbine, WASP-180 Defensive SMG, and 1877 SBL Repeating Rifle.

World War Z: Aftermath is available now on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. For the latest World War Z news, visit WWZgame.com, and follow the series on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Godzilla 70th Anniversary Pinball Accessories Announcement

Today, Stern Pinball, Inc., the largest manufacturer of pinball games in the world, announced a full line of Godzilla 70th Anniversary pinball machine accessories compatible with the recently celebrated 70th Anniversary Premium Edition pinball machine. Already one of the most sought-after pinball games in history, Stern Pinball’s award-winning Godzilla pinball machines just got better with these newly available upgrades.

The Godzilla Heat Ray Destruction Topper accessory will immerse players into a world of chaos, incorporating a custom molded greyscale Godzilla sculpture breathing a heat ray against a city landscape.  With 3 fire panels, a custom sculpted heat ray plume implementing 21 RGB lights, and a special flash lamp projecting Godzilla’s shadow, this exclusive decorative topper integrates distinct light shows and includes an exclusive “King of the Monsters Time Attack” mode elevating the entire gaming experience of Godzilla.

Everyone can use an ally including Godzilla.  Straight from the plunge, the custom greyscale Godzilla Mothra Egg Shooter Knob adds a fun element to an already exciting gaming experience, teleporting pinballs straight into the fight to become King of the Monsters!

The custom-designed, Godzilla Inside Art Blades feature stunning and distinctive hand-drawn artwork with a new greyscale color by Zombie Yeti, adding an entirely new dimension inside this world under glass pinball experience.

Always prepare for battle against other Kaiju with the Godzilla King Ghidorah Side Armor.  This thrilling side armor further highlights the incredible special foil greyscale cabinet decals and artwork while further immersing players into the world of Godzilla.

“Godzilla’s 70th anniversary is a huge milestone for the time-honored franchise and no better way to celebrate than with these officially licensed pinball accessories to match the distinct look of the Anniversary Premium Edition pinball playing experience,” said Seth Davis, President and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc.  “We’re thrilled to continue this global celebration in partnership with Toho and the King of the Monsters.”

Pricing and Availability:

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price:

  • Godzilla Heat Ray Destruction Topper                $US  999.99
  • Mothra Egg Shooter Knob                                          $US  179.99
  • King Ghidorah Side Armor                                         $US  289.99
  • Godzilla Inside Art Blades                                           $US    99.99

MSRP for sales to USA end-users, before any VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, or other taxes.

MLB RIVALS Out Now on Steam Early Access

Com2uS, a powerhouse developer behind MLB-licensed games, announced that MLB RIVALS, a previously mobile-only competitive baseball game, will be bringing the competition to Steam Early Access, followed by a full global launch in 2025. MLB RIVALS’ Steam release is set for November 12, and it will be available in Korean, English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish. The Steam release will allow users to cross-play the game on both mobile and PC platforms using the same account. Experience baseball action on PC and enjoy updated graphics and epic competition based on real-life teams, MLB Players, and stadiums that Rivals is already known for on mobile.

MLB RIVALS boasts high-quality graphics that showcase all MLB teams and stadiums plus tens of thousands of spectators in high-definition. Players will also be able to utilize game controllers (such as the DualSense Wireless Controller and Xbox Wireless Controller) for an updated gaming experience while taking advantage of Cross-Play across mobile and PC.

Experience a dizzying array of gameplay modes, including single- and multiplayer modes like League, Live Match and Ranked Slugger. By using motion capture to bring the Players’ unique forms and actual movements to the game, MLB Rivals offers an immersive, wholly authentic presentation.

“Since the success of MLB RIVALS at launch last year, Com2uS has wanted to expand the ultra-competitiveness and realism to a wider audience and create a baseball gaming experience worthy of their passion,” said Richard Grisham, Director of Business Development at Com2uS USA. “With high-definition graphics, more control options, and more content than ever, this is an elevated baseball experience for newcomers and seasoned players alike.”

Players can follow MLB RIVALS here and will receive 50 Advanced Scout Tickets if the 10,000 followers milestone is reached and 20 additional Advanced Scout Tickets for every 10,000 followers beyond that.

MLB RIVALS, previously titled MLB 9 INNINGS RIVALS, embodies two decades of baseball game production expertise and technology to showcase invigorating baseball features, including realistic ballparks of all MLB clubs and top-notch graphics of fan-favorite MLB Players, officially licensed by MLB Players, Inc. and the league.

MLB RIVALS enters Steam Early Access for PC on November 12 before its full launch in Spring 2025. Steam is one of the world’s largest PC game platforms with over one billion users. It recorded over 35 million concurrently online users in March, renewing its own 34 million record in a week.

Stay ahead of the competition and check out more details regarding the Steam version on the official community page.

Pizza Slice Reveal Trailer

Are you dreaming of a delicious Italian adventure? …. in the heart of New York City? Get ready, because in 2025 our game will take you to a world full of challenges. Pizza Slice is more than a simple simulator – it’s a humorous and competitive journey where you’ll manage your own pizzeria and face the competition to succeed!

About Pizza Slice

In Pizza Slice, you play as Tonio, who has inherited the family pizzeria from his grandfather. Take on the competition, grow your business, and see if you can win the title of the best place in the neighborhood!

Kitchen Help

Two heads are not one! You must get the family business off the ground with your lazy cousin Alfonso by your side. He will take care of the cleaning and other chores around the pizzeria to make your job easier – or not.

Grandfather’s Cookbook

Take a peek into your grandfather’s cookbook, passed down from generation to generation, and learn the secret pizza recipes. Each page is a treasure trove of traditional recipes that combine authentic Italian flavors. Learn how to select the best ingredients and create unique compositions that will wow your guests. Open it and let your family’s culinary heritage come alive in your pizzeria, bringing the joy and taste of Italian tradition straight to your customers’ plates!

Side Quests

The competition never sleeps! Sabotage and health inspections are just some of the obstacles you will face on your way to becoming the best pizzeria in town. Rival pizzerias are jealous of your success and will stop at nothing to thwart your plans.

Be aware! Mobsters roam the city, and while they may seem threatening at first, they have their reasons for helping you. They are your grandfather’s acquaintances, and they will give you jobs to do in exchange for various favors. Their missions can bring you valuable rewards that will help your pizzeria grow.

2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide Available Now

The essential resource for running your D&D game is here! Excite your imagination with the 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide – available everywhere starting today!

Whether you are a new or experienced Dungeon Master, the 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide will provide you with more than 400 magic items, 15 new, ready-to-use, reusable maps for homebrew adventures, and rules for bastions, strongholds built and controlled by players, so DMs can keep their party engaged between sessions.

Purchase the 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide today on D&D Beyond where players can get both the physical book delivered right to their doorstep and the digital edition that’s instantly playable in D&D Beyond. You can also find the 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide at your local game store, Amazon, or at Barnes & Noble stores.

  • For the most dedicated D&D fans, the 2024 Digital & Physical Core Rulebook Bundle is available on D&D Beyond ($179.97) and includes:
    • Both the hardcover and digital versions of:
      • 2024 Player’s Handbook (Out now!)
      • 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide (Available today!)
      • 2024 Monster Manual (Available 2/18/25)
    • Digital bonuses:
      • Dragons of D&D digital art book
      • A 50th anniversary Gold Dragon digital mini, releasing with the closed beta of Project Sigil, the upcoming 3D builder
      • 24 character frames for use on D&D Beyond
      • 10 backdrops for character sheets on D&D Beyond
      • 9 sets of digital dice to customize character sheets

Farming Simulator 25 Official Launch Trailer

“When we think of our farms, we think of lives well spent”, a seasoned farmer tells viewers in the Launch Trailer of Farming Simulator 25. Now available on PC and consoles, publisher and developer GIANTS Software invites returning and aspiring virtual agriculturists to ignite their passion for the wholesome and rewarding life in the countryside.

“This Farm is Your Farm”
“For experienced farmers, the game marks the next step in playfully living their passion”, says Christian Ammann, CEO of GIANTS Software. “For everyone else, it’s a relaxing, immersive, and community-oriented opportunity to grow a new hobby, cultivate exciting knowledge, and ultimately harvest the rewarding feeling of freedom and accomplishment.”

Easy First Steps on Fields
With more variety, opportunities, and challenges, Farming Simulator 25 allows players to experiment, learn and grow. Increased accessibility through improved user interfaces, information, and tutoring non-player characters make the family-friendly series even more welcoming for beginners. The new GPS-based steering assistant as well as reworked and improved AI-workers allow additional help and automation on busy fields.

Farming Means Business
Whether focusing on arable farming, animal husbandry, or forestry, the dream of farming can be achieved with a small farm and a few lovely farm shops to sell goods, or by growing it into an empire: With production chains, factories, construction projects, and even community monuments like temple grounds or a grain elevator museum, providing long-term goals and endless activities for the farmer’s ambitions.

With three environments in North America, Europe, and East Asia, 25 field crops, plus many greenhouse crops and trees, and several types of animals, each farmer can choose their starting point – single-handedly or in co-op multiplayer. Machine enthusiasts enjoy over 400 authentic machines from over 150 international top brands like Case IH, CLAAS, Fendt, John Deere, Kubota, Massey Ferguson, New Holland, and Valtra. Other new features include ground deformation, weather events, and general improvements of graphics and physics.

RØDE Announces Wireless Micro Microphone System

RØDE is excited to announce its smallest, simplest and sleekest wireless microphone to date – the Wireless Micro. RØDE has been the premier brand for cutting-edge, high-quality wireless microphones for over a decade. The WirelessGO™ was the world’s first compact wireless microphone system, revolutionizing on-camera audio for creators around the world. Its small size, clip-and-go design, professional sound quality and in-built microphones formed the foundation of the RØDE wireless range, which soon grew to include wireless audio solutions for creators at every level and across every category. Now, the Wireless Micro is changing the game again, revolutionizing smartphone content creation by delivering RØDE’s wireless foundation in its most accessible format yet.

The Wireless Micro is a pocket-sized wireless microphone system tailor-made for smartphone creators. Available in both black and white, and with versions for either USB-C or Lightning devices, the slimline receiver connects directly to a phone with no need for cables, making for a super compact and tidy recording setup. It features two ultra-compact, ultra-lightweight transmitters with integrated clips and magnetic attachments that are incredibly easy to mount on a subject while remaining discreet on camera. The built-in microphones are housed in acoustic chambers with a patent-pending design, purpose-built to capture exceptionally clear and intelligible audio while mitigating wind noise. Combining this innovative design with RØDE’s legacy of pristine wireless audio transmission and intelligent GainAssist technology, the Wireless Micro delivers perfectly balanced audio, every time. Finally, the super sleek charging case is perfectly pocket-sized and delivers two full recharges for up to 21 hours of battery life, all while keeping the system safe and secure – the ideal grab-and-go solution for smartphone creators.

KEY FEATURES OF THE WIRELESS MICRO:

  • In-built microphones and automatic pairing makes it incredibly easy to use
  • Receiver connects directly to a smartphone with no cables required (USB-C or Lightning version available)
  • Patent-pending acoustic chamber design purpose-built to capture exceptionally clear and intelligible audio while mitigating wind noise
  • IntelligentGainAssist technology automatically controls audio levels for perfectly balanced sound in any application
  • Pocket-sized charging case provides additional two charges for up to 21 hours battery life, making it the ideal grab-and-go companion
  • Ultra-compact, ultra-lightweight form factor with a sleek design for discreet on-camera presence and elegant aesthetic
  • Additional furry windshields included
  • Works seamlessly with RØDE’s free iOS video app, RØDE Capture
  • Available in both black and white

NO CABLES, NO COMPLICATIONS, PURE CREATIVITY

The Wireless Micro makes it easier than ever to capture crystal-clear wireless audio for smartphone content, removing as much friction from the creative process as possible. The transmitters are automatically paired and feature integrated clips, magnetic mounts and built-in, high-quality microphones, so they’re ready to roll right away. Simply connect the receiver directly to a phone, clip on the transmitters, and start recording – no cables or complicated controls to worry about.

The Wireless Micro also features RØDE’s intelligent GainAssist technology, which automatically controls volume levels on-the-fly, removing the need to constantly fuss over settings and mitigating the risk of accidentally ruining a take with clipped or quiet recordings. This feature means creators can record upload-ready audio right away, no matter how much of a background they have in audio. Not only that, but this immediacy also removes the need for any editing or post-processing – a huge win for the mobile workflow.

ALWAYS SOUND YOUR BEST

While modern smartphones are more than capable of recording exceptional video footage, their integrated microphones are generally lacking, especially when it comes to capturing audio at a distance. This is where the Wireless Micro comes in.

Each transmitter features a patent-pending acoustic chamber design, which houses the microphone and is purpose-built to mitigate wind noise and capture exceptionally clear audio while remaining as compact as possible. The omnidirectional pickup pattern captures sound from all around, making placement and positioning super simple. Combining this withGainAssist makes for perfectly balanced, even audio, even if the microphone moves during recording or its placement isn’t ideal.

TELL YOUR STORY, WHEREVER IT TAKES YOU

The Wireless Micro was born of RØDE’s mission to condense its exceptional legacy of pristine wireless audio into its most compact and portable format yet. The result is the ultimate pocket-sized companion for creators on the go, with a super sleek and premium design that inspires confidence with every use.

The transmitters’ ultra-compact form factor and ultra-lightweight build – weighing just 12 grams – make them perfect for clipping onto talent while remaining discreet on-camera, and their splash proof design means they can even handle inclement weather. The pocket-sized charging case keeps the system safe and secure on the move and, with an extra two recharges on-board for a total battery life of 21 hours, theWireless Micro is ready whenever and wherever the creator takes it.

The release of the Wireless Micro marks another milestone in the evolution of creator technology, and another step in RØDE’s mission to provide high-quality, accessible audio solutions for today’s creative generation.

The RØDE Wireless Micro is US$149 and available to order at your local RØDE dealer or via the RØDE website.