Author - Jerry Paxton

ASKA Launches Update 2: Farmers and Fighters

2024/10/14
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

Everyone’s favorite viking survival tribe builder, ASKA, published by Thunderful and developed by Sand Sailor Studio, today launched a breadth of new content as part of its Update 2: Farmer & Fighters.

Through the update, players can now enjoy:

  • Town Militias – Upgrade the Eye of Odin, form a town guard and rally them with a mighty Smolkr horn to defeat enemies.
  • Wall-Mounted Cave Torches – Caves have become even better with wall-mounted cave torches and new small iron clusters. Additionally, the Crawler boss has been reworked so players should take another “stab” at this evil foe.
  • Seasonal Crop Schedules – Create automated crop rotation tasks that will add variety to fields during specific seasons.
  • New Customization Options –  Survive in style with new hairstyles, tattoos and facial features, which are unlockable through the deeds system.
  • Additional Features – Expand your settlement with the Horn Tower Addon, as well as enjoy Steam Cloud Saves, now available.

COLORFUL Presents Intel Z890 Motherboard Lineup for Intel Core Ultra 200 Series

2024/10/14
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Hardware News, News

Colorful Technology Company Limited, a leading brand in gaming PC components, gaming laptops, and HiFi audio products, introduces its lineup of Intel Z890 motherboards to the newly launched Intel Core Ultra 200 Series processors. The new Intel Z890 motherboards feature several technological improvement including 40Gbps USB4 connectivity, Wi-Fi 7, and higher DDR5 memory support among others.

Upon launch, COLORFUL presents seven Z890 motherboards designed to cater a wide range of users from casual desktop users to more demanding users such as gamers and content creators.

For high-end PC builders, COLORFUL introduces the iGame Z890 VULCAN X/W, iGame Z890 FLOW and iGame Z890 ULTRA motherboards. The iGame Z890 VULCAN X/W is the flagship motherboard, packed with premium features designed to deliver performance and aesthetics – available in black and white models.

For mainstream users, the CVN Z890 ARK FROZEN, CVN Z890M GAMING FROZEN and BATTLE-AX Z890M-PLUS motherboard offer a great balance of features and latest technologies.

Intel Core Ultra 200 Series Processors

On October 10, 2024, Intel launched the new Core Ultra 200 series desktop processors, featuring a hybrid architecture with performance and efficiency cores. While hyper-threading has been removed, the new Arrow Lake architecture and TSMC’s 3nm process achieve up to a 30% reduction in power consumption and a 16% increase in IPC performance compared to the 14th generation.

The interface has also been upgraded to the advanced LGA1851 specification. Notably, these processors include NPU units for AI computing, marking the arrival of the desktop AI PC era and offering users a groundbreaking experience in high-performance computing and AI applications.

iGame Z890 VULCAN X/W

The iGame Z890 VULCAN X/W motherboard showcases a striking black and white color to color-match most gaming PC builds. Comes in an E-ATX form factor like its Z790 predecessor. Its large Vulcan heat dissipation armor on the front and an alloy protection backplate enhances both durability and cooling efficiency. Additionally, the Vulcan Infinity Mirror beside the VRM heatsink and double “V” Vulcan field on the PCH both support ARGB lighting, creates a cohesive design that appeals to PC gamers and enthusiasts.

The flagship iGame Z890 Vulcan X/W motherboards boasts premium specifications and features including a robust 20+1+1+1 phase 105A DrMOS power supply module and a fully black fin-type heatsink. With four alloy-reinforced DDR5 memory slots supporting dual-channel high-frequency memory of up to 8400MT/s.

The motherboard offers ample storage options, including five M.2 (one PCIe 5.0 x4 and four PCIe 4.0 x4), and four SATA interfaces. The IO panel includes six 10G USB-A ports, two USB4 40G Type-C ports, dual 2.5G/5G network ports, and a Wi-Fi 7 antenna interface.

The iGame Z890 Vulcan X/W also features advanced overclocking functions such as an independent base frequency adjustment buttons and the LN2 mode, along with an upgraded BIOS, enhance user experience by ensuring smoother and more efficient performance.

Key Features

  • Available in black and white colors to match your style
  • Supports Intel Core Ultra 200 Series Processors
  • Supports memory up to DDR5-8400MT/s, DDR4-8800MT/s (OC)
  • Premium 20+1+1+1 power phase design with 105A DrMOS power stages
  • Server-Grade 8-Layer PCB
  • Alloy-reinforced DDR5 DIMM slots with thickened gold-plated contacts
  • LN2 MODE for extreme overclocking
  • WiFi 7 + Dual LAN (2.5G + 5G) + Bluetooth 5.4
  • USB4 40Gbps Type-C
  • USB3.2 Gen 2×2 20Gbps Type-C (PD 60W)

iGame Z890 FLOW

The iGame Z890 FLOW motherboard features an intricately designed CNC-milled heat dissipation armor showcasing smooth, dynamic curves that blend aesthetics and performance. This innovative design contrasts traditional rigid lines. Its ARGB lighting effects symbolizes the continuous flow of iGame energy to the processor.

The iGame Z890 FLOW sports a 20+1+1+1 power phase design with 90A high-spec DrMOS power stages, coupled with high-performance chip polymer capacitors to support sustained, full-load operation of Intel’s Core Ultra 200 series processors.

Additionally, the iGame Z890 FLOW offers extensive storage options with five M.2 interfaces (including one PCIe 5.0 x4 and four PCIe 4.0 x4), alongside four SATA ports. The IO panel is well-equipped with four USB 2.0 ports, four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and two versatile 40G USB4 Type-C ports, catering to high-speed peripheral needs.

To enhance the gaming experience, the iGame Z890 FLOW features a combination of 2.5G LAN and Wi-Fi 7 wireless networking capabilities. Furthermore, it includes a convenient USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port that supports 30W fast charging, allowing users to quickly charge their mobile devices.

Key Features

  • Supports Intel Core Ultra 200 Series Processors
  • Supports memory up to DDR5-8400MT/s, DDR4-8800MT/s (OC)
  • Premium 20+1+1+1 power phase design with 90A DrMOS power stages
  • Server-Grade 8-Layer PCB
  • Alloy-reinforced DDR5 DIMM slots with thickened gold-plated contacts
  • WiFi 7 + 2.5G LAN + Bluetooth 5.4
  • USB4 40Gbps Type-C
  • USB3.2 Gen 2×2 20Gbps Type-C (PD 30W)

Specifications

POLARIS Gameplay Trailer

2024/10/14
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Today, Polaris Team (an offshoot of award-winning indie developer Variable State) announced that its PvE co-op shooter with fully destructible environments, POLARIS, will be a participant in Steam Next Fest, lasting from Monday, October 14th until the event’s conclusion on Tuesday, October 22nd. Players interested in experiencing this first entry into the world of Polaris can download the demo now via the Polaris Steam page, and below, check out the explainer trailer to guide your entry into battle!

Since the game’s reveal at IGN Live this past June, Polaris Team has been hard at work in the development process, refining the core gameplay mechanics and exploring a more stylized visual aesthetic. The demo featured at Steam Next Fest will highlight these central components, including a dynamically destructible environment, flying abilities and co-op shooter-action. Players will also be able to offer feedback, coordinate multiplayer sessions, and discuss their POLARIS experience in the newly launched Discord.

The in-game infrastructure of POLARIS can be toppled, blown apart, and otherwise destroyed over the course of every match. The same is true of the natural environments and terrain upon which they’ve been constructed. Whether decimating skyscrapers or burning craters in the earth, players will find that the world of POLARIS is intricately destroyable, leading to a reactive and ever-evolving combat environment with each new match.

Terrorbytes Early Access Launch Date Trailer

2024/10/14
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Publisher Over the Moon (The Fall, The Last Hero of Nostalgaia) and developer Treetop are proud to reveal that their upcoming 4-player comedy horror game Terrorbytes is coming to Steam Early Access on October 22nd. Inspired by Tron and Stranger Things, Terrorbytes follows four rebellious young friends as they’re sucked into a haunted arcade cabinet and forced to gather pellets for the horrifically mangled retro arcade hero “Ms Croak-Man”.

A terrible and sadistic virus has twisted and turned everything upside down, including the players: In a cruel mockery, players are forced to take the role of the ghosts (the game’s old villains) and run from Ms Croak-Man. Can you survive long enough to uncover the mysterious evil that has trapped you, and escape?

Cooperation in Terrorbytes is a key feature: All players collect pellets for energy, which go into a shared pool, and everything has a cost; even sprinting costs energy, so players will have to manage energy carefully if they want to meet the game’s collection targets, or purchase upgrades and special items. Items range from a humble flashlight, to a satisfying power washer, to map-room upgrades that allow players to spawn helpful arrows, decoys, or broadcast their voice to other players. You’ll need all the help you can get to survive this arcade realm full of skin-walkers, invisible stalkers, pocket-dimension horrors, and more.

This Early Access version of Terrorbytes will launch with five levels, four different playable characters, five tools, and five safe room upgrades. New maps, playable characters, enemies, and more will be added in the months to come.

You needn’t wait that long to try Terrorbytes for yourself though, as a playable demo is available today through October 22nd as Part of Steam Next Fest. This introduces the first two maps, offering a taste of the hilarious horrors to come in the full game.

“We’re excited to not only let people play the Terrobytes demo today, but to continue their journey into the Early Access release as soon as Next Fest ends on October 22nd,” said John Warner, Founder and Studio Lead at Over the Moon. “The Early Access version offers significantly more maps, tools, upgrades and enemies than the current demo, and that’s just the beginning! We’ll be updating throughout Early Access, as we listen to player feedback and add more content.”

Don’t Be Afraid 2 Release Date

2024/10/14
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Cat-astrophe, Eneida Games and Untold Tales have announced today that Don’t Be Afraid 2 will launch on Steam and GOG on Monday, October 28th, 2024.

Don’t Be Afraid 2 is a first-person, psychological horror mystery and a direct sequel to the 2020 Don’t Be Afraid which sold very well for the developers. DBA2 will continue the tale of the original protagonist David, plunging him into a fresh, blood-curdling mystery as he tries to cope with terrible trauma from his childhood.

Relive the darkest moments of David’s life while exploring the horrific locations, gathering clues about his past, and solving puzzles left behind by the deranged murderer toying with his life.

Trash Goblin Demo Out Now

2024/10/14
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Indie game developer Spilt Milk Studios is delighted to report that their upcoming wholesome shopkeeping game Trash Goblin has an all new demo, available to play at Steam Next Fest from October 14th-21st. Get ready to polish, restore, and cobble together lost trinkets in this tactile, chill take on the shop simulator!

Watch the Trash Goblin Next Fest trailer:

Trash Goblin is a wholesome & cosy shopkeeping game where you play as a goblin who uncovers and restores trinkets! Find peculiar knickknacks by chipping away at the dirt and cruft they’re embedded inside. Scrub them up nice and clean with your sponge to get them ready for sale. After all, one goblin’s trash is another goblin’s treasure! Trash Goblin launches in Early Access on November 6th.

Trash Goblin lets you customise your newly replenished goods by combining trinkets together, upcycling them into strange and wonderful new items to meet the eccentric requests of your endless array of colourful customers. Get to know your audience so you can make custom pieces tailored around their likes and dislikes – which will fetch you even more money!

Grow your business! Invest your savings to upgrade your shop, buy new and better tools that offer additional ways to restore your trinkets – making them even more valuable – and even expand your business to exciting new districts across town!

An Almost Christmas Story Official Trailer

2024/10/14
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Movie News, News, Trailers / Videos

Disney Branded Television announced that “An Almost Christmas Story,” directed by David Lowery and produced by five-time Academy Award® winner Alfonso Cuarón, will premiere Nov. 15 on Disney+.

“An Almost Christmas Story” is the third and final installment in Cuarón’s holiday shorts collection for Disney+. His first short, “Le Pupille,” earned an Oscar® nomination in 2022, and last year’s “The Shepherd” was shortlisted, both in the Live Action Short Film category.

“An Almost Christmas Story” is inspired by the true events of a tiny owl rescued from the New York City’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 2020. The short’s trailer reveals Moon, a curious young owl who unexpectedly finds himself stuck in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza. In his attempts to escape the bustling city, Moon befriends a lost little girl named Luna. Together, they embark on a heartwarming adventure, discovering the magic of the holiday season and forming an unlikely bond as they journey back home to their parents.

The animated short is completing a film festival circuit including Hamptons International Film Festival, Santa Fe International Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival, Morelia International Film Festival, Montclair Film Festival, Animation Is Film, São Paulo International Film Festival, SPARK Animation Festival, World Animation Summit and Bogotá Short Film Festival – BOGOSHORTS.

The talented voice cast includes Cary Christopher as Moon, newcomer Estella Madrigal as Luna, Jim Gaffigan as Papa Owl, Mamoudou Athie as Pelly, Alex Ross Perry as Dave The Dog, Gianna Joseph as Peaky, Phil Rosenthal as Punt, with Natasha Lyonne as Pat and John C. Reilly as The Folk Singer, who performs four songs in the short, two of which are original songs.

Produced by Disney Branded Television and Cuarón’s Esperanto Filmoj, in association with Titmouse and Maere Studios, and with animation services by 88 Pictures, the celebrated creative team includes Lowery (director, screenplay and producer), Cuarón (producer and story), Gabriela Rodríguez (producer), Jack Thorne (story and screenplay), Nicholas Ashe Bateman (creative design supervisor) and Daniel Hart (composer).

Turtle Beach & PDP Expand Internation Reach in Canada & Latin America

2024/10/14
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Industry News, News, Peripherals News

Leading gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: HEAR) is bringing its best-selling and award-winning gaming accessories to more gamers in key international markets, including Canada and Latin America.

In Canada, Turtle Beach’s latest Stealth™ 700, Stealth 600, and Stealth 500 wireless multiplatform headsets, Atlas Air™ wireless PC headset, Vulcan II TKL Pro PC gaming keyboard, and Burst™ II Air PC gaming mouse are now available at Best Buy Canada. Top Canada-based publication CGMag recently gave the Stealth 700 and Atlas Air 9/10 review scores and awarded the Vulcan II TKL Pro a 9.5/10. All three also received CGMag’s Editor’s Choice accolade. CoGConnected – another popular publication based in Canada, also awarded the Stealth 700 a 93/100 score, while the Best Buy Canada Blog recommends both the Stealth 600 and Stealth 500 headsets. French-Canadian fansite GpourGeek reviewed the Atlas Air with a 9.5/10 review score, the Vulcan II TKL Pro with a 9.7/10 review score, and additionally gave the Burst II Air mouse a 9.1/10 score.

In Latin America, Turtle Beach continues growing in key markets, including adding more gaming accessories to the catalogue of what’s available in Mexico and Colombia, as well as focusing on new growth opportunities in Chile. This Latin America product catalog expansion includes gaming accessories from both Turtle Beach and Performance Designed Products LLC (PDP) – a top gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach acquired earlier in 2024 known for creating premium game controllers and unique, officially licensed products.

“We’re excited to expand Turtle Beach’s global reach and put our game-changing accessories in more gamers’ hands,” said Cris Keirn, CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. “With Best Buy Canada, gamers now have another major option to shop for Turtle Beach and PDP gaming accessories, both in stores and online, which we expect to further improve our leading share position in Canada over time.”

Keirn continued, “In Latin America Turtle Beach has had a steady and growing presence in Mexico, Colombia, and Panama. We’re excited to fill out our range of products with the latest, top-rated accessories, and to now deliver these fantastic Turtle Beach and PDP gaming accessories into Chile.”

In Mexico and Colombia, Turtle Beach has been an established gaming accessories brand for years and is preparing to launch its latest Stealth 600 and Stealth 500 wireless multiplatform headsets and wired Recon 70 models, as well as the premium wireless Stealth Ultra controller. Also, from Turtle Beach’s PDP brand, gamers in Mexico and Colombia will now also be able to get their hands on a variety of officially licensed REMATCH GLOW and Afterglow Wave wired and wireless controllers for Xbox, PC, and other game systems. In Colombia, the new Turtle Beach and PDP gaming accessories just launched at retailers including Alkosto, Ktronix, Panamericana, and Alkomprar. In Mexico, the new gaming accessories launch October 24, 2024, at retailers including Elektra, Gameplanet, Wal-Mart Mexico, Liverpool, Sanborns, Sears, and Amazon.

Turtle Beach and PDP are also underway with plans to introduce a variety of proven, top-performing accessories to gamers in Chile. Following the Mexico and Colombia launches, in Chile on November 7, 2024, Turtle Beach is also introducing the Stealth 600 and Stealth 500 wireless headsets, Recon 70 wired headsets, and premium wireless Stealth Ultra controller. Officially licensed REMATCH GLOW and Afterglow Wave controllers from PDP will also be available at participating retailers including Paris and Falabella.

For more information on the latest Turtle Beach products and accessories available in Canada and Latin America, visit https://ca.turtlebeach.com and https://latam.turtlebeach.com, and be sure to follow Turtle Beach on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. For more information on the latest PDP products and accessories, visit www.pdp.com and www.victrixpro.com.

Terrifier: The ARTcade Game Announced

2024/10/11
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 News, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

As the highly anticipated Terrifier 3 slashes its way into theaters, the thrills continue off-screen with the announcement of Terrifier: The ARTcade Game. Set to launch in 2025 for Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, this brutal beat ’em up offers fans the chance to step into the chaos of Art the Clown’s world. With influences from classic arcade hits, it is a blood-soaked blend of retro nostalgia and modern multiplayer madness.

Produced by SelectaVisión, published by Selecta Play and developed by Relevo, Terrifier: The ARTcade Game draws inspiration from iconic horror-themed arcade classics of the 80s and 90s. The game pays homage to the horror-themed titles that defined an era. Whether you’re a fan of the Terrifier franchise or a lover of pixelated action games or retro gaming, this game delivers a blood-soaked trip down memory lane.

In Terrifier: The ARTcade Game, players step into the role of Art the Clown, the notorious villain from the Terrifier series, as he disrupts movie sets where films about his own gruesome acts are being shot. Instead of letting the cameras capture the staged terror, Art brings his own brand of real chaos, tearing through hordes of policemen, firewomen, camera operators, stunt performers, makeup artists, and even unsuspecting civilians. The vibrant pixel art graphics bring the film’s eerie settings to life, while smooth animations make every attack and finishing move a gory delight.

Features to Die For:
  • Gorgeous Pixel Art & Animation: The game captures the essence of the Terrifier films with bright, cartoonish pixel art and fluid animations that vividly depict the gruesome action.
  • Multiplayer Mayhem: Team up with up to 4 players for a chaotic local co-op experience. Work together—or against each other—in various game modes, each offering its own unique challenges.
  • Bloody Arsenal of Weapons: From chainsaws to cleavers, pick up a variety of weapons to turn your enemies into bloody pulp. Power-ups scattered throughout the stages give you an extra edge in combat.
  • Diverse Stages & Boss Battles: Travel through multiple stages, each with different paths to explore and enemies to defeat. At the end of each stage, prepare for intense boss battles that will test your skills.
  • Chiptune Soundtrack: Relive the golden age of gaming with a glorious chiptune soundtrack that perfectly complements the retro aesthetic and adds to the chaotic atmosphere.
  • Over-the-Top Attacks & Finishers: Enjoy hilarious and gory attacks that make every fight as entertaining as it is brutal. The finishing moves are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression!
  • Multiple Game Modes: Dive into six game modes, offering quick beat ’em up sessions or extended challenges, each with unique twists and obstacles to keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.

Thrustmaster Unveils the T598: The Direct Drive revolution

2024/10/11
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Peripherals News

Thrustmaster is thrilled to reveal its new sim racing base/wheel rim/pedal set ensemble, ushering in a new Direct Drive motor technology: Direct Axial Drive.

With its slogan “DRIVE INTO A NEW ERA”, at Gamescom 2024 Thrustmaster had announced a new era to come in its range and, more broadly, in the sim racing market. After publishing an article explaining the limitations of the current generation of Direct Drive motors, followed by a second article unveiling Direct Axial Drive, the new Axial flux motor technology, Thrustmaster is now making available the world’s first racing wheel to incorporate this brand-new technology. Its main feature: XXL performance for a particularly low price.

T598 is a complete base/wheel rim/pedal set ensemble, officially licensed for PlayStation®5 and PlayStation®4, and compatible with PC.

DRIVE INTO A NEW ERA

A new era has dawned in the world of sim racing. After the advent of Direct Drive motors, the Direct Axial Drive technology designed by Thrustmaster is ushering in new standards. More efficient and less expensive, this Axial flux motor represents the future for tomorrow’s racing wheels. T598 is the first to feature it.

Performance that truly stands out

Zero cogging

The biggest advantage of Direct Axial Drive is the Axial flux motor, which — as a result of its significantly lighter copper structure compared to conventional Direct Drive models — does not generate any cogging (parasitic friction produced by the switch from one magnet to another in the motor). The result: perfectly smooth wheel rim movement, along with clearer and more precise effects. This lack of cogging also makes it possible to avoid employing the anti-cogging firmware used in Direct Drive motors to artificially mask this undesirable effect, which consumes energy and distorts part of the Force Feedback signal sent by games. In addition, latency is significantly reduced, as the motor is able to drive the wheel’s axis without parasitic information or reprocessing of the signal sent by the game. Latency of just 5 milliseconds is absolutely unprecedented in this price range.

Constant torque + Overshoot: The new standard of power

T598 features a motor that puts out 5 Nm of constant torque, which remains perfectly stable throughout gaming sessions — and yet, thanks to Direct Axial Drive technology’s lack of cogging, the motor never saturates. For brief moments, it is able to vastly increase its maximum power far beyond its constant torque. T598 has an overshoot capability of +100% (100% beyond its maximum constant torque): thanks to this, the physics effects in games are more impactful, immediate and accurate, for a more precise and responsive overall feel.

Unlike peak torque (which is often only able to be maintained for a few seconds), overshoot is a true indicator of a motor’s performance, as it defines the capacity to generate more powerful torque, voluntarily and repeatedly, without altering the ability to maintain constant torque.

Next-generation sensations

T598 was designed for demanding gamers looking for enhanced immersion thanks to high-fidelity Force Feedback with respect to the physics in games.

The technological properties of Direct Axial Drive allow T598 to render all of the effects in games like never before:

  • The zero-cogging motor’s precision makes the physical effects in games much clearer and sharper: every detail is felt in the gamer’s hands.
  • The overshoot capability significantly increases the impact sensation of effects. Gamers feel all the impacts in games with even more intensity.

Direct Axial Drive also incorporates HARMONY technology, generating high-frequency vibrations. Users can feel all of the physics in games, down to the smallest details of the road surface. At high power, these vibrations can extend right into the cockpit. Rumble strips and tire screeching have never been so impactful. The innovative “Gear Jolt” option, allowing gamers to feel gear shifting in the wheel rim, benefits from this technology.

A bundle that’s ready to play on PlayStation®
for less than €500

T598 is officially licensed for PlayStation® and is compatible with PS5®, PS4® and PC. On PlayStation®, T598 is plug and play in more than 100 compatible games.

T598 comes as a complete, ready-to-play bundle, including:

  • A racing wheel base: T598 Servo Base
  • A wheel rim: SPORTCAR Wheel Add-On
  • A pedal set : Raceline Pedals LTE

Commercial information

T598 is available at a suggested retail price of £449.99 / $499.99 / €499.99 in the following regions:

  • United States: October 19, 2024, only at Best Buy
  • China: November 4, 2024
  • Europe: November 29, 2024
  • Rest of the world: from the end of 2024

Pre-orders: from October 11, 2024