Author - Jerry Paxton

Universal Horror Unleashed Tickets On Sale Now

2 months ago
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News, Trailers / Videos

Year-round screams and unmatched horror is set to begin, with tickets now on sale for Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas. Guests can be one of the firsts to experience a new level of immersive terrifying entertainment starting August 14.

Universal Horror Unleashed will bring to life a new nightmarish spectacle by the masters of horror at Universal Destinations & Experiences, known for its legacy of fan-favorite terrifying stories and experiences, spanning from films to award-winning theme park seasonal events. This is the company’s first-ever permanent horror experience.

As soon as guests step into the darkened warehouse they will be surrounded by horror like never before, encountering unimaginable monstrous creatures lurking around every corner– from vampires to a supernatural collection of unsettling dolls – as they brave their way through four themed immersive areas featuring bloodcurdling original stories by the masterminds of horror at Universal. The terrifying journey continues in four haunted houses that will bring to life their worst nightmares: from encountering the most legendary monsters of all time at Universal Monsters; reliving every chilling demonic possession at Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer; to attempting to escape Leatherface and his deranged family in Texas Chainsaw Massacre; and Scarecrow: The Reaping, an original story that will take guests to a desiccated farmland filled with horrifying scarecrows bent on revenge. The petrifying experience extends into the food and beverage offerings, with themed bars and food locations serving craft cocktails and spine-tingling bites in select areas, and a retail location with unique collectible merchandise and more.

Tickets are available for purchase at UniversalHorrorUnleashed.com, including a General Admission Ticket (Unlimited Access), which provides unlimited admission to all four haunted houses for the selected date and time, starting at $99.00 plus tax. A General Admission Ticket (One-Time Access) is also available starting at $69.00 plus tax, and offers entry to each haunted house once for the selected date and time. In addition to the haunted houses, with admission guests will also enjoy access to the entire experience including the themed bars and live entertainment as they journey through the 100,000 square foot building.

Universal Horror Unleashed is part of the company’s ambition to introduce new products to new audiences in new markets. The experience will be located at the AREA15 District, a pre-eminent 40-acre immersive entertainment district and events destination in Las Vegas.

UDX will continue to share more details for Universal Horror Unleashed in the months ahead. For the latest information, visit UniversalHorrorUnleashed.com or follow on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Out Now

2 months ago
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

DON’T NOD is thrilled for the release today of its highly anticipated narrative adventure game, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. It is the first game to come from the DON’T NOD Montréal studio and is made by the original creators of Life is Strange. Tape 2 will follow on April 15, where it will become available as a free downloadable update.

Launch Discount & PlayStation Plus

There is a 10% launch discount until March 4 for Steam, Xbox and PlayStation Plus members. The game will also launch today onto the PlayStation Plus game catalog for PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium members. Players on PlayStation can also pre-order the retail edition of the game thanks to our partnership with Maximum Games, from participating retailers here.

A Word from Michel Koch, Creative Director

Michel Koch, Creative Director at DON’T NOD Montréal, had this to say about the launch:

“Moving to a new country, building a new team and studio, creating an entirely new universe, and breathing life into brand-new characters was no small feat—especially during strange times like the pandemic. Yet here we are, finally, ready to unveil our new game to the world, giving our characters the chance to meet you and, hopefully, bring you joy, nostalgia, and sorrow.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is a game about finding your own space and voice within your circle of friends, about overcoming adversity, growing up, and embracing who you are. We hope this project will resonate with you, and that you’ll enjoy meeting Swann, Nora, Autumn and Kat as you become part of Bloom & Rage and recreate your path through the summer of ’95.”

Step Into an Alternate Reality

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage fans can expect to experience something immersive and unique in our ARG (Alternate Reality Game), which will unfold between now and the release of Tape 2. We, and our partners at Haus of Park, invite the community to come together to solve mysteries, puzzles, and hidden stories that tie deeply into the world of Bloom & Rage.

Dragonkin: The Banished Demo Trailer Released

2 months ago
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Ahead of its early access release on March 6, Eko Software is today offering PC gamers the chance to discover the dark universe of Dragonkin: The Banished through a demo of the game during Steam Next Fest. The studio is also taking the opportunity to reveal the content of the major updates that will be added to the game over the coming months.

FROM TODAY UNTIL 3 MARCH: THE DEMO

A few days before Steam Next Fest, players will be able to get a sneak preview of the game’s universe, where they will play as a choice of 3 heroes, accompanied by one of the 4 available dragonets.

The demo begins with the game’s prologue, during which the characters are already at a high level, giving players a glimpse of each character’s power and the advanced skills that will enable them to take on the dragons. They can then discover the City of Montescail, an evolving hub where players can upgrade their equipment, trade with NPCs and personalise their experience. Finally, they can access one of the endgame modes, Dungeon Purification, where they face enemies and bosses of 2 biomes.

FROM 6 MARCH: EARLY ACCESS

After the game has been released into Early Access, players can dive into the first chapter of the story, on the trail of the Poison Dragon Lord. In endgame, players can choose from a range of predefined hunts of increasing difficulty, as well as Dungeon Purification, boss fights and customised hunts. Exhilarating battles await against the poisonous and electrically-powered creatures featured in these early environments. To get the better of them, players will need to rely on the new Ancestral Grid skill system. By looting Fragments during their adventure, they will obtain new skills and modifiers that they can match to their class Grid to create truly unique builds. What’s more, the City will come to life with a host of new services: players will be able to level up their city to unlock new merchants and bonuses, enabling them to optimise builds and itemise heroes in the Hack’N’Slash style.

IN THE MONTHS AHEAD: THE ROADMAP

The Dragonkin experience will be enhanced by several updates throughout the early access period, bringing new features to various aspects of the game: new abilities, content and game modes, particularly in endgame, will complete the gaming experience. Theorycraft will be expanded with the addition of a 4th playable character, new Fragments for the Ancestral Grid and new features for the City, enhancing hero builds. In autumn 2025, co-op will be available, offering online play for up to 4 players. This anticipated feature will enable exciting battles with friends, and will turn the City into a shared hub from which everyone can benefit.

RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 PlayStation & Xbox Announcement Trailer

2 months ago
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Today, Atari is excited to announce that RollerCoaster Tycoon® 3 launches on PlayStation and Xbox consoles on March 20, bringing the classic theme park sim to even more current-gen consoles than before.

RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 brought significant changes to the fan-favorite park simulation franchise. A 3D world replaced the pixellated, isometric view, and several new features were introduced that took the rollercoaster simulation franchise to new heights. Within a week of its first release in 2004, the title was the best-selling PC game on Amazon.com, and it finished the year as a top-10 best-selling title as reported by The NPD Group. Packed with content, including expansion packs, Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 invites players to build the park of a lifetime and rediscover the critically acclaimed rollercoaster simulation bestseller.

RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 introduced several new gameplay features to the series, including the CoasterCam, which allows players to “ride” roller coasters and other rides, and the MixMaster, which allows the player to coordinate firework shows and time them to in-game music. Another park innovation appreciated by franchise fans is the guests, called “peeps,” who arrive in groups and show variation in gender and age, including children, teenagers, and adults.

RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 will be released on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 4|5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. It is already available for purchase for Windows PC and Mac via Steam, the Epic Games Store, and GOG, and for the Nintendo Switch.

No More Room in Hell 2 Nightmare Update Out Now

2 months ago
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Torn Banner Studios, the hit developer behind the critically acclaimed and chart-topping Chivalry 2, announced today that the new Nightmare update for the eight-player, co-op horror shooter No More Room in Hell 2, is now available. The Nightmare update unleashes an array of new features and gameplay enhancements. Nightmare Mode has been significantly upgraded with a more immersive and terrifying atmosphere. A thick fog now covers the map, the UI is stripped to its bare essentials, and flashlights can fully run out of power, forcing players to rely on their skills and teamwork more than ever. Players will now have multiple ways to enter the Power Plant with the randomized radio-based entry system, adding fresh strategies and surprises to every session. No More Room in Hell 2 launched in late October into early access.

One of the most powerful features for this update is the addition of weapon attachments, allowing players to customize their firearms with sights, rails, and muzzles for improved tactical options. Not all weapons will support attachments, however those that do will let players swap and experiment with different configurations.

For players seeking to prove their survival prowess, Nightmare Levels introduces a new progression system that tracks successful extractions on this extreme difficulty, offering players well-earned bragging rights. This latest update will also feature Backfill which will improve matchmaking by allowing players to seamlessly join recently started matches, ensuring a smoother co-op experience.

Alongside these major features, the Nightmare update also includes the Shovel, a powerful new melee weapon, improved jump scares, audio enhancements, and UI refinements. The development team has also implemented balance changes, reducing certain enemy counts and adjusting difficulty levels while addressing various bugs and gameplay issues.

Players can check the community/blog post for all of the latest updates.

New Disney Villainous Games & Tournaments Announced

2 months ago
Jerry Paxton
Book News, Geek News, News

Today, Ravensburger, acclaimed publisher behind award-winning board games and high-quality toys and puzzles, is revealing a trio of fiendish announcements around its award-winning Villainous game line for 2025, including the release of Disney Villainous Unstoppable!, a new family-friendly spin-off inspired by Villainous, that utilizes a shared gameplay board for the first time. Players also can expect an increased roster of tournaments and retail events this year, as well as new expandalone games for both Disney Villainous and Star Wars™ Villainous.

“We know people love Villainous, but one of the most common things we hear from our fans is that they love the game’s immersion, artwork and style and wished there was an easy way tobring that joy to kids or families who might not have time to play a longer strategy game,” said Lysa Penrose, Head of New Games Marketing at Ravensburger. “Disney Villainous Unstoppable! is designed with that in mind, and brings that storytelling to a new, more traditional gaming experience that feels at home with other game night classics.”

Disney Villainous Unstoppable! brings the thematic gameplay and immersive design of Disney Villainous to a new, fast-paced and easy-to-learn game. Unlike the original Disney Villainous, which features asymmetrical game play, Disney Villainous Unstoppable introduces a shared game board and rules. All players follow the same patch to victory: being the first to collect the four tokens needed to complete their evil plan. Disney Villainous Unstoppable! makes the experience of retelling Disney stories from the Villains point of view more accessible than ever.

In addition to the main game board, Disney Villainous Unstoppable! also includes a distinct Realm for each Villain, featuring bright, new, original artwork. Designed for 2-4 players, each participant takes on the role of one of four Disney Villains: Hades (from Disney’s Hercules), Ursula (from Disney’s The Little Mermaid), Scar (from Disney’s The Lion King) or Maleficent (from Disney’s Sleeping Beauty) at the start of the game. Players then take turns moving around the board as they take actions and race to collect the tokens needed to complete their unique Evil Plan. Be Prepared – not only do pesky heroes stand in your way, one of your fellow Villains may also choose to slow you down. The first player to complete their Evil Plan wins. A perfect addition to your family game night shelf, Disney Villainous Unstoppable is suitable for children seven and up, has an MSRP of $19.99, and will be available for purchase this summer.

Also coming in 2025 is an expanded global tournament and retail event circuit. The new circuit includes tournaments at events in France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and Australia in addition to the two existing North American tournaments at Gen Con and PAX Unplugged. The Disney Villainous Night Out organized play kit is also available for retailers who want to bring casual play for the Villainous community to their stores.

If that wasn’t enough, the Disney Villainous line will also welcome its first live-action Villain in a new expandalone game. More details on the game, including featured characters, will be revealed ahead of the game’s launch later this year. Fans also can expect a new Star Wars™ Villainous expandalone to join the galaxy in 2025.

2024 Dungeons and Dragons Monster Manual Available Now

2 months ago
Jerry Paxton
Book News, Geek News, News

Venture into the ultimate fantasy bestiary and officially complete the 2024 core rulebook trilogy with the 2024 Monster Manual – available everywhere starting today!

The new core rulebooks – the 2024 Player’s Handbook, 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide and the 2024 Monster Manual – have been a resounding success – so much so that reprints for each book are already on the way to keep up with demand.

The final release, the 2024 Monster Manual, is designed to help Dungeon Masters easily find and insert new and familiar favorite creatures into their campaigns. This 384-page trove provides access to over 500 monsters, filled with breathtaking creature art for almost every monster, and has been carefully redesigned, so each monster stat block is easier to run and reference. Whether a new or experienced player, the 2024 Monster Manual provides a menagerie of familiar favorites like dragons, giants, and mind flayers as well as over 85 brand-new monsters including the arch-hag, the blob of annihilation, and the vampire nightbringer.

To round out any articles that you have in the works related to today’s release, you can direct readers to learn more by watching interviews with co-designers Jeremy Crawford and F. Wesley Schneider:

Whether a Dungeon Master or a player, new backlog play opportunities await and is made easier with the new core rulebook trilogy – from finally playing that new character to world building and beyond.

The 2024 Monster Manual can be purchased 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 online in D&D Beyond. It can also be purchased at local game stores, Amazon, or at Barnes & Noble stores.

For fans that have not yet jumped into the new core rulebooks, a 2024 Digital & Physical Core Rulebook Bundle is available on D&D Beyond for $179.97 and includes hardcover and digital versions of all three books, along with exciting exclusive digital bonuses including a Dragons of D&D digital art book.

Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro Review – Premium Headset with One Catch

2 months ago
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Reviews, Tech News, Tech Review

The Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro enters the gaming headset arena with a pedigree rooted in professional audio. Known for their studio-grade headphones, Beyerdynamic promises an elevated gaming experience with the MMX 330 Pro. This open-back headset boasts impressive audio quality, a wide soundstage, and a comfortable design, but its premium price tag and regional pricing inconsistencies warrant careful consideration.

From the moment you unbox the MMX 330 Pro, the build quality is evident. The combination of metal and high-quality plastic inspires confidence in its durability. The velour earpads are incredibly soft and breathable, ensuring comfort even during marathon gaming sessions. While the headset is lightweight, it feels sturdy and well-constructed. The attached cable is thick and robust, with a convenient single-button remote for basic controls.

However, the star of the show is undoubtedly the audio performance. Thanks to Beyerdynamic’s STELLAR.45 drivers, the MMX 330 Pro delivers an incredibly detailed and accurate sound that surpasses most gaming headsets. The open-back design creates a spacious and immersive soundstage, making it feel like you’re truly in the game. Whether it’s the subtle footsteps of an enemy approaching or the roar of an explosion, the MMX 330 Pro captures every nuance with precision. The clarity and separation of different audio elements are remarkable, allowing you to pinpoint sounds with ease.

While the open-back design enhances the audio experience, it also means that sound leaks both in and out of the headset. This can be a drawback if you’re gaming in a noisy environment or if you don’t want to disturb those around you. If noise isolation is a priority, you might want to consider the closed-back MMX 300 Pro instead.

The MMX 330 Pro also features a high-quality condenser microphone that ensures clear communication with your teammates. The cardioid polar pattern effectively captures your voice while minimizing background noise. This is a significant advantage in competitive gaming where clear communication is crucial.

One minor drawback is the lack of mic volume controls on the inline remote. While not a dealbreaker, it would have been a convenient addition.

However, the biggest concern with the MMX 330 Pro is its price. At $329.99, it’s a significant investment, especially considering that the closed-back MMX 300 Pro is available for $30 less in the US. While Beyerdynamic attributes the price difference to regional costs and logistics, it’s hard to justify the premium when the price remains consistent in other regions.

Overall, the Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro is a fantastic gaming headset that delivers exceptional audio quality, comfort, and clear communication. The open-back design creates an immersive gaming experience, but it comes at the cost of reduced noise isolation. The premium price tag and regional pricing discrepancies are drawbacks that potential buyers should consider. If you’re an audiophile gamer seeking the best possible sound and are willing to pay a premium, the MMX 330 Pro is a worthy contender. However, if noise isolation is a priority or if you’re on a tighter budget, exploring alternatives might be worthwhile.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Pros:

  • Exceptional audio quality
  • Wide and immersive soundstage
  • Comfortable design
  • Clear and precise microphone
  • Durable construction

Cons:

  • Premium price
  • Regional pricing inconsistencies
  • Sound leakage due to open-back design
  • Lack of mic volume controls on the inline remote

Rugby 25 Official Launch Trailer

2 months ago
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

As the Guinness Six Nations is in full swing, NACON and Big Ant Studios invite rugby fans to grab their controllers with Rugby 25, now available on PC, PS5®, PS4® and Xbox.

Step out of the locker room and get ready to take the field in some of the world’s biggest rugby stadiums in Rugby 25. From the Stade de France to Allianz Stadium, London, compete with top teams such as New Zealand, South Africa, England, Ireland, France and Australia. Capture the very essence of rugby in intense matches where every pass, every ruck, every action can be the difference between winning and losing. Through an immersive experience, rich content, and realistic gameplay, Rugby 25 celebrates rugby in every way.

  • Unprecedented Content: Face off against the greatest players on the planet, faithfully recreated using photogrammetry technology. With over 140 international teams, 150 clubs from 11 major competitions, including the URC, English Premiership, French Top 14, MLR, Super Rugby, and, for the first time in a rugby game, a substantial number of the best women’s rugby teams, Rugby 25 offers the most comprehensive content* ever seen.
  • Numerous Game Modes: Whether locally or online, experience the intensity of rugby by challenging your friends or international opponents. Take part in competitive tournaments to climb the rankings and strive for victory. Career Mode puts you into the shoes of a professional coach: build your team, manage them, and make the right decisions to lead them to the top.
  • A Complete Creation Tool: The Academy mode, designed by Big Ant, gives you the creative freedom to design your own team, player and stadium. From the player’s physical appearance and skills to the logo proudly displayed on the jersey, numerous customization options are available and can be shared with players worldwide.

Rugby 25 is now available on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Join the player community and hit the field today!

To know more about the game, please visit www.rugby25.com

Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator Delivery Driver DLC Trailer

2 months ago
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Have you had enough of tourists, chatty or over-demanding customers? Or would you simply like to generate additional income from your taxi-driving business? The simulation game Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator now offers you the chance to become a courier and drive a pick-up truck, thanks to the Delivery Driver DLC, available today on PC, PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Taxi Life drivers can now take on new management and driving challenges by becoming couriers and delivering parcels across Barcelona. Head to the warehouses to choose your missions and pick up your cargo. Be sure tobuy a pick-up truck; a new, spacious vehicle that allows you to carry even more parcels! Your GPS will be your best ally to map out the fastest routes to deliver on time. But be careful: collisions and hazards on your route can affect your journey, especially if your parcels are fragile! Adopt a careful driving style to deliver your cargo in the best possible condition and ensure a 5-star satisfaction rating. What are you waiting for, to expand your chauffeur business?