CHERRY XTRFY announces the retail availability of a new series of gaming gear at this year’s Gamescom. These include the long-awaited Wireless M64 and M68 gaming mice and the new MX 3.1 keyboard.
CHERRY XTRFY has a long tradition of working with professional esports athletes, collaborating with organizations worldwide, such as Team Vitality, SK Gaming and LNG E-Sports. The company relies on expert testimonials and reviews in order to take the needs of gamers into account as much as possible in product development. The new releases at Gamescom are the results of this collaboration over the past year.
The MX 3.1 keyboard with CHERRY MX2A switches
The MX 3.1 is a powerful gaming keyboard with a high-quality aluminum housing that enhances stability and durability. It features RGB lighting, which complements its distinctive look, available in either black or white. This keyboard provides a low noise level and a pleasant typing experience, thanks to the improved damping structure of the newly integrated CHERRY MX2A switches. These switches are designed for longevity, offering a lifespan of 100 million keystrokes and are available with different switching characteristics.
Building on the success of previous models such as the MX 2.0S and MX 3.0S Wireless, these keyboards are now offered in updated versions featuring the new CHERRY MX2A switches. This upgrade represents a significant advancement in the performance and reliability of the CHERRY MX series, renowned as the world’s most trusted keyboard switch used in over 60 million keyboards globally. With the MX2A switches, users can enjoy smoother actuation and improved acoustics, achieved through precisely applied premium-grade lubricant and an innovative spring design.
The MX 3.1, equipped with these advanced switches, is now available for purchase for $119.99.
A wireless revolution: the M64 and M68 mouse series
The sixth generation of CHERRY XTRFY mice offers performance on a whole other level. Four models are introduced: The M64 Wireless and M64 Pro Wireless with an ergonomic form factor, and the M68 Wireless and M68 Pro Wireless with a symmetrical shape. Evolving from the popular M4 and M8 mice, the M64 and M68 are crafted with input from elite gamers and redesigned for even better grip and control, lower weight, and higher performance.
The Pro versions feature incredibly fast 8000 Hz technology. By reporting every 0.125 milliseconds and sending up to eight times more data than a standard 1000 Hz gaming mouse, these mice make cursor movements smoother and enable the computer to respond faster to every click. As a result, the M64 Pro Wireless and M68 Pro Wireless offer some of the lowest click latencies ever measured on wireless gaming mice.
The M64 and M68 Wireless Mice are now available at Amazon in both Black and White. Each model comes in two versions:
Completing its portfolio of new mice, CHERRY XTRFY introduces the M50 and M50 Wireless models. These mid-range mice offer a very good price-performance ratio, featuring a new ergonomic shape for enhanced comfort and control. Designed with quality components, the M50 series is the all-around choice for gamers at any skill level and is available in both black and white to suit different preferences.
The wireless version of the M50 comes equipped with customizable RGB illumination and triple connection modes, allowing for versatile use across various gaming setups. It offers an uncompromising 2.4 GHz wireless connection for lag-free gaming and Bluetooth® connectivity for compatibility with multiple devices. Additionally, gamers can switch to wired mode using the CHERRY XTRFY EZcord® for smooth movements, ensuring flexibility and performance in any scenario.
The M50 mouse series is now available for purchase, with the standard wired mouse pricing at $49.99 and the wireless mouse at $69.99.
The perfect surface: GP5 mousepads
To complete the new gaming setup, CHERRY XTRFY introduces a new edition of the GP5 mousepad. The GP5 Amnis Blue features fresh artwork and expands the GP5 series with new sizes, available in Medium, Large, and XL versions, to suit a diverse range of gamers.
Renowned for its performance, the GP5 mousepad is trusted by professional gamers and was last seen winning the final CS Major and the BLAST Premier Fall Finals 2023 in CS2. Featuring CHERRY XTRFY’s smoothest cloth surface to date, it offers the ideal surface for fast-paced games requiring pinpoint precision. Additionally, the GP5 is available in an exclusive edition in collaboration with the esports organization SK Gaming.
Arrow Video is excited to announce the September 2024 lineup of their subscription-based ARROW platform, available to subscribers in the US, Canada, the UK and Ireland. Enjoy a selection of new titles, from carefully cultivated curations to shorts by new talent to deep dives into the tastes of filmmakers that changed the way we see the genre.
The September 2024 lineup leads with the ARROW debut of Sergio Martino’s 1973 classic Torso. ARROW’s streaming launch features a brand new 4K restoration from the original camera negative for North American subscribers beginning September 17. A talented and versatile journeyman, director Sergio Martino (The Case of the Scorpion’s Tail, Your Vice is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key) lent his talents to multiple genres across his long and varied career, but is undoubtedly best known for his giallo thrillers from the early 70s.
ARROW’s signature curation starts September 6 with a new Season from the creator of the Hatchet franchise and the original, not-child friendly Frozen: Adam Green Selects (UK/IRE/US/CA).
“What an honor to be asked by ARROW to highlight some of my personal favorites in their amazing collection! From Romero, Craven, and Barker… to Argento, Henenlotter, and Ferrara, the ARROW library includes some of the most uniquely fearless works by some of the filmmakers who influenced me the most.
Whether you’re watching these films for the very first time or having your own “dog flashback” and revisiting them again, I have no doubt that you’ll find something to love about each of them!”
Titles Include: The Mutilator, Basket Case, Hellraiser.
Also on September 6, soak up the last of Summer with Sun, Sand and Screams (UK/IRE/US/CA).
Pack your bags! We’re leaving right now for two weeks at the all-inclusive ARROW resort! Wear plenty of sun tan lotion and keep your eyes peeled for killers, monsters, bodies, paranoid friends, and all manner of sunny shenanigans as this collection is an ARROW holiday full of Sun, Sand and Screams.
Titles Include: Death Has Blue Eyes, Loop Track, Bloodstone.
Streaming beginning September 6 are four horror titles from the days of free love.
Scream of the Demon Lover (US/CA): Writer/director José Luis Merino embraces the genre’s classic elements and ravishes them to vivid extremes: When a beautiful biochemist (Erna Schurer) arrives at a foreboding castle to work for a sinister baron, she’ll unlock a nightmare of dark romance, sexual violence, grisly family secrets and some of the most perverse moments in ’70s gothic.
Madame O (US/CA): At the tender age of 16, Seiko was sexually abused by three men. This horrifying attack scarred her mentally and resulted in her getting pregnant and infected with syphilis. Possessing a raging desire for revenge against men, she destroys them with the one weapon they cannot resist…sex!
Libido (US/CA): Ernesto Gastaldi made his directorial debut with one of the most groundbreaking yet underseen gialli of them all: When a boy witnesses his father kill a woman during an S&M session, he’ll grow into a disturbed young man tormented by images of violence, perversion, madness and murder.
The Threat (UK/IRE/US/CA): The Threat is a gritty crime drama in the vein of Kurosawa’s High and Low, set against the backdrop of a rapidly modernizing Japan that has left many of its citizens behind.
Misawa (Rentarō Mikuni, Fugitive from the Past, Vengeance is Mine) appears to lead a charmed life, the very model of Japan’s post-war economic miracle. Then one day, the fragility of his existence is revealed when two violent jail-breakers turn up on his doorstep seeking refuge and threatening to embroil Misawa in their criminal activities.
On September 13, get Cursed (UK/IRE/US/CA) on ARROW!
Don’t pick up or play with any strange items. Don’t annoy anyone who gives off witch-y vibes. And definitely don’t accidentally kill one of their relatives. Don’t move in anywhere with a dark past. Don’t join and leave a cult… You know what? Maybe just stay right where you are and explore this collection of films where other people get jinxed and be thankful it’s them not you that’s been Cursed.
Titles Include: Ringu, Threshold, Death Curse of Tartu.
The Nico Mastorakis Collection (UK/IRE/US/CA) debuts on ARROW September 13.
Dedicated to one of the most infamous B-movie maestros to have ever sat in a director’s chair, The Nico Mastorakis Collection features fresh sci-fi shenanigans and screwball comedies, plus hair-raising horror and adrenaline-soaked action, that will take you out of this world!
Zany, shocking and unhinged, Mastorakis’ films span every genre from horror to sci-fi to action to comedy, and everything in between and all at the same time! Made with a chutzpah that must be seen to be believed, you haven’t lived until you’ve entered Mastorakis’ wild cinematic world!
Titles Include: The Wind, Hired to Kill, The Naked Truth.
September 13 concludes with a midnight snack of four shorts from the genre festival circuit.
Only Yourself to Blame (UK/IRE/US/CA): When Mai sends her drunk friend Sian home in a taxi, she finds herself being pursued by a shadowy assailant who is copying her every move. Unable to outrun her stalker, she confronts them to discover something deeply unsettling.
Nosepicker (UK/IRE/US/CA): In this slimy ‘tale of the unexpected’, young schoolboy Georgie (Leo Adoteye), bullied for his nasty habit of picking his nose, retreats into himself with macabre results.
Viola VS. The Vampire King (UK/IRE/US/CA): When her big sister is taken under the spell of the dreaded Vampire King, Viola embarks on a mystical quest for revenge.
Connie (UK/IRE/US/CA): Dolly Diggs needs a voice and Connie needs a body, but she’s nobody’s puppet… Who’s the dummy in the dead of night?
On September 17, Torso, Sergio Martino’s trailblazing 1973 slasher, makes its debut in 4K UHD on ARROW. Featuring a brand-new 4K restoration from the original camera negative, Torso revels in the time-honored traditions of erotic thrillers while simultaneously laying the groundwork for the modern slasher movie.
A sex maniac is prowling the streets of Perugia, targeting the picturesque university town’s female students. Alarmed at the plummeting life expectancy of the student body, Jane (Suzy Kendall, The Bird with the Crystal Plumage) and her three friends elope to a secluded country villa – only to discover that, far from having left the terror behind, they’ve brought it with them!
Also known as Carnal Violence, Torso was released in Italy towards the end of the giallo boom before enjoying a second life on the American grindhouse circuit. Co-starring Tina Aumont (Salon Kitty) and Luc Merenda (The Violent Professionals), the film finds Sergio Martino at the top of his game, delivering copious levels of violence, sleaze, and one of the tensest cat-and-mouse games ever committed to celluloid!
The director of Beyond the Door and Madhouse brings his vision to subscribers with Ovidio G. Assonitis Selects (UK/IRE/US/CA), launching September 20.
“ARROW have gathered an impressive collection of motion pictures from all over the world. It was difficult to pick my highlights, but enjoyable. There are some truly memorable cult movies here, made by talented artists, some of whom are no longer with us. I am honoured to have some of my movies in a collection alongside these works. They are very important pictures.”
Titles Include: Don’t Torture a Duckling, The Case of the Scorpions Tail, Beyond the Door.
September 20 closes with a very special four pack for subscribers: a quartet of 70s vampire flicks.
Count Dracula (UK/IRE/US/CA): This gothic masterpiece from writer/director Jess Franco can now be experienced like never before, from its brilliant performances by Christopher Lee as the Count, Herbert Lom as Van Helsing, Soledad Miranda as Lucy, Maria Rohm as Mina and Klaus Kinski as Renfield to its sumptuously unnerving cinematography and eerie Bruno Nicolai score.
Bloodsuckers (US/CA): When a brilliant young Oxford professor disappears while researching in Greece, the British government launches an investigation that will trigger a nightmare of ritual sacrifice, sadomasochistic perversion, deranged academia and one of the most unique takes on vampirism in genre history.
Dracula Prisoner of Frankenstein (US/CA): Inspired by Universal’s 1940s monster mash-ups, writer/director Jess Franco instead delivered “a weird and wonderful masterpiece that transports you to a world like no other” (Scream Magazine): With minimal dialogue and maximum gothic atmosphere, Franco crafts a fever dream of erotic horror in which Count Dracula, Dr. Frankenstein and Frankenstein’s monster battle gypsies, showgirls and a wolfman.
Tender Dracula (US/CA): When horror’s biggest star (Peter Cushing) announces his retirement from the genre, two dimwit screenwriters and a pair of sexy actresses are dispatched to the actor’s castle for a lavish farce d’horreur érotique of violence, whippings, orgies, tender romance and a devilishly dignified performance by Cushing, even while spanking the bare bottom of French starlet Miou-Miou.
On September 27, enjoy a Japanese monster ravaging a rural school, as well as four monster classics.
Vampire Clay (UK/IRE/US/CA): In their quest to gain a coveted place at one of the prestigious art schools in Japan, a group of students attend prep school in a decrepit rural art studio.
Whilst honing their skills, star student Kaori (Kyoka Takeda) is entrusted with a bundle of discarded art supplies from the studio’s mysterious previous owner to work with. However, when Kaori cuts herself on a razor blade buried in one of her projects, the fresh drops of human blood awaken an insatiable form of evil hidden within the clay…
The Monster of the Opera (US/CA): Conceived as a sequel to their landmark The Vampire and the Ballerina, director Renato Polselli (The Reincarnation of Isabel, Delirium) and screenwriter Ernesto Gastaldi (All the Colors of the Dark) resurrected their gothic-fiend-stalks-a-theatrical-troupe framework for an over-the-top aria of reincarnated lovers, sheer nightgowns, sapphic hunger, interdimensional damnation and frenzied ‘opera.’
Mary, Mary, Bloody Mary (US/CA): A beautiful American artist named, Mary, who just so happens to be a vampire living in Mexico, has authorities baffled and in full investigation, after her lust for blood has left a trail of bodies across the country.
Lady Frankenstein (US/CA): Co-produced by Roger Corman, “one of the most underrated horror movies of all time” (Classic Horror) features lurid direction by Mel Welles (Little Shop of Horrors) from a story by by Dick Randall (Pieces), and a cast that includes Hollywood legend Joseph Cotten alongside EuroCult icons Rosalba Neri (The Devil’s Lover), Paul Muller (Nightmare Castle), and Mickey Hargitay (Bloody Pit of Horror).
The Devil’s Lover (US/CA): When a trio of free-spirited young women – led by a smoldering Rosalba Neri of Lady Frankenstein fame – insists on spending the night in a castle rumored to be owned by the Devil himself, their cobweb-and-candelabra lark triggers a nightmare of lust, violence, vampirism and the ultimate ecstasy of Satanic seduction.
The September lineup goes out guns blazing with Hired Guns (UK/IRE/US/CA) on September 27.
If you need someone taken out, you’ve come to the right place. ARROW’s Hired Guns collection features many highly-trained professionals whose trigger fingers are itching to make your problem go away. For a price.
Titles Include: Suture, Terminal Exposure, The Most Dangerous Game.
KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS, Inc., announced today that they are joining the roster of exhibitors in the “Merchandise Sales Area” at Tokyo Game Show 2024 (TGS); organized by the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Society of Japan (CESA). In addition, the studio will host a special stage talk for “DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH” as part of the “TGS Main Stage Program”.
This year’s Tokyo Game Show 2024 will be held at Makuhari Messe from Thursday, 26th September to Sunday, 29th September. The details of the stage talk are as follows:
TGS Main Stage Program
PlayStation Presents “DEATH STRANDING 2” Special Stage!
KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS will host a panel discussion on “DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH” for PlayStation 5. Visionary game creator Hideo Kojima, and Daichi Miura, singer-songwriter and official supporter of TGS2024, will be joined by a number of guests, including Nicolas Winding Refn, to discuss the upcoming title. Attendees will be given a front row seat to the latest update in the development of “DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH”.
Event: PlayStation Presents “DEATH STRANDING 2” Special Stage!
Game Title: “DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH”
Stage Date and Time: Sunday, September 29th, 10:30 ~ 11:30 (JST)
Location Information: Exhibition Hall 1 Event Stage
Guest Appearances (titles omitted):
Hideo Kojima
Daichi Miura
Kenjiro Tsuda
Nana Mizuki
Tomokazu Sugita
Shion Wakayama
Nicolas Winding Refn
KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS TGS Booth Area
Attendees will be able to purchase a variety of original products at the KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS TGS Merchandise Booth. Ahead of the Tokyo Game Show, fans who are unable to go to the convention will have the chance to get their hands on a range of merchandise via the KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS online store. Further information will be posted on the official KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS social channels soon.
Booth Location Information: Merchandise Sales Area [11-W02]
Flight simulation is an art form where precision and control reign supreme. Every nuanced input transforms into a breathtaking maneuver, and the Thrustmaster AVA Base promises to elevate this experience to unprecedented heights. This premium joystick base isn’t just a peripheral; it’s a testament to modularity and personalization, offering a realm of customization that sets a new standard for flight simulation enthusiasts.
At its core, the AVA Base is a canvas for individual expression. The ability to swap joystick grips is a boon for pilots seeking the perfect fit, but the true innovation lies within. The base’s four adjustable parameters – axis curve, resistance, travel, and damping – provide an unparalleled level of control over the joystick’s feel. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s a bespoke experience tailored to your exact preferences and flying style.
Imagine fine-tuning the axis curve to achieve a linear 1:1 response for precise maneuvers or opting for a more nuanced curve ideal for smooth, sweeping movements. The interchangeable springs allow you to dial in the perfect resistance, accommodating both the heavy-handed fighter pilot and those seeking a feather-light touch for commercial airliners. Adjust the travel to determine how far the stick moves, and fine-tune the damping to eliminate any unwanted jerkiness, ensuring a seamless and responsive experience.
This level of customization is nothing short of liberating. Once you’ve discovered your sweet spot, the AVA Base fades into the background, leaving you to focus solely on the virtual skies. The steep learning curve is a testament to the depth of options available, but the rewards are substantial. It’s akin to having a custom-tailored flight suit; once you’ve found the perfect fit, you can soar to new heights with confidence and precision.
The AVA Base exudes quality in every aspect. Its all-metal construction feels reassuringly solid, capable of withstanding the most intense dogfights and landings. The sleek and understated design seamlessly blends into any flight sim setup, making it a peripheral you’ll be proud to display. Compatibility is excellent, with flawless PC integration and recognition by all major flight simulation titles. The ability to swap grips is a major advantage, future-proofing your investment as Thrustmaster releases new models.
Furthermore, the AVA Base introduces a new dimension of customization with its interchangeable cams. This innovative feature allows you to fine-tune the axis curve even further, offering an additional layer of personalization to match your specific flying style and preferences. Whether you prefer a linear response, a gentle curve, or something in between, the interchangeable cams provide the flexibility to create the ideal feel for your virtual flights.
Of course, precision and personalization come at a price. The AVA Base’s premium price tag positions it squarely in the realm of dedicated flight sim enthusiasts. For casual pilots or those on a budget, less expensive alternatives exist. The initial setup and configuration can be time-consuming, as finding the perfect balance of settings takes experimentation. The software, while functional, lacks the polish one might expect at this price point, and a more intuitive interface would enhance the overall experience.
During extensive testing, a few minor wrinkles emerged. The adjustable parameters, while impressive, can be fiddly to fine-tune. A more tactile interface, perhaps with physical dials, might enhance the user experience. Additionally, a slight dead zone at the center of the stick’s travel was observed. While barely noticeable in most scenarios, it could be a concern for pilots demanding absolute precision.
In conclusion, the Thrustmaster AVA Base is a remarkable piece of engineering. Its level of customization is unrivaled, allowing pilots to create a joystick experience that truly feels like an extension of themselves. The build quality is exceptional, compatibility is excellent, and the addition of interchangeable cams further expands its potential for personalization.
However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The price is steep, and the configuration process can be daunting. Minor issues like the dead zone and somewhat clunky software detract slightly from the overall experience.
If you’re a serious flight simmer seeking the ultimate in control and personalization, the AVA Base is a worthy investment. It’s a tool that can elevate your virtual flying to new heights, allowing you to fine-tune every aspect of your joystick experience to match your unique preferences and flying style. For casual pilots or those on a budget, more affordable options exist.
Developer Moon Punch Studio and Publisher Toplitz Productions are thrilled to announce that Wild West Dynasty, the sandbox city builder mixed with survival adventure, leaves Early Access today and is moving into version 1.0 with its highly anticipated new content-rich update.
This update marks the biggest milestone in the development of Wild West Dynasty yet. Not only a culmination of all improvements made since its start into Early Access, version 1.0 brings a plethora of previously unreleased improvements and additions with it. Virtually no stone was left unturned. With a new engrossing story, a stagecoach full of gameplay enhancements, improved performance and visuals as well as new elements like the fresh analysis feature to learn new crafting recipes, there has never been a better time to start settling in the American frontier of the 1800s.
Explore the wide open landscape, find and exploit resources and help other settlers to find a home in the barren wasteland of the American Midwest. With a deep building and decoration system that also allows wide customization, you can make your Wild West dreams become reality. Manage the denizens and villages to make sure everybody is performing to their best ability or set up treks to other settlements to exchange wares and ressources.
Follow the brand-new storyline, focus on building a life on the edge of the American frontier or anything in between: Catering to a variety of playstyles, Wild West Dynasty gives you the ultimate freedom to experience the wild west as you see fit.
Wild West Dynasty version 1.0 is available now. More information on the game can be found on the official Steam product page.
Netflix today released the Red Band Trailer for TERMINATOR ZERO debuting out of Anime NYC. The NSFW sneak peak marks less than one week until Judgment Day.
The eight-episode series is created and executive produced by Mattson Tomlin and executive produced by Skydance, Animation by Production IG Studios.
There is no fate when TERMINATOR ZERO premieres JUDGMENT DAY August 29, 2024 only on Netflix.
Today, BioWare published a development blog titled Lethality and Levelling, which features four all-new gameplay videos that offer an inside look into the combat players will experience in Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
This blog dives into the game’s combat system and how players can strategically customize the loadouts of Rook and their companions to challenge Thedas’ threats on the field of battle. Today’s blog and videos focus specifically on the Warrior class, with detailed breakdowns of the Mage and Rogue classes coming before launch.
The full blog can be viewed here, as well as pasted below!
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Hello everyone,
Since our summer reveal in June, we’ve been reading all the great excitement for the game and listening closely to what you’d like to see next. Our reveal trailer showed off the prologue and very beginning of the game, and now we want to shift our focus to higher level combat. Today, we’re going to cover our game’s combat system, looking at how Rook and Companions can be built up to meet the perils facing Thedas, using deep RPG systems.
This starts with choosing a desired class as there are three main classes to select from when creating Rook: stalwart Warrior, deft Rogue, or spell-slinging Mage. This blog and accompanying videos will focus on the Warrior class, and we’ll have more to share on the other classes before launch.
Prepare for Battle
By choosing Warrior, the fighting style revolves around close range combat and defense. Skills, Traits, Runes, and Abilities are customizable to best suit that type of playstyle. The loadout will have slots for Abilities, accessed from the Ability Wheel. Picking which Abilities from the many in the arsenal to bring into battle is a strategic choice made for each encounter, and they can be swapped out anytime, except during combat. For some added depth, there are up to three equipable Runes. Runes provide a variety of control, utility, or additional damage to synergize with your build. While in combat, all three Runes can be cycled through and activated.
There are a wide range of potential Abilities that are unique to each Class and can be customized by spending Skill Points. For example, the Warrior class will have certain abilities that deal fire damage. Players can plan their build around this, and each skill point spent could be in pursuit of this build. Each step taken is designed to augment Rook and/or Abilities.
Eventually, Rook will gain access to Specializations, which grant powerful Abilities, unique to each Specialization. These Specializations will also provide a unique Ultimate Ability (more on that later below) tuned to the theme of that Specialization, so a Warrior specializing as a Grey Warden Champion will gain access to the devastating incendiary Warden’s Fire that launches a flurry of searing strikes that ignite foes like tinder. This is the best Specialization Area for defeating darkspawn, an enemy that many Dragon Age fans know well. Check out all the Specialization Areas below (minor gameplay spoilers) and we’ll have a separate spotlight on progression later as well.
Warrior Rook Specialization Areas:
Reaper – Become night’s blade. Steal life and risk death to gain incredible, unnatural abilities
Slayer – Leap into the fray. Wield massive, punishing weapons while rushing enemies to deal devastating blows.
Champion – Be the shield. Shrug off damage while summoning righteous fire down on enemies.
Rogue Rook Specialization Areas:
Duelist – Draw your steel. Parry and dodge past enemies to gain strength with every strike.
Saboteur – Set the stage. Deploy explosives and turrets that devastate enemies, then pick them off with arrows.
Veil Ranger – Hunt the enemy. Snipe enemies from afar using artifacts that charge arrows with dangerous, powerful magic.
Mage Rook Specialization Areas:
Death Caller – Embrace the dark. Drain life from enemies and cast spells that writhe with the essence of death itself
Evoker – Call the void. Freeze enemies in their tracks, then summon the deepest cold to tear them apart.
Spellblade – Be the storm. Channel potent spells for close-quarters combat infused with lightning’s wrath.
Combat Basics
Now let’s talk about the foundations of the combat system. The four core moves that all three classes share include jump, dodge, light attack, and heavy attack, which can all be chained together. Rook can dodge at any time, even mid-attack, which adds fluidity to the combat. Is taking damage or dealing it better at that moment? Light attacks do quick damage and build small amounts of stagger; heavier attacks are slower and build more stagger to your opponent. Once enough stagger is built, the enemy will be rendered more vulnerable to all incoming damage and allows Rook to perform a takedown.
Each of these attacks (light and heavy) can be charged by holding down the button to deliver a more potent version of the strike. For example, a heavy attack can be charged while using a staff to unleash a magical wave of destructive energy. Attacks can also be triggered while sprinting and/or jumping to add depth and fluidity to combat.
In addition, each class has ranged attacks, blocks (or parries, if timed properly with the right weapon set), and the ability to control Companions’ combat strategy. Each Class also has two distinct weapon sets, which can be swapped seamlessly in the heat of battle. This drastically changes the available move-sets and strategies.
Heavy attacks remove Armor Barrier (denoted by a yellow bar) faster, and ranged attacks remove Shield Barrier (denoted by a blue bar) faster. There is also the Stagger meter (denoted by a lavender bar) which builds as hits are landed against an enemy. Stagger creates opportunities for bonus damage and special Takedowns.
The Ability Wheel pauses the fight for more precise control over Rook’s own abilities and those of their Companions, and where those tactical RPG elements come into play. Players can use the Ability Wheel to assign Companions to attack specific enemies, individually or together. Abilities can also be bound shortcut keys to keep the action flow going, instead of always bringing up the Ability Wheel. Vulnerabilities and resistances of enemies can also be seen while targeting enemies in the Ability Wheel. For example, Darkspawn are weak to fire damage.
Buffs, Debuffs & Crowd Control
Some Abilities apply buffs or debuffs to help you in the fight. For example, Davrin has the Heroic Strike Ability which applies the Overwhelmed debuff to enemies. This will increase the enemies’ Stagger and make it easier for Rook to perform a Takedown. There are also Area of Effect Abilities to help the party defeat large groups of enemies. Controlling the field of battle is a key consideration in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Players will need to consider which buffs/debuffs or crowd control Abilities will work best for each situation.
Abilities require Class Resources (Mana, Momentum & Rage) to be able to use. Each class primarily builds up their Class Resource by dealing damage with basic attacks. In addition, each class has a secondary way to build their Class Resource – Warriors build Rage by taking and dealing damage, Rogues build Momentum by dodging attacks and parrying successfully, and Mages regain Mana passively over time.
Warriors who go into battle with a sword-and-shield build, will have access to the Shield Throw Volley. By landing a Heavy Attack on a Shield Throw return, the shield will ricochet, taking out multiple enemies. This sequence can repeat up to three times, causing a devastating ring of damage around Rook. This attack works well against swarms as well as distant adversaries. Other ways to manage distant enemies lean into Companion abilities, such as Davrin’s Death from Above to send Assan, his griffon, to attack enemies. Warriors also have the Grappling Spear Ability to pull enemies close for an easier victory. With these tools, attacks can be chosen based on the type of enemy and the situation to dispatch foes in the most optimal way, especially on higher difficulties.
Primers, Detonators, & Ultimates
Many Abilities include some type of coordinating effect and serve as either a Primer or a Detonator that can result in devastating combo attacks when properly executed with the Companions. These Ability combos can be set up in the Ability Wheel.
Finally, you have your most powerful attack: Rook’s Class Ultimate Ability. Doing damage to enemies increases your Ultimate Meter. The Ultimate Meter won’t fully fill during smaller skirmishes, because they are designed to decimate a significant swath of the battlefield or the toughest bosses.
All of these options combine together to create a rich combat experience that is highly customizable. The entire Skill Tree is also fully refundable, and Skill Points can be redistributed. We encourage you to try out multiple builds, use different Abilities for each mission, and change up the Companions you bring into battle.
These videos have highlighted several of the ways that players can achieve strategic combat in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. There’s a lot to explore in the game and a lot more to talk about. We’ll have more to share on the Rogue and Mage before launch, as well. Next week, we look forward to companions week, along with another Discord Q&A planned for August 30th where we can answer more of your questions about the game. Chat soon!
Developer SpaceRocket Games and publisher Toplitz Productions are pleased to reveal their new gamescom trailer for Permafrost, their exciting new addition to the survival game genre.
Players in Permafrost will need to find ways to survive the bone-chilling sub-zero temperatures which will have an effect on their characters capabilities as they hunt elusive prey, set traps, build essential shelter and repurpose salvaged machinery to craft the tools needed for their survival.The bleak, open-world landscape sets the stage for a challenging existence set against the brutal elements, wild animals and hostile factions in the wake of the cataclysmic ‘shattering’, an apocalyptic moon phase phenomenon that has plunged the world into an eternal deep freeze.
Exploring the open world with a canine companion at your side, the long abandoned and derelict towns and cities now devoid of human life could potentially contain essential resources, in Permafrost, one man’s scrap is another man’s treasure.
Players of Permafrost have the opportunity and freedom to forge their own path whether it’s banding together to rebuild society or carving out a place for themselves in the unforgiving wilderness. Deadly combat will be inevitable for maintaining safety against various threats. Players will make use of primitive weapons and firearms, whether facing hostile enemies or natural predators in this relentless sub zero battle for survival.
Permafrost will provide both single player and co-op play for up to 4 players and is scheduled to launch on Steam early access in 2025 on PC.
Today, in celebration of 90 years of Donald Duck, one of the internet’s hottest celebrity interview shows, Hot Ones, released a custom episode with special guest Donald Duck. Put up to the challenge by Daisy Duck and with support from Mickey Mouse, in this episode, Donald is set to prove he can take on the heat of a special curated set of Disney hot sauces over cauliflower wings as host Sean Evans dives into a series of questions for the famous duck with a heart of gold. This episode highlights Donald’s history while also showing why he’s famously known to be temperamental.
Donald Duck is an iconic character and has played a key role in Disney’s unparalleled storytelling legacy. Donald’s relatable frustrations with everyday life and events have made him one of the world’s most famous personalities. His popularity and accomplishments both on and off screen have earned him numerous accolades, including a star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame and having his webbed footprints immortalized in cement outside the famed Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
“Mickey Mouse and his friends, including Donald Duck have always been a part of popular culture so it only made sense that Donald and Mickey appear on one of the most recognized internet shows with celebrity guests,” said Tim Pennoyer, director, Brand Marketing, The Walt Disney Company.
Animation for Donald Duck on this custom episode of Hot Ones was done by the Walt Disney Animation Studios team, led by legendary animator Eric Goldberg best known for animating Genie in Disney’s Aladdin (1992) and directing Disney’s Pocahontas (1995). Tony Anselmo voiced Donald Duck and Bret Iwan voiced Mickey Mouse for this special appearance on Hot Ones.
“It’s been a great honor to direct two of our greatest stars, Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse, on this special episode of Hot Ones. Of course, Donald can get a bit cranky at times, but all of the artists involved loved animating him!” said Goldberg. “It was a blast working with Sean Evans and the Hot Ones team, and the voices of Donald, Tony Anselmo, and Mickey, Bret Iwan.”
As we continue to celebrate Donald Duck and Mickey and his friends, expect to see them in even more fun and new ways. Be sure to watch this custom episode of Hot Ones here.
In Spring 2025, Universal Studios Hollywood will introduce guests to Universal Fan Fest Nights, an all-new interactive and immersive separately ticketed event that brings the most compelling worlds of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming and Anime to life from the creators of its highly-acclaimed Halloween Horror Nights event.
Featuring a slate of all-new, thrilling and unique fan favorite experiences, the inaugural Universal Fan Fest Nights 2025 at Universal Studios Hollywood will debut these exciting properties with more to be announced soon.
Star Trek: This experience is inspired by the Star Trek universe, one of television’s most enduring franchises, which is known for its groundbreaking storytelling that addresses social, political and cultural issues as well as entertaining millions of fans. Star Trek’s optimistic view of the future and reflection on what it means to be human has inspired generations of dreamers and doers.
Back to the Future: This exciting experience is inspired by the blockbuster 1985 Back to the Future movie. The groundbreaking adventure sparked one of the most successful trilogies in film history, won an Academy award and launched a franchise that would go on to generate almost $1 billion globally.
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: 2024 has been a banner year for DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (D&D). On the heels of the acclaimed film, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, and the smash hit video game Baldur’s Gate 3, D&D is celebrating 50 years of the WORLD’S GREATEST ROLEPLAYING GAME. More than 64 million D&D fans love rolling dice, slaying monsters and envisioning themselves as the amazing heroes they all are inside.
Universal Fan Fest Nights will be a limited-time, after-hours experience, exclusive to Universal Studios Hollywood that will showcase a dynamic line-up of captivating, immersive in-world experiences along with engaging celebratory activations throughout the theme park, from live entertainment to cosplay, inviting guests to embrace their favorite characters and share their enthusiasm with like-minded fans.
“For decades, Universal Studios Hollywood has been a leader in creating and executing innovative special events that are consistent with our brand,” said Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Universal Studios Hollywood. “From our esteemed Halloween Horror Nights event to this all-new Universal Fan Fest Nights experience, we are thrilled about how this breakthrough program will continue to elevate the guest experience in an all-new way.”
Additionally, fans can look forward to an enticing menu of themed foods and new merchandise, including collectibles, apparel, drinkware, accessories and more, to show off their fandom during Universal Fan Fest Nights and beyond.
Universal Studios Hollywood invites guests and fans to visit Universal Fan Fest Nights to sign up and be among the first to learn about Universal Fan Fest Nights as details become available.
More information about this unique, breakthrough themed event will be shared soon.
