Author - Jerry Paxton

Star Wars: The Old Republic 7.5 Dev Stream Reveals New Main Chapter and More

Today, the Star Wars: The Old Republic development team hosted a special livestream that detailed many of the thrilling additions arriving soon in Game Update 7.5. This includes the next chapter in the main storyline, a new farmstead for players to grow crops, the first of many new Single Player Ventures and more. The livestream also shared that Update 7.5 will be launching soon, with an exact date to be announced soon.

You can find all of the highlights and news shared in the livestream below:

  • New Main Story Chapter – “Desperate Defiance”: After the events of “Chains in the Dark,” Players will enlist Sa’har as a new companion and take part in a risky mission to retrieve the holocron and potentially learn more of Heta’s plans. Players will also journey back to Hutta in the midst of a worker rebellion in the Minboosa District where they’ll have to deal with the proprietor and “completely legitimate businessman,” “Yusinduu the Hutt”.
  • Dantooine Farmstead and Spring Abundance Festival: Star Wars: The Old Republic players will have the chance to step back from combat and become the caretaker of a farmstead on Dantooine. Players will go through a quick story arc introducing them to the farmstead and afterward will be given a plot of land for them to tend to in a deal that seems almost too good to be true… The Spring Abundance Festival will let players take part in many activities including seed collecting, dancing, pie baking, animal rehabilitation and a galactic egg hunt.
  • The First of Many Single Player Ventures: New, challenging single-player ‘Ventures’ will be added to the game, starting with the Basilisk Prototype. This Venture connects directly to the ongoing storyline of Lane Vizla and is all about training up the Basilisk Prototype B3-S1, also known as Bessie. This prototype can become a companion for the player and can be used in limited sets of time. Players will have to gradually work on training B3-S1 to reach its full combat potential and capabilities in order for it to become a permanent companion.
  • New PVP Seasons Release Schedule: Starting with Update 7.5, PvP seasons will now commence the day an update launches, with PVP Season 6 beginning alongside the release of Update 7.5.
  • Cartel Market Updates: The High-Republic themed Refined Mentor Lightsaber, Dualsaber, Armor set and the Hidden Chain Jetpack Mount will be available with the launch of Update 7.5. Players can also grab more player character customizations including the Ahsoka-inspired Baylan beard and new enhanced dye packs.
  • Public Test Server Begins this Week: Players can test out much of the new content showcased in the livestream (minus the narrative missions) within the PTS when it goes live in the coming days.

The livestream also shared that the launch of Update 7.5 will be announced soon.

Celebrate EVE Online’s 21st Birthday with Capsuleer Day Events

CCP Games’ hit sci-fi MMO, EVE Online, turns 21 in May. To celebrate the milestone, EVE players can enjoy Capsuleer Day festivities in New Eden from April 30 to May 30, 2024.

This year’s special in-game events task players with exploring newly emerged collapsed conduits across known and wormhole space to recover valuable data and technology. Players can use the data and technology obtained to construct filaments that lead deeper into the Abyss.

Those brave enough to venture into the Abyss can expect not only Dark Matter Fields, Electrical Storms, Exotic Particle Storms, Gamma-Ray Afterglows, and Plasma Firestorms, but also encounters from Triglavian Collective vessels, Drifter vessels, allied Rogue Drones, and independent Rogue Drone scavengers.

Warp into New Eden now through May 30 for:
  • Seasonal rewards such as Boosters, a Glamourex Booster Crate, and a Filament Crate.
  • Capsuleer Day-themed SKINs, accelerators, implants, and historic apparel.
  • Daily login challenges.
  • And more!

Rival Stars Horse Racing: VR Edition Announcement Trailer

Rival Stars Horse Racing: VR Edition, the debut VR entry in the world’s most successful horse racing and equestrian mobile game franchise of all time from developer PikPok, canters towards a Meta Quest Store and Steam VR launch in Q4 2024 and a to-be-confirmed launch on Apple Vision Pro.

An all-new entry in the beloved Rival Stars Horse Racing series is a built-from-the-ground-up VR experience offering the most immersive take on horse racing and the equestrian lifestyle ever made. Step into the stirrups for a first-person experience of raising a world-class stable of foals into future raceway and cross-country champions.

Aspire to bring home the trophy by taking on the prestigious role of stable master. Breed horses to discover new eye-catching coats and patterns. Form a connection with the stable’s rosters across all stages of their lives through rewarding grooming, feeding, and bonding interactions. When they’re ready for showtime, train them for competition, then take command as the jockey with lifelike, intuitive controls — just pick up the reins and ride!

Explore the ranch’s leafy landscape, ride to uncover new locations in Story Mode, and further develop jockey skills in Multiplayer racing modes. Feel the breeze in an immersive experience for both horse fans and VR enthusiasts alike, perfectly recreating the equestrian lifestyle through gameplay mechanics and character interactions.

“We’re very excited to reveal the next evolution of our Rival Stars Horse Racing franchise,” said Mario Wynands, CEO of PikPok. “It will allow players to get closer to their horses than ever before and feel the thrill of riding, racing, and bonding with them.”

Rival Stars Horse Racing: VR Edition will arrive on Meta Quest 2 & Meta Quest 3 and Steam VR in Q4 2024 with English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean language support. For more information, visit the official website, and wishlist on the Meta Quest Store and Steam today!

All GUNDAM BREAKER 4 Physical Editions Announced

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is giving fans a little extra with physical editions of GUNDAM BREAKER 4, announcing a special Launch Edition of the game that comes with reversible cover art and an exclusive poster. The fan-favorite series that combines action-packed gameplay with creating custom Gunpla (Gundam plastic model), GUNDAM BREAKER 4 arrives this year to Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, and PC via Steam®. Every physical copy pre-order (PS®5, and Nintendo Switch only) in the Americas will receive the Launch Edition for free, including those who have already pre-ordered either the standard or Collector’s Edition of the game. Day 1 purchasers will also be able to get the Launch Edition while supplies last. The Launch Edition is a free upgrade to all physical editions of the game, and no action is necessary for players who have already pre-ordered to receive the Launch Edition. Stay up to date with the latest news about the game through the official website: bandainamcoent.com/games/gundam-breaker-4.

Details of the Launch Edition:

  • Reversible Cover Art – For the Western market, the game cover features custom Gunpla made with parts from fan-favorite mobile suits, such as Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, Mobile Fighter G Gundam, and Mobile Suit Gundam the Witch from Mercury. The Japanese version of the game cover features Gundam Aerial and Full Armor Knight Gundam engaged in combat with the iconic series enemy, the towering 1/60 Perfect Grade RX-78-2.

  • Custom Gunpla Poster – The 11”x17” poster will feature an up-close image of the signature mobile suit of GUNDAM BREAKER 4, the Gunbarrel Strike (Gundam Breaker ver.). Echoing the box art and Steelbook case of the Collector’s Edition, the mobile suit is based on designs from Mu La Flaga’s Moebius Zero, in a heroic pose in the midst of a battle in space.

In GUNDAM BREAKER 4, as an aspiring Gunpla hobbyist, players will be able to mesh together their own mecha creations by using parts from more than 250 iconic Mobile Suits from throughout the GUNDAM series, and then test their creations on a virtual battlefield with up to 3 players in co-op multiplayer. Fight through missions to hack, slash and shoot through hordes of enemy mechs, breaking off their parts to collect and upgrade builds. GUNDAM BREAKER 4 introduces an all-new feature to the series, where players will be able to use two different weapons for unique combos in their quest for the best parts to build the perfect Gunpla. In between battles, players access a robust mecha garage where they can customize their creations with new parts as well as paint, decals, and weathering to make the ultimate mecha expression for GUNDAM fans.

Once players finish building their Gunpla, they have the option to bring it into a wide variety of both offline and online missions. Take down bosses or take on hordes of enemy mecha to gain new parts and equip new skills. Another brand-new feature unique to GUNDAM BREAKER 4 is diorama mode. Construct elaborate scenarios with a variety of backgrounds, environmental elements, and special effects, then place any Gunpla creations capture the perfect pose with highly articulable models.

Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor Returns for 2024 Haunt Season

Named one of the Top 10 Most Haunted Places in America by Time Magazine, The Queen Mary has become synonymous with ghost sightings, scares, and paranormal activity in Southern California. From 2010-2019, the legendary Dark Harbor Halloween event captivated the residents of Long Beach and beyond until the COVID-19 pandemic and ship renovations caused the event to come to a pause. Now, for the first time in nearly four years, The Spirits Rise once again at The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor!

“After a four-year hiatus, we’re thrilled to resurrect Dark Harbor and summon the spirits back to The Queen Mary for this coming Halloween season,” said Steve Caloca, Managing Director of the Queen Mary. “We’re grateful to be working with Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, as well as the unwavering support of the City of Long Beach. This event holds a special place in the community’s heart, and has long been a cornerstone of Long Beach’s Halloween traditions.”

Dark Harbor is a massive Halloween festival that takes place on The Queen Mary and surrounding harbor offering hair-raising-fun entertainment and special ghoulish events throughout the frightful season. This year’s event will feature haunted mazes, live entertainment, themed bars and lounges, experiences on-board the ship, festive eats and treats and, of course, the return of well-known icons like the Captain, Ringmaster, and Scary Mary. 2024 attraction details will be released in the coming months and will include both fan favorites from the past, as well as many new surprises.

“Dark Harbor has become an iconic part of our city’s Halloween celebrations, and we are excited to once again transform the Queen Mary into a haunted spectacle for scare-goers,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “Having brought in hundreds of thousands of visitors to Long Beach in years past, its return is another major step in the Queen Mary’s recovery and return to a premier tourist attraction. I extend my appreciation to Evolution Hospitality and Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group for their partnership and to our City Council for their support.”

Southern California’s most haunted Halloween event will open on Friday, September 20th and run select nights through Saturday, November 2nd. Tickets will be available for purchase late summer 2024. For early access to presale, event updates and announcements, sign up at www.darkharborhalloween.com. The event is now hiring scare actors, event staff, tech staff and more. Job postings and applications can be found on the event website.

The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor is located at 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, CA 90802. For more information, visit www.darkharborhalloween.com and follow along on Instagram and Facebook. All media requests can be sent to press@darkharborhalloween.com and all sponsorship inquiries can be directed to sponsorships@darkharborhalloween.com.

Let Bions Be Bygones Launch Trailer

Immerse yourself in the dystopian cyberpunk world of Terrahive and get in the shoes of John Cooper, a hardboiled detective on a hunt for redemption in this enthralling future-noir detective thriller where every decision matters.

What is Let Bions be Bygones and how does it play

A new take on the classic genre, Let Bions be Bygones, lets the players focus on the story, narrative, and detective work. Players can choose their own path and grow their characters through different playstyles. There are no wrong choices, only consequences.

All this and more, in a gritty world captivated by an original, unique soundtrack and a professional voice-over that will immerse the player in a thrilling tale with multiple endings.

What’s the story of Let Bions be Bygones

Having lost everything, a retired, hardboiled detective John Cooper, must take on one last case to find a missing upper-class girl among the lowest parts of the dystopian city-planet, Terrahive.
From here you will experience a unique story that you will make your own by choosing your path, growing your character, influencing relationships, and making many decisions. There will be no wrong choices, only consequences.

What to expect

  • Immerse yourself in a pixel-art world dripping with atmosphere – for mature audiences only!
  • Hunt for vital clues whilst developing your character’s unique skills via choice-driven mechanics.
  • Experience an incredible cast of voice acting talent and a distinctive soundtrack.
  • Navigate 20+ unique locations, 20 side hustles and engage 40+ shady characters [including a talking gun with a distinctly foul mouth]
  • Uncover 5+ uniquely dramatic endings with over 1000 narrative choices!
  • 20+ hidden and challenging Steam achievements

Necrophosis – Official Teaser Trailer

The creators of the successful Lovecraftian titles The Shore and Eresys have just launched a new teaser trailer for their upcoming horror indie adventure, Necrophosis. Set in an enigmatic world where entities from different universes converge, the protagonist is alone with one mission: to explore interconnected regions in a non-linear experience. Crafted with the stunning detail of Unreal Engine 5, Necrophosis invites players into a nightmarish world that challenges the boundaries of reality and horror. Watch the video to learn more.

Necrophosis immerses players in bizarre and surreal landscapes, each uniquely themed with its own set of eerie puzzles and haunting entities. The influence of Zdzisław Beksiński’s art adds a disturbing beauty to the environment, enhancing the game experience. Drawing inspiration from games like Scorn, Necrophosis offers a blend of deep storytelling and ghostly visuals, making each location a dark puzzle with its own scary story and mysterious characters.

SteelSeries Unveils the White Arctis Nova Pro Series

From the makers of Arctis, the most awarded audio line in gaming, SteelSeries, the original esports brand that fuses gaming and culture, today introduces an all-new white version of the award-winning Arctis Nova Pro series headsets.

There are defining moments in every industry and every era. A great example being in 2022 when SteelSeries launched the Arctis Nova Pro series, which was met with critical acclaim, garnering countless awards, while simultaneously establishing an all-new premium/luxury/high-end category for the gaming headset market.

As gaming continues to grow in popularity, SteelSeries has been laser-focused on the gamer experience and leading the way in defining a gaming lifestyle. As of January 2024, there are over 3.4B gamers worldwide, which includes 887M PC, 334M PlayStation, 247M Nintendo, 227M Xbox, and 2.8B mobile gamers, and they typically play games across multiple platforms. Crafted from the ground up, the Arctis Nova Pro series raised the bar for a new level of excellence in high-fidelity audio, AI-powered voice clarity, and all-day comfort with sleek Danish design aesthetics that seamlessly transfer between an array of gaming platforms like never before. Now, SteelSeries’ game-changing premium headset has been reimagined in the stylish new “it” colorway for Spring 2024.

No matter the device of choice, elite performance comes standard with the white Nova Pro Wireless. Inspired by audiophile listening rooms devoid of noise and providing full audio control, that complete acoustic experience has been recreated within a gaming headset that comes fully stocked with state-of-the-art features.

  • Block the white noise and completely transport to another world like never before as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The advanced 4-mic hybrid system removes outside sounds, while mics inside the earcups balance the audio for optimal clarity. For taking in surroundings, Transparency Mode is just a button press away with adjustable hear-through levels to suit each situation.
  • A first in gaming, the Multi-System Connect hub allows for USB switching between multiple devices at the same time. Gamers can seamlessly swap between a PC, PlayStation, Switch, or mobile device with the press of a button, and without having to swap cables.
  • Time is money and multi-tasking is mandatory. The Nova Pro Wireless offers players Simultaneous Game & Mobile Audio, so they play and communicate all ways with Quantum 2.0 Wireless. Gamers can mix two audio connections at the same time, engaging with friends over the phone while gaming on a PC or console. The powerful 2.4GHz wireless is perfect for earning that in-game hot streak while using Bluetooth for calls, Discord, music, or podcasts.
  • For those marathon gaming sessions, SteelSeries was the first brand to create a multi-battery solution. The Infinity Power System provides unlimited battery life and always keeps players in the action with a dual-battery system. Low battery? No problem. With two hot-swappable batteries, gamers can simply reload and keep going for up to 22 hours per battery and charge the first battery while the second battery is in play.
  • Because communication is key in gaming, the new AI-POWERED Noise Cancelling Microphone gives players crystal clear comms, while the Sonar Audio Suite silences all the background noise distractions from keyboards, computer fans, and much more. The ClearCast Gen2 mic gives players a true advantage through the same bidirectional microphone design used by Formula 1 crews for crystal clear, natural sound with flawless noise cancellation.
  • Comfort is key. The ComfortMAX System is designed to accommodate any size or shaped head, offering 4-points of adjustment. The system includes height-adjustable, rotating ear cups, a flexible tension band, pivoting hangers, and a premium PVD-coated steel band that ensures long-term durability.
  • Total control at the player’s fingertips. The Wireless Base Station acts as a command center across platforms and features adjustments for EQ, input device, volume, ChatMix, and much more on the fly, while never having to leave the game. The device remembers personal settings and a multi-function OLED display keeps users informed of battery life and other functions. For the ultimate sound experience on PlayStation or Xbox, players can select game audio EQ profiles that have been designed by a mix of pros, audio engineers, and game developers for popular games like Call of Duty: MWII, Destiny 2, Fortnite, Grand Theft Auto V, and more.
  • To power the Arctis Nova franchise, SteelSeries developed the Sonar Audio Software Suite, the first pro-grade parametric EQ designed for gamers. Specifically designed to turbocharge any headset for gaming and provide a limitless ability to control sound across games, team chat, and the microphone, Sonar allows gamers to adjust every individual frequency and hear the sounds that matter the most.

The Arctis Nova Pro Series is available at SteelSeries.com and select retailers around the world for the following MSRP:

White Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Xbox) – $349.99 (NA) |€379.99 (EMEA) |$379.99 (APAC)
White Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (PlayStation) – $349.99 (NA) |€379.99 (EMEA) |$379.99 (APAC)
SteelSeries Sonar Audio Suite – Free Download at: SteelSeries.com/gg/sonar

CORSAIR Unveils 30mm Thick RS MAX Series Case Fans

CORSAIR® (Nasdaq: CRSR) today announced the launch of its first 30mm-thick PC cooling fans, the RS MAX Series. By combining extremely durable Liquid Crystal Polymer material with a larger fan blade bolstered by AirGuide technology, CORSAIR’s expert engineers have created its best performing fan with zero compromises. The RS MAX Series connects with a simple 4-pin PWM header, enabling precise adjustment over fan speeds without the need for a separate controller.

With a 20% increase in thickness over standard fans, the RS MAX Series can spin at a lower speed to generate the same airflow as its thinner counterparts – translating into lower overall fan noise. For enthusiasts who push their systems to the limit, the high static pressure created by the RS MAX’s larger fan blade helps power airflow through obstructions and dense radiators, making it an ideal choice for high-performance liquid cooling setups.

CORSAIR Magnetic Dome bearings – an evolution of the acclaimed magnetic levitation bearing – significantly reduce friction for both enhanced longevity and quieter operation. For PC builders looking to boost performance without boosting noise, the RS MAX Series will help push your system to the max.

Availability and Pricing

The CORSAIR RS MAX Series is available now in 120mm and 140mm sizes from the CORSAIR webstore and the CORSAIR worldwide network of authorized retailers and distributors.

The RS MAX Series is backed by a five-year warranty, alongside the CORSAIR worldwide customer service and technical support network.

For up-to-date pricing of the RS MAX Series, please refer to the CORSAIR website or contact your local CORSAIR sales or PR representative.

Web Pages

To learn more about the CORSAIR RS MAX Series, please visit:

https://www.corsair.com/rs-max

 

SUPER BATTLE POLYCARS Demo Out Now

The exclusive demo alpha version av0.05 of SUPER BATTLE POLYCARS, a modern old-school vehicular game, is now available.

SUPER BATTLE POLYCARS offers fast-paced vehicle combat in team-based Massive Online Vehicle Arena or Arena Deathmatch modes, challenging players to drive, destroy, and dominate opponents.

Here are the changes implemented in the demo alpha version av0.05:

  • Turned on 4-player online Deathmatch FFA multiplayer for people to try before Steam Next Fest.
  • Customization options are unlockable, battle passes are free for the duration of the demo. (Will be reset upon early access release)
  • Leaderboard is turned on to track the fastest time completing the Advanced Tutorial.
  • Shop items can be purchased with the Polycoins unlocked through the battle pass. (Will reset upon early access release)
  • Optimized graphics for lower-end hardware, removed unnecessary foliage and world instances.
  • Added rear camera view. Press and hold left-alt on MKB or d-pad down on controller.
  • Added aiming reticles for all Polycars, giving players a better view of their weapon placement.