Author - Jerry Paxton

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.

WARHAMMER III Thrones of Decay DLC Out Now

SEGA® Europe Ltd and The Creative Assembly Ltd, have today released the Thrones of Decay DLC pack for Total War: WARHAMMER III. In a showdown of mohawks, maggots and magic, the pack welcomes new content for the Empire, Nurgle and Dwarfs including legendary lords, battle units, campaign features, as well as free content for all owners of the base game.

ELSPETH VON DRAKEN, THE DRAGON RIDING MAGISTERIX (EMPIRE)

The Dark Lady of Nuln, Elspeth Von Draken is one of the most powerful Amethyst Wizards of the age. It is said that she is so suffused with magical power that she stands on the periphery of life and death.

Campaign Features:

  • Imperial Gunnery School: As the armoury of the Empire, Wissenland & Nuln offer special unit upgrades and powerful abilities in return for Schematics earned from the damage such units inflict on the battlefield.

  • Gardens of Morr: A vigilant protector of the Empire, Elspeth establishes these sacred sites in limited number across visible friendly or neutral Empire settlements, providing instant travel to those locations at a cost and with a cooldown.

Battle Playstyle:

  • Riding her powerful Carmine Dragon, Elspeth is deadly in every sense of the word. She manipulates the battlefield from range with her innate magical abilities from the Lore of Death before charging into the enemy ranks with her dragon and two-handed Pale scythe.

New Units:

  • The Empire ranks are being bolstered by an assortment of arms such as the Marienburg Landship, Steam Tank Volley Gun, Nuln Ironsides, Hochland Long Rifles, Knights of the Black Rose, Master Engineer (Lord), Engineer (Hero) and the indomitable Theodore Bruckner (Legendary Hero).

TAMURKHAN, THE MAGGOT LORD (NURGLE)

A sentient maggot within the rot-bloated corpse of a powerful Ogre Tyrant, Tamurkhan is one of the greatest ever champions of Nurgle. He has but one aim; to spread death and disease in the name of the lord of pestilence.

Campaign Features:

  • Tamurkhan’s Chieftains: Tamurkhan must amass an unstoppable warhost that will bring ruin to the world. As such, he embarks on a deadly journey to dominate and recruit powerful warlords from across the Chaos and Norscan tribes to increase the power of his faction.

Battle Playstyle:

  • Besieging the battlefield atop his mighty Toad Dragon, and wielding a mighty two-headed axe, Tamurkhan is a tank of a warrior who is deadly in combat. His Feast of the Maggot Lord ability triggers upon death, dealing life-sapping damage upon the enemy to keep him in the thick of battle a little longer.

New Units:

  • The bloated ranks of Nurgle ooze strength with the addition of units such as Kayzk the Befouled (Legendary Hero), the Chaos Lord of Nurgle (Lord), the Chaos Sorcerer of Nurgle (Hero), Plague Ogres, Rot Knights, Toad Dragons, Pestigors, and Bile Trolls.

MALAKAI MAKAISSON, THE SLAYER ENGINEER (DWARFS)

A defiant mixture of brain and brawn, Malakai Makaisson was once a member of the legendary Engineers Guild before disaster saw him ejected. Eternally shamed, he took up the Slayer’s Oath with the sole aim of seeking redemption through a dignified and bloody death.

Campaign Features:

  • Spirit of Grungi: Malakai’s armies march beneath the airborne machine known as the Spirit of Grungi, a legendary airship that the Slayer Engineer can upgrade on the move to increase his battle prowess and even call upon in battle.

  • Malakai’s Adventures: As he seeks the glorious doom that all Slayers desire, Malakai Makaisson uses his deadly exploits to test and improve his latest engineering innovations in the most perilous battles he can instigate.

Battle Playstyle:

  • Malakai primarily serves the Dwarfs as a ranged support Lord, tossing explosives toward the enemy with the Cinderblast Cluster Bomb, blasting them to bits with his shotgun, and, if anyone gets too close for comfort, smacking them in the face with a massive spanner.

New Units:

  • Engineering excellence meets bearded bravery, the dwarf ranks are bolstered by Garagrim Ironfist (Legendary Hero), Daemonslayer (Lord), Dragonslayer (Hero), Doomseekers, Goblin Hewer, Thunderbarge, Grudge Raker Thunderers and Slayer Pirates.

Deceit 2 Free to Play on Steam, Xbox Series X, and PlayStation 5

Deceit 2 is a matchmade social deduction horror game where two among you have been Infected. While the Infected do the bidding of the malevolent Game Master, the Innocent must work together to escape the Ritual and deduce who is plotting against them. Suspect someone? Rally your team to initiate the Banishing Ritual. To make things even more chaotic, you can now also play as a third team, the Cursed, who are solely out for themselves. When it’s time to Banish someone, choose wisely; a false accusation can sow seeds of doubt and turn allies into enemies. Your choices shape the game, making every match a unique battle of wits. Can you outplay the Game Master and escape the Ritual, or will you become another piece in his twisted game?

The recently launched Werewolf DLC, as well as all available content of Deceit 2, is also present in the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions of Deceit 2, and players are able to seamlessly team up with anyone, regardless of their platform. The Werewolf DLC includes the Wyrtorn Terror, a werewolf, and the first Terror to be added since the game’s initial launch. It also includes The Chemist role, a neutral Curse that must poison all other members of the group to win the Ritual. The new Project Wurgen map, first released for the PC launch, is available to everyone for free, and Season One, titled “Humble Beginnings”, is currently underway, bringing a myriad of new skins, loading screens, and more unlockables.

Key Features:
  • Gripping matchmade social deduction game: test your strategic thinking and powers of deception.
  • Dynamic social sandbox: an ever-changing set of tools and scenarios ensure that every Ritual is always different.
  • Rewards that keep coming: progression keeps the hunt for cosmetics fun, and new Seasons bring themed rewards, both free and with the Season Pass.
  • Consistent content updates: nine playable humans, two maps, two terrors, and six different roles, with more additions to come.
  • Everyone is welcome: the Ritual is open for anyone who dares as the game is now free-to-play.

Deceit 2 is currently available on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Those who purchased the game on Steam ahead of the free-to-play conversion received the Werewolf DLC, 3 Crypt Keys, in-game currency, and the Season One Pass for free at launch, which they can start enjoying today. Join the official Discord for events, discussion, and more behind-the-scenes information!

Spirit Halloween Unveils New Spooky Fun for Halfway to Halloween

Spirit Halloween has unleashed even more spooky delights as part of their Halfway to Halloween celebration. To give fans a first look of the nightmares the upcoming season has in store, the iconic retailer unveiled two animatronics and two collectibles.

  • Mars Attacks Atomic Ray Gun with PosterStraight from the cult-classic Mars Attacks, this officially licensed Atomic Ray Gun may be an earthlings’ only chance at surviving a Martian invasion. This prop features functioning fog, intergalactic lights and sound, and comes with a black-light-activated collectible poster.
  • Clowning Around Animatronic: Standing at 7 feet tall, this creepy clown takes play time to a whole new level. Featuring a side to side turning waist and head and a moving mouth with downright diabolic phrases, onlookers will scream in terror as they watch this animatronic flail its victims up and down.
  • Rick Ratman Animatronic: Don’t stand too close to this rat-infested zombie animatronic, or you could become the little critters’ next treat. With side-to-side movements and stomach-churning sound effects, this 6’3” creation is a rat-phobic nightmare come to life
  • Nightmare Harvester: A take on a fan-favorite, Nightmare Harvester takes new form as a 6-inch statue. A must-have for any Spirit Halloween fan, this figure is the perfect addition to any collection – just don’t let it steal your soul.

Street Fighter 6 Akuma Gameplay Trailer

Unleash your inner demon when the one, the only, the legendary Akuma joins the Street Fighter™ 6 roster starting on May 22, across PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam! Dropping right alongside Akuma are three significant new updates:

  • Fight with style when Outfit 3 hits the clothing rack for all Year 1 Characters, including Rashid, A.K.I., Ed, and Akuma. Year 1 Ultimate Pass owners will automatically receive these including their colors 1-10 on May 22.
  • The moves they are a-changin’ as the highly anticipated battle balance updates for all characters hit the streets. We’ll have more details to share about this in the upcoming weeks.
  • Check out the new digs with the newest stage in Street Fighter 6, Enma’s Hollow, where Akuma resides to continue his hellbent training. Year 1 Ultimate Pass owners will automatically receive this stage on May 22.

Akuma drops straight into the action across all three Street Fighter 6 game modes, including World Tour where you can learn more about his story, Battle Hub where you can apply his moves to your own avatar, as well as the classic Fighting Ground experience. Check out his throwback Outfit 2 style as well, inspired by his debut look in Super Street Fighter™ II Turbo.

Police Simulator: Patrol Officers Highway Patrol Expansion – Highway Duties Trailer

On June 18, 2024, fans of the acclaimed game Police Simulator: Patrol Officers by astragon Entertainment and Aesir Interactive can get out of the city and onto the new highway, when the Highway Patrol Expansion will be released, alongside the new Gold Edition! Prepare for taking over the challenges and tasks of a highway patrol officer – the new Highway Duties Trailer introduces some of the most exciting ones!

About the Highway Patrol Expansion:

The Highway Patrol Expansion for Police Simulator: Patrol Officers expands the game with the Brighton Highway district, introducing new tasks like high-speed monitoring and cargo checks. It also adds car theft chases and tools like spike strips. Players must be ready to combat fires at accident sites and can use two new vehicles: the vintage-style Interstate Police Vehicle and the Endurance Police Vehicle, a vehicle equipped with a car-stopping snare net!

About the Gold Edition:

The Police Simulator: Patrol Officers Gold Edition is especially interesting for newcomers as it combines the base game with the Garage Bundle, including 6 vehicle DLCs, as well as the brand-new Highway Patrol Expansion! Pre-order the digital Xbox version or purchase the retail version to also receive the Special Interstate Police Vehicle Skin for free!

Availability:

The Highway Patrol Expansion will be available on June 18, 2024 for PC, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series S|X and Xbox One and can already be pre-ordered on Steam and for Xbox. The main game is required to play the expansion. The Police Simulator: Patrol Officers Gold Edition will be available digitally for PC, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series S|X and Xbox One on June 18, 2024 and can now be pre-ordered for Xbox. In selected countries the Gold Edition will also be released in retail for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series S|X and Xbox One and is now available for pre-ordering.

Biomutant Nintendo Switch Gameplay Trailer

Post-apocalyptic Wung-Fu Fable RPG Biomutant is coming to Nintendo Switch on May 14, 2024. To give players a glimpse of the action, unedited gameplay footage has been released. The footage showcases combat, various skills, and traversal by land, air, and sea, culminating in an epic boss fight against the ferocious 3-headed creature “Porky Puff”.

Recorded in Docked Mode, the footage displays gameplay in 1080p (with Dynamic Resolution) at a stable 30 FPS. Handheld Mode will feature 720p (with Dynamic Resolution) at a stable 30 FPS.

Enjoy a 20% Pre-Order Discount!
Biomutant is set to release on Nintendo Switch™ on May 14th, 2024, at a suggested retail price (SRP) of €39.99 / $39.99 / £34.99, which includes the Mercenary-Loadout DLC. However, by pre-ordering, you qualify for a 20% discount, bringing the price down to € 31.99 / $ 31.99 / £ 27.99.

Pre-Order Now: https://biomutant.thqnordic.com/#order

Biomutant is already available for PC, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Xbox One™, and Xbox Series

EPIC Entertainment Group Unveils Expanded Hersheypark Dark Nights Partnership

EPIC Entertainment Group, an award-winning producer of themed entertainment, is thrilled to announce the expansion of its partnership with Hersheypark Dark Nights for the third consecutive year. Building upon their successful collaboration, EPIC will take over the Costume, Make Up, and Talent departments, spearheading in-person and virtual auditions and casting for hundreds of scare actors, specialty performers, make-up artists and wardrobe specialists for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 Halloween seasons.

Beginning in June, EPIC Entertainment Group will launch its nation-wide talent search with two days of open casting calls in the Los Angeles area. From there, the tour will journey across Pennsylvania, with additional stops scheduled in Philadelphia, Lancaster, Harrisburg, and Hershey, before extending to New York. EPIC boasts a solid history of iconic scare performances coast to coast.

“Our team excels in this space. With over a decade of experience producing Dark Harbor at The Queen Mary in Long Beach and Dark Horizon in Orlando, we’ve mastered the craft of immersive storytelling and delivering exceptional guest experiences,” shared Charity Hill, Partner, EPIC Entertainment Group.

EPIC Entertainment Group is already celebrated for its design contributions to Dark Nights attractions such as “The Descent” and “Midway of Misery.” While leading production, stage management, and technical direction; EPIC has been engaged for an expanded role to include make-up direction, costume direction, and talent direction.

“Since the inception of Dark Nights, EPIC has been a valuable partner helping us to design and execute a world-class experience for Hersheypark guests,” shared Brewer Lister, Managing Director of Hersheypark Special Events, Entertainment, and Guest Experiences. “We appreciate gaining their added expertise and support for haunt attractions, and look forward to growing Dark Nights for many years to come!”

Steve Sheldon, Partner, Epic Entertainment Group adds, “We’re thrilled to be a part of the Hersheypark team and to continue building on what has been an incredibly successful partnership since Dark Nights was introduced in 2022.”

Dark Nights will return to Hersheypark for its third and most terrifying season yet on Friday, September 13th.

For a full list of audition dates, virtual audition submissions and more information visit www.darknightcasting.com.

To learn more about EPIC Entertainment Group and all their Halloween happenings, please visit www.epicentertainmentgroup.com and follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.