Author - Jerry Paxton

SHIFT 87 Official Launch Trailer

2024/07/23

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Thank you for taking on the role of “Anomaly Detection Expert” here at Norn Corp. We are thrilled to have you on board after the mysterious events of March 24 at the Nelson Bros Circus, also known as REVEIL. Your primary responsibility is to report anomalies and observe horror elements, so it might not be that different from your previous job! Shift 87 is out today on Steam so request your key right away. But please, read on! There’s more exciting stuff yet to come!

As an “Anomaly Detection Expert,” you will experience more variety, more environments, and more details than in comparable jobs. You will be able to find up to 66 anomalies. The shift duration, or total playtime, is about 2-3 hours, meaning you’ll have plenty of free time after your shift! However, there is one caveat: 50% of the anomalies may be creepy but easy to spot, while the other 50% are more subtle and easy to miss. Sounds doable? Great! Good luck with not getting paranoid!

Thank you for being a part of NORN Corporation!

FINAL FANTASY XIV: Dawntrail New Raid Features Vocals of Chrissy Costanza

2024/07/23

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

In collaboration with lead singer Chrissy Constanza of Against the Current, SQUARE ENIX® announced a joint effort that brings an original song to FINAL FANTASY™ XIV’s latest expansion pack, Dawntrail™, as part of the critically-acclaimed online game’s all-new raid series, The Arcadion.

The new song, titled “Give It All,” is composed by reknown FINAL FANTASY XIV composer Masayoshi Soken and performed by the official FINAL FANTASY XIV band THE PRIMALS with vocals from Costanza. This anthemic rock track plays during the final battle of The Arcadion’s thrilling raid tier, as Costanza effectively embodies the boss through the lyrics. The new track will also be featured on the “THE PRIMALS – Riding Home” album due to release on September 7, 2024.

Warriors of Light can view a video message from Chrissy Costanza here: https://x.com/ChrissyCostanza/status/1815769330283639164

In an interview published today on the SQUARE ENIX blog, Costanza gave deeper insight into her background as a gamer, her relationship with the FINAL FANTASY series, her thoughts on how video games and music elevate each other, and more. Costanza declared her excitement for the collaboration, stating that having her music featured in a FINAL FANTASY title is a “dream come true,” calling the experience “completely surreal.”

Read the full interview here: https://sqex.to/trTx1.

“I’ve been both a musician and a gamer my entire life and LOVE both worlds so much. I think music is the foundation of so much of the world, whether it’s the soundtrack of movies or just playing in a store while you’re shopping, it can completely change the emotional landscape of your experience.” said Costanza. “Gaming itself is an immersive experience – video games can be exhilarating, exciting, scary, sad, awe-inspiring and more. Pairing the right music with the right game just completely enhances the player’s experience, and also brings the game out into the real world. It’s more than just a song, it’s more than just a game.”

Released on July 2, 2024, FINAL FANTASY XIV: Dawntrail marks the beginning of a new chapter of FINAL FANTASY XIV as the Warrior of Light is poised once more to embark upon the road to adventure. Journey to the distant continent of Tural, explore new areas such as the mountainous region of Urqopacha, the deep forests of Kozama’uka, the rain starved plains of Shaaloani and more as claimants prepare to compete for the throne of the Dawnservant. Eorzea’s champion is to accompany Wuk Lamat, as her ally in this rite of succession—an endeavor which calls them across the glittering seas.

With more than 30 million total registered players, there has never been a better time for newcomers to begin their adventures in the critically acclaimed FINAL FANTASY XIV Online saga. The Free Trial includes all content from A Realm Reborn™, the Heavensward™ and Stormblood™ expansions (and updates through Patch 4.58), including an additional playable race (Au Ra) and five additional playable jobs (Dark Knight, Astrologian, Machinist, Red Mage, and Samurai). Free Trial players can enjoy hundreds of hours of award-winning gameplay and story experiences equivalent to three full FINAL FANTASY titles, without a limit on playtime. The Free Trial and full game are now available on Windows®, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Mac and Steam®, More information can be found at: https://sqex.to/FFXIVFreeTrial

For more information on The Arcadion raid series and further updates to Dawntrail and the 7.x series of patch updates, please visit the promotional website: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/dawntrail/.

Lidia Sobieska Coming to TEKKEN 8

2024/07/23

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Xbox Series X News

TEKKEN™ 8 is adding Lidia Sobieska, the next playable DLC character coming to the game since it launched in January. Debuting in TEKKEN 7, Lidia will join the game’s roster on July 25, 2024. Players who purchased the TEKKEN 8 Deluxe Edition, Ultimate Edition, or Deluxe Upgrade Pack will get early access to Lidia Sobieska on July 22. Developed by Bandai Namco Studios Inc., TEKKEN 8 harnesses Unreal® Engine 5 to bring new weight and atmosphere to the game’s battles, with every character remodeled in stunning detail and new dynamic and destructible environments added to the game. TEKKEN 8 is available now on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam®. For more information on the game, please visit https://tekken.com/.

Check out the Lidia Sobieska release date trailer here:

Also known as the “Warrior Prime Minister” of Poland, Lidia Sobieska continues her journey for justice in TEKKEN 8. Her brave political stance and refusal to bend a knee to unjust power have earned her the trust of people around the world.

Lidia Sobieska’s debut is the second DLC character after Eddy Gordo, expanding the game’s playable roster to 34 fighters. Earlier this week, Bandai Namco announced the next character coming this Fall, revealing “The King of Iron Fist Resurrection” DLC bringing back Heihachi in a new free Story Mode expansion and adding him to the roster as the third DLC character. To learn about the TEKKEN 8 fighters, their histories, and their place in the TEKKEN™ saga on the official TEKKEN 8 roster breakdown.

AMPACS Announces First 2-Way Over-Ear Headphone Based on MEMS Speakers

2024/07/23

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Tech News

Furthering the integration of solid-state micro speakers in over-the-ear headphones, AMPACS, a global leader in electroacoustic product design, today announced a turnkey 2-way headphone solution designed in collaboration with MEMS audio and semiconductor pioneer xMEMS Labs. Pre-production prototypes are ready now, and the production-ready solution will be available in September.

The design leverages xMEMS’ Cowell, the world’s smallest solid-state micro speaker, for precisely rendered highs and mids, and AMPACS’ dynamic driver providing deep, satisfying bass. The result is a ready-made, modular solution that headphone manufacturers can plug into virtually any headphone design, including open-back, closed-back, wired, and wireless, for next-level gaming and music listening experiences.

According to xMEMS VP of Marketing and Business Development Mike Housholder, xMEMS developed the 2-way headphone concept to provide audio brands with a wider soundstage for spatial audio with improved sound clarity and detail while also providing a faster time-to-market solution that reduces production costs.

“Our collaboration with AMPACS is driven by our firm belief that solid-state MEMS speakers will redefine all forms of personal audio,” Housholder said. “And in creating this 2-way design, we’re moving the headphone market one step closer to a solid-state future. We encourage all interested brands to contact AMPACS so they can immediately begin producing headphones quicker and more affordably, while ensuring their products are lighter and better sounding than anything currently available.”

Advances in driver design, plus sufficient room in speaker enclosures, have for years allowed bookshelf speaker manufacturers to separate the highs and mids from the bass to deliver a clearer, cleaner, more detailed listening experience. However, this critical separation just isn’t possible for even the most advanced, single-driver headphones.

Fabricated as a single piece of silicon, xMEMS Cowell serves as a miniature midrange-tweeter in the 2-way headphone design, providing unmatched clarity and detail, while the low end is reproduced by a smaller-than-usual (for high-end headphones) 40-millimeter dynamic driver from AMPACS.

The benefits for headphone manufacturers include improved mid- and high-end frequency reproduction, for cleaner vocals and spatial imaging; lighter weight, for improved wearing comfort; and much simpler back-volume acoustic design, for faster time to market.

Plus, despite including the latest in solid-state technology, the design will not increase costs. In fact, replacing graphene, carbon fiber or other exotic dynamic driver diaphragm materials with this simple 2-way system can actually cut BOM cost.

“As a global leader in headphone ODM designs, AMPACS is uniquely positioned to bring xMEMS’ industry-changing innovations to audio brands and manufacturers throughout the world,” said James Hsu, AMPACS Vice Chairman. “Leveraging our robust research and development team and advanced production technology, we’ve designed and integrated a truly disruptive solution that sounds better and costs less than single-driver headphones on the market today.”

Expeditions: A MudRunner Game Free Co-Op Mode Out Now on Steam

2024/07/22

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Windows PC News

Today Expeditions: A MudRunner Game, the latest creation from Saber Interactive, the renowned studio behind MudRunner and SnowRunner, adds a new dimension to the adventure with the debut of the eagerly awaited co-op mode as a free update on Steam. Join up to three friends and fellow wilderness experts to carry out risky explorations, working together to advance scientific progress!

Expeditions: A MudRunner Game’s free co-op mode update is available now on Steam and will release later this summer on the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

Discover Expeditions anew with the free co-op mode on Steam!

Whether you’re returning to the wilds or plunging in for the very first time, you can now experience Expeditions together with other players. Share information and conduct scientific research wheel-to-wheel in this all-new cooperative mode. More than just a teammate, become the hero in tricky situations by sharing your fuel or offering repair elements to your team. Stick together, be adventurous, and you can overcome any obstacle with each other!

Expeditions will continue to offer tons of free content, including new game mechanics, specialists, and vehicles, in addition to all the new premium features included as part of its Year 1 Pass. Visit Expeditions: A MudRunner Game’s Steam page to check out its content roadmap and get ready for the upcoming Season 1, arriving later this summer, along with the release of co-op mode for consoles and the Epic Games Store.

Expeditions: A MudRunner Game is available now on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Steam and the Epic Games Store. Grab the Supreme Edition or Year 1 Edition to get your hands on the Year 1 Pass and exclusive content. For more information, visit the official Focus Store page.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern Announces National Tour

2024/07/22

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

Producers Curious Hedgehog and Showpath Entertainment, under license from Hasbro and its Wizards of the Coast division, are thrilled to announce that the live theatrical production DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern will soon launch a National Tour and a new block of tickets for the New York Production at Stage 42 (422 W 42nd St) in New York City through April 2025. Tickets are on sale at thetwentysidedtavern.com.

Due to a groundswell of demand, plans are underway to launch the U.S. National Tour in cities across the country beginning May 2025 with the full list of tour cities to be announced at a later date. San Diego Comic-Con attendees will also get a sneak peek at what’s to come from the production with the official DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern San Diego Comic-Con panel, taking place Sunday, July 28 at 11am PT in Room 32AB. The panel will see creators David Carpenter and Sarah Davis Reynolds, joined by special guests, discuss how they translated the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game® into a theatrical production, celebrate 50 years of D&D, and give a glimpse at the future of the production with the U.S. tour. Critical Role’s Taliesin Jaffe will serve as the panel’s moderator.

Previews for the New York Production at Stage 42 began April 19, 2024, and the quest officially launched on Sunday, May 5, 2024. TimeOut calls DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern, “Unexpected & Fun! Whether or not you know much about D&D going in, it’s an adventuring party you won’t want to miss!” Rolling Stone raves the show is “charming, with surprisingly deep layers of technical storytelling that manages to engage even those who’d never even dreamt of picking up fantasy roleplay.” Nerdist adds, “It’s clear that The Twenty-Sided Tavern is filling exactly the gap that it spotted from afar. Dungeons & Dragons fans are hungry to take their experience from the tabletop to a room full of like-minded people ready to participate in a game they know and love. The experience is rip-roaring funny and creates a wonderful evening dedicated to the magic, beauty, power, and connection that fans create when given the right space to do so.”

At DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern, the audience is not just a viewer but the “fourth player,” influencing key decisions via Gamiotics, a browser-based software that allows you to vote on where the story will go — what characters appear, what experiences they explore, and more. With a cast of five actors and over 30 playable characters, audiences will experience an expansive fantasy world set in the Forgotten Realms, and face riddles, puzzles, combat, and more, to help shape the story. Laughter flows like ale and with the audience in full control and exciting reveals around every corner, no two shows are alike! For those seeking a more daring experience, there are opportunities to join the action onstage and test your strength (or dexterity, or wisdom, or charisma) through a variety of rollicking games, including trivia, charades, and the ever-popular Fantasy Beer Pong. Featuring behind-the-scenes talent from popular theatrical shows such as Dimension 20, Marvel’s Rogers: The Musical, Beavis and Butthead and more, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern is the game you know and the experience you love but bigger and better than ever.

A global phenomenon and leader in cross-platform fantasy entertainment, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS is the most popular tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) in the world, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. As part of the festivities, producers David Carpenter (Slava’s SnowShow, PUFFS), Sarah Davis Reynolds, and David Andrew Laws of Curious Hedgehog, along with David Hutchinson and Nathan Brine of Showpath Entertainment (MONOPOLY Lifesized, The Paddington Bear Experience, The SpongeBob Musical) present the all-new, unique, and audience-engaging production that is guaranteed to be unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.

Tickets to DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern are on sale through April 29, 2025 via thetwentysidedtavern.com, telecharge.com, or by calling 800-447-7400. Adventurers curious to learn more can join the community via Discord.

Wild West Dynasty to Officially Launch on August 22nd

2024/07/22

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Windows PC News

Development team Moon Punch Studio and publisher Toplitz Productions are excited to jointly announce that the Early Access period for Wild West Dynasty officially is nearing its end.

On August 22, 2024, the gates to the fictitious American frontier at the beginning of the 19th century will open and invite players to survive and thrive, while building a future not only for themselves, but for other settlers as well who decide to join their cause.

After a long arduous journey through Early Access and with the help of invaluable community feedback, Wild West Dynasty is ready to settle down and captivate gamers with its unique mixture of gameplay elements that will cater to a variety of playstyles.

“This is a big milestone for Wild West Dynasty. Thanks to the help of the players and community we were able to align the vision of the developers with the needs and wishes of the gamers. This is a collaboration that shows what you can achieve, when you get the community on board and truly listen to them”, says Szymon Żebiałowicz, Development Lead and CEO of Moon Punch Studio.

Since the original release in Early Access virtually no stone has been left unturned to improve or revise the game on all fronts, rebuilding it from the ground up, starting with visuals and performance to features and UI. Wild West Dynasty Version 1.0 is also adding new elements, a fresh story and a multitude of management options to control the workforce and resources in your settlements, making this a fully new gameplay experience.

Features

Survive, Build, Manage
Conquer the harsh environment. Survive the elements. Build your homestead and convince other settlers to join you. Manage natural and human resources, so not only you but also the whole settlement will prosper. This is your chance to show how the West was won.
A New Beginning
Follow the optional story of the game’s new protagonist John Ryder. Uncover the history and secrets of Red Rock and its inhabitants, make friends and face enemies. Your decisions matter and can mean the difference between life and death, your own included.
Build a Life
You might start by just building a simple house for yourself. But before you know it, you have to manage a full settlement with inhabitants and their needs and of course the required resources to progress. And don’t forget to decorate the buildings with a huge number of craftable items and furniture. DIY has never been this easy.
First Person Perspective
Immerse yourself in the visually stunning world of Wild West Dynasty. Exploring, building, decorating, hunting and all the other activities are even more intense with the optional first person view.
The Heart and Soul of the Settlement
Only the community will be strong enough to thrive and survive. Manage your settlements to make sure that there are enough resources, food and water available to your fellow settlers. Arrange treks to transport goods between all your settlements and distribute jobs so everyone will prosper.
Explore the Open World
Enjoy the beauty of a fictitious version of the American frontier. Explore the prairie and its wildlife, discover settlements and tap new resources needed to advance either your home or the communities you support.

Mattel and Outright Games Announce Monster High: Skulltimate Secrets

2024/07/22

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Mattel, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAT), a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world, in collaboration with Outright Games, the leading publisher of family-friendly interactive entertainment, has today revealed the first Monster High™ video game for the current generation of consoles – Monster High™: Skulltimate Secrets™. It’s almost time for players to create their very own monster, meet the Boo Crew, and lend a helping hand to stop the mysterious chaos roaming the halls. Developed by Petoons Studio, Monster High: Skulltimate Secrets will be available just in time for Halloween, October 29, 2024, on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC available on Steam and the Microsoft Store.

Monster High is one of the most successful and beloved kids’ properties of all time, featuring a world of fangtastic characters that embrace what makes them unique and rally people everywhere to be yourself, be unique and be a monster. Monster High’s Skulltimate Secrets line is currently ranked #4 in Fashion Doll & Accessories items in the US (YTD 2024) and was the #9 item in 2023.* Now, the haunted halls are opening their doors to popular gaming systems with Monster High: Skulltimate Secrets, a single-player, 3D platformer with chillingly captivating gameplay. Strange things are occurring on the grounds of Monster High™, and it’s up to players to stop the chaos plaguing the halls of their school.

Players can become besties with Clawdeen Wolf™, Draculaura™, Frankie Stein™, and the rest of the Boo Crew to explore various locations, uncovering the fangtastic secrets of the Hidden Rooms along the way. Choose from six fangtastic monster types to craft a unique character, picking from a fabulous array of spooky hairstyles, haunt-couture clothing, and scareccessories for the ultimate Monster High experience.

“Monster High continues to resonate with kids and fans as a space to celebrate their true selves, and now we are introducing new characters and a spooktacular mystery to uncover for players on all major consoles and PC,” said Erika Winterholler, Head of Business Development, Digital Gaming at Mattel. “Monster High: Skulltimate Secrets lets players of all backgrounds imagine themselves as part of The Boo Crew and gives them the chance to express their personality in a quirky, playful way that embraces inclusion and creativity.”

“Monster High is an IP that truly encourages fans to express every part of themselves and think outside the box. We couldn’t be prouder to help build on its legacy and reintroduce the Boo Crew to a new generation of players,” said Stephanie Malham, COO of Outright Games. “As the latest Monster High video game to be released on all consoles and PC, Monster High: Skulltimate Secrets invites fans to explore faithful recreations of the school, experience a brand-new story, and design their own ghoulish character. Mattel has worked with us every step of the way, providing us the tools and support to create something that will be special for fans old and new.”

Monster High debuted in 2010 to create a more accepting world where everyone feels proud to be their authentic self and let their inner monster shine.The franchise follows a group of monster teens as they attend Monster High, learning to embrace their differences through strong friendships. Community, acceptance, and belonging are core tenets of this group. It’s not about one monster, but each one of them – coming together, supporting one another, and embracing their unique differences.

Since reimagining the brand in 2022, Monster High has made an even greater impact on issues that are core to the brand purpose of inclusion, diversity, and community through inspiring product, content and initiatives including the brand’s social mission, Monster High Project Belonging.

To learn more about Monster High™: Skulltimate Secrets™ and discover more upcoming games published by Outright Games featuring Mattel franchises, follow Outright Games on YouTube (@OutrightGames), X (@Outright_Games), and Instagram (outright_games).

*Source: Circana/Retail Tracking Service/US/JAN-MAY 2024 & JAN-DEC 2023/Fashion Dolls & Acc Subsegment/USD

Bad Boys: Ride or Die Available Tomorrow to Buy and Rent on Digital

2024/07/22

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Movie News, News, Trailers / Videos

The world’s favorite Bad Boys are back with their iconic mix of edge-of-your-seat action and outrageous comedy, but this time with a twist: Miami’s finest are now on the run. When Captain Howard is unjustly accused of a lifetime of drug-related crimes, the Bad Boys vow to clear his name. Available tomorrow to buy and rent on digital!

DIGITAL EXTRAS*

Outtakes & Bloopers
Deleted Scenes

Also Includes:

Will & Martin Chemistry, Legacy & Laughs
The Bruckheimer Legacy: Crafting Bad Boys & Beyond
Fights, Camera, Action
Partners in Crime

*PLUS AN ALL-NEW POST-CREDIT SCENE

CAST AND CREW

Directed by: Adil & Bilall
Written by: Chris Bremner and Will Beall
Produced by: Jerry Bruckheimer, Will Smith, Chad Oman, Doug Belgrad
Executive Producers: Barry Waldman, Mike Stenson, James Lassiter, Jon Mone, Chris Bremner,
Martin Lawrence
Cast: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Nuñez, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, Jacob Scipio, Melanie Liburd, Tasha Smith, with Tiffany Haddish and Joe Pantoliano

SPECS
Run Time: Approx. 115 minutes
Rating: R for strong violence, language throughout, and some sexual references. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian

Punch Club 2: Iron Fist DLC Launch Trailer

2024/07/22

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Punch Club 2, the fighter management simulator from developer Lazy Bear Games (Graveyard Keeper) and publisher tinyBuild, dodges and weaves with an epic counterpunch in the Iron Fist DLC, available on PC via Steam, Epic Game Store, GOG, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5|4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S today. Build fully customizable leagues to share with other players as part of a Steam exclusive update available now.

A new challenger approaches! The “Iron Fist” DLC welcomes returning fighters to an all-new story featuring robots, a worn-down workshop, and a new AI teammate, MoMMi (Modern Massive Microwave). Work together, since two brains (sort of) are better than one, and train a rusty robot into tip-top shape. Compete in the new Robot League to pummel through the Secret Robot Society and discover the AI’s companion’s true intentions for all of humanity.

Spruce up the robotic comrade through cybernetic enhancements available in the new Robot Path, from stat upgrades to powerful punches capable of landing a one-hit KO. Choose from dozens of designs and shapes with a spectrum of colors, new skills and kicks, to highlight the boxing spirit. Together with MoMMi, upgrade the workshop to gain access to additional robotic buffs with a robust skill tree to create the most technical robot fighter ever.

Through a Steam exclusive update, aspiring fighters can dream up and design fighting leagues. Craft a fully customizable league from modifiable fighters to unique rewards using Steam Workshop. Upload leagues online for the world to compete in, or bring the fight to others and become world champion.

Punch Club 2: Iron Fist DLC is available now on Windows PC via Steam, Epic Game Store, GOG, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5|4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S for $9.99 USD, with the iOS version launching on August 22, 2024. A 10% launch discount is available for the DLC on Steam only, as well as the Punch Club 2: Complete Edition which bundles the base game and DLC together.