Author - Jerry Paxton

Midsummer Scream Returns for 2024

2024/02/29
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News, Trailers / Videos

It’s never too early to begin thinking about Halloween, and thousands of haunt-lovers will get first looks at what this year’s spooky season has to offer during MIDSUMMER SCREAM, which announced its return to the Long Beach Convention Center July 26 to July 28.

Passes for Midsummer Scream will be available beginning Saturday at www.MidsummerScream.com, with a special early purchase discount of 40% for General Admission passes. In addition, non-discounted VIP “Gold Bat” passes, which sold out in 2023, will also be available beginning Saturday.

The seventh annual Midsummer Scream — the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention — promises a weekend filled with unparalleled excitement and spooky surprises, and is themed “A Haunting,” exploring real and fictional ghost stories and other paranormal activity. The theme will be woven throughout the event and activities during the not-to-be missed weekend, and will also be featured in official event art created by Suspiria Vilchez (aka Suspirialand), in panels, presentations and special experiences during the one-of-a-kind weekend convention.

Midsummer Scream will boast a celebrity special-guest lineup that includes the Roger L. Jackson (the voice of Scream’s Ghost Face) Boulet Brothers (Dragula); John Kassir (Tales from the Crypt); Garret Sander, the creator of Monster High, accompanied by voice cast from the animated TV series; and more to be announced in the coming weeks.

Midsummer Scream will also feature a world-class schedule of panel presentations covering all of the season’s biggest news, including planned presentations by Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group (creators of LA Haunted Hayride, Delusion, Shaqtoberfest and the Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns); Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest; Winchester Mystery House, and more to be announced soon.

And, of course, Midsummer Scream’s cavernous and enormously popular Hall of Shadows—75,000 square feet of haunted attractions created by some of the most renowned professional and home haunters—will delight attendees with enough thrills and chills for an entire weekend with an entry experience created by Fear Farm.

In addition, classic Midsummer Scream components will be on hand throughout the Long Beach Convention Center, including the “Pumpkin Patch” scare-free kids’ zone; the Black Cat Lounge, with kitten adoptions from Kitten Rescue; and the Screaming Room Film Festival, presented by HorrorBuzz. What’s more, some 350 vendors will be on site to offer their wicked wares, including Trick or Treat Studios, the Halloween Shirt Company, Backstitch Bruja, Sin City Props and Froggy’s Fog.

“For tens of thousands of Halloween lovers throughout Southern California and beyond, Midsummer Scream has become the official start of the Halloween season,” said David Markland, co-founder and executive director of Midsummer Scream. “Building on the success of 2023, when we saw our biggest attendance in history, this year’s event is shaping up to be truly extraordinary, so we’re urging fans to make their plans now so they can enjoy an event not to be missed.”

More details will be released in the weeks ahead. Halloween fans can be the first to know what’s coming to Midsummer Scream by signing up for the event’s digital newsletter at www.MidsummerScream.com and by following @midsummerscream on Facebook and Instagram.

Single-day passes range from $35 for adult admission to $145 for a three-day VIP “Gold Bat” pass. For a limited time, single day and general admission passes are 40% off. Children under 10 are free with an accompanying adult. More information on passes to Midsummer Scream, plus full details on the show schedule and area accommodations, can be found at www.MidsummerScream.org.

Gas Station Simulator Tidal Wave DLC Release Date Trailer

2024/02/29
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Gas Station Simulator, the critically acclaimed management game from developer and publisher DRAGO entertainment, sets sail with the highly-anticipated “Tidal Wave” DLC, coming to PC via Steam on Thursday, March 21, 2024.

Soak up the sun on a tropical trip far away from the famous Route 66, where compelling new challenges and fresh mechanics await gas station employees. Start from scratch and amass a thriving gas station empire, while providing services to the island locals and appeasing the volcanic god Chunchumachu.

Expand the gas station’s services and amenities perfect for the new location, like scuba gear and surfboard rentals. Stay on high alert and wield hand cannons to protect patrons swimming in the ocean from a massive megalodon shark. Neglecting proper maintenance of the gas station and its equipment can lead to “accidents”, causing Chunchumachu to lash out in a volcanic fit and rain hellfire across the island.

Gord The Alliance DLC Launch Trailer

2024/02/29
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Covenant.dev and Team17 Digital have today launched ‘The Alliance’ DLC for dark fantasy strategy game Gord on PC. Available for $11.99/€11.99/£9.99, ‘The Alliance’ brings a wealth of new content to Gord’s unforgiving primordial world, including a new campaign, three new monsters, three new Horrors, new NPCs, three new humanoid enemies, two new biomes, a multi-stage final battle, and the ability to tame certain beasts and monsters.

Created by a team that includes former Frostpunk and The Witcher 3 developers, Gord is a single-player dark fantasy strategy game where, to survive, you must build, but to prevail, you must conquer the darkness beyond the gates. Complete life-threatening quests in a dark fantasy world while managing a populace whose personal stories and well-being can decide the fate of your tribe.

For more information on The Alliance DLC, and all things Gord, please check out the Steam store page.

Outer Wilds: Archaeologist Edition – Physical Edition Announcement Trailer

2024/02/29
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos

iam8bit, in collaboration with publisher Annapurna Interactive and developer Mobius Digital, have announced preorders for BAFTA award-winning game Outer Wilds: Archaeologist Edition, an action-adventure open-world mystery where you play as a new recruit trying to uncover secrets within a constantly evolving solar system. The Retail Edition will be available for $39.99 on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, while the iam8bit Collector’s Edition will be available on those same platforms for $99.99.

Enter Outer Wilds Ventures with the Retail Edition, which includes the base game and Echoes of the Eye expansion as well as a foldout planetary chart poster by Mobius Digital concept artist Ian Jacobson. Available at retailers worldwide, the Retail Edition will be released for sale on June 27.

The iam8bit Collector’s Edition will include a vital Canvas Traveler’s Adventure Bag, a combination Explorer’s journal and game sleeve to log in crucial discoveries, Chert’s signature bandana, a set of 7 Planetary Patches, Eye of the universe clasp and bonus item from a doomed timeline. Additionally, players will snag the base game and Echoes of the Eye expansion, complete on cartridge/disc. Shipping begins Q3 2024.

The Art of Outer Wilds Hardcover Book features 300-pages of concept art including never-before-seen images, and behind-the-scenes creative direction written by Wesley Martin, Art Director at Mobius Digital. Designed by Mobius Digital’s Ian Jacobson, with additional publication design by Laleh Roya Azarshin and design support from Josh Lanphear, this essential guide to deep space will be sure to answer all Outer Wilds questions.

Players can complete their journey and take home the cloth-bound Echoes of the Eye 2xLP Vinyl Soundtrack, shipping Q2 2024, which features music by Andrew Prahlow and album art by Ian Jacobson.

All retail editions, vinyl and art book of Outer Wilds can be preordered starting February 29 from outerwilds.iam8bit.com.

Viking Survival Game ASKA Closed Beta Test Announced

2024/02/29
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

The Eye of Odin shines upon you this day! The next Closed Beta for ASKA, a third-person Viking sandbox survival builder from Romanian indie developer Sand Sailor Studio, kicks off April 15 and will run until April 21. Players ready to embark on an exciting Viking expedition can sign up for a chance to join the closed beta by wishlisting ASKA on Steam, and heading over to the ASKA Discord for more information (closed beta sign-up closes on April 5).

In ASKA, players find themselves shipwrecked on a mysterious island where they must tame an uncharted land and build a Viking empire worthy of Odin’s praise. Solo or together with up to three friends, players must survive, summon intelligent NPC villagers, collect resources and build a thriving settlement. Players will need to automate, manage and defend their expanding tribe and prepare to survive the bitter winters.

“ASKA stands as a testament to what a dream-team of just 10 people can achieve over the course of 4 years: an ambitious co-op survival tribe builder where you’re never alone, where you work alongside lively AI villagers that are almost indistinguishable from players, all woven into a deep city builder-like economy system,” said Cristian Diaconescu, Creative Director at Sand Sailor Studio. “We’re entering the final phase of our beta testing period and we can’t wait to give players the power to build their very own truly functional Viking village, who knows what they’ll build.”

Developed as the third game installment by Sand Sailor Studios and published by Thunderful, ASKA’s unique gameplay lies in its AI systems. ASKA provides a unique flavor vs other survival games on the market, by giving players the opportunity to release themselves from the shackles of repetitive resource collection and management. The player is the master constructor, focusing on leading the tribe and designating the location of buildings. The intelligent AI NPCs are then assigned to work around the town, providing camaraderie and establishing a thriving village.

Budding Vikings ready to start their adventure are encouraged to wishlist the game today and visit www.playaska.com. Follow the latest ASKA news by joining Discord and becoming a follower on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter/X and Facebook

King: Arthur: Knight’s Tale Out Now on Consoles

2024/02/28
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Xbox Series X News

NeocoreGames is proud to announce that King: Arthur: Knight’s Tale has been officially released on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Console features

  • Graphical options: Players can choose between a Quality Mode offering 4K visuals, or a Performance Mode that prioritises framerate.
  • Local PvP: Challenge your friends on the battlefields of Avalon in local multiplayer.
  • Haptic Feedback: PS5 players can get closer to the battlefield than ever before, thanks to haptic feedback support for the DualSense controller.
  • Xbox Achievement and PlayStation Trophy tracking.

Support for this console release will continue long after launch with seasonal content, optional skirmishes, and more features coming at a later date.

King Arthur: Knight’s Tale is a unique hybrid between turn-based tactical games and traditional, character-centric RPGs. Knight’s Tale is a modern retelling of a classic Arthurian mythology story filtered through the dark fantasy tropes, a twist on the traditional tales of chivalry.

The game originally launched on PC, following a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2020 that earned the game a devoted and passionate fanbase. Since its original PC launch, the game has been lauded by critics, described by RPG Fan as “a top-notch tactical RPG” and “the definitive King Arthur game.

King Arthur: Legion IX, a brand new stand-alone adventure, set in the world of King Arthur: Knight’s Tale is also in the works for PC (Steam), featuring the (in)famous Ninth Legion of Rome.

Chef Life: A Restaurant Simulator Cooking Lab DLC Out Now

2024/02/28
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

NACON and development studio Cyanide are pleased to announce that the Cooking Lab DLC for Chef Life: A Restaurant Simulator, from the LIFE range of games, is now available for free on all platforms

With the Cooking Lab, a new kitchen workstation is added to Chef Life: A Restaurant Simulator so players can create their own recipes from thousands of possible combinations. From the recipe’s core element to accompaniments, sauce and garnishes, everything can be customized to taste to create new signature dishes and refresh your menu. Creativity knows no bounds in Chef Life!

Budding chefs can also stay after the evening service to practise developing new dishes without time limits or other restrictions thanks to a patch that has already been rolled out.

With Chef Life: A Restaurant Simulator, players can live the life of a restaurant owner and hone their skills to one day be featured in the Michelin Guide and even receive its famous culinary distinctions. This can only be achieved through excellent cooking technique, selecting the best ingredients and leading a talented kitchen team so customers have a wonderful experience every day.

Chef Life: A Restaurant Simulator is now available on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Broforce Physical Editions Out Now on Switch and PS4

2024/02/28
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos

It’s time to suit up and join the Bros as the internationally acclaimed side-scrolling run ‘n’ gun extravaganza Broforce is out today as a boxed Standard and Deluxe Edition for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.

Developed by Free Lives and published by Devolver Digital, the boxed Standard and Deluxe Editions will be created and distributed across European specialist retailers by U&I Entertainment.

Available today across European specialist stores, these two action-packed boxed editions pack a mighty punch and are the perfect addition to any fan’s gaming arsenal! The Standard Edition comes with the full physical Broforce game experience, including the Broforce Forever Update in a special artwork box. But for those who like their boxed content a little more hardcore, there is the Deluxe Edition, which bundles all the Standard Edition game content with an exclusive 24-page comic book that gives you a glimpse into the origins of Broforce and the rousing audible delights of the game soundtrack on CD all wrapped up in a collectable Tuck-in Box.

Heading Out Release Date Trailer

2024/02/28
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Saber Interactive has announced it is partnering with indie developer Serious Sim to publish the highly-stylized, immersive driving game Heading Out on May 7, 2024, on PC via Steam. Heading Out is a narrative adventure with roguelite elements inspired by cult classic road movies like Thelma & Louise and Vanishing Point. Check out the game’s new release date trailer for an up-close look at the lawless action and attitude that await when you put the pedal to the metal and leave your fears in the dust.

It’s you, your car, and the road. Take off down America’s cities, highways and backroads on an emotional trip of discovery blending white-knuckle racing, strategy and storytelling. Grab the wheel and choose your own route across the USA on an unpredictable thrill ride shaped by the decisions you make. It’s not about the destination – it’s about your journey.

Key Features

  • Your Adventure: Each trip offers a unique balance of high-speed chases and races, treacherous hazards and challenges, and colorful characters and stories, brought to life with stylish graphic novel visuals. Outrun your fears and the law, pursue your dreams, and risk the consequences at the end of the road.
  • Your Choices: Every journey is yours to define. Strategically plan out your route and resources in advance on the map, or hit the gas and fly by the seat of your pants. Each decision shapes the road ahead, including your narrative encounters, fuel consumption, car condition and wanted level.
  • Your Legend: Your unique story unfolds with every pitstop across the heartland. Meet strangers, oddballs and lost souls who’ll influence your tale, but don’t linger too long – you’ve got to keep moving. Listen to radio hosts spread your myth to the people as it grows while an eclectic Americana soundtrack carries you down the horizon.

Heading Out will be present at PAX East (March 21-24) with a playable demo at the Indie Games Poland booth, #18084. Don’t miss this chance to discover this immersive driving game firsthand.

TEKKEN 8 Sells Over 2 Million Copies Worldwide In First Month

2024/02/28
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. today announced that TEKKEN™ 8, the latest installment in the critically acclaimed TEKKEN™ series released on January 26, 2024, surpassed a total of 1 million units worldwide on its first day of release and 2 million units in the first month. Support for TEKKEN 8 will continue through various content updates, esports events, and music and licensing announcements. The game is available now on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam®. For more information on the game, please visit www.tekken.com.

The next step in TEKKEN esports, the TEKKEN WORLD TOUR 2024, will start on April 13, 2024. After successful TEKKEN WORLD TOUR events that have accompanied the lifecycle of TEKKEN 7, now players will compete with TEKKEN 8 through TEKKEN WORLD TOUR 2024 events across the world to earn points and progress through the rankings, with the hope of reaching the TEKKEN WORLD TOUR Finals and having a chance to become the best TEKKEN 8 player worldwide.

As part of regular updates, the Tekken Shop is making its way into the game. This in-game shop will provide customization items such as costumes from previous installments, character skins for avatars, and licensed items from our collaborations, letting players put their own touch on their favorite TEKKEN characters.

TEKKEN 8 is the latest installment in seven years since TEKKEN 7 was released as a console game in 2017, and the first to be released on new-gen hardware. The legendary storyline, recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest-running video game narrative, continues in TEKKEN 8. The game’s Story Mode takes place six months after the events of TEKKEN 7 and features an epic saga about the growth and determination of Jin Kazama, who defies his fate and challenges his father Kazuya Mishima. The roster, made up of 32 characters that include new entries and returning favorites, has been completely remodelled from the ground up in Unreal® Engine 5. The game features a new system that encourages an “aggressive” playstyle, with destruction elements in the battle stages, and the new Heat System to provide the most exciting spectacle for both players and spectators.

TEKKEN 8 features exciting new game play modes to make the game easier to pick-up for newcomers. In Arcade Quest, basic mechanics can be learned and practiced while playing a new story-driven experience where players use their own custom avatar. In Super Ghost Battles, players can battle “ghost data” that simulates movements from other real players using AI learning. Another new feature in the game is Special Style, which allows players to perform various techniques and powerful combos much more easily. These new features and modes along with the stunning visual and visceral game play enhancements in the game have helped make TEKKEN 8 one of the most critically acclaimed titles in the legendary fighting game franchise. Sales of over 2 million copies in the first month of release greatly outpaces its predecessor, TEKKEN 7, which has the series’ total highest sales record of over 11.8 million copies sold worldwide.