Author - Jerry Paxton

F1 Arcade Announces Las Vegas Location

F1® Arcade, the world’s first F1® experiential hospitality brand, today announces Las Vegas as its third U.S. venue due to open in 2025. F1 Arcade will bring its first-of-its-kind experiential venue with show-stopping hospitality and an electrifying atmosphere to The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, which is attached to the destination’s iconic Caesars Palace Las Vegas.

F1 Arcade’s US expansion comes as the sport continues to gain impressive viewership and attendance figures across the US. Last year’s inaugural FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN SILVER LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX 2023 attracted over 315,000 fans and this year the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX 2024 was sold out with record-breaking attendance figures of 275,000 (up from 270,000 last year). The FORMULA 1 PIRELLI UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX in Austin also continues to deliver some of the highest attendance figures on the calendar and fans are growing across the US, with a 28% increase in social media followers in 2023 vs the previous year, making the Americas one of the sport’s largest audiences on YouTube and TikTok.

The Las Vegas opening marks the next phase of an ambitious U.S. roll-out plan following the opening of its first U.S. location in Boston Seaport in April. F1 Arcade will open in Washington D.C. this Fall 2024 and plan to open 30 locations globally across the next five years.

“We are incredibly excited to bring the F1 Arcade experience to the vibrant Las Vegas Strip following the successful launch of our first U.S. location in Boston Seaport last month. The adrenaline pumping experience of fans racing head-to-head on iconic circuits against their friends and family while overlooking the Las Vegas Strip will be truly exceptional,” said Jon Gardner, US President of F1 Arcade.

Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer, Formula 1 and Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc. said: “As Formula 1 continues to build on the success of last year’s inaugural Grand Prix, it’s exciting to see F1’s presence in Las Vegas continue to grow with the opening of a flagship F1 Arcade. The latest venue announcement symbolizes the increasing appetite for F1 in Las Vegas and will become a go to attraction for visitors outside of race weekend”.

Covering over 21,000 square feet, spanning two floors with an exceptional terrace offering views of the Las Vegas Strip, the flagship Las Vegas venue will be the largest F1 Arcade to date. F1 Arcade will share an entrance with co-tenants including Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, alongside an impressive lineup of dining and retail options. Guests will be welcomed to a best-in-class Formula 1 social racing experience and incredible hospitality offering. They will be able to immerse themselves in the world of Formula 1 by getting behind the wheel of the cutting-edge full-motion simulators and racing the world’s most iconic tracks.

“As an iconic global destination,The Forum Shops continually elevates its offerings, delivering unparalleled experiences alongside its prestigious collection of luxury boutiques and dining options,” said Jonathan Murphy, Co- President, Mall Platform “With the introduction of F1 Arcade, we’re excited to enhance the allure of the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World, providing our guests and shoppers with a world-class entertainment experience.”

The venue will showcase a striking 41-foot-long bar, offering guests the chance to enjoy signature cocktails and ‘Designated Drivers’ mocktails, playfully named in homage to the Grands Prix as well as a variety of globally inspired dishes. The venue will feature an exceptional 3,550 square foot private room and will bring further excitement to the Strip with Formula 1.

Fans and non-fans are invited to visit f1arcade.com/us/vegas and follow @f1arcadeusa on Instagram for all F1 Arcade news and updates.

Tour de France 2024 Multiplayer Trailer

The Tour de France 2024 game is revealed today in a new video that focuses on one of the biggest new features of this edition: the multiplayer mode. Highly anticipated by players, this new Criterium mode allows 6 players, each controlling two cyclists, to compete against each other during a stage. The rules are simple: whoever finishes first wins the race! However, conditions can completely change between races.

Therefore, each player controls a team of two riders: a leader and a team-mate. And each player has four types of teams: a “flat” team, a “hill” team, a “mountain” team and one called “versatile”.

In addition, different settings will be chosen randomly at the start to create varied conditions that players will need to adapt to each time. After the stage is chosen (selected randomly from all stages available except for time trials), the game selects a distance (between 30km and 50km) and the type of team that players will need to control. The game will also change a game setting such as whether a team-mate is in the race or the ability to take a feed. This randomness creates a variety of situations that will need to be understood and evaluated if you want to gain the upper hand and be the first to cross the finish line.

Purple Rain Coming to 4K Ultra on June 25th

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of its theatrical release, Purple Rain, the iconic 1984 film starring Prince in his film acting debut, will be available for purchase on 4K Ultra HD Disc and Digital for the first time on June 25.

Purple Rain will be available to purchase on June 25 on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc from online and in-store at major retailers and available for purchase Digitally from Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, Fandango at Home and more.

Purple Rain stars music icon Prince in his first film role as The Kid, alongside Apollonia Kotero, Morris Day, Olga Karlatos and Clarence Williams III.

The film was directed by Albert Magnoli from a screenplay by Magnoli and William Blinn and was produced by Robert Cavallo, Joseph Ruffalo and Steven Fargnoli.  The original songs were composed and produced by Prince.

Purple Rain won the Academy Award® for Best Original Song Score (Prince), the Grammy Award® for Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special (Prince and the Revolution), and the NAACP Image Award® for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture (Prince).

In 2019, Purple Rain was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.”

Purple Rain will be available on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc for $33.99 ERP and includes an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc with the theatrical version of the feature film in 4K with HDR and a Digital download of the film. Fans can also own Purple Rain in 4K Ultra HD via purchase from select digital retailers beginning on June 25.

For the 40th Anniversary of Purple Rain, the film has been completely restored digitally from an 8K scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative (OCN).  The picture was also conformed to the original theatrical release aspect ratio of 1.85:1 to provide the most authentic theatrical presentation framing ever to be released to the home. The digitally restored picture was color graded in High Dynamic Range (HDR).  The film’s audio was also restored from the original Dolby Stereo (LCRS) archived 35mm magnetic film source elements containing the separate dialogue, music, and effects (DME) tracks.  These restored elements along with the 20th anniversary’s 5.1 multi-channel print master were used to complete a newly remastered 5.1 presentation for the film.

About the Film
Rock star Prince makes a spectacular feature film debut in this highly autobiographical blockbuster that won both an Oscar® and a Grammy®. Headstrong, vulnerable young musician The Kid (Prince) struggles with his own inner demons and with his alcoholic father who beats his mother.  But the madness infects his music, fueling a sound that transforms the struggling young rocker into a star.

The Purple Rain 4K UHD Disc includes the following previously released special features:

  • Commentary by director Albert Magnoli, producer Robert Cavallo and cinematographer Donald E. Thorin
  • First Avenue: The Road to Pop Royalty – featurette
  • Let’s Go Crazy – music video
  • Take Me with U – music video
  • When Doves Cry – Music Video
  • I Would Die 4 U/Baby I’m a Star – music video
  • Purple Rain – music video
  • Jungle Love – music video
  • The Bird – music video
  • Sex Shooter – music video

GameSir Unveils X4 Aileron Mobile Controller

GameSir, a leading provider of innovative, high quality gaming peripherals, is thrilled to unveil its latest masterpiece, the X4 Aileron, a groundbreaking mobile controller that redefines gaming. The cutting-edge telescopic controller has been meticulously designed to accommodate most Android devices and allow mobile gamers to enjoy ultra-responsive Bluetooth connection and low-latency play, anywhere, anytime. The GameSir X4 Aileron is available to purchase now from Amazon US, Amazon UK and the GameSir website, with an RRP of £99.99/$99.99.

With a sleek, compact two-piece design that magnetically joins together, gaming on-the-go has never been this seamless and immersive. The X4A is compatible with most Android devices, whilst also allowing for extra space for phone coolers and wireless chargers, meaning users can enjoy extended sessions without needing to worry about devices overheating or the battery dying.

The controller is equipped with an ultra-responsive Bluetooth connection, so gamers can stay in the zone and conquer their opponents with low-latency and lightning-fast reactions. With state-of-the-art Hall Effect sticks, users can also enjoy anti-drift performance, unmatched longevity and unparalleled accuracy, giving them the competitive edge for an affordable price.

Promising E-sport level microswitch buttons, the face buttons, bumpers and D-pad of the controller strike the perfect balance between responsiveness and durability, boasting a lifespan of up to 5 million clicks. Dual trigger options also ensure that gaming style is fully customizable, meaning users can effortlessly and seamlessly switch between analog triggers and hair triggers. The controller is also equipped with interchangeable ABXY buttons, thumb sticks and D-pads, as well as the option to change light effects easily via key combo or the GameSir app.

The X4 Aileron has been thoughtfully enhanced with anti-friction glide rings that provide the ultimate control, allowing users to glide through their gaming adventures with ease. For complex maneuvers, gamers can rely on the multi-function M button for convenient controls at their fingertips, with the ability to adjust trigger mode, RGB brightness, lighting effects, volume and key value freely.

The GameSir X4 Aileron is available to purchase now from Amazon US, Amazon UK and the GameSir website, with an RRP of £99.99/$99.99.

Product Specifications:

  • Working Platform: Android
  • Connectivity: Low-latency Bluetooth
  • ABXY Buttons: Microswitch
  • Hall Effect Sticks: Yes
  • Hall Effect Triggers: Yes
  • Trigger mode: Analog triggers or hair triggers
  • Back Buttons: Yes, 2 mappable Back Buttons
  • Customization Software: Yes, GameSir APP
  • Button Layout: Xbox / Switch
  • Compatible Model Width: 68-95mm / 2.68-3.74 in
  • Compatible Maximum Model Thickness: 12.5mm / 0.49 in
  • Pass-Through Charging: Yes
  • Battery: Yes, one 400mAh battery in each controller
  • Product Size: 120*104.6*42.7 mm / 4.72*4.12*1.68 in
  • Net Weight: 188.5 g / 0.42 lbs
  • Package Size: 160*118*84 mm / 6.30*4.65*3.31 in
  • Gross Weight: 426.3 g / 0.94 lbs

Zen Studios Releases Five New Tables for Pinball FX

Zen Studios is thrilled to release five new tables and a gallery of new features to Pinball FX today, bringing the game its biggest update yet! Universal Pinball: TV Classics, Pacific Rim Pinball, and Super League Football are available today on PlayStation 5|4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.

Today’s new tables include:

  • Universal Pinball: TV ClassicsClassic television shows from the small screen to the tips of your flipper fingers. Zen Studios has teamed up with Universal Products & Experiences to release three instant classics – Knight Rider PinballXena: Warrior Princess Pinball, and Battlestar Galactica Pinball – to Pinball FX today for $14.99.
  • Pacific Rim Pinball: Go big or go extinct. Prime your senses for a neural handshake and step into the cockpit of a Jaeger. It is on you to cancel the apocalypse! Pacific Rim Pinball is available today for $5.49.
  • Super League Football: Zen Studios F.C. is ready for victory! Guide your team of players sporting developer likenesses. Reach the Golden Goal Wizard Mode and shoot for stellar scores. Download the table for free until May 23 (June 15 on Steam and the Epic Games Store), and it’s yours to keep forever! The table will be available for $2.99 after the free period.

Building on player feedback, today’s update introduces several quality-of-life improvements to elevate the platform to new heights:

  • Notification System: Keep in touch with events on the Home screen. If a friend beats your score, if a tournament you played finished, if you have a trophy to claim, you’ll be in the loop.
  • XP System: Earn XP for gameplay activities to advance your level and earn titles! If you already have rewards from table progression on a table, you’ll still be awarded XP after a play session.
  • Freshen up your space with new optional Pinhall & Music!
  • Even more UI changes. We have moved some stuff around for easier accessibility, more clarity, and a better feel.
  • New look and branding make store pages and online presence fresh and current.

Pinball FX‘s biggest update is available today on PlayStation 5|4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.

Star Wars The Black Series Force FX Elite Sabine Wren Lightsaber Review

The Mandalorian rebellion burns bright with the Star Wars The Black Series Force FX Elite Sabine Wren Lightsaber. Inspired by the Mandalorian explosives expert’s customized weapon in the live-action series “Ahsoka,” this lightsaber promises a unique take on the classic weapon, brimming with features to ignite the spark of rebellion within any Star Wars devotee. But does it live up to the hype, or is this a customized dud? Let’s delve into the intricate details of this Mandalorian marvel.

A Rebellious First Impression

From the moment you lay eyes on the packaging, the Force FX Elite Sabine Wren Lightsaber establishes its distinct personality. Unlike the typical black and silver Black Series boxes, this one explodes with vibrant Mandalorian blue, emblazoned with Sabine’s signature phoenix signet. It’s a bold statement that hints at the unorthodox nature of the lightsaber within.

Unboxing reveals the star of the show: the hilt. Crafted from a mix of metallic silver and deep black, the hilt immediately evokes Sabine’s penchant for customization. The design is a fascinating blend of traditional and Mandalorian aesthetics. The emitter shroud, where the blade emerges, features a sleek, curved design reminiscent of classic lightsabers. However, the rest of the hilt departs from the norm, sporting a chunky, armored look. A black, grenade-shaped section on the back adds a touch of Mandalorian ingenuity, though its function remains purely aesthetic.

Despite its unconventional design, the hilt feels surprisingly comfortable in hand. The weight is well-balanced, and the grips are textured for added control during those heated battles against the Empire. All the activation buttons are conveniently placed for single-handed operation, ensuring you can unleash your inner Mandalorian warrior with ease.

A Blade Worthy of a Mandalorian

Activating the lightsaber with a satisfying click ignites the blade in a blaze of vibrant blue light. The advanced LED technology delivers a stunningly even and bright illumination, free from any distracting flicker. The color itself is a perfect match for Sabine’s customized kyber crystal, a subtle detail that collectors will appreciate.

Where the lightsaber truly shines (pun intended) is in the sound department. Hasbro has packed this replica with movie-inspired sound effects that are both crisp and clear. From the smooth hum of the blade igniting to the satisfying sizzle of a blaster deflection, the sounds perfectly complement the movement of the saber. A notable inclusion is the “clash effect,” which simulates the energy crackle when two lightsabers meet. This effect adds a layer of immersion that truly makes you feel like you’re in the heat of battle.

Mandalorian Might with a Few Minor Missteps

The Force FX Elite Sabine Wren Lightsaber boasts some truly impressive features beyond its captivating visuals and sounds. The progressive ignition effect replicates how Sabine’s lightsaber ignites in the show, gradually building in intensity until it reaches full power. It’s a subtle detail, but one that adds a touch of movie magic to the experience. For those who crave a bit more action, the “battle sequence mode” plays pre-programmed sound effects, mimicking the exhilarating clashes seen throughout the Star Wars saga.

However, this Mandalorian marvel isn’t without its quirks. The biggest criticism goes to the sound volume. Despite the presence of a dedicated speaker within the hilt, the overall sound feels a bit quieter than some other lightsabers in the Black Series line. While still audible, it doesn’t quite capture the full oomph of a lightsaber duel. Another minor letdown is the inability to remove the blade. This might disappoint collectors who prefer the option for safer storage and display.

A Worthy Addition to Your Arsenal (4 out of 5 stars)

The Star Wars The Black Series Force FX Elite Sabine Wren Lightsaber is a compelling replica that captures the essence of Sabine Wren’s unique fighting style. While the sound volume could be a tad higher and the blade non-removable, these are minor quibbles in the face of the lightsaber’s overall quality and features. The dazzling blue blade, movie-accurate sounds, and features like progressive ignition make this a standout addition to any Star Wars collection. So, if you’re a Mandalorian loyalist or simply a fan of Sabine’s character, this lightsaber is a worthy addition to your arsenal. Just remember, with great power comes great responsibility, and wielding Sabine’s customized blade comes with the expectation to fight for what you believe in. May the Force (and the

FINAL FANTASY XIV: DAWNTRAIL – Job Actions Trailer

SQUARE ENIX® unveiled the highly anticipated job actions trailer for the critically acclaimed MMORPG FINAL FANTASY™ XIV Online’s fifth expansion, Dawntrail™, as part of the latest Letter from the Producer LIVE broadcast.

Presented by Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida, the trailer showcases every new combat job action that players will be able to utilize in Dawntrail, releasing on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. The video also includes a showcase of battle actions for viper and pictomancer, two new jobs launching in Dawntrail. You can view the full trailer here:

During the broadcast, Yoshida also outlined a number of role and job adjustments that will launch with the expansion, including changes to astrologian, monk, ninja, and more. You can rewatch the on-demand video of the broadcast here: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2147069569

FINAL FANTASY XIV Online is now available for Xbox Series X|S, allowing for players on the Xbox family of consoles to join the Warriors of Light in Eorzea and beyond! For more information, please visit: https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/final-fantasy-xiv-online

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 now 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 limit on playtime. More information can be found at: https://sqex.to/FFXIVFreeTrial

Creative Unveils the Creative Zen Air SXFI & Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI

Creative Technology today proudly unveils its latest True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds and headphones, the Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI, designed to transport users into the immersive world of Super X-Fi. With a simple tap, users can expand their soundstage and be engulfed in every detail of their preferred content across platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube, all powered by the built-in SXFI technology. Boasting additional features such as Adaptive Hybrid ANC and Ambient mode, Bluetooth 5.3, low-latency of up to ~100ms, the Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI are poised to redefine how users engage with their favorite content.

Renowned for its ability to recreate the expansive soundstage of a high-end multi-speaker surround system, Super X-Fi now shines in the latest Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI, enriching users’ listening experience with spatial audio. With Super X-Fi activated, users can transcend the boundaries of traditional stereo sound, immersing themselves in a three-dimensional audio world teeming with heightened realism and depth. Whether it’s the thunderous roar of a cinematic explosion, the subtle rustle of leaves in a forest, or the precise positioning of footsteps in a game, Super X-Fi delivers unparalleled spatial accuracy and depth, allowing users to truly feel like they’re part of the action.

Coupled with the SXFI APP, available on iOS and Android phones, the full potential of Super X-Fi can be further unlocked by personalizing Super X-Fi to users’ exact head and ear shape for an even more precise rendition.

Beyond the Super X-Fi integration, the Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI are loaded with a bunch of nifty features to cater to today’s diverse users. With Hybrid ANC, Adaptive ANC, and Ambient mode, users can seamlessly switch between the three modes, adapting to different environments and choosing to immerse themselves in music or stay aware of their surroundings. Moreover, the low-latency mode ensures audio stays perfectly synced up, whether users are gaming or watching movies. And with Multipoint connectivity, users can easily switch between two Bluetooth devices without missing a beat.

Zooming in on their primary features, the Creative Zen Air SXFI boasts custom-tuned 10 mm Neodymium drivers, ensuring crystal-clear highs and well-balanced mids for an exceptional audio playback experience. With a total playtime of up to 39 hours (with ANC OFF), along with IPX5 water resistance and wireless charging capabilities, it’s perfect for those on the move.

Latest Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI allows users to easily unlock the immersive realm of Super X-Fi with every play.

On the other hand, the Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI features custom-tuned 40 mm Neodymium drivers, delivering precise highs and deep lows for an elevated audio experience. With an impressive total playtime of up to 70 hours (with ANC OFF), users can enjoy extended listening sessions without any interruptions. Its foldable headband design adds to its portability, and support for analog line-in offers versatile connectivity options. Additionally, the built-in mics with ENC (Environment Noise Cancellation) ensure clearer communication during calls and voice commands, enhancing the overall user experience.

Pricing and Availability

Creative Zen Air SXFI is priced at $79.99 and is available for pre-order at Creative.com.

Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI is priced at $99.99 and is available for pre-order at Creative.com.

For more information, visit creative.com/sxfi

Seablip Early Access Launch Trailer

Solo developer Jardar Solli announced today that open world pirate RPG Seablip is now available in Early Access on Steam for PC and Mac for $14.99 / £12.79 / €14.79. Start exploring, building, looting, fishing and more today in this anticipated 8-bit pirate adventure! Slated for full launch in 2025, Seablip also boasts a swashbuckling soundtrack by acclaimed musician and composer Christian Balvig, now available here.

Drawing inspiration from titles such as Faster Than Light and Sid Meier’s Pirates!, Seablip offers the freedom to explore, build and even fish as you sail the high seas and defeat enemies! Upgrade your ship with extra cannons and inventory space, hire a new crew to aid you in your adventures and gather resources from a range of sources – chopping trees, mining minerals and watering crops as you make use of the tools at your disposal. Engage in a plethora of minigames and activities as you progress, building bases and making use of your trusty fishing rod. Find gold from treasure or earn it by selling your wares, or even take bounties found around the world and enhance your pirate reputation as you get paid.

Following successful funding of the game through Kickstarter and a well received demo released during the Steam Next Fest, solo developer Jardar Solli looks to release Seablip into early access this year, while he perfects the many mechanics present in the title and adds new features to what is already a highly ambitious RPG.

Embark on your pirate adventure and discover an ominous mystery in Seablip, out now in Early Access!

Enotria: The Last Song Gameplay Showcase

Jyamma Games formally invites players to a never-ending performance of nefarious nature in Enotria: The Last Song with the news that pre-orders for PC and PlayStation 5 are now live, with Xbox Series X|S following soon. In this action-packed RPG, you are the only entity not bound by a prewritten fate. Utilize the unique system of masks to assume various roles with special abilities, confront formidable foes, and challenge the Authors of your world’s script.

Ahead of the June Steam Next Fest, an 8-hour demo will be available on PlayStation 5 and PC starting on May 22nd. In addition to the news of the demo, Enotria: The Last Song will now be released on September 19, 2024, on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Step into a world where your actions reshape the narrative. In Enotria: The Last Song, adopt the masks of defeated enemies to harness their strengths, navigate through a gorgeously menacing Italian-inspired landscape, and utilize the Ardore to dynamically shift the world around you. This game offers unparalleled flexibility in gameplay, allowing you to tailor your character and strategy in real-time, providing a fresh, challenging experience for even the most seasoned Soulslike gamers.

The Enotria: The Last Song demo experience starts in Quinta, the City of Actors. As the Mask of Change, players will face the Authors, formidable foes that created the Canovaccio, a twisted eternal play that keeps the world in an unnatural stasis. Weave your parries together as you fluidly swap between three customizable loadouts on the fly to take down the most challenging of enemies.

The demo will have 4 distinct weapon classes, each with a variety of unique weapons and 6 unique masks to discover that bring with them devastating new playstyles and distinctive passive abilities. Augment different playstyles by choosing from over 20 spells and 30 perks to make your Mask of Change build your own.

Starting today, those eager to end Canovaccio beyond the demo can pre-order either the Standard or Deluxe Edition of Enotria: The Last Song on Epic Games Store and PlayStation 5 with Xbox Series X|S pre-orders opening up soon. Depending on which edition players pre-order, they will be granted 72 hours of early access, in-game upgrade materials, cosmetic weapon skins, and much more.