Author - Jerry Paxton

Vlad Circus: Descend into Madness Official Launch Trailer

Vlad Circus: Descend into Madness, the 2D pixel-art horror adventure from developer Indiesruption (Nine Witches) and publisher Blowfish Studios, tests the sanity of unsuspecting carnies just in time for Halloween. Vlad Circus launches today on PlayStation 4|5 with backwards compatibility, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S with backwards compatibility, Nintendo Switch, as well as Windows PC via Steam, Epic Games Store and GOG.

On a day of sudden tragedy, Vlad Circus’ joyous reputation was replaced with sorrow and mourning. Hundreds were killed in the blazing fire, performers and attendees alike, forcing the once tight-knit troupe to disband. After eight years of no contact, a mysterious letter from the circus’ former ring leader brings the group together again.

Peer into the fractured mind of former circus clown Oliver Mills, aka “Lazy Ollie.” Maintain Ollie’s stress levels while exploring the dark halls of the Victorian-inspired Petrescu Manor. Rekindle old bonds from happier days, even as unspeakable horrors lurk in the shadows.

Hazy memories and grotesque hallucinations plague Ollie’s senses, worsening the deeper he dares to venture. Encounter and survive the horrifying abominations stalking the halls of the mansion while conquering mysterious puzzles. Reclaim lost memories from that traumatic day, piecing together the terrifying truth before Ollie’s sanity runs out completely.

“We love to create disruptive experiences, and Vlad Circus: Descend into Madness is certainly no exception,” said Diego Cánepa, Lead Designer, Indiesruption. “Players will need to discern what lies in reality and what lurks in Ollie’s twisted delusion. But are you really safe either way?”

Vlad Circus: Descend into Madness is available now on all major platforms, with support for Windows, as well as language support for English, Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Spain), French, German, and Russian.

To learn more about Vlad Circus, visit the official site, make sure to follow the game on Twitter and Instagram, join the community on Discord, and search #vladcircusgame on social media.

Paradox Interactive and Harebrained Schemes Are Parting Ways

Paradox Interactive (Paradox) and Harebrained Schemes (HBS) – developers of the Shadowrun trilogy, BATTLETECH and The Lamplighters League – have decided to part ways on 1 January 2024. The separation is the result of a mutual agreement, stemming from each party’s strategic and creative priorities. Paradox will retain ownership of The Lamplighters League and other games developed by the studio. HBS will seek new publishing, partnership, and investment opportunities.

“Paradox has refocused its strategy towards its core niches within strategy and management games with endless qualities,” said Charlotta Nilsson, COO of Paradox. “We and HBS’ leadership have been discussing what would happen after the release of The Lamplighters League, but a new project or sequel in the same genre was not in line with our portfolio plans. Hence, we believe that a separation would be the best way forward. We’re very happy that this talented, gifted studio has the chance to continue and can’t wait to see what they will make next.”

“Harebrained Schemes will support The Lamplighters League through the end of the year while we seek funding and partnerships for an independent future in 2024,” said Brian Poel, Studio Operations Manager of HBS. “Our studio mission remains the same: to make games that challenge your mind and touch your heart.”

Mortal Kombat: Onslaught Official Launch Trailer

Warner Bros. Games today announced the global launch of Mortal Kombat: Onslaught, a new real-time, collection role-playing game (cRPG) that features team-based kombat set in the legendary Mortal Kombat universe. Starting today, players worldwide can download the game for free on the App Store for iOS and Google Play for Android.

Developed by award-winning NetherRealm Studios, Mortal Kombat: Onslaught will feature the first mobile-exclusive, action-packed story centered on Shinnok’s bid for destruction – complete with high quality graphics, cinematic cutscenes, and bone-krushing kombat. As the fallen Elder God seeks to regain his power by gathering relics from across the realms, players must come to Raiden’s aid and build a team of fighters to persevere through massive real-time group battles and foil this evil plot.

“In Mortal Kombat: Onslaught, players will be able to unleash total mayhem in strategic, fast-paced battles with up to ten characters at once,” said Ed Boon, Chief Creative Officer, NetherRealm Studios and Co-Creator of Mortal Kombat. “Mortal Kombat: Onslaught introduces a new level of strategic gameplay and we’re excited to see how players build their teams to overcome various opponents and challenges.”

Mortal Kombat: Onslaught features a diverse roster of iconic characters including veterans like Sub-Zero, Liu Kang, Scorpion, Kitana – as well as rare, fan-favorite variants of klassic kombatants like Cyrax and Smoke. Players must collect and choose from a massive catalogue of Assassins, Warriors, Snipers and Defenders – each with their own unique Special Moves, Affinities and Passive Skills – to assemble a powerful team of four champions.

As players encounter progressively difficult battles, they must increase their Fighters’ powers by evolving kombat skills including Kombos and Special Abilities, leveling gear, and equipping Relics, which are powerful items from Mortal Kombat lore that provide effect bonuses and even Fatalities. Kombatants will also be able to boost their skills in special Boss Tower and Chasm Modes, or enter the Arena to challenge other players across Earthrealm in real-time matches, earn rewards and climb the leaderboards in Player-versus-player (PvP) seasons.

Gangs of Sherwood Gameplay Overview

A new trailer reveals EVERYTHING you need to know about Gangs of Sherwood, the latest co-op action-adventure game developed by Appeal Studios and published by NACON. The game is already available for preorder and will release on 2 November on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Epic Games Store, Steam).

Story
During the last Crusades, King Richard of England and his army discovered a miraculous stone: the Lionheart. The stone was endowed with extraordinary properties, which helped the kingdom to undergo tremendous technological advancement. As the Lionheart was the source of immense prosperity and power, it obviously became the subject of terrible greed. The Sheriff of Nottingham eventually seized it, so he could assert his authority and oppress the English people.

Characters
To rebel against this tyranny, a resistance movement forms to defeat the sheriff’s armies and liberate the people from his merciless rule. Four iconic heroes from the legend of Robin Hood lead this rebellion, and in Gangs of Sherwood you can play as Maid Marian, the sheriff’s daughter and expert assassin; Friar Tuck, a monk and healer; Little John, a warrior with a steel fist; and, of course, the famous archer Robin of Locksley.

Gameplay
All the characters have their own gameplay styles as well as a wide range of unique and customizable abilities. As you progress, you unlock new combos and fragments, which allow you to pull off increasingly powerful and spectacular combos. Although Gangs of Sherwood can be played solo from start to finish, it has been primarily designed as a co-op multiplayer experience for up to four players. Tailor your heroes to suit your fighting style and take into account your team-mates’ strengths, so you can create devastating synergies and triumph over the Sheriff of Nottingham’s armies!

14th Gen Intel Core Processor Available In Custom ORIGIN PC Desktops

ORIGIN PC, a leader in custom high-performance systems, today announced the availability of the latest 14th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors across its lineup of custom desktop PCs. Whether you are looking for a compact powerhouse in the form of the CHRONOS, timeless elegance in the NEURON, or supercharged gaming in the liquid-cooled GENESIS, all these machines can now draw on the power of Intel’s latest 14th Gen processors.

These custom-built PCs are available with a selection of the best hardware to choose from, including CORSAIR VENGEANCE DDR5 memory, iCUE LINK Smart Component Technology, and Hydro X Series liquid cooling. The expert system builders at ORIGIN PC are primed to craft a masterpiece that’s ready to game without compromise.

The brand new Intel® Core™ i9-14900K boasts clock speeds up to 6.0 GHz, taking advantage of its 24 cores (8 Performance cores and 16 Efficient cores) and 32 threads to redefine high-end performance. It also features Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 Frequency, as well as support for PCIe 5.0/4.0 and DDR5/DDR4. Enthusiast gamers and serious creators can now access the high performance necessary to make the most from their craft.

ORIGIN PC systems are built in CORSAIR cases and are designed to conquer even the most demanding titles while offering dependable gaming performance for all. The CORSAIR 7000X is not only spacious, but provides the optimal environment for cooling and improved PC performance. Other options include the beautiful CORSAIR 5000T with its unique contoured curves as well as 208 addressable LEDs, and the 7000D AIRFLOW with a high-airflow steel construction front and roof panel. Customize a GENESIS to access Hydro X Series liquid cooling and revolutionary cable management with iCUE LINK Smart Component Technology. With nearly endless customization options available, a fully immersive gaming experience is only a click away.

Both in game and out, optimized performance as well as new features allow you to work and play harder than ever before. Unlock the next-generation of PC performance with ORIGIN PC—play and create without restrictions.

ORIGIN PC continues to prioritize customization, support, and performance to live up to their reputation of building world-class systems. Pre-orders for desktop systems configured with Intel® Core™ Processors (14th Gen) are open now at ORIGINPC.com.

Web Pages

To learn more about ORIGIN PC’s Gaming Desktops, please visit:

https://www.originpc.com/gaming/desktops/

To learn more about ORIGIN PC’s professional Workstation Desktops, please visit:

https://www.originpc.com/workstation/desktops/

The Grinch: Christmas Adventures Official Launch Trailer

Outright Games, the leading global publisher of family-friendly interactive entertainment, and Dr. Seuss Enterprises, a leading global children’s entertainment company, are thrilled for today’s release of The Grinch: Christmas Adventures. Based on the classic Christmas story written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss, How The Grinch Stole Christmas!, the game will take players on a mischief-filled journey throughout all of Who-ville. It is available now to play now on PlayStation 4®, PlayStation 5®, Nintendo Switch™, Xbox One, Xbox X|S, and Steam.

In this 2D platformer adventure game, fans can play as The Grinch and his faithful dog Max with up to 2 player local co-op mode, as they go on a mission to ruin Christmas for the town of Who-ville and steal all their presents. Players can also collect puzzle pieces as they go through levels to construct and unlock new abilities that will aid schemes, including a Santa disguise for stealthy sneaking and a snowboard for faster travel between locations.

With three main locations to visit – The Grinch’s cave, the countryside and Who-ville itself – fans will be treated to colourful and festive visuals inspired by Dr. Seuss’s original drawings, as well as appearances from recognisable characters. Explore and adventure, as players help The Grinch discover the true meaning of Christmas and make his heart grow three sizes.

The Grinch phenomenon began in 1957 with the publishing of the original book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Today he is one of the most culturally celebrated and beloved holiday characters that millions of families have incorporated into their holiday celebrations. Earlier this year, a sequel to the original book was released by Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Random House Children’s Books. Taking place one year after the original story, The Grinch sets out to win the Who-ville’s Christmas Crown with the most spectacular Christmas tree ever seen, but once again learns a valuable lesson about the true spirit of the holiday from an old friend. The brand continues to expand, as the #grinch has 9.3B views on TikTok, generated over 15B impressions in 2022 and The Grinch (2018 movie) is the #1 holiday movie worldwide.

Stephanie Malham, ​COO, Outright Games Ltd, said: “It has been an incredible pleasure to work with Dr. Seuss Enterprises to translate the beloved story of ‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas!’ into the world of video games. We’re bringing this incredible adventure to a whole new generation of fans, and it’s been an exciting experience adapting the core elements that make the book such an enduring classic into a completely different entertainment medium.”

Hernán Castillo, CTO from Casual Brothers Ltd, said: “‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas!’ is a classic Christmas story beloved by so many. We wanted to keep the spirit of the book alive within our game and side-scrolling platform adventures are a timeless game design that is familiar to gamers across generations and skill levels.”

The Grinch: Christmas Adventures is available now on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Outlast: The Challenges of Trials Documentary Available Now

Red Barrels via The Escapist gives a look into the creativity, challenges, and triumphs of creating The Outlast Trials. As the major Halloween Early Access update on Steam for The Outlast Trials approaches, Red Barrels via The Escapist has released its Outlast: The Challenges of Trials documentary. Available to watch now, the documentary will give an insight to the trials and tribulations, ups and downs, and creativity and triumphs for the studios first experience in creating a multiplayer horror game.

Currently in Early Access on PC, The Outlast Trials is a brand new take on the acclaimed Outlast survival horror series, set in the same terrifying universe as the previous titles, only this time you can choose to play on your own or with friends in a team of up to four people.

Set in the height of the Cold War era, players take on the role of test subjects abducted by the shadowy Murkoff Corporation. Imprisoned in a secret Murkoff facility, players will be thrust into a series of physical and mental ordeals, tormented by iconic characters, and challenged alone or in teams to survive with their sanity intact.

The Last Voyage of the Demeter Launches on Physical Media October 17th

The gripping horror tale THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER will be available with revealing extras when you buy on Digital, Blu-ray, and DVD October 17, 2023 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Based on a single iconic chapter from Bram Stoker’s classic novel, Dracula, the film tells the chilling story of the merchant ship Demeter and the strange events that befall the doomed crew as they attempt to survive an ocean voyage to London with a truly monstrous stowaway on board. THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER includes over 30 minutes of never-before-seen bonus content including an alternate opening, deleted scenes, and behind-the-scenes featurettes showcasing the making of the film.

Hailed as an “epic horror adventure” (Bloody Disgusting), THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER is directed by Norwegian horror virtuoso André Øvredal (Troll Hunter, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark), featuring a talented cast starring Corey Hawkins (Blackkklansman, In the Heights), Aisling Franciosi (“Game of Thrones”, The Nightingale, The Fall), Liam Cunningham (“Game of Thrones”, Hunger, The Wind that Shakes the Barley), David Dastmalchian (The Dark Knight, Dune, The Suicide Squad), Chris Walley (1917, The Young Offenders, Bloodlands), Jon Jon Briones (“Ratched”, “American Horror Stories), Stefan Kapicic (“Better Call Saul”), Martin Furuland (“The Last Kingdom”), Nikolai Nikolaeff (Mile 22, “Daredevil”), Woody Norman (C’mon C’mon), Javier Botet (It, Amigo).

A terrifying new addition to the Dracula legend, based on a single chilling chapter from Bram Stoker’s classic novel, THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER chronicles the doomed journey of a merchant ship ferrying 50 mysterious wooden crates from Carpathia to London. As they set sail, the crew soon discovers they are not alone on board: at night they are stalked by a hidden passenger whose monstrous thirst for blood turns the trip into a harrowing nightmare of tension, terror and unfathomable evil.

EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES ON BLU-RAY, DVD & DIGITAL: 

  • ALTERNATE OPENING – Commentary available with Director André Øvredal and Producer Bradley J. Fischer
  • DELETED SCENES – Commentary available with Director André Øvredal and Producer Bradley J. Fischer
    • o    Clemens Picking up a Stone in Varna
      o    Bosphorus and Constantinople
      o    Clemens Following Huck’s Blood Trail
      o    Clemens and Anna Talk on Deck
      o    Crew Discuss Where the Beast Is Hiding
      o    Finding the Corpses in the Crate
      o    Wojchek Finds the Captain
      o    Clemens Visits His Father’s Grave
  • FROM THE PITS OF HELL: DRACULA REIMAGINED – Learn how the creative team behind THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER conjured a new nightmare.
  • EVIL IS ABOARD: THE MAKING OF THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER – Set sail for an exclusive journey inside the making of the movie with the filmmakers and cast.
  • DRACULA & THE DIGITAL AGE – Visual effects supervisor Brad Parker leads a detailed look at the imaginative work that adds fresh layers of fear to Dracula, creates realistic water, and enhances scenery with bleeding-edge VFX.
  • FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH DIRECTOR ANDRÉ ØVREDAL AND PRODUCER BRADLEY J. FISCHER

EON Gaming Launches XBHD All-In-One Xbox Adapter

XBHD, EON Gaming’s original all-in-one Xbox adapter and successor to best-selling retro hardware accessories, including the GCHD MK-II and Super 64, launches worldwide today. Relive classic Xbox memories today like never before by purchasing at Amazon or one of EON’s worldwide retail partners, including Rondo Products, Stone Age Gamer, and Games Connection.

The first-of-its-kind adapter for the original Xbox console revives classic titles like Halo: Combat Evolved and Soulcalibur II in the best video quality possible. Defeat bosses and claim victory on multiple displays simultaneously or stream effortlessly with dual HD video outputs. Focus on the fun with lag-free, perfectly translated visuals on the original hardware with support ranging from 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i resolutions.

The XBHD removes the need for extra cables, routers, and external power sources for a smooth gaming experience. Host the ultimate LAN Party without a router by using three RJ45 ethernet connectors. Register clear audio thanks to the MiniToslink 3.5mm port for headphones, speaker systems, and capture cards.

“With XBHD, we’re reviving not only the original Xbox’s great library of games, but making lan parties with friends easier than ever” said Justin Scerbo, co-founder of EON Gaming. “The XBHD makes those nostalgic moments easier than ever with exceptional video quality, and zero lag or extra equipment needed.”

The XBHD launches worldwide today and retails for $189.99 USD via Amazon or one of EON’s worldwide retail partners, including Rondo Products, Stone Age Gamer, and Games Connection, shipping worldwide. For more information, please visit EON Gaming’s official website and join the community on Twitter for the latest updates.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Comes To Physical Media December 5

From Academy Award®–nominated writer-director James Mangold (Logan, Walk the Line) comes the final chapter in the saga of one of cinema’s greatest heroes. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny sees Harrison Ford reprise his iconic role as the whip-smart archaeologist one last time for a “rip-roaring adventure” (Maureen Lenker, Entertainment Weekly) full of “exciting action, wonderful banter and fantastic twists and turns” (Germain Lussier, io9).

The 4K and Blu-ray are loaded with incredible bonus content including five chapters that chart the making of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Join the cast and crew on an epic, globe-trotting adventure that showcases new characters, stunts, music, locations, production design and visual effects whilst also bidding a fond farewell to one of cinema’s greatest heroes. Fans of Academy Award®-winner John Williams will be delighted to learn that there is a new, exclusive “score-only” version of the movie allowing viewers to listen to the composer’s iconic music on an isolated track as they watch the film.

Additionally, collectors can find a limited-edition SteelBook® design only at Best Buy.

Walmart will also offer an exclusive 4K Ultra HD edition with custom artwork and a limited-edition enamel pin.

Film Synopsis
Harrison Ford returns to the role of the legendary hero archaeologist for this highly anticipated final installment of the iconic franchise– a big, globe-trotting, rip-roaring cinematic adventure. Starring alongside Ford are Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“Fleabag”), Antonio Banderas (Puss in Boots: The Last Wish), John Rhys-Davies (Raiders of the Lost Ark), Shaunette Renée Wilson (Black Panther), Thomas Kretschmann (Das Boot), Toby Jones (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), Boyd Holbrook (Logan), Olivier Richters (Black Widow), Mads Mikkelsen (Doctor Strange) and newcomer Ethann Isidore. Directed by James Mangold (Logan, Walk the Line) and written by Jez Butterworth & John-Henry Butterworth and David Koepp and James Mangold, based on characters created by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman, the film is produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Simon Emanuel, with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas serving as executive producers. John Williams, who has scored each Indy adventure since the original Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981, has returned once again to compose the score.