Author - Jerry Paxton

Six Flags Great Adventure Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Largest Park Investment in 20 Years

Since 1974,  Six Flags Great Adventure & Wild Safari has been providing ultimate thrills and family entertainment to guests from around the world. In 2024, the property will celebrate 50 years of family fun and thrills with a first-of-its-kind new family roller coaster, a luxury camping experience and off-road adventure within the Wild Safari, and 50th anniversary celebrations.

“With our largest park investment in almost two decades, we are excited to offer guests of all ages compelling new experiences that make Six Flags Great Adventure the most popular theme park experience in the Northeast during our 50th Anniversary Celebration. In 2024, we will debut our 15th roller coaster, the first-of-its-kind in the Western Hemisphere; and the most unique overnight experience in the country within our 350-acre safari,” said Park President Brian Bacica.

With innovation in its DNA, Six Flags Great Adventure continues to excite thrill seekers of all ages in 2024. Highlights of new additions include:

·        THE FLASH™: Vertical Velocity – Presented in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment and DC, the first super boomerang coaster to open in North America rushes forward and backward at nearly 60 miles per hour through a 180-degree twisted drop and zero-G roll. In a flash, it changes direction and speeds off again, backward;

·        Luxury Safari Experience – An authentic African lodging experience at the NEW Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa set within the expansive 350-acre Wild Safari Park. Overnight guests will enjoy ultra-luxurious “glamping” accommodations, scenic vistas, spa services and VIP dining, all creating an unforgettable safari getaway;

·        Safari Off-Road Adventure Returns – The Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure will close this Fall and reopen in 2024 as the Safari Off-Road Adventure giving guests a guided tour offering a more personalized experience through our 350-acre safari. Guests can board safari off-road vehicles in two locations, Frontier Adventures within the theme park or at the main Wild Safari entrance;

·        Guests Become a Part of the Adventure– Leading up to the 50th Anniversary Celebration, guests will be invited to become part of the adventure with the purchase of an anniversary brick and keepsake. These bricks will adorn a new pathway located at the theme park’s original entrance;

·        Nostalgic Enhancements– Six Flags Great Adventure will add nostalgic elements that give a nod to the park’s history including an upgrade for two original park favorites, the Log Flume and iconic Big Wheel;

Six Flags Great Adventure is also announcing the Biggest Sale of the Year, featuring discounts of up to 70% on season passes, tickets, and more, available now through September 5. What sets this offer apart is that not only can park visitors enjoy the new 2024 experiences with their season passes, they can also receive admission throughout the remainder of 2023 including access to the highly popular Six Flags Fright Fest.

Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle Official Launch Trailer

Survival horror enthusiasts, brace yourselves! Leonardo Interactive and Invader Studios are thrilled to announce that “Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle” is now available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One. This spine-chilling game promises to deliver a heart-pounding experience that will keep players on the edge of their seats.

Key Features:

  • Return to Survival Horror Roots: “Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle” continues the legacy of the critically acclaimed “Daymare: 1998,” offering a thrilling return to classic survival horror gameplay.
  • Tense Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in a story-driven narrative set in the relentless and unforgiving universe of “Daymare.”
  • Monstrous Threats: Confront various gruesome creatures, each with distinct behaviors and weaknesses. Resource management and strategic thinking are essential to survival.
  • Immersive Soundtrack: A hauntingly atmospheric soundtrack enhances the terror-filled experience, making every moment unforgettable thanks also to the powerful voice of Cristina Scabbia (Lacuna Coil)!
  • Multiplatform Release: “Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle” is available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One, providing a broad range of players with access to its terrifying world.

Prepare for an unforgettable journey into madness as you face your darkest fears in “Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle.” Are you ready to survive the horrors that await?

Players can follow Leonardo Interactive’s social media channels and website for updates on the game’s progress and future announcements.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Coming to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

The Walt Disney Company announced today a special restored and remastered 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release of the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ first ever animated feature – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

This will be the first time that the classic film has been made available in stunning 4K UHD, as part of The Walt Disney Studios’ continuing major restoration program using new scans of the original nitrate negative and with the creative input of Disney Animation experts Eric Goldberg (one of the modern masters of Disney animation) and Michael Giaimo (production designer of Wish, Frozen, Frozen 2 and Pocahontas). This newly restored version of the beloved film is part of Disney’s 100th anniversary celebration and follows the recent restoration of Disney Animation’s Cinderella, released in 4K UHD earlier this year.

This new Disney100 edition will be released nationwide in a special collectible O-sleeve. There will also be a number of retail exclusives, with Best Buy offering a special Steelbook and Walmart offering animated titles in Disney100 edition slipcovers with a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs collectible pin.

Film Synopsis
The beautiful and kindhearted princess Snow White charms every creature in the kingdom except one — her jealous stepmother, the Queen. When the Magic Mirror proclaims Snow White is the fairest one of all, she must flee into the forest, where she befriends the lovable seven dwarfs — Doc, Sneezy, Grumpy, Happy, Bashful, Sleepy and Dopey. But when the Queen tricks Snow White with an enchanted apple, only the magic of true love’s kiss can save her!

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope: Rayman in the Phantom Show Announced

Today Ubisoft® announced the release of Mario + Rabbids® Sparks of Hope: Rayman in the Phantom Show. This last DLC for Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope introduces new mechanics, environments, and a new playable character: the one and only Rayman.

In this brand-new adventure, separate from the main game’s story line, players will control Rayman, Rabbid Peach and Rabbid Mario, as they discover the dramatic Space Opera Network, an uncanny TV studio full of props and easter eggs. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle players will be happy to meet again an old “friend”, the Phantom, now reconverted as a studio director beyond any reproach.

Players will explore various TV sets inspired by different movie genres, full of references from Rayman’s history. As they are progressively restoring the TV studio’s rating, they will soon find out that nothing is at it seems when it comes to TV, especially when the Phantom is involved.

During battles, this new adventure will provide tons of new tactical possibilities as Rayman’s legendary costumes are back to increase even more tactical possibilities. Players can leverage the Vortex and Rocket costumes to be stylish and efficient. Indeed, this is the “Grand Premiere”, and the Phantom will rate the player’s performance after every battle – so they better be efficient and make a good impression!

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope : Rayman in the Phantom Show requires players to own Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, available exclusively on Nintendo Switch™. This DLC can be bought standalone for $14.99 or as part of the new Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope + Rayman Edition including the base game and this third DLC, available digitally on the Nintendo eShop at a suggested price of $69.99. For more information about the DLC, please visit https://www.mariorabbids.com/buypyt.

Razer Kitsune Optical Arcade Controller Out Now

Razer™, the world’s leading lifestyle brand for gamers, officially announced the availability of the Razer Kitsune, its first-ever all-button optical arcade controller, specifically designed to transform the fighting game landscape.

The Razer Kitsune marks a departure from conventional controllers, marrying the tactile satisfaction of an arcade control panel with the cutting-edge technology of Razer’s optical switches. This controller has been carefully crafted with the demands of competitive fighting game players in mind, offering incredible precision and superior control, while maintaining a slim and portable form factor for easy setup and storage. 

“With the Razer Kitsune, we have responded to the unique demands of competitive fighters,” said Ali Homayounfar, Razer Kitsune Product Lead. “It’s an innovative leap in gaming control, allowing players to perform complex moves and react faster than ever before, all thanks to the combination of all-button layout and optical switches. We’re proud to have developed Kitsune in collaboration with Capcom to ensure it meets all Capcom Pro Tour regulations.”  

Experience the Next Level of Control with Precise Quad Movement Button Layout  

By replacing traditional joysticks with four movement buttons, the Razer Kitsune brings a new dimension to control in fighting games, reducing input errors, and enabling players to perform complex motions flawlessly.  

React at Light Speed with Ultra-Responsive Linear Optical Switches  

Incorporating Razer’s Low-Profile Linear Optical Switches first seen on the award-winning Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro keyboard, the Kitsune offers ultra-responsive inputs, providing the precision and speed needed to outmaneuver opponents and capitalize on every opportunity. 

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Slim, Portable Design for the On-The-Go Competitor  

Staying true to Razer’s tradition of ergonomic excellence, the Kitsune is designed with portability in mind, boasting a slim, portable form factor that can easily be stored in a backpack, and a detachable USB Type C cable for quick setup and pack-up.  

Stay Secure and Uninterrupted with Cable Lock and Tournament Lock Switch  

The Kitsune’s Cable Security Clasp and Tournament Lock Switch eliminate the risk of accidental disconnections and unwanted inputs during heated competitions, offering players peace of mind when every second counts. 

Match Your Style with Removable Aluminum Top Plate and Chroma™ RGB  

Offering a removable aluminum top plate and Razer Chroma™ RGB, the Kitsune allows players not just to play their best but look their best as well, with customization options to match their unique style.

Razer’s innovative leap into the realm of all-button optical arcade controllers with the Kitsune represents a monumental shift in the gaming control landscape. By combining a precise quad movement button layout, ultra-responsive linear optical switches, and a super slim portable form factor, the Kitsune stands as a new titan in the realm of fighting game controllers for PS5® and PC.

For more information on the Razer Kitsune, please visit Razer.com. 

PRICE & AVAILABILITY 

Razer Kitsune 
$299.99 USD / 349.99€ MSRP 
Razer.com, RazerStores, & Authorized Resellers – Available from today, August 29, 2023  

Razer Kitsune SF6 Chun-Li Edition and Razer Kitsune SF6 Cammy Edition  
$329.99 USD / 379.99€ MSRP  
Available Q4, 2023. 

The Outlast Trials State of Early Access and Halloween Update

Red Barrels, the visionary indie game development studio, is thrilled to unveil exciting developments for their critically acclaimed title, The Outlast Trials. From a successful Early Access launch, Red Barrels has been hard at work with community feedback throughout Early Access as it aims to deliver its ambitious and innovative psychological horror to console on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One in Early 2024.

Red Barrels is committed to enabling crossplay between console and PC players, allowing for a seamless social experience to be shared across platforms. Through player feedback, suggestion or other methods, Matchmaking will also have improvements made with how Trials are selected to involve the group instead of just the leader. Coop is vital to The Outlast Trials, and the studio is dedicated to delivering a polished and unforgettable experience to all players.

Prepare for an eerie journey into terror with The Outlast Trials’ upcoming Halloween Major Update. This update promises an array of spine-chilling additions, including the introduction of Program 4, a new Trial, new MK-Challenges, a Program X refresh, and a limited-time Program Halloween event complete with special rewards. Players can also anticipate new Amps, Variators, Prescriptions, Cosmetics, Cell Items, Sleep Room Minigame, and numerous improvements, balances, tweaks, and quality-of-life enhancements.

“I am immensely proud of the journey we’ve embarked on with our players,” said Alex Charbonneau, Game Director of The Outlast Trials. “The tremendous response to The Outlast Trials Early Access fuels our passion and determination to deliver an exceptional gaming experience. As indie developers, we’ve embraced the challenges and harnessed player feedback to guide us towards refining the game’s core and ensuring its longevity on PC and for consoles.”

In addition to the significant updates, some issues are being addressed:

  • Reward efforts even in the event of failing a Trial
  • Penalize group players not participating in Trials
  • Improve the Trial selection process as a group
  • Keep improving the solo experience
  • Keep improving the AI behaviour in some edge case situations

For additional details around these topics and addressing issues throughout Early Access, please read the developer blog post.

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.

Dead by Daylight: Alien Out Now

The legendary Alien franchise is now available in Dead by Daylight, pushing the boundaries of sci-fi horror to the depths of space. Starting today, players can stalk Survivors as the Xenomorph or survive as Ellen Ripley, the ultimate hero. Players will also get to explore a reinterpretation of the iconic ship from Ridley Scott’s classic film in the new Map: Nostromo Wreckage.

The Nostromo Wreckage is The Entity’s twisted recreation of the interstellar cargo ship from Ripley’s memories – a grim and hopeless place where its labyrinthine decks become a deathly nightmare.

“One of the biggest challenges of this Chapter was blending the world of Alien with the world of Dead by Daylight. We strived to honor the source material while respecting our gameplay and the universe we have built, and hope players will recognize – and appreciate – the familiar sights and twisted environmental tweaks from The Entity”, explains Chase Toole, Associate Artistic Director on Dead by Daylight.

The Nostromo Wreckage also introduces a new exclusive feature: Steam Pipes. Whoever runs past a Steam Pipe will activate a short jet of steam. The steam can hit either Killer or Survivor, slowing them down for a few seconds. Survivors can interact with the Steam Pipe Panels to reset the pipe, allowing it to be used again.

An icon of horror and science fiction, the Xenomorph is one of the most recognizable characters in popular culture.

“The Xenomorph is truly one of the most mythical creatures ever created”, says Dave Richard, Senior Creative Designer on Dead by Daylight. “It taps into our fear of what lurks behind our reach, in the dark. The anxiety it creates is only amplified by its striking appearance. We couldn’t have hoped for a better fit to be added to our roster of impressive Killers.”

The Xenomorph adds to the meta with its exclusive Map Feature: Control Stations.

Control Stations will appear on any Map when facing the Xenomorph. Several Control Stations are available during a Trial. Both the Xenomorph and Survivors can engage with them in different ways:

SURVIVOR INTERACTIONS

Survivors must interact with Control Stations to generate a Special Item: a Remote Flame Turret, available only when facing the Xenomorph. These cylindrical weapons need to be picked up and placed strategically. Once the Xenomorph is within its proximity, the Turret will emit a sound, warning Survivors of its imminent flame deployment. The flame disables the Xenomorph’s Power, Crawler Mode, considerably reducing its stealth. If employed for a prolonged period of time, a Turret can overheat and must be repaired by Survivors. The Xenomorph can also disable or destroy a Turret by hitting it once.

KILLER INTERACTIONS

Control Stations are the gateway to a complex system of underground tunnels that can only be accessed by the Xenomorph. This System allows the Xenomorph to navigate between Control Stations across any Map in a matter of seconds. Inside the Tunnels, the Xenomorph can see Survivor footsteps above, in the form of ripple-like fluorescent impact points and hear the Generator repair sounds. When coming out of a Control Station, it can also detect any nearby Survivors – allowing it to navigate the Map with deadly efficacy.

Ellen Ripley, warrant officer of the Nostromo, is capable and pragmatic. An iconic hero, she joins The Fog as a strong and level-headed Survivor.

“The fantasy of playing as Ripley is an incredible opportunity. Ripley has many tricks up her sleeves, with Perks that give her silent footsteps while running and trapping Pallets, making her a resourceful and powerful ally”, declares Janick Neveu, Game Designer for Dead by Daylight. “She offers an incredibly fun strategic counterplay that will certainly draw people in.”

Fate/Samurai Remnant Third Trailer Released

Today, KOEI TECMO America and developer Omega Force, alongside collaborators TYPE-MOON and Aniplex Inc., revealed a new trailer for the upcoming action RPG, Fate/Samurai Remnant. In this intense trailer, players are introduced to life in the streets of Edo, getting a glimpse into the deeper aspects of the storyline accompanied by the game’s main theme, “Zanya Gensou feat. LICCA / Spiral Ladder”. Fate/Samurai Remnant is currently in development for PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch™, and Windows PC via Steam®, and will be available in North America Sept. 29, 2023.

Throughout the Fate franchise, pairs of Masters and heroic spirits – also known as Servants – have been fighting across history in a series of Holy Grail Wars, with the winning duo receiving an ancient artifact that grants wishes. Fate/Samurai Remnant continues the series’ epic Holy Grail War in Edo Period Japan as players control young samurai Miyamoto Iori alongside his Servant Saber. Here, a battle between seven pairs of Masters and Servants is about to begin as the “Waxing Moon Ritual” unfolds in the shadows.

Playing as Iori, players will explore the town of Edo and experience a variety of activities, such as wandering the streets in the company of various Servants, shopping at the mysterious store “Babyloni-ya”, or visiting famous places scattered throughout Edo. Accompanied by Saber, who is particularly keen to discover life in Edo, Iori will be able to complete a variety of side quests to earn money and much-needed materials. He will even be called upon to arbitrate fights!

As Edo is divided into several districts, players can move from one to another using the world map, which will show them where to go to progress through the story of the Waxing Moon Ritual. Saber will also mark places of interest on the map. Some Rogue Servants may suggest sub-quests called “Digressions”. As they progress through the different Digressions, players will bond with Rogue Servants who will accompany Iori.

By taking part in the Ritual, Iori will have to prepare himself to face powerful opponents in fearsome battles with the help of Saber and other Rogue Servants. To maximize their chances, players can upgrade not only Iori’s skill tree, but also those of Saber and other Rogue Servants, unlocking various skills and abilities that they can equip. In addition to his skill tree, Iori can use materials with his sword mountings to strengthen its abilities and replace the skills attached to it. Players will also be able to fill in Saber’s “Memento Ring” as they strengthen the bond between Servant and Master by exploring the town of Edo and progressing through the story. Once they reach a certain level on the “Memento Ring”, players can increase their chances of using Link Strikes in battle or unlock new skills in Saber’s tree.

In Fate/Samurai Remnant’s combat, players have three different gauges to watch out for if they want to triumph over even the most formidable opponents: the “Affinity Gauge”, the “Substitution Gauge”, and the “Hidden Sword Gauge”. The first gauge is required to use the powerful “Affinity Technique” action and order their Servant to perform a specific attack. This gauge fills up during combat in response to Iori’s attacks, but can also fill up during exploration when players carry out various activities such as interacting with Saber’s points of interest. By consuming the second gauge, the “Substitution Gauge”, players can temporarily and directly control the Servant accompanying Iori. Finally, the last gauge tells players when they can unleash Iori’s special technique, which changes according to the number of swords used in combat.

During Tokyo Game Show 2023, a special livestream* will be held on Sept. 21, 2023 from 06:00 PST (22:00 JST). Broadcast on KOEI TECMO Japan’s official YouTube channel, this special livestream will not only provide more information about the game, but will also showcase gameplay using characters that have never been played before. Special guests include voice actors Kengo Kawanishi (Iori Miyamoto), Hibiku Yamamura (Saber), and Tomoaki Maeno (Zheng Chenggong).

Fate/Samurai Remnant is now available for pre-order in both Standard and Digital Deluxe editions. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes the base game, a digital artbook and soundtrack, the Fate/Samurai Remnant Season Pass that includes three DLC sets**, and the Season Pass Bonus item “Hallowed Relic Sword Mountings”.

Fans who pre-order the game digitally or at select retail stores by Sept. 28, 2023 will also receive Miyamoto Musashi’s special costume, “Phantasmal Dress”.

Additionally, a special TREASURE BOX version of Fate/Samurai Remnant is currently available for pre-order. Sold exclusively through the NISA store, the TREASURE BOX includes the stunning Fate/Samurai Remnant material (art book), a B2 sized cloth poster, original soundtrack CD, Command Spell stickers, bonus costume DLC (set of two costumes), the Official Short Story Translation book, and a collectible box.

For more information on Fate/Samurai Remnant, be sure to visit the official site, Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/koeitecmous and Follow us on Twitter @koeitecmoUS.

Highrise City Releases On September 4th

Highrise City, the ambitious city builder from FourExo Entertainment and Deck13 Spotlight, will leave Early Access right after Gamescom via Steam and GOG! After nearly two years in Early Access, this extraordinary mix of city builder and economy simulation was shaped with the help of a more than just loyal community and is very close to release!

A loyal community and countless thousands of people who have the game currently on their wishlist have been waiting for the official confirmation and we can finally confirm: Highrise City will leave Early Access on September 4th. The release will happen with a fully packed update, bringing tons of new features and content to the game.

Jagged Alliance 3 Console Announcement Trailer

Exciting News for Console Gamers! Get ready to dive into the world of strategic brilliance as Jagged Alliance 3, the highly acclaimed turn-based tactics game, gears up to make its grand debut on both PlayStation and Xbox platforms. Settle into the comfort of your couch, take command of your skilled mercenaries, and embark on a mission to rescue the nation of Grand Chien.

Boasting an impressive Metacritic Score of 81 and a User Score of 8.1 for its PC version, coupled with a staggering 91% approval rating from Steam reviews, Jagged Alliance 3 has undeniably captured the essence of excellence. As eloquently stated by Hooked Gamer in their stellar 95/100 review, the game has truly “nailed the vibe.” Likewise, IGN hails it as “a smartly-built, action-packed throwback tactical extravaganza” paying homage to its nostalgic charm.

Anticipation builds as Jagged Alliance 3 undergoes meticulous development for both PlayStation enthusiasts, spanning from the fourth iteration to the latest PlayStation 5, as well as for devoted Xbox players, covering both the Xbox One and the Xbox Series S/X. The game is slated for release at a suggested retail price of $59.99 / €59.99 / £49.99.

Lead your mercenaries to victory from the comfort of your living room as Jagged Alliance 3 redefines strategic gaming on consoles!

Links to the game:
Xbox: https://www.microsoft.com/store/productid/9pjdq1mkwn3d
PS: https://store.playstation.com/concept/10005890