Author - Jerry Paxton

Universal Studios Hollywood Unveils Holiday Gifts and Food Offerings for 2023

2023/11/16

Looking to share the gift of Universal Studios Hollywood with family and friends this holiday season, then a one-stop shopping spree at the entertainment destination for the perfect gift will help deliver ear-to-ear smiles.

To help take the guesswork out of what to buy, Universal Studios Hollywood has assembled a checklist of inspirational gifts available from its popular rides, attractions and immersive lands, including SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™,” “Jurassic World—The Ride” and Illumination’s “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash,” along with a collection of theme park favorites.

For the ideal stocking stuffer, the Universal Studios Hollywood Annual Pass is the quintessential gift to bring cheer throughout the year, inclusive of discounts and exclusive perks. Select the Platinum, Gold or Silver Annual Pass to create magical memories in 2024.

Here’s a checklist of top gifts to consider:

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD – Share the holidays with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad and more with these favorites: six different collectible Power-Up Bands; a variety of character plush toys, apparel, hats and headbands; and even a Reversable Super Star and ? Block pillow.
“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” – Bring home a little magic with spellbinding gifts (select items can be personalized), including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Collector Edition Wand, adult and youth Christmas-themed sweatshirts, interactive snowy owl plush toys, crew neck fleece sweatshirts from each of the four Houses, commemorative holiday ornaments and décor celebrating the season, decorative pins, mugs, scarves, scented candles, themed frames, cozy sleepwear and Honeydukes’ one-of-a-kind sweets.
“Grinchmas™” – For the naughty on the list, whimsical favorites from Universal Pictures’ Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas include spirit jerseys, totes, Grinchy ornaments, green faux-fur keychains and adorned hats, gloves and scarves, colorful tumblers and pajamas.
“Jurassic World—The Ride” – Add a splash of Blue to the holiday season with such dinosaur favorites as a T. Rex Cutie Plush, assorted masks, bubble wand and canteen.
“Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” – Illumination’s mischievous Minions bring seasonal smiles with these must-have favorites: Minion and “Fluffy” the unicorn plush toys, backpacks and Minion goggles.
“The Secret Life of Pet: Off the Leash” – Furry stars Max, Snowball, Duke, Gidget, Buddy, Daisy, Mel, Princess and Pickles from Illumination’s The Secret Life of Pets franchise bring holiday cheer with themed favorites, including plush toys, pajamas and “Adopt A Pup” collection.
“The Simpsons Ride™” and Springfield, USA – D’oh…here are few gift giving ideas from America’s favorite family: Pink donut pillow, character plush toys and apparel.
And finally, here are a few memorable gifts for the all-encompassing Universal Studios Hollywood theme park fan, including Universal retro sweaters, caps and totes, Universal 1912 backpacks, tumblers and keychains, wooden clapboard and Universal Globe figurine.
Throughout Universal Studios Hollywood’s festive holiday celebration, guests can purchase an array of culinary treats and comfort foods, created exclusively by the theme parks Executive Chef Julia Thrash. Here’s a sampling:
“Grinchmas” will serve up such Who-bilation favorites as Who-ville Spiral Croissant, Dumpit to Crumpit Treat, Who-bilicious Cinnamon Roll, 2 Sizes Too Small Cupcake, Heart Grew 3 Sizes Sugar Cookie and the Grinch™ Heart Lemonade.
Comfort foods and themed holiday fare available throughout the theme park: Crispy BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Slow Roasted Turkey Sandwich with Fries, Chili, Butternut Squash Soup and Clam Chowder in Bread Bowl, Turkey Quesadilla, Smoked Brisket Sandwich, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Chocolate Spiral Croissant, Pumpkin Spice Spiral Croissant, Sleigh Bells Irish Sour, Rudolph’s Red Rita, Hot Apple Toddy, Hot Espresso Martini, Make it Snappy Santa and Mrs. Claus’ Cinnamon Delight.

Universal CityWalk Hollywood, located just outside the theme park, is also stocked for ideal shopping and dining.

The Universal Studios Store offers a selection of items from popular attractions found within the theme park.
Universal UNIVRS provides limited-edition, character-inspired merchandise.
The SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ STORE on CityWalk features an array of themed items.
Production Central, themed to the Grinch™, provides a variety of holiday and theme park items.
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen presents a new seasonal milkshake, Tis the Season, available both at the Foundry milkshake bar and in the dining room.
The ever-popular Voodoo Doughnut entices guests with delicious seasonal flavors to celebrate the holiday spirit.
Antojitos Cocina Mexicana serves up a variety of festive-themed drinks, including Mistletoe Mule, Chestnut Horchata and Apple Cider Margarita.
NBC Sports Grill & Brew spreads holiday cheer with a tasty Peppermint Martini.
Jimmy Buffett’s® Margaritaville® whips up a deliciously creamy and joyful drink with its Co-co-Colada.
VIVO Italian Kitchen offers an assortment of flavorful drinks with the Winter Martini, Apple Cheer Martini and Hot Apple Cider, which is available as a non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage.

Guests must be 21 years or older+ and have a valid photo ID to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages.

From Friday, November 24 through Monday, January 1, 2024, Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood features “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” and the spectacular dazzling light projection transformation of Hogwarts^TM castle through “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” as well as “Grinchmas,” featuring a Who-lebration of fun fit for the Grinch, his faithful dog Max and a roster of Who-ville Whos. Holiday programs are included in the price of theme park admission.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter). Entry to Universal CityWalk is free. More information is available at www.CityWalkHollywood.com.

Star Trek: The Picard Legacy Collection Available Now

2023/11/16

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Movie News, News, Trailers / Videos

Star Trek: The Picard Legacy Collection is now available from Paramount Home Entertainment!

The limited edition individually numbered 54-Disc Blu-ray collection features one of a kind packaging that houses every series and film featuring Jean-Luc Picard. Along with over 35 hours of special features, films and series include “Star Trek: The Next Generation – Seasons 1-7,” “Star Trek: Picard – Seasons 1-3,” Star Trek: Generations, Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Nemesis, and Star Trek: Insurrection. This limited set also includes an exclusive edition of The Wisdom of Picard featuring brand new artwork and quotes, along with a one-of-a-kind deck of playing cards, a magnet sheet featuring all of Captain Picard’s badges and four custom Chateau Picard drink coasters.

Check out behind the scenes clips, gag reel and deleted scenes below from the latest season of “Star Trek: Picard!”

Dungeons 4 Official Launch Trailer

2023/11/16

Jerry Paxton

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

Beware do-gooders of the Overworld, for war is on the horizon. Publisher Kalypso Media and in-house developer Realmforge Studios have unleashed The Absolute Evil upon the Overworld with the official launch of Dungeons series’ highly anticipated sequel, Dungeons 4.

Sound the alarm and prepare your traps, because Dungeons 4 is now available day one on Xbox Game Pass for console and PC, and is available in Standard or Deluxe Editions on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PlayStation 5. The Deluxe Edition provides hellish extras for the most daring minions, including the Digital Artbook, exclusive Evil and Good Thalya Legacy Skins, Dungeons 3 Evil Hand Legacy Skin, remastered Storming of Dollaran Map from Dungeons 3, and the Official Dungeons 4 Soundtrack. With larger dungeons, an expansive Overworld, enhanced co-op play, more evil critters, and the addition of the infuriating Dwarves, Evil has never looked this good!

Building on the success of the iconic Dungeons series, Dungeons 4 unleashes evilness upon the Overworld with a mix of real-time strategy, simulation, and dungeon management gameplay. The story follows the Dark Elf Thalya, recently returned from imprisonment as she sows chaos in in the Overworld and ultimately teams up with a very unlikely partner along with the embodiment of The Absolute Evil re-incarnated, The Baby Evil – Gorgu. Reinforced with a new ability-based Perk System and Baby Evil at her side, Thalya is certain she will finally overcome the forces of good once and for all.

As if Thalya didn’t have enough to deal with, the developers at Realmforge have decided to make Dungeons 4 even more challenging by adding a new adversary. Dwarves have arrived in Dungeons 4, ready to tunnel destruction through carefully crafted dungeons to prevent The Absolute Evil from turning the beautiful Overworld into Evil’s most pleasurable holiday paradise. Prepare for the onslaught of Dwarves by ensuring the Dungeon is well-protected by traps and stocked with minions ready to thwart those pesky intruders. Think the Absolute Evil would stop there? No way! Those brave enough to face the forces of good can have an evil buddy tag along in the adventure with dynamic two-player co-op multiplayer, managing and controlling the same dungeon with a unified evil vision.

What would a new Dungeons game be without the storytelling prowess of the beloved narrator? The undeniably charming and fan-favorite English narrator Kevan Brighting returns to the carnage to chronicle every conquest and provide helpful… or at least satisfying commentary throughout the campaign.

Dungeons 4 is out now with Xbox Game Pass for console and PC, and is also available on Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Epic Games Store, and PlayStation 5. Dungeons 4 will bring The Absolute Evil to the Nintendo Switch™ <

Victoria 3 Update 1.5 Trailer

2023/11/16

Jerry Paxton

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

The Victoria series is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a major update and a very colorful region pack for the latest game in Paradox’s celebrated strategy and simulation of the exciting century around the Victorian Age. Today sees the launch of Colossus of the South, an add-on full of new flavor for South America, especially the dramatic course of Brazilian politics in the era.

This release is paired with the official launch of the 1.5 update to Victoria 3, a major update to many game systems including a rework of the military system, adding Companies to national economies, new Laws and new diplomatic relations.

“Even though it was something of a cult hit, Victoria has always had a special place in the heart of our community and it presents unique challenges and opportunities for a designer,” says Martin Anward, game director for Victoria 3. “I am not sure anyone expected the series to still be a going concern 20 years on, but here we are, one year after the launch of Victoria 3, full of exciting ideas for the future.”

The Inquisitor Release Date Announced

2023/11/15

Jerry Paxton

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

Publisher Kalypso Media and development studio The Dust S.A. have announced their upcoming dark fantasy adventure game, The Inquisitor, will be released on February 8, 2024, on Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. For those eager to plunge into the darkness, a behind the scenes video has been released from inside the recording studio where voice actor Jamie Maclachlan recorded the voice of the protagonist for the game, Mordimer Madderdin.

This first developer diary will focus on Maclachlan’s enigmatic performance as Mordimer Madderdin, the titular inquisitor of the game. Delving into his interpretation of the character and giving special insights into how he performed the role. Two additional developer diaries will be released leading up to launch, further exploring the team behind The Inquisitor and the world (and Unworld) of the game’s story.

The Inquisitor is a dark fantasy adventure game set in an alternate-history version of the 1500s, in which Jesus did not die for our sins, but instead broke free from the cross and sought vengeance on the non-believers. Players will take on the role of Mordimer Madderdin, an Inquisitor in the service to the Church of Christ Vengeful. The Inquisitor is at its core a story-driven fantasy adventure game with a focus on detective elements, blending action and puzzle mechanics into the mix.

The Inquisitor will be released on February 8, 2024, on Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.

More than 1 Million USD Donated Through WargamingUnited Ukraine Ambulance Campaign

2023/11/15

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Industry News, News

The two-week charity initiative WargamingUnited has received significant support from our players worldwide. Six of our games — World of Tanks, World of Tanks Blitz, World of Tanks Modern Armor, World of Warships, World of Warships: Legends and World of Warplanes — featured special Ukraine-themed bundles with customization elements crafted by the artists at our Wargaming Kyiv studio.

A total of 90 thousand bundles were purchased, with players from 115 countries participating in the campaign. As a result, Wargaming has transferred 1,072,940 USD via the UNITED24 platform to acquire C-type ambulances that will take on the duty to save lives.

We wish to express our gratitude and appreciation for the support and commitment of our community.

Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop – Official Tram Extension Out Now

2023/11/15

Jerry Paxton

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

With the Official Tram Extension, the latest expansion for Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop is now available. With the DLC, astragon Entertainment and the stillalive studios developer team are introducing the opportunity to drive and manage trams for the first time in the history of the game series! Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop – Official Tram Extension is available now for PC, PlayStation^®5, PlayStation^®4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One as DLC on the digital stores!

Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop – Official Tram Extension:

New DLC opens access to rail networks on both maps of the game – Angel Shores and Seaside Valley!
Dedicated tram depots for the trams
Two drivable tram models – including a detailed and fully interactive cockpit!
Create tram routes: A separate type of route that is integrated into the timetable
Road traffic interacts with trams
New story missions on both maps
New drive events
Shared bus and streetcar stations
Now available for 19.99 EUR / 19.99 USD (SRP) as DLC on the digital stores!
Alternatively, also available as part of the Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop – Season Pass.
Owners of the Official Tram Extension or the Season Pass will get free access to the upcoming Tram Simulator Urban Transit, which will be released later as a standalone game!

With Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop – Official Tram Extension, public transportation fans will get the opportunity to bring Angel Shores’ old rail network back to life and experience the city from a whole new perspective. In addition, Seaside Valley has also built a brand-new rail network, just waiting to be put into operation by eager players.

Lake: Season’s Greetings Launch Trailer

2023/11/15

Jerry Paxton

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

Jingle bells are ringing — the festive season is here a little early this year! Lake’s holiday-themed prequel, Lake: Season’s Greetings, is out now on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation! Deliver the holiday cheer as Thomas Weiss in this cozy new chapter to the popular mail carrier sim! Grab a nice cup of cocoa and your favorite blanket, and jump right into the winter wonderland of Providence Oaks today!

To celebrate the release of Lake: Season’s Greetings, gift your friends or family Lake on PC at a discount this holiday season! From November 15 through 21, the base game will be available at a 60% discount on Steam and a 50% discount on the Epic Games Store. PlayStation players in Europe can also pick up Lake for PlayStation 4 and 5 for a 50% discount from November 15 to 29!

The Thaumaturge Delayed Until February

2023/11/15

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Windows PC News

Mastering the mystic arts is an ambitious undertaking, and equally so is game development when you refuse to compromise on quality. With this in mind, 11 bit studios and Fool’s Theory have mutually decided to give The Thaumaturge some additional time in development to achieve the standards that players have come to expect from them.

Recently announced for a December 5th release, The Thaumaturge will now launch on February 20th, 2024 on PC. As the finishing touches were put on the game over recent weeks, the team saw the opportunity to add more polish and quality, and given they have the comfort to allow themselves some extra time the decision was made to delay.

In this narrative-focused RPG, players take on the role of Wiktor Szulski, a thaumaturge on a quest to make peace with his past. Unfolding in 1905 Warsaw, the story revolves around the complex theme of inner demons and how in this world that can mean more than just a mental burden. In The Thaumaturge, demons are known as Salutors who feed on one’s darkest secrets and only the titular thaumaturge has the ability to relieve someone of this burden.

The Thaumaturge will be released on PC on February 20, 2024, followed by PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions at a later date.

Arizona Sunshine 2 Gameplay Showcase this Friday

2023/11/15

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Vertigo Games today announced a Gameplay Showcase for Arizona Sunshine 2, the highly anticipated next-gen sequel to the multi-year top-selling VR action FPS, which is launching this December 7th. Fans can tune in on November 17th to get an in-depth look at fresh campaign gameplay with developer commentary, all-new game details including co-op announcements, special guest appearances, never-before-seen co-op gameplay from highlighted creators, and more.

During the Gameplay Showcase, players can directly engage with the developers during an AMA session on Reddit: r/PSVR (click) and r/OculusQuest (click). Threads are now open for questions, which will be answered by studio representatives on Friday.

Arizona Sunshine 2 is scheduled for release on all major platforms on December 7th, 2023. Pre-orders are now available on PlayStation VR2, Meta Quest and Steam VR.

Learn more at http://arizona-sunshine.com and join the conversation on Discord, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok.