Author - Jerry Paxton

Universal Studios Celebrates Jurassic Park’s 30th Anniversary

2023/05/18

Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood join the #JurassicJune celebration with special, limited-time experiences to honor the 30^th anniversary of the groundbreaking film, Jurassic Park. Across both coasts this summer, theme park guests can celebrate one of the greatest cinematic adventures ever created with exclusive merchandise, specialty food and beverage offerings and screenings of the 1993 iconic film.

Here’s how guests can celebrate Jurassic Park at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood:

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando guests can step through the iconic gates of Jurassic Park at Universal Islands of Adventure and explore an immersive land home to exciting experiences inspired by the record-breaking franchise, including “Jurassic Park River Adventure” – where a leisure raft ride turns into a daring eight-story plunge to escape a ferocious T. rex; “Jurassic World VelociCoaster” – Florida’s fastest and tallest launch coaster; and more.
The Jurassic Park Tribute Store: A store more than 65 million years in the making…Jurassic Park is taking over this summer in the Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida. Opening on May 26, the immersive retail location will invite guests to explore the history of the blockbuster movie as they venture through a series of themed rooms that highlight everything from pre-production elements like storyboards and blueprints to photo ops that recreate memorable scenes from the iconic film. Guests can also shop exclusive 30^th anniversary merchandise including apparel, hats, key chains, plush, collectibles and more.
Jurassic-Themed Menu Items: Guests visiting Thunder Falls at Islands of Adventure can sink their teeth into a new Coconut Cajeta Churro (a caramel infused churro drizzled with coconut flakes and caramel sauce) and Prehistoric Raptor Wings (chargrilled chicken wings marinated with olive and spices then tossed in a sweet chili sauce and served with cilantro lime rice, black beans, and a plantain chip). Guests can also enjoy an exclusive Jurassic Park 30^th Anniversary Fanta flavor – the “Wild Refresherrrr” – starting June 1.
Jurassic Park Film Screenings at Universal Cinemark in CityWalk: Guests can catch screenings of the original Jurassic Park on June 9, 10 and 11 at Universal Cinemark.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood pays homage to the landmark movie with its popular “Jurassic World—The Ride.” The adventure continues the saga of the blockbuster franchise, taking guests into the exhilarating world of dinosaurs that originated in Jurassic Park.
Exclusive Jurassic Park 30^th Anniversary Merchandise: Universal Studios Hollywood will mark Jurassic Park’s 30^th anniversary with an assortment of merchandise from apparel and plush to collectibles and more to celebrate the film. Select items will be available at the UNIVRS and Universal Studios Store on CityWalk and within the theme park at the Universal Studio Store and Jurassic Outfitters, located adjacent to “Jurassic World—The Ride.”
Jurassic-Themed Food and Beverage Offerings: Universal Studios Hollywood will serve up a new selection of Latin American inspired food and themed anniversary beverages this summer at Jurassic Cafe, located next to “Jurassic World—The Ride.”
- The new menu will feature Grilled Veggie and Beef Skewers, Brazilian Cheese Bread, Raptor Hummus, Coconut Flan, Dino Chocolate Tres Leches Cake and a Family Feast (two half chickens and two skewers, hummus, chips, cheese balls, mojo pork and vegetables).
- Guests can quench their thirst with Jurassic World-themed Boxed Water, an exclusive Jurassic Park 30^th Anniversary “Wild Refresherrrr” Fanta Flavor or an Amber Mojito.
- The popular Isla Nu-Bar’s menu will expand to include a new “Jurassic Water” cocktail and dinosaur-themed wines – Pterrior Dactyl Rosé and Blanco-Osaurus. Additionally, cocktails can be served in a new souvenir Volcano Tiki Cup.
Jurassic Park on the Big Screen at Universal Cinema AMC in CityWalk: Moviegoers can catch screenings of the original film at Universal Cinema AMC the weekend of June 9.

For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com, and for Universal Studios Hollywood, visit www.universalstudioshollywood.com.

The activities at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood are just part of a collection of exciting experiences taking place during #JurassicJune and beyond to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of Jurassic Park. Fans can look forward to new broadcast, digital and game content, as well as exclusive merchandise across a variety of categories at retailers around the world, a re-release of the film, retail promotions, anniversary celebration events, fan conventions and more to celebrate the awe-inspiring film. Follow #JurassicPark30 for more information about anniversary activities.

Gangs of Sherwood Reimagining the Robin Hood Legend Trailer

2023/05/18

Jerry Paxton

Game publisher NACON and developer Appeal Studios are pleased to announce a new video for the co-op action-adventure game Gangs of Sherwood. In the video, Game Director Andrea Di Stefano and Art Director Michael Defroyennes talk about how they adapted the legend of Robin Hood.

In Gangs of Sherwood, gamers can choose to play as four of the most famous heroes from the legend: Friar Tuck, Little John, Maid Marian and, of course, Robin Hood. The development teams also wanted to highlight the wonderfully rich lore of the legend by including lesser-known characters, such as Alan-a-Dale. As much focus has been placed on the antagonists, such as the charismatic Guy of Gisbourne, usually depicted as an assassin charged with killing Robin Hood, and the prioress of Kirklees, presumed responsible for Robin Hood’s death.

The story in Gangs of Sherwood is a unique take on the Robin Hood legend. It is a war story in which the heroes are leaders of a resistance against the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. Technological advancement plays a major role in the world, which adds a science-fantasy dimension to the game’s medieval world. “The new technology was made possible by the Lionheart, a unique stone brought back from the Crusades, which can be used to transform metal and give it magical properties,” said Andrea Di Stefano. “This swift technological progress has led to a revolution in transportation and the way the war unfolds. In our case, it is having a big impact on combat, on the way the characters interact with enemies and the power they can unleash, which results in explosive and spectacular battles.”

During their adventure, players will explore a wide variety of stunning environments, some of which will certainly be familiar. As Michael Defroyennes explains, “For example, we start in the village of Locksley, which is under siege, and there will be other iconic places, of course, such as Sherwood Forest and the city of Nottingham. We also wanted to highlight the bleak aspect of the various regions to show how the world is war-torn and the how pollution from technology has impacted the environment.”

Stay tuned! More information about the game will be shared soon on our social media channels!

Red Barrels Launches The Outlast Trials into Early Access

2023/05/18

Jerry Paxton

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

Red Barrels, the independent game development studio based in Montréal, has officially launched Early Access for The Outlast Trials which is available now via Steam and Epic Games Store for $29.99 USD.

Stepping into Murkoff’s Sinyala Facility during Early Access, players will experience mind-numbing terror, whether surviving alongside friends or daring to go alone. Early Access includes all the main features of a classic Outlast game and will introduce a whole new program structure. Players will be pushed to their limits in new environments, new trials, several challenges and variators, a seasonal program, character and cell customization, full character progression with a narrative introduction and a surprising conclusion for each Reagent released, and more, gradually throughout the Early Access.

“We’re eager to see and hear how Reagents (players) perform in Murkoff’s experimental program during The Outlast Trials Early Access,” said Philippe Morin, Co-Founder of Red Barrels. “Feedback from players throughout Early Access is key to us delivering a more refined and balanced game. The Outlast Trials is our most challenging production and we’ll continue developing the game until we feel the game delivers our initial vision.”

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.

Tamarak Trail Coming to Consoles

2023/05/18

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, Trailers / Videos, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Independent game studio Yarrow Games, in partnership with leading independent video game publisher Versus Evil, are pleased to reveal that its upcoming deck-bulding roguelike Tamarak Trail is coming to Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms, where it will launch alongside the Steam release this summer. Tamarak Trail is a turn-based deck-building roguelike that uses customizable dice instead of cards.

As a member of a secret society named the Sturgeon Lodge it’s up to you to piece together the mystery of a decaying earth, hunt down the source of this corruption and put a stop to it at all costs.

Embarking on this adventure, you can choose one of three characters; The Magician, the Tracker or the Detective, each with their own unique abilities and traits. Depending on your preferred playstyle, the character’s different skills and attributes allow you to craft a unique strategy for your character as they navigate the ominous trail. Procedurally-generated paths create a myriad of possibilities where you can encounter events, monsters, campsites, treasure and more. Every new discovery reveals new bonuses and strategies to explore.

To combat the monsters and nefarious foes you’ll encounter, you’ll have to be tactical in your dice-building, as each face could mean the difference between victory or defeat. Different dice sides can be used to attack directly, apply buffs and debuffs, inflict damage over time, defend yourself, to “flip” them to another side for combo awesomeness and much more. You can even apply “dice cores” to secure passive abilities. You’re given direct control of your dice rolls, and getting them to smack together allows you to create killer combo attacks. In true deck-builder fashion, dice faces can be customized with more abilities after each victory, adding new attacks, defenses and combinations to take forward into future battles.

With a beautiful hand-drawn illustrative style, the game’s art direction has many inspirations, including the Group of Seven, the Canadian landscape painters of the 1920’s, and illustrator Ivan Bilibin. Tamarak Trail takes its inspiration from roguelike deck builders like Slay the Spire, and pays homage to innovative titles like Dicey Dungeons and Peglin, which have influenced the game’s feel and mechanics. Add to that a diverse and horrific bestiary influenced by Northern Ontario’s wildlife, it culminates in a treacherous trail where danger and intrigue hides in every corner.

“Tamarak Trail is among the most deep, engrossing deck builders I’ve ever played,” said Steve Escalante, general Manager of Versus Evil. “We think Tamarak Trail has such wide appeal that we’re committed to bringing it to all major platforms right out of the gate. Thankfully you won’t have to wait too long to play it, as it’s launching this summer!”

Razer Announces New Razer Nommo V2 Desktop Speaker Lineup

2023/05/18

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Tech News

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the launch of their newest PC gaming speakers: The Nommo V2 line, designed on the three pillars of performance, immersion, and connectivity. The flagship Razer Nommo V2 Pro offers a fully-loaded, full-range speaker and wireless subwoofer combo that is amplified by THX® Spatial Audio. This is complemented by captivating rear-projection Razer Chroma™ RGB lighting for added immersion. The line also includes the Razer Nommo V2 desktop speaker with a wired subwoofer, and the Razer Nommo V2 X for a powerful, minimalistic setup.

Nommo V2 Pro – The Ultimate Gaming Speakers for Immersive Audio Experience

The Nommo V2 Pro boasts industry-leading features, including 3” full-range drivers with aluminum phase plugs that offer natural, crystal-clear acoustics, and is the world’s first PC gaming speaker system to feature a wireless down-firing subwoofer for deep, room-thumping bass with clutter-free connectivity. For a truly immersive gaming experience, gamers can also amplify the ambiance of their battlestation with rear-projection Razer Chroma RGB lighting.

“Today we’re redefining what gamers should expect from their desktop audio equipment,” said Barrie Ooi, Head of Razer’s PC Gaming Division. “The Nommo V2 line isn’t just about listening—it’s about fully experiencing and immersing oneself in the game. Whether you’re tracking enemy footsteps in a first-person shooter or lost in the soundtrack of the latest RPG, these are the best PC gaming speakers to provide an incredibly engaging audio-visual experience.”

To ensure gamers experience the very best audio quality, the Nommo V2 Pro is the world’s first desktop speaker system equipped with THX® Spatial Audio, providing a wide, true-to-life soundstage. Also available for the first time in Razer’s speaker line-up is THX Game Profiles, specially tuned EQs that deliver optimal surround sound for some of the most popular game titles, like Cyberpunk 2077 and Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, with many more to come.

Razer Wireless Control Pod – Control at your fingertips

For convenient controls with seamless connectivity, Razer introduces the Razer Wireless Control Pod. With the rotatable, clickable dial and source button for easy navigation and intuitive control, gamers can control settings such as volume, play/pause, EQ and more. Once connected via Bluetooth, the battery life lasts up to 8 months for long-lasting performance.

The Razer Wireless Control Pod comes supplied with the Nommo V2 Pro and will be available as a standalone accessory for the Nommo V2 and Nommo V2 X from August.

The Nommo V2 and V2 X complete the line

Razer also broadens the Nommo V2 line with introduction of the new Nommo V2 and Nommo V2 X. Both speakers are equipped with two 3” full-range drivers and THX® Spatial Audio for a high fidelity, room-filling soundstage. The Nommo V2 is armed with a wired subwoofer and is powered by rear-projection Razer Chroma RGB for an immersive gaming experience that spans across sight and sound. Meanwhile, the Nommo V2 X is a 2.0 speaker system in a sleek, minimalist design, fitted with rear-facing bass ports, delivering accurate sound reproduction and optimal clarity for all your entertainment.

The Razer Nommo V2 line is compatible with PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and mobile devices allowing gamers to take their gaming experience to the next level with powerful, positional audio.

For more information on the Nommo V2 line, please visit Razer.com.

PRICE & AVAILABILITY

Razer Nommo V2 Pro

$449.99 USD / €449.99 MSRP

Razer.com, RazerStores & Authorized Resellers – June 2023

Razer Nommo V2

$299.99 USD / €289.99 MSRP

Razer.com, RazerStores & Authorized Resellers – June 2023

Razer Nommo V2X

$149.99 USD / €169.99 MSRP

Razer.com, RazerStores & Authorized Resellers – June 2023

Razer Wireless Control Pod

$49.99 USD / €59.99 MSRP

Razer.com, RazerStores & Authorized Resellers – August 2023

BlizzCon Returns for 2023

2023/05/17

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

After four years of gathering online–adventuring through Azeroth, teaming up in Overwatch, traversing the fields of Sanctuary, or warming yourself by the fire in the Tavern–it’s finally time to gather in person once more. We are happy to announce that BlizzCon will be returning to the Anaheim Convention Center on November 3-4 (PT)!

Our players are at the heart of what makes BlizzCon great–a place where games are the common ground for connection and friendship. Whether you’re coming to hang out with friends you only ever get to see online, celebrating epic moments in the games we love, exploring what’s on offer in the convention center halls, or eager to learn what’s next for our universes, BlizzCon is being created for you. It’s the community that has always made this event so special, and we can’t wait to see you all again.

We’ll be back with more details about the show next month including ticketing information, cosplay and other competition details, and more.

For those of you who want to book accommodation now, our hotel blocks are now available.

Whether you’ll be joining us in person or online, we can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on and celebrate together. We are counting down the days alongside you!

Stay up to date with BlizzCon and all things Blizzard by following us on Twitter

The PC Gaming Show Returns on June 11

2023/05/17

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Industry News, News

Now in its ninth year, this summer sees the glorious return of the PC Gaming Show, packed with more reveals and updates than ever before, including the announcement of more than 15 never-before-seen games. Broadcasting from a new high-rise base of operations, returning hosts Sean “Day[9]” Plott and Frankie Ward have scanned the PC landscape to select the most exciting, innovative, and mind-bending projects to showcase.

Drawing upon the biggest trend in technology, the PC Gaming Show will use AI to enhance the broadcast. “AI is 100% guaranteed to make everything better, cheaper, and more effective, so we figured, why not integrate AI directly into the PC Gaming Show?” says host Sean “Day[9]” Plott. “What can possibly go wrong?”

Sean “Day[9]” Plott is a gaming and esports personality whose videos attract more than two million views each month. Plott also recently founded his own game development studio. Frankie Ward regularly hosts international esports events across a variety of games including Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and League of Legends. The duo have been appearing together on the PC Gaming Show since 2018.

“PC gaming overflows with interesting games,” says PC Gamer Global Editor-in-Chief Evan Lahti. “Our goal is always to lift up the broad spectrum of novel and creative work happening on PC, from major series like PUBG, XCOM, and ARK to genre-advancing stuff like Valheim, which debuted on the PC Gaming Show in 2020.”

This year’s summer PC Gaming Show is even bigger than usual, featuring 55 games in total, including 16 new game announcements, and special access to developers’ studios around the world. Here are just a few of the games that are confirmed to appear:

Baldur’s Gate 3, by Larian Studios
Dune: Awakening, by Funcom
Frostpunk 2, by 11 bit studios
Pax Dei, by Mainframe Industries
A brand-new game from Klei Entertainment

Last summer’s PC Gaming Show reached a peak concurrent viewership of over 4.3M globally, and was co-streamed by more than 70 channels. This year’s event will be broadcast via twitch.tv/pcgamer, youtube.com/pcgamer, twitch.tv/twitchgaming, Steam and China’s Bilibili platform.

For more information, please visit pcgamingshow.com. Content creators can read about how to co-stream the PC Gaming Show here. You can also discover more about the history of the PC Gaming Show in this article on pcgamer.com.

The PC Gaming Show is proud to be supported by our partners: 505 Games, Grinding Gear Games, League of Geeks, SEGA and Creative Assembly, tinyBuild, Alienware, Frontier Developments, Billy Goat Entertainment, Critical Reflex, Larian Studios, and Eternights.

Crusader Kings III: Royal Court Console Launch Trailer

2023/05/17

Jerry Paxton

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

The throne room is the center of royal power. This is where your vassals and courtiers plead their cases. This is where you gather the relics and artifacts that represent your power. And this is where your majesty is most obvious to all. Manage your regal reputation with the best propaganda tool available to a medieval ruler – the Royal Court.

Royal Court is the first major expansion for Crusader Kings III, now on XBox Series X|S consoles and Playstation® 5. Paradox Interactive’s revolutionary medieval strategy game now gives players the chance to rule their kingdom or empire from a specially designed throne room. They can collect and commission special items, set a budget for food and lodging, and answer the petitions of visitors and subjects as they bring their problems to the royal ear.

Features of Crusader Kings III: Royal Court include:

Throne Room: Available for king and emperor characters, this is a visual representation of your royal court, reflecting all the accumulated majesty and prestige of your dynasty.
Hold Court: Interact with vassals and courtiers as they come to you with their problems, seeking a royal judgement.
Grandeur: Increase the quality of life at your court with fancier trappings and better food, all the better to impress your rivals and attract higher quality guests.
Inspired People: Talented artists, craftspeople and thinkers can work on new projects, adding treasures and artifacts to your court.
Inventory System: Commission and collect special weapons, armor and regalia to outfit your character and boost their skills and prowess.
Hybrid Cultures: Make the most of a multicultural realm, developing a new way of life that is specifically adapted to your population and geography.
Cultural Divergence: Split from your traditional culture, adapting it into something new that better fits your aspirations.

The release of Royal Court is accompanied by a major free update to Crusader Kings III available for all players on console. This update includes the eagerly awaited character designer, which allows players to create their own starting character.

Crusader Kings III: Royal Court is now available for Playstation® 5 and Xbox Series consoles. Please check the relevant stores in your region for pricing.

Jagged Alliance 3 Features Trailer Released

2023/05/17

Jerry Paxton

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

When people talk about turn-based tactics games, very often Jagged Alliance is mentioned as one of the legendary forefathers of the genre. So creating a new installment in the series, almost 25 years after the first one has electrified gamers around the globe, is not a simple task: The memories of those iconic games remain cherished, but times have changed, and players now have different expectations. Nevertheless, developer Haemimont Games and publisher THQ Nordic are proudly adding the long-awaited “3” to the iconic title, indicating nothing less than: Jagged Alliance 3 shall be a worthy successor and an outstanding strategy game when it releases on July 14th, 2023 for PC!

In the latest trailer, we’re gonna spill the beans on what Jagged Alliance 3 brings to the table – and what it doesn’t. Battle-hardened mercenaries who’ve conquered the previous installments might scoff and say, “Been there, done that.” But for you unfortunate souls who’ve never tasted the thrill of a Jagged Alliance game yet (shame on you!), this rad new trailer will answer the burning question you’ve been dying to ask: What is the gameplay like? Does it focus on tactics or strategy? Is there a crafting system? And so much more… Find all the answers you seek in the thrilling new trailer!

Mod support coming soon after launch
After Jagged Alliance 3 has launched, the developers will focus on giving the players the exciting opportunity to customize the game according to their preferences. Initially offering basic mod support, allowing players to modify weapon statistics, adjust difficulty levels, and even display the “chance to hit” percentage, the mod support for Jagged Alliance 3 will continue to expand and evolve post-launch. In due course, players will wield a powerful tool that empowers them to create and share their own campaigns, introduce new mercenaries, and explore possibilities beyond our current imagination!

Jagged Alliance 3 is currently in development for PC and is set to release on July 14th, 2023 at an SRP of $ 44.99 / € 44.99 / 39.99 £ and will receive a launch discount of 20% on Steam – wishlist here: https://thqn.net/ja3-steam

Collector’s Edition
The Jagged Alliance 3 Tactical Edition is available for pre-order now at an SRP of € 129.99 / £ 114.99 and will release along with the game on July 14th, 2023. Please note: this edition is strictly limited.

Pre-Order the Tactical Edition here:
UK: https://thqn.net/414rVRZ
DE: https://thqn.net/425vA35
IT: https://thqn.net/3paHScd
FR: https://thqn.net/3Nz9B0c

More information about the game is available in our biweekly Twitch streams, tune in Thursdays at 11 AM EST / 17:00 CEST on THQ Nordic’s Twitch Channel:
https://www.twitch.tv/thqnordic

In case you missed a stream, you can always read all developer diaries here: https://thqn.net/ja3-dd02
… or re-watch the live stream recordings here: https://thqn.net/3nRdvHo

If you want to learn more about the game, make sure to follow on social media or discuss with other fans in the forums or on Discord:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaggedalliancegame/
Forums: https://community.jaggedalliance.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/jaggedalliance

Station to Station Announcement Trailer

2023/05/17

Jerry Paxton

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

PRISMATIKA and Galaxy Grove today announce Station to Station, a brand new minimalist, voxel-art railroad building simulator, which will be pulling into Steam later this year.

In Station to Station, players are tasked with transforming a small rural world into a vibrant, lush environment full of life and colour by placing stations and creating connections to foster growth and expansion. Grab your conductor’s hat and watch the beautiful, tilt shift-inspired, voxel-art world come to life in the brand new announcement trailer:

Aspiring conductors will hop on board and steam through a variety of colourful biomes, breathing new life into dry desert sands, and transforming untamed mountain terrain. As the tracks are laid down a tranquil world will spring to life with an ever-widening tapestry of flora and fauna!

For those seeking to test their management and planning skills, each of the game’s levels offer their own optional challenges, stack bonuses, and unique mechanics tied to every biome. Whether seeking relaxation or mental stimulation, Station to Station has something for everyone!

Station to Station Features:

Enjoy your journey as you embark on a relaxing and peaceful experience
Take in the views with beautiful, colourful voxel art
Upgrade your experience as optional strategic gameplay allows players to earn high scores